Solar Branka :mw:

Mechanics of life: you stumble about awkwardly until finding your spot in the most unexpected place. ♾️
Flash fiction & essay writer. Newly devoted poet.
Words in Neon & Smoke, Pictura Journal, Calibre Audio, King River Press, and elsewhere. 💬

Proofing / formatting / post-processing.
Ardent follower of abstract art & hardstyle music. 🎵

📚 #Freelance writer for hire. 📚

🪷 Helping craft #WritersCoffeeClub questions 🪷

Public Key

npub1lmmhev267vsl398qewcdgh5lupe2h47kex5q027k3an43eynngksu8jxtn

NIP-05 Address

solarbranka@mastodon-world.mostr.pub

Profile Code

nprofile1qqs0aamuk9d0xg0cjnsvhvx5t607qu4t6ltvn2q840tg7e6cujfe5tgpz4mhxue69uhhyetvv9ujumt0wd68ytnsw43qz9thwden5te0wfjkccte9ejxjar5duh8qatzkg5usw

Publishing to

relay.mostr.pub

relay.ditto.pub

relay.damus.io

Author Public Key

npub1lmmhev267vsl398qewcdgh5lupe2h47kex5q027k3an43eynngksu8jxtn

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Published at

2026-08-18T14:41:15Z

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Event JSON

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Last Notes

2026-08-21 10:12:46 UTC

- reply

@nprofile…zgyw
Oh yes ~ now officially part of the fediverse's fame list...
Or at least, part of a Python script someone wrote over breakfast, a croissant maybe?

2026-08-21 09:39:00 UTC

Ah, these spam sign-ups... Bots, most likely. Spam, most likely.
For the past month they've been adding random bios ~ that already exist across Fedi accounts ~ as a reason for requesting a sign-up.
Today I rejected an sign-up request that had a bio of a person I'm actually mutual with. Fame must be theirs.
#Mod #SignUp #Fediverse #Mastodon

2026-08-19 09:53:46 UTC

#ScribesAndMakers ~ If paper books stopped being produced, how much would you miss them?
As much as I miss an audio cassette, a VHS tape... 📼
I swapped the 'smell of a paper book' with the 'scents of the epub' reader. :book_spell:
More trees please. 🌲

2026-08-18 11:42:43 UTC

"What is literature, really? Boiled down to a single sentence, I’d say it’s this: an endless conversation about what it means to be human. And to read literature is to engage in that conversation."
~ Nicole Krauss, born today, 1974.
#NicoleKrauss #Quote #Today

2026-08-11 12:43:37 UTC

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@nprofile…mvd8
:blobcatlaugh2:
If you have a cat or a dog, do they get confused?
'Who is this and where's my treat person?

2026-08-05 17:02:35 UTC

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@nprofile…ey74
Λοιπόν, χωράει στο ασανσέρ?

2026-05-29 14:28:51 UTC

Mastodon.world and Lemmy.world stickers are available =>
Start a sticker revolution!
:mw:
:lw:
A Fedi sticker glam-up for your everyday, bland objects.
A pack of ten stickers costs €5 / $5 / £5.
To order, please DM @nprofile…gfqe .
#Mastodon #Lemmy #Fediverse
https://s3.eu-central-2.wasabisys.com/mastodonworld/media_attachments/files/116/658/259/255/913/339/original/ec86af7cb78fedbe.jpeg

2026-05-28 12:18:29 UTC

"I think it is impossible to explain faith. It is like trying to explain air, which one cannot do by dividing it into its component parts and labelling them scientifically. It must be breathed to be understood."
~ Patrick White, born today, 1912.
#PatrickWhite #Today #Quote

2026-05-22 10:47:18 UTC

#ScribesAndMakers ~ Which book world would you like to live in for a week, and why?
Anaïs Nin’s Correspondence with Henry Miller ~
A week inside their letters, some are of novelistic proportions.
It'd mean arguments become erotic philosophy and creative freedom. :woozy_love_letter:
Every letter is an invitation to literary nirvana. 💒

2026-05-02 13:43:18 UTC

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@nprofile…p9kg
Absolutely, I wouldn't use or favour 'good enough' either. It is an odd one.
I'd see it maybe as 'optimised'.

2026-05-02 13:11:16 UTC

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@nprofile…p9kg
Is perfection a destination?
If so... I'm on the bus of ‘good enough,’ and it’s not stopping. :booky_1:

2026-04-14 10:18:38 UTC

"You know what's truly weird about any financial crisis? We made it up. Currency, money, finance, they're all social inventions. When the sun comes up in the morning it's shining on the same physical landscape, all the atoms are in place."
~ Bruce Sterling, born today, 1954.
#BruceSterling #Quote #Today

2026-04-02 09:37:30 UTC

A Publisher Pulled a Book for Suspected A.I. Use.
"The thing that ultimately convinced me that A.I. had had a hand in the text I was reading was a feeling: the sense, quite literally, of a lack of a person behind the words."
https://slate.com/culture/2026/03/shy-girl-mia-ballard-novel-a-i-book-horror-reddit-hachette-canceled
#Writing #AI #LLM #Publishers

2026-03-23 10:39:20 UTC

#TeresaWong #Comics
https://s3.eu-central-2.wasabisys.com/mastodonworld/media_attachments/files/116/278/050/349/305/737/original/44a869de364d6419.png

2026-02-21 10:23:21 UTC

"Each friend represents a world in us, a world not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born."
~ Anaïs Nin, born today, 1903.
#AnaïsNin #Quote #Today

2026-02-12 12:48:16 UTC

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@nprofile…mn64
:ablobcatrave:
Nope, that'd be ignoring Orlando. Just attempting to work together and contain the sighs.

2026-02-05 20:23:45 UTC

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@nprofile…nmr0
Both healing aspects go hand in hand, completely agree.
You're mentioning a topic that's covered in the book I'm reading at the mo, Permission to Feel, by Marc Brackett. Insightful.

2026-01-14 19:42:14 UTC

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@nprofile…hgrn
I have also noticed that the marketing copywriting 'how-to' templates make it bland. I strive for 'different'.
So now when you see a site that doesn't have all of this, they'll stand out even more ~ prominently.

2025-12-17 09:45:17 UTC

#WritersCoffeeClub ~ Give a shout-out to a resource or site you think more writers should know.
There are lots of useful resources, do you want to wrestle with 10 open tabs?
The following site stands out ~
https://authorspublish.com
#Writing

2025-12-14 15:53:16 UTC

“When I’m studying a book, I pause whenever I feel a strong emotion. If I stop because I’m utterly shocked, I look back at what the writer did to create that shock. When I am floored by a beautiful sentence, I look back at what I found so stunning about that particular string of words. Then I take notes on what I’ve learned. Reading as a writer requires you to take a step back as you read, and reverse-engineer your responses.”
~ Mahsuda Snaith
#Reading #Writing #MahsudaSnaith

2025-12-12 19:31:54 UTC

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@nprofile…mwjf
Is it an encyclopaedia?

2025-12-12 19:03:31 UTC

"Makers are scientists of procedures and historians of immediacy. Every attempt is a first attempt no matter how experienced we might be. All our recurring efforts are in service of the singular. It is a faith in the evidence of the unknown becoming known as a deeper mystery."
~ Duane Toops #Faith #Quote #Maker

2025-12-10 20:08:40 UTC

L’âme du violon.
The soul of the violin.
#Violin #Soul

2025-12-10 12:40:42 UTC

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@nprofile…lggw
I find this minimalism exists in flash, where concision is key & a requirement within a tight word count.

2025-12-09 13:44:13 UTC

Publisher General Guidelines ~
What We’re Looking For:
-Stories with anthropomorphized animals as viewpoint characters and protagonists
-Animal-centric speculative fiction (fantasy, science fiction, horror)
-Underrepresented voices that engage with animal myths, tales, and futures
-Stories with uncommonly written about animals as protagonists
-Stories that dig deep into the senses and experience of animals
https://plotthoundmag.com/submissions/
#Publisher #Writing #Animal

2025-12-07 10:45:31 UTC

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@nprofile…00p2
I would think any era had positives and negatives.
I'm also a tech fan. It makes our daily tasks/functioning optimised.
To me the most important difference is, technologies are our tools. But 'Language is our connective tissue' ~ quoting Matt Green.

2025-12-06 20:46:40 UTC

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@nprofile…00p2
:ablobcatrave:
Very true. Do you remember the pre-internet era? And also the pre-mobile phone era?
We were still functioning, differently.

2025-12-06 12:35:02 UTC

#ScribesAndMakers ~ If the internet permanently stopped functioning, would you still share your creative work? If so, how?
And why not?
=> I would bug libraries.
=> I'd pass my writing on tablets around the town square. 🍏
=> I would only write things that can be shouted in a crowded pub or restaurant. 📢

2025-12-03 15:00:05 UTC

"Modern thinkers often perceive time in linear sequences. Geologists and archaeologists consider it in layers, but the builders of the tombs in Luxor likely worked by ancient concepts of time and eternity, neheh and djet, the former as time in constant motion and the latter representing completeness. The rolling wave, and the infinite ocean which surrounds it."
Alexander McMaster @ The Dark Mountain Project
#DarkMountainProject #Time

2025-12-01 17:39:31 UTC

#Tool #Lyrics #Music
https://s3.eu-central-2.wasabisys.com/mastodonworld/media_attachments/files/115/645/519/906/518/014/original/7695843a5a3ea5d6.png

2025-11-24 09:32:35 UTC

#ScribesAndMakers ~ If you're a coder, do you also code in your spare time?
I'm not. For my PP (post processing) role, however, I use CSS and HTML.
The app generates the functions etc., I just ensure that the digital image reflects the original book image for 18th or 19th century in the epub version. :booky_1:
It's fiddly to work with CSS i.e. the presentation language.
I'm told these two IT languages are the easiest... I wouldn't dabble in C++, for example. 💕

2025-11-18 13:12:10 UTC

- reply

@nprofile…lggw
Agree completely.
Have you ever seen a film / TV adaptation after reading the book it was based on and thought, 'meh'?
There are some exceptions, though.
Some visuals are stimulating, but most of the time it's only spoon-feeding you.

2025-11-17 11:37:09 UTC

#WordWeavers ~ How athletic are your characters?
My MC's are fantastic at mental gymnastics. Jumping to conclusions? World-class.

2025-11-16 09:29:11 UTC

#WritersCoffeeClub ~ How much work goes into naming your characters?
I just look up the names of paint colours. The name of my latest character is Dusty Fondant. 💕

2025-11-13 12:20:23 UTC

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@nprofile…3tmd
Completely with you on this. It's right up my street.
I'm also not using 'aspiring' to define a writer either. Every writer had a start. Every step is part of the journey. :booky_1:

2025-10-28 10:43:36 UTC

#ScribesAndMakers ~ What kind of lighting works best for your creativity?
I only write by the light of a full moon. It aligns spotlessly with my productivity cycles. 🥮

2025-10-05 15:15:51 UTC

Ugh! Hashtag spam posts are flooding the reports today, but not as DM's. :blobcatspam:
Mostly coming from .social and .online.
If you spot any, please report.
#moderation #fediverse

2025-10-01 11:34:14 UTC

- reply

@nprofile…hdlt
It's abit reductive...
Perhaps the lady should reply back:
"If I'm your mam, that means I know you're lying and I'm disappointed. Is that the dynamic you're going for?" :ablobcatrainbow:

2025-06-17 12:40:37 UTC

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@nprofile…myfn
This is so neat! Thanks a lot for the pics.
The forms have a great vibe when you look at them. :hyper_vibecat:
I came across the below in case you find it useful -
An open-source machine embroidery design platform
https://inkstitch.org

2025-06-17 09:23:31 UTC

- reply

@nprofile…myfn
Absolutely, using a pre-made pattern is a nice way to start. Once you have one, I'm sure the creativity will flow!
Do you include any of this in your writing material?

2025-06-16 14:43:59 UTC

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@nprofile…myfn
Same here, not sewing much.
If you start etching or drawing, please lemme know how you get on. 🌱

2025-06-16 11:28:02 UTC

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@nprofile…myfn
No pictures, sorry 🙃
I came across an embroidery software, have you tried that type of tool?
https://hatchembroidery.com/products/hatch-embroidery/trial

2025-06-16 11:13:14 UTC

#ScribesAndMakers 16 June. Have you ever tried hyperbolic crochet?
Not yet. Still recovering from my last escapade into Euclidean embroidery.

2025-06-14 11:21:26 UTC

#WritersCoffeeClub 14 June: Do you take notes for your WIP? How closely do you follow them?
My notes are like hieroglyphs. I need to decipher them later, if I find them.

2025-06-12 12:35:30 UTC

#ScribesAndMakers 12 June: How can we, as adults, get excited about art/creativity again?
Art is therapeutic. 🎨
Just reclaim the childhood joy of foil art, scribble art, 3D paper doodlebugs, jellyfish art, macaroni art... 🤍

2025-06-04 08:53:10 UTC

#WritersCoffeeClub 4 June 2025: Do you consider writing work? Would you say writing is your life’s work?
Hemingway figured out the answer to today's question👇
We could just update the terminology 💻
https://s3.eu-central-2.wasabisys.com/mastodonworld/media_attachments/files/114/624/214/208/556/842/original/0b393e038b903573.png

2025-05-17 11:32:53 UTC

#WritersCoffeeClub 17 May - How do you ‘write what you know’?
Stephen King may have the answer to today's question.
https://s3.eu-central-2.wasabisys.com/mastodonworld/media_attachments/files/114/522/924/704/129/153/original/9920fceaa374b7ac.png

2025-04-23 09:02:43 UTC

Jelly Beans Film
#CandyTreatABookOrPlay
#HashtagGames
https://s3.eu-central-2.wasabisys.com/mastodonworld/media_attachments/files/114/386/458/689/347/025/original/4ca593a7379230b7.png

2025-04-17 16:06:17 UTC

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@nprofile…myfn
Deffo yes, I'd also suggest that.

2025-04-17 16:01:18 UTC

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@nprofile…myfn
Woo-hoo, Nicole the Fediversechick is tenacious!
Non-stop in mod reports 🙃

2025-04-15 20:40:28 UTC

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@nprofile…009v
Please accept my condolences. :woozy_hug:
I'm sending you a quote.
https://s3.eu-central-2.wasabisys.com/mastodonworld/media_attachments/files/114/343/903/928/381/657/original/d9e733c57aaf1a6d.png

2025-04-10 10:47:02 UTC

Call for Submissions for Dark Mountain: Issue 28 – Uncivilised Art
Calling all artists and uncivilised art lovers! Submissions are now open for our twenty-eighth book, a special full-colour issue dedicated to the visual arts.
https://dark-mountain.net/call-for-submissions-for-dark-mountain-issue-28-uncivilised-art/
#art #submissions

2025-04-04 12:05:06 UTC

The Mastodon.world stickers are pretty cool,. If you'd like to order some, please let @nprofile…5r5m know.
Good-sized, they can be personalised as there's room to write your account name.
#Mastodon
#Stickers
#Fediverse
https://s3.eu-central-2.wasabisys.com/mastodonworld/media_attachments/files/114/279/571/310/561/230/original/59546fe950171f4a.png

2025-03-23 17:16:08 UTC

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@nprofile…k7vf
Yes. Hopefully all the posts they read will sidetrack them from their undesirable bot duties. 🙃

2025-02-15 16:22:57 UTC

15. Welcome to #ScribesAndMakers. Tell us about yourself and your creative work.
Hiya! I have two volunteering roles and am looking for a paid gig.
I always wrote, but invested more resource into it since the lockdowns. I write flash, micro fiction, and poems. ✍️
I submit to contests. Ping me if you need any info about contests, I've gathered a substantial list.🎇

2025-02-08 14:41:11 UTC

#PennedPossibilities 581 — How should writers deal with rejection?
Submit - Rinse - Resubmit

2025-01-29 14:10:26 UTC

Who would've thought...
OpenAI says DeepSeek used its models illegally, and it has evidence to prove it, new report claims
https://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/openai-says-deepseek-used-its-models-illegally-and-it-has-evidence-to-prove-it-new-report-claims
#AI
#OpenAI

2025-01-26 08:17:52 UTC

AI won't peter out, on the contrary.
"Chinese researchers just built an open-source rival to ChatGPT in 2 months. Silicon Valley is freaked out."
https://www.livescience.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/china-releases-a-cheap-open-rival-to-chatgpt-thrilling-some-scientists-and-panicking-silicon-valley
#AI
#siliconvalley

2024-12-27 16:28:04 UTC

If a text is written / published in cursive writing...
AI can't read it.
#writing
#AI

2024-12-22 09:00:37 UTC

Consuming arts and culture is good for health and wellbeing, research finds
Exclusive: Engaging with arts improves quality of life, increases productivity and creates financial 'dividend’
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2024/dec/17/consuming-arts-and-culture-is-good-for-health-and-wellbeing-research-finds
#art
#wellbeing

2024-12-05 10:07:27 UTC

#writerscoffeeclub 5 Dec - Add one word to the title of a novel and completely change the meaning.
Metal Metamorphosis
The Shining Firmoss
The Catcher in the Rye Bread
Nineteen Eighty Four-by-Four
The Sound System and the Fury

2024-12-03 13:10:57 UTC

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@nprofile…2x80
Menú del mes? 🙃

2024-11-28 11:36:25 UTC

#WritersCoffeeClub 28 Nov - Do you try to give readers what they want or strive for originality? A balance?
This would be perhaps the second option: offer readers something they don't realise they want 💫

2024-11-27 16:39:23 UTC

#WritersCoffeeClub 27 Nov - If Hollywood wanted to adapt one of your books but change almost everything, would you do it?
'In a 1950 letter to his publisher, Raymond Chandler wrote: "I went to Hollywood in 1943 to work with Billy Wilder on Double Indemnity. This was an agonizing experience and has probably shortened my life, but I learned from it as much about screen writing as I am capable of learning, which is not very much."'
https://ww.classicfilmtvcafe.com/2014/07/seven-things-to-know-about-raymond.html

2024-11-23 15:00:37 UTC

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@nprofile…a0z2
Compliments! An amazing milestone. :dancingpenguin:

2024-11-21 18:32:09 UTC

#WritersCoffeeClub 21 Nov - Do you have a day job? What is it? Do you wish you could write full-time?
I invested in my writing substantially more during the lock-downs. I worked in finance before that.
I now write, not quite full time, and submit my material. I also have two volunteering roles and am searching for a paid gig, ideally remote.

2024-11-17 18:52:40 UTC

#WritersCoffeeClub 17 Nov - Have you ever written anything when the POV shifts partway thorough to a new MC? Would you?
I haven't. Most of my material is flash fiction, so not enough elbowroom for this. :ablobcatrave:
Every single aspect of it needs to therefore be succint and to the point.
I would consider it for longer pieces.

2024-11-14 11:41:59 UTC

The Guardian newspaper announcement.
#theGuardian
#Twitter
#journalism
https://s3.eu-central-2.wasabisys.com/mastodonworld/media_attachments/files/113/481/105/717/993/234/original/e564080d84d2b61d.png

2024-11-12 14:00:23 UTC

berry
noun [ C ] /ˈber·i/
any of various small, round fruits that grow on plants and trees.
==> a very generic definition in the Cambridge dictionary.
#dictionary
#botany

2024-08-30 09:37:00 UTC

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@npub1wf6…m9rc
Tried planting Californian poppies, got a handful of minuscule flowers, once.
Ta for the artist, didn't know her.