#you can subscribe to get these publication updates and behind the scenes about the stories in your inbox for free

[musefictions]

My story "Imitates Life" is out now in The Gateway Review! A quick logline: Sculptor whose creations come to life tries to make the perfect man. This goes just as awry as you can image.

You can purchase the issue it's in with the link above!

[wings-of-ink]

Looking for your Input for IF Patreon

Hello my friends and neighbors! I hope you are all safe and well. I had some things to share with you and I am once again fishing for thoughts and opinions.

Like many of us who create these IFs, I am strongly considering a Patreon. I have no plans to go exclusively to Patreon, so don't fret. I want to make extra content to go along with any IF I work on, and I'd like to be able to put more things into these projects such as real art (including character portraits), and not just the stuff I flounder through on Canva. I'd like to pay my artist a fair wage and devote more of my time to this. Getting some support would help me allocate even more to these projects and extras. I'm testing the waters here to see if it's sustainable for both myself and subscribers as well. I do not know what timeframe I'm looking at to start this either.

I only want to do this if it's worth the while for everybody, so I'm putting out feelers and asking for your input.

Most of all - I want to know what you want in a Patreon sub. I also want to know what you feel to be a fair sub price for different tiers. Over the years, when I have been able, I have subbed to help support my favorite creators at all different levels. So, I have some ideas on what I am looking for in a subscription, what keeps me coming back, and what prices are both fair for the effort of the creator as well as for my pocket. But, what suits me may not be what you want, so that's why I need some feedback.

Below, I have compiled my ideas, so far, for possible tiers. None of these are set in stone, just a framework to build on to see if I'm on the right track. At the bottom is a poll (of course, it's like my favorite thing), and is probably the first of a few about this topic I will use. I welcome comments and suggestions on this topic. Tell me what you are looking for in a Patreon. What do you want from one each month? What keeps you subscribed? Please feel free to comment below or to send comments and suggestions via the Ask inbox, especially if you prefer to be anon (do let me know if you do not want your response posted - I may post some that either have questions or that I find relevant to the conversation).

I still do not know for certain what the ultimate future of God-Cursed will look like (meaning when it is all finished). I've played with the idea of eventually refining it to sell on itch and/or Steam. I have to admit that being able to do so would really feel like a huge accomplishment to me. I've always had dreams of being published and such, and it feels like a part of that dream. I, personally, prefer to buy IFs through either platform whenever I can. It supports my favorite authors, shows my appreciation, it compiles my favorite stories into an easy-to-find library, and I can relive my favorite stories over and over easily. So, needless to say, this is calling to me more and more.

Anyway, what I have come up with so far for possible offerings are these. Please let me know if something like this would work for you or if you have any suggestions for improvement:

An appreciation/tip jar - if the other tiers aren't for you or you just want to give a little love. Subscribers could get updates and public posts, and participation in polls.

A "Supporter" level - all the other stuff plus GC demo releases 1 month (30 days) in advance. I debated about the time, but I want to really make the early access feel worth it. This level would also be privy to some "insider" info (things cut, character development, the egregious typos, etc…). Of course there would be some sort of dev-log to go with this as well.

A "Plus" tier - all the above plus early release of demos for other IFs, more "behind the scenes" type things, and I'm thinking some POVs and other extra content (some interactive) such as short stories. These extras need not be exclusive to IFs either if anyone is interested in other things I write.

"SMUT" or "Spicy" tier - (being very honest, I'd be the most excited for this tier, lol) all the above including all things smut for each IF. This will include interactive extras, short stories, and any other horny content we want. Likely will run some polls and take suggestions for the spice you desire each month.

"Smut plus" (lol) - all the above, PLUS a patreon-only IF that I will have in the works (so, access to 3 projects in total). I have an idea for an IF that will focus on 1 RO at a time (each with their own complete and unique story within the same world), and I am itching to write it even if updates for it will be a bit slow. It will be more like a traditional dating sim type thing and may comprise all sorts of genres. This may be one that would be good for just subscribing on months that will have updates, and that's something I would probably post about publicly so if you're just interested in getting access, you don't have to worry about staying subbed.

And finally a sort of "Power Supporter" tier - this may be like a limited number sort of thing and be a bit pricey (not sure yet how much). You'd get a custom interactive story set in whatever world of mine you want that can be spicey or not. You'd give me all your MC's details (mostly cannon things but some liberties could be taken), physical traits and personality, and pick your RO and/or other desired characters. I'd take prompts or ideas from you as well concerning what you'd like in the story. You want a sexcapade - you can have that. You want to have tea with Oswin and his weird twin sisters - you got it. The main limitations are spoilers, of course, especially for any mystery ROs depending on when and if this all comes to pass. There may be some subject-matter that I will not write about, but I'd let you know what is out of bounds for me.

Naturally, I would also pop your name in the credits, I just don't know which tier that should go on.

So, there you have it. This has been on my mind for a while and I've gotten some questions and messages asking about if I will do something like this, so I'd like to give it a go at least.

Looking forward to hearing your ideas and desires! ^_^

~Lunan

[cashthecomposer]

Want to support new, original musical theatre? Check out my Patreon!

I have written a musical about the summer that Mary Shelley composed Frankenstein. In 1816, Lord Byron and four of his fellows gathered at the Villa Diodati, to read and write ghost stories in what would become known as 'The Year Without a Summer'. In my musical, we see these stories, as well as the interconnected lives of Byron, Mary, and their three companions; Byron's personal physician John Polidori, who would create the modern vampire, Mary's fiance Percy Shelley, and Mary's sister and Byron's one time fling, Claire Clairmont.

A production of this show is in the works. At the same time, I'm working on research for my next show, which is still in its infancy. The full show, when it is fully produced, will be made available to the public in a variety of ways; I will have the show available to stream, tracks available to listen to, rights available for future productions, and sheet music available for individuals.

In the meantime, and beyond, a whole host of bonus material is available on my Patreon, only for my patrons! Namely:

Notes as I work on new shows, including the process of research, outlining, drafting, and editing.

Behind-the-scenes looks into the rehearsal and production process.

Songs that fell to the cutting room floor, demos of recordings before they're finalized, half finished soundbites that will otherwise never see the light of day, random unrelated songs, etc.

Old drafts of the book, lyrics, and music, along with explanations as to why things were changed.

Updates on the process of researching, writing, and producing musicals; a look into the world of theatre that's kept very private otherwise.

Advice from me to you as a music teacher, explaining some broad and some niche topics relating to the process of composition.

Other stuff I'm not thinking of because it's 3 AM!

If you just want to watch my show and hear my music, just be patient, and I'll be sure to post links to buy tickets to live shows, to see video performances, and to listen to tracks from the show. However, if you'd like to see the stuff that happens behind the curtain, and simultaneously support my efforts as I embark on these projects, consider subscribing to my Patreon- for less than the cost of a subway sandwich every month, you get all of the above and then some.

And I think it goes without saying that if you can't afford the cost to my Patreon but want to support my efforts in some way, please reblog this, so that maybe one of your followers can lend their support. <3

Cash

[idolskpop]

Lee Jung Ha Talks About His Role in ‘Moving’ and How He Feels When Apartment Residents Recognize Him in the Elevator

Lee Jung Ha, the rising star who played Kim Bong Seok in the hit K-drama ‘Moving’, recently opened up about his experience working on the show and how it changed his life. In an interview with Elle Korea, he showed off his charming personality and his resemblance to his character.

Lee Jung Ha's Popularity Skyrockets Thanks to 'Moving'

‘Moving’ is a webtoon-based K-drama that tells the story of a family with supernatural powers who try to hide their secrets from the world. Lee Jung Ha played Kim Bong Seok, the son of Kim Doo Shik (Jo In Sung) and Lee Mi Hyun (Han Hyo Joo), who inherited his father’s ability to fly and his mother’s supersenses.

(Photo : Elle Korea)

(Photo : Elle Korea) The show was a huge success, garnering praise from critics and viewers alike. It also boosted the popularity of Lee Jung Ha, who impressed the audience with his acting skills and charisma. Lee Jung Ha revealed that he is now being recognized in public thanks to ‘Moving’. He said, “I felt loved, especially when the apartment residents recognized me in the elevator!” He added, “It’s amazing, and I feel motivated to do well.”

(Photo : Elle Korea)

(Photo : Elle Korea) He also shared that some people asked him to fly like Bong Seok. He joked, “If you want, I can make you a flying gesture.”

Lee Jung Ha on Closeness With Go Yoon Jung, Kim Do Hoon

Lee Jung Ha also talked about his relationship with his co-stars, especially those who were around his age. He said that he was closest to Go Yoon Jung, who played Jang Hee Soo, Bong Seok’s friend and love interest. “I had most of the fun and happy moments on set, but Yoon Jung helped me a lot so that I could do well without losing my smile, even when it was difficult at times,” he said. He added that Go Yoon Jung was like an older sister to him in real life.

(Photo : Lee Jung Ha Instagram) He also mentioned Kim Do Hoon, who played Lee Kang Hoon, Bong Seok’s rival and Hee Soo’s ex-boyfriend. He said that they didn’t have much screen time together, but they were close on the set. “I enjoyed every moment, whether we were complaining or laughing,” he said, referring to his friendship with Kim Do Hoon and Go Yoon Jung.

Lee Jung Ha, Jo In Sung's Father-Son Closeness Delights Public

As ‘Moving’ came to an end, Lee Jung Ha expressed his gratitude to his fans and his on-screen parents, Jo In Sung and Han Hyo Joo. He posted some behind-the-scenes photos on his Instagram account, showing their warm chemistry.

Kim Do Hoon He wrote, “Thank you for loving Kim Bong Seok. I learned a lot from Doo Shik and Mi Hyun. I love you.” Jo In Sung replied to his post as if he were Kim Doo Shik. He wrote, “I have to go somewhere. Come and get your booze on.” The fans were delighted by their father-son interaction and praised their acting. ‘Moving’ was one of the most popular K-dramas of 2023, attracting millions of viewers worldwide. It was also praised for its original story, thrilling plot twists, and stellar cast.

(Photo : Lee Jung Ha Instagram) Lee Jung Ha proved his potential as an actor with his role in ‘Moving’. He showed his versatility, charm, and talent in portraying a complex character with a hidden power. He also gained many fans who admired his personality and appearance. Lee Jung Ha is expected to continue his rise as a star in the Korean entertainment industry. He has already received many offers for new projects and endorsements. He said that he wants to challenge himself with different genres and roles in the future. What did you think of Lee Jung Ha’s performance in ‘Moving’? Are you looking forward to seeing him in more dramas? Let us know in the comments below! Subscribe to IDOLS KPOP for exclusive updates and captivating content. Read the full article

[isabellalouisyt]

GRWM Fun Mall Vlog! Can I Find My Dream Birthday Dress? Simple Makeup Tutorial

GRWM + Fun Mall Vlog! Can I Find My Dream Birthday Dress? Simple Makeup Tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5zd12EKz5c Get ready with me as I search for the perfect birthday outfit and show you my easy makeup routine! Whether you're looking for birthday fashion ideas or tips on keeping your makeup simple and fresh, this video has it all. Join me at the mall as I hunt for my dream dress and give you an honest review of the products I use daily, including the ever-popular Black Girl Sunscreen and a new lip stain I’m trying. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more vlogs! Thank you to Sacheu Beauty for sponsoring today's video! ✨💕 Visit https://sacheu.com/ for 10% off of your first purchase! #ad #paidpartnership 😘 Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCszCEK1HIk5pnDA9NhD2Dog/join This video is about GRWM + Fun Mall Vlog! Can I Find My Dream Birthday Dress? Simple Makeup Tutorial. But It also covers the following topics: Birthday Dress Everyday Makeup Routine Mall Vlog GRWM GRWM + Fun Mall Vlog! Can I Find My Dream Birthday Dress? Simple Makeup Tutorial 🔔 Discover the fusion of creativity and business– subscribe for daily life vlogs, art inspiration, entrepreneurial journeys, and worldwide travel experiences! https://www.youtube.com/@isabellalouis/?sub_confirmation=1 ✅ Important Links to Follow 🔗 Support My Other Channel ✨ Bandcamp: https://ift.tt/UrdBSQ4 🔗 Linktree https://ift.tt/Y2Sf0QC ✅ Stay Connected With Me. 👉 Instagram: https://ift.tt/pQ6MsOk 👉 Tiktok: https://ift.tt/I9Vl34F 📩 For Business Inquiries: isabellalouismusic@gmail.com ============================= 🎬 Recommended Playlist 👉 Sunday Scaries Series 🫣 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOW_bicam_-b0yrOCYDA5tAA68-TR9nyz 🎬 WATCH MY OTHER VIDEOS: 👉 I think it's time for you to become a member ❤️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9eoPX1yJ-4 👉 Fine Dining and Making Friends in France | Cannes Travel Vlog https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvR0BOXVbTU 👉 updates on my random and exciting life as an artist https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFVuzAkB_HA 👉 a Productive Day in my life vlog https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gyps3h1ZNLk 👉 art studio apartment tour 2024 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LLXi9SzYE0 ============================= ✅ About Isabella Louis. Welcome to my YouTube channel, Isabella Louis! I'm Isabella, a Haitian-American musician and visual artist. Join me as an entrepreneur and artist, exploring vibrant art, unique music, and inspiring travels worldwide. Experience my daily life vlogs, behind-the-scenes moments, and creative adventures. Subscribe now for exclusive content, art tips, and exciting travel diaries. Don't be shy; say hi while you're here – let's connect and create together! For Collaboration and Business inquiries, please use the contact information below: 📩 Email: isabellalouismusic@gmail.com 🔔 Hit that subscribe button for vibrant art, daily vlogs, entrepreneurial stories, and worldwide travel experiences—don't miss out on my artist's life! https://www.youtube.com/@isabellalouis/?sub_confirmation=1 ================================= #grwm #birthdayoutfit #makeuptutorial #mallvlog #vloglife #blackgirlsunscreen ⚠️ Disclaimer: I do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of watching any of my publications. You acknowledge that you use the information I provide at your own risk. Do your research. Copyright Notice: This video and my YouTube channel contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Isabella Louis. You are authorized to share the video link and channel and embed this video in your website or others as long as a link back to my YouTube channel is provided. © Isabella Louis via Isabella Louis https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCszCEK1HIk5pnDA9NhD2Dog September 26, 2024 at 08:00PM

[appelboompennen]

Inside Pininfarina: Italy's Luxury Pen Legacy GIVE AWAY! | Appelboom Pennen

Inside Pininfarina: Italy's Luxury Pen Legacy + GIVE AWAY! | Appelboom Pennen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1usmTyw5ato Join us on an exclusive journey to Cambiano, Italy, as we delve deep into the legacy of Pininfarina Pens with Appelboom Pennen. Discover the craftsmanship, history, and passion behind these luxury writing instruments. From their inception in 1930 to their current status as a luxury pen icon, Pini Verina's story is one of dedication and artistry. Dive into the world of Italian pen craftsmanship and get a behind-the-scenes look at Pininfarina's headquarters. Please Visit our website for our complete collection of luxury fountain pens, ballpoint pens, inks, and more: https://appelboom.com/ ✅Important Link to Follow: Www.appelboom.com Video Title: Inside Pininfarina: Italy's Luxury Pen Legacy | Appelboom Pennen This video is about Inside Pininfarina: Italy's Luxury Pen Legacy | Appelboom Pennen. But It also covers the following topics: Luxury Italian Pens Craftsmanship In Writing Exclusive Pen Tour 🔔Join the Appelboom Pennen community and stay updated on the coolest and newest pens: https://www.youtube.com/@AppelboomPennen/featured ✅ Stay Connected With Us. 👉Facebook: https://ift.tt/kuYpGyw 👉Instagram: https://ift.tt/NaqkZBR 👉Twitter: https://twitter.com/appelboomLaren 👉Website: https://appelboom.com/ ✅ For Business Inquiries:info@appelboom.com ============================= ✅ Recommended Playlists 👉New Products https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NpjqJSKzl8&list=PLYoxN5LfwWnz7ZaH7Sa1cboILvmxvqRc0 👉Montblanc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxcM172EYz4&list=PL8849558EE98B01EA ✅ Other Videos You Might Be Interested In Watching: 👉 The Pen Quiz Show - 5 - Douglas Rathbun, Hemingway Jones, and Clare Coco https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrCv1i6JrMI 👉Top 3 Pens of Alex Roden (Workshop Manager at Yard-O-Led) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NUrBMDL2KM 👉Top 3 Pens of Marc Kompaneyets (Marc Kompaneyets Studio) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sai3zv-t57U 👉The Pen Fans Series: Douglas Rathbun (Inquiring Minds) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-aCX8ZnQUI 👉Top 3 Pens of Nino Marino (CEO of Delta/Maiora/Nettuno) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRenzqxor1Q ============================= ✅ About Appelboom Pennen. We created this channel to connect with pen enthusiasts worldwide and share our passion for pens with you. This platform lets us share the coolest and newest pens and show insights into the writing world. Here, you can find the Top 3 Pens of important people in the writing industry, influencers. The latest collections of popular brands like Montblanc, Pelikan, Lamy, Kaweco, Leonardo, Aurora, Montegrappa, and many more. For Collaboration and Business inquiries, please use the contact information below: 📩 Email: info@appelboom.com 🔔Dive into the world of luxury pens with Appelboom Pennen! Subscribe now for reviews and the latest collections from top brands: https://ift.tt/DtQuAYg ================================= #appelboompennen #pininfarina #luxurypens #italiancraftsmanship #penenthusiast #penjourney Disclaimer: We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of watching any of our publications. You acknowledge that you use the information we provide at your own risk. Do your research. Copyright Notice: This video and our YouTube channel contain dialogue, music, and images that are the property of Appelboom Pennen. You are authorised to share the video link and channel and embed this video in your website or others as long as a link back to our YouTube channel is provided. © Appelboom Pennen via Appelboom Pennen https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHNOs96YK8azszH8IZ1b7Bg November 22, 2023 at 08:00PM

[fancallindia]

Top 7 Ways to Contact a YouTuber

YouTubers have evolved into modern-day celebrities in the age of the internet, winning millions of fans over with their content. These creators make a big difference in our lives, whether it be through instructional films, funny skits, or moving vlogs. Look no further if you’ve ever wondered how to get in touch and connect with a YouTuber! In this piece, we’ll examine the best techniques for forging that bond while incorporating a dash of personalization via fancall.

1.Commenting On Videos

Leaving comments on a YouTuber’s videos is one of the simplest ways to contact them. By participating in their content, you demonstrate your sincere interest in what they have to offer. Ask questions, express your opinions, or just leave a humorous comment about the video. Most YouTubers read the comments, so you might just get their attention!

2.Social Media Platforms

The gap between creators and their fans has been closed by social media. Follow the YouTuber on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. They frequently communicate with their followers through posts and stories, sharing behind-the-scenes information and life updates. Remember to be respectful and sincere whether you respond to their postings or give them direct messages.

3.Fan Art And Fan Mail

Expressing your admiration through creative means like fan art can be a wonderful way to stand out. Many YouTubers showcase fan art in their videos or on social media, giving you a chance to get noticed. Additionally, sending fan mail can be a heartwarming gesture. Craft a thoughtful letter or send a small gift that represents their content – it’s a surefire way to make a positive impression.

4.Participate In Live Streams

Live streams let YouTubers interact in real-time with their audience like they would at a virtual meetup. They respond to remarks, address the audience directly, and even respond to inquiries. To engage with them directly, follow their schedule, and participate in their live streams. It’s a wonderful chance to get your questions addressed and express your opinions.

5.Join Their Community

Many YouTubers have exclusive communities on platforms like Patreon, where subscribers can access unique content and interact with the creator on a more personal level. Consider becoming a member to gain access to behind-the-scenes content, early video releases, and even exclusive chats or Q&A Sessions.

6.Attend Meet And Greets

YouTubers often organize meet-and-greet events, especially during conventions or special occasions. Keep an eye out for announcements and attend these events if possible. Meeting them in person can create lasting memories and deepen your connection beyond the screen.

7.Fancall App

Fancall app is progressively gaining popularity as a means to digitally meet and greet YouTubers since it adds a personal touch. You are able to speak with an artist directly through customized video calls. Imagine the thrill of addressing them directly, posing inquiries, and expressing gratitude. This unusual encounter can establish a lasting bond that transcends ordinary contact.

It’s like having a private talk with a role model without the commotion of a public gathering. If you’re an aspiring content producer yourself, you can inquire about their content production process, their sources of inspiration or even obtain guidance. To overcome barriers and communicate with YouTubers, download the app right now.

Conclusion

Connecting with a YouTuber is more attainable than ever before, thanks to the vast array of options available in the digital realm. Remember, while it’s exciting to reach out to YouTubers, it’s essential to be respectful of their time and privacy. We hope that the blog is able to answer your question about how to contact a Youtuber. Genuine interactions are more likely to leave a positive impact, so keep your communication sincere and kind. So go ahead, try out fancall app, and find yourself in a heartwarming conversation with the YouTuber who’s been brightening your screen!

Article Source : https://www.fancall.in/top-7-ways-to-contact-a-youtuber/

[author-a-holmes]

Monthly Update - August 2022

This updates a little later in the month that I usually like, but we're on the final day of August and I wanted to keep you all in the loop on the things that are happening right now.

Are we all ready for this update? Oh good! Let's dig in…

Since my last update…

I gave a brief update on the progress of Changeling at the beginning of August, but the last time I did a proper update was the middle of July.

I was neck deep in Camp Nanowrimo, and the UK was in fighting through a record breaking heatwave.

I'm pleased to say I survived the weather (just) and that Changeling's first draft was completed! I got a huge majority of the words down in July, a nice 72k, and finished up the final five or six chapters during the first 11 days of August.

Since then I've been alternating between Changeling Edits, and the first few chapters of it's sequel, Darkling...

Both are going well. August has been a slower month than I hoped for in terms of writing and editing, but I've still been making fairly steady forward progress, and that's what counts.

Also since my last update, I've finally got my newsletter up and running. If you're reading this update on my website, I'm sure you've noticed the new banners telling you about the free prequel story available, exclusively, to my newsletter subscribers called 'Whatever Happened To Madeline Hail?'.

Moving forward I'll also be making sneak peeks and behind the scenes updates exclusive to my newsletter subscribers, and any future pieces of flash fiction will also be exclusive.

If this isn't enough to entice you to sign up, I'll also be showing my covers to my subscribers before anyone else, and asking for Arc readers through my newsletter before searching publically, and in the future Newsletter subscribers will hear about any sales, discounts, or offers on my future books.

There's loads of reasons to sign up, and you can do so by clicking on any of the banners or the sign up form on my website.

Plan for the coming month…

I'd like to make substantial progress on book two. My deadline for a completed first draft is Halloween, but I'm a little behind where I'd like to be right now, so if I can make some strong headway in September, I'll be happier going into October.

I'd also like to get my self edits on Changeling completed in September so that I can contact my editor in October to see when she's free.

Right now, the process for Changeling is very; X has to happen before Y can happen, which needs to happen before Z. I need to finish the self edits, then I can contact my editor, then I'll know when I can afford my ISBN's, which I need before contacting my cover designer.

It's very exciting though, and the first step is the self edits. I've done four chapters already, and it's taking me about 2-3 hours per chapter, so I've got a lot to get through.

Because I've got a lot to do with Writing and Editing, I don't really want to commit to another Arc to review right now, but if I find I have a couple of days where I need a break, I might pick up an Advanced Reader Copy from Booksprout, or a new service I found called Voracious Readers.

And that's all for August! I hope everyone has a lovely September, and I'll see you in another couple of weeks for a progress update.

Sign up for my newsletter if you'd like to see a sneak peek of Darkling during my next update!

Much love to you all,

Ari x

[girloikawa]

carry on youtuber au

baz starts out as a cover artist, occasionally posting his own songs (he does violin stuff too)

but eventually he gets recognition and people are like “who is this person?????” so baz does a few q&as

oh BUT THEN he reveals that he also has so many other interests (books, movies, planting, coffee, Controversal Topics) that people want him to do other types of videos

and that is what starts baz on the long road of his channel basically being an everything bagel where he does a bit of everything and people find it very chill

agatha and baz become friends over their mutual love of gossip in the community (as long as they’re not apart of it)

(because baz and agatha and simon and penny aren’t problematic)

which brings me to agatha, she’s one of those channels that keep everyone updated on the drama and the shitty stuff that happens on YouTube as long as regular media

very opinionated, this gal is, so she shares her opinion on...everything

though, sometimes she’ll do a q&a and do her makeup and talk about fashion or what she’s into at the moment

she’s basically angelika oles

penny’s a booktuber!!!

she mostly reads and reviews fantasy books, as they are her favorite, but she’ll also do those videos where it’s like “i just read a shitty wattpad romance story, let me rant” or “my top ten favorite ya pairings” or “tier ranking every harry potter character because life has no meaning”

now, simon, the babe, he’s (and you cannot fight me on this) basically jenna marbles

his videos are so random and spurratic, he doesn’t even plan what his next video is, and he’s the youtuber

i would also like to point out that simon probably totally has adhd and would talk about it and his experience with it

his most popular videos are of him baking. he’s like (and hear me out) very good and very bad at it. like, all throughout the videos, everybody’s holding their breath’s like “oh no this is going to turn out terribly” because simon being in the kitchen is like a horse babysitting a dog, it’s a mess, however the end product is always perfect and amazing and by the end everybody’s drooling behind their screens

simon is also widely conceived as the weirdest straight guy ever. like people (from just looking at him) think he’s just So Striaght but a very Cool Straight Guy who people wouldn’t actually mind being around

simon has the most subscribers (the majority being that they find him funny and see him as a friend, the minority being people who think he’s Hot As Hell and okay yeah he’s a good person too but have you seen those freckles-)

then it’s baz because he actually started first and his following has been a journey, then agatha (she’s the newest, and her subscriber rate is growing rapidly), then penny (booktube is a small community sad face)

penny n simon are irl best friends and penny was the one who convinced simon to make a channel bc he needed something to help let out his energy, “plus it’s a little fun hobby”

snowbaz now :)

simon has followed baz from pretty much the beginning. he saw his cringy covers, his development as a songwriter, and the walls built around baz crumble over the camera

baz...well, he’s one of those people who think simon is Hot As Hell, but he also genuinely enjoys the videos. at first, baz was like “I’m not watching him, everybody watches him, and I’m different” so he always avoided the recommendations youtube gave him of simon’s videos (but it was also bc he didn’t want to confront that he was very attracted to simon)

and then, one fateful night, agatha sent baz a link to a video called “coming out” and under the link she wrote “youtube angel!”—that’s their nickname for simon—“shocking the world!”

baz click click clicked because hot guy is lgbt+????? and baz watched the video, commenting “proud of you” or something along those lines, and then he watched so, so many more of simon’s videos

simon, a boy who just came out as bisexual, just had his youtube hero comment on his video where he came out and is like !!!!!!

simon’s sexual awakening is baz

also, simon breaks the internet with that video, because he isn’t striaght and that’s so mind-boggling to everybody. but there’s always that one group of people who are like “i saw this coming. do you not remember that one time simon showed his socks and his jeans were cuffed-”

simon replies to baz’s comment and is like “oh my god thank you so much. you’re like my actual favorite youtuber” like a fucking Nut and people see that and say “omg collab” because they’re both relatively high status youtubers and their collab would be Powerful

then, summoning all his courage, simon dms baz on instagram with just a simple “hey, a lot of people are saying we should collab lmao”

“i’ve seen that” “heh uhm yeah” “maybe we could get to know each other and see if that would be a good idea” “yes! i’d love that”

and they do. they get really close and stuff,, but people don’t exactly...see that

you see, on twitter, they get in millions of arguments. people genuinely think that they hate each other to some extent, when in reality, they’re swooning at the sight of the three dot bubble

baz, on twitter: “you cannot tell me that people actually enjoy sparkling water. it’s trash, move on” (they had an argument over it, privately, and baz is making it public to cause a rise out of simon bc he finds angry simon cute)

simon, in response: “yo I’m throwing you in the trash as we speak. fuhhhck u”

so, when they collab for the first time, everybody at home is just like *shocked pikachu emoji* they end up doing a video where simon bakes baz’s mom’s recipe of cherry scones with baz. it’s kind of a big deal bc both simon and baz don’t want to ruin baz’s memory of his mother

in the end, baz tears up and gives si a big ass hug because they’re perfect, simon. i love them, thank you. the fans start shipping. hard. it’s simon’s highest viewed video

that surprise hug is also what makes simon realize that his feelings are much deeper than attraction and surface level forms of knowing someone

on baz’s channel, they were going to film a video where they talked about their experiences being queer, but then simon realized that his biggest, most prominent example was staring at baz’s jawline, so he had to be like “uhhh, actually, I’m not really comfortable with that yet” which is part true. instead, they do a video where they have argumentative discussions, like on twitter but in depth and with less insults

anyways, they receive pretty positive feedback on the videos, people enjoy them, so they decide to do more. also, they both live in LA, so it’s actually pretty easy to do them, plus they have a diverse area to do them in

also, i think it’d be nice to mention that simon will sometimes do twitch streams of him playing minecraft and then he puts edited versions on his channel. it’s worth mentioning because during this one stream, he ends up slipping up and saying “we talk a lot, actually. and i—i like him a lot” about baz, then he blushes like hell because i really just said that and it’s live oh god

all the while, baz and simon actually just start hanging out (without hiding behind wanting to do a video). one meet-up, they go to disney world and halfway through baz is like “uh, should we be filming this?” and simon gives him a smile and replies, “no” because that moment is for them and them only + the fans who see them together and ask for a picture/just take pictures of them being like a couple

their next collab is a bit of a fun one. behind the scenes, pen, ag, si, and baz all become friends, because of that one time baz came over while penny was there and he barely payed attention to simon, too busy talking to penny. anyways, they do a big four person collab where agatha basically teaches them how to do makeup

on penny’s channel, it’s book related. they have to do a look based on the synopsis’ of each other’s favorite books. baz gets simon, simon gets agatha, agatha gets penny, penny gets baz. baz: “snow, you’re holding it wrong. it’s like this” simon: *stares longingly at the brush that gets to touch baz’s face*

on agatha’s, the video is just titled Teaching My Friends To Do Makeup (ft. idiots who test my patience). they all suck. majorly. well, by all, i mean simon and penny suck at makeup

on baz’s, they do a trivia of sorts. if they get a question wrong, they have to skip a product. simon: “oh thank god less work” agatha, deadpanning: “i think i might kill him”

on simon’s, they have agatha and penny go against simon and agatha. si and pen being the ones who have to actually do makeup because, according to agatha, “since you decided to bitch so much, you guys are doing our makeup” “but-!” “nope, I’m Peak Brains of us all so I call the shots” “you’re not even-” “shut up” Everybody (and by everybody i mean the fans) is actually glad that they got to see simon doing baz’s makeup, because it’s literally them just being so flustered the whole time

the collab stuns everybody bc: “they’re all friends??????” plus, some people start calling them the Four Fucks because at one point penny says “fuck you, fuck you, fuck you, and most importantly, fuck me” after simon flinged a bunch of eyeshadow on her

okay so agatha and penny are just like: “these idiots need to get together already” because it’s very obvious that they like each other. like the eiffel tower in paris, you can’t miss it. everyone watching the videos also sees it, so you can imagine the comments

during one of si’s live-streams (he’s playing the hunger games minigame on minecraft), the chat goes wild because baz pops in. he plans on surprising simon with a picnic (he just thought that they could go into simon’s backyard or the park that’s a few miles away), but it was pretty spur of the moment so he didn’t think about simon doing a stream. and to be honest, simon’s stream was also spur of the moment, so it’s not like he made sure to tell baz about it

“simon! hey, i let myself in!” baz called from the front doorway. the chat is freaking because: “is that baz???” “omg baz has a key to simon’s house!!” “are they dating???” simon kind of just freezes up and starts sputtering as he reads the chat and tries to reply to baz

of course, baz doesn’t understand that simon doesn’t want baz to go into his office/room with his computer, so he does go in and as soon as he sees the livestream he’s like: “oh, uh, I’ll go” and simon unfreezes and goes “no, no, stay, I’ll just be a bit” “do you want me to...leave the room?” “you can watch if you want” (baz wants) “okay, sure” so simon pretty much shows baz how to play minecraft

i never finished this, do i?

[lesbianrabbithole]

Lesbian Rabbit Hole Weekly Post Round-Up / February 16 to 25

Social Media moves so fast, it's hard to keep track and catch everything that is posted. Now that I'm creating more content, I'm going to try to publish a weekly or bi-weekly post with a list of the things I've posted recently, so it's easier to find.  If you don't want to miss any of my posts, I recommend you subscribe to my mailing list where you will get this round-up send directly to your inbox. http://eepurl.com/gT9XEb Public Posts February 16 to 25 - Fan Fiction: Still My Maggie (Sanvers) What happens when after Crisis of Infinite Earths Alex finds out that in this new world Maggie has a kid.   - Ficlet: First Day at Work (Kadena) A short look at what working at Scarlet means for Adena.  - Kat, Jane and a Janitor that supports love (headcanon) - Kadena S4 Theory    - The L Word Generation Q LiveblogSeason 1 Episode 1 - Personal Essay: How Getting Engaged Changed My Views on Marriage - Book Update #4 Talking about reaching my first milestone with 5000 words written.  - Book Behind the Scenes - 1 An introduction to my first romance novel Match to Love. The whole update was posted to Patreon, but here you can still see the most important parts of it.  - Fan Art Aisha Dee  Digital Painting of Aisha Dee’s latest photoshop pictures.  - The Bold Type Gifs High-Quality Gifs from the most recent episodes of The Bold Type Episode 04 https://lesbianrabbithole.com/tagged/GIFTBTS4E04   Episode 05 https://lesbianrabbithole.com/tagged/GIFTBTS04E05   Patreon Exclusive Posts   Original Writing: Encounters Short stories about wlw women that interlace between them. - Pretending I hear her breathing hugging yours while I try to sleep in the room next to the one you share with her...    - Infidelity She discovered on a Sunday afternoon that the aversion to infidelity she had been vocal about for so many years was not due to her moral strength, but to lack of opportunities...   - Book Behind the Scenes - 1 Full post. An introduction to my first wlw romance novel Match to Love. - Match To Love Chapter Preview - 1 An excerpt from the first chapter of my upcoming wlw romance book.  - Showing my face for the first time A short post talking about my most recent vacation. Why I'm always hesitant to post pictures online. And finally shattering that barrier, just a little, with a vacation picture. 

[theeddiewarnerstory]

IndieView with Imania Margria, author of The Pacemaker

The Pacemaker was based off a nightmare I had. I wrote most of what I could remember down, and it transformed into this.

Imania Margria – 19 December 2019

The Back Flap

Minerva Walsh forgot everything about her life before her eighteenth birthday. Since then, betrayal, hardship and strife plagued her life over the last five years, and good fortune was never on her side. However, when Minerva receives a full-paid scholarship to the most prestigious school in the country, Calendula University, and is given a chance to restart her miserable life, she feels her luck has changed.

But after arriving, the dark shadows and deadly secrets looming underneath the serene façade of this academic paradise shows Minerva that her new life is far from the peaceful escape she thought it would be. She learns about the curse haunting the university and claiming innocents’ lives in unusual accidents. Minerva also gains a strange power which lets her control the heartbeats of time and space and enter a world outside of reality. To solve the mystery behind Calendula’s curse, Minerva must use her new powers to investigate the secrets surrounding this elite school before the curse claims the lives of those close to her. But as she draws near the truth, pieces of her missing past come to light. Can Minerva unravel the mystery behind her forgotten memories and the school’s curse? Or will she become its next victim?

About the book

What is the book about?

The Pacemaker is about unlucky, amnesiac Minerva Walsh winning a full-paid scholarship to the college of elites, geniuses and scholars, Calendula University and having to learn to adapt to her new home. She soon learns it’s not all glitz and glam when she discovers this academic paradise is swarming with dark shadows and deadly secrets. One of these shadows is the curse which is responsible for claiming the several victims’ lives in unusual accidents. Not soon after learning about the curse, Minerva develops a strange ability that lets her control the fluctuations of time and space and enter a world outside reality. Minerva must use her new powers to investigate the truth behind this curse before it claims more lives.

When did you start writing the book?

January 2018.

How long did it take you to write it?

​ It took a bit over a year to finish The Pacemaker.

Where did you get the idea from?

The Pacemaker was based off a nightmare I had. I wrote most of what I could remember down, and it transformed into this.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

The dark scenes were difficult for me. I’m very sensitive to circumstances like that. So, if I write a dark, depressing scene, the character’s feelings transfer to me, and I’ll be in a heavy mood for a while.

What came easily?

The romantic and action scenes. I’m better at writing romance and action (mostly supernatural or fantasy) scenes than dark scenes because they can be emotionally draining.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

All characters are fictitious.

Do you have a target reader?

My target reader is late teenage years about 18+. Mentality wise someone who likes supernatural or fantasy mixed with some psychological thrills, romance, some sex, and lots of drama

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so, can you please describe it?

​Yes. I have a process. First, I write out a general outline and figure out the titles of the chapters and how many there will be. Next, I write out the separate outlines for each chapter and make chapter checklists for writing, editing, reading, rewriting, final editing, and final reading. And finally, I start writing everything out mostly in pen and paper first. I like to have a first draft for my records, and it makes easier for me when I type it up later. I used to not have a process, and it drove me mad. It took me forever to get anything done. Whenever I organize what I need to write or make checklists of what I need to get done, it makes accomplishing those goals easier and motivates me to finish them.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

I do outline and make checklists. I figure out the overall outline of the story then the chapters’ names and finally their individual outlines. I also make checklists for writing, editing, reading, rewriting, final editing, and final reading.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I would edit after each chapter. Then I read through the entire book and do a point edit before doing a final edit, rewrite, and read.

Did you hire a professional editor?

Yes.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

Yes. I do listen to music. The kind varies depending on the story and scene. But I normally make playlists, under the names of the books I’m working on via YouTube of the music I listened to while writing. I make them public while I’m editing and marketing the books.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

No, not really.  Since I’m not interested in working with a major publisher. I will hire a PR agent for my upcoming works to help me market my books from Sep 2020- on.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

I decided to go indie because I like being in full control of the publishing and marketing process. I also like to have complete ownership of my work and not worry about it being tied to a specific publisher until my contract runs out or when I get lawyers involved to retrieve all rights from that publisher. It’s been a hard, long learning process, but I love the freedom of being my own boss.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

I use a professional. For The Pacemaker, Panagiotis Lampridis from https://bookdesignstars.com/ made the cover.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I try to create a marketing plan, but it depends on my budget. For now, I’m kinda improvising.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Plan everything. Not just the book you’re working on. Plan out the costs for book cover and interior design. Plan the costs for editors and publishing (if you don’t decide to use Amazon and use Ingram or something). If you use a service like Ingram, plan the name for the publishing name you want to use (because you are the publisher if you use their service and buy your own ISBN and barcode). Most newbie indie authors think you just need to write your book find a publishing company and release your book, then you’re done. (I’ve been there done that.) They don’t realize that’s the easy part. The most important part is marketing your book and getting it to potential readers to get those first reviews and sales. Planning out a thorough marketing strategy and executing it is crucial to the success of your book. Because as an indie author, unless you’re publishing with an independent publisher (not Amazon, Lulu or Ingram), you have to be the writer, editor, PR agent and so much more. You don’t have the same liberties that traditionally or indie authors published by an independent or hybrid publishers have.

About You

Where did you grow up?

I’m Jersey girl born and raised. I was born in Livingston, spent my first 12 years of my life in East Orange and then the rest in Kearny, NJ.

Where do you live now?

I still live in Jersey.

What would you like readers to know about you?

​I’m a down-to-earth person who’s kinda shy. I’m just recently becoming more active in social media and literary events like poetry reads. I’ve been absent on there for a while, because I’ve been caught up finishing The Pacemaker and learning to stand in front of a crowd again since I tend to do in-person events for my upcoming 2020 novels, Eyes and Scarlet Moon. Follow my social media for more updates on locations: https://linktr.ee/imaniamargria .

For this new year, I want to connect more with my readers, and let them get to know more about who I really am. I’m going to try and be more active on social media and even make a vlog so they can see a little into my process and life. I also want them to become more involved in my development as a writer. So, I made a Patreon page where my readers can subscribe for as little as 3 dollars and get one-on-one contact with me, access to exclusive canon content that won’t be released to the general public, opportunities to get a sneak peek at chapters of upcoming books or becoming a beta reader or an ARC reviewer. This not only helps me connect with my readers but helps me get an idea about what they want, receive direct feedback, dedicate all my time to them and my writing, and create new high-quality content. Link to join is https://www.patreon.com/imaniamargria .

What are you working on now?

Currently, I’m doing final rewrites and edits on my romantic suspense novel, Eyes, so it could be released in the coming spring.  https://linktr.ee/eyesthebook It will be available everywhere books are sold.

End of Inteview:

Get your copy of The Pacemaker from Amazon US or Amazon UK.

source http://www.theindieview.com/2019/12/19/indieview-with-imania-margria-author-of-the-pacemaker/

The post IndieView with Imania Margria, author of The Pacemaker appeared first on The Eddie Warner Story.

from WordPress https://ift.tt/2MduZrd via IFTTT

[theonyxpath]

Yes, we’re down to the last few days of the Deviant: The Renegades Kickstarter campaign, and backers have been talking full-time with developer Eric Zawadzki about all the options contained in the previews AND in the Stretch Goal projects. It’s been really great seeing folks come up with how popular (and unpopular, for that matter) characters in various media can be replicated in Deviant.

There’s been a ton of them, and it’s just awesome how flexible the character creation section is! Dave Brookshaw’s extensive process and playtesting is really paying off with a system that absolutely shines.

So, c’mon! Check it out while we’re still rolling and if you pledge you’ll be getting those sweet Stretch Goal projects as well as Deviant itself with your pledge!

And while Deviant is the last KS standing right now, our joint Creature Collection KS with Handiwork Games ended over the weekend with a satisfying amount that’s over 400% our funding amount, a great number of backers, and a fantastic 224 pages (we started with 160).

A huge round of thanks and appreciation to Handiwork and Jon and all his team over there! It is really one sweet project they put together – and even before the KS was over they had hired new writers and artists to start on the added sections. Our Creature Collection is in good hand(s) – iwork.

OK, even I think that’s a groaner, but I wrote it and it’s staying in as I gotta move on to the next topic!

They Came From Beneath the Sea! art by Brian Leblanc

Over the weekend, I also attended the SAVE convention in Harrisburg, PA. Not only was I joined by Eddy and Dixie, but surprise guest Neall Raemonn Price showed up! He was able to join us on panels, and we had a lot, I mean A LOT, of discussion of upcoming projects – tons of Scion talk, but also a couple of upcoming and currently secret projects.

SAVE itself was bigger than ever, and Saturday it was packed in the gaming area. Even more interesting to me, was the education and therapy tracks (as opposed to the game design and gaming ones I was in), because these were also packed with folks wanting to discuss and learn about how our hobby can be used to build understanding and help with therapeutic efforts.

What a fantastic place we are now in where we don’t have to only mention those anecdotal stories of roleplaying helping folks in their real lives, we now have real, practicing therapists and educators stepping up with methodologies. Very proud of my friends in the Bodhana Group for being forerunners in this effort!

On a personal gaming level, Friday night at the convention I stepped up and DM’d my long-time D&D world for the first time for adults in about thirty years. I just felt like if we’re publishing so many D&D 5e based game lines, I needed to be able to talk about them with experience, not just from playing a few campaigns.

So I girded my loins, converted an adventure I’d written that was published in White Wolf Magazine #15, and sat down with Eddy, Dixie, Neall, and Jen, Jack, and the Captain, from Bodhana. It was extremely fun, and very satisfying – even if we roleplayed so hard the party never actually got into the dungeon part!

They did however talk themselves into a free room at a very nice inn due to some high charisma dice rolling and simple chicanery, burn up two enemies and part of a pine forest, and team-work the hell out of young Frost Giant.

I’ve received a fair number of requests to continue the game, so that’s a good sign, and I’ll just have to see what I can do. Dunno if I’ve shaken off all the rust from decades of not running a game, but I also hate saying no to people who want to join me in my imaginary world. So….

Aeon Aexpansion art by Gong Studios

Last week also saw the release to the public of one of our secret projects: the phone app version of Pugmire! The folks at DTRPG used Pugmire as their first premiere project and worked up an awesome version of the core book, that they then offered as a free download – and I understand that they’ve had over 7,000 of those downloads!

Here’s a direct link: https://phone.drivethrurpg.com/phone-pdf/?affiliate_id=4451

There’s are also some great games from other publishers on there, and we have at least one more project to add – again, one of the things we’ve been doing behind the scenes – you’d be surprised at how many of those are bubbling along right now!

Now for some useful sales info!

First, DTRPG is having their big Halloween Sale on DriveThruRPG and Storytellers Vault starting Wednesday the 16th and running until Halloween. Most of our Chronicles of Darkness PDFs will be on sale on both sites, plus there will be some Halloween Treats (i.e. free PDFs) hidden around the sites.

Here’s a link to a teaser for a Geist 2e game being run by Eric Campbell: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GOzzE8b3Wc

Here’s a link to this very cool Scion teaser announcing the project is being translated and published in Spain by The Hills Press! We think it’s an excellent video, a super teaser, and we just couldn’t be happier to be working with these folks!

Maybe the next line should be “Many Teasers, One Path”… maybe not. Let’s stick with:

Many Worlds, One Path!

BLURBS!

Kickstarter!

The Deviant: The Renegades Kickstarter has ONLY A FEW MORE DAYS to go and it’s vengefully slamming through Stretch Goals now! So far, we have the classic Backer T-Shirt, unlocked the Deviant Screen and Deviant wallpaper, added the Beast and Demon core book PDFs and Dark Eras PDFs to the CofD PDF collection, and added four sections of the Clades Companion book! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/200664283/deviant-the-renegades-a-tabletop-roleplaying-game

Next up: Mummy: The Curse 2nd Edition!

Onyx Path Media!

This Friday’s Onyx Pathcast features last week’s Call-In Show – it was live at the time and undead now, so check out as our trio and some special call-in guests answer chat questions and chat with questions!

We’ve really increased production of content for our Twitch channel in the last week! Every day has new content, every day has a different game, and much of that content is now being transferred to our YouTube channel.

I’m going to link both here in case you’re not following / subscribed to them. www.twitch.tv/theonyxpath & www/youtube.com/user/theonyxpath

It really helps us to have subscribers on our Twitch channel, and you can do so for free and catch premieres as they go up if you have an Amazon Prime account. Just type Twitch Amazon Prime into Google and you’ll be shown how to subscribe for free.

Also on our Twitch channel, we’ve been proceeding well with Character Creation Month, having created characters for Scarred Lands and Deviant: The Renegades. Also tied into those two games, Eric Zawadski has run a two-parter Deviant chronicle which will soon be transferred to YouTube, and Matthew Dawkins ran a very fun Scarred Lands meatgrinder, to show off some of the monsters from the Creature Collection. A different character dies in every scene!

We have so much fun content coming out soon, with this weekend hosting a Trinity Continuum character creation session, so please catch that if you’re at all interested in Trinity!

Remember, if you miss any content on our Twitch channel, some of it finds its way to our YouTube channel here: www.youtube.com/user/theonyxpath Don’t forget though, that some of that content is Twitch exclusive or belongs to the Storytellers running their games, so don’t miss out and remember to follow us!

Meanwhile, our fans keep creating excellent content for us, not limited to:

Occultists Anonymous for your Mage: The Awakening needs:

Episode 51: Portents of Doom The recovered grimoire is returned to the Adamantine Arrows, but Wyrd the Seer discovers some concerning information. https://youtu.be/_2UJbimcc_c

Episode 52: Rocks Fall… Wyrd shares a surprise revelation before the cabal leaves for Peru. In Peru, the cabal searches for local Pentacle mages. https://youtu.be/R56aMsiT81M

The Story Told Podcast for Exalted: In the Fall of Jiara episode out this week, we hear a dramatic combat between Dragon-Blooded and Solars!:  http://thestorytold.libsyn.com/fall-of-jiara-16

Caffeinated Conquests wrapped up their actual play of V5: https://youtu.be/nCqrC3PPunI

Red Moon Roleplaying continue with their fantastic actual play of The Sacrifice for V5 over on their website: www.redmoonroleplaying.com

Maybe the most exciting news of the week is Eric Campbell will be running Geist: The Sin-Eaters 2E! Catch the teaser trailer here: https://youtu.be/3GOzzE8b3Wc

So much fantastic content, and more every week.

Drop Matthew a message via the contact button on matthewdawkins.com if you have actual plays, reviews, or game overviews you want us to profile on the blog!

Please check any of these out and let us know if you find or produce any actual plays of our games!

Electronic Gaming!

As we find ways to enable our community to more easily play our games, the Onyx Dice Rolling App is live! Our dev team has been doing updates since we launched based on the excellent use-case comments by our community, and this thing is awesome! (Seriously, you need to roll 100 dice for Exalted? This app has you covered.)

On Amazon and Barnes & Noble!

You can now read our fiction from the comfort and convenience of your Kindle (from Amazon) and Nook (from Barnes & Noble).

If you enjoy these or any other of our books, please help us by writing reviews on the site of the sales venue from which you bought it. Reviews really, really help us get folks interested in our amazing fiction!

Our selection includes these fiction books:

Our Sales Partners!

We’re working with Studio2 to get Pugmire and Monarchies of Mau out into stores, as well as to individuals through their online store. You can pick up the traditionally printed main book, the screen, and the official Pugmire dice through our friends there! https://studio2publishing.com/search?q=pugmire

We’ve added Prince’s Gambit to our Studio2 catalog: https://studio2publishing.com/products/prince-s-gambit-card-game

Now, we’ve added Changeling: The Lost 2nd Edition products to Studio2‘s store! See them here: https://studio2publishing.com/collections/all-products/changeling-the-lost

Scarred Lands (Pathfinder) books are also on sale at Studio2, and they have the 5e version, supplements, and dice as well!: https://studio2publishing.com/collections/scarred-lands

Scion 2e books and other products are available now at Studio2: https://studio2publishing.com/blogs/new-releases/scion-second-edition-book-one-origin-now-available-at-your-local-retailer-or-online

Looking for our Deluxe or Prestige Edition books? Try this link! http://www.indiepressrevolution.com/xcart/Onyx-Path-Publishing/

And you can order Pugmire, Monarchies of Mau, Cavaliers of Mars, and Changeling: The Lost 2e at the same link! And NOW Scion Origin and Scion Hero are available to order!

As always, you can find most of Onyx Path’s titles at DriveThruRPG.com!

The big Halloween Sale on DriveThruRPG and Storytellers Vault starts Wednesday the 16th and runs until Halloween.

Most of our Chronicles of Darkness PDFs will be on sale on both sites, plus there will be some Halloween Treats (i.e. free PDFs) hidden around the sites.

On Sale This Week!

We’re releasing new Trinity Continuum: Aeon journals on our RedBubble store on Weds!

Conventions!

GameHoleCon: October 31st – November 3rd PAX Unplugged: December 6th – 8th 2020: Midwinter: January 9th – 12th

And now, the new project status updates!

DEVELOPMENT STATUS FROM EDDY WEBB (projects in bold have changed status since last week):

First Draft (The first phase of a project that is about the work being done by writers, not dev prep)

Exalted Essay Collection (Exalted)

Exigents (Exalted 3rd Edition)

Many-Faced Strangers – Lunars Companion (Exalted 3rd Edition)

Player’s Guide to the Contagion Chronicle (Chronicles of Darkness)

N!ternational Wrestling Entertainment (Trinity Continuum: Aberrant)

Creating in the Realms of Pugmire (Realms of Pugmire)

Contagion Chronicle Ready-Made Characters (Chronicles of Darkness)

Redlines

Tales of Aquatic Terror (They Came From Beneath the Sea!)

Kith and Kin (Changeling: The Lost 2e)

Crucible of Legends (Exalted 3rd Edition)

M20 Victorian Mage (Mage: the Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition)

Dragon-Blooded Novella #2 (Exalted 3rd Edition)

Contagion Chronicle Jumpstart (Chronicles of Darkness)

Second Draft

Across the Eight Directions (Exalted 3rd Edition)

Scion: Demigod (Scion 2nd Edition)

Wraith20 Fiction Anthology (Wraith: The Oblivion 20th Anniversary Edition)

Yugman’s Guide to Ghelspad (Scarred Lands)

Pirates of Pugmire KS-Added Adventure (Realms of Pugmire)

Contagion Chronicle: Global Outbreaks (Chronicles of Darkness)

Development

Heirs to the Shogunate (Exalted 3rd Edition)

City of the Towered Tombs (Cavaliers of Mars)

Masks of the Mythos (Scion 2nd Edition)

TC: Aberrant Reference Screen (Trinity Continuum: Aberrant)

Titanomachy (Scion 2nd Edition)

Trinity Continuum Jumpstart (Trinity Continuum Core)

Monsters of the Deep (They Came From Beneath the Sea!)

One Foot in the Grave Jumpstart (Geist: The Sin-Eaters 2e)

Lunars Novella (Rosenberg) (Exalted 3rd Edition)

Manuscript Approval

Mythical Denizens (Creatures of the World Bestiary) (Scion 2nd Edition)

Scion: Dragon (Scion 2nd Edition)

M20 The Technocracy Reloaded (Mage: the Ascension 20th Anniversary Edition)

Vigil Watch (Scarred Lands)

Terra Firma (Trinity Continuum: Aeon)

Mummy: The Curse 2nd Edition core rulebook (Mummy: The Curse 2nd Edition)

Post-Approval Development

Trinity Continuum: Aberrant (Trinity Continuum: Aberrant)

Deviant: The Renegades (Deviant: The Renegades)

Scion LARP Rules (Scion)

Editing

Lunars: Fangs at the Gate (Exalted 3rd Edition)

Hunter: The Vigil 2e core (Hunter: The Vigil 2nd Edition)

Let the Streets Run Red (Vampire: The Masquerade 5th Edition)

Geist 2e Fiction Anthology (Geist: The Sin-Eaters 2nd Edition)

Dragon-Blooded Novella #1 (Exalted 3rd Edition)

Scion Companion: Mysteries of the World (Scion 2nd Edition)

Tales of Good Dogs – Pugmire Fiction Anthology (Pugmire)

Cults of the Blood Gods (Vampire: The Masquerade 5th Edition)

Legendlore core book (Legendlore)

WoD Ghost Hunters (World of Darkness)

Post-Editing Development

Chicago Folio/Dossier (Vampire: The Masquerade 5th Edition)

TC: Aeon Ready-Made Characters (Trinity Continuum: Aeon)

Night Horrors: Nameless and Accursed (Mage: the Awakening Second Edition)

City of the Towered Tombs (Cavaliers of Mars)

Oak, Ash, and Thorn: Changeling: The Lost 2nd Companion (Changeling: The Lost 2nd)

W20 Shattered Dreams Gift Cards (Werewolf: The Apocalypse 20th)

TC: Aeon Jumpstart (Trinity Continuum: Aeon)

Indexing

Dystopia Rising: Evolution core (Dystopia Rising: Evolution)

ART DIRECTION FROM MIKE CHANEY!

In Art Direction

Contagion Chronicle – Sending out contracts.

Trinity Continuum: Aberrant

Hunter: The Vigil 2e – Sam on the fulls.

Ex3 Lunars – Contracted.

TCfBtS!: Heroic Land Dwellers

Night Horrors: Nameless and Accursed – Workin’ on it.

Ex3 Monthly Stuff

Trinity RMCs – Contracted.

Cults of the Blood God (KS) – Contracted.

Chicago Folio – Looking for one more artist.

Mummy 2 (KS) – KS stuff in progress.

City of the Towered Tombs – Contracted.

Let the Streets Run Red – Right after Chi Folio art is in.

In Layout

They Came from Beneath the Sea! – Template created… system chapter done.

Dark Eras 2 – Aileen working on it.

Trinity Continuum Aeon: Distant Worlds

VtR Spilled Blood – In progress.

Geist 2e Screen – Need notes from developer.

Proofing

C20 Cup of Dreams – Heading off for WW approval today.

M20 Book of the Fallen – Josh finishing cover.

DR:E Threat Guide – Helnau’s Guide to Wasteland Beasties – At Eschaton for approval.

Memento Mori – Layout proofing as art comes in.

At Press

Trinity Core Screen – At Studio2 – shipping to backers.

TC Aeon Screen – At Studio2 – shipping to backers.

Trinity: In Media Res – PoD proofs coming.

Trinity Core – At Studio2 – shipping to backers.

Trinity Aeon – At Studio2 – shipping to backers.

V5: Chicago – Printing.

Aeon Aexpansion – Prepping for PoD.

DR:E Jumpstart – PoD proof ordered.

W20 Art Book – Backer PDF out to backers, PoD proof ordered.

Geist 2e (Geist: The Sin-Eaters 2nd Edition) – Getting print files ready.

DRE Screen – Getting print files prepped.

Today’s Reason to Celebrate!

Today is the five year anniversary of Impish Ian Watson’s line of Social Justice Classes t-shirts, with Social Justice Paladin and Social Justice Wizard being particular favorites. You can find them at: https://www.redbubble.com/…/c…/328337-social-justice-classes Congrats, Ian!

[wellesleyunderground]

Wellesley Writes It: Jane Ridgeway ‘09 (@janeridgeway), Fiction Writer and Teacher

Photo by Jane Ridgeway.

Jane Ridgeway is a fiction writer born and raised in Seattle, now living in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is the current Writer in Residence at the Kerouac Project of Orlando, Florida, living and writing in the house in which Jack Kerouac wrote The Dharma Bums. Her work appears in the Cover Stories anthology from Volt Books. She has an MFA in fiction from the University of Oregon, and has taught creative writing and literature at the U of O, as well as at prep schools in California and Hawai’i. Interview by Camille Bond ‘17, Wellesley Writes It series editor.

WU: Welcome, Jane, and thanks so much for chatting with the Wellesley Underground! One of your short stories was recently published in an anthology, Cover Stories. What is the story about?

So, as the title suggests, Cover Stories’ mission was to anthologize “cover” versions of other short stories—so you take a canonical (or not-so-canonical) story that you passionately love or hate, and you riff off of it, explore some particular facet of it, or write very literary fan fiction of it, essentially. It’s an exploration of that weird and glorious phenomenon in which, over the decades, a song can be transformed through the different covers of it that are performed by artists with radically different sensibilities.

My story, “Peredelkino,” is a take on Isaac Babel’s “My First Goose,” a personal favorite and a story that definitely haunts me. Babel’s narrator, Liutov, is this gentle, nervous Jewish intellectual who finds himself embedded with the incredibly violent Cossacks and has to find a way to integrate himself to survive—and because he finds himself both drawn to the sort of sexy, robust glamour of the soldiers and terrified of their brutality. My piece updates some of the same conflicts that Liutov experienced to the era of the Soviet purges of intellectuals carried out by the KGB (which took the lives of many artists, including Babel himself).

WU: As a fiction writer, are there specific themes or issues that you feel drawn to? How do you discuss these themes/issues in your writing?

Grief, loss, sex, queerness, mortality, the sturm und drang of being a teenage girl, the way the past keeps popping its head back up throughout a life/a century/a place’s history. People who try really hard to be good but aren’t very successful at it. For some reason, religion, which is certainly not because I want to espouse any particular set of beliefs through my writing, or even something I focus on deliberately—I just can’t seem to get away from it, even if I try to. I’m really interested in the stories we tell ourselves about the afterlife, and how that shapes the way we live.

WU: As an emerging fiction writer, you’ve been accepted as one of four annual residents at the Kerouac Project in Florida. Congratulations! Kerouac residents spend a season living in Kerouac Project housing and working on creative projects. What are you working on during your residency?

I’m now one month into the Kerouac and have been using my time to generate new short story material! When I accepted the Kerouac I self-imposed some pressure to come here and bang out an entire novel draft, which isn’t what’s happened so far. The Kerouac is gloriously unconstrained: I’ve been given time to work on any project I choose, so I’m taking advantage of that freedom to play a little, write outside of my usual range, and create things that aren’t geared toward any particular publication, workshop, etc.

WU: How do you hope to develop as a writer during your time at the Kerouac Project?

I’ve been greatly enjoying finding my rhythm and discovering a creative schedule that works for me outside the constraints of my usual day job and responsibilities. It’s also been an exercise in overcoming self-doubt, because when I first arrived I was walloped by a wave of uncertainty and impostor syndrome. Through some combination of “faking it till I make it” and adopting some of the swaggering ego of the Beat generation that permeates the Kerouac House, I’ve found a way through it. (Kerouac himself said, “You’re a genius all the time!” which feels awfully audacious, but I think we could all stand to borrow a little of the audacity of a man who wrote his unedited first drafts on a single continuous scroll of paper.)

WU: You previously worked as a staff writer at the Los Altos Town Crier newspaper. How, if at all, has your journalism career informed your creative writing?

Working at the paper was one of the happiest phases of my working life! I loved having an immediate and local audience of subscribers with a clear stake in the stories I was covering, rather than a hazy sense that someone might read my fiction years in the future after I’d painstakingly revised for months, spent a year or so waiting to hear back from lit mags, then many more months before publication. I also love the precise, straight-to-the-point journalistic style. (Readers of this interview may notice that my natural tendency leans to the verbose!) Having experienced journalists and a brilliant copy editor to learn from helped me write crisper prose. Coming out of an MFA writing literary fiction, I think I also took the (unproductive) attitude that all of my stories were delicate, precious creations that I couldn’t possibly let out of my hands until they were perfect. Working at a publication that publishes weekly taught me to work with a much tighter turnaround time, much more efficiently, with less unnecessary psychodrama. There’s a deadline—just get it done!

WU: You’re currently teaching in a prep school environment, and have also taught Creative Writing at the University of Oregon, where you studied for your MFA. How, if at all, has teaching the subject changed your perspective on the act of creative writing? How has it informed your development as a writer?

I wholeheartedly love teaching, even though I can’t exactly recommend it to aspiring writers on the grounds of short hours or great work-life balance! Teaching literature means I get to spend my days hanging out with some of my favorite stories, novels, and poems, and really thinking about how to break them down for a young audience. It’s great to admire literature, but it’s even more useful to know how it ticks! On a more woo-woo level, teaching has helped me as a writer because it’s balanced out some of my edges and helped me grow into a softer, more vulnerable, caring, and patient human. Which is hard as hell, and not something I’m sure I would ever have gotten good at otherwise, because that’s not my natural inclination! I’ve always tended to be a seething ball of snark and sarcasm, and, untempered, that’s no way to go through life! The writers I admire most are all able to observe how much humankind can suck without losing their love and compassion for what a desperate, scrappy lot we all are. Teaching gives you great respect for people (young or otherwise) who are trying their hardest. Being a person is hard! We shouldn’t dismiss how hard it is, even when people disappoint us.

WU: Can you tell us a bit about your background in theater, and how this background has informed your literary career?

Some useful lessons of a theater-kid background for writers:

Better to commit to a choice than to be boring

Say “yes, and”

Don’t write any dialogue so stilted your actors would be embarrassed to say it

Read everything out loud after you’ve written it

I actually first started writing seriously after a playwriting class in my senior year of high school resulted in a festival production of my short play. Watching the actors and director in rehearsal, hearing my words, realizing how I could make the work better, was one of the most electrifying experiences I’d ever had as a young person.

WU: Are there any teachers and/or students who have been particularly influential to you?

A long and glorious lineage, starting from my absolute miracle of a second-grade teacher who made me fall in love with Greek myths, to my brilliant high school English teachers who were tremendously overqualified to be teaching me grammar and who told me I could be a writer, to Prof. Erian at Wellesley who actually taught me how to edit, to the teachers who caught me as a proper adult and really kicked my butt into writing things that an audience other than myself might care about. Also, Ehud Havazelet, the stern fiction father figure who permanently broke me of the ability to use the word “impactful” or read it without a tinge of disgust.

Hillger → Culhane → Doelger → Aegerter → Erian → Kiesbye → Brown, Bradley, Havazelet

WU: You have described your thankfulness to belong to a network of writers and thinkers. How can Wellesley students and alumnx build similar networks around themselves?

I love knowing writers and artists and readers all over the country. A lot of my writer acquaintances come not from my grad program but from an eclectic network of youngsters who were all applying to grad school at the same time as me, and joined forces to share information behind the scenes on how well-funded programs were (among other things.) I’ve always found networking in the traditional sense grotesque and repellent, but I think there’s a lot to be said for finding other people who care about the things you care about, befriending them with no regard for whether they’re currently (or ever likely to be) in a position to help you, and generously sharing information that might be helpful. Do your best to root for other people’s success even though sometimes you’re going to feel bitter and jealous because you’re a human and, like all of us, you kind of suck sometimes. Also, don’t be a dickbag. We all know who the dickbags in a given community are.

WU: What is your approach to self-care?

I take a very pragmatic approach to self-care that wouldn’t play well in a glossy magazine! To me, self-care is about doing the things that will make my life better, like doing the dishes I don’t want to do, taking out the trash, and clearing my inbox, more so than ‘treating myself’, you know? This summer, this has included writing lots of snail mail, going running even when I don’t want to, and long, slow, inefficient cooking projects.

[fancallindia]

Top 7 Ways to Contact a YouTuber

YouTubers have evolved into modern-day celebrities in the age of the internet, winning millions of fans over with their content. These creators make a big difference in our lives, whether it be through instructional films, funny skits, or moving vlogs. Look no further if you’ve ever wondered how to get in touch and connect with a YouTuber! In this piece, we’ll examine the best techniques for forging that bond while incorporating a dash of personalization via fancall.

1.Commenting On Videos

Leaving comments on a YouTuber’s videos is one of the simplest ways to contact them. By participating in their content, you demonstrate your sincere interest in what they have to offer. Ask questions, express your opinions, or just leave a humorous comment about the video. Most YouTubers read the comments, so you might just get their attention!

2.Social Media Platforms

The gap between creators and their fans has been closed by social media. Follow the YouTuber on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. They frequently communicate with their followers through posts and stories, sharing behind-the-scenes information and life updates. Remember to be respectful and sincere whether you respond to their postings or give them direct messages.

3.Fan Art And Fan Mail

Expressing your admiration through creative means like fan art can be a wonderful way to stand out. Many YouTubers showcase fan art in their videos or on social media, giving you a chance to get noticed. Additionally, sending fan mail can be a heartwarming gesture. Craft a thoughtful letter or send a small gift that represents their content – it’s a surefire way to make a positive impression.

4.Participate In Live Streams

Live streams let YouTubers interact in real-time with their audience like they would at a virtual meetup. They respond to remarks, address the audience directly, and even respond to inquiries. To engage with them directly, follow their schedule, and participate in their live streams. It’s a wonderful chance to get your questions addressed and express your opinions.

5.Join Their Community

Many YouTubers have exclusive communities on platforms like Patreon, where subscribers can access unique content and interact with the creator on a more personal level. Consider becoming a member to gain access to behind-the-scenes content, early video releases, and even exclusive chats or Q&A Sessions.

6.Attend Meet And Greets

YouTubers often organize meet-and-greet events, especially during conventions or special occasions. Keep an eye out for announcements and attend these events if possible. Meeting them in person can create lasting memories and deepen your connection beyond the screen.

7.Fancall App

Fancall app is progressively gaining popularity as a means to digitally meet and greet YouTubers since it adds a personal touch. You are able to speak with an artist directly through customized video calls. Imagine the thrill of addressing them directly, posing inquiries, and expressing gratitude. This unusual encounter can establish a lasting bond that transcends ordinary contact.

It’s like having a private talk with a role model without the commotion of a public gathering. If you’re an aspiring content producer yourself, you can inquire about their content production process, their sources of inspiration or even obtain guidance. To overcome barriers and communicate with YouTubers, download the app right now.

Conclusion

Connecting with a YouTuber is more attainable than ever before, thanks to the vast array of options available in the digital realm. Remember, while it’s exciting to reach out to YouTubers, it’s essential to be respectful of their time and privacy. We hope that the blog is able to answer your question about how to contact a Youtuber. Genuine interactions are more likely to leave a positive impact, so keep your communication sincere and kind. So go ahead, try out fancall app, and find yourself in a heartwarming conversation with the YouTuber who’s been brightening your screen!

Article Source : https://www.fancall.in/top-7-ways-to-contact-a-youtuber/

[businessmarketingnow]

Instagram & Facebook Stories Drive Brand Awareness, Grow Your List, and Increase Sales

 Stories are a good way to produce up to date content and help your brand stand out by capturing your target audience’s attention with images and video. Instagram and Facebook Stories are based on visuals rather than written content and they have a limited-time run of 24 hours. Therefore, it’s important that you learn as much as possible about creating and using these visual Instagram and Facebook stories to drive brand awareness, grow your list, and increase sales.

 As you create your stories, it’s essential you ensure that they are well-planned, eye-catching, and actionable. Let’s start by looking at why Instagram and Facebook stories are so important to your business.

 Why Use Instagram and Facebook Stories

 You know that visual content is steadily gaining in popularity among potential customers and subscribers, as well as business owners and marketers. So, it’s probably no surprise that Facebook-owned Instagram and Facebook Stories are becoming more popular too. As new visual marketing options develop, you’ll want to try each one out to find out which ones your audience responds better to. Here are a few reasons you may want to try and then implement Instagram and Facebook Stories in your marketing plan.

 Instagram Details & Benefits

 Instagram is a site and app for Smartphones, where you can share photos, videos, and even live events. It is very popular with the 18-30 year-old crowd and many of them visit it several times a day to check out what is new. This target market group also tends to be interested in trends and influencer marketing.

 Influencers are generally high-profile people in a particular niche or industry. Sometimes they may be celebrities, public figures, or well-known in a specific niche, who post content regularly. Instagram is ranked in the top 15 of all influential websites, so it is a good place to connect with influencers that attract your target market.

 Instagram is a good marketing option because it stacks/saves published content that the viewer hasn’t seen yet. It will show all of your content, not just the most recent item. The story only lasts 24 hours, unless you make it a highlight of your account. You can also store stories in your camera roll and re-use them again at a later date.

 In addition, Instagram allows you to cross-post your story on Facebook, so you can reduce the amount of work with just a few clicks. The only significant difference between the 2 is that Instagram allows 15 seconds of video per clip, while Facebook offers 20 seconds.

  Facebook Details & Benefits

 Facebook tends to appeal more to mature users. If your products and services appeal to a younger audience, it might not seem a great fit. On the other hand, more than 2 billion people use the site every month. Even younger people have accounts on Facebook, if only to keep up with older family members who are loyal users of the site.

 Facebook is also actively encouraging videos, memes, and stories rather than written content. In fact, their CEO has predicted that the majority of content on Facebook will be video by the year 2020, putting them head to head with the extremely popular YouTube.

 Facebook does have some drawbacks. It does not show content to all of your followers, only a certain percentage (such as 10%). In order to get more visibility, the post has to get engagement, such as Likes, Comments, and Shares. If it does receive some type of response or acknowledgement, it will be posted more widely. Those sharing it will also help spread the content.

 Your Facebook stories also have a lineup of content, so it will show the most recent thing you have published, even though you might have published several items since your follower was last online. Facebook Stories can be a good format to publish in because they are attention-grabbing, as compared to other types of posts. The downside is they only last 24 hours before they vanish.

 Knowing the advantages, disadvantages, and business benefits related to Instagram and Facebook can help you make the right choices for your business needs as well as your audience’s needs. With that in mind, let’s take a look at your goals to assist you in making your decisions.

 Meeting Your Goals

 Both Instagram and Facebook provide great opportunities to spread the word about your business. Start by setting goals for each story, such as driving traffic, gaining new subscribers, making sales, promoting brand awareness, and much more.

 Each of the networks mentioned can help you meet your goals. The key is to implement SMART goals as well as match the right content to your target market’s needs. Knowing what attracts your audience, visually, and what info or solutions they want from you, will help your stories stand out from the others.

 Traffic Goals

 Getting traffic to your site often includes providing a clickable link to learn more. A story can work well for this, especially if it is breaking news or a special sale that will be here today and gone tomorrow. Add text and a link to photos and videos. Track your results. Without those, you won’t know exactly what you did right or what worked best.

 Subscriber Goals

 A lot of marketers rely heavily on social media. This can result in neglecting to build a solid mailing list. Yet, the two strategies can work well together. Email marketing is extremely effective when it comes to reaching your target audience, building long-term relationships, and compelling readers to take action. However, before you can accomplish all of that, you need to get them to opt-in to your list with an offer they can’t wait to get.

 There was a time when offering newsletter updates or notifications excited potential subscribers enough to sign up to mailing lists. However, that is definitely not the case now. Your prospective subscribers want and expect more value. You can provide this valuable, free item in multiple ways.

 A free ebook download, a free multi-lesson eCourse, are both attractive incentives to gain subscribers. In this case, your story would be all about the benefits of the item, with a link to sign up for the list and then receive their item.

 Sales Goals

 Let’s face it. Sales help you keep the lights on. Whether you offer your own line of products and services or recommend affiliates’ items, you need to make sales. Creating a story for each offer enables you to showcase the item’s features and benefits.

 Many business owners automatically plan to incorporate visual social media stories into new product launches and promotions. This is because they can create a huge buzz when shared on multiple social sites, albeit short-term.

 However, when you use social story offers with other marketing methods, such as social media posts, ads, and email marketing, you increase your chances of meeting your goals and making more sales.

 Brand Goals

 You need to see and be seen. Maintaining a social media presence and embracing new marketing methods keeps you in your audience’s mind. Social media marketing is a way to put yourself on the map. Every social network specializes in a specific content type, even though they may offer other options. Right now, stories are hot and growing in popularity.

 On Facebook and Instagram, stories are currently receiving greater visibility. When you add relevant, interesting, problem-solving stories, your brand reach increases, as does your brand recognition. Publish great content regularly and you will soon have everyone talking about you, and your products/services.

 Appealing Story Types

 Certain types of content have a higher appeal to your target market than others do. Knowing what your audience prefers is very important to your overall success, as well as the level of engagement your story receives. When you implement stories using the content and information your viewers want, you’re more likely to get a good deal of engagement.

 Here are a few suggestions to help you discover exactly what compels your viewers to take action and engage with your story. Be sure you track the results so you can repeat your successes by following the same steps. Give these a try and see how your audience responds. Make a note which types work best.

 Behind The Scenes

 Behind the scenes videos and images let people get to know you, your values, and your items better. This also helps you to build trust as well as greater brand recognition, especially if you include your logo in the visual story. If you are a sole proprietor, share the story of how you first started out in business. If you are a company, share staff stories about what they do and what motivates them.

 When you are working on a new product, give them a sneak preview. If you are hosting a webinar or live event, use video excerpts (or teasers) to entice people to attend live, or to view recordings afterwards.

 Once your target audience feels that they know and trust you, this can stimulate brand loyalty, which can in turn bring sales, repeat sales, and/or a desire to share your content with others.

 Informative Demonstrations

 Demonstrations are an ideal way to market products and services. In your stories, share hints, tips and how-tos, as a series of images with text overlay and/or videos. “Seeing is believing,” as they say. This is particularly true and works well for your visual and hands-on learners.

 In addition, demos show off your expertise. Address the main issues your target audience has, in relation to your niche. Plan your story content around them. Save the stories to your camera roll, within your Instagram account. Doing this repeatedly allows you to build a library of useful content you can publish regularly there and on Facebook. As your number of followers grows, they will be able to see these stories.

 Intriguing Teasers

 People love movie trailers and sneak previews. Create stories made from snippets of a larger work. Include a strong call to action and a clickable link where your viewers can learn more on the topic. Keep in mind that teasers are meant to pique interest, not tell the whole story. This is often accomplished by sharing exciting clips and ending the teaser with a cliff-hanger to make them want to see the rest of the longer story/video.

 Exclusive Offers

 Stories are a great way to provide exclusive, limited time offers to a specific group or to fast-acting viewers. Use a coupon code to track the success of each offer you create. Save the best holiday or yearly promotions on your camera roll so you can re-use them. Prospective followers are more likely to follow you and engage with your stories if you give them a good reason to do so. Exclusive, valuable offers fit that bill.

 User-Generated Content

 User-generated content can help create buzz around your business. It can also take the burden off you a little in relation to constantly having to come up with fresh content for your site, blog and social accounts.

 Run contests to get images, captions, videos and so on, making it clear that the best content will be used by you. Ask for video reviews and testimonials. Ask for questions and answer them. Invite guest bloggers. Giving your target audience the chance to provide feedback shows you care and promotes engagement.

 You could also invite a takeover. Pay attention to those who are most diligent about following you on Instagram. Let them take over your account for 24 hours to publish what they feel is useful content. It gives you a break for a day and gives your audience a new “voice” to pay attention to.

 Surveys, Polls & Activities

 Learn more about your audience so you can serve them better. Ask them what they need help with. Get their opinions regarding options for your next product, have them vote on the options they want most. Plan to do random, prize drawings. These can keep things interesting and engaging.

 Some people dislike taking surveys or polls. If your people tend to shrink from giving feedback, use fun activities to get answers. Niche Trivia is usually a good activity that provides some info depending on how many people are participating. Don’t forget to give participants a thank-you gift.

 Now that you know why stories are a powerful marketing tool, and which story formats work well, let’s dig a little deeper into the details of using each site, beginning with Instagram stories.

 Instagram Stories

 Instagram tends to be very popular with younger audiences, as well as older audiences who prefer visual content and enjoy learning about the latest trends.

 To create a new story, tap on your profile picture in the Stories row of your home screen or from your profile page. This will activate the camera. Use the button at the bottom of the screen to shoot a photo or choose one from the last 24 hours in your camera roll.

 You can add to your story at any time by tapping the camera icon in the upper-left of the home screen. Then tap the “+ your story” button to add it to your story.

 Image Formatting

 You can choose to display your Instagram Stories in either portrait (vertical) view or in landscape (horizontal) view. However, they do format images to fit the screen. This might mean your images get cropped or empty bars are added to the top, bottom or side of a photo. You can use these areas to add text, stickers, or other useful content.

 The optimal photo size for Instagram is 520 x 520 pixels. For video, it is 15 seconds. Plan your content and film it based on these specifications.

 Story/Recording Options

 When you open the Stories camera, you will see a number of different recording formats on the bottom of the screen, underneath the shutter button.

 Normal is a regular photo or video, and the default option. Tap the button to snap a picture, or hold it to record a video of up to 15-seconds long.

 Boomerang is a looping GIF-style video that will play forwards and backwards for several seconds in a loop. It can be a fun effect to surprise your audience.

 Rewind is like a normal video which only plays backwards. Again, this can be amusing for audiences.

 Hands-free perfect if you want to take a 15-second video without having to keep the button pressed.  Tap one and it will keep filming until you stop it. Use a tripod for best results so you don’t have videos with the shakes.

 Live Stories

 Swipe left to the “Live” option and tap “Start Live Video” and you’ll begin to broadcast yourself to your followers. Some of your followers will be notified when you go live. You can turn these notices off if you wish, but in general, live is a great format interacting with your target audience. Post a message that you are live so people can attend and engage with you. Create a calendar of live events, and your followers will start to look forward to seeing your content.

 Both business and personal accounts can go live. During the broadcast, viewers can send reactions and leave comments, unless you choose to disable this option. Live videos are an excellent tool for connecting with your followers in real-time and hopefully showing the more human side of your business.

 Instagram also lets you save your live broadcasts as a video file to your camera roll. Note that comments and reactions will not be saved with it. For the next 24 hours, a saved broadcast will be available to be added back into your story. If you are using live video as part of your marketing, you can use these as part of your Instagram stories as well.

 Stand-Out Story Elements

 Instagram has lots of cool features, which are similar to Snapchat Lenses. Elements such as doodles, filters, and stickers enable you to customize images to meet your goals, while attracting your viewers’ attention and making the image more meaningful and memorable. And of course, you can use the text tool to add a whole new dimension to your stories.  

 Once you’ve taken a photo or video, swipe left or right to cycle through various filters, which are best described as overlays that will change the color and contrast of your Instagram content. There are a few basic options such as black and white.

 The text, pen, and sticker tools in the upper right-hand corner can let your creativity flow. You can add different layers of text in different colors. Use the pen tool to doodle. There are different pens with different effects. Look on the left-hand side of the screen to choose the one that’s best for your purposes.  

 At the top is an eraser tool to get rid of any mistakes you make. Or, just click “undo” to revert back to your previous version. Use your pen strokes to highlight text you’ve added to a story, or call attention to a particular area of a photo

 The sticker tool lets you paste icons to photos. Choose from several categories, including current temperature, time, and day. Add an emoji or a silly sticker if you want to add a bit more personality to your stories.

 Tagging a story with your location may also add it to the public story, making it viewable from the Explore tab. This means that it may be seen by anyone near your location as long as your account isn’t set to private.

 Any of these elements can be added to both photos and videos. In the case of videos, you can “pin” an element into a certain place on the screen in order to lock it into place. Tap and hold on an element to pin it into place. You can change the position any time. This would be a handy way to label things on the screen, such as people.

 Type Mode lets you post stories using creative text and backgrounds. Go to the bottom scroll menu inside Stories and you will see it with the other options like Live, Normal and so on. This would be a great way to create a cover page for your story, or pages in between elements in your story as introductions or summaries of the content.

 Face Filters

 If you’ve ever used Snapchat, you’ll see a similarity between Face Filters and Snapchat Lenses. A few examples of filters include digital tiaras, animal noses, hats, and other items. These add an element of fun and some even animate the images. Since Instagram updates and adds new filters regularly, be sure to check them out often.

 Preview and select a filter before you add it to your image or video. You may have to play around with your front versus back facing camera if you have an iPhone.

 Learning about all of your options and tools can take some time. You’ll want to take things slowly to help you find the ones that best suit your business. The more you experiment with the effects, the easier it will be to discover which combination of items motivates your audience best.

 Tags and Hashtags

 Tags help viewers find your content and there is quite a variety of types you can use. The most popular types to use with stories are name tags, location tags (geo tags), and hashtags. To tag people on Instagram Stories, type the “@” symbol and type the person’s username. Suggested users will appear as autotype options. When you see the right one, tap their profile picture. They will get a message that you’ve added them to your list of people who get to see your story.

 For hashtags, tap on the sticker button and then tap hashtag, or just type in a hashtag using the text tool. As with posts on Facebook and Instagram, user tags and hashtags act as links in your Stories which viewers can tap on to see more information. If they tap “Facebookpettoys” and your story is about your latest pet toys in stock, even people who are not your followers will be able to see your content.

 Delete Stickers and Text

 If you’re not happy with your sticker placement or text additions, get rid of them by tapping and holding the sticker or text you want to delete. Then, drag it to the trash can icon at the bottom center of the screen. Note that the trashcan does not actually appear on screen until you begin dragging something.

 Save, Share, and Reply

 Stories may only appear on your account for 24 hours, but Instagram has now started archiving stories so you can use them again as needed. Tap on your profile picture on the bottom right, hit the archive icon at the top, which looks like a clock with a counter-clockwise arrow, and select a story you would like to revisit.

 You can also keep your story active for more than 24 hours by making it a highlight. It will remain on your profile page until you un-highlight it. This could be perfect for preserving stories about your company as an introduction for anyone who signs onto your account.

 Instagram gives you two options for saving Stories. Your first option is to save it as a single photo or video. Your other option is to save the entire story. If you save the entire story, Instagram will render it as a video before archiving it in your camera roll. While you won’t always want to save your full story, this can be a helpful feature if you want to keep a daily record of your stories and activities.

 Share a photo or video from your story as an Instagram post. Go to the item you want to share. Tap the “…” button and select “Share as Post.” This will show the item in the Instagram post window, where you can edit it like any other post before sharing it to your feed.

 When it comes to sharing and reply options, you can choose to allow replies from everyone, from just your followers, or no one. Change these settings any time, even after posting a story. Just tap on the “…” button to explore your options.

 If you prefer that some people don’t see your stories, tap the Settings button. Tap Hide Story From and select the users you wish to block.

 Engage with others’ stories. When viewing a story, tap on the “Write message” field at the bottom of the screen to send a private message to that user. Want to send something more visual? Send a photo or video as a reply.

 Metrics

 Once you’ve posted your story, you can see who has viewed it, at the bottom of the screen. It will usually say something like “John Smith and 12 others.” Tap that to show a full list of everyone who has viewed your story.

 At the top of the screen, your story will be broken down into thumbnail images. Tap on each thumbnail of your story element to the see the metrics for each component. This will help you tell what made them click to go on, or to click out of your story and stop viewing it.

 Facebook Stories

 Facebook Stories sit at the top of your mobile news feed. There are 2 methods for sharing and reading stories. It can be done through the “Direct” message link or the “Stories” link.

 Direct is at the top left-hand side of your news feed and allows you to view any story sent to you directly, and see replies to your own stories, when you tap the paper airplane icon. To start a Direct story, you need to begin with an image or video.

 Conversely, when using Messenger, you can start a story with text, an image or a video.  

Your stories will appear along the top of your connections’ news feeds. They will see circles with thumbnails of your stories and can tap on the one/s they wish to view them.  They can view the story for up to 24 hours, and they can reply to you via the story if they wish.  You will be able to see who has viewed your story by clicking on the eye icon.  The more views you get, the more successful your story is.

 Create a Facebook Story

 To create a story, you need an image, video, or content from your phone. Start the story by clicking on the ‘+’ icon at the top of the news feed. Tap on the Facebook camera.  Take photos and videos as needed, or upload content from your camera roll.  

 When you are finished, click the Direct icon and then the blue box that says “Send Photo/Video” and your story will go live.

 Editing

 At some point, you will need to edit your image. In Camera Mode, there are various screen controls. Starting from the top and moving clockwise, you have:

 ·       Start again

·       Use a photo or video from your camera roll

·       Flash control

·       Take image

·       Change camera orientation

·       More filters/decoration

·       Add filters/masks

 Photos and videos will be in portrait format. Videos can be up to 20 seconds long.

 Once you have your content, you can add filters, masks, and/or text or doodles. Save each image on your camera roll before moving on to the next image just in case—you don’t want to lose all your hard work.

 Facebook Stories offer a wide range of special effects. You will want to try them all out over time. However, you don’t want your images to be cluttered so think minimalistic at first. Too many effects can overwhelm your viewers as well as obscure the image or video’s purpose.

 Your main goal is to present your business in its best possible light. You want your work to stand out without looking unprofessional or gaudy. Stick to your brand color scheme as much as possible to aid in brand awareness.

 The text overlay will probably be your most important tool.  You can use it to create your cover page, section pages, captions on images, and more. You may also want to consider using the paintbrush and pen tools to highlight items in your stories.

 Facebook Story Publishing

 Facebook offers 3 publishing options. You can post your content to your mobile timeline, directly to one or more friends/connections (using the “@” symbol and their name), or to your story. This variety of options makes it easy for you to send your stories specifically to the people who would be most interested in the information.

 Editing Published Stories

 Once you’ve posted videos or images to your story, you may discover that you need to edit something. Click on Your Story to access thumbnails for each photo and video in your story. Go to the item you want to edit. Click on the three dots at the top of the item. Edit or delete elements as needed and/or save it to your camera roll.

 Check Your Analytics

 Facebook Analytics for Stories is easy to use. You can view each the stats by tapping “Your Story” and viewing each thumbnail, one by one. The eye icon at the bottom of the screen shows a viewer count. Click the eye to see the names of the people who viewed the various elements of your story. Keep a record of your analytics to help you track what doesn’t work well and what you want to do again. Taking a screenshot each day at the same time, can help you document your progress over a long period.

 You may also want to create a spreadsheet to track content names and numbers. You will soon be able to see which images and videos were the most viewed, and which compelled viewers to take action.

 Instagram and Facebook have adopted stories as a new, interactive form of visual content containing photos, video, text, links and more. These stories can serve as an engaging, interactive, profitable showcase for your business. Your stories will require some planning and organization. However, the results can be well worth the effort, when you attract more of your target audience and compel them to help you meet your business goals.

 While you have learned a great deal about how to use Instagram and Facebook stories to meet your business goals, there is more to learn and discover. Because visual stories are becoming more popular and new developments are rolling out almost on a daily basis, it’s important to begin implementing stories in your business strategies. Here are some planners you are free to download to assist you. Good luck.

Facebook Planner

Instagram Planner