Taeyong And The Night Sky

Tom actually laughs, “You didn’t like the singing butterflies?”

Harry snorts, and smiles fondly at Tom. “I loved the singing butterflies.”

- Full Circle (Ch. 9) by @tetsurashian​

I had a lot of fun drawing this adorable scene. I highly recommend this fic if you need some lighthearted and funny Tomarry!

I have a question how can I pick Chinese names for my original characters there not real people and I see people in Chinese vocals use them I was wondering if there are any tips on choosing Chinese names

Hello! Chinese naming IRL is super complicated and takes into account a huge number of factors. This is why there are professional naming services, to help you calculate the most favorable name. A great twitter thread summarizing it for the casual audience is here:

https://twitter.com/yurouchng/status/1211935445619073024?s=20

If it’s only OCs, Jia Pu and Ba Zi are way too much to consider (and you likely won’t have them anyway), so I’d focus on meaning and how the name sounds, if possible.

I also have an additional suggestion regarding surnames: the top 100 most common surnames covers almost 85% of China’s population, and I’d guess the top 400 list should cover at least 99%. Hence there isn’t much room to be creative with them, unlike in English. I recommend just checking out the top 400 list on Wikipedia and picking your favorite:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_common_Chinese_surnames

This is random but I like how the edit turned out hehe

Descriptions: Because “The Sunset was Nice” is Clearly Pulitzer-Worthy

Hey, my cute little Muses!

Let's talk about something that's as essential to writing as coffee is to my life: description. Yep, those juicy, detailed snippets that paint a picture in your reader’s mind. Buckle up, because we're diving deep into the wonderful world of words!

The Beauty of Description

First things first, let's get this out of the way: dialogue is awesome. It’s the sassy sibling of description that gets all the attention at family gatherings. But description? Description is the unsung hero, the one who quietly makes everything beautiful and meaningful.

Example Time!

Imagine a scene where two characters meet after years apart. You could write:

Dialogue Version:

“Hey, long time no see.”

“Yeah, it’s been a while.”

Description Version:

The air hung heavy with unspoken words as Jane stepped into the dimly lit café. Her heart raced, a drumbeat echoing the years of separation. Across the room, a familiar figure turned, his eyes widening in surprise. The years had etched lines into his face, but his smile – that same old smile – was unmistakable.

See the difference? One is a quick text exchange, the other pulls you into the moment, making you feel every heartbeat.

My Personal (Hilarious) Struggles with Description

Let’s get real. My early attempts at description were… let’s say, less than stellar. Picture this: me, hunched over my laptop at 2 AM, trying to describe a sunset. I wrote, “The sunset was nice.” Genius, right? Shakespeare would be proud.

But over time, I learned to appreciate the beauty of weaving in details. Descriptions don't just tell you what something looks like; they tell you how it feels, smells, sounds, and tastes. They make your world vivid and real.

Another Example!

Consider a spooky old house:

Dialogue Version:

“Look, it’s an old house.”

Description Version:

The house loomed ahead, its windows like dark, empty eyes. The wind whispered through the broken shutters, carrying with it the faint scent of decay. Each step on the creaking porch felt like an invitation to the unknown, a call to uncover the secrets hidden within its ancient walls.

You feel that shiver? That’s the magic of description.

The Great “Show, Don’t Tell” Myth

Here’s the kicker: “show, don’t tell” doesn’t mean you have to ditch description for action-packed dialogue. Description is a vital part of showing. It’s about making your readers experience the story, not just read it.

Show, Don’t Tell Example!

Tell Version:

John was scared.

Show Version:

John’s hands trembled as he gripped the flashlight. His breath came in short, sharp bursts, and his eyes darted around the dark room, searching for the source of the eerie noise.

In the “show” version, you’re right there with John, feeling his fear. Description brings out the emotions without simply stating them.

Why Description Over Dialogue?

1. Depth and Atmosphere: Dialogue can be snappy and fun, but description sets the scene. It creates the mood and builds the world your characters inhabit.

2. Character Insight: Through description, you can reveal a character’s thoughts and emotions in a way that dialogue alone can’t.

3. Pacing and Tension: Good description can slow down a moment to build suspense or quicken the pace to heighten excitement.

Remember, balance is key. Too much description can bog down your story, while too little can leave readers feeling disconnected. It's all about finding that sweet spot.

Final Thoughts

So, next time you’re writing, give a little extra love to your descriptions. Think of them as the cozy blanket that wraps around your story, keeping it warm and inviting. And if you ever find yourself writing “the sunset was nice,” just know you’re not alone – we’ve all been there.

Keep writing, keep describing, and remember: every detail counts!

Until next time,

Museadvicecorner (a.k.a. the person who has way too many notebooks)

P.S. If you need me, I'll be here, trying to describe the indescribable and failing gloriously.

Your feedback on my blog would mean the world to me! If my posts make you smile, why not fuel my caffeine addiction? Any support is super appreciated, even a comment too. Got any topics you want me to dive into? Just holler. Need some custom writing prompts? Hit me up anytime! :⁠-⁠) Also I'm thinking of starting a writing community do tell me what you think about it (⁠◠⁠‿⁠◕⁠)

Did you know that many gastropods can create a pearl, including terrestrial snails? The difference is nacre which is only found in some species of mollusks and which which gives pearls their beautiful shine. Terrestrial snails occasionally produce very small translucent white pearls which are usually lost. One non-nacre secreting sea snail, the melo melo, produces gorgeous pearls that are extremely prized and rare.

The Shards of Childhood

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The city I knew, the one my children chased pigeons in and learned to ride bikes on, is gone. War, a cruel sculptor, has reshaped its once vibrant streets into a desolate landscape of twisted metal and shattered dreams.exclamation Buildings that held laughter and the scent of baking bread now stand as hollow shells, their windows vacant eyes staring back at a ravaged sky. Memories, too, lie fractured beneath the rubble. Gone are the echoes of children's games played in sun-dappled courtyards, replaced by the relentless thud of shelling. The familiar scent of jasmine, once a signature note in the summer air, is now tainted by the acrid tang of destruction. Each corner used to hold a story - the bakery where my daughter devoured warm croissants, the park bench where my son scraped his knee for the first time. Now, these fragments of our lives exist only in the fragile museum of my mind, a place where the war cannot reach, but still manages to cast a long shadow. Yet, amidst the wreckage, a flicker of hope remains. Like fragile wildflowers pushing through cracked concrete, the resilience of the human spirit endures. We, the survivors, carry the weight of this loss, but also the fierce love for our children and the yearning to rebuild. We will gather the shards of our memories, piece by broken piece, and weave them into a tapestry of a new future, one where laughter finds its voice again and our children can dream safe dreams, free from the haunting echoes of war

The only person I know who can play with me on equal footing is Pei Wenxuan. Our matches are thrilling. Others aren't as skillful as him, and Su Rongqing always let me win on purpose. But Pei Wenxuan, that rascal, is bold and fierce.

THE PRINCESS ROYAL (2024) | Ep 2

"someone who allows you to rest" is the relationship dynamic of all time

50 Worldbuilding Setting ideas for your fantasy book

Cities and Settlements

1. Capital City - The central hub of political power and culture in the realm.

2. Harbor Town - A bustling port city crucial for trade and naval activities.

3. Elf Village - A serene settlement hidden within a forest, home to elven inhabitants.

4. Dwarven Mines - An underground city where dwarves mine precious metals and gems.

5. Nomad Camp - A temporary settlement for wandering tribes and traders.

6. Market Square - The commercial heart of any major city, filled with vendors and artisans.

7. Sky City - A floating metropolis held aloft by magic or advanced technology.

Natural and Enchanted Locations

8. Mystic Forest - A dense, magical woodland filled with ancient trees and mythical creatures.

9. Enchanted Lake - A serene body of water with mystical properties.

10. Secret Cave - A hidden cavern that might contain treasure or danger.

11. Dark Swamp - A treacherous wetland often home to dark magic and creatures.

12. Forbidden Desert - A vast, arid expanse known for its harsh conditions and ancient secrets.

13. Floating Island - A landmass suspended in the sky, often home to unique flora and fauna.

14. Hidden Valley - A secluded, fertile valley protected from the outside world.

15. Charmed Meadows - Peaceful fields imbued with protective enchantments.

Magical and Supernatural Places

16. Wizard’s Tower - The abode of powerful sorcerers, filled with arcane knowledge.

17. Sacred Temple - A place of worship and spiritual significance, often protected by divine magic.

18. Haunted Castle - An ancient fortress inhabited by ghosts or malevolent spirits.

19. Necromancer’s Crypt - The lair of a dark sorcerer who practices necromancy.

20. Oracle’s Sanctuary - A holy site where oracles deliver prophecies and visions.

21. Magical Academy - An institution where young sorcerers learn the art of magic.

22. Alchemist’s Workshop - A place where alchemists experiment and create potions and elixirs.

23. Time Portal - A gateway to different eras, allowing travel through time.

Dangerous and Uncharted Areas

24. Ancient Ruins - The remnants of a once-great civilization, often hiding secrets or dangers.

25. Dragon’s Lair - The home of a fearsome dragon, filled with treasure and peril.

26. Cursed Forest - A dark, haunted woodland where malevolent forces dwell.

27. Battlefield - The site of a significant past conflict, often haunted by the spirits of the fallen.

28. Volcanic Wasteland - A desolate, fiery landscape wrought with volcanic activity.

29. Giant’s Keep - A massive fortress built and inhabited by giants.

30. Pirate Cove - A hidden inlet where pirates gather to plan their exploits.

31. Shadow Realm - A dark, parallel dimension filled with malevolent entities.

32. Frosty Tundra - A vast, icy wasteland where few dare to venture.

Cultural and Social Hubs

33. Royal Palace - The lavish residence of the ruling monarch and their court.

34. Thieves’ Guild - A secretive organization of thieves and rogues.

35. Warrior’s Training Grounds - A facility where soldiers and heroes train for battle.

36. Arena of Champions - A grand coliseum where warriors compete in combat.

37. Goblin Market - A chaotic and colorful marketplace run by goblins, offering exotic goods.

38. Hermit’s Hut - The secluded home of a wise hermit, often sought for advice.

39. Secret Hideout - A concealed refuge used by rebels or outlaws.

Mystical and Legendary Sites

40. Ethereal Gardens - Magical gardens with rare plants and enchanting beauty.

41. Celestial Observatory - A tower dedicated to studying the stars and celestial events.

42. Sanctuary of Lost Knowledge - A hidden library containing ancient and forbidden texts.

43. Sunken Ruins - The underwater remnants of a lost civilization.

44. Gryphon Nesting Grounds - A mountainous area where gryphons make their nests.

45. Spiral Staircase - An enigmatic, seemingly endless staircase leading to unknown depths.

46. Giant’s Keep - A colossal fortress built and inhabited by giants.

47. Protean Plains - A region where the landscape constantly changes, reshaped by powerful magic or ancient curses.

Adventurous and Explorative Spots

48. Treasure Hunter’s Camp - A gathering spot for explorers seeking lost relics.

49. Relic Seeker’s Cave - A cave rumored to contain powerful artifacts.

50. Explorer’s Outpost - A base for adventurers preparing for expeditions into unknown territories.

***

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