#as a person who gets too overwhelmed with real world relationships

[the-s1lly-corner]

AAAAA

TDAC X PUPPET!READER

Hear me out

Reader is like puppet from fnaf, their character being very similar to puppet, them having the same voice and powers? Yknow Puppet flies fast as HELL and etc, Reader most of the time stays in the music box, and just gets out when really wanted or needed, for example: when theres an IHA or when someone needs them for something.

TADC x puppet!reader !

ashamed to admit this but i have not touched fnaf outside of security breach, recently at least. the last time i was fully invested in the fnaf lore was when fnaf 4 had just dropped, so im quite literally relying off of your description like its a life line because i know how insane fnaf lore has gotten think imma answer this request then take another short break since my lower back is starting to get sore from sitting all day; gotta go stretch my legs too

CAINE:

you do have your own room, of course, but you tend to usually stay in your music box; of which you came with when you first entered the digital world... which was a little odd, but hey its not the strangest thing that anyone here has seen! i like to think that sometimes caine comes to your box at night and tries to will you out so he can get to know you more. leave it to the ai to fall for the mysterious circus member who rarely leaves their box... i think sometimes he would hum and sing along to the music your box makes

POMNI:

the first time you rush out of your music box it takes her off guard, almost making her fall off her feet when you dash right by her to do... whatever was required of you at that moment in time. if she were being honest, she didnt think you were a real person, she had always assumed that you were an npc; it wasnt unheard of that caine would have npcs stationed about for in house adventures, or to man the carnival..! though i dont think she would interact much with you, considering you rarely interact with the others; what use would it be to pester you?

JAX:

honestly before realizing you literally live and sleep and mostly exist in the music box, he probably puts stuff on top of your box... accidentally trapping you inside it. well, actually trapping wouldnt be accurate because you ended up brute forcing your way out, literally sending everything that was on top of the box flying; scaring just about everyone in the room. imagine trying to find out whos faster; you or jax.. i mean, have you seen how fast jax bolted when they found out koufmo abstracted?

RAGATHA:

always tries to ask you if you want to join in on the in house adventure, she doesnt want you to feel left out or unwelcome; even though most times you willingly back out of the activity. though, she feels relieved and even smiles when you spring out of your box to join in on the action... at least she knows you havent abstracted... brain stimulation is important, you know!

KINGER:

he finds some comfort in the music, slowly but surely as the days pass he moves his pillow fort closer and closer to your box before eventually hes right next to you. sometimes even naps, leaning against it. though he does immediately scamper off when you suddenly lunge out to race towards whoever is calling for you. at least he can count on you to have his back in moments of danger or fear!

ZOOBLE:

usually stays in their own lane, but for one reason or another they need help during an IHA, and their yelps and incoherent speech was enough to catch your attention. be it gloink or otherwise, you obliterate the problem; effectively haunting zooble for the rest of their life by your actions... but hey, it feels... nice, having someone you can rely on

GANGLE:

character who is soft spoken and shy meets character that rarely leaves their box when its not needed or necessary; how could a relationship, romantic or otherwise, be fostered in conditions such as this? oddly enough, the silence between you two brings you together, the music keeping the silence from becoming overwhelming. i like to think that sometimes gangle leaves you little notes, choosing to write rather than verbally speak... best not to ruin that special quiet the two of you have learned to share

#tadc x reader #the amazing digital circus x reader #digital circus x reader #caine x reader #pomni x reader #jax x reader #ragatha x reader #kinger x reader #zooble x reader #gangle x reader

[idlerin]

nonsense — 38. hard to love

“baby, i have something to say and… could you not open any social media app for a few—“ you cut oikawa off before he could finish his sentence.

“too late,” you said softly, lips pursed and brows wrinkled. the article you just read about you began to actually sink in. your name. your information. spread for thousands of rabid people on the internet to see.

“you… saw the article?” oikawa asked, dread immediately seeping in. how were you going to react? what do you want to do now? he was planning to ease you into the news, his plan on how to say it wasn’t completed yet. he hoped this won’t make you want to leave him.

“articles, yeah,” you say, suddenly forgetting how to breathe properly. still trying to process the fact that thousands of people now know your name and now have more untoward malicious feelings directed at you. tons of people you know are flooding your inbox, asking if the article was real, and you weren’t really in the mood to reply. the worst ones are probably your roommates, you live with them–even if you rarely stay in the dorms these days–and now they were probably reading about how the secret boyfriend they suspected you had was oikawa tooru, the celebrity they idolized (if the mini shrine in the living room wasn’t enough of a tell about how much they adored him).

you knew you had to announce your relationship with oikawa to the world, one way or another. that was just one of the clauses in pursuing your romance with him. you didn’t want it to go like this, announced by some gossip news outlet without knowledge or preparation from both you and him. you didn’t want to get bombarded, you didn’t want to feel overwhelmed, and yet it already happened.

so it was completely rational that you were internally panicking.

you were still on the couch when oikawa sat beside you, reaching out to hold your hand, making you face him, “i’m sorry,” he starts, “this must be very overwhelming, i’m sorry.”

“stop..” you say, “it’s not like you chose for the articles to be published, don’t say sorry like it’s your fault,” you grip his hand back.

“the pr team is going to handle the aftermath. we’re going to take the article down, okay?” he says, “i just… the one who leaked your information…” his jaw ticks.

“do you know who it is?” you ask. could it be one of the staff? but the only ones who know of your relationship with oikawa are akane and riseki… and they wouldn’t do that? would they?

“i have a hunch,” oikawa admits.

“oh,” was your pathetic response, you didn’t want to think about who the person who caused the disruption of your life right now.

“what do you want to do, darling?” oikawa asks, beginning to caress your hand. “honestly right now.. i don’t want to think about it much. i’m.. i just.. can i process this in the morning?” you gulp, right now, all you wanted was for oikawa to hold you. you bury your face in his shoulder, he instinctively wraps an arm around you to pull you closer, you feel him kiss the side of your head.

“of course,” oikawa sighs, “i’m sorry again, i know it’s hard to love me because of things like this..”

“i said stop saying sorry, and don’t say that, you’re not hard to love at all,” you mumble.

“this wasn’t how i planned movie night to go…” oikawa’s hand raised to your nape.

“how did you plan it to go?” you raise your head, playing along to his light change of topic, it made you feel better.

“hm well i thought we’d watch movies till 4am, there would be a lot less depressing sequence of events and a lot more kissing,” oikawa leans in to give you a peck on the lips then came back to give you a deeper one, a hand caressing your arm and the other curling in your hair.

“sounds nice,” you hum, wishing for what could have been.

“unfortunately, i have to leave you for a few minutes to make some calls, darling,” oikawa wet his lips, “i don’t really want to leave you though.”

“do you promise to be back in 15-20 minutes?” you raise a brow.

“i promise, darling,” he gives you one last kiss.

masterlist — previous | next

✦ fun facts !

oikawa left sato delivered on purpose so sato could have time to worry and overthink

nonsense ! an oikawa tooru social media au

synopsis. you were oikawa tooru’s #1 fan, until you became his #1 hater. you hated him so much you went viral on twitter (accidentally) and literally became known as “the oikawa tooru hater”, doesn’t help that he keeps fueling the fire by subtweeting you. everyone is all in for this new drama. what isn’t known to the public, is that this particular drama’s been on hold for three years (him being your ex and all).

a/n — sorry kind of short !! but this had all i wanted to say hehehe.

taglist is closed ! + (1/2) @kawaii-angelanne @ceneridiankaa @kittycasie @rukia-uchiha-98 @polish-cereal @kellesvt @rockleeisbaeeee @kashxyou @imsoluvly @jjulliette @tooruchiiscribs @littlefreakjulia @gomjohs @qualitygiantshoepsychic @mellowknightcolorfarm @konzumeken @migosple @kuroogguk @sangwooooo @katsu-shi @wolffmaiden @rijhi @2baddies-1porsche @yeehawcity @aishkaaa @crueldinasty @renardiererin @yyuiz @llamakenma @penguinlovestowrite @princelingperfect @hearts4faey @yoonabeo @pantherhappy @julia-1901 @godsbiggestmenace @angel-luv-04 @noideawhothatis @bethbat @natsvmie @luna-mothii @lylovw @apinu @leave-rae-alone @kamikokii @bananasquash @eitaababe @minimari415 @hanabihwa @nilopillo

#haikyuu smau #haikyuu #haikyuu x reader #hq x reader #oikawa tooru x reader #celebrity smau #actor au #model au #celebrity au #college au #haikyuu smau series #oikawa tooru x you #haikyuu oikawa tooru #exes to lovers #— nonsense. #— smaus. #haikyuu fluff #haikyuu x you #hq #oikawa tooru #hq smau

[itssuppertim3]

Random Paladin Danse HC's That Make Me Smile

not that any of my minions know this, but i’m back into fallout and Paladin Danse’ ass is grass which only means one thing

fuckin

HEADCANONS

let the brain rot commence.

——————————

He obviously loves that education, and is always, ALWAYS, searching for an excuse to learn more about dead America. And who better to learn from than a relic of the past? You! On the other hand, my Sole was never a vault dweller, so she knows next to nothing about those broken gizmos other than what scrap they'll produce. So in one scenario you have big bulk man exhausting you with curiosity, and in another he's literally brimming with information to teach you. Both work well in my opinion.

Literal big brother energy. That kind of changes if or when you admit to him that his ass is literally bigger than a star, but throughout your time serving with him it's very clear that he works well with a sibling-like relationship. You may see him as an older brother, or maybe you just hate him. I dunno man. But all-in-all, he's always the first one there. Always at your side ready to defend you from whatever your postapocalyptic world launches at you. He's almost as loyal as Dogmeat. Almost.

This man stands CLOSE. Sometimes he doesn't even realize it; he just feels at ease being near you (especially if you don't use power armor). He's real caught on that savior mentality. Somehow he's only convinced that you're safe if he's just feet from where you're standing. And don't get me started on firefights. This big booty military man will jump in front of you with no shits to give. You even land a couple shots on him by accident, but that's alright. He doesn't really feel it. He really should prioritize his own safety sometimes.

He never drinks if he can help it, but that's only because alcohol makes him giggly. He'll relax with a couple beers, but anything past that is dangerous for him. He simply doesn't like the embarrassment of completely switching personalities in front of his subordinates. Even you, believe it or not. He likes things "clean, by the book," blah blah. So many people are convinced that he lacks personality, but truthfully he just prefers to act tough. It makes him feel 10 ft tall.

He sleeps with a body pillow. 100% I will live by that statement. Think about it: he practically lives within a wall of steel and cushioned padding. He's more touch deprived than a goldfish. He probably can't recall the last time he genuinely felt a person, which isn't something he dislikes. There's moments when even a pat on the shoulder is too overwhelming for him. He wishes he enjoyed having that closeness with someone. There're many occasions where he longs for your arms to be encased around him or vice versa. He wants to love, but he doesn't exactly know how. So instead of touching you, he spams you with uplifting compliments and hugs his pillow in Dansey bliss.

He complains about rain and bodies of water enough to convince everyone he hates it, but what's interesting is when he's in your company. Walking around like a transformer all the time, he's always prepared for stormy weather. You however... ehhh. He doesn't like it when you get drenched (😫) so he'll immediately scan the surrounding area for shelter. If there is none, and depending on the direction of the wind, he'll situate himself to where you get wet (😫) to a minimum. He's like your personal hunky umbrella. Every once in a while, you grow confused over the fuss. You may enjoy rain, or at least tolerate it, but he still wouldn't give a damn. "It would be irresponsible of me, as your mentor, to allow you to catch a cold under these conditions." In other words, he's a big worrywart over your wellbeing. And he's more used to patching up battle wounds. A sickly fever? Not so much.

You'd think he would be better at knowing your whereabouts, but he definitely isn't. With his suit having so many blind spots and you being so low to the ground, he's constantly losing track of you; hence why he chooses to walk behind you. When you stop in Diamond City, you like to prank him a bit by slipping away and making him go in big brother panic mode. You've tried it in Goodneighbor once or twice, but it never works there. Once you're behind those walls, his eyes never leave you. Not once. He scolds you more harshly when you play games in that town.

He loves to feel useful, even with something mundane like reaching something up high for you or even hoisting you up through a broken ceiling or over a wall. He additionally likes to show off strength. He smashes through walls and doors like cardboard, and crushes just about anything under his gauntlets with ease. On the other hand, he loves it when you feel useful as well. Sure, he can count back dozens of times when he could've dislodged a safe door or tore the wires from a terminal to deactivate turrets, but instead he chose to step back and admire your handiwork. And when you succeed, he always boosts you with praise.

The only hack he uses to style his hair is mud, sweat, and grease. And it still looks flawless every damn time.

There's no way in hell he walks around with all that cake and authority and NOT have an aggressive fanbase on the Prydwen. That just ain't so. There's a whole line of women in their baldheaded glory begging for him to notice them, and the hilarious part is he never does. Heroic actions and deeds in honor of the Brotherhood are what yanks his immediate attention. He's also trained enough soldiers to tell the difference between talent, potential, and kissing up. He hates those sorts most of all.

Keep in mind what I said about his awkwardness with physical touch, because when he's actually starting out in a relationship, it is so over for him. At first he almost wishes you'd remain friends just so you wouldn't give him heart murmurs every 5 fucking minutes. He also grows more protective over you than ever before, but that isn't surprising. Give him a few weeks to settle into this new territory and he'll gradually adapt. You do your best to go at his pace, so instead of downright kissing him you peck him sweetly on the cheek. The more you do it the more he realizes just how much he adores it. Even now he still has a hard time expressing his feelings, so you have to study close for any cues he may give you. Somehow if you're just not skilled at reading him, he'll eventually get persistent enough to lean towards your level and sit jagged and redfaced for a while until you deliver.

It's funny to watch him try and squeeze into an elevator. He'll go the extra mile to search for an intact flight of stairs just so he won't look like a Jack in the Box. Watching him squeeze back out is even sillier. He has to position his shoulders and knees just right so that his pauldrons or helm won't get caught in the narrow doorframe. It mostly works, though only because of all the trial and error he's had to endure.

----------------

alright folks it's 3am which means i have very pressing matters to attend to like sleeping

#danse is so bby girl #fallout 4 #fo4 danse #paladin danse

[hhhhleb]

Hi, I just saw your recent post with little!Jake and Marc, and I just wanted to say it's so heartwarming, the relationship Marc is feeling about Jake ! Like you said, the relationship he have with Jake looks so close to the one Marc had with Randall ( Roro ? ) and I find it so cute.

It’s a bit heartbreaking too, but I find so cute.

And just asking, does Little!Jake feel the same, is he too shy to respond to the ( I guess a bit clumsy ) affection from Steven and Marc, or just Jake doesn’t want it ?

And does Jake miss Randall ( Roro ) too ? Since I guess he maybe have the memories of Randall by Marc’s mind and memories ?

I’m just really curious about their relationship with little!Jake, especially with Marc, and their past relationship with their brother and maybe their parents.

( Hope you don’t mind my questions. And hope you get the questions, since my English isn’t really perfect, since it isn’t my first language. Take your time to answer if you want to, I don’t want to overwhelm you. )

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE QUESTIONS!! I’m guilty ur honor, I couldn’t answer them for how long? Two weeks?😶🧎im rlly sorry..

Well, Marc&Jake’s relationship aren’t so simple I guess, in some way it is similar to the Marc&Roro’s but in other way it’s not.

1. Jake isn’t ready to open up to M&S. To people in general. He’s cautious, It is safe when he’s playing adult’s role, it’s like a mask, a shield from the real(adult) world, but when M&S figured out he’s a kid he feels too exposed to them. Too open, too easy to hurt. I feel like he doesn’t want this affection from them because he doesn’t really know how to be a loved child? So he doesn’t know how to respond to it. As I said here Jake never have met Wendy, he doesn’t consider her as his own mother. Thus, all his behaviour&attitude is based on Marc&Roro’s playtime as children. That’s why he’s so into this roleplay of a badass guy))

2. Jake actually misses Roro. If Steven had no idea about him, Jake considered Roro his own brother. It’s the only thing in Marc’s memories he accepts as his own. Marc(Jake) loved Roro so much that he(Jake) adopted this love for art from him(similar to Steven and his accent, I suppose). He also inherited Marc’s feelings of responsibility as an older brother from that time, so Jake’s not used to be the youngest. Therefore, it’s quite an experience for him to adept to this whole new dynamic with S&M. He pushes them away feeling like he shouldn’t can’t rely on them.

Absolutely love this idea of a bunk bad for M&R!! It fits so well! saw it in this concept art for MK. It’s amazing. Like, I think Roro was a very sensitive kid(he looks rueful when Marc calls him a baby for being wary of playing in the cave while it's raining), so he’s afraid of dark and not sleeping with parents SOOOoooo Marc took the bottom bed and have told him, that he would defend him from any monster who would be stupid enough to try to attack them! He also hung all Roro’s drawings there, because he’s very proud of him)

Ahhhh my heart aches for them. I spent half of my childhood on a bunk bad like that, my siblings and I plastered it all over with stickers, there were glasses of juice everywhere lmao, loads of thrilling books on shelves, we used to do a blanket castle on the bottom bed and read some stories with a flashlight

I feel like it’s the thing Marc&Roro could do.. I wish they had more screen time in the show..

(am I projecting? Yes.

Also, I think that’s where Steven’s love for reading is coming from)

ps even though Jake doesn’t want this affection, he needs it just like any other person, just like any other child. He has a hard way ahead of him. Comics about the table thing was one of the first steps:)

#moon knight #jake lockley #marc spector #little!jake #comics #i want to make an art about how different were roro's drawings in comparing to jake's #I hope I won't forget about it....

[diddybok]

can i request a chan, reader and felix cuddling drabble??

of course you can my love!🫶🏾

just a reminder to anybody who wants to request a drabble/text story/imagine, feel free to send me an ask🤗

all characters depicted in my writing are from my own imagination and do NOT in any way represent nor reflect the people in real life :)

➩ pairing: chris x gn!reader, felix x gn!reader

➩ genre(s): poly relationship, fluff, teeniest tiniest bit of angst if you squint from a miles distance away

➩ warning(s): swearing, reader has a mini breakdown. sigh, you and me both pal

➩ wc: 1k (1,003)

Your feet have been killing you all day. You recently became a team leader in your job and your boss has you doing so much more work. More work than a singular individual can handle, that’s for sure.

It doesn’t help that the time you spent not sitting down, you were dealing with hotheaded customers and irritable colleagues. You honestly could feel like crying, it was just becoming too overwhelming.

You don’t see Chris’ car in the driveway and for some reason that made you even more upset. You knew he and Felix were at work, they always are until late. Yet here you are, selfishly wanting them to drop whatever it is that they are doing and come and dote on you.

After several attempts of failing to get the house key in the hole, the dam broke and you burst into tears. To anybody driving by, you look ridiculous as you throw your keys carelessly and put up a fuss.

You are much too old to be acting out like this, but you feel as if you deserve to at least. Who cares what anybody thinks about a crazy person sobbing and hyperventilating by their front door? Not you! Maybe the world should have been nicer to you and not drive you to having a breakdown before you even reached the confinements of your own home.

You simply do not care.

What you should care about however is the look on Chris’ face as he opens the door to see you…well…having a tantrum. Lucky for him, you miss the way he covers his mouth to stop himself from laughing at your antics before grabbing a hold of you as he gently caresses your head.

“Shh, breathe Y/n, breathe. What’s all these tears for hmm?” Chris asks as he pulls away to look at your tear stained cheeks. He moves you inside before he grabs what he assumes are your keys that dangle in the bush.

You take a deep breath and you inhale his scent, it immediately calms you down as you release a shaky breath. He crouches down and unlaces your shoes, tapping your calf lightly to let you know that you can take them off.

"I thought you were at work. Your car isn't here." You say, sniffling.

"Mhm, we had to be escorted out of work early today. They said they would tell us why tomorrow. So Felix and I got dropped back." Chris says after putting your shoes away neatly.

You let out a noise of surprise as Chris lifts you up and carries you to your shared bedroom. Sitting down and pulling you into his lap as he sits up against the headboard, lightly swaying you.

“You gonna tell me what all that crying was for now?” Chris coos, wiping your tears. You let out a big sigh before responding.

“I feel like my feet are going to fall off. I’m dealing with complete assholes at work. I barely get a break, I feel like the ant that everybody keeps stepping on!” You complain, using your hands to exaggerate as you get worked up again.

The door suddenly opens and you see a head of blue hair poking in.

“Oh, I knew I heard your voice in here.” Felix says coming into the room. You can see his headset wrapped around his neck so you assume he has just finished a gaming session.

“Hi angel” Felix says before jumping on the bed to rest his head on your thighs. It takes Chris to lightly kick him on his leg for him to look up and see your wet cheeks.

He immediately frowns upon registering your mood and crawls up the bed to sit beside you and Chris, putting his headset on the bedside table.

"What's wrong sweetheart? What happened?" His face turns from concerned to a scowl. "Do I need to hurt somebody?"

That makes you laugh slightly, breaking his sudden harsh exterior back to a bright smile.

"Y/n has been feeling quite unappreciated at work."

Felix's eyebrows raise slightly and sits up, facing both you and Chris.

"Oh we can't be having that can we Chris," To which Chris shakes his head no, rubbing your stomach in slow circles. "Do you know what will make you feel better doll?" Felix asks with a tilt of his head.

"Cuddles?" You suggest.

"Pfft, not just any cuddles. Cuddles with me."

Felix then grabs you from Chris' lap and wraps his leg around both of yours, trapping you as he smothers your face in loads of kisses. You let out a fit of giggles as you feel him pulling you away from Chris.

"Oi, my cuddles work just as well, if not better than yours." Chris frowns.

"If that was the case, then my precious angel wouldn't have still been crying when I came into the room." Felix retorts, throwing a cocky smirk Chris' way and unwrapping his body from yours so that you can breathe.

Whilst you know that they know you adore them both, sometimes they have impromptu 'who's dick is bigger' arguments when it comes to loving you.

You scold them both for doing it, mainly Felix since he's a little shit and starts them. Though you know he doesn't mean to hurt Chris' feelings, he just gets a bit too excitable sometimes which triggers his competitive side.

"Both of your cuddles make me feel better." You grab Felix's chin in one hand and Chris' in the other. "But when we all cuddle, then that's when I'm happiest." You say smiling and placing a soft peck on Chris' lips then Felix's.

You pull both of them down and wrap your arms around their backs, your hands settling in their hair as you gently caress their heads. Chris snuggles his head into the crook of your arm and Felix wraps his leg around yours.

It quickly became a peaceful couple of minutes before Felix spoke quietly.

"Okay, but my cuddles definitely work better than Chris' right?"

ʚ hope you enjoyed ^.^ you can support me by liking, commenting and reblogging! it is heavily appreciated ᵕ̈ ɞ

i do not permit my work to be translated or reposted in any way, thank you.

© 2023 diddybok

#stray kids #stray kids drabbles #skz #skz fluff #skz felix #skz bang chan #stray kids x reader #stray kids x gn reader #skz x gn reader #stray kids fanfiction #skz fanfic #another day another slay #diddybok asks

[imagining-in-the-margins]

A Desert Bloom (S.R.)

Summary: Reader has never liked cacti. Spencer finally finds out why. A/N: Written for a very dear friend of mine, and anyone else who might need it. Couple: Spencer Reid/GN!Reader Category: Comfort/Fluff Content Warning: Complicated maternal relationship, minor self-deprecation, implied parental abuse Word Count: 875

MASTERLIST

Having grown up in Nevada, Spencer had always been both put-off and fascinated by the plant stores on the East Coast. While the wide array of colors was breathtaking in its own right, it felt foreign and slightly overwhelming to him.

But when you’d asked him to come with you to pick out a housewarming plant for your first apartment together — so sweetly and with those eyes that made him speechless — he couldn’t say no. He could, however, make a beeline straight to the plants that reminded him of home.

Spencer had known that you were not particularly fond of cacti, but he hadn’t ever asked you why. It seemed like the kind of story that you would share when you were ready.

And that day, you were.

“Why do you like succulents so much?” you asked with your nose slightly crinkled.

“I think they’re funny little things,” he answered with a chuckle under his breath. “The peak of evolution if you ask me.”

“Oh,” you grumbled. You said nothing else.

But Spencer could see in the way your body shifted but failed to really move away that you’d wanted him to say more.

He just didn’t know what, so he asked, “Why don’t you?”

“I don’t dislike them,” you corrected. It was not convincing enough for you, so you tried to explain, “We just… have a complicated relationship.”

Spencer laughed a little, and so did you. But after the noise died down, you continued with a softer voice.

“My mom used to always say they reminded her of me.”

Spencer’s heart sunk in his chest before you’d even had a chance to explain. He knew what was coming and he knew that he was about 20 years too late to fix it.

“She said they were just like me. Difficult.”

Like the cactus in front of them, Spencer bristled. His jaw and his hands tensed at first. Slowly, he released the tension to gently hold a leaf from a burro’s tail without causing it to fall.

With a dark, unamused tone, Spencer grumbled, “The fact that’s what she sees when she looks at desert plants tells me all I need to know about her.”

It had made so much sense to him that he had forgotten to explain. You were used to that, though, so you just asked, “What do you mean?”

“I mean, cacti are one of the most resilient plants in the world. They aren’t hard to deal with, most people love them specifically for their resilience.”

You caught the two words he’d been emphasized the hardest.

“Most people?”

“Well, I personally think those people are wrong,” he said with finality.

“How are they wrong?”

Again, you sought the answer you craved. The real reason why Spencer loved cacti. Perhaps, if you could understand why he was drawn to a plant that had warnings plastered across every inch of its surface, maybe — just maybe — you might understand him better.

Maybe you would finally understand why he’d decided to love you despite the difficulty.

“Sure, a cactus can live in awful conditions, but that’s…” he paused. He swallowed the lump in his throat and blinked away the small tears pooling at his eyelashes, “That’s not how you get them to bloom.”

You said nothing. He continued.

“The people who think they can just do whatever they want and the cactus will survive it, well… they just don’t want to pay attention to shriveled leaves and the rotting roots.”

Each word felt like a prick. You could feel the spines of a cactus reaching out from your heart. They broke through the drought inside of your chest like they had finally found the safety they sought. You wanted to scream, to shout, to say anything at all. You wanted to defend the cactus that was just trying to find a way to make it to the next rainfall.

But Spencer had already known.

“They’re the problem, not the cactus.”

You didn’t even notice you were crying until a tear fell from your chin. Spencer turned away from his reminder of his home and held you, instead. He sheltered you from the world as you released the excess water that the world had drowned you in. Then, when you were ready, he followed you to the plant you’d picked.

That afternoon, as you played with the soft petals of the orchid, Spencer was not interested in looking at the finicky, albeit ornate, plant that you’d picked. Instead, his eyes settled on the most beautiful thing in the room.

Spencer thought about how he’d learned at a very young age that if you treat a cactus right, if you take the time to learn its language and help curate a space for it to grow, it will grow, and it will bloom.

He looked at you. He looked at your tentative smile peeking through the landscape of your new home. He looked at you while you recognized yourself in the softness of a flower. Spencer looked at you above any other beautiful thing that might try to call to him.

He would always look at you because he had always been particularly fond of the desert bloom.

(Tell me what you thought about this piece here!)

P.S. Did you know Tumblr might be hiding some of my posts from you? Learn how to change this setting here so you can enjoy my more scandalous works (if you want), including my most recent one, which can be found here.

#dr spencer reid #spencer reid #spencer reid fanfic #spencer reid fanfiction #spencer reid/reader #spencer reid x y/n #spencer reid x you #spencer reid x reader #spencer reid fluff #spencer reid comfort #spencer reid fandom #criminal minds comfort #criminal minds fanfic #criminal minds fandom #cm fanfiction

[turbulentscrawl]

Alva Lorenz General HCs

You'll have for forgive me for any typos--this man's been on my mind for two days and I have to get these out. I'm too impatient to check everything hahah

-Alva did not actually betray Luca by passing off any pf Herman’s work as his own. Though he did always maintain some interest in the concept of a perpetual motion machine, Alva didn’t dedicate much time to working on it after Herman’s death. He did, however, start the fire which killed Herman in an outburst-fueled accident similar to how Luca later killed him. Alva, however, escaped suspicion of the event and was not legally punished.

-Alva knew Herman had a son and, though he never personally met Herman’s family, knew who Luca was through grapevine rumors. He agreed to take Luca on as his student partially out of guilt for his unexposed crime, and partially because he had no children of his own and quickly felt a certain parental urge for Luca. They shared a lot in common and got on very well, very quickly, and their relationship was great right up until the accident. The documentation that seems to indicate their relationship deteriorating is coincidental. (ex, Luca’s experiments slowly transitioning from both he and Alva signing off on them to just Luca was Alva giving Luca more independence because he trusted him, rather than them growing apart or secretive.)

-I think Alva may be autistic. He doesn’t require much in the way of accommodations, and he doesn’t have the sensory issues that Aesop does. However, his speech is sometimes overly flat, his view of the world a bit rigid, his social energy levels are low, he’s prone to bouts of depression, he fixates on his work a lot, and he often fidgets with things like pens and clothes. He enjoys touching various textures, and often expresses appreciation for the material of people’s clothes. Additionally, he’s made a living out of his special interest: inventive engineering.

-Alva is a solemn and polite man. He’s rather chivalrous, but reserved, and as a result was admired by many for his mysterious-gentleman air. “Hermit” is an apt name for Alva, however, as he rarely enjoyed the company of others. He especially felt overwhelmed in large groups. He has always preferred one-on-one socializing, and even that he had a smaller tolerance for than was typical for men of his class. Luckily, he doesn’t have much in the way of a temperament, so when he’s tired of socializing, he’s just that: tired. Sexy Old man.

-To specify, when I say chivalrous, I mean he’s the kind of man who holds doors open for others, offers his hand to help them up from a seat or down from some height, share his umbrella in the rain, and would even lay his coat in a puddle for a lady to cross over. He offers chivalry moreso to women than men, but if a man presents as meek or shy enough in his presence he will extend the gestures to them as well, hoping to make them feel more comfortable.

-Alva’s only family at the time of his death was his wife. She was barren, and they had no children, and all the rest of his family had passed due to age or illness. Luca therefore became something of a surrogate son to Alva over the years. Though he sometimes struggled to show it, Alva cared for him like blood and always looked out for him.

-Alva didn’t care much about his overall predicament, after being resurrected. His religious proclivities were more for show than anything, so being a chosen of some…eldritch-cat-god is hardly the worst of his concerns. Until the manor, he hadn’t been expected to do anything he considered reprehensible or very immoral, so he’s always been fine with just completing his orders so he could go back to his work.

-After joining the manor, Alva’s only real comfort is his work. In life, inventive engineering was his method of self-expression, the way he interacted with the world, his reason for living. That changed a bit when his wife came along, and then again for Luca, but with those gone he’s back to his reclusive nature. It takes a long time for Alva to make friendships in the manor. He’s familiar with Ann out of necessity, but they’re merely cordial. With time, he becomes friendly with a small handful of others, but his melancholy is still pervasive.

-Inevitably, with enough time at the manor, Alva craves reconciliation with Luca. He doesn’t entirely blame Luca for what happened. At the end of everything, Alva knows the accident was an accident as well as a misunderstanding. (And also probably some kind of ironic, cosmic retribution for him killing Herman.) The trouble is, Luca does not remember him at all, or what happened. He knows from a few conversations that the boy’s cleverness is still in-tact, but his memories are almost entirely gone. As far as Alva is concerned, this means he’ll never get the closure of genuine, mutual apologies, and he’ll never have his “son” back. Not really.

-When Luca was his student, they were a powerful duo in public. Alva, despite being respectful and courteous to individuals, has never ‘jived’ with society as a whole. He doesn’t care about public opinion and is easily exhausted from public exposure. Luca, meanwhile, is a social butterfly. They were both charming, and worked out a system for any public appearances Alva needed to make: Luca would handle most of the talking—unless Alva’s interest was specifically sparked by some topic of conversation—so Alva could do his best to actually enjoy the atmosphere. And when Luca was ready to go, you best believe Alva was ready with their excuse to bail. The two were always favorites at any party or event, and always had interested suitors close at their heels.

-Despite being overwhelmed by conversation and crowds, Alva does enjoy the set-up for a lot of public events and parties. He likes the artfulness of decoration, and always takes time to appreciate the hard work put into setting up things like that (and once again, he loves to touch, feels the textures). He especially loves flowers. He occasionally finds loud music to be a bit overstimulating. Similarly, he likes fireworks, but requires earplugs to enjoy them fully.

-Alva’s age (at time of death) was somewhere between 40-45. His undead body is no longer aging, so physically he’s the same. Sometimes Alva misses his longer hair, but unfortunately that’s not growing anymore.

#idv x reader #identity v #alva lorenz x reader #idv hermit #alva lorenz #turbulentscrawl

[thesensteawitch]

Pick A Pile Reading

A Message Meant To Reach You!🕊️

(Left to Right- Pile 1, Pile 2, Pile 3)

Hey, Senstea Souls!

I am back with another collective reading. It's a general reading so take what resonates and leave what doesn't.

Feel free to DM me in case of any queries. Bookings are open!

Pile 1

Animal Spirit- Sea Serpent

Tarot Cards- The Chariot, Judgement, Queen of Wands, Seven of Swords, The World, Two of Wands

Did you take a wrong turn in life, pile 1? Or a dangerous road. A road that was all about our darkest of desires and you were meant to rescue something good that was stuck in a loophole. Your cards are very positive but I sense that someone stole something from you and it weakened your ability to communicate your truth. But the good thing is that the Universe wants you to know that soon you'll enter into the phase of rebirth. You'll be freed. I feel you have been planning something for a very long time. You developed this plan based on many experiences you have had. There's an assurance that your plan is going to work. What you want is coming. You are soon going to complete a full circle. I hear, “Some mistakes get made that's alright that's okay, in the end, it's better for me that's the moral of the story babe.” The color blue is prominent in your reading. You may be seeing a lot of butterflies. A huge change is coming into your life. Something is finally ending. Perhaps your old self. The moment you tell you truth and you say what's there in your mind you'll see a page turning in your life. You'll soon come face to face with a traitor. It can be a thought or a real person. Communicate and the fog will be cleared. You are divinely protected, pile 1. You just need to have your desires in control and let your creativity flow freely. Soon you'll free yourself of all the judgements. Make sure you do not take a wrong turn. Stay on your path. I hope this helped. See you soon! If you want more clarity regarding this situation or any other feel free to check out my rate card and book your reading.

Important chakras: Throat and Sacral.

Pile 2

Animal spirit- Raccoon

Cards- Temperance, Four of Pentacles, Queen of Swords, The Fool, Queen of Wands, Judgement

Pile 2, you are going to be blessed in such a way that you won't be able to grab everything at once. You'll receive so much praise and abundance that they will overflow and others will be picking them up for you. If something especially a relationship was going downhill then know that resolution is coming. Have faith but keep your balance. Don't cheat. Don't pretend to have faith. Have patience. Don't be a cat who cannot help but run after a rat as soon she lays eyes on him. Your words hold power currently. You may observe that whatever you say will manifest itself. So make sure you think twice before saying anything. But at the same time use it for the best. Manifest with good intentions. Your affirmations are working if you have been affirming. Whatever is changing know that it's all you. You are bringing a change in your life. Some of you may be writing or speaking a lot lately or have the urge to do so. Some of you may even be musicians. Just don't be too stubborn about your art. Art is flexible. It can move in any direction as it gives you uncountable perceptions. Some of you may still be struggling with money. The push and pull between you and your art is coming to an end. Soon you'll see a clear picture. Trust the process and more importantly trust yourself. You may feel overwhelmed currently or in the coming days. Keep your emotional meter in check. Don't get it cracked up. I also see movement. Some of you may be moving houses. Stay true to your words, pile 2, and own your true self. I hope this helped. See you soon! If you want more clarity regarding this situation or any other feel free to check out my rate card and book your reading.

Pile 3

Animal Spirit- Cosmic Egg

Cards- Queen of Swords, Queen of Cups, Nine of Pentacles, King of Wands, 5 of Swords, Ten of Wands

Words mean a lot to you, pile 2. You know it because all day you are somehow surrounded by them. You feel that your words hold power. And they definitely do. I see a group of friends. Though honest, your words sometimes make people upset. You need to be very careful. I see that some of you are working on a project and perhaps 3 people were involved in it. You very well know the plan of action. What to do and what not to do. Your commands may feel threatening to others. That's why some people do not want you to boss them. But clearly, you deserve to be in charge. You can work alone pretty well though, just like a magician. You have all the knowledge to work by yourself and ace it. But you are so deeply hurt that the work now seems like too much to handle. As soon as you let go of bitter emotions you will be able to create what you were supposed to since the beginning. This journey will be alone and slow but it'll definitely bear fruits. Nine months from now you'll be grateful that you did it alone. It's between you and the universe now. Universe will take care of the rest for you. It cares for you as much as it does for those who believe in it. Don't underestimate yourself pile 3. Within a few months, you are going to be blessed with abundance. You'll achieve your goals and it will all be self-made. Put your work aside for a while and take a break. Release the negative emotions or grudges you hold. And then begin again. You'll ace whatever you were working on. I sense strong air and fire sign energy. Don't unnecessarily make your working space crowded when you have the capability to make things work on your own. I hear, “I am not gonna make it alone.” You are not alone, pile 3. We meet so many people in this lifetime. You'll find the perfect match for you too. Till then know that you aren't alone. You never were. I read a quote, “We are carried. In bellies. In arms. In love. In hope. In caskets. In urns. In grief. In memories. Our whole lives and into the next. We are carried.” I hope this helped. See you soon! If you want more clarity regarding this situation or any other feel free to check out my rate card and book your reading.

#pick a pile reading #pick a pile tarot #free tarot reading #a message #meant to be #tarot reader #tarot cards #tarot reading #tarotblr #pick a pile #tarotcommunity #message for the collective #general reading #tarot readings #fire signs #air signs #water signs #earth signs

[ceasarslegion]

I know i have a lot of teenagers who follow me because i dont baby talk to them regarding things like drugs and alcohol and sex. So i wanted to throw out some advice that still saves my ass every day as an adult that i learned to instill in myself as a teenager:

-Learn how to keep house. I know that every adult is beating job skills into you right now and its overwhelming to say to least, but no matter what you end up doing with your life, you will need to know how to cook and clean and budget and go grocery shopping and do laundry and the dishes and x y z. You will need to know how to work with cleaning products like bleach safely and without creating mustard gas by accident. If you figure that out now, you will be able to take care of yourself for the rest of your life. Those are skills that you WILL need every day in the real world no matter what.

-i want to asterix the budgeting part. I know way too many grown adults who could be doing very well for themselves who are broke as shit and actively getting worse because they cant budget to save their lives. Managing your finances is what will often be the difference between living relatively comfortably and struggling to get by.

-dont get roommates if you can help it. I know you will want to, and it will seem like a fun idea to live with your friends and like nothing would go wrong, but roommates ruin friendships. If you can afford to live on your own when you first head out, do it. Trust me, paying the full rent is worth not having to deal with other peoples bullshit taking up your living space. I learned this the hard way, dont be like me. The only people you should be actively looking to live with at the young adult stage of your life are any permanent partner(s) that might come along the way, and you should rush that either. And taking some proper time to be on your own will do you so much good in the long run in realizing what kind of person you are and what you need in things like work, relationships, life in general, etc.

-you don't need a brand new car, and your first apartment doesnt need to be high end and fancy. All your firsts for those things need to be are functional, safe, and reliable. And you will love them regardless if theyre your first car/apartment. And you dont really NEED a car if youre an urbanite with a reliable enough transit system, either. Thats more of an individual thing if thats your situation. I live in an older apartment building with a stove from a brand that doesnt even exist anymore, but its real spacious for one person, in a nice part of downtown where everythings still right outside my door, and all my utilities are included. I pay 500 dollars less in rent a month for this than my coworker who lives 2 blocks away from me and has half the space i do with none of the utilities included because its all smart tech and luxury suites in that building. You don't need all that, you will not notice the difference when you actually live there.

-no one cares about high school tier drama when you hit your college years, especially if you go to an academically-based school. In my experience at least, the schools the nerds end up at think the d&d club is the coolest one on campus. This will pass, you will be fine. The nerds really do inherit the earth after you graduate, and all those bullies really do peak in high school. The guy who was the worst offender towards me in high school now literally pumps gas for his dads gas station because nobody else would hire him. Which is fine, its honest work, but it IS a tad ironic how things worked out there after so many years of telling me he'd be my boss one day. Yeah sure, howd that work out bud

-please dont get into drugs and alcohol just to be cool. I know every adult has treated you like some porcelain doll to be handled with baby gloves regarding any sort of substance, but if you choose to partake in them, all i ask is that you be informed about the risks, you do it safely, and dont do it for social clout. Its not the substances im most concerned about there, its that when you do them for social approval, you dont know when to stop or how to listen to your body telling you thats enough, which is a straight shot to a potential addiction. Its your choice whether or not to consume drugs and/or alcohol, but its irresponsible to act like theres no real risk involved in them, especially if you have the kind of personality more susceptible to addiction. Do them for yourself, in safe environments, as cleanly as you can get them if possible, and only after you educate yourself about what the risks are and what resources there are in your area for healthcare and counseling if you do develop an addiction.

-be selfish, but dont be a dick. Your young adulthood is when you should be selfish in the sense of prioritizing your own mental health, work ascension/schooling, etc, but you can do all those things without being standoffish or disregarding other people in the process. You should be there for your loved ones if you can, but if you cant, give them the common courtesy of telling them. A simple "hey, id love to help you if i could, but i have too much going on right now to spare anything. But im always here to talk about it if you need it, ily and im wishing you all the best <3" is way better than "i cant help you right now, i have my own problems to deal with."

#some thoughts

[ravenbloodshot]

Would Nct 127 members seriously date a foreigner .....

Johnny- Yes. He would want a foreigner that's very hot and likely a celebrity (Beyonce and Normani vibes). It's like someone with a sexy body and powerful image/personality that could make them a perfect power couple. Johnny is generally an open minded guy that likes to have fun so he wouldn't see dating a foreigner as a big deal

Haechan- No. Due to him wanting to please his family and marry/date a korean he wouldn't seriously be with a foreigner. He doesn't mind friendship with them but theirs no longevity in his eyes. (Although I think he could benefit greatly dating someone foreign, an impactful relationship would happen to him if he ever gave it a chance)

Mark- Yes and no. He has dated a foreigner in the past but rn he's not actively seeking out a partner (foreign or not) so its like he's open to it but he won't chase anybody, he'll let someone come to him. And if it works out, it works out. If it doesn't, it doesn't.

Jaehyun- Definitely, he would and has. He may prefer to be with foreigners, liking the way he feels and is treated. He could be a bit overwhelming though, being too forward and aggressive more so then he would if he was dating a korean (but I think that's why he enjoys dating foreigners, he can be himself). He's probably the most likely out of the group to settle down and marry a foreigner

Taeyong- Yes. He has a very realistic and healthy view of dating outside of his country. He would be with a person thats healthy for him and bring joy into his life, no matter their race/background. He also likes how aggressive and forward foreign women can be so that's a plus for him

Yuta- No. He has some prejudice views of foreigners and he is conservative when it comes down who he would seriously date. A one night stand? Gladly, he will partake with a foreigner but when he's done, he's on to the next.

Taeil- Maybe. But, he has a unrealistic view of foreigners, thinking their some outer-world beings completely different from him and out of his league. There's some fetishization here as well. He wouldn't stop to think of foreigners as real ppl he could actually date so it wouldn't work out even if someone approached him first.

Jungwoo- Yes. Similar to Taeils situation but a little more grounded. There's some glamorization of foreigners like viewing them as celebrities (maybe he only really gets the chance to talk to foreigners that are celebrities). But he could think their out if his league and be very surprised if he found out a foreigner was into him or asked him out. The bad thing is he wouldn't actively go after a foreigner. The good thing is if a foreigner went after him, they have 99.9% success rate of getting with him. Also, if he meets foreigners while on vacation without a doubt the person could have him wrapped around their finger as long as they go after him

Doyoung- Yes. Similar to Jungwoo but more self depreciating. He wouldn't ever even imagine a foreigner would want him and he could even sabotage romantic situations, not thinking he's good enough. Like with Jungwoo, if a foreigner went after him (slowly but aggressively) she could get with him. But the person can't be too sudden and forward or he would get scared and run

Ranking for most to least likey:

Jaehyun

Johnny

Taeyong

Jungwoo

Mark

Doyoung

Taeil

Haechan

Yuta

#kpop readings #kpop #kpop tarot #nct 127 #doyoung #nct doyoung #nct taeil #nct jaehyun #nct tarot #nct taeyong #nct jungwoo #nct yuta #nct mark #nct johnny #nct haechan

[cyrusthemagician]

🐛BUGMI!✨ TADC OC INFO/MASTERPOST☆

Name: Bugmi

Age: 19 (joined at 17)

Gender: its complicated..., most often called a female

Pronouns: it/its/xe/xem ………………………………….

Likes: roller skating around the tent, causing harmless chaos, balloons, bugs, talking to others non stop, playing harmless pranks or jokes, challenging others to a race (usually only Caine or Speedy agree's), music, talking about its interests, its pa (dad)

Dislikes: silence, people pressings its buttons or touching its wings, hugs, close physical contact, violent people, arguments, spicey foods, touchy people, people talking bad about its pa (dad)

Personality: Bugmi is an energetic and chaotic person, usually being found skating around the circus with no aim or rambling to one of its friends. It dosent get along well with most of the circus members due to it energetic and "annoying" tendencies as jax says. Bugmi can be rather Emotional when it comes to things it enjoys, finding comfort in things like music, acting like a child, and plushies. It can run away from situations it doesnt like, warning signs can go from dissasosiating and zoning out to feeling overwhelmed or too energized. xey get uncomfortable around negativity and often dont like to be told if somethings wrong with someone.

Backstory: As a human bugmi's name was Lylla Linzi. Xe usually spent most of its time hanging out with friends, taking bike rides, or taking random train rides. It was a wanderer, never really settling down, this can apply to relationships, hobbies, and living situations. It usually was shifting with its style and looks, exploring who it wanted to be but never feeling whole or content. The most time xey spent living in one place was when xey lived with xeir dad. One day it was packing up to move away again, it was rather upset and overwhelmed, on a walk to its new place xey saw a flier. xey grabbed it and continued walking. The flier was advertising C&A's opened job position, Lylla called the number on the flier. A few weeks later xey got in, confused by why it was so easy, xey shrugged it off and got ready for xeir first day of work, and xeir last day in the real world unknowingly.

!Relationships chart!

!Extras!

arrived sometime after pomni did

………………………………….

has actually never been in xeir room other than once because xey dont like being alone

...........................................

playlist: BUGMI!

...........................................

xey fall on xeir back often and cant get up on xeir own like some bugs

...........................................

Caine made xem xeir own roller rink so xey dont crash into things around the circus while skating

!More art!(au vers included)

(i basically never draw xem IM SORRY)

#tadc #the amazing digital circus #tadc tumblr #the amazing digital circus oc #tadc original character #original character #oc #oc posting #oc info post #oc info #oc lore #tadc caine #tadc pomni #tadc gangle #tadc zooble #tadc kinger #tadc ragatha #tadc jax #oc art #artists of tumblr #art tumblr

[itsyagurlchip]

٠ ˚ ※ ๋࣭  ᯓ⚝ ⋆ .˚✰Oh Golly!٠ ˚ ※ ๋࣭  ᯓ⚝ ⋆ .˚✰

✰⋆⁺warnings: anxiety x anxiety(!) lesbo action/j(!) fluff(!) slight angst(!) mentions of drowning(!) roblox respawn(!) both of them are ace(!)

✰⋆⁺IDK WHENS BI AWARENESS WEEK, BUT MINES HAS BEEN SHOWING A LOT AS OF RECENT- I hope you guys like this as much as me!

✰⋆⁺ *ugly ass horn sounds off* Y'all thought I was joking when I said I was gay for Pomni huh? Jesters are hot man. Idk what it is...

since both of you have anxiety, Pomni's being more severe, you guys comfort each other often.

Not verbally though, because, you know, it's hard for you guys to form words without thinking it would hurt the other.

Many cuddles would ensue, and no one would be the spoon. You guys would be holding each other, with tangled legs in the morning.

Since you are a bit more confident, you hold Pomni's oddly bouncy head, and kiss every insecurity off of her.

Which takes a moment...

Caine claims it "takes time away from glorious adventures" despite you two needing only 15 minutes to get yourselves together.

The games he chooses are very short anyway 💀 (unless it's story oriented)

If Pomni gets overwhelmed, but can't go anywhere, you simply hold her hand or subtly(not really) lean against her carefully.

She's probably shorter than you, making the relationship even cuter.

Imagine you just picking her up and running around the virus grounds with her.

"Hey! Put me down Please?" Pomni whimpered as her long dress flowed in between your fingers. Her hands were covering her face, her body tucking into itself the longer you walked.

"C'mon sweetheart! I only want to carry my dearest princess to her castle! What good of a knight would I be if I didn't?" You said, your metal armor clanking on beat with your footsteps.

She loves you too much to stop the act, even if Caine forced them to do it anyway. This was one of the few adventures Pomni would admit she enjoyed.

She's more likely to grab onto a limb of yours for comfort during an anxiety attack.

Anyone who isn't you she'll smack them off.

Or accidentally punt them when it's unexpected.

Pomni would love to find the exit, just to see who you really are in real life.

Would you still act the same?

Would you still take care of her the way you do?

Would you still love her?

Maybe that's why she hasn't been looking for the exit recently.....

....

Pomni isn't so sure she wants to leave as much as she did before.

"Do you ever think of leaving? Or what we may be like in real life?" Pomni asked as she sat in your lap. Her head looked up at you, her hands around all the way to your back. You were currently doing paper crafts with some shaped scissors you found, creating hearts of all kinds.

"Sometimes." You responded, pausing the creativity for a moment.

"What does that mean?"

"I just think about you, and then everything is okay. I don't need the outside world, not right now. I'm fine with what I have. Plus, having you on my mind is a pleasure I always experience." You concluded, leaving Pomni flushed bright red. Her pinwheel pupils dilated heavily, with her jaw slightly hanging downwards.

"(⁠╥⁠﹏⁠╥⁠)"

When you two first met, it was about 2 weeks after Pomni's arrival.

Which raised suspicion that didn't get looked into.

Anyways- A new person was here!

But they took one look at everyone and ran.

Where to?

They themselves didn't even know, but she knew she had to get out as soon as possible.

And that's how you d*&n near drowned yourself in the digital lake!

It was very dark..Hard to breathe as easy as it was...Water rushing into your avatar...until you felt nothing

Oh look they respawned! wonder what happened to them?

Pomni was the first to approach you, asking if you had seen any exits around.

To which you raised an eyebrow at. By everyone else's response, you were new here.

how would you know!?!

So you shook your head solemnly as the jester deflated a bit.

And ever since then, you were the one she'd go to to ramble about the exit, a possible escape, random interests, and overall fear of this new bright place.

Especially because you'd be the only one willing to listen.

Having someone to relate to- straight from the start as well -was a bond you two had shared.

:)

After a few months of nothing, nada, zilch, Pomni talked less and less about it.

Leading her to focus on you.

How were you so pretty? And how does your body sway like that?

It kinda made the fool in her act up.

She started to notice more and more about you.

Like how the way your lights would shine under the low graphics of this hellhole.

Or how your voice captured her attention no matter what you were saying.

She loved the way you smiled, your tone of color.

H*&l! She could even say she's in love with y- Oh s*&t.

I mean no wonder!

But what if you don't like her? But you love her too!

Ok, but what if she isn't good enough? You think the same about yourself, and rush to reassure her.

welp. there's no arguing, you guys were dating now.

*me when I pull a jester by being autistic*

Her favorite part about you is your laugh, and the way your teeth show when you grin at her.

I mean she's a jester, what the heck?

Pomni will go out of her way to make sure you laugh at least once a day.

and by golly is it worth it!

(๑˃̵ᴗ˂̵)و tags: @kittykittyanon @radicallxser @oleander-nin @towomatos @thealphagirl @ziipzeepzop-eez @amorvincitomnia-14 @spongejuice. if you would like to be added, check my blog.

#yagurlchip❤️ #yagurl writes #tadc #the amazing digital circus #tadc x reader #pomni x reader #tadc pomni #x reader #fem reader #romantic hcs #+ a lil plot for fun #asexual #asexual reader

[sepublic]

            The Owl House is about many, many things. It’s about neurodivergence, weirdness, not fitting in and being left out. It’s about finding a community of others like you. It’s about being your own person, but also wanting to be a part of something, and balancing these seemingly paradoxical things. It’s about how everyone is alike and similar to each other, but also each person is wholly unique and irreplaceable.

         Everyone has their own story, we all think we’re special or more better in some way than the rest. There is no destiny, but people have the power to choose and decide for themselves. We can all mess up and do something wrong, but what truly prevents us from getting better isn’t circumstance, it’s the refusal to improve; Just deciding to do so and taking that first step forward is all you need to begin.

         It’s about disability, about not fitting up to a certain standard and that’s okay, even if you’d also like to do that. It’s knowing what you’re good at and discovering that, and it not having to fit other people’s definitions of what’s meaningful. It’s about learning and loving and doing things for their own sake, not as a means to an end, it’s about the value of art and how it makes us humans.

         We have powerful relationships with stories. They can heal us, inspire us, motivate us. But they can cloud and delude people, set them down paths of arrogance and solipsism. Stories mean a lot, especially to the neurodivergent, to those who fit in, and it can be seen as cringey or too much, too overwhelming, but no those feelings are valid, even if people must be responsible about how they express them. Stories can do so much for us, but they aren’t everything either; Reality is just as important and necessary to engage with.

         It’s about different ways of thinking and learning, of doing things, and how they’re all valid. Different existences, diversity, a wide variety of experiences, and how could you want to make the world smaller by making it more monotonous? But you must approach differences with respect and understanding, it’s exciting to engage in something new, but you must be the difference between a colonizer and an immigrant. It’s a defiance to conformity but a reminder to mind others around you. Be kind, for even if others take it for granted, compassion does well in the long run.

         Sometimes kindness won’t work for some people, but ultimately we must counter Christian ideas of retributive justice, guilt, and punishment in order to prioritize healing and rehabilitation. Restorative justice is what will build the world back up, let it heal. There is no fate, no greater God or will, it’s just people interacting together, sometimes trapping themselves in a cycle of their own making, but still people.

         People aren’t above nature, nor are they separate; Do not seek to control or tame others, be it that you don’t understand and assume foreign, or those you do notice commonality. You can’t make people do things, only yourself, but you can give them the freedom and support to decide better. Forgiveness is not mandatory either, if you truly want to do better. You are not the hero and that’s why you can forgive yourself for not fixing everything on your own.

         Co-exist with nature, with different things and their own ways of existing, instead of trying to justify them as a natural resource to exploit. It’s about environmentalism, sowing seeds for more to come, instead of just taking. It’s about a cycle of kindness where you put things in and hope what comes out, the next generation, does even better for you; Rather than a cycle of pain where you spread and project that, and refuse to acknowledge people for who they are.

         It’s about people overlooked in real life; People of color, the queer, the neurodivergent. It’s about non-conventional family structures, found family; The bonds we make and choose, because things don’t have to be given to us at the start of life. We can earn and build it for ourselves just as much, if necessary.

         There’s perception, learning to trust in your own abilities and those of others. Learning to be positive about your body and its appearance and alleged shortcomings. It’s about seeing people for they are as a whole, not something you whittle and simplify them down into. Parents want the best for their children, but they were children once and are just as flawed and messy as the rest of us.

         Accept change, accept things even if they’re bad, like death or disabilities, because sometimes you just have to learn to live with it. You can’t hide in an insincere fantasy, hollow and bereft of substance; Make real connections and experiences. But you can also strive for things to be better, and you can recover. Wounds heal, even if scars might linger.

         Chance can cause anything, you can never be too certain about what comes your way, how people will impact you, and you’ll impact them. It’s how people live beyond death through the influence of their actions, and that is more alive than any failed resurrection or clone. Give freely, just because others suffer less than you, doesn’t mean they should suffer at all. Be the change you want to be, take initiative.

         People wander around, searching for homes. People are cast out or lost, but find new places to belong. Nobody deserves to be in a cage, nor lost. We’re all seeking for those connections, pre-existing or to be made. Some places you won’t fit in, some people won’t accept or be interested, and that’s okay because there’s always someone out there.

         It’s about wanting to be special but also understood, for people to see and learn about you in good faith, to give you the time of day. It’s reciprocal love, about healthy boundaries in relationships. You are more than what you do for others, and locking them out to deny your pain will only hurt them in the long run, too; To love yourself is to love others. It’s okay to be selfish and even angry, it doesn’t have to come at the expense of others, and sometimes you have to prioritize yourself over those who do you harm. Wanting things isn’t inherently harmful to others and can co-exist with wanting things for others too.

         Think critically, question what you’re told, come to your own conclusions. Defy binaries, things aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive nor paradoxical. Don’t settle for singular choices, it’s the fine yet real line between indecisiveness and openness. Let people try new things while giving them the space and support to back out or change their mind. Friendships exist between generations, among them, kids deserve to have other kids as their friends, and mentors.

         It’s about how the loss of a parent leaves you alone and grieving. Wondering about them. How they can impart a final gift onto you, something to revolve your whole life around because it’s your world and it’s them. Grief can manifest into betrayal over feeling abandoned; Or a desire to honor and live in their name. It’s hard to say goodbye and find the right words, language can affirm so much.

        It’s about the ordeals of growing up and coming of age, realizing how terrible or difficult things can be, but confronting that instead of retreating to emerge stronger. History changes but also repeats itself, the cycle renews. 

        Fiction and reality have a divide, but they can intersect, or invade one another. It’s about making things real, while recognizing when they aren’t. But fantasy is an example of what could be, and that’s the hope that inspires a kid to keep moving forward. People deserve a chance and that’s why judgment should be reserved, as we’re all still making mistakes and learning.

        It’s about connecting with the world around you, both the people and the place itself, and loving and understanding them both for who and what they are. It’s about finding a home, which can be many things, as long as it makes you feel like you belong. That’s why it’s called The Owl House.

#the owl house #themes

[davenweenie]

Things I would have done if I had created the show ‘Lab Rats’

FTM trans Chase (obvi)

Autistic Leo and Chase

ADHD Adam and Bree

Brought more focus onto why Donald Davenport was a shitty dad, maybe has character development where he realised how bad he actually was.

Douglas would still be evil but his motives would have been slightly different, he’s hiding under the guise of trying to take power over the world when he actually just wants his kids back.

Trans Douglas, hello????

Trans Douglas who used a donor to have Adam, Bree and Chase (makes more sense than him using a random AFAB person tbh)

Explore how the Rats’ bionics actually work, where they actually have their bionics, how they were implanted, if there were any failed subjects etc

Bree would originally be a tomboy who wants to explore her girlhood but has never had the chance to due to being so sheltered and only raised around boys and raised by a man

She slowly started exploring girlhood, Tasha helps by showing her media that heavily features women, they have a shopping trip where Tasha helps her pick out new outfits

Bree slowly transitions into being a more ‘girly’ girl when she discovers how much she actually enjoys doing and wearing what is traditionally considered more feminine

Chase struggling when they all integrate into the real world, he struggles with his masculinity and how the world views him since things were so much easier when it was just him, his two siblings and their pseudo father

Chase’s insane sensory issues, I’d like to believe he walks around constantly wearing a pair of noise cancelling headphones that Leo let him have

They eventually make him some bionic versions which help block out most noises since his super hearing is too strong for normal noise cancelling headphones

He looks a lil silly but they help, so he continues to wear them on days where he’s really struggling

Adam struggling in school, he cannot function well during school, he’s always frustrated in class because he just can’t retain any of the information and he zones out too much to even focus properly

Chase tries to help by tutoring him but Adam can’t focus long enough for it to have an affect

Chase researches ways to help Adam retain information and figures out that playing catch with Adam helps, the action of tossing and catching a ball occupies his hands as well as keeps his brain in gear enough to focus on the information given to him

Leo having meltdowns during the whole Marcus situation. He hates being accused of lying or accused of doing stuff that he didn’t do. He also hates people not believing him so the whole situation overwhelms him and he ends up having a meltdown practically every day.

Exploring how Trent’s bullying has affected Leo and Chase, how they’re terrified to step foot into school some days in fear of what Trent will do that day

Tasha being completely mortified at the way the Rats were raised, demanding that Donald treat them like kids rather than a science experiment

She considers divorcing him at first but she knows she needs to be there for the kids. They eventually work out their relationship and Donald begins to change he treats the Rats, he’s probably only changing because of Tasha though

Big reveal on why Donald is the way he is towards the kids, they’re not his kids and they’re his brother’s who he doesn’t have a good relationship with, he takes it out on the kids because his brother isn’t there to take his anger out on

The Rats being mad at Donald, huge argument scene where they finally stand up for themselves and tell him that having a poor relationship with his brother was no excuse to treat them the way he did, they were just kids who didn’t have any involvement in their sibling rivalry

Donald becomes a cool uncle rather than extremely strict and controlling father. Douglas becomes more like a cool dad than a cool uncle, he’s too irresponsible to have full control of the decision making so him, Donald and Tasha kinda just Co-parent.

Leo gets full bionics, not just in his leg and arm. He has to train as a student at the academy first but later becomes a teacher like Adam, Bree and Chase.

Bree and Chase still go on to be in the EF but it’s only brief while they handle the whole shapeshifter thing before they go back to the academy. Oliver, Skylar and Kaz go with them. They’re still a team that do missions together but they just live at the academy now.

This was very self indulgent, I hope you like it. Thanks for reading and I’ll probably make more of these. This was fun!

#lab rats #chase davenport #adam davenport #bree davenport #leo dooley #donald davenport #lab rats elite force #elite force #tasha davenport #douglas davenport #lab rats headcanon #disney lab rats

[newromesweirdest]

Octavian Relationship Headcanons - PJO/HoO

Yep, we're going *there*. I suddenly had some inspiration and decided to go for it. You can either interpret this as general headcanons or as a x reader, whichever you prefer!

Headcanons below the cut :)

Octavian has probably never been in a relationship, so once he does get into one.....oh boy......prepare for the awkwardness. He doesn't live under a rock so he knows how flirting works in principle, but he's rarely done it, so he's definitely awkward and I can almost guarantee that he stumbles over his words a LOT at first.

Has Octavian ever kissed anyone? Probably not, unless it was a game of Spin the Bottle and he entered on a dare or was forced to be there. Considering this, I feel like he would be over the moon when he finally gets to kiss his s/o for the first time. He is also probably bright red throughout the entire thing, but that has nothing to do with the kiss and it's obviously just due to the heat or the cold, or so he would say....

Once Octavian and his s/o have their first kiss, I feel like he goes a little feral. I'm talking constant kisses when they're in private. Octavian is in the temple and he has just finished reading the auspices when his s/o walks in? It's time for kisses with a side of polyester stuffing. Octavian and his s/o take a rare trip away from Camp Jupiter to go on a real date in Oakland? Citizens of Oakland, prepare to witness PDA. Octavian and his s/o find a moment of peace after a war game? Roman armor kisses.

However, does PDA occur in the eyes of Camp Jupiter? Absolutely not! I think that Octavian would be too skittish for that at first, and then soon it morphs into a habit, and later it becomes a sort of "professionalism" thing. However, Octavian totally goes to his s/o for comfort throughout the day, whether it be after a stressful Senate meeting or a draining prophecy.

A personal headcanon of mine is that Octavian occasionally sleeps in the temple, especially when New Rome is facing conflict and the prophecies and omens are rolling in. Octavian is essentially a divine mailman, and sometimes the mail gets a bit overwhelming, so I can totally see him camping out in the temple in case a late night "message" comes in.

After Octavian and his s/o have been together for a while, his s/o sometimes joins him in his "temple camping adventure." They probably store a few folding cots or an air mattress in a quiet corner of the temple, and they camp in the shadows close to the altar. His s/o definitely gets some weird looks from the other campers after that, so they had better be prepared to face the camp at the next meal or training exercise.

I feel like despite Octavian's wealth, he probably takes his s/o on "cheaper" dates (fast food, movies, beach trips, zoos). Octavian gave so much of his childhood to the legion, and I feel like he would yearn for "teenage" experiences, so he and his s/o go on a lot of cutesy, silly adventures.

However, if his s/o did want a fancier date, Octavian definitely knows the nicest restaurants in the area and will 100% book an expensive reservation at the drop of a hat.

I have a very specific idea of what Octavian would do for an anniversary, and I feel like he would take his s/o to a fancy restaurant, followed by something simpler like a trip to the San Francisco zoo. Fancy and simple! The best of the both worlds!

If they are both able to get away from their duties in New Rome, Octavian and his s/o occasionally borrow one of the legion's SUVs and go on a joy ride around Oakland. It drives Reyna up a wall, but she does allow it on occasion.

Overall, I think Octavian would be awkward but very sweet in a relationship. He can be a manipulative public speaker and a vicious politician, but he does have a heart and I think deep down he yearns to have someone who understands and truly supports him. Octavian is 100% a mushy romantic at heart and I will take no criticism on this one.

About a month into the relationship, Octavian is obsessively reading auspices while trying to figure out if he and his s/o are soulmates. 100% makes sacrifices to Venus before going on a date, and he's definitely putting all of his hope into this being a long-term thing.

Octavian believes in soulmates

[taytjiefourie]

How to Outline a Novel

Hi there, Darlings! I'm excited to dive into the fascinating world of outlining a novel with you today. Don't worry, we won't be here as long as you might think. So, let's get started and have some fun!

Note: this is a longish post and relies on my preferences and experience.

When it comes to outlining your story, you may hear some people insist that the more detail, the better. However, let's be real, we don't want to get bogged down with trivial details like how the trash is being disposed of in our fantasy world, right?

No way, we're all too busy to devote that much time and energy to it! Personally, I have two versions of an outline that I like to use. The first is a basic outline, which works well for stories set in a world similar to our own, or stories that draw from existing myths or legends like Supernatural, Paranormal or Greek Mythology.

The second outline is a bit more detailed, but don't worry, it's not as complicated as some people make it out to be. Since creating a unique Fantasy or Sci-Fi world requires a bit more thought, this outline helps you add in those extra details without overwhelming you. To use it, you'll start with the basic outline, and then add some additional information to create the more detailed version.

In this blog post, I'll be sharing some insights into why certain elements are essential in your outline (for those who love to write but don't know all the 'why's' when it comes to certain things), and how they can make a huge impact on both your writing process and the readers who pick up your book. And don't worry, I've got you covered at the end with a summarized version of each outline - minus all the extra details - so you can simply copy and paste it for your own use.

Without further ado, let's dive in and start with the basics of outlining your novel!

I hope you've got a tiny inkling of what your story might be about - whether it's a character with a vague purpose, an antagonist with an unclear hero, or even just a cool world with no plot in mind yet. Whatever it may be, it's totally okay to start with just a little dot of information. The important thing is that you've got something to work with!

Book Information.

Starting a novel can be a daunting task, but having the right information can make a world of difference. Let's go over the three key aspects you should consider before diving in: Genre, Trope, and Target Audience.

First up is Genre, which is the category or type of book your story fits into. Once you've picked your genre, you can explore the different tropes that are commonly used within it. A trope is a recurring literary device or theme that helps readers understand the story and its themes.

By combining your chosen genre and tropes, you can begin to define your Target Audience. This is the group of readers who are most likely to enjoy your story based on its genre and themes. It's important to remember that you don't have to stick to just one genre or trope, and that exploring multiple options can help you find the perfect combination for your story.

Genre:

Choosing the right genre for a book is super important because it gives readers a sense of what to expect in terms of plot, themes, tone, and style. Think of genres as categories that books fall into based on their subject matter, writing style, and intended audience. For instance, a mystery novel is all about solving a crime or puzzle, while a romance novel is all about lovey-dovey relationships.

Knowing a book's genre can be helpful for readers who are searching for stories that interest them. Plus, it can help publishers and booksellers market and sell books to the right audience. For writers, it's helpful to stick within the conventions of a genre while still adding their own unique perspective.

All in all, genres make life easier for everyone involved in the book world, from writers to readers to publishers. They help us understand the style and content of a book and make communication and engagement between authors and audiences so much smoother!

With so many genres to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is right for your story. But don't worry, I'm here to help! Let me give you a quick rundown of some of the most popular genres out there and how they can shape your story:

Romance Plot: Focuses on the development of a romantic relationship between two characters. Theme: Love, passion, and relationships. Tone: Emotionally charged, often with elements of humor or drama. Style: Emphasizes character development and emotional depth.

Mystery Plot: Involves a crime or puzzle that needs to be solved. Theme: Crime, justice, and the human psyche. Tone: Suspenseful and atmospheric, often with a dark or gritty tone. Style: Tightly plotted, with clues and red herrings that keep readers guessing.

Science Fiction Plot: Often involves futuristic or speculative elements, such as space travel, aliens, or advanced technology. Theme: Exploration, innovation, and the impact of technology on society. Tone: Can be serious or lighthearted, depending on the focus of the story. Style: Imaginative and creative, with an emphasis on world-building and scientific accuracy.

Fantasy Plot: Often involves a magical or supernatural world, with mythical creatures and/or magical powers. Theme: Good versus evil, heroism, and the power of imagination. Tone: Can be dark or lighthearted, depending on the focus of the story. Style: Richly detailed and descriptive, with an emphasis on world-building and creating a sense of wonder.

Historical Fiction Plot: Set in a specific time period in history, often with real historical figures and events. Theme: The human experience and the impact of history on individuals and society. Tone: Often serious and thought-provoking, with an emphasis on authenticity. Style: Meticulously researched and detailed, with an emphasis on historical accuracy and atmosphere.

Thriller Plot: Typically involves high stakes, danger, and tension, with a focus on action and suspense. Theme: Danger, survival, and morality. Tone: Tense and exciting, with a sense of urgency and danger. Style: Fast-paced and plot-driven, with a focus on action and suspense.

Horror Plot: Focuses on creating a sense of fear, dread, or terror in the reader. Theme: Fear, darkness, and the unknown. Tone: Dark and ominous, with elements of terror and suspense. Style: Often graphic and unsettling, with a focus on atmospheric setting and vivid descriptions of gore or violence.

Young Adult (YA) Plot: Typically features teenage protagonists dealing with coming-of-age issues, such as identity, relationships, and personal growth. Theme: Identity, belonging, and the transition to adulthood. Tone: Often earnest and emotional, with a focus on relatable characters and experiences. Style: Accessible and engaging, with a focus on character development and relatable themes.

Literary Fiction Plot: Emphasizes character development and exploration of ideas, often without a clear plot-driven structure. Theme: Human experience, social issues, and the complexities of life. Tone: Serious and contemplative, with an emphasis on emotional depth and complexity. Style: Often stylistically experimental or unconventional, with a focus on character psychology and introspection.

Comedy Plot: Emphasizes humor and satire, often with a focus on exaggerated characters and situations. Theme: Laughter, joy, and the absurdity of life. Tone: Light and comedic, with an emphasis on humor and wit. Style: Often fast-paced and filled with witty banter and humorous observations.

Western Plot: Set in the American West during the 19th century, often with a focus on cowboys, outlaws, and frontier life. Theme: Courage, survival, and rugged individualism. Tone: Rustic and tough, with an emphasis on adventure and action. Style: Often descriptive and atmospheric, with a focus on the unique landscape and culture of the American West.

Dystopian Plot: Set in a society or world that has become dark, oppressive, or dysfunctional, often as a result of a catastrophic event. Theme: Freedom, rebellion, and the dangers of totalitarianism. Tone: Bleak and pessimistic, with an emphasis on the dangers of conformity and control. Style: Often atmospheric and descriptive, with a focus on world-building and the exploration of dystopian themes.

Sub-Genre:

As a writer, you've probably heard of sub-genres before. They're like categories or subcategories within a broader genre, based on specific themes, settings, plot elements, or writing style. These sub-genres help to further define and categorize works of literature within a broader genre, making it easier for readers to find books that align with their interests.

For example, in the broad genre of science fiction, there are many different sub-genres like cyberpunk, space opera, hard science fiction, and more. Each sub-genre has its own unique characteristics and themes that differentiate it from other types of science fiction. Likewise, in the genre of mystery, there are sub-genres like cozy mysteries, police procedurals, and psychological thrillers, each with its distinct elements and themes.

Romance

Historical romance: These stories are set in the past and often explore themes of social norms and historical events. They can be sweeping epics or more intimate love stories, and the writing style can be more formal or descriptive.

Contemporary romance: Set in the present day, these stories often explore modern relationships, dating, and career aspirations. They can be light and funny or emotional and dramatic, with a more conversational and informal writing style.

Paranormal romance: These stories feature supernatural elements like vampires, werewolves, and witches. They can explore forbidden love, good versus evil, and the challenges of having supernatural abilities. The tone can be dark and moody or romantic and sexy, and the writing style often includes descriptive world-building.

Romantic suspense: Combining romance and suspense, these stories often involve a heroine in danger who is protected by a hero. They can be fast-paced and action-packed, with a tense and dramatic tone and a plot-driven writing style.

Inspirational romance: These stories often explore themes of faith, redemption, and personal growth. They can involve characters overcoming obstacles and finding hope in their beliefs, with an uplifting and hopeful tone and a focus on character development and inner dialogue.

Erotic romance: These stories feature explicit sexual content and explore themes of passion and desire. They can involve characters exploring their sexuality and forming intense emotional connections, with a sensual and steamy tone and a descriptive and graphic writing style.

LGBTQ+ romance: These stories feature same-sex or non-binary relationships and explore themes of identity, acceptance, and overcoming societal norms. They can be heartfelt and emotional, with a writing style that varies depending on the sub-genre (like historical, contemporary, or paranormal).

Western romance: These stories are set in the American West and often involve cowboys, ranchers, and outlaws. They can explore themes of rugged individualism, adventure, and romance, with a rugged and outdoorsy tone and a writing style that includes descriptive landscapes and dialect.

Fantasy romance: These stories combine elements of fantasy and romance and often involve mythical creatures, magic, and epic journeys. They can explore forbidden love, quests, and battles between good and evil, with a sweeping and grand tone and a writing style that includes descriptive world-building.

Multicultural romance: These stories feature characters from diverse cultural backgrounds and explore themes of identity, family, and tradition. They can involve characters navigating cultural differences and forming deep connections, with a sensitive and heartfelt tone and a writing style that varies depending on the sub-genre (like historical or contemporary).

Mystery

Cozy Mystery: Cozy mysteries are often set in small, quaint towns or villages, and feature an amateur sleuth who solves a murder or series of murders. The tone is light and often humorous, with a focus on character and relationships rather than graphic violence or sex.

Police Procedural: Police procedurals focus on the investigation process of a crime, and often feature a professional law enforcement detective as the main character. The plot is driven by the methods used to solve the crime, and the tone is often gritty and realistic.

Hard-Boiled Mystery: Hard-boiled mysteries feature tough, cynical detectives who operate outside of the law to solve crimes. The tone is dark and gritty, with a focus on violence and corruption.

Historical Mystery: Historical mysteries are set in the past and often feature famous historical figures or events as part of the plot. The tone is often atmospheric, with a focus on the historical setting and culture.

Amateur Sleuth: Amateur sleuth mysteries feature a non-professional detective as the main character, such as a journalist, librarian, or chef. The tone is often lighthearted and cozy, with a focus on the amateur detective's unique skills and abilities.

Legal Thriller: Legal thrillers often involve legal proceedings or courtroom drama as part of the plot. The main character is often a lawyer or judge, and the tone is often intense and suspenseful.

Noir: Noir mysteries are characterized by their dark and pessimistic tone, with flawed characters and morally ambiguous situations. The focus is on the psychological aspects of crime, rather than the procedural.

Romantic Suspense: Romantic suspense combines elements of both romance and mystery, with a focus on the relationship between the main characters as well as the suspenseful plot.

Whodunit: Whodunit mysteries are characterized by their focus on the puzzle-like aspect of solving a crime, with a twist ending revealing the identity of the culprit. The tone is often light and playful, with a focus on the clues and red herrings that lead up to the solution.

Science Fiction.

Cyberpunk: This sub-genre typically features a near-future, dystopian setting in which advanced technology has both empowered and oppressed society. The tone is often gritty and dark, with a focus on the impact of technology on human identity.

Space Opera: This sub-genre is characterized by grand-scale adventures and space battles set in a future where humanity has colonized the galaxy. The tone is often adventurous and heroic, with an emphasis on world-building and exploration.

Post-Apocalyptic: This sub-genre is set in a world after a major catastrophe or disaster, and focuses on the struggle for survival and rebuilding of society. The tone is often bleak and pessimistic, with themes of isolation, desperation, and survival.

Alternate History: This sub-genre explores what would happen if key historical events had played out differently, resulting in a different present-day world. The tone and themes can vary widely depending on the point of divergence in history.

Hard Science Fiction: This sub-genre emphasizes scientific accuracy and plausibility in its exploration of speculative concepts and technologies. The tone can vary, but often has a focus on problem-solving and logical deduction.

Time Travel: This sub-genre involves characters traveling through time to alter the course of history or prevent a catastrophic event. The tone can vary widely depending on the consequences of altering history.

Alien Invasion: This sub-genre typically features humans struggling to defend Earth from an alien invasion. The tone is often action-packed and suspenseful, with a focus on survival and overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds.

Steampunk: This sub-genre is set in a world where steam power is the dominant technology, often featuring Victorian-era settings and aesthetics. The tone is often adventurous and fantastical, with an emphasis on creativity and innovation.

Military Science Fiction: This sub-genre typically involves soldiers and military units in futuristic settings, often featuring advanced technology and alien races. The tone is often action-packed and focused on combat and strategy.

Biopunk: This sub-genre explores the implications of biotechnology and genetic engineering, often featuring genetic modification of organisms or humans. The tone can be dark and cautionary, with themes of ethics and control.

Cyberprep: This sub-genre is a hybrid of cyberpunk and preppy fashion, featuring high-tech and high-fashion elements in a futuristic setting. The tone can be lighthearted and satirical, with a focus on fashion and style.

Space Western: This sub-genre combines science fiction and Western themes, often featuring space cowboys and frontier settlements on distant planets. The tone is often adventurous and action-packed, with a focus on individualism and freedom.

Slipstream: This sub-genre blends elements of science fiction with surrealism, often featuring strange or unexplained phenomena. The tone can be dreamlike and ambiguous, with a focus on atmosphere and mood.

New Wave: This sub-genre emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, featuring experimental and avant-garde styles and themes. The tone can be unconventional and challenging, with a focus on literary techniques and subversion of traditional science fiction tropes.

Mundane Science Fiction: This sub-genre emphasizes realism and plausibility in its exploration of near-future technology and societal developments. The tone is often introspective and critical, with a focus on the impact of technology on everyday life.

Fantasy

High Fantasy/Epic Fantasy: This sub-genre is characterized by a richly developed fictional world, often with its own history, geography, and mythology. The plot often centers on a hero's journey or quest to save the world or defeat evil. The tone is often grand and epic, with a focus on magic, destiny, and larger-than-life conflicts.

Urban Fantasy: This sub-genre is set in a contemporary, urban setting, often featuring supernatural elements like vampires, werewolves, and witches. The tone can be dark and gritty, with a focus on action, suspense, and the clash between the supernatural and the mundane.

Historical Fantasy: This sub-genre is set in a historical period, often featuring elements of magic and the supernatural. The tone can be romantic and atmospheric, with a focus on historical accuracy as well as fantastical elements.

Fairy Tale Retellings: This sub-genre reimagines classic fairy tales with new twists and perspectives. The tone can range from whimsical to dark and brooding, with a focus on themes of transformation and the power of storytelling.

Mythic Fantasy: This sub-genre draws on elements of myth and folklore, often featuring gods, goddesses, and other supernatural beings. The tone can be mystical and spiritual, with a focus on themes of destiny, fate, and the search for meaning.

Dark Fantasy: This sub-genre often features supernatural or horror elements, and may have a bleak or nihilistic tone. The plot can involve antiheroes or morally ambiguous characters, and may explore themes of power, corruption, and redemption.

Portal Fantasy: This sub-genre involves characters who travel between different worlds or dimensions, often featuring a contrast between the magical and the mundane. The tone can be adventurous and whimsical, with a focus on exploration and discovery.

Sword and Sorcery: This sub-genre features heroes who are skilled with weapons and magic, often set in a medieval-inspired world. The tone can be action-packed and swashbuckling, with a focus on adventure, combat, and daring exploits.

Comic Fantasy: This sub-genre combines elements of fantasy and humor, often featuring absurd or satirical elements. The tone is often lighthearted and comedic, with a focus on wordplay, satire, and parody.

Paranormal Romance: This sub-genre combines elements of romance and fantasy, often featuring supernatural love interests like vampires or werewolves. The tone can be romantic and steamy, with a focus on passion, desire, and forbidden love.

Steampunk Fantasy: This sub-genre is set in a world where steam power and clockwork technology are the norm. The plot often involves a mix of adventure, science fiction, and fantasy elements. The tone is often gritty and industrial, and the style is characterized by a Victorian aesthetic and the use of intricate machinery.

Contemporary Fantasy: This sub-genre takes place in the present day and features magic and fantastical elements that coexist with the mundane world. The plot often involves characters discovering or coming to terms with their magical abilities. The tone is often lighthearted, and the style is characterized by blending magic and realism.

Magical Realism: This sub-genre blends elements of the fantastical with the ordinary, creating a world where magic is a natural part of everyday life. The plot often explores the intersection between the magical and the real, with characters struggling to make sense of their extraordinary experiences. The tone is often dreamlike, and the style is characterized by richly descriptive prose.

Historical Fiction.

Historical romance: Set in a specific historical period, the plot centers on a romantic relationship between characters. The theme may focus on societal expectations, class differences, or political intrigue. The tone is usually romantic, with elements of drama and tension. The style emphasizes historical accuracy and details, such as costumes, settings, and dialogue.

Alternate history: The plot imagines an alternate version of history, where events unfold differently from what actually happened. The theme may explore the consequences of different choices or highlight how different societies might have evolved. The tone can range from serious to playful, depending on the author's intent. The style often emphasizes world-building, creating a detailed and believable alternate reality.

Historical fantasy: Combining elements of historical fiction and fantasy, this subgenre often involves magical or supernatural elements. The plot may center on a quest or adventure set in a specific historical period, with magical or mythical creatures and events. The theme often explores the intersection of history and fantasy, highlighting how beliefs and legends shape society. The tone can be fantastical or historical, depending on the balance of elements. The style often emphasizes world-building, creating a fully realized alternate reality.

Historical mystery: Set in a specific historical period, the plot centers on a mystery that must be solved by the protagonist. The theme may explore social or political issues of the time, and the tone is often suspenseful and dramatic. The style often emphasizes historical accuracy, highlighting the details of daily life and societal norms of the period.

Historical adventure: The plot centers on a thrilling adventure set in a specific historical period, often involving exploration, battles, or other daring escapades. The theme may explore themes of heroism, duty, or sacrifice, and the tone is often action-packed and exciting. The style emphasizes historical accuracy, highlighting the details of weapons, clothing, and other cultural aspects of the period.

Historical drama: The plot centers on the emotional and personal struggles of characters living in a specific historical period. The theme may explore issues of social justice, morality, or individualism, and the tone is often serious and introspective. The style emphasizes historical accuracy, highlighting the details of the characters' lives and the period's cultural norms.

Biographical historical fiction: The plot is based on the life of a historical figure, often imagining details that are not known or not recorded. The theme may explore the motivations and struggles of the individual or highlight the cultural and political context of the time. The tone can be serious or light-hearted, depending on the focus of the story. The style emphasizes historical accuracy, often using primary sources to create a realistic portrayal of the individual's life and times.

Historical horror: Combining elements of horror and historical fiction, this subgenre often involves supernatural or mystical elements set in a specific historical period. The plot may center on a curse or a haunted location, with the theme often exploring how historical beliefs and legends shape modern fears. The tone is often eerie and unsettling, and the style emphasizes historical accuracy and the use of atmospheric details to create a sense of dread.

Historical romance mystery: This subgenre combines elements of historical romance and historical mystery, often involving a romantic relationship that is threatened or complicated by a mystery or crime. The theme may explore social or political issues of the time, and the tone is often suspenseful and romantic. The style emphasizes historical accuracy, highlighting the details of daily life and societal norms of the period.

War fiction: Set during a specific historical conflict, the plot centers on the experiences of soldiers, civilians, or others affected by the war. The theme may explore issues of sacrifice, duty, and morality, and the tone is often gritty and realistic. The style emphasizes historical accuracy, highlighting the details of weaponry, battles,

Thriller

Psychological thriller - The plot revolves around the mental and emotional states of the characters, often featuring unreliable narrators, unexpected plot twists, and intense psychological tension. Themes may include mental illness, trauma, and the dark side of human nature. The tone is usually suspenseful and ominous.

Crime thriller - These stories focus on a crime, often a murder, and the investigation that follows. The plot typically involves a detective or law enforcement officer trying to solve the crime and bring the perpetrator to justice. Themes may include corruption, justice, and morality. The tone can range from gritty and dark to fast-paced and action-packed.

Spy thriller - The plot involves espionage, secret agents, and international intrigue. The themes may include politics, espionage, and espionage. The tone is usually suspenseful and fast-paced, with high stakes and intense action scenes.

Legal thriller - These stories focus on lawyers and legal proceedings, often involving a courtroom drama. The plot typically involves a lawyer working to uncover the truth and bring justice to a case. Themes may include justice, ethics, and the law. The tone is usually suspenseful and dramatic.

Techno-thriller - This sub-genre combines elements of science fiction and thriller, often featuring technology as a major plot point. The plot typically involves a threat to society or the world that can only be resolved through the use of advanced technology. Themes may include artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, and technological advancement. The tone is usually fast-paced and action-packed.

Action thriller - These stories are heavy on action and may include elements of crime, espionage, or terrorism. The plot typically involves a protagonist fighting against a powerful antagonist or organization. Themes may include heroism, justice, and revenge. The tone is usually fast-paced and full of action scenes.

Historical thriller - The plot is set in a historical period and involves mystery, intrigue, and danger. Themes may include historical events, social issues, and politics. The tone is usually atmospheric and suspenseful.

Disaster thriller - The plot typically involves a natural disaster or catastrophic event, and the characters must fight to survive. Themes may include survival, human nature, and the fragility of society. The tone is usually tense and suspenseful.

Medical thriller - These stories involve medical professionals, diseases, and medical research. The plot typically involves a medical crisis that threatens the lives of many people. Themes may include medical ethics, science, and the nature of life and death. The tone can range from intense and suspenseful to thoughtful and introspective.

Horror thriller - This sub-genre combines elements of horror and thriller, often featuring supernatural or paranormal elements. The plot typically involves a protagonist facing off against a powerful and evil force. Themes may include fear, death, and the supernatural. The tone is usually dark and terrifying.

Horror

Supernatural horror - This sub-genre involves supernatural elements such as ghosts, demons, and witches. The plot typically revolves around an evil presence that haunts or possesses individuals or places. Themes often involve the struggle between good and evil, the afterlife, and the supernatural world. The tone can be eerie, unsettling, or frightening. The style can include vivid descriptions of supernatural events or paranormal activity.

Psychological horror - This sub-genre focuses on the psychological aspects of fear, anxiety, and mental breakdowns. The plot may involve a character's descent into madness, paranoia, or obsession. Themes can explore the limits of the human mind, the duality of human nature, and the fragility of sanity. The tone can be disturbing, disorienting, or unsettling. The style can include introspective narration, unreliable narrators, or surreal imagery.

Slasher horror - This sub-genre involves a serial killer or a group of killers who hunt down and murder their victims. The plot often revolves around a group of people who are trapped or isolated with the killer, such as a group of teenagers in a cabin in the woods. Themes can explore the fear of death, survival instincts, and the consequences of violence. The tone can be intense, gory, or suspenseful. The style can include graphic violence, jump scares, and tense chase scenes.

Gothic horror - This sub-genre is characterized by dark, atmospheric settings, such as abandoned castles, haunted mansions, and ancient ruins. The plot typically involves supernatural or mysterious occurrences, such as curses, ghosts, or ancient evils. Themes can explore the corruption of power, the dangers of obsession, and the struggle between rationality and superstition. The tone can be melancholic, oppressive, or ominous. The style can include ornate language, archaic settings, and romanticized descriptions.

Body horror - This sub-genre focuses on the physical horror of bodily transformation or mutilation. The plot may involve diseases, mutations, or body horror caused by technology. Themes can explore the limits of the human body, the dangers of scientific progress, and the horror of physical transformation. The tone can be grotesque, revolting, or terrifying. The style can include vivid descriptions of bodily horror, visceral imagery, and medical terminology.

Literary Fiction

Historical Literary Fiction: This sub-genre is characterized by a focus on historical events and figures, with an emphasis on the emotions and inner lives of the characters. The plot is often driven by the characters' personal struggles and relationships, rather than by external events. Themes in historical literary fiction often explore the impact of history on the individual and the human condition. The tone can be reflective, nostalgic, and introspective, and the style is often lyrical and descriptive.

Contemporary Literary Fiction: This sub-genre focuses on the present-day world, with a focus on realistic and complex characters and their relationships. The plot often centers around the characters' struggles with personal issues and societal problems, with an emphasis on character development and introspection. Themes can vary widely but often explore the human experience in contemporary society. The tone can be serious, contemplative, or satirical, and the style is often characterized by literary devices such as metaphor, symbolism, and stream of consciousness.

Experimental Literary Fiction: This sub-genre is characterized by an unconventional approach to narrative structure, language, and form. The plot can be non-linear or fragmented, and the themes may be abstract or philosophical. The tone and style can vary widely but often aim to challenge the reader's expectations and push the boundaries of traditional storytelling.

Multi-Cultural Literary Fiction: This sub-genre explores the experiences and perspectives of characters from diverse cultural backgrounds. The plot may focus on the challenges of living between cultures or on the intersection of different cultural identities. Themes often explore issues of identity, belonging, and cultural heritage. The tone can be serious, humorous, or satirical, and the style is often characterized by rich descriptions of cultural traditions and practices.

Metafiction: This sub-genre is characterized by a self-referential approach to storytelling, with the author drawing attention to the construction of the narrative itself. The plot may involve characters who are aware of their existence within a fictional world or who interact with the author. Themes often explore the nature of fiction, reality, and the relationship between author and reader. The tone and style can be playful, ironic, or philosophical.

Psychological Literary Fiction: This sub-genre focuses on the psychological development and inner lives of the characters. The plot may center around the characters' struggles with mental illness, trauma, or personal crises. Themes often explore the nature of the human mind and emotions, and the impact of past experiences on the present. The tone can be introspective, haunting, or disturbing, and the style is often characterized by vivid descriptions of the characters' psychological states.

Postmodern Literary Fiction: This sub-genre is characterized by a skeptical attitude toward grand narratives and an interest in the fragmentation and deconstruction of meaning. The plot may be non-linear or fragmented, and the themes may explore the breakdown of societal norms and values. The tone and style can be playful, ironic, or satirical, and the style often incorporates elements of popular culture and intertextuality.

Comedy

Romantic Comedy: A humorous story focused on a romantic relationship between the main characters. The plot often includes obstacles that the couple must overcome in order to be together. The tone is light-hearted and the style is witty and charming.

Satire: A story that uses humor to criticize social or political issues. The plot often involves exaggerated or absurd situations and characters. The theme is often social commentary or critique of certain practices. The tone can be biting or ironic, and the style is often sharp and clever.

Farce: A comedic story that relies heavily on physical humor, improbable situations, and mistaken identities. The plot is often fast-paced and chaotic, and the tone is over-the-top and exaggerated. The style is often slapstick and absurd.

Parody: A story that imitates the style or conventions of another work in order to make fun of it. The plot is often a tongue-in-cheek version of the original story, with exaggerated or nonsensical elements. The tone can be mocking or affectionate, and the style often mimics the original work.

Dark Comedy: A story that uses humor to address serious or taboo subjects, such as death, disease, or crime. The plot often involves characters in bleak or macabre situations, and the humor is often edgy and uncomfortable. The tone is often ironic or sardonic, and the style can be morbid or irreverent.

Comedy of Manners: A story that satirizes the social behavior and customs of a particular group or class of people. The plot often involves witty banter and subtle social cues, and the humor is often sophisticated and intellectual. The tone is often dry or understated, and the style is elegant and refined.

Comic Fantasy: A story that combines humor with elements of fantasy or science fiction. The plot often involves fantastical or absurd elements, and the humor can be whimsical or silly. The tone is often light-hearted and playful, and the style can be fanciful or imaginative.

Black Comedy: A story that uses humor to explore dark or taboo subjects, such as death, crime, or mental illness. The plot often involves characters in extreme or disturbing situations, and the humor is often irreverent or gallows. The tone can be bleak or nihilistic, and the style is often daring or provocative.

Absurdist Comedy: A story that uses humor to explore the meaninglessness or irrationality of human existence. The plot often involves surreal or absurd situations, and the humor can be nonsensical or absurd. The tone is often detached or alienated, and the style can be experimental or avant-garde.

Western

Classic Western: The plot usually revolves around a conflict between good and evil, often involving cowboys, Native Americans, and lawmen. The themes are typically centered around justice, honor, and self-reliance. The tone is often serious and gritty, and the style is straightforward and unadorned.

Western Romance: The plot revolves around a romantic relationship between two main characters set against the backdrop of the American West. The themes typically involve love, commitment, and the challenges of living in a rugged and unpredictable environment. The tone is often romantic and sentimental, and the style is descriptive and emotionally expressive.

Western Adventure: The plot involves an exciting and dangerous journey or quest undertaken by the main characters, often set in the wilderness or on the frontier. The themes are usually centered around courage, perseverance, and survival. The tone is often action-packed and suspenseful, and the style is fast-paced and visually descriptive.

Weird West: This sub-genre blends elements of Western fiction with supernatural or science-fiction elements, often set in an alternative or fantastical version of the American West. The themes typically involve the clash between the natural and the supernatural, as well as the exploration of the human psyche. The tone is often dark and unsettling, and the style is imaginative and evocative.

Western Noir: This sub-genre features the classic noir elements such as crime, corruption, and moral ambiguity, set in a Western setting. The themes often explore the dark side of human nature, including greed, violence, and betrayal. The tone is typically bleak and cynical, and the style is atmospheric and evocative.

Spaghetti Western: This sub-genre originated in Italy and is characterized by its stylized and exaggerated depictions of violence and action, often set in the American West. The themes typically involve revenge, justice, and survival, and the tone is often highly dramatic and operatic. The style is visually stunning, with striking landscapes, vivid colors, and innovative camera work.

Dystopian

Post-Apocalyptic Dystopia: In this sub-genre, the world as we know it has ended, and society has collapsed. The plot often centers around the characters' struggle for survival in a world where resources are scarce and danger lurks around every corner. Themes include the consequences of environmental disaster, the dangers of unchecked technology, and the importance of community in times of crisis. Tone is often bleak, but there can also be moments of hope and resilience. Style can be gritty and realistic or more imaginative and surreal.

Utopian/Dystopian Hybrid: This sub-genre features a world that appears to be a utopia on the surface but hides a darker side. The plot often revolves around a protagonist who uncovers the dark underbelly of the supposedly perfect society. Themes include the dangers of conformity, the corrupting influence of power, and the importance of individuality. Tone can be both optimistic and pessimistic, with a sense of tension and unease permeating the story. Style can be both realistic and fantastical.

Political Dystopia: In this sub-genre, the world is ruled by an oppressive government or dictator. The plot often revolves around a protagonist or group of protagonists who rebel against the ruling powers. Themes include the dangers of totalitarianism, the importance of personal freedom and democracy, and the corrupting influence of power. Tone can be dark and somber, with a sense of urgency and danger. Style can be both realistic and fantastical.

Technological Dystopia: This sub-genre features a world where technology has become a threat to humanity. The plot often centers around the unintended consequences of technological advancement and the struggle to regain control. Themes include the dangers of artificial intelligence, the loss of privacy, and the importance of human connection. Tone can be both pessimistic and optimistic, with a sense of wonder and awe mixed with fear and uncertainty. Style can be both realistic and fantastical.

Environmental Dystopia: In this sub-genre, the world is suffering from ecological collapse. The plot often centers around the struggle to survive in a world where natural resources are scarce and the environment is toxic. Themes include the consequences of climate change, the importance of sustainable living, and the dangers of greed and short-sightedness. Tone can be both somber and hopeful, with a sense of urgency and the need for action. Style can be both realistic and fantastical.

Medical Dystopia: In this sub-genre, society is threatened by a deadly disease or virus. The plot often revolves around the search for a cure or vaccine and the struggle to contain the outbreak. Themes include the dangers of biological warfare, the importance of medical research and innovation, and the importance of global cooperation in times of crisis. Tone can be both tense and suspenseful, with a sense of urgency and the need for quick action. Style can be both realistic and fantastical.

Cyberpunk: This sub-genre features a dystopian future where technology has become the dominant force in society. The plot often centers around characters who are marginalized or oppressed by the ruling powers and who use technology to fight back. Themes include the dangers of unchecked capitalism, the loss of privacy, and the importance of personal freedom. Tone is often dark and gritty, with a sense of danger and rebellion. Style can be both futuristic and retro.

Steampunk: This sub-genre features a dystopian world where technology has taken a different form, with steam-powered machines and Victorian-era aesthetics. The plot often revolves around characters who are struggling against a corrupt ruling class or using technology to achieve their goals. Themes include the dangers of industrialization, the importance of individuality and creativity, and the need for social reform. Tone can be both

Tropes

Let me break down the importance of tropes in storytelling for you. Tropes are literary or storytelling devices that are commonly used in a specific genre or type of story. They can help readers identify and understand the story's themes, providing them with a sense of familiarity and expectations about the plot and characters.

For instance, in fantasy and adventure stories, the "hero's journey" is a popular trope where the protagonist embarks on a quest, faces challenges, and eventually triumphs over adversity. When used effectively, tropes can create a sense of comfort and connection between the reader and the story, while also allowing authors to explore new ideas and variations on established themes.

Tropes can also be used to subvert or challenge reader expectations, which can create a sense of surprise or intrigue. For example, a romance story that plays with the "enemies to lovers" trope by having the two characters come from opposing sides of a political conflict can create a fresh and unexpected twist on a familiar theme.

Overall, despite sometimes being viewed as cliché or overused, tropes serve an important purpose in storytelling by helping readers engage with and understand the story. Plus, they offer authors a useful framework for exploring new ideas and themes.

Romance

Enemies to Lovers - two characters who start out as adversaries or even enemies, but eventually fall in love.

Friends to Lovers - two characters who have been friends for a long time, but eventually realize their feelings for each other go beyond friendship.

Second Chance Romance - two characters who have a history together, but for various reasons, didn't work out. They get a second chance at love.

Forbidden Love - two characters who are attracted to each other but are prevented from being together due to societal or cultural constraints, such as a workplace romance or a relationship between a boss and an employee.

Fake Relationship - two characters who enter into a fake relationship for various reasons, but eventually develop real feelings for each other.

Love Triangle - two characters who compete for the affection of a third character.

Billionaire Romance - a wealthy character falls in love with someone from a different social class, creating a conflict between money and love.

Small Town Romance - two characters fall in love in a close-knit community or small town setting.

Alpha Hero - a strong, dominant male character who falls in love with a strong, independent female character.

Marriage of Convenience - two characters agree to marry for practical reasons, such as financial stability or immigration purposes, but end up falling in love.

Single Parent Romance - a character falls in love with someone who already has a child, creating a family dynamic.

Time Travel Romance - a character travels through time and falls in love with someone from a different era.

Bodyguard Romance - a character falls in love with their bodyguard, creating a dynamic of danger and protection.

Sports Romance - two characters fall in love in the context of a sports team or competition.

Beauty and the Beast - a physically unattractive character falls in love with someone who sees beyond their appearance.

Amnesia Romance - a character loses their memory and falls in love with someone who helps them regain it.

Opposites Attract - two characters who are very different fall in love, creating a dynamic of contrast.

Office Romance - two characters fall in love in the context of a workplace or office setting.

Vacation Romance - two characters fall in love while on vacation, creating a dynamic of escape and adventure.

Royalty Romance - a character falls in love with someone from a royal or aristocratic family, creating a conflict between love and social status.

Mystery

Whodunit - the main focus of the story is to discover who committed a crime.

Detective Protagonist - a detective or investigator is the main character, who solves the mystery.

Amateur Sleuth - a non-professional character who is drawn into the mystery and works to solve it.

Closed Circle - a group of people is trapped in a confined space with a murderer, forcing them to solve the mystery before they become the next victim.

Cozy Mystery - a lighthearted and humorous mystery featuring an amateur sleuth in a small town setting.

Police Procedural - a detailed look at the inner workings of a police investigation, from collecting evidence to solving the crime.

Locked Room Mystery - a murder occurs in a room that appears to be locked from the inside, leaving investigators to solve how the killer could have escaped.

Serial Killer - a story centered around a killer who has committed multiple murders and is being pursued by law enforcement.

Noir - a dark and gritty mystery with a bleak outlook, often featuring an anti-hero protagonist.

Hard-boiled - similar to noir, featuring a tough, cynical protagonist who operates outside the law to solve the mystery.

Amateur Detective Team - a group of amateur sleuths work together to solve the mystery.

Red Herring - a misleading clue or character that is intended to distract the reader and throw them off the scent of the real culprit.

Femme Fatale - a mysterious and seductive woman who often plays a central role in the mystery.

Plant - a seemingly innocuous detail or character that is later revealed to be a crucial piece of evidence.

MacGuffin - an object or concept that drives the plot, but ultimately has little importance in the resolution of the mystery.

Culprit POV - the story is told from the perspective of the killer or the criminal, creating a unique twist on the traditional mystery formula.

Protagonist Framed - the main character is framed for a crime they did not commit, forcing them to clear their name and solve the mystery.

Covert Ops - a mystery that involves espionage or intelligence gathering.

Unreliable Narrator - the story is told from the perspective of a character who may not be telling the truth, creating uncertainty and confusion for the reader.

Supernatural Mystery - a mystery that involves supernatural or paranormal elements, such as ghosts, werewolves, or vampires.

Science Fiction

Space Opera - a story that takes place in a vast and complex universe with epic battles and larger-than-life characters.

Time Travel - the ability to travel through time, either to the past or the future.

Alien Invasion - a story that revolves around an extraterrestrial invasion of Earth.

Post-Apocalyptic - a story that takes place after a catastrophic event has destroyed civilization as we know it.

Cyberpunk - a subgenre of science fiction that features a dystopian future where advanced technology has led to a breakdown of society.

Artificial Intelligence - the creation of intelligent machines that can think and reason like humans.

Colonization - a story that explores the colonization of a new planet or the colonization of Earth by extraterrestrial beings.

Galactic Empire - a vast empire that spans across multiple planets and galaxies.

Genetic Engineering - the modification of DNA to create new forms of life or enhance existing ones.

Interstellar Travel - the ability to travel between star systems and explore the vastness of space.

Parallel Universes - the concept of multiple universes or realities existing simultaneously.

Cybernetics - the integration of machines and technology with the human body to enhance abilities or extend lifespan.

Post-Human - the evolution of humanity beyond its current form, either through technology or genetic modification.

Utopia/Dystopia - a society that is either a perfect utopia or a nightmarish dystopia.

Transhumanism - the belief in the ability of humans to evolve beyond their biological limitations.

Hard Science Fiction - a subgenre of science fiction that focuses on the scientific accuracy and realism of the story.

Soft Science Fiction - a subgenre of science fiction that focuses on the social, cultural, and philosophical aspects of the story.

Space Western - a story that combines elements of science fiction with the themes and tropes of a Western.

First Contact - a story that explores the initial meeting between humans and an extraterrestrial species.

Singularity - the point at which artificial intelligence becomes more advanced than human intelligence, leading to a transformation of society.

Fantasy

Epic Quest - a story that revolves around a hero or group of heroes on a perilous journey to achieve a great goal.

Magic - the use of supernatural forces to achieve extraordinary feats or solve problems.

Swords and Sorcery - a subgenre of fantasy that features action-packed adventures with battles and magic.

High Fantasy - a subgenre of fantasy that takes place in an alternate world with its own history, culture, and mythology.

Dark Fantasy - a subgenre of fantasy that incorporates horror elements and a darker tone.

Prophecy - a prediction or foretelling of future events that drives the plot.

Chosen One - a hero or heroine with a special destiny or purpose.

Magical Creatures - the inclusion of fantastical creatures such as dragons, unicorns, or griffins.

Medieval Setting - a story that takes place in a time period similar to the Middle Ages, with knights, castles, and kings.

Fairy Tales - the retelling or reimagining of classic fairy tales such as Cinderella, Snow White, or Beauty and the Beast.

Parallel Worlds - the concept of multiple worlds or dimensions existing simultaneously.

Coming-of-Age - a story that focuses on a character's growth and development as they transition from childhood to adulthood.

Hero's Journey - a story structure that follows a hero or heroine through a series of trials and challenges.

Mythology - the inclusion of gods and goddesses, myths, and legends from various cultures.

Quest Objects - a magical or mythical object that serves as the goal of the hero's journey.

Underworld - a mysterious and often dangerous realm that exists beneath the surface of the world.

Romance - a romantic subplot or love interest that drives the plot.

Time Travel - the ability to travel through time, either to the past or the future.

Folklore - the inclusion of traditional stories, beliefs, and customs of a particular culture.

Elemental Magic - the use of magic that is connected to the elements such as fire, water, earth, or air.

Historical Fiction

Time Period - a story that takes place in a specific historical time period, such as the Middle Ages, Renaissance, or Victorian era.

Historical Figures - the inclusion of real-life historical figures, such as kings, queens, politicians, or artists, as characters in the story.

Political Intrigue - a plot that involves political maneuvering, conspiracy, and power struggles.

War and Conflict - a story that focuses on a historical war or conflict and its impact on individuals or society.

Romance - a romantic subplot or love interest that is set against the backdrop of a historical event or time period.

Social Commentary - a story that explores social issues and injustices of a specific historical time period, such as class, gender, or race.

Court Intrigue - a plot that takes place in a royal court, with its politics, gossip, and drama.

Historical Mystery - a mystery story that takes place in a specific historical time period, often featuring real-life historical events or figures.

Historical Adventure - an adventure story that takes place in a specific historical time period, often featuring exploration, discovery, and danger.

Family Saga - a multi-generational story that spans a significant period of time and follows a family's history and relationships.

Historical Biographical Fiction - a fictionalized account of a real-life historical figure's life and experiences.

Secret Societies - a plot that involves secret organizations or societies, often with historical significance.

Historical Romance - a romantic story set in a specific historical time period, often with themes of social class, duty, and tradition.

Historical Fantasy - a blend of historical fiction and fantasy elements, such as magic, mythical creatures, or alternative history.

Historical Horror - a blend of historical fiction and horror elements, often exploring the darker aspects of a specific historical time period.

Time Travel - the ability to travel through time to experience different historical time periods.

Historical Crime - a crime story that takes place in a specific historical time period, often featuring real-life historical crimes or criminals.

Historical Epic - a grand, sweeping story that covers a significant period of time and multiple characters.

Historical Drama - a dramatic story that takes place in a specific historical time period, often featuring conflict, struggle, and personal growth.

Historical Fictionalization - a fictional story that takes place in a specific historical time period, often featuring real-life historical events or figures.

Thriller

High Stakes - a story where the protagonist is facing extreme danger or risk to their life or the lives of others.

Psychological Thriller - a story that focuses on the psychological and emotional state of the characters, often involving mind games and manipulation.

Serial Killer - a plot that involves a murderer who kills multiple victims over a period of time, often with a specific motive or pattern.

Conspiracy - a plot that involves a secret organization or group that is working against the protagonist and their goals.

Race Against Time - a story where the protagonist has a limited amount of time to achieve their goal before a catastrophic event occurs.

Action-Packed - a story with plenty of fast-paced action scenes, often featuring chases, fights, and explosions.

Law Enforcement - a plot that involves law enforcement agencies or officers investigating a crime or trying to stop a criminal.

Revenge - a plot that involves a character seeking revenge against those who have wronged them or their loved ones.

International Intrigue - a story that takes place across multiple countries and involves espionage, international conflicts, or political intrigue.

Kidnapping - a plot that involves the abduction of a character or characters, often for ransom or other nefarious purposes.

Spy Thriller - a story that features a spy or secret agent working to stop a dangerous threat to national security.

Cat-and-Mouse - a plot that involves a game of cat-and-mouse between the protagonist and their enemy, often with each trying to outsmart the other.

Betrayal - a plot that involves a character being betrayed by someone they thought they could trust.

Technological Threat - a story that involves a dangerous technological threat, such as a computer virus or rogue AI.

Locked Room Mystery - a mystery where the crime or danger takes place in a confined space, such as a locked room or an isolated location.

Political Thriller - a story that involves political power struggles, corruption, or conspiracies.

Survival - a story where the protagonist is fighting for survival in a dangerous or hostile environment.

Medical Thriller - a story that involves a medical mystery, such as a virus or disease outbreak, or a medical conspiracy.

Heist - a plot that involves a group of characters planning and executing a high-stakes theft or robbery.

Paranormal Thriller - a story that involves paranormal or supernatural elements, such as ghosts or psychic abilities, in a thriller setting.

Horror

Haunted House - a story that takes place in a house or building that is haunted by ghosts or other supernatural entities.

Supernatural Forces - a plot that involves supernatural entities or forces, such as demons, witches, or monsters.

Psychological Horror - a story that focuses on the mental and emotional state of the characters, often involving fears, phobias, or psychological trauma.

Body Horror - a plot that involves grotesque or horrifying physical transformations or deformities, often caused by disease or experimentation.

Gore - a story that involves graphic and bloody violence, often featuring mutilation or dismemberment.

Slasher - a plot that involves a killer who stalks and murders their victims, often with a signature weapon or method.

Survival Horror - a story where the characters are fighting for survival against a threat that is overwhelming and seemingly unstoppable.

Found Footage - a plot that involves footage or recordings of an event or situation, often presented as a documentary or amateur recording.

Creepy Children - a plot that involves creepy or malevolent children, often with supernatural abilities or knowledge.

Possession - a plot that involves a character being possessed by a demon or other supernatural entity.

Monster - a plot that involves a monstrous creature, often with a unique or terrifying design.

Ghost Story - a plot that involves ghosts or spirits, often seeking revenge or trying to communicate with the living.

Curses - a plot that involves a character or location being cursed, often with a deadly or horrific consequence.

Urban Legend - a plot that involves a well-known urban legend or myth, often with a dark or gruesome twist.

Religious Horror - a story that involves religious or cult themes, often with a sinister or demonic presence.

Vampires - a plot that involves vampires, often with unique or interesting twists on the classic vampire lore.

Demonic Possession - a plot that involves a character being possessed by a demon, often with terrifying consequences.

Body Snatchers - a plot that involves aliens or other entities that take over human bodies, often with the goal of domination or destruction.

Cult Horror - a story that involves a cult or secret society, often with dark or violent rituals.

Cosmic Horror - a story that involves vast, unknowable entities or forces that are beyond human comprehension.

Young Adult (YA)

Coming of age - a plot that focuses on a character's journey from adolescence to adulthood, often involving self-discovery and personal growth.

Love Triangle - a plot that involves a character choosing between two potential love interests, often causing conflict and tension.

High School Drama - a story that takes place in a high school setting, often involving cliques, popularity contests, and social hierarchies.

Dystopian - a plot that takes place in a futuristic or alternate world where society has become corrupted or oppressive.

Superpowers - a plot that involves characters with supernatural abilities, often exploring themes of responsibility and identity.

Forbidden Romance - a plot that involves characters who are not allowed to be together due to social, cultural, or familial reasons.

Identity Crisis - a plot that involves a character questioning their identity, often exploring themes of race, gender, or sexuality.

Fish out of Water - a plot that involves a character being placed in a new and unfamiliar environment, often leading to culture shock and personal growth.

Rebellion - a plot that involves characters fighting against authority or oppressive forces, often with themes of social justice and empowerment.

Time Travel - a plot that involves characters traveling through time, often exploring themes of consequences and destiny.

Survival - a plot that involves characters fighting for survival in a hostile environment or situation.

Fantasy - a plot that takes place in a fantastical world, often involving mythical creatures and magical powers.

Mystery - a plot that involves a character solving a puzzle or unraveling a mystery, often with a twist ending.

Apocalyptic - a plot that involves characters trying to survive in a world that has been destroyed by a catastrophic event, often exploring themes of hope and resilience.

Boarding School - a story that takes place in a boarding school setting, often involving themes of independence and friendship.

Road Trip - a plot that involves characters going on a journey, often exploring themes of self-discovery and adventure.

Sports - a story that involves characters participating in a sports team or competition, often exploring themes of teamwork and perseverance.

Rich vs. Poor - a plot that involves characters from different socioeconomic backgrounds, often exploring themes of inequality and privilege.

Friendship - a plot that explores the relationships and bonds between characters, often with themes of loyalty and trust.

Teenage Rebellion - a plot that involves characters rebelling against their parents or society, often exploring themes of independence and self-expression.

Literary Fiction

Character study - a plot that focuses on the inner workings of a character's psyche and emotions.

Family drama - a story that involves familial relationships, often exploring themes of love, loss, and identity.

Coming of age - a plot that focuses on a character's journey from adolescence to adulthood, often involving self-discovery and personal growth.

Memory and nostalgia - a plot that explores the past and memories, often with themes of loss, regret, and longing.

Art and creativity - a plot that explores the creative process and the artist's relationship with their art, often with themes of inspiration and obsession.

Existentialism - a plot that explores the meaning of life and existence, often with themes of identity and purpose.

Love and relationships - a plot that explores the complexities of romantic relationships and the human condition.

Social commentary - a plot that uses characters and their stories to comment on societal issues and concerns.

Loss and grief - a plot that explores the themes of loss and grief, often with themes of redemption and acceptance.

Mental health - a plot that explores the struggles and experiences of characters with mental health issues, often with themes of stigma and acceptance.

Nature and environment - a plot that explores the relationship between humans and nature, often with themes of conservation and preservation.

Historical fiction - a plot that takes place in a historical setting, often with themes of nostalgia and nostalgia.

Travel and adventure - a plot that involves characters traveling to new and unfamiliar places, often with themes of self-discovery and adventure.

Mystery - a plot that involves a character solving a puzzle or unraveling a mystery, often with a twist ending.

Philosophy - a plot that explores philosophical concepts and ideas, often with themes of morality and ethics.

Politics and power - a plot that explores the dynamics of power and politics, often with themes of corruption and morality.

Religion and spirituality - a plot that explores the themes of religion and spirituality, often with themes of faith and doubt.

Aging and mortality - a plot that explores the themes of aging and mortality, often with themes of acceptance and legacy.

Experimental fiction - a plot that plays with narrative structure, language, and form, often with themes of innovation and creativity.

Identity and culture - a plot that explores the themes of identity and culture, often with themes of belonging and alienation.

Comedy

Fish out of water - a plot that involves a character being thrust into an unfamiliar or absurd situation.

Screwball comedy - a plot that involves absurd or zany situations, often with fast-paced dialogue and physical humor.

Satire - a plot that uses humor to mock or criticize societal norms or institutions.

Parody - a plot that mimics or exaggerates the tropes and conventions of a particular genre or story.

Romantic comedy - a plot that involves a romantic relationship, often with humorous misunderstandings and obstacles.

Workplace comedy - a plot that takes place in a workplace setting, often with exaggerated or quirky characters and situations.

Farce - a plot that involves chaotic or ridiculous situations, often with mistaken identities and physical humor.

Slapstick - a plot that involves physical humor and exaggerated movements and actions.

Black comedy - a plot that uses humor to address dark or taboo subjects, often with themes of mortality and existentialism.

Situational comedy - a plot that involves humorous situations or misunderstandings.

Spoof - a plot that parodies a particular movie or TV show, often with exaggerated and absurd humor.

Gross-out comedy - a plot that involves bodily humor and gross or taboo subjects.

Buddy comedy - a plot that involves two characters with contrasting personalities who become friends, often with humorous results.

Surreal humor - a plot that involves absurd or dreamlike situations, often with a philosophical or satirical edge.

Comedic irony - a plot that uses irony to create humor, often with unexpected twists and turns.

Stand-up comedy - a plot that involves a comedian's experiences and observations, often with humorous anecdotes and jokes.

Comedic monologue - a plot that involves a character delivering a humorous speech or monologue, often with satire or parody.

Prankster comedy - a plot that involves practical jokes and humor at the expense of others.

Wit and banter - a plot that involves clever and witty dialogue, often with wordplay and sarcasm.

Running gags - a plot that involves recurring jokes or situations, often with escalating humor.

Western

Gunslinger - a plot that involves a skilled shooter or outlaw seeking redemption or justice.

Lawman - a plot that involves a law enforcement officer pursuing criminals and bringing them to justice.

Cattle drive - a plot that involves a group of cowboys driving a herd of cattle across long distances.

Revenge - a plot that involves a character seeking revenge against those who wronged them or their family.

Outlaw with a heart of gold - a plot that involves an outlaw with a moral code who takes on a noble cause.

Homesteader - a plot that involves a character settling and cultivating land in the frontier.

Duel - a plot that involves a one-on-one confrontation between two characters, often with guns or knives.

Train robbery - a plot that involves a group of bandits robbing a train of its cargo or passengers.

Gold rush - a plot that involves characters seeking wealth and fortune in the frontier, often through mining.

Indian wars - a plot that involves conflict between settlers and Native Americans, often with themes of racism and colonialism.

Saloon - a plot that involves characters gathering in a western-style bar, often with gambling and drinking.

Bounty hunter - a plot that involves a character pursuing and capturing fugitives for a reward.

Stagecoach - a plot that involves a group of characters traveling by stagecoach, often with danger and excitement along the way.

Showdown - a plot that involves a final confrontation between the hero and villain, often with high stakes.

Frontier justice - a plot that involves characters taking the law into their own hands, often with themes of vigilante justice.

Lone wanderer - a plot that involves a character traveling alone through the frontier, often with themes of isolation and survival.

Land conflict - a plot that involves characters fighting for ownership or control of land in the frontier.

Old west town - a plot that involves a character navigating life in a wild and lawless western town.

Rancher - a plot that involves a character managing a large ranch, often with themes of family and legacy.

Horseback chase - a plot that involves a chase scene on horseback, often with themes of pursuit and escape.

Dystopian.

Totalitarian government - a plot that involves a government or ruling power that has complete control over society and its citizens.

Oppressive society - a plot that involves a society that enforces strict rules and regulations on its citizens, often with extreme punishments for disobedience.

Rebel uprising - a plot that involves a group of rebels or revolutionaries who rise up against the ruling power.

Propaganda - a plot that involves the use of media and messaging to manipulate and control the population.

Social hierarchy - a plot that involves a society divided into social classes or castes, often with those at the bottom suffering the most.

Surveillance state - a plot that involves constant surveillance and monitoring of citizens by the ruling power.

Lack of personal freedom - a plot that involves citizens having limited or no personal freedoms, often with restrictions on speech, movement, and expression.

Environmental disaster - a plot that involves a society struggling to survive in the aftermath of an environmental catastrophe.

Post-apocalyptic world - a plot that involves a society trying to survive after a global disaster, such as a nuclear war or pandemic.

Dystopian love story - a plot that involves a romance set in a dystopian world, often with themes of forbidden love and societal restrictions.

Totalitarian leader - a plot that involves a single leader who holds absolute power over society.

Brainwashing - a plot that involves the use of psychological manipulation to control the population.

Genetic engineering - a plot that involves the manipulation of genetics and biology to create a new type of human or animal.

Rebellion leader - a plot that involves a charismatic leader who inspires and leads the rebellion against the ruling power.

Resistance movement - a plot that involves a group of individuals fighting against the ruling power, often through acts of sabotage and rebellion.

Corrupt government - a plot that involves a government that is corrupt and self-serving, often at the expense of the citizens.

Apocalyptic event - a plot that involves a catastrophic event that threatens the survival of humanity.

Oppressive technology - a plot that involves the use of advanced technology to control and manipulate citizens.

Civil war - a plot that involves a society torn apart by a conflict between factions or groups.

Protagonist as symbol of hope - a plot that involves a protagonist who becomes a symbol of hope for the oppressed and downtrodden citizens.

While I've only listed 20 common tropes found in these genres, there are actually many more out there waiting for you to discover! A quick Google search can help you track down all sorts of interesting and unique tropes to use in your writing.

Target Audience

It's important to understand who your book's target audience is, as it allows you to write a book that connects with them on a deeper level. Your target audience is the group of people who are most likely to enjoy your book, find it valuable, and recommend it to others. By writing with your target audience in mind, you can ensure that your book is relevant to their interests, speaks to their needs, and is more likely to be successful. After all, when you connect with your readers, you create a powerful bond that can make them lifelong fans of your work.

If you've already decided on your genres, sub-genres, and tropes, finding your target audience is a breeze. All you have to do is a quick Google search and voila! However, to help you out, I can provide you with some general information on target audiences. Do keep in mind that this information is not set in stone, as everyone's interests differ. For instance, plenty women enjoy thrillers, action stories, or horror. Nonetheless, this outline can serve as a starting point for your research.

Young Adult:

Genres: Fantasy, dystopian, contemporary, romance

Tropes: Coming-of-age, love triangles, chosen one, forbidden love, adventure

Themes: Identity, self-discovery, social justice, belonging, family, friendship, first love, mental health

Needs: Relatable characters, emotional resonance, accessible language, diverse representation, empowerment

Adult:

Genres: Mystery, thriller, romance, historical fiction, literary fiction

Tropes: Second chance at love, redemption, suspense, revenge, secrets and lies, unreliable narrators, twists and turns, complex relationships

Themes: Love and relationships, societal issues, personal growth, identity, history, culture, family dynamics, Love and loss

Needs: Engaging plot, well-developed characters, nuanced themes, evocative language, diverse representation

Middle-grade:

Genres: Adventure, fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction, humor, contemporary

Tropes: Overcoming obstacles, friendship, finding one's place, underdogs, magic

Themes: Family, friendship, self-discovery, perseverance, identity, problem-solving, Self-acceptance, courage, teamwork

Needs: Engaging plot, relatable characters, age-appropriate language, adventure and humor, positive messaging

Children:

Genres: Picture books, early readers, chapter books

Tropes: Animals as main characters, imaginative worlds, humor, adventure, family relationships, lessons learned

Themes: Family, friendship, growing up, learning new things, self-expression, empathy, problem-solving, diversity, kindness

Needs: Simple language, colorful illustrations, engaging storytelling, relatable characters, age-appropriate messaging

Women:

Genres: Romance, mystery, historical fiction, women's fiction, contemporary fiction, literary fiction

Tropes: Second chance at love, forbidden love, strong female lead, enemies-to-lovers, happily-ever-after, family secrets

Themes: Love and relationships, family, personal growth, empowerment, sisterhood, identity

Needs: Emotional resonance, well-rounded characters, diverse representation, nuanced themes, satisfying endings

Men:

Genres: Thriller, science fiction, fantasy, action/adventure, historical fiction

Tropes: Action-packed, gritty, hero's journey, good vs. evil, moral dilemmas, Tough-guy heroes, high stakes, intricate plots, historical accuracy

Themes: Honor, justice, redemption, brotherhood, duty, perseverance

Needs: Engaging plot, well-researched historical details, realistic action, diverse representation, nuanced themes

LGBTQ+:

Genres: LGBTQ+ romance, coming-of-age, drama, contemporary fiction, young adult, literary fiction, speculative fiction

Tropes: Coming out, forbidden love, self-acceptance, exploring sexuality, found family, overcoming prejudice, love conquers all

Themes: Identity, discrimination, love and relationships, acceptance, self-discovery, community

Needs: Authentic representation, diverse characters and experiences, nuanced portrayal of LGBTQ+ issues, positive messaging, happy endings

Seniors:

Genres: Historical fiction, literary fiction, memoir, mystery, romance

Tropes: Second chance at love, reflection on past mistakes, family drama, secrets and lies

Themes: Aging, family, legacy, life lessons, reflection, personal growth.

Needs: Thoughtful themes, well-rounded characters, evocative language, diverse representation, positive messaging

Note: "Nuanced" means that something is complex and has many different parts or aspects that make it unique. It's not just one simple thing, but has layers and details that make it more interesting and complicated. For example, a nuanced character in a book might have both good and bad qualities, and their personality and behavior might change depending on the situation they're in.

Here are some example's of nuanced themes:

Love and loss: exploring the complex emotions surrounding love and loss, such as grief, regret, and nostalgia.

Identity and belonging: examining the struggle to find one's place in the world and how our sense of self is shaped by our experiences and relationships.

Power and corruption: exploring the abuse of power and how it can corrupt individuals and institutions.

Morality and ethics: examining the gray areas of morality and the difficult choices we face when navigating right and wrong.

Mental health: exploring the complexities of mental health and how it impacts individuals and their relationships.

Social justice: examining issues of inequality, discrimination, and systemic oppression, and the need for change.

Cultural differences: exploring the nuances of different cultures and the challenges and benefits of navigating those differences.

Nature and the environment: examining the relationship between humans and nature, and the impact of human behavior on the environment.

Family and relationships: exploring the complexities of family dynamics and relationships, including love, loyalty, and betrayal.

Aging and mortality: examining the process of aging and the impact of mortality on individuals and their loved ones.

Starting to plot your novel is an exciting step, and choosing your genre, trope, and target audience are vital for laying the groundwork of your story. But it's important not to overlook other essential elements that can elevate your story to the next level. For example, have you thought about how you want your readers to feel when they read your book, or what you want them to learn? These questions can help you create a more impactful and meaningful story that resonates with your readers.

As an author, you likely have a specific purpose in mind when crafting your story. Whether you aim to entertain, convey a message, or educate your readers, it's important to consider the intended impact on your audience. To achieve your creative goals, you'll need to pay attention to key elements like plot, characters, setting, and themes, and ensure they work cohesively to create an engaging and immersive experience.

For readers, understanding the author's intent can enhance their appreciation of the story and lead to a more fulfilling reading experience. By recognizing the impact and meaning behind the words on the page, you can fully immerse yourself in the story and gain a deeper understanding of the author's message. So whether you're a writer or a reader, don't forget to consider the impact of your words and how they can connect with your audience.

Authors can convey various messages, lessons, and ideas through fictional writing. Here are a few examples:

Moral lessons: Fictional stories often have a moral lesson or message that the author wants to convey to the reader. The story may illustrate the consequences of certain actions or behaviors, and the characters may learn a valuable lesson by the end of the story.

Social commentary: Fictional stories can also be used to comment on social issues such as inequality, discrimination, or injustice. By using characters and situations that are relatable to readers, authors can help readers better understand and empathize with these issues.

Emotional connections: Through fictional writing, authors can help readers connect emotionally with the characters and situations in the story. This can help readers develop greater empathy and understanding of others in real life.

Imagination and creativity: Fictional writing can inspire readers to use their imagination and think creatively. Through vivid descriptions and imaginative storytelling, authors can transport readers to new and exciting worlds.

Personal growth: Fictional writing can also help readers learn more about themselves and their own values and beliefs. By exploring different characters and situations, readers can gain new perspectives and insights that can help them grow and develop as individuals.

I understand that all of this might sound a bit overwhelming and challenging, but please don't worry! If you're writing solely for the purpose of entertaining your readers and don't have any specific message to convey, you can simply skip this part when creating your novel outline. Don't feel obligated to include elements that you're not comfortable with, and focus on creating a story that you enjoy telling.

By the way, I'd like to share with you some examples of popular stories and their authors that effectively convey certain messages or teach valuable lessons through their fictional writing:

"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee - This story teaches the importance of empathy, justice, and standing up for what is right.

"1984" by George Orwell - This dystopian novel warns about the dangers of totalitarianism and the importance of preserving individual freedom.

"The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood - This dystopian novel warns about the dangers of patriarchal oppression and the importance of women's rights.

"The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien - This epic fantasy novel teaches the importance of courage, loyalty, and sacrifice in the face of great evil.

"The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald - This story critiques the superficiality and moral decay of the wealthy during the Roaring Twenties.

"Animal Farm" by George Orwell - This allegorical novel satirizes the rise of Soviet communism and warns about the dangers of political corruption and propaganda.

"Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley - This dystopian novel warns about the dangers of technological advancement and the dehumanization of society.

"The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger - This story explores the themes of alienation, identity, and the struggle to find meaning in a world that can often seem cold and indifferent.

"The Color Purple" by Alice Walker - This story explores themes of race, gender, and the struggle for personal autonomy and self-determination in a society that seeks to deny these things.

"The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins - This dystopian novel critiques the excesses of consumer culture and warns about the dangers of totalitarianism and oppression.

Plot

Great job! We've completed the first part of outlining a basic novel. Now, let's move on to plotting. But wait a minute! Before you start plotting, there's some information we need first - your intended word count. This may sound like a small detail, but it's actually quite important. Knowing the total word count of your story can affect many things. For instance, publishers often have guidelines for the length of novels they will accept, so if your manuscript is too long or too short, it may be rejected. Additionally, readers may have certain expectations for the length of a novel in a specific genre, and if your book is significantly shorter or longer than expected, it may not be well-received. Lastly, the word count can influence the pacing and structure of your novel, with longer novels potentially allowing for more complex plot and character development, but requiring more attention to pacing and structure to avoid losing the reader's interest.

You might be thinking, "Hey, Taytjie, what if I want to post a web novel with over 1000 chapters? Do I have to plot everything in advance?" Well, my answer is no! However, I do recommend thinking of a web novel as a series of books, each with its own volume, rather than a single, massive work. So when plotting your web novel, it's best to approach each volume individually. This will make it easier to organize your ideas and create a cohesive story that engages your readers. Each 'Arc' of your web novel can be an individual volume of around 10 to 30 chapters or more, it's up to your preference.

Let me offer you a general guideline for word counts, but keep in mind that variations may exist based on factors such as sub-genre, target audience, and publishing goals. If traditional publishing is what you're aiming for, then different publishers may have different expectations. However, it's worth noting that while you don't have to stick to these word counts, readers typically expect them in the genres I've discussed in this post. Ultimately, what matters most is that your story is engaging and well-crafted, and if you achieve that, your readers will be hooked no matter the word count.

Romance: 50,000 to 90,000 words

Mystery: 70,000 to 100,000 words

Science fiction: 80,000 to 120,000 words

Fantasy: 80,000 to 120,000 words

Historical fiction: 80,000 to 120,000 words

Thriller: 80,000 to 100,000 words

Horror: 70,000 to 100,000 words

Young adult: 50,000 to 80,000 words

Literary fiction: 80,000 to 120,000 words

Comedy: 70,000 to 100,000 words

Western: 50,000 to 80,000 words

Dystopian: 80,000 to 120,000 words

You might be wondering why we're discussing word count under the 'plot' section instead of the 'book information' section. Well, it's because knowing your intended word count will help you figure out how many chapters your story will have. This, in turn, will affect your plot, as it gives you an idea of how much time you have to tell your story and how much you'll need to stretch it out.

Now it's time to decide on the number of chapters and the length of each chapter for your novel. To determine the chapter length, think about how many words you want to include in each chapter and use that to calculate the total number of chapters required to reach your desired word count for the whole story.

After figuring out the number of chapters, it's time to work on the plot. Don't worry, it doesn't have to be a lengthy essay, just a brief two-sentence summary will do. The main thing is to have a clear idea of what your story will be about.

Here's an example:

In a world of magic and intrigue, a young wizard falls in love with a powerful sorceress from a rival clan. Together, they must navigate the dangerous politics of their respective societies while discovering the true depth of their feelings for each other.

Alright, great job so far! Now let's dig a little deeper and focus on the beginning, middle, and end of your story. What's going to happen at the start to draw your readers in? What twists and turns will take place in the middle? And finally, how do you want it all to wrap up in the end?

Start: The story begins in a magical world filled with warring clans and powerful sorcerers. Our protagonist, a young wizard, is training at the academy of his clan when he meets a beautiful sorceress from a rival clan. Despite the tensions between their clans, they are drawn to each other and begin to secretly meet.

Middle: As their relationship deepens, our young couple finds themselves caught up in the dangerous politics of their respective societies. They struggle to keep their love a secret, while also trying to navigate the treacherous waters of their clans' rivalries. Along the way, they uncover a plot by a dark force that threatens both their clans and must work together to stop it.

End: In the climax of the story, our young wizard and sorceress face their greatest challenge yet. They must put aside their differences and unite their clans to defeat the dark force that threatens them all. Through their bravery and dedication, they prove that love can conquer even the most formidable foes. In the end, our young couple is able to come together openly and publicly, ushering in a new era of peace and prosperity for their people.

Congratulations, we've made progress! Now it's time to take our plot and start breaking it down into individual chapters. Think about the key events that need to happen in each chapter to move the story forward and write them down.

Chapter 1: Our young wizard protagonist meets the powerful sorceress from a rival clan and is immediately drawn to her.

Chapter 2: Our couple shares their first magical moment together, but the looming threat of their clans' rivalry casts a shadow over their happiness.

Chapter 3: Our wizard protagonist confides in his best friend about his feelings for the sorceress, but is warned about the dangers of falling in love with someone from a rival clan.

Chapter 4: The sorceress reveals that she feels the same way, and the couple begins to meet in secret.

Chapter 5: The first major conflict arises when our wizard protagonist's clan discovers his relationship with the sorceress and forbids him from seeing her.

Chapter 6: The sorceress' clan also discovers their relationship and the two clans begin to escalate their hostility towards each other.

Chapter 7: The couple's secret meetings become riskier as they try to find a way to be together without causing a war between their clans.

Chapter 8: A powerful sorcerer from our wizard protagonist's clan threatens the couple and warns them to end their relationship.

Chapter 9: Our protagonist turns to an older, wiser wizard for advice on how to navigate the dangerous politics of their clans.

Chapter 10: Our couple is caught in a dangerous ambush by members of the sorceress' clan who disapprove of their relationship.

Chapter 11: The sorceress' clan accuses our wizard protagonist of using dark magic to seduce her and threatens to retaliate.

Chapter 12: The couple decides to seek refuge in a neutral territory and try to find a way to resolve the conflict peacefully.

Chapter 13: Our protagonist discovers a sinister plot by a dark force that threatens both clans and realizes that they must work together to stop it.

Chapter 14: The couple's efforts to bring their clans together are met with resistance and suspicion from both sides.

Chapter 15: Our wizard protagonist and the sorceress embark on a dangerous mission to uncover the dark force's plans.

Chapter 16: The couple faces their greatest challenge yet as they confront the dark force and its powerful minions.

Chapter 17: Our couple must fight for their lives as they face overwhelming odds, but their love gives them the strength to prevail.

Chapter 18: The couple is hailed as heroes for saving their clans from the dark force, but their victory comes at a great cost.

Chapter 19: Our couple is finally able to publicly declare their love for each other, and their clans agree to a truce.

Chapter 20: The novel ends with our couple looking forward to a future together, as they embark on a new journey filled with hope and promise.

Great job! Now, for the final step: take each chapter and create a bullet-pointed outline of what you want to happen in it. This will help make your life easier when you begin writing the actual story because you'll already know what you need to write, and you just need to turn it into beautiful prose. But, Yes there is a but, If you just like to let the creative juices flow and don't want to write so rigidly, like I do, skip it. I personally just write the one or two sentences for my chapter when I build an outline, and then I just go for it.

Chapter One: A Meeting of Hearts

The chapter opens with our young wizard protagonist, whose name is Aaron, attending his morning training session at the wizard academy. During a break, Aaron wanders off into the forest for some quiet reflection and stumbles upon a clearing filled with glowing mushrooms. As he investigates the mushrooms, Aaron is startled by a rustling in the nearby bushes and turns to see a young woman emerge. The young woman introduces herself as Lyra, a powerful sorceress from a rival clan. Despite the tensions between their clans, Aaron and Lyra are immediately drawn to each other and begin to chat. Aaron discovers that Lyra is at the academy to research a powerful spell that could help her clan in their ongoing conflict with Aaron's clan. Aaron offers to help Lyra with her research, and they agree to meet secretly to work on the spell together. As Aaron leaves the clearing, he realizes that he is falling for Lyra and wonders how he will be able to reconcile his feelings with his loyalty to his clan. The chapter ends with Aaron returning to the academy, his thoughts consumed by thoughts of Lyra and the dangerous path they are embarking on.

By the way, in case you were wondering, the story we've been working on is a fantasy romance. Once you've completed outlining each chapter, congratulations, you've successfully outlined your novel! Now, let's move on to the next step: creating characters. You might be wondering why I saved this for after the plot section instead of before, but everyone has their own approach. Personally, I like to create my characters as I'm outlining my novel and really flesh them out while writing my first draft. Then, I use my second draft to make sure that the characters remain consistent throughout the book.

Characters

We've made it to the last section of our basic outline! As a writer, I prefer to develop my characters alongside my plot rather than before it. I start with some basic character details and adjust them as needed to fit the story. Sometimes, characters I initially thought were essential end up being cut, while others I created on a whim end up becoming integral to the plot. For example, in my current work in progress, I created a childhood friend of the main character on a whim, but he ended up becoming an antagonist who will go through a redemption arc and a friends-to-enemies-to-friends trope.

When it comes to creating your characters, there are some essential details you'll want to have nailed down. But don't worry, it's not necessary to have everything figured out until you finish your first draft. Just make sure you have all the important information for your main characters sorted out by the time you start working on your second draft. It's crucial to make sure your characters remain consistent throughout the story and that their actions and thoughts align with their established traits. After all, you don't want to project your own desires onto them - that's not good writing.

When it comes to creating your characters, there are some basic details you'll want to include, like their name and a brief history that matches their personality. For example, it might not make sense for a character with a tragic past to be overly optimistic and carefree all the time, not unless they're pretending.

List a few key traits that define your character's personality, such as being gruff yet secretly caring or sarcastic and cold. You don't need to create a whole resume, just a few words will do. As you write, you might find yourself adding more details to your character's personality, habits, or preferences, so make sure to jot them down.

Another important aspect is their appearance. Decide on this early on and make sure to note it down. You don't want to have to search through all your chapters to remember what your own character looks like! These are the basics, but there are three more things I want to mention that can help flesh out your character even more.

Outer conflict

Outer conflict is basically the challenges and hurdles that a character faces in their environment. It plays a significant role in the story as it generates suspense and propels the plot forward. The external obstacles that a character can encounter are diverse and varied, like dealing with natural disasters, social norms, cultural differences, achieving goals, or fighting against an adversary.

Moreover, the outer conflict can help to shape a character's personality and traits. As the character copes with and conquers obstacles, readers get to know their strengths, weaknesses, and motivations. This allows readers to form a deeper connection with the character and become more invested in their journey.

Furthermore, external conflicts can also symbolize inner turmoil. The external obstacles that a character faces can be a representation of the internal struggles they are going through, like battling fears or doubts. This creates a powerful emotional impact on readers and helps to convey crucial themes and messages.

Here are twenty examples of outer conflict:

A character struggling to survive in a post-apocalyptic world.

A character facing a physical illness or disability that limits their abilities.

A character fighting for justice against a corrupt system or organization.

A character facing discrimination or prejudice based on their race, gender, or other identity.

A character trying to escape a dangerous situation or person.

A character facing environmental or natural disasters.

A character navigating a war or political conflict.

A character struggling with addiction or substance abuse.

A character facing financial ruin or bankruptcy.

A character dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic event.

A character struggling to balance their personal and professional lives.

A character facing a difficult decision that could have major consequences.

A character in a survival situation in the wilderness or at sea.

A character trying to break free from a toxic relationship.

A character dealing with the consequences of a mistake or poor decision.

A character facing a physical or mental challenge or disability.

A character struggling to protect their family or loved ones from harm.

A character trying to survive in a hostile or unfamiliar environment.

A character dealing with the loss of a loved one or grieving.

A character facing betrayal or deception from someone they trust.

Inner Conflict

Inner conflict is a crucial element of a story that delves into the psychological and emotional struggles that a character experiences. It's the battle between their desires and their values, their fears and aspirations, or what they want versus what they know is right. This struggle is what creates tension, complexity, and depth in a character, making them more relatable and interesting to readers. By exploring the character's inner conflict, readers gain insights into their motives, thoughts, and emotions, allowing for character development and growth.

Take J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye" for instance, where Holden Caulfield grapples with an inner conflict of wanting to preserve the innocence of childhood and yet desiring to mature and grow up. This conflict leads to his erratic behavior and search for meaning and purpose.

Similarly, in F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby," Jay Gatsby faces an inner conflict of wanting to win back his lost love, Daisy, while also grappling with the fact that she is married to someone else. This inner conflict ultimately leads to his downfall and tragic end.

As demonstrated in these examples, inner conflict drives the plot, develops characters, and adds depth to their motivations and struggles.

Here are 20 examples of inner conflict:

Fear of failure

Insecurity

Lack of self-confidence

Difficulty making decisions

Guilt over past actions

Jealousy or envy

Grief over loss or trauma

Difficulty with vulnerability or trust

Struggle with addiction or temptation

Confusion over personal identity or purpose

Struggle with one's own morality or ethics

Difficulty with forgiveness or letting go

Shame over past actions or experiences

Struggle with self-acceptance or self-love

Difficulty with emotional intimacy or connection

Conflict with personal beliefs or values

Struggle with one's own mortality or purpose in life

Difficulty with facing the truth or reality of a situation

Struggle with balancing personal desires with the needs of others

Conflict between personal ambition and loyalty to others.

As a writer, it's important to understand how to weave outer and inner conflict together to create a compelling and multidimensional character in your story. Outer conflict provides the external challenges and obstacles that the character must face and overcome, driving the plot forward. On the other hand, inner conflict gives readers a window into the character's thoughts, feelings, and motivations.

The two types of conflict can also inform and influence each other. Inner conflict can affect how a character responds to outer conflict, and vice versa. For instance, if a character is struggling with self-doubt, this may make it harder for them to face a physical challenge presented as an outer conflict. Similarly, if a character is facing an outer conflict like a life-threatening situation, this may trigger an inner conflict related to their deepest fears and desires. The interplay between inner and outer conflict can lead to character growth, as the character learns to face their fears, confront their weaknesses, and achieve their goals.

By using both types of conflict effectively, you can create a character that is not only relatable and interesting, but also one that readers can root for as they navigate the challenges of your story.

Here is a list of 28 ways outer and inner conflict can interplay with each other:

A character with a fear of failure (inner conflict) must overcome obstacles to achieve their goal (outer conflict).

A character struggling with addiction (inner conflict) must face consequences of their behavior that endanger their loved ones (outer conflict).

A character dealing with trust issues (inner conflict) must work with a partner they don't trust (outer conflict).

A character struggling with guilt (inner conflict) must clear their name and prove their innocence (outer conflict).

A character struggling with self-doubt (inner conflict) must take on a leadership role to save their community (outer conflict).

A character who is closed-off emotionally (inner conflict) must learn to trust and open up to their love interest (outer conflict).

A character with a tendency to control others (inner conflict) must learn to work in a team and share responsibility (outer conflict).

A character struggling with their identity (inner conflict) must navigate a world that doesn't accept their identity (outer conflict).

A character dealing with trauma (inner conflict) must confront the source of their trauma to overcome it (outer conflict).

A character struggling with commitment issues (inner conflict) must make a difficult decision that affects their relationship (outer conflict).

A character with a lack of self-worth (inner conflict) must prove to themselves and others that they are capable (outer conflict).

A character struggling with loss (inner conflict) must learn to move on and find purpose in life again (outer conflict).

A character with a need for control (inner conflict) must learn to let go and trust others (outer conflict).

A character dealing with past mistakes (inner conflict) must confront those they have wronged and seek redemption (outer conflict).

A character struggling with their beliefs (inner conflict) must stand up for what they believe in despite opposition (outer conflict).

A character who is closed off from the world (inner conflict) must open up and make new connections to achieve their goal (outer conflict).

A character struggling with a lack of direction (inner conflict) must find purpose in their life and pursue it (outer conflict).

A character with a history of abuse (inner conflict) must confront their abuser to achieve closure (outer conflict).

A character struggling with their sexuality (inner conflict) must come out and face the social consequences of their identity (outer conflict).

A character with a need for revenge (inner conflict) must overcome their desire for revenge to achieve a greater goal (outer conflict).

A character struggling with their family history (inner conflict) must confront the past to move forward (outer conflict).

A character with a fear of the unknown (inner conflict) must step out of their comfort zone to achieve their goal (outer conflict).

A character struggling with their past (inner conflict) must come to terms with it in order to move forward (outer conflict).

A character with a lack of trust in others (inner conflict) must work with a team to achieve their goal (outer conflict).

A character struggling with their identity (inner conflict) must confront the expectations of others to find their true self (outer conflict).

A character with a tendency to self-sabotage (inner conflict) must overcome their negative patterns to achieve success (outer conflict).

A character struggling with mental illness (inner conflict) must overcome the stigma associated with their illness (outer conflict).

A character with a need for control (inner conflict) must learn to accept and adapt to unforeseen circumstances (outer conflict).

Character Growth

As a story progresses, the characters within it can undergo a significant transformation that we refer to as character growth. This growth can manifest itself in various ways, including changes in beliefs, values, behaviors, or relationships.

By portraying a character's growth, a writer can create a sense of depth and nuance that makes them more relatable and interesting to the reader. Furthermore, character growth is instrumental in driving the plot forward, as the changes experienced by the character often create new conflicts and challenges that must be addressed.

Witnessing a character's growth can be satisfying to the reader, providing them with a sense of catharsis as they watch the character overcome their obstacles and achieve their goals.

Character growth is crucial to the success of a story, and as a writer, it's important to ensure that your main characters evolve and change over the course of the narrative. People naturally experience growth and change in real life, whether it's positive or negative, as they navigate through life's challenges. The same principle applies to your characters.

When you're editing your second or third draft, take a close look at your characters and ensure that their development is evident. Keeping your characters stagnant and unchanged throughout the story isn't realistic and can hinder your reader's connection with them. By allowing your characters to evolve, you create a more relatable and believable story, one that resonates with readers and keeps them engaged until the end.

Here are some examples of good character growth in stories:

Katniss Everdeen in "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins learns to trust others and become a leader.

Elizabeth Bennet in "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen learns to let go of her prejudices and pride and become more empathetic towards others.

Harry Potter in "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling learns to face his fears and take responsibility for his actions.

Frodo Baggins in "The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien learns to sacrifice his own desires for the greater good.

Elinor Dashwood in "Sense and Sensibility" by Jane Austen learns to express her emotions and become more open.

Holden Caulfield in "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger learns to let go of his cynicism and find a sense of hope.

Ponyboy Curtis in "The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton learns to appreciate the value of family and friends.

Scout Finch in "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee learns to see the world from other people's perspectives and become more tolerant.

Andy Dufresne in "The Shawshank Redemption" by Stephen King learns to never give up hope and find redemption.

Hester Prynne in "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne learns to stand up for herself and live on her own terms.

Jean Valjean in "Les Misérables" by Victor Hugo learns to find forgiveness and redemption through selflessness.

Atticus Finch in "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee learns to fight for justice and become a role model for his children.

Bilbo Baggins in "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien learns to step out of his comfort zone and embrace adventure.

Sydney Carton in "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens learns to find a sense of purpose and redemption through self-sacrifice.

John Proctor in "The Crucible" by Arthur Miller learns to stand up for his beliefs and fight for what is right.

Scarlett O'Hara in "Gone with the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell learns to become more self-reliant and resourceful.

Charles Ryder in "Brideshead Revisited" by Evelyn Waugh learns to find a sense of meaning and purpose in life.

Captain Ahab in "Moby-Dick" by Herman Melville learns to confront his own obsession and find a sense of closure.

Marianne Dashwood in "Sense and Sensibility" by Jane Austen learns to find a balance between emotional and rational thinking.

Scout in "Go Set a Watchman" by Harper Lee learns to see her father, Atticus Finch, as a human being and understand his flaws.

Great news, you made it to the end of the basic novel outline! This is all you need to get started on writing your novel, and I'm excited for you to begin. Let's quickly recap what you'll need for your outline: a genre and sub-genre, a trope, a target audience, a word count, a chapter count, a two-sentence plot description, a more detailed plot description that covers the beginning, middle, and end of your story, and a chapter-by-chapter outline. For your characters, you'll need to include their names, brief histories, physical descriptions, personalities, outer conflicts, inner conflicts, and character growth. Once you have all of this information, you'll be ready to start writing your novel. Congratulations again, and happy writing!

Next up we'll be going into a bit more detail that focuses on world-building for fantasy or science fiction stories, anything that requires deeper world-building than a romance or regular modern paranormal fiction.

Going on from here, I won't be as detailed with explanations, what I'll be providing is mostly just information you need to get and it doesn't involve much hard research.

Races

Physical Traits:

Physical traits can play a huge role in creating unique and memorable fantasy races. By giving a race its own set of distinctive physical features, an author can make it stand out from other races and help it come to life within the story.

But physical traits aren't just about making a race look cool or interesting - they can also inform other aspects of a race's culture and history, making the story even more immersive and engaging. For example, a race with wings might have a rich history of flight, while a race with a natural resistance to fire might have developed unique technologies or traditions to harness that ability.

Religion:

Have you ever thought about the role of religion in a fantasy world? In many cases, it can provide a sense of depth and purpose to a race's way of life. Religion can shape everything from their beliefs and values to their traditions and customs, and even affect their interactions with other races and their environment.

By incorporating religion into your world-building, you can create a rich tapestry of different beliefs and practices that can help to shape the personalities of your characters. Whether it's through the way they approach challenges or the values they hold dear, religion can be a powerful tool for creating a unique and engaging fantasy race.

Here are something to think on while creating religions:

Deities and Mythology A. Different gods and goddesses B. Creation myths and legends C. Supernatural forces and entities

Religious Institutions A. Temples, shrines, and other holy sites B. Religious leaders and hierarchies C. Religious ceremonies and rituals

Beliefs and Values A. Moral and ethical codes B. Attitudes towards magic and other supernatural elements C. Relationship between religion and politics, culture, and society

Religious Conflict and Cooperation A. Religious differences and conflicts B. Religious tolerance and cooperation C. How religion impacts relationships and diplomacy between different societies

Culture:

Do you love exploring imaginary worlds filled with magic and wonder? If so, you'll know that culture plays a huge role in bringing these fantastic places to life. In a fantasy world, culture encompasses everything from shared beliefs and customs to art and social practices. By creating unique and vibrant cultures for each race and society, we can make these worlds feel alive and believable.

To craft a compelling culture for a fantasy world, we need to take into account many factors, such as the geography and climate of the world, the history and mythology of its inhabitants, and their level of technology. For example, if a society lives in a cold, mountainous region, they might have adapted their clothing and transportation to suit their environment.

In a well-crafted fantasy world, each race and society should have its own distinct culture that enriches the story and makes it more immersive. From the way they view concepts like honor and loyalty to the way they celebrate holidays and mark significant life events

Things to think on while creating cultures:

Beliefs and Values A. Religious and spiritual beliefs B. Moral and ethical values C. Attitudes towards magic and other supernatural elements

Social Structure A. Different classes and social groups B. Power dynamics and hierarchies C. Customs and traditions related to marriage, family, and social interaction

Art and Aesthetics A. Literature, music, and art B. Fashion and clothing styles C. Architectural and design styles

Technology and Industry A. Tools and weapons B. Transportation and communication C. Economic systems and trade

Language:

Language plays a crucial role in creating immersive and believable worlds. Language shapes the way people interact with each other and their environment, and can reflect the history, mythology, and values of a particular race or society.

In a well-crafted fantasy world, each race or society should have its own unique language or languages. This adds depth and complexity to the world, with the creation of new words, phrases, and even alphabets to reflect each race's unique linguistic characteristics.

Language can also be used to explore themes and ideas central to the story. For instance, the language used by those in power may reflect the power dynamic and make it difficult for the commoners to understand. In addition, language can create a sense of mystery and otherness. A completely invented language can make a fantasy race feel alien and distinct.

Furthermore, language can be used as a storytelling device, with characters translating between languages or struggling to communicate with other races. This can create tension, conflict, and opportunities for characters to learn about different cultures and deepen their understanding of the world around them.

Keep in mind that not every fantasy world or story needs detailed languages. If you prefer not to include them, that's okay too! However, if you're interested in exploring languages in your story, here are some factors to consider.

Language Families A. Different language families and their characteristics B. Historical and cultural factors influencing language development C. How languages relate to one another

Written and Spoken Languages A. Different writing systems and their evolution B. Spoken language and dialects C. How language shapes communication and relationships

Language Acquisition and Learning A. How characters learn new languages B. Cultural attitudes towards language learning C. The role of language in education and society

Translation and Interpretation A. How characters translate and interpret languages B. The challenges of language barriers C. The importance of accurate translation in diplomacy and trade

Magic

Having mystical abilities such as magic, mana, or superpowers can add excitement and intrigue to your story, but it's important to be mindful of how you use them. Many writers fall into the trap of creating limitless magical powers for their characters, which can make the story feel unrealistic and unsatisfying. To avoid this, it's helpful to answer a few questions about your magic system.

First, how does it work? It's important to understand the ins and outs of your magic system so that you can write your characters using it realistically. Knowing the mechanics of your magic system will prevent you from simply having your character magically power up in a crucial moment to get out of a tough situation.

Second, who can have it? Is there a criteria for who can use the magic or powers? Understanding why certain characters have magical abilities will prevent you from creating random characters that have the ability, and will also give your readers more information about your characters.

Third, what are the rules and limitations? Are there rules in your world about how the magic system should and should not be used? Are there physical limitations to what your characters can do? Setting rules and limitations will stop you from overpowering your character and will add conflict and tension to your story.

Additionally, it's important to consider how the general population feels about magic. Are there people who are against it, who hunt or experiment on those who possess it? Are magical individuals adored or seen as gods? Understanding how your world views magic will add depth and complexity to your story and create opportunities for conflict and tension. By considering these factors, you can create a well-rounded and engaging magic system that adds to the richness of your fantasy world. Here is a summery and some additional facts to think on when creating a magic system:

Types of Magic A. Elemental magic B. Divine magic C. Necromancy and dark magic D. Witchcraft and sorcery

Magic Mechanics A. How magic works in the world B. Limits and drawbacks to using magic C. How magic can be learned or inherited D. How magic can be controlled or regulated

Magic Users A. Different types of magic users B. Training and education for magic users C. Magic user communities and organizations

Magic in Society A. How magic impacts society and culture B. Magic in law and politics C. Magic in economics and trade

Magic in Conflict and Cooperation A. How magic can cause conflicts and tensions B. How magic can be used for diplomacy and alliances C. How magic can be used to resolve conflicts

History

Incorporating a world history into your story is an excellent way to add depth and richness to your world-building. By establishing a history, you can develop your world's cultures and religions, and intertwine it with your plot for added complexity. However, it's not necessary to have a history for the entire world's creation - just a basic overview of the setting where your story takes place is sufficient.

Another helpful aspect to include in your world-building is myths, lore, and major events that have shaped festivals or important days in your world. Additionally, highlighting significant historical figures can also provide valuable context for your story.

While it's not essential to introduce this information at the beginning of your story, it's a good idea to flesh out these details during revisions to ensure a cohesive and well-rounded world. This can help maintain consistency throughout your story and enhance the overall reading experience for your audience.

If you are creating an entire world history. Here are some things to think on:

Creation Myth and Cosmology A. Explanation of the world's creation myth B. Introduction of the cosmology of the world

Early Civilizations and Kingdoms A. The rise of early civilizations and kingdoms B. Development of early cultures and their impact on the world

Major Historical Events A. Wars and conflicts B. Great discoveries and inventions C. Natural disasters and calamities

Key Figures in History A. Heroes and heroines B. Villains and antagonists C. Leaders and rulers

Religion and Spirituality A. Explanation of the major religions and spiritual beliefs in the world B. Impact of religion and spirituality on world events and culture

Technology and Advancements A. Advancements in science and technology B. Development of new magic and spells

Current State of the World A. The current political and social situation in the world B. Ongoing conflicts and challenges C. Future possibilities for the world

Geography

Understanding the visual aspects of your story's setting is a valuable tool for crafting a rich and immersive world. By knowing the geography, you can better visualize how your characters will interact with their surroundings, what they'll wear, and what they'll eat. It can also play a major role in shaping the culture of the people inhabiting your world.

The geography of your world can even influence the physical characteristics of certain races, like those living near a volcano who may have tough, scaly skin to resist heat. Some key factors to consider when developing the geography of your world include the landscape, climate, weather patterns, natural resources, and the types of food available to your characters. These details can all work together to bring your world to life and make it feel like a fully-realized place with a unique identity.

Things to think on while creating your world geography:

Physical Features A. Landforms such as mountains, forests, and rivers B. Climate and weather patterns C. Natural resources and their distribution

Political Boundaries A. Different regions and territories B. Borders, boundaries, and conflicts C. How politics and culture influence geography

Cultural Landscapes A. Architecture and building styles B. Cultural and religious sites C. Impact of culture and history on the physical landscape

Mystical and Supernatural Features A. Magic and other supernatural elements B. Divine or cursed locations C. How these features shape the world

Politics

In the world of writing, it's easy to think that politics don't matter, especially when you're starting out. However, this is far from the truth. As you craft your story, there will come a point where your character will need to make a decision that affects the people around them. When others either agree or disagree with that decision, you're entering the realm of politics. In its simplest form, politics is all about how groups of people work together to make decisions and get things done. This can involve everything from choosing leaders and making laws to deciding how to use resources. In a fantasy world, politics can take on a different flavor. Different races and groups of creatures might be vying for control of territory or trying to gain power or fight for their rights.

The Players A. Different races and societies B. Leaders and powerful figures C. Factions, alliances, and conflicts

The Systems A. Government and governance B. Laws and regulations C. Use of magic and supernatural powers

The Issues A. Resource allocation B. Territorial disputes C. Power struggles and control

There are a lot of different factors that can affect politics in your fantasy world, and it's important to consider how your characters and societies will respond to them. Whether they're fighting for their rights, negotiating deals, or making compromises, the decisions they make will shape the world you're creating. So take some time to think about these things and how they'll impact your story

Technology

It's important to consider the level of advancement in your fantasy world. For example, if you're writing an old world fantasy kingdom, but there is technology present, your readers will likely be curious about where it came from, how it was developed, and who created it. Make sure to address these questions in your world-building

Here are some things to think on while working on technology for your world:

Types of Technology A. Explanation of various types of technology in the world B. Magic and technology: their relationship and interaction

Evolution of Technology A. The history of technology in the world B. Key figures and events that drove technological progress

The Creation and Distribution of Technology A. Who creates technology in the world B. How technology is distributed throughout the world C. Economic and social factors that impact technology development

The Impacts of Technology A. Positive and negative impacts of technology on society and culture B. Environmental impacts of technology

Limitations of Technology A. Constraints on technology development B. Limitations on the use of technology

Future of Technology A. Speculation on the future of technology in the world B. Potential implications for the world and its inhabitants

That's it! We are done! Cheers everyone! Great job on completing your detailed outline! Here's a recap of all the elements you should include: First, choose your genre, trope, target audience, and set a word and chapter count. Define your plot in 2-3 sentences, then expand it and break it down into beginning, middle, and end. Then create a chapter-by-chapter outline. For your characters, give them names, a brief history, physical descriptions, personality traits, conflicts, and character growth.

When it comes to world building, describe the geography and how it affects culture, politics, and history. Provide an overview of the various cultures, their practices and beliefs, and how they impact character interactions. Explain the political landscape, the systems, structures, and how they affect characters. Develop the world's history, including key events and figures that shaped it and how it affects the current state of the world.

Include an overview of the magical and technological systems in the world, how they interact, and their limitations and implications. Discuss the various religions, their beliefs and practices, and how they impact characters. Provide an overview of the languages spoken in the world and how they affect interactions between characters. Lastly, describe the various creatures and races in the world, their physical characteristics, cultural practices, and how they interact with each other and with humans.

For convenience, here is a scrivener template created with this style in mind and all the research is included in the template's resource folder. It's free, so don't stress and Download. Note that this is a google drive link. Simply Download and import into scrivener as a template.

Looking forward to seeing you again in the future! If you love fantasy, check out my free novel! HERE.

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