drblueneck

[drblueneck]

A wild Kujin has been spotted!

Hey folks! Because I wasn't able to gift you with a new chapter of Jagged Pieces last year, here is a little something for y'all: I present to you our favourite mofo, Kujin!

I recently bought a tablet to replace my dead laptop in the hope of completing my WIP. But my dumb ass didn't know that you couldn't write on Word or Libre Office with a Samsung tab 🥲 (I'm supposed to get a new laptop at the end of the month to remedy this little problem, so hang in there, the end is near!!)

Soooo instead of working on rewriting JP's latest chap, I drew Kujin. I'm shit at digital art so I used an existing fanart of Minato (the irony!) to get this result, though I unfortunately can't find the artist's blog to credit them... :/

Here is the original art though: kudos to that artist!!

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So my laptop is dead. The poor thing got water thrown on it by accident two weeks ago.

I'm trying to have it repaired but apparently I shouldn't get my hopes up, and my wallet is definitely not ready to cough up more money for a new one.

The question is: how, in 15 years of writing fanfictions, have I not yet learnt the fucking lesson to ALWAYS SAVE MY SHIT SOMEWHERE?! HOW?????

Goddammit, I'm a fucking dumbass.

So yeah, sorry folks, I was supposed to upload a new chapter for JP but it looks like that plan has been shot to hell and I'll be on a forced hiatus until I can get either my files back from my dead laptop, or get a new one to start writing anew from scratch...

[drblueneck]

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

[drblueneck]

The sudden increase of sexbots on tumblr is weird af. Never knew bots would be interested in my shit posts. I feel blessed to be a target.

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which one of u was going to tell me that tea tastes different if u put it in hot water?

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One last update before 2022 ends!

I think some of you were interested in reading the Fem!Mada/Tobi story I had in store, so here is my end of the year gift for you all!

Growing Pains

Five times people wondered about Tobirama's elusive spouse, and one time they found out about Madara's instead.

Or: Tobirama's nosy secretary is dead-set on discovering who the hell was crazy enough to marry his boss.

But also: Tobirama signed his son up for the Academy without taking into consideration Madara's wishes. Hell has no fury like a woman scorned.

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My brain exploded on chapter 13 I forgot to even leave an actual review. It’s like it got a resangan to the head, excuse me as I get some time to process what just happened

Lmao glad this chapter caused some brain damage, at least Naruto is not alone with this feeling 🤭

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You never fail to amaze me with your updates. 'What Minato wants Minato gets' is such a mood. Ahem! Do you feel um comfy to give us a sneak peek at your more risky draft for science ? :3

Hahahaha happy that you enjoyed the last update!

I could give a sneak peek, but I won't: there is only one spicy scene, so if I post it, it would totally spoil the fun once you read it in the main story! Be patient and you shall be rewarded 😁

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Ok peeps, Imma update JP's next chapter pretty soon, stay tuned!

This will be followed by a MadaTobi one shot, for those interested :)

And that'll be all for 2022 methinks 🧐

[drblueneck]

It is said that a dad's job is to properly terrorize the man who wants to court his little girl... I wonder what 'Original Minato' would say if he could see that it his another version of Himself that seduced Naruto! 😂 it sure would be an awkward situation!

Hey there Anon!

Apologies about the super late reply, many things happened IRL and I didn't have time to check my Tumblr...!

This would be more than awkward - this would be a nauseating situation! Original Minato would be... horrified. Sick. In complete denial.

I'll try to make a snippet about it in Wreaking Havoc - one snippet for the funny/awkward situation, and one much more realistic with Original Minato having a complete mental breakdown when face with an unrepentant JP Minato 🧐

[drblueneck]

I adore your Wreaking Havoc series!! Would Minato be pleased that his teenaged daughter/wife managed to make his zombified father eat dirt in like 10 minutes?

Aaaah Wreaking Havoc brings me so much joy!! Happy to see readers enjoying it!

Minato would definitely be pleased (and horny, let's be real) and would want to fight his own zombie self cause he's sure that his wife's father is weaker than he is (and he's not quite wrong).

And then he'd also want to fight his wife just to save Other Minato's dignity - cause he's obviously the best, no matter the worlds and timelines.

[drblueneck]

thank you for introducing me to such a cultured ship. the possibility of this ship are endless and your writing is *chef's kiss*. I am patiently waiting for more chapters :))

Heya Anon!

You're quite welcome, I hope that by introducing people to some MinaNaru, I'll get more stories from fellow authors to satiate my cravings 😋 JOIN ME IN THIS MADNESS!!!!

Also, apologies for the late reply, life's been quite busy this past year...!

[drblueneck]

raise your hand if Kimetsu no Yaiba destroyed your lacrimal glands

What a great manga, what an amazing finale, what a fucking masterpiece! I'm so late to the game but damn I'm glad I finally ended up reading that story, it gave my so many feels (and omg so many dead characters why the fuck do I love it when authors just rip my heart out?!), I couldn't have hoped for a better ending.

Damn I really hope to one day read such a masterpiece again. This one is definitely gonna stay on my shelf forever, never gonna get rid of it!

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I never thought I would actually grow to like incest like MinaNaru. I’ve seen lots of people try to hook me on the incest train but seriously you’re such a frikin talented writer if you managed to get me, a pretty conservative and shy Asian to like MinaNaru. Your fic is like the most amazing thing I’ve ever read.

Omg I'm corrupting too many people 😭

Welcome to the band wagon! I'll try my best to not make you regret joining in the craziness! And thank you so much for these sweet compliments, they really bolster my motivation to write!!!

[drblueneck]

My thoughts after finishing Tokyo Ghoul?

Not enough dead, too many redeemed people.

GIVE US MORE BLOOD, ISHIDA-SENSEI!!!

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Oaky guys so I just picked up Tokyo Ghoul where I left it off years ago (ie. vol. 3...) and GODDAMMIT IT'S SUCH A GOOD SERIES!!!!!! I can't believe I left it to rot for like 8 years, I forgot how much I hate some of the characters and how in love I am with that poor Kaneki 😭 and Hide! And TOUKA 😭😭

Here's to hoping the fandom is alive on AO3, otherwise I'm gonna ugly-cry once I'm done with :Re 🥲🥲🥲

[drblueneck]

Eight Rules For Writing -- from a long ago piece I wrote for The Guardian.

1 Write.

2 Put one word after another. Find the right word, put it down.

3 Finish what you're writing. Whatever you have to do to finish it, finish it.

4 Put it aside. Read it pretending you've never read it before. Show it to friends whose opinion you respect and who like the kind of thing that this is.

5 Remember: when people tell you something's wrong or doesn't work for them, they are almost always right. When they tell you exactly what they think is wrong and how to fix it, they are almost always wrong.

6 Fix it. Remember that, sooner or later, before it ever reaches perfection, you will have to let it go and move on and start to write the next thing. Perfection is like chasing the horizon. Keep moving.

7 Laugh at your own jokes.

8 The main rule of writing is that if you do it with enough assurance and confidence, you're allowed to do whatever you like. (That may be a rule for life as well as for writing. But it's definitely true for writing.) So write your story as it needs to be written. Write it honestly, and tell it as best you can. I'm not sure that there are any other rules. Not ones that matter.