Writing Prompts Week 13 *Castles*

 Week 13

Genre of the Week: Fantasy & Historical Fiction

How they work: Each week there is going to be a post completely dedicated to writing prompts. This will compliment the genre of the week, named every Saturday. Below three pictures are posted along with word prompts to go with them. Three options will be beneath each picture. All suggestions are welcome, and if you desire, please share your ideas. 

*Many of these prompts are geared toward the fantasy genre, however, I can see how they can be applied to historical fiction as well. There is also a great amount of potential for a fantasy and historical fiction hybrid.* 

1.) Trickling of water echoed through the trees. Finally, they had found it. The fountain of youth. 

2.) Emeralds trees ldd the way to a castle. Until now this building only lived in my dreams. 

3.) "My lady, why are you out in the gardens without your handmaids?" 

    "Do I need chaperones to walk around my own castle, dearest knight?" 

1.) Our enemies thought they could destroy us if our land was taken away. No, it was only just the beginning. 

2.) The only thing left of my kingdom was the castle, stricken by water and mermaids. Come visit us if you dare? 

3.) "Let me go," she said. 

    "Back to a castle where the damned increase by the day and angels fall victim?" 

    "Yes, for who is to save a court in shambles except for their princess?" 

1.) "Did you set the table correctly for our guest?" 

    "Yes sir, I'm sure the lady will be pleased." 

    "One could hope, she hasn't taken to me since our wedding. Please go fetch her and her sisters." 

     The butler could only nod and disappear around the corner. 

2.) "The castle is gorgeous," her voice echoed along the corridors. 

    "Wait until you taste the food my lady, some say it's magical." 

3.) "Chandeliers make a great weapon."

    "Do you always think about fighting? Can you not take in the beauty and accept the craftsmanship? 

    "When you've lived the life I have, you would be thinking about weaponry too." 

Source: flickr.com Edinburgh Castle (Image 1), webdesignerdepot.com (Image 2), Sterre Myne Pinterest (Image 3) 

Writing Prompts Week 12 *Food*

Week 12 

Genre of the Week: General Fiction

How they work: Each week there is going to be a post completely dedicated to writing prompts. This will compliment the genre of the week, named every Saturday. Below three pictures are posted along with word prompts to go with them. Three options will be beneath each picture. All suggestions are welcome, and if you desire, please share your ideas. 

*Since US Thanksgiving is. coming up, I wanted to create wiring prompts that really bring out the flavor of the season--food. I love food! The smells, the taste, and cooking itself. Hopefully this inspires both writing and cooking. 

1.) "Elegance, sweet elegance." 

    "I wish you talked about me that way." 

    "My love, I do talk about you in a more pleasurable manner. Alas, I only wish I could cook as well as you." 

2.) She opened the fridge and began her tango with ingredients. Smells and sweetness and savory became her partners. The pots and pans lingered upon the stove top, warmth ushered its way into sweet serenity. 

    By the end of the night and all was done, love had stricken the air and their bellies. 

3.) "Soup again?" 

    "Not everyone can afford to have meat every night. Besides, I think I mastered making the bread this time." 

1.) "Have a hot date coming over?" 

    "Maybe I just wanted to have a fancy dinner." 

    "By yourself with two place setting?" 

2.) Swan lake crackled over the nearby record. He was always a sucker for the classics. Nothing was more romantic. Sweet candles flickered beside the lasagna. Will she like it. He thought. Or will she leave, like last time? 

3.) Unfinished, they left dinner without a trace. 

1.) "Remember when you were romantic? Remember when you used to make me breakfast?

2.) Mornings had passed when we had finally feasted. Eggs and pancakes littered the table. But I didn't care, at least it was food. 

3.) Camping was never my thing. Bears, Big Foot, and bugs, the three B's that I never adored. 

Sources: currytrail.in Spice Cauliflower and Almost Soup (Image 1), instagram.com @ellstark & @etdecroissants (Image 2), thelondoner.me (Image 3) 

Writing Prompts Week 11 *Dystopian Fiction*

 Week 11

Genre Dystopian Fiction (My GENRE) 

How they work: Each week there is going to be a post completely dedicated to writing prompts. This will compliment the genre of the week, named every Saturday. Below three pictures are posted along with word prompts to go with them. Three options will be beneath each picture. All suggestions are welcome, and if you desire, please share your ideas. 

1.) "Just turn left at the Hello Kitty."

    "Y'all really have a screwed up way of giving directions around here."

2.) "What is that?"

    "I guess people in the passed really worshipped cats. That thing is everywhere."

3.) "You live where?"

    "Shut up, its better than a sewer."

1.) "Do you see what I'm seeing?" 

     "No one sees what you're seeing." 

2.) She was told to stay away from them. No one knew she was the most dangerous human on earth. Many times it was questioned if she was actually human. Alas, she didn't fall under the category of creature. 

3.) "Unfortunately for you I can see into the future."

 

1.) "Build up, they said. It would be fun, they said." 

2.) "We need to rebuild this world in our image, in the image of Centron. For we cannot wait for the rest of the world to be prosperous. We must be prosperous for the world," the president spoke. 

3.) Bridges were built to connect the people with no voices and no hearing. Come to find out, they could talk and hear just fine. For the government could no longer hinder the wavelengths. 

BONUS:

Sources: *All photos found on Pinterest* creativeboom.com (Picture 1), MByak Deviantart.com (Picture 2), artstation.com (Picture 3), jctarpbook.com (Picture 4, 5, 6)

Guide to the Feudal System

 Genre of the Week: Fantasy and Historical Fiction 

The Glory of the Feudal System

    All of us have heard of kings and queens, princes and princesses. Today we are going to grasp a better understanding of the feudal system and how to apply it to your writing. In the fantasy genre is can be loosely applied. However, in historical fiction, you may want to stick to a certain system that works for the story line. *Fair warning there is a lot of history in the first two bullet points, not much focuses on writing, but I felt that a history lesson was due for more background on different types of feudal systems.*

Today's Rundown: 

• Western Feudal System (Middle Ages)  
• Japanese Feudal System
• How to Apply Feudal System to Fantasy and Historical Fiction
• Creating Your Own System Template

Western Feudal System (Middle Ages)

     The feudal system began in the Middle Ages spanning from the 5th to 12th century. This provided a tier of social political form of categorization. Governments were able to form to create unified empires. This is how it worked: 

1. Monarchs (Kings and Queens): Also known as feudal lords, kings and queens were charged with protecting, leading, and keeping a sense of order to everyone below them (vassals). Kings and queens believed they were placed in their position by Gods, therefore granted God's authority. Like today, monarchs vary in economic status. During the feudal system/feudalism, some monarchs had to work for their kingdom's control. Even then they may not have had enough wealth for a small army. That is where monarchs had to rely on lord and Nobels to provide them with bodies for their armies. At this time monarchs were more than just figureheads in society. England had many powerful monarchs during the feudal era, one of the most prominent families were the Germanic Saxons and the French Normans. William of Normandy, AKA William the Conqueror was the one king who brought stability to Europe. 
   
   
   
2. Lords and Nobles: Much like kings and queens, Lords/Ladies and Nobles were regarded at nobility. Many of them lived in manors while others owned multiple flats of real estate. Compared to monarchs, economic situations of nobilities ranged. Their homes had become the center of community. Because of the high walls built behind them, the community would seek refuge with their nobility. Lords tended to the community to assure their citizen's protection. Appointed officials made sure villagers carried out their duties such as farming the lord's land and paying rent. Lords also acted as judges in a manor court and had the power to punish if he saw fit. Lords fought in wars for their kings with other nobility by their side. If they did not fight, lords were responsible for finding able-bodied men to form their king's army. Nobility that did not own land spent time raising and educating their children, along with children in other families. Ladies were responsible for both their households and other households, depending on their economic state. Squires and pages also spent time at the homes of nobility to assist knights in training. Many times noble households had upwards of 100 people living inside. In their down time lords and ladies participated in hunting, hawking, feasting, dancing, board games, and reading. Ladies also enjoyed sewing and embroidery. Keep in mind, nobility such as monarchs, lords/ladies, and noblemen lived in castles and manors with very little heat sources. They were seen as gloomy and cold, only to be lit by candle light. They did not bathe as we do today, and only had a bath once a week. They were also highly affected by disease and the worries of warfare like lower status members of society. 
   
   
   
3. Knights: Making a living as mounted soldiers, knights were seen to be wealthy. Horses and armor we expensive but required for their line of work. Being vassals of nobility, knights were normally sent to war by the lords on behalf of the king. Knights endured years of training, starting at the age of 7. They started as a page/servant living at the lord's castle/manor. The lord was normally a relative to the child. There, pages/servants learned how to ride horses and religious practices, normally from a priest or frier. Pages would begin helping ladies where they would learn how to sing, dance, create music, and play the harp. After seven years with the ladies pages became squires. Then they would assist knights with their horses and armor. Knights would later teach their squires how to use weaponry to fight in battle. Squires were also expected to assist their lords on the battlefield during wartime. In their early 20s, if their lords found them deserving of the title, the squires would dubbed knights. Once the honor was received, knights were expected to act on a certain code: chivalry. Knights were expected to be loyal to their lords and ladies, the Church, and protect the helpless. For fun, knights participated in jousts and tournaments. Jousts included riding on horses and attempting to dismount the other opponent with a lance. Tournaments included one-on-one battle between knights. During battle knights fought with heavy armor with chain mail beneath it, however in the 14th century plated armor was introduced and seen as more affective. Medieval knighthood lasted until the 17th century when war changed and the use of gun powder was introduced. 
   
   
   
4. Peasants:  Majority of the medieval population consisted of peasants. They did not participate at lords or vassals for the king but they were still an intricate part of the feudal structure. Peasants worked farm land and provided food for nobility, not to mention the taxes. This allowed those above them to focus more on war and protection of their community. Peasants were also classified as free or unfree, this was dependent upon the amount of service they owed to the lords. Free peasants rented their land from lords. They only lowed rent due on their land. Unfree peasants were deemed serfs farmed the fields that their lord owned and were not allowed to leave the property. Their lives revolved around chores such as farming, livestock, and other artisanal work (ex. shoemaking and metal work). Peasant women worked fields and raised their children, cared for their homes, and livestock. Not only did peasants owe the lords for their land, but taxes as well. Yearly payments were owed known as "head money", which was a fixed amount per person. When women were married off the father or the husband had a pay a tax known as merchet. Peasants had little furniture and belongings.
   
   
   Their houses did not have a chimney and to keep warm they had a small fire pit, which caused the house to become smokey. Peasant houses were normally one room where everyone slept and ate, livestock was even recorded to join them. Unlike the monarchs and noble household, peasants only ate vegetables, pork, and dark bread. Very rarely did peasants eat beef or chicken. During the winter they preserved mutton and pork in salt. Herbs were used to cover the saltiness and gross taste/texture of the rotting meat. 

Japanese Feudal System

    Feudalism in medieval Japan lasted from 1185 CE-1603 CE. Although traces of the feudal system did start occurring with the reign the Kamakura Period. This period began in the late 12th century. *Minamoto Yoritomo is credited with creating a military government known as the Kamakura shogunate. Yoritomo became victorious against the rival of his family, the Taira Family at the battle of Dannoura (1185 CE). After Yoritomo introduced his own military administration known as bakufu to serve his imperial court.* The Kamakura period is greatly remembered by the rise of warrior classes. Warriors were taught the importance of martial skills, duty, loyalty, and bravery. Much like knightly bravery. During the Kamkura period, shoguns and military dictators replaced emperors and the imperial court. 

    Shogunates disbursed land to loyal subjects known as shoen that were supervised by officials known as jito (stewards) and shugo (constables). 

\

1. 
   Emperor: Known as the figurehead, they had little power over their people and political matters. Shoguns and Daimyos were thought and treated as the true rulers of Japan. However, emperors were seen as religious leaders or gods, so they still held a great deal of respect from the people around them. 40 emperors ruled during the feudal era of Japan (Emperor Gatoba was the first and and the last was Komei). There were only 2 empresses during this time (Empress Meisho and Empress Go-Sakuramachi).
   Since emperors did not have a lot of political mobility, they had more time for leisure activity such as viewing the garden, dancing, and religious ceremonies. Although they were not wealthy in power, emperors held a lot of currency so they lived luxurious lifestyles. They possessed large houses and estates with the nicest food, except for meat because of religious practices.  Emperors were known to wear the best clothing: extravagant kimonos with purple silk.
2. Shogun: They were known as militaristic leaders, the first being Yoritomo (1147-1333 CE). He made his dominance known in 1192 CE. He affectively replaced the Japanese emperor in political power and distributed confiscated land to those who deemed fit/loyal. Shoguns were meant to be a hereditary form of government (supposed to be appointed by the emperor). Bakufu was the military government that Yoritomo put in place when the feudal system began.
   
   
    Shoguns worked closely with other classes. Firstly, they were involved with civil servants that were over tax programs and administered them to the people. Secondly, Shoguns worked with the Daimyos (wealthy landowners). Thirdly, and finally, Shoguns worked with Samurai that were employed by the Daimyos. 3 Major Shoguns were Kamakura, Ashikaga, and Tokugawa. The term shogun is still informally used to refer to someone powerful behind the scenes (ex. retired prime ministers). 
3. Daimyos: Wealthy landholders were very powerful and influential. Estates, known as shoen,   were first organized into civil nobility and religious places. They were controlled by the framework of the imperial government. However when the militaristic government rose, daimyo applied to those that controlled territory. Daimyos divided multiple private estates that had been given to them by shoguns. Shugo daimyos arose in the 14th and 15th century under the guidance of Ashikaga. Shugo daimyos had limited landholding ability, but gained much of their income through taxes.
   
   
    After Ashikaga, Sengoku daimyos took the place of shugo daimyos. Sengoku daimyos controlled small domains that belonged to themselves or fief and vassals. Toward the end of the 15th century, Sengoku daimyos divided Japan into small states that were belligerent toward one another. They were constantly fighting each other to gain more territory. Sengoku daimyos soon built castles where they controlled their vassals who were also smaller land owners. Sengoku daimyos fought for territory until 1568 when Oda Nobunaga began a movement of military conquests over the daimyos. These efforts were later followed out by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and completed by Tokugawa Ieyusa in 1603. Roughly 200 daimyos came under the Tokugawa family's control.
   
   
    In the 16th century daimyos became even more limited to applying only territorial power and grain production. During the Tokugawa and Edo period (1603-1867), daimyos served local rulers as well as three quarters of the country that struggled with grain production. Daimyos joined their shoguns by oath and received their lands by vermilion seal. Daimyos were also classified by their relationship to the shogun. Kinsei or early modern daimyos of the Tokugawa period were different from those before them. These daimyos were regarded more as petty monarchs that ruled their domains. Daimyos divided off their estate to other vassals and were required to alternate their residence between their domains and the Edo court (Tokyo). The Tokugawa era introduced more bureaucratic principles and removed the daimyos from politics and government. 
4. Samurai: Similar to European knights, Samurais served their daimyos. They fought honorably for their people and bring order to the community. Their code was called Bushido which translates to "way of the warrior". Their education began at a young age. They were educated on Chinese studies, poetry, and spiritual discipline. As young warriors, they studied "the way of the sword" known as Kendo along with Zen Buddhism. Young girls were also given martial arts training, but most samurai women did not fight on the battlefield. Instead they were given the task of defending the home front in their own communities.
   
   
    Samurais also found great importance in their deaths and how they died. For example, if a samurai died of their own accord, on their own terms, it was seen as valiant. Since the samurai did not want to be seen as defeated in the hands of their enemy. Therefore, samurais normally chose ritual suicide known as seppuku. Samurais also took great pride in their hair. Their locks would be seen in top knot styles called chomage. The rest of their hair would lay straight on the sides. This style reduced heat when helmets were worn.
   
   
    Styling of their wardrobe was also important. This displayed their status. Many of them wore everyday kimonos because crazy colors (normally worn by youth) were frowned upon. Their kimonos were normally made of silk with a loincloth beneath it. However, the quality of the kimono depended on their income. When outside the samurai wore a two piece attire called a kamishimo that was situated over their kimono. An "obi" or belt wrapped around the waist is where samurais hung their swords. Swords were always kept on the left side and removed indoors. When samurais went to town for pleasure, they often hid their faces to avoid being recognized incase they disobeyed any rules that had been given to them.
   
   
    Samurais first arose as provincial warriors before the 12th century. When military dictatorship arose so did the samurais power because they backed the shoguns against the emperor. Samurais rose higher in the Kamakura period where political power shifted. Since Yorimoto's power depended heavily on the samurais those had to earn the status and be given it upon Yorimoto's request or permission. Zen Buddhism was also attractive to samurai to take on this lifestyle. Since Buddhism teaches salvation comes from within and provides philosophical background it soon became woven into the samurai lifestyle. The sword also became significant in their culture during the Kamakura period. A man's honor was believed to reside in his sword. Blades were carefully hammered with inlays of gold or silver and finished off with a sharkskin hand grab.
   
   
    After Japan fell to chaos during Ashikaga Shogunate's reign feudal Japan lacked a sense of authority. It wasn't until the Tokugawa Period arose and things Japanese life became peaceful. Samurais took up more governmental and civil roles. In 1588 sword carrying was restricted to samurais which created division between them and peasants. During this period, samurais became "two sword man" where they carried one long sword and the other short. They lived on small stipend from land owners that soon dwindled over time. Samurais soon began to dwindle after Meiji Restoration. 

Peasants: Women in the peasant world greatly differed from those in the upperclass. They made up only one tenth of the Japanese population. They had some control of domestic life such as holding property, inheritance, and divorce rights. However, if they divorced their husbands women could not remarry. Unlike their aristocratic counterparts, peasant women wore their hair short and married later on in life. The delay for marriage was caused by the family's need for labor. Many peasant women married farmers, who only took one wife. Later on samurais would take peasant women to be their wives because of their beliefs that a woman should be obedient and submissive. This caused women to loose many of their rights and independence. 

Farmers were very prevalent in the peasant world. Farm houses were very prevalent in village society, more so than fishing and mountain communities. Each type of village had their own unique incomes compared to the similar functions and features. Three officers governed the village they were called Nanushi, Kumigashira, and Hyakusyoudai. Officers known as Honnbyakusyou managed the land and worked with farmers to prepare for disaster prevention. The goal was to protect the food resources for the higher-ups in society. Murairiyou was payed by each villager in order to assure needed resources those of higher status (like taxes). Goninngumi is a term that refers to people being placed in groups of five to have a joint responsibility of payment. 

Multiple social classes were prevalent in the villages. Upper class citizens owned rice fields and the lower class lacked steady jobs. Separation of classes was not exclusive to the peasant culture, but higher statuses within the manors. Farmers had a burden called Nengu, that also served as a tax. Even though farmers grew all of the rice, they barely saw the fruits of their labor (because of high taxes). Their last resort was eating grass or millet. Because of their lack of wealth, clothes of farmers were simple, normally made from cotton or hemp. Although farmers worked hard, they were given a few days off during the year where they arm-wrestled and drank. They would also get receive breaks for annual festivals. 

6. Artisans/Craftsman/Merchants: These individuals created goods for the manors. They were known to support the Edo's prosperity. Artisans were skilled in carpentry, woodworking, and cutlers (those who repair). They constantly worked with merchants to trade their goods. Merchants and artisans made up 3% of the Japanese population. These individuals were known as townspeople.

Much like those above them there were economical differences between merchants. In some cases wealthy merchants would be richer than samurais. Which said a lot considering samurais had a higher political status. Merchants and artisans resided in rows of houses known as Nagaya. They were built to only be 9.8 cubic meters in size. They were divided by center lanes were children would play. 

How to Apply Feudalism to Fantasy and Historical Fiction

    In both fantasy and historical fiction (depending on the time period) there are hints of the feudal system. For example, in the Witcher, there is a pecking order. Anywhere there is a kingdom present opens up the door for you to create your own system. The key is keeping it all in order, as the real life examples. In historical fiction, it is your job as the author to study which ever era you are focusing on. Yes, it is still fiction, but it is important they you have your facts straight to give your readers the best story.  

    That being said, there is weight in gold for being organized (something that I struggle with). Readers crave consistency and understanding. Make a game plan of who is in charge of what. You are the one creating character history, especially in fantasy. In historical fiction, you may be limited by the time period, but nothing truly limits your characters. Do not be afraid to make your own status chart and get creative with it. 

Creating Your Own System Template

*Currently working on posting a larger template* 

Sources: Pinterest Maria Jarco (Image 1), medievalchronicles.com (Image 2), Pinterest Natalie (Image 3), murreyandblue.wordpress.com (Image 4), google images (Image 5, 6), Pinterest (Image 7), wikipedia.org Emperor Sakuramachi (Image 8), nationalgeographic.com First Shogunate (Image 9), japanguide.com (Image 10), thoughtco.com (Image 11), kwunion.com Google images (Image 12), All That's Interesting Google Images (Image 13), Pinterest Alexandru (Image 14), artelino.com Google images (Image 15), Point House Google images (Image 16), World History Encyclopedia Google images (Image 17), world4.eu Google images (Image 18), electricliterature.com Google images (Image 19), dictionary.com (feudal system info), Britannica.com (Feudal System info, daimyo info), franklinboe.org (Feudal System info), Britannica.com (Kamakura period info), worldhistory.org (Japanese Feudalism info), legendsandchronicles.com (Emperor Info), education.nationalgeography.org (Shogun info), history.com (Samurai and Bushido info), pbs.org (Samurai info), pxu.org (Peasant and Merchant info)

Writing Prompts Week 10 *Fall Favorites*

 Week 10

Genre: General Fiction (Fall Favorites)

How they work: Each week there is going to be a post completely dedicated to writing prompts. This will compliment the genre of the week, named every Saturday. Below three pictures are posted along with word prompts to go with them. Three options will be beneath each picture. All suggestions are welcome, and if you desire, please share your ideas. 

1.) "Breathe. Breathe. Breathe," she whispered.

    "If only you could," they spoke in unison, "if only you had a voice like ours." 

2.) "Don't you love them?" 

    "Them who?" she asked.

    "Butterflies," he replied.

    "Of course, they are my closest allies. I wish I could say the same for you." 

3.) "Rumor has it you are the diligent beauty." 

    "Equal rumors have spread that you are the annoying stalker type. Yet here you are and here I am. Alas, I am free and you are in a grotesque form." 

1.) Quarantine could not stop her, for she was a writer. Her voice would be heard on the roof tops, even if they were figurative. 

2.) Warmth covered her body, as did the smell of Earl Grey. Watching as the last petal fell from the flowers of her ex-boyfriend, she finally finished writing her novel. 

3.) "Is brown your favorite color?" 

    "No, fall is my favorite color, and you are ruining my vibes." 

1.) Nothing hindered her reading. She was reclusive as most would say. Much like Emily Dickinson. Poetic were her words and her reading matched such talent. Alas, she desired no one to share it with but the birds in the sky and the leaves at her feet. 

2.) All the detectives found was a cup of unfinished coffee and book half finished. 

3.) Many prayed for spring, thankful for the warmth and beauty of life. No, he loved fall and all the cold that came along with ushering in the winter season. 

Source: Pinterest saatchiart.com (Picture 1), Pinterest uploaded by Ana Zuk (Picture 2), Pinterest people-places-things-etc.tumblr.com (Picture 3). 

Names for Names Sake: Classic Names

Genre: Classic Names

    What names comes to mind when you think classic? Are they oldie-but-goodie names or are they so well known that multiple kings and queens have been named after them? Today we will go over classic names that have withstood the test of time. Let's get some inspiration brewing! 

Today's Rundown: 

• Female Names & Meanings
• Male Names & Meanings
• Unisex Names & Meanings
• Honorable Mentions 

Female Names & Meanings

1.) Anne/Anna

Origin: French/Hebrew 

Meaning: Grace

Famous People: Anne Boleyn (King Henry VIII's 2nd wife), Anne Frank, Anne of Austria, and as a more current pop culture reference, Anne Hathaway. 

Nicknames/Variations: Hannah, Annie, Annamaria, Annabeth 

2.) Elizabeth

Origin: Hebrew 

Meaning: God is my Oath

Famous People: Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Elizabeth II, Elizabeth Taylor

Nicknames/Variations: Elizaveta, Elizabeta, Lisabette, Eliza, Lizzy 

3.) Mary

Origin: Hebrew 

Meaning: Of Beloved, Bitter, Rebellious 

Famous People: Mary I of England (Bloody Mary), Mary Queen of Scots, Mary Crown Princess of Denmark 

Nicknames/Variations: Maria, Miriam, and Marie 

4.)  Alice

Origin: German 

Meaning: Nobel, Exalted 

Famous People: Alice Roosevelt Longsworth, Princess Alice o the United Kingdom, Alice Walker of the United Kingdom

Nicknames/Variations: Allison, Alissa, Alyce, Alitha. 

5.) Beatrice

Origin: Denmark, Germany, France, and England 

Meaning: Delivers joy and blessed travelers 

Famous People: Princess Beatrice of the United Kingdom, Princess Beatrice of York, and Bea Miller

Nicknames/Variations: Bea, Beata, Beatricia 

6.) Charlotte

Origin: French

Meaning: Free man or Petite 

Famous People: Charlotte Perkins Gilman, Charlotte of Prussia, Princess Charlotte of Cambridge

Nicknames/Variations: Lola, Carlotta, Carla, Carly, Charlie 

7.) Lucile

Origin: French

Meaning: Light, illumination 

Famous People: Lucille Ball, Lucille Bliss, Lucille Starr

Nicknames/Variations: Lucy, Lucinda, Luisa, Latricia, Lucille

8.) Margaret

Origin: Greek

Meaning: Pearl 

Famous People: Margaret Thatcher, Margaret Atwood, Princess Margaret Countess of Snowdon

Nicknames/Variations: Maggie, Marge, Madge, Marjorie, Peggy, Greta, Gretchen 

9.) Ophelia

Origin: Greek 

Meaning: Benefit, aid 

Famous People: Ophelia Dahl, Ophelia (in Hamlet) 

Nicknames/Variations: Filia, Ovalia, Ovelia, Phelia, Ophelya 

10.) Penelope

Origin: Greek

Meaning: Weaver

Famous People: Penelope Cruz, Penelope Blount Countess of Devonshire 

Nicknames/Variations: Penny, Poppy, Pelcia, Nelly, Pepper, Nell

Male Names & Meanings:

1.) George

Origin: Greece

Meaning: Farmer, earth worker

Famous People: Lord Byron, George Washington, George Eliot, George Bush 

Nicknames/Variations: Geo, Georgie, Joe, Gordy 

2.) Henry

Origin: French, German 

Meaning: House Ruler 

Famous People: King Henry VIII, Henry Ford, Henry David Thoreau 

Nicknames/Variations: Hank, Hal, Harry, Huck, Ry, Rye, Hon 

3.) Charles/Charlie

Origin: Old English, Germanic, French

Meaning: Free Man

Famous People: Charles Darwin, Charles Dickens, King Charles III 

Nicknames/Variations: Charlie, Chuckey, Charl, Chaz, Chuck

4.) Francis

Origin: Latin

Meaning: Frenchman, Frank, free man 

Famous People: Francis I of France, Francis Bacon, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Francis Drake

Nicknames/Variations: Frank, Franz 

5.) Howard

Origin: Germanic

Meaning: Brave Heart

Famous People: Howard Stern, Howard Wolowitz 

Nicknames/Variations: Howie, Ward

6.) Andrew

Origin: Greek

Meaning: Strong, manly

Famous People: Andrew Jackson, Andrew Johnson

Nicknames/Variations: Andre, Drew, Andrea 

7.) Oscar

Origin: Gaelic

Meaning: God speer, deer lover, champion warrior

Famous People: Oscar Wilde, Oscar II of Sweden, Oscar I of Sweden 

Nicknames/Variations: Ossie, Ozzy, Oskar 

8.) Louis

Origin: French

Meaning: Famous warrior

Famous People: Louis Tomlinson, Louis IV Holy Roman Emperor, Louis XIV of France 

Nicknames/Variations: Lu, Lewis, Luay, Ludwig, Ludwik, Luigi

9.) Adam

Origin: Hebrew

Meaning: Son of red earth 

Famous People: Adam West, Adam Lambert, Adam Levine, Adam Scott

Nicknames/Variations: Addis, Adham, Aiden 

10.) Silas

Origin: Greek

Meaning: Forest

Famous People: Silas Deane, Silas Wright, Silas Carson

Nicknames/Variations: Si, Cy, Sil 

Unisex Names

1.) Alex

Origin: Greek

Meaning: Defender of Humankind 

Famous People: Alex Kingston, Alex Gonzaga, Alex Gardner 

Nicknames/Variations: Alexander, Alexandra, Alexandrina, Alexei, Alexis 

2.) Ali

Origin: Arabic

Meaning: High, exalted

Famous People: Prince Ali (Aladin), Ali Benjamin, Ali Bryan 

Nicknames/Variations: Allison, Alley, Alexander, Alexandra, Alexandria, Alexandrina, Alexei, Aladin 

3.) Ash

Origin: Hebrew

Meaning: Happy, ash tree

Famous People: Ashton Kutcher, Ash Ketchum (Pokemon) 

Nicknames/Variations: Ashton, Asher, Ashley, Ashleigh

4.) Danny

Origin: Hebrew

Meaning: God is my Judge

Famous People: Danny Devito, Danny Glover, Danny Trejo 

Nicknames/Variations: Daniel, Danielle, Daniella, Danika, Dana, Danni 

5.) Ellis

Origin: Welsh

Meaning: Kind, benevolent 

Famous People: Ellis Burks, Ellis Grey (Grey's Anatomy) 

Nicknames/Variations: Ellie, Eilene, Elaina, Ellen, Lestor 

6.) Jesse

Origin: Hebrew

Meaning: The Lord exsists 

Famous People: Jesse James, Jesse Eisenburg  

Nicknames/Variations: Jessie, Jessica, Jethro, Josiah, Jessalyn, Jessa 

7.) Jo 

Origin: Latin

Meaning: God is gracious 

Famous People: Jo Stafford, JoJo Siwa 

Nicknames/Variations: Joanne, Joseph, Joan, Josephine, John, Jonah, Joanna, Jodie, JoJo, Jonathan

8.) Max 

Origin: Latin

Meaning: Greatest

Famous People: Max Scherzer, Max Planck 

Nicknames/Variations: Maxwell, Maximillian, Maxine, Milian, Magnus, Maksym 

9.) Reese/Rhys

Origin: Welsh

Meaning: Enthusiasm, fire

Famous People: Reese Witherspoon, Johnathan Rhys Meyers 

Nicknames/Variations: Russ, Rys, Raja, Reece, Ross, Rossa 

10.) Winter

Origin: Old English 

Meaning: Time of water

Famous People: Winter Anderson (American Horror Stories) 

Nicknames/Variations: Winnie, Wren 

Honorable Mentions to names I left Out: 

Ada, Victoria, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Robert, Everette, Aura, Aurora, May, June, Kelley, Aja, Edith, Eden, Aaron, Franklin, Richard, Nora, and Christopher 

Source: JotterPad (Image 1), lolitawardrobe.com (Image 2), countryliving.com (Image 3),  Pinterest (Image 4), mudwerks.tumblr.com (Image 5), sammyvintage.com (Image 6), buzzfeed.com (Image 7), www.thebump.com (names and meanings), wellfamily.com (name meanings), momlovesbest.com (name information), playback.fm (famous names),verywellfamily.com (vintage name list), mykidstime.com (unisex names), ranker.com (famous names), wikipedia.org (information about famous people named Alex) 

Writing Prompt Week 9 *Horror (Witches and Mystics)*

Week 9

Genre Horror (Witches and Mystics) 

Happy Halloween! 

How they work: Each week there is going to be a post completely dedicated to writing prompts. This will compliment the genre of the week, named every Saturday. However, for the month of October we will be focusing on different topics of horror. Today is "physically scary". Below three pictures are posted along with word prompts to go with them. Three options will be beneath each picture. All suggestions are welcome, and if you desire, please share your ideas. 

1.) She was the daughter who wasn't supposed to live. She was the clone of her mother that could never amount to those who walked before her. No, no, they were wrong. Her power could not be compared to theirs. 

2.) "Dazzle me, sister. Show me your true power." 

    But she couldn't, not when there was so many people. Instead, she melted into the water and never returned to the coven. Not until she could control herself. 

3.) She etched her name in the sand before disappearing into the ocean. The sea overtook her body and she was ushered into the final realm. A place of no return where she would become queen of her own coven. But only if she survives.  

1.) She was once the daughter of a noble man, until they burned her at the steak for witchcraft. That is when they found her, not yet dead but abandoned. Werwolves. 

2.) "Beautiful," she purred, "at last a match made in Heaven." 

    "A potion?" 

    "Not just any potion, a resurrection potion." 

3.) Remember the feline witch? No? You will now. 

1.) The witch haunts the forests outside St. Peter's House. She lives with one wolf, but not for protection, only for company. Be respectful, for if she calls you sweetly, she is safe. If she screams your name, you are next. 

2.) "Forward," the witch cried, "we must clear this land for it is burdened with the death of my sisters." 

3.) Her silhouette moved along the backyard, behind her was a wolf. No recalls an immortal witch with a werewolf friend until today. 

Sources: Pinterest (Photo 1), Pinterest artstation.com (Photo 2), Pinterest rebelsociety.com (Photo 3)