Scarecrow: Year One

“Boy, I thought you were afraid of the mugger. But we found what you were really afraid of, didn’t we Brucie? You’re afraid you disappointed them. You’re afraid you’ve dishonoured them. And you’re right, Brucie. It’s kinda funny when you think about it. Ever since that night in the alley, you’ve been trying to do right by old mom and dad. To be the justice they never got. But get this: your entire life’s work, all it’s done? Is turn you into something your parents could never love.”

"I did it for you" has gotta be my favorite form of betrayal. You gave me a gift I never asked for, and now I have to look around at the world you destroyed with the knowledge that it was gift wrapped and addressed to me.

As promised, bolas art, for @isa-ghost

What To Do About Filler

I am deeply frustrated at the increasing usage of the concept of "filler" in writing, partly because how people are using it is completely separated from what it usually means, and partly because few people explain what they actually mean when a story lacks "filler."

So, in short, when this comes up, what people usually are talking about is:

A lack of subplots. Subplots are essential background to developing your story beyond the main action points. Subplots include romantic storylines, internal journeys (learning to deal with a trauma, for example), plots that are critical for secondary characters, etc.

No room to breathe (aka pacing). Keeping up the tension is a common piece of advice, but if every single scene is filled with tension, you're going to exhaust the reader (and yourself). Quieter moments allow characters to reflect, realize things (like feelings for each other), and give you space to establish worldbuilding and mood.

Rushed or missing character development. Giving your characters space to learn things about themselves, confess or realize feelings, and moments to make decisions and change are essential to a story. Defeating the big bad is important, but usually the inner strength to do so comes from the character changing over the course of the story.

I am losing the battle against using the word filler when you mean a story lacks other things. Other than shaking my fist at the youths, I suggest that if you get feedback about "filler," see if you can get specifics. Is it an issue with pacing? Character developments? Not enough description or worldbuilding? If a romance seemed rushed, at what points does the reader think there should be more interaction? Etc.

A note for fanfic writers: Your goals are often different from someone writing to publish, but hammering down what filler means can still help you as well. Narrowing down the point of your story ("in this drabble, these characters flirt without using words" or "sexy coffeeshop AU") and making sure to ask your beta readers if what you're writing fulfills that goal can help you figure out if your story is making the impact you want.

I wish I could shake every aro person who's sad that they'll never be the most important person in anyone's life by the shoulders THERE IS HOPE FOR US THERE IS HOPE FOR US THERE IS HOPE FOR US I swear I am living proof that you can absolutely be the human equivalent of fucking sunshine in another person's life with no romance involved but you gotta let them see you first

That nonsexual intimacy of just being in each other's spaces, of gravitating towards each other, always subconsciously reaching out to each other. Finding comfort and satisfaction in being close to each other, breathing each other in, existing together.

gentle reminder you can rise up from everything. you can recreate yourself. nothing is permanent. you are not stuck. you have choices. you can think new thoughts. you can learn something new. you can create new habits. all that matters is that you decide today and never look back.

Writing is just aggressively whispering “Suffer.” at fictional people and then crying about it like it wasn’t your fault.

I love the sense of community on the QSMP. It’s like—

Everyone is so intrinsically connected to one another. Despite the language and cultural differences, there’s a sense of belonging. When there’s events, everyone’s invited, no matter how big or small. Festa Junina? Weddings? Birthdays? Games? People will be there, people that care, and everyone is welcome.