Hey there bloggers! Just like with my superpower masterlist (which you can find here), this is done for character creation and writer reference for whatever story you’re working on. I plan to do more lists like these in the future. I have one in the works for a list of fantasy creatures and a list of medieval/fantasy town jobs. Until then, enjoy my extensive list of fantasy classes.
Joy of joys! I have been tagged by the lovely Stara to do the GIF-Y Love Tag! And this is where I ask everyone to discuss the correct pronunciation of the word down below because me and my family are divided. “JIF” sounds so much better in my head but one could argue that “GIF” should be pronounced similar to “Graphic” as it is a moving Graphic? It makes sense, it just sounds weird in my head.
New year’s is not going how you expected. Not in the least. During the New Year’s Eve celebrations, you noticed a strange cloud on the horizon of the sky that no one else seems to pay attention to. Quickly, it culminates into an enormous storm before blowing everyone and everything about. Somehow, perhaps by falling and hitting your head, you’re knocked out. Only to wake up and find yourself on January 1st of the previous year.
★Vulnerable
You’re a reckless teen who has little to no regard for your own safety. Fed up with your act, your guardian angel quits. But little did you know what he was really protecting you from….
★A Mysterious Read
You go to check out book at your local library to find there is a book reserved at the desk for you. The cover is blank so you don’t know the title. Confused and unable to remember whether or not it was you who reserved the book, you take it home and begin to read. To your surprise, the book describes the beginning of your day, right up until you checked the book out. But there is more to read….
★Fish Bait
You are a farm boy who lives near a lake and herds goats and sheep for a living. One day, you decide to fish for your supper. But, to your surprise, you find something much bigger than a fish at the end of your line. You have caught the famed Capricorn.
★Cursed Castle
You are the daughter of a wealthy family who happens to own a castle. You don’t exactly live like a princess like expected. In fact, the castle is simply a tourist attraction and is the means by which your family makes their living. One day, while helping your mom clean the basement of the castle, you see a full suit of armor walk from one end of the hall to another before disappearing around the corner. Confused and amazed, you inform your mother who of course doesn’t believe you, chalking it up to the wild imagination of a child. But you know what you saw. And other weird things begin to happen….
★ Garnet Heart
The year is 2052, and you are a robotic scientist who has achieved much in your life. Your specialty is developing incredibly intelligent AI, and, for an upcoming Science Event, you decide to design a new, and innovative Robot: The GEM. The GEM design is a humanoid robot design with a chamber in the robot’s chest where you can place an item. You chose a Garnet, and your first GEM robot comes to life. You later find out that the personality of the robot depends on the gem you place in their chest.
★Maybe take a break from that coffee? It can make you jittery sometimes and keep you from hydrating. Grab a quick glass of water instead of another coffee refill.
★Messy notes are a thousand times better than no notes. As long as you can read what you wrote, keep charging on. Your notes don’t have to look cute, just legible and somewhat organized.
★Showing up to class looking a little sloppy is better than not showing up at all. I know its tempting to skip but it is a risky decision. Plus, you don’t want to use of your “sick days” for when you just don’t feel like going or you got up a little late.
★Take a shower if you feel like you can’t study anymore. Refresh your mind a little.
★You don’t have to do a deep clean, but try and make sure that at least the surface of your desk is somewhat clean and clear. This will help you focus.
★Seriously, turn your notifications off.
★Try and stay on top of laundry to where you have at least one clean outfit-preferably the one you’re wearing.
★Sleeping the night before a test will probably do you more good than pulling an all-nighter. Wake up with a little time to eat breakfast and drink a whole glass of water before the exam. The information you crammed the night before is useless if you’re so lethargic that you can’t recall it.
★Packed lunches will save you a lot of money.
★If you’re feeling groggy mid-study session, try moving around a little. Get some fresh air, it does wonders.
★You don’t have to feel “cute” all the time to be productive. Romanticizing your education and schoolwork is awesome unless it starts to get in the way of your work. You don’t have to have perfect notes all the time & drink those aesthetically pleasing iced lattes so much. At the end of the day, it’s about the work you put in.
Hey there! Aaaaand we’re still snowed in. But, on the bright side, that leaves me more time for blogging and writing and such. So here’s a little post about my favorite movies. It’s short and sweet because I limited myself to five movies (otherwise we’d probably be here for ages).
Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
This one takes the #1 spot being my entire childhood. The only thing I love more than Lord of the Rings & Tolkien quotes is Narnia & C.S. Lewis quotes. In summary, these two authors made my childhood as did the director of this movie. Though I must clarify, the disney version. There is a British version floating around out there with a…. smaller budget resulting in a slightly… different cinematic experience.
To summarize, this Disney Movie is my most favorite move. I love everything about it. Everyone felt perfectly cast, the music in phenomenal, the animal characters are loveable, Aslan is grand, and the redemptive story of Edmund holds so much weight.
A solid 10/10 movie. I still want to be Lucy when I grow up.
2. The Lord of the Rings Movies
And here is where I sing the Praises of Peter Jackson. He did what seemed impossible- condensed down the enormous works of Tolkien into three wonderful movies that tell a cohesive and developed story that I find myself continually coming back to.
I sort of cheated here as these are technically three movies but I couldn’t pick a favorite among them as they tell one continuous story and each one is masterfully done and has its own strengths in their own rights.
These movies probably have my favorite soundtrack ever, my favorite fight sequences, and some of my favorite characters. My only complaints are Frodo’s character felt a bit off compared to the book and the Frodo and Sam parts sometimes felt like they slogged on too long (or perhaps that was the intention as we were supposed to feel the weight of their looooong journey with them?).
Overall a 9.8457/10.
3. Aladdin
The best disney princess movie that is not actually about the disney princess. Not really. Robin Williams is perfectly cast, the song “A Whole New World” is iconic and probably will be for a very, very long time and rightly so.
9.7/10
4. Star Wars: The Original Trilogy
Yeah, I’m going to cheat again. This is technically three movies but again, just like with Star Wars, its hard to pick a favorite out of these movies (though if you forced me, I’d probably have to say “The Empire Strikes” back but I could easily change my mind at any time. The ranking is that close).
Another iconic and phenomenal soundtrack. Lovably corny CGI effects and all, I love this movie. The writing is amazing and the story so full of hope. I know its simple in structure. A typical good vs. evil struggle but when you pair that with the sci-fi elements that, until that point, had never really been implemented on a big screen (with some exceptions with Star Trek but that was a show and was so stylistically and tonally different, I don’t really see them as that similar).
I grew up watching these which unfortunately led me to having a really high bar as to the level of writing I accept in my Star Wars films so I’m not a huge Disnified Star Wars fan. But, regardless, these movies continue to have a place in my heart.
9.68/10
5. Toy Story
One of Pixar’s crowning glory movies. Sure, this movies animation hasn’t aged that well. Their character models for humans were lacking (Andy may or may not look like a crackhead) but it makes sense for the time period it was in and definitely set a precedent for future CGI Animated movies. Woody & Buzz are THE iconic duo.
9.5/10
And that concludes my list although I could rant about my childhood movies for much longer. Thanks for reading and see you readers later!
A few days ago, I got together an extensive list of Super Powers to aid in people’s character creation. In a similar vein, I wanted to create a post with a few tips and tricks one might employ when making a gifted vigilante or superhero sort of character.
Though one thing to keep in mind when developing the areas below for your character, that each thing is generally connected to create a cohesive and believable MC. For example, the outfit/armor of your hero may tie into their power and/or their backstory. Or vice versa. All of the elements of a super hero character- the clothes, the powers, the backstory, everything, are generally connected in some way.
The Clothes/Suit
There are a few things to consider when creating your character’ super suit. First, how does it tie into the hero’s identity? Generally, it can tie in a few different ways…
It ties into their powers
It’s design and overall style could harken to the hero’s powers. Like Mr. Lightning bolt man having a lightning bolt on the chest of his suit. This is pretty common with most superheroes though it doesn’t have to be the case.
Another way it can tie into the character’s power can be done by functionality. Think about The Incredibles and how each person’s suit is designed to match their powers. For example, Violet’s suit disappears along with her. In general, the functionality of the armor or suit of your hero should definitely be taken into account, especially where their skills are concerned. We don’t want Inferno Man’s costume going up in flames constantly, now do we?
It ties into their backstory
Sometimes, a character’s outfit can harken back to their roots. Where they came from. Got a hero who was once a pick-pocket living on the streets? Maybe give him some slightly tattered street clothes. This can be done with many characters though generally this outfit is changed out for a new, more suitable (and generally more stylish) super suit later.
It ties into their position with a group or team
This isn’t always the case as there tend to be a lot solo heroes out there, but if you plan on putting your character on a team with other individuals, maybe consider if they have a uniform? Or a symbol of sorts that appears on all of their suits?
The Powers
Figuring out powers for you character can be the most fun part of character creation (and often is the first place I start when make super hero OC’s), BUT sometimes if I’m starting with a backstory, I can get stuck. Generally powers tie into the character’s backstory but this can also be left up to speculation.
Below are a couple things to consider when picking out your character’s power if you haven’t already done so.
A Weakness
Overall, it’s a good idea to give you character a weakness of sort or some clear limits of what they can do once you’ve picked out their power. Every well designed power should come with its own “rules”.
Their superhero name
If they have one, tying it back to their super powers is the common choice. You can get really creative here. Animals or creatures of sort are often used as names. Colors are often employed as well. Or you can just go for an alias for your OC. It’s all up to you.
The Backstory
The backstory, when done well, should cover a few elements. The origins of their powers/skills, their relationship with their support system (and often, how they lost that support system. Backstories generally involve the death or a romantic partner or family member), and what led them to the life they now lead.
The Team
This is an optional element, but deciding whether your hero works solo or with a group is vital to the story. If you do choose to drop your hero into a group, you need to develop the other characters and figure out whether they’re other fighters like your MC or if they’re more of a support crew. You also need to consider whether or not they work under an umbrella organization or if they operate under their own terms.
The Tech
Technology in super hero media and stories tend to be a little more advanced or bizarre than that of the real world. It’s a good idea to flesh out exactly where technology is at in your story and time period as this often plays a role in the storyline of most super hero tales.
The Villain
And finally, we get to the second most important element of the story. There are tons of different avenues you can take with the Villain. You can make him sympathetic, have personal ties with the hero or another “good” character to complicate things, give him all sorts of cool gear…the possibilities are endless. But, in all this fun, don’t forget the MAIN AND IMPORTANT THING TO DO WHEN MAKING A VILLAIN FOR YOUR STORY-
Make it make sense as to why your hero is opposing the villain. Hero development and Villain development are tightly linked as this is where you should start considering MOTIVES. And motives, are often what give SPICE to a hero’s tale. Because these motives can be shockingly different or similar in some cases. But at some point, the villain and hero are going to need to butt heads. And it needs to make sense to the reader as to WHY.
And I think that’ll do it! There’s much more to say on this topic but there’s a brief overview of what I personally find important when developing a Super Hero OC. Good luck on creating your supers!
Hello, bloggers & readers! Today I’m just gonna ramble a bit about some of my favorite works of art. These vary from classic paintings to paintings done by lesser known artists whose work (in my opinion) is just as beautiful. I’m no art expert, sure, but if I see a painting and think “ooooh, I want that on my wall.” I think it’s pretty darn good. And I don’t think you come to this blog for impeccable art advice or critiques (if so, I am both perplexed and amazed).
So let’s get started!
Paintings by Regina Argentin
This girl. Her stuff is incredible. Her works are both ethereal and haunting. Some of my favorite pieces are down below.
This piece is called “Demeter”. It’s probably my favorite of hers. The vintage gown and look to the body contrasts so beautifully with the untamed vines sprouting from her neck. Chef’s kiss. Truly amazing. I also just now noticed there is a bat in this piece so double points.This one is titled “Alfalfa”. I adore everything about it from the flowers to the intelligent and uncomfortably sentient look of the coyote (or whatever creature it appears to be. I think its a coyote? Anyone is free to correct me in the comment below, I’m about as much of an art expert as I am at identifying dog-like animals).This one is titled “Alfalfa II” and it is equally as breath-taking. The green , earthy feel of the painting mixed with the calming blues is a wonderful combination. The painting feels so mysterious and feels like s belongs in a green-house somewhere to keep evil spirits at bay. 10/10.
Link to her profile where you can view more of her immaculate work: click here
Paintings by Van Gogh
Van Gogh’s pieces are probably some of my favorite out there in the art world. So if I ever scrape up a gazillion dollars, I totally plan on buying one. But my interest in the artist doesn’t just stop at the popularized “Starry Night” piece. No, I also can’t help but adore his “Iris” painting, “Wheat Field” painting, “Almond blossoms” painting, “Sunflower” Painting, and “Starry Night over Rhone” Painting.
Starry night is gorgeous, but, if you haven’t, I implore you to browse his other works.
“Starry Night over Rhone”Somehow even with the bright yellows of the blooms, this painting feels melancholy. I love it.
A positively haunting piece.
Another favorite of mine. The blue and white blooms just seem so serene and striking to me. I would love a dress in this pattern.And of course, the classic Starry Night. There’s a reason this piece is so popular. Positively striking.
I want to conclude this section with a recommendation of the wonderful and touching movie, “Loving Vincent”. It is a gorgeous piece of cinema that I discovered this year where the whole movie is animated to look like a moving Van Gogh painting. If you’re interested, the trailer is below. I rented it on Youtube for about three or four dollars and cried like crazy while watching it the first time through. Can’t recommend it enough.
The Paintings by Monet
Another popular artist whose work I love. I primarily enjoy his nature paintings, especially the ones with water and water lilies.
These pieces absolutely slay me.
Paintings by Dante Gabriel Rossetti
My obsession with this man’s work probably is rooted in the same part of my brain that is obsessed with fairytales. His work has a very fantastical feel to it and has many portraits of beautiful, princess like women that I find entrancing and ethereal.
I love this painting but this could also very easily be a dude with luxurious hair. That is the only problem I have with this guy’s paintings. I can sometimes not tell but they’re beautiful pieces so I don’t care much either way.This painting invokes the exact feeling that I feel during the school year. I don’t know how, but it does.
In Conclusion
I’m not an art expert. I cannot positively identify a coyote. I really can’t tell a lady from a knight with luxurious hair. But I can point to a painting and say, “Now there’s a looker!”
Hello, everyone! Hope you are doing well this fine morning (or whatever time you happen to be reading this)! I have joyous news! I have been tagged for my first award! It is known as the Aesthete Blogging Award which is described best by the creator, Asmita.
“This award is to honor every creative person, irrespective of their number of followers and views. Because, as long as you create, that is all that matters. This award is for those bloggers who put an insane amount of thought in each of their posts and for those who spread creativity like wildfire! Just wow!”
Many thanks to Devangi over at Just Penning Down My Thoughts for tagging me! Go check out her blog and send her some love and support as she has some real interesting stuff over there that may interest you readers!
So, without further ado, onto the tag!
The Rules:
Use the official logo/graphic of the award and display it on your blog.
Tell me a something about this world that you admire.
What is your favourite form of creativity?
Nominate 7 lovely people and notify them by commenting on their posts; spread some love!
Ask your nominees 4 questions.
Share something you created. (can be anything!)
And lastly, just so you know: I LOVE YOUR CREATIONS!
What I Admire about this World
As a sort of cynic, I think I sometimes spend too much time looking at the flaws of the world so I think this is a lovely question to ponder. I really do love the kindness and gentleness you can find in the little corners of this planet where you least expect it. Despite this world feeling difficult and torn apart in so many ways, don’t let that make you believe that there isn’t some good to be find. There are still good people. There are still honest people. There are still kind people.
“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo.
“So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us. There are other forces at work in this world, Frodo, besides that of evil.”
Oh, did I sneak another Tolkien quote into one of my posts? Hmm, well, anyways-
What my favorite form of Creativity is
100% writing. Although I love to draw, paint, and play guitar every now and then, I think writing reigns supreme in my mental list of favorite creative forms. I love the images we can paint with words and the various themes and ideas we can convey through little symbols strung together in a specific order. It is a very fascinating concept.
Devangi’s Questions
What incredibly strong opinion do you have that is completely unimportant in the grand scheme of things?
That sweet tea isn’t that great and that you can be pretty southern and still hate the stuff. I’ve lived in the Southern part of the US my entire life and I have never understood what people like about it?? It’s just sort of gross and has a very tangy taste.
What’s on your bucket list this year?
Quite a few things are on the bucket list for this year, but I one of them is to see the Ocean for the first time in my life. I’ve somehow made it to my twenties and have never walked on a beach before. This fact has made me quite sad but this year I have had an opportunity that will result in me finally laying eyes on the Ocean.
What’s the last book/activity you gave up on and stopped reading/doing? Why?
I could not finish the Star Wars Solo movie. I am a big Star Wars fan having grown up in a house hold where we watched the originals on a pretty regular basis. I have a fond memory of The Prequels even though they’re pretty corny. I am, however, not that big of a fan of the Disney releases with the exception of Rogue One and the shows that are coming out on Disney+.
I wanted to like Solo, but no one beats Harrison Ford’s portrayal, not to mention after Han and Chewbacca meet, there felt to be very little reason to keep watching. I got less than half way through before realizing I really didn’t care or could predict what would happen next. I hypothesized that the girl would die because she wasn’t in the following movies and we all know that Han ends up with his ship and he and Chewie go on to be smugglers. There aren’t really many stakes because you kind of know what’s already going to happen if you’ve seen all the other releases up to this point in the franchise.
Wow. That was a long, drawn out mini movie review. Kind of had a geek moment there for a second, sorry.
What was the best compliment you’ve ever received?
Any compliments concerning my writing or skill that I’ve worked to hone. Those tend to stick with me because it feels to gratifying to be recognized for something you love but also work hard at.
Creations I’d Like to Share
A Digital Art Piece I did a few weeks ago on my ipad.
An Earring Set I made this week!
My Questions
What’s your favorite work of art you’ve ever made?
Just a fun little challenge of a blog post that I’ve been wanting to do. I’ve always been fascinated by the history of names and their meaning. So, let’s dissect my name, shall we?
Brooke
With an e. Don’t forget the e.
The name Brooke, from my research, seems to be of old English and/or old German origins. And I’m sure you can guess as to it’s meaning. Brooke refers to clean, clear water or, more specifically, a small stream. The name has grown more popular during recent years thanks to Brooke Shields and a New York society grand dame named Brooke Astor.
Not much else to say on this name. It means a small stream. Let’s keep moving, shall we?
Lynne
Also with an e. Never. Forget. The. e.
So, what are the origins of this one? Well it seems depends. There are a few different origins/versions of the name, each with their own slightly different meaning of the word. The Anglo-Saxon Lynne means “waterfall” (wow, another water word?) while the English version means “house” or “church”. The French version means “idol” while the German version means “snake”. (So my name could very possibly mean water snake??)
Freeman
Don’t forget the two e’s.
This last name is a little self-explanatory. A free man. One who possesses his rights. This name became very common after African-Americans won their rights and took this name on. Though delving into family history, it seems this is not exactly where mine specifically came from (which doesn’t surprise me. I’m quite pale). My specific family name can be traced somewhere from England but that’s about it.
Put it all together and you’ve got…
Free River Church, depending on whatever meaning you ascribe my middle name to. Free Water Snake perhaps?? Don’t know.
Anyways, thanks for sticking around and reading this random deep dive into the origins and meaning of my name. It was a fun little challenge indeed!
By the Brooke 