#Reading tips and tricks

[theenglishnook]

Mastering the Art of Skimming: A Guide to Efficient Reading

Skimming is a reading technique that involves quickly scanning through a text to get a general overview of its content, without necessarily reading every word or sentence in detail. Here’s a breakdown of the process: Previewing: Before you begin skimming, take a moment to preview the text. Read the title, headings, subheadings, and any bold or italicized text. This will give you a sense of the…

[frownyalfred]

want your favorite author to update but don’t want to be too pushy in their comment section?

here’s 5 things you can do to encourage them:

Reblog their fic link on tumblr (bonus if it’s with tags)

Bookmark the fic with a note about what you’re excited about/love in the fic

Recommend the fic to your friends or local discord channel

Draw art or create other media for the fic (as indicated by the author’s comfort level)

Leave them a comment when re-reading about the parts of the chapter/story that stood out to you the second time

[littledeadling]

⟡ ⟡ ⟡ Southern Reach stamps ⟡ ⟡ ⟡

[cj-etc]

Writing the five senses: Sound

Like sight, writing sounds can be very straightforward. But how do you stray away from the same tired descriptions every time? Here are a few suggestions!

Figurative language

Not every sound has the same cadence, length, volume, etc.. Using figurative language to describe a sound is one of the best way to get your meaning across. Onomatopoeia, hyperbole, metaphor/simile, and assonance are all great ways to do this. For example, "Her laugh floated through the air, as sweet as the ringing of a thousand bells" uses both simile and hyperbole to paint an image.

Repetition

Sometimes, if you really want to push a sound into your reader's mind, repetition can be your best friend. Showing a repeating sound helps highlight its importance. "After the storm cleared and the thunder dissipated, Henry's ceiling made a gentle drip, drip, drip as stray water leaked through the framework." Repetition is especially useful in horror, as it helps build suspense.

Use strong verbs

"The cat screamed loudly" is an obvious description, but "The cat yowled" evokes a stronger image in your reader's mind. Using adjectives such as loud, hard, sharp, etc. in conjunction with stronger verbs like scream, chirp, rattle, etc.

Zero in on specifics

Don't feel like you have to overdo it! While using synonyms and adding additional descriptors might feel like it enhances your meaning, it doesn't always come across naturally. Sometimes, less is more! Make sure you aren't including too much, as it's easy to overwhelm readers with confusing details.

As always, nothing I've discussed in this post is a set rule, and you're free to take as much or as little from this list as you like. The most important part of writing is to do what you think is best for your story! Have a writing question? Send me an ask!

[maesonc-artistic-adventures]

Based on Chapt 13 of @cutebutalsostabby ‘s fanfic “Big Oof 2022, aka Whumptober”

“‘You,’ Hyrule declared furiously, ‘are an absolute, complete dumbass.’

Lying prone on the ground with a deeply pissed-off mage looming above his head, it was rather difficult for Warriors to argue the point. He gave a weak thumbs up and croaked back, ‘Yep.’

Hyrule shook his head disbelievingly and announced, ‘You and Legend give me shit for this all the time, but you’re both equally as bad.’

Warriors nodded. ‘Very true,’ he rasped peaceably. ‘Be sure to learn from our bad examples.’”

————————————

Hyrule and Warrior’s dynamic is so excellent and few do it as well as this fic!

[inklore]

if it's one thing your girl is great at it's making a million different google docs full of lists full of resources, ideas, etc that will help future me when it comes to posting fics.

fic titles are literally one of the biggest lists i have and not even in a perfect world where i write ten fics a day would i ever be able to use all of these, and i don't like to see things go to waste, and i know there's people out there that struggle with titles as much as i do. so i hope this list comes in handy for someone!

i don't think i need to say this but just in case: no one owns fic titles, anyone can use these, a dozen people or one or none. these are literally just words and letters. no one owns them. sharing is caring, enjoy lovies!

★ — ONE WORD.

overboard 

runaway 

repercussions 

sledgehammer 

stargazing 

symmetry 

deathless 

honey 

retrograde 

stitches 

gravity 

helpline 

hollow 

suffer 

pushing 

warrant 

want 

wonder 

emotions 

nonchalant 

lavender 

daydream 

nosebleed 

jigsaw 

static 

float 

limbs 

hologram 

careless 

lush 

rotting 

phonograph 

hypnotic 

splinters 

magnetic 

wasted 

lithium 

dealer 

she

candles 

sabotage 

secrets

better

crescendo

deny

phenomenon

nights

guilty

move

criminal

blue

rise

thirsty

strangers

clockwork

closer

hectic

change

somebody

more

misery

like

sour

lowkey

peaches

she

nervous

sympathy

scars

disappear

melody

gemini

cruel

persona

supernatural

nectar

obsessed

casual

tryant

xo

dare

honestly

yummy

out

paradise

nuts

groin

heaven

lost

stardust

tangerine

monolith

lunch

pov

perfume

dealer

tough

arson

★ — TWO WORDS.

hush hush

night away

heart stop

stone heart

waiting for

black rose

sad kids

spine breaker

look here

autumn leaves

for you

spring day

love maze

bad decisions

take two

wild flower

blue side

rainy days

face off

slow dancing

polar night

like crazy

club heaven

deeper water

romantic devil

hold me

angel eyes

picture you

after midnight

twilight zone

drain me

sorry sorry

pretty please

how sweet

bubble gum

empty box

love therapy

play me

red velvet 

cherry bullet 

midnight guest 

cherry wish 

code words

ghost walk

bad intentions 

atlas hands 

broken crown 

crystallized words 

filthy pride 

fresh eyes 

heavy feet 

hungry ghosts 

imaginary paintings 

neon jungle 

perfect storm 

slow hands 

stop signs 

sad farewells 

untranslated stars 

after hours 

bad liar 

bonfire heart 

bruised lips 

cherry bomb 

damaged goods 

dead end 

fire away 

gunpowder hourglass 

lonely together 

lost language 

old moons 

one dance 

paper knees 

sleepy eyes 

stolen dance 

vice city 

artificial heart 

cry baby 

daylight fading 

dream awake 

empty bottle 

exit wounds 

ghost orchards 

moving stones 

paper walls 

oceans away 

playing fiction 

something wild 

wild thoughts 

everybody’s fool 

eyes closed 

storms incarnate 

writing tragedies 

stereo driver 

soul searching 

party’s over 

backseat driving 

fearful heart 

backwards directions 

nosebleed seats 

high hopes 

lovers rock

wet dream 

selfish soul 

washed away 

rose rogue 

midnight sun 

teenage fantasy 

wandering romance 

sure thing 

wildest dreams 

rock candy

losing momentum 

ruin you 

heart holiday 

sink her 

cut splinters 

hot mess 

frozen devotion 

little star 

blind faith 

favorite crime 

romantic homicide 

those eyes 

play pretend 

plot line 

pretty poison 

intimidate you 

pretty face 

strawberry kisses 

lovers rock 

worlds apart 

desperate/separate ways 

those eyes 

the blonde 

loving machine 

spill blood

someone’s someone

★ — THREE WORDS.

got my number

happy without me

not over you

crazy for you

back to you

flame of love

just one day

let me know

hold me tight

make it right

closer than this

love me again

still with you

out of love

never let go

love in space

ready to bleed 

bleed for love

between the bars 

can’t be still

cold morning mist 

in cold blood

matter of time 

piece by piece 

ship to wreck 

taut with love 

waste a moment 

can’t see straight 

down and out 

in a blackout 

just like fire 

notes on tenderness 

across the room

fire with fire 

going half-mad

loving to ruins 

rust to gold

send my love 

talking in code 

cradling a dream 

cut to black 

dear to me 

run me dry 

dancing with demons 

kiss and tell 

if you care 

the cry out 

steal this night 

just for now 

heart on fire 

hold my head 

nobody but you 

simple and plain

a familiar sound 

fool for you 

drown your memory 

falling into you 

just like heaven 

warm like beaches 

love that stings 

rotting in places 

moves on you 

save your tears 

a single tear 

light my cigarette 

long nights, daydreams 

boys like you 

love me forever 

hands on me 

like a phonograph 

taking over me 

dug so deep 

touch the ground 

heart shaped box 

where’s my love

tears of gold

lover of mine 

love me wrong

kiss or kill 

exes and why’s 

love is easy 

stupid in love 

easy to love

lost with you 

glimpse of us 

keep you safe 

death with dignity 

just like heaven 

heart of glass 

baby i’m yours 

pull my strings 

★ — FOUR+ WORDS.

love me a little

happy without me

you can't hold my heart

wishing on a star

give it to me

around the world in a day

waste it on me

this mess is yours

feeling like i do 

on a war path 

blood on the surface 

corner of the sky 

do the divine love 

drinking the corinthian sun 

everything is laced in (add word) 

lost in the moment 

in the nick of time 

mouth like a pomegranate 

the bones you’re made of 

when the mania speaks 

all desire & no thought 

blue in the face 

collapsing and relapsing 

middle of the night 

sail to the sun 

lay down your arms 

falling into the sky 

take me where your heart is 

she’s like the bad weather 

kill for your love 

the cigarette and the smoker 

the match and the fuse 

saint, i’m a sinner 

when the sky comes falling 

pretty little hand in mine 

even when the sun don’t shine

staring at the sun / sunset 

tangled up with you all night 

paper airplanes flying 

maybe i’m a fool 

tastes like rock candy 

blood in a lemon

(a) heart ready to die 

fate is losing its patience 

at least we feel alive 

death for your secrets 

someone’s gonna ruin you 

dancing in a crowded room 

smell you on my clothes 

always taste like you 

leave me wanting more 

hunger for (insert here) 

swim before you drown 

put your hands on me 

drink my (these) tears and cry 

i’d sleep all day just to dream of you 

so high we never stood a chance 

i’d break down anytime for you 

maybe i’m wrong, or maybe it’s true 

i only breathe so that i breathe with you

a worn out cassette 

lips on my cold neck 

talking in my sleep 

make me feel like someone else 

locked inside your heart 

hooked on her flesh 

it’s bloody and raw 

the angel of small death 

just a couple sinners 

smiles cover your heart 

charmer and the snake 

stuck on your thumb 

if i killed someone for you 

dancing with your ghost 

i miss you, i’m sorry 

woman of the hour 

shut up and look pretty 

queen of the night 

devil in a dress 

the thought of you 

to be your lover 

falling over you 

just like a movie 

love on the line 

[surgeonssturgeon]

Why are articles about rodents always so misleading like “ 50 Types of Rats :) AND HOW TO FUCKING EXTERMINATE THEM “ “Mice squeak at night because they are talking to each other :) THAT MEANS THERE ARE MULTIPLE PESTS IN YOUR HOUSE PLOTTING TO KILL YOU” Like brother what if i just want to learn about rats why are you so negative

[writer-logbook]

The MICE quotient [extract]

I was reading How to write Science Fiction & Fantasy by Orson Scott Card and decided to share the section on the MICE quotient because it's really worth it. I've selected the relevant parts to make it easier and more efficient for you to read. For those interested in the whole book, I found it on Archive.org (it's a pdf and free). I DID NOT WRITE ANY OF THIS - IT'S ALL COPY/PASTE FROM THE BOOK MENTIONNED ABOVE. I SIMPLY SHORTEN SOME PASSAGES

"All stories contain four elements that can determine structure: Milieu, Idea, Character, and Event. While each is present in every story, there is generally one that dominates the others." - How to write Science Fiction & Fantasy, Orson Scott Card

Milieu : The milieu is the world-the planet, the society, the weather, the family, all the elements that came up during the world creation phase. Every story has a milieu, but in some stories the milieu is the thing the storyteller cares about most. For instance, in Gulliver's Travels, Swift cared little about whether we came to care about Gulliver as a character. The whole point of the story was for the audience to see all the strange lands where Gulliver traveled and then compare the societies he found there with the society of England in Swifes own day-and the societies of all the tale's readers, in all times and places.

Idea : "Ideas" in this sense are the new bits of information that are discovered in the process of the story by characters who did not previously know that information. Idea stories are about the process of finding out that information. The structure here is very simple: The Idea Story begins by raising a question; it ends when the question is answered.

Character : The Character Story is a story about the transformation of a character's role in the communities that matter most to him. [...] All good Character Stories must have full characterization, because that's what they're about; and other ldnds of stories can have full characterization, as long as the reader is not misled into expecting a Character Story when that is not what is going to be delivered. On the other hand, many excellent Milieu, Idea, and Event Sto ries spend very little effort on characterization beyond what is necessary to keep the story moving.

Event : In the Event Story, something is wrong in the fabric of the universe; the world is out of order. [...] The Event Story ends at the point where a new order is established, or, more rarely, where the old order is restored, or, rarest of all, where the world descends into chaos as the forces of order are destroyed. The story begins, not at the point where the world becomes disordered, but rather at the point where the character whose actions are most crucial to establish ing the new order becomes involved in the struggle.

[rynrising44]

Some fanfiction tips and tricks:

Hi hello how are you- I've been writing a lot of fanfiction recently (shocker) and wanted to make a little list of helpful tips when it comes to formatting and getting thoughts in order. I still fall prey to many of these errors and see a lot of them out there on AO3, which stifles a good chunk of fics that readers, especially English only speakers, ultimately lose interest in/are unfamiliar with.

NOT HARD AND FAST RULES. Just what I've noticed throughout my process.

English speakers/ writers use quotation marks in their writing. They look like this: "I can't believe you've done this!" she screamed. Using << I can't believe you've done this! >> she screamed, OR 'I can't believe you've done this!' she screamed when writing in English are foreign to most readers. If you're having trouble reaching audiences and are using one of the two formats above, it's probably because of the way your dialogue is written.

NOTE: if you are writing in another language which uses <<+>> or '+' keep using those formats. This only applies if you're writing in one language but keeping the structure of another.

You don't have to say, 'he said,' or 'she said,' after every line of spoken dialogue. Have fun with it and go back and forth! Here is an example in present tense:

"You're about to get sacked after being shot by Russian sleeper agents and stealing a helicopter," he says with bad taste. "How does that make you feel?" "Getting shot? Or getting fired?" Mackey asks. "Getting shot and then getting fired." "Seriously?" "Just... taking the piss, alright?" Mackey doesn't bother replying.

Epithets are not your friend. Do not use them. Get in the heads of your characters! Would the wife of your main character refer to him as 'the taller man' or 'the blonde?' NO! We refer to others by their name, nicknames, and pet phrases (don't overuse the pet names though).

Read books! The best way to learn how to write is to read. This will really help you understand the way sentences flow and how to end/begin sentences.

The quotations go outside the period. "Like this."

Pick a tense and stay with it. Don't go back and forth between 'said, went, replied,' and 'says, goes, replies.' This is a mistake I see people do a lot, especially when first starting out.

When tagging your fics, don't use tags like "Bad at tagging" or "This is garbage I don't know what I'm doing." That is YOUR WORK. Your fic is yours and you should be proud of it. If you don't stand by your creativity and ideas, then why should anyone else?

One shot collections should be in a series. NOT in a multi-chaptered fic. Unless they are complete, in the same universe, and follow a timeline, try to post them individually. That way, if someone likes one but not the other, you aren't screwing yourself over.

Use your summaries wisely. Quotes, action scenes, and eye-catching statements will draw a reader in. (Please don't say something like "Bad at tagging and summaries.")

Write what you want to read. Not what others want to read. If you love writing rare-pair F/F fanfiction with established relationships, DO THAT. (Shameless plug there.) Don't go chasing pairings and tropes that you hate just for views/kudos. The good feelings will not last, and you will pigeonhole yourself into things you don't like. (want proof. Try it out and see what happens.)

Get involved in the fandoms you write for. Comment on other author's works, especially if the fandom is small. Chances are, they will click on your fic, read it, and share it with others. Also, you can yell at one another and keyboard smash all day long.

Give each other shout outs on Tumblr.

The summary section for your fics is NOT where you put things like 'taking requests. give me a request. please comment fic recs.' Save that for Tumblr/ Twitter (rolls eyes, 'X') and Wattpad. AO3 is for stories, not algorithms. If you really feel the need, include it in your profile.

WRITE SOMETHING IN YOUR PROFILE. People love personalization. Also, you can give blanket statements about your rules on gifts, inspirational works, and other things.

Do not overtag your works if those tags do not apply. Writing 50+ tags for a 1k fic is a little head-scratching. Focus on the main ships only and the top relevant categories (and any triggers, oc). If it's a 1k fic, people will honestly just get annoyed at seeing all the space taking up their AO3 pages. (I say this with love. We all remember that one 'Untamed fic.')

Don't like. Don't read. Don't bash. Don't be cruel.

Do. Not. Hate. Fics. Publicly. On. Tiktok. Or I swear to the gods I will hunt you down and skin you alive. Save your scathing reviews for private messages and private DMs on Discord. Fanfiction is free and authors don't owe you anything. (YES! This includes drabbles. And incest. And any/all of the clerical errors I have already discussed above.)

Also, comment on older fics.

Comment on all fics, actually.

Also, read WIPs. If you want fanfiction to continue and you want longer works, support the authors that write those works. Don't be greedy and entitled by closing up your mind. If you want to read complete works only, that's your right. But you don't have to brag about it/ moan about not having anything good in your fandom of choice when you refuse to keep an open mind to like, half of the fics on there. (This is not a statement about my works, btw. I have a little group that comments/I know is aware and interested in some of my stuff. This is more for the general public.)

Kudos aren't limited. No one tracks them. Literally no one cares what you like. If you're worried or embarrassed about something you like that's between you and god only, private bookmark it. But kudos everything you like/re-read because if you don't, the author probably assumes you didn't like their work and that will make them sad.

AI is not art and you should never use it. Not even to help you come up with ideas. You're better than that, okay? And if I see/read an AI work on AO3 I will block you and mute all your works ASAP without a second thought.

There are definitely so many other things that come to mind when thinking about AO3 and writing in general, but I feel like this is a good place to stop. Again, not trying to step on any one's toes. Heaven knows I use purple prose and commas and the words 'and/ gods/ absolutely not' like they're candy. But I'm also aware that I am doing so and being aware of my habits and tendencies make all the difference.

(The writers curse does exist btw apologies in advance, but your life will probably go through changes the instant you press that 'post' button.)

[the-ellia-west]

how does one acquire motivation to write

Take Care of yourself.

That's how.

Drink a few cups of water, go for a walk, eat a small snack, take a shower, ect.

After that, you can sit down, watch a movie, a video, a show, read someone's writing, read an actual book, a comic, or just text and brainstorm with somebody.

I've learned through trial and error that taking care of yourself is a big middle finger to writers block and burnout.

It helps you focus more and feel better. Trust me, it works, and that's why I advertise it so hard. Not only is it good for you, but it's also good for your writing.

(I'm also open for brainstorming if you want to talk! - This Applies to ANYONE)

[cj-etc]

Writing the five senses: Taste

Taste is a convention that shockingly few writers use in their work. It is, in part, due to how limiting it can be as a descriptor. However, there are plenty of workarounds that will keep your readers immersed and help them understand your meaning.

Use texture

One of the most important parts of any food is its texture. Many of us (myself included) are very sensitive to texture, and it is the first thing we notice when we try a new dish. So, when describing what a character is eating, describe how it might feel. Is it chewy? Tough? Smooth and runny? Dry? Crumbly? Is it warm or cold? How easy is it to chew? While this can make readers uncomfortable if used at length, a few quick descriptions can help make your writing more realistic.

Figurative language: the simile

Has a friend ever told you that a dish they ate "tastes like chicken"? You can use similes like that in your writing, too. Maybe an exotic fruit tastes "as sweet as a grape," or "feels like chewing on leather." Both of these are great examples of simile and give your readers a better understanding of what you're trying to describe.

Emotional/physical reactions

Sometimes, a food is so bad that it elicits a strong physical or emotional response. If you eat something that tastes like dirt, your first instinct might be to spit it out and complain about the bad flavor. Realistic characters can respond this way, too. The same can be said for delicious foods. Your characters might close their eyes while savoring a food, vocalize their delight, or use another physical signal to explain how they feel.

Try it yourself!

If you're having trouble writing a character's reaction to a particularly strong-tasting food, try eating it yourself! Or, if you don't have access to the specific food, eat something that you think might elicit a similar reaction. I don't recommend eating something you despise, but if you're truly desperate, it can be a quick solution.

This is not a comprehensive list, nor is it a set of rules. Lots of my suggestions are things that have worked for me in the past, so maybe they'll help you, too! As always, do what you think is best for your writing. Let me know if you try any of these!

Have a writing question? Send me an ask!

[aldisobey]

Why is writing so hard lol

Wish it could be faster but forcing the feeling is impossible. Begin with musical ritual. Scrolling walls of artful halls. Masticating prose. Sink and dwell and rot with a feeling caught.

And then a different part of the story retches to page. Like prepping a body for possession. Sometimes a spirit you didn’t expect comes calling with an embrace you can’t escape.

I wish the process was outline, drafts, edit, and edit, edit, edit, edit, etc. But I need to check the moon the bugs the wide space of tide

drown my pretentious ass and toss me out to sea

It needs to be real and alive within, burgeoning to escape before I can excise a word.

I don’t think I’d like it easy

[anielskaaniela]

How to Read Japanese Sewing Patterns to Sew Clothing

In this post, you will learn how to read and understand japanese sewing patterns to sew amazing clothes from them. Check out my japanese sewing patterns [here]. Japanese sewing patterns are renowned for their precision, elegance, and unique style. However, they can seem daunting for beginners due to the different symbols and conventions used. This step-by-step guide aims to demystify Japanese…

[thatsbelievable]

[uwudonoodle]

Me, just scrolling on my my phone, when I suddenly realize I'm home alone: What am I doing? *runs to my laptop* I can read my story out loud to check for pacing!

[anitalenia]

𝙎𝙀𝘾𝙍𝙀𝙏 𝙄𝘿𝙀𝙉𝙏𝙄𝙏𝙔 ⋆⭒˚｡⋆‎♡‧₊˚

꒰ঌ definition ໒꒱ ˏˋ°•*⁀➷   𝑤𝘩𝑒𝑛 𝑡𝑤𝑜 𝑐𝘩𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑏𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑡𝘩𝑓𝑢𝑙 𝑤𝑖𝑡𝘩 𝑤𝘩𝑜 𝑡𝘩𝑒𝑦 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑎𝑟𝑒 / 𝑡𝘩𝑒𝑦'𝑟𝑒 𝘩𝑖𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡𝘩𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡𝘩𝑒𝑖𝑟 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡.

˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ below you will find sub genres under this category, as well as some useful pairings for this trope. for educational writing purposes <3

note: several of these can also be used in other tropes as well, just depends on how you write it and interpret it.

₊˚⊹.* ♡ let’s start with the obvious, person A is a superhero and person B is completely oblivious

₊˚⊹.* ♡ a villain needing to hide their true self to avoid being caught

₊˚⊹.* ♡ secret admirer (can be a best friend, co-worker, etc)

₊˚⊹.* ♡ person A is rich and hides that fact from person B so they’re not taken advantage of

₊˚⊹.* ♡ person A is actually undercover (can be for a case, cop au possibly)

₊˚⊹.* ♡ person A is in witness protection

₊˚⊹.* ♡ person A started a new life because of their dark past (changed name, town, etc.)

₊˚⊹.* ♡ person A is a celebrity where they come from, but moved somewhere where no one knows who they are

₊˚⊹.* ♡ person A is hiding who they really are to protect person B

₊˚⊹.* ♡ person A is really a higher being (angel, deity, something divine) sent to earth for various reasons (to pass on a message, complete a task, protect person B without giving themselves away)

₊˚⊹.* ♡ person A is extremely powerful and mysterious and no one knows who they are (i.e. mystogan from fairy tail, black knight trope)

₊˚⊹.* ♡ a person of royalty (king, prince) has abandoned their royal duties and left on the side of the road like a common beggar (can be because they didn’t want that life, there was a mutiny, etc.) — they’re found by a group of people or a person who have no idea who they really are

₊˚⊹.* ♡ person A stumbles upon a powerful object that gives them magic / powers when they wear it (i.e. the mask)

₊˚⊹.* ♡ person A only looks a certain way during a specific time of day — they transform back into their original form at night / at sunrise (fiona from shrek, cinderella)

₊˚⊹.* ♡ person A is incredibly poor but mistaken for someone else in a bizarre twist of luck — taken into the rich home to carry out the duties of the original person because no one is the wiser

₊˚⊹.* ♡ person A is a thief / good liar and never shows their true colors until they fall in love with person B

₊˚⊹.* ♡ person A is a common criminal taken under the wing of a generous prince who falls for their beauty — revealed at the end that person A was never who they thought they were (doesn’t have to end bad, they can reconcile)

₊˚⊹.* ♡ bouncing off that idea, person A is a criminal sent to kill / rob person B, a royal. person A assumes a fake persona to gain their trust but ends up falling in love with person B and can’t finish out the task

₊˚⊹.* ♡ person A faked their own death before moving away

₊˚⊹.* ♡ in a dystopian kind of setting where person A belongs to a group of people not accepted by society, so they must hide that part of themselves to stay alive

₊˚⊹.* ♡ person A is ashamed of what their real name is associated with (toxic family life, weird past, etc.) so they lie to person B

₊˚⊹.* ♡ person A must lie to cover for someone else (seen in movies where person A’s friend, person B, doesn’t show up for a date so person A must fill in for them, then when the date shows up they think person A is person B) — can be used in other ways ofc

₊˚⊹.* ♡ person A is doing intel on a certain group of dangerous people and must fit in or they’ll die

₊˚⊹.* ♡ person A is the maid of the princess and has no choice but to take her place when the princess disappears — person A has to temporarily take care of royal duties and ends up falling in love with the prince the princess was set to marry

₊˚⊹.* ♡ person A is under the protection (doesn’t have to be protection) of whoever, so very few people know their real identity but they end up falling in love with person B anyway — points if the people who know their real identity say it can never happen / not end well if person B knew who person A really was

₊˚⊹.* ♡ person A must wear their mask at all times but person B fell for them anyway (darth vader, the mandalorian, ghost from cod)

₊˚⊹.* ♡ person A is a shapeshifter and assumes multiple identities all the time anyway

₊˚⊹.* ♡ person A time travels to the past or future to stop someone from doing something and must gain person B’s trust

₊˚⊹.* ♡ person A is a demon in disguise to bring person B to hell / make them hold up their end of the deal — obviously ends with love periodt

₊˚⊹.* ♡ person A is actually an angel meant to help person B come to terms with their own death, but ends up trying to save person B’s life

₊˚⊹.* ♡ person A is the doppelgänger of person B and uses it to their advantage (katherine from tvd)

₊˚⊹.* ♡ person A is using a cloaking spell to disguise themselves as person B for whatever reason

₊˚⊹.* ♡ person A is the twin of person B who is much more important and has to take their place — ends up falling for person B’s love interest

₊˚⊹.* ♡ similar to that person A and person B are long lost twins with drastically different lives — they switch places to live the others life and falls in love with their respective love interest (the parent trap, the princess switch)