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[alphabet-mafia-member]

you have seen, many times, the phrase love your body! and every time, like rainwater, it glides off you. not because you cannot love it - you mostly, like, tolerate it - but because of the word "your".

is this your body? when you were 11 you had to start shaving your legs because other girls found it gross you were hairy. when you were 12, you had to stop wearing v-necks because of your chest - people were staring. your mother didn't let you dye your hair. your first boyfriend makes you dress up in skimpy clothes for him, then hates when other people covet you. what you wear and how you present determine whether or not people find you funny or annoying or arrogant. other people get to determine if you are pretty, a court of opinion so loud it blots any good intent.

when is the body yours? magazines and instagram and tiktok endlessly advising you to "take care of" (starve) your body as if it is a weed. you must hack and slash at it, defend yourself from its wanton desires. it is a shameful, greedy thing. it is more like an art piece. you are keeping it or being kept-in-it.

you try to language it to your therapist - it's not that you don't recognize yourself in the mirror, it's more just that the thing that is in the mirror - it isn't you. that's why it's so easy to take apart: you're vaguely aware of the shape, but it feels like you are an animal hiding in the back of this cavern, snarling.

obviously you're like stuck in it. it often hurts a lot, buzzes with pain and a strange numbness. so it is your body when it's painful. that makes sense. otherwise - how many times have you been told to save yourself (your body) for marriage. for someone else. you are just borrowing it.

love your body! is so funny. somehow, without meaning to, the phrase reminds you - it isn't you. you're just inside it.

[alphabet-mafia-member]

Here's my cat sitting under a lamp that makes it look like she has a halo! Her name is Guts.

Guts the guardian angel, doing the best she can with her extremely impressive whiskers

#biblically accurate whiskers

[alphabet-mafia-member]

How to maximize each day

I divide my day into active, essential, and discretionary time

Active: This time is spent on obligatory tasks with due dates/deadlines. You will spend most of hours in the day doing these tasks (Things you must do).

Work related tasks

Assignments

Study

Job applications

Interviews

Essential: This time will be spent doing things to stay healthy & grounded. Always prioritize making time for the essentials of life because only you can remind yourself of it. (Things you have to do)

Sleep

Nap

Exercise

Self care/skin care routine

Meditation

Meal prep

Reading

Journaling

Planning

Discretionary: You will spend the least time doing things within this category. (Things you want to do)

Out with friends

Watching a TV show

Reading

Doing anything you like

Catch up on things you could not do

[alphabet-mafia-member]

It’s Time to Go “No-Contact” with Your Mother

This is for you.

For the femme who has been receiving signs and signals to cut their mother off. For some of you, these signs have been going on since childhood.

You have a choice to make: continue to allow their energy & actions to negatively impact you (mentally & physically) which makes you their equal

OR

choose to respect yourself. Respect yourself by removing your presence from their lives.

You will feel uncomfortable, guilty but relieved.

The healing starts when you’ve stopped consuming toxicity (even listening to your (toxic) mother on the phone is consumption of toxicity)

Your absence is a form of accountability, something they’re not used to

Emotional detachment is a skill that will form or strengthen during the first year or so. It feels like wanting to release a child from punishment but you’re “standing your ground”. Parents act childish, therefore handle them with kid gloves.

You blossom into your womanhood without the input(or insults) of your mother.

Other family members expose their true colors during this time. Either taking their side or being inspired by your actions and going no-contact with their parents as well.

You’re able to empathize with them from afar.

Childhood memories, good and bad, resurface. Even if these memories are traumatic, now is the time to unpack them so you can understand your past (and current behaviors) a bit more.

Life becomes less…chaotic. Unstable. Scary (for those with paranoia mamas!). Literally as soon as you make that one & final step, your life becomes less “heavy”.

How to Go “No-Contact”

BLOCK!

This is a first & final step towards no-contact for many of you. All you have to do is cut communication and watch your peace of mind appear.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Move. Whether it’s out of their home or out of the country. They should have no idea where you live.

Do not give your address to anyone else (siblings, aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc.). Set that boundary to avoid any inconveniences.

RESTRAINING ORDER

Sometimes it is that serious. If you’re able to, go to your local courthouse (or police department) and file a restraining order against your mother or parents.

Be honest with the judge and look for local organizations for services and a companion during the process.

SILENCE

I can confidently pay my mother dust without saying a word. I wish her a long healthy life but she is dead to me.

Take back your power by having the strength to solely rely on silence. That’s how you hit them where it really hurts: self reflection and consequences

Do not hesitate. Otherwise, you’ll wish you would’ve done so earlier!

[alphabet-mafia-member]

#oh to swing one of these in an abandoned forest #only for the townsfolk call me a witch #and when they come at me BOOM #yet another colored lava lamp #hwa pow fear me peasants

[alphabet-mafia-member]

How To Smut And Have Your Editor Thank You For It.

I plead with the mighty writing Gods that this reaches every smut writer (especially the male ones) in the writerverse. Ready? Okay.

Whether you're diving into erotica, romantic escapades, or thrilling adventures with a spicy twist, we've got you covered. Strap in for a journey through the tantalizing realms of smut crafting, where every word is a brushstroke on the canvas of desire.

Unveiling the Law of Erotic Fiction

Let's begin with a golden rule: The Law of Erotic Fiction. Remember Isaac Asimov's Law of Science Fiction? Well, this one's its sultry cousin. Here's the gist: if you can pluck the smut out of your story and still have a compelling tale, you missed the mark. We're talking about integrating smut so seamlessly into your narrative that it becomes the beating heart of your plot.

The Perils of Pandering

Ah, the temptation to sprinkle smut atop a pre-existing storyline like confetti. Resist it! Pandering is the siren song of desperation, luring unsuspecting writers onto the rocks of mediocrity. Don't be that writer. Smut deserves better than being tacked on as an afterthought. It demands its own stage, its own spotlight.

Navigating Plot Shifts

You set sail on the SS Smut, but somewhere along the voyage, your characters mutiny, steering the plot into uncharted waters. Fear not! We've got a litmus test for you. Can you swap out those steamy scenes with tender kisses without capsizing your story? If yes, it's time to hoist a new narrative flag.

Crafting Smut-Driven Stories

Now, let's delve into the nitty-gritty of smut storytelling. Brace yourself for a whirlwind tour of genres, from erotica to bodice-ripping adventures. Each genre has its own GPS, guiding you through the twists and turns of plot and passion.

Erotica: Here, smut isn't just the icing on the cake—it's the whole darn confection. Short, sweet, and to the point, like a decadent truffle melting on the tongue.

Adult Pulp Fiction/Erotic Romance: Consider this a roller-coaster ride through the peaks of passion and the valleys of danger. Every smutty escapade propels your characters deeper into the heart of the adventure.

Romance: Ah, love! Here, smut plays second fiddle to the symphony of emotions. Detailed, yes, but always through rose-colored glasses. After all, it's not just about physicality—it's about the heartstrings.

Bodice Rippers: Enter the realm of forbidden desires and dangerous liaisons. But tread carefully! This genre is a double-edged sword, enticing some readers while repelling others. Know your audience like the back of your hand.

Mastering Descriptive Nuance

Ah, the age-old question: how much is too much? When it comes to smut, the devil's in the details. Female readers crave immersion—every sight, scent, and sensation laid bare before them. Male readers, on the other hand, prefer the silver screen treatment, with just enough detail to fuel their fantasies.

Charting Your Course

Armed with this arsenal of smut-crafting wisdom, you're ready to set sail on your own literary odyssey. Remember: smut isn't just about getting down and dirty—it's about crafting a narrative that leaves readers breathless and begging for more.

So go forth, intrepid writer, and may your smut be as spicy as it is sublime!

#writing tips #smut

[alphabet-mafia-member]

please PLEASE learn how to tag your fanfics. Don’t tag fluff when it’s angst, don’t tag smut when it’s fluff and please don’t tag characters that ARENT EVEN MENTIONED IN THE FIC!!!!

[alphabet-mafia-member]

Knowing that trans women of color started the movement in the united states and were literally immediately erased and excluded from what they started is the most deeply jading knowledge.

It is the original sin of the so-called queer community and it damns it from the cradle.

#a white person rb this

[alphabet-mafia-member]

#this mf makes me go MY MAN MY MAN so much ;-;

[alphabet-mafia-member]

So we all know that Tumblr is US-centric. But to what degree? (and can we skew the results of this poll by posting it at a time where they should be asleep?)

Reblog to increase sample size!

[alphabet-mafia-member]

how does one cope when mid-way through they realize they are writing a tragedy and there is no possibility of a happy ending? especially when that was not the original intention? i'm absolutely gutted by this realization and i hate that i feel wedded to it.

Upset Because Story Went Off the Rails

You're a Writer, Not a Marionette - Long ago, I bought into the believe that characters and stories have minds of their own... that it was beyond my control if my character did X when I wanted them to do Y... that there was nothing I could do if my happy meet-cute story decided to be a dark tale of horror. It can be kind of fun (and freeing, honestly) to believe we're just helpless vessels through which some greater storytelling force speaks, but that's not the case at all. There's no magical entity pulling the strings beyond your control. If your character does X and you wanted them to do Y, you did that, not your character. If your happy meet-cute turns into a tragic horror, you did that, not your story. You're the writer, and you're in control of everything that does or does not happen in your story.

Does It Make the Story Better? - Human brains are incredible things, and sometimes when your character does X when you intended for them to do Y, it's because some part of your brain realizes that's the better choice. Maybe it's more believable or more natural. Maybe it just works better with what you're laying out. Maybe it's just more interesting. So, the trick is to look at the unintended thing that happened and ask yourself if it makes the story better. Make a list of pros and cons... what are the ways the story is better if you stick with X rather than Y. What are the ways it's worse? Ultimately, if the change truly makes the story better, it's worth following through.

Beware of Story Parasites - Parasites are organisms that invade and thrive inside a host organism, at the host organism's expense. When you're writing your WIP and it takes a massive shift in tone, genre, or direction, sometimes that's because a whole new story idea has bullied its way into this one and is now feeding off this story to survive. If the unintended thing doesn't make the story better and leaves you feeling upset about the direction things are heading, you've probably got a story parasite. In which case, the best thing you can do is write the idea down as generally as possible, and set it aside to work on another time. Treating this invasive idea as something distinct from your WIP can help you move on and keep your story on its intended path.

What To Do When the Change Has to Stay - Very rarely, you may find that story's original direction just isn't working, and that this new (and vastly different) direction makes for a much better story. In that case--if you're absolutely certain this is the right path--it's worth making a list of all the reasons this idea will be better. Try to imagine what the story will be like if you stick with the original plan, versus if you make the drastic change. Can you think of anything that excites you about this new idea? Can you find reassurance in the many ways that this story shines versus the original idea?

Ultimately, It's Up to You - If your story takes an unexpected and upsetting turn, and you're certain it's the superior course, and that there's no point in pursuing the story's original path instead, it's worth really taking a look at why it's so upsetting if it's the right thing to do. If you're disappointed that your original plan didn't work out, spend some time trying to figure out how to make the original plan work better than the new idea. If you're upset because this idea is too personal or triggering, set it aside and see if you can come back to it later. You're not obligated to keep working on a story if it shifts in a direction that makes you unhappy or uncomfortable. You can set it aside or figure out a way to keep it in your comfort zone.

I hope that helps!

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

I’ve been writing seriously for over 30 years and love to share what I’ve learned. Have a writing question? My inbox is always open!

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[alphabet-mafia-member]

World building.

#writing

[alphabet-mafia-member]

Collaborative writing is a labor of love. What if it could be easier? 

Think connected drafts, not disconnected files. 

Think effortless version history and control. 

Think in-document chat. 

Far away from the prying eyes of AI and LLMs.

Ellipsus is a new writing tool for people who write together!

Two new features have arrived this week: Comments and Dark Mode! :D

We’re looking for feedback from folks who care a lot about writing.

Check us out, and join the Ellipsus beta.

#writing #tool

[alphabet-mafia-member]

i want 60 thousand votes by next thursday

[alphabet-mafia-member]

How To Identify Active vs Passive Voice In Your Sentences

To clarify, active voice is when the subject is performing the action, experiencing the emotion, etc. and passive voice is when the subject undergoes the action, emotion, etc. These basically come up in sentence structure as a way to make a character feel like they have more or less agency

The way to identify the difference, or at least the way I’ve used for years, is to put ‘by zombies’ after the verb. If it’s coherent, it’s passive voice, and if it isn’t, it’s active. Let’s use some examples:

“She was killed (by zombies)” -> coherent, passive

“Zombies killed (by zombies) her” -> incoherent, active

And the effect of these techniques in your writing is to make the subject read as though they have more or less agency depending on the situation, even without changing what’s going on in the scene. Neither is necessarily better than the other, it’s all about utilisation in the correct circumstances

Now some longer, Tumblr friendly examples, and you can try and practice identifying active and passive voice if that can help you:

“You kneel before my throne unaware that it was built on lies”

“It may not be that deep, but the ground is soft and I’m ready to dig”

“I hope I make it a little softer here for someone”

“If they won’t match your effort, they don’t want to be in your life”

“God may judge you but his sins outweigh your own”

#writing #reference

[alphabet-mafia-member]

NEED HELP WRITING? (a masterlist)

I have likely not added many that I've reblogged to this list. Please feel free to roam my blog and/or ask/message me to add something you'd like to see on this list!

Synonym Lists

Look by @writers-potion

Descriptors

Voices by @saraswritingtipps

Show, Don't Tell by @lyralit

Tips & Tricks

5 Tips for Creating Intimidating Antagonists by @writingwithfolklore

How To (Realistically) Make a Habit of Writing by @byoldervine

Let's Talk About Misdirection by @deception-united

Tips to Improve Character Voice by @tanaor

Stephen King's Top 20 Rules for Writers posted by @toocoolformedschool

Fun Things to Add to a Fight Scene (Hand to Hand Edition) by @illarian-rambling

Questions I Ask My Beta Readers by @burntoutdaydreamer

Skip Google for Research by @s-n-arly

Breaking Writing Rules Right: Don't Write Direct Dialogue by @septemberercfawkes

Databases/Resources

International Clothing

Advice/Uplifting

Too Ashamed of Writing To Write by @writingquestionsanswered

"Said" is Beautiful by @blue-eyed-author

#writing #reference

[alphabet-mafia-member]

The fact that if I close my eyes I can't tell who's playing ;-; (i play no instruments whatsoever)