A L N A perera
@alnaperera.bsky.social
Writer (primarily fantasy), PhD student. Talks about publishing but never does. Too much worldbuilding.
#DecemberWorldbuilders 7
Well. They went through several astrology phases as a culture--it's less predicting stuff and more lucky and unlucky times and stuff, and predictions are very general--and thanks to that, they have very advanced astronomy for their level of tech. The first recorded
1/2
Well. They went through several astrology phases as a culture--it's less predicting stuff and more lucky and unlucky times and stuff, and predictions are very general--and thanks to that, they have very advanced astronomy for their level of tech. The first recorded
1/2
Last for for our SCIENCE week, #DecemberWorldbuilders! Does your world have astrology and/or astronomy? Is it ever useful for your MCs? Tell me about your stars, friends 👀 ✨
December 7, 2025 at 7:25 AM
#DecemberWorldbuilders 7
Well. They went through several astrology phases as a culture--it's less predicting stuff and more lucky and unlucky times and stuff, and predictions are very general--and thanks to that, they have very advanced astronomy for their level of tech. The first recorded
1/2
Well. They went through several astrology phases as a culture--it's less predicting stuff and more lucky and unlucky times and stuff, and predictions are very general--and thanks to that, they have very advanced astronomy for their level of tech. The first recorded
1/2
Somebody tell me how to temporarily shut off the 'start another series' part of my brain please because I do not have the time right now
December 7, 2025 at 5:14 AM
Somebody tell me how to temporarily shut off the 'start another series' part of my brain please because I do not have the time right now
Her strategy is to ignore it until it goes away. No this doesn't work but she has been raised to not show weakness.
#AwesomeCharacters
#AwesomeCharacters
Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters
A bit under the weather tonight, apologies if I am slow to respond!
On a related note: how does your character deal with illness?
Are they stoic? Whiney? Immune to it altogether? Just drink a healing potion?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
A bit under the weather tonight, apologies if I am slow to respond!
On a related note: how does your character deal with illness?
Are they stoic? Whiney? Immune to it altogether? Just drink a healing potion?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
December 7, 2025 at 5:08 AM
Her strategy is to ignore it until it goes away. No this doesn't work but she has been raised to not show weakness.
#AwesomeCharacters
#AwesomeCharacters
#DecemberWorldbuilders 6
Depends of how you classify necromancers, certain business people, and politicians lol
There's a few specific ones, such as birds dependent on a particular tree, and general ones like fleas and mosquitos, but this hasn't really come up in story.
1/2
Depends of how you classify necromancers, certain business people, and politicians lol
There's a few specific ones, such as birds dependent on a particular tree, and general ones like fleas and mosquitos, but this hasn't really come up in story.
1/2
Howdy, #DecemberWorldbuilders! What are some symbiotic or parasitic relationships that occur in nature in your world? Feel free to interpret this one broadly and talk about a character with a parasitic personality, if you prefer😁 Don't worry, I'm not grading you on how much biology is in your world!
December 6, 2025 at 11:24 AM
#DecemberWorldbuilders 6
Depends of how you classify necromancers, certain business people, and politicians lol
There's a few specific ones, such as birds dependent on a particular tree, and general ones like fleas and mosquitos, but this hasn't really come up in story.
1/2
Depends of how you classify necromancers, certain business people, and politicians lol
There's a few specific ones, such as birds dependent on a particular tree, and general ones like fleas and mosquitos, but this hasn't really come up in story.
1/2
#DecemberWorldbuilder 5
There are diseases unique to the setting, but I haven't worked them out.
The medicine itself is surprisingly advanced for a society with a fear of dead bodies, and their knowledge of the body is quite accurate, helped by a type of magic used exclusively for healing.
1/3
There are diseases unique to the setting, but I haven't worked them out.
The medicine itself is surprisingly advanced for a society with a fear of dead bodies, and their knowledge of the body is quite accurate, helped by a type of magic used exclusively for healing.
1/3
Good day, #DecemberWorldbuilders. Does your fictional world have any notable or unique diseases, medicine, or vaccination processes? What is healthcare like in your setting? Have your characters had to deal with a disease?
December 6, 2025 at 11:17 AM
#DecemberWorldbuilder 5
There are diseases unique to the setting, but I haven't worked them out.
The medicine itself is surprisingly advanced for a society with a fear of dead bodies, and their knowledge of the body is quite accurate, helped by a type of magic used exclusively for healing.
1/3
There are diseases unique to the setting, but I haven't worked them out.
The medicine itself is surprisingly advanced for a society with a fear of dead bodies, and their knowledge of the body is quite accurate, helped by a type of magic used exclusively for healing.
1/3
She doesn't actually think about the future that much, because she doesn't expect to have one. She fully expects her past to catch up with her at some point, she's just worried the fallout would affect a lot of other people.
#AwesomeCharacters
#AwesomeCharacters
Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters
How much does your character think about the future?
Do they have plans for retirement and a pension set up? A distant dream but no real plans? Do they live each day as it comes and never think about it?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
How much does your character think about the future?
Do they have plans for retirement and a pension set up? A distant dream but no real plans? Do they live each day as it comes and never think about it?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
December 6, 2025 at 2:03 AM
She doesn't actually think about the future that much, because she doesn't expect to have one. She fully expects her past to catch up with her at some point, she's just worried the fallout would affect a lot of other people.
#AwesomeCharacters
#AwesomeCharacters
She lives in a building where they work because the building has lots of extra space that they're letting out to the employees only at a low price (given the nature of the business they can't let anyone else live in the building).
#AwesomeCharacters
#AwesomeCharacters
Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters
What is your character's living situation like?
Do they have roommates? Pets? Live with family? Alone in a mansion? On the road? On a ship? Other?
Are they happy where they are, or striving for something else?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
What is your character's living situation like?
Do they have roommates? Pets? Live with family? Alone in a mansion? On the road? On a ship? Other?
Are they happy where they are, or striving for something else?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
December 4, 2025 at 11:10 PM
She lives in a building where they work because the building has lots of extra space that they're letting out to the employees only at a low price (given the nature of the business they can't let anyone else live in the building).
#AwesomeCharacters
#AwesomeCharacters
#DecemberWorldbuilders 1
It is difficult to describe. They're more advanced than us in some ways (their tech is extremely clean for one) and they're less advanced in others (no mobile phones but they have landlines and phone booths everywhere).
Their tech is also fundamentally
1/2
It is difficult to describe. They're more advanced than us in some ways (their tech is extremely clean for one) and they're less advanced in others (no mobile phones but they have landlines and phone booths everywhere).
Their tech is also fundamentally
1/2
#DecemberWorldbuilders! What is the "level" of technology in your fictional world? Is it a low-tech fantasy? A high-tech sci-fi? Or something in-between? Maybe something outside the tech progression of human history. Did they invent anything ahead of us in time? Any inventions suspiciously absent?
December 4, 2025 at 11:06 PM
#DecemberWorldbuilders 1
It is difficult to describe. They're more advanced than us in some ways (their tech is extremely clean for one) and they're less advanced in others (no mobile phones but they have landlines and phone booths everywhere).
Their tech is also fundamentally
1/2
It is difficult to describe. They're more advanced than us in some ways (their tech is extremely clean for one) and they're less advanced in others (no mobile phones but they have landlines and phone booths everywhere).
Their tech is also fundamentally
1/2
Reposted by A L N A perera
WELCOME TO THE DRACULA PAPRIKA DISCOURSE!!
(meme from tumblr, not my own, original link seems to be dead now)
(meme from tumblr, not my own, original link seems to be dead now)
December 3, 2025 at 8:30 PM
WELCOME TO THE DRACULA PAPRIKA DISCOURSE!!
(meme from tumblr, not my own, original link seems to be dead now)
(meme from tumblr, not my own, original link seems to be dead now)
#AwesomeCharacters
She 'rescued' a mage who was apparently in trouble against her better judgement, and then he took one look at her and guessed (correctly) that she was basically completely lost and dragged her along to get her a job where he works. They have been very good friends since.
She 'rescued' a mage who was apparently in trouble against her better judgement, and then he took one look at her and guessed (correctly) that she was basically completely lost and dragged her along to get her a job where he works. They have been very good friends since.
Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters
Tell me a bit about the first time your character met someone important to them.
This could be a close friend, love interest, mentor, etc.
Did they like each other right away? Did they warm over time?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
Tell me a bit about the first time your character met someone important to them.
This could be a close friend, love interest, mentor, etc.
Did they like each other right away? Did they warm over time?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
December 4, 2025 at 12:50 AM
#AwesomeCharacters
She 'rescued' a mage who was apparently in trouble against her better judgement, and then he took one look at her and guessed (correctly) that she was basically completely lost and dragged her along to get her a job where he works. They have been very good friends since.
She 'rescued' a mage who was apparently in trouble against her better judgement, and then he took one look at her and guessed (correctly) that she was basically completely lost and dragged her along to get her a job where he works. They have been very good friends since.
#DecemberWorldbuilders 3
Alchemy/chemistry is both a legitimate science and a branch of magic in this setting, and there are mages who specialize in it. It is also something you can study in university. Their knowledge is not 100% accurate but it's improving.
1/2
Alchemy/chemistry is both a legitimate science and a branch of magic in this setting, and there are mages who specialize in it. It is also something you can study in university. Their knowledge is not 100% accurate but it's improving.
1/2
Yap at me, #DecemberWorldbuilders! Does your world have any chemists or alchemists? Are they living at the time of your characters' journey or are they ancient history? What did they discover? What *is* chemistry or alchemy in your setting?
December 4, 2025 at 12:43 AM
#DecemberWorldbuilders 3
Alchemy/chemistry is both a legitimate science and a branch of magic in this setting, and there are mages who specialize in it. It is also something you can study in university. Their knowledge is not 100% accurate but it's improving.
1/2
Alchemy/chemistry is both a legitimate science and a branch of magic in this setting, and there are mages who specialize in it. It is also something you can study in university. Their knowledge is not 100% accurate but it's improving.
1/2
#AwesomeCharacters
Some good exercise and the following exhausted, deep sleep, probably. She likes walking and riding.
She also appreciates a good book.
Some good exercise and the following exhausted, deep sleep, probably. She likes walking and riding.
She also appreciates a good book.
Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters
I feel like I ask about negative emotions a lot. So today tell me something that makes your character happy!
A small joy, like a sunset, a warm cup of cocoa, a good book, or time with their favorite person!
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
I feel like I ask about negative emotions a lot. So today tell me something that makes your character happy!
A small joy, like a sunset, a warm cup of cocoa, a good book, or time with their favorite person!
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
December 3, 2025 at 1:06 AM
#AwesomeCharacters
Some good exercise and the following exhausted, deep sleep, probably. She likes walking and riding.
She also appreciates a good book.
Some good exercise and the following exhausted, deep sleep, probably. She likes walking and riding.
She also appreciates a good book.
#DecemberWorldbuilders 2
This is definitely in the 'they have ideas but all of them are half correct' category. They can't even agree on whether sapient lifeforms or sapient gods came first. Evolution is accepted, but the role of the gods/spirits in its progression is highly debated.
1/2
This is definitely in the 'they have ideas but all of them are half correct' category. They can't even agree on whether sapient lifeforms or sapient gods came first. Evolution is accepted, but the role of the gods/spirits in its progression is highly debated.
1/2
Hello, #DecemberWorldbuilders! Tell us about the creation of your people according to the in-world lore. Were they created by gods? Did they evolve from single-celled organisms? Maybe a bit of both? Maybe they don't know, and maybe they have stories about it. What are their creation myths?
December 3, 2025 at 12:46 AM
#DecemberWorldbuilders 2
This is definitely in the 'they have ideas but all of them are half correct' category. They can't even agree on whether sapient lifeforms or sapient gods came first. Evolution is accepted, but the role of the gods/spirits in its progression is highly debated.
1/2
This is definitely in the 'they have ideas but all of them are half correct' category. They can't even agree on whether sapient lifeforms or sapient gods came first. Evolution is accepted, but the role of the gods/spirits in its progression is highly debated.
1/2
#DecemberWorldbuilders 1
Yes, though they don't necessarily separate scientific study and the study of magic. The basics are taught in school and you can study it further if you want. Career researcher is a legitimate option if you can prove you're capable of it.
Yes, though they don't necessarily separate scientific study and the study of magic. The basics are taught in school and you can study it further if you want. Career researcher is a legitimate option if you can prove you're capable of it.
Welcome to the first week of #DecemberWorldbuilders! This week is about SCIENCE (broadly speaking) (you can play along even if you're writing pre-industrial fantasy!)
Today's Q: Can anyone in your world participate in scientific research? Or is it reserved for elites?
Today's Q: Can anyone in your world participate in scientific research? Or is it reserved for elites?
December 3, 2025 at 12:39 AM
#DecemberWorldbuilders 1
Yes, though they don't necessarily separate scientific study and the study of magic. The basics are taught in school and you can study it further if you want. Career researcher is a legitimate option if you can prove you're capable of it.
Yes, though they don't necessarily separate scientific study and the study of magic. The basics are taught in school and you can study it further if you want. Career researcher is a legitimate option if you can prove you're capable of it.
#NovemberWorldbuilders 30
Precise timings of the sun, moons, eclipses, and the astronomy side of astrology. It's so much maths but it's definitely worth it.
Precise timings of the sun, moons, eclipses, and the astronomy side of astrology. It's so much maths but it's definitely worth it.
Last day of #NovemberWorldbuilders! For those of you who have gone down rabbit holes researching random topics for your writing, tell me about it! What did you research? How did you implement it in your story or world?
December 3, 2025 at 12:32 AM
#NovemberWorldbuilders 30
Precise timings of the sun, moons, eclipses, and the astronomy side of astrology. It's so much maths but it's definitely worth it.
Precise timings of the sun, moons, eclipses, and the astronomy side of astrology. It's so much maths but it's definitely worth it.
#NovemberWorldbuilders 29
Trains. No I didn't have to go into that much detail about the train network but I like trains. So there are plenty of trains and how they work is slightly insane (putting my engineering degree into good use here).
Trains. No I didn't have to go into that much detail about the train network but I like trains. So there are plenty of trains and how they work is slightly insane (putting my engineering degree into good use here).
#NovemberWorldbuilders friends! We're at the end of the month so you know what that means: broad questions with no particular theme! Tell me about something you put into your world for no reason other than that it brought you joy. Did you learn about something cool and want to add it? Talk about it!
December 3, 2025 at 12:27 AM
#NovemberWorldbuilders 29
Trains. No I didn't have to go into that much detail about the train network but I like trains. So there are plenty of trains and how they work is slightly insane (putting my engineering degree into good use here).
Trains. No I didn't have to go into that much detail about the train network but I like trains. So there are plenty of trains and how they work is slightly insane (putting my engineering degree into good use here).
#NovemberWorldbuilders 28
Nothing I can say here is good and is probably a source of trauma for MC and a lot of other characters.
The raid on dragon island, probably? It destroyed so much history, nearly started a much bigger war, and many people died in the smaller wars that resulted.
Nothing I can say here is good and is probably a source of trauma for MC and a lot of other characters.
The raid on dragon island, probably? It destroyed so much history, nearly started a much bigger war, and many people died in the smaller wars that resulted.
Heya, #NovemberWorldbuilders! It's the last day of our HISTORY week. Tell me something about the more recent history of your world. What's something important that happened in the last 20 years or so from when your story takes place? Perhaps something that sets off the inciting incident
December 2, 2025 at 1:20 AM
#NovemberWorldbuilders 28
Nothing I can say here is good and is probably a source of trauma for MC and a lot of other characters.
The raid on dragon island, probably? It destroyed so much history, nearly started a much bigger war, and many people died in the smaller wars that resulted.
Nothing I can say here is good and is probably a source of trauma for MC and a lot of other characters.
The raid on dragon island, probably? It destroyed so much history, nearly started a much bigger war, and many people died in the smaller wars that resulted.
#NovemberWorldbuilders 27
The sinking of the volcanoes in the southern sea. It's a dramatic legend with an almost war between gods and an epic romance that happened a few thousand years before the story began.
There are multiple versions of the story.
The sinking of the volcanoes in the southern sea. It's a dramatic legend with an almost war between gods and an epic romance that happened a few thousand years before the story began.
There are multiple versions of the story.
Greetings, #NovemberWorldbuilders. Tell me about a legendary event that happened in your world's history. Perhaps a terrific cataclysm, or maybe something good like the growth of an amazing tree or the greatest rock concert ever. Something that the storytellers in your world love to sing about.
December 2, 2025 at 1:13 AM
#NovemberWorldbuilders 27
The sinking of the volcanoes in the southern sea. It's a dramatic legend with an almost war between gods and an epic romance that happened a few thousand years before the story began.
There are multiple versions of the story.
The sinking of the volcanoes in the southern sea. It's a dramatic legend with an almost war between gods and an epic romance that happened a few thousand years before the story began.
There are multiple versions of the story.
Usually if I have reason to refer to them by name, because I have to make up the names too (they're in a conlang). So a random person they interact with for a minute doesn't get a name but a dead character who's important to the narrative does.
#AwesomeCharacters
1/2
#AwesomeCharacters
1/2
Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters
When do you consider a side character to have earned a name?
Is it when they speak a line of dialogue? Have a certain amount of importance to the story? When it is confusing to describe the scene otherwise?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
When do you consider a side character to have earned a name?
Is it when they speak a line of dialogue? Have a certain amount of importance to the story? When it is confusing to describe the scene otherwise?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
December 2, 2025 at 12:57 AM
Usually if I have reason to refer to them by name, because I have to make up the names too (they're in a conlang). So a random person they interact with for a minute doesn't get a name but a dead character who's important to the narrative does.
#AwesomeCharacters
1/2
#AwesomeCharacters
1/2
#AwesomeCharacters
The answer depends on whether it is the internet in our world or if the internet has somehow spawned in theirs.
If it's spawned in theirs it's going to be full on panic for her because people could potentially figure out who she is.
1/2
The answer depends on whether it is the internet in our world or if the internet has somehow spawned in theirs.
If it's spawned in theirs it's going to be full on panic for her because people could potentially figure out who she is.
1/2
Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters
We've talked about social media but now your character has inexplicably (unless they had it already) gained access to the whole internet!
How do they feel about it? What are they using it for? Is it beneficial?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
We've talked about social media but now your character has inexplicably (unless they had it already) gained access to the whole internet!
How do they feel about it? What are they using it for? Is it beneficial?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
December 1, 2025 at 1:14 AM
#AwesomeCharacters
The answer depends on whether it is the internet in our world or if the internet has somehow spawned in theirs.
If it's spawned in theirs it's going to be full on panic for her because people could potentially figure out who she is.
1/2
The answer depends on whether it is the internet in our world or if the internet has somehow spawned in theirs.
If it's spawned in theirs it's going to be full on panic for her because people could potentially figure out who she is.
1/2
#LateNightWrite
Currently, it's been working overtime keeping me sane.
Currently, it's been working overtime keeping me sane.
Alright folks! #LateNightWrite tonight is gonna be just this. Because things have been shit for a while and it's good to remind ourselves of what good has come of our creative endeavors. Be it things we learned, friendships forged, the joy of creating itself... what are you thankful for?
December 1, 2025 at 1:05 AM
#LateNightWrite
Currently, it's been working overtime keeping me sane.
Currently, it's been working overtime keeping me sane.
Trains and public transport are the most common. Other than that, there's walking, bicycles, horses (which are uncommon in cities), and horse driven carriages. Cars exist but are rare and don't work great.
Public transport is so good around the city that it's rarely a problem.
#AwesomeCharacters
Public transport is so good around the city that it's rarely a problem.
#AwesomeCharacters
Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters
What methods of transportation do your characters usually use to get around?
Horses, ships (water, space, air), cars, walking, other?
Does transportation ever cause your characters difficulty?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
What methods of transportation do your characters usually use to get around?
Horses, ships (water, space, air), cars, walking, other?
Does transportation ever cause your characters difficulty?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
November 30, 2025 at 12:50 AM
Trains and public transport are the most common. Other than that, there's walking, bicycles, horses (which are uncommon in cities), and horse driven carriages. Cars exist but are rare and don't work great.
Public transport is so good around the city that it's rarely a problem.
#AwesomeCharacters
Public transport is so good around the city that it's rarely a problem.
#AwesomeCharacters
It's mostly blacks and greys. It's partially a tendency of all shadow users (they can see very well in the dark but not colour). It's also easier to keep dark clothes looking clean and she hasn't had time or money for fancy stuff for a while.
#AwesomeCharacters
#AwesomeCharacters
November 29, 2025 at 1:50 AM
It's mostly blacks and greys. It's partially a tendency of all shadow users (they can see very well in the dark but not colour). It's also easier to keep dark clothes looking clean and she hasn't had time or money for fancy stuff for a while.
#AwesomeCharacters
#AwesomeCharacters
Her knife and dagger? She went without these for a while but now she has these she tends to have them on her all the time.
#AwesomeCharacters
#AwesomeCharacters
Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters
What is something your character always carries with them?
In a purse, a bag, a secret pouch, a pocket?
Is there something they never travel without? Why?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
What is something your character always carries with them?
In a purse, a bag, a secret pouch, a pocket?
Is there something they never travel without? Why?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
November 28, 2025 at 2:41 AM
Her knife and dagger? She went without these for a while but now she has these she tends to have them on her all the time.
#AwesomeCharacters
#AwesomeCharacters
#AwesomeCharacters
1) it's not going to stay secret for more than a few minutes.
2) they have scandal magazine reporters they can call themselves who are friends.
3) they know they have multiple people with skeletons in their closets.
Given all this, realistically, there will be no headlines.
1/2
1) it's not going to stay secret for more than a few minutes.
2) they have scandal magazine reporters they can call themselves who are friends.
3) they know they have multiple people with skeletons in their closets.
Given all this, realistically, there will be no headlines.
1/2
Tell me more about your #AwesomeCharacters
A reporter from a scandal magazine has been secretly following your characters around.
What shocking headlines could they publish about them?
Did they have to take their actions out of context to get there?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
A reporter from a scandal magazine has been secretly following your characters around.
What shocking headlines could they publish about them?
Did they have to take their actions out of context to get there?
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
November 27, 2025 at 12:24 AM
#AwesomeCharacters
1) it's not going to stay secret for more than a few minutes.
2) they have scandal magazine reporters they can call themselves who are friends.
3) they know they have multiple people with skeletons in their closets.
Given all this, realistically, there will be no headlines.
1/2
1) it's not going to stay secret for more than a few minutes.
2) they have scandal magazine reporters they can call themselves who are friends.
3) they know they have multiple people with skeletons in their closets.
Given all this, realistically, there will be no headlines.
1/2