Resources

Software: Writing

LibreOffice

A free and open source "office suite" software pack that serves as an alternative to Office. I have been using LibreOffice Writer as my de facto writing tool for years now, and kept up with my finances using LibreOffice Calc (its Excel equivalent) too.

(Also for tons of CRPG and DRPG bullshit too, it's very good at that)

(It also has a Powerpoint equivalent, called Impress, and a graphic design software called Draw, but I don't use either so I won't comment on them)

Honestly, sans a few minor beefs, I've been perfectly satisfied with them this... last decade? Time sure flies! Here is my recommendation for anyone who might want to check it out, or leave the good ol' wallet parasite behind, it's worth at least a check.

Software: Arts

Blender

If you know any software on this page, it's likely Blender. The de facto open source 3D software, salvation for us who can't (or won't) use Autodesk's stuff.

It's an odd duck with very tall ambitions, containing a litany of features that only grows with age. It has 3D modelling capabilities, yes, but it also handles 2D drawing, sculpting, rendering, shading, compositing, video editing, etc. No matter what, Blender has you covered, always!

... I will be straight with you, my existence is inextricably linked to Blender's. I make my novel covers in Blender, I make miscellaneous art in Blender, I relax in Blender, I learned how to gut my way through posting things publicly with Blender, and if it was ever to be deleted from the annals of history, so would I.

Recommended for anyone and everyone who has even a passing interest in the 3D arts. It's amazing, and if you've bounced off from older versions (which I did too), knot that it's much improved.

Krita

Free and open-source 2D art software.

It's no photoshop, unfortunately, and again, I can't say how well it compares to the other paid stuff, but I like it, and from what I've gathered other people with more, broader experience with drawing programs also enjoy it fine.

See the background images on this site? All made with Krita! I've also used it previously to work details on textures and, as mentioned before, to add the finishing touches on covers and renders. It's pretty good, and comes with a decent amount of brushes, though it does have a certain learning curve to it.

Recommended to at least check it out if you have an interest in 2D art and either no money to spend on software, or no will to pay for them. And hey, at least it's better than [REDACTED]!

Effekseer

An odd duck of a free and open-source arts software, focused on the creation of special effects and particles for game engines.

Actually pretty complicated compared to the other software I recommended, but once you get it going you can make some pretty amazing stuff with little to no resources. Don't really have any examples to give at hand right now, but check their sample effects section.

Recommended for anyone interested and who has the free time to learn the ropes. Take it for a spin, it's actually pretty fun.

Others

The Models Resource

Hosted by The VG Resource, similar to the Spriters Resource but focused on 3D models instead. A great place to study the work of professionals up and close.

Polyhaven

Hosts countless 3D assets, from textures to models to HDRIs, all free and granted under a CC0 license. Hyper realism isn't really my style nor goal, but if you have any interest in 3D art this is a place you must absolutely keep in mind, their work is insane.

Fonts!

Non-standard fonts I use, or have used in the past:

• The cover of Mariwa: an Ivian Tale makes use of the EB Garamond font, a free variation based on the same source as the Garamond font family. Link here
• This website makes occasional use of the Juniocode font family, which you can find here, mostly on reader-type pages.
• The cover of Heaven in Cilifus makes use of the Cormorant Unicase font. Link here.

All these fonts are released under the SIL Open Font License. Should you want to use them, please do give the previous link a read.