So, I'm having issues with some descriptions in my WIP (and in general) It seems like there are only so many ways to describe certain things.
One of these things is skin color... First of all, I hate describing it because I always end up feeling like I'm going to come off racist or whatever. But I think it is important to describe character appearances at least a bit, and skin color is a big factor in a person's appearance, and gives some clue into their ethnic background, which is background for the character.
So... for African-Americans... the more common description that I've seen is "cocoa skin" or "ashy" (which I find mildly offensive) Any other suggestions?
Another description that's eating my brain is kissing. There are only so ways to describe two characters kissing without sounding like a cheesy romance novel. There's pressing your lips together (borderline cheesy), he brushed his lips against hers, she gave him a light peck on the cheek...
So, I would love to see how other people describe these things (and anything else that comes up a lot) Feel free to specify if the descriptions your sharing are merely for inspiration and not for re-use.
One of these things is skin color... First of all, I hate describing it because I always end up feeling like I'm going to come off racist or whatever. But I think it is important to describe character appearances at least a bit, and skin color is a big factor in a person's appearance, and gives some clue into their ethnic background, which is background for the character.
So... for African-Americans... the more common description that I've seen is "cocoa skin" or "ashy" (which I find mildly offensive) Any other suggestions?
Another description that's eating my brain is kissing. There are only so ways to describe two characters kissing without sounding like a cheesy romance novel. There's pressing your lips together (borderline cheesy), he brushed his lips against hers, she gave him a light peck on the cheek...
So, I would love to see how other people describe these things (and anything else that comes up a lot) Feel free to specify if the descriptions your sharing are merely for inspiration and not for re-use.