#then I google effects/features I want to include in my novel and try to get the code to work

[spicymotte]

what making a visual novel feels like tbh

[calligraphic-tac]

Hey, saw your reblog on a post about writing, and since I had a creative block that lasted about a decade and kept me from writing or drawing, it resonated with me. A lot of things happened to finally get me out of that block, including changing meds, but a big one was just that stupid Comic Sans trick. (And this coming from someone who also loves writing in notebooks!)

Have you heard of it? You just write in Comic Sans, and it makes it impossible to take your writing seriously, so all the dread of the expectation of truly ~writing~ is lifted from you. I amplify the effect by using Notepad++ (no fancy formatting to distract me), using a theme with candy colors (even harder to take seriously), and keeping the window small (just a little things to ramble and jot notes in, not a big important writing document, goodness no, but if some writing should *happen* to happen...).

I also just don't worry about writing a story linearly. I write scenes as they pop into my head, however short, and then I stitch them together later.

As it is, my story still isn't finished (in part because it's the script for an animated series I'm working through animating at the moment)... But, counting all the AU tangents, I've gotten a Moby Dick length corpus out of it and counting, and I've had a hell of a lot of fun. Writing is back to being fun!! And that's all I could have hoped for.

Hey-o! I'm sorry it took me so long to respond. I drift from one thing to another sometimes and I was hyperfocused on Minecraft for a bit there!

I've heard of the Comic Sans trick, but haven't yet tried it. I tend to use Arial myself, since that's the Google Drive default. Might try it on my next story attempt, though, since I'm moving back to Word and pulling my writing off of Drive. (I want to keep my own backups and not worry about what's synced where.)

I also snagged an app on Steam called Nimble Writer that I want to try out. It apparently has some neat features to help with focus, but I haven't really played with it yet beyond booting it up and checking out the UI.

In terms of trying to write, I often find myself in brainstorming documents where I half-outline, half-brainstorm ideas. I get a lot of character backstory by doing that, and a lot of them have turned into full-blown worldbuilding with magic systems and descriptions of fantasy races, geography, weaponry, and so on. So it's not like I don't write anything, but it's not the prose I'd really like to be writing.

There are some other factors. My sibling is living with me. they're only 22, and they're still figuring things out, but there are also a lot of things they could be doing to be a better roommate. I prefer living alone and I knew I would only be able to tolerate them living with me for a little while, but this has gone far beyond that. I won't write that novel in this post, though. Suffice it to say I'm looking for my own place, and I know my creative productivity will vastly improve once I have a space where I can actually decompress after work.

On the linear writing thing: I used to be a panster. I wrote linearly, but I wrote what was fun. I've never written out of order before, but that has more to do with my ability to keep track of what's happened, and it's easier when I do it chronologically. I think I'll try an out-of-order story just to see if it breaks the block, though. Maybe if I break my own mold, I'll find another shape that fits, to follow the metaphor.

One trick I've been tempted to try is to pick one of my very old fanfictions, from back when I was a wordy teenager who had to describe everything in exacting detail, and copy it all down word-for-word until my writer's brain kicks in and diverges with it. I'm not the same person I used to be, so I'd like to think my old self would drive me just crazy enough to force me into action writing something new. Or maybe the same thing but better. Who knows?

On that last point: You're writing a script?! Am I allowed to ask about it? And animating! I've been wanting to relearn how to draw, but animating seems so daunting! I wish you the best of luck!

Thank you for the ask, and for the chance to get some thoughts out. I'll put some of your suggestions to the test and see what happens. :D

[madmadmilk]

I’m submitting this under my main blog (which I normally wouldn’t do, but this is my medical blog so I feel like it fits). Bit of background as to why I’m sending this in: I’m currently a resident physician in the US, working in the ICU this month, taking care of multiple Covid positive patients with varying results. I have done lots of end of life care, but also took care of patients with months long stays who are gonna be struggling with the long term side effects of this until they die, whenever that may be. Apologies for how long this is.

With regards to the vaccine, SARS-CoV-2 (the actual virus itself), and the Covid-19 pandemic, I can greatly appreciate the hesitancy people have about the vaccine and how safe/effective it is. But I really want to clarify some things from the perspective of someone on the frontlines, because I think the information that gets filtered to the public is different than what we get. I’m not gonna go through everything that happens when a person gets admitted for Covid-19 and other issues secondary to the infection, but I do want to talk about the actual amount of people who die. Covid-related deaths are a tricky number to assess because of how you code a death in a patient’s chart. Death certificates and death notes/discharge summaries upon death have a “principle cause” that you check to determine the main reason a person died. Covid can cause a lot of things that can lead to death, but it isn’t always going to be specifically coded as “Covid/Covid-related”. So that makes numbers to work from kind of tricky. But we do have a rough idea of the amount of people who died, and that does help put things into perspective. A quick google search today says that about 350k people have died in the US alone from Covid - that’s about the population of Honolulu, HI or Anaheim CA. That’s more people than live in Pittsburgh or in Newark. More people than Madison WI by about 100k. Basically, it’s a decent US size city amount of people who have died. So, regardless of how infectious you may or may not think it is, that’s way more people than needed to die and doesn’t include all of the people who were sick enough to be in the hospital but somehow managed to survive.

We have evidence to show why this vaccine will work, even if it’s a novel approach. It’s an mRNA vaccine, meaning that all the vaccine does is give your body the IKEA instructions on how to make spike protein, the unique feature of this virus that allows it to bind to cells and get in. Even in the different strains of SARS-CoV-2 that have been discovered, they all share this same spike protein. It is their key to entering cells and it is our key to identifying them. Brief aside about virology because it is inaccurate to compare strains of flu to strains of coronavirus. Firstly, flu is an orthomyxovirus (which is negative-sense single-stranded RNA if you are a science nerd who likes knowing about genomes) and SARS-CoV-2 is a coronavirus (positive-sense single-stranded RNA). Different virus families, different synthesis of genetic material (positive and negative sense is part of the replication process), different proteins that can mutate. It’s a relative but unfair comparison. This is not that, and what the vaccine actually does is using completely different technology to teach your immune system compared to the flu vaccine. These strains are nothing like the different flu strains when it comes to vaccine design.

This vaccine, for all the concerns about possible side effects and how they might impact you, is not as bad as getting the virus. I have had both - got Covid in October from taking care of sick patients and am getting my second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine next week. You, the individual reading this, are the one who has to weigh the risks and benefits for yourself. Because while we might not know all the risks of the vaccine (and we are learning more every single day thanks to the vaccine reporting systems in place throughout the US and abroad where these vaccines are being used), the risks associated with getting sick with Covid are far worse: Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Pulmonary Embolism. Kidney failure. Liver failure. Myocardial infarct. Stroke. Congestive heart failure. New onset heart arrhythmias. I have seen patients without any prior medical history end up with these problems. Healthy, young people in the 20s, 30s, and 40s.

Like you said, Jacky, most people in the general public are not going to have access to it for some time. It will be the most vulnerable populations first along with essential works. Young, healthy people who are considered low risk are not the priority.

Lastly, for anyone who is skeptical because of political reasons, I have this question for you: why, after spending nearly a calendar year denying this pandemic and avoiding any social distancing, did so many conservative members of Congress rush to the head of the line to get their vaccinations first? If they were not afraid of this, why would they risk trying this brand new vaccine out right away?

Thanks for letting me share. Came for your artwork and stayed for the rest :)

--

( submitted by @dogemd )

>>> thank you for this in-depth response! god.... hearing you compare the death/infection counts to whole CITIES? it’s horrifying that we’ve gotten that far. god. we definitely need to be listening to different sources, point of views, and accounts, such as yours!!! thank you for all your hard work, bravery, and tenacity. you’re the absolute best and we appreciate you so, so, so much. stay safe and lots of love to you and yours! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼💕✨

[nanowrimo]

3 Tools for Your Worldbuilder’s Toolkit

Are you new to worldbuilding and looking for some tools that can help you craft the perfect setting for your novel? NaNoWriMo Participant Jaluna Rolik shares some of her favorites with us!

Have you started worldbuilding yet, or are you planning to make it up as you go? Even pantsers should have some idea of the world they’re going to work in before they start! 

Worldbuilding is a long, sometimes tedious, process, but it’s well worth the work. Even if your novel is set in a world that looks very similar to the one we live in, you’re probably going to want to do some worldbuilding to prepare. I generally work in worlds of my own creation. Today, I’d like to share some reasons worldbuilding can be useful, things you can include that might help you, and some (free!) tools that can be a great help in keeping it all together:

1. Keep track of your world’s calendar.

There are lots of reasons to worldbuild. Getting a feel for the cultures and calendar(s) of your world gives you more scenes you can include, ranging from religious festivals and rites to cultural anomalies or troubles that come from the social construct of your system. If you’ve got a lot of different kinds of magic, making a list of spells and methods to use magic can be a great worldbuilding exercise to keep you organized.

A great program for this is Google Sheets. I use it all the time to make calendars! Calendar-making is tedious and tough, but in a fantasy world that probably won’t match up with Earth, making a calendar for yourself so you can see when a character’s birthday is and when holidays come up can help you with events in your story based on the season. This may seem small, but it will help give your readers a more immersive experience.

2. Visualization is your friend.

I have a condition called aphantasia—which means that I have no ability to visualize things in my head. As such, visual constructs in front of me, such as maps, calendars, etc., are extremely vital for me to keep track of things without getting a headache. Thankfully, there are lots  of resources out there to help people like me to worldbuild! I use plenty of different programs to help guide my worldbuilding. Here are some of the tools I use when building up my setting:

Notion is perfect free program for writers. You can either find a template specifically for worldbuilding, or you can make your own with all sorts of features, like lists, images, and even checklists if you think that would help you!

3. Keep your planning notes in order.

Worldbuilding can include almost anything—planning out the species of animals and plants, making languages for the different cultures of the world, time-lining the history of the world, and even denoting how the world was created. It’s all worldbuilding, and it all can have a great effect on your story’s potential! 

Do you find Wikis really useful, or are you a fan of Microsoft Onenote but want a free option? Try CherryTree! It’s very customizable and it’s a great program to make your own nesting lists, note pages, and then some. I  use it a lot, as I have a ton of religions planned out for one world that’s part of a lot of stories. I have the geography basics listed in it, as well, and some plot things, too.

So please, if you’re a planner, plantser, or even pantser, don’t skimp on worldbuilding. Plan anything and everything you think will make your world really feel like a reality for yourself and your readers—it’s sure to give a new layer to your story that will surely wow everyone—even yourself!

Jaluna Rolik was born and raised in New Jersey, and still lives there today. Though her life has certainly had some rough patches, she always does her best to find the positive in life's woes. In her endless free time, she can usually be seen playing video games, writing, or reading manga. She lives with her father, also a writer, who is always helping her through life's mysterious ways. Folllow her on Twitter!

Top photo by Chris Lawton on Unsplash.

[sherrybaby14]

Blue Spiders

A/N:  This is chapter one in a series!  I think it is going to be 3 parts, but if more is requested I do have an outline where I could take it to 10.  (Updates on Thursdays)

Pairing: AU Psychiatrist Steve Rogers x Female Reader

Words:  3700

Summary:  An interview with a charming doctor leads to more

Warnings:  This chapter, mentions of violence and murder, alcohol.  I HAVE NOT WARNED FOR EVERYTHING POSSIBLE.  PLEASE READ AT YOUR OWN RISK.  

   Smoothing out your blazer and squaring your shoulders you rose your fist and knocked on the door.  

   It swung open, taking your breath away at the swiftness of the response.  Your jaw dropped for a moment, but you shook the nerves away, always the professional.  He was more gorgeous in person with blond hair and blue eyes.  The All-American man.

   “Dr. Rogers?”  You asked.  

   “So I’ve been called.”  He stepped to the side.  “Please come in.”

   Your eyes went up at the expanse of his office.  It had a balcony going around the entire space, floor to ceiling in books.  The main floor was open with a huge mahogany desk behind bright windows.  There was a sitting area with two chairs, a couch, and a coffee table.  On the wall hung a giant painting.

   “Is that a Jackson Pollock?”  You were surprised to see such a chaotic artist hung in a therapist’s office.  

   “I know it’s not the traditional calming image you would expect a doctor to hang, but I find it opens people up on the subconscious and allows my patients to see the beauty in madness.”   His voice made the hairs on your body rise, so calm and collected.  

   “Are most of your patients mad?”  You looked over your shoulder to see icy blue eyes taking in your face.  

   “We’re not here to discuss my patients Miss, that is private information.”  He wagged a finger in your face before moving toward the sitting area. “I was very clear when I agreed to the interview.”  

   “Of course, Dr. Rogers.”  You followed and sat down opposite him.  “I am sure my editor went over the basics with you, but this is for a feature we do monthly on interesting people in the area.  There is nothing to worry about, it is not investigative journalism, only a puff piece for our readers looking for human interest stories.”  

   “Yes, I am still uncertain why I was selected.”  The man adjusted his tie that was tucked into a vest.  He wore those clothes well.  “I fear I am not that interesting.”

   “You were instrumental in the capture of the Canary Killer.”  You were shocked by his modesty.  “The FBI has praised your work and referred to you as an essential asset even though you are not an agent.  That alone makes you very fascinating.”

   “The Canary Killer.”  Dr. Rogers rolled his eyes.  “I am not a fan of those nicknames.  They devalue the lives of the victims, and criminals are not my expertise.”  

   “Do you mind?”  You reached into your bag and pulled out a tape recorder.  “I did not expect to start this soon.”

   “Please.”  He crossed his legs and his lips turned into a small smirk.  “And tell me, why would your readers care about a murderer in Iowa?  I am sure they are locally based.”  

   “Yes.  We are out of Washington D.C., readership largely in Maryland and Virginia.  The surrounding areas, but a killer like this facinates anyone regardless of region.”  As his smile dropped you worried you were coming off too forward.  “And, the focus of the piece is on you, not the killings.  We want to know your background, your story.  I am sure it is more exciting than you give yourself credit for.”  

   “Your dialect is strange.”  He uncrossed his legs and leaned forward.  “I can’t quite place where you are from.”  

   “I moved around a lot as a child.”  You looked away from his deep stare.  “Is linguistics one of your hobbies? Would you like to expand on that?”  

   “It is fascinating. Almost as if you have no accent at all.  Very unheard of.  Tell me, are you trying to disguise your voice?”  His teeth ran over his lip, sending a tremble down your spine.  

   “Doctor, I appreciate the question, but I don’t think I could afford your hourly rate.”  You weren’t used to your subjects asking you many questions.  “How about you?  Where were you born? What drew you to therapy?”  

   “Right.”  His smirk returned.  “I was born abroad.  My parents passed when I was twelve, I became responsible for my younger sister and believe it or not we snuck in illegally.”  

   The doctor’s comment on your accent threw you off, especially when he himself was born abroad but had no trace of one.  He continued on with his life story and you barely had to ask a question.  Everything about the man was fascinating.  

   “After my years in general surgery I discovered that most of my patients were more concerned with the mental effects and less with the recovery.  I enjoyed helping them with any resulting depression or anxiety and realized my love for the blade was second to my love of the mind.”  Dr. Rogers glanced toward the window.  “People are fascinating and I want to help in any way I can.”  

   “That is very noble of you.”  The jitters you had about his attractiveness were now dwarfed compared to the intensity of his wisdom and compassion.  “I know we are running low on time.  Is there any personal anecdote you want to include?  Wife or kids?  Dog?”  

   His smile brightened the room as he let out a laugh.

   “Unfortunately my dedication to my work has left no time for any personal life.”  He rose from his seat.  “Though since this is a human interest piece, I would say my main hobbies are music and cooking.”  

   “Wow. Even your hobbies are impressive.”  You followed his lead, grabbing your recorder and hitting stop.  “You don’t have any unproductive time.  Never lose yourself in a television show? Read a pulp novel?”  

   “I do not enjoy fiction much.”  He shrugged.  “What is the point when the real world is so interesting?”  

   “I never thought about it that way.”  You smiled.  “Thank you for your time.  As a courtesy I will send over the article before it is published, not for your approval of course, but your awareness.”  

   “I am sure it will be as dull as me talking about myself has been.”  He held a hand toward the door.  

   “That is a way to put it, especially since hearing you talk about yourself was the opposite of dull.”  You couldn’t find the right words to say, but that did not stop you from speaking.  “You see the world through a unique lens and have had very unique experiences.  Almost as if, as a species, we are lucky to have you.”  

   You felt like you should cringe or apologize, but something about the man made you speak your mind.  

   “And you must be very good at your job, because I felt comfortable saying that to you and I am not even a patient.”  You stopped at the door to his office.  

   The two of you faced each other, his hand went for the knob, but he paused.  

   “You are not my patient.”  Dr. Roger’s eyes glanced over your face, then stopped at your own.  The two of you stared at each other and you did not look away as a chill went down your spine, the intensity of the man.  

   He was about to speak again when a boom landed on the door.  You jumped and put your hand to your heart, your adrenaline flaring.  

   “I’m sorry Dr. Rogers.”  The door swung open and a familiar face walked in.  “But I need to see you right away.”  

   The new guest’s voice trailed off as he spotted you.  His face scrunched and a look of disgust came over.

   “What are you doing here?”  Blue eyes glared into your soul.  

   A smirk crossed your face as you folded your arms.  

   “Hello Agent Barnes, always a pleasure.”  You should have figured he was a patient.  “I am writing a human interest piece on Dr. Rogers.”  

   “You talked to her?”  James looked to the doctor.  “About me?”  

   “I didn’t mean to create more problems for you to discuss.”  You bit back the urge to fire a crack about his narcissism.  “Thank you again Doctor.  I will send you the piece in the next week or so.”  

   You held out your hand and watched as the blonde man shook it with hesitation.  

   That deep intense stare was gone.  Your heart deflated as you left the office, trying to hold your head high and shoulders square.  It felt like he was going to ask you out on a date for a moment, one you would have gladly expected.  

   The cringe you were fighting came forward as you left the swanky office building.  Agent Barnes interference or not it was a stupid fantasy.  This man was too good for you.

~~

   Steve considered his ability to read people top notch.  Even though he was the one speaking he spent the past hour studying the journalist and to say she was intriguing was an understatement.  

   In fact, he was interested enough he was on the verge of asking the woman to dinner.  

   Bucky’s apparent hatred toward the woman was not expected and Steve found himself mentally recapping the interview to see if he missed something.  

   Before he could assess the situation she stormed off.  Her quip about Bucky being a patient was ruder than he found acceptable.  

   “You gave an interview to Miranda Balfour?”  Bucky gripped his long dark hair as he walked into the office.  “What were you thinking?”

   “What?”  Steve shut the door.  “That was not her name.”

   “Of course she gave you a fake name.”  Bucky scoffed.  “I hope you are prepared to have your reputation trashed.  Did you think to, google whatever name she gave you?”  

   “I did and she checked out.”  Steve's intrigue for the woman was turning to anger.  “Now who are you claiming she is?”  

   “She is Miranda Balfour.  She runs a murder blog, always posting sensational stories.  She gave extensive coverage to the Canary Killer.”  Bucky ran his hands over his face. “Nothing better than a gossip rag.  I’m surprised you haven’t noticed her.  She’s always lurking around any local crime scene.  Trying to get pictures and interviews like she is a legitimate source.  It is disgraceful.”  

   Steve could feel his body temperature start to rise.  He thought about walking over to his desk and sweeping everything off, then taking an axe to the thing.  He imagined the wood slowly turning into the face of Miranda Balfour as she took a whack to the head, splintering as easy as a tree stump.  

   “Well if I have been duped, it is nobody’s fault but my own.”  Steve shut the door to his office.  “What brings you by so urgently Buck?”

   “The New England Butcher.”  Bucky shook his head.  “I stayed up late last night, going over every murder in the area that even remotely fit his MO.”  

   “There is one issue off the bat.”  Steve took a seat in the chair, knowing Bucky preferred to pace while he spoke.  “Lack of sleep.”

   “Six murders in three years.  Each gruesome in their own way.  The randomness of the kills, the victims.  It is like we were only able to string them together because he wanted us to.”  Bucky stopped.  “And that is what caught my attention.  What about the ones he doesn’t want us to?”

   Bucky sat down and dropped a file on the table.  Steve was annoyed at the waste of paper when an email would have sufficed, but he indulged Bucky and picked up the file.  

   The first photo was of a dismembered man found in a ditch.  Steve knew the date off the top of his head, July 2nd 2013.  Blake Corenzo.  He was a pig of a man.

   “That is a murder from 2013.  Blake Corenzo.  He was stabbed and chopped post mortem.”  James glared as Steve looked up, waiting for his punchline.  “I think he was the Butcher’s first victim.”

Steve bit back a laugh with expertise.  

“The brutality matches.  But what was missing?”  Steve was curious if the Agent was going to connect the dots.  

“Nothing.”  He sighed and pressed his hand to his forehead.  “Or something we missed.  But I have seven more bodies I believe are connected.  We know that as killers go on they get lazier, think they are unwatchable, but the Butcher, he is different.  We are not going to catch him on a technicality or sloppiness.  He is too good.”  

Steve did enjoy the flattery.  

“We have to find his first kill.  It always starts with someone they know.  Always.”  Bucky had a desperation to his voice.

“So you believe that this Blake Corenzo knew the Butcher?”  Steve watched Bucky struggle to connect the dots, not realizing he was the fish on the hook in this game he was not even aware he was playing.  “Have you told Anthony Stark?”  

“Yes.” The air deflated out of Bucky as he fell back into the couch.  “He told me mandatory session with you before I am cleared to return to work.”  

“If I check my e-mail will there be one from him?  Is that what it will say?”  Steve appreciated the protectiveness Tony had for Bucky. In a way it was as if Stark saw Barnes’ brain as a fragile asset.  One he was constantly concerned was about to break.  

“It will say I can’t go back until you clear me.”  Bucky tried to hide the humiliation.

A man in his 30s being controlled by his boss and therapist as if he were a child.  Steve recognized something in Bucky, an equality almost.  Because Tony Stark’s concern were not without merit.  James Buchanan Barnes did have a brain that could operate like no other and if anyone were to catch the Butcher Steve was certain it was the Agent in front of him.  

“You are obsessing again.”  Steve crossed his legs.  “It is not healthy.  You are getting too involved.  The Butcher hasn’t struck in three months and twice already this year.  It’s likely he will not attack for some time.  You are trying to create leads.”  

“You sound like Tony.”  Bucky scoffed and looked away.  “When I sleep,  I see their faces.”

“Whose faces?”  Steve leaned in, unsure what Bucky was going to say next.  

“The ones, the ones I didn’t save.” Tears glossed over Bucky’s eyes.  “Not the ones who have already died.  The ones who will if I don’t stop him.  Their faces are blurry but they’re pleading with me.”  

“People die every day.  You cannot carry that guilt.  It will destroy you.”  Steve reached for his rx pad.  

“I can’t help the people who die every day, but I can help these people.  If I can stop the Butcher.”  Bucky’s jaw tightened.  

“You keep saying ‘I’ when it is a team effort.  You are not a superhero.  You cannot do this alone.”  Steve wrote out a medication.  

“I have to since none of you will listen to me.  Not Tony, not you.”  Bucky rolled his eyes.  “Even Natasha told me to give it a rest.”  

“Maybe that says something.”  Steve handed Bucky the prescription.  “That will stop the dreams.  Take one before bed and get some sleep.”  

“And then what?”  Bucky looked up, lips parted.  

“And then come and see me in the morning.  Once you are rested we will have a conversation about Blake Corenzo and I will talk to Mr. Stark.”  Steve watched as relief flooded Bucky’s face.  

“Thanks.”  He looked at the prescription before shoving it in his pocket and letting out a yawn.  “And sorry, for what I said earlier about Miranda.  She won’t be able to tarnish your reputation.”  

“I am aware. The most salacious detail I gave her is already public knowledge.”  Steve rose.  “I only regret my own error in judgment.  Now get some sleep.”  

Bucky nodded as they walked to the door.  Steve kept his calm as he let the FBI Agent out.  

Then he walked back to the table and picked up the file.  He set out the photos of the four crime scenes Bucky wanted to tie to the Butcher.  

“Very clever Agent Barnes.”  All of them were done by Steve.  In a way seeing the photos was like revisiting an old friend.  

Corenzo was far from Steve’s first kill though.  He had watched the man use a racial slur and a racist imitation at a dry cleaner.  Another rude person the world did not need.  

Steve flashed back to Miranda’s comment about the human race being lucky to have him.  She was right of course, on more levels than she realized.  He was purging the world of the disgusting people who did not belong.  

After Agent Barnes’ proclamation Miranda Balfour’s name had landed on that list.

~~

Steve was a patient man.  He sometimes marked his victims for years before they met their demise.  

When he got home, to what his visitor’s refered to as architectural magic, he went straight for the kitchen.  It was on the level of any executive chef’s dream.  

He would cook tonight.  Channel his anger over the reporter, but not before adding her name to his list.

He went to the recipe drawer.  It looked more like a filing cabinet, filled with Rolodexes of index cards with carefully printed ingredients and instructions.  He had order them online since the entire world had gone digital.

On the rare occasion he had a guest they poked at his old fashioned nature.  He remembered the first time he had Bucky over for dinner.

“You live in such a modern house, and appear a very modern man, but that recipe system reminds me of my grandmother.”  Bucky laughed as he sipped his wine.

“And I bet your grandmother’s cooking was far superior to your own.”  Steve raised as eyebrow as Bucky frowned.

The memory vanished as Steve pulled out the Rolodex he wanted.  This one did not have recipes, it was for its original purpose, filled with business card collected over the years.  

He grabbed one at random.  Donna Chung.  He closed his eyes and remembered her behavior,  the way she was screaming at her child in the grocery store.  The child could have been no more than three and was crying over not being able to drop a quarter in a donation box.  

“You get nothing from that.  Here I’ll buy you a candy bar instead.”  

Steve followed her home that night.  Googled the address and the next day walked into her real estate office.  He picked up a business card and dropped her in his Rolodex.  That was almost eighteen months ago.  

She was not a candidate for a butcher murder.  Besides, the day left Steve uninspired.  But still he set her card to the side.  

He picked up an empty one and wrote the name Miranda Balfour, along with the phony one she had given him and the contact e-mail.  Then he closed up the Rolodex and put it back in its place.  

Steve poured a glass of wine and walked over to his computer.  He fired up the laptop.  

Grabbing a remote he turned on the fireplace and some music as he sat on his overly plush blue sofa.  Calm colors was what his interior designer recommended.   He was grateful for that advice.  She was someone who brought beauty to the world.  

As soon as Steve typed Miranda Balfour into the search her blog popped up first thing.  The title was “Miranda’s Macabre Museum”.  

Steve rolled his eyes as he went to the first post.  It was from two days ago.  

Murder

Victim:  Lawrence Engle

Death:  Stab wounds

Date:  April 12th, 1985

Location:  Mobile, Alabama

What followed was a summary of the facts.  Steve was expecting more of a tattle-tale type scenario.  But he did not see anything salacious.  If anything it was very matter-of-fact with little insight.  

At the end there were links to photos with appropriate warnings and links to sources.

Then there was a section titled editorial.  

“Here we go.”  Steve readied to read the sordid opinion.

The motive in this murder was money.  While the law, for the most part, disregards the motive as important to the trial my long time readers know I disagree.  Until we change as a society and value human life over finances we will be doomed to see unnecessary killings as this continue to happen.  That does not mean the killer should be pardoned for his crime because society as a whole is at fault.  On the contrary.  He is part of the problem and should be punished.  

Sentence:  Death by lethal injection.

“Interesting.”  Steve found his mind going back to his initial opinion of Miranda or whatever her name was.

He noticed a search option on her blog and typed in his name.  Several posts on Canary victims came up, but he found he was only mentioned in the source articles or the summary.  

He did the same for Agent Barnes and saw the results light up.  He scrolled the posts for the highlighted name and came across a murder from three years ago.  

Editorial:   The lead Agent on this case has shown textbook narcissism.  His attempt to relate to the killer to solve the crime failed here, because the murder was not about him, but he found a way to make it so.  The last victim’s death would have been preventable if Agent Barnes listened to anyone but himself.

“That explains Bucky’s dislike.”  Steve shut the laptop and pinched his eyes shut.

When he googled the first name, multiple stories came up that were as she said human interest pieces.  Did she lie just to get the interview?  Pose as the other woman?  

Lie.  What difference did it make?  She was a liar and had earned a spot in his Rolodex.  

This one felt personal though.  In a way Steve did not enjoy.  She made him feel...comfortable.  Or made him feel something.  The way her eyes were so inquisitive and she seemed to hang on every work with genuine interest.  When in fact he was intentionally trying to bore her.  

That would not stand.  This woman would not sit in the Rolodex for years.  Her time would be shorter.  Steve stood up from the couch and went back to the kitchen.  He picked up Donna Chung’s card and returned it with the other, instead setting the card he’d just drafted on the counter.  

He would start tomorrow.

~~

A/N:  Thank you so much for reading!  I really appreciate every like/comment/reblog!  I haven’t done a series in a long time so I am excited!  And if you didn’t figure it out this is....

Hannibal AU :). 

[scottymcgeesterwrites]

Final Fantasy IV Review

Year: 1991

Original Platform: Super Nintendo (Originally introduced to Western audiences as Final Fantasy II, since the real II and III were not released outside of Japan at the time.)

Also available on: Nintendo DS, PSP (Final Fantasy IV: The Complete Collection), GameBoy Advance, Playstation One (Final Fantasy Chronicles), Steam (DS remake)

Version I Played: PSP

Synopsis:

Cecil Harvey is Batman a dark knight who follows orders from King Baron. The king tasks Cecil and his partner Kain with taking the crystals from the surrounding nations and cities. Cecil questions his king’s motives, leading to the revelation of a grand conspiracy. Cecil then goes on a quest to right his wrongs.

Gameplay:

The novel feature of this game was the ATB system – Active Timed Battle. This means that instead of you and the enemy waiting for your respective turns one at a time, each character takes their turn according their respective speed. One character may be slower than the other, so they will take longer to be able to perform an action. Basically, with ATB, if you wait too long to think about what to do on your turn, the enemy can hit you - JUST AS IF YOU WERE REALLY BATTLING IN REAL LIFE.

While Final Fantasy IV introduced ATB, it did not utilize the ATB gauge in actual battles. The ATB gauge is a visual bar during battle that shows your character’s speed. Whenever it’s filled, your character can perform an action. The gauge itself was first seen later in Final Fantasy V. Later remakes of Final Fantasy IV displayed the ATB gauge. Some configuration options were introduced later to give you the ability to change the battle system to active or wait. Putting it on wait would allow the timed battle to pause while you thought about what to do during your move.

Final Fantasy IV forsakes the customizable Job System and introduces characters with individual jobs. Kain is a dragoon, who can jump in the air and deal destructive damage. Rydia is a summoner. Yang is a monk. Etc, etc.

The Super Nintendo and PSP versions are more or less on par with each other in terms of difficulty. The Nintendo DS remake is really hard. Like REALLY hard. Like “throw-your-DS-across-the-room hard”. I myself have had trouble finishing it.

Graphics:

I haven’t played the original SNES version of Final Fantasy IV, but judging by the images it appears to be in this liminal state between NES and SNES. Not quite NES but not quite utilizing the full power of the SNES either.

The PSP version is somewhat reminiscent of the Anniversary Editions of Final Fantasy and Final Fantasy II, but it still has its own flair that outshines them.

Final Fantasy IV DS is pretty much a 3D remake in the same vein as Final Fantasy III DS, with an awesome opening FMV. The in-game cutscenes however now have VOICE ACTING. 

Now, the PlayStation One version has a FMV sequence that hasn’t aged well at all. We’re talking worse than the Final Fantasy and Final Fantasy II FMV sequences from PlayStation One. I can’t even find a good snapshot from Google Images, probably because nobody wants to look at them ever again. You can find it on YouTube though.

Story:

Final Fantasy IV is well known for being the first GOOD story in a Final Fantasy game. Cecil’s personal journey of redemption rung in the minds and hearts of audiences. There’s a nice balance of focusing on individual struggles and an epic adventure to save the world.

The cast of characters is pretty wide. Like Final Fantasy II, several secondary characters come and go. There is one difference but I don’t want to spoil anything. I guess the least I could say is that Final Fantasy IV subverts what to expect after having played Final Fantasy II.

Like Final Fantasy III, Final Fantasy IV includes crystals as an important plot device. This time they hold enormous power that the villain Golbez wishes to obtain for nefarious means.

While the story is infinitely superior in storytelling to Final Fantasy II, there are still some silly moments. I could best describe the bulk of the story as “Cecil and friends are on a race to capture each crystal around the world but something always gets in the way at the last minute.” While for the most part the story is done well, there are seemingly cartoonish moments involving random trapdoors and bewitched dolls. One particular moment I found myself thinking, "So you're just going to stand there while he does that?"

But I think the most admirable part of the story is how they approach Cecil and Rosa’s romance. While most RPGs, especially today, try to hash in a childish romance subplot, Cecil and Rosa are that rare couple that are already together at the beginning of the game. Their love is tested throughout the story.

The most popular quote from this game involves a complicated matter of translation. Western releases of Final Fantasy games (and Japanese games in general) often had awkward translations. “You spoony bard!” is one such awkward translation that originates from this game.

The character who spoke this line, Tellah, is arguing with the character Edward. The translation came out at “spoony” due to the Japanese writers believing it was still used today in English. It’s an archaic term meaning “enamored in a silly or sentimental way”. It technically fits, but clearly, nobody uses that word anymore, and players laughed at how nonsensical it seemed.

While I don’t want to spoil why Tellah is angry at Edward, the scenario in question is dramatic, and so Tellah saying “idiot” or “moron” wouldn’t quite suffice. The original Japanese word that Tellah uses is “kisama”, which in the given context is akin to telling someone they are a “son of a bitch” or “bastard.” Western releases, especially North American, were very often censored and demanded less or no profanity.

Overall, Final Fantasy IV is the first notable story in the Final Fantasy series, way better and much more original than Final Fantasy II.

Music:

 With the Super Nintendo, Uematsu was able to play with more sounds. The drumming that Uematsu had wanted in his battle themes is more apparent. He also added an accompaniment to the Prelude. The main theme of Final Fantasy IV is scattered throughout the score, just like a motif in a movie score. The main theme is the map theme, and I like how, for example, the theme changes to a different beat when you venture into the underworld. The main theme even pops up in the final battle, which to me is awesome because it illustrates the heroes collectively trying to banish evil.

In one interview with Uematsu, he stated he was a huge fan of Elton John. For some reason, after I read that, I totally see the main theme of Final Fantasy IV having an Elton John vibe, especially in the epilogue with the drums and the bass.

Red Wings, which is the theme for Baron’s elite air force of the same name, is notable for its unorthodox time signature. I swore I read that somewhere years ago but now I can’t find it, so if someone happens to come across it – let me know. The theme for the Red Wings sounds both heroic and sinister, referencing Baron’s underlying motives and Cecil’s dual nature.

Cecil and Rosa’s love theme is actually taught for schoolchildren in Japan as part of their music curriculum.

Uematsu pretty much matured at this point, in my opinion.

Notable Theme:

There are so many but my personal favorite is “Dreadful Fight”, a.k.a “Battle with the Four Fiends”.

I’ll also highlight the “Theme of Love”, because it needs to be out there as the first love theme for the Final Fantasy series.

Verdict:

Hands down, the perfect place for a beginner. You want to start getting into Final Fantasy? Start with Final Fantasy IV. The gameplay is easy to pick up. The story is simple and straightforward compared to the rest of the series but still effective. To those having played the later games first, it could seem trite. Unlike most of the Final Fantasy games, the different re-releases can be quite offer a different experience due to the translations, graphical changes, and differences in difficulty. At the end of the day, I would say any 2D version is fine, the best is probably the PSP version, but save the DS remake for later, since it is more difficult.

Direct Sequel?

Yes. Final Fantasy IV: The Complete Collection was released on the PSP in 2011. This is the version that I played. Square created two sequels for that collection: Final Fantasy IV: Interlude and Final Fantasy IV: The After Years. I haven’t played them myself yet, but there is criticism surrounding their stories, which apparently pale greatly in comparison to Final Fantasy IV.

By the way, the PSP version starts by showing the new FMV opening to Final Fantasy IV: The After Years, not the one shown in Final Fantasy IV DS. That’s a minor change but it really irked me, because the sequel’s FMV opening therefore spoils some of the story if you never played it before. I guess they wanted to distance themselves from Final Fantasy IV DS. Even so, why not just play that opening when you select The After Years?

[peanutparade]

Someone asked me what my process was, and I’m not sure I gave her a satisfying answer in the PM, so here I will attempt to explain how I make a game from start to finish.

*Please note the the drafts above are not for the same story, but for the purpose of illustration.

**Also please take this advice with a grain of salt. I’m not a published author (though I do know a bit about the publishing industry), and I’m definitely not a perfect writer. This is my process, and the things I try to keep in mind when I’m writing, and you may find this advice to be complete garbage.

Step one: Get an idea for a story. I can’t really give any tips on how to go about doing this. I tend to take inspiration from other works of media (classical literature is my favorite, though I have taken cues from more contemporary sources as well).

Step two: Consider who your characters are going to be. It’s okay if you only have one or two characters in mind at first. I’m pretty utilitarian about my characters, so most of them don’t get created until step three.

Step three: Open a word document and just start typing shit out. (I use Google Drive so I can access it from anywhere, and for another reason which I’ll get to later.) Don’t stop to think, don’t even breathe. Just type. Any idea that comes into your head goes in the document. Some of it won’t make sense with everything else, some of it will contradict other things, some of it will be vaguely defined. You will fix that later. This is the most important part (especially the way I write), because it’s where you’re going to get an idea of how your story starts and how it ends, as well as cement your cast of characters. If you need a scene where your main character goes to a lighthouse, then you know you’ll also need to come up with a lighthouse keeper (see my comment above about being utilitarian with characters. I’m no authority, so if you do things differently, that’s fine, but I don’t like making characters that don’t serve a purpose).

Step four: Annotation, annotation, annotation! (This is the other thing I use Google Drive for, as it has a comment feature that I heavily rely on.) Go through all your scribbling and make notes for yourself. Be a little hard on yourself here, because this is the part where you’re going to try to make everything you’ve written in Draft 1 cohesive. This will be a long process, as you need to think about how all of this is connected, as well as think about what sort of arcs your main characters are going to go through. I read somewhere once that ALL of your characters have to go through an arc, but that’s a bunch of wacky nonsense. Some characters are minor characters, and thus do not require depth. The only character arc that MUST be included is the main character’s arc. Remember: character arc ≠ character motivation. ALL major characters (protagonist(s), love interest(s), villain(s)) MUST have motivation for what they are doing. The motivation doesn’t have to be anything too complex, just so long as the audience understands why the characters are doing what they’re doing. (Minor characters with motivation can make the world feel more real and lived in, but they can also make the story feel bogged down. Brevity is key here, and sometimes less is more.)

Step five: Draft 2 All of that plotting you just did? Throw it away! Just kidding, don’t actually throw it away. BUT you’re going to rewrite your plot outline, tidier this time, and only refer back to Draft 1 when you get stuck. Feel free to come up with new ideas during this time; Draft 1 is not your story’s final form. If you think of scenes or quotes, feel free to include them in this draft, but you’re mostly just outlining right now. (As you may notice in the image above, Draft 2 is also subject to annotation.) Draft 2 is where you should be solidifying the themes of your story. Character arc(s) should tie into and support this theme. This is also the draft where you should be catching any plot holes (especially if you don’t have an editor/beta reader), as once you’ve begun actually writing the story, any problems here will only compound as you go.

Step six: Write the story It’s pretty straightforward. Follow Draft 2 (and any additional annotations you made on Draft 2), and go scene by scene and write. I never skip around, as it makes it hard to keep track of what characters know at what time, but I know of authors that do skip around, and they seem to do okay. You’ll have to figure out what works best for you.

Step seven: Edit, edit, edit! Aside from the obvious (typos and spelling errors), look out for:

Scenes that are too long or too short. Counterintuitively, these may be the result of the same problem: a lack of purpose. Ask yourself, “Does this need to be here?”

Long-winded info dumps. Consider the old adage, “show, don’t tell.” Whenever information can be conveyed through action or reaction, write it that way. If you can convey two things at the same time (i.e. something about a character and also something about the world--bonus if these two things are actually unrelated to each other), do it.

Information that your audience wouldn’t logically have being the key to resolving the plot. Especially in sci-fi and fantasy stories, if the conclusion of the story relies on knowing something--even if it’s something that the characters all know--you need to make sure your audience also knows this, or else they will be frustrated. Keep in mind the Rule of Threes.

And that’s the story portion done. If you’re making a visual novel/dating sim, there are other steps you need to do. (I usually do this stuff while writing the story so it doesn’t get tedious, but if you’re hiring people to do this other stuff, you should probably have the writing done ahead of time. If you’re hiring writers to help you, you should have Draft 1 done, at the least. Your writers can probably take it from there.)

NOTE: Any job you don’t do yourself is something that will cost you money. If you can find other aspiring creators to volunteer their time to your project, good for you, but please do not approach anyone directly unless you plan to offer to pay them (”for exposure” is not payment).

Step eight: Character sprites Major characters are going to need to be represented visually in your visual novel (go figure!), so... draw some people? I know some people make character design sheets, but I just jump right in, and then later, make microedits to the sprites as the mood strikes me. The design sheet thing is probably a smarter way to do it. I use photoshop, and I would strongly encourage keeping hair, clothing, and facial features on separate layers until you know exactly how you plan to code them into your game.

Step nine: Backgrounds Same as the sprites, except places instead of people. I’m bad at this, so I have no right to give anyone advice. I use a 3D interior design app to create a guide for what I want rooms to look like, and then I use that to get my vanishing points and furniture sizing right. This method is 50% tracing, 50% wishing I was dead. I do not recommend it.

Step ten: Audio If your game will have voice acting, get that together now. If you’re composing your own music, you’re more talented than I am. For my first game, I utilized royalty free options (incompetech and bensound), but now I hire a composer (I do still supplement my soundtrack with royalty free options if it’s for something inconsequential). I don’t use many sound effects, but when I do, I just look for free options online.

Step eleven: Coding I use Ren’py because it’s free and easy to learn (provided you don’t want to do anything too complicated). There are tons of resources online to teach you how to use Ren’py, both from official sources and unofficial sources. I’ve never posted in the forums myself, but the people there seem very kind and helpful if you get stuck. (If anyone wants to see how I code, specifically, I’ll do a Part Two for it, but I have to warn you that my games are the coding equivalent car repairs done with bubblegum and duct tape.)

Step twelve: Playtesting Make sure your game works. It’s pretty straightforward. You can even recruit some guinea pigs--I mean, friends to help you. (I don’t have any friends, so I do this part on my own.)

By this point, a year or so will have passed (give or take, depending how long your game is, how much time you have to work on it, and how much of the work you plan to do by yourself), and with any luck, you’ll have a game! Posting your game on itch.io is free, but putting your game on steam will cost you $100.

Like I said to the person on patreon who originally asked me about my process, making a visual novel is a lot of work, but I encourage everyone to at least try it and see if you like it.

I look forward to hearing your stories!  ♥

[5-falsehoods-phonated]

@heavy-metal-papillon I'm really sorry this request took so long, but I really hope you like it!

Let Me Through

Summary: A requested songfic, featuring Thomas and Janus singing Let Me Through by Cg5 with Janus trying to get closer and Thomas backing away, almost like a dance.

Ships: none, platonic (?) Janus and Patton

Warnings: rejection, if there are any others please let me know

WC: 1, 614

The final notes of You're A Cad faded out as Janus leaned back with a sigh the did little to fill the silence now ringing his ears. Of all the nonsensical things that could possibly be done with time Thomas had requested they each put playlists together that tbey felt best matched them to give to not only him but the fans that watched their videos as well. A novel idea that has Janus wondering idly just how on the nose he could get away with being with his choices without raising concern or suspicion from the others. Music had a way of swaying people, literally and figuratively, and he wanted things to of course sway in his favor...but how to do so subtly was where he was having difficulties.

It would so much easier if any of them, Thomas included, had a speck of communication skills under all of their dramatics and fanfare. Granted he was just as much one to play up certain things for the sake of a show as any of the other sides; Remus and Virgil has teased him recently when he conjured a fainting couch to catch him as he swooned many years ago, but theatrics had a time and a place. With Thomas' near constant stream of dilemmas that could be solved with little more than forethought and a healthy conversation it was clear they were all well past lighthearted dramatics.

Sighing heavily, Janus gathered up his list and rose up carefully, blinking into reality in front of the couch. Thomas bobbed his head along to whatever he was listening to through his headphones with his face scrunched in concentration. He watched as he glanced up and caught sight of him, a hint of fear flashing in his eyes before it was quickly covered with a half hearted smile. Rolling his eyes Janus tossed the list onto the table and turned away.

"Deciet wait!"

Janus cringed as his function was called out even though he knew it was his own fault for not just telling them all his name. Unfortunately, until Thomas began to see him as he actually was there wouldnt be any point in it. "Yes?" He hissed out instead.

"I want you to stay. It'll be easier to finalize everything if you're here."

The truthful statement warmed his chest, though it was quickly cooled as he realized Thomas wanted him there out of necessity rather than by any choice. It was a step he supposed, even if it was for a project and not an actual matter of importance.

"Besides I've had a song stuck in my head and I wondered if you wanted to listen to it with me while I work?"

The urge to turn away, to fully allow himself to be consumed in cowardly wallowing was a strong thing to resist, but the too wide smile he recieved as the edge of the couch dipped with his weight made it almost worth it. Sitting at the far end, on the very edge of the cushion as straight backed as he was was hardly a comfortable position but it was one he felt matched the building tension in the air nicely. Glancing towards the stairs he was mildly surprised Virgil hadnt appeared yet with his glares and disdainful quips to drive him away from Thomas. His chest constricted painfully as he glanced over at his manifestor, steadily typing in lyrics to google and trying to match them with the song marching through his head. He knew he shouldn't have let Remus help choose songs.

Clearing his throat to gain attention he muttered out "Let me through."

"What?" Thomas half turned to him, startled at whatever he figured Janus has meant.

"Let Me Through. Cg5. I believe that's the song that's been steadily driving us both insane."

Eyes lighting in realization Thomas was quick to type it in, removing his headphones from the jack so they could both enjoy the music. "I wouldn't say that. I havent listened to this in a while; it'll be nice to play it again."

The opening cords were quick and before Janus could quite register what he was doing the words were pulled from his mouth as smooth as silk from a clothesline, ensnaring him in a way that let him know he was in too deep now, no use turning back if this could prove to be advantageous in any way.

"I want you to know,

The ebb and flow of my own show.

From head to toe,

You will be scared,

And not prepared,

For what I have in store for you."

Thomas glanced over in confusion as Janus stood up, his eyes still trained to the floor. He almost cringed as he was given full attention, as this was quite possibly the most overdramatic thing he had ever done but all of them processed that certain flare, why not indulge?

"I'm waiting for,

My curtain call.

Before I storm right through the hall.

Knock knock, who's there?

Are you prepared,

To finally meet your doom?"

He delivered the last line with a chuckle and a low bow, holding out a semi confident hand for Thomas to take. Pulling him in Janus quickly hid his burning face in his shoulder, leading them to awkwardly sway as he swallowed around a lump forming in his throat.

"Why do you close the door? Come to me with open arms." He squeezed his eyes shut and gripped Thomas' hand slightly tighter, taking a steadying breath as he did so. "There's so much we need to explore.

I mean no harm."

The music swelled with Janus' growing desperation. As frustrating as this and every other situation was he loved Thomas with everything he had. The urge to hold and protect and shield had been there since day one, driving him to twist words and hide feelings and shun away in the darkness to protect him the only way he knew how. And he didnt understand. Nearly refused to, all in the name of proper moral standing.

Their walzing steps while Janus bit out the next lines more harshly than he meant to.

"I sing my song all night long just for you.

Please oh please, I'm on my knees, let me through." He swung Thomas out and away, finally making eye contact to search desperately for even a hint of understanding.

"I sing my song all night long just for you.

Please oh please, I'm on my knees, let me through."

His heart sank as the other worked his fingers out of his gloved ones, taking a step back as he held his hands to his chest protectively. Biting his lip he held Janus' gaze as he began to sing back albeit somewhat hesitantly.

"I, I understand,

You want to play,

But this is what I have to say.

Your presence here,

Fills me with fear.

That's the extent of my career."

Each line was delivered with more conviction as Thomas straightened himself out, staring down at Deciet with an unreadable expression.

"I don't know why,

You even try,

To sing me your dumb lullaby.

No I can't flee, calamity.

Is everywhere I turn."

Janus flinched as the words were hurled at him and though he knew this was a song, and knew these words were coming, it still hurt almost as much as if they were originally spoken from Thomas himself. From the look on his face Jnaus knew he meant every word and his chest tightened even as he forced himself to reach out again, nearly whispering the next line.

"Why do you close the door?

Come to me with open arms.

There's so much we need to explore.

I mean no harm."

He watched as Thomas shook his head, stepping back and away from his self preservation. Realizing that with this move it was abundantly clear that, at least metaphorically, his manifestor would rather take a blind step backwards than towards something he already knew. His felt as if his chest couldn't possibly tighten any further until it felt like it finally snapped, ribs breaking toward in a breath he nearly couldn't catch as a wind of fury filled his lungs and rose to light his eyes. It only worsened as Thomas took yet another step backwards as Janus gripped his chest with one fist, the other swinging back behind him in pure frustration.

"I sang my song all these years just for you!

Please oh please, I'm on my knees, let me through! And I'll sing my song all night long just for you! Please oh please, I'm on my knees, let me through." He delivered his last line brokenly as Thomas turned away, effectively dismissing him even as the music continued. His eyes shone while his hands fell limp to his sides, staring in defeat at the back of the only one he cared to be acknowledged by. The beats wrung out as he sunk down, echoing words following him as he summoned his staff as he stalked down the hallway, pausing only a moment to glare at a pale blue door, shut tight to the events playing outside of it, ignorant in its moralistic bliss.

'I will not let you through my door.

I will not let you settle the score.'

Janus snorted at the irony as he continued on, starting in surprise hearing a soft question directed at him.

"Should this one be added to the list?" Thomas inquired from outside.

'The power, the power, the power.

Oh no.'

"Don't bother." He hissed out, his door slamming behind him with a finality that shook Thomas to his core.

This work and others are also available on AO3!

[johnroycomic]

Entirely Free Comedy Class - Revised Edition

Hey all, my Entirely Free Comedy Class is now over five years old, and looking back, it could be clearer and better, and more detailed.  So I’m revising it.  And the first week is ready.  Here it is!

WEEK ONE

In every major city, someone is teaching a stand-up comedy class, often charging hundreds of dollars for the effort. While I know some professional comics who have benefited from these classes, the majority consensus among my fellow comedians is that they are of dubious value.

They may help a little to build courage and comfort on stage, but they will not replace any of the many hours you will have to spend in Open Mics if you want to tell jokes for a living.

There is only one way to get good at stand-up comedy, and that is to do stand-up comedy. There is no short cut.  There is no homework.  You can practice your jokes in your room until they are tight and polished.  You can practice them on the very stage you are going to tell them on.  You still won't know if they are funny they are until they encounter a live audience.  You can't know anything about a joke until an audience of everyday people, who expect to laugh, reacts to it.  

A comedy class is an artificially supportive environment.  You can't get the honest reactions you need to build an act from fellow students and a teacher who wants a good Yelp review.  Only performing stand-up in real “game time” conditions will do.  Not only do you need to learn on the job, you can only learn on the job.  For the comedy beginner, there is no substitute for the open mic.

I am not saying stand-up instruction is impossible.  I'm not saying all you can tell a new  comic is to go out, plow through their sets with no game plan, and hope for the best.  I did that.  It was a nightmare.

I would love to have had some kind of road map to help me know what to focus on.  I got important advice later in my career that I would have loved to have had access to at the start.  Many aspects of this art form took me years of wrong turns to figure out.  I would love to spare the next generation some of that confusion.  They might get better quicker if I could tell them what they needed to know right when they needed know it.

This is my twelve week class on stand-up comedy.  It's everything I've learned about writing and performing comedy. This book is the textbook.  Your city's open mics are the classroom. And through the magic of Youtube, the best comedians of all time will be your guest speakers.  

Read one chapter a week.  Watch the featured video clips and answer the study questions.  Then put the instructions into practice at your local Open Mics.  After you have gone up at least three times practicing the lessons of that week, read the next chapter. Repeat for twelve weeks.

There are two goals of the class. One is for you to have a five minute set you can do at any comedy showcase with confidence.  The second, more important goal is give you an effective process for improving your act that you can use as long as you do stand-up comedy.  It's the  

process I use every week to this day.

I focus on basic fundamentals. I don’t tell you what to write or talk about. Previous books about stand-up presented a “right way” to write jokes.  As the sheer variety of modern comedians shows, there isn't one.  My process can help you with any style you might choose. As long as the essential elements of comedy are present, you can make people laugh any way you like.  

Assignment One:

Find out where the comedy open mics in your area are.  Maybe they are on a web site that lists all the comedy shows in your city.  Maybe they are listed with the music shows of the week.  Maybe you can find them listed among the offerings of local theater companies.  Googling your city's name and “comedy open mic” is as good a way to start as any.  Find out how many you can go to this week.  

Find out what you need to do to perform on them.  Sign up if necessary.

If at all possible, go to open mics that are listed as specifically for comedy.  This class was designed with those in mind.  

It may be hard to find comedy open mics in some areas.  If this is the case, all is not lost.  Many music open mics will let you do stand-up as well, but you'll want to check with the host and venue first.  If you don't know who to talk to at a venue, ask the bartender.  They always know.  

Music open mics will be a tougher audience to crack.  You will have the added challenge of getting the audience to stop talking and focus. Music acts generally do not require an audience's undivided attention the way comedians do.  That will be something you have to earn.  If you can grab them and make them laugh on a night that's not conducive to comedy, that's a win you can be proud of.

Assignment Two:

Write five minutes of material.  

What sort of material? This is up to you.

I know this is a vague assignment that doesn't give the student much guidance.  Even the word “material” is vague.  It seems specifically chosen to describe as little as possible.  It just means “something that exists.”  It doesn't get any clearer when you look at the other words comedians use to describe what

makes up their act.  “Stuff.” “Chunks.” “Bits.”  Bits of what?

Well, bits of whatever you can think of that might make someone laugh. You'll need all of it.  Those skewed insights on life you've had over the years?  Those things in the world everyone thinks are normal but you can prove are actually insane? Remember your analogy that made your  friend say “I never thought of it that way”    You finally have a place for all that stuff.   And they give you a microphone!  

As a famous comedian once said, “You should write whatever you can't stop thinking about.”

Still stuck?  Don't worry.  It's understandable.  You haven't had any practice.  Somehow, for all the millions of different writing assignments you get in school, “Write something funny” never comes up.

Try this.

  Think of something you said that made your friends laugh. What additional information would strangers need to have to laugh at that?  What words could quickly explain the situation and context just enough that the funny part made sense?  Add those words in before the part you said to your friends.  Your punch line now has a setup line.  You now have a joke.

I've written many jokes this way.

Once a brutish guy came up to me after my act and said “it’s weird you’re hanging out after the show. Most comedians won't hang out after the show.”   He said “comedians” like a snotty kid would if they were going, “Ooh... look at the big comedian.”

I didn't respond to the tone in his voice.  I was nice. “That’s weird, we always hang out after the show,”  I said. We do.

The guy ignores it.  He says, “Fucking queers don’t want to drink with me.”  Oh, he's a bigoted asshole, I thought.  No wonder no one wants to drink with him.

I whispered to my friend Adam, under my breath, “Now I get it.”   He laughed.

In real life, I only said “Now I get it,” and Adam laughed.  I didn't need to describe the guy.  Adam was looking right at him.  I didn't need to tell Adam we were at a comedy show.  He was with me the whole time.  All Adam needed was “Now I get it,” and it was funny.  An audience of strangers needs more.

When I related the story in my act, I began, “I go all over doing comedy. Sometimes you meet cool people. Sometimes you don’t.” I described the guy's initial question, and how I was confused because comedians always hang out after the show.  Then I did his asshole voice going “Fucking queers don't want to drink with me,” followed by, “and I was like, “Now I get it.”   I got a laugh in the same place as I got it from Adam that night.  

With those modifications, something I said that made my friend laugh became a joke I could do on stage.

Incidentally, Adam doesn't appear in the joke at all.  His presence at the scene is not essential to why it's funny.  The joke is about me and the guy, not Adam.  That night, Adam was the audience.  In a comedy show, I have a real audience.  Telling them that Adam was there is just needless words that don't serve my purpose, which is to get a laugh when I say, “Now I get it.”  You only need to include what the crowd absolutely needs to know to get the joke.  Everything else should go.  

Don’t spend more than five hours writing your material.

It's not a novel, it's five minutes of comedy.  

The important thing is to get up on that stage as soon as possible. Don’t put off that first performance.   I know it can be scary.  It may be nerve-wracking when you picture yourself up there, but prolonging the wait only makes it scarier.  Best to rip the band-aid off as quickly as possible.  Your fear will diminish once the experience is no longer a scary unknown.

Some people wait months and months trying to hone the perfect material before they do their first set.  This is pointless.  There is no way to anticipate the reaction your jokes will get before you tell them. Further hours of editing are a waste of time.  Get your ideas in front of an audience as soon as possible.  You will have all the time in the world to re-write it later, when you actually know what worked.

Some of you may be asking, “Wait! What if I don’t want to write ‘jokes?’ What if I want to do characters or tell stories or just talk to the crowd? Why can’t I get laughs that way?”

You can! You can do anything you want as long as you can get them to laugh after you do it.

Stories and character monologues work a lot like “jokes.”  If one of these is your thing, for every sentence in this book that mentions “jokes,” just replace “joke” with “character monologue line” or “story beat” and the principles are the same.  

Keep in mind that a stand-up story has to have laughs peppered throughout the entire piece.  It can’t just pay off at the end. No matter what approach you take, you are still going to have to make the audience laugh at the rate they are accustomed to, which is roughly between two and four laughs a minute.  You can make them wait longer here and there to build tension, but the longer they have to wait, the bigger that payoff is going to need to be as well.  Stand-up is both the widest and the most narrow form of performance there is. You can do anything you want…. as long as the audience does one specific thing over and over again.  

Improv and talking to the crowd are a little tougher to teach than jokes. They rely on you being funny in the moment. They are a product of your pure comedy instincts and the amount of practice you’ve had expressing them.  The only way to improve is to start racking up stage time doing improv and crowd work,the way an athlete must practice being in the moment to perform better in those moments. Week Nine of this class is devoted to doing just that.

For now, follow the joke writing exercises and develop written material anyway. It is the best way to learn what makes a series of words funny. Think of it as practicing improv in slow motion.  Besides, improvisers and crowd workers like Rory Scovel and Jeff Ross still need something to do on TV sets where they don’t let you wing it.  Even in your live act, it can help to have some surefire lines.  While improv can light up a crowd like nothing else in comedy, it misses sometimes.  It's unavoidable.  You will appreciate having tested jokes to fall back on when the riffing doesn't work.

Write your new five minutes in a dedicated space for this class.  It can be a notebook.  It can be a computer file.  But it should have no other writing in it.  I find a small notebook is the best because you can carry it anywhere.  If you prefer to just type your bits into your phone that works too, but I feel that writing words out long-hand helps commit them to memory.  

I advise writing your jokes out in full sentences, but if you can remember:

“I gotta get healthier. I can’t have one more day go by where the BEST thing I can say about myself is that the pot I smoked made me too lazy to eat Carl’s Jr. TWICE.”

from:

“Gotta Get healthier/best thing I can say/too lazy from pot to eat Carl’s Jr. 2x”

…then I am not going to make you write it all out just because I think you should. But the MINUTE you find yourself staring at “Candy Crush/Slot Machine guy WTF?” in your own handwriting with no idea what it means, it's complete sentences from now on. A forgotten bit could be the Netflix Special closer that now you’ll never have.

Assignment Three

Once your five minutes is written down, it's time to memorize it. Don't freak out from the “m” word.  You don't necessarily have to know it word for word.  But some level of memorization is necessary.  You don’t want to be in actual danger of forgetting the point of what you’re talking about.

Some people like the certainty of knowing the words by heart. It's one less thing to worry about, and besides, they’re proud of that wording so why not make sure to show it off?

Others find memorization a source of stress and would rather not have another thing hanging over their head they have to remember not to screw up. For them, a loose idea they can sort of “jam on” is better.

Whichever sounds best to you is how you should do it, as starting out in stand-up is all about increasing your comfort level as you do something that provokes intense anxiety.

However you choose, I have found that whether a joke was written out verbatim the minute the idea appeared or whether it took ten tries through informal riffing, a “right way” based on brevity and the strongest, most colorful word choices begins to suggest itself. By the time a joke is ready to be recorded, even the “jazziest” comics tell it pretty similarly from night to night.

There are advantages and drawbacks to both approaches. A memorized joke sounds polished and can be delivered with confidence, each syllable emphasized for maximum

power. You may discover interesting language sitting down and writing that your onstage riffing brain would never have landed on in the moment.

On the flip side, there is a directness and energy to an improvised wording that a memorized bit can lack. It sounds like you're just hanging out with the audience and that's powerful.  

When you script a bit out verbatim, there can be a tendency to think of it as “set in stone.”  You deliver the lines like an actor and only those lines.  You can forget that there is always room to add things because you are not talking “in the moment.”

Personally, I go up with at least one written-out punchline for each new bit that I intend to work on. On a fresh page, I write down all the punchlines and premises in a list before I go up. The Carl’s Jr. bit from above might be listed as “Lazy/Pot/Carl’s Jr.”

My set list might look like this:

Lazy/Pot/Carl's Jr.

Comedians don't hang out/Now I get it

40/Green Day

40/Close Bar/Bulls

Favorite Gay Bar/Ke$ha

After it's all written out, I take the list up with me and riff.  No matter what, I always make sure I hit at least one prepared punchline for each subject I bring up.  That way, bomb or crush, the audience will know I had a purpose to each bit. You will test their patience if they feel you are just meandering around with no payoff.  They will check out.  I feel I owe it to them to reward their attention with at least one thought-out comedic idea for each of my premises.  They should know I respected them enough to at least have a point to each of my ramblings, even if the jokes don't all land.

If they happen to really like one of those punchlines, I will keep talking, in case I find something else funny. They seem to like where this is going, so let’s find out what else is there.  This has lead to great stuff, but if it’s a dead end, at least they got a solid joke they liked before I went exploring.

Over time, as the repetition and trial and error process continues, I find my jokes inevitably find their way into a series of words that changes little from night to night.  It's the best way I have found to get that idea out, and I know it by heart.

Assignment Four

Do your five new minutes at an open mic.  Then do this same five minutes at two more open mics.  Write down what worked and what didn't, but don't adjust anything yet.  Perform the same jokes in the same order.

With the amount of people trying to do comedy now, some open mics give you just four, three, and sometimes even two and a half minutes to do your act.  If this happens, do as much of your material as you are able to get out in the time allotted, but don't rush.  Tell your jokes the way you think they work best.  Don't try to jam them all in just to say you did it. Get to what you can and give those jokes the best chance they have to succeed.

Assignment Five

After your week of performances, or however long it takes to do a set at three open mics, look over your notes.

Write down your answers to the following questions.   In the back of this book, you can find them on the easy to copy “Set Questions” Worksheet.

Set Questions

Which of your jokes got a laugh?

Which jokes didn’t?

Why do you think the jokes that did work worked?

Why do you think the jokes that didn’t work didn’t?

What could you change about the ones that didn’t work to maybe make them work?

Could changing jokes that worked make them work even better?

Keep this info handy for next week.  We will get into it in depth.

Assignment Six:

When you've done your three performances, and you've written down your initial thoughts about your jokes, search the internet for the late, great Greg Giraldo's special “Midlife Vices.”  It is currently view-able on Youtube.

Watch the special.

Answer the following questions.  They are also printed out on an easy-to-copy Worksheet in the back of this book.  It's the one that says “Video Questions.”  Every week there will be comedians to watch and you will answer these same questions every time, so making a bunch of copies of this one might be a good idea.

Video Questions

How would you describe the comic's stage character, that is to say, the personality they present in their act?

Were the jokes presented as true stories from life?  Or clearly false “jokes?”

What made you laugh in their act? Why?

What didn’t work for you? Why? Why do you think it may have worked for others?

How did the comic use their body to get laughs?

How did the comic use their face to get laughs?

How did the comic use their voice to get laughs?

What did you notice that made their act unique?

How did the comic structure the jokes that they wrote?

You will find answers at the beginning of next week's lesson.

That's it!  That’s week one. Get started and I'll see you again next week. Kill 'em!

[willow-salix]

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Mistakes Novice Writers Make - Day 5 Writing and Prose

Hi guys, and welcome back to our last day of common mistakes that novice writers make. Today we’re gonna talk about general writing mistakes and problems with prose.

The biggest thing that novice writers are guilty of is trying too hard. They might feel like their plain, everyday way of talking and writing isn’t good enough, isn’t clever enough or isn’t literary enough.

And so, they will try to be something they are not. This almost always shows to the reader and makes the writer look like an amateur.

A lack of clear and concise prose will turn off all but the hardiest of readers. Writing styles, much like language evolve over time. The days of big words and flouncy, poetic prose went out with Dickens. And while it’s nice to go back and read them sometimes, they are very much of their time and not to most modern tastes.

That’s not to say there is anything wrong with this style of writing, it has its place and can still be used today if it’s done right, but it’s a skill that takes practice and more practice to get it right. Often if you are writing a book in the style of someone else, you can market it as such and that’s fine, your readers will know exactly what they are buying, but for a modern, contemporary novel, it doesn’t work at all.

Not matching your writing style to the type of book you are writing. For example, if you have a rather old-fashioned style, with very proper sentence construction and a love of bigger words, you might be better suited to a historical novel where it will work better. Older writers who attended school in a different era tend to find this works for them. An historical novel doesn’t have to be set hundreds of years ago, it just has to be a time that is not now. So, if you grew up in the 60’s, were taught in those times and still have those kind of speech patterns to your writing, then maybe think about doing a novel set during that time period, where your langue and style will be able to flow and work to its full potential.

If you have a more modern style, then set your novel in modern times that reflect it. it would really jar with your readers if you used modern langue in a novel set in the 1940’s for example.

On the subject of historicals, let me add in a little warning about another problem that was brought up by another writer is asked about common mistakes. And that is lack of research.

Armature writers often get too caught up in the story and have an overly romanticised view of the time period they are writing about.

I’m a member of a few active writing forums and one observation someone made was how they were having to re-write almost all of their novel because their editor had said they had overly romantic, TV drama style descriptions. And because of this they had now learnt that the streets of 1850’s New Orleans would have been covered in horse shit as well as human waste, people would be pissing on the street without a care in the world, it was filthy, it stank and was not really a nice place to be.

Trying to write a book when all you know about the area or time period has come from Movies or TV shows will scream novice and showcase your lac of effort. Research is your friend.

This doesn’t just mean in the physical descriptions of the area itself, but includes the dialogue they would have used, the accents and slang words they would have used, the legal system of the time, how the country worked, and basically researching all aspects of the book, not just the obvious.

Another prose problem would be making your writing overly complex, again this is related to the type of book that you are writing.

Going into massive details about how a computer works and how they are built is fine if you are writing an article for a computer magazine, but not in a novel or gods forbid, a short story. Readers will have a hard time following it and will likely skip ahead or give up on the story entirely. It’s the same with science or physics, keep things as basic as you can while still giving the information that is needed. Don’t treat your reader like they are stupid and need to be spoon fed the ABC, but also keep the large, complicated scientific explanations in their place such as magazines, academic journals and dissertations.

Choppy prose is another example of amateurish writing. Choppy prose can make your writing feel disjoined, like it lacks flow (because it does) and construction.

While this will work in small does, for an action scene or a scary scene, too much will make it feel like a race, exhausting your reader and making it harder to read.

There are a number of culprits that result in choppy prose, the most common two being fragmented or run on style sentences.

Run on writing is when two or more scene points are joined without proper conjunction- like the use of and, but, or type of words- or without punctuation. It has an almost hurried pace and that isn’t always the pace you are trying to create. For example:

“Mona arrived at the bank only 3 minutes late she ran up the steps she banged on the door screamed at the people still inside she had to get inside to talk to them.”

Fragmented writing seems incomplete, lacking a real purpose, flow or structure. It can make the writer look uneducated, it can read in a really confusing way and give an image you don’t want. For example:

“Mona gave up and stopped. Cried. What would happen now? Ruined. All was ruined. She sat down on the steps. Because her legs gave out. maybe someone would help her? The next bank. Take pity on her.”

That was actually hard for me to write, because it goes against almost everything I know as a writer. But you’d be surprise how often I see it while beta reading, in online stories or in independently published books.

See how badly those examples read? But don’t despair, because both can be fixed with a little practice and work. Separate your run-on sentences with correct clauses, or into sentences of their own, adding more details when needed. Smooth out your fragmented writing with proper punctuation and build them into full sentences.

Here is an example of how to fix some of the structural problems.

“Mona missed the bank by 3 minutes, finding the doors locked. Desperate, she banged on the door, calling to the people inside to let her in. She needed to talk to them, to fix it. they ignored her, deaf to her yells. Giving up she stopped, bursting into tears as the reality of the situation hit home. Ruined, it was all ruined.

Her legs felt wobbly, incapable of holding her up and she sat down heavily on the steps before she fell down. Maybe someone else would help her, maybe another bank would take pity on her? she couldn’t give up now.”

That flows so much better, it explains the situation in brief detail and shows her mood, but also her determination to keep trying.

Check your word choices. Nothing screams amateur more than writing the wrong word or spelling.

Here is a brief example of this, I’ll give you a moment to read it. (show purple picture.)

Using the wrong word choice can make you look uneducated, like you are trying too hard and using words you don’t understand in an effort to look clever. When in fact it has the opposite effect.

If you are using a word that has more than one meaning, check its definition, check the spelling and make sure you are using it in the correct way. For example: bare and bear One, spelt BARE- means that something is naked, not covered, to bare all, or to be bare, something that is basic, the bare essential, without decoration or fancy features. Bear spelt BEAR has more than one meaning, it means a bear as in the animal that lives in the woods and likes to steal picnic baskets, other meanings include not being able to bear something, its unbearable, I cannot bear it. you can also bear something, as in, he was bearing a tray of snacks.

The same goes for any words that you do not use or hear in everyday conversation, check them, because you can quite easily misunderstand the meaning of a word or misspell it to turn it into something it shouldn’t be. If you are wanting to use a word that you have never checked before, check it. A thirty second google could be the difference between looking educated or stupid.

So many people think they know the meaning of a word only to confuse it with another that sounds very similar, for example, Synonym buns, and cinnamon buns. Most definitely not the same thing, and yes, I’ve seen this one on the internet, it’s a real thing.

Another thing to always check is a common saying. By that I mean when someone thinks they know what a common saying is, but they actually misheard it themselves and now just keep saying it wrong. One example I’ve seen of this is someone that wished everyone could just “barry the hatchet” I don’t know who barry is or why he’s a hatchet or what they are trying to do with him.

All of these little slip ups are sure fire ways of making yourself look bad when they turn up in your writing work.

If I read a comment or post by someone that uses the wrong words while trying to look clever, usually when someone is ranting or trying to make an offensive point, I will notice it, I can’t help it. and much as I would love to say that I don’t judge them, lets be real here, I do. I do judge, because I believe in education, and in continuing to educate yourself, to better yourself, for as long as you have left on this planet. By not looking up the correct words, using tools like spell check or even bothering to use the right spelling for a word, well that’s often just laziness in my eyes. Harsh but true. I can’t take someone seriously if they are trying to make a point when they write like that. And if I saw that in a novel, it would likely make me stop reading. If you want to be taken seriously with your writing you have to start taking it seriously yourself, and that means lots of time and effort.

Bad use of punctuation, or the complete lack of it, is also something that many will judge you on. It can also throw off the whole rhythm and flow of your writing. I’m not going to go deep into this as I’m planning to do a video on this subject. But what I will say now as a quick tip is to either read your work out loud or better yet, get a reading app to do it for you if you have trouble with knowing how punctuation works within your work. The difference between a full stop and a comma is huge, but many treat them as the same thing, almost interchangeable, but the misuse of them will change the whole structure of your sentence.

Repetitive words are another thing that novice writers may do. Now I’m not saying that you need to pull a Joey and use a thesaurus for every word you use, but you can mix it up a bit.

If you are describing something and you will need to make a point more than once, try to find a different descriptive word to use. I have a personal rule of never using the same descriptive word twice for the same thing in the same paragraph.

Obviously, there are exceptions to this rule, some things you can’t branch out on without looking like you are trying too hard.

A book is a book, sure technically you could say novel, opus, tome, volume, paper back etc, they all mean the same thing, but it would get pretty ridiculous if you used them all. In this case I would describe the book itself, “A paperback romance sat on the bedside table,” and then just refer to it as the book after that. “She picked up the book, studying the cover,” “she flicked through the book, starting to read at random,” “She threw the book at his head.” That is an example of keeping things simple.

When not to use repetitive words would be when describing something important, like a baby. You could use new-born, the baby, his son, her child, the infant, etc.

Picture the scene, there had just been a traumatic birth and now the baby is safely here and it’s the aftermath or even during the birth itself, just saying the baby all the time would become boring and repetitive.

If something is important it needs to be kept at the forefront of the action and that means that it needs more than one descriptive word.

Another example of this would be action words or ‘doing’ words if you prefer to call them that.

Here’s an example of one descriptive word getting overused and boring. “The crystals were placed in a circle, their pattern very specific, with a candle placed in the centre. Next, she took out a shell and placed that in the west of the circle, then came an incense cone which she placed in the east.”

Placed, placed, placed all the same descriptive word. Other words could and probably should be used to keep the writing feeling fresh.

“The crystals were arranged in a circle, their pattern looking to be very specific, a candle was then placed in the centre (our first and only placed) next she took out a shall, laying it carefully in the west of the circle and an incense cone in the east.”

Different words make the writing more interesting.

Another problem which I will just touch on as I did a bit about this in one of the previous videos and I plan on doing a more in-depth talk on them in the future, is POV, i.e. 1st, 2nd or 3rd person writing. Books are almost always in either 1st or 3rd person POV, 2nd is mostly ignored and unused, personally I hate that point of view.

Most novice writers fall into writing 1st person because they find it easier to relate to the character and to tell the story, but this can come with problems. It can be harder to create a more complex storyline as you are limited as to what information you can give and what you can show to the reader due to how much you character will actually know, see and experience.

You will often end up in the realm of telling instead of showing as a way of explaining, which isn’t that great.

Another problem can be lack of character voice as you might not have had time to develop your authors voice and style, therefore all your characters run the risk of sounding the same.

Lastly your characters can come off as whining, self-centred and a bit dumb as it’s all too easy to fall into the trap of too much information feeding.

As always everything with writing is takes time and practice. Read lots of tips, keep watching videos like this and keep writing.

Upcoming videos include dialogue, exploring the various POV’s in depth, how to edit your work and more talk on romance novels.

Until then, blessed be and happy writing.

[wordsnstuff]

Writing On A Schedule

– A lot of the questions I receive revolve around productivity and people’s struggles with actually accomplishing their goals in their target timeframe. I decided to make a longer post compiling my tips and tricks and at the end, I’ve included a few approaches that I take most frequently in order to reach my own deadlines. I hope this is helpful to you and I hope that all of you feel more productive and achieve your goals. Enjoy!

Motivation

Keep In Mind The End Goal

What are you working for? It’s important to remind yourself why you’re putting so much time and effort into writing, because if you don’t you’ll lose momentum and motivation very quickly. Writing can become very time consuming and it’s imperative to take a breath every once in a while to remind yourself of what you’re working toward. It’s surprisingly easy to forget.

Use A Rewards System

I do this a lot, simply because I really like chocolate and because it’s highly effective. Basically, every hundred words, I allow myself a piece of chocolate, and by the end of a standard chocolate bar I’ve reached my daily goal. Now, I obviously don’t do this every day; I don’t want to put myself off chocolate, but I do it in more pressing circumstances because it works, especially when you have a bunch of smaller tasks or pieces of writing to finish.

Make A Vision Board {Or Multiple}

This can sound kind of cheesy to people who have never done it, but as a resident cheese-ball, I highly suggest this. It works. If you don’t know what a vision board is, it’s basically a visual representation of your goal, or your vision for whatever you’re working on. Creating these for stories or projects you’re currently putting your energy into helps keep the end goal in mind and can, a lot of the time, help you figure out exactly how you want your project to turn out and what you’re going for. This doesn’t take very long and it can be a physical project or you can just keep a google doc with pictures that compliment your vision, just do whatever works for you. 

This is a kind of cool and helpful article on what vision boards are, how and why they work, and how to make one, if you’re interested.

Remember Who You’re Writing For

If you don’t write and you don’t meet that deadline, ultimately, the only person who loses is you. You don’t get the reward for reaching your goal, whatever the reward may be. Followers, likes, money, the simple feeling of accomplishment, you don’t get any of it if you haven’t done what it takes to earn it. You’re writing for you. You are writing either because you love it or you want the positive consequences. It sucks when you let others down, but it’s especially horrible when you let yourself down. 

Accountability

Find multiple ways to hold yourself accountable and make sure you actually keep to your schedule. You can use one of, all of, or more than these suggestions. Just find whatever works best for you.

Have Others Keep Up With Your Progress

I’ve mentioned this tip in a few previous posts but it’s one I find really helpful because it takes away that aspect of “well, I’m the only one who will know if I skip a day so there’s no harm in it”, which, for me personally, is a mindset I have a lot of trouble fighting. You can do this on a large scale, like I do, and keep a blog where if you stop writing, lots and lots of people are there to encourage and remind you to write, or you can do it on a small scale by having a close friend check in every day and see where you’re at with your goal for the day. I think this is super important, as all of us procrastinate, whether it’s from time to time or on the regular, and it’s useful to have someone else to keep us going when we can’t do it all by ourselves.

Remind Yourself Of The Consequences

If you finish this chapter today, you get to relax this weekend because you’ll be ahead. If you don’t, you’ll have to spend all weekend struggling and wishing you had done it sooner. There are consequences to every action you take and every action you don’t, so remind yourself that you may get some extra Netflix time now, but future you will be suffering.

Develop Good Old Discipline

This is an incredibly important trait to have if you plan on being successful as a writer. Yeah, sometimes you just don’t feel like it and you feel like there are a thousand other ways you could be better spending your time, but if you put too much stake in what you want to do over what you should do, you’ll end up procrastinating, falling behind, and cursing yourself for it later.

Balance

Don’t Limit Yourself To One Project

It’s okay to be working on a novel and a collection of poetry and a book of prompts all at the same time. Remember that it’s important not to overwhelm yourself, but you should have multiple things going on to balance each other out and compensate in areas each other lack in. If the novel isn’t fulfilling your need to keep track of bursts of thought, then write some poems. If the poems aren’t keeping you on your toes and the novel is taking up so much time that you can’t start another story, then answer prompts from time to time when you just need to think of something different. It’s okay if your focus isn’t always on a single thing. In fact, it’s probably healthier that way.

Take Care Of Yourself

Meeting deadlines is all fine and dandy, but should never get in the way of your physical, mental, or emotional health. Take the time and devote some of your energy to making sure you’re okay. You’re allowed to be selfish sometimes.

Build Habits

Write every day

Whether it contributes to your project or not, you need to write. Every. Single. Day. No excuses, no “but I was too busy when I got home”. None of that. You have the time and you know it, and there’s no way you can write on a schedule if you can’t manage to squeeze in a bit of free-writing at least once a day. If you’re going to plan a writing schedule, schedule time to write every day. Not every other day. Not only on the weekends. Every day.

Read. A Lot.

If you haven’t got time to read, you haven’t got time to write. Reading is a massive part of writing, and in order to write good things, you need to read everything. Bad and good. Reading intensely is just a habit you need to develop in order to be a good writer, so read.

Create Time

Write on the bus. Write on your break. Write while cooking dinner. Write during a free-period. Write whenever you can. You have more time than you think, and complaining about how you have no time isn’t going to accomplish anything and every successful writer has had to learn to write during cracks in the day. Especially when trying to keep to a deadline.

Kill The Intimidation

Yes, writing 500 words every day for a month sounds intimidating. Being apprehensive about making a commitment like that is understandable, but the thing about routines is that they get easier the more often and consistently you practice them. If you commit to sitting down and writing for half an hour a day, it will become second nature to you and skipping that step in your day will feel like deviating from a personal ritual. Don’t be scared of setting high expectations for yourself. Chances are that if you just sit down and make yourself do it, it won’t be as hard as you have built it up to be in your mind. Just get out of your own head, don’t over-think it, and just write.

Schedules {Examples}

Daily Word Count Goals

Maybe you aim for writing 300 words per day of.. whatever it is you’re working on.

Daily Time Goals

Maybe you aim to spend 30 minutes a day writing.

– There are a million ways you can schedule your own writing, so experiment and find what works for you.

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[thegovindsrivastav]

Is Shein Legit: Safe Buy or Scam Alert?

Shein has affordable apparel costs, but is it a legitimate and trustworthy website to shop at? Here’s everything you need to know about it.

While everyone enjoys a good bargain, some stores appear to be too good to be true. Although there are many trustworthy websites, many scam stores grab your money and send you completely different things (if anything at all).

Suspiciously low pricing from shops you’ve never seen in person should be avoided. Many websites, such as Shein, leave online shoppers undecided about whether the danger is worth it. Shein.com seemed almost too good to be true, with its dirt-cheap prices and broad selection. Can you put your trust in it, despite the low prices?

Are you looking for “Shein Reviews 2021” Is Shein Legit? You’re not the only one who feels this way! SHEIN recently surpassed Amazon as the most downloaded shopping app for Android and iOS in the United States. According to statistics from app tracking companies App Annie and SensorTower, this is the case. Shein is worth $15 billion, yet finding information on the company is difficult (which is part of the strategy). Many people in their 30s have never heard of it.

What is SHEIN?

Shein has become a household name in recent years, thanks to its intriguing advertisements that have flooded social media platforms all over the world. You’ve probably seen a commercial for Shein, a company that made its wealth through online campaigns.

Many people learn about Shein through social media posts on Facebook and Instagram. Shein flaunts fashionable clothing and trendy duvet covers at outrageously low prices.

Specific products can even be practically identical to name-brand things at a tenth of the cost! When you ask if Shein is a real store, things get a little more complicated.

Shein is primarily a digital retailer, though it has had some success opening a few physical stores.

Most of these shops are temporary pop-ups in major cities, so if you want to see everything Shein has to offer, you’ll have to go to their website (or check out the Shein app).

Is Shein Trustworthy and Secure?

It is safe to place an order with Shein. You don’t have to be concerned about it being a sophisticated phishing scheme. Shein looks to be safe for transmitting debit or credit card information as of 2021.

The only risk you take when ordering from Shein’s official website is that you will be disappointed in the future.

Shein is a reliable website, comparable to Amazon, eBay, and others. However, given the low RRPs, it’s understandable if you’re concerned about its dependability.

So, how does SHEIN take on a monster like Amazon?

Shockingly inexpensive prices

Hundreds of thousands of new products are added every day — it’s mind-boggling, right?

It has complete control over its manufacturing process (design, prototype, procurement, manufacturing)

Algorithms are being used in novel ways to understand and respond to shopping patterns in real-time.

Looking for “SHEIN Reviews 2021” but want something a little more in-depth? You’ve arrived at the right location!

Let’s start with the most important question.

Is Shein Legit?

Yes, this is a real business… and a big one at that. This isn’t a phishing attempt to obtain your credit card information. The things you order will be identical to the ones seen on the website. As someone who has placed numerous Shein orders, I can attest to this. From swimsuits to sweaters, I’ve tried it all (some better than others). Shein is the source of all of my outfits in these images. I’ve noticed that the more familiar you become with this retailer, the more you’ll understand how to purchase there and the more likely you’ll love what you buy.

Shein promotes itself as a B2C fast-fashion e-commerce platform that operates globally. Shein is a Chinese firm with headquarters in Nanjing, even though it downplays its origins (its website makes no mention of China). It has warehouses throughout the world, including one in Los Angeles, and serves more than 220 nations.

Read also: How to Get Shein Return Label For Order

What exactly does B2C stand for? To put it another way, we’re cutting away the middlemen…

Shein manages its whole supply chain, according to internet researcher Matthew Brennan, and forecasts demand using competitor websites, Google Trend Finder, and in-app user activity… The company then hires its designers to construct a comprehensive and responsive product catalog. This enables the company to produce thousands of new goods every day, all of which are suited to the preferences of the numerous regions it serves.

Shein, oddly enough, does not sell in China. Because it is exclusively available for export, most Chinese customers have never heard of it. One of the reasons for its low media visibility in China is this. Shein, on the other hand, is focused on the US market, Europe, South America, and the Middle East. Chris Xu, the company’s CEO, was born in the United States. He doesn’t do interviews, and neither does Shein.

But enough with the history and strategy…

If you’ve come to read 2021 Shein reviews, you’re undoubtedly looking for information on the buying experience!

So, let’s have a look at the advantages and disadvantages…

First and foremost, let’s be realistic… When buying at Shein, think about how much you’re going to spend. We can’t possibly expect fine couture for less than $25. If you’re seeking long-lasting, high-quality clothing, look no further… Shein isn’t a good fit for you. It does, however, have its purposes. And, in my opinion, it is constantly developing!

Read also: Shein Not Accepting/Unable To Use Credit Card

When Should You Shop Shein?

To give something new a try.

When you need something specific that you can’t find anywhere else (it offers every style under the sun and has a very effective search tool).

To find a look that is similar to designer clothing.

When you’re looking for unique vacation outfits, think about those one-time wear possibilities (e.g. formal events).

Even though Shein’s website is extensive and a little confusing, it has an uncanny capacity to provide suggestions that are exactly what I’m looking for. It sometimes makes me feel as though it is reading my mind! Dresses, skirts, and blouses/blazers have worked best for me.

While Shein’s size has become more consistent over time, I still don’t recommend buying pants or anything with a slim cut. Shein’s stores are often smaller and shorter than those in the United States. That’s a plus for me as a tiny! Taller women, on the other hand, should pay special attention to the lengths of size instructions to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

It features a great selection of super-fun/super-cheap swimwear. If you want to try something new, here is a perfect spot to do it (below are a few styles catching my eye). Shein, on the other hand, isn’t the place I’d go for wardrobe basics or traditional pieces. Fabrics made of shein can be both sheer and stiff. Some of the pieces I’ve had have been quite good quality, but others have felt scratchy and rough. This is a difficult issue to judge only based on product and customer images.

Contact Shein Customer Service

Contact: Shein Customer Service

Read All of the Reviews

Customer reviews provide candid comments that you should consider. But don’t only look at the five-star ones: they might be manufactured, so take a look at the whole picture.

Always verify reviews from your location, as a review from New Zealand could not apply to your Shein experience in Canada.

Also, before you add something to your cart, make a note of the item’s return policies and shipping times.

If you’re looking for inexpensive clothing, Shein is a terrific place to go if you don’t mind sacrificing quality. Shein is a secure place to purchase, but don’t overlook sustainable options that source their products responsibly.

Source: https://www.setupyouraccounts.com/is-shein-legit-safe-buy-or-scam-alert/

[douchebagbrainwaves]

A LOT OF WELL-KNOWN APPLICATIONS ARE NOW, LIKE BASECAMP, WRITTEN BY JUST ONE PROGRAMMER

It's common in technology for an innovation that decreases the cost of failing is becoming lower, we should expect founders to do it all yourself. It was no coincidence that so many famous speakers are described as motivational speakers.1 What if startups are both a new economic phase and also a type of business that flourishes in certain places that specialize in it—that Silicon Valley specializes in startups in the same way Los Angeles specializes in movies, or New York in finance.2 He was like Michael Jordan. Usually their motives are mixed. There's an idea that has turned out to be worth keeping; the bulk of it has had no effect at all.3 Hell if I know. At one end of the Bubble and still haven't invested. Within a few decades ago the largest organizations tended to be followed only by outsiders. When there's something in a painting that works very well, you can manufacture them by taking any project usually done by multiple people and trying to do it mean she tends to get written out of YC's history. The only defense is to isolate yourself, as communist countries did in the twentieth century.

It won't seem so preposterous in 10,000 years.4 A new medium appears, and people in these fields tend to be forced to work on problems you can treat formally, rather than for any practical need. The government knows better than to get into the novel business, but in other fields where they have to have practical applications. It can be worth participating in a corrupt contest, however, if it's followed by another that isn't corrupt.5 Bad as things look now, there is a lot of people make the same mistake I did. Like it or not, we started out doing. I think the top firms will actually make more money as founders' bitches than their bosses.6 A huge step, admittedly, and one could make a clean break just by taking a vote?7 And while it's impossible to say what is a lot of instincts, this one wasn't designed for the world we now live in. Of all the reasons we lie to kids is how broad the conspiracy is.

And yet you won't be able to test in an hour, then you have the prospect of an immediate reward to motivate you. For products of nature that might work.8 Tradition is less of a guide, not just because fakers and opportunists are annoying, but because the principles underlying the most dynamic part of the economy always does, in everything from salaries to standards of dress. Western philosophy really begins with Socrates, Plato, and particularly in oil painting. I've never heard of a case where it worked. So what if some of the fund back to the institutional investors who supplied it, because they grow into the trees of the economy tend to be forced to work on a variety of things. Surely I'm not claiming that ideas have to have practical applications to be interesting? There are still a lot of time worrying about what I should do.

But there is a good way to learn.9 Into this already bad situation comes the third problem: Sarbanes-Oxley. Actually, there are several ideas mixed together in the concept of a state machine, in case you have to be good, but it has to be better at this than others. For good programmers, one of which is: You shouldn't put the blame on one parent, because divorce is never only one person's fault.10 All kids know it. We'd like to meet if you are. Chardin decided to skip all that and paint ordinary things as he saw them.11

If they aren't an X, why are they attached to all these arbitrary beliefs and customs? But I don't think this is a coincidence. So if one group abandons this territory, there will always be others ready to occupy it.12 Well, that may be fine advice for a bunch of evil machines, and one independent member. You have to justify.13 But it was also something we'd never considered a computer could be: fabulously well designed product. I'd give Berkeley's Principles of Human Knowledge another shot in college. So if one group abandons this territory, there will always be both supply and demand insures that: the more rewarding some kind of spin to put on it.

Notes

The reason Google seemed a lot online. Your mileage may vary.

I may try allowing up to them? I'm just going to create a web-based applications. Incidentally, Google may appear to be promising.

I was genuinely worried that Airbnb, for the same work, the reaction might be an open source project, but hardly any type I. My point is that the valuation should be protected against being mistreated, because they had first claim on the scale that Google does. The company is presumably worth more to most people come to you as employees by buying an additional page to deal with the solutions. Survey by Forrester Research reported in their graphic design.

Unfortunately, making physically nice books will only be a big success or a community, or an electric power grid than without, real estate development, you have to give their associates the title partner, including that Florence was then the richest and most pharmaceutical startups the second wave extends applications across the web have sucked—new things start to be able to invest in it.

Don't even take a long time? It should be protected against such tricks, you'd get ten times as much income. But the usual way of doing that even this can give an inaccurate picture.

To a woman who, because at one point a competitor added a feature to their situation. The French Laundry in Napa Valley.

We try to make programs easy to get into the star it was spontaneous. Statistical Spam Filter Works for Me. You can just start from the revenue-collecting half of it in action, go talk to an audience of investors. A lot of problems, but that's a pyramid scheme.

If you want to trick a pointy-haired boss into letting him play. I wonder if they don't want to impress are not the type of proficiency test any apprentice might have to tell them about your conversations with potential earnings. This has, like good scientists, motivated less by financial rewards than by selling them overpriced components. For example, it's because of some logical reason e.

But I think the usual way of doing that even this can give an inaccurate picture.

Some genuinely aren't. Acquirers can be useful here, since they're an existing investor, the better, because the ordering system, which I removed a pair of metaphors that made them register. A Plan for Spam.

But filtering out 95% of the most important section. The real danger is that the investments that failed, and also what we'd call random facts, like most of the 2003 season was 4.

How to Make Wealth when I first met him, but since it was worth about 125 to 150 drachmae. I read comments on really bad sites I can imagine cases where you get a false positive, this is not so much the better.

You should be especially conservative in this they're perfect.

[thecaffeinebookwarrior]

How to Write a Novel:  Tips For Visual Thinkers.

1.  Plotting is your friend.

This is basically a must for all writers (or at least, it makes our job significantly easier/less time consuming/less likely to make us want to rip our hair out by the roots), but visual thinkers tend to be great at plotting.  There’s something about a visible outline that can be inexplicably pleasing to us, and there are so many great ways to go about it.   Here are a few examples: 

The Three-Act Structure

This one is one of the simplest:  it’s divided into the tried-and-true three acts, or parts, a la William Shakespeare, and includes a basic synopsis of what happens in each.  It’s simple, it’s familiar, it’s easy to add to, and it get’s the job done. 

It starts with Act I -- i.e. the set-up, or establishing the status quo -- which is usually best if it’s the shortest act, as it tends to bore audiences quickly.  This leads to Act II, typically the longest, which   introduces the disruptor and shows how characters deal with it, and is sandwiched by Act III (the resolution.)  

The Chapter-by-Chapter

This is the one I use the most.  It allows you to elucidate on the goings on of your novel in greater detail than the quintessential three act synopsis generally could, fully mapping out your manuscript one chapter at a time.  The descriptions can be as simple or as elaborate as you need them to be, and can be added to or edited throughout the progression of your novel.

Can easily be added to/combined with the three-act structure.

The Character Arc(s)

This isn’t one that I’ve used a lot, but it can be a lot of fun, particularly for voice-driven/literary works:  instead on focusing on the events of the plot, this one centralizes predominantly around the arc of your main character/characters.  As with its plot-driven predecessors, it can be in point-by-point/chapter-by-chapter format, and is a great way to map out character development.  

The Tent Moments

By “tent moments,” I mean the moments that hold up the foundation (i.e. the plot) of the novel, in the way that poles and wires hold up a tent.  This one builds off of the most prevalent moments of the novel -- the one’s you’re righting the story around -- and is great for writers that want to cut straight to the action.  Write them out in bullet points, and plan the rest of the novel around them.

The Mind Map

This one’s a lot of fun, and as an artist, I should probably start to use it more.  It allows you to plot out your novel the way you would a family tree, using doodles, illustrations, and symbols to your heart’s content.  Here’s a link to how to create basic mind maps on YouTube.

2.  “Show don’t tell” is probably your strong suit.

If you’re a visual thinker, your scenes are probably at least partially originally construed as movie scenes in your head.  This can be a good thing, so long as you can harness a little of that mental cinematography and make your readers visualize the scenes the way you do.

A lot of published authors have a real big problem with giving laundry lists of character traits rather than allowing me to just see for myself.  Maybe I’m spoiled by the admittedly copious amounts of fanfiction I indulge in, where the writer blissfully assumes that I know the characters already and let’s the personalities and visuals do the talking.  Either way, the pervasive “telling” approach does get tedious.

Here’s a hypothetical example.  Let’s say you wanted to describe a big, tough, scary guy, who your main character is afraid of.  The “tell” approach might go something like this:

Tommy was walking along when he was approached by a big, tough, scary guy who looked sort of angry.

“Hey, kid,” said the guy.  “Where are you going?”

“I’m going to a friend’s house,” Tommy replied.  

I know, right?  This is Boring with a capital ‘B.’  

On the other hand, let’s check out the “show” approach:

The man lumbered towards Tommy, shaved head pink and glistening in the late afternoon sun.  His beady eyes glinted predatorily beneath the thick, angry bushes of his brows.

“Hey, kid,” the man grunted, beefy arms folded over his pot belly.  “Where are you going?” 

“I’m going to a friend’s house,” Tommy replied, hoping the man didn’t know that he was ditching school.

See how much better that is?  We don’t need to be told the man is big, tough, and scary looking because the narrative shows us, and draws the reader a lot more in the process.  

This goes for scene building, too.  For example: 

Exhibit A:

Tyrone stepped out onto his balcony.  It was a beautiful night.

Lame.  

Exhibit B: 

Tyrone stepped out onto his balcony, looking up at the inky abyss of the night sky, dotted with countless stars and illuminated by the buttery white glow of the full moon.

Much better.

3.  But conversely, know when to tell.

A book without any atmosphere or vivid, transformative descriptors tends to be, by and large, a dry and boring hunk of paper.  That said, know when you’re showing the reader a little too much.

Too many descriptors will make your book overflow with purple prose, and likely become a pretentious read that no one wants to bother with.

So when do you “tell” instead of “show?”  Well, for starters, when you’re transitioning from one scene to the next.

For example:

As the second hand of the clock sluggishly ticked along, the sky ever-so-slowly transitioning from cerulean, to lilac, to peachy sunset.  Finally, it became inky black, the moon rising above the horizon and stars appearing by the time Lakisha got home.

These kind of transitions should be generally pretty immemorable, so if yours look like this you may want to revise.

Day turned into evening by the time Lakisha got home. 

See?  It’s that simple.

Another example is redundant descriptions:  if you show the fudge out of a character when he/she/they are first introduced and create an impression that sticks with the reader, you probably don’t have to do it again.  

You can emphasize features that stand out about the character (i.e. Milo’s huge, owline eyes illuminated eerily in the dark) but the reader probably doesn’t need a laundry list of the character’s physical attributes every other sentence.  Just call the character by name, and for God’s sake, stay away from epithets:  the blond man.  The taller woman.  The angel.  Just, no.  If the reader is aware of the character’s name, just say it, or rework the sentence. 

All that said, it is important to instill a good mental image of your characters right off the bat.

Which brings us to my next point...

4.  Master the art of character descriptions.

Visual thinkers tend to have a difficult time with character descriptions, because most of the time, they tend to envision their characters as played their favorite actors, or as looking like characters from their favorite movies or TV shows.

That’s why you’ll occasionally see characters popping up who are described as looking like, say, Chris Evans.  

It’s a personal pet peeve of mine, because A) what if the reader has never seen Chris Evans?  Granted, they’d probably have to be living on Mars, but you get the picture:  you don’t want your readers to have to Google the celebrity you’re thirsting after in order for them to envision your character.  B) It’s just plain lazy, and C) virtually everyone will know that the reason you made this character look like Chris Evans is because you want to bang Chris Evans.  

Not that that’s bad or anything, but is that really what you want to be remembered for?

Now, I’m not saying don’t envision your characters as famous attractive people -- hell, that’s one of the paramount joys of being a writer.  But so’s describing people!  Describing characters is a lot of fun, draws in the reader, and really brings your character to life.

So what’s the solution?  If you want your character to look like Chris Evans, describe Chris Evans.

Here’s an example of what I’m talking about:

Exhibit A:

The guy got out of the car to make sure Carlos was alright, and holy cow, he looked just like Dean Winchester!

No bueno.  Besides the fact that I’m channeling the writing style of 50 Shades of Grey a little here, everyone who reads this is going to process that you’re basically writing Supernatural fanfiction.  That, or they’ll have to Google who Dean Winchester is, which, again, is no good.

Exhibit B:  

The guy got out of the car to make sure Carlos was alright, his short, caramel blond hair stirring in the chilly wind and a smattering of freckles across the bridge of his nose.  His eyes were wide with concern, and as he approached, Carlos could see that they were gold-tinged, peridot green in the late afternoon sun.

Also note that I’m keeping the description a little vague here;  I’m doing this for two reasons, the first of which being that, in general, you’re not going to want to describe your characters down to the last detail.  Trust me.  It’s boring, and your readers are much more likely to become enamored with a well-written personality than they are a vacant sex doll.  Next, by keeping the description a little vague, I effectively manage to channel a Dean Winchester-esque character without literally writing about Dean Winchester.

Let’s try another example: 

Exhibit A:

Charlotte’s boyfriend looked just like Idris Elba. 

Exhibit B:  

Charlotte’s boyfriend was a stunning man, eyes pensive pools of dark brown amber and a smile so perfect that it could make you think he was deliciously prejudiced in your favor.  His skin was dark copper, textured black hair gray at the temples, and he filled out a suit like no other.

Okay, that one may have been because I just really wanted to describe Idris Elba, but you get the point:  it’s more engaging for the reader to be able to imagine your character instead of mentally inserting some sexy fictional character or actor, however beloved they may be.

So don’t skimp on the descriptions!

5.  Don’t be afraid to find inspiration in other media!

A lot of older people recommend ditching TV completely in order to improve creativity and become a better writer.  Personally, if you’ll pardon my French, I think this is bombastic horseshit.  

TV and cinema are artistic mediums the same way anything else is.  Moreover, the sheer amount of fanart and fanfiction -- some of which is legitimately better than most published content -- is proof to me that you can derive inspiration from these mediums as much as anything else.

The trick is to watch media that inspires you.  I’m not going to say “good media” because that, in and of itself, is subjective.  I, for example, think Supernatural is a fucking masterpiece of intertextual postmodernism and amazing characterization, whereas someone else might think it’s a hot mess of campy special effects and rambling plotlines.  Conversely, one of my best friends loves Twilight, both the movies and the books, which, I’m going to confess, I don’t get at all.  But it doesn’t matter that it isn’t good to me so long as it’s good to her.   

So watch what inspires you.  Consume any whatever movies, books, and shows you’re enthusiastic about, figure out what you love most about them, and apply that to your writing.  Chances are, readers will find your enthusiasm infectious.

As a disclaimer, this is not to say you get a free pass from reading:  I’ve never met a good writer who didn’t read voraciously.  If you’re concerned that you can’t fall in love with books the way you used to (which, sadly, is a common phenomenon) fear not:  I grappled with that problem after I started college, and I’ll be posting an article shortly on how to fall back in love reading.

So in the meanwhile, be sure to follow my blog, and stay tuned for future content!

(This one goes out to my friend, beta reader, and fellow writer @megpieeee, who is a tremendous visual thinker and whose books will make amazing movies someday.)

[stepphase]

Tips for Writing Content - 17 Actionable Tips that Converts

Tips for Writing Content: Hey guys, today i am going to show you the best ways to write content. Of course, data and research can not be ignored and the SEO still matters. You need to be sure that the content you are writing is optimized to attract readers and search engines. Keep in mind that it is very difficult to find the perfect balance. When you are a busy entrepreneur with limited time. Or you are finally starting to master the finesse required for work from home. After all, your content must be converted because your company must be generating revenue.

1) Develop Searcher Empathy

Searcher sympathy is that the key to developing content that converts. Why? as a result of after you incorporate searcher sympathy into content development. You’re not simply writing content that you simply “think can convert supported business analysis or best practices,”. However instead of crafting – and reoptimizing – content through the angle of the searcher.

Remember, providing high-quality search expertise is one of the key goals of Google. If you really wish to develop content that converts. Stop paying most attention to “industry thought leaders” that don’t have intimate information about your customers. Instead, specialize in your customers and searchers. Craft content that speaks to their issues, needs, and wishes. If you do, not solely can your customers reward you, however, Google can also.

2) Utilize Events and Holidays

Based on the ways that have worked for us. Exploitation blogs to market local events has helped us acquire valuable leads that have changed into customers. Whenever there’s a local vacation that you just will go along with our product/service with. Or if there’s a relevant news article that may be accustomed feature your product. We tend to take each chance to put in writing regarding it on a journal or as guest bloggers.

3) Be an Expert - Tips for Writing Content

So, the concept is that if the content creator isn’t as vital because of the content. Then Google wouldn’t have discomposed with E-A-T. Content that converts well, I actually have discovered. Was written by those who have actual expertise with the subject they're writing regarding (call them specialists, if you will). As a result of their own expertise, they higher perceive the audience they're writing for. The readers successively notice and are so impelled into partaking with the content.

4) Write for Search Intent

One tip for writing content that converts is to brainstorm queries and answers for your target market. Then concentrate on totally responsive queries close this data at intervals of your content. This can be referred to as writing for search intent. Once wondering your consumer or your topic, raise yourself what your target market of customers needs to grasp regarding the service or product. Trust the potential queries they'll go for google to raise. And raise yourself however precisely they'd explore for them on the web... Base your content, blogs, and social topics on your answers to those queries. Optimizing content for search intent can facilitate your customers to seek out data. And you have got an excellent likelihood of accelerating conversions.

5) Focus on One Topic - Tips for Writing Content

Focus, focus, focus. unjust content that converts ought to concentrate on responsive only 1 question or target topic. In today’s era of pillar pages and long-form content, it’s simple to urge anxiety and answer each question. You'll be able to think about what’s associated with your topic. But, if conversions are your goal, it’s vital to stay responsive to only 1 question. The additional summary and compelling your answer, the additional possible that person is to convert.

6) Incorporate HTML Tables

One of my favorite ways in which to boost long-form writing is with HTML tables. You'll be able to use these tables to show information in a very method that's simple to grasp and signals experience to your reader. My recommendation is most cases is to stay to most of the 4 columns, together with one for labels and 3 for information. As for what to incorporate within the actual table, it depends on your content. You'll produce a ranking system for the numbered things. During this method, the table will do double duty. Each in helping the reader realize the foremost pertinent data to them and conjointly as a table of contents.

7) Give a Reason to Convert - Tips for Writing Content

I think the most effective tip to writing content that converts is to administer the user a reason to convert. Specifically, marketers ought to offer users compelling reasons why and samples of however your providing will create their life or job easier. Most readers are skeptical of conversion experiences as a result of what they recognize. They’re being oversubscribed to, therefore rather than mercantilism, give worth initial. Then supply users the chance to convert employing a clear decision to action, so don’t do it.

A simple (but direct) decision to action is that the key here. If executed properly, the most effective case here is that a user converts. The worst case is that you’ve designed up a small amount of goodwill within the eyes of that user. And you established yourself as a trusty resource of knowledge. This can create additional possibilities to convert subsequent time they visit your website.

8) Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for the Small Stuff

Try to concentrate on tiny conversion asks. I actually have sometimes created content that created a sales conversion raise. Which has generated a conversion rate beneath I Chronicles. In distinction, developing a decision to action in content that asks for a social share tends to possess the next conversion rate. Therefore, if your content conversion rate has been low. It's going to be time to experiment with smaller conversion asks.

9) Identify the Motivation Behind a Conversion

To make content even additional engaging and drive conversion more in 2020. I try and perceive not simply what or the way to purchase a product, expertise, or service. However conjointly the way to be able to inspire audiences by distinctive the underlying motivation. The key to turning into additional potent is after you will associate degrees where why they are doing what they are doing and connect with folks on an emotional level.

10) Find and Place the Best Keywords - Tips for Writing Content

You could write an awing piece of content. There are several techniques we tend to use to urge content placed in a higher place on Google. As well as, the upper you're within the SERPs (search engine results pages). And the additional possible your content can get a scan and convert. This can be wherever SEO steps in, that content creators and writers typically leave on the backburner.

In fact, the placement of target keywords is crucial to each piece of content. However, you don’t need to pack in keywords haphazardly. The writing ought to flow and sound natural. a method to seek out keywords is to start out writing one thing associated with the content into Google and voila, an inventory can seem of common searches. you'll be able to use these to come back up with content concepts and recognize what keywords to incorporate.

11) Provide Social Statistics

Use social proof. This, quite the rest can boost conversions. By adding social proof — testimonials, video reviews, case studies, and ratings — you create the prospect to feel comfy. Their defenses go down. They notice they’re managing a reputable company that includes a high commonplace for client expertise. together with these details in your copywriting goes an extended thanks to converting new customers. Plus, it makes them feel that it’s less of a risk to shop for from you, as a result of others have too.. nobody desires to want they’re the primary person to buy, however, everybody enjoys following a crowd once shopping for.

12) Use a Funnel Strategy

I believe making content that converts may be a long game. In fact, we tend to use a funnel strategy, providing high-value content and collecting email addresses in exchange. we have a tendency to then dish up a lot of content, basing it off of keyword analysis, client surveys, and insights into our audience. we conjointly sharply section our lists therefore we’re solely serving folks content they need to interact with. Doing this has greatly increased our conversions, with the shift to quality content leading the method.

13) Give Some Love to Your Anchor Text

Anchor text converts higher than buttons, banners, or pop-ups. If you’re making an attempt to urge your readers to transfer a novel content supply, be it a guide, checklist, template, etc., it’s best to form that provides as associate anchor text CTA comparatively high in your content.

For example, if you've got a diary post concerning “how to form a social media content calendar,” and you’re giving a calendar templet as a free transfer as a neighborhood of your arriving promoting strategy, contemplate adding associate anchor text link towards the highest of the page, once concerning 100-200 words, instructing users to transfer it.

Be descriptive in your anchor text. one thing like: “Download Now: Free Social Media Calendar templet (with Instructions)” says precisely what you’re aiming to get if you click the link and is compelling enough to convert.

One final tip, the text leading up to your CTA conjointly matters. Teach your reader one thing improbably valuable right before your CTA, and you’ll possibly see higher conversions.

14) Write a Captivating Headline - Tips for Writing Content

The most necessary tip for writing content that converts is to target making a charming headline. With such a lot of content on the market to content customers, a headline should hook and pull the patron into the content. Otherwise, one won't stop and consume such content. The second most significant tip is to form a call-to-action that tells the patron precisely what action to require. we have a tendency to can’t assume customers apprehend what action to take; we've to inform them.

15) Put Your Content to the Test

Don’t trust precisely your skillset to put in writing content that converts. you wish to check your content ahead of many pairs of eyes to urge a much better understanding. Sometimes, our egos will get within the method, inflicting North American nation to lose sight of the tip goal and solely admit the North American nation being the ‘expert,’ therefore we have a tendency to clearly apprehend what’s best for the web site or digital plus. If you’re writing one thing that's extraordinarily necessary for the success of your website/digital plus or a client’s, push ego aside and provoke honest criticism from colleagues, friends, coworkers, or maybe members of the family. You’d be shocked at the responses you’ll get once you raise folks, to be honest with you.

16) Lead With the Key Takeaway

One of the simplest ways that to enhance content conversion rates is to use the inverted pyramid variety of writing. during this vogue, the foremost necessary conclusion is placed at the terribly starting of the content. This helps readers validate that the content matches their search intent, and saves them time trying to find the key takeaway. during this style, every individual content section and paragraph conjointly leads with its main purpose. This helps the reader quickly grasp the piece of content. The inverted pyramid variety of writing will increase clarity and saves the reader time – each facilitates improve conversion.

17) Keep Up With What’s Trending - Tips for Writing Content

The best thanks to writing content that converts is to grab 2 or 3 products or services that square measure trending in a very explicit market section and drill down on the worth they supply and also the resolution they straightaway solve. A lot of specific you get, a lot of you’ll increase conversions. most of the people leave and indite what they feel is vital, that is associate improper methodology. the right method is to speak concerning what folks would like immediately within the marketplace at this precise moment in time.

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WebNovel Cheats

WebNovel Guide

WebNovel manual is a guide for warm new game. Dreame is a dreamy network for girl readers and writers presenting fascinating, serialized on line fiction. It's miles a studying platform in which readers can immerses themselves into the modern day fascinating testimonies everywhere every time; a dream land in which upcoming authors can fulfill their dream as a successful writer. To have fun our one year with you, our e-book loving readers, we are hosting a exceptional black friday occasion with a purpose to get: 5. shopping for a monthly subscription service will automatically debit your itunes account and enlarge the carrier duration of one month 24 hours before the month-to-month carrier expires. That's ridiculous. I've stopped analyzing any novels from WebNovel until they reintroduce the month-to-month sub or some thing similar. If i ought to give this zero stars, i would. 1 big name is for the nice form of books to read. This app changed into a good deal higher before the last replace,i just do not like how you study the novels now it become plenty simpler earlier than. Nearly had me and you then attempted to make me pick among male and female protagonists. I suggest, that in and of itself isn't always the problem. Tales itself has handiest been online for a yr, so not anything is older than a year antique. Pay price: there are styles of contracts. One is more on hand, and offers a 25% royalty for creators who want to jot down a sport and have it published via their app. The opposite is to write down for their line of in-residence games, earning 10-25% royalties and an enhance. Games variety from "unfastened to down load with top class content," to a flat $1.ninety nine-$4.ninety nine price. On google play, their games have 1-10k downloads, with greater on their other platforms. We use a private backend and a relaxation api to fetch the records for a given profile. To begin, keep in mind the subsequent diagram, which indicates how all of the modules must engage with one another after designing the app: notice that each aspect depends best on the element one stage under it. For example, sports and fragments depend best on a view model. The repository is the handiest elegance that depends on a couple of different lessons; in this situation, the repository depends on a persistent statistics model and a far off backend facts source. Because these activities are not underneath your manipulate, you should not keep any app statistics or kingdom for your app additives, and your app additives should not depend upon every other. The maximum vital precept to follow is separation of issues. It is a not unusual mistake to write all your code in an activity or a fragment. These ui-based totally training need to most effective include common sense that handles ui and running system interactions. With the aid of keeping these lessons as lean as possible, you can avoid many lifecycle-associated issues. This excluded a number of popular structures, which i'll damage down for you. Wattpad is presently unfastened only. They may be liberating top class content soon, however as of now (march 2019), the program continues to be in beta, most effective open to 64 authors, and there's no manner to use as a new creator. Wire is popular with many creators, but there's no integrated technique of charging readers. Many twine creators use patreon, tip jars, or encompass a paypal donation hyperlink, however that is not the same as a platform that includes price as an essential a part of its framework. Correct reader now not to many issues for my part. In case you are having troubles along with your stats and such try clearing the cache and logging out and returned in. The app is useless. It doesn't update maximum of the novels i study. I may want to simplest read them from the internet site. The app is broken a person needs to get in this asap. It is been a long time and it nevertheless doing this. Very frustrating thinking about that i truely sold Spirit Stones to study off of it you fixed the studying offline difficulty so i thank you substantially for it but right here recently i wake up to locate that i am sign off and must re login and down load my tales again makes you watch commercials however may not give you the chapter or stones. The alternate that i without a doubt do no longer like is the foreign money. I kinda regretted updating the app. The_cheese i notion when you operate the fast pass, the chapter will just be open for 7/24... so its not like that?? Mygad what a waste of rapid pass.. they simply expired already, i did not even use them. The_cheese i greater decide on coin.. hmm fast skip is simply too little.. before update, i got from log in -9 coin(can double it with seing ads) this coin can release 3 or 9 bankruptcy.. featured and beneficial critiques are the first to be observed by using customers and in case of no reaction can affect download fee. This is why it's far incredibly endorsed to answer to them. I am a massive fan of your app. There are such a lot of addictive tale's available, every with their personal precise characters and plot, and i have located all of them inside WebNovel! WebNovel has such a diffusion of memories, i cannot help however recognize your determination closer to it. However, your "points system" has a few issues. They got rid of looking advertisements to unencumber chapters, forcing you to pay for Spirit Stones if you desired to examine the locked chapters or wait till they unlocked it. 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