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#CRUCIAL song for character playlist enjoyers
princesskuragina · 1 year
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23 for ur spotify wrapped<3
23. Runs in the Family — Amanda Palmer
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niccerria · 8 months
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Overcoming Writer's Block: Strategies for Cultivating Creativity
I'm Backkkkkkkkkk.
SO as the title tells you, today we are going to talk about writer's block and improving your writing in general.
I'm going to list 5 Tips which will help you gain connection to your fictional/non-fictional world, those tips will also help you gain motivation.
PROMPTS - Y'all have no idea how much this helps with writer's block. Personally, I highly recommend Reedsy's Prompts because they offer such interesting and intriguing writing scenes that it becomes an enjoyable experience to actually finish writing them. The most exciting part is that you can earn money through their prompts. They hold weekly contests with a prize of $250. Not only will you enhance your ability to come up with new stories, but you also stand a chance to win some money.
Making a playlist - This and the next one are pretty known tips, but they are known for a reason. Making a playlist (preferably only instrumental) helps you connect to your story, characters and their background. Whenever you have a Writer's block just add songs to your playlist. You don't have to write everyday you know, you sometimes need to fill up creativity and give yourself a permission to think for sometime in order to come up with a story. So Whenever you feel stuck, pick a song, and dedicate a scene to that song/music. What kind of vibes would the scene give off with that music in the background? how would characters act while that song is played? imagine a scene, moment, dialogue, scenery, landscape, anything you want. Just give yourself sometime to think.
Pinterest - I won't talk much about this, Pinterest is a great way to get inspiration and make a visual board which your story represents, I can give you some inspiration for the boards. for example: Characters, Landscapes, Objects, Creatures, Lore, Culture, Logos/flags, History, Timeline, Fashion, Politics, Magic and its story, Vibes.
Outline - You know, when you experience writer's block, it can be quite challenging to come up with anything. You find yourself trapped in a world of confusion, unsure which direction to take. That's where an outline comes to the rescue. Remind yourself that every story, whether good or bad, consists of three essential elements: a beginning, a middle, and an ending. Now, during these moments, I suggest letting your creativity run wild. For instance, if you've written the beginning but can't figure out how to progress to the next chapter or if you have some crucial plot points in mind but lack the scenes to connect them, no worries! Start by writing down those important parts first, and label them as Beginning, Middle, and Ending. Beneath each label, write the corresponding scene titles. This simple outline forms the backbone of your basic story. Afterward, connecting those parts becomes much easier. I hope this makes sense lmao.
Keeping a notebook - This is very important to connect with you story, having a notebook ONLY dedicated to ONE story is very helpful. Write down every character you come up with, build world which pictures, doodles, maps, imagine that notebook as a movie, which you are watching. write down songs in it. Make a diary Entries as one of your character, imagine that you are that character and pretend you are writing in their diary. How would their day look like? would they draw something in their diary? other then Entries what would they write in?
hope you liked the tips I wrote down, tell me what kind of blogs y'all want me to write!
have a nice day
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favoniuscodex · 3 years
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Hewwo I really love your writing and I want to improve my own to a form similar to yours. If it's okay, can I ask what your writing process is or if you have any writing tips? Sorry if you already answered questions like this. I am not a native speaker by the way, can i also ask about how you built your vocabulary as well? Thank you very much in advance and I hope you're having a great day/night! Drink lots of water and don't forget to eat three meals a day.~
hello, anon! you’re actually the first to ask about something like this and i’m honored you think my writing is good enough for me to give advice on (and honored that you think it’s good enough to take inspiration from!).
i have two different writing methods, which are as follows:
long fics (10k+ words)
i write an outline and have my friends look over it to make sure that the scenes are both impactful and enjoyable, along with being organized. the most important part of writing a long story is making sure the timeline is coherent and that you have proper buildup to the climax of the story.
before i write a scene that contains foreshadowing to a future event, i write down what themes i wish to convey with this scene, along with any future information that will be relevant later in the story. this is helpful because you never write something all at once if it’s this long! you might forget important details, so having notes is always nice.
if i’m hesitant on writing a scene, i’ll talk it out with some of my friends and see if i’m still comfortable with writing it.
one of the biggest things i can recommend is being adaptable! being willing to change your story plans is crucial, because (typically) the first idea you think of isn’t always the best one. in my own experience, i change my ideas a lot as i write something. this is because i will get bored writing otherwise.
this is from my own experience, other writers may disagree, but i NEVER set word count goals for myself. i write when i want to write, otherwise i will get discouraged when i do not meet said goals.
take breaks or you will hit burnout fast!
have a glass of water and set a timer every 15 minutes to relax your eyes from your screen and drink some of it. it gives your mind a chance to soothe itself from the bright lights of a screen and also gives you a short break. and you stay hydrated!
short fics (<10k words)
when i write short fics, i typically don’t have an outline (unless if it’s a series) and i just go with my gut
if i don’t really like where a story’s going and i know it’s short, i finish it anyways because a finished product is better than giving up in my eyes? at least i know what not to do next time!
sorry a lot of these tips don’t pertain to actual writing! they relate more to planning. :( i’ve been writing stories for fun since i was 6 or 7 (i have journals upon journals of my first stories in my basement!) so most of what i do is just... gut instinct at this point? i apologize if that’s not very helpful of me to say. ;.; i don’t think of myself as very talented but like... i wish to say this in case it happens: please don’t compare your writing to mine! i’m sure your writing is lovely in its own right.
now that that’s said, here’s some stuff i can actually help with, which is under the cut because this is getting long:
word choice / vocabulary
first off, the best thing you can do for yourself is read something complex. like... the type of book where you have to pull out your phone and look up what words mean. if you’re not exposing yourself to new words, even if it is annoying to have to pause, you won’t learn new words.
this typically means ditching the fanfics and looking for actual published novels, typically older ones. i love fanfics (i write them lol), but the word choice in fanfics is typically limited to casual conversational language as they are written for fun, not necessarily to challenge the mind.
next, the best thing you can do is use a thesaurus. i personally use thesaurus.com but it’s different for everyone! but this is dangerous. using a thesaurus can be one of the worst things you can do for your writing if you don’t use it properly. you use a thesaurus to get synonyms for words that are commonly used, but may have a lot of other alternatives (i.e. happy, sad, etc.) and NOT super specific words.
ONLY use words listed as synonyms in a thesaurus if you know them and it’s safe to assume your readers likely know them as well! for example, i used the word ‘insouciant’ as a joke in my last fic. however, if i used that seriously, that probably would’ve been bad as it’s a SUPER rare word. nothing will ruin a reader’s experience faster than a story that blatantly uses too many words from a thesaurus and, worst of all, uses them improperly.
let me give an example:
starting text: “she was happy to see that he had returned safely. she could see relief in his eyes that she was safe as well. he smiled happily at her as she ran into his arms.” this is good enough, but it’s rather plain. it’s an easy read, but nothing about it is super engrossing.
good thesaurus example: “she was overjoyed to see that he had returned without harm. she identified relief in his eyes that she had stayed out of harm’s way as well. he smiled enthusiastically at her as she sprinted into his embrace.” it sounds a lot nicer before and definitely more polished, but nothing about this requires someone to whip out their phone in frustration to google a word. the point of typical writing is not to challenge your reader’s intelligence but to entertain them.
bad thesaurus example: “she was jocular to perceive that he had reappeared in an unharmed manner. she prognosticated solace in his blue orbs that she was guarded as well. he smiled jovially at her as she charged into his forelimbs.” this is a bit of an exaggerated example, but this is actually how i feel some authors tend to write. it’s very blatantly using a thesaurus, it uses words incorrectly, and it overcomplicated things to where it feels like the reader has to do a mental exercise to read it.
tl;dr for this section: if you don’t know a word, do not use it. if you are familiar with a word, it’s probably good to use as long as your writing still seems natural. thesauruses are your friend but can be your enemy.
i would like to clarify that i am a native speaker and it’s not necessary to read books forever in order to keep your grammar and word choice up to date. i have not picked up an actual published book within the last 4 years (don’t laugh at me i know this is bad). however, in learning to expand your grammar, reading books is essential.
some miscellaneous writing tips i have include:
you don’t have to take every request that comes within your inbox if you do decide to do tumblr writing. i probably, much to the behest of the people that submit, throw a good chunk of my requests out. write what you’re passionate about and your writing will improve and your followers will be happier.
if someone criticizes your writing, this does not mean they’re trying to criticize you (usually. don’t go on twitter if you want this to remain true). they are providing something most people don’t want to offer: advice. many times you will find yourself surrounded by people who will applaud you for writing nearly anything. this is not good. living in an echo chamber will ensure that your writing never improves. you want to ask people for advice and find those who will give you genuine advice, even if it may hurt to hear.
try to discern what authors you like do with their writing versus authors you don’t like. consciously making these comparisons will allow you to directly apply them to your own writing and help you emulate someone’s style as well.
please don’t write meme references into your work. it will get outdated fast. try to write something you can look back on within a few years and not cringe at. :) this is just my personal opinion lol, someone might disagree.
i do not proofread my writing. it makes me second guess everything. everything on my blog, as you see it, lacks proofreading, aside from inheritance, in which i had a beta reader glance over it. for beginner writers, this is probably shit advice if you’re not used to grammar BUT that’s just how i roll and i wished to share that.
the most important thing i do for my writing is have a good music playlist in the background. NOTHING will make you write better than listening to music that fits the mood of what you’re writing. find a premade youtube playlist or slap together a spotify playlist of songs you think fit the mood and get grooving to it. you’ll find that you’ll write better and you’ll enjoy the process of writing much more with the mental stimulus.
don’t write jokes in which you have to overexplain them. if you have to explain to the reader what the joke is, it won’t be funny. humor is difficult to write, but no jokes involved are better than a bunch of failed ones.
don’t worry about pinpointing fanfic characterization of a specific character perfectly. i get praises for my characterization of diluc and kaeya within inheritance a lot, even though i specifically altered them from canon (??????? this confuses me a lot that i get praised for this but anyways) and haven’t even read the webtoon. as long as it’s within reasonable expectation, you should be fine. zhongli shouldn’t be written as going off the walls crazy with excitement just like venti shouldn’t be written as super serious about frivolous matters. as long as you get the general gist of a character, people will enjoy it.
try to find some writer friends. they don’t necessarily have to be in the fandom, but being able to shoot off ideas with other people is amazing at improving both your plot and your writing overall. (shoutout to @shannara because for as much as i annoy him, he’s always willing to listen to me blab about any story and any idea, even though he doesn’t read reader-inserts nor should he care about my dumb OCs, but he cares about mine because he’s a cool dude)
don’t get discouraged if a fic doesn’t get good reception. in fact, it’s probably better if your first few fics don’t blow up in popularity if you do post them because it’s humbling and you can decide if you’re actually writing because you enjoy it or if you’re just doing it for clout.
i hope this made sense and if you (or any other people reading this!) need any more writing advice, my ask box and DMs are always open. if you ever want me to beta read something, please send a DM and i’ll see if i can as long as it’s like... not super long and i have spare time.
sorry this turned out to be so long but it turns out i had far more to say than i thought! good luck writing and i believe in you!
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how I’ve managed to keep writing
Not gonna lie - one of the most difficult bits of writing is not giving up. I’ve started projects like Villains and As We Fall before, but all of them have failed in a month 🙈 
But this time, I’ve been able to work consistently on Villains for two months, and then As We Fall for another three. Even though it’s not a lot, it’s been a great improvement for me. 
After some reflection, here’s why I think I’ve managed to do so: 
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Even though this sounds like common sense, there were too many times when I  simply wasn’t interested in what my story had to offer, and slowly forgot about it as a result. 
Therefore I think it’s very important that I’m writing what I’m passionate about - maybe it’s the themes, or the characters, or the world building - it’s crucial that I’m curious about my own work. 
I remembered to make it a hobby instead of a burden. 
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I don’t mean it as a complaint - it’s simply because I’m just SO UTTERLY PICKY about what I read in a book, and after a while of book-surfing I get annoyed. But I’ve been reading much more lately, and I’ve compiled a list of book elements that I like and dislike. 
For example,
❤️ angsty scenes
❤️ badass fighting 
❤️ morally grey characters 
🤮 strangers-immediately-to-lovers arc
🤮 characters that don’t stand up for themselves 
🤮 clichés 
Therefore, I’ve always wanted to come up with something that I’m entirely satisfied with. That’s how I make sure I don’t stop, I guess - no one is going to write my story for me.
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I usually do this when I’m super excited about something, and now I’ve done the (un)fortunate by telling my friends about my writing. 
They’ve wished me best of luck, contributed ideas and told me they would love to read my work... As a result, a part of why I’ve been persevering is because I’ve succumbed under the pressure of trying to deliver what my friends hope to see. OOPS -
But it’s not all bad - talking to someone about my work has been a great way to generate ideas or ways to improve casually and effectively, which can also be a source of encouragement too 😌😌
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I used to really stress on how quickly I was finishing my story. 
I wanted to create all my characters in a day, figure out the timeline in a week, and finish writing in a month or two. 
Not very possible, obviously. 
I was so focused on the result, the satisfaction of finishing a project, instead of enjoying the process of it. And when I couldn’t meet my own unrealistic expectations, I felt like giving up. 
Now I’ve turned my attention back to the experience of writing - concentrating on the details, and refusing to rush myself - and like that I’ve made my writing process much more enjoyable. 
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I’ve got content related to Villains on Youtube, Pinterest and Instagram. 
On Youtube, I’ve got a playlist of songs resembling the themes and characters of Villains to listen to whenever I’m chilling, just to get into the vibe of the story. 
On Pinterest, I’ve got a board exclusively for quotes and character designs of Villains, for me to look through when I feel uninspired. 
On Instagram, my feed is basically writing advice and prompts, so even when I’m “procrastinating” I’m doing something related to my writing. 
By constantly surrounding myself with app content that reminds me to write and provides me with help and inspiration, I’ve been able to come up with ideas more consistently, driving me on. 
.
ANYWAY, that’s all for today! I’m really grateful that I’ve been able to persevere because I cannot stress enough how school is such a cHaLLeNgE. 
Hope you’ve been doing alright, and see you next time! 
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the-darklings · 5 years
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[lets talk about writing]
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Thank you so much to my lovely girls @deviantramblings & @thedragonkween for tagging me, this was a little different but I really enjoyed answering these! 
(putting answers under the cut because I got carried away ayyy)
short stories, novels, or poems?
Novels. This is purely because I like stories building from the ground up and getting completely sucked into a different world. I could spend days upon days reading novels tbh. Short stories have recently grown on me though. They can really pack a punch and take a lot of skill to do well. Poems...everyone has very different opinions on what is actually considered “poetry”. 
what genre do you prefer reading?
I’m huge on Fantasy. Throw in some Romance (rarely on its own though), Sci-Fi, Mystery and we’re good to go. I enjoy the richness of fantasy worlds because it takes a really good author to do good world building/magic systems etc. Also, I’m a sucker for political manipulations and magic. 
what genre do you prefer writing?
Depends on my mood. I suppose at the core of my writing is Romantic fluff/angst. Though I also really enjoy writing Sci-Fi (though, again, I’m nowhere near intelligent enough for hard Sci-Fi lol).
are you a planner or a write-as-I-go kind of person?
I used to be a chaotic writer. Never planned anything and suffered for it tbh. Now I certainly plan more but I’m also a very big mood person so it’s a mix between the two truthfully. 
what music do you listen to while writing? 
I have entire playlists built for certain characters and had music inspire me while I’m writing lots of times before. It’s like air to me. But the actual content of these playlists varies because some songs might be there for a certain reason? Sometimes it’s sad, sometimes it’s very upbeat or dark. Each song usually corresponds to certain fics/scenes etc.
fave books/movies?
We’re going to be here a while ayyyy:
Books: Harry Potter, The Book Thief, The Poppy War (is it duology? series? dunno but the first book alone is worth a mention), Misborn Series, Shades of Magic Series, Vicious, The Grisha Trilogy/Six of Crows Duology, The Hunger Games, Alice (and many, many more)
Movies: The Shawshank Redemption, Inception, Beauty and the Beast, The Dark Knight Trilogy, Gladiator, LOTR/The Hobbit trilogies, Spirit Stallion of the Cimarron, Rise of the Guardians, the majority of Marvel movies (and many more yet again.)
any current WIPs?
Too many to count ayyy. But I’m currently slowly writing my first Arthur Morgan x Reader fic. It’s at 3.5k so far. 
if someone were to make a cartoon out of you, what would your standard outfit be?
Black jeans, white/black/white/red or grey shirt, leather/denim jacket and sneakers. 
create a character description for yourself:
A (poorly) multitasking idiot addicted to coffee and complex characters that will never be real. 
do you like incorporating people you actually know into your writing?
Rarely. But fun fact, in by the grace (of hatred in my veins) the criminal that kidnaps the Reader? He was based on my former best friend lol. 
are you kill-happy with characters?
Depends on the situation. I typically dislike unhappy endings because I want shit to work out in my fiction, ya know? Make me suffer but gimme a happy ending. That being said, as all of you know by now, I’m fine with hurting/killing characters if the narrative requires it. I do what needs to be done lol. 
coffee or tea while writing? 
Both. Tea more often than coffee because I do most of my writing later in the day but yes. 
slow or fast writer?
Again, depends. I can write anywhere from 200 a day to 4k a day. Depends on the day/time I have available to me, and most importantly, inspiration.  
where/who/what do you find inspiration from?
I’m a very visual person. I have Pinterest boards, writing inspo tag etc. photography, quotes, they all inspire me a great deal. Music as well. They’re all crucial to my creative process. 
if you were put into a fantasy world, what would you be?
Assassin. Because I would be out to get all that ass and get rich obviously. Bonus points if I get cool superpowers. 
most fave book cliche? least fave book cliche?
Fave: enemies to lovers or just power couples in general. Nothing more brilliant that two people who hate each other and through circumstances come to realise that they are more alike than they ever imagined. Terrifying separately, a pure nightmare together. Shout out to mutual pining, and slowburn too. 
Least fave: cookie cutter “chosen one”. I’ve seen this trope done really well but most of the time it irks me so much. Especially in fantasy books because I feel like I’m reading the same character over and over again. 
fave scenes to write?
Angst and romantic tension scenes. Kisses are fun too because you really poke around the sensations/thoughts/feelings of a character. 
most productive time of day for writing?
I try to do as much writing as possible during the day but it rarely works out because I’m typically really busy during the day. Evening time is when I sit behind my computer properly so I try to dedicate it to the blog (like answering your questions etc) but I now take a more chill approach and write more during the evening time. But again, my productivity depends on my mood/health. 
reason for writing?
Enjoyment (despite how painful it is). The idea of others liking my writing is amazing though. I’ll be honest, I also find people really fascinating? I like thought process/construction of characters and these wild stories you are able to tell through words alone. Writing is just pure creation? I love it. My friends would probably tell you that I also have a lowkey God Complex lmao. 
tagging: @drmsqnc // @connorshero  // @deviantcrimes  // @thirium-ink // @deviancy-wasteland  // @deviantsupporter // @the-kryomancer // @shadows-echoes & @negotiator-on-site and anyone else who decides they’d like to try it!!
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thebandcampdiaries · 2 years
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Forest Robots is back on the scene with a new studio album: Horst & Graben
September 2021 - Forest Robots is not your average recording artist. Unlike other composers out there, this recording project has a very open-ended approach, which pushes them to experiment with a huge range of creative options, setting the bar higher in terms of originality and uniqueness with every new album. Horst & Graben is a joint release on Emmasierra Songs and Elm Records, and it happens to be a very important milestone for Forest Robots (AKA Fran Dominguez), since it makes the 6th studio work for this artist. The tracks are tied together beautifully, bound by a central concept that relates to “The Songs of Trees,” a book by David George Haskell. Should you not be familiar with this publication, it’s highly recommended! Haskell is a  biology, but this isn’t your average scientific essays. The author traveled throughout the world, visiting various trees, chronicling their lives and stories, and showing the readers that there is a very veiled, yet crucial connection between the trees and their surrounding ecosystems. Everything matters, and everything is tangled up. This revelation ties in with a call to consider the fate of the environment, and the impact that our actions have on nature, and ultimately, on ourselves. The idea of an interconnected world with principles of cause and effect affecting pretty much everyone anywhere has become even more apparent over the past couple of years, with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and how it disrupted the lives of so many people. Forest Robots’ album doesn’t seek to give set answers or point to solution, but it does focus on asking important questions. How do we find the middle-ground to survive and make this world a better place for everyone and everything? These songs are expertly crafted, and just like the trees in Haskell’s book, they are interconnected with the overall creative vision that drives the release. Each of these ten songs unfolds through gorgeous ambient experiments, as well as modern electronic musings and various other influences, all blended in together in a very seamless way. In addition to the artist’s masterful and thoughtful composition and production, Taylor Deupree, an acclaimed ambient musician in his own right, mastered the album to perfection.
One of the highlights on the album, in my opinion, is the stunning second track, “This World Is Held Together By The Beauty Of Humble Places.” The sparse piano parts feel delicate and expressive, while a carpet of atmospheric pad sounds bringing it all to fruition perfectly. Towards the end of the song, an analog-sounding synth cuts through the mix, giving the track a vintage vibe that tips the hat off to the early days of ambient exploration. Having said that, focusing on a single track is kind of pointless on a record like this, because as I’ve mentioned earlier, it’s all about connection. These songs are enjoyable individually, but they are even more powerful as a whole. There are so many details that pop up here and there, adding sonic variety to this work. For example, “To Return To The Valley One Has To Have Reached The Peak” features some lush synthesized string sounds that are reminiscent of some of the older Mellotrons.
“A Latitude Often Changes Character But Not Position” brings in some field recordings and some organic sounds to crown the beautiful pads, tipping the hat off to albums such as Sigur Ros’ seminal Valtari. Again, “Even Unaligned, Topographies Are Still Connected” is a feast of old-school synth sounds, reminiscent of some of the earlier digital synths with that sweet lower sample rate that is so iconic today. I am not one to tell people how they should listen to music, but if you have some free time, dim the lights and put your favorite headphones on - you’ll be rewarded with a fantastic listening experience. The binaural field of the music is really interesting, as the sound seems to be all around you, using stereophony in a very clever way, without overpowering the audience and maintaining a solid overall image of the sound. I feel that this is a quality that I find in all of my favorite ambient releases, because it helps glue all the sounds together without creating too much separation!
The record immediately stands out due to the clean, pristine sound of the production. Ambient albums can often fall victim of overuse of various effects, such as echo, delays and reverb. Those sounds are arguably integral parts of the genre, and they really help establish a deeper soundscapes. However, it’s always a bit off-putting when the effects cover the music like a blanket, rather than seamlessly blending in to create space and depth. Thankfully, this album allows every single sound to stand out, while using beautiful soundscapes to hold everything together so beautifully. From the drum beat to the soothing piano notes and synth swells, every element is balance, meaning that technicalities don’t get in the way of the “story” that drives the album, allowing the audience to fully focus on the incredibly amazing flow of the artist’s vision. Fans of Brian Eno, Hans-Joachim Roedelius This Will Destroy You, and Hammock are surely going to appreciate this particular release, because Forest Robots captures the essence of ambient music and the cinematic twist of post-rock to absolute perfection on Horst & Graben!
Find out more about Forest Robots, and do not miss out on Horst & Graben, which is currently available on some of the very best digital music streaming services out there. In addition to that, the album is also going to be available on cassette!
https://open.spotify.com/album/3gh3iWqqXWL4R70Df2yFhK?si=5A7L6wj-QSqx-BCgc1_CaQ&dl_branch=1
You can also find one of the songs on The Noise Cult playlist!
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1NYcdBPga4XN28avZ1krVx?si=929a69fe84934200
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northpolenotes · 5 years
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How To Babysit Toddlers
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Toddler years are children ages 12 months (1 year) to 36 months (3 years). During this stage of their lives, you’ll start to see some very significant changes and advancements in their physical development. They’ll start to walk, speak, and engage with you a whole different level. They’re now truly little people. In my experience, it’s a very fun age for children.
However, it’s also a lot of work to babysit a toddler. You rarely have time to sit down, you have to be on constant alert, and they often think that doing something bad is funny.
Keeping that in mind, there are certain things that you want to consider before accepting the position.
1. Understand Their Energy Level and Yours
Toddlers are very mischievous, full of energy, and incredible adorable all in one! One minute they’ll do something that’ll make you want to pull your hair out and in the next minute, you’ll be laughing hysterically at one of their antics. There’s usually no in between.
Toddlers require a lot of work on your part to watch them. They need your constant attention, not necessarily to entertain them, but certainly, so you can see what they’re up to. Silence is suspicious!
I remember when my niece, Layla was in her toddler years. If my sister turned her back to her for a minute, Layla would be up to something in no time. For instance, we’d be talking on the phone when she’d suddenly have to hang up. “I’ve gotta go. Layla is trying to eat out of the garbage again.”
If you’re going to agree to babysit a toddler, you’ll want to make sure that you have the energy for it. A lot of your time will be spent chasing after them and redirecting them to a safer situation. They’re much quicker than they look!
2. Prepare Yourself For Everything
Much like Layla munching on eggshells from the garbage pail, toddlers are both unpredictable and predictable at the same time. If they try it once, they’ll try it again. And again. And again.
Always maintain a watchful eye. One minute they’ll be happily playing with their playdoh and the next they’ll try to play tea party with toilet water. They love to go where they’re not supposed to. And after they’ve been correct and redirected, they’ll probably try it again. They’re pushing their boundaries.
3. Ask a lot of questions!
Be proactive about getting to know the toddler before you watch them. Every toddler has at least one thing they love to do but that they should probably never do. It usually falls into the category of dangerous and/or extremely messy.
Ask their parents if they tend to get into anything or if there’s something specific you need to look out for. No child is without one of these things!
Most families have baby-proofed their house to cover sharp edges, lock their cabinets, and block off electrical outlets. However, toddlers like to put things in their mouths and this is a serious safety hazard.
Ask them if there’s anything that the toddler likes to try and put in their mouth that could be a choking hazard. If they have food that should be cut to a certain sizes if you’re feeding them.
Also, if the parents want you to feed their child while they’re away, ask about what foods are off limits. Just like toys, certain foods are potential choking hazards.
Lastly, make sure to ask about any allergies and how severe they are. This includes any food, pet, or seasonal allergies. You may want to bring a treat with you, or you may live with animal and their dander and fur may be on your clothing.
4.) Communicate Freely But Don’t Overwhelm the Parents
If a babysitter is needed, that means that the parents need to be kid free for a period of time. If it’s not something that needs immediate parental attention like a bad injury or crucial instructions that weren’t given like the location of birthday party, don’t bother them.
They’ll likely check in with you to see how things are going and at that time you can give them an update.
Talk with the toddler’s parents prior to watching their child to determine the rules of the house and respect them! Kow what’s expected from you and the child.
See Tips for First Time Babysitters for more information on communication.
5.) Never Leave Them Alone
Toddlers can get into a lot of trouble if ever left alone, even for a minute.
If you have to leave the room to use the bathroom, I would suggest strapping them in their highchair or putting them in their pack-n-play. They might cry, but it’s better that they cry for that reason than from a serious injury. If they’re buckled into their highchair or in a pack-n-play, they should be safe, but don’t leave them alone with food or any potentially harmful items within reach.
If after reading that, you feel that you’re up for the challenge, it’s now time to have fun. So what fun activities can you do with a toddler while you’re babysitting them?
Good babysitters have lots of fun and engaging activities to do with toddlers while they’re babysitting. Parents don’t want to their kids to sit in front of the T.V. or ipad while they’re away. Although that is a good option once they need some downtime, they’ll need more stimulation to use up their energy.
After determining with the parents what’s off-limits while they’re in your care, such as electronics, games, or trips to the playground, planning activities will be easier.
Only play with one thing at a time. Don’t overwhelm them with too many options. If a toy is played with, it should be put away before you move on to the next activity. They have short attention spans so this will most likely occur more than once.
Kids need structure at all ages! Learn the rules of the house and enforce them. Also, set your own rules for things that you don’t feel comfortable with concerning behavior and activities. You’ll likley hear “But Mommy lets me.” But you’re not Mommy so the same rules don’t apply or they’re lying.
Some things to do are…
1. Take Them Outside and Play!
Children need outdoor time to run around and exert their high levels of energy. Check out the 5 Benefits of Kids Playing Outside.
If they have a gated backyard this a great place for them to do it. You’ll know that they’re in a safe space so they can’t just escape at a moment’s notice.
Bring a ball or several with you! Play catch, play soccer, roll it around. You have to be just enthusiastic about playing games so that you grab maintain their attention during the activity.
Blow Bubbles! Toddlers love to blow bubbles (though most aren’t that good it just yet). But even if they aren’t good at blowing them, they’ll have fun chasing and popping the bubbles that you make!
Play a little game of tag! A fun variation is called rag tag. Instead of touching the other person, you have to grab the rag or another clean cloth item from them. Think of it like flag football, but without the ball. Whoever has the rag must run from the others have to avoid getting the rag stolen.
If the weather is warm, a great way to cool down is with a water table or sprinkler play. While watching the toddler in the parent’s home, ask them if they have either of these around.
Should you be watching them at your home, it’s a great toy to have around because it lasts for years. My niece and nephews had one of their deck and it was used EVERY spring and summer. And when the weather got cold and it started to snow, they’d still use the table to hold snowballs or as a base for their snowman. A simple toy like this is hours of fun for kids!
Check it out on Amazon:
Water table
2. Sing Nursery Rhymes
One of the best ways to get toddlers moving is to put on some music and have a dance party or just old fashion nursery rhymes.
Here’s a playlist for nursery rhymes.
3. Play Sorting & Counting Games
Most toddler toys are large and colorful. They’re made this way on purpose to attract the attention of the child and make for safe play.
If they have toys like mega blocks. Dump them out and have them sort by color, shape, or size.
A great thing to do with these blocks is to stack! Toddlers love stacking games! Do you know what else they love? Knocking things down! Toddlers can freely stack blocks or cardboard bricks and safely knock them down. It’s loads of fun for them!
You can also teach them how to count with the toys too. Learning through play is one of the best ways to teach children. Start off by simply counting yourself out loud. The older they are the more likely they’ll count along.
If they’re not talking yet, they’re still absorbing information. It’s important to always be talking to toddlers and younger children. They’re always learning because everything is new to them!
4. Read A Book To Them
Reading never gets old, toddlers and kids of all ages need to hear someone speaking to them. Hearing others talk is how they’ll learn to talk and improve their vocabulary. Reading together is a great way to bond.
They may have some on their bookshelf already, but there are a few of my favorites that my nieces and nephews loved to hear me read to them when they were little. Change your voice for inflection and different characters to make it even more entertaining for them.
Here’s a list of books that have always been a big hit with younger children. 
Check them out on Amazon:
Chicka Chicka ABC
Rhyming Dust Bunnies 
Here Comes the Big Mean Dust Bunny
Don’t The Pigeon Drive the Bus!
Goodnight Moon
5. Go for a walk
Toddlers are too young to walk independently in the street. However, you can put them in a stroller and allow them to enjoy the scenery.
You can talk about things that you see along the way like birds, flowers, grass, trees, different colored houses, etc. It’s also not a bad idea to sing a song or have some music playing on your phone. It makes the walk that more enjoyable.
Make sure to double check that you’ve properly locked up the house and have your phone and keys before leaving.
6. Art and Creative Play
Creative play is a great activity for toddlers. Encourage them to explore their artistic side with some crayons, washable markers and some and blank white paper.
You can also come prepared with a fun coloring activity. Teach them their ABC’s, different animals, and let them color all at the same time with my free ABC animal coloring book!
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Things to Keep in Mind
1.) Bathroom Breaks and Diaper Checks
With toddlers, you can never be too sure when they’ll have an accident. Or, they’ll most definitely need a diaper change. If they’re potty training, they may forget to tell you they have to go to the bathroom. Regularly ask if they have to go and have them try a few times. If you leave the house, you’ll need to bring a change of clothes with you.
If they’re still in diapers, you’ll need their diaper bag with you. You’ll also need to check they’re diaper pretty regularly. You can smell poop right away, so they’ll be no surprises there. However, pee pee is more covert, so just be mindful of when their last diaper change and how much liquid they’ve consumed.
2. They’ll get hungry!
With all their running around, toddlers need snacks and a drink. Give them parent approved drinks and snacks.
If they’re not talking and can’t tell you that they’re hungry, a good indication is when they get cranky. If they’re craking it’s either time for a nap or they need some food in their bellies.
Common snacks might be something like pretzels, animals crackers, goldfish, or fruits. Drinks might be juice, water, or milk, depending on what the parent wants to give them. Juice should be watered down as it’s often too sugary for kids and is bad for their teeth.
Again, be mindful of choking hazards when it comes to foods and never leave them unattended while they’re eating.
3.) Minor injuries are probable
Even when toddlers are on carpets and playing in kid-friendly areas, they may still have a fall or two. It happens. These little guys aren’t that stable on their feet so they fall more often than old children. Don’t freak out. Kids are resilient and often cry out of fear and not necessarily pain.
Always check for bumps, bruises, and or bleeding. If it’s just a little fall, don’t be alarmed. Should you discover a mark, put ice on it immediately. If there’s blood clean up their wound right way and put a bandaid on it.
Let the parents know how the injury occurred right way. Don’t wait for their parents to find the bump or cut.
4.) Toddlers are parrots
Though I’m sure you’re not planning to curse or use any other foul language in front of kids, just be cautious of your word choice. Things slip out. If you wouldn’t use the words in front of the parents, don’t use them in front of their children. Toddlers are little parrots often repeat what they hear.
5.) Naps are likely and needed!
Toddlers have a lot of energy, but they also need to replenish that energy with a nap. Talk to the parents about when they’re nap time is. Having a schedule will make your time with the child much easier.
If they get upset that their parents are there to put them to bed or for their nap, try to ease their pain. It’s scary for kids to endure change. Let them know that they’re parents are coming back, you’re just with them for a little while. Sing them a song to sooth their sorrows.
6.) They’ll get in trouble.
Ask the parents how to handle bad behavior. Most are okay with time-outs, but spanking is never allowed!
Sometimes toddlers will do things to get your attention. It’s often referred to as acting out. They’ll touch something they know they’re not supposed to touch, hit you, or throw things.
Since you’ve already gone over the rules with their parents, time outs or other takeaways should be enforced. Give a warning for most bad behavior, but hitting of any kind should result in a punishment.
Becoming a babysitter for toddlers is a big commitment, but it’s also very rewarding at the same time. With a little practice and a lot of patience, you may find it the best age to babysit children! I know I loved it!
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makeademia · 6 years
Video
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Thank you to everyone today on helping me figure out how to make my file size smaller so I could upload.  
Here is my transcript:
Compare and Contrast:
Film Soundtrack VS. Score
 Traditionally, the movie making process has always been; write the screenplay, hire the crews and actors, shoot the movie, edit the movie, then bring in a composer to score the movie.  Actual songs have been incorporated into films before, but in recent decades, filmmakers are becoming more experimental with their use of popular songs in their movies. A film score is the music scored for the movie by a composer in post-production that plays under the scenes. A film soundtrack is made up of songs used in the movie.  
Film scores have been a part of the movie making process from the beginning. Before sound was capable in films, musicians and pianists would be in the theaters that silent films were playing at. They would basically score a film live in front of the audience.  This evolved into scores being composed, recorded, and added to the movie itself. This music is composed during post production after the movie has already been edited together.  They are used to help enhance the emotions of the scene, like adding suspense or sadness, and help provoke feelings in the audience.  These scores also help situate the audience in the world of a film.  The scores can also capture the essence of a film and it’s character, like the brassiness of the Star Wars music to represent Luke Skywalker’s courage and honor and the minor tones and strings of the Harry Potter music to create a magical essence.
Film scores became wildly popular with John Williams’ Star Wars compositions (his score to Star Wars: A New Hope is considered the greatest scoring of all time).  His score for the 70s film reinvigorated the level of importance placed on film scores for films and today they have become a crucial part of creating memorable pop culture films.
Unlike film scores, the soundtrack is planned pre-production (which means it is planned before the movie is actually shot).  In recent years, filmmakers have been experimenting heavily with the use of songs in their movies.  One of the first movies to revolutionize the use of songs in films was Guardians of The Galaxy. James Gunn, the director, created Awesome Mix Tape Vol. 1, which was listened to throughout the film by the main character.  Unlike film scores, the songs in this movie are integrated into the plot and character development. While a film score might capture the essence of a character, the use of the song “come and get your love” to introduce Peter in Guardians of the Galaxy helps develop his character. Even though he’s on a serious mission, he’s dancing to the song, developing his character as fun and dorky and also letting the audience know not to take the movie to seriously.  
Both film scores and soundtracks help develop the overall feel of the film and are meant to create a better experience for movie goers. Some people like the songs used in movies better because they’re recognizable and they can sing and dance to it. It makes even the most far out there movie, like Guardians of the Galaxy, seem more realistic.  Other people like film scores better because can add emotion to scenes without overpowering them, sometimes you get so lost in a film you don’t even notice the score in the background.  Other times, when the film score is more noticeable, the film score creates an iconic theme for a movie, like Harry Potter, Star Wars, Star Trek, and more.  Both however create a more enjoyable experience for audiences and help situate audiences in the world of the film. Many movies now start with a black screen but have music or sounds, pulling the audience into the storyworld, and then the image plays.
Some movies I would recommend for great film scores are Star Wars, Harry Potter, Spiderman Homecoming, Monsters Inc, American Beauty, Inception, Lord of the Rings. There are so many more, but those are some of my favorites.  If you wanna listen to some of these compositions without watching the films you can follow my spotify playlist https://open.spotify.com/user/htab0312/playlist/3pxsgV3RzSZvjufWUGVlXf  
My two favorite films for soundtracks are Guardians of the Galaxy and Baby Driver. Baby Driver does some really unique things with music and I definitely recommend it.  (Suicide Squad copied Guardians but did it worse, but the songs are modern and cool).  
- HT
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