Writing Tips

Writing Tips

Punctuating Dialogue

➸ “This is a sentence.”

➸ “This is a sentence with a dialogue tag at the end,” she said.

➸ “This,” he said, “is a sentence split by a dialogue tag.”

➸ “This is a sentence,” she said. “This is a new sentence. New sentences are capitalized.”

➸ “This is a sentence followed by an action.” He stood. “They are separate sentences because he did not speak by standing.”

➸ She said, “Use a comma to introduce dialogue. The quote is capitalized when the dialogue tag is at the beginning.”

➸ “Use a comma when a dialogue tag follows a quote,” he said.

“Unless there is a question mark?” she asked.

“Or an exclamation point!” he answered. “The dialogue tag still remains uncapitalized because it’s not truly the end of the sentence.”

➸ “Periods and commas should be inside closing quotations.”

➸ “Hey!” she shouted, “Sometimes exclamation points are inside quotations.”

However, if it’s not dialogue exclamation points can also be “outside”!

➸ “Does this apply to question marks too?” he asked.

If it’s not dialogue, can question marks be “outside”? (Yes, they can.)

➸ “This applies to dashes too. Inside quotations dashes typically express—“

“Interruption” — but there are situations dashes may be outside.

➸ “You’ll notice that exclamation marks, question marks, and dashes do not have a comma after them. Ellipses don’t have a comma after them either…” she said.

➸ “My teacher said, ‘Use single quotation marks when quoting within dialogue.’”

➸ “Use paragraph breaks to indicate a new speaker,” he said.

“The readers will know it’s someone else speaking.”

➸ “If it’s the same speaker but different paragraph, keep the closing quotation off.

“This shows it’s the same character continuing to speak.”

More Posts from One-braincell-in-use and Others

1 month ago

Let’s say a prayer for

Someone that is currently contemplating suicide 

Someone that has just attempted suicide 

Someone that is fighting for their life in hospital after a suicide attempt 

Someone that has recently heard that their family member / friend / partner has attempted suicide 

Someone that has recently heard that their family member / friend / partner has lost their life due to a suicide attempt 

Someone that has died due to a suicide attempt

Someone that is struggling to access mental health resources 

Someone that is struggling to have the people in their life take their mental health conditions seriously 

Someone that is currently struggling in a psychiatric ward (or similar) 

Someone that has recently been diagnosed with a mental health condition

Someone that is struggling with side effects from new medication for a mental health condition

Someone that is facing workplace discrimination because of a mental health condition

Someone that is facing discrimination at school/college/university because of a mental health condition

Someone that is experiencing financial difficulties due to having a mental health condition

Someone that is struggling with self harm or an eating disorder

4 months ago

Of course!

one-braincell-in-use - A nerdy dork who loves musicals.
2 months ago

Tips for writing flawed but lovable characters.

Flawed characters are the ones we root for, cry over, and remember long after the story ends. But creating a character who’s both imperfect and likable can feel like a tightrope walk. 

1. Flaws That Stem From Their Strengths

When a character’s greatest strength is also their Achilles' heel, it creates depth.

Strength: Fiercely loyal.

Flaw: Blind to betrayal or willing to go to dangerous extremes for loved ones.

“She’d burn the whole world down to save her sister—even if it killed her.”

2. Let Their Flaws Cause Problems

Flaws should have consequences—messy, believable ones.

Flaw: Impatience.

Result: They rush into action, ruining carefully laid plans.

“I thought I could handle it myself,” he muttered, staring at the smoking wreckage. “Guess not.”

3. Show Self-Awareness—or Lack Thereof

Characters who know they’re flawed (but struggle to change) are relatable. Characters who don’t realize their flaws can create dramatic tension.

A self-aware flaw: “I know I talk too much. It’s just… silence makes me feel like I’m disappearing.” A blind spot: “What do you mean I always have to be right? I’m just better at solving problems than most people!”

4. Give Them Redeeming Traits

A mix of good and bad keeps characters balanced.

Flaw: They’re manipulative.

Redeeming Trait: They use it to protect vulnerable people.

“Yes, I lied to get him to trust me. But he would’ve died otherwise.”

Readers are more forgiving of flaws when they see the bigger picture.

5. Let Them Grow—But Slowly

Instant redemption feels cheap. Characters should stumble, fail, and backslide before they change.

Early in the story: “I don’t need anyone. I’ve got this.”

Midpoint: “Okay, fine. Maybe I could use some help. But don’t get used to it.”

End: “Thank you. For everything.”

The gradual arc makes their growth feel earned.

6. Make Them Relatable, Not Perfect

Readers connect with characters who feel human—messy emotions, bad decisions, and all.

A bad decision: Skipping their best friend’s wedding because they’re jealous of their happiness.

A messy emotion: Feeling guilty afterward but doubling down to justify their actions.

A vulnerable moment: Finally apologizing, unsure if they’ll be forgiven.

7. Use Humor as a Balancing Act

Humor softens even the most prickly characters.

Flaw: Cynicism.

Humorous side: Making snarky, self-deprecating remarks that reveal their softer side.

“Love? No thanks. I’m allergic to heartbreak—and flowers.”

8. Avoid Overdoing the Flaws

Too many flaws can make a character feel unlikable or overburdened.

Instead of: A character who’s selfish, cruel, cowardly, and rude.

Try: A character who’s selfish but occasionally shows surprising generosity.

“Don’t tell anyone I helped you. I have a reputation to maintain.”

9. Let Them Be Vulnerable

Vulnerability adds layers and makes flaws understandable.

Flaw: They’re cold and distant.

Vulnerability: They’ve been hurt before and are terrified of getting close to anyone again.

“It’s easier this way. If I don’t care about you, then you can’t leave me.”

10. Make Their Flaws Integral to the Plot

When flaws directly impact the story, they feel purposeful rather than tacked on.

Flaw: Their arrogance alienates the people they need.

Plot Impact: When their plan fails, they’re left scrambling because no one will help them.

Flawed but lovable characters are the backbone of compelling stories. They remind us that imperfection is human—and that growth is possible.

4 months ago

basic things you should know about your main characters

how is their relationship with their family

what are their beliefs, if they have any

what is their motivation (preferably something unrelated to their love interest/romantic feelings)

who were they raised to be vs. who they became/are becoming

what are their plans for the future, if they have any

how they feel about themselves and how it affects their behaviour

how do they feel about things they cannot control

and last but not least: Why is This Character the Protagonist??

4 months ago
Clark Reupload
Clark Reupload
Clark Reupload
Clark Reupload
Clark Reupload
Clark Reupload

clark reupload

edit: forgot the sweater comic

5 months ago

MERRY CHRISTMAS, SUCKERS! JESUS LOVES ALL OF YOU!

MERRY CHRISTMAS, SUCKERS! JESUS LOVES ALL OF YOU!
MERRY CHRISTMAS, SUCKERS! JESUS LOVES ALL OF YOU!

Tags
2 months ago

Seing this pin

Seing This Pin

And listening to

Like WOW

Varian deserves that song wayyyyyyyyyyy more than Light does

4 months ago

Uh, I'm not Asian, but this seems like a good source. It's important to do research so as not to spread harmful stereotypes and racism. Uh, yeah. :D

Disclaimer: I Am East Asian. If Anyone Who Is Not White Sees Anything Wrong With My Phrasing, Inaccuracies,
Disclaimer: I Am East Asian. If Anyone Who Is Not White Sees Anything Wrong With My Phrasing, Inaccuracies,
Disclaimer: I Am East Asian. If Anyone Who Is Not White Sees Anything Wrong With My Phrasing, Inaccuracies,
Disclaimer: I Am East Asian. If Anyone Who Is Not White Sees Anything Wrong With My Phrasing, Inaccuracies,
Disclaimer: I Am East Asian. If Anyone Who Is Not White Sees Anything Wrong With My Phrasing, Inaccuracies,
Disclaimer: I Am East Asian. If Anyone Who Is Not White Sees Anything Wrong With My Phrasing, Inaccuracies,
Disclaimer: I Am East Asian. If Anyone Who Is Not White Sees Anything Wrong With My Phrasing, Inaccuracies,
Disclaimer: I Am East Asian. If Anyone Who Is Not White Sees Anything Wrong With My Phrasing, Inaccuracies,

disclaimer: I am east asian. if anyone who is not white sees anything wrong with my phrasing, inaccuracies, or insensitivity, or something I missed, please feel free to add on. I'm just one person with one perspective; none of what I say should be taken as The Singular way to draw an Asian character. if you havent done so already, please take the effort to expand your view of Asian culture outside this one tutorial.

if a white person reblogs this and adds something stupid I'm going to bite and kick you like a wild animal

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one-braincell-in-use - A nerdy dork who loves musicals.
A nerdy dork who loves musicals.

I go by he/him, call me Micah! Minor, student, and professional procrastinator.

55 posts

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