#creative writing process

[susandnymm]

Why move on to another phase of the narrative when you can just keep adding to this one? (The heading at the top of this column says "To Fal Dara"... d'oh! *slaps own hand*)

Can't say enough how much I love Milanote though. It not only keeps my scattered thoughts organized (I have lots of other boards both for fun projects and my actual work work and it's great for all kinds), but it LOOKS PRETTY DOING IT. And ngl that's what keeps me using it.

[joncronshawauthor]

🚀 Book Launch & Series Finale | Author Diary - August 30, 2024📚🧟‍♂️

📘 “The Wolf and the Wyvern” Launch: This week marked a major milestone with the launch of “The Wolf and the Wyvern,” the second installment in the Ravenglass Legends series. It’s always exhilarating to see a project come to fruition, and I’ve been busy with the various aspects of the book release—from coordinating with distributors to engaging with readers. The feedback so far has been…

[themightyhumanbroom]

This is a friendly reminder to give your OC a firm and unmistakable L every now and then.

This is a necessary action to keep your OC healthy for the long term.

[praiseinchains]

Gratitude Journal Entry (6/28/24)

Today I'm Grateful For:

*That I lost another pound :-) It's really hard for me to lose weight with my Hashimoto's. I'm nowhere close to being overweight, but I'm still not where I want to be. Depending on where you carry your weight (for me it's my stomach and chest) even 5 pounds can make a huge difference in how your clothes fit.

*As I'm getting ready to start my poetry writing challenge, it's bringing up all these emotions that I wasn't even aware of or was aware of and tried my best to ignore. I'm not a poet, so I've had to find an outline and I'm making a list of what I want to include. I want to use my poetry as a way to share my story. At first, it was only going to be about my disease and the decade that I lost to it, but now it's changed to include my full life, because everything that's happened to me has led me to where I am: from my very difficult beginning, to my adoption, to my diagnosis, and beyond. The tentative title is 'A Journey to Peace'. It's been hard dealing with these emotions, but I'm also grateful for them because when they're at the surface I can actually deal with them.

*For breakfast! I'm already starving, and I am so grateful that Hardees has such yummy breakfast biscuits. They are so buttery and flaky and just melt in your mouth.

Something I'm Proud Of:

For how strong I've been in life. Coming up with ideas for poetry has brought up such painful emotions. I was diagnosed with PTSD when I was around 2 or 3 and was in therapy until 4th grade (about 10 or 11). Although my therapist released me, I don't believe the PTSD went away - I believe I simply just buried it down so deeply without realizing it. Perhaps I subconsciously thought I needed to. I've always tried to appear like everything is fine, but this challenge is definitely proving to me I've still got so many unresolved issues from what happened to me when I was younger. No one ever noticed, so I didn't start receiving the help I truly needed until shortly before my 30th birthday. I took care of myself emotionally the only way I knew how and I learned to be strong for myself and I am proud of the person I've become (unresolved issues aside). I'm also proud that I'm strong enough to seek help and try to resolve everything or at least come to terms with it. I deserve to be free from my past and be truly happy.

Tomorrow I'm Looking Forward To:

I'm just ready for Saturday. It's felt like a crazy week and I'm ready for the weekend. (I also have a leftover donut and cinnamon roll I plan to eat for breakfast)

[itsawritblr]

[writers-potion]

how do you write a liar?

How to Write Liars Believably

Language

The motive of every goal is the make the lie seem plausible while taking blame off the speaker, so liars will often project what they say to a third party: "Katie said that..."

Referring to third parties as "they" rather than he or she

In the case of a deliberate lie prepped beforehand, there will be an overuse of specific names (rather than pronouns) as the speaker tries to get the details right.

Overuse of non-committal words like "something may have happened"

Masking or obscuring facts like "to the best of my knowledge" and “it is extremely unlikely," etc.

Avoiding answers to specific, pressing questions

Voice

There's isn't a set tone/speed/style of speaking, but your character's speech patten will differ from his normal one.

People tend to speak faster when they're nervous and are not used to lying.

Body Language

Covering their mouth

Constantly touching their nose

fidgeting, squirming or breaking eye contact

turning away, blinking faster, or clutching a comfort object like a cushion as they speak

nostril flaring, rapid shallow breathing or slow deep breaths, lip biting, contracting, sitting on your hands, or drumming your fingers. 

Highly-trained liars have mastered the art of compensation by freezing their bodies and looking at you straight in the eye.

Trained liars can also be experts in the art of looking relaxed. They sit back, put their feet up on the table and hands behind their head.

For deliberate lies, the character may even carefully control his body language, as though his is actually putting on a show

The Four Types of Liars

Deceitful: those who lie to others about facts

2. Delusional: those who lie to themselves about facts

3. Duplicitious: those who lie to others about their values

Lying about values can be even more corrosive to relationships than lying about facts. 

4. Demoralized: those who lie to themselves about their values

Additional Notes

Genuine smiles or laughs are hard to fake

Exaggerations of words (that would normally not be emphasized) or exaggerated body language

Many savvy detectives ask suspects to tell the story in reverse or non-linear fashion to expose a lie. They often ask unexpected, or seemingly irrelevant questions to throw suspects off track. 

[uwudonoodle]

[writer-logbook]

How to introduce your character in 3 steps

A friend of mine was the source of this very pertinent question. So I decided to write a blog entry about it. Because how do you introduce your character without sounding fake ?

Remember that, in real life situation, no one calls you by your name. Have you noticed that none of your friends is adressing you by your name, unless they're trying to get your attention or that something serious is happening ? That should be the same in your story : find a situation where it is relevant to use names. Or stick to nicknames, which is a more common way to address your friends.

Use another character. If you can’t come up with a situation, you can always rely on a side character to introduce your MC. It’s also the perfect way to describe your character rather than simply using mirror, which is convenient yet very cliché. But the fun thing to do is to make several characters talk about your MC : their opinion might go in different directions due to their relationships, their own sensibility and attention to details. It’s also a good way to breath life into your side characters so please consider that option seriously.

The reader doesn’t need to know everything, especially on the very first page. Unless the info is relevant to the plot, there is no need for the reader to know MC’s favourite food or eye’s color. If you’re on character-sheet-side (which I’m not btw), you should be careful about wether the reader the story will progress or not. Try to be balanced !

What I really want to stress in this article is the importance of action when introducing your character. You want the reader to know your character is courageous ? Put them directly into a situation where they can show courage. You want to describe their hair color ? What about that moment when the light is flickering in a way that gives their hair a peculiar effect that catches the eye of another character ?

Don’t worry, your creativity will always find a way ~

[inkskinned]

sure i find you in my hair and under my pillow and in the car. but i know in my heart you are picking me out of your teeth. i know i am burning through your sundays, sticking to your ceiling.

i hope i'm in every bitter cup of coffee and every candle wick and every bath. i hope my shadow flickers under your door so the empty hallway i have left behind is a swift dart of nothing more. i hope you find me in notebooks and stop signs and fleetwood mac - like i am marginalia on your life, i want my fingerprints burned into your days like acid.

i loved you, and you know i loved you, and for the rest of your life i will be the person you broke. for the rest of your life i hope the shame of that runs like a cattle dog, bites at your heels. i hope every time your cup is full or the moon is a toenail or a cat is purring or a laugh is in your belly or the sky turns pink while the sun is setting - i hope you remember that someone loved you, and you crushed them in your palms. you extinguished every future i lit. i hope that haunts you.

i hope you never fucking forget it.

[ashleys-doodle-corner]

ACT 2 "You're... me?" "That's right, stardust!"

You know I've been drawing Loop as their Siffrin form so much that it's got me thinking. I've read and seen so many fics and artworks of Loop eventually getting back to looking like their old self, but I don't think I've seen any so far of Loop already being a mirror copy of Siffrin. So uh, yoink?

ISAT AU where the game plays out the same way (plot-wise at least) but Loop looks like Siffrin the whole time and while Siffrin is extremely perplexed that there's another him, he's still gotta accept their help because how else are they supposed to escape the loops? Good ol' Loop is here to help, helpful friendly Loop!

Siffrin is going through it still but Differently.

[joseefinwrites]

Ultimate "Know Your Character Inside Out" Template

The ultimate template for creating a character, without losing your mind, while you're at it.

Character Background Template ... (open)

1. Name:

2. Age:

3. Gender & Pronouns:

4. Physical Appearance:

   - Hair color:

   - Eye color:

   - Height:

   - Build:

   - Distinguishing features (scars, tattoos, etc.):

5. Background and Upbringing:

   - Where were they born and raised?

   - What was their family structure like (parents, siblings)?

   - Describe their childhood environment and upbringing.

   - Were there any significant events or traumas in their past?

6. Education and Skills:

   - What level of education did they receive?

   - Did they excel in any particular subjects or skills?

   - Have they pursued any additional training or education since then?

7. Personality Traits:

   - Describe their personality in a few words.

   - What are their strengths and weaknesses?

   - How do they typically react under stress or pressure?

8. Motivations and Goals:

   - What are their short-term and long-term goals?

   - What drives them to pursue these goals?

   - Are there any fears or insecurities that motivate or hinder them?

9. Relationships:

   - Who are the most important people in their life?

   - How do they interact with family, friends, and acquaintances?

   - Do they have any romantic interests or significant relationships?

10. Past Experiences:

    - Have they faced any major challenges or setbacks in the past?

    - How have these experiences shaped their beliefs and values?

    - Have they experienced any significant losses or tragedies?

11. Worldview and Beliefs:

    - What are their core beliefs and values?

    - How do they view the world around them?

    - Are there any cultural, religious, or philosophical influences in their life?

12. Inner Conflict:

    - What internal struggles do they face?

    - Are there any unresolved issues from their past that continue to affect them?

    - How do these inner conflicts impact their decisions and actions?

13. Connection to Outer Conflict/Plot:

    - How does their personal journey intersect with the main plot or external conflict?

    - What stakes are involved for the character in the larger story?

    - How do their goals and motivations align (or conflict) with the central conflict?

 

(Shorter) Knowing Your Character Inside Out Checklist

Personality Traits:

   - Introverted/Extroverted

   - Optimistic/Pessimistic

   - Assertive/Passive

   - Empathetic/Self-centered

   - Logical/Emotional

   - Adventurous/Cautious

   - Honest/Dishonest

   - Ambitious/Content

Beliefs and Values:

   - Religious beliefs (if any)

   - Moral code

   - Political beliefs

   - Views on relationships

   - Attitude towards authority

Fears and Insecurities:

   - Common fears (spiders, heights, etc.)

   - Deep-seated insecurities (failure, rejection, etc.)

   - Traumatic experiences (if applicable)

Desires and Goals:

   - Short-term goals

   - Long-term aspirations

   - What motivates them to pursue these goals?

Strengths:

   - Intellectual strengths

   - Physical abilities

   - Emotional resilience

   - Social skills

   - Unique talents or abilities

Weaknesses:

   - Personal flaws

   - Areas of vulnerability

   - Bad habits

   - Limiting beliefs

Backstory:

    - Family background

    - Childhood experiences

    - Significant life events that shaped their identity

    - Education and career path

    - Previous relationships

-Josie

[novlr]

“The fact is, I don’t know where my ideas come from. Nor does any writer. The only real answer is to drink way too much coffee and buy yourself a desk that doesn’t collapse when you beat your head against it.” ― Douglas Adams

[joncronshawauthor]

📚 Expanding Universes & Upcoming Launches | Author Diary - August 23, 2024🎉✨ #amwriting

📝 Continuing Niamh’s Story: This week, I’ve been working on Niamh’s story, a side narrative to “Punks Versus Zombies.” Expanding this universe allows us to explore different dimensions and perspectives, enriching the overall saga and providing deeper insights into the characters’ lives. 🗡️ Progress on “Guild of Assassins” Sequel: Exciting developments in the “Guild of Assassins” series as…

[themightyhumanbroom]

It's always risky killing off a character but if you have to, you must have them HAUNT the narrative. Let their death and absence be constantly felt at some level.

[cj-etc]

Forbidden Romance Prompts

Sneaking out of an event/party to be together

Holding hands under the table at meals, hoping nobody catches on

Secret glances in public/out with friends

Finding excuses to see each other (group project, work meeting, car troubles, etc.)

Texting/writing letters to one another and having to hide their responses

Seeing each other in public and having to ignore each other/stay apart, as much as it hurts

Secret meeting spots

Being discovered and begging to keep things quiet

Fake enemies

Planning to run away together (you would never do it)

Kissing in the car

Small gifts

Why is it forbidden?

[thetypewriterdaily]

i hope it’s something good 🌻🫧💌

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