coffinroad

[coffinroad]

A Simple Trick for Fic Writers

Hey, if you're a fic writer and a character speaks in a different language, you don't just have to add the translation in the notes. Use the following HTML coding to add 'text on hover' to the word(s). If the reader is on a computer they can hover over the text to see the translation.

<div title="This is the text in the box!">This is the text that shows in your fic!</div>

Here are some examples from a fic on my AO3.

This coding here <div title="a fool, idiot (lit. emptyhead)">Eyn utreekov</div> will show this on hover.

This next example shows that you can add a lot of text. The formatting is the same as above.

PS: When doing this, there may be spacing issues, but you can edit the text through AO3's html or rich text editor. From there you can add italics (like I did), bold, etc, and fix any weird spacing issues. Just be careful not to delete the coding that you worked so hard on 😂

[coffinroad]

The Causal Chain And Why Your Story Needs It

The most obnoxious thing my writing teacher taught me every story needed, that I absolutely loathed studying in the moment and that only later, after months of resisting and fighting realized she was right, was something called the causal chain.

Simply put, the causal chain is the linked cause-and-effect that must logically connect every event, reaction, and beat that takes place in your story to the ones before and after.

The Causal Chain is exhausting to go through. It is infuriating when someone points out that an event or a character beat comes out of nowhere, unmoored from events around it.

It is profoundly necessary to learn and include because a cause-and-effect chain is what allows readers to follow your story logically which means they can start anticipating what happens next, which is what is required for a writer to be able to build suspense and cognitively engage the audience, to surprise them, and to not infuriate them with random coincidences that hurt or help the characters in order to clumsily advance the author's goals.

By all means, write your story as you want to write it in the first draft, and don't worry about this principle too much. This is an editing tool, not a first draft tool. But one of the first things you should do when retroactively begin preparing your story to be read by others is going step by step through each event and confirming that a previous event leads to it and that subsequent events are impacted by it on the page.

[coffinroad]

“What you write should entertain you and serve you first. Don’t worry about maintaining anything beyond your own attention. Focus on exorcising your demons in the work. If you can do that, then you’ll succeed in the world.”

— Chuck Palahniuk

[coffinroad]

Writing Characters with Powers

                This is sort of a part 2 to the post I made here, in which powers/magic isn’t a part of the world but is a part of your characters. The difference being that powers or magic is unusual to the world, but has somehow appeared in your protagonist.

                Just like in worldbuilding, we need to establish the rules of the power and how it can be used.

1. It needs a limit

No matter how powerful your characters are, they need to have a limit to what they can do. This limit allows for tension and conflict, whereas a character who can do anything isn't challenged by anything, and thus can't change.

                Limits could be physical, mental, or otherwise magical. Maybe using powers is a bit like consuming poison, or being exposed to radiation, or running a marathon in a second. Maybe it’s slowly killing your protagonist, but they have to use it to achieve what they want. I read a story about a character who could heal anything, but would suffer some or all of the damage to do it.

                Maybe it’s warping their mind, or confusing reality, or distancing them from their loved ones. Does using it make them feel negative, even evil? Or does using it make them feel powerful to a fault—in danger of becoming the thing they’re trying to destroy?

                Lastly, your limit could be a part of the magic system. Powers just stop working, as though there’s an invisible mana meter that runs out. Or it’s like working out, use it less and it becomes less powerful, push it too far and it breaks.

2. Your powers are well defined

This is similar to putting a limit on powers, but is more around the power itself rather than the character. You, as the writer, need to know exactly what your character can and cannot do. If your character has fire powers, how big can they make the fire? Can they use it even when it’s humid out, or raining? Is it a fire that can be put out by water, or is it magical and eternal?

                If your character can teleport, how far? Do they need to see the area or can they teleport somewhere they can’t see? Can they teleport somewhere they’ve never been? Can they teleport out of being tied up? If so, how can they choose to take their jewelry or clothing with them?

                Make rules. Make sure you know exactly what your characters are capable of at any point in the story. Make sure your readers are aware of these rules and limitations from the get-go, and if your character is able to develop greater power, make sure it's also established with how they are able to do so.

3. There’s a risk

In a world without magic, but a character with it, what’s the risk? Consider how society would react to learning your character has magic if they don’t already know. If they do know, how has that impacted your character’s life? This step is all about worldbuilding around a world unused to magic. Who knows, who can’t find out, and what is the risk if your protagonist mixes them up?

This step is all about creating stakes. What experiences has your character had with others surrounding their power? Positive or negative?

Any other considerations when making a character with powers? Let me know in the reblogs and comments!

[coffinroad]

Compilation of Beta Reading Resources

Please feel free to add on! I will keep this updated as I find more.

Last updated 7/1/2023

My Beta Reading Advice Posts:

Alpha vs. Beta / Finding & Choosing Readers Part 1

Beta vs. Critique / How To Give Good Feedback Part 2

How to Handle Feedback & Edit Your Story Part 3

Other Posts that I find super helpful!!

Advice on Giving Good Feedback by @writingwithfolklore

On Feedback & Reader Mindset/Bias by @emeryleewho

Writer Mindsets / Accepting Feedback by @shaelinwrites

Cruel Feedback & Why It's Actually Helpful by @broodparasitism

[coffinroad]

Magical/ Superpowers list: Elements.

Find it difficult to choose superpowers for your character? Save this post now!

Fire:

Pyrokinesis: The ability to create and manipulate fire with one's mind.

Fireball: The ability to project a ball of fire from one's hand.

Flame Whip: The ability to create a whip made of fire.

Fire Breath: The ability to breathe fire.

Firestorm: The ability to create a powerful storm of fire.

Fire Shield: The ability to create a shield made of flames.

Fire Blast: The ability to release a blast of fire from one's body.

Fire Immunity: The ability to be immune to fire and heat.

Firewalking: The ability to walk on hot coals or flames without getting burned.

Flame Aura: The ability to surround oneself with flames for protection or intimidation.

Fire Manipulation: The ability to control and manipulate existing flames.

Fire Transformation: The ability to transform oneself into a being made of fire.

Flame Jet: The ability to project a jet of flames from one's hands or mouth.

Fire Tornado: The ability to create a tornado of fire.

Fire Resistance: The ability to resist or withstand high temperatures and flames.

Fireball Volley: The ability to launch multiple fireballs at once.

Fire Whip: The ability to create a whip made of fire and use it to strike opponents.

Flame Blade: The ability to create a sword made of fire.

Fire Nova: The ability to create a massive explosion of fire.

Fire Trap: The ability to create a trap made of fire that can ensnare opponents.

Fireball Barrage: The ability to release a rapid barrage of fireballs.

Fire Sword: The ability to imbue a regular sword with flames.

Firestorm Shield: The ability to create a shield made of a swirling storm of fire.

Fire Form: The ability to transform into a being made entirely of flames.

Fireball Rain: The ability to rain down fireballs from the sky.

Flame Armor: The ability to create armor made of fire.

Fire Nova Blast: The ability to create a massive explosion of fire that damages everything in its path.

Fire Whip Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a whip made of fire.

Fireball Volley Blast: The ability to launch a barrage of fireballs that explode on impact.

Flame Aura Blast: The ability to release a blast of flames from one's aura.

Fire Totem: The ability to create a totem that spews forth flames.

Fireball Turret: The ability to create a turret that shoots fireballs.

Firestorm Blast: The ability to create a blast of fire from a swirling firestorm.

Flame Jet Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a jet of flames.

Fireball Grenade: The ability to throw a grenade that explodes into a fireball.

Flame Wall: The ability to create a wall of flames for protection or to trap opponents.

Fireball Wave: The ability to create a wave of fire that spreads out in all directions.

Fire Nova Wave: The ability to create a wave of fire that damages everything in its path.

Flame Burst: The ability to release a burst of flames in all directions.

Fireball Wave Blast: The ability to release a wave of fireballs that explode on impact.

Flame Jet Burst: The ability to release a burst of flames from one's hands or mouth.

Firestorm Wave: The ability to create a wave of fire that spreads out in all directions from a firestorm.

Flame Spray: The ability to spray flames from one's hands or mouth.

Fireball Spray: The ability to spray fireballs from one's hands or mouth.

Flame Burst Wave: The ability to release a wave of flame bursts in all directions.

Fireball Spray Blast: The ability to release a spray of fireballs that explode on impact.

Flame Jet Spray: The ability to spray a burst of flames from one's hands or mouth.

Firestorm Spray: The ability to spray a wave of fire from a firestorm.

Flame Burst Spray Blast: The ability to release a spray of flame bursts that explode on impact.

Fireball Spray Wave: The ability to release a wave of fireballs that spread out in all directions.

Water:

Hydrokinesis: The ability to control and manipulate water with one's mind.

Aqua Blast: The ability to project a blast of water from one's hands.

Water Whip: The ability to create a whip made of water.

Water Breathing: The ability to breathe underwater.

Water Shield: The ability to create a shield made of water.

Water Jet: The ability to project a jet of water from one's hands or mouth.

Water Transformation: The ability to transform oneself into a being made of water.

Water Immunity: The ability to be immune to water-based attacks.

Water Walking: The ability to walk on water.

Water Manipulation: The ability to control and manipulate existing water.

Ice Manipulation: The ability to control and manipulate ice.

Water Healing: The ability to heal oneself or others using water.

Water Reflection: The ability to reflect attacks using water.

Water Form: The ability to transform into a being made entirely of water.

Water Absorption: The ability to absorb water to heal oneself or increase power.

Water Respiration: The ability to breathe underwater for extended periods.

Water Sphere: The ability to create a sphere of water that can trap opponents.

Water Jet Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a jet of water.

Water Whip Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a whip made of water.

Water Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of water that damages everything in its path.

Ice Blast: The ability to project a blast of ice from one's hands.

Water Shield Wall: The ability to create a wall of water for protection.

Water Jet Blade: The ability to imbue a sword with water and use it to strike opponents.

Water Sphere Blast: The ability to release a blast of water from a water sphere.

Water Jet Blade Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a water-infused sword.

Water Tornado: The ability to create a tornado made of water.

Water Blade: The ability to create a blade made of water.

Ice Shield: The ability to create a shield made of ice.

Water Dragon: The ability to create a dragon made of water.

Water Whip Strike Blast: The ability to strike an opponent with a water whip that explodes on impact.

Water Jet Blade Wave: The ability to release a wave of water from a water-infused sword.

Water Dragon Blast: The ability to release a blast of water from a water dragon.

Ice Wall: The ability to create a wall of ice for protection.

Water Sphere Wave: The ability to release a wave of water from a water sphere.

Water Jet Blade Blast: The ability to release a blast of water from a water-infused sword.

Waterfall: The ability to create a waterfall that can be used for healing or to trap opponents.

Water Dragon Wave: The ability to release a wave of water from a water dragon.

Ice Tornado: The ability to create a tornado made of ice.

Water Blade Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a blade made of water.

Water Dragon Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of water from a water dragon's blast.

Ice Spear: The ability to create a spear made of ice.

Water Blade Blast: The ability to release a blast of water from a water blade.

Waterfall Wave: The ability to release a wave of water from a waterfall.

Ice Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of ice from an ice blast.

Water Blade Wave: The ability to release a wave of water from a water blade.

Water Sphere Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of water from a water sphere's blast.

Ice Spear Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a spear made of ice.

Water Dragon Blast Spray: The ability to release a spray of water from a water dragon's blast.

Ice Wall Blast: The ability to release a blast of ice from an ice wall.

Water Blade Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of water from a water blade's blast.

Earth:

Terrakinesis: The ability to control and manipulate earth with one's mind.

Earthquake: The ability to create a powerful earthquake.

Stone Armor: The ability to create armor made of stone for protection.

Stone Fist: The ability to imbue one's fists with the power of stone.

Earth Shield: The ability to create a shield made of earth.

Rock Throw: The ability to throw rocks with great force.

Earthquake Wave: The ability to create a wave of earth that damages everything in its path.

Stone Skin: The ability to harden one's skin like stone for protection.

Stone Golem: The ability to create a golem made of stone.

Earth Manipulation: The ability to control and manipulate existing earth.

Sand Manipulation: The ability to control and manipulate sand and dust.

Stone Transformation: The ability to transform oneself into a being made of stone.

Earth Immunity: The ability to be immune to earth-based attacks.

Earthquake Shield: The ability to create a shield that can withstand earthquakes.

Earthquake Blast: The ability to release a blast of earth that damages everything in its path.

Stone Whip: The ability to create a whip made of stone.

Stone Blade: The ability to create a blade made of stone.

Earthquake Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with the force of an earthquake.

Stone Golem Blast: The ability to release a blast of stone from a stone golem.

Earthquake Wave Blast: The ability to release a wave of earth that explodes on impact.

Stone Fist Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a fist imbued with the power of stone.

Stone Golem Wave: The ability to release a wave of stone from a stone golem.

Earthquake Shield Blast: The ability to release a blast of earth from an earthquake shield.

Stone Whip Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a whip made of stone.

Stone Blade Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a blade made of stone.

Stone Golem Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of stone from a stone golem's blast.

Earthquake Fist: The ability to imbue one's fists with the power of an earthquake.

Stone Whip Blast: The ability to release a blast of stone from a stone whip.

Stone Blade Blast: The ability to release a blast of stone from a stone blade.

Earthquake Wave Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a wave of earth.

Stone Golem Blast Spray: The ability to release a spray of stone from a stone golem's blast.

Earthquake Shield Wave: The ability to release a wave of earth from an earthquake shield.

Stone Whip Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of stone from a stone whip's blast.

Stone Blade Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of stone from a stone blade's blast.

Earthquake Wave Blast Spray: The ability to release a spray of earth that explodes on impact.

Stone Golem Wave Blast: The ability to release a blast of stone from a stone golem's wave.

Earthquake Fist Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a fist imbued with the power of an earthquake.

Stone Whip Strike Blast: The ability to strike an opponent with a stone whip that explodes on impact.

Stone Blade Strike Blast: The ability to strike an opponent with a stone blade that explodes on impact.

Stone Golem Blast Wave Spray: The ability to release a spray of stone from a stone golem's blast wave.

Earthquake Wave Spray: The ability to release a spray of earth in all directions.

Stone Whip Blast Wave Spray: The ability to release a spray of stone from a stone whip's blast wave.

Stone Blade Blast Wave Spray: The ability to release a spray of stone from a stone blade's blast wave.

Stone Golem Wave Blast Spray: The ability to release a spray of stone from a stone golem's wave blast.

Earthquake Shield Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of earth from an earthquake shield's blast.

Stone Whip Strike Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of stone from a stone whip's strike blast.

Stone Blade Strike Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of stone from a stone blade's strike blast.

Stone Golem Blast Wave Blast: The ability to release a blast of stone from a stone golem's blast wave.

Earthquake Fist Strike Blast: The ability to strike an opponent with a fist imbued with the power of an earthquake that explodes on impact.

Stone Golem Wave Blast Wave: The ability to release a waveof stone from a stone golem's wave blast that explodes on impact.

Air:

Aerokinesis: The ability to control and manipulate air with one's mind.

Flight: The ability to fly using the power of the wind.

Wind Blast: The ability to project a blast of wind from one's hands.

Levitation: The ability to levitate oneself or others using the power of the wind.

Wind Shield: The ability to create a shield made of wind.

Sonic Scream: The ability to release a powerful sonic blast.

Gust: The ability to create a strong gust of wind.

Tornado: The ability to create a powerful tornado.

Wind Blade: The ability to create a blade made of wind.

Wind Manipulation: The ability to control and manipulate existing wind.

Airwalking: The ability to walk on air.

Wind Transformation: The ability to transform oneself into a being made of wind.

Air Immunity: The ability to be immune to air-based attacks.

Wind Whip: The ability to create a whip made of wind.

Sonic Shield: The ability to create a shield that can absorb sound waves.

Wind Respiration: The ability to breathe in air for extended periods.

Wind Tornado Blade: The ability to imbue a sword with wind and use it to strike opponents.

Sonic Blast Wave: The ability to release a blast of sound waves that damages everything in its path.

Wind Whip Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a whip made of wind.

Wind Blade Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a blade made of wind.

Tornado Blast: The ability to release a blast of wind from a tornado.

Wind Shield Wall: The ability to create a wall of wind for protection.

Sonic Scream Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a sonic blast.

Wind Tornado Wave: The ability to release a wave of wind from a tornado.

Wind Blade Blast: The ability to release a blast of wind from a wind blade.

Sonic Shield Blast: The ability to release a blast of sound waves from a sonic shield.

Airwalking Blast: The ability to release a blast of wind from one's feet while airwalking.

Wind Tornado Blade Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a wind-infused sword from a tornado.

Wind Blade Wave: The ability to release a wave of wind from a wind blade.

Tornado Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of wind from a tornado's blast.

Sonic Scream Blast: The ability to release a blast of sound waves from a sonic scream.

Wind Tornado Wave Blast: The ability to release a blast of wind from a tornado's wave.

Wind Whip Strike Blast: The ability to strike an opponent with a wind whip that explodes on impact.

Wind Blade Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of wind from a wind blade's blast.

Tornado Blast Wave Blast: The ability to release a blast of wind from a tornado's blast wave.

Sonic Shield Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of sound waves from a sonic shield's blast.

Wind Tornado Blade Wave: The ability to release a wave of wind from a wind-infused sword from a tornado.

Wind Blade Strike Blast: The ability to strike an opponent with a wind blade that explodes on impact.

Sonic Scream Strike Blast: The ability to strike an opponent with a sonic blast that explodes on impact.

Wind Tornado Wave Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of wind from a tornado's wave blast.

Wind Whip Strike Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of wind from a wind whip's strike blast.

Wind Blade Blast Wave Blast: The ability to release a blast of wind from a wind blade's blast wave.

Tornado Blast Wave Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of wind from a tornado's blast wave blast.

Sonic Shield Blast Wave Blast: The ability to release a blast of sound waves from a sonic shield's blast wave.

Wind Tornado Blade Strike Blast: The ability to strike an opponent with a wind-infused sword from a tornado that explodes on impact.

Wind Blade Strike Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of wind from a wind blade's strike blast.

Sonic Scream Strike Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of sound waves from a sonic scream's strike blast.

Wind Tornado Wave Blast Wave Blast: The ability to release a blast of wind from a tornado's wave blast wave.

Wind Blade Blast Wave Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of wind from a wind blade's blast wave blast.

Sonic Shield Blast Wave Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of sound waves from a sonic shield's blast wave blast.

Light:

Photokinesis: The ability to control and manipulate light with one's mind.

Radiance: The ability to emit a bright light from one's body.

Flash: The ability to create a bright, blinding flash of light.

Illumination: The ability to light up a dark area.

Light Shield: The ability to create a shield made of light.

Light Beam: The ability to project a beam of light from one's hands.

Solar Flare: The ability to create a powerful burst of light and energy.

Light Manipulation: The ability to control and manipulate existing light.

Light Blast: The ability to project a blast of light from one's hands.

Light Transformation: The ability to transform oneself into a being made of light.

Light Immunity: The ability to be immune to light-based attacks.

Aura of Light: The ability to emit a powerful aura of light.

Light Whip: The ability to create a whip made of light.

Laser Vision: The ability to emit a powerful laser beam from one's eyes.

Light Resurrection: The ability to bring someone back to life using the power of light.

Healing Light: The ability to heal oneself or others using the power of light.

Light Blade: The ability to create a blade made of light.

Light Speed: The ability to move at incredible speeds using the power of light.

Light Beam Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a beam of light.

Light Whip Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a whip made of light.

Solar Flare Blast: The ability to release a blast of light and energy from a solar flare.

Light Shield Wall: The ability to create a wall of light for protection.

Light Resurrection Blast: The ability to release a blast of light that brings the dead back to life.

Healing Light Blast: The ability to release a blast of healing light.

Light Blade Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a blade made of light.

Light Speed Strike: The ability to strike an opponent at incredible speeds using the power of light.

Light Beam Blast: The ability to release a blast of light from a beam.

Light Whip Blast: The ability to release a blast of light from a light whip.

Laser Vision Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a laser beam from one's eyes.

Solar Flare Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of light and energy from a solar flare blast.

Light Blade Blast: The ability to release a blast of light from a light blade.

Light Beam Strike Blast: The ability to strike an opponent with a beam of light that explodes on impact.

Light Whip Strike Blast: The ability to strike an opponent with a whip made of light that explodes on impact.

Healing Light Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of healing light.

Light Blade Strike Blast: The ability to strike an opponent with a blade made of light that explodes on impact.

Light Speed Strike Blast: The ability to strike an opponent at incredible speeds using the power of light that explodes on impact.

Light Beam Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of light from a beam's blast.

Light Whip Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of light from a light whip's blast.

Laser Vision Strike Blast: The ability to strike an opponent with a laser beam from one's eyes that explodes on impact.

Solar Flare Blast Wave Blast: The ability to release a blast of light and energy from a solar flare blast wave.

Light Blade Strike Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of light from a light blade's strike blast.

Light Speed Strike Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of light from a light speed strike's blast.

Light Beam Strike Blast Wave Blast: The ability to release a blast of light from a beam's strike blast wave.

Light Whip Strike Blast Wave Blast: The ability to release a blast of light from a light whip's strike blast wave.

Laser Vision Strike Blast Wave Blast: The ability to release a blast of light from a laser vision strike's blast wave.

Light Blade Blast Wave Blast: The ability to release a wave of light from a light blade's blast wave that explodes on impact.

Light Speed Strike Blast Wave Blast: The ability to release a wave of light from a light speed strike's blast wave that explodes on impact.

Light Whip Strike Blast Wave Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of light from a light whip's strike blast wave blast.

Laser Vision Strike Blast Wave Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of light from a laser vision strike's blast wave blast.

Light Transformation Blast: The ability to release a blast of light that transforms the target into a different form.

Darkness:

Umbrakinesis: The ability to control and manipulate darkness with one's mind.

Shadow Travel: The ability to travel through shadows.

Shadow Manipulation: The ability to control and manipulate existing shadows.

Night Vision: The ability to see in complete darkness.

Shadow Shield: The ability to create a shield made of shadows.

Shadow Blast: The ability to project a blast of shadow from one's hands.

Shadow Transformation: The ability to transform oneself into a being made of shadow.

Shadow Immunity: The ability to be immune to shadow-based attacks.

Darkness Aura: The ability to emit a powerful aura of darkness.

Shadow Whip: The ability to create a whip made of shadow.

Shadow Stealth: The ability to become invisible in the shadows.

Darkness Manipulation: The ability to control and manipulate existing darkness.

Shadow Blade: The ability to create a blade made of shadow.

Night Cloak: The ability to cloak oneself in darkness, making them invisible.

Shadow Resurrection: The ability to bring someone back to life using the power of darkness.

Shadow Speed: The ability to move at incredible speeds using the power of darkness.

Shadow Beam: The ability to project a beam of darkness from one's hands.

Shadow Blade Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a blade made of shadow.

Shadow Whip Strike: The ability to strike an opponent with a whip made of shadow.

Shadow Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of shadow from a blast.

Shadow Shield Wall: The ability to create a wall of shadow for protection.

Shadow Resurrection Blast: The ability to release a blast of shadow that brings the dead back to life.

Shadow Speed Strike: The ability to strike an opponent at incredible speeds using the power of darkness.

Shadow Beam Blast: The ability to release a blast of shadow from a beam.

Shadow Whip Blast: The ability to release a blast of shadow from a shadow whip.

Night Cloak Blast: The ability to release a blast of darkness from a night cloak.

Shadow Blade Blast: The ability to release a blast of shadow from a blade.

Shadow Beam Strike Blast: The ability to strike an opponent with a beam of shadow that explodes on impact.

Shadow Whip Strike Blast: The ability to strike an opponent with a whip made of shadow that explodes on impact.

Shadow Shield Blast: The ability to release a blast of shadow from a shield.

Shadow Blade Strike Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of shadow from a blade's strike blast.

Shadow Speed Strike Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of shadow from a shadow speed strike's blast.

Shadow Whip Strike Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of shadow from a shadow whip's strike blast.

Shadow Beam Strike Blast Wave Blast: The ability to release a blast of shadow from a beam's strike blast wave.

Shadow Whip Strike Blast Wave Blast: The ability to release a blast of shadow from a shadow whip's strike blast wave.

Shadow Blade Blast Wave Blast: The ability to release a wave of shadow from a blade's blast wave that explodes on impact.

Shadow Speed Strike Blast Wave Blast: The ability to release a wave of shadow from a shadow speed strike's blast wave that explodes on impact.

Shadow Whip Strike Blast Wave Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of shadow from a shadow whip's strike blast wave blast.

Shadow Beam Strike Blast Wave Blast Wave: The ability to release a wave of shadow from a beam's strike blast wave blast.

Shadow Transformation Blast: The ability to release a blast of shadow that transforms the target into a different form.

Shadow Infusion: The ability to infuse objects or people with darkness to increase their power.

Shadow Possession: The ability to possess someone through their shadow.

Shadow Clone: The ability to create a clone of oneself made of shadows.

Shadow Illusion: The ability to create illusions out of shadows.

Shadow Mimicry: The ability to mimic the powers of others through their shadows.

Shadow Binding: The ability to bind someone using shadows.

Shadow Meld: The ability to merge with shadows and travel through them undetected.

Shadow Tendrils: The ability to create tendrils made of shadows to attack or restrain opponents.

Shadow Portal: The ability to create portals through shadows to travel to different locations.

Shadow Curse: The ability to curse someone with darkness, causing them to be consumed by it.

After I finished writing, I realized that we can combine these powers into one larger capacity. :)))))))))

If you want to read more posts about writing, please click here and give me a follow!

[coffinroad]

i hate how you get desensitized to the cool stuff in your WIP if you've been writing it for a long time so when you read back over it you're like "this isn't as cool as i thought :(" but it still is! you just read it too many times

[coffinroad]

Random Worldbuilding Questions

Are there any foods with symbolic meanings that are eaten on special occasions (e.g. katsudon for victory, or new years oranges for luck)? How did the tradition get started?

We all know about weddings and marriage, but are there any ceremonies that symbolically / legally / magically officialize a different type of relationship in your world’s culture? (Adoption, apprenticeship, friendship, etc.)

What’s a rule or social norm that is widely followed in theory, but in practice everyone knows it’s not a big deal and breaks it all the time?

Are there any trades or hobbies whose practitioners are stereotyped as weird or extraordinary? (E.g. the “mad hatter” trope.) Why? How true is this perception?

What are some cliches, tropes, and/or plots that commonly appear in stories written by your world’s inhabitants? What were they inspired by? Why are they popular?

What is a common way to subtly insult someone in your world, without crossing into overt rudeness? Gifting an item with negative connotations? Addressing them more familiarly or formally than normal? Backhanded compliments?

If you pulled a random average Joe off the streets of your world and asked them to draw a house, what would they draw? (Shape, roof style, position and number of windows, etc.)

Is there a place in your world that nobody has ever been to - the bottom of a cave, the moon, another dimension, etc.? How do people know it exists? Why haven’t they gone there? What do they believe it’s like, and how right/wrong are they?

What aesthetics are considered “advanced” or “futuristic” in your world - canvas wings, shiny chrome, smooth plastic? How has this changed over time?

What’s a fun fact about your world that you as the worldbuilder are dying to share, but nobody ever thinks to ask? 

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Came across this post on reddit the other day where the OP pointed out an error in a person's fic, only to find out that the fic in question was AI generated when the "author" apologized for the error and they hadn't even bothered reading it before hitting post.

The climate we're in right now -- not only seeing diminishing returns in engagement and reduced willingness to contribute to our fandom communities -- but also an emerging norm where our work is scraped and fed to AIs and subsequently barfed back at us. It's going to have a deleterious effect across the board.

You might not be hearing your fandom's death knell yet, and I hope you won't for a good long while, but I promise you: if there is no call to arms right now, it won't be far off.

Don't rely on someone else to go to war for you if it's your work on the table.

[coffinroad]

How to write the cold

The way we feel cold is universal, but the way we contextualise it is not. Cold has a variety of connotations for readers, so it's important to decide how to use it, and what mood you want to convey in your scene.

While cold is often associated with negative aspects in writing, if there's anything the winter season teaches us, is that it can be a positive thing as well. Rather than just using the word cold, in your next writing project, try to contextualise it. Describe the weather, the light on the snow, the comfort of warmth after an icy swim, or the fear and loneliness of the dark on a cold night.

Here are our quick tips on how to write the cold:

In nature

Clean mountain air

Glittering ice crystals

Unique wildlife, like snow hares or polar bears

Snow muffled sounds

Steam rising from hot springs

Icy water in rivers and lakes

Overcast and rainy

Bright sun on fresh snow

Icebergs, glaciers, and ice floes

Storms and blizzards

Branches moving and creaking

Frozen ponds

Morning frost on grass

Snowdrops pushing through snowdrifts

Crisp and clear night skies

Wolves howling in the dark

Bare branches scraping against windows

Eerie shadows

Foods and objects

The scent of cinnamon and nutmeg

Heavy winter coats and scarves

Rich, hot meals with lots of gravy

Tea or coffee left out too long

Ice-cream, sorbets, or ice-lollies

Metal that is cold to the touch (like pots and pans or door handles)

Cold beverages straight out of the fridge

An icy bath

Freezer trucks or walk-in refrigerators

Dry ice

Crisp, fresh sheets on cold nights

Ice sculptures

A tap with a drip that freezes in place

Frozen celebratory drinks (like daiquiris)

A single cube of ice floating in a whisky glass

A cold pack for an injury

Character moods

Isolated

Lonely

Aloof

Sad

Comfortable

Snuggly

Focused

Panicked

Indifferent

A lack of affection

Calm and calculated

Disengaged

Serene

Depressed

Awestruck

Anxious

Reverent

Melancholy

Nostalgic

Impatient

Frustrated

Reflective

Character body language

Hunched shoulders

Crossed arms

Shivering

Snuggling into something warm

Rub hands together for warmth

Tight or strained expression

Biting dry lips

Furrowing brow

Glaring against brightness

Tense and rigid stance

Stand close to others

Slow, deliberate steps

Move quickly to somewhere warm

Sitting relaxed in a warm space

Actions and events

Start a fire or build a shelter

Winter hikes

Outdoor activities like skating, skiing, or sledding

Traffic jams or snowed in cars

Frozen lakes cracking underfoot

Dodging icicles falling from rooftops

Going ice-fishing

Long sea voyages

Frostbite

Suffering from a cold, the flu, or pneumonia

Brainfreeze

Snuggling under a warm duvet

Sipping from a steaming hot drink for comfort

Cold-water swimming

Walking to work in the rain

Christmas in the Northern Hemisphere

Chrismas in July in the Southern Hemisphere

Reading a good book by the fire while it snows outside

Positive aspects

While cold is often associated with negative emotions, using it as a juxtaposition can often help to accentuate the positive feelings you want to convey.

If it's cold outside, a character enjoying a hot chocolate under their duvet will give a much more positive impression than if they were simply staying in bed.

The beauty of the natural world in winter, like snow, ice, and winter foliage can also be used to create a scene of happiness and wonder.

Negative aspects

Cold is often used to describe characters who are emotionally detached, calculating, or generally unfeeling. It's become an easy way to clue your readers in to how they're meant to feel about your character.

There are also more creative ways to use the cold, however, like describing the disappointment of forgetting about a hot drink you put down somewhere and only remembering when it's already gone cold, or the feeling of shock after you first step out of a warm shower.

Helpful synonyms

chilly

frigid

icy

wintry

frosty

cool

nippy

freezing

glacial

brisk

chilled

cool

polar

bitter

snowy

raw

refrigerated

arctic

rimy

draughty

[coffinroad]

A Writer's Intro

The act of choosing a name for this writing blog that deals specifically in liminal spaces steeped in folklore and the supernatural, I hope, is at least a little bit telling:

Many "coffin roads" have been beaten down into footpaths, long fallen out of use from their original purpose, which was to transport the dead from their homes to the churchyard to be laid to rest. It was a medieval practice to carry the coffin along these straight tracks, often populated by those spirits and other supernatural creatures drawn to the dead.

I've always thought that being a novelist shared a similar resonance to this medieval practice: you drag this heavy thing along a long, dark road, bearing only a tiny lantern to light an uneven path, and maybe you pick up a few things along the way that you hadn't intended. Bodies are heavy. So too are books, and for me, they always seem to get heavier the longer I work with them.

You can call me moth.

The Specs

I write horror, dark fantasy, erotica, and sci-fi fantasy. I bloomed in fandom over twenty years ago, but while I can't remember a specific catalyst that kindled my interest in fantasy fiction before then, I think it's always been there: writ across the soul or something. In the marrow. In the blood...

Although I did have a dreadful, wonderful teacher encourage me when I was eight or nine, I think, to continue writing beyond assignments. I ought to have known better, because this is a terminal condition and I've given my life to it.

What you'll find here

Problem Solving I'm not often inclined to share snippets of original work unless it's already published, but I will often complain about the process and what I've done to circumvent some issues that I've encountered. Hopefully that'll be of some benefit to you.

Experimentation If writing "rules" are meant to be broken, then let's break them beautifully. Everyone operates with some survivorship bias, but each book and each short story is a learning lesson, and I'm happy to share what I've discovered in the process. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it's like you're throwing bricks at a glass wall expecting a different result. Sometimes it's just suffering, hunch-backed with a stiff neck until the thing is done to satisfaction.

Adult Language, Adult Themes 18+. End of discussion. Genre and triggers will be tagged accordingly, so filter in your tags or block me. I am the worst babysitter, so consider this an adult space that caters to adult peers. (Kids: I wish you the best luck on your journey, but this blog is not for you. Keep writing. Keep writing. Keep writing.)

Particulars

Pseud: moth Pronouns: she/her Age: 30+ Locale: North America Genres: Horror, Fantasy, Sci-Fi Fantasy, Erotica, Fanfiction (but not on this blog, sorry.)

I Luh-luh-looooove

Low-key horror, monster erotica (exo/terato), power dynamics, de-powered heroes trying to prove themselves despite their deficiences, unreliable narrators, alternate universe takes, characters that make jokes while skirting the edge of the edge of oblivion, humour to offset the horror, certain awful things, emotionally resonant anchors, writing the Dark Night even though it hurts.

No, thank you, kindly

I will pass on gore, body horror, torture porn, certain kinks.

Currently Reading

Illuminae by Amie Kaufman

Current Project

Book two of a sci-fi fantasy trilogy with similar themes inspired by the Star Wars universe: light/dark binary and the concept of a god-king forged from space magic to fulfill a prophecy that promises armageddon.

Status: On deck. In the last 50k of the first draft. Having the worst time finishing this beast.

[coffinroad]

You can't cheat the art.

If I'm not ugly-crying by the end of this draft out of sympathy for what I put these characters through, then I haven't done my job right.

[coffinroad]

“Fix it. Remember that, sooner or later, before it ever reaches perfection, you will have to let it go and move on and start to write the next thing. Perfection is like chasing the horizon. Keep moving.”

— Neil Gaiman

[coffinroad]

The Darkest Hour for your Protagonist

Also known as the “crisis” or the moment when all hope is lost for your protagonist. The Darkest Hour is when your character hits rock bottom and that “happy ending” just seems unreachable. In this scene, success for your protagonist appears impossible.

What could be a Darkest Hour?

In my opinion, you want your darkest hour to be as dark as possible. Push things to the extreme, create stakes, and hurt your protagonist.  

• Not just any death, but the death of someone your protagonist loves (did your protagonist fail to save them? They now blame themselves.)

• Not just a mild injury, but a serious and life-threatening one (does this injury follow your protagonist into the end of the story? Permanently?)

• Use their fears against them (if they’re afraid of snakes, don’t just have one appear… have them fall into a pit of them.)

• Make your protagonist lose all hope and put their insecurities on full display (they’re embarrassed and ashamed in front of everyone.)

• Attack their mentality just as much as their physicality. (Betrayals, lies, deceptions, self-doubts.)

When does it happen?

Typically, the Darkest Hour occurs right before the climax. Your protagonist is at their all-time low until they have an “a-ha!” moment and gain the hope, strength, or resources to overcome their conundrum and push into the climax of the story.

How does my Protagonist overcome their crisis?

There are numerous ways that your protagonist can trudge out of the mud and gain the strength to continue fighting. They could do it independently and prove themselves a true hero, pull hope from memories and past encounters, receive aid from allies, divine intervention, etc. 

Why is the Darkest Hour Important?

The Darkest Hour is vital to a character’s arc and story because, during their all-time low, their true nature is revealed. Their insecurities, flaws, and fears are all out on the table and the readers get to see them at their most vulnerable. Watching them overcome the crisis shows the reader their growth as a character.

⭐ Show the readers how much your protagonist has grown. If this crisis happened at the beginning of your story, your protagonist would NOT have been able to overcome it. Only through their growth, learning, and plot experiences… are they able to overcome it now.

⭐THIS IS WHERE YOUR PROTAGONIST CAN FINALLY SEE THEIR MISBELIEF/FLAW.

During or after your protagonist’s Darkest Hour is an amazing place for your protagonist to realize the flaw in their thinking (their misbelief). 

Referring back to older posts, your protagonist needs to have a “flaw” or “misbelief”. A false way of thinking that eventually, they will realize is wrong.

• “I’ll never be good enough.” • “Magic is wrong and I will never use it.” • “All aliens are evil and need to be eliminated.” 

This misbelief should have been impeding on your character through the entire plot, causing them conflict and turmoil. After fighting for survival in their darkest moment, they realize they were thinking wrong all along.

• A character reminds your protagonist that they are good enough. • Your protagonist sees magic being used to heal their allies and realizes finally that it can be used for good. • An alien saves your protagonist from a bullet and suddenly your character sees that not all aliens are bad.

Instagram: coffeebeanwriting   

[coffinroad]

Basics Of Foreshadowing With Techniques

At its core, storytelling has one ambition: to capture and sustain your reader’s attention and keep them reading your story. Foreshadowing, or slyly indicating a future event, is one technique a writer can use to create and buillding suspense. Its useful for creating suspense, a feeling of unease, a sense of curiosity, or a mark that things may not be as they seem.

Foreshadowing does not necessarily mean explicitly revealing what will happen later in your story. In fact, when it is used effectively, many readers may not even realize the significance of an author’s foreshadowing until the end of the story.

There are 2 types of foreshadowing:

1. Direct foreshadowing (or overt foreshadowing): In this type of foreshadowing, the story openly suggests an impending problem, event, or twist. Direct foreshadowing is usually accomplished through the characters’ dialogue, the narrator’s comments, a prophecy, or even a prologue.

2. Indirect foreshadowing (or covert foreshadowing): In this type of foreshadowing, the story hints at an outcome by leaving subtle clues throughout the story. With indirect foreshadowing, readers likely won’t realize the meaning of the clues until they witness the foreshadowed event.

TECHNIQUES TO USE IT:

1. Dialogue: You can use your characters’ dialogue to foreshadow future events or big reveals. This foreshadowing may take the form of a joke, an offhand comment, or even something unsaid that adds personality to your characters while planting the seed for later revelations.

2. Title: The title of a novel or short story can be used to foreshadow major events in the story as well.

3. Setting: The choices you make about the setting or atmosphere of your story can foreshadow events as well.

4. Metaphor or simile: Figurative language like similes and metaphors can be effective foreshadowing tools

5. Character traits: A character’s appearance, attire, or mannerisms can foreshadow that character’s true essence or later actions.

Hope It helps! Follow, Like And Share!

I'll put out a post on how to use foreshadowing next so stay tuned! :)

[coffinroad]

Things to Do to Reignite Your Writing Fire:

Read/view/discuss things that inspired your writing

Talk about the characters or plot points in your work that you're excited about/excited to get to

Learn about writing that you love that will make you remember why you love writing

Make a list of the reasons you started writing and reread it a few times

Talk to your favorite writers about what they love about being a writer

Make a list of all of the things you look forward to with your current WIP

Get more active in the writeblr community - start talking to other writers you've never spoken to, reach out to that writer you've always been too nervous to reach out to, make new friends

Create a character just to write a bunch of one-shots of all of the things you want to write about

Create a character that loves to write and see how much you can pour your own love of writing into them

[coffinroad]

Writing Realistic Characters - part 2

- Journal from their perspective. It can be hard to write compelling, realistic motivation for characters if you don’t understand them yourself. By journalling from their perspective, even if the content of the journal isn’t included in your story, you’ll essentially be thinking as the character. This should help you understand who they are and how they make choices and react to things, like a real person would.

- Answer “character questions”, but be careful when using lists found online. The internet is full of lists of questions for writers to answer when building characters, but not all of them are actually that important or useful. The fact is, it really doesn’t matter what a character’s favourite colour, animal or day of the week is (unless it’s relevant to your story… but it usually isn’t). When looking for question lists online, or making your own, focus on questions that have to do with your character’s personality, such as how they’d react to a situation or which values matter more to them.

- Make character charts! I can’t stress this enough — character charts are incredibly useful tools for writers and I don’t know what I’d do without them. They’re a great way to keep track of important information about your characters in an organized way that’s easy to access when you need to quickly check a detail. I’d also strongly recommend making your own charts, not using templates online (I find it a lot easier to stay organized when I’m using my own organizational system). If you need a place to start, though, I normally create charts with 4 categories: role (protagonist, antagonist, etc.), name, identities (gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc.), and description (just a brief few sentences about them). You can also make personality charts with things like their greatest flaw, greatest strength, story goals, etc.

- Come up with a few detailed memories/anecdotes from their past. Think of them as mini-stories you can drop into your main story to build a more realistic life around the character. These don’t have to be crucial to the plot, and should be brought up in a natural way, such as in conversation with another character or in the main character’s thoughts. For example, your MC’s best friend might compliment her necklace, and she tells them how her sister gave it to her as a birthday present before moving away. You can also use these anecdotes to drop in important information in a non-obvious way. Continuing the example above, the MC could mention that her sister has the same design necklace, but in green. Later, this becomes a clue, when she finds the green necklace outside the villain’s lair.

- Keep a record of their backstory. This one doesn’t really need much explaining… Just keep notes of your character’s backstory as you come up with it so you don’t risk inconsistencies, which tend to break down realism. 

- Remember that the reader can’t see what’s in your head. Your characters may be fully developed, realistic people in your head, but that makes it easy to forget that your readers don’t automatically understand them the way you do — they only know what’s on the page. Asking other people to read your work can help you understand how your characters come through to an audience, but if you don’t want to do that, just re-reading it yourself is also helpful. If you do the latter, though, go through an entire chapter at a time, the way a reader would, not small sections.