When does it end

Have you ever told yourself this will be your last time? Only for it to be just the beginning. The beginning of your new addiction.

For some, it be hard to imagine. Others not so much. Addictions can and will come in all different forms, and shapes. Along with various problems. It’s something that will continue to straggle behind you throughout life. Unknowingly or knowingly. Acknowledging the issue is our first step to moving on. Then what. Action. Then you are cured! That’s what it looks like on the outside. Who knows what’s right! In your situation, the people you’re surrounded with may have no idea you’re even struggling to begin with! What does one do then? Some may suggest reaching out for support! Or going to therapy right? Because therapy can heal you. For some. My truth is it doesn’t. Well if therapy cured someone else then it’s bound to work for you as well too right? I wish. I wish I could fix the shattered pieces that seemed to puzzle me. I want to find what I’ve been searching for all these years. I do believe one thing. Finding some sort of purpose. While struggling against an addiction all on your own it will drain the life out of you. There’s no way to sugarcoat that.

It can and most likely will be scary to slowly stray away from your addiction. You know what I found fascinating is how people are addicted to the feeling of sadness. Some find comfort. It’s so much more than sadness. We find comfort in our addiction! That’s why we do what we do. It’s the last thing (or things) that we resort to that “fill” our emptiness. It’s like watering a seed. You only have one chance to help this seed grow. You can give it the love, support, and nutrition it needs. Or you can simply leave it alone and ignore the issues this seed faces throughout life. It comes to the point where you stop realizing about the things you do and the way you influence yourself is the problem. It’s like you can no longer see the reflection you wish to seek. Your mind is past your body. As if you’re no longer there. You are just sitting back and watching a life that was once yours.

Don’t be spiteful. I am not stating “addictions can’t be beaten”. There is one thing you must realize. You don’t always FULLY overcome your problems. Many of us just replace one with another.

What we do need to realize is that eventually our time will come.

The Spot – A Short Story

 “You’re fired,” my boss for the past 2 years says.

Those words made my gut tumble into a knot for so long it felt like years had passed.

“W-What?” I stammer out.

“You heard me, Clay, you’re fired. You come in late every day, you fall asleep at your desk, you never finish your work on time, and you enter some sort of trance that lasts for almost the entire day. You no longer benefit our company. We can’t have someone that daydreams all day working for such a huge business. Pack your things,” my now ex-boss, Walter says.

Without responding, I tread to my poorly decorated cubicle. The only thing on the walls is a photo of my mother and me when I graduated high school. I smile before quickly putting a straight face back on when I realize my current situation. I have no job.

How am I going to take care of myself? How will I afford a bag of food for my cat? How will I pay my rent?

Although I live in Florida, the rent here still isn’t cheap; especially since I live alone. I have no financial help from anyone but myself.

As I gather my very few things into a box, I remember the important meeting I was supposed to have today. I guess I don’t have to worry about that anymore.

After I gather a small box filled with all my belongings, I say goodbye in my head and walk to the elevator. As I go down to the lobby, my mind goes blank. What just happened? My parents are going to be so disappointed in me.

Since I live right down the street to my office, I walk home. I think about what I will do to make sure I can pay my rent. Do I get a roommate? Do I move back home?

After about 5 minutes, I get to my apartment. I turn the key, unlocking the door, and my cat, Patches, comes up to me; she rubs her face against my leg. I can feel her purring as she brushes up against me.

Ever since I moved to this apartment a few years ago, there is this one spot on the roof I just love sitting at. I can just chill and sometimes I take Patches with me too. My phone buzzes with a text from my best friend, George.

It’s a photo of him and his cat. I smile and send a selfie back.

I change into some sweatpants and a hoodie, pick up Patches, and head up to the roof. During the winter in New York, it can get pretty cold. I brought Patches a blanket as well.

As I walk up, I hear my phone begin to ring in my pocket. I take it out and look at the screen. The caller ID says George.

I give myself a confused look, wondering why he would be calling me at this hour. He lives in England, so usually, he would be asleep around this time.

I decide to decline the call, not wanting to go on my phone. But, before I press decline, I hear the sound of a phone ringing. A different phone.

I walk over to my usual spot and see a boy sitting there. It’s a cloudy day and I can’t really make out a face.

He stands up and walks closer to me. I become slightly frightened, unsure of who the strange man is.

On his third step over to me I recognize the face. I could find that face in a crowd of one hundred people. I could recognize him in a mosh-pit at a concert. It’s George.

“George?!” I question, slightly excited, but mostly shocked.

“Surprise?” he says.

10 Tips to End Your Writer’s Block For Good!

These tips have helped me get out of writer’s block and start writing again, and I hope they’ll do the same for you. If you need help, try following some of these suggestions:.

  1. Take breaks: Sometimes, the best way to overcome writer’s block is to step away from your writing and do something else entirely. Walk your dog, watch a movie, play with your cat, or read a book.
  2. Change your environment: If you feel stuck, try changing your writing environment. Move to a different room, go to a park or a coffee shop, or simply switch up your sitting position.
  3. Free-write: Set a timer for a specific time and write whatever comes to mind. This can help get your creative juices flowing and overcome any blockages.
  4. Brainstorm with a friend: Talking to someone about your writing can help generate new ideas and spark inspiration.
  5. Write a different part of your story: If you’re having trouble with one particular section, try writing another aspect of your novel or story.
  6. Use prompts: Try writing prompts to get your creative mind working again. These can be found online or in writing prompts books.
  7. Try a new genre or style: Experimenting with new forms of writing can help you get out of your comfort zone and find new inspiration.
  8. Keep a journal: Writing in a journal can help you reflect on your life and experiences, providing a wealth of material for your writing.
  9. Reading other authors’ work can help you get new ideas and improve your writing skills.
  10. Reward yourself: Lastly, it’s essential to recognize and reward yourself for making progress. Make sure you celebrate your accomplishments with a treat or a relaxing activity.

If you struggle with writer’s block, don’t worry – you’re not the only one. Writer’s block is a common problem that can occur at any time. However, the tips above should help you start writing again and maybe even wholly eliminate “writer’s block.”

Bella H.

Fulfilled

75 Fulfillment Quotes on Life & Happiness (SPIRITUAL)

I used to be silly. I used to never have to worry much! I had what I needed. A Lot of the
time I didn’t even realize when things were wrong. I just didn’t care. I felt as light as a
feather. A young youthful child who simply didn’t have time for anyone else’s nonsense
or foolishness. I would talk to others not filled with much anxiety. My head wasn’t spinning. My brain wasn’t on the verge of exploding into a million pieces all at once. I was a kid.

Now I have more of a purpose. I have dreams and worries. I have people in my face telling me who I should or shouldn’t be. Sometimes it even feels like my destiny’s already chosen before I get the chance to speak.

I want to make my own decisions. Not letting others choose my path for
me. I want to feel happy and fulfilled. The feeling of winning the lottery. Or even just pure joy.
Having your work pay off. After the long nights of studying and sleeping. I want to be
successful. I’d do anything to make my parents proud of me. The feeling of being smart.
Being sure of yourself. Is something I’ll always strive for. Despite all the dreams and goals, I
hold myself up to. I don’t want to waste my life away behind a desk. I love learning new things.

But I want more in life. I want to be more than a person who goes to school just to go home and study. There’s so much more to my life than school. I don’t hate school. I hate killing time. Time is precious it’s something you can never get back no matter how much you beg or cry. It can run away from the tips of your fingers. It’s limited. And you never know when the clock will end. As much as I love making my parents proud. I have life. I have so much more to me.

I don’t wish to be stuck in a never-ending cycle of work, sleep, and eat repeatedly. I want to
live a life that’s meaningful. I want a real reason to be here. Even when things get rough. I want

a life that’s worth remembering. One that’s worth all the pain, stress, and troubles that come
along with living. I don’t want to be trapped in this box. One that most people see, to live the
rest of the entirety. I want to feel and be free. Not being held somewhere against my will. I don’t

want to be in an unhappy home. I wish to travel the seas! To discover missing parts and pieces of the world. I want to make a difference. I want to help others! I want to be someone, not just another body behind a desk. Not just another waste of space. Not just another hopeless girl. Not just some failure who wished but never did. I want to be. I will be someone who tried. Who does her best when it comes to everything and anything! No matter how impossible it may seem I can do it!

I want to be the sea against the storm. Staying in place no matter who or whatever comes in my way. Life has more of a purpose than sitting around waiting for one. Waiting for a miracle to fly out of the sky. Laying flat into your hands. When I leave earth I would like to know I left making a difference. I wish for better. Better for those who deserve it but never received it. Better for those who are struggling to fight for what they deserve. I am going to live a fulfilled life. One with not only purpose. But with meaning. I wish to be surrounded by those who matter to me. I will be the difference. I will do what I’ve always wanted to. I’ll stop caring what others think. I will live a carefree life. Filled with meaning. My special purpose. This time I won’t hide away like the sun in the rain. Yet I will soar above the clouds like a spaceship with no landing. Heading wherever the path takes me.

How to Write a Novel in four Months: Advice from a Teen Author

Writing a novel takes a lot of time; If you’re reading this, you may want to know how to write a book in four months. Well, I’m here to tell you that it is possible. I wrote my first novel in four months when I was thirteen. And, while it wasn’t the best novel ever written, it was a start. Here’s the thing: many people think that writing a book is a huge, daunting task that takes years. And, sure, some novels do take years to write. But, those novels usually result from years of planning, outlines, and drafts. You can do it if you want to write a novel in four months. All you need is a plan and a little bit of motivation. How do you write a book in two to four months? First, you need to sit down and make a plan. What is your novel about? The main plot? The subplots? Who are the main characters? What are their motivations? Once you have a plan, it’s time to start writing.

The first step is to set a goal for yourself. Write 200-500 words a day, or 1,000 words a day, or whatever you think you can handle. And then just write. Write without stopping, without editing, and without worrying about whether or not your writing is good. Just write. The first draft is always the hardest, but it’ll be more manageable once you get going. If you hit a wall, take a break. Go for a walk, watch a movie, or read a book. But don’t give up. Writing a novel is a lot of work, but it’s also a lot of fun. And, in the end, it’s always worth it.

Second, get started and keep going. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you start writing. In fact, it’s often better to start writing and see where the story takes you. You can always go back and make changes later. The most important thing is to keep writing. Keep going even if you hit a rough patch or think your writing could improve. Just keep going. The more you write, the better you’ll get at it. And if you finish your novel and are unsatisfied with it, that’s okay. You can always revise it or even start over. The important thing is that you finish it. Writing a novel is a huge accomplishment, no matter how long it takes or how it turns out.

Third, set a daily word count goal and stick to it. Set a daily word count goal and stick to it. This may seem daunting, but it is doable if you are disciplined and have a clear plan. Sit down and calculate how many words you need to write daily to reach your goal of 50,000 words in four months. This may seem like a lot, but only about 800-1000 words per day. Once you have your daily plan, make sure to stick to it. There will be days when you may feel like you need help to get stuck, but push through and remember your goal. If you stay caught up, don’t stress; catch up as soon as possible. Writing a novel is a lot of work, but it is also fun. So, set your goal and stick to it, and you will be well on your way to writing a great novel in just four short months.

Fourth, Don’t worry about being perfect; just keep writing.
Assuming you have a story outline and characters already planned out, the best way to write a novel in four months is to just keep writing. It can be easy to get bogged down in perfectionism, but it’s important to remind yourself that the first draft doesn’t have to be perfect. Just get the story down on paper (or screen), and worry about fixing it later. If you’re worried about making mistakes, just remember that everyone makes them. Even best-selling authors had to revise their work before it was published. The most important thing is to keep writing; you’ll be surprised how quickly the words start to flow.

Fifth, Make time for your story every day.
No matter how busy you are, if you want to write a novel in four months, you must make time for your story every day. That means setting aside at least an hour each day to write, and more if you can. Even if you can only spare 30 minutes, or 20, or 10, that’s still enough to get some words down on the page. The best way to make sure you stick to your writing schedule is to set a daily goal. Decide how many words you want to write, and then make sure you write at least that many. Some days you’ll write more, and some days you’ll write less, but as long as you hit your goal most days, you’ll make good progress. If you have trouble finding time to write, try getting up an hour earlier and writing before school or work. Or write during your lunch break. Or write in the evening after you’ve finished your homework. You can also break your writing sessions into smaller chunks and write for 10 or 15 minutes throughout the day. The most important thing is to be creative about how you fit writing into your life. There needs to be one right way to do it. Just make sure you find a way to make it work.

The next step is, Let your characters lead the way.
There’s no single right way to write a novel, but some methods are more effective than others. One method that can be particularly useful is to let your characters lead the way. What does this mean, exactly? It means that you should focus on your feelings first and foremost and let their actions and decisions drive the plot. This can be a great way to ensure that your story is character-driven rather than plot-driven. One of the best ways to do this is to brainstorm your characters before you start writing the story. Write down everything you know about them, including their backstories, goals, and personality traits. The more you know about your characters, the easier it will be to let them lead the way. Another helpful tip is to start each chapter with a character’s name. This will help you track who’s doing what and make it easier for your readers to follow. Finally, feel free to let your characters make mistakes. It’s their story, after all, and their mistakes will make them more relatable and human. Consider how your decisions have led to good and bad things in your life, and use that to inform your character’s choices. Remember, there’s no single right way to write a novel. So if you find yourself struggling, take a step back and see if letting your characters lead the practice might be the best course of action.

Finally, enjoy the process, and don’t get discouraged.
One of the best pieces of advice I can offer for anyone trying to write a novel in four months is to not get discouraged. The process can be daunting, but it’s important to remember that writing is a journey, not a destination. You will make mistakes along the way, but that’s okay! The important thing is to enjoy the process and to keep writing. There will be days when you feel like you can’t do it, but you must push through. Remember why you’re doing this in the first place. Whether it’s because you want to tell a story or you’re aiming to get published, keep your goal in mind. And don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Many resources are available to help you, whether online forums, beta readers, or writing groups. The most important thing is to not give up. Writing a novel is a lot of work, but it’s also a lot of fun. So go forth and write your heart out! Get started today!

Bella H.

Another Way

I know Mental Health awareness is everywhere. But there are still people out there struggling. Fighting for their life. It hurts to know many people feel there isn’t any way out. Well I am here to tell you there is. And to never give up on yourself. I know its hard to keep going, but it will be worth it! In the end you’ll be thankful you stayed. I promise. Life eventually turns around. It will take time. I just wanted to remind you that there’s always another way.

I wrote this prose for those who feel there’s no way out. Its called: “Still Here”.

Still Here

        For those who may feel like life is meaningless. Or simply believe there is no point of living. I have a short story to share with you. To help remind myself and others on why we should keep going; I’m still here. I love many things. School is one of them. There I get a chance to be creative and free. Not many restrictions. I have lots of hope and dreams as I enter the building of what feels like a second home. Here I am away from the troubles and stress. Or some of it. But there was a time when life wasn’t getting anywhere. I felt nothing but hopeless. The world around and its people were drained of color. The sun was hidden away for decades. It was like someone powered out the lights and decided to not turn them back on. For the longest time. I was locked in this room. There was a window. Where the door should’ve been. I was alone. Barely standing on whatever I had left of me. I was chopped up and scattered into bits and pieces. I screamed relentlessly. Crying for help. Any help. Your help. His help. Nothing left my mouth. I could feel the tears rushing over me like a ton of waves crashing against the shore. I was underwater gasping for air. Screaming. Pleading for someone to notice. And they didn’t. Suddenly everything went black. No. The room shrank. So did its window. The walls continue to cave in. Please stop. All I need is for someone to help me. I don’t understand how I’ve gotten to this point. But I feel lost and unworthy. I can’t do this anymore. Nothing. The walls started to cave in once more. I kicked and screamed. The window wouldn’t open. It just didn’t crack. Go. Tell someone we need help. We must get out now before it’s too late. The window began to shrink. What’s wrong with you? You must want to die. Nothing but silence filled the empty room. What’s the point of staying? They didn’t want you in the first place. They can’t help you now. They can’t hear you. They can’t see you. The window now as small as a dot- opens. Just a crack. I swore I could hear the slightest whisper. I ran. Ran faster, Like that would help. I ran but I didn’t move. We’re still here. In the same place where we once began. Now screaming or so I thought. I begged for help. I could see myself. I could see people off in the void. Hey! I need help. Now would be great. I’m sorry to bother you but I can’t do this for much longer. They looked at me. Simply stared. Straight through me as if I wasn’t even there. Taking one look at me then moving on with the rest of their day. Not even a hi or hello. No acknowledgement that I was ever there. At that very moment the window slammed shut. No one there. But me. The window then shrank to nothing but to the point of disappearance. You were supposed to be there for me. I yelled repeatedly. Why? Why am I still here? My body sinking into a muddy puddle. The room with its walls smashing me into one another. I knew it. I told myself this was it. I had accepted the fact that if they didn’t care about me then why should I. I let myself spiral into whatever I’d become. Just as my head sank under. A door appeared. The faintest brown I’ve seen in years. In the corner of the four walls the door was creaked open. Everything around me stopped. I stopped sinking. I was able to get up. There was no snake wrapped around my neck. The sun was no longer hidden.

Random Facts About Books!

As of 2010, there are 129 million books in existence: Google had released the number of books existing in the world to be exactly 129,864,880. The amount of books now since a decade had passed must be larger. I can’t find a more recent number of books in the world which isn’t surprising since I don’t think anyone wants to count all of the books in the entirety of the world. But you never know how bored people can get 🙂

The most popular book genre at the moment is Romance: Book sales has exposed the fan-favorite of all genres being romance. This could be since there are a lot of subgenres to romance and can be combined with another genre in many other cases. Another one to mention here would be that the most popular romance trope at the moment is enemies-to-lovers. Everyone loves a little bit of tension, especially Booktok based on the books they recommend with their very heart and soul. They have also really turned the tide against friends-against-lovers and honestly, I would like to see them proceed.

Bill Gates bought the most expensive book, sold for 30.8 million dollars: Come on, this is Bill Gates we are talking about. He probably earns that type of money in 10 minutes. But anyway, the book he bought was by Leonardo Da Vinci called Codex Leicester. This book is basically a collection of scientific writings named after Thomas Cooke who became the Earl of Leicester. Bill Gates said he bought it to share the same wonder and curiosity that Leandro Da Vinci had himself. And it was done on the 500th anniversary of his death!

Like the smell of books? Well, there is a word for it now: Those who liked the smell of books are known to be called Bibliosmia. Finally, a word that can finally describe my thought process as I first lay eyes on a book I newly purchased. Hopefully, I am not alone in this. I;m probably not. But you never know.

The longest sentence ever written contained 823 words: Victor Hugo really wants to torture his readers by having them follow along with this long sentence. But nevertheless, this occurs in one of his more famous books Les Miserables. I don’t know in what scene or act (I haven’t read the book) but even if I did, I think I would have skipped that entire sentence.

Authors’ names weren’t written on the book cover at first: This may seem like a normal sentence but the reason behind why may shock some (It shocked me). Back in the days, only the wealthy could read and purchase books because they were educated. And because the book covers could have been made with leather and actual gold so they would be able to afford it. To be honest, if I ever get a golden book, I think I will still find a way to break the spine (I don’t want to, though)

Well, I have exhausted all of crazy book facts I know from my friend’s deep dive into random facts she researched during International Read a Book Day. She got most of them from this website: https://www.yahoo.com/news/11-random-facts-books-weirdly-192533509.html. Let me know in the comments if you guys know any random book facts that I didn’t mention.

-Saanvi V.

Magic Systems and How to Write Them

A Guide to Writing Magic Systems | The Fantasy Hive

Writing a fantasy novel is amazing because the possibilities are endless. However, sometimes it’s difficult to get your creative ideas on paper in a way which makes sense. This will go over a few common fantasy themes and give some ideas on how to approach descriptions.

Perhaps the most standout theme in fantasy novels is magic, but this can also be the hardest to explain. First, plan out some ideas of what magic your world will have. Will the magic be elemental, illusions, mind-control, telekinesis, or manifestations? The next thing to consider is how the magic system works. Are there wands involved? Perhaps the character can shoot out the magic through their hands, or maybe, the magic is contained within the character. Furthermore, will every person be able to use magic? Is magic something that can be learned, or is it genetic? Or maybe magic is only reserved for royalty. Adding rules and boundaries to magic will help make the novel more believable.

Once you have created your magic system, the second most important part is putting it into words. A common trope in fantasy novels is that magic is channeled, almost like working out. Characters will get fatigued, especially if the magic is particularly strong. This is a relatively easy way to write magic and can lead up to very suspenseful moments, like if a character is stuck in a dangerous situation and has to strain themselves to create one powerful spell. 

Another way to write magic is if it is channeled through an object. This could be a wand, crystals, tarot cards or any other object. In this case, you will want to spend some more time describing said object. One example could be if the object heats up or breaks under lots of stress or use. You could also use a combination of the two ideas. An example would be if a character can use magic without the object, but the potency of the spell is increased with it. 

Finally, here are some possible descriptions you can use in your fantasy novel. A boy is filled with rage. He feels as though flames are dancing under his skin, begging to be released. He complies, expelling the liquid flames outwards in a beam. A girl, standing a few feet away from said boy, throws her wand up in response. She clenches her eyes shut as she is hit with a blast of scorching air. But then, as suddenly as it appeared, the heat dissipated. A low hum was now audible in the air around her. She opens her eyes and notices a shimmering blue shield at the end of her wand. 

-Michelle L.

Writing Tips: How to Create A Main Character

500+ Writer Pictures | Download Free Images on Unsplash

Purpose: This should be the first part to consider when you create your protagonist. The purpose is how the character creates the plot of the book. What is the character trying to accomplish? What obstacles is your protagonist facing and why are they doing it? These are things to consider before fleshing out your main character. The plot will help you decide what traits to give your character.

Personality: This is arguably the most important part of creating your character because this is what will make the reader either put down the book or continue reading. When giving your character personality traits, make sure to give them traits that are relevant to the story and further the plot. The protagonist’s personality should be relatable and realistic. Everybody wants to read about positive traits and unique skills, but they also want to see flaws. We all have flaws, and sometimes the flaws in protagonists help to advance the plot of the story. How about a knight who is extremely timid? Mixing stereotypes with unique flaws and traits is the ideal way to create your protagonist.

Physical Traits: While personality is most important, the physical traits of your main character can also help draw in readers. For example, this could be race, gender, or physique. Especially nowadays, there is a lot of diversity within books regarding gender and race. This broadens the audience and allows certain readers to connect deeper with your character. Gender plays an important role in modern books because typically, girls read more than boys (not to say boys don’t read or there aren’t amazing male protagonists.) Finally, the physique of your character is important for two reasons: it helps draw in certain groups of readers, and it should reflect your plot. A character who has to carry a broadsword and armor, should have muscle. A character who spends a lot of time inside with little sleep, should appear ghastly. These are all simple ideas that could help you with creating your protagonist. 

-Michelle L.

Writing Tips: Fantasy Worldbuilding

How Does Freelance Writing Work?

Genre: The most important part when you begin writing a novel is picking a genre. Think of all your favorite books or movies and take inspiration from all of them. Is your novel going to be set in a medieval world? Space? A dystopian civilization? Apocalyptic world? Once you decide it will be a lot easier to write out a plot and the details of your world.

Setting: The second most important part of writing a fantasy novel is choosing the setting. Typically, most fantasy novels take influence from medieval Europe, but it doesn’t always have to be that. What does the environment look like? Is it set in a cold environment, hot environment, desert, space, mountains, coastline? All of these are factors to consider when creating your world.

Plot: Typically fantasy novels follow a plot where the main character has to go on an adventure or quest to complete a task. However, this plot can have a lot of variation and provide a unique story. Some ideas to consider when working out a plot are the tools you will use to advance your plot. This could be magic, a character with a very specific skill, or any other unique additions to your book. This could also be influenced by the setting, perhaps the world is set in a dystopian setting where there are tensions between the rulers and their citizens. Maybe the main character has to go on a quest to find something. The possibilities are endless.

Characters: People like to read about relatable characters. When creating a main character it’s important to make them believable. Many times, new writers create a character that only reflects positive traits, when in reality, everyone has negative traits they’re not proud of. Insecurities and mistakes in a character give the reader an emotional attachment to said character. When writing side characters, make sure they exist to further the plot. Also try to give them their own personality to engage the reader.

-Michelle L.