#review of stuff

[hard-times-paramore]

Houseki no Kuni - a summary

Since I've been posting nonstop about it, I might as well let my mutuals in on what it's about!

The manga is heavily Buddhist-themed, talking about repeated cycles of violence, death and rebirth.

It's not actually that similar to Steven Universe, from what I heard. It's indeed a serious story with a lot of trauma, and it has genderweird gem people, but they take different routes.

The manga is now finished and there's a 12 episodes 3D anime, that encompasses roughly the first 35 chapters of it. But Studio Orange has no intentions of continuing it, so you have to read the manga to finish the story.

The summary is under the cut!

Millions of years ago, the apocalypse happened. Every species on Earth was wiped out by 6 comets that later became 6 new moons in the sky.

But after millions of years, Earth is recovering. There is one island, after the flood brought by those comets, that started bearing life again.

The intelligent species are the Gems, sexless, genderless people made of precious minerals.

They're cared for by Adamant Sensei, a huge buddhist monk-looking guy. He raises them like his own children, teaches them to read, write, fight, etc.

They have a small society, always in small numbers, because of how long it takes for new gems to emerge (they come out from a cliffside in the island). And because there's a race of people from the moon, called the Lunarians, who seek to harvest the Gems for their precious crystals. Often, Gems are kidnapped to the moons for this reason.

This is why they learn to fight and to patrol, because they have to fight the Lunarians.

They can break, but even if they do, they can be put back together. They're essentially immortal, what makes them alive are microscopic lifeforms in their body, that feed off sunlight, called inclusions.

Millions of years passed like this. New Gems are slowly formed and emerge from the cliffside, Sensei takes care of them, they find a place in society to contribute, and some eventually can't outrun the Lunarians and are taken to the moon.

Until Phosphophyllite.

The youngest of them, only 300 years old at the start of the story, starts on a journey that brings change to the Gem society.

And change to themself.

Some more thoughts:

I wouldn't be reccomending this story if I didn't love it. And I love it so much. At least 70% of it is genuinely good quality. But mind you, I do have some criticisms to it, so I'll say it now so whoever decides to read it is warned. I feel (and many peoole agree) that the narrative really sabotaged itself towards the last 3 volumes, flattening all characters ane plotlines for everything other than the protagonist.

Not only that, the manga is a nightmare to read, for design reasons. Because of lore, all the characters have the same clothes, body type and skin color, only changing their hairstyle and hair color. Which in a black and white manga can be impossible to tell apart.

It helps if you watched the anime first and know everyone's colors, but oof.

Either way, I feel like it was worth my brainrot. If you wanna come on that journey with me, then let's take ibuprophen together!

[willyhoos]

alfred livestreaming his breakdown to the entire us public (as his pr team devolves into chaos)

[thewriteadviceforwriters]

How To Plan A Book Series: Ultimate Guide

Writing a book series can be an incredibly rewarding experience for authors, but it also requires careful planning and execution. A well-crafted book series can captivate readers, build a loyal fan base, and provide a steady stream of income for writers. However, planning a successful book series is no easy feat.

It demands a deep understanding of world-building, character development, and plot progression. In this ultimate guide, I'll help you explore the essential steps to help you plan a compelling and cohesive book series that will keep your readers hooked from start to finish.

Develop a Compelling Premise The foundation of any successful book series is a strong premise. Your premise should be unique, engaging, and have the potential to sustain multiple books. Consider exploring a complex world, a captivating concept, or a character with a rich backstory that can evolve over the course of several books. Ask yourself: What makes your premise stand out? What will keep readers invested in the story for multiple installments?

Create a Detailed Outline Before you dive into writing, it's crucial to create a detailed outline for your entire book series. This outline should include the overarching plot, major story arcs, character development, and key events for each book. Having a solid outline will help you maintain consistency, avoid plot holes, and ensure that each book contributes to the overall narrative. Don't be afraid to make adjustments as you write, but having a roadmap will keep you on track.

World-Building: Crafting a Vivid and Consistent Universe One of the hallmarks of a successful book series is a richly developed and immersive world. Whether you're creating a fantasy realm, a futuristic society, or a contemporary setting, pay close attention to world-building. Establish the rules, customs, histories, and geography of your fictional world. Consistency is key, so ensure that the details align across all books in the series. Consider creating a "bible" or a comprehensive guide that outlines the intricacies of your world, making it easier to maintain continuity.

Develop Compelling Characters Great characters are the heart and soul of any book series. Your protagonists, antagonists, and supporting characters should be well-rounded, multi-dimensional, and undergo significant growth and transformation throughout the series. Craft backstories, motivations, flaws, and strengths for each character, and ensure that their actions and decisions drive the plot forward. Remember, character development is an ongoing process, so be prepared to explore new facets of your characters as the series progresses.

Establish Recurring Themes and Motifs Themes and motifs are powerful tools that can add depth and resonance to your book series. Identify the central themes you want to explore, such as love, redemption, power, or identity. Weave these themes throughout the series, allowing them to evolve and deepen with each installment. Motifs, like recurring symbols or imagery, can also create a sense of cohesion and add layers of meaning to your narrative.

Plan for Cliffhangers and Resolutions One of the key strategies for keeping readers engaged in a book series is the strategic use of cliffhangers and resolutions. Cliffhangers create anticipation and leave readers craving for the next installment. However, be cautious not to overuse this technique, as it can become frustrating for readers. Balance cliffhangers with satisfying resolutions that tie up loose ends and provide a sense of closure, while still leaving room for the story to continue.

Consider Pacing and Narrative Structure Pacing and narrative structure are crucial elements to consider when planning a book series. Each book should have its own narrative arc, with a beginning, middle, and end, while also contributing to the overall story progression. Vary the pacing between books to maintain reader interest, alternating between action-packed and slower, more introspective sections. Experiment with different narrative structures, such as multiple perspectives, non-linear timelines, or frame narratives, to keep the series fresh and engaging.

Manage Continuity and Consistency As your book series grows, maintaining continuity and consistency becomes increasingly important. Keep detailed records of character descriptions, plot points, world-building elements, and timelines. Regularly refer back to these notes to ensure that you're not introducing contradictions or inconsistencies. Consider creating a series bible or a wiki to help you keep track of all the moving parts.

Plan for Character Growth and Evolution In a book series, characters should undergo significant growth and evolution. Plan for character arcs that span multiple books, allowing your protagonists and supporting characters to face challenges, make difficult choices, and emerge as changed individuals. This character development will not only add depth to your narrative but also keep readers invested in the journey of your characters.

Anticipate and Address Potential Plot Holes As your book series expands, the potential for plot holes and inconsistencies increases. Be vigilant in identifying and addressing these issues during the planning stage. Regularly review your outline and notes, looking for any logical gaps or contradictions. Enlist the help of beta readers or critique partners to provide fresh perspectives and catch any potential plot holes you may have missed.

Consider the Overarching Story Arc While each book in your series should have its own narrative arc, it's essential to plan for an overarching story arc that spans the entire series. This overarching arc should tie together the individual books, building towards a climactic conclusion that resolves the central conflict or mystery. Ensure that each book contributes to this larger narrative, advancing the plot and raising the stakes for the characters.

Plan for Marketing and Promotion Finally, as you plan your book series, don't overlook the importance of marketing and promotion. Develop a strategy for building buzz and engaging with your audience throughout the release of each book. Leverage social media, author events, book tours, and other promotional opportunities to keep your readers excited and invested in your series.

Remember, writing a book series is a marathon, not a sprint, so be prepared to invest time, effort, and dedication into crafting a truly remarkable literary journey. Hope this helped!

Happy Writing - Rin T.

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

[hometoursandotherstuff]

[anewp0tat0]

immediately wanted to try and channel the demon again, because I think it's actually been a very long while since I've done so.

[diaryofaquietmuse]

[kazz-brekker]

legit kind of sad about the my lady jane cancellation. it just really sucks to be living in an era of television where it feels like you can't get invested in anything new and interesting without constantly fearing that it's going to get yanked away from you and unceremoniously cancelled

[lazychimken]

What is Bumblebee and bulkheads relationship in the age swap au? Just curious,also Arcee and Ratchet as well

I answered what Bumblebee’s and Bulkhead’s relationship is like here, so let’s go with Arcee and Ratchet!

In this au Arcee is a mechanic in training instead of an intelligence officer to help her fit in better with the whole Omega Supreme situation. She is here by convenience, as she wants to gain some credits (money?) to fund her true passion of becoming a teacher. As such, she doesn’t really take her work seriously which goes against Ratchet’s personality initially.

I know her personality here differs a lot from the og series, but to be fair she didn’t even have that much of a personality there to begin with due to all that memory erasing stuff 💀 imma just give her some of her bubbly yet deadpan personality.

Ratchet always had a bit of a short fuse, he had little patience with anyone. Which made his choice of career a shock to those who knew him because why would such a rude and impatient bot become a medic? Nevertheless, Ratchet was determined to become the best medic he could become, as within that persona of his he has a soft spark that cares deeply for the wellbeing of those around him. Arcee certainly put him to the test in the beginnings of their friendship however, as she was just as insistent on butting helms with Ratchet as he was to her.

But they managed to grow close during their time at the academy, and have even teamed up to catch a Decepticon stealing important Autobot medical records and blueprints 👀 It was during this escapade that Ratchet became aware of Arcee’s true passion of becoming a teacher and he sees that she cares for the safety of other bots just as much as he does. Arcee sees that Ratchet’s seemingly angry personality is just him being worried for others but doesn’t show it in a proper way.

Their newfound understanding of one another leads to them having a tight bond that can defeat any adversary in their way! Both Bumblebee and Optimus agree that the pair is a perfect inclusion for the team while stuck on Earth, even if they need practice fighting against the Decepticons.

[hard-times-paramore]

You know what, I didn't like the Barbie movie much. It wasn't progressive at all.

It was funny. That goes from person to person on wether the movie is actually good and fun and worth your time. I just didn't think it was progressive and profound like it was being marketed and/or talked about by literally everyone.

I feel like it tried so hard to be progressive that it ended up making fun of and trivializing very real concerns like patriarchy and feminism. Like, it looped the other way and ended up being reductive instead. The whole thing was extremely yassified and white (there wasn't intersectionality at all). I didn't actually think a movie like that was gonna try to be deep, and it honestly shouldn't have.

I also thought the movie had too much stuff crammed into it. Barbie is a feminist icon. But she's also the reason girls are insecure. Barbie is discovering herself. Ken is the villain and he's plotting a men uprising. Feminism and patriarchy are discussed superficially. Ken doesn't actually care about patriarchy and wants to discover himself too. Mattel is there. And then the ending felt super hamfisted too.

There's a lot of other problems too, I know I'm only brushing over the surface, but other people probably have criticized it better than me. I just know that I watched it, not even expecting anything other than a fun lighthearted movie and came out with a bad taste in my mouth. It sucked.

But like, that's a deeper analysis of the movie, and that movie isn't deep at all, so on the surface I can say it was pretty funny.

[anneapocalypse]

I think it's kind of neat that Elidibus calls Urianger "Archon" rather than his name. He does the same when he tries to speak with Minfilia in the Waking Sands, calling her "Antecedent." By the standards of the Ancients, calling them by their titles is the polite thing to do, as he doesn't know them personally but wants to have a good working relationship with them, just as his own colleagues call him Elidibus and not Themis. It might sound stiff and cold to our ear, but to him, he's addressing them with courtesy and respect.

[harshitjhamtani]

We humans spend a lot of time worrying about things that are simply out of our control. If you try to control things out of your reach, they end up controlling you instead.

[shiebunnie]

home is wherever you are 🤍🥺

[ao3-crack]

(x)

[rambrandt-the-painter]

A few days have passed since I've posted the first episode of my fantasy series My Love Life With Lycanthropy.

Since then I've had a handful of people tell me that the intimate character driven story is compelling and emotionally resonant.

This has been a passionate, months long endeavor on my part, and I could hardly be prouder of the result. I can only hope that fans of romance and fantasy will give my visual novel a chance!

[joyfulhottubfuntik]

Always kinda laughing at the bit from the reacting to thirsty comments audio thingy where Stan goes "I've known you my whole life and no one's ever called you hot", because, like, no, you've only known him for 18 years of his 60-something year long life. Just. Yeah. I love you but no you haven't.

But also tragic how they had known each other for a way shorter time than they were separated . Yet they were still a constant and large presence looming over each other's lives. I hate them both /pos

[deathbycoldopen]

obsessed with the production of Hamlet I just saw. It opened with movie studio nepo baby Hamlet eating out Ophelia. Polonius and Claudius did a fuck ton of cocaine. Gertrude was constantly wearing the most femme fatale film noir costumes I’ve ever seen (and it was Gina Torres, so my GOD did she rock it). The Murder of Gonzago was a tiktok, complete with emojis. At one point Hamlet tried to give Ophelia a giant pink teddy bear while wearing sock garters, a robe, and nothing else. Fortinbras was a fixer for the studio and wore a fedora and trench coat. The duel at the end was an interpretive dance featuring the choreographed application of fake blood. Hamlet was even bisexual.

anyway if you’re in LA you should definitely go see it, 10000/10 absolutely amazing interpretation