#WritingInspiration

[s-soulwriter]

Writing Angsty Scenes Without Making Them Cringe

Alright, so we all love a good angsty moment, right? That scene where everything feels like it's falling apart, emotions are running high, and your character's world is just burning around them. But… writing those scenes without slipping into "oh no, not this again" territory? Yeah, it can be tricky.

Angst is powerful, no doubt, but it can get cringey fast if you’re not careful. So, how do you make your readers feel the hurt without rolling their eyes at the drama? Here are some thoughts (because we’ve all been there)

1. Keep It Real No one—and I mean no one—has perfectly poetic, life-altering thoughts while they’re in the middle of an emotional meltdown. If your character’s going through it, make sure their reactions feel raw, maybe even messy. Show us their confusion, anger, and fear in a way that makes sense for them. Don’t just throw in a monologue about the meaning of life or have them collapse in a rainstorm. (Unless it’s really necessary. Then, okay, fine, but be careful!)

2. The Little Details Hit Harder Sometimes, it’s the small, unexpected details that pack the biggest punch. Instead of a dramatic sobbing fit, maybe your character’s hands shake as they try to make a cup of tea or they notice a tiny crack in the wall that they never noticed before because they’re spiraling. It’s those little, relatable moments that make the angst feel real, not overdone.

3. Embrace the Quiet Moments It doesn’t always have to be yelling or crying to show that your character is struggling. Silence can be loud. Sometimes it’s the things unsaid that carry the most weight. Maybe your character withdraws, or they’re stuck staring at the ceiling for hours. A pause in the conversation, a long sigh, or a blank stare can be just as gut-wrenching as full-on breakdowns.

4. Avoid the Obvious Clichés (If You Can) Okay, this one’s a bit tricky. It’s not that you can’t ever have rain scenes or broken mirrors (I see you, “symbolism”), but if you’re gonna go there, give it a twist. Maybe instead of staring out a window during a storm, they’re in a brightly lit, overly cheerful room that just doesn’t match how they’re feeling. Play with contrasts. Make the environment work against their mood rather than mirroring it perfectly.

5. Let the Angst Breathe Don’t feel like you need to dump all the angst in one scene. Let it stretch out a bit. Give your characters space to process (or fail to process) over time. A lot of times, readers will feel more for a character who’s quietly unraveling over several chapters than one who explodes all at once. It makes the eventual breakdown hit harder when it does happen.

6. People Are Weird When They’re Hurting They joke at the wrong times. They say things they don’t mean. They shut people out, or they get way too clingy. Don’t be afraid to make your characters react in unexpected or contradictory ways—people do that when they’re feeling too much. Let your characters be complicated, because real people are.

7. Subtle Can Be Stronger Not every angsty scene needs a screaming match or someone running away dramatically. Sometimes, a single line of dialogue or a character’s slight change in expression can hit like a freight train. Try letting things simmer. Hold back when it feels like you should go big, and you might surprise yourself (and your readers) with how much more intense it feels.

[scriptwriters-network]

The secret to being a writer is that you have to write. It’s not enough to think about writing or to study literature or plan a future life as an author. You really have to lock yourself away, alone, and get to work.

— Augusten Burroughs

[laurachouettepoetry]

I cannot write in the stillness of life. My ink must be drawn from chaos And utter difficulty. The page must tremble in unsteady hands, While the lips quiver words of unrest — Truth lies in uneven lines. - Laura Chouette

[jaggedjawjosh]

In the gentle unfolding of time, you are the architect of your own healing; trust the process and nurture your journey with love and patience.

[toruandmidori]

It’s 2025! A new year, a fresh start - a time for big dreams, new hobbies, and wildly ambitious goals you’ll forget by February. 

Why not embrace it fully with a notebook that gets you and your inevitable creative chaos?

Drawings I Am Ashamed Of

This is the year you’ll finally become the artist you always knew you could be! (Or maybe you’ll just sketch weirdly proportioned hands and call it progress.) Either way, this sketchbook is here for it.

Poems I'll Never Share With Anyone

2025 is the perfect time to start writing poetry again! Pour your soul into verses so deep and personal that not even your closest friends will ever see them. It’s self-expression at its most secretive.

That Novel I Never Finished

This is definitely the year you finish that novel. Or start a new one. Or maybe just write a killer opening sentence and spend the rest of the year staring at it. Whatever your process, this journal has your back.

Songs Nobody Will Ever Hear

Finally take that leap into songwriting! Or, you know, hum a few bars, jot down some lyrics, and immediately lose the notebook. It’s all part of the creative journey, and this book is ready to tag along.

[plotandelegy]

P1 -Types of Scarcity in Post-Apocalyptic Fiction: A Comprehensive Guide to Survival Elements in Dystopian Worlds

Understanding the Types of Scarcity

Material Resources: First, start with food, water, fuel, and ammo. Once you have the basics, move to less commonly thought-about things like batteries, clothing, scrap metal, and wood.

Skills and Knowledge: Doctors, engineers, survival experts, and mechanics would be some people worth knowing or being in a post-apocalyptic world. What if there were none?

Emotional Resources: Once the world goes to hell, trust and community become resources. Surviving sometimes means getting along with others; you'll want all parties to mean it. Getting fed to a zombie so someone can escape sounds like no fun. 

Information: Who are you going to let hold the map for you? Things can get harder on your team if it gets stolen, left behind, or destroyed. In a world without GPS, information is a resource; let's face it, you must trust its handler. 

This is part one of a five-part writing guide to post-apocalyptic scarcity. Tune in next time for a more in-depth breakdown of scarcity and who makes the decisions? Not me, that's for sure. I'd probably be the one used as zombie bait first.

-Indigo Everly

Want more advice? Check out my other articles!

[zeitforge]

Whispers of the Horizon

Beneath the sun’s eternal glow, Where mountains rise and breezes flow, The birds take wing, their songs released, A hymn that soars above the seas.

The ocean hums in vast embrace, Reflecting skies with endless grace. The mountains stand, their peaks held high, Guardians beneath the painted sky.

And through it all, the sun still reigns, Its golden touch on hills and plains. While birds proclaim the day’s decree, A harmony of sun, mountains, and sea.

So, I thought I’d try writing another poem again. Nothing special. I just needed a little break from my novel that has been taking up all my time the past days.

[worthymartyrconstruct]

The woman in the mirror isn’t me anymore.

I live alone. I’ve always kept my bathroom light on at night—habit from childhood, nothing more. But last week, something changed.

I got up at 3:12 AM (I remember because my phone lit up), walked past the bathroom, and saw myself in the mirror... already standing there. I hadn’t even stepped in yet.

She smiled. I didn’t.

I froze. It mimicked every move I made—but a second too slow. Like it was watching and deciding how to be me.

I’ve tried covering the mirror. It doesn’t help. Every night since, I’ve woken up at the same time.

She’s always there. Closer.

Last night, she didn’t copy me. She waved.

I didn’t.

[thewriteadviceforwriters]

Announcing "Convincing Tumblr To Read My Followers' Books" Event! Submit Your Story Synopsis here!

Exciting news! I'm so thrilled to announce the launch of my latest event: "Convincing Tumblr To Read My Followers' Books." This is your chance to shine as a writer and gain exposure for your works-in-progress (WIPs) or published books.

Here's how it works: You, my talented followers, are invited to submit your story synopses and descriptions using the prompts provided below and inside the google form. Whether you're an aspiring author with a captivating WIP or a seasoned writer with a published masterpiece, this event is for you!

Once submitted, your stories synopsis and details will be featured right here on my Tumblr blog page. This platform provides you with the opportunity to showcase your creativity and connect with readers and fellow writers from all corners of the internet. It's the perfect chance to gain followers, receive feedback, and expand your audience.

But that's not all! As readers, you'll have the chance to explore a treasure trove of literary gems. Dive into intriguing synopses, discover new voices, and immerse yourself in captivating narratives crafted by your fellow Tumblr users.

Here are some of the prompts for submission:

Title of your book

Brief synopsis or description

What inspired you to write this book?

Main themes explored in your book

Genre(s) of your book

This event isn't just about promoting your work—it's about celebrating the power of storytelling and fostering a supportive community of writers and readers.

Submit your stories using the prompts in the google form. Fill it out and join us in "Convincing Tumblr To Read My Followers' Books." Let's make magic happen, one story at a time!

Happy Writing - Rin T.

[clarislam]

Happy Monday, writers and readers!

Are you trying to figure out what your next writing project will be?

Here's a list of strategies for what you can do!

IMG 1: Image reads: "Strategies to figure out your next writing project:" 1. Pick a project at random and work on it, 2. Pick a project based on what genre you want to write in (mystery, fantasy, etc.) IMG 2: Image reads: "Strategies to figure out your next writing project:" 3. Pick a project based on which ones you already started and want to finish first, 4. Pick a project on what type of mood you want to write (lighthearted, angst, hurt/comfort, etc.)

Want to check out my work? Follow me at:

Website: https://clarislam.ca/ Newsletter:https://buttondown.email/clarislamauthor Carrd: https://clarislam.carrd.co

[lucindainkreviver]

I’m not a screenwriter.I’m an idea-maker — a storyteller in the raw.I create characters, worlds, and stories with a pulse.I use words, visuals, and sometimes AI to shape what’s in my head.I’m not here to format — I’m here to spark.Looking for ideas? You might just find a voice you didn’t expect.

[s-soulwriter]

Unusual Writing Tips You Didn’t Know You Needed

You’ve probably heard the usual writing advice like "Show, don’t tell" or "Write every day" (yes, I know, I’ve suggested these too—they’re classics for a reason). But I’ve gathered a few unconventional writing tips that have helped me break through creative blocks, and maybe they’ll spark something for you too! ✨

1. Stop Writing Mid-Sentence It sounds strange, but if you stop writing in the middle of a sentence, your brain will stay engaged with your work. When you come back, you’ll instantly know where to pick up. It’s like leaving breadcrumbs for your mind to follow.

2. Write the Boring Parts First That one slow scene you’re dreading? Knock it out first. Think of it as clearing the path for all the fun, action-packed scenes that come later. Once the boring parts are done, you can fully dive into the exciting ones without hesitation.

3. Change Your Font A quick font change can be a game-changer! It tricks your brain into thinking you’re looking at a completely new piece of writing, helping you spot weak spots or areas that need refining. Also, it makes editing less of a chore when you’re tired of staring at the same old page.

4. Write Something Awful Give yourself 15 minutes to write the worst thing you can. Let it be cheesy, awkward, and messy. This removes all the pressure and often leads to unexpected ideas or breakthroughs. After that, you can dive into your real writing without the perfectionism getting in the way.

[scriptwriters-network]

A writer is a world trapped in a person.

— Victor Hugo

[jaggedjawjosh]

In her journey of personal growth, she discovers that happiness blooms when she embraces change, turning each step of self-improvement into joy.

[savageinsightmemory]

bio

I'm a freelancer? basically a Swiss Army knife with wifi, need word, need visual? I design. Need someone to yell at your manuscript unit it behaves? I edit. Whenever you need your brand to shine, your book/brand to sparkle, or your to-do list to magically disappear. I'm your go-to magic button with a coffee addition. lets make things happen ( and look good doing it.)

[plotandelegy]

Practical and Unique Post-Apocalyptic Shelter Design Ideas for Fantasy Writers

 You've decided to destroy civilization in your fantasy novel? Sucks to be your character. Now let's make their situation a little better or worse but at the least unique, practical, and resourceful. 

Use What's Left Behind: The end of the world doesn't mean the end of human ingenuity. Think of what materials survived your apocalypse and how to reuse them. Crumbling skyscrapers can be reinforced and turned into vertical communities, or broken-down cars can be transformed into steel-tough barricades. Old school buses or train cars? 

The Importance of Defense: Your characters aren't the only ones who have survived. Threats lurk everywhere. Design shelters that have built-in defenses. Your skyscraper community may have drawbridges between floors, or your train car home can be easily detached and sped away in case of danger. Remember the secret exits!

Incorporate the Natural Environment: Trees, caves, and mountains offer robust options for post-apocalyptic shelter. A hollowed-out hillside, for example, provides cover from harsh weather and is easily defensible. Make sure the natural element isn't in a highly radioactive environment. The trunk of a massive, ancient tree could house an entire family. Underwater habitats in the middle of a lake or an ocean? 

Reinvention of Basic Utilities: How will your characters access fresh water, dispose of waste, or maintain a consistent food supply? A river or rainwater could be cleverly directed and filtered, or a salvaged solar panel can provide electricity for a makeshift greenhouse. Composting toilets aren't glamorous, but they get the job done. I may be too used to modern comforts because that last one is a big ew.

Adapting to Your Apocalypse: If you have a nuclear winter scenario, consider shelters with radiation shielding and heat sources. Alien invasion? Consider camouflage or underground dwellings. Zombie outbreak? Elevate your shelters; zombies can't climb! Well, I hope your zombies can't climb. If they do, you may be a sick unhinged person. Keep it up. Makes for better fiction.

Remember, It's Home: This is where your characters will spend a lot of time. Personalize these spaces to reflect the inhabitants. Maybe one character is obsessed with salvaging books, so there's a small library corner. Perhaps another is a mechanic, and there's a well-stocked tool area. Little details will make your post-apocalyptic shelters feel more like home. Or not. A lack of home-related details could add to a sense of impermanence. Having to pull up and run a lot, maybe leaving things behind in your haste, adds to the suspense.

No long ending paragraph today. Have fun writing!

-Indigo