Saltwater Hummingbird

YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS!

Happy book birthday to this week’s new releases! 📚

Can we stop with the whole “AI is plagiarism” narrative? AI is not doing anything different from any human that gets inspired by other art. If sampling is inherently theft then so is the vast majority of modern music. If copying other works’ style and techniques is plagiarism then every renaissance artist was stealing from Michelangelo. Art is, as a medium, taking inspiration from other sources, be that the world, other people, or other art, and combining those inspirations into something unique. And AI works are unique by literally any standard you decide to use.

There are plenty of actually good reasons to hate AI. Can we please stop parroting the stupidest and most easily dismissible one, all we’re doing is making it easier for them to defend themselves.

You may do whatever you want but I will not stop calling logicials that scraps works of people on the Internet for parts only to blindly regurgitate stuff of subpar quality "plagiarism programs" or any variant.

Sorry for not being able to abide by your request.

I would also suggest you to look up the difference between inspiration and plagiarism. There is a reason why we're not using the same word for both.

With all due respect,

Me

If the call to read diverse books gets you hot under the collar, I need you to lean into that discomfort a little and ask yourself the question: What would happen if I did?

First and foremost, let’s make sure we are on the same page about the diverse books effort. When someone says “Read more diversely,” what they are asking is for you to take the author into consideration when you are choosing your next read. It’s unfortunate that we live in a world where current prejudice and a long history of prejudice impact the day to day lives of minority groups, but the publishing industry is largely white, heteronormative, able bodied, and cis. We can uplift authors of color, disabled authors, and queer authors by purposefully looking for their books, especially when the publishing industry fails them time and time again.

This does not mean that you can’t read books by white, cis, straight authors. A focus is not an exclusion. All that is being asked is that alongside your normal reads, you intentionally branch out into more diverse writers.

Creating space for more diverse authors is important because people deserve to tell their own stories. Have you ever read something in your area of expertise and the author just got it so incredibly wrong? This happens with identity, too. Not only is it cringe worthy when someone outside the community gets the essence wrong, it can also be incredibly harmful by spreading destructive stereotypes. Allowing community members to tell stories about their community empowers them and helps to establish good representation in mainstream media.

Representation matters because every person deserves to see themselves well represented in a book they love. It’s so easy to feel alone, especially if you are part of a minority community. Books open up a window for us to feel more connected and to understand our identities. It’s no wonder that having positive representation has been shown to increase self-esteem.

Even if the representation isn’t your identity, it’s still incredibly important. Diversity is a teacher. We live in an age of echo chambers. It’s so easy to get sequestered into our own personalized bubble on the internet. Putting yourself in a place to listen to the stories of people different from yourself is vital for connecting with others, for understanding their struggles, and for building solidarity in our communities. It will stretch you in the best of ways.

And finally, if that wasn’t enough, we should read diverse because we deserve to read excellent stories. Diverse books are brilliant. They challenge the industry, inject new life blood into publishing, keep thing fresh and exciting. Diverse books are stunning. They are well written, and fun, and capture the imagination. Diverse books keep the humanity in publishing, because humanity is millions of unique facets joined together into a whole. Why would you limit yourself to just one?

The Elementalist Chronicles: Isle of Rune is an interactive game inspired by Avatar: The Last Airbender. *insert theme song*

Genre: Low Fantasy, Elementalists, Time Travel, Slice of Life (kind of)

Setting: California (very briefly), The Secret Isles (Pacific Ocean)

There is currently no age rating for this game.

No nsfw asks please <3

PLOT

Your time on the Secret Isles have become a distant memory. It’s been about 10 years since your parents divorced and your mother moved you to California. The Good: California has great weather. The Bad: You can’t practice your bending as freely.

Mikayla loves Cali, so it comes as a complete surprise when she presents the idea of moving to the Isles once again. Your mother has no powers. Not to mention, her job and friends are in Cali. This move isn’t for her, it’s for you. It becomes clearer when she suggests that you train in the adult program of the elemental school. The master plan: getting you to reconnect with your father. Who just so happens to be the Headmaster of the Rune Elemental School.

Going back to the Isles means you will see the people you have not seen since childhood. Including your old best friend, Cameron, whom you have not been in communication with for quite some time. In your absence, Cameron has found a new friend. Jess isn’t really warm towards strangers. And you are a stranger, even if these Isles were your stomping grounds first.

Like it or not, a ton has changed. Tread carefully, explore with caution. Some roads may lead to different places and different times. It won’t do anyone any good if you go back hundreds of years… Your mother’s plan might go down the drain. You might find yourself stuck. You might find the masters you had only read about in books standing right in front of you.

Come along young elementalist, the Isles await you.

FEATURES

Customize your character: name, surname, gender, pronouns, description.

Choose a pet (kitten, puppy, snake, turtle)

Choose a hobby (hanging out with your pet, surfing, painting, reading, biking, chess) [hobbies may change]

Choose your element (water, air, fire, earth) & your birthplace (one of the Isles).

Explore the Secret Isles: The Isle of Rune, The Isle of Wind, The Isle of Ember, The Isle of Tides, The Isle of Sand (is sometimes called The Isle of Gems). And choose which one you want to live on.

Travel back in time.

Stay in the past with the four masters or find a way back to the present.

Get to know the people and grow a bond with them… or don’t.

Train and become a better elementalist.

Possibly witness how the four grand masters became who they are and how they founded the elemental school.

Or just chill and be a couch potato.

Main Characters

Cameron | Non-Elementalist | History Student

Cameron was born to an elementalist family but he himself has no powers. He used to be your childhood friend. As a child he was kind and rather shy. His shyness never stopped him from going after whatever piqued his curiousity. An intelligent and compasionate young man. You have not seen Cameron since you were 14. How will he react when you show up on the isles once again? Will you be greeted by the same gentle soul or will you meet a new Cameron?

A Short Description of Cameron: He has a tawny skin tone, topaz eyes, and ear-length light brown wavy hair. His height is 5'10 (180cm). He has a slender figure.

Jess | Non-Elementalist | Architect-Artist

Jess moved to the isles shortly after you left. He's been Cameron's closest friend ever since. Part of the reason why they became close is that they are both non-elementalists who were born to elemental families. Unlike Cameron, Jess struggled more with this fact because his family valued him less for his lack of powers. He is a loyal friend and a brave man. Perhaps a little reckless. He is clever and confident in his abilities.

A Short Description of Jess: He has a light skin tone, gray eyes, and dark brown hair that is slightly wavy and is slightly longer than shoulder-length. His height is 6'2 (187cm). He has a lean figure.

Jace | Master of Earth

Jace is one of the four founders of the Rune Elemental School.

A Short Description of Jace: He has sun-kissed skin, hazel eyes, and wavy-curly brown hair that is slightly longer than ear-length. His height is 6 feet (183cm). He has a slightly muscular build.

Lahela | Master of Water

Lahela is one of the four founders of the Rune Elemental School.

A Short Description of Lahela: She has golden bronze skin, dark brown eyes, and straight chest-length soft black hair. Her height is 5'5 (164cm). She is slightly curvy.

Sierra | Master of Fire

Sierra is one of the four founders of the Rune Elemental School.

A Short Description of Sierra: She has brown skin, light brown eyes, and curly-wavy dark brown hair that ends mid-back. Her height is 5'8 (175cm). She is slender and toned.

Ariel | Master of Air

Ariel is one of the four founders of the Rune Elemental School.

A Short Description of Ariel: She has beige skin, sky blue eyes, and long wavy blonde hair with wispy bangs. Her height is 5'6 (166cm).

Side Characters

Atticus | Current Headmaster of R.E.S. | Elementalist | MC's father

Mikayla | Non-Elementalist | MC's mother

Mary and Brutus | An old couple from the past

Arista | A young elementalist girl from the past

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Detailed descriptions will be in-game. You will also find out more about the four masters in-game. I didn't want to spoil much about them <3

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DEMO TBD

Here's some beautiful covers of upcoming books! 📚

writing is 40% writing actual content and 60% 'write later'

✧ Magici: Worldstar is a contemporary fantasy romantic drama IF, a first part to the Magici series.✧ Reblogs / asks are crazy appreciated !!

MAGICI: WORLDSTAR INTRO POST

[DEMO COMING SOON.]

A flyer falls at your feet.

Ever wanted to become the best mage in the world? Ever wanted to become famous while at it?

Well, according to this flyer, by applying for this magic academy-turned-talent show, you can.

A chance to develop your magic affinities, get a free higher education from a renowned academy, meet people from all over the world, win the grand prize of 300 000 kubos , AND become mindblowingly famous?

Sign-me-up.

Friends, mentors, rivals, lovers? In the end, the top only has space for one.

Will you be the one standing there?

But more importantly, what will you do to get there?

Find the answers to these questions and more in the third season of:

Magici: Worldstar - Where dreams become Magic.

A ✧ Spellbound ✧ Entertainment© Production

APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED. CATCH US ON CHANNEL 4!

In a world where magic is alive and widespread, you're one of the few lucky ones who can say they have actual powers instead of the weak energy most people possess. That's because you've had your Awakening, the extraordinary event in which that fragile energy becomes magic.

Unfortunately, Magic Academies are expensive and hard to get into, so you've never had the resources to truly hone your powers.

That changes when you find out that one of the most famous and respected magic academies in the world, Magici Academy, is letting anyone* apply.

How? By joining the famous magic talent show, Magici: Worldstar, you get a free education at the Academy. The catch? Every week, you risk being eliminated**, effectively shattering the dream of a lifetime.

Will you excel, or will you be eliminated, perhaps by the viewers or because you weren't on par with your fellow contestants?

*(See full requirements at MagiciWorldstar.com)

**Continued enrolment subject to Academy approval.

KEEP READING FOR FEATURES AND ROS.

Fully design your MC: pick your magic affinity, tv persona, gender identity, sexuality, name, fashion style, personal goals, body mods, and many more!

Will you focus on honing your magic, getting your grades up, winning the talent show, or simply charming the viewers?

Will you learn to control your powers, or succumb in this new and stressful environment?

Affect how the viewers, teachers, teammates, judges, and fellow students perceive you.

Affect how well your team does in the talent show, as well as the relationships between your teammates

Possibly win a talent show and get crazy rich and famous

Become the viewers' sweetheart... or a pain in the ass ^^

Play matchmaker with your class-/teammates ❤︎

❤︎ Romantic Options:

Martin: He comes from a long lineage of strong mages. Always the family's black sheep, he seeks to make his family proud and finally show them he's worthy of his last name. A gentle but intimidating giant, he doesn't want to get too close to his fellow contestants, can you break down his walls?

Tropes: Stoic, Slow-Burn, Forced Proximity, Roommates, Afraid to Commit, Idiots in Love

Demetra: This one is a mystery. Your brother's best friend, whom you've seen walking around your home since you were a teenager; however, she never made an effort to get to know you. When you see her at the Academy, you realise you know nothing about who she is. She says her only motivation to be on the show is knowledge, but will you show her she can find something other than that?

Tropes: Rivals to Lovers, Brother's Best Friend, Idiots in Love, Everyone Can See It

Evander: Evander is a gifted individual with a big talent for magic, but he's lazy. The definition of "He's smart but he doesn't apply himself", he could care less about being on the academy. Their family has managed to force convince them to be on the show, the fame and money a big incentive. What they secretly hope is that he'll come home as a new person and grow up. You won't fix them, but you can sure seduce them. ;)

Tropes: First Love, Fish Out of Water, Oblivious to Love, Pining

Harley: A social butterfly, it seems somehow she's already friends with everyone at the Academy. Growing up around musicians made her love for music grow, as well as awaken her powers. She joined the show to make important connections and to get her name out there both as a talented musician and a powerful mage. Will you be just another friend for her or will you become her muse? 𝄞

Tropes: Friends to Lovers, Soft Love, Roommates, Idiots In love, Mutual Pining

Echo: Echo is extremely shy and often lost in her own thoughts. Her unique powers make her an intimidating rival and a strong teammate. However, she joined the show for a specific reason: she seeks to learn more about her unusual affinity. Other than that she hasn't really been interested in getting to know anyone. Maybe you'll be the exception and get to know the real Echo. ❤︎

Tropes: Slow Burn, Mutual Pining, Idiots In Love, Strangers to Lovers, Hesitant, Crush on MC

Dominic: He is one of the judges at Magici: Worldstar, as well as a professor at the Academy. He is just another judge, and you're just another contestant. Nothing to see here. :)

Tropes: Forbidden Love, Fell In Love with The Wrong Person, Lovers in Denial

possible flings 👀 Other contestants:

Bleon: They already have a reputation as a prankster around the Academy, having competed in Magici: Worldstar's first season. Loved by the student body, hated by the professors, but you'll be sure to like this menace.

Bruno: A shy but friendly presence in your team, he looks forward to getting to know you. After a quick conversation, you already know he aspires to become a respected landscape engineer by perfecting his ability to build and shape landscapes.

Brynn: She aspires to become a Nature Guardian, and to preserve harmony between humans and nature. It is slightly interesting then, that she seems to dislike you the moment she sets her eyes on you.

Chianti: He holds a little secret. Well, not anymore, 'cause I'm about to tell you. He's just had his Awakening, a mere few months before his admission to the show. Will you help him develop his affinities or turn the other way, until he gets eliminated?

Nora: After losing her father to a magic-related incident, she understands that even the strongest healers can't save themselves. She dreams of becoming a mage healer, but also a Guardian, thanks to her rare affinity combination.

Rahim: A disciplined and focused mage, no one in his family has had an Awakening. He hopes he'll be able to get far in the show or to at least stay long enough to develop his powers.

[DEMO COMING SOON... STAY TUNED]

hmu w questions if you have any!

Support Maui, Hawai'i Residents During the Lahaina Wildfire Crisis

Mālama Maui

Mālama Maui

resources for Maui residents & for folks to support them.

A series of wildfires exacerbated by hurricane winds and climate change has destroyed homes, historical sites, and natural flora in Lahaina, Maui. Thousands have been displaced, and lives have been lost.

WWC's mod Ren has put together a page outlining resources for residents displaced and affected by the wildfires, and for those who wish to support them during this crisis.

Please share this resource and consider donating, especially if you are not local to Hawai'i and have visited or are considering visiting the islands.

Find a list of orgs to donate to HERE

Our hearts are with Maui residents during this tremendous loss.

-Writing With Color

Writers' Resolutions

A bunch of resolutions for writers and people who want to try writing this year. It's in no way something you must do, these are just ideas how you can set out to improve your writing in the new year.

Try something new

Try to write something you have never written before.

Write something silly, write something serious, write in a different genre, try to write characters that you haven't explored yet.

Write consistently

Writing consistently will not only give you exercise to become a better writer, it can also keep your voice as a writer consistent.

If you have a first draft, write it down quickly and without big breaks inbetween.

Don't wait for inspiration

Waiting for inspiration to come can take forever. So don't wait for inspiration: search for it.

Make writing into a habit that comes natural to you every day, look up writing prompts, read a book you like, get yourself into the mood to write and do it!

Do your research

As a writer, you need to know about a lot of different things.

You can do research by reading books, listening to podcasts, watching movies, talking to other people, etc.

Take this year to learn something new and then tell your reader all about it.

Edit that draft

We all have that one story we wrote a while ago and then stopped at the first draft.

Take it and reread it and then rewrite it. You have a new perspective on it now and maybe this will be the year you turn your idea into a book.

Set yourself a goal

This explicitly doesn't have to be a goal about how many words or pages you write.

Your goal can be to finish something, to edit something, to write a few sentences every day, to share more of your writing or to publish something.

Don't compare

Try not to compare your writing with that of someone else.

Writing is about finding your own voice and telling a story that only you can tell. Also: other people's accomplishes don't diminish your own!

Write!

Whatever the outcome of your writing may be and whatever you want to do with it, if you want to publish it, if you want to share it with friends, or if you want to keep it to yourself: just start writing!

Do what you love to do.

To all my lovely writers, I wish you a great year, may everything work out in your favour!

- Jana