Alina Leonova

Author and reader on a quest for sci-fi by women, trans & enby authors. Sometimes nomad. On and off climate activist. Blogger. ADHDer. She/her.

Public Key

npub127nkh7cudwmevacsappj7y8je982540ladkqnc2m0l5828vvrx4qv4yf0u

NIP-05 Address

AlinaLeonova_at_wandering.shop@mostr.pub

Profile Code

nprofile1qqs90fmtlvwxhdukwugwsse0zrevjn422hl7kmqfu9dhl6r4rkxpn2spz3mhxue69uhhyetvv9ujuerpd46hxtnfduqs6amnwvaz7tmwdaejumr0dskdwvy9

Publishing to

relay.damus.io

nos.lol

Author Public Key

npub127nkh7cudwmevacsappj7y8je982540ladkqnc2m0l5828vvrx4qv4yf0u

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Last Notes

2024-09-07 10:55:34

#WordWeavers 6 — If you could write a story in any fictional world, what would you choose?
I thought about it, and even though like many of you I only want to write in my own worlds because creating them is too much fun, this is a hypothetical, so maybe Lem's Solaris? There are so many unanswered questions and bizarre possibilities there!

2024-06-24 10:38:22

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#WordWeavers 24 — What would it take for you to give up writing your current book?
I’m in the early stage of writing it, so I could potentially give it up if I realised it was going nowhere and I had a better idea for another book.

2024-06-22 14:11:07

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#WordWeavers 22 — Could your MC manage keeping plants alive?
Violet has nothing in her austere room that would make it different from the other apprentices’ rooms, so she’d be really excited to have a plant. She’d do her best to take care of it, but having no experience she might do something wrong, like overwater it.

2024-06-17 14:31:35

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#WordWeavers 17 — Do you use moodboards or character models when writing?
No, though I like seeing what other writers do ☺️ I use character cards from Scrivener, which contain all the essential information about them, including their past, quirks, goals, etc. It helps me stay consistent.

2024-06-04 16:43:48

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#WordWeavers 4 — Antagonist POV: is it easy for you to apologize? Can you apologize to someone right now?
I can apologize if I'm wrong, and, of course, I've done it many times. But if you want me to apologize for the choice I've made, I'm not going to. It was the right thing to do.

2024-06-02 12:36:01

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#WordWeavers 2 — If your MC listened to your favorite music, what would their reaction be?
I like a lot of different kinds of music, so I think Violet would like at least some of it. I have a feeling she might be more of an indie, electronic and maybe hip hop kind of girl. But most of all, she'd just be really curious and excited to listen to something alien 👽

2024-05-19 18:31:23

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@npub10d5…vvxa She’s beautiful 🥰

2024-04-13 13:26:09

Life has thrown in unexpected surprises and challenges. If I sometimes thought I didn’t have time in the past, I didn’t know what I was talking about 😅 I’d love to participate in #WordWeavers discussions, but even if I have a bit of precious time, I don’t have the energy. Maybe I’ll find my footing soon, maybe not, but I’m sure this community can take great care of itself without me while I figure things out 🧡

2024-03-15 10:26:13

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#WordWeavers 15 — minority ethnicity
There are different ethnicities in my world, but none of them would be considered a minority in the sense we use the word. Some ethnicities are smaller & there are some rare genetic features (e.g. striped skin/weird eye colors), but it doesn’t cause discrimination.
There are 2 species of humans though, and the non-technologically advanced is at a disadvantage. Balika from #WildFlowersElectricBeasts is from that species, but no MCs in current WIP are.

2024-03-13 17:58:52

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#WordWeavers 12-13 — What would your MC enjoy the most about our world? What would they hate the most?
She would enjoy everything that she couldn't recognize from her world, like unknown plants and animals, clothes and hair styles, blue sky and only 1 moon.
She'd hate pollution, how much power certain institutions have without oversight, and how much violence we allow and tolerate.

2024-03-12 12:57:56

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@npub1k4e…4d28 Screaming grass sounds like a nightmare 😅😅

2024-03-06 13:48:05

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#WordWeavers 6 — What 3 questions would your MC ask to get to know you?
- What do you think is wrong with the world?
- What are you afraid of?
- What would you change in the world to make it better?

2024-03-05 17:34:34

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#WordWeavers 5 — What sounds would your antagonist hear in their favorite place?
My mystery antagonist... hm, I don't know them too well yet, but I think their favorite place is a virtual representation of some real place they had been to a long long time ago, before they became what they became. Probably something from a childhood memory. Perhaps a day by the ocean?
So, sounds of waves gently lapping on the shore, children's laughter, a murmur of conversations nearby.

2024-03-01 16:03:37

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#WordWeavers 1 — Introduce yourself as if you were a character in your story. What would your role be?
Hi! I’m Alina — a traveler and researcher who’s looking to uncover the secrets of a very mysterious organization. Because of personal experiences I don’t trust authority and I’m suspicious of everyone who has too much power. My job is dangerous, but I don’t mind taking risks if it means I can help good people bring down some evil power!

2024-02-29 21:08:23

March #WordWeavers — all the questions are in the thread below 😊
Start anytime, answer any questions you want, skip as many as you feel like. Use the #, talk to other writers and have fun!
The only rules: be respectful to others and use CWs (content warnings) when necessary.
Everyone is welcome to participate 🧡
Created by @npub1k74…dmux and me.
#WordWeaversQs — this # is only to find questions. Don't use it in your answers. Use space (# WordWeaversQs) when sharing to keep it tidy 🙏
https://stockroom.wandering.shop/media_attachments/files/112/016/803/001/543/014/original/889a6e277c7063d2.png

2024-02-04 16:20:43

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@npub1frc…9gpt Is his father a musician?

2024-02-04 16:10:38

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@npub1k24…26zw Thanks for mentioning us ☺️🧡

2024-02-02 18:49:00

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#WordWeavers 2 cont.
I think she'd appreciate the room that serves as our office because it has lots of plants, a beautiful painting, and a few little things she'd find interesting, like prints and other decorations. 2/2

2024-02-02 18:46:57

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#WordWeavers 2 — If your MC stayed in your place for a few weeks, what would their favorite room be and why?
I'll start talking about my new WIP 😊 I think Violet would be fascinated with the whole apartment because as an apprentice in the Justice Guardians org she has a very austere room that looks like any other. When she saw Aerial's room, who is a Guardian (higher rank than her) and has a few things that clearly come from the "outside world", she was in awe. 1/2

2024-02-01 22:45:16

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@npub1ftv…9h0c @npub1k74…dmux You’re welcome ☺️ Nice introduction!

2024-02-01 13:20:11

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@npub19m5…28dy You're welcome 🤗

2024-01-31 14:12:23

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Dear #WordWeavers players, if you want your question(s) to appear in the March edition, type them below or use #WWCommunityQ hashtag 🧡 @BranwenOShea and I will choose a few to include and might edit them for clarity/brevity.

2024-01-31 14:10:45

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#WordWeavers #WordWeaversQs
25. What’s the most out of character fact about your mentor character?
26. Do you draw inspiration from other characters? What are your greatest influences?
27. Have you written poetry?
28. How often do you back up your work?
29. What’s one of the weirdest things that happens in your story?

2024-01-31 14:10:21

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#WordWeavers #WordWeaversQs
16. What is your antagonist’s pet peeve?
17. What’s the most embarrassing thing your MC has done?
18. Does your antagonist eat healthy?
19. Which of your MCs would try online dating?
20. How does your antagonist sleep?
21. Is there a genre or type of story you’ll never write?
22. Does reading your own words bring you joy?
23. What was the first story you ever wrote?
24. If your love interest was a writer, what sort of books would they write?

2024-01-31 14:09:42

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#WordWeavers #WordWeaversQs
8. What kind of touch is the most comforting for your MC?
9. What kind of touch does your MC hate?
10. Does your MC have comfort food?
11. Share a scene that gave you lots of joy to write.
12. Where does your antagonist feel safe?
13. What’s your favorite thing that you have on your desk or in your writing space?
14. If you had to date one of your characters, who would it be?
15. What does your character think their greatest achievement is?

2024-01-31 14:08:57

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#WordWeavers #WordWeaversQs
1. Introduce your MC as if they were a fighter in the ring.
2. If your MC stayed in your place for a few weeks, what would their favorite room be and why?
3. If your antagonist had to choose something to wear from your wardrobe, what would it be and why?
4. What is your SC’s relationship with their parents?
5. Who is the most influential person in your MC’s life?
6. What smell would instantly bring up a good memory for your SC?
7. What sound does your antagonist hate?

2024-01-31 14:07:56

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#WordWeavers #WordWeaversQs
You'll find all the questions here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mDd0mWHFxdMNBdQ2-kL4PDcq_J0U660_GG8ioZIMfkE/edit?usp=sharing
Make sure you click on February 2024 since it's an archive of all the WordWeavers questions.

2024-01-31 14:07:08

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#WordWeavers February community questions are brought to you by our wonderful players @npub13zh…naqu & @npub1yls…0rw0 Thank you both so much! 🤗 🧡

2024-01-31 14:06:03

February #WordWeavers — all the questions are in the thread below 😊
Start anytime, answer any questions you want, skip as many as you feel like. Use the #, talk to other writers and have fun!
The only rules: be respectful to others and use CWs (content warnings) when necessary.
Everyone is welcome to participate 🧡
Created by @npub1k74…dmux and me.
#WordWeaversQs — this # is only to find questions. Don't use it in your answers. Use space (# WordWeaversQs) when sharing to keep it tidy 🙏
https://stockroom.wandering.shop/media_attachments/files/111/850/937/202/803/669/original/2ba0fb850efd27ee.jpg

2024-01-31 14:02:02

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#WordWeavers 31 — Would you ever cosplay one of your characters? Which one?
I've never cosplayed, but if I did, I could totally use one of my characters 😁 As for which one... I think maybe someone from my current WIP? As Justice Guardians, they have a distinct uniform and facial tattoos, and some other notable features. For example, Enna has grey hair despite being young, so I think it could be fun to create the look.

2024-01-31 13:54:13

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@npub1yh9…8y4e Sounds like fun!

2024-01-30 14:08:37

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#WordWeavers 30 — Has your main genre changed with time?
I haven't been a writer for too long and only published two books so far, so I haven't had much time to change the genre 😁 It's all been within the sci-fi realm, but I moved from a more dystopian/cyberpunk perspective in my first book towards exploring some more solarpunk ideas in my newest one.
Not yet sure what my WIP's subgenre will turn out to be, but solarpunk still interests and intrigues me.

2024-01-29 13:22:26

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#WordWeavers 29 — Did you write stories when you were a kid?
I did. I started when I didn't know how to write properly — around the age of 5, so some letters were written wrong and faced the wrong directions 😁

2024-01-26 14:43:48

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@npub1lu5…aygu Yes, that's another way to do it, but I added it in the comments, so I hope that works too!

2024-01-26 14:37:15

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- activists and non-violent protests (be careful, though: there is a lot of violence, especially towards the non-violent, brace yourself)
- gender diversity in many colorful shades without it being a plot point it revolves around. It is just normal, as it should be.
But: No spoilers! Read it until the end. It isn't over until it is over.
I can only say: read it, it's good!
Disclaimer: I bought this book from another site but think it is worth it gets a recommendation, here. 6/6

2024-01-26 14:36:31

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- friendships and not as something that is just there to develop a romance from, or so you get fodder for heartbreak. genuine friendships with all the complexities that are often neglected for the sake of a romance plot
- since we are at it - there is no obvious romantic subplot and I promise you won't miss it - I say that as an avid lover of a romantic subplot
- heartbreak in unexpected places and for unexpected reasons 5/

2024-01-26 14:35:52

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And there you are, right at both character's sides, even if Sammah is coming into this from a completely different side, who'd rather not be involved.
I don't want to spoil the plot so here is just a non-exclusive list of what you will find and perhaps miss in other books of the same kind:
- an asexual MC
- relationships that range through the whole spectrum, from asexual to allosexual and polygamous 4/

2024-01-26 14:35:11

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The nature in there is phantastic, there are alien plants, mind-enhancing mushrooms, the dead become part of nature again, a creature that makes music with its whole body and seeks for an inseparable bond with another being which can be human. You can get immersed in this world and feel exactly what Balika feels when it is threatened to be destroyed. You will also want to protect it at all cost! 3/

2024-01-26 14:34:40

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The world is highly imaginative and works well on the psychological level (one MC is deeply traumatized and battling anxiety, the other one struggles with belonging and being accepted for what they are) as well as plotwise. There are enough tie-backs to our own world that make it feel relevant, yet, enough is different to make it an enjoyable read. 2/

2024-01-26 14:33:42

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Alt text: a screenshot of an Amazon review from Germany. 5 stars. Title: It will grab your heart and won't let you leave off
Review: The setup is not unheard of: Two tales of two people, one living in nature with a tribe, the other in a hightech world and at one point their paths will cross. But this is where the similarities end. 1/

2024-01-26 14:32:05

What an amazing review of #WildFlowersElectricBeasts 😍 I'll always be grateful for the readers who enjoy my books, and everyone who writes honest, constructive reviews 😊
There is not enough space for alt text, so I'll type it in the comments.
https://stockroom.wandering.shop/media_attachments/files/111/822/716/384/726/987/original/2f55cd963b4d75d3.png

2024-01-26 14:14:32

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@npub1zp5…rk72 Yeah, I'm not sure how exactly it works, but I think it's something like that, and it sounds like so much fun (if you're with the right people, in the right environment, of course) 🤗

2024-01-26 11:59:15

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@npub1yse…jaay Sorry to hear that 😔

2024-01-26 11:54:10

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@npub1gw6…n8fd To be honest, I think no matter your age, there is always some slang you wouldn't know just because it all changes so quickly or because it's so niche 😅
When I make mistakes while speaking any foreign language and my friends correct me, I tell them "language is a living being" as an excuse for creating my own versions of words 😆 Even though it's joke in this case, I also believe it because languages constantly change & evolve under multiple influences; they're never static.

2024-01-26 11:41:59

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@npub1fem…u22c I've heard about people writing with their friends or partners, and even though I don't know how exactly it works, it sounds like a fun and bonding experience 😊

2024-01-26 11:39:36

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#WordWeavers 26 — Would you ever co-write a book? Why or why not?
Huh, hard to say. I like having creative freedom & doing things my way. 1 of the reasons I love writing so much is because I don't have control over anyone, and no one has control over me; I choose the extent of cooperation with others.
On the other hand, the idea of brainstorming & coming up with solutions/plot sounds fun. Especially in sth like a writers' room. So Idk about a book, but maybe a film/series could be cool?

2024-01-25 15:59:40

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@npub1gw6…n8fd No problem, I struggle with some words and phrases too 😁

2024-01-25 10:49:56

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@npub1gw6…n8fd Yeah, romantic relationship: https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=ship

2024-01-24 22:09:47

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@npub1cy3…ra4a That's a great idea to use NaNoWriMo to pull you through this!

2024-01-18 12:29:15

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@npub192d…7tgc 😆 😅

2024-01-16 11:55:06

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@npub1fem…u22c That sounds so nice 🥰

2024-01-15 13:30:35

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@npub10d5…vvxa Lol 😆
Yeah, agreed on all points. And I totally get when someone wants to portray a healthy and happy relationship — that's great! Still, it doesn't have to be without conflict and tension 😅

2024-01-15 13:09:42

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@npub10d5…vvxa Yeah, relationships without conflict don't exist in real life and are usually extremely boring in fiction 😆 I'm thinking about the relationship between the MC and her husband in Calculating Stars, and omg, I couldn't stand them xd
At the same time, conflict is not necessarily dysfunction — it can be healthy.

2024-01-15 12:45:26

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@npub192d…7tgc I sometimes think whether I could accurately portray an abusive relationship, and at the moment, it seems like too much. Maybe I could do it, but it would be so difficult and depressing to write about, that I'm afraid I wouldn't enjoy the process. I can see showing glimpses of such a relationship for a SC, but not MC.

2024-01-15 12:42:28

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#WordWeavers 15 — Do you write about dysfunctional relationships?
They haven't been the focus of the books I've written so far, but there have been some dysfunctional relationships in the background that I mentioned or that influenced the characters.
I like writing about imperfect relationships, where people make mistakes and are sometimes misguided, but that are generally based on love, respect and wishing the other person well.

2024-01-15 12:06:51

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@npub1k4e…4d28 Agreed. Unfortunately, most readers will ignore the book if the cover looks unprofessional. The book might be great, but they'll probably never find out because, I guess, people assume if the cover is unprofessional, so is the whole book. Paying professionals is a great way to get a cover that will attract readers or at least give the book a chance. The problem is not everyone has money, but I've heard that pre-made covers are usually affordable.

2024-01-12 23:43:35

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@npub1zp5…rk72 Thank you ☺️

2024-01-12 19:23:58

Started drafting my new novel and got a bit over a thousand words! Will I have to rewrite or outright get rid of most of them in the future? Most likely, but I got the ball rolling, and that's what matters 😁
#AmWriting #WritingCommunity

2024-01-12 17:36:58

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#WordWeavers 12 — Do you support other writers? How?
I love supporting other writers when I can 😊 I buy and read their books, and review them if I like them enough. I've been a beta reader several times and will probably be in the future. I'm in a critique group (though taking a break due to private circumstances atm, but will definitely be back). I've interviewed them on my blog. If I like their book, I'll talk about it, recommend it, vote for it in contests, etc.

2024-01-11 19:19:55

Spent some time outlining the org that will take the central stage in my new book (Justice Guardians, for those of you who've read #WildFlowersElectricBeasts) — structure, hierarchy, rules, practices, history... and I'm getting more excited about this story!
I've already got the most important characters & rough outline of the plot. Most of the magic will happen in the details, but having this structure will direct my creativity and help me not get lost. Can't wait to start drafting!
#writing

2024-01-11 12:49:07

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#WordWeavers 11 — Did you realise what writing was going to be like when you started?
No. Before writing my first book, I only wrote short stories when inspiration struck. That often meant going months without writing and then sitting all night long to finish a random story no one would ever read. That’s not sustainable for writing novels, where you have to show up & work consistently. Plus, I had to learn the whole „logistics” of writing a novel & keeping track of characters, details, etc.

2024-01-10 17:34:19

I've just made a rough outline for my new book! Might start talking about it on #WordWeavers soon 😊

2024-01-10 17:32:43

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@npub1ywq…rmf9 Lol, yeah, that's true — the complete answer is the book itself 😁

2024-01-10 12:25:26

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#WordWeavers 10 — Why is your MC the way they are?
The short answer is trauma, plus their environment, upbringing and societies they live in. The longer answer would take too long 😁

2024-01-09 20:54:53

Heeeey, my book #WildFlowersElectricBeasts is a finalist for #IndieInkAwards for asexual representation! Thank you so much to everyone who voted for it 🧡 🧡 🧡 Now it's in the judges' hands.
#AmWritingSciFi #WritingCommunity

2024-01-09 17:19:12

I published my last book on 13th October. Even though I had ideas for new stories, I wanted to give myself a break. Then, I got busy, and some things happened, and I went off my ADHD meds, and... somehow almost 4 months slipped through my fingers.
Today, I finally started working on a new story and feeling excited about it! What helped was dividing the monumental and vague task of "writing a new book" into small, actionable steps. 1/2
#AmWriting #WritingCommunity

2024-01-09 16:08:24

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@npub1vmn…r9uz Yeah, those dilemmas are always fun (or interesting) to read about 😁

2024-01-09 16:07:14

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@npub192d…7tgc That's a terrible choice to make!

2024-01-09 16:01:04

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#WordWeavers 9 — Is there a decision your MC has to make where all the choices are bad?
Yes, or, more specifically, he *thinks* that all the choices are bad. Either he betrays his friend but saves some innocent people and himself, or he stays loyal to his friend, but will suffer and put innocent people in danger. Not all of that is true — he is manipulated to think this way, but basically whatever he does, either he or his friend will suffer.

2024-01-02 16:07:09

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@npub1mfg…zv6k No, we're all serious people here 😁

2024-01-01 18:06:11

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#WordWeavers 1 — What are your writing plans for the coming year?
I'd like to start writing a new book in the same world as #WildFlowersElectricBeasts. I have 2 ideas, and I'm not sure which one to start with. I know I won't have much time to write, so I don't know how far I can get with it. Doing my best is all I can hope for 😁

2024-01-01 17:54:22

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@npub1yh9…8y4e Google luck! And wow, that’s a lot of chapters 😮

2024-01-01 17:29:34

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@npub1mfg…zv6k 😆

2024-01-01 17:28:31

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@npub1k74…dmux Yay, same! ☺️🧡

2023-12-31 13:16:28

So, it's the end of the year already. Looking back, it has been pretty good. I had some fun times with friends and family, went to a few cool places, published a book, did some activism and took a huge & important personal step that will change my life forever. I'm grateful to everyone who's been there with me, and also, to you #WordWeavers players! My experience of Mastodon wouldn't be the same without you all 🧡 🧡 🧡 Happy New Year! Lots of fun times & writing success to all of you 🤗 🎉

2023-12-31 12:54:46

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#WordWeavers #WordWeaversQs
21. If your antagonist won a huge sum of money in a lottery, what would they do?
22. Have you ever scrapped a written character? Why?
23. If your book was a movie, what would it be rated and why?
24. Out of all your writing, what was the hardest scene for you to write? Why?
25. What’s the least likely ship between characters in your WIP?
26. Would you ever co-write a book? Why or why not?
27. Is your MC part of a religion?

2023-12-31 12:54:03

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#WordWeavers #WordWeaversQs
14. What’s the most satisfying relationship (not necessarily romantic) you’ve ever written?
15. Do you write about dysfunctional relationships?
16. Do you have any writing rituals?
17. Is there a story you’d like to write but aren’t sure you can?
18. If your MC and antagonist organized a party together, what would it look like?
19. If your SC were a parent, would they be a good one? Why/why not?
20. What things that other people enjoy would be tedious for your MC?

2023-12-31 12:53:35

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#WordWeavers #WordWeaversQs
7. Excluding common most used words, which word do you use too much in your writing? Why?
8. Is betrayal an element of your WIP/book?
9. Is there a decision your MC has to make where all the choices are bad?
10. Why is your MC the way they are?
11. Did you realise what writing was going to be like when you started?
12. Do you support other writers? How?
13. What convictions or values guide your characters’ decisions?

2023-12-31 12:52:50

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#WordWeavers #WordWeaversQs
1. What are your writing plans for the coming year?
2. What scene in your current WIP are you proudest of?
3. MC POV: Are you a fan of anything?
4. SC POV: How do you feel about family? Who do you consider family?
5. What characters in your story are obstacles but not antagonists? Why?
6. MC POV: What would you ask a Genie if you weren't sure how they'd interpret your words & believed they might trick you?

2023-12-31 12:52:00

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#WordWeavers #WordWeaversQs
You'll find all the questions here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mDd0mWHFxdMNBdQ2-kL4PDcq_J0U660_GG8ioZIMfkE/edit?usp=sharing
Make sure you click on January 2024 since it's an archive of all the WordWeavers questions.

2023-12-31 12:49:59

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#WordWeavers January community questions are brought to you by our wonderful players @npub1a0v…m5vj, @npub1fem…u22c, @npub1mfg…zv6k & @npub1j0f…wj55. Thank you all so much! 🧡

2023-12-31 12:48:03

January #WordWeavers — all the questions are in the thread below 😊
Start anytime, answer any questions you want, skip as many as you feel like. Use the #, talk to other writers and have fun!
The only rules: be respectful to others and use CWs (content warnings) when necessary.
Everyone is welcome to participate 🧡
Created by @npub1k74…dmux and me.
#WordWeaversQs — this # is only to find questions. Don't use it in your answers. Use space (# WordWeaversQs) when sharing to keep it tidy 🙏
https://stockroom.wandering.shop/media_attachments/files/111/675/099/793/519/615/original/54dadef8d50f1640.jpg

2023-12-23 17:09:34

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@npub1k24…26zw Raffi is a good friend ☺️

2023-12-21 16:46:27

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#WordWeavers 21 — Have you ever thrown out your first chapter and rewritten it completely?
I think so. I don't remember exactly, but when I was writing my first book, I either replaced the first chapter with something else or heavily edited it after I finished the first draft. I think it's pretty normal, especially if pantsing (which I did with my 1st book). When you start, you aren't sure where it's going, and when you finish, you might see that you should start in a different way.

2023-12-20 12:24:53

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@npub1k4e…4d28 That sounds like a depressing place to be 😔

2023-12-17 11:36:37

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@npub1mfg…zv6k @npub1k74…dmux Lol, nice one 😆

2023-12-16 15:48:35

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Hey #WordWeavers players, remember that if you want your question to appear in the January edition, you can submit it below, or using #WWCommunityQ hashtag. We'll choose a few to include and might edit them for brevity/clarity.
@npub1k74…dmux and I are waiting for your ideas 🤗

2023-12-15 10:58:33

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@npub1zp5…rk72 It's in my first book. I'm not entirely sure it survived later editing, but I think it's still there 😁

2023-12-15 10:51:25

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#WordWeavers 15 — Have any of your scenes been inspired by personal experiences?
Because my first book was dedicated to my partner, there was a scene there where the characters do exactly what we did once — a little easter egg just for him, and a cute/fun scene for the rest of the readers 😊
On a more sinister note, a lot of brutality by authority figures in my newest book was "inspired" by the experiences I, my friends, and ppl in Belarus had with the police.

2023-12-14 18:31:01

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@npub17xx…mfqa I did perceive your comment as kind of critical, but that's just my perception, which, as you've explained, wasn't how you meant it. It's easy to misinterpret things, especially online, so I'm sorry if I came across as defensive. The author of the question commented below, and it turns out you were probably right, so it's me who's in the wrong here. It's not how I perceived the question, especially while reading everyone's responses, but these differences are normal.

2023-12-14 15:03:18

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@npub17xx…mfqa It doesn't though. It's a community question that has been submitted by a bisexual person (who's stated it in his today's post). And if you look at the responses, lots of them are given from a non-cishet perspective.

2023-12-13 12:47:23

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#WordWeavers 13 — great review
I've been lucky to get some great & thoughtful reviews of #WildFlowersElectricBeasts but I'll share this one.
The reader seems to have a strong emotional response to the story, which I find very rewarding. They've also noticed the world-building, which I've paid lots of attention to and am kind of proud of, plus different representations. And they loved the plot twists, which I appreciate as a reader & it makes me happy when I manage to pull it off as an author
https://stockroom.wandering.shop/media_attachments/files/111/573/180/045/000/395/original/ff702138fd3131d3.png

2023-12-09 12:22:25

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#WordWeavers 9 — If your antagonist were on TikTok (or other social media), what kind of content would they create?
Hmm, I imagine S would make angry rants, sarcastic comments and memes about activists and people she disagrees with politically, with an occasional cooking video or some reposts with cute animals.

2023-12-07 16:32:52

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#WordWeavers 3 — Do you use foreshadowing, and if so, how do you do it?
I've used weather to create tension and indicate that something bad/dramatic was about to happen. There were flashbacks that a character started having at a certain time to indicate their connection to a place. Some people said some awful things that seemed meaningless but later turned out to reveal something about the character's past. Probably more, but I can't think of anything now.

2023-12-02 14:27:34

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#WordWeavers 2 — Secondary character POV: how would you feel if you were a celebrity?
Adri: Fuck that! I'd run off into the woods until everyone forgot about me or change my identity or something.

2023-12-01 17:37:03

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#WordWeavers 1 — Introduce your favorite secondary character as if they were a celebrity.
She never holds her tongue, engages in controversial causes, and loves having fun. What scandal is she involved in this time? We are, of course, talking about Adri — the woman who flipped off our reporter last time we tried to get a comment from her.

2023-11-30 12:03:11

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#WordWeavers Community questions are brought to you by our wonderful players @npub1yj3…cmfd, @npub1fjz…3aet, @npub1mfg…zv6k & @npub1ch5…dxxq
Thank you all so much! 🧡
Want to contribute to January community questions? Type it below or use the hashtag #WWCommunityQ to suggest your idea! We might edit the questions for clarity/brevity.

2023-11-30 11:58:49

December #WordWeavers — all the questions are in the thread below 😊
Start anytime, answer any questions you want, skip as many as you feel like. Use the #, talk to other writers and have fun!
The only rules: be respectful to others and use CWs (content warnings) when necessary.
Everyone is welcome to participate 🧡
Created by @BranwenOShea and me.
#WordWeaversQs — this # is only to find questions. Don't use it in your answers. Use space (# WordWeaversQs) when sharing to keep it tidy 🙏
https://stockroom.wandering.shop/media_attachments/files/111/499/372/257/808/795/original/1d9e7e9b77cb3fc0.png

2023-11-21 17:34:07

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@npub18fp…qc3u I get that you don't like these covers, and that's fine, most people don't 😁 But I've seen so many people make fun of them, and I think they're missing the point. No one is trying to make an artistic cover when they put a naked male torso on it — they're trying to sell books, and I think it's very effective. It's like using a spaceship against the background of a planet/space/space station — you know immediately that it's a space opera, and you click (or don't) on it.

2023-11-21 14:50:32

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@npub18fp…qc3u The thing is that naked male torso communicates genre really well. A reader looking for a certain kind of romance sees this cover and immediately knows the book is for them. Everyone else knows that it isn't, so it's a win-win. Such a cover is great marketing as long as it's used in the right genre. If not, it's no surprise that it has mislead readers and disappointed people looking for spicy romance.