It’s something I’ve noticed over the past two years of using this site. It was gradual, imperceptible at first, something that most would brush off as a silly concern, or fault Tumblr algorithm for. While it’s true that Tumblr’s engine leaves a lot to be desired, I’ve noticed that even popular blogs have started to dwindle in terms of interaction or motivation. There could be a lot of reasons for this, but the biggest two I’ve noticed, experienced myself, and asked fellow writers about is this: (1) content being stolen, and (2) lack of feedback or interaction. I’ve never seen any logical person defend content being stolen, so I want to address point 2 instead.
Lack of feedback and interaction. I’m not saying this on my behalf so much as I’m saying this for friends and smaller blogs who have lost motivation to write. I was looking at my yandere writing blogs list the other day and noticed that a good majority of them no longer write. I usually update the list every few months, and by that point, more and more writers have stopped writing entirely. This isn’t a problem confined solely to the yandere fandom; in fact, there’s less writing blogs in general these days, especially ones that are active. I used to run a very popular BNHA blog with some friends, but that dissolved after our content was stolen and our followers stopped interacting as much. Out of our 8,500 followers, we hardly got 0.015% notes (~128 notes) on an average post. Tumblr is to blame for the lack of eyes seeing our posts, for sure, but that also means that at least 128 people saw one post and didn’t leave a comment or ask. We were considered a big blog; imagine what it’s like on a small blog.
My friend recently made a post that summed this up perfectly:
“I’ve seen people say “Be grateful that people even lurk on your page.” and, while I get the message they’re trying to say, it’s more dismissive and hurtful in my opinion. Like you’re saying, “Oh your writing is mediocre, you should be grateful people even LOOK at it.”
Me personally? I’ve heard the argument that AO3 is a better place to post fanfics, and while that might be true, I’ve had friends experience firsthand the lack of interaction there too. I’ve heard the argument that interacting with some writers is intimidating (me included). I’ve heard that argument that followers might be too shy to interact. I’ve heard the argument that writers should write for themselves and not for views / likes / reblogs / etc, and while that’s ideal, it’s not sustainable for everyone. What works for one writer won’t work for another, but you know what will? Interaction.
That comment or ask that took you 2 seconds to write? We remember it. That reblog with the compliments in the tags? We remember it. Every single ‘named’ anon we get (heart anon, sunflower anon, etc)? We remember them. And the best part is? It’s actually easier to do these things on Tumblr since you have the option to send anonymous asks or make a sideblog specifically for reblogs! Trust me, whether the lack of interaction is the cause of a lack of motivation or what have you, every writer appreciates feedback (don’t be shy to offer some critique or compliments) or even a simple keyboard smash with some emojis. Even sitting down for 5 min a day per week to comment on your favorite writers’ new pieces makes a huge difference. Personally, since Tumblr’s activity feed is beyond terrible and I have over 1,500 posts, I don’t always see new reblogs or comments on my content; asks though? Always see those, can never go wrong with those. If you don’t want to reblog or leave a comment, then you can never go wrong with an anonymous ask.
As my wise friend says: writing is an art, and in order to improve that art, we need other people’s eyes to see what we don’t.
For the sake of every writer (past, present, and future) on this platform, please share this post.
AN: Brahms is here!!
Warnings: major character death, violence, Brahms being insane and his usual toxic self, swearing
"What do you think you're doing?"
His voice was alarmed, panicked, as if he saw you holding a knife instead of a pair of pants. Brahms had that kind of thing where he'd worry about the tiniest things. A word that wasn't pronounced like he was used to, food that didn't taste like usual, mistakes that broke the routine. It made him uneasy, and scared.
You were standing in front of the bed, trying to decide what clothes to wear. The satin sheets were littered with varying clothing articles arranged close to each other to determine which colors matched.
"The new girl who brings the groceries invited me into town to show me around in case she can't go shopping for us. I thought I'd go, you know-", you gestured towards him, "in case there's an emergency."
Brahms was quiet for a few seconds, still observing you while nervously grasping the edge of the door.
He didn't want you to go. Not at all. You wouldn't come back if he let you go.
"I don't want you to go.", he mentioned his worries quietly, voice dropping deeper, now that he knew he had to stop you. It sent shivers down your body, the way his childish voice faded. As if a switch inside him just clicked.
"I know, Brahms, but I think it's for the best.", you smiled at him sweetly, finally deciding what clothes to wear, "And it'll be just for one evening."
Brahms felt anxiety rise in the pit of his stomach like bile. No. You couldn't go. He didn't want you to. His parents went away too, and they never came back.
"I don't want you to go.", this time it was louder, more rushed, more panicked. Brahms knuckles had turned white from holding onto the door frame.
"Brahms,", you sighed quietly, swiftly putting on your pants, "I know this seems scary to you, but it'll be fine."
The way you kept insisting that you'd go made him swallow harshly. Even just the idea of having to stay here alone, knowing you'd leave him, made him feel sick and hopeless inside. His stomach churned.
No, he wouldn't let you leave.
"I'm not scared,", Brahms shook his head vehemently, making the dark brown locks dance in front of his face, "I just don't want you to go."
You rolled your eyes at him, swiftly putting the clothes back into your dresser. Did he always have to be such a child? You understood the whole trauma, commitment issue thing, but god, it was annoying sometimes. He was a grown man after all, he should be able to stay alone for a few hours.
"Brahms, I will go.", you stated with a curt nod in his direction, "It's just one evening, I'm sure you'll survive."
Another eye roll from you accompanied the statement. This conversation was not what you wanted before leaving the house, even if a small part of you knew you'd had to face this the second you accepted the offer.
Something clicked inside the man in front of you at the sight of you being so careless about all of this. Did you even care about his feelings in this whole situation? You loved him, didn't you? Then why be so cold about all of this? Maybe you wanted to leave him, you wanted to be with someone else, betray him, and everything he felt for you. Jealousy seeped into hos system, clouding his thoughts.
"I said no.", he yelled, moving in front of you, blocking the door with his body.
He was huge as he loomed over you, and even though you trusted him with your life, you flinched back a little, intimidated by his size. He was breathing heavily, chest heaving while hot air hit you through the holes of his mask.
"Brahms.", every bit of warmth had left your voice, and you pressed your hands against your hips, sending a cold stare to the man in front of you. You had enough.
But the brunette just kept breathing heavily, never once breaking eye contact. His gaze would've scared you if he didn't behave so childishly. Just like always.
The two of you kept looking at each other, eyes fighting a war one could never express with words. Just as Brahms was about to give in, ready to cling to you if that meant you staying, the deafening ringing of the doorbell echoed through the large, empty house.
Both of your heads snapped towards the big entrance door, temporarily forgetting about the tension in the room beforehand. You sent one glance back to Brahms, and before he could react, pushed yourself through the gap between him and the door, leaving him behind. What a mistake.
Brahms stared at his hands for a few seconds, in disbelief, before his eyes followed your form marching down the stairs.
His vision turned red with rage. How could you. How did you dare.
With his stare never once leaving you, he started steering towards you. It felt like his sight was restricted, the only thing he perceived a tunnel vision and at the end of it, you.
And you came closer and closer as he followed you, your body now nearly in reach.
Like in a trance, the brunette noticed his heartbeat throbbing in his ears, as well with a sharp, piercing beeping that made his skin tingle.
One of his hands got a hold of your arm, and with a strength he didn't look like he possessed, he pulled you back against him.
You wouldn't leave. You'd never, ever leave. He'd make sure of it, even if it meant he'd have to chain you to the bed.
You, however, grew furious as soon as you felt his skin on yours and with one sharp push, you shoved the man away from you and against the banister. Brahms yelped as his spine hit the sharp edge of the wood, but right now, you couldn't care less.
"Touch me again, and I'll leave and never-", your voice was dripping pure venom, eyes shooting ice-cold daggers at the man in front of you, "-ever come back."
That was the final straw, the final statement.
With a grunt and a loud, final "No!", Brahms forced you away from him. His strong arms pushed you back as he stepped forward, locks sticking to the sweat on his neck.
He saw you fall as if someone froze time. The way your foot missed the step, the way your eyes widened as you stumbled backwards, arms fishing around the air, searching, hoping, for something that could catch your fall. Your pretty mouth opened in a scream, you tried to grab the wooden railing next to you but failed as your body flew back without you having any control.
A loud, sickening crack filled the open lobby like a gunshot, and then it was silent. Dead silent. Brahms noticed that the doorbell stopped. The bitch must've realized that no one was coming.
Brahms took a deep breath, swallowing blood he didn't know he had in his mouth as he glanced down the staircase. He didn't see nor hear you. Anxiety filled his brain, earlier rage swept away as if he'd forgotten about it.
"...Y/n?", he whispered, voice suddenly small and high-pitched again, filled with fear. He didn't mean it, he didn't mean it, oh lord, he didn't mean it. He hoped you wouldn't be angry.
"Y/n? I'm sorry.", Brahms took a few small steps down the stairs, hands gripping the railing as if he'd fall when he'd let go. A few more steps, and he saw your leg behind one of the banisters, unmoving.
A few more steps and your torso came into view pressed into the carpet of the staircase.
"Y/n...?", Brahms didn't know why he was talking so quietly. He didn't know what was going on at all. He just wanted you to stay with him and now- he swallowed harshly.
A few more steps and he saw it. Your head had hit the floor on your fall down, breaking your neck on impact. Blood pooled around the skull, face sickly twisted and contorted as your skin had moved to give space to your moving bones. Dead, cold eyes stared up at him, lidded and filled with... fear.
The masked man moved closer, slowly and quietly, as he looked down at you. A few seconds later and he was kneeling on the ground, gently reaching out to touch your cheek. It was warm but felt weird, like a doll, like dough. It scared him, even if he didn't know why.
"Y/n...", the killer softly petted your cheek smearing a bit of blood over your skin during the process, "M'sorry. Just didn't want you to leave."
His voice was small and scared, like a child apologizing for eating too much candy, or breaking Mother's favorite vase.
Brahms anxiously waited for an answer. When he didn't get one, he stood up, slowly moving backwards. What was he going to do now?
"I'll wait upstairs, okay?"
No answer.
"I am sorry, Y/n.", the corners of his mouth pulled down like a giant, exaggerated pout. He looked a child. A child stuck in the body of a grown man.
Brahms slowly made his way upstairs, softly trudging over the carpet.
It was still deathly silent in the lobby, the only noise came from the big clock, ticking away in the corner.
As soon as Brahms reached the end of the stairs, he looked down one more time, hoping to see your face follow him, your sweet voice call out for him, but nothing moved.
Sighing, he made his way to his room, hoping that even though this time, he'd made a grave mistake, you'd still forgive him. After all, you loved him, right?
AN: I love the idea of Brahms not understanding death and "falling back" into his childish self because of it. I thought it fits well. I'd love to hear your opinions though.
hiiiii! im not sure if your requests are open at this time but, can i request how it would be like when you go camping or shopping with michael? 😭😭 i just thought it was a cute idea <3
Hey! Requests should be closed but I have no self control anymore so I will write this lol (Crack HC'S tbh. I needed a good laugh)
Includes all three versions and both scenarios!
Not proof read.
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SHOPPING
❥ OG Michael strongly dislikes it. The only thing stopping him from hating it is you. Since you enjoy it, and more specifically when he tags along, he can tough it out but he will silently complain the entire time. He's not too insecure but hates not wearing that damn mask.. and he's well known at this point in such a small town so.. yeah, he's going to go without it for an hour or two.
❥ He has no fucking money. It really clicks when you sigh at price tags and put something back, picking the cheaper option. Michael is slightly annoyed by this fact. He wants to spoil you without words and maybe money is the way to go-- unfortunately he's not going to be able to do that. So he drops the sour attitude to make it a better experience for you.
Bonus: Michael wants candy. Ice cream. Chocolate milk. And maybe some drinks. He will pay you back with rare obedience and affection later. (And if anyone even looks at you weirdly, they are on his list faster than you can blink)
CAMPING
❥ One word.. why? Michael lives in his abandoned home but like.. outside? Really? Whatever. Nature never bothered him. In fact, if you're really dedicated to camping, leave the hunting for food to him. He's always eager to stab someone or something, so if some animals are around that you're willing to eat then yeah. He can do that. Tries to gut them but does it very wrongly. At least he's trying, right?
❥ Doesn't sleep too well outside. Not because he's scared of bugs or uncomfortable-- this man can sleep anywhere at this point, he's just very protective over you. You'll never have to worry about being bitten by some bug.. when you're sleeping. Michael will hold out whatever he caught and lowkey chase you around with it when you guys are awake during the day. He finds it hilarious. Does he laugh? Nah. You can hear his breathy responses though so maybe that counts.
Bonus: He actually hates beetles. The ones that fly. He never felt his soul leave his body like that before.
SHOPPING
❥ Peepaw Myers is the definition of sugar daddy.. without the money. I mean technically he can steal cards and cash from victims but he doesn't do that often. On the times he does-- it's always for you. Does he like shopping? Fuck no. He does it for you. Although there are moments where he finds himself liking the domestic feel of it all, watching you pick things out that you like. Tbh you might be able to convince him to look into some new shirts and sweats for casual wear at home. And he gives you stuff he thinks you'll like, he's trying to tell you to buy it. Because he said so. You'll look great in this-- what do you mean it looks ridiculously hideous? Okay. Okay. Yeah, he was being sarcastic and held out the most fucked up outfit. At least you laughed. That's a win in his book.
❥ Protective. Won't leave your side for a split second. Glares at people walking by a little too close. Gets pissed off when someone you know is there and y'all start talking. He hates it. This was supposed to be some quality time. Michael really doesn't like people. It only gets worse with age.
CAMPING
❥ Sure. Okay.. Michael ain't judging. Or excited about it. He thinks his home is perfectly fine but if you wanna go camping then he will tag along without hesitation. Peepaw might actually like the peacefulness of it all. As much as he hates being away from his hometown, he cannot deny the fact that those voices are quieter the farther away he is.
❥ Not a fan of the weather if it's too hot. Sweats alot under that damn mask. He prefers camping in the fall.. also perfect to cuddle you, to keep you warm. Totally not an excuse he likes to use all the time.
SHOPPING
❥ RZ! Michael is the more chill one about this. He can hide his face pretty well with his hair alone so it isn't too bad. Plus he likes feeling involved in your daily activities. He also wants to protect you so you might clash a few times with how close he is lol
❥ He's genuinely happy in the moment and likes looking at clothes together. He shows you things that he thinks you'll look good in, and shyly shows you stuff he wants to try wearing. Let him know it's good he's exploring what he likes through clothes even though it may sound silly or not that important.
CAMPING
❥ Wherever you go, he's right there. Doesn't matter if you wanna move somewhere where it snows all the time or travel the world without having any real destination. Michael will go with you and be somewhat homesick but not enough to wanna go back or say no to leaving.
❥ Would probably take over some abandoned cabin and make a second home out of it with you. It'll be a safe place for both of you. He tends to open up a little more too.
~
I'm aware I didn't add bonus hc for peepaw & rz and I'm sorry! Idk why my brain froze and I couldn't think of anything else so OG got some extra love here lol
Requested by @bittersweetiepie
“She loves to PLAY with (not eat) cherries 🍒”
(Source)
Save your kitties, we all know they eat everything anyway.
http://www.wikihow.com/Save-a-Choking-Cat
http://www.wikihow.com/Perform-CPR-on-a-Cat