Working On The Virgin Widow Tile For Fluff Bingo (21 Tiles Attempted, 13 Completed) And Thinking About

Working on the Virgin Widow tile for Fluff Bingo (21 tiles attempted, 13 completed) and thinking about the tropes on it.  I’ve been twisting them how I like, but I still understand the appeal of them in their original state. 

Widows occupied an interesting place in western literature.  The Virgin Widow trope means you get all the benefits of being a widow - financially stable, less likely to induce a scandal, sexually available - without the character having actually experienced married life or love.  While there is obviously a lot of unfortunate implications with it, especially in regards to women throughout history and purity culture, I do understand the appeal.  The contrast of independence/vulnerability.  The angst or humor of the secret being drawn out.  The plot where the hero/heroine endures a terrible marriage and is finally free and gets to explore intimacy as part of a healthy relationship.

It would be a fun one to play with in a modern setting.

How exactly do you find sensitivity readers for a fanfic?

“Hello, I need to know how well I’m portraying this trans African American character.  The story is about alien robots in love who find each other across time and space.”

*mouse hovering over Post New Story button”

“No, I haven’t proof read it.”

*Post New*

“I want to finish it so I can tweak plot points without being locked in -”

*POST NEW*

“I have too many stories to finish!”

*POST POST POST*

2,600 words and counting...

Me: I know!  I’ll use this idea to fill a spot on the Bingo!  Great!  Quick little insta-lust with feelings and a funny joke.  1,500 words, done in an evening!

Brain: Complicated backstory.  Alternate Universe.

Me: 2,000 words and some cute confessions of attraction

Brain: Fun exciting chase scene in the middle.  Explosions.  Characters clashing.

Me: Insta-lust with awkward Prowl and two funny jokes.  Final offer.

Brain: Slow burn.  3 parts.  Character arc.

It’s been a long week.  I think it’s time I posted some updates!

I thought up a great plot JUST before I had to leave the house a few weeks ago.  It was so good and flowed really well.  I felt very witty.  I cleverly typed up an outline of the scene though, so I wouldn’t forget.  Here’s exactly what I typed:

“Nice ultra magnums be nice

Am I not being nice?

Nope

Uh, I don’t know?

It’s okay! Pat pat

Someone- smokescreen or bulkhead or both had painted colored lines”

Excellent.  Good job brain.  With such a detailed outline I hardly have to write at all.