I've started reading and taking notes on Jane Austen's England by Roy and Lesley Adkins. I'm only two chapters in, but I've come across some interesting information already.
Frequently, babies did not stay with their mothers, but were transferred to the homes of their wet-nurses, especially if those women lived in the country-side rather than town. (30)
Some children were breastfed by their mothers, then given to foster parents after weaning until deemed old enough to return home. The Austens themselves did this with Jane and her siblings. One or both parents visited daily, or the infants were brought to them at the parsonage, but the infants' home was the nurse's cottage until they were old enough to run about and talk. (32)
I can just see the potential for switched at infancy stories with this set up!
Also:
It was rare to give babies more than one name, and so Jane Austen and most of her contemporaries had no middle name. (34)
So there's no need to make up middle names for the Bennet sisters for their weddings-- they likely had none!
With each step taken, the ground quivered beneath them, echoing the weight of their actions. The air they breathed seemed to carry a heavy toll, as if every inhale spelled doom for countless others. Despite prevailing in battle, one final obstacle remained – the last remnants of a hero.
Sauntering along the desolate road, they spotted him, sitting alone with an air of defiance. "Pathetic," they muttered, their voice laced with contempt. "You dare call yourself a hero?"
Meeting their gaze with unwavering resolve, the hero remained steadfast. "No need for concern," they whispered to themselves, a smirk tugging at their lips as they approached.
Leaning in close, they spoke softly into his ear, their words dripping with malice. "Even with your courage, you should've fled when you had the chance, you fool."
The hero's expression remained resolute, silently accepting his fate. With a swift motion, they plunged their hand into his abdomen, tearing through flesh with a ruthless efficiency.
As life ebbed from the hero's eyes, he managed a bitter chuckle. "You may believe yourself human," he gasped, his voice barely a whisper, "but your humanity died long ago."
Okay, you know what? Fuck plotting, fuck plot generators, fuck all those stupid "story ideas" that were written by commercial master-of-mainstream authors, and take a look at my
Plotting Dice.
Ingredients:
Dice. You'll need 3 of these at minimum. My regulars are two 6 sided and one 20 sided dice. The 6 sided ones were empty and I painted some images on them, but you can just assign keywords to the numbers. For the 20 sided dice any will do, and if you want greater variety just get a dnd 7 dice set. Preferably, the dice will be real, physical dice, but it's fine if you're more comfortable with digital ones.
For the two 6 sided dice: Assign one of these as the "doing" dice, and the other as the "thing" dice. The thing dice will generally give nouns, and the doing dice will give adjectives, adverbs, and verbs. It will depend on your interpretation.
The "Thing" Dice
Assign these words to the numbers:
1 -> Environment
2 -> Secret
3 -> Artifact
4 -> Monster
5 -> Character
6 -> Magic
These are not "rigid" definitions. You will have to interpret them depending on the context. Keep this in mind.
The "Doing" Dice
Assign these words to numbers:
1 -> Old
2 -> New
3 -> Weak
4 -> Strong
5 -> Legendary
6 -> Dead
Remember: flexible definitions. Nothing is set in stone.
And a regular old d20. Alright, now let's talk about:
The "How" Of The Plotting
Take your half-assed stupid WIP. Or if you don't have one, create it. This will be the framework, the starting point. Make sure to have some vague setting and a few characters.
Take your "doing" and "thing" dice. Roll them. The result will usually be in the format of "adjective + noun". Try to understand what it is referring to, related to your story. [Roll the d20 to confirm you're thinking about the correct thing if you're insecure and indecisive.]
There are no rules. This is a very flexible method, so you can either ask yes/no questions to the d20 to learn about the thing OR throw the "doing" dice to see what the thing does (the result will usually be a "verb", and added to the previous roll it will become a proper "adjective + noun + verb").
That's it. Repeat as required.
However, you might get stuck at some point, or the dice might tell you something batshit crazy. Do not panic. This is normal, the dice are not going mad. Rather, you've stumbled upon...
An opportunity.
This is where interpretation comes into play. It is a very thought-heavy process and requires some creativity, but it is where the dice method gets to shine.
A knot in the dialogue between you and the dice means a plot twist, an exposition-related plot point, or a major incident. Think of it like a big gulp of information that hurt your throat to swallow. (Ignore dick joke.) The best thing to do at this stage is to ask more questions.
Don't be afraid of getting confused or being too stupid in the face of cosmic forces. You will need the 20 sided dice here— yes or no questions will help you determine what is certain and what is not. My standard for the results are:
1-9 || No.
10 || Not no, but not yes.
11-14 || Not quite.
15-18 || Yes.
19-20 || EXACTLY that, yes.
If it's a "no", there's no point following this line of thought. Discard it.
If it's "10", you're not on the right track, but the answer is related to what you're thinking.
If it's "not quite", try a different angle, but know that you're on the right track.
If it's "yes", well, it's a yes. But there might be more to it, or you're missing some minor details.
If it's an unequivocal "YES", congratulations, it's exactly what you think. Write it down, you've solved the mystery.
You might need to use the "doing" and "thing" dice here in harmony with the d20. Usually it will be used to ask questions that aren't yes/no, or when you're too stuck to come up with a question. Think of it as a clue to help you get on the right track.
Extra Q&A
What if the dice results don't make sense?
It might be that you're focusing on the wrong thing. Ask the dice, "Is this what you want me to ask?" and the result will usually be a "no". Try changing your angle, or switch to a different part of your WIP. If it answers "yes", it just means you're on the wrong track. Try asking with a fresh, blank perspective.
My dice is telling me one thing, then when I ask it again paraphrased, it tells me I'm wrong.
It might be that your dice is trying to draw you to a particularly specific answer, and the word choice might affect your understanding of that answer greatly, or steer you down the wrong path. Write down what it has given an extremely positive 'yes' on and try asking something derived from that.
The "thing"/"doing" dice doesn't make sense.
As I said, they are adaptable dice, and can mean something different than the word's exact definition. It's always good to ask the d20, "Is this word literal?" For "Monster", it can also mean a beast, an animal, an antagonist, or a sentient being that isn't human yet behaves in a humanoid way. For the adjective "Old", it can also (and usually does) mean "from the past". "Dead" can mean "disappearing" or "removal" or "diminishing". Words have associations, and as dice have limited vocabulary, they're going to force the limits of creativity to tell you what you need to know. You can also switch the roles of the dice (making the "doing" dice the "thing" dice, though this is kinda weird for me) or ask the d20 whether something means a verb, adjective, or adverb. There are no hard rules here.
My dice is deliberately provoking me (by telling lies/giving contradictory answers/taunting me for being stupid)
First of all, stop asking your dice what it thinks about you. This is dice. It is an inanimate object that doesn't have sentience. THE DICE IS YOU. You're the one doing the interpreting by choosing to find meaning in something ultimately random. It's not that deep.
Secondly, if the answers are contradictory, ask "Is this what you want me to ask?" Because most of the time, it is not. Stop being stubborn about a plot point. THE DICE ISN'T AGAINST YOU, THE DICE IS YOU.
Finally, stop asking your dice whether it is lying. Would YOU appreciate someone asking if you're lying when they previously asked for your advice? No? So don't. Trust your dice. For the last fucking time, THE DICE IS YOU.
I've asked the same question twice, and it's given me contradictory results.
Well, since the results are random, of course the chance of you getting the same result twice will be random. And as a rule of the thumb, it's better to note and keep going than to get stuck repeating the same question over and over. If something is dubious about the roll, asking "Should I roll again?" is enough. If the dice says "no", there's no point getting stuck for no reason.
Isn't this basically dice divination?
I don't know, I don't particularly care. It is what it is. If it fits I sits. So long as it works, the label isn't important.
(And since we're on the topic, I don't think it's divination. You're not "divining" anything. Anything that came out, came out of you, and additionally it all came out because you were trying to make a bunch of randomised results make sense. I don't think that's divination. But I do think that it's your genius at work.)
My WIP isn't in the fantasy genre, there's no magic. Can I use a different keyword in its place?
Whatever floats your boat, go for it. Though it doesn't matter what genre your WIP is, the keywords aren't just themselves, they are ASSOCIATIONS. "Magic" can mean magic or it can mean "deus ex machina", "free will", and so on and on. Depending on what you associate with magic, the associations might change. I chose these keywords after reading Lazy Dungeon Master and its categorization of worldbuilding, because they were simple and I could fit them in a 6 sided dice. THERE ARE NO RULES. Do whatever suits you.
I have another question/my question isn't covered in the post.
Ask!!! I insist! I'm always happy to clarify. My asks are open and the anonymous is on.
And with that, I hope no one has to resort to "plot generators" ever again. Happy writing.
On the subject of mermen and mermaids, I’m trying to think of a serious idea but the only thing that comes to mind is... A shy merman or maid, possibly with social anxiety, having a crush on a human. But all they can think of doing to show their interest is... catching fish and throwing it at said human.
Not giving it.
Throwing it. Like at the head. And then vanishing under the waves again while the human tries to figure out WTF just happened.
“Why are you trying to fix your family when it’s clear so much of it is broken.”
You are all class.“
Oh, I still think you're a bitch. I've just grown to like that about you.”
Remind me to annihilate your brother once you're healthy.“
You want to help me? Help my people.“
All knocked up and nowhere to go.“
"Make art. Use your voice. Have adventures. And have at least one totally epic love. And be every bit of yourself."
“Who the hell are you?”
“I love you. I always have loved you.”
“i’m here as a mom.”
“He died loving me despite it.”
“I realized I wasn’t just protecting myself.”
“Everything I do is for her.”
“Too bad, i forgive you.”
“That’s what family does, we fight for eachother.”
“I never knew that I could love something so much. It’s scary like it migt kill me.”
“If i died and someone through a part, I would be so pissed.”
“Want to say that again and see what happened?”
“Just tell me who you want me to kill.”
“Or maybe I stopped running.”
“She can go home.”
“In your paranoid mind, no one can be trusted.”
“Don’t you get it. your the threat.”
“Let me check his calender- wait, not his wife.”
“I have claws.”
“Don’t make promises you can’t keep,”
“Fight back.”
“I will make them suffer for this.”
“But you will be forgotten.”
“I feel like we are connected somehow.”
“You guys done? This mucho stuff is cute and all but don’t make me come kick both your asses.”
“Ew, no never.”
"And I want to make you a promise, three things that you will have that I never did. A safe home, someone to tell you that they love you every single day, and someone to fight for you no matter what."
I'm sorry that it takes me being in danger for you to even talk to me.“
Just for once, would you please trust me that I say I will do something and it will get done?“
“you want more?”
“my pleasure.”
“I have tried to play nice. But the last month of pregnancy is all hormones and mood swings. so unless you want me to snap your arm like a twig, I suggest that you tell me what is going on.”
Hey there, witch bitch.“
“I know you were just using me as a way of saving your people, but try it again and I will kill you.”
You will not take my baby. I will kill all of you.”
Have I mentioned that I've had a rotten couple of months?“
Well, every good story needs a wicked witch. It'll be all the more satisfying when we melt her.“
"And you have hit your complaint quota for the day. Congrats, ou Are officially the worst."
"I want you to know that I didn't marry you for all of those people. I married you for me."
Awesome. Then we can do that thing where you lock me in the tower, I escape, there's drama, and then you two both realize that I'm capable of taking care of myself.”
They want a seat at the table, and if they don't get one, I can guarantee that you'll all regret it.“
If we can't all learn to get along, if our families can't create some sort of community, then what's the point? Kill each other and get it over with.“
Over the years I've had my share of friends, enemies, lovers, losses and triumphs. With time they all begin to run together. But you will find the real moments are vibrant. The rest just fades away. Your pain will fade.“
I saw the way you looked at me before and the way you look at me now. I was a mother, now I'm a monster. Things are different now. You can't tell me that they're not.“
I'm gonna go find our daughter.”
So you're having weird, retro sex dreams. Get over it. I'm staying.”
You will not believe the crap day that I'm having.”
i write too many of these
tag me if you use!
leave ideas/rec’s in the comments
SPEAK NOW.
mine-- muse a is in college, working part time waiting tables. they left a small town and never looked back. muse b is a careless man's careful daughter, who watched her parent's marriage fall apart. she no longer thinks falling in love is worthwhile, until she meets muse b. stress begins to pile as they grow closer- bills to pay, education, a place of their own. a fight breaks out at 230 in the morning, and muse a runs out into the street crying. bracing herself for the goodbye; it's all she's ever known. muse b takes her by surprise, saying 'i'll never leave you alone.'
the story of us-- muse a and b were in a loving, healthy relationship for the better part of two years. they begin to fall apart; muse b puts up emotional walls to muse a, they're less communicative, they stop answering the phone. they break up, and muse a is still confused and hurting over their breakup. was muse b cheating? losing interest? suffering? muse a has no idea. a few months after the breakup, muse a is still raw and wounded but is convinced by her friends to go to a party- that muse b is the host of. muse b holds their pride like they should have held muse a.
haunted-- the breakup of muses a and b was tragic. their friends and family had all but planned the wedding for them; muse a is heartbroken. something made muse b's eyes go cold, muse a begs to not be left like this. when muse a tries dating again, all she can see and remember is muse b. muse b is distant, careless, and hardly emotional. it's like muse b has been emptied entirely, devoid of feeling anything, and muse a swears they had muse b figured out.
RED.
the moment i knew-- muse b keeps blowing off muse a, despite the fact that they're dating. he hardly shows for their plans, barely picks up the phone, muse b is prime garbage. shit begins to fall apart at muse a's birthday party. their mutual friends are there, their families, and nothing seems to be missing- except muse b. for muse a, the sinking feeling starts as they try to keep it together. but what do you say when tears are streaming down your face in front of everyone you know? what do you do when the one who means the most to you doesn't even show?
treacherous-- muse a is head-over-heels for muse b. it's a dangerous slope, and muse a can't figure out if falling in love with such a person is a choice or not. muse b is physically affectionate and sensual, touching muse a in all the right places. however, muse b isn't the newest nail in the box and has some bad habits. muse a would be smart to walk away, but muse b is quicksand.
i almost do-- whatever relationship, platonic or romantic, that muse a and b have formed, fell apart. muse a is still pining over their lost partner, muse b, and can't move on. muse a almost calls, almost writes, almost sends that text. muse a just wants one more try, but muse b is long gone. but when muse b is sitting in their chair by the window, looking out at the city, muse a comes to mind. can they try again?
holy ground-- the muses' fling was short lived, but sweet. after their breakup, muse a is still pining over them, wondering what happened to their funny, lovely situationship. it was exhilirating, wild, and spontaneous, a fleeting moment. when they find each other again, post-breakup, at a local place, they realize they might still want each other. right where they stood is holy ground.
I wish - one direction- Muse A has always been in love with Muse B for as long as they can remember. Loving them is kind of like breathing. But they’ve always just been a friend to Muse B and now Muse C and Muse B are together. They’re happy. They are in love and Muse A is dying inside. Extras: Muse C and Muse B just got married, had a baby, or engaged and Muse A has to watch.
ghost of you and me - bbmak - Muse A and Muse B were in a rollercoaster of a relationship. Neither was good for the other. But, they still were madly in love even if it would probably destroy them long term to stay together. Muse B has moved on post their break up. But Muse A is still haunted by the ghost of their relationship. Muse B encourages them to move on. But Muse A feels stuck.
ghost town - benson boone - Muse A and Muse B are in a relationship. Muse B takes more than they give. Muse A wonders if loving them is the reason that Muse B doesn’t love themselves enough to make an effort at things. Things are heavy between them. There’s a feeling of ‘are we going to make it or drown trying’ in the air.
grey - why dont we - Muse A made a mistake and didn’t realize how good they had it with Muse B. They constantly supported them, answered with they called, did things for them and to help them and their family. They loved them unconditionally. But Muse A never realized that until they had already tossed them away. Remorseful for their actions, Muse A tries to make it up to Muse B, but they are already over it and don’t want them anymore.
