12 Emotional Wounds in Fiction Storys
Betraying a Loved One. Your character made a choice, and it backfired, badly. They betrayed someone close to them, maybe on purpose, maybe by accident. Now, the guiltâs eating them alive. They might try to fix things, but can they even make up for what they did?
Guilt Over a Past Mistake. They made a mistake, one that cost someone else. Maybe it was reckless, maybe it was a dumb decision, but now it haunts them. They canât stop thinking about it, and no matter how hard they try to make things right, the past keeps pulling them back.
Survivorâs Guilt. Imagine surviving something awful, an accident, a disaster, but someone else didnât make it. Now your character is stuck asking, âWhy me? Why am I still here?â They push people away, convinced they donât deserve to be happy or even alive.
Feeling Powerless. Your character is trapped, maybe in an abusive home, a toxic relationship, or just in life itself. They feel stuck, with no control over their own future.
Being Wrongly Accused. They didnât do it. But no one believes them. Your character has been falsely accused of something serious, maybe even a crime and now theyâre fighting to clear their name. Itâs not just about proving their innocence, though. Theyâre also battling the pain of being abandoned by people who were supposed to stand by them.
Public Humiliation. Theyâve just been humiliated in front of everyone, maybe itâs a video gone viral, or they were betrayed by someone they trusted. Now, they canât even look people in the eye.
Living in Someoneâs Shadow. No matter what they do, itâs never enough. Someone else, a sibling, a friend, a partner, always shines brighter. They feel stuck in that personâs shadow, invisible and overlooked.
Abandoning a Dream. They had big dreams, but somewhere along the way, life got in the way, and now theyâve given up. Maybe it was because of fear or circumstances beyond their control, but the loss of that dream has left them feeling empty.
Childhood Trauma. Something happened to them when they were young, something painful that still affects them today. Whether it was abuse, neglect, or a significant loss, the trauma follows them into adulthood, shaping how they see themselves and the world.
Being an Outsider. Theyâve never felt like they fit in, whether because of their background, their personality, or something else. They long for acceptance but fear theyâll never find it.
Struggling with Addiction. Theyâre caught in a destructive cycle, whether itâs with substances, behaviors, or even people. The shame and struggle to break free from addiction are real and raw.
Living with Chronic Illness. Theyâre living with a chronic illness or disability, and itâs not just the physical challenges that weigh them down, itâs the emotional toll, too. Maybe they feel isolated, or like theyâre a burden to others.
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Forced Proximity Prompt
A: "You seriously need to move over. You're, like, taking up the entire seat."
B: "Where exactly do you expect me to go? We're stuck in this tiny space."
(A shuffles closer, their leg brushing against Bâs.)
A: "Fine. Iâll just squish in here."
B: (heart pounding, avoiding eye contact) "Yeah, just⌠stay on your side. Donât make it weird."
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Love Triangle Gestures
You watch them laugh together and pretend it doesnât bother you, but your heart is racing, and you can feel jealousy creeping in.
You canât help but secretly want him/her, even though Heâs/Sheâs giving someone else all his/her attention. Itâs like a punch to the gut every time.
You try to act chill, but those side glances when they flirt with the other person? Yeah, they hurt way more than youâd like to admit.
Little things start happening, one of them touches your arm just a little longer, the other texts you late at night. Youâre torn between both, and itâs driving you crazy.
Guilt hits you out of nowhere because maybe, just maybe, youâre falling for the one youâre not âsupposedâ to have feelings for.
The realization hits, no matter what, someoneâs going to get hurt. And itâs not going to be pretty.
You keep stealing small moments with each of them, sharing secrets, laughing, and getting closer⌠but every time, youâre left more confused than before.
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Writing isnât about waiting for some magical burst of motivation to hit you. If youâre sitting around waiting for the perfect moment, youâll never get anything done. Writing is showing up on the bad days, when the words feel like theyâre dragging through mud. Itâs not glamorous, itâs work. But hereâs the thing, every time you push through that struggle, you get stronger. You donât write because itâs easy or fun all the time. You write because the story inside you needs to be told. So sit down, put in the hours, and watch what happens when you refuse to quit.
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Summer Romance Dialogue
A: "This summer has been... perfect."
B: "I know. I wish it didnât have to end."
A: "It doesnât. We can still see each other after."
B: (quietly) "But it wonât be the same. Will it?"
A: "Maybe not. But I donât want to let go of this. Of us."
B: "Neither do I. Letâs make the most of what we have, right now."
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Cozy September word prompts
Sweater Weather
Pumpkin Spice
Crunching Leaves
Bonfire Nights
Flannel and Fuzzy Socks
Cider Mornings
Golden Sunsets
Warm Blankets
Candlelit Evenings
Caramel Apples
Chilly Breezes
Cozy Nooks
Apple Picking
Forest Trails
Warm Scarves
Fireplace Glow
Rainy Afternoons
Baking Cookies
Fall Markets
Autumn Skies
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Just two things:
What are some body language for a small sickness, such a cold?
And what is the body language for a much bigger sickness, such as a really bad fever?
When someone has a small sickness like a cold, their body language can be subtle but still easy to spot if you're paying attention. They might be a little more slouched than usual, like their body is tired even if theyâre trying to act normal. Theyâll sniffle a lot, maybe rubbing their nose or using tissues constantly. Thereâs also this thing where theyâll keep swallowing, like their throat is scratchy. You might notice them shivering slightly, like theyâre cold even if it's not that chilly. And their eyes? They can look watery or just a bit out of focus, like theyâre struggling to keep up with everything going on. Now, when someone has a much bigger sickness, like a really bad fever, their body language changes a lot more. Theyâll look exhausted, like every movement takes too much energy. You might see them constantly touching their forehead, trying to check their own temperature or rubbing their head because they have a pounding headache. Theyâll move slower, almost like they're weighed down, and sometimes theyâll clutch their stomach or chest, as if it hurts to breathe or even stand. Their skin could be pale or flushed, depending on how bad the fever is, and youâll definitely notice their eyes, theyâll look heavy, almost like theyâre burning or barely staying open. And when they talk, itâs quieter, sometimes raspy or uneven because theyâre struggling to get their words out without feeling worse.
In short, a cold can make someone seem just a little off, but with a serious fever, it's like their body is fighting a battle, and you can see it in every small, exhausted gesture.
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hello! I don't know if you've done something like this already, but do you have any tips on writing inner conflict in a character, specifically doing something that goes against their values but could help a lot of people? Thanks!
When you're writing about a character experiencing inner conflict, especially when they're about to do something that clashes with their values, itâs all about digging deep into the emotional tension. Imagine a moment where your character feels pulled in two directions. They know whatâs right in their heart, but something (or someone) is pushing them to act against it. Thatâs the sweet spot for inner conflict.
To make this really hit, start by showing your characterâs core beliefs early on. What do they stand for? Whatâs important to them? That way, when they have to make a choice that goes against those beliefs, it feels like a big deal, both to the character and the reader.
Then, focus on their internal struggle. Get inside their head. Show their thoughts racing, maybe even contradicting themselves. One moment they might justify the choice, telling themselves it's necessary, but in the next breath, guilt or doubt creeps in. This back-and-forth builds tension and makes readers feel that tug of war inside the character.
You also want to make sure their external actions donât always line up with whatâs going on in their head. Maybe theyâre putting on a brave face, trying to convince others or even themselves, that theyâre fine with what theyâre doing. But in private, that inner turmoil eats away at them, whether through sleepless nights, regret, or self-loathing.
Just Give the consequences weight. Whether your character goes through with the action or not, let it change them. Inner conflict should have lasting effects. Maybe they question who they are, or maybe they try to bury the guilt. Either way, that decision should stick with them, shaping future choices and how they see themselves. The more you make them feel the consequences, the more your readers will, too.
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Dunno if you already did this, but can you do one about showing characters processing something or in deep thought. I always fall into the trap of "their eyebrows furrowed".
Oh, I totally get that! Itâs so easy to fall into the whole "their eyebrows furrowed" thing, but there are way more ways to show a character deep in thought.
First, try switching up their body language. Instead of focusing on their face, have them fidget, maybe theyâre tapping their fingers, messing with the hem of their shirt, or pacing a little. These small movements show theyâre distracted or thinking hard about something without always going for the obvious expression.
Example "She twisted a strand of hair around her finger, eyes locked on the floor as if the answer might appear there."
Next, think about their eyes. Are they staring off into space, completely zoned out? Maybe their eyes flicker back and forth, like theyâre mentally working through something. You can use their gaze to show that their thoughts are elsewhere, without even needing to mention their face.
Example "His eyes drifted past the window, staring at nothing, the world outside a blur as his mind raced." Or "She narrowed her eyes, her gaze shifting from one corner of the room to another, piecing together the clues in her head."
Another good trick is to dive into internal sensations. You can describe how their thoughts are racing, their chest feels tight, or their stomach twists with uncertainty. Maybe their mind is replaying a conversation or trying to make sense of something confusing. Little details like that can really pull the reader into their head.
Example "His thoughts were a tangled mess, one question bleeding into the next until he couldnât keep track anymore." Or "She kept replaying his words in her mind, over and over, trying to figure out what he really meant."
Also, silence can be super effective. Maybe they stop talking mid-sentence or give short, distracted responses to people around them. Itâs like their brain is too busy to focus on the conversation, and that can show how deep in thought they are.
Example "When Jake asked her a question, she didnât even hear it. Her mind was too far gone, trapped in a spiral of what-ifs." Or "He nodded absentmindedly, not really listening, his focus somewhere far from the conversation."
And donât forget about small physical reactions! Maybe theyâre feeling a weird heaviness in their chest, or a knot in their stomach forms as they overthink. Physical sensations tied to emotions can really ground the moment and make it feel more real.
Example "Her chest tightened as the weight of the decision settled over her, heavy and unavoidable." Or "A dull ache formed behind his eyes, the pressure of too many unanswered questions closing in."
So yeah, thereâs lots of cool ways to show deep thought without just saying "eyebrows furrowed", Mix it up and itâll feel way more natural. :)
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If you write a fearless hero, let them feel afraid.
If you write a confident leader, let them doubt themselves.
If you write a rebellious teen, let them follow the rules, just once.
If you write a wise mentor, let them be wrong.
If you write an independent loner, let them need someone.
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How to Write a Ruthless Character
A ruthless character is all about the endgame. They donât care how they get there, lying, cheating, using others, itâs all fair game as long as they win. When writing them, show how they can cut off any distractions or emotions, making decisions that others would hesitate over.
These characters don't let feelings get in the way. Compassion, guilt, regret? Nah, they donât have time for that. Show how they can turn off their emotions and make choices purely based on logic. Theyâll do things that seem heartless to everyone else, but for them, itâs just another part of the plan. Itâs not that they donât feel anything, they just choose not to.
Boundaries? What boundaries? A ruthless character doesnât care about rules unless they can bend them to get ahead. Theyâll do things no one else dares, crossing lines others are too scared to even approach. The more uncomfortable their actions make people, the more it emphasizes just how far theyâre willing to go. For them, pushing limits is just another day.
They donât act on impulse. Every move they make is planned, and every risk they take is calculated. They weigh the pros and cons before acting, and theyâre always three steps ahead of everyone else. Writing a ruthless character means showing that theyâve already figured out how to win while everyone else is still trying to figure out the rules.
Betrayal is their go-to move when things get tough. Friends, allies, even people who trust them, no one is safe. Theyâll turn on anyone if it benefits them. And the best part? Theyâll sleep just fine afterward. Show how others react to their betrayals, shocked, hurt, furious, while your ruthless character shrugs it off like, âIt had to be done.â
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Childhood Friends Prompt #1
Youâve been friends since you could walk, but something changed over the summer. Now every time He/She looks at you, your stomach twists in knots, and you donât know why. Youâve always been close, but lately, it feels like youâre both afraid of what might happen if you get *too* close.
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Donât Give Up My Dear Writer
Writing is a skill and like any other skill, it takes practice to improve. Set aside time each day or week to write, even if it's just for a short time.
Reading is essential for improving your writing. Read widely in different genres and styles, and pay attention to how writers structure their sentences, develop characters, and create plots.
Don't be afraid to try writing in different styles and genres. Experimenting can help you find your voice and develop your skills.
Write about topics that you are passionate about. When you write about things that interest you, your writing will be more authentic and engaging.
No writer gets it perfect on the first draft. Take time to edit and revise your work. You'll be surprised how much your writing can improve with a few rounds of editing.
Share your work with others and get feedback. This can be invaluable for improving your writing and gaining new perspectives.
Writing can be frustrating and challenging at times, but don't give up. Keep writing, keep learning, and keep improving.
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Body type and shape
Lean Having a slender and toned body with minimal body fat.
Muscular Having well-developed muscles and a defined physique.
Slender Having a thin and graceful body shape.
Curvy Having an hourglass figure with well-defined curves, particularly in the hips and bust.
Athletic Having a fit and muscular body, often associated with participation in sports or physical activities.
Petite Being small and slender in stature, usually referring to height and overall body size.
Voluptuous Having full and shapely curves, often emphasizing a larger bust, hips, and thighs.
Stocky Having a compact and solid build with a sturdy appearance.
Thin Having a slim and slender body shape with little body fat or muscle definition.
Well-proportioned Having balanced and harmonious body proportions, with each body part in good proportion to the whole.
Toned Having firm muscles and a defined physique resulting from regular exercise and strength training.
Chubby Having a plump or rounded body shape, often with excess body fat.
Pear-shaped Having a body shape where the hips and thighs are wider than the shoulders and bust.
Hourglass figure Having a curvy body shape characterized by a well-defined waist and proportionate bust and hips.
Apple-shaped Having a body shape where weight is primarily carried around the midsection, resulting in a broader waistline.
Broad-shouldered Having wide and well-developed shoulders in comparison to the rest of the body.
Long-limbed Having long and slender limbs in proportion to the body.
Stout Having a sturdy and robust build, often characterized by a solid and thick physique.
Plump Having a pleasantly full and rounded body shape, often indicating a higher percentage of body fat.
Tall and slender Being tall in height and having a slim and elongated body shape.
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Two Types of Love
Eros đ
Eros is that fiery, passionate love that sweeps you off your feet. Itâs the kind of love that makes your heart pound and your palms sweat, where every touch feels electric, and every glance sends a thrill down your spine. Eros is often what we feel at the beginning of a romantic relationship, when everything is fresh and exhilarating, filled with a burning desire and intense physical attraction. It's the love that makes you stay up all night just thinking about the person who has captured your heart, dreaming about the next time youâll be together. Eros is intoxicating and all-consuming, making you feel alive in ways you never thought possible.
Philia đ¤
Philia is the deep, soulful love between friends. It's not about passion or romance but about a genuine bond that forms through shared experiences and mutual respect. This is the love that grows when you laugh together, cry together, and support each other through thick and thin. Itâs the comforting feeling of knowing thereâs someone who understands you, who gets your jokes, and who will be there no matter what. Philia is built on trust and loyalty, the kind of love where you donât have to say anything, and yet, you feel completely understood.
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Dialogue Prompts for Unrequited Love
"I love you... but not the way you love me."
"You deserve someone who can love you back."
"I wish I could be the one for you."
"Seeing you with them breaks my heart."
"Iâll always be your friend, but nothing more."
"You mean everything to me, but we can't be together."
"It's not you, it's me."
"I donât want to lose our friendship."
"I canât force my heart to feel something it doesnât."
"Youâll find someone better than me."
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Dialogue Prompts for Friendship
"Youâre the best friend Iâve ever had."
"Iâll always have your back."
"You mean the world to me."
"Weâve been through so much together."
"I donât know what Iâd do without you."
"Youâre like family to me."
"Thanks for always being there."
"I trust you more than anyone."
"You know me better than I know myself."
"Our bond is unbreakable."
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