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quinnharperwrites · 6 months

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THIS IS SO ME.

Like I'm wayyyyy overdue my scheduled, but I lack time and ideas. I know what I want to happen in the different plotlines, but it's very staggered. I don't know what needs to come next to get to the end.

Dealing With Writer's Block - A Ramble

I like to think that there is no such thing as "not having any ideas."

The mind's sink never stops flowing, it just slows down sometimes. Something as simple as whatever the last thing you thought about was—can be made into an idea for use.

I bet as you read that, you rolled your eyes—and just maybe said to yourself "well then that's going to be a boring idea."

If you did, thennnn that may just be part of your problem. It's important to remember that everything you write does not have to be this glorious, mysterious, whoever whatever production. You become your own blockage when you measure ideas by a set standard of "worth", and shut out the basics.

To break that down a little more, I'm trying to say that it's alright to not have that one wonderful immediate idea for your work in progress. It's alright that you can't write that epic battle scene.

But, instead of turning your sink off and going to mope about how you can't come up with anything, take a break and let it drip. I'm really trying to make this metaphor work, haha.

But anyway, quit telling yourself you can't take a sidebar from your WIP to write about clouds or a bottle of water. Who knows—those simple little works might be the start of that burst of clarity you're waiting for.

Look at it this way. The majority of stories never start off of a full blown, glorious idea. They start from something small, and build from more bits and pieces. Keep that in mind.

So in short, I just need everyone to remember to allow themselves the pleasure of a break. Write about that dog you saw at the park, write about a weird tree you saw. It's normal for a writer to go through a block, but you've got to nurture yourself out of it, not contribute to it.

Nurturing isn't "alright, I can't come up with anything else for this so now I'm just going to stop writing all together, I'm a failure and everything I think of is boring."

Nurturing, is "I can't come up with any ideas for this particular WIP, but that's alright, i've got other ideas. Sure, they aren't as cool as that battle scene I need to write, but maybe I'm burnt out, and a fun little free-write is what I need. Maybe that'll trigger an epiphany."

I don't know. Something like that. Just be kind with yourself when writer's block strikes. Putting yourself down about it just cements that cinderblock in.

If not writing anything is the sort of break you need, of course I'm not trying to tell you otherwise, you know yourself. But if you've come up with a mental narrative that you aren't worthy of writing another sentence because it won't be "complex" enough, stop that.

I hope this helps SOMEONE out in these writeblr streets. It's tough out here 😩☠️

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quinnharperwrites · 6 months

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For me it's ✨️le hot garbahge✨️ i am currently churning out in an attempt to catch up a bit on my nano wc

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quinnharperwrites · 6 months

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I like to use a random generator, but sometimes the names are so basic T0T0T0T. Like who names their kid Tess Rogers or Yash Winter.

Sometimes the names are okay. Or you can mix-and-match. If their character is a symbol or has a specific mannerism, then you can look up names that have that symbol. One time in middle school, I translated words into French and "name-ified" them HELPP.

It was okay with Pretty Justice bc that turned to Jolie Justifi, but then I was putting Turn Back and crap like that BGARUOEHF;OAE

fuck I hate naming characters

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quinnharperwrites · 6 months

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You’ve been fully blind since birth. You also just can’t make sense of why the charming Greek lady who runs the local statue garden doesn’t seem to have many friends besides you…

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quinnharperwrites · 6 months

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I love your writing? I'm a beginner and I was wondering if you had any advice on how to improve ones writing style and dialogue. I've been struggling a lot with making descriptions flow. 💗💗

I'm??? Thank you sm😭🫂💕

I don't really think I'm the best person to ask for advice (I've only ever written poetry and songs until now + English isnt my native tongue) but I recommend checking out the writing advice tag in @hpowellsmith and @heywriters ^^

Personally, I really struggle when it comes to settings and places wndks so I'm extra careful to focus on people and their emotions. It's what I work best with given my experience. The Show Don't Tell technique is very very good and I love it.

I'm very nitpicky and perfectionist with my own writing so it really helps me to outline everything. And I mean everything. I recommend using these:

These are also very good in terms of developing characters. @infamous-if has also posted some advice about multifaceted characters^^

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quinnharperwrites · 7 months

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The Earth, Stars and Moon (Part 6)

Taglist: @quinnharperwrites, @holdmyteaplease, @yesireadbooks, @teacupsandstarlight, @vite-poh, @theoracleofgiana, @writeblr-of-my-own

Part 5 | Part 7

The gang had been travelling for days now. Neptune was quickly getting adjusted to the new life, but the heat was too much today. No towns had tried anything, meaning their warning had worked and they would be available to stay in Mexico with Wolfie's family. Brother Bear had went ahead leaving Sister Wolf and Neptune behind.

"Give me a minute." Neptune stopped to catch her breath. Sister Wolf didn't have the patience, but she knew this was what she was like years ago.

"The longer you keep going, the better you get." Neptune looked up, using her hand to block the sun out of her eyes. "It's what helped me when I was in your position."

"I know." Neptune took a sharp, but deep breath before continuing to talk. "I just am not built for the heat, despite my dad's job. I prefer to stay in the water or cool of Mexico. When it was cool." Sister Wolf went quiet before picking Neptune up. The teenager quickly got confused before Sister Wolf began talking.

"We would never get anywhere with you slowing down... besides, I too miss the cool of Mexico. The nights of cool or spending the hot days by the coast at mi mama's casa. That's where we are headed now."

"You know your mother?"

"Yes. She's going to adore you like she does to Beary. I don't talk about mi familia mucho, but I care about them. They just don't fully understand what I do. Like, they are mostly supportive, but they don't get it other than I'm killing gringos who keep stealing our people."

"Shouldn't you be happy then?"

"I should, but some family members have issues with it. Issues with me not being catholic anymore and speaking mainly English. They make me choose a life, when I want to balance both, mi hermano Juan is one of those people. He hated me since I came back. He believes I ran off, when I was taken. It's hard to have a family member hate you. It's another for it to be your hermano. He doesn't get along with Beary."

"Does the rest of your family get along with him?"

"To them, he is one of us. No matter what he was raised as or where he was raised. He's pretty much just another hermano to me. His Spanish could always use work. I think he understands it, but can't choose the correct way to say what he wants."

"Dad was like that in Mexico trying to raise me, we had to stay at this large house by the shore. He didn't speak Spanish, he could write and understand it. I would work for one of the older children while he raised the sun and then at night he would help cook and clean. He just can't form the words he wants to say. Takes him a while to think about it, when he can just write down what he wants."

"I never knew that he knew Spanish."

"He is fluent in French but he typically keeps quiet about it." Neptune looked up to the sky before pushing hair out of her face. "He always talks about how he would speak french to Mother Moon back when she was nicer. Do you know what changed her from that?"

"Conflict." Sister Wolf voice took a quick tonal change to one that was more serious than before. "There was a third with your father and Moon. They were always jealous of Moon's relationship with your father and tried to kill her to get to your dad. It caused the tribes to fight and to get others involved. Moon was never able to get rid of them, they are out there somewhere. Doesn't excuse anything she done, but it sometimes makes me feel sad for her. She had to act serious until one day she was no longer acting, she became a hollow vision of her past."

"I never knew that, I always assumed she just changed one day. That makes thing more... complicated. Do you know anything about the third person?"

"Only the myths, they vanished or got turned into a star. Only person who fully knows is your father, since the two were on good terms after the wars. Your father after all was the negotiator, Moon just isn't one who ever forgave people. The story could always be wrong, I only know parts I was told from Beary and Moon. I don't trust her side of it."

"You don't?"

"The tribes she said fought never existed. One did, but they claimed to had never been in a war since they are a peaceful society. Makes me think she's hiding something, she always is. But that's a story for another day, besides we are getting closer."

"You're just a fast walker."

"I been doing this for years and have to deal with a pack of wolves." Sister wolf stopped as she hit a fork in the road. She could either take the shortcut which would have salt spray and unpredictable waves or take the longer path which was safer but they would be there by sunset. "Are you okay with waves?" Neptune got off Sister Wolf's back and walked towards the water.

"Of course. I love the ocean." Sister Wolf smiled and the two began to walk.

Brother Bear walked to the back of the casa. Mamá had told him that someone was there for him, it was strange but he didn't seem to mind. Walking through the large lit home filled the grisly man with a sense of belonging and warmness. He walked through the doors and went onto the porch where Sapphire was waiting. She looked much different since the last time the two had met.

"Sapphire? What's going on?" Brother Bear joined her looking over the coast. The crashing of waves seemed to captivate Sapphire. "Sappy?"

"Would you still... love me even if I wasn't who I said I was?" What? Brother Bear stood confused for a minute, he didn't even noticed she was looking over at him. He thought about it for a minute before realizing that he really didn't know a lot about Sapphire, compared to Father Sun or Sister Wolf. Yet, she was the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. It raised a lot of questions he hadn't thought of before but he had to respond.

"It depends. I fell in love with you for being yourself, just depends how much of yourself is truly you." Sapphire let out an exhale before her gaze returned to the waves, always rising to crash before receding in an endless cycle. "Maybe tell a story? I love stories. They tell a lot about a person and makes you feel better."

"Long ago..."

Three gods lived in peace. One controlled the rays of the sun, his personality shone as bright as the celestial ball of fire. He brought the day, shining light over all before setting it. He was a gentle god and well beloved, but also taken by his counterpart. His counterpart was a lovely woman who was in charge of the night, protecting the innocent sleepers and guiding lost wanders with the stars she placed in the sky. She was know for being sweet, but cruel and manipulative. Her relationship with the gentle god was healthy but signs of conflict arose with the third god. The third god painted the sky with clouds and washed the earth with rain. All weather was in their control, no matter if it was a wispy cloud or a violent hurricane. The third god and gentle god were as close as siblings, something the second god couldn't understand, she grew envious over their close bond. She decided something would have to change to keep the gentle god to herself. All she wanted in her life was the one thing she never had, control. She set a trap, started a war and removed the third god from history; Myths remain, but only her side of the tale while the third god was casted out. Hidden with the aid of the gentle god, one day things would change and vengeance would be gained. But until then, the third god remains in the background casting storms to help the people they cared about.

Brother Bear looked up at the sky as clouds had suddenly formed during the story, he remained silent from all the new information. The story seemed familiar but he couldn't remember where he heard it from before. More questions arose but it was for a later time. Brother Bear went over and hugged Sapphire, holding her in his hands and refusing to let go. Time seemed unimportant to the two as they stood on the porch overlooking the shore. The silence meant the world to them as they would never have another moment like this where they would remain fully alone. No missions, no murder, just them and the shore.

"Do you have to go?" He already knew the answer. "I- Uh... te q... te-te am.. te amo, mi amor."

"You need to work on your Spanish, Beary." Sapphire kissed his cheek and like that she was gone. All that remained was Brother Bear and the misty clouds in the sky.

Sapphire walked through the hills of sand before seeing a bright glow of light.

"A little dimmer next time, Aelius?"

"It's Father Sun to you, besides you looked like you needed a light." Sapphire let out a smile before he continued. "Don't worry, I told her you had a favor to run for me. You can take your time… but you know she's going to find out eventually."

"I'm surprised she hasn't yet." The two began walking, their marks leaving prints in the sand that soon would disappear. "I want to escape but, I don't want to leave Beary."

"Faking your death, would leave him alone. Is it because you two have feelings for one another?"

"There is romantic feelings between us, but I don't know if he loves the true me or the side that has to be present. I want to tell him, but at the same time… I cannot."

"I see. So you put up with her, to spend time with him? He is really worried, he tried to tell me something Moonie does to you. I assume it's not good due-"

"It's not." Sapphire interrupted. "He doesn't want to ruin your relationship with her, he doesn't know how bad it already is. I can deal with it until Neptune gets accepted by a tribe."

"Because of the prophecy? I mean it's the only reason Moon does anything anymore out of fear."

"I doubt it's true anymore, that was set thousands of years ago. But if true, we will have to see." Sapphire had the strangest feeling they were being watched, but Father Sun reassured her.

"Moon isn't listening. And if she sent someone, no one really is as loyal to her anymore. It's a shame how much she changed, but the signs were already there." The disappointment in Father Sun's voice was heavy. "I always think that I had a chance to stop everything, but I was slow to noticing until it was too late."

"It's not your fault. No one could had known what was coming, not even oracles knew." The rest of the walk was more cheerful but these were all thoughts Sapphire had. The walk was enjoyable and very therapeutic as Sapphire loved long walks in the night. Eventually she reached her destinations as she had to a favor for Father Sun, one she was happy to do. It was a perfect night, like the ones Brother Bear used to be scared of, summoned a shovel and began to dig as the rain began to pitter patter on the sand.

#EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE #the earth stars and moon #writeblr #writing #my writing #fantasy #fiction

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quinnharperwrites · 7 months

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Mastering the Art of Plotting a Well-Paced Novel

In this post, I'll delve into the essential skill of pacing, and explore how pacing can make or break your novel. By understanding the impact of pacing on your story's flow and tension, you will be able to create a well-paced narrative that keeps readers engaged and turning the pages. I'll be unlocking the secrets of pacing and learn how to master the art of plotting a well-paced novel.

Pacing is a critical element in storytelling that determines the speed and rhythm at which events unfold in your novel. It encompasses the tempo, timing, and sequencing of scenes, dialogue, and action. Proper pacing ensures that your story moves along smoothly, building suspense and maintaining readers' interest.

Imagine

Imagine reading a book where everything happens at a breakneck pace, with no time to pause and absorb the crucial moments. Alternatively, consider a book where the plot drags on, leaving readers disengaged and tempted to put the book down. Both scenarios highlight the importance of pacing.

For aspiring writers and authors, mastering the art of pacing is key to creating a captivating story that resonates with readers. It involves skillfully balancing action scenes with quieter moments, strategically revealing information, and strategically varying the pace to maintain tension and anticipation.

Throughout this blog post, I'll help you explore various techniques, tips, and strategies to help you unlock the secrets of pacing and plot a well-paced novel. Whether you're just starting your writing journey or looking to refine your storytelling skills, this guide will provide you with valuable insights and practical advice to help you develop a story that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end. So, let's dive in and uncover the mysteries of pacing.

Setting the Stage: The Power of Pacing

Pacing is the rhythm and tempo at which your story unfolds. It's like music for your reader's mind, setting the tone and guiding their emotions. It determines the speed at which events occur and plays a crucial role in maintaining reader interest. Think of pacing as the heartbeat of your novel, keeping your audience eagerly turning the pages.

But why is pacing so important in storytelling? Well, imagine reading a book where nothing exciting ever happens, or one where everything is rushed and there's no time to breathe. It's like having a roller coaster with no thrilling drops or a movie without any suspenseful moments. Pacing is what keeps your readers engaged and invested in your story.

One of the key aspects of pacing is its ability to increase tension. By carefully controlling the speed at which events unfold, you can build anticipation and leave your readers on the edge of their seats. Whether it's a nail-biting chase scene or a climactic confrontation, pacing can make these moments all the more exhilarating.

Pacing also allows for crucial moments to be savored. It gives your readers the chance to fully immerse themselves in the emotions and details that matter. By slowing down during these pivotal scenes, you can create a deeper connection between your characters and your audience, making the experience more impactful.

Additionally, pacing can be used to maintain tension throughout your story, even during quieter moments. By varying the speed of your narrative, you can keep your readers engaged and curious about what's to come. This ebb and flow of tension will keep them hooked from start to finish.

So, by understanding the power of pacing, you will be equipped to create a well-paced novel that captivates your readers. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into specific techniques for creating suspense and savoring crucial moments in the upcoming sections. Your journey to mastering the art of plotting a well-paced novel starts here!

Speeding Things Up: Techniques for Creating Suspense

Suspense is a powerful tool for keeping readers on the edge of their seats. As a writer, you have the ability to control the pace of your novel and create nail-biting suspense that will captivate your readers. In this section, we will explore techniques for speeding up the pace of your story and intensifying the suspense.

One effective technique is to use short, snappy sentences. By keeping your sentences concise and to the point, you can create a sense of urgency and make the action feel more immediate. This will keep your readers engaged and eager to find out what happens next.

Another technique to consider is the use of cliffhangers. Ending a chapter or section with a cliffhanger leaves your readers hanging and desperate to know what happens next. This can be achieved by introducing a sudden twist, revealing a shocking secret, or leaving a crucial question unanswered. The suspense created by these cliffhangers will keep your readers turning the pages.

Plot twists are also a great way to speed up the pace and create suspense. By introducing unexpected turns of events, you can keep your readers guessing and on the edge of their seats. These twists can be major revelations or small surprises that add intrigue to your story.

Lastly, foreshadowing is a technique that can heighten anticipation and create suspense. By dropping subtle hints or clues about future events, you can build tension and make your readers eager to uncover the truth. Foreshadowing can be done through dialogue, descriptions, or even symbolic elements in your story.

By mastering these techniques, you will be able to weave a thrilling narrative that keeps readers hooked from the first page to the last. So, grab your pen and get ready to speed up the pace of your novel, creating suspense that will leave your readers breathless.

Slowing Down: Savoring Crucial Moments

While it's important to maintain a fast pace in your novel, it's equally crucial to slow down and allow readers to savor crucial moments. These are the scenes that make your story come alive, the moments that leave a lasting impact on your readers. By creating breathing room in your narrative, you give readers the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in poignant scenes and important character development.

One effective way to slow down the pace is through the use of vivid descriptions. Paint a picture with your words, allowing readers to see, hear, smell, and feel the world you've created. By providing rich sensory details, you transport your readers into the heart of the scene, making it more memorable and engaging.

Internal monologues are another powerful tool for slowing down the pace. These moments of introspection allow readers to delve deeper into your characters' thoughts and emotions. By revealing their innermost desires, fears, and conflicts, you add depth and complexity to your story.

Reflective moments also play a crucial role in savoring crucial moments. These are the pauses in the action where characters contemplate their choices, reflect on their past, or ponder the future. These moments of introspection not only add depth and texture to your story but also give readers a chance to connect with your characters on a deeper level.

By finding the right balance between fast-paced action and slower, introspective scenes, you will create a well-rounded narrative that captivates readers on multiple levels. So, take the time to slow down and savor those crucial moments in your novel. Your readers will thank you for it.

The Art of Variation: Maintaining Tension Through Pacing

In this section, we will dive deeper into the art of variation in pacing and how it can maintain tension throughout your novel. As a writer, it's crucial to understand that pacing is not just about maintaining a consistent speed throughout your story. It's about strategically alternating between faster and slower-paced scenes to create a rollercoaster effect that keeps readers engaged and guessing.

By varying the pace of your narrative, you can effectively build and release tension, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Faster-paced scenes filled with action, suspense, and conflict propel the story forward, while slower-paced scenes allow for character development, introspection, and reflection. This ebb and flow of pacing creates a dynamic reading experience that captivates your audience.

Strategic placement of high-intensity scenes is also key to maintaining tension. These scenes should be strategically scattered throughout your novel, serving as climactic moments that heighten the stakes and keep readers invested. However, it's equally important to provide moments of respite, where the pace slows down, allowing readers to catch their breath and process the events unfolding.

By mastering the art of variation in pacing, you can create a well-paced novel that holds readers' attention from start to finish. So, as you plot your story, remember to carefully consider the pacing of each scene, alternating between faster and slower moments, strategically placing high-intensity scenes, and providing moments of respite. This will ensure that your readers are taken on a thrilling and immersive journey through your narrative.

Beyond Words: Enhancing Mood and Atmosphere

Pacing is not just about the words on the page; it has the power to enhance the mood and atmosphere of your narrative. By understanding how the speed of pacing can influence the reader's emotional experience, you can take your storytelling to the next level.

One technique for using pacing to set the tone is to vary the speed of your narrative. By slowing down during introspective moments or important scenes, you can create a sense of depth and allow readers to fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere you're trying to convey. On the other hand, speeding up the pacing during action-packed sequences can generate excitement and keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Pacing can also be used to create tension. By gradually increasing the speed of your narrative, you can build anticipation and make readers feel a sense of urgency. Conversely, slowing down the pacing can create a sense of unease or suspense, leaving readers hanging on every word.

Furthermore, pacing can evoke specific emotions. By carefully choosing the speed at which events unfold, you can elicit feelings of joy, sadness, fear, or even nostalgia. Experimenting with pacing as a tool to guide readers through important plot points and evoke desired emotional responses will add depth and richness to your storytelling.

Remember, pacing goes beyond words. By mastering the art of pacing, you can enhance the mood and atmosphere of your novel, captivating readers and keeping them engaged from beginning to end.

Plotting with Purpose: Pacing and Story Structure

Pacing is not just about speed; it's also about structuring your story in a way that keeps readers hooked. In this section, we will delve into how pacing works hand in hand with story structure. We will explore how to strategically escalate and release tension, ramping up the pace during pivotal moments and allowing for quieter moments of reflection. By aligning your story structure with the pacing of your novel, you will create a cohesive and engaging reading experience that leaves a lasting impact on your audience.

To plot with purpose, it's important to understand the relationship between pacing and story structure. Your story structure provides the framework for your plot, while pacing determines the rhythm and tempo of your narrative. By carefully crafting your story structure, you can strategically place high-tension moments and slower-paced scenes to create a dynamic reading experience.

Consider the rising action, climax, and resolution of your story. These key plot points should align with the pacing of your novel. As you approach the climax, the pace should quicken, building tension and excitement. This is the moment where readers are on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning pages to find out what happens next. After the climax, the pace can gradually slow down, allowing for reflection and resolution.

By understanding the relationship between pacing and story structure, you can create a well-paced novel that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. So, as you plot your own story, remember to consider the purpose behind each scene and how it contributes to the overall pacing of your narrative.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of pacing is a journey that requires practice and experimentation. As a writer, you have the power to control the ebb and flow of your story, guiding readers through a rollercoaster of emotions and keeping them engaged until the very end.

By understanding the impact of pacing on your story's flow, tension, and emotional resonance, you will be able to create a well-paced novel that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. Whether you choose to speed things up to create suspense or slow down to savor crucial moments, pacing is a tool that can enhance the overall reading experience.

Remember, pacing is not just about the speed of your story. It's about finding the right balance, the perfect rhythm that suits your narrative. Experiment with different techniques, play with the pacing of your scenes, and pay attention to how it affects the overall structure and tension of your novel.

So go ahead and unlock the secrets of pacing, and embark on the exhilarating adventure of plotting a well-paced novel that captivates readers and leaves a lasting impression. Happy writing!

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