[#]PennedPossibilities 550 — Where does your MC feel most safe?
(New thread for my friends here~!)
In all fairness, Alexios "Ghost" Jace feels his safest when he's in the company of his chooms, and it doesn't matter where they might be. His gang means the most to him, and he would feel safe alongside any of the members. They're all that he needs. Cosmia, Junk, Dante, Trick, Rain, Aero, Fenris, Astria, etc. They're the only family he has anymore, and he would do /anything/ for them, as would they for him as well.
In a similar way, of course, he also feels incredibly safe when he's in Trick's arms. That man could and would fight to the death for him, and the sentiment is more than returned on Alexios' part as well. They found love by accident. Look how far they've come together.
[#]WritingCommunity #TheCityOfOpulence #DigitalDystopiaSeries #SFF #Cyberpunk
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[#]PennedPossibilities 551 — MC POV: If you could have one talent or ability that you don’t naturally have, what would it be?
Alexios: I bet you were expecting me to say something like shooting with my eyes closed or more of a ridiculous answer like communicating with the dead or starting fires with the mind. But no... Me and the gang, we're an interesting bunch of chooms. We can do a lot. Parkour, making easy cash, self-defense, peacekeeping, et cetera. Let's go for something else, and we'll make it ridiculous to boot. I have two choices and they're both wild: astral projection or psychokinesis. Either of those two things aiding me would help more than I could put into words. F*ck yeah, love it.
[#]WritingCommunity #TheCityOfOpulence #DigitalDystopiaSeries #SFF #Cyberpunk
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[#]PennedPossibilities 552 — How strong is your SC’s sense of ambition? What is something that they strive for in life?
Dr. Arcturius "Dante" Cason is definitely an ambitious man. He finally has everything that he's ever wanted, minus one thing: love. He has his own practice, a backdoor med shop named Dante's Inferno, money and friends, and a gang he calls family. Before then, though, life was tough. He could barely make ends meet being a lone doc. Things are different these days. He protects his friends, stitches them up when they so desperately need it, and he'll fight to keep everyone safe.
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[#]PennedPossibilities 553 — MC or SC POV: Talk about something made by hand.
Dante: Something of my own creation? In all fairness, most of the medical equipment in my shop was personally created by me. It's the duality of it all in this business. We have to find our own way and make our own equipment. I'm not only an everyday surgeon or doctor, but I'm also one who works on cybertech, body modifications, and brain implants and chips. I need to be prepared for all (eventual) outcomes, should the need ever arise for any of it. One thing in particular that I'll mention here, only because I was asked, is my brain surgery equipment, and it just so happens to be something I'm incredibly proud of. My surgical drills for burr holes are fantastic. For context, they're employed to create openings in the skull for accessing the brain. These tools allow the surgeon—me, in this instance—to remove bone fragments and reach the area requiring treatment, or to add or remove implants whenever that's required as well. It's all rather simple. I haven't given anyone else my newer, far better designs nor have I sought out a patent. There's no point even /trying/ to get a patent in this day and age. The build designs would be stolen from me, anyway. It's my secret till the day I die.
[#]WritingCommunity #TheCityOfOpulence #DigitalDystopiaSeries #SFF #Cyberpunk
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[#]PennedPossibilities 554 — How do you stay motivated to write?
In all fairness, sometimes I'm not. I'm not always motivated, but there are things I do to give me the muse and the itch to write if I'm not feeling it. Reading, writing smaller things, listening to audiobooks, working on roleplay stories, watching films or shows, etc. Those are just a few to name them.
When I am actually in the mood, though, I'm not entirely sure what keeps me writing. Sometimes it's just a pure need to get the words down on paper, so to speak. The above list I made helps a lot.
Can't wait to see everyone else says tonight.
[#]WritingCommunity #AmWriting
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[#]PennedPossibilities 555 — Are there any themes for stories that you’re excited to explore in the future?
Saw this article a while back and wanted to share it: https://prowritingaid.com/themes-in-literature
Also, remember this: "Keep in mind that for some readers, themes emerge later. So, if you want to explore a setting, character, or plot point but aren’t sure which themes to examine yet, that’s perfectly fine. Write your story how you want to and see where the narrative takes you. It can be helpful to keep the idea of a theme at the forefront of your mind as you write to guide you toward plot points, plot twists, and details to include. Remember, when writing creatively, there are no rigid requirements like academic writing. While reading your first draft, you might find patterns emerging. You might even see themes emerging. Build on them in the second draft."
⸻
As for myself, I do have a few that I can think of off the top of my head. We'll see where my writing takes me. I generally start a WIP and its themes make themselves known as the tale is written. The story chooses, not me.
• Change vs Tradition
• Coming of Age
• Fate vs Free Will
[#]WritingCommunity
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[#]PennedPossibilities 556 — If it ever came down to it, who would your MC be willing to die for?
Alexios is a simple man. His answers, in no particular order, would have to be Trick, Dante, or Junk. Two of them are his best and closest friends (Dante and Junk), and the other one is the man he loves. He would, in all honesty, put his life on the line for anyone in his gang, but those three names are rather important men in his life.
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[#]PennedPossibilities 557 — For the writers who have more than one WIP: How do you balance multiple projects at once?
Balance? What's that? Just kidding. There's nothing wrong with working on a project when you're in the mood for it and the itch to write is there and then switching over when you have the muse to work on something else. It all boils down to this, and it's my piece of advice: You should write whatever your heart tells you to. As long as you're writing /something/, then it's okay. Does it really matter? You're still at work. Just keep writing. That's my method, anyway. Plus, I'm a pretty good multitasker. I enjoy the challenge.
[#]WritingCommunity
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[#]PennedPossibilities 558 — For the writers who only have one WIP: Have you ever started or considered starting a second project?
This one wasn't meant for me but for those who couldn't participate in last night's prompt. I wanted to post something for you guys as well. You aren't to be left out, of course. I'm rather curious to see how everyone responds.
[#]WritingCommunity
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[#]PennedPossibilities 559 — MC POV: What is a sure-fire way to distract you from the task at hand?
Alexios: Trick. Trick, Trick, Trick. Trick's f*ckin' hands as he works, those trousers he wears that show off his bum, his tone of voice when he's passionate about a subject, his gaze when it lands on me, even his stupid singing voice... Pfft, I sound like such a lovesick idiot. S'true, though. That man drives me to distraction. It's a problem. I'm supposed to be a fearsome gang leader, not a fool in love.
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[#]PennedPossibilities 560 — Your MC has exactly two hours to do something with a small amount of currency in their world. How are they spending the time and money?
Oh, that's easy. He's taking the love of his life (Trick) and his best choom (Junk) out to a local synth-ramen spot near his home and treating them to a delicious, cheap meal. They're all big foodies and they're only too easy to please.
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[#]PennedPossibilities 561 — Give us your thoughts on the genre of your WIP. Do you love it, is there not enough stories written within it, are you an avid reader of the genre, etc.?
First off, yes, I love my two genres. No, I wouldn't say that there isn't enough of them. There are some fantastic #cyberpunk stories. #SFF stories as well. And lastly, yes, I'm an avid reader of those two genres.
My thoughts on the genre(s), though?
Well, let me put it to you this way... At the heart of cyberpunk is a simple yet meaningful contrast: high-tech and low-life. The technology in these worlds is incredibly advanced, but it exists in dystopian societies marked by extreme inequality and corruption. It mirrors our world in such a terrifying way. It's therapeutic to write. Beyond that, however, there is a hope for a better future, and even a love for our MCs, SCs, and their own character arcs that naturally occur within stories. It's a genre that I've poured a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into. For years, I've played #CyberpunkRED and #Cyberpunk2020 as well. That says enough. It's definitely on my list of favorite genres. I'll always return to it. I love #hopepunk, #grimdark, and #solarpunk tales as well. This series delves ever so slightly into those subgenres, too.
Generally, I simplify things and say that it's a dark romance series set in a science fiction fantasy (and cyberpunk-inspired) universe.
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[#]PennedPossibilities 562 — Do you have a writing routine?
I do, actually. It usually involves begging my cat to leave me be for a little while (with her eventually settling in her bed at my feet), making coffee or tea, putting some music on, and settling in for the long haul at my desk. And no, pshh, I don't shout, "It's showtime!" As much as I want to, of course, just because I /adore/ Roy Sheider in All That Jazz. I love me some Fosse... But yes, that's the long and short of it. I /need/ background noise or music to help me get into the mood to write and I absolutely have to have something to drink with me. Maybe even a snack, too. I'm easy to please.
As far as time or length of a writing session goes, well... It differs every single time. It depends on what I have to write, how much time I've got on my hands, and when the muse comes to me. It could be three in the afternoon, or two o'clock in the morning. I'm not a creature of habit in that sort of way. It comes when it comes, and I've learned to trust the itch to get the words out.
[#]WritingCommunity
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[#]PennedPossibilities 563 — Silly question: Who would your SC want to take goofy photographs with? If cameras exist in your universe, of course.
Astria would want to take photos with her buddies: Alexios, Dante, Junk, Cosmia, Rain, Trick, etc. They're basically all members of the gang. They would be the silliest photos ever taken as well. I can just imagine it now. Honestly meme-able too, I bet. All the goofy faces and cute cheek kisses. And dancing. Of course, there would be dancing. Astria's so funny and I love her.
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[#]PennedPossibilities 564 — What are your SC’s views on marriage? Do they believe it’s something strictly for love, or an institution rooted in business and social benefits?
In Junk's eyes, it's only the latter. People only tie the knot for money and social status, or even to prove something for their families. Marriage is silly. It's meaningless. He couldn't care less about that sort of thing.
For Dante, on the other hand, he's a romantic at heart. Even in a futuristic, cyberpunk world, he still believes in the concept of marrying for love.
Some of my other side and secondary characters would have VERY strong opinions on this wild idea as well, but I need to be up early in the morning for bowling. I'll leave it up to your imaginations for now...
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[#]PennedPossibilities 565 — What would your MC’s go-to song at a party be? Would they be dancing?
This one's easy... Alexios loves #metal. Here's a good song to mosh to (by one of my favorite bands). He'd love Slipknot. Honorable mention here goes to Lamb of God (another of my favorite bands). 🤘🏻
https://youtu.be/KIzaX4EpapY?si=cadFdrS-x92H1HJJ
https://youtu.be/qUylZ08N_Q4?si=mhOy_xzJSAcPFtiN
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[#]PennedPossibilities 566 — What hobbies do you have outside of writing?
Because I'm a writer, I think reading also goes without saying here. I love reading (and listening to audiobooks) so much. So, number one, and at the top of the list: I'm a podcaster. I have a paranormal podcast named #PandasDen.
Random fact about me, I'm a huge gamer. To name a few of my loves: Call of Duty Zombies, Assassin's Creed, Dragon Age, Baldur's Gate, Layers of Fear, Diablo, Zelda, and The Witcher. I have a full gaming desk setup, love my Switch, and older gaming systems too, of course.
As far as gaming goes, I'm also a #TTRPG game or dungeon master as well. I've had some campaigns running since about '09 or '10 with close friends. I love it. We have or are playing various games such as #DnD / #DungeonsAndDragons, #CyberpunkRED, #Cyberpunk2020, #VampiretheMasquerade, #CallOfCthulhu, and a lot of homebrew stuff as well.
Aside from that, I'm a sports fan. That keeps me busy enough, believe me. I probably get my daily cardio minutes in during games or races.
Not to be forgotten, I love cooking as well. And photography. I'm (more than) a bit of a classic film nut, too. TCM feels like home. You guys know that about me, I'm sure.
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[#]PennedPossibilities 567 — SC POV: Tell us about a time you said “no” as a child.
Dante: Mm. It's a terrible memory, but remember that you asked for it. It was when I begged that street urchin not to kill my mother. Didn't work then, and it wouldn't work now if I miraculously had a time machine. Some people are just bstards, and there's nothing you can fckin' do about it. The reality of everything's pretty sh*t, isn't it?
[#]WritingCommunity #TheCityOfOpulence #DigitalDystopiaSeries #SFF #Cyberpunk
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[#]PennedPossibilities 568 — After the story is all done, how does or should the MC come across to the reader? (Examples: Did they get stronger, weaker, did they grow?)
That he tried his best, and he certainly wasn't as weak as our villain portrayed. It really is as simple as that. Does Alexios go through changes? Of course, he does. Absolutely. He finds his vengeance, finds a love that he never expected or thought he deserved, and he even learns just how much his gang trusts and adores him. As the author, I can only /hope/ that all of this will come across to my readers. My fingers are crossed.
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[#]PennedPossibilities 569 — Do any of your SCs represent something important within the story? Explain what it is, and tell us why they represent that very thing.
So, I've decided that I'm going to answer this one in the morning. I had a rough day. Lots of deep-cleaning house work this afternoon. I actually had a fall this morning as well. Then I went to a neighbor's house for a light supper and drinks. I must be crazy. My entire back is bruised tonight. Yay me. Not. Kinda feeling like I've been run over by a truck. 😂
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[#]PennedPossibilities 569 — Do any of your SCs represent something important within the story? Explain what it is, and tell us why they represent that very thing.
I might have posted the question last night, but I was too knackered to answer. So, here's my response.
Here's a small list off the top of my head.
Junk: The breaking of societal norms / rebellion. Just because we all need more of it. He's such a rebel and we adore him for it.
Dante: Hope (and a quiet love). He has hope for a better world, but he also loves a woman that he'll never tell. Perhaps he needs only to find his bravery and a sense of optimism.
Cosmia: Strength. She's a strong, independent woman, and is an example of the inner strength that every woman sometimes needs to be reminded of already possessing. We are ALL strong, every single one of us is, and sometimes we can lose sight of that.
I saw this earlier and I thought I might share it. I'll leave the quote down below.
"Characters in stories can represent a wide range of ideas, including abstract concepts like hope, courage, justice, greed, ignorance, the power of nature, societal norms, personal growth, different aspects of the human psyche, specific historical periods, or even archetypal figures like the hero, the villain, the innocent, or the wise sage; essentially acting as symbols that embody these ideas through their actions and motivations within the narrative."
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[#]PennedPossibilities 570 — When your MC is in a tough situation, do they use their words or their actions to get them out of it?
Mostly actions. Alexios is quick to pick a fight if he's been backed into a corner by enemies. As for words, well... He uses those as well. Words are as sharp as a weapon sometimes, and it might just get the trick done. When Alexios speaks, people listen. Being a gang leader has that sort of effect on people, I suppose. He's an important choom.
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[#]PennedPossibilities 571 — What or who motivates your antagonist / villain to act the way they do? Could a new motivator convince them to change?
A new influence or even a change in ideology or desires for Dr. Death (AKA The Angel of Death) is doubtful, but who knows what the might future might hold. He's such a twisted individual.
These are the current motivators for him...
Power and Control:
• Desire to rule over others and dominate society.
• Gaining ultimate authority and influence.
• Using manipulation and intimidation to control others.
Greed and Materialism:
• Stealing wealth or resources for personal gain.
• Obsession with acquiring power and luxury.
Twisted Ideology:
• Believing his actions are necessary to achieve a greater good, even if it's destructive.
• Seeking to impose his vision of a perfect world on others.
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@floofpaldi
Glad you added that "best to keep in mind" paragraph. If I had to determine a theme before I started writing I'd never write anything.
I'm not even 100% sure now. I write stories for fun & to entertain. Whenever these games have a theme question, I always have to look up common themes & decide which fit. 😁
Having said that, I think there are unconscious cultural "traditions" (can't think of a word right now) that give rise to some themes.
@Firlefanz
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@crcollins I'm sure having a complete plan before sitting down to write the first few words of the actual story helps some, but it's not for me, either! Even when I write about something technical, simply the act of writing it down can prompt me to consider things I hadn't thought of.
@floofpaldi @Firlefanz
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@mkj @crcollins @Firlefanz Also, yes! I completely agree with this as well. I'm the same way.
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@crcollins @Firlefanz I couldn't agree more. It's helpful to remember that not everyone in the world writes with a theme in mind. Some other people forget that fact. I'm usually the type to fly by the seat of my pants and develop my themes later or discover them as I go along, only because that's naturally the way things work for me. Everyone's different. And honestly, about what you said on the subject of looking up common themes in literature... That's why I left a list as well! Because we might not all be aware of the themes that are present in our work. It's an interesting process.
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@floofpaldi LOL My Craimar could relate. IKae is one of his lovers...and yah well. xd
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@floofpaldi
100% agree!
For me it's always had to have that bit of hope. A struggle to change - even at the usual costs for the genre - that makes it mean something.
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@Kalshann I couldn't agree more. Because it means something, because it matters, suffering because it'll be worthwhile in the end and there will /be/ a change worth fighting for—that's why I love the genre so much.
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@floofpaldi I approve of Alexios' taste in music. I'll happily join him for a good mosh!
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@therivercrow That makes two of us! Love it. The three of us can mosh together. 🤘🏻 👌🏻
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@floofpaldi that is a lot of hobbies! You definitely keep yourself busy, honestly I'm impressed!
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@therivercrow I gotta keep myself busy, right? 😂
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@floofpaldi damn get well sooner rather than later.
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@AnnaSaultron Thank you for that. 💜
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@floofpaldi Everytime 💚
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@floofpaldi
So sorry you're hurt like this. I hope you'll feel better in the morning.
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@Firlefanz While I can't really say that I feel better today, I'm sure I'll feel better in a few days. Sending you so many hugs in response, thank you so much, and it means the world. 💕
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@floofpaldi I only write poems...... tried a book but not too far in it...... Reading is the other side........
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