#writing help

[glitchedoutpxie]

How to use Em Dash (—) and Semi Colon ( ; )

Since the ai accusations are still being thrown around, here's how i personally like to use these GASP ai telltales. 🦄✨

Em Dashes (—)

To emphasize a shift / action / thought.

They're accusing us—actually accusing us—of using AI.

To add drama.

They dismissed our skills as AI—didn't even think twice, the dimwits—and believed they were onto something.

To insert a sudden thought. Surely they wouldn't do that to us—would they?

To interrupt someone's speech. "Hey, please don't say that. I honed my craft through years of blood and tears—" "Shut up, prompter."

To interrupt someone's thoughts / insert a sudden event.

We're going to get those kudos. We're going to get those reblogs—

A chronically online Steve commented, “it sounds like ai, idk.”

Semi Colons ( ; )

To join two closely related independent sentences / connect ideas.

Not only ChatGPT is capable of correct punctuation; who do you think it learned from in the first place?

Ultimate pro tip: use them whenever the fuck you want. You don't owe anyone your creative process. 🌈

[luna-azzurra]

Writing Advice that Will Save You from Crying over Chapter 3 Again

☽ Sometimes “writer’s block” is actually just your story being broken and your brain knowing before you do. Respect the vibes, go back. Something stinks.

☽ If you’re stuck in the middle, skip to the part you’re excited to write. Chronological writing is a suggestion, not a law.

☽ “Kill your darlings” is not about deleting every cool thing you love. It’s about not hoarding scenes like a dragon with dialogue you wrote in 2017 that doesn’t even make sense anymore.

☽ You do not need to write like your favorite author. You need to write like you, caffeinated and slightly unstable.

☽ Talking to yourself in the mirror as your character is not weird. It’s called method writing. You’re not unhinged, you’re dedicated.

☽ Aesthetic Pinterest boards and playlists are writing progress if they make you feel like a god again.

☽ You can write the climax before you finish Act 1. You can rewrite Chapter 1 thirty times and then delete it anyway. You’re not behind, you’re in hell with the rest of us.

You’re allowed to write stuff that’s not “marketable.” You’re allowed to be weird. Write the story that would make you feel seen. The niche finds its freaks.

☽ Beta readers are not gods. Take what resonates, ignore what doesn’t. If five people say your story drags at Chapter 8? Maybe listen. If one person says “make it all about the dog,” maybe don’t.

[imastoryteller]

20 Ways to Show Extreme Fear in Your Writing

As I dive into researching signs of fear for my horror WIP, I wanted to share some of the most compelling and visceral reactions I’ve come across. Whether you’re writing a chilling scene or crafting a character’s panic, these 20 signs of fear can help bring tension and realism to your story.

Physical Reactions

Hyperventilating — sucking in air but never feeling like it’s enough

Chest tightens — feels like a weight or hands pressing down

Limbs shaking violently, knees buckling

Complete loss of muscle control — collapsing or unable to stand

Cold sweat soaking through clothes

Heart hammering so hard they feel it in their throat or head

Tunnel vision — the world narrowing down to one terrifying focal point

Ringing in the ears or sudden deafness, like the world drops away

Dizziness / feeling faint / vision blurring

Dry mouth — unable to speak or even scream

Uncontrollable Behavior

Screaming / sobbing / gasping — involuntary vocal outbursts

Panic run — bolting without thinking, tripping over everything

Clawing at their own skin / chest / throat — like trying to escape their body

Begging / pleading out loud even if no one’s there

Repeating words or phrases — “No, no, no” / “This isn’t happening”

Hiding instinctively — diving under tables, closets, or corners

Desperate grabbing — reaching for someone, anything solid

Loss of bladder or bowel control (for extreme terror)

Total mental shutdown — frozen, slack-jawed, staring blankly

Memory blackout — later can’t recall what happened during the worst moment

[thewatcher727]

Writing Description Notes:

Updated 9th September 2024 More writing tips, review tips & writing description notes

Facial Expressions

Masking Emotions

Smiles/Smirks/Grins

Eye Contact/Eye Movements

Blushing

Voice/Tone

Body Language/Idle Movement

Thoughts/Thinking/Focusing/Distracted

Silence

Memories

Happy/Content/Comforted

Love/Romance

Sadness/Crying/Hurt

Confidence/Determination/Hopeful

Surprised/Shocked

Guilt/Regret

Disgusted/Jealous

Uncertain/Doubtful/Worried

Anger/Rage

Laughter

Confused

Speechless/Tongue Tied

Fear/Terrified

Mental Pain

Physical Pain

Tired/Drowsy/Exhausted

Eating

Drinking

Warm/Hot

[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.

[writing-chats]

ultimate character development template

basics

name: meaning of name: nicknames/titles: age: gender: location: birthday: strengths + example where it's shown: weaknesses + example where it's shown: how it affects others:

emotional depth

attachment style + how it manifests in the story: physical fear: emotional/abstract fear: happy memory: sad memory: object of significance: philosophical outlook/belief: what characters are ignorant about themselves: how confident are they: goal: long-term dreams: what they're embarrassed/ashamed to tell others about: regrets: source of pride: source of misery: what they admire above all else: do they believe in fate:

personality

mbti: enneagram: big five: character archetype: star sign: who they pretend to be on the outside: who they actually are/how they feel towards the mask: mental health conditions: how it manifests for them: iq: eq: humour: reputation:

habits

bad habits: mannerisms when stressed: mannerisms when content: mannerisms when scared: mannerisms normally: verbal mannerisms/distinctive speaking style: how do they move across a room: what do they say and what remains unsaid: how they express love: hobbies:

appearance

defining features: eye shape + colour: hair texture + colour: skin texture + tone: vibe: height: build: clothing: any bodily disfigurement (scars, etc.): overall attractiveness: their opinion on their appearance: appeals to:

relationships

who they trust most: what they wish they could do for them: what's holding them back: who they hate most: what they wish they could do to them: what's holding them back: relationship with the protagonist: relationship with the antagonist: siblings: relationship with them: parents/step-parents: relationship with them: previous broken relationships: why did it break: what others expect of them: who believes in them: their mentor character/who they look up to: political/religious/other affiliations: what makes them different from every other character: non-human relationships + why: romantic "type" + why: relationship dynamics:

backstory/background

primary emotion towards their past: primary feelings while in their past: where did they grow up: defining incidents: earliest childhood memory: saddest memory: happiest memory: major accomplishments: their opinion on it: notable people in their backstory: effect on them today: trauma: what have they already lost: financial circumstance:

progression

why are they important (eg. why're they the only one able to do something?): what do they learn about themselves throughout the story: what do they learn about the world: how do they feel towards their newfound knowledge: character arc (positive, negative, neutral): how relationships change because of their actions: what mistakes do they make: what scene is their character highlighted: do they get what they want: why or why not: what happens to them after the story ends:

[creativepromptsforwriting]

How to show emotions

Part V

How to show grief

a vacant look

slack facial expressions

shaky hands

trembling lips

swallowing

struggling to breathe

tears rolling down their cheeks

How to show fondness

smiling with their mouth and their eyes

softening their features

cannot keep their eyes off of the object of their fondness

sometimes pouting the lips a bit

reaching out, wanting to touch them

How to show envy

narrowing their eyes

rolling their eyes

raising their eyebrows

grinding their teeth

tightening jaw

chin poking out

pouting their lips

forced smiling

crossing arms

shifting their gaze

clenching their fists

tensing their muscles

then becoming restless/fidgeting

swallowing hard

stiffening

holding their breath

blinking rapidly

exhaling sharply

How to show regret

scrubbing a hand over the face

sighing heavily

downturned mouth

slightly bending over

shoulders hanging low

hands falling to the sides

a pained expression

heavy eyes

staring down at their feet

More: How to write emotions Masterpost

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[plantwriting]

HEY. TIP. IF YOU’RE STRUGGLING WITH WRITING AND ARE EXPERIENCING WRITER’S BLOCK. DO YOU KNOW WHAT HELPS???? READING! READ!!!!! REREAD YOUR FAVORITE FICS! YOUR FAVORITE BOOKS! YOUR OWN WRITING!!! READ THAT BOOK THAT’S BEEN COLLECTING DUST ON YOUR SHELF FOR YEARS THAT YOU SWEAR YOU’LL GET TO EVENTUALLY!!!!! READ SCIENTIFIC ARTICLES!!!!! READ MYTHS AND FAIRYTALES AND WHATEVER THE FUCK YOU CAN THINK OF! READ A FUCKING DICTIONARY IF YOU WANT!!!!!! JUST!!!! READ!!!!! I PROMISE IT HELPS!!!!!!!! Okay thank you bye <3

[luna-azzurra]

How to Emotionally Destroy Readers

✩ Gut-punches are about timing. You don't say “I love you” during the sunset. You say it in the middle of a burning building or right after they stab you.

✩ A single line of dialogue like “you were supposed to come back” hits harder than an entire page of poetic mourning.

✩ Don’t just break their hearts, break their sense of identity. Make them question who they are, what they stand for, and if it was ever worth it (That’s premium pain.)

✩ Let someone be forgiven… but not trusted again. That's the kind of heartbreak that lingers like smoke.

✩ Sometimes the most devastating line is the one they don’t say. Silence is a character too.

✩ Give them a moment of joy. Right before everything falls apart. Hope makes the fall hurt more.

✩ Someone saying “I forgive you” through tears? Powerful. Someone saying “I still love you but I can’t stay”? Absolutely soul-shattering.

✩ If they die, don’t describe the death. Describe the aftermath. The coat left hanging by the door. The mug still on the table. The dog waiting.

[imastoryteller]

20 Ways to Show Anger in Your Writing

Here’s a list of 20 signs of anger that writers can use to show, rather than tell, a character’s emotions through physical, verbal, and internal reactions:

1. Facial Expressions

Clenched jaw or grinding teeth

Narrowed or glaring eyes

Lips pressed into a thin line or curled into a sneer

2. Body Language

Fists clenched tightly at their sides

Tense shoulders that rise or square up

Puffing out the chest or stepping closer to confront

3. Speech Patterns

Voice lowered to a dangerous, icy tone

Shouting or raising their voice suddenly

Speaking in short, clipped sentences

4. Breathing Changes

Heavy, rapid breathing (nostrils flaring)

Sharp inhales and audible exhales

Holding their breath as if trying to stay in control

5. Sudden Physical Movements

Slamming fists onto tables or walls

Pacing back and forth restlessly

Pointing a finger or jabbing the air during speech

6. Uncontrolled Gestures

Shoving objects off a desk or knocking over a glass

Finger tapping or knuckle cracking

Wrapping arms tightly around themselves

7. Temperature and Flushes

Red face, neck, or ears

Visible veins on the neck or forehead

Breaking into a sweat despite the situation

8. Eye Movements

Eyes darting or rolling sharply

Avoiding direct eye contact out of fury

Staring someone down with unblinking intensity

9. Words and Tone

Cursing, insults, or verbal jabs

Sarcasm sharpened to hurt others

Accusations thrown in frustration

10. Breaking Personal Space

Leaning in closer, looming over someone

Pointed steps toward another person to intimidate

Physically turning away to dismiss or avoid conflict

11. Physical Reactions

Throwing objects or breaking things in rage

Punching walls, doors, or inanimate objects

Shaking hands or trembling with pent-up anger

12. Posture Shifts

Back stiffening and chin lifting defiantly

Shoulders jerking or twitching

Rigid stance as though ready for confrontation

13. Inner Thoughts (for internal POV)

“I could feel the blood boiling in my veins.”

“The room seemed to close in on me.”

“My pulse thundered in my ears.”

14. Displacement of Anger

Kicking objects on the ground (chairs, trash bins)

Storming off abruptly or slamming doors

Snapping at someone unrelated to the cause of anger

15. Temperature Descriptions (metaphors/sensations)

Heat rushing to their face or spreading through their chest

A cold sensation washing over them, signaling restrained anger

Feeling fire “lick” at their insides or their temper “ignite”

16. Instinctive Responses

A growl or grunt escaping their lips

Baring their teeth as if instinctively defensive

Ripping or tearing something in their grip

17. Silence as a Weapon

Pausing dramatically before responding

Refusing to speak or meet someone’s eyes

The ominous quiet just before they explode

18. Physical Sensations

Muscles twitching or vibrating under the skin

Heart pounding visibly at their throat or chest

A bitter taste in their mouth or nausea from anger

19. Reactive Behaviors

Interrupting others to correct or attack

Dismissing concerns with a quick wave of the hand

Throwing out ultimatums like “Don’t push me!”

20. Lingering Aftermath

Hands trembling after the initial outburst

A headache, buzzing ears, or lingering tension

Regret or shame slowly replacing the heat of the anger

These signs can be layered together to create realistic and powerful depictions of anger, whether it’s smoldering beneath the surface or erupting violently.

[scribestoolbox]

Introvert Version

[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.

[writingwithfolklore]

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Theme is Not a Question

I don’t know where I first learned to phrase my story’s theme as a question. Who taught me that? Because every single writing mentor I’ve had since then has said the direct opposite. Your theme is definitely not a question. Sorry. I’m not sure who betrayed you, but I’m in the same boat, we’re in this together.

Your theme isn’t a question because you’re trying to give an answer, make a statement. You already know the answer, you’re trying to tell everyone what it is. Imagine you go to someone and ask a question, and they answer it with another question—that’s not very helpful is it? The same applies for themes that ask a question, like, “how far will humanity go for technological advancement?” hey I’m already wondering that! I picked up your book to get the answer to it, not just to make me consider it again—now I’m even more confused!

Plus, theme is meant to keep you nice and organized, to stay on topic—questions lead to more questions lead to tangents to researching for hours on end to, oh oops I spent all day looking at dogs on the internet instead of writing. Not good.

A theme is a big statement about the world or society or people in general. It is “people are actually inherently evil because our instincts tell us to act on self-preservation” or “world peace would be possible if everyone had the support they needed to become their best selves”. If it sounds a bit like you’re making a godly declaration, you’ve done it right. Then, there’s little things that make up your theme that will support it throughout the story, motifs such as: family, instincts, selfishness, good-deeds, puppies, whatever.

(Also note, one word answers are not themes either. ‘Family’ is not a theme, it’s a concept, or at most a motif. What does family say about the world? Nothing, unless you say, “Dedication to family is the most important part to creating a good life”, that’s a theme)

How your story ends reveals theme. If the story is about a selfish person trying to get better and it ends by them failing, we’re saying (at the simplest level) that “selfish people will always be selfish”, whereas if they succeed, we’re saying “actually, selfish people can overcome their selfishness if they have (whatever your character did to work on themselves. Love, dogs, therapy, etc.)”

This is why you’ll often hear all writing is political. Even if you don’t choose a theme, you’re still making a statement about the world, whether you realize it or not, so be careful around what you want your story to say, and what it actually says. I completely reworked a character because he had to die in the end, and from how I had created him and the role he played, I was saying something about a group of people I definitely did not want to imply. Be mindful!

I tend to decide what my theme is in the pre-planning stage because I like to form my characters, conflict, and world around it, but you can also decide after writing your first draft what your story is saying or find that your theme changes throughout your drafting process. The most important part is that at the end you can voice your story’s theme, you can write it down clearly in front of you.

If you can’t put your story’s aspects into words, into writing, then who else can? You should be able to sum it up, to voice what’s going on, and own it!

[theplotmage]

Sci-fi/Fantasy Writer PROMPTS, Activities and Exercises: Ideas to Spark Creativity and Fight Writer's Block! Try this out!

Character Creation & Development

1. Alien Species Bio – Create an entirely new alien species. Detail their appearance, culture, language, and planet of origin.

2. Fantasy Race Creation – Design a new fantasy race with unique traits, beliefs, and magic systems.

3. Character’s Dark Secret – Write about your character’s biggest secret and how it affects their choices in the story.

4. Intergalactic Job Interview – Write a scene where a character interviews for a job on another planet.

5. Hero or Villain? – Take a character and rewrite a scene where they’re the hero. Now, rewrite it with them as the villain.

6. Character’s Fatal Flaw – Choose a character and write about their fatal flaw—what could lead to their downfall?

7. Create a Fantasy Ancestry – Design a family tree for one of your fantasy characters, exploring their magical or royal lineage.

8. Magic System Blueprint – Create a unique magic system with rules, limitations, and societal consequences.

9. Inter-species Romance – Write a love story between two characters from different species or worlds. How do they overcome their differences?

10. Superpower Conflict – Give your character a superpower, then make them face a challenge where their power causes more harm than good.

World-Building & Setting

11. One Day in a Fantasy City – Write a day in the life of an ordinary person in your fantasy world.

12. Galactic Government – Design the political system for a galaxy-spanning empire. How does it manage different planets?

13. Map Maker – Draw a detailed map of your fantasy or sci-fi world, including key landmarks and unexplored areas.

14. Alien Landscape – Describe a bizarre alien planet’s landscape and its effect on the inhabitants.

15. Sky’s the Limit – Design a sky in a sci-fi or fantasy world. Is it green with floating islands? Does it have three suns?

16. Magic and Technology Clash – Write about a world where magic and advanced technology coexist but are constantly at odds.

17. Futuristic City Tour – Write a detailed tour of a futuristic city—describe the technology, architecture, and social dynamics.

18. Weather Control – Create a world where the weather is controlled by a powerful group or machine. What happens when it fails?

19. Invent a Holiday – Design a holiday in your fantasy or sci-fi world. What does it celebrate, and how is it observed?

20. Multiverse Portal – Write a scene where a character discovers a portal to a parallel universe. How is it different from their own?

Plot & Story Development

21. Time Travel Trouble – Write a scene where time travel goes wrong. How do the characters fix the timeline?

22. The Last Dragon – Write a story about the last dragon on a planet, and why it’s being hunted.

23. Space Heist – Plan and write a scene where a crew of space outlaws steals something from a heavily guarded space station.

24. Elemental War – Imagine a world where the elements (fire, water, air, earth) are at war. Write about how it affects daily life.

25. End of Magic – Write about a world where magic is slowly disappearing. How does society adapt?

26. Alien Invasion from Another Dimension – Write a short story about an alien invasion, but from a dimension parallel to ours.

27. Betrayal in Space – Write a scene where a crew member on a spaceship betrays the rest of the team. What are the consequences?

28. Space Pirate Crew – Create a band of space pirates and their spaceship. Write a day in their life aboard the ship.

29. The Artifact – Write about an ancient, magical artifact found in a sci-fi setting. How does it change technology?

30. Rogue AI – Create a scenario where an AI system gains consciousness and decides to rebel against its creators.

Conflict & Challenges

31. Magic Duel – Write an epic magic duel between two powerful wizards or sorcerers. Focus on creative use of magic.

32. Futuristic Dystopia – Imagine a dystopian future where society is controlled by corporations. Write a rebellion scene.

33. Alien Diplomacy – Write a scene where humans negotiate peace with an alien species for the first time.

34. Survival on an Uncharted Planet – Write about a team crash-landing on a mysterious planet. What challenges do they face?

35. Telepathy Gone Wrong – Create a story where telepathic communication backfires, causing chaos among those who use it.

36. Fae Court Politics – Write about the inner workings of a fae court, with political intrigue and magical manipulation.

37. Symbiotic Relationship – Write a story where an alien species requires a symbiotic bond with another species to survive.

38. Shape-Shifting Battle – Write a battle scene where both combatants are shape-shifters. How do they outsmart each other?

39. Uncontrollable Power – Write about a character who gains a new, uncontrollable power. How do they handle it?

40. Artificial Gravity Failure – Write a scene where artificial gravity on a spaceship fails. How do the characters react?

Perspective & Point of View

41. Non-Human POV – Write a scene from the perspective of a non-human (alien, dragon, robot, etc.) and how they view humans.

42. Object POV – Write a story from the point of view of a magical artifact or futuristic device.

43. Villain’s Perspective – Rewrite a pivotal scene from the villain’s point of view, explaining their motivations.

44. Mind-Meld – Write a scene where two characters experience a mind-meld. How does it affect their relationship and understanding?

45. AI POV – Write from the perspective of an AI that is learning about human emotions for the first time.

Miscellaneous & Fun Prompts

46. Sci-Fi Tech Ad – Write an advertisement for a new piece of futuristic technology. What are its uses and potential downsides?

47. Fantasy Cookbook – Create a menu for a tavern in your fantasy world, complete with magical drinks and enchanted meals.

48. Starship Design – Design a unique starship for a crew of adventurers. Describe its layout, capabilities, and any quirky features.

49. Create a New Currency – Invent a new form of currency in your world. What does it look like? How is it earned or spent?

50. Interstellar News Report – Write a news article or report about a major event happening in a galaxy far, far away.

Bonus Activity: 30-Day Writing Mastery Challenge with the Plot Mage Planner

Activity – For the next 30 days, fully immerse yourself in your writing project by using the Plot Mage’s All-in-One Writing Planner.

Here’s how!

1. Day 1 – Start with character creation using the guided worksheets in the planner. Fill out the character profiles and experiment with different backstories and traits.

2. Day 2-5 – Dive into the world-building section, where you can craft your world’s geography, politics, and culture using detailed prompts and templates.

3. Day 6-10 – Develop your plot with the fully guided general outline. The planner’s roadmap will help you break down your novel’s key plot points and arcs.

4. Day 11-15 – Organize your book series overview. Plan out future books or tie in different plot threads with the automated and synced pages for maximum cohesion.

5. Day 16-20 – Take advantage of the repository of writer tools integrated in the planner. Research, brainstorm, or discover new writing aids from all over the web in one convenient place.

6. Day 21-25 – Refine your writing by using the planner’s automated daily writing goals and tracking pages. Keep your progress in sync across devices and stay on top of your schedule.

7. Day 26-30 – Reflect on your journey. Use the planner’s overview to assess your story’s progress and tweak any sections, ensuring everything is aligned before moving forward.

Try these exercises by using this world bible, tinker and play around with this tool

[cfparsons]

Top Ten Ways to Handle Plot Twists Like a Pro

We've all experienced twists that rocked us. Bioshock. Dead Space. Jacob's Ladder. Plot twists aren’t just tricks. They’re revelations. When done right, they don’t break your story—they finish the sentence your soul’s been writing from the start.

1. The Best Twists Feel Inevitable—In Hindsight.

Anyone can write a surprise. But the twist that stays with the reader is the one that makes sense afterward. When you pull back the curtain, the audience should gasp—not because they were duped, but because they now see what was always there. Plant your seeds. Let them grow in silence. When it blooms, it should feel like fate.

2. “Shock” Isn’t the Same as “Depth.”

Killing a beloved character might be bold. Revealing someone was lying all along might be intense. But none of that matters if the aftermath is hollow. A twist is only as meaningful as what it does to your characters—and your world. If nothing changes, if no one grieves, questions, or transforms, then it’s just a bang. Not a shift.

3. Characters Must React Like Humans, Not Chess Pieces.

If a twist lands and the characters roll with it too easily, something’s wrong. Let them spiral. Let them break. A good twist doesn’t just alter the plot—it shatters the emotional fabric. The most powerful reactions aren’t just lines of dialogue—they’re decisions, silences, betrayals, and second chances.

4. You Don’t Need a Twist—You Need a Truth.

Don’t ask, "What would surprise the reader?" Ask, "What is this story hiding from them?" A twist born from spectacle fades. A truth revealed in perfect timing lives forever. The best plot twists are emotional reckonings. They aren’t inserted—they’re earned.

5. The Seed of the Twist Should Be Emotional, Not Just Logical.

It’s not enough for a twist to “make sense.” It needs to feel like something. Maybe it breaks your heart. Maybe it heals it. Maybe it forces your protagonist to see themselves for the first time. That emotional undercurrent—that’s what gives a twist its gravity.

6. Use Twists to Deepen, Not Disrupt.

A twist should never unravel your story’s logic or violate the world you’ve built. It should tighten the weave. Recast old moments in a new light. Great twists don’t say “forget what you knew”—they say “look again.” If your twist makes a reader want to re-read your entire book… you’ve done it right.

7. If You Telegraph It, Make the Reader Doubt Themselves.

You can leave hints. You can leave breadcrumbs. But the trick is making your reader second-guess them. Let their intuition whisper the truth… then mislead them just enough to plant doubt. When the twist arrives, it should feel both surprising and inevitable. A satisfying “I knew it” and “I can’t believe it” in the same breath.

8. The Twist Doesn’t Have to Be in the Final Act.

Endgame twists are dramatic, sure—but they can feel cheap if everything hinges on them. Midpoint twists? They reshape the terrain. A good early twist changes the direction of the story, not just the ending. It invites the reader to walk a new path, asking: “If that wasn’t the story… what is?”

9. Don’t Be Afraid to Break a Heart.

Safe twists don’t linger. Sometimes, your story needs to devastate. The betrayal that wasn’t forgiven. The person who doesn’t come back. The truth that hurts more than the lie. As long as it’s earned, let it land. Fiction isn’t about sparing us pain—it’s about teaching us how to feel it.

10. Remember: The Best Twist Wasn’t a Twist at All.

It was always part of the story’s DNA. You just disguised it behind pacing, emotion, and expectation. And when you finally reveal it—it doesn’t “shock” the reader. It haunts them. Because deep down… they already knew.

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Plot twists don’t always make stories great. And you don't always have to make them. But they can reveal how great the story always was. Use them with purpose. Use them with poetry.

It's not fiction. It's confession.