#fantasywriters

[creator-girl]

as a writer one of the best feelings is finding the perfect name for something that represents the signature qualities of said person or place and sounds right 🤭

[isafrb]

the normal life of a writer.

[plotandelegy]

4 Creative Ways to Design Fictional Plants for Your Fantasy World

Hello everyone! If you want to add some unique flora to your world-building, this article is for you. In this post, I'll go through some ways you can find the inspiration to create fictional plants. Here are some ways to get creative:

Draw ideas from real-life plants: Find unique features of the plants around you that you can adapt to create an entirely new plant. For example, you could make an orchard full of fruit trees that project sharp needles from the hanging fruit when touched.

Think outside the box: Consider what the creatures in your world need. Figure out how their unique needs could be met by the plants. What kind of food do they eat? What is poisonous to them? Where do they nest? 

Tie in significance and mythological elements: Take ideas from folklore. Give your plants deeper meaning to the people that inhabit your world. What mystical properties do your plants have? Are they used in a ritual?

Consider the environment: When making a new type of plant, consider the climate and geography of its growing area. Plants that grow in dry areas look and function differently from those that thrive in wetlands. 

Get creative with your fictional plants. Consider purpose. Mix, match, and invent! Happy world-building!

[misfortuneshand]

Need some help about my main character

Soo basically I've made my mc an average and rather plain looking girl since I am sick of every female mcs being almost perfect in fantasy novels. But I've been told that the 'plain girl' is also as bad as the cliche ones and a kind of 'y/n'. Any ideas about what should I do?

[omitsuishere]

No intro post just needed to share some stuff i did for my "book" (dont think it deserve this appellation lol) 1st i created a full font with an alphabet i created (still dont know if i'm going to use this)

2nd everytime i imagine a quote that can hit hard i need to associate or create a character to fit it

3rd talking about my future character all the time without even creating an id card for them

4th everytime i log in pinterest there is dozen of images i can use for characters so i save them (even tho half of it wouldnt even be used)

5th spamming my friend with all of my idea plot without writing about it

6th searching for stuff like "title of nobility" just to have more realism

[journeysward]

Introduction

Hello! My name is Journey and I am a fairly Novice writer.

My goal is to write a trilogy by the time I'm 30. I am 24 right now so I have six years. This is a huge undertaking but its a dream of mine so I am here to make it true.

My books are going to be fantasy with a real world twist.

Here I will be introducing my books cryptically as to not give too much away!

Hopefully I catch your attention and you will join me on this journey!

[kspendragon]

someone please tell me to go and finish my manuscript. 

[willspussysweat]

Joke

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Hero rips her blade out of Henchman's body, hearing it fall to the ground behind her. Sidekick stands in frozen fear at what their mentor has done. Villain only sees Henchman. Hears their heartbeat fading slowly. Watches the blood pour out on their lovely tile floor that Henchman just spent mopping. Everything slows to a halt. How did it get to this point? What—what’s happening? “I’ve tried everything to not hurt you or to keep you out of prison. And this is how you repay me? Killing my lover?” Villain barely registers Hero’s choked out words. Villain is barely there. Memories of Henchman and Villain play out in front of them. Their first meeting. Henchman’s first snark towards Villains work. Henchman forcing Villain to take a break from their current world destroying plan. Villain's feet move before he can stop them. Hero readys her stance for the Villains attack yet it never comes for them. Villain cradles Henchman’s head in his lap. Taking off his cloak, he wraps it around Henchman’s wound.

“How hypocritical.” Villain spat, eyes darkening. “You have no right to call me hypocrit-” Hero doesn’t finish her sentence before her head hits the floor. Sidekick flinches at the low thud their mentor’s decapitated head makes. Their sob wrenches out of their throat when the body tumbles to the ground as well. Villain’s gaze is blank. His face empty, until it morphs into disgust at Hero’s blood splattering over Henchman’s body. Villain suddenly remembers.

Henchman! Rushing to their body and feeling their pulse, Villain feels short relief at their slow rate. Picking them up, Villain feels their slow breath against his face and urgency moves through him. Villain then remembers something else in the room. Sidekick. As their eyes meet, Sidekick’s resemblance to a deer in headlights becomes uncanny. “Vil..lain.” Villain decides that Sidekick is not worth Henchman’s remaining life. Sidekick shudders after Villain leaves the room.

“BZZ-! BZZ-!” Sidekick’s phone vibrates in their pocket. Without their eyes leaving Hero’s freshly grey ones, they take the phone out and answer the call. “Hey, how’d the prank go?” Civilian’s voice rings out in the deadly quiet room. Civilian. Hero’s lover. Hero’s breathing lover.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Hello everyone! This was something I made to help practice writing. Any help or advice is welcomed!

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[somethingclevermahogony]

A Few Creatures Unique to Kobani and Day 25 Kobani Worldbuilding Question

Pictured Above: The Sea-Dragon Gabrisu, which lives off of the KIshic Coast. Gabrisu is the largest living thing in Kobani. I will talk about Gabrisu more in a future post. Gabrisu is an example of a Great Monster.

25. What kind of animals and creatures live here?

This is a subject I could go into a lot of depth about, aside from species that are familiar to those on earth, there are also thousands of other species native to all parts of Kobani. In the interest of time I will be limiting this list to just Kishetal and will only give a few examples. More information on various species will be shared in future posts.

First, a quick classification of beings 

This is a quick description of the classification of mortal beings in Kobani. Gods and Spirits do not fall into these classifications.

Animals/humans/other: Those creatures and entities seemingly unaffected or unchanged by the effects of wild magic. These beings are, as a rule, not magical, not including the intrinsically magical aspects of life itself, though certain humans, sages, and seers, are capable of seeing and communicating with spirits and, with permission, may wield their power though never their own. Examples unique to Kobani include horned rabbits and giant minks

Beasts/Forestfolk: These are mortal and physical creatures and beings that have been reshaped and changed by wild magic but have not been changed to such an extent that wisemen cannot determine their original origin. Examples include the Deer of Lat and the Dorasi. Most forestfolk fall into this category as well, being vastly changed but still recognizably originating from a mundane and non-magical creature, namely humans or, on rare occasions, Giants or one of the other Sapient/Awakened Creatures. Beasts/Forestfolk may exhibit supernatural or magical aspects, but this is relatively rare as their mutations are typically physical and, at times, neurological rather than spiritual or metaphysical. In essence, the soul is unchanged, despite what may be claimed by certain people. Though their bodies and, at times, their behaviors are different, forestfolk, on the level of the soul/het, are still human and thus still privy to the Human/Awakened Cycle of Reincarnation rather than the typical mortal cycle experienced by Animals and other non-sapient creatures.

Monsters: Monster is a broad category. A monster is any creature whose lineage has been affected by magic to the extent that the species of its original ancestry is no longer clear, as with the silverwings of the Baalic Island. They may also be beings that seemingly have no distinct origin and/or are naturally found in their state, having not been affected by wild magic. These creatures are typically differentiated from animals by various magical or supernatural properties though their magical nature/dynamic nature is still mostly static and purely physical, unlike spirits. Examples of these "true" monsters include creatures such as lesser dragons, many sea serpents, and the kirki. To be considered a monster rather than a “Great” monster, an individual must necessarily be considered part of a group or species.

Great Monsters: These are ancient creatures that are unique in nature, they may be the progenitor of a line of lesser monsters, but they must be the first of their kind or else included in a very small group, one which prohibits the proliferation of the creature without degradation. Typically they are named individuals and are typically though not necessarily supernatural or magical. Examples include the Great Dragon Ilhumbaya. 

Demigods: A demigod is the progeny of a human or human-descended forestfolk and a spirit, typically a Great Spirit, given the power and focus required by spirits to produce and provide the necessary materials for sexual reproduction. Demigods are almost always born from a human mother, as most spirits detest the physical limits which come from carrying a physically static being. Unlike forestfolk, demigods are magical in nature and not merely the result of magical mutation. Demigods are typically not able to wield magic and change their form in the same sense as a spirit, as their physical body forbids it. Magic rather manifests in the body itself. Demigods are prone to unusually large stature, heal at an unusually fast pace, and possess great physical strength. Demigods are also capable of speaking with and seeing spirits regardless of the spirit's wishes. In some cases, this may only occur after certain mental blocks and expectations are broken. Depending on the individual, if not killed by unnatural means, a demigod may live for upwards of fifteen hundred years. Despite this, demigods are still considered among the Awakened and mortal beings.

For the purposes of this post, I will be addressing species from the first two categories, Animals and Beasts.

1. Horned Rabbit

Classification: Animal

Common Name: The Wild Horned Rabbit

Kishic Name: Juraijir (Juraba- Rabbit, Jir- Horn/Antler/Branch)

Description: The Wild Horned Rabbit is a large leporid typically found in plains and mountain slopes though populations may exist in a range of biomes. Both males and females possess large curling horns similar to those found in wild sheep. Males possess thick manes similar in some sense to that of the American Bison. Horned Rabbits are considerably larger than their non-horned cousins. Horned Rabbits typically travel in large groups called clatters, named for the tell-tale sound of their horns clashing during the mating season. During the mating season Horned Rabbit males may become aggressive, more than one Kishic shepherd or hunter has taken an unfortunate fall of a cliff or ledge after running afoul of horned rabbit. Unlike rabbits Horned Rabbits do not create burrows but rather construct nest like structures called isisu. Does may produce a litter twice a year with each litter typically consisting of 2 to 4 kits. Rabbits typically live between 4-7 years.

Range: Red Areas represent the native range of the Horned Rabbit, Green diagrams those areas where horned rabbits have been introduced in wild or domesticated form.

Size: Bucks(Male) generally reach between 50-60 lbs with the largest specimens reaching upwards of 85 lbs. Does generally weigh between 40-50 lbs with the heaviest examples reaching 70 lbs.

Diet: Rabbits are herbivorous, the majority of their diet is composed of grasses, shrubs, herbs, and mosses. In some areas the diet may be supplemented by twigs, and buds.

Magical Aspects: Horned Rabbits are not inherently magical, however by eating magical herbs Rabbits may begin to exhibit magical traits. These traits become particularly important in cases where magically affected rabbit is eaten by humans or other species.

Relation to Humans: Wild rabbits are often hunted for meat and fur. The mane of the male rabbit is commonly used for shawls and decorative purposes while meat is a common ingredient in stews and sauces throughout the Red Cedar Mountains. The horns commonly used in the creation of jewelry, weapons, and drinking vessels. Over 45 separate breeds of domesticated horned rabbit exist throughout Kobani. The largest breed, the Amshigarian Imar, may reach up to 400 lbs. The smallest domesticated breed the Jurasum, popular among Kishic commoners, weigh in at around 15 lbs. 

2. The Giant Mink

Classification: Animal

Common Name: The Giant Mink

Kishic Name: Jalkukusu (Jal- Great or Big, Kukusu- Mink)

Description: The Giant Mink is a large mustelid most closely related to the common mink. Aside from the obvious difference in size, the giant mink possesses longer and more powerful legs suited for both climbing and running. Giant Mink typically hunt via ambush, pouncing down on their prey from thick limbs and branches or else springing from water in similar fashion to a crocodilian. Giant Minks are accomplished swimmers and climbers and can be found in most areas of the eastern Green Sea where both forest and running water can be found. The range of the Giant Mink has shrunk somewhat as a result of deforestation throughout the Green Sea. The rich and glossy coat of the Giant mink is a deep brown and is known for its silky appearance. Mink typically live between 7-10 years.

Range: Red areas represent the current range of the Giant Mink, Pink areas represent the former range.

Size: Differences between male and female specimens is often substantial. Males may reach weights of up to 210lbs but are generally 130-170 lbs and approximately 8ft from snout to the tip of the tail. Females typically fall around 100-120 lbs and 7.3ft. In size they are comparable to the Puma Concolor or Mountain Lion. Giant Mink are both the longest and heaviest mustelids in Kobani.

Diet: Giant Minks are voracious and often vicious predators. The diet consists of fish, shellfish, small birds and mammals, eggs, insects, and reptiles as well as larger prey including gazelle, deer, boar, wild goat and sheep, porcupine, horned rabbit, small bears, lion cubs, livestock, and on rare occasion, humans and forestfolk.

Magical Aspects: Giant Mink in their natural state have no magical traits unless introduced via diet.

Relation with Humans: While Giant Mink fur is heavily coveted and the pelts a symbol of wealth and power, hunting the mink is considered a dangerous endeavor due to the species’ aggressive nature. Some consider the hunting of Giant Minks to be a greater honor than the hunting of lions. Minks often prey on livestock including sheep and horned rabbits. It is not unheard of for Giant Mink to find their way into villages only to make off with pets and small children.

3. The Deer of Lat

Classification: Beast

Common Name(s): Flesh-eating Deer, Deer of Lat

Kishic Name:  Latdul Atjir (Latdul- Of Lat, Atjir- Deer)

Description: The Flesh-Eating Deer of Lat are a monstrous species originally native to Kishetal that have since spread to surrounding regions. Their name stems from the semi-historical folk-hero, Lat, who it is said first encountered the creatures near the future site of the Kishic city of Bur. The deer are quite easy to separate from their plant-eating cousins by their comparatively bulky bodies, their large size, long busy tails, the presence of canine-like teeth, and front facing eyeballs. Does and Bucks alike possess antlers. Unlike other species, antlers are not used in mating rituals. Rather male deer compete by creating caches of food. As a result male deer are particularly aggressive during the breeding season and will often actively hunt down humans. Deer move in small packs of between 3 and 8 individuals typically led by a dominant pair. Often deer will hunt in similar fashion to wolves, using their hooves, teeth, and antlers to kill prey. Unlike other deer, Deer of Lat do not shed their antlers. It is is not unusual to see deer with small prey items skewered upon the antlers. Deer are highly aggressive and will almost certainly prey on humans if given the chance. It is believed that the Deer of Lat are the descendants of roe deer exposed to wild magic in the Red Cedar Mountains. Deer live approximately 9 years on average. 

Range: The range of the Flesh-eating Deer is shown in red.

Size:  The Deer of Lat reach on average, 6ft 5in tall at the shoulders. Sexual dimorphism is surprisingly limited. Deer may typically reach 990–1,320 lbs and up to 1,640 lbs.

Diet: The Deer of Lat are obligate carnivores. A single individual may eat upwards of 100lbs of flesh in a week. Prey animals include gazelle, deer, boar, wild goat and sheep, porcupine, horned rabbit, small bears, lion cubs, livestock, and humans.

Magical Aspects: The Deer of Lat are immune to all diseases. Additionally it would seem the deer possess supernatural quietness, as despite their massive size, deer are capable of sneaking up on prey practically silently. The deer hide is supernaturally resistant against extreme cold.

Relation with Humans: The Deer of Lat are one of the few species which actively hunt and seem to show a preference for human and forestfolk as a part of their diet. Packs of deer will stalk the outside of villages, preying on stragglers. The Deer are much feared and are a common villain in Kishic folklore. Despite the dangerous nature of the deer, the antlers are prized for use in weapons and jewelry. The hide with its magical properties is often used in the creation of cold-weather and mountain clothing.

4. Long-Necked Bear

Classification: Beast

Common Name: The Long-Necked Bear

Kishic Name: Dorasi (borrowed from a forestfolk dialect)

Description: The long-necked bear is believed to descend from a mutated population of brown bear in the Shabalic Mountains before the decent of humanity from the mountains of sanctuary. Dorasi are now found all over northwestern Macia and Kallistera. The dorasi is thinner and less robust than the brown bear, better suited to sudden bursts of speed. Dorasi are known to gallop after their prey. The Dorasi is additionally quite a good swimmer and may on some occasions swim many miles over lake or sea, accounting for its spread off of the mainland. The most identifiable traits the dorasi are its elongated neck, fanged mouth, and iridescent fur. Like the brown bear, dorasi hibernate during colder seasons and will gorge themselves before the winter season in order to gain the requisite fat deposits. Dorasi are highly solitary and territorial and will attack strange bears, monsters, and even humans that enter their territory, which may cover several hundred acres. Bears will only leave their territory when searching for a mate or else leaving the territory of their mother. Bears typically live between 10 and 15 years. Dorasi are known to hoard shiny objects including gold and silver which is then incorporated into their den.

Range: The range of the Dorasi is shown in red. 

Size: While thinner than the Shabalic brown bear, the Dorasi is taller and longer and thus roughly equivalent in weight at 500-780 lbs for males and 400-650 lbs for females with females typically being sleeker and less bulky than males. Both sexes generally measure at 8 to 10ft from nose to tail.

Diet: The diet of the dorasi varies greatly on geographical location. Typically a dorasi’s diet will consist of a mixture of grasses, berries, sedges, fungi, mosses, nuts, fruit, honey, insects, birds and fish as as larger prey items like deer and boar. Dorasi may occasionally prey on humans but most attacks are territorial in nature.

Magical Aspects: The iridescent fur of the dorasi expels water. Dorasi have a seemingly supernatural ability to detect gold and other precious metals, and make their dens near deposits. As such dorasi are often used as an indication of the presence of gold and silver. It is said that same northern populations are capable of imitating human speech. Dorasi blood is an oft ingredient in potions and medicines as it seems to increase the effect of other magical components consumed alongside it.

Relation with Humans: Dorasi are hostile towards humans and while they will only rarely prey on humans and forestfolk, have no qualms with attacking those who enter their territory. Dorasi are seen as good luck by miners as their presence often signifies large deposits. Dorasi hides are popular for use as cloaks and robes among northern peoples. However due to the magically hydrophobic nature of the fur it is incredibly hard to clean and prepare. 

[mlintschinger]

LOOKING FOR A WRITING GROUP

Hello all. I am looking for a writing group. I am writing an action fantasy story trying for some high anime action and DnD logic stuff. I am doing this as preparation for a comic (and the comic is a cheap alternative to an animated series). So, I need people that love plot, character, and story, but will be patient with me as I spell check myself. I am 39 years old, but still write like a teenager. Do message me if you know a good group for this.

[creator-girl]

any other writers out there maladaptive daydream 😊 asking for a friend

[isafrb]

writers, readers and fellow autumn & winter devotees, light up your torches. 🪵🌌🧣🧦🍁📚🕯️☕️

[authorkrysejay]

Indie Author Progress #2

With my timeline for publishing Phoenix Awakening planned out, I've given myself a few weeks to make sure the cover and story are as good as I can get it. So the past few days I've turned my attention to creating book 2's cover and getting to book 3's 3rd draft.

Hiraeth Song is planned to have 5 to 6 books in the series total depending on how the already planned events unfold when I get to writing them. But I've only completed the second draft of the 3rd book up to this point in time.

Book 3 is where the story gets really dark and I've been giving myself leeway to get to finalizing the events and what is included in it, mostly for my own mental health. I already have a few notes on things to change. Most of it has to do with the pacing and how Moira has evolved as well as the dynamic of her relationship with the dark broody mmc.

Its a slow burn enemies to lovers romance where both of them have commitment issues and dove in way to fast the first two drafts so...that's gotta change lol.

Stay tuned for next weeks update!

Also,

Cover reveal for Phoenix Awakening coming Nov 23! Only ten days away!

[officialzombeefish]

Tiktok I made for my books' world building ✨️

[omitsuishere]

Sometimes I just feel like the urge to write about my ocs (dont know if I would post about them here) but I'm so lazyy like words dont want to come, its like a really weird feeling. Its soooo frustrating like, send help pliz

[airic-fenn]

An excerpt of the The Arai Chronicles short story my newsletter subscribers will soon be able to read:

The drone of the airship rumbled in Isaias’ ears, its lull having long since tempted his eyes closed. Though as much as he wished, he couldn’t quite find sleep, not with the young child across from him kicking his seat every so often.

“Javis, stop that, dear. Your father’s trying to rest. I already told you once,” Ianda muttered, a stern edge in her voice.

“But I’m bored,” protested Javis.

Isaias could imagine the defiant look in his blue eyes. What they lacked in opalescence like his mother’s, they retained in their intensity. Always the stubborn one, he was. Always one to question authority.

“You’re bothering him,” Ianda explained.

“He hasn’t said so,” Javis said.

“That doesn’t matter. Enough is enough. Read your book like I told you.”

Javis groaned. “I want to draw.”

“Then draw.”

Finally, the kicking stopped. Isaias sighed and whispered a thanks to his wife. Dream-sleep crept into the edges of his consciousness. It had been several days since he’d last had a good night’s rest. The waking world around him began to fade and he was entirely ready to let it slip away.

Then he felt Javis’ foot hit his seat again. It bounced once, and dug right into his shin. Isaias’ eyes shot open and he doubled over his knees in pain.

Javis squeaked. “Sorry father…”

Isaias eyed him dangerously. “Enough of that, boy.” He glanced to the side, and noticed now that Jair was no longer beside him. “Where is your brother?”

Javis shrugged sheepishly.

“I let him sit back there,” Ianda said, gesturing.

“Go sit with him until we arrive,” Isaias said.

Javis frantically nodded and scurried away. A moment later Isaias could hear the quiet mingling of Javis’ and his brother’s voices. Isaias massaged his shin and leaned back. Ianda watched him with faint amusement in her eyes.

“What?” he asked in annoyance.

“You can hardly blame him. This is a long ride for anyone.”

Isaias scoffed. “He’s impatient.”

“And where do you think he gets that from, hm?” Ianda looked at him pointedly.

He relaxed a little, knowing she was right. “It still hurt,” he grumbled.

“Do I need to kiss it to make it better?” Ianda teased.

Isaias smiled. “It could help.”

Ianda rolled her eyes, but leaned down and brushed her lips over his knee. Not quite where their boy had kicked him, but good enough given their close quarters.

“I think I need one more. My cheek still aches from when I bit it this morning,” Isaias said, smiling a little wider.

“That’s your own fault for speaking with your mouth full of granat berries,” Ianda chided. Still, she leaned in and planted a soft kiss at the corner of his lips. He turned slightly and returned the kiss before she slid back to her seat.

Her brown hair was done into many tiny braids that ended in tight curls, all pulled back to hang over one shoulder. She ran a few of them through her fingers—a habit of hers when she was thinking.

“What is it?” Isaias asked.

“I’m just glad that we’ll be getting away for a few days,” Ianda said, “And it’ll be nice to spend some proper time with the Monarains again. It feels like ages since we’ve seen them.”

Isaias nodded. It /had/ been ages since he’d seen Sal. As the Minister of Erothel, his partner had been preoccupied with the Board, the rest of the High Council and countless naysayers and detractors. Isaias himself had been dealing with his own problems in his position as the governor of the Southern province, and it seemed the two men more and more frequently were ships passing in the night. At this point Isaias ached to see him.

It was Sal who had reached out a month earlier, inviting Isaias and his family to his summer home on the coast - one would think that with both of them living in the Southern province and Sal spending at least half his time in Arkaven, the two would see more of each other. It was not so. The last several months had been extraordinarily busy for them both.

“Avira Varinin Liir told me she’s been planting a new garden. I’m excited to see it, she’s always had a magnificent hand with plants,” Ianda said. She paused, and after observing Isaias, smirked and added, “You and Sal should have plenty of time to yourselves.”

Isaias laughed. “You both are always welcome, you know.”

“Oh yes, I know. But I have more in common with Avira Varinin Liir. And /someone/ has to watch the children.”

At that, Isaias smiled sheepishly and averted his gaze. From behind them, a boy started to cry. Isaias sighed and moved to get up but Ianda put a hand on his arm and stood.

“I’ll check on them. I’m sure they’re teasing each other again. Get some rest,” she said. She squeezed past him and disappeared down the isle, her hooves lightly tapping the floor as she went.

Isaias shook his head as he heard her scold the boys. The long ride was getting to them. One day, they would be mature enough to tolerate it.

Isaias crossed his legs and laid his head back. Finally, sleep took him.

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( Divider by @mmadeinheavenn )