Writing With Color: Description Guide - Words For Skin Tone

Writing With Color: Description Guide - Words For Skin Tone

Writing with Color: Description Guide - Words for Skin Tone

We discussed the issue of 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.

So let’s get to it.

S T A N D A R D  D E S C R I P T I O N

B a s i c  C o l o r s

Writing With Color: Description Guide - Words For Skin Tone

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.

C o m p l e x  C o l o r s

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.

Writing With Color: Description Guide - Words For Skin Tone

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.”

M o d i f i e r s 

Modifiers, often adjectives, make partial changes to a word.The following words are descriptors in reference to skin tone.

D a r k - D e e p - R i c h - C o o l

W a r m - M e d i u m - T a n

F a i r - L i g h t - P a l e

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; I’d 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)

U n d e r t o n e s

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.

Writing With Color: Description Guide - Words For Skin Tone

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.

C R E A T I V E  D E S C R I P T I O N

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-up creative. But again, do what’s good for your tale.

N A T U R AL  S E T T I N G S - S K Y

Writing With Color: Description Guide - Words For Skin Tone

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 said 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.

F L O W E R S

Writing With Color: Description Guide - Words For Skin Tone

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?”

A S S O R T E D  P L A N T S &  N A T U R E

Writing With Color: Description Guide - Words For Skin Tone

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.

W O O D

Writing With Color: Description Guide - Words For Skin Tone

Pictured above: Mahogany, Walnut, Chestnut, Golden Oak, Ash

Wood is definitely 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.”

M E T A L S

Writing With Color: Description Guide - Words For Skin Tone

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.”

G E M S T O N E S - M I N E R A LS

Writing With Color: Description Guide - Words For Skin Tone

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.” 

P H Y S I C A L  D E S C R I P T I ON

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…

G E N E R A L  T I P S

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 All 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

Things that are Brown (blog)

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 3 2 1

Writing & Description Guides

WWC Guide: Words to Describe Hair

Writing with Color: Description & Skin Color

Describing Characters of Color (Passage Examples)

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

More Posts from Nchant6dkitty and Others

3 years ago

𝙵𝙾𝚁𝙴𝙷𝙴𝙰𝙳 𝚃𝙾𝚄𝙲𝙷 𝙿𝚁𝙾𝙼𝙿𝚃𝚂.

i saw a post. i got excited. i got soft. i got inspired. bon appetit! ( P.S. as always, please do not add more content to this list!!! tell me and i will gladly add more and credit you for them!! )

[ KISS ]:     after having kissed the receiver, the sender gently rests their forehead against theirs, still holding them as they do so.

[ HUG ]:     having just hugged the receiver after some time apart, the sender touches their foreheads together as a sign of affection.

[ LOVE ]:     overcome with their love for the receiver, the sender touches their foreheads together.

[ GREETING ]:     the sender brings their forehead to rest against the receivers in a gesture of greeting.

[ GOODBYE ]:     as they’re bidding each other farewell for the foreseeable future, the sender gently touches their forehead against the receivers.

[ LISTEN ]:     in a bid to get the receiver to pay attention to them, the sender brings them close and presses their forehead against theirs.

[ RELIEF ]:     having lost sight of the receiver in an intense moment of danger, the sender spots them in the distance, and rushes to them, embracing them and resting their foreheads together out of sheer relief.

[ SAFE ]:     in an effort to prove to the receiver that they’re safe after a particularly traumatic incident, the sender gently rests their foreheads together in a gesture designed to be soothing and reassuring.

[ REAL ]:     after believing the receiver to be dead, the sender reunites with them, reaching out in disbelief, then touching their foreheads together to make sure that they’re real, and not a figment of their grief-stricken imagination.

[ ANCHOR ]:     in a moment where stress and anxiety are running high, the sender tries to ground the receiver by gently guiding them into a hug, resting their foreheads together to steady them.

[ COMFORT ]:     in a gesture designed to comfort the receiver after an emotional blow, the sender gently closes the distance between them, and touches their forehead against the receivers.

[ STUBBORN ]:     thoroughly exasperated by the receiver’s stubbornness, the sender exasperatedly, but fondly, pulls them in for a good old forehead touch.

[ AFFECTION ]:     as a fondly affectionate gesture, the sender brings the receiver forward and rests their foreheads together.

[ INTENSE ]:     in a moment where romantic tensions are running high, the sender leans forward to kiss the receiver for the first time, then changes their mind, and rests their foreheads together to disguise their original intentions.

[ EXHAUSTION ]:     having just overcome a massive obstacle (e.g. using a massive display of their powers, fighting through a sizable army, embarking on a perilous journey, writing up a PhD thesis etc.) the sender and receiver reunite, and the sender drops their head forward to rest against the receivers, thoroughly exhausted but glad to be reunited at last.


Tags
3 years ago

hi! did you delete your prompt list you posed yesterday? can you please repost i want to write them 🥺

Enemies to lovers flirting prompts

“ you said you'd kill me, amongst other things... “

“ you've got a dagger pointed at my heart. “

“ if you're telling the truth, if you're so convinced you'll kill me... do it. “

“ you're not one to trust. “ “ what if you could trust me? “ “ i can't. and i won't. “

“ i know better. “ “ do you? or are you simply trying to convince yourself you're better than you truly are? “

“ even after everything we've been through, you still can't find it in your heart to trust me? “

“ you do realize that if i push that dashing little dagger into your heart, your father will put a hit on my own? “

“ looks like you’re going to have to prove yourself worthy of my time. “

“ kiss me. “ “ oh, thank fuck... “

“ do you have your gun? “ [beat] “ that's not a gun. “ “ shoots just like one. “

“ i decided to spare your life, but now you're pushing it. “

“ because i know, that somewhere, deep down, in that heinous heart of yours... there's a part of you that still cares. and i'm not giving up before i find it. “

“ you do better than to walk away. “ “ you're right. i should have walked away a long time ago. “

“ you’ve won me over, again. who knew you could be so charming? “

“ last night was a mistake. i'm serious, i won't go there again. “ “ you're already here, love. “

“ is that a challenge? “

“ use me. “

“ maybe it's about time you get it out of your system. “

“ you're not heartless. i doubt it sometimes but you're not. “

“ i really don't think this is necessary. “ “ just a precaution, darling. “

“ i don't need to be lectured. especially not by you. “

“ your absence from [location] made me forget how utterly dreadful you are. “

“ of course, we can't forget how you let [antagonist] kidnap and torture the information out of you. had you been smart, you would have negotiated your way out of it. “

“ what do you want? “ “ you. all of you. tonight. “

“ you shouldn't be here. “ “ just say the world and i'll go. “ [beat] “ you don't want me to [leave], do you? “

“ look, i know we're not... friends, but... i don't have anywhere else to go. “

“ you hurt? “ “ moderately. “ “ let me take a look. “

“ stay, for as long as you need. we can go back to hating each other tomorrow. “

“ like i said, they're allies, not friends. you on the other hand, might qualify as one. “

“ sometimes your allies are a liability, and you have to blow a limb or two. “

“ you look beautiful. “ “ don't bother, your lies don't bite. “

“ this is very unattractive behavior. i can see why you're single. “

“ you could take his ring, but not my peace offering? consider my heart broken. “

“ looks like you've finally turned me into the monster you always wanted. congratulations. “

“ if you truly wanted me dead, i'd already be six feet under. “

“ actually, there's not a whole lot i would do for you. expect maybe get down on my knees. “

“ i'm gonna kill you. “ “ go right ahead, love. “

“ go to hell. “ “ i'm sure the devil will greet us both with open arms. “

“ you killed an innocent man? who killed him? “ [locks at their enemy]. “ of course you did. “

Enjoy.


Tags
2 weeks ago

Ghost Caleb . Who started as your imaginary friend since childhood. Someone who you could talk to as a lonely child. You're too shy to make friends and mostly isolated yourself from the other kids, preferring to enjoy your own company. You could tell him anything at all and play pretend with him all the time. He was always happy to go along with your plans. He was always fun to be with. Always finding new ways to make everyday an adventure or at least interesting for you.

Ghost Caleb. Who was always by your side and let you cuddle with him and give you hugs when you needed it. He would bring you snacks and always made sure you were fed and rested well. Where did he get them?. It was his little secret. He also helped you with your homework when you needed help. Teaching you things you didn't understand and ruffling your hair as he complimented or praised your intelligence and encouraged you. He was like an older brother you never had. A little annoying but nonetheless endearing.

Ghost Caleb. Who made much of your childhood fun as he could and protected you. Taking care of you when your parents or care takers neglected you. He got mad at them when they lashed out at you during their bad days or were harsh to you. Using his ghostly powers to move or break things to startle or scare them back. Your parents couldn't see him or hear him and that's exactly why they should be scared of him.

Ghost Caleb. Who liked to read with you and sing lullabies to you and hold you close when you couldn't sleep or had a nightmare. He would whisper sweet nothings into your ear and gently stroke your hair and tuck you back in bed , staying with you as you held onto him with your little hands till you fell asleep.

Ghost Caleb. Who was always protective of you. Scolded you when you carelessly got yourself hurt but would help you afterwards, sticking bandages to your wounds as you sniffled or cried, sulked or even if you stubbornly said you were fine. He always took care of you when were sick or hurt. He couldn't let you be on your own when you were so clumsy.

Ghost Caleb. Who went to teach a few middle school kids a lesson for daring to bully his little pipsqueak. Only he got to tease you. How dare they make you cry and feel bad about yourself?. The next week, you arrived at school, feeling dread only to find that said kids were avoiding you and keeping a distance and couldn't even make eye contact with you. Hell, two of them even apologized to you later. You still could never figure out why. Well, at least they left you alone.

Ghost Caleb. Who you took as your imaginary friend began to feel a little neglected, lonely and possessive when he noticed you began to hang out with other kids more and even bringing them home for sleepovers. You went to their house to hangout and you called them your best friend. Wasn't he enough?. Why would you need those boring kids for? . He thought he was your best friend. He always made sure to follow you and your little new friends from a distance. Just to make sure you were okay and that you were actually having fun. He couldn't help but feel the slight ache in his chest when he sees that warm smile of yours that only shared with him.

Ghost Caleb. Who tried to get your attention and ask you to hangout with him whenever you were on your phone too much or were watching too much TV. "You're gonna get brain rot from being on that phone too much, pipsqueak. Come on... There's something I want to show you outside " he said when he snatched your phone away. You'd protest but follow him anyway. Sometimes you did have more fun with him than playing those video games all day. But don't tell him that or his ego would pop.

Ghost Caleb. Who noticed how fast you were growing. Feeling like a proud parent and older sibling. He also noticed that you having some problems seeing him or hearing him when he tried to get your attention. You spent more time with your friends, on the phone, doing other things that you liked. Did you not want to hangout with him anymore?. Were you ignoring him now that you didn't need him ? Or did he upset you about something ?. He didn't know but he couldn't help but still stay by your side as usual.

Ghost Caleb, whose heart shattered when he one day realized that you couldn't see him or hear him anymore for some reason. Was it because you were growing up?. Was it because his purpose for you had been served?. You only talked about him in passing when you mentioned having an imaginary friend as a kid but you couldn't recall much about how he looked like. Just a blurry face in your mind, you said.

Ghost Caleb, who went back being what he was before. Nothing but a ghost. A lost soul. Unheard, unseen and untouchable. The world changing and passing him by while he was stuck. Stuck in the same realm of ever unchanging, unseen realm. He still stayed by your side. He couldn't help it. It was all he could do as he watched you grow up and forget him. Shoved away, like the drawings you drew of both of you in the attic.

The lad boys as ghosts would be interesting. So far, I haven't seen ffs on it. Had the idea so I wrote it. Wanna write for the others too. Do I do part 2 for this?. My dead writing soul has awoken from the abyss cuz of this new fandom. Lol.


Tags
3 years ago

Enemies to lovers prompts!

Ew, don't smile at me, I might like you .

Ha! Jealous? Why would I be jealous of that idiot going out with someone else? Just looking at them makes me want to puke!

Nobody gets to be an asshole to B except me. You got that ?

The only kiss you're gonna get is a kiss from my fist!

Date A?! Ha!, I'd rather drown in acid than end up with that pain in the ass!

Wow, you finally said something sensible.

For once, though it pains me to say this... - I agree with B.

My eyes are up here , sweetheart.

Shut up and kiss me.

Do you hear that? It's the sound of me not caring.

Just so you know, I still hate you. This doesn't change anything.

Love, if I ever slept with you, those pretty legs of yours wouldn't be able to stand.

Oh please. You and I both know that I am your type.

I can't decide if I want to punch you or kiss you right now.

Are you blushing? Gross.

Shut up! Just...shut up!!

I love you. You enormously stubborn pain in the ass.

You're nothing! Do you hear me? You mean nothing to me.

Tell me one good reason why I should trust you.

Say it one more time. I dare you.

Do I look like someone who seems interested in a thing like you?

Are you happy now huh? Are you happy you've finally got your revenge?!

You finally ruined me. I hope you're happy now.

Just as I was starting to see you in a different light, you open that filthy mouth of yours.

You ruined everything! And you destroyed my heart along with it!

Look me in the eyes. Look me in the eyes and tell me you never loved me. Tell me I never meant anything to you. Go on. Break my heart again. Tell me this was all a lie.

Go on. Leave. Like everyone else.

Did you ever feel sorry for what you did to them? To me?

I've lost count of how many times I've fantasied about you.

I bet you would look even better without your clothes on.

You promised me. You promised you wouldn't kill them... - Then why?! Why did you kill them?!

Betray me again and I will kill you.

Did I stutter? Take it off.

Beg me first.

You know you're a pain in the neck, but... You're alright.

...why did you defend me?

Aww, that's the nicest thing you've ever said to me. " It wasn't a compliment! "

So it was all a lie?! Even your so-called feelings for me?! Were you ever sincere to me at all?!

Unfortunately, I don't have enough middle fingers to let you know how I feel.

Why do I still like you, knowing you tried to kill me?

Remind me to kill you. Please.

I can't help it, you're fun to mess with.

Don't touch me! I don't need your sympathy!

I'm afraid I am incapable of love.

Touch me...please...

I'm a fool for believing someone like you could change.

How did you get those scars? I never did those to you.

Please don't push me away. Not you too.

...did you just compliment me? Oh my God, this must be a nightmare.

You are being abused, aren't you? Do you think I haven't noticed the bruises and scars you always try to hide?!

Why do you care? I thought you hated me.

You. Are. Mine. Do you understand?

I don't think you want to know the kind of things I'm thinking about right now.

* whispers in ear* did that turn you on?

That was the saddest attempt of flirting I've ever seen.

Are you that oblivious or are you trying to turn me on?

Look me in the eyes and say it. Say that you don't love me. I dare you.

Do you think I don't catch staring at me all the time? I see the way you look at me when you think I don't notice.

Ugh,open the windows. I don't wanna get infected with all this stupidity/ sweetness.

Why don't you go ahead and try?

I hate that I don't hate you anymore.

For some reason, I'm attracted to you. And I'm disgusted with myself.

The first person to make a sound loses.

Nothing brightens up my day than seeing you suffer.

Ew, don't compliment me. I might puke out my organs. ( lunch/ dinner )/ I might cringe out all my organs. / someone might think we're friends.

I hate the way you make me feel. I hate that you make me desire things. Things... a person like me would never dream about. You give me hope and it terrifies me.

It's better this way. Whatever was going between us was never destined to last.

That kiss/ that night never happened between us.

So... What are we? Enemies with benefits? Is that even a thing?

I'm going to break your jaw if you keep talking.

The only gift I would ever want to give is piercing a knife through your heart.

Why are you being so nice to me? It's disgusting.

C-can you hold me? / C-can you hug me? I know you hate me but I just want to be held right now.

I wouldn't sleep with you even if I was paid all the money in the world!

I- I have nowhere else to go...

I... I think I'm in love with them and I'm terrified.

Don't make this harder than it already is.

Touch a hair on their head and I will. Kill. You.

I'm gonna harvest your balls ( /organs) if you ever hurt B, you hear me?!

What do I have to do for you to trust me? ! What do you want me to do for you to stop shutting me out?!

I know I don't deserve your forgiveness. But I at least want you to know that what we had was real. There was never a moment with you where I faked my feelings. I... I truly loved you.

I can't lose you. Not you too.

I thought you died! Don't you ever scare me like that again.

Don't talk to A, they're going to infect you with their venom.

Wait- are you jealous?

Ew, don't hug me! I might get infected with your filthy germs.

Me? Like you? Ha! That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard.

Fake dating? With you? Let me go home and laugh at that idea.

Just so to remind you, we're supposed to be a fake couple. I don't want you falling for me. Don't even think about falling in love with me you got that?

If you wanted to see me naked you could have just asked, you know?


Tags
3 years ago

Words to replace said, except this actually helps

I got pretty fed up with looking for words to replace said because they weren’t sorted in a way I could easily use/find them for the right time. So I did some myself.

IN RESPONSE TO Acknowledged Answered Protested

INPUT/JOIN CONVERSATION/ASK Added Implored Inquired Insisted Proposed Queried Questioned Recommended Testified

GUILTY/RELUCTANCE/SORRY Admitted Apologized Conceded Confessed Professed

FOR SOMEONE ELSE Advised Criticized Suggested

JUST CHECKING Affirmed Agreed Alleged Confirmed

LOUD Announced Chanted Crowed

LEWD/CUTE/SECRET SPY FEEL Appealed Disclosed Moaned

ANGRY FUCK OFF MATE WANNA FIGHT Argued Barked Challenged Cursed Fumed Growled Hissed Roared Swore

SMARTASS Articulated Asserted Assured Avowed Claimed Commanded Cross-examined Demanded Digressed Directed Foretold Instructed Interrupted Predicted Proclaimed Quoted Theorized

ASSHOLE Bellowed Boasted Bragged

NERVOUS TRAINWRECK Babbled Bawled Mumbled Sputtered Stammered Stuttered

SUAVE MOTHERFUCKER Bargained Divulged Disclosed Exhorted

FIRST OFF Began

LASTLY Concluded Concurred

WEAK PUSY Begged Blurted Complained Cried Faltered Fretted

HAPPY/LOL Cajoled Exclaimed Gushed Jested Joked Laughed

WEIRDLY HAPPY/EXCITED Extolled Jabbered Raved

BRUH, CHILL Cautioned Warned

ACTUALLY, YOU’RE WRONG Chided Contended Corrected Countered Debated Elaborated Objected Ranted Retorted

CHILL SAVAGE Commented Continued Observed Surmised

LISTEN BUDDY Enunciated Explained Elaborated Hinted Implied Lectured Reiterated Recited Reminded Stressed

BRUH I NEED U AND U NEED ME Confided Offered Urged

FINE Consented Decided

TOO EMO FULL OF EMOTIONS Croaked Lamented Pledged Sobbed Sympathized Wailed Whimpered

JUST SAYING Declared Decreed Mentioned Noted Pointed out Postulated Speculated Stated Told Vouched

WASN’T ME Denied Lied

EVIL SMARTASS Dictated Equivocated Ordered Reprimanded Threatened

BORED Droned Sighed

SHHHH IT’S QUIET TIME Echoed Mumbled Murmured Muttered Uttered Whispered

DRAMA QUEEN Exaggerated Panted Pleaded Prayed Preached

OH SHIT Gasped Marveled Screamed Screeched Shouted Shrieked Yelped Yelled

ANNOYED Grumbled Grunted Jeered Quipped Scolded Snapped Snarled Sneered

ANNOYING Nagged

I DON’T REALLY CARE BUT WHATEVER Guessed Ventured

I’M DRUNK OR JUST BEING WEIRDLY EXPRESSIVE FOR A POINT/SARCASM Hooted Howled Yowled

I WONDER Pondered Voiced Wondered

OH, YEAH, WHOOPS Recalled Recited Remembered

SURPRISE BITCH Revealed

IT SEEMS FAKE BUT OKAY/HA ACTUALLY FUNNY BUT I DON’T WANT TO LAUGH OUT LOUD Scoffed Snickered Snorted

BITCHY Tattled Taunted Teased

3 years ago

RP MEMES: PLATONIC TOUCHING

memes for touches that are platonic. ‘My muse’ is the receiver, ‘Your muse’ is the sender. 

add + REVERSE to reverse the actions

[ SHOULDER ] to grasp my muse by the shoulder to turn them around

[ MUG ] wrap my muse’s hands around a hot mug

[ BLANKET ] to drape a blanket over my muse’s shoulder

[ HUG ] to hug my muse from behind

[ SNUGGLE ] to watch a movie snuggled together

[ SHOVE ] to playfully shove my muse

[ HIGH FIVE ] to attempt to high five my muse

[ SIT ] to sit next to my muse and bump shoulders

[ DRAPE ] to drape an arm over my muse’s shoulder

[ OFFER ] to offer my muse food

[ GROAN ] to groan in frustration at my muse over the phone

[ LIFT ] to help my muse lift something heavy

[ HAND ] to touch my muse’s hand/s in comfort

[ NIGHTMARE ] to wake my muse up from a nightmare

[ SIGN ] to use sign language to sign to my muse gratitude 

[ FLICK ] to flick my muse on the forehead for something they said

[ DRINK ] to steal my muse’s drink and take a sip

3 years ago

STORY PROMPTS.

The princess went on a rampage, slaying every dragon in the land to break her curse.

Write about a waitress who discovers her superpowers after becoming irritated with rude customers. *

Write about a futuristic version of Cinderella. In this version, Cinderella's feet can reshape to fit any shoe. Tell her story. *

Your female character has been having vivid, reoccurring slightly erotic dreams about an attractive stranger she has never met before. She brushes it off as nothing. What happens when she goes on a vacation and meets this same attractive stranger. He knows her name which she didn't mention to him.

The little girl laughed as she watched the monster tear her abusive parents to pieces. Training the monster under her bed was a good idea after all.

Before the homeless man took his last breath, he tells a passerby that he is God and the world is doomed. The next day his words prove right. *

It was an ordinary day in the quiet town of [ name of town ] when the bodies of thirteen children were found floating on the river. Only one of them was identified to be from that town.

Write about a goddess who enjoys making practical jokes on humans. *

He was an amnesiac God who had been cursed with invisibility for as long as he could remember. Banished and his powers taken away, he had been wandering on earth for decades, unnoticed by anyone. Until one day a little human girl spoke directly to him.

For the first time, I prayed.

You show up to breakfast with the worst hangover of your life. Your wife drops the glass she's holding. She was expecting the poison to kill you. *

You and your best friend who look alike decide to switch lives.

A famous actress is discovered to be an AI robot.

The cancer was back. I wasn't going to treat it. If I waited, maybe no one would find out until it's too late to save me. *

What If slavery was never abolished and became legal even in modern times. People could even sell themselves as slaves by contract to survive. How would society be like today? Write a story.

A couple goes to visit the grave of their dead daughter with flowers. The father gets a call from an unknown number and picks it up. " So...are the flowers meant for me or your guilty conscience?" The father is shaken at the familiar voice. Their daughter was supposed to be dead. They murdered her six years ago.

Be quiet! The trees will hear you.

Oxygen is scarce due to intense pollution thus oxygen is sold and taxed upon in this post-apocalyptic world.

It was the first time, we had heard a real baby cry.

Write about a cute creature that comes to earth to protect a little girl. *

Your character is psychic and often had dreams about people or events that always came through no matter what. Last night they dreamt about the apocalypse and it was caused by their best friend.

The king announces that his heir will not be any of his sons but instead his loyal canine companion. Everyone laughs at that idea until the king dies and his wolf stands up on his two back legs and claims the throne. *

Shapeshifting aliens have been living among humans for decades. Your male character is one of them and has had a crush on a human girl for a long time but she deeply dislikes shifters. He tries to win her heart as a shifter but all these attempts fail due to her always giving him a cold shoulder. On the verge of giving up, he one day discovers she's into cats so he turns into a cat and approaches her to get closer to her. The plan succeeds and he gets adopted by her. He gets to stay with her and her three other cats as a pet. What happens when he's caught shifting by the girl?

A superhero and supervillain are best friends in their daily lives. Neither of them is aware of the identity of the other. *

Real men go to war on unicorns! *

A man finds a strange box buried beneath a pile of shoes in his wife's closet. The box is locked, a note tipped to its side " if you open the box, I'm divorcing you". *

The longer she stared at the painting, the more it pulled her in.

The planet finds a way to speak directly to humans. It's not happy. *

Planet earth becomes sentient and is bitter. It plans to wipe out humanity if with an apocalypse if we do not change our ways.

The happy little girl skipped home to show her parents her new pet. A baby dragon.

The abused foster child finds solace in their only friend, a strange yet cute dog that enters their room through the window every night. Unbeknownst to them, this is not an ordinary dog but a shapeshifter and he's very much in love with them.

What would you do if you discovered your pets are aliens and have inhabited the body of your cuddly, fluffy friends?*

What appears to be a ticking clock appears in the sky all over the world. Nobody knows what it's for. Brushing it off to be some weird trend or something, people go on about their daily lives. Six years later, the clocks are still ticking. Today the sky turned red. And a message appeared in the sky. " 48 hours left until Armageddon"

A little girl keeps her forbidden pet under her bed for as long as she can. When her mother discovers it, tears form in her eyes as she tells the girl to leave the village. " Once you've connected to one, you've changed forever" What's different about the girl's pet?*

The trees and plants on earth are suddenly dying and turning black. Oxygen in the atmosphere is gradually depleting. Seeing it as a state of emergency, what does humanity decide to do?

Your female character has had a crush on an attractive stranger who she always sees reading at the park on the same bench. All along she had only admired him from afar and never approached him. Today she mustered up the courage to talk to him. His expression turns dark" What are you? And how can you see me ?! No mortal can see us! "

Her skin glowed any time she touched water or water touched her.

Food was running out again. They had to choose who was going to be the next sacrifice.

Your character is looking for something in their older sibling's closet when they find their diary hiding. Out of curiosity, they open it. The things they read inside shake them to the core. Their sibling turned out to be the town's wanted serial killer. While they're still processing it, their sibling walks in on them seeing their diary in their hands. What happens next?

A girl supports her boyfriend as he deals with his serious illness. Unfortunately, he's not a good guy and treats her badly. *

Some of these are my original ideas and others are from somewhere else. (*) Feel free to use or relog.


Tags
3 years ago

only one bed prompts

“ it’s just a room with a bed. “

“ i can’t wait to spend the night with you. “

“ don’t hog the blanket. “

“ there’s only one pillow... “

“ are you sure you’re okay with this? “

“ why don’t you take the pillow? “

“ you can always sleep on the couch. “

“ the couch isn’t comfortable, but if you’d rather have me there… “

“ let’s not make a big deal out of this. “

“ it’s just for sleeping, right? “

“ it’s cold. “ “ c'mere. my arms are warmer. “

“ this is just…. ridiculous. “

“ of course there’s only one bed. “

“ at least it’s a king sized one. “

“ you can’t seriously sleep on the floor. “

“ we can share a bed. “

“ this isn’t so bad. it’s quite cozy, actually. “

“ come on, we’ve been through worse. “

“ maybe we can cuddle? you know, seeing as we’re already here... “

“ what side are you taking? “

“ it’s only weird if you make it weird. “

“ things could always be worse. “ “ i guess you're right. “

“ this is awkward. “

“ it’s not like we have to talk. “

“ you’re on my side! “

“ stay on your side, or so help me god, i will set this bed on fire. “

“ your feet are cold, move them! “

“ please, don’t snore… “

“ you’re snoring. it’s cute/it's annoying. “

3 years ago

PROMPTS   FOR   THE   HEAVY   HEARTED

the burdened:

“  being alive is exhausting.  ”

“  i ruin everything i touch.  ”

“  no one ever helped me when i needed it.  so,  i just.  try to do my best to keep others from feeling that kind of loneliness.  ”

“  i feel like the pain is all i am anymore. ”

“  i wish i remembered anything other than loneliness.  ”

“  i’m not a particularly good person.  but sometimes i wish someone would think i am.  ”

“  i’m just always the one who gets left behind.  ”

“  i never seem to belong anywhere.  or to anyone.  ”  

“  i’m alone.  and it’s my own fault.  but it doesn’t make it hurt any less.  ”

“  i don’t know how to just live.  i constantly feel like i’m waiting for the other shoe to drop.  ”

“  i always expect people to hurt me.  because they usually do. ”

“  i don’t know how to let go of my trauma.  i don’t know what i am without it.   ”

“  it’s better if i’m alone.  i can’t hurt anyone if there’s no one close enough to get hit by the debris of my fuck ups.  ”

“  there are just too many people depending on me.  i can’t rest.  i can’t let them down.  ”

“  i don’t have anything or anyone left anymore.  ”

“  i’m not strong.  or brave.  i survive ‘cause there’s not really any other choice. ”

“  i tried to give up before.  but the universe just didn’t let me.  ”

“  i just want to be done.  i’m tired.  i’m so,  so fucking tired.  ”

“  i know it’s selfish.  but i wish someone would just take care of me.  ”

“  every time i start to feel like things are getting quieter and i can feel safe,  something bad always happens.  ”

“  i tend to love people more than they love me.  and it’s okay.  i don’t mind but…it can be lonely.  ”

“  i just don’t feel like my life makes any difference to anyone.  i’m just here.  ”

the comforter: 

“  hey,  look at me.  i’m listening.  you can tell me anything. ”

“   how can i help you feel less alone?  ”

“  i’m here and i’m not leaving or letting you change the subject.  now talk to me. ”

“  i know you feel like you’re alone and i’m not going to invalidate that.  but i can tell you that i’m here.  and i know there are people who want to care and help if you’ll let them.  ”

“  whatever it is you’re struggling with,  i want to help and it’s not going to make me look at you any different.  ”

“   i like having you around.  and not because of what you can do for me or give to me—  i like you.  i value you as a person.  ”

“   i just need you to know that you’ve never been ‘nobody’ to me.  you’ve never been nothing.  ”

“   you’re important to me.   you hear me?  you’re important.  and that’s never gonna change.   ”

“  i’m not going anywhere until you get some sleep.  ”

“  i want to take care of you.  please,  let me.  ”

“  no one is meant to be all alone.  that’s not how humans are built.  you don’t need to do all this on your own.   ”

“  you don’t deserve the bad things that happen to you.  you never did.  ”

“  i can’t promise you aren’t going to have any more hardship.  but i can promise i’m gonna be right here to get your through it. ”

“  you make a difference in my life.  i’m not just saying that.  it wouldn’t be the same without you here and i don’t want to find out what it’d be like to not have you around. ”

“  next time it gets this bad,  you call me okay?  now you just sit there and i’m gonna make you some tea and soup and we’re gonna talk this out. ”

“   is it getting bad again?  ”

“   you are so much stronger and braver than you think.  ”


Tags
2 years ago

Random villain dialogue.

Because we need more fun villains in stories.

You actually believed I could be good? Hah! Clap for your stupidity! I can't believe you fell for that.

I-I need a hug. No, I'm not going to stab you... I actually really really need a hug.

Why are you watching me change? What ? You have small boobs anyway.

You tricked me, hero. I'm impressed.

They are more than just my henchmen. They're my family. I can't just kill them off.

Why would I hurt animals?!Villains can be animal lovers too you know?

Yes, I'm a bad guy who likes collect cute things, kill me!

Oh, come on, just say you love me ,hero. I know you do ~

Beg for it. Come on, on your knees.

I'm bored. Wanna commit a heist?

Nobody has ever done this for me before... No, I'm not crying.

I-I ... Don't like seeing blood. Please bleed somewhere else.

NOOOOO! DON'T BLEED ON MY NEW CARPET! SHOO! GO DIE OUTSIDE!

Why does the world hate meeeeeee ~?

HOLY SHIT! I ACTUALLY PUNCHED THEM!.

HOW THE HELL DID YOU SURVIVE THAT?! .

Why don't you be a good hero and just die? ! Please for the sake of my mental health?!

If you're cold ,I can warm you up. If you know what I mean~

Is being tied up one of your kinks ?.

Ew, stop smiling at me. I don't find your smile cute at all!

Wow . So this what a hug feels like...I'm taking you hostage. Let's stay like this for a little longer.

I-I do not blush. It's the cold. WHY ARE YOU SMIRKING?!

WHY THE HELL DID YOU HAVE TO BREAK THROUGH THE WALL?! YOU COULD HAVE WALKED THROUGH THE DOOR LIKE A NORMAL HUMAN BEING!!

Did I stutter? I said strip. / Take it off.

I see somebody's kinky ~

I'd love to tie you up and do all sorts of bad things to you. If you know what I mean.

Shit. I didn't know you were on vacation ? Now I wanna ruin your day even more.

I can read your mind you know? I know how much you want me.

Was that one of your fetishes ?

I promise no tricks this time. I swear on my kittens.

You were so cute , I had to have you as my hostage.

STOP CALLING ME CUTE! I'M A VILLAIN! I'M A BAD GUY OKAY?! BAD GUYS AREN'T CUTE!

If you wanted to see me naked you could have just asked politely.

I want to kiss you so bad right now but I know you'll hit me.

You ripped my suit?! Do you have any idea how much it cost?!.


Tags
  • house-on-sand
    house-on-sand liked this · 2 days ago
  • nerdieforpedro
    nerdieforpedro reblogged this · 2 days ago
  • antihell
    antihell liked this · 2 days ago
  • akotafi
    akotafi liked this · 3 days ago
  • akotafi
    akotafi reblogged this · 3 days ago
  • clawdee
    clawdee liked this · 3 days ago
  • sawymredfox
    sawymredfox liked this · 3 days ago
  • sawymredfox
    sawymredfox reblogged this · 3 days ago
  • missredherring
    missredherring liked this · 3 days ago
  • regularjoel
    regularjoel liked this · 3 days ago
  • evolnoomym
    evolnoomym reblogged this · 3 days ago
  • evolnoomym
    evolnoomym liked this · 3 days ago
  • ananonymousaffair
    ananonymousaffair reblogged this · 3 days ago
  • ananonymousaffair
    ananonymousaffair liked this · 3 days ago
  • probablyreadinsmut
    probablyreadinsmut reblogged this · 3 days ago
  • probablyreadinsmut
    probablyreadinsmut liked this · 3 days ago
  • beepboopes
    beepboopes liked this · 3 days ago
  • whisperofstardust
    whisperofstardust liked this · 3 days ago
  • rabbitsuperstar
    rabbitsuperstar reblogged this · 4 days ago
  • rabbitsuperstar
    rabbitsuperstar liked this · 4 days ago
  • mcr38192
    mcr38192 liked this · 4 days ago
  • kartoonatic
    kartoonatic reblogged this · 4 days ago
  • kartoonatic
    kartoonatic liked this · 4 days ago
  • rosalietodd013
    rosalietodd013 reblogged this · 4 days ago
  • onigiri-oya
    onigiri-oya liked this · 5 days ago
  • ididntstandachance
    ididntstandachance liked this · 5 days ago
  • x-empire-of-dirt-x
    x-empire-of-dirt-x liked this · 5 days ago
  • iamnotarobotpinkypromise
    iamnotarobotpinkypromise liked this · 5 days ago
  • theordinaryweirdkid
    theordinaryweirdkid liked this · 5 days ago
  • yuripira4e
    yuripira4e liked this · 5 days ago
  • atacalepsies
    atacalepsies liked this · 5 days ago
  • her-majesty-theking
    her-majesty-theking liked this · 5 days ago
  • its-starlight-farm
    its-starlight-farm liked this · 5 days ago
  • greenhorsesonthewall
    greenhorsesonthewall liked this · 6 days ago
  • miss-jades-fics
    miss-jades-fics liked this · 6 days ago
  • femmedefandom
    femmedefandom liked this · 6 days ago
  • tinderbox210
    tinderbox210 reblogged this · 6 days ago
  • aslanposthuma
    aslanposthuma liked this · 6 days ago
  • thesongofpurplesummer
    thesongofpurplesummer reblogged this · 6 days ago
  • thesongofpurplesummer
    thesongofpurplesummer liked this · 6 days ago
  • the-last-scythian
    the-last-scythian liked this · 6 days ago
  • thesillyperson
    thesillyperson liked this · 6 days ago
  • yesimagirl
    yesimagirl liked this · 1 week ago
  • cookie4555-blog1
    cookie4555-blog1 liked this · 1 week ago
  • beabitch
    beabitch liked this · 1 week ago
  • iantheswife
    iantheswife liked this · 1 week ago
nchant6dkitty - nchant6dkitty
nchant6dkitty

My little blog of writing inspiration. 23. She/ her

176 posts

Explore Tumblr Blog
Search Through Tumblr Tags