#script outline template

[thedaddycomplex]

Do you have a good resource for story beats/templates? Story mapping?

(I assume you mean a resource to track story beats and mapping and not a resource for generating them. Forgive me if I am mistaken as I have no advice for the latter.)

I learned story mapping/beats/pacing by trial and error and I don't recommend that because it's like banging your head against a brick wall every time you sit down to write.

The two absolute best ways to perfect your pacing and story mapping skills are:

Read a lot of books or screenplays, depending on which format you're writing

Outline, outline, outline

Reading helps build the muscle for beats and mapping because you ingest it to the point that when you encounter a pacing issue, you know it. You feel it in your belly.

As for outlining, it's an age-old tool for a reason. Personally, I hate outlining and often don't do it, but those stories and scripts are often the ones that need the most editing.

Beyond that, this may sound silly because it's kind of a cliché in the business, but the Save The Cat books are full of great tools and tips for pacing, character, etc. It started as a how-to for screenwriters, but now it's a whole media empire of instructionals for writers of all genres and formats, including novels.

You could try that resource (or one of the hundreds of copycats... see what I did there?) to build up your story mapping skill to the point where you know when to ignore those Save The Cat rules.

There are also a lot of other online tools in which you can enter character info and scenes to make pacing easier. (When writing More Than Stars, which had eight—yes, eight!—lead characters, I used a program that turned the character arcs into a graph just so I could keep track of it all.)

[stellophiliac]

you should make a website!

"my favorite social media site is shutting down!"

"the CEO of the site i use just committed another atrocity!"

"i want a webspace that's all my own!"

if any of these sound like you (and if you're on tumblr, i know at least one applies) you should make your own website!

why make a website?

incredibly customizable

you can put whatever you want on it

it's, well, your own! like a house you build with your own hands

things you'll need

a computer. you can maybe get away with doing this on a mobile device, but i have zero experience there

a code editor. i like VScodium, which is a de-microsoft-ed version of VScode.

a will to learn ;)

site hosting

neocities. everyone knows neocities. at this point i do feel like it's become a bit too centralized, but it's a good option nonetheless. do note that there are filetype restrictions for free users, but that shouldn't be a huge issue for most. what may be an issue, though, is that there's a content security policy that prevents sites made after jan 1st, 2024 to use outside scripts. also, you have to pay to use your own domain

nekoweb. similar to neocities, but there's no filetype restrictions or a content security policy. some differences are outlined in the FAQ (thinking about moving here... i am a traitor...) i'm not sure if domain support is free or paid.

github pages or codeberg pages. you'll need an understanding of git for this

pages.gay: run by besties.house, uses git

teacake: free hosting is currently closed, but paid hosting starts at 2 bucks a month.

leprd.space: i know next to nothing about this.

a web server. don't recommend this if you don't know computer stuff but it is an option (you'll likely have to provide your own domain though)

gripes & solutions (?)

i'm not comfortable maintaining pages in pure HTML / templating with JS sucks!

with a static site generator, you can write pages in markdown and they'll be converted into HTML and (if you'd like) be put into a template of your choosing. my personal choice is 11ty but there are tons of options!

static site generators can be a bit of a learning curve (and you will have to write some html for templating) but if you're making a lot of pages or blogging regularly it's something to consider

there are starters for 11ty online but i might make a more beginner-proofed starter and/or guide in the future? don't count on it

i don't want to write/maintain CSS

simpleCSS is a tiny CSS file you can use to make semantic HTML ("naked" HTML) look nice. it's got decent customization options too. it's not particularly fancy or opinionated, but it's a good starting point if you need something

i don't know what to put on my website!

small list of ideas:

weblog

art/writing/music gallery

movie/show/book tracker

place to store bookmarks/links

scary! i'm scared!

my askbox/messages/e-mail inbox/etc. are open to anyone who'd like to ask for help!

[ronniaugust]

How to Write on Final Draft (without it feeling so daunting)

It's incredibly difficult to open up a Final Draft document without feeling like you're literally writing your final draft, so here's a few features you can use your advantage!

1. Turn on dark mode

Dark mode makes it look like less of a script and more of an outline. Edit and rewrite in light mode, you will feel the difference.

2. Use speed view

Speed view gets rid of pages and page numbers and therefore you are only looking at the words you type.

3. Use focus mode

Focus mode removes the scenes, page numbers, and outlines you have at the top on the program while writing. Another way to forget about focusing on progress.

4. Make a messy beat board

Throw all your ideas onto the beat board, it should help make the document feel a bit more lived-in and less pristine.

Bonus:

5. Set a template with your formatting and use that to start every script you write

While a script format is very ridged, there are things you can do to personalize it. When you find those things, make them in a Final Draft doc (without actual writing) and save as your own template so you don't have to change all the elements every time.

[fox-teeth]

Continuing my final days of ShortBox Comics Fair posts (first post here) about the process of bringing "The Maker of Grave-Goods" from idea to completion here, where I'll discuss how I take a page of comics from outline to final art.

So after writing an outline I create lots of these messy stream-of-consciousness "sketch pages" where I write/revise the script, sketch out potential panels, and start fitting them into thumbnails simultaneously. I've never written a script before drawing--the two are too thoroughly linked for me.

I then draw big thumbnails (layouts?). I usually do these at print size on templates I print out as a way to make sure all the text and details will fit/look OK at the final size. This comic was digital and this stage was mostly done in a library so I just roughed things, 2 pages to an 8.5x11 sheet.

After I completed the thumbs and did some revisions on the script, had it copy edited, etc. I moved on to pencils. I printed templates with different divisions (fourths, thirds, etc.) for reference on legal size paper, hand lettered it using an Ames guide, and drew the art using 2B and col-erase pencils. (Unfortunately the paper I used for this was awful, too thin, just the worst)

I inked the pages on nicer paper (Strathmore 400 vellum bristol) using a lightbox. I mostly used Winsor & Newton Series 7 brushes sized 000-0 and Winsor & Newton india ink; but for the lettering and small details I used Japanese nibs (Nihonji for lettering, g nibs & maru for drawing) and speedball ink. And Delter 2 ink for white fixes.

Next is what I think is the most boring part: scanning, dropping images into templates, cleaning up, re-kerning a lot the hand lettered text, to get the traditional inks ready for digital coloring. (Thanks to my partner Sam for assisting with clean-up!)

For the coloring, I wanted to bridge what I'm known for (risograph comics) with digital so decided to treat this comic like a faux two-color riso. I made up two ink colors, "grape" and "phthalo green" and created a digital riso color chart to colorpick from (left) Compare to a real printed one at right.

The coloring uses only colors on that chart and lots of color holds, gradients, big flat spot colors, and even some simulated overprinting like the 2nd panel on the left page. And a noise filter for texture on top. Overall I'm really happy with the coloring--it looks exactly how I wanted it to.

This is pretty typical of how I make comics--I hope it was informative especially if you're interested in traditional media comics making.

Buy "The Maker of Grave-Goods" on ShortBox Comics Fair

[roughdraftmonth]

what's the plan? outline methods & tips!

Hey, Rough Drafters!

This is for all the outline fans out there. Here are some tips on different outline structures that might help you while you blueprint your Rough Draft! I hope there is something helpful here whether you are new to outlining or a veteran. This is not a comprehensive list. I totally recommend digging into other narrative structures, seeing how they tick, and deciding what works for you!

✏️ The Hero’s Journey • Created by Joseph Campbell (using the simplified terms from Christopher Vogler)

The Hero’s journey is the backbone of most outline structures. The only difficult thing is a lot of these terms are still derived from classic mythic structure and are less applicable today. However, since it has been so well dissected and discussed, there are so many resources to help transpose the terms to narratives that involve less sword-and-shield-heroism. It might take a little time to understand each beat and what it can mean for you and your story, but this is such a well loved structure and will give your story some solid backbone! This structure is best suited for an adventure story where characters travel from one place to another, but you can get creative about what that adventure or journey looks like. At its most basic, though, the hero’s journey will help take your characters on quests in a far off place—whether it’s in the stars, across the continent, or in a world of your own making.

⭐ Great media examples of ‘journey’ narratives are: Star Wars (pick one really), Little Miss Sunshine, Lord of the Rings, and Life of Pi.

✏️ Save the Cat • Created by Blake Snyder

Save the Cat was originally intended for screenwriting. Its best application is in scripting, whether that be screenwriting, plays, games, or comics. The first and last beats help to set a tone for your story, which is crucial for script writing and opening/ending shots in films, but this concept can be just as important in prose. Consider using guidelines from this structure to plan your first and last scenes before you get to November.

⭐ You will recognize Save the Cat in most films, and you can find beat sheets to match films for example on the Save the Cat website.

✏️ Six Stage Outline by Michael Hauge

This structure is great to keep simple with bullet points or expand for more depth. In this outline there are only 11 beats—6 stages and 5 turning points. Turning points are the highest moment of external conflict. Ideally, internal and external conflict escalate at each turning point. Identity deals with character’s misbeliefs about themselves as the narrative drives them to be their most authentic self. This outline focuses on developing both internal and external struggles. If your story is particularly character-driven, this structure might be the one for you.

⭐ Many stories follow this structure but the one I was taught off of is the greatest movie of all time. Shrek.

Try drawing your arc with notes out on paper. This arc can silly: include dead ends, drop offs, spirals, tangles, anything! This helps visualize the ups and downs of the narrative. Also great to do after you’ve completed outlining for a visual aid.

Sometimes... one outline model is not enough! Mix and match your favorite terms and structures in the manner you feel best assists your narrative structure. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Read in your medium (novels, scripts, poems, etc.) and notate pages and scenes where the major beats happen. This really helps engage your brain and makes you more familiar with plot structure!

My favorite method to outline is the MLA outline structure. Using a template like this helps me put all of my ideas into place. I don’t have an excuse for not knowing what to do. This helps lock me in!

✏️ Uh oh, Secret Plantser Agenda!

If outlining the ending first doesn’t work for you, outline everything EXCEPT the ending! Leave something for you to discover once you get there!

Sometimes you need to take a step back. Maybe don’t make a 10 page outline. Maybe make 10 bullet points. Outline as much or as little as you need to.

Occasionally overplanning can cause me to lose the joy in my writing! Make sure to really experiment to find what works best with you and your style! Sometimes that means... making a less in-depth outline. This is a call out post for me (Sarah with an ‘h’) specifically.

✏️ Technically, I like to combine elements of all three of these plot structures, but Michael Hauge’s 6 stage outline is my favorite. It’s a very good structure for adjusting to your outlining style, whether you want to do just the bare bones plot points, or you want to use them as the waypoints as you plot out scene by scene. I like to use the stages and turning points as the headings and subheadings to my outline. I hope these tips are able to help you in your outlining journey, both planner and plantser alike. If you know of any other helpful tips for outlining, please share them with us!

Thanks for tuning in, happy drafting!

-Sarah with an ‘H’

[kyokosasagawa]

I started writing "4 srs" this month and I like how free and accessible writing is, so I'm recommending free software I've experimented with that might help people who want to get into the hobby!

“Specifically Created for Writing Stories”

-------------------------------

Manuskript – Story organizer / word processor. Has an outliner and index card function, along with distraction free mode. Lets you switch between different templates such as a non-fiction mode or a short story.

Bibisco – Novel writing software that includes writing goals, world-building, distraction free mode, and a timeline.

“I Just Want to Write”

---------------------------

LibreOffice – Microsoft 365 alternative, but free! LibreOffice Writer is what I wrote this tumblr post in before I posted it. Also if you copy & paste the text into the Rich Text Editor on AO3, it seems that it actually converts it properly. Nice! No need for scripts.

Note-Taking

-------------------------------

Zim Wiki - note taking application that is very, very lightweight (1.1mb). It functions with a tree structure, so I’d personally recommend it for world-building and character bios. There are built-in plugins that also turn it into a good software for task management (it even has a article on how to use it for GTD) and journalling. See also: CherryTree (2mb), which is a more outdated-looking app, but functions similarly.

Obsidian MD – The Big Boy. markdown note editor that has been adopted by personal knowledge management fans---if it doesn’t do something you want it to do, just look in the community plugins to see if someone has already done it. Some unique non-word processing related usages I’ve found is the ability to create a table of contents dashboard, a image gallery for images, embedding youtube videos and timestamping notes, so forth.

Logseq – A bullet point based markdown note editor that also has PDF annotations, Zotero integration, flashcard creation, and whiteboards. Best used for outlining projects due to the bullet point structure.

Joplin – A modern app comparable to Zim Wiki, it’s basically just a note-taking software that uses folders and tags to sort easier. Looks prettier than Zim Wiki and Cherry Tree

Notion – An online-only website that allows usage of different database types. Free for personal use. Note: I dislike the AI updates that have been making the app lag more. I prefer the others on this list.

Mind Maps

-------------------------------

Freeplane – So much goddamn features, including a ton of add-ons. Looks somewhat ugly, but it works for anyone willing to spend a while learning how to use it.

Mermaid – Text-based diagram creator. Can be used in apps like Joplin, Notion, and Obsidian.

Obsidian’s Canvas – A core plugin for Obsidian, it deserves its own mention in that it allows you to create embedded notes of the mindmap nodes. Thus, if you want to create a 20-page long note and have it minimized to the size of a penny on the mindmap, you could.

Other Things That Might Be Of Interest

Syncthing - A free software that allows you to sync between two or more computers. Have a desktop but also laze around on a laptop in bed, coming up with ideas?? This is your buddy if you don't want to use a online software.

[henrysglock]

Warning: This blog is not a safe space for those who are anti-Palestine. That includes zionists. Also, I will be posting/reblogging ST5 leaks!

25 • #1 Henry Creel Understander • The Duffers owe me compensation for using my life as a template for Henry’s backstory

James' Master List

My Bullshit Theories:

The Big Analysis on London's "The First Shadow" (Nearly 50,000 words dissecting All That so you don't have to!)

WBOB, D.A.D, and The Squawk (The CONFIRMED direct connection between the radio-based Mindflayer Tracking device in TFS and the leaked radio station van, plus connections regarding the use of the leaked WSQK radio tower)

Coded Messages from the Upside Down (Outlining the visions in ST1 and the coded messages that permeate canon—specifically as it all relates to Henry)

How Old Is Jane Ives? (Calendar math that tells us Terry's break-in could not physically have happened in 1974, and instead happened closer to 1978)

Could Nell Fisher Be Playing Holly? (A brief spitballing session regarding Nell, Jane, Holly, lost sisters, and 008)

Cracks and Mirrors Series (A series of 4 posts discussing the unreliability of the NINA 1979 massacre—specifically highlighting multiple different outcomes based on set and makeup design)

Where Is All The Blood Coming From? (A comparison between the 4.07 massacre's blood and the carnage resulting from democreature attacks)

Local Man Refuses to Pick A Damn Jumpsuit (Matching up the Dimension-X jumpsuits to 4.07 massacre jumpsuits)

Turn Around...Look At What You See... (At least one version of Brenner saw One killing Two in 1979 rather than El with the gate, and I've got receipts for it)

The First Shadow: Impossible Timeline (The timeline of the newspapers Sshown in The First Shadow cannot physically exist)

Why Do You, As The Big Bad, Have No Lines Or Powers? (Vecna’s physical form in the UD has no dialogue and doesn’t use psionic powers: evidence and theories)

Psycho Killer, Qu'est-ce Que C'est? (Neither Henry Nor Vecna Are Psychopaths: An In-Depth Behavioral Analysis)

This Play Is About A Psychopath (Confirming Henry's psychosis in The First Shadow and dissecting Brenner's ASPD traits)

Our Lord and Savior…Vecna? (Why Vecna/One is God, narratively speaking, based on analysis of ST4, The Bible, and other supporting media)

⬇️ Link Library Below The Cut ⬇️

Fics:

Paper Faces — POTO x ST fusion fic (Complete)

ptolemaea (blessed be the children) — Henry’s fix-it fic (4/?)

Trick of the Light — Henry-Brenner-El centric 4.07 rewrite (2/3)

Papa Warbucks — Henry/Brenner Sugar Daddy AU (1/?)

Edits:

ABBEY (ft. Henry Creel)

NYMPHOLOGY (ft. HNL)

The Colors of ST4 (ft. Le Monde)

Featured Posts

↳ Featured Timeline, Time Loop, and Alternate Reality Posts

Jekyll and Hyde? No. Vecna and Mindflayer Guy

Closet Guy is not one of the Massacre Guys

The Creel’s Impossible Move-In Date

A Night of Monologues: Scripted vs Filmed 4.07

Plinko Power: A Theory on One’s Time Powers

010's Multiple Testing Rooms

El's Eye Blood

Day and Night: 4.07 Script Discrepancies vs 6 Nov. 1983

Covered in Blood: The Massacre may have happened in 1983

Gravity Goofs: Concrete proof of multiple UDs

Brenner's Tie Gaffs (cont.)

The mirror in the Rainbow Room isn’t a mirror at all. It’s a window

Instances of back-to-back duplicate El scenes in NINA

The Store Room Scene In NINA Is Actually A Bunch Of Different Versions of Events Frankenstein'd Together (Contains Concrete Proof)

There are nine distinct Brenners in the 4.01 massacre sequence alone

The 27-year Time Loop Theory

↳ Featured Henry Posts

Psychopathy: Learned or Genetic

Jeffty is Five, Henry is 7

Henry's Third Monologue Iteration

Mothergate Origins

Room (2015)

Young Henry, Adult Henry, and the Rabbit Scene

Perspective On The Length of Henry's Imprisonment

Henry Didn't Manipulate El Re: Soteria

Henry's Unseen Costumes

NINA And Computers

The Order of Creel-Related Events As Compared To The Catholic Calendar. Read: More Proof That One Is God

↳ Featured TFS Posts

The Real Time Frame of TFS

Drugs, NINA, The Mindflayer, and TFS

Henry, Bob's D.A.D., and Understudy Incest

Patty’s Anti-Social Behavior

Daria Rip-Off

Some Concerns About Joyce’s Role

↳ Featured Supporting Media Posts

Midnight Mass: My Dead Sister, Alice

Midnight Mass: Rabbits, Mice, and Resurrection

Fringe: Chess and A Brave New World

Fringe: Stranger Things Have Happened

↳ Featured Radiationgate Posts

Eben Byers, Radium, and ST3's Soviet Plot

Vecna's Curse: Radiation Sickness Symptoms

Henry Creel Literally Nuked Hawkins

Nuclear Winter in the Side-Side Upside Down

The Nuclear Annihilation of 1983

↳ Featured Phantomgate Posts

POTO 2004: Film Analysis

Anon Cringe Compilation: 2024 Edition, Part 1

LINK TO MY LIBRARY OF POSTS

Other Edits:

Henry Creel: Brainless Borzoi

Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve (ft. Henry Creel)

Left-Brain, Right-Brain (ft. Henry Creel)

Art:

Creel Siblings Outfit Swap

Creelarke Aesthetic Board

TUNNEL VISION (ft. Henry Creel)

Other Social Media:

Twitter

Mastodon

Cohost

[lol-jackles]

I’m curious what the process is. Amazon decides they like Derek Halas’s idea, hire him as EP and showrunner. Then we hear of a couple of actors attached already—Jensen and Jessica. What’s next? Is it finishing up the rest of the cast, getting writers, whatever? What’s involved in pre-production? How long does it take? Thanks for answering!

This is the normal schedule for broadcast television. I'm sure it's different months in the steaming business but let's use this as the template:

June to September : pitch to the studio.  A studio agrees to back the project and refine the outlines of the story idea that will hopefully become pilot scripts.  This is when the majority of the negotiation between studios and networks occur. 

October : every writer in LA is frantically finishing the first draft to deliver to the network by Thanksgiving.

November through January : multiple drafts of scripts

February : Hire actors and crew and start filming the pilot. 

March : Production while (broadcast) shows film their finales.

April : post production.  

Late April or early May: the network tells you if your show is picked up by them and then it’s a mad rush to fill the writer room and churn out scripts, unless your series was already ordered back in September. 

May: Upfronts

[hopeymchope]

I'm curious, what's your stance on generative AI? I know we in the fandom community often talk about it in the context of AI created fanart, but I'm talking more in the context of the uses generative AI has in the realm of general work productivity, like what Microsoft is trying to do with their new CoPilot program.

Well, the ethical issue is basically the same as it is for A.I.-generated images—but for some goddamn reason, people don't like to think of any kind of writing as a form of propietary "art" the same way they do about visual arts, so it's garnered FAR less attention.

But as far as their usability goes? As someone who writes documents for a living, I can see these programs being potentially beneficial for creating early rough drafts, but that's the extent of what it's good for now: They can make outlines. BUT! You could get the same outline from a template or from an online boilerplate, so is that even worth anything? Once you go beyond an outline, any text generated from these A.I.s always needs heavy revision, reorganization, and editing. I'd spend less time just writing it from scratch.

Currently, generative so-called "A.I." programs that are designed to assist with writing text are based upon predicting what they think the user is requesting or desiring. They set out to give you what they believe you want, and accuracy is NOT part of the equation. This might not be as big of an issue if you're trying to make a book report on a classic novel, because there are probably enough examples of reliable web coverage on the subject it could reasonably generate something that's at least usable. But outside of doing some of your homework for you, how useful is it?

It can certainly bullshit some generic blather to fill space in a paper, or it could spew corporate-ese for the purpose of drafting a mass company email... but can it announce something new to your staff or the press in an accurate way? Nope. Can it reliably create copy or a script for advertising/marketing? Not if you want your ad to actually be true, let alone unique. :P

If you're doing something fairly rote like taking existing legal documentation to create a new, similar legal document for a different usage? You're better off just having a template on-hand with editable sections to revise; that way, the A.I. won't attempt to "improve" the legal text in a way that fucks you over. And if you're asking the A.I. not to edit that text in the first place... well, then why are we using this A.I. when we already have templates?

If you're hoping to create some kind of instructions, maybe a "How-To" book or a manual for something? Just forget it. It doesn't matter how much documentation on the subject you feed into that A.I. Ultimately, it will preconcieve how the process COULD work or what the program/device/person MIGHT do, and then it starts going off on bizarre claims/tangents that are wholly imagined. The longer the document you want, the worse the amount of nonsensical bullshit gets.

But even if you're just trying to get it to reduce a massive document down to like, a single page that covers the basics? It has no real system for judging what "the basics" are. You can try to specify to the A-not-I what you need to include, feed it the original document... and still wind up with a combination of falsehoods and excluded requirements. This won't necessarily happen every single attempt or in every single paragraph, but it'll definitely happen enough times to make it more trouble than it's worth. Still... this kind of thing — i.e., revising a single existing source into a different format or length — is probably the area that's the most promising application for these programs in the near term. It should be possible to "teach" to the programs in question, and it handily skirts past most ethical questions about the sources behind its knowledge.

What I said about falsehoods and skewed info/inaccuracy is also why search engines that have incorporated A.I. have gotten LESS reliable. Generative A.I. isn't truly "Artificial Intelligence," because it can't make any kind of judgment. It doesn't have a clue how to deem something true or false, and it's really fucking hard to build that into a program. Because ultimately, what do you ask it to do? How do you explain that to the program in a logical fashion? You can't just say "only believe the sources I give you/tell you to trust," because it only generates based on tons of pre-existing examples that it's observed. It only exists at all because of those examples, which is always going to cause these issues.

....and that last point ALSO raises the same exact ethical questions already brought up by A.I.-generated imagery. What right do they have to use these sources? Where are they getting them, etc.? And now I'm back where I started.

Suffice it to say I'm not a fan. Although I do, of course, have skin in this game, so I acknowledge that I'm definitely biased.

[thepodcasthoard]

How to Start a Podcast

Part 1

The second article Sydney kindly gave me is How to Start a Podcast by buzzsprout. Buzzsprout is also a hosting site, which you need when you start a podcast, so they have to know their stuff (according to the article, since 2009 they've helped three hundred thousand podcasts launch, which is impressive).

Buzzsprout breaks the process into ten actionable steps.

Develop a concept.

Define goals

Pick a theme/topic (they provide a whopping seventy-five in this article linked)

Find a niche

Name it (they have provided this article for further reading)

2. Choose a format

I didn't think about this before I read this article, but there are different ways to present podcasts- the article mentions interview, cohosted, scripted non-fiction, news, educational, and scripted fiction (and I will provide audio drama help as I conduct my own research and get information from podcasters about it).

The article goes over the 'optimal' podcast episode length, with some statistics, but the only thing that seems to be important they put in the first sentence: "Make your episodes as long as they need to be and no longer."

They also talk about an episode release schedule, with more stats.

3. Set up recording equipment

Of course they talk about microphones, including another article all about that aspect of podcasting, but apparently there are different types of microphones. I never knew that. They go somewhat in-depth about the different kinds, so I'll leave the technical reading to you.

4. Choose software

The article also talks about different software, from recording to editing. They give a few different options in the article, with links to each. I'm not sure if they get commissions based on how many people click through, so I'll leave you to go there to give them some love.

5. Record your first episode.

The article further breaks the process into smaller steps.

A) Write an outline (with further reading that includes templates)

B) Pick your recording room wisely

Before Sydney's post, I didn't know that sound travels different off of hard and soft surfaces, though I guess in retrospect I should have figured (echos in canyons, for example). I didn't realize it would make a big difference, but I guess it does.

C) Connect your equipment and set up your software

This is important- make sure you hit 'record' and everything's plugged in, folks.

D) Microphone technique

If you're going to speak into a microphone, learn to do it right.

E) Test different recording styles

Test for quality.

6. Edit

They provide an article for further reading. In the main article, they break it into broad steps.

A) Make sure the intro and outro are engaging

Hook the listener right away.

B) Edit for content, then everything else.

Start with big cuts, then move smaller.

C) Fade between tracks

Apparently, cutting audio can sometimes make clicks and pops in the recording. Who knew?

D) Create a punch list

I guess this is a to-do list.

Then when all that's done, you export it! They throw a bit of technical jargon at you (what the heck is an ID3 tag?) but thankfully, it seems to be fairly simple with this podcasting host site. I'm not sponsored by them, it just seems easy enough for beginners.

7. Create podcast artwork.

They also include five tips for that.

A) Visually communicate the subject

B) Design for a variety of sizes

C) Don't use too many words or fonts

D) Avoid 'podcast imagery' (microphones, for example)

E) Keep your brand consistent

They provide a few sites for people to create artwork, so that's cool.

8. Set up podcast hosting

To be honest, this confused the Hell out of me. But there are a few videos about it they linked at the end of the step, so feel free to read the full article and watch them.

9. Get listed in podcast directories

More technical stuff, but I guess that you need the last step- hosting- to actually get onto Spotify or Apple podcasts or any other site/app.

10. Launch and grow

The article goes over two ways to launch- grand and soft- and a few other things like imposter syndrome. It talks about seven marketing tips.

A) Tell friends and family

B) Create a buzzsprout ad

C) Post episodes on social media

D) Join groups and forums

E) Cross-promote with other podcasters

F) Overcast ads

G) Create a call to action

The article also recommends celebrating, and I'm always down for a celebration. Don't be embarrassed it's about your own achievements, or feel like it's needlessly self-congratulatory or self-centered. It seems like a ton of work, so give yourself some credit!

[jesncin]

Hewwo~ I love the comics you guys make! Can I ask about what your writing process is like? Do you follow some sort of 3-act structure template, or have some other fun tools? Where do you get your ideas from? Sorry if that's a lot to ask! I want to be a strong writer like you guys!

Hello there! :> thank you for the kind words!!

If I had to describe my writing process it would be working "general to specific". So I would have a general idea for a story, work out the big events, then flesh out the details down to dialogue and character acting (I like to have that figured out in the script early so once I sketch/thumbnail the comic I'm not mentally overworked).

Elevator pitch -> Outline -> Story Breakdown -> Script

Throughout the process I'm always keeping in mind what the theme of the story is, making sure it's not lost in the process. The 3 act structure comes naturally from feeling the story out, but it's good to revisit sometimes if you feel like your story is missing a beat or needs rearranging. I usually check out Blake Snyder's beat sheet when I feel something's lacking but I don't treat it like strict rules to follow- more like a guideline.

For where I get my ideas from, lately it's a mix of lived experience that I want to see more of in fiction or a twist on existing stories. "Princess Kaguya x Little Prince but about a trans masc Indonesian boy going through culture shock" or "Martian Manhunter but his evil twin brother is misunderstood and not evil". Stuff that would be fun to write and gets me excited just thinking about them.

I hope that was helpful! And good luck on your writing!!

[autonom-us-project]

Speak Up: Email or Call Your Elected Official!

When we elect our representatives into office, they have a duty to represent the interests of us, the voters. A simple and free way to do this is by contacting them when we have concerns or feel they aren’t acting in our best interests. Especially in states with restrictive reproductive healthcare laws, voicing your concerns via email or phone ensures your voice is heard. Remember, these officials work for you, the constituents who put them in office to begin with!

If you need help getting started, check out the links below for some scripts you can use to write up your message to your state’s elected officials. 

Find Your Representative

This tool from the US House of Representatives will help you locate your representative based on your ZIP code, and provide their website and contact information.

Emailing Your Legislators 101

This resource from Planned Parenthood outlines in detail where to locate your representative’s contact information, tips for how to structure your message, and where that email goes after you send it. Additionally, it provides an email template at the bottom for added guidance. 

ACLU- Defend Reproductive Freedom Now

This page from the ACLU provides another helpful template for crafting your message to the Senator or Representative of your state.  

[kajotko]

Happy Webcomic Day!

Saw this cool template from webcomicday and thought I'd join last minute~

For All Known Alternatives I like to do the script and thumbnails all at once for each chapter. I write the outlines and dialogues in Notion then sketch thumbs in an A5 notebook (yes, they should be neater).

And when it's time to draw I usually work in batches of 4 pages. Roughly it's baloon & panel layout > sketch > lineart > grayscale > gradient map to add color> effects, spot colors etc.

Read All Known Alternatives Here!

If you like friendship, mysteries, alternative dimensions and magic that looks like a mini laser show I think you'll enjoy it :)💙💚💚

[typicalopposite]

Ask TypicalOpposite Anything

Oooo! thank you @adreamareads for the tag. This is going to be fun (or terrifying, or angsty... depending on the fics yall ask about i guess... lol)

Here are some prompts to start, but feel free to go off script.

My Ao3

1. Of the fics you’ve written, which is your favorite and why?

2. Which scene was your favorite to write in [title of fic]?

3. Which part of [title] was hardest to write?

4. Which part of [title] was the easiest to write?

4. If you could change anything in [title], what would it be?

5. Did you make an outline for [title]? Did you stick to it?

6. Which scenes did you cut, and which were added in [title]?

7. Who was your favorite character to write in [title]?

8. Which came first, the title or the fic?

9. Which idea came to you first in [title]?

10. What are some facts readers may not know about [title]?

Feel free to use this template for yourself and/or hit up that ask box!

tagging @scripted-downfall, @meraki-yao, @luainthewild, aaand @windwardstar :)

[hetalia-club]

If no one else is going to say it then I will. You are one of the funniest Hetalia blogs on this website. Maybe even fandom blogs period (and I follow a lot of them). Your humor is just so…idk…I feel like you are one of those people who has something to say about everything. I want to talk to you IRL. The smash or pass thing you made with Hetalia characters was absolute gold from start to finish. The sound effects, music and everything you said about all the characters. You had me ugly laughing. It’s like an art for where you managed to make something that should have been completely cringy just unserious and lighthearted as possible. You passed on my bae Prussia and I can’t even be mad about because what you said was so funny. I even showed it to my friends who don’t even like hetalia much and they still thought it was hilarious. The tags you leave on things, posts you make, not even just about what you say about hetalia either. Just your stories from real life. Maybe it’s just how you word things Idk. The way you type i can hear someone saying it if that makes since I don’t feel like you embellish I feel like you actually talk like that. I feel like things you make here go under appreciated even if you are one of the main big blogs here and you have been for years.

PP; Could you please release the script or bloopers from the smash or pass? I really need to know what you said that wasn’t used.

PPS; I was going to not use anonymous but I got shy half way though and switched.

That was honestly so nice of you to say 🥺

Thank you so much! You’re so sweet.

You kind of caught me in the spot here I don’t really know what to say other than thank you so much and I appreciate and love all of you.

I’m glad I make you laugh and you enjoy the things I make! Don’t worry about it going ‘under appreciated’ or anything though. I don’t really have a blog for notes or internet popularity. I have this blog because I really like hetalia and I just make content that I want to see. It is just an added bounds so many of you enjoy it! Really asks like this are worth 10,000 notes to me.

I am glad a few of you have reached out personally to tell me how much you liked the smash or pass I made. I had a lot of fun making it to so it’s always a plus when you guys like something that I liked making. I’m glad you and your friends were amused by me 🤣 someone has to be!

As for a ‘script’ of the video it doesn’t really exist. I didn’t write any jokes or stuff down it was just off the top of my head in the moment I was doing lines. I just stared at pictures of the character and spoke from the heart. I don’t feel like it would have been near as well received if I actually wrote a script. I didn’t even plan on doing the Romano thirst trap at the end it just sort of happened. There was a general outline of things I knew I wanted to do as far as photoshop wise and characters I was going to cover. I got pretty severe unmedicated ADHD so if I don’t finish something when I start it it’ll just never get done. So I’m not really one for planning things I make too much because if I do I’ll get bored or side tracked and forget it exists.

If you guys wanted to make a version of the video yourself and don’t really have any idea how to do something like that you can get a hold of me and I will gladly give over the templates of the characters stills. Or if a lot of people ask I’ll just make a master post for everyone to use

For your PPS. You were probably just shy to be posted and that’s okay I would be to lol. But I hope you weren’t intimidated by me. That’s not the vibes I try and give off. I’m not mean or scary at all I promise I’ll talk to any of you about anything!