#writebetter

[writers-potion]

hello! i'm trying to write a manipulative/cunning character that uses his charm to get what he wants, but i'm unsure how to go about it without being too overt. he basically acts all polite and uses peoples' inherent biases (like how they are more likely to listen to or trust someone who's conventionally attractive)

i'm also struggling to come up with instances where he'd use those skills. i have an example from another story, but that'd make this ask long, so i'll give it if necessary

thank you for your time!

Writing a Cunning Character

I think the key to writing such a character would be to show how aware he is of the subtle reactions of others, and purposefully saying/doing things knowing fully well that there is plenty of room for misinterpretation.

For example:

He takes note of a waitress tucking her hair behind her ears and staring at him, and he smiles and calls her over specifically to order. Maybe she ends up giving him a free brownie.

When he sees someone debating whether they should accept his offer or not, he purposefully reaches across the desk to let his Rolex flash in the line of their sight, showing off his wealth.

You can show him carefully noting such details, in situations where he wants something out of the other person, like a job or money or a one-night stand...whatever it is. Maybe he uses his charm to cheat people out of their money or to get them to obey ridiculous orders because he just likes the sensation of exerting control over someone.

If you're writing from the cunning character's 1st person POV, you can insert little mental notes that he makes to himself. Perhaps he smiles internally at how easy the other person is, or is even proud of himself for a particularly manipulative move.

If you're writing 3rd person, it would be enough to write (1) the manipulative action/diagloue and (2) the corresponding result right next to each other to imply what's going on.

example: He reached across the desk for the cup, and their knuckles brushed briefly. A pair of dimples flashed as he smiled with all of his face. She swallowed; and nodded. "Alright."

Hope this helps! As always, happy writing.

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[s-soulwriter]

Writing Angsty Scenes Without Making Them Cringe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[env0writes]

The chain shirt i never wore is chafing How have i, of all warriors, not acquired Such heart rending loss Pierced, unadorned in chain What loss and fail, to bear no maile Weak to such serpentine kiss of love Slithering to bite me, Deaf to its baby rattled warning Yet without any protection I am suffer to infection sweet with soured dreaming Sweetly dreaming of that sandscored shirt That shirt of maile, i failed to find Wailed to bind to my raw skin Why should i venture into life unadorned Into the wild scorned by armors efficient and lithe Am I to pursue a wife, some lady to -wife to me Without so much as a gambeson, padded and protected Without any so much as a pin upon my breast Pierce me to the heart and stop Its toddering toddlering beating That is so heartenly beaten into my being Woven into fibers, links, and chained me to my goal Here i lay before love’s conquest Chafed, and bare before the pricks and needles That stitch fate and fortune Made and maddened ill with desire For a shirt made of wire And a love made for me

Idle Steps Vol. 2, 3.13.25 “Chain Mail"

@env0writes C.Buck   Ko-Fi & Venmo: @Zenv0 Support Your Local Artists

[brittanyearnestauthor]

Developing Characters: The Heart of Your Story

Creating well-developed characters is a complex process that demands continuous practice and deeper insight. It involves tapping into your own thoughts, values, and beliefs. By using your imagination and drawing from personal experiences, you can craft characters with unique voices and emotions. Whether inspired by people in your life or entirely imagined, each character will stand out through your distinctive touch.

Often, writers realize that their characters and worlds reflect their own journeys only after making significant progress. To create believable characters, you must infuse them with life through your own experiences, thoughts, values, and beliefs. Without this personal input, your characters will lack depth and authenticity.

Writing is a powerful and personal journey, requiring the use of imagination, knowledge, and insight to make your story successful. Embrace this journey and let your characters thrive through your own unique perspective.

[theyuniversity]

👀 LOOKING FOR GRAMMAR TIPS YOU CAN ACTUALLY USE IN REAL LIFE? 🙋🏻‍♂️

🛑 “Never end a sentence with a preposition.” 🛑 “Don’t start a sentence with and or but.” 🛑 “Avoid contractions in writing.”

🙄 Outdated grammar rules like these? Forget about it.

Say goodbye to grammar snobbery, and hello to smart, real-world writing. 💬✍️

I got you, fam.

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[thejuanchua]

Every message counts. Make it smart. Make it count.

[brookie-writes]

The magpie and the kinglet

The magpie had for reputation, To always look perfect without any alteration, Every other bird looked up to her, They wanted to know how to be a stunner. So tonight, before the volatile party, The kinglet went to the magpie's tree, Asking if she would accept, To share her well kept secret. With a laugh, she declined, And told the kinglet she wouldn't change her mind. The small bird then pleaded calmly, For at least a piece of jewellery. In her most condescending tone she said You are brave, you are not afraid, To ask for my belongings, For my necklaces and my rings, But you would need much more than those, To conceal all of your cellulose. The kinglet, left to the party, still hurt, During a dance, she told some birds, the magpie was not very gurt, She mentionned how cruel her words were, And how much it affected her. Later that night, the magpie came, Wearing a necklace and no shame, She approached a group of larks, Trying to show off her sparks, But they gave her a look, and walked away, Leaving the magpie alone in the hallway.

[e-thonrudwrites]

As I'm editing the last bits, am I realizing that the voice/style of the WIP is basically past tense that reads like present, active, very much hitting the point.

With a 150 read books under belt (read in 2 years) I've not found a single book that matches the voice exactly.

It's both exiting and terrifying.

[ciaraattong]

How to give Constructive Criticism

In order to provide beneficial feedback in a supportive and positive way, and in a way that will allow the receiver to really acknowledge and accept your advice, there are a few steps you can take to ensure that what you suggest is taken seriously. (Respect begets respect!)

Photo by Milad Fakurian on Unsplash

Critique, Do not claim!

Do not just blurt out the first thing you think about as a response! This can be seen as more of an opinion, rather than constructive criticism, and if your comment is negative, it might be misunderstood, or taken as a personal attack.

It is goal-based, NOT person-based.

Approach the idea of giving feedback by firstly reminding yourself that your focus should be on the work, rather than on the person behind the work. People often believe that just because they know or think they know the individual well, they are allowed to say things that might be off-putting, degrading, or "blunt" / "frank", or they end up referring to unrelated situations that might be too personal. Focus on the work - its aspects, its quality, how it was good, what parts were less effective or could have been done differently, and actionable changes that could be made.

Support, Suggest, Support!

Begin with a general comment of support, because hard work deserves to be recognized! Whether your criticism is positive or negative, allow the receiver to open their minds by feeling a sense that you have paid attention to their efforts. Then, discuss the good elements of the work, followed by what was a bit "less effective" and give actionable suggestions for improvement on the weak areas, or for the next project. End on a good note by giving another piece of encouragement!

I hope these sequenced tips are helpful! When you create a habit of giving feedback in a healthy, meaningful, positive and respectful way, then regardless of whether your criticism is positive or negative, the receiver will gladly listen and be open minded rather than closed off. They may even accept your suggestions!

Make this a habit not only for criticism towards literary works, but in every part of your life, and you will see a world of a difference! This is an awesome way to ensure that you are heard and considered, as well, so developing this skill is certainly not something to brush off if you believe that your voice should matter more! Sometimes, if you feel as though someone isn't listening, remember, there are things that YOU can do to change how people respond to you. Let it start with you! ❤

[worldseo123service]

Key Benefits of Professional Editing for Flawless Content

Discover how professional editing with Proaccuracy enhances clarity, accuracy, and impact—ensuring your content stands out with polished perfection every time.

[leedwriting]

How do I create a catchy headline that will make people want to read my article?

Here’s a step-by-step formula for crafting irresistible headlines, tailored to your article "Breaking the Overwriting Habit: Simplify Without Losing Depth":

1. Use the "4 U’s Framework" (from copywriting legend Copyblogger):

Useful: Promise a clear benefit.

Urgent: Imply timeliness or immediate payoff.

Unique: Stand out from generic advice.

Ultra-Specific: Avoid vague language.

Example: "The Hemingway Shortcut: How to Cut 30% of Your Draft Without Losing an Ounce of Depth"

2. Leverage Power Words

Inject emotion or curiosity:

Curiosity Gap: *"Why Your Writing Feels ‘Off’ (And the 5-Word Fix You’re Missing)"*

Fear of Missing Out: "The Editing Trick Top Authors Swear By (You’re Probably Overwriting Without It)"

3. Include Numbers or Data

Specificity = credibility:

*"5 Science-Backed Hacks to Trim Fluff Like Hemingway"*

"65% of Readers Abandon Cluttered Writing—Do This Instead"

4. Use Contrast or Paradox

Clash ideas to spark interest:

"Write Less, Say More: The Minimalist’s Guide to Powerful Prose"

"How Cutting Words Can Actually Make Your Writing Stronger"

5. Test These Templates for Your Topic:

“How to [Achieve Benefit] Without [Common Pitfall]” "How to Simplify Your Writing Without Dumbing It Down"

“[Number] [Unexpected Method] to [Result]” "3 Brutal Editing Tricks That Transform Bloated Drafts"

“The [Surprising Group]’s Secret to [Desired Outcome]” "The Pulitzer Prize Winners’ Secret to Crisper Writing"

Final Headline Ideas for Your Article:

"The Overwriting Cure: How to Cut 50% of Your Words and Keep All the Power" (Ultra-specific + contrast)

"Why Your Writing Feels ‘Blah’ (And the 1 Editing Trick That Fixes It)" (Curiosity gap + urgency)

"5 Editing Hacks That Turn Wordy Drafts Into Hemingway-Level Gold" (Numbers + social proof)

Pro Tip: Run your top choices through a headline analyzer (like CoSchedule’s) to gauge emotional impact and clarity.

[aiupdatess]

This Artificial Intelligence Text Generator Just Changed the Game!

Whether you're creating content, writing emails, building blogs, or scripting YouTube videos — these AI text generators are rewriting the rules. Literally.

Here are the top AI writing tools that are crushing it in 2025 — and why they’re worth your attention

1. ChatGPT (by OpenAI) – The Creative Powerhouse

Best for: Blogs, scripts, emails, storytelling, idea generation

Why: Understands your tone, audience, and intent. Write casual, formal, funny, or poetic – it's got RANGE.

Use if you: Need a reliable writing partner who’s fast, smart, and flexible.

Bonus: With GPT-4, it can now remember details across chats — hello, long-term writing buddy!

2. Jasper AI – The Marketing Beast

Best for: Copywriting, ads, brand messaging

Why: Built specifically for marketers, it helps with conversions, tone of voice, and …….

Read More

[eatinghemlocks]

Welcome to the old-fashioned idiot talks.

You don't have to write a main character who is good and angel-like all the time. You can write a corner-of-the-party person judging everyone character or even a narrator and I can still like it as long as you show me that they have feelings, emotions and especially their good side. The important thing in a story is the message the author is relaying on the readers through the main character actions / the narrator's storytelling.

:>

[brittanyearnestauthor]

Finding Your Unique Writing Voice

Writing can be complex because there are so many ways to phrase something to mean the same thing. It can sometimes be overwhelming when you’re trying to find the right words to fill a blank document and express yourself in a way that's truly unique. This might make you want to give up, but don’t! Start small and build up, just like you do with everything else.

For example, if you're describing a cup, you could say: "The white coffee mug sat on the coffee table where Jenny left it earlier." Or: "There lies the pristine, white coffee cup that Jenny used earlier." Or even more detailed: "I glanced over at the pristine, white coffee mug that Jenny used earlier today. The soft scent of cinnamon and hazelnut still lingered in the air, bringing back memories of a happy visit."

Here's another example:

- Jay went to school on time.

- Jay made it to school on time.

- Or more detailed: Jay rushed to school after discovering his alarm didn't sound.

I personally struggle with finding the right words to say. I often second-guess my choices and change them several times until I’m more confident. This can be frustrating and cause burnout if you’re indecisive for too long.

There are many ways to write a scene. The most important thing is to find the way that best suits you. I hope this helps you as you continue your writing journey. Share your own experiences or even small descriptive pieces based on these examples. Let's grow our skills together. Happy writing!

[theyuniversity]

How to Write Better (No ✨Magic✨ Required)

📝 by someone who has cried over commas and character arcs

Writing better isn’t about becoming a literary genius overnight. It’s about learning how to actually say what you mean, and then saying it in a way that makes someone feel something.

📌 Here’s how to do that without setting your laptop on fire.

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