Elysia Lumen Strife's Blog, page 7
December 16, 2020
Author Interview: B.B. Reed, Fantasy/Mystery
I am B.B. Reed, a fantasy/mystery author, and my most recent publication was DEMON EYE, book 1 of the Blood Witch Saga. Book 2 is currently in editing and forecasted for release in mid-2021!
From Planning to Published
When did you start writing and why?
Author: I started writing fantasy in middle school after getting immersed in early online fantasy games, though why I did so is harder to answer. Part of it is due to good world building in media like Warcraft or reading The Last Apprentice—those worlds give you so many building blocks to craft stories from! The other part, I reckon, is this was about the time in my life when my older brother wasn’t as large a role in my life. He’d gone off to college and traveled abroad. It was my first time being alone and having nobody around that I could bounce my thoughts off of. So, I started throwing my musings and ideas down on paper, either as drawn art or a mess of words in a notebook.
How long did it take you to finish your first book?
Author: It took me six years to complete DEMON EYE. Now that I’ve crossed the finish line, I’m kinda kicking myself wondering what took me so long. Honest, though, I had to spend that time teaching myself how to properly write in a novel format, how to make a plot work, how to craft a living world, how to make characters have impacts and techniques on when to raise the stakes.
If you’ve published, how long did your first book take?
Author: Seven years in total.
(If applicable) Has your publishing timeframe improved at all since your first publication?
Author: My publishing timeframe has improved SIGNIFICANTLY! Book 2 has taken about a year or two to already be in editing and polishing stage.
Are you indie, traditional, hybrid, or vanity, and why?
Author: I’m an indie author because I have a story that needs to be told. It’s not one that most traditional publishing houses would want or are looking for. Besides, I did most of the work an agent or copyeditor would have done anyway.
How did you determine your target audience?
Author: I am still working on that, I think. I know the Dungeons & Dragons crowd would appreciate the fantasy world of Moira, and then the LGBTQ community would appreciate the inclusion of gay characters on the stage. The themes of witchcraft and feminism would draw the wiccan crowd on top of that. It feels like I cast a wide net with this material.
What platforms do you use to publish your works?
Author: Amazon Kindle is my publishing platform due to convenience and some sentimental tie to the name. My career in IT has benefitted greatly from Amazon’s tech certifications.
How do you get critiques, betas, feedback, and edits?
Author: I ask, and I ask, and I ask. Anyone, literally, who would put down the time and effort to consume my novels. So far, my primary source of feedback and editing is a dear friend of mine in the UK who coaches me in some of the classics like Dune and Jules Verne.
DEMON EYE is my debut novel, setting the stage for a series of fantasy novels following the adventures of the main character, Halena Maris. She’s a wandering witch in the kingdom of Arram, helping peasant folk too afraid to confront the entities of the night. Halena makes what coin she can to support her nomadic life and her pursuit of knowledge, until she has a chance at the biggest payout yet as a noblewoman contracts her for an investigation. She’s caught between the world of nobles and black magic as she struggles to keep up with a conspiracy against the throne, or risks her demonic secret being revealed.
Marketing
Do you have a platform? What does it consist of?
Author: My current marketing platform is through Twitter and Amazon KDP exclusively.
What is your launch plan for your works?
Author: Launch means I turn Twitter and my online Discord communities on blast with my work. I almost feel bad for the massive signal boosting, but it must be done!
How do you get reviews for your books?
Author: I mostly do grass roots solicitation for reviews. Signed copies, free physical copies, whatever makes a potential reader’s eyes light up. I make sure to inform them how their input for reviews not only helps me become a better author, but also makes the gremlins behind Amazon’s algorithms circulate my work. Otherwise, I post reminders on the regular on Twitter about the importance of reviews for us indie authors.
How do you promote your content?
Author: I post snippets and one-liners from my book, as well as sharing pieces of non-spoiler artwork I’ve bought over the years that feature my characters from The Blood Witch Saga. On top of that, I divide and conquer. These promotions go through Twitter, Facebook, and my discord communities.
How do you define success as an author?
Author: You’ve succeeded as an author when you hold your book in your hand and feel yourself compelled to start reading it just as your audience would. Every time I do that, I fall in love with my work all over again.
About Your Work
What type of content do you write and why? Fiction Novels? Poems? Songs? Screenplays? Short Stories? Epic?
Author: I have begun an Epic Fantasy series with DEMON EYE, and on the side, I do short stories as well. My content usually features dark themes, like the dangers of the esoteric unknown behind magic, or I’ll scrape myself against the grit of war stories to prod at the man vs. man challenges in that theater. I write about these things because I feel like I’ve had a brush with components of those themes. Death, reflecting on your own mortality, what is the quality of a life lived? All the window dressing of fantasy or sci-fi war scenarios helps to frame these themes in more digestible ways.
What genres and subgenres do you write in?
Author: I write fiction that straddles across Sci-FI, Fantasy, Horror, and mystery
What is your author brand (genre, mood, image, theme, message, etc)? How did you decide on it?
Author: My brand is definitely Fantasy—especially darker fantasy since I write about witchcraft and magic. However, I hope the message I put out is that despite having an affinity for dark and gothic themes, there is love and acceptance in that. I didn’t so much decide on this as it more just… happened!
How many works have you published?
Author: One with my second in the works! Goodness, it sounds like I’m talking about kids.
Name some common elements in your writing: villains, magic, red-herring twists, the unfortunate ensign, mysterious phenomena, asyndeton, sentence fragments etc.
Author: Magick is a huge factor in the Blood Witch series, as well as keeping the reader on their toes as the plot unfolds. I’m also a proponent of maintaining villains that believe they’re on the right side of events.
What was your first goal when you started your journey to becoming an author? Has that changed?
Author: My first goal was to complete a manuscript draft! But seriously, my goal was to bring a unique and compelling story to the table that someone could reasonably digest. I see no reason in delivering a story that requires a codex to decode heavy exposition. That goal has remained true, I think, and I wish to continue delivering stories that people will enjoy.
What do you want your readers to get out of your works?
Author: I want readers to pull out Halena’s internal struggle, to feel and empathize with her. Some of the challenges she endures are ones many of us face, whether it’s struggling with mental illness or our neuroses that make us quiver. I want them to see that despite all these factors, having friends and loved ones to turn to is not a show of weakness, but how you must weather those internal storms.
What has been your favorite part of the writing and querying or publishing process?
Author: My favorite part of the writing process has to be the content generation part of it when making your first draft. You reach those pieces you’ve just been waiting to put down on paper, it’s like riding the lightning! In recent time, however, I have come to love the process of editing too.
Which authors write similar books to yours? How did you find them?
Author: Kim Wedlock writes magic-focused fantasy like I do and you can find everything you need to know about her work at her Twitter handle (@KimWedlock) or look her up on Amazon!
Have you always read in the genre you wanted to write in? Do you think that’s made it easier or harder to create new stories?
Author: In the past, I read a lot of fantasy novels, but in recent time I have pulled away mostly because I’m overly familiar with the genre. Reading detective novels by the likes of Jim Butcher or folk tales by Neil Gaiman have been really invigorating. I’m a firm believer that you have to consume media on the regular to generate new media of your own.
What is your writing process, from idea to polished work? Pantster? Plotter? How long does that typically take you?
Author: I’m a plotter—or an architect—when it comes to my process. I need a rough idea of where I’m going or else I risk writing myself into a corner. I jot down notes for beats and highlights, as well as a few details I don’t want to forget. However, my timeline isn’t very reliable because I outline my stories from high-level end-to-end plot to begin, then outline as I go by story acts. There’s a method to this madness, I swear!
Where do you network most with other writers, authors, and creative types? LinkedIn? Wattpad? Twitter? Facebook? Somewhere else?
Author: Twitter has been a decent means of networking with other artists and writers, however, I feel it is not a good means of circulating that media amongst ourselves. The company has also made it abundantly clear it has no interest in supporting the creative demographic. Otherwise, I’ve met other creatives through gaming communities through Discord and network there.
Do you sprint-write like a starving cheetah, or are you a totally chill turtle writer? Somewhere in between?
Author: I sprint when I’m writing a scene I have clear in my head and I just NEED IT to be done. I just can’t wait to see how it turns out! Then, once that rush is done, it’s back to milder and slow-paced writing as I try to figure out how to link all these high notes together in a good way.
Struggles
What has been the hardest thing to overcome on your journey to authorship?
Author: Imposter syndrome has been the hardest hurdle in my road to authorship. Querying made me feel like nobody wanted my vision, but I remained stubborn to keep on the path. My characters and their story were worth it.
How has the writing and querying or publishing process affected you emotionally? Do you have any tips for budding writers?
Author: It’s shown me just how true the old phrase, “You eat an elephant one bite at a time,” is in real life. Everything is possible if you remain disciplined and persistent. However, I will say that the querying process has left less-than-stellar sentiments with me. So, for you budding writers out there, please take inventory of your feelings. If something doesn’t feel right, or it’s making you hate the work you love, listen to those feelings.
Do you have any tips or recommendations for those who want to go the final step and become authors?
Author: Take Neil Gaiman’s writing advice and start writing. You can always edit it later.
If you could do it all over again, what would you change?
Author: I wouldn’t have wasted a year on the publishing industry’s niche standards and requirements.
Are you a driven & self-advocating author, a gun-shy promoter, or a total marketing procrastinator?
Author: I’m definitely a self-advocating author and I’m driven to finish my work to release to everyone for consumption. I will admit I procrastinate in my marketing because I’ve found it to be utterly draining to maintain.
How do you keep yourself motivated?
Author: I make or commission art of my characters from the main cast of the Blood Witch Saga. Seeing them in such a tangible form and the interpretations varied between artists is so fulfilling and it drives me to keep writing their stories.
How do you combat writer’s block?
Author: I don’t force the block and I set aside time to consume new media, as well as make an effort to express myself through my visual art.
How did your family and friends react to your writing? Was it what you expected from them?
Author: My heart skipped when my mother told me she couldn’t put my book down, then I was blown away when my church-going cousin bombarded me with all these questions about my world. There was a piece of me that thought they were being nice in supporting me up until that feedback came. Then I knew that I had something worth it.
What assumptions about writers and authors do you think are myths?
Author: Many tend to think writing is a lonely profession, and while it does require a degree of loneliness to accomplish the great task of crafting the novel, it could not be accomplished without community. People to exchange ideas with, friends and family to reassure you through the hardships, and the criticisms of how to improve yourself. There is no self-made man behind that book, there is him and the hands he held before touching the paper.
Fun Stuff
What do you listen to while you write?
Author: I listen to film and game orchestra scores. You have no idea how well the 1989 Batman score can set the mood for a scene!
Is there a fun word or group of terms you like to put into your writing?
Author: Esoteric, yawning, sable, haunt
Where do you write your stories? A tiny office? A loft? The kitchen table? In the bushes while you secretly people-watch like a total creeper? Or a warm café with mocha in hand and feet up on an ottoman?
Author: In “The Before-times,” I used to sit in a local coffee shop or Denny’s with breakfast and spend a few hours banging away at my laptop. Nowadays, I gotta get that writing machine going at my own dining table.
What book are you reading at the moment?
Author: I’m reading Around the World in 80 Days right now!
How do you try to “break the mold” and be unique?
Author: I break the mould by putting fantasy and mystery together, as well as featuring black magic as a force of good rather than being inherently evil.
What have you learned about yourself from the writing and/or authorship process?
Author: The overlap between my visual artistic pursuits and my literary pursuits came together to make this possible for me.
What is your favorite writing snack and drink?
Author: LaCroix and Chex Mix
Do you have a writing companion?
Author: My own black cat named Patty!
My primary haunt is via Twitter: @WonderBran31
Follow me on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/B-B-Reed/e/B08BPDV3LZ/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
And you can see a portfolio of my other hobbies at https://bbreedart.squarespace.com/
December 15, 2020
Upcoming Author Interviews
I’m starting a new blog that’s will be filled with interviews from wonderful people who are at different stages in the process of writing and publishing. I want to help the world find out about them and their amazing content. I also hope we can learn from each other. Reading the stories of what others have gone through may be anecdotal, but it’s still helpful in rounding out our concepts of how things work, finding new ideas, and avoiding common pitfalls.
I’ve found the same questions circulating from a lot of brand new writers and authors about the writing and publishing process. I hope you’ll take a look at the upcoming interview posts to learn more about the writing journey. Maybe you’ll even find a new author to follow and books to read!
Until then, stay safe!
Elysia
December 1, 2020
BOOK TOUR STARTS TODAY! THE KISS THAT SAVED CHRISTMAS
BONUS GIFT #1 TO MY FOLLOWERS: if you want a chance to win a signed paperback of this book and the others to come, subscribe to Sugar and Spice Club before December 15th, 2020. I’ll be sending out one more email with the links to sign up then.
BONUS GIFT #2: If you subscribe AND you let me know via email which book tour stop was your favorite, I’ll enter you in a drawing for signed copies of my three short holiday stories to be mailed out in January as part of the traditional 12 Days of Christmas!
My subscribers also, always get early free copies of my ebooks before they publish!
I hope you’re all having a safe and happy holiday season despite the struggles of 2020! I’ll be checking in at each stop if anyone has any comments or questions!
If you’d like to subscribe, you can do so here: Sugar and Spice Club
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The Kiss that Saved Christmas Tour Schedule:
Tuesday, December 1
Virtual Book Tour Kick Off at PUYB Virtual Book Club
Wednesday, December 2
Book Teaser Feature at YouTube
Thursday, December 3
Book Feature at Stormy Nights Reviewing & Bloggin’
Friday, December 4
Interview at Book Cover Junkie
Monday, December 7
Book Feature at Lisa Everyday Reads
Book Feature at Nicole’s Book Musings
Tuesday, December 8
Interview at Book Bloggin’ Princess
Wednesday, December 9
Book Feature at Lisa’s Reading
Thursday, December 10
Book Video Teaser Feature at Blogging Authors
Monday, December 14
Interview at My Tangled Skeins Book Reviews
Book Feature at The Bookworm Lodge
Tuesday, December 15
Book Review at Eastern Sunset Reads
Wednesday, December 16
Book Feature at The Writer’s Life
Thursday, December 17
Interview at My Book Launch
Friday, December 18
Book Feature at My Fiction Nook
Monday, December 21
Book Feature at I’m All About Books
Tuesday, December 22
First Chapter Review at Literarily Speaking
Wednesday, December 23
Book Feature at What Is That Book About
Monday, December 28
Book Feature at Jazzy Book Reviews
Book Feature at b for book reviews
Book Feature at CBY Book Club
Thursday, December 31
Guest Blogging at Dear Reader, Love Author
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November 20, 2020
BOOK TOUR SCHEDULE: THE KISS THAT SAVED CHRISTMAS
The tour schedule has filled up more than I ever imagined! I just finished doing my interviews and guest posts and am excited for this tour! I loved writing this book and
[image error] hope you’ll join me in learning a bit about The Kiss that Saved Christmas as well as the work that goes into the self-publishing process.
I’ve enjoyed working with Dorothy, my tour coordinator
and look forward to checking in at each of the stops! I hope you’ll join me!
And as a special gift to my subscribers, I’m doing one more drawing for a signed paperback copy of The Kiss that Saved Christmas this month as well as one for subscribers who share their favorite blog tour stop with me and will receive a copy of each of my three short holiday romance stories in signed, paperback form.
Since we can’t do real book signings this year, and I can’t do any holiday craft fairs (which are my favorite), I’m offering the goodies I can from my little RV during lockdown. Don’t worry, I always sanitize my surface and mask and glove-up prior to signing.
I hope you enjoy my books and they bring you a bit of Christmas spirit in these dolor times. I send my best wishes and my love to you this holiday season.
Love,
Elysia
If you’d like to subscribe, you can do so here: Sugar and Spice Club
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The Kiss that Saved Christmas Tour Schedule:
Tuesday, December 1
Virtual Book Tour Kick Off at PUYB Virtual Book Club
Wednesday, December 2
Book Teaser Feature at YouTube
Thursday, December 3
Book Feature at Stormy Nights Reviewing & Bloggin’
Friday, December 4
Interview at Book Cover Junkie
Monday, December 7
Book Feature at Lisa Everyday Reads
Book Feature at Nicole’s Book Musings
Tuesday, December 8
Interview at Book Bloggin’ Princess
Wednesday, December 9
Book Feature at Lisa’s Reading
Thursday, December 10
Book Video Teaser Feature at Blogging Authors
Monday, December 14
Interview at My Tangled Skeins Book Reviews
Book Feature at The Bookworm Lodge
Tuesday, December 15
Book Review at Eastern Sunset Reads
Wednesday, December 16
Book Feature at The Writer’s Life
Thursday, December 17
Interview at My Book Launch
Friday, December 18
Book Feature at My Fiction Nook
Monday, December 21
Book Feature at I’m All About Books
Tuesday, December 22
First Chapter Review at Literarily Speaking
Wednesday, December 23
Book Feature at What Is That Book About
Monday, December 28
Book Feature at Jazzy Book Reviews
Book Feature at b for book reviews
Book Feature at CBY Book Club
Thursday, December 31
Guest Blogging at Dear Reader, Love Author
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November 2, 2020
Launch Day #2! Christmas at the Peppermint Inn
A short, holiday novella, this sweet little story was inspired by a recent trip to the mountains of Idaho. We stayed in a cabin at a motel in a small town, perfect for us and the dog. It reminded us of home, of fun holiday traditions, and good times we had as children. I hope you’ll enjoy reading this as much as I did writing it.
If you’ve read this book as an ARC, THANK YOU, and please share your honest thoughts with others on your favorite site.
If you haven’t, here’s the synopsis:
Divinity wants out of her suffocating relationship. When a new man appears in her small, Idaho town, to stay at the bed and breakfast she works at, a surge of hope gives her the courage to move on. But his trip is for business, and Collin can’t stay.
With Christmas quickly approaching, Divinity takes a chance that the magic of the season will show him all of the reasons he belongs with them—with her. Except Collin has a few surprises of his own.
A short and sweet story with a few curses.
Last day to get this book for $0.99! As it is a novella, I will be removing the pre-order discount and bumping it up to my normal novella price of $1.99 tomorrow, November 3rd.
November 1, 2020
Launch Day! The Kiss that Saved Christmas is live on Amazon
I feel like I’ve been sitting on this forever, even though it’s only been since July. I love Christmas year-round and am always writing holiday romances.
[image error]My book tour with The Kiss that Saved Christmas was originally scheduled for November. Something disastrous happened at the agency, and I was pushed back to December. But you know what? I think I like it better this way. Looking forward to celebrating a lot more Christmas this holiday season, and I hope you’ll join me! I’ll post the tour schedule and stops as soon as I’ve got the solid details.
If you’ve read an ARC of this book, THANK YOU!! And please please please leave an honest review on your favorite site. Reviews are your superpower!
If you haven’t read it, here’s the synopsis:
Claire’s husband passed away two years ago this Christmas, leaving her alone and in charge of a beautiful and overwhelming cabin venue in the Montana mountains. She’s low on cash, the truck won’t start, and fewer people are calling in event requests.
Every past assistant has been problematic and disappointing. With one final wedding scheduled for the year, Claire is desperate to make a good impression and needs the property in top shape. Only one candidate remains: Zach.
Zach is prior service, down on his luck, and shamed by the town for the actions of his youth. Even after a decade of service, he can’t escape the gossip.
Claire has no option but to entrust him with the future of Briar Ridge—her future. She just wished he didn’t have to remind her so much of her late husband. Yet Zach is different, bringing with his burdens an unexpectedly sweet side.
Zach is full of surprises.
She doesn’t want to fall for him.
He can’t help but fall for her.
A sweet holiday romance with a few curses and some violence. Get it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08669F4SH
This is your last chance to get it for $0.99. Tomorrow, November 2nd, I’m removing the pre-order discount and bringing her back up to my standard novel price: $2.99.
October 23, 2020
Self Pub Book Checklist
Page 1 of 2: Self-pub checklist
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the tasks you need to complete to self-publish your book, and you’re having trouble finding that sticky note with that “thing you were supposed to do…” I’ve compiled a Word document I use as a guide for what to get done to prep my self-published books for launch. It lists everything from back cover blurbs and copyrights to things to look for when editing your book and ad services to run after you’ve published.
Mind you, this is a list, not something with explanations. But I am totally a sticky note girl and after publishing several books, I found I needed to consolidate my pen scratches to something more concrete and organized.
This is something I print off and ink in so I have a hard copy to carry around, but you’re welcome to use it on your computer however you see fit. I hope this helps you conceptualize what needs to be completed and that it helps you prioritize your efforts as you close in on publication. Good luck and please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or if you have any ideas of things to add!!
Self pub Book Completion Checklist on ELS Word document
I want everyone to be able to realize their dream of publishing!
Best Wishes!
-Amy/Elysia
AMS Ads and CPC Help for New Authors
So I posted this to one of my lovely FB groups and thought I’d share it here in case anyone is searching for help on this topic. I don’t speak for Amazon. I’m just another writer who’s been trying to understand how to work Amazon ads and was hoping this could help some of you beginner advertisers out there. This post is regarding use of Amazon’s advertising dashboard.
Choosing the right Cost Per Click is important so you don’t blow your budget without making any sales. With authors, it’s nearly impossible to make money on books priced under $2.99 which are not in the KDP Select program, in my experience…and from what I’ve encountered in the multiple author groups I’m in. Below, I’ll help you understand why.
It’s critical that you take what I’m about to show you and try to calculate this for yourself, but also that you understand how many variables there are. Impressions, clicks, customer interests, these things change every day. I just want to help clarify how you can maintain some control over your goals with your advertising. You can use this method on other platforms, adjusting the costs etc accordingly.
I’ve been working on this CPC thing and have made a chart that helps us figure out how to pick the Cost Per Click and also what we should be charging for our books to make this insanity worth it. There are 2 charts on the same page of the link below (AMS Ads Breakdown.xlsx).
1 is for CPC and how many clicks it takes to get to $10 (As a simple, general number).
2 is for looking at how many sales it takes to make $10 so you can look into cost of your book and how the change in CPC affects your chance of income.
AMS Ads Breakdown (xlsx) Excel
I was really worried about spending too much. I think a lot of us are. I wanted to make this more scientific rather than some crazy numbers floating in the ether. And of course if someone sees an error in my table please please correct me and comment below! I haven’t had math since college and relied a lot on Excel formulas. Anyway… We need a way to know if our click numbers are getting too high for the amount we earn in royalties from sales… that’s what this is for.
Say we have a book that costs $2.99 on Select’s 70%. (Remember, with 70% they take out a delivery fee that’s dependent on book length.) So for me, 70% of 2.99 is $2.09 minus about $0.23 for the book’s delivery fee. (I rounded this up in the chart to $0.25) – but I honestly don’t know if they take the delivery charge first or after they calculate our royalty. I took it after in the table because I’m a dummy and forgot it until after and am too lazy to redo the thing. My brain already hurts.
Okay so we’re working with $2.09 royalty – delivery of $0.23 for ending royalty of $1.89. If I want to make $10 in profit, I need to do this: $10 profit / $1.89 per book = 5.29. Five sales won’t make me quite 10 bucks, so I round up to 6. Six sales will make me ten bucks at this price for this book.
Here’s where it gets tricky. You’ll need to know your ratio of clicks to sales for this to work. You can figure this from your dashboard.
[image error]This is the dashboard. You can figure your Sales to Clicks here.
Say you get 1 sale for every 10 ad clicks. If you want to make $10 you need 6 sales (from above).
So… 6 sales x 10 clicks is 60 total clicks.
60 clicks = $10 in royalties at your price, for that one book, for that ratio of clicks to sales.
Got it? Take a breath!
In order for us to at least break even, those 60 clicks have to cost us only $10, right? $10 sales = $10 cost of advertising. $10 cost / 60 clicks = .16666 So we have to round down to $0.16 Cost Per Click and no higher or we lost money in this situation.
For Summary Here’s My Stats:
Book Cost to Customer: $2.99
My Royalties at 70% minus Delivery of $0.23 = $1.89
To get $10 in profit I need 6 Sales
(Pretending I’m this lucky) I make 1 sale for every 10 ad clicks.
To make 6 sales I need 60 ad clicks
$10 Sales = $10 spend to break even (for reference…instead of losing money)
$10 spend / 60 clicks means each click must cost $0.16 or less.
So I must set my CPC for that.
Of course this is a super rigid way to look at this situation. There are so many variables in impressions, click-to-sale ratios, and delivery fees that its hard to know. But I hope this brings some clarity to those of you who are struggling too. Remember that with sales (even if you aren’t making money yet) there are more people with your book, more readers to review it, and Amazon indexes your book with the customers’ other purchases so you have the inherent likelihood of more visibility.
Don’t be discouraged. Keep your cost per click low and refine those ads! I hope this helps. And please holler if I screwed anything up! Or if you have questions! Best wishes and I hope you are well and safe where you are!
-E
30+ Character Clothing Styles
I haven’t found many straight forward lists available online that cover different styles of dress. I studied this some in college but really wanted to lay it all out in a way that I could compare them in a condensed form. Occasionally, I’ll get an idea for a plot, but won’t know which style, setting, or era is best until I sit down and scan through this list for ideas.
Only general descriptions are provided to help sort the styles because so many overlap. If you find something missing, please leave a comment!
Western (cowboy) – boots, jeans, plaid, cowboy hat, spurs, chapsRocker (traditional motorcycle) – black leather, band shirts, spike studs, skullsPunk – spiked colorful hair, black outfits Anarco-punk – militaristic styleSteampunk – brass gears, buckles, latches, mechanical hardware, gogglesCyberpunk – futuristic tech, pleather, goggles, colorful cable/dread hair Biopunk includes more of the tech+body integration Celtic punk – kilts and leather jacketsGlamorous punk – sparkles and spikesSka-punk – suspenders, black and white stripes/checkers, skinny jeansRockabilly – retro hair curls/greaser, white T-shirt, jeans, short A-line dresses, polka dots Gothic – black fishnet/lace, spikes, skulls, pale skin Vampire – brocade, corsets, cape, black leather, blood, sheer fabricsVoodoo/witch – long dresses, long hair, dark eyes, long necklaces, lots of rings Post-apocalyptic – thick, often torn canvas clothing, hoods, gas masks, knee boots, bucklesClassy – simple suits, jackets, solid colors – neutral tone with a single color Chic – classy mixed with a lace or floral patternSophisticated – typically one color, a single form fit dress or suit, often with a single expensive accessory, a Coach/Prada purse Bohemian (boho) – tassels, lace, natural colors, sheer fabrics Gypsy – richer color, corsets, more adornments, hip scarf Casual – jeans, hoodies, T-shirts, sneakers Loungewear – sweats, hoodies, T-shirts, slippers, nighties Hippie – long flowing fabrics, flowers, bell-bottoms, bright colors Romantic – pastel colors, flowers, skirts Tomboy (for girls) – dresses like a manEffeminate (for guys) – dresses like a womanNational (ethnic) – dress based on cultural history and traditionPreppy – sweaters and slacks or skirtsSexy – torn/minimal clothing, showing a lot of skinMetrosexual (men) – skinny jeans, form-fitting tops, vests, manicured, long bangsLumbersexual (men) – boots, skinny jeans, red and black plaid flannel, beard, long bangs, pipe/cigarFormal – suits for males and females Glamorous – silk, fur, diamonds, floor-length form fit dress, expensive suits Active – stretch fabrics, tennis shoes, armband/waistband for mp3 player and keysRetro – 1980’s neon triangles/circles parachute clothing, and 70’s muted colors in t-shirts, high-waist jeans, and swimsuits, big hair/puffy-brushed out curlsVintage Early 1900s – full-length corset dresses, casual suits, floral patterns, lace trim Medieval/renaissance – tunics, under-bust trim, silk, gold thread, accentuated sleeve openings for women, puffy sleeves and pants for menSkater – large flat-soled shoes, beanies, hoodies, torn baggy pants or skinny jeansNautical – navy and white colors, often stripes and solidsVibrant/Flamboyant – boldly colorful, patterned, and shapedExotic – rich colors, trimmed with gold/silver, gems (Stylized with ethnic elements)Seasonal – self-explanatory, depends on where you are.Artistic (Arty) – this can go two ways: The creator – casual with effects of work present, paint, wood dust, inkThe professional – clean jeans/slacks, suit jacket/sweater, camera bag/satchel, and a beret or other well-known symbol of art appreciation Minimalist – simple clean lines with few to no adornments, no pockets, nothing in excess.Eclectic – a mix of tastes, plaid and paint splatter, breaks fashion rules, what most of us normies are.Street/Urban – a trendy casual, follows pop culture fads in everyday styleFunctional – work-wear, jumpsuits, overalls, gloves, grounding straps, harnessesCostume/Character inspired (Cosplay) – over 20 sub-categories.(Wikimedia Reference) here’s a few: Fantasy armorSuperheroesCyborgsMachinesLegend and creaturesSpiesMartial artistsAnimeMaids PiratesAncient Egyptian – typically long white tunic adorned with gold and turquois, headdressesMayan/Aztec/Inca – loin cloth & tunics for men, skirts and scarves for women, body piercingsViking – long canvas dresses, furs, cloaksNomad – thick pants and tops, full overdress, trimmed with geometric patternsBarbarian – stud-trimmed leather, furs, skulls/teeth/round-stamped metal adornmentsGreek – Chiton, men no sleeves, women had sleevesRoman – Tunica and toga combinationMinoan/Cretan – layered skirt, jacket, brooches and daggers for women. loincloth and pants that folded into a triangle shape at the waist for men, no shirtIsraelite – animal skin apron with a long shawl-like tunicIndia – a single piece of fabric wrapped around the entire body, bright colors, trimmed with gold threadChinese – darker colors, loose and wide sleeves, Hanfu tunic, sashAfrican – bark cloth, animal skins, paint, scars, beadwork
Master List of Colors & How They Can Change Reader Interpretation
(Color Charts Below)
Though it’s often not the most important part, the right color can invigorate any description. I made these lists for myself, to help me pick color names that were exactly what I was searching for without becoming repetitive.
Depending on the content, you might consider selecting recognizable names within a specific category to supplement your theme.
–Metals Emanate Strength–
steel, titanium, gold, bronze, copper, tungsten, platinum, brass, chrome, aluminum, iron, silver, nickel, pewter, zinc
–Flowers Radiate Elegance–
cornflower, violet, lilac, lily, rose, cosmos, hyacinth, baby’s breath, carnation, anemone, iris, daisy, begonia, amaryllis, daffodil, buttercup, larkspur, dahlia, hydrangea, marigold, freesia, crocus, azalea, bleeding heart, hollyhocks, orchid, gladiolus, snapdragons, touch-me-not, tulip, peony, eremurus
(this list seriously goes forever)
–Nature Adds Grandeur–
sky, sea, mountain, desert, lake, forest, meadow, pine, redwood, ivy, storm, autumn, winter, spring, summer, nebula, astral, cosmic, lightening, sunshine/sun-baked, dusk, dawn, moon, sand, field, grass, sequoia, eucalyptus,
–Stones/Gems Provide Dimensionality–
jade, emerald, diamond, garnet, ruby, onyx, aquamarine, citrine, amber, amethyst, jasper, beryl, peridot, quartz, opal, lapis, druse, tourmaline, topaz, coral, agate, hematite, howlite, labradorite, moonstone, obsidian, pyrite, sapphire, serpentine, sphene, sodalite, sunstone, turquoise, zircon
(this list also goes forever, though I might suggest using the shorter names)
My favorites are ones that add another sense:
–Foods Add Flavor–
dark chocolate, cinnamon, divinity, caramel, coconut, strawberry, peach, butter, cake batter, cookie dough, currant, licorice, grape, punch, pistachio, pear, melon, coffee, cherry, tropical, marshmallow, margarita, beer, kiwi, rum, honey, apple, banana, passion fruit, papaya, almond, horchata, plum, pomegranate
–Or a Flavor and a Scent–
mocha, mint, lavender, lemon cream, pumpkin pie, sage, apple cider, bubble gum, maple, cocoa, rosemary, nutmeg, clove, ginger
–Animals Can Add Texture–
Buckskin, manatee, mouse, sable, calico, tiger, zebra, snakeskin, alpaca, alligator, peacock, rhino, cardinal, shark, anemone, squid, camel, scarab, seal, chameleon, flamingo
–Cybernetic/Artificial Adds Futuristic Elements–
(These can add each element to any color)
Surge, electric, circuit board, trace, flash, digital, clone, print, scan, screen, l.e.d., laser, fiber-optic, carbon fiber, wire, cable, grid, connector, capacitor, transformer, regulator, relay, switch
–And Then There are the Generics–
cool/warm/neutral, light/dark, faint/deep, polychromatic, monochromatic, antiqued, patina, sepia
–Some Add an Element of Light–
iridescent, phosphorescent, pearlescent, crystallized, transparent, translucent, opalescent, prismatic, lustrous, effulgent, brilliant, bright, coruscating, incandescent, scintillating, radiant, lucent, luminous, glowing, flaming, fluorescent, lambent, auroral, burning, blazing, dazzling, mirror-like, smoky
–Level of Color Added/Manipulation–
Sprinkles, infused, dense, foggy, haze, overlay, swirled, blended, wash, baked, crackled, peppered, dusted, opaque, inky, milky, creamy, suspended, foamy, fried, dripping, drizzled, folded in, saturated, drowning, oozing, frosted, glazed, vivid, intense, burnished
Then there are behaviors that can be implied by picking a specific one for instance:
1.Shark gray vs. Squirrel gray
Naming something shark gray implies very aggressive behavior vs. the aloofness of a squirrel.
2.Marshmallow and Margarita use
Marshmallow white might imply a taste, scent, and a texture, or even a quality of comfort.
Margarita green might suggest a taste, a salty personality or edge to the story, or that the night might end a little more wild than if (spring) green were used in its place.
Happy writing (or whatever else you create!)
Heaven knows I’ve missed some I’m sure, and there are plenty of colors above that cross multiple categories. Feel free to add your favorite in the comments below!
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