#aws training for beginners

[running-in-the-dark]

over the past few days I've switched from watching lots of cleaning videos (which was good because they made me want to clean - though that effect is still there for now) to sewing videos (which is very very bad because now I want to sew more and get a sewing machine that actually works right (I got mine used for like 50€ and it's very basic and a lot of things just keep breaking/not working (which is probably at least in part because I don't know enough about using it correctly)))

[iihtsuratsblog]

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[the-offside-rule]

Pato O'Ward (Arrow McLaren) - The Skater and the Indy Driver

Day 12 of Christmas

Prompt: A driver and his Olympic Girlfriend

25 Days of Christmas

The rink was alive with the sounds of skates gliding over the ice and the faint music that filled the air. Y/n, a professional figure skater and Olympic silver medalist, moved with grace and precision, her movements fluid and effortless. She twirled and spun, each motion a display of her years of training and passion. The audience, friends, family, and fellow skaters, watched in awe, but her attention was elsewhere, fixed on the corner of the rink where her boyfriend, Pato, was attempting to find his footing.

Pato was a talented racing driver, known for his speed on the track, but the ice was a different story. He wobbled uncertainly, gripping the edge of the rink like it was a life raft. Y/n couldn’t help but chuckle as she skated closer to him. "You look like you’re about to topple over!" He shot her a playful glare, his cheeks flushed. "Hey, I’m getting the hang of it!" He took a deep breath, determined to prove himself. "I can’t be the guy who needs a frame." He muttered, glancing at the little plastic frames beginners often used.

Y/n smiled sympathetically. "It’s okay to use one if you’re just starting out. It helps!" She reached for a frame, but as she did, Pato’s eyes caught sight of a little girl gracefully spinning in front of him, her laughter ringing out like music. Suddenly, a spark of determination ignited in Pato. "No way! I’m not going to be that guy." He pushed away the frame and squared his shoulders, trying to look confident. "I can do this!"

"Alright, Ricky Bobby." Y/n said with a grin, stepping closer. "But maybe you need a little help?" Without waiting for his response, she took his hands and led him onto the ice. With a gentle pull, she began to glide him around the rink, her movements smooth and encouraging. Pato felt his confidence grow as he found his balance, swaying gently to the rhythm of Y/n’s graceful glides. "This isn’t so bad." He laughed, his initial fears melting away. He watched Y/n as she effortlessly maneuvered around him, her laughter infectious.

But just as he was getting comfortable, Pato’s foot slipped out from under him. "Whoa!" He shouted, and before he could right himself, he grabbed Y/n’s waist in a desperate attempt to stay upright. In a split second, they both went down, Pato landing on his back with Y/n tumbling down on top of him. A collective gasp came from the audience, quickly followed by a ripple of laughter as they found themselves in a heap on the ice.

Y/n looked up at Pato, her face just inches from his, and burst into giggles. "Oh, that was graceful." She teased, trying to catch her breath. Pato groaned but couldn’t help but join in her laughter. "I’m pretty sure I just saved an Olypmic medalist from a career ending injury." He joked, his eyes sparkling with mirth. "Well, it’s lucky you’re a racing driver and not a figure skater." Y/n shot back, feigning offense as she pushed herself up, playfully nudging him. Pato mockingly clutched his chest in dramatic disbelief. "How very dare you!" He exclaimed, grinning widely. "I’ll have you know I’m quite athletic!"

They both eventually managed to stand, still chuckling as they skated to the edge of the rink. Out of breath and still giggling, they decided to take a break, stepping off the ice. "I think I need a hot chocolate." Pato said, shaking his head in disbelief as he leaned against the rink wall. "Let’s go get one, then." Y/n replied, smiling at him with warmth. "And next time, we’ll try the ice together without any falls."

[momo-minomo]

Fic Fairy Friday: Duke Thomas is a Wayne

(Please ignore that the comic artist decided to draw Jason like he's 14 and not, at the VERY least 19 lol. I just love seeing the Batbros snarking at each other.)

I felt bad that I missed a couple weeks with these while I was sick, so I decided to drop two for this Friday (even tho it's barely still Friday lol) Hope you enjoy!

Duke does NOT get enough love from this fandom. Admittedly I don't know him or his comics nearly as well as I'd like to but it drives me nuts how the fandom treats him like the straight-laced normal kid being drawn into the batfam's chaos. Like... have you even MET Duke?! He and Tim are similar levels of unhinged. He grew up in a loving family but in the Narrows, the poorest neighborhood in Gotham. At 13 he planned to take on the Riddler himself when the man was holding the city hostage but his family saved Batman's ass so he promised Duke he'd take care of it instead. At 15 he formed and led the We Are Robin gang to fight crime in homemade Robin uniforms. He became REALLY good friends with Damian and earned his respect enough that Damian would join the Robin gang and help train them. This is NOT the goody two shoes kid trying to get the others to not go crazy. He's jumping right in with the rest of them! He may not live with Bruce or be officially adopted in the mainline canon but all of the Wayne family have counted him as a brother and son multiple times.

So here's a batch of fics of Duke being a member of the Batfamily just like any other Wayne kid.

The Fic Fairy Friday Masterpost

Emergency rooms and chicken nuggets by Lilac_hyacinth

Summary:

“So…” Duke drawled, sounding suspiciously wide-awake for the day shift kid at two-thirty in the morning. “If I said Damian and I are in a bit of trouble, on a scale of Jason to Cass, how likely are you to kill us?” Clearing his throat and rubbing his eyes to try to wake himself up, Tim grimaced. “What the fuck did you do?” “Nothing.” Or Tim and Bernard get out of bed at two in the morning to go across town and pick up Tim's reckless little brothers.

Momo's Notes: We don't often get to see Tim in the big brother role so I love this, Duke calling his big brother to get him and Damian out of trouble when they got went against Bruce's standing orders on a patrol together. There's a great scene in this between Tim and Duke where Duke is struggling with the fact that Damian, his baby brother, got hurt on his watch and his hero worship for the older Robins making him feel inadequate, like his older siblings would never have made the mistakes he did. It's just a great snapshot of the Batfamily BEING a family with Duke a solid member of it. Bonus points for the really sweet TimBer in this. I'm kinda meh on Bernard as a character but he's amazing in this one.

Twenty Cents Short of a Dollar by gender_bender08

Summary:

So, yeah. Duke knows his people ain’t alright. They don’t talk about it, ‘cuz they don’t really talk about anything, even though the teacher of the beginner psychology class he’s in says that acknowledging a problem exists is the first step to fixing it. He knows his people ain’t alright, but it hasn’t really hit him ‘til he’s standing in the entrance of the chemist, a stack of prescriptions in his hand all stapled together so he doesn’t lose any.

Momo's Notes: This is one I've read multiple times, I love how much Duke loves his family even as he sees how damaged and broken they all are. He wants so badly to help them through their trauma even as he's scared because he loves being Signal and loves this family of his heroes that opened their heart and home to him but this life is going to break him just like it did them. I highly recommend this one.

Strange Bedfellows by snackbaskets

Summary:

Little known fact about bats: they're AWFUL at sleeping alone. At least, the ones in the Manor seem to be, if the half-conscious kind-of-maybe siblings using Duke as a body pillow are any indication. When did he sign up for this?

Momo's Notes: This fic had me kicking my feet in happiness. Duke's newly adopted in the Batfam and feeling overwhelmed so he is NOT prepared for the manor rules of enforced cuddling during hard nights by certified badass Stephanie Brown and the terrifying Red Hood. But maybe they're on to something, and maybe it IS kinda comforting. Bonus points on this one for the gorgeous writing. Like... just LOOK at this sentence! Fucking beautiful.

"Gotham clung to his words like the smog of the city did to the clouds, as if the essence of the place had made its home in Jason’s very lungs, made thicker and low by the sleep in his throat."

Invisible Helper by Listentothelittlebird

Summary:

Duke was in the area, so naturally, Oracle called on his help on behalf of Black Lightning. Jeff just wanted to do a recon.

Momo's Notes: This is a very short one, a part of the Code Bat series where no one outside of the Batfam knows they're a family. He's only with the main Batfam at the end but while he's still learning as a vigilante he's fully comfortable with his place in the family at this point. I love that Duke is finding his feet on this, being teased by Oracle, and just sharing in the excitement of stepping out as his own hero outside of Gotham with his family.

Here's a Reminder (That You Haven't Fallen Through the Cracks) by popsunner

Summary:

If it’s a salesperson, he’ll shove them a hundred dollar tip and tell them to go away, if it’s some religious do gooder, he’ll direct them to Metropolis. If it’s a Rogue, he’ll tell them he’s busy and to please get in the fucking line. If it’s one of his siblings-- “Hey, Tim!” Dick says brightly, forearm braced against the doorframe. Dammit.

Momo's Notes: Duke only shows up towards the end, but I love how casual he is with everyone. He's a Wayne sibling showing up with his sister and brothers to force Tim to take care of himself for once. Duke's idea of hanging out is also so in character considering how much he despised cops and is a great example of Tim and Duke being equally chaotic and mischievous. lol

Savior by saturn_saturniidae

Summary:

When Tim says some concerning things while high on Fear Gas, Duke takes it upon himself to make sure Tim knows how much he’s needed and loved.

Momo's Notes: I love fics that explore the idea of Tim being Duke's Robin. It makes sense, Tim would have been the Robin Duke grew up and, as you see in the fic, he experienced living in a Gotham where Batman had lost his Robin and the darkness that caused. So here's Duke comforting his brother, his Robin, after a fear gas exposure.

Big Damn Heroes by Zahri

Summary:

The call came in just after lunch. 246S. School shooting. Duke hasn’t worked one as the Signal, yet. (It’s different, from this angle)

Momo's Notes: TRIGGER WARNING for talk of a school shooting and the trauma of surviving one. Tim and Duke have the unfortunate shared experience of surviving a school shooting. This fic deals with that mutual trauma and how the Batfam both protects and supports each other while still tackling these same traumatic events happening again when they're supposed to stop it.

Gender? In THIS Economy? by Sohotthateveryonedied

Summary:

Duke is questioning stuff and goes to Tim for advice.

Momo's Notes: It's me, so I had to include at least one lgbtq Batfam fic lol. This has nonbinary Duke getting comfort and advice from trans ftm Tim. ❤️

[vee-vee-writes]

Bilbo's Little Sapling (Bilbo’s Daughter POV)

Request by @that-teen2003: "Reader (adult) is bilbos daughter (yes biological) readers mother and bilbo had a one night stand and reader was given to bilbo. When the company arrived to bilbos they all take notice of some things not really meant for a hobbit hole, but they don’t question bilbo. Once everyone is there they bring up how bilbo will help them, but he says no because he has his baby girl to look after. The company along with Gandalf and shocked, bilbo goes on and says his little sapling cant be alone. They all here this and slightly back off, but still persistent, but image there shock when his daughter walks through the door, taller then Gandalf and bloody from the deer she hunted. She ends up joining her father one the quest, but not without a few of the dwarfs flirting with her along the way, as well as them finding out how scary a father hobbit can be when it comes to his daughter."

Notes: This is a companion piece to the original request. I hope you enjoy it :3

Original request here

Unusual was probably the understatement of the year when it came to you. While he loved you, Bilbo was awful at keeping his distress over your lack of interest in settling into the bookish life he lived. Prim and proper merriment was the way of the hobbit and yet you had always found yourself attracted to danger and adventure. There was little of to be found in the Shire, so you’d learnt to make your own fun years ago. Frolicking through the woods, climbing the biggest trees you could find, gathering wild fruits, nuts, and berries, swimming in the lazy river current, and, your favourite, hunting game. You’d started off small, trapping small game. After stumbling across an old dusty book shoved into a long-forgotten corner in your local library you had taken a keen interest in the sport. Your love had only grown from there and after mastering small traps you’d set your sights on bigger prey.

Unfortunately, you’d found yourself woefully inadequate with both short and long bow. So, after telling your father you were off to visit some relatives in Buckleberry, you had made off to Bree and enlisted some local help. After parting with some coin at the local smithy you had been set up with the proper equipment for someone of your stature. Hunting equipment was rare in the Shire, even rarer for someone as tall as you. It took time to find someone willing to teach you to use it, most gave you the once over and then went back to their business. But you had found an old city guard who had migrated to Bree from some distant place for a quieter life. After paying good coin to the man, you had spent several days in his company training. While by the end you were by no means an expert, or anything other than a beginner really, you had begun to grasp the basics. It wasn’t like you could really stay much longer either, if your father somehow found out what you’d been up to you were certain he’d have died on the spot. Bilbo Baggins was known to have a flair for the dramatics of course. So, you’d bid farewell to your new friend and set off for the weeklong trek home, ready to put your skills to the test on the way there. 

—— Time skip ——

Though you had been gone a little over two weeks something seemed different about Bag End as you approached it. Wiping the blood out of your eyes you shifted the wait of the buck on your back so that you had a spare hand free to unlatch the gate. The soft glow of candlelight out of one of the windows struck you. Bilbo was a hobbit of routine and by this time he was almost always tucked up in his favourite armchair doing some light reading. Stepping through the gate you ventured closer, eyes flickering around the entrance for any changes. That was when you spotted it, an odd mark scratched into the door. This certainly hadn’t been there when you left, you were sure you’d have noticed it. Panic flared up and with a mighty shove the buck was abandoned on the doorstep as you grasped for the hilt of your hunting knife. It was still slippery with the odd droplet of blood you had missed when giving it a quick clean after your kill. You’d only injured the buck with your first shot and quickly decided it would be unfair to keep shooting until you landed the final blow. Instead, you’d unsheathed your knife and slit its throat. You’d hadn’t anticipated the blood that had sprayed up over you nor the continued dripping over you as you’d carried it home. 

Grasping the brass knob in the middle of the door you wrenched it open, flinging it as you rushed in hoping to take the intruder off guard. Stepping into the warmth of Bag End you ran down the hall towards the dining room. Hushed baritone voices met your ears as your long legs carried you towards them. The backs of several figures came into view, including your father’s familiar waste coated figure. He didn’t seem to be in any trouble but was holding himself in an unusually meek way. “Who the hell are you and what are you doing here?” you yelled out fiercely as you skidded into their view. Each figure whipped around to meet you and fifteen pairs of eyes landed startled onto your figure, each taking in the sight of your wild bloodied form.

[lovelytsunoda]

vermont // daniel ricciardo

summary: the ski trip sounded all well and good in theory. except for the fact that she would rather be in the chalet than on the slopes. so when she gets stuck on a ski lift and starts to hyperventilate, danny is the one to calm her down.

pairing: daniel ricciardo x female!reader

warnings: anxiety attack, fear of heights/vertigo, best wingwoman chloe, delusional and oblivious scotty, use of ‘pretty girl’, it feels kind of rushed and I don’t know how I feel about the ending-

she should have told chloe to come on the trip without her. she should have admitted she’s never been skiing before. but when she tried, scotty convinced her to come along anyways, because as far as the aussie was concerned “anybody can learn, it’s easy!”.

and yet, here she was, staring at the ski suit laid out on her double bed, rethinking every life choice she’d ever made leading up to this point.

her hands rubbed the fabric of her maroon turtleneck, teasing her bottom lip between her teeth.

god, this was such and awful idea.

there was a knock on her door, chloe’s voice carrying through. “y/n! are you ready yet? we’re heading down to the slopes!”

“coming out in just a second!” she called, hastily pulling the jacket over her clothes.

____

it was a nice enough day outside: the sun was bright, and the air warmer than expected for vermont in early december, a thick dusting of snow on the slopes as she tromped ungracefully over to the ski rental, where scotty and chloe were waiting with lance and his girlfriend marilou.

"there she is!" scotty shouts. "ready to put your skis on?"

"hang on, don't we have to wait for someone? we're missing a few people." she said nervously, trying desperately to put off the inevitable, even though she had promised chloe that she would at least try to get out of her shell this weekend

marilou nodded. "just daniel. knowing him, he's slept in and forgotten the plan, or he got distracted on his way out."

ah, yes. daniel ricciardo.

the man who made her heart skip three beats, the one person in their small, small friend group who always somehow managed to calm her down, remind her that the world wasn't so bad or scary and that everything would be okay in the end.

“well, we can’t start without the life of the party!” she said it too quickly, no doubt her nerves were showing.

there were so many winter activities they could have picked. so why skiing? why the one thing she’d sworn she’d never ever ever do?

“don’t need to wait guys!” when the sound of daniel ricciardos aussie drawl carried across the wind, she squeezed her eyes shut, resisting the urge to scream an expletive. “I’m right here, sorry I’m late!”

chloe shot her a sympathetic glance as the boys fist bumped each other and the crew turned in the direction of the ski lift.

“you’ll do fine!” the canadian encouraged, looping her arm around her best friend. “skiing is easy, it’s all downhill!”

y/n narrows her eyes. “it’s the not knowing how to balance or steer and accidentally crashing into things I’m better off not crashing into.”

chloe laughed, shaking her head as she patted y/n's shoulder. "don't think like that! just come and enjoy the outdoors with us!"

but despite it all, despite the friendly energy of the trip, the good vibes all around, she couldn't help but feel like she was intruding on a couple's trip: chloe and scotty, lance and marilou. daniel and . . . wait, he came alone too, didn't he?

but she didn't have time to think about it before she was strapped in to a pair of ski's, scotty's hands at her back to push her down the training hill.

it only took like....twenty tries before she figured it out, her skis sailing through the snow like butter as she finally managed to stay upright for the third run in a row. she was really getting the hang of it, she thought, pride swelling in her chest.

"nice job, y/n!" daniel shouted, having just come down one of the hills next to her smaller, beginner hill. "you're a natural!"

at the sound of praise dripping from daniel's lips, she felt her face go pink, and she was certain that it wasn't just from the cold, and that there was something more to it.

"oh, well, i've been practicing a lot. i feel kind of bad, actually, for monopolizing all of scotty's time. keeping him away from his wife and all that." she coughed to clear her throat, one gloved hand smoothing her hair back under the pom-pom toque she was wearing on top of her head.

daniel laughed. a big, hearty laugh that sent butterflies afloat in her chest, the kind of infectious laughter that could bring a smile to anybody's face.

"why don't you come up to the other hill with me, and we try you on something a little bigger?"

she turned her head in the direction daniel was gesturing, and she felt her stomach drop to the floor. "no way, not a chance. that's too high, my dude. what if is break my neck?"

scotty skidded to a stop in front of her, moving to look at the mountain. “no, no, that’s a good starter mountain is you want to move up to something bigger! go for it!”

while daniel cheered, y/n groaned, cursing inwardly.

beside her, lance laughed “you’ll have to move up to a bigger hill eventually, y/n. it’s okay to be scared.”

“I’m not scared!” okay, maybe she was. just a little bit.

the group headed towards the ski lifts, filing in in sets of two, each pair heading for a different level hill. scotty and chloe headed for one of the most advanced, marilou and lance heading for a hill that was somewhere in the middle.

and that meant that is she wanted company on her hill, she would be stuck with daniel.

“after you, milady.” daniel chuckled, gesturing to the ski carriage, allowing her to slide in first, the aussie settling next to her.

the bar snapped down, the lift beginning on its way to take the skiers up the mountain. from this high up, the view across the slopes was actually quite nice: evergreens dusted in snow, ant-sized people in bright coats making their way down mountains.

until she stopped looking eye level, and found her eyes drifting downwards, stomach slammed instantly with vertigo.

yep, she was never doing that again.

“you okay?” daniel asked, concerned when he watched her scrunch her face up, eyes screwed shut.

“yep, yep. just trying not to look down.” she was gripping the chest bar so tightly that she was certain her knuckles were white underneath her gloves.

daniel frowned, reaching for her hand. “it’s okay to be scared of heights. is this why you didn’t want to come up the mountain?”

“maybe. that, and the fear of making a fool out of myself.” She was tight lipped as she answered, still keeping her eyes closed.

but now, she only felt like her heart would beat out if her chest because of the hand on top of hers, not the fall to the ground.

“we’re almost at the top, and then your skis will be on solid ground again.”

she slowly opened her eyes. “thank you.”

over the hum of the lift, she heard a groaning, and then a snap. the ski lift stuttered to a stop, and she couldn’t stop the terrified shriek that left her parted lips, one gloved hand reaching to squeeze the life out of daniels arm.

“hey, hey!” daniel shouted, trying to be heard over other panicked skiers. “look at me, look at me. can you do that?”

her chest was getting tight, body frozen with fear. she couldn’t open her eyes, limbs made of lead as she clung to the man next to her in the lift

“I-I don’t think I can, danny.”

“yeah you can. just focus on me, not the way the carriage is moving, and not what’s below you.” his voice was soothing, grounding. enough that she was able to turn her head slightly and open her eyes to face him.

“see, that wasn’t so hard, was it, pretty girl?”

“no.” her voice was stil shaky as she stared into daniels eyes, feeling suddenly like he could see every part of her. every secret, every long held and unspoken truth.

and she liked it.

“just keep your breathing steady, and we will be out of here before you know it.” his voice started level and calm, his breath curling up into mist in the air.

“promise me?”

daniel leaned in, his soft lips warm against her forehead. the simple action, not quite a kiss but not that innocent either, set her skin ablaze in pink again, warmth spreading through her frozen appendages, from the tip of her nose to the ends of her fingertips.

“I promise.” daniel assured her, his gloved thumb rubbing reassuring circles on her skin.

she wasn’t sure how long they had been sitting like that when the lift whirred to life again, the carriage shakily confusing it’s ascent up the hill. realizing that the lift was moving again, she pulled away from danny, averting her eyes, looking anywhere except the man who had just held her so tenderly.

she shook her head, pulling her ski goggles back down over her eyes. “sorry, I don’t know where that came from.”

“don’t apologize, pretty girl.” daniel said softly. “you were scared. and I liked knowing that I could make you feel better. I care about you, y/n. as more than a friend.”

she paused, pulling her goggles back up. “you do?”

daniel beamed. “of course I do, and I’d love to get to know you better.”

“buy me a hot chocolate if I make it down the hill one piece?” she suggested, gently placing a hand on his forearm.

the lift reached the top of the hill, the bar raising and allowing the pair to slide off the metal chair, Danny’s hand in hers as he took the lead, guiding her towards the slope.

“and if I make it to the bottom first, you have to kiss me.” danny wagered, a mischevious look in his eyes as he flicked his goggles down.

y/n laughed, inching towards the slope like bambi on ice, all shaky legs and flailing limbs. “i think I ’ll take you up on that, ricciardo!”

TAGS:

@magnummagnussen @libraryofloveletters @thatsdemko @lorarri @userlando @silverstonesainz @cartierre @love4lando @sidcrosbyspuck @silversainz

[lia404]

(tl;dr: this is just a long ramble, me trying to convince myself that I need to stop feeling so shy and inaccurate about my bookbinding and that sharing my photos and talking about my projects is valid.)

As I'm preparing Binderary, I've contacted authors of my favourite fanfics to make sure they didn't mind me adding their stories to my bookshelf, posting photos And, if they're interested, to send them a copy (if funds allow; being on the verge of becoming a redundancy does put a question mark to it. It's still something I very much want to make a part of my ethics.)

I tried to build a script for when I contact said authors (and maybe you noticed already, if I've contacted you): a comment in which I desperately try to explain my approach and show I'm a reliable and passionate fanbinder. I swear I'm a writer, but I cringe every time I try to put words on this. I have this huge feeling of illegitimacy, of someone who needs to apologise before I even started the process of binding. I feel like I have to justify everything, in a "don't be afraid, this is a nice project I swear, look here are a billion references that make my message all the more overwhelming" kind of way. I also feel like I'm getting everyone's hopes up, because so many fanbinded books I've seen are gorgeous, while mine are terrible. There's glue everywhere; the pages are printed sideways; the ink bled; the hinges and squares are uneven. Everything is a "prototype" because I don't dare call it a book.

I am immensely grateful for the kindness of the authors I contacted, who were all so accepting, encouraging, and even enthusiastic (although this last one makes me nervous, because as mentioned above: expectations, oh no.)

Now that I have completed some personal projects, I know from experience that photos should not always be trusted, that gorgeous projects have their flaws too, and as such, that mine have a right to be wonky and uneven.

An example: the very first notebook I binded.

I took an old notebook I didn't like the cover of, destroyed it, re-sewed the signatures, added these "Flower Power" pages from a decorated pad I bought for something else completely, and then fought for my life against glue and the paper I picked for the cover.

It does not look awful, if you see the photo from afar. I know multiple people around me said it was nice.

The truth of it:

My cover tore, and I had to add a ribbon to vaguely hide it. Except I didn't have a ribbon that fit. So I added a torn ribbon over a torn cover, adding glue everywhere.

It's even worse on the other side, where you also see that my book case is completely crooked and the squares are so uneven it's almost funny. There's one centimeter of difference here.

As the case would not stick, I added glue and ended up wrapping the endpages INSIDE the cover, rather than glueing them above. The paper tore. Beginner's mistakes.

But hey, the glue makes it shiny, and wrapping looks like I wrapped a present! How fancy.

And yet, when you don't know about it, with the right light and the right untrained eye, it actually looks somewhat nice.

I'm not exactly proud of the result of this first attempt, although I'm really proud I managed to complete the first attempt itself. But I didn't learn from these first mistakes, no. I kept making them again and again, so much so that I gave up doing it by myself only and ended up attending a short bookbinding workshop. (Possibly my best decision of 2024.)

Having access to actually good material with a trained teacher definitely helped. The results look better—and yet.

Look, this one I did last year is so pretty:

The paper cover is gorgeous, and so are the endpapers.

And it's a rounded spine, too, so that's quite fancy. I've had so many people compliment it, and yet...

...yeah. Even with my teacher supervising me in the workshop, it seems like squares are not my friends. It's a good half centimeter here, which on such a small format of notebook actually makes a noticeable difference—that no one notices when they stick to the first photos, the ones that made people go "oooh" and "aaah" and received compliments.

Bottom line: I am an amateur, I am legitimate and not inaccurate as such, and I need to stop feeling shy about sharing my bookbinding photos here. (I do need to learn to take photos, though.)

I've been binding more and more notebooks lately, and made "prototypes", and learnt a lot. And now, I have received the approval of many writers who are eager to see their stories turned into physical books (and I'm eager too) so I know I can proceed with my experiments. Maybe they even won't feel (too) robbed when they see the result.

I'm still looking for a nice/funny/fitting name for my press. Once I have it, I'll likely do a separate blog specifically for my experiments and actual bindings. I am hopeful that having a blog serving as a portfolio will help in feeling more legitimate when I end up contacting more creators, because there are TONS of stories I want on my bookshelves. I've been trying to handmake books since I was five (there was a lot of adhesive tape involved back then), experimenting a lot along the way, until over 25 years later when I stumbled upon Renegade Bindery and reached the "anyone can make books!" mindset.

A few years later, let's be real: NOT anyone can make books. Why is this hobby so expensive in money, time, energy and room? My apartment is small, my bank account will likely not enjoy the job redundancy, and god knows my time and energy were already quite scarce before this.

But I proved myself that I can make books, and people don't seem to hate it? And maybe I can give back to authors who spent hours and hours and hours writing story that kept me going through all these years. Even if my squares are uneven, my pages are cut sideways and my my glue stains are impossible to hide.

So here we are. This was my first post about bookbinding, and most of all fanbinding. Now, onto finding a nice name for my press, before I can finally share photos of my lovely mess.

[devopscourses1]

Top 10 Training Centers in Bangalore for Skill Development

Training Centers in Bangalore

Bangalore, often called the Silicon Valley of India, is not just a hub for IT giants but also a growing epicenter for skill development and professional training. With the increasing demand for tech-savvy, creatively skilled, and industry-ready professionals, the city has witnessed a massive surge in training institutes offering courses across various domains.

From software development and data science to creative arts, Bangalore caters to individuals seeking to upgrade their skills or transition into new careers. The rise of software courses, coding courses, and DevOps certifications has made Bangalore a go-to destination for students, job seekers, and working professionals alike.

As we step into 2025, the importance of structured learning through certified training centers has become paramount, especially in a competitive job market. Let’s dive into how to pick the right training institute and explore the top 10 training centers in Bangalore helping learners stay ahead of the curve.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Training Center

Before enrolling in any skill development course, it’s essential to evaluate a training center based on a few critical aspects:

1. Course Relevance and Curriculum

Ensure the course content aligns with current industry requirements. Whether it's an Azure DevOps Course, Data Science Certificate, or a Linux System Administration Course, the curriculum should be updated regularly.

2. Experienced Trainers

Look for institutes with certified and experienced trainers who have practical, hands-on knowledge in their respective fields.

3. Placement Support

Centers offering placement assistance or internship opportunities post-training can significantly improve job prospects.

4. Flexible Learning Formats

Choose a center that offers Classroom Training, online learning, or a blended model, depending on your preferences.

5. Reputation and Reviews

Check Google ratings, student testimonials, and alumni success stories to gauge the reputation of the center.

6. Certifications Offered

Opt for courses that provide industry-recognized certificates such as Azure DevOps Certification, Data Science Certificate Programs, or AWS DevOps Certification.

Top Training Centers for IT and Software Development

1. JSpiders – Rajajinagar

Known for its Java and software testing courses, JSpiders is a top-rated institute for freshers looking to enter the IT sector. The institute offers structured training, mock interviews, and placement drives.

Popular Courses: Java, Selenium Testing, Manual Testing Key Highlights: 100% placement support for entry-level IT jobs.

2. Besant Technologies – Marathahalli

A leading name for software courses and IT certifications, Besant Technologies offers a wide array of in-demand programs.

Popular Courses: Python, AWS, DevOps Course in Bangalore, Full Stack Development Key Highlights: Real-time project experience and online/offline classes.

3. KodNest – BTM Layout

KodNest focuses on turning fresh graduates into industry-ready developers. Their training includes aptitude, programming, and personality development.

Popular Courses: Core Java, Web Development, Python Key Highlights: Job-oriented training for beginners with placement assistance.

4. Upskill Technologies – HSR Layout

This center is popular among working professionals looking to upskill or switch domains. Their courses are designed to meet current industry standards.

Popular Courses: Azure DevOps Training Online, Python for Data Science, Automation Testing Key Highlights: Expert trainers, practical labs, and certification prep.

5. Kodestree – Kundalahalli Gate

Kodestree stands out for its Best IT Courses, focusing on both beginners and advanced learners. From Data Science Courses in Bangalore to Azure Cloud DevOps, Kodestree covers a wide spectrum of trending technologies.

Popular Courses:

Data Science Course in Bangalore with Placement

Azure DevOps Advanced Online Course

Software Development Courses

Linux System Administration Course

Key Highlights:

Offline classes in Bangalore

Expert trainers with industry experience

Focus on career-building certifications

Excellent student support and practical learning

We’ll elaborate more about Kodestree at the end of this blog.

Specialized Skill Development Centers for Creative Arts

While IT and software dominate Bangalore’s training scene, creative industries are also booming with high-quality institutes catering to design, animation, and digital media.

6. Arena Animation – Jayanagar

This center has been instrumental in shaping creative minds through professional training in animation and design.

Popular Courses: Graphic Design, 3D Animation, Visual Effects Key Highlights: Job-ready portfolio development and industry networking.

7. ZICA (Zee Institute of Creative Art) – Indiranagar

Known for its immersive programs, ZICA combines creativity with technology, preparing students for media and entertainment careers.

Popular Courses: 2D/3D Animation, Game Design, Film Making Key Highlights: Studio-based training and career guidance.

8. MAAC – Koramangala

MAAC has a strong presence in creative training with its specialized curriculum for animation and multimedia.

Popular Courses: Multimedia, VFX, Broadcast Design Key Highlights: High-end infrastructure and experienced mentors.

Emerging Trends in Skill Training and Development

1. AI-Driven Learning

Training centers are now integrating AI tools and chatbots to create personalized learning journeys, enhancing student engagement and performance tracking.

2. Remote and Hybrid Learning

Post-pandemic, many institutions now offer online software courses, allowing learners to study from anywhere while still accessing live sessions, recordings, and peer collaboration.

3. Project-Based Learning

Courses now emphasize hands-on projects, simulating real-world challenges. This is especially prominent in data science programs, DevOps courses, and software development courses.

4. Micro-Credentials and Short-Term Certifications

Short courses with immediate certifications, like Azure DevOps Certification or Data Analyst Course in Bangalore, are helping professionals gain quick, tangible skills without long-term commitment.

5. Integration of Soft Skills Training

Employers today value communication and problem-solving abilities alongside technical know-how. Institutes now bundle soft skills and interview preparation within technical courses.

Conclusion: Invest in the Right Skills with Kodestree

Bangalore is a city of endless opportunities — but to make the most of it, choosing the right training center is crucial. Whether you’re a fresher stepping into the tech world, a working professional looking to upgrade, or a creative aspirant chasing your passion, there's a place for you.

Among the many options, Kodestree has emerged as one of the most reliable names for IT training and software courses. With its top-tier Data Science Classes in Bangalore, Azure DevOps Training Online, and Best Coding Courses, Kodestree blends expert mentorship with real-time practice and job-oriented learning.

Ready to level up your skills? Explore industry-leading courses at Kodestree — your trusted partner for skill development in Bangalore. 👉 Visit Kodestree or call +91-7015941166 to talk to a counselor today!

[todreamadream]

Gwynriel One-Shot: Hair Disaster

Azriel walked into the training ring a little earlier than usual to set up for a new exercise he thought of last night. He knew it would hex the pretty Priestess and it was with that thought he fell into slumber, dreaming of her bottomless teal eyes. 

He expected the cool chill in the air and the foggy morning, he expected to see Gwyn who typically comes early to get ahead, but he did not expect to see his brother kneeling behind the teal-eyes Valkyrie. Cassian’s hands were entangled in knots within her coppery strands, his head bent over the mess. He was muttering curses under her breath and Gwyn was covering her laugh at him struggling. 

‘Well, well, you never told me you were a hair stylist Cass. If I knew sooner I would’ve booked an appointment.’ 

His brother continued and ignored him. Rude. 

‘Shadowsinger, run while you still can. Cassian here has been at this since the sun rose and he’s still so terrible.’

That got a reaction out of the infamous General, ‘Hey! I’ve done this before, and been quite good at it. It’s your hair that’s the problem. It’s too long and thick and there’s just so much of it.’

‘So, it’s my fault that I have luscious locks? You never should have suggested braiding it if you knew that it was too advanced for you.’

‘It’s my first time doing your hair Gwynnie. It will go better the more I practice!’

She looked horrified at the thought, Az couldn’t help but grin at the thought of this becoming a usual thing. 

‘For Cauldran’s sake Cassian, I said NO, N - O. I told you to stay away from Gwyn’s hair, you can’t do complex braids until you leave the beginner status.’ Nesta scolds her mate and approaches them to undo the mess he created. 

Cassian looks sheepish as he tries to remove his fingers from Gwyn’s hair, ‘What is everybody doing here? Isn’t training cancelled?’ 

‘Wow Cassian, this is why you wanted to braid my hair on the roof? Because Nesta forbade you to do hers and you thought you could torture me in peace?’ Gwyn raises an eyebrow and turns her head to the side to glare at his brother who in turn smiles adorably.

‘Sorry Gwynnie, but I had to get my practice in somehow. You can untangle the rest on your own right? Nesta and I are going to the Town House to babysit Nyx.’ 

‘You just wait until I get my hands on your hair.’ the General smiles at her threat and gives her a peck on the cheek. Nesta gives Gwyn a look, one Az can’t decipher but she seems to understand the message because she smiles and rolls her eyes at her sister. With that weird interaction, the two of them leave, Nesta’s screaming can be heard as Cass laughs. 

‘I’m going to have to cut off all this hair that Cassian tangled up’ Now this was a truly horrifying thought, Az could not let that happen. Not in his watch.

Azrie heads back to the House and gestures to Gwyn to follow him, ‘Berdara don’t be a quitter. You’ve thrived over feats more worrisome than this.’

‘Shadowsinger, I am a woman. There is nothing more stress-inducing than a bad hair day.’

‘Really? There is nothing more troublesome than your hair?’

‘Well, other than your face of course.’

‘I have it on good authority that I have a very nice face’ 

‘Who’s authority? And your best friend the High Lord doesn’t count.’ cheeky girl. 

He turns to face her, ‘Take a good look at these handsome features Berdara.’

‘I’m looking’, her eyes flick over his face.

‘And?’

‘And…am I supposed to be impressed?’ yes, she was meant to be in awe of his beauty. Az couldn’t tell if this was a ploy or not. Did she genuinely not think he was attractive? He’s never had that problem before, he never needed to ask for female attention. It’s a little vain but he never had to flirt with someone, not like Rhys and Cassian did. 

‘So you’re telling me that if you saw me while you were at a restaurant or at a bar, you wouldn’t notice me.’

She huffs, ‘I never said that. I would most definitely notice the broody bat sulking in a corner.’ He tries to hide the smile threatening to split his face in half. She probably would notice him, and offer him a milkshake. And if he said no she would dump it over his head. 

‘If I saw you in public I would definitely notice you too.’ 

‘Yeah?’ her face has the slightest hue of red on the apples of her cheeks and the tip of her nose. If he didn’t know any better he would think she was blushing. Unfortunately, he did know better and her face was probably reacting to the crisp dawn air. 

‘Yeah. The rat’s nest on your head would be pretty hard to ignore.’

She narrows her teal eyes, ‘Now you’ve taken things too far.’ 

‘Gwyn, by tonight you’re hair will be returned to its normal flowing and untangled self. That’s a promise.’ Her eyes widened in surprise, probably at how seriously he was taking this. They arrived in front of Azriel’s room and he opened the door heading towards the bathing chamber. 

He wishes he had time to dust and scrub at his room before she entered it. He feels self-conscious as her gaze moves around his room, the small bookshelf, the big bed covered in black satin sheets, the closed curtains, and the big rack of weapons along an entire wall on the opposite side of his bed. 

She stays silent as he drags a chair in front of the mirrored sink. He motions for her to come sit in the high seat and turns the tap on to fill the bowl. 

‘Are you planning on fixing my hair on your own?’ she questions him.

‘Yes. Sit down and close your eyes.’ she listens to him and he moves to grab his shampoo when the House drops several products on his head. 

‘Ouch. This is why you should be nicer to the House Shadowsinger. Then maybe it’ll stop attacking you.’

He raises an eyebrow, ‘The House attacks everyone with the exception of you, Nesta, and Emerie.’

‘Fair enough’

He turns on the faucet and begins to lather the shampoo in his hands before finally touching her hair. He massages her scalp with his hands and he knows he’s not imagining the satisfied sighs coming out of her mouth. His heart is racing and he does his best to savour this moment, to be satisfied with this memory of running his hands through her delicious coppery hair. The scent of the shampoo is so familiar, he smells it from Gwyn every day and he can’t resist inhaling deep breaths to take in all the lilac and ocean-breezed aroma. 

Far too soon her hair is back to its natural gorgeous state. Gwyn’s eyes are still closed and she’s humming some indecipherable tune under her breath. 

‘Gwyn, I’m done now. You can open your eyes.’ That was the wrong thing to say. Her eyes flash open and he’s in direct eye contact with an ocean of glimmering teal. 

‘Thanks, Shadowsinger. Anytime you need I’ll return the favour.’

‘Berdara, I doubt I would need help detangling my hair.’ He gestures towards his much shorter hair compared to hers. 

She smiles and his heart goes into overdrive, ‘Az, I meant I’ll be happy to cut your hair anytime you need.’

‘You know how to cut hair?’ They’re walking to his door and he wishes he could just keep her with him in his room with his things. Wishes they didn’t have to depart ways so soon. 

She replies to his earlier statement, ‘I know how to do a lot of things.’ And she winks. She fucking winks. He was light-headed all of a sudden, she couldn’t possibly be flirting with him. The Priestess is a know-it-all and a smartass, of course, she knows a lot of things. All Azriel thought about that night was how soon it was to get a haircut from the Priestess. And how it would feel to bask in her warm presence once again. Tomorrow couldn’t come soon enough. 

Notes: Thanks for reading! The grammar isn’t the best I am aware. But I wrote the first portion of this one-shot so long ago and I needed to just hurry up and complete it or I never would have posted this. Should I do a part 2 of Gwyn giving Azriel a haircut? 

[sifu-kisu]

Baji Jin - The Power of Baji Quan

Baji Quan is a martial art focused on power and strength, emphasizing the method of generating force. Wutan magazine once illustrated three types of Baji Quan power. I want to add my perspective, hoping it complements the original content.

In this article, I use "Jin," a refind force, to represent the original meaning of the Chinese language instead of the word "Li" or force in English. The Jin in Baji Quan originates from the training tec… See more

Baji Jin - The Power of Baji Quan

Baji Quan is a martial art focused on power and strength, emphasizing the method of generating force. Wutan magazine once illustrated three types of Baji Quan power. I want to add my perspective, hoping it complements the original content.

In this article, I use "Jin," a refind force, to represent the original meaning of the Chinese language instead of the word "Li" or force in English. The Jin in Baji Quan originates from the training techniques of the bear and tiger forms. The bear represents a sinking Jin emphasizing vertical action (force exerted downward into the ground and its reaction upward). The tiger represents a cross Jin, which channels the force drawn from the ground through the legs, waist, hips, back, and shoulders and directs it along the spatial XYZ axes (Please note that this is a 3D, not 2D cross) to issue power. The combination of these two Jins creates the silk-reeling Jin.

In traditional martial arts, the silk-reeling Jin is predominantly used for striking targets. It can move steadily and accurately in a specific direction through the air. When it contacts a target, the silk-reeling Jin can be divided into two types: long Jin and short Jin. From a physics perspective, long Jin operates over a longer distance with intense penetration but takes more time; it is just like a straight stroke in billiards. Short Jin, also known as inch Jin (originating from the Northern Chinese accent term "crisp Jin"), operates over a short distance with instantaneous explosiveness, resembling a draw stroke in billiards.

For the bear form, beginners must practice stomping because it requires deeply sinking the center of gravity into the ground. For the tiger form, practicing bow/arrow and horse stance strikes is essential to generate Jin in all directions. To integrate the bear and tiger forms into the silk-reeling Jin, practitioners often use dragging and grinding steps while punching to experience the power.

Why use dragging and grinding steps to practice the silk-reeling Jin? I think static training alone is insufficient; true silk-reeling Jin is achieved through dynamic movement. Another renowned martial art from Wutan is the Bagua Palm, founded by Great Master Gong Bao Tian. Bagua is famous for saying, "The palm is not just the palm; the whole body is the palm." Bagua is known for its dynamic steps, emphasizing the integration of hands, eyes, body, and steps to form a spiral Jin, also known as silk-reeling Jin.

Imagine a beginner playing table tennis confined to the table surface. At the same time, the pro uses their entire body to control the ball, moving with butterfly-like steps in all directions, turning the space around the table into their battlefield. Their advanced skills are often awe-inspiring. This is the all-encompassing silk-reeling Jin.

Baji Quan training at Wutan consists of three stages:

1. Xiao Baji Quan (Small Baji Quan) establishes the foundation by displaying the three types of Jin everywhere and using grinding and dragging steps to enhance the "semi-dynamic" silk-reeling Jin.

2. Da Baji Quan (Large Baji Quan): This stage explores the technique with dynamic steps, particularly the lifting and changing steps. The "fully dynamic" silk-reeling Jin is vividly demonstrated at this stage.

3. Liu Da Kai (Six Major Openings): Advanced tests of the learned techniques. Without a solid foundation in the three Jins, coupled with the agility acquired through paired practice and sparring, and the ability to flexibly use long and short silk-reeling Jins to adjust distance, angle, height, and timing, it is challenging to effectively defeat an opponent with Baji Quan. The sinking Jin and cross Jin combine to form the silk-reeling Jin, the core of Baji Quan techniques.

These are my humble insights on training Baji Quán and its power generation. I hope they inspire further input to improve our training methods.

Octopus

Eight-pole is a power boxing, pay attention to how to put it. Wushu magazine has listed three kinds of octopus kungfu drawings. Now I’m adding personal opinion, hopefully not dog tail 貂.

In this article I use " 勁" to represent the original meaning of Chinese instead of "force". The eight-pole fist starts from the two-shaped exercises of the bear and tiger. The bear is stressed up and down (the force goes down to the ground while the reaction is up), the tiger is the cross is the force drawn from the ground through the legs, the waist, the back and the shoulder, the three-dimensional XYZ direction, and the two-hills are the silk. Traditional martial arts strikes are almost always targeted by silk silk, which is stable and accurate in the air in a specific direction. When contact with the target, silk silk can be divided into two types: Long and short beams: according to the physics impulse principle, long work distance, strong penetration, but also long time, such as the straight of a pool ball. The short lizard, also known as the crunch of the northern Chinese accent, is short working distance and instantaneous bursts, and has the characteristics of a recurring momentum, such as the pull of a pool ball.

The bear shape requires the center of gravity to sink down to three feet, so beginners have to practice the beard. Tiger shape needs to be put up and down and left, so bow and horse-style paw or taek are essential. Practicing bear and tiger two-tiger silk silk, often experienced by dragging and pacing boxing. Why do you use drag steps to practice silk? My opinion is that it's not enough to have fixed training, real silk must be done by living steps.

Another watchman of martial arts in the martial arts of the martial arts is the palms of the palace master. There is a well-known saying in the gossip: "No hand is the palm, the whole Gossip is famous for its live steps, emphasizing that hand-eye steps together to form propellers, that is, silk silk. Imagine a beginner playing ping-pong is limited to the face, while a master uses his whole body force to control the ball. He uses a flower butterfly-like footwork, turning the space near the face into his battlefield. The superb technique is often amazing. That's the full range of silk.

There are three stages of training in martial arts:

1. 1. Little octopus shows these three kinds of cunning everywhere and steps and drags to strengthen the "semi-dynamic" silk.

2. The Big 8 Pole Fist is a move to live, especially to change steps. At this point the "full dynamic" silk is showing up alive.

3. 3. The six great opening art is the true test of the technology learned. Without a deep three-pole foundation, plus quick hand-eye steps from playing against the pair, and flexible use of the length and length of the silk to adjust the distance angle and grasp the timing of the hair, the low level of octopus is not easy to destroy the enemy. In short, the combination of dullness and cross-healing forms the silk silk, and the silk silk is the core of the octopus art.

The above is my little careful about the eight pole practice, hope there will be a reverberation of the jade.

[minhio22]

Basketball Training

Masaki Hokusai x reader

Being with Hokusai did not come with many surprises, other than the occasional jobs Iori gives him or the phantometal shows, life with Hokusai was pretty normal. What you did not expect was he would play basketball and be good at it, on a team nonetheless. It did make sense though, his height was a great advantage and his upper and lower body strength was nothing to scoff at.

You would tag along with him sometimes. Whether it be watching his matches or just plain training. The occasional glance you would get from his teammates at first made you a bit nervous though. Today though they were having a practice match with another team they had invited and everything seemed to be going smoothly until you noticed something.

Hokusai, the ever talented shooting guard, seemed to be off today, his shots missing more than often. The underbasket's not going in half the time, the layouts missing by a few centimetres and he seemed to be missing the rebounds a lot despite his height. You wondered what was up.

After the match had ended and everyone had been dismissed and left, Hokusai seemed to linger at the court, still in his jersey as he stared blankly at the basket. You went up to him, standing close behind him, to the point you could see the sweat that he didn't bother to wipe off.

“Hokusai are you alright? You seemed…. Off today.” You asked.

“Ah it's nothing.” He answered softly as he glanced at you. “Just a bit nervous since the next game is an important one.”

“Ah, you're worried about that? That's some time away from now.”

“I just want to do my best.”

“Being nervous is fine. Besides I'm sure you'll do fine. You're tall and you're pretty good at it too, Hokusai! Look at me I can't even play.” You waved your hands around at him.

“Would you like me to teach you?” Hokusai chuckled, picking up a stray basketball.

“Eh? Is it fine?” You looked up at him surprised.

“Sure it is.” He raised up the ball, into a shooting position. Right now you're standing at the free throw line. “You raise you're hands like this and then shoot.”

He effortlessly makes it into the basket as you stare in awe. “Easy right?”

You try to imitate him only for the ball to not even reach halfway to the basket. Hokusai chuckled softly. “I suppose it is a bit far for a beginner from here.”

He dragged you closer to the basket. Positioning you somewhere near under it. He held the back of your hands as you held the ball, positioning your arms. “Here put it like this. And then your hands. There should be a gap between the ball and your palm. Use your fingers to hold the ball.” He wiggled his finger between your palm and the ball indicating what was needed. “And you see that red box on the board? Try aiming for the sides. It'll help you get the ball in.”

You nodded as Hokusai helped you and instructed you on what to do. Once he was satisfied with it, he stepped back and let you take the shot. Unfortunately it didn't make in, hitting the hoop as it fell on the floor. You seemed a bit dejected until Hokusai ruffled your hair and smiled at you softly.

[inky-duchess]

Hello,i'm kind of a beginner writer, so I hope to ask for your advice on some things if you don't mind !

I have written some scenes before,like based on prompts/some characters in my head/ OCs that I draw. And lately, I have been thinking of making a visual novel. There's this short story Idea stuck in my head, and I have a general idea of how I want the game to play out.

But as I said, I'm kind of a beginner and never took writing seriously before. My main Forte has always been drawing .

1.So I understand that I have to do research on everything that can be a sensitive topic,but I just don't know how much research I should do to fully understand the topic enough to write about it.

Add to that,I can't really buy online writing courses,I can't really just venture into a library and try to find a book randomly that will help my research bc there'snt any good "library" around my area.so my only option is to read online/buy books online. And that's being to research books by name.

So can you help me with that ?

For example:

if one of my characters suffered in their backstory quite a bit,kind of became traumatized. Have been surrounded by toxicity all their childhood/have been forced to fend for themselves/abused verbally.

2. Do you know any books that explore their emotions,how to deal with this,how can they heal and etc ? I have bought the emotional wound thesaurus online and some other books of the same author. But I don't think they are enough? Are there any series/standalone research books like them you would recommend? Also,that's kind of a me problem, but I like it if the research books don't just drop information upon information on me,I liked how the emotional wound thesaurus laid it out so I don't get bored/overwhelmed.

3. my inspiration comes from: some books that I have read (not many) + IFs I read + manhwas/webtoons + other visual novels. So i'm going to write this story based on a story structure,my ideas, and that's it ,like going in blind. But im not sure if this is a good idea in terms of writing. since I have never done something like that before,I keep thinking that I might not be able to execute this idea of mine probably,that I haven't read many books before so I don't have enough experience. And the idea of all the things I must do to become more "experienced" sucks the fun out of it.

4. also, I have really no one to review my writing,well except my cousins and some of my friends who might be willing to read it.

That's it. Thank you in advance!

Writing, to be honest, is very like drawing. It's the same thought process, the same consternation over details and the same struggle to put your daydreams into something.

I will be honest, I don't believe in those writing courses. Writing is trying and failing, just like drawing. There are thousands of resources on this very site to help with writing and there are millions on the internet. If you don't want to pay for books online, you can use Internet Archive, the Open Library, Read Any Book. As for researching trauma and the issues surrounding it, online medical resources are a godsend as are forums of people discussing their own experiences.

I would recommend trying some biographies of people with those problems or their own accounts of their experiences of dealing with the trauma and healing. Charity websites or websites that drum up awareness of these issues are widely available and provide excellent insight. Real people are your guide here. Research into these areas can be difficult on you so please take time away if you are effected.

You don't have to be experienced. I was 12 when I first wrote my first story and it was god awful. Honestly, it keeps me up at night. It haunts me. You don't become a writer overnight, you earn each page, every word. It is hard, it is draining, it is work. Treat it like a job. You are in training and you have to try. Make a plan if you're comfortable with that and try to stick it it. By the sounds of it, you have a plan. Stick with it, see how far it gets you. But I will be honest, you have to read, reading is how you become familiar with stories, the flow of words, the way chapters and arcs might be constructed. Think of it like this, if you were an architect you would look at other buildings. If you were a doctor, you would have to meet a human. This is hard work, accept it now and you won't be daunted later.

You can find beta readers here on Tumblr or you can used the people you mentioned. You may be guarded at first, everybody is because it is never perfect at first, but if you're at ease sharing by all means do.

[lotties-ashwagandha]

WOMAN OF MANY WORDS

moiraine damodred x fem!reader, w/c: 1125

UPDATE i wrote this before finishing season 2 so writing this i had no idea what the aes sedai is so we’re pretending it’s some fun little thing where u just show off ur little powers yeah?

summary: you fail the test of becoming an aes sedai, but moiraine is there to comfort you

You tried desperately hard to focus on the book in your lap. It was the only distraction you could get your hands on, but it was hardly worth having anyway.

Your mind kept going back to the horrible events of the afternoon. You’d taken the test at the White Tower to see if you had enough ability to be recognized as an Aes Sedai — you had been training under the radar with Moiraine ever since you’d met her on the road to Tar Valon, a casual fling that had quickly led to more, and when she’d figured out you could channel she had used it as an excuse to take you with her while she searched for the Dragon. When the two of you had arrived at the White Tower months later, Moiraine had worked ceaselessly in making a deal with the Amyrlin to let you skip White Tower training for beginner Aes Sedai and let you take the test to pick an ajah.

You had completely blown it. When it came time to prove yourself you’d completely frozen, and when you had finally calmed yourself enough to channel you’d fumbled so badly that you had ended up flinging yourself, and the other present Aes Sedai, against a stone wall… hard. You were lucky to have left without any broken bones.

Every time you thought about it you were almost brought to tears. The test was so important to you, you had been tirelessly training for months on the road and never before had you thought you would be able to be a recognized Aes Sedai until now.

You knew it was important to Moiraine, too — she had been the one to teach you, mentor you, she had been the first one to find out that you could channel. It had brought you together, and had been what started your relationship together. And she had worked so hard for you to be able to take the test early. She was exhausted on your behalf.

The front door to your cottage opened, and a wave of humiliation overcame you. You knew it was Moiraine, and while usually you would be rejoicing in her presence, this time you were wrought with embarrassment.

Her heels clicked persistently on the stone floor. Your stomach dropped with every passing moment, until you felt her presence in the living room with you.

“How did it go?” You heard her ask excitedly, and you could hardly force yourself to turn to face her. She was smiling, for the first time in a while.

When you didn’t respond, her smile fell. Quickly she came to sit by you on the sofa, taking your hands in her own.

“What happened?” She asked.

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Did you pass?”

Again, you didn’t respond.

“Darling,” she urged, moving one of her hands to your jaw, forcing you to meet the intensity of her gaze. “Did you pass?”

“No,” you said, on the verge of tears. You were hardly keeping your composure, panic and guilt rising in your chest. “They want to start me way back at the beginning with the new channelers who can hardly weave with a single thread.”

“No, no, I won’t let that happen,” Moiraine said, pulling you into her arms, your book forgotten to the coffee table in front of you. “I promise.”

You hid your face in the crook of her neck, letting her embrace you soothingly, her hands running mindless patterns down your back. “It was so awful,” you whispered, and the tears were falling now, unstoppable. “I was so embarrassed, you should’ve seen the looks on their faces. They must’ve thought I’d never channeled before at all.”

“Shh, it’s okay,” she said softly. “I know how hard you’ve been working. We’ve hardly gotten a second to rest since we’ve gotten to Tar Valon, and aside from that, I’m the only Aes Sedai you’ve channeled with.”

“But I know how difficult it was for you to get me a chance to test,” you choked out. Panic was consuming you entirely, your breathing beginning to go shallow, lungs perpetually empty. “I don’t want you to be disappointed with me.”

“Look at me,” Moiraine said. Her tone was so firm that you didn’t dare defy her, slowly raising your head and meeting her gaze. “I could never be disappointed in you. All I ever want is your happiness. If that comes from you becoming an Aes Sedai, then I’ll make you an Aes Sedai. If it doesn’t, then you don’t have to be. I only want what you want, and I’ll never be ashamed of the times you try and fail, it only means a different approach is needed.”

You nodded, and after a moment you rested your head in the crook of her neck again, sighing and letting your eyes fall closed as you began to calm down and the tears subsided. You still felt horrible, but her presence and her love made it more bearable. Her affirmations and adoration fed your soul, let it be healed.

“I’m so proud of you,” she said suddenly, her voice warm, genuine. She looked down at you with such love in her eyes that it almost made you start crying again.

“For what?” You asked, your voice hoarse.

She offered you a small smile, shrugging. “Everything.”

“You’re a woman of many words.”

She chuckled, shaking her head. “I’m glad you’re finding solace in telling jokes at my expense.”

You smiled. “I am, actually. I have a couple more, if you-”

She cut you off by pulling you into a kiss. Her lips crashed into yours with fervor, and you could feel every bit of her love in the way she devoured you, claiming you as her own. Involuntarily you started crying again, and when you pulled away she held your head in her hands, wiping away the tears that streamed down your cheeks.

“Why are you crying, love?”

The ghost of a smile passed over your lips. “I don’t really know.”

“A woman of many words, hm?”

At this you laughed, allowing her to pull you back into her arms as she laid down on the sofa, you laying partially on top of her as you rested your head on her chest.

“Now, do you want to talk about what happened today?”

You sighed. “I flung Liandrin into a stone wall. Hard.”

Moiraine grinned, and you could tell she was resisting a laugh.

“It’s not funny,” you whined.

“It is, just a bit. I wish I’d been there to see it.”

And suddenly, the weight of the test wasn’t so great anymore. You still carried it, but Moiraine carried it with you, and in her love you could’ve borne anything.

[oh-no-another-idea]

happy sts!

your ocs have to do a teaching job for a subject they are qualified in (doesn't necessarily mean they like it). what would they like to teach? what would they hate to teach?

for subject we understand any skill, not necessarily an academic one

writblr: @vsnotresponding

Happy STS! <3 Thanks for stopping by! This looks like a fun question, although tricky, since some of the skills my OCs have, they don't gain until Character Development™. Making allowances for that, though...

Velia would probably enjoy teaching pickpocketing or beginner sewing. I don't think she would like to teach first aid, because despite really being quite good at it, it reminds her of harder times

Antonio would LOVE to teach cooking. And probably everything he's studied at; running a large empire, mathematics, philosophy, science, arts, you name it. Now would he be qualified to teach all that, well, no, but he'd make up for it by reading everything he could get his hands on and being very enthusiastic ;)

Paris would happily teach violin, using a hands-on approach that involved a lot of playing by ear before he even brought out the sheet music. He'd much prefer that to teaching art, which he has a complicated relationship with, and turns to for solace and solitude

Lewis...would teach history, targeted towards political movements and workers rights. Depending, his students would either love watching him spin off on huge personal rants, or they'd hate it. He'd be pretty awful at teaching anything else, even how to run a train, which he's very good at

Fynn would teach mechanics, engine maintenance. He really loves his craft, and that would come out in his explanations. He'd also want to teach the preparations of some of his favorite foods back in Norway, but he'd be so bad at it. Antonio would have to rescue him :)

Woo that was a lot! So fun! Thanks again for the ask :D I'm gonna add the Invisible Girl taglist under the cut here in case any of them are bored and want a read...

@a-sunflower-at-night @blind-the-winds @drippingmoon @elgringo @thats-my-type-writer

@sleepy-night-child @writing-is-a-martial-art @viskafrer @croctears @talesfromaurea

@necros-writings @ashen-crest @conundruminprogress @teaflint @princeofthecactus

@imaginationxlost @fiercely-raging-writer @memento-morri-writes @josephinegerardywriter @jellybeanswriting

@stuffaboutwriting @outpost51 @reneesbooks @charlesjosephwrites @yejidoesthings

@sparrow-orion-writes @somealienquill @ember-writer @theunboundwriter @lady-grace-pens

@thescatteredscribbles @kharkkidoeswriting​​ (ask to be added or removed!)

[sprout0000]

I deeply hate the proportion systems of measurement i was taught bc they feel genericizing of people (ideal man 8 heads tall reeks of cockroach wife in all its bleakness) but all my shit tends to skew wildly as a struggle to "see" how something looks in its greater context and accurately make every line respond to it. I think some of this is related to fatigue but my hunch is i need to workshop a system of measurement that works better for me.

I feel like in general certain shortcuts feel quietly like I am ignoring the deeper life stiring in everything but my brain cannot keep up at all with how that factors onto a page. You can tell where I'm excited and where I'm bored/overwhelmed really easily, its a little like a kids drawing. Its been a battle to circumvent that tendancy its so strong in me hahaha. Maybe I dont understand that tendancy that well if i keep fighting against it.

It's just like...sort of shutting down and wanting to be done the moment the drawing goes out of wack. Theres a sensation i was "working on something" that gets awashed, a bit like playing the piano and messing up a note and then wanting to repeat it over and over again....but for me its like....i want to try it from a different angle instead of redrawing the things i was fine with. I nailed all these chord progressions except for this one so lets try the one i messed up in a completely different song- to keep it interesting.

I think uh. I like drawing because i enjoy the novelty of kinda sucking at something and grinding away until i get it and i can blast through things. I love....mindless movement based grinding I spent 800 hours in tf2 sucking badly at rocket jumping and brute forcing my way through beginner maps. I did not get much better and I am embarassingly bad at it but the thrill of landing a jump after about 30 minutes of failing over and over again is sooooo juicy. I loved celeste for similar reasons. It's just harder to give art that mindless grind bc i have a soft spot for a style thats really recollection focused. My memory game. My memory smoothie.

I think this style of learning tends to yield to extremely slow progress. I play with reoccuring things over and over but drop and pick them up really randomly based on whatever i can squeeze joy out of in that moment. Its less about learning and fundamentally about whats agreeing with me in the moment. It makes sense to me why the idea of illustrating for others or drawing a comic beyond a train of thought doesnt work- some days im into arms and other days im into jeans. Its highly contingent on what im interested in and if I dont follow that i feel like I'm being put in an awful box and I will rattle the cage and yell even if i tried to put myself there for the sake of growth.

This becomes worse when i'm unsure of whats interesting to me at the moment. I -am- really out of controll! But I have no idea how to ride this chaos besides drive, which i have in insane spades. I will rush out into the sea over and over again until i can ride the surf.

[asordinaryppl]

A3! Backstage Story Translation - Guy SSR - Treasure Hunt: GUY - Part 2

also proofread by myuntachis!

Guy: … Fushimi.

Omi: Good work today, Guy-san.

Guy: Yes, you as well. Is this hint yours?

Omi: Yes it is. Did you get it right away?

Guy: Yeah. Thinking back, you’ve been teaching me how to cook ever since I was pathetically awful at it.

Guy: For example, when I first joined the company, I went to a training camp with Utsuki and the others, and unknowingly peeled too many onions…

Guy: Or when I tried to make a cake for Mikage’s birthday and I didn’t know how to use a bain-marie…

Omi: Haha, it’s impossible to think either of those were you now, Guy-san.

Guy: I asked you to teach me how to cook once more after the Bridegroom Battle Royale was over.

[Flashback starts]

Guy: I apologize for taking up your time.

Omi: It’s no problem. I’m happy you want to make breakfast, Guy-san.

Guy: I’ve had plenty of opportunities to cook since coming to the troupe, and they’ve all made me painstakingly aware of my lack of cooking skill compared to everyone else.

Guy: You taught me how to make snacks that even I could make during the Bridegroom Battle Royale.

Guy: I want to make sure I never forget how that felt.

Guy: I was actually planning on cooking breakfast alone, but Citronia suggested I have you teach me properly…

Guy: I truly am sorry for taking up your time, but I’m asking this of you regardless because I believe he was right.

Omi: Please don’t worry about taking up my time, it’s totally fine.

Omi: Cooking with others is fun, so if you’re fine with me, I’ll never mind you asking for help.

Guy: Fushimi… I appreciate it.

Guy: Let’s get started, then. You said you’d think up what we’ll make, what have you decided on?

Omi: I’m not sure about “think up”, but how about we start with fried eggs? It’s an easy recipe perfectly suited for beginners.

Guy: Fried eggs, hm… I wonder if I can shape them nicely like you do…

Omi: This is your first time, so don’t worry if you mess up. Let’s improve little by little. Alright, let’s start with cracking the egg.

Guy: Understood. Like this…

Guy: Hm… The yolk got crushed. It seems I failed in that I used too much force.

Guy: I apologize. We won’t be able to make fried eggs like this…

Omi: It’s alright. Let’s make scrambled eggs with this.

Omi: Next time you crack an egg, try using less force so the yolk doesn’t break.

Omi: For now, we’ve got this one to make scrambled eggs with… Let’s try again?

Guy: Yeah, I got it.  Less force…

Guy: I managed to do it cleanly this time. I’m glad. Eggs are delicate things, after all.

Omi: Haha, they are. Next, please add water to the frying pan you cracked the eggs in.

Guy: I understand.

Omi: I’ll prepare the dishes in the meanti… Huh, wait!?

Omi: G-Guy-san, you don’t have to add that much water…!

Guy: Hm, is that so?

Omi: Ah… I was a little too late. I don’t think we’ll be able to make fried eggs with this much water.

Omi: I’m sorry… I should’ve told you how much water to add.

Guy: No, this is not your fault. It’s mine for not checking with you…

Omi: But this is alright, we can make egg soup with it. Let’s try one more time.

Guy: … You think of alternative dishes so quickly. It’s amazing.

Omi: It’s not that big a deal. Since I cook so much, other options always come to mind.

Omi: If you continue to learn how to cook, you’ll also be able to cook a lot of dishes. Zahran ones included.

Guy: I see… You’re right. I’d like to try cooking Zahran dishes one day.

Guy: In order to get there, however, I must first master fried eggs. I won’t fail next time, I assure you.

-

Omi: Now, should we eat breakfast as well?

Guy: Yes. We did manage to make fried eggs, but now our breakfast is made up of nothing but egg dishes.

Omi: Haha, that it is. But this is nice too, every once in a while. Well, I’ll be digging in.

Guy: As will I.

Guy: …

Omi: How are the fried eggs you made?

Guy: Heh… They’re good.

[Flashback ends]

Guy: You’ve taught me how to cook many dishes since then. You’ve also shown me what cooking equipment I should use at the bar.

Guy: Your advice is always appreciated.

Omi: I’m glad I can be of help to you, Guy-san.

Omi: With all that said… Here you go. Happy birthday.

Guy: Thank you. I will open this right away.

Guy: This is… a hand blender?

Omi: Yes. I chose it because I believe you can put it to good use with your current skills.

Guy: Thank you so much. The first thing I will do with this hand blender is cook something for you.

part 1 | part 2 | part 3