Its Non-existent Boyfriend Missing Hours

girlhood is staying up late to read the top posts in an x reader tag

Ways I Write a Woman...

➤ Who’s Tired of Being Talked Over

You ever watch someone hold in a scream behind their teeth? That’s her, constantly.

✧ She starts choosing her words like landmines. Each one is sharp, controlled, and timed like a threat. She’s learned that being polite won’t get her listened to, but sounding like you might flip a table will. ✧ She’s mastered the art of the silence that feels loud. Doesn’t fill awkward gaps. Just lets the discomfort sit in the air like smoke. ✧ She explains things with forced calm, the kind that sounds like a teacher asking a second-grade class why the hamster is missing. ✧  She notices interruptions like bruises. She doesn’t react to them anymore, not out loud. But you can bet she counts them. ✧ She repeats herself less. Not because they understood her the first time. Because they never listened anyway. ✧ She’s learned how to weaponize eye contact. Not in a sexy way. In a “I will set this boardroom on fire with my mind” way. ✧ Her voice only shakes when she’s deciding if it’s worth the explosion.

➤ Who’s Been Called ‘Too Much’ Her Whole Life

She isn’t too much. She’s just tired of shrinking for people who were never going to make room anyway.

✧ She says the thing you’re not supposed to say. Then stares at you to see what you’ll do with it. ✧ She’s loud with her laugh, loud with her grief, loud with her love, because if she’s going to be punished for being “extra,” she might as well be honest about it. ✧ She over-explains. Over-apologizes. Then catches herself and stops halfway through the sentence. ✧  She tries to “tone it down” and ends up sounding like a censored version of herself, bland, miserable, unfinished. ✧ She edits her texts four times, deletes the paragraph, sends “haha ok :)” instead. ✧ She keeps her hands busy because otherwise they’d be doing something reckless. ✧  She overcompensates with sarcasm and then goes home and wonders if everyone hates her. ✧  She’s loved fiercely. Regretted it more fiercely. ✧  She walks into a room like she owns it, and then spends the entire time wondering if she should have stayed home.

➤ Who Wants to Be Soft but Doesn’t Feel Safe

She's gentle, but that gentleness lives under twenty layers of armor. And most people never even get past the first. ✧  She’s careful with her compliments, she knows how people weaponize kindness. ✧  She keeps her vulnerability behind locked doors and guards them with jokes, sarcasm, and “I’m just tired.” ✧ She’ll comfort others like she was born to do it, but flinch if someone offers her the same. ✧ She avoids mirrors on bad days. Eye contact on good ones. ✧ She cries where no one can see. Car bathrooms. Locked bedrooms. Grocery store parking lots at night. ✧ She doesn’t ask for help. Not because she doesn’t need it, but because the last time she did, it came with a price. ✧ She’s soft with animals, with children, with strangers, but not herself. Never herself. ✧ She daydreams about being taken care of, then immediately gets mad at herself for wanting something so “weak.” ✧ She wants love, but she’s terrified of being known. Because if someone really saw her? What if they didn’t stay?

And if you’re sitting there reading all of that thinking, “God, I don’t even know how to write women like this…” Please know: you’re not alone. Like, really not alone.

Writing female characters in a way that feels true, nuanced, and unapologetically real isn’t just about avoiding clichés. It’s about unlearning everything you were taught about what women are “supposed” to be on the page. It’s about getting underneath the polish. Past the performative strength. Past the “she’s not like other girls” and the “strong but broken” tropes. Past the idea that softness is weakness and rage is unlikable.

So many people struggle with this, not because they don’t care, but because no one ever really taught them how to see women as people first.

A lot of us grew up reading female characters written through a lens that flattened us. Made us background noise, love interests, plot devices, or emotionally bulletproof when we weren’t emotionally unstable. It’s no wonder we’re all trying to figure out how to do better now. I write a Book about How to Write Women that feel Alive... For you.

In the chapters ahead, we’re going to unravel that mess, together (Promise). We’ll talk about...

❥ Tropes — the ones worth reclaiming, and the ones you can toss into the fire. ❥ The psychology of a woman — how conditioning, survival, identity, and inner conflict shape her from the inside out. ❥ Female vs. male conflict — not in a “boys suck” way, but in a “our emotional battlegrounds are different and that matters” way. ❥ Expectations — society’s, her own, and how characters shrink or shatter under them. ❥ Emotions as strength — especially the ones she was taught to hide: fear, grief, longing, joy, rage. ❥ Female anger — what happens when she finally stops holding it in. ❥ Archetypes — and how to subvert them without erasing the truths they come from. ❥ Female friendships — no more cardboard “bestie” side characters. ❥ Romantic relationships — what it means when she’s finally seen. Chosen. Or rejected. ❥Mothers, daughters, and sisters — because female relationships deserve more than being backstory. ❥ Dialogue — how she speaks when she’s safe vs. when she’s scared. ❥ Inner conflict and development — her arc isn’t about fixing her. It’s about letting her evolve. ❥ Writing exercises — to help you get past the noise and write from a place that feels real. ❥ A full checklist for writing female OCs — layered, powerful, contradictory, alive.

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This isn’t a rulebook. It’s a guide. A toolbox. A comfort blanket. A callout. A reminder that writing women doesn’t have to feel impossible, you just have to be willing to look a little deeper.

So if you’ve ever felt stuck writing a female character… If you’ve defaulted to tropes because you didn’t know how else to make her “interesting”… If you’ve erased her emotions to make her “strong”… Or if you’ve stared at the page wondering why she still doesn’t feel real...This book is for you.

And I promise, by the time you reach the last chapter? You’ll not only know how to write her. You’ll understand her. And maybe even see a little of yourself in the process.

Love u All!!🖤

hey fellow artists - I made a fun drawing prompt list for when I'm feeling creatively stuck & hope it can provide some inspiration for others out there too. 💖

We’ve all heard about lazy mornings with f/o, but what about mornings when you have to wake up and do stuff? Pulling each other closer when the alarm goes off, grumbling as you have to sit up. Getting dressed near each other, maybe even helping each other with little adjustments here and there. Maybe breakfast is simple, maybe it’s not, all that matters is you’re with each other. If you have to go your separate ways for the day; giving them a quick hug and peck on the cheek and waiting till you both can see each other <3

(Incest and adults who ship with minors DNI!)

Cullen Dialogue Transcripts | DA: Origins | Broken Circle: Part 1

As I said before, I am not doing every possible combination (PC wise) because I just don’t have that kind of time. I pulled what I thought was relevant out of the few YouTube vids that had other combos. Since this is a royal pain, I thought I would share what I have transcribed for others to use as they please. Also, Origins dialogue is a confusing mess, hopefully how I’ve mapped it out makes sense.

DA: Origins Series: Mage Origin | Broken Circle Part 2 | Broken Circle Part 3

[PC enters room just below Harrowing Chamber to find Cullen stuck within a magical cage on his knee and bowed as if in prayer]

Wynne: “(Gasps) It’s a templar. He’s still alive…I think. We must help him!”

[PC approaches cage, goes to cutscene]

Cullen: “This trick again? I know what you are. It won’t work. I will stay strong…” *Note: He says this no matter the PC, but since Wynne is locked into your party, I suppose the “trick” could be her—in that the demon/mages were using people he recognized during his t*rture. Otherwise, it doesn’t really make sense (imo) for any PC outside of a mage. Unless he was hallucinating and seeing something else before realizing it wasn’t real.

Mage PC Options: A String—

Are you alright?

Cullen! Don’t you recognize me? (Mage only)

A templar, and it seems he is a prisoner.

What won’t work? *Note: The options vary in wording based on the PC, but the general thought behind the options is the same.

Options 1 & 3 & 4 – (To “The boy is exhausted”) Option 2– Cullen: “Only too well…how far they must have delved into my thoughts…”(To “The boy is exhausted”) Wynne: “The boy is exhausted. And this cage…I’ve never seen anything like it. Rest easy…help is here.” Cullen: “Enough visions. If anything in you is human…k*ll me now and stop this game.”

*No Leliana and/or Non-Mage PC— Cullen: “You broke the others, but I will stay strong, for my sake…for their’s…Filthy blood mages…getting in my head…I will not break…I’d rather d*e.”

*With Leliana— Leliana: “He’s delirious. He’s been t*rtured…and has probably been denied food and water. I can tell. Here, I have a skin of—“ Cullen: “—Don’t touch me! Stay away!”

Female Mage Only— Cullen: “Sifting through my thoughts… Tempting me with the one thing I always wanted, but could never have…”* *If Zevran is present— Zevran: “Someone was quite the little heart-breaker when they were an apprentice. My, my.” Cullen: “Using my shame against me… My ill-advised infatuation with her… A mage, of all things.”

Male Mage— Cullen: “Filthy blood mages…getting in my head…I will not break…I’d rather die.”

Cullen: “I am so tired of these cruel jokes… These tricks… these…(sobs)”

PC Options: B String (Female Mage Options)—

Uh…I don’t think I should be hearing this.

Stop it. You’re embarrassing me.

This is no trick. We’re here to help.

(All) Cullen: “Silence! I’ll not listen to anything you say. Now begone! Still here? But that’s always worked before. I close my eyes, but you are still here when I open them.” *Note: This is how he responds to B String no matter the options/PC

Mage PC Options: C String—

Just tell me where the surviving mages are.

Makes you wish you hadn’t said those things, doesn’t it? (Female Mage Only)

I’m real, and I’m here to help you.

I am no trick of the mind.

You’re pretty dense, aren’t you? *Note: Again, options’ wording is different based on PC, but gist is the same.

Option 1– Cullen: “What others? What are talking about?” Option 2 (Female Mage Only)– Cullen: “I am beyond caring what you think. The Maker knows my sin, and I pray that he will forgive me.”

A. There is nothing wrong with liking someone. B. Why does it cause you so much pain? C. I’m sorry if I ever led you on. It would never have worked.

Option 2A/2C— Cullen: “It was the foolish fancy of a naive boy. I know better now.” Option 2B— Cullen: “You are a mage and I, a templar. It is my duty to oppose you and all you are.”

All other options— Cullen: “Don’t blame me for being cautious. The voices…the images…so real” (To “But why have you returned…”)

Cullen (Mage PC): “But why have you returned to the tower? How did you survive?”

Cullen (Non-mage PC): “Did Greagoir send you? How…how did you get here?” (Go to E String)

Mage PC Options: D String—

I defeated everything in my way. Now it’s Uldred’s turn.

Greagoir told me what happened; I knew I had to help.

I survived through quick wit and talent, of course.

Is it so surprising that I’ve returned? This was my home.

Options 1 & 2– Cullen: “Good…k*ll Uldred. K*ll them all for what they’ve done.” Option 3– Cullen: “Yes. How proud you are of your power. Just like Uldred and look what’s become of him now.” Option 4– Cullen: “As it was mine. And look what they’ve done to it. They deserve to d*e. Uldred most of all.”

Cullen: “They caged us like animals….looked for ways to break us. I’m the only one left…”*

Cullen: “They turned some into…monsters. And…there was nothing I could do.”

*(If Oghren is present) Oghren: “I think you need a tall mug of ale to calm you down, lad. I may need one myself, come to think…” Cullen: “That was inappropriate, dwarf. But what more could be expected from an ignorant, cave-dwelling heathen?” Oghren: “‘Ignorant, cave-dwelling heathen’…? (Chuckles) Have we met before?” Cullen: “What do you know about the mages’ evil, anyway? You didn’t see what they did to the others.”

Mage PC Options: D2 String—

Where are Irving and the other mages?

Uldred will pay for what he’s done.

You must stay strong.

Be thankful it wasn’t you.

Option 1– Cullen: “What others? What are you talking about?” Options 2 & 3– Cullen: “And to think I once thought we were too hard on you.” Options 4– Cullen: “Don’t think I’m not grateful…but why should I live when my friends lie dead, their bodies and spirits broken? And to think I once thought we were too hard on you.”

Mage PC Options: E String—

I’ve heard talk of others. Of survivors.

We’re not all evil, Cullen.

Watch what you say to me. I am a mage. (Mage only) *Note: Differs for non-mage, but same gist.

Option 1– Cullen: “What others? What are you talking about?” (To “Irving and the other mages”) Option 2– (To “Only mages”) Option 3– Cullen: “Did a mage not start this? Isn’t one of you to blame? “

Cullen: “Only mages have that much power at their fingertips. Only mages are so susceptible to the infernal whisperings of the demons”.*

Cullen (Non-mage PC): “To think I once felt pity for the Circle. Now, I’d like nothing more than to wipe their taint off the face of Thedas.”*

*Wynne: “This is a discussion for another time!” (Move to “Irving and the other mages…”)

Wynne: “Irving and the other mages who fought Uldred. Where are they?” Cullen: “They are in the Harrowing Chamber. The sounds coming out of there…oh, Maker.” Wynne: “We must hurry. They are in grave danger, I am sure of it.” Cullen: “You can’t save them! You don’t know what they’ve become.”

Mage PC Options: F String—

We can’t just kill them all.

I am a mage too, Cullen.

And you do?

I don’t understand. What are you afraid of?

Options 1 & 3 & 4– (To “They’ve been surrounded…”) Option 2– Cullen: “But you haven’t been up there. You haven’t been under their influence.” 

Cullen: “They’ve been surrounded b-by blood mages whose wicked fingers snake into your mind and corrupt your thoughts.”*

*If Alistair is present: “His hatred of mages is so intense…the memory of his friends’ death is still fresh in his mind.”**

Cullen: “You have to end it now before it’s too late!”

**Female Mage Only— Wynne: “He’s suffered pain and anguish like few have had to endure. That and his lust for revenge have confused the issue—“ Cullen: “—Do not presume to judge me, mage! I am thinking clearly—for perhaps the first time in my life.”

Part 2 of Broken Circle Here

(Expressions/Body Language During Conversation)

Addition: He also seems to say these two lines to a female mage—

Cullen: “When you knew me, I was an innocent. I wanted to be a knight, but I never really thought about why we were needed.”

Cullen: “Now, my eyes have been opened. The naivety I once had is gone forever. But I welcome the change as long as it helps me better serve the Chantry.”

I found these in this tumblr post, but could not get them to trigger, so I am not sure what’s required to make Cullen say them. In truth, I’ve never heard these lines in any of my playthroughs of DA:O or any available to watch online. If someone knows how to trigger them, I would greatly appreciate if you could tell me.

xxx

[Sources] Denny Ayard YouTube Enthusiast Gamer YouTube moarinternets YouTube

Note: Had to censor words so tumblr would show it in the main feed.

Broken Circle Part 2 Here

When your Character...

Gets into: A Fight ⚜ ...Another Fight ⚜ ...Yet Another Fight

Hates Someone ⚜ Kisses Someone ⚜ Falls in Love

Calls Someone they Love ⚜ Dies / Cheats Death ⚜ Drowns

is...

A Child ⚜ Interacting with a Baby/Child ⚜ A Genius ⚜ A Lawyer

Beautiful ⚜ Dangerous ⚜ Drunk ⚜ Injured ⚜ Shy

needs...

A Magical Item ⚜ An Aphrodisiac ⚜ A Fictional Poison

To be Killed Off ⚜ To Become Likable ⚜ To Clean a Wound

To Find the Right Word, but Can't ⚜ To Say No ⚜ A Drink

loves...

Astronomy ⚜ Baking ⚜ Cooking ⚜ Cocktails ⚜ Food ⚜ Oils

Dancing ⚜ Fashion ⚜ Gems ⚜ Mythology ⚜ Numbers

Roses ⚜ Sweets ⚜ To Fight ⚜ Wine ⚜ Wine-Tasting ⚜ Yoga

has/experiences...

Allergies ⚜ Amnesia ⚜ Bereavement ⚜ Bites & Stings ⚜ Bruises

Caffeine ⚜ CO Poisoning ⚜ Color Blindness ⚜ Food Poisoning

Injuries ⚜ Jet Lag ⚜ Mutism ⚜ Pain ⚜ Poisoning

More Pain & Violence ⚜ Viruses ⚜ Wounds

[these are just quick references. more research may be needed to write your story...]

tumblr users aged 25-35 when you bring up bucky barnes:

i promise i don't want too much. i want hugs and kisses and i someone who will listen to me at times. i ramble a lot and i don't expect them to care, just occasionally you know? i would appreciate a date, nothing special or expensive, just a little time together. i don't need gifts and i don't want to take away someone's space and time,. i just want to feel like they care, just... a bit you know? and it's okay if they move on and go to find someone else, because i'm a mess and i often can't even explain what's wrong in the first place, but they were there for a bit and i think that's enough.. to feel like someone loved me even once just for a short while that didn't mean anything, will be enough

out on a cold sunday morning and older bf!simon gives you his jacket.

you know, the tactical one?

black, thick, union jack on the left sleeve, more pockets and zips than you can shake a stick at.

the one that smells unequivocally like him.

he puts it round your shoulders and you immediately wrap up in it. shit, you wouldn’t half mind a stake out in siberia if you had this on.

warm and surprisingly soft on the inside (like someone else you know)

simon refuses to let you give it back, even when his skin is visibly prickled with the cold. swears down that he’s just fine.

truthfully, he is.

he’d spend forever freezing his bollocks off if it meant seeing you with “L.t Riley” stitched over that big heart of yours.