I Want To Keep Bullying Him..

As a writer I wanted to ask if numbers (specifically likes or reblogs) matter to you? I want to start posting on Tumblr (reader-inserts for TWST too) but I'm scared I'll end up getting demotivated due to a lack of traction :( I know people say to just write for yourself but what would the point of posting it be then? I just wanted to know your opinion on this.

Oh my answer is going to be a little lengthy! I'll be answering this based on my own perceptions so it's totally fine if people think differently than me :>

Short answer: mostly yes, and i don't think it's a bad thing to care about numbers 😌 but dont let it consume you and as much as possible try not to let it discourage you from writing what you want!

Long answer: Personally, above all, feedback matters to me the most! Hearing what people think/if people enjoyed my fics is much more important that seeing numbers go up.

However in most cases feedback does count towards the numbers— other than feedback through asks, feedback tends to come in the form of reblogs (both reblog in text and tags) or in replies on Tumblr, which contribute to the notes count. Plus, because the tagging system isn't always... working, reblogs, which also contribute to notes and therefore numbers, are incredibly important in getting your work out there, thus getting feedback, which in turn usually gives fic writers the motivation to keep writing and posting. Likes, well, don't really do anything to get your stuff out there even though your notes will mostly be comprised of likes, but they're kind of cute to see, especially when it's a name you recognize like a "it's you again!" or a "wait that's someone i follow they liked something i wrote?"

Plus, I'm just a really big fan of looking at numbers, which is why I said my perception might be different. I like math and love statistics, so it's kind of satisfying seeing something go from 8 notes to a hundred.

Still, I honestly think the TWST community (even with some bad apples) has a lot of very supportive people when it comes to writers, who love giving writers attention, especially newer blogs. The community isn't perfect but it's a community consistently growing and a community that can never get enough of content, so there's always room for more fic writers, and artists in general, you know?

I think it never hurts to at least try and dip your toes in writing and posting! See I think the key thing when people connect writing for yourself to not caring about the numbers is to actually write for yourself and at your own pace? In my years of experience writing there were a few things that got me to stop. The first was just losing interest in the fandom, it's normal and it's okay, the second is lack of feedback, which if you've put out work you're happy enough to post it's on the audience's part to provide it, and the third is burnout from requests.

The thing is when you get requests, you work on it and there's this added pressure of getting it out quickly and making sure it has to be good enough for others to like it and not just yourself, and then if it gets little feedback and numbers, it feels like a double whammy? basically awful. of course writing for yourself doesn't mean never take requests, go for it especially if it's something that motivates you and you enjoy! but what i'm saying is try not to be too harsh or give yourself too much pressure so you enjoy the writing process and you have less regrets overall...

and well, sometimes you just have writing slumps and that's normal. If you ever encounter it I promise there's no harm in taking a break, maybe do other things until you find the motivation to write again. Most people do not have the motivation to pump out fics regularly without pause and you shouldn't pressure yourself to do the same! Some days you'll probably find yourself writing a lot and some none at all and that's normal!

Anyway this post is getting long haha but yeah, I think just find a healthy balance— it's okay to care about the numbers but try not to stress too much over it, try your hand at posting, and if you do find yourself demotivated then remember to take appropriate measures whether it's to take a hiatus or writing for a different fandom or whatever you need to do

Plus, you know, general reminder that many writers leave due to lack of reblogs replies and feedback in general, and seeing people leave might discourage others from even starting, so as much as possible show your writers love even if it's just an ask 💖

For being so nice🎀 and cute😚, copy this to 10 other bloggers that you think are wonderful. 💗Keep the GAME going and make others feel beautiful❤️

You've stuck with me even though I can be insufferable at times ahwosjsosje I'm just really glad that you stayed and that we're friends ùwú)

Insufferable? Wdym by that? I only saw you as a chaotic source of simping energy and silliness that I love as a friend. In all seriousness, I feel the same way as you do, haha. Elated to have met and befriended you, Alice, hope the best for ya!🤗

I only ask that you don't cause me to malfunction again with your weird instincts, such as kabedoning me out of the blue 💀

Nini, God of Depressing Angst Music

I SWEAR, IT ISNT INTENTIONAL

I JUST LOOK FOR SOME MUSIC TO LISTEN TO IN MY FREE TIME

"After being wrongfully accused of witchcraft, Camile (mc) finds themselves jailed and sentenced to death. Barely having some days left to live and with no hope in sight to demonstrate their innocence, Camile takes the risk of making a deal with a demon, Corrado, to help each other escape from their imprisonment. However, it's easier to say it rather than do it, since the captain of the church's knighthood will be intent on bringing them back."

.

"El Diablo de Desamparados" will be a yandere visual novel inspired by "Beauty and the beast" and latin american horror folklore. It will possess an afab renamable mc, the option to choose the mc's pronouns, and the option to use or not chest binding. *There's no release date yet. Demo is in work. *It will be available in both Spanish and English.

I was going to write down basic info about Kosuke and Niko when I noticed someone left this in my inbox.

WHO SENT THIS?! I ONLY TOLD A FEW PEOPLE ABOUT KOSUKE'S OCEAN FLOWER AND I KNOW WHO THEY ARE 👁👄👁

What happened to Seo-jun, nini? WHAT HAPPENED TO

Short answer: I decided halfway finishing him that I didn't like it so I redo everything about him, including name, story, and design.

The long answer would take so long to read that by the time I finished writing it, the end of the world would've been happening. Don't get me wrong, I loved this large ball of chaotic energy, he was my favorite over Niko's old design for a while 😂. But something just didn't click and there was a problem while I was making him so I just redid him and we got Kosuke. Maybe I'll bring him back (for you, Ems because God knows how much you loved him), but for now, I'm letting him vacation at Draft Island. I miss that bastard so much, but it was needed. For my sanity

Actual thoughts going on in my head still to this day:

ATTENTION EVERYONE !

please report this user for stealing others writing. they’ve plagiarized one of my mutuals/friends fics. it’s clear as they and then you had the audacity to reblog their response and call them stupid, really?

this is the account to report

@genshinblrsbestpart

A Guide to Writing Inclusive Reader-Inserts

I’ve been really fired up about what @renniecirque has been posting about recently, and I want to do everything in my power to help promote inclusivity in the TWST fandom, as well as every other fandom that people write for. So below, I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of literary elements I use in my writing that make writing for characters of all backgrounds, sexualities, genders, races, and appearances much easier and much, much simpler.

1. Second Person Perspective

Alright guys, this is a big one, and the quickest way to make a big immediate change in your reader inserts. In my opinion, this should be the standard for all reader insert writing, and I’m surprised by how little I see it. I acknowledge that people may use first and/or third person for preferential or stylistic reasons, and that’s okay. But if that doesn’t matter as much to you, then I highly recommend switching to second person in all your works.

How to use:

Address the reader with you/yours pronouns when writing the narrative. It’s genderless, easy to stick to, and most importantly, it creates a genuine connection between the real-life reader and the person they’re acting out in the story! In my experience, all of the best reader inserts are written in second person.

Even if it’s an explicitly stated reader insert, hearing the word “I” used when referring to the reader can create this sense that you’re reading someone else’s experience. And that’s not the point! You want to enable your reader to immerse themselves fully into the story and without feeling awkward or like they’re intruding. I know it may be hard to get away from writing in first-person if that’s what you’re used to, but I can promise that even with a little bit of effort, it can be easily fixed. It’s also a helpful exercise for writing in different perspectives!

This also makes it unnecessary to use pronouns for the reader at all (except when they’re being referred to in dialogue—but you can easily work around it by avoiding pronouns altogether when referring to the reader, and when it’s necessary to make that distinction, call them by name). You’ll find this will be a lot easier to differentiate the reader’s actions versus the characters’ actions. And it also makes it unnecessary for you to use placeholders for names like (y/n), MC, Yuu, etc in every other paragraph, so the writing overall looks more cohesive and professional.

This is also done in mainstream visual novels such as Obey Me!, The Arcana, and Twisted Wonderland. The player hardly ever gets referred to by specific pronouns in favor of the characters calling them by name, and even with specific pronouns, the default is they/them. Personally, I always use gender neutral terms in my writing, as sparse as it may be. Because the great thing about it is that it can apply to anyone and everyone, since it’s neutral!

Overall, this is the quickest and easiest way to make your writing more inclusive!

2. Forgo Descriptions of the Reader

I am a huge advocate for a person’s appearance, gender, and inherent personality traits not having any impact on whether or not it’s possible for them to be loved, especially in a reader insert fic. But descriptions are everywhere—how can you get away from the age-old sea-blue eyes, the ivory skin, the voracious curves that have become the cornerstone of all your reader insert stories? Well, I can promise that it is indeed possible.

How to use:

I get it, you’re used to describing the immediate features of a character you’re introducing, which is expected, and what you should be doing! But it can be off-putting to a potential reader to read that the person they’re supposed to be has traits that they don’t have. However, the use of second person perspective as described previously does a good job of getting rid of that need for you! The reader already knows what they look like, how they act, you don’t need to tell them. By all means, keep descriptions of other characters—they’re necessary for development and visualization. But by using second person, you implicitly establish that everyone already knows what you look like, act like, etc; and even if they don’t, it’s not told from their perspective!

But say you still want your reader to have certain features—an attractive face, a timid demeanor, a charismatic presence—as it has an impact on the plot. There are ways to do that without stating those exact things specifically. Show, don’t tell! I know you’ve probably heard this from English teachers, journalists, and writing advice articles, but in practice, it can make or break your story. Don’t say that they’re pretty, show people in the halls pausing to take a second glance at them as they pass. Don’t say they’re shy, show their reluctance to speak up in class. Don’t say they’re charismatic, show the way their friends’ faces light up when they enter a room, the way their peers stare in rapt attention when they speak. This not only makes it easier for the reader to better imagine themselves in the scenario, but it strengthens your writing overall.

3. Labels and Tags!

While I may be a huge advocate for gender neutral defaults and ambiguous descriptions, I’m also a huge advocate for writing whatever the fuck you want. You wanna write for a reader with specific characteristics? Do it! A certain scenario that only applies to a niche group of people? Have at it, my dude! And if a person doesn’t like it, it’s not your problem; they can keep scrolling. But guys, I genuinely cannot express the importance of telling your readers what they’re getting into before they start. This is the internet, and anyone can post anything—trigger warnings and SFW/NSFW tags exist for this very reason. Once something is read, it cannot be unread. But labels and tags aren’t just important for explicit scenes or abusive relationships in a story; the little things matter, too.

How to use:

Include gender of the reader, even if it’s just implied, in the title or description. This kind of goes without saying—if it’s a male reader, tell people it’s a male reader. If it’s a female reader, tell people it’s a female reader. If the reader is gender neutral or gender is not mentioned, tell people it’s gender neutral! And yet, all too often I see people posting fics centered around an explicitly stated female reader without tagging it as such. It really is a simple thing to add, and I promise, it won’t effect the views and popularity of your posts; if a person doesn’t like it to begin with, they’re going to keep scrolling. More than anything, this saves the reader from having to start a fic only to be put off by the wrong pronouns, and (if used with the previous two devices) it saves the writer from having to add in gender-based terms. You could also skip specific labels and just include the pronouns used when referring to the reader.

Include if there are explicitly stated features. If you’re writing specifically for a certain group of people with specific traits, tag it as such! And if the specific trait doesn’t have an impact on what happens on the story, I promise you, it does not need to be included at all.

I’m sure there are plenty of other things that people can do to promote inclusivity, but I’ve found these three principles to be the most effective while also being the easiest to remember. And even if you’re not used to writing in second person perspective or without explicit descriptions of the reader, there’s no harm in trying it out! If you decide you don’t like it or it’s too difficult, you can simply stop. In the long run, it will only make you a better writer.

I would apologize for this being such a long post, but I’m really not sorry; I could talk rhetorical analysis and literary devices all day. And if you scrolled this far, I can only assume you do, too. I’m afraid that Roy Peter Clark (a renowned journalist and the author of Reading Critically and Writing Well, which I highly recommend) has entered my bloodstream directly, and I simply cannot shut up about this kind of stuff. I may not be a professional, but writing has been a passion of mine for years, and these things are just my take on ways to improve your writing.

I’d love for this post to be reblogged as many times as possible, especially if your platform is heavy on fanfiction writers. Inclusivity will never not be important.

Feel free to comment your own advice or ask questions!

Thinking about him and this cgi rn... the urge to just to reference this in a drawing is so tempting because i can hear his dialogue in my head.

"But if you're willing to accept me, I'll pledge my undying faithfulness to you for life. And someday I'll place a ring upon this finger... this is just advance notice. Think about it until the day comes when I make a formal proposal."

I was wondering why my stomach was punting me from the inside all day when I realized I forgot to eat not only breakfast, but also lunch.... oops-