caitlynlynch

[caitlynlynch]

DO. NOT. RUN. ANOTHER. WRITER'S. WORK.

THROUGH ANY SORT OF FUCKING 'FILTER'

because when you do that you are feeding it to the fucking AIs and NO NO NO NO NO

the writer did not CONSENT to their work being used to train the fucking AI machines!

FUCK OFF INTO THE SUN

I'm not going to reply publicly because I'd inevitably get accused of bullying for failing to protect the sender from the consequences of their actions when my followers got a hold of them.

But if you're going to send me a message along the lines of "I like your novel, but I ran it through a filter, and you use too many adverbs, you should consider using less" I hope you know I'm killing you with my mind.

Just mentally holding you underwater until the thrashing stops.

Hope that helps.

#do not do this #not ever ever #DO NOT

[caitlynlynch]

CT, I am losing my mind, and you're the only one who will understand. I'm doing a deep dive on a TikTok grifter right now who claims to have 30+ years of writing and editing experience (she's, like, my age, so mid-30s), and is charging Exorbitant amounts for editing. I started going into her qualifications, and I wound up eyeballs deep in the Wayback machine because she claimed to be a professor of Aphrodite University, a place where, in 2015, 'high-heeled priestesses' were accredited by Aphrodite herself in the ways of the divine feminine, and I shit you not, the 'ble$$ed arts of multilevel marketing.'

Help.

Joy, link me right this instant.

#writing community insanity #it has been 0 days since someone got on their bullshit #wtf #grifter

[caitlynlynch]

PSA Regarding Hateful Anons

Tumblr recently made it a requirement for you to be logged in to send asks anonymously. If you receive a hateful ask, don’t publish it - report it to Tumblr. It can be traced back to the user that sent it and with enough reports that person’s account will be suspended.

Share to raise awareness but also to make the clowns who think this behaviour is acceptable think twice before acting brave behind the guise of invisibility.

[caitlynlynch]

Do this four times repeatedly and you’ll be out. But how does it work? There’s some real brain science behind it.

#insomnia

[caitlynlynch]

peers cautiously above the parapet

Is... is the plague of porn bots slowing down? Only two new followers this week and they both have every appearance of being real people...

#porn bots #plague

[caitlynlynch]

Well, I took an expensive plunge today... been saving up for a while and finally took a deep breath, slapped my credit card on the counter and paid up.

This is a major glow up for me as a narrator. That's a 4-figure microphone (a Neumann TLM-103, for anyone interested) and THEEE microphone of choice for many professional narrators. While my trusty Rode NT-1 has got me this far, if I want to work for the pro publishers I need a top-grade mic... and now I have one.

Looking forward to starting the next book on my schedule with it once I've had a tinker with the settings!

#audiobook narration #glow up #new microphone

[caitlynlynch]

It's fine for me on Amazon AU... looking on my computer via the website on Chrome. If you're looking via the Kindle app on Android or iPhone that may be the issue. The iTunes and Play stores are not playing very nice with the Kindle app at the moment. You have to go to the website, log in there, make the purchase and then it'll turn up on Kindle.

I just looked on Amazon Australia

It won’t let me buy Hungerpangs for my Kindle

It looks really interesting though

Thaaaat's weird. It says it's online for Amazon Au on my end. (If anyone else in with an Amazon Au account could check it for me, that'd be really helpful. Sometimes Amazon glitches and what I see isn't the same as what other people see.)

If you're still interested, you can also get the ebook files directly from my Payhip store, which you can then load into your e-reader of choice.

All the Payhip files are DRM-free and not device restricted.

[caitlynlynch]

Having just watched Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania - Yes.

thinking about what interfaces could look like in the future -- i think more slime or goo elements

#goo interface

[caitlynlynch]

Vorkosigan

   The thing I love about the Vorkosigan Saga* is that MOST protagonists who go hogwild for Found Family are trying to replace a biological family that is absent or unsatisfactory. Miles comes from a family where his parents love each other dearly and adore their hyperactive disabled son - and he STILL goes out into the galaxy and says

To the strung out jump pilot that he literally met minutes ago - I’ll just adopt YOU here put your hands between mine for the ceremony

To the homeless military deserter who would be under sentence of death if anybody knew where he was OH HEY, you’re mine, too, come with me to my [new] ship with the pilot I’ve known a whole day, now

To the soldier who got her face burned in the first big battle MA’AM I will get you the best possible reconstructive surgery plus also you are family, now

To the 8-foot tall genetically engineered nightmare with fangs crouched in a dungeon (sorta) MISS you are so tall and beautiful I will break you out of here and you can join my mercenaries plus also I want to take care of you at the end of your life, because I love you so much

To the unauthorized CLONE who was raised to assassinate his politically important father WELL, dude, legally you’re my brother so you should really go home and meet Mom and Dad

I just. Love those books so much.

* Lois McMaster Bujold, author

[caitlynlynch]

Are you frustrated you can't leave second kudos on AO3? or third kudos? or whatever-who's-counting kudos?

Well, have I got the html for you!

Plop any of these in a comment (by copy&pasting the code) to make an author's day and show your appreciation!

Second kudos: <img src="https://i.ibb.co/tHMjbb6/second-kudos.png" alt="second kudos">

Third kudos: <img src="https://i.ibb.co/52bggQH/third-kudos.png" alt="third kudos">

nth kudos: <img src="https://i.ibb.co/6y7qGtC/nth-kudos.png" alt="nth kudos">

yet another kudos: <img src="https://i.ibb.co/wKtcj0s/yet-another-kudos.png" alt="yet another kudos">

It will look something like this (and will be transparent with white outline on dark backgrounds):

Feel free to spread and use these as much as you like! (and if you have ideas for other variations, let me know ✌️)

[caitlynlynch]

protective of my buckaroos

if you are still trotting out the ‘youre not really bisexual if this or that’ trot it is not the cool way of protecting your community you think it is. by doing this YOU attack and harm the community. let buds find their way in their time you are not the queer judge and jury

scoundrels who say ‘but those who are not down the middle with every feeling harm us REAL BIs’ have no idea how they sound. like conservatives talkin on ‘real’ americans. bud YOUR WAY is not the standard and other ways are not fake. its ALL REAL

when folks pretend they are warriors of the queer round table by telling other queer buckaroos that THEIR way is incorrect or not queer enough (or TOO queer) it gets me riled. i am protective of my buckaroos and their unique ways

gatekeepers get the HECK out and leave the gate open behind you were having a dang party in here

[caitlynlynch]

Writing x Characters When You Aren’t x, A Masterlist

x: a variable used to represent something unknown.

We’ve seen an influx of questions about how to write stories based around characters of color, disability, non-binary, etc. when the author does not fall into these categories. Rather than have these posts take over the site, we’ve decided to compile a list of resources to help our fellow writers become more educated about writing what they do not immediately know. However, this list is not the end-all-be-all of knowledge; one should always try to learn from someone with first hand experience in any topic. The world is constantly growing and changing, and because of that, there will always be more to learn. The admins at Plotline Hotline want to help writers form respectful, informed, and realistic characters that broaden the narrow range we see in literature today. 

*Be wary that some of the topics listed below contain sensitive material. Reader discretion is advised.* 

As always, the links I found to be especially apt will be in bold. Topics are listed alphabetically, excepting the “other” section.

Culture

Appropriate Cultural Appropriation

What is Cultural Appropriation? [1,2,3]

Cultural Appropriation Is, In Fact, Indefensible

Voice Appropriation & Writing About Other Cultures

Diversity, Appropriation, and Writing the Other [List]

Disability

Writing Disibilities [1,2,3,4,5]

Guides to Writing Deaf or Hard of Hearding People

National Association of the Deaf - Resources [List]

World Federation of the Deaf

Using a Prosthetic Device

Prostehtic Limbs (Character Guide)

How NOT to Write Disabled Characters

A Guide to Disibility Rights Law (United States)

Timeline of Disibility Rights in the United States

Social Security Disability: List of Impairments, Medical Conditions, and Problems [List] (United States)

How to Write Disabled Characters: An Opinion Piece

Artificial Eye Resources [List][Various]

Adapting to the Loss of an Eye

Misconceptions and Myths About Blindness

Blind Characters: A Process of Awareness

Writing Blind Characters [List]

Types of Learning Disabilities [List]

Diversity

A Guide to Spotting and Growing Past Stereotypes

How to Prepare to Write a Diverse Book

The Diversity of Writing

Why Diversity Matters for Everyone

Writing a Driverse Book [1,2,3,4,5]

Diversity, Political Correctness and The Power of Language

Diversity Book List [List][Books]

Basic Tips To Write Subcultures & Minority Religions Better 

Basic Tips to Avoid Tokenism

Gender

GLAAD Media Reference Guide - Transgender

Creating Well-Written Trans Characters

A Few Things Writers Need To Know About Sexuality & Gender Expression

Trans (Character Guide & Bio Building)

A Non-Binary Person’s Guide to Invented Pronouns

Gender Neutral Writing [List]

Keeping a Trans* Person a Person  

Suggestions for Reducing Gendered Terms in Language [Photo]

How to Review a Trans Book as a Cis Person

Writing Characters of Different Genders [List]

Understanding Gender

Gender Spectrum Resources [List]

Gender History

Illness 

Writing Chronic Illness [1,2]

The Spoon Theory - Also pertains to disibility

About HIV/AIDS

Sexually Transmitted Diseases [List]

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sex and Gender Differences in Health [Study]

All Chronic Illness Topics [List]

Coping with Chronic Illness

All Cancer Types

A Day in the Life of a Home Health Aide/Health Coach

Fiction Books With Chronically Ill Main Characters- Not Cancer [List][Books]

Neurotype (Including Mental Health)

Writing an Autistic Character When You Don’t Have Autism

Depression Resources [List]

What to Consider When Writing Mental Illness

Stanford Psychiatric Patient Care

Inpatient Psychiatric Questions and Tips

Don’t Call Me Crazy [Documentary]

(Avoid) Romanticizing Mental Illness [1,2]

A Day in the Life of a Mental Hospital Patient

State-run vs. Private Mental Hospitals

Mental Disorders

Mental Hospital Non-Fiction [List][Books]

National Institute of Mental Health - Mental Health Information [List]

Writing Autistic

What Causes PTSD?

Remember, Remember: The Basics of Writing Amnesia

ADHD Basic Information

What is a Learning Disability?

What is Neurotypical?

Race

Writing Race: A Checklist for Authors

Transracial Writing for the Sincere

Is my character “black enough”

White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack

Challenge, Counter, Controvert: Subverting Expectations

Writing With Color: Blogs - Recs - Resources [List]

Writing People of Color (If you happen to be a person of another color)

7 Offensive Mistakes Well-Intentioned Writers Make

Description Guide - Words for Skin Tone

Religion

Religion in Novels: Terrific or Taboo?

How to Write a Fantasy Novel that Sells: The Religion

Writing About Faith And Religion

From Aladdin to Homeland: How Hollywood Can Reinforce Racial and Religious Stereotypes 

Sexuality

Understanding Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity [List]

Writing Gay Characters [1,2,3]

American Civil Liberties Union - LGBT+ Rights

LGBT+ Rights by Country or Territory

History of Gay Rights

Gay Rights Movement

LGBT+ Culture

Gay Myths and Stereotypes

LGBT+ Studies Web Sites [List]

LGBTQ Youth Issues

LGBTData.com

Overview of Gay and Lesbian Parenting, Adoption and Foster Care (United States)

Other

How Doctors’ Offices—and Queer Culture—Are Failing Autistic LGBTQ People

Five Traps and Tips for Character Development

Developing Realistic Characters

I hope that this list will provide topics a writer may not initially think to research when writing. If there are any resources that you think would be fitting for this list, please let us know! We want to have as many helpful sources as possible to maximize learning opportunities. 

Stay educated,

xx Sarah

[caitlynlynch]

Well… that’s uncannily accurate.

[caitlynlynch]

[caitlynlynch]

I'm currently applying to join an agency that places staff for last-minutes fill in shifts in my sector (disability support). They basically accepted me on the strength of my resume, but then have sent me a link to the most complicated online induction known to humankind, including half a dozen must-be-completed online training courses, all of which are a couple hours each at minimum. This was last Wednesday. Every day since then they have texted me asking me if I've completed induction yet. Like, ma'am. I have been doing 1-2 hours a day on it and I'm not CLOSE to finished. What the hell do you think I am?

“Nobody wants to work” yet im over here filling out 3945867483293064359469 applications on 500 different job hunting sites, each application demanding i take a 30 minute-test to PROVE that me and my paltry resume are worth a multi-million company giving me 16 whole dollars an hour. Nobody wants to work yet 97 of the 100 applications you fill out just ghost you (because when a Boss does it, that’s just how it is. But if you ghost? Unprofessional.) or give you some pointless runaround for 3 weeks until telling you you’re not a good fit because you only have 3 years of dick-sucking experience and they want 5. Nobody wants to work? Nobody wants to invest in employees. Nobody wants to hire, nobody wants to train, nobody wants to teach anyone new skills. Nobody wants to accept that YES, some people DO work to collect a paycheck and thats FINE, not all of us are born with a passion to be a Starbucks Manager. We’re all passionate about living and supporting ourselves and I wish bosses would stop being so lazy and rude and give my friends jobs for $20000 an hour

#wtf #day job

[caitlynlynch]

oh all right clearly this is my sign to get off doomscrolling and go read a chapter.

Out loud, to my microphone!

#audiobook narration #day off doomscrolling #procrastination

[caitlynlynch]

If you are good enough at podfic to have a patreon and people pay you, then you are good enough to make a career out of it as an audiobook narrator.

But for gods' sakes, do not attempt to make money off other peoples' fanworks. That's so not cool. And keep your damn hustle off Ao3.

Giant moment of YIKES today: listening to a podfic on ao3, and then being smacked at the end with the podficcer's patreon advertisement, where folks pay to get access to podfic. Glancing at their works where this advertisement appears, it's all blanket permission stuff.

Folks getting into podfic: DO NOT DO THIS. First, advertising patreons on ao3 is a huge no go, even when you do it auditorily rather than via text. It is very much against terms of service, and puts the site at risk. Second, though: authors giving you blanket permission to podfic are not giving you permission to make money off their work. I can't believe I need to say this, but if you are going to record fic for money? You need that fic author's SPECIFIC permission. And you should probably be sharing any proceeds with them, though that is something you can negotiate individually. But taking something freely offered for free transformative use and making money from it? That is a huge violation of trust in the community, and could result in authors pulling their blanket permission.

But DG, you may say, I should get to turn my side hobby into a hustle just like fanartists do! Fine. If you are a skilled podficcer who produces high quality audio, you already have an option for that - go pick up work as an audiobook narrator on audible. It's not hard for a skilled reader to find ocassional gig work that way, and it's something I did years ago when I was poor and unemployed.

In summary: Don't put the whole podfic community at risk just to make a buck. Follow the rules of the sites you use, respect authors' rights, and look elsewhere for your side hustle.

#podficcing #audiobook narration