Passing By Writer

This is my writing challenges that I post everyday. I will be using my 4 main characters in the novel I am working on so everything should flow together.

[abookishmoomin]

If you’re reading a book and you’re unsure who the love interest is, wait until someone smirks. Love interests always smirk

[attractive-but-illegible]

Study tip

Don’t be afraid to make your notes be funny. If writing stuff like “Priests weren’t supposed to have side hoes because God was their main hoe” helps you remember that Priests were banned from having concubines, then go ahead and write that shit. Live your life.

[writingstrangers]

I started writing part of the novel that my nano is gonna be apart of so I can get in the habit of writing again. 

[thephoenixwrites]

Extensive Character Development Chart

This is the edited compilation of several different character surveys that I use to profile each of my characters, the majority of which coming from fyuvix’s lovely character form. It is very long and very detailed, but I find it an exceptionally good exercise for getting know not just the superficial surface of your character, but all the deep nuances that you might be surprised to find. Under the cut and also uploaded in several ways for ease of use. Enjoy.

PASTEBIN | PDF | .DOCX

BASIC STATISTICS

Full name: Name origin: Name meaning: Nickname: Nickname origin: Does s/he like the nickname?

Read More

[writingwithcolor]

Words to Describe Hair

This began as a guide to describing Afro/curly hair but of course, I got carried away. From look and texture of hair, colors and various styles, this guide serves as a thesaurus of sorts for hair, as well as pointers for use in your writing.

Culturally Significant Hair Coverings:

Know the meaning behind head wear and why it’s worn, when and by whom, such as a Native Nation’s headdress, before bestowing a character with it.

Head Coverings Resources:

More on various head coverings.

See here for more Islamic Veils. 

See here for more on the Nigerian gele.

See here on African American Headwraps. 

View our hijab and headscarves tags for discussion on these topics.

Afro - Curly - Straightened

There are many varieties of braids, twists & Afro hair styles; have some more!

African/Black Hair: Natural, Braids and Locks

African Hair: Braiding Styles 10 African Types

Describing Black (Afro) hair:

Appropriative Hairstyles: Keep in mind that Afro styles should be kept to those in the African Diaspora, such as dreadlocks, cornrows + certain and many braided styles.

Tread carefully describing Afro hair as “wild” “unkempt” “untamed” or any words implying it’s unclean or requires controlling.

“Nappy” and “wooly” are generally words to stay away from, the first having heavy negative connotations for many and the latter, though used in the Holy Bible, is generally not acceptable anymore and comes off as dehumanizing due to Animal connotations.

There are mixed feelings on calling Black hair “kinky.” I’m personally not opposed to the word in itself and usage depends on the person’s race (I’m more comfortable with a Black person using it vs. a Non-Black person) as well as their tone and context (if it’s used in a neutral or positive tone vs. negatively/with disdain). Get feedback on your usage, or simply forgo it.

See our tags “Black Hair” and “Natural Hair” for more discussion on describing Black hair.

Texture - Look - Styles

Hair Colors and Style

Writing Tips & Things to Keep in Mind:

Combination Words: Try combing words to illustrate look of hair. A character with springy coils that dance across her shoulders with every movement, the man with thick silvery hair slicked back into a ponytail…

Mind Perspective: Depending on POV, a character might not know exactly what cornrows or a coiffure style is, at least in name, and it might make more sense if they described the hairdo instead. More defining terms might come from a more knowing source or the wearer themselves. One book I read described a girl’s afro puff as “thick hair pulled up into a cute, curly, poufy thing on top of her head and tied with a yellow ribbon.”

POC & Hair Colors: People of Color’s hair comes in all shades and textures. There are Black people with naturally blond and loosely-textured to straight hair, East Asian people with red hair, and so on. Keep that in mind when coding characters if you tend to rely on hair color alone to denote a character is white vs. a Person of Color.

Related Tropes: There are tropes and discussion related to People of Color, colored hair, and light-colored hair and features. 

Check out these posts on the topic: The East Asian Women + Colored Hair Trope - Black Characters & “Wild” Hair Colors - POC w/ Supernatural Colorful Features. - ‘Uncommon’ Features & POC Characters

~Mod Colette

[clementive-deactivated20150318]

In Which Diversity Isn't a Myth

Ok. I’m tired of the typical vampire, werewolf and fairy.I’m also tired of the occidental-centrism in mythology. Hence, this list. 

I tried to included as many cultural variants as I could find and think of. (Unfortunately, I was restricted by language. Some Russian creatures looked very interesting but I don’t speak Russian…) Please, add creatures from your culture when reblogguing (if not already present). It took me a while to gather all those sites but I know it could be more expansive. I intend on periodically editing this list. 

Of note: I did not include specific legendary creatures (Merlin, Pegasus, ect), gods/goddesses/deities and heroes.

Dragons

The Chinese Dragon

The Japanese Dragon

The Korean Dragon

The Vietnamese Dragon

The Greek Dragon

The Indian Dragon

The Polish Dragon

The Austrian Dragon

The British Dragon

The Ancient Dragon (Egypt, Babylon and Sumer)

The Spanish Basque Dragon

Of the Cockatrice (creature with the body of a dragon)

Alphabetical List of Dragons Across Myths (Great way to start)

Little creatures (without wings)

The Legend of the Leprechauns, The Leprechaun

Chanaque /Alux (the equivalent of leprechauns in Aztec/Mayan folklore)

Elves

Elves in Mythology and Fantasy

Elves in Germanic Mythology

Kabeiroi or Cabeiri (Dwarf-like minor gods in Greek mythology)

Norse Dwarves

The Myth of Loki and the Dwarves

Ten Types of Goblins

Goblins

Tengu: Japanese Goblins

Gnomes 

More on Gnomes

Pooka: an Irish phantom

Creatures with wings (except dragons)

Fairies

All sorts of Cultural Fairies

Fairies in Old French Mythology 

A Fairy List

Bendith Y Mamau (Welsh fairies)

Welsh Fairies

Peri (Persian fairies)

Yü Nü (Chinese fairies)

The Celtic Pixie

Angels in Judaism

Angels in Christianity

Hierarchy of Angels

Angels in Islam

Irish Sylph

Garuda (Bird-like creature in Hindu and Buddhist myths)

Bean Nighe (a Scottish fairy; the equivalent of a banshee in Celtic mythology)

Harpies

Spirited Creatures

Druids

Jinn (Genies in Arabic folklore)

Types of Djinns

Aisha Qandisha and Djinn in Moroccan Folklore

Oni (demons in Japanese folklore)

Nymphs

Spirits in Asturian Mythology

Valkyries

Lesovik

Boggarts: The British Poltergeist

Phantom black dogs (the Grim)

Demons in Babylonian and Assyrian Mythology (list)

Demons in the Americas (list)

European Demons (list)

Middle-East and Asia Demons (list)

Judeo-Christian Demons (list)

Nephilim, more on Nephilim

Mahaha (a demon in Inuit mythology)

Flying Head (a demon in Iroquois mythology)

Ghosts

Toyol (a dead baby ghost in Malay folklore)

Malay Ghosts

Yuki-onna (a ghost in Japanese folklore)

The Pontianak (a ghost in Malay mythology)

Funayurei (a ghost in Japanese folklore)

Zagaz (ghosts in Moroccan folklore)

Japanese Ghosts

Mexican Ghosts

Horse-like mythical creatures

Chinese Unicorns

Unicorns

The Kelpie (Could have also fitted in the sea creatures category)

The Centaur

The Female Centaur

Hippocamps (sea horses in Greek mythology)

Horse-like creatures (a list)

Karkadann, more on the Karkadann (a persian unicorn)

Ceffyl Dwfr (fairy-like water horse creatures in Cymric mythology)

Undead creatures

The Melanesian Vampire 

The Ewe Myth : Vampires

The Germanic Alp

The Indonesian Vampire

Asanbosam and Sasabonsam (Vampires from West Africa)

The Aswang: The Filipino Vampire

Folklore Vampires Versus Literary Vampires

Callicantzaros: The Greek Vampire

Vampires in Malaysia

Loogaroo/Socouyant: The Haitian Vampire

Incubi and Sucubi Across Cultures

Varacolaci: The Romanian Vampire

Brahmaparusha: The Indian Vampire

Genesis of the Word “Vampire”

The Ghoul in Middle East Mythology

Slavic Vampires

Vampires A-Z

The Medical Truth Behind the Vampire Myths

Zombies in Haitian Culture

Shape-shifters and half-human creatures (except mermaids) 

Satyrs (half-man, half-goat)

Sirens in Greek Mythology (half-woman and half-bird creatures)

The Original Werewolf in Greek Mythology

Werewolves Across Cultures

Werewolf Syndrome: A Medical Explanation to the Myth

Nagas Across Cultures

The Kumiho (half fox and half woman creatures)

The Sphinx

Criosphinx

Scorpion Men (warriors from Babylonian mythology)

Pooka: an Irish changelings

Domovoi (a shape-shifter in Russian folklore)

Aatxe (Basque mythology; red bull that can shift in a human)

Yech (Native American folklore)

Ijiraat (shapeshifters in Inuit mythology)

Sea creatures

Selkies (Norse mermaids)

Mermaids in many cultures

More about mermaids

Mermen

The Kraken (a sea monster)

Nuckelavee (a Scottish elf who mainly lives in the sea)

Lamiak (sea nymphs in Basque mythology)

Bunyip (sea monster in Aboriginal mythology)

Apkallu/abgal (Sumerian mermen)

An assemblage of myths and legends on water and water creatures

Slavic Water Creatures

The Encantado (water spirits in Ancient Amazon River mythology)

Zin (water spirit in Nigerian folklore)

Qallupilluk (sea creatures in Inuit mythology)

Monsters That Don’t Fit in Any Other Category

Aigamuxa, more details on Aigamuxa

Amphisabaena

Abere

Bonnacon

Myrmidons (ant warriors)

Troll, More on Trolls

Golems 

Golems in Judaism

Giants: The Mystery and the Myth (50 min long documentary)

Inupasugjuk (giants in Inuit mythology)

Fomorians (an Irish divine race of giants)

The Minotaur

The Manticore, The Manticore and The Leucrouta

The Ogre

The Orthus (two-headed serpent-tailed dog)

The Windigo

The Windigo Psychosis

Rakshasa (humanoids in Hindu and Buddhist mythology)

Yakshas (warriors in Hindu mythology)

Taqriaqsuit (“Shadow people” in Inuit mythology)

References on Folklore and Mythology Across the Globe

Creatures of Irish Folklore 

Folklore and Fairytales

An Overview of Persian Folklore

Filipino Folklore

Myths, Creatures and Folklore

Alaska Folklore

Spanish (Spain) Mythology

Mythical Archive

Mythology Dictionary

List of Medieval and Ancient Monsters

Native American Animals of Myth and Legends

Native American Myths

Bestiary of Ancient Greek Mythology

Mythology, Legend, Folklore and Ghosts

Angels and Demons

List of Sea Creatures

Yoruba Mythology

Ghosts Around the World, Ghosts From A to Z

Strange (Fantastic) Animals of Ancient Egypt

Egyptian Mythology

Creatures from West Africa

On the Legendary Creatures of Africa

Myths, Creatures and Folklore

References on writing a myth or mythical creatures

Writing a MYTHology in your novel?

How to Write a Myth

10 Steps to Creating Realistic Fantasy Creatures

Creating Fantasy Creatures or Alien Species

Legendary Creature Generator

Book Recommendations With Underrated Mythical Creatures

(I have stumbled upon web sites that believed some of these mythical creatures exist today… Especially dragons, in fact. I just had to share the love and scepticism.)

[this-will-be-the-gay]

dangxiaolong

[twifairy]

Dokkaebi/도깨비 in Korea are common creatures that come up in stories that don’t seem to be on the list of tiny creatures… They may be in the goblin lists though

[blackjackgabbiani]

Also useful for designing original pokemon.

[ramoorebooks-deactivated2024011]

The writer's blessing:

May you write 1,500 words with ease. May your characters be lively and not cardboard. May you need little editing. May your muse visit you as soon as you sit. May the Internet not distract you much. May your phone lie dormant while you write.

[writingstrangers]

Main character's "half brother"

[insanitywithasmirk]

You know what’s really fun when you’re participating in Nanowirmo? Procrastinating.  Tumblr meet Main character. Main character meet Tumblr.

[writingstrangers]

The Elders and the Gods they are under .

Nophli (Maeryli)

Caell (Eleshy)

Rae (Mandrea)

Dreaz (Kraezn)

Jea (Jeae)

[writingstrangers]

Name: Maeryli Titles: Father of the Gods, Keeper of Life Gender: Male Children: A lot Children’s Powers:  Hair color: gray Eye Color: brown Symbol: A person, An egg Known colors: white, yellow, black Prayer: “I speak for all who carry the blood of the Laiompa. May we be blessed with wisdom to understand, courage to face the truth, and be given the mercy that we grant to others.” Offerings: An animal, blood, a sick person.

[writingstrangers]

Name: Mandrea Titles: Goddess of the Seas Gender: Female Children: 5 children, Aerand (M), Nazur (M), Raeliphinu (M), Rea (F), Drene (F) Children’s Powers: Control water, can survive underwater without breathing, very calming presence and can calm down arguments. Can transform into aquatic life, most end up as sharks. Hair color: Dark Blue Eye Color: blue gray Symbol: The sea, a whale, a ship Known colors: blue, gray, white and tan Prayer: "Emotions are like water, if you let them flow all is well, but if you let them stagnant and remain they become poisonous and deadly" Offerings: cups of drink,captured rain, canvas, flags.

[writingstrangers]

Name: Jeae Titles: Goddess of Fire and the Smith of the Gods Gender: Female Children: 6 children, Aeroux (M), Jea (M), Teallea (F), Keari (F), Aeraex (F), Trealn (F) Children’s Powers: resistant to fire (they never burn), control over fire, uncanny ability with weapons and the forging and finding of metals. Hair color: Red with black splashes like charcoal. Eye Color: Gold Symbol: fire, hammer, the sun Known colors: red, orange, gold, black Prayer: ”Everyone has fire within them, one only needs to stick the flint hard enough to ignite it.” Offerings: charcoal, candles, fire, gasoline, metal

[writingstrangers]

Name: Eleshy Titles: God of Nature, Family and Fertility Gender: Male Children: 16 children, Alutel (M), Lekes (M), Learus(M), Flaedel (M), Elaeur (M), Nael(M), Vysh (M), Shyair (M), Eleondri (F), Elolas (F), Melr (F),  Aeled (F), Ilillel (F), Caell (F), Aelaesa (F), Ahyt(F) Children’s Powers: control over plants, greater hunting prowess, silent footsteps, can transform into woodland creatures though most are "deer". Hair color: Dark Brown Eye Color: Green Symbol: A tree, fireplace, a house Known colors: brown, green, pink, gray Prayer: " For all that you take, you must give back in equal parts." Offerings: branches, leaves, charcoal, flowers, rocks

[writingstrangers]

Name: Kraezn Titles: God of the Skies Gender: Male Children: 8 children, Alaez (M), Shaeklri (M), Flaedai (F), Kraer (F), Kaeah (F), Ilaer (F), Dreaz (M), Aelytai (M) Children's Powers: Control of the winds, enhanced hearing, beast speak (birds only), can transform into a bird Hair color: Silver Eye Color: gray Symbol: A cloud, a bird, feather Known colors: Gray, light blue, yellow, white Prayer: "No matter the change of the ground, the skies will meet their challange." Offerings: feathers, claws from birds, mice.

[writingstrangers]

Character Sheet for Children of Gods

Name: Theairre Titles: God of Chaos, Death and Natural Disasters. Lord of Chance Gender: Male Children: 3 children, Xai (M), Alairr (F), Jisrre (F) Children's Powers: interacting with the dead/spirits, control over storms/earthquakes/natural disasters, can walk through the "veil" between living and dead to get places faster. Hair color: Dark black that turns red near the ends. Eye Color: dark blue Symbol: A gold coin, a striking lightning bolt, a black mask  Known colors: Black, gray, gold and red. Prayer: "Remember the lessons of the dead so that we may not make the same folly." Offerings: Gold coins/money, candles. Pretty much anything he doesn't discriminate against anybody.

[writingstrangers]

Name: Full name is Alair Vazener but yea, I go by Aly

Age: I'm 19

Height: 5'2"

Eye color: Dark blue

Physical appearance: My hair is black that slowly turns to pink and its down past my shoulders now. I have dark skin from spending way too much time in the sun. I'm pretty short and have an athletic build if I do say so my self

Strange or unique physical attributes: Her hair turn from black to dark red to bright pink.

Favorite clothing style/outfit: Very casual. I do love my scarves though!

Where does he or she live? What is it like there? I live in the Community. It's not that great since my brother left and the elders have started getting on everybody case but it is home and it helps keep us safe from the humans.

Defining gestures/movements (i.e., curling his or her lip when he or she speaks, always keeping his or her eyes on the ground, etc.): I tend to wrap my hand in my scarf when people talk. I don't know it keeps my attention on them.

Things about his or her appearance she would most like to change: My height. I hate how short I am. There are some 10 year olds that are taller than me!

Speaking style (fast, talkative, monotone, etc.): I've been told I have a very idiomatic way of talking but I don't know, I just kinda speak whatever comes out of my mouth.

Pet peeves: People who don't clean the hair out of the drain, or people who blame everybody else when clearly it's their fault

Fondest memory: It isn't even that great but my papa took me to the ocean once, just me and him. We stayed on the sand for hours and hours and it was perfect.

Hobbies/interests: I really like outdoor activities like hiking, gardening, kayaking and even hunting when we're allowed.

Special skills/abilities: I can control lightning...well storms, haha that's a cool one. I can also see the dead as though they were still living.

Insecurities: My height, I swear. And my intelligence? I don't feel smart enough, sometimes.

Quirks/eccentricities: I always have a scarf with me. I like to try and get lost in the forest by the Community when I'm bored. And I can't drink anything if it has ice in it.

Temperament (easygoing, easily angered, etc.): I like to think I'm rather easygoing. I mean, strange things happen all the time do you really have the energy to freak out every time?

Negative traits: My papa says I'm stubborn and sarcastic all the time,

Things that upset him or her: Getting blamed for something I didn't do and people that throw everything away to be with a person that's been horrible to them.

Things that embarrass him or her: Second hand embarrassment, and when I get caught singing really really loudly.

This character is highly opinionated about: Certain things about education and human/creature rights stuff like that.

Any phobias? For the longest time I had a phobia of graveyards but yea I don't think I have any other phobias

Things that make him or her happy: Really simple things make me happy. I like having good food at the end of the day, nice clothes to wear, I like being able to walk through the woods without anyone for miles and just listen to the world begin anew and decay.

Family (describe): My papa, my brother (who is like my half brother? kinda) and my father.

Deepest, darkest secret: I can see and hear people that have died but no one from the community can know that.

Reason he or she kept this secret for so long: Hearing the dead is bad enough but those born under my father have been known to become insane from not knowing friend from foe, the living from the dead. They can't know or they'd kill me.

Other people’s opinions of this character (What do people like about this character? What do they dislike about this character?): Alutel: She okay for a little sister. She's very blunt about things and that can get annoying but she's one of the easiest people to be around from the community.

Favorite bands/songs/type of music: I don't get to listen to much human music as it's contraband but I do like most of the songs on the radio now. They have a good beat and you can dance with them.

Favorite movies: I don't really get to watch them.

Favorite TV shows: ^^^^

Favorite books: The tale of two cities and the picture of dorian gray.

Favorite foods: Fried onions or onion rings... actually I just really like onions

Favorite sports/sports teams: N/A

Political views: I don't really know the name for my political views. Liberal I guess? Kinda?

Religion/philosophy of life: I follow Theairre, my father. "Learn from the dead or die." is his motto.

Physical health: I like to think I'm in good health and our resident healer thinks I am too but he always tells me to wear sunblock because of the risks.

Dream vacation: Some where near the water like and ocean or a beach. Just being able to lie on the sands and not be bothered by anybody.

Description of his or her house: It's a little cottage with bushes of flowers in the front and an old cherry tree right to the right side of the house. It's very cozy. My great (great?) grand dad built it himself back when we were allowed to freely socialize with humans.

Description of his or her bedroom: It's dark green on 3 walls. The other wall is white with black silhouettes of trees. My bed is a metal canopy with poles shaped like trees that is against the white wall. I have a chaise that sits right underneath the windows where I just like to sit and look at the sky or read.

Any pets? We have a cat. Well, it's more like he has us. He just showed up one day and never left.

Best thing that has ever happened to this character: Being born to my papa Alaez. Out of the community he's the least against Theairre and what he entitles. 

Worst thing that has ever happened to this character: Being born of Theairre's blood and all it's prejudice.

Superstitions: Stepping on someone's grave will resurrect them. Drink soda before noon will cause you to be sick.

Three words to describe this character: "Fail. Do Better"

If a song played every time this character walked into the room, what song would it be? Centuries by Fall Out Boy