Now, Iām not going to act like 2024 didnāt do its number. It was one of the worst years of my other years. 2024 was the year I shed more tears than I had ever in my life. BUT it was also the year I realized, I wasnāt taking care of me. My being. My person. It was also the year I finally accepted that I struggle mentally because Iāve been running away fromāeven though I dislike using that word, ārunning,ā but it seems to be the most efficient word to use to describe what I was doing when it come to my traumas and the relationships in my life. This year, I setting the bar really low in terms of expectations and focusing on healing and being more honest and open with myself. Iāve come to terms that Iām always the person people come running to when they feel they are going to fly off a cliff. But when I need someone or want to talk to someoneā¦there isnāt anyone there to truly soothe me. So this year, Iām going to make it all about me. I only think it fair after 26 years of living and nearly spent 15 years of those not trying to be on this planet. Cheers to the first day of the new year and the ugly duckling trying to love herself.
Exercise: Liz stays in shape with what seems like regular visits to the gymā¦
But for a more practical, stay at home way to stay fit, YouTube is a lifesaver! Iāve attached links to workouts you can do every day of the week.
Monday:Ā 10-Minute Fat-Blasting Circuit
Tuesday:Ā 10-Minute Legs, Hips and Lower Body
Wednesday:Ā 10-Minute Core WorkoutĀ
Thursday:Ā Butt Lift & Slim Thighs
Friday:Ā 10-Minute Full-Body WorkoutĀ
Saturday:Ā Sleek and Sexy Arms
Sunday:Ā Yoga Workout
Diet:
Liz is known to be practicing a vegetarian diet. According to her interview with Healthy Hollywood, being a vegan was difficult at first; āIn the beginning it was hard, now Iām pretty used to it. I still constantly crave burgers, cheese and all the foods I canāt have, but Iāve learned to live without them.ā
Being vegan of course isnāt for everyone (as a half Italian half Lebanese I can tell you itās pretty much out of the question ;p) but itās still easy and important to monitor ones diet.Ā Any diet tips we can take from Liz?
āDonāt cut everything out at once. Gradually eliminate foods out of your diet, and see how you feel. Make sure to find ways to balance out your diet so that youāre getting all the nutrients you need.ā
Try limiting yourself one "treatā a day to begin with, and take a leaf out of Lizās book and have fun with actually cooking your own treats for yourself and friends.
Be sure to search the internet for great, healthy recipesĀ and diet and nutrition tips ~Ā Healthy Eating: Easy Tips for Planning a Healthy Diet and Sticking to ItĀ ~
Writing a book series can be an incredibly rewarding experience for authors, but it also requires careful planning and execution. A well-crafted book series can captivate readers, build a loyal fan base, and provide a steady stream of income for writers. However, planning a successful book series is no easy feat.
It demands a deep understanding of world-building, character development, and plot progression. In this ultimate guide, I'll help you explore the essential steps to help you plan a compelling and cohesive book series that will keep your readers hooked from start to finish.
Develop a Compelling Premise The foundation of any successful book series is a strong premise. Your premise should be unique, engaging, and have the potential to sustain multiple books. Consider exploring a complex world, a captivating concept, or a character with a rich backstory that can evolve over the course of several books. Ask yourself: What makes your premise stand out? What will keep readers invested in the story for multiple installments?
Create a Detailed Outline Before you dive into writing, it's crucial to create a detailed outline for your entire book series. This outline should include the overarching plot, major story arcs, character development, and key events for each book. Having a solid outline will help you maintain consistency, avoid plot holes, and ensure that each book contributes to the overall narrative. Don't be afraid to make adjustments as you write, but having a roadmap will keep you on track.
World-Building: Crafting a Vivid and Consistent Universe One of the hallmarks of a successful book series is a richly developed and immersive world. Whether you're creating a fantasy realm, a futuristic society, or a contemporary setting, pay close attention to world-building. Establish the rules, customs, histories, and geography of your fictional world. Consistency is key, so ensure that the details align across all books in the series. Consider creating a "bible" or a comprehensive guide that outlines the intricacies of your world, making it easier to maintain continuity.
Develop Compelling Characters Great characters are the heart and soul of any book series. Your protagonists, antagonists, and supporting characters should be well-rounded, multi-dimensional, and undergo significant growth and transformation throughout the series. Craft backstories, motivations, flaws, and strengths for each character, and ensure that their actions and decisions drive the plot forward. Remember, character development is an ongoing process, so be prepared to explore new facets of your characters as the series progresses.
Establish Recurring Themes and Motifs Themes and motifs are powerful tools that can add depth and resonance to your book series. Identify the central themes you want to explore, such as love, redemption, power, or identity. Weave these themes throughout the series, allowing them to evolve and deepen with each installment. Motifs, like recurring symbols or imagery, can also create a sense of cohesion and add layers of meaning to your narrative.
Plan for Cliffhangers and Resolutions One of the key strategies for keeping readers engaged in a book series is the strategic use of cliffhangers and resolutions. Cliffhangers create anticipation and leave readers craving for the next installment. However, be cautious not to overuse this technique, as it can become frustrating for readers. Balance cliffhangers with satisfying resolutions that tie up loose ends and provide a sense of closure, while still leaving room for the story to continue.
Consider Pacing and Narrative Structure Pacing and narrative structure are crucial elements to consider when planning a book series. Each book should have its own narrative arc, with a beginning, middle, and end, while also contributing to the overall story progression. Vary the pacing between books to maintain reader interest, alternating between action-packed and slower, more introspective sections. Experiment with different narrative structures, such as multiple perspectives, non-linear timelines, or frame narratives, to keep the series fresh and engaging.
Manage Continuity and Consistency As your book series grows, maintaining continuity and consistency becomes increasingly important. Keep detailed records of character descriptions, plot points, world-building elements, and timelines. Regularly refer back to these notes to ensure that you're not introducing contradictions or inconsistencies. Consider creating a series bible or a wiki to help you keep track of all the moving parts.
Plan for Character Growth and Evolution In a book series, characters should undergo significant growth and evolution. Plan for character arcs that span multiple books, allowing your protagonists and supporting characters to face challenges, make difficult choices, and emerge as changed individuals. This character development will not only add depth to your narrative but also keep readers invested in the journey of your characters.
Anticipate and Address Potential Plot Holes As your book series expands, the potential for plot holes and inconsistencies increases. Be vigilant in identifying and addressing these issues during the planning stage. Regularly review your outline and notes, looking for any logical gaps or contradictions. Enlist the help of beta readers or critique partners to provide fresh perspectives and catch any potential plot holes you may have missed.
Consider the Overarching Story Arc While each book in your series should have its own narrative arc, it's essential to plan for an overarching story arc that spans the entire series. This overarching arc should tie together the individual books, building towards a climactic conclusion that resolves the central conflict or mystery. Ensure that each book contributes to this larger narrative, advancing the plot and raising the stakes for the characters.
Plan for Marketing and Promotion Finally, as you plan your book series, don't overlook the importance of marketing and promotion. Develop a strategy for building buzz and engaging with your audience throughout the release of each book. Leverage social media, author events, book tours, and other promotional opportunities to keep your readers excited and invested in your series.
Remember, writing a book series is a marathon, not a sprint, so be prepared to invest time, effort, and dedication into crafting a truly remarkable literary journey. Hope this helped!
Happy Writing - Rin T.
Hey fellow writers! I'm super excited to share that I've just launched a Tumblr community. I'm inviting all of you to join my community. All you have to do is fill out this Google form, and I'll personally send you an invitation to join the Write Right Society on Tumblr! Can't wait to see your posts!
Welcome to Write Right Society!
At Write Right Society, we are dedicated to nurturing the creative spirit and honing the skills of writers a
Calling all aspiring storytellers with hearts full of whimsy! Get ready to sprinkle a touch of enchantment into your scenes with my Scene Wo
Yesterday was my moms birthday and the day couldnāt go anymore south than it had yesterday smh š¤¦š½āāļø. The first time I choose to go out and get dressed to the nines, plans areā¦CANCELLED!
I donāt like when plans change! Donāt love it! Hate it with a passion. I love when things are set. Concrete. I donāt like the surprises. ššļæ¼
Almost every story needs dialogue - obvious right? Well, this post is about the not-so-obvious sides of conversations. I've struggled a LOT with snappy and realistic speech, so I've made it my mission to collect some handy directives. Here is what I found:
Contents
Information Dumps
Setup And Payoff
Characterization Through Dialogue
Three Simple Questions
Four-Sides Model
Depth
About Answers
Sources And Credits
ā®® Let's go! (^ā½^) ā®Æ
Information Dumps
Everybody knows them, everybody hates reading them. But how do we avoid them? Something really clicked for me when I understood context. If your character talks about something that happened in the past, they don't need to explain what happened. They were there. Here's an example:
"It would be nice if we at least got a B for that paper. Since I will go to college next year, I feel that this is important to me."
The speaker and the listener should be aware of the exposition (regarding their last year at high school). During dialogue, these conditions go without saying.
Setup And Payoff
Instead of dumping everything at once, let the reader guess what's happening. This is done by mentioning something that is not answered right away. Also dropping hints can increase tension.
Scene 1
"Why do you always carry that with you?" she asked and pointed at the box cutter.
Her friend eyed her with suspicion. "For cutting."
"Yeah, but why?"
"Might come in handy sometime."
Scene 2
An ice cold shiver ran down her spine as her fingers felt around the bag, searching for the familiar shape. There was nothing. The other tossed the thing onto the floor between them.
"Care to elaborate?"
She couldn't have known. "How could you!"
Someone definitely has a secret here that they don't want uncovered. It makes the reader speculate: Does she carry the knife to defend herself or does she plan on hurting someone with it?
Characterization Through Dialogue
The general rule of thumb is: Show not tell. If a character is shy, self-absorbed or chaotic, make them act like it. Also, readers take part in the characterization of your protagonists. Make them guess why a character acts a certain way.
"C- can I have your pen?" She twirled her thumbs and looked at the ground.
"What the hell, no!" Disgusted, he brushed off his hands on the front of his jeans. "I'mma better disinfect that."
Notice how the girl is stuttering and the boy has a loose tongue. Mannerisms help identifying traits in a character. Everyone has a distinct way to speak (e.g. relaxed, polite, malignly) which makes it easier to tell them apart. Sometimes there is a difference between speech and behavior. This can be quite useful to highlight conflict inside a character.
Three Simple Questions
Who wants what from who?
Why now?
What happens if they don't get it?
These questions ensure plot consistency. For question 3 the only other outcome is conflict. Conversations thrive off of conflict and it is of benefit to have a supplicant and potential provider for a solution. It's basically intention versus obstacle.
1. She wants to be his wife. He doesn't want a marriage.
2. She is pregnant.
3. She needs to provide for a baby all on her own.
Tadaa, a conflict ensues.
Four-Sides Model
The four-sides model is a theory on communication. It assumes that a message has four distinct ways of being conveyed:
Facts -> data, facts, truth and relevance
Self-Disclosure -> explicit and implicit information about the own mindset; likes, dislikes, opinions
Relationship -> information about whether the person is liked or detested; approval and disapproval; "I assume you have [this] opinion of me"; body language
Want -> a direct attempt to influence the behavior of another person; advice, desire or instruction
Since this is highly technical stuff, I'll provide you with an example:
Customer: "I always drink my coffee black."
1. Fact: The coffee I drink is black.
2. Self-Disclosure: I like black coffee.
3. Relationship (POV of the waiter): Did I do something wrong? OR It's their fault! They ordered the wrong thing!
4. Want: Bring me black coffee.
Controlling the message through sender and receiver gives a new level of influence to an author. The relationship-level is the bottleneck in a conversation that holds the most potential for misunderstandings. I'm trying to be aware of it when I write subtext (see below).
Depth
On the nose dialogue is what we want to avoid at all costs. For this reason subtext is created in stories. Read this:
Scene 1
A: "I like you."
B: "Nah, I don't like you back. You're so annoying."
A: "Ouch, that hurts. I'm not sure if I heard that right."
B: "We were never friends. Go away."
This is not how conversations work. Thankfully, dialogue like this is not entirely useless. It conveys what the characters really want to say. The challenge is to think of a way to not say the thing but keep a similar meaning.
The true meaning behind the dialogue is called subtext (scene 1). If I don't know how to continue after a certain line, I write down the subtext first before I decide on how to paraphrase it.
Finally, I add a fitting description of expression and body language if needed. I try to keep it short and simple.
Check this out:
Scene 2
She tucked her hair behind her ear. "I need a ride home later. Are you free?"
-> I like you.
"Sorry, all seats' re taken," he said without looking at her.
-> Nah, I don't like you back. You're so annoying.
"Uhm, okay. But I'm small. You could fit me in the footwell, honestly."
-> Ouch, that hurts. I'm not sure if I heard that right.
He leaned forward as if he had the urge to stand. "Ha, funny. But no, I'm not planning on doing something illegal tonight."
-> We were never friends. Go away.
A character's action depends on their own intention and the other's response. I feel it is easier to keep track of what's happening behind the curtains when it's written alongside the dialogue.
Simultaneously, you can keep habits and traits in check. Does the the character apply all criticism to themselves? Are they disregarding or constantly marginalizing others? Do they worry only for themselves or solely for others? Subtext truly is the most powerful tool in conversation-writing.
About Answers
Did you know that you don't have to answer every single question? In fact, there are two other ways to show an emotion without telling it.
The first one is called sidestepping. The character ignores the posed question and carries on with an entirely different topic.
A: "Do you still love me?"
B: "We should get going."
It's very obvious, right? By sidestepping the question, we can assume that the character is uncomfortable or angry with the other person.
The other way to answer is actually a bit paradoxical. Through silence, a great variety of emotions can be displayed. It is recommended to refrain from actually describing silence with words like "he remained silent", "he refused to say anything", "he never responded".
- The laptop hummed.
- The birds chirped in the trees.
- She felt her legs going numb from sitting in an uncomfortable position.
- His eyes wandered around, searching the parking lot for a familiar face.
It feels more natural to explain the things that grab our attention when we sit in silence.
This is it, folks. That's all I could find on the topic - for now. If there's anything missing, I'd love to hear it.
ā§ĶāŗĖ*ļ½„ą¼ā¾ Anyway, thanks for reading, I hope this helped ā½ą¼ļ½„*Ėāŗā§Ķ
My sources are this and this video as well as this article.
Also a big thank you to @zoropookie for helping me with the colors āø(ļ½”Ė įµ Ė )āøā”
Okay, so I donāt know who are CURIE fans. But, babes! Get yourself some of these products. The āWhipped Body Washā & the āMoisturizing Body & Hair Oil,ā will leave you wanting more. Completely obsessed with the smell which is Coconut Nectar. And if youāre a coconut š„„ loving woman or male. This will cut it for you.
The Moisturizing Body & Hair Oil is a combination that will leave your skin glowing and your hair smooth and shiny. And it doesnāt even matter if you use it on damp or dry skin and hair. Same results. Plus, it can be used as a pre-wash!
The results & the smell keeps me hostage!ā¤ļøšš
Trust Iām always gonna put money aside for this brand to get more. And of course, for my PETA babies. Yes, itās animal cruelty free and vegan. I pride myself on doing my best and at most to use brands thatās animal cruelty free and vegan as much as possible. I keep a close watch on brands that also makes it their mission and prides themselves on it like I do. Most if not all my products are animal cruelty free, vegan, or both. I, myself is a vegetarian š„ So, Iām very carefully when it comes to the stuff I use plus I have sensitive skin already. So, clean, animal cruelty free, and vegan products and brands are a must for me.ā¤ļøā¤ļø
I gotta say this was really good, the storyline slightly fell flat for me, but it was overall good. I loved that it gave a webtoon kind of feel for a live action for the gods and the knights of the universe. And OMG! One of my fav actors, Mackenyu is such an amazing actor. I love him in One Piece as Zoro. He honestly captures the feelings and the reality of the characters he embodies perfectly. I hope there is a part two to this considering they pretty much ended on a cliffhanger. Like Athena is awake, the rest of the knights are out there, Seiya's sister is still out there, and the Phoenix Knight is out for blood for the gods for sure. So, there has to be a part two to this. I think there will be a part 2 but maybe in 2025 at the latest. 100% loved this. A lot of unanswered questions but may be answered in the sequel.
Finally watched last years movie of the Texas Chainsaw and my thoughts. I was wildly mad! This manā¦NEVER GONNA DIE! Itās official. Heāll continue haunting new faces and old faces through the centuries to come. Like why? I was hoping this movie would finally put a long story to bed but instead, it contained the narrative. Itās actually pretty upsetting and repetitive. Donāt get me wrong it was an okay movie. It definitely kept to the fantasy decision making more than the realistic decision making. However, the movie definitely kept the same narrative from the other Texas Chainsaw movies. A group of people go to a town they donāt really know, meet some locals, odd things happened, people start dying and the man in the mask lives. Itās honestly BOOORRRR-IIIINNGGGGG. Like come on! If your going to keep the Texas Chainsaw Massacre at least think outside the box. The people before set the pave way for this movie, I think they expected us to do better with it when they gifted the fictionalization of this story. I hope if they do another one; itās killer they finally kill him off or think outside the box for it. Because I donāt know if I can sit through another lazy produced project.
Good job to the actors for doing their job!ā¤ļøā¤ļø
ģė ķģøģļæ¼! Okay, so Iāve been on the journey of learning Korean but something is always coming up. But NO MORE! I plan to study hard at my Korean studies. Iām currently light years behind but Iām open to any learning experiences from others people that is also learning the language as well. Even a study buddyš„³šø
Whatās I want to get down?
- Memorizing ķźµ¬ļæ¼ (Which I hope means Hangul)
- Pronunciation of ķźµ¬
- Numbers
- Basic Greeting & Goodbye (informal & formal)
- Learning the difference between informal & formal in Korea.
I already have a workbook and textbook from TTMIK @talktomeinkorean-blog
Also went to the library and borrowed some language books as well to guide the process but American tend to romanticize everything when it comes to languages. But I hope it helps in some shape or form. But weāre excited! Iāll keep yāall updated!
A show that I have been getting into is "A Time Called You," on Netflix. Honestly, the beauty of this show I've gotten into, in just a few episodes is rather touching. The wholesome feel that I get from the show is just beautiful because it brings me back to a time where I also lost someone I loved in middle school...I completely get how Han Jun-hee feels losing the person that she loved. I may have been just a middle schooler back then but the feelings that I had for that person was probably has real and true as the cherry blossoms that grows in the spring. It feels poetic, bringing up those memories. But also reminded me of the time I blamed myself for that person's death. If I could go back in time, I would have also took the chance to save you...Tell you how I feel and really appreciate the time we had more...This show in some ways, is giving me the will to let you go. All this time you held my mind captive and I spent most of my time missing you...But, I'm finding the will to move forward. It's very little but I'll always miss you Lucca...
Itās been a minute since Iāve ever did a journal entry for a blog. Honestly, I might get more into it. But last talk about the things thatās been happening since LA to NY.
Okay, so recently Iāve graduated with my BFA in Fine Arts. Itās a really nice accomplishment. But I donāt think I enjoyed it the way I wish I did. Personally, itās been rather unpleasant. Everything I wanted didnāt matter to my mom and her friend. My graduation day wasnāt even about me but them. Like, how the fuck does that even happens?š¤šš
Firstly, my familyāor rather my mom is a person thatās traumatized. Grew up in a rather abusive household and even in her romantic relationshipsāand of course, Iām not judging her or anyone for it. However, I donāt like the way she communicates. And as a brown skinned woman, Iām getting tired how black people communicate in general! If itās not a black women driving a bus or a black women giving you your order at her establishmentāofc, it would be the women in your family. Iām rather pissed actually, what happened to actually just talking. Why the yelling? Personally, if my mom feels attack every time I talk to her, than Iāve been feeling attacked by her all my life! Like I get it, youāve been through some shit but thanks to her Iām experiencing and have been through shit myself. And donāt even get me started on her and her friends; they are so opinionated, annoying, and religious ass people. Like, I shouldnāt be telling an adult how to be an adult. Childish moments only should be for fun not tantrums. Donāt talk to me, if your not going to actually talk to me but start getting offensive before the conversation even happens. Iām sick and tired of always having to be the understanding one, the patient one, and the only graceful oneš Like, peopleā¦she literally got mad about the door just because it was locked and AGAIN got mad because I pointed out that she does the same thing. But do I get mad when she does it? No. Know why? Because I have a damn key. Just use your key and just use your words without the unnecessary attitude. And AGAIN she gets mad when I point out she has an attitude and tells me to shut up. Babes, at this point I donāt even care she is my mom; sheās seriously gotta adjust the way she talks to me. I donāt care how old you are and even if you are the women that gave birth to me. If you canāt talk to me correctly, donāt talk to me at all. Like the way she talks to me is seriously unnecessary. And sometimes, she does it in front of company; which is limelight embarrassing. I donāt know if all West Indian/Indian households face this problem but itās honestly ridiculous. Like canāt you love your kids without being a complete raging bitch all the time? Is that like hard for adults with kids? Personally, I feel if your traumatized and you havenāt dealt nor face your trauma; KEEP YOUR FUCKING LEGS CLOSED, ABORT, or JUST DONāT HAVE KIDS AT ALL!!
I swear, if I had the option to DECLINE being born, I would have. No one asked you to have meāI didnāt ask to be here! Like this has got me stressed to the point Iām getting rashes on my body again! Iāve honestly come to the conclusion, that itās best that you donāt live with your family but the way these prices are up, the taxes, and how my salary present and future remain the same, is pissing me off. Like, I canāt catch a break at home nor in the world. So why the fuck am I even here?! To be some grown womenās verbal punching bag? I literally just graduated college with my BFAāand what was once I missed you has now turned into āI wish I could replace you with a mother that knows better.ā
Iām not gonna stand for this anymore! Like, am I crazy or sane because no matter how I look at it, this women owns me so many apologizes that itās insane! I always own up to my shit but does she?! No! Like, I canāt even call her my mother because I feel more like a stranger more than her daughter.
There is so much dirty laundry to air out that this ādear dairyā will have to become a series!
