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novlr · 3 days

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can you give tips on how to change up character dialogue? all of my characters end up sounding the same and i'm not sure how to fix it

How to Write Unique Voices for Characters in Fiction

When it comes to writing fiction, creating unique and believable characters is absolutely essential. One important aspect of character development is crafting unique voices that reflect each character’s personality and background.

Understand your characters

Before you can write distinct voices for your characters, it’s important to understand who they are. Building out a solid foundation and developing compelling backstories is one of the best ways to ensure they always have unique voices. Here are some tips for getting to know your characters:

Write character sketches that detail their backgrounds, personalities, goals, and motivations.

Conduct interviews with your characters as if they were real people, asking them about their likes and dislikes, fears, goals, and more (the Proust questionnaire is a popular way to do this).

Imagine how your characters’ past experiences will change how they speak in different situations and when experiencing varied emotions.

Use description to enhance your characters’ voices

Descriptions can be just as important as dialogue when it comes to creating character voices. Here are some tips for using descriptions to enhance your characters’ personalities:

Use specific details to create vivid descriptions of each character’s body language, mannerisms, and behaviour.

Consider how each character’s mannerisms might influence their speech patterns. For example, a character who is shy might be hesitant to speak or repeat themselves frequently.

Pay attention to how your characters interact with their environment. Do they use their hands a lot when they speak? Do they pace around the room or sit still?

Use sensory details to create immersion. For example, a character who is nervous might sweat profusely or fidget with their jewellery.

Avoid stereotypes and clichés

When writing unique voices for characters, it’s important to avoid falling back on stereotypes or clichés. Here are some tips for creating characters that feel fresh and authentic:

Avoid using dialects or accents. Not only do these often rely on stereotypes, but they also break reader immersion unless authenticity is absolutely essential to the type of book you are writing.

Consider how each character’s background and experiences might influence their beliefs and values. One-dimensional characters built on clichés won’t have unique voices.

Think outside of the box when it comes to creating distinct voices. Instead of relying on traditional archetypes, consider combining traits from multiple sources to create something new.

How to craft unique dialogue

With the basics in place, how do we convert unique character voices into dialogue? Here are some tips for writing dialogue that feels authentic and unique to each character:

Read your dialogue out loud to hear how it sounds, and make sure it’s true to how you imagine your character to be.

Give your characters a unique conversational quirk that feels natural. An example could be that they call everyone “love.”

Vary the length and complexity of sentences to reflect each character’s personality and background.

Consider how each character’s education and experiences might influence their vocabulary and sentence structure.

Use dialogue tags sparingly to avoid detracting from the actual words being spoken.

Avoid using too much exposition or explaining too much in dialogue. Instead, let the characters speak when it serves your story.

By understanding your characters, crafting unique dialogue, using descriptions to enhance character voices, and avoiding stereotypes and clichés, you can create vibrant, engaging characters that will keep readers hooked from start to finish.

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em-dash-press · 2 days

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Tips for Starting and Stopping Chapters, Plus FAQs

Even if you have the most exciting, engaging ideas for your novel, you might struggle to write it because you have to deal with chapters. These are a few of the most frequently asked questions about chapters and a few tips that might help you overcome manuscript challenges.

How Many Chapters Should a Book Have?

Unfortunately, there’s no straightforward answer to this question. Genres and intended audiences influence manuscript word counts. Younger readers will need shorter chapters to keep their interest and older readers might prefer longer chapters that dive deep into conflict or theme.

Storytelling elements also change the number of chapters per book. A fast-paced novel might have more short chapters to keep up the faster narrative pace. A slower novel might linger in wordier scenes, so there could be fewer chapters with longer page counts per chapter.

You can always look at comparable novels in the same genre to guestimate how many your manuscript could include. If you’re writing a Twilight-inspired novel in the same fantasy genre and Twilight has 26 chapters in a ~110,000 word count range, you could aim for a similar number.

What’s the Purpose of Chapters?

Chapters divide longer stories into segments that help readers process new plot events. They give people breathing room to digest heavier topics or moments by pausing or putting the book down to do other things for a while.

They also give more weight to cliffhanger moments or events made to shock readers. Even if they immediately flip the page to keep reading, the momentary pause lends gravity and meaning to whatever ends the chapter before.

Tips for First Chapters

Include Some Action

The first line of every chapter doesn’t need to be a dramatic car chase scene, but the chapter in its entirety should include some plot-moving action. It hooks readers and gets your pacing started.

Add Emotional Weight

Action can only intrigue readers so much. What’s the emotional weight compelling your protagonist to take part in, react to, or fight back against your inciting incident? Establish some emotional weight in the first chapter to motivate your protagonist, like showing how much they love their sister before getting betrayed by her in the inciting incident.

Avoid Infodumping

Readers don’t need to know everything about your world-building or protagonist in the first chapter. The infodumping only weighs down your pace. Sprinkle your descriptions and reveals throughout the first act of your book to keep readers coming back to learn more about the world.

Tips for Starting a Chapter

Introduce a Choice

Choices help stories move along at a pace that keeps readers engaged. If your protagonist is stuck in their head for most of a chapter, there’s nothing pushing your story forward. Always include at least one choice when starting a chapter, whether it’s big or small.

Keep Expanding Your Conflict

Every chapter should expand your primary conflict in some way. It might affect newly introduced characters, change your protagonist’s world, or require a sacrifice. As long as your conflict is relevant to your chapter in some way, your story will always remain true to its thematic purpose.

Remember Your Cause-and-Effect

An initial chapter sets up or introduces a conflict that gets your plot moving. If you’re unsure what to do in the following chapter, use it to address the effects of that previous chapter’s conflict. Although the conflict likely won’t get resolved that quickly, you can still write about your characters’ choices post-conflict or how the world changes in a way that affects their futures.

Tips for Ending a Chapter

Experiment With Your Endings

I used to be afraid of ending a chapter without some shocking, groundbreaking plot twist. Althought that’s a great place to put those moments, it’s not plausible to end every chapter with one. Where would your readers feel comfortable pausing for the night? When would they feel the quiet sanctity of peaceful moments where characters build trust between themselves?

Play around with your endings by refusing to be afraid to cut your manuscript into segments. If one doesn’t feel right during your read-through, you can always merge it into the next chapter and cut them differently during editing.

Use It to Shift Your Story

When your story needs to change times of day, locations, or perspectives, that’s usually a good sign that you need a page or chapter break. It’s not always necessary, but these are the types of chapter breaks that give readers breathing room.

Again, you can always re-work your chapters during editing if you find that they aren’t ending in the right places during your first few read-throughs.

Ramp Up Your Tension

Who says chapters always have to end on a cliffhanger? You can also end them when the action or tension is becoming more intense. When two characters are in the car on the way to rob a bank, they argue over whether or not to actually shoot people. One character’s eagerness and the other’s disgust raises the tension. As it escalates into them yelling in the parking lot, the chapter can end when one leaves the car and slams the door.

Ending on a moment of heightened tension is another reason readers turn pages and stay engaged. In the above case, they might not be able to put the book down until they find out if the robbery resulted in murder.

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Starting and stopping chapters can cause plenty of anxiety, but remember—you’re always in control of your manuscript. Play around with these ideas and make any necessary changes in your editing phases. You’ll figure out the best way to organize your story by chapters and develop more confidence in your long-form storytelling abilities.

#creating chapters #writing chapters #chapter length #writing a first chapter #writeblr #writing advice #writing tips #writers of tumblr #writing #writing help #creative writing #writing inspiration #writing community #writing a novel #writing a book #writing a story

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saraswritingtipps · 1 day

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Elements in your book by order of importance

The order of importance of elements in a book can vary depending on the genre, theme, and narrative structure. However, here are some common elements that are often considered significant:

- Plot: The sequence of events that drive the story forward and create tension, conflict, and resolution.

- Characters: The individuals who inhabit the story and contribute to its development and emotional engagement.

- Theme: The central idea or message that the book explores and conveys to the reader.

- Setting: The time, place, and environment in which the story takes place, which can enhance mood, atmosphere, and context.

- Writing style: The author's unique voice and the way the story is narrated, which can greatly impact the reader's experience.

- Conflict: The challenges, obstacles, or opposition that the characters face, driving the narrative and character development.

- Dialogue: The conversations and interactions between characters, providing insights into their personalities, relationships, and plot progression.

- Pacing: The rhythm and speed at which events unfold, affecting the book's flow and reader engagement.

- Emotional resonance: The ability of the story to evoke strong emotions and create a connection between the reader and the characters.

- Tone: The overall mood and atmosphere of the book, which can range from light-hearted and humorous to dark and somber.

- Point of view: The perspective from which the story is told, influencing the reader's understanding and connection to the characters.

- Symbolism: The use of symbols or metaphors to convey deeper meanings or layers of understanding.

- Subplots: Secondary storylines that add depth, complexity, and variety to the main plot.

- Imagery: Vivid and descriptive language that appeals to the reader's senses and creates vivid mental images.

- Structure: The organization and arrangement of the story, including chapters, sections, and narrative devices.

- Originality: The unique and innovative aspects of the book that set it apart and make it memorable.

#writing #writing tips #character development #writer on tumblr #writerscommunity #writer tumblr #writblr #writing advice #writing help #creative writing

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soulwr1ter · 3 days

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I love you for you. Your weird, your tough, and your sweet. All the beautiful parts of you that hold space for me. The tenderness that you offer me. The dark of you that melts me, the light of you that sees me. All of you is what makes my heart happy. The patience with which you cradle me. The strength of you that steadies me. The scars that are woven together that I kiss with every breath. You are deserving of love. You are not exempt from deserving softness in your life and I do not restrain from offering it to you as easily as it comes. I am so much myself with you and take joy in every moment that I am allowed to be so. I am grateful for the day you took me by the hand. What I have in me is yours and could never be given to anybody else because I am so much yours that I could never be anybody else's. I see you completely and revel in the art that is you. Nothing can change how truly beautiful you are in my eyes.

-J.Wool, Art of You, Breaths of Love

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cranetreegang · 1 day

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if you’re taking requests, would you write a mainly angsty ominis x mc fic about him opening up to the mc about his family bc he’s now at that level of trust with them? not only is your writing amazing but i find your own headcanons about his family really interesting, and it would be really cool to hear about them in more detail if you’d be up for it :D

Thank you for the request!! I decided to do a bit of a headcanon at the beginning (i've never done that before hehe) and then a fic at the bottom! I hope you enjoy and it was what you were looking for! I enjoyed thinking about his family. Especially since you're not given much info about them - so I had fun envisioning what his family dynamic might have been like.

I wanna shoutout my wonderful ladies in the discord I'm in (Fanfic Friends made by @roohuh). @freesiriusblack came up with the banger idea about Ominis being wary of sleeping in his bed because his family would be able to find him there.

I love bouncing ideas with y'all and there was a lot of great ideas being throw around.

Read my other Ominis Fics Here

Ominis learned from an early age to control/suppress his emotions. Rather it be his siblings teasing him to get a reaction out of him - or his parents making remarks at his ‘emotional’ state.

So he found it best to keep his emotions in check as to not have another form of control over him. If they can control his emotions, then they can control him. Despite his aloofness, I think he does feel very deeply about things. He’s just learned to not show any interest in things, or to react in general.

There wasn’t a lot of laughter in the household unless it came at the expense of someone else. Laughter (and other loud obnoxious noises) was overall banned by their father as being ‘too disruptive’.

Ominis deals with pain terrifyingly well. Any discomfort or agony he’s in, he refuses to show it. He’ll grind his teeth and not make a single sound. He’s learned that the pain he’s in is another form of ridicule to be used against him.

Ominis does not cry. Crying is a form of weakness, and he cannot show that. If he does cry, it is silent and it’s when he’s sure he’s alone.

So when he does cry in front of someone, it’s an absolute sign he trusts them. He’s being vulnerable and he finds that extremely difficult to do. Always worried that his vulnerability will be used against him.

Ominis does not like sleeping in his bed when he’s at home. He’s in a state of vulnerability and anyone can approach/surprise him while he’s asleep. A big reason, he doesn’t want his wand stolen from him - his one piece of control and self-reliance. Once he was out of the Gaunt Estate, he had a hard time adjusting to not waking up every so often to check if he was safe or not - something he still struggles with.

On one occasion, Marvolo snuck into his room one night, and woke Ominis by pressing his wand under his chin. Marvolo liked the terror in Ominis’ eyes. After that, Ominis never wanted to be that scared again.

Growing up, Ominis learned to fight back in his own way - mainly snark. Using his wits and sharp words, he’s won many battles against his siblings this way. While he dislikes using magic against his family, he will if he has to. He’s not against defending himself, which is why he’s an excellent duelist.

Marvolo is the prized eldest son, which Ominis used to be jealous of - mainly the love and attention Marvolo received. Over time, Ominis has accepted he doesn’t have a true place within the Gaunt family, save with his Aunt Noctua. A fact which bothers him more than he’d like to admit. He doesn’t have a ‘true home’ nor a ‘true family’ like everyone else.

As for Ominis and Marvolo interacting, it’s a tense relationship. Ominis is never really sure what mood Marvolo may be in as Marvolo is quite temperamental and quick to anger - lashing out however he pleases. Rather it be cruel insults, dangerous spells, or using his fists - Marvolo is a wild card and Ominis tries to always be ready.

Marvolo is the reason Ominis is an excellent duelist. Ominis had to learn the hard way (through many burns, cuts, and straight humiliation) how to anticipate what the other duelist will do - and how to effectively counter. It soon got to the point that Marvolo lost interest in trying to fight Ominis once Ominis started putting up an actual fight.

Ominis has a rather distant relationship with his father. His father taught him (or had others teach him) the ways of properness and being a gentleman - out of necessity to hold up the Gaunt family name. His father doesn’t view Ominis as a ‘true’ son, but more as a strategic piece to use against the other families. AKA potential status upgrade if Ominis catches the eye of a potential Pure-blood wife.

His father is the ‘Stoic, Aggressive, Stubborn’ Father archetype. He wants Ominis to be able to uphold the Gaunt name - he desires Ominis to be a ‘true’ man. Since Ominis is perceived as ‘weak’ in his father’s eyes, his father viewed Ominis as a lost cause - something not worthy of any effort to try to mold. It wasn’t until Ominis became more independent with his wand did his father take more interest in him.

His father was unreasonably strict with Ominis - especially as a child. Any outbursts, whether it be crying, laughing, or any form of raised voice, would be met with a cruel punishment. Ominis was to be seen and not heard - a phrase Ominis heard many times from his father.

“You need to learn to stand up for yourself.” , “I’m not going to coddle you like your mother does.” , “Real men don’t cry.” , “I’m not here to be your friend, I’m here to make you into a man worthy of the Gaunt name.” , “I’m not interested in your excuses, I want results.” , I don’t care if you like it or not, you’re going to do it.”

His mother on the other hand, Ominis is far closer with. Not to say they’re extremely close. His mother is what you’d call a Devouring Mother archetype - she loves selfishly not selflessly. She’s a world-class manipulator. She wanted Ominis to rely solely on her, due to his aliment, but once Ominis started to become more independent - especially with his wand - she started to become more manipulative.

“Do you not love me?”, “You’re nothing without me.”, “I’m the only one who truly loves you.”, “I’m trying to protect you.”, “You’ll never find someone who actually cares about you as much as I do.”, “You’ll never make it on your own without me. You need me.” , “I only want what’s best for you.”

She has no shame in trying to guilt Ominis into doing what she wants. Ominis, having been removed from her influence for a long time now, realizes his mother manipulates him. It’s a hard truth for him to admit, and he doesn’t want to acknowledge it half the time. Ominis, deep down, clings to the notion that his mother does love him - in her own twisted way.

As promised, fic below!

Warnings: mentions of child abuse??? i guess um nightmares, angst and comfort

Word Count: ~2,300 words

Sweat clings to his brow, a heavy breath escaping his lips. He listens intently, and he’s met with the soft snores of his dorm mates along with the humming boiler. His hands slowly release the tight grip on his sheets. He’s at Hogwarts, he thinks to himself as he sits up. Running his hands over his face and through his hair, he shifts to the side of his bed. He slips on his thicker winter robe and shoes, grabs his wand, and leaves.

He shoves the wooden door open and steps outside. The chilled air greets him and his hot, clammy skin. He stands there for a moment, breathing in the crisp night, before continuing his walk. He’s not sure where he’s going - he doesn’t rightly care. He just wants to stop thinking. He wants to silence Marvolo’s voice taunting him, and his own cries replying back. Hatred and frustration claws at the back of his throat at how pathetic and helpless he is to Marvolo’s torment. It’s been years, yet he’s still trapped in that wardrobe - being shaken and rattled.

The damp, mossy scent of the Black Lake catches his attention, and he waves his wand around to gather his bearings. He finds himself at the shore of the lake, his boots sinking into the rocky sand and water sprays onto his face from the breeze. With the gentle waves crashing to shore, he sits down on the beach. The sweat of his nightmare cools, leaving behind an unsettling chill. He drags his knees up to his chest with a heavy breath.

“Ominis?”

He jolts, whipping his head over to the sound of her voice. She’s walking towards him, her steps slow as if to not scare him away.

“What are you doing here?” he questions sharply. “It’s way past curfew, and you should be getting rest.”

Her laugh is gentle, warm, and it eases him for a moment. She takes a seat next to him, brushing her arm against his.

“And what about you? Do you not need rest?” she counters, her voice laced with a smirk.

His brows pull together, pulling his legs more into his chest.

“I’m fine. I… couldn’t sleep.”

He turns his face away from her, afraid she would see too much. She shifts towards him, sneaking her hand into his arm to wrap herself around him. His hand seeks hers without a second thought, their fingers intertwining. With her warm body against his, the chill of the night doesn’t feel so oppressive. The rolling waves alleviates the heavy silence between them.

“It’s a beautiful night,” she finally comments. “No clouds, just the moon and stars. The lake looks so peaceful.”

He closes his eyes, finding it hard to picture any sort of peace in his current state.

“How did you find me?”

His question hangs in the air while her thumb strokes over the top of his hand.

“You had another nightmare,” she states. “I… was worried.”

“It was just a silly dream,” he dismisses, shaking his head slightly. “Nothing to concern yourself with.”

“Ominis-,”

“I’m fine,” he snaps, directing a heated gaze towards her. “Go back to bed. I’ll be back to the castle soon.”

Despite his sharp words, he doesn’t loosen his hold on her hand. He expects her to pull away, leave him be, but instead she lays her head on his shoulder. A heavy exhale escapes his lips and he lays his head on hers.

“You can talk to me, sweetheart,” she whispers so quietly, her words nearly drift away with the receding tide.

“It’s nothing,” he murmurs, lifting his head off of hers.

He can feel her gaze upon him, looking up at him with concern.

“Do you not trust me?” she asks, her voice tinged with hurt.

He scowls at her. “What kind of question is that?” he hisses. “Of course I trust you.”

She strokes his cheek, softening his scowl, and he sighs into her touch.

“Then, why are you hiding this from me?”

Her tone is borderline pleading, and he can’t stand how hurt she sounds. His jaw clenches, grinding his teeth together, while he holds her hand tighter.

She continues in a gentle voice, “I didn’t want to tell you what happened at the Repository. It was a horrible, frightening experience, and I didn’t want to burden you with it. But, you were rather insistent on me telling you. And I’m glad I did. So, here I am, insisting you tell me what weighs your heart so.”

He doesn’t say anything. She squeezes his hand with a grimace.

“Please, Ominis,” she pleads, “tell me what’s going on. Don’t shut me out. Whatever it is, I want to help. I want to listen. Your nightmares have been getting worse.”

He frowns, “You’ve… known about the nightmares?”

She lays her head against his shoulder, nodding.

“Yes. For some time now. I was hoping you would talk to me about them, but you’re rather determined to pretend nothing is wrong,” she reaches her hand up to stroke his cheek, causing him to melt into her touch.

She turns her body towards his. “You won’t burden me, if that’s what you fear. You don’t have to face your demons alone, Ominis,” she says softly. “Let me be there for you, just as you have been there for me.”

He chews the inside of his mouth, flooding his tongue with a sharp copper taste. As much as he didn’t want to open up about this, hearing her upset is far worse. He sucks in a deep breath.

“They’re… about my family,” he admits in a quiet voice. He shakes his head with a grimace, “I don’t even know where to begin.”

“How about the nightmare tonight? What happened?”

He turns his face towards the cool mist of the lake, his breathing already starting to pick up.

“It was… about the time Marvolo tricked me and locked me in a wardrobe. He told me that we could play a game of hide and seek together - and he would help me find a spot to hide,” he lets out a bitter laugh which contorts his face into a cruel expression. “Once I was inside, he started to-, he-,” Ominis’ hold on her hand tightens as he struggles to compose himself. She waits for him, rubbing the top of his hand like a soothing balm.

He shudders, “He locked me inside, and he started to shake the wardrobe. Levitating it and making it spin and flip around. I had no idea where I was, what was going on. And I cried and begged to be let out, but he only laughed. He just kept laughing. Then once he grew bored, he left me in there. It wasn’t until a house elf found me hours later before I was set free.”

She’s not sure what to say. Squeezing his hand, she kisses his cheek then rests her forehead against his temple.

“Did that happen often? Marvolo tricking you?” she asks.

He nods, “In my younger years, yes. He was supposed to be my brother - someone I could trust. And he had no qualms in using that against me.”

She grimaces, “Did your parents ever intervene?”

He snorts with another bitter chuckle, “Intervene? No. Marvolo was teaching me a lesson - toughening me up. Making a man of me, as to not be some sobbing feeble weakling. No, Marvolo could treat me as he pleased. In fact, I think they actively encouraged it,” he shuts his eyes with a tense sigh.

“I remember the first time I fought back. Really fought back,” a proud smirk tugs on his lips. “He wanted to ‘duel’, and his spells would always come at me so fast. Then, I noticed something. There would be a pause when he went to cast certain spells - and he actually had a set pattern. During that pause, I managed to land a spell right into his chest. I could hear him stumble back from me in surprise. And for the first time in my life I felt… powerful. Best of all, Marvolo was weary of me after that.”

“If he could see you now, I doubt he’d be able to muster the courage to fight you at all,” she smiles, making him grin for a moment. His grimace returns and he turns his face towards his lap. She remains silent, quietly caressing his hand while he gathers his thoughts.

“My parents are… not kind people,” he begins in a quiet voice. “I told you of their ‘pastime’ with muggles. I still can’t comprehend being so cruel to someone - a complete stranger. But my mother, she wasn’t always unkind to me.”

A soft smile plays on his lips as he says, “She used to let me sit on her lap as she read to me - mainly over our ‘great’ family history. She’d hold my hand and take me through the corridors, telling me all about the portraits of our ancestors. One time, she gave me a chocolate pastry before bed - which Marvolo found out about the next day and punished me for it.”

“She sounds like she cares about you,” she says.

Ominis’ features fall into a more neutral expression, “Perhaps. In her own way. Once I got my wand, and I didn’t need her to help guide me, she changed. She’d cry anytime I didn’t want to hold her hand, or I wanted to read on my own. She nearly broke my wand in half one time, if Father hadn’t walked in.”

“She nearly broke your wand? Why-,” she stops herself with a shake of her head. “Your father actually stopped her?”

He nods, “Only because I had more worth in his eyes once I had my wand. I wasn’t some burden to him - not completely anyways. He wouldn’t talk to me often, unless necessary. For someone I lived with for nearly all my life, I barely know the man.”

“And he’ll never see how great of a man you are.”

Ominis turns towards her with a soft gaze, “Do you mean that?”

She kisses his cheek with a nod, “I do. You’re amazing, Ominis. Despite them trying to break you, you remained strong. You’re a kind, loving man. It’s something they’ll never be able to take away from you.”

He closes his eyes with a heavy breath - pressing his forehead to hers.

“I owe that to my Aunt Noctua. She was my light in those dark times,” he admits. “She showed me the world wasn’t always so cruel, nor unkind. She gave me hope that once I left that place, I could be whoever I wanted to be. That… people would… love me for me.”

His voice cracks and he squeezes his eyes harder together. He feels a tear trickle down his cheek, and she gently wipes it away with her thumb.

“My sweet, Ominis,” she whispers. “You’ve been through so much. But, you don’t have to face it alone anymore. I love you. I love you so much.”

Her tender touch and lips on his cheek - break him. Tears fall, despite him trying to keep them at bay. She doesn’t realize he’s crying until she feels a damp saltiness on her lips. Guiding him, he nuzzles into her neck as she holds him in a tight, loving embrace.

“It’s okay. I’m right here,” she strokes the back of his head.

He crumbles in her arms, letting himself cry silent tears for all the pain he’s kept in his heart. He weeps for the child he once was, who yearned to be loved and held like this. Her presence, her embrace, is warm and comforting - combating the darkness which weighs him.

She holds him, feeling her neck dampen while his fingers clutch onto her robes. There’s a rage in the back of her mind. She would like nothing more than to storm right up to that Estate and rip it apart - piece by piece. The more barbarous side of her would do the same to his family. Make them cry in agony, beg for mercy - a grace which she would never grant.

How could they ever be so cruel to her sweet, kind, loving Ominis? She hates they made him so aloof, and closed off from the world. Shattering his trust, again and again and again. Twisting the heart of someone who loves so deeply.

Instead of focusing on the injustice done unto him, she tries to think of only him. He survived. He made it out of their clutches with his heart. He could’ve been just like them. She buries her nose into his messy hair, inhaling his woodsy scent.

His hold on her loosens as his tears begin to calm. He feels lighter, while his eyes are heavy - begging for sleep. But, the idea of having to leave her warm embrace frightens him.

“Can we… stay here?” he asks, his voice small and vulnerable.

She smiles, lowering them onto the sandy beach, then pressing herself into his chest. He wraps her in his arms, letting her warmth wash over him. In the embrace of night, with her by his side, nestled in his arms and tucked under his chin, he feels safe, protected.

“Thank you,” he whispers. “For being with me. For finding me. For listening to me. You… I love you.”

She kisses his neck with a soft hum, “And thank you, for letting me in. For loving me. I never want to let you go, Ominis. I love you.”

He holds her tighter against him, determined to make them one. Resting his head on top of hers, he listens to the gentle waves rolling to shore and to the soft breaths against his neck. The stars twinkle above them, casting a gentle glow upon their entwined bodies.

In that moment, surrounded by the soothing sounds of the lake and the warmth of her love, Ominis finally feels a sense of belonging, a sense of home.

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AN: Sorry my Marvolo simps, but I don't think he's that nice of a guy especially to his brother Ominis. I think Marvolo, growing up, was doing all these things as 'brotherly love'.

Anyways, I hope y'all enjoyed <3 Feedback always welcomed :)

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rosewritingprompts · 1 day

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30 Color Prompts

Red 1. "You're bleeding." 2. "I'm so fucking pissed." 3. "They're so hot." 4. "Don't come any closer." 5. "I want you to kiss me right now."

Orange 1. "Here, I brought you juice." 2. "You're so brave." 3. "I can't wait." 4. "Don't look down." 5. "Please, stop."

Yellow 1. "I can't believe I just did that." 2. "I can't breathe." 3. "Do you see the way out?" 4. "I think I broke my leg." 5. "I can't move."

Green 1. "I feel like I'm going to throw up." 2. "You're safe here, I promise." 3. "Is this okay?" 4. "They can't look at you like that." 5. "I trust you with my life.

Blue 1. "Why are you crying?" 2. "I'm sorry for everything." 3. "Did you take your medication?" 4. "Will you hold my hand?" 5. "I don't know why I feel like this."

Purple 1. "You know you're my best friend, right?" 2. "I'm so alone, all the time. 3. "I don't know how to repay you." 4. "I've never met anyone like you." 5. "Will you sing for me?"

#prompt list #writing prompts #creative writing #prompts #writeblr #writing inspo #dialogue prompt #writing prompt list #writing prompt

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thepenultimateword · 16 hours

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Prompt #208

Villain must have had a moment of insanity last night. Asking out a hero? Them? If the vigilante didn’t search their house for evil schemes, they would probably gossip about it with the other heroes later. Why did they do this to themselves? And how did they get out of it?

Before they could ponder further a crisp knock sounded on the door. Villain swung it open smoothly, cancellation already on their lips.

“Look. This was a mistake. I—“

They stopped as they registered the flowers in Hero’s hands, the pristine manner of their dress.

A wet glimmer passing over the hero’s widening eyes. “I’m…a mistake?”

#hero x villain #heroes and villains #heroes and villains community #prompt #creative writing #short prompt #writing prompt #villain #hero x villain community

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dimomegatrix · 22 hours

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And with a full swoop, Diavolo picked up my unconscious, sleepy body. During that time, his trusty butler Barbatos magically gathered my things.

Once prepared, another whoosh emenated, and we all teleported back to the Devildom, far away from Kanredo.

The three of us arrived to a guest room in the Royal Castle, that Barbatos had set up. Diavolo placed me on the bed and kissed my forehead, utilizing a mix of calming and mind reading powers.

“Dimitri. You are physically, emotionally, and psychologically safe here. Please rest, tomorrow will be a new era for you ❤️”

[Excerpt from the story I’m writing]

Thanks to @moinstar who brought this artwork to life!

#obey me diavolo #obey me #obey me oc #writing #obey me story #love story #om! diavolo #diavolo x mc #creative writing

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hayatheauthor · 15 hours

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Forging Epic Battles: Techniques for Writing Gripping War Scenes in Fiction

I want to start this post off with sort of an author's note: this is a long one! I tried to keep my detailing to a minimum but I guess this topic Is just so vast I couldn't help but pour it all out. This really is sort of an ultimate guide and I hope it helps! Also, it was requested by @xweirdo101x (if you want to request something just send me an ask)

War has long captivated readers' imaginations, evoking a sense of grandeur, sacrifice, and the clash of ideologies. As writers, we have the power to transport our readers to the frontlines, immersing them in the chaos, drama, and emotion of epic battles.

Crafting gripping war scenes requires a delicate balance of research, skillful storytelling, and an understanding of the human experience in times of conflict. In this guide, I will explore various techniques that will help you create dynamic and compelling war narratives, transporting your readers to the heart of the action and leaving them breathless.

Setting the Stage: Creating a Compelling War Setting

When it comes to writing gripping war scenes, creating a vivid and immersive setting is paramount. Whether you are crafting a historical war or inventing a fictional conflict, the setting serves as the backdrop against which your characters and their stories unfold. Here are essential steps to help you create a compelling war setting that captures readers' imaginations:

Research Historical Context or Build a Fictional World:

For historical wars, immerse yourself in research to understand the time period, social dynamics, and political climate surrounding the conflict. This knowledge will lend authenticity and depth to your narrative.

If you're building a fictional world, establish the rules, geography, and cultural aspects that shape the war. Consider the unique elements that set your world apart and make it feel real to readers.

Describe the Physical Environment and Atmosphere:

Depict the landscape, whether it's a war-torn city, a rugged battlefield, or a desolate wasteland. Pay attention to sensory details—sights, sounds, smells—to transport readers into the heart of the war.

Convey the atmosphere of the setting, capturing the tension, fear, or anticipation that hangs in the air. Is it shrouded in darkness and despair, or does a glimmer of hope persist? Use descriptive language to evoke the desired emotional response.

Incorporate Cultural and Societal Elements:

Explore how the war has affected the culture and society within your setting. Are there new traditions, rituals, or customs that have emerged in response to the conflict?

Consider the social dynamics at play—class divisions, power struggles, or the impact of war on marginalized groups. These elements add layers of complexity to your setting and provide opportunities for conflict and character development.

By carefully constructing your war setting, you transport readers into a world brimming with authenticity and intrigue. Whether it's the trenches of World War I, a futuristic intergalactic battle, or a mythical realm engulfed in strife, the setting sets the stage for compelling storytelling.

Building Conflict and Tension

In the realm of war fiction, conflict and tension are the driving forces that propel your narrative forward and keep readers captivated. From the clash of opposing ideologies to the internal struggles within characters, here are essential techniques for building conflict and tension in your war scenes:

Establish Clear Goals and Stakes for Characters:

Define the objectives and desires of your main characters within the war. What are they fighting for? What personal or collective goals are at stake?

Create conflicts of interest between characters, where their motivations and objectives may diverge, leading to tension-filled interactions and confrontations.

Introduce Opposing Forces and Ideologies:

Develop compelling adversaries that challenge your protagonists. These opposing forces may represent different sides of the conflict, ideologies, or even personal vendettas.

Explore the contrasting beliefs, values, and philosophies driving each side, heightening the ideological clash and intensifying the conflict.

Utilize Internal Conflicts within Characters:

Explore the internal struggles and moral dilemmas faced by your characters. How does the war affect their beliefs, principles, and sense of self?

Delve into the emotional turmoil and psychological toll of war, showcasing the internal battles characters face as they navigate the chaos and make difficult choices.

By effectively building conflict and tension, you create a dynamic and engaging narrative that keeps readers invested in your war story. The clash of goals, the ideological friction, and the internal struggles of your characters add layers of complexity and depth to your storytelling, drawing readers deeper into the heart of the conflict.

Developing Dynamic Characters

In the realm of war fiction, dynamic and well-developed characters are essential to breathe life into your narrative and create an emotional connection with readers. By crafting relatable protagonists and antagonists, you elevate the impact of your war story. Here are key considerations and techniques for developing dynamic characters within the context of war:

Crafting Relatable Protagonists:

Give your main characters depth and complexity by exploring their backgrounds, motivations, and personal histories. What drives them to participate in the war? What are their hopes, fears, and vulnerabilities?

Develop relatable goals and desires for your protagonists that resonate with readers. Show how the war impacts their lives and pushes them to grow, change, or make difficult decisions.

Creating Compelling Antagonists:

Craft antagonists who are more than just one-dimensional villains. Give them their own motivations, beliefs, and reasons for engaging in the war. This adds depth and complexity to their characters, creating a sense of empathy or understanding.

Explore the potential for redemption or transformation within your antagonists. Are they driven by misguided ideals, personal vendettas, or the pressures of their circumstances? Allow their development to challenge readers' perspectives.

Conveying the Psychological Impact of War:

Explore the emotional and psychological toll that war takes on your characters. Depict their fears, traumas, and inner conflicts as they grapple with the horrors and realities of the battlefield.

Show the evolution of their beliefs and perspectives as they confront the brutalities of war. Allow their experiences to shape their character arcs, highlighting the resilience, resilience, and vulnerabilities that emerge in the face of adversity.

By developing dynamic characters in your war narrative, you create a multi-dimensional and emotionally resonant story. Readers will become invested in their journeys, experiencing the triumphs, losses, and personal transformations that unfold throughout the war.

Writing Action-Packed Battle Scenes

Action-packed battle scenes are the heart of war fiction, where the intensity and stakes are at their highest. These scenes immerse readers in the chaos, danger, and adrenaline of the conflict. To craft gripping battle scenes, consider the following techniques:

Structuring Battle Sequences for Maximum Impact:

Begin with a clear sense of purpose for the battle scene. What are the objectives? What is at stake? Establish the goals and set the stage for the conflict.

Build tension gradually, starting with smaller skirmishes or encounters that escalate toward the climactic moments. Consider pacing, alternating moments of heightened action with moments of respite for emotional impact.

Balancing Fast-Paced Action and Descriptive Details:

Use concise and vivid language to convey the fast-paced nature of battle. Focus on capturing the essence of the action, highlighting key movements, and sensory details that immerse readers in the experience.

Strike a balance between brevity and providing enough detail to engage the reader's imagination. Avoid overwhelming readers with excessive description, ensuring that every word serves a purpose and contributes to the overall impact.

Using Sensory Language to Immerse Readers:

Engage multiple senses to transport readers into the battle scene. Describe the sights, sounds, smells, and tactile sensations to evoke a visceral experience.

Leverage sensory details to enhance the emotional impact of the battle, capturing the fear, adrenaline, and urgency felt by characters and evoking a similar response in readers.

Good action-packed battle scenes bring the war to life on the page, immersing readers in the heart-pounding action. Remember to focus not only on the physical aspects of combat but also on the emotional and psychological experiences of your characters.

Conveying Emotional Resonance

In war fiction, it is crucial to convey the emotional impact of the conflict on both individual characters and the larger society. By tapping into the raw emotions experienced during times of war, you can create a profound connection with your readers. Here are key techniques for conveying emotional resonance in your war narrative:

Show the Human Cost of War:

Portray the personal sacrifices, losses, and tragedies that characters endure in the face of war. Highlight the emotional toll on their relationships, families, and communities.

Explore the range of emotions experienced by characters, such as fear, grief, anger, and resilience. Through their struggles, allow readers to empathize with the profound impact of war on the human psyche.

Engage the Senses to Evoke Emotion:

Utilize sensory language to evoke emotions within readers. Describe the sights, sounds, smells, and tactile sensations associated with war to create a vivid and immersive experience.

Connect specific sensory details to the emotions they evoke. For example, the acrid stench of smoke may elicit a sense of danger or the distant cries of anguish may stir feelings of sorrow.

Develop Authentic and Complex Relationships:

Showcase the bonds formed and tested amidst the chaos of war. Explore friendships, romances, and the camaraderie among soldiers to highlight the connections that sustain characters in the face of adversity.

Depict the conflicts and tensions that arise within relationships due to the strain of war. This adds layers of emotional complexity and authenticity to your narrative.

By effectively conveying emotional resonance, you invite readers to experience the human side of war. They will connect with the characters on a deeper level and become emotionally invested in their journeys.

Navigating Moral and Ethical Dilemmas

War is often accompanied by moral and ethical dilemmas that test the values and principles of individuals and societies. As a war fiction writer, it is important to explore these complexities and shed light on the difficult choices characters face. Here are key considerations for navigating moral and ethical dilemmas in your war narrative:

Present Conflicting Perspectives:

Introduce characters with differing moral viewpoints and beliefs. Show the diversity of perspectives within the war, whether it's among the protagonists, antagonists, or the larger society.

Challenge readers to contemplate the gray areas of morality and the complexities of right and wrong by presenting conflicting viewpoints and the reasons behind them.

Highlight the Consequences of Choices:

Illustrate the consequences of characters' actions and decisions. Showcase how their choices ripple through the narrative, affecting themselves and those around them.

Explore the moral dilemmas characters face, such as choosing between duty and personal convictions, sacrificing the few for the many, or grappling with the aftermath of their actions.

Offer Reflection and Discussion:

Provide opportunities for characters to reflect on their choices, engaging in internal dialogue or discussions with others. This allows readers to contemplate the moral implications alongside the characters.

Invite readers to reflect on their own moral compass and engage in discussions surrounding the ethical dimensions raised in your war narrative.

Navigating moral and ethical dilemmas makes your war fiction go beyond the surface-level action and delve into the deeper questions of humanity. It prompts readers to question their own values, moral boundaries, and the intricate web of choices that arise in times of conflict.

Research and Authenticity in War Fiction

For war fiction to have a lasting impact, it is crucial to conduct thorough research and strive for authenticity in your narrative. By grounding your story in accurate details and historical context, you enhance its credibility and immerse readers in the world of war. Here are key considerations for incorporating research and authenticity in your war fiction:

Study Historical Events and Settings:

Research the historical events, conflicts, and time periods that serve as the backdrop for your war narrative. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the context, including the political, social, and cultural factors that influenced the war.

Dive into the specifics of battle strategies, weaponry, and tactics employed during the time period. This knowledge will help you create authentic and realistic war scenes.

Explore Personal Accounts and Memoirs:

Read personal accounts, memoirs, and interviews of individuals who have experienced war firsthand. These sources provide invaluable insights into the emotions, challenges, and nuances of the human experience during wartime.

Pay attention to the details of daily life, the physical and psychological tolls, and the individual stories of courage, sacrifice, and resilience. Incorporate these elements into your narrative to add depth and authenticity.

Consult Experts and Military Advisers:

Seek guidance from military advisers, historians, or experts in the field to ensure accuracy in depicting military operations, protocols, and terminology.

Engage in conversations or interviews with individuals who have expertise in areas relevant to your story, such as veterans, soldiers, or scholars. Their perspectives can offer valuable insights and help you portray the realities of war with authenticity.

Strive for Emotional Truth:

While research and accuracy are crucial, remember that emotional truth is equally important. Balance historical accuracy with the emotional resonance of your characters and their experiences.

Capture the human aspects of war, such as the impact on relationships, the psychological trauma, and the bonds forged in the face of adversity. Connect readers to the emotional core of your story.

By incorporating thorough research and striving for authenticity, you create a rich and immersive war narrative that resonates with readers. The combination of accurate historical details, personal accounts, and emotional depth brings your story to life.

War fiction is a genre that holds immense power to captivate readers, evoke emotions, and shed light on the complexities of human nature during times of conflict. Through the techniques and considerations I have explored in this guide, you have the tools to craft compelling war narratives that resonate with authenticity and engage your readers on a profound level.

I hope this blog on forging epic battles will help you in your writing journey. Be sure to comment any tips of your own to help your fellow authors prosper, and follow my blog for new blog updates every Monday and Thursday.

Looking For More Writing Tips And Tricks?

Are you an author looking for writing tips and tricks to better your manuscript? Or do you want to learn about how to get a literary agent, get published and properly market your book? Consider checking out the rest of Haya’s book blog where I post writing and marketing tools for authors every Monday and Thursday

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