"You're Freezing. What Were You Doing Out There Without A Coat?!"

"You're freezing. What were you doing out there without a coat?!"

"I— don't remember?"

Breaking 3 Writing ‘Rules’:

If you have ADHD or ASC or are some other flavor of neurodivergent, the ‘rules’ many big name authors post about how they’ve reached success can actually make you feel REALLY BAD because you can’t always do the same thing.

Building a positive relationship with writing can make all the difference in getting you writing more.

'Write every day.’ - Don’t write every day, write when the mood strikes. But you can trick your brain into work mode by trying different things. Put on your shoes when it’s time to write. Light a candle. Put on the same playlist every time. After a while, it’ll be like a light-switch. When you light the candle, your brain will find writing easier. Just don’t force it. When you try to force writing, you build up frustration and resentment if you don’t get anything out. Some days just won’t be writing days. That’s FINE, lots of authors don’t write every day (even if they say they do).

'I write 1000 words every day!’ - Well, if you WANT to write and are struggling, a goal of 1000 words seems really far away. So do incremental goals. One sentence. One paragraph. 100 words. Usually by then you’re in the flow of things and you can write 1000 words pretty easy. And again, celebrate every single one of those goals so you want to keep doing it. One sentence, walk away, come back later, add another, GOOD JOB, two whole sentences!

'Sit down and block out x hours every day just for writing.’ - Actually, the best way I’ve found to write is to tell my brain the deadline or end time is really, really soon - so I write in 20-30 minute chunks, and then walk away or take breaks and come back if I want to later. By setting that arbitrary shorter deadline, my brain can see an end and will work harder and focus more because it knows it’s just for a little bit. If 20-30 minutes is too long, start with 15 minute chunks.

Art Help

I redid this list because broken links 💀

General Tips

Stretch your fingers and hands

Art is for fun

Never too late to start/improve

Using a tablet

Editing software: pictures & video

Moodboard resources

Comic pacing

Watercolor

Coloring

Color Theory (not children's hospital)

Gold

Dark Skin undertones

Dark Skin in pastel art

POC Blush tones

Eyes colors

Human Anatomy

POSE REFERENCES

Wizard Battle poses

Shoulders

Tips for practicing anatomy

Proportional Limbs

Skeletons

Hair Directions

Afro, 4C hair

Clothing

Long skirts

Traditional Chinese Hanfu (clothing reference)

CLOTHING REFERENCE

Sewing information

Animals

Horse -> Dragon

Snouts: dogs, cats, wolves, fox

Foot, paw, hoof

More

Drawing references sources

Art tutorial Masterlist

Another art tutorial Masterlist

Inspiration: father recreates son's art

Inspiration: Lights

ART BOOKS

Plants/flowers: North America, Hawaii, Patagonia

Whump Prompt #1135

How does everyone react when A, who is renowned for being touch-averse, actually initiates touch?

Maybe they give B a quick hug/pat on the back/hold their hand without realising. (Maybe A is going off to fight, or maybe they’re very sick/injured/scared.)

Do the friends/family immediately call A out in a playful way? Or do they remain quiet so A doesn’t become aware of what they’re doing? Maybe they’re proud of how far A has come, as in the past simply going near A caused them to take a step back.

★ 【小牛 (insta // twt)】 「 本気だす! 」 ☆ ✔ republished w/permission ⊳ ⊳ follow me on twitter

The brain is a muscle just like any other. If it's been a while since you've written, it's gonna act like any other muscle you haven't used in a while. That means you might not be able to write as long, or as well, as you want to. Keep going, but go easy on yourself. Do some warm up exercises, or maybe answer a journal prompt, to get your brain going. If you still can't write, step away and try again later, maybe tomorrow. Just keep trying. Don't give up on yourself.

And if you don't hear this from anyone else today, I'm proud of you.