Awholelottayeehaw - Howdy, Ya'll

What is or isn’t a slur can be highly contextual, y'all.

“Jonny Sims bummed a fag off my ma” doesn’t contain a slur, but “What are you, some kind of fag?” does.

“Queer studies”, “the queer community” and “I’m queer”? Not a slur. Some bigot calling you a “dirty queer”? Slur.

“Be gay, do crimes” and “He’s gay” ≠ slur, but “Ew, that’s so gay” = slur.

In conclusion, stop buying into this fucking “q slur” bullshit. Queer people talking about the queer community aren’t using it as a slur any more than a gay man calling himself gay is using that term as a slur.

Dividers ❀

After the last batch got so much positive feedback, I decided to make some more dividers! Like the first batch, reblogs and likes are much appreciated, especially if you use them for any of your works. You can credit me if you want, but you don't have to!

≫ Here's the link to the first batch ≪

The 18+ Category

≫ ──── ≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫ ──── ≪

The Support Your Creators Category

full offense but none of you would have ever survived fanfiction.net in 2009

I know there’s other posts out there but I wanted to make a comprehensive post about being completely inclusive when writing reader inserts. Everyone has their own perspective and ideas so I wanted to share my thoughts and tips that I use myself when I’m writing. Of course I most likely forgot things as well so feel free to add on if you think of something I missed and I’ll add it to the list here!

Quicke note before we get to it: if you spot something on this list that you’ve done before, don’t beat yourself up about it. We all slip up and make mistakes. Just learn from it and keep it in mind for the future! As readers, we understand that it’s near impossible to include every single individual that could possibly read your work, but the point is to be as inclusive as possible with your writing.

Under a cut for length and to make sure you always see the most updated list when you click on it! Reblogs are very much appreciated too, especially if you’re a writer so we can all learn and grow and be better!

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Labeling your reader (a guide to terminology)

Gender neutral (gn)- no pronouns, no gendered nicknames, no mentions of genitals

Assigned female at birth (afab)- no pronouns, no gendered nicknames, reader usually has a vagina

Assigned male at birth (amab)- no pronouns, no gendered nicknames, reader usually has a penis

Female/fem/f- she/her pronouns, traditionally femme nicknames, reader usually has a vagina

Male/m- he/him pronouns, traditionally masc nicknames, reader usually has a penis

Non-binary (nb)- usually they/them pronouns, reader can have either a vagina or a penis

If you do want to assign your reader character some type of label, please tag it appropriately. Lots of poc writers like to write black, Latine, Asian, etc readers for example. Or other examples are plus size reader, short reader, tall reader, nerdy reader, shy reader, sporty reader, etc.

Don’t be afraid to write a trans character too! Trans characters can have either the opposite genitalia from their birth assignment or the same, everyone is different! There’s a big lack in trans reader representation!

Please note too that just because reader is labeled one way does not necessarily mean they are cisgender. People can be non-binary and use she/her or he/him pronouns. There’s no need to label your reader as cis at all

And please don’t label your readers' sexuality as straight. Bi/pan/demi/queer people can be attracted to a male character but that does not mean they are exclusively into men. It alienates queer readers.

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Inclusive with skin tones

Please do not use “blush” or “flush” or anything like that! I know that’s one of the top issues when being inclusive with skin tones. Instead, try something like “you felt your skin heat up” or “your palms felt sweaty” or “you felt flustered.” Focus more on the emotions and what reader is feeling or thinking or physically reacting rather than saying reader blushed.

Be careful when describing bruises or injuries. Not all bruises get bright red for example. Instead, try mentioning blood stain, swelling, or just use “discolored” or “beat up” or something like that.

Not everyone’s skin turns red when slapped so just avoid “your skin reddened” altogether.

Not everyone has pink nipples, just skip describing the color altogether

Or pink lips. Again just skip the color description

While all skin is able to get burned, not everyone’s skin turns red/pink from being in the sun. Instead use more feeling descriptors like “your skin felt hot from the sun” or even describing peeling would be ok.

Don’t say that reader looks like an established character.

“Knuckles turned white” doesn’t happen with everyone so just leave it out. Focus more on muscles straining or something instead.

Avoid the phrase “you look white as a ghost” when referring to reader.

If you want to mention makeup, just leave it general and don’t specify colors or shades or anything like that. Not all shades show up the same on all skin tones.

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Inclusive with hair

Not everyone can run their fingers through their hair. Textured/curly hair gets caught or someone may not have hair long enough (or any hair) to run their fingers through.

Instead, try something like “fiddled with your fingers/ear/clothes”

Not everyone has hair long enough to tie up/back so it’s best to just not mention it at all. Your reader can just imagine how they want their hair for the scene.

If you want a more formal look, just “you styled yourself nicely” something like that is enough.

Some people enjoy hair pulling in sex, some don’t. If you want to include it, just make sure to add it in the tags/warnings so readers are aware before they get into it

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Inclusive with language

Please don’t assume your reader doesn’t speak Spanish! (This is aimed mostly at those who write Latino characters because I see this a lot)

If a character is speaking Spanish, you can either use italics to indicate the language change or provide a translation right there. Avoid adding “you didn’t understand” with that.

Instead you can use something like “you didn’t hear” so your reader can interpret for themselves if it’s because they don’t understand or they simply didn’t hear.

I know it’s tempting but please don’t use google translate to write in another language. It’s fine or a word or a phrase but when it goes into full sentences then it gets a little funky. Try consulting with a native speaker if you can!

When writing in Spanish, please note that n and ñ are not interchangeable!

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Inclusive with body shape and size

Don’t assume your reader is thin or short and the character can easily pick them up or toss them around. If you want to specify a short reader, please tag it.

Also the opposite: done assume reader is taller than a character too!

Limbs generally don’t weigh as much so something like “he hiked you leg over his shoulder” while laying down is more inclusive (I’m short and can pick up limbs from my clients at my day job so trust me your leg itself doesn’t weigh a lot)

Avoid “you got up on your tiptoes to kiss him” because not everyone is short. Instead just say “leaned over/in to kiss” or “angled yourself to kiss” something more generalized

Usually describing a hug/holding reader/cuddling is fine but don’t get overly specific on how much a character is able to wrap their arms around the reader and fit their arms fully around reader. Writing a tight embrace or an engulfing hug should still be fine since it can be a show of emotions.

Wearing a characters clothes. Not everyone can fit their fav’s size and not everyone will “drown in his shirt.”

Again the opposite is true too: not everyone has curves or thick thighs or big breasts or a big ass. Plus size and curvy readers are important to write too since representation is lacking, but just be sure to tag it properly!

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Inclusive with background in general

Be careful when describing readers family because that can be hard for some readers. Not everyone has a good relationship with their family. Yes sometimes a backstory is needed for plot and people can pretend for the sake of the story. Just be sure to include in your warnings for the story, especially if it’s either a really good or really bad relationship.

Religion. Just don’t mention it at all.

Around the holidays especially, Christmas fics are very popular but please be aware that not everyone celebrates the same holidays! Be sure to tag and warn for any holidays that they could be celebrating.

Don’t make your reader biologically related to a white character. If you absolutely want to, there’s options like step family, adopted, childhood friends that are closer than family, etc.

Reader’s job is usually something you have more leeway with but just be sure to tag it appropriately. Disabled readers for example can’t always imagine themselves in certain jobs so it’s just something to keep in mind.

When creating a backstory for reader, try to think outside your own experience and make sure it’s not something that poc readers can’t relate to or wouldn’t have had the same experience from.

This one is more aimed at Americans but please remember that not everyone reading lives in the US. Sometimes yes, a setting is necessary, but please be open to the fact that people from all over the world read fics.

There’s really no need to give your reader an age as it can alienate a lot of readers. Sometimes it can be inferred through context but I find that outright giving reader a specific age is very excluding.

If you’re at the point where your reader has a name, it’s no longer a reader insert but an original character. Nicknames or code names are totally fine, but please don’t give reader a name.

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Inclusive with art and moodboards

Please include poc when making moodboards for your fics!! I know from personal experience it can be hard to find the right pic you want, but I promise with some digging it’s possible.

Follow models of color pages here on tumblr, there’s unsplash, Pinterest (I know it’s not the best site but I have found a lot of poc pics there) and other sites too. Curate pictures to save for later when you can!

When it comes to art for reader insert fics, please don’t default to a white woman all the time. My personal opinion is that reader should be just a shadowy figure or outline or something vague like that. Or use a few different body types and skin tones.

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General inclusive tips

These aren't specific to skin tone or anything but rather little things that can help your reader feel more immersed in your story in general. I know some writers have a specific image in mind when writing but these are little things I’ve noticed that can knock the fantasy out for me so I wanted to share some thoughts and pointers. These are lower pressure points and not as big a deal but I did want to include them anyway.

Instead of specifying food or drink, write something like “your favorite (whatever)” or don’t even mention what they make or eat. Just say they made something or they ate something, your readers can fill in for themselves that’s on the plate

If a character buys reader flowers or something, don’t specify the flower. Either leave it vague or use “your favorite flowers”

Instead of a specific outfit, leave it vague or don’t mention at all. Sometimes a certain kind of outfit is required for situations (like a formal event or ball or something), but even then you can use something like “a gown in your favorite color” or “a formal outfit that flattered you well.”

In the case of an AU or a fantasy setting you have more wiggle room with clothing but still try to leave it more vague if possible.

Same with shoes. Not everyone likes/can wear heels so keep that in mind

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To wrap up, please be aware when writing your reader inserts. It’ll get easier with practice the more you consciously do it! And please listen to poc writers/readers when we ask for inclusivity! And support writers of color too! Thank you for reading and taking it all in because I know this was a lot!

shoutout to writers who:

have chronic fatigue or brain fog

have memory issues

experience chronic pain

have focus issues

experience frequent malaise

have anything else that may make it difficult to type, come up with ideas, and/or stay motivated & working

you can do this, you belong here, and you deserve to treat yourself with kindness and care

SLICE HIS THROAT WITH A RUSTY CLEAVER

EARLYE IN THE MORNIN.

15 questions 15 mutuals

Got tagged by my babygirl @yourcoolauntie a month or so ago but I'm finally getting to this.

1. Are you named after anyone?

My dead name was a reference to my mom's favorite celebrity's niece or godkid, but my legal name is based on a legend in my culture. Billie just gives me gender euphoria while also protecting my identity as a teacher since I have no idea where my students lurk on this hellsite.

2. When was the last time you cried?

I'm not a huge crier, even if something is really touching or makes me sad. So I had to really think about this but I'd say the last time I really cried was in November after deciding to go No Contact with half of my family.

3. Do you have kids?

Do 6 younger brothers and a dog count? If not, no. But I am the proud honorary parental figure of my students and former students so I have at least a few hundred kids right now. Father's and Mother's Day are fun.

4. Do you use sarcasm a lot?

Who, me? Never. Who told you that. Are you a cop?

5. What's the first thing you notice about people?

Their presence. Not even from body language, like just their energy. I had a coworker say they know when I enter a room without me having to say or do anything cause I have a big presence. So that's what I'm alluding to, how someone's presence comes off based on the energy they bring into the room/group and what they leave behind/take away when they're gone.

6. What's your eye color?

Everyone in my family has these pretty reddish brown eyes but I inherited my Elisi's deep green eyes. She once said that any animal that has bright colors and patterns is one that uses its colors as a way to advertise the fact that they would make a horrible snack and our eyes say the same and I didn't know how to tell her that she just implied we would be spicy disasters in modern slang. For the record, I'm a whole fucking meal with how fine I am.

7. Scary movies or happy endings?

Happy movies with scary endings.

8. Any special talents?

I once watched a documentary about a dude who got his hands cut off in the racist parts of the south where my family is from and it scared me so badly I learned to write with my feet so I have that going for me.

9. Where were you born?

My mom was really bad at planning so I was born on the side of a road in the middle of butt fuck nowhere.

10. What are your hobbies?

I like to tinker with cars, write fanfiction that I pray my students don't find, restore antiques, hike, cook, and scream into the void. I also like to collect rare books and ironic novelty items.

11. Have you any pets?

6 little brothers and a dog.

12. What sports do you play/have you played?

Soccer, baseball, I once competed in dodgeball, every rez/NDN kid had at least one year of fighting lessons from that One Uncle so I got to do some boxing... archery. I've done almost everything you can think of but I suck at Basketball and I'm salty about it.

13. How tall are you?

5'1

14. Favorite subject in school?

When I was in school I loved history and lit classes. We had one teacher who dressed up for the unit and another let us protest in front of the school. We had to choose a historic organization to be a part of and that was fun. Until my brother and his group pretended to blow up the school as part of The Weather Underground. He's still on the No Fly list.

15. Dream Job?

I work as a teacher but I wanted to be a coroner when I was a kid. Is there such a thing as a traveling mortician?

15. Sunsets or Sunrises?

Sunrises.

I have no idea who to tag for this so go nuts.

Thank you, baby ❤️ This is what happens when your eyes are old and you're trying to read something after two work all nighters 😂

New Writers added to The Pedro Library 🐼

@awholelottayeehaw​ @ahdraftingco​

New Works Added ✨

@sirowsky Din  Don’t Die

@guess-my-next-obsession Din  Relax / Javi G  Gorgeous

@toomanystoriessolittletime Dave  Drabble No. 1 / Oberyn  Drabble No. 2 / Javier  Drabble No. 3

@wheresarizona Javi G  That Was Good

@quica-quica-quica Whiskey  365

@prolix-yuy Whiskey  Cognitive Dissonance

@write-and-buried Ezra  The Appreciation of Fine Liquor

@brandyllyn​ Ezra  Into the Shade

@lovesbiggerthanpride​ Frankie  Soft Frankie Request

@foli-vora​ Marcus P  Traitor

Many fics aren’t appearing in the tags when searching. If I miss yours, please let me know 💗 Or add me to your taglist cuz I love being tagged 😊

As always, if you would like me to remove your work from the rec list, please let me know and I’ll remove them asap 😊

My boss, who is tall and thicker than a snicker and looks amazing, is dieting for her wedding next month because she wanted to do it for herself which I applaud but it's so restrictive that one day she told me she was out eating with her fiance and he had ordered a desert (something she couldn't eat part of her diet) and she started to cry until he threw it away and that really upset me. I'm a heavier person who's completely comfortable in my body and I respect other people's choices with what they do with theirs, but if it gets to the point where you're crying and your diet is impacting others' choices then that's not healthy.

I hope people know it's okay to eat what you love in moderation and finding that balance of diet and joy while on whatever journey they're on whether it's weight loss or gain or just trying to love the flesh bag they're navigating the world in.

fatphobia robs the world of all joy and I think the faster people accept that the faster we can like. Improve and progress as a society. I’m saying this extremely seriously. We have got to get past this. Fucking sick of it. People lose their lives and years to this. Whole generations were ruined by these ideas and expectations.