#help with writing

[the-introverted-writer-for-life]

How to come up with a plot

You've got a character. Or a setting. Or one or two perfect scenes with oh-so perfect vibes that you can imagine clear as daylight in your head... But no storyline.

Hopefully this post solves that.

As a writer myself, I've struggled with this sort of thing a lot with the book I'm planning at the moment, so I'm writing from experience.

Very often, the posts I see talk about your character's motivation and goals - what they want to achieve in life, why they want it, but sometimes the characters we make don't have original goals, and therefore no motivation.

Here are a few thought processes to find a plot if your character has no original goals:

Think about how your story would start. What's normal life like for your character? Do they live in a snowy forest treehouse, and hunt food everyday, or do they live in a modern day city with shops and schools and phones?

Then think about what could change, and how that affects the character. Does a harsh winter cut off their food supply, meaning they have to go further away into the forest and then something happens? Or does a natural disaster hit some family or friends away in another town, and they have to go and check they're alright?

Think about these changes, and create some sort of problem that the character finds they could fix. Common things include family member falls ill and the character goes looking for a cure, character and Co have to flee their home because of said problem, some sort of evil has come to their home and they have to fight it, etc.

OR, you could think about what the character might do to muck things up. Maybe they accidentally (or on purpose) hurt a loved one, or they do something else that upsets a higher force, or a bad trait they have takes over for a few minutes, but at the end of it the damage is done - something the character does that they need to fix, then work out how they could fix it.

Your story will not entertain if the quest to fix the problem is easy. Think about some sort of obstacle that could hinder them - whether this be physical, emotional, or even magical (if your story includes magic), make sure you don't let them fix it without proving themselves.

MAKE SURE YOU WRITE THIS DOWN. you don't want to be reading this at 3am in the morning and then have a MASSIVE BRAIN SPARK and then forget it three hours later when you get up, and lose that information forever. Trust me. I know.

If you can't think of a problem, or any way that your character could have a problem, maybe go back to the drawing board and tweak your ideas slightly. Maybe include a slightly worse trait in your character, or think about what could happen to other characters - the possibilities are endless.

Good luck and happy writing!!

#writing #world building #writers block #Problems #main character #fantasy #writing worlds #world drama #plot #writing plots #writing problems #help with writing

[lilartifex]

Amazing Names for Your Stories, Worldbuilding, and Pretty Much Everything

I feel like somewhere on this site, someone has to have posted about this, but I haven't come across it yet, so here we go:

I'm not sure about everyone else, but for me, coming up with names is, by far, the most difficult thing about creating anything.

Years ago, I found the most amazing website with over 1200 name generators. It has names for, and I'm not exaggerating here, EVERYTHING.

Names for fantasy characters of any species? Done.

Names from specific origins and time periods? Yup.

Names for towns, cities, spells, plants, books, new species, councils, countries, or online usernames? Here ya go.

It even has a section where you can find names suitable for most pop-culture fandoms. Like, there are name generators in there specifically for Weeping Angels from Doctor Who, all the way up to names for your Minecraft dog.

There are even description generators, if you're completely stuck trying to find a good description for a character, or just need to see one written out to get your creative ideas flowing.

All names and resources are submitted by fans of the site and are completely free to use; it also adds new generators all the time. Whether you're looking for a name or just inspiration, you'll probably find it there.

On its sister website, there are things like flag creators, map makers, town creators, a combat and initiative tracker, and even family tree and language generators.

The site's called Fantasy Name Generators, and you can find it here:

And here's the sister website, where you can find a bunch of tools for DnD-type games or just worldbuilding in general:

#name generator #creative writing #writing #roleplay #fantasy #original character #rp resources #writing resources #dnd #creative inspiration #inspiration #worldbuilding #worldbuilding resources #help with writing

[annbourbon]

After reading What is...? by @creativepromptsforwriting (if you haven't read her blog or follow her WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!?)

I decided to add some of my notes here too. Because it's on the little things I've been studying every night to get better at writing. So please consider this post as part/collab of "What is...?"

★Please keep in mind that this comes from someone whose first language it's not english, so, what for some might be obvious, for others it is not.

Blurb? is a short promotional description on your book. But can also be used to promote movies and other things.

Needs: Hook + Keywords (define an audience) + keep it short and leave them wanting for more.

* Remember to check for spelling and grammar mistakes.

Nowadays you can use quotes from your book as promo too. Pinterest is your best ally here. Make a bunch of attractive images with a colorful quotes and upload it on your social media! ^♡^

Honestly when it comes to promos you should exploit it all (meaning: create quotes, collage, your cover, promos, etc!) Be your own fan. Create a playlist, ambience, set the mood. Let your own world drag you into the woods, do not resist it.

If you love it, other will love it too.

W.I.P.? Means Work in Progress. So you have yet a lot to do to finish your story. it's okay, it takes time \^♡^/

Pathetic fallacy Vs Personification?

Pathetic fallacy

It's specifically about giving emotions to something non-human (objects, nature, or animals)

Writers use the pathetic fallacy to evoke a specific mood or feeling that usually reflects their own or a character's internal state. While I have seen some detractors of using this technique, think of Emily Brontë novel, Wuthering Heights, or Shakespeare in several of his works like Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Othello, King Lear and Macbeth. Or Mary Shelly's Frankenstein. So study it and use it carefully and you should be fine. Times change but you should write however you want too.

Personification

On the other hand, is giving any human attribute to an object.

Think of The Beauty and the Beast, Alice in Wonderland, and Toy Story as great examples of what personification is.

Atmosphere?  is the way an author uses setting, objects, or internal thoughts of characters to create emotion, mood, or experiences for the reader.

For me Mary Shelley with Frankenstein is one of the most accurate examples I can give, but when I think about it, Robinson Crusoe, and Moby Dick, both feel tremendously claustrophobic and desperate to the reader, full of details, the time passes slowly and it's insufferable. Which in theory is not okay because the reader can drop the book but guess what? They're classic because you want to know what happens next. Which brings me to my next point, if you want to know more about the art of writing, you should try the following channels on YT:

Abbie Emmons

She has some interesting videos, but one crazy tip that will change your mind. It actually works. And don't worry, she keeps repeating it over and over so you learn it too. She also offers some courses and several activities like writing together (in case you're trying to write but can't, now you have a date!)

Ellie Dashwood

If you're into social dynamics, subtlety and want to get better writing period stories wether they are romantic or dramas, then she's your best bet. While she doesn't teach you how to write better she does teach you literature and history. And trust me, some of these things can be more than helpful. The way she analyzes and provides for clarification over social situations has made me understand not just Jane Austen but my own time in a different way.

Fiction Beast

This is showing me a lot of literature and making me read classics. Of course it wouldn't work if it wasn't because of Ellie but it's a must! because it does explains a lot.

Ana Neu

I just discovered her and Ellen so I can't say a lot of things but their videos have been really helpful with some of the things I've been working on especially with Fit or Die, so you should check out both of these girls.

Ellen Brock

and of course, he needs no introduction, but if you didn't know, he has several classes posted on his channel which have been helping me tremendously.

Brandon Sanderson

*Disclaimer: They're not paying me for doing promo. I just do this on my own account because I truly admire their work and effort put into it. Plus, I always do this for anyone if I truly admire the way they work. And I believe this is helpful for anyone with hopes of becoming an author. Even if it's just a hobby. Have fun~!

#annabourbon #danteann #faith dante #books #writers write #write #writer #writing #female writers #fiction writing #creative #creative writing #words #indie writer #writerscommunity #writers on tumblr #writeblr #writer problems #writing tips #help with writing #writing advice #writing a book #writing about writing #writing books #book blog #books and reading #writers and readers

[anony-mouse-writing]

There is an instinctual fear of failure when you don't write in the genre/theme of the 'Hottest Books'.

The whole "will people even like this?" mindset.

It is hard to get out of, and the fear of failure because it won't be the new "Romance Hit" or "Fae" plotline.

Does anyone read Sci-Fi anymore? Or even a Sci-Fi romance (and no that 'Ice Planet Barbarians' series does not count.

#writing #author #writer community #writing is hard #writing resources #help with writing #scifi

[xgrimmtales]

In Creative Slump

Hello, my name is Grimm and as you can tell from the title...I'm in a slump. Throughout the past weeks, my creativity has dried up. It's mainly because the amount of revamping I've been doing on all of my projects (as I always want to improve on my writing skills and worldbuliding). But, being a perfectionist has ultimately been the reason the why this account has been inactive for months at a time. Can anyone give me any tips on dealing with writer's block? If so, it would much appreciated.

#writeblr #writeblr community #writers on tumblr #help with writing #writers block

[candyrushsweetest]

Writing (Tips & My Journey)

I enjoy being a writer. It allows me to dig deep into my creativity somehow. I enjoy drawing, but sometimes the imagination that comes with writing helps inspire me to draw as well. They kind of intertwine in a way, even if you can’t see it much.

Honestly, I feel a lot of people are good readers and writers—they just don’t want to actively take the steps to become that. In the mean time, someone could just be doing it for fun, and that’s completely okay. Whatever gets your creative brain flowing.

If you’re going to do it professionally, however, I would recommend on improving and not just writing the same words on every single sentence. I would recommend:

expanding your vocabulary (no matter the language you write in)

develop your characters more — No one wants a bland protagonist or character that leads them through a story, and no one truly feels for side characters with zero personality or only only one trait that makes them USEFUL… (such as a character only being happy and looking on the bright side. I could recommend giving them a trait of toxic positivity and work on why they’re like this and develop that in your story, along with giving them background.)

Look at your past writing and see what you like and don’t like. Change what you don’t like and keep what you do (while also actively asking for critique, of course).

Maybe have someone you trust enough with your story to read your writing—it could help you develop as a writer to hear others opinions!

Don’t avoid criticism, embrace it. Don’t take critique as an insult but rather as a way to move forward and change your writing to be even better.

That’s all I’ve got for now, but I would also recommend plotting and actively taking notes on how you want your story to go. I take them in a little diary I have in real life instead of on my computer so that I’m not messing with the project that I have written on my PC or laptop. (or any form of device).

When you first begin writting, just write down whatever and then add those elements in a more organized way and choose and toss the things that either won’t work or are too much for the story. You can also organize it better since it’ll only be the rough draft. Then you can begin your chapter if you so wish!

Thanks for reading!! I really appreciate it and hope this helps you with your own projects :>

#writing tips #writing #author #novelist #novel tips #story writing tips #story writing #fanfiction #organization #tips #help #help with writing #helping #useful #useful writing tips #hope this was helpful

[hiya-im-mary]

I found this on Pinterest!!! Useful stuff for ya :D

Source:

#Writing #helpful #useful #writing tips #help with writing #pinterest #pinterest repost

[beasvoice]

as a teenage girl i experience the experienced, yet it feels unseen.

highschool, the drama, the people; as unpredictable as it was for me, i find comfort in the instability of it all. its frustrating to communicate worries that are pushed to the side and seen as less than. its frustrating to try and compare these worries to otherworldly, yet very real and very painful situations that is outside of my ‘known’.

i wish for someday to feel at ease when walking in a crowd as i tend to do everyday in the corridors. i wish to understand that stories do not have to include the presence of myself. i yet to learn how to seperate one aspect of life from another; family from school, friends to self.

i hope as a teenage girl, i can experience the experienced; yet surprise others with my attitude

#self help #self love #high school #poetry #writers and poets #writing #hell is a teenage girl #teenagers #school #help with writing #new writers on tumblr #in the works

[miserabellemortem]

Good writing resources...

I suck, I suck a lot when it comes to writing. I also deal with dyslexia in this matter and have focusing issues like any other individual. If there are some good resources that can help me improve my writing. That aren't just short cuts that fill gaps of ever growing problems. Please reblog this and share.

I genuinely wish to get better and would love to make some writing friends that maybe could proof some of my projects. That way I can get a better idea on where i'm lacking.

As an adult with other adult friends and all of us having full time jobs. No one really wants to read your vampire fanfiction and H2O knockoff writings.

But one thing I have on my bucket list is to finish one story for public reading.

And so far i've been using the following programs/websites:

#writeblr #original writing #creative writing #writers on tumblr #writing resources #writing tips #writing advice #asking for help #help with writing #fantasy writing #personal projects

[katishome]

hi guys!! i’m having major writers block and i’ve got a short story due in my lit class tomorrow morning🌝PLEASE HELP I NEED IT

it’s about a guy being cast aside cause he expresses his feelings and his feminine side, and finds a strange girl who accepts him and shows him another side to the world. i kinda want it to be like secret goddess kinda thing

#writers block #help with writing

[imagine-a-fangirl]

Hello lovely people,

I need your help once again. I'm currently working on a one shot where the reader goes to Texas to meet rhe guys family. But surprise surprise I know nothing about Texas.

So who can help me out and tell me about Texas? The people, activities(going out), the feeling, the envoirement. Just everything basically :)

Without a little help it will all be based oj movies😅

#texas #help with writing #jake seresin x reader #jake seresin #hangman #top gun maverick imagine

[hufflepuffwriter1995]

Hello!! Im looking for some tips on how to describe characters that aren't, well to be frank, white. As a white person myself I find leaning to words that I'm not sure are actually okay to use. Like "almond shaped eyes" "chocolate brown skin" etc. I don't want to offend or even trigger my readers so I'm looking for help to describe my characters in a way that isn't racist.

The characters I need help with are inspired by Jimin, J-Hope, Suga and V from my BTS, along with caracters inspired Vanessa Morgan, Zendya and Kat Graham. Please be kind, as I am doing this because I don't want to hurt people. Other than that, anything you can give me is appreciated.

#help #writing tips #help with writing #how to describe characters

[myloversgone]

Hey, guys, so I'm trying to write a fic, but I have a question, specially for y'all in the USA. Do you guys throw parties when you graduate from college? Like, how do you celebrate it? Do you invite friends over, go somewhere to have dinner? Is there a common way to do it? Or you don't celebrate it at all?

Thanks for the help ❤🤗

#question #help with writing #writer problems

[deoidesign]

A general cane guide for writers and artists (from a cane user, writer, and artist!)

Disclaimer: Though I have been using a cane for 6 years, I am not a doctor, nor am I by any means an expert. This guide is true to my experience, but there are as many ways to use a cane as there are cane users!

This guide will not include: White canes for blindness, crutches, walkers, or wheelchairs as I have no personal experience with these.

This is meant to be a general guide to get you started and avoid some common mishaps/misconceptions in your writing, but you absolutely should continue to do your own research outside of this guide!

This is NOT a medical resource!!! And never tell a real person you think they're using a cane wrong!

The biggest recurring problem I've seen is using the cane on the wrong side. The cane goes on the opposite side of the pain! If your character has even-sided pain or needs it for balance/weakness, then use the cane in the non-dominant hand to keep the dominant hand free. Some cane users also switch sides to give their arm a rest!

A cane takes about 20% of your weight off the opposite leg. It should fit within your natural gait and become something of an extension of your body. If you need more weight off than 20%, then crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair is needed.

Putting more pressure on the cane, using it on the wrong side, or having it at the wrong height can make it less effective, and can cause long term damage to your body from improper pressure and posture. (Hugh Laurie genuinely hurt his body from years of using a cane wrong on House!)

(some people elect to use a cane wrong for their personal situation despite this, everyone is different!)

(an animated GIF of a cane matching the natural walking gait. It turns red when pressure is placed on it.)

When going up and down stairs, there is an ideal standard: You want to use the handrail and the cane at the same time, or prioritize the handrail if it's only on one side. When going up stairs you lead with your good leg and follow with the cane and hurt leg together. When going down stairs you lead with the cane and the bad leg and follow with the good leg!

Realistically though, many people don't move out of the way for cane users to access the railing, many stairs don't have railings, and many are wet, rusty, or generally not ideal to grip.

In these cases, if you have a friend nearby, holding on to them is a good idea. Or, take it one step at a time carefully if you're alone.

Now we come to a very common mistake I see... Using fashion canes for medical use!

(These are 4 broad shapes, but there is INCREDIBLE variation in cane handles. Research heavily what will be best for your character's specific needs!)

The handle is the contact point for all the weight you're putting on your cane, and that pressure is being put onto your hand, wrist, and shoulder. So the shape is very important for long term use!

Knob handles (and very decorative handles) are not used for medical use for this reason. It adds extra stress to the body and can damage your hand to put constant pressure onto these painful shapes.

The weight of a cane is also incredibly important, as a heavier cane will cause wear on your body much faster. When you're using it all day, it gets heavy fast! If your character struggles with weakness, then they won't want a heavy cane if they can help it!

This is also part of why sword canes aren't usually very viable for medical use (along with them usually being knob handles) is that swords are extra weight!

However, a small knife or perhaps a retractable blade hidden within the base might be viable even for weak characters.

Bases have a lot of variability as well, and the modern standard is generally adjustable bases. Adjustable canes are very handy if your character regularly changes shoe height, for instance (gotta keep the height at your hip!)

Canes help on most terrain with their standard base and structure. But for some terrain, you might want a different base, or to forego the cane entirely! This article covers it pretty well.

Many cane users decorate their canes! Stickers are incredibly common, and painting canes is relatively common as well! You'll also see people replacing the standard wrist strap with a personalized one, or even adding a small charm to the ring the strap connects to. (nothing too large, or it gets annoying as the cane is swinging around everywhere)

(my canes, for reference)

If your character uses a cane full time, then they might also have multiple canes that look different aesthetically to match their outfits!

When it comes to practical things outside of the cane, you reasonably only have one hand available while it's being used. Many people will hook their cane onto their arm or let it dangle on the strap (if they have one) while using their cane arm, but it's often significantly less convenient than 2 hands. But, if you need 2 hands, then it's either setting the cane down or letting it hang!

For this reason, optimizing one handed use is ideal! Keeping bags/items on the side of your free hand helps keep your items accessible.

When sitting, the cane either leans against a wall or table, goes under the chair, or hooks onto the back of the chair. (It often falls when hanging off of a chair, in my experience)

When getting up, the user will either use their cane to help them balance/support as they stand, or get up and then grab their cane. This depends on what it's being used for (balance vs pain when walking, for instance!)

That's everything I can think of for now. Thank you for reading my long-but-absolutely-not-comprehensive list of things to keep in mind when writing or drawing a cane user!

Happy disability pride month! Go forth and make more characters use canes!!!

#mobility aid #cane user #writing tips #writing advice #drawing tips #art tutorial #art tips #art reference #art resources #art help #my art #long post

[inkskinned]

because sometimes there are invisible tests and invisible rules and you're just supposed to ... know the rule. someone you thought of as a friend asks you for book recommendations, so you give her a list of like 30 books, each with a brief blurb and why you like it. later, you find out she screenshotted the list and send it out to a group chat with the note: what an absolute freak can you believe this. you saw the responses: emojis where people are rolling over laughing. too much and obsessive and actually kind of creepy in the comments. you thought you'd been doing the right thing. she'd asked, right? an invisible rule: this is what happens when you get too excited.

you aren't supposed to laugh at your own jokes, so you don't, but then you're too serious. you're not supposed to be too loud, but then people say you're too quiet. you aren't supposed to get passionate about things, but then you're shy, boring. you aren't supposed to talk too much, but then people are mad when you're not good at replying.

you fold yourself into a prettier paper crane. since you never know what is "selfish" and what is "charity," you give yourself over, fully. you'd rather be empty and over-generous - you'd rather eat your own boundaries than have even one person believe that you're mean. since you don't know what the thing is that will make them hate you, you simply scrub yourself clean of any form of roughness. if you are perfect and smiling and funny, they can love you. if you are always there for them and never admit what's happening and never mention your past and never make them uncomfortable - you can make up for it. you can earn it.

don't fuck up. they're all testing you, always. they're tolerating you. whatever secret club happened, over a summer somewhere - during some activity you didn't get to attend - everyone else just... figured it out. like they got some kind of award or examination that allowed them to know how-to-be-normal. how to fit. and for the rest of your life, you've been playing catch-up. you've been trying to prove that - haha! you get it! that the joke they're telling, the people they are, the manual they got- yeah, you've totally read it.

if you can just divide yourself in two - the lovable one, and the one that is you - you can do this. you can walk the line. they can laugh and accept you. if you are always-balanced, never burdensome, a delight to have in class, champagne and glittering and never gawky or florescent or god-forbid cringe: you can get away with it.

you stare at your therapist, whom you can make jokes with, and who laughs at your jokes, because you are so fucking good at people-pleasing. you smile at her, and she asks you how you're doing, and you automatically say i'm good, thanks, how are you? while the answer swims somewhere in your little lizard brain:

how long have you been doing this now? mastering the art of your body and mind like you're piloting a puppet. has it worked? what do you mean that all you feel is... just exhausted. pick yourself up, the tightrope has no net. after all, you're cheating, somehow, but nobody seems to know you actually flunked the test. it's working!

aren't you happy yet?

#almost wrote the champagne line as ''effervescent'' but legit could not write it without saying ''effervescent like a snail'' #ah tumblr... #writeblr #warm up #idk . having trouble writing rn #ps i don't like to talk about it . it is my medical information. but before you ask. yes this is about being on the spectrum #i really don't like when ppl make my writing about how im [whatever ID]. i want it to ring true for the people who it rings true for #i don't want it to be like ''awwwww look at this person!!! she's the EXCEPTION!!! :)" ..... #no.... not really..... #idk something gross happens whenever i admit to certain conditions and i turn into like inspiration p*rnography #like yes they actually let us use keyboards these days #furthermore i just... dont feel comfortable talking about this part of me. i had too bad of a childhood. adhd is one thing... #this one im like. still coming to terms with. which is like. my own journey. #idk. just please be kind. some things are more private than others. this one feels private to me. #i do not know how to help others w/this . and i do not know how to help myself. i will talk about it if im ever ready. idk if that will #actually ever happen #ty in advance i love u im kissing you we are kissing somewhere on the spectrum

[novlr]

The symbolism of flowers

Flowers have a long history of symbolism that you can incorporate into your writing to give subtext.

Symbolism varies between cultures and customs, and these particular examples come from Victorian Era Britain. You'll find examples of this symbolism in many well-known novels of the era!

Amaryllis: Pride

Black-eyed Susan: Justice

Bluebell: Humility

Calla Lily: Beauty

Pink Camellia: Longing

Carnations: Female love

Yellow Carnation: Rejection

Clematis: Mental beauty

Columbine: Foolishness

Cyclamen: Resignation

Daffodil: Unrivalled love

Daisy: Innocence, loyalty

Forget-me-not: True love

Gardenia: Secret love

Geranium: Folly, stupidity

Gladiolus: Integrity, strength

Hibiscus: Delicate beauty

Honeysuckle: Bonds of love

Blue Hyacinth: Constancy

Hydrangea: Frigid, heartless

Iris: Faith, trust, wisdom

White Jasmine: Amiability

Lavender: Distrust

Lilac: Joy of youth

White Lily: Purity

Orange Lily: Hatred

Tiger Lily: Wealth, pride

Lily-of-the-valley: Sweetness, humility

Lotus: Enlightenment, rebirth

Magnolia: Nobility

Marigold: Grief, jealousy

Morning Glory: Affection

Nasturtium: Patriotism, conquest

Pansy: Thoughtfulness

Peony: Bashfulness, shame

Poppy: Consolation

Red Rose: Love

Yellow Rose: Jealously, infidelity

Snapdragon: Deception, grace

Sunflower: Adoration

Sweet Willian: Gallantry

Red Tulip: Passion

Violet: Watchfulness, modesty

Yarrow: Everlasting love

Zinnia: Absent, affection

#writers #creative writing #writing community #writing #writers of tumblr #writing inspiration #creative writers #writeblr #writerblr #writing tips #flower symbolism #writing subtext #writblr #writers corner #how to write subtext #symbolism in writing #writing advice #creative writing tips #writing resources #writing help #writer tips #writing tips and tricks #helping writers #help for writers #references for writers #writing reference #writers block #beat writers block #novel writing