Writing Seminars - #4 Mental Illnesses and Insanity Scheuled - {Offline}

December 22, 2011 - 11:05pm — Kumiko

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~{ .O. .F. .F. .L. .I. .N. .E.}~

Topic: Mental Illnesses and Insanity
Date: Jan. 29, 2012
Time: 4:30pm Eastern?

Discussion: A very easy way to add a little spice and make your character unique is to examine their past and explore the possibilities of them developing mental illnesses. However, in order to play your character right, you need to fully understand what the illness is, its causes, and its effects on the way a person thinks, feels, and lives.

Today we will be discussing insanity and exploring three fairly popular disorders within the TEF community: Post-traumatic stress disorder (including some Stockholm Syndrome), depression, and Schizophrenia.

Writing Seminars

Writing seminars are a weekly live conference where writers, role players, and the general community can gather to discuss concerning topics regarding writing. Anything from tips on how to improve your writing skills, better develop characters, etc...are broadcast live by me but with highly encouraged community interaction via the live chat. (At times, literature and video examples are even used. So we are somewhat entertaining!)

Be sure to track us.
A new topic is brought up every Friday afternoon.
(Though dates and times are subject to change based on my personal schedule.)

Updates

Currently working on a community Google Document to host all the notes for each week, as well as a directory of helpful links and examples. I am also debating on including possible downloadable versions of the notes as well.

Next Topic...?

Please post suggestions for next week's topic. Right now, I am thinking of hosting a segment dedicated to 'mentally unstable' characters, but let's see your suggestions first

~{ .T. .O. .P.I. .C. .S. }~

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December 22, 2011 - 11:09pm — FishBiscuit

[edit] Okay I just had to get

[edit]
Okay I just had to get that gif in there because of reasons

Timing wise.. well, I dunno--it depends on who is interested! Like around this time works for me, personally, but I'm only one person.
The topics you briefly touched on sound marvelous. I'll be sure to suggest any more if they come to me~

December 22, 2011 - 11:42pm — Unplugged

This is really, really,

This is really, really, really awesome and interesting and necessary and this is the best thing I love you. So, count me in.
I think it would be good to archive conversations too, for later reference.
About 'prime time', I don't know. Generally there seems to be more activity at around this time right now. Evenings are usually good but I wouldn't make it too late for all the european people here.

December 22, 2011 - 11:44pm — Terabetha

Oh goodness there's an epic

Oh goodness there's an epic idea! I would certainly be interested some discussions and the topics you've listed seem like a very good start. Myself being very interested in 'improving writing styles' since I find I only really have one default style, and I would like to hear how other writings work on diversifying within their own work.

I think time-wise afternoon works best for me (12:00 - 5:00 North American Eastern Time Zone).
I would certainly be willing to add my voice to discussion on any topic, specifically character development since that's something I'm more comfortable with.

December 22, 2011 - 11:48pm — Petite

MAKE IT SO. Mr.Sanguine is

MAKE IT SO.

Mr.Sanguine is far too lazy to change accounts.

BUT MAKE IT SO.

my times are really sporadic, so, you know, whenever is cool with me.

As for a program, the same one they use for livestream, 'livestream procaster' allows you to show your desktop, or shoot from your webcam, whenever you like~

—

_{She only dances when; There's something in the cabinet to take.}

December 23, 2011 - 12:18am — Kumiko

I have used Livestream

I have used Livestream before. Last time I used it, it kept crashing on me saying too much CPU was being used...which is impossible...

So I need to mess with it again.

Anyway, if I get working well, I might do an 'introductory topic' tomorrow. Any suggestions on what would be a nice ice breaking discussion?

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December 23, 2011 - 12:29am — Unplugged

As for a LS alternative, you

As for a LS alternative, you can try UStream or justin.tv.

Not sure about a good introductory topic yet. Either way, I'm really excited to see this happening.

(([e]: god I'm really terrible with typos today. sorry for the edits))

December 23, 2011 - 12:27am — FishBiscuit

How about general roleplaying

How about general roleplaying problems?

Like when you say "oh I would like to do a literate rp" and somebody comes and posts a few rushed lines.

[edit]
I'd be down with doing it over Skype, if nothing else works =o

December 23, 2011 - 12:39am — Unplugged

Hmm I'm not sure if RP

Hmm I'm not sure if RP problems like the one you presented would be good as a first topic as it may turn more into collective complaining rather than a productive discussion. But there could be something on roleplay in general. How to properly portray a character, what to do and what not to do (god moding, blending IC/OOC knowledge etc), how to write a nice start, how to find a good setting, how to stop a rp from being just boring talk, how to add some action and all that.

December 23, 2011 - 12:41am — Kumiko

So we should talk about role

So we should talk about role playing?

Sounds good to me. I'll wear my vest and fedora.

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December 23, 2011 - 12:42am — FishBiscuit

Good idea, Ben |D I hadn't

Good idea, Ben |D I hadn't thought about that.

December 23, 2011 - 12:44am — KnightLace

Sounds like a brilliant idea.

Sounds like a brilliant idea. I'd be interested~

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No longer active in the community or forest.

December 23, 2011 - 12:48am — Unplugged

Yes! I think roleplaying is

Yes! I think roleplaying is good as a first topic because it's something a lot of people on here can actively relate to.

While I find stuff like character development or writing styles more interesting, it would probably appeal to a less broad audience than rping does. It's a good hook.

December 23, 2011 - 6:20pm — Terabetha

I could totally use some

I could totally use some advice and tips on how to keep IC and OOC knowledge divided. I always run into issues because people put so much relevant information on biography pages but I never really know if my character should know what I've been told or not. :s

December 23, 2011 - 9:05pm — Kumiko

Dec. 23 I will fancy the

Dec. 23

I will fancy the page up later but I wanted to get the information out now before it was too late. Today will be the test run/introductory conference. We will be talking about role plays; discussing how to make them more effective, keep within your characters' roles, and helping to distinguish the difference between OC and IC moments.

The conference - at the moment - is scheduled for tonight at 5:30pm (Eastern time), but if that is going to be too late, let me know and I can bump it up sooner.

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December 23, 2011 - 9:21pm — Petite

sounds good to me. {That'd be

sounds good to me.
{That'd be approx 1:30 PM for pacific time zone, but someone correct me if I'm wrong}

Will a link be placed here?

—

_{She only dances when; There's something in the cabinet to take.}

December 23, 2011 - 9:51pm — Terabetha

edit: I've just been informed

edit: I've just been informed that I have a party tonight, so I might not be able to come for more than an hour or so. I'll still try and make an appearance but I'm not sure. Feel free to change the time to something that fits the others better (if needed), I don't mind!

December 23, 2011 - 9:38pm — Unplugged

11:30 PM here. works for me.

December 23, 2011 - 10:18pm — KnightLace

Around 10:30 here - sounds

Around 10:30 here - sounds fine for me.

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No longer active in the community or forest.

December 23, 2011 - 11:12pm — FishBiscuit

That would be about 2:30 for

That would be about 2:30 for me. Sounds okie mcdokie.
[edit]

I have to walk twice as many dogs as I'm used to in a few minutes, so I might be a little late. Don't be afraid to start it without me, though!

December 24, 2011 - 12:28am — Kumiko

Here is a link to the

Here is a link to the channel. I'll probably start soon with some music playing until everyone shows up.

Time is kinda working against me heh. Taking me a moment to get ready.

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December 24, 2011 - 1:52am — FishBiscuit

Bump because this is good

Bump because this is good info ;o

December 24, 2011 - 2:52am — FishBiscuit

Here he is

December 30, 2011 - 8:25pm — Kumiko

Topic: Basic Character

Topic: Basic Character Development + Indirect, subtle development
Date: Dec. 30, 2011
Time: 5:00pm Eastern (can change if needed)
Notes: Expect video and video game examples

Discussion: Going over tips on settling on a character concept, basic advice to get the character started, advice on how to build upon your foundation, and tricks on how to reveal information about your character indirectly in writing

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December 30, 2011 - 8:29pm — KnightLace

I think that 10pm over here

I think that 10pm over here in th UK... I'll be there; these are too good to miss n.n

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No longer active in the community or forest.

December 30, 2011 - 9:20pm — FishBiscuit

Sounds groovy! I'll do my

Sounds groovy! I'll do my best to join.

December 30, 2011 - 10:01pm — Unplugged

Character development and

Character development and writing, yum. This is going to be good. I'll have a friend listening with me this time.

December 30, 2011 - 10:49pm — Kumiko

Oh man! Now I feel pressured

Oh man! Now I feel pressured to make this as awesome as possible.

I'm totally going to under deliver. ._.

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December 30, 2011 - 11:08pm — Shiori

Whaaaat, I thought I was

Whaaaat, I thought I was tracking this...pff.
Fail.
BUT YAY.

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December 30, 2011 - 11:44pm — Terabetha

I can't wait!

December 30, 2011 - 11:56pm — cicadia

\o/ Why am I not tracking

\o/ Why am I not tracking this?

December 31, 2011 - 12:00am — Kumiko

Alright guys. Just trying to

Alright guys. Just trying to fix one quick technical error and then things should be up.

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December 31, 2011 - 12:33am — KnightLace

Huh. The livestreaming site

Huh. The livestreaming site isn't working for me - I suppose I'll have to catch the next one |:

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No longer active in the community or forest.

December 31, 2011 - 3:23am — cicadia

;D We were close to the cap

;D We were close to the cap part of the time. The stream can only hold so many people...Maybe you were one of the unlucky ones.

January 3, 2012 - 9:18am — GuardianGhost

Track.

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siggy by Pegasicorn

January 4, 2012 - 9:10pm — shimmyshimmy

Thought I tracked this but

Thought I tracked this but didn't. Missed the second livestream.
FFFFFFF-

January 6, 2012 - 6:58pm — Kumiko

Just a quick update... We

Just a quick update...

We will not be having a live conference this week; I have other obligations regarding getting a few last minute college perpetration in order and am about to leave to go take care of them. Since I am not sure about when I would be back, I do not want to set up a time for today.

However, I have scheduled one for Monday. I am also looking into bumping up the time that they take place, again, to fit my new personal schedule. Though do expect dates or times to change. So please keep an eye for future updates.

Also, hopefully sometime today, I will finally get the notes from last week's topic added to our blog.

If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know.

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January 6, 2012 - 7:10pm — Terabetha

I will do my best to make it

I will do my best to make it to Monday's conference but that's my first day of classes so I might be a bit late. Please don't wait around for me, start and I'll be there if I can!

January 9, 2012 - 8:35pm — Kumiko

Topic: Mary Sues Date: Jan.

Topic: Mary Sues
Date: Jan. 9, 2012
Time: 3:30pm Eastern
Discussion: What is a 'Mary Sue', tips on how to avoid making one, general complaints, and general discussion

Jut a reminder for today's stream.

I am bumping it up from its originally scheduled time to 3:30pm Eastern. Knowing that a lot of people probably have found themselves returning to school, I wanted to ensure we are scheduling the live stream earlier enough for European watches to still get to bed at decent times and American watchers can return home from classes with time to settle in before starting.

So we'll test out this time slot this week and see if we need to adjust it in the future.

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January 9, 2012 - 9:06pm — Unplugged

Very considerate! Cheers from

Very considerate! Cheers from Europe. I hope it's not too early for the rest though.
Looking forward to today's discussion.

January 13, 2012 - 8:35pm — Kumiko

Topic: Deciphering

Topic: Deciphering Cypher
Date: Jan. 13, 2012
Time: 4:00pm Eastern
Discussion: Screw development blogs...I'll be hosting a development stream to give some insight behind Cypher's concept development and information about him. As well as offer a brief Q&A.

Just a reminder for anyone who is interested.

This stream will not really focus on any specific tips for character development, but might be a good example on how you can use a variety of resources to develop your character. As well as show you how to work around your character growing while still trying to keep him/her on track with your concept.

Oh and expect a lot of science.

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January 13, 2012 - 11:18pm — Shiori

WHEEEEEW.

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January 27, 2012 - 8:41pm — Kumiko

Topic: Mental Illnesses and

Topic: Mental Illnesses and Insanity
Date: Jan. 27, 2012
Time: 4:00pm Eastern (can bump it back if needed)
Discussion: A very easy way to add a little spice and make your character unique is to examine their past and explore the possibilities of them developing mental illnesses. However, in order to play your character right, you need to fully understand what the illness is, its causes, and its effects on the way a person thinks, feels, and lives.

Today we will be discussing insanity and exploring three fairly popular disorders within the TEF community: Post-traumatic stress disorder (including some Stockholm Syndrome), depression, and Schizophrenia.

P.S: Expect a lot of video references!

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January 27, 2012 - 8:41pm — GingerNut

I didn't even know about this

I didn't even know about this till now. Definitely gonna take advantage from now on. Trackk~

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January 27, 2012 - 10:51pm — Kumiko

Actually, I am going to push

Actually, I am going to push it back a day or two till Sunday. A few things have came up and I am not as prepared as I would like to be for a topic like this.

What time is everyone available with on Sunday? Perhaps we can schedule an earlier one with it being a weekend.

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January 27, 2012 - 10:53pm — Terabetha

January 29, 2012 - 11:28pm — shimmyshimmy

I sha'll not miss the stream

I sha'll not miss the stream this time! D<

The Endless Forest

Writing Seminars - #4 Mental Illnesses and Insanity Scheuled - {Offline}