coralie-adams

[coralie-adams]

if you're trying to get into the head of your story's antagonist, try writing an "Am I the Asshole" reddit post from their perspective, explaining their problems and their plans for solving them. Let the voice and logic come through.

[coralie-adams]

AI-Generated Descriptions

I had found myself stuck, unable to string together a sentence that made sense. I was looking for something to describe a character who initially felt nervous about certain things that were going on in their surroundings but had regained their composure and needed to show that they had. I understand that many people in the writing community are opposed to using AI tools like ChatGPT. However, I find these tools helpful when I'm feeling stuck and need inspiration or assistance to overcome a writing hurdle I've encountered. My goal is to help others with this.

Here are some unique ways to describe someone who is nervous but has regained their composure, emphasizing subtle shifts in behavior, body language, or demeanor:

Facial Expressions

"A flicker of unease still lingered in their eyes, but their features settled into a practiced calm."

"Their lips pressed into a thin, deliberate line, masking the quiver that had been there moments ago."

"The faintest flush on their cheeks betrayed the storm they had just weathered."

"A deep breath smoothed the tension from their brow, leaving only a faint shadow of their earlier panic."

Body Language

"Their hands, once trembling, now rested firmly on their lap, though their fingers still curled just a little too tight."

"Straightening their posture, they planted their feet as if to root themselves against the lingering jitters."

"The rhythmic tap of their shoe stopped abruptly as they forced their legs to stillness."

"A subtle tremor in their fingertips betrayed their effort to appear unshaken."

Speech and Voice

"Their voice emerged steady but a pitch too high, as if they were holding it in place by sheer will."

"The first words came hesitantly, then picked up confidence like a wheel finding traction."

"They cleared their throat once, as if brushing away the last remnants of their nerves."

"Each word sounded carefully measured, a deliberate contrast to the rapid stammer from before."

General Description

"They wore their composure like an ill-fitting coat, tugging at it every so often to keep it in place."

"The calm they projected seemed fragile, like a vase glued together after a fall—whole, but only just."

"Their collected demeanor had the feel of a freshly painted wall—polished on the surface, but still drying underneath."

"The storm inside them had quieted, though the air around them still felt charged."

[coralie-adams]

Why can it be so hard to get back into writing when life has prevented you from writing for so long? ugh

[coralie-adams]

Jealousy Starters

"Why do you need to talk to them?"

"You seem to enjoy their company more than mine."

"Are you cheating on me?"

"I saw how you looked at them."

"Why did they text you?"

"You never laugh like that with me."

"Who were you with last night?"

"You’re always so secretive with your phone."

"I bet you’re hiding something from me."

"I don’t trust your friends."

"Why did you stay out so late?"

"Who is more important to you, me or them?"

"You never make time for us anymore."

"Are they more interesting than me?"

"You didn’t tell me you were meeting them."

"I feel like you’re replacing me."

"Why do you need to dress up for them?"

"Are you trying to impress someone else?"

"Why didn’t you invite me?"

"I bet you wish you were with them instead."

[coralie-adams]

this is a safe space for people who think they’re “bad” writers btw you’re not a bad writer, you’re learning and i love you

[coralie-adams]

Falling Down (The Boy in the Iron Box Book 1) Review:

This book was not what I'd normally find myself reading but being a fan of Guillermo del Toro, I knew I had to check it out. I am unfamiliar with Chuck Hogan's work, but I'll check out more of his books after reading this. Now this is just the first of 6 books, and I wasn't sure what to expect with it being a short story. It captivated me from the first page, and its unique plot kept me hooked. This was an excellent start to the series, and it concluded with a well-executed cliffhanger. I'm eager to read the rest of the books and see where the story takes us.

[coralie-adams]

This is lovely advice.

[coralie-adams]

Introduce characters

Here are some ways to introduce characters in a story

The Action Introduction, Show the character in the midst of an exciting or significant action. This immediately captures the reader's attention and gives them an impression of the character's personality. For example, "With a swift swing of her sword, Maya cleaved through the enemy ranks, her determined gaze never wavering."

The Dialogue Introduction, Introduce the character through a captivating conversation or monologue that reveals their thoughts, beliefs, or conflicts. This allows readers to get a glimpse into the character's personality and motivations. For example, "As the rain poured down, James leaned against the lamppost and muttered, 'Life's just a series of missed opportunities, isn't it?'"

The Physical Description Introduction, Describe the character's appearance in a vivid and memorable way. Focus on unique features or attributes that make them stand out. For example, "Her emerald-green eyes shimmered like pools of liquid wisdom, and her silver-streaked hair cascaded down her back like a flowing river."

The Entrance Introduction, Have the character make a grand entrance that immediately grabs attention. This could involve a dramatic arrival or an unexpected appearance that disrupts the scene. For example, "The doors swung open, and in walked a tall figure cloaked in darkness, their presence filling the room with an air of mystery and intrigue."

The Symbolic Introduction, Use symbolic elements or objects to introduce the character. This can be a powerful way to convey their personality or role in the story. For example, "As the sun set behind the mountains, a solitary figure emerged from the shadows, their footsteps leaving behind a trail of delicate rose petals."

The Flashback Introduction, Begin with a flashback or memory that provides insight into the character's past and sets the stage for their introduction in the present. This can create intrigue and a sense of anticipation. For example, "Sarah closed her eyes and let her mind drift back to that fateful day in her childhood, the day that shaped her into the strong, resilient woman she had become."

The Contrast Introduction, Introduce the character by highlighting a sharp contrast between their external appearance or behavior and their inner thoughts or emotions. This can create intrigue and pique the reader's curiosity. For example, "Despite his rugged exterior and tattooed arms, Jake possessed a gentle touch and a heart that yearned for love and acceptance."

[coralie-adams]

— via jitterati

[coralie-adams]

I made a meme

[coralie-adams]

AI-Generated Ways to show that your character is "sad"

Expressing a character's sadness can be achieved through various methods that encompass their thoughts, actions, dialogue, and physical appearance. Here are some different ways to convey sadness in a character:

Thoughts and Internal Monologue

Reflective Thoughts: They constantly think about happier times and lament their loss.

Negative Self-Talk: Their inner voice is critical and filled with self-doubt.

Hopelessness: They feel that nothing will ever get better, leading to a sense of despair.

Isolation: They mentally withdraw from others, feeling misunderstood or alone.

Regret: They replay past mistakes in their mind, feeling overwhelmed by guilt or remorse.

Physical Appearance and Actions

Body Language: Slumped shoulders, drooping posture, and a slow, dragging walk.

Facial Expressions: Downturned mouth, watery eyes, and furrowed brows.

Tears: Silent crying, wiping away tears, or eyes welling up.

Sleep Patterns: Struggling to fall asleep, waking up frequently, or sleeping excessively.

Eating Habits: Loss of appetite or overeating as a form of comfort.

Neglecting Personal Care: Unkempt appearance, wearing the same clothes repeatedly, and lack of interest in hygiene.

Dialogue

Tone: Speaking in a monotone or with a quiver in their voice.

Word Choice: Using words that convey their sadness, such as "empty," "lost," or "numb."

Silence: Long pauses, unfinished sentences, or reluctance to speak.

Expressions of Pain: Verbalizing their sadness through phrases like "I can't take this anymore" or "I feel so alone."

Avoidance: Changing the subject when asked about their feelings or giving vague responses.

Behavior and Interaction with Others

Withdrawal: Avoiding social interactions, staying in their room, or not answering calls.

Loss of Interest: Losing enthusiasm for hobbies or activities they once enjoyed.

Irritability: Snapping at others or being overly sensitive to minor annoyances.

Seeking Solitude: Spending a lot of time alone, perhaps in a favorite quiet spot.

Reluctant Interaction: Being present but not fully engaging in conversations or activities.

Environmental and Situational Context

Setting: Placing the character in dimly lit, cluttered, or empty spaces to reflect their mood.

Weather: Using rainy or overcast weather to symbolize their inner turmoil.

Symbolic Actions: Engaging in actions that symbolize sadness, such as staring out a window, writing in a journal, or listening to melancholy music.

Interactions with Objects: Holding onto sentimental items, such as a photograph or piece of jewelry, and showing a strong emotional response to these objects.

Subtle and Indirect Methods

Artistic Expression: Using art, music, or writing to indirectly express their sadness.

Changes in Routine: Deviating from their usual habits or rituals due to their emotional state.

Sensory Details: Describing how things feel different, such as food tasting bland or colors seeming dull.

Health Symptoms: Physical manifestations of sadness like headaches, fatigue, or a feeling of heaviness.

Combining these methods can create a multi-dimensional portrayal of sadness, making the character's emotions more believable and relatable.

[coralie-adams]

AI-Generated Unique Character Flaws

Here are Twenty AI-generated unique Character Flaws that can be used to create well-rounded, relatable characters with room for growth and development throughout your story. These flaws can add depth and realism to any fictional character.

Chronic Overthinker: Constantly second-guessing themselves and unable to make decisions without extensive analysis, leading to missed opportunities and frustration.

Pathological Altruism: So eager to help others that they neglect their own needs, often making situations worse because they can't say no.

Memory Obsession: Fixated on a past event, they often bring it up in unrelated contexts, making it difficult for them to move on or form new relationships.

Superstitious Behavior: Their reliance on superstitions dictates their actions, causing them to make irrational decisions that can lead to conflict or failure.

Emotional Mask: Always puts on a happy face regardless of their true feelings, leading to bottled-up emotions and eventual breakdowns or misunderstandings.

Compulsive Truth-Teller: Unable to tell white lies, they often hurt others' feelings or create awkward situations by always telling the unvarnished truth.

Phobia-Induced Limitation: A severe, irrational fear (e.g., of water, heights, or open spaces) that restricts their activities and interactions, creating obstacles in their personal and professional life.

Indecisive Perfectionist: Obsessed with making everything perfect, they struggle to complete tasks or make choices, often leading to missed deadlines and opportunities.

Self-Sabotaging: Subconsciously undermines their own efforts due to a deep-seated belief that they don't deserve success or happiness.

Attention-Seeker: Desperate for validation and attention, they often engage in risky or inappropriate behaviors to be noticed, leading to strained relationships and trouble.

Unyielding Stubbornness: Refuses to adapt or consider other viewpoints, leading to conflicts and missed opportunities for growth or collaboration.

Social Chameleon: Changes their personality to fit in with different groups, leading to an identity crisis and shallow relationships because they are never truly themselves.

Eternal Optimist: So optimistic that they fail to see or prepare for potential problems, leading to repeated failures and disappointments.

Compulsive Hoarder: Unable to let go of possessions, their living space becomes cluttered and unmanageable, affecting their quality of life and relationships.

Hyper-Critical: Overly critical of themselves and others, leading to strained relationships and a constant feeling of dissatisfaction.

Isolationist: Prefers solitude to the extent that they avoid meaningful relationships and miss out on social opportunities, leading to loneliness and social awkwardness.

Impulsive Generosity: Gives away money or possessions recklessly, often leaving themselves in financial difficulty and unable to sustain their own needs.

Nostalgia Dependent: Lives in the past, constantly reminiscing and comparing current situations unfavorably to their memories, hindering their ability to enjoy the present.

Reluctant Leader: Possesses leadership qualities but is afraid of taking charge, leading to frustration from peers who see their potential but also their refusal to step up.

Conflict Avoider: Goes to great lengths to avoid conflict, often at their own expense, leading to unresolved issues and a lack of assertiveness.

[coralie-adams]

Writing Description Notes: Facial Expressions

Updated 26th May 2024 More description notes

Fear mounted his face.

She steeled her expression

A deep frown set into his muzzle.

He spoke softly, his brows drawn together in a sympathetic concern.

His eyes searched hers with a gentle concern.

A look of relief washed over his features.

Her eyebrows inched upward, as she looked upon him in stunned silence.

He searched Jane’s expression, but found not the slightest tinge of anger, resentment, or hatred.

His brow wrinkled by a deep frown.

The adamant expression and carefree grin that followed took the edge off her reservations and she pried deeper.

A thinly veiled warning hid behind her perfect pout and she was sure to flash it at the hero menacingly.

Her brows knitted together.

A broken expression laced his features.

In his facial expression was a tiredness, a need for nurture and a chance to rest.

John’s brows drew together gently, his expression accenting his confusion, softly encouraging her to continue.

Only a hint of a hesitation gracing her features.

His brows cured upwards and golden eyes glittered with worry.

Jane adopted an innocent look.

There was a measure of anxiety scrawled all over his face and she tried to ease it by holding his hand.

A soft laugh caught her off guard and she met John’s cynical expression with one of defiance.

She tried to solve the puzzle of emotions on his face.

John’s face fractured with sympathy

A gentle pout formed on her lips

A softness came over her features, replacing the glowing joy for a meaningful affection for such a devoted friend.

[coralie-adams]

Advanced Synonyms for Your Novel

Cold - frigid, icy, chilling

Hot - sweltering, scorching, torrid

Small - minute, diminutive, petite

Big - vast, colossal, gargantuan

Smart - intelligent, astute, savvy

Dumb - obtuse, vacuous, dim-witted

Fast - swift, rapid, fleet

Slow - sluggish, lethargic, dilatory

Old - ancient, decrepit, venerable

Young - youthful, juvenile, fledgling

Good - excellent, superb, stellar

Bad - dreadful, atrocious, abysmal

Strong - robust, sturdy, formidable

Weak - feeble, frail, flimsy

Funny - humorous, witty, comical

[coralie-adams]

AI-Generated Prompts

Here are 10 AI-generated prompts designed to spark creativity and help you overcome the initial hurdle of writer's block!

I used ChatGPT's new "Write For Me" Chat, geared toward helping writers. I know that the use of AI is controversial, especially in the art/writers communities. Still, there are specific times when I find myself in a funk and turn to AI to help with things, such as prompts, to help me reignite the creativity that I know is inside me but fail to come to the surface in that exact moment.

Describe a Memorable Journey: Write about a trip that changed your perspective on life. It could be a real trip you've taken or an imaginary adventure. Focus on the sights, sounds, and feelings you experienced.

Character Dialogue: Create a dialogue between two characters who have opposing viewpoints on a controversial topic. How do they express their arguments and reach a resolution, if any?

Future Predictions: Imagine the world 50 years from now. What has changed? What remains the same? Describe a day in the life of an average person in this future world.

Childhood Memory: Recall a vivid memory from your childhood. Describe the scene, the people involved, and the emotions you felt at that moment.

Superhero Origin Story: Invent a new superhero. What are their powers, and how did they acquire them? What motivates them to use their abilities for good (or evil)?

Unexpected Letter: Write a story that begins with your protagonist receiving an unexpected letter. What is the content of the letter, and how does it change their life?

Alternate History: Choose a significant historical event and imagine what would have happened if it had turned out differently. How would this change the world as we know it?

Stranger in a Café: Describe a stranger sitting in a café. What do they look like? What might they be thinking or feeling? Create a story around why they are there and what happens next.

Lost and Found: Write about an item that was lost and then found years later. Who found it, and what memories or secrets does it hold?

One Wish: A mysterious figure offers your protagonist one wish. What do they wish for, and what are the consequences of this wish?

[coralie-adams]

When I write a cliffhanger but have no idea how to get my character out of it.

[coralie-adams]

Body language cues for a few emotions

Happiness:

Smiling genuinely, with crinkles around the eyes.

Open body posture, with relaxed arms and shoulders.

Leaning forward slightly towards the person or object of interest.

Making eye contact with a warm and engaged expression.

Anger:

Tightened jaw and clenched fists.

Furrowed brows and narrowed eyes.

Standing or sitting with a rigid and tense posture.

Pointing fingers or aggressive gestures.

Raised voice or speaking through gritted teeth.

Sadness:

Downcast eyes and a drooping posture.

Slumped shoulders and shallow breathing.

Avoiding eye contact and withdrawing from social interaction.

Sighing or a subdued tone of voice.

Tearfulness, with watery or red eyes.

Fear:

Widened eyes with dilated pupils.

Raised eyebrows and a tense facial expression.

Frozen or rigid body posture.

Backing away or seeking physical distance from the perceived threat.

Trembling or shaking, especially in the hands or legs.

Surprise:

Raised eyebrows and widened eyes.

Mouth slightly agape or forming an "O" shape.

Leaning forward or recoiling backward in response to the surprise.

Quick inhalation or gasp of breath.

Rapid blinking or blinking more than usual.

Disgust:

Curling the upper lip or wrinkling the nose.

Narrowing the eyes and raising the upper eyelids.

Turning the head away or physically distancing oneself from the source of disgust.

Covering the mouth or nose with the hand or a tissue.

Expressing verbal disgust through phrases like "ew" or "yuck."

These are just some examples, and individuals may display variations in their body language based on their personality, cultural background, and the specific context of the situation.