#Writing Asks

[writers-potion]

Editing Tips: Watch Out for Tautology

When you say the same thing twice with different words, it's a "tautology". They make manuscripts wordy.

Examples:

He shrugged his shoulders. -> He shrugged.

She clapped her hands. -> She clapped.

Her feet stepped back. -> She stepped back.

He hand picked up the knife. -> He picked up the knife.

If a movement is necessary for an action, the movement is included in the action and doesn't need to be spelled out separately.

He reached out his arm and took the book from her -> He took the book from her.

She lifted the glass to her lips and drained it. -> She drained her glass.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* . ───

💎If you like my blog, buy me a coffee☕ and find me on instagram! 

💎Before you ask, check out my masterpost part 1 and part 2 

💎For early access to my content,  become a Writing Wizard 

[novlr]

how to describe despair in writing

Despair is a visceral and crushing emotion—one that echoes through the pages of a story, gripping readers with its raw intensity. It is more than just a feeling; it’s an abyss that characters fall into, a shadow that colours their every action and decision with hues of hopelessness and loss.

Behaviour

Neglecting personal care or obligations.

A lack of motivation or interest in activities they once enjoyed.

Withdrawing from social situations or avoiding company.

Engaging in self-destructive actions or habits.

Consistent signs of fatigue or lethargy.

Frequent emotional outbursts or mood swings.

An inability to concentrate or focus on tasks.

Indecisive, even on trivial matters.

Focusing on negative thoughts.

Displaying a loss of hope or a sense of defeat.

Interactions

Avoiding physical or eye contact with others.

Short-tempered and easily irritated.tempered

Speaking in monosyllables or giving terse responses.

A sense of indifference or apathy toward others’ concerns.

Struggling to express themselves or to articulate their feelings.

Misinterpreting others’ intentions or words negatively.

Isolating themselves despite offers of help or companionship.

Being unresponsive to attempts at humour or light-heartedness.

Blaming others or external circumstances for their despair.

Seeking out enablers or situations that validate their mindset.

Body language

Slumped shoulders or a consistently bowed head.

Averted gaze or blank stares into the distance.

Fidgeting, such as wringing hands or picking at skin.

Slow, dragging movements or a lack of coordination.

Heavy sighing or audible breaths.

Neglecting personal space or boundaries.

Minimal gestures or lifeless posture.

Clenched fists or jaw during moments of heightened emotion.

Visible trembling or shaking due to emotional strain.

A general lack of energy or life in physical presence.

Attitude

Pessimism towards the future.

Cynicism about intentions, whether their own or others’.

Resignation, believing that effort will not change their situation.

Indifference to opportunities or choices presented to them.

A sense of helplessness or powerlessness in all scenarios.

Self-deprecation and a tendency to dismiss their own value.

An overwhelming sense of guilt or responsibility for past events.

A fixation on the negative aspects of every situation.

An inability to accept comfort or positive feedback.

Believing they are a burden to others.

Positive Story Outcomes

An epiphany or realisation that sparks a desire for change.

A gesture of kindness from another character that provides a glimmer of hope.

The discovery of an inner strength or previously untapped resource.

A serendipitous event that offers a new perspective or opportunity.

The formation of a supportive relationship or friendship.

Minor victories or achievements that build self-confidence.

Learning a valuable lesson through hardship.

Developing empathy for others going through similar experiences.

Finding purpose in aiding others, easing their own despair.

An eventual embrace of vulnerability, leading to healing and growth.

Negative Story Outcomes

A surrender with long-lasting consequences.

The breakdown of important relationships.

A significant loss incurred because of inaction or apathy.

Descent into a more self-destructive or reckless lifestyle.

The solidification of a character’s role as an antagonist.

A missed opportunity for redemption or improvement.

A worsening of the character’s situation, potentially affecting others.

The development of a trait or flaw that hinders future happiness or success.

A downfall that provides a cautionary tale within the narrative.

A tragic ending that leaves a profound impact on the reader and other characters.

Helpful Vocabulary

Desolate

Forlorn

Wretched

Crestfallen

Anguished

Dolorous

Bereft

Hollow

Numb

Morose

Sullen

Bleak

Languish

Melancholy

Hopeless

Despondent

Dejected

Heartbroken

Miserable

Pained

Woeful

Eclipsed

Defeated

Overwhelmed

Grief-stricken

Tormented

Disconsolate

Listless

Oppressed

Despairing

[kahvilahuhut]

food themed oc asks 🍅

food preferences tell a lot about us and the same can be said about our ocs. And so, here's a funny ask game.

GENERAL/MISC

🍎 What's your oc's favorite food(s)?

🍊 Your oc is brought to the fruits and veggies aisle of the grocery store. What do they pick?

🍌 If your oc would pick a yoghurt or something like it, would they rather 1) eat plain yoghurt 2) eat flavored yoghurt or 3) eat yoghurt with the fruit bits in it.

🥭 Does your oc drink juice? What's their favorite kind of juice? Do they mind the fruit pulp that can sometimes be found in these?

🥝 Does your oc have food restrictions? Is the reason related to health, culture, ethics, preferences or something else?

🫐 Would your oc eat something they found outside? (for example: berries, mushrooms, not eaten chocolate bar, stuff like that)

🍇 Does your oc prefer coffee, tea, or hot chocolate? Do they prefer them hot or cold? What would their usual order in a cafe be?

🧄 How much spices does your oc use when cooking? Do they prefer bland taste or spicy/rich in flavor meals?

🍤 What's their opinion on seafood?

🧇 Do they enjoy baking? What's their favorite thing to bake? What's their favorite pastry to eat?

🍳 Do they enjoy cooking? What's their favorite thing to cook? Do they cook alone or with someone else?

🥖 What's their favorite kind of bread?

🫕 Do they like cheese?

🍾 Does your oc drink alcohol? What's their favorite drink(s) (can be alcoholic or non-alcoholic)? Would they know how to mix a cocktail?

🍟 What is your oc's opinion on fast food? How often do they buy it?

BREAKFAST

🥐 Your oc is given a chance to order a breakfast from cafe - what do they order? Would they actually do that?

🥯 What's their usual breakfast like? Do they eat breakfast, and if so, how regularly? Do they eat alone or with someone else? What would an ideal breakfast for them be?

🥚 What is your oc's preferred way to eat eggs? If your oc doesn't eat eggs, what do they think about scrambled tofu or the equivalent in their world?

🥓 At what time does your oc eat breakfast?

🥨 Brunch picnic time with friends/partner(s)/companions/[insert your ocs' close people here]! What is your oc bringing?

LUNCH

🥗 Your oc is now at a salad bar (a buffet-like place where you can do your own salad). What do they put in there? Do they add some kind of protein? Some sweet fruits? Some seeds or bread?

🥪 What kind of sandwiches does your oc like/would like to eat? If they could eat it for lunch, would they only eat it or something else, too?

🍣 What's your oc's typical lunch like? Do they usually eat lunch, and if so, how regularly? Do they eat alone or with someone else? What would their ideal lunch be like?

🥟 What's something your oc would love to eat for lunch almost every time?

🥙 They are having a lunch date. Which place do they pick and what are they ordering? Do they hurry or would they rather be late from whatever happens after lunch?

DINNER

🧆 Would they rather eat a stuffing lunch and light dinner or vice versa? Why?

🍚 They have been invited for a dinner by someone close to them! Where are they going, what are they ordering, what are they drinking and what do they talk about?

🍛 What's your oc's typical dinner like? Do they usually eat dinner, and if so, how regularly? Do they eat alone or with someone else? What would their ideal dinner be?

🍜 Do they love cooking dinner or would they rather eat somewhere else or order takeout?

🥘 Does your oc prefer a quick, calm dinner or would they rather have a very long one?

SNACKS & CO.

🍩 What is their favorite dessert? Do they get it often? What is their go-to dessert?

🥕 They are packing some snacks because they're going to be away from home for a while. What do they take with them? What's their opinion on trail mix?

🍒 How often do they eat berries and other kinds of veggies?

🥞 Your oc is ordering food from a fast food chain. They can also pick something else than the main meals. What do they buy?

🍦 Your oc wakes up at night, feeling hungry. Do they go eat? If yes, what will they eat?

🫖 Does your oc eat anything between dinner and going to sleep? How often?

☕️ Does your oc eat anything between lunch and dinner? How often?

[practically-an-x-man]

OC/Ship Ask Game: Firsts

We're back with another super-long ask game! Send a number + a character/ship for a description of their "first"... plus a couple questions for the author as well :D

If you reblog, please send asks up and down the chain for reblog courtesy! It's not a requirement but it does make things more fun for everybody 😊

____

For the Character:

First big aspiration (i.e. what did they want to be when they grew up?)

First time meeting their best friend

First opinion of school as a kid

First time experiencing grief

First time breaking a bone

First time they realized their "calling" in life

First time they experimented with their personal style

First time they took a risk, or the biggest risk they've ever taken

First time living away from home

First time adopting/taking care of a pet

First "big purchase" they ever made on their own

First time leaving their home country

First time being drunk/high

First time facing their fears

First thing they remember feeling proud of

First thing they remembered feeling ashamed of

First favorites - favorite color, animal, movie, etc.

First example of real character growth along their journey

First time they felt rejected by another character

First time they felt accepted/welcomed by another character

First major change in their life, and how they dealt with it

First introduction in their story (share a snippet or description)

First display of their powers or abilities

First major loss/failure in their story

First major success in their story

____

For the Ship:

A. First meeting B. First impression of each other C. First physical contact (handshake? hug? something else?) D. First kiss E. First time meeting the other's family F. First date G. First time seeing the other one sick/injured H. First time sharing a bed (non-sexual) I. First time sleeping together (sexual) J. First concert/show/festival they attended together K. First fight L. ....And the first time they had to make up M. First time they introduced the other as their partner N. First road-trip/vacation together O. First double-date with another couple P. First time seeing the other all dressed up Q. First act of non-sexual intimacy (e.g. washing the other's hair, taking a bath together, sharing food) R. First time cooking for the other S. First anniversary + how they celebrated T. First time dancing together U. First pet names/nicknames they give each other V. First time they felt insecure/jealous, and how they worked through it W. First time they realized their relationship is endgame... or isn't X. First major hardship they got through together Y. First time living together Z. First time they said "I love you"

____

For the Author:

🐣 - First piece you ever wrote (share a snippet or description)

🥹 - First time describing strong emotions, and how you've improved since then

🎬 - First fandom(s) you wrote for, and if you still write for them

💀 - First time writing character death, and how you felt about it

🤝 - Favorite "first meeting" scene you've written between two characters

💋 - Favorite "first kiss" scene you've written between two characters

🔥 - First time writing romance/spicy scenes, and how you felt about it

🌍 - First attempt at worldbuilding, or a notable piece of worldbuilding you're proud of

🐉 - First genre you wrote for, and if you still write that genre now

🖌️ - First character you created, or first character you wrote for

🤩 - First big inspiration for writing (an author? a piece of media? a plot idea?)

🕷️ - First time writing something that scared you, and how it went

📝 - Pick a character: first draft of that character + the final version of that character

🏳️‍🌈 - First queer character/story you wrote

🤖 - First nonhuman character you wrote

🪶 - First longform/multi-chapter piece you've written

✒️ - First shortform/oneshot you've written

🪢 - First time writing a crossover or gift fic

🤯 - First story that gained traction/attention, and how it made you feel

📦 - First story that really took you outside your comfort zone

📖 - Piece you'd recommend as a "first piece" for a new reader to enjoy

‼️ - Free space! Tell us about a notable "first" in your writing journey!

[kaylinalexanderbooks]

Behind the Scenes Writing Ask Game

So behind the scenes won the poll, but I thought I'd do an ask game with it!

✍️ "when did you get started writing?"

✏️"what are your current WIPs about?"

📜"how did you get started on your WIPs?"

📝"what stages are you currently in your WIPs?"

🖊️"how does your magic system work?"

🖋️"what inspired you to write your WIPs?"

📖"what has surprised you about your WIPs?"

💻"what perspectives do you write in?"

🖥️"what types of writing do you do?"

❤️"what are your favorite scenes from your WIPs?"

😭"what are the biggest challenges writing your WIPs?"

❗"how many WIPs do you have?"

‼️"what has stayed consistent across all drafts?"

⁉️"what do you do when stuck on a scene?"

❓ask anything you want!

If anyone wants to reblog this to play with too that's totally fine with me!

[book-of-baba-fett]

✨ Ask Game: Anonymously Ask Me Anything About My Fics ✨

can be about one fic or all, wips, oneshots, ongoing series, major ocs or ocs that just appear once or twice

[foggieststars]

[rubs my grubby little hands] for the 5 sentences game: charles + armor :-)

some lestappen captive prince adjacent shenanigans for you my love <3

-

Charles feels practically naked in the scraps they've given him to wear. This, more than anything, affirms his long-held view of the Dutch as barbarians. More than the golden cuffs around his wrists, the matching muzzle holding his mouth open, preventing him from speaking. The chiton barely brushes his mid-thigh, slit on both sides to the waist. He has to move slowly and carefully to prevent anything spilling out.

Though, Charles supposes, that's probably its intended purpose.

It's a far cry from the clothes Charles usually opts for. The court in Monaco demands modesty; only a lover should see him in such a state of undress. Now, Charles thinks he'll probably never get the chance. Not if he's going where he thinks he's going. He feels like a soldier stripped from his armour, thrust into battle with only a wooden sword to defend himself.

The guards dragging him through the corridors are rough, uncaring. They yank at the golden leash threaded through the collar around his neck, sneering when he stumbles.

None of the courtiers they pass seem to recognise him - and why should they? His hair has been shorn to the very nape of his neck, a length he's not chosen to wear it in since childhood. The cool air on the back of his neck is unfamiliar. It makes him feel almost more naked than the clothing does, accustomed as he is to his hair falling to the middle of his back.

He's lost colour too, in the weeks spent languishing in that rotten dungeon. He'd watched as his skin faded from its usual golden hue to palest white, leaving him looking ill. He doesn't blame them for not recognising him. He doesn't look like a prince any longer. He looks like what he is; a slave.

Charles doesn't know how, or why - but he knows who. He'd counselled Lorenzo repeatedly against putting his faith in Binotto, implored him to see reason, failed to understand Lorenzo's infuriating caution when it came to the man.

This, Charles realises. This is why Lorenzo had never wanted to move openly against him. Charles should have trusted his brother.

When they reach the threshold of the throne room, the hubbub inside falls to a murmur. Hundreds of eyes turn to face him. Charles halts in his tracks.

The guard holding the chain yanks on it angrily, and Charles stumbles into movement once more. The crowds part as the guards move through, and Charles catches his first glimpse of the thrones at the head of the room.

"Here he is, sire," one of the guards grunts, when they reach the foot of the platform. "As you requested."

"Very good, very good," Jos murmurs, standing from his throne. He takes the leash with little ceremony, and examines Charles with cold eyes. Charles wonders if he recognises him. The last time he saw Jos he was nine, after yet another failed negotiation with Charles' father.

He must, surely. The whole plot reeks of Binotto's oily manoeuvrings, but the way everything transpired...

It was all too neat, too well-organised. Charles didn't trust Binotto because he's always been able to see through his plans. He hadn't seen this coming. It reeks of someone else's involvement, a puppeteer pulling strings. It burns him up inside, to know that he's been outplayed.

"A present for my son, on his name day," Jos announces, with seeming affection. It smacks of insincerity.

And then the words sink in. A present for my son.

Charles' eyes flit to the left, past Jos' shoulder. There he is, lounging on a smaller throne, to the left of Jos' own. The one person who Charles knows above all, will not fail to recognise him.

Icy blue eyes meet green, and Charles has to work hard to suppress a shudder when Max's mouth curves into a smile.

Is this the moment? Where Jos reveals all to their courtiers, alerts them to the treasure they have in their laps? A bona fide prince of their oldest enemy, to use and abuse as they see fit? To ransom until Charles' court is beggared, and he's returned in disgrace?

Jos continues. "A slave boy, fit for your tastes."

Charles furrows his brow in confusion. He doesn't have long to dwell on it however, because with a harsh yank, Jos tugs on the leash, sending Charles sprawling in the dust at the foot of the thrones. Charles goes down hard, coughing and spluttering. The collar cuts into his neck, makes it hard for him to draw a full breath.

Charles watches through blurry eyes as Jos sends the leash flying through the air, listening to the tinkle of golden links. For the briefest moment, Charles thinks Max isn't going to catch it. And then, with an absurdly quick snap of the wrist, he does.

"Yes," Max says, baring his teeth. "A lovely present indeed, father. You have my gratitude."

He begins winding the chain around his hand, slow and purposeful. The crowd titters when the chain goes taut and forces Charles to crawl in Max's direction. When he tries to stand, even just to crouch, so he doesn't have to crawl up the stairs leading to the throne platform like a dog, Max tugs on the chain, sending him sprawling again.

Charles gets the message. He crawls, until he's nearing the foot of Max's throne. He chafes against the indignity, wants to snap and bite and tear. If he had his sword in his hands, he'd be able to slice Max in two before he could move to stop it.

He doesn't have his sword. He has a collar, and Max is holding the leash.

"Kneel," Max says, and Charles does, shifting into a loose semblance of a slave's position. He only does so to relieve the aching pressure on his neck, the metal cutting into him like a brand.

Max studies his face with calm quiet. Distantly, Charles is aware of Jos announcing something to the court, something to do with a feast. For Max's name day. He can't really listen properly, can't take any of it in. Can't process the fact that as Max's new slave, he might be expected to service Max.

He can't do any of that, because Max is leaning in close, scrutinising his face with a cool intensity.

A cold hand lands on his jaw, thumbing against the edge of the muzzle cutting into his face. Goosebumps rise on Charles' skin that have nothing to do with the drafty hall, and everything to do with the man touching him.

"So you cannot talk your way out of anything this time, I suppose," Max says, composed. "A shame. You've always had such a talented mouth."

Charles glares up at him, trying to channel three-hundred years of ancestral enmity and ten years of highly personal hatred into his gaze. Max pushes his fingers through the gold bars, into Charles' open mouth, rubs the pads of his fingers against Charles' tongue.

All Charles can do is close his eyes against the humiliation. He wishes for a strength unknown to mankind, something that will allow him to bite through a bridle made of solid gold, through bone and flesh, severing Max's fingers from his hand.

"At least they didn't cut it out," Max remarks, releasing his grip and leaning back in his chair. "I so look forward to seeing what you can do with your tongue."

[lokisgoodgirl]

does your husband know you write smut?🤨

Idk if this was the intent but it came across as very...this?

yes, he does - and he's totes cool with it. I'm not sure why that's controversial sometimes, but there we are. He has a Loki cosplay ffs 🤣I don't think there's anything wrong with keeping your smut-writing a 'you' thing btw - it just...wasn't that way for me. 🤷‍♀️

[the-ellia-west]

Food themed Ask Game

(This is a request to @vyuntspakhkite-l-darling, @mk-writes-stuff and @illarian-rambling... can I join these?)

Please anyone use/play this, and also, I'd love to be asked any of these and anything else <3

🍰Cake - Which of Your Ocs is your favorite?

🧀Cheese - What do you think of your writing on a scale of 1-10 or 1-5 stars and why?

🍓Strawberry - What was the first thing that you remember coming up with about this Wip? Was it a feeling? A character?

🍌Banana - Give me your most mentally deranged character and list off their mental issues (Optional: How they got them/why they have them)

🫚Ginger - Who is your most Responsible Oc, how old are they, how much coffee do they need to survive, and how many hours of sleep do they get? (We know it's not a lot)

🍒Cherry - Which two of your Ocs are most weirdly alike now that you think about it?

🥐Croissant - Which of your Ocs is the most difficult to write?

🥥Coconut - Which one of your characters is most exotic, in the terms of their culture/customs/habits are different from your own?

🫓(Idk what this thing is) - Wild card! Tell me your favorite fact or something you want to share about your Ocs or Oc world.

(PSA, Do not ask my sideblog @jakkon-and-rose-topic banana or you are going to get a 10k word long post)

[writers-potion]

MASTERPOST (PT. 2)

If you like my blog, buy me a coffee☕ and find me on instagram! 📸

For romance writing prompts, plotting tips & more, check out: MASTERPOST PT. 1

⭐Dialogue

Writing Dialogue 101

Crying-Yelling Dialogue Prompts

---

⛰️Words to Use Instead Of...

Synonyms for "Walk"

Synonyms for “feeling like”

Words To Use Instead of "Look"

Words to Use Instead Of...(beautiful, interesting, good, awesome, cute, shy)

Said is dead

---

🔠Vocab Lists

Nervous Tension Vocab

Kiss Scene Vocab

Fight Scene Vocab

Haunted House Inspo & Vocab

---

👁️‍🗨️Setting & Description

Common Scenery Description Tips

2012 School Setting Vibes - follower question

Describing Food in Writing

Describing Cuts, Bruises and Scrapes

Using Description and Setting Meaningfully

How Different Types of Death Feel

---

🗡️Weapons & Fighting Series:

Writing Swords

Writing knives and daggers

Writing Weapons (3): Staffs, Spears and Polearms

Writing Weapons (4): Clubs, Maces, Axes, Slings and Arrows

Writing Weapons (5): Improvised Weapons

Writing Weapons (6): Magical Weapons and Warfare

Writing Weapons (7): Unarmed Combat

Writing Female Fighters

Writing Male Fighters

Writing Armour

Writing Group Fights

Writing Battles At Sea

Erotic Tension in Fight Scenes

Pacing for Fight Scenes

Writing a Siege Warfare

Different Genres, Different Fight Scenes.

Making Fight Scenes Sound Nicer

Fight Scenes For Disabled Characters

---

🌎Worldbuilding

Constructing a Fictional Economy

Homosexuality in Historical Fiction

Writing Nine Circles of Hell

Writing Seven Levels of Heaven

Master List of Superpowers

Magic System Ideas 

A Guide to Writing Cozy Fantasy

Dark Fantasy How-To

Dark Fantasy Writing Prompts

Dark, Twisted Fairytale Prompts

Fantasy World Cultural Quirks 

Fantasy Nobel Ranks: A List

---

🌠Symbolism in Writing

Plant Symbolisms 

Weather Symbolisms

Symbols of Death

---

🪄Writing Magic

Writing Magicians - the basics

Writing Magic Systems

Magical Training Options for Your Characters

---

📋Other!

List of Fantasy Subgenres

Beauty is Terror: A List

The Pirate's Glossary

Storyediting Questions to Ask

Writing Multiple WIPs Simultaneously

Idea Generation Exercises for the Writer

Book Title Ideas

Picking the Right Story For You

What If God Dies in Your Story 

International Slang, Slang, Slang!

10 Great Love Opening Lines 

How to Insult Like Shakespeare

Serial Killer Escape Manual

Best Picrew Character Generators for Your Characters!

How to Write Faster

[novlr]

How to write loneliness?

Loneliness is a universally shared emotion that shapes the psyche of your characters and the world they inhabit. It’s a silent force that can drive and change your characters, adding layers of complexity and pathos to their development. Here are some quick tips to write about characters experiencing loneliness.

Behaviour

May avoid social interactions.

Often choose to isolate themselves.

A lack of enthusiasm for activities they once enjoyed.

May appear distracted, distant, or aloof.

Neglect their personal appearance or living space.

Overuse technology or social media as a substitute for real-life interaction.

Engage in one-sided conversations with pets or inanimate objects.

Have a rigid routine that keeps them isolated.

Live vicariously through fictional characters in books and on TV.

Resist attempts by others to engage with them socially.

Interactions

Conversations may be brief, superficial, and lacking in depth.

Avoid eye contact and physically withdraw in social settings.

Miss social cues or respond inappropriately during interactions.

Exhibit envy or resentment towards those with strong social connections.

Overly formal or distant, even with friends.

React negatively to offers of companionship or help.

Express a cynical or negative view of relationships and friendships.

Display relief when social interactions are over.

Deflect personal questions and redirect the conversation.

Have a small social circle but lack a true confidant or intimate relationships.

Body language

Slumped shoulders or lowered head to avoid drawing attention.

Minimal or restrained gestures during conversations.

A fixed or blank expression, showing their detachment.

Fiddle with objects or their clothing as a self-soothing behaviour.

Cross their arms or legs defensively when approached.

Sit or stand at the edges of a group, physically distancing themselves.

Might have a nervous tick or habit when faced with social interaction.

Exhibit slow or lethargic movements, suggesting a lack of energy or interest.

Have a personal bubble they are reluctant to let others penetrate.

Usually the last to arrive and the first to leave social gatherings.

Attitude

Express a philosophical or poetic view on the nature of solitude.

Have an air of resignation or acceptance of their loneliness.

Harbour a secret hope of finding connection, but feel it is unattainable.

Quick to criticise or judge others as a defence mechanism.

Have a deep internal world that is rich and complex, contrasting with their outer displays of loneliness.

Believe that they are fundamentally different or disconnected from others.

Have a strong sense of self-reliance, seeing it as a necessity.

Demonstrate a fear of rejection or abandonment that prevents them from reaching out.

Heightened sensitivity to the pain of others, stemming from their own loneliness.

Experience moments of clarity or creativity when they are alone.

Positive story outcomes

Find strength and independence in solitude.

Experience personal growth and self-discovery.

Form a meaningful connection that alleviates their loneliness.

Gain a deeper understanding and empathy for the loneliness of others.

Use their time alone to develop a skill or pursue a passion.

Find that solitude allows for reflection and the development of a clear perspective.

Inspire others to appreciate their own company and find peace in solitude.

Become a catalyst for change, helping others to overcome their loneliness.

Create a work of art or literature that expresses their feelings and connects with others.

Their experiences of loneliness make their relationships more meaningful when they do occur.

Negative story outcomes

Become increasingly detached and withdrawn from the world.

Develop mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.

Make poor decisions due to a lack of guidance and support.

Grow to resent others, leading to conflicts and misunderstandings.

Spiral into destructive behaviours as a way to cope.

Experience a sense of hopelessness about ever finding connection.

Become distrustful of others, hindering potential relationships.

Lose touch with social norms and struggle to reintegrate into society.

Overlook or sabotage potential opportunities for companionship.

Leave a lasting impression of sadness and regret in the narrative.

Helpful vocabulary

Forlorn

Sequestered

Estranged

Abandoned

Reclusive

Isolated

Adrift

Detached

Solitary

Alienated

Despondent

Forsaken

Lonesome

Marooned

Melancholic

Ostracised

Remote

Unaccompanied

Vacant

Withdrawn

Yearning

Bereft

Disconnected

Outcast

[creativepromptsforwriting]

hey!! first of all, thank you for all the effort you put into this amazing blog, it’s really one of a kind 🫶 so, I want to write a second chance romance but I can’t think of scenarios for reuniting the two MC that go beyond the obvious (like working/studying together). can you help me? thx!!!

Hey and thank you for the compliment! :)

This of course depends a lot on what kind of genre you are writing in. Is it contemporary fiction, a magical world, a historical story?

There are many different ways you can incorporate their second chance into the story. So I would need some more infos on this, otherwise this would be some obvious choices like you already said.

Here are also some second chance trope prompts. Maybe they already help :)

- Jana

[thestarslittleking]

Could you write a jegulus fight about the fact that regulus and Barty used to fuck and James just found out?

Here you go, sorry about the wait. And my disappearance but I hope you enjoy <3

“I’m just not understanding what the big deal is.” Regulus says from against the the wall. They’ve been actually going at it for the past 20 minutes but this argument really started the previous night when Regulus’s and James’s friends had their monthly get together.

Since Regulus and Sirius started fixing their relationship and he and James started dating, much to the dismay of the older Black Brother, the two groups have been hanging out once a month to try and ease tensions. There were still some issues as it would appear.

“The big deal? How do you not see what the big deal is? I’ve been explaining the big deal to you for the past 20 minutes!” James, who is growing increasingly frustrated, is pacing the length of the Astronomy tower, a habit he picked up to help get the inside energy out.

“James, Barty and I fucked around in 4th year, 4th. That was 2 years ago. It doesn’t mean anything now and it doesn’t matter anymore. Why won’t you listen to me?” Regulus hates when they fight, they don’t do it often but when they do, they really go at it.

“It matters because your still friends.”

“Oh, like you and Lily?” Regulus raises a brow.

“Like me and- Regulus, what does Lily have to do with anything?” James rubs his hand down his face, under his glasses, over his eyes, then across his mouth.

You were in love with her for years, James, years. And yet, you two are still the best of friends.” Regulus has taken on an accusatory tone.

“In love with- Regulus, I was never in love with Lily. It was always you, it’s always been you, and it will always be you. There has never ever been anyone else for me. From the moment Sirius dragged you into our compartment my 2nd year I have loved you. But I couldn’t have you, Sirius would’ve lost his mind, and you, you walked around like I was the literal bane of your existence. Sirius was insistent that I had a crush on someone no matter how much I denied it. I had to choose someone and I knew Lily would never like me.” James sucks in air when he’s finished.

“I never hated you. Angry at you, jealous of you maybe, but I never hated you. I was angry because it felt like you had stolen my brother. Jealous because he couldn’t stopped talking about you, I felt like I wasn’t good enough for him anymore. I wanted to hate you, I swore myself to it even. But when I met you, James it felt like I had seen the sun for the first time.” Regulus takes a deep breath and calms down before continuing, “You wanna know why me and Barty fucked around 4th year?”

“Yes. No. Maybe. I don’t know, I’m scared I’m not going to like the answer.”

“Because I couldn’t have you.”

“What…?” James’s tone is a mixture of confusion and disbelief.

“No matter how much I looked at you, you never looked back. You were too busy looking at Evans. And that hurt. Well one day Barty and I had gone into Hogsmeade because Evan, Pandora, and Dorcas were busy. We had gotten into town and we’re walking about the shops when we saw you and Evans. You had somehow gotten lost from your group and so it was just the two of you. Seeing you together the only thought in my mind was ‘why couldn’t that be me? Barty noticed my mood shift so we left to go get drink in our dorm. Yes I know it’s prohibited, but it’s Barty and Evan we’re taking about here. But anyways we got drunk, and Barty who was hopelessly in love with Evan asked why we couldn’t just fall in love with eachother. One thing led to the next and we ended up fucking. We thought it was a one time thing but then Evan was caught kissing a girl in a broom closet and rumors of you and Evans started. So we fucked again. And again. And again. Never in my life had someone looked back James, never had I been good enough. But me and Barty understood eachother, and we made eachother feel not just wanted but needed. I wasn’t Evan and he wasn’t you but for 8 months I had someone and someone had me back. So we continued fucking the rest of the year then when we came back from the summer going into 5th year we just stopped. Never spoke about it again.” Regulus sighs, his voice tired “So yes, Barty and I fucked around 4th year, and yes he’s one of my closest friends to this day. But he was never ever you, and he never could be. So our brief entanglement means nothing now, and quite frankly I wouldn’t touch his dick with a spell now. You understand now?”

James stays silent as he walks up and his Regulus tightly. They stay like that for several moments. He kisses the top of his head and puts Regulus’s face in his hands.

“Look at me, I have always, always looked back. I’m sorry I didn’t make it more obvious. I’m even more sorry for not listening to you earlier and starting this whole argument, I know how much you hate when we fight. I think I’m just terrified that one day you’ll realize you could have better than me, that I’m not actually the man you want. So when I found out about Barty, I panicked, because he had you before so what stopping him from taking you and having you again you know? I love you. You hear me? I love you. And I am so so sorry.”

“I love you more. I’m sorry I disregarded your feelings, it obviously was a big deal to you and I shouldn’t have acted like it wasn’t. Your feelings are valid, and I’m proud of you for sharing them with me. The fight wasn’t just your fault, I should’ve talked about it with you and let you calm down instead of fueling the fight. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner, it just genuinely was not important to me so I didn’t think to tell you about it. But listen to me. I love you. I want only you. In this lifetime and in every other. You have no competition. I’m yours. And if it makes you feel better, you can leave hickies on me so everyone knows.” Regulus kisses James quickly, “oh and as for what stopping him? My undying love for you, my self respect and standards, and my homicidal tendencies”

James starts laughing “C’mon, let’s get to bed. I’m exhausted,” James sobers up and whispers in Regulus’s ear “But first I have to get a start on those hickies.”

[practically-an-x-man]

ok y'know what. I'm tired of all the same questions in ask games so I'm taking matters into my own hands

OC/Writing Art Asks

For the character:

Pencil: does this character have any "sketchy" habits? Have they ever broken the law? Do they regret it?

Pen: what's one minor moment your character regrets? A small mistake, but something they "can't erase"?

Paintbrush: How often does your character "brush over" conflict instead of facing it head on? Is there something specific they don't like to face, or do they avoid conflict as a whole?

Marker: what's one thing your character would never tattoo on their body, even if they were paid a million dollars for it?

Crayon: what was your OC like when they were four years old? Were they loud? Shy? Were they the resident "weird kid" or did they get along with others their age?

Colored Pencil: if given the choice, would this character splurge on an expensive (but potentially worthwhile) branded product, or buy a low-budget alternative even if the quality suffers?

Copics: what is this character's most expensive habit or hobby? Do they ever feel guilty about the money they spend on it?

Graphite: what's something decently common that your character does in a unique or different way? (like how graphite is present in all pencils, but not everyone uses pure graphite)

Charcoal: share any unique physical features about this character that are not scars or tattoos.

Tortillon: does your OC "blend in" with the people around them? Physically? Metaphorically?

Pastels: Give me three colors that best represent your OC. Now give me three colors that your OC likes best. Is there an overlap?

Chalk: what was one activity this character enjoyed with their sibling(s) as a kid? If they don't have siblings, what they did with their neighborhood friends

Eraser: what's one way this character has changed over time? Either over the course of their story, or over the course of designing them as an author.

Palette: list four of your character's primary skills, then share at least two ways these skills might blend or overlap

For the work:

Starry Night: are there any scenes in this work that take place at nighttime? Is this significant, or just the passing of time?

Mona Lisa: oh, it's the fanfic writer's favorite word. Do a find-and-replace on the word "smirk" and share any lines that pop up.

The Scream: are there any moments in this work that you think could scare a reader? Are there any moments where the characters themselves are profoundly scared?

Persistence of Memory: are there any moments in this work where a character's memory plays a strong role? Either an individual memory, or simply a character's ability to recall the past.

Girl With a Pearl Earring: are there any moments in this work where a character's clothing or accessories play a major role?

The Kiss: share your favorite kiss scene from this work. If there's no kiss scene, share your favorite moment of intimacy (romantic or platonic)

American Gothic: what's one relationship between characters in this work that you think people wouldn't expect? (i.e., how the people in American Gothic are not married, they're the painter's sister and dentist)

Guernica: look through a few of your imagery/descriptions in this work. Are they generally straightforward, or are they more "abstract"?

Wheatfield with Crows: are there any scenes in this work that involve birds? Do the birds play a definitive role, or are they simply part of the setting?

Woman with a Parasol: are there any moments in this fic that feel "blurry" to you? Is this a stylistic choice, or would you go back and clarify the descriptions if you were given the chance?

A Sunday Afternoon...: pick one "little moment" from this fic. How representative is it of the fic's tone and story as a whole?

Creation of Adam: choose one character that is not present at the beginning of this work. How did you introduce them into the story?

The Swing: are there any moments in this fic where the characters get to slow down and have fun? If not, why is that?

The Last Supper: does this fic incorporate any symbolism based on religion, theology, or mythology? If so, give an example.

For the author:

Paper: Who do you feel is your most two-dimensional or underdeveloped OC? Why is this? (including those that are still in development/haven't been written about yet)

Canvas: Do you ever "prep" your fics with outlines or warmups before you start writing, or do you just dive right in?

Graffiti: Have you ever had to research something that felt illicit or illegal for a fic? What was it?

Photography: What's one moment from any of your fics that you feel is preserved in your memory?

Clay: Do you usually take time to "sculpt" your OCs before you write them, or develop them as you write?

Film: Which one of your fics do you think would work best if turned into a movie? Who would direct it?

Adhesive: when you write, do you usually "stick" to one character or story for a while, or bounce around various characters and ideas?

Cricut: are there any characters you've had to "cut" from a story? Are there any moments/chapters/stories you've had to "cut" entirely?

Felting: how often do you include soft moments when you write? Do these moments play a role in the main plot, or do you include them as an escape from the rest of the story?

Weaving: are your works typically similar to one another? Pick two works, and share one similarity and one difference between them.

Finger Painting: share a small snippet from your earliest work (or the earliest that you can get back to). How would you rewrite it today? Either share the rewrite itself or just describe how you'd do it.

Creative!: free space! share something you've been dying to share about your writing! Could be an OC that never gets the limelight, a moment you were proud of, or anything else you'd like to share

[the-golden-comet]

Ask Box Game: ✨Good Vibes Edition✨

Heya! Figured I’d try my own ask box prompts. Feel free to use this around, or send me an ask. My ask box is always open, and my tea kettle will always be ready for your arrival~ 🫖✨

🩷—What’s your favorite thing about one of your characters?

🌳—List 3 things in your WIP that relate to nature.

✍️—What do you like most about your writing?

🫂—How do characters in your story support one of your OCs?

☕️—What do you put in your writing spaces to make you feel cozy/comfortable?

😊—Tell us one thing that makes you smile, without fail.

😂—Tell us one thing that makes you laugh.

📚—What is your favorite genre to read?

🥨—Describe your WIP using a food item.

❣️—What inspired you to write your story?

🎵—List three songs that match the vibe of your story.

🎨—What other art mediums do you enjoy/help you to relax? (Either by doing them yourself, or watching others do)

💻—List 5 objects in your living space that give you joy.

🫵—If your OC was standing in front of you, and you could tell them anything, what would it be?

👤—Tell us five things about yourself that you are proud of.

[alchemistc]

15 from the micro prompts please

15. trembling hands

"Baby. You gotta slow down."

Evan glances up from his sixth - seventh? - cup of coffee, brow furrowed like he thinks he can get away with just giving Tommy cuteness aggression to distract him.

"I'm fine."

Tommy dips his chin, indicating the little bobble the mug he's got his hands wrapped around is doing. He's pretty sure the contents have splashed up over the rim of the mug enough to make Evan's hands sticky, by this point.

Evan watches his hands tremble. Sets the coffee cup off to the side, and settles against the kitchen countertop beside Tommy. "I kinda ruined our date night, huh?"

The first time they'd been comfortable enough letting their toddler spend a night with his aunt and uncle, and rather than enjoy themselves they'd spent the entire night and most of this morning whining about how quiet it was. How little there was to clean up. How there were no interruptions.

Tommy presses his weight back into Evan. Reaches a hand around his back, tucks his hand into the groove of his husbands waist. "I missed her too," he says, and they both turn to stare at the clock again. Maddie and Chim won't be back with the kids for another hour.

"If you promise to drink water and take a nap once our kid is back where she's supposed to be, I'll let you find a better use for your mouth and your hands while we're waiting."

Evan laughs as he spins and presses Tommy more firmly into the countertop. His hands barely shake at all.

send me a number and i'll write you a microfic!