#aspiring creative

[curatorotl]

I think one of the weirdest side effects of being a writer is that while I'm reading, I'll just start subconsciously editing the book. Like, if a sentence sounds odd or off to me, I'll fix it in my head and continue reading as if that were how it was written.

Does anybody else do this?

[blue-eyed-author]

Writing rule:

Every character who speaks gets their own paragraph. If two characters are talking, each time they switch you must create a new paragraph.

Do not add more than one characters’s dialogue into a single paragraph or it will be too confusing for the reader.

[thewriteadviceforwriters]

25 Prose Tips For Writers 🖋️✨ Part 1

Hey there!📚✨

As writers, we all know that feeling when we read a sentence so beautifully crafted that it takes our breath away. We pause, reread it, and marvel at how the author managed to string those words together in such a captivating way. Well, today I'm going to unpack a few secrets to creating that same magic in your own writing. These same tips I use in my writing.

But before I begin, please remember that writing is an art form, and like any art, it's subjective. What sounds beautiful to one person might not resonate with another. The tips I'm about to share are meant to be tools in your writer's toolkit, not rigid rules. Feel free to experiment, play around, and find what works best for your unique voice and style.

Power of Rhythm 🎵

One of the most overlooked aspects of beautiful prose is rhythm. Just like music, writing has a flow and cadence that can make it pleasing to the ear (or mind's ear, in this case). Here are some ways to incorporate rhythm into your writing:

a) Vary your sentence length: Mix short, punchy sentences with longer, flowing ones. This creates a natural ebb and flow that keeps your reader engaged.

Example: "The sun set. Darkness crept in, wrapping the world in its velvet embrace. Stars winked to life, one by one, until the sky was a glittering tapestry of light."

b) Use repetition strategically: Repeating words or phrases can create a hypnotic effect and emphasize important points.

Example: "She walked through the forest, through the shadows, through the whispers of ancient trees. Through it all, she walked with purpose."

c) Pay attention to the stressed syllables: In English, we naturally stress certain syllables in words. Try to end important sentences with stressed syllables for a stronger impact.

Example: "Her heart raced as she approached the door." (Stronger ending) vs. "She approached the door as her heart raced." (Weaker ending)

Paint with Words 🎨

Beautiful prose often creates vivid imagery in the reader's mind. Here are some techniques to help you paint with words:

a) Use specific, concrete details: Instead of general descriptions, zoom in on particular details that bring a scene to life.

Example: Instead of: "The room was messy." Try: "Crumpled papers overflowed from the waste bin, books lay spine-up on every surface, and a half-eaten sandwich peeked out from under a stack of wrinkled clothes."

b) Appeal to all five senses: Don't just describe what things look like. Include smells, sounds, textures, and tastes to create a fully immersive experience.

Example: "The market bustled with life. Colorful fruits glistened in the morning sun, their sweet aroma mingling with the earthy scent of fresh herbs. Vendors called out their wares in sing-song voices, while customers haggled in animated tones. Sarah's fingers brushed against the rough burlap sacks of grain as she passed, and she could almost taste the tang of ripe oranges on her tongue."

c) Use unexpected comparisons: Fresh similes and metaphors can breathe new life into descriptions.

Example: Instead of: "The old man was very thin." Try: "The old man was a whisper of his former self, as if life had slowly erased him, leaving behind only the faintest outline."

Choose Your Words Wisely 📚

Every word in your prose should earn its place. Here are some tips for selecting the right words:

a) Embrace strong verbs: Replace weak verb + adverb combinations with single, powerful verbs.

Example: Instead of: "She walked quickly to the store." Try: "She hurried to the store." or "She dashed to the store."

b) Be specific: Use precise nouns instead of general ones.

Example: Instead of: "She picked up the flower." Try: "She plucked the daisy."

c) Avoid clichés: Clichés can make your writing feel stale. Try to find fresh ways to express common ideas.

Example: Instead of: "It was raining cats and dogs." Try: "The rain fell in sheets, transforming the streets into rushing rivers."

Play with Sound 🎶

The sound of words can contribute greatly to the beauty of your prose. Here are some techniques to make your writing more musical:

a) Alliteration: Repeating initial consonant sounds can create a pleasing effect.

Example: "She sells seashells by the seashore."

b) Assonance: Repeating vowel sounds can add a subtle musicality to your prose.

Example: "The light of the bright sky might ignite a fight."

c) Onomatopoeia: Using words that sound like what they describe can make your writing more immersive.

Example: "The bees buzzed and hummed as they flitted from flower to flower."

Art of Sentence Structure 🏗️

How you structure your sentences can greatly affect the flow and impact of your prose. Here are some tips:

a) Use parallel structure: When listing items or actions, keep the grammatical structure consistent.

Example: "She came, she saw, she conquered."

b) Try periodic sentences: Build suspense by putting the main clause at the end of the sentence.

Example: "Through storm and strife, across oceans and continents, despite all odds and obstacles, they persevered."

c) Experiment with sentence fragments: While not grammatically correct, sentence fragments can be powerful when used intentionally for emphasis or style.

Example: "She stood at the edge of the cliff. Heart racing. Palms sweating. Ready to jump."

Power of White Space ⬜

Sometimes, what you don't say is just as important as what you do. Use paragraph breaks and short sentences to create pauses and emphasize important moments.

Example: "He opened the letter with trembling hands.

Inside, a single word.

'Yes.'"

Read Your Work Aloud 🗣️

One of the best ways to polish your prose is to read it aloud. This helps you catch awkward phrasing, repetitive words, and rhythm issues that you might miss when reading silently.

Edit Ruthlessly ✂️

Beautiful prose often comes from rigorous editing. Don't be afraid to cut words, sentences, or even entire paragraphs if they don't serve the overall beauty and effectiveness of your writing.

Study the Masters 📖

Please! Read widely and pay attention to how your favorite authors craft their prose. Analyze sentences you find particularly beautiful and try to understand what makes them work.

Practice, Practice, Practice 💪

Like any skill, writing beautiful prose takes practice. Set aside time to experiment with different techniques and styles. Try writing exercises focused on specific aspects of prose, like describing a scene using only sound words, or rewriting a simple sentence in ten different ways.

Remember, that developing your prose style is a journey, not a destination. It's okay if your first draft isn't perfect – that's what editing is for! The most important thing is to keep writing, keep experimenting, and keep finding joy in the process.

Here are a few more unique tips to help you on your prose-perfecting journey:

Create a Word Bank 🏦

Keep a notebook or digital file where you collect beautiful words, phrases, or sentences you come across in your reading. This can be a great resource when you're looking for inspiration or the perfect word to complete a sentence.

Use the "Rule of Three" 3️⃣

There's something inherently satisfying about groups of three. Use this to your advantage in your writing, whether it's in listing items, repeating phrases, or structuring your paragraphs.

Example: "The old house groaned, creaked, and whispered its secrets to the night."

Power of Silence 🤫

Sometimes, the most powerful prose comes from what's left unsaid. Use implication and subtext to add depth to your writing.

Example: Instead of: "She was heartbroken when he left." Try: "She stared at his empty chair across the breakfast table, the untouched coffee growing cold."

Play with Perspective 👁️

Experiment with different points of view to find the most impactful way to tell your story. Sometimes, an unexpected perspective can make your prose truly memorable.

Example: Instead of describing a bustling city from a human perspective, try describing it from the point of view of a bird soaring overhead, or a coin passed from hand to hand.

Use Punctuation Creatively 🖋️

While it's important to use punctuation correctly, don't be afraid to bend the rules a little for stylistic effect. Em dashes, ellipses, and even unconventional use of periods can add rhythm and emphasis to your prose.

Example: "She hesitated—heart pounding, palms sweating—then knocked on the door."

Create Contrast 🌓

Juxtapose different elements in your writing to create interest and emphasis. This can be in terms of tone, pacing, or even the literal elements you're describing.

Example: "The delicate butterfly alighted on the rusted barrel of the abandoned tank."

Use Synesthesia 🌈

Synesthesia is a condition where one sensory experience triggers another. While not everyone experiences this, using synesthetic descriptions in your writing can create vivid and unique imagery.

Example: "The violin's melody tasted like honey on her tongue."

Experiment with Sentence Diagrams 📊

Remember those sentence diagrams from school? Try diagramming some of your favorite sentences from literature. This can give you insight into how complex sentences are structured and help you craft your own.

Create a Sensory Tour 🚶‍♀️

When describing a setting, try taking your reader on a sensory tour. Move from one sense to another, creating a full, immersive experience.

Example: "The old bookstore welcomed her with the musty scent of aging paper. Dust motes danced in the shafts of sunlight piercing the high windows. Her fingers trailed over the cracked leather spines as she moved deeper into the stacks, the floorboards creaking a greeting beneath her feet. In the distance, she could hear the soft ticking of an ancient clock and taste the faint bitterness of old coffee in the air."

Use Active Voice (Most of the Time) 🏃‍♂️

While passive voice has its place, active voice generally creates more dynamic and engaging prose. Compare these two sentences:

Passive: "The ball was thrown by the boy." Active: "The boy threw the ball."

Magic of Ordinary Moments ✨

Sometimes, the most beautiful prose comes from describing everyday occurrences in a new light. Challenge yourself to find beauty and meaning in the mundane.

Example: "The kettle's whistle pierced the quiet morning, a clarion call heralding the day's first cup of possibility."

Play with Time ⏳

Experiment with how you present the passage of time in your prose. You can stretch a moment out over several paragraphs or compress years into a single sentence.

Example: "In that heartbeat between his question and her answer, universes were born and died, civilizations rose and fell, and their entire future hung in the balance."

Use Anaphora for Emphasis 🔁

Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. It can create a powerful rhythm and emphasize key points.

Example: "She was the sunrise after the longest night. She was the first bloom of spring after a harsh winter. She was the cool breeze on a sweltering summer day. She was hope personified, walking among us."

Create Word Pictures 🖼️

Try to create images that linger in the reader's mind long after they've finished reading. These don't have to be elaborate – sometimes a simple, unexpected combination of words can be incredibly powerful.

Example: "Her laughter was a flock of birds taking flight."

Use Rhetorical Devices 🎭

Familiarize yourself with rhetorical devices like chiasmus, antithesis, and oxymoron. These can add depth and interest to your prose.

Example of chiasmus: "Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country." - John F. Kennedy

Even the most accomplished authors continue to hone their craft with each new piece they write. Don't be discouraged if your first attempts don't sound exactly like you imagined – keep practicing, keep experimenting, and most importantly, keep writing.

Your unique voice and perspective are what will ultimately make your prose beautiful. These techniques are simply tools to help you express that voice more effectively. Use them, adapt them, or discard them as you see fit. The most important thing is to write in a way that feels authentic to you and brings you joy.

Happy writing, everyone! 🖋️💖📚 - Rin T

Hey fellow writers! I'm super excited to share that I've just launched a Tumblr community. I'm inviting all of you to join my community. All you have to do is fill out this Google form, and I'll personally send you an invitation to join the Write Right Society on Tumblr! Can't wait to see your posts!

[francesiswriting]

Hey, you wrote today! Congratulations! It doesn't matter if it's 1000 words or half a page. You still did it, you're moving forward! Keep going!

You've got this ⭐

[thatsbelievable]

[novlr]

How to write charming characters

With both positive and negative aspects to their personalities, charming characters can be difficult to write convincingly.

Whether you're writing a romantic love interest or a compelling con man, here are some examples for giving your charming characters depth.

How do they behave?

Attentive listeners: they pay close attention to people around them

Take pride in their appearance

Are happy to share personal space

Speak with a strong voice and an energetic tone

Are often hospitable and give off an air of welcome

Always give the impression that they are happy to see you

Demonstrate empathy

How do they interact?

Have a firm handshake and make strong eye contact

Are often encouraging

Compliment freely

Use humour to create a fun atmosphere

Communicate physically (through touch and gesture)

Make a point of using a person's name

Initiate conversations

Describe their body language

Have a relaxed stance with a straight and confident posture

Inclusive and attentive

Mirroring: they will mirror the body language of the person they are interacting with

Will lean forward to show attention

Lightly touch to create connection

A slight head tilt to show interest

Rarely cross their arms or legs

Maintain eye contact

Describe their attitude

Carefree

Good sense of humour

Friendly and playful

Self-aware

Opinionated and confident

Exhude an impression of honesty

Good intuition

Highly social

Polite and respectful

Eager to please

Potentially manipulative

The positive aspects of charm

Charming characters put people at ease, praise them freely, and boost their confidence. They make friends easily, talk their way to favourable resolutions, and are often the centre of attention.

They have impeccable grooming, conveying trustworthiness and concern for others, leading to a sense that they have your best interests at heart.

The negative aspects of charm

A charming character can manipulate others for personal gain. They can be overbearing, exerting their will on less confident individuals.

Their charm often draws focus, making others feel inferior, making them perfect for a protagonist to exhibit personal growth, or for a villain that a reader will fall in love with.

[lizardthelizard]

absolutely devastated that they kept deleting scenes that involved him painting miniatures

[goodluckclove]

Are You a Struggling Writer? Talk to Me!

I Am:

- Published and produced

- 15 years experience

- Non-judgemental and incredibly supportive

- Without Internet or my laptop so I have the day free to talk to anyone who needs encouragement

You are:

- any age

- any experience level

- you aren't writing but you really really want to

- you're open to talking about creative struggles in an honest way

I've done this before and managed to help a few people. Would love to do it again! This is my favorite thing to do!

[xisadorapurlowx]

[taytjiefourie]

Show Don't Tell: Anger

Greetings, lovely people! It's great to be back with another post in my 'Show Don't Tell' series! I hope you've all been doing well. Without further ado, let's dive right into today's topic: anger.

Anger is a powerful and complex emotion that can manifest in many ways. It can range from a mild irritation to a full-blown rage, and can be triggered by a variety of factors, including frustration, injustice, or hurt. While it's natural to want to avoid anger in our personal lives, it can actually be a useful tool when it comes to creative writing.

When it comes to writing, anger can add depth and complexity to characters and their interactions. By showing a character's anger, we can reveal their motivations, values, and flaws, and create a more dynamic and realistic portrayal of human emotion. Additionally, anger can create tension and conflict in a story, driving the plot forward and keeping readers engaged.

But hey, I'm not here to talk about the nitty-gritty of anger. I'm here to help you learn how to effectively show your character's anger in your writing! So let's dive right in, starting with the powerful tool of body language.

Clenched fists

Tightly crossed arms

Stiff or rigid posture

Facial expressions like frowning, scowling, or furrowing their brows

Pacing or restlessness

Grinding teeth or jaw clenching

Aggressive gestures like pointing or shaking a finger

Staring or glaring

Raised voice or shouting

Heavy breathing or sighing

Pounding a fist on a surface

Tightened or bulging neck muscles

Sweating or flushed skin

Looking away or avoiding eye contact

Physical violence, such as hitting or throwing objects

Tensing or flexing muscles

Clenching or unclenching fists repeatedly

Baring teeth or showing a snarl

Raising eyebrows or narrowing eyes

Rolling eyes or making sarcastic facial expressions

Biting or chewing on their lips

Tapping their foot or fingers impatiently

Leaning in aggressively or invading personal space

Hunching over or making themselves appear smaller

Using a monotone or clipped tone of voice

Holding their breath or exhaling loudly

Clapping hands sarcastically or making dismissive hand gestures

Making fists and shaking them at someone

Puffing up their chest or standing tall to appear more imposing

Stomping their feet or making loud footsteps.

Scrunching their nose or flaring nostrils

Puckering or twisting their mouth

Tugging or pulling at their hair or clothing

Crossing or uncrossing their legs or ankles abruptly

Bending or clenching their toes or curling their toes tightly

Bouncing or tapping their knee rapidly

Grinding or rubbing their hands together

Picking at their nails or skin

Covering their face or eyes with their hands

Throwing their head back in frustration or exasperation.

Raising or lowering their voice

Slamming things down too hard that they are carrying.

Pursing their lips and nodding.

Running their tongue on the inside of their cheek.

Stalking instead of walking

Scratching their head or neck vigorously

Pulling or tugging at their ears

Biting their tongue or inside of their cheek

Flinching or tensing up when someone approaches them

Nodding their head sharply or repeatedly

Squeezing or gripping an object tightly, such as a pen or a phone

Slamming doors or drawers

Puffing out their cheeks or blowing air out forcefully

Fidgeting or shifting their weight from foot to foot

Raising one or both eyebrows in surprise or anger.

Shrugging off someone's touch or pushing them away

Curling their lips or sneering

Tilting their head back and closing their eyes

Scrunching up their face in disgust or disapproval

Stomping their foot or kicking an object

Folding their arms tightly across their chest

Clutching their stomach or chest

Rubbing their hands together quickly

Stiffening their body or freezing in place

Turning their back on someone or walking away abruptly.

Making a fist and pressing it into their other hand

Running a hand through their hair in frustration

Holding their hand to their forehead or temple

Biting their lower lip or the inside of their cheek

Tensing their jaw and grinding their teeth

Clenching their fists behind their back or in their pockets

Tugging at their collar or tie

Staring daggers or giving someone a withering look

Curling their toes or flexing their feet

Drumming their fingers or tapping their nails on a surface.

Covering their mouth with their hand and closing their eyes.

Scratching or rubbing the back of their neck

Rubbing their eyes or face vigorously

Putting their hands on their hips and leaning forward

Standing up abruptly or pacing back and forth

Pushing a chair or other object out of the way

Clapping their hands sharply or slamming them on a surface

Breathing heavily or audibly

Hunching their shoulders or shrugging in frustration

There are so many ways to bring your character's anger to life in your writing, and your readers will feel it in their bones! Body language is just one tool in your arsenal, but there are plenty of others to explore. Next up, let's talk about sensory details. While there may be some overlap with body language, there are also unique ways to use sensory details to convey anger.

Sensory details are all about bringing your reader into your character's experience by describing what they feel, see, hear, taste, and smell. But it's not just about surface-level sensations; it's about capturing what your character feels on the inside too. Think about the way anger might make your character's heart race or their vision narrow, or the way it might leave a sour taste in their mouth or make them hyper-aware of certain smells.

Clenched teeth or jaw

Rapid heartbeat or pounding in the chest

Flushed or reddened face

Sweating or clammy skin

Heavy breathing or panting

Muscles tensing or knotting up

Twitching or trembling limbs

Ringing in the ears or muffled sounds

Vision tunneling or blurring

Sensitivity to light or sound

Tingling or numbness in the fingers or toes

Pounding or throbbing headache

Dry mouth or tightness in the throat

Stomach churning or nausea

Tingling or itching sensation on the skin

Increased sensitivity to smells or tastes

Loss of appetite or overeating

Difficulty concentrating or focusing

Racing thoughts or an inability to think straight

Feeling dizzy or lightheaded.

Tense or stiff neck and shoulders

Clammy or shaking hands

Uncontrollable shaking or shivering

Rapid speech or stuttering

Breathy or strained voice

High-pitched or shrill tone

Swelling or throbbing veins

Rapid blinking or eye twitching

Heavy or labored sighs

Chills or goosebumps

Rapid or irregular heartbeat

Flushed or blotchy skin

Pacing or restless movements

Increased energy or restlessness

Headache or pressure in the temples

Chest tightness or discomfort

Dry or sweaty palms

Fidgeting or tapping feet or fingers

Frowning or scowling

Clenching or grinding teeth.

Action is the next layer in showing your character's anger. It's all about capturing the choices they make and the way they interact with their surroundings and other characters while feeling that intense emotion. Maybe they lash out and say things they regret later, or they bottle up their anger and internalize it until it explodes. Maybe they turn to self-destructive behaviors like substance abuse or reckless driving, or they channel their anger into a creative outlet like writing or painting. Whatever actions your character takes, they can reveal a lot about their personality, values, and motivations, and help your readers connect with them on a deeper level.

Yelling or screaming

Throwing objects or slamming doors

Punching or hitting walls

Physically attacking someone

Storming out of a room or location

Refusing to engage in conversation

Passive-aggressive behavior

Giving the silent treatment

Ignoring or avoiding the source of their anger

Interrupting others or talking over them

Criticizing or belittling others

Blaming others for their problems

Making sarcastic or cutting remarks

Engaging in risky behavior or taking unnecessary risks

Excessive drinking or drug use

Engaging in self-harm or other destructive behaviors

Seeking revenge or planning retaliation

Seeking control or power over others

Using manipulation or coercion to get what they want

Betraying or sabotaging others

Withholding affection or love

Sarcasm

Eye-rolling

Mocking or imitating others

Giving ultimatums

Exaggerating or lying about their feelings or experiences

Making threats

Refusing to compromise

Refusing to listen or hear other perspectives.

Getting physically tense or rigid

Clenching their fists or teeth

Biting their nails or lips

Fidgeting or tapping their foot

Pacing back and forth

Making abrupt or sudden movements

Staring or glaring at someone

Crossing their arms or legs defensively

Scratching or rubbing their skin

Crying or showing signs of distress

Withdrawal or isolation from others

Demanding attention or validation from others

Disrupting the peace or harmony in a space or environment

Refusing to follow rules or guidelines

Engaging in arguments or fights with others

Becoming overly competitive or aggressive in their pursuits

Ignoring advice or guidance from others

Showing a lack of empathy or compassion towards others

Being overly critical or nitpicky

Refusing to apologize or take responsibility for their actions.

Exhibiting physical symptoms like sweating or shaking

Making demands or issuing commands to others

Engaging in reckless or dangerous behavior

Becoming overly defensive or argumentative

Engaging in self-destructive behavior or self-sabotage

Refusing to acknowledge or address the source of their anger

Blaming themselves for problems that are not their fault

Seeking out conflict or confrontation with others

Using passive-aggressive behavior to communicate their anger

Engaging in obsessive or compulsive behaviors

Struggling to focus or concentrate due to their anger

Engaging in self-soothing behaviors like rocking or pacing

Using humor to mask or downplay their anger

Becoming distant or disengaged from others.

Now, let's talk about setting. It's not just where your characters are, but how they react to it. This means the environment can be used to show off their anger or even help readers understand why they are feeling angry.

Secluding themselves in a quiet, isolated part of the environment

Moving quickly and aggressively through the environment

Becoming agitated or restless in a peaceful or serene environment

Ignoring or avoiding other characters in the environment

Intentionally damaging the environment or objects within it

Distancing themselves from others or backing away from objects in the environment

Taking actions that disrupt the peace or harmony of the environment, such as slamming doors or turning over tables

Focusing on negative aspects of the environment, such as dirt or clutter, and feeling anger towards those elements

Becoming fixated on a particular aspect of the environment and feeling anger towards anyone who interferes with it.

Avoiding eye contact with others in the environment

Making sarcastic or biting comments about the environment

Displaying impatience or frustration with slow-moving objects or people in the environment

Purposefully choosing a more hostile or uncomfortable location to match their angry emotional state

Remember how a bright, sunny day with chirping birds and fresh flowers can instantly put you in a happy mood? Well, the same goes for the location in your story. Even without a character present, scenery can influence the way readers perceive the mood. So, when it comes to anger, the location can be used to set the tone just as much as the character's actions and emotions.

Weather: Dark clouds, lightning, thunder, and heavy rain can create an ominous and angry atmosphere.

Time of Day: Nighttime or sunset can create a moody and angry atmosphere.

Location: A rundown or dangerous part of town can create a sense of anger or unease.

Objects: Broken or destroyed objects can indicate a character's anger and frustration.

Colors: Dark or vibrant colors like red or black can be used to create a sense of anger.

Noises: Loud, jarring noises like alarms or sirens can create a sense of anger and urgency.

Crowds: A crowded or noisy environment can be used to create feelings of anger or irritation.

Architecture: Cold or sterile environments like hospitals or government buildings can create a sense of anger and frustration.

Nature: A barren or lifeless landscape can create a sense of anger or despair.

Animals: Aggressive or hostile animals can be used to create a sense of danger and anger.

Now, let's talk about dialogue. There's nothing quite like a character yelling and cussing up a storm to show their anger, right? It's one of the most powerful ways to convey intense emotions through words. So, buckle up and get ready to explore the ways in which dialogue can be used to show anger in your writing!

Cursing and using expletives

Speaking loudly and aggressively

Interrupting others and speaking over them

Using sarcastic or mocking tones

Making threats or using violent language

Using short, sharp sentences or phrases

Speaking through gritted teeth or a clenched jaw

Insulting or belittling others

Using repetitive or redundant language

Refusing to engage in conversation or responding with silence.

Using rhetorical questions that are meant to convey frustration

Interrupting themselves mid-sentence with a burst of anger

Repeating a particular phrase or word to emphasize their anger

Using a dismissive tone to indicate irritation or impatience

Speaking with a tone that is icy or cold

Using a monotone voice to convey anger and frustration

Resorting to name-calling or insults

Being defensive or argumentative in their responses

Speaking rapidly and stumbling over their words in their anger

Using a confrontational or challenging tone to express anger.

And what comes after all of that? Well, my dear friend, when you've exhausted their words, body language, senses, and actions, what's left? That's when you dive into their mind and explore their point of view. You can write about their thoughts and inner dialogue to really capture the depth of their anger.

Negative thoughts about others or the situation

Self-criticism and frustration

Dwelling on past events that caused the anger

Increased cynicism and pessimism

A desire for revenge or justice

Difficulty concentrating or focusing on tasks

Racing or intrusive thoughts

A feeling of being overwhelmed or out of control

A sense of injustice or unfair treatment

Blaming others or external circumstances for their anger

Now we come to the last item on our list - metaphors and analogies. They are frequently used in writing to create colorful and vivid descriptions, and can also effectively convey a character's anger. However, it's important to be careful with their use, as readers can become annoyed if they are overused.

"Her anger burned like a wildfire, consuming everything in its path."

"He felt like a coiled snake, ready to strike at any moment."

"Her anger was a thunderstorm, building and brewing until it finally erupted."

"His anger was a ticking time bomb, ready to explode at any second."

"She felt like a volcano, with her anger bubbling just below the surface."

"His anger was a raging river, with powerful currents and dangerous undertows."

"She felt like a caged animal, trapped and helpless in her anger."

"His anger was a sharp sword, cutting through everything in its way."

"She felt like a stormy sea, with her anger churning like the waves."

"His anger was a blazing inferno, burning everything in its wake."

"His anger boiled like lava in a volcano, ready to erupt at any moment."

"Her words sliced through me like a knife, leaving me raw and bleeding with anger."

"He was a ticking time bomb, just waiting to explode with fury."

"Her temper was a wildfire, spreading quickly and uncontrollably."

"His rage was a storm, brewing and building until it unleashed with a violent outburst."

"She was a snake, coiled and ready to strike with venomous anger."

"His fury was a thunderous roar, shaking the very foundations of the earth."

"Her temper was a beast, wild and untamed, impossible to control."

"His anger was a whirlpool, pulling me down into its dark depths."

"She was a volcano, her anger a fiery eruption that left nothing but destruction in its wake."

Well, that's all for today's post. It's always bittersweet to say goodbye, but don't worry, I'll be back soon with more juicy writing tips! Before I go, I'd love to hear your thoughts on this post. Did you find it helpful? Did you learn something new? And more importantly, what other emotions do you want me to tackle next? Let me know in the comments below!

You can find plenty of these posts on my Tumblr, so be sure to check them out! or you can find a more organized version here!

[2ndprinceofdarkness]

Carmilla Carmine.

[hplonesomeart]

Guys call me crazy but I think the crazy robots would get along swimmingly. The tragic fact that these two don’t have more art interacting is an offense in my rule book and I have come to remedy that. They say you must manifest what you want to see in the world and this is me doing that jskjsksp. I will take initiative! Enjoy a smidgen of Mr. Puzzles and Mettaton art then. Although I think the only reason they initially decided to co-host collaborate together here was the prospect of getting more stars/ratings- because that’s show business babyyyy leverage off of famous people for viewssss/j

Also here is version without the speech/dialogue bubbles! Just two gay bots being fabulous and gossiping or something (platonically. Or you could lean into this being a ship I don’t really care lol). Maybe they’ll exchange some advice about the logistics of incorporating musical numbers in the boardcasts without losing too much revenue on the budget idk. Because if you think about it Mettaton did a musical number in a dress with Frisk and then Mr. Puzzles had his whole Creative Control moment. And both where marvelous performances by the way absolutely slay ✨

My “toxic trait” is supporting the theatrical livelihoods of fictional computers who have committed atrocities, and they both will probably never make an apology video for the attempted murders and trauma inflicting. Wow so girlboss of them :))

[blue-eyed-author]

Dear fellow writers,

‘Said’ is beautiful. Please use it more. It isn’t anything to be feared of hated. It’s not boring or overused. It makes all the other dialogue tags more special when they’re used on occasion.

‘Said’ makes your writing less cluttered. It can be a simple way of reminding the reader who is talking without bombarding them with synonyms.

“Use it along with action to make it more interesting,” she said, picking up her pencil.

He smirked, and said, “Or with expressions and body language.”

“Or,” she said, “just as a quick reminder of who is talking.”

“And if you know who is talking, a dialogue isn’t always necessary.”

Of course you can use other dialogue tags, but please don’t exclude ‘said’. It’s heartbroken from being ignored.

‘Said’ is beautiful.

[thewriteadviceforwriters]

Why Writing Is So Lonely | Rin T.

Hello writers, and anyone else who uses Tumblr on a daily basis like me. (Although I’ve been inactive off and on.) It’s me, Rin, and I wanted to talk about something that I think a lot of us struggle with. Or at least anyone, and everyone who considers themselves writers.

The loneliness that can come with the writing life and being a writer. We spend so much of our time alone. It doesn’t matter if you're using your laptop or scribbling in notebooks. Or pacing around in your living room and muttering dialogue to yourself (which I'm completely guilty of.)

Writing is really a solitary passion, and it hasn't just recently been like that. I'm sure Jane Austen and Edgar Allen Poe dealt with similar feelings. And sometimes that isolation can take a real toll that many of us choose to ignore, both on our creativity, our passion, which I assume is writing in this case, and our mental health.

I’ve been writing for about 4 years now, mostly working on my own little passion projects that I plan on publishing and side hustles, not only for my writing project but also my blog (TheWrite AdviceForWriters). I’m currently knee-deep in 4 different novel drafts that I’m absolutely in love with. However, let me tell you. It can get Very lonely a lot of times. There are days when I feel like I’m the only person in the world who cares about these made-up characters and their fictional problems. The characters I create in my mind are so vivid that they seem like the only individuals who actually care about my passion. (They technically are, considering they are basically my passion.)

It’s so easy to start wondering whether anyone will ever want to read the stories I'm pouring my heart into. The self-doubt I get has been a big part of my writing journey, and sometimes it breaks my heart knowing that I may not please everyone who reads my stories. That I possibly could get the worst reviews out there on my book. If it's not perfect for society. For example, I have been reading and receiving news on Alex Aster and the amount of bad reviews she received for her LightLark novel, and she has had a few times where she’s stated she poured her heart into it. And it's not just Aster who deals with these as a published author; there are many others, and it sometimes scares me.

But you know what? I've come to realize that this loneliness is just part of the writer’s journey. And that it truly is going to be the process of every writer’s journey and career. It’s going to be one of the prominent challenges we have to face if we want to do this crazy, wonderful, painful thing we call writing. And I think it's important we talk about it, especially since I'm a blogger who owns a blog specifically for writers. The biggest reason I chose to create this blog was for this reason and the many other challenges of being a writer. 

I definitely will consider this blog post to be a discussion, and if anyone wants to reblog or reply to this blog post and start a conversation, please do so, just so we can support each other and figure out healthy ways to cope.

So, why is writing such a lonely pursit? Well, there are quite a few reasons, especially reasons for each individual writer; however, here are a few key reasons:

The Act Itself is Solitary.

At the end of the day, writing is something we have to do on our own. Sure, we can brainstorm with other writers and friends who write or get feedback from beta readers. Or even develop  and edit your manuscript with a professional book editor. But the actual act of putting words on the page is a solo endeavor. We’re the ones doing the typing, the (physical) writing, and the constant racking of our brains to find the perfect word or phrase to put down on paper or the blank page on a screen.

Even when we’re writing collaboratively, there’s still a certain level of isolation involved. I mean, after all, our individual writing process and creative visions have to align for the collaboration to work.

And let’s be real—aligning those things isn't always easy.

I’ve reached out to book editors, more so of developmental editors, which is an editor who guides the writer/author on the actual plot and outline of the novel itself. And they have mentioned the difficulties of needing to align with the creativity of the topic or novel. It isn't easy at all.

I know that for me, my most productive writing sessions happen when I'm alone. And I know for a fact I'm not alone on that.

Having no distractions when it's just me, my thoughts, and the blinking cursor on the screen with a Spotify playlist playing in the background. And while that can be deeply fulfilling and very productive, I will admit it can be incredibly lonely.

It's an Emotionally Draining Process.

Writing isn't just about stringing words together. It's about pouring our hearts and souls onto the page. Were digging into our deepest emotions, our biggest fear, our wildest dreams, our thoughts, our philosophy, I can go on. And that kind of vulnerability can be utterly exhausting.

When I'm in the process of drafting a new novel or the many current projects I'm working on. I often find myself emotionally drained at the end of the day. I've been living and breathing these characters, feeling their joys and pains as my own. describing the actions, words, and emotions these characters do and feel. And then after that, I have to close my laptop, put my pen and notebook away, and try to reenter the “real world"—a world that doesn’t always understand the weight I've been carrying. 

It can be so isolating, feeling like the only person who understands the emotional journey of your writing. Knowing what it feels like to create characters and their stories and emotions and personalities just as if they were real humans. Our non-writer friends and family members try their best to be supportive, but unless they experience it firsthand, they cannot fully grasp the depth of what we go through. I can tell when I explain my projects to others who aren't writers, it can sometimes feel like they don't care about what I'm saying to them. Or it can also feel like, my stories are just a synopsis for an underrated movie no one’s ever watched.

It's a Profession of Rejection

I think we all know, writing is a tough gig. It's a tough career and job. Even the most successful authors have had to face their fair share of rejection. The rejections can be received from agents, publishers, readers, or critics. (like I mentioned earlier), and that constant stream of “no’s” can really chip away at our confidence and sense of self-worth. And especially if you're an aspiring author and have not yet published your work. Knowing that rejection is a big part of the career of writing is frightening. Really.

I remember when one of my best friends, who is a writer, who is currently in the process of publishing her book, would send query after query only to receive endless rejections. She told me it felt like the entire world was telling her, “Your writing isn't good enough,” and that can be a pretty lonely and demoralizing place to be. It has made me anxious about getting to the querying phase, as I still haven't begun to query yet.

Even when we start to find some success, the fear of rejection never really goes away. Will readers love our next book as much as the last one? Will readers even like my debut novel? Will the critics tear it apart? I know when I first started writing my first novel project. I rewrote the first chapter. 13 times!! And that’s because of all the questions and doubts I had in mind. It’s enough to make any writer want to crawl into a hole and never come out.

And the thing is, as writers, we often don't have the same support system that people in other professions might have. We don't have coworkers to commiserate with or a boss to reassure us; it’s just us. Our doubts and the eerie silence of an empty inbox. For example, Ana Neu, one of my all-time favorite Author-Tuber's, has dealt with similar struggles. She’s mentioned several times how lonely she feels and how her family doesn't fully understand her love and passion for writing. And I completely agree with her. If you want to listen to more of her, please listen to her podcast and watch her videos on YouTube here.

So, now that I went over the key reasons as to why writing is so lonely, I didn't want to end this post on negativity, that’s why I wanted to list the main strategies that have helped me:

Build a Writer’s Community

One of the best ways to combat the isolation of writing is to surround yourself with other writers. That’s why I found social media to be a gift, not just for the other obvious reasons, but because we get to find writers around the world who enjoy the same things we like. Having that sense of community can be a game changer.

When I first started my Tumblr blog, TheWriteAdviceForWriters, I was really hoping to create that kind of supportive space for writers. I wanted to create a space where anyone who enjoys writing—not just fiction writers, but anyone who finds writing to be a passion of theirs—can share their dreams and struggles with. It's been amazing to connect with so many incredible people who just “get” the unique challenges we face. Being able to share our achievements and share our compassions. It's been vital for my own mental health as a writer, and I hope that it can also be vital for all of you.

And of course, the community is not about venting or seeking validation from others; its about providing feedback, encouragement, and just being able to make friends. Having that makes the lonely parts of the writing process and journey feel a little less lonely.

Prioritize Self-care

It's so easy to get caught up in the work and neglect our well-being. There have been multiple times where I wouldn't take a break from my writing sessions and simply not eat and drink. I wouldn't give myself time to process everything I wrote, and I immediately after would criticize it.

However, I find that self-care is the most important part of combating the isolation that comes with being a writer. For me, that looks like making sure I get enough sleep. You can't process, learn, and remember anything when you don't have enough sleep. During my personal self-care, when I do 45-to 1-hour writing sessions, I usually take a short nap after. Eating nourishing meals and snacks is important, as is making time for the hobbies and activities that bring me joy. I usually like reading books, spending quality time with my family members, and very feisty (and sometimes scary) cat.

3. Cultivate Gratitude

When loneliness starts to creep in, it can be really helpful to shift our mindset and focus on what we are grateful for; this can be really productive and rewarding. Being a writer is a gift; we get to spend our days doing what we love, bringing our creative visions to life and sharing them with people who love literature. Readers are such a big part of being a writer, and they're huge motivations to me.

So, if you can, just take a moment to appreciate the joys of writing. For example, if you have any writing quirks, I personally have to wear bracelets on both of my wrists in order to produce some type of creativity when I write. I'm not sure why it's just something I noticed. I also really love writing my manuscripts physically. I tend to do this when I'm suffering from writer's block, and for some reason my writing style is a lot better.

And don't forget the many other joys of writing, like drafting, and the excitement of sharing your work with others. Having a new idea come to mind that fits perfectly in your plot. Or even a reader or beta reader sharing a comment on your work and giving you encouragement.

Also, please celebrate your wins; it makes writing all too fun, and it's a great way to integrate writing into the real world.

End Note

I wanted to write this post because I know a lot of us deal with feeling lonely; I’ve been feeling that way for quite some time, and I wanted to share it with Tumblr. I feel like each and every one of you all feel the same way. And that’s why I created my Tumblr community; that's the reason I created this blog, and that's the reason I strive to build this into an entire brand.

I want to bring more awareness to writers, we are the people behind the stories, movies, and media that we consume today, and we barely get any credit for our work. I want to make a brand where others who never thought writing to be their passion could actually for once consider “Is writing for me?”

I feel like it's such an underrated yet overrated passion. Yet it's not acknowledged as much. 

I hope this post can make you understand that writing is 90% lonely and you are not crazy for thinking so. But, we can use the resources we have today, like social media, to change that and make writing better for the present and the future. 

Thank you all for reading. And please, if you are considering joining a community if you haven't already, please join The Write Right Society. We recently met 100 members, and the community is continuing to grow.

[francesiswriting]

writing is more or less about getting a GREAT idea for a plot, amazing characters, beautiful locations, rare and meaningful names...and then realizing that you actually have to write a whole 300 pages book about all of this.

[katenewmanwrites]

Hello

I haven't introduced myself yet.

I'm Kate.

🌟 Aspiring Romance Author 🌟 | Autistic Pan Woman 🌈 | Cat Mom 🐾 | Coffee Addict ☕ | She/Her

📚 I'm a tired graduate student by day, passionate romance writer by night. I'm a 27-year-old autistic pan woman hopefully weaving love stories with a twist. My keyboard dances between genres, infusing romance with adventure, fantasy, and the shadows of dark romance.

🌌 With my Virgo sun and moon, I am grounded, analytical, and meticulous in crafting every story detail. This dual Virgo influence makes me a perfectionist at heart, constantly refining my narratives to ensure they are both compelling and authentic. My Scorpio rising adds a layer of intensity and passion to my work, driving me to explore deeper, darker themes and emotions in my writing. The combination of these astrological influences means my stories are not just written; they are thoughtfully sculpted with an intense emotional depth.

🌈 In my world, love knows no bounds, reflecting my own diverse identity and experiences. But even I'm still learning how to break away from the hetero-normative lense I've grown up with.

🐾 As a proud cat mom, I find solace in my little companion, Barbara aka Babs. who offer warmth amidst late-night writing sessions fueled by my unyielding love for coffee.

✍️ Currently immersed in my main work-in-progress, I'm delving deep into the realms of dark romance, driven by a quest to redefine the genre. Frustrated by the lack of mafia romances that retain the gripping darkness while nurturing a healthy relationship dynamic, I'm setting out to write a narrative where the love interest isn't toxic.

📝 So if that sounds like your thing you're welcome to follow along on my journey as I try to craft narratives that resonate long after the final page is turned. Join me as I try to embrace my unique voice, and celebrate the beauty of love in all its forms, one tale at a time.