Dare Your Pen

For all those suffering from writer's block or boredom. Prompts, challenges, ideas, and occasionally writing advice if I feel like it. This blog does not support AI generative writing.

[daringthepen]

Worldbuilding Questions: Links

I have recently compiled several lists of worldbuilding questions.  In case you missed the others and wanted to peruse them, I have linked them all here.

Clothes and Beauty

Economy and Trade

Education

Entertainment

Family and Marriage

Flora and Fauna

Food and Drink

Geography

Government

Health

History

Housing and Building

Language and Communication

Law and Order

Race and Class

Religion and the Supernatural

Sky and Space

Social Rules

Things That May Have Been Missed

Time

War

And while they are not technically worldbuilding questions, they do help with worldbuilding: Building a Revolution

Magic and Rules

[daringthepen]

Some links for your worldbuillding needs this NaNo.

[letswritesomenovels]

Write What You Know (Not Necessarily What You’ve Experienced)

I’ve recently written a post about the true meaning behind the quote “good writers borrow; great writers steal.” 

Well, another piece of writing advice has come under scrutiny lately, so I’m here to explain the meaning behind “write what you know.” 

“Write what you know” really means “write what you understand.”

Many people interpret “write what you know” to mean “write about what you have experienced for yourself,” but that’s obviously silly advice. If everyone followed it, libraries would be much, much smaller. Writing is about using your imagination to explore worlds of possibilities. Bits and pieces of your personal history will of course come into play, but they should always be presented in new and interesting ways. Otherwise, writers would be too bored to actually finish their stories.

When people you think you should probably trust tell you to “write what you know,” they aren’t telling you to fictionalise your own memoir. They’re telling you to write about the things that you understand. 

A novel may be a great series of lies, but there must be truth at the centre of it all and that truth is a direct result of, and in correlation to, the author’s understanding of their subject matter. 

For an author, this means a couple of things:

You should always be able to empathise with your characters. You should be able to tap into your emotions, your passions, your relationships to inform their emotions, their passions, their relationships. 

If you’re writing a scene about two people walking along the Seine at midnight unable to admit their true feelings for each other, you don’t need to have traveled to Paris or walked along the Seine or talked about the moon on the water when really all you wanted to say was that the same moonlight was making the other person look very pretty that night. 

What you need is to know what it is to take a walk in a place that is romantic no matter if romance is taking place there, to have wanted to say something but been too afraid to say it, to be filled with hope and fear and misery and joy all at the same time. 

You should always be able to feel the heart of the scene, instead of simply imagining it. 

If you can’t put yourself directly into your character’s shoes, they’ll wind up saying or doing something that won’t quite ring true.  

You should always be both interested in and knowledgable about the topics and settings that find their way into your stories. 

You don’t have to be an archaeologist to write an Indiana Jones novel, but a healthy fascination with people like T.E. Lawrence, Roy Chapman Andrews, and Gertrude Bell should probably come into play.

You should always not only be knowledgable about the topic you’re writing about, but care for it. You should be able to understand why Indy says “it belongs in a museum!!” You should understand why your characters feel passionate about whatever they’re engaging in, because you share some of that passion. (Even if you wouldn’t dream of digging around in a desert yourself.)

It’s okay if you don’t know very much about a topic when you first get an idea for a book, but after doing some research about it, you should connect to the material in some way. 

As long as you’re interested in a topic or place, you’re not breaking the “write what you know” rule by taking the time to understand something you hadn’t when you first imagined your story. 

What’s more: write the kind of story you enjoy reading.

That sounds a little obvious, but people try to write stories they wouldn’t actually enjoy reading themselves all of the time. 

If you love reading YA fantasy novels, but feel compelled to write the next Great Literary American Novel, you’re not writing the sort of story you’re familiar with–that you’re passionate about–and that will show on every single page. Those are two very different sort of books. If you love reading YA, exclusively read YA, but try to write the GLAN, you’re not writing what you know. You’re probably not even writing something you truly care about.

And if you find the story you’re writing dull and uninteresting, any reader will probably feel the same way. 

If someone has read your work and says something along the lines of “you should stick to writing what you know…” 

What they’re really saying is that something isn’t resonating as true. That somehow, it doesn’t feel quite real. That they don’t think the characters’ emotional reactions are what they’d be in real life. Or that Indiana Jones is supposed to be a renowned archaeologist, but he doesn’t seem to know much about archaeology??? 

When they say this, they’re not telling you to go get a degree in archaeology or that in order to write that romantic scene, you must fall in love with someone, walk along the Seine with them, and then write what about what you felt in that moment. 

They’re letting you know that there is a disconnect somewhere between you and the writing. That they can tell you haven’t put enough of yourself in this story. That the circles don’t overlap as much as they should in the venn diagram between the knowledge, emotions, and interests the story requires and the knowledge you possess, the emotions you’ve felt, and the interests you invest in. 

When somebody says “write what you know,” ask yourself:

if you’ve really done enough research on this topic–if you actually want to write about this topic enough to do the required research 

if there’s another emotional well you can draw from to understand how a character might be feeling, how they might react to a circumstance

if this book is one that you yourself would pick up from a library shelf. 

And make sure there’s a core of truth within those all those lies. 

[songspired]

It was an intelligent disease, able to find the most annoying symptoms but avoid tests that would detect it. It knew when the worst time to flare up was, and when to quiet down so its host had no excuse. It devoured medicines like candy, and showed no signs of stopping down. Many believed it to be an illness of paranoia.

[fixyourwritinghabits]

NaNo Alternatives

Okay, real post time (but keep those boops booping) - You want to do NaNoWriMo tomorrow, but you don't want to go anywhere near the main organization and their website. Here's a list of alternatives you can try:

Rogue Writers - International group launched to provide an alternative for writers. Their website has challenges, free tools, and more.

myWriteClub - Word tracking tool.

Novlr - A writing app designed to help you meet your writing goals.

WriteTrack - Word tracking tool.

Shut Up and Write - Find in-person or online groups to write together with!

NoQuWriCo - A November writing challenge with tools, tips, and encouragement to make it through the month!

Writing Month - Write. A Month. Do It.

Your local library - If you did NaNo events through your library, chances are they're still doing it this year. Make sure you check in with all the resources you've used in the past, as they're likely still around.

Whatever you decide to do tomorrow, good luck! And remember, if you want to still use the NaNo website but don't like their AI policies and the rest of it, just don't give them money! Laugh to yourself, evilly, as you update your word count. It's very validating.

(Now back to booping.)

[dominiqueramseyart]

And then it's only 3 items...

[daringthepen]

Only $60?

[victusinveritas]

Not saying I agree with all of this (definitely no praise of Sanderson, Malazan Book of the Fallen all the way, Bay-bbby), but...he's right. Tolkien did spend time where he wanted to, because he wanted to write about what was important to him, not because he wanted to explain everything about the world. Just look at the fucking map in LOTR/The Hobbit. Most of that shit is hardly touched on. And nobody really gives a shit, because all we know about Far Harad or wherever is that they used Oliphants. And that's kinda what we need to know. Logistics/economics and explaining magic systems makes them less fun, usually. There's an exception to every idea about writing and pretty much everything else.

[worldbuilding-tomfoolery]

My favorite is when characters simply talk about their world like we would. You drop random terms casually and don't explain it because why. The way you say things (and what you don't) implies other things about both the world and your way of thinking. If you want to infodump about the place your POV's at, sneak it in visually (and the other senses) and let people do that brain filling in. With this method, you can get away with doing pretty much exactly the amount of research and detailed building as you want.

[sugarsprinkles]

Honestly really embarrassing for you guys. You need to sort this stuff out with each other

[sugarsprinkles]

you are part of the problem.

[sleepnoises]

reuniting key with map like long lost lovers meeting eyes across a crowded room (link 2 wikipedia page for screenreaders)

[normaltemperature]

team fortress 2

[creativepromptsforwriting]

How to create an atmosphere: Forest

Sight

tall trees with thick canopies of leaves

alternating light coming in through the moving leafs of the trees

ground covered with a mix of grass, ferns, and fallen leaves

wildflowers adding splashes of colour

animals like deer, boars, squirrels, birds

insects like butterflies and bees add movement and life to the scene

Hearing

the air is filled with the melodious songs of birds

gentle rustling of leaves as the wind moves through the trees

constant hum and buzz of insects

the soft crunch of leaves, twigs, and soil while walking through the forest

Touch

the spongy feel and the soft coolness of moss

the rough texture of tree bark

the cooler temperature in the forest

with a gentle breeze that can be felt on your skin

Smell

the smell of fresh grass

the rich, earthy smell of soil and decaying leaves

the scent of fresh leaves, pine needles, and blooming flowers

the smell of the clean, slightly damp scent of water and wet earth from a nearby stream or pond

Taste

the clean taste of fresh air

the taste of sweet and tangy wildberries

the taste of self-picked mushrooms

the taste of edible wildflowers

the taste of a variety of nuts

the taste of wild greens

More: How to create an atmosphere

[deniselavestal-deactivated20231]

''Useless'' Writing Reminders

Save your documents. Strive to be safe, not sorry.

Back-up your documents. Strive to be safe, not sorry.

Placeholder names can quickly turn into forever names. Picking name(s) on a whim can lead to great things, or it can become your worst nightmare (😁).

Your writing has value. Yes, even the most inadequate of writing. You don't have to boast or even like everything you've ever written, but even the most questionable of writing will have contributed to your growth as a storyteller. Cherish it for what it is.

You can take a break. It is absolutely okay.

First drafts are scary. But you know what's more scary? Not having a draft at all.

Using clichés or ''overdone'' tropes will not kill your story. Firstly, tropes are building blocks. Secondly, humans actively search to consume stories revolving around these tropes.

Write your heart out. Boast about your writing. Boast about your friends' and fellow writers' writing. Everyone deserves recognition, even you, from within your own heart. (Sorry. That's really cheesy. But it's true).

[novlr]

Flesh out your characters by exploring their contradictions.

Like real people, your characters are most interesting when they aren’t black and white. Give them depth by exploring the intersection between their strengths and weaknesses.

[writing-with-sophia]

Poison list

While it's important to approach writing with creativity and imagination, it's crucial to prioritize responsible and ethical storytelling. That being said, if you're looking for information on poisons for the purpose of writing fiction, it's essential to handle the subject matter with care and accuracy. Here is a list of some common poisons that you can use in your stories:

Hemlock: Hemlock is a highly poisonous plant that has been used as a poison in various works of literature. It can cause paralysis and respiratory failure.

Arsenic: Arsenic is a toxic element that has been historically used as a poison. It can be lethal in high doses and can cause symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, and organ failure.

Cyanide: Cyanide is a fast-acting poison that affects the body's ability to use oxygen. It can cause rapid loss of consciousness and cardiac arrest.

Nightshade: Nightshade plants, such as Belladonna or Deadly Nightshade, contain toxic compounds that can cause hallucinations, respiratory distress, and even death.

Ricin: Ricin is a potent poison derived from the castor bean plant. It can cause organ failure and has been used as a plot device in various fictional works.

Strychnine: Strychnine is a highly toxic alkaloid that affects the nervous system, leading to muscle spasms, convulsions, and respiratory failure.

Snake Venom: Various snake venoms can be used in fiction as deadly poisons. Different snake species have different types of venom, each with its own effects on the body.

Belladonna: Also known as Deadly Nightshade, Belladonna contains tropane alkaloids such as atropine and scopolamine. Ingesting or even touching the plant can lead to symptoms like blurred vision, hallucinations, dizziness, and an increased heart rate.

Digitalis: Digitalis, derived from the foxglove plant, contains cardiac glycosides. It has been historically used to treat heart conditions, but in high doses, it can be toxic. Overdosing on digitalis can cause irregular heart rhythms, nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances.

Lead: Lead poisoning, often resulting from the ingestion or inhalation of lead-based substances, has been a concern throughout history. Lead is a heavy metal that can affect the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, cognitive impairment, anemia, and developmental issues, particularly in children.

Mercury: Mercury is a toxic heavy metal that has been used in various forms throughout history. Ingesting or inhaling mercury vapors can lead to mercury poisoning, causing symptoms like neurological impairment, kidney damage, respiratory issues, and gastrointestinal problems.

Aconite: Also known as Wolfsbane or Monkshood, aconite is a highly toxic plant. Its roots and leaves contain aconitine alkaloids, which can affect the heart and nervous system. Ingesting aconite can lead to symptoms like numbness, tingling, paralysis, cardiac arrhythmias, and respiratory failure.

Thallium: Thallium is a toxic heavy metal that can cause severe poisoning. It has been used as a poison due to its tastelessness and ability to mimic other substances. Thallium poisoning can lead to symptoms like hair loss, neurological issues, gastrointestinal disturbances, and damage to the kidneys and liver.

When incorporating poisons into your writing, it is essential to research and accurately portray the effects and symptoms associated with them. Additionally, be mindful of the potential impact your writing may have on readers and the importance of providing appropriate context and warnings if necessary.

If you want to read more posts about writing, please click here and give me a follow!

[professional-idiocy]

Quick note that most snake venom doesn't really do much if it's ingested. You would need a lot of it or to have a scratch in your mouth or stomach where it can access the body easier. The venom is meant to be stabbed in the prey through their fascinating syringe like teeth.

But if you like put the venom from a common european viper (Vipera berus) on a dagger and have an assassin stab someone with it... That would work.

The wound will be painful and the cells that came in contact with the venom will start dying. The character stabbed will most likely die of sepsis caused by the cells dying and the tissue necroticing as the venom isn't all that lethal for healthy adult humans, but you should go to a hospital if you do get bit by a spicy friend. Snake venom makes for a bad poison if you dump it in tea, but when it gets stabbed in, then it becomes fun

Also, PSA: Never kill snakes, not even the venomous ones. They control harmful pest populations for you, and are more scared of you than you're of them.

[writerthreads]

Subplots 101

Subplots are an essential part of storytelling that can add depth and complexity to your book's overall narrative. This post covers a step-by-step guide to making subplots, general tips, and some examples of subplots in YA books.

Step-by-step guide to making a new subplot

Identify a secondary character

Consider a secondary character in your story who is not directly involved in the main plot. This could be a friend or family member of the protagonist, or a peripheral character who has a unique perspective on the world of the story.

Create a conflict

Think about a conflict or challenge that this character could face, which could be related to their personal life or a separate issue in the story. This conflict should be something that the character needs to overcome or resolve.

Connect the subplot to the main plot

Consider how this subplot could connect to the main plot. This could involve having the main character help the secondary character with their conflict, or having the subplot reveal important information that impacts the main plot.

Develop the subplot

Once you have established the groundwork for the subplot, develop it in detail, including the character's motivations, the obstacles they face, and the resolution to the conflict.

General tips for a good subplot:

Make sure your subplots are related to the main plot

Subplots should be tied to the main plot in some way, either by affecting the main character or providing additional context for the story.

Develop separate character arcs

Your subplots should have their own character arcs that tie in with the main character's arc. This allows for additional character development and can help create a more immersive world.

Use subplots to reveal new information

Subplots can be a great way to reveal new information about the world or characters that might not be relevant to the main plot. This can help make the world feel more alive and fleshed out.

Keep subplots contained

Subplots should not take over the main plot. They should be contained and serve to enhance the main plot rather than distract from it.

Examples of subplots:

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling

Harry and Draco's rivalry

Hermione's fight for the rights of house-elves

the mystery surrounding the Death Eaters.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The main plot of The Hunger Games is Katniss's fight to survive in the games. However, there are several subplots that tie into the main plot, such as her complicated relationship with Peeta and her struggle to reconcile her feelings for him with her need to survive.

Remember, subplots should enhance and support the main plot of your story, adding depth and complexity to the overall narrative. I'd recommend having 2-3 subplots of varying depth, depending on how important they are to the story, but obviously that's entirely up to you.

[legit-writing-tips]

Legit’s Character Development Worksheet

There are lots of character development worksheets out there, but in my opinion nothing that really examines a character’s growth and development, which is what I’m aiming to do with mine. You can use this to better understand your character, spot “holes” in their development, or to build a character from scratch! 

_____________________

Ancestry

What is this character’s lineage? 

Are there any genetic factors that may affect them? (Mental illness/disabilities that run in the family, magical lineage, etc.?)

What is/was their parents’ social class? 

What are their parents/caregivers like prior to their being born?

If not raised by their parents, then by whom? Are their caretakers of a different social class than the character? How are they treated as a result?

In the case of non-human characters, what is the status of their “kind” prior to their birth/construction/etc.? (E.g., are they the first generation of a new AI? Are they the first generation of vampires to live in the light?) 

Are there changing social values between prior generations and their own that may affect them?

_____________________

Circumstances at Birth

What is their parental status at birth? (Single mother, both parents, etc.)

What social class is your character born into?

What is expected of your character based on the social class that they are born into? By their parents/caregivers? By the society they live in?

How are they advantaged/disadvantaged at birth? Disability? Poverty? Etc.

Are there any circumstances surrounding their birth that may affect their early childhood? (For example, they were unwanted by their parents/caregivers, they were the long-awaited heir to a kingdom, or they were born (assigned as) a girl when the parents were hoping for a boy?)

_____________________

Childhood 

If they lose a parent/are orphaned/adopted/parents divorce, etc., at what age does this happen? a.) How does the age at which this happened affect them? Do they remember this change? Are they affected by the change?

Does their social status/class change at any point during childhood? Why?

What is their relationship with their parents/caregivers like? How do these interactions affect them in later life? (For example, a perfectionist character may have only received approval from their parents for big achievements.)

Do they have siblings or other close relationships with family members of a similar age? (Do bear in mind that early relationships with siblings can play a strong role in the way that people approach friendships in later years.)

If they have siblings, what is their birth order, and how does this affect them?

What are some of the most impactful moments from their childhood? How do these moments affect them? What do they learn from these experiences? (E.g., “authority figures aren’t to be trusted).

Was their childhood a happy one? If not, how do they see their childhood as an adult? Does this make them angry, do they try to ignore it, or have they moved on?

What are their typical social interactions like as children? Do they have a lot of friends, are they shy, etc.?

Do they exhibit expected behaviors or have difficulty conforming? (Conforming to gender roles or not, for example.)

What are their primary interests as a child?

_____________________

Adolescence

Is there a turning point that moves your characters from childhood and into a more “mature” perspective? (For example, the death of a loved one.) 

Does their social status/class change at any point during adolescence? Why?

How does their relationship with their parents develop from childhood to adolescence?

Do any major changes occur in their life during adolescence? How do these changes affect them?

In the case of MOGAI characters, at what point does your character realize they are “different” than the expected social norm? What are the circumstances surrounding that?

What is your character’s attitude toward sex and sexuality? How does their interaction with their parents/caregivers affect them?

How much independence is your character granted as an adolescent?

Does your character have more/less responsibility than the typical adolescent? In what ways? (For example, having to take care of a younger sibling.

How does their social life change (or not change) from childhood to adolescence?

How are they prepared for adulthood as an adolescent?

When in their society are they expected to become an “adult”?

How do their interests evolve from childhood to adolescence?

Is there a defining moment that transitions them from adolescence into adulthood? (Joining the military, moving out, etc.) 

_____________________

Adulthood

What is their primary attitude towards life based on their experiences in childhood and adolescence?

What kinds of events would be necessary to change these attitudes? 

Does their social status/class change as they reach adulthood, or at any point after? Why?

Are they generally independent as an adult? Why/why not?

Do they retain their relationship with their family on reaching adulthood?

Do they retain their social group from adolescence?

How/where do they meet new friends/love interests?

What is their attitude toward romance/love/family? What are their main goals regarding this as they enter adulthood?

What is their main goal as an adult? (A high-paying career, romance, family, to have fun, to survive, etc.) 

How do their goals change over time? As they meet old goals and set new ones?

How do their interests mature from adolescence to adulthood? (For example, an interest in writing as a teen may lead them to a career in publishing.)

_____________________

Older Age

Do they accomplish their goals as set out in earlier adulthood? How do they feel if these goals are not met?

As they approach older age, what is their social class?

Do they build a family in their adulthood? What is this family like?

If they become a parent, how is their relationship with their children affected by the relationship they had with their own parents?

What do they want to “leave behind” in the world?

Do they become a mentor/teacher to others?

As they grow older, how do they feel about the concepts of aging? Weakening? Death?

Think outside the box as you answer these. Remember that if you bend and stretch them enough, these questions can fit into virtually any world. 

[secretariatess]

OC Asks

 What is/are your OC’s nickname(s) and how did it come about?

 What is the color of your OC’s eyes/hair/skin?

 How tall is your OC?

What is a noticeable physical attribute of your OC?

What does your OC normally wear? What would your OC wear on a special night?

What is one word you would use to describe your OC’s appearances?

Does your OC have any markings, such as a birthmark or a scar?

How does your OC talk/what does your OC’s voice sound like?

What does your OC’s bedroom look like?  His/her living area?

What does your OC keep in a special drawer?

What is your OC’s relationship with his/her mother?

What is your OC’s relationship with his/her father?

How many siblings does your OC and what is his/her relationship with them?

Who is the mother and/or father figure in your OC’s life?

What was your OC’s childhood like?

What is your OC’s strongest childhood memory? Why and how as that impacted him/her?

What is your OC’s imagination like?

How many times did your OC move as a child?  Which area was his/her favorite?

What does your OC think of children- either in general or about having them?

What kind of mother/father would your OC be?

Who are your OC’s closest relatives?

Who is/are your OC’s closest friend(s)?

Who are the people your OC surrounds him/herself with?

Who are the people your OC dislikes/hates?

If your OC has a soulmate, who is it?

Why does your OC and his/her soulmate work so well together?

What are some things your OC admires about his/her soulmate?

How did your OC and his/her soulmate meet?

What is your OC’s level of education?

Did your OC participate in extracurricular activities, and if so, what were they?

What is your OC’s opinion of school?  What kind of student was s/he?

What subjects did your OC excel at?

What subjects interested your OC?

What is your OC’s dream job and/or current profession?

How is your OC working towards his/her dream job and/or achieved his/her current profession?

What are your OC’s thoughts/opinions of his/her current profession?

What is your OC’s biggest dream?

How does your OC react to and handle stress?

How does your OC handle anger?

How does your OC handle grief?

What is your OC’s greatest fear?

What makes your OC happy?

What kind of sense of humor does your OC have?

What are some things that greatly upset your OC?

What are some things that annoy your OC?

If your OC has them, what are some regrets s/he has?

How easily does your OC forgive?

What are some of your OC’s vices?

If your OC experienced trauma, what was it?

What secrets does your OC have?

What are some of your OC’s morals?

What are some of your OC’s motivations?

What is the health of your OC?

Does your OC think with his/her head or heart?

What are your OC’s thoughts on death?

What are some of your OC’s strengths?

What are some of your OC’s weaknesses?

How does your OC take criticism?

What does your OC think of him/herself?

If your OC could change one thing about him/herself, what would it be?

What is the general impression your OC gives other people?

How emotionally/mentally vulnerable is your OC with other people?

How does your OC display love?

What are some habits your OC has picked up?

What is your OC’s favorite drink?

What is your OC’s favorite food?

What is your OC’s favorite sweet?

What is your OC’s favorite season?

What is your OC’s favorite kind of weather?

What is your OC’s favorite book?

What is your OC’s favorite movie and/or TV show?

What is your OC’s favorite kind music (and song if there is one)?

What is your OC’s favorite form of entertainment?

What is your OC’s favorite color?

What is your OC’s favorite scent?

What is your OC’s favorite animal?

What is your OC’s favorite sound?

What is your OC’s favorite time of day?

What is your OC’s favorite kind of ice cream?

What is your OC’s favorite dinosaur?

Ask your own question.

[s-n-arly]

Skip Google for Research

As Google has worked to overtake the internet, its search algorithm has not just gotten worse.  It has been designed to prioritize advertisers and popular pages often times excluding pages and content that better matches your search terms 

As a writer in need of information for my stories, I find this unacceptable.  As a proponent of availability of information so the populace can actually educate itself, it is unforgivable.

Below is a concise list of useful research sites compiled by Edward Clark over on Facebook. I was familiar with some, but not all of these.

⁂

Google is so powerful that it “hides” other search systems from us. We just don’t know the existence of most of them. Meanwhile, there are still a huge number of excellent searchers in the world who specialize in books, science, other smart information. Keep a list of sites you never heard of.

www.refseek.com - Academic Resource Search. More than a billion sources: encyclopedia, monographies, magazines.

www.worldcat.org - a search for the contents of 20 thousand worldwide libraries. Find out where lies the nearest rare book you need.

https://link.springer.com - access to more than 10 million scientific documents: books, articles, research protocols.

www.bioline.org.br is a library of scientific bioscience journals published in developing countries.

http://repec.org - volunteers from 102 countries have collected almost 4 million publications on economics and related science.

www.science.gov is an American state search engine on 2200+ scientific sites. More than 200 million articles are indexed.

www.pdfdrive.com is the largest website for free download of books in PDF format. Claiming over 225 million names.

www.base-search.net is one of the most powerful researches on academic studies texts. More than 100 million scientific documents, 70% of them are free

[introvert-unicorn-deactivated20]

Words to describe facial expressions

Absent: preoccupied 

Agonized: as if in pain or tormented

Alluring: attractive, in the sense of arousing desire

Appealing: attractive, in the sense of encouraging goodwill and/or interest

Beatific: blissful

Black: angry or sad, or hostile

Bleak: hopeless

Blinking: surprise, or lack of concern

Blithe: carefree, lighthearted, or heedlessly indifferent

Brooding: anxious and gloomy

Bug eyed: frightened or surprised

Chagrined: humiliated or disappointed

Cheeky: cocky, insolent

Cheerless: sad

Choleric: hot-tempered, irate

Darkly: with depressed or malevolent feelings

Deadpan: expressionless, to conceal emotion or heighten humor

Despondent: depressed or discouraged

Doleful: sad or afflicted

Dour: stern or obstinate

Dreamy: distracted by daydreaming or fantasizing

Ecstatic: delighted or entranced

Faint: cowardly, weak, or barely perceptible

Fixed: concentrated or immobile

Gazing: staring intently

Glancing: staring briefly as if curious but evasive

Glazed: expressionless due to fatigue or confusion

Grim: fatalistic or pessimistic

Grave: serious, expressing emotion due to loss or sadness

Haunted: frightened, worried, or guilty

Hopeless: depressed by a lack of encouragement or optimism

Hostile: aggressively angry, intimidating, or resistant

Hunted: tense as if worried about pursuit

Jeering: insulting or mocking

Languid: lazy or weak

Leering: sexually suggestive

Mild: easygoing

Mischievous: annoyingly or maliciously playful

Pained: affected with discomfort or pain

Peering: with curiosity or suspicion

Peeved: annoyed

Pleading: seeking apology or assistance

Quizzical: questioning or confused

Radiant: bright, happy

Sanguine: bloodthirsty, confident

Sardonic: mocking

Sour: unpleasant

Sullen: resentful

Vacant: blank or stupid looking

Wan: pale, sickly

Wary: cautious or cunning

Wide eyed: frightened or surprised

Withering: devastating

Wrathful: indignant or vengeful

Wry: twisted or crooked to express cleverness or a dark or ironic feeling

[daringthepen]

NaNo Prompt Day 30

Word: Beginning

Sentence: And then there was silence.