Got Two New Rex Fics Coming Out Tomorrow After What Felt Like Years Of No Inspiration And Writers Block

Got two new Rex fics coming out tomorrow 🤞🤞🤞 after what felt like years of no inspiration and writers block 😭 one is meant to be a long one and the other is just a small snippet of a thought (thot) 🫣🤫

HUH??? I WORK IN A RETAIL SHOP😭😭 (please save me from it my manager is awful)

hey if you died right now whats your ghost outfit you cant change it be honest

So hurt over this 🥺

if you’re having a good day, don’t read this, because I’m about to ruin it!

Fives’s most identifiable mark is his tattoo of the number 5.

And for the longest time (even now) Echo’s most identifiable mark was the handprint. But as we all know, a hand has FIVE fingers, so it could be interpreted as a hand sign for the NUMBER 5.

So basically, Fives’s mark is repeated or echoed by Echo.

That is, of course, until he wakes up from stasis on Skako. He could very easily ask Rex to put another handprint on his armour, a callback to old times, reclaim his identity, etc. etc.

But why would he? There’s no one left to echo, to compare and compete with, to assimilate with. So from there on out, he just… omits it.

There is an argument to be made that this shows his character growth of becoming his own person, but that is because he was forced to it.

just gonna,,, @saturn-sends-hugs @phantom-of-the-501st yea :D

There is a big delay in my publishing of a new Rex fanfic as my brain isn’t letting me publish it without very thorough editing and adding on more to the story plus working evenings is getting in the way 😭 I promise (I hope) it’ll be worth it 😭

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

Quick note: terminology changes often and as far as I know this is the most up to date on being inclusive with labeling readers. If it changes or if anyone has suggestions I’ll update this.

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. But those words have the connotation that the skin turns red or pink, and while everyone is capable of their skin warming, it doesn’t always show the same especially on darker skin. 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.

Overall, it’s best to just avoid skin tone indicators and anything describing color on the skin. That simple thing makes a world of difference in inclusivity. The more you do it, the easier and more natural it’ll feel until it’s second nature! Your readers will be extremely appreciative of it!

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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. Hair touching can be very upsetting for some people, especially people of color. 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.

Or use phrases like “he said X in Spanish” for either praises, curses, etc. it leaves it more open for all readers.

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!

If you want character to pick up reader, please include it in your warnings.

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

For this section, the goal is more to be aware of certain things and to be sure to include proper tags and warnings more than avoiding things completely. Readers understand that there is the element of fantasy in reading fanfiction but sometimes a certain aspect can be triggering or upsetting or can knock the immersion out so it just important to be aware and have tags and warnings before your fic!

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.

If you’re making up family members for reader, be it siblings or kids, try to be aware of what their names are. Typically white names won’t fit every background so just be aware of that. Or try just using nicknames instead!

Religion. Just don’t mention it at all unless it’s properly tagged and warned for.

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. And please don’t write Jewish characters celebrating Christmas.

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 in order to fit your story 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. If you’re unsure just put it in the tags/notes beforehand.

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. If it’s set in the US, especially when the canon setting is elsewhere, please note it beforehand.

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. There are plenty of people in fandom who are not in their 20s so please don’t assume everyone reading is. And it sends a message to anyone in their 30s or older that they don’t belong when every other fic is a very young reader character. Obviously don’t write smut about minors too but that should go without saying.

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.

And if you are writing an oc, please keep it out of the reader tag. Use the oc tags.

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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. It’s disheartening to see white women used for “reader” in 90% of art or more. It makes poc feel like they aren’t welcome and that it isn’t meant for us. 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.”

Adding on with the clothing point: please tag if you’re describing clothing in a fantasy type setting. While clothing itself has no gender, sometimes trans and nb people can get hit with dysphoria if you’ve got reader wearing a skirt or something like it with no warning. Either just leave it out, leave it vague, or warn for it!

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!

Dancing with the Star Wars: Clone Trooper Dancing HCs

I haven't been able to stop thinking about dancing troopers for the last 2 days, so here are some extremely goofy HC's about the GAR's best and worst dancers.

Word Count: ~600 words Rated: M 💘 (SFW, but some very mildly suggestive comments)

Troopers Who Can Dance:

Wrecker: Much to Hunter’s infinite frustration, Wrecker seems to be naturally good at dancing. But more than that, he loves to dance. He’s always tapping his foot to a beat and will dance with anyone, anywhere and at any time. 

Cody: Really good dancer but not into night clubs or raging parties. Instead, he prefers slower/mid tempo dancing with a partner as a date-night/bonding activity. Very likely to pull his partner into a spontaneous kitchen dance. Will never turn down a partner’s invitation to dance.

Echo: Much like Cody, Echo dances almost exclusively with a partner, but he’s way more adventurous about types and styles of dancing. Doesn't take much convincing to get him to dance, and he'll try pretty much anything his partner’s into. 

Fives: incredible dancer. 10/10, no notes. This man feels the music in his bones and doesn’t have to think about it—he just looks great doing it. When he’s dancing with a partner, he is very attentive and easily falls into step with them.

Rex: Doesn’t dance (often) and swears that he can’t, but he’s actually an incredible dancer. Only dances with a partner, and will absolutely rock their world and sweep them off their feet. His dance moves are his secret weapon when trying to woo someone.

Fox: Secretly super into raving. Is he tired because of the long hours on duty, or because he was out dancing all night? Yes. He knows all the best clubs in town and attends all the festivals and big events. Nobody knows about his love of dancing, except for a few of his closest Corrie brothers who go raving with him. 

Jesse: incredible dancer and definitely knows it too. Will dance with or without a partner, and has been known to get lost in the sauce while putting on a little show for them 😉 Definitely a show off.

Howzer: smoothest mf in the GAR. He’s amazing at the Star Wars equivalent of the Salsa and Bachata dances. Dancing is a sport to him, and he prides himself at being the best. His hips don’t lie. Prefers dancing with a partner who can keep up with him.

Hardcase: the personification of “dance like no one’s watching.” It’s hard to tell if he can or can’t dance because he’s having such a good time, and it’s absolutely infectious. Can easily learn new types of dances if someone tries to teach him.

Tup: awkward shy bean who wasn’t a good dancer, so he spent his free time watching tutorials and practicing. He learned a few basic dance moves and got pretty good at them, so now he sticks to what he knows and doesn’t get anxious when someone asks him to dance.  

Tech: not a good dancer in general, but he's learned a few dance routines from his favorite holofilms & holovids, and can preform them perfectly. Can perform a flawless rendition of the Star Wars version of the Thriller dance. Not a super useful skill when going out to a club or a bar, but it’s a fun party trick.

Troopers who can't dance:

Neyo: some say he doesn’t even like music. Won’t even tap his foot to a beat. 

Alpha 17: can’t dance… well, maybe? Nobody actually knows since no one’s ever seen him dance. 

Dogma: Can’t dance, won’t dance. But will tolerate going out to clubs if that’s what the group wants to do. Will dance (poorly) once he’s drunk enough not to care. 

Hunter (inspired by @littlemissmanga 💜): try as he might, he cannot dance. He can’t seem to get his body to cooperate with the beat, and doesn’t know what to do with his hands when he’s not holding a knife. But he could learn if someone was patient enough to teach him. 

Crosshair: can’t dance and refuses to. But he likes going out to dance clubs with his partner… because he likes watching them dance 🥴

Please feel free to share your dancing clone HCs with me! Tell me which of your clone OCs loves to bust a move and who's a wallflower 😅

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