Something That Stuck With Me Once, Way Back In Middle School When I Was Still Learning How To Write -

something that stuck with me once, way back in middle school when i was still learning how to write - my teacher said "writing shock and tragedy is easy, it's humor that's the hardest."

i have been up and down the halls of academia. i have the fancy degree and the experience in publishing. i think i paved most of my own road with the little bricks of sorrow i had stored inside of me. i know i did it mostly with works that are blisteringly lonely. i know why we write like that. it's lifesaving.

but yeah, i mean. i also know how much people think that "sad" media is the same thing as "good" media. our human desire to connect is so hard-pressed that we immediately latch onto any broken themes. the bullied kids and the tales of inspiration. people keep saying things like "glass onion" and "everything everywhere" weren't actually good. because, you know, they're. happy. or happy-ish. happy enough. and we only value art if it's grimdark-adjacent.

do you know - people still consistently whine at me that my writing would be so good if i just capitalized things. i used to flinch. i get kind of a weird, vindictive little rush these days - i get to say thank you for the comment! i have chronic pain and this is how i conserve my hands so i can write more during the day :) grammar isn't real anyway! and now they're trapped in the room with me, you know? i get to pull out my map and show them how grammar is not the same thing as good writing.

writers have this thing. we scratch at our insides, constantly, prying our lives apart into splinters. prying the splinters apart into atoms. when we combust something into poetry, we control it. it cannot hurt us if it exists outside of us rather than burning a hole through the bottom of our lungs. it's not a wonder to me that so much of what i make comes out like a death gasp. i spent a long time at the bottom. i keep going back, too. when you're down there for so long, the only thing you can exhale is fumes.

but humor is hard. humor needs timing; which i can't promise in a paragraph. i can kind-of force it through careful spacing, but i have no idea how fast you're reading these things. humor needs a somewhat awareness of your audience, when really - anybody could be looking. humor needs us to understand what the joke is, why it's a joke, and to think - ha! that is funny. in tragedy, everyone understands the metaphor of a kicked puppy. in humor, you need to introduce them to the concept of a dog.

and forget about positivity. forget about anything not made for adults explicitly. every time i see a well-made children's media piece, i feel fucking horrible for the creators. most of the time, people see children's media as being sort of "not worth" applause, even though i'm pretty sure they have to work twice as hard. i have no idea how hard it must be to not be able to have your character just say. "well, fuck." something about a message of peace or friendship or caring - for some reason, that makes the media not for adults. like, okay. i'm pretty sure my father actually, out of all of us, could use a good book on how to control his temper and talk about his feelings.

but whatever. i write a short story about my ocd, and how it's fucking killing me. it gets an award. it gets published. i write a short story about my ocd, and how i'm overcoming it, and how my days are getting lighter and starting to flourish. i keep getting ghosted. no response. it just is lacking... something.

is this it, forever? you can be an artist, okay. but the trade off is that the things you make - if they're happy? if they're joyful? people will say it's stupid and pandering. you bite your nails off. you file your teeth. you hear something inside of you breaking.

the other day in a writing group, someone i'd thought of as a friend said: "you write so much better these days! i love what you make when you'd rather be dead."

More Posts from See-through-stars and Others

3 years ago

*giggles cutely* im going to snap

6 years ago

“Women are not meant to partake in politics, Your Majesty. The General should step out of the court.”

The words of the Prime Minister were ones that officials many wanted to say, but dare not to. A woman’s presence during morning court was unthinkable, but everyone was aware of the Emperor’s affection towards his General.

From his dragon throne, the Emperor let out a sardonic laugh that sent chills down the officials’ spines. “This woman has done more for the nation in a decade than you have in all your years of service.”

The obsidian, almond-shaped eyes of the monarch fell on the straight back of the only woman present in the hall. Her white hair, gathered into a high ponytail, contrasted starkly against the blacks and dark grays of her military outfit.

She remained aloof and disinterested, paying no mind to the words of the Prime Minister.

Only after making sure she wasn’t bothered by those scheming old men, did the Emperor turn his attention back to the ministers.

“She is Our most beloved and loyal subject. You should remember that if you intend to retain your position, Prime Minister.”

6 years ago

“I’m a royal that you, a pirate captain, just fished out of the sea, but you’re clueless about my status” AU

- (@nop)

6 years ago

Prompt #422

”Tea is the only reason I’m sane. Coffee is the only reason I’m awake.” “Thirst for sweet revenge keeps me going.”

{Submitted by musicalcantalope}

4 years ago

✧・゚playlists to help pass the time *:・✧

hi everyone! it’s been a while since i made a huge playlist masterpost, but i thought that right now when we’re all stuck inside wondering what to do with our time i would make a list of all my playlists. listening to music is so calming and definitely helps me pass the time…so enjoy! - cam

songs that remind me of a fashion show 

a mix of songs that remind me of driving down the coast 

a playlist dedicated to paris 

songs that inspire me 

a dreamy mix

songs to listen to when you feel carefree

a super fun workout/running playlist to keep you pumped up 

songs to listen to during golden hour 

a mix of songs to listen to on a sunny day 

a playlist full of songs that make me feel alive 

songs that remind me of my teenage years 

a study/coffee shop playlist to keep you calm 

songs to listen to on the weekend 

songs that make me feel like living in the moment 

a friday kinda mix !

songs that remind me of a warm spring evening 

a mix dedicated to nature 

my all-time favorite songs all in one playlist 

songs that remind me of flowers and sunshine 

a 12-hour long playlist of songs that make me feel nostalgic 

songs that remind me of going back to school 

my ultimate summertime playlist 

songs that make me feel like i’m in a movie 

upbeat songs to get ready to in the morning 

songs i’m currently loving & listening to right now

a playlist dedicated to italy and all its wonders 

songs that are soft and delicate 

a mix to listen to while watching the sunrise / sunset 

a playlist for a rainy and stormy day 

songs to listen to when you wake up ! 

another nature playlist because why not?! 

a monday playlist to make your monday more enjoyable 

my springtime playlist 

songs that are bittersweet 

my girl power anthems playlist 

for the daydreamers 

songs that remind me of the spirit of traveling & exploring 

a mix to listen to before bed 

songs to listen and dance to in your kitchen 

a super fun 70s playlist 

relaxing songs for a sunday 

songs that remind me of wintertime 

for people who love the east coast 

for people who love the west coast 

a mix of lo fi beats 

songs to listen to in your car at night 

fresh finds (new songs every monday!)

the ultimate sing along playlist 

an indie playlist 

the perfect road trip / daily commute mix 

a super studious playlist to keep you extra focused 

songs that remind me of the beach 

a mix of songs to listen to when you’re j chillin

songs that remind me of a trip to outer space !

listen to this when you’re in love 

songs for stargazing…

the perfect autumn playlist 

songs that make my heart flutter 

a mix of carefree & happy tunes 

the grooviest 80s playlist around 

a mix of golden oldies 

listen to this if you like rap / r&b 

another workout playlist !

a mix of fun, upbeat songs to dance to 

a playlist inspired by call me by your name

a coming of age playlist 

a mix of songs that deserve more hype 

1 year ago

folklore is for the girls who can't bring themselves to close the last page of a book. for the girls who hate the cold but love the feeling of snowflakes upon eyelashes. who wear sweaters to cover up their aching, who notice every single little detail, who sit in solitude and silence and observe their loved ones. for academic validation girls who love the moon. for girls scared to get drunk, because of the fear that they will lose everything if they lose themselves.for the oldest sisters. girls with not a lot of friends but the ones they do have are considered family, who appreciate the little things, who tell their mothers everything. girls who love their families with their entire soul and just want their grandparents to be proud of them, and know that they are loved. girls who are 'mature for their age' but miss growing up, who sneak stolen glances and feel like second chances, girls who feel forgettable and retreat into themselves wondering if anyone will care. girls with quiet voices, who don't know how to dance, who worry over everything. for the introverts. for the ones who long to be understood with their whole hearts so much it hurts. girls who hope to recieve a love letter at least once in their life. girls who like rain. girls who want to say i love you but the words get caught in their throats. girls who forget about their stuffed animals for a month or so and then hold them tight while sleeping to apologize. the girls who don't know if they're an augustine or a betty, who love and love with all their hearts but end up brushed aside, wrists broken and bruised from fighting their feelings. girls like me.

7 years ago

Oh My Dogggggg!!!! This is pure gold(en retriever) !!!

At Dogwarts School of Canine Wizardry, there are four houses: Gryffindog, Hufflefluff, Ravenpaw and Slobberyn. Your dog just got his invitation letter via flying cat (meowl post).

6 years ago

Prompt #411

“You can’t start stories with: When I died.”

6 years ago

You are a spy and are assigned to a mission that involves you getting married to the person that you are investigating. Unbeknownst to you however the person you are investigating is also investigating you. After a while you begin to fall in love. Write what happens when you find out your partner of many years is also a spy.

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see-through-stars - viennaofthenight
viennaofthenight

words with 2 cups of glitter, a dash of existencial angst and 3 tablespoons of romantization. hopeless romantic, art hoe, pretentious ice cream addict and swiftie.

204 posts

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