writerthreads

[writerthreads]

[writerthreads]

Basic Tips to Improve Your Writing

I used to read a lot of unprofessional writing online, and through that endeavor, I started mentally compiling different qualities that turned me off to people's work right away. I'm sharing some of my thoughts about ways to improve your writing so others don't click off your work right away!

-Change paragraphs when different characters are speaking.

-In that same thread, remember to make new paragraphs and not have one giant block of text. This isn't only discouraging for some readers, but actually physically impossible to read for those who are visually impaired.

-Learn grammar. Sorry, but there is no way around this one. For example, commas aren't just for aesthetic appeal or your personal choice, and it will turn some readers away if your writing is littered with grammatical errors. You can't break the rules for creative purposes if you don't even know them, and the difference is generally apparent.

-Remember the narration style you've chosen. For example, if you're writing in third person limited, you can't think outside the mind of your main character. Don't jump suddenly to the thoughts of other characters or an all-knowing, omniscient voice.

-Slow down. Each word matters, so try not to think of writing as "I must get from Point A to Point B," but "I must get from Point A to Point B beautifully."

-Avoid repeating the same word or phrase too much, especially within the same paragraph. There are exceptions in dialogue, of course. (It's sweet when writers acquire their own personalized phrasings that mark their voice, but I have turned away from works where the exact same line just kept coming up again and again).

-Don't forget about setting. You might be able to imagine where your characters are, but no one else can if you don't let them know.

-Use a consistent verb tense.

-Your characters are not you and generally shouldn't always be mouthpieces for you to share your own values and thoughts.

-Your characters should sound distinctly different from each other, including their talking styles.

-Don't bog the reader down with too much description, and make sure the description you do have is realistic. Think about it. In the morning, do you wake up, go to the mirror, and think to yourself, "I looked at my shaggy dark hair and emerald green eyes"? Nobody thinks that way about their own appearance, and it feels like a forced way to let the reader know what the main character looks like.

-There's no need to start tossing out every character trait if it's not relevant to the story.

-Last, show some passion and excitement for your own work. Make sure the language embodies that passion because if you don't even care about your writing, who will?

[writerthreads]

[writerthreads]

I probably put way too much thought into it but I do enjoy making a more in depth story rather than winging it. I like to actually think about the worldbuilding, make sure things actually connect and make sense. I am a big history nerd and I feel like it's the closest I can get to writing my own history.

[writerthreads]

[writerthreads]

Tips for writing black characters

Day-to-day practical and minor stuff, specially regarding hair

If you have curly/afro hair then you are only going to need to wash it one or twice a week

But it can take a while. When I had long hair it used to take me 2h in the bathroom to properly wash it. That's why I only did it once a week. But it really will depend of the thickness and lenght of their hair.

It can be a little harder to find products for their hair, because straight/wavy hair products don't work on ours

If you wash curly hair many times a week it will eventually lose its nutrients, differently from straigh hair

If your character originally had curly hair but straightened it, it's probably going to look a little drier than naturally straight hair. it's a case-case scenario, though

If they have a skin care routine or want one they'll also need products made specifically for black skin

Your character is not immune to sunburns. It's harder to see if it gets red depending on how dark their skin is, but it's there. The more melanin they have, the more protected from the sun they are, but it's not gonna 100% prevent them from getting sunburnt.

Oh, and it can be pretty hard to dye it because first, if your hair is very dark, you have to decolor it, and depending on how black it is it can take a while and a few tries to get in a tone good for dying.

If they have long hair they're probably going to take a while combing it because you have to apply the hair cream lock by lock

They may have a haircare routine every month or so. Not everybody does it but if your character is disciplined and wants their hair to be extra healthy and neat they'll probably have one

If they care a lot about their appearence they'll probably have a lot of hair brushes of different types because depending on your brush you can comb it in a variety of ways, making your hair look fuller, making the curls look defined, etc.

[writerthreads]

[writerthreads]

It's my 4 year anniversary on Tumblr 🥳

#4 year tumblrversary #tumblr milestone

[writerthreads]

Happy prompts (writing)

And now that i posted some dark prompts,here are some more happy and fluff ones, since we all need a bit of comfort sometimes.

In a world where dreams have the power to come true, a young artist discovers their ability to bring joy to others by turning their imaginative drawings into real-life wonders.

A retired astronaut, who once explored the vastness of space, decides to share their love for the cosmos with a group of enthusiastic kids, sparking an intergenerational bond and inspiring the next generation of explorers.

An elderly couple finds a forgotten box of love letters they wrote to each other during their youth. As they revisit those tender moments, they decide to recreate their first date, reliving the magic of their long-lasting romance.

A small town rallies together to restore a neglected park, turning it into a vibrant community space filled with gardens, art installations, and a sense of togetherness that transforms the entire neighborhood.

A young girl discovers a magical book that transports her into the stories it contains. Along the way, she befriends characters from different tales, learning valuable lessons about empathy, friendship, and courage.

In a world where animals can communicate with humans, a mismatched group of creatures embarks on a quest to bring joy to a lonely girl who recently moved to their neighborhood.

A struggling musician receives an unexpected opportunity to perform on a big stage, thanks to the support of a diverse group of friends who believe in their talent and help make their dreams come true.

A time-traveling grandmother shares heartwarming stories with her grandchildren about her own youth, creating a bond that spans generations and teaches valuable lessons about love, resilience, and family.

A town organizes a surprise celebration for a beloved teacher who is retiring after decades of dedicated service. Former students return to express their gratitude, sharing how the teacher positively influenced their lives.

A scientist invents a device that allows people to experience the happiest moments of their lives in vivid detail. As communities come together to share their joyful memories, the world becomes a more compassionate and understanding place.

[writerthreads]

Any editing tips when editing your own work? Not sure yet how to find a balance in between, “wow, this sucks” and “wow, this is great” without harming the chance of the work improving. (Also, thanks for all that you do! It’s truly helped shape me into a better writer)

Self-Editing Tips

I’m so glad you’ve found the site to be helpful! Here are things to keep in mind when editing your own work…

1) We are our own worst critics. This is just a fact. So it’s important to learn the difference between self-doubt and a good gut instinct that something needs improvement. If your gut tells you something is good, it probably is. If your gut tells you something is bad, ask yourself the following questions:

am I tired/in a bad mood?

am I comparing myself to a more experienced writer/author?

has critical feedback pointed out a similar issue in the past?

can I see an obvious way to improve this?

Your answers to these questions may help you see the difference between self-doubt and a good gut instinct. Our mood, how we’re feeling, and what we’re currently reading can all play a role in how we interpret our own writing. Unless something falls under a skill that you’re already working on improving and you can see an obvious solution to the problem, chances are it’s just your gut being a “Negative Nellie.” In that case, try stepping away from it for a little while. Move on to a different part of the story and come back to it another day. If you still feel it’s an issue, try re-working it to see if you feel better about it. If all else fails, seek the advice of a trusted writer friend to see if they agree that there’s an issue.

2) In that same vein, when you sit down to edit your own work, try to make sure you’re well rested, in a good mood, relaxed, and free from distractions. Put on soft music, ambient lighting, maybe a candle or something to scent the air… whatever you normally do to feel relaxed when you write.

3) Knowing what to look for can also be a huge help when self-editing. A lot of the time, if you’re not looking for anything in particular, like crutch/filler words, typos, or poor sentence structure, your brain will start to see problems where they don’t exist. So, it’s a good idea to decide on your specific goal before doing an editing pass, and if you can focus on just a few things in each pass, that’s all the better. Look online for self-editing lists and worksheets that you can print out to make the process even easier. You can also read books like Self-Editing for Fiction Writers.

4) Always remember that your goal as a writer is to tell the best story you can tell in the best way you can tell it, but ultimately, it isn’t up to you to decide whether or not you’ve succeeded. It’s up to other people to tell you that, and the only way to do that is to seek feedback from others during your revision process. This is why it is so incredibly important to have a critique partner (or two or three) if you can find one, and at the very least a group of people you can ask to beta your work. If you offer to be someone else’s critique partner and volunteer to beta for other writers, you will have people willing to CP and beta for you. You have to put in the time and work for others if you want them to put in the time and work for you. I’m currently beta-ing two projects and reading another for one of my CPs. It’s just part of the job. And the feedback of your CPs and betas is going to boost your confidence in the things you do well, and confirm your concerns about the things you need to improve, which is why it’s so important. Once you’ve gotten a lot of feedback on your writing from others, it will be easier for you to tell the difference between self-doubt and things that may truly need improvement.

Good luck!!!

[writerthreads]

A Writer's Guide to Character Development

I don’t know about you guys, but I can only answer “what’s your character’s favorite flavor of ice cream” so many times before I realize those lists are not going to help me actually write the character.

So, instead, I like to drabble practice. Answer these ten key questions about your character (answer in character). Then, after you know them a little better, write ten scenes (NOT part of your planned story) with the ten prompts below. Set it in your world, but it can be whenever you want—pre-story, or post-story, or mid-story. You could even write two scenes for one prompt, contrasting where your character starts the story and where they end up, or write one in first person and then write it again in third.

Just has to cover events that are NOT plot points. The point of the exercise is to come up with scenes you can toss out as soon as you finish them. You might end up using some of the lines or scenes you come up with, but for now you’re just playing around. 

QUESTIONS

What does your character tell everyone is their greatest fear? What is it actually? Is it the same? Why or why not?

What is their greatest strength and greatest weakness? 

Name the most important people to this character. All of them. Family and close friends and lovers.

Does your character have enemies? Who and why?

What is your character’s favorite holiday and why? 

How does your character like to present himself/herself? How do they dress? How do they act? Are they friendly or standoffish? Do they like to make a scene, or are they a wallflower?

What is their love language? How do they express it, and how do they best receive it?

What is their highest virtue? What is something that peers would praise about your character? What do they value most in other people?

Are they messy or neat? Why or why not?

If your character could change one thing about their life, what would it be and why? And, conversely, if they could only save one thing from their life, what would it be?

PROMPTS

Your character has had a bad day. What happened?

Your character’s loved one is sick. What do they do?

It’s your character’s birthday.

Someone is hiding something from your character. How do they uncover what it is?

Your character has just heard the news. A character they loved is dead. Describe the rest of their day.

Your character is on their own for dinner.

Your character has the day to himself/herself. No responsibilities, nothing. What do they do?

In the middle of the night, your character hears a noise in the house.

Your character knows they will die at midnight. What is their last day like?

Your character suddenly develops amnesia. Their loved ones try to jog your character’s memories by taking them to familiar locations and reminiscing. 

[writerthreads]

Super detailed character profile chart

Character Name:

First Name:

Last Name:

Nickname (if any):

Basic Information:

Age:

Gender:

Date of Birth:

Place of Birth:

Nationality:

Physical Appearance:

Height:

Weight:

Build:

Hair Color:

Eye Color:

Scars or distinguishing marks:

Personality Traits:

Positive Traits:

Negative Traits:

Background and History:

Family Background:

Parents:

Siblings (if any):

Childhood:

Education:

School/College/University:

Major/Area of Study:

Favorite Subjects:

Least Favorite Subjects:

Career/Profession:

Current Occupation:

Previous Jobs (if any):

Career Goals:

Hobbies and Interests:

Hobbies:

Interests:

Relationships:

Marital Status:

Romantic Relationships (if any):

Friendships:

Closest Friends:

Relationship dynamics:

Strengths and Weaknesses:

Strengths:

Weaknesses:

Goals and Ambitions:

Short-term Goals:

Long-term Goals:

Fears and Insecurities:

Common Fears:

Insecurities:

Quirks and Habits:

Quirks:

Habits:

Beliefs and Values:

Religious or Spiritual Beliefs:

Moral Code:

Political Views:

Favorites:

Favorite Foods:

Favorite Books:

Favorite Movies/TV Shows:

Favorite Music:

Favorite Color:

Dislikes:

Disliked Foods:

Disliked Activities:

Pet Peeves:

Miscellaneous:

Talents or Skills:

Secrets (if any):

Motivations:

What drives the character forward?

What are their ultimate aspirations?

Character Arc:

How does the character change or evolve throughout the story?

Feel free to adapt and expand upon this template!

#writing #writing inspiration #writing tips #writers on tumblr #creative writing #teen writer #writers block #story writing #writeblr #characterisation #character design #writing advice #character concept #character sheet

[writerthreads]

[writerthreads]

10 enemies to lovers book recommendations

By Chatgpt because I don’t have enough recs sorry!!

1. "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen

This classic novel follows the spirited Elizabeth Bennet and the proud Mr. Darcy as they navigate misunderstandings and societal expectations on their journey from initial disdain to true love.

2. "The Hating Game" by Sally Thorne

Lucy and Joshua are coworkers who share an intense mutual dislike. However, when they're up for a promotion, their relationship takes an unexpected turn, leading to a delightful romantic comedy.

3. "The Unhoneymooners" by Christina Lauren

Olive and Ethan despise each other but are forced to go on a honeymoon trip together. This leads to a series of humorous mishaps and eventually a change of heart.

4. "The Kiss Quotient" by Helen Hoang

Stella, a successful woman with Asperger's, hires an escort, Michael, to help her gain more experience in romantic relationships. What starts as a business arrangement turns into something deeper.

5. "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black

In this dark fantasy novel, Jude, a mortal girl, despises the wicked faerie prince, Cardan. But as she becomes embroiled in the treacherous world of the fae, her feelings for him become complicated.

6. "Red, White & Royal Blue" by Casey McQuiston

Alex, First Son of the United States, and Prince Henry of Wales have a longstanding rivalry. After a public altercation, they're forced to fake a friendship, which turns into something much more.

7. "Vicious" by L.J. Shen

This steamy romance novel features enemies-to-lovers dynamics between a ruthless billionaire, Baron, and a young woman, Melody, who is determined to get her revenge.

8. "The Wall of Winnipeg and Me" by Mariana Zapata

Vanessa works as a personal assistant to a gruff football player, Aiden. Over time, their contentious relationship evolves into a deep and heartfelt love story.

9. "The Simple Wild" by K.A. Tucker

Calla heads to Alaska to reconnect with her estranged father, who's a pilot. She butts heads with Jonah, one of her father's employees, leading to a tumultuous and passionate romance.

10. "The Flatshare" by Beth O'Leary

Tiffy and Leon share a flat but never meet. They communicate through notes and slowly discover each other's lives, forming a unique connection that turns into a sweet love story.

#booklr #books #bookworm #book recommendations #book reccs #book recs #enemies to lovers #enemies to friends to lovers

[writerthreads]

[writerthreads]

How to write lovers to enemies to lovers: a step by step guide

By Writerthreads on Instagram

Strong initial attraction

Begin by introducing two characters who are deeply attracted to each other. Show their chemistry and connection, giving readers a reason to root for their relationship. This makes the transition to enemies so much stronger.

Conflict or misunderstanding

Introduce a conflict, misunderstanding, or external factor that drives a wedge between the characters. This should be significant enough to make them enemies or at least create a strong rift in their relationship. Examples could be competing for the same job/role, being on opposing empires, and more!

Build emotional tension

As enemies, the characters should have strong emotions, whether it's anger, resentment, or hurt. Explore their emotional turmoil and how this affects their actions and decisions. Do the characters miss each other secretly, or do they fully hate one other?

Character development

Show how the characters grow and evolve during their time apart or in conflict. Each should have their own personal journey and realizations.

Forced proximity or new common goal

You could bring them back into each other's lives through a situation where they're forced to spend time together or work toward a common goal. This could be due to circumstances, work, or a shared interest.

Slow reconciliation

Let the characters slowly rebuild trust and friendship. Highlight the gradual thawing of their feelings and the rekindling of their initial attraction. Show open and honest communication between the characters, addressing the root of their conflict and misunderstandings.

Internal struggles

Show the characters' internal conflicts as they battle their lingering anger or resentment and the resurfacing of their romantic feelings.

Shared vulnerabilities

Reveal the vulnerabilities and insecurities of both characters. This can help readers sympathize with their struggles and hopes for reconciliation.

Love and reconciliation

Eventually, as they work through their issues, allow them to rekindle their love and passion for each other. This should be a satisfying and heartfelt moment.

Remember, it's essential to create well-developed, relatable characters and a strong plot to keep readers engaged throughout this emotional rollercoaster. The lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers arc is hard to tackle, but authentic character growth and compelling conflicts will make for a captivating romance story.

#writing #writing inspiration #writing tips #writers on tumblr #writing advice #creative writing #teen writer #writers block #story writing #writeblr

[writerthreads]

Hi! I'm trying to write an enemies to lover slowburn, but I don't know how to start it...I have written the middle parts, the jucier parts👀 Can you give me some tips on how to start it? Aso, if you don't mind, do you have any tips on writing enemies to lovers👉👈 Thanks a lot in advance!

Hi :)

Oh, I love me some good enemies to lover trope. But there is some things you have to be careful with, so I start with a little reminder what not to do and then go into what to do and even though you didn’t really ask for it, I thought of some prompts while writing this answer.

How to write enemies to lovers

stay away from non-consensual

they are enemies and will likely be awful to each other in the beginning

but if you want them to be a happy couple at the end they shouldn’t be abusive to each other

because even if they later get together it will always leave a mark on that relationship

forcing someone to do something is wrong and even if the victim later loves to do it in the relationship, it doesn’t change the fact that they were once forced when they didn’t want to do it

Now that that is established here is how to start with the trope.

Why are they enemies?

how do they know each other?

why do they hate each other?

are they literally at war with each other or are they people who met each other and really didn’t click in the beginning?

give them reason to hate or at least strongly dislike each other

you can give them the same reason for hating each other

or spice it up and make both of them dislike something else about the other person

How can you fix it?

now that you’ve established why they hate it each other you have to find out what needs to be done to fix it

it’s important to find a way to make them both see the other person as a normal human being with their own hopes and problems and not just this unshakeable image of an always bad enemy

maybe they don’t know all the information, maybe it’s a misconception that could be solved by talking

but don’t just make them say those things

let actions speak louder than words

for example character A thinks character B is rude and inconsiderate and only interested in themself - but then A sees B doing something completely selfless

Slowly falling in love

it wouldn’t be enough to see them being selfless to make them completely change their mind and fall in love

but it would make them rethink what they thought about the other one and maybe try to get to know them better, because they realized there is so much more to learn and they maybe judged too soon

a changed behaviour in one character could then trigger the other one into rethinking their bad relationship

finding something that they have in common or that they like about the other one can pave the way for a neutral relationship that then turns into something more

so it rarely goes directly from hate to love, especially because this could be an indicator for rash actions and mood swings towards each other that could be harmful in a relationship

it’s more like hate turning into acceptance and understanding and then slowly to love

Prompts

“Well. well, well. Look who came to their enemy’s door holding presents.” “Oh cut it, I’m here to pick you up for our date.”

“I’m scared that it could end badly if it doesn’t work out.” “You’re already enemies. How worse could it get?”

“Why did you save me?” “Just because I’m the bad guy doesn’t mean I’m a bad guy.”

“I can’t tell them. They would make fun of me! We used to hate each other!” “Used to - that’s the important part.”

“I can’t really remember what we were fighting about all this time.”

“That guy is not good for you. Hell, even I would be better for you and I’m your enemy.”

- Jana