a rose turned to a daisy,
“I envy the sunflower for its unapologetic presence
and the way it shines bravely
in a world much too fond of understatement.
I wish my petals were a bright as she.”
a sunflower turned to an iris,
“I envy the rose’s delicate beauty
and thorns that ware off bad intentions
and those who only love her for her bloom.
I wish my petals were as rich as she.”
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.
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?
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, 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.
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.
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.
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!
This girl. Her stuff is incredible. Her works are both ethereal and haunting. Some of my favorite pieces are down below.
Link to her profile where you can view more of her immaculate work: click here
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.
A positively haunting piece.
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.
Another popular artist whose work I love. I primarily enjoy his nature paintings, especially the ones with water and water lilies.
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’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!”
Thanks for stopping by!
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!
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-
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A Digital Art Piece I did a few weeks ago on my ipad.
Now it’s time to tag people! I tag…
Have a wonderful day, lovelies!
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!
Till next time, bloggers!
How many lives exist
Parallel to me
Running side by side
Never to intersect or meet
But it's not so much the parallel lives
That occupy my mind
But ones who intersect but one time
To meet at one point
Before going on our merry way
Never to intersect again
Two lonely little rays
So one of my New Year’s Resolutions was to complete my “Writer Games Challenge” which you can find linked here if you’re interest in completing it too! The first category of challenges is to write a little bit about yourself and the things you like and are passionate about. So I’m starting with the list of 5 things that make me happy!
Ready? Well regardless, here we go!
1. Cats
Wow. Nobody saw that coming. Gosh, me??? A cat lover?? Its not like I have a cat in my blog footer and as a huge part of my blog identity! Bonkers, I know. I really pulled a fast one over you, didn’t I?
Okay, seriously, I have never met an animal that purrs and is as comforting as a cat. Sure, they can be a little evil but so can we! Its only fair.
2. Iced Coffee
I’m sorry for these basic answers but Iced Coffee is a gift from the heavens and you’re lying if you say otherwise. I don’t care what season it is or how cold I am, I love my coffee iced and with copious amounts of sugar in it, thank you very much.
3. Fire places
I figured it was befitting to put this below the Iced Coffee seeing as how my enjoyment of cold brew & circulation issues result in me feeling rather…chilly to say the least. Whatta mystery. So how does one remedy this? By roast in front of a fireplace.
Fireplaces are the peak of humanity. Its like we knew our ancestors were onto something with that whole gathering around the fire thing. And they were so right. Nothing beats and iced coffee and a book in front of an open fire. Preferably when it’s raining out. Which reminds me!
4. Rain
The coziness level of a day suddenly increases immensely when water begins falling from the sky. God really did something with this whole rain thing. He knew exactly what he was doing.
5. Animated Movies
In college I have very little brain power to last through most live action and plot-complex new movies. I just can’t get into them very much these days and I’m not exactly sure why. Instead, recently, I’ve been enjoying settling down in front of the TV after school to watch the newest animated movie that’s out. Animated movies are my new comfort watch these days.
And woah! Are we already at 5?? I didn’t even get to Tacos, warm fries on a cold, dreary day, and quill pens! Oh well, maybe next time! I’ll see you readers ’round, okay?
Studying doesn’t have to be a “cute” experience all the time, but sometimes it just feel nice to pretend you’re in a dark academia film or something. And for those of us who sometimes struggle to come up with the motivation to study, makin the process a little fun when we can is a nice thing to do our ourselves.
★Make a playlist
With whatever music you love. Though I do personally recommend something that fits the “vibe” of your study session. This could be orchestral or lo-fi or whatever feels “right”.
★Find Inspo
Make yourself a cute little moodboard on pinterest to find inspiration on how to arrange your study space to look pretty and pleasing to the eyes.
★rewrite your notes to be pretty
Not only does this help you study, but it also means your notes look cleaner and more organized, therefore being easier on the eyes.
★A clean desk. and a clean room for that matter
Your brain might feel cluttered if your space is cluttered. Do a quick little room and desk clean and actually try to make your bed. It does wonders.
★Drink/Eat warm things
Tea, coffee, croissants, bread, soup, whatever. Warm things definitely help the vibe. Though remember to not skimp out on your water.
★Make yourself feel cute
Maybe tie your hair up with a ribbon or change into a warm sweater. Anything that makes you feel more put-together.
★Consider fairylights or some sort of cool lighting decor
Totally optional (well, technically this entire list is) but I personally am a huge fan of lamps and fairylights. You can find them pretty cheap on amazon and they really add a cozy touch to your space.
★Light a candle
Candles are pretty plus they make your room smell great. Double points!
And that’s all for now! Good luck, my fellow students! Study hard!
Hello there! Brooke here with a gigantic list of super powers to aid in character creation. Just thought it might be nice to have an organized super power list on hand for future reference. If you noticed I missed anything or have any suggestions, feel free to comment down below!
I have the powers separated into a few main sections- physical powers, nature powers, biological control, knowledge/skills, magic, mind powers, and a miscellaneous category for good measure.
PHYSICAL
Superstrength
Speed
Durability
Agility/reflexes
Healing/regeneration
Enhanced Sight
Infrared Vision
Microscopic Vision
Night Vision
Telescopic Vision
Thermal Vision
Cryo Vision
Heat Vision
X-ray Vision
Enhanced Hearing
Enhanced Smelling
Enhanced Touch
Enhanced Taste
Sensing danger
Sensing types of events (dishonesty, murder, etc.)
The ability to remove senses (like inflicting blindness, etc.)
Longevity/immortality
Look Alternation
Transportation
Climbing/wall-crawling
Swimming/water-breathing
Flight
Teleportation
Exceptional leaping
Phasing/intangibility
SPACE & TIME
Temporal manipulation (like The Matrix)
Time Travel
Prophecy
Time Speed Manipulation
Space Manipulation
Void/Black Hole Manipulation
Duplication
Pocket space (the ability to hold and remove objects so that only the user can retrieve them.)
NATURE
Element Manipulation
Water Manipulation
Ice Manipulation
Earth Manipulation
Fire Manipulation
Air Manipulation
Electricity Manipulation
Light Manipulation
Darkness and/or shadow Manipulation
Gravity Manipulation
Magnetic force Manipulation
Radiation Manipulation
Energy Manipulation
Sound Manipulation
Nature Manipulation
Metal Manipulation
Toxic/Poison Manipulation
SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE
Extensive Science knowledge
Extensive Mechanical knowledge
Extensive Computer/Electronics knowledge
Extensive Weapons-handling knowledge
Extensive Military knowledge
Extensive Occult/Magical knowledge
Super-intelligence
Resourcefulness
MIND
Telekinesis (moving objects mentally)
Telepathy (reading minds)
Mind-to-mind communication
Mind-control
Possession (total mental control)
Memory manipulation (may include creation/alteration/deletion)
Mentally generated weaponry/objects
Mindblast
Being able to find someone mentally.
Navigation
Forcefields
Psychometry (the ability to learn things about the past or future of an object by touching it)
BIOLOGICAL CONTROL
Acid/poison
Controlling plants and/or animals
Shapeshifting (animals).
Shapeshifting (people)–mainly useful for disguises/stealth.
Elasticity
Self-destruction
Self-liquification
Gaseous form
Growth/shrinking
Self-duplication
Invisibility
MAGIC
Luck manipulation (good luck for hero and/or bad luck for enemies)
Illusions
Magic Manipulation
Alchemy
OTHER
Density Control
Absorbing someone else’s powers
Negating someone else’s powers
These bones feel hollow
The wind blows through my chest
This suit of armor is supposed to protect
But in it, it is hard to rest
The breeze whistles through my helmet
Is it in there, I wonder?
I hid it long ago,
When I had torn it asunder
Neath plates of metal
I hid it away, lest it be torn apart
But I really wonder if its there now,
A tin man, with no heart.
By the Brooke 