Twi's Umbrella Archives

Passionate author and editor ready to apply creative writing skills in a variety of fields, creating innovative stories for a wide range of storytelling mediums.

Resident Dreamer Twi Dusken

Howdy there! I'm Twi Dusken: an author of literary fiction, freelance developmental editor, and owner of a Highest Honor Bachelor's in Creative Writing. I've been enamored with all things storytelling since I was eight years old, spending what many consider to be an unhealthy amount of time analyzing motifs and creative direction in all things fiction.

Stories are Dreams Given Form

Books, movies, video games and every other medium are the work of magic. We create these vast landscapes and enthralling characters out of nothing and make them real through mere words. I've been writing for as long as I remember, and there's no greater joy than to help others makes their dreams a reality.

Allow me to help you create yours

In my dreams, dragons paint the sky with their magical umbrellas, giving life to the land. It would be an honor to help you do the same with the worlds of your own stories. Whether it's developmental editing, line editing or even ghostwriting, I'd love to help however I can!

© Twi Dusken. All rights reserved

Meet the Dream Weaver

A Brief History

Fiction has always been a big part of my life since I was a humble little dragon, helping me discover who I am and cope with hard times. From the imperial-capitalist revolution of The Hunger Games books to the pastel space opera of the cartoon Steven Universe, I fostered my love of storytelling with everything I could find. Eventually my passion could no longer be contained; I "borrowed" my dad's laptop and wrote my very first fanfiction for the high-society heists of the Sly Cooper games. That's when I found the answer to the age old question every child faces: "What do you want to be when you grow up?"Since that day I've never stopped writing, paying tribute to many other worlds while developing ones of my own. Along the way I began helping friends with their own stories, helping with their narrative flow and working together to create something that they can be proud of. Whether it's writing myself or helping people develop their own stories, I always have my pen at the ready!

My Experience

For four years I studied at the University of Michigan under its Creative Writing and Literature program, developing my prose and expertise. As of May 2024, I graduated with Highest Honors after completing my 135 page novella, "Geiger" (For a slice of the story, look the portfolio section!) I also attended various internships at publishing houses, such as Dzanc Books and Michigan Quarterly Review, to assist with various stages of the book publishing process. In that time I've also worked as a freelance editor, assisting various authors in creating the story of their dreams, original and fanfiction alike.For my personal writing, I frequently strive to experiment with different mediums. Alongside standard prose, I dabble in narrative design for video games (see "Conquest Rewritten" in the portfolio) and worked as a creative director for "A Date in Time," a community-made visual novel made as a tribute to the game A Hat in Time made by Gears for Breakfast. No matter the method, if there's a story to be told, I'm always glad to help!


Don't just take it from me!

© Twi Dusken. All rights reserved

Portfolio

A collection of my various works, both academic and creative. Click the image or the titles of each to get a closer look.
If you want to see more of my work, feel free to email me and ask, I'd love to share more!


Creative Writing

I have no shortage of creative writing in my tool belt. It was hard to select from my twelve years worth of writing, but I feel these five provide the most in-depth look at my abilities.

Original Literary Fiction Novella, "Geiger"

In the far, far future of Earth, the mechanic Geiger is tasked with repairing the giant war machine "Baits," one of the machines responsible for destroying his home. As the two develop a shaky relationship, Geiger contemplates his father's tragic fate, and how that led him to the sinkhole that is working for the 'Republic of Our Alliance.'
This is a sample of my 135 page sci-fi novella which helped me achieve highest honors in the Creative Writing and Literature department at the University of Michigan. The scene included is in the mid-point of the story, after Geiger and Baits have had a distressing previous encounter together.

Developmental Editing Project -- "Fire Emblem Conquest Rewritten"

As the 14th entry in Nintendo's strategy franchise, Fire Emblem Fates has gained a fair amount of criticism for its (at times) frustrating writing. Utilizing line and developmental editing, this project puts a spotlight on one version of the game -- Conquest -- to draw out the latent story potential hidden beneath the surface without changing its core themes and plot points across its 70,000 word script.

Longform Fanfiction -- "Life, Death, A Secret Third Thing"

An ongoing derivative work based off of "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish." With one wrong step, Fuilana Cortez ruins her entire life and comes face to face with El Lobo de la Muerte. Desperate to keep living, she challenges the God of Death to one last game.
At over 80,000 words, it stands in the 96th percentile for view rates in the Puss in Boots category (against 1,100 other published works). Artwork by Swanpit on Tumblr

Animatic Outline -- "DONUT HOLE" X In Stars and Time

The song "DONUT HOLE" by music producer Kenshi Yonezu is a popular vocaloid song about the grief that comes as past lives fade from memory. The game In Stars and Time by InsertDisc5 is a time loop RPG about the fear of forgetting the life one has. Though both tackle their themes in different ways, this outline attempts to bridge the gap between the two by exploring Siffrin's past.

Domestic Short Fiction -- "Homestyle Gigglefunny Soup"

Long after the events of Young Horse's Bugsnax, Gramble Gigglefunny is finally living the cozy domestic life he's always wanted. But even still, it's difficult for him to live his own way without reality creeping in. This story is about the little moments of connection we share and how they make life worth living -- even something as simple as a bowl of homemade soup. Artwork by TheGalleonsNest on Twitter


Academic Essays

A fundamental skill every storyteller should learn is the ability to know one's audience and write accordingly. Thus, I apply my creative writing skills to the various essays I create as well.

Haunting of Hill House -- Solidarity in Suffering

The titular Hill House from Shirley Jackson's hit novel is a curious creation: lacking any ghosts or ghouls, Hill House simply exists, being the cause of its own phenomena. It has an agenda, but it no malice can be found. Instead of labeling the Hill House as evil, what perspectives can be found in how it treats the protagonist, Eleanor?

Beauty, Ugliness and Evil in Fairy Tales

Fairy tales have had a legacy of tying together ugliness and evil in their antagonists, mostly pioneered by Walt Disney. But this was not always the case, as several fairy tales before the Grimm's collection did not have this trend. What exactly does this shift in cosmetics imply for the characters, and the narratives that they are a part of?


My Art

Though my specialty is creative writing, I often utilize physical art to get a better understanding of the characters I am writing for, both original and otherwise.

Original Character Concept Art
"La Escultora de Mil Manos"

Concept art for a sibling character to "El Lobo de la Muerte," the central antagonist for the latest Puss in Boots film, 'The Last Wish.' Efforts were made to carry over a similar "simple-yet-distinct" outfit to their counterpart to retain a thematic consistency.

Water-based Marker Portrait "You Know? Like..."

To fit the more passionate and ambitious personality of the character above, I used vibrant water-based markers to achieve an appropriate palette. Nearly every color is blended with another.
Character belongs to funkfuzzles on twitter


© Twi Dusken. All rights reserved

I'm always glad to help!

QUERY INBOX: OPENWant me to help you in your next creative endeavor? Looking to query for a book? Feel free to fill out the form below to send me an email! Whether it's a book, a script or even a visual novel, I'd be glad to help out however you wish!For Query Letters, send me the first chapter / twenty five pages of your book and a brief pitch including the genre and synopsis. You don't have to worry about pitching your history, I believe anyone can write a truly compelling story regardless of origin. Don't forget that I prefer fiction!


© Twi Dusken. All rights reserved

Starlight Story Services

With over a decade of creative writing under my belt, I'm happy to share my skills with others to bring the ideas sitting in their heads to life. I specialize in literary fiction and character-driven narratives. I especially lean into anything dabbling in fantasy on the ground level (intimate or modern fantasy).
All of the services listed require discussion, which can be done through either text, call or video.
Both Google Docs and Microsoft Words are preferred for leaving comments on manuscripts

Creative Consultation

Perhaps you're unsure of what exactly your story needs. Maybe you haven't started writing quite yet and need help forming the idea. Maybe you have, but you still feel like something is wrong but can't place a finger on it. For your troubles I provide creative consultation! Consultation spans a wide number of services, which are detailed below.
If you have questions regarding any of these services, feel free to email me using the link at the bottom of the page.

ServiceDescriptionOptional AdditionsStarting Price
Brainstorming SessionCome to the meeting as you are with your idea (preferably write down topics in advance). We'll discuss plot elements in a casual manner and give these abstract thoughts form.None$3.5 / Half Hour
Story Outline ReviewEmail me a detailed outline for your manuscript including a three sentence plot synopsis. After reviewing the document we will discuss its contents and chart an emotional roadmap for the story.Comments$4.5 / Half Hour
Blind Reader's ImpressionI read your provided writing sample blind (with the exception of a broad synopsis) and then discuss my impressions with you. A detached viewpoint can provide insight for those too familiar with the work.Comments and Editorial Letter$1 / 500 words
Focused Chapter AnalysisI read your submitted writing sample with instructions on what to look for (word repetition, consistency of plot points, etc.). After taking notes, we'll discuss the analysis and how to improve going forward.Comments and Editorial Letter$1 / 300 words

Writing Commission

I've been writing fiction and fantasy for over ten years, both original and fanfiction alike. Though commission work may be slower compared to my other services, I'll work with you to bring that latent idea in your head to life.
No incest, underage shipping, right wing politics and other obviously bad things I shouldn't need to say. I have the right to refuse any commission offer.

ServiceStarting Price
One - Three Character Scene$1 / 100 words
+ Additional Character$5
+NSFW$8

Line and Copy Editing

For those who have an informed view of what they wish to achieve in their writing and need a helping hand in doing so. Line and Copy editing goes through the story word by word to help build stronger emotional consistency or simply wish to check for grammatical errors.
Both of these services include a minimum one page editorial letter detailing points that need to be addressed in revisions.

ServiceDescriptionStarting Price
Line EditingI will read through your submission line by line to ensure it retains a tonal consistency in its word choice, pacing and paragraph spacing. Inform me ahead of time for the specific emotion you wish to convey for each plot beat.$1 / 125 words
Copy EditingI will closely read your submission to ensure it retains consistency in its environmental details and grammar choice. Please inform me of your writing style ahead of time so I may align my skill set with your own (focus on dialogue, unique use of punctuation, etc.)$1 / 125 words

Developmental and Content Editing

A more hands-on approach to the various services provided in Creative Consultation. Developmental and Content editing focus on the broad plot beats of a story rather than going line-by-line to ensure that the writing has a strong narrative through-line. While content editing tackles these issues in revision, developmental editing is done while the writing is in progress.
Both of these services include a minimum one page editorial letter detailing points that need to be addressed in revisions.

ServiceDescriptionStarting Price
Content EditingWith your submission's first draft fully complete, email me details of what you wish to evoke from the reader emotionally and thematically. I will perform a close reading of your work and mark edits of what changes can be made to best achieve that goal.$1 / 150 words
Developmental EditingWith a document outlining your intended writing goals, we will have a meeting before you write to discuss how to carry them out and create a story satisfying to you. I am open to providing feedback as you write and constructively building ideas together.$1 / 150 words

All payments for these services are to be done through Paypal Invoices with payment up front following an agreement from both parties. I have the right to reject any request for my services.


© Twi Dusken. All rights reserved