#tips and advice

[choshashio]

How to write a character that's bad at kissing...

clumsy, messy, sloppy

uncoordinated

easily overwhelmed

unable to keep up or stay on pace with the other person

attempting to copy the other person but failing

shoving their tongue into the other persons mouth

not connecting their lips properly and accidentally clicking their teeth with the other persons

accidentally biting the other person

being too rough or too soft

doesn't know where to put their hands

awkward, stiff, unsure

forgets to breathe

too much spit

[emrickwrites]

Keep track of every item on your character. I often make the mistake of giving a character an accessory and then putting them in a scene where someone would wonder where that accessory went.

Be sure not to skip them putting it aside, losing it, destroying it, etc.

I.E, if they carry a bag but they arrived home and are about to do their face routine, make sure to add that they set their bag down on the chair or something

[stroobooree]

Very messy and bad lineart tutorial I made a couple days back. I hope this is helpful to someone even if it’s a bit incoherent LMAO

Take my advice with a grain of salt, of course. I wouldn’t want anyone to think that my way of doing art is the only “right way”. There is no right way to do art! Just make art!!! Dingus!!!!! /lovingly

[notetakers-blog-of-holding]

Adding Texture Into Your Campaign

What is Texture?

I'm talking about all of the little details that add up to create a complete description. Texture is the color of a sword's hilt, the sound of distant rumbling thunder, or the smell of baked pies as one passes through a village. It's knowing the reason why the villain is so villainous, and hinting at secrets that are never revealed. Everything that makes the world feel like a place where people live, rather than just an exercise in problem-solving.

Chances are, you already have some texture in your game. If you are running a pre-published adventure or world, there are almost certainly many little details that you normally don't see in your homebrew adventures. The goal is to add enough texture into your game so that your players won't notice the difference between a store-bought adventure and a homebrew.

I use the word "texture" for these details because for me, they are the difference between a flat, predictable description and one that is alive and vibrant. When adding details to your game, your goal should be to have enough volume so that the descriptions blur together into a patina of verbal imagery.

Texture cannot exist in a vacuum; if one part of an image has texture and the remainder does not, it will be obvious. Players should not be able to pick out what is important to their plot based on the level of detail in your description. For example, pretend your DM gave you the following description:

You enter the wizard's study. There are some bookcases, a desk, and a chair. There are books all over the place, and a single red quill pen, eight inches in length, stands in a brass pot of ink on the desk.

Nine out of ten players will go immediately for the pen. Why? Because it was the only item in the room truly given texture. The rest of the area was painted in only in the broadest of strokes. If the DM was trying to set that quill up as a clue of some kind, he has now robbed the players of the opportunity to discover that on their own. Now, consider the following alternative:

You enter the wizard's study. A musty smell fills the air, and swirls of dust follow you as you move. A pair of oak bookcases sit on opposite sides of the room, each filled with leather-bound tomes in assorted shades of brown. On the left bookcase, one shelf has broken, spilling its contents over the shelf below and onto the floor. A massive desk, at least seven feet in length, fills the center of the room, with dozens of tiny brass-handled drawers. A large book lies open on the desk, near a single red quill pen, eight inches in length, standing in a brass pot of ink.

The DM has given the exact same description of the pen, but has instead hidden its importance by giving detailed accounts of the room's furnishings. He knows that the only important clue in the room is the pen, but the players do not. Their actions will thus deal with the entirety of the room rather than the metagame thinking that would lead them to the pen. One might decide to check out the broken bookshelf, another might want to check the desk drawers. If they eventually look at the pen and discover its relevance, they will feel that much more of a sense of accomplishment.

This example also illustrates one of the key features of texture: it is most often irrelevant. In other words, if the players have a mission to accomplish, most of the texture you put into your descriptions will have no direct bearing on that mission. But that's the point; if I go to mail my phone bill, the fact that I pass a parked police car on the way to the mailbox isn't important. It does, however, tell me something about the immediate area and what might be going on there. This is why adding texture to your game creates the illusion of reality; you are basically giving players proof that the world is turning with or without them.

Here are 5 simple ways you can add texture to a room or character description:

Color: People spend a lot of energy making sure the things they own are a pleasing color. Anywhere intelligent beings live, there is the opportunity for changing the color of the walls, the doors, the furniture, the upholstery, the curtains, etc. Of course, natural settings can also have a bewildering variety of unexpected color. Why talk about a tree when you can talk about an ancient, grey-barked tree with green mossy overgrowth climbing its branches?

Brokenness: Things break, often. Whether they have been repaired or not is a good indicator to the players about the level of attention a room receives. How well they are fixed might also be a clue; if the bookshelf was propped up with another book but generally left broken, it says that the owner doesn't care too much.

Juryrigging: Spaces are often not used in the manner for which they were designed. People tend to adapt a room or object to the purpose they require, rather than the crafter's intent. This is especially true of dungeons, where the current inhabitants almost certainly did not build the place. Think about how they may have altered the room's purpose, and what changes they might have made as a result.

Bodily Functions: Living creatures need to eat, sleep, eliminate, and possibly mate. If you set up a monster's lair in a location where the occupant cannot realistically achieve all of these needs, it will be far less believable. Likewise, NPCs also need to fulfill these functions, and often at the worst possible time.

Scars: Creatures who are surviving in the wild or who fight regularly should be scarred, especially if they do not have access to healing magic. Scars hint at a story that the player's don't know; they imply that the creature has lived an entire life up to the point when it appears "on screen". An Owlbear with a jagged scar across its beak is more memorable, and perhaps more fearsome, than one without.

Those are just my opening thoughts on the subject. I'll be posting more examples of Campaign Texture in the future. In the meantime, dm me! I'd love to hear about descriptions from your campaign of which you are particularly proud of!

[jesperweidemann]

Top 5 Writing Applications for Worldbuilding and Complex Story Planning

In the realm of creative writing, particularly when it comes to worldbuilding and complex story planning, having the right tools can make a significant difference. Writers often find themselves juggling multiple characters, intricate plots, and expansive settings. To manage these elements effectively, specialized writing applications have been developed to assist in organizing thoughts, tracking details, and fostering creativity. In this article, we will explore the top five writing applications that are indispensable for worldbuilding and complex story planning.

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1. Obsidian: The Ultimate Tool for Writers

Obsidian is a robust note-taking and knowledge management application that has gained immense popularity among writers for its flexibility and powerful features. Whether you are working on a novel, a series of interconnected stories, or an entire fictional universe, Obsidian provides the tools you need to keep everything organized and easily accessible.

Key Features of Obsidian

Markdown Support: Obsidian uses Markdown, a lightweight markup language, which allows writers to format their notes with ease. This feature is particularly useful for creating structured documents and linking related notes.

Bidirectional Linking: One of Obsidian's standout features is its bidirectional linking capability. This allows writers to create connections between different notes, making it easy to navigate through complex storylines and character relationships.

Graph View: The Graph View in Obsidian provides a visual representation of how your notes are interconnected. This feature is invaluable for worldbuilding, as it helps writers see the big picture and understand how different elements of their story fit together.

Plugins and Customization: Obsidian offers a wide range of plugins that can enhance its functionality. Writers can customize the app to suit their specific needs, whether it's adding a calendar for tracking writing progress or integrating with other tools like Google Drive.

Cross-Platform Sync: With Obsidian, you can sync your notes across multiple devices, ensuring that you have access to your work wherever you go. This is particularly useful for writers who like to jot down ideas on their phone and then expand on them later on their desktop.

Pricing

Personal Use: Free

Commercial Use: $50 per user per year

Add-ons:

Sync: $4 per user per month, billed annually

Publish: $8 per site per month, billed annually

Catalyst: $25+ one-time payment for early access and VIP features

How Obsidian Enhances Worldbuilding and Story Planning

Obsidian's features are designed to support the intricate process of worldbuilding and story planning. The ability to create detailed notes for each character, location, and plot point, and then link them together, allows writers to build a comprehensive and cohesive narrative. The Graph View provides a visual map of the story, making it easier to identify connections and ensure consistency. Additionally, the customization options and plugins available in Obsidian mean that writers can tailor the app to their specific workflow, making it an indispensable tool for any serious writer.

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2. Scrivener: The Writer's Swiss Army Knife

Scrivener is a well-known writing application that has been a favorite among writers for years. It offers a wide range of features designed to help writers organize their work, from drafting to final edits. Scrivener is particularly useful for long-form writing projects, such as novels and screenplays, where managing large amounts of text and research is essential.

Key Features of Scrivener

Project Management: Scrivener allows writers to break their projects into manageable sections, such as chapters or scenes. This makes it easy to navigate through the manuscript and make changes as needed.

Research Integration: Writers can import research materials, such as PDFs, images, and web pages, directly into Scrivener. This keeps all relevant information in one place, making it easy to reference while writing.

Corkboard and Outliner: Scrivener's Corkboard and Outliner views provide visual ways to organize and rearrange sections of the manuscript. This is particularly useful for plotting and structuring complex stories.

Customizable Templates: Scrivener offers a variety of templates for different types of writing projects, from novels to screenplays. Writers can also create their own templates to suit their specific needs.

Export Options: Scrivener supports a wide range of export formats, including Word, PDF, and ePub. This makes it easy to share your work with others or prepare it for publication.

Pricing

macOS: $49

Windows: $45

iOS: $19.99

Bundle (macOS + Windows): $80

How Scrivener Enhances Worldbuilding and Story Planning

Scrivener's project management features are ideal for worldbuilding and story planning. Writers can create separate sections for different aspects of their world, such as characters, settings, and plot points, and then easily navigate between them. The ability to import research materials directly into the project ensures that all relevant information is readily accessible. The Corkboard and Outliner views provide visual ways to organize and rearrange the story, making it easier to see the big picture and ensure consistency. Overall, Scrivener is a powerful tool that can help writers manage the complexities of worldbuilding and story planning.

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3. Campfire: A Comprehensive Worldbuilding Tool

Campfire is a writing application specifically designed for worldbuilding and story planning. It offers a wide range of features that allow writers to create detailed and immersive worlds, from character profiles to interactive maps. Campfire is particularly useful for writers who are working on large-scale projects, such as epic fantasy series or intricate science fiction universes.

Key Features of Campfire

Character Profiles: Campfire allows writers to create detailed profiles for each character, including information on their appearance, personality, and backstory. This helps ensure that characters are well-developed and consistent throughout the story.

Worldbuilding Tools: Campfire offers a variety of tools for worldbuilding, such as interactive maps, timelines, and relationship webs. These features allow writers to create a comprehensive and cohesive world for their story.

Plotting Tools: Campfire's plotting tools help writers outline their story and track the progression of the plot. This is particularly useful for complex stories with multiple plotlines and subplots.

Collaboration Features: Campfire allows writers to collaborate with others on their projects. This is particularly useful for co-authors or writing teams who need to share information and work together on the story.

Customizable Templates: Campfire offers a variety of templates for different aspects of worldbuilding and story planning. Writers can also create their own templates to suit their specific needs.

Pricing

Free Plan: Limited features

Standard Plan: $19 per month or $160 per year

Custom Plan: Prices start at $0.50 per month per module

How Campfire Enhances Worldbuilding and Story Planning

Campfire's features are specifically designed to support the process of worldbuilding and story planning. The ability to create detailed character profiles and interactive maps allows writers to build a rich and immersive world for their story. The plotting tools help writers outline their story and track the progression of the plot, ensuring that all elements of the story are well-organized and consistent. The collaboration features make it easy for co-authors or writing teams to work together on the project. Overall, Campfire is a comprehensive tool that can help writers manage the complexities of worldbuilding and story planning.

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4. Aeon Timeline: A Visual Timeline Tool for Writers

Aeon Timeline is a visual timeline tool that helps writers organize their stories and track the progression of events. It is particularly useful for complex stories with multiple plotlines and characters, as it allows writers to see the big picture and ensure consistency.

Key Features of Aeon Timeline

Visual Timelines: Aeon Timeline allows writers to create visual timelines for their stories, making it easy to see the progression of events and track the relationships between different plotlines.

Character and Event Tracking: Writers can create detailed profiles for each character and event, including information on their relationships and interactions. This helps ensure that all elements of the story are well-organized and consistent.

Customizable Templates: Aeon Timeline offers a variety of templates for different types of writing projects, from novels to screenplays. Writers can also create their own templates to suit their specific needs.

Integration with Other Tools: Aeon Timeline integrates with other writing tools, such as Scrivener and Ulysses, making it easy to import and export information between different applications.

Collaboration Features: Aeon Timeline allows writers to collaborate with others on their projects. This is particularly useful for co-authors or writing teams who need to share information and work together on the story.

Pricing

One-time Purchase: $65 (includes 1 year of free updates)

Additional Year of Updates: $35 per year

How Aeon Timeline Enhances Worldbuilding and Story Planning

Aeon Timeline's visual timeline feature is particularly useful for worldbuilding and story planning. Writers can create detailed timelines for their stories, making it easy to see the progression of events and track the relationships between different plotlines. The character and event tracking features help ensure that all elements of the story are well-organized and consistent. The integration with other writing tools makes it easy to import and export information between different applications, ensuring that all relevant information is readily accessible. Overall, Aeon Timeline is a powerful tool that can help

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5. Plottr: Visual Story Planning Made Simple

Plottr is a visual story planning tool that helps writers outline their stories in a clear and organized manner. It is particularly useful for writers who prefer a visual approach to planning and want to see their story structure at a glance. Plottr's intuitive interface and powerful features make it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced writers.

Key Features of Plottr

Timeline View: Plottr's Timeline View allows writers to create a visual timeline of their story, making it easy to see the sequence of events and how they fit together. This is particularly useful for complex stories with multiple plotlines.

Character and Plot Templates: Plottr offers a variety of templates for character development and plot structure. Writers can use these templates to ensure that their characters are well-rounded and their plots are cohesive.

Drag-and-Drop Interface: Plottr's drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to rearrange scenes and chapters. This allows writers to experiment with different story structures and find the one that works best for their narrative.

Filtering and Tagging: Writers can use tags and filters to organize their scenes, characters, and plot points. This makes it easy to find specific elements of the story and keep track of important details.

Export Options: Plottr allows writers to export their outlines to other writing applications, such as Scrivener and Word. This makes it easy to move from planning to drafting without losing any important information.

Pricing

Annual Plan: $25 per year

Lifetime Plan: $99 one-time payment

How Plottr Enhances Worldbuilding and Story Planning

Plottr's visual approach to story planning makes it an invaluable tool for worldbuilding and complex story planning. The Timeline View allows writers to see the big picture and ensure that their story flows smoothly. The character and plot templates help writers develop well-rounded characters and cohesive plots. The drag-and-drop interface and filtering options make it easy to organize and rearrange story elements, ensuring that nothing gets lost in the process. Overall, Plottr is a powerful and user-friendly tool that can help writers bring their stories to life.

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Each of the applications we’ve explored - Obsidian, Scrivener, Campfire, World Anvil, and Plottr - offers unique features that cater to different aspects of writing. By integrating these tools into your workflow, you can unlock new levels of creativity and efficiency.

Are you ready to take your writing to the next level? Dive into these applications and discover which one resonates with your creative process. And don’t forget to follow us for more insights, tips, and recommendations on the best tools and practices for writers. Your next great story is just a click away!

[azus-reyan]

Top 5 writing strengths you can't miss out on.

Target Audience

Everything bellow this point means nothing if your writing doesn’t reach “your kind of people”. 

If your words are your career, knowing your readers is beyond important. Selling your story to the right person is the difference between making a living and starving outside.

Your story is a product of entertainment or enlightenment for your reader. If you’re not writing for yourself, you're writing to entertain. And every letter and word is for them, so know them, be with them, and never take your eyes off them.

Powerful writing voice 

Your voice is what makes people think, ‘Hey, I know this guy.’ 

I will never read a paragraph of Charles Dickens and not say, ‘Yep, that’s him.’

You can copy Charles Dickens or Scott Fitzgerald, but it’s always better to find your own voice. It’s more fitting and natural to you than another’s voice. Kind of like choosing your wand versus stealing it from another witch or wizard in Harry Potter.

Heavy vocabulary

It’s not about having a rich vocabulary, because that’s too vague. It’s not about knowing specific keywords because that’s too narrow. It’s about being a walking, talking thesaurus.

A writer, above all others, must know words like: Peregrinate, Limerence, Bumfuzzle, Defenestration, or Quixotic.

It’s not enough to know their meaning. You seek their origin. You become an etymologist. 

How do you stockpile words? Memorizing the dictionary from A to Z is a start. If not, read fiction. Why not non-fiction as well? I’ve begun reading journals recently and have found wonderful style, voice, and words within them.

So, take care of wide reading and read twice or thrice more than your non-writer friend.

Varying sentence lengths

Humans are obsessed with change.

Surprise: Your readers are human. 

Do you love long sentences like I do? Good, but remember to sandwich some short ones in there every now and then. Perhaps you love short ones? They’re great, but a long sentence wouldn’t be so bad. 

Try to vary your breath to keep yourself in check. Take four breaths when writing a short sentence, and exhale for seven thoughtful seconds for longer ones. Use your breath as a pacemaker.

literary devices

I’m going to take a wild guess that you want your stories to be engaging. If so, meet your new best friends: literary devices.

They will help describe your plot, pop out your setting, and build characters to weep and die for. And there's a device for almost all your needs. 

There is: Metaphor, simile, litotes, assonance, and alliteration. There’s Foreshadowing, flashback, allegory, and symbolism. And that’s a small mention.

The more you know them and the deeper your familiarity with each device, the more likely you’re to make a master storyteller. 

There’s more to writing strengths than these. But they're the most important ones to focus on. I don’t promise literary fame rivaling Cervantes or Melville. I will, however, guarantee that your writing will improve.

Your story will grab more eyes, and maybe you'll have a shot at being recognized for your efforts and creativity. 

The question is, are you willing to pay the price of time, blood, and sweat? 

Adue, until next time.

[megadoomingir]

Hello! I read your fanfic "stop me" and it inspired me to create a whole sub-blog dedicated to an au I came up with.

Are there any tips you have for writing things out like settings? And also just general pacing cuz I seem to struggle with pacing lol

Hello! And goodness me- I was recently told ‘artists inspiring artists’; please carry that with you as you work on your AU blog and any other stories you come up with! Keep the energy flowing! 🙌

And what a great question! Let me see if I can break things down for you and, hopefully, be helpful. :)

Let’s start with settings. Let’s say you’d like to write a battle. Swords clanging, guns firing, knuckles cracking, whatever it is. The battle itself, whether big or small, has no form or real function unless you know where it’s being fought. Fighting on a beach is going to be written differently than on the streets in a city or even along a mountain path. You have to take into account the terrain and the relationship it has with your characters. Not just where their feet are planted but what hazards could arise (misplaced stones/shells, trash/human objects, boulders/trees/bushes, SO MANY THINGS-). Even the little details, the weather, the natural world, the smells, all of it, comes together to create the scene. So hmm… Let me try something. I’m not going to tell you where the setting is. I’m going to describe it…

Dawn had long since passed. The crash of the waves and the salt in the air only added to the tension growing amongst her soldiers. Her lieutenant was trying to be subtle, kicking the heel of his boot against his calf to dislodge sand collecting between his toes, but it only made her fill with more anxiety. The discomfort was as palpable as the bite of the cold wind across her face. She could smell winter’s breath, its breeze like frozen fingers in her hair. Her army’s banner twirled above her on a post. It would be the first thing her opponents saw as they crawled over the dunes to meet their end.

Now let’s analyze this. They’re on the beach. It’s the seaside. It’s cold, miserable, windy. Everyone is on edge. Instead of directly saying ‘The battle was on the beach…’, I described the territory and some of the issues they’d be dealing with. I even give the time of day. I don’t need to talk about how maybe there’s a cape nearby or an outcrop of boulders, unless it be pertinent to the story itself, but I give enough detail that someone could close their eyes, smell the salt, feel the cold and hear the waves. Don’t overload your settings to start, but be very mindful of what is important to tell your story. Since this woman’s army stands at the beach, that sand is going to affect how they’re able to move, run, dodge, etc. Focus FIRST on the most important details to your story’s environment, then add other details as needed. If the detail has no impact on your characters or the progress of the story, then it probably isn’t needed anyway. Let me give another example of this, so you can see the difference!

Milo needed the latest and greatest appliances, especially in his state-of-the-art kitchen. He never cooked and refused to learn. Among the wooden countertops that he felt matched the blue walls and low-hanging white tiles, his utensils were stacked neatly and covered in dust. He had flowering plants in pots by the window. Next to the kitchen was his favorite room, his woodworking shop.

Ok, this was hard for me to write because I didn’t want to talk about his kitchen at all and really wanted to detail his hobby- But let me explain that! Pretend we are writing a story about this ‘Milo’ and his woodworking shop that he runs out of his home. That’s the first thing we should be describing! If it’s important later that he needs his kitchen, we can describe it gently in the beginning. But pretend we talked about his shop first already-

He’d never really noticed it all before. The stacks of nonperishables he never cooked, the neat rows of appliances and utensils never touched- some still tightly bound in their original packaging- and all of it, all of it, covered in a fine layer of dust that had never once caught his eye. Well, it caught his eye now. And as the surmounting list of cleaning tasks grew larger, Milo’s stomach dropped with the feeling of knowing he had only an hour to clean… and an hour to learn how to cook.

Oh Milo. Shouldn’t have put that off. XD Now that it’s important to the story, we can describe his kitchen. Could be family, a friend or even someone new in his life coming over. The point is this: if you’re writing about Milo’s woodworking shop that he runs out of his house, and it happens to sit next to the kitchen, don’t describe the kitchen unless it becomes a major part of the story. Maybe he needs to grab a cup of coffee out of there and reflect on his life choices. Or he has a tantrum and breaks a cup. But unless his coming into the kitchen for say, breakfast, is a super important moment, don’t describe how he makes two poached eggs, three slices of toast with butter, fresh squeezed orange juice and a handful of bacon. Sounds like a great breakfast. But does it give him food poisoning later? Is the breakfast itself important because his late mother made it for him and it was the last thing she made for him so he eats it every day? To sum it all up, focus on the details that drive your story forward or have place and reason among your characters. I’ve written Milo for only a little bit, I just made him up, but from what we can already see, he’s an artist, probably good with his hands, but clearly neglects parts of his house and he doesn’t know how to cook. He’s probably struggling with other aspects of his life that are spiraling out of his control and where he finds control is in buying things he never uses. His house is probably hoarded in on top of everything else. If I were to write a story about Milo and his woodworking shop, I would want to keep my details of his environment important to his story.

As for pacing… I feel like a majority of my childhood was filled with great movies and TV shows. Some, when I watch now, are really fast-paced and I feel robbed of the larger story I could have had with an extra season or even a TV show out of a movie premise. Take a look at the media you consume. What movies and shows are you watching currently? Do they feel wrapped up a little quickly or too fast paced? Or even the opposite? Are they dragging on and on without telling much of a story? Part of how we as writers tell stories is based largely upon our exposure to media and experiences we’ve had. When it comes to translating all that into our own written word, pacing can be hard to master.

Let me be clear: it took me years to master pacing. Practice, practice, practice does help. Not perfection, but improvement. There’s always the ability to do better later on. If I were to read my very early works, I would cringe at the sight of it. But it’s what helped me develop my skills as a writer. My advice would be to look into writing privately for yourself, something you don’t post, and something you can quietly dissect without outside influence telling you how to do it. Read it aloud so you can hear the story (as reading it and hearing it are very different and can help you spot problems) or even have your computer read it to you (check your computer’s Voice under System Preferences, if you have it).

How does your story end? It’s one of the most important questions a writer can ask themselves when they come up with an idea. If you don’t have an idea for the ending, your pacing will definitely be off because your story is on a journey to nowhere. I’m fortunate in the sense that when I have an idea, it’s one of the first few things I establish in my head. ‘I have a story about this and these are some things that happen in between and this is how it ends.’ Stories that have no defined end tend to drag on too much and stories that don’t have foundations to build off of will move too quickly.

So to summarize: when it comes to settings and environments, you need to imagine in your head what the territory accomplishes for your characters and your story. What details are important to them to push the story forward? What needs to be understood immediately and what can be told later? Highlight the most significant aspects first. Let your characters’ interactions with their world help describe the rest. And when it comes to pacing? Absorb what you can through media. Analyze the pacing in movies and TV shows. Ask yourself ‘did they write the pacing too fast/too slow? Am I satisfied/agitated/bored with the length of the story? Does it make little sense how it pulls together?’ And don’t limit yourself to watching only the good stuff, consume bad stories, too. You will learn so much by watching bad shows and movies because we as humans notice the bad over the good consistently. (If you have a friend who seems to always complain about their car, you’re going to think they need a new car. But wait-! How often does your friend compliment how well their car drives? How often does anyone? You’re not going to spend your days praising your vehicle, you’re going to complain when this simple blip in your life is doing something wrong.) So watch bad media, too. Sci-Fi movies are easy to do that with. Any movie ‘made for TV’. I can provide you a list of ‘goods’ and ‘bads’ to study from. All movies that I would name, good or bad, are done so with love.

And let me say this…:

You will struggle. You will revise and rewrite and reimagine whole sections, and that is the beauty of your creation. To be seen and understood in your way and then reformed to be better seen and understood by others. Your writing will only improve the more you do it. Don’t be afraid to explore the limits of your abilities and push them. :)

[pumpkin-the-girlie-girl-vixen]

The Positives & The Negatives Of Borderline Personality Disorders

_Please note that individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) are complex and multifaceted, and not all individuals with BPD will exhibit all of the qualities listed below. Additionally, it's essential to approach this topic with empathy and understanding, rather than judgment or criticism._

_Positive qualities:_

1. _Emotional intensity_: Individuals with BPD often experience emotions intensely, which can lead to a deeper understanding and connection with others.

2. _Empathy_: People with BPD can be highly empathetic and compassionate, with a strong ability to understand and relate to others' emotions.

3. _Creativity_: Many individuals with BPD are highly creative and expressive, with a talent for art, music, or writing.

4. _Passion_: Individuals with BPD are often passionate and enthusiastic, with a strong desire to pursue their interests and goals.

5. _Loyalty_: People with BPD can be extremely loyal and dedicated to their loved ones, with a strong desire to maintain and nurture relationships.

6. _Introspection_: Individuals with BPD often have a strong ability to reflect on their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, which can lead to personal growth and self-awareness.

7. _Resilience_: People with BPD can be highly resilient and able to cope with stress and adversity, despite the challenges they may face.

_Negative qualities:_

1. _Emotional dysregulation_: Individuals with BPD often struggle to regulate their emotions, leading to mood swings, intense emotional outbursts, and unstable relationships.

2. _Impulsivity_: People with BPD may act impulsively, without considering the consequences of their actions, which can lead to reckless and self-destructive behavior.

3. _Unstable relationships_: Individuals with BPD often struggle to maintain stable and healthy relationships, due to their fear of abandonment, emotional dysregulation, and impulsivity.

4. _Self-destructive behavior_: People with BPD may engage in self-destructive behaviors, such as substance abuse, self-injury, or suicidal ideation, as a way to cope with their emotional pain.

5. _Fear of abandonment_: Individuals with BPD often have a deep-seated fear of abandonment, which can lead to clingy or possessive behavior in relationships.

6. _Identity disturbance_: People with BPD may struggle with a sense of identity, with rapidly changing interests, values, and goals.

7. _Dissociation_: Individuals with BPD may experience dissociation, which can lead to feelings of detachment from themselves or their surroundings.

8. _Anger management_: People with BPD may struggle to manage their anger, leading to intense outbursts and conflict with others.

9. _Self-esteem issues_: Individuals with BPD often struggle with self-esteem issues, with a tendency to self-criticize and self-blame.

10. _Mental health comorbidities_: People with BPD are at a higher risk for developing other mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

_Additional characteristics:_

1. _Trauma_: Many individuals with BPD have experienced trauma, such as childhood abuse or neglect, which can contribute to their emotional dysregulation and self-destructive behavior.

2. _Neurobiological factors_: BPD has been linked to neurobiological factors, such as abnormalities in brain structure and function, which can affect emotional regulation and impulse control.

3. _Environmental factors_: People with BPD may be more susceptible to environmental stressors, such as relationship conflicts or work-related stress, which can trigger emotional dysregulation and self-destructive behavior.

4. _Treatment challenges_: Individuals with BPD often require specialized treatment, such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which can be challenging to access and implement.

5. _Stigma_: BPD is often stigmatized, with many people holding negative stereotypes or misconceptions about the disorder, which can make it difficult for individuals with BPD to seek help and support.

Again, it's essential to remember that individuals with BPD are complex and multifaceted, and not all individuals with BPD will exhibit all of these qualities. Additionally, it's crucial to approach this topic with empathy and understanding, rather than judgment or criticism.

[angry-avocados]

Summer vacation ☀️ (It’s winter time where I live… a warm one, though)

tips and process below the cut!!

I’m experimenting with a new style… AGAIN. Since some people ask what I use, I thought I’d include it this time!

- App: Procreate

- Background: I chose a triadic color scheme (I’m juuuust learning how to use color theory recently). I blocked out the basic colors first, then went in with more gradual details. I only used the Nikko Rull brush.

- Lando: see images below. I used multiple to study the color areas on his face and to trace for the outline (YES, it is okay to trace an IMAGE for YOUR OWN outline and body position).

- Lineart: Technical pen

- Coloring/Shading/Lighting: The brushes I used were Round Brush, Nikko Rull, Medium Hard Airbrush, and Lightpen.

TIP: If you struggle with shading and lighting, try Head Model Studio (IOS only)!! I tried it for the first time with this drawing and it was super helpful.

[choshashio]

12 Writing Exercises to help develop your character and their voice.

Editors note - There's a lot of boring writers drivel. So, to spare you from the headache if you're not interested, your characters individual voices and personalities are important for engaging stories and interesting plots. You can skip down to the end for the exercises.

Think about the people you know, the people you love. What's one thing they have in common, besides the obvious? They're all uniquely different. Everyone in the world is different in some way, even in media. Books and movies all have unique sounding characters that are different from each other. In Harry Potter, for example, All of the characters have their own voice, even the Weasley twins are different in their own ways.

Complex and unique characters that sound different, interact and speak differently, make for engaging books and dynamics.

I don't know anybody who would want to read a 50,000 word novel about two boring characters, who're exactly alike, and talk in the same monotonous tone. You can have a character who is "boring." who speaks monotonously and still have an interesting novel that people would read.

Having different characters who come together to create funny, interesting, or weird dynamics makes for a readable piece. Take your monotonous character, by themselves, they're kind of boring. They're not engaging to follow. But, introducing different characters to come and interact with your "boring" character, creates funny and memorable dynamics.

Think the anime Saiki K, or Veronica Sawyer from Heathers. If you took only those two characters, and stripped away all of the background characters, they wouldn't make for very interesting stories. Saiki would be happy, living his days in peace and quiet. Veronica would just be a normal edgy high school girl. But if you bring the side characters back, you bring the story and their conflicts back. Saiki goes back to being annoyed by his weird and goofy friends, wishing for peace and quiet. Veronica goes back to being tormented by JD and the group dynamic in the Heathers clique.

These stories utilize background characters to create conflict in their main characters' lives, and makes fun and interesting stories and dynamics with them.

Without further ado, here are 12 exercises to help you develop your characters, and get you thinking.

Ask your character what they want, and have them monologue about it.

Think about who, in your life, does your character remind you of.

Ask yourself, What does my character want, and what does my character need? How do they conflict with each other, and how does this affect my story?

A good exercise to help you write characters interacting, and practice dialogue is to do the ABCD exercise. 

The ABCD exercise is writing a full page, or 500 words, of dialogue between two characters, character a and character b, talking about what they think character c thinks of character d. Then, write another page depicting how character c actually interacts with character d.

Write journal entries from the pov of your character.

Think about your character's habits, nervous tics, or tells, and write out a page where they do those things.

Think about something your character holds dear to them, and give the item a backstory.

Think about how your character interacts with other characters, and write a page for each interaction. 

Think about a belief or opinion your character has, and write a page of dialogue, where your character is explaining their belief, and why they believe in it, to another character.

Write a page about your character reminiscing, or talking, about a cherished memory from their past, or childhood.

Write a page of dialogue about character a telling character c about character b, whom c has never met before, what kind of things do they say? What do they think of b? Then write another page from character c’s point of view, what are they thinking? How do their thoughts of b change? What do they think of character a? How do they imagine character a and b’s relationship?

Write a page about a character being forced into a situation with their greatest fear. Then, if you want to go a step further, write a page of the same thing, but introduce another character that the first holds dear to them, or wants to protect.

[emrickwrites]

Finding the equilibrium between dialogue and action can be hard

But try to imagine how the conversation would go for you if you were your character

If its an argument, what would make you scoff and roll your eyes? What would make your blood boil and urge you to yell?

If its flirting, what would make you touch your hair? What would make you look away? What would make you giggle?

Dont be afraid to play out the scenario, in your head or out loud. Just make sure no ones around if you want to avoid being watched, even though anyone who is would be witnessing an artist in the making

[koiiyumi]

YUMI! SHOW US HOW TO..

tips and tricks for psds from a local girl failure!! these are just my tips if you want self proclaimed slightly better psds. if you want some tutorials or smth go to @/canarysage , @/imbermagnvs , and @/feixiaogf !

# : TIP 1 . use reverse gradient map!

Q : but why though?

A : it makes them better-ish! + will make them somewhat accesible to dark skintones. atleast to me!

ex : right is non reversed , left is reversed (note both is using the same settings)

CRAZY difference right?

# : TIP 2 . no overusing photo filter!!

Q : again, why??

A : makes the other colors look washed out imo

im sorry but this looks super washed out, where's the other colors? i reccomend only using photo filters to cancel out colors so its not that overwhelming or just make it pop more

# : TIP 3 please no over-brightness . .

i get you're trying to get that cute soft bright coloring, but PLEASE dong make the too bright, you can solve the over brightness by using curves and making it on the kind low points + make brightness and contrast to a negative point! like -10 or -5 or anything really

# : TIP 4 hue/saturation supremacy...

ily to all hue/saturation stans, i like it bc i can make the colors a little bit off, just to fuck with you. i'd usually use it to -1 or -5 and then make the sat to whatever

# : TIP 5 black and white on top !!!

this option can make or break your psd! euther you can make it highly contrasted or just. a weird darker version of the color, i personally just use it to up the color i wan and just leave the rests blank

thats all! i think. i can provide more but its 11 pm so no. bye bye and have fun psd making! — Yumi

[jesperweidemann]

Master the Comma

The comma, a seemingly simple punctuation mark, holds significant power in shaping the clarity and flow of written language. Its correct usage can transform a piece of writing from confusing to coherent, making it an essential tool for any writer. Understanding the various roles of the comma and how to apply them effectively is crucial for enhancing readability and ensuring your message is conveyed with precision.

The Role of the Comma in Lists

One of the primary functions of the comma is to separate items in a list. When you enumerate three or more items, commas help to distinguish each element clearly. For instance, consider the sentence: “For breakfast, I had eggs, toast, and orange juice.” Here, the commas separate the items, making the list easy to read. The comma before the conjunction “and” is known as the Oxford comma. While its use is optional, it often helps to prevent ambiguity. For example, “I dedicate this book to my parents, Oprah Winfrey, and God” is clearer than “I dedicate this book to my parents, Oprah Winfrey and God,” which could imply that Oprah Winfrey and God are the parents.

Setting Off Introductory Elements

Commas are also used to set off introductory elements in a sentence. These elements can be words, phrases, or clauses that precede the main clause. For example, “After the meeting, we went out for lunch.” The comma after “After the meeting” signals a pause, helping the reader to understand that the introductory phrase is separate from the main action of the sentence. This use of the comma enhances readability by clarifying the sentence structure.

Joining Independent Clauses

When two independent clauses are joined by a coordinating conjunction (such as for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so), a comma is placed before the conjunction. For instance, “I wanted to go for a walk, but it started raining.” This rule helps to avoid run-on sentences and maintains the flow of ideas. Without the comma, the sentence might feel rushed or jumbled, making it harder for the reader to follow the writer’s train of thought.

Nonessential Information

Commas are also used to set off nonessential information—details that add extra context but are not crucial to the meaning of the sentence. For example, “My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting us next week.” The clause “who lives in New York” provides additional information about the brother but is not essential to the main point of the sentence. Removing it still leaves a complete thought: “My brother is visiting us next week.”

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Despite their importance, commas are often misused. One common mistake is the comma splice, which occurs when two independent clauses are joined by a comma without a coordinating conjunction. For example, “I love reading, it’s my favorite hobby.” This can be corrected by adding a conjunction or changing the comma to a semicolon: “I love reading, and it’s my favorite hobby” or “I love reading; it’s my favorite hobby.”

Another frequent error is the overuse of commas, which can disrupt the flow of writing. For instance, “The cake, was delicious” includes an unnecessary comma that interrupts the sentence. Conversely, omitting necessary commas can lead to confusion. Consider the difference between “Let’s eat Grandma” and “Let’s eat, Grandma.” The first suggests cannibalism, while the second is an invitation to dine.

Advanced Comma Usage

Beyond the basics, commas can be used in more sophisticated ways to enhance writing. When two or more adjectives equally modify a noun, commas are used to separate them. For example, “She wore a bright, colorful dress.” If the adjectives are not equal, no comma is needed: “She wore a bright summer dress.”

Transitional phrases such as “however,” “therefore,” and “for example” should also be set off with commas. For instance, “I wanted to join the team; however, I was too late.” This helps to clarify the relationship between ideas. Additionally, when addressing someone directly, commas are used to set off their name or title, as in “Thank you, Dr. Smith, for your assistance.”

Conclusion

Mastering the comma is essential for effective writing. By understanding the basic rules and avoiding common mistakes, you can use commas to enhance the clarity and flow of your writing. Whether you are listing items, joining clauses, or setting off nonessential information, the comma is a powerful tool that, when used wisely, can significantly improve readability. Remember, the key to mastering the comma is practice and attention to detail. With time and effort, you can become proficient in using this versatile punctuation mark to enhance your writing.

[notetakers-blog-of-holding]

D&D Tip:

A shield only gives a measly +2 to AC

But a HUMAN shield can give you up to +5 AC

[thejournallo]

DAILY REMINDER:

Every time you believe, something comes true.

If you believe that brushing your hair will make it longer, it will automatically become true. 

Every object you own can function in the same way.