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) 

WHAT IF?!?!?!?!

 Lists of What Ifs

    Today is not just another post of writing prompts. I want to go over the craziest "What Ifs" and how this magic phrase can help your writing. Currently, I am writing a whole novel on the craziest "What If" I can think of. 

Today's Rundown 

• How can one simple question help your writing?
• How to apply your What Ifs? 
• Brainstorming "What Ifs" 
• List of "What Ifs"

How Can 1 Simple Question Help Your Writing?

    Personally, I don't always use questions to start my writing. However, questions can get the inspiration juices flowing. Although you may struggle to find the right questions to ask, "what ifs" always seem to pop into our mind. I know when I ever thought of "What Ifs" that I would get worried and anxious. Now I used my busy mind that never rests to my advantage. So "What If" the sky is falling. I can either worry about it or write about. Now, this may not work for everyone, but it works for me, and I'll show you how. 

    You may start to think of your worries, say "What if I don't get an A on my exam today?" 

    Well what would happen if you didn't get an A on your exam? Would you flunk the class? Would you binge eat at your favorite restaurant? Would you have less of a chance to plot world domination and be taken serious? All of these are valid questions that follow after your first "what if". Allow them to take over, and the plot of your story will soon unfold. 

How to Apply "What Ifs" 

    Applying "what ifs" to your writing may be simple some days and challenging the next. Since the questions is completely basic along with the questions that follow, it is your job to fill in the blanks. Lets take our example from earlier:

  What if I don't get an A on my exam? 

    Okay, so you have your topic. You, or your character desires above all else to get an A on their exam. BOOM you have your "desire" or "goal in your writing. 

    Let's look at the following questions that may follow what will happen to you/your character if you don't get an A on that exam. 

• Flunk the class 
• Binge eat at your favorite restaurant 
• Have less of a chance to plot world domination and be taken seriously

    Depending on which sub-question you choose will lead the journey of you/your character. I'm going to pick my favorite and least simple of the three: Have less of a chance to plot world domination and be taken seriously. 

    The desire of your character has now deepened because his/her/their wants is no longer just: "What if I don't get an A on my exam? There is a deep layer to the character. Since you/the character are plotting world domination and want to be taken seriously, this will lead to the character's backstory. How will that hinder or help the process of getting an A on the exam. This will also give you room to state the age of the character and the class they are taking. Perhaps you/the character are in a super-villain course and is currently struggling to remember the names of older/long gone superheroes? 

    See how more questions open the door to new structures of your writing? 

Brainstorming "What Ifs" 

    "What ifs" can range from the simple "What if I don't get an A on this exam?" to the most complex thoughts one can imagine. The key is finding ways to brainstorm. Since "What ifs" can historically be overwhelming (at least for me), writing them down is very helpful. Making post-it notes with your "What ifs" or even writing them on small pieces of paper and pulling them out of a hat. These can serve as writing prompts for later or serve as just a surge of inspiration. I used to keep mine in glass spice jars. You never know when you need a "What if". If you want, you can even story board your "What ifs" if that is something you like to do. Personally, I'm not that organized. 

List of "What Ifs"

    I know thinking of "What ifs" can be challenging, especially if you don't worry that much. For those that worry, make it work for your writing. There as to be some good that comes out of it. Below I have listed some random "What ifs" that can get your brain churning and ready to storm. 

1. What if I could see in the dark?
2. What if I can't remember my passwords?
3. What if I win the football game?
4. What if I can't cure the incurable?
5. What if I become the world's greatest superhero?
6. What if I never eat chocolate again? (me internally screaming) 
7. What if my true love's kiss doesn't break the spell?
8. What if hugging caused sicknesses? 
9. What if an illness took over the world? 
10. What if a cat took over the world?
11. What if I dog was chased by a squirrel? 
12. What if pickles were named something else? 
13. What if man never made it to the moon?
14. What if you were the first person on the moon?
15. What if you name was Shelby? 
16. What if you spoke every language in the world?
17. What if you never spoke?
18. What if you couldn't hear?
19. What if you lost what meant most to you?
20. What if you blew up the sun?
21. What if you blew up Mars?
22. What if Mars was never found?
23. What if gravity wasn't a concept?
24. What if the last thing you ate, ate you?
25. What if you never saw this post? 
26. What if you turned into a fairy?
    
    
    
27. What if you were a mermaid?
28. What if you were a werewolf?
29. What if you archenemy was a vampire?
30. What if your mother was a vampire and your father was a werewolf?
31. What if you were the "normal one"? 
32. What if October wasn't a month?
33. What if the year of your birth disappeared?
34. What if you could sing?
35. What if you couldn't sing but were forced to sing in front of others?

Feel free to post more "What ifs" in the comments below! 

Source: Pinterest (Image 1), lovethispic.com (Image 2), Grant Snider-laughingsquid.com (Image 3), art station.com (Image 4), lecturesdetarologa.wordpress.com (Image 5), resimlerin-dili.tumblr.com (Image 6) 

Writing Prompt Week 8 *Horror (Paranormal)

  Week 8

Genre Horror (Paranormal)

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.) "Touch me." 

    "No," she cringed. 

    "No? But for what reason?" 

    "You are my enemy." 

    "No, I am your best friend. Trust me." 

2.) My grandmother's mirror had been passed down for generations. Now I was blessed with the reflection that showed the whole truth. I had no clue my ancestor's spirit cursed it.

 

3.) Beautiful, distinct, coldness, for their touches were useless. I was held captive from my own thoughts, not my soul was in on the rigorous torture. 

1.) You are given a doll. No matter what it stays by your side, but cannot be seen in your reflection. You notice this in your childhood pictures. Now that you don't have the doll she shows up in your reflection. 

2.) She pierced her lips, grabbed her doll, and cursed the world. 

3.) "Never let me go," the doll whispered. 

    "Never," the girl responded. 

    Years later college came and she finally had to let go of the doll. How does the doll plot revenge? 

1.) She wore a bow around her neck. Beneath was a scar where she was hanged. She escaped before they could burn her, but now the top witch hunters search for her. Is the bounty enough for her coven to turn against her? 

2.) "Sisterhood, this is a sisterhood," she cried. 

    "This is a coven my love and we no longer take lifetime credit here. Serve the cause or leave." 

3.) "Love the eyes," he spoke.

      "Funny, not many people comment on my eyes." 

      "Really? I'm the first?" 

      "No, you're just the only one that is brave enough." 

Sources: Pinterest nednote.com (Photo 1), Pinterest flickr.com Kilkennycat (Photo 2), Pinterest anetteschive.com (Photo 3) 

Names for Names Sake: Spooky Names

Spooky Names 

    October is the time for everyone to be Spooky. From ghouls and zombies to vampires and werewolves. Today we are going to be looking at spooky names for your characters. Now, you don't need to write in the horror genre or be in love with Halloween to love spooky names. Perhaps you have a villain or antagonist that needs to have a flare of scary, an embellishment of evil. If you are "name shopping" for one of those characters you have come to the right place. Happy early Halloween everyone! 

 Today's Rundown

• Spooky Female Names
• Spooky Male Names
• Spooky Unisex Names
• Honorable Mentions 

Spooky Female Names

1.) Morticia 

Meaning: Mortician 

Origin: English 

Famous Inspiration: Morticia from the Addam's Family 

Fun Fact: In the movies, (Anjelica Huston) Morticia's eyes always received special lighting. 

Nicknames/Variations: Tish, Tisha, Mora, Moriah, Mica, Misha 

2.) Cordelia 

Meaning: Heart

Origin: Latin 

Famous Inspiration: American Horror Stories Coven, Daughter of the Supreme and the Supreme in later seasons 

Fun Fact: Cordelia finds that she has the power of The Sight after she gains blinding facial burns. 

Nicknames/Variations: Cora, Delia, Lila, Lia, Deli 

3.) Desdemona 

Meaning: Misery 

Origin: Greek 

Famous Inspiration: Seen in Shakespeare's "Othello".

Fun Fact: Desdemona ended up killing her jealous husband.  

Nicknames/Variations: Desi, Dezi, Mona, DeeDee, Donna 

4.) Coraline 

Meaning: From the coral of the sea, maiden 

Origin: Greek, French

Famous Inspiration: Coraline the movie 2009

Fun Fact: The eyes in Coraline symbolize the soul and protection. 

Nicknames/Variations: Coral, Cora, Lynn, Lena, Caroline

5.) Lilith 

Meaning: Belonging to the Night 

Origin: Akkadian 

Famous Inspiration: Adam's first wife in Mesopotamian mythology.   

Fun Fact: She was banished from the Garden of Eden for her disobedience. 

Nicknames/Variations: Lilly, Lily 

6.) Akasha 

Meaning: Upper Sky, Space

Origin: Hindu 

Famous Inspiration: Queen of the Damned 2002

Fun Fact: In Hindu, akasha is the 5th physical substance, quality of sound

Nicknames/Variations: 

7.) Elvira 

Meaning: Elf Council, Truth 

Origin: Germanic

Famous Inspiration: Multiple movies based on Cassandra Peterson's persona. 

Fun Fact: Known as mistress of the dark.

Nicknames/Variations: Vira, Ella, Ellie, Vyra 

8.) Annabelle 

Meaning: Favored Grace and Beauty 

Origin: Hebrew

Famous Inspiration: Annabelle Movies 2014, 2017, 2019 

Fun Fact: Inspired story by the Warren family about a doll given to a nurse in the 1970s. 

Nicknames/Variations: Anna, Bella, Annabella, Belle, Annie, Anne 

9.) Sabrina 

Meaning: From the Border, Legendary Princess 

Origin: Celtic, English, Latin, Italian 

Famous Inspiration: Sabrina the Teenage Witch 

Fun Fact: Sabrina came from the Archie Comics. 

Nicknames/Variations: Saby, Trina, Tina, Brina 

10.) Wednesday  

Meaning: Wooden Day 

Origin: English 

Famous Inspiration: Wednesday Addams from the Addams Family 

Fun Fact: The inspiration for Wednesday Addams was a nursery rhyme. 

Nicknames/Variations: 

Spooky Male Names

1.) Bram

Meaning: Father of Many

Origin: Hebrew (Abraham) 

Famous Inspiration: Author of Dracula, Bram Stoker 

Fun Fact: Vlad the Impaler's historic thirst for blood inspired Stoker's novel, Dracula. 

Nicknames/Variations: Abram, Abraham, Brammy 

2.) Draco

Meaning: Dragon, Devil

Origin: Latin

Famous Inspiration: Draco Malfoy, Harry Potter Series

Fun Fact: Rowling was careful not to give Draco a heart of gold. 

Nicknames/Variations: Drake, Drago, Dracona (F), Dracula

3.) Freddy

Meaning:Peaceful Ruler, Elf, Council of Magic

Origin: English

Famous Inspiration: Freddy Krueger, Five Nights of Freddy

Fun Fact: Five Nights of Freddy was inspired by a previous game created by Scott Cawthon that received negative reviews. 

Nicknames/Variations: Frederick, Fred, Fredrick

4.) Chucky

Meaning: Free Man 

Origin: German

Famous Inspiration: Chucky the Doll

Fun Fact: The original Chucky doll is worth $500 in the US. 

Nicknames/Variations: Carl, Karl, Charles, Chuck 

5.) Jason

Meaning: Healer

Origin: Greek

Famous Inspiration: Jason Voorhees, Friday the 13th (1980) 

Fun Fact: Jason has a strong fear of water. 

Nicknames/Variations: Jace, Jazz

6.) Ichabod 

Meaning:Without Glory

Origin: Hebrew

Famous Inspiration: Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949) 

Fun Fact: "Sleepy Hollow" featured in Ichabod and Mr. Toad, is based off a gothic story written by Washington Irving containing 34 essays and short stories. 

Nicknames/Variations: 

7.) Bates

Meaning: Son of Bartholomew 

Origin: English

Famous Inspiration: Psycho written by Robert Bloch

Fun Fact: The first movie adaptation of Psycho was released in September of 1960. 

Nicknames/Variations: Bea, Tate, Barry 

8.) Cain

Meaning: Spear, possessed 

Origin: Hebrew

Famous Inspiration: Biblical story of Cain and Abel. 

Fun Fact: The term "raising cain" means to cause trouble or commotion. 

Nicknames/Variations: 

9.) Norman

Meaning:Man from the North

Origin: English

Famous Inspiration: Norman Bates from Psycho, written by Robert Bloch 

Fun Fact: The name dates back to 9th century vikings. 

Nicknames/Variations: Nori, Norm, Nor, Manny, Nolan 

10.) Fiyero 

Meaning: Proud

Origin: Italian 

Famous Inspiration: Wicked

Fun Fact: Fiyero was Elphaba's love interest. 

Nicknames/Variations: 

Spooky Unisex Names

1.) Ratched  

Meaning: Sadistic or controlling woman, or person that holds authority over another 

Origin: American 

Famous Inspiration: Nurse Ratched (Netflix Series 2020) 

Fun Fact: Thought the storyline is fiction, Nurse Ratched is based on an actual person. 

Nicknames/Variations: Ray, Chad, Chet 

2.) Raven

Meaning: Dark Haired, Wise

Origin: English

Famous Inspiration: Edgar Allen Poe

Fun Fact: Ravens signify loss and ill omens. 

Nicknames/Variations: Ray, Rae, Vinny, Vin, Vinnie, Raya 

3.) Ambrose

Meaning: Immortal

Origin: Greek

Famous Inspiration: Ambrose Bierce, writer of scary stories in the 1960s. 

Fun Fact: "Ghosts and Horror Stories of Ambrose Bierce" includes 23 modern style horror stories. 

Nicknames/Variations: Brose, Amy, Rose 

4.) Alchemy 

Meaning: Medieval Chemistry

Origin: Latin

Famous Inspiration: The word Alchemist. 

Fun Fact: Alchemists try to discover cures for diseases and ways to prolong life. 

Nicknames/Variations: Chemy, Chimmy, Ali, Alley, Emmy 

5.) Jadis

Meaning: Long Ago, Yesteryear, Once 

Origin: French and Turkish

Famous Inspiration: C.S Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia 

Fun Fact: Was said to be the giant offspring of Lilith. 

Nicknames/Variations: Jay, Dia, Adis, Jada, Sida 

6.) Salem

Meaning: Peaceful, Perfect, Safe, Complete

Origin: Hebrew and Arabic 

Famous Inspiration: Salem Witch Trials in Massachusetts  

Fun Fact: During the witch trials 20 women were sentenced to death by hanging for witchcraft and 200 were imprisoned for practicing Satanism. 

Nicknames/Variations: Sayla, Allen, Lem

7.) October

Meaning: Eighth Month 

Origin: American

Famous Inspiration: The Month of October

Fun Fact: October was originally the eighth month in the Roman calendar. 

Nicknames/Variations: Oggy, Toby, Octavia, Octavio 

8.) Nyx

Meaning: Night

Origin: Greek

Famous Inspiration: Greek Goddess of Night

Fun Fact: Nyx is feared by Zeus. 

Nicknames/Variations: Nix 

9.) Billy

Meaning:Will Helmet, Protection 

Origin: German

Famous Inspiration: Billy from Black Christmas (1974)

Fun Fact: One of the inspirations for Black Christmas was a series of homicides in Montreal from 1969-1971. 

Nicknames/Variations: Bill, William, Willa, Billie 

10.) Addams 

Meaning:From Red Earth

Origin: Hebrew

Famous Inspiration: Addams Family 

Fun Fact: Originally published in 1938, the Addams family was brought to life by cartoonist Charles Addams. 

Nicknames/Variations: Addy, Adam, Adams, Atom, Addie, Addison, Madden 

Honorable Mentions: Alexis, Rosemary, May, Maleficent, Shay, Carrie, Cara, Bellatrix, Lucian, Lucious, Damon, Dameon, Damian, Damina  

Source: classichorrorblog.tumblr.com (Image 1), deviantart.com by UltraCosplay (Image 2), Yarin Pinterest (Image 3), etsy.com (Image 4), blood-disgusting.com (Image 5), broadway.com (Image 6), Pinterest Ow (Image 7), Pinterest post (Image 8), screenrant.com (Morticia facts), yahoo.com (spooky names), babycenter.com (spooky names), popculturewitchesandwizards.com (Cordelia info), www.ranker.com (Coraline info), Google (Lilith and Akasha info), wikipedia.org (Annabelle info, 5 Nights of Freddy info, Raven info, Billy info, Addams Family info), everydaypower.com (Wednesday info), nationalgeographic.com (Bram info), time.com (Draco info), muzeum.ca (Chucky info), cbr.com (Jason info), Google, wiktionary.com (Cain info), wicked.fandom.com (Fiyero info), momjunction.com (names), yourdictionary.com (Ratched info), cheatsheet.com (Ratched info), Goodreads.com (Ambrose Bierce info), Britannica.com (Alchemist info), babynames.com (October info), thebump.com (Nyx info), oxygen.com (Black Christmas info), 

Writing Prompt Week 7 *Horror (Psychological)*

 Week 7

Genre Horror (Psychological)

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.) "Welcome," it said with a solemn glance. 

    "I want to go home." 

    "Home is where your heart is," its body slithered my way and pressed its hand onto my chest. 

2.) I had been at my uncle's house of a month before. I had walked the lake every night until I found a black leather notebook. That's when it started to search for me. Those who lived on the bog for years said he welcomed everyone in a different way. Just enjoy the haunting, that's what makes this place home. 

3.) Alone it traveled until finding the girl he was truly meant to marry, until she called him a monster. 

1.) "Why does this never fit?" 

    "Perhaps you haven't tried hard enough." 

2.) He didn't know who he was, only that nothing fit right and he woke up in a different place. Could this be heaven or is this hell? 

3.) Stuck at home she could never make her own choices, until she stepped outside the walls where everyone knew her. How could everyone know her and she not know herself? 

1.) "Crazy, crazy, crazy," it screamed. 

    "Genius, I prefer the word genius," I responded. 

2.) Sleep had not found her, but the darkness of insomnia traced her every move. Shadows became her friends and light her worst enemy. 

3.) Cryptic murmurs pulsated through the walls. Night and day the spoke to him. He pressed his head deep into the pillow and screamed. 

Source: Pinterest Greek Hale @GreekHale005 (Photo 1), Pinterest Jefferson Muncy Jeffersonmuncy.com (Photo 2), Tumblr redlipstickresurrection.tumblr.com (Photo 3) 

Plan-its

Genre of the Week: Science Fiction

 

Have you ever wished upon a star? Could you imagine living on that star that is so many lightyears away? If you are a writer, especially one that eats, sleeps, and breathes science fiction, you have had this dream. Worlds away there could be homes that are completely different than our own. This What IF is what compels us as writers. We are the dreams that create the own version of our reality. 

Today's Rundown

• Planets of our solar system
• Attributes for a Living Planet 
• How to create your own planet (template) 

Planets of our Solar System

Surely all of us have seen and heard of our solar system. Mercury. Venus. Earth. Mars. That really big astroid belt. Jupiter. Saturn. Uranus. Neptune. (Don't forget the ever forgotten Pluto). 

Many of us have probably thought about what it would be like to live on one of these planets. 

Mercury

Mercury --> If you want your characters to live on the smallest planet, here are some things you should note. Your characters will be insanely close to the sun and their days will go quickly, for this is the fastest moving planet. Mercury completely moves around the sun every 88 days on Earth. Mercury is also egg shaped and which makes the sun rise and set briefly. Although Mercury is brighter it is not the hottest planet in the solar system. Mercury is a rocky planet. I suggest you heavily prepare your characters for a change of this terrain. They will have a shock to their system if they know anything different than life on Mercury. 

*For more information on Mercury follow this link: https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/mercury/overview/

Venus

Venus--> Get your characters ready to live on thee hottest planet (900*F to be exact). The thick atmosphere creates a greenhouse effect making Venus's temperature to sky rocket. This planets spins slowly and in the opposite direction than most planets. So there is a lot of room here to imagine what this might be like for your characters. If you can get back the heat, carbon monoxide, and crushing air pressure your characters can enjoy many volcanoes and moons. To be honest you will have a lot of work to do in making Venus a livable planet for your characters and for your story to continue. But this is the power of science fiction. Science backed fiction is where the magic begins and ends. 

*For more information on Venus follow this link: https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/venus/overview/

Mars

Mars (because we already know about Earth)--> If you want a desert, dusty, cold place for your characters to reside look no further. This planet includes and is not limited to seasons, polar ice caps, canyons, and volcanoes. Your characters can also enjoy two moons that orbit Mars throughout your story. 

*For more information on Mars follow this link: https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/mars/overview/

Jupiter

Jupiter--> The largest planet in our solar system could be your story's next destination. Fun fact: 1 year on Jupiter is almost 12 years on Earth. Guess you'll have to decide how quickly your characters age and configure how they will live. But, like most science fiction, when there are words there is a way. Jupiter is a gas planet, but many speculate that it has a solid core the size of Earth. The atmosphere is made up of mostly hydrogen and helium. This planet is also famous for its massive storms that are in earthly proportions. 

*For more information on Jupiter follow this link: https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/jupiter/overview/

Saturn

Saturn--> Icy rings surround Saturn's atmosphere. 1 year on Saturn is almost 30 years on Earth. This may make aging hard for your characters, however by the time we get to Saturn, we may have immortality figured out. Long live the characters. Many also speculate this Saturn has a solid core, but this planet is completely made out of gas. Some believe that Saturn may not be able to inhabit life, but many of its moons can. (There are 62 of them). 

*For more information on Saturn follow this link: https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/saturn/overview/

Uranus

Uranus: There is a lot of icy terrain for your characters on this planet. Uranus is about 4 times wider than Earth. Although the area is icy the atmosphere is full of methane gas. Uranus also rotates on its side. You'll have to do a lot of heavy lifting to make this planet livable considering the harsh environment. 

*For more information on Uranus follow this link: https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/uranus/overview/

Neptune

Neptune--> Chilly does not begin to describe the climate of Neptune. This planet is known as the Ice Giant. Most of the terrain is hot/icy masses and rocky. The atmosphere is also gassy. Fun fact: 1 year on Neptune is 165 years on Earth. 

*For more information on Neptune follow this link: https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/neptune/overview/

Pluto

Pluto--> Smaller than our own moon this dwarf planet resides close to Neptune. Pluto is also a very cold planet where it may be hard to inhabit. Pluto is half the width of the United States. This type of planet may have pros and cons for your story. You can have a more intimate setting with Pluto but you won't have room to expand. 

*For more information about Pluto follow this think: https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/dwarf-planets/pluto/overview/

Attributes of a Living Planet 

What does it take to make your planet believable? Try putting science on your side. Figure out what the atmosphere is like on your planet. Whether you are creating your own planet or using one that already exists science is what's going to sell your idea. Don't forget the creativity. This is the key to science fiction. The sky is never the limit. 

1. Air. What do your characters breath. If they are humans will there be oxygen or another source. Did humans somehow start breathing something else 1,000+ years into the future? How have we adapted? If these are un-earthly beings you can create what they breath and how their life is harbored.
2. Terrain. What kind of terrain does your planet have? Desert? Mountain range? Full of water? Gassy? Either way you'll have to figure out what kind of houses you can use and how your characters will live. 
3. Water. Do your characters need to live off of water? Humans naturally need water to survive, but who knows how we will be more than 1,000 years from now. Do we still depend on water? Or if you focus more on aliens they can drink something else. Either way you'll have to find out how your characters are going to live. 
4. Food. Is food plentiful or will they have to work to find food. What kind of food does your character need. Nourishment is key to survive, unless you are focusing on artificial intelligence or robots. Then that is who new can of worms. 
5. Temperature. What is the temperature of your planet? How will your characters need to dress to survive? If the planet is mainly cold will they need to figure out a way to make cold resistant clothing. 

Creating your Own Planet: Template

Planet's Name:

Date Found:

Founder:

Major Cities:

Atmosphere:

Main Imports/Exports:

Building Type:

Population:

Temperature:

Years Equivalent to Earth Years:

Main Species:

Minority Species:

Planet Size (Compare to different planet): 

Planet Color:

Source of Light:

Source of Power:

Terrain Type:

Contact with Other Planets (Yes or No): 

Allies:

Enemies: 

Improvements: 

A formal template will be made to print shortly, but feel free to copy and paste this one. Thank you for reading. Until next time. Happy writing. 

Sources for this post: NASA website and GoogleImages 

Writing Prompt Week 6 *Horror (Fantasy/Creatures)*

Week 6

Genre Horror (Fantasy/Creatures)

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.) They started with our forests and no one noticed. Once they entered the city, our foreign creatures were all anyone could talk about. 

2.) Screams echoed through the barren valleys. Survivors cowered in their bunkers, awaiting their ultimate fate. 

3.) Darkness ensued when the unstoppable monsters were born. They craved blood but could only strike in the shadows. 

1.) Her music calmed her demons, but not those that dwelled around her. 

2.) Blood, sweat, and tears were poured into her violin. Alas, she feared the monster she had become. 

3.) "Do you love him?" the monster asked.

    "No," she replied, "he gives me nothing but pain and pure torture." 

1.) Lonely amongst the clouds the world was foreign to her, until holy water touched her skin. 

2.) Damp filters of light coursed through the ghost's skin. She was eternally grateful for the second chance, but not for her status among the angels. For she had fallen from grace like the others, to create bloodshed of those she loved. 

3.) "Blessed be the ones that never cry," the woman said. 

    "Blessed be the one who speaks with a pure spirit," spoke the other. 

    "Unless one has no spirit, let their curse not be given unto others," a woman with frozen breath spoke from the water. 

Sources: Tigbanua by Totmoartsstudio2 on Deviant Art (Photo 1), ko-fi.com or Deviant Art (Photo 2), Tumblr angelvibezluv.tumblr.com (Photo 3) 

Review Labs: The Other Boleyn Girl *No Spoilers*

 

Reading Review: The Other Boleyn Girl

Stats:

• Author: Philippa Gregory
• Historical Fiction, Biographical Fiction, Lite Romance 
• Published 2001
• Preceded by "Three Sisters, Three Queens"
• Followed by "The Boleyn Inheritance"
• Page Count 672 
• Movie Released February 2007 

Disclaimer: I have not watched the movie. I will not be referencing the movie in anyway during this review. This review is strictly written looking at the plot, character development, usage of romance, etc. There are no spoilers in this review. 

    Lengthy but good. "The Other Boleyn Girl" follows an unlikely main character. Most writers would have chosen Anne Boleyn, who was also chosen by King Henry VIII. However, Gregory wrote from the prospective of her sister, Mary. Although the true history may be loosely reference in this book, readers get the gist. Those who are truly interested in the Boleyn Family and King Henry's reign, have the freedom of different books. If you want the round-about fiction with historical flavor, this book is for you. 

    The author is well versed in this period of history, as stated in her bio. However, this is not a history book. You are gripped wit the twists and turns offered by the Boleyn family who are pushing their girls in the wake of a king. Although the romance doesn't have much spice, it has enough to keep the reader interested and pulling for Mary or Henry to make the next move. Cat and mouse becomes more intense as the stakes get higher and the family dynamics become a mess. 

    Anne also proves to be a force not to be touched by the faint of heart. Anne and Mary have completely different mannerisms and focuses within the book, the creates almost an internal tug-of-war. Sisterly competition for the king's and their family's affection greatly comes into play. 

    Between Queen Katherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, their uncle and father, King Henry VIII, and Mary, the characters become live puppets in a plot that only thickens in classical history. Gregory's writing is beautiful and engaging. Keep in mind her hooks are continuous throughout each chapter, beckoning your eyes to read more.  

    Lastly, if you are looking for a deep history focused book in King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, this is not the book for you. However, if you enjoy the dynamics of the Tudor Dynasty and want to imagine what it would be like to be in his court, this is the book for you. Let your imagination take you into a fictional world, that may not be fiction to some, but the bitter truth. 

Overall Rating 7.5/10 

Sources: Google, Pinterest upload Peggy Okuneff 

Writing Prompts Week 5 *Horror (Among the Shadows)*

 Week 5

Genre: Horror (Among the Shadows) 

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.) Ma and pa were wonderful people in their life, but the afterlife was not so kind to them. 

2.) "They live here you know." 

    "Who?"

    "The people who built this house. They never left." 

3.) She put her blood and sweat into cleaning her home and raising her children, only for them to leave and never return. He cultivated the fields and cried into the soil when things got hard, only to have his children forcibly sell the land. When their deathbeds called they felt incomplete until their children decided to move in. 

1.) We flooded the water. Sisters among sisters we stripped to the bare minimum of our clothing. He controlled all of us. There was no stopping him. 

2.) "Help," I screamed.

No one answered.

    "Help," I continued, only to have my sister pass me in an unbreakable haze. 

3.) Mermaids could breath underwater and so could we. 

1.) He was vulnerable to the demons that haunted him. With no protection they would surely take advantage of him. 

2.) Quiet, for what lurks in the darkness learns from you. 

3.) Whispers accumulated outside his second story window. He kept his eyes steadily upon the pages of his book until yellow eyes pressed agains the glass. 

Source: Pinterest (Photo 1), Tumblr ua-regia009.tumblr.com (Photo 2), artstation.com (Photo 3) 

Review Labs: Renegades *No Spoilers*

 

Reading Review: Renegades

Stats: 

• Author: Marissa Meyer 
• Genre: Science Fiction, Teen Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy, Superheroes 
• Published December 2015
• Renegades Trilogy (Book 1) 
• Page Count (Hard Cover) : 552
• Protagonists: Nova Artino and Adrian Everhart 
• Following Book: Archenemies 

Disclaimer: As I am writing this, I am currently in the middle of reading "Archenemies". This review does not have any spoilers and will only cover the review of a book from a writer's prospective. I will focus on the artistry of Meyer. Character evolution, plotting, and writing style will be mostly on my radar. 

    Remember Marvel? This is way better. Nova Artino and Adrian Everhart are so dynamic. With their teams and secrets intertwining at every turn was both confusing in the beginning but intriguing. Thankfully at the front of the book Meyer gave us a cheat sheet to remember all the superheroes, their powers, and affiliations. Without this, I would be LOST. Other than the rough beginning, I was hooked in. I wanted to know more about Nova and Adrian and how their backstories would come into play. 

    Brilliantly, Meyer displays artistry not only in the planning of her fight scenes, but the tidbits of clues she leaves behind and picks back up at a later date. Although the book is long and may be daunting to some, it is hard to forget anything Meyer has written. She does the job of a great storyteller, in weaving clues together into a memorable tale. 

    Backstory of the characters does not seem like backstory but information that furthers the plot. Writers can take note of her style and they ways she continually keeps the reader engaged. That's what we all want right? To keep the reader hooked to our stories? I am so attached to these characters because of their vastly differently traits. Nova is of the villains and Adrian of the Renegades. They are so different, yet work so well together. 

   I could not put this book down, and that's saying something because I have two very young children. After reading "Renegades" I found myself running out to buy the next book in the trilogy. Thoroughly debating on buying the third as well.

    I highly recommend this book to teens and adults. This novel is captivating and a true page turner. The story of Nova and Adrian should be read over and over again! 

Overall Rating 9.5/10

Sources: Google, kobo.com, Pinterest