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Writing - Blog Posts
Because Im bored and tired and cant think of what to do rn, enjoy some basic vibe checks for the Monster Prom Romancables and Player Characters.
Oz: the glow of a sunset, complete with the creeping chill of the night slowly drawing in. Soft candy that you havent had in years. A smile from a friend you only just remember from years ago.
Polly: the smell of chemicals and ozone. The distant sound of traffic in a faded city scape as the party you just left stays fresh in your mind. Plastic and metal and the warmth of a hundred bodies all together in a drunken, uncaring party.
Damien: The smell of woodsmoke and the warmth of flames (obviously). The feeling of a bonfire. The comfort of close friends and dumb jokes, of confidence and adrenaline as you all push each other to your best selves. The feeling of twirling your hair between your fingers, of biting your lip and feeling your teeth against your skin.
Liam: The scent of coffee lingering in a room from days before. The subtle resistance of a calligraphy pen on parchment. The feeling of reading words in character's voices you can never hear. The sound of a distant humming tune you've never heard before, but somehow sends a wave of nostalgia over you and reminds you of what you've nearly forgotten.
Miranda: Sweet candies to the point of nearly being sickly. Silver and Gold jewellery refined into intricate patterns that dance along their lengths like an artform in and of itself. The sound of bubbles popping underwater right next to your ear. The shine of irridescent scales in the fresh morning sunlight.
Vera: The white noise of a thousand people talking amongst themselves in hushed tones. Perfectly manicured nails drumming rhythmically on polished, expensive wood. A weapon being traced along your skin, still able to kill you at any moment but not quite doing so just yet. Drops of poison into expensive wines that mask the taste and hide the scent. A soft kiss from lips that stain the skin of your neck as a dagger sinks into your spine.
Vicky: The zap of static elecricity against your skin. The rush of energy as you're about to leap into an action-packed activity you've waited ages for. Fresh popsicles in summer heat. The specific aura of a fair-ground or amusement park as you stroll past the attractions all surrounding you. The fizzy sweet hiss of opening a fresh soda can.
Scott: Soft fluffy fur and gentle nuzzling. The smell of worn leather gym equiptment and a feint hint of pine needles. The crunch of leaves along a pathway in the middle of Autumn. Warmth and comfort in a kindness that only comes with a truly open heart. Big hugs of crushing strength and loud bellowing laughs that you can nearly feel. Pure delight and wonder at things learned anew.
Brian: Quiet rooms with the ambient noises of ticking clocks and distant fans. The slight smell of mildew mixed with the cool breeze of fresh air. Small smiles and knowing looks that say a thousand words without speaking a single one. Distant suburbia nearly completely out to the countryside, yet still on the edge of a city.
Calculester: plants growing through abandoned devices, screens alight with a million different words a second, codes and numbers all merged into one cohesive action. The sound of whirring fans and the humm of a refrigerator or laptop as the electricity runs through it. The cool feel of plastic and metal, tentative touches and adorably awkward attempts to seem natural. Honest words and deep kindness.
Amira: Focused gazes. Nimble fingers poised and ready for the exact moment to strike. Terrifyingly fast reactions and cunning movements. The loyalty of a best friend. Warm hands and one-armed hugs. Encouraging words and big smiles, no matter how down you where. The amber glow of a fireplace as you're wrapped in warm blankets and watching action movies on your phone. A calm collected stance towards someone as you eye them down and they can see in your eyes just how dangerous you could be if they hurt those you love.
Zoe: The smell of coloured pencils, ink and soy sauce. The burning desire for knowledge and the joy of learning new things. The feel of an eraser as you bend it or try and break it in half. Sweet smiles and teasings from trusted friends as you walk between hallways. Contrasting colours and bright, bold words amongst a backdrop of detailed and dynamic features you could barely notice until you look deeper. 2 minute Ramen and icecream as you surf the internet, just enjoying what it has to offer.
I'm writing a mystery novel. It's outlined, planned, and in the draft stage. I'm making it a webnovel and want to if people have any tips? What website should an aspiring web-novelist use? What stories do best online?
LitRPG, Fantasy, and Asian based stories due well in my communities. Which one due well in yours? Is cultivation and isekia popular?
I have a lot of questions.
It's scheduled to published in later months in order to have a build up of chapters when I'm too busy to write. Is that a good plan?
That arcs and most of the characters are planned out. Some of the minor characters just have 3 main traits, an ambition, and relation to the main character listed. Is that a good thing to have?
What else should I do?
Questions, Questions
This is about writing and I have some questions I would like some answers to. They probably aren't going to be answered, but I don't really care.
How do you do research for writing?? It's so hard and makes me want to cry afterward.
How does one write emotions? I'm trying to write a character sobbing and shaking and angry all at the same time. Any writing exercises I could do?
How do I write panic attacks, ptsd attacks, etc... etc...? I want to write them probably to fully sell the effect.
Any tips on writing animals? Cats, dogs, horses, snakes, unicorns, or whatever.
Or anything that isn't human?
Answer if you like; I'm thankful for any help. My brain is half-mush an' I really need some help.
I'm curious--how do you guys go about creating your OCs?
Backstory! Motorcycles are hard to draw.
Click for better quality, maybe? It might be blurry sorry. My camera hates me :)
More information on it if you're interested v
Enjoy!
The two brothers are Hino Ken'ichi and Hino [REDACTED], codename: "Venus".
Venus is the older brother who used to take Ken on rides and basically raised him because their parents were pretty much non-existent.
One day at about age ten, Ken'ichi and Venus' motorcycle disappears and despite all efforts, he and the vehicle can't be found, with Venus' helmet being the only thing discovered. Ken is pronounced dead, assumably having crashed or something else while trying to escape the organization.
Almost a decade passes before one day, Venus sees a older teen sat on what is definitely his old bike with another teen sat behind him. The teen (which he recognizes as Jaxon Finch, who is a junior detective from The PAIA) calls him "Hino".
And Venus knows the voice of the teen driving, it's a little grown up but he'd know it anywhere.
His brother is alive and working with the enemy.
- Hopefully that made sense, thanks for taking the time to read this whole thing -
Telling myself this every day so here's a meme
The “oh I could definitely write this fanfic in under 5000 words and it really wouldn’t take me that long” voice in your head is actually the devil speaking
I don't usually talk about Exorcise The Gods on my blog because it's still in the early stages, but I'll probably start to talk about it and the characters more often now as I'm getting more confident with the plan!
I really want to share this story some day, even if nobody's interested. It's something I've been working on for five years now, I don't know if I'll wait to post it as a comic or just post the written chapters and make a comic. Whatever I do, I just want to get it out there eventually.
Anyway I just started planning Chapter 23, which is what prompted this... it's a little spontaneous. Have some sketches of the main character.
Okay okay okay long post but,
I need to say this cause it's nearly midnight and this idea is keeping me awake! Please tell me if you like the sound of the idea or if you think it's a bit of a stretch lol
So I started thinking about this today and cannot stop but y'know those Danny Phantom AU where Danny has a space obsession but everyone assumes it's actually a protection obsession?? I had an idea where, what if they're not assuming and Danny's pretending to have a protection obsession because he doesn't want his rouges to feel guilty about keeping him from his obsession?
Here me out! What if Danny feels like pretending to have a protection obsession is necessary to keeping his rouges happy and content while fulfilling their obsessions? He wants them to be happy because it means they'll be more satisfied and will come around less (he hopes). His rouges are more than happy to attack because they feel like they're helping Danny fulfill HIS obsession!
Eventually Danny starts to think of it like he's performing for those around him, like he's the star of the show he didn't realize he was in- He finds himself watching plays and operas and broadway shows and he enjoys them?? Which he didn't expect! Soon he becomes a bit obsessed with putting on the perfect performance for others, but obviously that has side effects on his mental health.
Maybe we can bring in some Ghost King Phantom? Like he becomes the Ghost King once he's graduated university or something and to his surprise, Frostbite tells him that he has a new Performance Obsession and of course this can give an opportunity for angsty spirals... Also if I'm being completely honest, the design and personality I have in my head for him is reminiscent of Furina from Genshin Impact, which I'm pretty sure was an accident, especially because I finished the newest quest yesterday... But whatever... I'll worry about it later.
If enough people like the idea I'll probably put a story and designs together, might even throw some dpxdc into the ring who knows, I sure don't! Anyway, my first time actually putting thought into an AU idea and I'm having a lot of fun with it. Let me know what you think!
You know the procrastination is bad when you start making excel spreadsheets.
I’m starting to think that the annoying English teacher was right when they say everything a writer chooses to use has a meaning. Like, it might not be a big meaning, but I have not written a single sentence yet that was not intended to have some kind of effect. Some of them stand alone, some of them contribute to a whole thing, like structural motifs, but…
I don’t know, everything has meaning, I guess.
Things that Writers.....
Commonly look up ~
______ synonyms Word for _________ How many years do you go to prison for if you ________? Do people die if you stab them in the ________? How do you feel when you lose ____ amount of blood? White house blueprints What poison is the best? How to tell cops that you’re a writer and not a murder
ooh mythology yay! 😀
Myths, Creatures, and Folklore
Want to create a religion for your fictional world? Here are some references and resources!
General:
General Folklore
Various Folktales
Heroes
Weather Folklore
Trees in Mythology
Animals in Mythology
Birds in Mythology
Flowers in Mythology
Fruit in Mythology
Plants in Mythology
Folktales from Around the World
Africa:
Egyptian Mythology
African Mythology
More African Mythology
Egyptian Gods and Goddesses
The Gods of Africa
Even More African Mythology
West African Mythology
All About African Mythology
African Mythical Creatures
Gods and Goddesses
The Americas:
Aztec Mythology
Haitian Mythology
Inca Mythology
Maya Mythology
Native American Mythology
More Inca Mythology
More Native American Mythology
South American Mythical Creatures
North American Mythical Creatures
Aztec Gods and Goddesses
Asia:
Chinese Mythology
Hindu Mythology
Japanese Mythology
Korean Mythology
More Japanese Mythology
Chinese and Japanese Mythical Creatures
Indian Mythical Creatures
Chinese Gods and Goddesses
Hindu Gods and Goddesses
Korean Gods and Goddesses
Europe:
Basque Mythology
Celtic Mythology
Etruscan Mythology
Greek Mythology
Latvian Mythology
Norse Mythology
Roman Mythology
Arthurian Legends
Bestiary
Celtic Gods and Goddesses
Gods and Goddesses of the Celtic Lands
Finnish Mythology
Celtic Mythical Creatures
Gods and Goddesses
Middle East:
Islamic Mythology
Judaic Mythology
Mesopotamian Mythology
Persian Mythology
Middle Eastern Mythical Creatures
Oceania:
Aboriginal Mythology
Polynesian Mythology
More Polynesian Mythology
Mythology of the Polynesian Islands
Melanesian Mythology
Massive Polynesian Mythology Post
Maori Mythical Creatures
Hawaiian Gods and Goddesses
Hawaiian Goddesses
Gods and Goddesses
Creating a Fantasy Religion:
Creating Part 1
Creating Part 2
Creating Part 3
Creating Part 4
Fantasy Religion Design Guide
Using Religion in Fantasy
Religion in Fantasy
Creating Fantasy Worlds
Beliefs in Fantasy
Some superstitions:
Read More
reblogging for writing tips
Words for Skin Tone | How to Describe Skin Color
We discussed the issues describing People of Color by means of food in Part I of this guide, which brought rise to even more questions, mostly along the lines of “So, if food’s not an option, what can I use?” Well, I was just getting to that!
This final portion focuses on describing skin tone, with photo and passage examples provided throughout. I hope to cover everything from the use of straight-forward description to the more creatively-inclined, keeping in mind the questions we’ve received on this topic.
Standard Description
Basic Colors
Pictured above: Black, Brown, Beige, White, Pink.
“She had brown skin.”
This is a perfectly fine description that, while not providing the most detail, works well and will never become cliché.
Describing characters’ skin as simply brown or beige works on its own, though it’s not particularly telling just from the range in brown alone.
Complex Colors
These are more rarely used words that actually “mean” their color. Some of these have multiple meanings, so you’ll want to look into those to determine what other associations a word might have.
Pictured above: Umber, Sepia, Ochre, Russet, Terra-cotta, Gold, Tawny, Taupe, Khaki, Fawn.
Complex colors work well alone, though often pair well with a basic color in regards to narrowing down shade/tone.
For example: Golden brown, russet brown, tawny beige…
As some of these are on the “rare” side, sliding in a definition of the word within the sentence itself may help readers who are unfamiliar with the term visualize the color without seeking a dictionary.
“He was tall and slim, his skin a russet, reddish-brown.”
Comparisons to familiar colors or visuals are also helpful:
“His skin was an ochre color, much like the mellow-brown light that bathed the forest.”
Modifiers
Modifiers, often adjectives, make partial changes to a word.The following words are descriptors in reference to skin tone.
Dark - Deep - Rich - Cool
Warm - Medium - Tan
Fair - Light - Pale
Rich Black, Dark brown, Warm beige, Pale pink…
If you’re looking to get more specific than “brown,” modifiers narrow down shade further.
Keep in mind that these modifiers are not exactly colors.
As an already brown-skinned person, I get tan from a lot of sun and resultingly become a darker, deeper brown. I turn a pale, more yellow-brown in the winter.
While best used in combination with a color, I suppose words like “tan” “fair” and “light” do work alone; just note that tan is less likely to be taken for “naturally tan” and much more likely a tanned White person.
Calling someone “dark” as description on its own is offensive to some and also ambiguous. (See: Describing Skin as Dark)
Undertones
Undertones are the colors beneath the skin, seeing as skin isn’t just one even color but has more subdued tones within the dominating palette.
pictured above: warm / earth undertones: yellow, golden, copper, olive, bronze, orange, orange-red, coral | cool / jewel undertones: pink, red, blue, blue-red, rose, magenta, sapphire, silver.
Mentioning the undertones within a character’s skin is an even more precise way to denote skin tone.
As shown, there’s a difference between say, brown skin with warm orange-red undertones (Kelly Rowland) and brown skin with cool, jewel undertones (Rutina Wesley).
“A dazzling smile revealed the bronze glow at her cheeks.”
“He always looked as if he’d ran a mile, a constant tinge of pink under his tawny skin.”
Standard Description Passage
“Farah’s skin, always fawn, had burned and freckled under the summer’s sun. Even at the cusp of autumn, an uneven tan clung to her skin like burrs. So unlike the smooth, red-brown ochre of her mother, which the sun had richened to a blessing.”
-From my story “Where Summer Ends” featured in Strange Little Girls
Here the state of skin also gives insight on character.
Note my use of “fawn” in regards to multiple meaning and association. While fawn is a color, it’s also a small, timid deer, which describes this very traumatized character of mine perfectly.
Though I use standard descriptions of skin tone more in my writing, at the same time I’m no stranger to creative descriptions, and do enjoy the occasional artsy detail of a character.
Creative Description
Whether compared to night-cast rivers or day’s first light…I actually enjoy seeing Characters of Colors dressed in artful detail.
I’ve read loads of descriptions in my day of white characters and their “smooth rose-tinged ivory skin”, while the PoC, if there, are reduced to something from a candy bowl or a Starbucks drink, so to actually read of PoC described in lavish detail can be somewhat of a treat.
Still, be mindful when you get creative with your character descriptions. Too many frills can become purple-prose-like, so do what feels right for your writing when and where. Not every character or scene warrants a creative description, either. Especially if they’re not even a secondary character.
Using a combination of color descriptions from standard to creative is probably a better method than straight creative. But again, do what’s good for your tale.
Natural Settings - Sky
Pictured above: Harvest Moon -Twilight, Fall/Autumn Leaves, Clay, Desert/Sahara, Sunlight - Sunrise - Sunset - Afterglow - Dawn- Day- Daybreak, Field - Prairie - Wheat, Mountain/Cliff, Beach/Sand/Straw/Hay.
Now before you run off to compare your heroine’s skin to the harvest moon or a cliff side, think about the associations to your words.
When I think cliff, I think of jagged, perilous, rough. I hear sand and picture grainy, yet smooth. Calm. mellow.
So consider your character and what you see fit to compare them to.
Also consider whose perspective you’re describing them from. Someone describing a person they revere or admire may have a more pleasant, loftier description than someone who can’t stand the person.
“Her face was like the fire-gold glow of dawn, lifting my gaze, drawing me in.”
“She had a sandy complexion, smooth and tawny.”
Even creative descriptions tend to draw help from your standard words.
Flowers
Pictured above: Calla lilies, Western Coneflower, Hazel Fay, Hibiscus, Freesia, Rose
It was a bit difficult to find flowers to my liking that didn’t have a 20 character name or wasn’t called something like “chocolate silk” so these are the finalists.
You’ll definitely want to avoid purple-prose here.
Also be aware of flowers that most might’ve never heard of. Roses are easy, as most know the look and coloring(s) of this plant. But Western coneflowers? Calla lilies? Maybe not so much.
“He entered the cottage in a huff, cheeks a blushing brown like the flowers Nana planted right under my window. Hazel Fay she called them, was it?”
Assorted Plants & Nature
Pictured above: Cattails, Seashell, Driftwood, Pinecone, Acorn, Amber
These ones are kinda odd. Perhaps because I’ve never seen these in comparison to skin tone, With the exception of amber.
At least they’re common enough that most may have an idea what you’re talking about at the mention of “pinecone.“
I suggest reading out your sentences aloud to get a better feel of how it’ll sounds.
“Auburn hair swept past pointed ears, set around a face like an acorn both in shape and shade.”
I pictured some tree-dwelling being or person from a fantasy world in this example, which makes the comparison more appropriate.
I don’t suggest using a comparison just “cuz you can” but actually being thoughtful about what you’re comparing your character to and how it applies to your character and/or setting.
Wood
Pictured above: Mahogany, Walnut, Chestnut, Golden Oak, Ash
Wood can be an iffy description for skin tone. Not only due to several of them having “foody” terminology within their names, but again, associations.
Some people would prefer not to compare/be compared to wood at all, so get opinions, try it aloud, and make sure it’s appropriate to the character if you do use it.
“The old warlock’s skin was a deep shade of mahogany, his stare serious and firm as it held mine.”
Metals
Pictured above: Platinum, Copper, Brass, Gold, Bronze
Copper skin, brass-colored skin, golden skin…
I’ve even heard variations of these used before by comparison to an object of the same properties/coloring, such as penny for copper.
These also work well with modifiers.
“The dress of fine white silks popped against the deep bronze of her skin.”
Gemstones - Minerals
Pictured above: Onyx, Obsidian, Sard, Topaz, Carnelian, Smoky Quartz, Rutile, Pyrite, Citrine, Gypsum
These are trickier to use. As with some complex colors, the writer will have to get us to understand what most of these look like.
If you use these, or any more rare description, consider if it actually “fits” the book or scene.
Even if you’re able to get us to picture what “rutile” looks like, why are you using this description as opposed to something else? Have that answer for yourself.
“His skin reminded her of the topaz ring her father wore at his finger, a gleaming stone of brown, mellow facades.”
Physical Description
Physical character description can be more than skin tone.
Show us hair, eyes, noses, mouth, hands…body posture, body shape, skin texture… though not necessarily all of those nor at once.
Describing features also helps indicate race, especially if your character has some traits common within the race they are, such as afro hair to a Black character.
How comprehensive you decide to get is up to you. I wouldn’t overdo it and get specific to every mole and birthmark. Noting defining characteristics is good, though, like slightly spaced front teeth, curls that stay flopping in their face, hands freckled with sunspots…
General Tips
Indicate Race Early: I suggest indicators of race be made at the earliest convenience within the writing, with more hints threaded throughout here and there.
Get Creative On Your Own: Obviously, I couldn’t cover every proper color or comparison in which has been “approved” to use for your characters’ skin color, so it’s up to you to use discretion when seeking other ways and shades to describe skin tone.
Skin Color May Not Be Enough: Describing skin tone isn’t always enough to indicate someone’s ethnicity. As timeless cases with readers equating brown to “dark white” or something, more indicators of race may be needed.
Describe White characters and PoC Alike: You should describe the race and/or skin tone of your white characters just as you do your Characters of Color. If you don’t, you risk implying that White is the default human being and PoC are the “Other”).
PSA: Don’t use “Colored.” Based on some asks we’ve received using this word, I’d like to say that unless you or your character is a racist grandmama from the 1960s, do not call People of Color “colored” please.
Not Sure Where to Start? You really can’t go wrong using basic colors for your skin descriptions. It’s actually what many people prefer and works best for most writing. Personally, I tend to describe my characters using a combo of basic colors + modifiers, with mentions of undertones at times. I do like to veer into more creative descriptions on occasion.
Want some alternatives to “skin” or “skin color”? Try: Appearance, blend, blush, cast, coloring, complexion, flush, glow, hue, overtone, palette, pigmentation, rinse, shade, sheen, spectrum, tinge, tint, tone, undertone, value, wash.
Skin Tone Resources
List of Color Names
The Color Thesaurus
Skin Undertone & Color Matching
Tips and Words on Describing Skin
Photos: Undertones Described (Modifiers included)
Online Thesaurus (try colors, such as “red” & “brown”)
Don’t Call me Pastries: Creative Skin Tones w/ pics I
Writing & Description Guides
WWC Featured Description Posts
WWC Guide: Words to Describe Hair
Writing with Color: Description & Skin Color Tags
7 Offensive Mistakes Well-intentioned Writers Make
I tried to be as comprehensive as possible with this guide, but if you have a question regarding describing skin color that hasn’t been answered within part I or II of this guide, or have more questions after reading this post, feel free to ask!
~ Mod Colette
November 3rd, 2022. 12:30 a.m.
Please
I'm so tired
I can't keep this up.
These aren't my lungs
My heart beats for others
But I'm not done
My tears smother.
I want death to come peacefully
Wrap me in cloth
And talk to me gracefully.
Whisper to me as I fall asleep
In the arms of someone who cares.
The weight on my shoulders makes me buckle
But the pressure on my chest makes me chuckle.
No one knows
Life is No's
To curl up and die
I float
One final night
No more lies.
To pass on to the joyous chatter of party goers
Is the sweetest release when laughter is the final overture.
I spread myself too thin and my limbs are being stolen from me
Who or where has what
And why is it how it has to be?
Just,
Please,
Leave me alone.
I long for the days of the wheel when I can see you again.
When the veil of unearthly delights are in sight.
I adore you my sweet, but I wish you could see it.
You watch through the mist of existence unable to touch mortality,
As my imagination of you makes me question morality.
I'll see you again my dear, it just may be sooner than you want.
Title: Maiden of The Mist
Questions
What would we be if you were still here? Would you have forsaken me like she claimed? How would you feel about the woman I've become? Would you accept me as your daughter or reject me as your sone? What rabbit holes would you have fallen down? Which ones would you avoid? Would we still play pool? Poker? Would music come easier? How would you feel about my partners? What fights would we have had? Would you be proud of who I am today? Would I miss you less if I had answers?
I think everyone just needs to start writing Summaries like your doing the, 'Tonight...' Bit on Top Gear, very entertaining.
writing is hard but coming up with a cunty title and catchy summary will slay even god's strongest soldier
Sometimes just for fun I write little unhinged bits of improvised poetry that’s more about playing with how words sound than saying anything specific and often it’s like
“I don’t know but it flows even if it is so-so”
And anyway I just looked at one of them and remembered that I wrote the phrase
“Like a cat with a mouthful of bees”
So not that long ago the group that I take part in writing workshops with did a workshop on Haiku and Haibun, and I went a little off the deep end and wrote a funky sci-fi short story Haibun thing. Anyway, here you go. *Note: I might end up editing and changing it later. ------------------------------
The docking bays stand tall over the promenade, a pier of iron and steel beneath which roam hundreds of arriving faces. Shuttlecrafts slowly empty themselves of scavengers and refugees, survivors who have seen their homes destroyed. Around me every face has been marred by desperation and every arrival is heralded with relief.
Sea of brown and gray Hungry mouths, aching bodies Safe for the first time
Legends stalk through the crowd, saviors from a bygone age. A steel-suited force once thought forgotten. Staves, swords, knives, guns, all equally deadly in their iron grip. It is hard not to notice the breaks and dents in their once exquisite armor.
Warriors of Old Leaving their worlds behind Battle among stars
Through the translucent sheen of the docking bay’s energy shield we watch as our once blue and green home is overtaken by a swath of shining red. The promenade’s steel booths, once dedicated to trade and commerce, are repurposed and used to distribute food among the starving crowd. A violent plague sweeps across the planet below, and we know we will never return.
Eating at long last A first night among many Watching our world burn
Days become weeks, weeks become months as our would be saviours repeatedly plunge to the planet below. Whispers of small victories spread through the station’s corridors, rumors of safe havens and thriving populations feeding desperate hopes. It would be easy to miss that our saviours’ numbers seem smaller with each return they make.
Battling the plague Plunging Heroes Fall Beneath The Hope of Masses
The station slumbers, its people adhering to their anachronous routines, small comfort for the displaced. My footfalls ring out among reticent corridors, the night quiet giving its own familiar ease. Reprieve is broken as metal clashes. Nearly hidden, two legends quarrel.
A knife is fumbled Shining steel shears armor Sword slides between ribs
Hasty, heavy footfalls rush from the secluded battlefield before fading into obscurity. Unseen, I approach the fallen champion, unprepared to give the aid I offer. Their wound does not bleed, streaks of red splayed beneath steel skin. Trembling hands open damaged armor, as I make my greatest mistake.
Plague engulfing me Tendrils through body and mind It’s taking control
My world becomes red. All consuming Rage. All Consuming Hunger. No Me, only Us. One body perishing, the other still weak. The enemy’s strength lies ready before us. Our forming corpse drags itself from the wreckage. Our weakling slides inside. We are weak no longer.
Wielder unwell Infestation levels high Simply will not do
WE CANNOT BE PURGED. Pain runs through our body, lightning through my bones. THERE IS NO YOU, THERE IS US. Screaming assaults my ears, my mouth dry from the exertion. YOUR TIME IS LIMITED. THERE IS STILL ANOTHER. Vision grows black, consiousness fades.
Recover, wearer. Infection levels dropping, You will be alright
An electronic voice speaks into my ear as my eyes slowly open. A steel second skin covers me, though I do not feel it’s weight. I begin to sit, to stand, slow careful movements made easier on my aching body by armored systems I do not understand. My eyes catch sight of the corpse beside me and it is made clear, plague has reached us.
Carrier running Searching for the next victim To give to the plague
Screaming pulls me from my stupor and I begin to run. As I near the sound, I find three survivors laying before me, red streaks running from superficial wounds. ‘They have been infected,’ the voice informs me moments before they begin to stand. They lunge, but I am armored and they are not.
Blood now on my hands Refugees become corpses I do what I must
Running. Fighting. Running. Fighting. I pour through the hallway, my steel steps echoing just behind my mark’s. Each moment his steps seem closer. Each moment my armored hands are stained with more of the blood of fellow survivors. I see him turn a corner and he is mine at last.
Nowhere left to run I must bring this to an end Lest he doom us all
His rust-red sword lashes out, skilled, but worn. Expert strikes slowed by fatigue are easily dodged. He pulls back and begins to circle, I cannot let him recover.
Fist stands against sword A sharp pain through my belly I cannot fail here
YOU COULD HAVE BEEN US. My arms wraps around him, pinning his in place. NOW YOU SHALL PERISH. My head impacts his again and again. WE SHALL BECOME ALL. He struggles, but despite my wound he cannot escape. YOUR EFFORTS ARE FUTILE. His body goes limp, but I continue until my own sight grows dark.
Neophyte Legend Dying alongside first foe Fate has other plans
Bright light in my eyes awakens me. Rage, Hunger within my mind. Deep breaths keep it calm as my body recovers. Months pass, armor and body are both repaired but my mind is not the same. I will learn to manage. Soon I take my first plunge.
Fighting planetside I can sense its location A boon from my curse
Armored warriors, we battle the plague below. An unexpected boon becomes our greatest strength. We gain ground, make progress, and our numbers remain strong. In moments of reprieve my mind turns to the station above.
Watchers from above Spots of blue on a red sphere Fueling their hopes
Alrighty, here's another scene from the novel I'm (very slowly) writing -------------------------
In the performance hall’s backstage restroom a young woman paced back and forth as she scrolled through instructions on her phone. She had a job to do, she was here to make sure that this was the performers’ final show. There were five targets, identical clones masquerading as “sisters” who formed a k-pop group called Blackhearts. A record company owned by the media conglomerate that she was currently working for held the rights to their music, and their last few albums had not sold well. They had become disposable.
A twinge of guilt ran through her as she saved the performers’ image to her phone. These weren’t corporate spies or power hungry schemers gunning for a sudden promotion, they were performers who’s hype was waning. They needed a PR team, not an assassin, but PR teams were expensive while a half-dozen bullets were not only cheap but could also bring in a quick profit. Sales of their final album would go up for a time, the group’s overhead would disappear, and the company could sign the next up and coming artist while they were still on the rise. It was disgusting, and she hated what she was about to do. She turned to the sink and stared into the dingy bathroom mirror.
“I can’t just not do it,” She said to nobody in particular, guilt and anger growing deep within her. She gazed at her neck in the mirror, picturing the device that lay just beneath her skin. “I have to do it. I don’t have a choice,” she murmured, tapping her foot anxiously. “It doesn’t matter how I feel about it.” She paused, took a deep breath, and shoved the growing guilt and anger as deep down as she could. She had a job to do, she could address these feelings later.
She turned her attention back to her phone and uploaded her target’s photo into the app that controlled her cybernetics. A familiar ache ran beneath her crawling skin as her appearance began to change. Her face grew longer, thinner, accentuated by high cheekbones. Short, wavy red hair darkened, straightened, and grew until it was a shining black that flowed down to the small of her back. Emerald green eyes turned sky blue and tan freckled skin became an unblemished pale. When the changes finished she looked to the mirror and gave a cold grin. Nobody would think twice about a performer walking into her own dressing room.
So thinking about NaNoWriMo stuff, I think I know what I want to write.
I'm going to write a novel about a girl with a very silly name (Jane Dogfood) who starts a mess of a podcast where she interviews the people around her about their life experiences and discovers who she is as she explores how she does/doesn't relate to the people she interviews.
While it is a coming of age story, a lot of focus will be developing these characters and exploring their life experiences, possibly in a "story within a story" sort of way
I have a story I want to write for NaNoWriMo and a character I have in mind would need to be handled with care.
The character in question is a 2nd generation immigrant from a pair of Filipino parents who's relationship with his mother is tenuous at best because of a language barrier. He is named Luis. The idea in my head is that Luis' father wanted him to assimilate to Western norms in the hope that he would have a better/easier time, and so he never really let Luis learn Filipino, and Luis' mother's grasp of English is fairly weak overall. Luis is also a high school student living in Vegas, going to a magnet school for computer engineering/tech stuff and he's also being the sound engineer person for a podcast with his childhood friend, Jane.
Before I go any further with this, I was wondering if there were any POC 2nd generation immigrants I could consult.
Anyway, my DMs are open
headcanon atsushi’s ability the tiger does not know what to do when it likes someone
like in general atsushi is bad with knowing what to do with the ppl he likes and showing affection – like he tries to mimic others but he himself is still working on something that feels natural if that makes sense
but the tiger
the tiger is far worse becuz the only positive thing it can associate with positive emotions is food so every time it gets closer to the full moon the tiger starts whispering in the back of his mind that he should eat dazai and kunikida
then kyouka and junichiro
and ranpo and yosano and fukuzawa and kenji and naomi and haruno
at first atsushi panics (naturally) worries he’s a cannibal, thinks the tiger hates the agency, panics more, especially after dead apple when he and the tiger gained an understanding of each other and he realized that the tiger was protecting him so he’s like why r u trying to kill the agency members
but gradually he realizes that actually the tiger just doesn’t know how to deal with positive emotions and yeah
anyway:
atsushi: dazai-san is so nice to me :)
the tiger: yeah :)
the tiger: we should eat him
atsushi: NO????
//
kunikida, patting atsushi’s head: good job on ur report atsushi
the tiger: use his arm against him and eat him
kunikida: atsushi u look weird are u feeling unwell
atsushi: hahaha dont worry about no weird thoughts here hahahaha
//
atsushi, literally just working:
the tiger: the small candy one eats a lot of sugar. he would taste sweet. Eat him.
atsushi: NO??????????????
ranpo, looking up: i’ve actually always wondered what i would taste like-
//
and so on
is this incredibly dumb? yes but is it also funny, yes
atsushi realizes he likes akutagawa because at some point when he spots him the tiger immediately starts wondering what he’d taste like
atsushi, sees akutagawa: oh there’s that basta-
the tiger: i bet he’d taste really nice
atsushi:
atsushi: oh
atsushi: oh no
//
akutagawa: how did you figure out you liked me?
atsushi: i couldn’t stop thinking about what you’d taste like
akutagawa, blushing: oh-
atsushi: yeah it was insane how much the tiger wanted to kill and eat u
akutagawa, slightly confused and horrified: oh-
//
eventually as atsushi learns to deal with his feelings so does the tiger but unfortunately it’s still an animal so its more like
atsushi: dazai’s so nice :)
the tiger: yeah :)
the tiger: lets hunt a deer for him
atsushi: no??????????????
//
kunikida, petting atsushi’s hair: good job on the job atsushi
atsushi, not thinking about what he’s saying: kunikida i like u so much should i kill a bear for u?
kunikida, slightly confused, slightly flattered: uhh no???????
//
atsushi, at the store: lemme just get something for kyouka-
the tiger: we shall hunt until we find something suitabl-
atsushi: no.
//
atsushi: im sorry i transformed last night, snuck out of ur place, hunted down a goose, broke back in, left it in the living room table, and then climbed on top of u, still a tiger, and then fell asleep and only transformed back now, after u had to use rashomon to get tiger me off u
akutagawa, dead tired: yeah i don’t know what the appropriate response is but ur cleaning the bloo-
akutagawa: wait wtf do u mean theres a dead goose in the living room
atsushi: do u not like goose :(
akutagawa: that is NOT the issue here
//
yeah
reblog && yume sideblog !!
purrsonal rentry main blog pinterest
hallo ! this is where i gush over chuuya ( and some other f/os ) and selfshipping in general , among other stuff i’ll reblog ^__^ me and chuuya have only been together for a short while ( 2 / 16 ♡ ) , but we love eachother deeply nonetheless !! i’m non-sharing , but doubles are okay to interact ☆
you can call me star , or some other names i use found here !! i use he / him pronouns , and i’m gay with a t4t pref so my romantic f/os will likely be headcanoned as trans :3 i am a minor , so plis dont be too freaky . . . um . dni if you use crystal deodorant voluntarily i don’t know and proship . pls dni proship okay fhanks ♡♡♡
i have my own self - insert ( that changes a lot …. ) , but i’ll often also sorta face - claim ( ??? ) some of my kins — mainly dazai and sigma !!!
tags should be self - explanatory — all tags with the little bow ( ྀིྀི ) are my own posts !
layout by @docele !!!!