the-color-grey - Tumblr blog

the-color-grey · 3 days

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I desperately want Dropout’s Game Changer bingo episode to become a game samer, but with the inception shenanigans it can’t be replicated exactly.

I wish to propose to Sam Reich directly that we one day get a set of two teams competing with each other where their points rely on someone on the other team saying/doing the right thing and on completing a challenge (probably a stamp it twice system). I want to see them trying not use their catchphrases so they can beat the other team, and playing 4D chess against their friends to avoid doing exactly what the other side is trying to prompt them into.

Tragically, I am totally unaffiliated with dropout other than a subscription, so please someone get this to Sam Reich so that the bingo shenanigans may continue!

Spread the word of my insane bid for more nonsense!

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the-color-grey · 14 days

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idk if this is confirmed but I always thought it was because having chapters from Wylan's pov would have ruined the twist at the end of SoC. it likely would have revealed Van Eck's actual opinion about his son, that Wylan couldn't read, and the actual circumstances of how Wylan ended up on the streets, and then the way that SoC ends and the way CK starts wouldn't have hit as hard bc we would have known from early on that Wylan being used as a hostage wouldn't work and possibly even know that Van Eck was trying to scam them.

I do agree that having Wylan pov during SoC would be awesome, but I feel like it may have been a choice made to make the twist work well.

I always forget that six of crows doesn’t have a Wylan pov. He gets his first pov in crooked kingdom

Like excuse me I want to read about all of my crows WHY ARE YOU EXCLUDING WYLAN he’s literally my favourite

This feels like a hate crime

#six of crows #grishaverse #crooked kingdom #leigh bardugo

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the-color-grey · 16 days

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Sanders Sides as things my friends have said

(can't believe I haven't done one for this fandom yet)

thomas: sorry I'm laughing because it's so funny and you guys don't even know it.

logan: that's lame. I like to dig dinosaurs my own way.

roman: *about calico critters* I used to want these so bad, and now... I still want them.

patton: I can't provide you much, but I can provide you this plastic house.

virgil: the energy in here is crunchy.

janus: it's so peaceful outside, I love it when it's dark and gloomy.

remus: hot pot? what's that? a warmed up joint?

bonus creativitwins:

roman: it had a little more nuance.

remus: well the other one had a little bit more nude-ance.

#thomas sanders #sanders sides #web series #youtube #incorrect quotes #logan sanders #roman sanders #patton sanders #virgil sanders #janus sanders #remus sanders #creativitwins

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the-color-grey · 19 days

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been thinking a lot about fae recently, specifically how fae present themselves.

cave-dwelling fae whose bodies are made of crystals. sky-dwelling fae who have hair made of clouds and freckles like stars. winter fae whose cheeks are decorated with frozen tears. river fae who have moss for hair. ocean fae that have corals and barnacles growing out of their skin. fae that have claws and tusks and horns. fae made of poisonous plants. fae that wear raindrops as jewelry. fae that have skin made of polished metal. fae with 6 limbs and an exoskeleton like a bug. fae with eight spider eyes. fae with leaves growing off of their limbs. fae with hooves and paws. fae wearing jewelry and armor made of bones.

fae that aren't beautiful by society's standards but are beautiful by nature's standards.

#faerie #nature #creative writing #writing #character creation #fae #unseelie #seelie #aesthetic #fairy aesthetic #fairies #fantasy #magic

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the-color-grey · 22 days

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ai artist pushing the two minute button and then start on their microwave: 'i feel bad for the people who arent learning prompts right now theyre gonna get left behind by us tech-forward chefs'

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the-color-grey · 23 days

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a very good read, I recommend for any SoC fans! very well written and well researched!

Kaz Brekker Character Analysis

As a member of an AuDHD OSDD system, it was only a matter of time before I wrote a paper on my own personal headcanons. A research paper. I wrote this at the same time as my Junior Research Paper last year, and it actually ended up being longer than my JRP. Anyhow, here it is: my in-depth character analysis of Kaz Brekker and my personal headcanons for him, as supported with “evidence” from the Six of Crows novel.

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the-color-grey · 2 months

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Things That May Be Causing Your Writer's Block- and How to Beat Them

I don't like the term 'Writer's Block' - not because it isn't real, but because the term is so vague that it's useless. Hundreds of issues all get lumped together under this one umbrella, making writer's block seem like this all-powerful boogeyman that's impossible to beat. Worse yet, it leaves people giving and receiving advice that is completely ineffective because people often don't realize they're talking about entirely different issues.

In my experience, the key to beating writer's block is figuring out what the block even is, so I put together a list of Actual Reasons why you may be struggling to write:

(note that any case of writer's block is usually a mix of two or more)

Perfectionism (most common)

What it looks like:

You write one sentence and spend the next hour googling "synonyms for ___"

Write. Erase. Write. Rewrite. Erase.

Should I even start writing this scene when I haven't figured out this one specific detail yet?

I hate everything I write

Cringing while writing

My first draft must be perfect, or else I'm a terrible writer

Things that can help:

Give yourself permission to suck

Keep in mind that nothing you write is going to be perfect, especially your first draft

Think of writing your first/early drafts not as writing, but sketching out a loose foundation to build upon later

People write multiple drafts for a reason: write now, edit later

Stop googling synonyms and save that for editing

Write with a pen to reduce temptation to erase

Embrace leaving blank spaces in your writing when you can't think of the right word, name, or detail

It's okay if your writing sucks. We all suck at some point. Embrace the growth mindset, and focus on getting words on a page

Lack of inspiration (easiest to fix)

What it looks like:

Head empty, no ideas

What do I even write about???

I don't have a plot, I just have an image

Want to write but no story to write

Things that can help:

Google writing prompts

If writing prompts aren't your thing, instead try thinking about what kind of tropes/genres/story elements you would like to try out

Instead of thinking about the story you would like to write, think about the story you would like to read, and write that

It's okay if you don't have a fully fleshed out story idea. Even if it's just an image or a line of dialogue, it's okay to write that. A story may or may not come out of it, but at least you got the creative juices flowing

Stop writing. Step away from your desk and let yourself naturally get inspired. Go for a walk, read a book, travel, play video games, research history, etc. Don't force ideas, but do open up your mind to them

If you're like me, world-building may come more naturally than plotting. Design the world first and let the story come later

Boredom/Understimulation (lost the flow)

What it looks like:

I know I should be writing but uugggghhhh I just can'tttttt

Writing words feels like pulling teeth

I started writing, but then I got bored/distracted

I enjoy the idea of writing, but the actual process makes me want to throw my laptop out the window

Things that can help:

Introduce stimulation: snacks, beverages, gum, music such as lo-fi, blankets, decorate your writing space, get a clickity-clackity keyboard, etc.

Add variety: write in a new location, try a new idea/different story for a day or so, switch up how you write (pen and paper vs. computer) or try voice recording or speech-to-text

Gamify writing: create an arbitrary challenge, such as trying to see how many words you can write in a set time and try to beat your high score

Find a writing buddy or join a writer's group

Give yourself a reward for every writing milestone, even if it's just writing a paragraph

Ask yourself whether this project you're working on is something you really want to be doing, and be honest with your answer

Intimidation/Procrastination (often related to perfectionism, but not always)

What it looks like:

I was feeling really motivated to write, but then I opened my laptop

I don't even know where to start

I love writing, but I can never seem to get started

I'll write tomorrow. I mean next week. Next month? Next month, I swear (doesn't write next month)

Can't find the time or energy

Unreasonable expectations (I should be able to write 10,000 words a day, right????)

Feeling discouraged and wondering why I'm even trying

Things that can help:

Follow the 2 min rule (or the 1 paragraph rule, which works better for me): whenever you sit down to write, tell yourself that you are only going to write for 2 minutes. If you feel like continuing once the 2 mins are up, go for it! Otherwise, stop. Force yourself to start but DO NOT force yourself to continue unless you feel like it. The more often you do this, the easier it will be to get started

Make getting started as easy as possible (i.e. minimize barriers: if getting up to get a notebook is stopping you from getting started, then write in the notes app of your phone)

Commit to a routine that will work for you. Baby steps are important here. Go with something that feels reasonable: every day, every other day, once a week, twice a week, and use cues to help you remember to start. If you chose a set time to write, just make sure that it's a time that feels natural to you- i.e. don't force yourself to writing at 9am every morning if you're not a morning person

Find a friend or a writing buddy you can trust and talk it out or share a piece of work you're proud of. Sometimes we just get a bit bogged down by criticism- either internal or external- and need a few words of encouragement

The Problem's Not You, It's Your Story (or Outline (or Process))

What it looks like:

I have no problems writing other scenes, it's just this scene

I started writing, but now I have no idea where I'm going

I don't think I'm doing this right

What's an outline?

Drowning in documents

This. Doesn't. Make. Sense. How do I get from this plot point to this one?!?!?! (this ColeyDoesThings quote lives in my head rent free cause BOY have I been there)

Things That Can Help:

Go back to the drawing board. Really try to get at the root of why a scene or story isn't working

A part of growing as a writer is learning when to kill your darlings. Sometimes you're trying to force an idea or scene that just doesn't work and you need to let it go

If you don't have an outline, write one

If you have an outline and it isn't working, rewrite it, or look up different ways to structure it

You may be trying to write as a pantser when you're really a plotter or vice versa. Experiment with different writing processes and see what feels most natural

Study story structures, starting with the three act structure. Even if you don't use them, you should know them

Check out Ellen Brock on YouTube. She's a professional novel editor who has a lot of advice on writing strategies for different types of writers

Also check out Savage Books on YouTube (another professional story editor) for advice on story structure and dialogue. Seriously, I cannot recommend this guy enough

Executive Dysfunction, Usually From ADHD/Autism

What it looks like:

Everything in boredom/understimulation

Everything in intimidation/procrastination

You have been diagnosed with and/or have symptoms of ADHD/Autism

Things that can help:

If you haven't already, seek a diagnosis or professional treatment

Hire an ADHD coach or other specialist that can help you work with your brain (I use Shimmer; feel free to DM me for a referral)

Seek out neurodiverse communities for advice and support

Try body doubling! There's lot's of free online body doubling websites out there for you to try. If social anxiety is a barrier, start out with writing streams such as katecavanaughwrites on Twitch

Be aware of any sensory barriers that may be getting in the way of you writing (such as an uncomfortable desk chair, harsh lighting, bad sounds)

And Lastly, Burnout, Depression, or Other Mental Illness

What it looks like:

You have symptoms of burnout or depression

Struggling with all things, not just writing

It's more than a lack of inspiration- the spark is just dead

Things that can help:

Forget writing for now. Focus on healing first.

Seek professional help

If you feel like it, use writing as a way to explore your feelings. It can take the form of journaling, poetry, an abstract reflection of your thoughts, narrative essays, or exploring what you're feeling through your fictional characters. The last two helped me rediscover my love of writing after I thought years of depression had killed it for good. Just don't force yourself to do so, and stop if it takes you to a darker place instead of feeling cathartic

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the-color-grey · 2 months

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I love writing. Would love to do it again someday

#this is too real #how dare you make me look in the metaphorical mirror

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the-color-grey · 2 months

Photo

Source

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the-color-grey · 2 months

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Saw a post like this with negative outlook so I asked for it to be fixed

#man i hope this works

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the-color-grey · 4 months

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I think if a proposal during the wedding is ok with the couple getting married and is planned for before the wedding it's OK. I once saw a wedding reception in which the bride was about to do the bouquet toss, when instead of throwing it she turned around and handed it to her maid of honor, and the m.o.h.'s bf proposed right then. I think something like that would be alright, if it was okay with the marrying couple.

aros you're marrying for tax benefits i just want to know the general consensus on whether this is okay or no cause i heard some people at work talking about it like it was a cardinal sin

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the-color-grey · 4 months

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davey from newsies live act 1 vs act 2

Kaz Brekker Jesper Fahey

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the-color-grey · 7 months

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the bad kids as things my friends have said:

fig: I might let the vampire drink my blood, he's kinda hot.

gorgug: does salad fill you up? or do you just eat it until you get sick of it?

adaine: do I look studious and like I give into peer pressure?

fabian: at least I'm kind of nice when I insult you.

kristen: I will use straight tools for gay means.

riz: I hope someone hands me their drink in the future so if someone else comes up to ask for it I can bark at them.

#dimension 20 #dropout #fantasy high #fig feath #gorgug thistlespring #adaine abernant #fabian aramais seacaster #kristen applebees #riz gukgak #brennan lee mulligan #emily axford #zac oyama #siobhan thompson #lou wilson #ally beardsley #brian murphy

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the-color-grey · 1 year

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The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse

Pestilence can be found in dirty places.

Usually. On some occasions, he can be found in a busy hospital ER, with doctors and nurses and patients running everywhere, the smell of sickness in the air.

But more often, he'll be seen in dark, swampy forests, flies buzzing around his head like a floating crown. If you come across an old city bridge, it's likely that he's huddled in the muck underneath it, wrapped in an old, ratty blanket, his hair white, and his skin sallow. He feels at home anywhere that nature has reclaimed civilization.

You might brush shoulders with him while walking down a frozen city street. You'd think he'd be cold to the touch, but you'll be surprised to find his skin feverishly warm. He walks around puffing out clouds of smoke, a cigarette that never burns down held between his fingers. His voice is like gravel crunching underneath a car tire.

He is sickness. He is plague.

---

War can be found in lively places.

Anywhere crowded, really. From formal black tie events thrown in mansions full of snobby one-percenters, to grimy rager parties thrown in old warehouses full of angry drunks. She'll be clad in black, her lips colored blood red, perfectly balanced on needle thin stilettos. She is who you will see most often of the four.

You will see her strutting down the street and call her Devil. She will laugh. The Devil is a rumor she made up ages ago.

Her hair hangs to her waist in red braids. Her coppery skin is sometimes perfect, and sometimes marred by bruises and cuts. She is in every high end, upscale bar, downing shot after shot of alcohol just to feel it burn, though she can't get drunk. Every decision she makes is of sober mind, but whether it's a sound mind is debatable.

You'll catch a glimpse of her during a back alley gunfight, hear her manic laughter between the shots. She doesn't care who wins, and has been known to scream encouragement in the ears of both sides. She worms her way into the hearts of the bitter and the angry, feeding them the exact words needed to light a fire in their minds.

She will appear as a soldier, walking across a smoking battlefield with a grin on her face. Or she'll be a child, standing in the rubble of an old building with fury in her eyes.

She is violence. She is chaos.

---

Famine can be found in dreary places.

He blends in with the people that tend to occupy those spaces. You'll be able to spot him in line at a soup kitchen, or sitting on a bench at a homeless shelter. He wears tattered clothes, but his pockets are always full of snacks.

In fact, it's a rarity to see him not eating, but his ebony-toned skin remains wrapped loosely around his bones, no muscle to fill his frame. His eyes are dark as the void. Nothing could ever be enough to fill them up.

He is in the back booths of dingy, twenty-four-hour diners, where the waitstaff bring him more plates of food without word or payment from him. If you go to your gas station, the one that feels like reality has been altered slightly upon entering, he can sometimes be seen staring at the shelves of candy, and other times he is behind the counter giving you your change.

He is in the liquor aisle of every grocery store. He walks the city streets at night, weaving around the scantily-clad people looking for someone to take them home, or for money, or for both.

He is hunger. He is desire.

---

Death can found in dark places.

But not necessarily "dark" the way you might think.

She is not the first to hold this power, but she will be the last.

It is rare to see her. It's hard to visit when you are as busy as she is. But she loves it here, and she loves her humans, so she makes time.

She appears in cemeteries on overcast days. She sits in the pews of empty churches. She mourns. Sometimes she cries.

Any elderly citizens who see her think she's a troubled youth, a wild teenager. But who can blame them? Purple hair softly curls around her face. Her lips are painted black, and her skin is so pale, you'd think she hadn't ever stepped foot into the sunlight.

She wanders around abandoned buildings, footsteps silent but not threatening. You may catch her in a parking lot in the middle of the night, standing under an unlit streetlamp, staring up at the stars. She stands behind you on the rooftop of a tall building and whispers to you not to do it, she's not ready to take you, life is too beautiful to be lost so early like this.

She carries more patience and more love than you will ever know.

She will stand by your side on a rocky cliff by the ocean, the wind tearing through your hair and clothes, and tell you that this is what it feels like to be alive.

She is gentle. She is melancholy.

She is the end.

#writing #creative writing #the four horseman of the apocalypse #the four horsemen #short story #flash fiction #fiction #fantasy #deities #gods and goddesses

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the-color-grey · 1 year

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pjo characters as things my friends have said:

(in celebration/preparation for the tv series)

percy: "i've been a problem since the day i was born."

annabeth: "it's 60 times 18 inches and then you gotta divide by 12 to put it into and feet and therefore, my dad is is an engineer and i have problems in my life."

grover: "unfortunately i am never at peace."

nico: "i would let chick-fil-a hate crime me for a 12 count."

luke: "there's no technique in what i do, only desperation."

thalia: "i will shoot the messenger. stay toxic."

chiron: "i think that's part of life, crashing and burning."

#percy jackson #percy jackon and the olympians #annabeth chase #grover underwood #percabeth #thalia grace #nico di angelo #luke castellan #chiron

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the-color-grey · 2 years

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the crows as things my friends have said, part 2:

kaz: "I should try that: dress all nicely and spread lies."

inej: "I do love throwing knives."

jesper: "Hey, I stole that fair and square!"

wylan: "I'm gonna cry about it for hours when I get home, but other than that it's ok."

nina: *someone complains about how many people are in the room* "It's ok because I look better than everyone here."

matthias: "You live and you learn. You live, and I learn how not to live like you."

#six of crows #grishaverse #leigh bardugo #kaz brekker #inej ghafa #jesper fahey #wylan van eck #nina zenik #matthias helvar #incorrect six of crows #incorrect quotes

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the-color-grey · 2 years

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the newsies as things my friends have said

jack: "I'm just simultaneously too stupid and too smart."

katherine: "do you feel like I called you out? good 'cause I did."

david: "guys I got manipulated by a six year old the other day."

les: "what if, after high school, I just became a clown."

crutchie: "last time I wore my bandana, everyone kept asking if I was in a gang. I just like bandanas, calm down."

race: "you best call me Tom, because I'm about to do some foolery."

spot: "I don't want to be endearing. I want to be feared."

#newsies #jack kelly #katherine plumber #spot conlon #racetrack higgins #crutchie morris

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