#I looked up the website of one near me to see what the experience might be like

[solarmorrigan]

Sweet Reward

For the @steddie-spooktober day 10 prompt: Orchard Rated: G | Words: 657 | CW: None | Tags: established relationship, fluff Divider credit: @steddiecameraroll-graphics

Eddie lights up the moment they reach the gift shop, ignoring the shelves of gardening tools and kitschy yard decorations and zeroing in on the display at the back.

“You did not disclose,” he says, crossing the little shop in a couple of surprisingly lively bounds for someone who’d just claimed to be tired of walking, “that there would be doughnuts.”

The whole display is dedicated to local products and items made with produce from the orchard. There’s apple butter and pear jam, a few apple pies and pear tarts, local honey, and, of course, apple cider doughnuts.

“I didn’t know,” Steve says. “I just wanted to pick some apples.”

“We should get some,” Eddie says, hands twitching at his sides like he’s barely stopping himself from reaching out and grabbing a box.

“We don’t need doughnuts, Eddie.” Steve shakes his head.

Eddie scoffs. “No one needs doughnuts. But today we have walked long and far–”

“We were out there for, like, an hour, tops.”

“–we have labored beneath the hot sun–”

“It’s barely seventy degrees.”

“–we don’t need doughnuts, we deserve doughnuts. Doughnuts are our great reward!”

“Aren’t the apples our great reward?” Steve asks, holding up the basket they’d filled out in the orchard. “Y’know, the things we were questing for, or whatever?”

Eddie had declared the entire trip an adventure the moment they’d stepped out into the trees earlier in the day. He’d even found a large stick towards the beginning of their walk that he’d proclaimed was a wizard staff, which would aid them in their quest for some damn fine apples. Steve had been helplessly charmed by the whole ridiculous display.

“Sure, but doughnuts are an even better reward,” Eddie insists.

“You do realize I’ll be making pie later, right?” Steve reminds him. “That’s, like, the whole reason we came out here.”

“Yeah, but that won’t be ready to eat until later. Doughnuts are ready now,” Eddie practically whines. “Besides, pie and doughnuts are two totally different beasts. Different taste, different texture–”

“Oh my god, fine! Get the damn doughnuts,” Steve finally relents.

“Yes!” Eddie lets out a hushed whoop of victory as he snatches up a box of half a dozen apple cider doughnuts and precedes Steve up to the front counter.

Steve can only follow, shaking his head.

They pay for their spoils and head back out into the sunny afternoon, Steve with the apples and Eddie with the doughnuts. It’s a nice day – bright and clear and not too hot. It’s probably one of the last clear weekends they’ll have before fall really descends on them.

All the same, as they cross the parking area back towards the car, Steve can’t help but turn to Eddie to check, “You didn’t actually have a bad time, did you? With the heat or the walking or anything?”

He wonders if maybe Eddie’s scars are causing him trouble with the change in seasons like Steve’s tend to, but Eddie shakes his head.

“Nah, today was fun,” Eddie says. “But even if I thought it was gonna suck, I still would’ve come.”

“Why’s that?” Steve asks.

“Because you wanted to come,” Eddie says, taking a half step sideways so their shoulders bump as they walk.

A wave of startled affection wells up in Steve’s chest, the way it always does whenever Eddie makes a claim of such easy devotion, and it demands an outlet. Steve glances around; the only other people in the parking lot are at the other end, heading in towards the orchard, so he deems it safe enough to lean in and press a quick kiss to the corner of Eddie’s mouth.

Eddie beams at him, and Steve can’t help but smile back.

“If you eat all those doughnuts without me, you’re sleeping on the couch,” Steve murmurs, still close to Eddie’s ear, and Eddie’s laughter rings out as warm and clear as the day.

[peppershark]

WOLFER --- The real California history behind the Tomione Fic

Convict Lake Camp (OwensValleyHistory.com)

When I was a kid, my family frequently visited Bishop, California. I can still feel the light-headed enchantment of hopping out of the van at a relative's green, creek-watered ranch shadowed by towering granite faces of the High Sierras. The dusty road and sage-sharp aroma propelled my imagination two hundred years into the past.

Wolfer is set in 1890 Bishop Creek, and while some of the location names are changed to fit the story, the town really had ranching barons like the Sacred 28 families, churches which exerted certain levels of social power with the well-to-do folk, boarding houses for mill workers and on-farm worker housing for fruit pickers and cowboys--or perhaps the odd wolfer.

It's amazing what you can dig up when you're procrastinating working on your WIP, lol. I did a lot of initial research while writing a Gingerrose fic set in post Civil War Bishop Creek.

Here are some things I found.

Main Street, Bishop Creek 1880 (OwensValleyHistory.com)

In Chapter 1, Tom rides down Main Street to the marshal's office (played by a grudging Severus Snape) and runs into Hermione.

Way off into the upper right you can see the steeple of the First Baptist Church on Main Street.

East Line Street, Bishop Creek (OwensValleyHistory.com)

Tom chases Hermione to Line Street, where he pushes her up against the Brown's Machine Shed, which is of course re-named to fit Lavender Brown's family.

(OwensValleyHistory.com)

Check out that snow! Sitting at 4,000 feet of elevation in the foothills of the East Sierras, the snow can get quite voluminous.

W.D. Roberts Ranch, Round Valley (OwensValleyHistory.com)

The ranch near the dry saltbeds of Owens Lake where Draco visits Harry, (by way of Mad Eye Moody) might have looked like this.

Cerro Gordo photo taken some time between 1871 - 1879 (OwensValleyHistory.com

We get a brief glimpse of the Cerro Gordo silver mine when Draco and Harry ride off into the sunset together for a night of wild debauchery. The brothels and bawdy houses within these sprawling mining towns would have perhaps been some of the only public places for late 19th-century gays to be themselves. Miss Lola's was among the more famous, and I'm struggling to find the website where I originally learned this this but I believe she hosted queer sex workers and provided space for an early LGBTQ+ scene.

The silver mine itself brought together a richly diverse group of fortune seekers. I accessed California census documents and found that while Bishop Creek was mostly white, Cerro Gordo had a much more diverse population (interestingly all marked with 'I', even Latinx names).

I did a phone interview with the Inyo Historical Society and chatted for an hour with a local historian, telling him I was getting context for a novel. (He didn't need to know that my novel was also a fanfic, hahaha.) The historian told me the mine had Mexican, Black, Chinese, and Indigenous populations working as miners, teamsters (people who drive wagons), cooks, brick masons, farm laborers and all kinds of interesting jobs related to running the mine.

Main Street in Bishop Creek, 1878 (OwensValleyHistory.com

One thing that sticks out in my mind from the conversation with the historian is how the white and Mexican ranchers demolished the irrigation canals the Numuu Indigenous tribes had dug to create a green landscape in Owens Valley. Native Americans have been 'farming' America's landscape for thousands of years in a low-impact way. In Chapter 4, Tom muses on this detail as he's setting a wolf trap on Rosier's ranch.

Perhaps the most illuminating account of the region comes from Sarah Winnemucca, daughter of Chief Truckee (after whom the town is named). Sarah travelled as an advocate for Indigenous rights and cataloged her experience and the story of white settler colonization in her book, Life Among the Pauites: Their Wrongs and Claims which you can read for free here.

Thank you for diving into California history with me!

Read Wolfer here.

[kpopsexstories]

Updated Master List (October 23, 2024)

I just updated my Master List post to include all the new stories posted in the last month. Additions include the latest stories in the Most Memorable Sexual Experiences of TXT series, the Jeno NCT Dream Dating Ban stories, and several new Mixed One-shots and Quick Fix stories. In total 13 new stories were added to the list.

In this post I would like to highlight what's coming next and promote my external website Story Finder, which is a much more fun way to explore my content compared to the Tumblr master list.

We're nearing the end: Most Memorable Sexual Experiences of TXT

The second last Most Memorable Sexual Experiences of TXT story was posted on Monday, Soobin's story. Beomgyu is next this coming Monday (the 28th) and I might have a bonus story after that.

This series has been so much fun to write! Because I set a higher bar for myself in terms of plot and quality they're also more challenging. They're never as liked as more direct stories from other series – presumably because you just want something quick and dirty 😉 – but I'd like to think that there's at least a handful of people who prefer the style of the MMSE stories. I certainly enjoy writing them which makes them worth the time they take, even if they're far from as popular.

I currently don't have a plan for a new MMSE group after TXT – but several half-baked ideas. If there's a new "season" in the future it won't be this year!

Gay Stories & The NCT Dream Dating Ban Series

Most of my smut is straight but I do have a Gay K-pop Smut series. So far it's been almost exclusively populated by the NCT Dream Dating Ban sub-series, to which I post a new story/member every now and then. But I've got three pieces of good news for those of you who want the gay stuff!

1. There's a new one-off non-NCT gay story coming on Thursday (October 24, 2024)! And it's about a group I've never written about before (gay or straight)!

What's the story? Monsta X's Wonho and Hyungwon pick you (x male reader) up at a bar for a threesome. This was a request that immediately inspired me to write a story 😀

2. I have a timeline for the NCT Dream Dating Ban series

I've kept you waiting a lot. But now I finally have a timeline for the remaining parts of the Dating Ban sub-series. Starting this week I'm making every Thursday gay story day, and while this week will be the MX Wonho & Hyungwon story mentioned above, the following weeks might be all about the Dating Ban.

Unless I end up writing a non-dating ban story that will be thrown in somewhere in between, we're looking at the following schedule:

October 31st: Chenle's incredible blowjob and cum frenzy that I've teased in the past.

November 7: Jaemin's first part.

November 14: Jaemin's second part.

November 21-December 5: The big finale featuring all 7 members, split into three parts.

And if you've missed it you can already read these stories in the Dating Ban series: Jisung Pt. 1, Jisung Pt. 2, Haechan, Mark, Renjun Pt. 1, Renjun Pt. 2, Jeno Pt. 1 and Jeno Pt. 2.

3. Other Gay Stories & NCT 127 Dating Ban?

A lot of the requests I receive are for gay stories so you'll likely see more of them. Again, I'll make Thursdays gay story day, at least loosely so. Non-NCT and non-Dating Ban stories might appear in between the schedule above, but I want to limit the gay stories to one per week so they don't take over the blog.

And while you probably won't see anything from it until 2025 I am determined to make a "season 2" of the Dating Ban happen, and if so it will be about NCT 127. I'm actually part way through writing this already! There's a connection to the Dream version, and the stories are slightly more tied together and plot-driven than the original.

So yeah, if you like my gay stories and series you've got a lot to look forward to ���

Quick Fix Season 4 (x Female Reader)

In November I'm likely to start Season 4 of my Quick Fix series. These are shorter idol x female reader scenes featuring any (male) idol. I have enough stories for a full season already (8 stories), but there's still a chance to send in requests if you want to get something in. Examples of previous requests that became Quick Fix stories are Yuta & Taeyong, Ten's romantic evening and Mark hitting it from behind.

Story Finder: A New Way to Explore My Smut

Finally, I want to promote Story Finder again, my external website where you can browse individual stories in new ways. It's essentially a visual database of all the published stories, and you can find stories in ways that aren't possible with a simple Master List post on Tumblr.

On Story Finder you can:

View all my published stories in a gallery.

Browse stories by group & idol – find your bias and the stories I've written about them.

View the requests I'm working on – and stories published as a result of requests.

Find stories by category of the content in them – like sex positions (missionary, doggy style, cowgirl, etc), sex acts (dirty talk, blowjobs, clit teasing, threesomes, etc) and other things (cute stories, with a fan, pregnant, cumshots, cute stories, etc).

Browse stories by word count.

Find the Top 25 Stories.

FInd out which stories were my personal favorites to write and why.

Browse stories by series and sub-series, like Backstage Sex and MILF stories.

...and more!

In short, Story Finder is a deeper, more dynamic and more fun way to explore the content on this blog 😀

Phew, this became a long post! But now you know what I'm planning for the foreseeable future and beyond 😊

[girldragongizzard]

Chapter 19: Twisted Nerve

Tuesday I take for myself, and go to the DMV to update my State ID before counseling.

Oh, counseling, AH-HAHAHAHAA!!!

If I'm a myth, a story, maybe I should be seeing a literary analyst instead. Or an editor!

I avoid other people I know to give them their space, but I message them about it, to let them know what I’m doing. I might catch Chapman before counseling, but by then I’ll be ready for it and sie might be too. I hope. I still plan on joining Rhoda for evening tea if she invites me. She can have more space if she needs it, though.

What did I do most of yesterday, after my talk with Rhoda and the Kims?

I practiced with Wentin, and I started setting up plans to meet with the Mayor again.

I’m gonna keep glossing over practicing with Wentin. It’s an experience that I don’t need to share much of. Or want to.

It’s still a nightmare, after all.

But confessing my revelation with Rhoda and then spending time with Wentin again right after has me introspective in the lobby of the DMV.

As I’m waiting for my number, and watching other people wait, too, then to hobble or walk up to the counters, exhausted and confused, I’m asking myself questions.

For instance, if I’m a story, what’s my plot?

What are my themes? What’s my message or moral? Do I have one?

What kind of weird bullshit am I destined to experience next, as a dragon waiting in the DMV?

I’m not disguised as a human.

I actually don’t think that that would make this go easier.

I have this really weird intuition, or suspicion, that the clerk with the camera would look annoyed and ask me to take my disguise off. And I’d rather save that disguise for special occasions, like meetings with the Mayor, or showing off my favorite dress and tiara while I drink coffee in the morning.

Am I going to wear my tiara when I meet with Mayor Chisholm?

Yeah…

I’m totally going to.

But here? Nah.

It’s not that I want this to go smoothly, actually. It’s that I’m trying to choose my trials, I think. Strategically, like I’ve explained.

But, like, even if getting my ID renewed with an accurate photo of me and my new name and gender marker does go smoothly, it’s still going to be fundamentally funny.

I’m a dragon in the DMV.

It’s practically a one panel funny in the actual printed newspaper.

It’s so goofy what we call newspapers nowadays, too. And that the weekly calls itself the weekly, still, even though it updates its website every day. It just considers its news cycle to be weekly, rather than daily. It takes its time to investigate things, unlike the daily.

That’s a tangent. Sorry.

I’m a fifty year old – oh, there’s my number.

I get up from my spot in the aisle near some chairs and walk up to the window that my number is above.

“How can I help you today?” the clerk asks without really looking up from their computer.

I place the open envelope that’s in my mouth onto the counter and say, “Hello.”

The clerk looks at me and then looks down at the envelope. 

It has a hand scrawled note on it that says:

Hello, I can’t talk well without AAC. I am here to update my State ID with my new name, gender marker, and up-to-date photo. Everything I need is in this envelope.  Thank you, Meghan Estragon Draconis

It’s actually my hand writing, and not at all what I think of as girly, unfortunately. But now I see it as draconic. It was always legible but scratchy. It’s easier to do in human disguise, but now I think I know why I’ve always had trouble with it.

The claw marks needed to get out somehow.

“OK, let me take a look at this and see what you’ve got. Can you answer yes or no questions?” the clerk asks. Her name is “Sheela, she/her”, I see on her nametag.

“Yes,” I say.

“Wonderful!” she smiles. Which surprises me. I don’t think I’ve seen a DMV clerk smile before.

Sheela flips through the contents of the envelope and nods, licking her finger occasionally. Then she arrays it out in front of her.

“I’m going to get you entered into the computer right now, then I’ll give this all back and I’ll need you to sit back down,” she says. “Then, when your name is called – your new name – go on up to that window over there, and Gavin will ask you your questions and take care of your ID. OK?”

“Yes. Thankyou,” I say.

She smiles again, then takes a couple of minutes to do her work before filing everything back in the envelope. She points at my note as she hands it to me, “Just show Gavin that when you go up there.”

“Thankyou,” I say again.

“Have a nice day!” she says, then presses the button to cycle numbers.

And it takes a little while, then it goes pretty much the same with Gavin. Except that I think he’s a trans man, because when he sees my deadname and name change form, he gets excited and congratulates me. And then it feels like we’re queerly flirting at each other without saying anything out of script for the rest of our interactions.

Oh, and changing my gender marker is so simple. It’s just answering the question of which marker I want. I can change it every time I update my ID, as many times as I want. There’s even the X to choose from. I go with F.

And it turns out that they have the camera set up to be adjusted for dragons already.

Which makes this feel like a fantasy.

I mean, honestly, poking my nose out of my apartment four weeks ago to meet Rhoda, who said, “Good morning, Sleepy Head. Still a dragon today?” was plenty fantastic already. Along with everything else that’s happened since.

Sometimes it’s been like a children’s picture book, and sometimes it’s been almost but not quite like a grimdark web serial about world shattering supervillains fighting against cosmic forces beyond comprehension. But fantasy, either way.

But, like, the DMV has already got this stuff figured out? That’s silly. Isn’t it?

Only, having it figured out means everything goes more smoothly, and that’s valuable to everyone stuck in this place.

It’s probably not the same in other states.

Heck, it might not be quite the same in Spokane or Wenatchee.

As I stand there and wait for the flash, I ask another question of myself. One that keeps coming back to me.

Am I a person?

Not, should I have the same rights as a person? Or, can I act like a person?

More fundamental than that.

Am I even alive as an entity that resembles a person sometimes?

Closer to, do I exist? Except I know I exist.

It’s a kind of silly question to ask, because I have the agency to ask it and then decide whether or not to try answering it. Of course that makes me a person. But it keeps popping up.

“OK!” Gavin cheers at me. “Come on back and get your stuff. You’re all paid for. Your temporary ID is being printed right now. And all you have to do is take that and then wait for your new ID to arrive in the mail. It’s been an honor doing this for you Meghan! I hope you have a wonderful rest of your week! And here you go!”

And I’m done, and I’m weirded out that there wasn’t more to it than that. And that no one was blatantly grumpy. It was such a different experience the last time I renewed my ID.

“Oh,” Gavin says. “Do not forget to swing by Social Security and update them, too. It’s easy, though, and a lot less work. Just one half a form. Do you need the address for that?”

“No. Thank you,” I say.

“You’ve already got it?”

“Yes.”

“Fantastic!”

Then, when I’ve got everything together, I head to the door to go outside where the thermals off the parking lot are not so great in this fall weather, but they’ll have to do.

And as I reach the door, a man comes through it and holds it open for me.

He looks familiar to me in that way where I’ve seen only a rare class of people dress like that, and he’s wearing a single unique accessory that should identify him if I were only more familiar with him specifically. His tie. It’s nothing. Just some distinctive stripes.

And as I step up to him, I then notice his eyes.

And our eyes meet as I plod by, heads turning to maintain contact.

I can’t exactly say that we’re not transfixed, but we’ve both got lucid control of the rest of our bodies, despite how rigidly locked our gazes are.

“Hello, Meghan,” he says in a strange, almost mechanical male British voice.

To be continued…

[killjoyhistory]

The Mystery of DD

Since a lot of newer fans weren’t around to experience the mystery of the DD era as it was unfolding, I wanted to try to describe it so people can understand what it was like to be an MCR fan in 2010.

A Bizarre Mystery

It all began on September 4th, 2010, when MCR’s website suddenly disappeared and was replaced with a mysterious transmitter. No one had any idea this was coming, and no explanation was offered. You could click the dials to see different screens (test patterns, a nuclear fallout symbol, etc.), and hear distorted sounds. At one point, fans believed that they could hear an unreleased MCR song on one of the stations, buried under static and distortion. Later on, the transmitter started playing mysterious videos that hinted at a post-apocalyptic universe.

Not long after the transmitter appeared, the DrDeathDefying Twitter account was discovered after he tweeted a fan. NewsAGoGo and AgentCherriCola were discovered soon after, with the rest of the accounts coming later. The accounts posted a bizarre mixture of strange pictures, futuristic slang, references to apocalyptic events, fan interactions, and eerie ramblings. You could determine a loose background and storyline from the Twitter accounts, but they were so vague that no one was quite sure what was going on. All we knew was that the characters seemed to be part of a nightmarish, post-apocalyptic universe that took place in the near future. But we had no idea how this related to MCR, or why they’d gone in this direction for their next album.

The Return of MCR.com

The website did return on September 8th, with a new photo and blog post from Frank. But the blog post offered no explanation, and the speculation was far from over. The transmitter was still accessible on a separate page on MCR’s website. As the Twitter accounts continued to post their bizarre ramblings, people made connections to everything from movies to past MCR eras to the supposed “2012 Mayan Apocalypse.” At that point, their next album could have been about anything.

Looking back at Danger Days now, it’s pretty clear what was going on. But at the time, we had no idea where this era was heading. Keep in mind that our only sources of information were the Twitter accounts and the transmitter–no comics, no music videos, no interviews. The era could have been about anything. For this reason, fans scrutinized every scrap of information–pictures, tweets, transmissions–down to the smallest detail.

A World of Theories

The blog girlautomatic is a great place to read the old theories. Here’s an example from one of her posts:

Here’s my new theory:

Dr. Death Defying is part of a group called the Philly Jackals, likely a gang that either travels around on motorcycles or cars or both. Whether the group actually comes out of Philadelphia, assuming Philadelphia (or even the other states) still even exists as we know them to exist, is debatable.

The name Dr. Death Defying is an alias s/he either adopted or was given upon joining up with the Philly Jackals.

Slaughtermatic Sounds is both their logo and their motto.

The car in the picture Frank posted and the raygun Dr. Death Defying tweeted a picture of belong to him/her.

Which could possibly mean that the Lady referred to in this tweet is said car. It also probably means that last night’s tweet about being low on batteries is also about his car, but that might be a bit of a stretch. Also? I’m not sure I’d want to get on the Doctor’s bad side, if this is all correct. Motor gangs are serious business. It at least casts this tweet in a different light, though, and really makes me wonder if this tweet about nitro is referring to the dangers of drag racing, and if this tweet is about traveling on the open road.

This might look strange to fans today, but at the time, no scrap of information was insignificant. Whole blog posts were written about one or two tweets. People studied the blank transmitter screen, trying to see vague shadows or reflections in the image. They traced pictures posted on Twitter to their original sources, then studied the sources. To fans, it was basically a giant puzzle–but we had no idea where it was heading, or if there were even a solution to find.

People also tried to figure out who ran these Twitter accounts. We know now that Shaun Simon ran most of them, with Gerard Way and Jon Rivera handling DrDeathDefying. But at the time, several fans (including me) just kind of assumed that the members of MCR ran the accounts. A popular theory was that Gerard ran DrDeathDefying and Frank ran NewsAGoGo (a few tweets shared Frank’s typing style.) However, some people did suspect that Shaun Simon was involved, as the characters tended to tweet about things that he mentioned on his personal Twitter.

The End of an Era

Eventually the “Art Is The Weapon“ video was released, and the interviews and music videos that followed cleared up a lot of the mystery. But the characters continued to tweet, some of them posting well into 2013. We’re now familiar with the Danger Days universe, but the hint of mystery and intrigue still lingers. Many questions were never answered, while some concepts and ideas were scrapped altogether. Even if we get more content in the future, parts of DD will always remain a mystery to us–and I think that’s one reason that it continues to capture people’s imaginations.

An interesting note–thinking back on the transmitter and the Twitter accounts, it felt like we’d analyzed these pieces of information for months. But while I was researching this blog post, I realized that MCR’s website returned after only four days, and "Art Is The Weapon” was released only a few weeks later. I guess the analysis and scrutiny was so in-depth that it seemed to last much longer!

[tryslora]

Balticon Wrap-Up

This past weekend I attended Balticon and participated in programming and once again, I had a blast.

For anyone who has come to my website/social media from the convention, welcome! If you’re looking to find me on other social media, I recommend Bluesky and Mastodon for random chit-chat and quick commentary, or Pillowfort/Tumblr/Dreamwidth for blogging. You may also get random fandom content on Pillowfort/Tumblr or well, anywhere I can boost someone else’s posts. I may be writing original work now, but I am still a fan at heart.

I am Tryslora everywhere. <3 Hope to meet new folks!

Balticon is one of my childhood conventions (I grew up in SFF fandom starting when I was 12 years old). I went in high school, in college when I could make it there, and it was my husband’s second ever SFF convention back when we were first dating. We continued going as adults until our son’s frustrations with traveling, and the kids activity schedules impinged on our ability to attend conventions. After all, the long drive made it one of the more difficult conventions to attend.

Last year, my son was doing his second co-op in Baltimore, and we realized that hey, if we get to see him (and there’s a chance he might settle in Baltimore for a while eventually) then we can go back to Balticon! And we are so glad we did.

On the fandom side of things, I enjoy spending time in the gaming room (Hal Haag, we miss you, and I think of you every time I game at Balticon). Spent some money in the dealers’ room, and have a list of things I plan to buy after the convention as well. I tried to buy lovely art, but was overbid, then missed the auction because I was on a panel. Sadness!

But, panels! I had a blast, and was so excited to get to see friends I’d made last year, and make new ones. I was on five panels between Saturday and Sunday.

Before I get into the panels I was on, I’d like to compliment the programming group at Balticon, headed by Yakira Heistand. The selection was amazing, and there are some virtual panels I’m hoping to watch recordings of once they are posted. There were so many things I wanted to go see, and nowhere near enough time. Fantastic work!

Book Covers For Indie Authors

My first panel of the convention was Sunday morning. We had a great discussion of what goes into making a cover that will reach out and grab readers (bright colors, easy to see/read in a thumbnail, fonts). We talked about traditional published covers, and the differences between those and indie covers, as well as why do some covers look more traditional than others. I, of course, brought up seeking out fan artists because I’ve had such great luck with the artists for my books. And no cover art discussion can happen without talk about the impact AI has had, particularly on indie covers.

Breaking Up With Your Inner Critic

My inner critic hasn’t been silenced; she has been put in time out in the corner, and I am doing my best not to listen to her.

We all had different ways of stepping away from our inner critic, and we also had a discussion about the book The Artist’s Way, which some of us have had positive experiences with, and some of us not-so-positive (me, that’s me). It was a nicely hopeful session, and I hope we were able to encourage the folks in the audience to be able to push past those moments when the inner critic tries to say “no” and into a world where anything is possible.

Tools to Manage Creativity

Ahhh I wish I’d taken more notes on this panel. We had a great talk about all the tools that are out there, and which ones work best for each of us. Most importantly, we noted that there is no One Perfect Tool that appeals to every creative. Some folks love Scrivener, some draft in Drive, some use Word. That’s okay! What’s most important is finding the tool that works best for you. One of the parts I enjoyed most was that each of us shared not just what tools we use, but why we use them. What does it do for our creativity and productivity.

I met someone from the audience who is an even bigger part of the spreadsheet fandom than I am! Their spreadsheet was a thing of amazement that put my own word tracking sheet to shame.

At the end of the panel, I was happy to let people touch my iPad—the paper-touch screen protector I put on it has been a game changer for me. I love how it feels for both using the iPad instead of a notebook, and for art.

Paranormal Romance

Ohhh there is nothing harder than being on a panel that ends with “and what are your recommendations?” and having your mind go blank. But my mind going blank about details is normal (hello, ADHD), so I warned everyone ahead of time. And I wrote down a ton of queer paranormal romance recommendations offered by someone else.

We also talked about writing romance, and the expectations of romance, which means I have some research and writing material to go through in order to improve my craft. I love being on panels where I learn something, too!

Slash of Our Ancestors: A History of Fanfic

Oh my goodness, this may have been my favorite panel. It was the only evening panel I was on, and we discussed everything from the early days of fic with zines made with mimeograph machines to the advent of the internet and how things changed. I had a blast. It was great getting to sit with folks of all different ages and talk about how we came into fic, and what our experiences were, and how the advent of the internet (and the popularization of fanfic) has modified how the world interacts with fandom. Our mod asked some great questions, and the audience had a lot of interaction (I mean, we were talking about fandom—how could we not include the audience?). It was a perfect way to end the convention.

In the end, I screwed up my sleep schedule, and Monday night before working Tuesday was a bit rough. The drive home was… entertaining… we hit some big storms as we returned to New York and I got to feel my new baby car hydroplaning (ugh, but yes, we are fine, nothing happened) as we went through a lovely purple zone on the radar.

I’m very much looking forward to returning to Balticon again next year!

[tellthemeerkatsitsfine]

This is the by far the least important thing from my day, but I've just got back to the Air B&B at midnight and am feeling weirdly overwhelmed and like if I think too hard about the important parts of my day (incredible city, amazing experiences at comedy and even music shows) it'll be too much. Genuinely not sure why I've come away from that with the feeling that I can't think about it too hard. It got difficult at the end of the day. But it was really really good.

Okay I think I'd like to turn off my brain by writing a report on the least important thing about the day, so. Comedian spotting. In the afternoon I saw a guy near me on the street and very, very nearly said hello to him, because my brain did that thing it does where it recognizes someone and goes "You're supposed to say hello now." I came so close to saying that before realizing of course I've not seen someone I know, I am in a foreign country, I looked slightly closer and it was Ed Night.

I'm so glad I did not accidentally say hello to Ed Night. What would I say to Ed Night? "I really liked you on Roast Battle that one time, you were so good that it almost made me stop hating myself for watching something as shit as Roast Battle. I liked you so much that I looked you up and could only find a couple of your short stand-up sets on YouTube, but I liked those a lot, and I read some stuff about what your comedy is usually like and thought it sounded great. And then for a couple of years I became weirdly beholden - weirdly because it was based on such small scraps of evidence - to the idea that you might be one of my favourite comedians if only you were famous enough for me to hear your stuff from Canada. I even braved the website Tik-Tok just to see your sketches, and I found about 75% of them funny. When you started your podcast I tried to get into it but found it actively annoying. I've sometimes thought I should give it another chance, but then I saw those clips going around Tumblr that suggest you're now famous for making Ed Gamble read pornography on a podcast, and amazingly, I have already heard another comedian make Ed Gamble do that, I don't need to hear you get in on that too. Anyway I've gotten off topic but I have dedicated a fairly prime timeslot in my Edinburgh schedule to you despite not having a whole lot to go on for my belief that I'd really like your stuff if I knew it, so please be worth it."

It's probably good that I didn't accidentally say hello to him and then end up in that conversation. Though once I looked close enough to recognize Ed Night, I realized he was hanging out with Jordan Brookes and the guy from Crizards, both of whom were in the show I saw last night. So I've had several comedian sightings but always of the same few people. Until the very end of the day, that is, when Rhys Nicholson sat behind me during Lou Wall's show.

I am too tired and possibly burned out on thinking about art to write about the actual shows. I saw everything that was on my schedule today. All were at least good, most were great. I was joking about how Emma Sidi needs to win Champion of Edinburgh this year to keep up Taskmaster's streak of having one winner per season since 13 (Bridget Christie, John Kearns, Jenny Éclair, Sam Campbell, John Robins) - that was a joke I made because Sidi is the only season 18 contestant who could theoretically do it - but having seen her show today, Jesus Christ, she fucking might. Incredible show, I thought. Kiri Pritchard-McLean nearly made me cry. I can't believe I almost failed to fit Susie McCabe into my schedule because that was such a strong hour - better than last year, I think, and I booked this one because I liked her 2023 show so much - I'd hate to have missed it. Okay that's all I've got. Very big day and very busy and at least I'm doing it in reasonable weather.

[miiyayaya]

✩°｡⋆ Hello everyone ⋆｡°✩ 21/08/24

I'm back with another update to this blog! 💙 I didn't post anything yesterday, but today I am going to be talking a lot in this post and I believe that I'm once again back on track with posting!

✩°｡⋆ What I Did ⋆｡°✩

Today I first watched the "imparatief zinnen" (imperative sentences) video from the Dutch With Kim channel. By the way I still am continuing to learn Dutch grammar and I am not planning on learning the basics anytime soon, so I might one day speak Dutch to near-fluency but I still won't be able to tell the time lol.

I also researched a bit about certain words that can slightly alter the meaning of imperative sentences. So for example, some making you sound harsher, some signifying impatience etc. (There's a link to the website in the sources section.)

I also tried to read a few Dutch news articles, but that kind of immediately proved itself to be fruitless as I could barely understand what the text was saying. I wasn't expecting myself to understand most of the text, but I still got a bit disappointed in myself when I realized I actually couldn't. As a result of this, I started to doubt myself, as I am kind of guilty of always looking up videos of people who learn languages in an extremely small amount of time, but I guess I have started to kind of accept what I truly can and cannot do and have started to come in terms with the way and pace in which I learn things.

(I just wanted to share this experience, if I bored you with my personal issues then I'm sorry.)

I also will also add a text of me writing a bit in Dutch.

✩°｡⋆ Dutch Text ⋆｡°✩

Hallo iedereen! Het is mijn eerste week, dat ik nederlands leer en ik heb gisteren beseft dat er zo veel woorden in deze taal zijn, die ik niet weet dat ik veel meer nederlands zal moeten leren, als ik de taal vloeiend will spreken.

(I literally didn't know what to write so have this, also I have no idea about the punctuation rules.)

Feel free to correct any mistakes that you see!

✩°｡⋆ Sources ⋆｡°✩

A link to the site I used:

https://zichtbaarnederlands.nl/nl/adverbium/modale_partikels

Thank You For Reading! 💙

[umbra-borealis]

TLDR, Elements of Chaos, a massive Sonic AU I've had for years will be in production, meaning most my spare time will go towards that. C0mms might still be open but I'll be more picky because I want to make sure I can actually deliver quality without overworking myself. It's just me, one singular guy, working on this passion project and while I'm okay with that, keep in mind that things might move slowly. I don't have the mental capacity, free time or funding to work on it full time. I'm still excited though and I hope you guys are too.

And of course, here's that ko-fi link I mentioned.

Transcript:

Umbra's 2024 look-ahead

Hello everyone!

2023 was a rather slow year for me as an artist but eventful for me mentally. Because of this I wasn't able to do as much as I had planned and that, not going to lie, hurts. But I'm also ready to leave that in the past and perhaps just push the pause button on some things to return to later because certain things (like the tarot card project) still live rent free in my head. These big long term projects are most impacted by the small amount of folks interested in them besides myself and before you think I'm complaining, this is actually a bit of a blessing because this means I can put a pin in that and things like it to instead focus on something more important to me...

ELEMENTS OF CHAOS.

This is a Sonic AU, yup. Lets get that out of the way first. I'm far from the only one to have an AU and turn it into a full length fic or comic but the thing is, I'm doing neither. Sonic has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. It was a comfort during my most traumatizing years as a child when I had to navigate abuse on the daily, it was a reason for me to not commit sewer slide when I was at my lowest and I cannot begin to express the many ways it affected me as a writer and artist. Together with it's less well known sibling NiGHTS, the Sonic series is the reason I draw/write at all. But as we all know, the Sonic series isn't without it's flaws and just like so many others, I started re-writing bits and pieces I didn't like to form a new narrative.

This is a long haul passion project. The format has already been decided on and I plan to keep 'dev logs' for folks to keep up with if it interests them because I can't promise the release of it's first chapter any time soon. This project only has one person doing all the work and that person is me so if you're interested in supporting me I have a ko-fi link I'll attach to this post (and hopefully more options to come soon) They come with perks too so I don't feel like I'm just e begging, lmao.

Here's a little list of things I'm doing/have to do in order to start publishing.

Character references (Sonic is done already). This is because this story will also feature illustrations.

Website building. Yes, I plan to host a website on Neocities specially for Elements of Chaos.

Actual writing, doi. It's true that I have already worked on the first chapter and gotten positive feedback on what I have so far, but it's far from done!

Cover/page illustrations. This is a storybook type thing. I want to experiment and learn as an artist. This project will be my playground for that and hopefully you'll get to see that growth as the story progresses.

Development will happen in that order, so you can expect references before anything else.

For now, happy new year everyone! I'll share more fun stuff such as a synopsis, world building, stream news etc. in the near future. For now I'm going to enjoy what's left of the holidays before going straight back to work. I look forward to taking everyone along on this creative journey. Thank you!

[maverick-werewolf]

AUGUST - A look ahead + some general updates

Hi, all! Just keeping everyone posted on what I've been up to and what's coming up in the future. Here are some things you can expect to see in the month of August, both publicly and exclusive to the Patreon...

Public posts:

New Werewolf Fact - That's right; it'll be a werewolf fact again this month! What will it be about? Well, that's up to my patrons. They have several choices this time. Whatever they pick, I'm going to refocus on werewolf facts again for a little while, especially to prepare for the promotion of my upcoming book Knightfall - and possibly even for the announcement of another nonfiction werewolf folklore book from me.

Preview for an upcoming short story - Depending on how efficiently I get these two new short stories written, I would love to post a public preview for one this month!

Website updates - I'm going to be doing some website updates this August, including some updates to the character pages on my website and possibly more (I would love to improve the look/feel of several pages, but I'm not sure I have time to get to that this month). If you haven't seen my website redesign, by the way, don't forget to check that out! It has lots of useful pages now, including character pages and reading order guides to my fiction, as well as previews of all my books and links to purchase them online from Amazon (they are also available online at most book retailers). I am especially fond of the Characters section, myself.

Patron-only posts:

Poll on next Werewolf Fact - Patrons will get to decide what August's werewolf fact will be! The poll will go up around the start of the month, and it'll run for a while before I take in the final results and start working on the fact itself.

Monthly Preview, Chapter 8 of Knightfall revision (near-final draft) - Already loaded up and ready to be posted soon, the monthly preview for August will be chapter 8 of my Knightfall revision in its near-final form (not final yet, though)! This chapter introduces a brand new plot twist, and we're fast approaching the point where I will no longer post chapter previews of this revision, as things are really heating up. I'm very excited to hear what readers think of this preview!

Previews for 1 or 2 new short stories - I'm not sure how much writing I'll get around to in terms of these short stories, but I know what I want to do with both now, so I'm really hoping to post a preview at least for patrons this month of one, if not both, upcoming short stories! If you missed the writing journal on those, check that out here.

Writing Journal on short stories - You can expect new writing journal(s) about one or both upcoming newsletter short stories.

Writing Journal on newsletter - You can also expect a writing journal about my newsletter itself, what I hope to achieve with it, what to expect from it, and more.

Possibly other journal(s) - Who knows what I might write a journal about? I like to do journals at random sometimes. I actually have had something in the works for a while that's totally unexpected... we'll see if I get that posted this month or if it continues to lurk in the drafts for a later date.

Will I finish at least one short story to the point of posting a public preview in August? I can't say yet! We'll see how it goes. I am going to run them by my patrons first; I do know that. So if you're a patron, definitely expect at least a preview of one or both new short stories this month.

Patrons are going to be my test audience for these short stories, so patrons will receive these short stories in their entirety before they are available publicly through my newsletter!

Also, as a more general update, I have removed the Character Questions reward from my Patreon for the time being in order to make space to experiment with other potential rewards in the future.

If there's anything anyone would be excited to see from my Patreon rewards, be it related to my folklore work or my fiction or whatever else, I'd love to hear from you!

There's a lot in store, and I can't wait to share it all. I'm really hoping to make 2024 a big year for me and my work, so I'm doing a lot of preparation in the remainder of this year to work toward that.

Until next time!

[melsaywhat]

I posted 27 times in 2022

That's 27 more posts than 2021!

14 posts created (52%)

13 posts reblogged (48%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@the-real-commasplice

@burythesememories

@sims4dictionary

@irrelephantsims

@chromaglitchgaming

I tagged 20 of my posts in 2022

Only 26% of my posts had no tags

#thesims4 - 10 posts

#showusyourbuilds - 5 posts

#twexit - 3 posts

#makemymenu - 2 posts

#tumblr milestone - 2 posts

#twitter - 2 posts

#nomnom - 2 posts

#strawpoll - 2 posts

#vote - 2 posts

#poll - 2 posts

Longest Tag: 32 characters

#hashtags aren't the same as tags

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

Twitter | CounterSocial | Mastodon Feature Comparison

Here are some of my observations of feature comparisons between Twitter, CounterSocial and Mastadon. I've been using Twitter for more than a decade, CounterSocial since late April 2022 and Mastodon via Universodon for only a few days.

This is only a brief overview of what each site has to offer. It's some of the basics and features I find the most useful. Your experience may vary. My explanations are below.

A NOTE ABOUT MASTODON

Mastodon is a network of social networks that are interconnected. You have to choose an instance (or server) to get started. You can change your server, but your posts won't follow you. Whether or not your followers move with you depends on their server's software supports move activity.

There is also a very heavy cooldown period in which you cannot migrate again, so be very careful before using this option!

ADVANCED WEB LAYOUT

If you're looking for a column based feed, you'll need to use a third party website or app if you're a Twitter user. CounterSocial (herein referred to as CoSo) enables the Advanced Web Layout by default and Mastodon allows you to enable it optionally in your profile/settings.

ALT TEXT REMINDER

Twitter is the only platform that will remind you if you haven't entered ALT text on an image before you submit your post. Both CoSo and Mastadon have gentle overlays if you hover over the image once you've attached it to your draft, but beyond that I'm unsure. Mastadon claims to have a reminder to add ALT text (at least within the Universeodon instance). I have not uploaded any images to Mastadon yet, so time will tell.

AUTO-DELETE POSTS

Only Mastadon gives you the ability to auto-delete your posts after a certain time period for free. CoSo does have limited functionality for direct messages that you have to opt-in to. Pro (paid) subscribers can use the exploding post option on a per post or "set as default" basis.

BOOKMARKS

Twitter has bookmarks, but I often forget they exist. There is a link to view bookmarks in one place, but it just doesn't engage me. CoSo does not have bookmarks, however I believe it's a feature they could possibly implement since they appear to be running on Mastodon's OpenSource software and Mastodon, does indeed have bookmarks. My bookmarks have their own column for visbility.

CHARACTER LIMIT

Both CoSo and Mastadon beat Twitter's 280 character limit allowing 500 characters each.

CONTENT WARNINGS

While Twitter only has content warnings integrated for images, CoSo allows you only to mark the entire post with a content warning, wheeas Mastodon allows you to mark either the image, the post or both.

FILTERS

Twitter has muted words, etc. They're buried deep in your profile. Both CoSo and Mastodon have links to muted users, blocked users, hidden domains and muted words on the three dots menu next to your profile image.

GLOBAL POST VISIBILITY

Post visibility has a lot to do with how many users are on the platform, but these three are all very unique.

As far as Twitter goes, you see who you follow, what you might like, what the accounts you're following like, reweets, trending, etc., but discoverability is limited. Hashtags (tags) are a free-for-all (though nowhere near off the chain as Tumblr), so any custom hashtag can be used (without spaces, sorry Tumblr).

I believe CoSo sets themselves apart in this arena the most because they set up curated tags that help customize your space, find others with similar interests and share with others like you. Again, no spaces here. There's also the community firehose with posts from all of CoSo. You still have who you follow in your main feed and what they repost as well, not what they like, not what you might like and all that jazz. YOU curate your space.

Mastodon is a bit trickier. You have to join an instance (or a unique server), then you have a feed for who you follow and their reposts, then you have your server's posts, then there are posts from ALL the servers using Mastadon. In minutes you can have thousands of posts come through the feed. It can be too much. Again, not what other folks like (favorite), what you might like and all that jazz. You do curate your space, but you might either have fear of missing out (FOMO) or be overwhelmed in a sea of posts.

GROUPS

Groups are a paid feature only available on CoSo at this time. However, one might consider the instance (server) you join on Mastodon as a group depending on its specialization.

MOBILE APPS

All have both Android and iOS apps. Twitter's mobile app seems to be the most comparable to its web app, however if you're a content creator with a business/professional account, some features can't be accessed, such as overall analytics.

You won't get the advanced web layout with any.

See the full post

2 notes - Posted November 19, 2022

#4

Hashtags vs. Tags

Look, I've blogged elsewhere...but I'm having a hard time with the spaces in tags over here versus no space hashtags on the twitshow.

I get it, but I just don't WANNA.

SEND HALP!

2 notes - Posted November 16, 2022

#3

Thanksgiving Sweet Potatoes? #makemymenu

Which sweet potato recipe should I make for Thanksgiving?

Edited to add visuals and more.

I can't decide between these options, but I'm down to make any of them! I've made the Sweet Potato Souffle several times and not only is it shortcut cooking, but it's a HIT!!

Strawpoll at the bottom or leave a comment. You can choose multiple options.

VOTE IN THE LATEST POLL: Potatoes

See the full post

3 notes - Posted November 15, 2022

#2

Feeling Florence, Italy

This weekend, I finished up watching 'From Scratch' on Netflix. I've got feelings of Italy on my mind and of course, no better way for me than to utilize those feelings to build within The Sims 4.

My take on 'From Scratch' to follow.

See the full post

4 notes - Posted November 14, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

A One Woman Show to Request Jewish Cultural Representation in The Sims 4

Maybe some others have requested Jewish cultural representation in The Sims 4, but none like Hufflepom. Hufflepom is a respected simmer in The Sims community, so much so that many have been working to elevate her voice on Twitter specifically.

Today marks the 282nd day she has tweeted and tagged The Sims on Twitter asking for MORE Jewish cultural representation in game.

Don't get me wrong, The Sims has a long way to go to represent many cultures, but the pleas for other equally deserving groups have been just that, in a group, at least as far as I've seen.

I, myself, EMBARRASINGLY, saw (many of) 262 tweets from Hufflepom and did NOTHING. Then finally on October 27th, 2022 I retweeted.

Then there was this. HufflePom replied to a tweet that PINK posted. I had no idea PINK had a Jewish cultural background. The tweet Hufflepom replied to is after the below image. Throughout the process, I'm actually learning a lot.

See the full post

14 notes - Posted November 15, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[stressmanagementnearme]

How to Find Reiki Healers Near Me

Reiki for health and well-being

Are you trying to improve your health and well-being? If so, you're in luck: Reiki healing is a popular and effective method of healing that can assist you in accomplishing your goals. We'll go through how to find Reiki healers near you and how to get healing sessions done from a distance. If you're new to the notion or simply want to learn more about it, keep reading! 

Reiki Healing Near Me

Finding Reiki healers near me might be a difficult Endeavour. But don't worry, it is absolutely feasible with a little bit of effort. The first step is to conduct an online or directory search. Then, search "find Reiki near me" on the UK Reiki Federations directory, as they keep a record of licensed practitioners. Alternatively, visit the CNHC register. If you can't find someone locally, look for Reiki healer near me online. Remember that the best method to locate the perfect therapist is to discuss your individual requirements and interests with them!

Reiki Healing From Distance?

You're in luck if you're seeking for a means to receive Reiki therapy from afar! Wellness-me offers this service to our consumers. We schedule a time and date with our clients and provide Reiki healing remotely via Zoom, WhatsApp, or other social media platforms. Mindfulness Classes Near Me

If not, once you've found a reputable practitioner, see if they offer Reiki therapy from a distance. If so, remain with them. Reiki healing from a distance might be a low-cost method to receive therapeutic therapy from the comfort of your own home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of using Reiki?

There are numerous advantages to adopting Reiki, both as an alternative medicine and as a way to improve your general health. Some of the advantages include stress reduction, improved sleep quality, immune system boost, reduction of anxiety and depression symptoms, and more. You can gain these benefits by receiving Reiki treatments from a skilled practitioner or by doing some easy practices at home.  

What should I do if I'm not sure if a healer is qualified to work with me?

If you are unsure whether a healer is qualified to work with you, Reiki Practitioner Near Me the best thing you can do is ask for their certification or license. Additionally, before selecting a healer, always seek advise from friends and relatives who have had excellent experiences with them. Check to see if they are a member of UK Reiki Federations, the largest Reiki-only professional organization in the UK and Europe. You can also see if they are a member of the CNHC or the Reiki Council, both of which are Reiki professional groups. 

Should I book an appointment first, or just show up unannounced?

It's always a good idea to schedule an appointment first so you can get a sense of the practitioner's energy and style. Then, after meeting them and getting a sense of their healing powers, you can be more open-minded and sensitive to advice during the session. To schedule a session with us, please contact us. 

Is it okay to visit more than one healer during my search for a suitable Reiki practitioner?

Yes, visiting more than one Reiki healer throughout your search is perfectly acceptable. This will give you an idea of what they specialize in and how they practice. You should also try contacting each practitioner individually to see if they are available for an appointment. 

Conclusion

Finding a Reiki healer who can provide healing from a distance can be difficult, but not with our assistance! You can find skilled and experienced Reiki healers by visiting our website. This will not only help you obtain the treatment you require, but it will also save you time and money. So, what are you holding out for? Begin your search for a Reiki healer right away!

[skylabseo]

Best SEO Practices for 2024: What Every Business Needs to Know

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is always changing. What worked a year ago might not work today. If you want your business to stay on top, you need to keep up with the latest SEO trends.

In this, we are going to talk about the best SEO practices for 2024. These are the tips and strategies that will help your website rank higher, get more traffic, and grow your business.

Let’s see

High-Quality Content is Still the Key

Good content is the heart of SEO. It is not enough to just have a lot of content. Your content needs to be useful and relevant to your audience. In 2024, Google will continue to reward websites that offer real value.

How to Create Great Content:

Know Your Audience: Before you write, think about who you are writing for. What are their problems? What are they searching for? Your content should answer their questions. Be Original: Do not copy what is already out there. Offer something new. Maybe it is a fresh perspective or some unique data. Make sure your content stands out. Use Different Content Types: Not everyone likes to read. Some people prefer videos, infographics, or podcasts. Mix it up. Focus on E-E-A-T: Google likes content that shows Expertise, Authority, and Trustworthiness. Make sure your content is well-researched and credible.

In short, focus on quality over quantity. Create content that people will find useful, and Google will reward you for it.

Optimize for Voice Search

More and more people are using voice search. Think about how often you ask Siri or Google for help. People are using their voices to search for things, and this trend is only growing.

How to Optimize for Voice Search: Use Natural Language: When people use voice search, they talk like they would in a conversation. So, instead of targeting short keywords like “best pizza,” go for longer phrases like “Where can I find the best pizza near me?” Answer Questions: Many voice searches are questions. Make sure your content answers these questions clearly. For example, “How do I fix a leaky faucet?” Focus on Local SEO: A lot of voice searches are for local businesses. Make sure your Google My Business profile is up to date, and use local keywords like “best coffee shop in New York.” Voice search is becoming more common, so make sure your website is ready for it.

Mobile-First is a Must

Google now uses mobile-first indexing. This means Google looks at the mobile version of your website first when deciding where to rank it. If your site is not mobile-friendly, you are going to have a hard time ranking well.

How to Make Sure Your Website is Mobile-Friendly: Responsive Design: Your website should look good on all devices, whether it’s a phone, tablet, or desktop. Fast Loading Times: Mobile users do not want to wait. If your site takes too long to load, they will leave. Use tools like Google Page Speed Insights to check your site speed. Simple Navigation: Make it easy for mobile users to find what they are looking for. Do not make them click through too many menus. Avoid Pop-Ups: Pop-ups can be annoying on mobile devices. If you use them, make sure they are easy to close. In 2024, having a mobile-friendly website is not just a good idea it is a must.

Improve User Experience (UX) Google cares about how users interact with your site. If people find your website hard to use, they will leave, and Google will notice. That is why user experience is so important for SEO in 2024.

How to Improve User Experience: Fast Loading Times: No one likes a slow website. If your site takes more than a few seconds to load, users will leave. Compress images, use a content delivery network (CDN), and minimize unnecessary code to speed up your site. Easy Navigation: Your website should be easy to navigate. Users should be able to find what they are looking for quickly and easily. Mobile Usability: As mentioned earlier, your site must be mobile-friendly. Make sure buttons are easy to tap, text is readable, and images do not take forever to load. Engaging Design: A visually appealing website keeps users engaged. Use high-quality images, videos, and graphics to make your site more attractive. In short, the better the experience users have on your site, the better your chances of ranking higher in search results.

Core Web Vitals Matter Google has a set of specific metrics called Core Web Vitals that measure how users experience your website. These are important for SEO in 2024.

The three main Core Web Vitals are:

Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): This measures how fast your main content loads. Aim for under 2.5 seconds. First Input Delay (FID): This measures how quickly your site becomes interactive. A good FID score is less than 100 milliseconds. Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): This measures how stable your site is while it loads. You do not want things moving around as the page loads, so aim for a CLS score of less than 0.1. How to Improve Core Web Vitals: Optimize Images: Compress images to reduce load times. Use Lazy Loading: This make sure images only load when they are about to be viewed, improving speed. Minimize JavaScript: Too much JavaScript can slow your site down, so reduce it where possible. Set Size Attributes for Images and Videos: This prevents elements from shifting around as the page loads. Improving your Core Web Vitals will not only boost your SEO but also create a smoother experience for your users.

Structured Data is Your Friend Structured data, also known as schema markup, helps search engines understand your site better. By adding structured data to your pages, you can get those fancy rich snippets in search results — you know, the ones with star ratings, images, and extra information.

How to Use Structured Data: Add Schema Markup: Use schema to provide extra information about your content, like product details, reviews, recipes, or event dates. Create Rich Snippets: These increased search results help your listing stand out and can improve your click-through rate. Use Google’s Structured Data Testing Tool: After adding schema markup, use this tool to make sure everything is working properly. Adding structured data to your site can improve your visibility in search results and give you a competitive edge.

Backlinks Still Matter (But Quality Over Quantity) Backlinks are still a major ranking factor in 2024. But here’s the catch — it is not about how many backlinks you have. It is about the quality of those backlinks.

How to Build High-Quality Backlinks: Create Link-Worthy Content: The best way to earn backlinks is by creating content that is so good, people want to link to it. This could be a comprehensive guide, original research, or a unique infographic. Guest Blogging: Writing guest posts for reputable websites in your industry is a great way to build backlinks and get your name out there. Reach Out: If you have created a great piece of content, do not be afraid to reach out to other sites and ask for a link. Avoid Spammy Links: Stay away from low-quality, spammy backlinks. Google penalizes websites that use shady link-building tactics. Remember, when it comes to backlinks, quality trumps quantity every time.

AI and Automation Are Here to Stay Artificial Intelligence (AI) is playing a bigger role in SEO every year. In 2024, AI and automation tools can help you stay ahead of the competition and make your work easier.

How to Use AI in SEO: AI-Powered Content Creation: Tools like ChatGPT can help you generate ideas, optimize content, or even write drafts. Automated SEO Audits: Tools like SEMrush and Ahrefs use AI to help you conduct regular SEO audits, track keyword rankings, and analyze competitors. AI for Personalization: AI can help you personalize content for different users, which can improve engagement and conversion rates. By embracing AI and automation, you can streamline your SEO efforts and stay one step ahead.

Local SEO is More Important Than Ever If you run a local business, local SEO should be at the top of your list. More and more people are using search engines to find local businesses, and optimizing for local search can help you capture this traffic.

How to Boost Local SEO: Optimize Your Google My Business Profile: Make sure your Google My Business profile is complete and accurate. Include your business hours, location, and photos. Use Local Keywords: Include local keywords in your content, like “best pizza place in Chicago” or “plumber near me.” Get Reviews: Positive reviews can boost your local rankings. Encourage your happy customers to leave reviews on Google. Get Local Backlinks: Get backlinks from local websites, like news outlets or local directories. Local SEO is a must if you want to attract more customers from your area.

Keep Up with Algorithm Updates Google is always changing its algorithm, and 2024 will be no different. Staying on top of these changes is important if you want to maintain or improve your rankings.

How to Stay Updated: Follow SEO Blogs: Websites like Search Engine Journal, Moz, and Google’s Webmaster Blog are great resources for keeping up with algorithm updates. Monitor Your Rankings: Use tools like Google Search Console to keep an eye on your rankings. If you notice a sudden drop, it could be due to an algorithm change. Stay Flexible: Algorithm updates are inevitable. When they happen, do not panic. Analyze the impact, make the necessary changes, and move forward. By staying informed and adapting quickly, you can minimize the impact of algorithm changes on your website.

SEO in 2024 is not just about keywords and backlinks. It is about providing value to your audience, improving user experience, and staying ahead of the latest trends. Skylab SEO is the leading SEO company in patna helping your business to improve their online visibility by implementing proven SEO strategies, we can increased your search engine rankings, attract more qualified traffic to your website, and ultimately boost your business growth."

Remember, SEO is a long-term game. Stay consistent, stay patient, and the results will come.

[ilios-india]

Heat Pump Sales Near Me: Everything You Need to Know

Are you looking to upgrade your home heating and cooling system? If you are, you’ve likely come across heat pumps as an energy-efficient option. But before making a decision, it's important to understand what heat pumps are, their benefits, and how to find the best heat pump sales near me. This guide will help you explore all of that and more in simple, easy-to-read language.

What is a Heat Pump?

A heat pump is a device that can both heat and cool your home by transferring heat from one place to another. In the winter, it pulls heat from the outside air and brings it inside your home. In the summer, it works the opposite way, taking heat from inside your house and releasing it outdoors.

Unlike traditional heating systems that burn fuel, heat pumps use electricity to move heat, making them highly energy efficient. They can reduce your energy bills, improve indoor comfort, and help reduce your carbon footprint.

Benefits of Heat Pumps

If you're wondering why you should look for heat pump sales near me, here are several reasons why they are a great choice:

Energy Efficiency: Heat pumps use electricity to transfer heat, which means they are far more efficient than furnaces or air conditioners that rely on burning fuel. You could save up to 50% on your energy bills.

Dual Functionality: Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling, eliminating the need to buy separate units for summer and winter.

Eco-Friendly: Because they don’t rely on fossil fuels, heat pumps have a lower carbon footprint, which is good for the environment.

Consistent Comfort: Heat pumps deliver steady and even temperatures, which means no more cold spots in the winter or hot spots in the summer.

Quiet Operation: Unlike other HVAC systems that can be noisy, heat pumps are known for their quiet operation, keeping your home peaceful and comfortable.

How to Find Heat Pump Sales Near Me

Now that you understand the benefits, you’re probably wondering, "How do I find the best heat pump sales near me?" Here are some tips to guide you:

Do Your Research: Start by searching online for heat pump sales near me. This will give you a list of local dealers and suppliers who sell heat pumps. Visit their websites to get an idea of their offerings.

Read Reviews: Customer reviews can provide insight into the quality of service a dealer provides. Check Google, Yelp, and other review platforms to see what other customers have to say about their experiences.

Ask for Recommendations: If you have friends, family, or neighbors who have installed heat pumps, ask them where they purchased theirs. Personal recommendations can be invaluable when looking for heat pump sales near me.

Visit Local Showrooms: Many HVAC dealers have showrooms where you can see heat pumps in person. Visiting a showroom allows you to ask questions, compare models, and get a feel for which system might be best for your home.

Check for Promotions: When looking for heat pump sales near me, don't forget to look for special promotions and discounts. Many dealers offer seasonal sales or rebates, which can save you hundreds of dollars on your purchase.

Key Considerations When Purchasing a Heat Pump

Once you’ve found a few options for heat pump sales near me, there are several factors to consider before making your final decision:

Size: The size of the heat pump you choose should be based on the size of your home. A unit that is too small will struggle to heat or cool your home efficiently, while a unit that is too large will waste energy and cost more upfront.

Efficiency Rating: Heat pumps are rated by their Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF). Look for models with high SEER and HSPF ratings to ensure maximum efficiency.

Type of Heat Pump: There are different types of heat pumps, including air-source, geothermal, and ductless mini-splits. Air-source heat pumps are the most common and are ideal for mild climates, while geothermal heat pumps are more expensive but extremely efficient. Ductless mini-split systems are an ideal solution for homes lacking ductwork.

A solid warranty provides reassurance and confidence. Make sure to inquire about the warranty when looking for heat pump sales near me. The warranty should cover both the parts and the compressor for an extended period.

Installation Cost: Don't forget to factor in the cost of installation when looking for heat pump sales near me. While some dealers offer free installation as part of a promotion, others may charge extra. Be sure to ask for a detailed estimate before making a decision.

Maintenance and Care of Heat Pumps

After you’ve purchased and installed your heat pump, regular maintenance is key to ensuring it operates efficiently for years to come. Here are a few tips to keep your system in top condition:

Clean the Filters: Regularly clean or replace the filters in your heat pump. Dirty filters can reduce efficiency and put extra strain on the system.

Check for Leaks: Make sure there are no leaks in the ductwork or refrigerant lines, as leaks can cause your heat pump to work harder, increasing your energy costs.

Schedule Annual Tune-Ups: Professional maintenance should be scheduled once a year to check the system’s performance and ensure there are no underlying issues.

Track Your Energy Consumption: Stay informed about your energy expenses. A sudden spike in energy usage may indicate that your heat pump needs servicing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, searching for heat pump sales near me is an important step in finding a system that fits your home and your budget. With the right heat pump, you’ll enjoy comfort, energy savings, and peace of mind all year long! Originally Published Here:-https://iliosindia2.wordpress.com/2024/09/19/heat-pump-sales-near-me-everything-you-need-to-know/



[krunal-vyas]

SEO Toronto: Create High-Quality Content That Converts

If you’re running a business in Toronto, you’ve likely heard about SEO (Search Engine Optimization). It’s essential for standing out online and attracting more customers. However, there’s a catch — it’s not just about driving more traffic. You need high-quality content that turns visitors into buyers. This is where many businesses struggle. Whether you’re a local business, an e-commerce store, or a marketing manager, crafting content that works for SEO Toronto and converts can feel like a challenge.

In this guide, I’ll show you simple, effective strategies to boost your SEO in Toronto and create content that works. Let’s dive in.

How Do I Improve My SEO in Toronto With High-Quality Content?

Understanding SEO in Toronto

Toronto is a busy city, full of local businesses competing for attention online. If you’re not showing up in local search results, you’re missing out on potential customers. This is where local SEO becomes essential.

Why Does Local SEO Matter?

When people in Toronto search for something like “SEO services near me” or “best restaurants in Toronto,” you want your business to be one of the first results they see. Local SEO makes that happen. If your business isn’t ranking well locally, you’re losing out to competitors who have optimized their sites for Toronto-based customers.

Key SEO Metrics to Track:

Organic Traffic: Are you getting visitors from local searches?

Conversion Rate: Are your website visitors turning into customers?

Local Rankings: Are you ranking for Toronto-related keywords?

Bounce Rate: Are people leaving your site too quickly without exploring?

If you’re struggling with any of these, it’s time to rethink your SEO strategy and focus on creating high-quality, SEO-friendly content that engages and converts.

What is High-Quality Content?

High-quality content isn’t just about stuffing your blog posts with keywords. It’s about making your website useful and relevant to your audience while also ranking well in search results. The goal is to create content that helps your visitors and makes them want to take action — whether that’s signing up for a newsletter, contacting you, or making a purchase.

Three Key Elements of High-Quality Content:

Relevance: Your content must answer questions or solve problems your audience cares about. For example, if you’re a local restaurant, you might write about “best dishes to try in Toronto” to attract people searching for food recommendations.

Originality: Don’t copy what other businesses are doing. Stand out by offering new or better information.

Value: Make sure your content provides something useful, whether it’s tips, insights, or answers to common questions.

Additionally, User Experience (UX) plays a huge role in content quality. This means making sure your site is easy to navigate, mobile-friendly, and fast-loading. When visitors have a smooth experience, they stay longer and are more likely to convert.

Audience Research and Persona Development

To create content that really connects with your audience, you need to understand who they are. This is where buyer personas come in. A buyer persona is a profile that represents your ideal customer. It helps you focus on what your audience cares about, making your content more relevant and effective.

How to Create Buyer Personas:

Collect Data: Use Google Analytics, surveys, or customer feedback to learn more about your audience’s interests, age, location, and behavior.

Identify Pain Points: What problems are your customers facing? How can your product or service solve those issues?

Build a Persona: Create a profile that includes details like age, job role, challenges, and goals. For instance, if you run a gym in Toronto, one of your personas could be “Busy professionals in their 30s looking for flexible fitness options.”

By understanding your audience better, you can create content that speaks directly to their needs, increasing the chances that they’ll engage with your site and convert.

Keyword Research and Optimization

For SEO Toronto, choosing the right keywords is essential. Local keywords help your business show up in search results for people in your area. Generic keywords might bring in traffic, but local, long-tail keywords — phrases that are more specific — bring in people ready to take action.

How to Find the Right Keywords:

Local Search Tools: Tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ahrefs help you find keywords that people in Toronto are searching for.

Long-Tail Keywords: These are specific phrases that show more intent. For example, instead of using “SEO services,” you might target “affordable SEO services in Toronto” or “SEO content for local businesses in Toronto.”

Competitor Analysis: Check what keywords your competitors are ranking for and identify gaps where you can rank higher.

Once you have your keywords, use them naturally in your content, especially in titles, headers, and meta descriptions. Avoid overusing them – Google can tell when keywords are stuffed, and it can actually hurt your rankings.

Writing Engaging Content

Now that you have your keywords, it’s time to create engaging content that keeps your audience interested and converts them into customers. The key here is not just writing for search engines, but for real people.

Tips for Writing Effective Content:

Catchy Headlines: A strong headline grabs attention and makes people want to click. For example, “SEO Agency Toronto: Transforming Your Business from Zero to Hero” immediately tells the reader what they’ll learn.

Readable Structure: Break your content into short paragraphs, use subheadings, and include bullet points or numbered lists. This makes it easy for readers to scan your content and find what they’re looking for.

Multimedia: Include images, videos, or infographics to make your content more engaging. People respond better to visuals, and it increases the time they spend on your site.

When your content is easy to read and provides value, it’s more likely that people will stay on your site longer, increasing your chances of converting them into customers.

Local SEO Strategies

To rank better for Toronto-based searches, you need to optimize for local SEO. This means using strategies that help you rank higher when people search for businesses in your area.

How to Optimize for Local SEO:

Google My Business: Make sure your Google My Business listing is complete and accurate. This will help your business show up in Google’s local pack — the map results that appear for local searches.

Local Directories: List your business in local directories like Yelp, Yellow Pages, and other Toronto-based sites. This builds local citations, which helps improve your local SEO rankings.

Local Keywords: Use keywords that people in Toronto are likely to search for, like “best pizza in Toronto” or “affordable SEO services Toronto.”

By focusing on local SEO, you can connect with customers who are ready to visit your business or make a purchase.

Promoting Your Content

Creating great content is only half the battle — you also need to promote it. A big challenge for businesses is not having a clear plan for getting their content in front of the right people.

Promotion Tips:

Social Media: Share your blog posts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Join local groups or community forums in Toronto to share your expertise.

Email Marketing: Send your content to your email list. This keeps your audience engaged and brings them back to your site.

Collaborations: Partner with local influencers or bloggers to reach a wider audience. This can help boost your content’s visibility and credibility.

Promoting your content helps you reach more people, driving more traffic to your site and increasing the chances of turning visitors into customers.

Measuring Your Success

After putting in the work, you’ll want to know if your content is effective. Tracking the right metrics will help you see what’s working and what needs improvement.

Key Metrics to Track:

Page Views: How many people are visiting your content?

Bounce Rate: Are people leaving your site without interacting?

Conversion Rate: Are visitors becoming customers, signing up for your newsletter, or taking other actions?

By measuring these metrics, you can fine-tune your content strategy and continue improving your results.

Conclusion

To improve your SEO in Toronto, create relevant, original, and valuable content that targets local audiences. Use local SEO tactics, such as optimizing for Toronto-based keywords, improving user experience, and promoting your content through social media and directories.

Ready to take your content and SEO strategy to the next level? Contact iQlance today.

Call us at (+1) 647 637 9108 today to discover how our expert SEO strategies can help you create high-quality content that converts!

[needlesthc123]

The Healing Center

Many people travel to Needles, California, to hear the world-famous medley.

Our cannabis specialists are available to take your call at any hour of the day or night.

We take great pride in being one of the most well-known cannabis shops in the world dispensary near me I am happy to hear that our enhanced indica and sativa strains are even more potent than before.  Two varieties of high-quality cannabis have been provided to you. Thank you very much for helping me out. Edibles and vape pens are only two of the many cannabis products available at our dispensary.

Because of its superior functionality and performance, it has become the industry leader.

We will not be able to break into the massive medical marijuana market. Indeed, internet markets do keep tabs on the selling of tobacco and drugs. To find visually beautiful websites nowadays is a major undertaking.

The little California hamlet of Needles served as a major rest area along the historic Route 66 that ran between Arizona and California. Needles is home to a number of establishments, including the Healing Centre Weed Dispensary. Both of these locations might be in California. This region of California is unique because of all that is here. The odds of both of these places being in California are rather high. Strangely enough, the same structure houses not one but two cannabis dispensaries. It is the right thing to do to see the local talent. Each premium cannabis product has been hand-picked for our dispensary according to the specific advantages it provides. Feel free to make use of our search option at your leisure. You can find all of these things at our dispensary. A wide variety of cannabis products, including flower, extracts, candies, and more, are offered at the Healing Centre. No matter what kind of cannabis product you're after, this is crucial. Despite including all the necessary terms, our cannabis study is still unable to predict how long your disease will last. Please accept our deepest apologies if this is problematic for you. Our sincerest apologies if this was inconvenient in any way. You can have faith in this guarantee because it guarantees a pleasant and trouble-free transaction. Think about this if you're considering an online cannabis purchase. It would be completely irresponsible to ignore this.

Any inquiries you may have regarding our services can be answered by our kind and educated team. Your hospitality in letting us tour their showrooms is really appreciated. If you could kindly accept our invitation, we would be eternally grateful. To peruse our extensive selection and obtain up-to-date suggestions, visit any of these locations. At the Healing Centre dispensary, your health and happiness are our top priorities. Our greatest cannabis experience ever awaits us if we remain on Route 66. You are cordially invited. Having you there would be the most incredible blessing for us. If there's anything we can do for you, don't hesitate to contact us.

Facilitate the purchase of cannabis through internet marketplaces and dispensaries. Pay close attention to these instructions.

Take a look at our menu here at the Healing Centre dispensary to start the ordering process for cannabis goods for pickup. A lot of work could be saved if you could gather all the necessary information beforehand needles dispensary You are welcome to contact us at any hour of the day or night. Check out this different way of putting it. Once you've settled on a plan, picking out the components and amounts is as easy as dragging and dropping. A mastery of the art of twisting the key to start the engine will put all your problems to rest. Consider this more carefully if your handbags are on the pricier side.

We greatly appreciate your timely appearance to retrieve the things. If you follow the right procedures after you find them, you will be prepared. If you would like your order to be completed accurately, please fill out this form entirely. This request is necessary in order to finish the order. New users will be asked to provide identity when they sign up, while existing users will have full access to all functions. We will provide the user access to their account after the verification procedure is finished. They are unable to participate in the verification process due to a lack of proper credentials.

We will schedule garbage pickup at your curbside once we get your approval. When your order is prepared for pickup, we will send you a text message to let you know.

Here you can find all the information you need to know about the proper use of our cannabis products. We kindly ask for your full focus and attention. This is something we'd like to emphasise multiple times. Surely this is the deciding factor in their destiny.