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somehowsomethinggoeswrong‌:

somehowsomethinggoeswrong‌:

somehowsomethinggoeswrong‌:

This isn’t a historically-based blog, and I’m still trying to transfer the old main to a sideblog, but if anyone has any Star Wars characters or verses, I would just like to say that I’ve brought back my old bounty hunter OCs at @dreadxreckoning because I have a problem.

I am also bringing back my Kit Fisto blog @fromxthexdepths

Adding @veritablexfable to the list of resurrected muses.

Because I am complete and utter trash, here, have a Kylo Ren/Ben Solo: @letxthexpastxdie​.

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To the writers that feel ignored: You breathe life into your characters in a way that nobody else can. Whether it’s a canon character, or an original character, your interpretation of them make them individual to you and your writing and so, so amazing. 

You are an amazing writer because you take the time to think about everything that you’re given in a thread, and use your imagination to make something out of nothing. You create an entire world almost everyday! That in itself is amazing, and then you write it with such passion. 

Sometimes when you reblog memes, or positivity posts and don’t get really any feedback, it can be tough, but I promise you it’s not because you’re not a great writer. Being a great writer is about dedicating yourself to your craft and doing what you love. I have every reason to believe that if you’re writing in the community, you’re doing what you love.  

Lets be real, I could sit here all day just throwing up compliments like they’re pieces of confetti, but I’m sure that’ll bore you eventually, so here’s what I was really getting at: 

You are a fantastic writer. You are kind. You are creative. You are smart. This is how I genuinely feel, even if we’ve never met, or done anything with each other. I promise you with all my heart that you are an amazing person and a brilliant writer. You bet your ass I admire you, and other people probably do too. 

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MULTIMUSE ASK MEME

send me a muse of mine you’ve wanted to interact with and i’ll write a starter for you right there.

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Adding @veritablexfable to the list of resurrected muses.

This isn’t a historically-based blog, and I’m still trying to transfer the old main to a sideblog, but if anyone has any Star Wars characters or verses, I would just like to say that I’ve brought back my old bounty hunter OCs at @dreadxreckoning because I have a problem.

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My belief is that anyone can be a princess. 

And while I can’t turn everyone into a princess myself - this holiday season, one lucky human is going to have a fairytale ending to their year - once upon a December! The winner will receive the iconic faberge-inspired music box and necklace from the animated film Anastasia!

Did I mention the winner gets Anya’s gorgeous kokoshnik style tiara as well? 

Well guess what - they do! 

                     ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 　Rules　 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

♔ Simply reblog this post to enter!

♔ Ends on December 15th, 2019 at 11:00PM EST!

♔ One (1) winner will be chosen using a random number generator. ♔ Winner must contact me within 48 hours to claim their prize, otherwise another winner will be selected via a random number generator. ♔ I am not affiliated with Tumblr! ♔ Following my blog isn’t mandatory, but I’d appreciate it if you did! Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tiarasnteakettles

[somehowsomethinggoeswrong]

This isn’t a historically-based blog, and I’m still trying to transfer the old main to a sideblog, but if anyone has any Star Wars characters or verses, I would just like to say that I’ve brought back my old bounty hunter OCs at @dreadxreckoning because I have a problem.

[somehowsomethinggoeswrong]

Give this a like or a reblog if you’re interested in interacting with Cal Kestis from Star Wars Jedi: Fallen order.

Au and OC friendly.

Mun is 21.

Written by Tasha.

[somehowsomethinggoeswrong]

This isn’t a historically-based blog, and I’m still trying to transfer the old main to a sideblog, but if anyone has any Star Wars characters or verses, I would just like to say that I’ve brought back my old bounty hunter OCs at @dreadxreckoning because I have a problem.

[somehowsomethinggoeswrong]

This isn’t a historically-based blog, and I’m still trying to transfer the old main to a sideblog, but if anyone has any Star Wars characters or verses, I would just like to say that I’ve brought back my old bounty hunter OCs at @dreadxreckoning because I have a problem.

[somehowsomethinggoeswrong]

Writing with Color: Description Guide - Words for Skin Tone

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.

So let’s get to it.

S T A N D A R D  D E S C R I P T I O N

B a s i c  C o l o r s

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.

C o m p l e x  C o l o r s

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.”

M o d i f i e r s 

Modifiers, often adjectives, make partial changes to a word.The following words are descriptors in reference to skin tone.

D a r k - D e e p - R i c h - C o o l

W a r m - M e d i u m - T a n

F a i r - L i g h t - P a l e

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)

U n d e r t o n e s

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.

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.

C R E A T I V E  D E S C R I P T I O N

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.

N A T U R AL  S E T T I N G S - S K Y

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.

F L O W E R S

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?”

A S S O R T E D  P L A N T S &  N A T U R E

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.

W O O D

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.”

M E T A L S

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.”

G E M S T O N E S - M I N E R A LS

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.” 

P H Y S I C A L  D E S C R I P T I ON

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…

G E N E R A L  T I P S

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

Things that are Brown (blog)

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 3 2 1

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

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I am also bringing back my Kit Fisto blog @fromxthexdepths

This isn’t a historically-based blog, and I’m still trying to transfer the old main to a sideblog, but if anyone has any Star Wars characters or verses, I would just like to say that I’ve brought back my old bounty hunter OCs at @dreadxreckoning because I have a problem.

[somehowsomethinggoeswrong]

This isn’t a historically-based blog, and I’m still trying to transfer the old main to a sideblog, but if anyone has any Star Wars characters or verses, I would just like to say that I’ve brought back my old bounty hunter OCs at @dreadxreckoning because I have a problem.

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PSA & UPDATES

So, for those of you who don’t know yet, I’ve recently left a miserable job and started a much, much better one. The difference is night and day, and I’m not even sure that’s clear enough. With this change, I am in a much better place mentally and, as such, I have every intention of being here. I have already begun to catch up on things that I owe. I apologize to those who I have kept waiting. 

Once more, below, I will list my most active muses, though in no particular order. If anyone wants to plot anything with any of them, or even to start something through memes, I would be more than happy to do so! I’ve missed writing so much!

Thank you all for your patience!

ANYA Anastasia Nikolaevna Romanova // @keepingupmycourage

Anastasia (1997) and the Broadway production of the same name; also now includes Anastasia (1956); takes into account historical research

OLGA NIKOLAEVNA ROMANOVA // @quietlydistinct

Based within Anastasia, the Broadway production; takes into account historical research. I intend for it to include Maria Nikolaevna at some point, but thus far Olga has been the loudest.

GLEB VAGANOV //  @thesilenceafter  

Anastasia Broadway production; takes into account historical research.

THE OPERA GHOST // @amonstrousphantom

Leroux’s The Phantom of the Opera with knowledge of the musical and preference toward Ramin Karimloo’s portrayal.

IRENE ADLER // @thecleverestadversary

A combination of various Sherlock Holmes adaptions with a high preference toward Rachel McAdam’s portrayal in Sherlock Holmes (2009) and in its sequel, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011)

SIR PERCIVAL BLAKENEY, BARONET // @demmedxelusive​

From the book The Scarlet Pimpernel, by Baroness Orczy

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I am a(n):

⚪ Male

⚪ Female

🔘 Writer

Looking for

⚪ Boyfriend

⚪ Girlfriend

🔘 An incredibly specific word that I can’t remember

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PSA: ACTIVITY & MUSES

I’m planning on being here some more soon because I have a few days off coming up, so, for any new followers, these are my most active (or, at least, my loudest) muses, currently, listed in order of most to least active.

ANYA Anastasia Nikolaevna Romanova // @keepingupmycourage

Anastasia (1997) and the Broadway production of the same name; also now includes Anastasia (1956); takes into account historical research

OLGA NIKOLAEVNA ROMANOVA // @quietlydistinct

Based within Anastasia, the Broadway production; takes into account historical research. I intend for it to include Maria Nikolaevna at some point, but thus far Olga has been the loudest.

THE OPERA GHOST // @amonstrousphantom

Leroux’s The Phantom of the Opera with knowledge of the musical and preference toward Ramin Karimloo’s portrayal.

IRENE ADLER // @thecleverestadversary

various Sherlock Holmes adaptions with a high preference toward Rachel McAdam’s portrayal in Sherlock Holmes (2009) and in its sequel, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011)

MYCROFT HOLMES // @artxinxthexblood

Largely Elementary-based with knowledge and influence of other Holmes adaptions.

SIR PERCIVAL BLAKENEY, BARONET // @demmedxelusive

From the book The Scarlet Pimpernel, by Baroness Orczy

SANCTUARY muses, canon & original // @onlyxthexchosen

This includes canon muses such as Nikola Tesla and John Druitt, as well as various other literary and historical figures as seen in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen that have been adapted such as Doc Holliday, Captain Nemo, Alan Quartermain, Puck, etc.

My other muses, who are not as awake but might be piqued for the right storyline, will be listed below the cut.

Gleb Vaganov //  @thesilenceafter // Anastasia Broadway production

Dmitry Sudayev // @somekindofconman // Anastasia (1997) and the Broadway production of the same name

Megara // @bewarethepatientwoman // Disney’s Hercules with a strong knowledge of Greek lore

Clopin Trouillefou // @roixdesxtruands // Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame with historical research

Mirela // @buscarparamivida // multiverse Roma OC, established verses for Hunchback of Notre Dame, Phantom of the Opera, Anastasia, Pirates of the Caribbean, and general modern

Captain Hook // @heretherebedevils // Disney’s Peter Pan as well as the novels

Capitán Enrique Sanchez Monastario // @unxsoldadoxdelxrey // Disney’s Zorro with historical research

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*reminder*

just because i’m very slow with replies doesn’t mean i don’t care about our plot !!!