#writter stuff

[lucylichtenweg]

Author of a series/book/movie: *gives a bad/sad ending to a character*

Fanfiction Author: *puts away their sleep schedule*

Fanfiction Author: *gets their keyboard*

Fanfiction Authors: hold my eyelids because I will not sleep tonight. Not if I'm not done making my sunshine happy how they should be.

[mushandbread]

I feel both seen and called out at the same time-

nice to see Miyazaki has the same writing process as me

[nexe-montano]

I think writers need to know that there is no format for success. If a story is good let it be good. Throw that betrayal in there, have three climaxes, do that cliffhanger, kill off your most important character, make the main character's life a lie, and leave them grasping at straws for the truth.

Stop overthinking in trying to please others and yourself. There's an incredibly thrilling freedom when you don't worry about over-saturating a story. Make. It. Yours.

The most influential writers in fantasy, adventure, etc. never bowed to the wishes of those who they thought they should please. They wrote what they wanted and came up with incredible stories to share with the world. Not because they craved approval but because they genuinely were proud of that work and wanted others to experience the same emotions and thrill of reading they had while writing.

If you have writer's block, it is my firm belief that you are thinking too much. You have the layout, you have the ideas. Stop. Second-guessing. Yourself. You've got more to offer than you know. Let yourself thrive and live, not just survive in the writing world. Write any and every idea and build off of them to create a story no one has heard before. Create something you've only seen in your dreams.

Yes, you can take inspiration from every story you've heard, read, or seen before, yes, you can use AI to research topics you have no idea about to make your story even better. But no, you cannot quit.

You are on the very cusp of it, can't you feel it? You've got it, believe it, *feel* it. Only you can do this, only you can truly finish this in the way that you want and dream of. Do it. Complete it. Without any regard for what might be right or wrong.

[adannamdi]

Writing A Main Villain And Hidden Mastermind

VILLAINS

Villains are my absolute worst and absolute favorite characters to write. They can be morally gray, complex, or driven by the wrong motivations. Sometimes they’re fan favorites, and sometimes they’re nightmares. They might work alone, in pairs, or as part of a hidden network—but you won’t know unless the writer reveals it.

However, not all villains are the same. There are different kinds, each with their own level of intelligence, cunning, and approach to achieving their goals.

TYPES OF VILLAINS

The Brute Villain

These villains rely on strength, intimidation, and power rather than strategy. They crave domination but lack foresight, making them easy to manipulate or deceive. They flaunt their abilities, believing themselves invincible—until their downfall.

They can be outwitted with the right timing, distractions, or by exploiting their weaknesses—whether that’s greed, lust, or arrogance.

The Seductive Villain

These villains manipulate through desire—not necessarily through sex, but by preying on ambition, pride, or insecurity. They use charm and deception to turn people into pawns, slowly poisoning their minds with subtle manipulation.

Imagine a married man ensnared by a seductress—not only does she fulfill his desires, but she also brainwashes him into giving her what she needs, all while dismantling his life from the inside.

The Shadow Villain (The Puppet Master)

These villains never act directly. They stay hidden, watching, waiting, and pulling the strings while others execute their plans. Their hands are clean, but they orchestrate chaos from behind the scenes.

Think of a corrupt politician running a criminal empire while maintaining the image of a noble leader. The arrests, murders, and schemes are carried out by underlings, while the mastermind remains untouchable.

The Hidden Mastermind (The Most Dangerous One)

Unlike the shadow villain, the hidden mastermind is always two steps ahead. They have backup plans, loyal followers, and limitless resources. They manipulate events with precision and are nearly impossible to track.

Imagine a superhero chasing a faceless enemy—he knows the villain’s voice, maybe a vague silhouette, but nothing more. The villain could sit across from the hero, sipping tea, and still remain undetected.

Or picture this: a murder takes place in a park. The victim’s partner reports it—seemingly an innocent bystander. But as the protagonist digs deeper, they realize the partner is the true mastermind, orchestrating everything. Yet, without proof, only the hired killer is arrested while the real villain walks free.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Villains should challenge the protagonist, push the plot forward, and create tension. Their impact should be felt throughout the story, even if their presence isn’t immediately obvious.

Next week, I’ll be discussing why character occupations matter in mystery writing. Be sure to follow and like for more content!

[butternutt613]

PSA!!! IT IS OKAY TO CHANGE YOUR STORY HALFWAY THROUGH OR TO NOT HAVE IT BE PERFECT!!!

Fanfic writers (myself included) are way too hard on ourselves sometimes. I was chatting with a few amazing creators on Discord about this, and I realized just how much pressure we put on ourselves to make everything perfect.

Let me remind you: it’s completely okay if your story isn’t flawless right out of the gate.

The way I see it, fanfics, and most things posted on AO3 or Wattpad are like first drafts. ESPECIALLY!!!!! when you’re still actively writing your story. You’re still figuring things out, shaping the narrative, and building the world. It’s not set in stone, and it’s okay to make changes as you go. Hell, completely rewrite it!

So many of us get caught up in trying to make our stories perfect from chapter one because we’re scared that if it’s not, no one will read it. I experience imposter syndrome so hard lol

But NEWSFLASH!!! Even published authors don’t create flawless stories from the start. Their first drafts are messy, full of edits, rewrites, and changes. Entire chapters get cut, characters get reworked, and sometimes entire backstories get scrapped. AND THEN!!! EVEN WHEN THEY THINK THEY ARE DONE!!! THEIR EDITORS GIVE THEM 39 THINGS TO CHANGE!!!

If that’s how the ‘pros’ do it, why are we holding ourselves to an impossible standard?

And I’m going to be so real with you right now… 99.99% of the time, the characters we write about aren’t even canon or have never even interacted in canon or only had 2.3 lines of dialog (I'm looking at you, Jegulus….)

That’s the magic of fanfiction. You get to create something ENTIRELY NEW. You get to take these characters and give them experiences and a life the og author never did or never could. Fanfiction is about imagination and creation, not about rigid rules.

There will always, ALWAYS, be someone who says "you're doing it wrong” or “that character wouldn't do that” and I'm sorry to break it to them but idk if you know this but… THEY AREN’T REAL!

If I want these two guy best friends to kiss, I will! If I want my MC to save Anne by perfecting Isadora’s magic, I will! If you want Ominis to say “fuck you” to his family or Sebastian to become a healer or an auror or a potions master, then GODDAMMIT YOU DO THAT!

BECAUSE YOU ARE WRITING YOUR STORY!! It is YOURS, not anyone else's. You’re the author. Your creative process is valid and so is your work, even if you decide to change direction halfway through. (Elsa was originally going to be evil…)

There will always be haters. Even when something is canon, there are people who’ll criticize it (seriously like look at flat earthers….) That’s why you can’t let the fear of criticism hold you back. Write what YOU love. Create what brings YOU joy. The right people will find your work and appreciate it for what it is.

At the end of the day, fanfiction is about expression and connection. Whether you’re writing for an audience of hundreds or just for yourself, it’s yours. You’re building a world, shaping characters, and sharing something that came from your heart. And that’s what makes it meaningful. So stop being so hard on yourself. Keep WRITING. Keep CREATING. KEEP COMING UP WITH FUN HEADCANONS!!!

Your story deserves to be told. And you deserve to have fun and love doing it.

*mic drop* *peace sign*

[sskybooks]

#19 What would your character do if the president suddenly showed up at their front door?

I know you all have amazing creative juices in you and some amazing characters. This prompt is just for you to have fun and to help you explore your Character in a different setting. I would LOVE to hear what your Characters would do.

[bleedingpeace]

[lutheban]

Hey remember right before the pandemic when a season of a show was about 15-20 episodes? Remember when having 8 episodes what called "a mini-series"? Remember when we could get a season a year and not wait 2 years to get a continuation of a story? remember when shows had time to grow and form an audience? remember that? yeah? cuz i do

[glitt3rgh0st]

How I feel looking at my half finished fanfic knowing i’m not gonna finish it if don't keep writing 💔

[tipsieocart]

Update!! Chapter 2 of my story Brocade

I finally finished chapter 2! About 6,000 words to read now! If you're interested the link is right here!

If you click on it thank you for the support. I'm not looking for criticism or anything like that 👍 just simply getting my story out there.

If you want to know more about it I have some information on my blog (⁠≧⁠▽⁠≦⁠) thanks and let me know if you read it!!

[jorrated]

idk why sonic fans care so much about canon timelines. classic sonic is past sonic or an alternate version sonic? who gives a shit sonic canon is the definition of fuck it we ball have fun with your blue rat

[midnight-stalker]

Me when I finally get an original idea to write a about:

[rabbitbakery]

A brief reprieve (black Pearl cookie x captain caviar cookie)

I’ve been cooking an au in my silly little brain ever since I started hyperfixating on cookie run yet again. I call it the ✨reformation au✨

Warnings: a little angst but comfort, heavily implied that black Pearl cookie was in love with frilled jellyfish cookie before she “died”, man tits 😔

__________________________________

She doesn’t know what this….MAN has done to her brain but she’s not exactly….thrilled about it. Black Pearl cookie told herself she would NEVER trust a pile of worthless crumbs ever again, it’s only brought her trouble anyway! They are nothing but pathetic- weak! Yet, here she was, waiting for her… captain to visit her once more.

Ever since he and that sentient fish tank dared disturb her in her sunken kingdom, he’s been visiting. She tried to drown him for the first few times, but he was nothing but stubborn- stupidly so in her opinion. He was a persistent little pest, yet she found herself waiting for him at noon on the dot everyday. If he would come, it was always at noon, no sooner or later. Over time she…dreaded his visits less…. The constant storm making the Dustgloom sea’s nearly inhospitable calming with every visit. She doesn’t know what’s wrong with her, her first love betrayed her… took Frilled Jellyfish cookie away from her… but yet she finds herself at the same little alcove underwater, silently watching the horizon for a all too familiar ship.

“Lass? You ‘ere?” Captain Caviar cookies deep, raspy voice called towards the watery blue. That voice… ugh she can’t stand it…After a few minutes she decided to make her appearance, her large, titanic form rose from the depths, looking down at the spec of a man in front of her. 

“What do you want…” her intimidating siren-like voice as loud as always, yet she’s never seen him flinch as many others have.

“There’ ya are pearly, ominous’ per usual huh lass?”. That nickname…that damn nickname… 

“You didn’t answer me…”. Part of her thinks he’s still trying to get something from her, yet she had no Pearl to lose anymore anyway…nothing she would be too beat up about parting with. 

“Can’t I come see ya without needen’ somethin?” He says with a deep chuckle, his hand looming over his pocket on his coat. She never knew why he wore the damn thing, he never buttoned it up anyhow. 

“I gotcha somethin’….”. She tilted her head like a curious cat, her usual slit pupils dilating. He grabbed the mysterious treasure from his pocket, waiting for her to hold out her hand to gift it to her. Black Pearl cookie reluctantly complied, it was probably some kind of cookie junk-

A Pearl. A big one too, full of shine and no imperfections, the lustrous surface shining pinks and grays perfectly… her… her Pearl. 

“Oyster cookie found out bout’ me lil trips down ere’ from me crew, the little scallawags, said she had somethin’ of yer’s from an old family member. Poor lass sounded so torn up bout’ er family stealin’ it.” 

“…” ah…it’s been that long… hasn’t it? He moved on without her…had a family…pasted away…

…

She suddenly dove back under the surface, her long white hair revealing her diving deeper and deeper till she could no longer be seen.

“Wait!- Lass? Ya alright? I’m sorry if I upset ya…” his voice started concerned, fading into disappointment… he was really hoping she’d like it. She might as well be part of his crew by now, and he wasn’t leaving his spot till he was certain she was in tip top shape, so he dropped the anchor and… waited.

…She had it back. Her Pearl, her perfect pearl, her most valued treasure returned to her. All that hatred for Lord Oyster cookie, all that venom she had for him taking what’s rightfully hers…. 

She feels…better. For the first time in centuries she felt like she gained just a little piece of herself that she had ripped from her. She felt…happy, not the joy she felt from watching those crumbs dissolve into nothing by her own hand, no. Content, she felt content. It brought her too tears, and she hasn’t cried in centuries, her cold, vitriolic heart beating with joy. She held it close, clutching it like it would be taken once more…

A tiny, calloused hand touched Black Pearl cookies scaled arm, bringing her back into her senses.

“…Pearly..? Are ya ok..?” His voice was soft, concerned and weary. She doesn’t know what to say, how to feel�� and seemingly her face reflects that.

“…what…what does dat’ Pearl mean to ya?” That was all he could think to ask, clearly it meant a lot but he’s never seen her cry, it was unnerving to be frank. The highly feared sea siren, her name could strike terror into even the most experienced sailor, crying.

“…it’s my Pearl…” she mumbled like a scared child.

“…it was a gift to…..” she doesn’t finish her sentence. She hates feeling this weak, this PATHETIC. He’s the pathetic one- HIM. She’s the legendary Black Pearl cookie for almighty seas sake!- She’s a GOD compared to him…. Yet…

“…like… a boyfriend or somethin?” Captain Caviar cookie asked, confused that she even might have had a boyfriend before. Like, jeez poor bloke must’ve been idiotic to upset her this bad. 

“…he got my best friend killed over…THIS.” Her voice was full of venom and vitriol. Her  ginormous trident flew to her claw with a loud ‘SHINCK’. Black Pearl cookies tail shot her to the surface, memories she’d long buried swirling in her mind like a typhoon. The clouds above darkened, a grand thunderstorm forming…

“Why won’t that pest leave me BE!?-“ ‘WAM’ lighting struck a nearby rock face, jagged stones falling into the deep blue.

That pest took her way he got her killed by that stupid land cookie then had the gull to beg for forgiveness she will never forgive him she will ripe everything one of his next to kin to shreds-

“…I’m sorry lass…” his voice interrupted her rage, Captain Caviar, in the most sincere voice she thinks she’s ever heard. Her gaze returned to the water, watching him float next to her, his face etched with worry and a genuine care she’s not seen in  a millennia. 

“If i’dda known givin ye that woulda’ brought back such bad memories I woulda’ kept it to meself’…” Black Pearl cookie felt a pang of something she didn’t know she could feel anymore. Guilt.

“….no…no it’s not…I appreciate it, truly, I do…” the storm calmed, her trident sinking back to the sea floor.

“It’s just…I’m still so….” All his hard work, all his visiting and his care was paying off, she was finally opening up…

“Angry. He just… moved on like he didn’t do anything wrong… like he wasn’t a murderer..” Sharp talons dig into her skin as she said that last part, her eyes slits once more.

“…lass… I don’t mean to sound insensitiv’ but… holdin a grudge against that scurvy dog ain’t gonna change what he did… it’s no good for ya too keep makin urself’ miserable thinkin bout em’..” Captain Caviar cookie was trying his best to be as helpful as he could, but he ain’t trying to get himself turned into fish food quite yet. She just looked… tired now. A deep seeded tiredness that had built and festered, destroying the happy little moon she once was, even if she was insecure she was happy. Now look at her… how pitiful she was now…

“…perhaps your right…but it’s so hard not to be angry at…everything.” She was mad at the Almighty Sea for not protecting tearcrown, her sisters, or her precious servant when she needed her most. She’s mad at her sisters for not allowing her to grow stronger, to train incase of a battle so that maybe, just maybe she could have saved Frilled Jellyfish cookie. She’s mad at ….him. She gave him the ability to quite literally thrive underneath the tranquil waters and he threw it all away as soon as money was offered to him. He sold a part of her to a man who killed her true first love… her Frilled Jellyfish Cookie. She’s mad at herself… her sisters would be so disappointed if they saw her now.

“…I know lass… I know.” From the little things she’s told him before, he knew she had many valid reasons to be so hateful. To look at any living thing with distain, to distrust any cookie she saw. He just wishes she saw him the way he saw her. Captain Caviar cookie would never admit it out loud, but she truly was the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen, cruel yes, mean? Absolutely! But he doesn’t mind, maybe there’s baby sturgeon’s in his brain eating away at his senses but that’s kind of what he liked about her. She was so strong, a force to be reckoned with, yet here he swims next to her, gently speaking to her as she’s in a distressed state.  

After a beat of silence she turns to her more docile small state, while still bigger then him by at least a foot. What Captain Caviar Cookie didn’t expect was for her to launch herself into his arms, curling around him like a boa constrictor. She’s NEVER been affectionate, other then the few pets she occasionally let him do on her head, they never touch.

“! Wow there lass-“

…he smells nice…like salt water and outside.. this was so nice. She can’t remember the last time she hugged someone, sometimes she forgets how touch starved she is. 

“…I like when you visit…” she mumbled into his coat, which she was heavily judging him for not taking it off before he jumped into the water. 

“…what was that lass?” He said smugly and light heartedly

“Shut it you worthless pile of crumbs and let me hug you!” Black Pearl Cookie hissed. There’s his girl. 

“Pfft- oh come on lass I’m teasin!”. She grumbled a bit more before focusing on snuggling up to him more, a deep purring in her throat. 

‘Hehe, like a cat…’ Captain Caviar thought to himself, happily accepting the affection from the siren he had been trying to get the attention of for weeks now. 

…This was nice…it was like all her anger and hatred was gone for but a moment…she felt.. lighter. Her mind more clear.

“…aye… lass you feelin’ alright? Yer scales be turnin…”.

“?” She gazed down at her tail, towards his gaze… pink. The tips of her scales were now pink, how they used to be… 

“WHAT THE?!-“ Black pearls voice screeched, a look of confusion and a little horrified shock on her face. How was that even possible??? All the pigment disappeared from her body when her mind was tainted- what happened???

“Wow wow Pearly calm down, I’m sure you caught a fever or somethin’”. She hates how his voice could always calm her. 

“You should rest lassy, it’s no good for ya to be havin all this excitement if ye are gettin’ sick.” He gently rubs her back, yeah…maybe it was that…

He bid her goodbye, her retiring to her hoard of valuables she had stolen from republic ships over the years. She was not to sleep till she placed her Pearl in a chest she had laying around, hiding it for no other but herself. Her hoard was like it’s own little story, the history of cookies long passed all within this submerged cave. She curled up in her lavished nest, maybe she’d be ok in the morning…

… but she wasn’t.

Her Pearl began gaining its pink shine back, the black pigment swirling and fighting with the soft pastel. The tips of her tail gained its rosey shade back in a soft gradient, her skin less grey… but it wasn’t sickness. She felt….calm. Like a weight had been lifted off her chest even if just a little. The constant storm within her seas calm, grey clouds. While the pain was still there.. it wasn’t in control anymore. 

She didn’t think a measly cookie could make her fall in love ever again….

But clearly she was wrong.

[adannamdi]

How to Make Your Main Protagonist Impactful in a Mystery Whodunit

I've talked about suspects, villains, and character occupations in mystery writing, but let's go deeper into how we can make our main protagonist even more impactful in a whodunit narrative.

In this post, I'll share what I did with my character, Adebayo Owolabi, and why I believe he is the most memorable character in The Hidden Diary. This isn’t a strict formula for writing your protagonist, but I hope it helps you develop your own characters.

This also isn’t the only mystery I will be writing, so my approach to crafting main characters will evolve over time. As I work on new projects, I’ll continue sharing my insights. Make sure to follow for updates!

ADEBAYO OWOLABI: A Case Study

Adebayo Owolabi is, in my view, the central male character of The Hidden Diary. Here’s a brief rundown of who he is:

Full Name: Adebayo Owolabi

Age: Mid-60s

Family: Widowed, father of one (late daughter, Adaora)

Background: Retired lawyer, now a businessman

Personality: Logical, firm, values justice, dislikes gossip (though that changes)

Likes: Cooking, especially fish dishes, spending time under his orange tree, reading newspapers, listening to the radio, sipping gin in the evening breeze

Dislikes: Injustice, disrespectful people, things being out of place

Habits: Regularly visits his wife’s grave to update her on his life and their daughter’s life

Occupation: Former lawyer, now owns a business run by a trusted associate

Living Situation: Owns a home in Lagos, Nigeria

Car Type: Year 2000 Toyota

Adebayo is a Yoruba man living in Lagos. His personality is shaped by his past experiences, particularly the loss of his wife, Ngozi, which made him deeply protective of his daughter. His investigation into her death isn’t just about justice—it’s about fulfilling his promise to always protect her.

He’s also not isolated. His connections play a crucial role in the story:

Chimoabi Duru – A high-ranking police officer and old friend who provides confidential intel.

Tunde Owolabi – His brother, a politician with access to influential circles.

Blessing – A street informant who feeds him local gossip and market rumors.

This network gives him resources to investigate—but not without consequences.

Why Character Details Matter

When crafting your main protagonist, consider the following:

Basic Characteristics:

Name

Last Name

Age

Family

Backstory

Personality

Likes & Dislikes

Favorite Dish

Habits

Occupation

Housing

Car Type

Extra Details:

Height

Blood Type

Favorite Color

Shoe Size

Clothing Style

Hair Style

Skills

These details build a well-rounded character with a clear past, present, and future. They also help maintain consistency throughout the story. However, it’s okay for characters to evolve.

For example, Adebayo dislikes gossip. But when it becomes a valuable source of information, he listens in, even calling Blessing to know what market women are talking about. This contradiction makes his character feel more real and adds layers to his motivations.

The Impact of Occupation on a Mystery Protagonist

Adebayo’s role as a retired lawyer shapes his approach to the mystery. He thinks like an investigator, but his status as a civilian creates obstacles. His friend Chimoabi reminds him that he no longer has the authority to investigate cases, yet Adebayo persists.

This introduces a compelling internal conflict: Is Adebayo obsessed, or is he genuinely pursuing justice? The answer isn’t clear until the story unfolds.

Now, imagine Adebayo wasn’t a retired lawyer but a professor. His investigation would look different depending on his field:

A criminology professor would analyze the case differently from a business professor who relies on financial leads.

His connections to law enforcement might come from former students rather than lifelong friends.

These variations show how a character’s occupation influences their methods, resources, and challenges.

Final Thoughts

Creating an impactful mystery protagonist isn’t just about making them intelligent or determined—it’s about grounding them in their world. By carefully choosing their occupation, background, and personal struggles, you create a character that feels real and memorable.

What do you think? How do you develop your protagonists? Let me know in the comments!

[greenapplespider]

Haven’t drawn any of the ladies from my story BiM in min ;p here’s my brave little trash panda Jessica

She’s too skinny because food’s expensive in Torch City and once you age out of the youth homes you can only get one free meal a day from a soup kitchen (unless you sign up for manual labor, but she’d rather explore abandoned buildings to look for stuff to sell).

Jess does her best to stay out of sight, as a smaller lady the last thing she wants is to be cornered by someone bigger than her.

[sskybooks]

#11 What would your character do if they were deserted on an island?

hot sand coated your face and salt crusted your eyes. Water washed up your legs. Groaning you get up. You cover one side of your face from the sunlight and look around. Where the heck are you?

I know you all have amazing creative juices in you and some amazing characters. This prompt is just for you to have fun and to help you explore your Character in a different setting. I would LOVE to hear what your Characters would do.