Melanie Martinez songs and the meaning behind them
I’m not gonna put them in order, but since Melanie’s single out is coming out on Friday, I’ve seen tweets saying how Melanie “sexualises babies” which is 100% false. Let’s begin the meaning of her songs starting with Orange Juice. Orange Juice tackles a very serious issues which is eating disorder and bulimia. Nurse’s Office is bullying and tired of ditching school because of the people who are making ur school life a meeting.
Strawberry Short Cake is about sexualising young girls and how no one taught Boys not to touch them without consent. This song tackles sexual assault. The Principal is about powerful (mostly men) who abuse their power for their own gain but ignores the suffering of those around him especially his own country. Mrs Potatohead is about the expectation and what society is accepts as what is seen as beauty by getting cosmetic surgeries on yourself. Mrs Potatohead is a children’s toy where you can change her whatever you want. Show and Tell is about how we put celebrities on pedestal and treat them object for their own entertainment. The ones behind the scenes are putting them on display for their own greed.
Class Fight is about how women compete against each other especially in the music industry and how they fight over the same thing which is mainly attention from a boy. This is also how women tend to be mad at the other woman despite their partner was in the wrong as well. Wheels on the bus is about how there are people who who inappropriate behaviour in the public eye, but many chose to ignore it rather than confront it. Teacher’s Pet is about the romanticisation of the student/teacher relationships. This song also tackles down the power dynamics involving age difference and grooming. Drama Club is about pretending someone you’re not in order to avoid drama. You’re feel pressure to be someone else when you would rather be yourself and live your own life.
Lunchbox Friends is about toxic friends who only use you and judge for the things you do. They would talk to you in school but ignore you outside. This song is about rather having true friends who understand you. High school sweethearts is about wanting to have a partner who is honest and true loves you. It’s about wanting a committee relationship and hope that the relationship last forever then what you’ve experienced in the past. Recess is about letting go of harmful and toxic people since it’s important to improve your mental health. It’s also artists not having to time take a break because the fear of being replaced. Detention is about how nobody cares about how your feeling unless your making money and the mental torture of pretending to be happy. Dollhouse is about the perfect family outside but behind close doors is different. Dollhouse is a toy that are mainly used by girls who play the games like ‘mum and dad’ to vision their perfect family. Cry baby is a character that is based on Melanie Martinez herself. It’s about how people see cry baby as sensitive due to her empathy. Melanie described cry baby as “a child who experiences adult things”.
Sippy Cup is a story connected to dollhouse's lyrics "don't let them see what goes down in the kitchen". The song is about the lack of being willing to acknowledge reality. Carousel was song that was used for AHS 4th season, 'Freakshow'. The song is about how toxic one-sided relationships can be hoq trying to catch up to love but can't seem move forward. Alphabet Boy is a break up song where you used to date someone who thinks he was better than everyone and try to "teach" you things that you already know. Soap is about being vulnerable and being express deeper feelings such as love. Training Wheels is about moving on to the next step when being a committed relationship. Madhatter is a reference to fictional character from the alice in wonderland stories and some of the lyrics do make a reference in the books. It's about accepting who you are and not caring what anyone thinks even though people may describe you as 'crazy'.
Teddy Bear is about being in an abusive relationship and trying to figure out what went wrong. The person that you were in love was your whole world and even treated you right, but now he hurting you and even going as far as trying to kill you. Playdate is about being in love with someone who only sees you as just a friend so you act like you don't care either. Cake is about having a relationship with someone who just wants to play with your feelings. They just want one thing from you and believe that you're an esay person to manipulate. Fire Drill is focus on fake friends, childhood bullies and attention-seeking. Copy cat is about people in music industry who steals other artist's creation and act like it's their own.
I've been struggling with college, personal life, and writing, and just realized that what I'm actually needing is a nice challenge to motivate me to write every single day! and, since January is coming to an end and February is a short month, I thought it'd be a cool idea to do a simple challenge for this upcoming month, don't you agree?
What will we be writing in February, you ask...
Well, I've collected some nice prompts, and each day of the month we will have to follow the prompt! it will come with different levels of difficulty, and you'll earn points (we love a little competition!) through the challenge. By the end of the month, we will share our results with the community!! (Also, as soon as you enter the challenge, there's an excel sheet to help you with the point system).
How will this work?
You will receive a daily prompt by e-mail. then, all you have to do is to write!! you can keep it to yourself or post it on Tumblr (feel free to tag me / use the tag #feb2soulscollide)
Click here to access the challenge!!
I really hope you like this, and that it somehow motivates you :) I'll try to participate as well since I haven't been writing lately...
Note: This is my first time creating an e-mail challenge, so I hope there are no mistakes haha :')
Websites And Writing Apps Every Author Needs In 2023
In today’s day and age, technology is everyone's best friend, and the number one writing tool for authors. Gone are the days when writers would hunch over blocky typewriters and leisurely type out a manuscript. Authors are now evolving, and while typewriters and pretty journals might make for stellar aesthetically pleasing posts, they aren’t as accessible and convenient as the technological advancements that have taken the world by storm.
Modern-day authors have swapped out papers and ink for laptops and AI, allowing us to type out thousands of words without having to worry about our pens drying out.
However, this convenience comes at a cost.
Our app stores are flooded with so many options that it is easy to lose track of the best writing apps. This is why I have taken the initiative to compile a list of the websites and writing apps every author needs in 2023— categorized by different writing stages.
Websites And Writing Apps To Help With Fantasy Worldbuilding
Worldbuilding is possibly one of the most essential pre-writing steps a writer takes. It helps you develop a concrete idea of the story you have come up with and creates the foundation of your book.
Poor worldbuilding and a lack of visualisation can make your ideas get lost in translation and make a concrete fantasy world seem confusing for your readers.
This is why before you jump into telling your story, you must first establish the building blocks of your tale. There are two applications that I believe can help you achieve this. Whether it be generating names, creating fantasy maps or more, here are two websites and web apps to help with worldbuilding.
Azgaar
Azgaar's Fantasy Map Generator is a free web application that generates interactive and highly customizable SVG maps based on Voronoi diagram. Fantasy map generators generally require a lot of time and energy to completely plan out your world, but with Azgaar’s fantasy map generators, you can readily customize any of their free templates.
They offer a plethora of options for writers to explore, from different map colours and themes to worlds created in various environments.
One thing I love about Azgaar is how accessible their templates are. You can easily change the location names, landscape and map settings with a click or two and also experiment with different templates until you create a map that is perfect for your world.
If we’re talking about fantasy map generators every writer should know of, then Azgaar is definitely one of them.
Donjon
Are you a writer who just got started with their worldbuilding? Do you feel stuck with the overwhelming amount of things you need to do before you can write your story? Don’t worry, all of us have been there. But with Donjon you can readily create almost every aspect of your fantasy world.
From names to maps and demographics, Donjon provides creators with a plethora of services. Unlike most applications, it also helps you create globes and detailed city/area scapes and maps. This is a tool I find particularly useful for when your characters are exploring a new area that you can’t visualise well.
And the best part? It isn’t just for authors! Donjon has different tools for writers, game makers, and more— allowing creators of all kinds to make their worlds that much better.
If you ever feel stuck during your world-building, then definitely give Donjon a try and comment down below the tool you found the most useful.
Websites And Writing Apps To Help With Your Writing
Writing your book is one of the most thrilling stages of creating a novel.
But nowadays it can be really hard to find good writing tools that are free and help you accomplish your goal with no hitches. I can’t tell you how many times I ended up losing my work as a fanfic writer writing on websites that haven’t been updated in years! This is why it’s so important to write your book on a proper, reputable application.
Grammarly
Let’s be honest, if you’re someone who’s into writing then you’ve probably heard of Grammarly at least a couple of times. However, what many writers don’t realise is just how beneficial it can be!
Most writers use Grammarly as an extension on their writing application so that it can correct their small errors while they write, but they don’t bother to use the Grammarly editor. You might be wondering ‘but Haya, what’s the difference?’
The Grammarly editor provides you with more options and tools to help better your writing. You can set your writing goals, such as your target audience, tone, etc. and even get access to more detailed suggestions that focus on aspects like passive voice, and adverbs.
Even if you choose not to get Grammarly premium, the editor still highlights the premium suggestions which can help you understand where you’re going wrong.
Overall, Grammarly helps you edit your chapters and polish your writing with ease.
Google Docs
If you’re one of the people who doesn’t see the point in paying for Word, then Google Docs is for you. It gives you all the features of a word document online. Docs also allows you to use extensions and add-ons that can help you elevate your manuscript. Some of my favourites are Scribe Writer, highlighter tool, and Spellright.
One thing most people don’t know about Google Docs is that you can use the voice typing tool. If you’re an author like me, then you often think of the perfect pieces of description at random moments in the day and have to scramble to write them down before you forget. The same can be said for dialogue, plot points, etc.
This is why Google Docs is so convenient. It allows you to speak your thoughts and types it out in a document that you can readily edit at your own time.
If you’re looking for a website or writing app to use as your main editor for your manuscript, then you should definitely consider Google Docs.
Websites And Writing Apps To Help With Your Editing
Hemingway Editor
If you’re an author writing for a certain age group, Hemingway Editor is the best website for you. Hemingway Editor shows a grade for your writing and gives you suggestions for ways to improve your manuscript. Just like Grammarly, it gives you various suggestions for your writing.
It also highlights the areas of concern in different colours so that you can easily make your way through your work depending on which aspect you would like to edit (whether that be SPAG, sentence structure, etc.)
If you don’t want to pay for Grammarly’s premium option then you can use Hemingway Editor’s free editorial suggestions.
Reedsy
Don’t want to do your edits by yourself? Hire an editor from Reedsy.
Hiring a professional can be a difficult process, and oftentimes we don’t even know where to start. You can acquire a list of professional editors that work with your genre with one click of your mouse. But how do you know if they have the right experience and credibility?
With Reedsy you can easily get in touch with great editors who have not only worked in your genre but also have a client list of credible authors with books similar to yours. This helps make sure you select an editor that knows what they need to do and how to get it done.
Reedsy also provides authors with professionals who can help them in every step of their writing process, whether that be cover designing, proofreading, or more.
Websites And Writing Apps To Help You Get A Literary Agent
Querying can be a daunting process. I know this from personal experience. But you can make this process a little easier with the right websites and writing apps. I’ve seen tons of different websites promoting tools that will supposedly help you get an agent within one week. I’ve also seen several authors who used said tools and came up empty-handed.
Querying is a very subjective process— what is a perfect fit for one agent might not be the right thing for another. This is why it’s so important to reach out to the right agents so that you don’t end up wasting days chasing after a literary agent who doesn’t even work in your genre.
Listed below are two websites and writing apps that are essential to find a literary agent.
Querytracker
Querytracker is possibly the most important tool for querying authors. It allows you to easily find agents in your genre, research their backgrounds, send out queries, and track your queries all in one page. This cuts down on the time most authors spend creating colour-coded spreadsheets.
I got my first literary agent from Querytracker, and am currently using their services to secure another agent.
Querytracker’s biggest advantage is its reputation. Their database consists of established literary agents who have worked with bestselling authors as well as the top publishers in the literary industry. You can readily access data about these professionals with one click and never have to worry about scams or fraud.
Their newsletter also gives authors updates about agents who have recently reopened their query boxes and resources that can help you better your query.
Found an agent you want to reach out to? You can easily check Querytracker’s success story interviews and take a look at the query letters of authors who signed a deal with your agent.
Manuscript Wishlist
Getting out of an agent’s slush pile is possibly the hardest part of querying. I know many authors who send out dozens of cold queries to agents in their genres, just to end up with a list of form rejections. The reason for this is simple— if you approach an agent as just another name on your list, they will treat you the same way.
This is why it is so important to properly customize your queries. There’s no need to sing praises about their past work and drone on about how perfect they are. The goal is to hook your agent with a compelling introduction to your manuscript and reel them in with a genuine paragraph about why they would be a good fit for you.
But how can you personalise your query letter? With Manuscript Wishlist!
Manuscript Wishlist is a website tool that helps authors target and personalize their queries. It operates as a website (manuscriptwishlist.com) and a hashtag (#MSWL). Agents use MSWL to share topics and story ideas that they would like to see in their query inbox, literary pieces they are fond of, and a brief intro of themselves. This gives authors the insight they need to effectively send out a personalised query.
Getting an agent can be made easy with Querytracker and Manuscript Wishlist.
Conclusion
I hope this list of the best websites and writing apps every author needs will help you in your writing journey. Be sure to comment your favourite writing tools to help your fellow authors prosper.
Want to learn more about me and my writing journey? Visit my social media pages under the handle @hayatheauthor where I post content about my WIP and life as a teenage author.
In honor of spooky season, sweater weather, and all things autumn, I'm hosting my first writing challenge! I started writing nearly a year ago because I was inspired by the beauty of the season, and I thought why not organize something where others could join in and celebrate the many aspects that make this time the best.
For the challenge, I'd like you to incorporate some fall vibes and activities into a fic or moodboard. It can be anywhere from taking a stroll down a leafy street with your fictional fave, baking together, cozying up by the fire, wearing their flannel, visiting a pumpkin patch, or watching a scary movie; anything that reminds you of this enchanting time of year plus a little catch I’ll describe below 🍂🎃🧡
This writing challenge will open today and has no deadline.
Rules, guidelines, and optional prompts are under the cut!
Rules:
Must be 18+ or older.
You don’t have to follow me to participate.
There is no deadline, follow your muse.
No incest/pedophilia/necrophilia/bestiality/ddlg/water sports/💩
Please tag any and all potential triggers with proper warnings e.g. (Fluff, smut, dark etc.)
Original works or must be able to be read as a standalone if it’s part of a series.
If you want to withdraw at any point, it’s no problem just lmk!
Guidelines:
There is no minimum or maximum word count.
If your fic is over 200 words please use the “read more” function.
You can write for any Marvel character, in universe or in any AU. I’ll also read for whatever SS and CE character you’re into except Jeff Gillooly and Tommy Lee. You may also write for Steve Harrington, Eddie Munson or a Top Gun: Maverick character. No RPF, please. Also no OFCs, reader inserts only.
Send me an ask letting me know that you want to participate, then tag me when you post and tag your fic or moodboard with #fallinginlovewritingchallenge
And the catch that makes this a challenge is – the words “falling in love” MUST come up in your entry at least once if you’re writing. You can change it to past or present tense e.g. (“fell in love” or “fall in love”); whatever variation you need to fit the vibe you’re creating.♡
I will read and reblog your work before adding them to a masterlist!
And feel free to send me an ask or dm if you have any questions or if I can help you better understand the season. I'm so excited to see what you all come up with!
Please note that you don’t have to use the prompts and au’s, they’re just there for inspiration and more than one person can use the same one ✨
Prompts:
“You’re comfy.”
“I’ll be here to protect you.”
"Here we are, home sweet home."
“Stop flirting.”
“Are you sure?”
“Do you like what you see?”
"Let’s go somewhere, just you and me.
“Your hands are warm.”
“I can’t sleep, can I stay here?”
“I’ve been waiting all my life for you.”
“I know you still love me.”
“Fancy seeing you here.
“I know what you need. Hold on.”
“I’m scared.”
“Are you… jealous?”
"Baby, I could do this all day."
“I can’t think straight with you.”
“Give me a chance.”
“Am I too late?”
“You’re dangerous.”
AU’s:
Vampire
Werewolf
Roommates
Coffee Shop
Florist
Baker
Bookstore
Soulmate
Modern
Neighbors
Thank you @bucky-barnes-diaries, @maladaptivexxdaydreaming, and @treatbuckywkisses for helping me, encouraging me, and listening to me ramble about my ideas!!
Tagging some pals that might be interested, but absolutely no pressure! ♡
hey! today i bring you guys a kinda hard challenge. so, how does it work? idk
basically, all you have to do is to follow the grid (each square corresponds to a day), and by the end of it you have written about 11k words of your new novel. sounds fun, right? oh, exhausting, too...
the main goal is to speed up a little and help you get started on your new book (like when you have an idea and reallyyy want to start developing it but have zero motivation).
if you want to share daily (or once in a while) updates about how this challenge is working for you, feel free to use #30soulscollide or tag me in your post! i'd love to hear some feedback from you guys about this and please let me know if you'd like something like this in the future! <3
the challenge (image):
This Pin was discovered by Souls Collide. Discover (and save!) your own Pins on Pinterest.
maybe you want a list? here you go:
write a summary of your novel / idea
draft the main character(s)
write a paragraph about each relationship
draft the side characters
brainstorm dramatic events and plot twists
define the narrator & tense
draft the world / environment
create a playlist (now we're done with the plot)
write a summary of act 1
write a summary of act 2
revise your characters & settings
write a summary of act 3
list all the events in your story (in order)
write a paragraph for each chapter (act 1)
write a paragraph for each chapter (act 2)
write a paragraph for each chapter (act 3)
write 800 words
write 900 words
write 700 words
write 1k words
write 800 words
write 500 words
write 1k words
write 700 words
write 900 words
write 1k words
write 600 words
write 800 words
write 1k words
write 900 words
i really hope you like this challenge and that you find it useful. also, i am working on a new notion template (i might post it by the end of this week or next week!) stay tuned <3
This is how I've decided to organise my grimoire now that I'm digitising it. I thought this may be of some benefit to other autistic/dyslexic practioners by sharing how my brain likes to formulate things. The trick is to categorise.
I have one large category I'm calling the chapter and every chapter has a number of categories within it and smaller sub categories underneath each one.
So my brain basically works like a russian nesting doll or like a very messy spider diagram. Organising it this way helps me to stay on track and stops me from getting overwhelmed. (I used this method in all my university essays and it helped push my grade up a lot).
I'm not writing it in any specific order but here's a list of what I've completed so far. Please feel free to take any of these. I hope this helps you with your own grimoire writing.
Theory 📚
Terminology
Paganism: historical context. Modern context. Core values.
New Age Spirituality: Development. Capitalism. Modern Example.
Cultural Appropriation: What it is. How it happens. How to avoid it. List of closed practices and red flags.
Wicca: What it is. How it's practiced. Gerald Gardner. Criticisms.
Thelema: Aleister Crowley. Development (egyptomania). Criticisms.
Conspiracy Theories: Development (root cause). Dangers. Examples. List of spiritual conspiracies. List of antisemitic stereotypes and propaganda.
Cults: What are they. How are they dangerous. How to recognise one (B.I.T.E model). List of religious/spiritual cults.
Satanic Panic: Historical development to our current satanic panic. The 1980's moral panic. Christian persecution complex.
KJV: Who was King James. The creation of the KJV. The KJO movement (evangelical and Christian fundamentalism. American Folk magic)
Witches in context: The modern witch. The post-modern witch. Historical context (England. Ancient Greece. Ireland).
Cats in context: Modern context. Familiars. Historical context (Egypt. Greece. China. England).
Transphobia: the idea behind terfism. How to recognise a terf. Examples of Terfism in spirituality (Lister). Dispelling myths and Misinformation.
Queerness: Erasure and queerphobia. Why queer people gravitate to witchcraft/paganism/Wicca. Examples (intersex. Gay relationships. Lesbian relationships. Asexuality).
Practical Basics 🔮
Terminology
Health and Safety: Fire. Smoke. Essential Oils. Toxicity. Wound Care. Biohazards.
How to make a magical space: What they are. Different types. Tools and their uses.
Grimoire/Book of Shadows: What they are. The differences. Different Formats. The Front cover.
Cleansing: What it is. What its used for. Examples.
Grounding: What it is. What its used for. Examples.
Protection: What it is. What its used for. Examples.
Intuition: What it is. What its used for. Developing it. Examples.
Discernment: What it is. What its used for. Steps of discernment (from a Christian perspective. From a secular perspective). Psychosis.
The Year and the holidays: Samhain. Yule. Wassailing. Imbolc. Spring Equinox. Beltaine. Summer Solstice. Lughnasadh. Autumn Equinox. (Historical development. How they're celebrated).
Deity Worship: Scientific Context (Neuroscience of Religiosity). Spiritual Context. Worship Vs working with. Finding a deity. Your religious rights. Critiquing your religious path. For example ↓
