Naylene Rondon's Blog: More Than Scribbles, page 10

I’m on Pinterest!!!

I’m on Pinterest and I have a board for my upcoming novel Native Foreigners. 

I also have other fun boards about some fandoms I’m in, a board for books, and some other general stuff.

However, I’m here to promote this board:

Follow Naylenr’s board Native Foreigners on Pinterest.

There you’ll see some updates, quotes, and more. Example:

‘This is just a simple warning of your future. Whatever future it may be, it cannot be here on Cynthia.’ – Native Foreigners

So, check it out. Don’t forget to look it up on Goodreads as well to preview the first chapter. It will soon be published, so keep an eye out for it. I’m also on Twitter.

Elucidating the Fantasy Genre

Dragons, heroes, supernatural powers, and swords. The fantasy genre is a visual of the impossible yet desirable. (Come on, who didn’t want one of the above.) If you’re a fantasy writer who just can’t place their book, then you came to the right place. I’m going to explain the different sub-genres of fantasy.

If you look at BISAC the fantasy genre is the below:

FIC009000
FICTION / Fantasy / General


FIC009040
FICTION / Fantasy / Collections & Anthologies


FIC009010
FICTION / Fantasy / Contemporary


FIC009070
FICTION / Fantasy / Dark Fantasy


FIC009020
FICTION / Fantasy / Epic


FIC009030
FICTION / Fantasy / Historical


FIC009080
FICTION / Fantasy / Humorous *


FIC009050
FICTION / Fantasy / Paranormal


FIC009060
FICTION / Fantasy / Urban

I’ll explain the genres from the bottom and moving up (Just like Science Fiction.)

Urban

This means it must be an urban setting or also known as the city. Most Urban Fantasy takes place in modern time, even in real life cities. However, this doesn’t mean it can be historical or futuristic. It doesn’t even have to be a real city. As long as your story revolves takes place in the city, then it can be urban. Examples: Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan; Shifters by Rachel Vincent.

Paranormal

Ghosts, vampires, or telekinesis. If your story is about the paranormal, this is where you go. Most paranormals are romances, but that’s not always the case. However, many paranormal fantasies that aren’t romances are usually be placed under horror or science fiction.  Some examples are Twilight by Stephenie Meyer; Ghostbusters(movie); Supernatural(show).

Humorous

Humor me. This is a fantasy story made to make you laugh. It doesn’t take itself too seriously. My favorite humorous fantasy movie is Monty Python and the Holy Grail also, kids love Shrek. Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll is another good example.

Historical

Another setting based genre. If you’ve seen my explanation of Historical, you’ll know this means it takes place in the past. If you are writing fantasy in a historical setting, this is where you go.

Epic

Though it’s called Epic in BISAC, many know it as High Fantasy. This means entirely or mostly fictional. That’s a bit vague though. Really, the story has to take place in an entirely fictional secondary world. It must be consistent yet different. These stories are serious and commonly have elves, dragons, and dark magic.(Not necessary.) Example: The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien (Controversial on how since Tolkien states it’s simply in the past and not secondary world. However, it is still an epic for high details, serious tone, and extreme difference to known past and our current world.);  Forgotten Realms by Ed Greenwood.

Dark

There are no strict rules for this one. It can be a mixture of fantasy and horror or have an extreme gloomy and sad atmosphere. You know what, I’ll just show you some pictures and if it captivates the same feelings as your book, then this can be your genre.

Examples: The Masque of the Red Death By Edgar Allan Poe; Diablo(Video Game); H.P. Lovecraft(author). 

Contemporary

AKA Modern. This is a fantasy story setting in modern day. Many novels are written in its subgenre urban. However, if your story isn’t taking place in a city but is in modern-day, then it’s Contemporary. Examples: C.S. Lewis(author).

Collections & Anthologies

This is where you put a collection of stories rather than one.

General

Finally, there is general. This is where you put your story when you know for a matter of a fact it’s fantasy, yet it just doesn’t fit in any sub-category. Every fantasy book can fit in here without any rules to stop them(other than being fantasy).

Remember this is just a guideline to help make the process easier on deciding what genre your book is.

Can’t Catch Sunday

“Last night, a woman’s body has been found. Her name was Marisa Albien, she was a biologist at the state’s university. The infamous S was found on her desk. This would be Sunday’s eighth murder this month…”

Seth picked up the remote and switched off the news since no one was watching it. He grabbed his backpack and stuffed it with textbooks.“You’re still going to tutor with him? I thought he creeped you out.” Adam walked into the room. His hair was still a mess from his afternoon nap. He always comes home really late and then complains that he’s tired. It made Seth wish he didn’t have a roommate.

“He does, but I need to get on A on this test,” Seth explained. He walked across the hall to Aaron’s apartment. He never liked Aaron. There was just something with him that made him difficult to be around. The fact he looked like a tall twelve-year-old didn’t help either.

The young man opened the door and allowed Seth to enter. After Seth put all his books down, he realized he had to go to the bathroom. “Hey, I’ll be right back,” Seth said as he stood and walked down the hallway. As he did, he noticed a door was open and a small beam of light came out of the crack.

Curiously, Seth shoved the door open and noticed about five small monitors. Each one seemed to be showing different rooms of an apartment. He assumed it was Aaron’s until he notice the layout was different. This was Seth’s apartment.

In horror, he backed out of the room and ran into the bathroom. His urge to pee was long gone as he turned on his phone and began to call Adam. “Hello.”

“Aaron is a freak. He has cameras in our apartment. The weirdo has been watching us.” Seth’s voice was filled with panic.

“Calm down, I’m going over there.” Then the phone went quiet.

When Seth opened the door, Aaron was standing there. He stared at him with big eyes. “Who were you talking too?” His voice was monotonous.

Then a door slam was heard and Adam came in with a gun in his hands. He pointed it at Aaron and spoke. “Did you really believe you could catch Sunday?”

—-

A/N: Sorry for the late updates. This is a short story I wrote for a Suspense Contest about a year ago. I had a word limit of 500 words, so that’s why it feels so rushed. By Thursday, I should have a break down of the Fantasy Genres. 

Difference Between Historical Fiction and Alternative History (Age Range bonus)

In the BISAC there are several types of historical fiction: African American, Christian, Fantasy, Mystery and Detective, Romance(General, Ancient World, Medieval, Regency, Scottish, 20th Century, Victorian, and Viking), and thrillers. However, there is one last one called Alternative History.

Well, let me explain them. Historical fiction means it’s set in the past. That is it. No matter if it’s about religion, dragons, or two runaway love birds; the story is set in another century that took place before our current one.

See a list of Historical Fiction here at Goodreads.

Now, Alternative History is different. Yes, the story also takes place in the past, but it has ground rules. In your story, you must change an important event. So -like it’s name- you’re altering something from history. It’s going to be different from what really happened. Most Alternative History is considered science fiction. However, BISAC has put it by itself.

See a list of Alternative History here at Goodreads.

Since this a short post, I’m also going to leave a small Age Range Chart. 

It becomes an annoying thing when you hear ya and new adult. Keep in mind YA and new adult isn’t a genre, but an age range. This helps you better determine your target audience. (Keep in mind, this is my approximate. Nothing is in stone here.)

Board books |  0-2

Easy books | 3-6

Picture books | 4- 8

Children’s book | 8 – 12

Young Adult | 13 – 18

New Adult | 19 – 30

Adult | 30 +

Science Fiction Simplified

Today’s genre is Science Fiction!!! Science Fiction is one of the largest section of fiction works. Everyone has at least one science fiction novel they love because it’s just a broad subject. Here’s the BISAC science fiction section:

FIC028000 FICTION / Science Fiction / General

FIC028010 FICTION / Science Fiction / Action & Adventure

FIC028090 FICTION / Science Fiction / Alien Contact

FIC028070 FICTION / Science Fiction / Apocalyptic & Post-Apocalyptic

FICTION / Science Fiction / Alternative History see Alternative History

FIC028040 FICTION / Science Fiction / Collections & Anthologies

FIC028100 FICTION / Science Fiction / Cyberpunk

FIC028110 FICTION / Science Fiction / Genetic Engineering

FIC028020 FICTION / Science Fiction / Hard Science Fiction

FIC028050 FICTION / Science Fiction / Military

FIC028030 FICTION / Science Fiction / Space Opera

FIC028060 FICTION / Science Fiction / Steampunk

FIC028080 FICTION / Science Fiction / Time Travel

However, what does all this mean? How do you know where your novel fits in?

Well, let’s break each subgenre down, starting from the bottom.

Time Travel

This one practically speaks for itself. Any time your character’s are going to the past or future by some method, they are time traveling. If you character’s are time traveling, then this is your genre. Simple enough. Here’s some examples of time travel: The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger(Though this can easily be romance.); A Sound Of Thunder by Ray Bradbury; Steins;Gate(Anime & video game).

Steampunk

Now, I feel this is one of the most interesting genre’s out there. Most of the time, it’s historical or like an alternative history back in the 19th century. However, what defines this genre is the technology. Where they have futuristic technology (for the character’s time period or ours) that is steam-powered or clockwork. Sometimes even both. So basically advanced technology using the power of the 19th Century. Also, it’s not only in the technology, but also the way they dress.

Okay, probably I’m over explaining. It’s what modern or futuristic concepts would look like if everything happened in the 19th Century. Here’s an example: Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld. Though I think this is better explained in pictures. So here you go.

Space Opera

Space Opera involves emotional baggage, drama, action, and more. It’s a fun genre to work with. My book almost borders this genre. However, it has some must have’s and that includes space. Your character at one point must leave his or her planet and go to another one. If not then they should be floating around in a ship. However, you can add lots of action, romance, drama, comedy, and more to this genre. Here are some examples of Space Opera: Cowboy Bebop(show); The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams.

Military

Again, it’s in the name. Whenever the story has war-like battles or revolves around military. Of course, it still has to have science fiction, whether the enemy is aliens or they’re just using really cool weapons. Some easy examples are: The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells; Battlestar Galactica (show).

Hard Science Fiction

This science fiction means more than an idea.This provides details with scientific accuracy. It’s a science fiction story that sounds plausible and practical. Everything is with extreme detail to make it as realistic as possible. Examples are: Steins; gate (show); Eden of the East(show); Mission of Gravity by Hal Clement.

Genetic Engineering

I think this one is pretty straight forward. Whenever you story revolves around changing or adding to someone’s DNA with something else. Best way to see this is manually created Mutants, think X-men or Maximum Ride. Also, Avatar when they mixed human DNA with the natives. Even Frankenstein is a great example of this.

Cyberpunk

Think of Steampunk. Only instead of going to the past, we have a jump to the future. Usually, there are robots or new technology. However, everything isn’t pretty and organized. Usually, these stories have a messed up society. These stories are usually about detectives, bad governments, or the misuse of technology. Examples: I, Robot (Issac Asimov); Ghost in a Shell (show); The Matrix (film).

Collections & Anthologies

This is where you put a collection of stories rather than one.

Apocalyptic & Post-Apocalyptic

This is one of the most popular genres at the moment. This is a story taking place when the world/human race is under destruction or during the aftermath. I really don’t think this has to be explained, so I’ll just give examples. The Matrix(film); Falling Skies(show); The Maze Runner by James Dashner; I am Legend by Richard Matheson.

Alien Contact

This one can be quite confusing. This isn’t saying a story about aliens. This is a story when humans first meet aliens. We must come across aliens for the first time. First human contact. Examples are Like E.T. and The War of the Worlds.

Action & Adventure

Action and Adventure. The story must have a lot of action. There must be high-speed chases, gun fights, or good old fashioned punching. They should be going through dangerous jungles, searching for a lost treasure or something. My best example of this is my book. Native Foreigners is full of action. Something happens in every chapter.

General

Finally, there is general. This is where you put your story when you know for a matter of a fact it’s science fiction, yet it just doesn’t fit in any sub-category. Every science fiction book can fit in here without any rules to stop them(other than being science fiction).

So, that’s it. By the way, I know I skipped Alternate History. I’m going to discuss that one when I post about historical fiction. Remember this is just a guideline to help you decide.

Fiction Genre List

Sorry for the late update. Monday was a hectic day for me. I decided to makes this whole week about discussing genre. When you’re an author and you’ve just finished that book, the next part is to decide exactly what kind of genre it is. Many books don’t fit in any genre specifically, so you just have to settle with what you book fits in best. Everyday of the week I’m going to post the common genres and their sub-genres and tell you what they mean. Tomorrow, I’ll start with my book’s genre, Science Fiction.

For today, I’m going to show you all the BISAC genres for fiction. Or you can just go to the link here:

https://www.bisg.org/bisac-subject-headings-list-fiction

FIC000000
FICTION / General


FIC002000
FICTION / Action & Adventure



FICTION / Adventure see Action & Adventure


FIC049000
FICTION / African American / General


FIC049010
FICTION / African American / Christian


FIC049020
FICTION / African American / Contemporary Women


FIC049030
FICTION / African American / Erotica


FIC049040
FICTION / African American / Historical


FIC049050
FICTION / African American / Mystery & Detective


FIC049070
FICTION / African American / Urban


FIC040000
FICTION / Alternative History


FIC053000
FICTION / Amish & Mennonite


FIC003000
FICTION / Anthologies (multiple authors)


FIC054000
FICTION / Asian American


FIC041000
FICTION / Biographical


FIC060000
FICTION / Black Humor


FIC042000
FICTION / Christian / General


FIC042010
FICTION / Christian / Classic & Allegory


FIC042050
FICTION / Christian / Collections & Anthologies


FIC042080
FICTION / Christian / Fantasy


FIC042020
FICTION / Christian / Futuristic


FIC042030
FICTION / Christian / Historical


FIC042040
FICTION / Christian / Romance


FIC042060
FICTION / Christian / Suspense


FIC042070
FICTION / Christian / Western


FIC004000
FICTION / Classics


FIC043000
FICTION / Coming of Age


FIC044000
FICTION / Contemporary Women


FIC050000
FICTION / Crime


FIC051000
FICTION / Cultural Heritage


FIC055000
FICTION / Dystopian


FIC005000
FICTION / Erotica / General


FIC005010
FICTION / Erotica / BDSM *


FIC005020
FICTION / Erotica / Collections & Anthologies *


FIC005030
FICTION / Erotica / Gay *


FIC005040
FICTION / Erotica / Lesbian *


FIC005050
FICTION / Erotica / Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror *


FIC005060
FICTION / Erotica / Traditional Victorian *


FIC010000
FICTION / Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, Legends & Mythology


FIC045000
FICTION / Family Life



FICTION / Family Saga see Sagas


FIC009000
FICTION / Fantasy / General


FIC009040
FICTION / Fantasy / Collections & Anthologies


FIC009010
FICTION / Fantasy / Contemporary


FIC009070
FICTION / Fantasy / Dark Fantasy


FIC009020
FICTION / Fantasy / Epic


FIC009030
FICTION / Fantasy / Historical


FIC009080
FICTION / Fantasy / Humorous *


FIC009050
FICTION / Fantasy / Paranormal


FIC009060
FICTION / Fantasy / Urban



FICTION / Folklore see Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, Legends & Mythology


FIC011000
FICTION / Gay


FIC012000
FICTION / Ghost


FIC027040
FICTION / Gothic



FICTION / Graphic Novels see headings under COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS


FIC056000
FICTION / Hispanic & Latino


FIC014000
FICTION / Historical


FIC058000
FICTION / Holidays


FIC015000
FICTION / Horror


FIC016000
FICTION / Humorous


FIC046000
FICTION / Jewish


FIC034000
FICTION / Legal


FIC018000
FICTION / Lesbian


FIC019000
FICTION / Literary


FIC061000
FICTION / Magical Realism


FIC05700
FICTION / Mashups


FIC021000
FICTION / Media Tie-In


FIC035000
FICTION / Medical



FICTION / Metaphysical see Visionary & Metaphysical


FIC022000
FICTION / Mystery & Detective / General


FIC022100
FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Amateur Sleuth *


FIC022050
FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Collections & Anthologies


FIC022070
FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Cozy


FIC022010
FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Hard-Boiled


FIC022060
FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Historical


FIC022080
FICTION / Mystery & Detective / International Mystery & Crime


FIC022020
FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Police Procedural


FIC022090
FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Private Investigators


FIC022030
FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Traditional


FIC022040
FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Women Sleuths



FICTION / Mythology see Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, Legends & Mythology


FIC059000
FICTION / Native American & Aboriginal


FIC062000
FICTION / Noir


FIC024000
FICTION / Occult & Supernatural


FIC037000
FICTION / Political


FIC025000
FICTION / Psychological


FIC026000
FICTION / Religious


FIC027000
FICTION / Romance / General


FIC027260
FICTION / Romance / Action & Adventure *


FIC049060
FICTION / Romance / African American


FIC027270
FICTION / Romance / Clean & Wholesome *


FIC027080
FICTION / Romance / Collections & Anthologies


FIC027020
FICTION / Romance / Contemporary


FIC027010
FICTION / Romance / Erotica


FIC027030
FICTION / Romance / Fantasy


FIC027190
FICTION / Romance / Gay


FIC027050
FICTION / Romance / Historical / General


FIC027140
FICTION / Romance / Historical / Ancient World


FIC027150
FICTION / Romance / Historical / Medieval


FIC027070
FICTION / Romance / Historical / Regency


FIC027160
FICTION / Romance / Historical / Scottish


FIC027200
FICTION / Romance / Historical / 20th Century


FIC027170
FICTION / Romance / Historical / Victorian


FIC027180
FICTION / Romance / Historical / Viking


FIC027210
FICTION / Romance / Lesbian


FIC027220
FICTION / Romance / Military


FIC027230
FICTION / Romance / Multicultural & Interracial


FIC027240
FICTION / Romance / New Adult


FIC027120
FICTION / Romance / Paranormal


FIC027250
FICTION / Romance / Romantic Comedy


FIC027130
FICTION / Romance / Science Fiction


FIC027110
FICTION / Romance / Suspense


FIC027090
FICTION / Romance / Time Travel


FIC027100
FICTION / Romance / Western


FIC008000
FICTION / Sagas


FIC052000
FICTION / Satire


FIC028000
FICTION / Science Fiction / General


FIC028010
FICTION / Science Fiction / Action & Adventure


FIC028090
FICTION / Science Fiction / Alien Contact


FIC028070
FICTION / Science Fiction / Apocalyptic & Post-Apocalyptic



FICTION / Science Fiction / Alternative History see Alternative History


FIC028040
FICTION / Science Fiction / Collections & Anthologies


FIC028100
FICTION / Science Fiction / Cyberpunk


FIC028110
FICTION / Science Fiction / Genetic Engineering


FIC028020
FICTION / Science Fiction / Hard Science Fiction


FIC028050
FICTION / Science Fiction / Military


FIC028030
FICTION / Science Fiction / Space Opera


FIC028060
FICTION / Science Fiction / Steampunk


FIC028080
FICTION / Science Fiction / Time Travel


FIC047000
FICTION / Sea Stories



FICTION / Short Stories (multiple authors) see Anthologies (multiple authors)


FIC029000
FICTION / Short Stories (single author)


FIC038000
FICTION / Sports


FIC063000
FICTION / Superheroes



FICTION / Television Tie-in see Media Tie-In


FIC031000
FICTION / Thrillers / General


FIC031010
FICTION / Thrillers / Crime


FIC006000
FICTION / Thrillers / Espionage


FIC031020
FICTION / Thrillers / Historical


FIC031030
FICTION / Thrillers / Legal


FIC031040
FICTION / Thrillers / Medical


FIC031050
FICTION / Thrillers / Military


FIC031060
FICTION / Thrillers / Political


FIC031080
FICTION / Thrillers / Psychological *


FIC031070
FICTION / Thrillers / Supernatural


FIC030000
FICTION / Thrillers / Suspense


FIC036000
FICTION / Thrillers / Technological


FIC048000
FICTION / Urban


FIC039000
FICTION / Visionary & Metaphysical


FIC032000
FICTION / War & Military


FIC033000
FICTION / Westerns

Acheron

The hazy orange burned her eyes. A single bulb hanging over her sight. She’s been staring at it for hours. Every time she blinked, she could see the hideous colors stretching and curling in her vision. It has been hours. However, only now did she feel awake. She could only feel her existence now.

Her fingers curled, scratching the cement below her. She struggled to turn her neck. The rest of the room was dark. She could sense no walls or barriers. Just an emptiness surrounding her. Then there was the light. The only thing she could possibly see.

After wasting several more minutes, she pulled herself into a sitting position. Her spine shook in pain. Scolding her for moving. As she sat, a small white square floated into her lap. Her fingers lifted the small sheet of paper and raised to her vision.

BANISHED

Directions: Stand up. Walk Forward. Open Door. Go Outside.

Banished. The word burned into her mind. She wasn’t sure what to make out of it. She couldn’t ponder it’s meaning either. She felt something trying to trickle up her throat. It burned and cut as she held it back in her mouth, forcing herself to swallow.

She skid her fingers against the ground again and pushed herself to her feet. Her bones wobbled as she walked forward. She stretched her arms in front of her as she waited for find the wall. Then, the ugly orange light died. Trapping her in the horrifying darkness. She stumbled on her own feet falling forward. Her arms stretched out beyond her, her fingertips tracing the wall.

She moved up with the wall, struggling to find the door. Her hands moved over the smooth surface unable to find a knob or crack. Then, the wall began gliding. It moved to the left, creating an orifice. A lively white light gleamed through the space, inviting her to run outside. her feet moved on their own and pulled her out of the darkness.

Her eyes squinted in the newfound light. It was painful to adjust to the new conditions. In time, she could make out her surroundings to be appalled. Her earlier thoughts were rescinded. She turned around, hoping to run back into the darkness. However, the door was closed without any means of opening.

Dread and fear was her visage. She couldn’t accept this. Instinct fell into place as she began banging against the doorway. “Please open the door! I think there was a mistake. I’m a military officer, Bridgett Tine. Hello. There must have been a confusion or misunderstanding.” She yelled and banged against the door until her hope vanished.

Then, aggression filled her and she began punching the wall. Every impact stung her hands, but she still continued until her knuckles were bleeding. Then, she fell into a ball and breathed deeply.

She pressed her back against the wall and peered at the pitiful destruction some would dare call a city. Buildings were depressed and rigged. Many weren’t standing any longer but accumulated as piles of ruble. No trees were visible, but thorned vines and weeds were everywhere.

The ground was dry and appeared as colorless as the cloudy skies. The sun couldn’t be seen in any direction. Her fingers dug into the ground. The soil was like ash and crush bones. Bridgett struggled to recall such a city. She knew about every corner of the country Halcyon, but she couldn’t decipher her location.

She then felt inadequate to call herself a military officer. Her reactions were pathetic and feeble. She is a woman and not a child. There is no reason for her to squatting their as if she was helpless.

Bridgett scrambled to her feet and began treading towards the city. Determination in her steps. The interior of the mash of structures was similar to a maze. She never understood which direction she was taking. Nothing familiar or strange.

She struggled to find people, but the city was barren. No one was in sight or existence. The only noises were of vultures and lizards. Though, she knew there must have been people. Blood stained the sides of some structures. Some seemed ancient and became one with the walls. Though some were fresh, still sliding down with gravity.

“Hello.” She called out. Her only return was a deep rumble in the sky. The clouds undulated into a dark mass over her. A streak of electricity cut through the air and the cloud rumbled again. Then the rain fell. First slow and soft. She could barely feel it against her skin. Then, it fell heavily. Each drop pelting her skin.

Bridgett raised an arm to protect her face and began running in search of shelter. Behind her, she could hear the sound of lightning cutting through the air. Sand and gravel shot up in the air as the lightning struck the ground.

Desperate, Bridgett crawled into a small crack in a building. It was barely big enough for a human to sit inside. As she sat there, trying to dry her face with her wet sleeves, she could hear murmurs coming deep inside the building. She realized that the crack was, in fact, an entrance to the structure.

“Hello.” Bridgett’s voice echoed deep inside. Suddenly, the murmurs died. She sighed and began crawling deep inside. As she crawled she found a small circle of light. As she neared, she felt the pelting of rain against her skull. She backed up and examined the space. The was a wall leading up in the hole. There was a ladder. So this was another way to outside.

Bridgett sat by the hole until the rain lightened. Occasionally, she’ll hear whispers and the sounds of footsteps. However, she assumed they could have been rats as several ran by her as she sat there. They weren’t afraid of her.

Soon, the rain lightened. She stood under the hole and wrapped her finger around the rusty and wet rungs. Carefully and slowly, she began climbing upwards. It wasn’t long until she reached the top. The building was taller than it appeared. She crawled towards the edge and pulled herself into a standing position. She began glancing around the city for a sense of familiary.

To her surprise, she did feel something. There was something that felt familiar. She stared at the vastness of the city in an attempt to identify sat was so important about this line. Her mind pondered through its knowledge until a wave of disbelief shook her. She grabbed her head and began stepping back. “This isn’t possible.” She whispered to herself. They threw her in the land of charnel and despair. A place so despicable that it was forgotten by it’s creators.

Only those who could never be exonerated was sent there. Then, there she was. A woman who never commited a crime, not even a petty one. She was standing in this horrid city that was created to be a prison.

She shook her head in denial. “No.No.No.No.” She repeated insanely. She did not deserve this suffering. After shaking incontrollably for several minutes, she peered around at the prison cell she was sent to. Something some dared to call a city.

Acheron.

Creating Characters

I love creating characters. It’s my favorite part of the entire writing process. I love it so much, I could write an entire essay on why I love creating characters. However, that’s probably boring. If you’re reading this you want to learn some tricks on how to make them.

Before we start, I’ll tell you the secret of creating characters- Don’t.

Readers don’t want characters, they want people. Real people. They don’t want a stereotypical 2-D character.

So what makes a person?

When you first meet someone, the first thing you notice is their appearance. I know, I know. Don’t judge a book by its cover. However, let’s be honest, we all judge people by the way their appearance. Looks are the first impression.

However, the next part is talking to the person. This is when we start to understand. We discover their strengths and weaknesses. If your character is the protagonist or hero of the story, then you should start with their good qualities, then as the story progresses show some negative qualities or weaknesses. However, don’t let their only weakness be someone they love. They should have bad habits. It could be something as small as nail biting. They should have quirks(it can’t only be clumsiness.) Finally, they should have insecurities because even the most confident person can have doubt.

However, I was talking about the good guys in a story. How about the villain?

Well, as heroes start with positive, for your antagonist it should be negative qualities that go first. Let your readers hate him for a bit. However, as the story progresses, give him redeemable qualities. Create him in a way that if the story was in his perspective, that he would seem like the hero. Make your readers feel unsure on whether they love or hate him.

There are some exceptions on this though. If you’re creating a character like Joker, where he kills for fun, then that’s another thing. Then make him psychotic. Let him be demented yet somehow entertaining. Just make sure you can pull it off.

I’m just going to leave some charts I found on Pinterest below. They are useful when developing your characters. If you click on them, it will take you to their original links.

Preview the First Chapter of Native Foreigners

You can now read the first chapter of Native Foreigners on Goodreads.

Native Foreigners is a science fiction & action/adventure novel. It begins on a frivolous note but darkens as the story progresses. The story revolves around several characters. Jane is struggling to find a cure for Dill’s rare disease. Dill suffers internal conflict as she feels she is a burden to others. Finally, there’s Zeb, the man with no past or last name. These characters go out of their way in search of a simple solution. However, they end up raveled in forgotten secrets, dangerous situations, and between the beginning of a race war.

My Enemies

My blood has been poisoned by the love of my enemies

My heart has been deceived by their kind words

My breath inhales the sweetness of their offers

My hands touching their warmth and acceptance

My mind twist in turmoil with the joy in their smile

My feeling have changed

My thoughts have been tamed

My rage has been quieted

My pain has been soothed

My hate has faded

My love has developed

My enemies are my friends

My friends turn to enemies

Blood on both ends

My work has betrayed me