#15-minute freewrite

[irarelypostanything]

Why I Enjoyed Ice Queendom More Than The Original RWBY

*Spoilers*

Last time we were here, I wrote a summary of a popular YouTube video called “RWBY is disappointing and here’s why,” which was roasted pretty hard by some user named rwalrus.  He cussed at me a lot and insulted me a lot, but his points were valid:

*It’s not really fair to say that RWBY dropped the plot point of stealing dust in season one - it’s implied that this helped them with their weapons and explosives in season two (I’m going to say “season” instead of “volume” and no one can stop me)

*Ruby is a designer and made her own weapon, but that’s not unique - a bunch of characters designed their own weapons

*Criticizing the plot structure of season two is a waste of time

I guess my opinion overall is that the fanbase is kind of split into two halves right now: The half that loves everything about RWBY and still watches it, and the half that is highly critical of RWBY but still watches it. 

Anyway, what follows is just going to be my personal opinions.  It’s just that, and not everyone will agree:

1. It takes advantage of its animation team and budget

The way they released season one of RWBY, it was not very coherent - the episodes were not the same length, the animation was not as good as it was in season two and after, and the trailers varied quite a bit in tone.  In Ice Queendom, the white and black trailers are integrated into the episode.  It doesn’t include the red and yellow trailers because these don’t completely fit into the new story, but they arguably don’t have to be - we get a revealing shot of both Ruby and Yang visiting their mother’s grave

2. The character motivations are clearer

It takes a little while to get invested into the RWBY characters because it doesn’t really dive into character flaws until later.  Ruby is young - but she’s also some sort of powerhouse who has a fairly easy time transitioning into leadership.  Weiss is prejudiced, then changes her mind and isn’t.  Ruby’s feelings of her mother do not really appear until seasons two and seven, and Weiss’ family dynamics are not really explored until season four.

The new series explores these things with brief flashes:

*Ruby mentions her insecurity at probably not being accepted into Beacon; she expresses it to her supposedly dead mother

*All of Weiss’ family dynamics, including her relationship to her butler, are revealed in a matter of minutes; somehow they also manage to cover the White trailer in this time

*The story is told from Weiss’ point of view, so the viewer has more sympathy for her distrust of Ruby - who falls asleep in class and doesn’t seem to work as hard

*It seems to be hinting at one of the aforementioned YouTube video’s biggest complaints: That Weiss gets over her hatred fairly easily.  It seems like this conflict will be more fleshed out here

Nitpicks

-I kind of wanted to actually see Roman fight in the semi-finale, instead of just kind of running off like he actually does

-When Weiss challenges the decision to make Ruby leader, the response is that the other teachers trust Ozpin absolutely - they would trust him with their lives.  I think this is a way more interesting response than what she gets in this series, which is that she throws too many tantrums

Anyway, I think everyone is pretty happy with this AU semi-remake - but I guess I’ll wait and see if anyone has critical comments for me.

#rwby #rwby ice queendom #15-minute freewrite

[deception-united]

I’m kinda at a weird faze in my creative life right now, I want to write something, but I’m still hung up on the skills of writing not the art of it. I tried to condition myself into writing just for the fun of it yet I’m always left wondering if there a better way to get my point across. Maybe that’s because for my age…I should be writing better.

My question is, how do I just write just for the fun of it, and how do I increase my vocabulary? I’ve heard people say to use the dictionary, but that really eats up time and most words people never use in an actual conversation. Anyway that’s my question.

Thanks for asking! Here are a few tips:

Freewriting

Balancing the desire for improvement with the enjoyment of the craft itself can be a challenge for some writers. Different things work for different writers, but an exercise I like to do is freewriting. Freewriting is a technique where you write continuously for a set period of time without worrying about grammar, structure, or content. It can help to bypass your inner critic and tap into your creativity. Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and write whatever comes to mind, without stopping to edit or revise or even come up with a comprehensible plot. Make it nonsensical. Just write.

Experimentation

Try experimenting with different styles and genres. Don't feel confined to one particular type of writing. Trying out different writing styles and drawing inspiration from other writers can help you discover what you truly enjoy and where your strengths lie. Explore various forms of expression and writing to find what resonates with you.

Draw Inspiration

Something I like to do when I'm reading books or fanfics, and highly recommend if you're trying to increase your vocabulary and improve your writing, is take note of descriptive phrases or words that I like for future reference in my own writing or as inspiration. Or I'll write down words that I don't know so I can come back and check their definitions—I keep a list of those, too.

Integration

Once you've collected a list of words and phrases you like or don't know, challenge yourself to incorporate them into your own writing. Experiment with using these words in various contexts—prose, dialogue, poetry, different situations—to deepen your understanding and comfort level with them.

Remember, writing is a journey, and there's no one "right" way to do it. These suggestions could be effective for you, or you might find another method that suits you even better. Embrace the process and keep honing your craft at your own pace. Happy writing!

#ask #writeblr #writing #writing tips #writing advice #writing help #writing resources #creative writing #writer inspiration #writer problems #writer stuff #writing problems #deception-united

[jane-alma]

Advice for dealing with writer’s block, from a fellow writer

Okay, so I think we can all agree that writer's block sucks. And if you're someone who writes regularly, there's no way to avoid experiencing it from time to time (I sure know I do). But here are a few things that I usually find helpful when I experience writer’s block <3

Firstly, give yourself permission to take a break. Sometimes, the harder we push ourselves to write, the more elusive inspiration becomes. Step away from your writing for a little while and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. This could be anything from going for a walk, reading a book, or indulging in a hobby. By taking time to recharge, you allow your mind to reset and open up to new ideas. Sometimes it can be an longer break that is needed, sometimes the best way to get back into writing if you have a really bad case of writer’s block is to simply not try.

Another useful technique is to try freewriting. Set a timer for a specific duration, it can be as short as 10-15 minutes (personally, I prefer setting my timer for about half an hour to 45 minutes when I do this), and write continuously without worrying about grammar, punctuation, or structure. Let your thoughts flow freely onto the page. This exercise can help loosen up your creative muscles and break through any mental barriers. If you know that you have a tendency to overthink or be overly self critical when you write, I suggest avoiding a time duration longer than 30 minutes, at least the first times you do this exercise.

If you find yourself stuck on a particular project, consider working on something completely different. Switching gears and exploring a new topic or genre can provide a fresh perspective and alleviate the pressure you may be putting on yourself. Experimenting with different writing styles or formats can also help reignite your passion for storytelling.

Collaboration can be another effective way to overcome writer's block. Engage in writing exercises with fellow writers or seek feedback from trusted peers. Sharing your work-in-progress and receiving constructive criticism can often provide valuable insights and new directions for your writing.

Lastly, it's important to remember that writer's block is a natural part of the creative process. Be patient and kind to yourself. Avoid self-criticism and negative self-talk. Instead, focus on nurturing your creativity through self-care, reading, and exploring new experiences. Trust that inspiration will return in its own time.

And most importantly of all, be kind to yourself. We are usually our own biggest critic. Happy writing! <3

#jane’s writing advice #writers on tumblr #authors of tumblr #writblr #writeblr #writing advice #writerscommunity #writing #writer things #new writers on tumblr #young writer #young writers #writer’s block #writers block #dark academia #fanfiction #fiction #light academia #poetry #writers and poets #writing prompt #writing practice #writing process #ao3 writer #fanfic #writerscreed #female writers #advice #bookish #booklr

[nanowrimo]

10 Tips for Fast-Drafting

Every year, we’re lucky to have great sponsors for our nonprofit events. Freewrite, a 2023 NaNo sponsor, is a dedicated distraction-free drafting device designed just for writers. Today, author Ashley Poston and the Freewrite team share some tips for completing a first draft of your novel quickly:

Hello from the Freewrite team! 👋 Here at Freewrite, we love a NaNoWriMo challenge, because we’re all about getting words on the page. We asked Author & Freewrite Ambassador Ashley Poston to share her best tips for fast-drafting and getting that first draft DONE!

No surprise, one of her secrets is her Freewrite. But what else does Ashley do to get those drafts done fast?

Here’s Ashley:

I have a confession to make: I hate drafting. It’s the bane of my existence. If I could reach into my brain and take out my story, fully-formed, and just work on the editing bit? I’d do it.

But, alas, that’s not how writing works. (Which is a real pity because I really do love editing. The way you go in with a fine-tooth comb and just torch the entire novel, then rewrite it for the third time. It’s truly majestic.)

Though after ten years, I’ve yet to figure out a way to pull a novel, fully-formed, out of my ears. So, instead, I like making the part of drafting as painless as possible… by doing the most painful, maddening, infuriating thing imaginable.

In other words: fast-drafting.

I’ve perfected the art. I can write a book in a week if I have enough caffeine and a death wish, and with these ten tips, so can you.

1. Find your characters.

Truly, the most important part of fast-drafting is knowing your characters from the outset. In a first draft, you usually find your characters in the middle of the second-to-last chapter. (Or is that just me?) So it often helps to know your characters inside and out from the start. Not only that, but know how they’d react in certain situations, know what would be on their Spotify playlist, know whether they’d have a repertoire of Your Mom jokes up their sleeve. How do they take their coffee? If faced with ten seconds to live, who would they call? Most of these questions you’ll never answer in the manuscript itself, but it’s important to know these people in your head on an intimate level.

2. Use your time(r) wisely.

Setting a timer can be a great way to increase your writing speed. Start with a short amount of time—maybe 15 minutes—and write like the wind, Bullseye! Then shake yourself out, set that timer to 15 again, and repeat. (This is SO easy on my Freewrite Traveler, because it has a feature that keeps time for you, making 15-minute sprints easy-peasy.)

3. Outline.

In addition to your characters, you really should get to know your plot, too, and a great way to do that is making an outline! There are a bunch of different tips and tricks to outlining—I personally use Susan Dennard’s 1-page Synopsis whenever I need to hash out a plot, and Rachel Aaron’s 2k to 10k Blogpost from Ye Olde 2011.

4. No distractions!

Writing is already hard enough, but it becomes almost impossible when you have a cat pronking on you every chance they get. Sometimes, life can just be that—distracting—and you can’t do anything about it. But minimize distractions wherever you can, especially if you’re sprinting. Turn off your phone! Disconnect the internet! And here is where I tell you my Freewrite has saved my butt countless times. I’m horrid at the whole “cut distractions!” bit, but with Freewrite, it’s easy as pie. It’s a lot like a typewriter, so internet? Never heard of her. iMessages? iThinkNot. It’s just you, your words, and the mounting existential dread of existence.  

5. Compression gloves. (No, seriously, especially if you write every day.)

This is gonna sound like one of those weird ones—and that’s because it is. But if you’re planning on writing every day for at least an hour, please do yourself (and your budding carpel tunnel) a favor and get some compression gloves. Learn some hand exercises. We don’t call writing fast “sprinting” for nothing.

6. Don’t look back.

It’s so easy to get caught up in trying to perfect the prologue, but this can absolutely hinder you. Take it from someone who loves to make the first chapter perfect—you never will. I promise. Instead, focus on getting your ideas down on paper and worry about editing later. I promise that sentence you didn’t like will be there when you come back to it. It’s not going anywhere. This is another area where my Freewrite helps me focus.

7. Use prompts!

Sometimes, your brain gets stuck. If you feel stuck, or in a corner, use a writing prompt to get the creative juices flowing again! Maybe you’ll never use the scene, but that’s OK. If it means you get going again? That’s what matters. 

8. Stuck? Hit the bricks! Real winners quit. But like… not forever.

Writing can be mentally draining, so it’s important to not push yourself too hard, and to take breaks when you need it. Take a walk, stretch, dance it out to ABBA—whatever helps you recharge. And then when you come back to the scene, you’re refreshed and rearing to go.

9. Chunk it up.

Breaking up your writing into smaller, manageable chunks can make drafting so much less daunting. Instead of making the goal finishing the novel, just finish the chapter. Finish this scene. Sometimes, it helps if people set a goal for a certain amount of words a day, but I find that this often just leads to burnout a lot faster. Instead of a word count, set a goal for a scene instead. Turn off the word counter. A first draft doesn’t have to hit a certain number of words—it’s called a first draft for a reason.

10. Practice makes more practice.

Like anything else you do, writing takes practice. I know I can easily hit 5k a day, but that’s because I’ve been writing professionally for a decade now. If you’re just starting out, don’t compare yourself to anyone else. (In fact, this is a great rule of thumb regardless.) Everyone writes differently, and everyone writes in their own time. No one ever asked Van Gogh how long it took him to paint sunflowers, did they? No one told Monet he was taking too long on his water lilies. Writing is an art, so let yourself enjoy it.

I hope this helps you, at least a little, write your next sexy dragon-shifter book! (Or whatever you’re working on.) Godspeed, and just remember: only you can write the idea in your head. Different writers can be given the same exact prompt, and every single story will turn out differently. Keep your eyes on your own paper, your heart full of joy, and chase that story only you can tell.

It’ll be worth it, I promise.

—Ashley

Reminder: Camp NaNoWriMo 2023 participants are eligible for a special Freewrite offer. Find all the details here. 

Ashley Poston is the New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of The Dead Romantics. After graduating from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor’s in English, she spent the last decade working in the publishing industry before deciding to pursue writing full-time. When not writing, she likes trying various arts and crafts (she’s currently addicted to building miniature rooms) and taking long walks as an excuse to listen to Dungeons & Dragons podcasts. She bides her time between South Carolina and New York, and all the bookstores between.

Top photo by Djim Loic on Unsplash  

#nanowrimo #writing #fast drafting #first draft #ashley poston #by nano sponsor #freewrite

[inkwell-chronicles]

Effective Strategies for Overcoming Writer's Block and Maintaining Creative Momentum

Freewriting: Allow yourself to write without judgment or editing. Freewriting involves writing continuously for a set period (ie. 10-20 minutes) without worrying about grammar, spelling, or coherence. This can help unlock new ideas and break writer's block.

(This one is most effective in my opinion.)

Read and Consume Other Art: Reading books, watching films, or visiting art galleries can inspire your creativity. Exposure to different stories, styles, music, and ideas can spark new thoughts and help you overcome creative blocks.

Embrace the Messy First Draft: Perfectionism can be a significant barrier to productivity. Accept that your first draft doesn’t have to be perfect. Allow yourself to write badly initially, knowing you can always revise and improve your work later.

Establish a Routine: Creating a consistent writing schedule can help prepare your mind to be productive at certain times. Set aside dedicated writing time each day, even if it’s just for 15-30 minutes. The regularity can help break through the inertia of writer's block.

Set Small, Achievable Goals: Break down your writing project into smaller, manageable tasks. For example, Instead of aiming to write a chapter, set a goal to write 500 words or complete one scene. Achieving these smaller milestones can build momentum and make the task feel less daunting

Overcoming writer’s block and maintaining creative momentum involves trying different strategies to see what works best for you. By establishing a routine, setting achievable goals, and embracing the creative process, you can keep your writing flow steady and productive. Remember, every writer experiences blocks – it's how you navigate them that defines your journey.

#writeblr #writers on tumblr #creative writing #writing #writers and poets #writerscommunity #writing blog #tumblr writers #tumblr writing community #writing prompt #prose #writing advice #writing ideas #writing inspiration #writing tips #writers block #writing community #writing stuff #reference #writers #writer #creative writing inspo #creative writing ideas #creative writing prompt #cre

[jacquelynlscott]

✍️  How to Develop a Writing Routine

If you’re first getting started as a writer, a writing routine can help you establish a habit of writing regularly, improving your productivity and creativity. Writing routines can also help you stay motivated and focused on your work.

📅 The Basics of a Writing Routine

Writing routines are different for every person, and what works for one person might not work for another. You might have to play around and try different things to find what works for you.

Here are some tips to help you establish a writing routine:

Set clear goals. Define your writing goals, whether writing for a set amount of time per day or writing a certain number of words, etc. Having clear goals will provide direction and motivation for your routine.

Determine your optimal writing time. Identify the time of day when you feel most energized, focused, and creative. It could be early morning, late at night, or any other time that works best for you. Choose a time slot that you can consistently dedicate to your writing practice and schedule those blocks of time in a calendar. Treat this time as a non-negotiable appointment.

Create a conducive writing environment. Designate a space that is conducive to writing. It could be a quiet corner in your home, a local coffee shop, or a library. Eliminate distractions as much as possible and set up your writing area with the necessary tools and resources to support your writing process.

Start with manageable commitments. Begin with small, achievable writing goals to build momentum. For example, commit to writing for 15 minutes daily or a specific number of words. As you develop consistency, you can gradually increase the duration or intensity of your writing sessions.

Develop rituals or triggers. Establish rituals or triggers that signal the start of your writing routine. It could be making tea, listening to a particular song, or reading a few pages of a book. These cues help condition your mind to transition into the writing mode and enhance focus.

Experiment and adapt. Be flexible and willing to adjust your routine as needed. If your chosen writing time or location is not working optimally, try different approaches until you find what suits you best. Experiment with different techniques, such as freewriting, outlining, or brainstorming, to discover what enhances your productivity and creativity.

Hold yourself accountable. Find accountability measures that work for you. It could involve sharing your writing goals with a writing partner or joining a writing group where you can regularly discuss your progress. Alternatively, you can use productivity apps or tools that track your writing time or word count.

Read more: The Different Types of Editing

⭐  The Routines of Famous Authors

If you’re struggling to come up with ideas for your writing routine, try borrowing practices from some authors you might know:

Ernest Hemmingway

“When I am working on a book or a story I write every morning as soon after first light as possible. There is no one to disturb you and it is cool or cold and you come to your work and warm as you write. You read what you have written and, as you always stop when you know what is going to happen next, you go on from there. You write until you come to a place where you still have your juice and know what will happen next and you stop and try to live through until the next day when you hit it again. You have started at six in the morning, say, and may go on until noon or be through before that. When you stop you are as empty, and at the same time never empty but filling, as when you have made love to someone you love. Nothing can hurt you, nothing can happen, nothing means anything until the next day when you do it again. It is the wait until the next day that is hard to get through.”

Kurt Vonnegut

“I awake at 5:30, work until 8:00, eat breakfast at home, work until 10:00, walk a few blocks into town, do errands, go to the nearby municipal swimming pool, which I have all to myself, and swim for half an hour, return home at 11:45, read the mail, eat lunch at noon. In the afternoon I do schoolwork, either teach or prepare. When I get home from school at about 5:30, I numb my twanging intellect with several belts of Scotch and water ($5.00/fifth at the State Liquor store, the only liquor store in town. There are loads of bars, though.), cook supper, read and listen to jazz (lots of good music on the radio here), slip off to sleep at ten. I do pushups and sit ups all the time, and feel as though I am getting lean and sinewy, but maybe not.”

Stephen King

“I sit down, from 8:00 to 8:30, somewhere within that half hour every morning. I have my vitamin pill and my music, sit in the same seat, and the papers are all arranged in the same places…The cumulative purpose of doing these things the same way every day seems to be a way of saying to the mind, you’re going to be dreaming soon.”

Alice Munro

“I write every morning, seven days a week. I write starting about eight o’clock and finish around eleven….I am so compulsive that I have a quota of pages. I’m also compulsive now about how much I walk every day….Three miles every day, so if I know I’m going to miss a day, I have to make it up. I watched my father go through this same thing. You protect yourself by thinking if you have all these rituals and routines then nothing can get you.”

#writing community #writing advice #creative writing #writers #writing tips #writers craft #writblr #writers life #writer things #writers community #writers corner #writing corner #writing a novel #writing fiction #writing group #writing guide #writing goals #writing help #writing is a process #writing journey #writing motivation #writing major #writing novels #writing on tumblr #writing practice #writing tumblr #writing tropes #writing vibes #writing wise #writing writing writing

[power-chords]

@wintercorrybriea2 re: surmounting Writer’s Block and/or Writer’s Traffic Jam, this is a rundown of strategies that work for me personally, and by “work” I mean “ameliorate the problem anywhere from 30-75% about 30-75% of the time,” lmao, but this is literally my cheat sheet for when I get stuck:

Freedraft. (Also known as freewriting.) Implement a regular freedrafting schedule. Even if it’s just 15 minutes at a set time each day. I hate freedrafting because forcing my neurotic self-monitoring editor brain to shut up is impossible. But you have to do it. It is the only way you will get both faster and better at writing. In the month of August I committed to freedrafting for 34 minutes every weekday in a notebook on the train, because that’s the duration of my MNR commute in the morning. And I wound up completing a 16,000-word project I had been working on in a little under three weeks, which for me is a personal record! I write SLOW. The first week sucked but before you know it you’ll be off to the races. Forge the habit. Do whatever you need to do to forge the habit.

If you can’t freedraft, outline. Structure first, details later. Revise your outline, re-write your outline, expand on it or experiment with it, get more granular with it. Get an idea in your head of where you want things to go, and get it down on paper or in a word processor. Even if it’s just: Character needs to get from Room A to Room B over the course of this scene. How might you want them to do that?

If you can’t outline, read. If my creative writing gears are jammed it means I’m probably not reading enough to grease them. This should technically be #1, because the most important thing a writer can do is READ. Read fiction, and read research materials on the subject(s) you’re writing about.

If you can’t read, seek inspiration in other, related mediums, and maybe take some drugs. Seriously. Some of my best story ideas have come while I’m high off my ass, binging movies or making playlists in a similar genre or mood to what I’m writing. Whatever it takes to get you looser and less inhibited creatively. NOTE: make sure you check those ideas for coherence later, when you’re not under the influence. Spitball stoned; scrutinize sober.

Go for a walk and listen to music and daydream. It’s also just good for you and you will be a happier person.

Revisit central dramatic conflicts and character motives. What’s the Problem in the story, or the Problem in the chapter? What do your characters want, and what motivates them to handle the problem in the way that they do? What’s preventing them, both externally and internally, from finding easy resolution?

Revisit character transformations — or lack thereof. How do you want your characters to change over the course of your story? What are the ways that those changes could be interestingly, meaningfully effected? If one of them is not going to change — and sometimes this is even more interesting — what kinds of narrative scenarios would be the kind to make them stubbornly refuse growth, and why?

Revisit themes, symbols, and motifs that have already established themselves in your work. This is really only helpful if you’ve got enough already done that you can observe them. But if you have a general idea of where you want your story to go, and are struggling with the mechanics for getting there, finding those preexisting patterns might illuminate a path forward.

Craft backstories for your characters, and borrow liberally from real-world observation and research. The better you know your characters, the easier it will be to inhabit them, and the easier it will be to write them past the blocks that throw themselves up in your way. I am absolute dog shit at creative invention from scratch, which is part of the reason I write more fanfiction than original work, but drawing abundantly and directly from life is also how some of the most compelling original work gets made. (Cough cough…)

Revisit the source material and “novelize” a scene. This is only applicable to transformative work, but I’m including it since you mentioned you might be doing some forays into worldbuilding. If I’m stuck at a particular juncture in my own fic, I practice writing out an existing scene from the source itself, almost as if I were adapting it for a novel. This way, I can stay inside that universe and practice writing in it without having to do the heavy lifting required by plot. It’s more of a descriptive exercise, and I often find it gets my imagination and motivation going to resume writing the “real” thing.

SORRY, that got long! But with a little luck there’s some small thing of use to you in there!

#words words words

[luke-r-gillespie]

May 15 - Guest lecture, Musashi univ. / Activity with Musashi U students

Freewriting

I woke up this morning at 7:30 to get ready for breakfast. After waiting till 8 to make sure there was no pop-quiz for the day, I headed downstairs for my classic Hotel Edoya breakfast of rice, turkey, broccoli, and two dumplings. After breakfast, I attended our morning class meeting before leaving for Musashi University. After thirty minutes by train and two transfers, we were in Nerima, Tokyo. After walking to Musashi from the station, we were introduced to the professor whose class we would be sitting in on for the day. After a quick tour of the school, we attended class with his usual students were we discussed the concept of a utopia. The class discussion was brief but interesting. For the duration of the period, we went outside where we were encouraged to speak with the other students in the class from Musashi University. I really enjoyed speaking with the students from Musashi, they were extremely kind and it was a great opportunity for me to practice my Japanese while they could practice their English.

After the period concluded, I exchanged social media handles with a number of the students that I had gotten to speak with before heading off with them for some lunch on campus. I ate at one of the food trucks available on campus and it was both affordable and delicious (it honestly put the UF dining hall food to shame.) After getting to speak with them some more, it was time for us to leave Musashi but hopefully we will keep in touch!

Our next stop for the day was Tokyo station where we would be meeting up with students from another university so they could give us a tour of the area.

Unfortunately, the tour guide assigned to Griffin and I knew less about Tokyo than we did! It was alright though, Ryo was a really nice guy and he was happy to practice his English as we walked around Tokyo station and some surrounding areas. While walking around Tokyo station we saw all sorts of stores, and unfortunately a man who appeared deceased being taken away by paramedics outside the station (thoughts and prayers). After our eventful "tour" I returned to Hotel Edoya to get ready to go thrifting and get dinner with Zachary.

Academic Reflection

Futurism is defined as the study of events and trends relating to the future with intent to anticipate aspects of it. The professor who led our class at Musashi University today discussed the concept of a Utopia with us and had us reflect on our own thoughts relating to the matter. Something that stood out to me in the video that he shared with us was how Utopia translates to both good place and no place. To me, this feels like a way of saying that a utopia is an unachievable goal but one worth striving for regardless. In a society where everyone is an individual and has free will, I do not see a utopia as a realistic possibility because everyone's "perfect society" would be different. It was really interesting to hear the thoughts and opinions of the Musashi University students on the concept of Utopia because they understood in a way totally different than me. Some of them viewed utopia as an achievable ideal while some viewed it as a purely theoretical concept. This difference of opinion connects to one of the three tenants of futurism discussed in our reading for the day, any useful ideas about the future should appear ridiculous. While I did not feel that anyone's beliefs were inherently ridiculous, they varied heavily from my own. I think that this variety of thought processes could lead to effective developments for achieving a "preferred future."

[whentherewerebicycles]

now I’m all riled up and don’t want to work lol. but fine ok let me think about what needs to get done today. I will consider this day a rousing success if I actually sit down and finish fully prepping the two-hour workshop, including creating the pre-workshop assignment and making the materials (handouts, activity instructions, PPT) I’ll need to lead the class. I just looked over some notes I took last month and was pleasantly surprised to find I’ve actually done most of the planning work.

I think this will be the loose structure:

WARMUP: short freewrite >> partner share to break the ice and prime them for the activity. maybe something like: what did you benefit from most (personally/professionally) in your summer placement? what are you looking for more of in your next summer experience (in terms of professional experiences you want to have, skills you want to develop, types of issues you want to engage with, etc)? then we’ll do a partner share or I might have them write keywords from their responses on the board so they can see a wide spectrum of answers that might spark other ideas/thoughts… tbd gotta think about whether they would actually get something out of that.

ACTIVITY 1: finding summer opportunities

I think I’ll probably start with a PPT overview of the options available to them (maybe accompanied by a handout). I think I might make a chart with a breakdown of 4-5 different options. let’s see that could include: 1) working a regular (non-academic) summer job, 2) doing a structured immersive summer institute like an REU, 3) doing part- or full-time paid research a faculty member, 4) pursuing a professional internship, and 5) taking summer classes with a community or industry placement component. maybe the chart could have different rows to help them better understand the pros and cons of various options… like an REU gives you a cohort- and campus-based experience with paid housing whereas working in a prof’s lab probably doesn’t… but an REU is a full-time commitment that might require you to be out of state for most of the summer, so it isn’t as workable for some people who have family responsibilities or want to continue working part time through the summer. or like, taking summer classes would help you progress towards your degree faster, but you’d have to pay for the credits and you wouldn’t get a mentored work experience in the same way that you might through an internship, etc etc.

after we’ve gone through the options maybe I have them spend a few minutes thinking through their summer plans and freewriting about which makes the most sense for them, which they can then discuss very briefly with a partner or keep to themselves depending on time. maybe I can even create a worksheet for them to fill out that guides them through articulating priorities/needs… like I’m looking for this many hours, I need housing vs. don’t need housing, I want to be in this area or I want to go out of state, etc.

then I’ll show them several databases and resources for finding summer opportunities and have them spend 10-15 min exploring, with the goal of finding 2-3 opportunities that seem like a good fit. I think we will write these on the board and I’ll have them do a little gallery tour type thing where they find a partner (maybe someone they know shares similar interests) and introduce them to the ones they found… I think it’s worth taking a little time to do this as it’ll expose them to lots of possibilities and help them visually see just how much STUFF is out there. and I’ll ask them to add a couple options to their list based on what they hear from their peers.

the concrete things they’ll leave with: their worksheet/freewrite articulating what they’re looking for + 3-4 specific summer options.

BREAK (I’ll bring baked goods/snacks)

ACTIVITY 2: writing a personal statement

we’ll do a quick poll—how many have written personal statements or essays or research statements for an application before?

pose the question: what does the personal statement do? what purpose does it serve? maybe have them talk with a partner, then toss a bunch of ideas up on the board?

small group activity. hmmmm this is the part I’m not sure of yet. I want to give them two sample SOPs to read that feel pretty different from each other (or an SOP and a cover letter maybe?) and hmm maybe I’ll have them use colorful markers or highlighters to annotate. I could ask them to look for the following: 1) evidence of interest in the topic, 2) evidence of past experience or demonstrated skills related to the topic, 3) details that reveal something about what the person might be like as a learner, coworker, etc. is that specific and useful enough?? might need to think a bit more about what I want them to get out of this exercise… HMM.

group debrief of some kind after… OR idk it could be fun to have them do a roleplay game where they pretend to be a committee evaluating the student for admission to their program… ooh if I decide to go that route I could give them a sample “bad” SOP along with the good ones (lol maybe a chatGPT generated SOP) that doesn’t give much detail… and then they could compare/contrast. I have a feeling we’ll be crunched for time so I gotta think about what the highest impact activities are… this would be fun but we could probably accomplish the same thing in a group discussion/debrief, which would require less setup. maybe I can use a little mix of small group/whole group discussion here and generate some questions to guide us. mmm I think this will be easier to conceive of once I have the sample SOPs picked out.

I think instead of doing an outlining activity for their own SOPs in class, I will have them do a closing brain dump/mind map activity where I ask them to fill an 8.5x11 sheet of paper with as many examples, experiences, details, ideas, goals for their own SOP, etc as they can generate in 5 minutes. I’ll emphasize that the goal isn’t to actually formulate your SOP or to write good sentences yet but to just kinda tip your head to the side and empty your brain onto the paper so you have a bunch of prompts or ‘sparks’ to go back to when you actually sit down to begin drafting.

mm okay. what are the big pieces I need to create or assemble?

the handout/chart of types of opportunities (this will take some time to conceptualize as I gotta think about what I want to include… I’d also like to include 2 sample options for each category so: little bit of research too)

the PPT slide that has the chart on it but also the overview of databases (or I could include this info in the chart itself?)

three sample essays for us to look at—I think I’d like to do two really solid SOPs that show a lot of personality + a fairly vapid/bland one that feels more chatGPT-y or uses a lot of boilerplate language.

PPT slide with instructions for annotating (slash color-coding) the sample SOPs

PPT slide with starting discussion questions or small group question prompts for the post-read debrief session

PPT slide with instructions for the mindmap/brain dump wrap-up activity (remind them to go back to program descriptions)

[sitaramasilamani]

Finding Inspiration with Sitara: Techniques for Generating Ideas and Overcoming Writer's Block

For writers, finding inspiration is essential for creativity and productivity. However, experiencing writer's block can be frustrating and challenging. Fortunately, there are various techniques and strategies to help writers generate ideas and overcome creative hurdles. In this blog, we will explore effective methods for finding inspiration, sparking creativity, and breaking through writer's block.

Explore Different Perspectives

One technique for finding inspiration is to explore different perspectives and viewpoints. This can involve immersing yourself in diverse experiences, reading books from various genres, or engaging in conversations with people from different backgrounds. By exposing yourself to new ideas and perspectives with the help of experts like Sitara, you can spark creativity and generate fresh insights for your writing.

Additionally, try putting yourself in someone else's shoes and imagining how they would approach a particular topic or situation. This exercise can help you see things from a different angle and inspire new ideas for your writing. Embracing diversity and seeking out alternative viewpoints can enrich your writing and fuel your creativity.

Practice Freewriting

Freewriting is a technique where you write continuously for a set period without worrying about grammar, structure, or coherence. The goal is to let your thoughts flow freely and capture any ideas that come to mind. Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and write non-stop, allowing your thoughts to wander wherever they may lead. Princess Sitara

During the freewriting process, don't censor yourself or judge your ideas. Instead, focus on quantity over quality and trust that the act of writing will help generate new insights and inspiration. Once you've completed your freewriting session, review your writing with the help of experts like Sitara and highlight any interesting or promising ideas that you can develop further. Freewriting is an excellent way to overcome writer's block and tap into your creative reservoir.

Seek Inspiration from Nature

Nature has long been a source of inspiration for writers, artists, and creatives. Spending time outdoors, whether it's going for a walk in the woods, sitting by the ocean, or simply observing the beauty of the natural world, can stimulate your senses and ignite your imagination. Pay attention to the sights, sounds, and smells around you, and allow yourself to be fully present in the moment. Princess Sitara Masilamani

Nature has a way of inspiring awe and wonder, which can translate into your writing. Take note of any observations, feelings, or insights that arise during your time in nature, and use them as inspiration for your writing. Whether it's describing the colors of a sunset, the texture of tree bark, or the rhythm of ocean waves, nature offers endless possibilities for creative exploration.

Engage in Mindfulness Practices

Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, can help quiet the mind and cultivate a sense of inner calm and clarity. By focusing your attention on the present moment and observing your thoughts without judgment under the guidance of experts like Sitara, you can create space for new ideas to emerge. Incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine by setting aside a few minutes each day to practice meditation or mindfulness exercises.

During your mindfulness practice, pay attention to any thoughts, sensations, or images that arise in your mind. Notice any patterns or themes that emerge and consider how they might inspire your writing. Mindfulness can help you tap into your subconscious mind and access hidden reservoirs of creativity, making it a valuable tool for overcoming writer's block.

Take Breaks and Rest

Sometimes, the best way to find inspiration is to step away from your work and give yourself permission to rest and recharge. Taking breaks throughout the writing process allows your mind to relax and rejuvenate, making it easier to return to your work with fresh eyes and renewed energy. Schedule regular breaks during your writing sessions, and use this time to engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

Whether it's going for a walk, practicing yoga, or simply enjoying a cup of tea, find activities that help you unwind and clear your mind. Allow yourself to fully disconnect from your writing and focus on being present in the moment. You may find that inspiration strikes when you least expect it, and you return to your writing with newfound clarity and enthusiasm.

Finding inspiration and overcoming writer's block are ongoing processes that require patience, practice, and persistence. By incorporating the techniques discussed in this blog into your writing routine with the help of experts like Sitara, you can cultivate a mindset of creativity and openness that empowers you to generate ideas and tackle challenges with confidence. Remember that inspiration can come from unexpected places, so stay curious and open to new experiences.

Additionally, it's important to recognize that writer's block is a natural part of the creative process and doesn't signify a lack of talent or ability. Instead of becoming discouraged, use writer's block as an opportunity to explore different techniques and approaches to reignite your creativity. Whether it's exploring different perspectives, practicing freewriting, seeking inspiration from nature, engaging in mindfulness practices, or taking breaks, there are countless strategies available to help you navigate creative roadblocks.

Ultimately, finding inspiration is a deeply personal journey, and what works for one writer may not work for another. Experiment with different techniques, trust in your unique creative process, and remember that inspiration is always within reach. By embracing creativity and staying committed to your craft with the help of experts like Sitara, you can unlock your full writing potential and bring your ideas to life on the page.

#princess sitara masilamani #sitara california #sitara masilamani

[booloodle]

Hey you, yes you procrastinating writer!

Are you putting off any writing, academic or creative?

Same! I’m awful for it.

But I have a technique you can employ if you really need to push through the mental block.

Freewriting.

So, what is freewriting?

It’s a technique where you write continuously, no breaking to stop for a short burst of time (around 15-20 minutes works for me)

Brain goes blank? Write through it. Or write that you have gone blank. Spelling mistakes? Don’t go back, keep writing forward.

It’s a technique I’ve used for essay prompts and have started to use as a base for ideas. It is NOT how you should write on its own. You should use anything you produce while freewriting as the base on which you build. It’s really good for brainstorming and getting over writer’s block.

Who knows? It might help you come up with ideas you would never have come up with otherwise.

#writing #freewriting #putting the advice from my degree to use #I went into debt for this knowledge

[professionalwritings]

Write my GED essay

Introduction:

The General Educational Development (GED) essay is a critical component of the GED test, serving as an evaluation of an individual's ability to express thoughts coherently and develop ideas within a limited time frame. A common challenge many test-takers face is generating relevant and compelling ideas to form the foundation of their essays. Write my GED essay In this article, we will explore effective strategies for brainstorming GED essay ideas, helping you unleash your creativity and articulate your thoughts with precision.

Understand the Essay Prompt: Before diving into brainstorming, carefully read and comprehend the essay prompt. Break it down into key components, identifying the core themes and requirements. Understanding the prompt ensures that your brainstorming efforts are focused and aligned with the essay task.

Create a Mind Map: Mind mapping is a visual technique that allows you to organize and connect ideas around a central theme. Start with the main topic of the essay and branch out with related concepts and subtopics. This visual representation can unveil potential angles for your essay and help you see connections between different ideas.

Freewriting: Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and engage in freewriting. Write without stopping, allowing your thoughts to flow freely. Write my GED essay This unstructured approach often leads to surprising insights and unique perspectives. Freewriting is an excellent method to overcome writer's block and tap into your subconscious ideas.

Explore Personal Experiences: Your personal experiences can serve as a rich source of material for your essay. Reflect on significant moments, challenges you've overcome, or lessons you've learned. These personal anecdotes not only add authenticity to your essay but also provide a unique perspective that stands out to the reader.

Consider Different Viewpoints: Explore the essay prompt from various angles. Consider different perspectives or opinions related to the topic. This approach can help you develop a well-rounded and nuanced argument, showcasing your ability to analyze and synthesize information.

Research Relevant Information: Conduct preliminary research to gather relevant information and data related to the essay prompt. Write my GED essay A solid understanding of the topic, supported by facts and examples, enhances the credibility of your essay. Researching also exposes you to different viewpoints, enriching your brainstorming process.

Utilize the 5 W's and H: Ask yourself the fundamental questions: Who, What, When, Where, why, and how. This systematic approach ensures that you cover essential aspects of the topic, leaving no stone unturned. It helps in generating comprehensive ideas that contribute to a well-rounded essay.

Brainstorm with Peers: Engaging in group brainstorming sessions can provide diverse perspectives and stimulate creative thinking. Discuss the essay prompt with peers, share ideas, and receive feedback. Collaborative brainstorming often leads to novel insights and a broader range of potential essay topics.

Identify Key Keywords: Pick out key terms from the essay prompt and use them as a springboard for generating ideas. Consider synonyms, related concepts, or broader themes associated with these keywords. This technique can help you uncover hidden connections and expand your pool of potential essay ideas.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, effective brainstorming is a crucial step in the GED essay writing process. By employing these strategies, you can unlock your creativity, identify compelling ideas, and lay the groundwork for a well-crafted essay. Remember, Write my GED essay the key is to approach brainstorming with an open mind, allowing yourself the freedom to explore various avenues before settling on the most suitable and engaging topic for your GED essay.

#assignment help

[angiejleon]

Writing Process

Choosing a Topic

What happens after a generation of lots of ideas? How do you know which one to choose?

The best topic selection method is “freewriting”. Just writing without worrying about grammatical or structural errors. Write for different topics; you can write continuously for 15 minutes.  After your time is up, read what you wrote. You will realize that your writing was more inclined to a specific topic for reasons that only you can tell. Maybe because there is a lot to say on that topic or you just like it. There, you have your research topic.

A question: what do you do when you can’t find enough information to support your chosen topic?

Most students have problems choosing a topic because they want to write for their teacher. This just makes writing hard. Write for general readers and see how fun it can be.

[herhours]

Dorothea Brande was an early proponent of freewriting. In her book Becoming a Writer (1934),[4] she advises readers to sit and write for 15 minutes every morning, as fast as they can. She argues that doing so for just 15 minutes helps writers to avoid having the feeling of commitment. Instead of believing that writing can become dull, writers can compromise for as little as 15 minutes to liberate ideas and put them on paper. She also argued that this practice would help authors to not fear blank pages when they start to write.

why is writer's block a thing

scumbag brain

[lukowrites]

Week 7, day 4 –10 min freewrite: My ideal writing routine

I’d wake up early, do some light morning exercises, running, a bit of weights/calisthenics, maybe some yoga, followed by a big breakfast. I’d then read for 15 minutes or so to get some inspiration and get in the mood to write, after which I’d sit down at my computer and write. If I had a laptop, which might be preferable, I’d find somewhere ambient and serene, maybe a coffee shop as cliché as it is, depending on what I’m writing. I want to fit in at least an hour of writing day, and eventually work up to 3 or 4, and if out and about I feel more motivated to do something. I’d also like to give myself a break every half hour, or hour, to re-read what I’ve written, and maybe get some air. Sipping coffee and nibbling on something sweet helps. I heard Margaret Atwood say that she freewrites about 60 pages before working on structure, so I’m going to try that, with maybe a loose outline of what I want to do to help me. Afterwards, I’d like to do a 10 minute freewrite listing ideas, characters, settings, etc.

If I’m working or busy that day, I’d ideally do some exercise to shake off the day, say a run or some weights, before settling in to write. Reading should be included, even just for 10 minutes, but preferably I’d like half an hour a day at least, with an hour or two of writing. Afterwards, to condition myself, I’ll treat myself to something nice, maybe some chess (which could help during a break as well), and relax. Maybe a swim at the beach if I’m already there, or a run on the dunes, maybe some tennis or some basketball. If I was rich, I’d get a massage each day to congratulate myself on a job well done, *sigh*.

#writing #free write #couchto80k #routine

[irarelypostanything]

The concept of the “God Coder” (or “Software engineers as depicted in the media”)

I’ve heard some people say that Billions is a TV series with perfect dialogue, and one and a half seasons in...I agree.  It’s a fantastic show, I think the producers were really smart to sponsor Wisecrack to analyze it, and the entire thing is carried with charisma and dialogue - no gunfights or meth heists yet.  That’s why I thought it was a little weird to skip ahead (I don’t mind spoilers) to a clip late in season three, in which Taylor converses with a computer programmer.  Without spoiling too much of this myself, it seems that the programmer can devise and implement a really useful algorithm.

Fine.  That makes sense - that’s basically what the act of computer programming is.  But the way the programmer talks is really strange to me.  He compares himself to a famous musician - “I’m the *insert famous musician’s name here* of coding - I have perfect control of the instrument.”  There are definitely arrogant programmers out there.  There are definitely great programmers out there.  It’s not crazy to think that one man found a way to implement some algorithm, made it work really well, and found that he was faster himself AFTER GETTING RID of his entire team.  It’s just the way he delivered that line…

Compare that to a scene early in season 2, in which Wags asks an IT specialist to hack into an account for him.  I love this interplay.  Wags, charismatic and fearless, still seems obviously confused when the specialist explains how difficult it is to hack by guessing passwords (hackers usually use more creative methods, like getting an insider to unknowingly submit critical information in a form).  The specialist puts a team on it, by request, and he still doesn’t succeed.  

Software engineering is really saturated...maybe it will be oversaturated soon (it already is, in some sectors), and the disadvantage of this is competition but the advantage of this is that there are so many new community members.  In the process, we’ve had some TV series that tell software engineering stories really well.  Mr. Robot is more of a hacker story, and I think it’s accurate.  I don’t really know because I’m in the sweet and innocent world of coding missile guidance systems, not hacking into bank accounts and redistributing the money to the poor.  The whole signature of that show is that the main character is the best of the best.  And even he would never say something like “I am the ____ of coding - I have perfect control over the instrument.”

I like Silicon Valley a lot.  It does arrogance, humility (there’s less humility in tech), charisma, personality disorder, megalomania... but it just feels more real to me, even when it gets hilariously over-the-top.  A father who does something negligent and says he’s “disrupting parenting.”  A multi-billionaire who builds his own school of ethics by stealing speeches from everyone else.  A VC with an impossibly difficult personality but, we later learn, unquestionable integrity.  And then the network security specialist.  He talks a lot about how great he is in one scene, but he uses the right jargon.  He delivers it well.  It felt real.

The conclusion?  Uh, I don’t know.  I already spent 15 minutes on this, and I was going to dive into a giant rant about how even great series like The Avengers really hand-waved their “hacking arrows,” which make zero sense to me.  

But I guess maybe I’ll just leave it at Gilfoyle. 

#software engineering #15-minute freewrite #billions #wisecrack #silicon valley