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what is your ocs favourite fruit?

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my boy taylor and his horse, chapel

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what does the end of your oc's story look like?

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tiktok i made teehee

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Tag the OC that’s named after a family member

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Tag the OCs that are in a polycule

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my goth drow girl <33

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What is your OC’s usual greeting?

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Things That May Be Causing Your Writer's Block- and How to Beat Them

I don't like the term 'Writer's Block' - not because it isn't real, but because the term is so vague that it's useless. Hundreds of issues all get lumped together under this one umbrella, making writer's block seem like this all-powerful boogeyman that's impossible to beat. Worse yet, it leaves people giving and receiving advice that is completely ineffective because people often don't realize they're talking about entirely different issues.

In my experience, the key to beating writer's block is figuring out what the block even is, so I put together a list of Actual Reasons why you may be struggling to write:

(note that any case of writer's block is usually a mix of two or more)

Perfectionism (most common)

What it looks like:

You write one sentence and spend the next hour googling "synonyms for ___"

Write. Erase. Write. Rewrite. Erase.

Should I even start writing this scene when I haven't figured out this one specific detail yet?

I hate everything I write

Cringing while writing

My first draft must be perfect, or else I'm a terrible writer

Things that can help:

Give yourself permission to suck

Keep in mind that nothing you write is going to be perfect, especially your first draft

Think of writing your first/early drafts not as writing, but sketching out a loose foundation to build upon later

People write multiple drafts for a reason: write now, edit later

Stop googling synonyms and save that for editing

Write with a pen to reduce temptation to erase

Embrace leaving blank spaces in your writing when you can't think of the right word, name, or detail

It's okay if your writing sucks. We all suck at some point. Embrace the growth mindset, and focus on getting words on a page

Lack of inspiration (easiest to fix)

What it looks like:

Head empty, no ideas

What do I even write about???

I don't have a plot, I just have an image

Want to write but no story to write

Things that can help:

Google writing prompts

If writing prompts aren't your thing, instead try thinking about what kind of tropes/genres/story elements you would like to try out

Instead of thinking about the story you would like to write, think about the story you would like to read, and write that

It's okay if you don't have a fully fleshed out story idea. Even if it's just an image or a line of dialogue, it's okay to write that. A story may or may not come out of it, but at least you got the creative juices flowing

Stop writing. Step away from your desk and let yourself naturally get inspired. Go for a walk, read a book, travel, play video games, research history, etc. Don't force ideas, but do open up your mind to them

If you're like me, world-building may come more naturally than plotting. Design the world first and let the story come later

Boredom/Understimulation (lost the flow)

What it looks like:

I know I should be writing but uugggghhhh I just can'tttttt

Writing words feels like pulling teeth

I started writing, but then I got bored/distracted

I enjoy the idea of writing, but the actual process makes me want to throw my laptop out the window

Things that can help:

Introduce stimulation: snacks, beverages, gum, music such as lo-fi, blankets, decorate your writing space, get a clickity-clackity keyboard, etc.

Add variety: write in a new location, try a new idea/different story for a day or so, switch up how you write (pen and paper vs. computer) or try voice recording or speech-to-text

Gamify writing: create an arbitrary challenge, such as trying to see how many words you can write in a set time and try to beat your high score

Find a writing buddy or join a writer's group

Give yourself a reward for every writing milestone, even if it's just writing a paragraph

Ask yourself whether this project you're working on is something you really want to be doing, and be honest with your answer

Intimidation/Procrastination (often related to perfectionism, but not always)

What it looks like:

I was feeling really motivated to write, but then I opened my laptop

I don't even know where to start

I love writing, but I can never seem to get started

I'll write tomorrow. I mean next week. Next month? Next month, I swear (doesn't write next month)

Can't find the time or energy

Unreasonable expectations (I should be able to write 10,000 words a day, right????)

Feeling discouraged and wondering why I'm even trying

Things that can help:

Follow the 2 min rule (or the 1 paragraph rule, which works better for me): whenever you sit down to write, tell yourself that you are only going to write for 2 minutes. If you feel like continuing once the 2 mins are up, go for it! Otherwise, stop. Force yourself to start but DO NOT force yourself to continue unless you feel like it. The more often you do this, the easier it will be to get started

Make getting started as easy as possible (i.e. minimize barriers: if getting up to get a notebook is stopping you from getting started, then write in the notes app of your phone)

Commit to a routine that will work for you. Baby steps are important here. Go with something that feels reasonable: every day, every other day, once a week, twice a week, and use cues to help you remember to start. If you chose a set time to write, just make sure that it's a time that feels natural to you- i.e. don't force yourself to writing at 9am every morning if you're not a morning person

Find a friend or a writing buddy you can trust and talk it out or share a piece of work you're proud of. Sometimes we just get a bit bogged down by criticism- either internal or external- and need a few words of encouragement

The Problem's Not You, It's Your Story (or Outline (or Process))

What it looks like:

I have no problems writing other scenes, it's just this scene

I started writing, but now I have no idea where I'm going

I don't think I'm doing this right

What's an outline?

Drowning in documents

This. Doesn't. Make. Sense. How do I get from this plot point to this one?!?!?! (this ColeyDoesThings quote lives in my head rent free cause BOY have I been there)

Things That Can Help:

Go back to the drawing board. Really try to get at the root of why a scene or story isn't working

A part of growing as a writer is learning when to kill your darlings. Sometimes you're trying to force an idea or scene that just doesn't work and you need to let it go

If you don't have an outline, write one

If you have an outline and it isn't working, rewrite it, or look up different ways to structure it

You may be trying to write as a pantser when you're really a plotter or vice versa. Experiment with different writing processes and see what feels most natural

Study story structures, starting with the three act structure. Even if you don't use them, you should know them

Check out Ellen Brock on YouTube. She's a professional novel editor who has a lot of advice on writing strategies for different types of writers

Also check out Savage Books on YouTube (another professional story editor) for advice on story structure and dialogue. Seriously, I cannot recommend this guy enough

Executive Dysfunction, Usually From ADHD/Autism

What it looks like:

Everything in boredom/understimulation

Everything in intimidation/procrastination

You have been diagnosed with and/or have symptoms of ADHD/Autism

Things that can help:

If you haven't already, seek a diagnosis or professional treatment

Hire an ADHD coach or other specialist that can help you work with your brain (I use Shimmer; feel free to DM me for a referral)

Seek out neurodiverse communities for advice and support

Try body doubling! There's lot's of free online body doubling websites out there for you to try. If social anxiety is a barrier, start out with writing streams such as katecavanaughwrites on Twitch

Be aware of any sensory barriers that may be getting in the way of you writing (such as an uncomfortable desk chair, harsh lighting, bad sounds)

And Lastly, Burnout, Depression, or Other Mental Illness

What it looks like:

You have symptoms of burnout or depression

Struggling with all things, not just writing

It's more than a lack of inspiration- the spark is just dead

Things that can help:

Forget writing for now. Focus on healing first.

Seek professional help

If you feel like it, use writing as a way to explore your feelings. It can take the form of journaling, poetry, an abstract reflection of your thoughts, narrative essays, or exploring what you're feeling through your fictional characters. The last two helped me rediscover my love of writing after I thought years of depression had killed it for good. Just don't force yourself to do so, and stop if it takes you to a darker place instead of feeling cathartic

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What position does your OC sleep in? Any of those listed below?

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Evil Dialogue Prompts

Prompts to crunch down on your reader's hearts.

1.) "Did he come back? Did he ever make it home?"

2.) "You know, when my life flashed before my eyes? I guess I just thought you'd be in more of the scenes."

3.) "I don't think we want this anymore. I don't think you're good for me."

4.) "We're all out of mangos. I would buy more, but since you left, well. You're the only one who was eating them. I'm not sure what I'd even do with them now."

5.) "I just checked in to the heartbreak hotel. Didn't think you'd take the room next door, baby."

6.) "High school was like, a really long time ago. Why do you think I'd care now?"

7.) "I don't want you to stay, actually. But since I need someone? I guess you'll do fine."

8.) "This is the last time we'll be ordering here. Do you think they'll remember us at all?"

9.) "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. It was a dream... I was asleep."

10.) "That's my necklace. Did you really keep it this whole time? I didn't expect that. I didn't expect you to come back at all."

11.) "Don't touch me. I don't think you know what you've done."

12.) "Do you realize how hard I'm trying? Do you know that everything I do is for us?"

13.) "You look at me like a three piece fried chicken pack. I look at you like the whole henhouse. Don't you see? We're not the same."

14.) "My mom says hi. I think she misses you too."

15.) "Dying? No, that's not something I'm scared of. It's more like being forgotten. It's more like everyone letting go of me at once."

Tell me if you end up using some :) I'd appreciate that!

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FICTIONALBULLSHITTER'S SUNDAY WRITEBLR ASK-A-THON: WEEK 1

Hi guys, this is the first week of the Sunday Writeblr Ask-a-Thon where I send as many asks as possible to a bunch of you, EVERY SUNDAY.

So I don't get flagged as a bot, I'm also posting this to say that if you do not get an ask from me, you can still join in with the Ask-A-Thon because I'm going to post a bunch of questions below and you can reblog this post and answer as many as you want, but also send them to others!

The Questions For This Week:

What Genres do you love to read?

What genres do you love to write?

What genres wont you write?

Do you have a favourite OC? Gush about them

Do you listen to music, podcast or a youtube video whilst you write?

What authors inspire you? - writeblr or non-writeblr

Has any other media inspired you?

Have you ever cried at your own writing?

If you've cried at your writing, when was the last time it happened?

Do your ocs have any hobbies, illegal or non-illegal?

Do your ocs have any addictions to anything legal or illegal?

Would your ocs ever trash a room/ throw a fit when getting too competitive in a video game or board game?

Where do your ocs like to hang out the most?

What are your ocs sleeping habits like?

Have your ocs ever created their own stories, creepy horror stories or campfire-like stories?

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horror themed writing ask game

🧭 - what would your character do if they got lost in another dimension/world/universe/timeline? do they try to go home? do they even want to?

🏚 - what would your character do if their house was haunted? are they haunting their house? does the house reflect their state of mind, or does the house love/hate them and vice versa?

🪞 - what would your character do if faced with an evil doppelganger? would they run away, fight? is the doppelganger a reflection of their inner fears?

☄️ - what would your character do in an apocalyptic event?

🌃 - what would your character do if they were trapped in a labyrinthine city that's alive?

🔮 - if your character had a dream they or a loved one was going to die a horrible death (that is probably inevitable), what would they do?

📼 - if your character found a cursed videotape, would they play it? how would they get rid of the curse? can they?

⚰️ - if your character lost a loved one, what would they do? would they grieve and move on? try to bring them back? cling to their remains?

🔦 - would your character go investigate that spooky noise? the local ghost story? cryptid? that rash of murders in town?

🩸 - if confronted with a monster, would they romance them, befriend them, fight them, run away, kill them? something else?

🏕 - if there was a camp or woods infamous for a string of murders or disappearances, would your character still go camping there? or are they there to investigate? why are they investigating? (documentary, former survivor, etc.)

🕰 - what would your character do if they were stuck in a time loop?

🪚 - what would happen if you put two of your characters in a saw trap maze together?

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How much money would it take to get your OC to kill someone?

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What kind of drunk is your OC?

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I Have Found A Solution!

So, obviously classic wizard robes aren’t wheelchair friendly. (Alright, admittedly this isn’t common knowledge and also this definitely isn’t a problem for most but listen, this is a problem for me and I’m pleased to present a solution for it nonetheless.)

The issue is in the sleeves and the length of the robes. The traditional trumpet style allows them to get snagged, dirty, and caught in the wheels.

This is distinctly not an issue with other mobility aids such as canes and crutches, these wizards are fine to carry on with their trumpet sleeves simply rolled up if needed.

Now, one solution might simply to shorten the sleeves and hem to be out of the way, but that looks rather silly so I won’t do that. Instead I propose the more elegant design of a hanging sleeve to maintain that flowy magical feel while allowing for better range of motion.

Honestly I just love the look of hanging sleeves in general and think more people should appreciate them, wheelchair user or not.

In conclusion…

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give me ace characters who are unabashedly sexy and flirtatious.

give me aro characters who are emotional and clingy.

give me bi characters who can't even make eye contact with anyone, let alone flirt with them.

give me pan characters who are deadpan (haha get it) and have black cat energy.

give me non-binary characters who dress completely femme or masc, who don't “look non-binary”.

give me trans characters who don't completely pass as their gender but are still respected and not the butt of a joke.

fuck the stereotypes, give me more variety in queer representation.