idk how but this specific panel seems to have gotten exponentially cuter with every stage so i feel obligated to show it to yall early

Year-End Writers Round Up: 2020

Tagged by @curiousartemis for this. Thank you!

I'll tag the other writeblrs/ fic writers that I know of: @daedriclorde, @parasite-core, @stardust-crow, @monstrouswrites, @renee-writer, @archiwrites, @kittensartswriting, @griffinwriting, @maxgraybooks, @writingamongthecoloredroses, @londonspidey, @a-land-of-snow, @brynwrites, @pearlll09, @knmartinshouldbewriting, @sarabibliomania, @siarven, @ravenpuffwriting, @mlgwrites, @wtfisgoingonanymore, @touchingmadness, @kessler-writes, and anyone who wants to do it!

Word Count

I'll be honest, I'm not quite sure. My writing, not including brainstorming & plotting stuff, as been by hand in one of my notebooks. The only WIP I've actually written for is When Darkness Falls, at 5 chapters and 48 pages. And I get too distracted to count a page and get an estimate

New Things I've Tried This Year

The probably most prominent of new things is my aforementioned WIP. It's an adventure-romance fic, which is new to me--for writing at least--and I'm writing it in first person present-tense. (First person is a pov I did in my early writing days, but the tense is all new to me. It was a bit difficult to do at first since I kept slipping in past tense but I'm fairly used to it now.)

I've also started practicing more profile sketches for my main characters with colors, shadows, highlights, etc. (Which is probably more related to digital art, but it's in the context of my writing, so.) Mostly I've explored faceclaims, some aesthetics, and outfit ideas for my characters.

And I've switched back to writing by hand, at least for the rough draft. (I don't expect much to change for a second/ "final" draft, but typing it up will be my revision stage, ideally.) ~ Slight personal trivia ~ When I first started writing, it was in middle school. I kept a notebook/ binder with me, which I would write in whenever I was temporarily done with school work in a class. Though there were a few times I was asked to put it away. But I did do a lot of my writing during that time, so with my new wip I decided to return to my roots, so it speak.

Edit: I almost forgot to mention that I also started a new plotting process called Progressive Outlining (I learned about it on this post.)

Fic I've Spent Most of My Time On

When Darkness Falls, by a landslide 😅. Beyond the actual writing, I've done some plotting (mostly key plot points), brainstorming for backstory (Alleilyn's backstory has evolved a couple of times, for sure) and potential scenes.

Fic I've Spent Least of My Time On

Forged in Fire. While I have put some brainstorming in, I've put this project on the back burner for a bit.

Favorite Thing I Wrote

An early scene in When Darkness Falls. Lyris is fighting off daedra and while Alleilyn heals her occasionally in the fight, it's just not cutting it. So Alleilyn takes a more active stance in the fight, despite not being a warrior. I think that it's one of the first moments that reveals her as brave (a little reckless, too) and willing to fight in order to protect her friends.

Favorite Thing(s) I Read

Interlude: The (Love) Song of Lawrence Nailo by @curiousartemis (ArtemisMoonsong on Ao3)

I've been reading this series for the two years (?) now. This is an interlude to Casien's series (though the Boy is present 😁) which follows a romance between two adorable dorks, Laurie and Falk. Some Tamriel politics, but c'mon, r o m a n c e.

Loves Labor's Never Lost: Book Three of the Story of Casien Yedlin. Also by Artemis

The previous book of the aforementioned series. (Technically i bookmarked it in December 2019, but still a favorite for this year.) Some adventure, romance, and some angsty stuff which follows Casien and friends as plot happens. One of my favorite reads! The whole series is buuut if I list them all this post will be that much longer.

From the Journal of Loranya, Dragonborn by HopeStoryteller on Ao3. (Can't remember if the author is on tumblr.)

This one I devoured in about three days or so. (If possible, I binge read most fics.) Loranya, a slightly pyromaniac Altmer mage, is on the run from the Thalmor and joins the Thieves Guild, but things get complicated when she is revealed as the Dragonborn. Also some mutual pining with one of my favorite thieves, Brynjolf 😋

Field Notes on Operation Bloodline by HopeStoryteller

Canalie means to time travel back to the Oblivion Crisis, but by an error, she goes back too far -- to the time of the Planemeld. Features romance and adventure. (Are y'all sensing a pattern here? Lol). I haven't finished this fic yet since I haven't fully played through the events of eso.

Writing Goals For Next Year

I plan to finish When Darkness Falls, or at least the current draft. Other than oneshots, I've never actually completed a fic, so I don't want to be too ambitious. But beyond some scene changes and edits, I don't see much changing; I might be able to get some of my written chapters up on Ao3.

The Journalist and the Winter Soldier

A/N: This is the third installment of my new Bucky x reader series, here are links to the introduction as well as the first chapter. Also sorry for all the technical jargon in this chapter, I’m a journalist. 

Chapter 2: 

Not sure where to begin and with an awkward interview subject, you began unzipping the bag that housed your tripod. You softly tutted to yourself as you set it up and began taking your camera out of its bag and mounting it on the tripod. You turned on the power and looked through the viewfinder to see where the eye line was. Damn, a little too high. You walked around your tripod, carefully turning each leg so it could collapse in on itself. 

“You need any help?” Barnes’ voice rang out from behind you, unsure but offering anyway. 

“Uh, no I’m okay.” You said, flashing him a small smile, “I’m used to setting up by myself. I just need to make sure we have the right sight line.” 

“What’s that?” He questioned, cocking his head to one side. Some chestnut brown locks fell over his shoulder and in front of his eye and he used his fingers to sweep them away. That was the first moment you really noticed just how striking he was. Sure you had seen his pictures but they really didn’t do him justice. You felt your cheeks warm with a flush, despite your best efforts not to. 

“Well, if the camera is too high, the audience will be looking down at you, too low and they’ll be craning their necks. We want them to feel like they’re in the room with us, it’s more personal that way.” You explained as you adjusted the camera to your liking. You leafed through the camera bag until you found the lav mic you were looking for. You slowly strode over to the Sergeant and held it up to him. 

“This is your microphone,” You began to explain, “If you could just weave this wire under your shirt and then clip it to your collar that would be great.” You suspected it wouldn’t be too hard for him, given the fact that he was wearing a simple black tee-shirt with a fitted leather jacket over top. Leg muscles rippled through the soft denim fabric of his dark wash jeans and thick soled boots were on his feet. 

“Wow, these were a lot bigger in my day.” He commented, almost jokingly, as he did as he was told. Interesting, he was warming up to you, maybe this interview wouldn’t be so bad after all. You pulled out a thick piece of white paper and held it out in front of the camera, concentrating. 

“What’s that for?” He piped up, hands fidgeting with the clasp on the lav mic. 

“White balance.” You responded absentmindedly, clicking a button and smiling when the screen read that the balance was done. 

“Come again…” He responded, clearly confused. Shit, you forgot that he probably wouldn’t know what that was. One because he was born in a time before cameras were widespread and two because not everyone was a journalist or a photographer. 

“Sorry, uh, it tells the camera what true white is, so that all the colors look how they should. If I didn’t do that you might come out looking blue and we couldn’t have that.” You smiled, trying to return his playful banter from earlier. You did a quick sound check and then made sure the camera was recording before you took your seat opposite Barnes. 

“One last thing,” You said, pulling your notepad out and holding your pen at the ready, “make sure to look at me and not the camera.” 

“Why?” He retorted curiously, “I thought you said the point of the eye line was so that the people felt like they were in the room with me.” You couldn’t help but smile at that. You couldn’t believe that he actually remembered that, you figured he just asked out of polite obligation. You also chuckled slightly as you remembered asking the same questions he was the first time you ever worked with a camera in college. 

“They should, but if you look at the camera straight on, it usually creeps people out. So we like everyone to look a little bit into the distance, just makes it easier that way.” You explained as you squared your shoulders to face him. You cleared your throat as you looked down at your notepad at your first question. 

“So, I saw in the Smithsonian that you had enlisted in World War Two. But I couldn’t find anywhere if you enlisted of your own free will or if you were drafted.” You noted, lacing your fingers together in your lap and waiting for his response. 

His back seemed to go rigid as he sat up ramrod straight, slight calm from before now fully forgotten. “I was drafted.” He replied, short and to the point. 

“Did that in any way shape how you looked at the war?” You questioned, pen poised to make adjustments to your notes if needed. 

“What do you mean? I knew who was bad and there was a job that needed to get done so I did it.” He responded tersely. 

“Right,” You began, softening your tone ever so slightly, “What I meant was, do you think your perspective was colored by the fact that you were drafted? Was going to war something you were mentally prepared for?” 

“Well, I don’t think anyone is really ‘mentally prepared’ for war.” Barnes responded, back slouching ever so slightly, “At Camp McCoy they trained our bodies but not our minds.” He finished with a faraway look in his eyes. You had heard about him being brainwashed during his time as the Winter Soldier, you were wondering if that was what he was currently.thinking about. You decided to put a pin in that. 

“Right. The mind was never a concern of theirs. Before World War Two nobody really knew what Post Traumatic Stress Disorder was, after the war they just called it Shell Shock.” You noted, showing him you understood what he meant. “Do you experience any sort of PTSD today from your time in the war?” 

“Uhm, I mean, there’s so much that’s happened since then, that’s a hard one to answer.” He dodged the question expertly. You decided you should probably switch gears before he shut down on you. 

“Let’s talk about re-acclimating.” You decided, flipping to the next page of your notes. You could see Sergeant Barnes eyes roll a little bit and a small chuckle escaped his mouth.

“Everyone always wants to know how I’ve re-acclimated since my Winter Soldier days.” he said with a huff. Like he was expecting this question. 

“Well, I’m not everyone, Sergeant. I was wondering how you’ve adjusted to life as a civilian after almost an entire century spent at war.” You deadpanned. You could see the subtle upturn of his lips, he was pleased. Impressed. Good. 

“Well I wouldn’t say what we do here,” He gestured around broadly, as if to encompass his point further, “is exactly civilian life.” 

“Understandable.” You chuckled your response. “But it must be different than what you’d been doing before. How does it feel to go into New York and just be yourself? No longer viewed as ‘the bad guy’.” You put the word in air quotes. 

“It is nice to go out with less of a disguise on than before, I’ll give you that.” He conceded. He looked like he was more relaxed now. 

After about 15 more minutes you decided you had everything you needed for your interview. He even offered to help you carry your equipment to you car, which you appreciated. Once everything was loaded in the backseat you opened your door to get in. You extended your hand to the soldier for one final handshake. 

“Thank you so much Sergeant Barnes, it’s been a pleasure. If I have any more questions I’ll contact you. The interview should be online sometime next week.” You noted. 

“I’m the one that should be thankin’ you.” He replied, his Brooklyn accent a welcome sound, “For gettin’ my reputation back on track and everything. And please, call me Bucky.” He replied, shutting the door for you when you sat down behind the steering wheel. 

“Thank you, Bucky.” You said, a slight blush on your cheeks from saying his nickname. You made your way down the asphalt path towards the front gate again, looking in your rear view mirror you could see Bucky waving at your car from a distance. 

Taglist: @heatherhollowayst

You know what you dared (anyone really) me personally to send all the writer asks so FUCKIBG ALL OF THEM BETCH

1. Favorite place to write. - I really like taking my laptop with me and writing at parks or in hotel lobbies when my fam travels, but its comfortable and familiar to write at my desk in my room2. Favorite part of writing. - letting characters be sassy and snarky. also letting characters heal.3. Least favorite part of writing. - actually putting words on the page lmfao4. Do you have writing habits or rituals? - i put on my writing playlist and if i can grab a diet coke bc it helps me feel like im ready to be productive5. Books or authors that influenced your style the most. - ooh, for writing style Caroline Lawrence’s books influenced me a lot when i was younger and more recently @lbardugo and six of crows6. Favorite character you ever created. - ahhh probably Linde, a shapeshifter who rejects all human concepts including gender7. Favorite author. - again, Leigh Bardugo. also @canipetyourdragon but like technically shes not published yet 8. Favorite trope to write. - enemies to lovers lmfao9. Least favorite trope to write. - ahh idek 10. Pick a writer to co-write a book with and tell us what you’d write about. - @canipetyourdragon and we’d probs write abt some wacky adventure11. Describe your writing process from scratch to finish. - 1) have an idea and daydream abt it for a month 2) worldbuilding/character building for a g e s 3) finally get around to writing a shitty draft 4) s u f f e r 12. How do you deal with self-doubts? - whine at someone and then remind myself that nothing starts perfect and i have time to make it better. tbqh a lot of the time i remind myself that Six of Crows started as smthn like 31,000 words and is a lot longer in the final form and, no offense to leigh, was probs kinda crap at first lmfao13. How do you deal with writers block? - i remind myself that its not gonna get written if i dont write it, i sit my ass down, and i write something. anything. any stupid sentence. and then i write another one.14. What’s the most research you ever put into a book? - hoo boi am i bad at research n o t m u c h 15. Where does your inspiration come from? - a lot of my inspiration comes from music and other books, i have playlists that remind me of my characters and story on spotify and those help a lot16. Where do you take your motivation from? - i remember that i’ve always wanted to be a writer since i was like 5 and could barely write my name and i think about how much i want that to be a reality.17. On avarage, how much writing do you get done in a day? - ehh i’d say maybe 400 words on average? the least ive written recently is 100 words the most was 1,50018. What’s your revision or rewriting process like? - ah i havent worked on one story enough to know yet19. First line of a WIP you’re working on. - No matter how many she saw, Siora couldn’t get used to Outer Land bars.

20. Post a snippet of a WIP you’re working on. - “In a shocking plot twist, the rich Kitonian girl used to be a thief,” Linde said, mimicking some sort of announcer.

“Are you just here to add sarcastic commentary?” Siora glared at them.

She seems to glare at them a lot, Dema thought.

“That’s the whole reason I’m following you,” they said, then added, “Don’t give me that look, you know I don’t really care about the war.”

“My question is why is Siora still putting up with you,” Asteria laughed.

“Don’t give me any ideas,” The Beati girl grumbled, a smile playing on her lips.

“Oh yes, don’t encourage her. She might try to hurt me with one of her toothpicks.”

Dema laughed, “Don’t insult a lady’s knives, it’s not wise.”

“What’s a lady?” The Gerum asked, feigning confusion.

“Dema is a lady,” Asteria kissed the girl on the cheek, laughing.

“Doesn’t seem very ladylike to me,” Siora snorted.

“Like you’re one to talk,” Dema shot back.

“If anyone here is a lady, it’s me,” Linde said, sticking their nose in the air.

“You aren’t even a girl!” Asteria shrieked, grinning.

“Fair enough,” They nodded.

21. Post the last sentence you wrote in one of your WIP’s. - “Yep, now we’re just doing a final check to make sure we have everything,” The girl said without looking up.22. How many drafts do you need until you’re satisfied and a project is ultimately done for you? - ahh depends i havent really “completed” any big projects, but for short stories usually only one or two23. Single or multi POV, and why? - multiple because i have so many characters and none of them is really the /main/ character24. Poetry or prose, and why? - i love prose but tbh im a poet at heart i write a l o t of poetry

25. Linear or non-linear, and why? - linear, otherwise i get too confused26. Standalone or series, and why? - standalone, because i think the story im working on rn is only one book long. altho i do have another story in this world planned dont tell anyone 27. Do you share rough drafts or do you wait until it’s all polished? - i share as i write

28. And who do you share them with? only sharing with @canipetyourdragon tho29. Who do you write for? - myself and my future readers30. Favorite line you’ve ever written. - for prose? “You complain so much I’m starting to think it’s a religious observance,” Siora said, leaning against the wall. the answer is dif for poetry tho31. Hardest character to write. - a s t e r i a i love her but shes not fully fleshed out yet. also shes so good32. Easiest character to write. - linde that snarky bastard33. Do you listen to music when you’re writing? - yep i have a playlist that reminds me of my story34. Handwritten notes or typed notes? - both35. Tell some backstory details about one of your characters in your story. - Siora was raised to be the right hand guard of the princess, but was exiled when she died.36. A spoiler for story? - the villain gets redeemed37. Most inspirational quote you’ve ever read or heard that’s still important to you. - hm i really dont know. writing wise, i love the quote “if the muse is late for work, start without her.”

38. Have you shared your outline of your story with someone? If so, what did they think of it? - I tell wyna about all my story shenanigans and schemes, and so far i think she likes it lmao39. Do you base your characters of real people or not? If so, tell us about one.- not characters i like. sometimes background redshirts are based on people i hate so that i can kill them40. Original Fiction or Fanfiction, and why? - both. I love writing fanfiction, but i also have a lot of original stories to tell41. How many stories do you work on at one time? - only one at a time for me42. How do you figure out your characters looks, personality, etc. - a lot of the time it just comes to me, but i also answer ask memes like this as that character43. Are you an avid reader? -  y e s 44. Best piece of feedback you’ve ever gotten. - hm im really not sure45. Worst piece of feedback you’ve ever gotten. - most unhelpful? “it sucked ass” - daedalus46. What would your story look like as a tv show or movie? - o h dude i would love to see it as a movie it would be a really cool fantasy aesthetic omg the effects for the shapeshifters would be so cool to see

47. Do you start with characters or plot when working on a new story? - this story actually started with setting48. Favorite genre to write in. - YA isnt a genre is it? technically fantasy i guess49. What do you find the hardest to write in a story, the beginning, the middle or the end? - the middle for sure50. Weirdest story idea you’ve ever had. - idk abt story idea but when i was 12 i killed a character by turning him into a tortilla ¯\_(ツ)_/¯51. Describe the aesthetic of your story in 5 sentences or words. - fantasy eclectic influence and design.52. How did writing change you? - honestly writing poetry gave me a way to express my feelings safely. it honest to gods helped me stop self-harming.53. What does writing mean to you? - to me it means putting my ideas and thoughts and self into the world in a way that people (hopefully) read and enjoy54. Any writing advice you want to share? - start writing and dont stop. if you think that its crap, remember that everything starts as crap, and if you think no one in the world wants to read it, remember that i definitely want to read it if you tell me about it.

tysm for asking omg!