How Not To 抖阴社区 A Fanfiction

One thing that is common in fanfics is that the appearances of the OCs are totally unrealistic (I have a whole chapter on being realistic). Normally, they describe the characters in the book/movie/show/anime accurately, so that's not the issue. It's the OCs (Original Characters).

They almost always have the following:

Pale skin
Ocean blue eyes
Blonde hair
Wearing something stylish
Perfect make up
Plenty of jewelry
No freckles
No acne
No flaws

It's odd. I mean, look around your school, for heavens sakes, or your work place! There are other appearances out there.

What about brown, red, black, dyed (pink, green, blue, purple, etc.), gray, or orangish colored hair?

How about green, brown, or gray eyes? Or even colored contacts?

What about freckles or glasses or braces or acne?

There's is so much more than blonde hair and blue eyes! This is not to say this color combo is bad, in fact, one of my characters have this, but just be aware that there's is more out there.

It's like the forest. You always cling to one tree and are so content with it that you never know that there's a bigger, better one just a few trees away.

That's a bad analogy, never mind, just ignore that. But you get the point?

Make characters with other colored hair, eyes, skin, with little quirks to them, with normal clothes, human make up, and be... well... a person, not a little goddess that you sculpted.

Also, it's important that the reader know what the character looks like so that they can picture the character, but don't be like:

I looked on the mirror. I have brown eyes and pink hair. I dyed my hair. My clothes are a white tank top with a leather jacket and black leggings. I had flats on and my hair was half up half down. My nails had little white stripes on them and my make up was gray to match. I also had a silver necklace that was as feather. I finished looking and headed downstairs.

Now, I get it, you need to convey how the character looks, but you need to show not tell. Don't tell the reader what the character looks like, show it to them with your fantastic writing skills. Like this:

The mirror revealed who I was. Sometimes, I don't like that person, with all the acne and the braces. Oh and the glasses, that really makes me look "cool". The life of a nerd is never easy. Yeah, I said it, nerd. Not like the movie nerds with the weird teeth and glasses and polo shirts, like a normal nerd (if there is such a thing. Is there? Is there such thing as a normal nerd?) Actually, I hate polo shirts. Too uncomfortable. I dress like everyone else: T-shirt and jeans. And sure, maybe the shirt I am currently wearing has Pi on it but... Ohwho am I kidding. I look like crap today.

See the difference? It takes more time, but its worth it.

------------------------------------------------------ So there you go. My advice for today! Now go and make awesome character appearances! Happy writing, you guys! 📖📖📖📖📖📖