Thanks for the recs :D

Solarpunk is a more or less utopian setting, so creating a compelling conflict is likely quite challenging.

Well, maybe in the traditional sense. I think there's value in art for beauty - simply describing a beautiful, idyllic world might be enough for a good novella - but conflict is the nexus of narrative, of a compelling one, at least. The first book, for example - A Psalm for the Wild-Built - centers the internal conflict of the MC. The second book (which I've now finished) feels more like a journey in a physical sense - walking around; there are different philosophies explored, but it doesn't feel nearly as meaningful; also, at the end, a big question is asked, so it kinda feels like the whole book was a build-up - read: justification - for the last couple of pages wherein the conflict is both confronted and resolved, meaning, it's practically absent for 95% of readtime.

...The War for Kindness by Jamil Zaki... ...The Silence trilogy by D Nolan Clark...

Added to the list! :D

Thanks for the rec. Just read the synopsis; it sounds like something I should read, frankly.

It's officially moved up to the top of the list.

Free by Lea Ypi is one of my favourite non-fiction books 🤌 it's kinda in between fiction and non-fiction now that I think about it. It's a personal, diary style, description of a tumultuous childhood during an exceptional part of history.

Disclaimer: I have never actually read a Solarpunk novel. However, from my my understanding of Solarpunk it seems like your complaint of a lack of conflict seems quite understandable. Solarpunk is a more or less utopian setting, so creating a compelling conflict is likely quite challenging.

Also, for a non-fiction recommendation, I would recommend The War for Kindness by Jamil Zaki. It's an insightful and compelling book that reveals why empathy seems to lack in some people.

Alternatively, for a sci-fi recommendation I would recommend The Silence trilogy by D Nolan Clark. Excellent novels.

One day, certainly...

I'll be starting Draw a Box.

Would still prefer to see it through your eyes :)

My artistic vision is still something I'm working on... I'll get there eventually. I have tried painting, I'm just... Not confident in my ability to accurately depict anything other than scribbles.

For now, have a picture:

My brother informed me it is purple.

Have you ever tried painting? Would like to see your blue tree 🙂

Yeah, probably db0 but I haven't created it yet.

Hey, are you planning on moving your blog to another instance?

I appreciate that.

I wish upon you sushi another day.

NL is great. Really enjoy his sardonic brand of humor