danygreene

[danygreene]

Pride & Prejudice, dir. Joe Wright

[danygreene]

Edit Edit Edit

Just putting it out there that I'm still alive (barely). I just finished college (woohoo! I'm graduated baby!). I would like to continue writing and creating and posting more here. I've finished the first draft of Falling for a Duke and the first draft of The Hollow Court. My only issue moving forward is the editing. I suuuuuuuuuccckkkk at editing my own work. In my head everything makes sense and is good. I have a little bit of ADHD so it's hard for me to slow down and actually do editing. Does anyone have any tips? I'll pay you in love <3

[danygreene]

my 10 holy grail pieces of writing advice for beginners

from an indie author who's published 4 books and written 20+, as well as 400k in fanfiction (who is also a professional beta reader who encounters the same issues in my clients' books over and over)

show don't tell is every bit as important as they say it is, no matter how sick you are of hearing about it. "the floor shifted beneath her feet" hits harder than "she felt sick with shock."

no head hopping. if you want to change pov mid scene, put a scene break. you can change it multiple times in the same scene! just put a break so your readers know you've changed pov.

if you have to infodump, do it through dialogue instead of exposition. your reader will feel like they're learning alongside the character, and it will flow naturally into your story.

never open your book with an exposition dump. instead, your opening scene should drop into the heart of the action with little to no context. raise questions to the reader and sprinkle in the answers bit by bit. let your reader discover the context slowly instead of holding their hand from the start. trust your reader; donn't overexplain the details. this is how you create a perfect hook.

every chapter should end on a cliffhanger. doesn't have to be major, can be as simple as ending a chapter mid conversation and picking it up immediately on the next one. tease your reader and make them need to turn the page.

every scene should subvert the character's expectations, as big as a plot twist or as small as a conversation having a surprising outcome. scenes that meet the character's expectations, such as a boring supply run, should be summarized.

arrive late and leave early to every scene. if you're character's at a party, open with them mid conversation instead of describing how they got dressed, left their house, arrived at the party, (because those things don't subvert their expectations). and when you're done with the reason for the scene is there, i.e. an important conversation, end it. once you've shown what you needed to show, get out, instead of describing your character commuting home (because it doesn't subvert expectations!)

epithets are the devil. "the blond man smiled--" you've lost me. use their name. use it often. don't be afraid of it. the reader won't get tired of it. it will serve you far better than epithets, especially if you have two people of the same pronouns interacting.

your character should always be working towards a goal, internal or external (i.e learning to love themself/killing the villain.) try to establish that goal as soon as possible in the reader's mind. the goal can change, the goal can evolve. as long as the reader knows the character isn't floating aimlessly through the world around them with no agency and no desire. that gets boring fast.

plan scenes that you know you'll have fun writing, instead of scenes that might seem cool in your head but you know you'll loathe every second of. besides the fact that your top priority in writing should be writing for only yourself and having fun, if you're just dragging through a scene you really hate, the scene will suffer for it, and readers can tell. the scenes i get the most praise on are always the scenes i had the most fun writing. an ideal outline shouldn't have parts that make you groan to look at. you'll thank yourself later.

happy writing :)

[danygreene]

a reminder to all writers out there, you’re a human, not a machine

it’s okay to be frustrated with your works

it’s okay to be exhausted

it’s okay to have a writer’s block

it’s okay to just want to take a break for a while

it’s okay if some days you can only write one paragraph

it’s okay if some days you can only write a sentence or two

it’s okay if some days you can’t write at all

every single writer has gone through all of these challenges, but the thing is that it passes. none of these struggles last forever. so be kind to yourself. you’re doing fine, I promise.

[danygreene]

The Erythian

- Graceful and lithe, the Erythian embody a natural beauty that feels vibrant and alive. - Skin tones range from warm golden hues to soft ivory, often with a subtle iridescent shimmer resembling sunlight on dew. - Hair is flowing and lustrous, in shades of mossy green, golden blonde, silvery white, or streaked with flower-like colors such as lavender, rose, or sky blue. - Eyes are radiant and gemstone-like, in colors such as emerald green, amber gold, soft turquoise, or even a deep violet, with a faint glow that intensifies when they use their magic. - Delicate vine-like or floral markings are etched across their skin, glowing faintly in the dark or under moonlight, representing their connection to nature.

The Erythian radiate an aura of vitality and warmth, inspiring a sense of calm and renewal in those around them.

Their laughter is rare but melodious, like wind chimes or a bubbling brook, carrying a sense of joy that lingers.

Their voices are soft and soothing, with a cadence that evokes the rustling of leaves or the hum of a meadow at dusk.

They often wear flowing, nature-inspired garments adorned with living plants, petals, or shimmering, enchanted materials resembling woven starlight.

- Known as "Life’s Stewards," the Erythian are deeply connected to the forces of growth, renewal, and healing, often tending to sacred groves or serving as healers and caretakers. - They have a natural affinity for life magic, capable of nurturing growth, mending injuries, and revitalizing barren lands. - The Erythian are also symbols of balance, acknowledging that life and death are interconnected and serving as mediators between the two forces.

[danygreene]

The Gladekin

- Tall and graceful, with soft, ethereal features that seem perpetually aglow. - Skin tones range from warm ivory to golden tan, often dusted with faint freckles that sparkle faintly like dew in sunlight. - Their hair resembles spun gold, flowing honey, or lush green, and sometimes even shifts subtly with the seasons. - Eyes are bright and vibrant, in shades of emerald, amber, or sky blue, with pupils shaped like blooming flowers or leaves. - Delicate vines, floral patterns, or leaf-like markings naturally adorn their skin, enhancing their connection to nature.

The Gladekin exude warmth, vitality, and joy, making them instantly likable and approachable.

Their laughter is like the sound of rushing water or wind through leaves, infectious and uplifting.

They dress in clothing made from living plants, soft petals, or enchanted fabrics that glow faintly under sunlight or moonlight.

- The Gladekin are caretakers of nature, protectors of life, and masters of elemental magic tied to growth and renewal. - They are known for their healing abilities, often appearing in times of crisis to nurture and rejuvenate.

[danygreene]

The Nymori

- Tall and slender, with an eerie, statuesque beauty that feels almost otherworldly. - Skin tones range from ashen gray to alabaster, sometimes with faint silver or blue undertones that shimmer under moonlight. - Their hair is typically long and flows like smoke, in shades of obsidian black, ghostly white, or deep violet. - Eyes are luminous and haunting, often silver, icy blue, or deep crimson, with slit-like pupils or no visible whites. Intricate, vein-like patterns glow faintly across their skin, resembling the roots of a dying tree or cracks in marble.

The first Fae of Nymaril

The Nymori radiate an aura of coldness and melancholy, drawing others in despite the unease they evoke.

Their smiles are rare, but when they appear, they carry a mix of sorrow and allure.

Their voices are soft and hypnotic, like a mournful melody carried on the wind.

They often wear elegant, flowing garments in dark tones, accented with feathers, bone-like embellishments, or faintly glowing gemstones.

- Known as “Death’s Courtiers,” the Nymori are deeply tied to the cycle of life and death, serving as guides for lost souls or stewards of decay. - They possess an affinity for necromantic and shadow magic, often seen as harbingers of transformation and endings.

Due to associations with death the Nymori are thought to be a bad omen when spotted. Due to this the people of Nymaril began to fear the Nymori and avoided them at all costs. The Nymori help break down the physical bodies and the arcanis, helping the cycle of life continue. Misunderstood creatures, the Nymori kept often to themselves, only being found in a small region of Nymaril.

[danygreene]

THE MEANING OF COLORS IN REGENCY ERA YELLOW Jonquille / Jonquil, the daffodil color, was the go-to Regency yellow. Not every woman found it flattering, but it was in their wardrobes nonetheless. Referenced fairly often from 1807 onward, it vaulted to fame around 1810 and remained au courant, until by the end of the 1820s, jonquil had become so ubiquitous that magazines tried to reinvent it under different names. Bird of paradise yellow, or for the most la-de-dah Oiseau de Paradis, leapt to fame when richer, brighter colors were embraced in the mid to late 1820s. As stated, it was basically the brightest shade of jonquil-like yellow marketed by a trendy name. Having discovered the bird of paradise, feather traders of the era could not wait to pillage the population to ornament 19th century hats and head-dresses. The most delicate of the yellows, Primrose was a fashion staple of the Regency era, especially favored by young women. Evening primrose is mentioned quite often in fashion magazines, but the color is quite different from the paler shade, and was an awkward choice for many typical English complexions.

Yellow was a colour of joy, optimism, and intellect during the Regency period. Bright and sunny, yellow gowns were often worn by women looking to project cheerfulness and positivity. Though not as common as white or blue, yellow attire was favored by those with lively personalities who wished to stand out in social settings.

For men, however, yellow was less prevalent but appeared occasionally in waistcoats and accessories. These pops of colour could signal warmth and approachability, making yellow an accent rather than a dominant colour in men’s fashion.

[danygreene]

Meet Naeryn Fernwylde Naeryn grew up in the human realm, always feeling like she was caught between worlds she couldn’t quite see. Though her life seemed ordinary—quiet days in her small village, surrounded by people who cared for her—there was a persistent ache, a sense of not truly belonging. She was drawn to the mysterious, the unexplainable, her dreams often filled with strange landscapes and fleeting images of beings she couldn’t name. It left her restless, yearning for answers she didn’t even know to ask. Until one day she received a mysterious glowing pendant.

[danygreene]

Temple of Apollo, Stourhead House, Warminster, England by Paul Jevis

[danygreene]

david van dartel

[danygreene]

A Lady's Boudoir

Paintings by Delphin Enjolras

French, 1857-1945

[danygreene]

Mine are gonna need inhalers with the amount of times their breath hitches lmao

My characters really gonna need some botox for the amount of furrowing their brows do.

[danygreene]

Masterlist

Works:

Falling for a Duke - Regency Romance (draft 1 complete) Editing phase 1 in progress - Plot (x) - Tags (x) - Character Inspiration (x)

The Hollow Court Series - Romantasy (WIP) - Plot (x) - Tags (x) - Character Inspiration (x)

Short Stories:

N/A

[danygreene]

Meet Lucan Solmere Lucan was a wanderer, a Gladekin who seemed to belong everywhere and nowhere at once. Known for his quick wit and effortless charm, he roamed the courts of Nymaril as a mediator and explorer, collecting secrets and stories like treasures. Beneath his mischievous smile lay a deep, unspoken sorrow, as if carrying the weight of a loss too profound to share. Rumors swirled around him—whispers of a past betrayal, a quest for ancient relics, or a forgotten love that had marked him forever. Though he wore his charisma like armor, those who looked closely saw flickers of something darker, a man driven not only by adventure but by a purpose he kept hidden from the world.

[danygreene]

Meet Cael Silverthorne Cael was the last prince of a once-prosperous kingdom destroyed by the curse centuries ago. Cursed to become a shell of his former self, something is keeping him from fully transforming into a Hollow. He poured the last piece of his arcanis---soul essence---into a pendant and used some of the last pieces of his magic to send it out to the rumored lost heir, the only one who could save the hollow court. His hope diminishing each day---for centuries---until someone answered his call.

[danygreene]

When Lady Clara St. Clair is sent to Blackwood Estate to further her education and refine her manners, she expects nothing more than a tedious stay under the watchful eye of the governess of Blackwood Estate. What she doesn’t expect is Nathaniel Wyndham, the enigmatic and duty-bound Duke himself. His sharp tongue and guarded heart should repel her, yet Clara finds herself drawn to him in ways she cannot explain. Nathaniel has no intention of falling in love. Bound by expectations and haunted by his past, he sees Clara as a disruption to his carefully controlled world. But her wit and quiet strength stir something in him he thought long buried—a yearning for more than duty, a desire for something real. As sparks fly and secrets unravel, the tension between them grows undeniable. Yet standing in their way is society’s unyielding rules, an ambitious rival determined to claim Nathaniel’s hand, and Clara’s own doubts about her place in his world. When scandal looms and hearts are on the line, Clara and Nathaniel must decide: is love worth risking everything? Set amidst the splendour and intrigue of Regency England, Falling for a Duke is a tale of passion, defiance, and the transformative power of love. Perfect for fans of slow-burn romance and unforgettable characters, this novel will sweep you away into a world where love triumphs against all odds.

{This is the plot for my first book I've written! It's still in progress so this might change slightly. It's still in the first draft phase of editing. I will continue to post snippets about it here, as well as stuff for the next one I'm writing}