Day 6: A World Building Idea I Had To Give Up.
Day 6: a world building idea I had to give up.
I had wanted to connect my current wip to the northeast blackout of 2003 but that was not feasible with the timeline and setting.
More Posts from Thequeerish and Others
not a meme but i think it would be pretty fuckin cool if we all did this. and not just for a month, but until we start getting what we deserve. they only profit off of us. they don’t deserve our attention. eat the rich.
It’s a breezy summer day and the rustling from the leaves outside sound like whispers from my small apartment. I’m sitting in front of my laptop, silently studying the 1.6 billion faces speaking simultaneously in front of me. It’s Monday, the day of the weekly conference call between all Muslims. We have been required to attend this Skype meeting from the the tender age of fetus, but I had never spoken in one of them before.
That changes today.
“Hey guys, what if…” I start to say.
Nobody hears me, but I refuse to be silent. How could I show my face again on Tumblr if I couldn’t even save my mayonnaise friends from death? How could I expect to earn their respect? Anon was right; why hadn’t I done this before? Thousands of lives had paid the price for my ignorance, but not anymore.
“What if you guys….. stopped killing people.“
Suddenly, silence.
1,643,398,023 pairs of eyes are on me. My heart is in my throat as the ISIS leader gives me a blank expression.
A single tear rolls down my cheek. "Please.” I say with a broken voice.
He is moved.
“Aight”.
So excited about this!
Send in your votes! Let’s pick a story!
Yes yes yes! Thank you!
Recently Updated Works-in-Progress Clexa Fic Recommendations
Howdy Clexakru! For our next installment of Clexa fic recommendations, I am focusing on Recently Updated Works-In-Progress. The majority of these fics have been updated within the past couple months. There are so many great WIP out there, so this is Part 1. I may do another list that focuses on those WIP that have been updated in the past 6-months or so (cause writers have lives too and shouldn’t be overlooked just because they aren’t able to update sooner). Without further ado:
A Crown Seldom Enjoyed by @onemilliongoldstars: Oh hell yes the Game of Thrones crossover you never knew you needed (well that’s a lie, we have all been secretly pining for this fic). This author’s writing style is beautifully romantic but completely realistic. It is soft when necessary but strong when it matters. It is, in one word, enrapturing. I tried to wait till this was complete so I could binge it, but I couldn’t wait. It was totally worth going to bed at 3am to finish it.
Earning it Back, Heart Upon the Southern Ground, and Behind the Stars by @sassymajesty: Guys, I don’t know how to explain to you in words the extent to which I love this author’s writings. The angst, the slow burn, the fluff, the angst, the love, the heartbreak, did I mention the angst? Jesus the last update of EIB was perfection but I am so scared of what lies ahead. When reading these fics I am always reminded of the saying “nothing worth having in this world comes easy”.
For Madi by thelovelypintobean: Fair warning, this is a Bellarke engagement but a Clexa endgame (OK OK STOP YELLING, HEAR ME OUT). Bellamy and Clarke have a kid together, Madi, but Clarke is in love with her best friend, Lexa. Bellamy proposes and Clarke says yes “for Madi” (Hey, that’s the title of the fic!). What I really like so far is that Lexa and Clarke don’t fight their attraction, like in so many fics. They are magnets that can’t help themselves when they are alone. Chapter 2 is a little messy with a bunch of new characters but keep going because it is shaping up to be a good ride.
My Heart is the Hardest to Break by @jazzyjazzin: Lexa tutors Clarke and in return gets tips on how to make a girl fall in love with her (as if anyone wouldn’t just fall in love with Lexa at first sight). Of course, Clarke is oblivious as to where Lexa’s true feelings lie. This has been such a roller coaster of emotions and the payoff has been worth it. I can’t wait to see how this ends.
Except You Love by @theproseofnight: I’m going to need a broom to sweep up my broken heart after reading this one. Clarke and Lexa break up after a once-in-a-lifetime romance due to opposite responses to a tragedy. The emotional breakdown this author creates is captivating. The layered details of the before, during, and after break-up scenes are reminiscent of the style of Lover in Low Light (for those who know their Clexa fic history, you know that is not a compliment to be taken lightly).
Battle Lines 2 by @gorgondrifter: This is a sequel to Battle Lines (hence the “2”). I tell you, I just adore this series. Battle Lines starts right after Clarke and Lexa do the naughty but Lexa doesn’t die. There is loads of love and pining between the two. I really enjoy the exploration of the “what if Lexa didn’t die” canon divergent stories and this one always puts a smile on my face. The writing style is fast-paced, gives just enough detail to keep you interested, and has matured over the course of the series. Give this a shot.
She’s New by @artsy-polarbear: Ah, did you think I would forget about this one? Hell no! I am adoring this take of a nerdy, lonely Clarke and a popular, outgoing Lexa. This is refreshing compared to how most fics imagine the two characters. However, many of the qualities we love about the two remain. We still have protective Lexa and oblivious Clarke. I read this one with a never-ending smile on my face.
Sleepless in Seattle by @lorig11: Do you want to laugh out loud on the metro and have everyone look at you like you are crazy? Do you want to have to stifle a laugh behind your hand while sitting in a quiet doctor’s office? Well have I got the fic for you! I freaking love the fun, witty style of this author’s works. If the humor brings you in, it’s the deep, well-written connection between Clarke and Lexa that makes you stay. The last update had me throwing a temper tantrum like a child who just got told pizza was not a vegetable.
Devotion to Duty, Stellar Collision, Polis Tattoo, Breaking the Ice, Titanic: The Untold Story by @thessclexa: Is that 5 WIP all updated recently?! Yes, yes it is! And the best part? They are all amazing! I honestly cannot tell you which one is my favorite because they are all so different and amazing. Spend a Sunday binging these and it will be a Sunday well spent (or just blow off work to read them, like I did).
Closer by @rivertalesien: Clarke is an escort and Lexa is one of her clients. What happens when identities are discovered and feelings develop? There is an intelligence to this writing that I haven’t seen in awhile. The author requires the reader to pay attention to time and place as the story unfolds. I am enamored by that author’s phrasing choices, such as “sensual carnality”. Clarke’s switch from soft to dominating beautifully reflects her internal battle with her feelings.
Heaven Sent by @effortlesslyopulent: Clarke was sent down to Earth many years before the Ark crashes. She and Lexa marry and rule together. Now the Ark has crashed and Clarke’s loyalties are tested. Oh how I adore this fic! As the angst grows, Lexa and Clarke’s love grows with it. For anyone who has been asked to choose between family or the love of your life, you will relate to Clarke’s “decision” in the latest chapter.
Show Me Your Colors by CommanderHearteyes071215: Clarke teaches at Arkadia HIgh and Lexa is the new teacher. Lexa is cold and stand-offish but Clarke is determined to get to know her. Guys, the banter between the two is fantastic. Their favorite thing to say to each other? “I hate you”, “I hate you too”. They are both oblivious to their mutual love but they aren’t fooling those around them. This has been such a fun and easy read.
Everything Is The Same As It Was by @aphrodites-law: One day all 7 billion people on earth vanish - except for Clarke. At least, that’s what she thought until she was staring down the barrel of Lexa’s gun. It is so Clexa that is would take the end of the world for them to find each other. This is a slow burn, fluffy fic about two sweet souls just trying to find something worth living for. A comforting-type of fic.
Lancelot by @almostafantasia: Kingsman/Secret Agent AU. Lexa is a British secret agent (oh yeah she has a British accent in this one; you’re welcome) and Clarke is the President’s daughter. During a mission gone wrong, they both find themselves instantly drawn to each other. This fic is filled with lighthearted Anya bantering and action-packed scenes. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the ride so far.
Well, that’s the list for now. If there are any lists you would like to see in the future, drop me a line. I have some ideas lined up already. Until next time, remember to spread the love to all our amazing authors.
Day Thirty-Five
of @the-wip-project‘s challenge
Q35: How do you describe sounds?
A35: There’s a lot of silence in my current wip. It’s a way to voice the loneliness the main character feels. Plus, most of the story takes place in winter in my home town where, at least during the era the story is set in, the accumulation of snow dampens all sounds.
You have given me something to think about, though. Will make sure that I don’t forget to describe sounds, or lack thereof, in my text.
Clexa fanfic shit I’m up to...
So, just to check in with all y’all!
I’ve started a follow-up to my canon divergent “Grounded” (you can find the first giant-ass installment, titled “Grounded,” at AO3). Not sure when I’ll start posting or when it’ll be done, but holy hell, this is gonna be FUN.
Also, the Clexa AU “bang shui” is done, ICYMI (also at AO3), and I did decide to do a follow-up to that one, but I’m taking a bit of a break first.
However, as I said at the end of “bang shui” in the notes, I am writing a one-shot that I’ll probably have done in the next month or so (and if you’ve read “bang shui”, you know EXACTLY what this one-shot/smut-shot is all about…lolol).
ALSO, I have ANOTHER Clexa AU in the works that I’ll probably be able to start posting in the next couple of months or so. In that one, Clarke and Lexa are actresses. And that’s all I’m saying. MUAH HA HAHA!!!!
Just wanted to let everyone know what’s going on. Please ask me anything. I love hearing from people. XX!
Slick!
“The next commander will protect you”
-I don’t want the next commander, I want you
(Clarke and Lexa, 3x07)
this utopian canada that is portrayed by the government and the media is a lie. it's propaganda.
canadian society is not anti-racist. our government is the product of centuries of colonialism and oppression.
I know it's nice to think/pretend that everything is great here, but when you pretend that you are telling every person who has suffered under oppression and discrimination that our stories aren't real, that we are lying or exaggerating.
stop trying to convince yourself that there is equity and respect (especially for Indigenous people) on this land, and start working to make that a reality.
some things to get you started:
read up on the national centre for truth and reconciliation, and what the truth and reconciliation commission report says
learn about and donate to the unist'ot'en camp
support, donate to, and get involved with black lives matter canada
get involved with the canadian council for refugees
check out the rainbow railroad- an organization that helps LGBT+ people escape violence, oppression, and persecution
there are so many more great organizations and groups out there doing amazing work, so please if you can take the time to do some research and get involved, that would be wonderful.
tagging: @allthecanadianpolitics
“Show, Don’t Tell!”: Using the Five Senses in Writing
This is an extended piece to my ‘Show, Don’t tell’ post. When writing the senses, I like to imagine the scene as if I were watching a movie. It’s the simplest way for me to picture and write when it comes to descriptions. You don’t want to overload the reader, but you do want to paint the picture instead of telling them. Staying aware of the five senses in your writing will dramatically improve your skill. It not only helps the reader be a part of the story but helps the writer set important scenes, without having to outright state what is happening. In this post, I will explain how I use the five senses in my writing. As always, my advice is subjective and only to show what I personally do. Whether you keep the senses in mind as you write, or you edit them in later, making sure you pay attention to keywords will help eliminate the stress of going back later to figure out what (maybe!) went wrong.
SEE: On Sight
One of the easiest ways to go about elaborating sight is to eliminate words related to vision (look, saw, gazed, peek, etc). It also helps to stay aware of items, colors, sizes, etc. Do the same thing you’d do with words related to sight, eliminate them. Of course, don’t erase every word or phrase, but being proactive, keeping them in mind, and avoiding them will help you avoid overloading your reader with too much purple prose. (Granted, I would die for purple prose, but I understand that’s not everyone’s thing).
Examples:
Jill saw Jack running. He carried a silver pail. He tripped and fell down the hill.
There are a lot of sight-words in this example. As the writer, it is your decision to choose what you want to elaborate on, whether it is one thing, or all of them. How much of the story you want to paint is up to you—
Jack’s feet blurred against the green grass as his toe caught his ankle. He rolled on his side, his silver pail flying into the air and reaching Jill first.
Jill craned her neck to find Jack staggering down the hill. Water sloshed from the sides of the bucket, swinging and glistening in the sunlight. He stumbled and grabbed for the handle with his second hand as the pail threatened to leave his grasp, and then he slipped, toppling down the hill.
In both of these scenarios, the reader can “see” that Jack is running and tripped without specifically stating that Jill saw it. They also “see” he had a silver pail and dropped it.
Being more visually descriptive is also very important for facial expressions. It takes a simple mood and elevates it. Describing the expression also gives the reader the chance to “feel” that way too, almost like a mimic, which helps them visualize and empathize with the character.
Example:
Maxine made a disgusted face.
Think of what a disgusted reaction looks like; usually, it involves frowning, pinching your nose, sticking out your tongue, etc. Sometimes, it can help to look in a mirror and write what you’re seeing, too.
Maxine flared her nostrils and stuck out her tongue.
In the latter example, the reader is able to infer that Maxine is disgusted by how the writer described her reaction.
HEAR: On Sound
Describing sound can be tricky. It’s also hard to remember when to use it. We tend to think of sound in terms of music or voices—okay, okay, sometimes we sprinkle in animals howling or the wind blowing, too!—but sound can be incredibly important in setting a scene and is often under-utilized. Sounds let the reader know their surroundings without pulling from what is going on and adds intensity!
Examples:
Manuel sat nervously at the coffee table.
Again, as the writer, you can decide where to incorporate the use of sound. Here are a couple of suggestions, based on the above example:
Manuel’s fingers drummed against the table and drowned out the low whistle escaping from between his teeth as he exhaled. All around him, there was cheerful chatter, through which the barista’s loud voice occasionally sliced.
Manuel’s thoughts whirred and hummed, a dull grinding and the clinking of glass broke through the constant thump of his knee against the underside of the table.
In both of these examples, the reader was able to gather that Manuel was nervous (tapping knee, drumming fingers, low whistle). They are also able to gather he is in a coffee shop (or a restaurant of sorts) without explicitly saying so.
TOUCH: On Sensation
The best way to handle touch is by imagining whatever it is you are describing and what it feels like. If you don’t know how something feels, google it. Don’t describe a snake as slimy just because its scales are shiny and gives it a slime-like effect. That said, touch doesn’t just deal with what your character is physically touching. It can also deal with emotions and help to express them without saying outright how your character feels.
Example:
Opal touched the silk blanket. She felt sleepy and closed her eyes.
Here we can elaborate on what the blanket feels like when Opal touches it and how she feels to indicate she is tired:
The supple fabric slid between Opal’s fingers like water. Her tired muscles sagged and sharp, tiny pinpricks pressed against her heavy eyelids as she lay back.
The reader knows the blanket was very soft and also that she is tired without specifically stating she was sleepy.
TASTE: On Flavor
Taste is a fun sense to mess with. It can show the reader so much more than how delicious the bread is (or how gross dirt is). I like to play around with taste in the weather/air, the taste of fear, the taste of cat hair in your mouth because there is always cat hair in your mouth… all right, maybe that’s a personal thing.
Example:
The sun rose over the city.
What do you use for taste here? A city can’t taste, the sun doesn’t taste, but your character does!
Yellow light spilled over the streets, soaking the grit from the rainbow puddles into the air. The bitter grease lingered and settled in his mouth, strengthening every time he scraped his teeth against his tongue.
Experiment with taste in your writing. Describe things you wouldn’t normally think to taste, like crude oil*. The internet is a good resource when it’s something you don’t want to try yourself, like crude oil**. Chances are, someone out there has already tried it and explained what it tastes like online.
SCENT: On Smell
Ahhh, smell. Smell lets the reader know so much: they can figure out where a character is, what they’re doing, where they are, etc., just from a few scent-related descriptors thrown around. Smell is also useful in triggering memories or past events.
Danny walked through the forest.
You can use so many of the five senses here! But since we’re focusing on scent, let’s zero in on that:
A crisp hint of pine lingered in the air and blended with the pungent decay of the brown needles underfoot.
Without stating anything about a forest, the reader has an idea of where Danny is. You can also use smell to show emotion!
Danny was in love.
How do you smell love, K? Well, you’ve got me there: you can’t. But as a writer, you can think of what love means to you and of things you associate with love, and work from there. Personally, I imagine it would have a sweet smell, maybe too sweet.
A rush of flowery sweetness filled his nostrils as the handsome young man walked by.
There you have it. Of course, there’s a lot more to writing the five senses, as there is with anything, but this is to give you a basic idea of what I do when I’m writing. Being proactive and keeping the senses in mind while writing can be tough and exhausting, but the more you do it, the easier it becomes. And you don’t leave it all for editing! Remember: the most important thing is to keep practicing.
Happy writing!
* Please do not taste crude oil. I can’t believe I have to type this, but some people want to eat Tide Pods, so here I am.
** Do not taste crude oil. You will die.
