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@ember-demon-13
I made block poetry with my philosophy textbook
Hey! Are there blacksmiths in your story? I'm a hobbyist blacksmith and I'm here to help!
Blacksmithing is one of those things that a lot of people get wrong because they don't realize it stuck around past the advent of the assembly line. Here's a list of some common misconceptions I see and what to do instead!
Not all blacksmiths are gigantic terrifying muscly guys with beards and deep voices. I am 5'8, skinny as a twig, have the muscle mass of wet bread, and exist on Tumblr. Anybody who is strong enough to pick up a hammer and understands fire safety can be a blacksmith.
You can make more than just swords with blacksmithing. Though swords are undeniably practical, they're not the only things that can be made. I've made candle holders, wall hooks, kebab skewers, fire pokers, and more. Look up things other people have made, it's really amazing what can be done.
"Red-hot" is actually not that hot by blacksmith terms. when heated up, the metal goes from black, to red, to orange, to yellow, to white. (for temperature reference, I got a second degree burn from picking up a piece of metal on black heat) The ideal color to work with the metal is yellow. White is not ideal at all, because the metal starts sparking and gets all weird and lumpy when it cools. (At no point in this process does the metal get even close to melting. It gets soft enough to work with, but I have never once seen metal become a liquid.)
Blacksmithing takes fucking forever. Not even taking into account starting the forge, selecting and preparing metal, etc. etc. it takes me around an hour to make one (1) fancy skewer. The metals blacksmiths work with heat up and cool down incredibly fast. When the forge is going good, it only takes like 20 seconds to get your metal hot enough to work with, but it takes about the same time for it to cool down, sometimes even less.
As long as you are careful, it is actually stupidly easy to not get hurt while blacksmithing. When I picked up this hobby I was like "okay, cool! I'm gonna make stuff, and I'm gonna end up in the hospital at some point!" Thus far, the latter has yet to occur. I've been doing this for nearly a year. I have earned myself a new scar from the aforementioned second degree burn, and one singe mark on my jeans. I don't even wear gloves half the time. Literally just eye protection, common sense, and fast reflexes and you'll probably be fine. (Accidents still happen of course, but I have found adequate safety weirdly easy to achieve with this hobby)
A forge is not a fire. The forge is the thing blacksmiths put their metal in to heat it up. It starts as a small fire, usually with newspaper or something else that's relatively small and burns easily, which we then put in the forge itself, which is sort of a fireplace-esque thing (there's a lot of different types of forge, look into it and try to figure out what sort of forge would make the most sense for the context you're writing about) and we cover it with coal, which then catches fire and heats up. The forge gets really hot, and sometimes really bright. Sometimes when I stare at the forge for too long it's like staring into the sun. The forge is also not a waterfall of lava, Steven Universe. It doesn't work like that, Steven Universe.
Welding and blacksmithing are not the same thing. They often go hand-in-hand, but you cannot connected two pieces of metal with traditional blacksmithing alone. There is something called forge welding, where you heat your metal, sprinkle borax (or the in-universe equivalent) on it to prevent the metal from oxidizing/being non-weldable, and hammer the pieces together very quickly. Forge welding also sends sparks flying everywhere, and if you're working in a small space with other blacksmiths, you usually want to announce that you're welding before you do, so that everyone in a five-foot radius can get out of that five-foot radius. You also cannot just stuck some random pebbles into the forge and get a decent piece of metal that you can actually make something with, Steven Universe. It doesn't work like that, Steven Universe.
Anvils are really fucking heavy. Nothing else to add here.
Making jewelry is not a blacksmithing thing unless you want jewelry made of steel. And it will be very ugly if you try. Blacksmithing wasn't invented to make small things.
If there's anything here I didn't mention, just ask and I'll do my best to answer.
ANTI-CAPITALIST AFFIRMATIONS
i am allowed to spend my time creating things, even if they are not beautiful.
there is no such thing as a "real job." all forms of work are real and valid.
there is nothing that i need to accomplish to be worthy. i am already worthy.
doing nothing is good for my soul.
i am not defined by what i produce.
my worth cannot be measured by my paycheck, my job title, or a list of professional or academic achievements.
i do not need to monetize my hobbies, it is enough to spend time doing something i love.
i will not let society decide what success looks like. i can define what successful life looks like for me.
Hear me out, what if I just... don't
The cat is cute
A recipe for finding your story's plot:
Ingredients:
2 cups of Things that must be in the story (this can be characters, specific scenes, settings, subplots etc.)
1 cup of Vague plot ideas I may not use
1 tbsp of Central Themes
1 tsp of Ending (either happy, tragic, or bitter-sweet)
1 tsp of Protagonist's Primary Motivation
2 lbs of Brick Wall
Time, as needed
Instructions:
In a large bowl, mix Things that must be in the story. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, sift together Vague plot ideas I may not use. Discard the excess and set aside.
Add Themes, Ending, and Motivation to a small jar. Screw lid on tight and shake until mixture becomes Conflict.
Pour Conflict and Vague plot ideas into Things that must be in the story. Blend on medium until Plot Points form.
Taste.
If it is still missing something, smash head against 1 lbs of Brick Wall for one to six hours.
Let marinate for one to 365 days. Add more Things and Vague plot ideas as desired.
Smash head against the rest of the Brick Wall for one to six hours.
Scream.
Repeat steps 5 through 9 as needed.
After sufficient marination, the mixture will form an idea. This will tell you what specific action must happen in order to resolve your story's conflict. Write this down and make appropriate sacrifices to thank whichever deity took pity on you.
Now you have your conflict, climax, and resolution. You just have to figure out how to get there. Good luck with the damn middle section dork!!
show, don't tell:
anticipation - bouncing legs - darting eyes - breathing deeply - useless / mindless tasks - eyes on the clock - checking and re-checking
frustration - grumbling - heavy footsteps - hot flush - narrowed eyes - pointing fingers - pacing / stomping
sadness - eyes filling up with tears - blinking quickly - hiccuped breaths - face turned away - red / burning cheeks - short sentences with gulps
happiness - smiling / cheeks hurting - animated - chest hurts from laughing - rapid movements - eye contact - quick speaking
boredom - complaining - sighing - grumbling - pacing - leg bouncing - picking at nails
fear - quick heartbeat - shaking / clammy hands - pinching self - tuck away - closing eyes - clenched hands
disappointment - no eye contact - hard swallow - clenched hands - tears, occasionally - mhm-hmm
tiredness - spacing out - eyes closing - nodding head absently - long sighs - no eye contact - grim smile
confidence - prolonged eye contact - appreciates instead of apologizing - active listening - shoulders back - micro reactions
Hair Texture & Appearance
Below is a list of words to describe hair texture/appearance:
bristly - having a stiff and prickly texture
brittle - hard but liable to break or shatter easily
bushy - resembling a bush; thick and shaggy
coarse - rough
coiff - style or arrange (someone’s hair), typically in an elaborate way
coiffured - having the hair brushed, combed, and curled
crinkly - having wrinkles or waves
delicate - very fine in texture
disheveled - untidy; disordered
downy - covered with fine soft hair
dull - lacking brightness, vividness, or sheen
fine - thin
flat - dull and lifeless
fluffy - being light and soft or airy
frizzy - formed of a mass of small, tight curls or tufts
fuzzy - having a frizzy, fluffy, or frayed texture or appearance
glossy - shiny and smooth
greasy - covered with or resembling an oily substance
knotted - tangled
lank - long, limp, and straight
lush - rich, thick, full
lustrous - having luster; shining
luxuriant - thick and healthy
luxurious - characterized by opulence, sumptuousness, or rich abundance
matted - tangled into a thick mass
oily - containing oil
puffy - soft, rounded, and light
satiny - having a smooth, glossy surface or finish like that of satin
scraggly - ragged, thin, or untidy in form or appearance
shaggy - long, thick, and unkempt
silky - of or resembling silk, especially in being soft, fine, and lustrous
sleek - smooth and glossy
slick - smooth and glossy
snarled - tangled
stiff - not easily bent or changed in shape; rigid
straw-like - resembling straw
stringy - resembling string; long, thin, and lusterless
supple - bending and moving easily and gracefully; flexible
tangled - twisted together untidily; matted
tousled - untidy
unkempt - having an untidy or disheveled appearance
velvety - having a smooth, soft appearance
voluminous - to add fullness or volume
wavy - not straight or curly, but curves slightly
windblown - messy because of being blown around by wind
windswept - untidy in appearance after being exposed to the wind
wiry - resembling wire in form and texture
wispy - fine; feathery
People always correct me when I say fishes even though I’m right
I was today years old when
physical intimacy prompts
holding hands during a stressful situation
smiling in-between kisses
touching foreheads
cheek kisses
slow dancing
intertwining fingers
comparing hand sizes
resting your head on your partner's lap
piggy back rides
standing on your tip toes to reach your partner's lips
kissing your partner's wounds
forehead kisses
falling asleep on your partner's shoulder
bridal carries
spooning
rolling over in bed, switching positions during a kiss
embracing your partner
intertwining fingers when making love
pulling away from a kiss, deeply looking into each other's eyes, appreciating being here with each other before diving back in
nudging into the crook of your partner's neck
being carried/tucked into bed, after having fallen asleep on the couch waiting for your partner to come home
saying ''i love you'' in-between kisses
nose boops
back rubs
tracing fingers down your partner's chest
hand on chest during a casual conversation
bumping into each other
hugs that last longer than they should
showering together
hands around the waist
straddling your partner's thighs
helping your partner undress
playing with your partner's hair
falling asleep to your partner's heartbeat
resting a hand on your partner's back
squeezing each other's hands
sitting in your partner's lap
cupping your partner's face
tickling
linking arms with each other
exploring each other's lips
caressing your partner's face
brushing your lips together, lingering for a moment
jumping into your partner's arms
wrapping legs around your partner
tucking a strand of hair behind your partner's ear
pulling your partner into your lap
hugging from behind
lifting your partner off the ground
holding hands across the table
holding hands under the table
bear hugs
caressing your partner's hand
laying a hand on your partner's thigh
literally sharing a sweater
slapping your partner's butt
tummy kisses
feeling each other's pulse
glancing at each other's lips
falling asleep while cuddling on the couch
climbing back into bed, onto your partner's body to wake them up
Reminder that whatever you’re writing, you shouldn’t give up because no one else can put the puzzle together the same way you can. It’s unique to you, so stop comparing yourselves to others. That completely eliminates the whole purpose.
50 WORDS TO USE INSTEAD OF “SAID”
Do you ever find yourself over-using the word “said” in your writing? Try using these words/phrases instead:
stated
commented
declared
spoke
responded
voiced
noted
uttered
iterated
explained
remarked
acknowledged
mentioned
announced
shouted
expressed
articulated
exclaimed
proclaimed
whispered
babbled
observed
deadpanned
joked
hinted
informed
coaxed
offered
cried
affirmed
vocalized
laughed
ordered
suggested
admitted
verbalized
indicated
confirmed
apologized
muttered
proposed
chatted
lied
rambled
talked
pointed out
blurted out
chimed in
brought up
wondered aloud
(NOTE: Keep in mind that all of these words have slightly different meanings and are associated with different emotions/scenarios.)
Writing Tips
Descriptions in Between Dialogue
✧
⤠ how characters interact with the environment
⇝ moving something, picking something up, looking somewhere
⤠ how the environment interacts with the characters
⇝ weather, other character’s actions or movements
⤠ gestures
⇝ facial expressions, body language
⤠ shifts in position
⇝ standing, sitting, leaning, shifting weight, crossing arms/legs
⤠ physical reactions
⇝ body temperature, fidgeting, heart rate, character quirks
⤠ environmental descriptions
⇝ descriptions using the five senses, setting, character’s appearances
⤠ internal dialogue
⇝ emotional reaction to what was said, reflection of past experiences, connections to other characters/settings/actions
➵ I want to reiterate… descriptions using the five senses ; when in doubt, think of the five senses your character is experiencing and pick what best moves the story forward
lovely little domestic prompts
feel free to use! :)
running their love interest a bath after a long work day
covering the sharp part of the table when they pass so they don’t hit their hip
“your mom is coming over today.” “tell her to bring fried rice or she’s not invited.” “you tell her, she’s your mom.” “but she likes you more!”
deciding together how they want their house to look
painting their child’s room together
“i meant it when i said i wanted to start a family with you.”
baby-proofing everything not because they have a child or are planning for one but because one character is clumsy as hell and the other is a worried mess alllll the time because of it
“wake up and come get breakfast, love.” “…. now…….. when i said yes to this whole marriage thing i thought we were on the same page and you understood when i said i don’t wake up before 6pm.” “i made hashbrowns.” “i’ll be right there.”
one character covering the other with a blanket when they fall asleep watching a movie on the couch
making tea or coffee for their love interest before bed (and just the fact that they know exactly how they like their tea and coffee swooon)
cooking anything together honestly, not even needing to ask where the items are because they’re so in tune and used to each other
“where’s the new coffee mix?” “i’ll tell you if you tell me where you put the keys?” “i TOLD you i don’t know where—”
long movie nights where one is in charge of the blanket and pillow fort and one is in charge of the snacks
them going on a short trip and one character nagging the other about bringing their allergy meds
nagging in general, frankly
“it’s your turn to do the dishes.” “let’s get a divorce.” “we aren’t married yet, my love.” “well we sure as hell aren’t getting married now.”
“i am one hundred percent content to stay with you on this couch until the end of time.” “that sounds pretty damn lovely to me.”
Types of intelligence for your OCs
What kind of intelligence does your character posses? Based on theory of multiple intelligences, these are some ideas what kind of smarts your characters might posses that aren’t the typical academic or street smarts.
1. Visual-spatial (space smart)
These people are good at visualizing things, seeing in 3D, being able to imagine how things look even out of sight from the information they have about it. They are good with directions, maps, charts and pictures. Eye for drawing, patterns and puzzles.
Especially useful for: architects, engineers, artists, pilots
2. Linguistic-verbal (word smart)
The ability to use words well, when writing and speaking. Typical strenghts are telling stories, memorizing information, love for reading, skill with words, debating and persuasive skills, adept at explaining complicated subjects. Also tend to be great at languages.
Especially useful for: writers, journalists, lawyers, teachers, public speakers
3. Logical (reasoning smart)
Not necessarily but possibly mathematical, these people are great at reasoning, pattern recognition and logical analysis. Enjoyment for abstract thinking and ideas, excellent problem-solving skills and logical argumentation are other common traits. Pattersn, categories, relationships.
Especially useful for: mathematicians, accountants, scientists, and detectives.
4. Bodily-kinesthetic (body smart)
Great hand-eye cordination, physical movement, often skilled at sports, dancing and creating things with their hands. Learn and remember rather by doing than listening or reading. Sense of timing and mind-body union excellent.
Especially useful for: dancers, sculptors, actors, athletes, surgeons, crafts people, soldiers, police officers
5. Musical (sound smart)
Sensitive listeners. Thinking in patterns, recognizing rhythms, notes and melodies, good at remembering tunes, these people often enjoy singing or playing instruments. Often show great understanding of musical structure and know quickly when they hear someone going off-key.
Especially useful for: musical teachers, composers, musicians,
6. Interpersonal (people smart)
These people are very good at understanding and interacting with others. From verbal to non-verbal communication, they are proficient at assessing motivations, moods and desires of others and seeing things from multiple perspectives. Great communicators, create positive relationships with others easily and solve group dynamics and group conflicts well. Also enjoy discussions, debates and teamwork.
Especially useful for: psychologists, counselors, salespeople, politicians, philosophers, teachers, managers, team leaders
7. Intrapersonal (self smart)
The opposite of interpersonal smarts is the intrapersonal intelligence, where people are very in tune with themselves and their feelings. They are honest with themselves, enjoy self-reflection, analysing theories and ideals, love daydreaming, and show great self-awareness and assessment of their own strenghts and weaknesses.
Especially useful for: writers, philosophers, theorits, scientists
Bonus types:
8. Creative (ideas smart)
People that show exceptional curiousity, get inspired by little things around them and connect ideas and concepts in an unsual way. It’s a more feeling-based, spontaneous type of intelligence that gets less recognition, but brings immense benefits in all fields.
Especially useful for: artists, marketers, scientists, concept artists,
10. Abstract (concept smart)
Drawn to abstract ideas, these people enjoy deep discussions, don’t like to settle on one truth and ask questions that have no easy or no answer at all. Connecting, conceptualizing, analysing, listening and putting things together, they are great at seeing things from a distance, seeing the whole and not just the pieces.
Especially useful for: scientists, philosophers, researchers, theorists, designers, analysts
Writing advice masterlist
Fun Ways to Meet Characters
Thieves stealing important objects from the main characters and then being forced somehow into a found family situation
Saving a character’s life by doing something like taking an arrow/bullet
By losing a bet with a stranger and then teaming up
Gambling with a shifty character and getting really mad at them, only for them to later end up saving the other character’s life
Meeting the other in an arranged marriage and actually liking them (or really, really hating them)
Or having a chaotic dynamic where they irritate each other but they’re equally chaotic, so they become the mischievous duo in the found family
By bickering over the last piece of food at a banquet
Getting hired as a servant or maid, or some other serving position
By accidentally almost killing a character, only for them to join the found family and literally never stop bringing up that first meeting
List of People who could use this:
-Trans women (cosplayers and non-cosplayers)
- Cis Women who feel too shy to actually show off their chest but still want to pull this off
- Cis women with small chests who also want to be true the characters.
- Pretty much any dude who wants to cosplay as a female character
- Anyone who wants to piss off Travis
Reblog to piss off Travis and support trans women + male cosplayers