So, I need work. Things at the publishing company are slow, or the publisher is slow, or something; I'm not sure what. In any case, I'm not getting the work I should be getting, so I have to turn to my freelancing. Between bills, a ridiculous health insurance premium, and unexpected house and car repairs, funds are much lower than they should be. I need about $250 by the end of the month, and about $1000 by the first of June. One book can get me anywhere from a quarter to half that.

I am a skilled editor. I have a keen understanding of the English language and grammar. I work quickly and efficiently, giving you back the best product in the shortest amount of time possible. I've been editing for five years. In that time, I have edited thirty-eight published novels, three anthologies, three short stories, and one flash fiction. I have also done technical editing, with a number of business white papers, resumes, and other similar works. I have had very few complaints from my clients over the years.

My prices are fair, reasonable, and competitive; they are, in fact, lower than the suggested rates from the Editorial Freelancer's Association (http://www.the-efa.org/res/rates.php).

I am currently looking to edit short-story to novel length fiction, anthologies, tabletop gaming manuals, and college level papers. I will also edit flash fiction, non-fiction, business white papers, and resumes.

Please take a look at my website (http://renwordsmith.com/), and if you are interested, please contact me there or here. Also, please pass the word along to anyone and everyone.

Thank you!

We saw a specialist for Monster after the biopsy on the mass in his mouth. He has oral squamous cell carcinoma, which in simple terms is oral skin cancer. Because of the location of the tumor, in the corner of his mouth, removing it isn't an option, and radiation or chemotherapy is extremely expensive and isn't known for treating these sorts of tumors very well. Treatment, then, will be to continue with steroid shots, as they control the inflammation and bleeding.

His prognosis is anywhere from a few weeks to a year at most. The vet expects it'll be a few months.

The donations we have received and will receive will go toward his treatment and keeping him comfortable through the remainder of his life, as well as paying for the recent vet visits and the biopsy. As such, I've lowered the amount we need.

Thank you all for the donations we have received, and thank you in advance for any donations we may receive. I appreciate it more than I can put into words.

www.gofundme.com/ebt2w4

We took Monster in for bloodwork and an exam to set up an appointment for the tooth removal. The bloodwork came back fine, and the exam went well, though the vet is concerned about the mass in his mouth. We are currently uncertain on the prognosis, but we're going to see a specialist ASAP to see what's going on.

In the meantime, we are still in need of donations in order to treat Monster for his stomatitis and to see the specialist. Thank you all in advance for your help.

http://www.gofundme.com/ebt2w4

I hate to beg, I really do. My 11 year old cat has a disease that's causing massive damage to his mouth, and the treatment for such a thing is either steroid shots every three weeks that will eventually give him diabetes (which will make things worse and cost a whole lot more), or have all his teeth pulled. Doing so will cost us $800, but will improve his quality of life a great deal. It has to be done.

If you can donate, please do. Even a little bit will help out. If not, believe me, I understand. Either way, please pass on the word.

I will be eternally grateful either way.

Thank you in advance.

http://www.gofundme.com/ebt2w4

I had to put my 16 year old Jack Russel mix to sleep today because of severe kidney failure and possible cancer. It's been almost a month to the day since I lost my cockatiel. Two weeks ago, my seven year old (youngest) cat was diagnosed with FIP, a fatal and untreatable gastrointestinal disease. Things just keep happening. I have one cat with stomatitis - his immune system is effectively rejecting his teeth, and he needs medication daily for the rest of his life. I lost my twenty-five year old cockatiel to said cat with stomatitis. I have a terminally ill seven year old cat. I lost my sixteen year old dog to what basically amounts to old age sickness. I have a fourteen year old cat with an ear infection, a thirteen year old cat with signs of arthritis, and an eleven year old cat who's just very odd.

I am not just heartbroken. I am heart-shattered.

I am still seeking work. I will edit, beta-read, brainstorm, write, draw, or do web-design. We can talk about prices.

First and foremost: This is not a 'begging for money' post. This is a 'begging for work to make money' post. If I'm going to get money, you're going to get something in return.

My twenty-five year old cockatiel died last Thursday. I'm not going into details because it was very traumatic and I'm still dealing with it. To say the least, it's been like losing a child. Because of what happened, I've had some unexpected vet bills I need to pay off, so I need work.

Things at the publishing company are slow. I'm unlikely to get anything from them before the beginning of next month, and that's questionable. So I'm in need of work. I can do many things, and I'm willing to throw myself out there.

I'm an editor primarily. As I've mentioned before, I can and will edit ANYTHING. I'm an author and will write a short story based on your characters, setting, and plot. I'm a brainstormer and will help you build ideas for a story. I'm an artist and will draw something for you. I'm a web designer and will build a website for you.

To see my web design or get info on editing, see www.renwordsmith.com
To see writing, see http://cetans.com/siscily/
To see art, see my gallery here.

All prices are negotiable. Talk to me about it, we'll discuss it and come up with something fair for both of us.
If you're interested, or know someone who might be, contact me here or at khawn[at]renwordsmith.com

Please feel free to pass this along for a signal boost.

Hey folks. I've had a few things come up recently (cats to the vet, unexpected bills I shouldn't have had to pay, etc) and I'm running short on funds. Work from the publishing company is coming in too slowly. So, I'm turning back to my freelancing.

If anyone needs any editing done, or knows anyone who needs any editing done, please contact me. I edit anything. Fiction, non-fiction, business papers, articles, website designs, RPG stuff, short stories, biographies, you name it, I will edit it. Anything. Aren't sure? Ask, tell me what it is, and I'll confirm it.

Prices vary depending on what I'm doing and how much editing you want done. They range from $1 to $3 a page, or $1 to $3 per 500 words. I'm willing to work with the prices, too, be it a payment plan or adjusting prices accordingly. Right now I'm just kind of desperate for work.

So. If you're interested or know someone who might be, please feel free to look at my website (which is admittedly not up to date with cost and what I'll do, but gives a general idea of what to expect) or email me.

Thank you!

www.renwordsmith.com/
khawn[at]renwordsmith.com

I really should upload some of my recent art, but all of it is flat colored. I seem to really have a hard time getting into the shading bit of things. So I guess the point of this is to ask if anyone would be willing to shade some of my stuff. I'm unfortunately a poor thing, so I can't pay you, but you would certainly get credit for such work when I post it, along with my gratitude.

So, if you're interested, just let me know.

Well, with all the crap going on around here, and so many people either fleeing to Weasyl or just joining there in case of FA's complete breakdown, I've joined Weasyl. I'm staying here, though. Currently there's nothing on Weasyl, but I'll put stuff up soon.

I don't personally know all the details of what happened here, but I do know enough to know FA's handling of it was complete and total bullcrap, and I won't be trusting any of their admins or anything ever.

Anyway, Weasyl. https://www.weasyl.com/profile/siscilym
I'm on DA too. http://siscilym.deviantart.com/

I've taken to coloring lineart that shares with me. I enjoy digital color, and though I'm not super good at it, I try. It's fun to at least attempt, and it's fun practice. I considered seeing if other artists I know would be willing to do a sort of collaboration thing, they do the lineart and I color it. I don't think I'm good enough for it, but I wondered what others thought.

Chance for free art just in time for Valentine's Day! (Or Singles Awareness Day, heh.) Go take a look!

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3125516/

So, in light of the fact that the commissions I have done are more popular than my own art, I'm removing the commissions. This gallery is now for art I have done and nothing more. Any of the commissions I'll post somewhere else, although whether or not they'll be publicly viewable I haven't decided yet. If you really want to see the commissions, just go find the artist who did it.

I've grown particularly frustrated with the fact that my art seems to go ignored. I realize I'm not the best artist out there, but I'm not that damned bad. I can't improve without working on it, and I can't improve without people's input. I post art so people can tell me what's wrong with it or whether or not they like it or whatever else they want to about the picture. I want to see people interested in what I've done, even if it's just in some small way. A favorite really makes me happy. A comment makes me even happier, even if it's telling me what's wrong with the picture.

So yeah. Y'all can love my art here, and art of my characters by other artists on the other artists' pages.

Go look! Free art is always nice!

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/3002248/

I'm doing NaNoWriMo again this year. Like I did last year, I'll be posting it to a blog, and people are welcome to read and comment.

http://cetans.com/siscily/?cat=12

...but I'm not sure how many artists could do what I'm after.

If you (the artist) were given two characters and a set of lyrics, could you draw the characters in a way that would somehow represent the lyrics? The lyrics are these (and no, this isn't the whole song):

You are the strength, that keeps me walking.
You are the hope, that keeps me trusting.
You are the light to my soul.
You are my purpose... you're everything.

How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?

Cause you're all I want, you're all I need.
You're everything, everything.

--

Takers? Anyone think they could draw a couple around those lyrics? Yes, I will pay you, if the price is right (I'm poor and spent WAY too much money last month).

Also, I wonder if anyone could draw identical twins that are as different as they can be. :P

Haven't uploaded anything in a while, figured I'd do that and repost my commissions all in one place. Will probably upload a couple more pics in the next couple days, if I get around to finishing them.

 pirate-cashoo is doing a random raffle thing where you feature her, and she might do a bust sketch. Her art's pretty nice, check it out and watch her and spread the word!

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/2266708/

I am now considered a successful copyeditor, if still an unpaid one. Mom's latest book, "Out of the Past", has been accepted for publication by L-Book.com. I was the editor of the book.

So, go me! I've edited a published book now. Whee.

Visit me. www.renwordsmith.com

:userScarlitt: is doing free art in exchange for reference pics and pimping her journal. So, go take a peek! Get some art!

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/2096948/

Renaissance Wordsmith (my fiction copyediting business) now has its own Twitter account. RenWordsmith. Pass it on to everyone! Follow it!

Trying to generate business for Renaissance Wordsmith (aka Me, the fiction copyeditor).

Ok, for the new year, a new(ish) promotional thingy. I will do one free one-page brainstorm, or one free ten-page edit to the first three people who contact me for business, in exchange for your testimonial and you passing my name and website on to various people and places as you see fit. This will continue until March 1st, or until I have three takers, whichever comes first.

Pass on the word, check out the website (www.renwordsmith.com), contact me, all that good stuff. Much appreciated.

Thanks.

I've not done much drawing lately, and I'm not sure if that's due to the latest Warcrack addiction, or a lack of a muse, or what. I have a couple sketches started, one of which is supposed to be particularly special if only because of who's in it, but I can't seem to bring myself to finish it, or anything for that matter.

I bought an anatomy book with Christmas money, in hopes of being able to draw hands a little better if nothing else. Maybe it'll help get me back into drawing.

What do any of you do when your muse has taken an extended vacation? Mine has curled himself up and refuses to budge. Any suggestions for getting muses back to work, or even just support/encouragement to draw would be great.

Ok, so this year for NaNoWriMo (that's National Novel Writing Month, starting today, see http://www.nanowrimo.org for info) I've decided I'm going to blog my novel. I have enough confidence in my writing skills now that I'm not so worried about sharing 50k+ words, whereas last year I didn't think I could do it, and the 'novel' I came up with ended up being a load of nonsense that I haven't shared with anyone and don't plan to. :P

Anyway. I'm still going to write it all in Word, just copy the writing over to my blog for each day. 2000 or so words a day for thirty days, and I'm quite willing to let people read it and comment on it, and all that good stuff. There's writing there now (that's all that blog is used for), but the novel itself isn't up yet. There will be something there by this afternoon, as my brain is currently trying not to spill the start of this thing.

So anyhow. If you want to read the novel as it progresses, or any of my other writing, see:
http://cetans.com/siscily

Enjoy!

Edit: First post is uploaded. And here's a direct link to the category.
http://cetans.com/siscily/?cat=11

Ladies and gentlemen, my business is open!

Renaissance Wordsmith is open and ready for many visitors and many people interested in the services provided. I offer three levels of copyediting for fiction writers, as well as assistance in brainstorming. If you're an author, or know an author, please take a look or pass on the word!

I am currently offering a free ten to fifteen page edit to the first three people to contact me, on top of the free five page edit I offer anyway.

Please take a look, please tell people you know, help me get the word out there.
Thank you!

http://www.renwordsmith.com/

So there's this werewolf meme going around, and I decided I'd do it for my character, Lucien, who is a lycan. Different concept from the usual human-to-werewolf, but it works.

---

My version of a werewolf is not human to werewolf, but wolven to wereform. There are two different types of werewolves, one is known as a werewolven, the other as a lycan. This will focus on the lycan.

Original cause of “werewolfism”:
Werewolven have existed as long as wolven can remember, far back into ancient times. It’s unknown how the first werewolven came to be. Lycan, however, have only existed for several hundred years. The first lycan were created from a great need to overcome a struggle, given – through their own iron will – the power to shift in the time of need. Their numbers grew, and they became a formidable force.

How can one become a werewolf?:
There are three ways to become a lycan. First, and easiest, is to be bitten by one. It simply takes a bite, breaking the skin enough to mix the lycan’s saliva with the victim’s blood. Second is through procreation. A child born to one lycan parent has a fifty percent chance of being born a lycan themselves. A child born to two lycan parents will be a lycan. Third is through struggle. As with their ancestors, a need to overcome a struggle will trigger a shift, no matter the phase of the moon. This will give them the ability to shift at will, and thus change them from werewolven to lycan.

Lifespan:
Most lycan live an increased lifespan from those of a normal wolven. While most wolven live to be around 75 or 80, many lycan live into their hundreds, average about 110. With care and control, they’ll age slower and live longer than even average lycan.

Mortality:
Lycan are not immortal. While they do have regenerative abilities, these abilities don’t work very quickly. The larger the wound, the harder it is to heal. Just as with a normal wolven, most life-threatening wounds are life-threatening to a lycan as well. Wounds caused by a silver weapon are degenerative, generally growing in size. Silver is poison to a lycan, and can and will quickly kill them. A bite from another lycan or a werewolven is more likely to kill than silver.

Intelligence/self control:
Lycan are generally quite intelligent. Most are well-educated and very talented. Most lycan have enough control to keep from randomly attacking anyone, though there are plenty who are unable to control themselves and will often take their aggressions out on another. Very few lycan have full control of themselves, and while they are often considered the most friendly and the most strong-willed, they can also be the most dangerous, given they can be sneaky and manipulative about their true nature.

Height:
Lycan are tall, particularly in their wereform. Average is about seven feet, with larger ones upward of eight feet.

Fur colors (wolf colors or human hair colors?):
Their fur color ranges a great deal, from solid colors such as black, silver, brown, grey, and white, to patterns of those colors. Red, tan, blueish, or steel colors are uncommon, but not unheard of.

Main killing weapon….teeth or claws?:
Teeth, primarily. Claws will be used when the situation calls for them, and they are skilled with them, but teeth are usually quicker and more efficient.

Preferred food:
Lycan require blood once a month in order to keep them healthy and in their best shape. Blood can come from anywhere, be it animal, human, wolven, or just a store of blood. Lycan with less control tend to feed on humans or other wolven. Meat is otherwise their primary food, usually a game animal or fish. More vicious lycan will eat human or wolven, but it is rare.

Run on all fours or two?
Lycan in their wereform can run on both two legs and four. Four gives them more control and agility when chasing something or someone. They often appear to be large dogs when on all fours.

Body type (bulky, hunched, lithe, more wolflike, etc… feel free to link!) :
Lycan in their wolven form are generally strong and well built if they’re cared for. In their wereform they’re large and strong. They walk upright, with a clearly built musculature. Some are bulky, though a majority have a litheness to them. They’re not slender or slinky at all, always strongly built.

Lifestyle – More time as wolf or human?
In this case, it’d be wolven or wereform. Lycan usually spend more time in their wolven form, typically to keep other werewolven from being aware they are lycan. If a lycan lives away from other werewolven, they’ll spend more time in their wereform. Very, very rarely does a lycan remain in their wereform longer than their wolven form, as balance is required to keep them under control and to keep them sane.

Forms (human, wolf, beast/anthro, etc):
Lycan have their wolven form, and their wereform.

Shifting Cause (moon, free will, ritual, etc.):
Lycan shift of their own free will. In the case of struggle, anger, a need to protect, or fear, a lycan can and will shift into their wereform. Occasionally, a triggered wereform has a slightly different look from a normal wereform. If a lycan has not fed in some time, their shift can be forced on a full moon.

Shifting Process (is it painful? fast? Can they do it on the run?):
Lycan with less control have a more painful, slower shift than lycan with more control. It’s visually, audibly, and physically uncomfortable, generally a very painful process. A triggered shift is fast, likewise painful, but it’s something that can be done on the run in order to allow them to tend to whatever triggered the shift.

Abilities retained in human form:
Wolven, not human. Strength, regenerative abilities, agility, heightened senses. While they’re able to hone their senses even in wolven form, they’re not as strong and keen as in their wereform.

Physical traits retained in human form:
Again, wolven. Given they’re wolf in both forms, their physical traits are quite the same in both forms. Most wereforms are bigger, stronger, faster, and more agile than the wolven forms. Most wereforms are also digitgrade, while wolven forms are plantigrade.

Any mortal enemies (ex. vampires?) :
Werewolven are the greatest enemies to lycan. Lycan are bigger, stronger, and smarter. They’re more in control of themselves and more able to be either very evil or very good. Werewolven have a great dislike of lycan because of this, and over the years have done everything in their power to rid the world of every lycan in existence. In total, now, there are less than twenty lycan, and even fewer are known. Humans and wolven can also be enemies of lycan, often in an attempt to rid the world of any werewolf.

Loners, or pack-animals?
Lycan with a general sense of control live with their families, these families being what they consider their packs. Those who don’t often have control will live alone, usually living out as far from others as possible in order to keep from losing control with others. Rarely will any lycan live with other lycan or with werewolven, and will only do so if they think it’s necessary for their survival.