me, an intellectual.

welcome to the writeblr of a creative genius, i write and ish

[youngdumbxlit]

wip, a rebranding

hey, y’all. I know its been a very long time but I took a short break from my WIP to do some thinking. As I was going over my words, I found some poor choices in words made by me. There’s just something about what I’ve been writing that is not sitting right with my spirit and my beliefs. I don’t want my writing to be in vain and suffer because I’m just not enjoying it. There was a snippet that I posted on here (I have deleted it) and I can see how it would lead people to some assumptions and I don’t want that to happen at all. I want there to be some truth to my words and I don’t like the road that snippet was taking my mind down. So, I’m rebranding my WIP. It’ll still be the same essential plot but a lot of my characters’ mindsets will change. 

Thank y’all for believing in me and my work. I just want people to be happy with my words. I plan to be back into writing soon.

[youngdumbxlit]

look @ my queen 😍

guys, I commissioned the amazing @sbmranger to bring my protagonist to life and LOOK AT HER!! 😍 it’s so beautiful and I’m in love!

AHHHH!

May I present Queen Nonhle of Nohr.

this WIP will be completed in a couple of months and I am sooo hype for it. 😎

Seriously I cannot thank @sbmranger enough! THIS IS AMAZING! Please book for submissions, you won’t be disappointed. 😆

[bookishdiplodocus]

How I turned an idea into an outline

With NaNoWriMo around the corner, I thought I might show you how I plotted my novel.

This is the story structure I used:

0% inciting incident

0%-20% introduction in the world, ends with a point of no return

20% first plot point: the hero receives his marching orders

20%-50% response to the first plot point

35% first pinch point: reminder of the nature of the antagonistic force

50% midpoint: big fat plot twist that changes the hero’s AND reader’s experience

50%-80% attack: the stakes are higher now

65% second pinch point: again reminding the reader of the antagonistic forces at hand

80% second plot point: the final injection of new information into the story to give the hero everything she needs to become the primary catalyst in the story’s conclusion (no new information past this point)

80%-100% resolution + final conflict + return home

I didn’t make this up. I think it’s by Larry Brooks, if The Internet informs me correctly. Fun Fact: once you pay attention to it, you’ll see this structure everywhere. Just take a look at any Harry Potter book, for example.

These points are the “bones” of my story. Next, I decided what “flesh” to put on them.

I simply made a list of things I like to read about:

Books about books and libraries

Magic

Quirky characters

Intelligent, fast-paced and sometimes silly

So, I combined this list and the structure points into a story that makes sense. Because I don’t want to spoil my plot / I am still to shy about my wip, I will make up a new plot for this post, so I can show you.

0%: The hero does something magical without knowing how she did it. She discards it, because everybody knows it can’t have been real.

0%-20%: We see the daily life of the hero: she is unhappy because all she wants to do is read, but she is not allowed to. She reads in the dead of night and is punished for it by her evil stepcousin. She finds a book on magic.

20% It all clicks together: she can do magic!

20%-50% The daily life for the hero changes. Instead of reading all night, she practices magic. She now loves books even more. She has little victories over her evil stepcousin, but hasn’t won yet.

35% The evil stepcousin finds out that she can do magic and takes away the magic book.

50% She discovers she can do magic without the book.

50%-80% The hero is not the only one who is bullied by the evil stepcousin. Her younger cousin is a victim as well, and he doesn’t have magic to defend himself. The stakes are raised, this is bigger than herself now. The younger cousin also wants to read, so they have several bonding moments over reading.

65% The evil stepcousin hurts the younger cousin, he’s in a coma now.

80% The hero discovers the evil stepcousin could do all these evil things because he knows magic too.

80%-100% The hero confronts the evil stepcousin, fights him off, nearly loses but wins in the end. He gives up and releases his power over the younger cousin who wakes up from the coma.

It’s not the most genius plot ever, but I literally made this up in minutes. So can you! And imagine the genius plot you can come up with if you spend more than a few minutes on it.

Then I calculated how many scenes I need in which part of the story. My wip is a YA or 12+ book, so I want it to contain about 75,000 words in total. I want my scenes to be around 1,000 words long to keep it snappy, so I need 75 scenes.

Scene number 1 (0%) is the inciting incident, scene number 15 (20%) is the first plot point, scene number 26 (35%) is the first pinch point, scene number 37 (50%) is the midpoint, scene number 49 (65%) is the second pinch point, scene number 60 (80%) is the second plot point and scene 75 (100%) is the last scene.

Some sidenotes on the 1,000-word scenes:

That’s more of a vague rule of thumb than a strict rule. If your scene needs to be longer or shorter, make it longer or shorter of course. My wip has some 2,300-word scenes as well.

Having 1,000-word scenes does not mean I have 1,000-word chapters, that would be really short. I will divide my novel into chapters after I’m finished writing my first draft.

For NaNoWriMo, maybe you could write scenes of 1,667 words, so you do one scene per day. A 50,000-word novel has 30 scenes of 1,667 words. Inciting incident is at scene 1, first plot point at scene 6, first pinch point at scene 11, midpoint at scene 15, second pinch point at scene 20, second plot point at scene 24 and scene 30 is your last scene. That’s just an idea, you got to see what works for you.

Then I made up in one sentence what will happen in every scene. For example: “They meet the dragon and he sends them on a sidequest.” Now my outline consists of 75 one-sentence scenes. This way, I prevent the problem of the sagging middle and other pacing problems and I still get to surprise myself when writing.

From those one-sentence scenes, I flesh out every scene into a first draft, using the process I described in my post How I never have to face an empty page when I write.

And that’s my first draft! I hope everything is clear. Feel free to ask me questions if it isn’t.

I’m gonna tag a few people I admire, who I hope are interested. If you aren’t, feel free to ignore me, or message me to take you off my tag list. If you would like to be added to my writing advice tag list, let me know.

Keep reading

[doux-ciel]

Gift of Life. The art of flirting

Tagged: @sugarmommamusings @harrybpoetry @seraphilth @writing-under-the-stars @godxblooded @youngdumbxlit @jadeswritinggarden @jess—writes @bambimattel @thewriterkatie @erinisawriter @viviscreams @oceanscorazon

*Im going to have a link to my post in which it asks if you want to be tagged in my WIP’S*

If so click here -> ✨ ✨ ✨

*Let me Know if you want to be added or removed*

Masterlist: 🖤 🖤 🖤

As the beginning of February rolls around; there is still snow on the ground. Nova and I are just getting out of our 3 p.m. class when I was scrolling through Facebook Nova asks, “Did you check out the place?”

As I open the door to exit the technology building I nod referring to Gifting Miracles, I look up giving her a grin. “Yeah. I think I might be a surrogate, I really need the money.”

After I let her exit her and then I follow suit; out of the corner of my right eye I see Nova’s body shivering, the strong winds mixed with the cold air was getting to her. As she begins to whine about how it was never this cold in Sussex I laugh at how she was bundled up in her scarf and gloves. She turns to me, her voice sounding muffled as her face is buried in her hands. “I get it, you better get one of those rich people, I heard they might even let you stay in there place for free.”

I scoff, while placing my phone in the pocket of my coat. “If it happens I better be staying there for free. I am carrying their baby.”

She continues to walk next to me, looping her arm underneath my right arm. “Anyway what else happened?”

I start to explain the conversation I had with the coordinator. “Well they said I needed to fill out an application which I did shortly after talking with the coordinator. She called like two days ago, thankfully I got accepted. Next is the screening, then an interview all of this should take place in spring‍.”

Her eyes light up as she looks across the campus, my eyes follow hers. I discover a hot chocolate stand and I immediately know why she led me out the door so quickly. “So exciting”

“Exciting? I’m gonna be miserable for 9 months”

“Well exciting for them…but girl just think after this you won’t have I ask your mom for nothing, now you can take of yourself”

Another arm loops around my other arm getting my attention. “Yesenia”

As if we were reading each other’s minds Nova and I rolled our eyes, while both greeting the 5’8 hockey player. “Hey Knoxx”

Knoxx gives me that signature grin, a snaggletooth peeking behind his pink lips. “You wanna come and study with me later?”

I retract my arm away from him as we walk up to the hot chocolate stand. I was currently taking 4 classes none of which he attended. Studying was his way of saying I want you drop those pants in his language. “Slow down cowboy, I thought you were hanging out with Carli tonight”

His thick eyebrows furrow into confusion as if he had no idea what I was talking about. Placing his hands in his dark blue coat his voice is taut, “Who told you that?”

Nova who was behind 2 people spoke up, “All the girls in African American history said you and her were going to sit by the fire at 6.”

Chuckling he focuses his robins egg blue eyes on anything but me. Shrugging he replies, “So what if we are?…I can get back early and spend the rest of the night with you.”

I scoff at his comment while looking at Nova, she’s giving me a thumbs down. Crossing my arms in front of my body I glare at him. “I don’t need Carli’s sloppy seconds Knox.

It was now Nova’s turn to get her desired hot chocolate, she put her order in and was waiting for her hot beverage. She turns her body towards him, letting out a breath. “Knoxx you really need to stick to just one girl”

“Listen Nova I don’t need just one girl, I’m here to help the community with my experience.”

I step closer to Knoxx; making us just inches apart from each other I whisper while lightly touching his jeans. “What experience are we talking about exactly?”

Looking up at the sky he lets out a hearty laugh. Looking directly into my eyes he states in a cocky tone. “You already know what experience I’m talking about Yesenia, so what’s your answer…your room at 7:45?”

In a simple but direct tone I answer him while hitting his arm, “You better wear a condom with her.”

“I always do” he replies, after our short conversation he says he has to go before he’s late to pick up his older brother from work and just like that he’s gone.

Nova while taking a sip of her hot beverage asks, “Why do you two use each other like that?”

My lips twist up and I let out a sigh. “Nova I don’t want to hear it”

“No, I’m going to tell you Yesenia you need to find-”

I interrupt her waving my left hand in the air, “I know I know, a nice guy who will treat me right”

Nova rolls her eyes, “Exactly…so why aren’t you doing it?”

“Because he’s great in bed”

“Yesenia!!”

“What I’m serious, that man know how to make a girl scream.”

“Your nasty you know that?”

¤ ¤ ¤

I check the time, it is now 7:36 p.m. and I know I was late to come over to my mother’s house and clean up for her. Knowing she gets off around 7 p.m. I need to get started.

Just as I was rising up from my seat on the city bus I receive a text from Knoxx.

After our “study session” which lasted longer than usual I knew I was going to spend the night on my mothers couch. My mind is telling me no but my body is reacting differently. Brushing that feeling away I walk off the city bus and make my way to her front door, putting the key in the lock I unlock the door and slowly open it.

“Mom?”

Looking around the small apartment I see her shoes by the door but I don’t see her, she’s probably taking her bath. So instead of interrupting I decide to set my coat on the nearby coat rack and begin to start the cleaning process of my mothers 1 bedroom apartment.

As I’m cleaning I remember the memories of her waking me out of my sleep on a Sunday morning with Salsipuedes playing loud like we didn’t have neighbors right next to us.

After about 15 minutes of cleaning the living room which consisted of  vacuuming, dusting,  I even wiped off the clock that was on the wall. I begin to make my way over to the kitchen, I immediately go to the oven and take out the various pots and pans that lay in the small convection oven and place them on the nearby counter top.

After I get all of the kitchen cookware in their correct places, I bend down near the stove to start cleaning when I hear my mother’s voice behind me.

“Que demonios” (what the hell) I feel my mother walk closer to me, turning my head I see her seamed face with her large nose flared, her thick dark brown eyes arched upwards as her lips frowned.

“Que” (What) I answer, my eyes shifting back and forth from the living room and back to her.

Rolling her eyes she turns her head the other way looking away from me, she suppresses her anger with a huff. Placing her hand on my shoulder, “Why do you clean up for me some days of the week when you know I can clean for myself? It’s what I do mija.”

“Mom I know you’re tired when you come home…besides I want to help you like you’ve helped me”

She chuckles, “I’m your mother it’s my job to help you…or else CPS would’ve got involved a long time ago.”

She clicks her tongue, moving quickly to gather the pots and pans. “¿Por qué mueves mis ollas y sartenes?” (Why are you moving my pots and pans?)

“Here we go” I mouthed.

“What did you say?”

“Nothing mom” I mumbled.

“You didn’t clean the living room right either” she ranted as she points to the coffee table which had a small piece of dust on it.

My mouth ajar at her comment, I rise up from my bended position placing the sponge in the sink I exclaimed. “I cleaned it exactly how you showed me!”

Her eyes slowly lift up towards me face, “Are you getting loud with me?”

Met with nothing but silence on her end, her eyes shooting daggers my way I stand there with my mouth shut and my eyes focused on her.

I see her walk to the sink, “Let me clean, I can clean my own place” getting ready to start on the dishes she loses her balance and bumps into the counter.

I rush over to her placing my hand on her arm, she winces in pain as she quickly retracts her arm from my hand, “Don’t touch…I’m fine”

Her job working as a housekeeper for this rich family is taking a toll on her body, everyday for the past 3 months she has come home tired, aching and she can barely cook dinner for herself. It angers me to see my mother in so much pain but she just takes it as working hard but I’m seeing it as nearly killing herself for a paycheck.

She has now started to wash the dishes, she has a cup in her hand and she is running it over the water.

Kissing my teeth with a frown etched on my face I walk up to her taking the sponge out her hand, “Your tired mom please go sit down”

She tries to grab the sponge from me, “Pero-” (but)

I give her a stern look while bumping my hip to hers, motioning her to move away from the sink, “Ve y siéntate” (go and sit down)

As I’m putting up the clean towels and washcloths that I had folded; I rest on the couch near my mother.

Placing my head on her shoulder, I breath in the faint smell of lavender on her skin as she places her arm around me.

“Whats going on?” She asks with her eyes closed.

“Hmm?” I replied.

Kissing her teeth she asks again, “With you Yesenia? Your schooling”

Grabbing a nearby pillow I start to meddle with the beading, “Don’t worry about it mom”

I look over at her waiting for a reaction, she opens her eyes and her eyebrows draw together, “Don’t worry? My daughter is now attending college and might not graduate and you want me to be fine with it?”

“I’m handling it”

In the back of my mind I was freaking out because I don’t know if the surrogate agency is going to place me with a family who can pay me the money I’m needing to pay off my schooling. Lying to her and to myself I look into her eyes seeing the bags underneath; I take her hands into mine. Giving her a faint smile,“Yes it’s all under control.”

“Yesenia…”

Shushing her I lead her over to her bedroom, as she sits down on her very old queen sized mattress I start to lift her feet up to place them under the covers. I quietly say to her, “Your always taking the weight of the world on your shoulders” As she gets comfortable in her current position, I place a kiss on her forehead and walk over to the entryway, turning my head to see her one last before I leave the room.

“Not this time” I whisper, flicking the light off I close the door and let my mother get the rest she deserves.

[youngdumbxlit]

sis I really loved this! I’m so invested in these characters!

[viudanegraaa]

in 👏 2019 👏 we 👏 finish👏 our 👏 WIPs 👏

[youngdumbxlit]

okay I lied when I reblogged this. 2020, I’m coming for ya.

[thetenthdoctorscompanion]

a big writing mood on this fine morning

[youngdumbxlit]

hi,

Ya girl is failing at NaNo😩😬😭 how’s yalls progress?

[youngdumbxlit]

we love snippets

note: this pictures are not mine and they were found on we heart it

but these words are mine and I hope you like them ❤️

“Your father ordered the slaughter of entire kingdoms!” His words were louder than he intended them to be. “Blood and fire is how the Nether remember him. I remember the smoke burning at my eyes and the screams of the babes that have since perished. You don’t get to sit there and defend him.”

“My father was a wicked man and that made him an unjust ruler.” Nonhle stood from her throne, eyes cold. “But he didn’t start the war. His actions were merely reactions to reasons beyond his control.”

“And tell me, Your Higness, what reasons are those?”

“A child born of the gods should not exist.”

taglist: @doux-ciel @katabasiss @thegirlandthepen @shehermonroe @thegobletofire @cjjameswriting @snowwritesall @unicorndefiance

[youngdumbxlit]

I wrote a line and it’s repeating itself.

Over and over again in my head.. here’s the line I’m gonna incorporate into my WIP also here’s a moodboard I made.😬

“Her eyes are poison and her smile is death.” - Embe, Kofi’s POV

my taglist: @thegirlandthepen @thegobletofire @doux-ciel @katabasiss @shehermonroe @cjjameswriting @snowwritesall @unicorndefiance

[youngdumbxlit]

an extremely short excerpt

Kofi’s POV

The jeweled hilt of the Guard’s sword came down on Kofi’s face one again, cracking one of his teeth. This particular Guard hadn’t let up since the beating started hours before and didn’t seem like he would tire anytime soon.

“Tell me who sent you.” He hissed.

Kofi knew worse torture. They wouldn’t get anything out of him.

“I said-“

“That will be all, Samael. Give us the room.” The voice chilled the room.

Kofi could barely see, his eyes quickly swelling shut. Death came to him in the form of the Queen, an ethereal beauty wrapped in a bloodstained dress.

yeet I’m tagging my very short taglist: @thegirlandthepen @thegobletofire @doux-ciel @katabasiss @shehermonroe @cjjameswriting @snowwritesall @unicorndefiance

[youngdumbxlit]

happy birthday!!! we love a leo Queen 👑

THANK YOU❤️

[youngdumbxlit]

ITs my birthday 🥳

and I will bless y’all with a snippet as soon as my festivities are over😂 I won’t be out too long😉

[youngdumbxlit]

Hey, we haven’t talked in so long 😩 how are you doing?

Hiii! It has been a while! I’ve been good can’t do too much complaining bc I’m alive but its Leo szn so that’s lit. How are you??

[doux-ciel]

😆 turn up for the Leo’s!!!! I’m glad your doing good. I’ve been through some shit, but I came out better and with a new job so I’m doing what I can to make it by. @youngdumbxlit

[youngdumbxlit]

ahhhnew jobs are awesome!!! I’m currently job hunting since I’ve moved and I hate the process. I wish I didn’t have to work so I can focus on what I actually love to do😌 and if you ever need to chat or vent or wanna plot world domination please feel free to hit me up @doux-ciel 😆

[doux-ciel]

We will rule the world together 😈😈😈 good luck on your job hunt!!! @youngdumbxlit

[youngdumbxlit]

😈😈

[youngdumbxlit]

Hey, we haven’t talked in so long 😩 how are you doing?

Hiii! It has been a while! I’ve been good can’t do too much complaining bc I’m alive but its Leo szn so that’s lit. How are you??

[doux-ciel]

😆 turn up for the Leo’s!!!! I’m glad your doing good. I’ve been through some shit, but I came out better and with a new job so I’m doing what I can to make it by. @youngdumbxlit

[youngdumbxlit]

ahhhnew jobs are awesome!!! I’m currently job hunting since I’ve moved and I hate the process. I wish I didn’t have to work so I can focus on what I actually love to do😌 and if you ever need to chat or vent or wanna plot world domination please feel free to hit me up @doux-ciel 😆

[youngdumbxlit]

Hey, we haven’t talked in so long 😩 how are you doing?

Hiii! It has been a while! I’ve been good can’t do too much complaining bc I’m alive but its Leo szn so that’s lit. How are you??

[doux-ciel]

Too many shootings in America right now. This needs to stop!

[doux-ciel]

You wanna write a book? DO IT.

You wanna draw for a living? DO IT.

You wanna build houses? DO IT.

You wanna be a famous fashion designer one day? DO IT.

What’s stopping you from doing what you love?

What’s stopping you from following your passion in life?

Get out there and do the damn thing.