#Creative Writing Showcase/Resource

[astrobaeza]

prediction astrology:

Saturn in Pisces transit + how you could get famous ♓️ ✨

credits to @astrobaeza

Saturn entered Pisces on March 7, 2023 and will stay there until May 24, 2025. Already, we have been able to see new musicians, artists, collectives rise to fame.

example: Victoria Monét -> her song "On My Mama" went viral and she has her Moon and North Node in Pisces. Despite being popular for some time, she is just now really blowing up.

British Duo "Jungle" went viral for their song "Back on 74". Tom McFarland, one half of the duo, has his NN in Pisces in his 7th house of partnership (his band) and his moon at 29° Pisces in his 9th house of the media. They blew up but I also predict their fame is being solidified and will grow even more.

Here is what I predict for the Saturn in Pisces transits in the houses.

✨ Pisces 1st house: solidification or complete undoing of your identity. this could be a time where you find the perfect routine for your skin, hair, makeup, or maybe completely transform your look or how you present to others. could become famous for looks and self (think modeling, youtube, Tiktok, instagram) post your selfies queens and kings!

✨ Pisces 2nd house: transformation of your personal values, increase in self worth, and influx of wealth and possessions. this could be a time where you become more confident and come into more money as a result. your values could translate in the work you do or anything you make or create. you could become famous for becoming wealthy or whatever you do as a result of this increase in confidence.

✨ Pisces 3rd house: you become more communicative with your community, neighbors, and siblings. strengthening of familial ties as well as gains in writing, singing, or public speech. you could become famous for your artistic or oratorical communication like writing music, poetry, or doing a public speech. could also become famous through your siblings.

✨ Pisces 4th house: your home life becomes more nurturing, sensitive and soft and your connection to your roots increases in familiarity. you could learn more and grow closer to your roots on an emotional level. this could look like traveling back to your hometown / birth place, picking up new family traditions, or healing broken family bonds. could become famous through your family or through exploration of you roots.

✨ Pisces 5th house: strengthening of creative abilities, creative drive, and increase in artistic pursuits / opportunities. you most likely feel more creative during this time, and have more of a drive to showcase this. great time for musicians, artists, and performers who want visibility for their art. also a time where you could go on more dates, fall in love, and have kids. could become famous for anything creative, your children, your romances.

✨ Pisces 6th house: transformation of work, health, and routines. you could become a lot healthier during this time through new workouts, diets, and lifestyle. you could also find new work, leave an old job, or have restrictions around your work and health lifted. could become famous through something like huge weight loss, introducing a new skin care brand, or through your work.

✨ Pisces 7th house: long-standing partnerships are inducted: meaning marriage, new business opportunities that bring you a lot of success or more connections, could also mean more enemies due to this success. could become famous for who you marry, who you do business with, or who defames you.

✨ Pisces 8th house: could result in an entire death and rebirth of yourself as a whole. this could mean a time when you "bounce-back" completely reinvent yourself and come out unrecognizable. also potential for sudden deaths, random events and an increase in wealth or shared resources. this could end a period of celibacy or a time when you lose your V-card! could become famous for anything related to power, money, and sex. (ie: starting an OF, getting an inheritance, investing and getting a huge return)

✨ Pisces 9th house: transformation of spirituality, your knowledge, and higher educational pursuits. could be a time where you finally have the money to go to college, study abroad, or commit to knew avenues of education and spirituality (maybe committing to a religion or belief system). could become famous for your educational pursuits like publishing research.

✨ Pisces 10th house: solidification of your reputation, career, public persona. this is the year that you could become famous for anything really (good or bad). for those who wish to be famous or already are, this is a great year to go after all career goals. your reputation will be solidified (good or bad). career could be Piscean in nature -- music, art, writing, spirituality.

✨ Pisces 11th house: expansion of networks, groups, and achievement of dreams. you could meet your best friends, form life-time connections, and accomplish something online or for the collective. could become famous on a large-scale through your groups in real life or on line. great time for social media users who want a larger fan base, push your work!

✨ Pisces 12th house: expansion of the mind, healing of the subconscious, transformation of subconscious beliefs about yourself, life, others. could be a time when you actively start working on your healing and emotional health (ie: therapy, shadow work) great time to transform or tap into healing practices or monetize them! a lot more intuitive, this can be applied to all areas of life and help you with your interpersonal relationships, business, and family. could become famous for communication of your new beliefs, your healing practices or for your transformation.

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#astrobae #astrology #astro community #astrology tumblr #astro notes #astro observations #astrobaeza #astrology community #astrology notes #astrology observations #saturn in pisces #predictive astrology #astrology aspects #victoria monet #jungle band #back on 74

[crystalsenergy]

Healing for Chiron signs 💚✨

Remember that healing is a lifelong journey, and it's okay to seek support from therapists, counselors, spiritual advisors along the way. Self-awareness, self-compassion, and a commitment to YOUR personal growth are essential for Chiron healing.

Chiron in Aries: Healing the wounds associated with Chiron in Aries starts with embracing your inner strength and self-assertion.

Tips: Cultivate self-confidence by setting and achieving personal goals that empower you. Face your fears head-on, and don't shy away from confrontations that help you express your needs. Explore physical activities like martial arts or competitive sports to build resilience. Learn to initiate and take action without the fear of rejection. Remember that your worth is not defined by external validation but by your self-acceptance.

Chiron in Taurus: Healing Chiron in Taurus involves nurturing self-worth and finding stability within.

Tips: Practice self-care routines that reconnect you with your senses and the physical world. Create a secure and comforting home environment. Work on building financial stability and managing resources wisely to boost your sense of self-reliance. Explore nature, gardening, or grounding practices to strengthen your connection to the Earth's energies. Understand that your true worth goes beyond material possessions.

Chiron in Gemini: Healing Chiron in Gemini requires addressing communication and mental challenges.

Tips: Understand that your curiosity and adaptability can be strengths once you embrace them. Develop effective communication skills by actively listening and expressing your thoughts clearly. Engage in activities that stimulate your mind and expand your knowledge, such as reading, writing, or learning a new language. Rebuild trust in your ability to connect with others by nurturing genuine, open conversations. Seek therapy or counseling to heal sibling relationships or childhood communication issues.

Chiron in Cancer: Healing Chiron in Cancer begins with nurturing and emotional self-care.

Tips: Create a safe and loving home environment that provides emotional security and comfort. Explore your emotional depths through self-reflection, journaling, or seeking therapy. Reconnect with your inner life and work on healing any childhood wounds or family dynamics that have left scars. Embrace your nurturing side and allow vulnerability to become a source of strength and connection. Understand that emotional healing is a process that takes time and self-compassion.

Chiron in Leo: To heal Chiron in Leo wounds, you have to take care of your level of self-confidence and self-expression.

Tips: Engage in creative activities that allow your unique talents and personality to shine. Embrace opportunities to showcase your skills and receive positive feedback. Cultivate self-love and self-validation, reducing the need for external recognition. Understand that true leadership comes from the heart and from authenticity, not just the ego. Recognize your innate ability to inspire and uplift others with your warmth and charisma.

Chiron in Virgo: Healing Chiron in Virgo involves addressing perfectionism and self-criticism.

Tips: Practice self-compassion by accepting your imperfections and embracing self-love. Engage in self-care routines that prioritize physical and mental well-being. Develop your skills in service to others, recognizing that your healing journey is deeply intertwined with helping others. Seek guidance from holistic or alternative health practices, and remember that healing often comes through a focus on holistic well-being, not just one way of take care of yourself.

Chiron in Libra: Healing Chiron in Libra involves addressing wounds related to relationships and balance.

Tips: Seek harmony in your human connections by practicing effective communication and conflict resolution. Cultivate self-love and self-acceptance, recognizing that your worth doesn't depend on external opinions or partnerships. Work on healing any past relationship wounds through therapy, self-reflection... Embrace your ability to bring people together and find beauty in the balance between giving and receiving.

Chiron in Scorpio: Healing Chiron in Scorpio requires facing deep emotional wounds and transformation.

Tips: Explore your emotional depths through therapy, journaling, or spiritual practices. Allow yourself to confront and release past traumas and fears. Embrace vulnerability and trust in your ability to regenerate and transform. Seek to heal trust issues by practicing forgiveness and rebuilding trust in yourself and others. Understand that your intensity and depth can be sources of strength and healing.

Chiron in Sagittarius: Healing Chiron in Sagittarius begins with a quest for higher meaning and wisdom.

Tips: Explore different belief systems and philosophies to find your own truth. Engage in adventures and expand your horizons through travel or learning. Find meaning in life's challenges and recognize that they lead to growth. Seek spiritual guidance or practices that resonate with you. Embrace your adventurous spirit and optimism as sources of healing and personal expansion.

Chiron in Capricorn: Healing Chiron in Capricorn involves addressing wounds related to ambition and responsibility.

Tips: Build self-confidence and overcome fears of inadequacy by setting achievable goals. Take charge of your life and career path, recognizing that you have the ability to succeed. Embrace your responsibilities and understand that they lead to personal growth and empowerment. Seek to heal any issues related to authority figures through therapy or self-reflection. Understand that your determination and work ethic can lead to significant achievements and healing.

Chiron in Aquarius: Healing Chiron in Aquarius requires embracing your uniqueness and ideals.

Tips: Celebrate your individuality and connect with like-minded individuals who share your values. Engage in humanitarian efforts or seek out causes that align with your beliefs. Challenge convention and explore innovative paths for personal growth and healing. Embrace your innovative and unconventional side, recognizing that it can lead to positive change. Find meaning in your friendships and connections with a community that supports your growth.

Chiron in Pisces: To heal Chiron in Pisces wounds, it's necessary to connect with your spirituality and explore mindfulness practices.

Tips: Use creative outlets like art, music, or writing as a means of self-expression and emotional healing. Set and maintain healthy emotional boundaries to protect your energy and well-being. Seek therapy or counseling to address any issues related to addiction or escapism. Explore your empathetic nature and use it as a source of healing and connection with others. Understand that your sensitivity and compassion can be strengths once you embrace them.

#healing chiron #chiron healing #chiron asteroid #chiron in aries #chiron in taurus #chiron in gemini #chiron in cancer #chiron in leo #chiron in virgo #chiron in libra #chiron in scorpio #chiron in sagittarius #chiron in capricorn #chiron in aquarius #chiron in pisces #asteroids #asteroid astrology #astrology posts #astrology content #astrology counseling

[gatheredfates]

Hi! My name is Sea, and I have an unhealthy obsession with taking on large community projects! This is my Final Fantasy XIV Community Compendium, focusing on linking as many XIV writing/roleplaying discords, forums, events, free companies and resources as I can get my hands on. While the inspired by and predominately tailored for roleplayers, it should have something for anyone looking to engage creatively with the game in some capacity. ⭐

If you'd like to simply check out what the Compendium is all about and miss my waffling below, any of the links on this post will take you there — but this is a handy one! A reblog also goes a huge way to increase my reach and find communities/resources; you're also welcome to share this post with people not on Tumblr who might be looking for communities/resources or have something to add.

Why a compendium, Sea?

In my opinion, the way people engage with fandom and communities has changed. It was once extremely common for people to hop onto the XIV Roleplaying Forum or find people looking for contact on Tumblr, but most of these resources have shifted to Discord. While Discord is great for keeping a community when you have it, the isolation of these communities into hidden, secular spaces doesn’t do a lot to help people find them in the first place and creates an air of loneliness/disconnect for new players or people looking to find specific communities. I don’t believe that a person should necessarily be a part of x amount of servers to find the one that suits them, nor that all communities should necessarily be on Discord — or just plain hard to find. However, while this is currently the standard, I’d like to try and help these communities be fostered and seen in a place accessible to basically anyone with an internet connection. If one community has benefited from this document, then I have done my part.

This is my monthly drive to showcase the Compendium but find new things to add! A lot of the below is already on the document, but I split communities/resources into four distinct spaces:

Large-scale community discords such as the XIV Reddit Discord, Hunts, GPOSE promotions and broad-space roleplay servers that harbour a large number of people and are publicly available to all. These may not have an RP focus but will assist in other aspects of the game.

Free Company & community-focused servers. E.G. an Ishgardian Roleplay server whose mission is to foster a community for Ishgardian characters; an EU server created to help players struggling with timezones. This also includes event discords such as fight clubs, markets, cafes, etc.

Friend/casual servers that have a roleplay element but may be just a group of people looking to find others to hang out and do content with.

Miscellaneous. Likely to be less community servers and more resources such as lore compilations, how-to guides, gposing techniques, boosting blogs, etc. These may get their own dedicated section later.

Want to submit? You can either fill out the google form here, send me an ask with the relevant information contained on the Compendium, or join my Discord at SEAFLOOR (21+ only)!

Is my space suitable for the Compendium? Most of the time, yes! Below the read more is some more information/stipulations. Again, all accessible on the document! 🪸

Below are the following things I do not accept on the Compendium:

Personal/Single-Character LFC ads.

Content intended for or can be used for bullying, harassment and OOC gossip. E.g. ‘Secrets’ blogs, receipts, callout posts, etc. This does not include IC tabloid blogs used to generate RP.

Communities that do not have an RP/writing element (large-scale exempt).

Anything I find personally distasteful or goes against the spirit of this project.

Common-sense rule applies.

FAQ.

I want to put my community on the compendium but we have an application process. Is this okay?

Yes! Just note somewhere in your application that's a requirement. The only thing that is mandatory for the Compendium is that you must be open to new members or have a public-facing/accessible facet. There's no point advertising a community if no one can join it in some way!

I want to put my community on the compendium but I only have x number of members —

Also totally okay! People don't start with large communities. Activity is a must but, whether your server has two or two thousand members, if you're looking for new people to join, I'd love to help you find people.

I want to put my community on the compendium but I worry its too niche?

Okay, and? If your Eorzean Fishing Alliance has four members but you roleplay every second weekend, I still want to know about it.

What resources/communities can I add if I'm not the owner of them?

Mutual consent is extremely important to me, so anything that isn't a large-scale community OR a publicly accessible resource must be endorsed by the owner/admin/moderators in order to be added to the compendium. I operate under the assumption that a resource posted to a public space (tumblr, googledocs, youtube, etc) is open to all. A large-scale community is one with a significant member count or openly advertises itself as being accessible to everyone for whatever purpose it serves. If in doubt, please get in touch with me. I'm happy to contact your community owners for you!

How active does a community need to be?

If you find a community has not been active in about two/three months, send me a message and I'll take a look at it. Communities have ebbs and flows, especially event spaces that may take hiatuses depending on member interest/life events. I'm not strict in my implementation provided a space isn't dead. If a link or anything is broken, absolutely contact me about that.

I have [insert a question not stated here]?

No drama! Send me an ask or use the #Compendium channel in my Discord!

#｡･ﾟﾟ･ — sea speaks #｡･ﾟﾟ･ — sea's community compendium #i feel like i'll post this and realise i forgot something #but eh #thank you all for your support!!

[crooked-wasteland]

" We have no obligation to make history. We have no obligation to make art. We have no obligation to make a statement. To make money is our only objective." – Michael Eisner

(And Vivienne Medrano, apparently)

This image was circulating for a brief time here on Tumblr with the explanation of it possibly being a leak of Oops' script. I didn't want to touch on it at the time because it was of dubious origin. At this point, obviously, we know this is not that script. I've seen some comments about it possibly being a rough draft or otherwise somehow legitimate.

The reason I say this is because, regardless of the authenticity, it does feel like the quality of storytelling found in the show. If a scene like this did appear, I don't think it would feel all that out of place within the context of the show. One cannot fault those who did perpetuate the idea, because the concept of it is believable.

However, I have a feeling this is actually the product of ChatGPT.

The writing and dialogue lack depth and nuance. The emotions are shallow while attempting to portray immense pain. It fails to tap into any semblance of humanity. When individuals discuss the hypothetical threat of AI taking over the artistic space and removing the need for human creativity, it comes from a place of lacking that same humanity. Social media and, unfortunately, Fandom have boiled down art to a content farm.

Algorithms mixed with huge communities seeking immediate gratification have dumbed down art into an appealing image one would admire for a few seconds. They press some buttons and immediately keep scrolling, forgetting what they just saw.

Additionally, character illustrations are the easiest image for AI to recreate. The value of fanwork is not about the emotional depth it portrays but how aesthetically appealing the image is and how identifiable the characters are to Canon. Not to say that fanworks can not showcase depth or meaning in their pieces. Only that the piece will overwhelmingly not be appraised for its cultural or metaphysical value. Instead, it will be immediately replaced.

There is an intentionality to what we call "art." How every element of an artwork was specifically designed to portray something. From the minute background details to the colors and the use of value. How the modern home of philosophy is the theater.

And that's the issue with much of the writing of Helluva Boss: The lack of intentionality as the story (or lack thereof) stumbles along. The crew does not make artistic decisions with an eye to how these events affect the future. They cycle through an unending series of unrelated ideas that are not intended to say anything of the characters or world. It is there to simply be funny, make the audience sad, token representation, etc. The idea mirroring J.J.Abrams and his mystery box mentality of monopolizing the attention-based economy through the emotional investment of the moment.

The idea that something that feels straight out of ChatGPT could just as easily be pictured as a scene in an episode shows the utter lack of connectivity to the project and the basic act of being human.

Medrano and her team are not interested in making art. They are prioritizing the consumption of their content over the quality of the artistic work itself. Given the support and platform to say whatever it was she wished to do so, she has chosen to go nowhere and do nothing with these resources. It's one of the keystone reasons I feel the series has lost as much support as it has. When given the option to make history. It isn't about the art, but rather she seeks to make it about herself. Medrano doesn't want to tell a story or make a statement. She just wanted a show.

#helluva boss critique #helluva boss critical #helluva boss criticism #vivienne medrano #vivziepop #helluva boss #vivziepop critical #spindlehorse critical #spindlehorse criticism #vivziepop criticism #artificial intelligence #ai generated #chatgpt

[aroaceleovaldez]

the show chb logo was also ripped from fandom, like in the past decade all the official chb shirt had the logo without the circle and then the fandom started doing and the show went for it, sorry your tags reminded me of that

[Link to post/tags in question]

Yeah, I know Delphi Strawberry Service has done more circular-based CHB shirt designs for ages, and I've seen the more circular-based designs floating around for awhile. I think Magicbysab's circular-based CHB shirt designs also predate the show design? Those are just the ones I can think of off the top of my head. I understand on a level that if they did base it off fandom designs, particularly if they're basing anything on widespread fanon or fandom-based concepts, it can be difficult to pin down credit or may even seen unnecessary. But if they're going to be doing that I feel like at least they could hire like, a fandom consultant of sorts? Instead of just ripping off from the fandom, hire someone from the community who produces that already so at least there's some recognition and acknowledgement of where it originated.

Heck, in some instances if you ask around in the fandom it's not hard to pinpoint who specifically popularized certain concepts! I could talk for ages about Cherryandsisters being a driving force behind photokinesis!Will, or Saberghatz with plague!Will (tbh between the two they spearheaded a ton of early Will/Solangelo fanon), and I swear Drksanctuary alone is behind like 50% of Alabaster fanon, etc etc etc. People in the fandom know these things! Heck, we know ReadRiordan company knows how to do that kind of thing! They commissioned Viria for the official art, and the UK Riordan newsletter reaches out to fans all the time to feature their work (with credit, they're one of the better ones)! Though in Rick's book tours he did showcase Viria's art (at least with credit) without asking before she got commissioned, and during the Tower of Nero book tours they actually straight up stole a solangelo edit from Pervysloth with completely zero credit (link is to my canon url readriordan parody blog).

I think it doesn't help as well that Rick and his editor allegedly use the fandom wiki in place of a series bible. The PJO wiki is notorious for putting inaccurate information or fanon onto pages at random and having no sources. (What I wouldn't give for the PJO wiki to have frequent book/page sources a la Warrior Cats wiki...) There are what, now almost 18 books in the main series alone? Of an extremely renowned best-selling series that's 20 years old and now being adapted for TV? And they STILL don't have a series bible? That's like, step 1 of writing a series. This kind of reliance of the fandom for resources and concepts definitely isn't new for them.

It just feels so bizarre as to what it says about how the ReadRiordan company views the fandom and the creatives within it. I understand that trying to figure out how to give credit to the concept of "CHB shirt design, but circular!" is difficult, if you even can find out who did that first or popularized it. But if you're going to rip things from fandom, at least find somebody to try and credit? Show that you put in even the tiniest amount of effort? And if you get it wrong and people know, they'll correct you and that's that! But ReadRiordan just keeps trying to actively obscure these kinds of things, even with their own media, not ripped from the fandom, which makes it feel all the worse when it gets pointed out. And a lot of the time the whole reason those concepts get popular is because they're filtered through big names in the fandom! The fandom is a community! We know these people! We can point to them and explain exactly what they popularized! Remember how Velinxi popularized long haired Piper with the heart-shaped flyaways? Goodness only knows how many fandom designs are heavily influenced by Viria and Minuiko and Burdge (and Indigonite and Fuocogo and Ikimaru and Thecottonproject and Joker-ace and Sixofclovers and Vikingmera and Saber and Cherry and and and-). If you are in the community this stuff is easy to find. But Rick and the ReadRiordan company clearly being ~5 years behind with fanon pretty obviously tells me that they're not in the community at all, and aren't bothering trying.

#riordanverse #pjo #readriordan #pjo tv crit #rr crit #Anonymous #ask #long post // #sorry i am passionate about fandom history and crediting artists #its late and im too lazy to proofread right now so im just throwing this one out there #apologies if it's nonsensical #anyways Rick and ReadRiordan stop ripping off literally everyone challenge #stares pointedly at Rick blatantly recycling his own writing. its not a fun callback my guy thats just lazy writing #percy making a dam joke to himself in SoN? cute callback #solangelo falling into tartarus scene in TSATS being a direct rip of percabeth in MoA/HoH? what the hell man

[sloanewashingtonappreciationweek]

Day 1 of our second-ever Sloane Washington Appreciation Week begins TOMORROW!!

Tomorrow also happens to be (in most years) the International Day for Women and Girls in STEM, and what better way to celebrate this day, than to celebrate one of Choices' most illustrious scientists, Sloane Washington!! She's an inspiration in so many ways. Struggles with social anxiety, loves coding and astronomy, writes bomb science fiction!

She is also an inspiration to women and girls outside of her scientific pursuits. She's brave, smart, and more resilient than she thinks! Both her mother and her are amazing - and each of Sloane's relationships with the women in the group particularly - whether it's Nadia, Alana or f!Hayden - are rich with humour, affection and solidarity!! Which is why our second theme for today is Girl Power!!

Today, we celebrate Sloane as the girl who looked up to so many scientists, and the woman who will become the scientist so many girls will look up to! 🥰

Any and all creative works are welcome!! Fanfic, fanart, meta, edits, moodboards, playlists, headcanons, interactive media...even screenshots of your favourite scenes!! Our only requirement is that the pieces should be Sloane-centric and show a positive depiction of her!

We also welcome WIPs - we know that it can be difficult to complete pieces in a week, so if you've finished even a portion of the work and would like to present just that for now, do send it across and we'd be happy to include it!! We also keep the event open for entries the year around, though we do keep a deadline so we can make the appreciation video on time ❤️

A friendly reminder that these are merely themes for you to use. It isn't completely necessary for your content for a particular day to be posted on that day only. You can post something you intended for Day 2 when Day 5 is on, as long as you tag the post for the day you meant it for.

Be sure to keep these points in mind when you make your posts:

1. Use #sloanewashingtonappreciationweek and #SWAW in your tags, along with the day you want to send the content for (SWAW Day 1, SWAW Day 2, etc)

2. Tag @sloanewashingtonappreciationweek, as well as hosts @sazanes and @lizzybeth1986 in your posts, so we don't miss any entries!

Fan content blogs have been a great resource in terms of showcasing fan content, so we'd definitely like to explore some of them and see if you'd like to send your content to any of them. A number of them are also running some amazing Valentine's Day events, which I urge you to take a look at:

@choicesficwriterscreations - Both fic and art welcome! Check out their rules and weekly roster here!

@choicesmonthlychallenge and @choicesfebruary2024 - All types of creative stuff welcome. This month, they're doing an awesome event with the Seven Types of Love in Greek mythology as prompts!

@choicespride - All content related to LGBTQ+ characters and/or themes welcome! Check out their awesome Valentine's Day event here!

@choicesflashfics - Fics under 2500 words welcome! This week's prompt list ends today, but we'll post the next week's once it's out!!

@choicesholidays - Both fic and art welcome!! Check out their Valentine's Day event!!

@choicesprompts - Mostly fic-centric!! Currently they're running a round robin, for which the deadline to enter is Feb 15th!

Can't wait to see what's in store for our Sloane this year!!

Happy Sloane Washington Appreciation Week, everyone!!

#sloane washington #perfect match #sloanewashingtonappreciationweek #SWAW #SWAW Day 1 #SWAW Day 1: Women in STEM #SWAW Day 1: Girl Power

[sitp-recs]

Hidden Gems by @fw00shy

I’ll never stop screaming about the masterpiece that is Phoenix in the Fire - not on this list but one of my top five favourite short fics ever - but when it comes to Fwoosh, suddenly I can’t find the words to covey the way her writing cuts me raw and deep. She’s hands down one of the most talented, daring and resourceful writers I’ve ever seen, and I’ve been around for a very long time. A master of short form, her unique and bold style steal my attention right away, her sharp dialogue and unbeatable world building make me sit straighter and forget whatever’s going on around me, her impeccable prose with perfectly chosen and well-placed words takes my breath away, her tender angst makes my heart break for pining Harry, her deliciously explicit, self-indulgent smut make me sweat like a whore in the church 🥵

As if that wasn’t enough, fwooshy’s range is really impressive and she always manages to deliver a long-lasting blow with any genre, any rating and any length, but especially under 3k. Her creative mind, vibrant characters and powerful writing deserve way more recognition and that’s why everyone should go check her catalogue right now. I’ll help you out and share a short selection of goodies below - I could have chosen any 10 fics at random but I wanted to include a little bit of everything, even tropes that aren’t really my jam (hello MCD!)…. unless they’re written by her, lol 🤡 this is actually my second reclist for Fwooshy so I tried to diversify a bit, you can find the previous one here. Happy Monday with these delicious short treats!

Drarry:

Silence on the Seventh Floor (T, 970 words) - such a creative and heartbreaking drabble, love this pain-in-the-ass ghost!Draco and smitten Harry, my heart ached so much for them. Cw MCD

Draco haunted the seventh-floor corridor of Hogwarts. A Third Year found him up there one night, knocking the frames together as though trying to shake something out of them. She reported it straight to Headmaster Potter, who passed her a Cockroach Cluster and sent her off to bed with a promise to handle it.

Basement Level 9 (M, 2k) - poignant and disturbing short story with dark!Draco and a resigned Harry who loves him, plus excellent dialogue and a brilliant Ron puzzling the pieces together, ugh so good 😔🤌🏼

Draco was behind the bomb that blew up Level 10, though they didn't talk about it.

You Either Fuck or You Get Fucked (E, 2k) - the ultimate enemies to lovers PWP with scorching hate sex, crude dirty talk and top notch banter, sharp and witty! I’m obsessed with this confident Harry and their sexy push and pull, thought I’d combust on site 🔥

"That's not how fucking works. Fucking's…" Draco waved a hand in the air. "You either fuck or you get fucked." "Sure," Harry said. He took out a Sickle. "Toss for it?" Read my rec here.

10:47 am (T, 2.3k) - this series of short yet immersive slice-of-life vignettes are wonderfully original with vibrant multiple POV and such distinct character voices. One of the fics that best showcase Fwoosh’s genius writing

Scenes of lives lived out in front of an open balcony window.

Big Hands (E, 4.5k) - Victorian AU with pianist rivals, yes please!!!! Incredible world building, delightful and on point humour, unbelievable ust, that basic hand kink we all deserve AND a piano sex scene as a treat, this is rich and sexy and the atmosphere is irresistible

Draco Malfoy is a pianist who's just moved to Paris. Harry Potter, his new roommate, has the biggest hands he's ever seen. Draco is immediately obsessed. Read my rec here.

in a rambling way (T, 7.5k) - probably the softest Fwoosh fic I’ve read so far, a gorgeous and wistful break up make up with lots of pining Harry, camping shenanigans and peak road trip romance. A must read!

Ron knocked Hermione up, and now Harry's got to figure out how to clone himself so that his friends don't split up fighting over him. Falling for Draco again was never part of the plan.

Rare pairs:

In the Mood (E, 367 words) - the hottest 367 words you’ll read today, delicious established Dron feat. rough sex and feral possessive Ron hoho me gusta!

“I saw you with Harry today," Ron says. "In the Ministry cafeteria."

Money (M, 1k) - my favorite Ginsy treat out there, hot af and with an impressive amount of character and story for a short fic. Superb Pansy + superb Ginny POV, I want them both to ruin me (and then each other) pls and thank

Pansy looks like money. Ginny's letting her call the shots.

Laundry Day (E, 1.8k) - I’ve been in a Ginny/Hermione phase lately and this neighbours AU PWP is s total banger! Laundry room snogging, confident buff Gin and shy horny Hermione, excellent dynamics and really hot smut

Hermione was afraid of Ginny, because Ginny made her wet.

They Bought A Sports Bar (T, 2.2k) - another compelling femslash because yes, Fwoosh can write pretty much any ship. A fascinating take on Cho and amazing dialogue, love her subtle dynamics with this patient Ginny, and the idea of a sports bar is brilliant!

Ginny buys a sports bar (run-down biker pub, really) and ropes Cho into helping out. They're just business partners, so why does everyone else think they're more?

#hidden gems s2

[ndm1717]

slytherin things to do

Day-to-day activities of a classic Slytherin:

Strategic Planning: Slytherins are known for their ambition and cunning nature. They likely start their day by laying out their goals and devising strategies to achieve them, whether it's in academics, career, or personal endeavors.

Networking: Slytherins understand the importance of connections. They might spend time networking with influential individuals, both within and outside their social circles, to advance their own interests and ambitions.

Ambition-Driven Tasks: Whether at school, work, or in personal projects, Slytherins prioritize tasks that contribute to their long-term goals and ambitions. They are highly focused on success and advancement.

Competitive Engagement: Slytherins thrive in competitive environments. They might engage in debates, competitions, or intellectual challenges to showcase their skills and outperform others.

Manipulation and Influence: Slytherins are adept at persuasion and manipulation. They may subtly influence situations and people to align with their own agendas and objectives.

Self-Promotion: Slytherins are not shy about promoting their own accomplishments and talents. They may actively seek opportunities to showcase their abilities and gain recognition.

Observation and Analysis: Slytherins possess a keen sense of observation and are skilled at analyzing situations and people. They may spend time observing others to gain insights that they can use to their advantage.

Adaptation to Circumstances: Slytherins are adaptable and resourceful. They can quickly adjust to changing circumstances and find ways to thrive even in challenging situations.

Spare-time activities of a classic Slytherin:

Social Climbing: Slytherins often spend their spare time socializing with individuals who can further their ambitions or provide valuable connections. They may attend exclusive events or gatherings to network with influential people.

Personal Development: Slytherins are always looking for ways to improve themselves. In their spare time, they may engage in activities such as reading self-help books, attending workshops, or learning new skills that can enhance their abilities and advance their goals.

Strategic Games: Slytherins enjoy games that require strategic thinking and cunning. They may spend their spare time playing chess, strategic board games, or engaging in online multiplayer games where they can showcase their tactical prowess.

Political Engagement: Slytherins are often interested in politics and power dynamics. They may spend their spare time following political developments, participating in discussions, or even getting involved in local politics to further their own agendas.

Relaxation with a Purpose: Even when relaxing, Slytherins are strategic. They may engage in activities such as meditation, yoga, or mindfulness practices to recharge their energy and maintain their focus on their goals.

Creative Pursuits with a Goal: Slytherins may have creative outlets such as writing, art, or music, but they often approach these activities with a goal in mind, such as using them as a platform to express their ideas or further their ambitions.

Secretive Endeavors: Slytherins are known for their secrecy and discretion. In their spare time, they may engage in secretive projects or endeavors that further their goals, keeping their plans close to their chest until they are ready to reveal them.

Enjoying Luxuries and Comforts: Slytherins have a taste for the finer things in life. They may spend their spare time indulging in luxury experiences, whether it's fine dining, traveling to exotic locations, or enjoying high-end entertainment.

#slytherin #hogwarts #harrypotter #hogwartshouses #hogwartshouse #snake #cunning

[ngoclnm]

[WEEK 3] Unveiling the Digital Feminist Playground: How Tumblr's Vibe Compares to Twitter and Facebook

Remember when MySpace was the OG place to blast embarrassing angsty music and upload blurry webcam pics? Ah, simpler times. Now, teens (both actual and honorary) are slaying the social media game across multiple platforms, each with its unique vibe and "rules of engagement." Today, let's dive into the fascinating world of Tumblr, a digital haven for all things creative, weird, and wonderfully niche. But how does it stack up against Twitter and Facebook? Buckle up, internet explorers, because it's time to unpack some platform vernacular!

First up, Twitter: Imagine a high-pressure debate club where everyone has 280 characters to drop their hottest takes (Keller 2019). That's Twitter, a platform for news, memes, and lightning-fast arguments. Want to spark a feminist hashtag movement? Twitter's your jam. Remember how the #MeToo movement gained widespread attention and support on Twitter with the hashtag being used more than 19 million times on an average of 55,319 uses per day, with survivors and activists using the platform to share their stories and advocate for change (Toor & Anderson 2018)? That’s how it works. Just keep in mind, that brevity is key, and don't get caught in the comment section crossfire.

Next, we have Facebook: the OG social network, now the chill family picnic where everyone from your grandma to your third cousin shares everything from baby announcements to political rants. It's a platform for staying connected with loved ones, sharing life updates, and joining groups with like-minded folks. However, Facebook is like an open house where your connections (or ‘friends’) are freely invited, including parents, siblings, other relatives, and school peers, who are people with whom you have social connections outside of the platform. Indeed, this is a key part of Facebook’s platform vernacular; anonymity is designed out of Facebook, and one is required to present an “authentic self” via a “real” first and last name when creating a Facebook profile (Bivens 2015). Thus, for the most part, teens were selective in what they chose to post on Facebook, carefully considering their “imagined audience” (Marwick & boyd 2011) and the types of reactions they’d receive from their “friends.”

So, where does Tumblr fit in? Imagine a vibrant marketplace where artists, writers, and meme lords showcase their passions, share fandoms, and build communities around shared interests. Think GIFs galore, long-form blog posts, and niche groups for everything from obscure historical fiction to cat cosplay. Tumblr's strength lies in its anonymity and freedom of expression (Collins 2022). It's a haven for anyone who wants to be weird, creative, and unapologetically themselves without the curated pressure of Insta or the algorithm-fueled firestorm of Twitter.

Here's a handy infographic to break it down:

But what about the feminist factor you ask? All platforms have their strengths and limitations. Twitter's speed and reach make it ideal for amplifying social justice movements. Facebook groups foster community and offer valuable resources for feminist activism. However, Tumblr's unique blend of anonymity, creative freedom, and long-form writing allows for deeper exploration of feminist issues, fostering discussion and building supportive communities around shared experiences.

Ultimately, the best platform for you depends on your personality and goals. Want to spark a discussion about gender equality? Hit Twitter. Want to share your art and connect with fellow feminists? Tumblr's your friend. Just remember, every platform has its quirks and challenges. Be mindful of the platform vernacular, navigate respectfully, and stay true to your voice. Don't be afraid to be a digital nomad, hopping between platforms to explore different communities and express yourself in diverse ways. After all, the internet is your oyster, and your feminist voice deserves to be heard loud and proud, no matter where you choose to share it!

Remember, the key is to be:

Savvy: Understand the strengths and limitations of each platform.

Strategic: Choose the platform that best suits your goals and needs.

Respectful: Navigate each community with a kind and inclusive mindset.

Confident: Don't be afraid to express your voice and engage with others.

References

Bivens, R 2015, ‘The gender binary will not be deprogrammed: Ten years of coding gender on Facebook’, New Media & Society, vol. 19, no. 6, pp. 880–898.

Collins, L 2022, ‘How Tumblr went from a $1 billion Yahoo payday to a $3 million fire sale’, CNBC, viewed <https://www.cnbc.com/2022/09/15/how-tumblr-went-from-1-billion-yahoo-payday-to-3-million-fire-sale.html>.

Keller, J 2019, ‘“Oh, She’s a Tumblr Feminist”: Exploring the Platform Vernacular of Girls’ Social Media Feminisms’, Social Media + Society, vol. 5, no. 3, pp. 1–11.

Marwick, AE & Boyd, D 2011, ‘I Tweet honestly, I Tweet passionately: Twitter users, Context collapse, and the Imagined Audience’, New Media & Society, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 114–133, viewed <https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1461444810365313>.

Toor, S & Anderson, M 2018, ‘How Social Media Users Have Discussed Sexual Harassment since #MeToo Went Viral’, Pew Research Center, viewed <https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2018/10/11/how-social-media-users-have-discussed-sexual-harassment-since-metoo-went-viral/>.

#mda20009 #week 3 #digital communities

[serenaberngraves]

A freelance artist by day and aspiring author by night, I’m so proud to share my writing journey with Tumblr! I write fantasy and dabble in fantasy romance. But I mainly complain post about the writing process and share ideas and resources.

I started up this blog because I want to connect with the writing and reading community. Y’all are full of passion, creativity, curiosity, and so many more wonderful traits that I would love to take part in :)

Main Blog: Ariessya (“serenaberngraves” won’t show up in your notifs or followers)

WIPs

Untitled — Fantasy — [still working on a summary] (Active)

Origami Souls — Slow-burn, Hurt/Comfort, Friends-to-Lovers The Legend of Drizzt fanfic. (AO3 || In Progress || 50k+ words || Original Female Character x Drizzt Do’Urden) (Active)

iHOWL (In The Halls Of The Wolf Lord) — Fantasy Romance — A story about overcoming the rifts of war. With werewolves. (Inactive)

Tags I use (inconsistently):

origami souls — fanfic thoughts and updates

iHOWL journey — whatever’s on my mind re: iHOWL

prompt — quick little writing exercises that aren’t (necessarily) part of the manuscript

tips — writing and storytelling advice

showcase — stuff I like from other writers or artists that inspire me

ask game — the original prompts and/or their answers (I love ask games!)

misc — anything else like memes, shitposts, or #relatable

My inbox is always open! x

[monkie-keebs]

✕✕✕-✕✕✕-✕✕✕ ✕-Name: Turbine, aka, Turbias Watts ✕-Nickname[s]: Turbie, Turbo, “Keely”, ‘Turbias’ ✕-Age- 29 [human] Years ✕-Species: Illuminite Cybertronian Protohuman; [formerly human, in most AU's] ✕-Alt. Mode: A rat-tailed mole shaped rodent ✕-With T-Cog: Resembles a Dune Buggy and a Go-Kart combined ✕- Species Note: Illuminites are a branch of Cybertronian miners that live in the underground tunnels of an unstable moon orbiting Cybertron. Illos was a mining moon rich with light-source gemstone materials, called luminite, that are extremely reactive to Energon sources. When combined properly and carefully, it creates a reactive and glowing source of safe to consume energon. Not much more is documented or historically written, as allegedly, the moon was drained of its resources a decade before the war really kicked off.

[planning on elaborating further on Illos and the Illumintes, soon. When I can get around to it. My docs are everywhere, nowadays, lmao.] ✕-Faction: Decepticon ✕-Gender: Xenogender; Demiboy ✕-Pronoun[s]: he/him/his ✕-Spark Type: Branched Vitreous Positive [when the human heart is absent/transplanted] ✕-Spark Sibling: KickStorm [seen above next/left to him] ✕✕✕-✕✕✕-✕✕✕ ✕-Moral Alignment: Neutral Good ✕-MBTI: INFP-T [Turbulent Mediator] -✕✕✕- ✕-Personality: Turbie is a soulful and introspective mech, displaying a strong understanding of emotions and an ability to deeply empathize with others. He has a keen sense of the world around himself and often finds beauty in all aspects and milestones of life, from the simplest joys to the most profound experiences. Turbine's gentle and intuitive nature makes him highly attuned to the emotions and needs of both his friends, providing a comforting presence in times of distress. Creativity flows through Turbie's veins, manifesting in various forms. He has a particular talent for Energon and creative poetry. Turbine's imagination allows him to approach cooking as a form of artistic expression, combining flavors and experimenting with new techniques. His dishes are not only delicious but also visually appealing, showcasing his innate ability to transform ingredients into culinary masterpieces. Similarly, in creative poeticism, Turbine weaves together words with a creative, flowing grace, capturing emotions and painting vivid images within the minds of readers. Turbine is highly protective of his loved ones. The loyalty and dedication he exhibits towards his family and friends know no bounds. He goes to great lengths to ensure the safety and happiness of those he holds dear. Turbie's protective instincts extend beyond physical safety to emotional well-being as well, always ready to offer a listening ear and provide support. While Turbie's personality brings forth many strengths, it also presents some challenges. He can be prone to self-doubt and overthinking, constantly questioning his own abilities and decisions. Turbine's sensitive nature makes him susceptible to taking criticism personally and sometimes struggling to assert himself confidently. However, his resilience and determination ultimately prevails, pushing him to overcome these obstacles and grow stronger. In summary, Turbie embodies the characteristics of a very caring and empathic personality. His empathetic nature, protective instincts, creative pursuits, and a quest for authenticity makes him a truly genuine and reflective individual. With his loving and introspective presence, Turbine brings comfort, inspiration, and a touch of poetic beauty to the lives of their human and Cybertronian friends and allies, alike. ✕✕✕ ✕✕✕-✕✕✕-✕✕✕ ✕-Spark Mate/Conjunx Endura: Megatron ✕-Close To: Knock Out & Breakdown ✕-Occupation: Tactician and Mechanic ✕-Rank: Megatron’s 2nd [when Starscream is absent] ✕-Hobby or two: creative writing and poetry, creating new Cybertronian/human flexible recipes, or at least trying. ✕–Playlist: -Dead By April - My Tomorrow -Lifehouse - Halfway Gone -Alter Bridge - Open Your Eyes

-----------------------------------------------------------

Gonna share Turbie here. One of my two current TF oc's right now. More of my projects and works nowadays are self-indulgent, but I hope to expand further, creatively, on a more stable, later date for myself to create more expansive stuff. A lot of the art here is by @starscrumpt or in direct/heavy collaboration with me. Turbias is still in heavy development, but I'm gaining creative momentum, slowly but surely.

#trxnics art[✏️] #my writing #my art #transformers oc #transformers #original character #maccadam

[crystalsenergy]

The Healing process of Chiron in Gemini in each house

Healing Chiron in Gemini is a process of embracing your adaptability, curiosity, and versatility in various aspects of life. Developing effective communication skills and remaining open to diverse experiences are key to transforming these wounds into strengths.

Chiron in Gemini is associated with wounds related to communication, learning, and versatility. These wounds can manifest differently depending on which house Chiron is placed in within an individual's natal chart.

Chiron in Gemini in 1st house: Wounds may involve difficulties in self-expression and identity. To heal, focus on enhancing your communication skills and self-confidence. Embrace your intellectual curiosity and versatility as strengths. Self-affirmations can help boost self-esteem.

Chiron in Gemini in 2nd house: Healing involves exploring various sources of income and learning to manage resources wisely. Embrace your adaptable nature in financial matters and find value in diverse skills. Avoid overindulgence to maintain financial stability.

Chiron in Gemini in 3rd house: Communication and learning-related issues may trigger pain. Healing requires assertive self-expression and a commitment to lifelong learning. Explore writing, public speaking, or teaching in unconventional ways to boost confidence. Embrace your curiosity and share knowledge with others.

Chiron in Gemini in 4th house: Healing involves open communication about family and inner world, even if the communication initiate between you-you. Embrace adaptability in domestic matters and foster intellectual connections with inner life and family issues. Create a nurturing home environment that encourages learning and communication.

Chiron in Gemini in 5th house: Wounds may relate to self-expression, creativity, and romantic relationships. To heal, engage in diverse creative outlets and embrace your versatility. Explore different forms of self-expression and be open to versatile romantic experiences. Communication is key in romantic partnerships.

Chiron in Gemini in 6th house: Health and work-related issues may be sources of pain. Healing requires finding flexible work environments that match your skills and interests. Maintain open communication with colleagues and prioritize mental health. Learn to adapt your routines to support overall well-being.

Chiron in Gemini in 7th house: Relationships and partnerships may trigger wounds. Healing includes improving communication with partners and learning to listen actively. Embrace adaptability and versatility within relationships. Seek partners who appreciate your curious nature and intellectual connections.

Chiron in Gemini in 8th house: To heal, explore open and honest communication in intimate relationships. Embrace adaptability in matters of shared finances and assets. Trust your intellect to navigate the complexities of emotional depth.

Chiron in Gemini in 9th house: Beliefs and higher education can be sources of wounds. Healing involves expanding your horizons through learning and exploration. Embrace diverse perspectives and intellectual pursuits. Assert your beliefs confidently while remaining open to other viewpoints.

Chiron in Gemini in 10th house: Career and public image may trigger pain. To heal, adapt your communication style to the professional sphere. Embrace versatility in your career choices and seek roles that allow you to use your communication skills. Showcase your ability to learn and adapt in the workplace.

Chiron in Gemini in 11th house: Healing includes nurturing diverse friendships that appreciate your intellectual side. Embrace adaptability in group dynamics and contribute your communication skills to social causes. Engage in networking and stay open to new connections.

Chiron in Gemini in 12th house: Spirituality, secrets, and the subconscious can be sources of wounds. Healing involves exploring your inner world through communication and learning. Embrace adaptability in your self-knowledge process and spiritual practices. Use your intellect to decipher hidden truths. Trust your intuition and maintain open channels of communication with your inner self.

#chiron in gemini #chiron healing #chiron in gemini through houses #chiron in gemini in the houses #chiron #gemini chiron #astrology

[em-dash-press]

Hi! Soooo, I have a really hard time writing about characters at work unless I really understand how that profession works and what a typical day in the life is. (I once had an idea for a story about lawyers but I had to scrap it because I realized I had no idea how to accurately write about a lawyer's work life). Do you have any ideas for jobs that characters could have that would be easy to research and write about? Also, do you have any advice for writing about more complex jobs and ways to not need to research as much/be such a perfectionist when writing about work? Thank you so much!

Hey there! Jobs/careers are always an interesting part of story planning. It’s a challenge to write a character that does something you’ve never done before, but it is possible!

Tips for Writing Lawyers Specifically 

First, I want to briefly talk about writing a lawyer as a writer with no law education/degree. There will definitely be more research needed for such a highly technical and complicated field. You’ll never reach a point where you don’t need to research anymore, so don’t set a research bar that’s too high for yourself!

Also, many of the sources that you may have seen in the past were created by teams of legal advisors and researchers in addition to writing staff. Think about something like the shows How to Get Away With Murder and Law and Order. People are literally paid to consult about specific legal cases or situations that the writers want to showcase. As a creative writer doing this for fun, we don’t have that luxury. That’s another way I remind myself not to set the research bar too high.

I know you said you scrapped the lawyer story, but I’m going to provide a few quick resources that you can use if you go back to it or for general inspiration.

You can read this article for tips regarding legal scenes in courtrooms: Top 5 Tips For Writing Legal Scenes In Fiction.

There’s also this article that’s super helpful: An Inside Look at Law and Lawyers: 5 Tips for Authors.

It’s also good to read about mistakes before potentially making them, like these: Top 5 Mistakes Writers Make With Lawyer Characters.

There are keywords in those titles and similar article titles that could refine your search results too. “Tips for writing X career” or “mistakes writers make with X characters” will lead you to other results that could help.

It seems like the general advice I’m reading is about choosing between civil or criminal litigation first. Then read about real-life cases that align with your story’s plot or surround laws your protagonist breaks/uses for their prosecution or defense to get a better idea of how your plot should work out.

You can also write about a lawyer and not have the story focus so heavily on their career. Maybe you establish them as a lawyer when the story starts and have them meet up with a coworker for dinner or drinks. They talk briefly about their day—which includes some mention of a case, research or related information—then the plot concerns their life outside of the courtroom.

Tips for Writing Complex Careers

There are a few tips I would use if I were trying to write a character in a complex career. First, I’d consider the tip above regarding writing about their life outside of their job. Establish what they do, why it matters to them (or doesn’t!), and then have the plot happen after their work hours.

That could be something like a doctor who starts an Etsy embroidering business when they’re not stitching patients up in surgical rooms or a data scientist who takes a road trip to unplug and gets lost in the wilderness. Their careers are still essential to the plot without necessarily being the sole focus.

You could also read real-life stories to find out how someone does their job really well or really badly. Find news articles about doctors who scam patients, lawyers who find loopholes that win cases, gray legal areas for politicians that might help them become better or worse representatives. Those articles could become the inspiration you need for a future story because the journalist has already done the deep dive you need to understand the career mistakes/triumphs.

See if you can find interviews with people in the career you’d like to write about. You might find someone who works in that field who runs a YouTube channel or a magazine article where they talked about their typical workday.

Search social media to see if you can find people who work in your chosen career talking about their frustrations, happiest moments, or why they picked that job. You’ll also find up-to-date opinions on current industry challenges or tech advancements that might change your plot.

Visiting college or university websites is also a great option! Most will have some sort of Career Center that delves into specific jobs you can get with each degree offered on their campus and what you can expect from working in each job.

Picking a Career for Your Character

Choosing a career or job for your character can happen a couple different ways. You might pick something that makes them unhappy so they’re motivated to make big life changes for the sake of plot.

Maybe you pick a job that aligns with one of their core values, like someone who wants to spend their life helping people founding a charity that builds non-profit shelters for unhoused people.

If you’ve got a bare-bones idea of who your character is, there are always generators to save the day! I like these:

Random Job/Occupation Generator

Job Title Generator

Random Job Generator

---

Hopefully this helps you get started with whatever story inspires you next. Good luck researching! 💛

#writing advice #writing careers #character creation #writeblr #writing tips #writers of tumblr #writing help

[vonlipvig]

ok i was gonna write a whole rant about sick 2023 about how sick (ha!) the whole covid plot made me, but i'm bad with words and i simply don't have the energy for it, but i think it boils down to the three distinct categories of covid-related media and how tolerable they can be, which are:

products of the pandemic, a direct consequence of lockdown, more often than not showcasing the immense creativity and resourcefulness of their creators in the face of hard times. a little bit of a time capsule, but outstanding and a joy to come back to (e.g. bo burnham's 'inside', or the lockdown broadcast in not for broadcast).

the pandemic/2020 as merely a setting, and not the focus of the story. mostly effective in comedy. if done well, it can elicit somewhat joyful feelings of familiarity for the shared experiences we lived through, without bringing up the anguish that was also prevalent. basically, the 'haha i do that' effect (e.g. glass onion and the among us scene, and for the sake of circling back, the beginning of sick 2023).

covid as the plot. not any sickness, or any disease, but covid-19 and its contagion as the main conflict of a story. regardless of the point it's trying to make, even if it's a provax-promask message which i support, it's just...don't. why. how fucking tiring (e.g. the actual plot reveal of sick 2023).

#feel free to add more examples or discuss (it's not like i go out of my way to watch covid media) #but wow this movie drained me and i could not tell you why #whether it's 'too soon' or it missed the mark and seemed trivializing #idk it just pissed me off too much #sick 2023

[sloanewashingtonappreciationweek]

Happy Valentine's Day everyone, and a happy Day 4 of Sloane Washington Appreciation Week!! It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what our theme for today is, does it 💕💕💕

So today is where we explore Sloane as a partner!! Her love language, her affectionate little phrases, her adorkable way of writing love letters!! There is so much to love about her, and so much love she gives! On this Valentine's Day, it would be amazing to explore what Sloane would be like as a girlfriend, spouse or partner!

As always, any form of appreciation is welcome! Fanfic, fanart, meta, edits, moodboards, playlists, headcanons, interactive media, even screenshots of favourite scenes or simple posts about your love for her!! Our only requirement is that you center Sloane in your work, and that the depiction is positive!

We also accept WIPs - we know irl can be hard and you may not always get the time to finish off stuff, so do show us a WIP of what you're working on if you're comfortable! We keep our event open even after the deadline (the deadline is mostly for our thank you video!) so you can send in your work anytime as well.

A friendly reminder that these are merely themes for you to use. It isn't completely necessary for your content for a particular day to be posted on that day only. You can post something you intended for Day 2 when Day 5 is on, as long as you tag the post for the day you meant it for.

Be sure to follow these rules when you make your posts:

1. Use the tags #sloanewashingtonappreciationweek and #SWAW so we can find your posts on the tags, along with the day you intend the post for (#SWAW Day 1, #SWAW Day 2).

2. Tag @sloanewashingtonappreciationweek and hosts @sazanes and @lizzybeth1986 in your work so we don't miss any pieces!

Fan content blogs have been a great resource in terms of showcasing fan content, so we'd definitely like to explore some of them and see if you'd like to send your content to any of them. A number of them are also running some amazing Valentine's Day events, which I urge you to take a look at:

@choicesficwriterscreations - Both fic and art welcome! Check out their rules and weekly roster here!

@choicesmonthlychallenge and @choicesfebruary2024 - All types of creative stuff welcome. This month, they're doing an awesome event with the Seven Types of Love in Greek mythology as prompts!

@choicespride - All content related to LGBTQ+ characters and/or themes welcome! Check out their awesome Valentine's Day event here!

@choicesflashfics - Fics under 2500 words welcome! Find this week's prompt list here!!

@choicesholidays - Both fic and art welcome!! Check out their Valentine's Day event!!

@choicesprompts - Mostly fic-centric!! Currently they're running a round robin, for which the deadline to enter is Feb 15th!

We have gotten some amazing pieces so far this week! Can't wait to see what more you all have in store!!

Happy Sloane Washington Appreciation Week, everyone!!

#sloane washington #perfect match #SWAW #SWAW 2024 #SWAW Day 4 #SWAW Day 4: Happy Valentine's Day! #signal boost #today!!!

[tullipstudio-blog]

DON’T KNOW HOW TO PROMOTE YOUR CHILDREN’S BOOK? CHILCK HERE.

1. Know Your Audience: Understanding your target audience is the first step in children's book marketing. Consider the age group, reading level, and interests of the children who will be reading your book. Tailoring your marketing efforts to resonate with parents, caregivers, and educators is also crucial since they are the ones making purchasing decisions. The audience for children's books can vary widely depending on the target age group, but generally, children's books are designed to engage and entertain young readers while also imparting important life lessons, knowledge, and values.

Here are some common age groups and characteristics of their children’s book audiences:

a. Board Books (0-3 years):

a) Audience: Infants and toddlers.

b) Characteristics: Sturdy pages, simple illustrations, and minimal text. These children’s book is designed to be chewed on and explored by very young children.

b. Picture Books (3-8 years):

a) Audience: Preschool and early elementary school children.

b) Characteristics: Colorful illustrations, simple and engaging stories, often with rhyming or repetitive text. This children’s book is meant to be read aloud to children.

c. Early Readers (5-8 years):

a) Audience: Children who are beginning to read independently.

b) Characteristics: Simple sentences and vocabulary, larger font size, and more emphasis on text. These children’s book support young readers as they develop their reading skills.

d. Middle-Grade Books (8-12 years):

a) Audience: Upper elementary and early middle school children.

b) Characteristics: Longer stories, more complex plots, and character development. These children's books often tackle more mature themes and may have some black-and-white illustrations.

e. Young Adult (YA) Books (12+ years):

a) Audience: Adolescents and teenagers.

b) Characteristics: More mature and complex themes, characters, and writing style. These children's books often address issues and experiences relevant to teenagers.

 

2. Create an Engaging Online Presence: In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is essential. Build a user-friendly author website or blog where you can showcase your children’s book, share your journey as a writer, and provide valuable content related to children’s book. Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter can also help you connect with your target audience and share updates about your children’s book. Creating an engaging online presence for a children's book involves a combination of creative content, user-friendly design, and a strategy to reach your target audience, which in this case would be parents, caregivers, and potentially educators.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

a. Develop a website:

a) Create a dedicated website for your children's book. Choose a domain name that's easy to remember and relevant to your book's title or theme.

b) Use a colorful and child-friendly design with an intuitive navigation menu.

b. Storytelling:

a) Feature an interactive and engaging storytelling section where visitors can read excerpts from the children's books. Include animations, interactive elements, and engaging illustrations.

b) Make sure the text is large, clear, and easily readable for children.

c. Illustrations and Multimedia:

a) Showcase the children's books, illustrations or artwork. Use image galleries or slideshows to display vibrant images from the book.

b) Include audio and video elements like book trailers, character interviews, or animated scenes from the children's books.

d. Fun Games and Activities:

a) Create downloadable coloring pages, puzzles, and games related to your children's book characters or theme.

b) Encourage interactivity by adding quizzes, riddles, or interactive stories.

c) Provide resources such as discussion guides, lesson plans, or tips for using the book in a learning environment.

e. Social Media Integration: Create and link to social media profiles for the book. Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to engage with your audience and share updates and content related to the children's books.

f. Testimonials and Reviews: Display positive testimonials and reviews from parents, teachers, and children who have read your children's books.

a. Encourage Reviews: Reach out to friends, family, and early readers to leave reviews on platforms like Amazon, Goodreads, or your website. Their honest opinions can help build an initial base of reviews.

b. Leverage Professional Reviews: Send copies of your children's books to professional reviewers and publications that specialize in children's literature. Positive reviews from respected sources can have a significant impact on your children's books reputation.

c. Leverage Social Proof: Share reviews and endorsements on your website, social media, and in your email marketing campaigns. Positive social proof can build trust with potential readers.

d. Build an Author Website: Create a professional author website where you can feature reviews, testimonials, and background information about the children's books. This can be a hub for interested readers to learn more.

e. Connect with Book Clubs: Some children's book clubs and parent groups read and review books. Engage with these groups and offer your children's books for consideration.

f. Reader Feedback: Encourage readers to leave reviews and provide feedback. This not only helps with building a review base but also provides insights for future improvements.

g. Ask for Reviews in Your Book: Include a request for reviews in your children's books back matter, encouraging readers to share their thoughts after finishing the book.

Remember that the process of leveraging children's books reviews is ongoing. It's not just about getting reviews but also maintaining a positive online presence and engaging with your audience. Over time, the accumulation of reviews can lead to greater exposure and success for your children's book.

 

4. Collaborate with Influencers: Partnering with parenting bloggers, teachers, librarians, and other influencers in the children's literature niche can help you reach a wider audience. These influencers can review your book, host giveaways, or even recommend it to their followers.

5. Utilize Book Fairs and Festivals: Participating in local or national book fairs and literary festivals can be a great way to promote your children's books. These events provide exposure and networking opportunities with fellow authors, publishers, and potential readers.

6. Engage with Schools and Libraries: Contact schools and libraries in your area and offer to do author visits, readings, or workshops. These events not only promote your children's books but also help you connect with young readers directly.

7. Build an Email List: Collect email addresses from readers who visit your website or attend your events. An email list is a powerful tool for staying in touch with your audience and promoting new releases or events.

8. Run Contests and Giveaways: Organize contests and giveaways related to your children's books on social media or your website. This can generate buzz and excitement among your readers.

9. Create Multimedia Content: Incorporate multimedia elements into your marketing efforts. Create book trailers, podcasts, or interactive digital content related to your children's books. These can engage young readers and their parents in unique ways.

10. Consider Self-Publishing: If you haven't already, explore the option of self-publishing your children's books. This gives you more control over the marketing and distribution process.

11.  Use Targeted Advertising: Online advertising platforms like Facebook and Amazon offer targeted ad campaigns that can help you reach your specific audience. Use data-driven strategies to optimize your ad campaigns.

12. Engage in Social Responsibility: Demonstrate your commitment to social responsibility by supporting causes related to child literacy or other child-centric initiatives. This not only fosters goodwill but also aligns with the values of many parents and caregivers.

Mistakes in marketing children's books can hinder the book's success. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

1. Not Understanding the Target Audience: One of the biggest mistakes is not understanding the target audience for children's books. Marketers must understand the age, interests, and reading level of their target audience so they can create appropriate campaigns.

2. Not Targeting Parents: Parents are often the buyers of children's books, so not marketing your children's book effectively to them can be a big mistake. Provide relevant information about children's books, such as their benefits and educational value, to parents.

3. Not Understanding Market Trends and Needs: The children's book market is always changing, and not understanding the latest trends and market needs can have a negative impact on sales. If a children's book doesn't match the interests and needs of today's children, it likely won't sell.

4. Errors in Design and Packaging: The design and packaging of children's books must be attractive and appropriate to the target audience. Errors in design and packaging can make a book less attractive and reduce its appeal.

5. Not Using social media and Technology: Children today are heavily involved with social media and technology. Not utilizing this platform to market children's books is a big mistake. Digital content, educational apps, and websites can be used to support book marketing.

6. Not holding promotions and special events: Another mistake is not holding promotions or special events related to children's books. This could include book launches, reading sessions, or meetings with authors and illustrators.

7. Not Paying Attention to Content Quality: Although marketing is important, children's books must have good quality content. Mistakes in ignoring the quality of the story or children's book illustrations can disappoint readers and damage the publisher's reputation.

8. Not Using Reviews and Recommendations: Positive reviews from trusted sources, such as teachers, librarians, or children's book websites, can help increase sales. Not taking advantage of reviews and recommendations is a marketing mistake.

9. Not Having a Website or Electronic Stamps: Having a website or electronic platform that promotes children's books and allows buyers to purchase online is an important step in children's book marketing.

10.  Not Understanding Laws and Regulations: Finally, errors in understanding the laws and regulations that apply to children's books, such as protecting children's privacy, can result in legal and reputational problems.

To avoid mistakes in children's book marketing, it's important to conduct good market research, understand the target audience, and collaborate with authors, illustrators, and marketing experts to develop effective strategies.

Successful children's book marketing requires a well-rounded strategy that combines online and offline efforts to reach both children and their adult decision-makers. Knowing your audience, building an online presence, and engaging with influencers are key elements in creating a successful marketing plan. By following these strategies, you can make your children's books more visible, accessible, and appealing to the young readers who need them most.

your target audience and make a meaningful impact. The audience for children's books can vary widely depending on the target age group, but generally, they are designed to engage and entertain young readers while imparting important life lessons, knowledge, and values. To create an engaging online presence for a children's book, it is important to understand the age group, reading level, and interests of the children who will be reading your book. Additionally, it is important to create a user-friendly author website or blog where you can showcase your children's book, share your journey as a writer, and provide valuable content related to children's book. Finally, it is important to create fun games and activities related to your children's book.

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