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Writing with Color: Description Guide - Words for Skin Tone

We discussed the issues describing People of Color by means of food in Part I of 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.

Pictured above: Umber, Sepia, Ochre, Russet, Terra-cotta, Gold, Tawny, Taupe, Khaki, Fawn.

  • 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 with warm 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.”

-From my story “Where Summer Ends” featured in Strange Little Girls

  1. Here the state of skin also gives insight on character.
  2. 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.

N A T U R AL  S E T T I N G S - S K Y

Pictured above: Harvest Moon -Twilight, Fall/Autumn Leaves, Clay, Desert/Sahara, Sunlight - Sunrise - Sunset - Afterglow - Dawn- Day- Daybreak, Field - Prairie - Wheat, Mountain/Cliff, Beach/Sand/Straw/Hay.

  • 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?”

A S S O R T E D  P L A N T S &  N A T U R E

Pictured above: Cattails, Seashell, Driftwood, Pinecone, Acorn, Amber

  • 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.”

  1. I pictured some tree-dwelling being or person from a fantasy world in this example, which makes the comparison more appropriate.
  2. 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.”

M E T A L S

Pictured above: Platinum, Copper, Brass, Gold, Bronze

  • Copper skin, brass-colored skin, golden skin…
  • I’ve even heard variations of these used before by comparison to an object of the same properties/coloring, such as penny for copper.
  • These also work well with modifiers.

“The dress of fine white silks popped against the deep bronze of her skin.”

G E M S T O N E S - M I N E R A LS

Pictured above: Onyx, Obsidian, Sard, Topaz, Carnelian, Smoky Quartz, Rutile, Pyrite, Citrine, Gypsum

  • 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

  1. Physical character description can be more than skin tone.
  2. Show us hair, eyes, noses, mouth, hands…body posture, body shape, skin texture… though not necessarily all of those nor at once.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

Skin Tone Resources

Writing & Description Guides

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

whoknowwz
writingwithcolor
Avatar
writingwithcolor

Writing with Color: Description Guide - Words for Skin Tone

We discussed the issues describing People of Color by means of food in Part I of 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.

Pictured above: Umber, Sepia, Ochre, Russet, Terra-cotta, Gold, Tawny, Taupe, Khaki, Fawn.

  • 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 with warm 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.”

-From my story “Where Summer Ends” featured in Strange Little Girls

  1. Here the state of skin also gives insight on character.
  2. 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.

N A T U R AL  S E T T I N G S - S K Y

Pictured above: Harvest Moon -Twilight, Fall/Autumn Leaves, Clay, Desert/Sahara, Sunlight - Sunrise - Sunset - Afterglow - Dawn- Day- Daybreak, Field - Prairie - Wheat, Mountain/Cliff, Beach/Sand/Straw/Hay.

  • 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?”

A S S O R T E D  P L A N T S &  N A T U R E

Pictured above: Cattails, Seashell, Driftwood, Pinecone, Acorn, Amber

  • 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.”

  1. I pictured some tree-dwelling being or person from a fantasy world in this example, which makes the comparison more appropriate.
  2. 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.”

M E T A L S

Pictured above: Platinum, Copper, Brass, Gold, Bronze

  • Copper skin, brass-colored skin, golden skin…
  • I’ve even heard variations of these used before by comparison to an object of the same properties/coloring, such as penny for copper.
  • These also work well with modifiers.

“The dress of fine white silks popped against the deep bronze of her skin.”

G E M S T O N E S - M I N E R A LS

Pictured above: Onyx, Obsidian, Sard, Topaz, Carnelian, Smoky Quartz, Rutile, Pyrite, Citrine, Gypsum

  • 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

  1. Physical character description can be more than skin tone.
  2. Show us hair, eyes, noses, mouth, hands…body posture, body shape, skin texture… though not necessarily all of those nor at once.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

Skin Tone Resources

Writing & Description Guides

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

whoknowwz
writingwithcolor
Avatar
writingwithcolor

Writing with Color: Description Guide - Words for Skin Tone

We discussed the issues describing People of Color by means of food in Part I of 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.

Pictured above: Umber, Sepia, Ochre, Russet, Terra-cotta, Gold, Tawny, Taupe, Khaki, Fawn.

  • 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 with warm 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.”

-From my story “Where Summer Ends” featured in Strange Little Girls

  1. Here the state of skin also gives insight on character.
  2. 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.

N A T U R AL  S E T T I N G S - S K Y

Pictured above: Harvest Moon -Twilight, Fall/Autumn Leaves, Clay, Desert/Sahara, Sunlight - Sunrise - Sunset - Afterglow - Dawn- Day- Daybreak, Field - Prairie - Wheat, Mountain/Cliff, Beach/Sand/Straw/Hay.

  • 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?”

A S S O R T E D  P L A N T S &  N A T U R E

Pictured above: Cattails, Seashell, Driftwood, Pinecone, Acorn, Amber

  • 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.”

  1. I pictured some tree-dwelling being or person from a fantasy world in this example, which makes the comparison more appropriate.
  2. 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.”

M E T A L S

Pictured above: Platinum, Copper, Brass, Gold, Bronze

  • Copper skin, brass-colored skin, golden skin…
  • I’ve even heard variations of these used before by comparison to an object of the same properties/coloring, such as penny for copper.
  • These also work well with modifiers.

“The dress of fine white silks popped against the deep bronze of her skin.”

G E M S T O N E S - M I N E R A LS

Pictured above: Onyx, Obsidian, Sard, Topaz, Carnelian, Smoky Quartz, Rutile, Pyrite, Citrine, Gypsum

  • 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

  1. Physical character description can be more than skin tone.
  2. Show us hair, eyes, noses, mouth, hands…body posture, body shape, skin texture… though not necessarily all of those nor at once.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

Skin Tone Resources

Writing & Description Guides

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

whoknowwz
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In some of the most famous cosmic horror stories, it’s said that there are beings so vast, so grand and so complex, that humanity is as small, simple and insignificant as insects compared to them. Write a story about an eldritch being who owns and looks after a civillisation of humans like a human would look after an ant farm.

whoknowwz
moradimiles
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moradimiles

The Thing with Raymond

So thing is about Raymond is that there are a lot of factors as to why he is so popular and it’s getting really out of hand with people trading him

The fact that he’s a new interesting looking cat villager isn’t least among them. Cat villagers have always been pretty popular, and so it’s not surprising that a new one would get a lot of love. He is also smug, which is probably the male personality type that bothers people the least. The fact that he is very anthropomorphized, has glasses and heterochromia only makes him more of an interesting looking villager.

And of course he fits the cartoon twink aesthetic a la onceler that large parts of fandoms like

But it’s not just his appeal that has lead to this whole Thing. It’s also his rarity. Raymond is actually the most rare villager in the game, which a lot of people probably don’t realize.

You might think you get an equal chance to get any villager when you go to mystery islands, but that isn’t the case. See, when the game decides what villager will be at your island, it rolls two factors. First it rolls for the species of the villager. So here, there is an equal chance of any species. After it figures out the species, it rolls for the specific villager. Here is what makes some more rare than others. There are more cats than any other species, so your chances of getting the specific cat you want are much slimmer than, say, getting the specific octopus you want.

Now you don’t have a slimmer chance of getting Raymond than any other cat, so what makes Raymond more rare? Amiibo cards.

Raymond is the only new cat, which means that he is the only cat that doesn’t have an amiibo card. This means that the only way you can get Raymond with 100% certainty is by trading him with someone else but also means that more Raymonds aren’t being introduced into the ecosystem like character with amiibos are.

And people might not realize this, but there IS an ecosystem when it comes to the pool of villagers available. When you let a villager leave without someone taking them, that villager doesn’t just disappear. They will go into a queue of villagers and then move into an empty space that someone on your friend list has if it’s left open too long. So once a villager exists, it exists for theoretically all AC players and can jump from friend list to friend list as long as they aren’t allowed to leave while you have no friends or aren’t connected to the internet.

So villagers with amiibo cards can be introduced into this ecosystem all the time, but Raymond and the other new villagers can only be introduced when they’re found, and Raymond is the one least likely to be found.

So that is basically why this Whole Thing with Raymond is happening. There is a scarcity of Raymonds that doesn’t exist as severely with any other villager. But the good news is, this will calm down. More people will find more Raymonds over time and introduce him into the internet ecosystem and his value will decrease when more and more become available. Nintendo is going to print amiibos for him eventually which will mean there will be a code to introduce him, which will probably cause the Raymond market to collapse. Raymond is an investment that will decrease over time, so if you want him, just wait. Don’t spend real money on him or trade a thousand NMT. He will become much less scarce over time. He may stay popular, but the scalper market will shrink for him.

whoknowwz
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battlestar-royco

here have 10 pieces of writing advice that have stuck with me over the years

  1. every character’s first line should be an introduction to who they are as a person
  2. even if you only wrote one sentence on a really bad day, that’s still one sentence more than you had yesterday
  3. exercise restraint when using swear words and extra punctuation in order for them to pack a punch when you do use them
  4. if your characters have to kiss to show they’re in love, then they’re not in love
  5. make every scene interesting (or make every scene your favorite scene), otherwise your readers will be just as bored as you
  6. if you’re stuck on a scene, delete the last line you wrote and go in a different direction, or leave in brackets as placeholders
  7. don’t compare your first draft to published books that could be anywhere from 3rd to 103rd drafts
  8. i promise you the story you want to tell can fit into 100k words or less
  9. sometimes the book isn’t working because it’s not ready to be written or you’re not ready to write it yet; let it marinate for a bit so the idea can develop as you become a better writer
  10. a story written in chronological order takes a lot more discipline and is usually easier to understand than a story written with flashbacks
whoknowwz
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Your adoptive parents don’t know that you are an alien assassin. Trying to reach your kill quota to please the boss ain’t easy when you’re forced to control the limiting body of a 6-month-old baby girl.

whoknowwz
foolblue
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sandersidess

Alone

tw: fighting, mention of teen alcoholism/death in the family/blood/near death experience mention, ask to tag

I wrote this in one hour

*****

Age 8

Remus hated school. He never wanted to go back, escape his stupid town and not look back. Such a mentality from such a young kid is worrisome, and one would make sure he went to get help. While his adoptive mother believed in such thing, his adoptive father didn't and he was the one who ‘ruled’ the house. His word was order.

“I don’t want to go! I hate it!” Remus screams at his mother and kicks at her when she picks him up. “No!”

“Remus, sweetie please,” She pleads and takes him out to the car, “You have to go.”

“I hate it! They’re stupid!” Remus shakes his head and keeps trying to escape from her hold, almost doing so until he was buckled in.

“Remus, dear,” She says in a soft tone, a tone Remus would calm down to, but not this morning. No. He wanted to stay home.

Remus shakes his head and kicks at her seat once the door was shut with a sigh, screaming the whole ride. His sweet mother, instead of snapping like any parent would, instead kept calm and listened to his frustrations. She listens to what frustrates Remus, to how he wanted to escape and find his place somewhere else.

“I know everything! School is stupid!” He yells at her and kicks at her seat once more, crossing his arms across his chest.

“I know,” She whispers and looks at her rear view mirror, seeing the pout he had and how tears were rolling down his cheek, “How about we go get breakfast? I can let you have some coffee if you’d like, but only very little.”

“Really?” Remus sniffles, looking at her, now lightly kicking her seat.

“Yeah. Besides, you’re smart, right?” She smiles and focuses on the road, “You’re my smart boy. I know you’ll catch up soon.”

“Thank you, mom.”

“It’s no problem, my boy.”

And so they had breakfast. Remus was now much more calmer as he munched on his apple slices, smiling at how his mother made silly stories out of the food he ate. He lets out a much happier giggle, making him feel more light that his mother didn’t push away his frustrations. It made his mother smile when he smiles, so she would do anything to see that bright smile everyday. He arrived to school an hour late, a fake excuse made and Remus was on his way. As he took his seat near the window, he stares out it and watches the clouds slowly roll through.

After school, it was supposed to be the usual, but it wasn’t. Instead of his mother picking him up, his father did and it soured his day. He hated being near his father, being alone with him. He always tried to make Remus do things he hated, things he had little to no interest. It made Remus furious how he would be belittled when it came to sports, being smaller than the average kid his age, and being slightly slower than those his age. It made Remus cry out of frustration again, wanting to yell and thrown the ball at his father’s mouth to shut him up, wanting to make Remus run towards his mother.

“Man up! I don’t have time for my son to be crying!”

“Get a new son! I hate this! I hate it and I hate you!”

With that, Remus stomped away, his wall slowly building up and a cloud hang over him.

Age 15

When did he start drinking? When did he start smoking? He can’t remember really. It must’ve been when his mother passed away, when the only person who understood him left him all alone. Alone. That’s all he was today.

At first it was to cope with the death of his mother, to escape reality, to escape his bastard father. It worked, and he continued. Why? He would have to say it’s because he started hanging with the wrong crowd. Those who skip school, who drink and smoke almost all day, no respect for authority. To be honest? Remus never had respect for authority whatsoever.

He also had no respect for the people he called ‘friends.’

He only stayed with them as they were another way to escape reality. He could escape from his so-called family, school, society, his mind, his grief, and so much more. Remus needed an escape, and this was the only way to do so. Healthy? No. But he had no one to stop him.

Remus was someone the school hated. They wanted to expel him since his first fist fight that ended with the other needing to go to the hospital. Yet, they didn’t. He had good grades after all, the best in the run down school and it would help get more funding if needed. Why would a rebel have such good grades?

He did it for his mother. While Remus didn’t want to continue higher education, he promised her near her bedside that he would continue getting the best grades for her. She was his rock, his peace, his safe space. All that was gone now.

It didn’t take him until a near death experience to make him wake up. It made Remus mad that it took him that experience to snap him back, but it worked and he would thank it everyday. Getting stabbed and left alone to die would change some, him being one of them.

Remus polished himself up, one step at a time. He got himself to rehab, wanting to end his alcohol addiction and smoking habits. He thought of going cold turkey, but he was sure he would kill someone. It was hard, he wanted to quit, he wanted to punch someone (that being his father), he wanted to tear down everything. Yet, he didn’t. No, he wrote his feelings down in a notebook. He would tap that pencil against his desk, making a beat, and slowly, made music. With that music, the memories of his mother’s stories and sweet voice, and his life, he wrote music. He taught himself the guitar once out of rehab, a small smile appearing on his face once more.

Step by step, Remus improved himself for him. He made himself what he considered the better version of himself. Well, he knew he might have his moments, but he told himself he would work on that as the time passed by. He planned his escape also from this crooked old town, wanting to move into the city. First, he would have to graduate top of his class, use his inheritance money to buy a cheap apartment at the nearby city, and show off his talent.

Step by step, Remus did so, making him proud of himself.

Age 21

Remus walks down the street, guitar slung behind his back, smile on his face, headphones on and volume on high. It took him three years, and while it felt like a lot, he was lucky. It’s not easy getting recognized in Los Angeles, but playing his guitar and singing his soul out in the streets paid off. He was found by a music producer, always going to remember those dark mismatched eyes and curly hair that came up to him. From his excitement, he pretty much forgot the conversation. However, it seemed like faith had a hand in this also.

He met his biological twin brother. The conversation was...interesting, to say the least.

“Remus?”

Remus looks over as his name was said, frowning and tensed up. No one he knew was here in Los Angeles, and he wasn’t known by anyone. Who could’ve called his name?

“How do you know my name?”

“It’s me. Roman. Do-Dont you know me?” The voice says, honey eyes just like his, staring back at him.

Remus was sure he was looking in a mirror, except the reflection made him much cleaner and posh looking. Remus still couldn’t remember the name, having never heard of such person in his life. He looks back at those eyes, raising an eyebrow as he saw tears brimming.

“No man, I don’t know you,” Remus shrugs, seeing ‘Dee’ was still at his side, “Should I? You make yourself sound like an important person.”

“W-Well,” Roman gulps and rubs his hands together, shrugging, “I was hoping I would be. I’m your twin brother afterall.”

“Huh,” Remus huffs and chuckles, “So you must’ve been the one our biological parents kept. All I know is that I was adopted by age four, but I remember no twin brother.”

The room got cold at that comment, even Roman seems to have frozen up. Remus had a way to make someone feel guilty, and he only used it when upset or tired. Right now, it was a mix of both. Had Roman just left him alone, none of this would be happening.

“Remus-“

“No need to apologize, golden boy,” Remus waves him off and grins, “Besides, I always noticed how they gave you more attention. Give them my greetings, and oh,” Remus snaps his fingers and clicks his tongue, “Tell them thank you and to tell you the full truth. From your expression, you grew up in a lie.”

Remus turns around to walk away, hissing when his arm was grabbed and places a hand on the arm, turning around and was stopped from twisting the perpetrators arm. Roman just stared in horror, moving his hand away quickly.

“Don’t you dare touch me.”

“But I was hoping-“

“Listen, Roman, I’m not here to be all buddy-buddy with you. I’m here to make music and spread it to people, using my talent to help others who were in the same position as me. So get this in your skull,” He flicks Roman’s forehead, “I walk alone.”

Age 23

He was still a small artist, but he was okay with that. He never really did it for the fame, maybe for the money, but to help others. His lasted single Alone, was a pretty big hit for many. He’s gained followers, speaking to his small fan base and smiles as he remembers the first one.

Remus loves his new life, having better friends, a career he enjoyed, and away from his old shit town. He saw new joys in life, took in ever little moment, and reconciled with his brother. It was tough, as he started them off in a bad foot, but their relationship improved. They were coming up with a song together, and he was excited for it. He never forgave his biological parents, even after tears and pleads, he couldn’t.

“You’re not my parents, never will be. My real parents, who was both mother and father, is dead. She will always be my only parent.”

He couldn’t care if it hurt their feelings. Good. They get to know how he felt all these years inside.

But moving past that, Remus enjoys his new life. As he kept maturing, he wonders on what he missed out on. What were things he didn’t do as a child that he’s doing now? He can’t think of any, but he was sure Roman knew and that’s why he was being introduced to new things.

He sometimes wonders, if there was someone else in the same shoes he was in. He hoped not, but he wasn’t an optimist. He was sure someone was walking down the street, headphones on, a dark cloud hanging over them. It made Remus sigh as he walked down the street, the world seeming to go in slow motion suddenly. He looks to his left, seeing a young kid with his hands stuffed in his pockets, eyeshadow seemingly under his eyes, purple headphones on, a look of frustration on him. Remus stops in his tracks, looking back once more and sees he was gone through the crowd.

He knows how it feels to walk the world alone. He knows how it feels to not be alone.

Remus shakes his head and turns back, going to his destination, seeing the cafe and smiling as he saw his boyfriend, Dee, and Roman waiting for him.

He could only hope that no one else would walk the world alone.

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foolblue

omg this is brilliant

whoknowwz
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You are an adviser to a king who hates anything to do with magic. One day, you are tasked to hunt down all magic users in the kingdom to execute them.

You accept the task reluctantly, but you don’t know what to do next; you, yourself, are secretly a magic user.

whoknowwz
jijipixels
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jijipixels

Don't actually raid Area 51 Folks

Okay. I've seen this going around the internet. I want to truly believe people aren't dumb enough to go raid a military base for the possibility of secrets. One, it's a military base. It's not a smart idea to begin with since military bases are heavily guarded. If that doesn't deter you, the US Air force literally made a statement that anyone that tries to raid will be apprehended. And the possible chance that some secrets are found, they either aren't going to be special or completely unheard. That or it's something that is dangerous or deadly. I can't believe I have to make a post like this, but I don't trust humanity enough for this to be just a dumb meme.

whoknowwz
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The most common cause of death in the world is broken heart syndrome.

You find someone collapsed on the sidewalk in your neighborhood and call 911, staying with them and comforting them until the ambulance arrives. Feeling dutiful, you check up with them in the hospital and a friendship starts to bloom between you. A sense of fear and caution swells up in you when you start to feel a romantic connection forming, due to the possible consequences if you fall in love. Unfortunately no matter how hard you try, you are pulled to them like a paper clip is to a magnet.

Little do you know, you’re falling in love with a psychopath who is immune from dying of a broken heart, and has been on a killing spree.

Their weapon of choice: cleverness and unyielding charisma.

Their next target: you...

whoknowwz
thebootydiaries

person: will you be my girlfriend?

me:

whoknowwz
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You live in a world where it is normal to see someone’s soul if you look into their eyes. To be respectful, everyone wears glasses as to not accidentally show their souls. It is against the law to look into someone soul without their permission.

One day, you ran into someone and accidentally knocked off their glasses. You looked up into their eyes only to realize that they have no soul…

whoknowwz
kaijuno
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kaijuno

So there’s this app called Drivetime and it’s basically a game show that you play in your car on your daily commute. They have like three quizzes every few days where you can compete with other players.It’s really cool because you speak your answers aloud to the app and so far I haven’t had any issues with speech recognition and it’s just a really interesting game especially for long car rides

whoknowwz
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You are suicidal and you meet the Angel of Death. They are the most beautiful thing you have ever seen and instantly fall in love. You ask them for a date and surprinsingly they say yes, but not before warning you: “I appear beautiful to those who seek me. Those who do not want me find me hideous”. Some weeks and dates later, they start looking differently…

whoknowwz
brynprocrastinates

What being drunk is like, for fic writers who have never been drunk before

Nothing wrong with never being drunk (in fact, it’s probs a good thing) but it can be hard to write convincingly about alcohol if you’re not familiar with it, and I’ve read enough fics where 5 secs into reading I’m already cringing sooooo

1. It takes more than 1 beer to get drunk

Personally, it takes me (a small female occasional-drinker) either around 3 shots of any spirit, 2 large glasses of wine or 2.5 beer-like drinks within a short space of time to get over tipsy into drunk territory, and to be really drunk-drunk, a bottle of wine (3 or 4 glasses), or 5 shots should do it. BUT IT VARIES FROM PERSON TO PERSON

2. Lime and salt is literally only for tequila

and I know like less than 3 people who actually enjoy the taste of any alcohol

3. Your vision isn’t “blurry” or “foggy”

Alcohol affects your balance not your eyes, so the room defo can seem like it’s spinning but you’ll still have your 20/20. Sometimes it’s hard to focus, but it’s not constant - just every so often your eyes miss their mark.

4. Speech is less “slurred”, more in the wrong order

A great thread on writing drunk dialogue here: https://www.quora.com/How-can-I-write-dialogue-for-a-drunk-character 

5. Not everyone gets hyper-sexual when drunk

It’s less a state of horniness and more a state of lowered inhibitions and social pressure

6. Coffee doesn’t sober you up like magic

Alcohol dissipates from the body at a rate of about .015% of BAC per hour, and drinking coffee doesn’t alter that rate

7. Alcohol rarely sends you into a deep and heavy sleep

You’re more likely to sleep fitfully and keep waking (sometimes to be sick, more likely to piss/drink water - sometimes just bcos being drunk is uncomfortable), unless you’re an alcoholic who depends on drink for sleep

8. You don’t *hic* in the middle of every sentence!!

If the drink is carbonated, then maybe, but you’re way more likely to have a problem with bloating etc with alcohol 

9. You don’t go straight to black-out, speech-slurring drunk

It takes a lot of units and likely a couple of hours to work up to this stage - for different kinds of drunk this webpage is good: http://krisnoel.com/post/40871345058/my-character-is-drunk 

10. Having drunk sex is difficult, awkward and rarely sexy

And you’re more likely to make-out with your friends than any strangers at a club, just because

11. Hangovers are rarely pounding, light-aversion torture

The younger/more tolerant you are, the better. Generally, for a night of heavy but not black-out drinking, you’ll be thirsty, probs nauseous and tired. The room may still be spinning but in an annoying, not painful way, and this’ll go away after a couple of hours and eating something, getting fresh air or having a shower (whatever works for you)

12. People talk nonsense when drunk

You are less likely to get a love confession and more likely to hear about all the rules for a complicated game they just invented, right that second

13. Everyone is different

Don’t make all your characters hyper, or depressive, or angry. For most of the night they won’t get to that stage anyway. Also, remember this whole list is based on my experiences, so feel free to ignore it all and do your own thing. 

Happy drunk writing!