#Build Your Direct Booking Website for Free

[craftedstays1]

How to Build a Direct Booking Website for Your Business: A Step-via the use of-Step Guide

In nowadays’s competitive marketplace, imparting clients the option to Build A Direct Booking Website on your agency may be a game-changer. Whether you run a inn, a spa, or a rental carrier, allowing customers to e-book right now through your net web page permits you preserve manipulate over your bookings and store on fee prices to 0.33-birthday party reserving structures. In this guide, we can take you thru a easy, step-thru-step manner to Build A Direct Booking Website that is each character-nice and inexperienced.

Step 1: Understand the Importance of a Direct Booking Website

Before leaping into the technical details, it's far crucial to understand why developing a right away booking internet site is critical for your organization. Third-celebration reserving systems price a charge for each reservation made via their website, that might devour into your profits. By presenting direct bookings, you skip these expenses, permitting you to hold more income. Additionally, a right away reserving net web site gives you full control over the customer enjoy, advertising and marketing strategies, and customer statistics.

Step 2: Choose a Domain Name and Hosting

The first step in constructing a direct reserving net site is to pick out a domain name and net web hosting issuer. Your domain name ought to be smooth, memorable, and relevant to your industrial employer. It's important to ensure the call is straightforward for customers to recall and type. For instance, in case you’re a lodge, some thing like “BestStayHotel.Com” should paintings well.

Next, select a dependable website hosting company that ensures speedy internet web site speeds and minimum downtime. Popular hosting offerings encompass Bluehost, SiteGround, and HostGator. Make sure to pick out one that offers proper customer service and scalability options, so your website can develop as your industrial agency does.

Step 3: Choose a Website Builder or CMS

To assemble a right away booking net site, you want a platform that is straightforward to apply yet powerful sufficient to deal with bookings and bills. WordPress is one of the notable Content Management Systems (CMS) for constructing a proper away booking net web page because of its flexibility and the deliver of reserving plugins. If making a decision upon a more arms-on technique, internet site builders like Wix, Squarespace, or Shopify also can art work nicely for smaller businesses.

For WordPress customers, plugins like WP Hotel Booking, Amelia, or Bookly can seamlessly combine booking functionalities. These tools allow your customers to check availability, make reservations, or even pay for offerings straight away on your internet website.

Step 4: Install Booking Software

To permit direct bookings for your web page, you’ll want to integrate reserving software which can deal with reservations successfully. There are numerous reserving software program options to be had, each catering to distinct business enterprise desires.

For example, in case you're walking a inn or a motel, you would possibly need to choose software program software like Hotel Booking Plugin, or if you run a condo enterprise, device like Lodgify or Checkfront are best. These booking answers offer calendars to display availability, automated e-mail confirmations, and a smooth price gateway.

Most booking software program software consists of the capability to customise reserving bureaucracy and control patron information. Some even permit clients to adjust or cancel their bookings, developing a extra bendy experience for each you and your customers.

Step 5: Design a User-Friendly Interface

The layout of your internet website performs a huge position in attracting and maintaining customers. When you construct a right away reserving net website online, prioritize client experience (UX). Your website have to be simple to navigate, mobile-fine, and aesthetically fascinating.

A clean and intuitive reserving machine is essential to ensuring that customers don’t abandon their reservation halfway. Implement a clean, step-by means of using-step reserving system that makes it easy for customers to pick out dates, services, and rate strategies. Make effective the "Book Now" button is prominently displayed for your homepage and in the course of the internet web site. Keep the shape fields minimal and smooth to keep away from overwhelming your visitors.

Step 6: Set Up Payment Gateways

Once you’ve blanketed your booking gadget, the following step is to set up a fee gateway. Popular rate gateways like PayPal, Stripe, and Square can be effortlessly integrated into your direct reserving internet site. These charge processors permit you to securely acquire bills out of your customers and provide a couple of price options, collectively with credit playing cards, debit playing cards, and virtual wallets.

Setting up a web fee machine also guarantees that your clients can affirm their bookings without delay, providing immediately gratification and a smooth transaction experience.

Step 7: Optimize Your Website for seek engine marketing

To make certain your direct booking net web site reaches as many potential clients as feasible, it’s vital to optimize it for search engines like google and yahoo. A nicely-optimized internet web page will rank better in are seeking for effects, attracting organic site traffic.

Start through using using relevant key phrases like “direct reserving for [your business type]” for the duration of your internet site’s content fabric. Additionally, make sure your internet site has proper meta descriptions, title tags, and alt textual content for pictures. Quality content material material, collectively with weblog posts and FAQs, can also assist improve your scores.

Step 8: Implement Analytics and Tracking

Once your direct reserving net web site is live, it’s critical to screen the manner it’s performing. Use gadget like Google Analytics to music internet website visitors, conversion fees, and client behavior. This records will assist you refine your website and beautify the booking way over time.

Tracking analytics also allows you recognize which advertising strategies are operating and in that you need to make adjustments. For instance, in case you be aware that most web page visitors are forsaking their reserving at a selected stage, you can optimize that a part of the system.

Step 9: Promote Your Direct Booking Website

With your direct reserving internet site equipped, it’s time to promote it for your target market. Social media systems, e mail advertising, and pay-in step with-click on advertising and marketing are amazing strategies to increase awareness. Offer extraordinary gives and reductions for customers who e-book without delay through your internet website to incentivize them to pass 1/three-party structures.

You can also use retargeting classified ads to reach traffic who've interacted together along with your web web page but haven’t finished a booking. This can bring them again to finalize their reservation.

Conclusion

Building a proper away booking website in your employer can have a widespread impact in your bottom line. By taking manage of your bookings and reducing out zero.33-birthday celebration charges, you hold extra income and create a better customer enjoy. By following these simple steps, you could create an green, client-satisfactory, and effective direct reserving net web page for you to help grow your enterprise and enchantment to more clients.

[derinwrites]

How can I make money writing fiction?

I'm gonna be straight with you. There is no guarantee that you'll make enough as an independent writer to make it worth your time. You very well might -- I make a liveable wage as an independent writer -- but many don't. Most writers I know also have a job. And luck plays a big part in it.

If you're interested in going forward in spite of this, you have two main options for monetisation open to you, and you are going to have to pick one. I call them the sales model and the sponsorship model, and you are going to have to pick one.

The sales model involves writing stories and selling them to readers. You can put books up on Amazon or Smashwords, sell them direct from your own website, enlist the help of a traditional publisher to handle that for you and let them decide where to sell, whatever -- the point is that your money is made from the sale of books to readers. If you go with a traditional publisher, you're using this model (though they will give you some of the money ahead of time in the form of an advance). Most indie authors also use this model, publishing through draft2digital, Ingram Spark, direct through Amazon, whatever. I've never relied on the sales model and can't give you any advice on how to do this, but Tumblr is full of indie authors who probably can.

The sponsorship model involves soliciting small amounts of money from various readers over time. This is ideal for web serials, and it's what I use. I use Patreon, which is designed specifically for this purpose, but you can use other sites such as ko-fi. This model involves providing regular content for free, with bonuses for those who support you.

"Can't I do both? Sell books and have a Patreon?" You absolutely can! I know several indie authors with a Patreon. I sell my completed books as ebooks and will eventually sell them as paperbacks. But your time and attention is limited, and so is your audience's, and you're going to have to half-arse one of these in order to have enough arse to whole-arse the other. You're going to make a lo of decisions that benefit either the sponsorship model or the sales model, not both. So pick your primary income source early and commit.

I can only advise on writing web serials and using the sponsorship model, so I'll go ahead with that assumption. If you want to make a liveable wage doing this, not only will you need luck, you'll also need patience. This is not a fast way to build a career. at the end of my first year of doing this, I had one single patron, and they were a real-life friend of mine. When I reached an income of $100/month, I threw a little party for myself, I was so happy. It had taken such a long time and was so much work. I reached enough to cover rent/mortgage after I'd been doing this for more than four years. It's a long term sort of career.

Here are some general tips for succeeding in this industry, given by me, someone with no formal training in any of this who only vaguely knows what they're talking about:

Have a consistent update schedule and STICK TO IT

The #1 indicator for stable success in this industry (aside from luck, which we're discounting because you can't do much about that) is having a consistent update schedule. Your readers need to know when the next chapter is coming out, and it should be coming out regularly. Ideally, you should have no breaks or hiatuses -- if you're in a bus crash or something, that might be unavoidable, and your readers will understand if you tell them, but if you're stopping and starting a lot for trivial reasons, they WILL abandon you. You can't get away with that shit if you're not Andrew Hussie, and I'm pretty sure Andrew Hussie doesn't message me for career advice on Tumblr. If you find you need a lot of hiatuses to write fast enough then you're updating too often; change your schedule. A regular schedule is more important than a fast one (ideally it should be both, but if you have to pick between the two, pick regular).

2. Pay attention to your readership, listen to what they want from you

Your income is based on a pretty complicated support structure when you're using the sponsorship model. this model relies on people finding your story, liking your story, and continuing to find it valuable enough to keep paying you month after month. This means that your rewards for your sponsors should be things that they value and will continue to pay for ('knowing I'm supporting an artist whose work I enjoy' counts as a thing that they value, to my great surprise; there's a lot of people giving me money just for the sake of giving me money, so I can pay my mortgage and keep writing for them without needing a second job), but it also means supporting the entire network that attracts readers and keeps them having the best time they can with your story -- being part of a rewarding community. Because this is advice on making money, I'm going to roughly divide your readership into groups based on how they affect your bottom line:

sponsors. People giving you money directly. The importance of keeping this group happy should be obvious.

administration and community helpers -- discord moderators, IT people, guys who set up fan wikis, whoever's handling your mailing list if you have a mailing list. You can do this stuff yourself, or you can hire someone to do it, but if you're incredibly lucky and people enjoy being a part of your reader community, people will sometimes volunteer to do the work for free. If you are lucky enough to get such people, respect them. They are doing you a massive favour, and they're not doing it for you, but to maintain a place that they value, and you have to respect both of those things. My discord has just shy of 1,300 members and is moderated by volunteers. I'd peel my own face off if I had to moderate a community that large. If you've got people stepping up to do work for you, you need to respect them and you need to make sure that they continue to find that rewarding by doing what you can to make sure that the community they're maintaining is rewarding. Sometimes this means taking actions and sometimes this means staying the fuck out of the way. Depending on the circumstances.

fan artists. Once you have people drawing your characters, writing fanfic of your stories, whatever, treat these like fucking gold. Give them a space to do this, and more importantly, give them a space to do this without you in it. Fanworks are a symptom of engagement with your work, which is massively important. They are also a component of a healthy community, an avenue for readers to talk to each other and express themselves creatively to each other. Third, fanworks act as a bridge for new readers. When readers share their art on, say, Tumblr, it can intrigue new people and get them into the story. Your job in all of this is to give them the space to work, encourage them as required or invited (I reblog most TTOU fanart that I'm tagged in on Tumblr, for instance), and other than that, stay the fuck out of their way. These people are vital to the liveblood of your community, the continued engagement of your audience, and the interest of your sponsors. Some of the fan artists will be sponsors themselves; some won't be. Those who aren't sponsors are still massively valuable for their art.

speculators, conversers, theorists, livebloggers, and That Guy Who's Just Really Jazzed For The Next Chapter. Some people don't make art but just like to chat about your story. These people are a bedrock of the community that's supporting your sponsors and increasing your readership, and therefore are critical to your income stream. Give them a place to talk. Be nice to them when they talk to you. Sometimes, they'll ask you questions about the story, which you can choose to answer or not, however you feel is appropriate. They'll also want to chat about non-story-related stuff with each other, so make sure they have a place to do that, too.

that guy who never talks to you or comments on anything but linked your story to ten guys in his office who all read it now. Some of your supporters are completely invisible to you. You can't do anything for these people except continue to release the story and have a forum they can silently lurk on if they want to. But, y'know, they exist.

If you want to focus on income then these are, roughly, the groups of people that you will need to listen to and accommodate for. You can generally just make sure they have space to do their thing, and if they want anything else, they'll tell you (yes, guys, paperbacks will be coming eventually). Many people will fit into multiple groups -- I have some sponsors that are in every single one of these groups except the last. Some will only be in one group. A healthy income rests on a healthy community which rests on accommodating these needs.

3. If you can manage it, try to make your story good.

It's also helpful for your story to be good. Economically, this is far less important than you'd think -- there are some people out there writing utter garbage and making a living doing it. Garbage by what standards? By whatever your standards are. Just think of the absolute laziest, emptiest, hackiest waste-of-bandwidth story you can imagine -- some guy is half-arsing that exact story and making three times what you'll ever make on Patreon doing it. And honestly? Good for him. If he's making that much then his readers are enjoying it, and that's what matters. Still, one critical component of making money as a writer is writing something that people actually want to read. And you can't trick them with web serials, because they don't pay in advance -- if they're bored, they'll just stop. So you have to make it worth their time, money and attention, and the simplest way to do that is to write a good story.

This hardly seems mentioning, since you were presumably planning to do that anyway. It's basic respect for your audience to give them something worth their time. Besides, if we're not interested in improving our craft and striving for our best, what are we even writing for? I'm sure I don't need to tell you to try to write a good story. The reason I list this is in fact the opposite -- don't let "I'm not a good enough writer" paralyse you. The world is full of someday-writers who endlessly fuss over and revise a single story because it's not good enough, it's not perfect, they're not Terry Pratchett yet. Neither was Terry Pratchett when his first books were published. If you're waiting to be good enough, you won't start. I didn't think Curse Words was good enough when I started releasing it -- I still don't. I started putting it out because I knew it was the only way I'd get myself to actually finish something. I don't think it's all that great, but you know what? An awful lot of people read it and really enjoyed it. And if I hadn't released it, I'd have been doing those people a disservice.

Also, it taught me a lot, and based on what I learned, Time to Orbit: Unknown is much better. If I'd never released Curse Words, if I hadn't seen how people read it and reacted to it and seen what worked and what didn't, then Time to Orbit: Unknown wouldn't be very good. And it certainly wouldn't be making me a living wage, because it was the years writing Curse Words that started building the momentum I have today.

And Time to Orbit: Unknown as it is today has some serious problems. Problems that I'm learning from. And the next book will be a lot better.

So that's basically my advice for making money in this industry. Be patient, be lucky, be consistent. Value your community; it's your lifeline, even the parts of it that don't directly pay you. And try to make your story as good as you can, but make that an activity you do, not a barrier to prevent you from starting.

Good luck.

[tpwk-formula1]

2K Special Masterlist

Here is the sneak peak to what you have to look forward to once I hit 2K followers! Before we get into the goodies I want to take a second to thank each of you so much for bringing this blog to life and reading and interacting with my stories! I started this blog because I decided to throw on a race last May… Who knew watching Lando winning his first race would change the entire direction of my life. I have never been chill about my love for F1 and while it has been under a year of me being a fan I have grown up around motorsports my whole life. Anyways enough with the sappiness I am just so thankful! 

I am trying to make my blog more interactive and while I love my pizza menu creating an entire fic from plot to porn to aftercare it can become too much so I am starting new AUs so while I am working on requests I can still make sure to keep you fed! Here are the introductions to the new universe here at Lee-Lee’s!

*Means once the first fic is posted they are open for requests to start building the AU! I also wrote in the TW what their hashtag will be so you can find all the requests for each on there! If I haven’t marked one of your favorites let me know and if there is enough of you guys interested I will add them! I want to keep it to only a few at first so I can keep each AU active

Porn Star! Carlos X Innocent! Reader*

Plot: Y/N is your average university student studying abroad in Spain for a few semesters when she stumbles across a Spanish speaking porn star. While her spanish was far from perfect she could understand his dirty talk clear as day. She can’t help her little panties getting soaked. Once she had exhausted his Twitter to it’s fullest she breaks down and buys herself the top subscription to his Only Fans. She’s quiet and lurks in the distance but as she grows more desperate for the beautiful man she grows more bold. Somehow one thing leads to another and she’s on a call with Carlos begging to cum for him.

Sneak Peak:

“You’re not cumming until I get my hands on you”

TW: First Orgasm, CORRUPTION, loss of virginity… #porn star! carlos

Tattoo Artist! Lewis X Piercer! Reader*

Plot: Lewis has trained Y/N to be the perfect piercer but when his thoughts start turning unprofessional he can’t help himself to a new piercing… 8 to be exact. Y/N had completed several genital piercings in her time as a piercer but never has it been on someone she knew so personally so when her boss grows hard under her touch she can’t help but turn the relationship a bit unprofessional.

Sneak Peak:

“Yes 8 each spaced an inch apart” 

TW: Body Modifications, oral, pleasure dom! Lewis… #tattoo artist! lewis

Virgin! Oscar X PR! Manager Reader

Plot: Oscar could admit being a 23 year old virgin was a bit insane but in his defense he was to focussed on racing to be thinking about girls, but when he meets his new PR manager who has quickly become like a second mom despite the close age. After a drunk confession Y/N makes it her new mission to teach Oscar all things women and sex!

Sneak Peak:

“Osc, you don’t have to be so gentle”

TW: Sex lessons (all sex basics), Sub! Oscar

Charles X Pay for Sex! Reader

Plot: After his recent break up with his long term girl friend Charles can’t help himself but start looking on some shady websites. When he finds a “pay for sex” site curiosity got the best of him and when he saw the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on he couldn’t not book himself a night. When he realizes he could purchase her for an extended stay he quickly writes her our an email with an attached deposit. After some communication she is fully prepared for her weekend in Monaco

Sneak Peak:

“Cumming already? God you’re never gonna want to leave”

TW: Free Use

Pierre X Tori X Max*

Plot: When Tori finally admits to her boy friend Pierre that their sex life was rather shit what she least expects is for him to come back a few days later with some grand plan. The plan in question is having a threesome… with another man, and not just any man but his teammate Max Verstappen. Y/N is even more shocked walking into Max’s apartment to find out he had a sex dungeon. A room he designed and built with the sole purpose of exploring all kinds of kinks.

Sneak Peak:

“We have a list of kinks we’re going to try tonight”

TW: Bondage, Sex Toys, Double Penetration, Edging, Multiple Orgasms

Lando X Luisha X Reader*

Plot: Lu and Y/N have been childhood best friends and on occasions more than friends. The two girls had shared their first kiss with each other, and some of their other first while they were in their later teens but when Lu started dating Lando it all kind of stopped. But after a nasty fight between Lando and Lu, Lu seeks the affection from her best friend. From then it became sneaky kisses, flirty comments, and far more sleepovers than the average 25 year old girls. When Lando catching them in the act they fear everything is about to crumble, but to their shock his only rule for their new dynamic was he got to join the fun sometimes.

Sneak Peak:

"I'm not mad, just sad I wasn't invited"

TW: wlw, Cheating, threesome… #Poly! Lando 

Oscar X Bookwarm! Reader

Plot: Y/N is your typical book worm. She reads all types of books from classics, to thrillers, and even self help books but when she gets a hyper fixation on spicy romance novels she can’t help the dirty thoughts running through her head. On what she thought was a private call she admits to her best friend that a part of her wished Oscar fucked her the way some book boyfriend fuck, but didn’t know how to bring it up to him since she was already satisfied in bed and didn’t want to hurt her longterm boyfriend feelings. 

Sneak Peak:

“Go on, read it to me”

TW: Oral, rough sex

Frat Boy! Lando X Sorority President! Reader*

Plot: Y/N and Lando have been friends since their freshman year at the University of Alabama where they met while pledging for their respective house. Their friendship grew quick and while they had their share of intimate moments throughout the year it takes one beginning of the year party for everything to change.

Sneak Peak:

"Fuck, I've been waiting for this"

TW: Cross faded sex… #Frat! Lando

Retired! Sebastian X Eloise! Driver*

Plot: When Eloise Harris was announced as the newest rookie to the 2025 grid after Checo was essentially fired she was completely stunned when her manager called her to let her know that her childhood hero is asking if she had a mentor. As the season is set to begin Sebastian comes up with the bright idea of having a reward and punishment system. While it started with small gifts or extra workouts it eventually started to morph into something more taboo.

Sneak Peak:

“Been such a good girl all weekend”

TW: Dom/Sub, Edging, Spanking

Gabriel X Older! Reader*

Plot: Y/N Norris is Lando’s twin sister and works for Mclaren in their stategry department. When she meets their development driver who will be joining Kick Sauber at the end of the season, she can’t help but notice the blushing cheeks or the wandering eyes of the young boy. When she comes across his Raya account she got curious and ended matching with him. That’s when sneaky meet ups and quickies start to become a regular occurrence. 

Sneak Peak:

“Shit! That wasn’t supposed to happen, I’m so sorry”

TW: Quickies, Secretive, Caught… #Rookie! Gabi

Single Dad! Kimi R X Nanny! Reader*

Plot: When the newly divorced Kimi realizes he needs some extra help during race weekends when his ex wife decides to runaway with some French model leaving him to raise their 3 year old twins on his own. When his teammate suggest getting a nanny the two of them search for the perfect nanny who is qualified enough to take care of 2 young toddlers. When they found Y/N they knew she was perfect. It was almost instant that Kimi knew having a woman like Y/N was going to be far harder than he realized. He assumes his quiet demeanor is covering his track but Y/N finds the cameras in her room almost instantly.

Sneak Peak:

“Kimi, I know you’ve been watching me at night”

TW: Stalking… #Single Dad! Kimi

CEO! Toto X Assistant! Reader*

Plot: When Toto hires Y/N he had no idea the lowkey bootcamp she was going to turn the Mercedes garage into. She took over some of Toto’s smaller jobs like making sure the new stylist was picking appropriate clothing for the boys or making sure their nutritionists where feeding them enough food. But when she starts assisting Toto with more personal things a quite unprofessional relationship starts to develop. 

Sneak Peak:

"Get on your knees under my desk"

TW: Sensual… #CEO! Toto

Nico H X Ollie’s Older Sister! Olivia*

Plot: Nico first noticed Olivia around the paddock pretty early into the season but when she showed up in the Haas garage with Oliver Bearman it takes him roughly 5 seconds to realize she was the older sister. Nico couldn’t help his wandering eye or the way Y/N is almost always looking in his direction when his eyes find her. When they both end up plastered in Vegas their next actions completely change the direction of their future.

Sneak Peak:

“I’m fucking screwed, Nico!”

TW: Pregnancy, Drunk Sex.... #Dad! Nico

Team Principal! Daniel X Rookie Horner! Reader*

Plot: When Max Verstappen announced his retirement at the end of the 2025 season due to his beautiful daughter being born Red Bull Racing was faced with the challenge of who will replace the 4X World Champion. After a long debate the settled on Y/N Horner the oldest daughter of Christian Horner. Red Bull knew he could no longer be the Team Principal so who better to replace Christian than Daniel Ricciardo, former Red Bull driver. Y/N and Daniel almost instantly start butting heads. He thinks she’s too cocky and was only handed her seat while she was on a mission to prove her boss wrong and keep her seat. She would do anything to keep her seat.

Sneak Peak:

“Oh come on princess, P6 isn’t good enough to cum”

TW: DUB CON! Coercion… #Team Principal! Daniel

2024 F1 Grid X Paddock Bunny! Reader (requests are always open for the Paddock Bunny Series)

Plot: Y/N Brown has been with the majority of the guys on the grid by now but when they get the bright idea of renting out a sex club she gets to bounce from room to room exploring an intimate moment with each driver and their favorite kinks.

Sneak Peak:

"Get ready for a long night, Bunny"

TW: Gang Bang, Toys, Rough, Breeding

[drownedrow]

Hello may i ask you if you could possibly provide a list of books and or/links that i could read about the nine hells? 😭 i'm so intrigued but so lost idk where to start and where to go lol. Love your blog btw!

Hi! Thank you so much thsts so sweet!🥰

Hmmm! It depends on what you’re looking for! And I will tell you the Hells has been retconned to (heh) Hell and back so feel to take what lore you like and ignore other bits, DnD is supposed to be fun. The Nine Hells is my current hyper fixation though so I stay reading about it lol. I get a lot of my stuff from everywhere but I can definitely provide some links!:

So books!

Descent into Avernus: This is a great world building book if you’re looking to learn more about Avernus or Zariel, I have this book so I can vouch that it’s great. Even not just for world building, the campaign itself is super cool and gives you the option to be EVIL which is so lacking in a lot of RPGs these days.

Chains of Asmodeus: is a great reference for like the entirety of the Hells I haven’t dug through it completely but it’s good. Don’t agree with everything but! Take and leave right lol…Here’s a little link to it free online and a bunch of other DnD assets for freeeee :3

The Godborn: I’m holding off on ordering this to have in my own collection bc the Twilight Wars comes first but my friend let me go through theres and for characterization of Mephistopheles this book it’s great. This is a novel different than the two books above which are more DnD adventures just so you know.

Twilight War Series: These I haven’t read but follows Magadon Kest who is Raphael’s brother, I ordered Shadowbred since I’m about to finish Homeland and I’ll let you guys know if it’s any good! But I’m very excited about starting this series. These are novels.

Brimstone Angels: I have mixed feelings about these but I have used sections of it for reference, good stuff for kinda of conceptualizing cambion behavior. It’s a bit…idk. It’s not always to my tastes but it is a good book to paw through if you’re looking for cambion stuff specifically. These are novels.

Websites:

Idk if linking these will work but these are scans from a dungeon master issue a friend sent me about Archdevil Glasya’s killing of her mother, service to Mammon and rise to power….lots of great details about Asmodeus, Bensozia and Glasya’s family dynamic too.

Hells layers details! Great stuff and great art, of course I’ve set it to Cania bc duh but there’s a lot of stuff there.

It’s lacking its barebones but it’ll give you your base lore on characters, can’t knock it bc we need it. And it does have a lot of stuff.

For Meph specifically ^ DMs talking shop about Meph’s characterization, it’s funny and I agree with a lot of their interpretations. This is a sillier one though.

Some Baalphegor lore bc I’m miss Baalphegor’s number one fan!!!!! Not enough about her…my missing babyGIRL!!!!

Video Games:

Neverwinter Nights: Hordes of the Underdark: Some of the stuff in this is as crazy to me as Raphy ruling over all the Hells but I do like Mephistopheles’s characterization in this sooooo!!!! I watched a playthrough and if you want Meph mannerisms for writing and stuff I think this game is clutch. His voice in it is…hot. 🤭

I hope some of these point you in lore directions you like and gives you some interesting threads to follow! The Hells are vast and I’m still learning a lot. I love it though. Yay Hells :D

source

[copperbadge]

Howdy! I am considering submitting manuscripts I've written to a publisher or possibly self publishing. The publisher states on their website that authors must maintain an active social media presence. I'm not normally a social media type, Tumblr is my only one. What would you reccommend for such? Is it worth it to pay someone to make a website for me? Thanks and many virtual kisses for Dot and Deebs!

Honestly, I haven't submitted to a publisher since before a lot of modern social media existed. :D

It is my understanding, but this is secondhand information, that publishers want you to have either a twitter or a tiktok, preferably both, where you're frequently active and have a high follower count, because they want you to be able to publicize your book on it. One of many reasons I don't even consider trad publishing anymore is that I don't want to spend a significant chunk of my time filming videos for the sole purpose of hawking my books.

Now, as I said, that's an inference I've drawn; you may want to speak to someone who has been trad published recently to get the inside scoop (readers if you work in publishing or have been published recently, feel free to add commentary; remember to comment or reblogs, as I don't repost asks sent in response to other asks). I do have an author website but I built my own; I don't know what the going rate is for paying someone to build one these days but most website platforms are pretty intuitive to use -- I built mine on Wordpress and I'm building a new one on Wix currently, and at this point both are very drag-and-drop oriented. I do think a website is a good thing for an author to have, but I wouldn't pay someone to build one for you until you've taken a swing at DIY and decided it's not where you want to spend your time and energy.

In terms of self-publishing, the good news is that none of the rules apply; this is also the bad news. :D Because the thing about selfpub is that you either pay or DIY for...everything. It can be very inexpensive; when I publish a book the only direct monetary cost is what I pay for an ISBN and a proof copy of the book, which I will make back in the first 10 sales or so. However, I am "paying" in man hours in terms of typesetting, cover design, uploading the PDFs to lulu.com, proofing the initial copy, correcting the proof and reuploading (which usually involves further typesetting), and of course all the publicity -- website design and redesign, copywriting, tumblr posting. And while my profit per copy sold is well above what most authors with traditional publishers will make, that's because the publisher is doing a lot of the work for you. And, because I don't have an active twitter or tiktok or a publisher, my books are not very widely publicized. Undoubtedly I sell fewer copies than I would if I had a robust twitter following, but catch me touching that rancid wasteland without inch-thick gloves on.

So -- I think it's probably pretty important to understand that I have deliberately rejected trad publishing for good but not lucrative reasons, and I'm considered at best an iconoclast and more commonly a crank for having done so. If you can go the tradpub route, I would, but I also wouldn't put any money you're not prepared to write off as a loss into that pursuit. Definitely I would see if there's anyone in the industry you can reach out to who can answer these questions with a more thorough understanding of what publishers look for in an author and how to go about achieving that than I possess.

In any case, good luck! It's a journey regardless and I hope you enjoy your time on the path wherever you end up. And I'll give the cryptids a special cuddle for ya.

[aunt-pol]

Hello! This post will probably seem out of place on my blog but I am offering free proofreading and copy editing services in order to build a portfolio! Freelancing is a hard thing to get started in, especially when most of one's recent job experience has been in the service industry, but I love editing for folks and I'm really trying to make this the year I get it up and running, even if only as a side hustle. If you have any projects you'd like to have copy edited or proofread, please keep reading to see if we can help each other!

My qualifications:

Studied English at the University of Dallas

Worked as a copy editor at the student newspaper

Did a summer internship in the corporate communications dept for a global company which involved, among other things, independently editing the daily company newsblast

Am a hobbyist writer on my own time - I relate from both sides of the red pen!

Simply editing things for family, friends, and online mutuals! Which has gotten me testimonials such as these:

"Katie provided an attentive and thorough reading of my resume, and suggested several minute but important corrections which helped to clarify my writing! She responded quickly to my request, edited the document and returned it to me within a short timeline, and was clear and direct in her feedback."

-Marie Trotter, writer and critic

"Katie Kuplack is the editor you need! Her perceptive notes and sharp eye for grammar, such as verb tense and sentence structure, will make your writing more professional and publishable. Katie will take your writing seriously, offering honest feedback and encouraging you to exceed your expectations. I recommend Katie’s editing services for any writing project that you value and hope to share with the world."

-Sarah O'Brien, EIC of Boston Accent Lit and author of Shapeshifter

How It Would Work:

You can message me here or email me at katiek.edits@gmail.com about the project you'd like me to work on and we'll talk about what service you're wanting, turnaround time, etc. I'm open to bouncing it back and forth as much as you need to get the final product you want. In the end, you get a more polished whatever-it-is, and I have your permission to keep before-and-after samples of your project for my portfolio, to be used on freelancing platforms like Upwork or eventually shown on my own website.

Types of Docs/Projects I am particularly interested in working on:

Short fiction and poetry.

Captions and subtitles*

Website copy and blog posts

Resumes, cover letters, other business writing

*I realize these typically don't get edited by a third party, but I am also interested in getting experience creating them if that's something you need!

Other stuff you should know:

I'm already familiar with AP Style, planning to learn Chicago, and can of course work with whatever company- or project-specific style guide you might have.

My topical specialties include English lit, pop culture, fandom, business communications, martial arts, beauty and skincare, and the coffee industry.

I have experience editing for ESL writers and translated work.

I can work with you through both Google and Microsoft applications.

What I will NOT work on:

Any AI-generated content

Marketing/sales copy

Full-length books/novels (not for free)

Amazon/Kindle e-books

Academic papers, dissertations, etc.

Please reblog to help me get this around and thank you if you read this whole thing! I know this is a long shot but I hope to hear from some of y'all soon. :)

[soulmuppet]

Mad as Hell intends to create a safe, lightly fictionalised environment for aspiring and current activists to become familiar with the methods used in community organisation and direct action. The game provides a structure that mimics the real-world approaches to tackling injustice through a radical lens, and take action against capitalism.

You can play Mad as Hell right now using the free quickstart available on our website. It gives you a taste of the game, including six pre-generated characters and a grimy, waterlogged starter adventure - Something in the Water. 

Through this crowdfunding campaign we hope to expand on the quickstart building it into a roughly 200-250 page core book which will contain full character creation, more demons to resist and expanded toolkits and GMs advice for running full campaigns in your city.

[strangerthingsfanworkrecs]

Artist Highlight: Talanashta

This week, we're highlighting @talanashta! All recs this week will be for their work. @talanashta writes, and makes graphic designs at @talanashta-graphics. If you want to see all their work, check out their website! (which they also designed and maintains) We're highlighting Talanashta for their incredible Stobin dynamic.

We strongly recommend checking out their UnderTale crossover fic -- Fallen Down, which they also did a bunch of fantastic graphics work for. Talanashta answered some questions about their creative process and their work under the cut

Why Stranger Things?

I had read a few Stranger Things fics way back when the show first came out and knew a bit about the show, but at the time I hadn't been drawn in. (This was immediately post-season 1.) But then as the show continued, and Steve became a bigger part of it, and Robin was introduced, I got sucked in fast. I love both of them so much!

What's your favorite ship (platonic or romantic) to create for?

Stobin. They are my OTOTP, above any other pairing in any other fandom, and I'd like to think that comes through in my works. I have so many emotions about these two, it's ridiculous. Pretty much if I've got both Steve and Robin in one of my fics, that's it; they're the main focus.

What's your typical writing process like?

I have a bit of a hodgepodge of styles. It really depends on if I have a plan in mind or not. Sometimes I'll write with a super detailed outline and stick to it, but most of my works I just go with the flow and write where my creativity takes me. If you ask anyone, though, I'm a notes person. Any of my fics that involve actual planning end up with pages upon pages of notes.

What got you started on making graphics?

For the things for my site, I just wasn't finding resources out there that were what I wanted, so I started making my own. Plus I wanted my accounts to have my own creative touch on them, instead of someone else's.

What's your typical designing process like?

Vibes. 100%. I have a couple styles I like, so I pick a theme or color scheme and just build on those. Like for my seasonal stuff, I'm just like "What's Halloween-y? Pumpkins? Toss some of those in there then!" I use Canva (the free version) for making most of my graphics, but I use Krita for anything Canva can't do.

What has been your favorite project so far? Why?

Fallen Down is for sure my favorite. It's very fun to see these two familiar characters going through a very new situation like this, interacting with other characters I love. It's got a bit of mystery, some adventure, friendship, the works. I also have a very loyal fan of the story who leaves me very detailed comments that always make my day!

What has been your hardest project so far? Why?

Kinktober. I've been doing creative writing for over 15 years now, but I only recently dipped my toe into occasionally writing smut, and boy, did I struggle with it. It's like any skill, and I just didn't/don't have a lot of practice. I ended up only filling a few prompts for it and called it good.

Have you ever had a creative block? How did you get over it?

I don't have too many issues with that, in general. I feel I'm a pretty creative person. Over the years, though, I've learned a few tips to help when I come across a stumbling block. If the story isn't flowing, I go back a few paragraphs and try again. Usually, the direction I'd been taking the story in just wasn't the right one, so I don't force it.

Is there a big source of inspiration for you? Books? Art? Games?

Stranger Things isn't my only fandom, so some of my inspiration comes from what's going on in other fandoms. I read a lot of fanfiction if I'm being honest, and that shapes a lot of my ideas.

Is there an upcoming project you're particularly excited about?

My Eddie Munson Big Bang fic! I don't want to spoil anything, but it follows middle-school Eddie just after he moves in with Wayne. In the fic, their neighbor at the trailer park owns a dog. It's a very "horse girl" fic, with Eddie and this dog and their developing friendship. It's got some angst, but it works towards a lot of positive feelings and a happy ending.

Is there anything we didn't ask that you'd like to add?

If anyone out there reading this ever wants to talk about any of the things I've put out there (my site/coding, my fics, my art) or ask more questions, feel free to DM me! I'm always happy to chat.

[visiblenostalgia]

small decently sized download came through mentally about what I see going forward with Pluto now firmly going into Aquarius for good.

Concerning the entertainment industry, if Hollywood is not going to be the center of the entertainment hub anymore (with celeb culture having an slow but egregious ego death, and then there being all the rages from lawsuits to workers rights being violated), then there will come from it a de-centralization of things. What I see going forth is more access to different ways of creating media. Centralized hubs will always exist in each state in some way shape or form. There will be studios designated to film and media, heavily relied upon by their peers in their hometowns. "World Class" will become just a "Standard" for many o' folk to be inspired by but build off of so there can be a "State Class" or something akin to a "People's Class" level education in film due to how decentralized it will become.

On another note, remember how TV channels used to be all about at least five big channels? Hybrid cable (digital signal with an antenna of some kind) will be a big proprietor. Think after the news wraps up at ten o' clock at night and the adult cartoons come on to entertain the peeps that come back from work that don't wish to use any other service other than their cheapest and most affordable network. The funds from that episode going on air coming from ad revenue like usual. Filling the pockets of the local show creators in a direct way (all local talent and local work going into such a project like that). Streaming is still available, but it'll be up to the creator's choice unless they're ready.

Social Media is also one of those things that will be bound to decentralize. It's become too global. And with many people clashing due to different viewpoints that it gets straight up murderous/psychopathic - it doesn't matter what side, all sides aren't immune to being delulu af (get real) - the quiet reserved, honest ones will become the people to start something anew. Squeaky wheels will not get the grease because said wheels have become defunct and unusable. So to speak. Algorithms have started to prove themselves to be hardwired addicting to people. And yet the same people who have shown us that research are probably still on their phones.

Read up on Cal Newport's book Digital Minimalism if you're looking to use tech still, but don't want those crazy algorithms to reign over your life. Highly recommend.

Not to mention maybe a greater emphasis on personal websites like SpaceHey or even NeoCities will be greatly beneficial due to their individualistic design. NeoCities of course letting people create their own websites for free or if you want more to the website due to how much coding it takes, an easy fixed and affordable flat rate monthly.

Also on point with Aquarius. It's a deeply detached sign. Often methodical. If one is to win out through this transit, then fighting for a cause is great and all. Yet, one has to be stoic and realistic about its consequences. If the cost benefit outweighs the cost negative then obviously go for it. Just prepare for repercussions in case there is any. If it's a cost negative outweighing cost positive, leave that idea be. Don't even come back to it. Save it, but don't come back to it. It will appear when it must. Those won't know under this transit, but they'll be prepared without thinking about it much.

So it stands reason to say congrats to those that watch their thoughts and pay attention to what they think. Unless someone has only thought about what people say they should think, then it's a deeply disturbing transit for those that don't think for themselves. It's a time where one learns HOW to think, NOT WHAT to think.

Also if there's any nerds out there, y'all are about to shine. It's for geeks, radicals, ostracized, unconventional peeps, weirdos and the small guys. Yes. Even the crude ones. Remember that talk about honesty? If you're a bit sensitive to the elements, just make sure to steer clear of a lot of mature stuff. Cause with Aquarius being as open to thought as a sign, it can take mature stuff with ease. No rage, emotion or anything. If someone likes the weird stuff, hell yea man! Enjoy it. But gatekeeping it because of morality superiority is gonna leave one dead in the water.

Smollest but most straightforward download: Pluto in Aqua hates the status quo. Trying to keep it (no matter perspective) will only further exhaust you.

All in all, people gonna be peepin'. That's what's up for Pluto in Aqua and that's what I see coming forth.

[youareinbarbados]

I think there is something that people need to understand. Reddit is a social media site. In the age of social media , the currency used is "audience". The Neville Goddard subreddit is one of the biggest subreddits on reddit. Understand that becoming a moderator of this sub instantly gains you 200,000 followers. Instead of one person having that many followers, it's a group of people who have that many followers.

There is a reason why 90% of the moderators they're offer paid services. Now some might say "hey they all write posts and give information out for free!" This is true, but it's so that they can gain your trust. Every company knows that the first step is to get a customer to trust the brand. There's a reason why Coca-Cola shows commercials of people enjoying life and being happy and laughing. There's a reason why McDonald's always portrays a utopia in all of their commercials. They want you to associate them with safety success and good emotions. It's all about building Trust. The truth is most if not all of the Neville subreddit moderators offer some kind of paid service.

Jendsu (Moderator) - offers online coaching and funnels people into her discord server.

Leaningagainstthemast (moderator) - runs another subreddit called r/SATSing and offers paid manifestations. Meaning you just tell her what you want and she will manifest it for you for money.

Sad_Leadership_4281 (Tim Grimes) (Ex-Mod) - is an online coach and uses the subreddit to direct people to his monetized YouTube channel and solicits Coaching services.

NevilleGoddess (Maggy Murphy) (Ex-Mod) - runs her own subreddit by the same name and directs people to her YouTube channel. Yes her channel is monetized.

EdwardArtSupplyHands (Moderator) - a very well known moderator known for his YouTube videos and posts. He's used Neville goddard's work to set up a pretty decent online presence and audience for himself. He just released a book, and offers one on one coaching, and has a monetized YouTube channel.

Jamieelectricstar (moderator) - stated that she doesn't offer any services, but I've spoken to her on other social media platforms, like Clubhouse, where she offers counseling and Coaching services, as well as Facebook groups.

C2theagain (Cecilia Hendricks) (Ex-mod) - is good real-life friends with Tim Grimes and Maggy Murphy, posts regularly and has a monetized YouTube channel in which she offers insights and coaching and redirects users to her Website.

Allisheart (Allismind)(moderator) - a pretty well known person on reddit who writes at length about "the law" and stuff. He offers coaching and is known for having been a professional model at some point, and is now a self-proclaimed "spiritual expert". Of course he offers coaching on patreon.

Cuban (Moderator) - Has his own separate subreddit and has a monetized YouTube channel themed around Neville and manifesting.

There are a bunch of other very frequent posters there who use the opportunity and the audience of the subreddit to redirect them to a sales funnel.

Ok-Initiative, AngryRussian1, the-seekingmind, Attorneysophie, PastCalligrapher, etc.

Listen, am I against people paying for services? No. You can lose weight by diet and exercise yet people still pay for a personal trainer and a coach. Sometimes it's just easier to have someone hold you accountable. Sometimes people are paying for the emotional and personal support. This is fine.

I just don't want people to be so naive as to think that they're are no material incentives involved. This is going to break a lot of people's hearts but yes Neville did receive money for his services. Neville was a coach. As soon as he made enough money he would only speak at the places that had the most money to pay him. He went from living in New York to LA. He wasn't known to go preach is teachings in the midwest or Bible belt. He went where the money was.

Understand that platforms such as reddit will always have someone coming after your money. If you want to pay them go ahead it's up to you. My point is that you need to read the material and truly understand what's being said. No one is going to give you any information that you don't already know. Realize that you will be paying for social interaction. You won't be paying for any knowledge as you already know everything if you've read these posts, or the many posts on subreddit that are literally for free. All you have to do is pay the time and effort in this lifestyle. You don't need to pay any money to anyone.

You need to put in the time and the energy. Beware of people trying to take advantage of you. There's a reason why companies ask you to join their free mailing lists. There's a reason why companies give you free online consultations. There's a reason why people offer free trials and free samples. They're trying to build an audience as well as your trust. A reason why all the writers and online coaches offer free information is because it will make people more likely to pay for their services in the future. They are trying to gain your trust in *THEIR* abilities to manifest so that you will trust them to teach you how to manifest *YOUR* desires.

In the age of social media building an audience is what matters. Social media sites likebig audiences because they can then leverage that audience for money. The Neville subreddit is absolutely massive, and Reddit as an entity knows about that subreddit because it's crossed a certain threshold.

Please don't get taken advantage of. You already have everything you'll ever want in you right now. You just have to find it and live in it, you don't have to pay someone to find it. If you do, it's your choice.

Just realize that when someone tells you that they are an experienced manifestor, and that they offer services and coaching, understand that you are helping them manifest the wealth for themselves that they're trying to teach you how to manifest. It's like when the real estate guru makes most of their money from teaching people how to succeed in real estate, rather than them making their money from Real estate. When someone's money comes from teaching you how to do something rather than the thing they're teaching you how to do, you need to be very very aware of that.

Please be careful guys.

[craftedstays1]

How to Leverage the Insights from the Direct Booking Simplified Podcast to Boost Your Hotel's Direct Bookings

In the competitive global of hospitality, Direct Booking Simplified Podcast has emerged as an important beneficial useful resource for hoteliers trying to enhance their direct booking approach. By offering valuable insights, recommendations, and installed techniques, this podcast offers actionable advice that assist you to trap extra site visitors right now to your internet site. In this article, we’ll find out the way to leverage the insights from the Direct Booking Simplified Podcast to reinforce your resort’s direct bookings, enhance your advertising efforts, and create lasting relationships with guests.

1. Understand the Importance of Direct Bookings

One of the important thing messages from the Direct Booking Simplified Podcast is the importance of direct bookings for inns. Online adventure businesses (OTAs) like Booking.Com and Expedia often rate excessive commissions, which could devour into your profits. Direct bookings, on the other hand, offer higher profitability and give you more manipulate over the visitor enjoy.

By selling your resort’s net site because the primary reserving channel, you no longer quality keep on commission expenses however additionally benefit the ability to speak immediately with visitors earlier than, within the course of, and after their live. This can help build loyalty and inspire repeat visits.

2. Invest in an Easy-to-Use Booking Engine

A common challenge rely mentioned within the Direct Booking Simplified Podcast is the significance of getting someone-friendly booking engine in your net website online. A seamless, intuitive reserving approach is crucial for changing capability traffic into showed reservations.

Guests are much more likely to book without delay if the technique is straightforward, speedy, and mobile-friendly. Ensure that your reserving engine provides a clean experience, from deciding on room kinds to completing price. Having an efficient booking engine that abilties well on both computer and mobile devices can boom conversions and raise direct bookings.

3. Offer Exclusive Incentives for Direct Bookings

Another tip shared through the Direct Booking Simplified Podcast is offering distinct incentives to visitors who e-book right away to your website. Special perks consisting of discounted charges, complimentary breakfast, or free enhancements can encourage visitors to pick out direct bookings over OTAs.

Promote the ones gives certainly in your net web page and social media channels. By developing a feel of exclusivity and supplying tangible price, you may inspire potential site visitors to pass OTAs and ebook without delay at the side of your lodge.

4. Optimize Your Website for Conversions

Optimizing your lodge’s website for conversions is a few different important subject matter blanketed within the Direct Booking Simplified Podcast. A visually appealing, easy-to-navigate net web page with clean calls to movement (CTAs) can drastically impact your direct booking charges.

Consider imposing strategies like pop-up offers, constrained-time discounts, and well-located reserving buttons to guide customers in the direction of reserving. Make certain the content in your website is aligned together with your brand message and gives essential information, inclusive of room expenses, services, and client testimonials, to assist site visitors make knowledgeable selections.

5. Improve Your search engine marketing and Content Strategy

An important thing of attracting direct bookings is ensuring your hotel ranks fairly on serps. The Direct Booking Simplified Podcast emphasizes the significance of enhancing your inn’s seek engine marketing and content cloth technique to energy herbal visitors on your internet site.

Start by means of optimizing your internet site for applicable key terms, along side your hotel’s region, services, and unique capabilities. Additionally, publishing attractive blog posts, tourist opinions, and FAQs can beautify your SEO and offer extra value to capability visitors. High-excellent content allows build agree with, improves search rankings, and attracts natural website traffic, all of that could contribute to greater direct bookings.

6. Use Retargeting Ads to Stay Top of Mind

A terrific tactic mentioned on the Direct Booking Simplified Podcast for developing direct bookings is retargeting advertisements. These commercials purpose clients who have visited your net web page however haven’t however completed a reserving. By showing tailor-made advertisements to those clients on different structures (like Facebook or Google), you could remind them of your resort and inspire them to head returned and complete the reserving.

Retargeting advertisements can be fairly effective because of the fact they focus on human beings who've already demonstrated hobby in your lodge. By staying inside the the front of those capacity guests with personalised offers or reminders, you boom the danger of converting them into paying clients.

7. Engage with Guests on Social Media

The Direct Booking Simplified Podcast moreover highlights the power of social media in driving direct bookings. Social media structures like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter provide a totally precise opportunity to engage together with your target audience and construct brand loyalty.

Share enticing content material that showcases your inn’s facilities, nearby factors of interest, and precise gives. Respond to comments and messages right away to foster a pleasing reference to capability visitors. By developing a sturdy social media presence, you can generate interest to your resort and power website online site visitors on your website for direct bookings.

8. Measure and Analyze Your Results

Finally, the Direct Booking Simplified Podcast emphasizes the significance of monitoring and studying the effectiveness of your direct reserving efforts. By the use of analytics equipment, you could diploma which techniques are jogging and in which there’s room for development.

Look at key metrics like internet site website traffic, conversion rates, and the overall overall performance of promotional campaigns to assess your progress. By know-how the facts, you could alter your approach and preserve refining your techniques to strain extra direct bookings.

Conclusion

In in recent times’s aggressive hospitality enterprise, leveraging insights from the Direct Booking Simplified Podcast can substantially decorate your hotel’s direct bookings. By making an funding in character-first-class reserving engines, offering distinct incentives, optimizing your internet site, and improving your search engine optimization and content techniques, you may inspire guests to e-book right away along with your hotel. Additionally, using retargeting ads, engaging with visitors on social media, and monitoring your consequences will assist you live on top of your pastime and usually beautify your direct booking efforts. With those insights in hand, you’ll be properly for your manner to growing your direct bookings and growing profitability.

[cr1ngetherapyyy]

Here are all the websites and tools I use as a writer

For Writing:

Reedsy — this is where I have all of my projects. You can create new books or import files and it will automatically turn them into books. It has a lot of cool features like tracking your word count, how many words you wrote, how many you deleted, and the current word count. There’s a word count goal you can set. You can create different sections (I can’t remember what they’re called). This is where I like to keep my notes and character sheets. It auto saves your writing and you can go back into your past saves to recover them. It also allows you to export your story in proper publishing format for ebooks and manuscripts. There’s a lot more too. The site holds weekly contests for $250. They have 5 prompts you can submit 1-3k word stories to. Highly recommend. The downside is that they very recently put everything behind a paywall. So you have to subscribe to two different plans in order to get all the features they offer. Which I’m pissed about because up until recently I had it all for free. And I got locked out of my notes and stuff that were already there.

Miriam Webster’s dictionary — I always have this open while I’m writing. I usually use the thesaurus to find the words I’m looking for.

Capitalize My Title — very straightforward I have a hard time remembering proper formatting for titles so I just write it into this and copy paste it.

For Character Sheets:

CharacterHub — this site offers highly customizable character sheets and world/story sheets. You can create a unique style for every character from color to information and pictures. The only downside is that the site is incredibly slow and often glitchy. You have to be really patient with it. There are also social channels where you can talk to other users.

Unvale — less customizable when it comes to formatting but it is still great in its own right. You can post pictures, writing for both characters and stories. You can make pages for your stories and link them to your characters. There’s a very active community on here as well.

For Publishing:

Archive of Our Own (Ao3) — I post my fanfics and my original works here. It’s a non-profit that prides itself on its zero-censorship policy. Yes the tagging system to weed out all the things you don’t want to read or to find what you want to read. It’s hard to get reads on original works but if you cross-post to tumblr you can build an audience.

Reedsy — they have a market place where you can find authors, editors, freelancers, and other experts and resources. You can also get a job here yourself. And there’s a place where you can publish your stories for people to find.

Patreon — it’s hard to be a writer on Patreon. But I post my work in progress stuff for my original story as well as posting the finalized episode as soon as it’s done so people can get early access to episodes that normally get published once a month.

Tumblr — this platform is honestly one of the best places for posting your writing and getting feedback from communities. Reddit is also a great place to get feedback too but there’s rarely a place you can self promote your writing. Here you can.

Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) — personally I have not used this but I know that a lot of people self publish here. Especially erotica authors. There’s a bunch of loopholes you have to jump through to not get banned or blacklisted if you write for mature audiences. But if your looking to make money off your books then this sight is your best bet for self publishing.

[secularbakedgoods]

Digital DIY

This is a crosspost of my newsletter! If you’d like to get posts like this direct to your inbox or RSS reader, you can subscribe here.

I love ebooks, but as a format they're a real pain in the ass. If you're not already An eBook Person, getting started is a labyrinth of confusion; you can either sign up for one of the big user-friendly platforms like Kindle, which lock you into using only their bookstore and can delete the books you've bought any time they like, or you can buy from a DRM-free platform and (in most cases) download an EPUB file that most devices can't natively read.

I'm sure this is why webnovels remain a popular storytelling format, and it's one of the big reasons I like to serialize my stories online. As user experience goes, it's hard to beat "click link, begin reading." Up until now I've been using Ko-fi to post and paywall my work, but unfortunately Ko-fi's UX for longform posts kind of ... sucks. For you as the reader, and also me as the writer.

My other options for third-party services are either Patreon (similiarly terrible posting experience, increasingly sex-negative content policies) or Substack (overrun by Nazis). And neither of those offer the kind of granular control I want over content navigation and reader UX.

... Which means, as usual, I'll probably just have to build something myself.

New on Ko-fi: "Moriarty & Moran Contribute to Community Welfare," Chapter 2

Behind them, the door opened. There was just the one exit, and a severe shortage of places to hide. Sebastian only had about half an excuse formulated when Jay grabbed him by the shoulders; Sebastian’s back hit the row of lockers with a metallic rattle and thud. Instinct briefly took over, muscles tensing to fend off the attack—but Jay’s body against his was by now a familiar sensation, and the sense of threat evaporated. Especially once Jay’s mouth sealed over his.

Chapter 2 of "Moriarty & Moran Contribute to Community Welfare" is now up for all supporters on Ko-fi. If you're not a fan of serialized works, you can also get the entire novelette as an ebook.

This Week's Links

Green’s Dictionary of Slang

Green’s Dictionary of Slang is the largest historical dictionary of English slang. ... On this website the dictionary is now available in updated online form for the first time, complete with advanced search tools enabling search by definition and history, and an expanded bibliography of slang sources from the early modern period to the present day.

Get Weird And Disappear

... I've no doubt that everyone reading this can think of at least one system where they've thought "I can't believe I'm at the mercy of a person that isn't even thinking". Frequently their rules are not even rules, they're just phrases that competent people used to say, and eventually they became well-known enough to become fake-able signal.

Book Review: Why They Do It

... Enron wanted to put some wind farms into a special purpose entity (SPE) in such a way that it didn't own the wind farms but still got the tax benefits from owning wind farm. Normally, SPEs were supposed to be completely separate from the company they're linked to. The person who runs the SPE couldn't be an employee or family member of an employee of Enron. ...but it was 1997. Legally, gay relationships weren't marriages. So Enron got the male partner of one of its leaders to run the SPE.

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Possibly both the best and worst thing that ever happened to me was learning to use the computer.

-K

[socialbloomus]

What is Lead Generation? A Complete Guide for Beginners in 2025

In the ever-evolving world of digital marketing and sales, lead generation remains a foundational strategy for business growth. Whether you’re running a small startup or a large enterprise, understanding what lead generation is—and how to do it effectively—can make or break your customer acquisition efforts.

In this post, we’ll break down what lead generation means, how it works, why it’s important in 2025, and how you can start implementing a successful lead generation strategy today.

What is Lead Generation?

Lead generation is the process of attracting and converting strangers into someone who has indicated interest in your product or service. These individuals are called "leads" and are typically the first step in the sales funnel.

A lead can be anyone who has shared their contact information with your business—whether by filling out a form, subscribing to a newsletter, downloading an eBook, or booking a demo.

The goal of lead generation is simple: build a pipeline of potential customers and nurture them into becoming paying clients.

Why Lead Generation is Crucial in 2025

With buyers becoming more informed and self-directed, the way businesses generate leads has shifted significantly. According to Demand Gen Report (source), 71% of B2B buyers start their journey with a generic search. This makes it more important than ever for businesses to have a strong online presence and provide value from the very first interaction.

Here’s why lead generation is essential in today’s landscape:

It drives business growth: Without leads, you have no sales. And without sales, you have no business.

It builds relationships: Lead generation introduces people to your brand in a helpful, non-intrusive way.

It improves ROI: Targeted lead gen strategies ensure you’re attracting the right audience, not wasting resources.

It supports long-term success: A consistent lead pipeline means predictable revenue and scalable growth.

Types of Leads

Not all leads are the same. Understanding the different types can help you tailor your messaging and approach.

1. Marketing Qualified Lead (MQL)

Someone who has shown interest through content interaction but isn’t ready to buy yet.

2. Sales Qualified Lead (SQL)

A lead who has taken action suggesting they’re ready to talk to your sales team (like booking a call).

3. Product Qualified Lead (PQL)

Typically relevant for SaaS—someone who has used your product (like a free trial) and shows buying intent.

How Lead Generation Works

The lead generation process usually includes these key steps:

1. Attract Visitors

Use SEO, social media, content marketing, and paid ads to bring people to your website or landing pages.

2. Offer Value

Create lead magnets like guides, webinars, checklists, or free tools that your target audience wants.

3. Capture Information

Use forms, chatbots, or popups to collect user details in exchange for your lead magnet.

4. Nurture and Convert

Send follow-up emails, offer more content, or schedule calls to move leads further down the funnel.

Watch: What is Lead Generation?

📹 This beginner-friendly YouTube video explains it well: "7 Keys to Lead Generation & Sales Prospecting for Business Development and B2B Sales"

Popular Lead Generation Strategies in 2025

✍️ Content Marketing

Publishing helpful blog posts, whitepapers, or videos to attract and educate potential customers.

🔍 Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Optimizing your site and content to rank high on Google so your target audience can find you.

📧 Email Marketing

Sending personalized, value-packed messages to nurture leads and keep them engaged.

💼 LinkedIn Outreach

Great for B2B businesses—use it to connect with decision-makers and share valuable resources.

📣 Paid Advertising

Run targeted ads on Google, Facebook, or LinkedIn to bring traffic directly to high-converting landing pages.

Tools to Help with Lead Generation

Here are some must-have tools to streamline your lead generation efforts:

HubSpot – CRM and marketing automation for capturing and nurturing leads.

Mailchimp – For sending and automating email campaigns.

OptinMonster – Great for creating popups and opt-in forms.

SEMrush – For keyword research and SEO optimization.

LinkedIn Sales Navigator – Ideal for identifying and connecting with B2B leads.

How Businesses Use Lead Generation Services

Many companies choose to outsource their efforts to experts who specialize in attracting and converting high-quality leads. These lead generation services offer tailored strategies that align with your industry, audience, and growth goals—saving time while maximizing ROI.

Final Thoughts

Lead generation is the lifeblood of any successful business. Whether you’re a marketer trying to fill your sales funnel or an entrepreneur looking to grow your client base, understanding how to attract and convert leads is essential.

By combining valuable content, smart targeting, and nurturing tools, you can build a lead gen system that works for you 24/7. In 2025, the businesses that thrive will be the ones that focus not just on selling—but on providing value from the very first click.

[thecatchat]

IM CRYIN RN! I saw your reblog where you were like "I can't see Irratino as fully Web" and then going on relating it to the Spiral and I had the SMUGGEST look on my face. I was literally about to send you a link to the Multi-Avatar page but you already found it!! I 100% agree the cooperative Web/Spiral for Irratino! I'm keeping Logico as cooperative Eye/End... maybe co-dominant Eye/End passive Hunt if I'm feeling really snazzy. Also please expand on Irratino! I do not mind being spoiled! I've already been spoiled multiple times while I sleuthed through the Murdle fandom on Tumblr! I do not mind!!

Okay, you've convinced me! Okay, I'm just going to list off a bunch of information and then try and make something coherant at the end, because, like, this is heavily based on Vibes. Also below the cut so people don't get spoiled and this got, uh, a bit long.

So, on the murdle website you can solve a daily murdle puzzle and on Sunday, you solve Irratinos murder with every other murderer from the week as the suspects. And everytime it's revealed that Irratino faked his death to try and prove the validity of the esoteric. This fools Logico everytime, by the way. This guy solves murders everyday, even if you only count the books, that's basically 300 murders solved. Logico should be able to tell that Irratino isn't dead and yet!

Irratino is the head of the Investigation Institute, which is all about proving the esoteric. He's unbelivably rich, like lives in a giant mansion and the 1% recognize him on sight, type of rich. I'm 85% sure the mansion has a hedge maze (might be getting confused with other mansions in the series).

Before Logico even meets Irratino, Irratino sends him hints through so many various ways: a message in a bottle, sky-writing a message in the clouds, in the fog on a bathroom mirror, street graffiti, banner hanging from a flagpole on a boat, and carved into a dead oak tree. Again, that is all before they even officially meet!

In the second book, there's a period of time where Irratino and Logico are seperated and Irratino decides to solve the murders using logic grids like Logico does! And at some point he solves a murder at a butchery type place, I forgot what the name is, and after he solves the murder he sets all the animals free and BURNS THE BUILDING DOWN! And there's thought behind it! He knows there's only two people who could solve that crime: himself and Logico, and Logico's not here!

Okay, alright, Cooperative Web/Spiral Avatar. I'm still pretty new to the concept so here's my best shot.

Irratino grew up in a very rich and very large family (with many uncles specifically) although we have no idea how they got very rich, probably generational wealth. He grew up in a family of esoterics. As described by one character, "he'll believe in anything he can't prove".

He becomes the head of the Investigative Institute, if he was voted in or something else we don't know, but he's there. There's tons of people working there to prove the occult exists. Part of his reasoning for hiring Logico is to give some credibility to the Institute.

Why is he putting so much effort into proving this? His esoteric hints are never wrong for the puzzles. If he believes anything he can't prove, why try to prove it at all? To prove he's not lying. To prove that he's not crazy for believing in this stuff. Like every other esoteric believer in the murdle series is proven to be a hoax or fake? (I think, most of them it's left ambiguous but at least a few have been proven definitly not real)

In volume 1, he specifically fakes his death to avoid being killed by cultists and his "last words" about ancient ruins send Logico on a wild hunt to find his killer. By the way, he does follow Logico around during that time and actually murders someone to prevent them from snitching that Irratino isn't actually dead. Irratino chose his "last words" specifically to try and point Logico in the direction of the cultists and the true mastermind of the ancient ruins. I can't spoil the end of this book. Truly, I believe the last 1/4th of the book is best read as unspoiled as possible, it is wild. Then again, Irratino is under house arrest for most of that (read the hints for more Story), so it doesn't really add much.

But, basically, Irratino fakes his death to avoid being controlled, at avoid being falsely accused. Which, is kinda webby, but I think he's better at inspiring the fear of the Web rather than fearing it himself.

He's the head of a multi-national institute, unimaginably rich, and if he shows up to a murder scene, with or without Logico, the killer is getting found and put in jail. Like, end of story. No, wait, this is more Eye than Web.

I don't know, I really enjoy the Spiral as something to play around with, but I've never really ... got the Web? Like logically, I know the fear, but it's never hit me in the gut or intrigued me? I don't quite click with it, which is why I hesitated to assign Irratino to it. Maybe you could help me tie this up in a nice bow?

[oliverwrites]

Why Every Brand Needs a Newsletter Strategy

You’re running a brand in 2025, and the digital world moves fast. Customers have endless choices, and staying top-of-mind is tough. A newsletter strategy can change that. It’s a direct line to your audience, building trust and driving sales. Unlike social media, you own your email list, no algorithm can block your message.

This article dives into why newsletters are essential, how to create one that works, and what mistakes to avoid. We’ll use real examples, data, and practical steps to show you how to make newsletters a game-changer for your brand. From PR in marketing to leveraging platforms like Variety Magazine for exposure, we’ll cover it all, including tips from firms like 9 Figure Media PR Agency, which secures guaranteed publicity in outlets like Forbes and Bloomberg. Let’s get started.

The Power of Newsletters

Newsletters aren’t just emails — they’re your brand’s voice delivered straight to your audience. A 2024 study found that email marketing delivers a $42 return for every $1 spent. That’s huge. Unlike social media, where posts vanish in hours, newsletters live in inboxes, ready to be revisited. They let you share updates, promotions, or stories without relying on third-party platforms.

Why does this matter? Customers trust brands that communicate directly. A newsletter shows you care enough to stay in touch. For example, a small coffee shop I know sends weekly emails with brewing tips and discounts. Their sales jumped 20% after six months. PR in marketing plays a role here — newsletters amplify your brand’s story, much like a well-placed press release.

Question: How often do you check your inbox? Your customers do too — use that to your advantage.

Why Every Brand Needs a Newsletter

You might think social media or ads are enough. They’re not. Here’s why newsletters are non-negotiable:

Direct access: You own your email list, unlike social media followers.

Personal touch: Emails feel one-on-one, building stronger connections.

High engagement: A 2023 report showed 22% of marketing emails get opened, compared to 1% of social media posts.

Versatility: Share news, tips, or sales — whatever fits your brand.

Take my friend’s fitness brand. She posted on Instagram daily but saw little growth. Her newsletter, with workout tips and client stories, doubled her sign-ups in three months. Newsletters work because they’re focused and intentional.

Sponsor Tip: If you’re a sponsor, newsletters from trusted brands align with your values. Supporting a brand with a strong email strategy boosts your credibility through transparent, direct communication.

Step 1: Define Your Newsletter’s Purpose

Before you write a single email, know why you’re doing this. Ask yourself:

Do you want to drive sales?

Are you sharing industry insights?

Is building brand loyalty your goal?

Do you need to announce new products?

Your purpose shapes your content. A fashion brand might focus on style tips, while a tech startup shares product updates. Be clear, or your emails will feel random.

Example: A local bakery I worked with wanted to boost foot traffic. Their newsletter shared weekly specials and behind-the-scenes stories. Foot traffic rose 15% in two months because customers felt connected.

Pro Tip: Use PR in marketing tactics to craft a compelling brand story in your emails. Firms like 9 Figure Media PR Agency excel at this, securing placements in Forbes and WSJ to amplify brand narratives.

Step 2: Build Your Email List

No list, no newsletter. Start small but smart. Here’s how:

Website sign-ups: Add a pop-up form offering a discount or free guide.

Social media: Share a sign-up link with a clear benefit, like exclusive tips.

Events: Collect emails at trade shows or pop-up shops.

Content upgrades: Offer a free e-book for signing up on your blog.

A friend’s skincare brand grew her list by offering a free skincare quiz. She gained 1,000 subscribers in a month. Quality matters more than quantity — focus on people who care about your brand.

Question: What’s one thing your audience would love to get for free? Use that to grow your list.

Step 3: Craft Compelling Content

Your newsletter needs to grab attention. Keep it simple and valuable. Try these:

Tips or how-tos: Share advice your audience can use.

Stories: Highlight customer successes or your brand’s journey.

Updates: Announce new products or events.

Exclusive offers: Give subscribers first access to sales.

A 2024 survey found 60% of readers open emails for useful content, not just discounts. My cousin’s travel agency sends monthly emails with destination guides. Her bookings rose 25% because readers trusted her expertise.

Example: A tech startup I know used newsletters to share case studies. One email about a client’s success led to a feature in Variety Magazine, boosting their credibility.

Pro Tip: Keep emails short — 300 words or less. Use clear subject lines like “Your Weekly Style Tips” to boost open rates.

Step 4: Design for Engagement

A cluttered email turns readers off. Make yours clean and clickable:

Simple layout: Use one column with clear sections.

Strong visuals: Add one or two high-quality images.

Clear buttons: Include calls-to-action like “Shop Now” or “Read More.”

Mobile-friendly: 70% of emails are opened on phones, per a 2023 study.

I helped a jewelry brand redesign their newsletter with bold buttons and minimal text. Their click-through rate doubled in a month. Tools like Mailchimp or Constant Contact make design easy, even for beginners.

Question: When was the last time an email made you click? Copy what worked.

Step 5: Time It Right

Sending emails at the wrong time kills engagement. Test these:

Weekdays: Tuesday or Wednesday mornings work best.

Frequency: Weekly or biweekly keeps you top-of-mind without spamming.

Personalization: Use the reader’s name in the subject line.

A 2024 report showed personalized emails have 29% higher open rates. My friend’s pet store sends Friday morning emails with weekend deals. Sales spike every weekend because the timing hits when customers plan shopping.

Sponsor Note: Sponsors partnering with brands using targeted newsletters gain exposure to engaged audiences, aligning with transparent marketing.

Step 6: Track and Tweak

You’re not done after hitting send. Track these metrics:

Open rate: Are people reading your emails?

Click-through rate: Are they clicking your links?

Conversions: Are they buying or signing up?

Unsubscribes: Are you losing subscribers?

A restaurant I know noticed low open rates. They switched to catchier subject lines, and opens jumped 10%. Most email platforms show these stats — use them to improve.

Example: A fashion brand tracked clicks and saw their Variety Magazine feature drove the most traffic. They doubled down on media-focused emails, boosting sales.

Pro Tip: Test one change at a time, like subject lines or send times, to see what works.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Newsletters sound easy, but pitfalls are real. Dodge these:

Sending too often: Daily emails annoy readers.

Boring content: Generic sales pitches get ignored.

No clear goal: Random topics confuse your audience.

Ignoring data: Skipping metrics means missed opportunities.

A startup I advised sent daily emails with no strategy. Unsubscribes skyrocketed. They switched to weekly, value-packed emails, and engagement tripled. Learn from their mistake — focus on quality.

Question: What’s the last email you unsubscribed from? Avoid doing that.

Leveraging PR for Newsletter Success

Newsletters and PR go hand in hand. A media feature can supercharge your email content. For example, 9 Figure Media PR Agency helps brands land guaranteed spots in Forbes, Bloomberg, Business Insider, and WSJ. Mentioning a WSJ feature in your newsletter grabs attention and builds trust.

Example: A hospitality brand I know got a Bloomberg mention through 9 Figure Media. They shared it in their newsletter, and website traffic spiked 40%. Hospitality PR agencies often use newsletters to amplify such wins, keeping guests engaged.

Pro Tip: Ask your PR firm for shareable media clips to include in emails. It’s a simple way to boost credibility.

Scaling Your Newsletter

Once your newsletter clicks, grow it. Try these:

Segment your list: Send tailored emails to different groups, like new customers or VIPs.

Automate sequences: Set up welcome emails for new subscribers.

Collaborate: Partner with other brands for co-branded content.

Repurpose content: Turn blog posts or social media into emails.

A tech brand I worked with segmented their list by industry. Tailored emails led to a 15% conversion increase. Scaling doesn’t mean more work — just smarter systems.

Question: How can you make your newsletter work harder for you? Start small and build.

The Long-Term Payoff

Newsletters aren’t a quick fix — they’re a long game. A 2024 study found brands with consistent newsletters saw 33% higher customer retention after a year. Your emails build relationships that turn one-time buyers into loyal fans.

Take my friend’s bookstore. Her monthly newsletter with book picks and author Q&As grew a community. Sales held steady even during slow months because customers felt connected. Hospitality PR agencies use similar tactics, sending emails that keep guests coming back.

Your newsletter is your brand’s voice. Use it to share value, build trust, and stay relevant. Whether you’re a startup or a sponsor, a strong email strategy pays off. What’s stopping you from starting? Grab a free tool, define your purpose, and send that first email. Your audience is waiting.