Category: Art

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Becoming a Published Author: Embracing Independent Routes to Success

author blog create creative

In the past, aspiring authors often faced the daunting challenge of securing a traditional publishing deal to see their work in print. However, with the rise of digital technology and the democratization of the publishing industry, aspiring writers now have an array of options to become published authors without relying on a large publisher. In this article, we will explore how to pursue a successful writing career by leveraging independent routes to publication.

  1. Perfect Your Craft

The foundation of any successful author’s journey is honing their writing skills. Dedicate time to practice, read extensively, and seek constructive feedback from peers or writing communities. Joining local writing groups or online forums can provide valuable insights and opportunities to improve your writing.

  1. Write with Purpose

Discover your niche and write with a clear purpose. Whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or self-help, understanding your target audience and the message you want to convey will help you attract a loyal readership. Passion and authenticity in your writing will resonate with your audience and set you apart from the rest.

  1. Edit and Polish Your Manuscript

Once you’ve completed your manuscript, editing and revision are essential. Consider hiring a professional editor or collaborating with beta readers to provide feedback. A polished manuscript increases your chances of creating a high-quality product that will be well-received by readers.

  1. Embrace Self-Publishing

Self-publishing has revolutionized the writing industry, providing authors with an accessible platform to share their work. Numerous self-publishing platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and Smashwords allow you to publish your book in e-book and print formats without any upfront costs.

  1. Create a Professional Book Cover

A captivating book cover is crucial for attracting potential readers. If you’re not skilled in graphic design, consider hiring a freelance designer who specializes in book covers. A professionally designed cover will give your book the competitive edge it needs to stand out in a crowded market.

  1. Build an Online Presence

Establishing an online presence is essential for independent authors. Create a professional website, start a blog, and engage with readers through social media platforms. Building a strong author brand will help you connect with your target audience and gain a dedicated following.

  1. Utilize Marketing Strategies

Marketing is vital in the self-publishing world. Utilize various marketing strategies such as book giveaways, promotions, and collaborating with book bloggers or influencers in your genre. Building a mailing list of interested readers can also help you launch future books successfully.

  1. Leverage Print-On-Demand Services

To offer paperback versions of your book without investing in a large print run, consider using print-on-demand (POD) services. Companies like KDP Print and IngramSpark allow you to distribute paperback copies of your book globally without holding physical inventory.

  1. Network within the Writing Community

Networking within the writing community can lead to valuable opportunities. Attend writing conferences, join online writing forums, and connect with fellow writers, agents, and small publishers. Collaborations and mutual support can open doors to broader readership and potential publishing deals.

  1. Never Stop Learning

Continuously educate yourself about the publishing industry and marketing trends. Stay adaptable and be willing to adjust your strategies to meet changing market demands. As an independent author, staying informed and open to growth will aid in your long-term success.

In today’s digital age, aspiring authors have unprecedented opportunities to publish their work without relying on a traditional publisher. By perfecting your craft, embracing self-publishing, building an online presence, and adopting effective marketing strategies, you can realize your dream of becoming a published author without the need for a large publisher. Remember, success in the independent publishing world requires perseverance, resilience, and a genuine passion for your craft. Embrace these challenges, and your writing journey can lead you to new and exciting horizons.

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The Art of Artificial Intelligence

person reaching out to a robot

How far has AI come?

Have you ever wondered what an AI-created recipe would look like? Or read an article about a machine learning algorithm that was able to write its own suspense novel? The world of artificial intelligence has been steadily unfolding over the past few years and there have been some truly fascinating developments in areas such as art and entertainment. But what exactly are these machines doing that we previously thought only humans could do? Are they just mimicking our behavior or are they creating something new and different? I’ll explore these questions through examples of AI-generated artwork, recipes, stories, music and more!

What does imagination look like in a machine?

Imagine a machine that runs on electricity and sits in the corner of your room. The machine can’t directly observe the world, because it’s not connected to any sensors, but it has access to your mind—so whenever you think about something, the machine imagines what it’s like as well. The question is: how do we know whether or not this machine is imagining anything?

In order for us to be able to tell if an AI is imagining something (and thus demonstrating creativity), we need some way of determining whether or not its output resembles an image or thought that was previously seen by its creator (in this case, us). For example: if I give you a picture and ask you what someone else would see when they looked at it and then gave their own description of what was pictured within that picture—what would happen? You’d probably end up with two similar descriptions! This means there must have been something similar in our minds when each one was describing what they saw in their own words—because otherwise our descriptions wouldn’t have been so similar. Your imagination worked like mine did!

What about AI-created art and entertainment?

AI can also be creative and entertaining. AI-created art and entertainment may be the next big thing in the world of art and entertainment, as it has proven to be a new form of expression for both humans and machines.

The first step was taken by Google’s DeepDream project, which created dreamlike images from artificial neural networks trained on photos. These images have become increasingly realistic over time as AI technology has progressed.

In addition to imagery, machine learning is being used by researchers in music composition (Ludwig van Beethoven would be amazed) and storytelling (the future of filmmaking?).

Is AI just an extension of our human creativity or is it doing something new and different?

In recent years, we’ve seen AI used as a creative tool. It has allowed us to create things that were once impossible – like the first truly lifelike virtual human being in 2015. Every day, we are seeing more and more examples of what AI can do as a creative force in our lives: from helping doctors diagnose diseases faster and more accurately; to creating new materials for industries; to helping people recover from traumatic experiences or ongoing mental health issues.

In some ways, I think AI is just an extension of our human creativity: maybe it can take certain tasks off our hands so that we can focus on other things (like making art). But there’s another possibility too: that AI is doing something entirely new and different – something that has not been possible with human minds alone before now. Perhaps by harnessing the power of machines with huge processing capabilities beyond anything we could ever build ourselves – this might lead us down paths previously untouched by humanity?

Who owns an AI’s creations?

When it comes to creating art and music, AI is still in its infancy. But as the technology improves, there will be questions about who owns what it creates.

This is a question that has been raised by many artists and creators of all kinds in the past; when a machine writes music or writes poetry, whose words are they?

If you want to argue that an AI isn’t creative at all—that it’s just mimicking human creativity—you’re missing the point. A creativity machine is not a human being: It doesn’t have rights or feelings like we do. However, that doesn’t mean we should ignore its ability to impact society in both positive and negative ways.

AI could be used for good or evil purposes—it depends on how people use them (like any tool). But whatever your opinion on that matter may be, it’s important to recognize how this technology can benefit society if used properly. We needn’t fear what our creations might do with their newfound abilities; instead of fearing them, we should embrace them as extensions of ourselves because without them there would be no possibility for new ideas ever coming into existence again!

Where is AI going?

Artificial intelligence is the future. It’s a concept that we’ve been dreaming of ever since the dawn of time, and now it’s finally here. What does this mean for us? Well, it means that everything from medical care to childbirth could be transformed by AI in ways we can only begin to imagine.

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Superbia

man in white crew neck top reaching for the like

The Dopamine Don’t Hit Right

Elements inspired by Tick Tick… Boom

Ive been using again 

I can’t help it

But, I know I shouldn’t 

Every now and then 

When I take it, I can forget every little thing

My failures that feel like a sting 

The emptiness of a one night fling 

But then, I forget the happy affairs 

The light in my heart knowing someone cares

The wave of calm I feel knowing someone is there

It gets hard to tell what is real or not after a while

All the fake love, all the fake smiles

It feels so good, even though I look like a villain 

How can you deny the love of millions?

How can you deny the praise of brilliance?

I keep going back again and again 

Till eventually, I don’t know what’s real in the end

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Jeremy Bearimy

clear hour glass on frame

Inspired by The Good Place

I run and run and cannot be stopped

I am something you cannot buy

I am something that cannot be taught 

I am difficult to measure 

Seen as a hidden treasure 

But to have more of me is always a pleasure 

No one can own me

Despite the many that plea

I am always and forever free

I am the most precious thing to humanity

They do not understand my prime 

For I am everyone’s time

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Limbo: A Dialogue

Photo from Unsplash taken by Greg Rakozy

Inspired by real events

Death: Boo!

Me:..

Death: *Evil Laugh*

Me: … Boo!

Death: Why are you not scared? 

Me: Why should I be scared?

Death: Because… everyone is?

Me: Not me

Death: Why?

Me: Because I don’t believe in fearing my fate

Death: Your fate is to die?

Me: Not to die, but to go through the cycle of life. It is not like I can stop it from happening, just like I can’t stop the birds from singing, I can’t stop the waves from crashing back into the sea, and just like I can’t stop a child from climbing and falling off a tree.

Death: Humph. You make me laugh, so many people pass by but it is rare that I hear something like that.

Me: Most people don’t think of it.

Death: They don’t. I don’t. Very few do but, most do not. But, if they did maybe, they would respond differently. 

Me: Maybe

Death: Why do most react the way they do? Such surprise at their own demise. Yet, it is the fate of all, I know it to be true. 

Me: Because most people don’t think about you, to them you are not relevant until their journey ends. By the time you arrive, people realize it is too late to do all the things they said they would do. It’s always pushed to later so why bother and by that time you get the best of what they had to offer.

Death: The best of what they had to offer?

Me: Yes! All their potential, all their dreams, and all their goals.

Death: You make me sound like a bad guy. Maybe I am.

Me: No!

Death: I am, look at me! I come with a smile, eager for those to tell me of their journeys, traveling miles. To see life through a million points of view but, I only know little to a few. That guy who says, “It’s time to go” time to move on, how can you say that’s a good guy?

Me: You are just like birth at the end of the day.

Death: Then who is? Who frames me in such a way?

Me: Fear, he stops us from everything, no matter how small. From love, to expression, and the moments we could have had it all.

Death: It all makes sense now, everyone arrives with their fears and wonders how? As though, I am the one who took it all away. Regret, sadness, all these things are nothing I wish to bestow on anyone.

Me: Maybe there will be a glimmer of hope and as time goes on, as humanity will find ways to cope. To enjoy the cycle of life and say “it wasn’t so bad.” 

Death: It is a bittersweet quality that those who have come by are not scared of fear. A satisfied life is all I wish to see rather than tears.

Me: We have a lot to catch up on in many years.

Death: I look forward to seeing you again, some day. What will you do with your time?

Me: While my journey is not clear, I hope it is filled with adventure, joy, cheer. 

Death: May your life be long and happy… now get out of here!

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Some Like It Red

Photo from Unsplash by Michèle Eckert

Once upon a time in New York City during the 1960s, there lived a young gay wolf named Rolf, who always dreamed about becoming a star. Growing up, he would often watch movies of Hollywood’s Golden Age such as The Wizard of Oz, Casablanca, and Pyscho. Audition after audition, Rolf would be rejected by casting directors who were seeking people to be in their movies. He was struggling, gave up everything to pursue his dream, even dropped out of high school to focus on only auditioning. That all changed the day he got hit by a limo that held one of Broadway’s biggest stars. It was Scarlet Hood although people would often refer to her as “Little Red.” She had stared on every Broadway production since she was a baby. She was one Rolf’s role models, he had seen every musical she was part of and knew every role that she had played. She came out of the limo furious! 

“What are you doing crossing the street when cars are clearly driving! The damn sign says not to walk for fucks sake!” 

“I…I…I…YOU’RE SCARLET HOOD!”

“Obviously! Now look at this you made me late for my audition for Sugar Granny’s Productions. This is suppose to be my breakthrough!” “Wait! Sugar Granny Productions! They are one of the biggest production companies in Hollywood today! You have an audition with them!?”

“Yes I do! This is my chance to get the lead role in the movie Babes in Toyland! Do you not know how important this is to me! I can finally stop performing on that stupid stage and have my face on the big screen! Now get out of the road before you make me more late then I already was!” 

“Wait! I have been trying to get someone to cast me and I could really use your help with getting a part in the movie, I’ll take anything even if Im an extra in the background!”

Little Red looked at him and smirked at Rolf’s desperate plea for help. All she could do was laugh in his face.

“You really think that you can make it to Hollywood? Im sorry, but you should just give up, you can’t compete with people like us. We were born gifted and if you haven’t even caught the attention of one person already, then why are you still trying?” 

And just like that she hopped into her limo and drove off to her audition. Rolf was heartbroken to hear one of his own role models tell him that he was untalented. His sadness quickly turned into anger and he sought to prove Little Red wrong. He followed her limo to Sugar Granny Productions to audition for the same role as she was going to. When he saw her go into the studio he headed towards the window to go and spy on her audition because he wanted to go in the minute she was finished. Rolf noticed how innocent she appeared while she performed her piece, eyes big, huge smile, an angelic voice. It was all an illusion. The moment she took her bow and thanked the casting directors, Rolf bursted through the window into the room. Slightly injured and desperate for the directors attention, He got up and presented himself. Little Red was flaming with anger. 

“WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE!?” She said. 

Rolf completely ignored her and started to introduce himself until one of the older casting directors got up and approached him with a concerned look on her face. 

“Oh Sunny are you ok? You just came through the window as though you were being chased by the police.” 

“I’m fine! I’m here to audition for the same role as she did!” He said furiously pointing at Little Red.

“… Umm you do know that the role that she auditioned for was for a female? Right?”

“Yes, but I’m very much in touch with my feminine side! Trust me, the only reason my make up is messed up is because I crashed through that window!” 

A little confused and scared the casting director sat back down along side the other directors and let him continue his audition.

“Hello! My name is Rolf and I will be performing ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ from the classic Wizard of Oz!” 

The casting directors had some faith in him when he presented himself only to be disappointed by his off key singing and unnecessary interpretative dance. They could not tell if he was out of it from jumping through a window or that he was trying to portray a female. They eventually stopped him in the middle of his performance. A male casting director looked at him and shook his head. 

“I’m sorry, but you just do not fit what we are looking for in the role to be completely honest with you.” 

Rolf looked startled by the statement and started to tear up a little. Little Red began to burst out laughing. The older woman then got up and approached him once more.

“The role is going to Scarlet. She fits the criteria of what we are looking for in the film and I’m sorry, but we would also prefer a female.” 

“HAHA! I TOLD YOU! YOU NEVER HAD A CHANCE! ESPECIALLY GOING AGAINST A PERSON LIKE ME!” Little Red said as she continued to laugh and brag about herself. 

Rolf became so overwhelmed by Little Red and the casting directors that it finally happened. He cracked. He pulled out his gun in his bag in case of emergencies and aimed at Little Red. She stopped her laughing and looked horrified along with the directors. 

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?” 

“YOU ALWAYS SAID YOU WERE THE STAR! NOW IM GOING TO OFFICIALLY MAKE YOU ONE!”

Without a moments notice, Rolf shot Little Red in the face and she died instantly. The directors screamed and called the cops immediately. The police showed up quickly and took Rolf away. He was then sentenced to life in prison for first degree murder of Little Red. Before he was taken away they asked if he had any last words for his actions. He simply said.

“I just wanted to be a star…”

MORAL:

Don’t let failing go to your heart,

And don’t let success go to your head.

The End.

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The Starving Creative

Photo from Unsplash by Austin Chan

This needs to be said; we are living in a day and age where we have no creativity, no originality, we are living in a day and age where creatives are being rejected if they do not spew the same propaganda. Its is usually, same story, different character, and that is it. Do not get me wrong, it is amazing to see people of different backgrounds on tv, in movies, and in books; however, we are solely relying on obvious features of a person to connect with them rather than, uniquely distinct character traits that makes anyone special.

We went from creating things like The Matrix, Gattaca, Black Swan, and other incredible movies and books alike to repeating the same messages of doom and gloom whether it be a constant reminder of how different you are or how you need to be scared at every waking minute because you can die. That is not what a creative is, that’s what a propagandist is. The exact definition coming from the dictionary is “a person who promotes or publicizes a particular organization or cause (Oxford Languages)”. We have seen this in the classic sense of newspaper and magazine cartoons which is completely fine but, with recent world events we see it in every part of our lives. We need people to come forward and start seeing worlds and ideas that are beyond our known reality. You know what happens when you do that? You are able to create culture, you are able to bring people together, and you become a great contribution that mankind can look back on and still talk about.

Some of the most incredible creators such as Prince, Selena, Langston Hughes, Emily Dickinson, Marilyn Monroe, Sade, and so many others that I cannot think of at the moment have left a mark in society that new creators can come back to for inspiration. Now everything is just a simple reboot, reboot, reboot. Why? Because it is easier to just use concepts that have been used before and just adjust them to modern day standards. I am so bored seeing the same things, how many times can you remake something? People are being sedated in a sense with this mediocracy, giving them the same pill just a different color. I must say and do apologize to my young audiences, F**K THAT!

Frankly, I am going to create the things that I want and explore the things that I find fascinating like different personality types, space, adventure and make something original, make something fun!

If you are someone with a new creative idea or concept, I am telling you now, go for it! You have nothing to lose, we are living in an age where any dream is possible, mind you it is hard work like no other but, I would not be writing this to you if I did not believe you could do it. You want to make a comic book? Watch videos, contact people who have done it, and work hard like no other. The same goes for singers, download BandLab and get to work, if you are an artist, learn how to expand and go outside of your comfort zone for inspiration. Go back to the Golden Ages of creativity, because it starts with people having the balls to form our interpretations of the world around us. I may not know you but, I believe in you, be brave! Because you know what happens when you are brave, you bring hope, that hope is shown through your work, and when you create something that is inspiring, you are able to heal the world of despair by giving them a light at the end of the tunnel. 

Creativity is the cure to stale tasting world.

Photo from Unsplash by Bamagal