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I suggest we like treat the word hamburger like the word Aspergers

I mean

Franz Hamburger was a key spokesman for growing Nazism in the early 1930s and is associated with "racial hygiene". He was also the employer of Aspergers (the man), so Hamburger must have to some degree allowed what Aspergers was doing. Or even encouraged or demanded it

Thus, to not be hypocrites, if we are to restrict the word Aspergers due to its history, we should also restrict the word hamburger

Also. Aspergers can be a word of comfort for many people on the spectrum as they feel too neurotypical to be autistic and too autistic to be neurotypical and they feel they can rest in a box of Aspergers bridging the two

The word hamburger seems much less important and could be replaced with round meaty sandwich or just Mc Donald's sandwich or just this emoji 🍔

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I went to a botanical garden and drew some flowers I found there

I'm pretty sure the last one is a dandelion, but does anyone have any idea about the two other ones?

#drawing #flowers #crayon drawing #spring flowers #flower drawing #spring #traditional art #dandellion

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College is wild because it really isn’t about intelligence or the ability to understand the material at all. It’s literally just a test of executive function and abled-ness. I had good attendance. I participated in class discussions…possibly to an annoying extent, I got A’s on my tests. When we did group work in classes, it was usually me knowing the answers and everyone else just writing them down from my paper.

But I watched those same people who copied my in-class work and who barely passed tests and who only understood the material enough to regurgitate it, not to expand on it, graduate while I flunked out. Why? Because I didn’t have the executive function to do homework outside of class. That’s it.

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No, you know what, fuck it!

"You aren't a burden if you're autistic and need help" well guess what? No! You are a burden!

Claiming that no one is a burden isn't helpful, and often doesn't even help the autistic person feel better about themself.

What you need to say is:

So, you're a burden? So what? That's okay. That's fine.

There's nothing wrong with being a "burden".

Sometimes people need more help than others! And that's absolutely okay!

We are, at our cores, a social species. We were literally made to care for each other, to take care of each other. There are bones dug up of ancient elderly people who were disabled. Seemingly well taken care of by their society.

Our society thrives best when we are all happy and taken care of.

Helping each other to thrive happily... Isn't that what the entire point of society should be in the first place?

So I tell you, stop saying we aren't burdens. We are.

Instead, when you are suffering and others refuse to help, turn it back on them.

"Yes, I am a burden. But if I am a burden to you, imagine how heavy a burden I am trying to carry on my own. So why is it that you see your fellow human struggling, and your immediate urge isn't to rush to help them?"

We aren't the ones who are selfish. This ableist society is. We need to stop thinking that being a burden is bad. Needing help isn't a bad thing. It's human.

So yes, you are a burden. I am a burden too. And that's okay.

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Things Autistic people need to hear

- your special interest is wonderful

- it does get easier you won’t feel lonely forever

- stim with pride who gives a f£ck what people think?!

-It’s okay to have a meltdown sometimes

- be your self you will find your niche eventually

- as painful as high school is you won’t be there forever

- you don’t need to conform to be happy

- don’t give up on your special interests

- and lastly never be ashamed of your Autism

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Online autistic communities/advocates really seem to forget that it isn’t exclusively “uwu cute hyperfixation hehe stim break hand flap.”

You’re not advocating for autism if you don’t include the weird kids who have strange interests and are socially awkward, but not in the cute way. The ones people often describe as creepy, or call freaks.

Or the nonverbal special education students who groan and scream in the hallways at school while people in classrooms hold back laughter because for some reason they find it funny.

Or the violent aggressive autistic people who cause damage to themselves and everything around them at one minor inconvenience and will never live independently.

Or autistic adults with picture perfect families and lives, who do not relate to the autistic “culture” that’s now been portrayed online.

Or autistic people who don’t benefit from stim toys, who don’t look at it as a huge factor in their lives, who went through therapy to help them learn skills that they struggled with.

If you don’t advocate for the scary cases and symptoms, the weird autistic people, the incapable autistic people, you’re not advocating for autism. It’s a spectrum and it’s not going to be pretty sometimes. If you don’t acknowledge and include those cases, especially if you’re autistic yourself, can you really say you’re advocating for autism, or is it just yourself?

When you refer to the autistic community, you’re talking about them too. Remember that.

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how to avoid getting hacked / cybersecurity 101 ✨ (a helpful guide)

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I'm taking a bit of a break from Nirrini (and social media, really), so I began with a new story.

A story about a woman who doesn't know telepathy, in a world where everyone knows it. And she wants to become an actress. Of course she is expelled from class

But there is more. There is this guy that has been a friend of the family for three years. He tries to listen to her and create a new way of speaking, so they can connect. Maybe a spark will ignite between them?

And because I have a new character to describe, I reached out to @mari-core to commission a drawing.

It's crazy how much better you get to know a character when you commission a visual representation of them or when you work on them in general. If you have a core idea, working on the character can really help flesh out that idea in a way that lists and spreadsheet struggle to

Anyway

Drawing time!

#mari core #drawing #new oc alert #non-telepatic actress #love interest #simen #side projects #supporting characters #supporting man #denim jeans #denim jacket #embroidered jacket #listening man

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What is a magic system?

When writing speculative fiction, one of the writer’s most important jobs is to establish the new rules for their world. In many branches of speculative fiction, especially fantasy and even horror, this is magic, though it can also be technology and alternate scientific rules for science fiction. Whatever alternate fact(s) or reality you utilize to make your fictional world possible, that qualifies as a “magic system.” Your magic system is most often defined by what it can’t do rather than by what it can.

Why do I need a magic system?

When writing speculative fiction, it’s usually assumed that something about your world is different than ours. That can be a small tweak or it can be a complete dismantle-and-reassembly of physics as we understand it. Whatever system you choose to implement, it needs to have internally consistent rules. If, throughout the course of your book, magics begin to contradict each other, then it will disturb your readers suspension of disbelief. You don’t want your awesome magic to yank your readers from the believability of the story. But…most important of all…you have to establish some sort of rules and limits in order to prevent yourself from pulling a deus ex machina. No one likes a poorly executed deus ex machina. Few people like a well executed one (is there such a thing?). If you have rules, limits, cost, built into the magic or technology of your world, then you establish something that is not only nuanced and interesting, but believable.

But…but…it’s magic!!!

Why write speculative fiction if I have to create and follow all of these tedious rules?! The real world has rules enough.

It’s true. But following your own rules and following real worlds aren’t the same thing. Lots of you have probably heard the little saying, “Give your world a Flux Capacitor.” If you think about it, Back to the Future’s Flux Capacitor doesn’t make a lot of sense. It’s not explained. But we accept it because it’s magic. And when Doc says, “Here’s this thing. It makes time travel possible.” We accept it because it’s a simple alteration. He doesn’t try to use it to do more than what is initially established. It never breaks that rule. It’s not used to get Marty out of an impossible situation, defying any previous understanding of the technology. That’s why it works.

So where you do start?

First, you need to probably choose what type of magic you will use. Will be elements based? Or energy based? Spirit? Physical? Time and Space? What things is your magic summoning/manipulating/drawing from?

Now you’ll want to focus on the parts that make your magic yours. Sure, elemental magic has been used half a zillion times, but it can still be interesting if you do something new with it. The best way to do something new is to alter its limits, change the cost, give it a new spin that makes your regular ol’ fire magic something intriguing.

You can do a little bit of research into ancient forms of magic, into other literary uses of magic. See what those before you have done and use it as an inspiration.

If you’re having trouble knowing where to start, I’m here to provide you some thoughts concerning the skeletal-assembly of your magic system! Use these prompts as you see fit!

What does magic use/alter/manipulate?

visible energies

gravity

laws of physics

light

thought

water, only, in all of its forms

fabric of space

elementary particles

items of specific color or texture

perception

plant life

the dead

blood

magnetic forces

demons

vibrations

earth

emotions

Who possesses magic?

scholars

children

random lucky people

anyone

everyone

the elderly

anyone who’s ever petted a dog

specific animals

deities

How is it acquired?

at birth

intense study and training

gifted

through random action

through a ritual

as one ages

stolen

From where is power drawn?

internal mana

heat energy

alignment of the stars

physical contact with _____ (the earth, another life force, a drawing or rune)

kinetic or potential energy

the moon(s)

other realms

movement of tectonic plates

spiritual energy of those nearby

consumption of specific foods/drinks/elements

Check out the rest of the Brainstorming Series! Magic Systems, Part Two New Species New Worlds Cultures Civilizations Map Making Politics and Government Belief Systems & Religion Guilds, Factions, & Groups War & Conflict Science & Technology Wildlife & Ecosystems History & Lore

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Hot opinion: suspense is overrated

Ok, so it seems that everyone loves suspense. Or everyone that isn't me. Sure I like mild suspense, but if the suspect is too great, I will put the book down. Or at least, I would earlier

I mean. Is it really suspense that makes or breaks a story?

What about character development? The character's world? The character's cheerful friends? The banter?

I think the key to writing isn't to try max out suspense, as I think many readers are like me. They don't really like suspense that much.

I would want the ending of the book or the series to last longer, as I dig seeing the characters happy

Everyone seems to tell everyone that one needs to keep suspense sky rocketing high to keep the reader turning the pages.

Well

There are other methods to make a reader turn the page:

- the fascination of the world

- to see more of the cherished banter

- hot springs

- just seeing the characters interact

On the other side

A book needs to not be boring. We do need to entertain the reader.

It is like a meal. It has the vegetables of plot, the meat of characters and the sauce of worldbuilding. On the top, one sprinkle the spice of suspense. Some wants near nothing, others wants so much that it greatly upsets their stomach for a whole day

I do think entertaining the reader is the most important function of a book and an entertained reader will turn the pages.

#writing community #creative writing #fantasy writing #writing #less suspense please

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So

This had to happen after a while and I guess it could be seen as a sign of realism

The verb to visit is the same as the noun for water in nominative

Luckily it would be really clear what is a verb and what is a noun in Gubadomi

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Imagination and math

They are very similar

But very different

They're a dragon

Or a dog

If you don't know

How to handle them

How to control them

They're monsters

If you know how

To handle and control them

They become a great asset

And good friends

#poetry #imagination #math #motivation #being in control

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I write because

- I really like the world of Nirrini and I want to share it with the world, sharing my joy

- I want to write about my characters

- I like writing dynamic descriptions

#215: Writing for the Right Reasons

‘Don’t write for fame or money’ is a common piece of advice that writers who’ve made it give to the aspirants. Sure, but what’s wrong with fame and money?

Clearly, it is possible to make money from writing as millions of writers around the world do. A lot fewer are famous, but it also isn’t impossible to be known for what you write. Doesn’t everyone want to succeed in what they do?

As an adult, you have to eat and live somewhere — preferably not your mum’s house or the street. Who wouldn’t want to earn a living from writing?

I’m also pretty sure that the vast majority of successful authors didn’t just stumble into success while writing casually for kicks. They were determined and worked insanely hard. So what’s up with this 'don’t write for fame or money’ thing?

Honestly, it made me a bit nervous when I kept reading this early on. I would like to earn a living through my writing eventually. Does it mean that I’m in it for the wrong reasons?

A few years in, I realised that the advice is, in fact, genuine and well-intentioned. It’s just difficult to see the nuance behind it.

It doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t want fame and money. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to succeed. The problem is only wanting those things.

Lots of people like the idea of being a writer more than actually writing. That in itself isn’t a problem — you can do whatever you want, and it isn’t anyone’s business whether you’re writing to change the world or to get laid.

The problem is that if your only motivation is that shallow, writing is a complete waste of time. You’ll have to grind way harder and sacrifice a lot more than you think to reach fame and wealth through being an author. The shallow things won’t motivate you to push hard enough and make those sacrifices to stand a chance. You will quit too soon.

The Right Reasons to Write

The good news is: you don’t need a grand vision of how you’re going to change the world with your writing or write for any noble reason whatsoever.

You just have to write about something that you care about. That’s it. Find something that you’re passionate about and write about that. What strong opinions do you have? What do you spend your days doing or thinking about? What makes your blood boil? What makes you happy?

That will lead you to people who care about the same thing. Your readers will be people who you can connect with. Writing will still be difficult, but you will be writing about your passion — that makes all the difference.

If you don’t have an obsession or something you feel strongly about, that’s fine. Try some things out. Figure out what gets you excited. Passion isn’t something you just have, you can develop it.

Writing is just a means to an end — a form of communication. You’re sharing ideas, emotions and stories with your readers.

Instead of being passionate about writing, write about your passions. The rest will take care of itself.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Radek 👋. I’m a writer, software engineer and the founder of Writing Analytics — an editor and writing tracker designed to help you beat writer’s block and create a sustainable writing routine.

I publish a post like this every week. Want to know when the next one comes out? Sign up for my email list below to get it right in your inbox.

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Past Editions

#214: It Doesn’t Count If You Don’t Finish It, September 2021

#213: How to Be a More Disciplined Writer, September 2021

#212: How to Turn an Idea into a Story, September 2021

#211: Writing Every Day, September 2021

#210: Ed Sheeran on Writing, August 2021

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I have decided to do another rewrite

In this new rewrite a lot of stuff has changes:

- POV changes between Viktor and Sabya, instead of being just Viktor

- instead of plot keeping them away from the train station, the train station has collapsed due to a bomb, thus they have to wait for a temporary train station to be built

- the focus is more on leaving their families instead of leaving the city

- the antagonists have a bigger role

#nirrini #fantasy #creative writing #writing community #story plotting

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Well, I commissioned @mari-core another time for Sabya, and let's just say that she made her look stunning.

As you might see, her chest is a bit small for being a Gubai. This is a slight disability of her, which makes her unable to fly (but she can glide over short distances)

So this is Sabya. Viktor's sidekick with a passion for flowers and geography and whom was able to accidentally steal a wallet. Oops...

#worldbuilding #nirrini #creative writing #mari core #character design

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I just realised something

Both Alsrikians and Gagonians have a pretty gender neutral dress code, unless the Alsrikian is dressing up to be fancy or just wanna wear a dress for whatever reason

#worldbuilding #nirrini

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(Reply to r/conlangs' challenge 5 minutes of your day: Mary would have prepared dough)

Mary lifut føgofød thamu

/mɐXy lifʉt fœgɒfœd θɐmʉ/

Mary prepare.dish dough-G2.ACC AUX

The auxiliary chosen here -- thamu -- means past, imperfective and speculative. The sentence speculates about something ongoing or unfinished in the past

The word føgofdo (NOM form) is made by combining føgot and lifudo. Both of these words has quite the etymology.

Føgot comes from the word fegoken in Gaofedomi, which refers to a specific straw that has pink grains that can be made into a pink flour. Fegoken comes from fegovite achaken, where fegovite means pink and achaken means a wheat-like plant.

Lifudo originally meant animal that are used for food, but after a while began to mean raw food. Lifut means prepared food, which after a while also began meaning to prepare food

The word does thus technically mean raw meat of fegoken

#conlang #5 minutes of your day #worldbuilding #clong #constructed language