Watch me flail my way through my writing journey! I am an enthusiastic writer who is currently clawing my way out of severe burnout, learning to function in my day-to-day life again, and hopefully eventually beyond that.
I do weekly writing live streams, and occasionally put out videos as well, though not regularly at this time. I hope to get back to a regular schedule eventually, but until then, bear with me.
If you want to contact me, please email me at: writer.markus.regius@gmail.com. I might not answer quickly, but it's your best bet ;)
To be honest your opinion is really not valid, people have millions of reasons why they enter a religion. After COVID you should realise some people litteraly just do as they are told, be it as an adult or because they were young. You can imagine everything with religion, how crazy it may seem as it is in our world.
9:06 gave me an idea. Since gender identity would be a universally accepted thing, gender reveal parties, as opposed to being possibly obsolete, could be a coming of age ceremony kind of deal that would be when puberty hits for that person; they'd be given the opertunity to figure themselves out w/ resources & stuff from others, kinda like a baby shower, but with gender. A gender shower, if u will. This made me think that in this hypothetical world, fluid peeps would prolly be seeing people a lot & be the life of the party due to the shifting self-perseption gender stuff & the lil ceremonies every time it happens, lmao! (Not to say that they'd have to do that everytime their gender shifts, but..)
@@FurKid_the_Gg_roo_99 That is an awesome idea! If you want to see someone doing something like that I can recommend Becky Chambers' series that starts with The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet. I recommend them just in general I love those books, but in the fourth book (The Galaxy, and the Ground Within) there is an alien species that basically does that :) Anyway, if you wanted some fun reading, the point is I love that concept and would love to see it done more!
For real. I’m not trans but I consider myself genderqueer and I can relate. We need more stories about trans & genderqueer people being happy instead of only writing about their suffering.
Thank you so much you're a incredible writer! This helped me a lot I don't have a lot of queer characters and I'm considering adding more thanks again.
3:55 that's kind of like me! except the opposite, I identify as a plotter but my outline is very highly detailed. A lot of the time I even put dialogue in there, I'd call it a draft if it wasn't in present tense (not that you can't write a story in present tense I just don't like to.) Also I keep discovering new things about my story as I'm plotting out all the details! one time I tried to pants a story idea I had, I didn't get very far before I got distracted by a shinny new one (this happens a lot) but when I did eventually come back to that one, I had forgotten that I was going to pants it. I did think it was weird I hadn't done anything in the outline but I started outlining it anyway before I remembered why. I'm still going to write that story one day but I probably will plan it out first.
Oh, I recognize that a lot! Currently working on plotting a story, the outline itself is almost 150 pages (though that includes that I make a new page after each scene, and some other notes), but I still consider it an outline and not a draft ;) And I'm very glad I'm plotting, because I've had a few years now of not writing very often (burnout), so I would never remember what I was hoping to achieve with any story I started pantsing.
@@WriterMarkusRegius yeah, it's kinda fun coming back to a story after a while and reading up on your notes then being like 'oh, I was going to do that in this story wasn't I?" although sometimes I think I've come up with ideas to solve a problem in the story and then discover I already had that idea, made a note of it then forgot I did. And sometimes when I forget I try to solve the problem in an other way and then run into the first note and have to choose which one I want to keep.
I love that this is for writers like me who don't know too much on this subject. I'm also shy to ask this kind of stuff to the people who know it. Partly because I don't want to come off as offensive and partly because these are personal things that I don't want to make people feel like they have to tell me about especially if they'd rather not. I came across this video while researching how to write other minority groups so I don't really have a transgender character per se, although I'm glad you pointed out when you think it's okay not to have one as I was considering making one of my main characters into a girl who did a Mulan but that didn't really make sense for the story so I scraped it. Now he's back to being an optimistic yet naïve little guy who holds the team together. That's a side of writing that can get ignored in cases like this. I mean I recently had to cut a dragon out of my story, it's a dragon the cool factor alone should grant it special privileges but again it just didn't fit. At least not the way I was doing it, maybe it can come back in another book down the road.. But yeah, I want my story to be good first and foremost, I also don't want to accidentally alienate people who would have otherwise enjoyed my book. Sorry to go on, I'm gonna go check out the other videos on your channel now, it looks like you've got some really good and useful content.
I'm glad you found the video useful! I do hope to make resources that can be a useful starting point if you don't have anyone you feel comfortable asking :)
Not sure if you'll read this comment on a 4 yr old vid, but reason people don't write about Hobbits is because the Tolkien estate is very sue happy; they even tried to sue D&D over the use of the name Elf. However, the generic name for Hobbits is Halfling. You can use that word and not get sued.
I personally can’t stand it when they make the gods just undisputed bad people. I’m religious (pagan) and while complicated morally grey gods are interesting and actually realistic, they’re still USUALLY good people within the context of the culture, even if they made mistakes, because these were the figures who’s virtues we are meant to embody to be good people. Zeus’ hospitality, The Dagda’s courage, Ra’s kingship, etc. It’s also because I can’t stand *anti*-theism, I find it ignorant and a bit racist considering how important Catholicism is in many cultures or the hundreds of indigenous religions whose cultures fight to keep alive, and the fact that religion isn’t always bad if its a worldview that works for you it can be very beautiful and do incredible things for you. The problem comes when religions have authority figures who say “you’re doing it wrong” and “if you do/are this you’re going to hell” and uses it’s beliefs to justify violence and enshrines their interpretation in law. Make the religious problem the priests, who are convinced they’re enacting their gods’ will and are eventually punished by those gods.
Cody from Cool Kid Cody is the best trans ally fr /hj This is how bro finds out his best friend that he totally doesnt have feelings for (LOUD INCORRECT BUZZER, he calls him cute WAY too many times for him to be straight), Pizza Boy [although his real name is Peter. Everyone just calls him Pizza Boy tho.] is trans: --- [SEASON 1 | DISC 1 | EPISODE 5: The Out-Liars!] Cool Kid Cody: Whoa your family's HUGE!! Who knew there'd be so many pizza people in Hella City?! Cool Kid Cody: These pics look way different from the ones at Lil Greaser's though! Pizza Boy: That's because the God of the restaurant fixes all the photos so that Cool Kids won't barf when they look at them. Cool Kid Cody: HARSH! I mean, there're a lotta pizza faces in your family but they look nice enou- Cool Kid Cody: *OH MY GODS IS THAT YOU AS A KID?!* Cool Kid Cody: Your hair was so long!! And holy crap, Steve was even cooler lookin' back then! Pizza Boy: AGHHHHHHH NO!!! Don't look! Pizza Boy: I can't stand old pictures of myself, or any pictures really... Pizza Boy: Let's just pretend the past never happened! Cool Kid Cody: Aww, well maybe it's nice to look back n' see how far you've come! Cool Kid Cody: You look waaaaaaaay cuter as a Pizza Boy! Cool Kid Cody: I-I MEAN, NOT CUTE, J-JUST MORE LIKE YOURSELF!! Cool Kid Cody: Not that you're not cute, I mean you just look way better, less hideous, y'know what you're right let's just pretend the past never happened! Pizza Boy: Hey I'm not the one who wanted to snoop. --- Also kind of unrelated, the names Cody uses for Peter are so weird... Just look at this scene: --- [SEASON 2 | DISC 1 | EPISODE 5: Cowgirl Bebop!] Cody slams the door open. Cody: CHEESY GORDITA CRUUUUNCH!! Peter: Stop making new nicknames for me. Cody: Sure thing, boss! Cody: Oh hey Hors- [For context on this, Cody never knew Peggy's name and just called her "Horse Girl" until like season 2] Cody: I mean, Peggy!! What's up? Peggy: Ahahah, hey Cody. Peggy: PB was just telling me about how you're helping him rein in his fear of heights. It sure is nice of you! Cody: Well sure! Can't be afraid of heights if we're gonna fight a God, they fly y'know! Peggy: Mhm, they sure do... Peggy: F-FIGHT A WHAT?! Cody: Didn't Crunch Wrap tell you 'bout our project?? Peter: Your nicknames aren't usually this food based. Are you hungry? Cody: Wow, BFF's for almost two weeks n' you already know me so well! --- I think I'll reply with more interactions between Peter and Cody, definitely one of my favorite ships in a while! I'll also reply with another thing, unrelated to Cool Kid Cody.
I've only really seen a trans character get misgendered/deadnamed [although not really on purpose] or whatever like once, and thats with Rosemaster in Cucumber Quest. Here's the scene that shows that [PAGE: 540]: --- Nautilus: It's odd, though. Now is when I'd usually try to remember what I've learned about you from my studies... Nautilus: ...but I'm certain I've never heard anything about a Rosemaster before. Rosemaster: How tragic. I imagine you must be familiar with Thornmaster, then. Nautilus: (Gasp!) That's the one! Nautilus: Thornmaster -- I know I've seen *his* name in legends! Rosemaster: And what do you think, now that you've met her? Nautilus: Well, she's much more elegant than I was expecti -- Nautilus: Ohh. You mean... Rosemaster: I'm not fond of legends, Princess. Never was terribly fond of that name, either. Nautilus: I-I'm so sorry! Nautilus: It's good to meet you, Rosemaster! I hope we can get along -- Nautilus: WAIT A SECOND Nautilus: What have you done with my friends? I DEMAND answers! --- I think I forgot to mention Rosemaster is one of the villains of Cucumber Quest.
MORE PETER AND CODY SCENES BECAUSE THEY'RE SO SILLY [also I censored some stuff cus it makes me feel better okay] --- [SEASON 2 | DISC 1 | EPISODE 1: Detective Kitten!] Kitty wrenches the faucet into firing position and shoots water at Cody! He lunges forward, artfully dodging the water. Peter takes the hit square in the shorts. Cody: HOLY CRAP!! Is that Hella City's national bird, THE HELLACIOUS SQUAWKGOBBLER?! Peter: AGHHHHHHHH NOOOOOOOO!! Cody: Dammit, of course it's not! The squawkgobbler's native to the mountains! Cody: Cody, you silly [___], you really shoulda kept up with those issues of Rational Geographic... Or kept wearing glasses. Cody: Whoa, Petey Boy, why d'you look like you've pissed yourself? Cody: Lookin' a lot like a Piss Boy right now, I tell ya what. Peter: No way!! The water fountain just malfunctioned and sprayed me, that's all! Piss Boy: Do NOT make that nickname stick. Piss Boy: OH NO, IT'S HAPPENING!! I gotta get outta here! Piss Boy drags Cody further down the hallway while explaining why his addiction to nicknaming everything is ruining lives. ---- [SEASON 2 | DISC 1 | EPISODE 5: Cowgirl Bebop!] Peter: Ever feel drawn to the edge of a surface, like a magnet's pulling you into the abyss? Cody: I didn't know you liked Linkin Shark! Cody: But now that I think about it I really should've. You're painfully emo. Peter: Likewise, do you ever get the urge to push someone off? Cody: Sorry dude, I only listen to Y2K pop. --- Cody: Quit lookin' down for once and look up over there! Peter: Look up metaphorically or up at Clown Town? Cody: Yeah, Clown Town!! That's where you live, ain't it? Peter elbows Cody in the ribs. --- Cody: Welp, how d'ya feel? Peter: I feel... Okay actually. Peter: It's like I'm only a couple stories up instead of fifty. I guess exposure therapy really does work! Cody: Sick! Now we can hit the Rocket-Coaster! Peter: NO, CODY!! I need normal therapy for that! Cody: Ahahaha alright alright. I guess you've got more than just a fear of heights when it comes to that ride. Cody: Let's just chillax at Clown Town then, you'll feel right at home there! Peter: Way to make the same joke twice. Cody: Just wait till I make it a third time! --- [SEASON 2 | DISC 2 | EPISODE 10: Neon Genesis Armageddon!] And finally, Cody finds himself alone in the void. His phone rings. Cool Kid Cody: Yellow? Cool Kid Cody: ACK!! What kinda nothin 'am I in now?! Peter: Huh? Cody? Cool Kid Cody: Peter!! Is it really you?! Peter: Yeah! I know this is a bad time to be getting over my phone anxiety but I just wanted to double check. Peter: Are you ashes or are you magically stuck in an inanimate object locked in the Gods' marble museum? Cool Kid Cody: The last one! How'd you know? Peter: PHEW!! I had a hunch but I needed to make sure. Want me to come pick you up? Cool Kid Cody: More than anything. Peter: You got it! I can't promise 30 minutes but I'll be there as soon as I figure out how to fly! Cool Kid Cody: Eheheh, right. Fly. ... Hey, this isn't a dream, is it? Peter: A dream? No, I don't think so, but I guess that's exactly what dream-me would say. Cool Kid Cody: I guess. Well, either way, before you go, I, uhh, don't know how good cell reception'll be, or if you'll get over your phonexiety enough to call me again, Cool Kid Cody: Or if you'll wind up one of those people that'll disappear forever, or change in some irreparable way that'll keep me from feelin' this way about you again but- Peter: Cody, I'll be there. I promise! Cool Kid Cody: ... Alright. Thanks dude. Peter hangs up. Cody shoves his hands in his pockets and kicks the non-existent dirt in a futile attempt to chill out. Cool Kid Cody: Don't keep me waiting too long. ---
I really wanted to have an original race for my fantasy world but I'm at a point where I think it would be hard to work in. I already have humans, elves, fae, and half-races (which includes half-demons, half giants, etc). Speaking of my elves are not immortal. Young elves also grew slower than humans but by the time they are adults they are the same height. They aren't typical Tolkien elves. Personally, I don't like immortal races that aren't vampires or gods. It would make no sense in my world for elves to be immortal. Same with fairies. All the races in my world possess magic and they can live to 100-150 because of it (130 is average). I don't think my races have been changed enough where I should change their name. My elves and fairies are both inspired by the actual folklore around them instead of just pulling from other fantasy stories or DnD. My Elves are very Germanic and Norse because elves or alfar are from those cultures. My fairies are inspired by Celtic, Irish, Scottish, and English culture for the same reason (I also have fae that are more Greek because I treat fairies and nymphs as the same race). My fantasy races (except humans) were created by specific gods. A lot of monsters originated the same way. However, once created, they are still subject to natural selection and evolution. I do want to create some new creatures but most of my creatures will be new species instead. My world is filled with magic, and this effects how normal animals evolve. Since I have magic creatures, I also want some magical plants. A lot of my creatures and some of my plants come from medieval bestiaries which often have exaggerated descriptions of real-life organisms. For example, cotton is described as a plant that grows sheep. Thus, my fantasy world has giant cotton plants with sheep heads which are completely alive (they baah and eat grass).
I think the most inspired takes on life I’ve seen have been Stephen Baxter’s from the Xeelee Sequence. From the living chemical convection cells known as the Qax to the colonial microorganism masses of the Silver Ghosts, from the symbiotic amalgamations of space-time defects, Bose-Einstein condensates, and baryonic matter that make up the titular Xeelee to the living trees of branching mathematical axiom-systems in the logic pool and abstract relationship networks of the Monads, it really is a series that explores the boundaries of what life can be.
Hi I analyzed your RU-vid Channel and saw that your video content is really great but your video views and subscribers are very low. I find out some issues in your channel why your video do not get more views and subscribers.
I would love to pole the comments section for a bit of advice on the situation with my book I'm working on. I'm personally gender questioning, but not out as anything. I've never felt like my sex at birth was how I identified, but I'm still questioning what that means for me. I'm writing a book with a gender questioning protagonist because it's helpful for me. However, I want my protagonist to reach a resolution on this, even though I haven't. Should I consider self-publishing, or is my situation different enough from that of someone who's cis gendered? I would greatly appreciate any responses. This story is important to me, and I'm not sure how to proceed with it. Also, thank you for this amazing video ❤
I usually start with "present world", but chose some point in the past to build the history from. Or I work both ways and then correct inconsistencies. Biggest problem for me is probably keeping things interconnected in some way - remembering that war in one country influences their neighbours or trade partners; natural disasters rarely are limited to just one country etc. I kind of build everything, so it takes a lot of time and effort, and despite me working on it for a few years now, it still feels really empty (for example, the "current" era in my world has only around 250 historical entries [in Excel; there are some more details written about all of these] (including major events, wars, kings getting and loosing their position, etc). That era is supposed to be 2300 years long so far)
I'm a trans man looking for advice on how to write a trans man. I'm not confident in my own writing abilities. Also, (me personally) I'd like to read about about the trans experience. To inform others, but also with some wholesome parts
If tragedy is your thing, consider taking inspiration from Roman Emperor Elagabalus who became emperor at just 14 because of outside circumstances. Or Joan of Ark-not necessarily trans, though she was executed for dressing in man’s clothing I.e. a suit of armor. The elite wanted to have her killed and just used some old law as an excuse imo. These are the only two historical examples I could think of. Also noteworthy: though there was no term for it, homosexuality was common in classical Greece and Rome, although it was generally frowned upon if you “bottomed” to someone considered an equal, or of lower social status.
Okay, so I write fanfic, and read a comment on this video about your brightly colored nails. It took me a while to realize the comment THUMBNAILS. Like the cover of the video. Where was I? Write, right. I am a straight Hindu man who wanted to write a one shot inspired by Spider-Man about a boy who gets bitten by a radioactive spider but suddenly turns into this ten foot tall man spider demon. Within a few minutes he freaks out (naturally) but finds a way to change back by controlling. However, as he does his dad, who is a cop, comes in and attacks him, thinking he’s a monster, with a boiling hot piece of metal due to the destruction the boy caused while spidering out. The dad ends up burning the left side of his face as he turns back to human. Now, news footage is being shown live of the incident so everyone knows who he is, especially his dad. Because of the mutation that occurs he’s unable to talk, but all he does is look at his dad in pure fear before he suddenly becomes enraged and roars. He’s able to produce webs in his human form by having his hands spilt in half vertically down the middle finger (and before you ask, would having your hand sliced like that hurt you?) and gets out of there. Half of his face his burned but as he looks over the city he realizes that the lab had other experiments that got out, and his dad did instill values of law into him. So he decides to protect the city as Spider Demon. I’m just now realizing that I’ve been using he pronouns for the boy who I want to write as a trans fem character but I’m also writing this on a phone so sorry. Point is, I’m not sure whether I want to make him a trans fem because at one time, I feel he already has a rich character, but on the other hand, the details would help create an overarching plot for her as she deals with stuff like this while dealing with everything else. What do you think? Also I like your shirt, hot pink is my favorite color
It's an idea I've thought about and never found an answer to. Part of many transpeople's lives is a degree of body-dysphoria, and I wonder how that would interact with being changed into another species. If someone's body already feels wrong just because of gender, would it be worse by becoming a demon? Or would that background give them some basis to be better equipped to work with it? Or, would there be some changes that might even make the new form more acceptable than their birth body?
@@peytonmac1131 Fair point, the character would be able to turn back and forth but in the transformed state the dysphoria would probably be worse. And the fact that left side of the face would be permanently scarred gives more body issues doesn’t help.
Thank you so much for making these videos! I've been grappling with how to write a trans character in my story and want really badly to do it right. I appreciate wordsmiths and storybuilders like you sharing what works and doesn't work for you and why. The details you mention about how ways to approach a character experiencing dysphoria and making sure they are complex outside of their transness help me reframe my approach.
Thank you. I have a character in a stage play, a biological woman living the life of a man in the year 1840 (the year Queen Victoria married Prince Albert). I view this person as someone who would, today, be either trans or non-binary, and in the reading of same got someone who was both to play the part. This character was not the protagonist, though. I just had a character who was this. Because I agree this person's big story is not mine to tell.
Thanks for that video :D I am writting a story and a trans sidecharacter is supposed to get some chapters for himself including his transstruggles but actually all the characters treat and respect him normally it was just these 2 people in this chapters and yeah I put ALOT of thoughts in it,worrieng to make it wrong as I am cis myself.The advice of getting help by a Co-author is really helpful and I will defo talk to some trans people in the internet and ask them how they view the way I wrote :D and yeah I am thinking of perhabs using a co-author too.
Though i might disagree on the first one for the fact of some of my best friends who happen to be trans think the other way, I do thank you for this video!! It was very informative and well put together!!
Not gonna lie, I think the best solution to the current issues in our world all has to do with the fact that the law does not apply to everyone evenly and is biased upon people's traits, with the exception of age and cognitive + maybe physical disability(since traits can also be used to determine whether or not someone did a crime, although . However, I don't think acceptance is the answer, the real answer is respecting other people's bodily autonomy and their humanity + also changes to legislature, and also have social media not put loud voices first, cause they often lack respect for other human beings in general. And please, for the love of god, improve the education system so that people can more easily see past surface level things and see eye to eye again and not have their physical traits be as damning... but also, let people determine their own paths! Show them a sexual preference, but still let them have their own! Don't tell them what they can/cannot like! Be flexible! And if someone slips up, help them out I suppose... but also don't be afraid to be yourself and speak your mind... As for the he said she said bigot stuff, don't light the gasoline! But also, don't be afraid to, again, speak your mind, unless it could make things worse? Yeah... The worlds a messy place sometimes though, and at the end of the day, I can only hope we get more good entertainment that isn't afraid of being politically incorrect so as to be more free to breathe creatively.
Hi, thank you for this video. As a cis woman, I don't understand trans feelings. I don't know how is to feel like my gender is not what was assigned at birth. I can't even define what is to be a woman. I want to write a trans woman, but I don't want to write the transition process, I just want to make a subtel mentionof her as a boy in a portait as a child. what do you think?
To be fair the world I created in my book does not have a fully trans or LBGTQ exclusive society or at least it doesn't really depict such things but the homo and trans phobia even though present in the world that I created for my story homo and trans phobia is not really the main focus of the one story which I refer to.
I love unplanned chatty update videos! Since I took on more work per week I have not quite figured out what my new writing routine should be… I think I tend to be a little bit maxed out on writing after about 7k of writing for work. Suddenly it occurs to me that changing the setting might be good! I’m going to try that-have a place that I write books that is different from the place where I write blogs. Okay, wow, thanks for the inspiration, I guess!
Haha, you're welcome, I will take all the credit for inspiring that idea if it pans out! ;) It does sound like a good idea, sometimes smallish things like that can be surprisingly helpful :)
I'm happy to hear you're feeling like you're coming out of a burnout phase! It's ROUGH! There's no time table for working through it though. In case you haven't come across it, Becca Syme has a Writer Burnout series on her channel (amongst many other great insights). I highly recommend her content. Love that writing is feeling fun again. Celebrate that!
Oh yeah, I think I watched the first video in that series way back when, but had to stop because watching other authortubers on anything felt like I was making the burnout worse 😅 Definitely gonna go back and continue now, if I can, though! Thank you, for the tip and the support! :)
TW mentions of abuse, death and of course, transphobia I do have a transgender character who escaped from home from transphobia (amongst other terrible things) and the kind of transphobia she experiences is not the main focus with her conflict, but sorta like a sprinkled in thing. Her main conflict is that she wants to kill her dad for murdering her boyfriend years prior (before she realized she was trans), and has this living on her mind for years on end to the point where its even self destructive and she thinks she needs to kill her dad so he cant hurt her anymore. The thing is that her dad didn't know she transitioned, and doesn't recognize her. So when she reveals that she was the same person years prior, her dad mocks her and even deadnames her to exert control. I do fear that this story may use transphobia a bit too, well casually? by just sprinkling in transphobia just for the hell of it, but I did want to make the story cathartic where despite her troubled past and future, she gains friends she can rely on, understand her, and maybe even help her with her revenge plot im not entirely cis myself (im non-binary) but some second opinions would be nice
@@nyaalilith alright thanks for the second opinion. I was already considering rewriting parts of the story (and the character herself) as her motives felt off topic from the rest of the cast, so this just confirms that I should rewrite it
You can be a trans person and write a story with a trans protagonist but that also doesn't mean that your story might not end up be a big fat flaming pile of steaming garbage and what if a cis person also wrote a story with a trans protagonist but unlike the trans person has actually come up with a story which was not a big fat steamy pile of flaming garbage?
Not sure if you'll see this, but your videos have really been helpful in writing my villain faction. One of those that makes the line between good and evil blurry. A multiversal variety of invaders fighting to gather what and who they need to restore life to the mastermind's homeworld
Do you have any additional tips for writing an underage trans character? For example, in my comic (that is still a work in progress), there is a trans MTF character who is 14 years old and has already come out of the closet.
Something that's hilarious(or sad depending on how you see it) is that I think I actually regressed in how I wrote trans characters. I'm not straight but I am cis, and for the longest time making my main characters LGBT+ just felt natural to me. I think its because at the time, I didn't feel the need to put emphasis on their sexuality(e.g. they'd just outright say they're gay and it won't be this big coming out moment, it was literally just to let the readers know they were gay). But idk I think I developed this insecurity that I wasn't representing them *enough* or that it wasn't relatable enough for trans people, so I'd try to write about trans issues, dysphoria, etc., but it came across like I was overcompensating. I'm at least grateful that it led me to researching more and becoming more sensitive about the topic, but I have to ask: If I were to write a trans character, would it be better to just write them without thinking too much about their identity as a trans person, or should I challenge myself and make them being trans a major part of the story?
When deciding a form of governance for a recent project, I couldn't find anything I really wanted. I ended up deciding to create my own based upon the structure of my actual religion (ie. Menalianism), the following here is a description of what the form of governance is (and its name) and how it is typically organised (enjoy): A hamarchy is a form of decentralised governance that emphasises the distribution of power and decision-making among multiple autonomous or semi-autonomous entities known as "hams." It operates on the principle of horizontal distribution of power, emphasising local autonomy, participatory governance, and collective decision-making which is defined by its jurisdictions. It is designed to promote inclusivity, transparency, and responsiveness to the needs and aspirations of the community. The term "ham" denotes these individual units of governance, highlighting their autonomy and contributions to the overall functioning of the hamarchy system. Each ham consists of a group of individuals called hamarchs who collectively govern the ham. The number of hamarchs in each ham typically ranges from ten to twenty, but this can vary depending on the size and complexity of the hamarchy. Typically, hams within a hamarchy can be organised either geographically or sectorally. Geographical hams are defined based on specific territories or regions, while sectoral hams are organised around specific sectors or functional areas. Each ham has its own defined jurisdiction, and the hamarchs within that ham hold decision-making authority within their respective jurisdiction. Often, if a hamarchy features only or mostly geographical hams, it is referred to as a geographical hamarchy. Whereas, if a hamarchy features only or mostly sectoral hams, it is referred to as a sectoral hamarchy. Otherwise, if there is an even or near-even mix of geographical and sectoral hams, it is referred to as a mixed hamarchy or just simply "hamarchy." Geographical hams involve the division of the territory into distinct regions or local communities, each governed by their own hamarch (the individuals in charge of governing a ham). The hamarchs are responsible for decision-making, policy implementation, and addressing the needs and concerns of their local communities within the jurisdiction of their ham. This allows for localised governance that can cater to the unique characteristics and requirements of different regions. In the case of sectoral hams, they are organised based on specific sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, or economy. Each sectoral ham is led by hamarchs who specialise in the respective sector. Hamarchs, along with relevant stakeholders and experts, oversee the governance, regulation, and development of the specific sector. This sectoral organisation ensures focused attention and expertise in managing and advancing each sector of the hamarchy. The hamarchs can assume their positions in several ways. In some cases, hamarchs may inherit their positions through matriarchal or patriarchal inheritance, where leadership passes from one generation to the next within a family or lineage. In other instances, hamarchs may be appointed to their positions by a previous hamarch as part of their legacy or based on the appointee’s expertise and qualifications. The hamarchy system emphasises participatory governance and the involvement of individuals and communities in decision-making processes. Hamarchs engage in discussions, deliberations, and consultations to reach collective decisions that reflect the interests and values of the hamarchy as a whole. This ensures that governance is not concentrated in the hands of a few, but rather shared among the hamarchs. It encourages local autonomy, fostering a sense of ownership, responsibility, and accountability among the hamarchs, who serve as representatives and leaders of their respective hams. While hams enjoy a significant degree of autonomy, they also recognise the importance of confederate-level coordination and cooperation. Hams come together to address broader issues that require collective action, such as defence, trade, or resource management. The coordination among hams is typically facilitated through collaborative mechanisms, forums, or confederate bodies that enable shared decision-making and coordination of common interests. Overall, a hamarchy represents a decentralised and inclusive form of governance that recognizes the importance of local autonomy, collective decision-making, and the diverse contributions of its hamarchs. It is a system that values cooperation, participation, and balance between confederate-level coordination and local self-governance. It's important to note that the specific organisational details and practices of a hamarchy can vary based on cultural, historical, and contextual factors. The described framework provides a general understanding of how a hamarchy is typically organised, but the actual implementation and nuances may differ in different contexts.