windsphinxdribbles

[windsphinxdribbles]

WEBSITES FOR WRITERS {masterpost}

E.A. Deverell - FREE worksheets (characters, world building, narrator, etc.) and paid courses;

Hiveword - Helps to research any topic to write about (has other resources, too);

BetaBooks - Share your draft with your beta reader (can be more than one), and see where they stopped reading, their comments, etc.;

Charlotte Dillon - Research links;

Writing realistic injuries - The title is pretty self-explanatory: while writing about an injury, take a look at this useful website;

One Stop for Writers - You guys... this website has literally everything we need: a) Description thesaurus collection, b) Character builder, c) Story maps, d) Scene maps & timelines, e) World building surveys, f) Worksheets, f) Tutorials, and much more! Although it has a paid plan ($90/year | $50/6 months | $9/month), you can still get a 2-week FREE trial;

One Stop for Writers Roadmap - It has many tips for you, divided into three different topics: a) How to plan a story, b) How to write a story, c) How to revise a story. The best thing about this? It's FREE!

Story Structure Database - The Story Structure Database is an archive of books and movies, recording all their major plot points;

National Centre for Writing - FREE worksheets and writing courses. Has also paid courses;

Penguin Random House - Has some writing contests and great opportunities;

Crime Reads - Get inspired before writing a crime scene;

The Creative Academy for Writers - "Writers helping writers along every step of the path to publication." It's FREE and has ZOOM writing rooms;

Reedsy - "A trusted place to learn how to successfully publish your book" It has many tips, and tools (generators), contests, prompts lists, etc. FREE;

QueryTracker - Find agents for your books (personally, I've never used this before, but I thought I should feature it here);

Pacemaker - Track your goals (example: Write 50K words - then, everytime you write, you track the number of the words, and it will make a graphic for you with your progress). It's FREE but has a paid plan;

Save the Cat! - The blog of the most known storytelling method. You can find posts, sheets, a software (student discount - 70%), and other things;

I hope this is helpful for you!

(Also, check my blog if you want to!)

[windsphinxdribbles]

Hey guys, sorry for being MIA for the last, 2 weeks? I think?

I haven't been writing much and kinda got stuck in my head for a bit, long story short, me and July don't get on. Simply as.

On a positive, I started writing a little yesterday. Mostly rewriting the Wyvern stuff I did before my head went wack. Still no idea how long it is word count wise, and not really sure I liked how it turned out, but hey-ho something must be better than nothing.

Maybe I could try and fin the second part of the Father's day thing... If I can get my brain to co-operate.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

[windsphinxdribbles]

send an ask: get to know your author

1) is there a story you’re holding off on writing for some reason?

2) what work of yours, if any, are you the most embarrassed about existing?

3) what order do you write in? front of book to back? chronological? favorite scenes first? something else?

4) favorite character you’ve written

5) character you were most surprised to end up writing

6) something you would go back and change in your writing that it’s too late/complicated to change now

7) when asked, are you embarrassed or enthusiastic to tell people that you write?

8) favorite genre to write

9) what, if anything, do you do for inspiration?

10) write in silence or with background noise? with people or alone?

11) what aspect of your writing do you think has most improved since you started writing?

12) your weaknesses as an author

13) your strengths as an author

14) do you make playlists for your current wips?

15) why did you start writing?

16) are there any characters who haunt you?

17) if you could give your fledgling author self any advice, what would it be?

18) were there any works you read that affected you so much that it influenced your writing style? what were they?

19) when it comes to more complicated narratives, how do you keep track of outlines, characters, development, timeline, ect.?

20) do you write in long sit-down sessions or in little spurts?

21) what do you think when you read over your older work?

22) are there any subjects that make you uncomfortable to write?

23) any obscure life experiences that you feel have helped your writing?

24) have you ever become an expert on something you previously knew nothing about, in order to better a scene or a story?

25) copy/paste a few sentences or a short paragraph that you’re particularly proud of

[windsphinxdribbles]

Hi guys, just here to say yes I've written this weekend. Yet again I have no idea how much until I put it into grammarly but it's at least 2 paragraphs of Wyvern, again...

I blame the picture.

Also fixing and adding to the part 2 of fathers day special...

But God, am I tired... Not really sure why though? Oh well, have a great week everyone!

[windsphinxdribbles]

So, yeah. First off I take no credit for this work of art, Second, I have no idea who did this AMAZING image. But I will say, seeing this picture was how Wyvern was born and seeing it again I just had to share it!

Much Love!

[windsphinxdribbles]

Hi guys! happy Father's day to you all. first, off let me apologise for not updating last week, I think I got my days muddled... not entirely sure how though?

Anyway, I haven't written anything this week, dew to volunteering but i do have the first half of Chance's Father's Day special! I say the first half because the second part is still a MESS...

before that, however, I feel I need to do a shout-out to all those like me that have lost their dads, I know today is hard for us, and I know no real words help numb the pain nor fill the void left. Just know that is ok to miss them, you are allowed to feel sad on days everyone else is happy. Use today to remember the good your dad did for you or others, celebrate that HE was YOUR dad and no one else's and be proud of that.

Or totally ignore me whatever helps.

Beware of ant Grammer miss-haps as well as spelling. even though this has been through Grammarly and Natural Reader, I am human and all that.

Enjoy 😁

Chance looks at the calendar, their eyes fixated upon the circled date after tomorrow. 19th of June, also known as Father's Day.

So there they stand, planted to the spot, with a small part of their brain thankful that their partner was at work. 

Most of Chance's grey cells though were rebooting into overtime, how could they not know it was near. 

Had their partner known? Quickly Chance shakes that thought away, both of them had been busy, they barely have time to spend with each other at the moment, let alone remember the holidays. 

At least, in Chance's case.

They sigh, only to realise after that they had been holding their breath, with that, and the soft grumble of their stomach, Chance continues onto the kitchen.

Should they get Da something to eat? Chance quickly shook that thought away, the residence Da was at, was more than capable with food requirements. But, the thought nagged at Chance, it pricked and prickled under the surface and before they knew it, Chance had produced two lots of deeply fried bacon eggs, equally as fried French toast and last but not least, some potato latke waffles smothered in caramel sauce with a banana topping.

The memories of their camper kitchen, Da smiling as they franticly signed jokes and tales over every meal time. The warm smell of cooked oil, cooling on the frier, that was always a bother to clean afterwards.

Well, as they had already cooked it, Chance argued that they may as well deliver it. Wrapping up both their meals before delicately placing them into a cool-bag, making sure to keep them warm.

Chance left, locking the door before sending a quick text over to their partner.

Chance: As I have some time off, I'm heading over to Da's. Have a good day at work.

It wasn't three steps until the phone vibrates back.

Partner: Well-earned time off I tell you! First off, bummed you didn't say anything. Second, I'm sure Mr Mitchell would love to see you. Meet you there after 'kay? I'll also bring my own Father's Day gift. Xxx

Chance smiles at the screen, of course, they knew, they were probably the one that circled it. Though Chance wished they would have simply just told them.

The walk down the blocks stairs went by so quick, that Chance didn't even track it, simply turning up within the high street what seemed to be seconds later.

Mid to late morning traffic welcomes them, the sounds and smells of portable stools, as well as the permanent shops, flooded over them.

For a moment, Chance froze like a deer in headlights, heart sinking as they waited for the stares, the jeers...

Then nothing.

Chance blinked owlishly, looking left then right, before laughing at themselves. Of course, they were invisible, wearing casual civvy clothes instead of their costume of a uniform, no one cared! 

Obviously, they are working too much, if the first thought in public was that!

They sigh, just thinking about talking to their bosses for more time off. Taking that moment to finally text Crystal, their Da's caregiver.

Though Da didn't need anyone to do so, it was a cover of a sort, all renowned retired superheroes get given one.

Both trained as bodyguards and carers.

Chance: Da doing anything today?

Crystal: Morning to you too. Not much, just robbing these people blind. I take it we'll be expecting you and your partner?

Chance: Just me at the moment.

Crystal: Got it, I'll put something on.

Chance: No. I've got something...

Crystal: Does that something have drinks?

Chance didn't answer, they would have slapped their head, if it wouldn't have coursed a gale after the fact. Once more their phone buzzes.

Crystal: No worries, I got you covered. See you soon.

With that Chance sighed out, a small smile gracing their lips. Reorganising the strap around their arm, more for comfort than actual need, they set off towards the coast, through the hectic markets.

However, Chance didn't make it very far until their pale blue eyes caught, glued to, an old leather jacket swaying in the bristling breeze, created by the sheer volume of passers-by.

Their mind ceases to function for a moment, couldn't hear the comments as they were brushed passed and somewhat pushed to the side, yet somehow herded to the temporary stool. Mind in the eager clasps of a memory, their Da wearing a jacket much like that, laughing silently as he found himself covered in machine oil. The serene look of sadness when his old cherished jacket couldn't be saved.

And before Chance could even fathom it, said leather jacket was bought, the receipt crackling within their palm as the cashier wraps the clothing, affectionately, before wishing Chance a good weekend.

They bearly register the nod they give back to the vender, hastily making their getaway. Tenderly Chance tugs the wrapped jacket, somewhat in, as well as over their cool bag, befuddled by what just happened.

They obviously have been working too much if this happened without conscious thought, much like their breakfast they carry...

When was the last time Chance had breakfast with Da? Wait... 

When was the last time they ate with Da?!

When did they last see him!

"Oh..." They mumble, just under their breath, pale eyes wide in horror. Facing the truth that made their heart audibly, to Chance's ears anyway, clunk into their stomach.

They hadn't seen Da in months... Nearly a year, maybe.

Luckily, the bag was strapped to their shoulder, if not, there was no doubt that it would have been dropped.

Chance hadn't, not properly anyway. Shame swims through their veins, followed swiftly by the sinking lead of guilt in their stomach, it was no excuse to say Chance was busy, being somewhat at the top increases a workload. 

But at the same time, that's all it sounded like, excuses...

Their nails bite with such fury upon their palms that they can feel their blood pulsing under their fingers, clenching their teeth in such volume it's surprising that Chance's teeth did not crack.

Not this time, they were free to show their Da how amazing he is, how much Chance looks up to him. Maybe make it up to him too.

Question was, "how?" They whisper, shoulders all but slumping at the sudden ease of muscle tension.

Then from across the street, through the hordes of people, Chance caught a glimpse of purple. Their feet dragging them over, through the sheer volume of traffic that honestly felt more like flies brushing up against them, still not a feeling Chance cherishes...

Taking them to a small flower stool, handed by an older woman and what could pass as her eldest grandson, not that Chance was assuming much, their eyes transfixed upon a bundle of Speedwells.

The world loses all colour and sound then, they know that the elder woman is speaking, hear's her soothing tones dripping like honey. Chance also knows they are speaking back, but they can not follow what was spoken or said, their mind trapped in both memory and present, watching transfixed as the man of the stool preparers the flowers.

It was the flower that he gave to mother, supposedly, when he proposed. It was also the one he gave her when Chance was born. 

It was that flower, that Da cried over, years after she left.

But it was also the flower that made him smile when he gave it to them, every birthday and celebration. 

It was the flower Chance wanted to hate, as much as their mother, but never could bring themselves to...

The next thing Chance knows, they had not only bought the cursed flora, but an array of other things, all of which Da fancy's. So much in fact they resembled more of a camel, or donkey, than that of a person by the time they made it through the manufactured Bazar, upon the high street.

Though this should have weighed them down, even with their superior strength, Chance had never felt lighter.

[windsphinxdribbles]

World Building

Creating Land

❂

⥇ agriculture

⟿ what is grown in abundance? how common is farmland? where is the farmland?

⥇ architecture

⟿ what kind of buildings? how tall/spacious? what are they made of? how well made? how well planned?

⥇ animals

⟿ what wild animals are lurking in the area? hunting? any animals affecting the livestock or agriculture?

⥇ biomes

⟿ desert? tundra? grassland? forest? savanna?

⥇ bodies of water

⟿ seas? lake? ponds? rivers? fresh water/salt water? fishing? keep in mind, settlements are often built near bodies of water

⥇ climate

⟿ dry? rainy? temperate? tropical? polar? how have people adjusted to this climate?

⥇ elevation

⟿ altitude? how does the altitude affect lifestyle?

⥇ geology

⟿ rocky? types of rocks?

⥇ landforms

⟿ mountains? valleys? plateaus? plains? hills? glaciers? peninsulas? volcanos? canyons?

⥇ latitude / longitude

⟿ location on planet? how does it affect other elements of land?

⥇ livestock

⟿ common domesticated animals? common animal usages?

⥇ minerals

⟿ any valuable minerals / metals? are they mined regularly? how are they used?

⥇ natural disasters

⟿ earthquake? tornado? volcano? duststorm? flood? hurricane? tsunami? how often do these occur? protocols?

⥇ population

⟿ how many people? how dense is the population? how does the population affect surrounding nature?

⥇ resources

⟿ what is abundant? scarce? how are they used? how available are they?

⥇ sacred land

⟿ religiously important land? historical importance? widely accepted as sacred? how is it honored?

⥇ soil

⟿ good or bad for vegetation? rocky?

⥇ tectonic activity

⟿ earthquake frequency? volcano frequency? trenches?

⥇ topography

⟿ how common are maps? how accurate? how long have they been around? who makes them?

⥇ vegetation

⟿ what is abundant? scarce? what grows easily? with difficulty? what is commonly foraged? who forages? plant types? tree types?

[windsphinxdribbles]

Update 6/06/22

Hey, guys sorry I'm late, again, but I did actually write last weekend, a lot thanks to the Queen's Jubilee! Which was amazing by the by.

So, must of it was me trying to finish the Father's day thing in time for next week? I think fathers day is next week? So, not so much was done for the main things. Well, besides me finishing a Danny segment, Fluffing up some V and Nikky content, but Mostly been doing the special.

Hope you all have a great week!

[windsphinxdribbles]

Resources For Worldbuilding

Culture & Society

Creating Fictional Holidays

Music For Your Fantasy World

Creating Religions & Belief Systems

How to Design Your Diabolical Cult

Historically Accurate Sexism in Fantasy: Let’s Unpack That

Debate with the Squirrels: Sexism in Fantasy

Feudalism

Using Politics In Fantasy Fiction

Mythic Justice – Crime and Punishment in Your Fantasy World

Government Worldbuilding

Realistic Political Strife

A Politics Of Worldbuilding

Language

Creating a Language

The Language Construction Kit

The International Phonetic Alphabet – Audio Illustrations

Fantasy Name Generator

Geographic Names

Medieval Names Archive 

Squid Name Generator 

Model Languages

Xenolinguistics 

History

Prehistory

Mythos

History

Today

Myths, Creatures, and Folklore

Encyclopedia Mythica

The Ancient History Encyclopedia

Using History as Inspiration for Fantasy

Victorian Era Family Day Life in England

Peasant Life in the Middle Ages

Everyday Life in the Middle Ages

English Monarchs

Feudal Japan

The Story and Structure of the Iroquois Confederacy

Science + Geography

Dimensions

Solar Bodies

Climatology

Planetary Geography

Water Geography

Cartography, Maps, Star Charts, and Writing

Fundamentals of Physical Geography

Dating of Middle-earth events, using Precession of the Equinoxes and Tidal Friction

Orbital Operations in Science Fiction

Planet Designer

Artificial gravity calculator

Natural gravity calculator

Selden’s Catalogs of Objects for Celestia

Medieval Technology

Defining the Source, Effects, and Cost of Magic

How to Create a Rational Magic System

Miscellaneous

/r/worldbuilding

Fantasy World Generator

SciFi World Generator

Focused Ambiguity: Using Metaphor in Fantasy Writing

Space Engine

Terragen

The Five foundations of Worldbuilding

Setting the Fantastic in the Everyday World

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[windsphinxdribbles]

Progress Update 29/05/22

Back onto Born From The Shadows this weekend, if you couldn't tell by my random thing yesterday. Not sure how much I've actually written sadly, but I'm hoping just over 500 words?

Also close to finishing my Fathers Day thing, still not too confident with it, to be honest, but then again that might change with edits?

Anyway, I hope everyone is well and has a great week!

[windsphinxdribbles]

My favourite out of context comment of the day, By Vincent/Veronika From Born From The Shadows.

-

"You do know, this Cuccicolo can kill you with a Spork."

[windsphinxdribbles]

Well, not really written over this weekend. Well... Only a little, not sure how much though. It was for the fathers Day special, Though I'm somewhat losing confidence in it?

Or that's just the mega stressful week I've just had, either or I hope the rest of you guys have a good week coming!

[windsphinxdribbles]

16/05/22

Sorry for the day late update guys, but yay! The Prologue is officially done! Ending on 8,600, so add 800 to that for the skippable intro thing I did... Brings everything for Wyvern to a total of 9,400 words?

Wow... though I guess it isn't a lot compared to others?

Oh well, I'm happy with it, for the moment anyway. Question now is, do I share it as is now? Or wait till I have Chap 1 done? Personally, I think I'd like to keep it back till Chap 1, but I am also very conscious about my grammar issues...

[windsphinxdribbles]

OH MY GOD! Guys I've finally finished the prologue part of Wyvern!

At the moment it comes to 7,703 words, though that's only what's in Grammarly... The last toughs needs to be fluffed up really as at this point in time the ending of it is exclusively characters just talking to each other. And the be honest my brain is fried at the moment.

So, I'm going to go recharge my brain with Netflix and hope I can come back to it later today. Then I can do an account word count on how long the prologue actually is.

And maybe go back to New Nova in Born From the Shadows. Then again..? Hmm 🤔

[windsphinxdribbles]

Update 08/05/22

Hi all! so I think I've been on the ball this weekend. so first off, finally started the father's day special snippet on Saturday which sits comfortably at 598 words.

I know it's probably a bit early to start it, but I missed Mothers Day and getting to introduce Leimomi and Yolanda properly. I do not want to do that to Jayden, just like the Mothers to Danny, he is a lovely father and deserves a shout out!

In other news, today I did more Wyvern bringing the total of the prologue up to 5,744. So on average, I'm doing 1,000 or worst 500 odd words.

Hope everyone has a great week/end!

[windsphinxdribbles]

Update 01/05/22

Hi guys, I managed to write this weekend, and hope to write tomorrow as it's a bank holiday! I have also finial managed (to remember) to put Wyvern into Grammarly. And honestly, I wasn't expecting the word count to be 4,348! At best, I was hoping it was 3,000 or 3,200 or something… So, shocked here.

Have a good week everyone!

[windsphinxdribbles]

Progress Update 24/04/22

Sadly not been able to do much writing this weekend. Probably 100 words if that, I don't know till I put it into Grammarly and as not really a lot I haven't done so yet.

But yet again it was for the Wyvern Project. Though I have been looking for prompts to hopefully help with a Fathers Day special for Born From The Shadows. if anyone has suggestions would love to hear them😊

Have a great week everyone!