#than your art is eliciting organically

[aeide-thea]

tumblr ate the original version of this post, but tl;dr i'd gotten to thinking about the 'don't just like, reblog!!1!' discourse that seems to have intensified lately, and i think for me the issue is basically that artists seem to want to have their cake and eat it too when it comes to whether they're our peers, or actual professionals?

like—fundamentally my blog is my space to express my own taste in. period. that's what it's fundamentally primarily for. ergo i'm not going to reblog things i have mixed feelings about, because that would be misrepresenting my taste, unless i can append critique to them in order to clarify where my taste diverges. which i can do, with professional work!

but i'm pretty sure most tumblr artists would be upset to find criticism popping up in their notes. which is totally understandable! but like. if i have to discuss your work politely, rather than honestly, because you're a peer who's in the room with me—then yeah, if i don't like it enough, i won't reblog it, because if i don't have anything good to say, i shouldn't say anything. which isn't how we handle professional art! but it is how we handle our peers.

and it just seems to me like—you've got artists out here going 'i'm a struggling amateur, so you should do me a solid and toss me some free publicity! 🥺' but also 'i'm trying to make a living at this, so you should do me a solid and toss me some free publicity! 🥺' and i just feel like, which is it? because if you're my peer, then i'm only going to discuss your work publicly if i like it enough, because to do otherwise would be rude. and if you're a professional, then i don't owe it to you to subsidize your business by providing free advertising! if a business's products don't actually organically appeal to people, it should go under!

which maybe sounds harsh, but like. i have no desire to see making art restricted in any way. people should make whatever art they like, regardless of audience or quality, and derive joy from that! but like. if you want to make a living from your art, you should, actually, be making work of a quality that will speak for itself, in which case you shouldn't need to browbeat people into recommending it??

[yandere-writer-momo]

Heart Shaped Wound:

Katsumi’s Ending (Smut) 🌶️

Minors Do Not Interact

Katsumi’s Ending (Smut)

Art by @amateurbaki

……………………………………..

       The moment Katsumi brought (your name) to the honey moon suite, he threw her on the bed. His calloused hands eagerly tugged apart every tie to get to his prize.

       “Katsumi, stop.” (Your name) pushed her husband back a bit. Her kimono was already mostly off and Katsumi was equally disheveled. His cheeks were flush and his breath was ragged. “Please not yet-“

        Katsumi latched his mouth onto her neck. His lips sucked at the tender flesh with a hum while his hands pulled apart the rest of the silk fabric. His hand now slid into her kimono to touch her bare hip.

       “We’re married now… there is no need to worry. I’ll take care of you…” Katsumi muttered into her skin between fervent kisses. “I’ll take care of us.”

       (Your name) tried to shove him away again but he simply knocked her hands back to continue to remove her clothes. Katsumi pulled back to admire her body in awe.

         “My wife is so beautiful…” Katsumi then intertwined his fingers into her hair to pull her into a passionate kiss. His tongue pushed into her mouth to wrestle with hers. He was eager to explore her wet caverns while he hands cupped the supple flesh of her ass. He could finally touch her… he could finally make love to his wife. “I love you… I love you so much.”

         Katsumi began to shed his own wedding attire. The man took his time, his eyes never left her to ensure that she liked what she saw. Katsumi whistled at her to draw her attention.

         “Do you like my body?” Katsumi shyly asked her. His boxers now the only article of clothing that kept his dignity. (Your name) gulped when she saw the thick bulge in it, the smallest wet stain now visible to her eyes. She was terrified…

        Katsumi took her wide eyes of being an expression of her surprise at his size, which made him puff out his chest in pride. “I’m a little bigger than I let on… but I’m a little bit on the thicker side.”

          Katsumi pulled his boxers down in a flash, his member slapped his stomach in excitement. He leaked with so much precum that the head glistened. There was no way that was going inside of her…

         Katsumi stroked himself, his cheeks flushed under her intense gaze. Katsumi moved himself forward. The man now sat on top of her bare form with a soft smile.

          “We’re going to lose our virginity together…” Katsumi whispered with a smile. He took advantage of her shock and took her hand in his to place it over his heart. The organ drummed in his chest. “We’re going to become one.”

          (Your name) snapped out of her stupor and tried to push away from Katsumi again but he pressed his lips firmly to hers. His hands firmly grasping her hips in place. Katsumi smiled into the kiss, tears fell from his eyes.

         “My mom said you’re fertile right now…” Katsumi whispered, one of his hands dipped down between her legs. His eyes shined in awe at the slight dampness. “We have a whole week together so that should be plenty of time for you to get pregnant…”

         (Your name) was horrified. Him and his whole family were insane… but she knew it was too late for escape. She had no way of contacting anyone nor did she have access to her own money. Katsumi would eventually catch her…

       Katsumi started to experimentally rub his fingers between her legs, her body jolted when he slid over her sensitive bud. Katsumi smiled, his thumb sensually circled the bud to elicit a moan from her. Katsumi was determined to make his wife feel good… he wanted his wife to want him.

          (Your name) put her hand over her mouth to try to quiet her moans. She didn’t want to give Katsumi the satisfaction of knowing she was pleased. But Katsumi took her rebellion as shyness. His wife was so cute… she had nothing to be shy about. This was what two people did when they were in love with each other.

       Katsumi’s fingers soon entered her, his eyes widened at how tight she was… she was so tight… 

         (Your name) hissed in discomfort but Katsumi soon leaned forward to latch his lips onto her neck. He trailed kisses down her soft skin until he reached her chest. Katsumi latched onto her left nipple and began to suck. His eyes rolled back when a loud gasp left (your name)’s lips. Her body arched into his touch. Yes… see? He could make her feel good.

        “Katsumi… stop.” (Your name)’s body trembled. His fingers and his mouth were too much… she felt so strange… like she was going to explode. “I… I’m going to…”

          Katsumi continued to circle her clit with his thumb while his two fingers continued to move inside of her but he moved his mouth to her right nipple. His teeth grazed against the sensitive bud and he was met with a sharp moan. A dampness coated his hands while (your name)’s body spasmed. She just came…

        (Your name) felt herself float down from her high, she rested her head on Katsumi’s shoulder. She felt good… if felt far better than she thought it would…

       Katsumi smiled at her slumped over body, he was happy he was able to pleasure her like a good husband should. Katsumi helped her lay back on the bed, the young man positioned himself at her entrance.

          “I love you.” Katsumi then pushed himself in, his head thrown back in pure ecstasy. She was so wet and so tight… she was a dream. 

        (Your name) was brought back down to reality by the discomfort. She sunk her nails into his biceps from the pain of being stretched in a way she never has been before. 

         Katsumi gasped at the sensation he was feeling. It was so good… it felt like heaven.

         Katsumi continued to push himself in until he bottomed out. Katsumi began to cry when he saw (your name)’s eyes well up with tears. He took them as tears of happiness from finally becoming one.

        “We’re one… I’m yours and you’re mine.” Katsumi bent down to press his lips on hers. “We’re going to have a baby… a family.”

          And that’s when he gave an experimental thrust, a shudder left his lips at how amazing this was. Katsumi never knew sex could feel so good…

         Katsumi pressed his lips against (your name) as he began to thrust into her like a mad man. The woman loudly moaned into his mouth, her nails drew blood from his biceps but it did little to deter Katsumi. Katsumi instead grabbed the back of her legs to go deeper… her body now in a proper mating press. There was one thing and one thing only on his mind. A baby. He wanted a baby.

         Katsumi’s kisses and thrusts grew desperate as his high steadily approached. Poor (your name) gripped onto him for dear life, her cunt dripped a puddle of slick and blood beneath her while Katsumi continued to thrust into her tight dampness. His hips wildly snapped into hers, his tongue intertwined with hers in a sensual manner.

         “I’m going to fill you with my baby… I’m going to fill you with all I have to offer.” Katsumi began to ramble, while his muscles contracted and his hips stuttered. He was going to cum… he was going to fill (your name) to the brim with his seed. “Take it! Take all of me!”

       Katsumi firmly gripped her hips, his hands left bruises in his wake as he gave one last thrust. Something hot and sticky filled her up while he pushed deep into her guts. Katsumi’s eyes rolled back in his head, incoherent mumbles spilled from his lips.

        Katsumi rocked himself two more times before he collapsed beside (your name). His eyes admired the white cream that began to spill from her. His fingers scooped his cum back inside of her so not a single drop would be wasted.

       “I love you so much…” Katsumi pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I can’t wait for our future together. Do you love me too?”

        (Your name)’s eyes were dull. Her body trembled while tears fell from her eyes. This was her fate… he fate was to be the mother of Katsumi’s children…

        “I love you too…” (your name) softly whispered, she succumbed to her fate. She was sure she could learn to love Katsumi with time.

         Katsumi smiled brightly. The young man pulled her up into the bed and moved the covers on top of the two of them.

        Katsumi cuddled close to (your name), his arm wrapped securely around her body while he pressed kisses to the top of her head. He was so happy…

         Together they were going to start a family. Something he had always wanted. And now he would have it with the woman he loved more than life itself... his (your name).

.

.

.

         Katsumi would have her bent over every surface of the suite every chance he had. Their honeymoon was spent making love and eating. They weren’t even able to sight see yet because Katsumi couldn’t keep his hands to himself.

       “Katsumi?” (Your name) asked softly while she laid beside him in the bed. Her body was littered in love marks and bruises, her hair disheveled, and cheeks flushed from yet another passionate round with Katsumi. “How about we go to the beach?”

         She was desperate to get away from him but she didn’t want to outright say it… It’s not like he’d listen anyways. Katsumi was completely delusional now.

       Katsumi smiled at her. The young man wrapped his arms around her while he pressed hot kisses all over her shoulders. He couldn’t get enough of his darling wife…

       “Yes, my love?” She tried not to grimace when she felt him rub himself against her again. She was already so sticky and in desperate need of a shower. 

        “How about we go to the beach and spend the day together?” (Your name) softly whispered, her fingers crossed that he’d agree. Katsumi smiled.

     “Is that what my wife wants to do?” She was tired of him constantly referring to her as his wife. It was annoying, but there was little she could do other than go with it. She nods her head at him.

       “Yes. I’d like to do that… I want to spend quality time with you outside of the suite.” (Your name) became more bold with her desire to get out of this suffocating room. She hated this elegant bird cage he trapped her in and she hated his ardent touches. If she didn’t get out of here, she was going to bash her head into the wall. 

        She masked her inner thoughts with a bright smile. She’d play along with him if it meant she’d have the smallest taste of freedom. Katsumi beamed at her.

         “Then let’s go to the beach! We could take a bath together first.” Katsumi helped her up from the bed. His muscular arms pulled her to him and up in the air bridal style. A goofy grin on his face. “I’ll wash your back for you.”

         (Your name) felt a part of her die again from this interaction. It bitterly reminded her of the relationship she had with him prior to him losing his mind. She adored him still and she hated herself for it… how despite all the things he has done to her, a part of her still cared deeply for him.

        Katsumi sat her in the tub and started the water, the man hummed a chipper tune with a grin. “The water isn’t too hot is it?”

        (Your name) just gave him a soft smile back. She was sure she could forgive him one day, but for now, she’d play along.

       Katsumi crawled in behind her. His hands lovingly ran up and down her bare form. Katsumi pressed a few kisses here and there on her shoulders.

        “When I was young my father died.” Katsumi whispered softly. “I was part of a circus.”

        (Your name) sat patiently in front of him while Katsumi poured his heart out. She had no idea what she did to deserve to be trauma dumped but she allowed him to continue.

       “Doppo and Natsue were there and they took me in. I’m so grateful to have parents as wonderful as them but…” Katsumi moved his hands down to cup her stomach. “I always wondered how it would be to have a family of my own…”

       Katsumi smiled into her shoulder, his head leaned onto her skin to try to be as close as humanly possible. “I promise to be an amazing dad and an amazing husband. I will love you forever, (your name).”

         (Your name) held his hands in hers while the tub continued to fill. The two sat in a comfortable silence, his promise rung in her head over and over. She didn’t doubt that Katsumi would… it was just the way he went about this whole relationship.

         “I know you will, Katsumi.” (Your name) leaned back into his touch. Katsumi curled into her body with his own like a blanket. He had a comforting presence, he was the kind of guy who would take good care of her… but he had broken her trust in him and forced his love onto her.

         (Your name) wasn’t sure how to feel about it all… which she knew would be a recurring thought. Could she learn to love him? She had already accepted her fate of being his wife. But could she genuinely enjoy her time with him?

             Perhaps one day she’d love him back. But that wasn’t going to be anytime soon.

.

.

.

       Two weeks after the honeymoon and (your name) found herself curled over the toilet to vomit out her breakfast. Katsumi held back her hair with shaky hands. His eyes wide and his breath ragged… she was pregnant. They were going to have a baby.

        Katsumi eagerly pulled out the box of pregnancy tests from the cabinet and handed (your name) one. 

         And those two little lines made his chest explode in happiness. Katsumi began to sob while he held her tight to him. Finally… he was finally going to have a family of his own.

._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._.

Author’s Note: thanks for reading!

[giordirossi]

BEHIND THE MASK

A question never asked, yet answered all the same.   Date: Between April 10th-20th, 2024. Warnings: None.

Phone calls shouldn't drag out for longer than fifteen minutes tops, at least in Giordana's opinion.

Unless, of course, she happened to be caught in the endless conversational circle that was ringing her folks back in Launceston. Those always devolved after a quarter of an hour, playing catch up with mild news and constantly skirting around the massive elephant on the line surrounding her work. Inevitably they ran out of topics to hash out and resorted to rundowns of local obituaries, what birds her father saw in the yard that week, and when, for the love of the baby Lord Jesus himself, would she settle down with a nice Italian Catholic boy?

Which admittedly elicited more silent smirks than quick goodbyes these days. The kind only viewed by her reflection in the floor length mirror as she sat engulfed in the fabric of a shirt her very non-Italian, non-Catholic boyfriend left behind.

Tonight there were no private, mischievous smiles. No gossip about people from the old neighborhood. No jovial atmosphere behind this chat whatsoever. It felt rushed, almost frantic in a way that she seldom allowed her parents to hear. Or anyone else for that matter.

“I need you and Dad to go stay with Aunt Bea in Philly for a while.” Already she could hear her mother scoff, imagining the sight of long dark hair folding on itself as she undoubtedly gave Giordana's father an incredulous look. As if their daughter was begging for leniency on her adolescent curfew. “Not forever, just... until things cool down.”

"What things?”

“Ma—“

“Well, we can’t move our entire lives. D'you know how much it costs to relocate that fast?" A thick Launceston accent practically barreled down the phone at her. "We have important events coming up, what are we supposed to tell our friends and neighbors?"

As if on instinct, two fingers pinched the bridge of her nose.

"Dad playing cards at Vespucci's and you going to the salon with Trina do not count as important events, Ma." How to make them understand the gravity and the danger if they stayed? How she couldn't protect them across the pond if everything exploded? “You know Frankie and I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t serious.”

After the grandiose disaster that was the awards and how tepid the Sovrani alliance with the French appeared in its aftermath, she wouldn't take chances here. With no threat of croissant retribution as a barrier back in Launceston, the Russian hyenas waiting in the shadows would turn her hometown into a bloodbath again. Anyone with ties to the organization, especially to leadership and those in their circle, were fair game.

Under no circumstance was Giordana losing the only true parents she'd ever known.

Right when she anticipated a stern remark about tone, or lack of respect for her elders, her rebuttal was only met with heavy silence on the other end of the line.

And then, "I want you to answer me honestly." Shit. "Are you and your brother in some kind of trouble over there?"

"Not yet... Maybe soon.” Which equated to all the information she could provide, despite how ominous and unclear.

“Please, can you go stay with Beatrice? We need you both out of Launceston." A sigh through the speaker. "And we’ll need you to send over anything you have in the house connected to us. Pictures, documents, third grade macaroni art, whatever's left.”

“What! Why?!”

From somewhere in the background, her father chimed in, “I thought you said this wasn’t permanent, Giordana.”

“It’s a safety precaution. I’ll text you my address in London, don’t write it down anywhere.”

Nobody would rat them out as her parents— as the Rossi’s. There were too many Sovrani sympathizers or adjacent families in the old neighborhood who all looked after each other, but not every Russian traded competency for violence. The risk of somebody snooping where they shouldn’t remained a possibility.

Maybe paranoia gripped her because it’s what she would do to find a mark, rifle through family homes looking for connections. They needed to cut ties with Launceston and their children for awhile, only then could they be safe.

***

Barely one week later and a myriad of deliveries line the hallway of Giordana's home.

Boxes full of memories from hers and Frankie’s youth, all meticulously labeled because her mother never half-assed anything in this life. From high school yearbooks to little league sports trophies. Beneath a cardboard flap, some Polaroid photo sticks out partially obscured, though she recognizes it immediately as the outside of a local ice cream parlor back home.

A man stumbled up to the counter only minutes after the photo was taken. Unsteady on his feet with a blue shirt stained purple, his hands coated in a substance she couldn't see before her father rushed them into the car.

Good ole childhood memories, right?

Documents

The large black lettering catches her eye and Giordana scoops the package up from the floor, carrying it beneath one arm to the kitchen table. Unsure what compulsion makes her curious to rifle through it, she cuts open the clear tape and lifts a few papers into the light. Perhaps in search of an embarrassing disciplinary file from Frankie's school days that she could frame on the mantle. Wouldn't that be a sight.

Most of the sheets are expected and benign, so much so that she nearly misses the one labeled Birth Certificate. To her knowledge, Frankie was in possession of his after getting married to Aria and she keeps her own in a small personal safe in the bedroom down the hall.

Correction, she owns the amended version. The one reissued after a legal adoption has taken place. Her eyes hesitate at the top of the page, not venturing any further than the title.

She'd never seen the original before.

Never wanted to, quite frankly. Any early memories before her adoption were strategically buried once the Rossi's welcomed her into their family. What good was it to learn about the mother who abandoned her? Who sang a little girl to sleep until one morning she decided to just... give her away. Forever.

Had she known what that little girl would become? Did she sense the strangeness of her own child? The birth mother was still alive somewhere, or so Giordana heard, but hardly cared enough to find out.

Yet standing in the middle of her kitchen with the evidence of a long forgotten past sitting between slender fingers, she feels the oddest pang of–– not regret exactly. More of an incompleteness, a sudden deficiency that might be cured with a single glance.

Who was she before becoming Giordana Rossi?

Her gaze lowers, skimming over the birth details she already knows. Hospital, weight, height, nothing would be altered there. The birth name is different though.

Simone Martinez.

A breathy laugh escapes suddenly, relieved and amused all at once because she can't fathom answering to the name Simone. It isn't terrible, but neither does it match her current personality. She'll be sure to inform her parents of the wise change.

Mother: Monica Martinez.

No bells ring and while she hardly expected them to, somehow that leaves her a smidge disappointed. For all the faint memories she holds of the woman who gave her life, none of this feels familiar. She can only vaguely picture the face, blurry and distorted by the passage of time.

At least the father column is guaranteed to be empty. All her parents ever told her, and all she requested to hear, was that the woman had been a single mother and the birth father was unknown. Even to this Monica person.

Giordana peers down for confirmation and her stomach instantly drops. A barely audible, "What the fuck?" passes between painted lips as she crinkles the page in her grasp while holding it closer to the light.

The second parental designation isn't a blank space at all.

Father: Artur Petrov.

No.

No, that–– it must be a typo. Or a forgery.

Maybe her father planted it as a belated April Fools prank. Gotcha, that's what you get for worrying us! Ha ha!

Eyes widening with every passing second, she stares in horror at the name for what seems like an hour. As if scrutinizing it long enough might change the shape of the letters or erase them entirely.

Artur Petrov.

Petrov. It glares back at her from the document right above the official hospital seal and doctor's signature; a mocking condemnation.

The roar in her ears is loud enough to disorient and she drops the paper, discarding it with the rest of the box's contents before turning to stand over the sink. She hasn't vomited in years, yet bile rises in her throat all the same as realization upon realization crash over her head.

A desperate gasp staves the mess off just long enough for a softly anguished groan to replace it.

She's fucking Russian.

[draconicsparkle]

I am such a fan of reading and writing physical contact between characters. Luckily, Nagizuru is similar in enjoying physical contact with his bff too!

Fellas, is it gay for you to hold someone close and carry them carefully and respectfully through your home? Hajime ain’t sure quite yet, but I’m sure he’ll get there one day!

Also, a bit of news. I’m gonna have to take a break from writing fics for this au. Sadly, I’ve currently run out of ideas I can do and will need some time away from it. I do hope you can understand. I do intend to return should Karu or I think of anything else! But when will that be? I can’t say. This is also not a guarantee of anything, so do keep that in mind.

Huge thank you again to @karugoround for letting me write for these babies for this long. It’s been a crazy adventure and I had tons of fun! Please go check out their art on their blog and give them love and attention!

And with that, I bid you a good day!

Another day. Another round of sedatives. Another dreamless sleep caused by them. It should have by all intents and purposes been another boring and dull day.

But Izuru made up his mind to find some sort of entertainment come evening. He had a plan, and he found himself more than eager to execute it. All he needed was for his caretaker to come in.

And right on time, the door opened. In stepped his caretaker, so diligent and thoughtful. So reliable and… easy to convince. It was a part of his charm, and something Izuru was secretly fond of. Though he would admit he was both amused and frustrated at the lack of awareness Hajime sometimes displayed. Most of his subtle hints went unnoticed, not registering in that simple little mind of his. But again, it was a part of his charm. And Izuru was not quite ready to reveal it all to the other. After all, they were still trapped in hell.

But he still desired to indulge in pastimes he found entertaining. And his current favorite? Interacting and teasing his dear caretaker.

“Welcome back. Your presence was deeply missed,” he greeted, sitting up on his bed to gaze at the brunette.

That adorable pink flush filled the caretaker’s cheeks. “Y-you missed me?”

Izuru nodded. “Of course. You remain the sole human on this planet who I desire to see. No other has earned that privilege.”

He wasn’t lying when he said this, but he still enjoyed weaving together such declarations of affection to see the reactions again. He would never tire of them, and this one was just as glorious as the others. Hajime stuttered as he replied. “I-I’m honored, sir.”

Izuru then decided to begin putting his plan into action. “Hajime, there is something I wish to do. Something that we shall do once these ridiculous tests are done.”

“Huh? You want to… do something? May I ask what you want to do?” Hajime asked as he prepared the instruments on his cart.

Izuru reached forward and took hold of the chain, lightly tugging it. “I wish to see the floor you live on. To explore a section of this building I have yet to see. That is doable, yes?”

That flush increased, turning several shades darker as the words processed in Hajime’s mind. “You… want to see the fifth floor? I… I guess we can do that. No one ever comes to that floor other than me, so it’ll be safe.”

Izuru leaned in, whispering into his ear. “Perfect.” His smile grew when he saw the shiver that single word elicited. He then extended his arms, resigning himself to the tests that ruled his life. He did his best to ignore the dullness of it all, eyes roaming his caretaker’s form and observing every little detail. It didn’t matter that he had long since memorized every microscopic part, it was still thrilling to rediscover it all.

Finally, it finished. Everything was completed and stored back on the cart in their proper places. How organized, his caretaker was. But that wasn’t important for now. No, he had something else to say. “Since I have the sedatives in my system, I will require you to carry me. That won’t be difficult for you, right?” he sweetly asked, widening his eyes and easing his expression into one that would be hard to refuse.

Hajime wasn’t able to reply, too overwhelmed by the request. But still, his caretaker was reliable and willing, never refusing a direct order from the Ultimate Hope. Thus, the brunette carefully wrapped his arms around his thin, pale body. He was lifted effortlessly, held tightly and securely as if he was a freshly married bride being carried off to his honeymoon. What a nice mental image that was.

But that was something he could picture later, as he felt Hajime begin moving once more. Out of the doorway and to the beautiful elevator. Oh, he loved these devices. Such a smooth ride with amazing technology behind it. If only he was able to ride it more often. And when he got out of the lighthouse, he would insist on a place with access to an elevator. He knew he would receive no objections to this request.

The ride ended, the twin metal doors opening to reveal the new floor to him. He gazed around with interest, taking it all in. Hajime saw this and began talking. “I can give you a tour, if you would like. Show you all I have here.”

Izuru turned his head so it rested on Hajime’s shoulder. “That would be preferred. Proceed.”

After another of those full body shivers, the caretaker did just that. He was shown the kitchen, where all his meals were prepared and the ingredients were stored. It looked as though Hajime had procured more of a variety of items through the luck blessing, and he was eager to see what was to come. Next was the side room, where the washer and dryer combination was along with shelves of clean towels and linens. He also saw an ironing board with a suit on it. Seemed like his caretaker was diligent in many other aspects.

And finally, Hajime showed him his own bedroom. It was small and cramped, the bed looking like something stolen right out of a hospital. But still, he couldn’t deny his sudden desire.

“Hajime, I am beginning to feel the effects of the sedatives. Place me down on your bed so that I may rest. You will join me on it,” he declared, turning his head so that he could see the reaction.

As predicted, it was fantastic. Intense flush, eye darting around everywhere but at him, and fidgeting. “You… want to rest on my bed? But… wouldn’t you rather go back to your own?”

Izuru shook his head, lifting a hand to the brunette’s cheek and forcing him to meet his eyes. “No. I wish to lie on yours. Won’t you indulge me, my dear caretaker?”

With a gulp, Hajime did as requested. He carefully laid the Ultimate Hope down on the bed, making sure his long hair was out of the way. He rushed over to a tiny closet nearby, pulling a fluffy blanket out. “I… managed to snag this afternoon. I was waiting to bring it to you tomorrow for you to have it all day. But I guess this works, too.”

Izuru watched as Hajime unfolded the blanket and spread it out on top of him. It was warm and cozy, settling on his body and relaxing him. But he knew something that would make it better. “Hajime, I will ask you to recall the second part of my request.”

From the way Hajime appeared to be biting the inside of his lip, that request had not been forgotten. “If… you want me to. I’ll do anything you ask of me,” the brunette assured, pulling part of the blanket up and slipping underneath it.

Once he was fully under, Izuru pounced. He locked Hajime in his grip, arms holding him tight and not letting go. Izuru rested his chin on top of Hajime’s head, so his caretaker was leaning against his sternum. “This is to be our positions for this. You are not to leave unless absolutely necessary.”

He didn’t need to hear the reply, the warmth and sedatives lulling his mind back into unconsciousness. And as he drifted off, holding the only human worthy of his presence, he had a thought.

He pictured them in this exact position, in a king sized bed in a decorated room full of personal effects. A gorgeous sunset visible out the window, painting the sky with vibrant colors. And Hajime was asleep, no worry lines on his face. Peaceful. That was the best way to describe it.

And one day, he would make that a reality.

Masterpost

[the-bloody-sadist]

Repressed anon from before! I was wondering, what specifically do you mean by the horror of love? The inherent vulnerability of it, the fact that someone has to die first, something else?

Dissecting complicated emotions and concepts is a passion of mine too, but I can’t do it through art very well yet so I have to do it with words haha

My family was pretty much polar opposite, but with a similar effect somehow. Instead of sterile, my family was nothing but dysfunction and mental illness incarnate. The only person to provide any semblance of normalcy was my super religious grandma lol.

Your art is like. Super aesthetically pleasing exposure therapy for me right now. Trying to get over my squeamishness one beautifully horrifying picture and fic at a time.

Also, as for the terror and regret that comes with opening up about yourself and your experiences— vulnerability is pure courage. Your art is deeply personal and anything that you choose to share about the creation and meaning of it is an honor to learn. Which sounds sappy as hell but it’s fuckin true!! It’s so easy to tear other people down, but it’s so hard to put yourself out there. Also, salient fact here: it’s your blog. If someone doesn’t like what you say on your own personal platform, then they can leave. This is your slice of the void to yell into. Let the zestyness flow through you 😈

And since we’re identifying ourselves using emojis,

- 🦡 anon

Yay, hello again, sweet! I'm loving the names for anons, really helps me keep conversations straight and organized! Welcome to the family, badger anon 🦡 !

And now, oh shit, you've asked me to explain the horror of love comment. It encompasses my life experiences, so it's very personal to me, and the reason why all my romance stories will probably be thrillers and psychological horror. So see I was like...trying to put the horror genre with the love category, and that's when I started using that phrase to describe my work.

Let me mention some factors of my childhood that give light to this phrase, since you shared about your family, too (and thank you for sharing!).

I grew up with a narcissist and an enabler for parents, parading around as the perfect couple. First horror of love: if you're in someone's care, you're also at their mercy.

Hopefully you see my trajectory with this beginning lol.

The love you grow up with is the one you learn to accept as the definition of love. You seek it out unconsciously for the rest of your miserable life. This isn't the case for everyone, of course, as some can break free of it, but it's been my own curse, thus far. I've only broken free for now because I'm staying away from anything deeper than casual dates.

I've talked about it in other asks before, but to me, love is terrifying. Not because of the vulnerability that comes with it or the chance that a partner might die before you, but because the only experiences I've had with that came from those whose true colors were mortifying. And all because parental love became my example. Love meant being ignored, being lonely, playing pretend. Love meant never having boundaries but respecting others' at all costs. Love meant doing everything in my power to please, or impress, or elicit positive emotions, only to learn that, in the end, nothing would ever be enough. No matter what I did or how I acted, there was always something to be fixed, and if my parents' stellar reputation wasn't polished to its finest, I was a sinner, somehow, and something had to be done.

So I basically grew up with zero personality, mirroring everyone else, to be frank. I had access to two whole emotions: fear and happiness. If me or any of my siblings felt anything else, it was "snap out of it" from the parents, no matter the circumstance. Pet dog died? That's okay, try to move on. Cry for one day and you're probably fine. God forbid you speculate that it's because your father abused it, even if it died because it got left too long on a yard chain. A chain it strangled itself in because it was wildly unsafe. Mother miscarried a child? Let's give the baby a funny name and make jokes about it hanging out in heaven on the same day we announce its death to the family.

And me, when I returned from the worst trauma of my life? Well, eventually I became part of the jokes, too, after telling them what I went through. My siblings even repeated a line my abuser said to me as the punchline, sometimes.

All this is to explain that I grew up numb. I was an artist, expressing myself was the biggest personality trait I had. But that passion was stepped on and boxed away, because I had to dress the way they said, draw the things they approved of. "Be yourself" was literally a phrase that they made fun of and said was bad, so I had no self that I knew of. I was them, or whoever I was supposed to become to make them stop hurting me. I was not capable of playing the same game that they did, however, in terms of religion and being affected by nothing. Eventually I imagined I'd lost the ability to feel at all, because I hid anything that did come out, and behind the scenes was in shock. Nothing affected me outwardly except the power of fear. I was never happy, but my family chronically and toxically was, so I had to mirror it to survive in that environment. Otherwise I became the joke, I was seen as moping, or I was told I was uncooperative.

This environment created a sort of trauma-bonded codependency on my siblings. We didn't realize it at the time, but we were cowering under a tyrant and his wife whom everyone told us were the greatest parents in the world. If they made us feel awful about ourselves or isolated us from interactions outside of their watchful eyes, it was just because that's how families worked, and the families who didn't were wrong. Sinful, even.

No public school, no sleepovers, no TV, no 'secular' media. No sex ed, no outside opinions, no movies with language, no looking at other peoples' phones. No books that weren't garbage christian authors who didn't know a thing about writing.

Everything was barbed wire, everything was rules.

So you can imagine how such a view of loving parents was only horror, and how that transferred right over into my first romantic partner. I ran away with that partner to escape that house, and lived in another house that was exactly the same, except without the play pretend, the bumper rails, or the emotional capacity needed to survive.

I won't go into that part, because a stupid story I wrote covers that bit just fine, lol. Sinner, my silly little fanfic about FyoZai. Sorry for the ad break, but that story is my life. If you'd like to learn about my feelings and certain complexities of how I see love, that's where it is in a better form than I could ever explain it, here.

I don't think you should've encouraged me to let the zestyness flow through. I unleashed the trauma dump, and I'm still holding back so much detail. 😂 I shouldn't be such an open book but hey, who reads Tumblr asks anyway except the asker? Maybe like ten out of the thousands that follow me. Although the rest just read Sinner, which is my professional trauma dump LMAO.

Anyway after all that, I had my villain arc and now I'm the one in charge. Mwahahah. I tried lots of stuff after that first relationship, made things worse, discovered new things, realized that I was a sadist, and that being a sadist didn't mean I had some demonic force to get rid of like my mother had thought when I told her as a kid.

A lot of people have "loved" me along the way. The way I felt about that love ranged from disgusted to afraid. For now, asexuality is the place where I'm safe, so that's where I stay, and I blue-ball anyone who asks for anything else. 😇 BDSM is a nice outlet for that bit, though, so I've had my fun with those who wanted me to do pain play on them, without the sexual aspect involved. I think it would be nice to have a dedicated partner someday who was an asexual masochist or something. LMAO.

IN CONCLUSION! Thanks for your beautiful descriptions of my artwork, and for praising my vulnerability on main! I hope I explained the little deal with the horror of love. I hope through my art and my fiction (if you get into that side of my work) will help you dissect all the things you feel, too.

Much love, my sweet! And sorry to anyone whose dashboard got bombarded with my little tragic drama tale.

(P.s. the TLDR for anyone who knows Sinner is that once upon a time I used to be Dazai and now I'm Fyodor [but the reformed Fyodor, without all the evil villain kidnapper rapist stuff LMAO])

[aworldforastage]

2023 Q1 Reading Recap

Writing up my thoughts on these 10 danmei titles (out of 15) that I read in the first three months of 2023.

相见欢/Joyful Reunion

天官赐福/Heaven Official’s Blessing

督主有病/Governor’s Illness

日落大道 /Sunset Boulevard

我成了虐文女主她亲哥/I Became the Older Brother of the Heroine in an Abusive Novel

魔尊他念念不忘/The Demon Venerable’s Wistful Desire

唇齿之戏/The Plays of Lips and Teeth

粉黛/Concealed and Blended: Fendai

妃嫔媵嫱/Fei Ping Ying Qiang

铜雀春深/Tong Que Chun Shen

(audiodrama cover art for Joyful Reunion, Governor's Illness, Sunset Boulevard)

I don't have a good reason for the cheesy song lyrics except that my mind was very preoccupied by Taylor Swift songs when I was writing this up ….

Famous titles: "I got a list of names, and yours is in red, underlined"

I finally got to four widely-recommended titles that has been sitting in my personal to-read-list for nearly a year. And honestly? Yeah, I think they are worth the hype.

相见欢/Joyful Reunion -- In a crumbling empire plagued by foreign threats and an impending succession crisis, young Duan Ling learns that he is the crown prince who needs to take on the burden of saving his nation. He eventually meets a love interest who gives him the exact type of warmth, strength, and security that he needs on this journey. Joyful Reunion stands out to me for a supporting cast that act like people who want to live and thrive in their society, not characters rounding out someone else's story. There are no chess masters who can see three steps ahead or control the entire board, but each party moving their own pieces end up creating a Gordian knot for the protagonist anyways. On top of all this, Duan Ling still manages a very satisfying coming-of-age arc.

天官赐福/Heaven Official’s Blessing -- No introduction needed of course. I'm not the biggest fan of Hualian, but MXTX, as usual, wins me over with a universe full of people, relationship dynamics, and themes that can stand up to dissection under a microscope: there is just SO MUCH going on. To me, TGCF is a story about power, self-concept (including moral values), love, and the sacrifices people make for them. It's very similar to MDZS in that it exposes systemic flaws in the world and society that remain (mostly) immutable, but still gives individual characters (mostly) happy endings, and arguably at the character-level it's a bit happier than MDZS … I think?

督主有病/Governor’s Illness -- On his first trip off the mountain at twelve, Xiahou Lian saves a young master around his own age from assassination and learns what it means to be born and raised in Qielan, a mysterious assassin organization. Everyone he knows is meant to eventually die for Qielan, but that little young master, the titular future Governor, gives him hope and faith in the potential of life. I have never met two characters who like each other so much who are so bad at getting together. This feels like an old-school wuxia story about sects, secrets, honor, and growth, but it's also a brutal deconstruction that highlights the dark side of this way of life, and the practical and psychological cost of wielding the power to kill.

日落大道 /Sunset Boulevard -- Zhang Jue breaks Chen Boqiao out of prison when the latter is framed for a crime. Chen Boqiao barely remembers them having attended the same high school, but Zhang Jue has been secretly in love with him for a decade. Ka Bi Qiu's writing style is smooth like fine silk; it elicits vivid imagery and emotions with deceptively simple language. I think its one relative weakness is that the plot feels very thin aside from the relationship arc, but its only around 160K words long and the relationship arc has earned a reputation as one of the most well-known "insecure one-sided secret pining" stories in all of danmei.

(audiodrama cover for I Became the Older Brother of the Heroine in an Abusive Novel, The Demon Venerable’s Wistful Desire)

Rebirth and Transmigration: "I think I've seen this film before and I didn't like the ending"

I read four novels in this category, though the two I really like at the moment are straight-forward novel transmigration stories -- kinder treatment from a transmigrated "canon fodder" turns scary "boss" character into a puppy-like love interest.

我成了虐文女主她亲哥/I Became the Older Brother of the Heroine in an Abusive Novel -- Cannon fodder in palace intrigue novel tries to change his family's ending by befriending the "villain", who decides he'd like to be more than friends. It's soft and fluffy because the love interest never gets close to his supposed darker persona after the protagonists' intervention. I really enjoyed the part with them temporarily living in the palace as teenager, a very heartwarming process of kindness begetting kindness. The "hidden main plot" in the story is also very engaging.

魔尊他念念不忘/The Demon Venerable’s Wistful Desire -- Teen transmigrator ends up in the body of the boss's canon fodder nemesis in a Xianxia novel, and becomes very committed to avoiding or being nice to the future Demon Venerable. The original novel plot completely veers off track because the (future) Demon Venerable is now only interested in find his missing cultivation partner and dual-cultivating with him. There is a subplot about the hypocrisy of the so-called righteous sects, but this story is mostly a feel-good romantic comedy in the xianxia setting.

P. S. Is there some unwritten rule that novels in this genre must have very long titles???

(audiodrama cover art for The Plays of Lips and Teeth, and Concealed and Blended: Fendai)

Pleasant surprises: variations on familiar themes

Entertainment/celebrities: "The camera flashes make it look like a dream"

This genre often makes us think of idols, musicians, and actors, often A-lister who are secure in their fame and talent. This quarter I read two different takes with this setting:

唇齿之戏/The Plays of Lips and Teeth actually tracks very similar to other celebrity stories, in which the fame and talent of the main characters are never challenged. However, focusing on more specialized careers like that of a host/producer and a comedian/xiangsheng performer is a refreshing change; needing to worry about things like bosses and management makes their careers feel a bit more down-to-earth.

粉黛/Concealed and Blended: Fendai explores the intersection of artistry, identity, sexuality, and fame, also through a story about atypical individuals in the industry: a "cross-dressing" celebrity makeup artist and professional gamer-turned-actor. Both main characters are uncertain about their purpose and the personas they put on to stay in the industry, and it's a story about their personal growth as well as professional achievement.

Concubines and consorts: "But it dies, and it dies, and it dies a million little times"

The concubines, aka non-official spouses, are among the most widely vilified demographics in cnovels, even though they are often the most powerless people in that dynamic. They are given the spotlight in two HE stories I found this quarter. (Warning: the "husband" in both stories are intimate with other members of his harem.)

妃嫔媵嫱/Fei Ping Ying Qiang tries to do a realistic take on the male concubine, who needs to clear significant personal and political hurdles to stand next to his prince. The concubines, male and female, do not enter their marriages intending to become manipulative usurpers of the wife's affection, in a narrative that shows it's only human that they hope to have affection in their family and survive this life with dignity.

铜雀春深/Tong Que Chun Shen makes a protagonist out someone who would usually be a failed romantic rival. Contrasted with the reserved and stubborn foreign prince, its the character who does not guard his sexuality, who leans into his partner's expectations, and who does not come from noble origins or have the political capital to fully assert himself, who finally gets to have his feelings and dignity put in the spotlight.

[thorsenmccoy17]

What You Need To Know About Facebook MarketingIs Facebook marketing a mystery to you? Instead of guessing at what you need to do, slow down and take the time to learn the basics. This article is a good starting point for learning how to create a successful marketing campaign on Facebook that will attract lots of customers.<br/><br/>Use Facebook Insights to improve your social media marketing campaign. Check Facebook Insights to find out which updates are the most popular. If possible, share more similar updates. If you notice your subscribers are losing interest in your Facebook campaign, make an effort to create more interesting content for your campaign.<br/><br/>A fun and easy way to get followers on your Facebook business page is to create a contest. Loyal followers will share their contest entry with their own followers and spread the word quickly. The prize doesn't have to be anything big, a sample product or small cash reward can be enough to spread the word.<br/><br/>Consider buying some Facebook ads. You can make it so that your ad is sent to certain kinds of people, like those that fall in your target market. You can also work within a budget and do as much or as little as you would like. Finally, there aren't any long term commitments involved. The advertisement can he halted at any time.<br/><br/>Be careful of any images you post as ads, as only 20% of the image can be actual text. If you end up submitting an image which has more than 20% text, it will be rejected and you've wasted your time. Be creative and create an image which captures your audience's attention.<br/><br/>Do not leave any sections of your Facebook page blank if you are looking to market your business. Many people neglect to put all of their info and this can cost a lot in the long run. If people cannot find the information they need on your business, they may look for somewhere else to get what they need.<br/><br/>Consider investing in Facebook Ads. You can pay a fee to have a certain number of targeted Facebook users see your ad. This is an excellent way to get more subscribers for your page. You will get better results if you offer a discount to the new subscribers or organize a giveaway.<br/><br/>When you post something, one of your intentions should be to elicit responses from your community. Therefore, think about each post and figure out how to phrase things so that people will want to comment on what you have to say. Explicitly asking for opinions is one of the best ways to do this.<br/><br/>Make places on your Facebook page for your audience to sign up. If you give them a free product or coupon for liking your page, they will be more interested. Also, you can hold contests where you give away free things.<br/><br/>Use pictures. Once you've got your site set up, share pictures with your Facebook friends and fans. These pictures can be of your product, or they can be inspirational or funny pictures. Your customers will share these pictures with their own Facebook friends, which raises your exposure across the site and will lead people to you.<br/><br/>Keep <a href="https://m.facebook.com/cabokho">Cá bò khô</a> of how your page is doing. Monitor your Facebook page's traffic. What sort of posts and content seem to get the most attention from your customers? Take note of what really seems to interest people and what doesn't. Keep track of this information so that you can better plan for the future.<br/><br/>Remember to post on your Facebook page. When a business sets up a Facebook account, they will often release a flurry of posts, and then nothing for months. For this type of marketing to be successful, you need to post in a strategic manner. You do not need to post 15 times a day, but a few times a week is a great idea.<br/><br/>Facebook marketing should no longer be a mysterious art. You should now know what to do to get started. Of course, it's important to always keep learning! However, the tips you just read should carry you through the beginning stages of your marketing campaign so that you can see some success.

[infoblogifyzen]

Creating Unforgettable Experiences with Lenox Hill Florist's Event Cocktail Tables

Events are more than just gatherings; they are the fabric of memorable moments woven into our lives. For event organizers and hosts, every detail counts in crafting an experience that resonates with guests long after the champagne has ceased to flow. At the heart of many such experiences lies the humble cocktail tables for events – a staple that, when adorned with the right care and creativity, can transform any space into a realm of elegance and charm.

In the bustling event planning industry, the enchanting bouquet of Lenox Hill Florist's event cocktail tables stands out. This in-depth look into their craft brings forward the essential elements that can elevate your next event to a truly unforgettable affair.

Benefits of Event Cocktail Tables

Setting the Scene: Ambient Elegance

The placement of cocktail tables influences the flow of an event's ambiance. Whether nestled under a garden arbor, scattered alongside a soft-lit ballroom, or aligned on sleek, modern terraces, these tables are more than just surfaces; they're storytelling elements. Lenox Hill Florist's tables ensure that your chosen tale is one of grace and refinement, tailored to your narrative.

A Focal Point for Connection

Events are catalysts for human connection, and amidst a sea of smiles, the cocktail table often becomes the anchor point for these interactions. Dressed to match the essence of your occasion, Lenox Hill Florist's cocktail tables beckon guests to pause, toasting to newfound friendships and the promise of the evening ahead.

Unveiling Sophistication

From formal galas to intimate soirées, a touch of sophistication goes a long way. Lenox Hill Florist's cocktail tables are not just adorned; they're designed. With a blend of modern sensibilities and timeless class, these installations speak volumes about the care taken to curate an event that values refinement.

Customization Options Galore

Tailored to Perfection: Table Selections

No two events are the same, and the variety of cocktail table shapes, sizes, and materials offered by Lenox Hill Florist efficiently reflects this. Clients can select from an array of options, each a canvas primed for customization and individuality. Whether your event dictates the elegance of high-gloss lacquer or the warmth of hand-polished wood, the perfect table is within reach.

The Personal Touch: Custom Decor

Lenox Hill Florist doesn't stop at tables; they work with event planners and designers to create bespoke settings. This marriage of professional expertise allows for unique centerpieces, handpicked linens, and personalized tableware that bear the seal of the event's identity, ensuring every detail reflects a deep regard for the occasion's significance.

Creative Floral Arrangements Steal the Show

Centerpieces as Works of Art

Flowers have an unparalleled way of captivating spectators. In the case of Lenox Hill Florist's cocktail tables, they do more than adorn; they captivate. Each arrangement is a synthesis of artistry and horticultural knowledge, commanding attention as a living, breathing centerpiece designed to elicit gasps of delight.

Harmonizing Seasonal Delights

Seasonal trends can influence every facet of event planning, including the floral decor. Lenox Hill Florist understands this, offering arrangements that harmonize the event's theme with the natural beauty of seasonal blooms. The result is harmonious and organic, a visual feast that complements the natural rhythm of the year's changing tides.

A Meticulous Eye for Detail

In crafting each display, Lenox Hill Florist pays meticulous attention to detail. Every petal is placed with a purpose – to resonate with the venue's atmosphere and the broader design scheme. This commitment to excellence ensures that the floral design unifies every element, reflecting a holistic approach that distinguishes great events from the merely good.

Case Studies and Testimonials Speak Volumes

Real-Life Success Stories

Lenox Hill Florist's portfolio brims with acclaim, illustrated through real-life events that stand as testament to their ability to turn visions into reality. From corporate functions to wedding extravaganzas, the consistency of their exceptional service and craftsmanship has left a lasting impression on delighted clients and their guests.

Satisfied Clientele

Testimonials from a myriad of events echo the sentiment of satisfaction. Clients wax lyrical about their interaction with Lenox Hill Florist's team, whose collaborative spirit and dedication ensure a seamless, stress-free experience. The positive feedback is a tribute to their commitment to excellence, providing peace of mind that every event requirement is in capable hands.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Cocktail Table

The Venue and the Vibe

Before deciding on a table, consider the venue and the intended vibe of the event. A formal occasion may call for a different choice than a casual garden party. The space also dictates the number of guests and the seating arrangement, which will further inform your table selection.

Design Cohesion

Cohesiveness is key to an aesthetically pleasing event. Ensure that your cocktail table's design coordinates with the broader event decor. A harmonious look will tie the entire affair together, creating a polished and professional ambiance that guests will appreciate.

Comfort Counts

While aesthetics are important, don't overlook the comfort of your guests. Tables should facilitate socializing and networking, providing a convenient platform for drinks and conversation. Consider the size and layout of tables to ensure they enhance, rather than hinder, the overall guest experience.

Lenox Hill Florist Elevates Every Occasion

From corporate events to personal milestones, the role of cocktail tables in establishing the tone and tenor of an event is indisputable. By entrusting this critical detail to Lenox Hill Florist, you're not just ensuring that your tables are adorned – you're guaranteeing that they become iconic in your guests' memories.

Every bloom tells a story, every table a tale, and in the deft hands of Lenox Hill Florist, your next event is poised to become a legend. Whether it's a single table or a grand assembly, the team's passion for their craft shines through; promising an ambiance that lingers long after the final guest has departed.

The choice of an event's details is a choice of lasting impressions. For a choice that resonates beyond the immediate, for cocktail tables that invoke timeless elegance, look no further. Choose Lenox Hill Florist today, and ensure your guests receive an experience so indelible, they'll be eager to script the next event's invitation.

[content954]

The Science of Headlines: Grabbing attention from the start

In this digital age, the battle for attention is fiercer than ever. Buyers are better informed of choice before making a purchase. With countless articles, blog posts, social media platforms and print media competing for the attention of buyers and prospects, it is more crucial for businesses and brands to understand the science behind crafting compelling Headlines that attract and retain buyers attention from the start. So let's delve into the secrets behind captivating headlines and how they can make significant difference in audience engagement.

Why are headlines so important?

1. The headline is the first impression your copy makes on potential prospects and readers. It determines whether the audience would click, read and share your copy or scroll past it. A good audience must get your prospect to click the copy: nothing more.

2. A strong headline can ignite curiosity, evoke emotions and create a sense of urgency in your prospects to read your copy.

3. Headlines play important role in search engine optimization (SEO) by incorporating relevant keywords into your copy to improve visibility and attract organic traffic.

4. In an information deluge age, headlines act as gateway filtering out irrelevant copy and guide readers to relevant information to consume.

The Art Behind Compelling Attention Grabbing Headlines in your Copy.

1. Keep it concise: Studies have shown the optimal headlines length is between 55 and 60 characters. Short and snappy headlines are easier to scan and understand, increasing your chances of grabbing prospects attention.

2. Use power words: Words like "Ultimate", "Limited" amongst others when used in copy evoke a sense of excitement and curiosity making readers more likely to click the copy.

3. Trigger emotions: Humans are emotional beings. Emotionally charged headlines that tap into readers desires,fears or aspirations are more likely to elicit a response.

4. Address pain points or offer solutions: Highlighting a problem or offering a solution in the headline instantly grabs attention of those seeking answers. Prospects and consumers tends to engage with your brand as you promise to solve their problems or provide valuable insights.

5. Utilize numbers and lists: Headlines with numbers or lists often perform well because they promise easily digestible and actionable information. Example, your copy could be "5 tips for mastering Time Management"

6. Be clear and specific: Ambiguity for prospect can be a turn off. Clearly state in your headlines what to expect in your copy for prospects to mange their expectations and build trust.

7. Test and optimize: Don't be afraid to experiment with different headline variations and analyze their performances. Tools like A/B testing can help you understand what resonate best with your audience.

8. Adapt from Magazines and Newspapers; Brands can adapt magnetic headlines from other industry or no related to what they are offering in their copy. One way is to slide into swipe.com and check their numerous copy, adapt and create compelling headlines.

The Impact of Headline Psychology

1. Understanding awareness biases such as the scarcity can help shape the headline that tap into psychological triggers, enticing readers to engage with your copy.

2. Creating curiosity gaps in your headlines by hinting at something intriguing but withholding the full story can help generate curiosity and drive prospect to click and discover more.

In a nutshell, crafting compelling headlines is both an art and a science. By mastering techniques stated above and understanding psychology behind attention grabbing headlines can greatly increases your chances of engaging your audience, driving traffic and building loyal audience.

So go ahead, experiment and let your audience work their magic.

[cacmsinsitute]

Content Marketing: Creating Compelling Narratives in the Digital World

In the fast-paced and ever-changing world of digital marketing, the art of storytelling has emerged as an effective method for winning the hearts and minds of online audiences. As consumers are overloaded with information, brands that can weave captivating narratives stand out and leave a lasting impression. This is where content marketing comes in, serving as the linchpin that connects organizations with their target audiences in a meaningful way.

The Essence of Content Marketing

Content marketing extends beyond traditional direct advertising strategies. It entails creating and distributing valuable, relevant, and consistent information in order to attract and engage a well defined audience. This isn't just a sales pitch; it's a story that appeals to the audience's needs, interests, and aspirations. Whether it's a blog post, a social media update, or a video, the content delivers a compelling tale.

Building Trust and Connection

Building trust is critical in the digital sphere, where face-to-face encounters are limited. Engaging storylines elicit an emotional response from the audience, promoting trust and loyalty. A meaningful connection is built when consumers regard a brand as more than just a product or service; when they see it as a storyteller sharing experiences and ideals.

Understanding Your Audience

Creating appealing narratives necessitates a thorough understanding of the target audience. Content marketers must research their target audience's demographics, preferences, and behaviors in order to generate content that not only gets attention but also speaks directly to the consumers' desires and challenges. With this insight, content may be modified to meet the specific demands of the audience.

Storytelling Across Platforms

In the digital era, content is delivered over a plethora of platforms, each with its own set of characteristics. Successful content marketing requires adapting storylines to numerous platforms, from long-form blog pieces to brief social media updates and visually compelling videos. The ability to communicate a coherent story across several media ensures that a brand's message gets heard amid the chaos of the digital realm.

SEO and the Art of Discovery

Crafting interesting narratives is about more than simply attracting human audiences; it's also about capturing the attention of search engines. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is essential in content marketing since it ensures that well-crafted stories are discovered by those looking for relevant information. Content marketers may optimize tales for both human readers and search algorithms by integrating important keywords and maintaining a focus on quality.

Measuring Success: Beyond Clicks and Views

Success in digital marketing is frequently assessed by metrics such as clicks and views. However, the power of captivating narratives extends beyond these figures. material marketers should also assess the level of engagement by analyzing comments, shares, and the overall sentiment surrounding their material. This qualitative data provides insight into how effectively the narrative is resonating with the audience.

Conclusion: Content Marketing's Endless Possibilities

Content marketing stands out as a dynamic and crucial component of any successful marketing plan as we navigate the digital realm. Crafting fascinating storylines is an art form that not only draws attention but also fosters long-term relationships with customers. In an information-overloaded world, brands that understand the art of storytelling will not only survive but thrive in the digital era. Accept the power of content marketing, where stories serve as a link between brands and their audiences in the broad, linked digital world.

Are you ready to master the art of content marketing and take your digital journey to the next level? Join us at CACMS Institute in Amritsar for comprehensive digital marketing training. Gain hands-on experience and discover the power of compelling narratives. For more information, call +91 8288040281 or visit http://cacms.in/certified-courses/certified-internet-marketing-practitioner/

Improve your online presence right now!

[educationedge0123]

Mastering the Art of Business Analysis

A Comprehensive Guide to Business Analyst Courses

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the role of a business analyst has become more critical than ever. Business analysts serve as the bridge between an organization’s goals and its technological solutions, ensuring that companies make informed decisions to drive growth, streamline operations, and remain competitive in their respective industries. To excel in this role, individuals can embark on a journey of continuous learning through specialized Business Analyst courses. In this article, we will explore the importance of Business Analyst course, their key components, and how they can help aspiring professionals and established analysts advance in their careers.

Why Business Analyst Courses Matter

Skill Enhancement: Business Analyst courses provide a structured and comprehensive approach to acquiring essential skills. They cover a wide range of topics, from data analysis and process modeling to communication and project management. These skills are invaluable in identifying business needs, designing effective solutions, and driving successful projects.

Industry Relevance: Business Analyst courses are designed to align with industry standards and best practices. Staying up-to-date with the latest trends and methodologies ensures that business analysts can effectively contribute to their organization’s success and remain relevant in a competitive job market.

Certification Opportunities: Many Business Analyst courses offer certification options, such as Certified Business Analyst Professional (CBAP) or Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA). These certifications enhance credibility and open doors to more lucrative career opportunities.

Key Components of Business Analyst Courses

Fundamentals of Business Analysis: These courses cover the foundational concepts and principles of business analysis, including understanding business needs, eliciting requirements, and modeling processes.

Tools and Techniques: Business analysts use various tools and techniques to analyze data, create visual models, and document requirements. Courses often include training on popular tools like Microsoft Visio, Excel, and specialized software for data analysis.

Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial for business analysts to interact with stakeholders, gather requirements, and present solutions. Courses focus on written and verbal communication, as well as active listening skills.

Project Management: Business analysts often work on projects, and understanding project management principles and methodologies like Agile or Scrum is essential. Courses may include project management modules to prepare analysts for this aspect of their role.

Industry-Specific Knowledge: Depending on the sector they work in, business analysts may require specialized knowledge. Courses may offer industry-specific modules, such as healthcare, finance, or IT, to address these needs.

Data Analysis and Analytics: With the increasing importance of data-driven decision-making, courses often include modules on data analysis, data visualization, and business intelligence tools.

Make sure check this link:- PMP Exam Prep

Benefits of Business Analyst Courses

Career Advancement: Completing a Business Analyst course and obtaining relevant certifications can significantly boost your career prospects. It opens doors to higher-paying roles, such as Senior Business Analyst or Project Manager.

Problem-Solving Skills: Business analysts are problem solvers at heart. These courses enhance critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, enabling analysts to tackle complex business challenges effectively.

Enhanced Employability: Employers value candidates who have invested in their professional development. Completing a Business Analyst course can make you a more attractive candidate in the job market.

Networking Opportunities: Business Analyst courses often provide opportunities to network with instructors and fellow students, expanding your professional connections and potentially leading to job referrals or collaborations.

Conclusion

In an era of rapid technological advancements and evolving business needs, the role of a business analyst is more crucial than ever. Business Analyst course offer a structured path to acquiring the essential skills and knowledge required to excel in this role. Whether you are just starting your career or looking to advance to higher levels, investing in a Business Analyst course can be a strategic move that pays dividends in the form of career growth and professional fulfillment. Stay ahead of the curve, and become a master of the art of business analysis by enrolling in a Business Analyst course today.

[miascore2blog]

Ellsworth Kelly QCQ by Mia Franco

Quote: "If you love painting you get a real jolt—you get it, and it is what it is. It’s very hard to cover it up. You can’t really get rid of it.

That is how I am—I say don’t ask what it is, but see how you feel. Picasso is a great teacher. He teaches you how to look and enjoy a great painting, and all the great artists are that way. I’m still searching. I like looking."

Comment: This direct quote from Ellsworth Kelly really spoke to me. The way he explains the feeling of loving painting is something I can fully agree with and something I experience as an artist. Although for me, that feeling goes for all art in general. I would have to admit that really, "it is what it is". Whenever he says this though, it doesn't go without meaning. I believe, or this is the way I interpret it, is that it's completely inevitable for artists to ignore the type of emotion that is evoked from creating, exploring, and viewing art. I do believe that art should elicit more questions than answers and I think questions are a part of what art is. I think that without questions or pondering, besides the message or big idea that it presents to its viewers, art would be boring and meaningless. That being said, I still agree with what Kelly said, "I say don’t ask what it is, but see how you feel".

After reading the whole interview and then reading that quote at the very end, it really helps you comprehend the thoughts and answers from Kelly. It really helped me understand his artwork much more. In this world of contemporary, new modern art, it is easy to forget that artist still feel this way about painting. Although it is a question I always think about when seeing art, what was the artist feeling, or what was their intention, it's really common for artists to solely create art to make money, win prizes or gain validity from others/organizations. Art, and the creation of it, has many reasons and goals within it. Let us never forget the sensation that art gives us, it really is something to cherish.

Question: What would you say you gain, specifically, from making art? What is your personal goal when creating art?

Ellsworth Kelly, The River (State), 2004

Ellsworth Kelly, Colors for a Large Wall, 1951

Ellsworth Kelly, Light Reflection on Water, 1950

[thefoodaffairs]

Food design: the secret ingredient in the catering industry

Food design refers to the series of decisions made between when a raw item is harvested and when it reaches the shelf or dish. Food design happens in restaurants when chefs create new menus, in food brands when teams launch new products, and in towns when nutritionists create new menu guidelines.

We, at The Food Affairs, create catering as an experience that constantly reinvents the wheel to bring warmth and personalization to every special occasion. Every meal is made and expertly seasoned utilizing the season’s freshest ingredients, which are sourced locally, demonstrating our devotion and enthusiasm for cuisine. The subtle flavors, textures, colors, and other elements of our imaginative creations elicit strong, uplifting emotions.

“The field of food design is expanding, much like many other design fields”, says Sarita Bazaz, founder of The Food affairs. A decade ago, creating delicious items that consumers would adore was the core motive of food design. However, nutritional foodstuffs have garnered a lot of attention recently. Consumers demand nourishing, delicious meals that leave the environment in a better state than when they were first created.

While these causes are all true, it’s also important to recognize the factors that contribute to the food design industry and take them into consideration to increase its relevance in the contemporary era.

● Finding out more about how to develop a more regenerative food system is an ideal place to begin (Add eg. roti jala) To accomplish this, keep the genuine, regional flavor and add a twist to give it a classic, distinctive appearance. For instance, our new Indonesian dish Roti Jala, which literally translates to “net bread,” was inspired by the fisherman’s net. When served with the traditional Balinese Massaman stew, Moong Bean Salad, Spicy Sambhal, and Pachadi, this is a great light evening party snack. The roti was resurrected in an Indonesian cultural manner to complement and be used with other traditional food dips.

● Modify your perspective (Add eg: pink salt skewers) ‘Tradition’ was associated with regional foods that typified cuisine, while ‘contemporary’ was related to the creativity of the chef. The secret lies in comprehending how to develop ‘Hybridity’ while upholding tradition. Making menus and products that the environment needs would be another strategy. For instance, we tend to utilize pink rock salt in our meal preparation procedures. The pink rock salt is positioned just above the grill. After being chopped and threaded onto skewers, the vegetables are roasted completely over pink salt. The food is known to have a high nutritional value after being cooked in the heat of the pink salt rock, which adds to its uniqueness without losing its nutritional value.\

● Keep the authenticity in flavour intact (add eg. Jamun sorbet) We are trying to get back to our roots by bringing back and retaining the authenticity of the foods. In one of our uniquely explored dishes, the Jamun was used in its pure natural form. It was peeled, mashed, mixed with a pinch of spice, and some water, and allowed to freeze to create a delectable, organic sorbet.

Today’s growing workforce of food-related specialists enables them to handle a wide variety of food forms and problems. They include artists as well as designers. Food design and food art are closely related. Their differentiation is minor, and occasionally even nonexistent. If we look for the differentiator, it might be found throughout the creation process. Food design typically adheres to design thinking, a method of inquiry that spots chances to uncover answers while consistently giving creativity the upper hand.

“Food design crosses disciplinary boundaries; it has a story to tell, conveys values, and raises awareness. It can take a variety of forms, including large-scale production, installations, performances, events, experiences, and simple meals”, adds Sarita. The discipline of food design has suffered a million misunderstandings over the years. Let’s alter that and encourage people to view the potential of food design from a slightly different perspective

The Food Affairs Brings To You, A Catering Experience That Constantly Reinvents The Wheel To Bring An Element Of Warmth And Personalization To Every Special Occasion. Our Passion And Reverence For Food Are Evident In Every Dish That Is Prepared And Seasoned Perfectly With The Season’s Fresh Produce, Sourced Locally. Our Inspired Creations – Subtle Recipes, Their Aromas, Textures, And Hues Evoke Powerful, Positive Emotions. Every Menu That We Curate And Create Is Lovingly Tailored To The Exclusive Affair, Location, And People It Is Meant To Be Served. Let Us Take You On A Gastronomic Journey And Create A Unique And Unforgettable Dining Experience.

The top 5 caterers in Delhi are known for providing luxury food services in India. Food Affairs stands out as one of the best catering services in Gurgaon, offering top-notch wedding veg catering. Whether you are looking for delicious food for a special event or a corporate gathering, Food Affairs delivers the perfect blend of taste, presentation, and quality that elevates any occasion. With their commitment to excellence and unparalleled catering services, they have set the standard for what it means to be one of the best in the industry

[rbcolour]

known the significance and meaning of Colours | RB Colour

Few things in design are more subjective — or more important — than the use of RB color. Due to culture, prior association, or even personal preference, an RB color that can elicit one reaction in one person may elicit the opposite reaction in another.

RB Colour theory is a science and an art unto itself, on which some people base entire careers as cock holi color. Knowing how RB colour affects the majority of people is extremely valuable.

But there’s a lot to it. Changing the exact hue or saturation of an RB color can elicit a completely different feeling. Cultural differences can amplify these effects, with a happy and uplifting hue becoming depressing in another.

This is the first of three articles about RB colour theory. We’ll go over the meanings of the various holi colour families in this section.

Warm Colors

Warm colors include red, orange, and yellow, as well as variations of those three. These are the colors of fire, fall leaves, sunsets, and sunrises, and they are generally energizing, passionate, and positive.

Red and yellow are both primary colors, with orange falling in the middle (making it a secondary color), which means that warm colors are all truly warm and aren’t created by combining a warm color with a cool color. Warm colors should be used in your designs to express passion, happiness, enthusiasm, and energy.

Cool Colours

Green, blue, and purple are examples of cool colors that are often more subdued than warm colors. They are the colors of night, water, and nature, and they are typically calming, relaxing, and reserved.

Because blue is the only primary color in the cool spectrum, all other colors are created by combining blue with a warm color (yellow for green and red for purple).

As a result, green takes on some of the characteristics of yellow, and purple takes on some of the characteristics of red. To convey a sense of calm or professionalism, use cool colors in your designs.

Read More:

Where to buy eco-friendly and Organic Holi Colours | RB Colour

What are Holi colors made of? RB Colour

[herskind61polat]

What You Need To Know About Facebook Marketing

Is Facebook marketing a mystery to you? Instead of guessing at what you need to do, slow down and take the time to learn the basics. This article is a good starting point for learning how to create a successful marketing campaign on Facebook that will attract lots of customers. Use Facebook Insights to improve your social media marketing campaign. Check Facebook Insights to find out which updates are the most popular. If possible, share more similar updates. If you notice your subscribers are losing interest in your Facebook campaign, make an effort to create more interesting content for your campaign. A fun and easy way to get followers on your Facebook business page is to create a contest. Loyal followers will share their contest entry with their own followers and spread the word quickly. 리피어라 가격 doesn't have to be anything big, a sample product or small cash reward can be enough to spread the word. Consider buying some Facebook ads. You can make it so that your ad is sent to certain kinds of people, like those that fall in your target market. You can also work within a budget and do as much or as little as you would like. Finally, there aren't any long term commitments involved. The advertisement can he halted at any time. Be careful of any images you post as ads, as only 20% of the image can be actual text. If you end up submitting an image which has more than 20% text, it will be rejected and you've wasted your time. Be creative and create an image which captures your audience's attention. Do not leave any sections of your Facebook page blank if you are looking to market your business. Many people neglect to put all of their info and this can cost a lot in the long run. If people cannot find the information they need on your business, they may look for somewhere else to get what they need. Consider investing in Facebook Ads. You can pay a fee to have a certain number of targeted Facebook users see your ad. This is an excellent way to get more subscribers for your page. You will get better results if you offer a discount to the new subscribers or organize a giveaway. When you post something, one of your intentions should be to elicit responses from your community. Therefore, think about each post and figure out how to phrase things so that people will want to comment on what you have to say. Explicitly asking for opinions is one of the best ways to do this. Make places on your Facebook page for your audience to sign up. If you give them a free product or coupon for liking your page, they will be more interested. Also, you can hold contests where you give away free things. Use pictures. Once you've got your site set up, share pictures with your Facebook friends and fans. These pictures can be of your product, or they can be inspirational or funny pictures. Your customers will share these pictures with their own Facebook friends, which raises your exposure across the site and will lead people to you. Keep track of how your page is doing. Monitor your Facebook page's traffic. What sort of posts and content seem to get the most attention from your customers? Take note of what really seems to interest people and what doesn't. Keep track of this information so that you can better plan for the future. Remember to post on your Facebook page. When a business sets up a Facebook account, they will often release a flurry of posts, and then nothing for months. For this type of marketing to be successful, you need to post in a strategic manner. You do not need to post 15 times a day, but a few times a week is a great idea. Facebook marketing should no longer be a mysterious art. You should now know what to do to get started. Of course, it's important to always keep learning! However, the tips you just read should carry you through the beginning stages of your marketing campaign so that you can see some success.

[goodman33hendriksen]

What You Need To Know About Facebook Marketing

Is Facebook marketing a mystery to you? Instead of guessing at what you need to do, slow down and take the time to learn the basics. This article is a good starting point for learning how to create a successful marketing campaign on Facebook that will attract lots of customers. Use Facebook Insights to improve your social media marketing campaign. Check Facebook Insights to find out which updates are the most popular. If gb whatsapp , share more similar updates. If you notice your subscribers are losing interest in your Facebook campaign, make an effort to create more interesting content for your campaign. A fun and easy way to get followers on your Facebook business page is to create a contest. Loyal followers will share their contest entry with their own followers and spread the word quickly. The prize doesn't have to be anything big, a sample product or small cash reward can be enough to spread the word. Consider buying some Facebook ads. You can make it so that your ad is sent to certain kinds of people, like those that fall in your target market. You can also work within a budget and do as much or as little as you would like. Finally, there aren't any long term commitments involved. The advertisement can he halted at any time. Be careful of any images you post as ads, as only 20% of the image can be actual text. If you end up submitting an image which has more than 20% text, it will be rejected and you've wasted your time. Be creative and create an image which captures your audience's attention. Do not leave any sections of your Facebook page blank if you are looking to market your business. Many people neglect to put all of their info and this can cost a lot in the long run. If people cannot find the information they need on your business, they may look for somewhere else to get what they need. Consider investing in Facebook Ads. You can pay a fee to have a certain number of targeted Facebook users see your ad. This is an excellent way to get more subscribers for your page. You will get better results if you offer a discount to the new subscribers or organize a giveaway. When you post something, one of your intentions should be to elicit responses from your community. Therefore, think about each post and figure out how to phrase things so that people will want to comment on what you have to say. Explicitly asking for opinions is one of the best ways to do this. Make places on your Facebook page for your audience to sign up. If you give them a free product or coupon for liking your page, they will be more interested. Also, you can hold contests where you give away free things. Use pictures. Once you've got your site set up, share pictures with your Facebook friends and fans. These pictures can be of your product, or they can be inspirational or funny pictures. Your customers will share these pictures with their own Facebook friends, which raises your exposure across the site and will lead people to you. Keep track of how your page is doing. Monitor your Facebook page's traffic. What sort of posts and content seem to get the most attention from your customers? Take note of what really seems to interest people and what doesn't. Keep track of this information so that you can better plan for the future. Remember to post on your Facebook page. When a business sets up a Facebook account, they will often release a flurry of posts, and then nothing for months. For this type of marketing to be successful, you need to post in a strategic manner. You do not need to post 15 times a day, but a few times a week is a great idea. Facebook marketing should no longer be a mysterious art. You should now know what to do to get started. Of course, it's important to always keep learning! However, the tips you just read should carry you through the beginning stages of your marketing campaign so that you can see some success.