#Writer Problems

[she-posts-nerdy-stuff]

I’ve felt kind of off about my book recently, I’ve had a lot of rejection and I’ve started to think maybe I should just quit.

But then I think: what if one day it’s real? What if one day there is an actual book in the world, with a real cover and real pages and my name written on the real spine? And what if people read it? Maybe one day there’ll be people who want to keep it perfect, who don’t even want to crack the spines, who will lament over the slightest crease to the pretty pretty cover, who’ll keep their copy on a clean, beautiful shelf so pristine and perfect, who’ll share with the pages their favourite book mark with it’s pattern or it’s quote or it’s ribbon or the thousand other things that could make it special; maybe one day there’ll be people who will fold the pages, who’ll crack the spine, who’ll panic because they accidentally dropped it in the bath, who’ll underline their favourite quotes with their favourite pencil that they always have to tell themselves to stop chewing the end of; maybe one day there’ll be people who’ll put pen against the pages, who’ll draw stars and hearts in the margins, who’ll share their every thought on every page that was worth something enough to them to write on; maybe one day there’ll be people who’ll choose the perfect coloured tabs to match the cover, who’ll create a key, who’ll deem me worthy of their favourite highlighters, who’ll be able to look at the pages of their closed copy, run their fingers over those perfect coloured tabs, and see their thoughts as they read laid out before them; maybe one day there’ll be people who’ll borrow it from libraries, who’ll wipe dust from the cover, even if it’s slightly faded with time beneath the plastic sheath who’ll write their names on a card glued neatly into the front so they are part of it forever.

What if I am lucky enough to one day see a book that is not just my soul, but the souls of readers as well?

Keep writing my loves, keep writing 🖤

#i don’t want to give up on my book but sometimes it’s difficult you know? #I think maybe it wasn’t quite ready for submission yet and I forced it out early #I’ve been rejected from every agent I submitted to #but I love this book #it just wasn’t quite ready yet #that’s okay #there’s no deadline #I can edit it and work on it until it’s ready to be shared #and I’ll know that this was just a necessary step in the journey #writing motivation #writing a book #writing fantasy #fantasy writer #female writers #creative writing #writblr #writerblr #writer #writeblr #writers on tumblr #writer problems #writer stuff #writer things #writing books #booksbooksbooks #love books #writing #writing community #writers #writers and poets

[natt-writes]

~5 Writing tips that actually help~

(These tips are meant for fiction books, especially fantasy. so if you’re writing nonfiction a decent amount of these won’t apply to you. Sorry!)

Find your writing voice.

one of the biggest issues I find in things written by beginners is a lack of emotional connection with the narration. Sure the story can be great, but without personality, without looks into the characters minds, without little quips here and there, it really isn’t all that interesting. Something that really helped me to realize this was a book called the tragical tale of birdie bloom. It’s a kids book but it honestly has such a good narrator (and storyline tbh) that you can look past the little kiddy-ness. I recommend you check the book out if you’re looking for some inspiration. I will be making a post about how to develop your writing and character voices soon so if you want some extra help with that, stay tuned!

2. Get to know your characters.

I know that you all probably already know this, but characters are one of, if not the most important part of a book. Readers don’t want to read about a flat, boring character who just feels like a vessel for the horrifying amount of trauma you add to your story. They want to read about people that feel real, people with flaws and feelings and hobbies and backstories. When I wanted to develop my characters I started going through the drafts, the plot outlines, everything and seeing what the characters did, said, felt. Then I took their basic backstory and started lining things up. Like if a character decided to get into a fight with another character, I would see what had happened to them that might have caused this. Maybe they had been abused as a child and thought that any disagreement meant they had to fight for their life. Maybe this person reminded them of a former enemy. After you start to figure out what connects the characters to the big plot points, you can then start to develop subtle things. You could start writing something, realize this situation would have triggered a character, and then drop subtle hints towards them feeling uncomfortable. Go nuts with it, after all you can never over-analyze a character.

3. Describe things uniquely.

Descriptions are what help us to understand what’s going on in a scene. They can tell us about the tasty drink a character is enjoying, the slick dress that someone is wearing or the way a characters muscles tense when a certain someone enters the room. But sometimes descriptions a fall a bit flat and that can ruin the experience for the reader. Something I always try to remember is to try and come up with new words describe something, for example; “her eyes were a beautiful shade of brown.” Is a very basic and over used description, instead you could try; “her eyes sparkled as she sat across from me, gleaming a rich chocolate shade as the light from the candles reflected off of them”. This is a much stronger sentence as it gives both environment hits and a description of the eyes, all while staying away from overused terms. I often see this theme in stories written by beginners, things being described in a very straight forward manner. And of course this is ok once in a while, especially if this isn’t a very important topic, but it still sounds better when you branch away from that basic sentence structure. I always like to use descriptive sentences to push things forward. Here is another example; “she was wearing a fluffy green dress with lots of lace. She walked over to the door and opened it.” Vs “the lacy trim of her green dress dragged on the floor as she walked towards the door. She smiled wide as she held it open, inviting her guests into the building.” Making strong sentences is very important, so please toy around with different words, structures, etc, until the sentence fits the type of book you’re trying to write.

4. Make trauma realistic.

Yes, even if you’re writing a fantasy book, characters experiences have to be realistic. Something that always gets on my nerves is when writers come up with a good idea for some trauma, so they just give to a character, even when it doesn’t suit them at all. if you are going to give a character trauma you need to explain it, set it up so it actually fits into their character arc, then have the character actually be affected by it. They can’t just randomly be like “I got shot by a dude.” And that’s it if there is no way that character could have gotten shot given their life experiences. Also if you want a character to be relatively unaffected after an extremely traumatic event you have to plan it out so that they have a specific and consistent trauma response that makes them not react shortly after an event like that. Characters are supposed to be like people, and no two people react to trauma the same way, so you do have some leeway if necessary, but people also don’t just stay the same after something horrible happens, they are affected by it and that has to be accurately portrayed. This does get easier the more you get to know the characters though, as soon you will know how they react to things and how to plan trauma that suits them.

5. Make a plot outline.

I cannot stress this enough, make a plot outline. Making a plot outline literally saved my book, and they are really easy to make! I recommend you download a spreadsheet app like XL spreadsheets or Apple numbers but you could even use google docs if you want. You want to put in all the chapters and then give each chapter at least six spots to write scenes. Add a spot for adding the main event of the chapter/a summery of what you have to write. This will help you to understand what you have to write for that chapter and how it fits into the next chapter. After that you start to fill all the scene boxes in with your plot information. Having a plot outline is great as it can be super vague and messy, but still hold all your ideas. It also helps to prevent unnecessary rewrites later, as you can just edit the plot outline before you start writing the first draft. You can even make a plot outline after you’ve started writing your book. That’s what I did and I promise, it still is very helpful. (Example of a plot outline below.)

#writers on tumblr #writing #novel writing #writing tips #tips #writer stuff #writer #writeblr #writing prompts #writer problems #writers and poets #writerscommunity #female writers #writing prompt #fantasy novel #fantasy #whump #writer things #writerscreed #ao3 writer #whump ideas #lgbtq #lgbtq books

[xenascribbles]

i hate naming things, but i love naming things

#it’s so hard to come up the good names #but once i do find them #they’re perfect and i love them #xena talks writing #writeblr #writer problems

[justlookingformyfavships]

This is why I keep a notebook next to my bed!!!!!! Also why I have insomnia...

#writing humor #being a writer #writers #life of a writer #fanfiction #writing #writing memes #writer problems

[lannegarrett]

Me writing at 3am: this is going to be amazing.

Me reading it the next day:

#books #writing #writersnetwork #writers #writers on tumblr #writing community #author #writerscommunity #writers life #tumblr writing community #writer #writer problems #writers of tumblr #writer things #writing process #write

[paranoia-art]

°•°More Character Quirks°•°

➸ Uses their arms, or others arms as a pillow when sleeping.

➸ Sleeps with whitenoise

➸ Responds to everything with "I think" (Idky but like probably because they don't want to be the reason why someones life is ruined after giving them advice. "I said I think! I didn't mean for you to actually do it")

➸ Has to read a block of text twice or three times because they didn't pick up the information on the first read.

➸ Twirls their rings on their fingers.

➸ Clutches on to their necklace when excited, scared, mad, sad, etc. (The necklace could be something someone important gave them)

➸ Window shops ONLINE, BUT DOESNT BUY ANYTHING.

➸ Over explains things (This can make their lies more believable since they when you lie you over explain lots of details.)

#writing blr #write #writeblr #writing prompt #writers of tumblr #writers on tumblr #writing #advice #creative writing #writing community #writerscommunity #writer stuff #writing tips #writing resources #writing help #writing advice #character development #ask #plot development #character writing #character quirks #writing idea #writing ideas #Writing inspiration #worldbuilding #writer problems #character traits #chracter arcs #writer things #writer inspiration

[margaret-the-duck]

#writer problems #writing #novel writing #writer things #writers on tumblr #writerblr #writing memes #memes

[whatwewrotepodcast]

Reading your old writing like . . .

#writeblr #writing #writers of tumblr #am writing #writer #writers #write #writer problems #writing community #meme #writing meme

[brotrustmeicanwrite]

PSA Research is nice and necessary for good writing but you don’t need to become an expert on everything

A lot of stuff that actually exists irl sounds like it was created by an author who knew nothing about the topic and didn’t even try to write it in at least a somewhat believable way anyway.

Like the ministry of finance’s jamming transmitters to prevent leakage of classified information being placed not around the archives and the vault but only in the cafeteria for example.

Author really went “Ah yes I need another obstacle for when MC hides from the night guards that prevents them from calling help. But I also need space for the fight scene. Let’s put jamming transmitters in the cafeteria. Yeah that’ll do it.”

And that’s realistic because it’s actually real.

Just don’t have your characters act like whatever half-assed half informed thing you wrote is not weird as fuck. Because a real person doesn’t just notice jamming transmitters being placed only in the cafeteria instead of around all the classified stuff and not write a tumblr shit post or at least think about it all day.

As long as your characters acknowledge something’s weird you’re good.

Just don’t accidentally foreshadow stuff that doesn’t actually happen later.

#writing #writers on tumblr #creative writing #writeblr #authors of tumblr #tumblr writers #writer on tumblr #writers #writer problems

[violent138]

Mostly serious question for you all: how do you prefer/write fic summaries? I think I've now changed one about forty times and I'm still not pleased with it at all.

#any advice is welcome and appreciated! #For the sake of my sanity I've decided to outsource this #personal #ao3 author #my fic stuff #writer problems

[jasminewalkerauthor]

Deep dives into folklore: Apocalpses

The apocalypse, or the end of the world, has been a recurring theme across a wide range of mythologies, cultures, and folklore throughout history. These apocalyptic narratives offer insight into the beliefs, fears, and values of different societies. They explore how these cultures understood the world around them and how they sought to explain the end of life as they knew it. Despite the differences in cultural contexts, there are notable similarities and differences between apocalyptic depictions across various traditions. These narratives often serve as cautionary tales and reflections on human nature, societal anxieties, and cosmic cycles.

Similarities in Apocalyptic Narratives

1. Catastrophic Events:

Most apocalyptic stories involve some form of catastrophic event that brings about the end of the world. These can include natural disasters (such as floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions), celestial phenomena (such as eclipses and comets), or even supernatural events. For example, in the Hebrew Bible, the story of Noah's Ark describes a great flood sent by God to cleanse the world of sin. Similarly, in Norse mythology, Ragnarök involves a great battle and cataclysmic events that lead to the destruction of the world.

2. Moral Judgment and Divine Retribution:

Many apocalyptic narratives involve a sense of divine judgment or retribution for human wrongdoing. The end of the world is often portrayed as a consequence of humanity's moral failings. For instance, the Book of Revelation in the New Testament describes a final judgment where the righteous are rewarded and the wicked are punished.

3. Cycles of Creation and Destruction:

In several cultures, apocalyptic events are seen as part of a larger cycle of creation and destruction. After the world ends, a new world or era may emerge. This is evident in Hindu mythology, where the concept of yugas (ages) describes a cycle of creation and destruction. The Kali Yuga, the current age, is expected to end with a cataclysmic event before a new age begins.

4. Heroes and Survivors:

Many apocalyptic stories feature heroes or survivors who play a key role in the narrative. These individuals often represent the best of humanity and may carry forward the legacy of the old world into a new one. For example, in Greek mythology, Deucalion and Pyrrha survive a great flood and repopulate the earth.

Differences in Apocalyptic Narratives

1. Cultural Context:

Apocalyptic narratives often reflect the specific concerns and values of the culture from which they originate. For example, the biblical flood narrative can be seen as a warning against moral decay and disobedience to divine law. In contrast, the Norse myth of Ragnarök emphasizes themes of fate, heroism, and the cyclical nature of existence.

2. Diverse Agents of Destruction:

The agents of destruction vary across different cultures. In some traditions, the apocalypse is triggered by gods or supernatural beings (e.g., the Norse gods in Ragnarök). In others, natural disasters or human actions play a central role (e.g., the flood in the Hebrew Bible or the destruction of Atlantis in Greek mythology).

3. Outcome and Resolution:

The outcomes of apocalyptic narratives can differ widely. Some stories end with a new beginning or rebirth (e.g., the Hindu concept of a new yuga following the Kali Yuga). Others conclude with finality, suggesting the end of all existence (e.g., some interpretations of the Book of Revelation).

Societal Impacts and Influences

1. Reflection of Anxieties:

Apocalyptic narratives often reflect societal anxieties and fears about the future. They may serve as cautionary tales that highlight the consequences of moral decay, environmental destruction, or other perceived threats.

2. Moral and Ethical Lessons:

These stories often carry moral and ethical lessons about human behavior. They may encourage individuals to lead righteous lives, respect nature, or avoid hubris.

3. Cultural Identity and Continuity:

Apocalyptic narratives contribute to a culture's identity by providing a shared story that explains the past and envisions the future. They often affirm cultural values and reinforce a sense of continuity.

4. Influence on Art and Media:

Apocalyptic themes have influenced art, literature, film, and other forms of media across the world. These stories continue to inspire creators, providing a rich source of material for exploration and reinterpretation.

In conclusion, apocalyptic narratives across different mythologies, cultures, and folklore offer valuable insights into human nature and societal concerns. While these stories may differ in their specifics, they share common themes of destruction, judgment, and rebirth. They continue to resonate with modern audiences, reflecting ongoing fears and hopes about the future of humanity.

#writeblr #writers of tumblr #writing #bookish #booklr #fantasy books #creative writing #book blog #ya fantasy books #ya books #writers block #national novel writing month #writers #female writers #tumblr writers #writers on tumblr #writerscommunity #am writing #fantasy writer #fiction writing #how to write #story writing #teen writer #tumblr writing community #writblr #writer problems #writer stuff #writerblr #writers community #writers corner

[crystalninjaphoenix]

My brain at all times:

#the low quality is intentional and included in the joke i swear #writing #writers #writer problems

[xenascribbles]

there needs to be more and better words for portal. doorway isn’t magical enough and i’m getting repetitive 😭

#xena talks writing #writeblr #writer problems

[xrns]

What i made instead of writing.....

#writerscommunity #Writer #Writing #writer problems #writers on tumblr #writers and poets #writeblr #writing

[soy-sauce-and-mothra]

Hey! Are there blacksmiths in your story? I'm a hobbyist blacksmith and I'm here to help!

Blacksmithing is one of those things that a lot of people get wrong because they don't realize it stuck around past the advent of the assembly line. Here's a list of some common misconceptions I see and what to do instead!

Not all blacksmiths are gigantic terrifying muscly guys with beards and deep voices. I am 5'8, skinny as a twig, have the muscle mass of wet bread, and exist on Tumblr. Anybody who is strong enough to pick up a hammer and understands fire safety can be a blacksmith.

You can make more than just swords with blacksmithing. Though swords are undeniably practical, they're not the only things that can be made. I've made candle holders, wall hooks, kebab skewers, fire pokers, and more. Look up things other people have made, it's really amazing what can be done.

"Red-hot" is actually not that hot by blacksmith terms. when heated up, the metal goes from black, to red, to orange, to yellow, to white. (for temperature reference, I got a second degree burn from picking up a piece of metal on black heat) The ideal color to work with the metal is yellow. White is not ideal at all, because the metal starts sparking and gets all weird and lumpy when it cools. (At no point in this process does the metal get even close to melting. It gets soft enough to work with, but I have never once seen metal become a liquid.)

Blacksmithing takes fucking forever. Not even taking into account starting the forge, selecting and preparing metal, etc. etc. it takes me around an hour to make one (1) fancy skewer. The metals blacksmiths work with heat up and cool down incredibly fast. When the forge is going good, it only takes like 20 seconds to get your metal hot enough to work with, but it takes about the same time for it to cool down, sometimes even less.

As long as you are careful, it is actually stupidly easy to not get hurt while blacksmithing. When I picked up this hobby I was like "okay, cool! I'm gonna make stuff, and I'm gonna end up in the hospital at some point!" Thus far, the latter has yet to occur. I've been doing this for nearly a year. I have earned myself a new scar from the aforementioned second degree burn, and one singe mark on my jeans. I don't even wear gloves half the time. Literally just eye protection, common sense, and fast reflexes and you'll probably be fine. (Accidents still happen of course, but I have found adequate safety weirdly easy to achieve with this hobby)

A forge is not a fire. The forge is the thing blacksmiths put their metal in to heat it up. It starts as a small fire, usually with newspaper or something else that's relatively small and burns easily, which we then put in the forge itself, which is sort of a fireplace-esque thing (there's a lot of different types of forge, look into it and try to figure out what sort of forge would make the most sense for the context you're writing about) and we cover it with coal, which then catches fire and heats up. The forge gets really hot, and sometimes really bright. Sometimes when I stare at the forge for too long it's like staring into the sun. The forge is also not a waterfall of lava, Steven Universe. It doesn't work like that, Steven Universe.

Welding and blacksmithing are not the same thing. They often go hand-in-hand, but you cannot connected two pieces of metal with traditional blacksmithing alone. There is something called forge welding, where you heat your metal, sprinkle borax (or the in-universe equivalent) on it to prevent the metal from oxidizing/being non-weldable, and hammer the pieces together very quickly. Forge welding also sends sparks flying everywhere, and if you're working in a small space with other blacksmiths, you usually want to announce that you're welding before you do, so that everyone in a five-foot radius can get out of that five-foot radius. You also cannot just stuck some random pebbles into the forge and get a decent piece of metal that you can actually make something with, Steven Universe. It doesn't work like that, Steven Universe.

Anvils are really fucking heavy. Nothing else to add here.

Making jewelry is not a blacksmithing thing unless you want jewelry made of steel. And it will be very ugly if you try. Blacksmithing wasn't invented to make small things.

If there's anything here I didn't mention, just ask and I'll do my best to answer.

#yes some of this was directed at steven universe #the only thing su got right was bismuth crying when her anvil broke #cus those things are goddamn expensive and hard to transport #blacksmith #blacksmithing #writing #writing prompts #writing advice #writeblr #writer #writer problems #writerblr #writerscommunity #writers on tumblr #writers and poets #writers

[furiousdinosaurdestiny]

Usually it’s video games instead of music but this is pretty much accurate hehe

#writerslife #writerscommunity #writers on tumblr #writer things #writer problems #writblr #ao3 writer #writeblr #reading #video games #nintendo switch #switch lite