ohmightysmiter:

kirby-ebooks:

skaletal:

bluewavelengths:

ladyzolstice:

greyramblings:

filecreator:

crockpotcauldron:

lectorel:

crockpotcauldron:

just looked through about 700 werewolf books, good grief.

most seem to fall into two categories:

• werewolf serial killer mysteries
• domineering alpha romances

neither is really what I’m interested in.

here is what I’d want from the werewolf novel of my wildest dreams:

• good relationships, especially friendships between packmates (lone wolves are boring)
• werewolves who like being werewolves. (angsty wolves are boring)
• the practical details of werewolfery: who’s got the bail money for animal control, whether anyone’s microchipped, what you pack in a bag for a night out werewolfing
• the uses of werewolfery: hiring yourselves out as trackers or canine rescue, getting certified as service dogs, spending your free time at the library letting little kids read to a friendly doggie
• female werewolves, and no weird gross hypermasculine alpha stuff going on in werewolf culture
• queer werewolves, and no weird gross heteronormative ‘laws of nature’ stuff going on in werewolf culture
• dog jokes.

The standard urban fantasy female protagonist dating a werewolf who is not an alpha. Bonus points for it being a cute beta werewolfess who thinks her girlfriend’s perpetual posturing as the ‘baddest bitch on the block’™ is the most adorable thing ever. Extra bonus points for fuzzy baby werewolves and adopted babies. (Because actual wolf packs? Exist to raise children. They’re family units, focused around rearing cubs.)

#werewolves #queer wolves #werewolves as the foster parents of the supernatural world #if there’s a kid so much as sniffling in their general vicinity they’re going to get adopted #the fae discovered that they could straight-up hand off changlings to werewolf packs #no deception needed #magic using children of mundane parents who can’t handle it? #every pack has a dozen of them #fic ideas

okay this is one of the cutest reblogs I’ve gotten. 

imagine it

werewolves just going YES FAMILY GOOD and adopting everyone and making sure they get attention and food and understand that it’s fine to be who you are and that you’re not alone, you’re pack now

and the kids that can’t turn into wolves get to ride on the dogsleds to make sure they’re not left out during the full moon family bonding time (… you have to be an adult to pull a dogsled. mistakes have been made.)

werewolves on the PTA. werewolf den mothers. werewolf little league coaches. werewolves filling the bleachers and auditioriums and dance halls and galleries, cheering for their kids. werewolves helping kids with their homework, werewolves sewing costumes for the school play, werewolves showing kids how to change a tire

werewolves with battered kitchen tables with chewed legs. werewolves with huge family dinners. werewolves ferrying pies and casseroles and fresh baked bread back and forth between family members’ houses. werewolf extended families. massive werewolf packs that are technically only about 25% werewolf but still definitely packs

puppy teeth being left for the tooth fairy. fangs being left for the tooth fairy. cuttlebones being left for the tooth fairy. stolen teeth being left for the tooth fairy. werewolves with giant families full of kids with different needs and species.

werewolves adopting everyone. werewolves fostering everyone. werewolves who wind up with dozens of kids, all of whom are family and therefore pack.

yes good, give me more like this

ladyzolstice

i feel this in my soul

WEREWOLVES BASED ON ACTUAL WOLF PACK BEHAVIOR INSTEAD OF BULLSHIT DOMINANCE THEORY! All the werewolf fiction I’ve read involves everything falling to shit due to infighting over who gets to be alpha like WAY TO ILLUSTRATE EXACTLY WHY THIS IDEA DOESN’T WORK. You really think wolves would be successful hunters if they were constantly getting injured and wasting energy fighting each other?!

The whole idea of “alpha” dynamics is based entirely on the behaviour of wolves in captivity! If you so much as google “wolves in captivity alpha”, you’ll get a bunch of results about why it’s not representative of actual wolf behaviour.

As it turns out, if you capture, restrain, and shove together wolves from unrelated packs, they will fight and form a hierarchy of power.

Kind of like prison. Because, functionally, the exact premise of that kind of captivity is kind of like prison.

Wolves are social animals, and they interact in the wild pretty much the same way other family-centric social animals do.

Hey, you know what another family-centric social animal we’re all familiar with is?People. Just, you know, take away the oppressive idea that one parent is the definitive and unchallengeable head of the household that most of us have lived under for so long first.

Wolves are apparently group problem-solvers, and presumably, in large packs, you’re going to get squabbling and older pack members mitigating it, just like that one patient aunt or uncle or grandparent or close family friend who is essentially a relative often does in big families.

There’s a very legitimate basis for writing werewolves as friendly, community-minded folks. If your werewolves view their human neighbours as other packs not in competition with themselves, they’re likely going to be those people that the entire neighbourhood views as very nice, but “a little overwhelming.” (And maybe a little too indulgent with their kids, according to the neighbourhood snobs.)

Your gigantic werewolf family is probably going to be a litle less threatening and overtly secretive and a little more “we’re having a barbeque, when can we expect you??? you didn’t come last week, were you sick??? we were all worried- do you not eat meat?? oh, okay, I’ll have Sophie and Thaddeus pick up some Halal burgers and we’ll scrub off the second barbeque for them and some vegetable skewers, too, does that sound good?? so when can we expect you????”

(Also: werewolves taking in queer kids and mentally ill kids and kids from broken homes even though they’re mundane because they can’t comprehend how someone could not want them. Werewolves taking in street kids.)

#…a pack of werewolves living in a huge house together like one of those huge families people sort of smile incredulously at#multiple generations#a pack occupying a trailer park because it’s near the woods and there’s a certain amount of security in having a mobile home#packs being viewed by mundanes as those eccentric families that fill the school gymnasium every time there’s an event with one of their kids#packs migrating to accomodate new packmates and encountering other packs#packs fusing to form entire communities#wolves taking in mundane street kids#werewolves#writing#urban fantasy

*SLAMS FIST ON TABLE* NOW THIS IS THE KIND OF CONTENT I WANT TO SEE

thatwritergirlsblog:

Writing a sub-plot

Here are some tips for writing great sub-plots, romantic or otherwise.

1. When to introduce a sub-plot

• Of course, every story is different. However, there is some consensus that it’s good to introduce your sub-plot a little ways into your book
• The main plot needs to be established first. The readers need to know the main character(s) and understand what the story is about. They need to care about the crux of the book and the characters first.
• Then, you can introduce an intriguing subplot to keep their interest.
• Don’t wait too long, though. Anything after 1/3 through might feel forced and misplaced.

2. When to resolve the sub-plot

• The sub-plot should be resolved before the main plot is.
• Generally, you want your readers’ attention focused on the main conflict once you reach the climax.
• This means that you want to give them the resolution of the sub-plot a few pages/chapters before the big showdown of the main plot.
• You’ll see that most TV episodes also follow this guideline and it works.
• You can, roughly, aim for the ¾ mark if you’re unsure.

3. Remember the sub in sub-plot

• I love a good sub-plot, especially one about characters growing closer. However, if I pick up a sci-fi thriller from the bookstore only to read a 400 page love story, I’m gonna be disappointed.
• You classify your genre according to your main plot. What is the main conflict or purpose in your story? That should be the focus.
• A sub-plot of whichever variation is always secondary to the main storyline.
• If you focus too much on the subplot, it may overpower your real story and bump your book into a whole other genre.
• So, maybe have the romance take a backseat when the main plot comes to play.

4. When to indulge

• Let’s be honest; we all love writing our sub-plots. They often contain the scenes you envisioned when thinking up your story - the conversations and fluff, the banter and depth of character. This, unfortunately, means that it’s easy to get carried away, as I made clear in my last point.
• However, there is a part of your book in which you can indulge, a point during which you can explore the sub-plot to your heart’s desire.
• When is that point? The middle.
• Often, the main plot slows down in the middle of the book. The characters need training or there’s a period of false security etc. Many stories have a lull in the middle where the main conflict isn’t in full swing.
• And this is where the sub-plot shines. This is where characters fall in love and heroes reunite with long-lost fathers. This is where you get to place your darling scenes.
• And no, this doesn’t mean that your middle can be 200 pages and you can write an entire romance novel. It also doesn’t mean that the main plot must disappear. It’s just a stage in the story where you can let the sub-plot loose a bit.
• Also don’t leave every aspect of your sub-plot for the middle. It should be woven into your story.
• But use the middle to let the sub-plot shine.

5. Should you have a sub-plot?

• Personally, I think every story needs some form of sub-plot.
• There has to be some conflict/story/relationship that develops and adds intrigue aside from the main plot.
• Not having one could screw up your pacing, make your characters feel underdeveloped and generally make for a boring read.
• But, this is just my opinion. Each unto their own.

That’s it. Those are some basic tips on writing a sub-plot. I hope that they could be helpful. As always, my inbox and asks are open for any questions.

Reblog if you found these tips useful. Comment with the type of sub-plot you’re writing. Follow me for similar content.

herhmione:

tanaquil:

coniectanea:

carryonmy-assbutt:

herhmione:

names that have specific meanings

meanings of any names

popular baby names

upper class names

common last names

fancy last names

aristocratic/royal names

random name generator

random place name generator

list of latin words

english to latin translator

english to greek translat

or

greek mythology database

the culture of ancient rome

list of legendary creatures

fantasy name generator

feel free to add in any links!

This is awesome! Make sure to be careful with online translators, though-for example I just typed in “I am bored” into the latin translator and got back “i, cibi” which makes no sense at all.

I’M JUST GONNA BE THAT ASSHOLE WHO REBLOGS AGAIN BUT, PLEASE! don’t use use ancient greek/latin translators. if you just want simple words or verbs (for latin at least), use WHITAKER’S WORDS — it’s a secret classicists keep.

i wasn’t aware of this but YES DO AS THE TWO ABOVE SAY :)

inky-duchess:

Fantasy Guide to Succession Systems

We usually write royal families based on the modern or medieval ones of history. We almost always fall into the trap of Male to Male succession because… that’s usually what is done. We get confused over who is next when you kill off a cast of characters or have a strong female lead and we fall into a whole. But no longer. Here are some succession systems you can use in your fantasy setting.

Male to Male Primogeniture

This is when the firstborn son inherits everything outright from his dad. His son will inherit after him followed by his grandson and so on so forth. This is our main system of succession in real world history and fantasy. This can be an easy one to work off since there are so many examples. However, just as the real world is run by genetics, so will your fantasy land. There is a 50-50 chance of having a daughter or a son. You can’t always bank on having a son. And if you have a surplus of sons, it can lead to trouble down the road.

Female to Female Primogeniture

There are some cultures that are strictly matrilineal, with inheritance passing to mother to daughter to granddaughter and so on. This can be another easy line to follow as it is basically the system up above just gender reverse. Examples of this succession can be found in Africa such as the role of Rain Queen where only females are eligible to take the throne and the Undangs of Negeri Sembilan in Asia. There are the same kind of issues such as the possibility that a daughter may not be born.

Tanistry

This is a Gaelic system for passing on titles and lands. The Tanist/ Tánaiste is the title bestowed upon the candidate chosen to inherit the throne who acts as a second in command. The eligible candidates would arrive at a chosen place and there would be a grand discussion on who gets to be named the heir. The candidates don’t have to be a blood relative or even an ally of the current ruler. This was practised in Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Mann and was also sort of practised in the Holy Roman Empire. The Vatican uses this to some extent though they might forgo all the drink… OK probably they do. There is no real issue with this, the best candidate is chosen and everyone has a say. Of course in politics, some force might be used in order of specific favourites to succeed but hey its nothing more than what’s going on in modern politics.

Agnatic Seniority

This is another patrilineal inheritance system only this one is slightly more confusing. In this system, the succession goes from monarch to their younger brothers and then the monarch’s own sons. The monarchs children don’t inherit until the older generation have all died. Agnatic seniority bars all female descendants and their descendants from the throne.

The Ottoman Empire’s Version of the Hunger Games (or just what siblings are like)

The Ottoman Empire had a fun succession order. Oh, perhaps not order. You see when a Sultan dies, his sons fight over who gets to be the next Sultan. The Şehzades (the male issue of the Sultan) will turn on one another, often having all their brothers and half brothers massacred by guards armed with bowstrings. This fratricidal system did work in the Sultan’s favour as his throne was safe from claims of rivals. Yet if you get rid of all your heirs and you can’t sire one and you die… well bye bye dynasty. The Şehzade who usually comes out on top will be the one who is backed by the military. This practise became less awful as years went by and the brothers of the Sultan were imprisoned in the harem in chambers called the Golden Cage or kafes. Some went insane and some actually succeeded the Sultanate.

Roman Adoption

The Romans didn’t follow blood but rather the surname. Like the tanistry, a Roman noble/emperor would take stock of their relatives or even perhaps acquaintances and pick the best one. They would be given everything in the will including the right to inherit. Julius Caesar picked his great-nephew Octavian and in turn Octavian, now Augustus Caesar, chose his step-son Tiberius. If you go back through the Judo-Claudian dynasty you will see that most the heirs were adopted and not all came from the same bloodline.

Hope this helps @anomaly00

thewritingrealm:

go write three sentences on your current writing project.

I’m reading a little.

I’ve started The Death of Mrs. Westaway. It’s ok so far, I’ve read about 20% of it.

I’m kind of blah about life lately. Except for those days, where existence is a prison and I’m just so tired of everything.

I wonder if I will ever get to where I wake up and I’m not immediately upset that life continues.

I’ve concluded that my favorite books right now are the ones where the characters hate themselves or their life.

I’m so depressed, I need it in my characters too.

Don’t give me escape, give me death.

Or like relatability.

venus-academia:

Could really waste some time here.

Los libros, algunos, llegan a ti de sorpresa y con toda la emoción que uno ha imaginado.

Tal vez pocas veces suceda en una librería natural, de novedades de escaparate, y muchas veces, en una librería de viejo, de ferias y puestos abarrotados de libros que se corrompen con el tiempo, que se aglomeran, que flotan entre sí y son rescatados por el librero de turno.

Esto me sucede siempre en diferentes grados de emoción cuando visito ferias y librerías de viejo en Lima, y la emoción que me suscitó este libro: Vida de Enrique Brulard, de Stendhal, ha sido completa.

Una edición que no tiene año, pero data de los treinta o cuarenta, impresa en Argentina, con sus dos picaduras, me esperaba solo a mí, porque no fue del interés o fue de muy poco interés de decenas de personas antes de mi paso por dicho puesto. Y el precio de oferta aún más no me hicieron dudar ningún segundo en llevarlo conmigo.

No es que no haya leído dicho libro, que como bien dice el subtitulado (novela biográfica) es una lectura favorita de los llamados stendhalianos. La he leído, en varias traducciones, también en digital. Sin embargo, la diferencia radica en la proximidad de la publicación con la valoración del escritor que él mismo profetizó sería en las primeras décadas del 1900.

Porque todo lo que se empezó a publicar de Stendhal en español, diarios, novelas inconclusas, memorias, biografías noveladas, etc. fueron en esas décadas para una inmensa minoría de lectores que esperaban saber y conocer más de Henry Beyle.

Lo que no predijo fue que en pleno siglo XXI continuaría esa devoción por su literatura, en su caso todo lo que él vivió, amó y escribió. (René Llatas Trejo)

summer holidays are for iced coffee and modern classics

microbio day ☠️

tonight’s study session in a cafe ☕️

from last night’s study session with friends. slept after the exam because i only had 2hrs of sleep last night. i just ate a late lunch (possibly early dinner?) and now watching the last episode of 25 21!!! will watch another episode of bus proposal, maybe, shower, and study around 8-9pm.

myrtleandberry:

a pretty slow but rad session in pharma this afternoon. was sleepy so i had a jasmine tea with me!! i am not over the tranquil, cold study vibes from yesterday so i put ac on, turned on the lamp, and put a fire crackling with a raining sound bg while studying

i’m going to memorize next what i just studied this afternoon (lipid-lowering drugs, GIT, anti-IBS drugs, respi drugs), have dinner, and go to my fave coffee shop to study with my med school friends the rest of the pharma topics for tomorrow’s exam (anti-seizure, anesthetics, drugs of abuse, analgesics, and anti-gout meds)!!!

3am. glad i spent the past 7-8 hrs talking-studying-laughing with my med friends. just showered. will study again in a few!!

a pretty slow but rad session in pharma this afternoon. was sleepy so i had a jasmine tea with me!! i am not over the tranquil, cold study vibes from yesterday so i put ac on, turned on the lamp, and put a fire crackling with a raining sound bg while studying

i’m going to memorize next what i just studied this afternoon (lipid-lowering drugs, GIT, anti-IBS drugs, respi drugs), have dinner, and go to my fave coffee shop to study with my med school friends the rest of the pharma topics for tomorrow’s exam (anti-seizure, anesthetics, drugs of abuse, analgesics, and anti-gout meds)!!!

from last night’s 1am study session!!!! would like to stay until 3am but my batt went out and my dog was with me so i couldn’t charge my devices inside. went home after and then further studied until 5am and slept for about 2-3 hours before my exam i just want to get another 3 hrs of sleep before i study for surgery!!!

despite all the midterm chaos, it has been raining since last night and the cool, damp air— the trees getting drenched, i feel at peace. this is your reminder to take it slow every once in a while, no matter how transient it may be.

hello, hello!!! studied all day and went to the gym afterwards. I just had dinner so I’m very sleepy. might take a nap before I continue studying!!! only 2 topics to go for my obstetrics midterm exam ☠️

going to prep for midterms exams today ☠️ excited for gym this afternoon though!

good morning!!! i only had 3hrs of sleep and i’m fighting sleepiness throughout this morning lecture of lipid-lowering drugs. it felt weird and okay to be doing acad work again up until 5am. officially entering survival mode again for midterms week next week ☠️

it’s my dog’s birthday tho so i have that prioritize after classes. some pharma tonight after our mini celeb and after i watch olivia rodrigo’s drive home 2 u. i’m sleep-deprived but it’s going to be a good day!! happy friday!!!