#Blogging Tricks

[hayatheauthor]

10 Non-Lethal Injuries to Add Pain to Your Writing

New Part: 10 Lethal Injury Ideas

If you need a simple way to make your characters feel pain, here are some ideas: 

1. Sprained Ankle

A common injury that can severely limit mobility. This is useful because your characters will have to experience a mild struggle and adapt their plans to their new lack of mobiliy. Perfect to add tension to a chase scene.

2. Rib Contusion

A painful bruise on the ribs can make breathing difficult, helping you sneak in those ragged wheezes during a fight scene. Could also be used for something sport-related! It's impactful enough to leave a lingering pain but not enough to hinder their overall movement.

3. Concussions

This common brain injury can lead to confusion, dizziness, and mood swings, affecting a character’s judgment heavily. It can also cause mild amnesia.

I enjoy using concussions when you need another character to subtly take over the fight/scene, it's an easy way to switch POVs. You could also use it if you need a 'cute' recovery moment with A and B.

4. Fractured Finger

A broken finger can complicate tasks that require fine motor skills. This would be perfect for characters like artists, writers, etc. Or, a fighter who brushes it off as nothing till they try to throw a punch and are hit with pain.

5. Road Rash

Road rash is an abrasion caused by friction. Aka scraping skin. The raw, painful sting resulting from a fall can be a quick but effective way to add pain to your writing. Tip: it's great if you need a mild injury for a child.

6. Shoulder Dislocation

This injury can be excruciating and often leads to an inability to use one arm, forcing characters to confront their limitations while adding urgency to their situation. Good for torture scenes.

7. Deep Laceration

A deep laceration is a cut that requires stitches. As someone who got stitches as a kid, they really aren't that bad! A 2-3 inch wound (in length) provides just enough pain and blood to add that dramatic flair to your writing while not severely deterring your character.

This is also a great wound to look back on since it often scars. Note: the deeper and wider the cut the worse your character's condition. Don't give them a 5 inch deep gash and call that mild.

8. Burns

Whether from fire, chemicals, or hot surfaces, burns can cause intense suffering and lingering trauma. Like the previous injury, the lasting physical and emotional trauma of a burn is a great wound for characters to look back on.

If you want to explore writing burns, read here.

9. Pulled Muscle

This can create ongoing pain and restrict movement, offering a window to force your character to lean on another. Note: I personally use muscle related injuries when I want to focus more on the pain and sprains to focus on a lack of mobility.

10. Tendonitis

Inflammation of a tendon can cause chronic pain and limit a character's ability to perform tasks they usually take for granted. When exploring tendonitis make sure you research well as this can easily turn into a more severe injury.

This is a quick, brief list of ideas to provide writers inspiration. Since it is a shorter blog, I have not covered the injuries in detail. This is inspiration, not a thorough guide. Happy writing! :)

Looking For More Writing Tips And Tricks? 

Check out the rest of Quillology with Haya; a blog dedicated to writing and publishing tips for authors!

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[thewriteadviceforwriters]

Other Words for "Look" + With meanings | List for writers

Many people create lists of synonyms for the word 'said,' but what about the word 'look'? Here are some synonyms that I enjoy using in my writing, along with their meanings for your reference. While all these words relate to 'look,' they each carry distinct meanings and nuances, so I thought it would be helpful to provide meanings for each one.

Gaze - To look steadily and intently, especially in admiration or thought.

Glance - A brief or hurried look.

Peek - A quick and typically secretive look.

Peer - To look with difficulty or concentration.

Scan - To look over quickly but thoroughly.

Observe - To watch carefully and attentively.

Inspect - To look at closely in order to assess condition or quality.

Stare - To look fixedly or vacantly at someone or something.

Glimpse - To see or perceive briefly or partially.

Eye - To look or stare at intently.

Peruse - To read or examine something with great care.

Scrutinize - To examine or inspect closely and thoroughly.

Behold - To see or observe a thing or person, especially a remarkable one.

Witness - To see something happen, typically a significant event.

Spot - To see, notice, or recognize someone or something.

Contemplate - To look thoughtfully for a long time at.

Sight - To suddenly or unexpectedly see something or someone.

Ogle - To stare at in a lecherous manner.

Leer - To look or gaze in an unpleasant, malicious way.

Gawk - To stare openly and stupidly.

Gape - To stare with one's mouth open wide, in amazement.

Squint - To look with eyes partially closed.

Regard - To consider or think of in a specified way.

Admire - To regard with pleasure, wonder, and approval.

Skim - To look through quickly to gain superficial knowledge.

Reconnoiter - To make a military observation of a region.

Flick - To look or move the eyes quickly.

Rake - To look through something rapidly and unsystematically.

Glare - To look angrily or fiercely.

Peep - To look quickly and secretly through an opening.

Focus - To concentrate one's visual effort on.

Discover - To find or realize something not clear before.

Spot-check - To examine something briefly or at random.

Devour - To look over with eager enthusiasm.

Examine - To inspect in detail to determine condition.

Feast one's eyes - To look at something with great enjoyment.

Catch sight of - To suddenly or unexpectedly see.

Clap eyes on - To suddenly see someone or something.

Set eyes on - To look at, especially for the first time.

Take a dekko - Colloquial for taking a look.

Leer at - To look or gaze in a suggestive manner.

Rubberneck - To stare at something in a foolish way.

Make out - To manage to see or read with difficulty.

Lay eyes on - To see or look at.

Pore over - To look at or read something intently.

Ogle at - To look at in a lecherous or predatory way.

Pry - To look or inquire into something in a determined manner.

Dart - To look quickly or furtively.

Drink in - To look at with great enjoyment or fascination.

Bask in - To look at or enjoy something for a period of time.

[prettysilkk]

Creepy nostalgia 🖤

[sealsdaily]

Seal noises please?

awawawawawawa.....

[bebs-art-gallery]

Tumblr today

(Source.)

[bentbats]

GHOST TRICK???? IN MY TELEVISION??? ITS MORE LIKELY THEN YOU THINK!!!!

[benniefranky]

i was going through my old privated videos and a lot of stuff still stands for me

part 1

so i present to you

things i’ve learned as someone who’s shifted both awake and asleep

(ben’s deleted videos addition) ((part 2))

▶︎ •၊၊||၊|။||||| 15:05

┆ ⤿ 𓇼 ⌗ if you can work on your intention and practice building up that confidence (for example, intending something simple like turning on a light or your phone & then doing so), you can incorporate that into shifting! tricking your brain is very helpful and it's been helping me all this time, honestly. ⋆.˚

┆ ⤿ 𓇼 ⌗ on that note, it’s also okay if you don’t want to use manifestation or intention or whatever to shift. you don’t need it. like at all. i have said for years now that the best thing to do is what feels right to you. it’s still true!! ⋆.˚

┆ ⤿ 𓇼 ⌗ in my own experience, you will know. when you’re there, it’s not a shock or a jumpscare, you know where you are and who you are, even if it’s not the first thought you have when you become aware. from my experience, it comes to you like the mental list of things that need to be done today, you already know who you have to call or what you have to plan. ⋆.˚

┆ ⤿ 𓇼 ⌗ i feel like it’s said enough already but you do not need to be still when trying to shift. it goes with knowing yourself and listening to yourself, if you’re uncomfortable, move! you’ll still shift, i promise. ⋆.˚

┆ ⤿ 𓇼 ⌗ i have always loved using media surrounding the place i’m shifting to help me shift. using podcasts with my husbands voice or using ambiance to get to Asolo, Italy— i love it. you don’t need to use it but it’s definitely something that has helped me shift. ⋆.˚

that’s all for now babies

ok bye ㅤᵕ̈

divider by @ianrkives | graded by @helech

[marketingprofitmedia]

Learning Affiliate Marketing — Six Figure Blogging Secret Tricks for Creating High-Profit Blogs

To master affiliate marketing and achieve six-figure blogging success, learn the secret tricks of creating high-profit blogs. Key strategies involve optimizing content, leveraging SEO, and engaging audiences effectively.

Affiliate marketing through blogging holds the potential to be a lucrative online business with the right approach — guiding you to a six-figure income. The trick lies in identifying a profitable niche, crafting high-quality content, and establishing a strong online presence.

>>My Best Recommended & Proven Way to Make $100+ Commissions Daily with a Special Bonus — Watch THIS Video to Get START>>

Entering The Affiliate Marketing Arena

Entering the Affiliate Marketing Arena marks the start of an exciting journey. This path can lead to substantial income through blogging. Success requires understanding the essentials. Let’s unlock these secrets together.

Choosing The Right Niche

A well-chosen niche sets the foundation for a profitable blog. Consider these steps:

Identify your interests and expertise areas. Passion drives content.

Analyze market demand with tools like Google Trends.

Check competition levels. Find a balance, not too high or low.

Ensure monetization potential. Some topics sell better than others.

Understanding Affiliate Programs And Networks

Get to know the platforms that will pay you for promotions. Look at:

Affiliate Program Features Commission RatesAmazon AssociatesWide product range, easy to use1–10%ClickBankHigh commissions, digital productsUp to 75%ShareASaleDiverse merchants, reliable trackingVaries

Before choosing, read the terms of service. Not all programs fit all blogs.

Building Your Affiliate Blogging Platform

To nail affiliate marketing, start with a solid blogging platform. Get ready to learn essential tricks for building a blog that makes money.

Selecting A Domain And Hosting Service

Your domain name is your brand online. Pick a name that sticks. It should be easy, memorable, and relevant. For hosting, choose reliability and speed. Let’s break it down:

Domain Name: It’s your digital address. Keep it short and catchy.

Hosting Provider: They keep your blog online. Look for uptime and support.

Compare providers for the best deal. Think long-term for your blog’s growing traffic.

Blog Design And User Experience

Make your blog a joy to visit. A clean design keeps readers coming back. Focus on these:

Design Element Why It Matters Layout:Helps users find content easily. Navigation: Guide visitors through your site. Mobile-Friendly: Most users are on phones. Adapt to them.

Remember, a beautiful blog must load fast and look great on all devices. Simplify your design. Highlight your content.

>>My Best Recommended & Proven Way to Make $100+ Commissions Daily with a Special Bonus — Watch THIS Video to Get START>>

Content Creation Strategies

Content Creation Strategies are the backbone of six-figure blogging. Creating blog content that connects with readers and search engines can transform a blog from a hobby into a high-profit business. Let’s explore tried-and-true methods for developing stellar blog posts and tweaking content for SEO to drive organic traffic.

Crafting Engaging Blog Posts

Writing blog posts that capture attention requires strategy and skill. First, understand your audience’s needs and interests. Align topics with these insights for maximum engagement. Here are steps to craft compelling content:

Choose Catchy Titles: Titles are the first hook. Make them intriguing and clear.

Open with Impact: Start posts with an engaging sentence or question.

Use Subheadings: Break text into sections with descriptive subheadings for easier reading.

Add Visuals: Images and videos make content more interactive and shareable.

Storytelling: Share stories to connect with readers on a personal level.

Include Actionable Tips: Offer practical advice that readers can apply right away.

End with a Call-to-Action: Encourage readers to engage further, whether it’s to comment, share, or read another post.

Incorporating Seo For Organic Traffic

SEO is vital for any blog’s success. Focus on the following elements to boost rankings and attract organic traffic:

Keyword Research: Find relevant keywords with tools like Google Keyword Planner.

Optimize Titles and Meta Descriptions: Include primary keywords in these elements.

Internal Linking: Link to other posts on your blog to keep readers engaged and distribute page authority.

Quality Backlinks: Obtain links from reputable sites to enhance credibility.

Mobile-Friendly: Ensure your blog is responsive and mobile-ready.

Page Speed: Optimize site speed for a better user experience.

Regular Updates: Keep content current to signal an active and relevant blog to search engines.

Monetization Techniques And Optimization

Monetization turns your blog into a profit-generating tool. Proper optimization elevates potential earnings. Learn how to blend these strategies to set up a high-profit blog.

Strategic Placement Of Affiliate Links

Placing affiliate links strategically within content is crucial. It affects click-through rates and earnings. Key areas to consider include:

High-traffic pages: Place links where users frequently visit.

Above the fold: Early placement ensures visibility without scrolling.

Contextual placement: Embed links within relevant content for higher engagement.

Maximizing Earnings Through A/b Testing

A/B testing your affiliate marketing strategies can massively increase income. Test elements such as:

Element Variant AVariant BCall-to-action (CTA) TextBuy Now Learn More Link ColorBlue GreenLink Position Within textEnd of content

Analyze results to find what works best. Simplify changes, watch user behavior, and boost earnings.

Growth And Scaling Secrets

Turning a blog into a six-figure income stream is no magic. It takes smart strategies to grow. Use these secrets to scale up and earn more.

Leveraging Social Media For Traffic

To build a wider audience, you can’t ignore social media. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can drive massive traffic to your blog.

Create eye-catching content that demands a click.

Understand when your audience is active for maximum engagement.

Use hashtags that relate to your blog’s niche to get found easier.

Collaborate with influencers to get your blog in front of more eyes.

Track performance with tools to know what works. Tweak your approach to keep growing.

Expanding Your Outreach With Email Marketing

Email marketing keeps readers coming back. It’s a powerful tool.

Start by building an email list right from the start.

Offer valuable freebies as sign-up incentives.

Send regular emails that add real value not just promotions.

Segment your list to personalize the user experience.

Use analytics to measure opens, clicks, and conversions. Fine-tune emails for better results.

With consistent effort and these growth secrets, your blog can reach new heights. Watch your traffic and profits climb.

>>My Best Recommended & Proven Way to Make $100+ Commissions Daily with a Special Bonus — Watch THIS Video to Get START>>

Maintaining And Evolving Your Blog

Maintaining and Evolving Your Blog is crucial for achieving long-term success in the dynamic world of affiliate marketing. As the online landscape changes, your blog must adapt to stay relevant and profitable. Implementing the latest affiliate marketing strategies and continuously refining your blog will ensure you stay ahead of the competition.

Staying Updated With Affiliate Marketing Trends

Keeping pace with the latest trends in affiliate marketing is essential. Become a trendsetter by:

Subscribing to industry newsletters and podcasts

Joining affiliate marketing forums and groups

Attending webinars and conferences to learn from the experts

Use this knowledge to update your blog content regularly. This strategy keeps your audience engaged and supports SEO efforts.

Diversifying Income Streams And Products

To maximize your earnings, consider diversifying. Introduce a variety of products and income streams related to your niche. Steps include:

Researching new affiliate programs to complement existing offers

Testing different ad placements and affiliate products

Using data and analytics to track performance

Adjust your strategy based on data insights to optimize blog profitability.

Learning Affiliate Marketing Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How Can I Make $1000 A Month Blogging Give Your Best Tip?

Focus on creating high-quality, keyword-rich content. Monetize with affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and ad revenue. Engage with your audience to drive traffic and build trust.

Q. How Do I Become A Six Figure Affiliate Marketer?

Choose a profitable niche and focus on building authority. Develop a content-rich website to attract traffic. Master SEO to improve visibility. Network with reputable affiliate programs and select products with high earning potential. Continuously analyze and optimize your strategies for better conversion rates.

Q. Is Affiliate Blogging Still Profitable?

Affiliate blogging continues to be a profitable endeavor. It requires strategic content creation and audience trust to monetize effectively through affiliate partnerships.

Q. Can I Become A Millionaire From Blogging?

Yes, it is possible to become a millionaire through blogging by consistently creating valuable content, monetizing your blog effectively, and scaling your audience.

Q. What Is Affiliate Marketing?

Affiliate marketing is a performance-based strategy where businesses pay commissions to individuals or other companies (affiliates) for promoting their products or services and driving sales or leads.

Q. How Do Affiliate Marketers Earn Money?

Affiliate marketers earn money by promoting products or services through unique affiliate links; they receive a commission when their audience makes a purchase through those links.

Conclusion

Embarking on your affiliate marketing journey, remember the power of dedication and strategy. These secrets are your roadmap to a profitable blog that resonates with audiences. Implement them with consistency, and watch your efforts blossom into a thriving online business.

Your six-figure dream is achievable; start building now. Embrace the tricks, reap the rewards.

>>My Best Recommended & Proven Way to Make $100+ Commissions Daily with a Special Bonus — Watch THIS Video to Get START>>

Affiliate Disclaimer :

This article Contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission at NO ADDITIONAL cost to you if you decide to purchase something. While we receive affiliate compensation for reviews / promotions on this article, we always offer honest opinions, users experiences and real views related to the product or service itself. Our goal is to help readers make the best purchasing decisions, however, the testimonies and opinions expressed are ours only. As always you should do your own thoughts to verify any claims, results and stats before making any kind of purchase. Clicking links or purchasing products recommended in this article may generate income for this product from affiliate commissions and you should assume we are compensated for any purchases you make. We review products and services you might find interesting. If you purchase them, we might get a share of the commission from the sale from our partners. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended.

Source : Grow Your Business with the High Ticket Profit System — Unlocking High-Value Sales

Thanks for reading my article on “Learning Affiliate Marketing — Six Figure Blogging Secret Tricks for Creating High-Profit Blogs“, hope it will help!

[writer-logbook]

Random pieces of advice about worldbuilding and plot.

If every story is worth telling, there are some elements to take into account to make it right.

Every cause has consequences. A story is logical in one way or another. Whether you plan your story or go with the flow, if you ask about: the origins, reactions and actions to be taken following an event, the pieces somehow will ‘click into place’.

Everything has a cost. Magic system, war, life in general... Don't forget that resources are not unlimited. Consider the societal, social, natural, (magical, if need be) limitations.

Challenge the statut quo and the villain's motivations (if there's a villain in the original sense of the term) : Ask yourself why the villain wants to ‘change the world’ (and really question his legitimacy) and what the world should look like after the final confrontation. If we come back to the original point, it's that the plot didn't serve any purpose, being no more than a ‘historical aside’. Remember that everything happens for a reason, so make that reason a good one.

Make actual research about geography and climate: forest, desert and especially rivers can't pop out of nowhere, they must respect certain natural principles. For example, a river must have its source somewhere, often high up in the mountains. So it seems logical that a river should be close to a mountain. Be careful if you want to incorporate a map in your story !

Be careful when you rely on chance, fate or whatever you call it. I still can't work out whether it's worse than deus ex machina - especially if it's done badly. As far as I'm concerned, if you work well enough with the cause-consequence chain and have a good grasp of the limits of your universe, you won't need to rely on this kind of process. this one is actually pretty personnal, you have every right to disagree.

[hayatheauthor]

100 Dialogue Tags You Can Use Instead of “Said”

For the writers struggling to rid themselves of the classic ‘said’. Some are repeated in different categories since they fit multiple ones (but those are counted once so it adds up to 100 new words). 

1. Neutral Tags 

Straightforward and unobtrusive dialogue tags: 

Added, Replied, Stated, Remarked, Responded, Observed, Acknowledged, Commented, Noted, Voiced, Expressed, Shared, Answered, Mentioned, Declared.

2. Questioning Tags 

Curious, interrogative dialogue tags:

Asked, Queried, Wondered, Probed, Inquired, Requested, Pondered, Demanded, Challenged, Interjected, Investigated, Countered, Snapped, Pleaded, Insisted.

3. Emotive Tags 

Emotional dialogue tags:

Exclaimed, Shouted, Sobbed, Whispered, Cried, Hissed, Gasped, Laughed, Screamed, Stammered, Wailed, Murmured, Snarled, Choked, Barked.

4. Descriptive Tags 

Insightful, tonal dialogue tags: 

Muttered, Mumbled, Yelled, Uttered, Roared, Bellowed, Drawled, Spoke, Shrieked, Boomed, Snapped, Groaned, Rasped, Purred, Croaked.

5. Action-Oriented Tags 

Movement-based dialogue tags: 

Announced, Admitted, Interrupted, Joked, Suggested, Offered, Explained, Repeated, Advised, Warned, Agreed, Confirmed, Ordered, Reassured, Stated.

6. Conflict Tags 

Argumentative, defiant dialogue tags:

Argued, Snapped, Retorted, Rebuked, Disputed, Objected, Contested, Barked, Protested, Countered, Growled, Scoffed, Sneered, Challenged, Huffed.

7. Agreement Tags 

Understanding, compliant dialogue tags: 

Agreed, Assented, Nodded, Confirmed, Replied, Conceded, Acknowledged, Accepted, Affirmed, Yielded, Supported, Echoed, Consented, Promised, Concurred.

8. Disagreement Tags 

Resistant, defiant dialogue tags: 

Denied, Disagreed, Refused, Argued, Contradicted, Insisted, Protested, Objected, Rejected, Declined, Countered, Challenged, Snubbed, Dismissed, Rebuked.

9. Confused Tags 

Hesitant, uncertain dialogue tags:

Stammered, Hesitated, Fumbled, Babbled, Mumbled, Faltered, Stumbled, Wondered, Pondered, Stuttered, Blurted, Doubted, Confessed, Vacillated.

10. Surprise Tags

Shock-inducing dialogue tags:

Gasped, Stunned, Exclaimed, Blurted, Wondered, Staggered, Marvelled, Breathed, Recoiled, Jumped, Yelped, Shrieked, Stammered.

Note: everyone is entitled to their own opinion. No I am NOT telling people to abandon said and use these. Yes I understand that said is often good enough, but sometimes you WANT to draw attention to how the character is speaking. If you think adding an action/movement to your dialogue is 'good enough' hate to break it to you but that ruins immersion much more than a casual 'mumbled'. And for the last time: this is just a resource list, CALM DOWN. Hope that covers all the annoyingly redundant replies :)

Looking For More Writing Tips And Tricks? 

Check out the rest of Quillology with Haya; a blog dedicated to writing and publishing tips for authors!

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[orgasming-caterpillar]

Bistro Huddy textposts part 2/?

[thewriteadviceforwriters]

Character Flaws and Their Meanings

Impulsiveness : Acts on instinct without careful planning. Perfectionism : Sets unrealistically high standards, leading to self-criticism. Indecisiveness : Struggles to commit to decisions or choose a path. Arrogance : Overestimates one’s abilities and dismisses others. Pessimism : Habitually expects negative outcomes in most situations. Cynicism : Distrusts the motives and sincerity of others. Overconfidence : Places excessive faith in one’s skills, often underestimating risks. Stubbornness : Resists change and refuses to adapt to new ideas. Jealousy : Feels envious of others' success or possessions. Insecurity : Experiences frequent self-doubt and a lack of confidence. Procrastination : Tends to delay tasks, often leading to missed opportunities. Passivity : Avoids taking initiative and relies on others to act. Aggressiveness : Responds with hostility or force rather than reason. Selfishness : Prioritizes personal gain over the welfare of others. Fragility : Is overly sensitive to criticism and easily discouraged. Egotism : Constantly focuses on oneself and one’s own importance. Defensiveness : Quickly rejects or rationalizes away critique or new information. Manipulativeness : Exploits others to fulfill personal needs or desires. Recklessness : Shows a careless disregard for potential risks or consequences. Resentfulness : Holds lingering bitterness and grudges over perceived wrongs. Distractibility : Finds it hard to maintain focus amid competing interests. Impatience : Lacks the willingness to wait, often spoiling opportunities to learn. Perfunctory : Performs actions in a mechanical, uninspired manner. Self-Doubt : Consistently questions personal abilities and decisions. Arbitraryness : Makes decisions based on whim rather than reason or evidence. Rigidity : Is inflexible and unwilling to consider alternative viewpoints. Gullibility : Trusts too easily, often leading to being misled or deceived. Obsession : Becomes excessively fixated on particular ideas or details. Aloofness : Maintains emotional distance, appearing detached or indifferent. Intolerance : Refuses to accept differing perspectives or lifestyles.

Writing Advice for Brainstorming

Mix genres and time periods: Experiment by combining elements from different eras or genres to create unique settings and narratives.

Use "what if" scenarios: Pose unexpected questions (e.g., What if time travel operated on emotions rather than mechanics?) to spark novel ideas.

Draw from diverse mediums: Engage with art, music, or even scientific papers to inspire unexpected plot twists.

Embrace absurdity: Let illogical or surreal ideas guide you; sometimes the wildest thoughts lead to compelling stories.

Reverse clichés: Identify common tropes in your favorite genres and deliberately invert them to create fresh perspectives.

Incorporate personal anomalies: Transform your idiosyncrasies and personal struggles into rich, multi-dimensional characters.

Use mind-mapping: Visually plot your ideas in a freeform way to uncover hidden connections between disparate elements.

[tahbhie]

20 Alternative Losses Your Protagonist Can Face That Don't Involve the Death of a Person.

In one of my recent posts, I talked about losses as a core principle in driving a plot forward.

It's recommended in almost all guides. But here's the thing: someone doesn't have to actually die to create that emotional rollercoaster.

Here are 20 different losses your protagonist can face without losing someone to the cold hands of death:

1. Loss of a dream job opportunity

2. End of a long-term relationship or marriage

3. Betrayal by a close friend or family member

4. Financial ruin or bankruptcy

5. Loss of a beloved pet (The pet could go missing.)

6. Rejection from a prestigious program or institution

7. Injury or illness leading to the loss of physical abilities

8. Destruction of a childhood home

9. Loss of custody of a child

10. Failure to achieve a lifelong dream or goal

11. Being falsely accused of a crime

12. Natural disaster destroying personal belongings and home

13. Loss of a valuable family heirloom

14. Experiencing discrimination or injustice

15. Being forced to move away from a beloved community

16. Losing a significant competition or contest

17. Loss of memory or cognitive abilities

18. Falling out with a mentor or role model

19. Closure of a cherished local business

20. Loss of one's reputation due to scandal or rumor

Thank you for all of your support. If you love my blog, consider gifting me a rose. Val's here, and I hope your characters are ready to paint the town red.

Check out this printable template that helps you structure the nuanced parts of your plot you normally skip out on.

You also receive a free add-on that enhances your plot. It saves you time and helps you maintain quality.

[prettysilkk]

Me and who? 🖤🤍

[qsplaylist]

how to build bridges and make meaningful connections ❀•°❀

for the girlies who want more than just superficial relationships

1. be the kind of energy that people want to stay around

be light, not draining. bring warmth, humor, and softness where you can. I always try to smile at people when I talk to them or see them, and people notice how I'm happy to hang out with them. just bringing a positive energy immediately draws people towards you.

try not to complain. everybody has struggles, and while venting can feel natural, it can also quietly drain the energy from conversations and people listening. personally, I struggle with this too. but, when we constantly focus on what's wrong, we unknowingly push people away. no one wants to feel like every conversation is a weight to carry.

instead, try adding something lighter or more meaningful. instead of saying, "I'm so stressed," try "this week is super busy, but I'm making time for a break soon." it's not about pretending that life's perfect, but being mindful of the energy you bring to a space.

show up with consistency. make plans for lunch and actually show up. remember small things that they say in conversations. it's always the greatest feeling when someone remembers that I had an important performance or difficult test and then ask me about it afterwards.

2. connect through conversation

make eye contact. it's uncomfortable, I get it. but, when you look someone in the eye while they're talking to you, it makes you look 1) more engaged about what they're saying, and 2) more genuinely appreciative of their presence. practice doing it little by little every day, and soon, it will become like second-nature.

share stories, not just facts. I think that conversations come alive with small stories with details that make moments memorable. for example, instead of just saying “I had a phone as a kid because I was on the soccer team” (fact), i added layers: “I got a phone because I went to soccer matches as a kid! I was terrible at soccer, but I helped the team by tricking opponents into thinking I’d get the ball. basically, I was a glorified decoy” (story). true story, by the way.

3. acknowledge them, even if you are not actively hanging out.

greet them by name. when you see them while walking, make an effort to remember their name and say hi. I feel that greetings come off as much more genuine when I address them personally.

if you don't know their name, still make an effort to smile and wave. I would still appreciate it if someone takes the time to acknowledge me, even for a little moment, because it shows that they care.

4. embrace compliments and connection

take compliments. I'll be the first to admit, I struggle with this too. but, isn't it a bit awkward when you give someone a compliment and they instantly deflect it with "oh but I look so ugly today like my hair is whack and my eyeliner is uneven" (calling myself out...)? instead, I think it's best to thank them genuinely for noticing you, even if you don't fully agree with their compliment. receive it with gratitude, not self-criticism. it's not about actually being perfect, but appreciating the kindness behind their words.

compliment them back, and be observant about it. you could just say, "you look amazing too" (though that's still nice). but, the next step could be noticing something specific, like their earrings or the way they carry themselves. or, share what you actually admire about them, like their kindness or determination. it's about making your compliment feel personal and thoughtful.

if you admire someone, tell them. it only sounds fake if you make it fake.

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remember, real connections are built on authenticity and kindness. it's not about being perfect. it's about being genuine, showing up, and appreciating the people around you. now, you just have a few more tools on how to make these connections and be the friend that you would appreciate in your own life.

thank you for reading all the way through as always. wishing everybody all the good things in the world and a blessed rest of your day <3

sending lots of love, q's playlist

[bebs-art-gallery]

Arbor Carnalis by arcano.xv