#everyone is just sharing their stories and experiences and it's just like... an overwhelming sense of community? anyway that

[girls-and-honey]

.

#okay so random tag post even though it's been ages #me thinks the current place i work is actually decent a la accepting-queer-ppl so?? miiiiight. consider actually putting my #pronouns in my email signature (which hardly gets used but shh) but like. the actual ones not the society/people assume anyway ones #idk i attended a virtual tech focused event for trans dov (yes early but they didn't want to put the event on sun) and you know when #everyone is just sharing their stories and experiences and it's just like... an overwhelming sense of community? anyway that #and since it was hosted by a professional org the topics were all workplace focused and mayhaps that's something i'm thinking abt for #this year. at least within our pride group I might be ready? wild bc for a long time tumblr has been the only place I feel comfy being 100% #myself. but hearing real people's stories makes me feel like that kind of community would be nice to have elsewhere too #and the whole looking to others also turns around into the leading by example thing bc then we had some breakout groups at the end for #networking which is not my favorite but! i did my intro and said I use she/her for work but will use she/they for this group and #then the next person said he/him at work but for this group he/they so that made me wonder if it was bc of me saying so first? #which if it was is kind of like oh. the way I'm looking for those people for me.. I can also be that for someone else #anyway this sounds dumb typed out but irl/professional me has always separated out queer identity so it's new to me #i'm allowed to be giddy okay. just a little. as a treat (is tumblr still using 'as a treat' i really hope so) #oh shit is this what gender euphoria feels like #alright that's it for now i think #gah emotions and whatnot #missed you all btw i'll start actually being online again soon #personal

[and-justice-for-zoisite]

𝕊𝕥𝕦𝕡𝕚𝕕 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕪𝕠𝕦 - 𝓅𝒶𝓇𝓉 𝟤 (Fujin x Reader)

Official Masterlist - Part 1

Summary: Raiden is a very clear obstacle when it comes to the expression of love between you and Fujin, but the two of you don't mind tiptoeing around him for the time being. That is, until it begins to weigh on you, and the consequences of you inevitable discovering hung over you.

Word Count: 9k words

A/n: so you guys seemed to like the last part, and I absolutely adored this story so I was really keen on doing a part 2 anyways. Also I didn't mean to make it so long, I just couldn't stop writing T-T.

Warning/s: you guys literally fuck in this (you sickos like that shit anyways).

-

I'm color-coding my moods, You're yellow, I'm natural blue, Let's get together and be green like my insides.

The two of you were reckless together, as if you were two teenagers discovering love for the first time and were experimenting with each other - souls and bodies.

At least I'll match your eyes, Jealous and hypnotized, Let's match our faces and be equally in love.

If you and Fujin weren't busy trying to be socially acceptable and concealing your relationship from his overprotective brother, the two of you were busy stealing kisses and feeling each other up in hidden corners of the Shaolin temples.

Part of you thought it was fun having to be so careful with him - like it was a game, and whoever's ideas got them caught first was the loser.

As exhilarating as it all was though, you couldn't help but feel a sense of discourage knowing that you had to hide your relationship simply because you were a fool, and everyone knew that Fujin was way too good for you.

But, how could you turn down the opportunity to play a little tonsil hockey in the furthest corner of the temple's gardens?

There, the two of you laid on the grassy ground, engaging in a less than godly type of kissing which allowed each of your hands to wonder to places they probably shouldn't have in a public space.

Your hands explored each other's bodies, fuelling the flames of desire. The thrill of the chase and the excitement of being discovered heightened your senses, adding an electrifying intensity to every touch. In those stolen moments, you were fully present, consumed by the intoxicating connection you shared with Fujin.

You felt his hand find it's place to your butt, and you pulled away from the kiss, your breath a little heavy as you spoke.

"...we can't do this here," you told him, noting the way things were beginning to escalate. "Oh? Why not?" he asked, a devilish smirk to his innocent face as his hand fastened where it was. "Because it wouldn't be very flattering if we got caught like this, now, would it?" you asked him, tracing your fingers along his bicep which seemed to be a mistake as it only turned him on just a little more. "We won't get caught, there's no one here," he whispered to you, leaning back in closer to you as his nose brushed briefly against your neck, "if you can remain quiet, that is."

His lips met your neck, and you couldn't help the sigh that passed your lips as you tilted your head back, submitting to his actions. He took advantage of your submission, and sunk his teeth into your soft skin. You gasped at the feeling, lacing your fingers in his hair and giving it a gentle tug.

You surrendered to the overwhelming desire, allowing yourselves to indulge in the passionate dance of entangled bodies and whispered moans. The grass beneath you provided an imperfect cushion, but the discomfort was a small price to pay for the blissful moments shared between you.

His fingers found the cute little buttons of your tight tank top which was designed to be light and easy to kombat in, though still beautiful and a reflection of the culture you were raised in. He began undoing these buttons, there were only three, and he undid them, revealing a generous amount of your cleavage. He reached into your shirt and felt your bare flesh, and as he played with your body, all you could do was relax into his touch and enjoy every bit of toying he did.

The crunching of footsteps nearby alerted the two of you, followed by familiar voices which seemed to be discussing something. You and Fujin were quick to tear away from each other's bodies, fixing yourselves and straightening up before anyone could see you the way you were.

Soon, the group came into sight. It was Raiden, and following him was your friends, Liu Kang and Kung Lao. They seemed to be discussing something rather important, but paused all together when they saw you and Fujin sitting together in the gardens.

As they approached you Raiden's eyes narrowed slightly, his stern expression revealing his suspicion. Liu and Lao, on the other hand, wore expressions of mischief, like they knew exactly what you had been getting up to. Lao made a face from behind Raiden as if to pretend he was kissing the air, and your face flushed a deeper red than it already was. Their presence only intensified the weight of secrecy that burdened your relationship, as they were among the few you trusted with your true selves.

You quickly rose from the grass, attempting to appear nonchalant, though your racing heart betrayed your composure. Fujin followed suit, his eyes darting from one person to another, searching for a plausible explanation.

"Brother, what brings you by the gardens?" Fujin asked, much more composed than you were. "We were discussing the upcoming tournament when we stumbled upon you two," he replied, his voice tinged with suspicion. "It seems we interrupted something." "Not at all, Raiden," Fujin lied, way too easily, as he looked to you, "we were just enjoying the day - the gardens are quite lovely around this time of year."

Raiden's gaze shifted between the two of you, his expression remaining stern but tinged with a hint of concern.

"I hope you both understand the importance of maintaining decorum and upholding the honour of the Shaolin temples," he admonished, his voice filled with a mix of authority and care. "Of course brother, always," Fujin nodded, while you tried not to look toward Lao who was most definitely making more lewd gestures to tease you.

Liu Kang and Kung Lao exchanged amused glances, their lips curling into mischievous smirks. Lao couldn't resist teasing you further.

"Oh, yes, the serenity of the gardens," he said, his voice filled with feigned innocence. "I'm sure you two were enjoying each other's company in a... shall we say, particularly serene manner."

You were bursting with embarrassment, and before you could show any more of this to Raiden, you decided it was best for you to leave.

"Uh, i-if you'll excuse me, Lord Raiden..." you spluttered, intending to walk past him. "(Y/n)," he addressed you, causing you to stop in your place beside him. "Buttons are usually done up."

Your blush deepened once again as you realised what he was referring to, covering your chest with your hands as you ran off in embarrassment. Naturally, as you ran away, you did up the buttons of your tank top, trying to save the little dignity you had left.

It seemed that no matter how careful you and Fujin tried to be, you were always on the verge of being caught. The thrill of secrecy was intoxicating, but it was starting to wear thin.

Once you were out of sight, you slowed your pace and took a moment to catch your breath. Your mind was racing, replaying the encounter over and over again. The teasing from Kung Lao, the suspicion in Raiden's eyes—it all made you realize just how fragile the façade you had built really was.

Finding a quiet spot away from prying eyes, you leaned against a stone wall and let out a sigh. The reality of the situation was starting to sink in. You and Fujin were living in a constant state of secrecy, always hiding your love from the world. It was exhausting, and deep down, you knew it couldn't continue like this forever.

You didn't see anyone for the rest of the day - you didn't want to see anyone, not even Fujin. You weren't mad at him for what had happened, you were just upset that this was the way things were. You were lucky enough that you could confide this stuff in your friends, and that they wouldn't go and mouth off to Raiden about it, providing you somewhat of an emotional outlet so that for the time you spent with them, you could pretend that you weren't a wind god's dirty little secret.



The birth of nightfall was making it's presence on the horizon as you made your way to a nearby waterfall with a towel and spare clothes at hand.

While there were baths in the Shaolin housing, you were one to enjoy the warmth which spring brought, and along with it the refreshing feeling of bathing in the Shaolin waterfalls, known for their magical healing properties.

You undressed and stepped into the cool water, letting it envelop your body and wash away the remnants of the day's events. The waterfall cascaded down, creating a soothing sound that eased your troubled mind. As you immersed yourself, the weight of secrecy slowly lifted, replaced by a sense of tranquillity.

You closed your eyes, allowing the water to caress your skin and rejuvenate your spirit. The colours of the setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange and purple, casting a beautiful glow on the surrounding landscape. In this moment of solitude, you found solace and a chance to reflect on the complexities of your relationship with Fujin.

Being with him was unlike anything you had experienced before. The connection between you was undeniable, and the passion that ignited whenever you were together was intoxicating. But the constant need for secrecy cast a shadow over your love, preventing it from fully blossoming.

The sound of someone approaching alerted you as you covered your body with you arms as well as submerging yourself down to your neck in the water, watching to see who it was that disturbed you at such an intimate time.

Relief washed over you as Fujin emerged from the dense forest which hid this little waterfall away like it were a sanctuary, and your body relaxed once more.

"Fujin, you scared me," you chuckled, looking over at him, "what are you doing here?" "I was looking for you," he told you, standing at the edge of the water, "though I should've known to look here first - I know how you love the water this time of year."

Your face flushed red again as you smiled at his thoughtfulness, the way he retained all these memories of you that you'd otherwise think were useless.

"May I join you?" Fujin asked, cutting through the momentary silence.

You were slightly surprised and taken a back by his request, though how silly would you be to turn down a chance to skinny dip with this gorgeous man.

"...o-of course," you spluttered, "be my guest."

He gave you a single nod with a mischievous smile, beginning to disrobe with not an ounce of shame in his beautiful body. You felt like such a pervert watching him, but you couldn't look away. He took his shirt off, and you couldn't help but admire his chiselled torso, and the way his glowing tattoos complimented his muscly biceps.

He knew you were watching and enjoyed the way he could make you so flustered just by taking his clothes off.

Fujin stepped into the water, causing ripples to dance around his feet. The cool water embraced him, just as it had embraced you moments before. As he waded closer to where you were, the moonlight caught the droplets on his skin, creating a mesmerizing sparkle that made him appear even more ethereal.

You averted your gaze, suddenly conscious of your own nakedness and the rising heat in your cheeks. But Fujin wasn't one to let you off the hook that easily. He moved closer, his eyes fixed on you, and a playful smirk graced his lips.

"Is there something on your mind, my love?" he asked, his voice dripping with teasing.

You crossed your arms over your chest, attempting to hide your vulnerability.

"Just... admiring the view," you muttered, your voice barely audible.

Fujin chuckled softly, his laughter carrying through the air like a gentle breeze. He moved closer still, until he was standing right in front of you. The water now reached up to his waist, creating a barrier between you and the rest of the world.

He reached out a hand and gently brushed a strand of wet hair away from your face. His touch was tender, his gaze filled with an unspoken promise.

"You know, my feather, there's no need to hide. Not from me."

You felt a mixture of emotions coursing through you, the vulnerability of being completely exposed both physically and emotionally. Fujin's words resonated with you, reminding you that he was the one person with whom you didn't need to hide or pretend.

Fujin reached out for you, grabbing your arms and gently pulling them away from your body. He stared down at you, admiring you for everything that you were, body and soul. His gaze was intense, and you could feel it burning through you, but part of you liked that feeling.

He drew you in, placing his hands on your waist as your naked bodies pressed together, allowing you to rest your own hands on his chest as you looked up at him, timid and flustered.

In that moment, with the sound of the waterfall echoing in the background, you surrendered yourself to the vulnerability and passion that enveloped you. Fujin's touch sent shivers down your spine, and the intensity in his eyes ignited a fire within you.

His lips met yours in a gentle yet fervent kiss, his hands tracing patterns along your back, leaving a trail of warmth in their wake. The water embraced you both, creating a sensuous and intimate atmosphere that allowed you to let go of the weight of secrecy.

Lost in the moment, you let your hands explore his body, feeling the sculpted muscles beneath your fingertips. Every touch, every caress, was a testament to the connection you shared with Fujin. There was no need for words; your bodies spoke a language of desire and longing that only the two of you understood.

As the passion intensified, the boundaries between you blurred. The water embraced you both, creating a symphony of cascading droplets and muffled moans. Fujin's lips travelled from your mouth to your neck, leaving a trail of lingering kisses that ignited a delicious ache within you.

Time seemed to stand still as you surrendered to the moment, your bodies moving in perfect harmony. The rush of the waterfall provided a soundtrack to your love, drowning out the world and allowing you to focus solely on each other.

Underneath the waterfall, you and Fujin became one, merging your bodies and souls in a dance as old as time. You felt him move inside of you for the first time, and your body reacted pleasantly to the feeling. He sighed at the sounds you made in reaction to his movements, pressing his fingers into your waist a little harder than he had meant to as the two of you continued this beautiful dance.

Time became an abstract concept as you and Fujin rode the waves of pleasure together. The sensation of his touch, the warmth of his body against yours, and the sound of your mingled breaths filled the space between you.

As the intensity built, you could feel the tell-tale signs of release approaching. It was as if the world held its breath, waiting for that climactic moment where your desires would be met. And when it came, it was a symphony of pleasure, a crescendo of shared ecstasy that left you both breathless and sated.

You held each other, the water cascading around you, as you basked in the afterglow of your lovemaking.

The moment was a culmination of everything you had been feeling and longing for. There, in the embrace of the waterfall, you felt a sense of freedom and intimacy that surpassed any previous encounter. The weight of secrecy and the fear of being discovered were momentarily forgotten as you clung to each other, hearts beating in unison.

Fujin's arms wrapped around you, holding you close, as you rested your head against his chest. The water continued to cascade down, providing a gentle symphony that soothed your weary souls.

"I love you," he whispered, his voice filled with a tenderness that melted your heart. "No matter the circumstances, no matter the obstacles we face, I will always love you."

-

Once again, you found yourself fallen to the ground, courtesy of your opponent yet close friend, Liu Kang, as you two as well as Kung Lao participated in a training session lead by Master Bo' Rai Cho.

It was unusual that you gave in so easily. Even though your peers were considerably stronger than you, you usually put up a decent fight, especially in terms of skill and agility. But today, you simply couldn't focus, not with everything that was happening in your life at that point, secret or not.

As you lay on the ground, catching your breath, Liu extended a hand to help you up. You gave him a cheeky smile, sitting up and grabbing his hand as he pulled you to your feet, habitually wiping away the blood-dirt mix which had formed on your face from repeatedly falling on it like a mother cleaning the food off her child's face.

"Is something the matter, (Y/n)?"

You turned to face your master, the man having called you from his place to the side of the training ring with Lao at his side, awaiting his next turn to kick one of your asses again.

"You seem very distracted," he pointed out, tilting his head in a thoughtful manner, "is something on your mind?"

You took a moment to gather your thoughts, considering whether or not to confide in Master Bo' Rai Cho. While he was a skilled and wise teacher, you weren't sure if you were ready to delve deeper into your feelings regarding the situation. The weight of secrecy was still heavy on your shoulders, and you feared the consequences of exposing your love to others, even when you and Fujin had already confided in the master of your relationship.

"I... I'm just going through some personal issues," you finally replied, opting for a vague explanation. "It's nothing that will affect my training, Master. I'll do better next time."

Master Bo' Rai Cho observed you for a moment, his eyes filled with understanding. He was perceptive, and though he couldn't pinpoint the exact reason behind your distraction, he respected your privacy.

"Very well," he said, nodding. "Remember, (Y/n), it's important to find balance in all aspects of your life. If there's anything you need to talk about, my door is always open."

You gave him a nod, smiling gratefully at his offer as you traded places with Kung Lao and watched as he and Liu sparred. Your knees were drawn up to your chest, and you held your legs timidly, lost in your own thoughts. The training session continued, but your mind remained preoccupied with the internal battle you were facing in secret.

As you watched Kung Lao and Liu Kang engage in their kombat, you couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. They had each other's backs, supporting one another without hesitation. You knew they'd both do the exact same for you - they were awfully protective of you, having treated you like their baby sister since you were all kids. But the camaraderie and trust between them were evident, and it made you long for a similar level of openness with Fujin.

You were startled when you heard someone approach from behind you, spinning your head around only to smile sweetly when Fujin made his presence known.

"Fujin," you greeted, relief flooding through you as you took in his familiar face. "Come to watch us dick around when we're supposed to be training?"

He grinned at your remark.

"It is always a joy watching one of you fall on your face," he chuckled, reaching down and brushing over your face a little with his hand, "and by the looks of it, you were the one who fell on their face today."

You playfully swatted his hand away, a smirk tugging at the corners of your lips.

"Hey now, don't get too comfortable. It won't be long before I'm back on my feet and showing these boys how it's done," you retorted, though the humour in your voice was tinged with a hint of frustration.

Fujin's expression softened as he took in your demeanour. He knew you well enough to sense that something was bothering you, even if you tried to hide it behind your usual banter.

Before he could ask though, your conversation was interrupted by someone.

"Fujin!"

The two of you turned to the voice which had called his name, finding that it was Lao who called for him, and that he and Liu had finished their spar with the likely winner of course being Liu. He was waving at the wind god.

"Won't you come spar with me?" Lao requested, "I'm pretty sure I could take a wind god." "Please," you scoffed, shaking your head, "you'll be down in an instant."

Fujin chuckled at your remark, his eyes twinkling with amusement. He turned his attention back to Kung Lao, considering his friend's offer.

"Very well," Fujin replied, a playful glint in his eyes. "But don't blame me when you're eating the dirt."

Lao grinned mischievously and stepped into the training ring, preparing himself for the impending battle. Liu stepped out of the ring and took a seat beside you, the two of you sharing a cheeky grin between each other. You watched with anticipation, knowing that despite Lao's confidence, Fujin's powers as the God of Wind would be a formidable challenge.

The two kombatants circled each other, their movements fluid and calculated. Lao attacked with a series of rapid strikes, his agility and speed on full display. But Fujin effortlessly dodged and countered, his control over the wind allowing him to evade Lao's attacks with ease.

You marvelled at Fujin's grace and skill, his movements like a delicate dance in perfect harmony with the elements. It was a reminder of why you fell in love with him in the first place. As the spar continued, the air crackled with energy, a testament to the power that Fujin possessed.

Despite Lao's best efforts, Fujin gradually gained the upper hand. He used his wind manipulation to create gusts that disrupted Lao's balance, leaving him vulnerable to Fujin's counterattacks. With a final powerful gust, Fujin sent Lao flying backward, landing on the ground with a thud.

The training session came to a halt as everyone turned their attention to the fallen warrior. You and Liu rushed over to Lao's side, alarmed at the volume of the thud which he made when he hit the ground. Fujin joined you, his expression filled with a mix of concern and satisfaction.

"Lao, are you alright?" you asked, helping him sit up.

Lao grinned up at you, rubbing the back of his head.

"I'm fine, just a little winded," he replied, his voice laced with both admiration and slight annoyance. "Your boyfriend packs quite a punch."

Fujin extended a hand to help Lao up, his expression playful.

"You put up a good fight, Lao," Fujin said, a hint of pride in his voice. "But perhaps you should reconsider challenging a wind god."

Lao accepted Fujin's hand, pulling himself up with a sheepish grin.

"Duly noted," Lao huffed as you brushed him off, like he and Liu frequently did for you.

"Fujin," Bo' Rai Cho cut into the conversation, still at his place from outside of the ring, "your skills are valuable. I would like to see you spar with the other two now, if you'd be so kind. They have been slacking as of late."

"We haven't been slacking!" you defended playfully, punching Lao's arm in a friendly way, "Kung Poa's just a smart-ass." "Yeah, where do you think I learn it from?" Lao teased as he grabbed a hold of you, putting you in a headlock, "(Y/n), king of all smart-assery."

You groaned as he ruffled your hair, and before you could bite him again, Fujin spoke up.

"Sure, Master Bo' Rai Cho," Fujin replied, his voice filled with confidence. "I'd be happy to oblige."

Kung Lao unleashed you from your makeshift prison, and you all stood around, awaiting your master's instructions.

"Liu shall spar with Fujin first," Bo' Rai Cho directed.

As you and Lao stepped out of the ring, Liu and Fujin circled around each other in a challenging way. You knew this was sure to be a decent fight.

The air around them seemed to shift as they faced each other, their focused gazes locked in. Liu initiated the spar with a swift roundhouse kick, but Fujin effortlessly dodged it, demonstrating his agility and speed. He countered with a series of precise strikes, each movement calculated and powerful.

Liu retaliated with a barrage of punches and kicks, his attacks infused with fire as he tapped into his inner power. But Fujin's wind manipulation allowed him to create a barrier that shielded him from the flames, rendering Liu's attacks ineffective.

The spar continued, and the intensity grew with each passing moment. Fujin showcased his perfect control over the wind, using it to enhance his strikes and create whirlwinds that disrupted Liu Kang's balance. Liu, however, remained relentless, his fiery attacks fuelled by his determination.

As the spar reached its peak, the training ring became a spectacle of elemental forces colliding. Gusts of wind clashed with bursts of fire, creating a captivating display of power and skill. The ground beneath them trembled from the impact of their strikes, and the air crackled with energy.

Despite Liu Kang's incredible speed and fire-based attacks, Fujin's control over the wind proved to be a formidable advantage. He maneuvered with grace and precision, countering each of Liu's moves with calculated strikes and gusts of wind.

In a final display of power, Fujin summoned a tornado-like vortex, sweeping Liu off his feet and sending him crashing onto the ground.

Fujin approached Liu Kang, extending a hand to help him up. Liu Kang accepted the gesture, his face covered in a mixture of admiration and exhaustion.

"That was an excellent fight, Fujin," Liu Kang said, panting heavily. "Your control over the wind is truly remarkable."

Fujin nodded, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

"You fought valiantly, Liu Kang," Fujin replied, offering his respect. "Your fire is a force to be reckoned with."

"Excellent work, Liu Kang," Bo' Rai Cho praised his student, shortly after turning toward you and nodding, "(Y/n), it is now your turn."

As you entered the training ring, you locked eyes with Fujin. There was a glimmer of anticipation in his gaze, mirroring your own.

"Don't you dare go easy on her just 'cause she's your girlfriend," Kung Lao shouted from the observation stand, "show that goof-ass no mercy!"

You chuckled at Lao's comment, shaking your head in amusement. You knew he was just teasing, but deep down, you also knew that Fujin wouldn't hold back. He respected your abilities as a fighter and knew you could handle yourself.

Fujin stepped forward, his expression serious but tinged with affection.

"I would never go easy on her," he replied, his voice carrying a playful undertone. "She's more than capable of holding her own."

You grinned at his response, feeling a surge of confidence welling up within you. You had trained hard to reach this point, and you were eager to demonstrate your skills to Fujin, even if it meant facing off against him.

As the two of you circled each other in the ring, you could sense the anticipation building among your friends and Master Bo' Rai Cho. They were all familiar with your determination and your ability to surprise them with your resourcefulness in combat.

The moment arrived, and Fujin made the first move. He lunged forward with incredible speed, attempting to catch you off guard. But you were prepared, swiftly sidestepping his attack and countering with a series of quick strikes. The clash of your blows echoed in the training area, filling the air with the sound of determination and dedication.

Time seemed to blur as you and Fujin engaged in the intense spar. Sweat dripped from your brow, your muscles burning with exertion. But you refused to let fatigue get the better of you. You were fuelled by the desire to prove yourself, not just to Fujin, but also to yourself.

In a burst of adrenaline, you launched a flurry of strikes, each one executed with precision and power. Fujin defended himself with skill, his wind manipulation providing him with an advantage in manoeuvrability. But you persisted, your movements becoming more fluid and controlled.

Suddenly, you saw an opening—an opportunity to land a decisive blow. With a swift and well-timed strike, you managed to land a hit on Fujin, causing him to stumble backward. It was a small victory, but it filled you with a sense of accomplishment.

You thought this was the end, that you had overpowered him and won. However, you were gravely mistaken.

As you let your guard down, he channelled his wind powers, creating a powerful gust that sent you flying backward. You were thrown off balance, and in one swift movement, Fujin reached up and hit you. Now, his intentions were entirely with hitting your chest to knock you back. However, he miscalculated his movement, and his partially curled up fist met your nose. You fell back with a thud, and as you did, a generous amount of blood began leaking from your nose.

Before you could fully regain your senses, Fujin was already by your side, extending his hand to help you up. His eyes held a mix of concern and determination.

"Are you alright?" he asked, his voice laced with genuine worry.

You nodded, accepting his hand and allowing him to pull you to your feet. Despite the setback, you couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration for Fujin's skill and resilience. He had taken advantage of your momentary lapse and turned the tables on you.

"I'm fine," you replied, a hint of a smile playing on your lips. "That was a good move. You really know how to keep me on my toes."

Fujin's lips curved into a smirk, a playful glint in his eyes.

"Always," he said, his voice filled with a mix of pride and affection. "I wouldn't want you getting too comfortable."

You grinned, trying to look annoyed though anyone could see that you were simply happy to just be in the moment with everyone. Fujin began wiping away at the blood that was pouring out of your nose, wiping that blood onto his own shirt in an affectionate way as he helped you to the observation stand.

"You know it's a healthy relationship when one of you can punch the other in the nose and it's alright," Lao teased, earning a playful glare from you.

You took a seat next to Liu, who handed you a towel to help clean up the blood on your face.

Master Bo Rai Cho turned toward all of you, though he was naturally focused on you at that moment, his eyes filled with a mix of concern and amusement.

"Are you alright, (Y/n)?" he asked, his tone light-hearted but genuine.

"Ahh, she'll be fine," Lao bantered, throwing an arm around her shoulder and pulling her into him roughly, "she's tough. I broke her arm when we were kids and there wasn't a single tear. Psycho hose beast."

You chuckled at Lao's comment, despite the throbbing pain in your nose. You appreciated his light-heartedness and how he tried to lighten the situation.

"I'll live," you replied, dabbing at your nose with the towel. "Just a little battle scar to remind me not to let my guard down."

Bo' Rai Cho nodded, a smile playing on his lips.

"Indeed," he said, his voice carrying a hint of pride. "Remember, every defeat is an opportunity to learn and grow stronger. And you, my dear, have shown remarkable resilience."

You felt a swell of gratitude toward your master. Despite the occasional hardships and challenges, he had always been there to support and guide you, both as a mentor and a friend. His words resonated deeply with you, reinforcing your determination to improve and overcome any obstacles that stood in your path.

As you sat there, wiping away the last traces of blood, you looked around at your friends, each one wearing a different expression. Liu had a mix of concern and admiration on his face, while Kung Lao had a mischievous smirk. And Fujin, your partner in both love and kombat, watched you with an unwavering gaze, his eyes filled with affection.

This. This was what you longed for, to be open with everyone about Fujin, to exist as lovers where everyone could acknowledge and accept. Though, you knew you had a long way before that was ever possible. For now, you would enjoy these moments within this small group, of your two friends, your master, and your lover, and would save your sorrows for when you were alone, not allowing it to taint the perfect atmosphere you were surrounded by.

Fujin squeezed your hand gently, his touch grounding you in the present moment. You turned to him, a soft smile on your lips, grateful for his unwavering presence by your side.

"Thank you for always believing in me," you whispered, your voice filled with sincerity.

Fujin returned your smile, his eyes shining with affection.

"There's never a doubt in my mind," he replied, his voice warm and reassuring. "You are a force to be reckoned with, and I am honoured to stand beside you."

You leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss against his cheek, feeling a surge of gratitude and love for the wind god who had become such an integral part of your life.

"Ew! Get a room you two!" Lao teased, making a fake spewing noise.

You rolled your eyes at the smart-ass, throwing your bloody towel at him.

"Jealous, much?" you ribbed, cocking a brow at him.

Lao feigned offense, dramatically clutching his heart.

"How dare you suggest such a thing!" he exclaimed with mock seriousness. "I'll have you know, I'm perfectly content being one of two third wheel's to your lovey-dovey escapades."

There was a brief burst of laughter amongst all of you, directed at your absolute joker clown of a friend though the atmosphere was undoubtedly loving.

Training concluded for the day, and you all settled for dinner together with empty stomachs, but full hearts. Though naturally, your nagging thoughts would return, as nothing good can last forever.

-

You hated walking the halls of the Shaolin temples on your own, because no matter the time of day, the hallways were always dimly lit only by the little sunlight which made it's way into the buildings. It was spooky, and gave you the creeps, especially when uninvited vermin made noises which would startle you, only convincing you further of the presence of ghosts.

As you hurried through the shadowy corridors, your footsteps echoing faintly, you couldn't shake off the eerie feeling that engulfed you. You quickened your pace, keen to head out to the field to catch some fresh air.

You almost screamed when you felt a hand clasp you wrist from behind you, dragging you into a dark corner of the temple. They clasped a hand around your mouth, and before you could hit them, they revealed themself.

Only Fujin would scare you like that.

You let out a muffled gasp as Fujin removed his hand from your mouth, revealing a mischievous grin on his face. Despite the initial fright, a mixture of relief and annoyance washed over you.

"Fujin! You scared the shit out of me!" you scoffed, crossing your arms, "you know how much walking around here alone scares me." "I'm sorry, I just couldn't resist," Fujin chuckled, wrapping his arms around your waist, "you're so cute when you're frightened."

You rolled your eyes playfully, but couldn't help the slight smile that tugged at your lips. Despite the scare, being in Fujin's arms always made you feel safe and loved.

"Well, I'm glad my terror amuses you," you teased, resting your hands on his chest, "but is there any reason you frightened me here in particular?"

Fujin didn't say anything to this, though his actions spoke much louder than any words could've. The man leaned down and captured you in a lustful kiss, his lips moving against yours with a fervour that sent shivers down your spine. The dimly lit hallway suddenly faded into the background as you lost yourself in the intoxicating sensation of his touch.

His hands roamed your body, igniting a passionate fire within you. The world around you ceased to exist as you surrendered to the moment, your heart racing in sync with the rhythm of your kisses.

With a surge of desire, Fujin lifted you up effortlessly, your legs wrapping around his waist. The coolness of the temple wall pressed against your back as he deepened the kiss, his tongue exploring every inch of your mouth. Time seemed to stand still as your bodies melded together in a dance of passion and longing.

Before things could escalate, however, something always went wrong.

"Brother."

You felt your heart sink to the pit of your stomach at the sound of that voice, Fujin dropping you back to your feet as the two of you turned to face this consequence you had been evading successfully for a good long while.

Though obviously, the jig was up. You were found out.

"What..." Raiden began, lost for words as he looked between the two of you, "...what is the meaning of this?"

You exchanged a nervous glance with Fujin, the passion from moments ago fading into a mixture of apprehension and guilt.

"Raiden," Fujin spoke up, his voice filled with both determination and a touch of regret, "we were meaning to tell you. It's just... it never seemed like the right time."

There was a moment of silence, so thick and tense that one could've cut through it with a blade. Though, no matter how uncomfortable the silence, you didn't want it to go away - you weren't ready to face these consequences, yet here you were. You could feel Raiden's harsh gaze on you, intensely, and you felt as though you were about to implode with how fast your heart was being.

"(Y/n)."

You didn't dare look up at Raiden when he addressed you, only listening to hear what he wanted of you.

"I'd like to speak to my brother in private," he said, firm and harsh in his words, "so I'd appreciate if you left us alone."

You didn't say anything, only rushing away with your head down as you felt tears prick at your eyes. As you hurriedly made your way out of the dimly lit hallway, tears streamed down your face, blurring your vision. The weight of guilt overwhelmed you.

The temple corridors seemed to stretch on endlessly, the shadows elongating and distorting with your turbulent emotions. Finding solace in a secluded spot outside, you leaned against a stone wall and let the tears flow freely. Each drop carried a mixture of remorse, fear, and uncertainty.

-

"Fujin," Raiden began, his voice dripping with anger and disappointment, "I cannot believe you would go against my orders to stay away from her. Does nothing I say mean anything to you?!"

"I told you: love chooses it's own path, and it chose her," Fujin reminded him, his own voice stern though his nature was gentle, "it was only a matter of time."

Raiden's anger intensified as he clenched his fists, his eyes sparking with electricity. He took a step closer to Fujin, his voice filled with a mix of frustration and sorrow.

"Fujin, you know the dangers of personal attachments," Raiden said, his tone sharp. "Our duty to protect Earthrealm comes before our own desires. We cannot afford to let emotions cloud our judgment."

Fujin stood his ground, his expression resolute but tinged with sadness.

"I understand the risks, Raiden," Fujin replied, his voice steady. "But love is not a weakness. It can give us motivation, and purpose. My feelings for (Y/n) do not diminish my dedication to our cause." Raiden shook his head, his disappointment evident.

"You speak of love as if it exists in isolation," Raiden said, his voice laced with frustration. "But love has consequences, Fujin. Consequences that can put us all in danger."

Fujin's gaze remained unwavering as he met Raiden's intense stare. "I am aware of the potential consequences, Raiden," Fujin said firmly. "But I refuse to deny myself the happiness and connection I have found with (Y/n). I believe we can find a way to balance our love and our duty."

"You are a fool!" Raiden shouted.

"No, you are the fool, brother!" Fujin snapped back at him, his gentle nature washing away with frustration. "There is nothing you can do or say that will stop me from pursuing this relationship with (Y/n). I love her, and my feelings will not change to accommodate anyone."

Raiden's anger flared, his fists tightening even more. The air around him crackled with electricity as sparks danced across his body. Though he would not continue this confrontation here, the man turning away from him and storming off elsewhere.

As Raiden turned away and stormed off, Fujin watched him with a mix of sadness and determination. He knew that his actions had strained their relationship, but he couldn't deny his love for you. Fujin had never felt such a deep connection with someone before, and he couldn't imagine his life without you by his side.

With a heavy sigh, Fujin decided to give Raiden some time to cool down before attempting to talk to him again. He understood that his brother was driven by the responsibility to protect Earthrealm, but he believed that love could coexist with their duty. He just needed to find a way to convince Raiden of the same.

-

With your tears easing up, you could feel yourself cooling down. Even so, your emotions were still overwhelming, and you feared the worst when you thought of how this would effect your relationship with Fujin.

Though, as you reflected on the situation, you hadn't yet noticed the menacing presence looming over you until he made himself known by speaking.

"(Y/n)."

You jumped a little, startled when you turned around and saw Raiden, standing a few feet away from you. You quickly wiped away your tears, trying to compose yourself in front of Raiden. His expression was stern, and you could sense the disappointment radiating from him.

Taking a deep breath, you steadied your voice.

"Raiden," you said, trying to keep your voice steady, "I... I'm sorry. I never wanted things to turn out like this. It's just... Fujin and I, we didn't plan for this to happen."

"(Y/n), you will no longer see Fujin." You whipped your head back around at this, shocked at his order.

The words hung in the air, causing your heart to sink further. You couldn't believe what you were hearing. It felt like a heavy blow, threatening to shatter the now presumably weakened connection you had with Fujin.

"Excuse me?" you asked in disbelief.

"Your bond with Fujin is hindering his duties as a protector of Earthrealm," Raiden elaborated, not a single hint of sympathy in his voice, "and because of that, I must ask that you cut ties with him and avoid each other."

"No."

Raiden was taken back by your blunt, harsh response, watching as you stood up from where you were to face him. Though, his stunned state didn't last him very long, as rage overtook him. His eyes flashed with anger as he clenched his fists tightly, sparks of electricity crackling around him. His disappointment turned into a fierce determination to assert his authority.

"You dare defy me, mortal?" Raiden's voice boomed, his divine power radiating with an intensity that shook the air around you. "You have no say in this matter. I am the Thunder God, the protector of Earthrealm, and I will not allow my brother's loyalty to waver because of a mere human."

His words struck you like a physical blow, but you refused to back down. Your love for Fujin was strong, and you couldn't accept the idea of severing ties with him.

"My relationship with your brother is none of your business!" you snapped at him, noting the way a storm began brewing around you, "love is not something you can control or dictate. Fujin and I have found something special, and I won't let you take that away from us!!"

Raiden's expression hardened, his eyes narrowing with a mix of anger and disappointment. He took a step closer to you, his powerful presence dominating the space around you.

"Very well," he said in a low, menacing tone, conjuring electricity between his two hands, "if I cannot convince you, I will force you."

Your face paled when his previously white electricity turned a dark red, and before you could comprehend what exactly was happening, he struck you with his godly powers.

You fell to the ground, crying out and seizing as the electricity commanded of you.

"Yield," Raiden demanded of you as he watched you writhe on the ground before him.

"...n-never," you spat.

As you tried to recover from the blow, Raiden hit you with another shock, causing you to cry out once again, seizing and wriggling in pain.

"Each surge of energy I send through you will be more powerful than the next," Raiden warned her, preparing yet another blast, "submit, or face the consequences."

You coughed up blood as you looked up at him, and though you were in immense pain, a devilish smirk plastered itself to your face, and you spat the blood out.

"...ha...I could do this...all day," you wheezed, a painful chuckle passing your bloody lips.

Another strike hit you, and like he said it would be, it was more intense than the last. You seized uncontrollably, feeling tears prick your eyes though you wouldn't give him the satisfaction of tears.

Just as the pain threatened to overwhelm you, a powerful gust of wind suddenly swept through the area, dispersing Raiden's electrical assault. You gasped, looking up to see Fujin standing before you, his eyes blazing with determination and anger.

As you laid your head down in relief, looking over to the side, you saw that your friends had been observing from afar, staring at you in panicked states though you figured Fujin would've told them to stand back while he took care of this.

"Enough, Raiden!" Fujin's voice boomed, commanding attention. "Fear and control are not the ways of a true protector."

"You dare interfere, Fujin?!" Raiden growled, his voice laced with anger.

Fujin stepped forward, his presence radiating strength and resolve.

"I dare to protect what is right," he declared, his voice steady despite the underlying anger. "Love and compassion are not weaknesses, Raiden. They are the very essence of our humanity."

Raiden's expression contorted with a mix of fury and frustration.

"You have become weak, Fujin," he seethed, sparks of lightning crackling around him. "You let your emotions cloud your judgment."

Fujin's eyes blazed with determination as he met Raiden's gaze.

"No, brother. It is you who has lost sight of what it means to be a protector. True strength lies in understanding and empathy. You must learn to embrace the bonds that connect us rather than seek to control them."

The two gods stood in opposition, their powers crackling in the air, representing the clash between duty and love, control and freedom.

"You will not sway me, Fujin," Raiden spat, summoning a surge of electricity that crackled with dark intensity. "I will show you the power of a true god!"

Without any further hesitation, Raiden struck first, sending forth a barrage of lightning bolts aimed at Fujin. The air crackled with raw energy as the bolts surged through the battlefield, aiming to overpower and subdue Fujin's defenses.

But Fujin was swift and agile, his mastery over wind granting him unparalleled mobility. He gracefully evaded the lightning strikes, dancing through the air with the finesse of a leaf carried by a gust of wind. As each bolt missed its mark, Fujin retaliated with focused precision.

He conjured powerful gusts of wind, directing them toward Raiden. The gales howled, pushing against Raiden's electrical assault, threatening to disrupt and disperse his attacks. The winds swirled around Raiden, testing his control over the elements and challenging his dominance.

Raiden, unwilling to be outmatched, amplified his electrical powers, intensifying the bolts of lightning. The sky crackled with energy as he unleashed a devastating surge, aiming to overpower Fujin's wind manipulation and break through his defenses.

The two godly forces clashed with immense power, their energies creating a dazzling display of light and sound. Bolts of lightning clashed against the powerful gusts of wind, causing explosions and shockwaves that reverberated throughout the battleground.

Fujin pressed his advantage, using his mastery over the winds to control the battlefield. He summoned gusts of air that circled around Raiden, restricting his movement and limiting his ability to retaliate. The once all-powerful Thunder God found himself trapped in the whirlwind, his authority challenged by Fujin's unwavering determination.

With a final surge of wind, Fujin sent Raiden hurtling through the air, crashing into the ground with a resounding impact. The force of the impact reverberated throughout the battlefield, momentarily silencing the chaos.

As the dust settled, Fujin approached the fallen Raiden, his expression softened with a mix of compassion and disappointment. He extended a hand, offering Raiden a chance at redemption and reconciliation.

"Raiden, your power should be used to protect and guide, not to control and suppress," Fujin spoke with firmness, yet a hint of empathy in his voice.

His energy cooled down from red back to it's original white, and Raiden sighed, realising the weight of what he had just done as he took Fujin's hand, allowing him to pull his brother onto his feet.

"I am a fool..." Raiden uttered, looking at his hands which he used to commit a horrid act of violence, "I have allowed myself to become a slave to anger."

Fujin's gaze softened as he heard the genuine remorse in Raiden's voice. He placed a reassuring hand on Raiden's shoulder, offering him solace and understanding.

"We all stumble along our paths, Raiden," Fujin replied, his voice filled with compassion. "What matters is how we learn from our mistakes and strive to make amends."

Raiden nodded, a mixture of gratitude and shame etched on his face. The brothers stood together, their differences momentarily set aside in favour of a shared commitment to restore balance and rectify the damage that had been done.

Liu Kang and Kung Lao were quick to rush to your side, helping you up into a sitting position as they assessed your state.

"(Y/n)? Are you alright??" Liu asked, cringing when you coughed up a little more blood.

You mustered a weak yet cheeky smile, trying to reassure them despite the pain coursing through your body.

"I've had worse," you boasted, Lao sighing as he wiped the blood away from your face affectionately. "Right, worse being all of your painfully embarrassing moments where you make a fool of yourself," he teased, wiping the blood on his hand onto your shirt, "I still get second hand embarrassment thinking about any of those moments."

You chuckled softly, wincing at the pain but appreciating the lightened atmosphere his teasing brought even in such a dark situation.

"Hey now, those moments make life interesting," you retorted, playfully nudging Kung Lao's arm. "Besides, you've had your fair share of embarrassing moments too, my friend."

Kung Lao raised an eyebrow, a mischievous grin forming on his face.

"Oh, really? Care to give some examples?" he challenged, enjoying the banter.

You laughed, a hint of fatigue evident in your voice. Though before you could fill him in on his challenge to you, the three of you were approached by Fujin and Raiden.

The thunder god had an apologetic look plastered to his face, and naturally it was for you

"(Y/n), I am deeply sorry for what I've done," Raiden spoke, his voice tinged with guilt. "You did not deserve the pain I inflicted upon you, nor did I have the right to interfere with your relationship. Please, accept my apologies."

You looked into Raiden's eyes, seeing the genuine remorse and sincerity in his words. You could feel the weight of his apology, and you knew that he was truly sorry for the pain he had caused.

"Thank you Raiden, your apology means a lot to me," you croaked, holding your stomach as you spoke.

Raiden looked between you and Fujin, acknowledging the relationship between you for the first time in a positive light.

"My brother is truly an amazing deity," he praised, placing a hand on Fujin's shoulder, "I was ridiculous to believe that there was no room in his heart for balance, and for that I am sorry. You needn't hide yourselves away from me anymore. I will not criticise you for something that is truly beautiful." "Thank you, brother," Fujin added, resting his hand on his brother's arm as they shared a sentimental moment between them.

Considering you were injured quite a bit from the electric damage inflicted on you, Fujin decided in that moment that it was definitely best to tend to your wounds.

He decided to excuse himself from everyone as he knelt down beside you, scooping you up in his arms bridal style before standing back up and carrying you away to somewhere the two of you could have privacy, so he could heal you.

Even though you were in immense pain, you had never been happier and more relieved. The weight of secrecy had been lifted from you, and you were free to do as you pleased with your lover.

-

#fujin mortal kombat #fujin x reader #fujin #mortal kombat x reader #mortal kombat 11 #mortal kombat #fluff #angst

[clangenrising]

i really love the art and writing you're doing for this, and i can't wait to see more!

i have a question. how does the actual clangen gameplay of this all look? when i play, events seem to happen so rapidly that i rarely have a chance to actually write any of it down and retain any of it, so i'm wondering if you have a specific playstyle that helps make the "story" of risingclan easier to write

The real answer is that you just have to slow down. I've found, especially after the Potato Update, this also increases your cats chances of survival.

So when I sit down to take notes (check this post if you're interested in my note taking format), I'll click "Timeskip One Moon" and write down anything notable from the moon events; births and deaths, any serious injuries, naming ceremonies, any new mate pairs or accessories, etc. Sometimes I also check the relationships section for anything interesting, but not usually since there are a lot of cats now and the relationships tab has become overwhelming.

Then I go to my cat list and name any kits, newcomers, or new warriors. I also usually change mentor apprentice pairs to make more sense, like if an apprentice is insecure I pair them with a loving mentor instead of a bloodthirsty one you know? I also make sure that brand new warriors aren't getting apprentices over older cats who've never mentored one.

Then I mediate as many pairs as I am able and go to patrols. I pair the cats up making sure to mix high experience with low experience or pair cats I want to date off so they can bond. If something seems like it would definitely kill someone I skip it. After each patrol, if something interesting happens (say a couple gets a cute romantic interaction or a new cat joins or an apprentice gets hurt) I take a moment to write it down. Repeat until everyone has gone on patrol and then start at the beginning again.

It's pretty simple! Just take your time to make sure you read every notif and then write it down. I honestly started doing this because I realized i was speeding through patrols and I was barely processing anything that happened in my games. So I started writing everything down and got really invested in that clan and thought, man I wanna share it with people! And that gave me the idea to start RisingClan.

Good luck with your Clans, go forth and have fun!

#asks and answers #anon asks #tips and advice #not art #clan gen #clangen #clan gen blog #clangen blog

[taytjiefourie]

How to Outline a Novel

Hi there, Darlings! I'm excited to dive into the fascinating world of outlining a novel with you today. Don't worry, we won't be here as long as you might think. So, let's get started and have some fun!

Note: this is a longish post and relies on my preferences and experience.

When it comes to outlining your story, you may hear some people insist that the more detail, the better. However, let's be real, we don't want to get bogged down with trivial details like how the trash is being disposed of in our fantasy world, right?

No way, we're all too busy to devote that much time and energy to it! Personally, I have two versions of an outline that I like to use. The first is a basic outline, which works well for stories set in a world similar to our own, or stories that draw from existing myths or legends like Supernatural, Paranormal or Greek Mythology.

The second outline is a bit more detailed, but don't worry, it's not as complicated as some people make it out to be. Since creating a unique Fantasy or Sci-Fi world requires a bit more thought, this outline helps you add in those extra details without overwhelming you. To use it, you'll start with the basic outline, and then add some additional information to create the more detailed version.

In this blog post, I'll be sharing some insights into why certain elements are essential in your outline (for those who love to write but don't know all the 'why's' when it comes to certain things), and how they can make a huge impact on both your writing process and the readers who pick up your book. And don't worry, I've got you covered at the end with a summarized version of each outline - minus all the extra details - so you can simply copy and paste it for your own use.

Without further ado, let's dive in and start with the basics of outlining your novel!

I hope you've got a tiny inkling of what your story might be about - whether it's a character with a vague purpose, an antagonist with an unclear hero, or even just a cool world with no plot in mind yet. Whatever it may be, it's totally okay to start with just a little dot of information. The important thing is that you've got something to work with!

Book Information.

Starting a novel can be a daunting task, but having the right information can make a world of difference. Let's go over the three key aspects you should consider before diving in: Genre, Trope, and Target Audience.

First up is Genre, which is the category or type of book your story fits into. Once you've picked your genre, you can explore the different tropes that are commonly used within it. A trope is a recurring literary device or theme that helps readers understand the story and its themes.

By combining your chosen genre and tropes, you can begin to define your Target Audience. This is the group of readers who are most likely to enjoy your story based on its genre and themes. It's important to remember that you don't have to stick to just one genre or trope, and that exploring multiple options can help you find the perfect combination for your story.

Genre:

Choosing the right genre for a book is super important because it gives readers a sense of what to expect in terms of plot, themes, tone, and style. Think of genres as categories that books fall into based on their subject matter, writing style, and intended audience. For instance, a mystery novel is all about solving a crime or puzzle, while a romance novel is all about lovey-dovey relationships.

Knowing a book's genre can be helpful for readers who are searching for stories that interest them. Plus, it can help publishers and booksellers market and sell books to the right audience. For writers, it's helpful to stick within the conventions of a genre while still adding their own unique perspective.

All in all, genres make life easier for everyone involved in the book world, from writers to readers to publishers. They help us understand the style and content of a book and make communication and engagement between authors and audiences so much smoother!

With so many genres to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is right for your story. But don't worry, I'm here to help! Let me give you a quick rundown of some of the most popular genres out there and how they can shape your story:

Romance Plot: Focuses on the development of a romantic relationship between two characters. Theme: Love, passion, and relationships. Tone: Emotionally charged, often with elements of humor or drama. Style: Emphasizes character development and emotional depth.

Mystery Plot: Involves a crime or puzzle that needs to be solved. Theme: Crime, justice, and the human psyche. Tone: Suspenseful and atmospheric, often with a dark or gritty tone. Style: Tightly plotted, with clues and red herrings that keep readers guessing.

Science Fiction Plot: Often involves futuristic or speculative elements, such as space travel, aliens, or advanced technology. Theme: Exploration, innovation, and the impact of technology on society. Tone: Can be serious or lighthearted, depending on the focus of the story. Style: Imaginative and creative, with an emphasis on world-building and scientific accuracy.

Fantasy Plot: Often involves a magical or supernatural world, with mythical creatures and/or magical powers. Theme: Good versus evil, heroism, and the power of imagination. Tone: Can be dark or lighthearted, depending on the focus of the story. Style: Richly detailed and descriptive, with an emphasis on world-building and creating a sense of wonder.

Historical Fiction Plot: Set in a specific time period in history, often with real historical figures and events. Theme: The human experience and the impact of history on individuals and society. Tone: Often serious and thought-provoking, with an emphasis on authenticity. Style: Meticulously researched and detailed, with an emphasis on historical accuracy and atmosphere.

Thriller Plot: Typically involves high stakes, danger, and tension, with a focus on action and suspense. Theme: Danger, survival, and morality. Tone: Tense and exciting, with a sense of urgency and danger. Style: Fast-paced and plot-driven, with a focus on action and suspense.

Horror Plot: Focuses on creating a sense of fear, dread, or terror in the reader. Theme: Fear, darkness, and the unknown. Tone: Dark and ominous, with elements of terror and suspense. Style: Often graphic and unsettling, with a focus on atmospheric setting and vivid descriptions of gore or violence.

Young Adult (YA) Plot: Typically features teenage protagonists dealing with coming-of-age issues, such as identity, relationships, and personal growth. Theme: Identity, belonging, and the transition to adulthood. Tone: Often earnest and emotional, with a focus on relatable characters and experiences. Style: Accessible and engaging, with a focus on character development and relatable themes.

Literary Fiction Plot: Emphasizes character development and exploration of ideas, often without a clear plot-driven structure. Theme: Human experience, social issues, and the complexities of life. Tone: Serious and contemplative, with an emphasis on emotional depth and complexity. Style: Often stylistically experimental or unconventional, with a focus on character psychology and introspection.

Comedy Plot: Emphasizes humor and satire, often with a focus on exaggerated characters and situations. Theme: Laughter, joy, and the absurdity of life. Tone: Light and comedic, with an emphasis on humor and wit. Style: Often fast-paced and filled with witty banter and humorous observations.

Western Plot: Set in the American West during the 19th century, often with a focus on cowboys, outlaws, and frontier life. Theme: Courage, survival, and rugged individualism. Tone: Rustic and tough, with an emphasis on adventure and action. Style: Often descriptive and atmospheric, with a focus on the unique landscape and culture of the American West.

Dystopian Plot: Set in a society or world that has become dark, oppressive, or dysfunctional, often as a result of a catastrophic event. Theme: Freedom, rebellion, and the dangers of totalitarianism. Tone: Bleak and pessimistic, with an emphasis on the dangers of conformity and control. Style: Often atmospheric and descriptive, with a focus on world-building and the exploration of dystopian themes.

Sub-Genre:

As a writer, you've probably heard of sub-genres before. They're like categories or subcategories within a broader genre, based on specific themes, settings, plot elements, or writing style. These sub-genres help to further define and categorize works of literature within a broader genre, making it easier for readers to find books that align with their interests.

For example, in the broad genre of science fiction, there are many different sub-genres like cyberpunk, space opera, hard science fiction, and more. Each sub-genre has its own unique characteristics and themes that differentiate it from other types of science fiction. Likewise, in the genre of mystery, there are sub-genres like cozy mysteries, police procedurals, and psychological thrillers, each with its distinct elements and themes.

Romance

Historical romance: These stories are set in the past and often explore themes of social norms and historical events. They can be sweeping epics or more intimate love stories, and the writing style can be more formal or descriptive.

Contemporary romance: Set in the present day, these stories often explore modern relationships, dating, and career aspirations. They can be light and funny or emotional and dramatic, with a more conversational and informal writing style.

Paranormal romance: These stories feature supernatural elements like vampires, werewolves, and witches. They can explore forbidden love, good versus evil, and the challenges of having supernatural abilities. The tone can be dark and moody or romantic and sexy, and the writing style often includes descriptive world-building.

Romantic suspense: Combining romance and suspense, these stories often involve a heroine in danger who is protected by a hero. They can be fast-paced and action-packed, with a tense and dramatic tone and a plot-driven writing style.

Inspirational romance: These stories often explore themes of faith, redemption, and personal growth. They can involve characters overcoming obstacles and finding hope in their beliefs, with an uplifting and hopeful tone and a focus on character development and inner dialogue.

Erotic romance: These stories feature explicit sexual content and explore themes of passion and desire. They can involve characters exploring their sexuality and forming intense emotional connections, with a sensual and steamy tone and a descriptive and graphic writing style.

LGBTQ+ romance: These stories feature same-sex or non-binary relationships and explore themes of identity, acceptance, and overcoming societal norms. They can be heartfelt and emotional, with a writing style that varies depending on the sub-genre (like historical, contemporary, or paranormal).

Western romance: These stories are set in the American West and often involve cowboys, ranchers, and outlaws. They can explore themes of rugged individualism, adventure, and romance, with a rugged and outdoorsy tone and a writing style that includes descriptive landscapes and dialect.

Fantasy romance: These stories combine elements of fantasy and romance and often involve mythical creatures, magic, and epic journeys. They can explore forbidden love, quests, and battles between good and evil, with a sweeping and grand tone and a writing style that includes descriptive world-building.

Multicultural romance: These stories feature characters from diverse cultural backgrounds and explore themes of identity, family, and tradition. They can involve characters navigating cultural differences and forming deep connections, with a sensitive and heartfelt tone and a writing style that varies depending on the sub-genre (like historical or contemporary).

Mystery

Cozy Mystery: Cozy mysteries are often set in small, quaint towns or villages, and feature an amateur sleuth who solves a murder or series of murders. The tone is light and often humorous, with a focus on character and relationships rather than graphic violence or sex.

Police Procedural: Police procedurals focus on the investigation process of a crime, and often feature a professional law enforcement detective as the main character. The plot is driven by the methods used to solve the crime, and the tone is often gritty and realistic.

Hard-Boiled Mystery: Hard-boiled mysteries feature tough, cynical detectives who operate outside of the law to solve crimes. The tone is dark and gritty, with a focus on violence and corruption.

Historical Mystery: Historical mysteries are set in the past and often feature famous historical figures or events as part of the plot. The tone is often atmospheric, with a focus on the historical setting and culture.

Amateur Sleuth: Amateur sleuth mysteries feature a non-professional detective as the main character, such as a journalist, librarian, or chef. The tone is often lighthearted and cozy, with a focus on the amateur detective's unique skills and abilities.

Legal Thriller: Legal thrillers often involve legal proceedings or courtroom drama as part of the plot. The main character is often a lawyer or judge, and the tone is often intense and suspenseful.

Noir: Noir mysteries are characterized by their dark and pessimistic tone, with flawed characters and morally ambiguous situations. The focus is on the psychological aspects of crime, rather than the procedural.

Romantic Suspense: Romantic suspense combines elements of both romance and mystery, with a focus on the relationship between the main characters as well as the suspenseful plot.

Whodunit: Whodunit mysteries are characterized by their focus on the puzzle-like aspect of solving a crime, with a twist ending revealing the identity of the culprit. The tone is often light and playful, with a focus on the clues and red herrings that lead up to the solution.

Science Fiction.

Cyberpunk: This sub-genre typically features a near-future, dystopian setting in which advanced technology has both empowered and oppressed society. The tone is often gritty and dark, with a focus on the impact of technology on human identity.

Space Opera: This sub-genre is characterized by grand-scale adventures and space battles set in a future where humanity has colonized the galaxy. The tone is often adventurous and heroic, with an emphasis on world-building and exploration.

Post-Apocalyptic: This sub-genre is set in a world after a major catastrophe or disaster, and focuses on the struggle for survival and rebuilding of society. The tone is often bleak and pessimistic, with themes of isolation, desperation, and survival.

Alternate History: This sub-genre explores what would happen if key historical events had played out differently, resulting in a different present-day world. The tone and themes can vary widely depending on the point of divergence in history.

Hard Science Fiction: This sub-genre emphasizes scientific accuracy and plausibility in its exploration of speculative concepts and technologies. The tone can vary, but often has a focus on problem-solving and logical deduction.

Time Travel: This sub-genre involves characters traveling through time to alter the course of history or prevent a catastrophic event. The tone can vary widely depending on the consequences of altering history.

Alien Invasion: This sub-genre typically features humans struggling to defend Earth from an alien invasion. The tone is often action-packed and suspenseful, with a focus on survival and overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds.

Steampunk: This sub-genre is set in a world where steam power is the dominant technology, often featuring Victorian-era settings and aesthetics. The tone is often adventurous and fantastical, with an emphasis on creativity and innovation.

Military Science Fiction: This sub-genre typically involves soldiers and military units in futuristic settings, often featuring advanced technology and alien races. The tone is often action-packed and focused on combat and strategy.

Biopunk: This sub-genre explores the implications of biotechnology and genetic engineering, often featuring genetic modification of organisms or humans. The tone can be dark and cautionary, with themes of ethics and control.

Cyberprep: This sub-genre is a hybrid of cyberpunk and preppy fashion, featuring high-tech and high-fashion elements in a futuristic setting. The tone can be lighthearted and satirical, with a focus on fashion and style.

Space Western: This sub-genre combines science fiction and Western themes, often featuring space cowboys and frontier settlements on distant planets. The tone is often adventurous and action-packed, with a focus on individualism and freedom.

Slipstream: This sub-genre blends elements of science fiction with surrealism, often featuring strange or unexplained phenomena. The tone can be dreamlike and ambiguous, with a focus on atmosphere and mood.

New Wave: This sub-genre emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, featuring experimental and avant-garde styles and themes. The tone can be unconventional and challenging, with a focus on literary techniques and subversion of traditional science fiction tropes.

Mundane Science Fiction: This sub-genre emphasizes realism and plausibility in its exploration of near-future technology and societal developments. The tone is often introspective and critical, with a focus on the impact of technology on everyday life.

Fantasy

High Fantasy/Epic Fantasy: This sub-genre is characterized by a richly developed fictional world, often with its own history, geography, and mythology. The plot often centers on a hero's journey or quest to save the world or defeat evil. The tone is often grand and epic, with a focus on magic, destiny, and larger-than-life conflicts.

Urban Fantasy: This sub-genre is set in a contemporary, urban setting, often featuring supernatural elements like vampires, werewolves, and witches. The tone can be dark and gritty, with a focus on action, suspense, and the clash between the supernatural and the mundane.

Historical Fantasy: This sub-genre is set in a historical period, often featuring elements of magic and the supernatural. The tone can be romantic and atmospheric, with a focus on historical accuracy as well as fantastical elements.

Fairy Tale Retellings: This sub-genre reimagines classic fairy tales with new twists and perspectives. The tone can range from whimsical to dark and brooding, with a focus on themes of transformation and the power of storytelling.

Mythic Fantasy: This sub-genre draws on elements of myth and folklore, often featuring gods, goddesses, and other supernatural beings. The tone can be mystical and spiritual, with a focus on themes of destiny, fate, and the search for meaning.

Dark Fantasy: This sub-genre often features supernatural or horror elements, and may have a bleak or nihilistic tone. The plot can involve antiheroes or morally ambiguous characters, and may explore themes of power, corruption, and redemption.

Portal Fantasy: This sub-genre involves characters who travel between different worlds or dimensions, often featuring a contrast between the magical and the mundane. The tone can be adventurous and whimsical, with a focus on exploration and discovery.

Sword and Sorcery: This sub-genre features heroes who are skilled with weapons and magic, often set in a medieval-inspired world. The tone can be action-packed and swashbuckling, with a focus on adventure, combat, and daring exploits.

Comic Fantasy: This sub-genre combines elements of fantasy and humor, often featuring absurd or satirical elements. The tone is often lighthearted and comedic, with a focus on wordplay, satire, and parody.

Paranormal Romance: This sub-genre combines elements of romance and fantasy, often featuring supernatural love interests like vampires or werewolves. The tone can be romantic and steamy, with a focus on passion, desire, and forbidden love.

Steampunk Fantasy: This sub-genre is set in a world where steam power and clockwork technology are the norm. The plot often involves a mix of adventure, science fiction, and fantasy elements. The tone is often gritty and industrial, and the style is characterized by a Victorian aesthetic and the use of intricate machinery.

Contemporary Fantasy: This sub-genre takes place in the present day and features magic and fantastical elements that coexist with the mundane world. The plot often involves characters discovering or coming to terms with their magical abilities. The tone is often lighthearted, and the style is characterized by blending magic and realism.

Magical Realism: This sub-genre blends elements of the fantastical with the ordinary, creating a world where magic is a natural part of everyday life. The plot often explores the intersection between the magical and the real, with characters struggling to make sense of their extraordinary experiences. The tone is often dreamlike, and the style is characterized by richly descriptive prose.

Historical Fiction.

Historical romance: Set in a specific historical period, the plot centers on a romantic relationship between characters. The theme may focus on societal expectations, class differences, or political intrigue. The tone is usually romantic, with elements of drama and tension. The style emphasizes historical accuracy and details, such as costumes, settings, and dialogue.

Alternate history: The plot imagines an alternate version of history, where events unfold differently from what actually happened. The theme may explore the consequences of different choices or highlight how different societies might have evolved. The tone can range from serious to playful, depending on the author's intent. The style often emphasizes world-building, creating a detailed and believable alternate reality.

Historical fantasy: Combining elements of historical fiction and fantasy, this subgenre often involves magical or supernatural elements. The plot may center on a quest or adventure set in a specific historical period, with magical or mythical creatures and events. The theme often explores the intersection of history and fantasy, highlighting how beliefs and legends shape society. The tone can be fantastical or historical, depending on the balance of elements. The style often emphasizes world-building, creating a fully realized alternate reality.

Historical mystery: Set in a specific historical period, the plot centers on a mystery that must be solved by the protagonist. The theme may explore social or political issues of the time, and the tone is often suspenseful and dramatic. The style often emphasizes historical accuracy, highlighting the details of daily life and societal norms of the period.

Historical adventure: The plot centers on a thrilling adventure set in a specific historical period, often involving exploration, battles, or other daring escapades. The theme may explore themes of heroism, duty, or sacrifice, and the tone is often action-packed and exciting. The style emphasizes historical accuracy, highlighting the details of weapons, clothing, and other cultural aspects of the period.

Historical drama: The plot centers on the emotional and personal struggles of characters living in a specific historical period. The theme may explore issues of social justice, morality, or individualism, and the tone is often serious and introspective. The style emphasizes historical accuracy, highlighting the details of the characters' lives and the period's cultural norms.

Biographical historical fiction: The plot is based on the life of a historical figure, often imagining details that are not known or not recorded. The theme may explore the motivations and struggles of the individual or highlight the cultural and political context of the time. The tone can be serious or light-hearted, depending on the focus of the story. The style emphasizes historical accuracy, often using primary sources to create a realistic portrayal of the individual's life and times.

Historical horror: Combining elements of horror and historical fiction, this subgenre often involves supernatural or mystical elements set in a specific historical period. The plot may center on a curse or a haunted location, with the theme often exploring how historical beliefs and legends shape modern fears. The tone is often eerie and unsettling, and the style emphasizes historical accuracy and the use of atmospheric details to create a sense of dread.

Historical romance mystery: This subgenre combines elements of historical romance and historical mystery, often involving a romantic relationship that is threatened or complicated by a mystery or crime. The theme may explore social or political issues of the time, and the tone is often suspenseful and romantic. The style emphasizes historical accuracy, highlighting the details of daily life and societal norms of the period.

War fiction: Set during a specific historical conflict, the plot centers on the experiences of soldiers, civilians, or others affected by the war. The theme may explore issues of sacrifice, duty, and morality, and the tone is often gritty and realistic. The style emphasizes historical accuracy, highlighting the details of weaponry, battles,

Thriller

Psychological thriller - The plot revolves around the mental and emotional states of the characters, often featuring unreliable narrators, unexpected plot twists, and intense psychological tension. Themes may include mental illness, trauma, and the dark side of human nature. The tone is usually suspenseful and ominous.

Crime thriller - These stories focus on a crime, often a murder, and the investigation that follows. The plot typically involves a detective or law enforcement officer trying to solve the crime and bring the perpetrator to justice. Themes may include corruption, justice, and morality. The tone can range from gritty and dark to fast-paced and action-packed.

Spy thriller - The plot involves espionage, secret agents, and international intrigue. The themes may include politics, espionage, and espionage. The tone is usually suspenseful and fast-paced, with high stakes and intense action scenes.

Legal thriller - These stories focus on lawyers and legal proceedings, often involving a courtroom drama. The plot typically involves a lawyer working to uncover the truth and bring justice to a case. Themes may include justice, ethics, and the law. The tone is usually suspenseful and dramatic.

Techno-thriller - This sub-genre combines elements of science fiction and thriller, often featuring technology as a major plot point. The plot typically involves a threat to society or the world that can only be resolved through the use of advanced technology. Themes may include artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, and technological advancement. The tone is usually fast-paced and action-packed.

Action thriller - These stories are heavy on action and may include elements of crime, espionage, or terrorism. The plot typically involves a protagonist fighting against a powerful antagonist or organization. Themes may include heroism, justice, and revenge. The tone is usually fast-paced and full of action scenes.

Historical thriller - The plot is set in a historical period and involves mystery, intrigue, and danger. Themes may include historical events, social issues, and politics. The tone is usually atmospheric and suspenseful.

Disaster thriller - The plot typically involves a natural disaster or catastrophic event, and the characters must fight to survive. Themes may include survival, human nature, and the fragility of society. The tone is usually tense and suspenseful.

Medical thriller - These stories involve medical professionals, diseases, and medical research. The plot typically involves a medical crisis that threatens the lives of many people. Themes may include medical ethics, science, and the nature of life and death. The tone can range from intense and suspenseful to thoughtful and introspective.

Horror thriller - This sub-genre combines elements of horror and thriller, often featuring supernatural or paranormal elements. The plot typically involves a protagonist facing off against a powerful and evil force. Themes may include fear, death, and the supernatural. The tone is usually dark and terrifying.

Horror

Supernatural horror - This sub-genre involves supernatural elements such as ghosts, demons, and witches. The plot typically revolves around an evil presence that haunts or possesses individuals or places. Themes often involve the struggle between good and evil, the afterlife, and the supernatural world. The tone can be eerie, unsettling, or frightening. The style can include vivid descriptions of supernatural events or paranormal activity.

Psychological horror - This sub-genre focuses on the psychological aspects of fear, anxiety, and mental breakdowns. The plot may involve a character's descent into madness, paranoia, or obsession. Themes can explore the limits of the human mind, the duality of human nature, and the fragility of sanity. The tone can be disturbing, disorienting, or unsettling. The style can include introspective narration, unreliable narrators, or surreal imagery.

Slasher horror - This sub-genre involves a serial killer or a group of killers who hunt down and murder their victims. The plot often revolves around a group of people who are trapped or isolated with the killer, such as a group of teenagers in a cabin in the woods. Themes can explore the fear of death, survival instincts, and the consequences of violence. The tone can be intense, gory, or suspenseful. The style can include graphic violence, jump scares, and tense chase scenes.

Gothic horror - This sub-genre is characterized by dark, atmospheric settings, such as abandoned castles, haunted mansions, and ancient ruins. The plot typically involves supernatural or mysterious occurrences, such as curses, ghosts, or ancient evils. Themes can explore the corruption of power, the dangers of obsession, and the struggle between rationality and superstition. The tone can be melancholic, oppressive, or ominous. The style can include ornate language, archaic settings, and romanticized descriptions.

Body horror - This sub-genre focuses on the physical horror of bodily transformation or mutilation. The plot may involve diseases, mutations, or body horror caused by technology. Themes can explore the limits of the human body, the dangers of scientific progress, and the horror of physical transformation. The tone can be grotesque, revolting, or terrifying. The style can include vivid descriptions of bodily horror, visceral imagery, and medical terminology.

Literary Fiction

Historical Literary Fiction: This sub-genre is characterized by a focus on historical events and figures, with an emphasis on the emotions and inner lives of the characters. The plot is often driven by the characters' personal struggles and relationships, rather than by external events. Themes in historical literary fiction often explore the impact of history on the individual and the human condition. The tone can be reflective, nostalgic, and introspective, and the style is often lyrical and descriptive.

Contemporary Literary Fiction: This sub-genre focuses on the present-day world, with a focus on realistic and complex characters and their relationships. The plot often centers around the characters' struggles with personal issues and societal problems, with an emphasis on character development and introspection. Themes can vary widely but often explore the human experience in contemporary society. The tone can be serious, contemplative, or satirical, and the style is often characterized by literary devices such as metaphor, symbolism, and stream of consciousness.

Experimental Literary Fiction: This sub-genre is characterized by an unconventional approach to narrative structure, language, and form. The plot can be non-linear or fragmented, and the themes may be abstract or philosophical. The tone and style can vary widely but often aim to challenge the reader's expectations and push the boundaries of traditional storytelling.

Multi-Cultural Literary Fiction: This sub-genre explores the experiences and perspectives of characters from diverse cultural backgrounds. The plot may focus on the challenges of living between cultures or on the intersection of different cultural identities. Themes often explore issues of identity, belonging, and cultural heritage. The tone can be serious, humorous, or satirical, and the style is often characterized by rich descriptions of cultural traditions and practices.

Metafiction: This sub-genre is characterized by a self-referential approach to storytelling, with the author drawing attention to the construction of the narrative itself. The plot may involve characters who are aware of their existence within a fictional world or who interact with the author. Themes often explore the nature of fiction, reality, and the relationship between author and reader. The tone and style can be playful, ironic, or philosophical.

Psychological Literary Fiction: This sub-genre focuses on the psychological development and inner lives of the characters. The plot may center around the characters' struggles with mental illness, trauma, or personal crises. Themes often explore the nature of the human mind and emotions, and the impact of past experiences on the present. The tone can be introspective, haunting, or disturbing, and the style is often characterized by vivid descriptions of the characters' psychological states.

Postmodern Literary Fiction: This sub-genre is characterized by a skeptical attitude toward grand narratives and an interest in the fragmentation and deconstruction of meaning. The plot may be non-linear or fragmented, and the themes may explore the breakdown of societal norms and values. The tone and style can be playful, ironic, or satirical, and the style often incorporates elements of popular culture and intertextuality.

Comedy

Romantic Comedy: A humorous story focused on a romantic relationship between the main characters. The plot often includes obstacles that the couple must overcome in order to be together. The tone is light-hearted and the style is witty and charming.

Satire: A story that uses humor to criticize social or political issues. The plot often involves exaggerated or absurd situations and characters. The theme is often social commentary or critique of certain practices. The tone can be biting or ironic, and the style is often sharp and clever.

Farce: A comedic story that relies heavily on physical humor, improbable situations, and mistaken identities. The plot is often fast-paced and chaotic, and the tone is over-the-top and exaggerated. The style is often slapstick and absurd.

Parody: A story that imitates the style or conventions of another work in order to make fun of it. The plot is often a tongue-in-cheek version of the original story, with exaggerated or nonsensical elements. The tone can be mocking or affectionate, and the style often mimics the original work.

Dark Comedy: A story that uses humor to address serious or taboo subjects, such as death, disease, or crime. The plot often involves characters in bleak or macabre situations, and the humor is often edgy and uncomfortable. The tone is often ironic or sardonic, and the style can be morbid or irreverent.

Comedy of Manners: A story that satirizes the social behavior and customs of a particular group or class of people. The plot often involves witty banter and subtle social cues, and the humor is often sophisticated and intellectual. The tone is often dry or understated, and the style is elegant and refined.

Comic Fantasy: A story that combines humor with elements of fantasy or science fiction. The plot often involves fantastical or absurd elements, and the humor can be whimsical or silly. The tone is often light-hearted and playful, and the style can be fanciful or imaginative.

Black Comedy: A story that uses humor to explore dark or taboo subjects, such as death, crime, or mental illness. The plot often involves characters in extreme or disturbing situations, and the humor is often irreverent or gallows. The tone can be bleak or nihilistic, and the style is often daring or provocative.

Absurdist Comedy: A story that uses humor to explore the meaninglessness or irrationality of human existence. The plot often involves surreal or absurd situations, and the humor can be nonsensical or absurd. The tone is often detached or alienated, and the style can be experimental or avant-garde.

Western

Classic Western: The plot usually revolves around a conflict between good and evil, often involving cowboys, Native Americans, and lawmen. The themes are typically centered around justice, honor, and self-reliance. The tone is often serious and gritty, and the style is straightforward and unadorned.

Western Romance: The plot revolves around a romantic relationship between two main characters set against the backdrop of the American West. The themes typically involve love, commitment, and the challenges of living in a rugged and unpredictable environment. The tone is often romantic and sentimental, and the style is descriptive and emotionally expressive.

Western Adventure: The plot involves an exciting and dangerous journey or quest undertaken by the main characters, often set in the wilderness or on the frontier. The themes are usually centered around courage, perseverance, and survival. The tone is often action-packed and suspenseful, and the style is fast-paced and visually descriptive.

Weird West: This sub-genre blends elements of Western fiction with supernatural or science-fiction elements, often set in an alternative or fantastical version of the American West. The themes typically involve the clash between the natural and the supernatural, as well as the exploration of the human psyche. The tone is often dark and unsettling, and the style is imaginative and evocative.

Western Noir: This sub-genre features the classic noir elements such as crime, corruption, and moral ambiguity, set in a Western setting. The themes often explore the dark side of human nature, including greed, violence, and betrayal. The tone is typically bleak and cynical, and the style is atmospheric and evocative.

Spaghetti Western: This sub-genre originated in Italy and is characterized by its stylized and exaggerated depictions of violence and action, often set in the American West. The themes typically involve revenge, justice, and survival, and the tone is often highly dramatic and operatic. The style is visually stunning, with striking landscapes, vivid colors, and innovative camera work.

Dystopian

Post-Apocalyptic Dystopia: In this sub-genre, the world as we know it has ended, and society has collapsed. The plot often centers around the characters' struggle for survival in a world where resources are scarce and danger lurks around every corner. Themes include the consequences of environmental disaster, the dangers of unchecked technology, and the importance of community in times of crisis. Tone is often bleak, but there can also be moments of hope and resilience. Style can be gritty and realistic or more imaginative and surreal.

Utopian/Dystopian Hybrid: This sub-genre features a world that appears to be a utopia on the surface but hides a darker side. The plot often revolves around a protagonist who uncovers the dark underbelly of the supposedly perfect society. Themes include the dangers of conformity, the corrupting influence of power, and the importance of individuality. Tone can be both optimistic and pessimistic, with a sense of tension and unease permeating the story. Style can be both realistic and fantastical.

Political Dystopia: In this sub-genre, the world is ruled by an oppressive government or dictator. The plot often revolves around a protagonist or group of protagonists who rebel against the ruling powers. Themes include the dangers of totalitarianism, the importance of personal freedom and democracy, and the corrupting influence of power. Tone can be dark and somber, with a sense of urgency and danger. Style can be both realistic and fantastical.

Technological Dystopia: This sub-genre features a world where technology has become a threat to humanity. The plot often centers around the unintended consequences of technological advancement and the struggle to regain control. Themes include the dangers of artificial intelligence, the loss of privacy, and the importance of human connection. Tone can be both pessimistic and optimistic, with a sense of wonder and awe mixed with fear and uncertainty. Style can be both realistic and fantastical.

Environmental Dystopia: In this sub-genre, the world is suffering from ecological collapse. The plot often centers around the struggle to survive in a world where natural resources are scarce and the environment is toxic. Themes include the consequences of climate change, the importance of sustainable living, and the dangers of greed and short-sightedness. Tone can be both somber and hopeful, with a sense of urgency and the need for action. Style can be both realistic and fantastical.

Medical Dystopia: In this sub-genre, society is threatened by a deadly disease or virus. The plot often revolves around the search for a cure or vaccine and the struggle to contain the outbreak. Themes include the dangers of biological warfare, the importance of medical research and innovation, and the importance of global cooperation in times of crisis. Tone can be both tense and suspenseful, with a sense of urgency and the need for quick action. Style can be both realistic and fantastical.

Cyberpunk: This sub-genre features a dystopian future where technology has become the dominant force in society. The plot often centers around characters who are marginalized or oppressed by the ruling powers and who use technology to fight back. Themes include the dangers of unchecked capitalism, the loss of privacy, and the importance of personal freedom. Tone is often dark and gritty, with a sense of danger and rebellion. Style can be both futuristic and retro.

Steampunk: This sub-genre features a dystopian world where technology has taken a different form, with steam-powered machines and Victorian-era aesthetics. The plot often revolves around characters who are struggling against a corrupt ruling class or using technology to achieve their goals. Themes include the dangers of industrialization, the importance of individuality and creativity, and the need for social reform. Tone can be both

Tropes

Let me break down the importance of tropes in storytelling for you. Tropes are literary or storytelling devices that are commonly used in a specific genre or type of story. They can help readers identify and understand the story's themes, providing them with a sense of familiarity and expectations about the plot and characters.

For instance, in fantasy and adventure stories, the "hero's journey" is a popular trope where the protagonist embarks on a quest, faces challenges, and eventually triumphs over adversity. When used effectively, tropes can create a sense of comfort and connection between the reader and the story, while also allowing authors to explore new ideas and variations on established themes.

Tropes can also be used to subvert or challenge reader expectations, which can create a sense of surprise or intrigue. For example, a romance story that plays with the "enemies to lovers" trope by having the two characters come from opposing sides of a political conflict can create a fresh and unexpected twist on a familiar theme.

Overall, despite sometimes being viewed as cliché or overused, tropes serve an important purpose in storytelling by helping readers engage with and understand the story. Plus, they offer authors a useful framework for exploring new ideas and themes.

Romance

Enemies to Lovers - two characters who start out as adversaries or even enemies, but eventually fall in love.

Friends to Lovers - two characters who have been friends for a long time, but eventually realize their feelings for each other go beyond friendship.

Second Chance Romance - two characters who have a history together, but for various reasons, didn't work out. They get a second chance at love.

Forbidden Love - two characters who are attracted to each other but are prevented from being together due to societal or cultural constraints, such as a workplace romance or a relationship between a boss and an employee.

Fake Relationship - two characters who enter into a fake relationship for various reasons, but eventually develop real feelings for each other.

Love Triangle - two characters who compete for the affection of a third character.

Billionaire Romance - a wealthy character falls in love with someone from a different social class, creating a conflict between money and love.

Small Town Romance - two characters fall in love in a close-knit community or small town setting.

Alpha Hero - a strong, dominant male character who falls in love with a strong, independent female character.

Marriage of Convenience - two characters agree to marry for practical reasons, such as financial stability or immigration purposes, but end up falling in love.

Single Parent Romance - a character falls in love with someone who already has a child, creating a family dynamic.

Time Travel Romance - a character travels through time and falls in love with someone from a different era.

Bodyguard Romance - a character falls in love with their bodyguard, creating a dynamic of danger and protection.

Sports Romance - two characters fall in love in the context of a sports team or competition.

Beauty and the Beast - a physically unattractive character falls in love with someone who sees beyond their appearance.

Amnesia Romance - a character loses their memory and falls in love with someone who helps them regain it.

Opposites Attract - two characters who are very different fall in love, creating a dynamic of contrast.

Office Romance - two characters fall in love in the context of a workplace or office setting.

Vacation Romance - two characters fall in love while on vacation, creating a dynamic of escape and adventure.

Royalty Romance - a character falls in love with someone from a royal or aristocratic family, creating a conflict between love and social status.

Mystery

Whodunit - the main focus of the story is to discover who committed a crime.

Detective Protagonist - a detective or investigator is the main character, who solves the mystery.

Amateur Sleuth - a non-professional character who is drawn into the mystery and works to solve it.

Closed Circle - a group of people is trapped in a confined space with a murderer, forcing them to solve the mystery before they become the next victim.

Cozy Mystery - a lighthearted and humorous mystery featuring an amateur sleuth in a small town setting.

Police Procedural - a detailed look at the inner workings of a police investigation, from collecting evidence to solving the crime.

Locked Room Mystery - a murder occurs in a room that appears to be locked from the inside, leaving investigators to solve how the killer could have escaped.

Serial Killer - a story centered around a killer who has committed multiple murders and is being pursued by law enforcement.

Noir - a dark and gritty mystery with a bleak outlook, often featuring an anti-hero protagonist.

Hard-boiled - similar to noir, featuring a tough, cynical protagonist who operates outside the law to solve the mystery.

Amateur Detective Team - a group of amateur sleuths work together to solve the mystery.

Red Herring - a misleading clue or character that is intended to distract the reader and throw them off the scent of the real culprit.

Femme Fatale - a mysterious and seductive woman who often plays a central role in the mystery.

Plant - a seemingly innocuous detail or character that is later revealed to be a crucial piece of evidence.

MacGuffin - an object or concept that drives the plot, but ultimately has little importance in the resolution of the mystery.

Culprit POV - the story is told from the perspective of the killer or the criminal, creating a unique twist on the traditional mystery formula.

Protagonist Framed - the main character is framed for a crime they did not commit, forcing them to clear their name and solve the mystery.

Covert Ops - a mystery that involves espionage or intelligence gathering.

Unreliable Narrator - the story is told from the perspective of a character who may not be telling the truth, creating uncertainty and confusion for the reader.

Supernatural Mystery - a mystery that involves supernatural or paranormal elements, such as ghosts, werewolves, or vampires.

Science Fiction

Space Opera - a story that takes place in a vast and complex universe with epic battles and larger-than-life characters.

Time Travel - the ability to travel through time, either to the past or the future.

Alien Invasion - a story that revolves around an extraterrestrial invasion of Earth.

Post-Apocalyptic - a story that takes place after a catastrophic event has destroyed civilization as we know it.

Cyberpunk - a subgenre of science fiction that features a dystopian future where advanced technology has led to a breakdown of society.

Artificial Intelligence - the creation of intelligent machines that can think and reason like humans.

Colonization - a story that explores the colonization of a new planet or the colonization of Earth by extraterrestrial beings.

Galactic Empire - a vast empire that spans across multiple planets and galaxies.

Genetic Engineering - the modification of DNA to create new forms of life or enhance existing ones.

Interstellar Travel - the ability to travel between star systems and explore the vastness of space.

Parallel Universes - the concept of multiple universes or realities existing simultaneously.

Cybernetics - the integration of machines and technology with the human body to enhance abilities or extend lifespan.

Post-Human - the evolution of humanity beyond its current form, either through technology or genetic modification.

Utopia/Dystopia - a society that is either a perfect utopia or a nightmarish dystopia.

Transhumanism - the belief in the ability of humans to evolve beyond their biological limitations.

Hard Science Fiction - a subgenre of science fiction that focuses on the scientific accuracy and realism of the story.

Soft Science Fiction - a subgenre of science fiction that focuses on the social, cultural, and philosophical aspects of the story.

Space Western - a story that combines elements of science fiction with the themes and tropes of a Western.

First Contact - a story that explores the initial meeting between humans and an extraterrestrial species.

Singularity - the point at which artificial intelligence becomes more advanced than human intelligence, leading to a transformation of society.

Fantasy

Epic Quest - a story that revolves around a hero or group of heroes on a perilous journey to achieve a great goal.

Magic - the use of supernatural forces to achieve extraordinary feats or solve problems.

Swords and Sorcery - a subgenre of fantasy that features action-packed adventures with battles and magic.

High Fantasy - a subgenre of fantasy that takes place in an alternate world with its own history, culture, and mythology.

Dark Fantasy - a subgenre of fantasy that incorporates horror elements and a darker tone.

Prophecy - a prediction or foretelling of future events that drives the plot.

Chosen One - a hero or heroine with a special destiny or purpose.

Magical Creatures - the inclusion of fantastical creatures such as dragons, unicorns, or griffins.

Medieval Setting - a story that takes place in a time period similar to the Middle Ages, with knights, castles, and kings.

Fairy Tales - the retelling or reimagining of classic fairy tales such as Cinderella, Snow White, or Beauty and the Beast.

Parallel Worlds - the concept of multiple worlds or dimensions existing simultaneously.

Coming-of-Age - a story that focuses on a character's growth and development as they transition from childhood to adulthood.

Hero's Journey - a story structure that follows a hero or heroine through a series of trials and challenges.

Mythology - the inclusion of gods and goddesses, myths, and legends from various cultures.

Quest Objects - a magical or mythical object that serves as the goal of the hero's journey.

Underworld - a mysterious and often dangerous realm that exists beneath the surface of the world.

Romance - a romantic subplot or love interest that drives the plot.

Time Travel - the ability to travel through time, either to the past or the future.

Folklore - the inclusion of traditional stories, beliefs, and customs of a particular culture.

Elemental Magic - the use of magic that is connected to the elements such as fire, water, earth, or air.

Historical Fiction

Time Period - a story that takes place in a specific historical time period, such as the Middle Ages, Renaissance, or Victorian era.

Historical Figures - the inclusion of real-life historical figures, such as kings, queens, politicians, or artists, as characters in the story.

Political Intrigue - a plot that involves political maneuvering, conspiracy, and power struggles.

War and Conflict - a story that focuses on a historical war or conflict and its impact on individuals or society.

Romance - a romantic subplot or love interest that is set against the backdrop of a historical event or time period.

Social Commentary - a story that explores social issues and injustices of a specific historical time period, such as class, gender, or race.

Court Intrigue - a plot that takes place in a royal court, with its politics, gossip, and drama.

Historical Mystery - a mystery story that takes place in a specific historical time period, often featuring real-life historical events or figures.

Historical Adventure - an adventure story that takes place in a specific historical time period, often featuring exploration, discovery, and danger.

Family Saga - a multi-generational story that spans a significant period of time and follows a family's history and relationships.

Historical Biographical Fiction - a fictionalized account of a real-life historical figure's life and experiences.

Secret Societies - a plot that involves secret organizations or societies, often with historical significance.

Historical Romance - a romantic story set in a specific historical time period, often with themes of social class, duty, and tradition.

Historical Fantasy - a blend of historical fiction and fantasy elements, such as magic, mythical creatures, or alternative history.

Historical Horror - a blend of historical fiction and horror elements, often exploring the darker aspects of a specific historical time period.

Time Travel - the ability to travel through time to experience different historical time periods.

Historical Crime - a crime story that takes place in a specific historical time period, often featuring real-life historical crimes or criminals.

Historical Epic - a grand, sweeping story that covers a significant period of time and multiple characters.

Historical Drama - a dramatic story that takes place in a specific historical time period, often featuring conflict, struggle, and personal growth.

Historical Fictionalization - a fictional story that takes place in a specific historical time period, often featuring real-life historical events or figures.

Thriller

High Stakes - a story where the protagonist is facing extreme danger or risk to their life or the lives of others.

Psychological Thriller - a story that focuses on the psychological and emotional state of the characters, often involving mind games and manipulation.

Serial Killer - a plot that involves a murderer who kills multiple victims over a period of time, often with a specific motive or pattern.

Conspiracy - a plot that involves a secret organization or group that is working against the protagonist and their goals.

Race Against Time - a story where the protagonist has a limited amount of time to achieve their goal before a catastrophic event occurs.

Action-Packed - a story with plenty of fast-paced action scenes, often featuring chases, fights, and explosions.

Law Enforcement - a plot that involves law enforcement agencies or officers investigating a crime or trying to stop a criminal.

Revenge - a plot that involves a character seeking revenge against those who have wronged them or their loved ones.

International Intrigue - a story that takes place across multiple countries and involves espionage, international conflicts, or political intrigue.

Kidnapping - a plot that involves the abduction of a character or characters, often for ransom or other nefarious purposes.

Spy Thriller - a story that features a spy or secret agent working to stop a dangerous threat to national security.

Cat-and-Mouse - a plot that involves a game of cat-and-mouse between the protagonist and their enemy, often with each trying to outsmart the other.

Betrayal - a plot that involves a character being betrayed by someone they thought they could trust.

Technological Threat - a story that involves a dangerous technological threat, such as a computer virus or rogue AI.

Locked Room Mystery - a mystery where the crime or danger takes place in a confined space, such as a locked room or an isolated location.

Political Thriller - a story that involves political power struggles, corruption, or conspiracies.

Survival - a story where the protagonist is fighting for survival in a dangerous or hostile environment.

Medical Thriller - a story that involves a medical mystery, such as a virus or disease outbreak, or a medical conspiracy.

Heist - a plot that involves a group of characters planning and executing a high-stakes theft or robbery.

Paranormal Thriller - a story that involves paranormal or supernatural elements, such as ghosts or psychic abilities, in a thriller setting.

Horror

Haunted House - a story that takes place in a house or building that is haunted by ghosts or other supernatural entities.

Supernatural Forces - a plot that involves supernatural entities or forces, such as demons, witches, or monsters.

Psychological Horror - a story that focuses on the mental and emotional state of the characters, often involving fears, phobias, or psychological trauma.

Body Horror - a plot that involves grotesque or horrifying physical transformations or deformities, often caused by disease or experimentation.

Gore - a story that involves graphic and bloody violence, often featuring mutilation or dismemberment.

Slasher - a plot that involves a killer who stalks and murders their victims, often with a signature weapon or method.

Survival Horror - a story where the characters are fighting for survival against a threat that is overwhelming and seemingly unstoppable.

Found Footage - a plot that involves footage or recordings of an event or situation, often presented as a documentary or amateur recording.

Creepy Children - a plot that involves creepy or malevolent children, often with supernatural abilities or knowledge.

Possession - a plot that involves a character being possessed by a demon or other supernatural entity.

Monster - a plot that involves a monstrous creature, often with a unique or terrifying design.

Ghost Story - a plot that involves ghosts or spirits, often seeking revenge or trying to communicate with the living.

Curses - a plot that involves a character or location being cursed, often with a deadly or horrific consequence.

Urban Legend - a plot that involves a well-known urban legend or myth, often with a dark or gruesome twist.

Religious Horror - a story that involves religious or cult themes, often with a sinister or demonic presence.

Vampires - a plot that involves vampires, often with unique or interesting twists on the classic vampire lore.

Demonic Possession - a plot that involves a character being possessed by a demon, often with terrifying consequences.

Body Snatchers - a plot that involves aliens or other entities that take over human bodies, often with the goal of domination or destruction.

Cult Horror - a story that involves a cult or secret society, often with dark or violent rituals.

Cosmic Horror - a story that involves vast, unknowable entities or forces that are beyond human comprehension.

Young Adult (YA)

Coming of age - a plot that focuses on a character's journey from adolescence to adulthood, often involving self-discovery and personal growth.

Love Triangle - a plot that involves a character choosing between two potential love interests, often causing conflict and tension.

High School Drama - a story that takes place in a high school setting, often involving cliques, popularity contests, and social hierarchies.

Dystopian - a plot that takes place in a futuristic or alternate world where society has become corrupted or oppressive.

Superpowers - a plot that involves characters with supernatural abilities, often exploring themes of responsibility and identity.

Forbidden Romance - a plot that involves characters who are not allowed to be together due to social, cultural, or familial reasons.

Identity Crisis - a plot that involves a character questioning their identity, often exploring themes of race, gender, or sexuality.

Fish out of Water - a plot that involves a character being placed in a new and unfamiliar environment, often leading to culture shock and personal growth.

Rebellion - a plot that involves characters fighting against authority or oppressive forces, often with themes of social justice and empowerment.

Time Travel - a plot that involves characters traveling through time, often exploring themes of consequences and destiny.

Survival - a plot that involves characters fighting for survival in a hostile environment or situation.

Fantasy - a plot that takes place in a fantastical world, often involving mythical creatures and magical powers.

Mystery - a plot that involves a character solving a puzzle or unraveling a mystery, often with a twist ending.

Apocalyptic - a plot that involves characters trying to survive in a world that has been destroyed by a catastrophic event, often exploring themes of hope and resilience.

Boarding School - a story that takes place in a boarding school setting, often involving themes of independence and friendship.

Road Trip - a plot that involves characters going on a journey, often exploring themes of self-discovery and adventure.

Sports - a story that involves characters participating in a sports team or competition, often exploring themes of teamwork and perseverance.

Rich vs. Poor - a plot that involves characters from different socioeconomic backgrounds, often exploring themes of inequality and privilege.

Friendship - a plot that explores the relationships and bonds between characters, often with themes of loyalty and trust.

Teenage Rebellion - a plot that involves characters rebelling against their parents or society, often exploring themes of independence and self-expression.

Literary Fiction

Character study - a plot that focuses on the inner workings of a character's psyche and emotions.

Family drama - a story that involves familial relationships, often exploring themes of love, loss, and identity.

Coming of age - a plot that focuses on a character's journey from adolescence to adulthood, often involving self-discovery and personal growth.

Memory and nostalgia - a plot that explores the past and memories, often with themes of loss, regret, and longing.

Art and creativity - a plot that explores the creative process and the artist's relationship with their art, often with themes of inspiration and obsession.

Existentialism - a plot that explores the meaning of life and existence, often with themes of identity and purpose.

Love and relationships - a plot that explores the complexities of romantic relationships and the human condition.

Social commentary - a plot that uses characters and their stories to comment on societal issues and concerns.

Loss and grief - a plot that explores the themes of loss and grief, often with themes of redemption and acceptance.

Mental health - a plot that explores the struggles and experiences of characters with mental health issues, often with themes of stigma and acceptance.

Nature and environment - a plot that explores the relationship between humans and nature, often with themes of conservation and preservation.

Historical fiction - a plot that takes place in a historical setting, often with themes of nostalgia and nostalgia.

Travel and adventure - a plot that involves characters traveling to new and unfamiliar places, often with themes of self-discovery and adventure.

Mystery - a plot that involves a character solving a puzzle or unraveling a mystery, often with a twist ending.

Philosophy - a plot that explores philosophical concepts and ideas, often with themes of morality and ethics.

Politics and power - a plot that explores the dynamics of power and politics, often with themes of corruption and morality.

Religion and spirituality - a plot that explores the themes of religion and spirituality, often with themes of faith and doubt.

Aging and mortality - a plot that explores the themes of aging and mortality, often with themes of acceptance and legacy.

Experimental fiction - a plot that plays with narrative structure, language, and form, often with themes of innovation and creativity.

Identity and culture - a plot that explores the themes of identity and culture, often with themes of belonging and alienation.

Comedy

Fish out of water - a plot that involves a character being thrust into an unfamiliar or absurd situation.

Screwball comedy - a plot that involves absurd or zany situations, often with fast-paced dialogue and physical humor.

Satire - a plot that uses humor to mock or criticize societal norms or institutions.

Parody - a plot that mimics or exaggerates the tropes and conventions of a particular genre or story.

Romantic comedy - a plot that involves a romantic relationship, often with humorous misunderstandings and obstacles.

Workplace comedy - a plot that takes place in a workplace setting, often with exaggerated or quirky characters and situations.

Farce - a plot that involves chaotic or ridiculous situations, often with mistaken identities and physical humor.

Slapstick - a plot that involves physical humor and exaggerated movements and actions.

Black comedy - a plot that uses humor to address dark or taboo subjects, often with themes of mortality and existentialism.

Situational comedy - a plot that involves humorous situations or misunderstandings.

Spoof - a plot that parodies a particular movie or TV show, often with exaggerated and absurd humor.

Gross-out comedy - a plot that involves bodily humor and gross or taboo subjects.

Buddy comedy - a plot that involves two characters with contrasting personalities who become friends, often with humorous results.

Surreal humor - a plot that involves absurd or dreamlike situations, often with a philosophical or satirical edge.

Comedic irony - a plot that uses irony to create humor, often with unexpected twists and turns.

Stand-up comedy - a plot that involves a comedian's experiences and observations, often with humorous anecdotes and jokes.

Comedic monologue - a plot that involves a character delivering a humorous speech or monologue, often with satire or parody.

Prankster comedy - a plot that involves practical jokes and humor at the expense of others.

Wit and banter - a plot that involves clever and witty dialogue, often with wordplay and sarcasm.

Running gags - a plot that involves recurring jokes or situations, often with escalating humor.

Western

Gunslinger - a plot that involves a skilled shooter or outlaw seeking redemption or justice.

Lawman - a plot that involves a law enforcement officer pursuing criminals and bringing them to justice.

Cattle drive - a plot that involves a group of cowboys driving a herd of cattle across long distances.

Revenge - a plot that involves a character seeking revenge against those who wronged them or their family.

Outlaw with a heart of gold - a plot that involves an outlaw with a moral code who takes on a noble cause.

Homesteader - a plot that involves a character settling and cultivating land in the frontier.

Duel - a plot that involves a one-on-one confrontation between two characters, often with guns or knives.

Train robbery - a plot that involves a group of bandits robbing a train of its cargo or passengers.

Gold rush - a plot that involves characters seeking wealth and fortune in the frontier, often through mining.

Indian wars - a plot that involves conflict between settlers and Native Americans, often with themes of racism and colonialism.

Saloon - a plot that involves characters gathering in a western-style bar, often with gambling and drinking.

Bounty hunter - a plot that involves a character pursuing and capturing fugitives for a reward.

Stagecoach - a plot that involves a group of characters traveling by stagecoach, often with danger and excitement along the way.

Showdown - a plot that involves a final confrontation between the hero and villain, often with high stakes.

Frontier justice - a plot that involves characters taking the law into their own hands, often with themes of vigilante justice.

Lone wanderer - a plot that involves a character traveling alone through the frontier, often with themes of isolation and survival.

Land conflict - a plot that involves characters fighting for ownership or control of land in the frontier.

Old west town - a plot that involves a character navigating life in a wild and lawless western town.

Rancher - a plot that involves a character managing a large ranch, often with themes of family and legacy.

Horseback chase - a plot that involves a chase scene on horseback, often with themes of pursuit and escape.

Dystopian.

Totalitarian government - a plot that involves a government or ruling power that has complete control over society and its citizens.

Oppressive society - a plot that involves a society that enforces strict rules and regulations on its citizens, often with extreme punishments for disobedience.

Rebel uprising - a plot that involves a group of rebels or revolutionaries who rise up against the ruling power.

Propaganda - a plot that involves the use of media and messaging to manipulate and control the population.

Social hierarchy - a plot that involves a society divided into social classes or castes, often with those at the bottom suffering the most.

Surveillance state - a plot that involves constant surveillance and monitoring of citizens by the ruling power.

Lack of personal freedom - a plot that involves citizens having limited or no personal freedoms, often with restrictions on speech, movement, and expression.

Environmental disaster - a plot that involves a society struggling to survive in the aftermath of an environmental catastrophe.

Post-apocalyptic world - a plot that involves a society trying to survive after a global disaster, such as a nuclear war or pandemic.

Dystopian love story - a plot that involves a romance set in a dystopian world, often with themes of forbidden love and societal restrictions.

Totalitarian leader - a plot that involves a single leader who holds absolute power over society.

Brainwashing - a plot that involves the use of psychological manipulation to control the population.

Genetic engineering - a plot that involves the manipulation of genetics and biology to create a new type of human or animal.

Rebellion leader - a plot that involves a charismatic leader who inspires and leads the rebellion against the ruling power.

Resistance movement - a plot that involves a group of individuals fighting against the ruling power, often through acts of sabotage and rebellion.

Corrupt government - a plot that involves a government that is corrupt and self-serving, often at the expense of the citizens.

Apocalyptic event - a plot that involves a catastrophic event that threatens the survival of humanity.

Oppressive technology - a plot that involves the use of advanced technology to control and manipulate citizens.

Civil war - a plot that involves a society torn apart by a conflict between factions or groups.

Protagonist as symbol of hope - a plot that involves a protagonist who becomes a symbol of hope for the oppressed and downtrodden citizens.

While I've only listed 20 common tropes found in these genres, there are actually many more out there waiting for you to discover! A quick Google search can help you track down all sorts of interesting and unique tropes to use in your writing.

Target Audience

It's important to understand who your book's target audience is, as it allows you to write a book that connects with them on a deeper level. Your target audience is the group of people who are most likely to enjoy your book, find it valuable, and recommend it to others. By writing with your target audience in mind, you can ensure that your book is relevant to their interests, speaks to their needs, and is more likely to be successful. After all, when you connect with your readers, you create a powerful bond that can make them lifelong fans of your work.

If you've already decided on your genres, sub-genres, and tropes, finding your target audience is a breeze. All you have to do is a quick Google search and voila! However, to help you out, I can provide you with some general information on target audiences. Do keep in mind that this information is not set in stone, as everyone's interests differ. For instance, plenty women enjoy thrillers, action stories, or horror. Nonetheless, this outline can serve as a starting point for your research.

Young Adult:

Genres: Fantasy, dystopian, contemporary, romance

Tropes: Coming-of-age, love triangles, chosen one, forbidden love, adventure

Themes: Identity, self-discovery, social justice, belonging, family, friendship, first love, mental health

Needs: Relatable characters, emotional resonance, accessible language, diverse representation, empowerment

Adult:

Genres: Mystery, thriller, romance, historical fiction, literary fiction

Tropes: Second chance at love, redemption, suspense, revenge, secrets and lies, unreliable narrators, twists and turns, complex relationships

Themes: Love and relationships, societal issues, personal growth, identity, history, culture, family dynamics, Love and loss

Needs: Engaging plot, well-developed characters, nuanced themes, evocative language, diverse representation

Middle-grade:

Genres: Adventure, fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction, humor, contemporary

Tropes: Overcoming obstacles, friendship, finding one's place, underdogs, magic

Themes: Family, friendship, self-discovery, perseverance, identity, problem-solving, Self-acceptance, courage, teamwork

Needs: Engaging plot, relatable characters, age-appropriate language, adventure and humor, positive messaging

Children:

Genres: Picture books, early readers, chapter books

Tropes: Animals as main characters, imaginative worlds, humor, adventure, family relationships, lessons learned

Themes: Family, friendship, growing up, learning new things, self-expression, empathy, problem-solving, diversity, kindness

Needs: Simple language, colorful illustrations, engaging storytelling, relatable characters, age-appropriate messaging

Women:

Genres: Romance, mystery, historical fiction, women's fiction, contemporary fiction, literary fiction

Tropes: Second chance at love, forbidden love, strong female lead, enemies-to-lovers, happily-ever-after, family secrets

Themes: Love and relationships, family, personal growth, empowerment, sisterhood, identity

Needs: Emotional resonance, well-rounded characters, diverse representation, nuanced themes, satisfying endings

Men:

Genres: Thriller, science fiction, fantasy, action/adventure, historical fiction

Tropes: Action-packed, gritty, hero's journey, good vs. evil, moral dilemmas, Tough-guy heroes, high stakes, intricate plots, historical accuracy

Themes: Honor, justice, redemption, brotherhood, duty, perseverance

Needs: Engaging plot, well-researched historical details, realistic action, diverse representation, nuanced themes

LGBTQ+:

Genres: LGBTQ+ romance, coming-of-age, drama, contemporary fiction, young adult, literary fiction, speculative fiction

Tropes: Coming out, forbidden love, self-acceptance, exploring sexuality, found family, overcoming prejudice, love conquers all

Themes: Identity, discrimination, love and relationships, acceptance, self-discovery, community

Needs: Authentic representation, diverse characters and experiences, nuanced portrayal of LGBTQ+ issues, positive messaging, happy endings

Seniors:

Genres: Historical fiction, literary fiction, memoir, mystery, romance

Tropes: Second chance at love, reflection on past mistakes, family drama, secrets and lies

Themes: Aging, family, legacy, life lessons, reflection, personal growth.

Needs: Thoughtful themes, well-rounded characters, evocative language, diverse representation, positive messaging

Note: "Nuanced" means that something is complex and has many different parts or aspects that make it unique. It's not just one simple thing, but has layers and details that make it more interesting and complicated. For example, a nuanced character in a book might have both good and bad qualities, and their personality and behavior might change depending on the situation they're in.

Here are some example's of nuanced themes:

Love and loss: exploring the complex emotions surrounding love and loss, such as grief, regret, and nostalgia.

Identity and belonging: examining the struggle to find one's place in the world and how our sense of self is shaped by our experiences and relationships.

Power and corruption: exploring the abuse of power and how it can corrupt individuals and institutions.

Morality and ethics: examining the gray areas of morality and the difficult choices we face when navigating right and wrong.

Mental health: exploring the complexities of mental health and how it impacts individuals and their relationships.

Social justice: examining issues of inequality, discrimination, and systemic oppression, and the need for change.

Cultural differences: exploring the nuances of different cultures and the challenges and benefits of navigating those differences.

Nature and the environment: examining the relationship between humans and nature, and the impact of human behavior on the environment.

Family and relationships: exploring the complexities of family dynamics and relationships, including love, loyalty, and betrayal.

Aging and mortality: examining the process of aging and the impact of mortality on individuals and their loved ones.

Starting to plot your novel is an exciting step, and choosing your genre, trope, and target audience are vital for laying the groundwork of your story. But it's important not to overlook other essential elements that can elevate your story to the next level. For example, have you thought about how you want your readers to feel when they read your book, or what you want them to learn? These questions can help you create a more impactful and meaningful story that resonates with your readers.

As an author, you likely have a specific purpose in mind when crafting your story. Whether you aim to entertain, convey a message, or educate your readers, it's important to consider the intended impact on your audience. To achieve your creative goals, you'll need to pay attention to key elements like plot, characters, setting, and themes, and ensure they work cohesively to create an engaging and immersive experience.

For readers, understanding the author's intent can enhance their appreciation of the story and lead to a more fulfilling reading experience. By recognizing the impact and meaning behind the words on the page, you can fully immerse yourself in the story and gain a deeper understanding of the author's message. So whether you're a writer or a reader, don't forget to consider the impact of your words and how they can connect with your audience.

Authors can convey various messages, lessons, and ideas through fictional writing. Here are a few examples:

Moral lessons: Fictional stories often have a moral lesson or message that the author wants to convey to the reader. The story may illustrate the consequences of certain actions or behaviors, and the characters may learn a valuable lesson by the end of the story.

Social commentary: Fictional stories can also be used to comment on social issues such as inequality, discrimination, or injustice. By using characters and situations that are relatable to readers, authors can help readers better understand and empathize with these issues.

Emotional connections: Through fictional writing, authors can help readers connect emotionally with the characters and situations in the story. This can help readers develop greater empathy and understanding of others in real life.

Imagination and creativity: Fictional writing can inspire readers to use their imagination and think creatively. Through vivid descriptions and imaginative storytelling, authors can transport readers to new and exciting worlds.

Personal growth: Fictional writing can also help readers learn more about themselves and their own values and beliefs. By exploring different characters and situations, readers can gain new perspectives and insights that can help them grow and develop as individuals.

I understand that all of this might sound a bit overwhelming and challenging, but please don't worry! If you're writing solely for the purpose of entertaining your readers and don't have any specific message to convey, you can simply skip this part when creating your novel outline. Don't feel obligated to include elements that you're not comfortable with, and focus on creating a story that you enjoy telling.

By the way, I'd like to share with you some examples of popular stories and their authors that effectively convey certain messages or teach valuable lessons through their fictional writing:

"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee - This story teaches the importance of empathy, justice, and standing up for what is right.

"1984" by George Orwell - This dystopian novel warns about the dangers of totalitarianism and the importance of preserving individual freedom.

"The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood - This dystopian novel warns about the dangers of patriarchal oppression and the importance of women's rights.

"The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien - This epic fantasy novel teaches the importance of courage, loyalty, and sacrifice in the face of great evil.

"The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald - This story critiques the superficiality and moral decay of the wealthy during the Roaring Twenties.

"Animal Farm" by George Orwell - This allegorical novel satirizes the rise of Soviet communism and warns about the dangers of political corruption and propaganda.

"Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley - This dystopian novel warns about the dangers of technological advancement and the dehumanization of society.

"The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger - This story explores the themes of alienation, identity, and the struggle to find meaning in a world that can often seem cold and indifferent.

"The Color Purple" by Alice Walker - This story explores themes of race, gender, and the struggle for personal autonomy and self-determination in a society that seeks to deny these things.

"The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins - This dystopian novel critiques the excesses of consumer culture and warns about the dangers of totalitarianism and oppression.

Plot

Great job! We've completed the first part of outlining a basic novel. Now, let's move on to plotting. But wait a minute! Before you start plotting, there's some information we need first - your intended word count. This may sound like a small detail, but it's actually quite important. Knowing the total word count of your story can affect many things. For instance, publishers often have guidelines for the length of novels they will accept, so if your manuscript is too long or too short, it may be rejected. Additionally, readers may have certain expectations for the length of a novel in a specific genre, and if your book is significantly shorter or longer than expected, it may not be well-received. Lastly, the word count can influence the pacing and structure of your novel, with longer novels potentially allowing for more complex plot and character development, but requiring more attention to pacing and structure to avoid losing the reader's interest.

You might be thinking, "Hey, Taytjie, what if I want to post a web novel with over 1000 chapters? Do I have to plot everything in advance?" Well, my answer is no! However, I do recommend thinking of a web novel as a series of books, each with its own volume, rather than a single, massive work. So when plotting your web novel, it's best to approach each volume individually. This will make it easier to organize your ideas and create a cohesive story that engages your readers. Each 'Arc' of your web novel can be an individual volume of around 10 to 30 chapters or more, it's up to your preference.

Let me offer you a general guideline for word counts, but keep in mind that variations may exist based on factors such as sub-genre, target audience, and publishing goals. If traditional publishing is what you're aiming for, then different publishers may have different expectations. However, it's worth noting that while you don't have to stick to these word counts, readers typically expect them in the genres I've discussed in this post. Ultimately, what matters most is that your story is engaging and well-crafted, and if you achieve that, your readers will be hooked no matter the word count.

Romance: 50,000 to 90,000 words

Mystery: 70,000 to 100,000 words

Science fiction: 80,000 to 120,000 words

Fantasy: 80,000 to 120,000 words

Historical fiction: 80,000 to 120,000 words

Thriller: 80,000 to 100,000 words

Horror: 70,000 to 100,000 words

Young adult: 50,000 to 80,000 words

Literary fiction: 80,000 to 120,000 words

Comedy: 70,000 to 100,000 words

Western: 50,000 to 80,000 words

Dystopian: 80,000 to 120,000 words

You might be wondering why we're discussing word count under the 'plot' section instead of the 'book information' section. Well, it's because knowing your intended word count will help you figure out how many chapters your story will have. This, in turn, will affect your plot, as it gives you an idea of how much time you have to tell your story and how much you'll need to stretch it out.

Now it's time to decide on the number of chapters and the length of each chapter for your novel. To determine the chapter length, think about how many words you want to include in each chapter and use that to calculate the total number of chapters required to reach your desired word count for the whole story.

After figuring out the number of chapters, it's time to work on the plot. Don't worry, it doesn't have to be a lengthy essay, just a brief two-sentence summary will do. The main thing is to have a clear idea of what your story will be about.

Here's an example:

In a world of magic and intrigue, a young wizard falls in love with a powerful sorceress from a rival clan. Together, they must navigate the dangerous politics of their respective societies while discovering the true depth of their feelings for each other.

Alright, great job so far! Now let's dig a little deeper and focus on the beginning, middle, and end of your story. What's going to happen at the start to draw your readers in? What twists and turns will take place in the middle? And finally, how do you want it all to wrap up in the end?

Start: The story begins in a magical world filled with warring clans and powerful sorcerers. Our protagonist, a young wizard, is training at the academy of his clan when he meets a beautiful sorceress from a rival clan. Despite the tensions between their clans, they are drawn to each other and begin to secretly meet.

Middle: As their relationship deepens, our young couple finds themselves caught up in the dangerous politics of their respective societies. They struggle to keep their love a secret, while also trying to navigate the treacherous waters of their clans' rivalries. Along the way, they uncover a plot by a dark force that threatens both their clans and must work together to stop it.

End: In the climax of the story, our young wizard and sorceress face their greatest challenge yet. They must put aside their differences and unite their clans to defeat the dark force that threatens them all. Through their bravery and dedication, they prove that love can conquer even the most formidable foes. In the end, our young couple is able to come together openly and publicly, ushering in a new era of peace and prosperity for their people.

Congratulations, we've made progress! Now it's time to take our plot and start breaking it down into individual chapters. Think about the key events that need to happen in each chapter to move the story forward and write them down.

Chapter 1: Our young wizard protagonist meets the powerful sorceress from a rival clan and is immediately drawn to her.

Chapter 2: Our couple shares their first magical moment together, but the looming threat of their clans' rivalry casts a shadow over their happiness.

Chapter 3: Our wizard protagonist confides in his best friend about his feelings for the sorceress, but is warned about the dangers of falling in love with someone from a rival clan.

Chapter 4: The sorceress reveals that she feels the same way, and the couple begins to meet in secret.

Chapter 5: The first major conflict arises when our wizard protagonist's clan discovers his relationship with the sorceress and forbids him from seeing her.

Chapter 6: The sorceress' clan also discovers their relationship and the two clans begin to escalate their hostility towards each other.

Chapter 7: The couple's secret meetings become riskier as they try to find a way to be together without causing a war between their clans.

Chapter 8: A powerful sorcerer from our wizard protagonist's clan threatens the couple and warns them to end their relationship.

Chapter 9: Our protagonist turns to an older, wiser wizard for advice on how to navigate the dangerous politics of their clans.

Chapter 10: Our couple is caught in a dangerous ambush by members of the sorceress' clan who disapprove of their relationship.

Chapter 11: The sorceress' clan accuses our wizard protagonist of using dark magic to seduce her and threatens to retaliate.

Chapter 12: The couple decides to seek refuge in a neutral territory and try to find a way to resolve the conflict peacefully.

Chapter 13: Our protagonist discovers a sinister plot by a dark force that threatens both clans and realizes that they must work together to stop it.

Chapter 14: The couple's efforts to bring their clans together are met with resistance and suspicion from both sides.

Chapter 15: Our wizard protagonist and the sorceress embark on a dangerous mission to uncover the dark force's plans.

Chapter 16: The couple faces their greatest challenge yet as they confront the dark force and its powerful minions.

Chapter 17: Our couple must fight for their lives as they face overwhelming odds, but their love gives them the strength to prevail.

Chapter 18: The couple is hailed as heroes for saving their clans from the dark force, but their victory comes at a great cost.

Chapter 19: Our couple is finally able to publicly declare their love for each other, and their clans agree to a truce.

Chapter 20: The novel ends with our couple looking forward to a future together, as they embark on a new journey filled with hope and promise.

Great job! Now, for the final step: take each chapter and create a bullet-pointed outline of what you want to happen in it. This will help make your life easier when you begin writing the actual story because you'll already know what you need to write, and you just need to turn it into beautiful prose. But, Yes there is a but, If you just like to let the creative juices flow and don't want to write so rigidly, like I do, skip it. I personally just write the one or two sentences for my chapter when I build an outline, and then I just go for it.

Chapter One: A Meeting of Hearts

The chapter opens with our young wizard protagonist, whose name is Aaron, attending his morning training session at the wizard academy. During a break, Aaron wanders off into the forest for some quiet reflection and stumbles upon a clearing filled with glowing mushrooms. As he investigates the mushrooms, Aaron is startled by a rustling in the nearby bushes and turns to see a young woman emerge. The young woman introduces herself as Lyra, a powerful sorceress from a rival clan. Despite the tensions between their clans, Aaron and Lyra are immediately drawn to each other and begin to chat. Aaron discovers that Lyra is at the academy to research a powerful spell that could help her clan in their ongoing conflict with Aaron's clan. Aaron offers to help Lyra with her research, and they agree to meet secretly to work on the spell together. As Aaron leaves the clearing, he realizes that he is falling for Lyra and wonders how he will be able to reconcile his feelings with his loyalty to his clan. The chapter ends with Aaron returning to the academy, his thoughts consumed by thoughts of Lyra and the dangerous path they are embarking on.

By the way, in case you were wondering, the story we've been working on is a fantasy romance. Once you've completed outlining each chapter, congratulations, you've successfully outlined your novel! Now, let's move on to the next step: creating characters. You might be wondering why I saved this for after the plot section instead of before, but everyone has their own approach. Personally, I like to create my characters as I'm outlining my novel and really flesh them out while writing my first draft. Then, I use my second draft to make sure that the characters remain consistent throughout the book.

Characters

We've made it to the last section of our basic outline! As a writer, I prefer to develop my characters alongside my plot rather than before it. I start with some basic character details and adjust them as needed to fit the story. Sometimes, characters I initially thought were essential end up being cut, while others I created on a whim end up becoming integral to the plot. For example, in my current work in progress, I created a childhood friend of the main character on a whim, but he ended up becoming an antagonist who will go through a redemption arc and a friends-to-enemies-to-friends trope.

When it comes to creating your characters, there are some essential details you'll want to have nailed down. But don't worry, it's not necessary to have everything figured out until you finish your first draft. Just make sure you have all the important information for your main characters sorted out by the time you start working on your second draft. It's crucial to make sure your characters remain consistent throughout the story and that their actions and thoughts align with their established traits. After all, you don't want to project your own desires onto them - that's not good writing.

When it comes to creating your characters, there are some basic details you'll want to include, like their name and a brief history that matches their personality. For example, it might not make sense for a character with a tragic past to be overly optimistic and carefree all the time, not unless they're pretending.

List a few key traits that define your character's personality, such as being gruff yet secretly caring or sarcastic and cold. You don't need to create a whole resume, just a few words will do. As you write, you might find yourself adding more details to your character's personality, habits, or preferences, so make sure to jot them down.

Another important aspect is their appearance. Decide on this early on and make sure to note it down. You don't want to have to search through all your chapters to remember what your own character looks like! These are the basics, but there are three more things I want to mention that can help flesh out your character even more.

Outer conflict

Outer conflict is basically the challenges and hurdles that a character faces in their environment. It plays a significant role in the story as it generates suspense and propels the plot forward. The external obstacles that a character can encounter are diverse and varied, like dealing with natural disasters, social norms, cultural differences, achieving goals, or fighting against an adversary.

Moreover, the outer conflict can help to shape a character's personality and traits. As the character copes with and conquers obstacles, readers get to know their strengths, weaknesses, and motivations. This allows readers to form a deeper connection with the character and become more invested in their journey.

Furthermore, external conflicts can also symbolize inner turmoil. The external obstacles that a character faces can be a representation of the internal struggles they are going through, like battling fears or doubts. This creates a powerful emotional impact on readers and helps to convey crucial themes and messages.

Here are twenty examples of outer conflict:

A character struggling to survive in a post-apocalyptic world.

A character facing a physical illness or disability that limits their abilities.

A character fighting for justice against a corrupt system or organization.

A character facing discrimination or prejudice based on their race, gender, or other identity.

A character trying to escape a dangerous situation or person.

A character facing environmental or natural disasters.

A character navigating a war or political conflict.

A character struggling with addiction or substance abuse.

A character facing financial ruin or bankruptcy.

A character dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic event.

A character struggling to balance their personal and professional lives.

A character facing a difficult decision that could have major consequences.

A character in a survival situation in the wilderness or at sea.

A character trying to break free from a toxic relationship.

A character dealing with the consequences of a mistake or poor decision.

A character facing a physical or mental challenge or disability.

A character struggling to protect their family or loved ones from harm.

A character trying to survive in a hostile or unfamiliar environment.

A character dealing with the loss of a loved one or grieving.

A character facing betrayal or deception from someone they trust.

Inner Conflict

Inner conflict is a crucial element of a story that delves into the psychological and emotional struggles that a character experiences. It's the battle between their desires and their values, their fears and aspirations, or what they want versus what they know is right. This struggle is what creates tension, complexity, and depth in a character, making them more relatable and interesting to readers. By exploring the character's inner conflict, readers gain insights into their motives, thoughts, and emotions, allowing for character development and growth.

Take J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye" for instance, where Holden Caulfield grapples with an inner conflict of wanting to preserve the innocence of childhood and yet desiring to mature and grow up. This conflict leads to his erratic behavior and search for meaning and purpose.

Similarly, in F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby," Jay Gatsby faces an inner conflict of wanting to win back his lost love, Daisy, while also grappling with the fact that she is married to someone else. This inner conflict ultimately leads to his downfall and tragic end.

As demonstrated in these examples, inner conflict drives the plot, develops characters, and adds depth to their motivations and struggles.

Here are 20 examples of inner conflict:

Fear of failure

Insecurity

Lack of self-confidence

Difficulty making decisions

Guilt over past actions

Jealousy or envy

Grief over loss or trauma

Difficulty with vulnerability or trust

Struggle with addiction or temptation

Confusion over personal identity or purpose

Struggle with one's own morality or ethics

Difficulty with forgiveness or letting go

Shame over past actions or experiences

Struggle with self-acceptance or self-love

Difficulty with emotional intimacy or connection

Conflict with personal beliefs or values

Struggle with one's own mortality or purpose in life

Difficulty with facing the truth or reality of a situation

Struggle with balancing personal desires with the needs of others

Conflict between personal ambition and loyalty to others.

As a writer, it's important to understand how to weave outer and inner conflict together to create a compelling and multidimensional character in your story. Outer conflict provides the external challenges and obstacles that the character must face and overcome, driving the plot forward. On the other hand, inner conflict gives readers a window into the character's thoughts, feelings, and motivations.

The two types of conflict can also inform and influence each other. Inner conflict can affect how a character responds to outer conflict, and vice versa. For instance, if a character is struggling with self-doubt, this may make it harder for them to face a physical challenge presented as an outer conflict. Similarly, if a character is facing an outer conflict like a life-threatening situation, this may trigger an inner conflict related to their deepest fears and desires. The interplay between inner and outer conflict can lead to character growth, as the character learns to face their fears, confront their weaknesses, and achieve their goals.

By using both types of conflict effectively, you can create a character that is not only relatable and interesting, but also one that readers can root for as they navigate the challenges of your story.

Here is a list of 28 ways outer and inner conflict can interplay with each other:

A character with a fear of failure (inner conflict) must overcome obstacles to achieve their goal (outer conflict).

A character struggling with addiction (inner conflict) must face consequences of their behavior that endanger their loved ones (outer conflict).

A character dealing with trust issues (inner conflict) must work with a partner they don't trust (outer conflict).

A character struggling with guilt (inner conflict) must clear their name and prove their innocence (outer conflict).

A character struggling with self-doubt (inner conflict) must take on a leadership role to save their community (outer conflict).

A character who is closed-off emotionally (inner conflict) must learn to trust and open up to their love interest (outer conflict).

A character with a tendency to control others (inner conflict) must learn to work in a team and share responsibility (outer conflict).

A character struggling with their identity (inner conflict) must navigate a world that doesn't accept their identity (outer conflict).

A character dealing with trauma (inner conflict) must confront the source of their trauma to overcome it (outer conflict).

A character struggling with commitment issues (inner conflict) must make a difficult decision that affects their relationship (outer conflict).

A character with a lack of self-worth (inner conflict) must prove to themselves and others that they are capable (outer conflict).

A character struggling with loss (inner conflict) must learn to move on and find purpose in life again (outer conflict).

A character with a need for control (inner conflict) must learn to let go and trust others (outer conflict).

A character dealing with past mistakes (inner conflict) must confront those they have wronged and seek redemption (outer conflict).

A character struggling with their beliefs (inner conflict) must stand up for what they believe in despite opposition (outer conflict).

A character who is closed off from the world (inner conflict) must open up and make new connections to achieve their goal (outer conflict).

A character struggling with a lack of direction (inner conflict) must find purpose in their life and pursue it (outer conflict).

A character with a history of abuse (inner conflict) must confront their abuser to achieve closure (outer conflict).

A character struggling with their sexuality (inner conflict) must come out and face the social consequences of their identity (outer conflict).

A character with a need for revenge (inner conflict) must overcome their desire for revenge to achieve a greater goal (outer conflict).

A character struggling with their family history (inner conflict) must confront the past to move forward (outer conflict).

A character with a fear of the unknown (inner conflict) must step out of their comfort zone to achieve their goal (outer conflict).

A character struggling with their past (inner conflict) must come to terms with it in order to move forward (outer conflict).

A character with a lack of trust in others (inner conflict) must work with a team to achieve their goal (outer conflict).

A character struggling with their identity (inner conflict) must confront the expectations of others to find their true self (outer conflict).

A character with a tendency to self-sabotage (inner conflict) must overcome their negative patterns to achieve success (outer conflict).

A character struggling with mental illness (inner conflict) must overcome the stigma associated with their illness (outer conflict).

A character with a need for control (inner conflict) must learn to accept and adapt to unforeseen circumstances (outer conflict).

Character Growth

As a story progresses, the characters within it can undergo a significant transformation that we refer to as character growth. This growth can manifest itself in various ways, including changes in beliefs, values, behaviors, or relationships.

By portraying a character's growth, a writer can create a sense of depth and nuance that makes them more relatable and interesting to the reader. Furthermore, character growth is instrumental in driving the plot forward, as the changes experienced by the character often create new conflicts and challenges that must be addressed.

Witnessing a character's growth can be satisfying to the reader, providing them with a sense of catharsis as they watch the character overcome their obstacles and achieve their goals.

Character growth is crucial to the success of a story, and as a writer, it's important to ensure that your main characters evolve and change over the course of the narrative. People naturally experience growth and change in real life, whether it's positive or negative, as they navigate through life's challenges. The same principle applies to your characters.

When you're editing your second or third draft, take a close look at your characters and ensure that their development is evident. Keeping your characters stagnant and unchanged throughout the story isn't realistic and can hinder your reader's connection with them. By allowing your characters to evolve, you create a more relatable and believable story, one that resonates with readers and keeps them engaged until the end.

Here are some examples of good character growth in stories:

Katniss Everdeen in "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins learns to trust others and become a leader.

Elizabeth Bennet in "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen learns to let go of her prejudices and pride and become more empathetic towards others.

Harry Potter in "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling learns to face his fears and take responsibility for his actions.

Frodo Baggins in "The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien learns to sacrifice his own desires for the greater good.

Elinor Dashwood in "Sense and Sensibility" by Jane Austen learns to express her emotions and become more open.

Holden Caulfield in "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger learns to let go of his cynicism and find a sense of hope.

Ponyboy Curtis in "The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton learns to appreciate the value of family and friends.

Scout Finch in "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee learns to see the world from other people's perspectives and become more tolerant.

Andy Dufresne in "The Shawshank Redemption" by Stephen King learns to never give up hope and find redemption.

Hester Prynne in "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne learns to stand up for herself and live on her own terms.

Jean Valjean in "Les Misérables" by Victor Hugo learns to find forgiveness and redemption through selflessness.

Atticus Finch in "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee learns to fight for justice and become a role model for his children.

Bilbo Baggins in "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien learns to step out of his comfort zone and embrace adventure.

Sydney Carton in "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens learns to find a sense of purpose and redemption through self-sacrifice.

John Proctor in "The Crucible" by Arthur Miller learns to stand up for his beliefs and fight for what is right.

Scarlett O'Hara in "Gone with the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell learns to become more self-reliant and resourceful.

Charles Ryder in "Brideshead Revisited" by Evelyn Waugh learns to find a sense of meaning and purpose in life.

Captain Ahab in "Moby-Dick" by Herman Melville learns to confront his own obsession and find a sense of closure.

Marianne Dashwood in "Sense and Sensibility" by Jane Austen learns to find a balance between emotional and rational thinking.

Scout in "Go Set a Watchman" by Harper Lee learns to see her father, Atticus Finch, as a human being and understand his flaws.

Great news, you made it to the end of the basic novel outline! This is all you need to get started on writing your novel, and I'm excited for you to begin. Let's quickly recap what you'll need for your outline: a genre and sub-genre, a trope, a target audience, a word count, a chapter count, a two-sentence plot description, a more detailed plot description that covers the beginning, middle, and end of your story, and a chapter-by-chapter outline. For your characters, you'll need to include their names, brief histories, physical descriptions, personalities, outer conflicts, inner conflicts, and character growth. Once you have all of this information, you'll be ready to start writing your novel. Congratulations again, and happy writing!

Next up we'll be going into a bit more detail that focuses on world-building for fantasy or science fiction stories, anything that requires deeper world-building than a romance or regular modern paranormal fiction.

Going on from here, I won't be as detailed with explanations, what I'll be providing is mostly just information you need to get and it doesn't involve much hard research.

Races

Physical Traits:

Physical traits can play a huge role in creating unique and memorable fantasy races. By giving a race its own set of distinctive physical features, an author can make it stand out from other races and help it come to life within the story.

But physical traits aren't just about making a race look cool or interesting - they can also inform other aspects of a race's culture and history, making the story even more immersive and engaging. For example, a race with wings might have a rich history of flight, while a race with a natural resistance to fire might have developed unique technologies or traditions to harness that ability.

Religion:

Have you ever thought about the role of religion in a fantasy world? In many cases, it can provide a sense of depth and purpose to a race's way of life. Religion can shape everything from their beliefs and values to their traditions and customs, and even affect their interactions with other races and their environment.

By incorporating religion into your world-building, you can create a rich tapestry of different beliefs and practices that can help to shape the personalities of your characters. Whether it's through the way they approach challenges or the values they hold dear, religion can be a powerful tool for creating a unique and engaging fantasy race.

Here are something to think on while creating religions:

Deities and Mythology A. Different gods and goddesses B. Creation myths and legends C. Supernatural forces and entities

Religious Institutions A. Temples, shrines, and other holy sites B. Religious leaders and hierarchies C. Religious ceremonies and rituals

Beliefs and Values A. Moral and ethical codes B. Attitudes towards magic and other supernatural elements C. Relationship between religion and politics, culture, and society

Religious Conflict and Cooperation A. Religious differences and conflicts B. Religious tolerance and cooperation C. How religion impacts relationships and diplomacy between different societies

Culture:

Do you love exploring imaginary worlds filled with magic and wonder? If so, you'll know that culture plays a huge role in bringing these fantastic places to life. In a fantasy world, culture encompasses everything from shared beliefs and customs to art and social practices. By creating unique and vibrant cultures for each race and society, we can make these worlds feel alive and believable.

To craft a compelling culture for a fantasy world, we need to take into account many factors, such as the geography and climate of the world, the history and mythology of its inhabitants, and their level of technology. For example, if a society lives in a cold, mountainous region, they might have adapted their clothing and transportation to suit their environment.

In a well-crafted fantasy world, each race and society should have its own distinct culture that enriches the story and makes it more immersive. From the way they view concepts like honor and loyalty to the way they celebrate holidays and mark significant life events

Things to think on while creating cultures:

Beliefs and Values A. Religious and spiritual beliefs B. Moral and ethical values C. Attitudes towards magic and other supernatural elements

Social Structure A. Different classes and social groups B. Power dynamics and hierarchies C. Customs and traditions related to marriage, family, and social interaction

Art and Aesthetics A. Literature, music, and art B. Fashion and clothing styles C. Architectural and design styles

Technology and Industry A. Tools and weapons B. Transportation and communication C. Economic systems and trade

Language:

Language plays a crucial role in creating immersive and believable worlds. Language shapes the way people interact with each other and their environment, and can reflect the history, mythology, and values of a particular race or society.

In a well-crafted fantasy world, each race or society should have its own unique language or languages. This adds depth and complexity to the world, with the creation of new words, phrases, and even alphabets to reflect each race's unique linguistic characteristics.

Language can also be used to explore themes and ideas central to the story. For instance, the language used by those in power may reflect the power dynamic and make it difficult for the commoners to understand. In addition, language can create a sense of mystery and otherness. A completely invented language can make a fantasy race feel alien and distinct.

Furthermore, language can be used as a storytelling device, with characters translating between languages or struggling to communicate with other races. This can create tension, conflict, and opportunities for characters to learn about different cultures and deepen their understanding of the world around them.

Keep in mind that not every fantasy world or story needs detailed languages. If you prefer not to include them, that's okay too! However, if you're interested in exploring languages in your story, here are some factors to consider.

Language Families A. Different language families and their characteristics B. Historical and cultural factors influencing language development C. How languages relate to one another

Written and Spoken Languages A. Different writing systems and their evolution B. Spoken language and dialects C. How language shapes communication and relationships

Language Acquisition and Learning A. How characters learn new languages B. Cultural attitudes towards language learning C. The role of language in education and society

Translation and Interpretation A. How characters translate and interpret languages B. The challenges of language barriers C. The importance of accurate translation in diplomacy and trade

Magic

Having mystical abilities such as magic, mana, or superpowers can add excitement and intrigue to your story, but it's important to be mindful of how you use them. Many writers fall into the trap of creating limitless magical powers for their characters, which can make the story feel unrealistic and unsatisfying. To avoid this, it's helpful to answer a few questions about your magic system.

First, how does it work? It's important to understand the ins and outs of your magic system so that you can write your characters using it realistically. Knowing the mechanics of your magic system will prevent you from simply having your character magically power up in a crucial moment to get out of a tough situation.

Second, who can have it? Is there a criteria for who can use the magic or powers? Understanding why certain characters have magical abilities will prevent you from creating random characters that have the ability, and will also give your readers more information about your characters.

Third, what are the rules and limitations? Are there rules in your world about how the magic system should and should not be used? Are there physical limitations to what your characters can do? Setting rules and limitations will stop you from overpowering your character and will add conflict and tension to your story.

Additionally, it's important to consider how the general population feels about magic. Are there people who are against it, who hunt or experiment on those who possess it? Are magical individuals adored or seen as gods? Understanding how your world views magic will add depth and complexity to your story and create opportunities for conflict and tension. By considering these factors, you can create a well-rounded and engaging magic system that adds to the richness of your fantasy world. Here is a summery and some additional facts to think on when creating a magic system:

Types of Magic A. Elemental magic B. Divine magic C. Necromancy and dark magic D. Witchcraft and sorcery

Magic Mechanics A. How magic works in the world B. Limits and drawbacks to using magic C. How magic can be learned or inherited D. How magic can be controlled or regulated

Magic Users A. Different types of magic users B. Training and education for magic users C. Magic user communities and organizations

Magic in Society A. How magic impacts society and culture B. Magic in law and politics C. Magic in economics and trade

Magic in Conflict and Cooperation A. How magic can cause conflicts and tensions B. How magic can be used for diplomacy and alliances C. How magic can be used to resolve conflicts

History

Incorporating a world history into your story is an excellent way to add depth and richness to your world-building. By establishing a history, you can develop your world's cultures and religions, and intertwine it with your plot for added complexity. However, it's not necessary to have a history for the entire world's creation - just a basic overview of the setting where your story takes place is sufficient.

Another helpful aspect to include in your world-building is myths, lore, and major events that have shaped festivals or important days in your world. Additionally, highlighting significant historical figures can also provide valuable context for your story.

While it's not essential to introduce this information at the beginning of your story, it's a good idea to flesh out these details during revisions to ensure a cohesive and well-rounded world. This can help maintain consistency throughout your story and enhance the overall reading experience for your audience.

If you are creating an entire world history. Here are some things to think on:

Creation Myth and Cosmology A. Explanation of the world's creation myth B. Introduction of the cosmology of the world

Early Civilizations and Kingdoms A. The rise of early civilizations and kingdoms B. Development of early cultures and their impact on the world

Major Historical Events A. Wars and conflicts B. Great discoveries and inventions C. Natural disasters and calamities

Key Figures in History A. Heroes and heroines B. Villains and antagonists C. Leaders and rulers

Religion and Spirituality A. Explanation of the major religions and spiritual beliefs in the world B. Impact of religion and spirituality on world events and culture

Technology and Advancements A. Advancements in science and technology B. Development of new magic and spells

Current State of the World A. The current political and social situation in the world B. Ongoing conflicts and challenges C. Future possibilities for the world

Geography

Understanding the visual aspects of your story's setting is a valuable tool for crafting a rich and immersive world. By knowing the geography, you can better visualize how your characters will interact with their surroundings, what they'll wear, and what they'll eat. It can also play a major role in shaping the culture of the people inhabiting your world.

The geography of your world can even influence the physical characteristics of certain races, like those living near a volcano who may have tough, scaly skin to resist heat. Some key factors to consider when developing the geography of your world include the landscape, climate, weather patterns, natural resources, and the types of food available to your characters. These details can all work together to bring your world to life and make it feel like a fully-realized place with a unique identity.

Things to think on while creating your world geography:

Physical Features A. Landforms such as mountains, forests, and rivers B. Climate and weather patterns C. Natural resources and their distribution

Political Boundaries A. Different regions and territories B. Borders, boundaries, and conflicts C. How politics and culture influence geography

Cultural Landscapes A. Architecture and building styles B. Cultural and religious sites C. Impact of culture and history on the physical landscape

Mystical and Supernatural Features A. Magic and other supernatural elements B. Divine or cursed locations C. How these features shape the world

Politics

In the world of writing, it's easy to think that politics don't matter, especially when you're starting out. However, this is far from the truth. As you craft your story, there will come a point where your character will need to make a decision that affects the people around them. When others either agree or disagree with that decision, you're entering the realm of politics. In its simplest form, politics is all about how groups of people work together to make decisions and get things done. This can involve everything from choosing leaders and making laws to deciding how to use resources. In a fantasy world, politics can take on a different flavor. Different races and groups of creatures might be vying for control of territory or trying to gain power or fight for their rights.

The Players A. Different races and societies B. Leaders and powerful figures C. Factions, alliances, and conflicts

The Systems A. Government and governance B. Laws and regulations C. Use of magic and supernatural powers

The Issues A. Resource allocation B. Territorial disputes C. Power struggles and control

There are a lot of different factors that can affect politics in your fantasy world, and it's important to consider how your characters and societies will respond to them. Whether they're fighting for their rights, negotiating deals, or making compromises, the decisions they make will shape the world you're creating. So take some time to think about these things and how they'll impact your story

Technology

It's important to consider the level of advancement in your fantasy world. For example, if you're writing an old world fantasy kingdom, but there is technology present, your readers will likely be curious about where it came from, how it was developed, and who created it. Make sure to address these questions in your world-building

Here are some things to think on while working on technology for your world:

Types of Technology A. Explanation of various types of technology in the world B. Magic and technology: their relationship and interaction

Evolution of Technology A. The history of technology in the world B. Key figures and events that drove technological progress

The Creation and Distribution of Technology A. Who creates technology in the world B. How technology is distributed throughout the world C. Economic and social factors that impact technology development

The Impacts of Technology A. Positive and negative impacts of technology on society and culture B. Environmental impacts of technology

Limitations of Technology A. Constraints on technology development B. Limitations on the use of technology

Future of Technology A. Speculation on the future of technology in the world B. Potential implications for the world and its inhabitants

That's it! We are done! Cheers everyone! Great job on completing your detailed outline! Here's a recap of all the elements you should include: First, choose your genre, trope, target audience, and set a word and chapter count. Define your plot in 2-3 sentences, then expand it and break it down into beginning, middle, and end. Then create a chapter-by-chapter outline. For your characters, give them names, a brief history, physical descriptions, personality traits, conflicts, and character growth.

When it comes to world building, describe the geography and how it affects culture, politics, and history. Provide an overview of the various cultures, their practices and beliefs, and how they impact character interactions. Explain the political landscape, the systems, structures, and how they affect characters. Develop the world's history, including key events and figures that shaped it and how it affects the current state of the world.

Include an overview of the magical and technological systems in the world, how they interact, and their limitations and implications. Discuss the various religions, their beliefs and practices, and how they impact characters. Provide an overview of the languages spoken in the world and how they affect interactions between characters. Lastly, describe the various creatures and races in the world, their physical characteristics, cultural practices, and how they interact with each other and with humans.

For convenience, here is a scrivener template created with this style in mind and all the research is included in the template's resource folder. It's free, so don't stress and Download. Note that this is a google drive link. Simply Download and import into scrivener as a template.

Looking forward to seeing you again in the future! If you love fantasy, check out my free novel! HERE.

#writing inspiration #writing #writers on tumblr #creative writing #writers #writeblr #writing advice #writing community #writing exercise #writing tips #writerscommunity #writerslife #writersociety #writer problems #writerblr #aspiring author #author #writers of tumblr #writing life #writers community #writblr #fiction #tumblr writing community #tumblr writers #tumblr writing society #tumblr writing prompt #story writing #story ideas #story

[albywritesfiction]

Aro anon here! Dw, I've never felt that you as the author was pushing us to hate Ædan for not loving MC back. I think you've done fairly well, sort of, holding court(?) and showcasing asks without pushing any particular viewpoints.

Important addendum to my thoughts: I personally don't mind being uncomfy! like, not in this instance. Some fiction should be uncomfortable, especially attempting to delve into certain topics. It might be the only way to do it with honestly. It's worth it to read about the raw reactions Ædan gets. I don't want to police people's feelings on the matter - I think that's weird when we're talking fiction. Or worse, for any anons to be less honest going forward! But i do want to encourage self-examination, and give my own honest, first-reaction perspective to consider

I appreciate that you aren't planning to glorify sentiments like that, but i do hope you won't shy away from it altogether. Like, romance is messy, it can cause a lot of "ugly" feelings, and u should get to write the messiest version possible in a romance game 😂 where else to explore this? It'd be different if i was giving advice to a friend about a guy, but this is a story. Pls dw about making MC have "correct" feelings. Indulging in being vengeful, petty, or utterly enamoured with Ædan in the complete opposite direction from before could be really fun! MC being angry at Ædan specifically for not loving MC back is normal, and I think it'd make sense as an option in-game. But it'd be best, I think, to have varied reaction to this in-game. I think it'd be an interesting bit of characterization too, seeing who'd support MC unilaterally in this and who'd give more push-back against an MC who thinks like this.

e.g i think people already want the option to shove their happy relationship with Ædrick/Cyffrin in Ædan's face. There could definitely be a "if you'd picked me, you could've been this happy too 😒" bend to it 😂 so many possible reactions from everyone involved to be had:

Is Ædan actually jealous? What if not? I feel like he already knows his life would've been exponentially easier if he was in love with MC, but he had a decade and still couldn't force it. He knows what he'd feel like in a relationship with MC - utterly miserable. Maybe he'd just be happy that MC has found the happiness he feels with Helene in Ædrick/Cyffrin and say so. Would a Vengeance!MC be incensed about that?? What if Ædan was jealous and regreful! Would MC be pleased with that? Just openly gleeful? How do Ædrick/Cyffrin feel about being used for this so transparently? Or about an MC that's still so focused on Ædan, has such strong reactions to Ædan's opinions, even in a relationship with them?

Messy messy messy 🤗

Hi aro Anon! I was really glad to receive this from you as soon as I had posted my response to your ask, and I'm sorry it's taken me quite a while to respond to this one 😓

It's quite a relief to hear that I don't seem to be biased towards any one version of things. I've been kind of worried about deciding what things should I put a reasonable limit on so that ATE doesn't become too overwhelming to work on while balancing it with the interactivity and branching narratives that I want to delve into, so I'm glad to hear that it doesn't sound like ATE's turning into more of a kinetic rather than interactive novel just yet 😅

I'm glad to hear that you're open-minded about reading, even for works that may go beyond your comfort zone. I especially like how you, in your own words, "want to encourage self-examination, and give my own honest, first-reaction perspective to consider."

I also greatly appreciate all the insights and thoughts you've shared, especially about romance in fiction, the variation in responses to the entire mess Ædan created, and the potential spaghetti of emotions that the cast may experience 🤭

I've reread your ask more times that I can count since I received it all the way back in November 2023 in my attempt to write a sufficient response, and each time I did, I've felt grateful that you took the time to write such a detailed, insightful, and reassuring ask, so I'd like to thank you for sending in this ask, aro Anon, and I hope you have a wonderful day/night!

#after the end #ate-if #ate-if asks #ate: mc #ate: ædan #ate: ædric #ate: cyfrin

[bodyalive]

Illustration by Monica Garwood

* * * *

From The New York Times Well newsletter

By Carolyn Todd Feb. 9, 2024

Of the thousands of self-help books on the market, which ones are truly helpful? “It’s uncommon to find a self-help book that feels different,” said Vienna Pharaon, a marriage and family therapist in New York City.

But genuinely useful titles abound. The best of the genre invite reflection or offer practical tools to promote emotional, psychological or spiritual well-being. And there are some that therapists personally turn to or suggest to their patients.

“Almost every therapist I know has a whole list of self-help books to recommend,” said Daniel Tomasulo, a counseling psychologist and the academic director of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute at Teachers College, Columbia University.

When sorting through the self-help stacks, who better to help than mental health professionals? We asked seven to share their picks.

1. "The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World," by the Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu with Douglas Abrams

How do we experience joy in the face of personal and collective suffering? The Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu spent five days reflecting on their own lives to answer that question, and they compiled their stories and guidance in this 2016 book.

“The Book of Joy” is an opportunity to learn from two spiritual leaders in an intimate, accessible way, said Sona Dimidjian, director of the Renée Crown Wellness Institute at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Through their dialogue, which is punctuated with laughter and tears, the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Tutu teach readers how to cultivate joy and work through difficulties like illness and despair. Dr. Dimidjian recommends the book to “anyone who is feeling overwhelmed by the realities of our world and daily life today,” she said.

2. "The Happiness Trap: How to Stop Struggling and Start Living," by Russ Harris

This book, first published in 2007, teaches you to accept your negative thoughts and feelings as they arise, instead of resisting or being consumed by them — a refreshing approach known as acceptance and commitment therapy.

Diana Garcia, a South Florida-based therapist, says this easy-to-read primer made her “first fall in love” with ACT. She has clients use the book as a supplement to their sessions and recommends it to friends who are feeling stuck. It teaches you how to keep taking actions that move you in a positive direction regardless of how you’re feeling, she explained.

3. "Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion," by Gregory Boyle

Gregory Boyle is a Jesuit priest who founded Homeboy Industries, a rehabilitation and re-entry program for former gang members. His 2011 book is a collection of real, raw stories about people he worked with and the lessons we can all draw from their experiences.

“Each chapter reads like a Sunday sermon to be savored and meditated upon,” said Jacob Ham, director of the Center for Child Trauma and Resilience at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. While faith is woven throughout the book, Dr. Ham recommends the title to anyone who feels “that their traumas and all the ways they’ve coped with them have left them broken and unredeemable.”

4. "The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity," by Julia Cameron

This 1992 workbook from Julia Cameron, a teacher and author, is a 12-week guide to recovering your sense of childlike creativity. And it’s not just for artists and writers, said Britt Frank, a trauma specialist in Kansas.

“Of all of the books I have ever used with clients, this one has the most staying power,” she said. “Because everyone is creative, and creativity is medicine.”

For years, Ms. Frank has returned to the book’s tools — like the “morning pages,” a stream-of-consciousness journaling practice. And she uses “The Artist’s Way” when treating clients with issues like depression and addiction. But skimmers beware, Ms. Frank cautioned: “It’s not a book you read. It’s a book you work.”

5. "Homecoming: Healing Trauma to Reclaim Your Authentic Self, by Thema Bryant

Thema Bryant is a trauma therapist, ordained minister and professor who offers a “distinctive lens on health, hope and healing trauma,” said Ayanna Abrams, a psychologist in Atlanta.

Drawing on her clinical work, spirituality and personal recovery from trauma, Dr. Bryant shares stories, reflections and exercises in this 2022 title. She helps people believe in their capacity to heal, Dr. Abrams explained. Dr. Bryant also avoids the “gimmicky, bypassing or vague” language that so many self-help books lean on, she added.

6. "The Power of Character Strengths: Appreciate and Ignite Your Positive Personality," by Ryan M. Niemiec and Robert E. McGrath

This 2019 guide helps people recognize, honor and nurture their brightest qualities, Dr. Tomasulo said. The idea of cultivating your “character strengths” comes from positive psychology, which centers on promoting well-being, he explained. “It’s about moving from focusing on ‘what’s wrong’ to ‘what’s strong.’”

People who lean into their character strengths tend to be happier, Dr. Tomasulo said. This book, he explained, is a good pick for “people who are doing OK, but want to have more joy and well-being in their life.”

[Follies of God]

#Follies of God #Self help books #NYTimes #Monica Garwood

[merbear25]

Hiii! I’m really glad to see that the hetalia fandom is still alive!! I would love to do personalised/match up form thingy!! Thanks for doing this again btw :^D

I did some characters and then looking at it now-I hope it’s not too much (if so, i apologise in advance fhvhsk I’ve never really submit a matchup before!)

I go by She/Her and I hope I can be 🌻🐸 anon!! Some basic stuffs about me: INFJ-T, 4w5, sun sign is libra and both moon and rising are aries.

For Allies:

Canada - Honestly, he is one of the countries that I can imagind myself getting along with. I’m quite introverted but I can be quite animated and high-strung (eg. having social anxiety and all that jazz) which ironically are hard to grapple with when I have limited energy. So sensing Canada’s overall demeanor - I probably will match his quieter energy though I can be a little high strung or animated at times. Also, I would appreciate people who are more sensitive as well!! And lastly?? Dude has a pet polar bear that talks - as an animal lover, I will be gushing over Kumajirou 😭😭 Yes, I’m that friend that will beeline to the host’s pets etc. in a party unless I have people familiar with to include me in conversations with more unfamiliar acquaintances and introduce me to new people :, ) I think I would also try to help include Canada in stuffs since its honestly sad that he’s pretty invisible to everyone around him and p much lives in his brother’s shadows. Also!! I would love to go to his country and sightsee - I do sometimes hike casually with my friends and I like strolling around, especially places with animals to spot e.g. national parks, gardens, etc. and hes probably really experienced with hiking and even surviving the wilderness (I have a horrible sense of direction - all my friends literally know me infamously for being directionally challenged isivhfsdb, I got lost in a classroom before)

America: This is kinda a tricky one because it really depends on how I met him e.g. the settings and circumstances but I’m just gonna assume we have good first impressions! I honestly think I will be more reserved and shy (Think Japan and his interactions) but will eventually warm up as long as he doesn’t push me into uncomfortable social situations or drained my social energy a lot. It could be like a case of an extrovert adopting an introvert :, ) I would bond over and geek out on comics and games with him. Also ngl we may just be meme buddies especially with the silly Gnarp gnarp memes (I got an aftonsparv ikea alien plush because of all these memes dkhwghv)

England: I think this is a little more straightforward - I will reel back my energy and would be quite polite. However, I can foresee myself needing time and more interactions to get used to his sharp-tongue or blunt way of speaking at times before I can actually be friends with him. I guess one of the shared interests I have with him may relate to supernatural as I do,,, have the ability to see spirits (I have so many ghost stories to share, mine or from others’ experiences). I think leveraging on that shared interest - I will open up and have more to talk about :^)

France: He gives off big brother energy and can be quite affectionate even platonically. I may be overwhelmed with his openness to show affections e.g. touches and compliments at first but ultimately will grow to appreciate his ways of showing care. I think he’s really attuned to people’s emotions and empathetic too and I would definitely appreciate his support?? Totally exude king of self-care and I definitely need help with that because I have a tendency to prioritise school + work over my health (got admitted to the emergency for the past 6 months because of that :, ) )

Russia: I feel like he’s an enigma for me to discern if I will get along well with him? It depends on the first impression and contexts? ? I can see myself getting intimidated if I witnessed his interactions with the Baltic countries. However, we would get along well if he’s gentle and nice to me and others?? Because of my social anxiety, I am very perceptive and sensitive to someone’s vibes, so I am always on the look out for how someone interacts with me and their interactions with others -I feel like I will be wary of Russia out of gut feelings or seeing how he casually intimidates people wordlessly. However, I think we will mostly be amicable to one another :, ) One of our shared interests I think we can bond over is probably sunflowers? I personally love them a lot and in fact, I love the colour yellow a lot to the extent most of my items even what I wear is mostly yellow. I really like cute things too and honestly I remember that scene of him getting rejected by a hamster- that was rlly honestly sad even though its supposed to be funny dhfkfhdhb

China: Aaah another big brother and also grandpa energy (I guess England does exude grandpa energy to a certain extent too-) my ethnicity is Chinese so that’s already kinda ‘entry point’ to befriend him or stuff :,) I can honestly imagine him chiding and nagging me from my bad habits of not taking good care of myself and also dishing out blunt yet wise advices. I overall will respect him but may tease him like a little sibling because I do have gremlin sibling energy according to my friends, especially those who are older, but I am actually quite mature despite my childish antics. Also, totally will bond with his love for hello kitty because I love cute stuffs and my fav Sanrio character is pompompurin 💛💛

The Nordic 5 -

Iceland: It’s another case of oh wow !! You have a pet?? AND THEY TALK? Kinda scenario like Canada and it’s a puffin??? I may be a little cautious and polite at first because he may appear quieter and reserved but I think we will kinda click as friends. I think it’s canon that he wrote letters back then to make friends and I actually do have penpals to write to like sending snail mails and cute stuffs e.g. stickers, stationery and keychains!!

Norway: It may be a little hard for me to approach him as he seems withdrawn?? And his expression is usually unreadable so coupled with my social anxiety - I may not initiate or approach him on my own unless I have someone introduce me to him like Denmark to facilitate. From there on, it’s really kinda like up to how the interactions roll from there? I think we would be amicable and may bond over supernatural and stuffs too because I personally love supernatural related media and stuffs (I am also quite a horror junkie and don’t get spooked easily) It would be cool to learn various mythical creatures from his culture!!

Denmark: It’s another case of extrovert adopting introvert but I don’t know if it’s because of the way the fandoms perceived and write about him (one of my fav writers is alfredosauce!!) but I honestly can see myself hanging out with him and find him fun to be around especially with his love for legos. (I would love to get the bonsai tree lego kit ;; the leaves are frog legos??? How cute is that??) and I do have an extroverted friend that lowkey reminds me of him and we have been friends for very long. I feel like we will be meme besties too - collectively sending 10+ reels at 2 am and going why are you awake??

Sweden: It’s kinda like Norway but even more likely that I won’t approach him and if I do, I will be really polite and reserved (also social anxiously struggling with small talks and reading his expression/body language) I probably need someone to introduce me to him and hang out in a group or with someone along with Sweden to actually familiarise with him. With his hobbies being art-related and furnitures?? I think that will be the main interest we share and bond over because I am a self-taught artist (though I don’t exactly have time these days to do art) but I love drawing stuffs for my friends and admire people’s DIY and crafting skills so I would be impressed by his abilities.

Finland: He exudes mother friend energy based on how approachable and gentle he is?? ALSO HANATAMAGO, I’m going to kidnap his pupper /j I think we will become fast friends?? And I would appreciate his caring demeanour. I think hes the kind of person who may not be close to you but finds out you're struggling, will do regular check-ins and I think I will honestly cry/touched by that.

Axis: Germany: I think at this point you may see a pattern but I tend to not initiate or approach people who may be hard to read and it goes the same with Germany. I think I would however work well with Germany because I actually tend to prioritise my work to be good quality (though I can imagine I can be quite stressed too sfhkdhs) After warming up and also knowing he has doggos, I think we will bond?? I have a goblin of a dachshund,, but I love both cats and dogs and all other animals :) I also realised how loyal he is as a friend and would rlly appreciate that trait!!

N.Italy: Maybe a case of extrovert adopting introvert again. I think I will be flabbergasted at how carefree he is??? Just him in his own world vibing. I think his energy will rub off on me though and we would eventually get along but I may act as a motherly friend unlike some other countries mentioned earlier because I'm quite an overworrier-

S.Italy: I know it’s canon that he’s more friendly and kind toward ladies so I think based on first impression - we would be amicable. I think this is pointed out by many hetalia writers and also its canon that he is jealous and feels inferior to N.Italy - I honestly think that depending on circumstances e.g. If I know him first before N. Italy, our relationship will fluctuate like a lot and it would be confusing why he’s hot or cold after I know his brother?? Unless he does eventually confide in me about his concerns or I will be left confused and rather drained on his behaviours :, )

For what I would do:

1) I think I will actually specify that I may return at a certain timing after accepting the invitation and hoping for their understanding. It’s really likely I will leave rather begrudgingly on the time I decided to leave but there’s that tiny tiny chance that I may stay an extra hour or two before really leaving.

2) As much as I would love to help and also my social anxiety, my first instinct is to apologise and say I can’t [and this situation will probably bug me the rest of the day ngl on how well I approached it-]

3) first day off in forever? I’m sleeping in and being a homebody my g. There’s a small chance of my friends that I don’t see often that may invite me out and I would often try to meet them for at least a few hours and the rest is just me vibing at home like listening to music, watching animes or reading mangas and even movies,, or just browsing through YouTube to watch videos especially those niche 2 hours + long videos in an obscure media to hyperfixate for the coming months.

Thanks for doing this again!! 🫶🫶 totes appreciate you taking the time to do this and I hope you're doing well and if not, I'm manifesting your days to be better 🥺 I look forward to matchups (they can be both platonic and romance) I'm chill with either!!

I feel like this took forever, so thank you for being patient! But, hello 🌻🐸 anon! I will gladly grant these emojis to you :) Thank you for sending in your request. I hadn't really considered having a kind of matchup side to this, but perhaps you've inspired me to change that ;p

I think the person you'd get along with best would be...

Canada

You have a good balance of calming and energetic moments that would pair well with his introverted personality. You'd be able to bring him out of his shell a bit and he'd be able to share the more tranquil moments with you out in nature or just relaxing at home together.

What they think of you...

Allies

Canada: When we first met, she took such a strong liking to Kumajirou that I wasn't quite sure if she'd noticed me standing there. She was very sweet though and started up a pleasant conversation. Even though she has some bursts of energy, I don't mind it. I actually like when she gets animated about her interests and wants to share them with me. I appreciate how often she includes me in whatever activity she has planned, even if I don't always go along with it, it feels great to be thought of. She's mentioned a few times how much she'd like to visit my house and I've already thought of some nice activities to do together. It might be nice to return her kindness with showing her around my home.

America: She's pretty cool to be around. Mattie actually introduced me to her and she seemed kinda shy at first, but she comes out of her shell more easily when Mattie's around. Got the impression that she needs to be around people she knows to really be able to get to know her.

England: Generally speaking, she's fine to be around when she's quiet. I haven't had many one-on-one conversations with her. From the ones we have had, it seems a bit hard to find common interests. I get the impression that I put her off based on her reactions to my responses to the others' tomfoolery. Perhaps my sarcasm is a bit much for her.

France: I've noticed she takes awhile to warm up to people, which is fine! She's so sweet when she's shy, though. I'd love to get to know her more. I've seen some of her art and admire her creative mind. I heard her mention her hospitalization and went into shock. If she lets me, I'd be more than happy to show her how to take things slowly.

Russia: Can't say exactly what I did to make her nervous, but I find it hard to approach her. Thinking back on it, maybe my conversation with Estonia put her off. Whatever the reason, it's made talking to her harder. It might be better for me to observe her and see how the others approach her.

China: She's a nice girl but needs to take better care of herself. I was floored to learn about her habit of putting her personal needs aside for work and school! It's unexceptable, so I've decided to bring small boxed lunches whenever I know I'll see her. At least then I'll know she's got one of her needs taken care of. If she needs help finding way to cope with stress, I'll gladly offer my advice.

Nordic 5

Iceland: I have to admit it was quite odd to see how animated she got seeing Mr. Puffin. She actually startled me, and I couldn't help staring at her while she gushed about how cute she thought he was. The only reason we had a conversation was because she changed the subject. I know she can have quiet moments, but honestly, I'm still recovering from that first instance.

Norway: She's too loud sometimes, especially when Denmark comes around. As long as he stays away, I don't mind her company. We mostly just exchange pleasantries, which is fine for me. She's asked about some of my home's fairy tales, and that was a little nice to chat about.

Denmark: She's fun once you get to know her! Yeah, she seemed a bit nervous at first, but we quickly moved past that. I love how excitable she can be! It's always funny to see her get animated, and when some of the others get shocked by it, I can't help but laugh! I want to bring out more moments like that from her.

Sweden: *stares* Hm....We don't talk much...Maybe I scare her. *stare intensifies* She makes nice art though... (He doesn't have an issue with you, but we all know how quiet and intimidating he can be!)

Finland: Oh, I'm so glad that Hanatamago helped introduce me to her! She's so kind and I always enjoy our conversations. I know that she gets a little anxious around others, but I hope she hasn't felt like that around me. I'd be happy to be the bridge of communication with Mr. Sweden. I know how scary he can be!

Axis

Germany: She doesn't cause any problems, so I don't mind her. She's fairly hard-working and responsible, although she needs to learn how to properly look after herself. I will say that Italy seems to have a negative influence on her. His happy-go-lucky attitude rubs off on her and she gets a bit distracted. I have to help snap her back to reality sometimes, but it *sighs* isn't too often, thankfully.

N. Italy: Oh, she's so nice. Sometimes she gets so nervous, though! I like helping her relax. I can't believe she has a habit of putting work and school before relaxing. The stress of work can wait, right? It's fun to get excited about art and other hobbies together! Germany doesn't always like how much time we spend together. I don't remember exactly what he said, but I'm sure it was something about discipline.

S. Italy: She's fine when she's not around my idiot brother. At first, I found it easy to talk to her, not really noticing her social anxiety, but I've seen her hanging around him more often. I don't really like his influence on her, but it's not my problem (he's very much made it his problem). She's asked a few times why I've been acting 'strange', but I don't really know what she means. Sometimes I just want to admire her art and be around her without having to talk to her, what's weird about that? (He'd try telling you something is wrong without actually telling you)

#hetalia #hws #aph hetalia #hetalia world series #hetalia axis powers #hetalia allies #merbear25 #x reader #hetalia x reader #hetalia x you #hetalia world stars #hetalia world twinkle #axis powers hetalia #axis powers ヘタリア

[asmoteeth]

Come up with 10 swapped roles rba au headcanons go!

AW HECK-- *Puts on a tracksuit and gets jogging on a walking machine*

This is Hotshot's first time ever as a Mentor to the Recruits, until now he had been working in managing the Academy along with being a Rescue Bot. The rest of the team (Wedge, Whirl, Hoist, and Medix) already have experience in teaching.

Not all of them spend the most time teaching: Whirl is the most active with her lessons; then goes Hotshot; Hoist is a nice middle piece, probably thrives in theoretical lessons rather than hands-on rescue sims; Wedge is there an acceptable amount, kind of a chill but tries to be a serious teacher; then Medix is a very busy bot, but you bet his lessons are HEAVY, but he's more than happy to answer and explain literally anything.

Brushfire, Slash, and other special-occasions characters take the same role as the surprise mentors similar to Bumbeblee and Preceptor's first appearances, Brushfire, for example, is especially eager to make the kids have hands-on learning and enjoys their presence, she's however happy that she doesn't do that every day, it's just not her style.

Wedge has a deep appreciation for Cybertronian history, as a side interest of some sort. He takes the occasional opportunity to share intriguing anecdotes and stories from the past. He believes that understanding the legacy of the Cybertronians-Human relationships can inspire their recruits and instill a sense of pride in their roles as Rescue Bots.

Whirl and Hoist both have a keen eye for recognizing the emotional well-being of their recruits. They notice when someone is struggling or feeling overwhelmed and offer a listening ear or comforting words of encouragement. Their nurturing and empathetic nature create a sense of trust and make their classroom feel like a second home; Whirl is good at noticing sudden changes in her recruits and Hoist can teach them navigate their emotions since he's very emotionally driven.

Hotshot takes a liking to praising his recruits; he understands the significance of both recognizing and celebrating the achievements of their recruits. He may organize silly ceremonies or events to acknowledge milestones, promote being the best version of themselves, and boost the recruits' confidence and self-esteem.

Medix believes in making his teaching methods fit the individual needs of each recruit. They take the time to understand the strengths, abilities, and weaknesses of his students and adapt his lessons accordingly, ensuring that everyone receives the necessary guidance and accommodations to thrive.

Wedge and Whirl get the most paperwork being the two older mentors, they once pulled 48 hours straight of work just so they would have it all finished all at once; it was not a good idea, they both fell asleep in the recruits' room conversation pit and had to be woken up by very worried students wondering why two of their mentors are just sprawled on the sofa, knocked out cold, best assured they never tried that again.

Heatwave always gets in trouble for Defiance of Authority; Blades usually gets in trouble for using his phone at prohibited times or in restricted areas; Boulder gets in trouble for his Persistent Tardiness, he takes too much time talking to his plants and time flies off his hands; Chase doesn't get in trouble, he's a golden student... unless? Vandalism.

Hotshot tries to hide it, but he has developed a nurturing care for the recruits, it's his rookie teacher's experience playing with his feelings, give him some time to settle and he'll be fine,,, hopefully--

Thanks for the ask!!! I wanna invite @wildlygay to do 10 hcs as well since they created the AU >:) I had to think of these so now so do you hehehe

Toodles!

#transformers #transformers rescue bots academy #rescue bots academy #tf rba #rba reverse au #rescue bots academy wedge #rescue bots academy hotshot #rescue bots academy hoist #rescue bots academy whirl #rescue bots academy medix #rb heatwave #rb boulder #rb chase #rba bumblebee #asmo asks #rba.txt #maccadam #maccadams

[ambiguousthoughtsinsilence]

my year of boygenius

Why do we listen to music? Is it just melodic noise that provides background to our daily existence or is it a space where we look for meaning, purpose and beauty? This is a false question, as music can be all of these things, but it is so much more. For many people, the beauty of music gives their life meaning, whether listening or creating it. Most of us will have fond memories of listening to the radio in the car or discovering an album that transported us to a seemingly magical place, expanding our understanding of what music could be and do (e.g. Jeff Buckley’s Grace for me).

Growing up in a relatively small town by the Baltic Sea, one of my favourite activities was to go to the seaside in winter, when it was stripped of human presence, sit down on the staircase of a lifeguard’s lookout and listen to the songs on my iPod. Years before that I had a silver cassette player and a CD player that I always carried with me, along with a CD wallet. Music has always been a comforting presence in my life. But even in this rich history, there are certain albums and artists that have had such a transformative impact on my life that they have become part of who I am. There are not many albums that fall into this category, but this year one of them did appear.

In March, 2023 the record had come out, the first full LP from boygenius. As I listened to it for the first time, I knew it was going to embed itself in my brain as I was going to play it again and again and again. I became obsessed with the record and the three women responsible for creating it - Lucy Dacus, Julien Baker and Phoebe Bridgers.

It was like being a teenage girl again, eagerly watching interviews, trying to find out ways in which to watch their Coachella performances and following a fan account that reposted every live video and tour photo imaginable. People always talk about separating art from the artist, but the songs on the record felt so grounded and rooted in familiarity, like they were made by people that felt real and compassionate and vulnerable. In interviews they would talk about books and artists they admired and how they valued each other, and for someone, who has long felt that romantic love should not be valued more than friendship, it felt almost revolutionary to hear that as a foundation of an indie ‘supergroup’s’ ethos.

In August I had a chance to attend Oyafestivalen with my best friend Tina, who had very kindly gifted me a ticket. boygenius were due to play in the early hours of the evening. This was my first time seeing them live.

‘I want to hear your story / And be a part of it’ / boygenius- without you, without them

Making meaningful connections with other people is probably one of the, if not the most, important things you can do with your life. As I stood on a lawn in Oslo and kept bawling my eyes out, I couldn’t help, but end up in existential ponderings about love, loneliness and human connection and the fact that my closest friend was sharing the gig with me. We live thousands of km apart, but I love her loads and appreciate that she’s a part of my life.

‘And it feels good/ To be known so well/ I can’t hide from you / Like I hide from myself’ / boygenius- true blue

After the concert ended, I sat down by a tree to regain my composure, tear streaked cheeks and red eyes, an emotional outpouring and connection that meant so much to me. A few weeks later, I saw them headlining at Gunnersbury Park, this time sharing it with Tina again and my other friend Peter. This experience was less rooted in existential ponderings and more just an overwhelming sense of joy. It was a scorchingly hot day and multiple people fainted, however everyone around helped to get those people taken care of as quickly as possible.

Queer care and joy was ever present in this audience, people had arrived with wonderfully crafted items of clothing or little references to boygenius lyrics on them. Tina and I handed out pink carnations to the younger girls behind us. There is something strange about loving a band, whose audience seems much younger than you are, but maybe the best kind of music manages to reach something within us that is shared, regardless of age.

As the fireworks went up into the dark night sky, I felt so much joy. This time their music had reached the part of me that felt an immense gratitude for being alive and being able to experience such happiness with more than 20’000 people. This performance felt even more explosive and raw, but also funny and deeply meaningful. It seemed that all of us were treating ourselves to some self-belief.

‘will you be a nihilist with me / if nothing matters, man that’s a relief / Solomon had a point when he wrote Ecclesiastes/ if nothing can be known, then stupidity is holy / if the bore becomes a void, we’ll treat ourselves to some self-belief’ / boygenius - Satanist

The last time I saw them live was thanks to Peter, in a small and intimate acoustic set in Kingston. It was another very special experience as the songs had become embedded in my brain and hearing them acoustically felt quite different from the previous shows with a full backing band, here were the three people who were responsible for all those captivating melodies. They embody a vulnerable compassion and a reliance on friendship that feels authentic, and it is wonderful to see creativity blossom from a place of deep love and appreciation for each other.

The record is an album I have grown to love deeply, because it seems to fit whatever mental state I am in. Without You, Without Them for when I want to remind myself of the love I feel for my friends, Cool About It as a reminder that all of have had to play it cool, when someone has hurt us deeply, Not Strong Enough and Anti-Curse for when my mental health lies somewhere in the bottom of the bin. Whatever I am going through, I can find comfort in knowing that the record is there to give me solace and company, whether I am staring at the ceiling or going on a walk around North London.

#boygenius #personal #personal essay #music #album #albumoftheyear

[freesia-writes]

There has been a distinct theme on my dash today, and I wanted to make a separate post about it cause it applies to all fandoms and all writing in general.

PLEASE forgive anything that may come across insensitively; I’m using quote marks for words I don’t necessarily agree with but don’t know what else to use, and if my loving intent is blurred by any poor wording choices, feel free to call it out. 💕

Something amazing happens when a story is written through the eyes of a main character who experiences life through significantly different lenses than the prominently portrayed experience in media (white, cis, comfortable financially, hetero, neurotypical, etc etc), and I think it’s even more impactful when the story isn’t *about* the “differences”. A number of wonderful things occur here:

People who usually don’t feel represented or can’t relate to most media are given the chance to feel what “mainstream” viewers experience.

People who share traits with the main character don’t feel so alone.

People who don’t relate or share the experience can begin to understand it in a new way, more so than just “learning” about it.

I think it also can slip past the biases we all hold — my 67yo white dad isn’t going to read a book featuring a main character with anxiety and panic attacks if the book is something like “How to Have Empathy for Mental Struggles”, but when it’s this real, fleshed-out person and you’re hearing the experience through their eyes in the context of an awesome plot… It gets in there. ;)

It also provides such a rich opportunity to expand our understanding beyond our default egocentrism, in ways we might not seek out intentionally, and it can really open our eyes to social issues more than traditional activism, I think. Why?

Not everyone has felt the suffocating weight of depression, not as “just sadness” but as complete emptiness that makes you just want to sleep so life can pass by a little faster.

Not everyone experiences a racing mind, elevated nervous system, and feeling of being taken over by something other than “you” to the point where daily tasks are overwhelming.

Not everyone can relate to being unable to fall asleep because the waistband of your pants is too thick and is right across your hip bone and you sleep on your stomach and it drives you crazy if you can’t get it just right.

Not everyone can relate to feeling terrified to the core when your dad gets pulled over by the cops and you’re so worried that you want to vomit in the back seat.

Not everyone has lived with a disconcerting sense of not feeling at home in their own body, and are overloaded with all the voices screaming 8 million different things of what they “should” be or feel or do.

Not everyone has been accused of being lazy, inconsiderate, or undisciplined when they’re actually as well-meaning and loving as could be, but their brain works differently and sometimes time just gets away from them.

These are just a few examples, and maybe I’m way late to the game here and y’all are like… DUH. 😂🙈 But I was just so delighted with this new fic, where the reader is autistic, anxious, etc, that it sent me on a thought trail.

The main reason I wanted to lay it out is to encourage all you writers out there who LIVE these realities to bring them into your characters instead of trying to mainstream your stories so they’ll reach a wider audience or whatever your motive may be. We NEED to hear amazing fanfics and original works from experiences that are wildly different than our own. It will expand our understanding, increase our empathy, and hopefully bring more unity instead of all the arguing and clamoring to be heard.

But, as always, I’m just another idiot on the internet so take it with a grain of salt. 😉

xoxo

#ao3 writer #writer things #writerscorner #creative writing #writblr #writing requests #writeblr #writerscommunity #fanfiction writer #writers on tumblr #writing #fanfic author #author #fanfic authors #ao3 author #queer writers #writers and poets #female writers #fanfiction writers #women writers #writerslife #writer problems #fanfic writer #fanfic writers #fiction writers #trans writers #black writers #poc writer #neurodivergent writer #neurodivergencies

[trans-axolotl]

I'm rly sorry to put this on u and u don't have to respond. But idk how to de-institutionalize myself. Like I was in psych insitutions for 6 years continuously I've been out since October but had time out somewhat frequently for the past year and a half. But it's like in my head. I do better with less control from providers, and I recognize how much the system has traumatized me (so many horror stories you don't need to hear, gaslighting, restraint, seclusion, didn't get to see my dying father/attend his funeral, denied gender affirming care, over/mis-medicated, etc.).

But it's like I smoked weed recently and I'm NOT SUPPOSED TO DO THAT. bc I have a psychotic disorder. So I agreed to go to a partial. And just the sight of young people in like those hospital lanyards caused me extreme flashbacks and led me to dissociate during which I fired all my providers. I hired them back and am now under watch during my waking hours. In my apartment by like, a carer. And I was doing BETTER before I had this stuff!!! Even though I smoked weed! I made friends, got engaged to a long time partner, had a regular part time job, left the house, etc.

But it's almost like I'm doomed into having this identity of "patient" be the only one that matters and my relationship with the psychiatric system mediate the way I experience ALL OF MY EMOTIONS and do EVERYTHING. If I smoke I need to go to treatment. If I dissociate I consider going to the hospital until my fiance convinces me I can get through it myself (which I have been able to. I've stopped self harming, haven't attempted suicide, etc. partially bc I just don't SEE myself that way).

I'm sorry for venting. It just feels so so so so hopeless. Like how the fuck do I escape this? Especially bc like if I just fired everyone I could get put under conservatorship for refusing treatment, even though I've proved I can live and survive independently. I just don't know an alternative because I've been in this since I was a teenager. I really need advice. It's so scary like psychiatry is the devil I know and it's destroyed my self esteem/confidence that id be able to exist without it.

Don't feel pressured to respond if this is too much. I'm sorry.

Anon, this is such an important question and something I really resonate with. I appreciate you sharing your experiences <3

You are absolutely not alone in this, and I've spent a lot of time talking with some of my friends about our experiences. It is really, really hard to adjust back to life after spending a lot of time institutionalized, and it is not your fault that the role of "patient" feels like it's taking over your life. So many other people I've talked to also feel this way, people write about it in books, professionals recognize it. I think that when we're in institutions, it's a role we have to take on to survive. There becomes particular ways of coping and routines we fall into because it's the only options available to us while institutionalized, and no one really gives us a workbook for how to transform those skills and routines into our real life. I'm so sorry that psychiatry has caused you so much pain and is still causing you pain, and I really empathize with feeling hopeless and stuck. I think it makes a lot of sense that you would be feeling overwhelmed and trapped, and any feelings of anger or sadness or anything are important and worth listening to.

As someone who has been hospitalized twice in the past three years and spent many months institutionalized, this is something I've also really been grappling with. Even though I know how much the system harmed me, know that the psych ward really, really traumatized me, have so many horror stories, and spend all this time organizing against psych wards, there are times that I do fixate on returning to psych wards and have impulsive thoughts about returning. When it comes down to it, I don't ever want to return to hospitalization, but sometimes I do have a strange sense of nostalgia for parts of it, especially when I remember the people I met there, some of the good days, or the sense of what it was like to at least feel familiar in a situation. For a long time, especially when I was younger, going to the ER was an important part of my self harm routine for the riskier forms of self harm I engaged in, and even though I didn't recognize it consciously at the time, I can look back and connect the dots and understand some of the underlying reasons why hospitalization felt important to me as a teenager. Sometimes, especially when I'm struggling not to engage in self destructive behaviors, I miss the way that hospitalization let me not give a fuck about anything, self destruct as much as I want, and how the experience of being in that type of crisis meant I had no responsibility to myself and didn't have to put the effort into healing. And I don't think we talk about these really complex and nuanced experiences enough in antipsych community, where even though we recognize that we deserve better, that we want to abolish psych wards, at the same time we all have our own complicated experiences that are worth sharing.

What has helped me transition into a life without hospitalization is a lot of reflection with myself and my loved ones to help identify my triggers when it comes to hospitalization, and to make plans for what I wanted my care to look like. For me, I know that one of my triggers that might make me impulsively do something that will end in hospitalization is when my pain feels invisible, my emotions and experience is invalidated, and when I start to feel like the people in my life won't support me unless I'm in crisis. When I start to feel this way, I know I need to go reach out to friends, tell them that I'm feeling vulnerable and worried and in pain, and they know that it's really helpful for them to listen, to validate me, to promise that they believe me, etc. That is just a personal example and might not be at all relevant to you, but what was really just most helpful was understanding the ways this pattern showed up for me, really analyzing what situations, emotions, actions, are likely to cause me to feel impulsive, vulnerable, and to start having intrusive thoughts about hospitalization, so that I could make a plan with my loved ones about what kind of support I need to avoid hospitalization.

I think something else that has been important to me is recognizing that I am allowed to fuck up, that there is room in my life for risk, and redefining what crisis looks like for me. In a lot of treatment setting, we spend time learning our warning signs, triggers, stuff like that. Which can be really helpful, but I know for me, sometimes it can actually be really damaging when I only think of my life in terms of warning signs. Because at this point after years of treatment I am so aware of what things are risky for me, when I do inevitably end up engaging in some of those behaviors, sometimes labeling that as a warning sign makes me start to panic. I start to feel like it's a slippery slope straight into crisis, and gets me into a mindset where I think that since it's inevitable that I've fucked up, I might as well just continue doing risky stuff, escalating my behaviors, and eventually pushing myself into crisis because I believe that it's going to happen anyway. Moving away from labeling things as an automatic warning sign helped me to get out of that rigid treatment mindset where everything is labeled as either good or bad, and warning signs are seen as an automatic crisis. Leaning towards harm reduction, acknowledging what things are risky for me, are likely to cause other harmful behaviors, and committing to a mindset where although I don't have to fix everything in one day, I have to make one small positive change, has been really helpful for me in stopping those warning sign spirals. Leaving room in my life for me to fuck up, make bad decisions, and still also use coping skills, reach out to supports, and have all of that coexist, has been super helpful for me.

I think it's also really crucial to have the space to undo some of the myths told to us by providers. Being institutionalized can really wreck our self esteem, when we're constantly told by providers that we don't know what's right for ourselves, that we're dangerous, that we are incapable, broken, and that we need to rely on the experts in order to be fixed because we can trust ourselves. Part of building our lives outside of hospitalization requires learning how to trust ourselves again, and celebrating ourselves for all the ways in which we are capable, talented, the experts, able to make decisions and choose what is right for us. Spending a long time institutionalized can get us out of practice in all of those things, and being able to slowly find ways to celebrate ourselves, even for small things, can go a long way to building our capacity to trust ourselves. Finding support people who are willing to encourage and validate us is also so important, whether that's from our loved ones, outpatient providers who are allies, online community, whatever.

When we've spent so long institutionalized and having our self esteem wrecked by providers, it can feel like we don't have any capacity to use coping skills, care for ourselves, or make decisions. For me, it was really helpful to find small ways to practice making decisions again, even just about tiny things that have nothing to do with my mental health. Building up my capacity to use coping skills was really hard, because it kind of honestly can fucking suck in the moment and it's hard to feel like it's worth it. For me anger has been a super helpful emotion, where in those moments I'm having a hard time, I draw on my anger at my providers as a way to motivate myself to thrive in all the ways they said I couldn't. Any time you can make those changes, use skills, make goals, practice your autonomy, it all goes a long way towards building the life that you want and increasing your capacity to cope with what challenges and distress we're going to experience.

Although it can feel impossible to believe that we can build a life for ourselves outside of the patient role, it is possible. It already sounds like you've been doing so much work to make it happen. It sounds like you know that treatment is a trigger for you that makes things worse, that smoking weed is something that is complicated for you and might require a more careful approach, and that your fiance is supporting you and affirming your capability to live your life outside a hospital. It is such an amazing accomplishment that you have been able to stop self harming and attempted suicide, and that you have built all these things in your life that you want. You already are doing so much of the work, and although it sounds like things have been particularly difficult to navigate and that partial has been a challenge, there are already so many ways in which you are taking care of yourself and fighting back. Even if you need to bullshit your way through partial long enough so that you can get back to doing healing work outside of that space, it sounds like you do have the skills, capability, and insight about what you want. And just also want to affirm that healing doesn't have to happen in isolation-interdependence, support, and community are so important, and whatever ways you need to rely on people in your life to get you through this is not something to be ashamed of.

Truly sending all the love and solidarity your way, and please feel free to reach out if there's any specific resources you want, or even just to vent.

Followers with relevant experience, free free to add on your insights.

💜💜💜

#asks #antipsych #psych abolition #mad pride #mad liberation #psych wards tw #self harm mention tw #suicide mention tw

[sixty-silver-wishes]

YALL I found my old diary from when I was 13 and I was NOT prepared for how much it swings between “pretentious wannabe Romantic poet” and “cripplingly self-aware middle schooler”

So right away this is hardcore. Comes with a warning that my ghost will haunt whoever reads it after my death.

“The account of Ocean Waves [for some reason, I was convinced I would be published under that name lol] ^ otherwise known by a less appealing name, is enclosed. Please do not read until you are sure my name is carved into a headstone. If I am killed for the sole purpose of reading this, however far-fetched that may seem, I will hunt you down.”

Happy reading,

- Ocean.

P.S.- You can, however, read this with permission. Good luck with that. Also, if you do decide to kill me, I would prefer a peaceful death. And by the way, I would prefer even more if you didn’t try to kill me. Oh, and if this is read while I’m still alive, I will still hunt you down.”

Already, you can see the makings of a future historian in the works.

“In this somewhat girly journal [it was Disney Princess themed] is the somewhat boring account of a 13-year-old girl. I, Sophia [last name], also known as Ocean Waves, am recording things in here in hopes of future discovery. As I will not share this to [sic] the outside world, I hope this journal will be preserved so that future civilization may find out about my time. However, as a writer and an artist, my goal is to be noticed, not especially famous.”

I give some hilarious takes here:

“I also have artist’s block. I tried drawing a picture earlier; but I didn’t feel like finishing it. I wonder if I’ll ever draw with a passion again.”

(No, younger me, you were just undiagnosed with ADHD.)

Notably, I don’t think I was the Medieval history expert I thought I was at the time:

“I don’t wish to have a boyfriend, and at 13, I don’t think I’m ready to. In the dark ages, girls my age would have already been grandmothers. I think that’s revolting.”

I get very pretentious about my English classes, although I have to say, I still agree with my criticisms of the school system.

“This is my own personal thought, and I prefer it not to be read, as I think differently at night. I think the school system does not have a very good idea of what language arts should be like. We spend hours picking apart and dissecting poems, like they are carcasses and we vultures. Poems aren’t made to be dissected, they’re made to be felt. And all we write are expository essays. Of course this is important, but there’s no way to express how we feel. After all, who decided to put “art” in “language arts” when there is no art to it at all; just mindless examining? I’m sorry for my rant [not sure why I keep apologizing to my private diary], but that’s what journals are for. Until tomorrow,

- Ocean”

I also write about my own art with self-loathing that would put a sexually-repressed 17th century Puritan to shame. You can see me dot my “i” with circles now because I saw a Buzzfeed video once that said people who do that are creative. And I get very passionate about Edgar Allan Poe for some reason:

“I experimented with my new copic markers today, and everyone who saw my drawings seemed to like them. I’m disgraced to say that I had a sense of overwhelming pride, but I’m not used to people noticing my art too often. In first period (aka so called “Language Arts”), we read “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe. Most people in the class didn’t seem to appreciate it, but I did. It tore open the hearts of both the reader + the main character, exposing his grief + longing towards Lenore, who [sic] he can never see again, so much that the stoic raven drives him to insanity and later, death. And to think that Poe got barely any recognition in his time! I’m not expecting much publicity from my books, but I do hope I’ll be able to write gripping + chilling stories like Poe did, without his own troubles (…)”

… In summary, I think 13 year old me would be very happy to know that in the years since, I majored in English, still draw, still single, and own a Poe anthology I bought while visiting the museum dedicated to him in Virginia.

#diary #my diary #childhood diary #edgar allan poe

[sapphireginger]

Mother Knows Best (Not)

Summary:

Mothers always wanted what was best for their children. Sometimes however, in their attempts to obtain what they believed was right, they ignored their children’s wants.

AO3 Link

While working in the library Stiles met Derek. The man exuded confidence and used his assets to his advantage.

They didn’t work on Stiles though and when Derek figured that out, he seemed to be more real with Stiles. Stiles suspected that was the point of giving everyone an act so as to parse out the different people and desires.

Stiles began talking to Derek about books. They were in a library so it made sense. The thing was that Derek was much more than just a pretty face. He loved to read. He devoured knowledge and soaked up information like a sponge. Stiles was enamored and star struck, yet he didn’t let it control his actions.

Then one day he was shelving on the top shelves and a careless patron ran into the ladder, sending it toppling to the ground. Stiles desperately clung to the shelf, gasping in fear.

Derek was the one to replace the ladder. Stiles got down and ended up in the direct path of sunlight. His chest heaved from the adrenaline. His wide eyes glowed golden like liquid honey. His pink lips stood out against his pale skin that looked sun kissed with all of its beauty marks. Derek sucked in a harsh breath at the man’s beauty.

Stiles looked up at Derek and his cheeks twinged pink. “Thanks.”

Derek nodded. “Course. Are you all right?”

Stiles took a deep breath and let it out slowly, his heart resuming its normal rhythm. “Yeah. I’m just a bit startled and a lot rattled.” He gave Derek a considering look. “I don’t believe I’ve ever considered a knight in shining armor would be in my story.”

“Oh?” Derek inquired, amused, and quirked a brow. “Well, I regret to inform you that my armor isn’t shiny. I’ve seen far too many battles for it to be spotless.”

Stiles bit his lip and smiled. “Yeah. I know. Plus, who wants a knight with no battle experience? Not me.”

Derek chuckled. “Perhaps you’d consider me then? I’d like to think perhaps I stand a chance at being worthy to one day earn your affections.”

Stiles felt warm all over and his face flushed. Slowly his eyes flicked to Derek’s lips. “Perhaps one day could be today?”

“Yeah?” Derek asked quietly.

Stiles nodded and they kissed. It was soft and everything either of them could want. They parted slowly and Derek regretfully had to leave but promised that he would court Stiles like a true potential suitor.

The promise made Stiles flush and beam. He had never been happier but his good mood didn’t keep him from hearing the icy tone of a woman’s voice calling out.

“Derek Spencer Hale! Mom has been looking for you! I’m not your keeper.” She sniffed and huffed haughtily. “She probably won’t let you come back.”

That made Stiles frown. Derek spoke with an equally icy tone. “She can’t keep me from coming here.”

“Oh? Well, you go ahead and continue to believe that. Once we get home you’ll realize that she can.” They left not long after, Derek throwing a soft smile back at Stiles which he returned but when Derek and the woman were out of sight, Stiles’s smile fell as nerves overwhelmed him.

It had been a month and Derek was nowhere to be seen. Stiles didn’t give up—not completely anyway—because the truth of the matter was that he loved Derek. Derek was his knight. So, he would wait.

When Derek had gone home that day his mother had sat him down and explained what would be happening now. No ifs, ands or buts would be acceptable and Derek was to court and marry a girl—“She’s Just perfect Derek. Trust me.”—from a founding family. Derek’s mouth tasted like ash at the news. He was gay and his mom knew this but she was going to do this regardless. She went on and on about Abigail—Amelia—Angela—or something like that but Derek’s mind was on Stiles and the kiss they had shared.

The moments between had added up and he loved Stiles. He was broken out of his thoughts by his mother’s words. “It’s for the best Derek. After all, Mother Knows Best.”

Derek was angry and all he could think of was the woman in the Tangled. “Oh and Derek? No more going to the library. Something there is distracting you and your attention needs to be on—Derek really didn’t give a flying fig about what the girl’s name was—besides you’ve read enough don’t you think?” Derek felt well and truly trapped but…his Stiles. He had promised his beautiful prince a courting and he intended to give him that.

He had no idea that Stiles would shut down completely the next time they saw each other. Derek was unaware of the visit his sister had paid Stiles. Apparently she thought or suspected or assumed there was more between them.

It was at their spot near the waterfall that Derek confessed what was happening. Stiles told Derek that he understood though Derek was able to see the tear filled amber eyes and knew his own were just as full of tears.

With permission from Stiles they made love to each other behind the waterfall where the moonlight cloaked them and made Stiles look ethereal.

Derek loved this man and couldn’t imagine a life without him. Afterwards they laid on a rock in the alcove behind the waterfall, soaking up each other’s presence and warmth. Goodbyes sucked. So, they didn’t say goodbye but instead they said, “See you soon.” They shared a final kiss and parted ways.

📚 ⋆★⋆ 📚

Five Years Later

Derek was finally home again. It had been five long years of fighting his mother and well it had been excruciating but with the help of Aurora he made it.

She too was pushed into the relationship but was in love with someone else. She was part of the reason he was back and the first thing he did was seek out Stiles.

Derek found said man at the library reading to a group of children. He stayed hidden in the back until the reading time had finished.

Before he could step closer, Derek noticed a little girl who didn’t leave when everyone else did. She couldn’t be more than three or four years old. The sight of her gave Derek a sinking feeling. Had Stiles moved on?

“What do you say, monkey? Are you ready to go home?”

The little girl shook her head. “Not yet, Daddy. Just a little longer. Maybe the knight will come today?”

Stiles sighed but kept a smile on his face. “Maybe one day but one day isn’t—”

“It’s today!” Derek blurted out.

Stiles’s eyes snapped up to Derek’s and for a moment there was nothing but two men, who had been two teens, in love.

Then Stiles let out a hiccuped sob. “Derek?”

Derek nodded and opened his arms to embrace Stiles up when he ran over to him. His grip was tight and Derek held him just as tightly, both of them shedding tears. “I missed you my knight. I missed you so damn much.”

“And I you. Not a day has gone by where I didn’t think of you. Not a day where I didn’t love you.”

Stiles sucked in a harsh breath. “Love? You love me? Of course you do. You came back. Was it for me?”

“Yes.”

Derek felt a tug on his pant leg and looked down. The little girl smiled up at him. “Hi! I’m Lilliana but daddy calls me Lily. Are you my daddy’s knight? You’re pretty.”

Stiles laughed and pulled away but only just. “Yes. This is my knight. He sure is pretty.” He looked at Derek and placed a hand over Derek’s heart. “Right here especially.”

Derek joined Stiles and his daughter, Lily at their house for spaghetti and meatballs and a story. He learned that the little girl was adopted but she was Stiles’s daughter and that was that.

He learned that Stiles had waited and waited for Derek. He had never stopped believing that one day Derek would come back to him.

Later that night, they laid in Stiles’s bed in just their boxers.

“Make love to me, Derek? I love you. I need you. Please?”

There was no way Derek would ever deny him, or deny himself ever again. It was slow and passionate and exhausted them in the best way.

They ended up with an extra person settled between them not long after. They were a small but perfect family. Derek the knight. Stiles the Prince and Stiles’s daughter, Lily the…Well that was a story that was still in the works.

Derek grinned at the sight of the man he loved sound asleep and the sight of the little girl with dark curls in her face and thought to himself, ‘Mother does not know best.’

His mother didn’t know best when it came to Derek and who he loved. If she had known her son, truly known him, she would have known that Derek wouldn’t trade this for the world. He had been Stiles’s since they met and Stiles had been his.

It was heady, emotional, raw and absolutely perfect. Derek drifted off with a smile on his face thinking to himself, ‘I know best.’

#teen wolf #stiles stilinski #fluff #angst #derek hale #sterek #arranged marriage #bad parent talia hale #bad sibling laura hale #single parent stiles stilinski #hurt/comfort #lily stilinski (oc)

[escapingrealityforamoment]

A bride-to-be experiences a heartfelt and joyous bridal shower surrounded by loved ones. The celebration reflects the love and support she has received throughout her life, and she eagerly anticipates her upcoming wedding with Jonah. A

Chapter Five: The Bridal Shower

Excitement buzzed in the air as I entered the room adorned with delicate decorations and an atmosphere of celebration. It was the day of my bridal shower, a moment dedicated to honoring the love and joy that surrounded our upcoming wedding. As I walked in, I couldn't help but be overwhelmed by the love and support of my closest friends and family.

The room was filled with laughter and chatter, as everyone eagerly awaited the start of the festivities. I glanced around, taking in the sight of familiar faces and cherished loved ones. It was a gathering of the people who had played significant roles in shaping my life and who would continue to be pillars of support as I embarked on this new chapter with Jonah.

My heart swelled with gratitude as I realized the effort and thoughtfulness that had gone into creating this special day. From the intricately designed decorations to the heartfelt messages written on the banners, every detail was a reflection of the love and care that surrounded me.

As the festivities began, my friends organized a series of games and activities that brought smiles to everyone's faces. We laughed, reminisced, and shared stories of our journey leading up to this moment. It was a beautiful blend of nostalgia and excitement, a reminder of the friendships that had grown alongside my love story with Jonah.

Gifts were presented with heartfelt wishes, each one a token of love and well-wishes for our future together. The room filled with oohs and aahs as I unwrapped each one, cherishing the thoughtfulness and love that had gone into selecting them. Each gift felt like a tangible symbol of the support and encouragement I had received from those dear to me.

As the celebration continued, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of emotions—happiness, anticipation, and a touch of nostalgia. This bridal shower was not just about celebrating my impending union with Jonah; it was a testament to the love and connections I had formed throughout my life. It was a moment to reflect on the beautiful journey that had led me to this point.

Amidst the festivities, my thoughts drifted to Jonah. I pictured his warm smile and loving gaze, imagining his presence by my side as we embarked on this new adventure together. His unwavering support and the depth of our connection filled me with a sense of calm and reassurance. I knew that with him, I was stepping into a future filled with love and happiness.

As the afternoon drew to a close, I found myself surrounded by my loved ones, their smiles and well-wishes etched in my heart. We shared a final toast, raising our glasses high in a collective cheer for the love and happiness that awaited me.

With gratitude overflowing, I thanked everyone for their presence and love, expressing how truly blessed I felt to have each and every one of them in my life. The room was filled with applause and cheers, a chorus of support and affirmation for the journey that lay ahead.

Leaving the bridal shower, I carried with me a renewed sense of joy and excitement. The love and support I had experienced that day were a testament to the beautiful connections I had formed. I knew that with such incredible people by my side, Jonah and I would create a future filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.

As I closed my eyes that night, I couldn't help but envision the beauty of our upcoming wedding. The bridal shower had deepened my appreciation for the love that surrounded us, igniting a flame of excitement that burned brightly within me.

With every passing day, we were one step closer to forever, and I couldn't wait to walk down the aisle, my heart brimming with love and gratitude. The bridal shower had reminded me of the incredible support system I had, a circle of loved ones who would be

there for us every step of the way. The bridal shower had set the tone for our wedding, filling me with anticipation for the love and joy that would surround our special day. As I drifted off to sleep, visions of the upcoming wedding danced in my mind, and my heart swelled with excitement for the moment when I would stand before Jonah, surrounded by the love and well-wishes of our cherished friends and family. The bridal shower had marked a beautiful milestone in our journey, a prelude to the love-filled celebration that awaited us.

TO BE CONTINUED…

tags; @anonyymoouussssss

#jonah hauer king #jonah hauer king imagine #prince eric #prince eric imagine #the little mermaid #jonah hauer king x reader #prince eric live action #the little mermaid live action

[card-queen]

Story Craft: Character Typing

We return to the topic of characters to speak (very briefly) about the common typing methods for characters: MBTI & Enneagram.

Now, I have some clean-up to do about preconceived notions and the colossal amounts of damage that quirky, relatable text posts based on very broad stereotypes has done.

Typing, like many other things, is a set of tools. You get out of them what you put in, nothing more and nothing less. These are not personality frameworks and should not be used as such. For me, they are ways of separating aspects of characters, finding natural strengths & weakness, paths towards growth, natural struggles and possible methods each character might take as I begin to understand their thinking and priorities. There's been this wave of shoehorning characters and concepts into boxes for the sake of funny memes and it doesn't work. It often misses the point of the character and DEFINITELY doesn't work when it comes to typology.

Second point of contention: introverted does not mean introvert and introvert does not mean stereotypical shut-in who only likes books and rainy Autumn weather. Introverted and extraverted are when the focus in inwardly focused or externally focused, eg. your sense of justice vs. the accepted meaning of justice. Basically, if the comes back with an E at the front, it means their focus is outwards and not that they're some rowdy party animal who can't shut up.

Snooty qualifiers out of the way, let's get to the business of...

Typing!

Before going ahead, I'd like to take a moment to go over how and when I use these tests to get the most of out my characters. I like to have a fair-to-strong understanding of the character before I do anything with typology. From my earlier post, I may have a strong idea of their Purpose & Personality but be more flexible when it comes to their Perspective... or I may know three things but in differing levels of confidence. Everything is case-by-case and everything is completely to taste. No hard and fast rules, just pitfalls that people tend to not be aware of and parts that take a little more work and figuring out.

I do all this to avoid having no ideas for a character and ending up with a blank slate that only exists to be a functioning tool of the plot, a talking head with a bright personality who has nothing to do with anything going on, or a mouthpiece for some part of the world or some talking point that I want to share. Characters should have more to offer than the reason they were created.

Now, let's start with MBTI because I actually made a little test for that! MBTI is no I vs E, N vs S, F vs T, or F vs. J. It's more intricate than that but once you get the hang of it then you'll learn to appreciate how everything balances out more. The real battles are between Ne vs Si, Se vs Ni, Fe vs Ti, Te vs Fi. Everyone is made up of two battling pairs, one pair works as intended and one pair both excels and causes problems. Each of the 8 Functions form a stack which makes the MBTI type you're either familiar with or just may have seen. These pairs work together and are always the same, the order may be different though. Ne in slot 1 will always have Si in slot 4 Si in slot 1 will always have Ne in slot 4. Here's a brief rundown of what the Functions mean taking from 'The Building Blocks of Personality' which I found helpful but not too wordy.

Si or Introverted Sensing seeks out familiar or personally relevant sensory details to stabilise or ground oneself in new situations

Do you pause or hesitate and try to figure out if you’ve experienced something like this before, scanning for some familiar object, detail, or feeling to hang your hat on? Do you tend to notice little discrepancies in terms of how details compare to your past experiences? Do you prefer to use already known or well-established methods/procedures to handle problems? Do you easily feel overwhelmed or anxious when confronted with a completely new situation you’ve never experienced before? Do you get easily flustered when people/situations do not behave as you expect or if you are forced to improvise without enough guidance or rules?

Se or Extraverted Sensing seeks to participate fully and adapt quickly to new, immediate, or changing sensory conditions in the world

Is your first instinct to dive in head first just to see how it goes? Do you often feel the urge to “join” and be a part of anything interesting that is happening? Do you love trying out and experiencing new things? Do you enjoy the feeling of being able to confidently and competently handle yourself in an interesting activity or situation? Do you feel uneasy when you cannot learn something as quickly as you want or solve a problem as immediately as you would like to? Do you get easily annoyed when other people seem too boring, withdrawn, or conventional?

Ne or Extraverted Intuition connects disparate details to see new conceptual ideas or possibilities for creating change, improvement, or progress in the world: ENTP/ENFP

Do you feel energised by all the possibilities of pursuing a new path? Do you feel that your mind is often full of widely diverse or scattered ideas? Do you often have trouble figuring out which possibility to explore first because you can see that they are all potentially awesome? Do you find it hard to follow through with your plans because of being easily distracted by other exciting possibilities midstream? Do you feel a desire to achieve the best possible outcome and easily feel frustrated when others do not care about making progress or are resistant to trying out new ideas.

Ni or Introverted Intuition analyses and interprets the contextual meaning or importance of things in order to orient oneself towards what will be true in the future

Do you observe the situation from a big picture context, looking for patterns in the events/behaviours that can help you predict what will happen next (based on vague patterns you’ve experienced before)? Do you often feel quite certain about future outcomes, sometimes without knowing why or have difficulty explaining why? Do you find it hard to decide what to do if you cannot see any “deeper meaning” in a situation or if you cannot understand the “ultimate purpose” of an action? Do you get easily annoyed if people/situations seem “superficial” or often think that life requires more meaning/purpose?

Fe or Extraverted Feeling seeks to maintain or build interpersonal bonds and social structure in order to achieve harmony and intimate connection among people

Do you feel the urge to make sure everyone is okay or on the same page? Do you feel like you naturally gauge the social “temperature” or “atmosphere” of a room as soon as you walk in? Do you feel very uneasy when others seem dissatisfied or unhappy or express negativity? Do you instinctively want to smooth over interpersonal conflicts (regardless of whether they involve you)? Are you easily annoyed when people seem inconsiderate, aloof, uncooperative, or unappreciative?

Fi or Introverted Feeling seeks to analyse personal experiences as a means to create a set of values for determining what is good/bad or right/wrong for oneself and, by extension, other people: ISFP/INFP

Is it very important to you to “stay true to yourself” no matter what is going on? Do you tend to focus in on any conflict or potential for conflict? Do you feel quite uneasy, resentful, or internally conflicted when people act in a way that you disagree with? Do you pay close attention to whether individuals are treated fairly (as opposed to impersonally/interchangeably)? Do you need a certain degree of privacy and intensely dislike situations that even slightly infringe upon your/others’ personal space or boundaries, and then feel a very strong urge to speak up or protest?

Ti or Introverted Thinking seeks to discover precise formulaic knowledge derived from dispassionate analysis of what is factually true or false

Do you feel curious about what is happening and want to figure out how or why it is happening? Do you often try to figure out exactly what caused an event/behaviour and fix any problem? Do you feel the urge to push boundaries just to observe what will happen? Do you enjoy patiently building up useful knowledge and skills? Do you feel it necessary to observe/analyse from an impersonal distance in order to maintain impartiality (and feel frustrated when others do not do the same)? Are you easily annoyed by inaccuracies or falsehoods or “irrelevant” information?

Te or Extraverted Thinking seeks to follow, create, maintain, or streamline systematic rules/standards to achieve greater order, predictability, and successful action in the world

Do you feel it necessary to make a plan or change/improve the situation? Are you naturally motivated to make a situation more “normal”, “appropriate”, “effective”, or “efficient”? Do you hate the feeling of leaving an obvious problem unresolved (regardless of whether it involves you)? Do you instinctively want to set a clear goal/objective and try to achieve it quickly? Are you easily annoyed by signs of incompetence in yourself or others?

And now, here is a test that I made myself to use for your own characters. MBTI test I am by no means an expert, but I made this by compiling a lot of the knowledge and stuff I found most helpful for understanding how to use MBTI for characters.

Now onto Enneagram... this is something I kinda avoided for a while because I didn't understand the purpose and I didn't see the point of mixing and matching different typing systems. I've come to see the benefit in using both as it too is a tool that can be used for many of the same reasons that I use MBTI. They help show weaknesses, frustrations, things the characters may be running from, hiding or outright ignoring, they can show paths to growth and where companionship can form. It's a tool and a helpful one as long as you use it and don't depend on it.

I think that's the big piece of advice I'd give: you the tools but don't depend on them.

Anyway, I'll link my worksheet here but I'll also link some very helpful Youtube channels than can explain Ennegram a lot better than I can. After all, I disregarded it for a while before seeing the merit in it! The Enneagram Workshop (this is the method I use in the worksheet I linked. I found her explanations very helpful) You've Got a Type (a playlist for the basics but all of his videos were so informed but quick about it too)

Now, I know what you're thinking (you are, be honest). You're thinking 'but what are the types of your characters?' and you are SO RIGHT to ask that! I'll just use the same 5 again... but I'll also throw in another 5.

Cas | ESFP | Type 3 (3w2) Conoric | INFP | Type 4 (4w5) Gwynnen | ESTJ | Type 3 (3w2) Hughwen | ENTP | Type 5 (5w6) Sarabonney | ESTP | Type 8 (8w9)

Stella | ENFP | Type 2 (2w3) Ilya | INTP | Type 6 (6w5) Lilah | ESTP | Type 7 (7w8) Eliot | ENTP | Type 5 (5w4) Pippa | INFP | Type 9 (9w8)

And now the rambly bit where I talk lovingly about my characters.

Cas vs Gwynnen They're both 3w2 which means the operate the same kind of way (which they did, and I knew this even before I knew the typing). They both adopt whatever demeanour suits the situation to get to the heart of matters. Their big differences come from their outlooks (which again, I knew before I could ever really put it into solid terms). Cas is very much in the present and is willing to see things as they area and take situations at their face value. Gwynnen cannot help by see similarities to past crimes, other situations and criminal intent. Cas take every situation in with fresh eyes, building up a complete picture from the ground up. Gwynnen assesses situations and finds similarities that point him directions that he can then follow up on, finding the evidence to confirm or dismiss his theories rather efficiently. Both of them are hands-on, work fast and have a great deal of understanding but they work in ways that do not compliment each other's skill sets.

Hughwen vs Eliot A battle between two Type 5 ENTPs. To put it fairly, both of these men are schemers and they function from the sidelines of a group. Hughwen is more open with his opinion excels at problem-solving and more frequently, problem-finding that just comes across as overly cynical and nitpicky. He does have the group's best interests in mind as their safety is his safety, and he is ultimately a great at brainstorming the perfect solution, but the path he takes is often one where he upsets as many people on the way as one can. Eliot is a thinking man who excels in ideas and problem-solving but he's a lot more independent than Hughwen. He's inwardly happy to be a part of Stella's group and values being sought out, but if something needs to be done, he'd much rather figure it out himself and do it himself. He can't handle criticism well and will often shrug and stop giving his advice (despite his keen mind for it).

Sarabonney vs Lilah Both ESTPs with a Type 8. They are fierce go-getters who thrive in scenarios where they are told something can't be done. Lilah takes all challenges as personal, doing everything in her power to prove it can be done. She revels in the adrenaline and soaks up the cheers and adoration that come from victory. She loves challenges and is constantly guilty of trying to one-up other people's accomplishments. Sarabonney is more practical. Where Lilah would fight a dragon just to say she's done it and show off her trophey, Sarabonney would fight the dragon just to keep the peace, and use the parts for medicine. She stands on her tippy-toes just to look danger in the eye but she does it to keep others safe. She's bossy and forward but from a very caring and nurturing heart.

Conoric vs Pippa A battle of two very different INFPs. Both of them suffered hardships in youth it affected them in very different ways that shape their decisions. Both of them are very solitary and introspective by nature, and both of them have a screaming, burning desire to help people. Conoric turns to books and tries to hone his mind while Pippa cultivates a network of people to surround herself with. Conoric wears his pain on his sleeve, feeling it is a part of him. Pippa and her pain aren't on speaking terms. She denies that she's suffered and hates that life treated her so cruelly. She drowns herself in helping others, setting up deals that would get more people into better housing and help secure loans for up-and-coming businesses. She revels in the finery of life that she now has access, pushing the pain deeper and further away... because that means it'll go away right? Conoric has an unfair advantage against Pippa when it comes to growth. He has Cas and Cas spent a while trying to understand Conoric, something that really helped him come out of his shell. It gave him the attention that he craved after being denied it for so long and it helped him learn to communicate his own ideas better, allowing him access to help in his own way.

Okay, I'm finished down. I'll be back next time with talk about stories or worldbuilding. We shall see which, but in the meantime:

Happy creating!

Want more writing advice? Check out this post!

#story talk #about characters #character typing #mbti #enneagram #let's have some fun

[sidewalkchemistry]

Revised Traits of a Highly Sensitive Person

Or, a perspective that allowed me to see the importance in the term and recognize myself as an HSP.

Note: The traits listed are not universally applicable to all highly sensitives.

You have an internal monitor on how you're feeling (not necessarily emotionally or even physically), at all times. You just have a sense of an internal state of harmony that you prefer to maintain, or else you get highly disregulated and destabilized.

Your idea of fun is different from the norm. You might seem to play things safe or be cautious in comparison to others. You probably avoid staying out late, getting wasted, or intense activities in areas where you can't easily return to a spot of comfort (eg. rollercoaster rides).

You're very immersed in your inner world. You just are. You've never been otherwise and you will always be this way. You're pretty oblivious to what happens in the outside world and find it annoying to keep up with.

You're not able to tolerate anyone who is rude, disingenuous, mean, deceitful, spiteful, vengeful, or mean-spirited. This does not mean that you can not have mean-spirited traits yourself (any human may if provoked). Their presence alone is uncomfortable.

You probably have (had) poor boundaries with others. This may mean your boundaries are either too soft OR too rigid. You have this and other self-defense tactics (or a lack thereof) due to your sensitivity.

You may be quiet often, appear shy, or have a hard time sharing yourself with just anyone - thus seeming as a reclusive or reserved person.

You're actually quiet emotional, even if you don't acknowledge it or others don't see it. This can appear as easily: being brought to tears/emotionally moved OR falling into depressive episodes OR developing dependencies/addictions (alcoholism is common) OR becoming misanthropic/agoraphobic.

You feel that you are not able to cope with the pace everyone else goes at. Conventional career paths, schooling courses, and socialization norms can be overwhelming. And very stupid, not to mention. You probably see behind the matrix easily.

You might have a need to retreat from social situations after some time, or else, check out mentally and experience at least subtle states of dissociation as a way of preventing overwhelm.

You may be drawn towards alternative healing and health (herbalism, flower essences, reiki, mindfulness, yoga, etc). Many conventional medical procedures, screenings, or treatments can be very traumatizing for HSPs in particular. Alternative healing methods usually tend towards more gradual, subtle, and consistent results. This is very perfect for HSPs.

You easily move to a state of frazzle or distress (heightened arousal) if you just neglect your needs. So you may have dealt with being on edge, burnt out, adrenal fatigue, insomnia, chronic fatigue, PTSD, or something similar.

You appreciate the internet, but you might not care much for social media. You probably don't post much or share much of yourself on them. Intimate connections > the world wide web

You're very connected OR disconnected with your body's senses. But it's evident that you're easily overwhelmed by the external world regardless (eg. sensitive stomach/appetite, migraines, allergies).

You might struggle with self-love particularly in accepting your qualities of being high-maintenance (nervous system-wise) or "wired" differently.

Creating relaxation for your nervous system has to be very continuous (it's not a part-time job). So, you may appear rigid, fastidious, or like you always have it together...but you're just making sure that you're not uneasy.

Connected to nature, slow living, hygge, off-the-grid living, and being alone are more your domain. You probably identify with misunderstood loners or social outcasts in stories for this reason.

You're good at loving the unloved. You see the redeeming qualities in widely disliked people and things much easier than others. They're probably some of your favorite people/things.

You may have been afraid of your emotions and repressed them ad infinitum, thinking they will be too intense for you to bear.

You're really interested in the expansion of your consciousness. Inner work, mysticism, seeking metaphysical mysteries, and spirituality were a part of your life before you ever knew what they were.

#txt #highly sensitive person #hsp #true being #holistic health #holistic healing #inner work #introvert #spiritual awakening #spiritual growth #empath #ptsd #nervous system regulation #somatic experiencing #trauma healing #depression #dark night of the soul #emotional healing #emotional alchemy #matrix #self love #self care #consciousness #social anxiety #alternative medicine #slow living #chronic fatigue #self knowledge #leveling up #sidewalkchemistry