Fifteen Minutes of Scrawl

In case you haven't heard, the Writers Guild of America is on strike . These are not all equally serious.  They do the work that makes so much money Actors' likenesses are often what sells merch Writers won't give every character "piercing green eyes" (yes, Chat GPT did do that when I was using it to help plan a D&D one shot) Writers can remember more than Chat GPT (yes, while using it to help plan the aforementioned one shot, it forgot the main character!) They create joy They spark important conversations They create beauty They change people's lives They can make people laugh even in dark times They create important representation They do this job because they're passionate They are often the spokespeople for these valued works They're talented and creative individuals They make the shows human They are human beings Finally, a quote from "The 2023 Hollywood Strike for Dummies," by Jason P. Frank, Vulture :  "How do I support the s...

Time for some tragedy?  Oh, Sheila, I'm so sorry Gosh this interpreter is getting more than she bargained for Jasmine definitely lost the ring on purpose You should have a lawyer, Gino Jasmine could have the money if you hadn't caused her to lose her job, Gino Also, Gino, you were supposed to take that hat off in the jewelry store Okay I do think Dempsey is being a little rude to Statler with the sage Ah Dempsey is a Carnie (or is that term offensive?) Oh, Dempsey, I'm so sorry Statler...you think out loud (or are prompted to) a lot Well Statler, that was a poor plan So, Riley, you can block Violet...but like get out and explore Vietnam! You came all this way! (Eventually, he does) Violet...I don't think you did answer the questions Wow, Violet, your ex sounds like a coward Riley...Violet can't reach out to you because you blocked her Cleo...Christian is not the dude for you Jasmine...I thought the point of this evening was to celebrate your sister...not fight with ...

I've done a few blogs in my time (this one you're reading, my book review blog , and a blog I did while studying abroad in undergrad ).  Pick a theme (it can be broad like this one or hyper-specific) Pick an easy platform to use (I like Blogger, obviously) Start easy. Make your first few posts ones you can get through quickly so you can build up content  Find supporters (friends and family make a good start) Set a schedule. Will you post daily? Weekly? Monthly? All work, but it's important to keep up the habit Do it in a way so you can keep up this schedule  Bank posts if you can when you have more time Forgive yourself when you alter the schedule as it's just bound to happen Find ways to look forward to it Get good images to use (your own or use Flickr or Unsplash or similar sites) Get prompts from friends When in doubt, cite your sources  Make your blog interactive if you can  Promote across other social media platforms Be flexible with your goals (Prompt by...

Here are some short pieces based on things that have happened in my life recently. Exit I got a call from my dog walker (though I didn't know it at the time as I didn't have his number saved in my phone, just the phone number for the dog walking service) and it started off with, "Hey I just walked Hoban, but..." But what? Did Hoban get bit? Did he bite you? Did my apartment catch fire? But no, he simply couldn't exit my building. As bizarre of a pickle as this was, I quickly breathed a sigh of relief before instructing him on how to properly exit the building: "You have to push the lever and pull the door hard--like you're going to break it." I reassured him that I'd stay on the phone with him until he got out and, luckily, he did, but it was still a concerning problem. I wonder what the dog walker thought. Had he gone crazy, he'd used this door before? Had I planned to trap him? Had the world cursed the door or, worse, him? None of these thi...

I've done some of these, but not all, for my book review blog . Many of these ideas came from this Reedsy article .  If you're a prime member, you can get a free digital ARC (advanced reader copy) every month Go to your local indie bookstore and explain you're getting into the book reviewing business and ask if you can check out their spare advanced copies (be sure you have a website to show). Furthermore, see if they ever solicit customer reviews of books to display (I haven't done this so no idea if it'll work, but I think it's worth a try) Make an Edelweiss account (you can download some copies there and request others) Sign up for  Hidden Gems Books (you'll get emails about available ARCs) Have a favorite indie author? It's worth a try writing fan mail and explaining you'd like to review their upcoming work (maybe include a positive review for their previous work along with this) (I haven't done this so no idea if it'll work, but I thi...

Time for some arrivals? It's adorable that Kirsten is excited for squirrels  Of course keeping her a secret would be an issue, Julio! Julio...you do have to tell your mom Mary, you need some serious therapy (so does Brandan) So Brandan has to ask permission to hold Mary's hand? (Ah Mary's explains this is normal in her culture) Actually, Kimberly, you've left the planning to his family, not him That's not duct tape This pirate scene is weird First time out of the country...this'll be a culture shock for Holly's mom Holly looks so sick Oof killing a dog is dark Okay but surely a hug before marriage would be less of an issue than kids before marriage, right Mary? Kenny and Armando have such a pretty opener I hope they're asking like..."You chill with gay dads who are on TV?" Kenny...don't use Hannah like this Okay I don't think either of you is "controlling" Kimberly also likely has a camera crew with her... Why isn't Wayne ...

Yes, again, this is a bit of a plug for my book review blog .  Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee  by Dee Brown Smoke  by Dan Vyleta Mexican Gothic  by Silvia Moreno-Garcia The Paper Girls  series by Brian K Vaughan (Author), Cliff Chiang (Artist), and Matt Wilson (Artist) The Monstress  series by Marjorie Liu (Author) and Sana Takeda (Artist) Carmilla  by by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu The Hallowed Ones series by Laura Bickle  Anansi Boys  by Neil Gaiman The Afterschool Charisma  series by Kumiko Suekane The Forgetting by Sharon Cameron Princesses Behaving Badly  by Linda Rodriguez McRobbie 1491  by Charles C. Mann Hidden Figures  by Margot Lee Shetterly  Join by Steve Toutonghi  (Prompt by me) "Woman reading" posted by the National Science and Media Museum

Time for some communication? If you're into insects, that's a super cool gift, so well done, Dempsey Ah now we're seeing the famous butt Statler, if she won't kiss you then you two won't have "happy time" Ah the classic 90 Day  one therapy appointment GINO! What are all these toys that the therapist has? Wow Gino and Jasmine are so bad together What a way to phrase that, Razvan You were not ready for this, Amanda THREE OR FOUR MORE? Okay I see Sheila's point, but I think it's vital for meeting your parents Sheila does not like Aimee Okay it's so easy to delete the app and not delete the profile, Riley Wow that's a lot of info, Statler This is a pretty view, Nicola Oh no that kitten is so cute Wasim is cuter Nicola, Meisha is not wild for wanting to know your family Okay brushing your teeth should be the least of your worries, David Ah Dempsey is a sager Yeah it's tight, but it's a caravan, Statler Okay maybe get take away? Whoa that...

Would anyone read these? Also, yes, this is another plug for my book review website . Books Movies TV shows Restaurants Bookstores Cafes Doctors Plant stores Clothing websites Fanfiction Social media platforms White wines Trader Joe's frozen items Former US presidents Former British monarchs (Prompt by me) "Cannon Hill Park - Podium - 2 - 1 - 3" by Elliott Brown . Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) .

Time for the  finale! Ew to Jimbo eating the liquidy whipped cream Oop some pot stirring So Kandy and Jimbo don't even write their finale songs? Oh dear. I either didn't know or didn't remember Jimbo's past Oop some more pot stirring Ru, you're sweet, but I don't think you're Kandy's biggest fan (not that I don't think Ru is a big fan of Kandy's, I just think that that superlative belongs to someone else) Aw yeah, product placement A new(?) Ru song! Wow that one dancer is really good Not a fan of the voice for Jimbo's song (not objectively, I just don't think it fits Jimbo) Jimbo's breastplate should be a little pinker I like Kandy's song more Glad the other queens got in on something God, Monica is beautiful, but the dress part actually isn't my favorite (love the shawl though) Naysha is a whoa So I love Mrs. Kasha Davis, but this is not my favorite look with the different patterns Darienne looks great Please, let's stop ...

Please give me suggestions! If you could have any animal as a pet, what would you have? If you could make a sequel to any movie, what would it be? If you could pick any book to turn into a movie or TV show, which would you pick? Quick, what's your phone background? Quick, first fun memory that comes to mind, go! Quick, the zombies are coming, what do we do? What's in your online shopping cart? What's in your streaming queue? What's in your to-read pile? What's the last live entertainment you saw (concert, standup, etc.)? What's the last meme you sent someone? What's the last trip you took? What's your favorite decoration in your home? What's your favorite dessert? What's your favorite piece of clothing you own? (Prompt by me) "Hello Hand" by sk . Attribution-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-ND 2.0) .

Not sure what is going to happen in this episode because we only got a season preview, not an episode one. Holly...I can't help feeling like this is a bad plan Hi, Tejaswi (TJ)! Voice-over seems like cool work Ah so we manifested a partner Someone withholding your passport is admittedly very scary, Kirsten Julio...you need to learn some more Dutch Brandan and Mary are so toxic Hi, Kimberly! Okay so you chose which recent message was THE ONE Aw a doggo I do agree with Kimberly that there are a lot of pinks (like can't Tejaswi get a swatch?) Hannah is so sweet Aw good doggos I want Kenny and Armando to be okay Ah Brandan's mom has some self-reflection 2.5 hours is a while to wait, Wayne Holly does not look good Okay, people could be checking Holly out OR it could be ALL THE CAMERAS Also, you can't be possessive like that, Wayne Kimberly seems goofy but fun so far (though previews suggest my perspective may change) Oof what a messy divorce Wow this is pretty wild, Brandan....

That's right, I'm not done pushing my book review blog yet. For some of these, I'd need to be more popular.  Social media channels for my blog (should I get on BookTok?) Author, illustrator, and editor interviews (maybe start at the University of Chicago Press?) Fanfiction corner Books I'm anticipating My to-read list Audio versions of my reviews Link to my GoodReads account Favorite book(s) list Favorite author(s) list Favorite series list Bookstore reviews Themed recommendation posts (like "Spoopy Books for Halloween" or "Books to Read During Women's History Month") Posts featuring non-Amazon ways to access books List of books with vibes (meaning I don't remember much, but I remember liking or disliking them) Favorite quotes from books (Prompt by me) "A Library salute to National Photography Month and the photographer’s skill for staging eye-catching compositions (LOC)" posted by the Library of Congress

Time for some fights?  Wow Statler said "shrug emoji" Statler is so tired I feel like the producers made Jasmine and Gino come to the canal Maybe Gino is acting weird cause you talked about butt stuff in front of others Nicola, she said she wants to get married...that's it Tyray...I'm so worried for you Ah so Carmella is a cam girl NO, IT WASN'T HER, TYRAY! YES, THEY'RE DIFFERENT PEOPLE! Oof I feel like visiting a museum about the Vietnam War would be ROUGH, Riley I still don't get Riley and Violet Poor Statler Okay I hope Christian gets more affectionate OMG CHRISTIAN, GOOGLE IT Cleo, you should be able to talk to Christian about these concerns Meisha...you and Nicola are not compatible  Tyray...it was a man "Scary mesmerizing and stuff"--Statler Cleo, tell Christian this is too much Christian, if Cleo was annoyed about you chatting to people on planes...why do you think she'd be cool with you chatting up people at a bar? Gino...did you two ...

These range from small to large and are in no particular order. Also, even though I may miss some of these, it's good some are gone.  Having Velma Having tons of friends in walking distance (I do have some, but in college and grad school I had so many more) Having two healthy parents Not feeling the need for meds and therapy Not noticing how I dressed or what I looked like Not paying for my life Feeling pretty Playing with my Funko pops Traveling more frequently Cheaper Uber and Lyft rides Central air A voracious passion for reading Structured learning Looking at dating apps with genuine hope My plants I killed (Prompt provided by Saskia Kiell)

Time for the  variety extravaganza. Jumping on the couches was cute Why do we have to look at the lipsticks? Kiss! They're acting like we didn't see the preview for this week Alexis, calm it down That was a fun library challenge I had to look up who Sunday Riley was Ahhh a twist! Ah so Alexis is actually owning up Ru looks great I LOVE Kandy's look (and just like Jimbo's) Monica is beautiful Naysha has good rhythm  I LOVE Mrs. Kasha Davis's act Darienne was cute Jaymes's act is funny Kahanna's act was pumping LaLa can really dance Wow Jessica's wig is really on there Jimbo is just so fun and funny Okay I liked LaLa's and Jaymes's acts, but my favorite was Mrs. Kasha Davis's I love it when the queens dance together LaLa won that for me (but I guess Ru only kinda agreed) Next time is the finale! Can't wait (though I wish there was a reunion)! (Prompt by me) RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars , MTV Promotional image source

We're all works in progress.  How to speak kindly to myself How to write things people will enjoy reading How to put myself out there How to be open and vulnerable How to trust people that I haven't known for a long time How to do my makeup How to do my hair How to be a plant mom How to be a dog mom How to stay in touch with those dear to me How to cook How to mix drinks How to write book reviews How to find time for hobbies How to DM (Prompt provided by Saskia Kiell) "archive010" by JamesGardinerCollection

Here are some short pieces based on things that have happened in my life recently.  The Bachelorette Charity is a great Bachelorette. She's beautiful, kind, and (emotionally) intelligent. I have a friend that I think would make a great Bachelorette too (I even submitted her for The Bachelor  as that is the stepping stone to become the Bachelorette). I often wonder how it would feel to be presented with a slew of men who were interested in me. I would never be picked as the Bachelorette as I am simply too large and The Bachelor family of products does ask for height and weight on applications (I am not kidding). But maybe I'd be a good one too? I think I'm kind, funny, and intelligent. I also make some great reaction faces and have high standards which make for great television. I'm also inexperienced which I think could be played up on the Fantasy Suite dates. I have a ton of friends who would come on the show and support me, but also put the men through the wringer. Do...

I am on the lookout so let me know if you think of anything! These may not all be real gigs! Book reviewer (yes, I will push my book review blog again) Resume writer/editor Tutor Social media helper (for lack of better phrasing) Blogger Writer (I'm open to all kinds) Researcher (I do have access to a university library and all of its resources) Survey taker Website tester Cover letter editor DM/D&D content creator Job interview prepper Editor Transcriber Podcaster (Prompt by me) "A Library salute to National Photography Month and the photographer’s skill for staging eye-catching compositions (LOC)" posted by the Library of Congress

Season premiere! Are we really watching Brandan poop? How literally do you mean you're on the phone all the time? That air freshener does nothing, I'm sure Oof, I'm sorry, Brandan We're getting too many details, Brandan Mary already has your name tattooed? OMG! There's a Holly on this season! Princesses always made sense to you? 70 inches long is crazy long Julio is a cutie What nightclubs let a 15 year old DJ? So far Julio and Kirsten seem good Ah there it is, we haven't told the family Kenny and Armando are back! Hannah is so cute Wow Brandan...you couldn't have guessed how that would go? Mary...this is such an unhealthy relationship Huh I wonder if Kirsten really was held up or if this is a joke Okay I agree that Mary has crossed a line, but like so has Brandan Okay, Brandan's mom, there are multiple reasons why you and Brandan don't have a relationship (though her concern is valid) This season we meet new couples This season there is a car crash?...

So in a previous post, I suggested that one way to stay in touch is to do a photo scavenger hunt with friends who are far away. So here are some ideas for that scavenger hunt.  Something that makes you think of me A book you're interested in that you think I'd also like Somewhere you'll take me when I visit Favorite nook in your living space Cute animal pic Something creative you've been working on A way you've treated yourself Somewhere you haven't been yet, but want to go to Favorite coffee place Natural beauty snapshot Something you're giving away A new purchase Somewhere that you've found to be overrated  Favorite recent selfie Your workspace (Prompt by me) "DIY macro lens" by Linda 1 day at a time . Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC 2.0) .

Time to meet Statler (the first part of the final(?) couple)! Jasmine is more trustworthy than Gino, but to be fair, that's not saying much Is he just your friend, Violet? Wow this went off the rails Why are we looking at a roly-poly carcus, Statler? Statler is OPEN Aw I want things to be good for David and Sheila but BOY WAS THAT TMI Christian, if they cut you off, it's probably for a good reason Wow 3 bloody noses on one flight is a lot Get it, Christian and Cleo YOU DON'T MAKE SENSE, RILEY AND VIOLET Chocolate sex place time, Statler THIS IS SO MUCH David, I like ya, I really do, but you should've done like A LITTLE research David, you are sounding evasive AF Calling Christian your cats' daddy is a lot Riley brought gifts (but not for her mom) Statler may not be cut out for this Wow Gino actually dressed up You know you're speaking in English, Jasmine's friend, right? Gino...you betrayed Jasmine's trust SO much Next time Statler reaches the UK Next ti...

I have some friends moving so I need to brainstorm.  Snail mail Regularly scheduled Zoom calls Care packages If you have a friend group, you can do like an exquisite corpse through the mail Book club Watch the same TV show so you have regular check ins Set a reminder to text/DM them When you think of them, let them know Friendship lamps (though these are expensive) [ example ] Digital frames D&D Plan a visit Madlibs Memes Scavenger hunt that you each do (like take a photo of something that reminds you of me or of somewhere you'll take me when you visit) (Prompt by me) "Handy Made Poetry Books in the Mail" by Alan Levine

Time for the makeovers. Kandy...you did have an agreement This is a fun mini challenge Oh I thought they'd pick based on the winner of the mini challenge I forgot Kandy had two moms Ah another Kookie (though I think it was Miz Cookie) I love this bonding Wow they all look like their contestants I'm not a huge fan of Ru's look Hey, I do know this guest judge! Kitty and Jessica look fierce Sissy Delicious and Jimbo look so fun Kookie and Kandy are adorable "Did you stone those tits?" Guess we're down to commenting on shoes These lip syncs are all super cute So what happens if the lip sync assassin wins? (Ah they explain) Priyanka! I think Priyanka is winning this (and I'm right) I think Kandy is sending Jimbo home (and I'm wrong) Next week is variety extravaganza, can't wait! (Prompt by me) RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars , MTV Promotional image source

So  one of my ideas for a podcast  is compare book and movie/TV adaptations. I'm considering trying it so here are some ideas.  Dream casting the movie/show Best change and least best change Petty corner (I go into super specifics of things that irk me) What we lost in the adaptation What we gained in the adaptation Original cover art vs. movie/TV poster Having a guest who has either only read the book or seen the movie/TV show Interviewing a bookseller Having a cohost (hey you!) Has either the book or movie/TV adaptation influenced the way I see the other? Is there any good merch now that there is a movie/TV adaptation? Fan art feature (a segment where I select some of my favorite fan art from either version) Disclaimer that I probably couldn't have adapted it better, but acknowledge that I'm still allowed to have opinions Favorite quotes from either version Recommended order of consumption (book or movie/TV show to start with) (Prompt by Kimisha Cassidy) "Podcasting...

So I'm applying to be a book reviewer on the side, so let's see how this goes! Jaigirdar has written a fluffy and delicious YA romance filled with baking puns, a lovable protagonist, and realistic (and reality TV-filled) issues. Queer teen baking queen, Shireen Malik, has recently broken up with her secret girlfriend of exactly a year, Chris. However, an email quickly cuts through her wallowing: Shireen has been accepted as a contestant on the first ever season of the Junior Irish Baking Show. Her initial excitement becomes more complicated when she learns that not only is Chris competing too, but another intriguing contestant, Niamh, seems to be flirting with her. As the competition continues, so do the complications. From an arrogant competitor to a mysterious food fight to fervent instances of racist, xenophobic, and fatphobic online harassment, Shireen experiences it all. Jaigirdar’s clean and delightful writing style shines through Shireen as a relatable and realistic teen...

So one of my ideas for a podcast is to review cozy mysteries. I'm considering trying it so here are some ideas.  Reviewing the cover art Discussing the plot with someone who hasn't read it Interviewing the author Talking with other fans of cozy mysteries A cohost (hey, you!) Rating the title overall as well as on some metrics (coziness, mystery, etc.) Writing up a short review for Amazon etc. Holy plot holes, Batman (a segment on plot holes) Future readings to do after the title I'm discussing for me Future readings to do after the title I'm discussing for those who enjoyed the title My OTP (a segment about who I ship in the book) Commentary on the narrator if I listened to it as an audiobook My elevator pitch for the book Could/should it be a movie? Sidekick corner (how would I rate the sidekick(s), especially animal ones, in the title?) (Prompt by Kimisha Cassidy) "My Podcast Set I" by Patrick Breitenbach . Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) .

Time for some communication? Ho boy we're getting into heavy petting right away, huh, Meisha? Okay why didn't Nicola tell his family about Meisha? Tyray, I'm so sorry, but you're in denial Oop we didn't get permission for these photos NO! He's not okay! What would make you think he's okay? David, I like ya, but did you do research before coming to the Philippines? I do want David and Sheila to work though Gino, I hope you tipped this bartender well Jasmine's sister looks so young I hope Christian is a good guy Riley, why are you with Violet? Like I don't get it I don't believe Amanda and Razvan really love each other I have such hope for David and Sheila Tyray...she's not your girlfriend Tyray, see a therapist I still don't get Riley and Violet Your family sucks, Christian God I'm even annoyed at Gino for saying hola Again, Gino, do you think a prenup would prevent you from the obligations of sponsoring Jasmine's visa? You should ...

Because wrapping paper can be boring and some of these are bonus gifts. Comics from the newspaper Photos printed on regular paper (photo paper seems like it'd be difficult) Collage from magazines etc. All bows Weaving thick ribbons Doodling on the box Sheets of temporary tattoos Lace Scarf Recipes Lists of things you love about the receiver Riddles (with answers on the opposite side) Fanfiction Inspirational quotes Song lyrics (Prompt provided by Saskia Kiell) "Project 365 #270: 270913 Wrapped Up In A Bow" by Pete

Here are some short pieces based on things that have happened in my life recently.  Click Clack Click clack. I type in the number two next to a coworkers name to signal that they want two tickets to the upcoming baseball game we're going to as a workplace.  Click clack. I type an email thanking the coworker for actually getting back to me about tickets (I'm still waiting on others). Click clack. I type in a news site.  Great. Just great. The world is falling apart and, at times, literally on fire. And here I am, organizing a group outing to a baseball game I don't even want to go to.  Click clack. I let some friends know the news. Click clack. I check in on some friends. Click clack. Someone else has responded to the tickets question. Click clack. I look for details on the news. I am more and more distressed as I read details, but I have to keep going because I'm at work. Click clack. D&D This weekend is a D&D weekend. I am running a one shot on Saturday and ...

Again, some of this is fictionalized. Despite it being called the Ritz-Carlton of care homes, it's quite beige Red dot stickers denoting DNRs on name plaques Confused holiday decorations Remnants of hopefully once-enjoyable art projects Odd TV choices ranging from violent B movies to long weight loss infomercials Childish puzzles with missing pieces Staff listening to clips of stand up on their phones loudly Bland looking, and probably tasting, food, but no salt to add to it A balcony patio with a once-lovely view, now obstructed with reparative construction of a dilapidated park building An elevator display featuring a different staff pet every month or so The number keys that you use to punch in the elevator code are clearly worn, making you wonder how easy it is to guess The staff grows to recognize you, despite everyone wearing masks (well, most of the time) Bright yellow flowers with some burned away from being in direct sunlight Your mind wanders to what you can possibly ask ...