Phi at the Long Way Down book series
@longwaydownbook.bsky.social
Phi (Sophie, she/her, 🇲🇽🇺🇸 in 🇨🇦) & Moma (Rose, she/they, 🇨🇦) are writing a book series! Phi runs this account :)
💀 Books about death, deities, love, & life
👻 Our hashtag: #LWDB
☠ Link list here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/123008806
💀 Books about death, deities, love, & life
👻 Our hashtag: #LWDB
☠ Link list here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/123008806
Pinned
Reposted by Phi at the Long Way Down book series
The Canadian Government has a big AI boner right now, but you can still answer the survey with as much spite as you can muster.
Canadian arts and culture folks: the federal government has launched a (methodologically flawed) survey on "the Cultural Sector's readiness for Artificial Intelligence". If you're ready to resist or refuse genAI, here's your chance to let them know. pch.research-recherche.ca/f/s.aspx?lan...
National Survey on the Cultural Sector’s Readiness for Artificial Intelligence
Powered by SimpleSurvey.com | Build and manage your own online survey, voting, form and panel management applications.
pch.research-recherche.ca
July 22, 2026 at 3:25 PM
The Canadian Government has a big AI boner right now, but you can still answer the survey with as much spite as you can muster.
Reposted by Phi at the Long Way Down book series
Why would you ever trust a computer enough to upload your consciousness to it? Just die in a Victorian manor and transfer your consciousness to its dilapidated walls in the traditional fashion
July 8, 2026 at 8:41 PM
Why would you ever trust a computer enough to upload your consciousness to it? Just die in a Victorian manor and transfer your consciousness to its dilapidated walls in the traditional fashion
Characters: start w/ a basic template, w/ characters noticing details about each other gradually, mimicking reality
Settings: layout & general look, w/ an emphasis on what's noteworthy to the character experiencing it
Aim: prevent a scene from being a pair of floating talking heads
#PretendPanel
Settings: layout & general look, w/ an emphasis on what's noteworthy to the character experiencing it
Aim: prevent a scene from being a pair of floating talking heads
#PretendPanel
It's time once again for #PretendPanel!
This week, we discuss visual descriptions in prose.
As a writer, how much detail do you like to include in your visual descriptions?
This week, we discuss visual descriptions in prose.
As a writer, how much detail do you like to include in your visual descriptions?
July 11, 2026 at 5:50 PM
Characters: start w/ a basic template, w/ characters noticing details about each other gradually, mimicking reality
Settings: layout & general look, w/ an emphasis on what's noteworthy to the character experiencing it
Aim: prevent a scene from being a pair of floating talking heads
#PretendPanel
Settings: layout & general look, w/ an emphasis on what's noteworthy to the character experiencing it
Aim: prevent a scene from being a pair of floating talking heads
#PretendPanel
I prefer more over less. I can skim if it gets to be too much for me, but there is so much context & craft to be learned from a good description.
Lately, I've found that sometimes there's so little description (esp setting) that I can't follow the story. I won't finish reading those. #PretendPanel
Lately, I've found that sometimes there's so little description (esp setting) that I can't follow the story. I won't finish reading those. #PretendPanel
Thinking about things from the other side, #PretendPanel:
As a reader, do you prefer lush, detailed descriptions, or books that leave things vague so you can fill in with your own imagination? Is this different or the same as your writing preferences?
As a reader, do you prefer lush, detailed descriptions, or books that leave things vague so you can fill in with your own imagination? Is this different or the same as your writing preferences?
July 11, 2026 at 12:50 PM
I prefer more over less. I can skim if it gets to be too much for me, but there is so much context & craft to be learned from a good description.
Lately, I've found that sometimes there's so little description (esp setting) that I can't follow the story. I won't finish reading those. #PretendPanel
Lately, I've found that sometimes there's so little description (esp setting) that I can't follow the story. I won't finish reading those. #PretendPanel
Characters: we have vibes in mind and then seek out face claims to help solidify the look. Art commissions and having photoshoots with models also help us figure out which traits are right
Setting: we either research online (Google Maps, Zillow, websites) or go see it ourselves
#PretendPanel
Setting: we either research online (Google Maps, Zillow, websites) or go see it ourselves
#PretendPanel
Happy Saturday, #PretendPanel!
Continuing the theme of visualization: How do you decide what you want your characters and settings to look like? Do the details hold significant importance for you, or do you mostly follow a vibe?
Continuing the theme of visualization: How do you decide what you want your characters and settings to look like? Do the details hold significant importance for you, or do you mostly follow a vibe?
July 4, 2026 at 4:10 PM
Characters: we have vibes in mind and then seek out face claims to help solidify the look. Art commissions and having photoshoots with models also help us figure out which traits are right
Setting: we either research online (Google Maps, Zillow, websites) or go see it ourselves
#PretendPanel
Setting: we either research online (Google Maps, Zillow, websites) or go see it ourselves
#PretendPanel
It varies between 2 states:
1) the scene plays out in my head like a film or an animation, or
2) I step into the role and visualize my actions and setting as the story.
1 is more common, but sometimes 2 is necessary to figure out what actions feel true vs the expected/easy response
#PretendPanel
1) the scene plays out in my head like a film or an animation, or
2) I step into the role and visualize my actions and setting as the story.
1 is more common, but sometimes 2 is necessary to figure out what actions feel true vs the expected/easy response
#PretendPanel
Happy Friday, #PretendPanel! I'm your guest host, Lizzie Blackwood, here to start us off:
There are many ways the brain may process and internalize visual information. Do you have a “mental picture” of your story as you write? If so, what does that look like? And if not, what do you "see" instead?
There are many ways the brain may process and internalize visual information. Do you have a “mental picture” of your story as you write? If so, what does that look like? And if not, what do you "see" instead?
July 3, 2026 at 5:35 PM
It varies between 2 states:
1) the scene plays out in my head like a film or an animation, or
2) I step into the role and visualize my actions and setting as the story.
1 is more common, but sometimes 2 is necessary to figure out what actions feel true vs the expected/easy response
#PretendPanel
1) the scene plays out in my head like a film or an animation, or
2) I step into the role and visualize my actions and setting as the story.
1 is more common, but sometimes 2 is necessary to figure out what actions feel true vs the expected/easy response
#PretendPanel
Reposted by Phi at the Long Way Down book series
July 1, 2026 at 3:07 PM
Reposted by Phi at the Long Way Down book series
Reminder that there will be motion on KOSA and the KIDS ACT on monday
Please contact your representatives literally right now of you can and demand censorship/surveillance legislation be opposed
Please contact your representatives literally right now of you can and demand censorship/surveillance legislation be opposed
‼️ Bad Internet Bills, disguised as “kids safety” bills, are moving through Congress again ‼️
It's time to get those phones in Congress ringing off the hooks again w/ one simple message: we refuse any bill that age restricts, censors & surveils the Internet. : www.politico.com/live-updates...
It's time to get those phones in Congress ringing off the hooks again w/ one simple message: we refuse any bill that age restricts, censors & surveils the Internet. : www.politico.com/live-updates...
Lawmakers cement bipartisan deal for kids online safety package
The new package complicates a separate push for a kids safety bill coming from the Senate.
www.politico.com
June 26, 2026 at 3:59 PM
Reminder that there will be motion on KOSA and the KIDS ACT on monday
Please contact your representatives literally right now of you can and demand censorship/surveillance legislation be opposed
Please contact your representatives literally right now of you can and demand censorship/surveillance legislation be opposed
Reposted by Phi at the Long Way Down book series
Hello #pretendpanel!
I have a request this month to all writers in Aotearoa. Please turn your skills with words to the vital task of submitting against the stupid bill which is just about making life harder for trans people. Here's a really good guide about why and how: qtopia.org.nz/news/submiss...
I have a request this month to all writers in Aotearoa. Please turn your skills with words to the vital task of submitting against the stupid bill which is just about making life harder for trans people. Here's a really good guide about why and how: qtopia.org.nz/news/submiss...
June 28, 2026 at 12:59 AM
Hello #pretendpanel!
I have a request this month to all writers in Aotearoa. Please turn your skills with words to the vital task of submitting against the stupid bill which is just about making life harder for trans people. Here's a really good guide about why and how: qtopia.org.nz/news/submiss...
I have a request this month to all writers in Aotearoa. Please turn your skills with words to the vital task of submitting against the stupid bill which is just about making life harder for trans people. Here's a really good guide about why and how: qtopia.org.nz/news/submiss...
Moma & I are participating in a local Fringe Festival!
Moma will run tech for 3 shows. This is my 1st time participating. I'm part of a series of free, 10-12 min shows. I wrote & will perform it. Moma is my stage manager, & I have guitarists accompanying me. The subject is, of course, death :p
Moma will run tech for 3 shows. This is my 1st time participating. I'm part of a series of free, 10-12 min shows. I wrote & will perform it. Moma is my stage manager, & I have guitarists accompanying me. The subject is, of course, death :p
That ends our first month of questions from the #pretendpanel! Thank you so much to our contributors. And now...
June 27th: Freebie Saturday - post anything!
#WritingCommunity #Writers #Authors #WritingPrompts
June 27th: Freebie Saturday - post anything!
#WritingCommunity #Writers #Authors #WritingPrompts
June 28, 2026 at 11:47 AM
Moma & I are participating in a local Fringe Festival!
Moma will run tech for 3 shows. This is my 1st time participating. I'm part of a series of free, 10-12 min shows. I wrote & will perform it. Moma is my stage manager, & I have guitarists accompanying me. The subject is, of course, death :p
Moma will run tech for 3 shows. This is my 1st time participating. I'm part of a series of free, 10-12 min shows. I wrote & will perform it. Moma is my stage manager, & I have guitarists accompanying me. The subject is, of course, death :p
Reposted by Phi at the Long Way Down book series
American Gothic: Region Horror for Your TBR 🥀
June 27, 2026 at 1:34 PM
American Gothic: Region Horror for Your TBR 🥀
Reposted by Phi at the Long Way Down book series
Individual Ko-Fi accounts are in the replies!!
TO HELP THE VICTIMS IN VENEZUELAS EARTHQUAKE
This gofoundme was created to help everyone, to be able to get medical supplies and more
I'll try to look for more places todo donate but share this please
www.gofundme.com/f/emergency-...
This gofoundme was created to help everyone, to be able to get medical supplies and more
I'll try to look for more places todo donate but share this please
www.gofundme.com/f/emergency-...
Donate to Emergency Relief for Venezuela Earthquake Victims, organized by I Love Venezuela Foundation
Venezuela needs our help now.
After a devastating earthqu… I Love Venezuela Foundation needs your support for Emergency Relief for Venezuela Earthquake Victims
www.gofundme.com
June 26, 2026 at 11:40 AM
Individual Ko-Fi accounts are in the replies!!
Reposted by Phi at the Long Way Down book series
Babe wake up new Canadian anti AI data center petition just dropped
Canadian residents & citizens; I would highly recommend signing this one
Petition e-7550 - Petitions
www.ourcommons.ca
June 27, 2026 at 11:23 AM
Babe wake up new Canadian anti AI data center petition just dropped
We like putting characters into different Situations to see what they do; we did that at least 2x before putting them into the Book Situation. Research makes sure they fit into each world, which changes them accordingly. Tbh we still put them into AU Situations to learn more about them #PretendPanel
~Questions from the #pretendpanel ~
June 26th: from @skarabraeauthor.bsky.social : What was your creative process when designing your story's main character?
#WritingCommunity #Writers #Authors #WritingPrompts
June 26th: from @skarabraeauthor.bsky.social : What was your creative process when designing your story's main character?
#WritingCommunity #Writers #Authors #WritingPrompts
June 27, 2026 at 12:44 PM
We like putting characters into different Situations to see what they do; we did that at least 2x before putting them into the Book Situation. Research makes sure they fit into each world, which changes them accordingly. Tbh we still put them into AU Situations to learn more about them #PretendPanel
Reposted by Phi at the Long Way Down book series
This ukiyo-e print by Utagawa Kunisada (1812) depicts a lady in funeral attire mourning for her dead lover. The inscription is apparently an obituary and poem by Yamato Kyosen.
#JapaneseArt #ukiyoe
#JapaneseArt #ukiyoe
June 24, 2026 at 1:17 AM
This ukiyo-e print by Utagawa Kunisada (1812) depicts a lady in funeral attire mourning for her dead lover. The inscription is apparently an obituary and poem by Yamato Kyosen.
#JapaneseArt #ukiyoe
#JapaneseArt #ukiyoe
Reposted by Phi at the Long Way Down book series
whenever anyone I know admits to using ChatGPT this appears above my head
June 16, 2026 at 3:02 PM
whenever anyone I know admits to using ChatGPT this appears above my head
I know I eventually need to move away from Windows 11 but I don't have long enough work breaks to be able to step away from actively using my laptop and figure out a new system
But omfg why does it decide it hates my Bluetooth every flippin Monday when it worked fine for MONTHS
But omfg why does it decide it hates my Bluetooth every flippin Monday when it worked fine for MONTHS
June 16, 2026 at 7:54 AM
I know I eventually need to move away from Windows 11 but I don't have long enough work breaks to be able to step away from actively using my laptop and figure out a new system
But omfg why does it decide it hates my Bluetooth every flippin Monday when it worked fine for MONTHS
But omfg why does it decide it hates my Bluetooth every flippin Monday when it worked fine for MONTHS
Generally we follow the big ideas and see what happens, building as we go. We tend to stop and reverse-outline when we get stuck or there's too many options. The reverse outline helps us see what we have clearly so that our next steps are more purposeful. Then we go pansting again #PretendPanel
Questions from the #pretendpanel
June 12th: by @vampireantihero.com: How do you approach your ideas? Do you start grand and sweeping, or do you start with small, intricate details? Do you plan before drafting, or do you reverse-outline and refine?
#WritingCommunity #Writers #Authors #WritingPrompts
June 12th: by @vampireantihero.com: How do you approach your ideas? Do you start grand and sweeping, or do you start with small, intricate details? Do you plan before drafting, or do you reverse-outline and refine?
#WritingCommunity #Writers #Authors #WritingPrompts
June 12, 2026 at 9:56 PM
Generally we follow the big ideas and see what happens, building as we go. We tend to stop and reverse-outline when we get stuck or there's too many options. The reverse outline helps us see what we have clearly so that our next steps are more purposeful. Then we go pansting again #PretendPanel
the story started with a noir detective sat at his desk in his London (UK) office one July afternoon, clad in a wool coat
alright y'all, what's the pettiest reason you DNF'd a book?
I'll go first- the protag of the book disparaged Star Trek's Seven of Nine and said she wasn't sexy
I'll go first- the protag of the book disparaged Star Trek's Seven of Nine and said she wasn't sexy
June 11, 2026 at 3:36 AM
the story started with a noir detective sat at his desk in his London (UK) office one July afternoon, clad in a wool coat
Reposted by Phi at the Long Way Down book series
another one of those days where we see a problem we've had for a long time and kill a darling in order to solve it 👀 #WriterSky #WritingCommunity
June 8, 2026 at 12:57 AM
another one of those days where we see a problem we've had for a long time and kill a darling in order to solve it 👀 #WriterSky #WritingCommunity
pick a selfie from your gallery and turn it black and white
June 7, 2026 at 5:55 AM
pick a selfie from your gallery and turn it black and white
Reposted by Phi at the Long Way Down book series
The way he describes it is exactly how I feel about seeing anything that has any element of genai; I immediately lose interest.
The presence of genai, even in part casts a tainted shadow on the entire project. What starts as awe, curiosity & excitement turns to disappointment & disinterest so fast
The presence of genai, even in part casts a tainted shadow on the entire project. What starts as awe, curiosity & excitement turns to disappointment & disinterest so fast
People like Kane and many many others that do care about human art and the creative process have been a beacon of hope while trying to navigate making art in this current climate.
![CBS MORNINGS ON YOUTUBE (JUNE 4, 2026)
Interviewer: I read that you do not want to embrace Al.
Kane: Absolutely not.
For me the whole point of doing what I'm doing-art is a way of processing life. I don't see the value in outsourcing any element of that.
When I'm looking at someone else's project, if I see an element of the environment [where] they use generative fill or whatever to change something about the scene, it just shuts off the part of my brain that wants to know more about that world. Because I would assume if they're willing to make an arbitrary choice there, they could make an arbitrary choice with literally anything.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:wk7ktvs3sld47pgfndy43gyp/bafkreid3oivudz5p3kmcuu6ss3gr2tmy73r3uqe3ljh6h5rxbeax2dcme4)
June 6, 2026 at 8:20 PM
The way he describes it is exactly how I feel about seeing anything that has any element of genai; I immediately lose interest.
The presence of genai, even in part casts a tainted shadow on the entire project. What starts as awe, curiosity & excitement turns to disappointment & disinterest so fast
The presence of genai, even in part casts a tainted shadow on the entire project. What starts as awe, curiosity & excitement turns to disappointment & disinterest so fast
Me every time I get to write
Niziu Mako's Happy Spin
Alt: Niziu Mako's Happy Spin
static.klipy.com
June 6, 2026 at 8:16 PM
Me every time I get to write
Book 1, Draft 3, Chapter 1. Tylor muses while interviewing a university student who died.
#WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingCommunity
#WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingCommunity
June 6, 2026 at 7:24 PM
Book 1, Draft 3, Chapter 1. Tylor muses while interviewing a university student who died.
#WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingCommunity
#WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingCommunity