#writing notes

[itsawritblr]

Me about 100 times a day.

Later, when I read my notes.

[sisypheanventriloquist]

Good tips.

Writing Notes: Clothing Textures

When you think of textured clothing, you might imagine a scratchy wool sweater or a soft fur coat, but every clothing item has some kind of texture. The texture of fabric is often determined by the type of weave, so it’s a good idea to get to know the 3 major weave types:

Twill: The distinguishing characteristic of the twill weave is its diagonal rib pattern. Twill weaves have a distinct, often dark-colored front side (called the wale) and a lighter back. Twill has high thread count, which means that the fabric is opaque, thick, and durable, making it perfect for chinos, upholstery, and bed linens. Denim is a twill weave fabric, as are tweed and houndstooth.

Satin weave: The satin weave creates a fabric that is shiny, soft, and elastic with a beautiful drape. Satin fabric has a lustrous surface on one side and a dull, matte surface on the other side. Satin is perfect for haute couture-style dresses and clutches.

Plain weave: Plain weave fabrics, including canvas, taffeta, and muslin, are made by overlapping the warp and weft (vertical and horizontal threads) at right angles. This forms a criss-cross pattern that looks the same on both sides of the fabric.

Common Fabric Textures

The types of fabric you’ll encounter when looking for different textures include:

Denim is a strong cotton fabric with a twill weave that gives it a subtle diagonal ribbing pattern. The diagonal ribbing is what makes denim fabric different from canvas or cotton duck, which are also sturdy, woven cotton fabrics.

Broadcloth is a plain-weave fabric that is traditionally woven from thick wool yarn—the fibres of which felt together as the cloth is made. Broadcloth is sturdy, stiff, and resistant to wind and water.

Seersucker is a type of thin cotton cloth. The way it is woven causes the threads to pucker and bunch, creating crinkles. Seersucker often comes in narrow white and blue stripes and is popular in summer fashion.

Corduroy is a soft, durable fabric. It is distinctive for the tufted cords—called “wales”—that run in parallel along its surface. Corduroy is typically made from cotton, but it can also be made from wool.

Leather is any fabric that is made from animal hides or skin, with cowhide being the most popular.

Suede is a type of leather made from the soft underside of an animal skin. It is softer, thinner, and more delicate than traditional full-grain leather. Suede is ideal for footwear, jackets, and accessories like belts and bags.

Brocade is a particular style of jacquard fabric that uses additional threads to create a raised pattern, resulting in an embossed or embroidered effect. Due to the technique used to make it, brocade fabric is not reversible, and it may appear rough or unfinished on the underside.

Silk is a natural fiber produced by the silkworm. Silk is incredibly durable, with a shine and softness that are unmatched. Silk fabric is used for formal attire and accessories like pocket squares.

Cashmere is a type of fabric made from the wool of cashmere goats and pashmina goats. Cashmere is a natural fiber with an extremely soft feel and great insulation. Cashmere is significantly warmer and lighter than cloth made from sheep’s wool. Often, cashmere is blended with other types of wool, like merino, to give it added weight, since cashmere fibers are very fine and thin.

Jersey is a soft, stretchy knit fabric that was originally made from wool. Today, jersey is also made from cotton, cotton blends, and synthetic fibers. The fabric is usually light-to-medium weight and is used for a variety of cotton clothing items, such as T-shirts.

Flannel is a soft woven fabric typically made from cotton. It is a common material for plaid shirts.

How to Mix and Match Clothing Textures

Texture is an easy way to add visual interest to an outfit. By layering different textures, you can create a distinct look.

Identify neutral textures. Mixing and matching textures is similar to mixing and matching patterns and prints. In the same way that certain classic prints appear neutral, simple textures can serve as a neutral base for wilder textures. Denim, cotton fabric, leather, and suede are some of the most basic textures that play well with other textures. Neutral textures that are smaller and less visible to the naked eye—like merino wool—pair well with more attention-grabbing textures.

Consider a texture’s typical context. Textures evoke specific moods. Silk lends a luxurious vibe to any outfit. A plaid flannel shirt can look cozy with corduroy, but it becomes more serious when paired with a black leather jacket. Denim is a casual texture you can use to dress down other fabrics: Pair a satin tank with jeans—rather than something like brushed wool trousers—for a relaxed yet stylish look. Think about the context in which you might wear a particular material, then pair that material with other textures to subvert expectations.

Mix textures, match colors. Sticking to a more limited color palette will give you free range to play with different kinds of textures. That doesn’t mean you have to dress in monochrome: You can use neutral colors to anchor your look, or choose two or three solid colors that work together.

Source ⚜ More: Notes ⚜ Writing Resources PDFs ⚜ How to Describe Clothing

[meggannn]

(grits teeth while i write my stupid little fanfic with my awful little words full of bad ideas) most readers will want two cakes. most readers will want two cakes.

[tahbhie]

Let's talk about boring narratives, shall we?

It's possible for people to find your story boring. Before you get mad at them for abandoning your story, you might want to check out why they suddenly lost interest. 

Overdoing a theme or plot:

When readers start to say, 'We get it already,' it's time to ditch that theme and introduce something fresh. While it's important to have a strong theme, overemphasizing it can make your story feel heavy-handed and monotonous. Hence, your story gets boring. 

Being too predictable:

Add unexpected twists and turns to keep your readers engaged and on their toes. Make them think one thing and surprise them with something entirely different. 

Leaving everything to your readers' imagination:

Do you know why 'Show, don't tell' is such a popular and almost cliché writing advice? Readers get tired of shallow descriptions, that's why. When they have to keep guessing essential elements like how your setting looks like all through five chapters, they decline from the story in general and eventually stop reading. This opens door for confusion. Readers appreciate vivid descriptions and clear storytelling. Don't make them do all the work.

Sour twist:

A twist that feels forced or out of place will leave a bad taste. Ensure your twists are essential to the main plot, well-integrated, and believable.

Repetitive theme or twist:

We know 99% of themes or twists have been done a million times. It's up to you to find a unique angle to make it fresh and interesting.

Boring main characters:

Your readers invest in your characters, so make sure they are dynamic and compelling. Having an intriguing character can get people to the end of your story. 

Unnecessary scenes:

Avoid filler content. If it's not necessary, don't add it. Every scene should serve a purpose and drive the story forward.

Reblog to save for later 😉!

[literaryvein-references]

Writing Notes & References

Alchemy ⚜ Antidote to Anxiety ⚜ Attachment ⚜ Autopsy

Art: Elements ⚜ Principles ⚜ Photographs ⚜ Watercolour

Bruises ⚜ Caffeine ⚜ Color Blindness ⚜ Cruise Ships

Children ⚜ Children's Dialogue ⚜ Childhood Bilingualism

Dangerousness ⚜ Drowning ⚜ Dystopia ⚜ Dystopian World

Culture ⚜ Culture Shock ⚜ Ethnocentrism & Cultural Relativism

Emotions: Anger ⚜ Fear ⚜ Happiness ⚜ Sadness

Emotional Intelligence ⚜ Genius (Giftedness) ⚜ Quirks

Facial Expressions ⚜ Laughter & Humour ⚜ Swearing & Taboo

Fantasy Creatures ⚜ Fantasy World Building

Generations ⚜ Literary & Character Tropes

Fight Scenes ⚜ Kill Adverbs

Food: Cooking Basics ⚜ Herbs & Spices ⚜ Sauces ⚜ Wine-tasting ⚜ Aphrodisiacs ⚜ List of Aphrodisiacs ⚜ Food History ⚜ Cocktails ⚜ Literary & Hollywood Cocktails ⚜ Liqueurs

Genre: Crime ⚜ Horror ⚜ Fantasy ⚜ Speculative Biology

Hate ⚜ Love ⚜ Kinds of Love ⚜ The Physiology of Love

How to Write: Food ⚜ Colours ⚜ Drunkenness

Jargon ⚜ Logical Fallacies ⚜ Memory ⚜ Memoir

Magic: Magic System ⚜ 10 Uncommon ⚜ How to Choose

Moon: Part 1 2 ⚜ Related Words

Mystical Items & Objects ⚜ Talisman ⚜ Relics ⚜ Poison

Pain ⚜ Pain & Violence ⚜ Poison Ivy & Poison Oak

Realistic Injuries ⚜ Rejection ⚜ Structural Issues ⚜ Villains

Symbolism: Colors ⚜ Food ⚜ Numbers ⚜ Storms

Thinking ⚜ Thinking Styles ⚜ Thought Distortions

Terms of Endearment ⚜ Ways of Saying "No" ⚜ Yoga

Compilations: Plot ⚜ Character ⚜ Worldbuilding ⚜ For Poets ⚜ Tips & Advice

all posts are queued. will update this every few weeks/months. send questions or requests here ⚜ Writing Resources PDFs

[quillver]

WRITING TIP: Make your dialogue beats do more.

A beat isn’t just filler; it’s how you write the silence.

The best beats reveal what’s felt, not said:

– hesitation

– discomfort

– tension

– hidden motive

What’s a beat?

A dialogue beat is a small action or thought that shapes rhythm and reveals what’s left unsaid.

Avoid:

“Sure,” she said, with a shrug.

(Filler beat. Adds no emotional value.)

Use beats with intent:

“Sure,” she said, without looking up from her phone.

(dismissive)

“It’s fine,” she said. The fight was over. And she’d lost.

(self-censorship)

“I’m fine.” He lined up the silverware again - and again.

(anxiety)

A good beat doesn’t echo the line - it complicates it.

[forgan-forge]

I had surgery a couple days ago, and as a whump writer, I, of course, had to take notes.

So, here’s a bullet list of my experience, for writing purposes or otherwise. I, for one, love putting my characters in hospitals. Also good notes for anxiety about upcoming surgeries, I guess.

Happy writing, my fellow angst-enthusiasts!

Pre-Op:

No eating for 8 hours before the surgery, no drinking for 2-3.

They make you sanitize yourself with chlorhexidine wipes, and they give you a very bad-tasting mouthwash. I had to swab my nose, too, with antiseptic. They make you take everything off and change into a gown. No piercings, either. The chlorhexidine kinda makes your skin yellow. It’s kinda sticky, too.

A bunch of questions when you get back to pre-op, like what meds you’re on, confirming what surgery you’re having and why, what you ate and when you ate it. (Same for drinking.) This gets repeated a lot between different nurses and the anesthesiologist.

They start an IV line early, pretty much as soon as you’re in the bed, mine was attached to fluids which dripped while I was waiting to be wheeled back.

They give a relaxative through IV right before wheeling you back to the operating room. Sometimes they’ll give nausea medicines, too.

Equipment:

5 ECG leads on chest and abdomen.

Heart moniter on index finger.

Blood pressure cuff, usually on the arm opposite of the IV. It’s sometimes set on a timer, other times they’ll activate it manually.

They put a nasal cannula with oxygen in your nose, it’s kind of annoying and the air coming through it is dry and cool. In most cases, they’ll intubate you while under, and you’ll wake up with a sore throat. Other times, a mask is used. I’ve had all three (I think)

In the OR:

They wheel you back on your bed.

They move you (or in most cases, you move yourself) from the bed to the operating table. After the operation is done, they move you back onto the bed because you’ll still be unconscious.

There are huge lights above the operating table, and they look threatening, but by the time you’re back there, you’ll be so out-of-it you probably won’t care.

Most anesthesiologists will ask you to count down from 100 or 10. You’re usually out after 3 counts.

Recovery:

You wake up in the recovery wing, I woke up twice before actually waking up for good. Nurse will attend to you once you’re conscious.

Most patients wake up shortly after anesthesia is stopped.

For all my surgeries, I woke up confused and unsure if the surgery already happened or not. It’s like time traveling. You won’t really know where you are, the first thing I registered was the nasal cannula and the blankets stacked on top of me.

Really groggy when waking up.

Limbs feel really heavy and awkward to move, I stumbled around a lot.

Some dizziness and general uncoordination.

They ask you what you want to drink, I chose Sprite, but they offered juice and water.

They had to wheelchair me out, which I assume is true for most outpatient procedures.

Most modern anesthesia effects wear off in about an hour (but it really depends on your metabolism)

You’ll probably want to sleep the rest of the day, and depending on what pain meds you’re on, you’ll be high whilst taking them.

Someone has to be with you for the first 24 to 48 hours.

Depending on where the procedure was, the skin there will be yellow/orange where they applied iodine. Showering unattended is probably not a good idea for the first day.

Nausea is a common side effect of anesthesia.

Some other notes for anesthesia: it’s like, really weird. They basically paralyze your entire body, and you don’t dream while under. While some people describe general anesthesia effects as a sort-of high, I don’t really think it equates. I was just really confused, I remember having to undress in front of a nurse and I didn’t really care because my brain wasn’t quite working. Honestly, I don’t remember much from the rest of that day. Your passage of time is kinda fucked, the drive home always feels like a blink. I guess it feels more like being drunk, at least for the type I was on. If I was on pain meds, I’m sure it would’ve been different.

Another note: emergency or urgent operations obviously differ, especially if the patient is unconscious. Assessment is a lot quicker, and stabilization is needed before surgery. Diagnostics are needed right after assessment, rather than scheduled pre-surgery for elective operations. Stabilization may occur immediately after assessment, and sterilization is done in the OR. If a patient is incoherent, family is contacted for consent and info. You’ll either go to the PACU or ICU depending on your condition. (Source: I write angst. A lot of angst. Also, I’ve actually had an urgent surgery. It’s a long story. I don’t go near playgrounds anymore.)

[logophilist1982]

Dark academia coffee

[docbrownstudies]

notes on margaret's kerrison's immersive storytelling for real and imagined worlds / 10/27/24

[lord-fallen]

ALL-IN-ONE NOTION: “WINTER ARC”

a highly customizable, simplistic but fancy notion template for writers. perfect for organizing novels while keeping it aesthetically-pleasing to look at. guaranteed higher muse and motivation to finish works-in-progress.  to download / copy, click “duplicate” top-right to copy it to your notion. works best with DARK MODE*.

features:

visual and simple overview of wips

chart overview categorizing wips

weekly planning section with a simple to-do list

section for intentions and mindset to help motivation

tags system (e.g. completion status, main tropes, and genres)

writing tracker

please like / reblog if you’re using or interested in using it!

*tip: for switching to dark mode, in your notion go Settings > My settings > Appearance > Select Dark

[estradog]

rb if you like girls (i will be taking notes)

[literaryvein-reblogs]

Writing Notes: Cozy Mystery

Cozy Mystery - embodies the key components of classic mystery novels:

suspense,

misdirection,

intrigue, and

some degree of criminality

while eschewing the graphic violence and profanity that is often embedded in pulpier mysteries.

Elements of a Good Cozy Mystery

The elements that make a good cozy mystery differ from those that make a good hardboiled detective story or an international spy novel. Here are some elements that can frequently be found in a cozy mystery novel:

The main character is an amateur sleuth. For example, the detective character Jessica Fletcher in Murder, She Wrote is a criminology professor and mystery author whose studies have equipped her to solve crimes.

The action is centered around a small town. If your sleuth protagonist is cracking a case in a small town, they will mostly interact with the picayune cast of characters that populate the town. Instead of collaborating with a police sergeant, your protagonist may lean heavily on a best friend or their wise older sister. Perhaps your protagonist has their own detective agency, but they wouldn’t work for the FBI. Could a cozy mystery take place in New York or Los Angeles? Yes, but it would have to jettison the gritty real life scenarios that are often coupled with such metropolises.

The narrative avoids incendiary subject matter. Cozy murder mysteries don’t feature scenes with grotesque violence. This doesn’t mean these mystery books are scrubbed of anything upsetting. It’s common for the main sleuth or supporting characters to come upon a dead body—and the body may even show wounds from a knife or gunshot. But cozy mystery writers don’t dwell on the sordid; they focus on the actual sleuthing.

Tips for How to Write a Cozy Mystery

Whether you’re a bestselling novelist or a newbie embarking on your first book, here are some writing tips for crafting the perfect cozy mystery:

Look for the mystery in everyday life. Cozy mysteries tend to elevate “normal” characters—a bartender, a caterer, a barber, a coach—into archetypal characters often found in traditional mystery writing. Today’s cozy mystery writers have adjusted for modern times, so these workaday characters may just as likely be bloggers or social media influencers; the key is that they seem ordinary.

Create characters cozy readers can relate to. Typical mystery books might revolve around members of a police force. By contrast, many of the best cozy mystery books elevate an average citizen into a heroic role. Who would be more compelling to follow as they pursue a killer: a police sergeant or a bored housewife? Cozy mystery authors and their readers might tell you the housewife is the more exciting choice.

Throw in lots of misdirection. Cozy mysteries may not be edgy, but that doesn’t mean they are logically simple. Cozy mystery readers like misdirection, red herrings, and puzzles that need to be solved. If you’re lucky enough to get your novel on the shelf of a bookshop or listed on Amazon, you’ll face a lot of competition within the cozy mystery genre. Those competing books will be loaded with misdirects and intrigue; your book should be too—especially if it’s your first novel.

Embrace the supernatural. A cozy mystery can push beyond the rules of the real world and into the paranormal. In fact, you can make your cozy series stand out from the pack by adding supernatural elements. For instance, maybe the first draft of your cozy novel features a poison chocolate chip cookie. But then to spice things up, your second draft includes the detail that the cookie grew intact on a mysterious tree at the edge of town. Don’t wander too far with your paranormal explorations. Overall, cozy mystery stories are pretty grounded, but a slightly fantastical element can allow you to push the boundaries of the genre.

Consider creating a larger series. When writing your first book, you’ll want to be cognizant of the standard writing essentials: character development, clear storytelling, vivid worldbuilding. But as you write, keep in mind that the cozy mystery is a subgenre of crime fiction that lends itself to sequels. If you can develop a strong enough protagonist like Miss Marple or Jessica Fletcher, your readers will practically demand new releases that feature your detective solving new mysteries. Bestseller lists are packed with sequels that fit within the broader arc of a cozy mystery series.

Examples of Cozy Mysteries

Cozy mystery books frequently top bestseller lists and can be popular choices for a book club or a public library feature. Cozy mysteries have also become a hallmark of television. Here are some highlights of the genre:

Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple series

Cleo Coyle's Coffeehouse Mystery series

The televised Psych series, which combines cozy mysteries with comedy

The TV show Murder, She Wrote

Source ⚜ More: Writing Notes & References ⚜ Writing Resources PDFs

[tahbhie]

So you want to write a novel before 2025 runs out, huh?

10 actions you should include in your list to make that dream a reality.

1. Practice Time Blocking  

Trust me, you need it. Allocating specific blocks of time for writing can significantly boost your productivity and help you stay focused. Emphasis on ‘stay focused’.

2. Have an Idea Reservoir or Tank 

Create a dedicated space to store all your ideas during brainstorming sessions or whenever inspiration strikes. I recommend Google Docs and Notion to keep everything organized and easily accessible.

3. Watch More Movies and Read New Books 

There's no better way to expand your horizons than consuming diverse media. This is such a great way to spark fresh ideas and provide new perspectives for your writing.

4. Listen to Writing Podcasts and Join Helpful Newsletters  

Stay updated and inspired by listening to writing podcasts and subscribing to newsletters that offer tips, advice, and industry news. It changes everytime. Who says 2025 would be any different? It's best to be prepared. 

5. Create a Playlist 

Arrange your favorite tracks in a way that suits your writing mood. Music can be a powerful tool to set the tone and mood. It helps you feel relaxed and aid scene projections. It also enhances your creativity.

6. Join an Active Writer's Community 

Yes, it's that important. Whether it's an online forum or a local group, being part of a community provides valuable feedback and critique. Engaging with fellow writers also offer support and motivation.

7. Build Your Social Presence  

I feel this isn't addressed enough. If you want people to get invested in your work, start promoting your book and what you do even before it's finished. Share your journey and let people fall in love with your process and personality.

8. Write a List of Comfortable Spots  

Identify and list the places where you feel most comfortable and productive while writing. Having a go-to spot can help you get into the right mindset.

9. Research Writing Tools 

Explore various writing tools and find the ones that work best for you. Discard the rest to avoid clutter and distraction.

10. Invest in Writing Courses  

If you can, take courses that will help you improve your craft. Courses are now made into digestible sections, covering an important segment of writing in elucidating details, which saves you the hassle of paying high figures for a course.

Lastly, go easy on yourself 

Understand that some days will be unproductive, and others will exceed your expectations. This doesn't make you any less of a writer. Love yourself for what you do, appreciate your work for what it is, and value your effort no matter the outcome. You need to love your work first before others will.

♥♥♥♥♥♥

Happy new year fams 🥳🌹

[randomwriteups26]

Today's study session.. (tomorrow is my exam) as always studying at night and trying my best to finish my portions...

@juliaxyn @moonstonechampagne @dr-scarlette-witch @angelicasdigitaldiary @pxasee @blushlillyyy @oh-munda-kukkad-kamaal-da

[quillver]

A dialogue beat isn’t filler.

It’s the fault line between what’s said and what’s felt.

A good beat does one of three things:

1. Crack the surface

2. Say what the words won’t

3. Put tension somewhere the body can hold it

Bad:

“I’m fine,” she said, smoothing her sleeve.

Why it doesn’t work:

The beat mirrors the words.

No friction. No shift.

Better:

“I’m fine,” she said, folding the corner of the letter. Again.

Why it works:

The words close the subject.

The hands reopen it.

The line says what they want you to hear.

The beat says what they’re trying to bury.

[wordsofmaeve]

Dear Tumblr Diary,

I’ve been searching for the best chocolate chip cookie recipe for ages, and last night as I tested another recipe, it spurred me to reflect on my writing process. (Keep scrolling for a peak at some incredible cookies)

There’s a few reasons I’ve been on the hunt for a perfect CCC recipe:

1. I love chocolate chip cookies (obvious)

2. My childhood family recipe is not my favorite (blasphemy against the sacred kitchen of my mother)

3. I’ve never felt like I’ve found exactly what I’m looking for in a cookie recipe (I’m picky, it’s fine)

Now how is this like searching for the perfect writing process, you ask? Let me explain.

1. I love writing (obvious)

2. The processes I’ve followed throughout my life needs to continue to evolve as I want to improve my craft (uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuugh curse you growth mindset)

3. What’s worked for me in the past won’t work for me now (starts to sing Changes by David Bowie)

Wow, look at that. It’s almost like art reflects art. And yes, baking is art and if you disagree you can talk to the 3521 pictures of baking and bakes in my camera roll.

I’m thrilled to say that the recipe I tested last night is my favorite one to date! Huzzah! The recipe was simple, included browned butter, and only had to chill in the fridge for two hours (fun fact: if your recipe doesn’t call for chilling your cookie dough, it’s likely due to a higher flour content that ensures your cookie will not spread too much in the baking process. This results in much chewier, cake-like cookies than those that require chilling.)

The cookies themselves turned out ~amazing~ in all the ways I wanted. They were crisp on the edges, soft in the middle, and had that distinct browned butter flavor that did not overpower but added to the unctuous bite.

Does this mean I will stop my search for the best cookie recipe? Probably not. But I’ll use this one till I want to find a different one!

Coincidentally, I recently landed on an outlining process that I will also use for the foreseeable future. Thanks to a friend (shout out to them bc they’re the reason I’m still writing today after years of pushing through the slog), I was introduced to the chiastic story structure.

Not to exaggerate, but it’s life-changing.

Maybe you knew about it already, maybe you didn’t, and maybe it’s not as helpful for you because you don’t need percentages to figure out where in the story different things should be happening! But for lil old me, it’s exactly what I was looking for right now. It clearly defines what should be happening when, and how to create a story with well-crafted foreshadowing and mirroring throughout.

So, here I am, admiring both incredible cookies and a story outline that I feel 100% confident in.

Happy Monday!