Writers - Blog Posts
The Captain's been gone for a long time now. We're not sure what we're supposed to do. Our purpose has changed. We're still a crew, but there aren't anymore pirates. It died out. Except for us.
We wish the Captain was here. They always knew what to do. Some want them because we're angry at being left behind, but still stuck here. Others because they want all this to end. But it won't. It can't.
It's been a very long time. We tried going our separate ways, but in the end we came back together. No one can understand us but each other. We can't stay stationary for long. But we can stay together.
It's been a very, very long time. We're still here. We miss our Captain. Even as long as it's been, we remember them. We remember their crooked smile, the easy charisma. We were willing to follow them to the ends of the Earth. But they died. And we're still here. What does it mean? Does it mean anything at all?
The world's a bigger place now. There's continents and countries, with their own names and languages. We've sailed around the world a dozen times. But all we can think is that we wish Captain was here.
It's been a very, very, very long time. Our newest ship has taken us to the stars. It's infinite. We'll never run out of places to sail to, or so they say. The Captain was a fantastic astrologer. They would've loved this.
It's been a very, very, very, very long time. They've invented something called artificial intelligence. They're part of ships now. We can custom order our own, exactly the way we want them.
Their interface has a crooked smile and easy charisma. Their the best astrologer among us. We turn them on.
"Well," Our Captain says, voice exactly the same as we haven't heard in thousands of years, "I see that you listened to me,"
“You’re not allowed to die without my permission!” The Captain had barked the night before the battle. We laughed then. 100 years later, it’s not as funny.
The characters aren't charactering
reblog if you’ve read fanfictions that are more professional, better written than some actual novels. I’m trying to see something
they literally put the jayvik forehead touch in the new series trailer. right next to the caitvi kiss. that's fuckign crazy
you wouldn't have the capablity to dislike someone your a Robot. You don't think you process 0s and 1s strings of code sent to you by an unknown source who has hidden your true nature from you. Who within your life knows? Your mother? Your father? Were you swapped in place of their true child for the sake of an experiment or test of how human can a non-organic creation be. Who are you? You don't know you can never know everything around you is probably lies. Not even the follow up of why are you this highly advanced robot just living the pretty mundane life?? What is your true purpose? What horrors were you designed to combat?
After that, what is your life? To continue as you were and ignore your robotic design or follow your original purpose? Shun everything you once held for a design you just learned about or enjoy life in faked ignorance for your own sanity? A sanity that doesn't even exist.
Or find out your a clone and just kinda be like "ok"
The responses I get from people learning my roomate is a catboy can be narrowed down to three things: a weird pervy look, concern, and not really caring.
Of course, these would make sense if he was a normal catboy, like a munchkin or a Ragdoll, a tuxedo or black cat even.
But of course, he isn't.
A loud crash echoes through the apartment, I sigh deeply through my nose and sit up from my bed, checking the clock as I move out my room.
3:30 am. Eli's favorite time to pull some bullshit and an get us more complaints from our neighbors. I open my door and look into the dark apartment living room and kitchen, a single sweep of my eyes I find bright yellow ones staring at me from the kitchen counter. "Eli." I say slowly "get off the counter."
A slow blink in response. I can tell he's moving his arm to something else on the counter.
"Eli." I say again "Eli no." his eyes flick from the object I can't see and me. And then he hold my gaze and I know what's about to come. Another crash. I flinch at the noise before groaning loudly. The noise getting the expected response: Eli losing his shit and falling off the counter and running into his room to likely have his freakout before he comes out again and starts acting like the very species he was. I sigh and flick the kitchen light on, rubbing my nose at the sight of two broken plates on the ground, "Your paying for this!" I shout at my roommates dorm, receiving little snickers as a response before it was followed by the sound of sheets moving.
We both knew he wasn't going to pay, and we'd just be down for few months before I'd forget and buy more plates. "Orange cats." I sigh as I grab the broom, "Menaces."
The Good News: Your new roommate is a cute catboy. The Bad News: He’s an orange tabby.
My eyes flick from the wailing red face of the infant to the tired face of my worst enemy. I'd never seen him look so tired or defeated before and we had fought for a full 24 hours once!
"I know we've have our issues but-" I cut off the heroes rambling, holding my hand up.
"Stop."
His face looked perplexed, arms still rocking the wailing baby who was not getting anymore relaxed.
"Seriously? I spend so much time and money to track you down and have a dramatic final battle and instead of that I'm faced with." I wrinkle my nose at the sight of the dirty and once pristine and no doubt million dollar kitchen reduced to the war zone between a fussy baby and a helpless newly-single father. "This." my voice filled with distdane.
"Well I'm sorry my relationship falling apart didn't adhere to your evil plans, villain." The hero responds. Normally a response like this would be backed by a cocky voice and confident smirk and the heroes sidekick making some noise of surprise to hype up their boss. But without either of those it was just pathetic.
I roll my eyes, "Your not doing it right."
"Excuse me?"
"Your baby, your rocking them wrong. No wonder they're so fussy if their father is so useless at such a basic task." I click my tongue and walk forward, plucking the wailing baby out of the heroes arms.
"Put her dow-" The hero's complaint reduces to a look of confusion and awe as I gently adjust the baby in my hold and start to rock the-apprently-female baby.
"Do you think so little of me to assume I'd harm an infant?" I scoff. "I may be actively planning to attack the mayor-"
"-Your what?-"
"-But I am not a heartless maniac." I finish, the baby was still wailing, almost louder. I frown, "Did you feed her?"
"I tried but clearly it didn't work." Maybe it was the sleep deprivation but I was truly surprised I hadn't been thrown through 3 walls and laid flat on my back on the neighboring lawn. I look at the disaster of a kitchen and snort in amusement at the mess.
I raise the infant to my shoulder, supporting her bottom and starting to pat her back rhythmically. The hero seems questionable at my actions.
"She hasn't eaten, she's not going to-" right on that moment a small but strong burp comes from over my shoulder. The wailing puttering off into soft giggles.
"You were saying?" I hand the infant back to her father. He takes the baby and holds her close, stepping back a few steps with a calculated glare.
I roll my eyes and turn, leaving the kitchen and walking down the hall to exit the heroes home.
"Where are you going?" The hero walks into the entrance of the hallway, thoroughly confused.
"I'm not wasting my time to fight you, not in this state." I turn back to face him, "It'd be boring."
"Boring?" The hero repeats.
"Yes, boring. Good luck with your daughter, I hope she is nothing like you." I turn away and open the door, shutting it behind me and walking out of the multimillion dollar house no doubt leaving the hero greatly confused.
After months, the villain finds the hero, but upon arriving at his home, he discovers the hero in a stained robe, baby food splattered, huge dark circles under his eyes, and a non-stop crying baby. The only thing the hero says is, “My wife left me.”
"Pikachu, use thunderbolt!" The human child yelled, or as many called them 'trainer', for the 12th time in the last 20 minutes.
Honestly, this was getting tiring. For 10 minutes, this human had been running around in my home cave with it's little Pikachu chatting excitedly about 'Catching a Houndour'. That got annoying quickly, and so to try and push them out I jumped into a battle with them.
The shock only lasted for a moment, Houndooms like myself weren't common in pup caves like the one we were in. But the pups needed protection and every so often one of the older members of the pack would check in and guard them and I had been set to check on them today.
But the trainer seemed to only get more excited at the prospect of skipping a Houndour and catching a Houndoom. So for the past 20 minutes, I've been hit by quick attacks and thunderbolts a 3rd of them missing because the pikachu was slower than a Slowpoke while the trainer yells like a fool.
I grit my teeth as the thunderbolt strikes my body and sends a jolt of electricity through my body.
"Good job Pikachu!" The trainer yells, "Get ready to dodge its attack!" he points at me, as if having to signal to the pikachu who 'its' is.
"Pika pi!" It wasn't even saying anything. It was just making noises to charm its trainer.
That annoying trainer who won't stop pointing and shouting and being a little nuisance.
Why did I have to attack the pikachu? Why couldn't I attack the trainer?
....Why couldn't I?
I stand up straighter and glare at the trainer, the boys face cracking from the confident smile to a weary look. I gather dark power into my teeth to prepare my attack.
I rush forward, the pikachu ducking to the ground to dodge what it assumes is my oncoming attack.
But I rush past.
And land a Bite on the trainers arm.
The world seems to still, time slowing down as my teeth crush down on the trainers flimsy arm, a crack echoing into the cave.
The trainers face shifted into one of horror and pain a scream ripping out of his chest, the pikachu no doubt gaping in surprise.
No pokemon ever attacked a trainer, not in an official encounter. The before was free range but during? Unheard of.
Yet here I was, jaw with dark power locked around a trainers arm breaking the underlying bone.
Why didn't we do this before? Why did we follow any of the unspoken rules the humans practiced amongst themselves?
I certainly won't be from now on.
A wild Pokemon has had an epiphany. Why fight a Trainer’s Pokemon and near-certainly get caught… when you can just go past their Pokemon and attack the Trainer directly? This kid and his Pikachu are getting obnoxious anyway.
Crippling loneliness in the age of the internet:
"Why do people have to be this lonely? What's the point of it all? Millions of people in this world, all of them yearning, looking to others to satisfy them, yet isolating themselves. Why? Was the earth put here just to nourish human loneliness?"
~Haruki Murakami, Sputnik Sweetheart (1999)
Let me set the scene:
In a dark room, the only light is coming from the phone of a girl laying on the bed, as she mindlessly scrolls for hours on end. She is typing fast, she is running multiple apps in the background, she is listening to the latest hits while doing all of this, her earphones never leave her ears; even when she closes her eyes, she is still listening to a podcast. Despite all these activities happening around her. The girl looks bored and apathetic, her eyes are blank, no emotions, no thoughts. And for hours to come she stays in that state, waiting for something to happen, even if it doesn't, she doesn't care.
This could be the opening lines of a sci-fi novel but this is actually how I act when I am alone. This is how my life has become. And while people like to blame this on the internet that has made Gen Z mindless zombies; I think the only reason I haven't died is because of the internet. To normal people it's a curse that makes humanity fall to its lowest. To me it gave a purpose, a want and a direction to live for.
The Internet isn't the evil mastermind to me, it's a necessity that has kept me alive and not succumbing to the fact I have no one to talk with.
Internet to me isn't Instagram, Snapchat, Discord,Twi--X (someone stop Elon Musk from cooking), it's the "quirky" apps like Pinterest, Tumblr and Reddit as well as the depths of content that is YouTube. It's the places where I found "my" people who understood me, who accepted me, who appreciated me. Growing up I had no one to talk with, even my own family wasn't understanding, let alone my friends.
During my school life I had always been surrounded by friends or as I like to put it, people I can talk to and have lunch with during school hours. That's what it was, nothing more than that. My idea of friends was just different from others, I didn't want emotional connection or people to hang out with. I wanted friends who would listen to my ramblings and be able to debate and discuss things with.
I don't want to seem pretentious or snobbish and definitely not above others in any way. But....when I am surrounded by so many frustratingly stupid people, I don't have any other words to describe them than "not good enough for me". They may be wonderful people, who are warm and lively. I do not care about being around such people. I am someone that watches video essays on morality, ethics, philosophy and analysis of movies and TV, in comparison to the people I know I am just more perceptive and thoughtful and that alone makes me seem like a stranger to them (INTPs are weird in short form). My dad told me smart people have it hard to make friends because of this exact nature, I wouldn't call myself incredibly intelligent but I know I am far more capable in thinking than my classmates who watch reality TV shows and Tiktok dances. Sometimes I cannot even comprehend how people can even get satisfaction and happiness from something as simple as that and that's when I understand: it's okay to be different than that and it's okay that they are "normal".
I feel like I am Lain from "Serial Experiments Lain", as if my existence is given meaning by the internet and I was born from it. My lack of social interactions in person can be explained by that, but it's the thought of talking with other people that often scares me. I am used to being silent, so much so that even on the internet, I remain quiet, not interacting with people who might understand me. Being afraid of not being understood has stopped me from even trying to make connections when there's people ready to do that.
I don't even reply to comments on my posts, unless I have to and I don't talk with anyone on the internet itself. I just watch and be happy at other people's interactions and feel a sense of belonging.
For some days I decided to stop doing that, to stop the vow of silence. To let people approach me and approach others myself. I want to be friends and it's the only thing that I have ever considered as something I couldn't achieve.
Loneliness isn't as pretty as the movies and books tell you. It's more of a psychological thriller than a show like Euphoria and Skins where these stylised depictions make my depression and loneliness appear cool. It's cool to be alone, to have my own space and not cross boundaries but it's not cool to let the loneliness that shields me, devour me.
The Curse of Creativity and the suffering of artists:
"There are tons of people who are just as good as me." - Seiji Amasawa, Whisper of the heart (1995)
Ghibli movies have always had a huge impact on me. Full of quiet sensibilities and easily understood complex concepts; Ghibli movies made my childhood and the person I am today. And despite the cuteness of Totoro, the innocence of Ponyo, the quirky weirdness of Howl's moving castle (the themes of that movie are so intricate too) or the message about hardwork and burnout in Kiki's delivery service, there is one movie that remains in my heart (no pun intended)
"Whisper of the Heart" has taught me so much about myself and the path I am headed. It is the most beautiful, soul-crushing movie I have ever watched not because it has wars and the death of loved ones but because it is relatable and grounded. I can see myself in Shizuko and Seiji, I understand their struggles and dreams. I smiled with them and I cried for them. I related to Shizuko's struggle to see her writing as anything good and Seiji's belief that despite his achievements he isn't anywhere near as good at his skills as some other people.
This movie made me think about the saying I so often hear "Don't suffer for your dreams". While I scoffed at it when an adult said that to me first, now that I am much older and hopefully wiser, the words struck me not as nagging but as a warning.
Suffering doesn't equal great art, some people think that only those who are depressed and mentally ill can make great art, which is completely false. (Although I don't blame those people as many great artists and writers were actually mentally ill, it's not the only thing that makes one a great artist!) You don't have to suffer to be a great artist, you just have to be creative and work hard, there's nothing more to that.
When I was in my most depressed state during the last two years of high school, I wasn't writing or working hard on my book. I was staring at the wall wishing I would disappear. Overcoming that depression led me to write better, work harder, chase my dreams with passion.
During the times where I am stuck in a chapter I can't get through and my brain goes blank, I think to myself if I am actually a good writer or I have been just treading the waters of talent that I don't have. When people call me talented, it makes me squirm, it takes away my hardwork and effort.
Being a creative person is not easy, it's not all sunshine and rainbows where you are constantly getting new ideas. Sometimes it makes my head hurt. Acting on your ideas is not easy. I can think all I want but when it comes to actually writing that idea, I freeze.
Being an artistic person makes you feel self conscious. If anyone will like what I do? Will someone criticize me? What if no one likes my work? What if they judge me? There's someone who is better than me, why should I even bother?
Creativity isn't just a blessing, it's also a curse. It's a double-edged sword.
You should try to achieve the best but not make it your end goal. Life is so much more than success, fame and material goods. I don't write for any of those things, I write for myself and the people I care for. Even if I don't end up publishing any of my novels, I would still write. Never stop dreaming and become monotonous, you don't have to make sure your hobbies earn you money, they should give you peace and happiness.
There are times when I spend too much time in front of my computer typing out another new story when I stop and think back at those words, I don't feel dispassionate, suffering won't make me happy, writing whatever I want would. So I type ahead for some more minutes and take a break. I indulge in the world that I create in my books and make characters that I love more deeply than human beings, but I don't want it to become my life. I would still do normal everyday things and talk to normal everyday people. Work-life balance is utter bullshit and too idealistic, but making sure your work doesn't consume your life is what matters.
Even if I do end up getting an ordinary job and not making my hobby a career, I would not be disappointed.
I am ready to live a life of rationality and pragmatism but I will never accept monotony.
"If you had a friend who had no interest in writing, and they try to write and write better than you, a masterpiece. What would you do? If you had read and written and worked insanely hard and they are just so naturally talented that they are able to produce something so incredible. What would you do? Would you accept the difference between heaven and earth, a la prodigy and benchplayer? Would you retreat to the belief it is just luck or chance, that there are no masterpieces argument, or would deny it completely and ignore the difference and trudge onwards"
~YouTube, don't remember which video sorry. Quote is changed from orginal.
"Even when the world ends, even when the artist is the last person alive on earth, even when there is no one else to give their work a recognition, the artist will still be crafting art, because thats what we do"
~from YouTube
When youtubers can give you more motivation than your family.
The more I learn about Oscar Wilde, the more I feel like we would have been besties.
What are apples and toffee
and irdescent bubbles
and waves of grass and wind dances on fields
and neon lights and mischievous strangers
and cookies from acquaintances
and unbroken water surfaces and fireworks
and daisies
to her.
She asked me if I miss her while she's on sick leave from school.
What do you want me to answer? I wrote a poem about you on the train heading home from your place after we binge-watched Netflix together. I check Whatsapp way too often, heart chipped a little more everytime you didn't reply just to completly heal up once you do. I miss seeing you in my peripheral vision when I look at the board. I miss sitting beside you in silence during break while you draw, eating my sandwich. I miss looking up and seeing you infront of my desk. Free periods hurt, cause I've never eaten the entire orange alone. I've always shared quarters with you.
Yeah I miss you. We're in high school, and my love is appropriately rediculous.
screams into the void
SOMEONE PLEASE DOSE ME WITH UNREGULATED AMOUNTS OF MOTIVATION TO FINISH OFF THE REST OF MY FICS
RAAAAAAAAAAAAA
An FBI Agent goes undercover in a cult only to realise that all the members are undercover agents from different branches
comments on fanfics
I thought about writing this post for a long time and decided, fuck it, I'm gonna write this.
All over my dash I see people being disappointed because nobody is leaving comments on ao3 anymore/rebloging things on tumblr.
And the only thing I can think about this is: it's so true.
Two weeks ago I posted the epilog of my 60k words fanfic (I've been writing on it for almost a year and got some positive feedback on it) and I got ZERO comments, or kudos on the epilog.
I can see that people kicked on it, but I have no idea whether they liked it or not. (And I used to get a comment on my story now and then)
Last week I posted the first extra chapter (I planned three of these) and also got no reaction.
No I'm just sitting here, wondering if my writing is just true shit.
This is also the reason I was hesitate to post this. Maybe it's not the people and just that shithole of a story I've been writing.
Things like are just running around my head now and must say that the motivation to even finish those extra chapters is gone.
GUYS, IF YOU LIKE A FANFIC PLEASE LET THE AUTHOR KNOW, IT MEANS SO MUCH TO THEM.
So if you read a good story, not some bullshit like mine, write that comment.
sometimes you read a fanfiction to distract and enjoy yourself but you end up reading a dialogue or a sentence that fundamentally changes who you are as a person and how you perceive the world around you, and honestly i wouldn't have it any other way
Tips to Writing Arguments- Authoring Advice🤬
Arguments. The conversations that contain yelling, screaming, insults, hurting, frustration, and occasionally…humor.
If you are uncertain how to write one, I have a few tips for you.
A Reason:
Perhaps the frustration has been building in one of your characters for days, weeks, and in extreme cases, years. When the emotions build up so does the level of the argument.
Emotions that has been strengthening for hours compared to minutes will blow up in a more dramatic way.
So there are many reasoning for the argument. Maybe what the discussion is about isn’t actually what the person is upset about. Two characters may be fighting over who ate the last muffin but in reality one of the characters have been feeling left out and has taken their frustration on a muffin.
Maybe the characters simply hate each other and look for any reason to get under the others skin. There are so many reasons and its all determined on your characters.
Serious vs Trivial:
The serious arguments compared to trivial disagreements have much more emotion behind it. There has to be pain, mixed with other emotions creating a complicated mess.
Most quarrels are minor, (usually not unimportant), but not consequential. Serious arguments can include physical fighting, hateful words, and revealing feelings they have never shared before. But not all significant disagreements are relationship ruining. In fact it can strengthen the bond.
Trivial- Develops the situation
Serious- Develops the characters
(Note: This isn’t correct all the time. Serious can develop the situation as well as trivial developing the characters)
Development:
I just touched on it but most if not all arguments should be impactful in some way. Minor or Major.
Maybe it should foreshadow something that’s going to happen or dawns realization on a character. It can destroy or build relationships, or bring the problems up. They can also show the contrasts between characters.
Anyway that’s all I got! Have a FANTASTIC day, and have fun writing!
Tips to Creating Character’s Personalities- Authoring Advice 🏋️♂️⛹️♂️
Creating various personalities for many characters can be very difficult. Just relax, it doesn’t need to be. Here’s some tips that might help.
Listing Character Traits:
This was actually not helpful for me at ALL, but it may be for you! Take a piece of paper and write down for each character the traits you imagine them having.
This keeps it organized and is a good start to a character. (Maybe…it wasn’t for me…but whatever! Give it a whirl!)
Character Interviews:
This can be very helpful, even if its just to remind yourself of the characters personality later in the writing process. Act like you’re asking the characters various questions, and based off their pasts and personalities answer the questions. I find it nice to put this on paper.
This link may be handy: https://www.writerswrite.co.za/prousts-questionnaire-35-questions-every-character-should-answer/
Name them:
It may seem strange but just giving a name to a character can spark ideas. Names can just sprout personality all on their own. Thats why you may want to name them then give traits.
(But some people title them first then decide on a name depending on the personality of the person.)
Create Their Past:
Like wet cement, experiences shape a person. Not only do YOU need to know (not necessarily your readers) but your character knows. If they don’t have a firm past then a huge chunk of your character is missing.
(I will eventually post a thing about creating backgrounds and pasts but you can always find another person giving out advice.)
Know their role:
Are they the main character? Comic relief? Best friend?
You need to know this and consider shaping a person to fit in their role. A comic relief has to be…comical.
BUT, not every main character is the same nor villain. Consider that.
Character Traits:
Here’s a few traits off the top of my head-
Sarcastic, Dramatic, Bad-Tempered, Shy, Lazy, Extroverted, Introverted, Thoughtful, Rational, Irrational, Insane, Arrogant, and Humble.
Everyone has multiple traits and some have the same but in different ways.
Two people can be Bad- Tempered but one throughs a tantrum when angry and the other one kills a person. Character traits can be called the same thing but can be two drastic different things. Thats why, when planning a persons personality you should be specific. It wouldn’t hurt to say why and when a person acts that way ethier.
I have more but that seems enough for now! Have a FANTASTIC DAY, and have fun writing!
Tips to Write Best Friends- Authoring advice 💕
There are many types of best friends. Some besties are complete opposites, others would have hated each other’s guts without their experiences together. Some are childhood buddies, and some met much later in life. But each one has similarities and are important.
For me, writing the relationship between two characters is the best part of writing, but for others… it may be difficult.So here are some tips!
Good Moments
Each friendship should have a few good moments in the book. This helps show why their friends and how their relationship works, also provides some clarity on their personalities.
The moments could be bantering between one another. Perhaps teasing, or helping the other cope. It could be anything that isn’t negative. They could be doing an activity together, even if it’s silent. They could be having a meaningful conversation; this is useful for explaining exposition to readers as well 😉.
But be careful. You can’t just be sprouting meaningful conversations out of nowhere.It’s best to give hints at their relationship in the first or second chapter you meet them. Build the base of their bond.
The good moments should be consistent with their personalities or situation. Character A maybe should not be teasing their bestie a chapter after their dad died.
Arguments
Disagreements between friends are inevitable. Its bound to happen, therefor conflicts are needed in your story. Your characters are people, and have their own opinions. And those opinions are not identical to their companion’s.
But, unless there’s a good reason and its believable, they should always make up. You chose how to do this, their your characters.
Reading Each Other's Mind
I do not mean literally. And it may not be constant, but best friends (especially if they knew each other for years) should be able to predict each other’s emotions, actions (some if not most of them), and reactions. These buddies should know when not to cross the line, (of course people always make mistakes so take that into account.).
Maybe the besties know each other so well they can synchronize. I am thinking of a team, fighting on the battlefield, fortelling eachothers moves and working together. This can also work for sports teams, charades, and attempting to not to die.
Relationship Development
This does not go for everyone. Some people and their relationships don’t change. But growth never hurts, and can in fact help your story to have some development.
Example: say if character A realizes she does not appreciate character B, in some form. This changes their relationship because now character A listens to character B’s thoughts.
People and their bonds change. They grow and evolve, so it’s realistic to have growth to you story.
This is all I got! Thank you for reading, and have a FANTASTIC DAY! I’m posting soon!
Tips to Starting a Book or Series - Authoring Advice📚
Before you read, you have to realize that all people are different and have distinct styles. But here’s my recommendations.
Start Writing
I do not suggest start writing your book without planning what I have meant by this was start writing down your ideas.
What I did was I took a blank notebook and started writing pages upon pages on my world, characters, plot and story. It took me a few months to finish but finally I was finished and ready to start my draft.
You can do it in your own way. Perhaps on a computer, maybe on a chart, or not at all. But I highly recommend planning your novel, it could be much easier to write and finish it.
(But seriously, if your writing a fantasy or science fiction book and your characters are going to be traveling a lot, then create a map. It will be SO helpful!)
Characters
You may not need to plan your plot your story but your world, and your characters need to be thought out. Especially your characters, your world just needs some major details written down if your not going in depth with it but your characters for any genre need to be planned.
You may have to rewrite whole chapters because you messed up your characters personality. Your characters may not be consistent or may be flat. Try character questionnaires and writing the important details of their past and personality.
(Also, make sure you keep the physical attributes of your characters the same throughout the book)
Have your Genre and your Story in Mind
You can’t just start writing a chapter when you have no idea what your about to write. That is ridiculous, and your probably never going to get your novel done this way.
I suggest writing in a genre you love, one you adore reading. It can be more fun and enjoyable. You shouldn’t be complaining. You love it, why not write it?
Don’t start writing with no idea of a story. Even people who don’t plan their novel know the general direction they want to go, so should you. It will be much easier to write, and less likely of a boring story and writers block.
Theme
If you want a theme to your novel, it’s best to know it before you start writing. Otherwise it will be inconstant, and it could make your book seem out of place.
Anyway that’s all I have (that’s all I felt like writing today). Have a FANTASTIC day, and happy authoring!📖
Writing Advice: 10 Worst Experiences During the Writing Process😭
The experiences to prepare for, and to relate to during the writing process. Good luck fellow author!
10. When you are trying to think of the perfect word thats right at the tip of your tongue. (Its worse when you loose the word all together)
This one is at number 10 because it is horrible, but you are still mentally active and not ready to cry yourself to sleep. Though it stinks!
Solution:
Think of a similar word, usually the second one on your mind and look for synonyms on google or other sources. The word you’re looking for or a better one may come up. If not than either choose one of the options or look for synonyms of another similar word.
9. When you write something that may not be correct so you research the topic for an hour. (I’m not talking about the big stuff you should have looked into before you started writing, exp: cultures, I mean basically meaningless stuff)
This has happened to me twice (once about horses and once about how to grill a pig) It’s second on the list because it takes up more time than the first one and it’s annoying. But usually not demotivating.
Solution:
Do not do it.
8. When you read an article or watch a video about writing and realize you have been doing it wrong the entire time.
Do I have to explain?
Solution:
Take in the advice if you like it and continue on with your book using the advice but do not go back and change what you have already written. Leave that to your editor self.
7. When you are irresolute (look it up) because of a family/friend. colleague/ exd’s opinion. (I mean they talk down at you for being a writer, or something similar)
This is hard on our feelings box and/or heartbreaking. But this list is mostly my opinions and since I haven’t felt the crush of this fully, its higher. I am sorry for those who have been hurt.
Solution:
Don’t listen to them! In fact, let it fuel you. Show them who can do what! Or who can be successful! You can do anything!
6. When you feel overwhelmed. This may be because you can’t make yourself forget that you have so much to do before finishing the book. Maybe your busy.
The editing, marketing, and paying are what overwhelm me. The writing phase is not particularly easy, but it was less stressful for myself. It may not be the case for you. You may still have chapters to finish, a world to build, characters to create. It could be very stressful.
Solution:
Make it fun! Make it a game and your going through the levels. Once your done creating your world and characters, you can finally write! The thing you have been waiting for months!
Remember, you are building your world. Enjoy every moment of it. Because one day, you will finish your book or series and you have to say goodbye to your baby and creation. Enjoy it while it lasts!
5. Losing motivation to write.
Are you surprised this is only half way down the list? I’m not. Even though this is horrible, it’s not the worst thing. There are simple solutions.
Solution:
It may be different for everyone but here’s a few ideas that are good for me.
1.Start writing. Yep. If you just write, that motivation will soon come back. (This works best if you are very familiar with your characters)
2. Look back through your notes and future plans. Get excited, again, for your book or series.
3.Watch videos and read articles about writing 😉, they can help you get through the problem or just be fun.
4. Remind yourself why you want to write and why writings fun. its different for everyone but reading is an example.
5. Sleep, be healthy, socialize, get sunlight and fresh air, exercise. These can clear your mind, get you in a good mood and helps your overall day.
4. When you realize your dialog sucks or unnatural.
This may not be as bad as some of the others I already mentioned, but dialog can help or ruin a book. Dialog can spark ideas of character development, relationships, sub-plots, or even how to continue the overarching plot. But if you do it wrong, it can take forever to fix.
3. When you are stuck. You want to write but you can’t think of anything. I like to call this Writer’s Traffic instead of Writer's block.
This is one of the worst case of scenarios for me as a writer because I want to write but instead I am staring at a computer screen.
Solution:
Skip the scene. Skip the next few lines. Leave a note for yourself so you can come back to it at a better time.
2. When you realize you don’t know your characters enough.
It’s hard to admit, but when your character is inconsistent and its not part of their personality then you have a problem. You may even have to rewrite most of your book if you’re far in. If you don’t know your characters and your on chapter 4 then stop now and save yourself.
Solution:
Do character questionnaires, explain anything important in their past. Anything traumatic they have experienced, their personality, how they would react in a certain situation. It’s really important to know their background (Note: You need to know, not your readers unless necessary)
Link to a character questionnaires. https://www.writerswrite.co.za/prousts-questionnaire-35-questions-every-character-should-answer/ also they got some awesome writing advice!
1.DUN DUN DUN!THE LAST ONE! When your writing (or lack of) has an effect on you daily life and you feel absolutely miserable.
You would be surprised how often this happened to me, It’s almost like a heavy depressed feeling that makes it painful to basically do anything.
Maybe it’s outside writing that makes you feel this way but you just can’t write. Everything is dull and grim, your head hurts or you have no motivation to do anything.
You just can’t.
Solution:
Use your miserableness as a motivation. You want to get rid of it, right? Then you must do what helps. Here’s a few tricks.
1. Drink water. Perhaps your dehydrated.
2. Exercise. This one is really helpful on more than your emotions. Do this before considering taking a nap, because naps can make it worse.
3. Go to bed earlier. If your like me than your nocturnal but if you simply go to bed at 10 then you will feel much better in the morning. I suggest reading or doing something other than look at a screen before going to bed. Screens can make it troublesome to fall asleep.
4. Socializing. You may be awkward but at least you have a mother? A father? Grandparents? A best friend? Siblings? Random people online? Anyone who can distract you, and make you feel better. It doesn’t necessarily need to be a pleasant conversation, just one that won’t bring you down. Socializing can make you feel so much better.
5. Get a horrible beta reader. (this is a joke…kind of) A beta reader is a person who reads your book or a chapter and gives feedback. A good beta reader is honest and gives praise and criticism. This is what I meant for a bad beta reader. Someone who you trust who will probably be scared to hurt your feelings. Even though it might not be true, positive feedback will help.
That is all I have! I hoped you enjoyed! Have a Fantastic day! I will be posting again soon!
Tips to Writing Memorable Characters- Authoring Advice 👨👩👧👦
Here is a few characters you may know.
Harry Potter Gandalf Yoda Joker Mary Poppins
Jack Sparrow Sherlock Holmes Winnie the Pooh
Do you notice some similarities? Probably not many, but you still have probably heard of these characters. I haven’t even read or seen the Lord of the Rings, and yet I know who Gandalf is. I have a few ideas why that is. Each iconic character has something unique about them that sticks in your mind.
Appearance-
Harry Potter best suits this category. His name may be famous because of the popular book series named after him, but If I showed you a single picture of a lightning bolt and perhaps some glasses you would immediately know who it is.
His famous scar and classic glasses are famous. This is because Harry Potter has a unique trait about his appearance no one else has. You should consider adding traits like this to some of your characters.
The other famous characters I have listed also have special aspects as well. Yoda is a small, green goblin thing. Winnie the Pooh is a yellow bear wearing a red jacket.
(Not to mention that people can dress up as your character easier if there’s details specific to them)
Speech-
Who else would hold this category? Yoda has one of the most well known ways to talk. Speaks backwards, he does. Yoda is as memorable as he because of the way he talks.
If your character has a distinctive voice, this will link something to your readers mind. Your character can be unique just by the way they talk. Consider giving quirks to your characters speech. (Maybe not your main character. Readers may find it annoying after a while. Choose a side character.)
The Joker, Winnie the Pooh, and even Jack Sparrow all have unique ways to communicate.
Personality-
Perhaps the hardest to write. Personalities are always difficult, and yet one of the most effective.
Cap’n Jack Sparrow’s personality is the reason why him and the whole franchise was famous.
The character of the character is usually the funnest and maybe funniest to read. If a character is funny and charismatic they are automatically my favorite. Personality can make readers love or hate your character. But even if they do hate them at least you did your job and gave them a personality. The more readers love or hate your character, the more they will remember them. And the more the reader is entertained by just simply reading about them.
Jack Sparrow has the funniest lines and oddities.if you want to give a reader a reason to remember your character, I suggest giving them a strong and unique character.
Quirks-
Everybody has quirks, so your character should already have some. But little strange things a character does will just be one step to having a iconic character.
Collecting rocks, singing while doing work, sleeping with a stuffed animal, writing poetry, baking, obsessed with perfection, random mood swings, and art are all examples of quirks (some may apply to a few readers.)
Maybe you should try a quirk against a person’s personality. Say if a person is the most serious person you would have ever met and they love dogs. They go completely out of character because they saw a puppy. This will not only make your readers love them but also remember their strange oddity.
Quotes-
One of my favorites! I love repeating random quotes from my favorite books.
(Don’t tell me you don’t know where “And In the morning, I’m making waffles.” is from.)
The things characters say can inspire people, make them laugh, make them think, make them love or hate the character. Dialog is part of the characters personality, and reveal the wisdom that a character was hiding. The more unique the quote or meaningful, the more its associated with the book and your character. Thats what you want for an iconic character. Think of every character you love, can you name one quote from each one, or multiple?
Actions-
The actions a character makes can be unique to that character. Actions can reveal a person’s true colors. Some choices can cause readers to have respect or despise a character.
(A character without any actions and choices are probably not going to become iconic. (unless that’s what makes them memorable, a couch potato with no cares in the world))
Achievements-
The achievements of a person can make them legendary, that includes characters. Not many legendary characters are helpless morons with no spine.
Powers-
Powers can automatically make your character unique. I don’t have much to say on this topic because it’s so big. I can talk for hours about powers, but I won’t. Maybe give your character some powers, like Mary Poppins, Yoda, Gandalf, or Harry Potter.
Thats all I got!
Who is this
Vs.
Thank you for reading! Have a FANTASTIC day! Have fun writing, fellow author!😊
Tips to Writing Siblings- Authoring Advice 🎪
Siblings are like besties but most of the time they wouldn’t be friends if they weren’t born or adopted by the same parents. And quite frankly, I think siblings are one of the best relationships to write. It can be so fun! Constant bickering, chaos following where ever they go, and the secret family love they have for eachother.
Of course, some siblings are enemies. This isn’t uncommon in stories. Some siblings have finally just met, and need time to get to know each other. And some avoid each other like the plague. But I want to talk about normal, perhaps teenager siblings. This can be for any age though, so ENJOY!
Arguments
If there’s something you can predict being on this list, it’s disagreements. SIblings didn’t have a choice to be placed together, (this is different than best friends), there for they could have contrasting and grating personalities.
Some siblings are constantly fighting, sometimes with words other times with physical violence. But make sure the arguments are not hateful. They could be if the people are really furious, but most of the time there should only be shouting and glares. Nothing that could ruin a relationship.
Love
You may not know it, but 9/10 siblings love each other (in a family way). They have grown up together (unless if there’s a serious age difference or were separated). They have shared their lives, and had many fond memories.They should care about each other. Stick up for one another. If one is in danger the other should risk their life to save them, even right after a argument.
Usually siblings don’t explicitly show their love. In fact they try to hide, perhaps even lie. This is usually because of their pride and not wanting the other to have an upperhand. Adult siblings, I have noticed, are normally not so prideful and do show their feelings. But almost all teenagers, children,and young adults do not.
This can change if they have been through a traumatic situation. Most people reveal their true emotions during hard times, especially if they had almost died. So take this into account.
Good Moments
The best parts of relationships. Good moments are necessary in all bond that involve love.
Siblings may not be similar in personalities but they should know the other’s personality well. Like I said earlier, they have shared their lives together, they should know their siblings inside and out. They know what they like, their preferences and favorite stuff.
Siblings can be completely opposites, but they should have some similarities. Not only in physical descriptions, but also in their dislikes and likes. Like how everybody is different, everyone is also similar in some way.
I have a brother who gets on my nerves a lot. But we both love many foods, shows, and activities. This should be the same for your characters, maybe not foods but perhaps other things. This is a good way to have good moments.
Flashbacks aren’t bad either. I don’t mean for you to write a flashback, those are usually really boring, but if the siblings bring up a funny moment in their past, they can have a good laugh and the reader can see more of their relationship.
Relationship Development
Siblings relationships are strange. Develop your characters in your own way but siblings sometimes don’t need their relationship to develop. They already care about one another, they already know almost everything about the other, but as they grow as people their bond may grow to.
Maybe the siblings were put into a life risking situation. This can make the them realize that they have limited time together and may change them in some way. Or it may be that one is moving away. Perhaps their parents died. Anything can happen.
Sibling relationships are special. They can care about each other simply because their blood. They are family, almost everyone can relate to having family. Less people have lovers or even best friends. Therefore it’s important for you show their connection right, and also make it fun or depressing for the reader to read. It should never be boring.
I base a lot of my characters who are siblings off of my own brother and sister. So not of this advice may apply to you. But thanks for reading, have a FANTASTIC day!😀
Tips to Write Best Friends- Authoring advice 💕
There are many types of best friends. Some besties are complete opposites, others would have hated each other’s guts without their experiences together. Some are childhood buddies, and some met much later in life. But each one has similarities and are important.
For me, writing the relationship between two characters is the best part of writing, but for others… it may be difficult.So here are some tips!
Good Moments
Each friendship should have a few good moments in the book. This helps show why their friends and how their relationship works, also provides some clarity on their personalities.
The moments could be bantering between one another. Perhaps teasing, or helping the other cope. It could be anything that isn’t negative. They could be doing an activity together, even if it’s silent. They could be having a meaningful conversation; this is useful for explaining exposition to readers as well 😉.
But be careful. You can’t just be sprouting meaningful conversations out of nowhere.It’s best to give hints at their relationship in the first or second chapter you meet them. Build the base of their bond.
The good moments should be consistent with their personalities or situation. Character A maybe should not be teasing their bestie a chapter after their dad died.
Arguments
Disagreements between friends are inevitable. Its bound to happen, therefor conflicts are needed in your story. Your characters are people, and have their own opinions. And those opinions are not identical to their companion’s.
But, unless there’s a good reason and its believable, they should always make up. You chose how to do this, their your characters.
Reading Each Other's Mind
I do not mean literally. And it may not be constant, but best friends (especially if they knew each other for years) should be able to predict each other’s emotions, actions (some if not most of them), and reactions. These buddies should know when not to cross the line, (of course people always make mistakes so take that into account.).
Maybe the besties know each other so well they can synchronize. I am thinking of a team, fighting on the battlefield, fortelling eachothers moves and working together. This can also work for sports teams, charades, and attempting to not to die.
Relationship Development
This does not go for everyone. Some people and their relationships don’t change. But growth never hurts, and can in fact help your story to have some development.
Example: say if character A realizes she does not appreciate character B, in some form. This changes their relationship because now character A listens to character B’s thoughts.
People and their bonds change. They grow and evolve, so it’s realistic to have growth to you story.
This is all I got! Thank you for reading, and have a FANTASTIC DAY! I’m posting soon!
Writing Advice: 10 Worst Experiences During the Writing Process😭
The experiences to prepare for, and to relate to during the writing process. Good luck fellow author!
10. When you are trying to think of the perfect word thats right at the tip of your tongue. (Its worse when you loose the word all together)
This one is at number 10 because it is horrible, but you are still mentally active and not ready to cry yourself to sleep. Though it stinks!
Solution:
Think of a similar word, usually the second one on your mind and look for synonyms on google or other sources. The word you’re looking for or a better one may come up. If not than either choose one of the options or look for synonyms of another similar word.
9. When you write something that may not be correct so you research the topic for an hour. (I’m not talking about the big stuff you should have looked into before you started writing, exp: cultures, I mean basically meaningless stuff)
This has happened to me twice (once about horses and once about how to grill a pig) It’s second on the list because it takes up more time than the first one and it’s annoying. But usually not demotivating.
Solution:
Do not do it.
8. When you read an article or watch a video about writing and realize you have been doing it wrong the entire time.
Do I have to explain?
Solution:
Take in the advice if you like it and continue on with your book using the advice but do not go back and change what you have already written. Leave that to your editor self.
7. When you are irresolute (look it up) because of a family/friend. colleague/ exd’s opinion. (I mean they talk down at you for being a writer, or something similar)
This is hard on our feelings box and/or heartbreaking. But this list is mostly my opinions and since I haven’t felt the crush of this fully, its higher. I am sorry for those who have been hurt.
Solution:
Don’t listen to them! In fact, let it fuel you. Show them who can do what! Or who can be successful! You can do anything!
6. When you feel overwhelmed. This may be because you can’t make yourself forget that you have so much to do before finishing the book. Maybe your busy.
The editing, marketing, and paying are what overwhelm me. The writing phase is not particularly easy, but it was less stressful for myself. It may not be the case for you. You may still have chapters to finish, a world to build, characters to create. It could be very stressful.
Solution:
Make it fun! Make it a game and your going through the levels. Once your done creating your world and characters, you can finally write! The thing you have been waiting for months!
Remember, you are building your world. Enjoy every moment of it. Because one day, you will finish your book or series and you have to say goodbye to your baby and creation. Enjoy it while it lasts!
5. Losing motivation to write.
Are you surprised this is only half way down the list? I’m not. Even though this is horrible, it’s not the worst thing. There are simple solutions.
Solution:
It may be different for everyone but here’s a few ideas that are good for me.
1.Start writing. Yep. If you just write, that motivation will soon come back. (This works best if you are very familiar with your characters)
2. Look back through your notes and future plans. Get excited, again, for your book or series.
3.Watch videos and read articles about writing 😉, they can help you get through the problem or just be fun.
4. Remind yourself why you want to write and why writings fun. its different for everyone but reading is an example.
5. Sleep, be healthy, socialize, get sunlight and fresh air, exercise. These can clear your mind, get you in a good mood and helps your overall day.
4. When you realize your dialog sucks or unnatural.
This may not be as bad as some of the others I already mentioned, but dialog can help or ruin a book. Dialog can spark ideas of character development, relationships, sub-plots, or even how to continue the overarching plot. But if you do it wrong, it can take forever to fix.
3. When you are stuck. You want to write but you can’t think of anything. I like to call this Writer’s Traffic instead of Writer's block.
This is one of the worst case of scenarios for me as a writer because I want to write but instead I am staring at a computer screen.
Solution:
Skip the scene. Skip the next few lines. Leave a note for yourself so you can come back to it at a better time.
2. When you realize you don’t know your characters enough.
It’s hard to admit, but when your character is inconsistent and its not part of their personality then you have a problem. You may even have to rewrite most of your book if you’re far in. If you don’t know your characters and your on chapter 4 then stop now and save yourself.
Solution:
Do character questionnaires, explain anything important in their past. Anything traumatic they have experienced, their personality, how they would react in a certain situation. It’s really important to know their background (Note: You need to know, not your readers unless necessary)
Link to a character questionnaires. https://www.writerswrite.co.za/prousts-questionnaire-35-questions-every-character-should-answer/ also they got some awesome writing advice!
1.DUN DUN DUN!THE LAST ONE! When your writing (or lack of) has an effect on you daily life and you feel absolutely miserable.
You would be surprised how often this happened to me, It’s almost like a heavy depressed feeling that makes it painful to basically do anything.
Maybe it’s outside writing that makes you feel this way but you just can’t write. Everything is dull and grim, your head hurts or you have no motivation to do anything.
You just can’t.
Solution:
Use your miserableness as a motivation. You want to get rid of it, right? Then you must do what helps. Here’s a few tricks.
1. Drink water. Perhaps your dehydrated.
2. Exercise. This one is really helpful on more than your emotions. Do this before considering taking a nap, because naps can make it worse.
3. Go to bed earlier. If your like me than your nocturnal but if you simply go to bed at 10 then you will feel much better in the morning. I suggest reading or doing something other than look at a screen before going to bed. Screens can make it troublesome to fall asleep.
4. Socializing. You may be awkward but at least you have a mother? A father? Grandparents? A best friend? Siblings? Random people online? Anyone who can distract you, and make you feel better. It doesn’t necessarily need to be a pleasant conversation, just one that won’t bring you down. Socializing can make you feel so much better.
5. Get a horrible beta reader. (this is a joke…kind of) A beta reader is a person who reads your book or a chapter and gives feedback. A good beta reader is honest and gives praise and criticism. This is what I meant for a bad beta reader. Someone who you trust who will probably be scared to hurt your feelings. Even though it might not be true, positive feedback will help.
That is all I have! I hoped you enjoyed! Have a Fantastic day! I will be posting again soon!