#Writer's journey

[clarkresse]

Week 004

Despite my eagerness to move forward and finish my WIP, my body didn't check IDs and now a gang of criminals and disruptors called the FLU are wreaking havoc in my body.

I may be a little dramatic but I may not survive this battle.

It's Day 3 and my temperature is lower than it was on Day 1 and I can stand for three minutes now without holding on to something. Anyway, victory is within sight. I also said that yesterday but here I am still in bed.

Finished One Piece Live Action yesterday. Usually, I'd consume a season in one night but I wanted to savor the taste of each episode and really appreciate the effort the cast and crew made for my favorite manga.

And now, I'm desperate for season 2.

Yeah, the Live Action wasn't perfect. However, at its core, it was the One Piece I love. I was still emotional at Belle Mere's 'I love you girls'. Nami's 'Help Me' scene opened the floodgates, Syrup Village was never my favorite in the East Blue Saga but now it's opened my eyes. Also, seeing the Going Merry again... Sail forever Merry. Sanji and Zeff being stranded on the rock felt so different. Perhaps, because it was Live Action, and seeing a child become desperate and sticking the darkness of the manga censored in the anime, I was truly scared.

Of course, no more words need to be said about the main cast. Oda picked them himself. There was no argument there.

It was just the best adaptation it could have done and I'm looking forward to season 2 already.

Also someone explain to me 777 on September 7, 2023. Cause I have a dream and I'd like for it to come true. Does everything I dream and manifested that day come true soon? Like maybe later this evening. Because I'm accepting everything that I've been asking for and I don't want to wait any longer.

I want everything I've been visioning to come to reality before the end of this month.

[mykeyung]

Decade of Y.U.N.G.(Y. U. Never. Give Up.) by Myke Y.U.N.G.

When I started this, I was a writer who wanted to do more than love poems

And positive words about people only for a past time and was ready for my  

Words to be seen beyond handwritten letters and my inner thoughts. At first,

I put out poems of pure expression and desire as well as dedications to those  

I consider friends or people who were so immersed in their passion you thought

They personify it. However, the second year came at a crucial stage of graduation  

With my words reflecting the anxiety and hope tagging in and out in my brain as  

Well as making incomplete farewells to my higher education phase, but not before

Getting a taste of what could be my literary future not knowing my first steps into

The real world would be a trial that would have me question my purpose as a writer

And someone who needs to figure out what direction I start putting my footprints in, but  

It took teaming up with a new ally and lots of time and music to get through it and eventually  

Come back online with enough confidence to make my return, but it took time for my return to

Be complete with my poems coming as scattered as my thoughts were yet my most popular

Poem was born during the transition yet it was titled Mama Bell and then came the year of

The Myke where I came with a new sense of purpose and determination to get my mind

Focused on writing like it’s a college course that I need to graduate and I put out the never

Give up anthem, Phoenix Hustle, set out to challenge myself with April Assault never knowing

It will go beyond five years, did a Halloween party story only I could create, and ended the  

Year with a collection highlighting my comrades in confidence, which had me coming in next

Year with a resolute soul and all about dominating my goals with me first giving dedication to

MLK, hoping my words one day can have at least a quarter of the effect his speeches did.

However, before I continued any further, I had to take a relaxing stride with my writing with  

A trip to Looseleaf Island, but round 2 of April Assault had me going out of the box relating life

To animal crackers and superheroes, but also digging deeper into myself for inspiration

Including my gaming and reading history as well as the need to take a brief vacay from reality

And responsibility to others and the last goals I conquered that year was writing about how

Music can unite us and how that team effort is necessary to make dreams come true. Then

Without even noticing, next year was the last one for the decade and I realized that now that  

I have the confidence and ambition to face my goals, I need to start developing my skills and

Focus on progress with no shortcuts. I discovered the real worth of my words lit by a phoenix’s

Fire while fighting all the mind games while trying not to forget to set aside time for R&R in  

That phase of bittersweet hope remembering the lessons multiple influences taught me.

Unfortunately, while that year ended with me coming up with a more out of the world

Halloween story than my last and starting the next decade taking an imaginative tour into sci-

Fi, months later, the world was facing a real-life pandemic and even though I gave my attempt

At trying to bring hope through poems, both old and new, I was having a hard time dealing  

With so much change in so little time not knowing how my life will be next week and feeling

Like the progress I built being broken down into pieces, but April Assault gave me the

Opportunity to focus on something other than see society go between shut down and reset as

Well as express my thoughts and most importantly give people hope that’s not seen anywhere

Else. I did a deep dive into the versatility of my strength, broke down focus to a source of

Motivation, wrote a tale about miscommunication using goblins and tomatoes, revealed the

Blues of being a hero, and awakened my volcanic soul as a writer. However, after April, the  

Rest of the year went by fast though progress felt like the steps of a turtle as I was constantly

Adjusting to what was the new trend of the week the world was following and deciding if that

Was best for me and while my posts were few until next April, other than a deep reflection of

The year no one wants to revisit and a Christmas song decorated with friendship, I was putting

Serious thought into my next steps as a writer feeling like I have moved onto a new phase

Alongside my new mindset of confidence and there was no better way for me to test it than

Doing year five of April Assault in which I explored what gives a push in my perspective, talked

About the perils of gaining power, showed the beat my effort goes along, highlighted the

Moments when you have to stand alone as well as a variety of ways to cope with them, gave  

A deeper look into the mindset of a villain, showed how powerful an unsubmittable spirit is,

And wrote a haiku that defined me. Finally, I put my presence in the summer with a 4th of July

Poem that depicts the desired comfort and change we want from this day, wrote a poem

Highlighting the lessons Batman has taught the world throughout the years in his variety of

Jobs, and ended the year once again with Christmas friendship, but with more comrades and

Collaborations involved in the lyrics. Looking back at from where I made the decision to share

My words on this site, I never thought it will last this long and I would create so many stories

Both real and imaginary, but even most of those was based on events going on in my life and

When my life went up and down, posting on this site would sometimes be the only pattern

That forced me to focus when it felt like everything else in my life was as random as living

Life in a casino, but I made it this far as a writer thanks to not only the words I posted, but also

The support in form of hearts, follows, and feedback in response to them and while I can’t

Guarantee 10 more years writing here, I will still give out words to lift spirits from giving into

Accepting a contract with despair and entertain those who need an escape from the repetition

Of reality as long as I feel the need is still there like a poetic hero with a heart of a phoenix.

[marketingprofitmedia]

A Writer's Journey - Discover The Steps To Writing An eBook That Stands Out

Creating an outstanding eBook requires a strategic approach and dedication to quality content. Follow a structured writing process to ensure your eBook captures and retains reader attention.

Embarking on the journey of writing an eBook can be both exciting and daunting. The key to success lies in the ability to distinguish your work amidst a sea of digital content. This requires not only a compelling topic that resonates with your target audience but also a clear, concise writing style underpinned by thorough research and planning.

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Embarking On The Ebook Odyssey

Writing an ebook is an adventure, a creative journey transforming ideas into digital pages. It’s a quest that demands courage, commitment, and clarity. With each chapter, writers navigate the vast sea of digital publishing to deliver a work that connects, informs, and entertains.

Personal Motivations And Goals

Every writer embarks on their ebook journey for unique reasons. Some seek to share expertise or stories, while others chase the dream of becoming a published author. Understanding personal motivations clarifies purpose and fuels perseverance.

Sharing knowledge — Educate readers on a specific topic.

Telling stories — Captivate audiences with compelling narratives.

Building authority — Establish expertise in a chosen field.

Generating income — Create a passive revenue stream.

Fulfilling aspirations — Realize the goal of publishing a book.

Identifying goals is crucial. Clear goals navigate the writing process and shape the ebook’s path to success.

The Rising Popularity Of Ebooks

The digital revolution has made ebooks incredibly popular. Their convenience and accessibility have revolutionized reading habits globally.

Ebook AdvantagesImpact on ReadersPortabilityCarry a library on a deviceCost-effectiveOften cheaper than print booksInteractiveLinks, audio, and video enhance experienceEco-friendlyNo paper used, reducing environmental impact

Credit: www.amazon.com

Crafting The Ebook Concept

Crafting the Ebook Concept is a foundational step on a writer’s journey to producing an ebook that truly stands out. This crucial phase involves deep thinking and strategic planning to ensure your ebook resonates with readers and achieves its purpose. From selecting a topic that sparks interest to understanding your target audience and analyzing the market, this stage sets the trajectory for your ebook’s success.

Selecting A Captivating Topic

Selecting the right topic is pivotal. It ignites curiosity and encourages downloads. Follow these tips to pinpoint a subject that captivates:

Identify your passions: Write about what excites you.

Know your strengths: Choose a topic that showcases your expertise.

Uncover gaps: Seek out areas with limited resources.

Check trends: Use Google Trends to discover popular themes.

Market Analysis And Audience Targeting

Understanding your market and audience ensures your ebook meets readers’ needs. Here’s a brief guide:

Audience InsightsCompetitive ResearchCollect data on reader demographics, interests, and challenges.Analyze top-performing ebooks in your niche.Create reader personas to target content accurately.Identify content gaps left by competitors.Engage with potential readers through surveys and social media.Review reader feedback on similar ebooks for improvement ideas.

Implement the insights gathered to tailor your ebook to your audience’s preferences. Doing so increases your ebook’s appeal and potential impact.

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Initial Drafting: Laying The Foundation

An author’s first steps in the journey of writing an eBook are crucial. The initial drafting phase is akin to building the base of a house. It must be strong and well-structured. For robust eBook creation, focusing on an outline and cultivating productive writing habits are essential. Let’s explore how to craft this essential groundwork. With a clear outline and consistent writing routines, your eBook will start to take shape, firmly standing on the foundation you lay.

Outlining Your Ebook

Outlining your eBook acts as a blueprint for your writing adventure. Start with brainstorming key ideas and categorize them into chapters. Organize thoughts and research into a logical flow. Below are steps to create an effective outline:

Identify the main theme of your eBook.

Break down the theme into subtopics or chapters.

Arrange chapters in a coherent, engaging order.

Detail each chapter with bullet points of key concepts.

Refine the outline by reviewing and rearranging as needed.

Writing Rituals And Routines

Consistency transforms ordinary tasks into extraordinary achievements. Establishing writing rituals and routines is the engine that will power you through the drafting process. Consider these tips:

Select a specific time of day for writing.

Set achievable daily word count targets.

Create a comfortable, distraction-free writing space.

Commit to regular short breaks to maintain focus.

Track your progress and adjust goals accordingly.

Remember, structured routines lead to sustainable writing habits. Every word you write builds the foundation of your eBook, paving the way to success. Embrace these initial drafting steps and watch as your eBook begins to take life!

Refining Your Draft

Imagine your ebook as a diamond in the rough. Refining your draft shapes this gem into its final, sparkling glory. This key phase in your writing journey involves honing your manuscript with precision. It requires self-editing techniques and beta reader feedback to elevate the quality of your work. Grab your polishing tools; let’s make your ebook dazzle on the digital shelves!

Self-editing Techniques

Transform your first draft into a polished masterpiece by mastering self-editing. Aim for clarity, coherence, and conciseness throughout your ebook.

Read Aloud: Spot clumsy phrasing and awkward dialogue easily.

Check Consistency: Ensure character details and plot points remain constant.

Look for Overused Words: Replace repetitions with synonyms for variety.

Simplify Complex Sentences: Short, direct sentences bring clarity.

Focus on Flow: Transition smoothly between topics and chapters.

Grammar and Spell Check: Use tools like Grammarly to correct basic errors.

After self-revisions, your draft should feel tighter and more engaging.

Incorporating Beta Reader Feedback

External perspectives shed light on areas you might have overlooked. Beta readers provide invaluable feedback before your final edit action.

Choose the Right Readers: Select individuals from your target audience.

Provide Clear Instructions: Ask specific questions about your book.

Analyze Feedback: Identify common trends in the comments received.

Prioritize Changes: Tackle major issues before minor adjustments.

Update Your Draft: Apply changes that align with your book’s vision.

Beta reader insights can dramatically improve your ebook’s effectiveness and reader appeal.

By harnessing both self-editing techniques and beta reader insights, your ebook will shine brilliantly among its peers. Your writing journey edges closer to a successful publication with every careful revision. Put in the effort during this phase, and readers will notice the professionalism and care infused into your work.

Professional Touch: Editing And Cover Design

To stand out in the vast sea of ebooks, your masterpiece needs a professional touch. Transforming a good ebook into a great one demands meticulous editing and a cover that captures attention. Let’s delve into how these essential elements elevate your ebook’s appeal.

Hiring An Editor

Polished content reflects your professionalism. A skilled editor fine-tunes your ebook, ensuring clarity and coherence. An editor also brings fresh perspectives, catching subtle grammatical nuances that may bypass your keen eyes. Let’s break down the editing process:

Developmental Editing: This phase refines your ebook’s structure and flow.

Copy Editing: Here, your grammar, spelling, and punctuation get scrutinized.

Proofreading: The final look before publishing, this step irons out lingering errors.

Selecting the right editor can be a game-changer for your ebook’s success. Opt for professionals who align with your vision and writing style.

Designing An Eye-catching Cover

First impressions count, and your ebook’s cover is crucial. A striking cover beckons potential readers, hinting at the adventure within. Key elements to consider:

Use bold colors and legible typography that align with your content.

Ensure your imagery is high-quality and relevant to your ebook’s theme.

Keep it simple: Avoid clutter. A clean, professional look is key.

For those not well-versed in design, commissioning a graphic designer is a smart move. They can craft a cover that embodies your ebook’s essence while also being visually compelling.

Remember, your cover is your storefront — make it count!

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Preparing For Ebook Launch

The journey of writing an ebook culminates in its launch, a pivotal moment that requires precise preparation and strategy. This critical phase determines the reach and impact of your work. Embrace these steps for a launch that not only grabs attention but also sustains interest in the literary market.

Building An Online Presence

Establishing a digital footprint is essential for modern authors. Start by creating an author website with a memorable domain name. Use it to share your story and connect with readers.

Engage on social media. Choose platforms where your target audience loves to hang out.

Post regularly on your blog. It should offer valuable content, not just book promotions.

Network with other authors and industry influencers. Consider collaborations for broader reach.

Developing A Marketing Strategy

Having an actionable plan is crucial. Start by identifying your core audience. Who will love your book the most? Craft a message that speaks to them directly.

Design attractive graphics for promotions. Use tools like Canva.

Schedule an official book launch event. It could be online or in a local bookstore.

Collect email addresses for direct marketing campaigns. Offer an ebook teaser for sign-ups.

Utilize early reviews to build anticipation. Reach out to book bloggers and offer a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Marketing Timeline for Ebook LaunchTimeframeAction6 Weeks BeforeFinalize book cover and description.4 Weeks BeforeSend press releases to media outlets.2 Weeks BeforeBegin countdown on social media.Launch DayHost live Q&A session with readers.

Post-launch: Maintaining Momentum

The thrill of publishing an ebook doesn’t end at launch. Keeping the momentum is key. You’ve crossed the finish line, but the race goes on. Smart strategies post-launch can make your ebook a continued success. Let’s explore how to sustain the buzz!

Gathering And Utilizing Reviews

Reviews are your ebook’s best friends. They build trust and provide social proof. Positive feedback propels more sales. It’s like a chain reaction.

Ask readers for reviews right after they finish the ebook.

Use email campaigns to remind buyers to leave their thoughts.

Showcase top reviews on your website and social media.

Respond to feedback, even the negative, to show you care.

Treat reviews as gold. Use them to refine your writing. They can guide your next project.

Planning Your Next Writing Project

Don’t let the momentum fade. Start planning your next ebook. Use insights from your recent launch to make the next one even better.

TaskActionAnalyze what workedCheck which marketing efforts brought the best results.Look at reader feedbackConsider what readers loved and what they wanted more of.Set goals for the next bookBe specific about what you want to achieve.

Keep your writing muscle active. Start brainstorming. Outline ideas. Dive into the next adventure.

Growth is continuous. So is the journey of a writer. Keep learning, keep improving, keep writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is An Ebook?

An ebook is a digital book format that readers can access on electronic devices such as computers, tablets, or smartphones.

Why Write An Ebook?

Writing an ebook allows authors to easily share and distribute their work globally, target specific audiences, and often, self-publish.

How To Start Writing An Ebook?

Begin by choosing a compelling topic, create an outline, and dedicate time for consistent writing to maintain progress on the ebook.

What Makes An Ebook Stand Out?

A unique perspective, engaging content, exceptional value to the reader, and professional formatting are key elements that make an ebook stand out.

Tips For Marketing An Ebook?

Effective ebook marketing strategies include building an email list, leveraging social media platforms, and getting reviews to enhance credibility and visibility.

Conclusion

Embarking on an ebook creation journey marks the beginning of an exciting adventure for any writer. By following the steps outlined, your book can shine amidst a sea of digital content. Remember, crafting an engaging narrative and providing unique insights will captivate readers and set your work apart.

Keep honing your skills, stay true to your voice, and the path to a standout ebook is yours to claim.

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Thanks for reading my article on A Writer’s Journey — Discover The Steps To Writing An eBook That Stands Out, hope it will help!

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Source : A Writer’s Journey — Discover The Steps To Writing An eBook That Stands Out

[ranjith11]

Don’t say these things to your partner when they’re writing a book | SummitPressPublishers

Don’t say these things to your partner when they’re writing a book 📚 Are you supporting your partner on their journey to become an author? Join us for an enlightening discussion on the dos and don'ts of communicating with your loved one as they write their book!

[sophieakatz]

Thursday Thoughts: Becoming a Writer #3 – Writing as Work

So far, I’ve told you about the earliest sparks of inspiration in my writer’s journey. When someone asks me, “How did you become a writer?” I find that that’s often what they’re looking for – the moment where someone told me I could do it for the first time, or the stories I loved that first sparked my interest in telling them. But while those stories I told in the first two blog posts in this series are true, and very fun to tell (especially the parts about my dad handing me the paper and my mom interrupting Cinderella), they’re not the whole story.

Inspiration and play are where being a writer starts, but not where it continues.

My elementary school participated in a contest called Young Authors. I believe it was a state competition, though I don’t remember much besides a few stories I worked on for it. I remember being very young and filling pages with colored-pencil drawings of cows, though I couldn’t begin to tell you the plot of that story. I remember more, in second or third grade, writing a story about a unicorn who had lost her horn and went on an epic adventure across the land with her friends. It had multiple points of view, and I drew a map in the front of the book.

What I remember most about the Young Authors contest is how much I screamed at my mother.

Mom helped me with my Young Authors entries by typing up the story for me on the computer and telling me when something I said didn’t make any sense. I hated this. I didn’t want her to tell me I was wrong. I wanted her to type exactly what I’d said, exactly how I wanted the story to be. It was my story! It all made sense to me; it was already perfect! What right did she have to tell me it wasn’t? Writing was supposed to be fun, and she was making it not fun. I stomped and screamed. I was always very good at throwing tantrums.

But she stuck with me. She wouldn’t back down. She never gave up until the story was better.

This was, of course, my first real experience with critique, feedback, and the editing process. I don’t think I understood the purpose of it, back then. It didn’t seem to make a difference with the contests. I never won any Young Authors awards. No one except my parents seemed to care about the stories I wrote.

In hindsight, though, the important part of that sentence is except my parents. My parents cared. They showed me that care by holding me to a higher standard. They wanted me to do what I loved and to do it well. They showed me that my writing was worth putting effort into, because they put effort into it. Mom sat with me and worked with me through all the tantrums. She left plenty of space on the pages for me to add illustrations. Dad took the typed-up pages to Kinko’s to get them bound for the contest. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if when my parents finally move out of that house, we find those books buried in a box somewhere, well-preserved.

If your younger self embarrasses you, it’s a sign that you’ve grown. I’m feeling a lot of embarrassment writing this blog post. Kid-me never told Mom that she was right about how important it is to make sure that people can understand what you’re writing. I didn’t appreciate it back then; I couldn’t have. I do now – and don’t worry, I’ve told her.

Yes, fun is important. It’s also important to learn that anything worth doing is worth doing well. A writer needs to learn that writing is work, and that this work is a good, important thing. It’s a long, slow lesson, but one worth learning. I’m lucky to have parents who were willing to teach me.

[damonp304]

Don’t say these things to your partner when they’re writing a book | SummitPressPublishers

📚 Are you supporting your partner on their journey to become an author? Join us for an enlightening discussion on the dos and don'ts of communicating with your loved one as they write their book!

[writingwithfolklore]

Writing Character Arcs

                Here’s an easy secret about character arcs—they fit the same structure as plots (that’s because your main character’s arc is the main plot, but I’ve already talked about that here).

                That means, your character arc will somewhat follow this structure:

Normal world

Inciting Incident

Big thing happens 1

Fun and Games

Midpoint

Things get worse

Big thing happens #2

Crisis

Climax

Resolution

It begins with your character in their ‘normal state’—who they are from their backstory. They have some sort of problem that they aren’t addressing, because why would they? Change is hard.

Then, inciting incident. Something happens that sends them into a “change spiral”. They’re forced to face something they’ve been ignoring or avoiding. This incident can be just about anything that turns their world upside down—a new person comes into their life, an old person they left behind reappears, a close one dies, or a friend moves on. Etc. Etc.

Big thing #1 is the first action they take to “right” what happened in the inciting incident. An old flame reappears in their life, maybe they decide to meet up with them. A close friend dies—maybe they decide to take a trip away for a little while. It is an action taken by your character because of what happened in the inciting incident.

Fun and Games is the part where things seem to be going okay for them. Or things can be going terribly for them—it’s up to you. Either way, it accumulates to…

The midpoint. Something happens and it’s terrible and probably their fault. The old flame reinforces why they stopped going out by breaking your character’s heart again. The funeral for the friend is happening and MC missed it. Etc.

Things get worse is just hammering home this point. From their actions, things are going downhill.

Big thing happens #2 is the second action they take to right things again. This time they’re changing strategies from the first thing they tried. Maybe if they tried avoiding their problem first, they’re going to confront it (for better or for worse).

The crisis is the recognition of their initial problem or flaw. Leading to:

The climax, in which the character either chooses to change or to stay the same. Grow and do the right thing knowing what we now know, or stay stagnant and do the thing they would have done in the beginning. What you choose here depends on if your story is a tragedy or a comedy—tragic characters don’t recognize their flaw and grow from them.

Resolution is the consequences of their actions. For tragic characters, things are probably bad and remain that way—we need to show the readers their choice was the one wrong. For characters who do grow, we see them begin to thrive for the first time in the story. They’ve achieved what they wanted, though maybe not in the way they thought they wanted it.

(Pair this post with Character is Plot to flesh out your characters.)

[odinsblog]

In 4 minutes, Kurt Vonnegut explained stories better than anyone I’ve ever heard. “The shape of the curve is what matters. Not their origins.”

He plots stories on 2 axes: X: Time, Y: Good fortune / ill fortune. He goes on to say, “Somebody gets into trouble, then gets out of it again. People love that story. They never get tired of it.”

Point 1: Stories have defined patterns.

In Joseph Campbell’s Hero of a Thousand Faces, he makes the case for the Hero’s Journey. Since then, it’s become the most famous storytelling structure in the world. Vonnegut argued stories could be divided into 8 shapes.

Each story, he said, fit one of the 8.

Point 2: Vonnegut says, “Be a sadist.”

No matter how sweet and innocent your leading characters, make awful things happen to them — so the reader may see what they're made of.” To see who your characters really are, you have to make them suffer. Only then does your audience have someone worth cheering for.

Point 3: End on a high note.

Vonnegut says, “It’s not accidental that the line ends up higher than where it began. This is encouraging to readers.” The way a story makes people feel when they finish is how they remember it. It’s called recency bias. Lift people up and they will love you.

“There are people. There are stories. The people think they shape the stories, but the reverse is often closer to the truth.” —Kurt Vonnegut

(source)

[clarkresse]

Week 008

A little bit more hopeful than I usually am.

This week has just put me in hopes and wishes. Waiting for the universe or the forces that I've never consulted with to grant my delusions. I got a feeling that it'll be granted tonight.

I've been in the same place for almost a year now. Past the deadline in which I told myself that I would leave. But I got a feeling about this month. I'm just trusting whatever is in my head and heart that tells me to keep going and hoping the Universe matches my vibes and goes with it.

Anyway my WIP. (Gleeful and sad sigh- if that makes sense) I've plotted most of how the story was going to go and so far I've always liked it the way it was. But I just had a thought and I put meaning into it. More than I want to. Then BOOM. Dots connected. Lines were crossed. Everything just made sense. Taking my time was both poison and cure. If I had rushed it, then I wouldn't have been able to add this small but important detail that'd be important later on.

I want to finish this. I really do. Despite my years of procrastination and telling myself, 'Yeah, this is it'. I just needed time to be able to accept the story I'm writing and be happy with it. More than anyone, more than my intended audience, and more than a few of my friends who've read it, my own opinion of my own creation is the most important decision for me. I need to be happy with it before anyone else can be happy with it.

I'm excited for strangers to pick it up and read it. Be excited with it as I wrote it. But I need to consult the muses I locked in my mind. Wait for their opinion and their approval.

And right now, from all the versions I've written of my work, this one agrees with what I want.

[aletterinthenameofsanity]

Me, to my new date: doctor who thinks it's a sci-fi story because the Doctor thinks it's a sci-fi story and because the companions think it's a sci-fi story, but it's really just a story about ghosts. a story about an ancient creature carrying the ghosts of everyone they have ever loved, meeting new people, and seeing them only as future ghosts. they are haunted by the future and the past and the present because they are the only constant in a world constantly in flux, and they are running as fast as they can to things before they burn and fade to dust but everything will always end, you understand, because this is the only thing the Doctor understands and yet they keep going. they love too much to stop. doctor who is not science-fiction, it's horror and optimism and spiritual more than anything else, it's religious unto itself, the TARDIS is a haunted house and a church and a graveyard and a hospital and the Doctor is the most haunted being in the universe but more than anything, this is a love story, because how can you love something without being haunted by it- hey, what are you doing?

My date, shoving breadsticks in their purse: I have to go-

[chichiscloset]

Soft Life 101: 3 Steps to Escape Your 9-5 Job If You Don’t Want to Work

Before we start, I want to clarify what I mean by “Not wanting to work.”

It means, that I don’t want to exhaust myself. I want to roll out of bed at 8 am then go to a workout class at 9 am. I want to spend my time as I please while keeping my workload to a minimum.

Working consistently, burns me out. I have no desire to prove my worth through productivity, nor do I have any desire to engage in hustle culture. I’m sure many of us can relate to feeling like the pressure to perform is exhausting. This is likely why, “soft life” is the latest trend on social media and has taken the girlies on Tiktok by storm.

In this new soft life era apparently, no one has a job and everyone is a "sahm" or "sahgf". While I understand the desire to escape the matrix and have a man you can fully depend on. Creating a more balanced and fulfilling life does not have to solely depend on your partner (though it helps!).

At the end of the day we still all want money! So how can we create an abundant life while still having a work-life balance?

Step 1: Be willing to make sacrifices

There is no such thing as something for nothing. Get that out of your head! I know we sometimes want to be saved, but unfortunately, life isn’t always a fairytale. Everything that we desire in life requires us to give up something else.

Do you want a better body? Give up junk food and exercise more. Do you want a better man? Give up your dust! To bring in the new we have to get rid of the old. If you want a soft life you’re going to have to strategize and be willing to give up what is no longer serving you.

Step 2: Find a passion you can monetize

*major key*

As the saying goes, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life”. Find something you enjoy doing, then figure out how you, can earn money from it. Are you good at doing hair? Become a hairdresser. Are you the best dressed in your circle? Become a virtual stylist. I promise you, for whatever talent you have there are people willing to pay you for it!

For myself, I love teaching and writing! Blogging is a great way to share my expertise, create passive income, and create the life of my dreams that don’t necessarily depend on me going into a job. Also, you can make money blogging with a relatively small audience.

Check out my blog post "Make Money When your Young, Pretty & Ambitious." For more on this topic.

Step 3: Invest, invest, invest

*Another major key*

We all need money to survive. There’s no way around it! Ideally, we would live a life where money isn’t an issue and if that is your goal you have to start investing ASAP! By investing in assets eventually, those assets will make you money.

For example, invest in stocks like the S&P 500 (which is an index fund that is essentially many companies in one stock). Invest in stocks that will grow over time and make you more money than you bought them for. There are tons of ways to start investing: choose one!

A few types of investments

Real estate

Stocks

Businesses

If living a soft life is a priority to you start today with these steps that will eventually allow you to either fully retire or work minimally. If you don’t, you’ll just be stuck doing something you don’t enjoy or waiting for prince charming to come and save you.

©Chichiscloset 2023

[ranjith11]

Don’t say these things to your partner when they’re writing a book | SummitPressPublishers

Don’t say these things to your partner when they’re writing a book 📚 Are you supporting your partner on their journey to become an author? Join us for an enlightening discussion on the dos and don'ts of communicating with your loved one as they write their book!

[histhoughtslately]

Choose wisely…

#navigateyourwater

[saintescuderia]

some thoughts on the beef...

now, i will preface this by the admission: i did my masters thesis on kendrick lamar.

so the bias runs deep. from the moment in 2013 when i first listened to bitch, don't kill my vibe and realised he'd perfectly encapsulated the idea of get your noise away from me, kendrick became a key figure for me. my entire adolescence was characterised by the releases of to pimp a butterfly and DAMN.

i was born and raised christian, but i only started to fully explore that after listening to faith.

i was born and raised in an egyptian household, but i only started to fully identify with what that means after complexion.

my highschool teacher once said to us that there will be no amount of growth in a time period unlike from your 18th to your 21st. and i can testify this. DAMN came out when i turned 18. mr morale and the big steppers came out after i finished being 21.

and, as always, kendrick knew what i needed. that a song about the lifelong affects of trauma and dealing with grief, with pain, with shame. i remember listening to mother i sober for the first time and bursting into tears on my bedroom floor because i never thought he would actually go where i needed him the most.

and now, we're here. that dr*ke is a pedophile. i won't censor that word, but i will censor his name. his artist name deserves no more respect. if anything, it should be that aubrey is a pedophile. and whilst these allegations still need to be proved to be true with evidence, i think it's worth noting something.

kendrick's suffered from the affects of abuse. why would he make light of it and throw them around so carelessly?

if anything, we've seen how nothing he does is careless. everything is so carefully thought out, so methodically thought out with even the most minute details being considered with the utmost deliberation.

aside from that, there's too much pain for that to be the case.

this could've been a good example of the sport. it's what it started out as. it's not worth going through all the subtle disses kendrick has dished out in his career. if anything, his pulitzer prize should be enough proof that a rap diss could remain as is; a rap diss.

but this wasn't a mere rap diss. this was mr morale in action and providing a real life example of the stories and themes he explores in his songs. the affects of unchecked corruption within the self. the affects of generational trauma and how the cycle continues - unless you stop and look in the mirror.

-- + -- + --

we should've known

how a son was finally shown

like the apple with the bruise

it's all coming loose

treat the world like your whore

only for it to reveal

your rotten core

(pls, seek him. heal.)

[ourflagmeansgayrights]

i think the second you start putting together a list of the writers and what their gender/sexuality identities are for the sake of proving the ofmd writers room isn’t as queer as you think it should be you’re already in too deep. the fact that an izzy fan did all that AND went even FURTHER and just openly assumed everyone was cishet if they couldn’t immediately find evidence otherwise is beyond parody. i can’t even find it in me to be upset or anything i’m just amazed at how little self-awareness some ppl have. how do you type all that up and post it without ever stopping to think “wait is this a shitty thing i’m doing” like babe what is WRONG with you

[juan-francisco-palencia]

May my words accompany you.

"In all of us there is a great feeling that gives the strength necessary to kindle love called embrace. The embrace is an emotion that manifests the soul and widens the heart".

—  Juan Francisco Palencia