Rita (Proof It!)

Use what tools you have while writing—but then hire an editor. Technology can only do so much.

Cat-sitting. Can confirm that this is what that cat is saying.

@ayawrites @tjmaxx @BarefootBooks @triadaus How exciting!

@BookishLex Concerned why your five-year-old is asking AI about a knife.

5: hey mom, I mean hey apple me (confused): yeah? 5: KNIFE! (idk what is happening)

First Adobe changed their Terms to give themselves a permanent license to any content you produce using their software. Then they pretended it was a misunderstanding. Then Adobe gaslit people who pointed out that they are full of BS. Then they put out damage limitation statements that mean nothing. I have cancelled Adobe and so should you if you are a creator who has a backbone. Here is what I have done: 1. Premiere Pro -> Davinci Resolve This is an upgrade. The software is less clunky and actually works better. Integration with hardware is better. No licences. No monthly payments. I bought the Speed Editor Keyboard that comes with a Resolve license - absolute bargain of a deal. 2. Photoshop -> Affinity Photo This is also an upgrade. After an hour of getting used to it, Affinity software actually works better. Image editing and my YouTube workflow are better. 3. Illustrator -> Affinity Designer Same as above - actually very good software. *** In the last few years Adobe’s competitors have caught up with and overtaken Adobe. I was blind to how good the alternatives have become, using Adobe stuff because I was a creature of habit. Would very strongly recommend trying the alternatives out. You might surprise yourself… And save a boatload of cash.

The only perspective on AI that matters

@ayesha_chari Sending you hugs if you want them.

@klynnhanson Definitely 3, though I love the dress in 2.

@mikepope Wait, we no longer need to take gadgets out?

The last Saturday in April is Independent Bookstore Day. 📚 How are you celebrating? proofitwithrita.com/independent-bo…

if you haven’t already seen this thread on the webtoons subreddit, check it out below and know your rights when it comes to publishing contracts!

*The social media girls got stranded with car problems this morning* Us: hello, can we get a tow? *the wrecker service guy: Well I got ten toes (🦶) but none of em’ I can spare — AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH Us: sir we need help 🥹🙂 Him: I know imma coming to get ya.

Is A Call For Diversity In Publishing Real? As a BIPOC author, I am biracial. That means I don't fit in one box. Being half-Puerto Rican & half-Korean, I've written both cultures in my books. What I find most discouraging about this industry is their call for BIPOC stories. However, no matter how well written, how good it is, or how interesting the premise might be - I still see the mega book deals given to non-BIPOC authors. There are still fewer ethnic stories getting acquired. There is a call for BIPOC stories. I've written a Korean-themed thriller, and I can't tell you how many people thought the premise was "fantastic" and the writing was well done, but they're still passing. Regardless of who writes a story, yes, it still has to be executed well. However, when we give them diverse stories, BIPOC writers will often hear: "Sorry, we didn't connect with it." So, as a biracial author, I must ask an honest question: Is it really the writing you don't connect with or the culture that isn't yours? Here are the facts: institutional racism and subconscious racism still exist. This is evident in that 75-80% of big contracts are still given to non-BIPOC authors and their non-BIPOC stories. True diversity should go beyond exploitative marketing language. #WritingCommunity #BIPOC #WOC #OWNVOICES

@vonnestar @mschristinema Utterly wild that people don't think of these details. (Also, coworker presented as a white woman, hence why I went with the generic names I did.)

@vonnestar @mschristinema I had a coworker who had a hyphenated last name, but because somebody forgot to put the hyphen in on her child's birth certificate, he legally had a different last name than her. Example Her name = Jane Brown-Smith His name = John Brown Smith, where Brown became his middle name

I need someone to explain this to me and what I should type instead.

@mschristinema That said, the situation still needs to be dealt with. Does this need to be a legal surname/family name? If not, you might have the least resistance by popping a hyphen at the end. (I would think, anyway, since hyphens are common in "last" names.) 2/2

@mschristinema Let's acknowledge the bias in this form for disregarding cultures that don't have long names (or multiple names). 1/2

@ericbowman87 @kagpt2023 @stoolpresidente @Hersheys My understanding is that the bones can splinter and cause your pet to choke.

@kagpt2023 @stoolpresidente @Hersheys Bones on the NO list?

Hersheys and Ice Breakers gum is very lucky they didn't kill Miss Peaches. Its wild to me something as common as Ice Breakers can be that toxic to dogs without huge warning labels on it. It's almost like @Hersheys wants to murder dogs.

Great read!

I'll be honest—I've done this. 😅