claudwrites - Tumblr blog

[claudwrites]

You find a “super admin” account for Wikipedia on the dark web. After modifying a few articles as a prank, you discover that the world has changed to match your edits, and you are the only person who remembers differently. You save a backup and decide to test the limits of this godlike power.

[claudwrites]

Hi! I'm trying to write an enemies to lover slowburn, but I don't know how to start it...I have written the middle parts, the jucier parts👀 Can you give me some tips on how to start it? Aso, if you don't mind, do you have any tips on writing enemies to lovers👉👈 Thanks a lot in advance!

Hi :)

Oh, I love me some good enemies to lover trope. But there is some things you have to be careful with, so I start with a little reminder what not to do and then go into what to do and even though you didn’t really ask for it, I thought of some prompts while writing this answer.

How to write enemies to lovers

stay away from non-consensual

they are enemies and will likely be awful to each other in the beginning

but if you want them to be a happy couple at the end they shouldn’t be abusive to each other

because even if they later get together it will always leave a mark on that relationship

forcing someone to do something is wrong and even if the victim later loves to do it in the relationship, it doesn’t change the fact that they were once forced when they didn’t want to do it

Now that that is established here is how to start with the trope.

Why are they enemies?

how do they know each other?

why do they hate each other?

are they literally at war with each other or are they people who met each other and really didn’t click in the beginning?

give them reason to hate or at least strongly dislike each other

you can give them the same reason for hating each other

or spice it up and make both of them dislike something else about the other person

How can you fix it?

now that you’ve established why they hate it each other you have to find out what needs to be done to fix it

it’s important to find a way to make them both see the other person as a normal human being with their own hopes and problems and not just this unshakeable image of an always bad enemy

maybe they don’t know all the information, maybe it’s a misconception that could be solved by talking

but don’t just make them say those things

let actions speak louder than words

for example character A thinks character B is rude and inconsiderate and only interested in themself - but then A sees B doing something completely selfless

Slowly falling in love

it wouldn’t be enough to see them being selfless to make them completely change their mind and fall in love

but it would make them rethink what they thought about the other one and maybe try to get to know them better, because they realized there is so much more to learn and they maybe judged too soon

a changed behaviour in one character could then trigger the other one into rethinking their bad relationship

finding something that they have in common or that they like about the other one can pave the way for a neutral relationship that then turns into something more

so it rarely goes directly from hate to love, especially because this could be an indicator for rash actions and mood swings towards each other that could be harmful in a relationship

it’s more like hate turning into acceptance and understanding and then slowly to love

Prompts

“Well. well, well. Look who came to their enemy’s door holding presents.” “Oh cut it, I’m here to pick you up for our date.”

“I’m scared that it could end badly if it doesn’t work out.” “You’re already enemies. How worse could it get?”

“Why did you save me?” “Just because I’m the bad guy doesn’t mean I’m a bad guy.”

“I can’t tell them. They would make fun of me! We used to hate each other!” “Used to - that’s the important part.”

“I can’t really remember what we were fighting about all this time.”

“That guy is not good for you. Hell, even I would be better for you and I’m your enemy.”

- Jana

[claudwrites]

Writing Prompt #1741

"Years of preparation, and for what?" She turned and shook her head at the prisoner shackled to her workbench. "You thought you and your little allies are going to take your half-baked plan and stop all of this? I'm a cruel woman, and I want to see my job through to the end. Without interruption."

[claudwrites]

Story Structures for your Next WIP

hello, hello. this post will be mostly for my notes. this is something I need in to be reminded of for my business, but it can also be very useful and beneficial for you guys as well.

everything in life has structure and storytelling is no different, so let’s dive right in :)

First off let’s just review what a story structure is :

a story is the backbone of the story, the skeleton if you will. It hold the entire story together.

the structure in which you choose your story will effectively determine how you create drama and depending on the structure you choose it should help you align your story and sequence it with the conflict, climax, and resolution.

1. Freytag's Pyramid

this first story structure i will be talking about was named after 19th century German novelist and playwright.

it is a five point structure that is based off classical Greek tragedies such as Sophocles, Aeschylus and Euripedes.

Freytag's Pyramid structure consists of:

Introduction: the status quo has been established and an inciting incident occurs.

Rise or rising action: the protagonist will search and try to achieve their goal, heightening the stakes,

Climax: the protagonist can no longer go back, the point of no return if you will.

Return or fall: after the climax of the story, tension builds and the story inevitably heads towards...

Catastrophe: the main character has reached their lowest point and their greatest fears have come into fruition.

this structure is used less and less nowadays in modern storytelling mainly due to readers lack of appetite for tragic narratives.

2. The Hero's Journey

the hero's journey is a very well known and popular form of storytelling.

it is very popular in modern stories such as Star Wars, and movies in the MCU.

although the hero's journey was inspired by Joseph Campbell's concept, a Disney executive Christopher Vogler has created a simplified version:

The Ordinary World: The hero's everyday routine and life is established.

The Call of Adventure: the inciting incident.

Refusal of the Call: the hero / protagonist is hesitant or reluctant to take on the challenges.

Meeting the Mentor: the hero meets someone who will help them and prepare them for the dangers ahead.

Crossing the First Threshold: first steps out of the comfort zone are taken.

Tests, Allie, Enemies: new challenges occur, and maybe new friends or enemies.

Approach to the Inmost Cave: hero approaches goal.

The Ordeal: the hero faces their biggest challenge.

Reward (Seizing the Sword): the hero manages to get ahold of what they were after.

The Road Back: they realize that their goal was not the final hurdle, but may have actually caused a bigger problem than before.

Resurrection: a final challenge, testing them on everything they've learned.

Return with the Elixir: after succeeding they return to their old life.

the hero's journey can be applied to any genre of fiction.

3. Three Act Structure:

this structure splits the story into the 'beginning, middle and end' but with in-depth components for each act.

Act 1: Setup:

exposition: the status quo or the ordinary life is established.

inciting incident: an event sets the whole story into motion.

plot point one: the main character decided to take on the challenge head on and she crosses the threshold and the story is now progressing forward.

Act 2: Confrontation:

rising action: the stakes are clearer and the hero has started to become familiar with the new world and begins to encounter enemies, allies and tests.

midpoint: an event that derails the protagonists mission.

plot point two: the hero is tested and fails, and begins to doubt themselves.

Act 3: Resolution:

pre-climax: the hero must chose between acting or failing.

climax: they fights against the antagonist or danger one last time, but will they succeed?

Denouement: loose ends are tied up and the reader discovers the consequences of the climax, and return to ordinary life.

4. Dan Harmon's Story Circle

it surprised me to know the creator of Rick and Morty had their own variation of Campbell's hero's journey.

the benefit of Harmon's approach is that is focuses on the main character's arc.

it makes sense that he has such a successful structure, after all the show has multiple seasons, five or six seasons? i don't know not a fan of the show.

the character is in their comfort zone: also known as the status quo or ordinary life.

they want something: this is a longing and it can be brought forth by an inciting incident.

the character enters and unfamiliar situation: they must take action and do something new to pursue what they want.

adapt to it: of course there are challenges, there is struggle and begin to succeed.

they get what they want: often a false victory.

a heavy price is paid: a realization of what they wanted isn't what they needed.

back to the good old ways: they return to their familiar situation yet with a new truth.

having changed: was it for the better or worse?

i might actually make a operate post going more in depth about dan harmon's story circle.

5. Fichtean Curve:

the fichtean curve places the main character in a series of obstacles in order to achieve their goal.

this structure encourages writers to write a story packed with tension and mini-crises to keep the reader engaged.

The Rising Action

the story must start with an inciting indecent.

then a series of crisis arise.

there are often four crises.

2. The Climax:

3. Falling Action

this type of story telling structure goes very well with flash-back structured story as well as in theatre.

6. Save the Cat Beat Sheet:

this is another variation of a three act structure created by screenwriter Blake Snyder, and is praised widely by champion storytellers.

Structure for Save the Cat is as follows: (the numbers in the brackets are for the number of pages required, assuming you're writing a 110 page screenplay)

Opening Image [1]: The first shot of the film. If you’re starting a novel, this would be an opening paragraph or scene that sucks readers into the world of your story.

Set-up [1-10]. Establishing the ‘ordinary world’ of your protagonist. What does he want? What is he missing out on?

Theme Stated [5]. During the setup, hint at what your story is really about — the truth that your protagonist will discover by the end.

Catalyst [12]. The inciting incident!

Debate [12-25]. The hero refuses the call to adventure. He tries to avoid the conflict before they are forced into action.

Break into Two [25]. The protagonist makes an active choice and the journey begins in earnest.

B Story [30]. A subplot kicks in. Often romantic in nature, the protagonist’s subplot should serve to highlight the theme.

The Promise of the Premise [30-55]. Often called the ‘fun and games’ stage, this is usually a highly entertaining section where the writer delivers the goods. If you promised an exciting detective story, we’d see the detective in action. If you promised a goofy story of people falling in love, let’s go on some charmingly awkward dates.

Midpoint [55]. A plot twist occurs that ups the stakes and makes the hero’s goal harder to achieve — or makes them focus on a new, more important goal.

Bad Guys Close In [55-75]. The tension ratchets up. The hero’s obstacles become greater, his plan falls apart, and he is on the back foot.

All is Lost [75]. The hero hits rock bottom. He loses everything he’s gained so far, and things are looking bleak. The hero is overpowered by the villain; a mentor dies; our lovebirds have an argument and break up.

Dark Night of the Soul [75-85-ish]. Having just lost everything, the hero shambles around the city in a minor-key musical montage before discovering some “new information” that reveals exactly what he needs to do if he wants to take another crack at success. (This new information is often delivered through the B-Story)

Break into Three [85]. Armed with this new information, our protagonist decides to try once more!

Finale [85-110]. The hero confronts the antagonist or whatever the source of the primary conflict is. The truth that eluded him at the start of the story (established in step three and accentuated by the B Story) is now clear, allowing him to resolve their story.

Final Image [110]. A final moment or scene that crystallizes how the character has changed. It’s a reflection, in some way, of the opening image.

(all information regarding the save the cat beat sheet was copy and pasted directly from reedsy!)

7. Seven Point Story Structure:

this structure encourages writers to start with the at the end, with the resolution, and work their way back to the starting point.

this structure is about dramatic changes from beginning to end

The Hook. Draw readers in by explaining the protagonist’s current situation. Their state of being at the beginning of the novel should be in direct contrast to what it will be at the end of the novel.

Plot Point 1. Whether it’s a person, an idea, an inciting incident, or something else — there should be a "Call to Adventure" of sorts that sets the narrative and character development in motion.

Pinch Point 1. Things can’t be all sunshine and roses for your protagonist. Something should go wrong here that applies pressure to the main character, forcing them to step up and solve the problem.

Midpoint. A “Turning Point” wherein the main character changes from a passive force to an active force in the story. Whatever the narrative’s main conflict is, the protagonist decides to start meeting it head-on.

Pinch Point 2. The second pinch point involves another blow to the protagonist — things go even more awry than they did during the first pinch point. This might involve the passing of a mentor, the failure of a plan, the reveal of a traitor, etc.

Plot Point 2. After the calamity of Pinch Point 2, the protagonist learns that they’ve actually had the key to solving the conflict the whole time.

Resolution. The story’s primary conflict is resolved — and the character goes through the final bit of development necessary to transform them from who they were at the start of the novel.

(all information regarding the seven point story structure was copy and pasted directly from reedsy!)

i decided to fit all of them in one post instead of making it a two part post.

i hope you all enjoy this post and feel free to comment or reblog which structure you use the most, or if you have your own you prefer to use! please share with me!

if you find this useful feel free to reblog on instagram and tag me at perpetualstories

Follow my tumblr and instagram for more writing and grammar tips and more!

[claudwrites]

Me writing normally: oh wow, this is actually going really well. This is a novel. It’s a goddamn novel! Look at it, look at how novel-ly it’s become finally!

Me the minute I try and edit part of it with the eye of submitting it to literally anything: What is writing. why is this so bad. is any of it good? 

sigh.

I am going to put the 10,000 words I’m submitting away for at least a week. or until I get a better attitude. This is only for a residency! it isn’t even for anything bigger than that.

[claudwrites]

prompt 1559

Create an odd couple, a friendship between two very different people. One could be deep and the other shallow; one could be emotional and the other neutral; one could be funny and the other serious. Now give them a topic to discuss and see what happens.

[claudwrites]

[claudwrites]

“Sometimes lying is bad. Not having open communication with those you are close to leaves room for misunderstandings and arguments. However, sometimes lying is good. Sometimes lying can keep you safe.”

[claudwrites]

Editing? Oh you mean fic patching.

[claudwrites]

No wonder the fic writing community is dying off. Yall demand us to push out content like we’re robots without having any consideration for our wellbeing, don’t wanna reblog or share our work, and then steal our work while you’re at it lmao

[claudwrites]

Writing Prompt #281

The sounds of war echoed through the valley, cries of terror, rage and excitement clamoring to be heard. The young monarch returned to the command tent bloody and bruised, sick of watching their kingdom slip away from them. At this point, they’d do anything to protect their people…

[claudwrites]

god this scene i haven’t written would be so emotional if it came with 50k words of context i also haven’t written

[claudwrites]

“Everyone. Tell me the reason you joined the Empire.” “College loans. Enough said.” “So I could stop selling drugs.” “I don’t fucking know.” “Gotta pay for child support somehow.” “My family said I’d never amount to anything…they weren’t far off.” “The judge said it was either this or jail.” “What do you mean join? Nobody told me this was voluntary!”

[claudwrites]

Writing Prompt #1084

The villains are getting together for the night, but someone forgot to tell the newest one that this was supposed to be a serious strategy meeting, not a sleepover party. But he just seems to excited, and he already bought everyone matching pajamas, so it looks like this year’s might be a little different…

[claudwrites]

#191: The Best Writing Quotes From the Past Year

I post a lot of writing quotes and advice on this blog. Every once in a while, I like to trawl through the archive to see which quotes were the most popular. Today, we’re looking at the top 10 quotes from the past year.

#10: Louis L’Amour (810 notes)

“Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.” — Louis L’Amour

This quote is a staple of any collection of quotes on writing.

#9: John Green (888 notes)

 “Writing is something you do alone. It’s a profession for introverts who want to tell you a story but don’t want to make eye contact while doing it.” — John Green

Relatable for sure…

#8: Anne Tyler (998 notes)

“I would advise any beginning writer to write the first drafts as if no one else will ever read them — without a thought about publication — and only in the last draft to consider how the work will look from the outside.” — Anne Tyler

So much good advice in a single sentence!

#7: Octavia E. Butler (958 notes)

“You don’t start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it’s good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it. That’s why I say one of the most valuable traits is persistence.” — Octavia E. Butler

#6: Maya Angelou (1,002 notes)

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” — Maya Angelou

Another classic writing quote, this time from Maya Angelou.

#5: Shannon Hale (1,046 notes)

“I’m writing a first draft and reminding myself that I’m simply shovelling sand into a box so that later I can build castles.” — Shannon Hale

This one blew my mind when I first read it. When you’re not feeling like writing, just shovel sand into a box.

#4: Maya Angelou (1,079 notes)

“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use the more you have.” — Maya Angelou

This is so true. You’ll always have more new ideas.

#3: E.L Doctorow (1,836 notes)

“Writing a novel is like driving a car at night. You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.” — E. L. Doctorow

Another very well-known quote and an important piece of advice.

#2: W.H. Auden (4,216 notes)

“Some writers confuse authenticity, which they ought always to aim at, with originality, which they should never bother about.” — W.H. Auden

I found this one only recently. And I guess I’m not the only one who liked it.

#1: Stephen King (8,766 notes)

“A story should entertain the writer, too.” — Stephen King

At the very top of the list with a comfortable lead — Stephen King himself.

What is your favourite writing quote?

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Past Editions

#190: Writing and Snow, April 2021

#189: The Importance of Showing Up, April 2021

#188: The Casual Writer, March 2021

#187: Writing For Yourself, March 2021

#186: A Stimulus Check for Your Mind, March 2021

[claudwrites]

The beings stared in horror. They were immortal. Invincible. But one of their own was no longer moving. The glow was gone from its eyes. But more horrifying was the black cloaked, ethereal figure that had entered their midst. “Ah, hello,” it said, “I assume you all are new to this death thing?”

[claudwrites]

I know this is quite literally the opposite of the questions you usually get, but how do you write badly? I have a character who discovers in-universe narmy penny-dreadful style novelizations/retellings of her adventures and wanted to include some excerpts but writing them goes against all the things I've trained myself to not do over the years. It's like actively trying to forget how to ride a bike.

Go on Wattpad, fanfiction.net, or AO3, and pick some stories at random, especially within your genre. No offense meant, but yeah that's where I'd start. Find stuff that, regardless of content, hurts to read and use that as reference.

Use as many filler words as possible to describe simple actions and emotions, as though word count is your only goal.

Use big, flowery words incorrectly and at weird moments.

Make use of common misspellings, like "defiantly" when you mean "definitely" and "peaked" when you mean "piqued."

Refer to everyone's eye color at least twice, and use epithets more than character names.

Get into the nitty gritty of character outfits; cut, fabric, style, describe everything.

Don't format properly or break up paragraphs often enough.

Have run-on dialogue.

Continuity, who's she?

Place multiple brief sentences. One after the other.

Use too many commas.

Use too many exclamation marks.

Get creative with every dialogue attribution.

Take "show don't tell" extremely literally.

Never diversify character dialogue, like a 1950s comic book.

Misrepresent every character, especially ones the writer knows little about or dislikes.

Use tropes and cliches like you just discovered them.

If you are going for parody, get ridiculous. If not, just refer to fanfic and be lazier when writing. If you catch an error, ignore it. If you see a place that could be written better, ignore it. Again, no offense to literally anyone, My Immortal is a masterpiece, now have fun.