#Hints&Tips

[thatsbelievable]

[lisasadleir]

Moving to Spain: An Essential List of “How to…” Articles

Moving to Spain: An Essential List of “How to…” Articles

For years, Move to Malaga has been the go-to resource for anyone thinking of making Malaga and the Costa del Sol their home. We have a wealth of insider knowledge and a passion for making the moving to Spain process as smooth as possible.  We have written numerous articles sharing essential tips and “how to” guides to make your relocation and property purchase a more informed experience. From navigating the complex world of visas and residency, to finding the perfect property and settling into your new life. Our articles are packed with actionable tips and invaluable advice.  In the following summary, we highlight some of the most essential “How to” articles for moving to Spain and purchasing property. From understanding the latest visa requirements to calculating the ROI on a rental property and choosing the best schools for your children. These articles will give you a solid foundation for your Spanish adventure.  For personalized support and to ensure your move is truly stress-free, be sure to reach out to our team. As experts with years of experience, we can provide the tailored guidance you need to make your dream of a life in southern Spain a reality.

Here are some of our most popular Moving to Spain “How to”  articles …

Residency and Visas: - Learn how to apply for Spanish residency, including the latest requirements for 2022 here. - If you're in the UK, find out how to apply for a Non-Lucrative visa through BLS International Services here. - Already in Spain? Understand the process for renewing your Non-Lucrative visa here. - Canadians can learn how to apply for a non-lucrative residence visa here. - Non-EU spouses and family members can navigate the residency application process in Malaga here. - Digital nomads can learn how to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa in Spain here and in the UK here. - Book your NIE appointment online with this step-by-step guide here. - UK citizens can learn how to apply for the Spanish TIE here. Property Purchase Tips: - Save money on your property purchase by choosing the best currency exchange company here. - Understand the safe process for buying property in Spain here. - Decide where to buy property in Malaga and the Costa del Sol with these tips here. - Negotiate the best price with these 7 tips here. - Calculate the ROI on your Spanish rental property here. Relocation Tips: - Find your ideal long-term rental property in Spain here. - Americans can learn how to make the move to Spain here. - Decide where to live in Malaga with this guide here. - Apply for a Social Security Number in Spain here. - Understand how to apply for your Digital Certificate in Spain here. - Choose the best school in Malaga for your child here. - Replace a lost or stolen Spanish driving licence here.

Are You Ready?

Moving to a new country is a big decision, and getting it right the first time is crucial. The process of securing the right visa, finding the perfect property, and navigating the intricacies of a new bureaucracy can be overwhelming. That's where Move to Malaga comes in. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the Malaga and the Costa del Sol, our team can provide the personalized guidance you need to make your move stress-free. Move to Malaga's expertise covers every aspect of your relocation. Our insider knowledge will give you the confidence to navigate even the most complex processes with ease. But Move to Malaga offers more than just information – we provide a complete relocation service designed to take the stress out of your move. From finding your dream property to setting up utilities and introducing you to the local community, our team will be with you every step of the way. With Move to Malaga, you can be sure you're in safe hands. Are you looking to purchase a property in southern Spain? Our personal property finder service will make your purchase experience safe and stress-free. So why take the risk of going it alone? The safe way to move to southern Spain or purchase property in Malaga and the Costa del Sol is to use the services provided by Move to Malaga. With our help, you can focus on the exciting bits – soaking up the sun, exploring your new home, and building the Spanish life you've always dreamed of. Get in touch today and take the first step towards the Spanish life you've always imagined. Read the full article

[espighty]

I use tricky plans and schemes to get my way.

There's no specific punchline to this, I just wanted to draw.

[wahhzo]

one of the gang's fondest memories... DIY piercing each other's ears on a random friday

bonus: matt didn't want to risk his ear getting infected.

[sainz100]

💙🦁🧡🌼 | x

[zemi-noelle-art]

The hardest part of my Halloween costume is done! Can you guess who I'm gonna be? :)

[tgirlswagseraphina]

ⓘ John Lennon of Beatles fame is famous for the Beatles. He is also known for singing songs such as Imagine Dragons and Yoko Ono.

[cosmicawg]

𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰/@𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐰𝐠

OH! Hi, welcome to my blog! I’m your favorite (you either love me or hate me) AWG. Today, we’re diving into ⭐BLACK CHARACTERS⭐—and no, I’m not talking about those one-dimensional characters just there for the urban memes. I mean the real deal: complex, rich, main characters that pack a punch!

As a Black writer myself, I’ll be honest—I sometimes struggle with crafting Black characters, whether they’re main leads or supporting roles. Why? Because every Black person has a different story. Believe it or not, not every Black man or woman has experienced the same tropes we see in the media. So how do we go about developing a powerful Black character or even a minor role that’s still refreshing and relatable? Let’s find out together!

𝐀𝐯𝐨𝐢��𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐨𝐭𝐲𝐩𝐞𝐬: 𝐋𝐞𝐭’𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐆𝐨 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞!

When it comes to writing Black characters, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: stereotypes. You know, those tired clichés that pop up in movies and books like an unwanted party guest who just won’t leave.

First off, let’s acknowledge that not every Black character needs to fit into a box labeled “Gangster,” “Sassy Best Friend,” or “Magical Negro.” (Yes, I see you, Hollywood!) Every character deserves depth, complexity, and a unique backstory.

define: Magical Negro is a Black character who exists to help a white protagonist, often with supernatural powers. Example: John Coffey in The Green Mile.

Research, Research, Research! I can’t stress this enough. Dive deep into the experiences of real Black individuals, because every Black person has a different backstory! Personally, I haven’t experienced many of the challenges Black Americans face, like systemic racism, and it’s crucial to acknowledge that diversity. Understanding these nuances will help you create more authentic characters.

Ask Questions. Got a Black friend? (If you don’t, get one—kidding!) Use your network. Ask them about their experiences, perspectives, and how they feel represented in media. Just don’t be that person who asks, “So, do you like fried chicken?” It’s not cute.

Embrace Diversity Within Diversity. Not all Black characters should be from the same background. Explore different cultures, regions, and histories. There are a billion ways to be Black, so show that in your characters!

𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞: 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤

Now, let’s talk about dialogue—because if your characters sound like awkward robots, people will notice! When writing Black characters, remember that language is a huge part of identity. African American Vernacular English (AAVE) is a beautiful, expressive part of Black culture, but it needs to be used authentically and respectfully.

Personally, as a Black Jamaican, this is how I talk “proper.” I don’t use Patwa (Patois) in my dialogue when I’m writing Black American characters because, like I said before, Black culture varies. Just as I speak differently from a Black American, your characters should reflect the diversity of the Black experience. One-size-fits-all doesn’t apply here!

For example, a natural-sounding conversation between Black American friends might go like this:

Authentic: “Yo, you tryna head to the spot later?” “Bet, I’m down. Lemme hit you up after work.”

This sounds natural and reflects everyday speech without exaggeration. Now compare this with a stereotype that overuses slang and makes the character seem like a caricature:

Stereotyped: “Yo, dawg, we finna roll up in this joint, ya feel me? Straight fire!”

See the difference? One feels like a real conversation, while the other feels forced and unnatural.

Another Example: In a professional setting, you might have a character saying:

Authentic: “I’ll follow up on that report and get back to you by end of day.”

If you force casual AAVE where it doesn’t fit, it feels unnatural, like this:

Stereotyped: “Yo, I’ma hit you with that report later, aight?”

𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞/𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐛𝐲 𝐦𝐲 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐫

Alright, let’s get into it! Crafting rich, layered backstories for your Black characters is where the magic happens. After all, they’re not just defined by their race; they come with a whole buffet of experiences, cultures, and dreams!

Cultural Heritage: Dive into your character's cultural background! If your character is Caribbean, like a sassy Jamaican or a vibrant Trinidadian, think about how family traditions and spicy food shape their identity. Maybe they celebrate Carnival with a flair that leaves everyone in awe, or they bring a bit of reggae to the school dance. Spice it up!

Family Dynamics: What’s the family vibe like? Is it a tight-knit crew where everyone knows everyone’s business, or is it a mixed bag of characters with their quirks? Picture a character raised by their wise grandma, who drops truth bombs about resilience while whipping up the best curry chicken in town. Those family stories can really shape who they are!

Personal Experiences: Let’s keep it real—your character’s experiences should be as unique as their favorite playlist! Maybe they faced challenges at school that made them a champion for anti-bullying or excelled in sports, turning their setbacks into comebacks. For example, they might have been teased for their skin tone, but that just made them more determined to lift others up.

Aspirations and Dreams: What gets your character out of bed in the morning? Whether they dream of becoming a doctor, an artist, or the next big YouTube sensation, their aspirations tell a story! Imagine a character who, inspired by their community’s struggles with healthcare access, aims to break barriers in medicine. Talk about a hero!

𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞: 𝐔𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐏𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧

Alright, folks, let’s get real for a minute. We need to address a serious issue in storytelling: the unfortunate trend of making Black characters the butt of jokes to uplift white main characters. Spoiler alert: this is not cute, and it definitely doesn’t fly in a respectful narrative!

First off, humor is a powerful tool in writing, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of marginalized characters. When Black characters are used as punchlines or comic relief just to highlight the “funny” qualities of a white protagonist, it reduces their complexity and humanity. It perpetuates harmful stereotypes and misses the chance to create authentic, well-rounded individuals.

Example —

From “The Office” (U.S.): don't get me wrong I LOVE The Office, its my comfort show, however, In the episode titled “Diversity Day,” Michael Scott leads a diversity training session that reduces a Black character, Stanley, to a series of racial stereotypes. The humor in this scene relies heavily on racial caricatures, and Stanley is the butt of the joke, highlighting a lack of respect for his character. Michael’s antics, while intended to be funny, diminish Stanley’s complexity and reduce him to a stereotype for the amusement of the white characters.

𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬: 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩

Books —

"Writing the Other: A Practical Guide" by Nisi Shawl and Cynthia Ward - A guide to writing characters outside your own experience with sensitivity and depth.

"The Art of Character: Creating Memorable Characters for Fiction, Film, and TV" by David Corbett - Offers insights on developing authentic characters.

"Diversity in Young Adult Literature" by various authors - A collection of essays discussing representation in YA literature.

Articles —

“Avoiding Stereotypes in Fiction: People of Color”

“Writing Characters of Color: How to Avoid Being Racist” - Vanessa Willoughby’s article on Book Riot 

“American Fiction: Scathing and Accurate Portrayal of the Obstacles Black Writers Face in Publishing” -  

𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐟𝐟: 𝐀𝐇, 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐃𝐈𝐃 𝐈𝐓!

Thank you so much for reading this post! To all my fellow Black writers out there, I invite you to drop your comments below—let me know if there's anything I've missed or misled. Remember, even though I strive for perfection (tehehe), I’m not above making mistakes!

I can’t wait to see all the vibrant, fully-realized Black characters you’ll bring to life in your stories. Together, let’s make sure our voices shine and our narratives resonate. Happy writing, and until next time, keep slaying those words!

—courtesy of cosmicawg

[sarcasticgaypotato]

I know some people have a hard time commenting on fics because they don't know what to say, so allow me to let you in on my personal hack for a super easy, 2-step comment that authors appreciate:

Say that you liked it. "This fic was great," "I love this chapter," "I really enjoyed this," etc.

Mention (1) thing that happened in the fic/chapter that stood out in a good way. You don't have to do a line-by-line analysis, just point out something specific. "The fight between (x) and (y) had me on the edge of my seat," "The conversation at the end of the chapter was perfectly in-character," "(x)'s internal dialog during (scene) was really good," etc.

That's it! You can leave a two sentence comment with this method and I promise, you will make an author very happy.

Of course if you feel able—expand on this! Point out multiple things you liked, do a full scene analysis, gush about stuff that made you laugh or cry, we adore those comments. But if that's too daunting, just try this version and work your way up to the bigger stuff.

Now, go out and make a fic author's day!

[thatsbelievable]

[lisasadleir]

When is the best time to sell your UK home when moving to Spain?

When is the best time to sell your UK home when moving to Spain?

Knowing when is the best time to sell your UK home when moving to Spain can save you a lot of money! If you plan to sell your home for more than you bought it for, the more money you will save by getting the timing right! We have advised many people to rethink the timing of their planned relocation based on this very important factor!

Let’s look at the reason why …

Relocating from the UK to Spain, with its promise of a new lifestyle, is an enticing prospect for many. However, amidst the excitement lies a significant financial consideration – the Spanish Capital Gains Tax.  Navigating the complexities of relocating from the UK to Spain involves foresight, particularly concerning tax implications. Let's illustrate this with a scenario: Consider a hypothetical family, the Reynolds, who decided to sell their UK home and move to Spain. They sold their property in February 2024 for £800,000, which they originally purchased for £400,000 in 1980, resulting in a profit of £400,000. They plan to move to Spain in May 2024. As a result, they will become tax residents of Spain by spending more than 183 days in the country in 2024.  Hence they would be subject to Spanish capital gains tax on the profit from the sale of their UK property. This tax, ranging between 19% and 26%, would translate to a substantial bill, approximately €112,000, due in 2025. To mitigate this tax burden, strategic planning becomes paramount. Remember, the Spanish tax year runs from January 1st to December 31st. So, by delaying their move until the summer of 2024, thereby avoiding spending 183 days in Spain that year, the Reynolds could maintain their UK tax residency status for the 2024 tax year. Consequently, they would circumvent the Spanish capital gains tax entirely, resulting in significant savings. Though postponing their relocation might entail inconveniences such as arranging short-term rentals or staying with family, the long-term financial benefits far outweigh these temporary challenges.  Hence consideration of timing about the best time to sell your UK home before moving to Spain is crucial to optimize tax outcomes.

So deciding when is the best time to sell your UK home before moving to Spain is a question you must answer!

The decision to move from the UK to Spain holds immense promise but also entails careful consideration of financial implications, particularly concerning the Spanish Capital Gains Tax.  As illustrated by the above hypothetical scenario, timing plays a pivotal role in navigating this tax landscape successfully.  At Move to Malaga, we specialize in facilitating smooth relocations to Spain, offering tailored advice and comprehensive support to navigate complex tax matters and ensure a hassle-free move.  Contact us today to embark on your journey with confidence and peace of mind. Let us help you turn your Spanish dream into a reality. Read the full article

[pictureamoebae]

Quick little ReShade tip:

If you need to find a previous version of ReShade, for those from the last couple of large revisions (so 5.x and 6.x, I'm not sure if it works for earlier versions) you can just copy the download link for the most recent one and change the version number in the url.

So, the dl link on the front page of the ReShade website is currently for version 6.1.1, and the url for the addon version is https://reshade.me/downloads/ReShade_Setup_6.1.1_Addon.exe

You can manually change that link to get another version. For example, if I wanted 6.0.1 I would change the link to https://reshade.me/downloads/ReShade_Setup_6.0.1_Addon.exe

Someone also keeps an up-to-date repository on mediafire of all old versions going back years. This is linked to via the official ReShade forum, but it's up to you whether you want to take the risk downloading something from mediafire or not.

Remember, for both of these methods you will only be downloading the ReShade binary, not any of the shaders. When installing ReShade you'll be prompted to download shaders as usual, but they won't be shaders from old versions, they'll be the most recent shaders. If you've decided to use a particularly old version of ReShade you may run into problems. Try to stick to the most up-to-date version of ReShade that you can.

For an explanation of the difference between the ReShade binary, shaders, and presets you can take a look at my Understanding ReShade guide.

[the-arachnid-queen]

Happy birthday to the number 1 best boy! Yet another year of wishing you were real 😢

Happy birthday!!! 🎂🥳

[rjalker]

you might be thinking "but I can just have this character who's been a perfect good guy this whole time suddenly and inexplicably reveal he's been a spy all along!! no one will see it coming, because he's just such a master of disguise and deception!!!!"

And no, that will in fact be a horrible idea and your readers will hate you for it.

You can have a supposed good guy be revealed after a long time to have been a bad guy all along. But you do in fact need to give the readers a chance to figure this out on their own ahead of time. You have to foreshadow this massive betrayal, which can feel shocking the first time though, but on a second re-read of the book / series, should keep hitting them over and over again that all the signs were there, they just didn't realize what they all came together to mean.

You need to have this traitor say and do things that seem innocent at first glance, only to have the reveal that they're a traitor suddenly throw new and horrifying light on these supposedly innocent comments.

A good mystery is one that your audience at least has a chance of solving before you tell us the answer. If you write your traitorous character to be 100% perfect right up until the reveal that they're actually a villain, you haven't written an interesting character or story, you've just lied to your audience.

It makes your writing trashy and cheap, with no real meaning, because you quite literally will have destroyed any trust your readers can have towards what you show them in this story or any other one you write.

Revealing the solution to a "mystery" that the audience never had a single chance of "solving" for themselves does not make you or your writing clever, it just makes you a liar and a bad writer that no one will trust again.

[viric-dreams]

I'm not sure if I'm going to tighten this up into an actual painting, but at the very least a quick Feast of the Rose outfit sketch for Nicholas.

You know it's him and not Elias because Elias would either 1) be wearing his dress whites, or 2) if incognito, a plain black suit and the simplest masque he can find. Nicholas has a bit more of a flair for the dramatic, but in a quieter way. His suit cut may be standard, but a more unusual colour, or vice versa.

[nando161mando]

If coming to a #freePalestine rally, bring a mask because:

1. #CovidIsNotOver

2. Cops are taking photos.

We protect each other. 🇵🇸

Masks keep us all safe. 😷