#feedbackneeded

Hi everyone, this is Penwrythe and I would like to get some feedback on something!

Over the past three years, I have been working on my worldbuilding project, World of Relics! This setting has sub-worldbuilding projects: Rise of Relics and the Mundane Realm. World of Relics features living objects in a high fantasy setting. They are kind of like the classic fantasy mimics from RPG games and stories, just without the flesh-eating part, lol.

Anyway, while I enjoy working on my stories set in this world, there's a question that popped up in my head regarding a certain trope. The baleful polymorph trope. The baleful polymorph trope is where a character is turned from their human form into something inhuman like an object, monster, or animal to be taught a lesson in humility. It's a classic trope often used in fantasy and even appeared in myths and legends. The trope still exists nowadays, usually appearing in animation. My concern with this trope however is how often BIPOC characters were used for this trope.

Without making things too long here, some people are concerned about how this trope is often used to erase the humanity of BIPOC characters. Like we had to earn our humanity again while the rest of the world stays the same. So there's pushback against the trope to try to get more BIPOC characters to be and stay human. I'm concerned about this too, as a Black person who grew up in the 90s and 2000s seeing little representation of Black characters in children/teens/adult animated media. Representation is important because it can show people who look like me having adventures or taking up responsibilities in their world, making these experiences relatable to me and not something that's out of reach.

It's a personal thing, but I remember not "seeing" myself as Black. I feel like a broken mirror, where my self-reflection of my Blackness is not represented in the way I handle my art or in my imagination. I see myself as a variety of things but not myself. And yet it is me. I am a paradox, lol.

I do represent my Blackness more often now in my art, but that feeling is still there. And I want to explore it. Kind of like a micro-representation thingy? Like, I see my Blackness but I also want to reconcile with my feelings over certain tropes and so on. I want to see my take on this.

So to my point, what do you guys think about me reclaiming the Baleful Polymorph trope for World of Relics. It is the backbone of a certain event that kicks-off Rise of Relics' story and is part of the backstory of the Mundane Realm. My use of this trope will be different from the way it's normally used:

It's not just one character who is turned, it's almost everyone. Plus the transformation is permanent and represents the drastic changes in our lives that force us into a new reality. There is no normal anymore.

Transformed objects/relics still keep their powers and agency. I don't want the characters to keep chasing their humanity. In this new reality they are in, it's gone and they must redefine themselves in this new form to survive.

Agency beyond the physical human form. Humans have great tenacity and perseverance. We see to preserve ourselves in any way possible, even beyond death. I want the same for my object characters.

The Rule of Cool trope. I want my object characters to be cool! Who wants to be a giant laser sword?!

I elaborated on my points here in the FAQ in my World of Relics pitch carrd site. Give it a look and share if you like!

If you are participating in the Four Week Russian Challenge, you might have received my corrections in direct messages. 

I believe that corrections and explanations help learning. But it has just occurred to me that maybe you didn’t want receive those corrections... Well, not everyone likes to be corrected. As a language learner, I know all too well how corrections may hurt ego (and the better you speak the new language, the more it hurts LOL) 

So, my question is: do you want me to correct your sentences? Please respond either in direct messages to me or here in the comments. 

20% off illustration commissions open

Help! Dueling Romantasies!

My next romance release will be contemporary, but I have solid drafts on two very different romantasies for later in the year. One is a magical sea-based anthology with all five stories set in an underwater kingdom. Think mermaids, sirens, sea witches, etc. The other romantasy is a wolf shifter story, but not your usual A/B/O style. The wolves in this fantasy realm have their own legacy and systems of magic.

🌟 We have two mouthwatering snacks on our menu: 'Almond Butter Chocolate Cookies' and 'Roasted Ceci with Herbs.' 🌰🍫 Which one steals the spotlight in your heart and taste buds? Let us know!

🍽️ Have you tried any of our recipes? We'd love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts and feedback with us. Your opinions matter, and they inspire us to continue bringing you scrumptious recipes that 'Bring Happiness Back to the Table.'

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