#which i know! i know! is a problem and i'm trying to work on it!

[hotvintagepoll]

Do you have any opinions on modern (post-1970s) movies that you feel capture the essence (in a good way) of Old Movies?

No, unfortunately. That doesn't mean I don't like modern movies or that modern movies aren't good, but modern movies—and here I'm really using modern to mean post-2010, so contemporary movies—have different standards for pacing, characterization, budget, and production that make it harder (or impossible) to capture some of the magic of old movies. Even when modern movies clearly try to emulate that old-movie feeling—I'm thinking of La La Land, The Artist, The Shape of Water, In the Heights—they play the homage too broadly, or they ignore crucial components that make the original films work.

There's kind of too much to go into here without writing a full essay, but essentially, the Old Hollywood system—ugly, failed beast as she was—made some movies simply more accessible to make, due to the ongoing storage of props, sets, master craftsmen, crew, and onscreen talent that could move from one movie to the next without pause. If you needed a dancer, he was already on staff. If you needed a fancy bed, it was already in the warehouse. That kind of longterm storage is invaluable if you want to crank out movies quickly and cheaply because it saves so much time on individual negotiation and sourcing. Modern production companies have to work out individual contracts for every actor on every film; crew members have to negotiate rental contracts and source pieces from scratch; if you need someone with specialist skills, you have to contract them specially at a high rate, which a lot of small companies can't (or won't) budget to do. There's sand in the wheels where there needn't be any. It's wasteful, and costly, but that's the system modern movies are made with.

Which all means that even if the modern movie system wanted to make a classic movie musical just like the old ones, they couldn't, because the talent isn't already there—it hasn't been trained up enough, and there's not that breadth of knowledge you can only get from people who have been allowed to work in the same department in the same place for decades. Movies like La La Land fail, for me, because they present themselves as descendants of Fred Astaire or Busby Berkley movies, while missing the bit where Fred Astaire was a master of his craft. When you watch Fred Astaire dance—or Moira Shearer, or the Nicholas Brothers, or Ann Miller—you are watching a true artist at work, purposely showcased by the studios because they already have them on contract. Modern movies, on the other hand, tend to take people who already have star talent (as actors) and try to convert them into dancers/singers—or they pull dancers/singers off of Broadway, but then they don't have the star power built in. You end up with lackluster musicals where no one truly knows what they're doing, or they do but they're not built up enough by the studios to sell. And that's me discussing just on-screen talent for musicals—there is a huge loss behind the scenes, as well, for all kinds of movies, where roles that would have been filled by union crew who moved continuously from one job to the next have been swapped for freelance labor who live with immense turnover, financial insecurity, and knowledge loss. You could hand me the budget and I could try to make an old movie, but the industry itself has changed so much it's impossible to recapture that charm of steady, niche talent, the amazing possibilities of bonkers set design, and the ability to take a risk on a smaller movie because the other films being produced by the same studio can help balance the budget.

I've talked way, way too much about all of this! Sorry, I just have a lot of thoughts—and the one above is just one of them; the talent loss and storage issues are only facets of a much bigger problem that extends to how we watch movies today, how we market them, what we expect of them, and what's allowed in them. It's a crying shame because the talent is still there, but times change and so does the industry, for better or for worse. (And, just again to clarify, I don't think modern movies are bad—they're just missing a lot of the juice old movies got to play with, even if there's more talent available than ever before.)

#asks #hotvintagethoughts

[wosoluver]

Trying hard

TW: suggestive content

Andrea x Teammate!reader

"Why are the both of you fighting so hard to hate eachother?" - Asked Lola.

No one on the team understood where all that came from. And seemingly not even you or Andrea seemed to know.

"She started it."

You were all doing warm ups in training

"Literally when?" - Lola insisted knowing her friend very well. And Andrea just huffed at her.

You were new on the team, arrived in the beginning of the season. You were a forward, she was a defender, you naturally clashed a lot during trainings.

But still there was never an event to cause your constant bickering at each other.

"Everyone dividing into teams." - Yelled the coach.

As usual the two of you were in opposite sides. But twenty minutes in Medina started to get frustrated. She couldn't manage to stop your attacks, that led her to commit a bunch of fouls, this one had been particularly hard.

"What the fuck is wrong with you!" - you screamed out as you got up. You were in pain but in the moment you saw red. And you pushed her back. - "You aways pull this shit! Try to learn how to manage your anger issues. It's not my fault you suck at your job."

And that's all it took for her to stand up and try to start a physical fight.

But thankfully you were separated by your teammates.

"You two are staying late as punishment." - That's the only thing coach said before starting the game once again. You stayed on the sidelines trying to cool down.

You couldn't help but watch her every move. How the sweat glistened over her muscles as she gave her all on the pitch.

"Alright we're done for the day. Not you, Medina and Y/L/N, you two are working on your 1 v 1 and if you start another fight we'll have a problem."

"Fuck!" - You let out under your breath.

You grabbed the ball closest to you.

You two did some drills, but when you tried to pass her once again she pulled you down, but you managed to trip her with your legs, and soon she was on the ground too.

"Your not gonna yell at me?" - she asked.

"I'm too tired for that." -

"Why do you do it?"

"You're the one who keeps attacking me! But I apologize for saying your not good at your job. You're actually pretty skilled."

"Yeah, just not enough to stop you."

You looked over at her watching how the sun made her eyes look, their prettiest.

"Sorry for being harsh, I just- it's frustrating."

You got up and offered her a hand up in the process, which she took.

"Let's go."

You both went into the locker room, and went straight to shower. But she accidentally slipped on the wet floor right in front of you, taking you down with her.

"This one was not intentional I swear!"

"I'm so going to get bruised." - you said trying to help each other up. But failing miserably. But taking the situation in comically.

When you two finally managed getting up, you finished showing and getting changed.

"Can you give me a ride home? I came with Lola this morning."

"You'll owe me one."

"Fine."

Next day everyone was shocked when the two of you started joking around.

"Oye, I'll go easy on you today!"

"No, you can't!"

You left for the gym, as Andrea stayed behind.

"I knew it!" - Said Lola.

"Knew what?"

"You two liked each other deep down."

The younger girl only rolled back her eyes. Leaving the room. She didn't want to admit to anything.

She stared at you the whole day. Now that she couldn't blame it on the hate, she realized that maybe those feelings she had, were more than frustration. It was a mix of admiration and longing. It felt somewhat like a crush. And the realization made her cheeks red.

"Y/N! Can you stay and train with me for a little longer?"

"Yeah of course."

Lola simply looked suspiciously at her friend. - "Don't you need me to give you a ride home?"

"Y/N can take me."

"Okay." - She didn't want to insist too much. But she knew something was up.

After spending another hour training you decided to call it a day. Heading inside.

"You're doing better at blocking me."

"You're still winning though."

"Give it some time, you'll get there."

That week during the derby, between the team and Real Madrid. You were being ferociously taken down. Probably for the same reason as aways. But that was working you up, and Andrea as well. Even if she wasn't personally getting hurt.

But when they took Wifi down, as she was about to enter the penalty area, Andrea was so annoyed, she started running from the other side of the pitch to start a fight with Oihane. But before she could you intercepted her, pulling her away the best you could.

"Hey, stop if you get another card, you're out of the game."

"I don't care!"

"Well, I'm not letting you."

"You can't boss me around like you do to everyone else!"

You thought you were past this stage of fighting for no reason. She thought so too, but right now she couldn't deal with the pressure of the game, her hot headed need to bite back and the way your arms held her back with force against yourself.

Once the game was over and you were ready to leave, you walked towards the car without saying goodbye to anyone.

But unfortunately Andrea was able to catch up with you.

"I'm really sorry."

"I thought we were on good terms!"

"I can explain, can we please get into the car?"

"I'm not giving you a ride."

"I'm not asking for one. I just want to talk privately."

You huffed as you unlocked the doors.

You both sat respectively in your seats. You waited for her to start talking.

"My head was spinning out of control. The way they were making so many fouls, and we were struggling to keep up, was getting to me and when you held me back in your arms, I just exploded."

"You keep throwing your frustrations on me again and again."

"I know, but I've been trying to fix it, since I realized where they came from."

"Which is what? Your anger issues?"

"I don't have anger issues, it's you!"

"I don't have any anger issues!"

"No, I mean I have a crush on you.

That's what has bothered me from the start!"

By now you just stared at her, mouth agape.

"You're not going to say anything?"

But before she had barely ended her sentence, you kissed her passionately. This led her to pull you from the driver's seat to seat on her lap. And when you pulled away to breathe, she decided to pull you to the backseat to blow off all the steam you had build up during the game.

And you thanked god you were parked so far from everyone else that day.

#woso x reader #espwnt #andrea medina #andrea medina x reader #atletico madrid femenino

[zahri-melitor]

“It was only six feet,” muttered Dick.

“What did you just say?”

Dick sighed and rubbed his face. “I know you woke up in a grave and it was very traumatic for you, but you’re acting like this is the only time it had ever happened to anyone. You just had to dig straight up. Do you hear me complaining about it?”

"I'm sorry, did my ongoing trauma from being beaten to death and then waking up in a confined box make you feel uncomfortable, Dick?"

"You just keep going on about it like you're the only person who has ever experienced this. It sucks. No question. But getting out for you was basically on easy mode."

"It tore my fingernails off. I almost SUFFOCATED."

"That is part of being in a coffin, yes Jason."

“What are you talking about?” Tim walked into the room, towelling his hair dry from his shower.

“Being buried alive.”

“Digging myself out of my own grave.” Jason and Dick answered simultaneously.

“Well which is it?”

Jason glared at Dick. “Digging myself out. Dick here thinks that I’m blowing things out of proportion by being slightly upset about that building partly collapsing on me tonight.”

“Well, that is a conversation I can’t contribute to, so I’ll leave you both to it and go to bed.” Tim dropped the towel in a laundry basket and started to walk away.

“Tim,” Dick reached out to catch his arm. "What do you mean, which one?"

Tim shrugged a shoulder. "Well the only insights I have about being buried alive are 'sit tight and wait for rescue and slow your heartrate so you're not using so much oxygen' so I don't really think I need to be here. Good night."

"When have you ever needed that? And if you did, you didn't try to dig yourself out?" Jason said skeptically. "That's your view? Stay in one spot and wait for help? Because trying that in Ethopia worked so well for me."

"I was under a concrete slab. There wasn't much that I could do."

Dick tugged Tim around to face him more fully. "And when was this exactly? I don't remember that case report."

"It was during AzBats; that's why you haven't read it. And I was fine. Steph eventually got me out."

They stared at each other. Dick looked away first. "I wish you'd had more support back then."

Tim smiled, one side of his face quirking up. "You had your own problems."

"Wait a minute. Back up. When was this?" Jason interrupted.

Dick looked back at Tim. Tim rolled his eyes up slightly. "When Tim here was a little baby Robin. Thirteen or so."

"Excuse you, I had had my fourteenth birthday by then. I had my licence."

"Oh I'm sorry, when he was fourteen years old. And far more grown up."

"That's right."

"You were buried alive under concrete?" Jason sounded incredulous.

"It happened. Why, did you think you were the only one? Dick once tunneled out of a grave sideways and almost fell off a cliff into the sea."

"I didn't think you knew about that time," Dick said, his voice soft.

Tim grinned. "You left some notes in your own computer system about it."

"Stalker."

"You like me that way."

"You've both also been buried alive?" Jason threw his hands in the air.

"Mmhmmm." Tim yawned and stretched, walking towards the stairs.

"As I was saying, it can get a bit tiring listening to you go on about it," Dick added, following him.

"I DIED!"

"Yes and you never ever let any of us forget it." Dick slung an arm over Tim's shoulder, then turned his head back to look at Jason. "Want some hot chocolate before bed?"

#Robin 3-5 and Nightwing 127-128 exist folks #snippets #my fic

[storiesforallfandoms]

the ice cream girl ~ mike schmidt;five nights at freddy's

word count: 2144

request?: no

description: in which his regular ice cream spot in the mall hires a new girl

pairing: mike schmidt x female!reader

warnings: use of y/n

masterlist (one, two, three)

Mike's routine at the mall was a constant: clock in, do two laps around the mall, go for lunch with whoever else was on with him - usually Jeremiah - another few laps around the mall where he'd stop to talk to some of the store managers, then clock out and go home. The only deviations to his routine were the occasional birthday parties he'd be tasked with watching over, and whenever there was someone who needed to be handled by security.

Until he met a new worker at the mall.

He was in line for the ice cream place he would occasionally go to for a dessert after his lunch. They saw him so frequently that his order was usually ready before he even got to the counter - another usual in his routine.

But on this day, when he walked up to the counter, a new face was smiling at him.

"Welcome to Ice Cream Parties," she said. "What can I get for you?"

Mike opened his mouth to respond, but was cut off by Cindy, one of the usual workers, saying, "We have his order, (Y/N). He's a regular."

(Y/N)'s eyes flickered to Mike's security uniform. "Well, that does make sense. Sorry, today's my first day."

"No, that's alright," Mike said. He desperately tried to think of something else to say, but found himself staring blankly at her instead. He was sure she thought he was crazy, and that thought made his face start to heat up.

Cindy came up to the counter with Mike's usual in hand. She passed it over to him with a smile before going back to work. Mike realized then that he hadn't paid yet. As he started taking his wallet from his pocket, (Y/N) said, "On the house."

"Are you sure?" Mike asked.

She nodded. "Consider it a kind gesture for a regular."

"Well...thanks."

"No problem. It's nice to meet you, Mike."

He was about to ask how she knew his name, but she nodded to his name tag before he could.

Right, that would make sense.

"Nice to meet you, too, (Y/N)."

After that, visits to Ice Cream Parties became part of Mike's routine. The first few visits were under the guise of actually getting ice cream for himself and Jeremiah. If it wasn't too busy, he was able to have brief conversations with (Y/N) while his order was being made. That excuse didn't last very long, though, as eventually Jeremiah put an end to the almost daily ice cream runs.

"Man, I'm going to gain like 10 pounds a week if you keep getting ice cream for us," he had said.

Mike had to admit, he was getting sick of eating ice cream so much, too. Seeing (Y/N) so often had made it worth it at first, but there was only so much of the frozen treat he could take before it became too much. He thought he'd have to come up with a new excuse to see her all the time, but she took him by surprise by doing it for him.

He was doing his rounds during a shift when he saw (Y/N) walking towards him. She had a smile on her face and she waved when he spotted her.

"Hey!" she said. "I've been looking for you?"

"You have?" Mike asked.

"Yeah! I haven't seen you in a bit. I was worried you quit or something."

"God, no, that's not happening. This is probably the easiest job I could have. I've just...been taking a break from ice cream."

"I don't blame you. You've had so much of it lately, I'm surprised you're not just a walking ice cream cone at this point." She playfully bumped his shoulder as she added, "You know, if you wanted to talk to me, you didn't need an excuse."

Mike was shocked into silence. Had it really been that obvious? He had tried to play it cool when he went, but maybe he hadn't been cool enough. Maybe it had been glaringly obvious every time he walked up to the counter and ordered whatever new flavor she recommended that he was desperately trying to figure out a way to ask her on a date.

But then she smiled and laughed, and Mike felt a weight being lifted from his chest.

"I'm joking," she said. "Mostly. If you wanna talk to me, you don't need to come buy ice cream. Just come talk to me."

"Noted," Mike said with a nod. "Well...what are you doing this evening?"

"I'm working the closing shift."

Mike tried not to let his disappointment show. "Oh. I, uh, I'm off in about an hour."

"I clock in in about an hour."

"Not meant to be, I guess."

(Y/N) shrugged. "I guess not. I have to run a quick errand before work, but I mean what I said - don't be a stranger, Mike."

Mike nodded. Once (Y/N) had turned and walked away, he let himself deflate. It wasn't a "no" because she wasn't interested, but it was still disheartening. It was definitely going to take time to build up his courage to ask her again, but at least now he knew she welcomed his company.

A week or so later, Mike found himself at the mall again on his day off. He usually hated to be there when he wasn't working, but Abby started school the next week and she needed new clothes. She had been begging him for weeks to take her shopping, but he kept putting it off until he had no choice but to take her. On the plus side, Abby was extremely easy to shop with because she knew what she wanted, and she knew where to get it. It would be a quick in and out and he could be away from the mall within an hour and a half tops.

But, after leaving Abby's favorite store with the intent on going home, Abby stopped Mike and said, "I'm hungry."

"We have food at home," he reminded her.

"I don't want actual food. I want a snack."

"We have snacks at home."

"We don't have ice cream at home."

That was enough to shut him up and get him to agree. He had no idea if (Y/N) was working that day, but he wasn't about to pass up an opportunity to see her.

As luck would have it, she was working. She was at the counter in her stripped apron and white paper hat. She was passing the customer in front of them an ice cream, her customer service smile plastered on her face. Mike had come to learn the difference between her customer service smile and her real smile, because when she would look at him the dull smile would brighten just a little.

When the customer stepped away, he got to see her face light up at the sight of him.

"Oh, hey Mike!" she said. "I thought you were off today."

"I am. I had to take my sister back to school shopping," Mike said, gesturing to Abby.

(Y/N) looked down at Abby and offered her a warm smile. "Well hey there. I had no idea Mike had a sister."

"This is Abby. Abby, this is (Y/N)."

"It's nice to meet you, Abby."

"You too," Abby said. To Mike she added, "Is she the one you always talk to Max about?"

Mike's ears were on fire as (Y/N) looked back up at him. Abby always knew how to say the right things to embarrass him.

"Just tell her what you want," he muttered, suddenly no longer in the mood for ice cream.

Abby ordered for herself and (Y/N) went to make it. Cindy took over at the cash while (Y/N) stepped away, which disappointed Mike. Usually Cindy was the one making the orders while (Y/N) was at the cash, and they'd have their small conversations while Mike waited. He really hoped what Abby had said hadn't scared (Y/N) off completely.

She came back and handed Abby her ice cream.

"Are you guys sticking around much longer?" she asked Mike.

"We weren't really planning on it. Abby just wanted ice cream before we went home."

"I'm off in, like, 10 minutes. If you guys don't mind a third, I mean."

Mike agreed without consulting Abby. Not like the younger girl really cared either way. She was already deep into her ice cream and ignoring the whole conversation.

Mike and Abby sat at a nearby table to wait for (Y/N). Abby finished her ice cream in record time, giving herself a brain freeze. Mike couldn't help but laugh as his sister scrunched up her face in pain.

"That's why you don't eat cold foods that fast," he said.

"Do you like (Y/N)?" Abby asked through the brain freeze pain.

The quick change in topic startled Mike. "I mean...yeah. She's my friend."

"But you like her," Abby said. "You always talk about her, and I saw the way you look at her."

Mike shrugged, trying not to give Abby any other ideas. He didn't need her blurting something else out and embarrassing him again. "She's a friend, Abby. Friends talk about friends."

"Friends don't look at other friends like they want to kiss them, though."

Mike chuckled. "Some do."

Abby gave him a look. He sighed and said, "Maybe I do, but that doesn't give you permission to say stuff to her about it, okay? For now, we're just friends."

"You should ask her out. I think she'd say yes."

"It's not that easy, Abs."

"What's not that easy?"

Mike jumped at the sound of (Y/N)'s voice behind him. When he looked at her, she was already changed out of her work uniform. "Nothing. Abby and I were just talking."

He shot Abby a look to tell her not to say anything. (Y/N) looked between the two of them with a skeptical look on her face.

"Do you have a ride home?" Mike asked.

"If you're offering, then yes. I was supposed to wait around for my roommate to get me, but I'd much rather hang out with you guys and get out of here."

The three of them walked to Mike's car. Abby filled most of the silence by talking to (Y/N) about whatever came to her little mind. (Y/N) just smiled and responded as Abby spoke. Mike would sneak glances at her and smile to himself.

Abby got into the car first, and as Mike was reaching for the door handle to get in himself, (Y/N) said, "Wait."

He paused and looked up at her, confused.

"Why haven't you asked me out yet, Mike?"

The question took him completely by surprise, but that seemed to be her specialty at this point. He opened his mouth to respond, but all that came out was some stuttered nonsense.

"I mean, if you don't like me then that's fine, I get it," she continued. "But I thought that maybe we had a connection, and I keep thinking you're going to ask me out and then you don't, and I'll be honest, I'm losing my mind a little bit."

"Whoa, whoa," Mike said. "Slow down. I'm sorry that's how you're feeling, but I've been trying to ask you out. I did ask you out a few weeks ago!"

"That wasn't asking me out! You asked what I was doing and I said working. You didn't even follow up to try and figure out a different day we could've went out instead!"

"I didn't know I was supposed to do that!"

They both paused and, after a moment, they started to laugh.

"I'm clueless with this stuff," Mike admitted. "I haven't dated since high school."

"Well, here's a tip: if you like a girl, ask her out. Her liking you back is more likely than you'd think."

Mike smiled. "Do you want to come over for dinner? I'm sure it's not exactly the date you're thinking of, but Abby wants spaghetti and meatballs tonight, and I do make a mean spaghetti and meatballs."

(Y/N) smiled back. It was brighter than her real smile. It was what Mike decided to dub her "Mike smile".

"I'd love to," she said. "I love spaghetti and meatballs."

Abby opened her car door then and looked between the two of them. "What's taking you so long?"

"Hey Abs, would it be okay if (Y/N) joined us for dinner?" Mike asked, although he already knew the answer.

Abby lit up with excitement and vigorously nodded her head. Mike and (Y/N) finally got into the car and they made their way back to Mike's place. The entire car ride he couldn't wipe the smile from his face.

#mike schmidt #mike schmidt imagine #mike schmidt x reader #josh hutcherson #josh hutcherson x reader #josh hutcherson imagine #five nights at freddy's #fnaf #fnaf imagine #imagine #one shot #fanfiction #fanfic #fandom

[loveforeren]

Toji and cock warming are two things that will always go together 🥰 so here's a little snippet I wrote + what happens in the morning (yes ik I haven't posted in months I'm a lazy mf i will try to post more when im not busy)

"Beautiful, cmon you know I can't fall asleep without you" Toji said in a sing-song way.

You giggled and came out the bathroom with a sports bra on and what you think is the smallest pair of panties you own. Toji lets out a whistle and you roll your eyes as you climb into bed.

"Y'know you're stunning...and all mine" Toji said. That was his very indirect way of saying he loved you.

He kisses your neck, then your cheek, and finally crashes his lips into yours. He was like a wild beast everytime you guys kissed. Always craving more and more. You guys pull away after you tap his leg to let him know you need to breathe. He grins and you yawn slightly.

"Welp bed time!" You roll over with a giggle.

"Y/N...." he says pleading and you already know what he wants.

"Fineeeee" you say pretending to be annoyed but he knew you liked it just as much as him.

He pulls your panties to the side and sees your slick dampening the panties. He lets out a sound of satisfaction seeing that pretty pussy of yours.

"Ready?" He asks gently. You nod and he puts his face into your neck as he slowly slides his length in you.

You both moan in unison as his fills you to the brim with his cock. Finally he was fully inside you and he was grinning.

"Can we sleep now?" You ask with a grunt. Toji nods and snuggles closer to you.

Of course to fall asleep he had to be inside you.

The next morning, you peeked one eye open and the sunshine covered your face a small yawn and a slight wheeze from your particular built and heavy boyfriend squeezing you tight. You unfortunately had to get ready for work. There was a small or rather big problem though. How the hell were you gonna get toji off and out of you. You sigh and slowly peel his arms off of you. Which was much harder than it sounds. Then the hardest task getting him out of you without him waking up. You slowly and softly put your hand against his lower abdomen and slide forward. You could feel his length sliding out of you. A small quiet moan came out and you cover your mouth. Sliding his all the way out of you. Conveniently enough that made your horny but you had no time to wake him up for a quickie. So you kissed his head and walked to the bathroom while your body ached and pleaded with you to go back and beg him to pound you until you were fully awake.

#loveforeren #toji fushiguro #jjk toji #toji x reader #toji smut #toji x you #fushiguro toji #toji zenin #jujutsu kaisen toji #toji x y/n #zenin toji #why did i make this

[writingquestionsanswered]

Non-Magical & Magical Romance

Anonymous asked: How can we write couples from different worlds metaphorically and literally? I know it's up to me, but how can I write that they want to keep meeting? She's a non-witch and quite despises magical people (who have no contact with the normal world.) Why would they be interested in each other? Why would they want to meet again?

[Ask edited for length]

I'm not sure what you're asking when you want to know how to write a couple "metaphorically" and "literally." Maybe symbolism vs portrayal? No idea, but we'll get to that in a moment. :)

When people are writing an "opposites attract" type romance and say "I have no idea why they would keep meeting" I know there's something critical missing from their story: a conflict.

Stories revolve around conflict, which is a problem in your character's heart and mind, or a problem in their world, and sometimes both. When you're writing an "opposites attract" romance, the conflict needs to be something that causes their first interaction, then keeps them interacting afterward.

So:

1 - What can happen to the woman that causes her to go to a place where she would run into the magical guy? For example, maybe she loses something or something happens that forces her to go looking for an item or information.

2 - What is the guy doing that causes him to be in the place, at the right time, to run into the woman, and what does what he's doing have to do with why the woman is there?

3 - How does the guy's situation cause him to want to get involved in the lady's situation? How do their situations intersect in a complimentary way, even if the people themselves are opposites?

4 - What goal must they both try to reach in order to resolve their individual conflicts? What plan can they create that forces them to work together toward this resolution?

As they interact, they'll start to get to know each other and bond, which will start to make their opposing positions less of a problem.

As for portraying them metaphorically and literally... assuming you're referring to symbolism (as I can't think of another option), you can think about the themes that embody their opposing situations (magical vs non-magical), the themes surrounding the unique relationship that develops (unlikely friendship, forbidden love, opposites attract) and start to look for symbols that reflect these themes and tropes. Then work these into your stories where they make sense. For example, maybe the magical guy has a beloved dog and cat who are very close, and that would be symbolic of the "opposites attract" theme/trope.

Happy writing!

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

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[silverynight]

How to ask a cheerleader out

<---Previous

Chapter 7

Every now and then, Uraraka glares at Katsuki when they all are together having lunch in the cafeteria; Izuku knows it's only a warning and that it'll pass as soon as she realizes his boyfriend doesn't have bad intentions.

The word boyfriend still makes him flustered; he can feel Katsuki's hand in his, and his leg pressed against him under the table. Izuku likes it; he likes to feel close to Katsuki and enjoys the way he softly stares at him.

He also enjoys the way Katsuki's friends tease him about their relationship.

"Midoriya, I'm telling you... you can ask this one whatever you want and he'll do it because he's so whipp–"

"Shut up, dunce face!"

"Kacchan, don't be mean to your friend!"

"Tch, fine!"

"See? I was right!"

Ashido leans closer to her boyfriend Kirishima and starts laughing as Izuku intertwines his fingers with Katsuki to calm him down; he can see Iida and Uraraka holding back their smiles, but she fails miserably and starts chuckling too.

Izuku knows she's beginning to welcome Katsuki into their friend group, which is a win in Izuku's mind.

He rests his head over Katsuki's shoulder and the blond can't help but look at him with a very fond expression on his face.

Despite being an anxious person, Izuku feels for the first time like this is going to work after all, and he purposely ignores the part of his brain that tells him it's too early to think something like that.

"Would you like to go to the school dance with me, Izuku?"

"Yes, Kacchan!" He beams, already excited about it; he can't wait to dance with Katsuki and have a good time with him.

Ashido and Uraraka look at each other intently, like they're having a silent conversation before they lean closer to Izuku.

"You know what that means, right?" Ashido asks with a smirk that makes Izuku nervous for a moment.

"We have to go back to the shopping center again!" Uraraka says excitedly. Izuku visibly relaxes and can't help but giggle at them.

Katsuki leans next to him and gives him a quick kiss on his curls; it makes him turn bright red in seconds.

"Bakubro is actually a besotted boyfriend. Who would've thou–"

"SHUT UP!" He cuts Kirishima off, turning almost as red as Izuku.

They all burst into laughter again while Izuku gives Katsuki a kiss on the cheek in return.

***

Turns out the girls don't want Katsuki during their shopping trip with Izuku. They say it's better if the other boy doesn't see his outfit until the day of the school dance.

"Don't worry, we'll help you pick something that will make him fall in love with you all over again!" Ashido assures him, making Izuku blush.

Uraraka chuckles and pulls her friend into a hug; at least she's not rolling her eyes at the idea of him going out with Katsuki anymore.

"Do you have an idea in mind?"

Izuku feels shy out of the sudden; his face turns slightly pink before he covers it with both hands.

"I was thinking about a dress. A light pink dress," he mumbles behind his own hands. "Do you think it'll suit me? I don't want to look ridiculous."

"You'll look beautiful," Uraraka assures him with a certainty that makes him smile.

"Of course you'll look absolutely gorgeous," Ashido says, patting Izuku's head a couple of times. "You always look good in the cheerleader's uniform after all! Now let's go! I know just the shop for you!"

Turns out the problem is not finding just one dress like that, the problem is that there are too many dresses that look so cute, Izuku is not sure which one he should pick.

However, both girls help him try a couple and give him their honest opinion on each one; in the end, Izuku falls in love with an a-line dress that has pink petals all over the lower part of it.

"You look like Persephone!" Ashido giggles, making Izuku shake his head and get flustered for the third time of the day.

"I do not!" He says; he has always loved that myth.

"You kinda do," Uraraka observes, staring at him with a serious expression. "Let's get him a floral tiara to match with the dress!"

"You're a genius, Ura!" The girl with the pink hair comments, dragging Izuku outside that shop and into a new one.

They end up exhausted, but Izuku has so much fun.

***

The hag starts freaking out about the dance, which is why Katsuki didn't want to tell her, but he knew if he didn't she wouldn't stop yelling at him for not requesting a suit from her and his Dad.

"The guy must be a saint to agree to go to the school dance with a brat like you," her voice comes out from Katsuki's phone and he's more than glad that they're doing this over a call.

"I'm really happy for you," Masaru says, because his father is actually a very nice person.

"Thanks, I guess," Katsuki mumbles, turning slightly pink just by thinking about his nerd. Damn he's really down bad. "Why do you think it's a guy?"

"Because you're gay, brat. You have never been interested in girls."

She's absolutely right so he decides he's not even going to make another comment about it.

"Does he have a name?"

Why are they so embarrassing? Katsuki groans... it's okay the quicker he tells them the faster this whole thing is over...

"Do you remember Izuku?"

"Ha!" Mitsuki laughs in the background; Katsuki knows her so well he can practically see her knowing smirk despite they're only talking over the phone. "Pay up, Masaru!"

"WHAT? YOU COULDN'T POSSIBLY KNOW ABOUT THIS–"

"STOP YELLING, BRAT!"

"We're happy for you," his father assures him. "We had the feeling you were going to see him again or at least we hoped, because you were so in lo–"

"SHUT UP, JUST SEND THE FUCKING SUIT!"

"Yeah, yeah, brat... but after the school dance you're going to bring sweet Izuku here to have dinner with us, alright?"

"I suppose..." Katsuki grumbles, feeling a little bit pleased that his parents are eager to see the nerd again.

"Great, can't wait to see that cutie again! Don't ruin this, brat, I've always wanted to have a sweet and cute son-in-law."

"STOP!"

He's definitely going to wait a while before taking Izuku to his parents' house.

***

You can read Chapter 8, Chapter 9 and Chapter 10 on my Patreon already!

Patreon

#bnha #mha #bkdk #bakudeku #my hero academia #bakugou katsuki #izuku midoriya

[vasilek-ymep]

my lorax au once-ler (Drug-Ler/Junk-Ler/Weed-Ler/Addict-Ler or just Torchalkins)

translation of the interview 1997:

Jane: We haven't been able to contact You for a long time. Are You always so busy, or is there some other reason?

Once-ler: Yes, I work all the time. The corporation isn't standing still. I'm directly involved in the development of new and more advanced 'drugs' .

Jane: Is 'Dr.' Moore after all?

Once-ler: (laughs) You could say that.

Jane: The our article title is 'Sweet 16x2'. How do You feel at 32?

Once-ler: I feel great. I can't believe it's been so long! This age was always seemed unattainable and very far away to me. Especially at the 16.

Jane: The article should have been called 'Sweet 16'!

Once-ler: (laughs) maybe!

Jane: You haven't changed much. What's the secret?

Once-ler: There are no secrets. I just don't drink or get drugs.

Jane: That's good. Now many people are addicted. Especially teenagers.

Once-ler: It scares me.

Jane: Is Your company RSGS MED CORP aimed at combating teenage alcoholism and drug addiction?

Once-ler: Yes, that's right. It needs to be eradicated.

Jane: I like Your attitude!

Once-ler: Likewise, Jane.

Jane: It's great that You took the time for a little interview. You haven't appeared on TV since the 1990s. What is the reason?

Once-ler: I try to exclude TV from my life. It spoils the nerves. There are no promising shows for me at the moment where I would like to appear.

Jane: Mr. Moore, You have become a sex symbol of the 80s. It's already the 97th year, and You still remain the idol for teens. Tell us about Your views on life.

Once-ler: I think everyone should appreciate the time that God has given us. Every second should be spent usefully. Communication gives us a lot. You need to strive to get to know new people in order to gain experience from them. Of course, the most important thing in life is mental balance, career and family.

Jane: (laughs) arranged in decreasing order of importance for You?

Once-ler: (laughs) Almost.

Jane: My newspaper has received a lot of questions from fans about what You're listening to. Tell us about Your favorite musicians.

Once-ler: I really like Prince!

Jane: Exactly, how could I forget. You have his guitar?

Once-ler: Yes, yes!

Jane: A gift?

Once-ler: Yes, we contacted.

Jane: Which his song do You like the most?

Once-ler: 'Soft and Wet'.

Jane: (laughs) Exotic and sexy!

Jane: In '89 You released Your album under the label 'Crystal', and in '91 You starred in the musical 'Go Billy Gox3'. What was the reason to stop trying to enter a musical career?

Once-ler: Perhaps a criticism. You know, I've always loved funk and rhythm-and-blues more, but my voice is too low to compete with Sly & the Family Stone or Talking Heads.

Jane: I think You'll find Your genre!

Once-ler: (laughs) No, no, I'm not into music.

Jane: You've been in three films. Are You planning to shoot more?

Once-ler: I would like to. So far, there are no scripts that I like.

Jane: Really?!

Once-ler: Alas!

Jane: Tell us about Your favorite actors and films.

Once-ler: Audrey and Ted Wiggins definitely!

Jane: Such a quick response. What kind of paintings do you like with them?

Once-ler: 'Sweet Blood'. All the parts.

Jane: Wow!

Once-ler: I like the theme of inquisitions and steampunk... and vampires, of course! (laughs)

Jane: What do You think about the progressive-anarchic views of life of young people?

Once-ler: I think this is maximalism.

Jane: Were you like that?

Once-ler: Perhaps! It's just that my environment is enviably full of aggressive fanatics. I know you're going to read this, American!

Jane: (laughs) Is there a problem with your cousin?

Once-ler: Conflicts of worldviews.

Jane: You have a direct influence on American politics. Why haven't You been running for president yet?

Once-ler: I'm a pharmacist. I doubt that I can make America strong if I become president.

Jane: Are You a patriot?

Once-ler: True. I protect my homeland from people like me. (laughs)

Jane: Tell readers Your favorite books.

Once-ler: Read McDonagh.

Jane: The Scotsman?

Once-ler: The Irishman. But it seems to me that these are familiar problems for our country.

Jane: You've written two books about finding yourself. Is this an important issue for You?

Once-ler: Very much. As I said before, balance in the soul is a balance in life.

Jane: It's inspiring!

Jane: Are You still single? Or have You got a partner?

Once-ler: I haven't found the right person for me yet.

Jane: In the future, can I leave you my number? (laughs)

Once-ler: I'm yours! (laughs)

Jane: We don't know much about Your personal life outside of the media amplua. Why is that?

Once-ler: I prefer to be in the circle of friends and family without prying eyes.

Jane: Do You like being alone?

Once-ler: Perhaps…

Jane: Thank You, Mr. Moore!

Once-ler: It was a pleasure to answer Your questions!

Jane: You're very sweet. You seem so serious on TV!

Once-ler: Really?! How embarrassing…

Jane: It's even entertaining!

#art #digital art #oc #onceler #onceler au #onceler oc #once ler #onceler art #onceler fandom #the onceler fandom #lorax au #the lorax #lorax #lorax 2012 #lorax fanart #lorax fandom

[halfbakedspuds]

Alright, people who speak English better than me, I'm trying to figure out whether English has a word for a concept in my home language and I need your help.

In Afrikaans we have the word 'Boereraad' (literally: Farmer advice) which describes any solution to a problem or ailment that gets passed down from one generation to the next and- despite constantly sounding like complete and utter nonsense- actually has like a coinflip's chance of legitimately working.

This advice tends to be fully disregarded by the youth for how often it's something like 'how you can use a sheep's bladder to cure nightmares' (Don't ask, you do not want to know the full procedure that Auntie told me about), but anyone who's either a bit older or who's seen an instance of Boereraad working knows that it's worth it to listen even if 90% of the advice can be disgarded on logic alone.

Because that 10% that is actually usable is game-changing advice.

I don't know, does English have a word for this concept?

#languages #lookimg for a word #Please help

[writingjourney]

Hi, ibi! Just a self-indulgent suggestion if you don't mind it

I popped my hip on choreography classes when I was a child (my teacher forced me down to quick in the ground while I was doing a central split). And usually it doesn't disturb me and my leg functions with ease, but today I have bothered it so much, walking a lot at work and after working hours that now my whole leg is trying to kill me, especially my hip and ankle 😔

I am sure all of the Papas will try to take care of their s/o with the same problem even thought they are busy with their "papal duties" whatever they are (yes this is self-indulgent but I think today I deserve it lol)

Oh damn, I'm sorry you're in pain! I hope it's a bit better today? ♡

I think the Papas would love to pamper you. Usually it's you who rubs their little aches away and massages the tightness from their muscles so they would be eager to return the favour. No Papal duty is more important than their amore!

You know Primo has some ointment he mixed together that he applies which doesn't just soothe the pain but also smells nice. His fingers might not be the most nimble anymore but they're still strong and firm enough to help your leg. Secondo too is an amazing masseur, he probably took a massage course at some point in his life to make sure he does it right when with his lovers (he has a strong grip) and he's even more happy to finally have a steady partner he can pamper with said knowledge.

I think Terzo too is very good at massages since he seems the type of man who truly wants to pamper his lovers and lavish them with attention. He will dedicate some time to soothe your leg while whispering compliments and praises and perhaps you can relax in his arms for the remainder of the day. Copia I think would order a restful evening with your leg propped up and a movie on while he makes sure you DO NOT MOVE as he takes care of dinner, cleaning your quarters and ultimately joining you to cuddle the pain away.

#asks #i love the papas being caring with their lovers ♡ #i hope you feel better!!!

[galaxythedragonshifter]

The feeling when you want to make your own fantasy world and you've tried so hard you've gotten to the point where you have no idea what you want

#galaxy rambles #im genuinely stuck asf rn #i want a fantasy world with dragons #but do I include the humans? #i want to because Galaxy's whole thing is being a Dragonshifter #but at the same time I'm having the worst time trying to connect to human OCs #and develop the human culture because there's nothing keeping me interested #but at the same time idk what I want because no matter what I think of it doesn't work #so im stuck in this “i dont know wtf i want” state because im not getting attached to ANYTHING #no matter how many things I add into it that I like #which has been my problem with fantasy worlds since the beginning #EVERY. ONE. I. MAKE. #no matter how interesting or complex I try and make it I lose attachment #writers please help me- 😭 #maybe im too self aware #writer asks #writer problems #writers on tumblr #writers #worldbuilding #worldbuilding help #why is it so easy to get connected to everyone else's human characters #but when I do it I can't get anything #?????

[figureofdismay]

i can't remember who wrote the post that brought the idea to my attention, but ever since then I've thinking about a Dana Scully who really definitely did have a big giant crush on "Spooky" Mulder during her training and early time at the bureau, based on his reputation and probably some lectures he did about profiling at Quantico/a seminar or something. So when she got the assignment to 'debunk' him and take down the x-files, she went from 'i get to meet him!!!' to 'well, shit, thanks to the assignment he's going to hate me, there go my chances with him :///' like, instantly (and in front of her boss) and after she did actually meet Mulder she was like 'he can never, ever know or he'll make fun of me so much.' (Which he wouldn't. I mean he would just a little, affectionately thrilled but not in the way that "friends" like Colton probably made her ready to expect.)

idk I'm tempted to write a little ficlet about the premise to try and get myself unstuck from long-term writer's block, and if anyone remembers who that was -- if it was you, would you be cool with me running with that idea for a little bit???

#msr #txf #the x files #dana scully #fox mulder #AUs i need in my life #i mean i'm not convinced it fully is an AU it really does work as an interpretation of canon. however that's my fic ideas tag lol #also i bet she was like 'i cannot let him know i was casually interested in That Stuff thanks to Missy and experiences i and my mom had bc #not only would he not get that I wasn't /really/ serious about it he'd try to make it go in the report. which. NO.' 😂 #fic writing problems

[benevolenterrancy]

AND IT'S COMPLETED! Last chapter finally posted!

The Torchwood team manages to get themselves dumped into the middle of the Korean War and have to struggle their way through injuries, medical staff, time anomalies, demon hunters, and more general confusion than even they're used to dealing with on the regular in order to find a way home.

Meanwhile the MASH crew get a bunch of British spooks who just may win for being the weirdest patients they've ever had, and that's saying a lot.

#torchwood #mash #mash 4077 #fanfiction #normally i only post when i start a new fic but by god i've been working on this one long enough that i want to celebrate finishing it #i am very satisfied with how it turned out and it was beyond fun to write - i really needed something this kooky when i started writing it #and going through afterwards to edit and get all the pieces lined up was an excellent way to unwind #and against all expectations there are actual people reading it? which stuns me? i thought this was going to be a For Me Myself And I sort #of crossover #so to everyone who has ALSO been reading and commenting: thank you - you sustain me you're magical people i am giving you all little kisses #also the number of people who only know one of the franchises or the other... wow i'm so flattered you'd try reading a whole crossover for #series you don't even know #hopefully it was easy enough to follow even without knowing hte other show bc both of them have such bigger cumbersome casts... #for anyone interested who is a MASH Exclusive sort of person - they finally show up in chpt3 #it takes a minute for them to get there but i promise you that they do and they get to cause all sorts of problems on purpose

[thedreadvampy]

guess who's in 🎶troooouble🎶

New Boss does not appreciate my Vile Insubordination (giving an informed opinion in an email chain where she said some factually incorrect things and got called out on it - I said hey yep you're right that what she said isn't true but here's why it's still important to listen to our team)

and now we have to have a Quick Chattette about my Behaviour and Unsatisfactory Response (didn't apologise for being correct)

#red said #fuckin had it tbh #trying to become calm and balanced bc it will not be helpful for me to go in with this fuck you attitude #but. you know. fuuuuuuck you. #i have been doing this job for 2 years with huge success i do not need someone to redesign and micromanage everything i do #you can simply. do your job and let me do mine #instead of undercutting a huge chunk of work we've already done bc you don't know what you're talking about yet #the situation is she emailed without talking to either of us saying an obviously untrue thing which we could easily have corrected her on #the person she emailed came back like hey #that's not true though? #so i popped in like sorry i know this isn't a conversation I've been closely involved it but you're right and that's actually a whole thing #yeah the thing she said doesn't exist does in fact exist but we've been trying to phase out of for years and what's left is legacy stuff #and that's part of why we're unsure about making room for more of it to happen #felt reasonable. i was in the thread to begin with bc my opinion was being asked #so she was like oh why did you do that we probably should have talked about it first as a team #and I'm like YEAH WE PROBABLY SHOULD HAVE but given that you DIDN'T and have inaccurate info then dropped offline #i assumed we weren't doing Team Responses #and she's NOT HAPPY with how i replied. i phrased it more politely than that but not by much #but you know what man? seems like a you problem. #sorry I'm a Quaker respect for authority is against my religion

[bitegore]

god i really forgot that every business management professor specifically is the most unpleasant human being alive for no good reason. i have two business classes with like econ and accounting professors respectively and those look fine and then oh my god if i have to go back to this class with this professor i think i might actually kill myself

#red rambles #she's not. *mean*. she is. um. fucking. i think condescendiing is the word #she made us do a kahoot in class on questions we didn't know explicitly because she knew we didn't know them. i hate kahoots #she went through the syllabus like we were children which. fine whatever every professor does that it's why i hate the first class #but she also kept going off topic to give us life advice. never give me life advice ill fucking kill you #im really not sure what else was my fucking problem but i genuinely felt like i was being psychologically tortured #also i have done one of the several assignments for the class already and they're babyshit but its going to be one of my most #busywork heavy classes and she wants us doing discussion questions every fucking week #and i have to download yet another fucking app for her class #and i need it for my degree plan but oh my GOD. i need to get the fuck out of it #im gonna try and find a different session of the class taught by a different professor and switch in #do you know how much i have to hate a class if im willing to eat two entire finished homework assignments to get out of it #eta. i take it with this professor or i take it with a different professor i know and already know i cant stand #who is also going to work us like dogs unlike this prof who is going to apparently treat us like we are 14 years old #i guess its not college if i'm not being forced to experience psychological torment for an hour and a half every couple days lol #ill just have to like eat something before that class and do my best to fortify myself before i go in and turn evil

[the-eclectic-wonderer]

For fannfic writer asks:

Do you ever read your own writing for fun?

If you could erase any three tropes from existence, what would they be?

Hello! And thank you for the questions :)

Do you ever read your own writing for fun?

YES. Absolutely 100% yes! I write for myself and my own enjoyment first and foremost; I know what I like and how I like it, so it only makes sense that I enjoy reading my works, haha! It's a lot of fun!

If you could erase any three tropes from existence, what would they be?

This is a hard one to answer, because I'm a strong believer in the fact that there's no capital sins in writing -- as long as the writer knows what they're doing, anything and everything can become the foundation for a wonderful, poignant story.

That being said... there are some common tropes (particularly in romances) I'm not too fond of. Love triangles are one of those (they mostly seem childish to me, honestly), and I also don't really enjoy love at first sight (attraction yes, interest yes, but love? at first sight? definitely not my thing!). Contrary to popular taste, I'm not a big fan of enemies-to-lovers, unless there's an extensive 'friends' phase in between. So yeah, if I had to pick: love triangles, love at first sight, enemies-to-lovers. :)

Thanks again for the questions, these were a lot of fun to answer!

#you know that post that's like #'re-reading my own works because the author has my exact same understanding of the characters & themes and loves my exact same tropes'? #yeah that's me lmao #i definitely recommend re-reading one's works to anyone who writes! it's a *lot* of fun (and also a good way to improve!) #i'd never actually erase any of those tropes because we'd lose some incredible stories like Romeo & Juliet and the mere thought pains me #but they are very popular (esp. in fandom) and not often well-done imho #so maybe i just dislike them out of excessive exposure idk #but yeah if i had to pick it wold be those #i think they all share the same fundamental problem for me. which is that i think true deep love comes from friendship and affection first #might be because i'm on the ace spectrum #but i strongly believe there's a solid foundation of friendship behind every great love story #so tropes that try to bypass that foundation of mutual understanding and trust aren't really my thing #no shade to those who enjoy them ofc this is just my personal taste #writing