Ooo Intriguing!

I refuse to let this stay in the tags, because it's so fucking good:

#'well I KNOW bad from good so i can't be affected by media!' #'everyone else also knows bad from good and defines it the exact way i do!' #'so if i think this is bad then the author must also think this is bad!' #i have bad news ....

You have perfectly described why I hate these responses when it comes to criticizing romanticized CSA. People will roll their eyes at you as if it's implausible the person writing it might not actually view it as bad. I am genuingely concerned about people who will defend romanticized CSA to their dying breath, all while refusing to acknowledge some groomers and predators write this content because they genuingely view their relationships as cute and harmless. It's usually not even intentional, because these individuals don't even blink an eye at these themes in their work. Not every person who writes this content is a groomer or predator, but that does not mean those who do suddenly poof away like magic. Refusing to ackowledge the writers that are and behaving as if their victims are just "lying puritans", like I see so many folks do, is so childish and harmful.

Like, I really wish people understood breaking away from purity culture is not this magical remedy that makes shitty people suddenly go away. Using the idea that believing the exact opposite of purity culture somehow erases all evil is falling into the same trappings that purity culture does. Like, purity culture refuses to acknowledge predators within their community because, so long as someone has specific beliefs and follows specific rules, they can't be bad. I am concerned seeing people who claim to believe the opposite pushing the same beliefs. Aka "so long as you think fiction never affects reality, you can't be a predator!". It's just purity culture repackaged.

In summary, great post OP. I know this was posted in 2023, but it's still extremely relevant right now.

I love how on Tumblr, "media literacy" has become "Um, just because someone writes about this doesn't mean they're endorsing this. I hate all these media puritans ruining everything."

I'm sad to inform you that knowing when and whether an author is endorsing something, implying something, saying something, is also part of media literacy. Knowing when they are doing this and when they're not is part of media literacy. Assuming that no author has ever endorsed a bad thing is how you fall for proper gander. It's not media literacy to always assume that nobody ever has agreed with the morally reprehensible ideas in their work.

Sometimes, authors are endorsing something, and you need to be aware when that happens, and you also need to be aware when you're doing it as an author. All media isn't horny dubcon fanfic where you and the author know it's problematic IRL but you get off to it in the privacy of your brain. Sometimes very smart people can convince you of something that'll hurt others in the real world. Sometimes very dumb people will romanticize something without realizing they're doing it and you'll be caught up in it without realizing that you are.

Being aware of this is also media literacy. Being aware of the narrative tools used to affect your thinking is media literacy. Deciding on your own whether you agree with an author or not is media literacy. Enjoying characters doing bad things and allowing authors to create flawed or cruel characters for the sake of a story is perfectly fine, but it is not the same as being media literate. Being smug about how you never think an author has bad intentions tells me you're edgy, not that you're media literate. You can't use one rule to apply to all media. That's not how media literacy works. Sorry! Sorry! Sorry! Aheem heem. Anyway.

I made the community. Let me know if you want an invite!

Tag list: @aweirdshipp, @floofyboi57, @aralithmenathere

Hi peeps! As I work on Every Hero Needs a Villain, do y'all want me to make the community for it so you can see some funny behind the scenes stuff and potentially certain bios as I make them? You can also make suggestions for stuff there if you want. Trying to encourage myself to complete them.

Tag list: @aweirdshipp, @floofyboi57, @aralithmenathere

Hunger's Bite is out!

A specter is haunting the Atlantic!

After growing up together on the luxurious SS Lark, Neeta Pandey and Emery Botwright are ready to start their lives. Emery wants to follow in his father’s footsteps and sail the Lark forever, while Neeta yearns to travel the world. But neither will have any future at all if the Lark’s new owner, Mr. Honeycutt, has his way.

Mr. Honeycutt... The first-class passengers adore him, while he makes the ship a nightmare for the crew. Twisted by unnatural appetites, the rich are actually transforming into something less than human, and their insatiable demands soon push the staff toward a—quite literal— burnout.

Something otherworldly is undeniably aboard the SS Lark, something horribly hungry. But it’s not Wick Farley: vampire, secret agent, and paranormal investigator. Alone and at sea, with only Neeta and Emery to help him, he must uncover the truth about Mr. Honeycutt. And fast—before a ravenous craving for power consumes them all. 

Available in hardcover or paperback, and ebook from your favorite online retailers! Or ask your local librarian!

This ended up longer than I expected, so I apologize in advance if any of my points came out jumbled. I am also neurodivergent, so if I sound harsh, I assure you this is not my intent. I just struggle with tone at times.

Firstly, here's a thought I want to present to the table, one that's honestly made me grow a lot as a writer, and one that I think is relevant to this topic; why should readers read our works the way we want them to? Writing is a conversation, and though that conversation may begin with us, it certainly doesn't end that way. You may want to surprise your audience with this content, but shouldn't it be up to them whether they maintain that surprise or prepare for it? To you, the surprise is important and adds to the weight of the dark subject matters you cover. It might even be enjoyable and the way you view this content for yourself, but that will not always translate to your readers. Let's also not forget that, for some, a list of trigger warnings makes them more excited to read a work. In general, as writers, let's not forget how diverse our audiences can be, and that the reactions of our readers or what helps our readers feel more engaged will not always mirror our experiences.

Let me put this into another context. As someone who needs trigger warnings, I think this explains my experience rather well, and why I personally don't agree with the idea that trigger warnings ruin the surprise. It could also be argued that flashing lights and affects lose their surprise factor if they are warned about, but creators of visual media understand the risks of not warning viewers, and that this is more important than the surprise factor. As someone who isn't affected by flashing lights, I can assure you this warning leaves my mind almost the second after I read it (more of scan it like "yeah, yeah, take me to the game"), and I still end up surprised. The game Mi/side warning me about flashing and glitch affects did not stop me from nearly jumping out of my skin everytime I was suddenly met with one. The context is what makes these flashing lights so shocking moreso than whether someone knows about them ahead of time or not. Being suddenly triggered can make someone go to extremely dark places, and that's worth avoiding. Though I think how trigger warnings are presented can be more flexible than flashing light warnings.

In my opinion, at their best, trigger warnings are extra material readers can consult if they want to, but also something they can avoid if they want to go in completely blind. The important thing is that the audience member consented to either experience. Since I've used the word, let's discuss the matter of consent and art. I think it's often not discussed enough within creative spaces, despite how important it can be. In my opinion, it is everyone's right to have enough knowledge to be able to fully consent (engage with the work) or not consent (not engage with the work) to reading about certain sensitive subjects before being exposed to them. The thing is, when you're an indie creative, readers can't just use a site like doesthedogdie, or other similar tools. Providing optional trigger warnings can help readers have a better experience, as they are given more agency towards what they consume. Encouraging agency shows a respect for your readers time and energy. However, I do feel for writers that use websites like Wattpad, as, unlike AO3, there aren't many good places to put these warnings. So that's definitely worth acknowledging.

Secondly, as someone who had to deconstruct this notion within myself, I think it's worth acknowledging that trigger warnings are viewed as deflating the seriousness of something, or making something seem "childish", for two reasons (I know you only said the former, but the latter is an opinion I've seen as well). One, they are yet to be normalized, mainly for reason two. Two, the experiences of certain trauma victims are so terribly misunderstood that big parts of them are believed to be over exaggerated or "actually not that bad", which causes the tools we need to be treated as "not that important". I wish I was kidding when I say I have literally seen people laugh at accurate depictions of PTSD flashbacks, because they know so little about our experiences they think it's just a funny over exaggeration. I've even had some expect me to laugh with them before, because that " obviously can't be right".

Logically, there is no reason why trigger warnings should be seen as any different than a description or blurb about your story. For instance, writing an informative description about my horror works doesn't take away their scare factor, a description just requires me to put it into different packaging. It won't feel as poignant as the actual horrors within, but that's okay, because the point of a description is to intrigue and inform. They help future readers decide if they'd be interested in a work or not, and properly set their expectations walking in. They are a tool for drawing in audiences just as much as they are a tool for scaring away anyone who absolutely would not enjoy the experience.

And let me be clear, I personally believe it is impossible to warn against every possible trigger, as some triggers can be very personal or obscure. However, I do think it is important to offer a warning for the "obvious" triggers, such as the covering of sensitive topics like abuse. And yeah, I think trigger warnings can be that straight forward, such as "this work covers themes of abuse and may not be suitable for some audiences". You don't have to spoil the important parts of your works in trigger warnings, just make people aware certain content is there if they don't want to consume it. Us creators may overlook some things, as we're only human, but, for me personally, it's the effort that matters.

As for how bad being triggered by a work can be, I can speak to that, as someone who has been suddenly triggered before. It can ruin an entire week, sometimes more, and throughout I essentially have to deal with a plague of horrific memories, or experience several nightmares about my trauma. To summarize, it is extremely distressing and essentially makes me non operational. It feels like being put into a mental coma where the only thing you can have is nightmares, and when you eventually do wake up, you still understandably feel awful and extremely fatigued, emotionally and physically, from all the stress. I've literally been made bed ridden and physically ill from being triggered unexpectadly. I am now reminded of how little this experience is understood, and I am putting it into my latest writing project effective immediately. I do my best to make informed choices with the media I consume, but this recent trend I've noticed of surprising the audience as much as possible with sudden triggering content, these works often having no warnings whatsoever, makes it extremely difficult to do so. Because, you know, until that point, the work gave off the impression of not planning to cover that kind of content at all.

This got more wordy than I intended, and I apologize if my frustrations concerning the topic came through. My intent is to inform, not to ridicule, and I hope that was made clear, though I know my neurodivergent self can sometimes sound harsher than I intend. As a writer in the horror space, it can be rare to find another horror writer who uses trigger warnings, so I am usually wary towards reading their works. This can certainly make it harder to connect with fellow writers. And when I do try to read ones without warnings? Well, I am so prepared for anything to the point I end up focusing on that more than whatever I'm reading, and typically just end up dropping it altogether. So yeah, that's my experience, take it or leave it. At the end of the day, writers are free to add or not add trigger warnings, but, I personally strongly advocate for their use when it comes to sensitive subject matters. I will also always try to educate about how bad the experience of being triggered actually is whenever I am able.

Poll time!!

hihi, just posted a scene from a wip and figured i should add trigger warnings, but that made me curious so

my opinion about this may be a tad controversial, id prefer not add trigger warnings, but i do add them just out of understanding and to avoid triggering others.

all my WIPs include heavy themes, and i know that i will always be writing heavier angstier stuff, i dont like adding TWs on wattpad or wherever i publish my stuff because i feel like it takes away from the seriousness of my story. when youre going into it, i dont want you to know what to expect, i want you to be shocked and feel negatively about certain events or characters, and imo trigger warnings just take away from the shock value.

i will admit my privilige though, i have been through traumatic things but nothing that triggers me, so i dont understand how bad things could get for someone to be triggered about certain things in stories.

if you wanna discuss this or comments or reblogs please remain respectful, because this is a conversation i want to have and i want to be more educated on the topic of TWs, but i will not engage with things i deem as disrespectful.

Infernal Serenade Snippet - Mother's Day Edition

You know what? For Mother's day, shout out to Quentin's mom Iris. She was such a loving, queer friendly, and all around wonderful person. She helped Quentin become the wonderfully kind and tolerant person he is at the start of Infernal Serenade. Here's a little snippet of her from the first book, a memory of her sticking up for Quentin after he got into a fight with an ableist and homophobic peer in high school:

I still remember how my mother looked back then, hair cut though she was letting it grow out, with a business top and slacks. At the time, I had grown used to the sight, not realizing she would quit that job in only a month’s time.... ...I would have laughed at the loud, whiny voice coming from the other line if it wasn’t directed at her. From the entryway, I could only hear a few choice words and they certainly weren’t pretty. Still, she nodded along, looking as intimidated by it as a dog was to a tiny grasshopper. That is to say, not in the slightest... “With all due respect, Mrs. Bria, if your child wasn’t calling mine…let’s see, what did he say again? Right, he called him a loony and a faggot, [Quentin] probably wouldn’t feel the need to retaliate...But, if I’m going to talk to my son about it, the least you can do is talk to your son about the language he is deciding to use with his classmates...No Mrs. Bria, I don’t think it has anything to do with them being boys. Could you please just talk to him?”

Binding A Page In Print!!!

It took a month to work out all the kinks (lol) but our steamy vampire romance novella Binding a Page is finally available for print on demand! (Meaning you won't find it on the shelf in a physical store: they only print a copy when you order it.) I know it's at Amazon and Barnes & Noble's site, and it should be at most other online retailers.

There's the front and back covers and first page of my author's proof copy, looking good!

Binding a Page: Chris is a small-town high school drop-out from West Virginia, still trying to find his feet in the deadly currents of vampire high society after being turned into one of their Rulers by accident. Gabe is a disgraced Page, stripped of his bond and left starving and alone in Chris's guest bed by a man who wishes neither of them well. An unlikely match, nonetheless Chris and Gabe find themselves drawn together against a world they're desperate to escape… and find in one another a chance for true freedom.

Content warnings: Mention of: domestic, emotional and sexual abuse, drug use, captivity, violence, non-consensual bondage.

“Bought it and read it all the way through in one go, I couldn't put it down—sweet, hot, and great worldbuilding!” —ValencePositive

“Highly enjoyable for fans of complicated vampire politics, emotionally-sensitive men who want to do the right thing, and sex that’s full of feelings.” —thinofsubstance

I'm extremely excited about getting a book into print, and I hope our readers are too. Go forth and order if you want to hold this book in your hands!

Uhm... anyone interested in this silly little thing?

"Hear ye'! Hear ye'! A number of flawed individuals possess tools with dangerous power - and mysterious, godlike beings want to erase them for it. Is it because those beings sense corpses in these individuals' stead?" (A pitch for ya', dear folks).

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Join 'Bad Tokens' Omniverse • Community on Tumblr

A place so niche you’ll need a fairy trap to find it! (This is about an upcoming, whimsical series of books, comics, etc)

I thought a community would be a good spot to have all stuff related to B\T (WIPs) in one place.

As to not scroll and scroll after it. Also, the Masterpost only has relevant stuff on it, not everything related to these WIPs. Unlike there.

You can learn more about B\T there or in here:

Now, more than ever, it's important you don't let current events dissuade you from writing. We have to be bold, and loud, and authentic to who we are. Your story matters. Your voice matters. Don't be afraid. Don't curtail your vision to comply with anyone or any other source of creative oppression. We can't afford to concede ground or be complacent. Artistic integrity is our duty to who we are as people.

It irks me unreasonably when people will baselessly argue that the absence of something is automatically the opposite of the thing. That logic would apply to everything, and render it null. The opposite of a thing can't just lack the features of the said thing, but have the opposite features. Why would darkness be the opposite of sunlight? Sunlight is natural, comes from space, enables the existence of life, and feels so nice that both people and animals go out of their way to bask in it when they have the chance. Darkness is also natural, does not come from any particular source, does not harm living things, and even though some people are afraid of the dark, being in darkness isn't physically painful.

The opposite of sunlight would have to be someting that is unnatural, comes from planet Earth, actively kills living things, is painful to experience, and people seek to avoid exposure to it at all costs. The opposite of sunlight is weaponised nuclear radiation.

Writing Update 5/22/2025

I am continuing to work on Every Hero Needs a Villain and I am super happy to announce that I'm actually making great progress when it comes to both hero and villain descriptions. Each category has six, with each hero having a villain and vice versa. I hope I've gotten a good spattering of personalities for people to enjoy this way.

Here's a snippet from Straight Shooter's, a cowboy object head:

He can inspire a state of restfulness depending on the color of his scarf. Red is for physical restfulness, purple is mental restfulness, blue is emotional restfulness, green is spiritual restfulness, yellow is instinct restfulness, and sometimes he has a rare rainbow of all these colors. Yet, to do so, he too must also achieve this restfulness for himself.

Tag list: @aweirdshipp, @floofyboi57, @aralithmenathere