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@spillingbooks
ok so uhm... I am moving! I deleted all my WIP-related posts, now you can find me on @thesunempire , where I’ll be blabbering abt said WIP (with new posts and a re-introduction) and writing in general, in the hope that I’ll have a more consistent (HA, lmao) blog.
New blog new me I guess?
Dunno, I believe I am just kinda changeable <3
So I made a little Locked Tomb uquiz and I’d love it if you took it. Prepare to take psychic damage lol.
https://uquiz.com/FOi80A
Sooo, promised a dear friend of mine I would draw her a “santino” of Azriel for good luck lmao
If you want you can support me leaving a like to may_isdrawing <3
800 followers celebration!!
You know that "give me six characters to make fanart of" challenge? Let's do it! But writing blog style!!
Shoot me a comment and give me one character from a writeblr's WIP you like that I can draw!
I will draw the first six for sure, we'll see about the rest because I'm swamped with rl stuff like lessons, demonstrations and exams.
Throwing in the taglist in case you wanna play?
@ardawyn @pheita @toboldlywrite @shewhowalksbehindthewheels @raevenlywrites @search-me-in-wonderland @concerningwolves @dreamywritingdragon @coutelier @rosesonneptune @lady-redshield-writes @chishiio @crystallized-ink @hysteriwah @artbyeloquent @mel-writes-with-her-dragons @wizardfromthesea @spillingbooks @toomuchplot @ladywithalamp
Do your WIPs count lmao? Cause I’d love some Scio-Klara supremacy!
anyone else spend an irrational amount of time anticipating the kind of bullshit your wip's hypothetical fandom would generate
The mourning rose: relationships!
This Valentine’s Day let me give you a brief insight in a few of the key relationships of my WIP. From the top, we have:
Anaichi and Yalerin: very sweet and full of trust, Anaichi is like a cool uncle, fun older brother and badass protector all rolled up into one for Yalerin, especially after he becomes her primary caretaker.
Yareina and Umaen: a friendship born from mutual respect that will deepen once they are forced on the run together; started out as a simple office relationship when she hired him to design a new aqueduct.
Naeth and Ny’ra: to Naeth, she’s a witty but easily flustered stray he’s taken in as his apprentice; she has a crush on him but she knows he’s too old and too gay for it to ever work. Milu is Naeth’s dangerous cat, who hates Ny’ra with a passion.
Naeth, Tessella and Treyha: Naeth is Tessella and Treyha’s only son, their pride and joy, and also their leader; Tessella and Treyha are husband and wife in an asexual relationship.
Anaichi and Telae: best friends who enjoy teasing each other. Anaichi especially loves to lord the fact that he’s slightly older over her, and Telae often bullies him into having fun. They are both the mom friend and occasionally butt heads because of this.
Telae and Yareina: a will-they-won’t-they kind of romance, they fancy each other and are aware of this, but a relationship would be too much of a hassle considering they live on different sides of a cold war situation.
Umaen and Naeth: husbands! Illegal husbands! Started out as colleagues, became insanely close, got together and now are in a long distance relationship. Here captured in two of their main moods: desperate yearning and tender domesticity.
Umaen and Anaichi: very close friends who would die for each other but are also there for the little things; their friendship began when Umaen found Anaichi wandering about, freshly betrayed by Niallen, and gave him a place to stay.
Anaichi, Niallen and Sasher: Anaichi and Sasher were both raised by Niallen, who certainly loves them very much; Niallen’s love is a heavy burden to bear, however… Plus Sasher wants very desperately to best Anaichi at Life.
That’s it! I’ve reached the image limit anyway. A few notes: if you’re wondering who Ny’ra is… that’s Sasher posing as an elf. If you’re wondering why Umaen is suddenly female presenting in the second picture, it’s because gender presentation is extremely fluid if you have magic and can change your appearance at will and with minimum effort (especially between elves, and he learned from Naeth) and it’s also convenient if you’re on the run.
Taglist under the cut:
The mourning rose characters as Major Arcana
Yareina, the Emperor
Stability, structure, protection, discipline; recklessness
Wherever she went, Yareina was loved. She was loved because she showed herself, because she cared, because she took the time to travel to the cities and meet their father’s subjects, because she listened to their woes and needs and did her best to meet them. Building an aqueduct network across the Realm had been her idea, more than a decade before, and now that the last segment had been finished, there was nothing else to do but celebrate.
The Fool | the Magician | the High Priestess | the Empress | the Emperor | the Lovers | Fortitude | the Hermit
Taglist and image description under the cut:
The mourning rose characters as Major Arcana
Naeth, the Magician
Energy, potential; the unification of the physical and spiritual world.
This Naeth person was a lot to take in: gaudy as a hummingbird, dressed in bright clashing colours and decked in pretty little trinkets, with half-moon glasses perched on his lightly arched nose, he looked like a character from an epic, an evanescent creature that might abduct children for a day or two, or a benevolently mischievous entity popping about a story to cause havoc and solve problems in equal measure. He smiled and quite naturally it seemed as if all was right in the word.
The Fool | the Magician | the High Priestess | the Empress | the Emperor | the Lovers | Fortitude | the Hermit
Taglist and image description below the cut:
The mourning rose characters as Major Arcana
Sasher, the High Priestess
Secrets, mystery, silence, superficial knowledge; conceit.
“It’s – it’s you?” Yareina swallowed hard. In her eyes, suddenly and cruelly, her little sister was drenched in blood (the Hidden Hand had been active for fifteen years, fifteen years of murders) and much, much older than she should be. Ruined. “Oh, Sasher, how could you? Of all the things you could have been, why an assassin?” she cried, begging almost. “It’s Niallen, isn’t it? She put you up to this, didn’t she?”
The Fool | the Magician | the High Priestess | the Empress | the Emperor | the Lovers | Fortitude | the Hermit
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: 山河令 | Word of Honor (TV 2021) Rating: Not Rated Warnings: Major Character Death Relationships: Cao Weining/Gu Xiang, Gu Xiang & Wen Kexing Characters: Gu Xiang (Faraway Wanderers), Wen Kexing, Cao Weining, Mo Huaiyang Additional Tags: Canon Compliant, Angst, Major character death - Freeform, Episode 35, I still need to recover, Wen Kexing is a lovely brother, Gu Xiang deserved better, Gu Xiang gets to tell her story Summary:
She will kill him, and then she will go to Weining, one last wish for a mourning ghost who will never be a bride.
So, I need to share the struggle and take this weight off my chest :’) I have been taking Arabic classes at university for over two years, and I am proud to say I am learning such a difficult language, however I cannot say I can speak it. My first teacher was a lovely person, but she didn’t teach us anything: I lack all the basis, from food names to clothing to basic tourist things such as “if you want to get to the Colosseum, turn left and go straight ahad”; I am far from being conversational, however I surely know how to talk about Italy’s plan to stop the pandemic because my new teacher is having us translate videos form Al-Jazeera. And it is driving me nuts. I gave up on more “successful” degrees only to learn this beautiful language, but now I feel like I will never be able to speak it. Which is awful.
Working on a new project for my wip -it has been a tough end of the year for my creativity, but these two are always a boost <3
Happy New Year!!
Here is the new and improved version of all the drawings I can do for you!!!
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
The 7 Offensive Mistakes link at the end is broken, but I found a link to a tumblr post that reposted it from the same website
getting over the fear of being bad is so fucking hard… like, it’s literally a super power if you can start something and say ‘it doesn’t matter if it’s bad, it just matters that it exists’
‘bad’ is so terrifying, ‘bad’ is wrecking, and the ability to apply self-compassion to things deemed ‘bad’ is beyond amazing, to understand not everything in life will be ‘good’ and that’s okay
essays, art, novels, school, relationships, anyone out there starting things when they are terrified of the arbitrary metric of the result… I am so fucking proud of you, you are so brave and strong
keep starting new things, even if ‘bad’ is a possibility
To curse an angel: The mourning rose characters - now with colours!
From left to right we have Anaichi, the husbands Umaen and Naeth, the sisters Sasher (later Ny’ra) and Yareina, Yareina’s ex and Anaichi’s best friend Telae, and the three Guardians (also in a poly marriage) Hanasiranae, Starblessed and Irusakiran.
I have been drawing and writing a lot lately but have been remiss in sharing! As for now, since tumblr hates links I will reblog this with a song for each character and relationship!
Adding in the taglist (let me know if you’d like to be added/removed): @ardawyn @pheita @toboldlywrite @shewhowalksbehindthewheels @raevenlywrites @search-me-in-wonderland @concerningwolves @dreamywritingdragon @coutelier @rosesonneptune @lady-redshield-writes @ettawritesnstudies @chishiio @crystallized-ink @hysteriwah @artbyeloquent @mel-writes-with-her-dragons @wizardfromthesea @spillingbooks @toomuchplot
