unholy-bacon-blog

[unholy-bacon-blog]

like i said, first thing in the morning before i head into work! im super tired and would much rather be asleep rn, but i hope you guys like it!

[unholy-bacon-blog]

Writing x Characters When You Aren’t x, A Masterlist

x: a variable used to represent something unknown.

We’ve seen an influx of questions about how to write stories based around characters of color, disability, non-binary, etc. when the author does not fall into these categories. Rather than have these posts take over the site, we’ve decided to compile a list of resources to help our fellow writers become more educated about writing what they do not immediately know. However, this list is not the end-all-be-all of knowledge; one should always try to learn from someone with first hand experience in any topic. The world is constantly growing and changing, and because of that, there will always be more to learn. The admins at Plotline Hotline want to help writers form respectful, informed, and realistic characters that broaden the narrow range we see in literature today. 

*Be wary that some of the topics listed below contain sensitive material. Reader discretion is advised.* 

As always, the links I found to be especially apt will be in bold. Topics are listed alphabetically, excepting the “other” section.

Culture

Appropriate Cultural Appropriation

What is Cultural Appropriation? [1,2,3]

Cultural Appropriation Is, In Fact, Indefensible

Voice Appropriation & Writing About Other Cultures

Diversity, Appropriation, and Writing the Other [List]

Disability

Writing Disibilities [1,2,3,4,5]

Guides to Writing Deaf or Hard of Hearding People

National Association of the Deaf - Resources [List]

World Federation of the Deaf

Using a Prosthetic Device

Prostehtic Limbs (Character Guide)

How NOT to Write Disabled Characters

A Guide to Disibility Rights Law (United States)

Timeline of Disibility Rights in the United States

Social Security Disability: List of Impairments, Medical Conditions, and Problems [List] (United States)

How to Write Disabled Characters: An Opinion Piece

Artificial Eye Resources [List][Various]

Adapting to the Loss of an Eye

Misconceptions and Myths About Blindness

Blind Characters: A Process of Awareness

Writing Blind Characters [List]

Types of Learning Disabilities [List]

Diversity

A Guide to Spotting and Growing Past Stereotypes

How to Prepare to Write a Diverse Book

The Diversity of Writing

Why Diversity Matters for Everyone

Writing a Driverse Book [1,2,3,4,5]

Diversity, Political Correctness and The Power of Language

Diversity Book List [List][Books]

Basic Tips To Write Subcultures & Minority Religions Better 

Basic Tips to Avoid Tokenism

Gender

GLAAD Media Reference Guide - Transgender

Creating Well-Written Trans Characters

A Few Things Writers Need To Know About Sexuality & Gender Expression

Trans (Character Guide & Bio Building)

A Non-Binary Person’s Guide to Invented Pronouns

Gender Neutral Writing [List]

Keeping a Trans* Person a Person  

Suggestions for Reducing Gendered Terms in Language [Photo]

How to Review a Trans Book as a Cis Person

Writing Characters of Different Genders [List]

Understanding Gender

Gender Spectrum Resources [List]

Gender History

Illness 

Writing Chronic Illness [1,2]

The Spoon Theory - Also pertains to disibility

About HIV/AIDS

Sexually Transmitted Diseases [List]

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sex and Gender Differences in Health [Study]

All Chronic Illness Topics [List]

Coping with Chronic Illness

All Cancer Types

A Day in the Life of a Home Health Aide/Health Coach

Fiction Books With Chronically Ill Main Characters- Not Cancer [List][Books]

Neurotype (Including Mental Health)

Writing an Autistic Character When You Don’t Have Autism

Depression Resources [List]

What to Consider When Writing Mental Illness

Stanford Psychiatric Patient Care

Inpatient Psychiatric Questions and Tips

Don’t Call Me Crazy [Documentary]

(Avoid) Romanticizing Mental Illness [1,2]

A Day in the Life of a Mental Hospital Patient

State-run vs. Private Mental Hospitals

Mental Disorders

Mental Hospital Non-Fiction [List][Books]

National Institute of Mental Health - Mental Health Information [List]

Writing Autistic

What Causes PTSD?

Remember, Remember: The Basics of Writing Amnesia

ADHD Basic Information

What is a Learning Disability?

What is Neurotypical?

Race

Writing Race: A Checklist for Authors

Transracial Writing for the Sincere

Is my character “black enough”

White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack

Challenge, Counter, Controvert: Subverting Expectations

Writing With Color: Blogs - Recs - Resources [List]

Writing People of Color (If you happen to be a person of another color)

7 Offensive Mistakes Well-Intentioned Writers Make

Description Guide - Words for Skin Tone

Religion

Religion in Novels: Terrific or Taboo?

How to Write a Fantasy Novel that Sells: The Religion

Writing About Faith And Religion

From Aladdin to Homeland: How Hollywood Can Reinforce Racial and Religious Stereotypes 

Sexuality

Understanding Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity [List]

Writing Gay Characters [1,2,3]

American Civil Liberties Union - LGBT+ Rights

LGBT+ Rights by Country or Territory

History of Gay Rights

Gay Rights Movement

LGBT+ Culture

Gay Myths and Stereotypes

LGBT+ Studies Web Sites [List]

LGBTQ Youth Issues

LGBTData.com

Overview of Gay and Lesbian Parenting, Adoption and Foster Care (United States)

Other

How Doctors’ Offices—and Queer Culture—Are Failing Autistic LGBTQ People

Five Traps and Tips for Character Development

Developing Realistic Characters

I hope that this list will provide topics a writer may not initially think to research when writing. If there are any resources that you think would be fitting for this list, please let us know! We want to have as many helpful sources as possible to maximize learning opportunities. 

Stay educated,

xx Sarah

[unholy-bacon-blog]

[unholy-bacon-blog]

If you can’t reblog this, unfollow me now.

[unholy-bacon-blog]

Your helpful writing tip of the day

The difference between wonder and wander.

Wonder is a cause of astonishment or a feeling of doubt/uncertainty.

--For example: Sometimes I wonder if there is any meaning to life. Or: It’s a wonder you haven't died of exhaustion yet, seeing as you never sleep.

Wander is to go about aimlessly or go astray from something.

--For example: The boy wandered around the field, admiring the scene before him. Or: The boy wandered away from his parents in pursuit of the beautiful butterfly. 

That is all.

[unholy-bacon-blog]

Flowers Crowns and Polaroids (MiniCat) Part 2

“What are you doing here?” Craig asked, laughing slightly once more at the sight of Tyler rubbing the dirt off of him. He put away the camera in his hand.

“I’m working, actually,” Tyler said, checking the picture in his pocket, just to be sure it wasn’t ruined. He sighed in relief when he realized the picture was untouched. He suddenly felt the polaroid ripped from his hands, making him look up with a gasp.

"Hey, give that back!” Tyler shouted, reaching for the picture. Craig pulled back and turned slightly, looking at the photo.

“What is this?” Craig asked, seemingly amazed. Tyler looked at him in confusion.

“Haven’t you seen a picture before? You know, from a camera?” Craig glanced at him questioningly.

“A camera?” he started hesitantly, “is that the weird looking box thing you dropped?” Tyler nodded, pulling out the polaroid camera and showing it to Craig. He looked at it in shy amazement.

“What does it do?” he asked. Tyler couldn't help but give a small chuckle. Just how long had this boy been living out here? He had long since dismissed any thought that this boy was someone to worry about. In all honesty, he thought Craig was pretty adorable. Tyler moved around so he could stand next to Craig and show him the camera.

“It takes pictures. Here, watch.” Tyler held the camera up to a tree. He aligned the shot, and when he had the image he wanted, he pressed the button and a small click was heard. The picture appeared from the slot, so he grabbed it. Tyler waited a few seconds, allowing for the picture to appear, before showing it to the boy. Craig’s eyes widened in amazement, excitedly glancing between the image and the actual tree.

“Woah...” Craig muttered, causing Tyler to give a small laugh, “can I try?” he asked quietly. Tyler was hesitant at first, as his camera was like his child, but he just couldn't say no to the wide, bright eyes that were staring at him. He finally handed over the camera to Craig. With a laugh and blinding smile, Craig turned and snapped a picture of Tyler, laughing harder as he saw Tyler’s surprise.

“Hey, what the hell man? Not cool,” Tyler started off, but felt his anger disappear when Craig’s green eyes stared at him, wide and hopeful. Tyler took the camera back, but not before Craig grabbed his new treasure.

“So, Craig, you said that you lived here. Why is that?” Craig smiled at him.

“Because I have to, duh,” he stated as though it were obvious. Tyler just looked at him in confusion. Craig rolled his eyes slightly, as though he couldn't believe Tyler hadn't figured it out.

“I’m a nature spirit, silly!”

[unholy-bacon-blog]

Flower Crowns and Polaroids (MiniCat) (Part 1?)

*Nature Spirit Mini! Photographer Tyler!* Leaves crunched underneath Tyler's feet as he made his way through the dense forest. Vibrant green leaves surrounded him, the sun reflecting off of the fresh dew drops that lingered on the grass. This was the best time to go out in Tyler's opinion. The forest was still quiet and calm, but the beginning transitions of the world waking were starting to show. The suns rays passed over the purple and blue mountain tops, glowing a beautiful pastel orange. 'Perfect' Tyler thought. Polaroid camera in hand, his eyes began examining the area around him in search for the best place to take the picture. He quickly became frustrated when he couldn't find one. Then, with a small exclamation as an idea came to mind, Tyler began to climb the tall tree that stood next to him. With swift movements, he finally made it to the top of the tree, but a few branches were in his way. After moving and twisting, he aligned the perfect shot. With a small click entering the quiet air, the picture was dispensed from the camera. Tyler grabbed it, a smile etched on his face. After admiring his work, he slid the picture into his jacket pocket and moved to get down. However, when he went to climb back down, he realized that he was upside down, and that his legs were tangled in the branches. Tyler heard a giggle come from below him. He rapidly looked around, trying to find the source of the voice, but was unable to see anything. Tyler groaned in annoyance, wiggling around to try and escape his branchy prison. With a sigh he stopped, realizing that the tree wouldn't give way. All of the sudden, he felt whatever was trapping him disappear. He fell to the ground with a thud, landing straight on his face. Then Tyler heard the laugh again. So with a slight cough, he rolled over, rubbing the dirt out of his face. When he opened his eyes, he jerked back with a gasp. In front of him was a boy, around his age, with orange ish brown curly hair and a pair of black rimmed glasses. Tangled in his hair was a crown of pink colored flowers. His face help a worried expression, but Tyler could see the amusement glittering in his dark green eyes. His pale skin was covered by green, almost leaf like, clothing. "Oh, I'm so sorry," the boy squeaked, trying to contain the rest of his laughter, "I didn't mean to make you fall like that, I just wanted to help! I saw that you were stuck, but now I've gone and made you hurt yourself. My bad," the boy finally stopped his rant. Tyler looked at the boy cautiously, but quickly dismissed any feeling of unsafety. After all, how dangerous could a guy with a flower crown be? "Who are you?" Tyler asked, deciding not to be too trustworthy yet. The boy gave him a smile that could melt anybody before offering him a hand. "My name is Craig, I live here in the forest," he said as he helped Tyler up. Tyler quickly grabbed his camera, checking to make sure it was ok. "My name is Tyler."

[unholy-bacon-blog]

Baby It's Cold Outside (BrOhm)

*Based off the song Baby It's Cold Outside* Bright white snow fell heavily outside, quickly piling up on the ground. It had started snowing a little while ago, so Bryce had decided to stop by a friend's house before returning home. He glanced at the clock and realizing the time, moved to get up. "Alright, it's about time I should be getting home," Bryce said to Ohm. Ohm frowned slightly, not wanting him to leave just yet. "But Brycey, it's cold outside. You'll get stuck out there," Ohm replied. Bryce just looked at Ohm with a small smile, continuing to get ready. "I'll be fine Ohm, it's just a little snow. Thank you for tonight though, I had a good time." Bryce stood up from the small black couch, but stopped when he felt Ohm's hand on his own. "Your hands are freezing Bryce. Can't you stay a little longer?" Ohm pleaded with puppy dog eyes. Bryce resisted the urge to say yes, instead pulling his hand away. "Ohm, I told you that I promised I'd be home by 10. Mom'll start worrying if I'm not home soon," "You don't need to rush Bryce, you have plenty of time. C'mon, just a little longer?" Bryce sighed, knowing he couldn't say no. "Fine, but only for a little while longer, ok?" Ohm nodded his head with a large smile on his face, saying he'd be right back. "Oh, and you can play some music while you're in there!" Ohm called. Bryce made his way over to the speaker and played a random station. Ohm walked back in with two drinks in his hands. He handed one to Bryce and the two took a seat back on the couch. Bryce knew he needed to leave soon, but for some reason he didn't want to. "There's no way you could drive out there Brycey, even the cabs are all canceled," Ohm said looking over at Bryce. He found himself getting lost in Bryce's eyes that never seemed to stop sparkling. Bryce noticed Ohm staring and felt a blush rise to his cheeks. There seemed to be something binding him to that spot, not wanting to ever go. Bryce felt his beanie being pulled off by Ohm, who had finally stopped staring. Bryce knew that he should say no, that he shod just leave right then and there before he got pulled in too deep, but he couldn't bring himself to do so. He felt the couch shift slightly and he looked over to see that Ohm had moved closer to him. For a while the two sat in silence, watching the flames of the fireplace dance, the orange and red light illuminating the space in front of them. When Bryce glanced back at the clock, he panicked. Bryce rushed to get up and make his way towards the door. "Ohm, it's been great, but I need to go now. I can't stay," Bryce said. Ohm took Bryce and led him to the front window. "Look at the storm Bryce, you can't." Bryce looked out at the storm knowing that he was right. He began to think about his brother, Jonathan. He knew he would never hear the end of it if he showed up tomorrow, and Luke would be right there with him. "I've never seen a blizzard this bad before," Ohm said quietly, staring at Bryce once more. Ohm couldn't seem to keep his eyes off of Bryce's mouth, watching as he nervously bit his lip. "I know it's bad out there Ohm, but I'll never hear the end of it if I don't get home. Don't you see?" Bryce asked. As he spoke, Ohm seemed to fall harder and harder, unable to pull himself out of whatever endless void he seemed to be drowning in. "How can you do this to me?" Ohm whispered, gazing at Bryce and watching as a small blush rose to his cheeks. "Wh-what?" Bryce questioned. "It's cold outside Bryce. Won't you stay?" Bryce wasn't sure why, but he couldn't stop himself from nodding slightly. Ohm's hazel eyes lit up, a small smirk grew on his face. The next thing he knew, Ohm captured Bryce's lips with his.

[unholy-bacon-blog]

Writing Drabbles #1

"Are you sure he's here?" I heard a loud voice shout. I cowered away, trying to make myself as small as possible. I held a hand over my mouth to keep any noises from escaping as tears ran down my face. I hid myself in my closet underneath a few bags. I wasn't sure who these people were, but I also didn't want to find out. "I'm positive," I heard a different voice reply, "search everything." The closet door began to creak