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sharingstories · 3 months

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A Guide on How to Effectively Use Writing Prompts for Story Inspiration

In the vast realm of storytelling, where imagination dances with words, writers often find themselves seeking sparks of inspiration to fuel their creativity. Writing prompts emerge as beacons, offering a guided path into uncharted narrative territories. In this exploration, we'll uncover the art of effectively using writing prompts for story inspiration, delving into the reasons to embrace these prompts and the transformative journey they can ignite.

The Power of Writing Prompts: Unlocking Creative Potential

Writing prompts, succinct snippets of ideas or scenarios, serve as catalysts that propel writers beyond the confines of a blank page. They act as doorways into unexplored realms of imagination, providing a launching pad for storytelling adventures. The beauty of writing prompts lies in their ability to kickstart creativity, offering a gentle nudge when inspiration seems elusive.

Why Use Writing Prompts?

1. Overcoming Writer's Block: A Lifeline for Creativity

At some point in every writer's journey, the dreaded writer's block casts its shadow. Use Writing Prompts During The Writing Process serve as a lifeline during these moments of creative stagnation. By introducing a fresh concept or scenario, prompts break through mental barriers, encouraging the flow of ideas and revitalizing the writing process.

2. Diversifying Writing Styles: A Playground for Experimentation

Writing prompts provide a playground for writers to experiment with different styles, genres, and tones. Whether you're accustomed to penning heartwarming tales or delving into dark mysteries, prompts challenge you to step outside your comfort zone. This diversification not only hones your skills but also expands your narrative repertoire.

3. Daily Writing Habit: Fostering Consistency

Establishing a consistent writing routine is crucial for growth as a storyteller. Writing prompts can be incorporated into a daily writing habit, serving as a warm-up exercise or a dedicated session for exploration. By integrating prompts into your routine, you cultivate discipline and ensure a continuous flow of creative expression.

Effective Strategies for Using Writing Prompts: Navigating the Creative Landscape

While the benefits of writing prompts are clear, navigating the vast landscape of creative exploration requires strategic approaches. Here are effective strategies to make the most of writing prompts for story inspiration.

1. Embrace Open-Ended Prompts: Seeds of Possibility

Opt for prompts that are open-ended, leaving room for interpretation and personalization. These prompts act as seeds from which unique stories can blossom. For example, a prompt like "A mysterious door appears in an ordinary street" can lead to a myriad of narrative directions, allowing your imagination to take the reins.

2. Combine Prompts for Depth: Weaving Tapestry of Ideas

Unleash the power of combining multiple prompts to create intricate storylines. This strategy enhances complexity and depth within your narratives. Experiment with merging prompts that seemingly have no connection, and watch as your creativity weaves a tapestry of ideas, connecting disparate elements into a cohesive narrative.

3. Use Visual Prompts: Painting with Words

Visual prompts, such as images or artwork, offer a unique dimension to storytelling. They encourage writers to visualize scenes, characters, and settings before translating them into words. Describing the details of a captivating visual prompt not only exercises your descriptive skills but also transports readers into a vivid world crafted by your words.

Transformative Journey: From Prompt to Polished Story

The transformative journey from a single writing prompt to a polished story is a testament to the limitless possibilities that unfold when creativity takes the lead. As a writer, you have the power to guide this journey with intention and purpose.

1. Interpretation and Personalization: Infusing Your Voice

Approach each writing prompt with a sense of curiosity and individuality. Instead of merely following the literal interpretation, infuse your unique voice and perspective. Allow the prompt to act as a springboard, launching you into a narrative space where your creativity shines through.

2. Develop Characters and Plot: A Guided Exploration

Writing prompts often introduce characters and scenarios that beckon for further exploration. Take the initial concept provided by the prompt and delve deeper into character development and plot intricacies. Ask questions about the characters' motivations, the world they inhabit, and the challenges they face. This guided exploration transforms a prompt into a fully realized story.

3. Editing and Refinement: Crafting a Cohesive Narrative

The journey from prompt to polished story involves the crucial steps of editing and refinement. Treat the initial prompt as the raw material from which you sculpt your narrative. Polish the prose, refine the dialogue, and ensure a cohesive flow that captivates readers. This stage transforms the initial spark of inspiration into a narrative gem ready for sharing.

In Conclusion: Embrace the Writing Prompt as Your Creative Companion

Writing prompts, with their ability to breathe life into the creative process, stand as invaluable tools for storytellers. As you embark on the journey of using writing prompts for story inspiration, remember to embrace the open-ended possibilities, experiment with combinations, and explore the visual realm. Allow the transformative journey from prompt to polished story to unfold organically, letting your unique voice guide the narrative.

In the tapestry of storytelling, writing prompts are the threads that weave intricate narratives. They beckon you to explore uncharted territories, overcome creative challenges, and embrace the joy of continuous growth. So, let the writing prompt be your creative companion, inviting you to dance with imagination and paint vibrant stories on the canvas of possibility.

#share your story #personal story #story sharing #write your story #story sharing platform #story sharing tips

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jakeperalta · 7 months

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letting celebrities think they can and should "use their platform" to speak on all current events and political issues regardless of how educated they are on them was a grave mistake

#i honestly think that's why half of these celebrities are just sharing around these same few wishy washy unhelpful statements #at this point it's a relief when i open an instagram story and it's just a celebrity posting about their regular stuff #like good thank you feel free to just be quiet #or just share some fundraising links if you feel a need to be helpful #but like ultimately if you have a platform of many thousands/millions #then frankly it is your responsibility to make sure what you are sharing is accurate and useful #and not just posting for the sake of posting #but instead somehow we're at the point where the more followers you have the more you are expected to just post something anything #talking

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mcsm-catified · 8 months

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Okay wow I actually finished catifying all the characters in season one of Minecraft Story Mode. I’ve had this idea for a long time now, long before I ever made this blog, and honestly I didn’t think I would get this far. It seemed so out of reach, and yet, here we are.

I’ve met some pretty cool people during this adventure (looks intensely at @dragonbma and @the-admin-but-dumber) and every interaction I’ve had has been wonderful. I’m so happy to have this tiny tiny community that likes cats and block people, just like me.

Of course I will be going on to catify season two, and some more content as well in the future (I already have some ideas for animations) so this isn’t my final farewell or anything. It’s only a milestone, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.

I’m expecting to get some actual art pieces out before starting on more designs, so keep an eye out for that!

Thank you to everyone that comes by. All of you are amazing people and I only wish you the best.

#mcsm catified #milestone #art milestone #minecraft story mode #mcsm #thank you #I know my blog isn’t huge by any means but I still feel seen #and that means the world to me #thank you for letting me have this platform to share my art #and have a wonderful day

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temtamtom · 1 month

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After some consideration, I decided to turn my current art Instagram into a professional/animation-only profile, and make a new Instagram where I can post whatever fanart and drawings I want. Give a follow if you're interested! <3

P.S I should be able to change the username to temtamtom soonn

#temmie talks #I enjoy tumblr a lot more as a platform fir sharing thoughts headcanons etc. etc.#for*#but ig instagram would be nice for just the art and some stories

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cinna-bunnie · 9 months

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love when u play a game and see some recurring themes in the negative reviews, then u actually play it yourself and know that people just aren't used to that kind of game or had preconceptions that just weren't correct.

#I'm playing a metroidvania that i think was tagged as souls-like too. and i see how both classifications tie into it.#and being someone who thoroughly enjoys and is used to both genres - and is coming from a ds3 replay #i picked up the parry timing IMMEDIATELY and think it's super fun.#i feel like the reviews r ppl who r used to metroidvanias wanting more healing items laying around and ppl who r used to souls games #not being used to having the platforming/traversal aspects incorporated into combat. but I'm sorta seeing #aspects from both games that I'd expect (or even want!) and idk it's just a lot of fun so far :3 #i got rly sucked into playing Grime on my lunch and it's very fresh on my mind (⁠｡⁠ﾉ⁠ω⁠＼⁠｡⁠) I'm excited to play more later #regarding the lack of healing abilities or loot though like they literally DO give u healing right off the bat u just gotta learn the #parry mechanic! if u time it right u can absorb an enemy (or part of it if it's a boss) and once this meter is filled u can regen health.#so it kinda encourages u to go fight and absorb things instead of just outright killing everything w melee/projectiles #there r ppl who claim to be fans of the genres too but yeah i just do not feel the same sry to y'all.#i think part of it too is this greater issue with art where‚ in my observation‚ people don't rly like going into things w no #expectations or preconceptions. also calling things bad for not being perfect even though they never tried to be there's just a #specific story they wanted to tell or experience they wanted to share and did that well.#the latter really bugs me (⁠´⁠-⁠﹏⁠-⁠`⁠；⁠) and falls under the “u can say u didn't like it without it being Bad” umbrella. like it's fine to #just Not Like Something while still acknowledging it does what it set out to do.

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daydadahlias · 11 months

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i dont say this to be rude at all but have some of y’all considered that the reason slash writers keep our stuff on ao3/tumblr is because we want to separate the content we’re creating from the actual people we’re writing about and talking about our work on public platforms where 5sos can see them was never our intention? there’s a legitimate reason I’m not talking about my fics on twitter or instagram (because they’re pretty much the only social media 5sos actively use) so can you guys please respect that decision and not openly publicize my work in places I didn’t originally intend it to be?

#like i love that people talk about fics #but i dont know how to explain that i dont want 5sos to be exposed to my content #and i get talking about it and being vague like 'oh i like this story' but #the second u start dropping names and actual scenes it gets really uncomfortable for me #I certainly don’t want to speak for all slash writers but #I know many of us are on tumblr for a reason #and that’s because this is a safe space to discuss things #and people should not be bringing our stuff outside of this please #please be careful when dropping full names of fics on twitter and ao3 author names and such #on a platform that 5sos can see #like I don’t want to say ‘don’t talk abt the fic!!’ but I do want to ask y’all to be a little more careful when you do #I’m not inherently bothered by people talking about fic on twitter #but if you’re dropping the phrase ‘scene 14 my fave lashton fic’ I need you to Stop doing that and I’m dead serious #uhm also kind of a weird side note but why r u guys talking abt fics on public platforms that authors aren’t on #like can u just. talk to us?#I don’t. really enjoy going on twitter and seeing people talk abt me without talking To me #especially if those people aren’t leaving comments or anything?#just kind of sad to see fic being turned into an consumer culture instead of what it should be #which is sharing stories and getting to talk to people abt it #ok sorry if this is too negative byeee #and I’m not saying this on twitter bc im scared of it hehe #and I just kind of want to say it sigh #I’m not gonna Stop people from doing it #bc I don’t want to dm people on twitter and go ‘stop being publicly nice to me pls’#but it’s just. smthn to be aware abt #if u have twitter and also tumblr

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joniistar · 1 year

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crawls back to jjba tumblr

#coming back to tumblr bc twitter is my enemy now #mostly active on insta but it’s not the most interesting platform ig #i want to be able to share my thoughts in a place that isn’t just my stories lol #anyway #jolyne #wife perhaps #my art

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cozybearz · 4 months

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you're a really good artist!!

oh my gosh thank you!! 💕 since i started sharing stuff on here recently its kinda got me excited about sharing art again, even though i mostly just do doodles and sketches, but it just makes me so happy every time someone enjoys something i made ☺️

#i never rlly stopped enjoying sharing art but i think sharing on a new platform kinda brightened it up a bit #cause on insta i mostly share on my stories and im pickier abt what i make actual posts of #here i dont feel as self concious abt it posting doodles straight up at least so far 💛#bearztxt

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catkin-morgs-kookaburralover · 2 years

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Don't forget! Inklings story in word press 😘

Thank you darling! Here we go! @inklings-challenge I know this isn't technically quite the challenge itself, but it's connected, and it talks about nature, and it's a prequel to my actual inklings challenge entry which I still need to edit so I can post the first scene.

I wrote this during October, but couldn't share it anywhere until the competition I wrote it for was done (it was commended!! I have a nice ceramic mug now :D).

an Inklings Prequel (untitled, suggestions for title are welcome)

Part One: Spring

It was spring, and the frost had melted from the plants, the last snow sliding off branches and tumbling into muddy drifts that warmed and turned to mush. Through the ground new shoots, fresh and green, pushed in their narrow, fragile endeavours. Many of them were crushed by the feet of workers, trudging to and from their homes, completely uncaring of the young abundant growth at their feet.

There was one in the crowd who sidestepped every tender shoot with a care that would seem inordinate to anyone else; but that was just the way she was. Her name was Hadassah, and spring was her least favourite season.

It was so full of change and growth that sometimes it left her dizzy and struggling to catch up with life, like an enormous wave that broke over her while others felt it only as a gentle swell. However, that did not mean that Hadassah was willing to punish the innocent grasses.

Some of them might turn out to be beautiful.

Part Two: Summer

It was summer, and some of the grasses had been crushed and flattened for good, dying brown stalks broken and torn from their moorings. Hadassah was the only one who took the time, while there was nobody else around, to sweep up the trampled grass and deposit it in the great firepit in the centre of town. Nobody ever remarked on it, but it did not stop her.

Occasionally there were fire warnings, and then Hadassah could feel the satisfaction of a job well done, for dry grass was not wanted on such hot days.

Some days she walked to and from work hiding her face with both hands, for it was bright enough to cause her actual anguish, and heat radiated off the ground at her feet and off the bodies of those who walked nearby. Hadassah longed for the darkness of her cloak, but it was too heavy, too hot for the painful temperature. Every so often she fainted, and they tossed cold water into her face and told her to get up again.

Part Three: Autumn

It was autumn, and the scorching heat had faded and left only lingering warmth, the grass dying off as everywhere cooled. The world burned in shades of red and gold and yellowing green, and the leaves were falling into great drifts that privileged seasonal workers swept up and tossed into the firepit. Hadassah welcomed the cessation of unbearable heat, and occasionally paused on her measured, consistent journey to close her eyes and feel the wind on her face. It was still too warm for her cloak, most days, but occasionally she picked it up and pulled it round her, just to feel its comforting embrace, and remember that winter was coming.

She had always found it a strange, restless time of year, a great upheaval as trees shed their painstakingly-grown leaves and animals prepared for winter. There was a great sense of change and difference. Even the smell of the air was different, and a little moist.

Hadassah did not like change, and it was autumn that was her second least favourite season. All the same, she found occasional leaves that struck her with their beauty or fragrance, and kept them until they grew withered, brown, and brittle enough to crunch into powder. Then she would throw them into the pale hearth fire and watch them burn to ash.

Part Four: Winter

It was winter, and the last of the leaves and grasses had been trampled into mush during the first frost. Various trees were heavy laden with fruit, which pleased Hadassah, for she only got fresh fruit during winter. At other times she had to find less expensive options to retain her health, but winter was when those fruits were available cheaply enough for her limited budget.

Hadassah took to wearing her cloak, although not every day until it was truly too cold to avoid freezing on her way to work. It was heavy and cumbersome. The brilliance of summer was well and truly gone by now, replaced by overcast skies and early sunsets. Ice formed delicate patterns that crunched under her boots after freezing sleet and a cold night. If she had known how to skate, she would have rejoiced that the lake froze.

She kept her hands tightly within her cloak, unable to bear the feeling of mittens yet avoiding frostbite. In the evening, while others were out collecting or chopping wood, she would prepare food and intermittently warm her fingers at the fire. Even so, they grew stiff and cold, and developed chilblains.

Still, there was a certain routine and sameness to winter that she appreciated, and for that reason it was her favourite season despite its drawbacks. It was not so cold that she could not last it out without outside assistance. Hadassah liked the comparative darkness of the season, and it was like the embrace she never asked for or initiated. She avoided touch, but the touch of the seasons was pleasant.

Then it grew warmer: and it was spring again.

#writing #my writing #inklings #inklings prequel #hadassah #if you find this elsewhere under another name - no you didn't #you TOTALLY didn't #you DIDN'T find me on another platform! lol #ask #personal #feedback welcome #fiction #the other prequel I wrote which isn't very good at all is gonna be given results in a week or two I think #I don't expect to get anywhere with it and if I did I would be embarrassed #because it's *that bad*#but i will not be sharing it #I do intend to revamp this #the other prequel (a fragile solace)#the actual story I still need to finish #and a third prequel I've planned but not written #and I plan whenever they're ready to publish them as one book bc I think the main story can be long enough to fill out a book #perhaps a small one but still #anyway those are my plans but it'll need work and all #but this story would be what i would expect to use as 'here is a sample of my writing in a self-contained piece' once i edit it #wrote this over two days lol and haven't edited it since #as i said feedback very welcome :D

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ifys · 1 year

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I think we were born to share, experience and create art together.

#just watched a video of people dancing dabke while brazillians danced with the same beat but each group was doing their own thing #and everyone was having such a good time taking turns to share their culture #and also the goncharov thing where we are all creating and telling stories togheter #and when people from all over the world sing a song togheter because we all know the lyrics #just the joy that art can bring us regardless of our backgrounds #how we are all here on a platform that we use to share how different pieces of media have impacted us and we can discuss it with someone #that lives all the way across the globe #i don't know man i just think art is neat #art #I'm rambling i guess #and also when i cry looking at a painting that also made someone else cry hundreds of years ago #there are so many examples #it is late and i am emotional

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sharingstories · 4 months

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The Power of Personal Narratives: Why Your Story Matters

In the vast tapestry of human existence, each individual weaves a unique narrative—a story that is distinctly their own. Our lives are a collection of experiences, emotions, and lessons that form the very fabric of our being. As we navigate the intricacies of existence, it's essential to recognize the profound impact that personal narratives can have on both individuals and society as a whole.

The Elements of a Story: Crafting the Narrative of Your Life

At the core of every compelling narrative are key elements that give shape and meaning to the story. These elements, such as characters, plot, setting, and conflict, are not exclusive to works of fiction; they are the building blocks of our personal narratives as well. Our lives unfold through a series of events, with each moment contributing to the development of our unique story.

Characters in our personal narratives extend beyond ourselves—they include family, friends, mentors, and even the strangers whose paths intersect with ours. The plot is the sequence of events that shape our journey, from the challenges that test our resilience to the triumphs that bring us joy. The setting is the backdrop against which our stories unfold, encompassing the places we've been and the environments that have left an indelible mark on us. Conflict, whether internal or external, adds depth and complexity to our narratives, propelling us forward on our quest for self-discovery.

Understanding the elements of a story allows us to appreciate the richness of our own narratives. It empowers us to reflect on the chapters of our lives, recognizing the significance of every twist and turn in the grand tale we are writing.

The Impact of Personal Narratives on Individuals

Personal narratives hold the power to shape our identities, influencing how we perceive ourselves and how others perceive us. When we share our stories, we invite others into our world, fostering a sense of empathy and understanding. The challenges we've overcome, the lessons we've learned, and the moments of triumph all contribute to the mosaic of our lives.

Sharing our personal narratives can be a cathartic experience. It allows us to externalize our thoughts and emotions, providing clarity and perspective. Through storytelling, individuals often find solace, healing, and a sense of closure. Personal narratives become a tool for self-reflection and growth, enabling us to navigate the complexities of our inner worlds.

Moreover, personal narratives have the power to inspire. When we share our stories of resilience, vulnerability, and triumph, we create a ripple effect that resonates with others facing similar struggles. Our narratives become beacons of hope, reminding others that they are not alone in their journey.

The Collective Impact: Personal Narratives and Society

Beyond the individual level, personal narratives play a pivotal role in shaping the collective consciousness of society. When diverse voices contribute to the narrative landscape, a more comprehensive and inclusive understanding of the human experience emerges. Personal narratives become a bridge that connects people across cultures, generations, and backgrounds.

The sharing of personal narratives can challenge societal norms and foster conversations about change. It has the power to break down stereotypes, dismantle prejudices, and build bridges of understanding. In this way, personal narratives become catalysts for social progress, encouraging empathy and dismantling barriers that hinder authentic connection.

In Conclusion: Your Stories Matter, and History Chip Celebrates!

As we celebrate the International Your Stories Matter Month this December, it is an opportune time to reflect on the significance of personal narratives. Each story is a unique thread contributing to the rich tapestry of human history. It is a reminder that every individual, regardless of background or circumstance, has a story worth telling.

In conclusion, I invite you to consider the impact of your own personal narrative and the potential it holds to inspire, connect, and effect change. As we navigate the complexities of life, let us embrace the power of storytelling and recognize that our stories matter. They matter to us, to those around us, and to the broader tapestry of human history.

In the spirit of celebrating personal narratives, I encourage you to share your story at History Chip, a platform dedicated to preserving and honoring individual narratives. Your story is a valuable contribution to the collective history of humanity. Through History Chip, let us amplify the voices that shape our world, one personal narrative at a time.

#share your story #personal story #story sharing #write your story #story sharing platform #sharing personal story

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signs-of-the-moon · 11 months

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#is it mature of me to post negative comments left on my fics? no #is it fun to share the weird/crazy/trolling comments I get? yeah lol #lets unpack whats going on here #so basically this person's sending insults and threats....to get me to leave positive reviews on their ''friend's'' stories #am I understanding that right?#on what planet would this tactic work? other than on like. a kid #also what year is it? who tf uses the word flame anymore? and who tf still calls upon critics united in 2023?#also having my fics posting to a ''flaming community'' is also supposed to be a threat apparently #as if I don't already knowmy writing is dogshit lmao #but like....I'm just gonna delete the comment and move on with my life. that's also an option that I'm def selecting #because none of this matters?#idc if my writing gets trolled #like once or twice I'll share that stuff (like rn) but in the longrun Im not gonna care #Im still gonna write. I write for myself #I share my fics in case anybody would like them (and I have at least 5 fans so that's more than I need to be motivated)#also I could care less if my account or fics get deleted from ff.net because that site is terrible #I haaaaate navigating it both on desktop and on the mobile app #I think it'd actually be doing me a favor if someone deleted all my shit from there lol. one less place to post to #next time somebody wants to threaten me with getting deleted from a platform do it on a more respectable website. like AO3 #because this whole thing's just a joke to me #also Im certain the''friend'' is the one sending these anonymous comments to people including me #evidence: their account was made in 2012 (explains the commenter's use of the words flame and critics united)#next piece of evidence: all of the fandoms they write for a spaces for minors #(teen titans. the lion kind/lion guard. wordgirl. littlest pet shop. warriors. etc)#I glanced thru quite a few of these fics for shits and giggles and they're....not good. no details and nothing compelling in them #so the person would probably want to put others down to make them feel superior #especially minors. because they're easy to scare and make feel bad #honestly this whole thing is just dumb and sad #anyways hope you guys get a kick outta this as much as I did #I'm gonna go back to writing now. new Moon High chapter coming out soon!

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sinterblackwell · 1 year

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oscars 2022 (book ver.)

there were a lot of books i read this year, a majority of them ones i really enjoyed. even so, it wasn’t that difficult to put together my top ten favorite reads, but i felt very uncomfortable with not getting to talk about books outside that range that still affected me a great deal. so!! this list helps me with that!!

a booktuber (@/Tori Morrow; highly recommend watching their videos, especially if you’re a big fan of sci-fi/fantasy since that’s majorly what they read and talk about) introduced me to this end-of-year activity where i could talk about these books that still stood out to me, even if they didn’t make it to the top 10. i think having trouble wrangling a certain # of stories into a list when you’ve read up to 135 is pretty valid but yeah!!

let the 2022 oscars (book ver.) commence!!

warning: this post is really long :’)

best supporting actress:

- martha wolf from “self-made boys” by anna-marie mclemore

“People always find something wrong with how much or how little women are doing,” Martha said. “We don’t do as much as they think we should, we’re boring or frigid. If we do more than they think we should, we’re easy or fast. There’s no winning. So I kiss exactly as many or as few girls as i want.”

aka my gay awakening. while she’s not the most major side character in this great gatsby retelling, she still has her lines, and she still has a big effect on the story that jumps the gun at times. as sparse as her scenes were with nicolás and gatsby, when she did show up, she always threw me for a loop because i was crushing on her hard lol (still am). also her voice added to the overall message of the novel set during a time where living loud & lavish was the big move but if you were too loud or too honest, you were a pariah. all the rules & expectations are so muddled in their idiocy that even gatsby complains about it, and he’s the one who appears to live the most lavishly of them all!!

but yeah, martha’s character really stood out to me, and the conversations she had with nicolás specifically were phenomenal so i don’t care if she’s seen as more minor compared to daisy or jordan, she’s my supporting character.

best supporting actor:

- alim from “you made a fool of death with your beauty” by akwaeki emezi

“Imagine that, Feyi. We’re alive, and I love you.”

alim will forever go down in literary history as one of the best romantic heroes to date, and it’s all just in how sincere and beautiful his presence in this story is. the moment feyi first lays her eyes on him, there’s this immediate attraction, which just stirs up a lot of trouble and believe me, there is a big storm coming for sure. but alim’s presence in this story is like a steady hand through those rocky waves and he doesn’t just make feyi feel that rush of feeling alive, he makes her feel comfortable in just getting to be in the quiet of the storm, because she knows he’ll always be right there with her if she lets him.

the connection that he & feyi have together when it came to both of them experiencing grief over a lost partner is incredibly profound, and i just loved so much how in a story that was solely in feyi’s pov, we still got to learn so much about alim and see so much of him. the way his love language isn’t just cooking the most heavenly meals, but through his incredible way with words, and how natural and peaceful it feels having him by your side, he’s such a force to be reckoned with.

i wish i could see more of him & feyi, and i wish their romance could’ve gotten the attention it deserved by making it to the finals in the 2022 goodreads choice awards. it was a big big snub to me, but hopefully to heal some of the wounds, their story being mentioned on my part here gives some attention.

best cinematography:

- “city of speed” by alex london

Drakopolis was like one of those dolls that you opened to find a smaller doll inside, and then a smaller doll inside that one, and on and on. You could live your whole life in the city and still discover strange and terrifying new things inside it every day. It was unsettling, Abel thought, but also a little exciting. It was hard to be bored in Drakopolis.

my reading journey with the battle dragons series is one that feels so epic, and yet it also feels so lonely, because no one ever really talks about this middle grade series, and that breaks my heart.

this cyperpunk fantasy with racing dragons and powerful gangs and such immersive storytelling isn’t on a lot of people’s radar and that feels so wrong to me.

one of the best things about it, and especially with this second book here, is how vivid this world feels, how bright & gritty & expansive it is. this story only takes place in this single city called Drakopolis, but it has such a wide impact that it feels like you’re seeing so much of what the author has to offer. the underground races that are considered illegal, the glittering signs of the city and the black markets that sell a vast range of items—all of it so descriptive in this book here that i could see it so clearly in my head, and i loved it a lot.

i loved how cinematic the story felt, and so sweet, and so for that, that’s why i feel it best deserves the winning praise for this category here. hopefully in the future, more readers can see that as well.

best original screenplay:

- “dark room etiquette” by robin roe

If he’s alive, I’ll read his thoughts. If he’s dead, I’ll summon his ghost. Tell me, Daniel, what present do you want?

The big one.

this category speaks to a story that was crafted in a way that makes it stand out, its structure manipulated so as to mimic the story itself. for this book, the start of it felt so monotonous and as if the main character was living in a bubble that was fit to burst. it felt very reminscent of jake from “the taking of jake livingston” by ryan douglass, which garnered some mixed reviews because of how flat the main character read at the beginning. both ya, one horror & one thriller—what both roe & douglass did with these stories was they wrote their characters like that on purpose so that when the tone of the story did shift, when the characters were forced to react to what was happening to them and to those around them, you as the reader were confronted with their break in reality.

it was astonishing to witness how the authors crafted these characters’ surroundings as a nod to how it may have felt for both of them living in a society that acts so completely fake at times and demands conformity but then when there’s a shift, it’s as if the walls fall all around them.

“dark room etiquette” was such a phenomenal read that deserves so much more praise for its writing and the character work as we observe the three different stages of sader’s life that changes him fundamentally. the way he molds itself when the situation calls for it and is left misshapen because he doesn’t have any real sense of his own identity was just…something else, and it made the last quarter of the book so meaningful once he learned how to try & fit back inside himself. but first, he has to reckon with all the trauma he’s endured as other characters and their traumas are also given a spotlight.

best new author (debut or new to me):

- freydís moon

“It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” - “with a vengeance”

for this category, i’m cheating just a tad because one of this author’s works is present in my top 10, but i think when your new favorite authors from this year all have a place in your top 10 list, it goes to show how much they deserve to be considered for this category. the reason why i chose this one as the winner here is because i feel i don’t talk about this author nearly enough.

moon’s social media presence (freydísmoon on insta, freydis_moon on twitter) means the world to me as i watch them promote their writing and also open my eyes to a new genre of literature where erotica meets a holiness like no other, and their descriptions of worship as their characters reclaim their bodies for themselves completely takes your breath away. i feel an immense sentimentality for the fact that the characters of exodus 20:3 and with a vengeance are latine, and so the representation is even more powerful because the latine community have our own kind of relationships to the Catholic faith and how our identities can be disconnected from family.

each of moon’s books have such different tones but share similar threads that as a reader, is so completely beautiful because it’s such a versatile experience. with with a vengeance being the one with the most anger & violence, it’s amazing seeing moon release three kings a couple months after, a cozy fantasy set in a small seaside town that has its own power with the forces of magic and exploration of fertility. their writing is like complete chaos but it’s a welcome one that i’m so thankful to have found, and i’m really excited for their new release set to come in early february as i know it’ll be absolutely everything.

best ensemble cast:

- the characters of “fragile remedy” by maria ingrande mora

Keep going, Pixel. Keep going.

i have a very soft spot for this small group who are forced to live out in the Withers, a ravaged wasteland left abandoned after an illness swept through society and tore these characters down into drug-ridden spaces as those with much more power built their own utopia.

while the narrative of the story is mainly told through the eyes of nate, his little found family and the other characters he attaches himself to are bigger than life and make their own home in this dystopian society where it’s every life for themselves. the difference though, is that this group stick together, and in this broken society that leaves others high & dry, sticking together in a group is probably the smartest choice so as to not simply fade away.

there’s one character, specifically, in this ensemble, whose relationship with nate i absolutely adore, and it was such a heartbreaking dynamic that is so unconventional but is a product of how broken this society has gotten. alden & nate’s connection is very significant to me, and is one i’ll never forget; it pains me that not more readers know about these characters at all, but i’m just glad for now i discovered this story the way i did, which was completely by chance.

best book i haven’t read yet:

- “the midnight girls” by alicia jaskinska

i love this category because the pressure i feel to read this book is so strong with how quickly i knew it deserves this spot here.

i really really have to read this book soon. i had the perfect opportunity to read this story of monsters back in october for the halloween season, and if not then, then just reading it during the fall would’ve been fine. but no, now we’re in winter where currently the temperatures are below freezing in my area, and i am barely holding on. i’m certain that with zosia’s comfort in the cold and ice of winter, reading this book in january would be another good opportunity.

whenever i do read this story, i know it’ll be so fun, and so interesting as well because the writing i could already tell is beautiful as hell, and it’s so wicked these characters. i can already feel the anticipation for something guaranteed to be five stars by how good its premise is, so i just need to hop on quick.

best director:

- ryan la sala for “the honeys”

what i like about this category is that “best director” isn’t simply dedicated to an author who had the best writing or whatever. there were a lot of authors i met this year whose stories went in all different directions that took me to some extreme highs & lows, it was mind-numbing as hell. but what this category is really spoken for is when it comes to a certain type of writer who just really took the story to a whole new level that left you completely boggled.

originally, this category felt best directed towards tal bauer with “stars”, whose direction of the story was books in the making and because of that, it felt so much more epic than ever. but since i wanted to exclusively highlight some books that weren’t included in my top 10 favorite reads list, ryan la sala’s debut horror novel was the best contender for this position.

the writing in this ya is so surreal and deadly in its descriptions of an atmospheric setting glowing with light but that is rooted in strange visions and manipulative strings. it’s a compliment i don’t shut up about and never will because the fact that it was so surreal made the direction it went towards in its ending absolutely bonkers, and i still can’t quite wrap my head around it after the two months i’ve read it since.

what i can say is that i very much look forward to more of what this author has planned next in their writing career because it’s clear they have their own visions that on paper will blow readers’ minds, and i’m totally here for it.

best actress:

- mina rahman from “a show for two” by tashie bhuiyan (runner up: cherry neita from “the princess trap” by talia hibbert)

I wish for happiness in whatever form it might be.

tashie bhuiyan has quickly solidified herself to be one of my utmost favorite ya authors because of how much i absolutely adore her main characters. with only two books under her belt, bhuiyan has swept me away with not just some of the sweetest ya romances i’ve ever read, but also some of the most wonderful & hard-hitting narrators that i’ve met. karina from counting down with you meant so much to me when i was reading her story last year in 2021, and now this year i got to read mina’s, and it made me cry just as much as i did last year, if not a little more.

karina’s story filled me with a lot of anxiety because of how much pressure was building on her shoulders due to her desperate need to please her parents who have such high & unattainable expectations for her—and i say unattainable because it means it would cut away at karina’s happiness, and she would have to lose parts of herself in order to make them happy. for mina, she’s much more defiant with her parents, much more poised when it came to holding her head up high against her parents’ disgust of her attitude and just her presence in general. her defiance isn’t one that stems from acting like your usual stubborn & rebellious teenager, but rather one who’s had to grow up way too fast on her own and has had to fight to get what she wants no matter what. her parents have shamed her so much for her dreams and have tried to make her feel stupid for wanting to make it big in film and believing that she does have that chance. to see such a strong character try to beat back against those low expectations but then have moments where they still get so tired, it was incredibly difficult.

i think one of the hardest things about tashie bhuiyan’s stories up to this point is the very very toxic relationship that the main characters have with their parents. the pure shame & disappointment these adult figures hassle on their eldest daughters, even if it’s portrayed in different ways, it is such a heavy & emotional experience to read about. i’ve been made aware how it’s this portrayal that mixes up a lot of readers because of the stigma that it reinforces of how Muslim families interact. i can’t speak on the Muslim representation, i just really connected a lot to karina & mina, and i wished so much for their happiness because i believed so much in them as other characters believed in them, too—what was most important was seeing them get to believe in themselves and their aspirations, and it was a hard journey to get there. i feel very very protective of these characters, and this is one of those instances where i won’t stand for any backlash against them, especially mina, because i’m of the strong belief that they deserve none of it, and that is that on that.

the reason why i added cherry here from the princess trap as like the “runner up” is because she was just such a fun & sweet character that is partly what made my first talia hibbert book such a memorable experience. the way that she’s so confident in herself and her style is what draws the eye of other characters, especially ruben, and i was absolutely obsessed with how obsessed they were with her because she really is that character. her presence in the story was so mystifying but she wasn’t some mirage, this was all her, she was real & she was stunning as hell. she’s very relatable and she’s one of those fictional characters i wish i could have in my life because her voice was absolutely everything, and she’s someone i could genuinely look up to.

it was very important to me to include her in this category because of that.

best actor:

- amastan from “the perfect assassin” by k.a. doore (runner up: reid giordano from “fire season” by k.d. casey)

I choose to believe that your strong sense of justice will prevail among your kind and that you will emerge as their natural leader, even if I cannot believe in what you do.

the funny thing with this one is that at first, reid was immediately my first choice because he was everything!! he was such a brilliant main character who went through such a tough and honest character journey that was so well-developed and he’s still growing!!

but then i thought about amastan from the chronicles of ghadid series, and how my immense love for his voice in the story was enough for me to rate the first book a little higher than i would’ve if he wasn’t the main character. and you want to know something that still blows my mind?? amastan apparently didn’t even exist as a main character in the original draft of this series!!

so yeah, he’s someone that’s stuck with me a lot: and it’s partly because of how he was our first glimpse into this family of cousins who assassinate their targets for the better of their city. i loved his love for history & the way he challenges the idea of what a good assassin is supposed to emulate, and his character in general just hit a sweet spot in my brain that has now had me latch myself to him, and to this world he lives in that made my entire chronicles of ghadid experience such an immersive read.

he has his morals and he wants to believe in the better of others, but he’s still really strict when it comes to crossing that line, and that makes him an absolutely wonderful mentor, as we see in book two. i was really happy to see his pov again in the final book, even if it was pretty brief, but he still had a larger than life role in my heart and in this series. i am very thrilled that it took a random bookstagram post to have given me the opportunity to meet him in the first place.

and that is a wrap!!

#❣️#i worked on this for a whole week which really is just absolute bonkers #because why in the hell am i making this much effort on a post for this platform??#at this point i really should break out in making my own book blog or even a book podcast just *something* where #i’ll get to share my love for reading and actually make a big impact #for now though i hope that anyone who does stumble upon this here and is interested in the stories that won these categories has a good time #reading all of it—it was really fun & sort of like a challenge to reimagine these categories as books #when it was originally meant for your on-screen shows & movies #i was really happy to get to talk about these books here and doing this post at all only #made me love these books even more because i found a different way to see their writing and the impact it had on me #so that’s amazing #booklr

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