#How to leverage your talents to travel

[allaboutalf]

I know it’s all performative but as someone who works in PR it’s taking me out seeing people complaining about the Oliver and Lou interview and saying it should be others. Ignoring the varying and intricate clauses in contracts when it comes to different cast/talent and publicity obligations (amount, length, how, where, which kind of outlets, black lists, additional costs, h&mu obligations, travel obligations, etc) and that it costs less to get extra time beyond that with some over others (not to mention schedule availabilities), you’re not going to turn down a major opp like that when the request comes through or if your pitch gets interest AND it’s but one piece of coverage in an overall strategy that’s way more complicated than people realize.

Not to mention it’s a whole new network and PR team so you can’t compare what Fox PR did in the past to ABC PR now AND yeah you leverage current interest. Cause why would you throw millions of dollars of budget down the drain by not leaning into that in your strategy?

It makes me laugh so much. I’m not getting mad cause I’m blocking the dummies - I’m actually loving this cause I love when people are clueless about PR but think they know stuff. It gives PR people life to see cause it can give you hours of entertainment.

[igotanidea]

Reindeer: Nikolai Lantsov x reader

christmas bingo day 11 : reindeer

***

„Did I ever tell you-”

„You did.”

„You didn’t even let me finish!”

„It’s the beginning of December, Nikolai. Christmas is coming. You tell me the same story over and over and over every year at this time.” Y/N rolled her eyes and Nikolai only chuckled at her teasing. They were laying on the bed in his chamber, her head on his chest, his hand running up and down her arm, with the fire crackling in the fireplace and whole room illuminated by giant Christmas tree standing outside the palace.

„guilty!” Nikolai smirked „but you love this story, don’t you?”

„Hmmm....”

„Oh come on, sunshine, you love this story.” he leaned a little bit forward their faces inches apart.

„I don't know if you're trying to convince me or yourself....” she muttered

„You're such a cruel woman Y/n! Cold as ice. Breaking my heart.” He grabbed his chest in feigned offence and sighed melodramatically.

„You’re such an attention seeker, Nikolai. Besides, as a heartrender-” she started but he cut her off

„Are you trying to tell me you used your grisha skills to bewitch me?”

„This is not what -”

„Are you admitting defeat now?” He leaned even closer to her, raising an eyebrow.

„I'm not-- wait - what? This is not we were talking about!”

„Oh, you're right. We were talking about my adventures while being Sturmhond.

„How did you turn this around like this?!” she exclaimed, jumping and sitting on the bed feeling the leverage slipping from her.  

„Got you distracted by my pretty face, love.” He pecked her lips „don’t worry though. You’re not the only woman to fall for my charm.”

„Saint!” she rolled her eyes, but deep down she was enjoying this little banter. It was like their own Christmas tradition to tell/listen to Nikolai Christmas adventure from a few years before.

‘So.” he sighed and leaned on the headrest pulling her to his side. One time, back when I was a -”

„pirate!” she chuckled

„privateer!” her teasing got her a pinch of her waist in return „I travelled to Fjerda-”

„good thing you were undercover, cause if they knew you were from the Grisha country they would burn you on the stake!”

„Y/N!”

„Yes?” she asked sweetly, batting her eyelashes innocently

„You’re interrupting me.”

„Am I?” her smile only grew wider as she tilted head „I’m more like.... emending”

„We’re not living in a XVI century, no one is accusing anyone of being a witch!”

„tell that to Nina” Y/N was way too familiar with the love story of her fellow heartrender. And even if the girl was teasing Nikolai, he was her treasure.

„Hm? You were saying?”

„Nothing, nothing. Please, continue”

„As I was exploring the wild, harsh land-”

„You met Santa Claus.” she finished nodding her head

„Y/N!”

„And you became best friends”

„Y/N!”

„and you rode a reindeer-” she continued casually but something changing on his face caught her attention „what?” her frown was as much an expression of confusion as of concern. It was not every day you could see Nikolai Lantsov distressed. „Kolya?”

„That one’s actually true-”

„what?!” she laughed falling on her back on the bed „you never told me that!”

„Maybe it’s because you keep interrupting me Lapushka.”

„sweet words will get you nowhere, sobachka. You only got one chance on distracting me and used it before. But seriously, you actually rode a reindeer?! How was it?!”

„Oh, now you are interested, huh?”

„come on! You already got this far Nikolai! Tell me!” she rolled on her belly, propping her head on the elbows and looking at him with eyes shining with curiosity.”

„it’s very different from riding a horse, let me tell you that.”

„Is that why you never visited Fjerda since then? Was it really such an embarrassing experience that you fear they might still remember?”

„I don’t visit them, cause that would mean being away from you, drüsje. Couldn’t stand that ever again.”

„I see some hidden language talent here.” obviously the part where Nikolai confessed to missing her while being on the sea was left without notice on purpose. For now at least.

„What can I say?” the prince brushed a strand of hair from his forehead and threw his hair back playfully „I am both handsome and gifted.”

„Is that why you couldn’t find way back home for so many years?” this was only a half-joke

„Y/N... love” he grabbed both her hands and squeezed them lovingly „milaya-”

„I know Nikolai, I know.” the way she cupped his cheek and rubbed his suddenly reddened skin make him even more remorseful about leaving her alone for so long on the mercy of Darkling and his family, who never accepted her as Nikolai’s future wife and queen of Ravka.

„I won’t leave you ever again, love.”

„You’d better not, tsarevich! And definitely not for another female!”

„What are you-?” he gave her a shocked expression, laced with hurt „Are you questioning my loyalty and affection for  you? I never-”

„did you know that Santa’s reindeer are actually females? Apparently the males loose their antlers for winter, so-”

„Are you telling me that-?”

„All the childhood stories are fake!” she made a face and waved her hands around with a eerie sound before laughing wholeheartedly „we were raised in a lie!”

Nikolai shook his head and grabbed her chin forcing her head slightly up, their eyes meeting and her laugh dying in her throat.

„I know there was at least one truth in my life since the day I met you.”

„Oh- um- I -. What was it?” she blushed involuntarily at the fire blazing in his eyes

„My feelings for you. the realest in the world.”

„Maybe that’s what brought you back to me?”

„Maybe you did bewitched me after all, my little heartrender, cause it always felt like my heart was calling your name, Y/N.”

„Since when are you a romantic?” she smiled lovingly even though her words were a bit sarcastic.

„Blame Tolya. Saints! He’s hopeless. Did I ever tell you about the time when he tried to quote poetry to Zoya?”

„I think I’m done with listening to stories-”

Well, she was wrong after all, cause they were whispering another tale to each other that night. The tale of longing and romance. Of heartbreak and being apart for too long. The novel of two lovers being reunited again.

But words were not needed while doing so.

[ladybug023]

Some Random Tyland HCs (Edited)

He may be more lowkey than his more popular brother but he’s no less a Lannister. He has a scheming mind and is a hustler.

He has been called “Jason’s Shadow”

He, Jason, and Johanna are the ultimate trio. Jason the brawn, Tyland the brains, and Johanna make sure the two don’t get themselves killed.

Tyland is gay. His father used to abuse him for this unchangeable fact until Jason beat their father so badly that he never touched Tyland again.

Johanna is Tyland’s platonic soulmate.

Tyland believes only three things matter: money, family, and power.

Tyland is a water dancer. He learned during his time traveling and when he lived in Bravos for a year. It suits him because it’s the opposite fighting style of his twin Jason who has more of a traditional Westeros fighting style.

He has a saying that is basically the earlier version of Lannisters always pay their debts. “I always get what I am owed.”

Has a habit of rolling a gold coin through his fingers when he's thinking (scheming.)

He’s incredibly close to his deaf 🧏‍♀️ ward/niece Cerelle. Many other nobles question Tyland and Cerelle’s bond.

He sees Cerelle and himself as the outcasts of the Lannisters.

There are rumors that she is actually Johanna and Tyland’s bastard daughter. Tyland denies these rumors because of course he’s gay.

Johanna sent Cerelle to Kingslanding and asked Tyland to take her as a ward so that Jason wouldn’t marry her to some fat creepy Lord.

He also uses Cerelle as a spy. He believes she’s perfect for it because people underestimate and disregard her because she’s deaf.

Tyland taught his niece water dancing as well. Cerelle is basically the “Ashtray” to Tyland’s “Fezco.” (From Euphoria.) She’s ride or die for him.

Tyland is a savvy businessman. When Visarys made him Master of Ships, he also put him in charge of trade.

He also secretly owns most of the gambling houses (medieval casinos) in Kingslanding. When he goes out to these places to collect or check on it he wears a hooded cloak and mask to hide his identity. The people who work and frequent these casinos call him “The Shadow Cat.”

(This foreshadows when he becomes the hooded hand.)

Tyland gets involved in Kingslanding’s underworld when flea-bottom gangs try to exploit his taverns for protection money. Tyland disguised himself with a cloak and mask. He then slaughtered the entire gang and took back his gold.

He brought his niece to these secret raids. Niece and uncle bonding over murdering criminals together.

When Tyland sees just how bloodthirsty Cerelle is he begins to regret using her as a weapon. He feels guilty because he stole that innocence from her. Cerelle doesn't see it that way though. She believes her uncle is the only person who doesn't treat her like she's helpless or useless.

Tyland wants a better life for her.

After Daeron returns from Oldtown, Tyland begins trying to set Cerelle up with him. He believes the Targaryens have denied the Lannisters marriage pacts for far too long.

Because the Lannisters are the 2nd richest house in Westeros and the Green's major financial supporter Tyland offers a marriage pact between Cerelle and Daeron. Much to the council's shock. Otto refused at first because Cerelle was deaf. However, because Tyland had most of the financial leverage, Otto was basically strongarmed into agreeing to the proposal.

His main rivals are Jasper Wylde and Larys. Especially Larys, who he sees as the biggest threat. He even calls Larys out on his unthreatening crippled act.

Tyland: Oh for the love of the Gods drop the act already. You’re not fooling anyone with this harmless cripple performance.

Larys: …I suppose you’re right. I am not as convincing as your niece. She is a talented actress…

Tyland: *smirks menacingly* Careful now Larys. You only have one good leg left. You don’t want to lose it by running your mouth on things that you don’t know about…

[frostyreturns]

Frosty Ruins Leverage S5 E2 "The Blue Line Job"

Shows like this have a habit of dipping their toes into worlds they don't understand and come across as ignorant to people who are a part of it. Within the first minute I can already tell this hockey themed episode was written by someone who doesn't watch hockey. Think the gamergate episode of law and order svu if you want to get an idea how out of touch it is. There's also some very subtle propaganda to their description of the scenario the episode covers. To begin the episode they talk about a hockey player having concussion issues and in just a few sentences nail a few bullshit talking points that the media and the anti-violence in hockey crowd like to spread.

The first is that fighting is a major cause of concussions, it just isn't, while concussions are a serious risk in hockey…(and part of the reason players are paid millions of dollars to play the game professionally) they are almost never because of a fight, the amount of hockey players concussed in a fight is statistically zero. Concussions typically do not result from blunt impact and hockey fights tend to only last a few dozen seconds at most, and they are normally wearing a helmet, though they sometimes take them off because there is a greater risk of injuring your hand in a fight than your head. The risk of concussion in a hockey fight is significantly lower than in say boxing or UFC where they hit each other in the head repeatedly over a longer period of time and each combatant trains exclusively for fighting... and yet even they can have long careers of being pummeled before any serious concussion issues arise and sometimes they don't at all. In hockey you are far more likely to be concussed by being body checked or simply falling or crashing into the boards. This is because concussions are more likely when the brain is being shaken by a sudden and rapid change in momentum, which happens when you are travelling at high speed on skates and come to an abrupt halt. It's why helmets don't really help all that much when it comes to concussions and why with zero fighting at all it's a big concern in football.

The other lie is that players are forced to fight when they could otherwise be good talented hockey players. They say this with a line about how fast the player was and how he was good until they saw how good his punching was. If you know who typically filled the role of fighter/enforcer you would know these were very large men who typically were too large to be very quick, with some exceptions of course. And if an enforcer was really good at hockey it was utilized and celebrated because the best kind of hockey player was someone who was skilled and tough, the problem is those guys were rare and are virtually extinct now. This idea that skilled players are wasting their potential by being tough guys is a fantasy of the violence averse. The reality was that most of the guys whose job it was to fight and protect their teammates…they would not be playing hockey at all if not for fighting. Fighting was a way to make millions playing a game they love, it had risks and downsides of course but most all of them say they loved it and would do it all over again if they could, while there are complainers who are mostly looking for a payday now that their careers are over, the biggest advocates of fighting in hockey are the guys who do it and the guys who did it their whole career. The line at the end says it all and speaks to an issue larger than sports or tv. "I need you to save my dad from himself" The idea that people can't make informed decisions on their own behalf is repugnant to me. Here's a quote from current NHL tough guy Ryan Reaves which I think more accurately sums up the opinion of the people most effected "Make hockey violent again."

The other thing they get wrong is really serious concussion issues don't crop up until much later, you don't get punched and start forgetting that people died. The other problem I have is they key on this notion of a hockey where its mostly fighting with hockey in between, based on a joke "I went to a fight and a hockey game broke out." Which is just that..a joke… an exaggeration. Most games even at the peak of fighting in hockey typically have one or two fights or sometimes none at all…as I mentioned before these took up 2 minutes of time maximum…the hockey game takes 60 minutes. Yet they present this joke as a reality.

I will give them credit though they did accurately depict both sides of the debate for the most part, the problem is one side of the debate is largely fostered by retards who know nothing about hockey…mostly the media. The issue is hockey is not as popular as other league sports, so most journalists who cover it are people who would much rather be covering some other less violent sport but took whatever job they could get…and tend to have nothing else to say about hockey..and concussions and violence is a good click baity way for these know nothing sports newspigs to have something to say. It's why despite other sports being 100% fighting you don't hear as much controversy about them. There is zero hockey in boxing and yet fighting in boxing is okay, there is zero hockey in UFC and yet UFC is okay…so why is some fighting in hockey a big fucking deal? The players like it, the fans like it and the teams making money like it. Oh but sorry there's somebody we forgot to consult to see if it was ok…journalists and soccer fans.

My other issue is they are simply blanket believing this lie that the league is hiding medical information. The fact is up until fairly recently the medical information was that concussions were not as serious. The issue wasn't that it was hidden it's that the research wasn't there yet and we didn't know what we do now. They act like a simple MRI shows what they are looking for but even in the most severe cases of CTE you need to do an autopsy to be able to determine what they claim can be shown by an MRI.

And even that being said, now that we know that concussions are more serious…there are still hundreds and hundreds of elite players willing to take those risks, and tens of thousands maybe millions more who wish they were good enough to be able to take the risks and play professional hockey. These are people, they have agency they can make their own choices and they are compensated handsomly. It's nobodies business to step in and remove their ability to make those decisions.

The acting is also terrible across the board, the comically strawmanned owner who claims the fans don't come to see hockey but blood on the ice just hammers home the point that no hockey fans were involved in the making of this episode.

They also show at one point that the enforcer in question has some kind of secret contract where he doesn't make money unless he fights in every game…totally illegal totally unenforcable, no league major or minor would have a contract stipulation anything like that at all. That on its own is so ridiculous it's laughable…but they take it a step further and have the owner pay other teams players a bounty on his own player so he doesn't have to pay contract bonuses.

Things then get retarded when one of the main characters in an attempt to protect the aforementioned tough guy convinces the owner to sign a friend of his and play him in a game…absurd and impossible, there are rules about when players can be added to a roster it is illegal to add a player game 6 of the playoffs and that's assuming I buy the owner being convinced to play some random guy he's never met because a guy trespassing in his building challenged him to a bet a day ago. Deadline for adding players was months before the playoffs even start.

Then in the game the guys friend and last minute addition in an attempt to prevent a fight does something way more dangerous and way more likely to cause injury…he either slewfoots/knees a guy at full speed who doesn't see him coming. In hockey that is considered a very dirty play and is one of the reasons enforcers exist in the first place… to beat the shit out of guys who do stuff like that. Then the play just continues. In reality there would have been an immediate major penalty maybe even an ejection from the game and likely a series of fights as every guy on the ice would be after him. But because this is retarded fake hockey he just goes oops skates away and play continues…and the audience is supposed to see him as a hero. Then yet again this moron in his quest to put a stop to fighting executes yet another highly illegal dirty play, by charging/boarding a player on the other team who does not have the puck, this play is literally 3 penalties in one and again would likely warrant a five minute major or a double minor and would put his team shorthanded for 4-5 minutes…these two plays alone would get him benched by his coach for the rest of the game...assuming he wasn't given a game misconduct and ejected... because he's undisciplined and is costing his team penalties.

The rest of the episode that isn't hockey related is just generic cheesy heist cliches. Chick swipes id badges as she walks by, girl pulls bobby pin out of her hair to pick a lock, if you've seen a heist movie imagine that but worse. Cheesy ending…terrible episode of a show that is not for me.

[writernopal]

Get To Know My OC - Pt. 4

The fourth and final part! It’s time for the ever-elusive Wilkes 👀

Again, leaving this as an open tag! ♥️

You wipe the nervous sweat from your forehead and listen to Fay’s muffled and angry voice just outside in the corridor. But she’s not speaking in Common as she’d been speaking with you. The tongue that she speaks now is one marked with rich-sounding stops, complicated diphthongs, and a myriad of hisses and aspirant sounds which, to your ears, seem randomly arranged. You wonder if she might be speaking to herself when another more even-toned, deep, and near gravely voice responds in the same language. As the owner of this new, calm one speaks, Fay’s voice takes on a similar tone of ease until they bid one another what must be a goodbye, and the door opens. The man who enters can only be described as a beast. He bows to fit his impressive height through the door that now looks like it was constructed for gnomes. His hulking frame is padded with an almost obnoxious amount of muscle but not enough to obscure the slight sag and wrinkle of his scales. Still, it’s almost impossible to believe that he and Axtapor could be of the same species! He has a long tail and a snout, just like Axtapor, but that is where their similarities end. This man is the palest white with striking red eyes, and a brilliant-looking ruby mounted on his forehead. He possesses a great white feathered mane and white beard to match and, unlike the others from before, wears a pleasant smile. The way he smiles at you is akin to someone meeting a dear old friend after many years, and the ease of the way his robes flow around his body, combined with the pleasant twinkling of his jewelry, washes a strange calm over you. He braces himself on the arms of the chair, grunting as he takes a seat and settles in.

1. Are you named after anyone?

My father. He replies with a placid look. He was a great soldier in his heyday. Good man.

2. When was the last time you cried?

I have all I could wish for. There is no need to cry. His smile has yet to fade.

3. Do you have kids?

He sighs and shakes his head. No.

4. Do you use sarcasm?

Only in special circumstances. He shifts in his seat to fetch a pipe from his pocket. You watch him prepare and light it, but unlike Axtapor’s method, his is stiff and rehearsed.

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

Everything. The stone on his forehead seems to glimmer even brighter upon giving you his response as he takes a puff.

6. What’s your eye color?

Red. He smiles, expelling smoke from his nostrils.

7. Scary Stories or Happy Endings?

He thinks for a moment. Whatever can be leveraged.

8. Any special talents?

Yes. He bows his head ever so slightly, and the stone catches the light. However, it is not polite to gloat about it.

9. Where were you born?

Tlanxla. His answer seems incomplete.

10. What are your hobbies?

I don’t have any. There is nothing in particular that interests me so much, and I have enough to do. He responds with yet another smile.

11. Do you have any pets?

No. I have no interest in things of that sort.

12. What sports do you play/have played?

I excelled at many sports in my youth, but I enjoy tests of the mind far more, as most men of my age do. He responds with a chuckle.

13. How tall are you?

7’0”, if I recall the figure correctly. He seems to travel somewhere in his mind for a moment. Yes. 7’0”.

14. Favorite subject in school?

Can’t say I had one. He thinks for a moment. No, I had no such preference.

15. Dream job?

One could hardly call it a ‘job,’ but I rather like the idea of growing even more old and wrinkled. He smiles to himself but only for a moment. Yes. Age.

Wilkes is Fay's husband, her trusty right hand, and also the oldest of the MC AASOAF cast, sitting at a comfortable 45😌

He's going a bit senile... or is he?

[the-chosen-fanfiction]

Gentile. | Chapter 29

Tragedy befalls your family.

Chapter list

You envy Valeria’s thick, red hair. It isn’t like you think your own hair isn't beautiful, but it’s different from what you’re used to and you know it had always caught your brother’s eye when their betrothal was about to be finalised.

Their relationship had been an exception to the rule. Whereas you would be married to the highest bidder, your oldest brother was so lucky as to find a woman within the social range that he had grown to love long before they married. You recall countless letters exchanged between them, the first time you found out about their relationship by catching your brother red-cheeked after a talk with her, the moment Lucius entrusted you with endless hours of gushing about how much she means to him.

Alas, for your own marriage, that cannot be said. 

Father had been adamant about you binding yourself to someone of his choosing, and, for the record, didn’t necessarily fully approve of the liberal marriage between Lucius and Valeria, either. He had always told you, a woman should be grateful for the time of day she received from her husband, and Lucius would soon grow to learn that treating a woman in the way he treated his wife would only lead her to rebel against him.

You always kept your mouth shut. Speaking up would get you in trouble and you feared that he might redirect that anger to your mother in the long run. As the older son, Lucius had been given the benefit of the doubt, and as the older daughter, you had become leverage for tight and fruitful business within the Empire.

So in complete honesty, you muster envy towards them. Both of them, for being so happy together, for their connection rooted in love instead of convenience. Certainly, you’re happy for them, but it stings regardless. 

“Are you okay?” Valeria asks when you take a particularly long time to brush one part of her wonderful locks to the point it has started to become frizzy at the ends. You snap out of your spiralling thoughts, blinking in confusion.

“Huh?”

Her brow furrows and she angles herself to look at you, green eyes filled with worry. “(Y/n), is everything alright?”

“Of course,” you breathe, “I was just daydreaming for a bit. We have travelled far to get here.”

Humming, she turns back so that you can continue on her hair, starting on the final section. It is soft between your fingers as you slip them through it and you’re almost tempted to braid it. 

“You seem like you’re doing better,” you admit, “The medicine, I mean. The colour is back in your cheeks, I can see your freckles again.” 

“I’m feeling pretty good,” she tells you with a smile, rubbing over her tummy. “Little tired is all.” 

You swipe the boar bristle brush through her locks one last time before putting it down, sighing deeply. “That looks way better.”

“Thank you, soror ,” Valeria muses - always calling you ‘sister’ and not adding the ‘in-law’ at the end. She hoists herself to her feet before you can get up to assist her and she grunts, supporting her bulging stomach that is extremely visible underneath her tunic. You wonder how obvious your tummy appears to the outside world at your stage.

You watch as she makes her way over to her bed to plop down and get comfortable. Exhaustion is visible underneath her eyes and you grab the scroll of text you had brought along. “I copied some poems I found at the library,” you preface your recital. “I hope you’ll like it.”

Valeria hums and nods as you get comfortable at the end of the bed, pulling up one of your legs.

“That’s something I envy about you, (Y/n),” she takes you aback. With a raised brow, you wait for her to clarify, which she soon does: “You know just how to select your literary works with such ease… And whenever you write to us, I’m often… Ah, I keep all of your poems together and I sometimes read them when I feel uninspired.” 

Your cheeks flush. “That means a lot.” you whisper. 

“You’ve got talent, (Y/n). In another life, you could have been a poet.” 

You laugh lightly at the insinuation but she appears to be serious. A tad abashed, you clear your throat and unroll the parchment. “I’ll… I’ll just start, okay?”

Valeria sinks a little further into her pillow and smiles. “Please.”

And so, you fulfil your promise to her. You recite both romantic and dramatic poems, pouring everything you can into your intonation and dramatisation. Your sister-in-law seems to almost draw the words from your lips from the way she is watching you with bated breath, curious to hear what comes next.

For a while, you don’t have to think about the fact that Quintus, Lucius and your father are speaking to one another a few rooms over, perhaps already discussing the education of your child even though it has not yet been born. The stories are as wonderful to you as they are to Valeria, although her brow starts to fall the longer she observes you. 

“(Y/n),” she interrupts you halfway through the second-to-final poem and the words die on your tongue, your gaze meeting hers. Despite her face having a healthy flush again, the white of her eyes appears yellow. “How are things going with your pregnancy? And with Quintus?”

“What?”

She sighs. “Lucius has told me about the letter.” 

You nearly drop the scroll and are overcome with embarrassment. When you don’t respond and instead look away, Valeria sits up and reaches over to put her hand on your arm. “It’s okay, you can trust me. Is something the matter? I want to help you.”

“You can’t.” you whisper matter-of-factly, “I-I appreciate the concern, but this is something I need to solve by myself. I’ve spoken to Lucius about it, and he’ll make sure that Quintus doesn’t get to know and… Things will be fine. Truly.” Even you don’t sound persuaded by your own words. Valeria exhales and sits back again.

“I just…” you sigh, folding your hands inside your lap. “I need… I need time to think, to sort things out. I’ll be fine.”

“If there is anything you need to get off your chest, seek me out.” Valeria does not pressure you into confessing your troubles. “I meant to bring that up and wanted to do so earlier. I don’t know why I just interrupted you, but… Carry on.”

With a shivering exhale, you nod and wrap up the recital of the poems before rolling the parchment back up, tying the leather shut again. 

With a tired smile, Valeria smiles. “Thank you for that, (Y/n),” she gratefully breathes, “Thank you for your time and your creativity.”

You scoff a laugh. “All I did was read some lines I didn’t create myself.”

“Yet you chose to read them to me, considered whether I’d like them or not, and they were very engaging to me.” She gives a reassuring grin. “There is no need to be shy about it. Take a compliment for once.” With a wink, she gestures you into an embrace.

“Thank you, Val,” you murmur, “For your attention, and your sweet compliments.”

When you pull away, she flinches and puts her hand on her stomach, prompting you to hum in worry. “Something the matter?”

Your sister-in-law gives a small shake of her head, smiling wryly. “The baby has just woken up again and decided to kick into my organs as a means of entertainment.” 

The face you pull causes her to chuckle. “Ah, good luck with that once your pregnancy gets to that stage.” Her voice contains humour. “You don’t really get used to it but it’s part of life.”

“Thanks for the reassurance.” you tell her in good spirits. “I’ll leave you alone for now so that you can rest. Do you need me to send in Lucius?” 

“Please.” she muses, “And thank you, again.”

“My pleasure.” you state, standing and heading for the door, giving her a final glance over your shoulder. She smiles tiredly and gives you a small wave, which you return before brushing out of the room.

The men of the family have gathered to drink wine whilst your mother and sister are entertaining Aurelia at the other side of the room. You greet Julia with a brief embrace and promise to tell her more about your pregnancy later upon seeing her surprise, but you head over to fetch Lucius first. Intersecting yourself into the circle by standing in between Quintus and Lucius, you grab your brother’s arm. 

“Luci, Valeria is about to go to sleep for tonight and requests your presence.”

“Hm, I’ll go there at once, my wine’s almost gone.” He flushes it back quickly and you give your other brother a small nod as a greeting. Marius returns it before resuming his conversation with Julia’s husband, seemingly uninterested in how you are doing and discussing business instead. 

Quintus’ perfume stings in your nose when he catches your elbow in his hand. “Why don’t we call it a day too, my dear?” he queries, “You must be exhausted.” Even though it is a question, you know pretty well that it is not meant as such, and you hum in agreement. 

“Very well.”

“Excuse me gentlemen, we will withdraw ourselves to our chambers to turn in for the night.”

They all mutter a goodbye and you give your mother and sister a quick wave, rushing over to peck Aurelia on the forehead before Quintus calls after you with slight annoyance in his voice. You pursue him to the bedroom, glad that you’ve tucked away your forbidden scroll of Jewish history beforehand, and sit down on the bed to rid yourself of your garment whilst your husband gets himself some water. 

With a sigh, you close your eyes and rub your straining neck. Quintus does not ask about Valeria and it irks you thoroughly, for he has only spent his time here vouching for the attention of your father and likely chewing out Lucius for any information on the letter.

“You know,” you start, swallowing thickly as he locks eyes with you through the reflection of the mirror. The knife slices against his skin tightly as he shaves his cheeks, ridding himself of any hair that grows there. “Valeria is doing better thanks to the doctor, in case you were wondering.”

“I wasn’t.” Quintus huffs, “What matters to me is that you aren’t sick in her stead.”

You frown deeply and open your mouth to reply, but you know that protesting will only get you in trouble, especially since you are around your father these days. You instead lay down under the covers, which are itchy against your skin at the unfamiliarity thereof, and you wait for Quintus to finish up, the room filled with the scent of lavender soap. 

“Aren’t you afraid,” you inquire, “That it might happen to me, too?” 

Quintus scoffs and rolls his eyes. “Not at all. Nothing will happen to you, unless you do something that causes the gods to grow angry at you. If anything happens, that’s on you. As long as you aren’t hiding anything from me and in turn earn the gods favour, you’ll be fine.” 

You gulp thickly and grit your teeth, holding your breath as you dare to ask: “What did my brother tell you when you asked him about the letter?” 

“There is nothing to be said.” He huffs in utter annoyance, unable to hide it from his features. “He is adamant about having made a mistake in his judgement. Gone here for absolutely nothing. If you had only been a bit more persuasive, I’d have trusted you.” Of course he was going to put the blame regarding the scratch on his ego on you. 

You do not reply, instead try to make yourself comfortable as Quintus tucks himself in next to you, awfully warm and far from welcome. Still, the business of the day has exhausted you, and so, it does not take long for you to drift off, dreams filled with images of Atticus, scrolls and babies.

_ 

“Wake up! Open the door!” 

Roughly pulled from your sleep by fists slamming against the door, Marius’ panicked voice tears through the bedroom. Groggily, Quintus protests, but you’re on your feet before you can even properly open your eyes – your heart crawls into your throat and hammers faster than you’ve ever felt it beat before, anxiety tightening your chest. 

You drape a robe over your shoulders and unlock the door, and Marius bursts inside with wide-blown eyes, out of breath. Your legs feel weak underneath you at the panic beaming off of him, for this means no good news. 

“Come! Come! We need to— To—” 

“Marius,” you whimper, “Calm down, we can’t understand you if you–”

“Calm down?! (Y/n), we need to run! Pray! Pray! Valeria, she– She is unwell! Lucius, he–He told me to–”

“What?! Take me to him, now!”

You don’t even wait for your husband before you run through the mansion barefoot, following your brother. Adrenaline relieves the pain in your ankles and abdomen. 

Servants are running around, carrying buckets of water. Pacing back and forth in front of her bedroom, you find Lucius, his face drained of colour. “Lucius, what is going on?!” you exclaim, and you have never seen him this scared before. He gestures to the door with a sound of agony.

“She’s– She’s fighting in there, (Y/n), she’s–” 

Valeria’s cry of sorrow splits the air in half and makes the hairs of your neck stand on end, “I-I’ve brought in the midwife and-and-and priests, and they’re— (Y/n), I–I need you to take Aurelia so that mater can go to the temple to pray and to make sacrifices, Julia has already gone, and– O-Oh, I’m so scared!”

“Of course,” you immediately accept, “Where is she, let me take her, I will make sure that nothing will happen to her, I—” The door to the bedroom cracks open so that a healer can slip out and another back in, and in that moment, you catch a glimpse of Valeria.

All air leaves your lungs at once. Drenched in sweat, she twists and turns in the sheets, the mask of death already turning her features grey. Pained wails stream from her throat, her fingers gripping the blood-sodden sheets as she arches off the bed, three healers trying to keep her down as one chants a spell, hoping it will both calm her as well as make her better. The door slams shut again, and with a shivering breath, you rush over to seek out your niece, wanting to keep the distress from her innocent ears.

You scoop her up and drag her away from the cries of agony that chill you to the bone. Aurelia wails just as loudly, far from understanding as to why her sleep has been so roughly disturbed. Her little fists claw themselves into your nightgown as you rush to the other end of the estate, as far away as possible. 

There, you hold her for a while, staring out of the window as she kicks her feet and places muffled whimpers into your shoulder, crying for her mother’s embrace instead. You ignore the few painful thumps that end up against your stomach, the baby within protected enough from the far from forceful attack, but you huff regardless in discomfort. Snot and tears soak your gown, yet you don’t care about it, not when your sweetest niece is falling apart in your arms. You endure it all, until she finally calms down, tears drying on her chubby face as exhaustion takes over. 

Swaying her back and forth, you hear muffled shouts and screams from the house. They intensify and panic builds inside your chest. Tightly shutting your eyes, you whisper a plea to whatever goddess might guide Valeria through. “Oh, Lucina, show mercy on Valeria, Juno, do not let the unripe fruit of her womb fall away from us…”

Quintus barges into the room without knocking, startling Aurelia and sending her back into another bout of crying. Whereas you had expected him to scowl, there is defeat on his features as you turn to him. He is as pale as a sheet and just holds out his arms. “Give her to me.” he mutters without explanation, “Hurry. I’ll look after her.”

Whereas you’d usually have hesitated to do so, you don’t even give it a second thought before prying loose Aurelia’s fingers from your robe before lifting her into your husband’s arms, dashing off as quickly as you can. Spurred on by adrenaline and panic, you approach the sound of howls and moans, halting dead in your tracks when your parents stand in a rare embrace, your mother finding conditional comfort in his arms.

“What?” you whimper when a few eyes go to you, and you push through the crowd of servants and people you have never seen before, until you end up on the threshold of Lucius and Valeria’s bedroom.

Your heart sinks into your gut. The stink of iron waters your eyes and prompts a sour flavour to creep into your mouth. 

In a puddle of crimson blood, Valeria lays motionless. From between her parted legs, a midwife takes a wailing baby. 

Lucius stands crushed with hanging shoulders in the middle of the room. It is the first time you have seen him so vulnerable, so broken, and he falls to his knees. Grey with death, like ash, Valeria’s face falls into a horrible imitation that resembles relaxation, her lips awfully purple. Her hair that you’ve so beautifully brushed is like a curtain around her face, beautiful still, adorning her lifeless features.

Behind you, people lament, but no sound leaves your throat other than a choked sob. 

The midwife turns and slowly lowers the crying, writhing babe to the floor. It’s tiny, too tiny, though its lungs would not imply such a thing, the screech of it chilling you to the core. 

“A girl.” the midwife announces. 

A strained sound you’ve never heard from your brother before escapes him. Then, his shoulders straighten out as does his back, his posture hardening. He crouches down, scoops her up, holds her with an expression that remains unreadable. 

“I’ll get everything sorted out.” you hear your father whisper behind you. 

Everyone shuffles around, afraid to make a noise, but you remain frozen in your position, staring at Lucius’ back, then finding Valeria, painfully beautiful, the stench of her blood settled deep within the room.

Next chapter Chapter list

[obsessivedilettante]

March 2023 round up

I have officially joined the air fryer cult. I got an air fryer on sale a few months ago and only just got around to setting it up. So far I have made many permutations of chicken and potatoes (it’s a dual basket). I’m looking forward to summer and the farmer’s market and filling my $15 bag of veg to test out my air frying skills in a more healthy manner that goes beyond chicken nuggets and tater tots.

Second concert of the year: Dreamcatcher! I was having a “Jonah day” as friends of Anne Shirley would understand, and didn’t really want to go despite these amazing women being one of my favorite girl groups. But I had paid for the Meet & Greet so doggone it I was going to go, even if I arrived a few minutes before showtime and stood in the back. I actually really enjoyed myself, despite my bone-deep exhaustion. The only negative aspect was the last half-hour when some rando decided I was the most fascinating person and insisted we be friends. I paid $$$ to see these gorgeous, talented women, not talk to his drunk ass. I actually had to be rude and blunt to get him to back off! This is why I don’t go anywhere. Sigh.

Had a coffee date with a friend! It sounds insignificant but being in your 30’s, introverted, working at home, and still being pandemic cautious, well… it’s a big deal. We want to try and get together about once a month. Probably every couple of months because we’re honest about our homebody ways.

Media I am enjoying and/or have consumed:

The Way Home. Okay. So. Backstory: as established, I work from home. I don’t often have afternoon meetings, so I’ll go relax in the living room with my laptop and my mum will come out to take her afternoon nap in front of the TV. We have somehow landed on the Murder Channel (aka Hallmark Movies and Mysteries) as the ideal afternoon watch as it’s playing Psych and Drop Dead Diva reruns. So I get my ADHD-needed background noise and my mum gets to “watch” her shows while she inevitably naps. Anyway. I kept seeing ads for this show and each week as they ran the ad for the upcoming episode, I was like, “…what IS this show? A time-traveling pond????” So of course I had to watch it, forgetting that it’s a Hallmark show. So there’s more family drama than time-travel shenanigans, and people making tearful and terrible life choices, but doggone it, if Hallmark gives me more sci-fi, I will probably watch it (plus they hardly resolved anything so guess who has to watch season 2 now to find out what happened to Jacob!).

The Company You Keep. As a Milo Ventimiglia ho (fellow millennials who grew up with Rory Gilmore will understand) and a kdrama fan, I was curious about this adaption. So far, I’m super enjoying it. I love how many main women characters there are, all with their own agency. I wonder if that’s a kdrama influence. I also am enjoying all the Leverage-lite cons.

Shazam 2. I used to use my Alamo Drafthouse season pass at least once a week before the pandemic. I didn’t cancel it during lockdown because I wanted to support the theater and I knew eventually I’d go back. I’ve gone a handful of times in the past year. Not enough to get my money’s worth, but enough that I felt like I was at least using the membership. But this was my first in-theater movie of the year! I don’t care for DC’s dark movies, but I am a sucker for the goofier ones. Especially when it hammers home the point (again) that family are the people you choose to be with.

[beatverse1]

A Comprehensive Guide to Music Promotion and Distribution

In the modern music industry, talent is only part of the equation. The tools and strategies you employ to distribute and promote your music often make the difference between staying in the shadows and stepping into the spotlight. From creating early buzz for your songs to securing essential identifiers like ISRC and UPC codes, understanding how these elements contribute to your success is crucial. In this guide, we delve into some of the most valuable resources that can help artists take their careers to new heights, including platforms like Tirries Tuesday and DSPGaming Twitch.

For artists and creators looking to establish a solid presence, mastering these tools not only increases visibility but also ensures better control over the way their work reaches audiences. Whether you're looking to engage directly with fans or optimize your music's availability, these strategies can transform your efforts into measurable success.

Leveraging Tirries Tuesday to Boost Visibility

One of the best ways to gain exposure is by participating in Tirries Tuesday, a weekly feature designed to spotlight emerging artists. This initiative offers new talent a chance to showcase their work to a broader audience, connecting them with potential fans and collaborators. Being featured provides a platform to not only share your music but also grow your presence within the industry. Many artists have used such opportunities as stepping stones to build larger audiences, leading to increased streams, downloads, and recognition.

The Importance of ISRC Codes for Musicians

If you’re an artist releasing music, you’ve probably heard about ISRC codes. These codes are vital for tracking and managing your songs across digital platforms. Knowing How to Get an ISRC Code is critical because it ensures that every song you release has a unique identifier, enabling proper royalty collection and data tracking. ISRC codes act like digital fingerprints, ensuring you maintain control and visibility over your music, even as it travels across streaming platforms, radio stations, and licensing deals.

Preparing Your Music with UPC Codes

When it comes to distributing music at scale, UPC codes are another essential tool. Learning How to Get a UPC Code can simplify the process of listing your music on platforms like Spotify, Amazon, and Apple Music. UPC codes allow digital platforms and physical stores to track your sales efficiently, ensuring you get the credit and royalties you deserve. Whether you’re releasing a single, an album, or even a merchandise line, having these codes in place is a necessary step for ensuring smooth and successful distribution.

Building Anticipation with Spotify Pre-Save Links

Anticipation is key to a successful music release. A Spotify Pre-Save Link is one of the most effective tools for creating hype around your music. This feature allows fans to save your upcoming tracks to their libraries even before they’re officially released. When your song or album drops, it automatically appears in their Spotify collections, boosting your chances of charting and receiving early engagement. By capitalizing on this feature, artists can build momentum and ensure a strong start to their release campaigns.

Streaming Meets Music Promotion on DSPGaming Twitch

For artists looking to branch out into unique audiences, DSPGaming Twitch offers an exciting opportunity. Combining gaming and music, this platform allows artists to share their work with a vibrant, interactive audience. Streaming music during gaming sessions or collaborating with content creators opens the door to fans who might not have discovered your music otherwise. Twitch’s community-driven approach enables artists to engage directly with their audience, fostering a deeper connection and expanding their reach.

Conclusion

Success in the music industry isn’t just about the art; it’s about making sure that art reaches the right people. Platforms like Tirries Tuesday help artists find their audience, while ISRC and UPC codes provide the technical backbone for effective distribution and tracking. Tools like Spotify pre-save links generate excitement before release day, and innovative spaces like DSPGaming Twitch allow creators to explore unconventional but rewarding promotional opportunities.

[jranimator]

Essential Tech Tools for Modern Musicians

In today’s digital age, technology plays a vital role in shaping the careers of musicians. Whether you're an aspiring artist recording in your bedroom or a seasoned professional, leveraging the right tools can transform your music. From setting up a functional music studio to monetizing your work on platforms like Spotify, tech innovations provide endless opportunities. In this guide, we’ll explore the most essential tech tools and strategies every modern musician should embrace.

Setting Up a Professional Music Studio

The foundation of any musician’s career is a well-equipped studio. With advancements in audio technology, setting up a home studio is now more affordable and accessible than ever.

To create a studio that meets your needs, begin by selecting the right equipment: a reliable computer, high-quality microphones, studio monitors, and a digital audio workstation (DAW). Equally important is optimizing your room acoustics. Proper soundproofing and placement of acoustic panels can significantly enhance the quality of your recordings.

If you’re unsure where to start, this guide on how to set up a music studio breaks down everything from choosing equipment to designing the layout. A functional studio isn’t just a workspace; it’s where your creativity thrives.

Collaborating with Other Artists Using Technology

Collaboration has always been a cornerstone of music. Thanks to technology, geographical barriers are no longer a limitation. Free apps now allow musicians to connect, collaborate, and produce tracks together in real-time, regardless of location.

Using a free music collaboration app can simplify this process. These platforms typically include features like cloud storage for sharing files, chat functions for brainstorming ideas, and even built-in DAWs for direct collaboration. Whether you’re co-writing lyrics, producing beats, or mixing tracks, these tools are designed to enhance teamwork.

The ability to collaborate remotely not only saves time and travel costs but also opens up possibilities for working with international talent. Imagine creating a track with a vocalist from London while working from your studio in New York—modern technology makes this seamless.

Monetizing Your Music on Streaming Platforms

Streaming platforms have become the dominant way audiences consume music, making them an essential tool for modern musicians. Among these, Spotify stands out as a leader. However, understanding how to monetize your music effectively on such platforms is critical to success.

Have you ever wondered, “how much money do you get per stream on Spotify?” The answer depends on various factors, including your listener base, region, and subscription types. While the per-stream payout may seem small, consistency and strategic marketing can turn streams into a substantial income source.

By analyzing data from Spotify for Artists, you can identify trends, optimize your releases, and increase your earnings. Combining streaming revenue with other income streams, such as merchandise or live performances, ensures a more stable financial future.

Boosting Your Online Presence on YouTube

YouTube isn’t just a video-sharing platform; it’s a vital tool for musicians to build their brand and connect with fans. Claiming your artist profile on YouTube Music ensures that your content is easily discoverable, organized, and presented professionally.

Learn how to claim your YouTube music artist profile to take full advantage of this platform. An artist profile allows you to showcase your music videos, tracks, and playlists all in one place. It also enables you to interact with fans directly through comments and community posts.

With YouTube’s global reach, having a strong presence here is non-negotiable. From uploading music videos to hosting live-streamed performances, this platform offers countless opportunities to engage with your audience.

Promoting Your Music Effectively with Tech Tools

No matter how great your music is, it won’t reach listeners without effective promotion. Digital advertising platforms have revolutionized the way artists connect with their audience.

Knowing how to advertise your music strategically ensures that your tracks are heard by the right people. From running targeted social media campaigns to using email marketing tools, technology makes it easier than ever to promote your music.

Another essential aspect of promotion is building a personal website. Your website serves as a hub for your music, merchandise, tour dates, and more. Integrating tools like Google Analytics helps you understand visitor behavior and refine your promotional strategies.

Integrating AI and Automation in Music Production

Artificial intelligence (AI) has entered the music industry, offering tools that can analyze trends, suggest chord progressions, or even generate beats. AI-powered DAWs can help musicians experiment with new sounds, making the production process faster and more creative.

Automation tools also streamline repetitive tasks, such as scheduling social media posts or sending newsletters to fans. By automating these processes, you can focus more on creating music and less on administrative work.

Leveraging Music Analytics Tools

Data analytics tools like Spotify for Artists or YouTube Analytics provide invaluable insights into your audience. Understanding listener demographics, play counts, and trends enables you to tailor your music and marketing strategies effectively.

For instance, if analytics show that a significant portion of your listeners are from a particular city, you can plan a tour stop there or target advertising campaigns to that region. These insights transform guesswork into actionable strategies.

The Role of Virtual Reality in Music

Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging technology in the music world, offering new ways to engage fans. From VR music videos to virtual concerts, this technology creates immersive experiences that traditional methods can’t replicate.

By embracing VR, you can differentiate yourself in a crowded market and provide fans with unique content they’ll remember. While still in its infancy, VR holds immense potential for the future of music.

Conclusion

The music industry is evolving rapidly, and staying ahead requires embracing technology. From setting up your studio to promoting your tracks and monetizing your work, tech tools have made it easier than ever to succeed as a musician.

By integrating tools like free collaboration apps, leveraging analytics, and exploring innovative platforms like VR, you can elevate your music career. Don’t hesitate to invest in the right technology and explore new opportunities—it could be the key to your success.

What’s your favorite tech tool for music production? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

[leslygar]

Virtual Assistant Jobs Work from Home: A Guide to Building a Remote Career

In today’s digital age, remote work has become more than just a trend—it’s a lifestyle. One of the most in-demand opportunities is virtual assistant jobs work from home. These roles offer the flexibility, independence, and income potential that many professionals crave. If you’re looking for a way to start or grow your career while working remotely, this might be the perfect path for you.

What Are Virtual Assistant Jobs?

Virtual assistant jobs involve providing administrative, creative, or technical support to businesses and entrepreneurs from a remote location. By leveraging your skills in organization, communication, and technology, you can help clients manage their operations effectively. These jobs are ideal for individuals seeking to work from home while enjoying a variety of responsibilities.

Why Choose Virtual Assistant Jobs Work from Home?

Opting for virtual assistant jobs work from home comes with numerous advantages:

Flexibility: Design a schedule that works best for you.

No Commute: Save hours each week and reduce travel expenses.

Cost Efficiency: Working from home cuts down on costs like office wear and dining out.

Skill Development: Collaborating with diverse clients helps you learn new tools and techniques.

Work-Life Balance: Gain more time for family, hobbies, or personal growth.

How to Start Virtual Assistant Jobs Work from Home

Evaluate Your Skills: Determine what you’re good at, such as organization, customer support, or social media management.

Pick a Specialization: Focus on tasks like email management, bookkeeping, or content creation to stand out.

Build a Professional Profile: Showcase your expertise on LinkedIn or freelance platforms.

Find Job Opportunities: Explore websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Indeed for virtual assistant jobs work from home.

Network and Market Yourself: Join forums and groups where businesses look for remote talent.

Skills Needed for Virtual Assistant Jobs Work from Home

To succeed in virtual assistant jobs work from home, you’ll need:

Time Management: Efficiently prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.

Tech Savviness: Proficiency with tools like Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, or project management platforms.

Communication Skills: Clear and professional interactions with clients.

Problem-Solving Abilities: Tackle challenges independently.

Attention to Detail: Maintain high accuracy in your work.

Industries Hiring Virtual Assistants

The demand for virtual assistant jobs work from home spans across industries, including:

E-commerce

Real estate

Digital marketing

Health and wellness

Education

Tips for Thriving in Virtual Assistant Jobs Work from Home

Stay Organized: Use tools like Trello or Asana to manage projects.

Maintain Clear Communication: Keep clients updated on progress and expectations.

Set Boundaries: Define your working hours to maintain balance.

Keep Learning: Enroll in courses to expand your skill set and value to clients.

Virtual assistant jobs work from home are more than just a career—they’re a lifestyle choice that offers freedom, flexibility, and growth. By leveraging your skills and connecting with the right clients, you can create a fulfilling career from the comfort of your home. Take the first step today and explore the opportunities that virtual assistant jobs work from home can offer!

[ashtonlanger]

The Growing Trend of Freelance Part-Time Jobs in Singapore

Singapore has become a vibrant hub for freelance and gig economy work, with more individuals choosing the flexibility and autonomy that come with freelance part-time jobs. With its fast-paced economy and high demand for specialized skills, freelance work in Singapore is on the rise, especially in sectors like technology, creative arts, digital marketing, and content creation.

Freelancing allows workers to have control over their schedules, select projects that match their skills, and work from virtually anywhere. This trend is not only benefiting individuals looking for flexible job options but also businesses that are increasingly relying on freelancers for specific tasks. If you're considering diving into the freelance part-time job market in Singapore, here's everything you need to know about this growing trend and how you can leverage it for career success.

Your search for flexible work ends here! Visit part time jobs in Singapore to explore a wide range of job openings suited to your schedule. From retail to freelance gigs, discover opportunities that align with your lifestyle. Take the first step towards earning and building your future. Start now and find your match!

The Rise of Freelancing in Singapore Freelancing is experiencing significant growth in Singapore, and this trend is being driven by several factors:

a. The Shift Toward Flexible Work Arrangements More companies in Singapore are embracing flexible working arrangements due to the changing global work culture. The COVID-19 pandemic played a crucial role in accelerating this shift, with many businesses adopting remote work policies and discovering the benefits of outsourcing tasks to freelancers. As a result, there is now an increasing demand for part-time freelance work across various industries, allowing professionals to work on their terms.

b. A Highly Skilled Workforce Singapore boasts a highly skilled workforce, with many individuals having expertise in specialized areas like software development, digital marketing, design, and writing. As businesses seek skilled professionals for short-term projects, freelancers are filling this gap by offering their services on a contract basis. The trend is especially evident in sectors that require specific technical skills, as companies prefer hiring freelancers for short-term needs rather than committing to full-time employment contracts.

c. Technology and Digital Platforms The rise of digital platforms and gig economy websites has made it easier than ever for freelancers to find opportunities. Platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr, and local sites like Freelance Singapore connect businesses with talented freelancers across various fields. These platforms provide a wide array of part-time freelance job listings, from content writing to web development, digital marketing, and design.

Benefits of Freelance Part-Time Jobs Freelancing offers numerous advantages that make it an attractive option for those seeking part-time work. Here are some of the key benefits:

a. Flexibility One of the most significant advantages of freelancing is flexibility. As a freelancer, you have the ability to choose your own working hours, work from home, or even travel while working. You can select the projects that align with your interests and skill set, making it a perfect option for those who want to balance work with personal commitments or pursue other passions.

b. Work-Life Balance Freelancers often enjoy a better work-life balance compared to traditional part-time employees. Without the need to commute to an office or adhere to a rigid schedule, freelancers can structure their days in a way that suits their lifestyle. This is particularly beneficial for parents, students, and caregivers who need to manage family responsibilities alongside their work.

c. Diverse Opportunities Freelancing offers a diverse range of opportunities that can help you build a varied portfolio of work. Whether you're a writer, designer, developer, or marketer, freelance platforms provide access to clients from around the world, enabling you to work on projects in different industries and enhance your skills. This diversity helps you stay engaged and motivated, as you’re constantly exposed to new challenges.

d. Higher Earning Potential Freelancers often have the opportunity to set their own rates based on their skills and experience. In some cases, freelancers can earn more per hour or project than traditional part-time workers. Since freelancers are not bound by salary structures, they can take on multiple projects simultaneously, potentially increasing their income over time.

Popular Freelance Part-Time Job Categories in Singapore Freelance part-time jobs in Singapore span multiple industries, and with the growth of the digital economy, there are more opportunities than ever to explore. Here are some of the most in-demand freelance job categories:

a. Digital Marketing and Social Media Management As businesses continue to strengthen their online presence, digital marketing and social media management have become vital parts of any business strategy. Freelancers with expertise in search engine optimization (SEO), social media content creation, pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, and email marketing are in high demand. These roles can be done part-time, allowing you to work with multiple clients and help businesses grow their digital footprint.

b. Content Creation and Writing Content creation is one of the fastest-growing freelance categories in Singapore. Whether it's blog writing, copywriting, technical writing, or scriptwriting, companies are increasingly outsourcing their content needs to skilled freelancers. If you have a way with words, this is an excellent field for flexible part-time work.

Blogging: Many businesses and websites need consistent blog content to keep their audience engaged. Freelance bloggers can create content on a wide range of topics, from lifestyle to business, technology, and health. Copywriting: Copywriting is in demand for creating promotional materials, ad copy, product descriptions, and more. Freelance copywriters help brands create persuasive content that drives sales. c. Web Development and Graphic Design Technology-related freelance jobs, particularly in web development and graphic design, have a consistent demand in Singapore. As businesses look to create or upgrade their websites, hire designers for branding, or build custom apps, skilled developers and designers are sought after.

Freelance web developers can work on projects such as website design, backend development, app creation, and more. Meanwhile, freelance graphic designers often work on branding, logos, social media graphics, and marketing materials.

d. Virtual Assistance Virtual assistants (VAs) offer administrative support remotely, helping businesses with tasks like email management, calendar scheduling, customer support, data entry, and more. This role can easily be done part-time and allows for flexible working hours. As more entrepreneurs and small businesses turn to remote operations, the demand for VAs continues to rise.

e. Translation and Language Services Singapore's multilingual environment makes it a great place for individuals offering freelance translation or interpretation services. If you are proficient in multiple languages, such as English, Mandarin, Malay, or Tamil, you can offer translation services for documents, websites, or marketing materials.

How to Start Freelancing in Singapore If you're ready to dive into the world of freelance part-time work, here are some steps to help you get started:

a. Build a Portfolio One of the first things you’ll need is a portfolio that showcases your work. Whether it’s a personal website or a profile on freelance platforms, having a collection of your best work is crucial. A strong portfolio helps potential clients assess your skills and decide whether you’re the right fit for their project.

b. Join Freelance Platforms Sign up for freelance platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr to find part-time job opportunities. These platforms allow you to bid on projects, set your rates, and gain exposure to global clients. You can also explore local platforms like Freelance Singapore for Singapore-specific opportunities.

c. Network and Market Yourself Freelancing often involves a significant amount of self-promotion. Use LinkedIn, social media platforms, and industry-specific forums to network with potential clients. Join freelancing communities where you can connect with other freelancers, share experiences, and get referrals.

d. Set Clear Terms and Expectations When negotiating with clients, make sure to set clear expectations regarding timelines, rates, and payment terms. It's important to have a contract in place for every project, ensuring that both parties are on the same page regarding deliverables.

Conclusion Freelance part-time jobs in Singapore are becoming an increasingly popular and viable career option for those seeking flexibility, autonomy, and diverse opportunities. With the growing demand for skilled professionals across various industries, freelancing allows individuals to make a living while enjoying the freedom to choose their work hours and projects. Whether you’re looking to supplement your income, switch careers, or work remotely, freelancing in Singapore offers endless possibilities for professional growth and personal fulfillment.

[oppvenuz4456]

Getting Stars to Attend Your Event: How to Hire a Celebrity

After all, events are about creating memories, celebrating achievements, and a great impression. From a corporate gala to a product launch, from charity fundraising to personal milstones like weddings or anniversaries, the addition of celebrity is always at an elite level, yet now within any capitalist circle's reach, in making events unforgettable.

But how does one do that? Is it worth spending money on? What factors should be taken into consideration while planning for such an ambitious addition? Let's go over the world of celebrity bookings for events.

Follow this link for more insight! oppvenuz

Why Book a Celebrity for Your Event?

Booking a celebrity isn’t just about glamour. It’s about creating a unique experience that resonates with attendees and amplifies the event’s impact.

Star Power: Celebrities bring instant recognition and excitement. Their presence can turn a regular event into a star-studded affair that guests will talk about for years.

Credibility Boost: Having a well-known personality associated with your brand, cause, or celebration adds credibility and prestige. For corporate events or fundraisers, this can significantly enhance your audience’s trust and interest.

Audience Engagement: Celebrities are experts in captivating audiences. Whether they perform, speak, or simply mingle with guests, their charm ensures your event remains the highlight of everyone’s calendar.

Marketing Leverage: The announcement of a celebrity appearance generates buzz. Guests share their excitement on social media, local media may cover the event, and your brand or cause receives valuable attention.

Creating Memories: The chance to see or meet a celebrity often leaves a lasting impression on guests. It’s a unique memory that elevates the event’s emotional value.

Types of Events That Benefit from Celebrity Appearances

Celebrities can adapt their involvement to suit various types of events.

Corporate Events: Whether as keynote speakers, entertainers, or brand ambassadors, celebrities lend corporate gatherings a special touch of professionalism and prestige.

Product Launches: A celebrity endorsement at a launch can attract attention, drive media coverage, and instantly boost product credibility.

Charity Fundraisers: Celebrities can draw larger crowds, encourage donations, and lend their voices to your cause.

Weddings and Personal Milestones: From live performances to mingling with guests, celebrities bring excitement to private celebrations.

Award Shows and Galas: Their participation, whether as hosts, performers, or honored guests, adds glamour and makes the event truly spectacular.

Steps to Booking a Celebrity for Your Event

Booking a celebrity involves more than reaching out and securing a “yes.” It’s a process that requires careful planning, clear communication, and professional management.

Define Your ObjectivesDetermine the purpose of hiring a celebrity. Are they there to attract media attention, provide entertainment, endorse a product, or support a cause? Clarity in objectives helps narrow down the right type of celebrity for your event.

Set a BudgetCelebrity fees can range from a few lakhs for regional stars or influencers to several crores for international or A-list celebrities. Factor in costs for travel, accommodation, and additional requests like security or technical requirements.

Identify the Right FitChoose a celebrity whose persona aligns with your event’s theme and audience. For example, a motivational speaker might be ideal for a corporate seminar, while a music icon could energize a product launch.

Contact the Right ChannelsCelebrities are represented by managers, agents, or talent agencies. These professionals handle inquiries, negotiate fees, and coordinate logistics. Reaching out through credible channels ensures smooth communication.

Negotiate TermsBe clear about your expectations—performance duration, speeches, meet-and-greet sessions, and media interactions. Ensure all details are formalized in a contract to avoid misunderstandings.

Plan LogisticsHandle travel arrangements, accommodations, security, and technical support. Collaborate with the celebrity’s team to address specific needs, such as sound systems, rehearsals, or green rooms.

Maximizing the Celebrity’s Impact

Once the celebrity is booked, it’s crucial to make their involvement as impactful as possible.

Tailored Participation: Customize their role to match the event. For instance, they could deliver a keynote speech, perform a song, or simply interact with guests.

Pre-Event Buzz: Announce the celebrity’s appearance on social media, emails, and press releases. Build anticipation and excitement among attendees.

Engage Guests: Arrange meet-and-greet sessions or photo opportunities. These personal interactions are memorable for attendees.

Post-Event Content: Share videos, photos, and testimonials from the celebrity’s participation to amplify the event’s reach and impact.

Challenges in Celebrity Bookings

While celebrities can transform an event, there are challenges to consider.

Availability: Celebrities often have busy schedules, so securing their presence requires advance planning and flexibility.

Cost Management: Beyond appearance fees, additional costs like travel, accommodations, and technical requirements can add up.

Security Concerns: Celebrity appearances can attract large crowds. Proper security measures ensure their safety and comfort.

Last-Minute Changes: Unforeseen professional or personal commitments may cause last-minute alterations, requiring backup plans.

Alternatives to High-Profile Celebrities

If A-list celebrities are beyond your budget, consider alternatives like influencers, regional stars, or niche personalities. Digital influencers with large social media followings can create buzz at a fraction of the cost while maintaining engagement. Authors, motivational speakers, or lesser-known performers can also add value to your event.

Is It Worth It?

For many event organizers, the answer is a resounding yes. Celebrities add a unique mix of charm, excitement, and influence that no other element can replicate. Whether it's driving attendance, creating a memorable experience, or elevating a brand's reputation, their impact is undeniable.

In Conclusion

Booking a celebrity is the most powerful way of making an event unforgettable as it combines entertainment, prestige, and personal connection and leaves an indelible mark on the attendees. However, with proper planning, good talent choice, and smooth execution, a celebrity can make an otherwise ordinary event into a momentous one.

Consider the options that a celebrity can give you. Whether it's a Bollywood star, celebrated athlete, or social media influencer, their participation is sure to be the foundation for making an event truly unforgettable. Any event, after all, should have its moment in the sun, and what better way to shine than under a star?

[smartclassroomsolutionschennai]

Why Every Organization Needs a Corporate Learning Platform for Employee Development

In today’s fast-paced business environment, staying ahead of the curve means investing in your most valuable asset—your employees. A corporate learning platform is no longer a luxury but a necessity for organizations aiming to foster growth, boost productivity, and stay competitive. From providing personalized learning experiences to tracking skill progression, these platforms have revolutionized how companies approach employee training.

1. Transforming Employee Training with a Corporate Learning Platform

Traditional training methods often fail to keep up with modern workforce demands. A corporate learning platform for employee development empowers organizations to deliver tailored, accessible, and scalable training programs. These platforms offer features like interactive courses, real-time tracking, and instant feedback, creating a more dynamic and effective training environment.

Unlike outdated one-size-fits-all approaches, these platforms leverage technology to customize learning journeys, ensuring that employees acquire skills that align with both their personal growth goals and organizational objectives.

2. Personalized Learning with a Learning Experience Platform (LXP)

A learning experience platform (LXP) takes corporate training to the next level by focusing on individual learning preferences. LXPs use AI-driven algorithms to recommend content, courses, and resources based on an employee’s role, performance, and aspirations.

This personalized approach keeps employees engaged and motivated, fostering a culture of continuous learning. With features like gamification, peer collaboration, and real-world project simulations, an LXP ensures that training is both enjoyable and impactful.

3. Benefits of Online Corporate Training Platforms

Adopting an online corporate training platform offers numerous advantages for organizations of all sizes:

Flexibility and Accessibility: Employees can access training materials anytime, anywhere, ensuring learning fits seamlessly into their schedules.

Cost Efficiency: Online training eliminates the need for physical resources, travel, and venue costs.

Scalability: Companies can easily scale their training programs to accommodate new hires, expanding teams, or global offices.

Real-Time Analytics: Employers can track progress, measure performance, and identify skill gaps using built-in analytics tools.

4. Why Employee Learning and Development Software Matters

Investing in employee learning and development software is crucial for fostering a growth-oriented workplace culture. This software enables organizations to upskill employees, enhance productivity, and retain top talent.

Continuous learning is a key factor in employee satisfaction and engagement. With access to cutting-edge tools and resources, employees feel empowered to achieve their professional goals, resulting in a more motivated and loyal workforce.

5. Future-Proof Your Workforce with a Corporate Learning Platform

As industries evolve, so do the skills required to excel. A corporate learning platform ensures your workforce stays ahead of industry trends and technological advancements. By integrating features like AI, virtual reality, and microlearning, these platforms prepare employees for the future while addressing immediate training needs.

Conclusion

In an era where knowledge is power, a corporate learning platform for employee development is an essential tool for every organization. From offering personalized learning experiences through an LXP to providing the flexibility of an online corporate training platform, these tools enhance employee growth, productivity, and satisfaction.

Invest in employee learning and development software today to build a resilient, future-ready workforce and propel your organization toward long-term success.

[smartschoolsolutions]

Why Every Organization Needs a Corporate Learning Platform for Employee Development

In today’s fast-paced business environment, staying ahead of the curve means investing in your most valuable asset—your employees. A corporate learning platform is no longer a luxury but a necessity for organizations aiming to foster growth, boost productivity, and stay competitive. From providing personalized learning experiences to tracking skill progression, these platforms have revolutionized how companies approach employee training.

1. Transforming Employee Training with a Corporate Learning Platform

Traditional training methods often fail to keep up with modern workforce demands. A corporate learning platform for employee development empowers organizations to deliver tailored, accessible, and scalable training programs. These platforms offer features like interactive courses, real-time tracking, and instant feedback, creating a more dynamic and effective training environment.

Unlike outdated one-size-fits-all approaches, these platforms leverage technology to customize learning journeys, ensuring that employees acquire skills that align with both their personal growth goals and organizational objectives.

2. Personalized Learning with a Learning Experience Platform (LXP)

A learning experience platform (LXP) takes corporate training to the next level by focusing on individual learning preferences. LXPs use AI-driven algorithms to recommend content, courses, and resources based on an employee’s role, performance, and aspirations.

This personalized approach keeps employees engaged and motivated, fostering a culture of continuous learning. With features like gamification, peer collaboration, and real-world project simulations, an LXP ensures that training is both enjoyable and impactful.

3. Benefits of Online Corporate Training Platforms

Adopting an online corporate training platform offers numerous advantages for organizations of all sizes:

Flexibility and Accessibility: Employees can access training materials anytime, anywhere, ensuring learning fits seamlessly into their schedules.

Cost Efficiency: Online training eliminates the need for physical resources, travel, and venue costs.

Scalability: Companies can easily scale their training programs to accommodate new hires, expanding teams, or global offices.

Real-Time Analytics: Employers can track progress, measure performance, and identify skill gaps using built-in analytics tools.

4. Why Employee Learning and Development Software Matters

Investing in employee learning and development software is crucial for fostering a growth-oriented workplace culture. This software enables organizations to upskill employees, enhance productivity, and retain top talent.

Continuous learning is a key factor in employee satisfaction and engagement. With access to cutting-edge tools and resources, employees feel empowered to achieve their professional goals, resulting in a more motivated and loyal workforce.

5. Future-Proof Your Workforce with a Corporate Learning Platform

As industries evolve, so do the skills required to excel. A corporate learning platform ensures your workforce stays ahead of industry trends and technological advancements. By integrating features like AI, virtual reality, and microlearning, these platforms prepare employees for the future while addressing immediate training needs.

Conclusion

In an era where knowledge is power, a corporate learning platform for employee development is an essential tool for every organization. From offering personalized learning experiences through an LXP to providing the flexibility of an online corporate training platform, these tools enhance employee growth, productivity, and satisfaction.

Invest in employee learning and development software today to build a resilient, future-ready workforce and propel your organization toward long-term success.

[follogram]

How Follogram Helps You Build a Thriving Instagram Community

Building a thriving Instagram community requires more than just posting beautiful pictures; it demands active engagement, authenticity, and strategic use of available tools. With the right approach, you can cultivate a space where followers feel valued and connected. Follogram is designed to empower users and they need to enhance engagement and foster genuine connections. 

Here’s how to effectively nurture your Instagram community.

Engage Authentically

Engagement is the cornerstone of any successful Instagram community. Start by interacting with your audience in genuine ways. Respond to comments on your posts, answer direct messages, and engage with followers' content. This two-way communication fosters trust and builds relationships. When followers see that you value their input, they are more likely to remain loyal and engaged.

Additionally, leverage Instagram's interactive features such as polls, quizzes, and question stickers in your Stories. These tools not only invite participation but also provide insights into your audience's preferences and interests. For instance, if you run a travel blog, asking followers about their dream destinations can spark conversations and encourage them to share their experiences.

Create Community-Centric Events

Organizing events specifically for your community can significantly enhance engagement. Consider launching design challenges or themed events that encourage participation. For example, artists often create “Draw This In Your Style” challenges where followers reinterpret an original piece of art. This not only showcases creativity but also strengthens community bonds through shared experiences.

To maximize participation, promote these events across your platform. Use dedicated hashtags to track entries and encourage followers to share their creations while tagging your account. This strategy not only increases visibility but also makes participants feel like integral parts of the community.

Utilize User-Generated Content

User-generated content (UGC) is a powerful way to foster community spirit. By sharing content created by your followers, you not only showcase their talents but also encourage others to engage with your brand. For instance, if you run a fitness account, consider featuring transformation stories or workout videos submitted by your followers.

Highlighting UGC makes community members feel appreciated and recognized, which can lead to increased loyalty and engagement. It also provides fresh content for your feed without requiring additional resources from you.

Collaborate with Influencers

Partnering with influencers can significantly expand your reach and enhance community engagement. Choose influencers whose values align with yours and who genuinely connect with their audience. Collaborations can take many forms—from joint live sessions discussing relevant topics to giveaways that encourage both communities to interact.

When followers see familiar faces endorsing your brand or participating in discussions, it builds credibility and trust. This strategy can attract new members who are eager to join a vibrant community they already feel connected to through the influencer.

Foster a Safe Space

Establishing clear community guidelines is essential for maintaining a respectful environment where everyone feels safe to express themselves. Make sure these guidelines are visible on your profile and remind followers of them regularly. Encourage positive interactions by highlighting respectful comments and contributions.

Creating a safe space invites diverse voices into the conversation, enriching the community experience for everyone involved.

Building a thriving Instagram community takes time and effort but is incredibly rewarding. By engaging authentically, creating inclusive events, utilizing user-generated content, championing brand values, collaborating with influencers, and fostering a safe space, you can cultivate an environment where followers feel valued and connected. Follogram can support these efforts by providing insights into audience engagement and growth strategies tailored for Instagram users.

In today’s digital landscape, the strength of your community can significantly impact your brand’s success on social media. Embrace these strategies to not only grow your following but also create lasting relationships that turn casual followers into loyal advocates for your brand.