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Being a woman

I hate being a woman.

It comes with so many disadvantages that I can no longer see the good side of it.

From the moment we are born to the moment we die, we live in pain and fear.

We are punished every month, and we have no choice in the matter.

Strangely, I find the emotional pain more grueling to go through than the physical one.

Every month, my brain turns against me. It’s too much.

The ups and downs of sadness, rage and happiness. For a week, I don’t control my own mind.

I’m mean to the ones I love and just want to die, so the pain goes away.

Even if I try to explain, they don’t understand. They will never understand.

They can’t see it or feel it.

The pure despair of knowing the cause but not the solution.

There is no cure, only temporary treatments. But if they don’t work?

Am I destined to live in this uncertainty for the rest of my life? Will my mind let me live for another month?

I’m tired. I feel alone.

We live in a world where they do not care for us, no matter how much they say they do.

The person who says they love you will turn their back when you show that pained side of you. 

They don’t understand. And I believe they can never understand.

I’m afraid of one day losing against my monsters. But if the day comes, at least, I know I tried my best. I held on as much as I could.

Becoming a woman has given me nothing but pain and fear.

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Tips from a Beta Reading Writer

This one's for the scenes with multiple characters, and you're not sure how to keep everyone involved.

Writing group scenes is chaos. Someone’s talking, someone’s interrupting, someone’s zoning out thinking about breadsticks. And if you’re not careful, half your cast fades into the background like NPCs in a video game. I used to struggle with this so much—my characters would just exist in the scene without actually affecting it. But here’s what I've learned and have started implementing:

✨ Give everyone a job in the scene ✨

Not their literal job—like, not everyone needs to be solving a crime or casting spells. I mean: Why are they in this moment? What’s their role in the conversation?

My favourite examples are:

The Driver: Moves the convo forward. They have an agenda, they’re pushing the action.

The Instigator: Pokes the bear. Asks the messy questions. Stirring the pot like a chef on a mission.

The Voice of Reason: "Guys, maybe we don’t commit arson today?"

The Distracted One: Completely in their own world. Tuning out, doodling on a napkin, thinking about their ex.

The Observer: Not saying much, but noticing everything. (Quiet characters still have presence!)

The Wild Card: Who knows what they’ll do? Certainly not them. Probably about to make things worse.

If a character has no function, they’ll disappear. Give them something—even if it’s just a side comment, a reaction, or stealing fries off someone’s plate. Keep them interesting, and your readers will stay interested too.

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Cain

Character sheet

Full Name: Cain

Alias/Nickname: None (though Delphine may come up with one later)

Age: Ancient (older than any other vampire, werewolf, or witch)

Species: Vampire (formerly human, with a soul bound by a witch’s curse)

Alignment: Chaotic Neutral

***

Personality

Selfish & Volatile – He doesn’t care about others and only acts in his own interest.

Charming but Dangerous – He can be alluring when it benefits him, but his temper is unpredictable.

Cold & Calculating – Sees emotions as a weakness and only values power and survival.

Egotistical & Sarcastic – Amused by human struggles and often makes snide remarks.

Possessive & Territorial – While he doesn’t care for most, he can become dangerously attached to what he deems his.

Has a Sadistic Streak – Enjoys teasing, provoking, and making others uncomfortable, especially Delphine.

***

Physical description

Height: Tall and imposing

Build: Lean, but incredibly strong

Skin: Pale, almost unnaturally so

Hair: Jet black, always slightly unkempt

Eyes: Dark brown, nearly black, with a red tint when his hunger or emotions intensify

Distinguishing Features:

A perfect, almost statuesque beauty, which makes him both alluring and intimidating

Hands calloused from centuries of combat and survival

A presence that feels both magnetic and predatory

***

Abilities & Strengths

Vampiric Strength & Speed – Stronger and faster than any normal vampire.

Immortality – Cannot die from age or disease.

Enhanced Senses – Can hear heartbeats, smell emotions, and see in total darkness.

Regeneration – Heals rapidly, even from fatal wounds.

Unbound by Traditional Vampire Weaknesses – Sunlight does not burn him, but it does weaken him.

Blood Affinity – Gains memories and emotions from those he feeds on.

Master Combatant – Has centuries of experience in battle, making him nearly impossible to defeat.

***

Weaknesses & Limitations

Sunlight Weakens Him – While it doesn’t burn him, it drains his strength significantly.

Bound Soul – The curse that bound his soul makes it impossible for him to truly die—but it also means he cannot fully escape pain or suffering.

Emotionally Detached – Cain feels little to no remorse, making it hard for him to form real connections.

Overconfident & Reckless – He often underestimates enemies, believing himself untouchable.

Blood Dependency – If he goes too long without feeding, he becomes weaker and more aggressive.

***

Aesthetic

Cain’s aesthetic perfectly balances sophistication and danger, making him both alluring and intimidating. His dark clothing, tailored yet effortless style, and gothic undertones reinforce his mysterious and deadly nature.

He plans ahead with his flask of blood and dagger but also shows restraint by not smoking near Delphine. His watch symbolizes his awareness of time, despite being nearly immortal.

***

Character Arc

Starts as an untouchable, selfish being, but Delphine challenges his detached existence.

Begins to feel emotions he thought he had lost, making him both stronger and more vulnerable.

Forced to confront his past as Delphine gets deeper into supernatural conflicts.

Faces a growing internal struggle—continue his cold, isolated existence, or embrace something new with Delphine.

[victoriarockbooks]

Delphine

Character Sheet

Full Name: Delphine [Last Name TBD]

Alias/Nickname: Belladonna (given by Cain)

Age: Early to mid-20s

Species: Human (with expertise in poisons and the supernatural)

Occupation: Poison crafter & seller (black market)

Alignment: Neutral

***

Personality

Expressionless & Apathetic: Shows little reaction to most things, making people uneasy.

Highly Intelligent & Analytical: Prefers logic over emotion, calculating every move she makes.

Distrustful & Detached: Keeps people at a distance, never letting them get too close.

Independent & Self-Sufficient: Refuses to rely on others for help.

Dark Sense of Humor: Occasionally lets out snarky remarks when comfortable.

***

Physical description

Height: Small and petite

Build: Thin and slightly underweight, with pronounced cheekbones

Skin: Extremely pale, almost translucent under certain lights

Hair: Ginger, unruly and thick, often braided

Eyes: Icy blue, cold and emotionless

Distinguishing Features:

Freckles across her nose and cheeks

Dark circles under her eyes from an irregular sleep schedule

Hands are often cold, with faint traces of dirt from tending to her plants

***

Skills & Abilities

Master of Poisons: Knows how to craft, test, and administer deadly substances.

Highly Observant: Notices small details others overlook.

Greenhouse Specialist: Grows and maintains deadly plants.

Resistant to Poisons: Exposure to toxins over time has made her somewhat resistant.

Emotionally Detached: Rarely shows fear or panic, even in dangerous situations.

Quick Reflexes: Due to always being cautious, she reacts quickly when threatened.

***

Weaknesses

Physically Weak – Small and underweight, not built for combat.

Severe Trust Issues – Pushes people away, making her an easy target for manipulation.

Overly Analytical – Sometimes overthinks situations instead of acting.

Suppresses Emotions Too Much – When emotions break through, they overwhelm her.

Not Used to Kindness – Struggles to accept genuine care from others.

***

Aesthetic

Delphine’s fashion aesthetic is elegant yet practical, inspired by historical and gothic influences. She favors long, flowy linen dresses in earthy tones, especially dark green. Her style is romantic and old-fashioned, often paired with headscarves or bonnets when outside. She wears comfortable short boots for ease of movement. A key accessory is her necklace with a hidden compartment, where she keeps a small dose of poison.

***

Background & History

Grew up isolated, learning about poisons and plants from a young age.

Killed her mother accidentally with poison, leading her father to disown her and throw her out.

Survived on her own, becoming an expert in crafting and selling poisons on the black market.

Moved to a secluded house outside of town, trying to live peacefully.

Crossed paths with Cain, her dangerous neighbor, leading to an intense and twisted relationship.

***

Character Arc

Starts as emotionless and self-sufficient, but Cain and Aurora gradually break through her walls.

Slowly learns to trust, though it terrifies her.

Becomes entangled in supernatural politics despite wanting nothing to do with them.

Must decide whether to embrace her growing feelings or remain isolated forever.

[victoriarockbooks]

Overused Words in Writing & How to Avoid Them

We’ve all got our comfort words—those trusty adjectives, verbs, or phrases we lean on like a crutch. But when certain words show up too often, they lose their impact, leaving your writing feeling repetitive or uninspired.

1. “Very” and Its Cousins

Why It’s Overused: It’s easy to tack on “very” for emphasis, but it’s vague and doesn’t pull its weight.

Instead of: “She was very tired.” Try: “She was exhausted.” / “She dragged her feet like lead weights.”

💡 Tip: Use precise, vivid descriptions rather than vague intensifiers.

2. “Looked” and “Saw”

Why It’s Overused: It’s functional but flat, and it often tells instead of shows.

Instead of: “He looked at her in disbelief.” Try: “His eyebrows shot up, his lips parting as if words had failed him.”

💡 Tip: Focus on body language or sensory details instead of relying on generic verbs.

3. “Suddenly”

Why It’s Overused: It’s often used to create surprise, but it tells readers how to feel instead of letting the scene deliver the shock.

Instead of: “Suddenly, the door slammed shut.” Try: “The door slammed shut, the sound ricocheting through the empty room.”

💡 Tip: Let the action or pacing create urgency without needing to announce it.

4. “Said” (When Overdone or Misused)

Why It’s Overused: While “said” is often invisible and functional, using it in every dialogue tag can feel robotic.

Instead of: “I can’t believe it,” she said. “Me neither,” he said. Try: Replace with an action: “I can’t believe it.” She ran a hand through her hair, pacing. “Me neither.” He leaned against the counter, arms crossed.

💡 Tip: Don’t ditch “said” entirely; just mix it up with context clues or action beats.

5. “Felt”

Why It’s Overused: It’s a shortcut that tells instead of showing emotions.

Instead of: “She felt nervous.” Try: “Her palms slicked with sweat, and she couldn’t stop her leg from bouncing.”

💡 Tip: Let readers infer emotions through sensory details or behavior.

6. “Really” and “Actually”

Why It’s Overused: They add little to your sentences and can dilute the impact of stronger words.

Instead of: “I really don’t think that’s a good idea.” Try: “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

💡 Tip: If a sentence works without these words, cut them.

7. “Walked” or “Ran”

Why It’s Overused: These are go-to movement words, but they can feel bland when used repeatedly.

Instead of: “He walked into the room.” Try: “He strolled in like he owned the place.” / “He shuffled in, avoiding everyone’s eyes.”

💡 Tip: Use verbs that convey mood, speed, or attitude.

8. “Just”

Why It’s Overused: It sneaks into sentences unnecessarily, weakening your prose.

Instead of: “I just wanted to say I’m sorry.” Try: “I wanted to say I’m sorry.”

💡 Tip: Delete “just” unless it adds essential nuance.

9. “Thought”

Why It’s Overused: It tells readers what a character is thinking instead of showing it through internal dialogue or action.

Instead of: “She thought he might be lying.” Try: “His story didn’t add up. The timelines didn’t match, and he wouldn’t meet her eyes.”

💡 Tip: Immerse readers in the character’s perspective without announcing their thoughts.

10. “Nice” and Other Vague Adjectives

Why It’s Overused: It’s generic and doesn’t give readers a clear picture.

Instead of: “He was a nice guy.” Try: “He always remembered her coffee order and held the door open, even when his arms were full.”

💡 Tip: Show qualities through actions instead of relying on vague descriptors.

Final Tips for Avoiding Overused Words:

1. Use a thesaurus wisely: Swap overused words for synonyms, but stay true to your character’s voice and the scene’s tone.

2. Read your work aloud: You’ll catch repetitive patterns and clunky phrases more easily.

3. Edit in layers: Focus on eliminating overused words during your second or third pass, not your first draft.

[victoriarockbooks]

Writing with Colors

A list of resources to help you describe different colors in your writing.

The Color Thesaurus A collection of infographics that show various shades of different colors, each shade/color labeled by name.

Color Reference Chart Another collection of infographics that show various shades of different colors, each shade/color labeled by name.

Hair Color Reference Chart A collection of infographics that show various shades of different hair colors, each shade/color labeled by name.

Eye Color Reference Chart A collection of infographics that show various shades of blue, brown, and green eye colors, each shade/color labeled by name.

Different Ways to Describe Hazel Eyes A list of ideas and suggestions for describing hazel eyes. Can be used as prompts or for brainstorming.

Different Ways to Describe Green Eyes A list of ideas and suggestions for describing green eyes. Can be used as prompts or for brainstorming.

Different Ways to Describe Blue Eyes A list of ideas and suggestions for describing blue eyes. Can be used as prompts or for brainstorming.

Different Ways to Describe Brown Eyes A list of ideas and suggestions for describing brown eyes. Can be used as prompts or for brainstorming.

+

I’m a writer, poet, and editor. I share writing resources that I’ve collected over the years and found helpful for my own writing. If you like my blog, follow me for more resources! ♡

[victoriarockbooks]

Body Language

When someone is...

Sad

Face/Body:

Avoidant/reduced eye contact

Drooping eyelids

Downcast eyes

Frowning

Raised inner ends of eyebrows

Dropped or furrowed eyebrows

Quivering lip/biting lip

Wrinkled nose

Voice:

Soft pitch

Low lone

Pauses/hesitant speech

Quiet/breathy

Slow speech

Voice cracks/breaking voice

Gestures/Posture:

Slouching/lowered head

Rigid/tense posture

Half formed/slow movement

Fidgeting or clasped hands

Sniffing or heavy swallows

Self soothing gestures (running hands over the arms, hand over heart, holding face in palms, etc)

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[victoriarockbooks]

The Garlic Incident

(Aurora sneaks into Cain’s kitchen and hides garlic cloves in all his cabinets, knowing full well that while it won’t hurt him, it will annoy him.)

Cain (holding up a handful of garlic, glaring): "Really?"

Aurora (grinning): "What? I’m trying to keep you healthy!"

Cain: "I’m a vampire, I don’t get sick."

Aurora: "Then what’s with the face? You don’t like it?"

Cain: "I loathe it."

Aurora: "Noted. I’ll put twice as much next time."

[victoriarockbooks]

The Fake Potion

(Delphine finds a small bottle labeled "FOR IMMORTALITY" on her kitchen counter.)

Delphine: "Aurora, what is this?"

Aurora (crossing her arms): "A potion. You’re a witch, aren’t you? You should’ve recognized it."

Delphine: "It’s just juice, isn’t it?"

Aurora (dramatic sigh): "Maybe. Or maybe you’ll never die now."

(Delphine rolls her eyes, but later finds a second note under the bottle that says "haha just kidding".)

[victoriarockbooks]

Cain’s Mysterious Disappearance

(Delphine walks into the living room to find Aurora sitting cross-legged on the floor, looking very serious.)

Aurora: "Cain’s gone."

Delphine (raising an eyebrow): "Gone where?"

Aurora (wide-eyed, whispering): "The crows took him."

Delphine (deadpan): "…The crows?"

Aurora (nodding solemnly): "He’s one of them now."

(At that moment, Cain walks in, unimpressed.)

Cain: "You told her I was kidnapped by crows?"

Aurora (grinning): "You do wear too much black."

[victoriarockbooks]

Del and Cain's interactions

Cain: “You should be flattered. I don’t usually visit my neighbors.”

Delphine: “And yet, here you are, proving that even nightmares make house calls.”

**

Cain: “I brought you something.”

Delphine: “If it’s your presence, you can return it.”

**

Cain: “I thought we could chat.”

Delphine: “You thought wrong.”

**

Cain: “What, you think I’m some kind of monster?”

Delphine: “I don’t judge. I just prepare.”

Just a few interactions between my favourite couple. :)

[victoriarockbooks]

Belladonna's House of Shadows (on Wattpad) https://www.wattpad.com/story/388102186-belladonna%27s-house-of-shadows?utm_source=web&utm_medium=tumblr&utm_content=share_myworks&wp_uname=_crazypainter 

 Delphine, a reserved woman with a penchant for deadly plants, moves into a quiet neighborhood, only to be drawn into the unsettling mystery surrounding her enigmatic neighbor, Cain. Strange noises, chilling screams, and inexplicable occurrences push her to confront him, leading to a dangerous revelation that challenges everything she believes. As secrets unravel and their lives intertwine, Delphine and Cain navigate a dark, twisted connection filled with tension, intrigue, and unexpected vulnerability. In the shadows of their shared secrets, an unconventional bond begins to form, one that could change both their lives forever.

[victoriarockbooks]

how do you do, fellow Creatives™

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[victoriarockbooks]

Great advice.

Questions from Beta Readers are Rhetorical

You know when people leave you questions on your work during the feedback process like, “why is she doing this?” or “who is this again?” or “how does this relate to what was just said?” You’re not meant to reply back and answer those.

They aren’t asking because they want you to explain it to them—or at least, that’s not very helpful to the actual work. They’re asking because something in the manuscript is unclear. Most readers won’t have the benefit of having you next to them to answer questions as they go—the work has to hold up on its own. If something is unclear, it should be addressed in the text, it’s pretty useless if it’s addressed only in your answer back to your beta reader.

So actually, when people ask me questions about my manuscript, I don’t answer them at all. I go back into the work and try to clarify, and then I have them read it again. If they have the same question, it means I need to try again until the confusion is cleared up.

Sometimes the people I edit for reply back with paragraphs of explanation, and I tell them that it’s great that they understand it, but I don’t need or want them to explain it to me afterward. I was asking the question so they knew what exactly was unclear to me (a bit more helpful than saying “this is confusing”). I want the understanding to come from just reading the piece.

That being said, some beta readers might want you to chat about it further with them—it’s up to you guys! But if you don’t also address the question in the work, you’re not doing yourself or your piece any favours.