Writing Jobs How to Make Money Writing Online in 2019

Writing Jobs How to Make Money Writing Online in 2019 Writing Jobs: How to Make Money Writing Online in 2019 The options are out there.Take it from someone who figured out how to make a living writing after only a few monthsyou can do it the same way I did (which Ill explain in this post).Do you want to work from home?Do you want to work for yourself?Do you want to make a living doing something meaningful and fulfilling?The answer is obvious and the only question isHow?Whether you want to be your own boss, spend your day doing something you love and are good at, or even if you’re just looking for a new career opportunity, learning how to make money writing and which writing jobs are even available to you is worth it.How to Make Money WritingSo you’ve already determined you want to write. You love it, it’s fulfilling, and you don’t despise it nearly as much as you do that 9-5 you’ve got now (or are still avoiding like the plague).Firstly, that’s fantastic (we love writing here at Self-Publishing School, if you haven’t noticed)!Secondly, now th e work begins because writing jobs won’t just start falling from the sky and landing in your lap.And that’s why you’ll have to learn how to make money writing, since there are far more opportunities than you think exist out there†¦In this post, we’re going to cover:The highest paying writing jobsHow to find writing jobs onlineOnline and remote writing jobs(howtofindthem!)Jobs for creative writersBlog writing jobsBy the end of this blog post, you’ll know exactly how to make money writing like our very own Student Coach here at Self-Publishing School, Lise Cartwright.She makes a full-time income of over $4,000 per month just from her self-published books- and you can do the same. What are the highest paying writing jobs?Not all writing jobs are created equal. After all, there are many different forms of writing, all coming with their own price tags.These are the highest paying writing jobs and our advice for breaking into them.#1 Author $$$$$On e of the best jobs with one of the highest earning potential is becoming an author.This could be nonfiction or fiction, it doesnt matter.I understand that this one may come as a surprise. After all, the reputation of starving artist and the stigma against authors has to have been created for a reason.But in todays age, with technology and the possibility of self-publishing, making a large income as an author is not only realisticits easily attainable with the right system.Being a self-published author is far more lucrative than traditional publishing nowadays solely because its directly up to you how much you make.The more you work and market and push for more book sales, the better youll do. And therefore, this has the highest earning potential.NOTE: If youre ready to become an author within the next 90 days to start earning what youre worth, check out our VIP Self-Publishing Program, where we teach you exactly that! Learn more about it here#2 Screenwriter $$$$$If youre someone wh o would rather write movies or TV shows than books or novels, this could be the path for you.Screenwriters- especially if you work hard and make it to the big leagues- have extremely high earning potential.A screenwriter writes TV shows and movies. Contrary to what many believe, there are typically several writers who work on one show and movie, but its not necessarily easy to become a Hollywood screenwriter.That means if you work hard, play your cards right, and focus on committing to this path, you can potentially make a lot of money writing.If you work hard, play your cards right, and focus on committing, a job in writing is just around the corner.Click To Tweet#3 Content writer $$$$If youre looking for a great career as a writer, content writing is where its at.Now, I may be biased (since this one is actually my job), but its a lucrative field to get into- especially nowadays.Every company has a website. And as Russ Henneberry from DigitalMarket says, everybusinessshouldhaveabl og.And that means every business needs a writer for those blogs.However, keep in mind that content writing is more than just writing. Theres a lot of information about SEO you need to learn if you want to be effective at your job.That being said, its a growing field and you can even find remote jobs.#4 Technical writer $$$Not many people realize theres a lot of opportunity in this department.What is a technical writer? This is a person who knows how to take complex topics and condense them into easy-to-understand jargon for the layman.This includes writing in the fitness field, medical, psychological, law, and many more.If you have a set of specialized knowledge, seek writing jobs for companies looking to break it down so anyone can understand it.How to Find Writing Jobs OnlineThe best method for finding writing jobs is to hit up the internet.You’re bound to have better luck searching online than any other way. And with so many different job sites and apps out there, it†™s worth diving into a few to see what jobs are available.Here are a few of the best websites to find high paying writing jobs:BloggingPro’s Job BoardJournalismJobs.comProBlogger’s Job BoardFreelanceWriting.com JobsLinkedIn’s Job BoardThese are also reliable places to find freelance writing work, however, you will often be paid less for these jobs and they’re typically short jobs:UpworkFiverrFreelancerWhen it comes to searching for writing jobs online, you have to keep in mind that some people will be more reliable than others.Our first list covers places you can find writing jobs that are typically much better pay and longevity than the websites in our second list.However, don’t dismiss Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer completely. I personally got my start on them!Online and Remote Writing JobsWhat sounds better than working from the comfort of your own home, and even from bed, with nothing more than a laptop in front of you?Almost nothing.As some one who works remotely and as a writer, it’s extremely convenient and enjoyable to do what I love.If you’re wondering where to get started, here’s a list of remote writing jobs you could potentially have:Content ManagerContent EditorContent WriterCopywriterTechnical WriterSpeech/Script WriterTranscriptionistAcademic WriterColumnistGrant WriterProposal WriterTranslatorSocial Media ManagerFilm CriticFood CriticProofreaderEditorTravel WriterGhost WriterThis list could go on, but this is great starting point for you to pinpoint what interests you. From there, you can learn how to find these types of jobs.The first step to landing a job in writing is to figure out your niche- what you want to write about.Click To TweetHow to Find Online and Remote Writing Jobs:If you’ve decided what you want to write about, it’s your job to do research so you can find the best job that fits what you’re looking to do.There are two methods for finding writing jobs online:Outreach you personally find websites and platforms you want to work for and reach out via email cold pitching your writing services.Respond to job postings this is the more traditional method in which you visit job boards (like the ones listed above) and respond to job postings with your resume.Outreach for Writing Jobs:This method often takes the most finesse in order to get right. After my stint with Upwork and Fiverr ended, personally used outreach to land some of my most consistent and highest paying clients.Here’s how you can do outreach to land writing jobs:Determine your niche and the type of content you want to write. This can be beauty, fashion, education, parenting, movies, television, fitness, lifestyle, and any category you’re interested in. We recommend choosing one you both enjoy and know a lot about (less research means you can do more and therefore get paid more).Visit websites you know have content in this niche. For example: if you want to w rite about food and travel, Thrillist.com might be your best bet. Choosing a niche like wellness might land you on sites like TheGreatist.com. If you’re not sure which sites cover your niche, just do a quick google search for, â€Å"[your niche] websites†.Scroll down to the very bottom of the site’s homepage and look for â€Å"write for us† link. Not all websites will have this but many that are primarily content usually have a means for you to write for them, as seen in the example below from IntrovertDear.com. Click on the write for us or equivalent page. Read over their guidelines to see if this is a good fit for you. If you want to know about compensation and they dont list any, simply location a contact email or fill out a contact form and ask!Cold pitch your idea. Technically, since they are accepting writers, its not considered a cold pitch, but you do still have to sell them on your ideas. Focus on what theycangain from working with you and less o n you. This becomes easier with experience and proven results.Responding to Job Postings for Writing Jobs:This one is just like any other job you apply for online.After searching for writing jobs via the job boards listed above, simply send in your resume and CV if applicable.A few tips to optimize your resume for writing jobs:Be unique and creative with its appearanceFocus on the results your writing has obtainedList technical writing skills in addition to just writingMake sure to mention your knowledge and experience with SEO (which youll need for almost any online writing job)Be humorous and let your style come outHeres an example of my personal resume that landed methis writing job.As you can see, I tailored it to this companys branding and made sure to focus on getting my own personality on the page (address/company info is hidden).The trick is to find jobs that youre a good fit for and where your style and voice will fit in the best.Jobs for Creative WritersThere are more jobs for creative writers than you think.Many of us automatically think author when we think of creative writing. And while an author is one of the best options, its not the only one.NOTE: If you do want to write creatively as an author, make sure to check out our VIP Fiction Self-Publishing Program so you can get started in the next 90 days! Learn more about it hereHere are some of the many jobs available to creative writers:AuthorShort story writerCreative writing teacherStory bloggerPlaywrightChildrens book authorNovelistGhostwriterEditorJournalistSocial Media ManagerCreative writing doesnt limit your options as a writer. All writing needs some creativity thrown in there and these jobs allow you to do that.Creative writing doesnt limit your options as a writerif anything, it broadens them.Click To TweetBlog Writing JobsWith the invention and high utilization of the internet, every single website needs writers.There are two options when it comes to blog writing jobs:Create your own bl ogWrite for another blogHow to Find Blog Writing Jobs:Blog writing jobs are everywhere. Whether a website advertises that theyre hiring or not, you can often wiggle your way into writing for them.In the section above about performing outreach for online writing jobs, we highlight the system of cold pitching, which involves visiting websites and looking for a write for us page at the bottom.If you cant find this page, you can use tools like Hunter.io in order to locate email address in which you can pitch to.Here are a few tips for finding blog writing jobs in your area of expertise:Determine your writing nicheGoogle [your niche] websites in order to find sites with your contentYou can also try Googling [your niche] write for us to locate their specific writing pageRead their content to determine if your voice/style is a good matchLook at their blog posts and determine if theres an area of weakness you can strengthenDoing these things will ultimately help you find the best writing jo b for you.Are you ready to get started?If you want to make a living writing, the best thing you can do is work toward a career where youre writingforyourself.After all, theyre your words and your mind, dont you want to have the freedom to utilize them in any way you want?If so, check out this training and you can make money from writing within the next 90 days.

Cntemporary Asian Societies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Cntemporary Asian Societies - Essay Example For a long tine, Asian countries isolated themselves from the rest of the world trying to keep untouched old traditions and values (Metcalf, pg 6). Thus, since the beginning of the XX century, they have experienced a strong influence on their cultural traditions and building practices. This influence had a negative impact on Asian societies spreading alien cultures and the building crafts (Hawkes, pg 9). The main issue against modern building practices is that Asian societies developed unique building traditions and distinct practices which comply with their needs and regional differences. Asian societies should stick to their own building traditions because they reflect cultural uniqueness and religious beliefs followed by generations. Hinduism, Aryans, Dravidians, Islamic, Christian, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism developed building styles which reflect their unique and distinct beliefs and values. For instance, the earliest surviving monuments of architecture date from the tenth century. Perhaps the first shrine is the Nat Hlaung Gyaung at Pagn, a temple traditionally dated in 931 and one of the few Hindu monuments in the history of Burmese architecture. Even this structure has certain characteristics of Burmese architecture of all periods (Metcalf, pg 23). ... Other temples of this early period at Pagan, such as the Ngakye Nadaun of the tenth century, recall the form of Gupta stupas, such as the Dhamekh stupa at Sarnath (Metcalf, pg 23). Just as these buildings, for all their elaborateness, are the ultimate descendants of old Indian architecture, the typically Burmese technique of lacquer decoration goes back at least to the period of florescence at Pagn in the thirteenth century (Lim, Beng, pg 68). These building have survived for over a thousand years while modern buildings survive only for 80 years. Old building traditions meet geographical peculiarities and climate diversity of Asian societies. All of building traditions meant planning, planning for communities, planning which should take into account architectural amenity as well as practical utility; and every single example of these planned communities like the ample and attractive housing built in numerous Asians cultural centers reflect old styles and geographical peculiarities (Goad et al ph65). Following Hawkes (1996) modern construction and building practices allow only the passive control of climate through built form (pg 34). In contrast, old building traditions (as shading and wind-channelling devices) are quite effective, mitigating solar gain at the hottest times of the day and encouraging useful cross-ventilation (Hawkes pg 45). What is more, they frame and direct views of the surroundings and give depth and relief to the facades. Upon entering the old building, the reticence of the facades gives way to a top-lit, daylight filled entrance court, the first of two such courts. But in old buildings the means of environmental control is clear and the legible (Frampton, pg 14). In sum,

Global Operation management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Global Operation management - Essay Example â€Å"The company was then bought out by EBay†. (Grabionowski) EBay was already expanded globally when they purchased PayPal. The purchasing of PayPal required global operations management to help set up PayPal to be able to reach a global market. This was important so that PayPal could service as many customers as possible regardless of demographic location. This global transition had to happen so that PayPal could work in unison with E Bay on a global level. General Motors shows a great global management approach for the company. â€Å"General Motors is originally from the U.S. but has a larger market in China.† (GM2010) The global management approach by GM is a terrific demonstration of a successful global expansion. GM was able to achieve this success by allowing global operations management to oversee the necessary flaws in global marketing and perfecting them. This practice is proof of success. These examples demonstrate why it has become so important for companies to become competitive in a global business environment. Businesses are not just reaching out to areas nearby. There is a global market that can be reached if the right steps are taken. The further the global outreach means for a bigger profit. The advancements of other companies in other countries has allowed for companies in the United States to be better able to conduct business with the foreign companies. When companies in other countries are able to compete with the United States on the same technologically advanced level it creates a larger need for global operations. Other countries are expanding to the United States and it is important for the United States to expand to the other countries. It is certain that these advancements in other countries have affected the operations of American companies. Companies can either step it up globally or lose out. Many companies big and small are able to reach a global market. Business is not like it once was. The ability to seek business

What did the ancient Hebrews(ancestors of modern Jewish people)believe Essay

What did the ancient Hebrews(ancestors of modern Jewish people)believe at the end the Babylonian Captivity, or around 500 BCE - Essay Example In this outline, we look at three major prongs the nature of God, Yahweh, the core value of the faith (Torah) and the organization of the faith at around 500 BC. As Hansen and Kenneth (53) note, in the ancient Hebrew, God was a supreme being. He posed a lot more than just one personality. To the Jewish tradition, God was and still is a lawgiver, a judge, a liberator, a creator and many more titles all of whom manifested depending on the specific situation or a specific point in time. To them Gods way of doing, things were marvellous in their own way. This definition almost cuts across to the view of the Christians, however in this case, the concept of Yahweh changed depending on a specific point in time. This is why the concept of God at around 500 BC saw him as a supreme being. The tradition recognised there might have been the existence of other gods. In the traditional context God was seen as limitless however as Jacobs Louis notes, there were three prongs all of which focused on giving the nature of God from different perspectives. These are the Maimonides, who did note that God had prior knowledge while man was seen as free; secondly Gersonides, noted that man is free, while god does not have the sole knowledge and lastly, Hasdai Crescas, noted that god has the sole knowledge of every knowledge. Although there may have been people who may have believed in the existence of God, There are times when these views obscure the true nature of God hence the rise of various groups all with their view about God. Examples of such groups were the atheist (Hansen and Kenneth 54). The study of Torah guided the core values of faith in the Hebrew religion. The Jewish has applied the same torah in the current period, and it is the basis that creates a direct linkage to what was done in the olden times to the current period. It is considered imperative (mitzvah) in the Jewish tradition to learn and uphold the values of the law that guides both the faith and creates

Definitions in Anatomy and Physiology

Definitions in Anatomy and Physiology Anatomy is a science for the study of different parts of living organisms, animal or plant types either by sectioning or other methods; it studies the size, structure and the relating elements, structuring a body, a plant, etc. We distinguish general anatomy, which also takes into account the analysis of physiology. Physiology is the study of the mode of operation of the numerous existing living creatures. Specifically, it is about understanding how the human body works, the role of each organ and its functioning mechanisms found in the organism but also, the function that each living organism occupies in its environment. When referring to the human anatomy and physiology, we are likely to be using the pathology to understand when the human body faces diseases and illnesses, caused by the dysfunction of certain organs and the symptoms that help specialists and scientists diagnose certain illnesses. To understand the human anatomy, scientist and biologists use various anatomical terms to describe and locate parts of the body, so what are the directional terms, body planes and the terminology used to identify the various body regions? We start with the directional terms, terms used by the anatomists and medical professionals to identify, locate and explain the body structure and positioning in regards to another. As we can see below:      Ã‚   Definition Description Example Superior A structure above another The chin is superior to the navel Inferior A structure below another The navel is inferior to the chin. Superficial Towards or on the   surface The skin is superficial to the muscle Deep Away from the surface, internal. The lungs are deep in the ribs Lateral Away from the midline of the body The nipple is lateral to the breast bone Medial Towards the midline of the body The nose is medial to the eye Proximal Closer to the point of attachment to the body than another structure The elbow is proximal to the wrist. Distal Farther from the point of attachment to the body than another structure The wrist is distal to the elbow Anterior The front of the body The navel is anterior to the spine Posterior The back of the body The spine is posterior to the breastbone Ipsilateral On the same side of the body Right arm and shoulder Contralateral On opposite sides of the body Legs Parietal Relating to a body cavity wall Bones of the skull Visceral Relating to organs within body cavities Lungs The diagram below explains the directional terms. Blank Canvas taken from Google. Figure.1 Figure 1. Directional Terms in Anatomy. To understand the human body better, there are ways of facilitating the understanding of what lies inside, structure wise, body planes are one way. Sagittal plane is a vertical plane that divides the body into equal right and left halves. If we cut the person in a straight vertical line from the head through the belly button and down to the toes, the median plane, therefore, result equal right and left halves of the body. See Fig.2 Coronal plane is a line/cut that separates the body into anterior and posterior parts, splits the body into front and back halves. This type of division is why the coronal plane is sometimes referred to as the frontal plane. See Fig.2 Transverse plane, this is a plane that divides the body into superior and inferior portions. This plane runs perpendicular to the coronal and median planes and in an upright human is parallel, or horizontal, to the ground. This is why its also called the horizontal plane. Anatomy and Physiology for dummies. See Fig.2 Blank canvas taken from Google. Fig.2 Figure. 2 Body Planes in Anatomy If we take the body standing in the following anatomical position as shown below Fig.3, I can recall these major regions (from the outside of the body) and how they relate to each other in the anatomical position highlighted as follows: The cephalic region (head) or cranial region (skull) is at the top of the body and visible from the front and rear. The cervical region (neck) starts below the head, ends at the thorax, and is visible from the front and rear from under the head to the shoulders. The dorsal region (back) runs from immediately below the neck down to the area below the waist. It doesnt include the shoulders. Its visible from the rear. The thorax starts immediately below the neck, at the clavicles, and ends along the bottom of the rib cage. Its visible from the front. The abdomen starts along the bottom of the rib cage and extends to the hips. Its visible from the front. The pelvis starts where the abdomen ends and takes up the area between the hip bones. The perineum is between the thighs so very little is visible in the anatomical position. The upper extremities include the shoulders, arms, forearms, elbows, wrists, and hands and are visible from the front and the back The lower extremities include the hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, legs, ankles, and feet. The buttocks are visible only from the rear, but the rest of the lower extremities are visible from the front and the rear. Figure.3 Anatomical regional terms annotated diagram (blank canvas taken from Google) Part B: In histology a study of cells and tissues, the human body is a synchronised cycle of components, a structure harmonised and coherence between chemicals, cells, tissues, organs and systems to form a human body. As detailed briefly in the following order: Every organism, humans, animals and plants are formed of cells. Animal cells and plant cells have a joined characteristic like a nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane, mitochondria, and ribosomes. Plant cells have a cell wall, and most of the time a permanent chloroplast and vacuole. Each and specific cell has a special task or particular function, although there are different type of cells, the basic structure of a cell remains the same. Solutions pass into and out of the cells by diffusion; this sometimes is called osmosis when the water passes into and out of the cell. So what are the cell and tissue types and their functions in the human body? A group of different types of cells form tissues in the human body and one or more types of tissues form organs that work together in a harmonious manner to form the organ system. Nerve cells: These cells do not multiply in a human body life time. Once formed during fetus, they live till the entire life of a human body. They exist all over the body and some are as long as a few meters long. There are human brain cells and are found in a massive population in the brain and the spinal cord this is what forms the nervous tissue. Bone cells (Osteocytes) These are considered the toughest body cell systems and are bound together by calcium and phosphate, they give strength, support and framework to the body by enclosing organs in skeletal system i.e. bones. Cartilage cells (chondrocytes) these cells are made of a loose and flexible material. We find them in the ear, spinal bones, joints etc. Muscle cells:   There are three types: skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscle cells and are rich in proteins actin and myosin, muscle cells can contract and relax to provide movements. Secretory cells: These cells secrete and form glands, for example: pancreatic cells which secrete insulin, glucagon, salivary gland secrete saliva, sebaceous gland secrete oil on the skin. They are found in all secretory organs. Adipose cells: These are fat cells and considered as storage to store fat. Example: the soles, palms, buttocks, etc. They reduce friction to the body. Blood cells: They are always mobile and active carry oxygen and nutrients to all cells and organs. They have limited life span and they never multiply to form new cells. Instead new cells are formed from other cells. As we know, there are four types of tissues, Epithelial, Connective, muscular and nervous as I explained in the examples above. Epithelium: its main function is to protect the human body from the outside world acts as a barrier i.e. skin. It also absorbs i.e. stomach and intestinal lining (gut). Also, it filters, i.e. kidneys and it secretes as the glands do. Its also good at fixing itself, regenerating i.e. skin burns. Connective: its main function is bound together, wrapping around and cushioning and protecting organs. Stores nutrients and give an internal support for organs, i.e. tendon and ligaments protect joints and attached muscles to bone and each other, it runs through organs and in deep layers of skin producing strength. Nervous: this is very important as it is the communication element in the body to receive and give signals, this conducts impulses to and from body organs via neurons i.e. brain, spinal cord and nerves. Muscle: this is responsible for the body movements, moves blood, food, and waste bodys organs and responsible for the mechanical digestion.

Graduation Speech: Standing at the Edge of a New Frontier

As we gather here today, in the seeming twilight of our too-short times together, we embrace the moment, then set sail upon our separate journeys that will take us to fabulous places presently unknown. Securely anchored in the memory of our past experiences together, we depart cautiously, anxiously from the calm harbor of our present, and set sail with uncertainty toward the distant horizon of our futures. Where this journey will take us, and whether our paths will ever cross again, no one can know for certain. We have been through a great many things together — experiences which have shaped our character and colored our lives. As we gaze back upon our prior travels, upon oceans of the â€Å"known,† we are tempted to conclude that we have reached our final destination, and that our purpose is fulfilled. Yet in our quest to find and touch the future, our search for knowledge is only getting started. In the words of Sir Winston Churchill, â€Å"This is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning...† As we carry forward — through the ...

Iron Crowned Chapter 26

â€Å"So, let me make sure I'm following this correctly.† I sighed and shifted on the bed, knowing Dorian was repeating this conversation mostly because he liked seeing my discomfort. â€Å"Your ‘technology' can tell you you're having a boy and a girl, when they're due, and allow you to hear their heartbeats,† he continued. â€Å"But some medicine inexplicably totally counteracted the other one you take to prevent pregnancy.† â€Å"Took,† I muttered. â€Å"Seeing as it's kind of pointless now.† Dorian leaned back in a plush armchair, face expressing overly dramatic pondering. After fainting, I'd been given a guest room befitting my status, a good sign since â€Å"hospitality† simply meant protection and in no way related to one's accommodations. It wasn't quite as nice as Dorian's room, of course, but the mattress was thick and fluffy, and the green velvet canopy coordinated with the heavy brocaded bedding. As sick as I'd felt, I honestly would have been content to curl up on the floor somewhere. I'd been awake for about an hour now, alone in the vast room save for Dorian. â€Å"What a fascinatingly bizarre turn of events,† he mused, stroking his chin. â€Å"If you thought the Iron Crown scared people, just wait until this news spreads. Which, of course, it already has.† I draped a hand over my forehead. â€Å"Isn't it bad enough that I'm carrying a world-conquering prophecy child? Why all the political fallout?† â€Å"Because you're carrying a world-conquering prophecy child,† he responded. â€Å"It's the type of thing people tend to have strong feelings about.† â€Å"I thought almost everyone wanted to conquer the human world.† â€Å"Most,† he agreed. â€Å"But not all. Especially those who – after observing your record thus far – might fear you'll conquer this world first.† I rolled over to my side, giving me a better view of him. Since the earlier spectacle, Dorian had masked whatever personal feelings he had about my pregnancy, switching into cunning ruler mode. â€Å"But not you,† I said. â€Å"You've always been in favor of this – fulfilling the prophecy.† â€Å"I've never made a secret of that,† he agreed. â€Å"From the moment we met.† That was true, at least. He'd sat on that desire while we were involved, but I'd always known it lurked. â€Å"You've just kept other secrets instead,† I blurted out. He didn't answer me right away, but those green-gold eyes weighed me thoughtfully. â€Å"Yes. Yes, I have. Secrets I now regret.† That silenced me for several moments. I hadn't expected any kind of apology. Something in me softened toward him. â€Å"Really?† â€Å"If I hadn't deceived you about the Iron Crown,† he explained, â€Å"we would still be together.† I could only stare. The piece of me that had never stopped loving him tentatively reared its head. It was hard to believe he was here confessing his feelings, admitting that what we'd had had been more important than his scheming. It gave me a new insight into him, one that astonished †¦ yet pleased me. â€Å"And if we'd stayed together,† he continued, â€Å"I would have been the lucky beneficiary of this medicinal slip.† So much for new insight. I groaned and turned away. â€Å"Of course. Of course that's the real source of your regret. You don't get to lead the revolution.† I heard him get up and sit on the bed beside me. A few seconds later, he actually had the audacity to lie down. I wiggled over to make room. â€Å"It's more than revolution,† he said. â€Å"I also told you the first time we met that I'd have a child with you, regardless of any prophecy.† â€Å"I'm not convinced that the ‘with me' part was so relevant.† Dorian touched my cheek and turned my face toward his. â€Å"Do you really believe that? Do you really believe my feelings for you were so small that your being the mother of my child wouldn't have meant the world to me?† I started to snarkily correct him with worlds, but it seemed petty. â€Å"I don't know what I believe,† I said honestly. â€Å"I don't even know if I have the energy or motivation to analyze our relationship when I have this going on.† I rested my hand on my stomach. Dorian's eyes followed that motion, utterly captivated. â€Å"Despite your foolish fathering choices, this †¦Ã¢â‚¬  He reached toward my stomach as well, then pulled back. â€Å"This is a miracle. This is a prophecy fulfilled. This is life. And really, Kiyo is no longer relevant. He's given up any claims to these children. They are yours and yours alone now.† My fingers tightened on my stomach, not painfully, but more in a possessive type of way. My gaze grew unfocused. â€Å"I still can't believe that. I can't believe that he'd dismiss his own children so easily. That he'd dismiss me so easily †¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"I doubt it was easy. You aren't that easy to get over.† A small note of bitterness there. â€Å"But his opposition to the prophecy was too great. Just as my support is great enough to take you in – despite your betrayal – and embark in the madness to come.† Betrayal? I started to tell him he was the last one who should accuse anyone of that – but held back. â€Å"Will people think you're crazy to do it?† â€Å"Hardly,† he snorted. â€Å"Most will think they're my children anyway, ironically enough.† No one except Jasmine had heard my brief paternity exchange with Dorian in the hall. I frowned. â€Å"I think sometimes Kiyo does too.† â€Å"They can be.† My first reaction was that this was some sort of joke of his, but all humor had disappeared from his face. â€Å"I don't think you fully understand genetics.† â€Å"I understand that parenting is more than just blood,† he said, still deadly earnest. â€Å"And as I said: he's relinquished any claims. You are in control, and if even he and others question the children's parentage, then so much the better. Simply declare me the father. Have it recorded, and by our laws, the children will be mine for all intents and purposes.† Something about that set off my alarms. â€Å"What do you mean ‘intents and purposes'?† He shrugged – a bit too casually. â€Å"Titles. Prestige. Protection. Inheritance – if either is strong enough to hold my kingdom. Which, according to the prophecy, your son should be.† â€Å"I don't know,† I said. There might be some safety benefits to this sort of gentry â€Å"adoption,† but I had a feeling that Dorian wasn't telling me all of them – particularly things that benefited him alone. He was still upset with me. He didn't like Kiyo. There was no reason that I could see for this. â€Å"I have to think about it.† â€Å"Think fast,† Dorian said. â€Å"Things will be in motion soon, particularly once we get you back to your own lands.† â€Å"Why?† I asked. â€Å"Why would you want to claim someone else's children? I mean, I get your wanting to see the prophecy come true, but you don't have to take that extra step.† â€Å"Maybe someone else's children are better than no children at all,† he said. It was another odd statement from him, a surprising one. Both philosophical and touching. Yet, I still believed there was a deception here. This wasn't out of love for me. Not anymore. His hand moved toward my stomach again and he didn't pull it away this time, though he made sure to keep away from my hand. â€Å"Let me ask you a question,† he said when I made no response. â€Å"Why did you choose to keep these children? Do you fear the unholy procedure your people use to end life? Were you unable to live with your daughter's blood on your hands?† My mind rewound back to that day at the doctor's. That day? Hell. It had only been earlier today. So much had happened since then that weeks might have gone by. My horrible ordeal with Kiyo had blurred the memories, but now, the ultrasound came back to me, the sights and sounds as real and vivid as though I were experiencing them all over again. â€Å"I heard their heartbeats,† I said at last. â€Å"And I saw them.† Well, kind of. Those blurs still didn't look like much to me, but the point was irrelevant. â€Å"And when I did †¦Ã¢â‚¬  I groped to explain my feelings. â€Å"I just †¦ I just wanted them. Both of them. None of the rest mattered.† A slow, strange smile spread across Dorian's face. â€Å"That,† he declared, â€Å"is the most gentry thing I've ever heard you say.† Normally, I would have mocked him for using â€Å"gentry† instead of â€Å"shining ones.† It was a slip he sometimes made around me. His words' content, however, was of more importance. â€Å"That's ridiculous.† â€Å"Not so. Humans overthink things. They throw away life heedlessly. Honestly, after all this time, I was beginning to think you were more human than shining one.† â€Å"I hate to tell you, but I am,† I said. Dorian made himself more comfortable, and the hand on my stomach moved so that his arm lay over me, almost – but not quite – an embrace. It was possessive, like I was a prize that had fallen into his lap. â€Å"Are you, my dear? You're expressing philosophies very like my own. You're carrying a child that will allegedly conquer the human world – a world you can't go back to for a while, seeing as it would give the kitsune an edge. You're safer here in this world where, I'd like to add, you rule not one but two kingdoms. That,† he declared triumphantly, â€Å"makes you, by my reckoning, more like a gentry than a human.† I looked away, not meeting his eyes – because I had a crazy feeling he was right.