#magic-in-us

would love to read it!

2. favorite tense (past/present/future)

I’m much more used to past tense, but I’ve realized fic writers tend to lean more toward present. I don’t really prefer one or the other? sometimes the choice is important in some way, but i usually don’t even notice it now. it stood out before because i was so used to always reading fiction in past tense.

i tried to write this fic in past tense out of habit, but it jumped back and forth in time and going between different kinds of past tense was way too much. using present for the “present” scenes and past for the “past” scenes was SO MUCH EASIER. 

6. thoughts on critique

weeeellllll, i did kinda dedicate a blog to it recently lmao

but really. in terms of, like, commenting on people’s fic, a lot of people aren’t here to have their mistakes pointed out to them. they’re just doing what they enjoy. if they make a point to ask for it, then go for it (with respect), but otherwise just chill.

EXCEPT. i do think it’s important for people to recognize patterns, tropes, relationships, etc that often come from deep-seated prejudices and reinforce mindsets that are actually harmful. 

if someone makes a million spelling mistakes, continuity errors, unnatural conversations, out-of-character decisions, or whatever, it might bug people who read it, but that’s about it. if someone shoves all the female and/or non-white characters aside for white male characters, even ones who barely got any development…or if they’re romanticizing abusive aspects of relationships, as if they’re desirable and loving…

those are very different kinds of problems, ones i believe need to be addressed. especially since it’s usually not just “someone.” it’s a pattern found throughout fandom culture in general, which is why i sometimes don’t even make my posts specific to merlin fandom.

so i guess?? offer writing critique to people who want it, and ~sjw~ critique to people who need it (which is everyone—including ourselves. we need to pay attention when we get it, too). and support & explain your critique / viewpoint, so people understand why it’s harmful and important to acknowledge.

I support this message! I’d love to see Stella/Dani as endgame.