#McLain Legacy

[hmurillo]

Blog Post #10

What impact have online communities created?

The impact of online communities is vast and complex. The article “Ethnic Online Communities: Between Profit and Purpose” states that communities, whether real-life or new breeds, tend to impact individuals and society as a whole. This forms everything from individual relationships to global movements. While they can offer unprecedented opportunities for connection, learning, and social change, they still come with significant challenges related to mental health, misinformation, and online toxicity. As online communities continue to evolve, their effects on society will likely be shaped by both the positive aspects of digital connection and the emerging issues surrounding privacy, regulation, and ethical use.

What is #Gamergate?

The article, “What is Gamergate, and Why? An Explainer for Non-Geeks”, illustrates #Gamergate as an online movement that claims to focus on promoting ethics in video game journalism and defending the identity of gamers. The game quickly diverged from its original focus to becoming associated with harassment, misogyny, and a broader culture war surrounding the gaming community. These issues have caused discussions in regard to the intersection of gaming, social justice, and online discourse.

Has #Gamergate still been able to be successful?

Although #Gamergate has had many self-contradictory positions, it has still been able to succeed in some ways. #GamerGate succeeded in drawing attention to certain ethical issues in gaming journalism and in motivating a faction of gamers who felt their identity was under attack. However, the overwhelming legacy of harassment, misogyny, and division has made it difficult to view the movement as a success.

How can online communities be perceived as powerful?

In online communities, people are able to interact with each other and build relationships around the most compelling tie which is race and ethnicity making communities powerful. While this power can be used for positive, transformative purposes, such as advocacy for social justice or support for marginalized groups, it can also be a way to end harassment or the spread of misinformation. The impact of online communities has the potential for great empowerment for individuals and society.

McLaine, Steven. Ethnic Online Communities

Hathaway, Jay. What is Gamergate, and why? An Explainer for Non-Geeks

[kaylinalexanderbooks]

For my Seven Stations ask game, the twins, Ruthlessness and Ambition?

Hello, thanks for the ask! (From ask game based on MK's Seven Station Chronicles)

Ruthlessness: how far would your character go to win a competition?

I was general with this here, but I'll talk about Atsila now.

Atsila McLain was the leader of the Aequales. Her ambition and drive had no rivals. She would stop at nothing to get what she wanted and come up on top. Make sacrifices, burn bridges, ruin relationships entirely, manipulate, etc.

In a competitive setting, Atsila would show no mercy. Even if it was stupid or low stakes. Atsila would spin anything into a competition. She had to win at everything.

She would do anything to win.

Ambition: what motivates your character? If someone wanted to convince them to do something, what would be the easiest way to do it?

I guess we're talking about Atsila. She has a very strong vision of the future with a powerful breadth to it.

However, Atsila mainly craves significance. She has to prove her worth. She believes fully that she can do it. If you could convince her that doing X thing would prove her worth and significance, would leave behind a big legacy, she will do what you say.

Though I'd be careful. She'll run you over in a heartbeat.

TSP intro

TSP tag list (ask to be +/-): @thepeculiarbird @illarian-rambling @televisionjester @finchwrites

@nebula--nix @literarynecromancy @honeybewrites

[teammclain]

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[barbiesimadventures]

Join here for the adventures of Barbie Sim (aka Eris Nyx) who is just here, living her Extra™️ Barbie Life like she is the Anakin Skywalker of Barbie Sims. She got nicknamed Barbie Sim when I made literally everything she owned some shade of magenta, and despite the fact that I love her absurd name (and I think the Goddess would approve of the chaos!) I still call Eris “Barbie Sim” in my head, so that’s what she’s gonna be called.

I have been thinking of making some kind of simblr for a long, long time, and was finally convinced to do it because there were actual people enjoying this absurdity that I posted as humor when I realized how I was leaning into the pinkness of this blonde Sim I made. Some posts may be about other Sims I have going, and I may post my progress on the Soul Sickness challenge here, too, but I promise I’m a good tagger!

I will post a mods & CC Masterlist at some point in the near future, but I can pretty much promise that most of the shit I use comes from PralineSims, MySimRealty, nraas (bless them), Nightcrawler, treeag, douglasviega, and Around the Sims3. Like I said, full mod & CC list incoming. I might even post up a list of my nraas settings because unlike all the people I’ve seen who post theirs, I don’t do rotational gameplay, and there aren’t a lot (or any easily findable) settings pages from people who just play one household in a town.

I’ll also post a list of tags as they’re created so you can blacklist if you want to avoid seeing Barbie Sim’s Soul Sickness run, attempt #97 (I finally made a damn Notion page for the fucking complicated ruleset because FUCK I could never keep track of the difference between a Farmer and a Provisioner! Might do the same for the Legacy Challenge because I’m using Notion for goddamn everything these days!)

Barbie Sim has been so fun in the few days I’ve been playing her that I’m super likely to recreate her and play her as one of my main characters for that Soul Sickness challenge, and while I’m not a Fallout fan (nor do I dislike it, I’ve just never been interested enough to play the games), the Vault-Tec challenge looks pretty fucking awesome, too! I’m not about to do them both in the same world, I don’t hate myself that much, my dudes, but I do use Overwatch to export my tuning files/settings for the rest of my nraas mods so that I don’t have to spend the whole first five hours re-setting them. Haven’t gotten to it with Story Progression, yet, but a lot of my settings were based on SarahSims, who I won’t tag because I don’t t know them and I’d feel weird? I might have taken it to a different place on certain things (like making harvesting plants take way less time dammit) and PleasantSims.

This post is under construction, is basically what I’m saying here and probably always will be as I adjust my gameplay over time.

But one thing that is never going to change is that my language is never gonna be “family” friendly, unless yours and mine are a lot alike and the word “fuck” drops from everyone’s mouth. I laughed my ass off the day my kid got a Critical Mission Failure in Mass Effect and dropped a muttered “fuck” right after. I also use some skins and such which have actual nipples, and I don’t use the mosaic blur (except on children, yikes). So I’m probably going to end up marking this simblr as NSFW and just post away, but I’ll wait until the first time my nude sims show up.

I also play a lot of sims that are inspired by and named for various fandom characters (I’ve got an Ember McLain sim from Danny Phantom who is a fairy because I don’t like playing as a ghost in-game and I’ve had a lot of fun getting her to the finish line of her career). I play a lot of fairy sims, tbh, because I like the extended lifespan. I am Attached to every sim I make. They’re almost always one I downloaded and then altered (and I sometimes really want to ask the original creators WTF they were smoking when picking out clothing for those sims, especially the ones that come with CC that I’d never download in a million years if it hadn’t come with the sim!). So, like, don’t be surprised if a lot of my male sims look like Thor, is what I’m saying here! I turned a PralineSims Gwen Stefani into Darcy Lewis and I think I did a great job! I’m never worried about total accuracy when it comes to the face, my dudes. If my sims are pretty to me, and they are close enough to the original that I’m gonna know who they are meant to be? That’s good enough.

I don’t create things, I’m sorry. I’m not here to make shiny things because I don’t know how, though I’ll probably reblog those that do because maybe I’ll be able to find them again, too. I’m just here to chronicle Barbie Sim and her adventures, along with my adventures into various challenges. I am honestly expecting 0 follows on this, so if you’re here and reading this hella long intro and you still wanna stick around? I am 100% in love with you.

Barbie Sim and I will return soon for fun and laughs in pink. Lots and lots of pink.

Love, luck, & lollipops,

Neph (that’s me, Barbie Sim’s Simmer)

[simmersretreat]

Generation 1 Is Born | Generation 0/1

It took most of the day and a little of the next. Though, with Devin by Sophie's side supporting her through it all, she got through it; and they welcomed a baby girl named Emery McLain.

Emery McLain will be Generation 1; the official start of my legacy challenge. Also, please ignore that she's in her normal shirt and not the hospital gown. She changed into her normal clothes at some point, and I couldn't put her back into the hospital gown.

[writeleg1ant]

Unveiling the Secrets of Literary Legends: Novels about Famous Authors

Outline of the Article - Introduction - The Allure of Novels about Famous Authors - "The Paris Wife" by Paula McLain - Background of Paula McLain - Exploring the Relationship Between Ernest Hemingway and Hadley Richardson - Overview of Hemingway's Literary Legacy - A Glimpse into the Novel's Plot - Paula McLain's Unique Writing Style - Similar Novels That Illuminate Literary Icons - Examples and Brief Descriptions - Capturing the Essence of Historical Periods - Why Readers Are Drawn to Novels About Famous Authors - The Impact of Real-Life Stories in Fiction - Immersive Reading Experience - Connecting with the Personal Side of Literary Legends - Critics' Reviews and Public Reception - Exploring Paula McLain's Literary Gems: A Reading Odyssey - Conclusion - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Unveiling the Secrets of Literary Legends: Novels about Famous Authors Renowned authors have always held a certain mystique, with readers yearning to peek behind the curtain and discover the stories within the story. In the realm of literature, novels about famous authors offer a captivating journey into the lives of literary legends, providing insights into their personal struggles, triumphs, and the creative processes that birthed iconic works. One such compelling novel that shines a light on a legendary writer's life is "The Paris Wife" by Paula McLain. The Allure of Novels about Famous Authors There's an undeniable allure in exploring the lives of famous authors through the lens of fiction. It's a chance to unravel the complexities of their minds, witness the events that shaped their masterpieces, and delve into the emotions that fueled their creativity. Novels about famous authors bridge the gap between reality and imagination, offering readers a unique perspective on the individuals who have shaped the literary landscape. "The Paris Wife" by Paula McLain At the heart of this exploration is Paula McLain's "The Paris Wife," a novel that takes readers back to the vibrant literary scene of 1920s Paris. Before delving into the intricacies of the novel, it's essential to understand the background of the author, Paula McLain. A skilled wordsmith, McLain has carved her niche in historical fiction, bringing to life the untold stories of remarkable women. Exploring the Relationship Between Ernest Hemingway and Hadley Richardson "The Paris Wife" revolves around the tumultuous relationship between Ernest Hemingway and his first wife, Hadley Richardson. To appreciate the depth of this narrative, it's crucial to grasp Hemingway's enduring legacy in the literary world. Hemingway, known for his concise and impactful writing style, left an indelible mark on 20th-century literature. A Glimpse into the Novel's Plot "The Paris Wife" skillfully weaves a tapestry of love, ambition, and betrayal. McLain's portrayal of Hemingway and Richardson's relationship captures the heady atmosphere of Jazz Age Paris, offering a poignant glimpse into the challenges faced by the couple. Paula McLain's Unique Writing Style What sets Paula McLain apart as an author is her ability to breathe life into historical figures. Her meticulous research and evocative prose transport readers to a bygone era, making the characters and their struggles palpable. McLain's unique writing style infuses authenticity into the narrative, immersing readers in the sights, sounds, and emotions of 1920s Paris. Similar Novels That Illuminate Literary Icons While "The Paris Wife" stands out, there are other literary gems that illuminate the lives of famous authors. From "Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald" by Therese Anne Fowler to "Loving Frank" by Nancy Horan, these novels offer readers a diverse array of narratives that go beyond the public personas of literary icons. Capturing the Essence of Historical Periods One of the charms of novels about famous authors is their ability to capture the essence of historical periods. Whether it's the roaring 1920s or the bohemian atmosphere of the Beat Generation, these novels serve as time machines, transporting readers to pivotal moments in literary history. Why Readers Are Drawn to Novels About Famous Authors The allure of peeking behind the curtain of fame is irresistible. Readers are drawn to the vulnerability of literary legends, discovering the human side behind the towering intellect. Novels about famous authors satisfy the curiosity about the lives behind the words, offering a nuanced portrayal of the creative process. The Impact of Real-Life Stories in Fiction Real-life stories serve as a rich tapestry for fiction, providing a foundation of truth upon which authors can build imaginative narratives. Novels about famous authors benefit from this blend, creating a compelling fusion of fact and fiction that resonates with readers on a deeper level. Immersive Reading Experience The immersive reading experience provided by novels about famous authors transcends traditional storytelling. Readers find themselves not only engrossed in a captivating plot but also forming emotional connections with characters who are, in essence, real people. Connecting with the Personal Side of Literary Legends Beyond the literary accomplishments, these novels allow readers to connect with the personal side of literary legends. The insecurities, love affairs, and moments of self-discovery humanize these iconic figures, fostering empathy and understanding. Critics' Reviews and Public Reception "The Paris Wife" and similar novels have garnered both critical acclaim and public admiration. Critics praise the meticulous research, evocative storytelling, and the seamless blend of fact and fiction. Public reception reflects a hunger for narratives that peel back the layers of fame and reveal the humanity within literary legends. Exploring Paula McLain's Literary Gems: A Reading Odyssey Paula McLain, a maestro of historical fiction, has gifted readers with a treasure trove of literary gems that span across eras and personalities. One of her standout works, "The Paris Wife," delves into the complex relationship between Ernest Hemingway and Hadley Richardson, capturing the ambiance of 1920s Paris. Another compelling addition to McLain's repertoire is "Circling the Sun," a riveting exploration of the life of aviator and author Beryl Markham, unveiling the untold facets of this remarkable woman. In "Love and Ruin," McLain shifts her narrative lens to Martha Gellhorn, an intrepid war correspondent and Hemingway's third wife. This novel unfolds against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War and World War II, providing a poignant glimpse into Gellhorn's indomitable spirit. McLain's storytelling prowess extends to "The Aviator's Wife," a vivid portrayal of Anne Morrow Lindbergh's life as the wife of famed aviator Charles Lindbergh. This novel navigates the challenges faced by Lindbergh and her role as a pioneering aviator in her own right. From the African plains in "Circling the Sun" to the battlefields of war-torn Europe in "Love and Ruin," Paula McLain's novels offer a rich tapestry of historical exploration, intricate character studies, and immersive storytelling. Each book stands as a testament to McLain's ability to resurrect the past and infuse it with palpable emotions, creating an unforgettable reading experience for those who embark on this literary odyssey. Conclusion In conclusion, novels about famous authors open a portal to the intimate worlds of literary icons. "The Paris Wife" by Paula McLain stands as a testament to the power of storytelling, offering readers a front-row seat to the complex relationship between Ernest Hemingway and Hadley Richardson. As readers immerse themselves in these narratives, they not only gain insights into the lives of famous authors but also embark on a literary journey that transcends time. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: What inspired Paula McLain to write "The Paris Wife"? Paula McLain drew inspiration from the captivating but often overlooked story of Hadley Richardson, the first wife of Ernest Hemingway. Intrigued by Richardson's perspective, McLain embarked on a journey to illuminate the untold aspects of her life. Q2: Are novels about famous authors historically accurate? While novels about famous authors incorporate historical facts, authors often take creative liberties to enhance the storytelling. The goal is to offer a captivating narrative that resonates with readers while staying true to the essence of the characters' lives. Q3: Are there other novels by Paula McLain worth exploring? Absolutely! Paula McLain has crafted other compelling novels, such as "Circling the Sun," which explores the life of aviator and author Beryl Markham. Readers interested in McLain's distinct storytelling style will find her other works equally engaging. Q4: What makes "The Paris Wife" a standout novel in this genre? "The Paris Wife" stands out for its meticulous research, vivid portrayal of characters, and the immersive depiction of 1920s Paris. Paula McLain's ability to humanize literary giants like Hemingway adds depth to the novel. Q5: Why are readers fascinated by the lives of famous authors? The fascination with the lives of famous authors stems from a desire to understand the individuals behind the literary masterpieces. Readers seek to connect with the human experiences, struggles, and triumphs that shaped the creative minds behind the words. Q6: What is the book "The Paris Wife" about? "The Paris Wife," penned by Paula McLain, is a riveting historical novel that unravels the tumultuous relationship between renowned American author Ernest Hemingway and his first wife, Hadley Richardson. Set against the vibrant backdrop of 1920s Paris, the novel explores the highs and lows of their marriage, delving into the challenges faced by the couple as they navigate the literary and artistic circles of the time. McLain artfully captures the ambiance of the Jazz Age, providing readers with a poignant and immersive portrayal of the complex dynamics between Hemingway and Richardson. Q7: How long is "The Paris Wife"? "The Paris Wife" spans approximately 336 pages, offering readers a substantial yet engaging exploration of the lives of its central characters, Ernest Hemingway and Hadley Richardson. Within these pages, Paula McLain weaves a rich narrative that not only delves into the intricacies of the couple's relationship but also paints a vivid picture of the cultural milieu of 1920s Paris. Q8: What is the book about Hemingway's third wife? The novel "Love and Ruin" by Paula McLain centers around the life of Martha Gellhorn, who becomes the third wife of the iconic American writer Ernest Hemingway. Set against the backdrop of significant historical events, including the Spanish Civil War and World War II, the book provides a gripping account of Gellhorn's experiences as a war correspondent and her tumultuous relationship with Hemingway. McLain skillfully intertwines historical facts with fiction, offering readers an intimate and emotionally charged portrayal of Gellhorn's journey. Q9: Where does author Paula McLain live? As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, Paula McLain resides in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. However, it's essential to verify this information as authors' living situations may change. Q10: Does Paula McLain have children? Yes, Paula McLain has children. She has two daughters named Honora and Theresa, and their experiences as McLain's children are detailed in her memoir, "Like Family: Growing Up in Other People's Houses." Q11: Is "Circling the Sun" fiction? Yes, "Circling the Sun" is a work of historical fiction authored by Paula McLain. The novel explores the life of Beryl Markham, a pioneering aviator, and McLain combines historical facts with imaginative storytelling to bring Markham's story to life. Q12: Who wrote "The Paris Wife"? "The Paris Wife" was written by Paula McLain. The novel, published in 2011, garnered widespread acclaim for its compelling portrayal of the relationship between Ernest Hemingway and his first wife, Hadley Richardson, during their time in 1920s Paris. Read the full article

[estoniansimmer]

After a year of dating Emory decided it’s time to ask Hallie to marry him.

[hadesisgae-blog]

lance: god, what am i?

pidge: *from another galaxy* a queer!

lance: ok thanks god

[spacegaysarenicer]

Girl, do you even lift?

[dreamillqq]

Mum: Give me your phone

Me:

Me: Alright, wait a sec

[littlemissnellie]

Theo landed on the thinly carpeted floor with a dull thud. Gritty dust swarmed around him and pain shot up his spine. Some of that dust must have flown into his eye, he wasn’t crying. It wasn’t the pain, it wasn’t the humiliation, it was the dust. Yes, the dust.

Either way, whether he could convince himself or not, he was not about to let Kory or Keanu see. But they were too busy laughing to notice. Somehow that hurt more than the kick to the stomach had.

“I think you need a refund on those glasses, dumbass,” Kory snorted. “Can’t even see where you’re going.”

Theo’s cheeks flushed red as the boys’ cackles and sneering looks bore into his body. He wanted nothing more that that dusty, library carpet to swallow him up. At least then he wouldn’t have to face anyone again after this. 

Kory‘s hands clenched into fists as he set another look of spiteful determination on his face. Theo swallowed a gasp, scrunched up his eyes and tried to hide his face. If he was going to get his again, he didn’t want to have to see it coming too. 

But Kory just smirked at Keanu and let out a large, venomous guffaw. “What a wimp. If you don’t want to get beat up, Theo, don’t make it so easy for us.”

They stalked out of the library, wearing their cruel bravado and smug smiles like victory medals. Theo could just about make out the words “It’s like he wants to get bullied” above the drumming of blood in his ears. 

His head felt like it would explode; it couldn’t comprehend everything that had just happened. It couldn’t properly process the pain, it couldn’t understand everything the two boys had said...it didn’t dare to. 

He felt like the apple Dylan had accidentally knocked from the stand in the supermarket at the weekend, bruised and unwanted. Dylan had cried when it happened because he felt so bad...Theo felt like crying too, he just wished he was Dylan’s age so it wouldn’t be as embarrassing. 

His body crumpled in on itself as he pulled his knees up to his chest and he buried his face in the fabric of his jeans. He was like one of the pieces of paper he scrapped when he went wrong with one of his stories...he was a failure. 

“Th-Theo?” George stammered from the computer chair. He’d been on the receiving end of Kory and Keanu’s animosity before, he knew how he felt...he just hadn’t had the guts to stand up for him, and neither had Jude. And now their best friend was a trembling heap on the floor. 

“You okay, du-”

Theo didn’t let Jude finish his question; all of them were already more than aware of what his answer would be.

He grabbed his backpack and scrambled to his feet before running out of the library, away from his friends, away from that room, away from the bullies... But he couldn’t seem to be able to run far enough away from the memory of it. He had some nasty bruises that just loved to remind him. One across his lower back, one at the side of his stomach and one across his heart. That one hurt the most.

[kaylinalexanderbooks]

Sort of...?

God this is so complicated which is why writing Part One is so hard. Like how do I explain all of this. Why must I overcomplicate things. How much of this do I reveal in Part One?? This is a five book long series!!! I have so long to develop the themes and complex plot but like...how to divide it up? I feel like there's so much exposition in Part One, but also I'm not sure what needs explaining Now. Tweaking things to try and get the exact effect I want to have....damn it's hard. I'm constantly making minor little changes in an attempt to do this. Am I doing a good job? Well, I know I'm getting better, which is good. I also know that I need to get even better.

My response was very long, so TLDR: Alii kids from our side coming through the portal is unavoidable, it just happens. Jedi and Carmen are shady and trying to uphold a legacy, so yes they did manipulate some variables to get the kids here.

Okay, strap in. I explained it the best I can. Also may have accidentally inserted some anxieties and concerns cause it's 1am and I'm sinking into despair. Sorry, I ended up going on a tangent. I did mark the rambling though.

What happens is that Alii from our side (called Ceteri) around becoming a teenager makes their cells essentially go "wait... I'm in the wrong dimension..." and will just kinda stumble across a portal. Unavoidable. Ash was having a birthday party so uh oh very large group of people went.

Jedi and Carmen are doing their bullshit of attempting to continue on the legacy of someone they should not be trying to continue the legacy of, Atsila. A couple things cause this is complicated:

With the prejudice of the non-powered Inutilia, two groups emerged. One that was like "fuck the oppressors! Let's uproot the government and replace it with our own so the oppressors can get a taste of their own medicine!" (The Refugae, led by Raissa Kamanzi, an actual Inutilia, problematic, another can of worms to unpack that I'm not gonna do) and "hey maybe we can solve this matter peacefully" (the Aequales, led by Atsila McLain, not Inutilia, problematic, hypocrite)

Jedi and Carmen are both Inutilia, but they didn't agree with Raissa's methods. They, specifically Carmen, were close to Atsila - too close to see her problems, especially Carmen. They interpreted her as doing the best she could to help them.

But part of what Atsila wanted was training Alii around age 10-13+ in order to have them be able to fight in a dangerous world with full control of their powers. She also was scientifically minded and wanted a long-running study of power development.

Atsila is dead now.

So BASICALLY because young middle school aged Alii are coming through the portal in swarms and no one can truly stop it, Jedi and Carmen decide to uphold point #3 and train some kids to use their powers and also do long-term studies. However if you approached a middle schooler with this they'd obviously not come with you, so some, uh, problematic measures develop.

Don't worry! It's done with parental consent! I like joking about this, but it's half true. Basically Alii on Ceteri kinda keep tabs on the Alii in this dimension and those connected to Carmen and Jedi are like "hey btw just so you know, your child will pass through the portal sometime this year haha... they can't control it so we're just gonna take a few blood samples, we're so curious about the affects of growing up on Ceteri, and we'll also invite them to this self defense and power training weekend club! Is it ok if we do this?"

Is this shady? Yes. Yes it is, glad you asked.

Admittedly making tweaks to this as I go because I wrote the situation then had to explain the situation because I was 14 when I wrote this part.

But most of the parents of the core cast actually knew Atsila, Carmen, and Jedi personally so they're like "ok they can be trusted" which is...half true. Yeah they won't do anything worse than this, but they also y'know did that. And from the kids' perspective it's like "wait we were kidnapped" until they get everything explained and even then it's a lot to take in. But this is why the main team isn't as big as it could be - only those with pre-existing relatively positive connections stayed. Part of it was just like "hey I'd like to learn some superpowers hehe" and also general curiosity of their origins.

Part of the themes that are developed as the series goes on all kinda comes back to this. Watching what people do vs what they say, blindly following parents, parental projection of trauma, fatal flaws in loved ones, corruption of childhood innocence, indoctrination, etc.. More, somehow, but that's the relevant stuff. Part of the reason I have many POVs is so I can truly tackle a variety of perspectives.

Okay rambling starts here.

Problem is my story is five books long. It's pretty continuous too? But no one is gonna pick up a novel that long, so I must split into parts. That is why I call them Part One not Book One. How to develop the themes at a pace that seems reasonable? Cause like everything makes sense and clicks into place eventually. But I don't want book one to be 120k words of me explaining shit. How can I signal to the readers "don't worry I'm getting there!!"

So have I written myself into a corner? Eh I think not, but it's certainly a difficult position to be in. The story I ended up writing was far more complex than I wanted it to be initially. It just kinda exploded, as I kept asking myself the question of "why? Why would they do this?" And that answer would expand the story even more. There are still questions I'm answering. And at its core, TSP is an exploration of these themes on different characters in a variety of situations.

It also doesn't help that TSP has existed for so long. I was TEN when the first draft happened. So I don't know what made this general concept stick, but I've redone it and backtracked and backpedaled and gone in circles. It's kinda hard to find what needs to stay and what may need to go.

I've gotten so far into this project and every so often I sink into a pit of "am I doing this right?" I love TSP, I love the characters, I love using them as vessels to let out any internal issues I have, I really like the themes. But I do wonder, the full series may have the bigger picture, but how do I balance the individual installments? Is the pacing okay?? Is what I want to come across actually coming across??? Is it too complicated???? Should I switch to third person entirely despite working so hard for distinct voices?????

Which is why I'm desperate for betas just to give me something. And I appreciate so much of the feedback I've been given.

I try to keep this blog positive because I genuinely love writing and I love my WIPs. So this is a bit out of the ordinary for me but I guess I needed a vent for this topic.

Genuinely believe "write the story you want to tell" but the problem is how do I tell it?

Ugh I need to go to bed

Sorry I took this post off the rails MK I enjoy your comments idk what happened

Find the word

Thanks @aziz-reads for the tag!

Rules: find the words given in your WIPs, then tag people with more words!

My words: frame, vain, stake, fix

Your words: refuse, beam, own, product

Softly tagging with no pressure @mk-writes-stuff @sleepywriter00 @nailamoonsi @somethingclevermahogony @eccaiia @bread-roses-and-chrome @gottestod-writes + anyone else

TSP intro

TSP tag list (ask to be +/-): @thepeculiarbird @illarian-rambling @televisionjester @finchwrites

Keep reading for:

Rose's home life (CW: neglectful parent)

Akash is happy Gwen pissed Carmen off

Robbie and Lexi meet

Debate about screen brightness

Frame - The Secret Portal Part One (Rose POV)

I let out a high-pitched grunt of annoyance before stomping off to my room. A part of me knew she was right. I should’ve brought my keys as a backup plan. She wasn't reliable anyway. As I opened the door to my room, I glanced back at my mother as she sat back on the couch, watching the telenovela that was playing. I turned away, slamming the door to my room behind me, hoping my mother would tell me I wasn't allowed to do that. But there was no correction. I tossed my backpack to the side harshly. It slammed into the wall and knocked a picture frame down to the floor. I bent down and picked quickly hung it back up so I wouldn’t have to look at my three-month-old self in my mom’s smiling arms as my smiling dad had his arm wrapped around her. My room was the only splash of color in this house—the only part of my house that deserved to be called home. My art supplies got their own shelf and were organized the way I want. My projects I kept in my sketchbook, which I never showed my mom. She didn’t like the way I decorated my room or any of my designs. She loved to tell me I needed to apply myself to school as much as my art. But even if I did apply myself more in school, she wouldn’t notice. I collapsed onto my bed and screamed into the pillow, then lay there for a couple of minutes, taking in the scent.

Vain Cocky (closest synonym) - from The Secret Portal Part One (Gwen POV)

I’d overheard Dr. Moon say something about “powers,” so maybe that’s what he meant. It sounded strange, but Akash was floating. Dr. Moon said that I could be showing “several” abilities, so that was weird, too. Did I have a power? Context alone indicated that. They didn’t see me…. My mind spun, so I looked back at Akash as I followed him down the next hall. At first, I thought he was being cocky and showing off his strange, supernatural ability, but that demeanor seemed only a façade—nothing more. Maybe flying was simply that fun. Or maybe I was distracted because he was cute, but I didn’t think I was that shallow. “So, Gwen,” Akash said, turning around to fly backward. “Where’re you from?” “Clear Lake City,” I said. “Texas.” Akash smiled. “Southlake. Up near Dallas. How cool is it we’re both from Texas?” I stared at him. “You’re not from here?” I didn’t exactly know where here was, but all the same, I could figure I wasn’t in Texas anymore. Akash stopped mid-flight, causing me to abruptly halt. “No. Dr. Moon and Dr. Asghar only take Alii from our side. Ceteri. That’s what they call it.” He raised his eyebrow. “Didn’t they tell you?” “No. They kidnapped us and locked us in this purple-glowing-thing. The dampener? Is that what you said?” Akash nodded. “What did they do?” Akash rolled his eyes. “Yeah, that’s how they got me and my buddy, Robbie. They’re actually okay once you get to know them. Questionable methods, but their hearts, I know how it sounds, are in the right place. Hey, what powers do you have?” “Powers?” I repeated. My thought was right. “Yeah,” said Akash. “You’re Alii, aren’t you?” “I have no idea what you’re saying,” I admitted. “What does Alii mean? One of the doctors mentioned that. Is it Latin?” Akash scrunched his eyebrows. “You don’t know? Dr. Asghar never releases anyone unless they’ve been briefed.” “Oh, I, uh, sorta escaped,” I stuttered. Akash stared at me. “You got away from them?” I nodded, and to my surprise, Akash laughed, clapping his hands together. “I knew someone would do it one day! Dr. Asghar must be pissed!”

(Mi)Stake - from The Secret Portal Part One (Lexi POV)

I grunted as a sudden force ran into me, knocking me to the ground. I yelped and scrambled out from underneath the person and clambered to my feet, trembling from the unexpected touch. “Am I that repulsive to you?” a teasing voice said. I turned to look at the person who ran into me: a teenage boy a year or so older than me. It took me a second to collect myself. “No,” I said as he stood. “It just… freaked me out.” The boy was about average height for his age and had a slim, but fit, frame. He had thick dark hair framing his face and big, dark eyes framed by wire-thin glasses. His hair was cut relatively short, but his bangs were somewhat long—parted on the right. He laughed. “Freaked me out, too.” He crossed his arms. “So… are you one of Gwen’s friends?” “You know Gwen?” I asked, standing in surprise. “What is she doing here?” “Sorta, I met her an hour… and maybe a half ago, I dunno what time it is—-passed out due to,” he gestured to the charred walls, “the explosion.” “Wait, are you Robert Stafford?” “No, actually, I’m Stobert Rafford—common mistake.” I blinked. The boy kept eye contact with a straight face. His mouth twitched. The delay stopped as I cachinnated—that was a fun word. The boy joined in. “Sorry, that was stupid.” “No, no, it wasn't,” I said as I tried to compose myself. “Yeah, it was, I’m laughing at my own joke.” “Okay, fine, it was stupid, but that’s why it was funny.” He smiled, dark eyes shining. “Finally, someone gets it!”

Fix - from The Secret Portal Part One (Akash POV)

SORARA’s voice announced the Recruits entering the door, and I instinctively fixed my cap to make sure it was on correctly. “—way too bright,” Lexi was saying as she turned the corner into the living room. “You’ll melt your retinas.” “I need to be blinded by the screen,” Gwen was saying. “If I’m not, it’s too dark.” “I’m starting to see why you needed glasses.” Gwen laughed, and her eyes landed on mine, now slightly obscured by new rectangular black glasses. I instinctively raised my hand to rub it through my hair but it ended up hitting the hat instead, pushing it slightly back. I tried to fix it again. Of course, Gwen’s new fashion statement looks cute while I look like the biggest dork on the planet. She smiled at me. I raised my hand in greeting. “Robbie!” Lexi said, snapping me back. “Let me see your phone!” “Huh? Okay.” Robbie shifted to reach into his pocket to pull out his phone. He handed it to her but she shook her head. “Just turn it on and show me the screen.” Robbie did as told, causing Lexi to laugh triumphantly. “Ha! That’s not that bright, and he wears glasses.” Gwen shrugged.

[sims4stories]

The Cell - No Escape

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[ezra-phoenix]

Friends

[simmersretreat]

Sim Introduction: Devin McLain

Backstory

Devin McLain and Sophie McLain were High School sweethearts. They ended up getting married shortly after graduating, and things between them started to fall apart. They'd get into arguments more often over little things, and even over bigger things like Sophie's goal to make it big as an actress. Devin is a much more laidback guy, and would rather not be anywhere close to the spotlight. Though she honestly doesn't care what he wants, because it's her life. She plans to achieve her goal, even if it means losing him in the process. He's much more of the settle-down and have-a-family type guy, which is a big reason why they clash.

Traits

Ambitious

Romantic

Family-Oriented

Aspiration

Soulmate

Outro

Thank you all so much for reading about Devin! He's Generation 0 of the Legacy Challenge I'm creating. Before I post any gameplay screenshots, I thought I'd just share information about the 3 main sims of Generation 0.

[pidgeon-holt]

Klance party AU!

A/N: My boyfriend gave me this idea, originally it was going to be a reader insert, but he gave me this idea and I fell in love with the idea. So shout out to him. By the way if you want to follow me on Ig my name is i.write.fanfic.not.essays

Also thank you for all the follows and love on my headcannons and one shots so far

Prompt: One is at a party(Lance) and someone(Pidge) dares them to flirt with the Pizza guy(Keith)

“Lance, why did I agree to come to this stupid party?” Pidge asked as she fixed her glasses.

“Because Pidge, you need to have more fun.” Lance said as he danced to himself. Pidge looked up at Lance and smacked him lightly on the arm. “Come on try and lighten up.

“I’m not much of a party person and you know this.” Pidge took a sip of her drink. There was a doorbell.

“That must be the pizza.” Lance dug around in his pocket for his money.

“Lance, let’s lighten this up.” Pidge said as she followed Lance to the door. “I will give you ten dollars if you flirt with the pizza person.”

“I shouldn’t take that bet, but if I’m lucky the pizza person will be super hot.” Lance spun around and walked to the door. Lance opened the door smiling as he hoped for a really cute girl, but got a super cute boy with pale skin, black hair and dark grayish, purple eyes. Lance smiled and leaned on the door frame. “Hello, the name’s Lance.”

The black haired boy rolled his eyes and took his pizza out of his bag. “That’ll be twenty-five dollars and forty cents.” Lance took out thirty dollars.

“You know.” Lance took the pizzas from the boy’s arms “You’re even hotter than my pizza.” The boy rolled his eyes as he took out Lance’s change. “My name isn’t Elmo, but you can tickle me anywhere you want to.” the boy shoved the change to Lance and handed him the receipt.

“Sign here.” Lance signed his name on a line and gave it back to the black haired boy. “Can I see your receipt?”

“Sure.” Lance gave the boy the receipt. He took the pen out of Lance’s hand and wrote something on the receipt before he handed the receipt back to Lance. “I get off in half an hour.” he jokingly winked at Lance before walking off. The boy walked off. Leaving Lance smiling to himself out of slight shock and happiness. He looked down at the receipt and saw that the boy wrote his number and his name, Keith. Lance stuffed it in his front pocket and walked back into the party.

“Pidge!” He called out. “You owe me ten dollars! You should also give me extra money since I got a name and a phone number!”

Hunk stood next to Lance talking about his amazing score with the boy Keith. Suddenly there was a door bell again. “I got it” Pidge said as she opened the door. In front of Pidge was the same boy with black hair and purple grey eyes.

“Hi,” Keith said. “Is the boy from earlier still here?” Pidge sighed and called out for Lance. Lance walked over to the door and was shocked to see the boy, Keith, from earlier.

“Wow,” Lance says to himself. “I didn’t expect you to come back.” Lance moved out of the way. “Would you like to come in?”

“Sure.”

A/N: IDK if I’m going to do a part two to this, but I may. Y’all tell me. Should I do a part two where Lance and Keith are talking or should I do one where Keith and Lance are already together and are talking about life and stuff.

EDIT :I decided to do a part two of this. I think I may put this into two more parts, but it depends on how part two goes.