#Resource Scheduling Optimization

[boonars]

🚀 Master Resource Scheduling in Dynamics 365 like a pro! Discover how to configure the Schedule Board in Universal Resource Scheduling (URS) — including custom filters, multiple views, and real-world best practices. Whether you're scheduling technicians, teams, or facilities, this blog has you covered. 👉 https://boonars.com/?p=1236 #Dynamics365 #URS #FieldService #ScheduleBoard #D365 #MicrosoftCRM #SchedulingSolutions

[yaoi-hate-machine]

i love doing hours of spontaneous research during my relaxing time. surely you won’t regret doing hours of spontaneous research during your relaxing time

[robertanthony34]

Optimizing Organizational Performance with Sophisticated Strategic Workforce Planning Software Solutions

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern business, staying ahead of the competition requires a strategic approach that goes beyond traditional HR practices. Organizations today must harness the power of cutting-edge technology to ensure that their workforce is not just efficient, but strategically aligned with their business goals.

Enter "Strategic Workforce Planning Software," a sophisticated solution that has become indispensable in the pursuit of organizational excellence. BullseyeEngagement, a leader in this domain, offers a suite of solutions that are revolutionizing how businesses optimize their workforce and achieve peak performance.

Defining Strategic Workforce Planning Software

Strategic Workforce Planning Software, in its essence, is a comprehensive, data-driven solution that enables organizations to make informed decisions regarding their workforce. This software combines complex analytics, predictive modeling, and innovative data visualisation tools to help companies align their human resources with their strategic objectives.

It is a departure from traditional workforce management, which primarily focuses on routine HR tasks and day-to-day operations. Instead, it offers a strategic lens through which organizations can anticipate and adapt to future challenges.

The Challenges of Workforce Planning

Optimizing organizational performance is no small feat, especially in a rapidly changing business environment. The challenges are multifaceted, including talent shortages, skill gaps, changing demographics, and evolving market dynamics. Traditional workforce planning, often carried out manually or with basic software, can no longer address these complexities effectively. Herein lies the need for a sophisticated solution like BullseyeEngagement's Strategic Workforce Planning Software.

BullseyeEngagement's Solution: Unraveling the Complexity

BullseyeEngagement stands at the forefront of workforce planning innovation, offering a robust suite of solutions that empower organizations to confront the intricacies of their workforce with precision and foresight. By integrating advanced algorithms, machine learning, and data analytics, BullseyeEngagement's software enables businesses to unlock the full potential of their human capital.

Key Features of BullseyeEngagement's Strategic Workforce Planning Software

Data-Driven Decision Making

BullseyeEngagement's software harnesses the power of data, allowing organizations to make decisions based on factual insights rather than gut feelings. It collects and analyses an array of data, including workforce demographics, skills, performance metrics, and market trends, to provide a comprehensive view of the workforce landscape.

Predictive Modeling

With advanced predictive modeling capabilities, BullseyeEngagement's software helps organizations forecast future workforce needs. This feature is invaluable in anticipating skill gaps, employee turnover, and other critical factors that can impact organizational performance.

Scenario Planning

The ability to simulate various scenarios is a critical aspect of BullseyeEngagement's software. Businesses can model different workforce strategies to assess their impact on key performance indicators. This empowers organizations to make proactive adjustments to their workforce plans.

Strategic Alignment

BullseyeEngagement's software ensures that the workforce is in alignment with the organization's strategic objectives. It identifies areas where workforce capabilities need enhancement and suggests actions to bridge the gap.

Talent Development

The software provides insights into individual employee development needs and helps in designing targeted training and development programs. This ensures that employees are equipped with the skills necessary to contribute to the organization's success.

Cost Optimization

With the ability to analyse workforce costs and identify inefficiencies, BullseyeEngagement's software helps organizations optimize their labor expenses while maintaining performance standards.

The Benefits of BullseyeEngagement's Strategic Workforce Planning Software

By implementing BullseyeEngagement's software, organizations can unlock a multitude of benefits that are essential for optimizing their performance:

Competitive Advantage

The software equips organizations with a strategic edge, enabling them to adapt to market changes and anticipate future workforce needs, ultimately outperforming competitors.

Talent Retention

By identifying key employees and providing opportunities for growth and development, the software aids in retaining top talent, reducing turnover rates, and preserving institutional knowledge.

Resource Efficiency

Through optimised workforce planning, organizations can allocate resources efficiently, eliminating unnecessary costs and enhancing productivity.

Strategic Adaptability

The ability to model different scenarios and test various workforce strategies ensures that organizations can adapt swiftly to changing market conditions or unforeseen challenges.

Employee Engagement

Tailored training and development programs lead to a more engaged and motivated workforce, which, in turn, boosts productivity and overall performance.

Data-Driven HR

BullseyeEngagement's software promotes data-driven decision-making in HR, helping organizations realize the full potential of their human capital.

The Future of Workforce Planning

The business landscape is undergoing a paradigm shift, driven by digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and changing employee expectations. Traditional HR practices are no longer sufficient to meet the demands of this evolving environment. Strategic Workforce Planning Software, exemplified by BullseyeEngagement's solutions, is the bridge to the future of workforce management.

In this new era, organizations must not only manage their employees but strategically invest in them, aligning their capabilities with organizational objectives. This is where BullseyeEngagement's software excels, offering a comprehensive solution that leverages technology to enhance human resources.

Conclusion

Optimizing organizational performance is no longer a matter of mere operational efficiency but a strategic imperative. BullseyeEngagement's Strategic Workforce Planning Software is the linchpin that enables businesses to navigate the complexities of the modern workforce.

By offering data-driven insights, predictive modeling, and the ability to align the workforce with strategic goals, this software empowers organizations to unlock their full potential, making it an essential tool for the forward-thinking enterprise. As businesses embrace the future of workforce planning, BullseyeEngagement stands ready to lead the way with their innovative and sophisticated solutions.

By leveraging data, automation, and predictive analytics, organizations can optimize their workforce, cut costs, and achieve higher levels of operational excellence. The future of organizational excellence lies in strategic workforce planning, and BullseyeEngagement is at the forefront of this transformative journey.

[cimcondigital]

Transforming Predictive Maintenance with CIMCON Digital’s IoT Edge Platform: Unlocking Proactive Asset Management

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced and technologically advanced world, the need for efficient and proactive asset management is paramount for businesses to stay competitive. CIMCON Digital’s IoT Edge Platform emerges as a game-changer in the realm of Predictive Maintenance, empowering organizations to detect anomalies in advance using ML algorithms. This capability not only enables customers to plan schedules well in advance and avoid costly downtime but also provides real-time visibility into the remaining useful life of assets. In this article, we delve into how CIMCON Digital’s IoT Edge Platform revolutionizes Predictive Maintenance with practical examples of proactive asset management.

1. The Challenge of Reactive Maintenance

Traditionally, companies have been plagued by reactive maintenance practices, where assets are repaired or replaced only after failures occur. This reactive approach leads to unexpected downtime, reduced productivity, and increased maintenance costs. Predicting asset failures and planning maintenance schedules in advance is critical to ensure smooth operations, optimize resource allocation, and minimize overall downtime.

2. Empowering Proactive Maintenance with ML Algorithms

CIMCON Digital’s IoT Edge Platform is equipped with advanced Machine Learning algorithms that analyze real-time data from connected assets and machines. By continuously monitoring sensor data and historical performance trends, the platform can accurately detect anomalies and deviations from normal operating patterns. This proactive approach allows businesses to predict potential asset failures well in advance, providing ample time to schedule maintenance activities before any critical failures occur.

3. Planning Ahead to Avoid Downtime

Imagine a scenario in a manufacturing facility where a critical piece of equipment experiences an unexpected failure. The consequences could be disastrous, leading to costly downtime and missed production targets. With CIMCON Digital’s IoT Edge Platform in place, the same equipment would be continuously monitored in real-time. As soon as the platform detects any unusual behavior or signs of potential failure, it triggers an alert to the maintenance team.

Armed with this early warning, the maintenance team can plan the necessary repairs or replacements well in advance, avoiding unplanned downtime and minimizing disruption to production schedules. This capability not only ensures smooth operations but also optimizes maintenance resources and lowers the overall maintenance costs.

4. Real-Time Visibility into Asset Health

The IoT Edge Platform goes beyond detecting anomalies; it also provides real-time insights into the remaining useful life of assets. By analyzing historical performance data and asset health indicators, the platform estimates the remaining operational life of an asset with high accuracy.

Consider a scenario in a utility company managing a fleet of aging turbines. The maintenance team needs to know the remaining useful life of each turbine to plan proactive maintenance and avoid sudden breakdowns. With CIMCON Digital’s IoT Edge Platform, the team can access real-time information on the health of each turbine, enabling them to make data-driven decisions about maintenance schedules, parts replacement, and resource allocation.

5. Benefits of CIMCON Digital's IoT Edge Platform

CIMCON Digital’s IoT Edge Platform offers a host of benefits to businesses seeking to enhance their Predictive Maintenance capabilities:

a) Proactive Decision-making: By detecting anomalies in advance, the platform enables proactive decision-making, reducing reactive responses and enhancing overall operational efficiency.

b) Minimized Downtime: With the ability to schedule maintenance activities in advance, businesses can avoid costly downtime, leading to increased productivity and higher customer satisfaction.

c) Optimal Resource Allocation: The platform’s real-time visibility into asset health allows for better resource allocation, ensuring that maintenance efforts are targeted where they are most needed.

d) Cost Savings: By avoiding unexpected failures and optimizing maintenance schedules, businesses can significantly reduce maintenance costs and improve their bottom line.

Conclusion:

CIMCON Digital’s IoT Edge Platform empowers businesses to transcend traditional reactive maintenance practices and embrace a proactive approach to asset management. With the platform’s advanced ML algorithms, businesses can detect anomalies in advance, plan maintenance schedules proactively, and gain real-time visibility into asset health. This transformative capability results in minimized downtime, optimized resource allocation, and substantial cost savings. As CIMCON Digital’s IoT Edge Platform continues to revolutionize Predictive Maintenance, businesses can embark on a journey towards greater efficiency, productivity, and long-term sustainability.

[astrologydray]

Ruler of the 6th through the houses

This is where we get into daily life, service, work, wellness, and routine. Think of it as your “how I get sh*t done” energy — the ruler of your 6th house shows what area of life demands the most effort, structure, or healing🖤.

6th House Ruler in the 1st House

You are your own project.

Your identity is wrapped in your work ethic and wellness. People see you as productive, reliable, and self-improving. You’re the type to biohack, optimize, or self-discipline like a boss. You serve: Yourself, your goals, your growth. Wellness style: Actively engaged with body + health. “My body is my schedule — and my brand.”

6th House Ruler in the 2nd House

You work for stability + values.

You’re motivated by security, comfort, and building something solid. You probably have a slow-and-steady daily rhythm and need to feel grounded in your routine. You serve: Through practical help + financial support. Wellness style: Nourishment, somatic care, massage. “My routine = my resource.”

6th House Ruler in the 3rd House

Your mind is always working.

You thrive on movement, communication, and mental stimulation. You may multitask like a machine and keep a busy schedule. Writing, teaching, or running errands = daily bread. You serve: Through ideas, words, and helpful info. Wellness style: Breathwork, nervous system care, mobility. “My calendar is color-coded chaos — and I love it.”

6th House Ruler in the 4th House

Your home is your office or temple.

You crave comfort and emotional security in your daily rhythm. You may work from home or be drawn to caretaking professions. Wellness comes from emotional safety. You serve: Family, home, emotional healing. Wellness style: Nourishing food, rest, inner child care. “My peace starts at home.”

6th House Ruler in the 5th House

You work with passion or not at all.

You thrive when your work lights you up. You bring creativity to your job, and you may serve others through play, art, children, or entertainment. You’re here to infuse joy into the mundane. You serve: Through performance, love, creativity. Wellness style: Movement, pleasure, artistic release. “If it’s not fun, it’s not sustainable.”

6th House Ruler in the 6th House

You were born for systems, routines + service.

You’re naturally drawn to work, health, and structure. You may have a career in healthcare, healing, or support roles. Routines come naturally — but beware of overworking. You serve: Through consistency, integrity, mastery. Wellness style: Functional, optimized, routine-based. “Structure sets me free.”

6th House Ruler in the 7th House

You show up for others.

You serve through partnerships — whether romantic, business, or client-based. Your work may involve 1:1 relationships, and wellness improves when your relationships are in harmony. You serve: Lovers, clients, collaborators. Wellness style: Balance, connection, mirrored growth. “Your peace = my peace.”

6th House Ruler in the 8th House

You work in the shadows.

You may serve through healing, therapy, finances, or emotional transformation. You’re private about your daily habits and need depth + purpose in your work to avoid burnout. You serve: Through psychological or energetic work. Wellness style: Detox, shadow work, deep rest. “My work transforms me — and others.”

6th House Ruler in the 9th House

You work from the mind and the spirit.

You may serve through teaching, spirituality, law, or travel. Daily life needs meaning. You might crave movement or a higher mission behind the grind. You serve: Through wisdom, beliefs, or worldly perspective. Wellness style: Walking meditations, breathwork, education. “My routine is my ritual.”

6th House Ruler in the 10th House

You turn routines into legacy.

Work is your identity. You’re ambitious, career-oriented, and likely to rise in your field due to your consistency. You might manage others or become known for your service. You serve: Through leadership, professionalism, influence. Wellness style: Structured, goal-driven, visible. “Work hard, shine harder.”

6th House Ruler in the 11th House

You serve the collective.

You may work within communities, collectives, or online spaces. You need freedom and innovation in your day-to-day — and you’re likely to rebel against rigid schedules. You serve: Friends, networks, causes. Wellness style: Group classes, tech tools, unconventional methods. “My work serves the future.”

6th House Ruler in the 12th House

Invisible service, sacred structure.

You work best in solitude, or in healing/behind-the-scenes roles. Your routines may be intuitive or chaotic, and wellness is deeply tied to your emotional + spiritual state. You serve: Spirit, the unseen, vulnerable populations. Wellness style: Sleep, silence, dreams, energetic healing “Sacred rest is my medicine.”

[sunseed-fandump]

The Tarot from the new trailer has me FLIPPING OUT (Sorry for the shitty screenshot) I was already making an analysis on the previous cards we got, but THIS has really got me doing backflips in my head because of the implications.

Let me explain.

First off, have you noticed that one of these cards is not like the others?

The first card, Strawberry Cookie, is in reverse. She is on the major arcana card XII - The Hanged Man. When the Hanged Man is in Reverse, it represents Delays, resistance, stalling, indecision, stagnation.

"The upright Hanged Man encourages you to pause for a moment and see things from a different perspective. Reversed, this card can show that you know you need to hit the pause button, but you are resisting it. Instead, you fill your days with tasks and projects, keeping busy and distracting yourself from the actual issue that needs your attention. Your spirit and body are asking you to slow down, but your mind keeps racing. Stop and rest before it’s too late. The Universe will only dial up the volume if you ignore it, and as a result, you may end up crashing. So, as soon as you hear the call, clear your schedule and make the space so you can tune in and listen."

Next we move on to Gingerbrave's card: 0 - The Fool.

In the Upright Position, the Fool represents new beginnings, innocence, spontaneity, a free spirit, and adventure.

"To see the The Fool generally means a beginning of a new journey, one where you will be filled with optimism and freedom from the usual constraints in life. When we meet him, he approaches each day as an adventure, in an almost childish way. He believes that anything can happen in life and there are many opportunities that are lying out there, in the world, waiting to be explored and developed. He leads a simple life, having no worries, and does not seem troubled by the fact that he cannot tell what he will encounter ahead."

Finally we have Wizard Cookie's card: I - The Magician.

In the Upright position, the Magician symbolizes logic, desire, resourcefulness, willpower, intelligence, skill, and manifestation.

"When you get the Magician in your reading, it might mean that it's time to tap into your full potential without hesitation. As a master manifestor, The Magician brings you the tools, resources and energy you need to make your dreams come true. Now is the perfect time to move forward on an idea that you recently conceived. The seed of potential has sprouted, and you are being called to take action and bring your intention to fruition. The skills, knowledge and capabilities you have gathered along your life path have led you to where you are now, and whether or not you know it, you are ready to turn your ideas into reality."

So what do these 3 cards mean together? Well, we have someone who is stagnating, who is stuck and unable to move forward. But they go through a rebirth - an epiphany - and start on the path of a new journey. And on that new path they unlock their full potential.

This is Pure Vanilla Cookie's story in the next update in a nutshell!

Sorry for the sorta long post, i just wanted to geek out about this since I love love love it when Tarot is used as a narrative device :)

[riverlinden]

one of those child-raising sim games except the kid is disabled as hell. can't finish their classes. has to cancel the dates you schedule for them. gets bullied.

if you drive them hard, their grades go up a little, but their epilogue career options get substantially worse. the wiki does not tell you this.

if you're really, really supportive of them, even after they sink a profitable marriage you were trying to set up for them, the kid transitions partway through the game instead of just writing you a post-game letter about their transition.

the secret best-place finish is actually getting invited to your kid's wedding. to earn their trust enough for this, you have to deliberately leave gaps in the kid's school schedule every year for the whole game and ignore all the obvious farming optimizations for resources and skill points. and you have to not talk them into going to prom.

[fixyourwritinghabits]

Hello. I realize this might be overly personal for this blog but I was wondering if you had any advice for my situation. I'm trying to get back into creative hobbies like drawing and writing and while I made some progress with drawing I've really struggled with writing. It's been about ten years. I struggled with my mental health a lot when I was younger and essentially let my depression/anxiety and ADHD destroy all my creative ability. Logically I know the answer is to just write and write badly, but I'm preemptively disappointed and upset that what I write will be. Well. Shit. Or that I'll never improve. Or that I have no idea what to write. And when I do have an idea what to write it's all just gone from my head the second I sit down to write. So. Er. I guess I'm wondering if you have any advice or resources for people like me? Thank you :)

When you're juggling various different Back-Stabbing Brain issues, various pieces of writing advice - getting up at 5pm, forcing yourself to do it, etc - just doesn't work. For me, it's been a struggle to figure out even in optimal situations, so you're not alone. For me, the following is what worked.

Figure out your peak writing time.

Unfortunately, in our capitalist hellscape, you may not be able to use that time to your advantage. My peak time is from 2pm-5pm, right in the middle of work and fades right when I get home. Not ideal. But I can use that knowledge to take advantage of that time on my free days, and I can strategically time my breaks to do some writing. Or just write while pretending to work. Not that I would ever confess to doing that.

Taking the time to figure out when your brain is most willing to work with you is also very helpful. My brain will not work for writing after 8pm. It can, however, still do the dishes. Forcing myself to put off chores so that I can write is super hard thanks to my ADHD (which hates chores until I need to do something else), but I can combat that by making goal lists, scheduling my writing time (with set alarms on my phone!) helps me manage that.

Change location.

I can't get a lot of work done at home. I've tried. I've moved my desk around, I've locked down my internet browsers when writing, I have ignored the way my cat stares holes into my back to try to write. My brain, though, knows that the bed is right over there, we've got that pile of books to read, and oh hey, Tasting History has a new video. Also my cat wants to steal my computer chair and then get constant pets while in said chair because she is a princess baby. It's a losing battle.

What does work for me? Dragging my work to the library. Finding a cafe with enough space and quiet music to get some stuff done. Breaking out a foldable desk on the porch so that there is a closeable barrier between me and my distractions (the cats hate this option).

Changing location is something that works for me. If you have limited options, build barriers between yourself and distractions. Pile stuff on the bed so that it's not easy to give in and lie down for "just a minute." Close doors. Bribe your cats (or your kids). Use a standing desk - shifting your position can help lock down some of the ansty need to be doing something (my chair-stealing cat is more than happy to help with this).

I know of one writer who only gets work done by locking herself in her bathroom, because it's just enough change of scene to get her thoughts to settle. I know another writer who can only get editing done sitting in his parked car. However wacky, trying different scenarios to get something to work can really help.

Find the right tools.

The only way I can draft is by hand. It sucks and I have carpal tunnel, but my brain cannot type words into a blank screen. I need a pile of messy papers that no one else can read to work from.

I'm also very particular about what I write with. I use Uni Power Tank pens from Japan (because they're the only damn pen I've found that doesn't smear my left-handed writing), and I cycle through different types of paper I exclusively work with. Right now it's Five Star Reinforced Filler Paper with the triangle holes, not the round ones.

I don't know why this works, it just does. I've changed up what I've used over time, but as long as I'm consistent and not trying to write a chapter using differently-sized paper (insert scream here), I can get it done. Test out different tools and find what fits for you.

Organization isn't helping? Embrace chaos.

Jeff VanderMeer wrote an entire series on post-it notes, napkins, and on the backs of old bills. I wouldn't recommend that, but if a little chaos gets the job done, then do it. Spread a story across several half-filled notebooks. Map dialogue using only flashcards. Instead of waiting to sit down to get work done, scribble away while on a bus or on the move (safely, of course). Use a speech-to-text app to talk out your writing. Sometimes the more tactile you can make writing, the more you can break up those barriers keeping you from writing.

Try out different things! You'll eventually find what works for you

[boonars]

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[poemsfor-her]

STUDY TECHNIQUES FOR YOU ✧ ⋆ . ˚

I. PARKINSON'S LAW

— Parkinson's Law states that work expands to fill the time available for it's completion. In a study context, this principle suggests that setting deadlines and time constraints can help you stay focused and complete tasks efficiently.

II. FEYNMAN TECHNIQUE

— Named after physicist Richard Feyman, this technique involves simplyfying and explaining complex topics as if you were teaching them to someone else. This process helps you identify gaps in your understanding and reinforces your knowledge.

III. BLURTING

— Blurting, or active recall, is a studying techinque where you try to remember key concepts or facts without looking at your notes or textbooks. This helps strengthen your memory and retrieval skills.

IV. ENERGY CYCLES

— Energy cycles refer to understanding your own energy levels and working in alignment with your natural rhytms. Some people are more productive in the morning, while others excel in the evening. By scheduling tasks accordingly, you can optimize your productivity and focus.

V. SECOND BRAIN

— The concept of a "second brain" often refers to using external tools like note-taking apps or digital resources to store and organize information. This frees up your mental capacity and enhaces your ability recall and apply knowledge.

VI. SPACED REPETITION

— Spaced repatition is a learning method that involves reviewing information at increasing intervals over time. It's designed to help you remember and retain information more effectively by revising it just before you're likely to forget it.

i looooove the feynman technique soo much! it makes learning fun :)

with love, t

[inkie-does-whump]

Really curious about the dogwarts rebellion and how much of a threat the watchers thought it posed if they needed to punish ren that badly for it. If you don’t want to answer it yet for lore reveals later just take this as a freebie to talk abt whatever you want :3

Dodge Bullets and Fire Spray (My Blood’s Forever on Your Hands)

A Lab AU Dogwarts fic

Content warning: drugs (tranquilizers), general abuse, blood

Words: 2300

Aka: Martyn regains something only to lose it again. Ren makes a promise and fails to keep it.

Martyn has lost a lot.

His home, his freedom. His hope, his friends.

And now his wife.

It seems like he’s always losing. Martyn is always losing something. He’s honestly just accepted it at this point. It had been too many mind-numbing days since this lab to count. Surely it had been at least a year but maybe more. Maybe Martyn had always been here. Maybe he would never leave.

It is this reason that Martyn is surprised to regain something.

Hope.

When Martyn had woken up in this new lab, it had been chaos. There were new subjects, there were missing subjects. Something was very wrong with Grian. And Netty was gone.

Between his grief and anger Martyn was too busy to speak with the new subjects. He was too busy consoling Jimmy and Bigb, the last two people he had left from the original group of subjects (outside of Grian, who was seemly braindead). Martyn was too busy remapping new corridors. He was too busy laying in his empty bed, missing his wife.

Too busy to hope.

But somehow hope found him anyways.

Ren was made of sunshine it seemed. He burned with a bright optimism that Martyn hadn’t had in a long, long time. He had joy, even in a place seemingly devoid of it.

And when Ren made a promise to help each and every subject escape, no one left behind, he sounded so honest. So determined.

So hopeful.

So Martyn followed him.

Not everyone was on board with Ren’s plans, but that didn’t deter him. Ren called himself King, because he thought the subjects needed someone to look up to. Someone strong to protect them.He was good had resources allocation. He didn’t have many hands, but he used the people he had. Anyone who was eager enough. Ren assigned jobs, collected information, used every asset to it’s fullest potential.

And his most valuable asset was Martyn. The subject who had been here for years. Who knew the system. Who knew the behaviors of the Watchers. Who knew which renters they could smuggle back contraband from.

“I need weapons” Ren would say, and Martyn would check all the charts and schedules.

“Etho’s renter tomorrow has been lenient before.” Martyn would answer, “If he asks her, she might let him take something.”

And Ren would beam at him, so proud. Call Martyn his “right hand man” and “most loyal knight” and then marched off to use the information Martyn had given him.

Martyn glowed under the titles.

The mission continued. Ren gathered their supplies. He had the fastest subjects run escape routes down the hallways, mapping. Tango and Bigb were the fastest, and the most willing to tank punishment if the Watchers caught them on camera. They would come back to Ren and draw out the hallways on the maps, continuing to look for an exit. Once they found it, they would be free.

Only one other thing stood in their way.

The trackers in their collars.

Martyn watches as Ren struggles with this fact. They have not found any way to remove them yet. They haven’t even been able to open any panels to get access to the tech inside. Both Etho and Tango have tried, but they both concluded it was impossible. The medal had been welded shut around their throats, not even able to be opened with a key.

Ren knows that as long as they can be tracked, they can’t be free. So they continue their studies.

Martyn is talking to Ren about this when it happens. Bigb comes skidding into Ren’s room, totally breathless with the sound of at least one Watcher chasing right behind him.

He stares at them both with those terrified, exhausted, relived, yellow eyes.

“Found it.” He breathes.

Ren sits straighter immediately, reaching for the maps he had hidden between the wall and the nightstand. But then the Watchers were in the doorway as well and Ren masks the movement. They can’t let the Watchers find those maps. It would undo months of work.

So Martyn and Ren sit helplessly while Bigb is tranquilized and dragged away.

When he is sure no one is left to overhear them, Martyn speaks up, “Milord.” He whispers, “do you really think he found it?”

“The way out?” Ren says.

Martyn nods.

“I hope.”

This is what Martyn loves most about his king. He hopes. He hopes even when the world is crumbling. Even when they are stuck in this hell. Even when it seems like they are helpless and hopeless. Ren still hopes anyways.

Bigb is not seen again for a day, but Ren is still making preparations. He calls Etho and Tango and Impulse, the rest of their little kingdom, and they sit around the map.

“I don’t know where it is yet.” Ren says, “when Bigb returns he will tell us, and we will all run separate ways. Runs distraction so someone can go to the real exit.” He points to the map, to the lines drawn there, “these are your routes. Memorize it.”

Martyn stares at the paper, looking for his own. When he can’t find one labeled with his name, he looks to Ren confused.

“you’ll be somewhere else.” Ren assures, “I have something special for you to do.”

When he doesn’t elaborate, Martyn doesn’t press further. He trusts Ren. He will be told everything he needs to know in time.

“Remember.” Ren tells the group, “we only need to get one person out. Just one. They can go find police and break the rest out.”

“Just one person.” Etho echoes.

Tango nods, “only one.”

They find Bigb passed out from blood loss in his bed that night, his skin littered in a thousand reopened wounds. The Watchers keep cutting along the same lines each time they catch him, making the injury worse each time. Slower to heal. It makes Martyn sick to his stomach with rage.

He is in no state to run a route when they attempt their escape.

Ren has been waiting to announce the time. The whole team has been ready to run at a moment’s notice for days now, but still Ren delays it.

The only instructions Martyn has is to stay with Ren. Follow him on his route. Stay close and be ready to be helpful. Martyn doesn’t know what this will entail but he trusts Ren. He will be told everything he needs to know in time.

Martyn is siting with Ren in the practice room. One Watcher stands in a corner of the room, observing the handful of subjects that are using the tools there. Ren is always here in the practice room. He doesn’t do anything, which Martyn finds strange, he just watches everyone else.

A few hours into the afternoon, there is a small beeping alarm that goes off on the Watcher’s phone. It is swiftly turned off.

A moment later, Ren stands up, “Knight. Follow me.” He whispers to Martyn, and then he simply leaves the room.

Martyn fumbles to follow, passing by the Watcher with little mind paid. Ren is pushing down the hallway to the bedrooms. He stops at Tango’s room.

“it’s time.” Ren announces. Tango scrambles out of bed, abandoning his previous activity.

Ren moves to Impulse’s room, then Etho’s, saying the same thing at each. They gather to Ren’s room.

Martyn and Ren are the last to enter.

Ren let’s out a low breath, “A team of Watchers have just left the lab for a retrieval. This is when we run.”

“Jimmy?” Martyn asks.

Ren eyes Martyn, aware of his history with the Jimmy, “I don’t know who.” He says at last, “but now is the best time, when many of them are absent from the lab.”

Impulse is scanning the map, spread out on Ren’s bed. He’s frowning deeply.

“Ready soldiers?” Ren says.

Etho is already at the door, ready to sprint. Tango stretches, clearly warmed up and energetic.

“Then godspeed Dogwarts.”

…

Martyn is following Ren. Those are his only instructions. Follow, follow, follow.

Ren is following the escape route. He deemed it too dangerous for anyone else. He refused to put anyone else in danger so here he was, following the escape route.

The alarms had started almost as soon as they began running. It blares in Martyn’s head, almost as loud as his heartbeat and the drumming of his footsteps.

Ren takes a sharp left, and Martyn is on his heels. He doesn’t know what the plan is, but there must be one. He’s been given a stolen knife, same as the other runners. He's also been given a small bag, and Martyn assumes it has other tools. Maybe a lockpick.

Ren carries his own blade between his teeth as he sprints on all fours. He’s faster that way, Martyn struggles to keep up with him. Ren is wild like this. The sort of desperate animalistic determination that drives wolves to chew off their legs just to escape a trap.

So far there is no one chasing them, but they both know that will not last long. Somewhere a camera will spot them, and then they will be swarmed by lab workers.

They need to be faster.

Ren pauses in the hall, rearing up and slamming both paws in the door. In the distance, Martyn can hear Tango screaming. The lock breaks under the weight, revealing another hall for Ren to continue his charge down.

And Martyn continues to follow.

They do not stop until they reach that exit door. Only then does Ren hesitate. He turns back to Martyn.

Martyn meets his eyes, panting cold heavy air. They’re both full of adrenaline, but Ren is somehow somber. Martyn doesn’t understand. They’re about to make it out.

“My Hand.” Ren breathes, “this is what I need you for.”

He reaches for the bag Martyn had been carrying, and Martyn hands it over. Ren holds the weight silently for a moment, like he was scared. Or sad.

“This is a test of your loyalty.” Ren continues, “and a test of my faith.”

He pulls something out of the bag, and discards the rest nearby. He holds it up to Martyn, a handaxe.

Small. Unassuming. Martyn guesses it was stolen from Impulse’s rental to that lumber company a month ago.

Martyn is confused. And then Ren is on his knees.

“My hand- My friend.” Ren starts, and winces when his voice breaks.

He seems nervous, but Martyn can’t fathom why. They’re so close. All they have to do is get through this last door.

“Martyn.” Ren settles on. “I need you to take this-” Martyn’s hand closes around the handle, “-and strike the throat of your king.”

Martyn reels, “HUH?! Wait you want me to do WHAT!?”

“Break off the collar.” Ren says, gaze strong.

Martyn stares back, “if I hit you with this.” He says, voice trembling, “I will kill you.”

Ren holds the eye contact with Martyn, totally somber in a way Martyn has never witnessed before. “I trust you.”

The axe shakes in his hand. Martyn swallows, “I- Milord. Ren-”

But Ren is kneeling, head bowed, long hair pulled away from the back of his neck. Martyn can see the gleam of his collar. There in the middle, the line of welding for him to strike through.

They both know this is the only way. They can’t leave while they still have trackers on them. They’ll just be retrieved.

No. It has to be like this.

That collar must come off.

Martyn rests the blade against the line of welding. Ren exhales. If Martyn hits too hard, it will go all the way through and break his spine. Martyn thinks about the way Ren would go limp. The blood that would cover them both.

He doesn’t think he could continue in this hellscape, knowing Ren’s blood is forever on his hands.

Martyn raises the blade. He holds a hand to the back of Ren’s skull, steadying him. The axe hesitates at the height of its swing.

And then it comes down.

The sound rings in Martyn’s ears. The horrific screech of metal breaking metal, and the weak gasp forced from Ren’s lungs. Martyn looks down at the collar, still around his throat but dented. Again.

Between the drap of Ren’s hair, Martyn can see tears in his eyes. But he remains still, kneeling, waiting for the second blow.

Martyn raises the axe again and prays he hasn’t hurt him. That he doesn’t hurt him this time either.

He forces the axe down again.

It strikes the axe with enough force to knock breath out if both of them. Somewhere, very far away and yet terrifyingly close, Martyn can hear footsteps coming towards them. Watchers.

He stares down at the collar, hanging only by wires. A bloody gash mares Ren’s skin where Martyn had been too forceful.

“Ren-” Martyn gasps, trying to apologize.

Ren reaches up and tears the remnants of the collar away from his throat, “It’s not deep.” He promises. Martyn still shutters.

Watchers appear around the corner, tranquilizer guns pointed down the hall at them.

Martyn swallows his tears, “Go, go-“

Ren hurries to break the door down, slamming into the metal with determination. He bares his teeth, ferociousness or fear. The door creaks weakly before snapping under the weight.

Sunshine pours through the opening, falling on Martyn’s face gently. Ren is looking back for a moment, eyes meeting Martyn’s.

Then Martyn feels a prick in his arm, and Ren’s face floods with panic. He turns to flee, disappearing into the sun.

It is the last thing Martyn sees before his vision is lost to the tranquilizers.

Hope.

[jojaxcola]

So I, like a lot of people, love your mockumentary series. And this is a stretch and probably won't get done for ages but could I use your mockumentaries to write a fanfic? It won't be long or complex, more of an extension to the scenes you've drawn. I'll give credits, don't worry but yeah.

But if I do, I'd love if you answered a few characterisation questions.

I know the farmer filmed some but is any of it not farmer filmed?

Why is the farmer doing this?

Are there any fanon or hcs you used to create characters that I should use too?

Expect more soon + updates

Thank you so much!! I had this in my inbox for a while and I've been thinking for a while about how to answer, because I'm not sure how much I want to give away at this point in the series hehe 👀 but I hope these answers are helpful

I consider the farmer/producer to be the project lead and to be present for everything that's being filmed. While they take on some of their own filming, they have a small crew to handle things like camera work and sound. During the talking head segments, the farmer is the one prompting them with questions as needed

The farmer is still a Joja employee like in the beginning of the game, but not with the same office desk job. Their team has been tasked with filming a documentary series highlighting the happenings of a JojaMart location, and the farmer was the one to propose the relatively new Pelican Town location due to their grandfather's love of Stardew Valley. So they're still a newcomer to the town, but they don't have the farm. I might stay a bit quiet about the farmer's ultimate motivations for this project, though... :)

This one's a bit tricky since I'm not totally sure how to narrow it down hehe. One thing I'll say here is that I altered Sam's work schedule to have him appear in the store more often (since in the game he's only there like six hours a week). I'll also say a little bit about how I like to characterize the main players in the series:

Sam is someone whose cheeriness is partly genuine, but also partly because he needs to be the guy who keeps everyone positive in tough times. It's important to him to make sure everyone feels included and not forgotten. Sam isn't dumb—he's actually very creative and resourceful—but he does tend to rush his thinking and follow bizarre trains of logic. He doesn't like to slow himself down, and when he dwells too much on his thoughts he tends to reach uncomfortable conclusions.

Shane has an extremely low opinion of himself, but keeps himself going at work to provide for Jas and to not be a burden to Marnie. He's easily annoyed and has a tendency to push people away, but he's not completely shut off. He'll accept gifts and other gestures of kindness but doesn't totally understand why he's getting them, or why he even deserves them. He needs significant and repetitive convincing to believe any friendship with him is genuine. Shane believes that life is harsh, and he tends to fixate on difficult truths. Sam's optimism frustrates him, and he sees Sam as a naive little boy who will be eaten alive by the cruelty of reality.

I don't like depicting Morris as cartoonishly evil. I think it's more fun to make him "corporate evil", where his villainy comes from a "socially-acceptable" disregard for the little guy. He'll go on about how the JojaMart personnel are one big family, but he can't even call his employees by their names. He thinks he's above his staff, and he's satisfied by the idea of getting to look down on someone; he views higher-ups as having earned their power, and that looking down on others is just part of that package. Morris loves to project the image of human connection, not because he genuinely believes in it, but because that's what appeals to customers. And he'll do everything he can to convince Pelican Town that Joja is the answer to all of their problems.

I also like to pepper little personal headcanons into the different entries (I like to think Sam is left-handed, so I wrote his notes on his right wrist in no. 5) but I think listing them here would bloat this post :o

Please feel free to ask anything else about the series (or individual scenes), this was really fun to write up! And I can't wait to see what you come up with!! :D

===============

Follow ups to this post (I might make a separate FAQs post if needed):

What has become of the community center? (@happycomputertimetravel): It's still dilapidated. I consider the jojamart series to have the town in the same state as it is at the start of the game (so Kent is still overseas, the bus is still broken, etc.) unless depicted otherwise

[siconetribal]

Beyond the Bookshelves (12)

Pairing: Loki x Reader

Warnings: Workplace drama

Summary: You’re a Resource Management Specialist at S.H.I.E.L.D. normally referred to as “The Librarian”. You’ve been assigned the nightmarish task of digitizing all the physical resources currently owned by the agency, with a few new computers and one extra helper.

A/N:

Life really hit me with major events back to back since mid May. The dust has finally settled though, and I've got a better handle on my schedule. I'll try to update more routinely.

Please comment/like/reblog. If you’d like to be tagged moving forward, please let me know! (If I missed any tags, please let me know, I’ll add you right away!) I’d also greatly appreciate it if rebloggers remember to add the tags (or some at least).

The lovely banners used in this fic are from @cafekitsune.

If you’re new to the story, please check out the master post for the rest of the chapters.

“Good afternoon agents, Avengers, and the one probationary member,” Agent Pruyn greeted the team cheerily until his gaze landed finally on Loki. There was a subtle snarl to his lips, a look that amused the trickster god instead of offending him. The lack of reaction at the obvious jab only further troubled Pruyn and Loki lavished in his irritation.

“How magnanimous of you to greet me in particular. You are too kind, agent.” Loki flashed him a charismatic politician smile that had some female agents in present company dazzled.

“Loki,” Black Widow’s voice was stern, but it held a tinge of exasperation. Something he thought was misdirected at him, since the one who started all this was Pruyn. The prince said nothing, he merely shrugged his shoulders and turned his palms upwards.

“Why are we here?” Hawkeye redirected the attention back to the question that was on most of their minds. 

“It's about the changes to the mission. There’s too much risk.” Agent Pruyn cut to the chase. “We’re going to be behind and will most lose valuable time wasted in running unnecessary logistics, scenarios, and covenant countermeasures. We've already mapped out everything, and all plans rehearsed to perfection. Going back to start from scratch is pointless and a promised failure.”

“Is it truly such a waste when we minimize the chances of failure through the redistribution of tasks and placing the proper soldiers in optimal positions in which they will excel?” Loki raised one of his eyebrows, sitting back against his chair,  hands steepled, elbows resting on the arms of the chair. He was completely unbothered by the remarks made intentionally to hurt him. “The spider and bird are perfect for infiltration and retrieval of the data we aim to possess. Though I’m capable of doing so as well, there’s no point in arguing the point because you don't trust me with that intel. You will question me forever, and if anything were to happen later on, it will automatically fall upon me as the reason for failure. I rather that that time and energy be spent more wisely. A prime example of wasting time is this highly unnecessary meeting. Instead of the team adjusting what is needed based on the last meeting and reconvening after all research has been completed, you are here feeling jilted because my adjustments make more sense. Am I wrong, Agent?”

Pruyn grit his teeth to swallow the anger rising from the humiliation he just experienced. Each word of that vitriol was a razor sharp blade cutting into his pride and reputation, exposing his hatred towards the second prince, which he did his best to mask with neutrality and false kindness. “You misunderstand me,” he plastered a pressed smile on his face. Don’t let him get to you.

“Oh? What did I misunderstand? The part that the team as a whole agreed the change in plan was best between the two plans, or the fact that you wish to set us up with an increased risk of failure? Or did you think I misunderstood the fact that you intend to have me in a position of scrutiny and be used as a scapegoat if things were to not go as we anticipated?” Though he was seated and Pruyn was standing, the verbal undressing easily told the room that it was Loki looking down on Pruyn.

“Agent Pruyn, we all agreed to these changes, did we not?” Natasha cut in, breaking the tension building between the two.

“Yes, but afterwards some of us reconsidered due to doubts.” He softened, humbling himself before the famous Black Widow.

“What doubts? Let’s clear the air now and move in. We're wasting time with all these side conversations.” Clint looked around the room at everyone. Small mumbles of ‘well’s and ‘it’s’ rose up and quickly died down as no one could really pinpoint the reasons for the hesitation.

It’s because none of you wish to accept the fact that I came up with this plan, and I was supported by both of your ‘precious’ Avengers. Loki withheld himself from rolling his eyes in response to the idiocy. “It seems I’ve managed to dispel whatever concerns there were.” 

“Right, so if there’s nothing, get this done as soon as possible. You already got Fury’s approval, so why second guess?” Clint reminded them, an awkward silence instantly fell over them. “You did get Fury’s approval, right?” He frowned.

“Is it pending approval? We can talk to Fury to expedite the review process.” Natasha assured them, but the silence only grew heavier, and Loki felt his irritation at such incompetence rise up. He did not care for their approval or expect any kindness without earned merit, but to stall and cause unnecessary delays and under his name was an insult. “We told you to submit this change for approval weeks ago. Get it done so we can move on.” She sighed in exasperation.

“This is the waste of time you were so set on avoiding.” Clint stood from his seat. “The next time we meet better be a proper strategy meeting, or we might need to hand this off to another team if you can't manage it.” He looked at Pruyn who was the lead agent on this. 

“Of course, an oversight like this won’t happen again. I hadn’t realized it wasn’t already submitted and pending.” He bowed his head and rubbed the back of his neck, the other agents lowering their heads as well. That arrogant asshole, who the hell does he think he is coming in and changing my mission plan? I've been doing this for years, I’m one of the best! He should be locked away in the Raft!

“There better not be.” Natasha stood from her seat. “We can end this meeting here. Get to work.” Loki silently stood from his seat and was the first to leave the room.

Peace and quiet, that is how he preferred his days as a whole. Sadly, in a tower filled with chattering Midgardians and his own energetic brother, finding such solace was a Herculean task. Even the sanctity of the library was marred with noise from time to time. It was hardly as loud, but it was always so much more vexing; especially after a meeting earlier in the week with the insufferable Agent Pruyn trying to create holes that he could not find in Loki’s proposed plan that was supposed to be enacted.

What a farce this all is, strutting around like swans, when they are nothing but frogs. Trying to deceive me, the god of deception? He scoffed. The pitiful Midgardian, picking a fight with someone who has fought battles and strategized far before he was even a thought for conception. He flipped the page of the book in his hands, looking up at the sound of footsteps coming his way. The employees jumped and scurried away quickly, and he frowned. This was the tenth time he has looked up at the sound of steps. Each time it broke his concentration on the page. He was on edge and there was no logical reason as to why, which only irritated him further. The next set of steps had him looking up, again, only to see someone unknown to him, again. “Dammit,” he snapped the book shut and slammed it down on the table. The person let out some high-pitched sound and fled from the scene like some field mouse, but that did not matter to the prince. “Why, in all the Nine Realms, am I unable to concentrate? That imbecilic agent is hardly worth ruining my precious reading time!” He muttered to himself, glaring at the cover of the book. Something was amiss, and it was not of his doing. Could it be, no! That’s utterly preposterous! What do I have to do with that? He dismissed the fleeting though before it could fully form. “Idiocy is a plague that will vex me for eternity. My talents and insight were wasted because of them.” He reasoned, standing from his seat. With the flick of his hand, the book jumped into the air and slid back into its place on the shelf. Training will help me release this nagging. With his mind set, he made his way out of the library without even glancing at the Librarian’s desk.

The famous city was quickly coming to life as people and critters began their morning routines. Among the moving parts stood Y/N, looking up at the towering building she called work. The one day of rest had quickly unraveled into a week. When was the last time she took a day off? Even when she felt like a radioactive snotty sludge monster, she made sure to look alive enough to make it in.

But there was no star-spangled hero rushing to the infirmary for attention those times. The rumor reels should've died down enough by now, right? She tightened her grip on her bag and stood as tall as she could. There was only one way to find out. Bracing herself, she walked in through the main entrance and greeted the receptionists warmly. The reply back was a robotic one, but it was promising. No funny looks or asking too many questions, that's good! That means things have settled. Obviously, they’ve realized that it's nothing more than him doing his duty helping a coworker. She sighed with relief and made her way through the employee entrance to head to her post.

When she finally got to her office, she sat in her chair and stared at the black computer screen, her darkened reflection staring back at her. No one seemed to care about her presence, one way or another. It’s great that no one in particular is asking about that day and Captain Rogers, but they aren’t asking anything? I was out for a whole week. She frowned at the monitor. “Did no one even notice? I know I’m not that important that my absence would cause all hell to break loose, but someone had to have noticed, right?” She thought to herself aloud, as if her reflection would respond and help soothe the sting of expendability. It was the chime of the door opening that dragged her from the self-pity as she turned on the desktop. “Good morning, welcome to the library. Do you need me to assist you in finding anything?"

“Y/N, is that you?” The voice had her standing up from her seat as she looked up.

Tags: @vbecker10 @huntress-artemiss @softestqueeen @thegodofnotknowing @princess-ofthe-pages @firedrakegirl @rcailleachcola @cabingrlandrandomcrap @lotrefcp @lwtannie @jainaeatsstars @msdjsg7 @tom-hlover @kneelingformyloki @gruftiela @gigglingtiggerv2 @kats72 @mischief2sarawr @evalynanne @wolfsmom1

[knight-hiccup]

hello! I hope I'm not bothering, but I was really interested in your writing process and wanted to ask how you do everything(at least organizing wise)? I've been trying to optimize my own process and yours seems so extensive and well-managed so I was really curious! thank you for all the work that you do, I'm hoping for brighter days for you always ♡

Hey there ty🥺💗💗💗 You guys never bother me ;; I love it when you write. Just haven't had enough time for anything lately and I can't answer all of you as fast as I'd like to—and the only people who really bother me on here are the ones too demanding . . . in which I delete their asks so. But thank you for reaching out with your questions about writing and organization something I really love to do. I truly appreciate your enthusiasm and am happy to share my insights, as I believe in supporting aspiring authors like myself without gatekeeping valuable information we all search for (the information I'm about to give is probably going to have some gatekeepers frothing in anger lol). I understand the challenges of finding time to write, and I’m grateful for your patience, as my schedule has been quite demanding lately.

Organization is key to a successful writing process, and I strongly advocate for writing down ideas as they come. While some authors, like Stephen King, suggest that truly great ideas don’t need to be recorded, I respectfully disagree. In my experience, capturing every idea—whether it’s a fleeting thought or a vivid dream—is essential. I recommend immedieately jotting down scenes or concepts in detail to preserve them for future use, as inspiration can be rare or hard to come by for some .

Given my modest background (I’m a broke girl lmao), I’ve relied on accessible tools for writing. A simple journal is an effective and affordable way to record ideas, dreams, and notes. While devices like iPads can be helpful, they’re not necessary for getting started if you don’t have/can’t afford one (and I bring this up because most pull it up for aesthetic purposes in their videos or other. Don't feel ashamed or unmotivated by what you don't have).

For drafting and organizing, I initially used Google Docs due to its accessibility and lack of cost. However, I later invested in Scrivener, a one-time purchase of $60 for macOS, Windows, and iOS. Scrivener has become my all-in-one tool for organizing projects, streamlining outlining, and keeping everything in one place. It’s far superior to Google Docs for managing complex writing projects, making the outlining process signifiicantly easier.

Additionally, I highly recommend the free Hemingway Editor. This tool helps refine your writing by addressing wordy sentences, grammar issues, and other stylistic concerns. It’s an excellent resource for writers, whether or not they have access to a professional editor.

For staying organized in Scrivener, I draw inspiration from structured approaches, such as those used by Shakespeare (ofc . . . Thanks Highschool, it actually wasn't for nothing if you pay attention). I’ll use a new test project of Maelstrom for example. I organize my work systematically to maintain clarity and focus. (Please note I haven’t taken a masterclass on scrivener . . . ever. I am also not a professional writer (yet, I'm working on it) so you may find much more effective methods through further research from others LOL)

Create a dedicated "Important" file in Scrivener to store concise notes, character and story tags, minor details to incorporate, potential chapter titles, and other key elements. This file serves as a centralized hub for quick-reference ideas and ensures essential project details remain organized and accessible.

To streamline the writing process, I create a structured system in Scrivener for organizing my book project. Below I tried to be as clear on the explanation of my approach:

CHAPTER MAP File: I start by creating a file named "Chapter Maps" that serves as the comprehensive outline for the entire book. Within this file, I include sub-files labeled for each book in the series (e.g., B1, B2, etc.), allowing for easy expansion as needed.

BOOK-SPECIFIC Files: For each book, such as Book 1, I create a dedicated file to store revised chapter drafts, organized by acts (e.g., Act 1, Act 2, Act 3). This ensures that final, polished versions of each chapter are clearly separated and easily accessible.

DRAFTS File: My writing process begins in a "Drafts" file, where I work through multiple iterations of a single chapter. This is where the initial, unpolished ideas take shape. Once a chapter is finalized, I move the revised version to the corresponding act in the Book 1 file.

SCENES File: Separate from the chapter structure, I maintain a "Scenes" file to outline individual scenes. For example, in Maelstrom, I might plan a scene where the main character begins in the Great Hall baking, then transitions to meeting Hiccup at their shared cliffside spot, followed by a scene where she hands him breakfast, and their conversation unfolds. This scene-by-scene breakdown acts as a detailed blueprint for the chapter outline, similar to how animators storyboard scenes, ensuring clarity and flow before drafting chapters.

This structured approach keeps the project organized, supports iterative drafting, and provides a clear roadmap for both scenes and chapters, making the writing process more efficient and cohesive.

To avoid confusion and ensure clarity, I strongly recommend labeling all drafts, even rough ones, as early as possible. For example, in my Maelstrom project, I once posted an incorrect chapter due to poorly labeled drafts. Clear labeling—such as including the chapter number, act, or a brief description (e.g., "1 - rough draft cp1" or "Chapter 1 Rough Draft v1")—prevents such mistakes and saves significant time and frustration, even if you feel confident in your organization. Once a final draft is complete, I move all earlier versions to a dedicated "Old Drafts" folder in Scrivener. This keeps them archived and out of the way but accessible if needed for reference. This practice maintains a clean workspace and ensures only the finalized chapters are used moving forward.

I maintain a dedicated file in Scrivener, named "Ideas," specifically for capturing and organizing the concepts mentioned previously. This file serves as a repository for all potential story elements, such as plot points, character details, or thematic ideas, that I may want to incorporate into my narrative. For clarity and consistency, I name this file and its subfolders after the actual files I use in my projects :--), providing a clear visual representation of my organizational structure. This approach ensures that all creative ideas are centralized, easily accessible, and ready to be integrated into the story when needed.

For character development, I create a dedicated outline in Scrivener to ensure a deep understanding of each character. Using Maelstrom again as an example, I maintain individual files for key characters like Hiccup and the main character (MC), each clearly labeled with the character's name and relevant details tied to the file's purpose. Understanding your characters as intimately as you know yourself is crucial, and I approach this process with great care. Each character file includes comprehensive details such as their traits, motivations, strengths, weaknesses, and other defining elements. While there are many guides available on crafting character outlines, my approach focuses on tailoring the outline to the character’s role in the story and this is a glimpse. This includes identifying what complements them, what highlights their positive and negative traits, and even incorporating tools like the Enneagram to deepen their personality framework. A detailed discussion of my full process would require a separate post, but the key is to build a robust foundation for each character to ensure they feel authentic and dynamic in the narrative 100%.

A thorough understanding of your story’s world and lore is as critical as knowing your characters. Without a clear grasp of the setting and its details, your narrative can quickly lose coherence. To address this, I create dedicated files in Scrivener for world-building, ensuring every aspect of the environment and lore is meticulously organized. For example, locations like The Forge—where the main character (MC) and Hiccup frequently interact—are central to the story. To avoid cluttered or vague descriptions, I maintain a separate file for each key location. These files contain detailed notes about the setting’s appearance, atmosphere, cultural significance, and any relevant history or lore (from the films/shows etc). By keeping all details for a place like The Forge or other in one centralized file, I can access everything with a single click, streamlining the writing process and ensuring consistency. This approach applies to all aspects of the world, both internal (e.g., cultural systems) and external (e.g., physical landscapes), allowing for a rich, immersive narrative 👍🏻

To keep all research materials organized, I create a dedicated "Research" file in Scrivener. This file serves as a central hub for storing notes, references, and resources, including links to websites, articles, or other materials essential to the project. By keeping everything in one place, I ensure that critical information is easily accessible and never lost. Additionally, this file can be used to curate project-specific resources, such as a playlist for inspiration, further enhancing the creative process. This streamlined approach saves time and maintains focus while writing.

And of course, to capture spontaneous ideas and miscellaneous thoughts, I maintain a dedicated "Brainstorming" folder in Scrivener. This folder serves as a flexible space for jotting down unrefined concepts, potential plot points, or any creative sparks that arise during the writing process. If preferred, this folder can be nested within the "Important" file for streamlined organization. Additionally, I include a separate section or file for extra notes to store miscellaneous details that don’t yet fit into other categories but may prove useful later. This setup ensures all ideas are preserved and easily accessible, enhancing the overall organization of the project.

Other little things I've seen on Scrivener are offers of several valuable tools to further streamline your writing process. The built-in timeline feature allows you to track your progress or map out your plotline, providing a visual overview of your project’s development. Also, Scrivener’s customizable layout options 🤧💗 . . . enable you to tailor the workspace to your preferences, including the use of custom character templates and other design elements. These features enhance organization by keeping character details, plot points, and project milestones structured and easily accessible, ensuring a more efficient and personalized writing experience and something I use almost always.

All apps/sites I use:

Thesaurus and Word Tools | WordHippo

Scrivener - #1 Novel & Book Writing Software For Writers

Hemingway Editor

WRITERS HELPING WRITERS®

Helping Writers Become Authors - Write your best story. Change your life. Astound the world.

My favorite Tumblr - shewriter.

And last but not least:

Reading

Immersing yourself in the genres you plan to write. Reading widely within your chosen genre(s) helps you understand their conventions, styles, and tropes, while sparking inspiration for your own work. This practice provides a foundation for crafting authentic and engaging stories, fueling your creative process from the outset.

This took me 2 days to put together since you sent it, so it's probably sloppy and rushed but I hope these tips help you in your writing journey. Please feel free to reach out with any further questions—I’m always happy to connect with fellow writers hehe 🥺💗

[casa-dei-corvei]

Your Rook's Astrology Chart

Tagged by the awesome @rooks-dagger! (Psst, read about her post about Ember!)

I really like Astrology, I like reading horoscopes and reading about the different signs, but I've never gone deep into it.

But we're changing that today! XD

Resources: Cafe Astrology Natal Chart Creator | AstroSeek Natal Chart Creator | Dragon Age Calendar

Sending a gentle tag to: @pixiedurango, @lotusfueltofire, @larkinna, @basedonconjecture, @wickedviago, @crushedv3lv3t, @cute-ellyna, @dellamortte & @suntamer

✨Notes✨

Sancha's birthday is 2 Firstfalll, 9:24 Dragon (aka November 2nd)

(She doesn't actually know her birthday (Viago does). She just defaults to saying she's a Satinalia present since she and her brother were bought on Satinalia.)

She's currently 28, so I used 1997 as her birth year

I used my birth time and my current city for the birth chart. (Salle wasn't even an option if you can even believe it. 😆)

Scorpio Sun ♏ | Sagittarius Moon ♐ | Capricorn Rising ♑

Scorpio Sun ♏ ☀️

The Sun represents vitality, a sense of individuality, and outward-shining creative energy.

Scorpios are known for their intensity. They are determined folk who absolutely throw themselves into whatever they do, but getting them to commit to something is rarely easy. In fact, it's better not to even try to "get them" to do anything. Solar Scorpios have their own mind. And, their primary motivation is unlikely to be prestige (like their Capricorn friends) or even authority (Leos can have that, too)--it's real power. Their power can be of the "behind the scenes" variety, just as long as they have it. To others, Scorpios seem to have plenty of willpower. They probably do. Scorpios know what they want and won't go out and grab it at the wrong moment. They sit back, watch (quite expertly), and then get it only when the moment is just right. It might seem like patience, but it's more likely their powerful skills at strategy at work. Scorpios aren't afraid of getting their hands (their bodies, their minds) dirty. The darker side of life intrigues them, and they're always ready to investigate. Scorpios never give up. They have tremendous staying power. They're not in the slightest intimidated by anybody or anything. Confrontations are not a problem. In fact, talk to any Scorpio about their lives, and you'll probably be in awe at all they've gone through. Trauma seems to follow them wherever they go. When Scorpio learns optimism, instead of expecting the worst, they'll find that they possess amazing regenerative powers -- the power to heal, create, and transform.

Okay, first off, I love how it listed possible problems for Scorpios:

Potential issues: She is suspicious, defiant, extremist; she is sometimes vindictive.

Yep, that's babygirl. XD No notes.

I literally chose her birthday because I was reading blurbs about different zodiac signs (used this site), and felt like Scorpio fit her (and her brother) pretty well. And this just solidifies my judgement <3

Sagittarius Moon ♐🌕

The Moon represents the emotional responses, unconscious pre-destination, and the self image. The Moon represents the emotions, and the Moon sign shows how a person expresses themselves when at home, at ease, and comfortable.

More than anything, Lunar Sagittarians need personal freedom and space. They are extraordinarily happy and easygoing folk--as long as they don't feel caged in or cooped up. Lunar Sagittarians have a simultaneous need for activity. Meeting new people, going out in the world, or traveling are all important to their well-being. They love open spaces and, in their homes, a roomy and bright environment. There's a bit of a teacher in Moon in Sagittarius, and definitely a helpful spirit. They easily forget appointments or veer from their schedules, and some are even considered irresponsible. However, it is hard to stay angry at a Lunar Sagittarian! They are just too cheerful and upbeat, and their optimism is catchy. Many people with this position are outdoorsy. At the very least, they have a great love for friendly competition. When the going gets tough, these people get moving. They don't like to be caught up in routine for too long, and they need frequent escapes. There's a blind faith in Lunar Sagittarians that is admirable--they believe that everything will ultimately work out. Not much for making detailed plans, people with Moon in Sagittarius prefer to wing it and deal with whatever comes their way when it comes. They're very adaptable and generally on the go. Those with a Sagittarius Moon strive for personal freedom, space, happiness, truth, and activity. Meeting new people or learning new things is emotionally refreshing. Even with well laid plans, Moon in Sagittarius often ends up veering from the course.

Okay. So. A lot of this fits more Arlo that Sancha but they're twins so it's fine. XD Needing personal freedom and not wanting to be caged is the reason he ran away after all. But considering how much Sancha kinda just...doesn't see herself so much as a person as she does as a weapon until she was sent away from Viago and the Crows... She does learn to spread her wings a little bit, take up a bit more space, and starts to relish it.

But all in all, emotionally, this is her to a tee. Like, she's cheerful, she's friendly, she's down to help (very useful during her time in Treviso, in the beginning she was one of the few Crows who wouldn't grumble about helping those from other Houses), and she works through most things with the assumption that things will succeed. Viago knows what he's doing after all, Varric too. (She's learning to feel this way about her own plans. Fake it till you make it, right?)

I also really love that her Scorpio sun mentions learning optimism and her Sagittarius moon makes it a point that her default nature is optimism. I just think that's neat. <3

Capricorn Rising ♑⬆️

The ascendant is a symbol of how one acts in life. It is the image of the personality as seen by others, and the attitude that one has towards life.

There's a seriousness to Capricorn rising people that is unmistakable. Even when they're joking around, it's of the deadpan variety. In fact, plenty of very humorous people have Capricorn Ascendants. It's all in the timing...and the fact that they don't giggle before the joke is over. Capricorn Ascendant people project competence. They simply ooze it. They're generally very image-conscious people--the clothes they wear and their manner are a big deal to them. They want to appear successful, and they generally succeed! Often the Ascendant persona is the one that was forced upon us by family conditioning. For example, parents may label their Libra Ascendant child the "nice" one; their Aries Ascendant child the "independent" one; and their Pisces Ascendant child is generally the space cadet of the family. We adopt these roles as familiar ones, and often carry them with us as our defense mechanisms, in some way or another, for the rest of our lives. In the case of Capricorn Ascendants, these were the children who were considered the responsible ones. Sometimes, it was they themselves who looked around them and felt the need to be the structured, dependable, and responsible members of the family. So, often, Capricorn rising people adopted a strong sense of tradition, family, and responsibility at a very young age. Capricorn rising people are generally big on family, and forever worry about security--for themselves and their dependents. They come across to others as hard-working, competent, and dependable people. What others may not see under that cool, even suave, exterior, is an inner struggle: they often ask themselves, "Am I doing enough?", "Do I deserve all of this?", "How can I make things better?" They worry a lot about the future. If success seemed to have come easy to these folks, it hasn't. They just made it look that way with a patient, hard-working, driven personality. Some Capricorn rising people practice some form of self denial. They know how to do away with the frivolous. Still, they'll spend money on the clothes they really want (the ones with the right labels, that is), and other status symbols. Although they're rarely showy, their quiet air of success is often a result of conscious effort. More often than not, Capricorn rising individuals are success stories. Their childhoods may have been difficult, but they slowly but surely turn their lives around. Saturn rules this Ascendant, and this generally means a kind of backwards way of living--as children, they are serious and bear a lot of responsibility; and as they grow up, they age beautifully, learning how to loosen up.

Oooooooooh. Okay. So. Obviously Sancha is big on family, I can never do one of these tags w/o mentioning her brother after all, and that also extends to her House. The Crows are a family, in a way. More mafioso and less blood, but family nonetheless. She cares deeply about their rules, traditions and values. She's not as idealistic as Teia, she would never say out loud that the Crows are a family, but the feelings are there. The respect. The loyalty. And honestly? A lot of this works so well for a child raised as a Crow from a young age. A child of Viago's House (or just Viago, as he was at the time), would strive to succeed, to project competence in many if not all things.

She also really has issues with wanting things and feeling like a person who should want things. She's really good about building up and helping others, she has an issue doing the same for herself. (Again, see her previous feelings of being a weapon)

And...she really does loosen up considerably in her travels away from the Crows. Assassin Alegría de Riva of House de Riva is almost a different person compared to Sancha de Riva of the Veilguard. Almost. She's still the same person, but almost flipped. The cool, calm, professionalism of an assassin juxtaposed with the jubilant warmth of a chatty young woman.

✨Bonus✨

Sancha's Star Chart 💫

Posted for funsies, honestly. For the true astrology lovers. Can I decipher it? Nope. <3 But somebody, somewhere most certainly can!