Writer Ask Game - Tumblr Posts

2, 16, and 45 for the writer asks!! 🥰🥰

2. Go to your AO3 “Works” page, to the sidebar with all the filters, and click the drop-down arrow for “Additional Tags.” What are your top 3-5 most used tags? Do you think they accurately represent your writing habits?

So the top five are;

Fanart (10), Fluff (9), Giftart (8), Plot What Plot/Porn Without Plot (8), Digital art (6)

But for the top 3 actually writing related ones;

Fluff (9), Plot What Plot/Porn Without Plot (8), and Kissing (4)

They definitely do accurately represent what I generally write lmao

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16. What’s an AU you would love to read (or have read and loved)?

Honestly I'm a simple guy, so anything that's a Trans!Steve AU. I don't care if it's with powers or without or supernatural themed, or whatever. I've read a couple, but the ones I read were very worried about being as PC (for lack of a better term) as possible. And I appreciate that effort, but it sort of was to the detriment of the story.

Mostly ensuring that no of course he doesn't use THAT part of his anatomy, he's a transman after all! sort of stuff. Which, as a trans guy... I get it, but it was also alienating for me because lmao I do use those parts of me and that doesn't make me less Transmasc.

I'd love someone else to write it and to read that AU, but at the same time it seems like I might have to be the one to write it in the end.

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45. What’s something you’ve improved on since you started writing fic?

Usage of similes, mostly. I'm able to string them together a lot better to build a more thorough picture than I used to. (it's definitely not spelling and punctuation, that's as bad as it's ever been lmao)

39, 45, 49. ❤️

39. Is any aspect of your writing process inspired by other writers or people? If so, who?

There's a few aspects, although if you asked me to outright pinpoint who inspired them, I'm not certain I'd be able to answer. There's a few fanfic authors that use lots and lots of — em dashes and from them I learned to love the fuck out of them.

In addition to that, single word breaks between things like.

He couldn't believe his eyes—what he was seeing in front of him. Terrified. Unequivocally, absolutely, he was terrified.

And I know I learned somewhere the whole thing with playing around with italic, bold, and bold italic to add more emphasis to something. But that was at least ten years ago, and I'm not certain any longer.

I read a lot. I used to read even more. It's hard to remember where every little bit comes from, unfortunately.

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45. What’s something you’ve improved on since you started writing fic?

Dialogue. While dialogue definitely is something that seems to have come naturally to me in general (it's probably all those years sitting at the table with adults and listening to them talk as a wee tot) it's gotten exponentially better over the years.

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49. What are you currently working on? Share a few lines if you’re up for it!

Technically I haven't been working on ANYTHING writing wise in the last few weeks. But I have restarted a gift intended for my girlfriend (as you know because I've already shared this with you lmao) over two years ago. So that's what everyone is gonna get a chunk of.

When they finally arrive at the cabin, Steve sees a flash of lighting, followed by an almost deafening crack and roll of thunder moments later. They’re inside, before it happens again. There’s still laughter on their lips as they all but tumble through the door, but soon the mirth is replaced with the sound of teeth chattering and the drip, drip, drop of rain soaked clothes. Quickly they are creating large puddles on the welcome mat just inside the door. Steve shakes his head, amused as droplets of water fling this way and that and, he licks at his lips, catching a few on his tongue. He turns to Tony and, he means to say something… But, whatever that something is, it’s lost immediately as he looks at the man standing next to him. He’s struck with the fact that no one has any right to look so good in waterlogged clothing, with their hair plastered to their head and their lower lip quivering from the cold. And, yet, Tony does. His shirt and jeans are stuck to him like cellophane, and this close Steve can see the rise of goose flesh along his clavicles. Painted across his cheeks is a rosy red flush, and Steve… Steve barely remembers to breathe. Longer than he means to, he stares, until Tony’s dark brown eyes meet his. Despite the cold clinging beneath his skin, Steve feels the telltale heat of an embarrassed flush making its way over the rise of his cheeks. He shivers and a moment later, Tony offers him a smile. It almost seems knowing. Perhaps he’s just seeing things. “What?” Tony asks, after another moment, inclining a brow. “Huh? Oh—uh. Nothing, really, I was just considering taking a shower to warm up. Looks like you might need it more than me.” Steve replies, and the shower is absolutely something he made up on the spot. Tony’s grin becomes broader, seeming to be even more knowing than before and Steve wants to fidget under the scrutiny. There’s no way Tony knows what he was actually thinking. That Tony knows how Steve actually feels about him. If there was, he would have said something by now—Tony is many things, but none of those has ever been bashful.  After another handful of seconds, Tony shakes his head. “Naw. Have at it, Cap. I’ll get changed and start a fire while you’re in there.” It’s as those words leave Tony’s lips that Steve realizes that now he has to commit to his lie. The alternative is to admit it was a lie and then be forced to explain why, exactly, he’d been staring at Tony. He doesn’t see that going over well—how does one explain being hopelessly in love with their best friend without alienating them in the same breath? It’s easier to go with the lie. “Okay. Thanks, Tony,” Steve says, and he turns and makes his way into the singular bedroom the cabin contains.

Ask away!

Writers Truth & Dare Ask Game

🎱 ⇢ post your AO3 total stats  🍓 ⇢ how did you get into writing fanfiction?  🌵 ⇢ share the link to a playlist you love 🕯️ ⇢ on a scale from 1 to 10, how much do you enjoy editing? why is that? 🛼 ⇢ describe your latest wip with five emojis 🥑 ⇢ you accidentally killed somebody, which mutual(s) do you text for help? 🥤 ⇢ recommend an author or fanfic you love 💌 ⇢ how many unread emails do you have right now?  🌻 ⇢ tag someone you appreciate but don't talk to on a regular basis 🐇 ⇢ do you prefer writing original characters, reader inserts, or a mix of both?  🧃 ⇢ share some personal lore you never posted about before 🎲 ⇢ what stops you from writing more in your free time?  🍄 ⇢ share a head canon for one of your favourite ships or pairings 🧸 ⇢ what's the fastest way to become your mutual? 🪐 ⇢ name three good things going on in your life right now 📚 ⇢ what's the last thing you wrote down in your notes app?  🍬 ⇢ post an unpopular opinion about a popular fandom character 🔪 ⇢ what's the weirdest topic you researched for a writing project? 🦷 ⇢ share some personal wisdom or a life hack you swear on ❄️ ⇢ what's your dream theme/plot for a fic, and who would write it best? 🌿 ⇢ give some advice on writer's block and low creativity 🥐 ⇢ name one internet reference that will always make you laugh  🏜️ ⇢ what's your favourite type of comment to receive on your work? 🍦 ⇢ name three good things about a character you hate 🥝 ⇢ do you lie a lot? what's the most recent lie you told? 🦋 ⇢ share something that has been on your heart and mind lately  🦴 ⇢ is there a piece of media that inspires your writing?  🍅 ⇢ give yourself some constructive criticism on your own writing 🐚 ⇢ do you like or dislike surprises? 🪲 ⇢ add 50 words to your current wip and share the paragraph here ☁️ ⇢ what made you choose your username? 🐝 ⇢ tag your biggest supporter(s) and say one nice thing about them 🌸 ⇢ do you have any pets? if you do, post some pictures of them 🎨 ⇢ link your favourite piece of fanart and explain why you like it 🧩 ⇢ what will make you click away from a fanfiction immediately?

Writing Tips Master Post

Character writing/development:

Character Arcs

Making Character Profiles

Character Development

Comic Relief Arc

Internal Conflict

Character Voices

Creating Distinct Characters

Suicidal Urges/Martyr Complex

Creating Likeable Characters

Writing Strong Female Characters

Writing POC Characters

Building Tension

Plot devices/development:

Intrigue in Storytelling

Enemies to Lovers

Alternatives to Killing Characters

Worldbuilding

Misdirection

Consider Before Killing Characters

Foreshadowing

Narrative:

Emphasising the Stakes

Avoid Info-Dumping

Writing Without Dialogue

1st vs. 2nd vs. 3rd Perspective

Fight Scenes (+ More)

Transitions

Pacing

Writing Prologues

Dialogue Tips

Writing War

Writing Cheating

Worldbuilding:

Worldbuilding: Questions to Consider

Creating Laws/Rules in Fantasy Worlds

Book writing:

Connected vs. Stand-Alone Series

A & B Stories

Writer resources:

Writing YouTube Channels, Podcasts, & Blogs

Online Writing Resources

Outlining/Writing/Editing Software

Writer help:

Losing Passion/Burnout

Overcoming Writer's Block

Fantasy terms:

How To Name Fantasy Races (Step-by-Step)

Naming Elemental Races

Naming Fire-Related Races

How To Name Fantasy Places

Ask games:

Character Ask Game #1

Character Ask Game #2

Character Ask Game #3

Miscellaneous:

1000 Follower Post

2000 Follower Poll

Writing Fantasy

Fanfic Writer Emoji Ask

😅 What's a story or scene you've created that you're a smidge embarrassed exists?

🥺 Is there a certain type of moment or common interaction between your characters that never fails to put you in your feels?

🤡 What's a line, scene, or exchange you've written that made you laugh?

😈 Has there been a point in a story where you did something just to be playfully mean to your readers?

✍ Do you have a beta reader?

🛒 What are some common things you incorporate in your fics? Themes, feels, scenes, imagery, etc.

🎢 Which of your fics would you call your wildest ride?

✨ Give you and your writing a compliment. Go on now. You know you deserve it. 😉

💋 First kiss fics. Love em or hate em?

🎶 Do you listen to music while you write? What song have you been playing on loop lately?

🛠What tools/programs/apps do you use to write?

⛔ Do you have a fic you started, but scrapped?

🙋‍♀️ Do any irl people know you write fanfic?

🍦 What's the sweetest fic you've created so far?

🍷 Do you drink and write?

🍆 Do you write the spicy stuffs? If so, what's your most popular nsfw fic?

🌞 Do you have a preferred time of day to write?

💖 What made you start writing?

💌 How do you feel about comments and feedback?

❌ What's a trope you will never write?

💲 Would you ever open commissions?

🧐 Do you spend much time researching for your stories?

🏆 What's your most popular fic?

🎃 Do you write fics for certain holidays? Which is your favorite holiday inspired fic?

🎯 Have any of your readers accurately guessed major plot points? Care to share which?

🎨 How do you feel about fan art of your stories?

📈 How many fics do you have?

🦅 Do you outline fics or fly by the seat of your pants?

👀 Tell me about an up and coming wip please!

🤗 What advice would you give to new fanfic writers that are just getting started?

💞 Who's your comfort character?

🧠 Pick a character, and I'll tell you my favorite headcanon for them.

🤩 Who is your favorite character to write?

🤲 Would you please share a snippet of a wip?

😬 Which of your fics would you be most horrified for friends, family, or coworkers to stumble upon?

🎉 What leads you to consider a fic a success?

✅ What's something that appears in your fics over and over and over again, even if you don't mean to?

📚 Would you ever want to turn writing into a career?

⌛ How long does it take you to write a fic, or a chapter?

🤯 What's a genre you struggle with as a writer (ex. romance, action, etc.)?

💔 Is there a fic of yours that broke your heart?

💥 How do you feel about criticism?

🤭 Do you have a favorite tag to use when posting your works?

🥰 How do you feel about reader interaction? Are you open to receiving questions about your fics?

✨️

Ask Game.

✨ Give you and your writing a compliment. Go on now. You know you deserve it. 😉

-this is a good one anon and tbh i feel like im so overly critical on myself and my writing so i do need to tell myself that ive made so much improvement towards my writing and i now write solely for what i enjoy instead of trying to reach certain audiences and trying to get the most amount of notes so im most proud of that!!

🧠

Ask Game

🧠 Pick a character, and I'll tell you my favorite headcanon for them.

-okok this is a continuation from the dom ghost hcs! so like i said that man loves giving you the princess treatment and so you do no chores around the house! this most comes from how clumsy you are tho </3 he saw you try so hard to help him with the yard work once and he felt like you needed to be wrapped in bubble wrap after. You tripped over the hose more than once, pricked your finger on a thorn, and nearly took your eye out with a trowel. needless to say he didn’t need any accidents in the future and decided to be in control of it all.

I wanna participate in this!!

[Yet Another] 'Questions for Fic Writers'

I need to get back into the fic-writing mindset, so I'm posting my own list of writer asks. Send me a number (and feel free to reblog)!

What inspired you to start writing fanfiction?

How do you come up with your plot ideas?

Are there any specific themes you enjoy exploring in your fics?

How do you channel characters' voices and personalities?

What techniques do you use to create believable dialogue?

Do you prefer writing shorter, standalone fics or longer, multi-chapter stories?

How do you handle writer's block or moments of creative stagnation?

Do you have any rituals or habits that help you get into the zone?

Have you ever collaborated with someone else on a fic?

What's your favorite part about the fic writing process?

Are there any tropes that you particularly enjoy writing?

Are there any clichés or tropes that you actively avoid in your fics?

What's the most challenging aspect of writing fanfiction for you?

How do you go about researching details or canon information?

Do you plan your fics or prefer to let the story unfold as you write?

How important is it to you to stay true to the original creator's vision while writing fanfiction?

What's the most memorable comment or review you've received on one of your fics?

Are there any fics or authors that have been particularly influential or inspiring to you?

What's the most unusual or unique setting you've used?

How do you approach action sequences or intense moments?

Have you ever used fanfiction as a way to explore your own emotions or personal experiences?

What role does humor play in your writing? Do you enjoy adding comedic elements to your fics?

How do you write endings for your fics? Do you prefer open-ended or conclusive conclusions?

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start writing fanfiction?

Are there any specific writing tools that you find helpful?

How do you approach plot twists or surprises in your fics?

What two (or more) fandoms would you like to see a crossover for? Would you ever write it?

What's the most ambitious or challenging fic you've ever written?

Are there any characters, relationships, or general character dynamics you've never written about but would like to try?

How do you handle writing multiple storylines or subplots?

Do you prefer writing from a single character's perspective or switching between different viewpoints?

Have you ever participated in fanfiction contests, challenges/fests?

How do you incorporate world-building elements into your fics?

Are there any fic writing tips or tricks you've learned along the way that you'd like to share?

What do you enjoy most about being a fic writer?

Fanfic Writer Ask Game

These are always fun so I wanted to make one! Reblog this and let others send you an ask based on any of these emojis/questions:

❤️ What is your favorite line that you’ve written in a fic?

💥 What is one canon thing that you wish you could change?

✨️ Out of the comments you’ve received on your fics, what are two or three of your favorites?

👻 What is your wildest headcanon?

✍️ What’s your ideal writing setup?

🚀 Do you like to outline your fic first or create as you go?

🎁 Have a piece of a WIP you want to share?

🏷 Is there a tag you like to search for when looking for fanfics to read?

⏰️ Do you like to post fics on a schedule or at random?

👓 What helps you focus when you write?

💕 What is your favorite fic that you’ve written?

🐇 Do you write for yourself, for others, or both?

🥳 Why did you start writing fanfic?

🦋 Which character is your favorite to write?

🦈 Which character is the toughest to write?

🍬 Do you write for multiple fandoms? If yes, what is your favorite fic of yours for each fandom?

🌻 How often do you read your own fics?

📗 Do you want to write something outside of fanfiction? If so, what about?

🎬 If a movie or show were based on your fic, which fic would you choose and who would you fancast?

💭 What inspires you and your writing?

🧪 Do you research for your fics?

😎 What fics do you prefer on a scale of canon compliant to wildly original?

💎 Do you often write about a relationship or focus on an individual?

🔥 Have you included any sexy scenes in your fics? If yes, do you find them easy or difficult to write?

💘 Is it easier to write angst or fluff?

🚦What sort of endings do you prefer to write: ambiguous, bad, happily ever after, etc.?

💡How many WIPs do you currently have?

🔎 Does anyone beta read or edit your fics?

📚 Is there a fanfic or fanfic writer you recommend?

🤩 What led to your interest in the fandom?

🤖 Are non-fandom friends aware that you write fanfic?

💛 What is the most impactful lesson you’ve learned about writing?

👑 Do you like writing short fics or long fics?

🎯 Do you have a writing milestone you’re working towards?

🔮 Any advice for writers working through burnout or writer’s block?

🤔 Would you ever want to write something canon if you got the opportunity?

💌 Is there a favorite trope you like to write?

🎨 If someone were to make fanart of your work, what fic or scene would you hope to see?

Here are my asks for the writer ask game if you feel like playing:

✏️- favorite part about writing

☕️- favorite passage

⭐️- how do you get your inspiration?

Thanks 😍

Hi there!! @lathalea Thank you very much for your ask, I will gladly join in too :)

✏️ - That I can get lost in the story and "live it" alongside the characters. Like you´re writing it, but there is not the outside world to disturb you. The writing will just consume you. If you read Alice in Wonderland there is the passage when Alice is falling into the rabbit hole. And that´s exactly what writing fells for me. It´s the excitement, the unknown where will the writing take me next.

☕️ - Oh no, that´s a hard one XD Well, maybe this one ...

"I´ve acomplished my mission, sir. The body will be found in the morning. " he said with carefully plastered poker face. His body rigid in army posture.

"Splendid, we will discuss it more at the meeting. The usual time and place. Now both of you, get to your stations." captain said firmly from signing his documents on the table. Luche and Tredd saluted their captain and left him to his work.

"Was it quick?" asked the redhead quietly when they left the office, it was unusual for Tredd to act like this. Luche exhaled softly and looked at him, his eyes were usually cold and calculating but now shards of remorse got to the surface.

"Perhaps too quick." Luche's voice sound dull to his own ears. Tredd nodded his head, dissapointment flashing briefly on his face. Without other words he went on his way when Luche called back to him weakly. "I did offer her to join us."

- Roses on your grave

⭐️ - Usually at work when I have no time to write it down. (which is a shame) But usually when I get into bus or any kind of public transport and get headphones. And I look around. Sometimes it´s bizzare with how the inspiration cames to me. Like the last time I was spacing out and this old gentleman took seat across from mine. And he had really cool cane! *snap* What if the the character had a cane and in it was sword!? It´s that simple with me. (In all honesty I never lacked ideas, like in my head I have planed a epic story that would took 30 books at least. I am just not good at writing it. XD)

ask box trick-or-treat (fic writer edition)

Send an ask with "Trick or treat!" to the writer who reblogged this & you could receive a 3-sentence fic, drabble, headcanon, sneak-peek at a WIP, the last sentence they wrote, a new fic idea, random line from a fic, picture of their notebook, a deleted line they love, an idea for a sequel, something they're researching, behind-the-scenes info on a published fic, or something else!

happy halloween!

reblog to welcome trick-or-treaters to your inbox! 🕸️🦇

Writer Ask Game: LU Write-a-Thon Edition

Reblog this if you want your followers and mutuals to ask you about any of the questions below about your writing and/or writing process! Most questions and answers are not Linked Universe specific, though they can be --- we love hyping all fellow creators up about their own work, regardless of fandom!

What WIP are focusing on right now?

What is your favorite WIP (published or not)?

What is your most popular WIP?

What is an unsung WIP of yours you'd like to promote?

What do you like most about your own writing?

What is something you admire in others' writing?

Who is your favorite character to write, and what do you like about how you portray them?

What creator does your favorite portrayal of your favorite character? How do they do that?

Are you a pantser, a plotter, or something in between? What does that process look like for you?

Do you plan to write anything during the LU Write-a-thon next month? If so, what are you planning?

Rules of the ask game: if you want to ask a creator that has reblogged this post a question, copy and paste your question into their ask box. If you reblog it yourself, be sure to hit the person you reblogged it from with a question as well!

Idk if anyone already asked these but

7. Who is your favorite character to write, and what do you like about how you portray them?

4. What is your favorite WIP (published or not)?

Actually you're the first lol. Thanks for the asks, I like these questions

Favorite character is Legend, he has a big role in like 95% of my fics. I like that I portray him as an adventurer who has many friends. Even in the angstier fics, I like to mention he does actually enjoy quests, he just has a hard time coping with their many many negative affects.

It's not a WIP anymore so idk if it counts, but my favorite thing I've written is Closure (and lack thereof). Wrote the whole story in about an hour, so far it's the most fun I've had while writing something.

4. What is an unsung WIP of yours you'd like to promote?

10. Do you plan to write anything during the LU Write-a-thon next month? If so, what are you planning?

Thanks for the asks

I have no idea when I'll finish it, but I'll promote my wip Familiar Stranger. Hyrule doesn't remember who the chain is and acts differently than they're used to. This ends up being painful for everyone, Hyrule included :)

Yes! I'm going to be busy the first few hours of the event, but I'm going to work on A Legend in the Making if it isn't finished by then. If it is, I'll work on some Sicktember prompts.

Those all sound so interesting! Your pick, something with Rulie.

Thank you!

Thanks! I'll talk about Love is Stored in Sugar Cubes.

I love the headcanon that Hyrule has a sweet tooth since he's part fairy, and I think sugar helps him recover energy after using magic. Legend, of course, notices this, so he starts to carry around a container full of sugar cubes so he can give them to Rule whenever he needs one. But of course the veteran doesn't want to out himself as a softy, so he keeps trying to think of excuses to give them to Hyrule without being obvious. Meanwhile Rule is completely oblivious and living his best life.

WIP GAME RULIE HATES LEGE AU????? 👀👀👀👀 i am SO curious about that one, you have no idea

I was hoping someone would ask about this one!

So you know how a common headcanon is that Legend feels guilty and blames himself for Hyrule’s era? Well in this fic, Hyrule blames him too!

Hyrule was raised on the idea that the Hero of Legend was a failure because he didn't kill Ganon and "allowed" the kingdom to fall into ruins. So instead of seeing Legend as his hero, he sees Legend as the cause of all his problems :D

Nominating 'Wars and Ledge have something devastating in common' for WIP game!

Tw: Self harm

I headcanon that both Wars and Legend have self harmed before, although for different reasons. Hyrule knows about Legend and checks him every once in a while to make sure he hasn't done it again.

No one knows about Warriors, though. He's been more stressed than ever, some of his insecurities are coming back, and feels the need for release. But when he learns Legend has done it, too, they learn to support each other (with Hyrule’s help too of course).

Hi! For the WRITER ASK GAME - Fantasy: Kingdom, Treasure, and Queen please

Hi! Thank you so much for the Ask, @pluttskutt!

(Writer Ask Game)

I'll answer this one for my WIP Tales of Wilted Flowers!

KINGDOM - How many named places are there in your WIP? How much have you developed them?

There are many named places in Tales of Wilted Flower's continent, Ravaryn. The main ones are the kingdoms of Wenhorn and Allanar, as well as the duchy of Thysfire. There's also a smaller isolated province named Selyn, which is known for the commerce of rare items. On the coast of the Lydean Sea, there's a port town that was taken over by the pirate council at the behest of Meridian Grimshail's navy and is now called the Pirate's Nest. Also, near the kingdom of Allanar, there are the Whispering Forests, which is the home of the Dryads, who are highly territorial about their domain.

TREASURE - What is the best thing in the world of your WIP?

I'm not sure if I could choose one single "best thing" about the world of my WIP, that would be very difficult to decide. I certainly can list a few of my favorites though! I really love writing the details of Dryad culture, as well as how the trees, beasts, and people of the Whispering Forests are so connected they almost form a single entity. I also love worldbuilding the lore surrounding how the realms came to be the way they are now and why the Banished sorceress is so dangerous to their continued existence right now. I really like being inspired by traditional folk myths and giving them my own twist, such as my take on vampyrs (vampires) in this story, who aren't undead but instead are blood-drinking fairies.

Finally, the Lydean Sea is one of my favorite places in all of this WIPs world - it's an enchanted sea with iridescent, colorful waters, which bathes the eastern coast of Allanar all the way close to Wenhorn. There are many myths in Ravaryn surrounding that sea, especially due to the giant sea monsters that do inhabit those strange bright waters, and little is known about what world lies beyond the thick, pearly rose fog that covers the farthest reach of that ocean, dividing it from the Common Sea and the rest of the world - and other continents - beyond, but sailors that pass it are rumored to be cursed to wander the seas forever. Though, whether it is just another tall tale by drunken sailors, or a harrowing truth, it is impossible to know.

QUEEN - What is the earliest historical event you have planned for that WIP?

One of the earliest historical events of the story is also extremely relevant to one of the current major plot points of the book. Without spoiling too much of the main reveal, centuries ago, there once was a powerful and ambitious young sorceress in Ravaryn who wanted more power than what regular magic could provide, and who, in turn, discovered a forbidden technique - granting herself powers akin to that of a goddess and staining regular magic with corruption. It took the efforts of a legendary group of heroes to strike her down - or so the story goes. But now that she's returning, in the main plot of the book, some of those historical retellings seem not to have been as faithful as everyone thought, with a piece of the truth lost to time.

Red Maple, gingko, and basswood from your tree ask game!

Thank you so much for the Ask, @lassiesandiego!

(The Ask Game)

Red Maple - Which character is the most showy?

Definitely either Ambrose Prosper or Augustus Grimmure, in very different ways.

Ambrose is all about his image as the legendary mysterious thief and literally "putting on a grand show", he's loud, playfully cocky, and adores grand entrances - he would be the kind of person to love having his own epic soundtrack and making a grand entrance à la "The Greatest Showman". He likes being praised, but deep down, this is just a show to hide his more real self, who is more insecure, shy, and afraid (as in, he creates a false "superiority complex" to compensate for his self-doubt).

Meanwhile, Augustus is the other side of the coin when it comes to being "showy" - which I'm not sure is the right adjective for him but it fits, because he's proud and assured of his power to the point rarely considers his enemies a threat (his hubris is his character flaw too, as it leads him to underestimate dangerous people). He's showy in the sense that he more often than not is the most dangerous/powerful person in the room, and takes full advantage of this knowledge by using it to fuel his reputation and create the persona his enemies know him to be. He's the silent, more effortless kind of showy/cocky.

Gingko - What part of your story is the oldest, has stuck around from that original idea?

Harriet's background and overall story for sure. Some of her character has remained unchanged, surprisingly, even as the world and plot around her story changed drastically from that first idea.

What remains the same - (Backstory) She is an orphan girl whose parents mysteriously disappeared, and who comes from a rich noble family. She was then raised by a previously unknown brother-figure of hers who is at first distant towards her and has more secrets than he lets on. Her House (family name) is considered disgraced or shameful for reasons she doesn't quite understand. She has a miserly estranged great aunt. (Main Plot) She discovers a conspiracy happening in her city involving powerful enemies of her family. Her brother-figure suffers a failed assassination attempt.

What changed - Harriet's name used to be Henrietta in earlier drafts, but it didn't seem perfect to me, so I changed it to her current one - her last name also changed. In earlier drafts, her guardian was her older brother, but as the story progressed, I figured it would make more sense (for plot reasons, plus it would make their dynamic make more sense) if she'd been an only child and after the deaths of her parents had been sent to live with an estranged cousin - (and while the two were distant at first they developed a sibling connection because they were the only true family each other's got). She originally fell in love with a rival from an enemy House, but her character had much more chemistry with Augustus Grimmure - who was a new character at the time - so I scrapped that rival idea and wrote an allies-to-friends-to-lovers romance between her and Augustus. Originally, she also had a twin.

Basswood - What's something calming in your story?

Ooh, I love this question (mainly because it gives me the opportunity to be as creative as I'd like)! Some calming things in this WIP include (imagine these atmospheric scenes, which will have happened in the story at one point):

Evangeline's "hiding space", a hidden room accessible through a secret door from the attic. There are lavender flowers by the window, which permeate the small room with their fragrance, mixing with the notable scent of new ink, and stacks of interchangeable books she brings up here from the mansion's library. On the corner, there's a pile of comfy pillows and cushions, where she usually sits down to draw something new on her sketchbook at the end of the day.

It's a snowy night as the train leaves Ansburke's main station, there's the soft chugging sound of the wheels on the track crunching up snow. Seated beside the window, Augustus absentmindedly hums a tune, reading a book. At one point during the trip, Harriet falls asleep and leans onto his shoulder - something Augustus finds endearing and can't bring himself to move away. He just smiles softly, covers her with a coat, and continues humming his song.

"Madam Olympia's Pastries and Baked Wonders" - this store, owned by - as the name clearly suggests - Madam Olympia, a kindly, clumsily loud, and motherly faerie, is a lovely spot in Ansburke's underbelly, introduced to us by Ambrose shortly after befriending Evangeline. This pastry shop is filled with the warm light of floating candles and the wondrous smells of various freshly baked goods - the scents of vanilla, jam boiling on the stove, and chocolate being the most prominent. While walking through the vast shop, Clarence - our beloved awkward vampire boi - buys a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows, and after careful examination of this "human invention", decides to take a sip.