#authority building

[ventesb2b]

Content Amplification Unleashed: Syndication's Hidden Advantages

Introduction

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, creating exceptional content is just the first step towards success. To truly stand out and make a meaningful impact, businesses and content creators are turning to content syndication. This powerful strategy involves sharing your content across various platforms, and it comes with a multitude of benefits that can amplify your reach and maximize your brand's impact. In this blog, we'll explore the exciting advantages of content syndication and how it can revolutionize your content marketing efforts.

1. Expanding Your Audience Reach

Content syndication is like casting a wider net. By distributing your content across multiple platforms, you expose your brand to audiences beyond your immediate reach. This strategy allows you to tap into new demographics, target markets, and communities that might not have encountered your content otherwise.

2. Enhancing Brand Visibility

As your content appears on various platforms, your brand gains increased visibility and exposure. This heightened exposure fosters brand recognition and awareness among a broader audience. The more your content resonates across platforms, the more likely people are to remember your brand when they need the products or services you offer.

3. Boosting Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Quality backlinks are the currency of SEO. Through content syndication, your content may acquire valuable backlinks from reputable websites. These backlinks signal search engines that your content is authoritative and relevant, potentially leading to improved search engine rankings and increased organic traffic.

4. Building Thought Leadership and Authority

Syndicating your content on established platforms positions you as a thought leader and industry expert. Being featured alongside respected sources enhances your credibility, enabling you to establish your brand as a trustworthy source of information within your niche.

5. Generating Traffic and Engagement

By exposing your content to new audiences, you open the door to increased traffic to your website. Engaging content that resonates with readers can lead to higher click-through rates, longer time spent on your site, and greater user interaction.

6. Efficient Content Distribution

Content syndication streamlines your distribution efforts. Instead of manually sharing your content across various platforms, syndication automates the process, ensuring that your content reaches a wider audience without consuming excessive time and resources.

lets connect for more insight:  https://ventesb2b.com/contact-2/

In the realm of B2B (business-to-business) industries, content syndication can offer several significant benefits that contribute to amplifying reach and impact. Here are some of the key advantages of content syndication in B2B industries:

1. Wider Audience Reach: Content syndication allows your B2B content to be published on various platforms, websites, and channels beyond your own. This exposes your content to a larger and diverse audience, including potential clients, partners, and industry professionals who might not have discovered your content otherwise.

2. Enhanced Brand Visibility: By distributing your content across multiple reputable platforms, you increase your brand's visibility and recognition in the B2B space. This exposure can help establish your brand as a thought leader and industry expert, ultimately building trust and credibility among your target audience.

3. Lead Generation: Content syndication can generate valuable leads for your B2B business. When your content resonates with the audience on syndication platforms, interested readers may provide their contact information in exchange for more resources, such as whitepapers, eBooks, or webinars, allowing you to build a pool of potential leads for your sales funnel.

4. SEO Benefits: When your content is syndicated on various platforms, it often includes backlinks to your original content or website. These backlinks can contribute to improved search engine optimization (SEO), as search engines view these links as indicators of your content's credibility and relevance, potentially leading to higher search rankings.

5. Authority Building: Consistently sharing valuable content through syndication helps establish your business as an authority in your industry. This authority can attract decision-makers and stakeholders looking for trusted sources of information and solutions.

Conclusion

Content syndication is a dynamic strategy that can revolutionize your content marketing efforts. By amplifying your reach and impact, you're unlocking opportunities for growth, visibility, and engagement that are otherwise hard to achieve. As you explore the benefits of content syndication, remember to tailor your approach to fit the preferences and behaviors of different platforms and audiences. With a thoughtful and strategic syndication plan in place, you'll harness the power of amplification, building a stronger online presence and making a lasting impression on audiences far and wide.

Aniket Deshpanade

Sr.Digital Marketink Associate

adeshpande185@gmail.com

www.ventesb2b.com/ New York, USA

[repute-agency12]

The Importance of Backlinks for Your SEO Strategy

In the vast and ever-evolving world of search engine optimization (SEO), there’s one element that continues to stand the test of time—backlinks. Despite algorithm updates, content revolutions, and AI-generated search results, backlinks remain one of the most powerful signals that search engines use to determine the authority, trust, and relevance of a website. But what exactly are backlinks, why do they matter so much, and how can businesses use them effectively as part of a comprehensive SEO strategy?

At iRepute Digital Marketing Company, we’ve helped countless businesses climb the search rankings by leveraging smart, ethical backlink strategies. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the crucial role backlinks play in SEO and how you can harness their power to elevate your online presence.

What Are Backlinks and Why Do They Matter?

Backlinks, also known as inbound or incoming links, are links from one website to another. When a website links to your content, it’s essentially telling search engines, “This content is valuable.” Think of backlinks as digital votes of confidence. Just as citations validate a research paper in academia, backlinks validate your website’s credibility in the eyes of Google and other search engines.

Search engines, especially Google, use backlinks as part of their ranking algorithm. The more high-quality backlinks your website earns from trustworthy sources, the more likely it is to rank higher in search results. Backlinks not only help search engines discover your pages, but they also signal that your content is authoritative, which is a key component of Google’s E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) framework.

The Connection Between Backlinks and Search Rankings

Over the years, Google’s algorithm has evolved to favor quality over quantity. Gone are the days when stuffing your site with thousands of low-grade links could manipulate search results. Today, a handful of high-authority, relevant backlinks can have a far greater impact on your rankings than hundreds of irrelevant ones.

When search engines crawl the web, they follow links from one site to another to evaluate how pages relate to each other. A site that receives backlinks from reputable, niche-relevant domains is likely seen as a trustworthy source, which in turn can boost its rankings for targeted keywords. If, for example, a respected digital marketing blog links to your article about SEO tools, it tells Google that your content deserves visibility in that topic area.

Backlinks can also influence domain authority, a metric developed by Moz that predicts how well a website will rank on search engine result pages (SERPs). While it’s not a direct ranking factor used by Google, domain authority is a strong indicator of a site’s SEO potential—and backlinks are one of its biggest contributors.

Referral Traffic and Brand Exposure

Beyond SEO, backlinks offer tangible benefits in terms of referral traffic. When a user clicks on a link from another website that leads to yours, they become part of your traffic stream. High-traffic sites linking to your content can send qualified visitors who are more likely to engage with your brand, subscribe, or convert.

Additionally, when your content gets linked by well-known websites, it boosts brand awareness and reputation. People trust websites that are referenced by authoritative voices in their industry. Over time, this can establish your brand as a go-to resource and thought leader in your niche.

Types of Backlinks: Not All Are Created Equal

One of the most important aspects of backlink strategy is understanding that not all backlinks carry the same weight. A link from a university or a high-authority publication like Forbes can carry significantly more SEO value than one from a random blog or spammy directory.

There are also distinctions between “do-follow” and “no-follow” links. Do-follow links pass SEO value, or "link juice," while no-follow links do not. However, even no-follow links can bring referral traffic and build awareness. Google's algorithm is becoming smarter about analyzing link context and patterns, so a diverse link profile with a mix of both types is often most natural and beneficial.

Another essential consideration is anchor text—the clickable words used in a hyperlink. When backlinks contain descriptive, relevant anchor text, they help search engines understand what the linked page is about. However, over-optimization or keyword stuffing in anchor text can lead to penalties, so it’s important to keep the language organic and varied.

Backlink Strategies That Actually Work

Securing high-quality backlinks isn’t about shortcuts or spammy tactics; it requires thoughtful strategy and relationship-building. Creating valuable, original content is the foundation. When your content genuinely helps people—whether through insights, data, guides, or solutions—others are more likely to reference it.

Guest posting remains a popular and effective way to earn backlinks. By contributing well-written, informative content to other reputable blogs in your industry, you not only gain backlinks but also reach new audiences. Similarly, digital PR and outreach campaigns can be used to secure media mentions and get your brand featured in online publications.

Another powerful method is broken link building, where you identify broken links on relevant websites and offer your own content as a replacement. This not only helps the site owner improve their user experience but also earns you a contextual, relevant backlink in return.

Creating link-worthy content—such as original research, infographics, industry reports, and evergreen resources—is another strong strategy. When your content becomes a go-to reference, backlinks happen organically over time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While backlinks are a powerful SEO tool, they can backfire if misused. Buying links from link farms or using automated backlinking tools is risky and violates Google’s guidelines. These black-hat tactics may lead to short-term gains but can result in long-term penalties, including loss of rankings or even deindexing.

Another common mistake is prioritizing quantity over quality. Dozens of low-quality links from irrelevant sites won’t help your rankings—and in some cases, they might hurt them. It's also a mistake to ignore the relevance of linking domains. A backlink from a tech site to your real estate business might raise red flags rather than improve your SEO.

Neglecting your internal linking structure is another oversight. While external backlinks are essential, internal links help guide visitors through your site and distribute link equity across your pages, improving overall site authority.

Backlinks and the Future of SEO

As search continues to evolve, backlinks are expected to remain an integral ranking factor. With the rise of AI-powered search tools and conversational engines like ChatGPT, backlinks may play an even greater role in identifying trustworthy sources and original content. Google's increasing focus on experience and trustworthiness means that editorial backlinks from respected websites will become more valuable than ever.

In the context of semantic search, Google doesn’t just evaluate keywords; it understands topics and relationships. Earning backlinks from topic-relevant websites in your niche strengthens your authority and helps search engines better understand what your site is about.

As algorithms evolve, the authenticity, placement, and relevance of backlinks will carry even more weight. Brands that invest in ethical link-building, quality content creation, and relationship-driven outreach will be best positioned to thrive in the SEO landscape of the future.

Final Thoughts: Build Trust, Not Just Links

Backlinks are more than just a numbers game—they’re about building trust, authority, and connections in your digital ecosystem. When approached strategically, they enhance not just your search visibility but also your credibility and brand value.

At iRepute Digital Marketing Company, we understand that backlink building is both an art and a science. By focusing on quality content, industry relevance, and authentic relationships, we help our clients build a strong backlink profile that fuels long-term SEO success.

If you’re serious about climbing the search engine ladder, start viewing backlinks not just as a ranking tool, but as a reputation asset. Invest in content worth linking to, and the backlinks will follow.

[sociocosmos]

Dominate Quora with Expert-Led Strategy Sociocosmos builds your authority with tailored Quora responses that drive traffic and trust. Claim Your Quora Authority Now

[gunpowdercarousel]

I don't need therapy I need rabid gay people freaking out in my inbox

[isubhamdas]

Topical Authority Boost-10 Proven Strategies

Topical authority is the key to dominating search engine rankings. By establishing your website as an expert in a specific niche, you can outrank competitors and drive more qualified traffic. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll share 10 powerful strategies to build topical authority and skyrocket your SEO results. Conduct Thorough Keyword ResearchCreate In-Depth, Informative ContentOptimize for…

[theplotmage]

Principles and Laws of Magic for Fantasy Writers

Fundamental Laws

1. Law of Conservation of Magic- Magic cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.

3. Law of Equivalent Exchange- To gain something, an equal value must be given.

5. Law of Magical Exhaustion- Using magic drains the user’s energy or life force.

Interaction and Interference

4. Law of Magical Interference- Magic can interfere with other magical effects.

6. Law of Magical Contamination- Magic can have unintended side effects.

8. Law of Magical Inertia- Magical effects continue until stopped by an equal or greater force.

Resonance and Conditions

7. Law of Magical Resonance- Magic resonates with certain materials, places, or times.

9. Law of Magical Secrecy- Magic must be kept secret from the non-magical world.

11. Law of Magical Hierarchy- Different types of magic have different levels of power and difficulty.

Balance and Consequences

10. Law of Magical Balance- Every positive magical effect has a negative consequence.

12. Law of Magical Limitation- Magic has limits and cannot solve every problem.

14. Law of Magical Rebound- Misused magic can backfire on the user.

Special Conditions

13. Law of Magical Conduits- Certain objects or beings can channel magic more effectively.

15. Law of Magical Cycles- Magic may be stronger or weaker depending on cycles (e.g., lunar phases).

17. Law of Magical Awareness- Some beings are more attuned to magic and can sense its presence.

Ethical and Moral Laws

16. Law of Magical Ethics- Magic should be used responsibly and ethically.

18. Law of Magical Consent- Magic should not be used on others without their consent.

20. Law of Magical Oaths- Magical promises or oaths are binding and have severe consequences if broken.

Advanced and Rare Laws

19. Law of Magical Evolution- Magic can evolve and change over time.

20. Law of Magical Singularities- Unique, one-of-a-kind magical phenomena exist and are unpredictable.

Unique and Imaginative Magical Laws

- Law of Temporal Magic- Magic can manipulate time, but with severe consequences. Altering the past can create paradoxes, and using time magic ages the caster rapidly.

- Law of Emotional Resonance- Magic is amplified or diminished by the caster’s emotions. Strong emotions like love or anger can make spells more powerful but harder to control.

- Law of Elemental Harmony- Magic is tied to natural elements (fire, water, earth, air). Using one element excessively can disrupt the balance and cause natural disasters.

- Law of Dream Magic- Magic can be accessed through dreams. Dreamwalkers can enter others’ dreams, but they risk getting trapped in the dream world.

- Law of Ancestral Magic- Magic is inherited through bloodlines. The strength and type of magic depend on the caster’s ancestry, and ancient family feuds can influence magical abilities.

- Law of Symbiotic Magic- Magic requires a symbiotic relationship with magical creatures. The caster and creature share power, but harming one affects the other.

- Law of Forgotten Magic- Ancient spells and rituals are lost to time. Discovering and using forgotten magic can yield great power but also unknown dangers.

- Law of Magical Echoes- Spells leave behind echoes that can be sensed or traced. Powerful spells create stronger echoes that linger longer.

- Law of Arcane Geometry- Magic follows geometric patterns. Spells must be cast within specific shapes or alignments to work correctly.

- Law of Celestial Magic- Magic is influenced by celestial bodies. Spells are stronger during certain astronomical events like eclipses or planetary alignments.

- Law of Sentient Magic- Magic has a will of its own. It can choose to aid or hinder the caster based on its own mysterious motives.

- Law of Shadow Magic- Magic can manipulate shadows and darkness. Shadowcasters can travel through shadows but are vulnerable to light.

- Law of Sympathetic Magic- Magic works through connections. A spell cast on a representation of a person (like a doll or portrait) affects the actual person.

- Law of Magical Artifacts- Certain objects hold immense magical power. These artifacts can only be used by those deemed worthy or who possess specific traits.

- Law of Arcane Paradoxes- Some spells create paradoxes that defy logic. These paradoxes can have unpredictable and often dangerous outcomes.

- Law of Elemental Fusion- Combining different elemental magics creates new, hybrid spells with unique properties and effects.

- Law of Ethereal Magic- Magic can interact with the spirit world. Ethereal mages can communicate with spirits, but prolonged contact can blur the line between life and death.

- Law of Arcane Symbiosis- Magic can bond with technology, creating magical machines or enchanted devices with extraordinary capabilities.

- Law of Dimensional Magic- Magic can open portals to other dimensions. Dimensional travelers can explore alternate realities but risk getting lost or encountering hostile beings.

- Law of Arcane Sacrifice- Powerful spells require a sacrifice, such as a cherished memory, a personal item, or even a part of the caster’s soul.

Get your series bible here!

[softhe4rted]

to begin with, the sweet grass by mary oliver, from “devotions”

[tubbytarchia]

idk about you but I find these specimen adorable

[thewriteadviceforwriters]

50 Character Personality Traits + Meanings (For writers, worldbuilders, and artists) Part 1

Adventurous - Enjoys trying new experiences and exploring the unknown.

Ambitious - Driven to succeed and achieve their goals.

Analytical - Tends to think critically and examine things in-depth.

Artistic - Highly creative and expresses themselves through artistic mediums.

Assertive - Confident in expressing their thoughts and feelings.

Caring - Shows compassion and concern for the well-being of others.

Charismatic - Has a natural charm and appeal that draws people in.

Clever - Able to come up with creative solutions and make astute observations.

Compassionate - Displays empathy and a desire to help those in need.

Confident - Believes in their own abilities and is self-assured.

Conscientious - Reliable, responsible, and attentive to detail.

Curious - Eager to learn new things and explore the world around them.

Cynical - Tends to be skeptical and distrustful of others' motives.

Dependable - Can be counted on to follow through on their commitments.

Determined - Persistent in pursuing their goals and overcoming challenges.

Diplomatic - Skilled at navigating social situations and resolving conflicts.

Eccentric - Displays unconventional or unusual behaviors and interests.

Empathetic - Able to understand and share the feelings of others.

Ethical - Guided by a strong moral compass and a sense of right and wrong.

Extraverted - Enjoys being around people and draws energy from social interactions.

Flexible - Adaptable to changes and open to trying new approaches.

Forgiving - Willing to let go of past hurts and give people second chances.

Friendly - Approachable and enjoys building positive relationships with others.

Grounded - Practical, down-to-earth, and focused on the present.

Hardworking - Diligent and dedicated in their efforts to achieve their goals.

Honest - Values truthfulness and integrity in their words and actions.

Idealistic - Driven by a vision of how the world should be and a desire to make a difference.

Imaginative - Possesses a rich inner world and creative problem-solving abilities.

Independent - Prefers to think and act for themselves without relying on others.

Indecisive - Struggles with making decisions and often second-guesses themselves.

Introverted - Finds energy and fulfillment in solitary activities and introspection.

Jealous - Experiences feelings of resentment or insecurity towards others.

Kind - Gentle, considerate, and thoughtful in their treatment of others.

Leaders - Able to inspire and guide others towards a common goal.

Logical - Approaches problems and decisions through a rational, analytical lens.

Materialistic - Highly values the acquisition of possessions and wealth.

Organized - Maintains order and efficiency in their personal and professional life.

Perfectionistic - Strives for flawlessness and can be overly critical of themselves and others.

Pessimistic - Tends to focus on the negative aspects of situations and expect the worst.

Resilient - Able to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to changes.

Risk-taker - Willing to take chances and step outside of their comfort zone.

Sarcastic - Uses irony and witty remarks to convey their thoughts and feelings.

Sensitive - Deeply affected by the emotions and experiences of themselves and others.

Stubborn - Unwilling to change their mind or compromise on their beliefs and opinions.

Suspicious - Inclined to doubt the motives and intentions of others.

Thoughtful - Considerate of the impact their words and actions have on others.

Timid - Shy, reserved, and hesitant to take risks or assert themselves.

Trustworthy - Reliable, honest, and worthy of confidence.

Unpredictable - Displays an element of surprise and spontaneity in their behavior.

Witty - Possesses a quick, clever, and humorous way of expressing themselves.

Hey fellow writers! I'm super excited to share that I've just launched a Tumblr community. I'm inviting all of you to join my community. All you have to do is fill out this Google form, and I'll personally send you an invitation to join the Write Right Society on Tumblr! Can't wait to see your posts!

[ventesb2b]

Unlocking Growth: The Impact of B2B Content Syndication

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of B2B marketing, staying ahead of the curve requires a dynamic approach to content distribution. B2B content syndication emerges as a strategic solution to amplify your reach and impact, connecting your brand with a broader and more targeted audience. In this blog, we delve into the world of B2B content syndication, uncovering its benefits, best practices, and how it can reshape your marketing strategy for the better.

 Understanding B2B Content Syndication

B2B content syndication involves sharing your carefully crafted content, such as whitepapers, case studies, and industry insights, on external platforms beyond your own. This strategic distribution exposes your content to a wider audience, often through partnerships with publishers, industry portals, and content distribution networks. The goal is to attract decision-makers, professionals, and potential clients who are actively seeking valuable insights within your industry.

 Benefits of B2B Content Syndication

 1. Expanded Audience Reach

In the B2B arena, reaching the right audience is paramount. B2B content syndication widens your reach by placing your content on platforms frequented by your target audience. This exposure allows you to tap into new markets, engage potential clients who may not have discovered your brand otherwise, and create a ripple effect of content discovery.

 2. Enhanced Brand Visibility

Gaining recognition and establishing your brand as an industry authority requires strategic visibility. B2B content syndication places your content on reputable platforms, positioning you as a thought leader. As your content garners more views and engagement, your brand gains credibility and trust, making your offerings more appealing to potential clients.

 3. Lead Generation

B2B content syndication isn't just about exposure; it's about fostering meaningful connections. When your content resonates with readers, they are more likely to provide their contact information in exchange for additional resources. This turns your syndicated content into a lead generation powerhouse, allowing you to nurture these leads further down the sales funnel.

 4. SEO Optimization

Quality backlinks play a crucial role in SEO, and B2B content syndication provides an avenue for generating these backlinks. Syndicating your content on reputable platforms often includes links back to your original content, boosting your website's authority and improving search engine rankings.

 5. Authority Building

In the B2B landscape, trust and authority are essential. Syndicated content showcases your expertise to a wider audience, allowing you to position yourself as an industry authority. Decision-makers are more likely to engage with brands they perceive as knowledgeable and credible.

 6. Time and Cost Efficiency

Creating high-quality B2B content demands time and resources. B2B content syndication offers a cost-effective solution by repurposing your existing content. Instead of reinventing the wheel, you can leverage your proven content assets to engage new audiences and save time on content creation.

Let’s connect for more insight:  https://ventesb2b.com/contact-2/

 Best Practices for B2B Content Syndication

To make the most of B2B content syndication, consider these best practices:

1. Choose Your Platforms Wisely: Select platforms that align with your target audience and industry niche. Quality matters more than quantity.

2. Maintain Consistency: Ensure that your brand voice, messaging, and design elements remain consistent across all syndicated content.

3. Craft Compelling Titles and Descriptions: Catchy titles and informative descriptions can encourage click-throughs and engagement.

4. Prioritize Value: Your syndicated content should offer real value to the reader. Address pain points, provide insights, and offer actionable takeaways.

5. Optimize for SEO: Include relevant keywords and meta descriptions in your syndicated content to enhance its searchability.

6. Engage with the Audience: Respond to comments and engage with readers to foster discussions and build relationships.

 Conclusion

In the competitive B2B landscape, strategic content distribution is the key to standing out and establishing your brand. B2B content syndication offers a powerful way to reach a wider and more engaged audience, enhance brand visibility, and drive lead generation. By implementing best practices and leveraging the benefits of syndication, B2B businesses can reshape their marketing strategies for a more impactful and effective future.

Aniket Deshpanade

Sr.Digital Marketink Associate

adeshpande185@gmail.com

www.ventesb2b.com/ New York, USA

[inkedinserendipity]

one of the reasons i think that the murderbot diaries’ emotional moments hit so hard is because of a scarcity effect that the author has set up really, really well.

because, like—murderbot, as a character, is an answer to the question how do you “show and not tell” emotional moments from the lens of a character who point-blank will not acknowledge any affection directed their way. or, instead of overtly stating that characters are friends (“tell”), how do you demonstrate it with text (“show”)? well, most authors go ham on characters smiling at each other, laughing, joking, expressing reciprocal loyalty.

murderbot does none of those things. murderbot probably never smiled before preservation, and definitely didn’t laugh. (this is only partially an exaggeration.) telling jokes? hell yeah, MB’s funny as fuck. to other people? hell no. that would require conversations and it’d rather die, thanks.

add that to the fact that murderbot treats any expressions of affection toward it—internal and external—like being bit by a snake.

so you have this character + writing style that bars most conventional ways of establishing relationships between characters. you also have this character who is basically incapable of feeling any sort of reciprocated, positive emotion toward itself. so what do you do?

you work around your character. murderbot will never pick up on affectionate body language. it hates hugs. every sentence it hears passes through about fifteen different filters of self-loathing. so you make your relationships clear, and when you hit, you hit hard.

you summarize snapshots of characters panicking about the main character getting hurt. you drop your character’s performance reliability (and their walls) and have them banter. you have your character walk in on the tail end of conversations that expose concern for it.

and then you do things so overt that even your shit-self-esteem character can’t talk its way out of. you have its friend tell it directly that it can’t lose it too. you have its friends accommodate it and understand it without it directly expressing a single need. you have its friends stand up for it in conversation when it is too tired to do so. and then, when you really want to hit, you have your character pretend to be physically compromised rather than have to feel one (1) positive emotion toward itself.

positive emotions toward itself can’t really pass through murderbot’s walls. so you have to establish relationships by beating your main character over the head with them. and it can’t be all the time—because that’s not how relationships and emotional recovery, yknow, works—but it can be sometimes, and it can be very powerful, and that is why i think murderbot diaries in particular is very, very effective.

[interact-if]

Writing Spotlight: The Golden Rose

We interviewed @anathemafiction, author of the IF, The Golden Rose, Book 1. It’s a game that delivers everything it sets out to do, with its sweeping, ambitious scope and beautiful, intricate detail. It was an honor to pick her brain about bringing such a rich, complex, and truly immersive world (and its wonderful characters) to life.

In one of my favorite quotes in the interview, she writes:

[…] We Portuguese sometimes still call ourselves Lusitanos, and it always saddened me to some extent. That loss of history, of identity, is one of the major driving forces behind the Rose. What if there's a world where it's Rome that's forgotten? Where Latin is forbidden so that the languages born from it, the kingdoms, and the civilizations never came to be?

Without further ado, here’s the full interview!

What drew you to interactive fiction as a storytelling medium?

The very nature of it. I'm a big fan of RPGs, where you can shape your character and make key decisions in your adventure, and, of course, I'm also a big fan of books and literature in general. So, when I encountered my first IF game (Choice of Dragon), I was instantly hooked.

It's the perfect blend of two of my passions — storytelling and player agency. The fact that it's entirely text-based gives a kind of freedom and depth that's hard to match in other gaming media simply because the only budget it needs is the author's time and effort. It's quite literally, corny as it sounds, fuelled by your imagination.

2. Is there a part of your background—personal, cultural, professional—that finds its way into your work?

In a land that is today a region of Portugal, there used to be an agglomeration of tribes collectively known as Lusitanos. They were eventually conquered by the Roman Empire, but not before putting up such a fight that even Roman generals acknowledged their spirit. Their culture was largely eradicated, and the pieces that weren't were assimilated into the empire. We Portuguese sometimes still call ourselves Lusitanos, and it always saddened me to some extent.

That loss of history, of identity, is one of the major driving forces behind the Rose. What if there's a world where it's Rome that's forgotten? Where Latin is forbidden so that the languages born from it, the kingdoms, and the civilizations never came to be?

I'm also fascinated by the Catholic Church and its monopoly over some of the wealthiest, most powerful kingdoms of Europe. The Pope was the king of kings, so to speak, and all that power, that opulence, was born from something as simple and as human as faith.

That control, that God-like power, not only over the body but the very mind of its subjects, is another big part of the story I'm writing.

So, in summary, my cultural background was and is a major influence on this IF.

3. What does your writing process look like?

I'm what's generally called a pant-ser; I like going where inspiration takes me. Still, in a project as big as The Rose, I did write a general outline, and I have a very clear idea of where I want the plot to go and the major story beats that will get me there.

But the in-betweens are often left blank. I think, even if I tried to plan every single detail beforehand, I wouldn't be able to. Even the scenes and chapters that I have planned, I'm always open to changes or deviations from the outline. If a character, a situation, or, especially, the MC decides to surprise me, I kind of roll with it.

To be honest, most of my favorite scenes, dialogues, and even characters that I've written were born as a sudden inspiration and not from the pages of an outline.

But as for my actual writing process, it goes like this: I go chapter by chapter, and I always begin by handwriting the first draft. I don't know why, but handwriting, when it comes to just getting the ideas out of your head, with no finesse, no grammar checks, just the pure chaos of materializing your thoughts into tangible words, is the best medium for me.

After that, I write the second draft on the computer. There, I fill in all the choices and paths I didn't write in the first draft, and, of course, beautify the text, make the dialogue fit the characters, discard or expand on rudimentary ideas, etc. Basically, it's where I write the text that'll appear in the game.

This juxtaposition between the first draft and the second allows me to rethink story beats, adjust the progression of the characters' relationships, postpone scenes, etc. Basically, it allows me to think about where the chapter is going.

The third step is to put it all in code and make it playable. As I go through the Word document, I make minor edits here and there, but nothing major.

The actual editing is made later, in what I call a 'deep edit.' I usually do this when I finish writing the following chapter because looking at a text with fresh eyes allows you to spot mistakes much better than if you do it right away.

4. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone just starting out in interactive fiction?

To follow up on the last question, I will say that you need to know yourself. Just as I operate better without a clear, bullet-proof plan, other people thrive with a structured outline, a character glossary 20k words long, chapter charts, and multicolored graphics. My advice is that before you embark on such a complex and often big project as an IF game, you should know your own writing process, and the only way for you to know that is if you write.

I'd say start with short stories or small fables, but honestly, just write anything. Dive right in, and with time, you'll begin to know yourself as a writer.

When you know yourself and your own style, then begin the IF. You'll never be truly 100% prepared — we're always learning and adjusting. I'm not the same writer I was when I first started The Rose, and I won't be what I am now when I finish this second book. We're constantly evolving, so allow yourself space to fail and fall short of expectations. This is, after all, a marathon, not a sprint.

5. What’s a common mistake you see in interactive storytelling, and do you have any tips on how to avoid it?

Not so much a mistake but a misconception. I think people, especially those with little to no experience writing (or any creative hobby), believe that it's an inspiration-based activity. That you write whenever you feel like it.

This is completely wrong. If I only wrote whenever I felt inspired to, I wouldn't have made it past the third chapter of book one.

Some days — most days — you won't feel like writing. You sit at your desk, and you do it. You have to face it like a job, almost. You clock in, do your work, and leave. Does this mean I have no joy in writing? Of course not. I get really into it once I begin, but it's not every day that I wake up and want to leap for my pen.

Sometimes, I'd rather go out hiking with my dog, meet a friend for coffee, or watch another episode of whatever show I'm watching. But, when writing IF, you often will have to make these sacrifices, and, many times, you won't even be blessed with inspiration, so that sacrifice is made easier.

This is made even worse in IF. Due to the nature of the medium, you will get days where you're stuck writing repeating passages or paths you're not entirely interested in. You will want to pull the hair out of your head. You'll have to clench your teeth and do it — otherwise, you won't make it to the fun, rewarding bits where everything comes together.

It's not an exaggeration when people say, 'writing is hard.' Anyone can do it. Very few actually do. I think it's less about talent and more about commitment.

End of interview

—

A big thanks once again to Anathema for her insightful answers, and @veswrites-if for taking the time to coordinate the interview. Hope that this was a fun and interesting read.

Stay tuned for more of these interviews, both for the Writing Spotlight AND for Pride Month!!

[lucithornz]

Too Shy to Comment on Fanfic? Don't know what to say? - Start commenting on fanfic a quick guide

Tips for comments for when you want to give an author love but don't know what to say.

1 emojis are your friend! hearts, blushing faces, happy faces, etc etc go nuts with the emojis

2 keep it simple - a quick "omg love this!" is amazing. You do not have to write an essay for the author to get the message

3 smut - if you are shy to comment on smut a simple "Hot *sweating emoji*" gets the point across ;)

4 Rereading - if it's a fic you come back to comment "re-reading this!" the author will know you came back because you loved it so much

5 character name + keyboard smash - this really can capture that feral emotion that sometimes overtakes us. If you don't know how to express it in words, incomprehensible screaming will do

6 dark fic - I have found a lot of the time people really don't know what to say when they read dark fic. I feel like sometimes people feel awkward saying "oh this was good I loved it" on things covering darker topics. So instead something along the lines of "this really made me think" or "very very interesting character study"

7 what happens next - instead of simply asking for the next chapter, trying leaving a quick prediction or worry about what you think might happen. "Omg no please don't die blorbo" or "I think blorbo is going to find a way to mess this up next chapter"

8 do not read other comments first - This isn't what to say so much as it's what not to do. One comment isn't better than the others, if someone left a thoughtful essay do not let that intimidate you away from keyboard smashing and emoji commenting, trust me the author will appreciate both. It's very much an "omg two cakes!" situation.

As an author I can say that any and all types of comments are very much appreciated and super motivating. You do not need to have the perfect comment, just say something <3

Happy commenting and say hi to your favorite authors for me!

[rednightmare18]

It's not even about the vindication of calling a ship, okay. It's that the supposedly anti woke studio wrote about 3 million words of medieval fiction centering the relationship of the two main characters who are in most ways (or in all ways if you follow the obvious canon momentum of the story) meant for each other, as counterparts who help each other survive the great travails of their lives and who challenge/complete the other to become fuller, braver, kinder people. It's so clear these two people are soulmates, platonically or romantically, something observed consistently by the world around them and by themselves.

Except their society (feudalism, Catholicism) dictates that they are intended to be completely incompatible by nature and divine law. Not just for the obvious fact they are both men, but they are separated by what is arguably an even steeper chasm of social class. Their existence even as friends utterly spites, interrupts, and threatens feudal order right down to its theological and philosophical roots. They should not see each other as human and yet.

It's the fact that they do. The fact that the entire story has been about this--that these two protagonists fit together, undeniably, and grow to love each other fiercely (a love that deepens superbly from their knee-jerk playful puppy-friend-love in kcd1 to something selfless and mature by the end of kcd2). And they do so despite the immense opposition by their world, their social circles, their faith, and indeed their fandom.

And yes, it really does fucking matter that all of this culminates into a deep onscreen romantic love (if you get out of the way and allow it to) between two fandom-beloved male main characters (not just side characters rammed in for an optional gay romance but THE main characters of the duology; the "you" as in the player character and your erstwhile dick-jokes bro you have perhaps grudgingly at first been invited as the audience to love) in a historical fiction story that has been wrongly touted by the worst of our contemporaries as the holy grail of cultural conservatism.

Holy shit. Warhorse -- y'all. I'm sorry I doubted you. So few game writers understand how love works and indeed how people work, let alone translate it so well onto the screen.

Calling this an "optional romance" is not technically incorrect, I suppose, because it's true you can opt out and choose to remain platonic friends. But this language feels like a disservice, as if Henry & Hans's romance is a typical RPG wham-bam fanservice makeout with a minor fan fave character who never interacts meaningfully with the player again. Or as if it's a Bioware-style "give this NPC the right gift and do their side quest and you get to see a jankly ugly-bumpin' montage" situation.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance is so very much not that. The "main, optional" romance scene in question is just one consummation event of two people who have been growing up and falling in love in front of us over the course of some 200-300 (or god knows how many) hours. The fact these protagonists openly love each other is very much not optional.

This is, sincerely, groundbreaking storytelling in this medium and this genre. How fucking cool that we all got to see it now.

[uhh-meg]

I've see fics where the honmoon acts like a sentient object - wrapping around rumi's fingers like her plaything or as something the hunters are pushed and pulled by

the honmoon is an intrinsic part of being a hunter, it's how they reach for their weapons and perhaps know where next to defend

but imagine after miyeong died, celine stopped reaching out to the honmoon as much. what if the honmoon grieved its lost hunters and that grief wraps around celine as it crashes and doubles her own grief. maybe that's why when celine is shown with her weapon, it lacks the distinctive glow that we see in the huntrix weapons

what if the honmoon calls out to celine, but in her heartbreak she no longer wants its touch. the last time she felt its strong tug was to bring her to miyeong's dying body. what if after this, she stops listening to the honmoon for a while, its like a pull of ache in her heart that she lives with. she'll listen to its cries when there's demon attacks but won't let it help her otherwise

celine who lost a piece of her heart with miyeong now forcibly ignores a piece of her soul by rejecting the honmoon

what about a celine who no longer thinks she's worthy of any sort of comfort or luxuries. she's happy when the honmoon so readily listens to rumi's every call, she sees her girl beam under it, but her walls are too high and she no longer allows herself to use the honmoon, she thinks she doesn't deserve to.

the only other time she listens to it is when it weaves around mira and zoey. this tug of emotions is not like the grief that the honmoon wraps around her, but rather of purpose and brings a new drive inside her. she lets herself use the honmoon once more for the sake of raising this new generation, but after her girls are fully trained, she once again rejects the honmoon (or finally the honmoon doesn't need her again and has since rejected her)

she feels it shatter after her conversation with rumi and its like ice cold water has entered her veins. but then a new honmoon is created, and it dances around her, bringing a warmth she hasn't felt in years. it brings a new song of peace and somehow she knows that her girl has succeeded in all the parts that she has failed

[random-cockroach]

I tell with all seriousness that after watching Cyberverse the first thing I wanted to do is reread Local Trains au by @ryuki-draws

I think every time I will be rewatching specific moments in Cyberverse I will go and just read this comic again....