Forums » Smalltalk » AMA: Autistic, furry, Vocaloid user, author

Hey there! I'm Jooters. You may have seen me around here (I am fairly active). If you haven't, I am a fan of all things Vocaloid and Vocal Synthesis, with a specific love for the UTAU engine. I also am in the process of writing my very own book series called Eclipse Treaty, with an in depth fantasy world. Ask away!

What got you interested in Vocaloid? I never used the program, but if I were to try it out, is it beginner friendly?

Congrats on writing your own series books! I've tried and failed to start my own book. So, how did you come up with a topic/story for your book series? Did you create the cast of characters before you starting writing? Did you also have an overall idea what each chapter would be about?

1. Can you explain in a simple way how UTAU USTs are made and work?
2. What is your favorite part of your Eclipse Treaty story so far?

For Vocaloid, in terms of Vocaloid 6, I would say it is rather beginner friendly - possibly the most due to its built in mixing and many presets. Although, it's synthesis isn't the highest. If you want a good synth for English, I'd recommend SynthV. Vocaloid is really only best if you want to use it's characters (such as Hatsune Miku) or are a complete 100% beginner.
I got into Vocaloid after hearing the Vocaloid song "daughter of evil" and learning it's what that Hatsune Miku girl is from before getting myself a copy of SynthV version 1 with a free version of Eleanor Forte. Ahh, the memories!

I came up with the concept of Eclipse Treaty when I was coming up with lore for my fursona, starting out simple until it evolved into what it is today. Both other questions are a no.

UTAU USTs are simply text files containing all the note placements and lyrics with data for the tuning points and flags. You can actually just open one in notepad and see it. UTAU is built on Popsicle sticks and prayers, so it's very simple.
As for my favorite Eclipse Treaty part... All of it!

What draws you to vocal synthesis? As in, what about it keeps you hooked on doing it?

Dunno, just find it fun! I like comparing vocals to each other, I love seeing new engines, I love hearing the newest SynthV, and most of all I love Mine Laru

Has it been a positive experience writing your own book series?

Well, no books have been written just yet, but so far yes!

Two questions:

1. That looks extraordinarily hard to do. Is it difficult?

2. What was your biggest influence?

For the first, it is unclear which one you mean, but I assume vocal synthesis. Then, it is unsure which engine you are referring to, but I can assume my favorite. Finally, it is unclear which version of utau you mean (openutau or 2008 utau), in which case I can also assume my favorite. To this: yes, 2008 utau is rather difficult, but vocal synthesis as a whole isn't all that hard.

As for the second question, it is once again unclear which you mean, but I can assume writing. In that case, my biggest influence is Hidetaka Miyazaki

What do you do to practice writing? I mean do you simply write your plot even if you get hit with writer's block (Which I have right now), are there any one-off scenarios you write about to improve? I'm just the type of guy to make practice routines lol.

I guess an easier way to rephrase the question is, what or how do you find ways to improve on your writing?

I'm making a script for an animated project of mine called "Suburbanites: Ill City" and while I have the gist of the plot I wanna make, I do not know how to go about it

I can't really offer any advice on this really, as I myself suffer from writer's block. I practice writing mainly by roleplaying, playing dnd, worldbuilding, and watching writing youtube, and if I experience writer's block, I typically just take a break from writing until I feel that creative need scratch again.
I can offer advice from a teacher of mine though. Try storyboarding your story in like a sequence. List the scenes you want to write in order, and then write to connect them.