In writing, whether it be a published novel, fanfiction, or just for fun, stop trying to base how you write off of other people
I keep seeing so many chains and threads about story pet-peeves, and I know seeing something you do posted there can be deterring, but do your best to ignore them.
Everyone has different pet-peeves and everyone has a different aspect they search for in a story. Not everything will appeal to everyone and that’s ok and that’s incredible.
If you try to eliminate every pet-peeve, try to include everything people said they like, you won’t enjoy writing. Because at that point, it’s no longer your story
The readers can tell when a writer had fun writing vs when it feels forced. So write what you like; be your own target audience. Because eventually, there will be people who appreciate and enjoy your story as much as you do
Hey uh apparently some ppl don't know how fun character writing can be soooo here are the amazing and enjoyable character writing things I do
- make playlists that oc would listen to
- make playlists that describe oc
- make a Pinterest board for oc (section ideas: home/lock screen, tattoos, memes oc likes, looks, etc)
- make memes from ocs p.o.v about things oc would make memes about
- draw oc on various days and in various moods (idc if you think you suck at art, it helps create oc)
- make lists of ocs favorite drinks, foods, colors, outfits, etc
- make mood boards for oc (not on Pinterest, create an actual like 6 square mood board)
- do person asks from ocs pov
- look through all the emojis and decide which one oc likes best (also decide if ocs really passionate abt this)
- create Amazon wishlists of things oc has and things oc really wants
- do those weird insta story game things from ocs pov
There are so many more but these are the only ones I can think of rn. Remember that writing is supposed to be Fun™ and if you're not enjoying it then you probably don't have to actually do it (or at least not rn).
Sometimes, that’s all a person needs. Not someone to shelter them from the rain, but someone who will sit with them in the rain until the storm passes.
A revised version of a caption I wrote for an older poem.
What if I made an entire ask with all but a single letter? Will that be unexpected? Will it be exasperating? What if I didn’t? What if I included all the letters? Can it be? Surely it can. Just watch and learn. The entire English alphabet, with anteaters and zebras, with ritual and pizzazz, with extreme prejudice, and with very little mercy. Maybe. Maybe quietly I will ask.
Practical Benefits of Creative Writing if You Need Some Motivation
Writing stories isn't just a hobby. It's a practice that sharpens so many skills. You'll use these skills all your life, so write that silly idea and let's start refining these talents that come from our work:
(Psst—this is where you should open that copy of your resume if you're also applying for jobs!)
Communication: You know how to use words to convey complex and simple ideas.
Emotional identification (for personal benefit, not so much standard careers): You'd be surprised how many people can't name or describe their emotions, much less make them something others can feel.
Thematic analyzation: You can find or create a common thread between wildly different people.
Community building: You can bring people together by making them feel things deeply.
Perspective shaping: You make others try on new perspectives through your characters and their challenge, which also points back to your communication skills.
Encouragement: You know how to make other people dream through your work.
Empathy: You remind readers they aren't alone in their experiences—we are all going through different versions of pain together.
Typing: Let's be real, every boss will think you're amazing if you can type with more than two fingers at a time (or with two fingers really fast!).
Time management: You're always finding ways to fit your writing into your schedule, even if it's only once a month.
Commitment: because that 100,000-word fanfic won't just appear on paper because you daydreamed about it.
Self-reliance: When you set a goal to write a story, you (mostly) finish it. All on your own!
A willingness to learn: Your editing and revising work keeps you open to growth opportunities, which is essential to being a good person/team member/employee.
Organization: Those folders with all your story ideas, character outlines, and plot arcs? That's a skill, my friend.
Creativity: You're in touch with your creative instincts, which brings vision to projects and team efforts that produce better results
Reminder that you are not self-centered or narcissistic for having fun reading what you write! If you think your writing, plot, and/or characters are well-executed, they ARE. It’s YOUR story and it’s beautiful