I don’t think people realize how much of an impact this kind of support can have, I don’t think everyone knows what these little things can mean to us.
It may just be me, I don’t know. But every single time I see this on my dash or on someone’s blog or anywhere else, I kind of just breathe a sigh of relief. That’s one more person who cares. That’s one more person who doesn’t hate me.
Because it means so much, especially when all the media is spewing out is that I’m a terrible person and no one wants people like me near them. It means so much because I’m tired of people who won’t sit next to me in class, or who choose to join the longer line at the grocery store because they don’t want to be beside me and my family. It means so much when I have to lift my head any time someone says the words Islam or Muslim because I’m scared that they’ll say something that’ll hurt, when I have to pay attention to the news because who knows what so and so is saying now, who knows which of my people are being attacked now, who knows what’s going to happen to me now.
It means so much because I’ve been given the idea that the world is against me. And a huge part of it may be, but at least I’ve been reminded that some of it, just a small group of people, acknowledges that I’m a person too. That people like me are just that, people.
Maybe it’s just me, I don’t know. But now you do, so thank you for believing that I’m human when so many people don’t.
Have a great day x
Go unfollow this blog all you want, I am reblogging this.
I am aware this does not follow this blog’s style, however, I find it necessary to reblog this
if ur a nazi or neo-nazi or support nazi ideologies let this be a fucking harsh message that ur not welcome on this blog and I hope you get socked in the face
Writing with Color: Description Guide – Words for Skin Tone
We discussed the issues describing People of Color by means of food in Part Iof this guide, which brought rise to even more questions, mostly along the lines of “So, if food’s not an option, what can I use?” Well, I was just getting to that!
This final portion focuses on describing skin tone, with photo and passage examples provided throughout. I hope to cover everything from the use of straight-forward description to the more creatively-inclined, keeping in mind the questions we’ve received on this topic.
So let’s get to it.
S T A N D A R D D E S C R I P T I O N
B a s i c C o l o r s
Pictured above: Black, Brown, Beige, White, Pink.
“She had brown skin.”
This is a perfectly fine description that, while not providing the most detail, works well and will never become cliché.
Describing characters’ skin as simply brown or beige works on its own, though it’s not particularly telling just from the range in brown alone.
C o m p l e x C o l o r s
These are more rarely used words that actually “mean” their color. Some of these have multiple meanings, so you’ll want to look into those to determine what other associations a word might have.
Complex colors work well alone, though often pair well with a basic color in regards to narrowing down shade/tone.
For example: Golden brown,russet brown, tawny beige…
As some of these are on the “rare” side, sliding in a definition of the word within the sentence itself may help readers who are unfamiliar with the term visualize the color without seeking a dictionary.
“He was tall and slim, his skin a russet, reddish-brown.”
Comparisons to familiar colors or visuals are also helpful:
“His skin was an ochre color, much like the mellow-brown light that bathed the forest.”
M o d i f i e r s
Modifiers, often adjectives, make partial changes to a word.The following words are descriptors in reference to skin tone.
D a r k – D e e p – R i c h – C o o l
W a r m – M e d i u m – T a n
F a i r – L i g h t – P a l e
Rich Black, Dark brown, Warm beige, Pale pink…
If you’re looking to get more specific than “brown,” modifiers narrow down shade further.
Keep in mind that these modifiers are not exactly colors.
As an already brown-skinned person, I get tan from a lot of sun and resultingly become a darker,deeper brown. I turn a pale, more yellow-brown in the winter.
While best used in combination with a color, I suppose words like “tan”“fair” and “light” do work alone; just note that tan is less likely to be taken for “naturally tan” and much more likely a tanned White person.
Calling someone “dark” as description on its own is offensive to some and also ambiguous. (See: Describing Skin as Dark)
U n d e r t o n e s
Undertones are the colors beneath the skin, seeing as skin isn’t just one even color but has more subdued tones within the dominating palette.
Mentioning the undertones within a character’s skin is an even more precise way to denote skin tone.
As shown, there’s a difference between say, brown skin withwarm orange-red undertones (Kelly Rowland) and brown skin with cool, jewel undertones (Rutina Wesley).
“A dazzling smile revealed the bronze glow at her cheeks.”
“He always looked as if he’d ran a mile, a constant tinge of pink under his tawny skin.”
Standard Description Passage
“Farah’s skin, always fawn, had burned and freckled under the summer’s sun. Even at the cusp of autumn, an uneven tan clung to her skin like burrs. So unlike the smooth, red-brown ochre of her mother, which the sun had richened to a blessing.”
Here the state of skin also gives insight on character.
Note my use of “fawn” in regards to multiple meaning and association. While fawn is a color, it’s also a small, timid deer, which describes this very traumatized character of mine perfectly.
Though I use standard descriptions of skin tone more in my writing, at the same time I’m no stranger to creative descriptions, and do enjoy the occasional artsy detail of a character.
C R E A T I V E D E S C R I P T I O N
Whether compared to night-cast rivers or day’s first light…I actually enjoy seeing Characters of Colors dressed in artful detail.
I’ve read loads of descriptions in my day of white characters and their “smooth rose-tinged ivory skin”, while the PoC, if there, are reduced to something from a candy bowl or a Starbucks drink, so to actually read of PoC described in lavish detail can be somewhat of a treat.
Still, be mindful when you get creative with your character descriptions. Too many frills can become purple-prose–like, so do what feels right for your writing when and where.
Not every character or scene warrants a creative description, either. Especially if they’re not even a secondary character.
Using a combination of color descriptions from standard to creative is probably a better method than straight creative. But again, do what’s good for your tale.
Now before you run off to compare your heroine’s skin to the harvest moon or a cliff side, think about the associations to your words.
When I think cliff, I think of jagged, perilous, rough. I hear sand and picture grainy, yet smooth. Calm. mellow.
So consider your character and what you see fit to compare them to.
Also consider whose perspective you’re describing them from. Someone describing a person they revere or admire may have a more pleasant, loftier description than someone who can’t stand the person.
“Her face was like the fire-gold glow of dawn, lifting my gaze, drawing me in.”
“She had a sandy complexion, smooth and tawny.”
Even creative descriptions tend to draw help from your standard words.
F L O W E R S
Pictured above: Calla lilies, Western Coneflower, Hazel Fay, Hibiscus, Freesia, Rose
It was a bit difficult to find flowers to my liking that didn’t have a 20 character name or wasn’t called something like “chocolate silk” so these are the finalists.
You’ll definitely want to avoid purple-prose here.
Also be aware of flowers that most might’ve never heard of. Roses are easy, as most know the look and coloring(s) of this plant. But Western coneflowers? Calla lilies? Maybe not so much.
“He entered the cottage in a huff, cheeks a blushing brown like the flowers Nana planted right under my window. Hazel Fay she called them, was it?”
These ones are kinda odd. Perhaps because I’ve never seen these in comparison to skin tone, With the exception of amber.
At least they’re common enough that most may have an idea what you’re talking about at the mention of “pinecone.“
I suggest reading out your sentences aloud to get a better feel of how it’ll sounds.
“Auburn hair swept past pointed ears, set around a face like an acorn both in shape and shade.”
I pictured some tree-dwelling being or person from a fantasy world in this example, which makes the comparison more appropriate.
I don’t suggest using a comparison just “cuz you can” but actually being thoughtful about what you’re comparing your character to and how it applies to your character and/or setting.
W O O D
Pictured above: Mahogany, Walnut, Chestnut, Golden Oak, Ash
Wood can be an iffy description for skin tone. Not only due to several of them having “foody” terminology within their names, but again, associations.
Some people would prefer not to compare/be compared to wood at all, so get opinions, try it aloud, and make sure it’s appropriate to the character if you do use it.
“The old warlock’s skin was a deep shade of mahogany, his stare serious and firm as it held mine.”
These are trickier to use. As with some complex colors, the writer will have to get us to understand what most of these look like.
If you use these, or any more rare description, consider if it actually “fits” the book or scene.
Even if you’re able to get us to picture what “rutile” looks like, why are you using this description as opposed to something else? Have that answer for yourself.
“His skin reminded her of the topaz ring her father wore at his finger, a gleaming stone of brown, mellow facades.”
P H Y S I C A L D E S C R I P T I ON
Physical character description can be more than skin tone.
Show us hair, eyes, noses, mouth, hands…body posture, body shape, skin texture… though not necessarily all of those nor at once.
Describing features also helps indicate race, especially if your character has some traits common within the race they are, such as afro hair to a Black character.
How comprehensive you decide to get is up to you. I wouldn’t overdo it and get specific to every mole and birthmark. Noting defining characteristics is good, though, like slightly spaced front teeth, curls that stay flopping in their face, hands freckled with sunspots…
G E N E R A L T I P S
Indicate Race Early: I suggest indicators of race be made at the earliest convenience within the writing, with more hints threaded throughout here and there.
Get Creative On Your Own: Obviously, I couldn’t cover every proper color or comparison in which has been “approved” to use for your characters’ skin color, so it’s up to you to use discretion when seeking other ways and shades to describe skin tone.
Skin Color May Not Be Enough: Describing skin tone isn’t always enough to indicate someone’s ethnicity. As timeless cases with readers equating brown to “dark white” or something, more indicators of race may be needed.
Describe White characters and PoC Alike: You should describe the race and/or skin tone of your white characters just as you do your Characters of Color. If you don’t, you risk implying that White is the default human being and PoC are the “Other”).
PSA: Don’t use “Colored.” Based on some asks we’ve received using this word, I’d like to say that unless you or your character is a racist grandmama from the 1960s, do not call People of Color “colored” please.
Not Sure Where to Start? You really can’t go wrong using basic colors for your skin descriptions. It’s actually what many people prefer and works best for most writing. Personally, I tend to describe my characters using a combo of basic colors + modifiers, with mentions of undertones at times. I do like to veer into more creative descriptions on occasion.
Want some alternatives to “skin” or “skin color”?Try:Appearance, blend, blush, cast, coloring, complexion, flush, glow, hue, overtone, palette, pigmentation, rinse, shade, sheen, spectrum, tinge, tint, tone, undertone, value, wash.
I tried to be as comprehensive as possible with this guide, but if you have a question regarding describing skin color that hasn’t been answered within part I or II of this guide, or have more questions after reading this post, feel free to ask!
~ Mod Colette
Another great resource
Chloé and Sven.
Chloé and Sven.
A day later it was Chloé and Sven birthday, they grew up very well. Chloé’s friend grew up into a teen too.
A day later it was Chloé and Sven birthday, they grew up very well. Chloé’s friend grew up into a teen too.
Lazlo grew up into an elder, but he didn’t grow up very well.
Little Sven.
The Curious’house.
Lauren gave birth to twins girls, Lauren, the blonde one and Anna, the red haired one.
But Agnès ran away because she had a nightmare.
But Agnès ran away because she had a nightmare.
Martin did his homework while taking a look to his sister.
I have a few items for a baby shower/gender reveal, but I need more. WCIF them ?
I found a few links, but the downloads are not available anymore .
????
Agnès will be potty trained very soon.
Agnès will be potty trained very soon.
Agnès Ristori.
Agnès Ristori.
Hard to see the color of their eyes even it seems Mariella ( first pic ) has darker eyes than her sisters, and Elisa ( third pic ) has lighter eyes than Mariella and Sabrina.
Not only one girl, but three little princesses.
The girls love their baby bouncy chair.
Diaper change, bath and fun for the little princesses.
Mona Voguet grew up into a teen.
Sven needed a diaper change.
Amélia and Sven.
Amélia and Sven.
Amélia love swimming.
Amélia love swimming.
Amélia ( Pascal’s daughter ) and Chloé ( Victor’s daughter).
Amélia ( Pascal’s daughter ) and Chloé ( Victor’s daughter).
Chloé Lalouche ( Curious).
Chloé Lalouche ( Curious).
The triplets:
Mariella, she has brown hair like her dad, it seems she has her father’s eyes and she has pale skin like her mother.
Sabrina, she has black hair, light brown or green eyes and pale skin.
Elisa, It seems she has brown hair, grey/blue eyes and medium skin, a mix of her mom and her dad.
My new family, The Ristoris ( based upon the italian tv serie : Elisa di Rivombrosa. ).
Fabrice Ristori ( adult ), his son, Martin ( teenager ) Martin’s mother is unknown, Fabrice met her in a nightclub, they were both drunk and they slept together. She was a lot older than him and married. Nine month later, Fabrice found a infant boy in front of his door. There was a note with the baby, “This is your son, I don’t want it” Fabricewas shocked by the “it”, he took the baby boy with him and decided to take a DNA test, that woman might have a lot of lovers.
The results of the test showed Fabrice was the baby’s father, he named him Martin.
A few years later, Fabrice met Elisa Scalzi, and they got married, eleven months later Elisa gave birth to their daughter, Agnès.
FRAPS DOES NOT WORK AT ALL WITH THE SIMS 2 ULTIMATE COLLECTION
NOT A SINGLE PIC IN THE FOLDER.
I hope it will run perfectly.
Oscar’s cousin is a young adult too, he is Léna’son (Léna is Rose twins ), the babies were born the same days, the twins were still teenagers.
A baby is on the way for them too.
Oscar Keaton, Rose’s eldest child is a young adult, he got married with Mélodie, and their first child is on the way.
I finally got it…..I hope it will work, but I’m scared.
I can’t play with the DVD rom version anymore, it makes my computer stop after a few minutes or a few hours. I don’t think it’s the computer because I can play sims 3 and sims 4 without any problems ( and the sims 3 can have a lot of bugs even on a gaming computer, and my computer is a gaming one, GTX 750 CPU : 6 cores which is great for sims games.
The dvd rom is now very scratched and damaged, that might explain the problem, then I hope.
The graveyard and the gravestones of the deceased sims ( execpt the ones of my main family, the Grandiers ).
Happy birthday Laura.
Three birthdays are coming in the next days in this family.
This little girl was hungry.
He looks better with a boy’s hairstyle.
There’s a problem with this toddler, it’s a boy and he has a girl hairstyle.
My name is Leon Langford, I recently published a book based off of love of anime, manga, and light novels and my desire for diversity in the YA lit world
I was hoping you could help with just a simple reblog.
Streetslam Volume One is on sale on Amazon Kindle for 0.99.
You can also download the !free!Amazon Kindle App to MAC, PC, and Smartphone to read the novel, if you do not have a kindle.
Summary: After the death of his mother, Devin Maxwell joins Titan Force, an organization that collects supernatural artifacts using super powered agents. Devin quickly rises to become a brash, yet successful agent under the field name: Streetslam. He forms a pseudo family with his friends and fellow agents at Titan Force.
Devin’s allegiances are put to the test after an enigmatic billionaire offers him the chance to revive his mother, but only if he turns on his new family and steals a mysterious item from the Titan Force vault.
Featuring: -A black main lead with superpowers. -Anime style battles. -Characters dealing with depression, poverty, abuse, and recovery. -A diverse and robust cast, featuring strong black women, strong hispanic women, and a trio of super powered sisters. -Anime tropes such as BIG ASS swords, long evolving story arcs, a military organization that has no problem hiring teenagers, and even a character with animal ears.
Thanks for all the support!
This sounds awesome…
Thanks for the reblogs @etheralhobbies I sold 9 copies today!
We are always told to use body language in our writing. Sometimes, it’s easier said than written. I decided to create these cheat sheets to help you show a character’s state of mind. Obviously, a character may exhibit a number of these behaviours. For example, he may be shocked and angry, or shocked and happy. Use these combinations as needed.
You guys, this is such a great chart especially for budding writers. Sometimes it’s more effective to show a character being bored or excited or shocked without explicitly saying so.
Tired of the blue fog around your house? Sad that the neighborhood doesn’t look that nice in lot view? Wanna see moving clouds, skies and skylines from your lot? This tutorial is for you!
I got pretty fed up with looking for words to replace said because they weren’t sorted in a way I could easily use/find them for the right time. So I did some myself.
I’M DRUNK OR JUST BEING WEIRDLY EXPRESSIVE FOR A POINT/SARCASM Hooted Howled Yowled
I WONDER Pondered Voiced Wondered
OH, YEAH, WHOOPS Recalled Recited Remembered
SURPRISE BITCH Revealed
IT SEEMS FAKE BUT OKAY/HA ACTUALLY FUNNY BUT I DON’T WANT TO LAUGH OUT LOUD Scoffed Snickered Snorted
BITCHY Tattled Taunted Teased
Edit: People, I’m an English and creative writing double major in college; I understand that there’s nothing wrong with simply using “said.” This was just for fun, and it comes in handy when I need to add pizzazz.
#very helpful
Julia is pregnant with twins, I hope she’ll have two boys.
He looks better after plastic surgery, but there’s something wrong with his eyes.
Liam grew up into a not very beautiful toddler ( I had the same problem with one of the twins #2 )
Family scenes
Liam was cute when he was a baby.
Julia had fun.
The water of the pond and the one of the sea look great with that new mod.
You can’t use it with other water mod, you need a pool on the lot, otherwise the water is black.
Hey everyone. A friend here in Atlanta finds himself in an impossible situation. His pup Stella is requiring not one but TWO surgeries to correct her knees. You may remember Laika had this surgery too – it’s gruesome and takes quite a while to heal – and that’s just one leg – Stella will have this surgery again after the first one is healed up. It’s also bloody expensive. His initial visit he was quoted at $7200 which he simply does not have and cannot put on a card. Even the “Care-Credit” offer would require him to pay back monthly an amount he could not afford. I feel for him. I understand how difficult this is as we had not only the one leg surgery on Laika, but the emergency (and more costly) surgery on Jaxon this year. We’re trying to keep ahead of the insane payments ourselves.
We have tried to assist finding different programs and grants, but these things can take time and there’s waiting lists. Many places will help with certain operations or therapies, but not orthopedic. One place will do a surgery for $1000 a leg, but ultimately – if that doesn’t work – he’s back at square one with the TPLO surgery – cost on cost. It’s one of the reasons we simply went for it ourselves with Laika.
I know it’s a cruddy time of year to be asking, but Stella is a young dog and has a good chance of recovery. Please, if you can spare a few bucks towards this necessary procedure, it would mean the world to Jim. Like Laika is to me, Stella is the sun and moon to Jim. It’s hard to watch your ‘baby’ suffer.
Thanks! If you cannot help monetarily, please consider re-blogging to get the word out.
Lilysimsgames 