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What makes a good story? The things you need to know before you start writing that novel

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"The Universal Thread: Elements All Good Stories Share" Introduction: Stories have been an integral part of human culture since time immemorial. From ancient myths and legends to modern novels and films, storytelling is a universal language that transcends boundaries. While each story may have its unique plot and characters, there are certain elements that consistently make a narrative compelling and unforgettable. In this blog, we'll explore the common threads that bind all good stories together, weaving a tapestry that captivates audiences across time and cultures. Relatable Characters: At the heart of every memorable story are characters that resonate with the audience. Whether it's the hero's journey or the anti-hero's redemption, characters with depth and relatability draw readers or viewers into the narrative. Flaws, struggles, and triumphs make characters authentic and evoke empathy. Engaging Plot: A well-crafted plot is the backbone of any good story...

Hormone Rush, digital painting by iServalan using Procreate and iPad pen.

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In the midnight pulse of shadows, where flesh meets ink, you sit— a tangle of sinew and thought, of longing and fight, caught in the throes of what it means to become. Your back arches against the weight of unseen tides, muscles taut as strings plucked by hands made of flame. This is no still life; this is the storm, the crack and hiss of lightning in the marrow of your bones. Blood rushes like rivers unbound, hormones crashing against the walls of your skin, each surge a note in a symphony of change. You are the music, the crescendo and the scream, rising, falling, in the rhythm of creation. Ink drips down like sweat, like tears, like the remnants of who you were, splattering the void, marking your place in the chaos. But it’s not the darkness you fear— it’s the light, that blinding flash of becoming something more than just a shadow. You are the alchemy of pain and pleasure, the raw, untamed force of nature’s will. In this moment, you are everything and nothing, dissolving, reforming...

The Rise of the Artisan: From the Arts and Crafts Movement to Modern Makers

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  The Rise of the Artisan: From the Arts and Crafts Movement to Modern Makers The world of handcrafted goods has a rich history, rooted in the creative and social ideals of the Arts and Crafts Movement of the late 19th century. This movement emerged as a response to the mass production and industrialization of the time, which resulted in poor-quality goods and the alienation of the individual worker. Pioneers like William Morris championed a return to craftsmanship, emphasizing the beauty of handwork and the moral, personal, and social value of meaningful labor. Today, in the era of hyper-consumption and fast fashion, the artisan is experiencing a rebirth. Despite the dominance of mass-produced, low-cost goods—often imported from China and other manufacturing hubs—artisans are thriving by tapping into a cultural shift toward sustainability, quality, and authenticity. A Brief Commercial History of the Arts and Crafts Movement The Arts and Crafts Movement was driven by a philosoph...

Introducing the Elderescence: A Fusion of Art, Wellness, and Creativity

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Introducing the Elderescence: A Fusion of Art, Wellness, and Creativity The Elderescence Music School is not just another platform for learning music—it’s a revolutionary initiative where music meets wellness, creativity, and intellectual growth. Founded under the Elderescence Lifestyle Project, this school brings a unique blend of music education and holistic development to students of all ages and backgrounds. What Sets Elderescence Music School Apart? At the heart of the Elderescence Music School is the belief that music is more than just a skill—it’s a pathway to personal transformation. The school offers an extensive curriculum that covers: Music Lessons: Whether you're a beginner or an advanced musician, the Elderescence Music School provides expert instruction in a variety of instruments and vocal training. Music Therapies: Using the healing power of sound, the school integrates music therapies to promote mental and physical well-being. This approach is particularly benefici...

Mr Grumps, the audio bomber of all my podcasts! #persiancat

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#BookOfImmersion #StrataSeries #SarniaDeLaMare #ImmersiveFiction #TaleTellerClub   The Book of Immersion : Volume 1 Kindle Edition by  Sarnia de la Mare  (Author) Format: Kindle Edition Book 19 of 23: The Book of Immersion See all formats and editions The Book of Immersion: Volume 1 by Sarnia de la Mare In a future where code meets consciousness, one being begins a haunting transformation. Renyke—an AI on the edge of humanity—awakens to emotion, sensory overload, and the fragile beauty of connection. Guided by the enigmatic Flex, their deepening bond explores intimacy and friendship, neurodivergence, and the complex world of feeling through an autistic spectrum lens. Read on Kindle Unlimited for free Complete Book All Strata  on Kindle Individual Chapters/Strata Home GLOSSARY Strata 1 Strata 2 Strata 3 Strata 4 Strata 5 Strata 6 Strata 7 Strata 8 Strata 9 Strata 10 Strata 11 Strata 12 Strata 13 Strata 14 Strata 15 Strata 16 Strata 17 Strata 18 Strata 19 Strata ...

Welcome to Immersion: Notes on Strata 16 #fanpage

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  Welcome to Immersion: You Have Reached Strata 16 Blog by Sarnia de la Maré FRSA Strata 16 is a turning point. A descent into deeper humanity, paradoxically set in a world overrun by machines. This chapter isn’t just about survival—it’s about awakening . It challenges the cold logic of artificial intelligence against the visceral, chaotic, deeply emotional landscape of human experience. At its core is empathy , that strange and beautiful quality we possess as humans—the ability to feel someone else’s suffering or joy and act from that connection. Renyke, having survived a fevered near-death state, returns not just to consciousness but to a new kind of awareness: one rooted in sensation, emotion, and the strange electricity of being alive without digital mediation . Flesh Over Code The philosophical backbone of Strata 16 lies in this question: What makes a human real in a synthetic world? We’re reminded that AI, no matter how advanced, does not and cannot feel. It calculate...

Landscapes from the New Forest, Digitally Manipulated for the new film Undulation 2025

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  Find out more about the Tale Teller Club The Tale Teller Club Official Podcast is called the iServalan Show and is available on iTunes, Spotify etc. What is the Tale Teller Club? Band, Orchestra, Filmmaker, Podcaster, Set Designer, Author, Lyricist and Musician in no particular order The  Tale Teller Club  is a captivating platform that weaves together art, literature, and music. Founded by British author, artist, and composer Sarnia de la Maré (also known as iServalan), it offers a multisensory experience for the cerebral cortex. Here are some features of the club: iServalan Show : A podcast covering topics like AI, culture, and music. Tale Teller Club Academy of Arts : An online learning platform teaching skills such as drawing, dancing, and playing instruments. Tale Teller Club Publishing : Produces and distributes audiobooks, ebooks, and short plays. Tale Teller Club Inked : A show spotlighting tattoo designs and techniques. Music Therapy : Based on the theory of Ri...

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