yours-the-author - Tumblr blog

[yours-the-author]

Hngh... must squish he...

hrthntnhnrnrhggf comic. comic from my head. inspired by this post

hrnghhhgghhgmelts

[yours-the-author]

And Together They Are: Turtisson

Introducing Turt Curtis and Sven Sventurt! Who wants to slam them together and make kissy noises? Just me? Okay! *Proceeds to be arrested by animal control*

[yours-the-author]

Ooh, these are beautiful!

Splatoon/side order fans should get excited for what I’ve been working on; Color Chip Pride Pins!!! More info down below!!!

(Reblogs are highly appreciated)

Each pin will be printed on a combination of white acrylic and clear frosted acrylic, giving off an appearence really similar to how the color chips look in game! There will be pins attatched to the back so you can stick em wherever you want! If these spark enough interest, I’ll probably price them at $10 a piece.

If you wanna see these go up for sale on my shop, please spread this post!

[yours-the-author]

So pretty... :)

Dave. Why are you looking at us like this?

[yours-the-author]

That One Meme but it's "Attention" by Charlie Puth

Who's throwing that turtle on my Curtisson? Oh wait, it's meeee~!

...I should draw Curtisson as turtles. Give me a day or two.

Pspsps come get some food, Curtisson fans.

[yours-the-author]

These tips sound uber helpful! I've been struggling to write my novel (is it possible to have all the problems at once?), so these should help me out!

Things That May Be Causing Your Writer's Block- and How to Beat Them

I don't like the term 'Writer's Block' - not because it isn't real, but because the term is so vague that it's useless. Hundreds of issues all get lumped together under this one umbrella, making writer's block seem like this all-powerful boogeyman that's impossible to beat. Worse yet, it leaves people giving and receiving advice that is completely ineffective because people often don't realize they're talking about entirely different issues.

In my experience, the key to beating writer's block is figuring out what the block even is, so I put together a list of Actual Reasons why you may be struggling to write:

(note that any case of writer's block is usually a mix of two or more)

Perfectionism (most common)

What it looks like:

You write one sentence and spend the next hour googling "synonyms for ___"

Write. Erase. Write. Rewrite. Erase.

Should I even start writing this scene when I haven't figured out this one specific detail yet?

I hate everything I write

Cringing while writing

My first draft must be perfect, or else I'm a terrible writer

Things that can help:

Give yourself permission to suck

Keep in mind that nothing you write is going to be perfect, especially your first draft

Think of writing your first/early drafts not as writing, but sketching out a loose foundation to build upon later

People write multiple drafts for a reason: write now, edit later

Stop googling synonyms and save that for editing

Write with a pen to reduce temptation to erase

Embrace leaving blank spaces in your writing when you can't think of the right word, name, or detail

It's okay if your writing sucks. We all suck at some point. Embrace the growth mindset, and focus on getting words on a page

Lack of inspiration (easiest to fix)

What it looks like:

Head empty, no ideas

What do I even write about???

I don't have a plot, I just have an image

Want to write but no story to write

Things that can help:

Google writing prompts

If writing prompts aren't your thing, instead try thinking about what kind of tropes/genres/story elements you would like to try out

Instead of thinking about the story you would like to write, think about the story you would like to read, and write that

It's okay if you don't have a fully fleshed out story idea. Even if it's just an image or a line of dialogue, it's okay to write that. A story may or may not come out of it, but at least you got the creative juices flowing

Stop writing. Step away from your desk and let yourself naturally get inspired. Go for a walk, read a book, travel, play video games, research history, etc. Don't force ideas, but do open up your mind to them

If you're like me, world-building may come more naturally than plotting. Design the world first and let the story come later

Boredom/Understimulation (lost the flow)

What it looks like:

I know I should be writing but uugggghhhh I just can'tttttt

Writing words feels like pulling teeth

I started writing, but then I got bored/distracted

I enjoy the idea of writing, but the actual process makes me want to throw my laptop out the window

Things that can help:

Introduce stimulation: snacks, beverages, gum, music such as lo-fi, blankets, decorate your writing space, get a clickity-clackity keyboard, etc.

Add variety: write in a new location, try a new idea/different story for a day or so, switch up how you write (pen and paper vs. computer) or try voice recording or speech-to-text

Gamify writing: create an arbitrary challenge, such as trying to see how many words you can write in a set time and try to beat your high score

Find a writing buddy or join a writer's group

Give yourself a reward for every writing milestone, even if it's just writing a paragraph

Ask yourself whether this project you're working on is something you really want to be doing, and be honest with your answer

Intimidation/Procrastination (often related to perfectionism, but not always)

What it looks like:

I was feeling really motivated to write, but then I opened my laptop

I don't even know where to start

I love writing, but I can never seem to get started

I'll write tomorrow. I mean next week. Next month? Next month, I swear (doesn't write next month)

Can't find the time or energy

Unreasonable expectations (I should be able to write 10,000 words a day, right????)

Feeling discouraged and wondering why I'm even trying

Things that can help:

Follow the 2 min rule (or the 1 paragraph rule, which works better for me): whenever you sit down to write, tell yourself that you are only going to write for 2 minutes. If you feel like continuing once the 2 mins are up, go for it! Otherwise, stop. Force yourself to start but DO NOT force yourself to continue unless you feel like it. The more often you do this, the easier it will be to get started

Make getting started as easy as possible (i.e. minimize barriers: if getting up to get a notebook is stopping you from getting started, then write in the notes app of your phone)

Commit to a routine that will work for you. Baby steps are important here. Go with something that feels reasonable: every day, every other day, once a week, twice a week, and use cues to help you remember to start. If you chose a set time to write, just make sure that it's a time that feels natural to you- i.e. don't force yourself to writing at 9am every morning if you're not a morning person

Find a friend or a writing buddy you can trust and talk it out or share a piece of work you're proud of. Sometimes we just get a bit bogged down by criticism- either internal or external- and need a few words of encouragement

The Problem's Not You, It's Your Story (or Outline (or Process))

What it looks like:

I have no problems writing other scenes, it's just this scene

I started writing, but now I have no idea where I'm going

I don't think I'm doing this right

What's an outline?

Drowning in documents

This. Doesn't. Make. Sense. How do I get from this plot point to this one?!?!?! (this ColeyDoesThings quote lives in my head rent free cause BOY have I been there)

Things That Can Help:

Go back to the drawing board. Really try to get at the root of why a scene or story isn't working

A part of growing as a writer is learning when to kill your darlings. Sometimes you're trying to force an idea or scene that just doesn't work and you need to let it go

If you don't have an outline, write one

If you have an outline and it isn't working, rewrite it, or look up different ways to structure it

You may be trying to write as a pantser when you're really a plotter or vice versa. Experiment with different writing processes and see what feels most natural

Study story structures, starting with the three act structure. Even if you don't use them, you should know them

Check out Ellen Brock on YouTube. She's a professional novel editor who has a lot of advice on writing strategies for different types of writers

Also check out Savage Books on YouTube (another professional story editor) for advice on story structure and dialogue. Seriously, I cannot recommend this guy enough

Executive Dysfunction, Usually From ADHD/Autism

What it looks like:

Everything in boredom/understimulation

Everything in intimidation/procrastination

You have been diagnosed with and/or have symptoms of ADHD/Autism

Things that can help:

If you haven't already, seek a diagnosis or professional treatment

Hire an ADHD coach or other specialist that can help you work with your brain (I use Shimmer; feel free to DM me for a referral)

Seek out neurodiverse communities for advice and support

Try body doubling! There's lot's of free online body doubling websites out there for you to try. If social anxiety is a barrier, start out with writing streams such as katecavanaughwrites on Twitch

Be aware of any sensory barriers that may be getting in the way of you writing (such as an uncomfortable desk chair, harsh lighting, bad sounds)

And Lastly, Burnout, Depression, or Other Mental Illness

What it looks like:

You have symptoms of burnout or depression

Struggling with all things, not just writing

It's more than a lack of inspiration- the spark is just dead

Things that can help:

Forget writing for now. Focus on healing first.

Seek professional help

If you feel like it, use writing as a way to explore your feelings. It can take the form of journaling, poetry, an abstract reflection of your thoughts, narrative essays, or exploring what you're feeling through your fictional characters. The last two helped me rediscover my love of writing after I thought years of depression had killed it for good. Just don't force yourself to do so, and stop if it takes you to a darker place instead of feeling cathartic

[yours-the-author]

That feeling when you want to give your wonderful husband some PDA but your subordinates are there and also your arch enemies

Geez, proportions and perspective are too hard for my little baby brain. I based this one off of this post here, but I don't think this is my best work. I'm not much good at drawing little chibi marshmallow bois. They remind me vaguely of Connecticut Carl, but less.

[yours-the-author]

This is because you forgot your passport, Rupert.

I was watching clips of HLVRAI and I couldn't get this scene out of my head. It's less funny as a comic without the audio, but my brain cursed itself to work on this until it was done. So here you go!

Rupert would be the perfect Gordon. Constantly on the edge of loosing his mind while everyone else screws with him for the lolz. If you have a couple of hours to spare, HLVRAI is a fun way to pass the time.

[yours-the-author]

Splatoon fan art? On MY blog?? It's more likely than you think.

I managed to beat Side Order for the first time yesterday, and I decided to celebrate by drawing my versions of my squid kid and my Agent 8! Man, this was difficult; proportions are so weird! Anyway, here you go!

My first proper experience with Splatoon was in the second game's hero mode, so I like to think of my squid kid as Agent 4 (which, funnily enough, was the palette I completed for my winning Side Order run). She likes Turf Wars and Tower Control, her victory pose is the double cross dab, and she's a Sploosh-o-matic main! I also drew her squid form, which looks wonky because I like to headcanon that hairstyles are reflected in squid form (don't ask me how this would work for updo's)! Her left-most tentacle is shorter than the rest, so it shows when she turns into a squid!

I didn't actually play Octo Expansion (I'm a coward, I know), so Side Order is actually my first experience with Agent 8. Since she's more of her own character instead of an avatar I use, I gave my version of her some fun personality traits:

She always, always wears high heels. At first it was because that's all she had, but now her balance is thrown off if she doesn't have them.

She booyah's back, but she rarely sends out a booyah for the sake of one.

Her octopus form has the longest tentacles coifed to match her hair! Sometimes it gets in her eyes, but she works around that.

Her hair matches her palette chip tones, and as such, her main is the Octoshot!

She hates multitasking. She prefers to fully complete one task before moving on to the next.

Her eyes are that color because it reminds me of sanitized Octolings like Acht; I like to imagine she was very, very, VERY slightly sanitized while under the surface and the eyes are a result.

... I'm probably not going to try this art style again; it was more for the sake of experimenting than anything else. Stick figures are where I'll stay for now! Anyway, I'll be going now. Bye!

[yours-the-author]

Yo, this is really cool!!

happy 413 everyone!! 15 years felt like a significant number so i wanted to do push myself to do smthg over the top for this one haha

this comic has had me in a chokehold for over 10 years waow.. still lookin forward to see what comes from the new team! anyway happy anniversary sweethearts <333

[yours-the-author]

Happy 4/13 for all those who celebrate!

[yours-the-author]

I love Faith. I love Deltarune. This is an absolute win.

Thinking about airdorf Faith again, and this popped up.

[yours-the-author]

AAAH! Super cute!!

we'r moving closer to the full set, yes sir!

[yours-the-author]

Freak in the Sheet 👻🔔

[yours-the-author]

If you receive this, you make somebody happy! Go on anon and send this to 10 of your followers who make you happy or somebody you think needs cheering up. If you get one back, even better! 🌷🌷🌷

Well, shucks, that's awful sweet of you!

[yours-the-author]

hot artists don't gatekeep

I've been resource gathering for YEARS so now I am going to share my dragons hoard

Floorplanner. Design and furnish a house for you to use for having a consistent background in your comic or anything! Free, you need an account, easy to use, and you can save multiple houses.

Comparing Heights. Input the heights of characters to see what the different is between them. Great for keeping consistency. Free.

Magma. Draw online with friends in real time. Great for practice or hanging out. Free, paid plan available, account preferred.

Smithsonian Open Access. Loads of free images. Free.

SketchDaily. Lots of pose references, massive library, is set on a timer so you can practice quick figure drawing. Free.

SculptGL. A sculpting tool which I am yet to master, but you should be able to make whatever 3d object you like with it. free.

Pexels. Free stock images. And the search engine is actually pretty good at pulling up what you want.

Figurosity. Great pose references, diverse body types, lots of "how to draw" videos directly on the site, the models are 3d and you can rotate the angle, but you can't make custom poses or edit body proportions. Free, account option, paid plans available.

Line of Action. More drawing references, this one also has a focus on expressions, hands/feet, animals, landscapes. Free.

Animal Photo. You pose a 3d skull model and select an animal species, and they give you a bunch of photo references for that animal at that angle. Super handy. Free.

Height Weight Chart. You ever see an OC listed as having a certain weight but then they look Wildly different than the number suggests? Well here's a site to avoid that! It shows real people at different weights and heights to give you a better idea of what these abstract numbers all look like. Free to use.

[yours-the-author]

New Idea: Reginald Copperbottom as Master Kohga and RHM as Sooga from Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity

____

RHM: *Saves Reg at the last second*

Reg: RHM, you're late! I nearly got peeled like a banana-

RHM: *Tosses him over one should like a sack of bananas potatoes*

Reg: :O

____

Reg: Toppats, ASSEMBLE! Me excluded, of course ;) *runs away*

Toppats: ????

____

Reg: So... if the government can fix that teleporter thingamajig... what does that mean for me- I mean us?

RHM: That "thingamajig" will tell them where we are and what we're doing.

Reg: ...Ah.

____

Reg: *has cornered the triple threat with a bunch of backup* What a relief it will be when you meddlers are out of the picture! *Strikes a series of silly poses* Today! Right now, in fact! The stupendous chief of the Toppat Clan, Reginald Copperbottom! Is gonna kill you all... to death!

____

RHM: *fighting off the government* Chief, quick! Make your escape!

Reg: I can't flee, you're my best lackey!

RHM: ...

Reg: ...

RHM and Reg: *passionate kissing*

____

Send post.