@phil-the-stone can we consider this one as a “holding hands”?
i've been looking for a post-it app that left me enough freedom to plan my story and move the pieces around. i'm trying Miro, it's pretty cool, and i managed to lay the pieces of both books (it's a two-parter) (it's Hieroglyphs' sequel) (it's the one with the plagues)
anyway--
(if you're wondering: it's one story but two books. Each book needs to have its own 3 acts and midpoint, because i believe in a complete book even if it ends in a cliffhanger. but the big story itself also needs a progression, and a midpoint. so you get 3 midpoints total, which are moments where the story turns around and morphs into something unexpected, while also being logical and organic.)
seeing it like this makes me realize where most of the scenes i planned are set in the timeline and what parts of the story need to be figured out. also, seeing them in the curve makes me realize some of them don't have enough tension, so i need to make things worse. it's fun!
TQ was released one year ago today, and it not only gave me a story with a cool concept and fun characters that I adore, but it also introduced me to a bunch of awesome people and creators online who love this game as much as I do
So, to commemorate the game’s release, I give you this Polaroid of the counselors having some summer fun
Happy Anniversary Hacketteers! 🐻
Fun Fact: I didn’t wanna draw the background or the floorboards bc I’m ✨lazy✨, so I just reused a background from a tarot card project I never posted and the wood beams from the TQ themed 80’s horror movie poster I made last year
peter quill is the spokesperson of waiting for your bluetooth to connect before doing anything
Reaching Your Wordcount Goal
Have you ever been in a situation where you just can’t seem to get a scene to fill much more than a page or two? Or you’re at 500 words when you want to be at 2500 and it feels impossible to get there? Here’s some common problems that may be holding you back:
1. Your pacing is too fast
Pacing is probably the number one controller of word count. If it’s too fast, amazing scenes that could take up 5000 words are going to be 500. I talk a lot more about controlling pacing here, but essentially, try to use your MCs senses and internal dialogue to create ‘space’ between physical events of the scene. In an action-packed scene that should fly by a little faster, cut these parts out and focus more on the physical action instead.
2. You aren’t utilizing the setting
Similar to pacing, you may be underutilizing the elements of the scene. Make sure you’re incorporating all of the senses—sight, sound, smell, taste if applicable, feeling. Even things such as the vibe or non-physical feeling of a place add something to the setting. Try to think of unique details that make a place more interesting—get specific!
3. You aren’t checking in with your MC
Memories, internal dialogue, ruminating and ideas are all things that bring us closer with the MCs and add to a scene. You can use these moments to develop their character, their dynamics with others, foreshadow or hint towards upcoming plot, or add or strengthen any other elements of the narrative. These check ins ultimately allow you to explore the unique perspective your MC has on a situation, and are a great opportunity for words!
4. Your scene went off a few lines back
Maybe it was a weird turn in dialogue or a missed opportunity, but sometimes just rewriting the scene and actively trying to take it in a different direction can dislodge something that’s sticking the gears. Don’t be afraid to write through different paths and options and find the one that works the best!
What are some ways you find makes a scene go easier?
if you’re not into some dumb embarrassing shit you’re not living your truth
punchie-pierrot
I bet Hobie sounded like a sack of pennies leaving Spidey HQ everyday, like imagine him being like “Oi, ‘ave a good un.” while walking away and hearing the loudest clinking and jingling ever from all the shit he pulled out the wall.
So much time is spent hinting that Gwen and Hobie have a relationship Miles is/should be jealous of, but I would bet a million dollars Hobie has had to listen to hours of Gwen disjointedly rambling about Miles as "the coolest guy ever, I mean, not as cool as you, but a different kind of cool, like you're neon night cool and he's like sunshine cool, and I'm never going to see him again, even though I could, but I won't, but I hope he's okay and still as cool as I remember" while he tactfully does not mention how down bad she is
The scene where Miles got grounded ?? AND YELLED AT IN FRONT OF EVERYONE
As a black person I felt that deep deep in my soul