author-in-training-writes

[author-in-training-writes]

Need an Editor or Beta Reader? Want to edit or beta for someone? Look no further!

The writeblr directory of editors and betas is now up and running!

What is it? A place where creators can ask for critiques, beta readers, editors or any other kind of feedback services. Or, alternatively, a place where people can offer or advertise those services!

Who can join in? Anyone who meets the following criteria. So if you are…

A) a writer who needs some sort of feedback service for some kind of writing.

B) someone who enjoys giving feedback and will offer your services for free

C)  a freelance editor in need of business

…this will be the Tumblr blog for you. Please note that this is a space for indie creators and small service-providers; not for businesses or larger groups/corporations.

Why is this blog a Thing now? Because just today I have witnessed three different blogs turn down requests for editing help because they don’t have the time. Hopefully, the directory will cut down on that stress for everyone involved and make editing services more accessible, as well as giving writeblrs somewhere to send people if they get such requests. 

If you want to submit a request or an advert, here are the guidelines for both forms.

(Some people who may wish to boost this resource: @writeblrconnections @she-who-fights-and-writes @brynwrites @thecaffeinebookwarrior idk I don’t want to overtag)

#reblog #betareader #beta #critique #writing resource

[author-in-training-writes]

For the ask game: number 42 for whoever you feel like you haven't talked enough about

Are you referring to this ask game?

If so, I’ll answer for all my main Singularity OCs.

42. How badly do they want to reach their end goal?

Nova: Always trying her best to get the job done, but won’t do anything if the risk is too high.

Digit: Just along for the ride and knows everything will work out eventually. He’s level-headed and won’t go to any extremes to achieve his goals.

Lydia: Will do anything and everything to achieve her goals, regardless of consequences.

[author-in-training-writes]

Build-a-Protag

Want to flesh-out that vague idea of a person who’s been bouncing around in your dome piece? 

Here! Have a handy checklist:

Name, age

Sex, gender, gender expression

Physical appearance; how the character feels about their physical appearance

Race, class, ethnicity

Childhood experience - family relationships, friends and key figures, lifestyle, education, activities and interests

Education level, intelligence level, military service (if applicable)

Attitudes and moral beliefs

Current relationships - parents, siblings, romantic partners, friends, children, etc.

Sex life; attitude and feelings about sex

Religious background and current religious beliefs

Occupation; relationship to boss and coworkers

Hobbies and non-work activities

Political views

Main aspects of personality - introvert vs. extrovert, pessimist vs. optimist, thinking vs. feeling, and the like

What are they proud of? Ashamed of?

State of health

Fears

Sense of humor

Core characteristic

Inherent contradiction - the most interesting characters are already in conflict with themselves

In addition to these twenty items, you can ask yourself loads of bizarre questions like, “What would you write on their tombstone?” and “How would they react to a Japanese game show?” but I find this checklist to be the best place to start building real, solid groundwork that leads to a firm character, rather than a list of “fun facts” of likes and dislikes.

Two final items to consider:

What is the best thing that could happen to this character that could turn out to be the worst?

What is the worst thing that could happen to this character that could turn out to be the best? 

These bits and bobs should help you on your way. Remember: you can never know too much about your character. 

Happy constructing!

#reblog #characters #character creation #protagonist #get to know your characters

[author-in-training-writes]

Any tips for writing magic and stuff of that nature?

Yes, I do, but that’s a really vast subject, and I honestlydon’t think I could give any better advice than @davidfarland’s “Making BetterMagic Systems” series. Checkout part 1 of 10 here.

Thanks for your question. If you need help with anything else, feel free to send in another ask!

~AIT

#writing #writeblr #writing blog #writing tips #writing advice #writing help #writing reference #nanowrimo #my post #ask #ask ait #ait writes #sarcasmismyonlytrait #magic #fantasy #world-building

[author-in-training-writes]

Your First 5 Pages

When you send a novel to an agent or publisher, they normally ask for the first five or ten pages, just so that they can gauge your writing skill. If those pages don’t grab the reader, it won’t sell.

As an editor, I read thousands of stories a year, and it would be difficult to tell you all of the ways that you can go wrong, or all of the things that you can do right. But let’s hit some main points:

1)    From the very first sentence, I want to see that you’re not just a competent writer, but a skillful one. I want to see that you have a way with words, so that I feel as if I’m in the hands of a professional storyteller. That means that I won’t feel confused, and I won’t get tripped up by typos or beginner’s mistakes. Indeed, I want to see that you’re talented right from the first sentence. Half of the editors and agents say that they look for a great voice right out the gate, whether it be the voice of the narrating character or of the author.

2)    I want to know (or at least have some great hints) where and when the story is taking place. It helps if the setting is intriguing and beautifully drawn. Of course, when you bring that setting to life, you should appeal to most of the senses quickly—sight, sound, smell, touch, taste.

3)    I want to know who the protagonist is and I want to see you handling the viewpoint properly. This means that the protagonist moves, has an emotional state, and thinks, so that we aren’t seeing the tale from a camera’s point of view, but from a real person’s. More than that, it is often helpful if the character is likeable or interesting or even both.

4)    In the opening five pages, I must see a hint of an intriguing conflict, one that is already building toward a climax. To get that in quickly, this means that you almost need to start the story in media res.

5)    In my business as a science fiction and fantasy editor, I want to see some novelty—something that tells me that your work is original, that you’re capable of coming up with something new.

Now, that’s my short list. I could go on and suggest that I want to see that you know how to construct a scene, that you can dazzle the reader in subtle ways that most pros know, that you know how to construct a plot, that you tastefully insert the emotional draws your audience is hoping for, that you are a pro at constructing believable dialog—and a dozen other little things.

But as you can see, for the first five pages, I can only hope for so much. All that I really want is to be convinced that you’re one of the greatest discoveries that I’ve ever made. If you think that an agent or editor wants anything less, you’re mistaken. The truth is that every editor and every agent who reads your manuscript is hoping that your tale demands to be published

#reblog #beginning #introduction #prose

[author-in-training-writes]

Emotion Wheel. For when you need a word and sad just doesn’t cut it.

#reblog #emotions #description #word lists

[author-in-training-writes]

Good morning. What's the best way to ask someone to provide editorial and critical commentary on a book one has written? I have asked 4 people to review a book I've written; their comments will help me determine if it is ready for publication. So far, their intentions are golden, but actions are zilch. Deadlines and reminders have not moved any of them in over 2 months. Advice?

Finding Beta Readers

The best thing to do? Find better betas. Everyone is busy with their own lives and may not have time to read over and critique your WIP right way, but 2 months is pushing it.

Some Things to Try:

Make a callout post asking for experienced betas to read over your WIP. Put specific details about what you are looking for and what your story is all about.

Check out other writeblrs to see if they are looking for a critique partner. This would require you to read and critique someone else’s work.

Join a writeblr community. My personal favourite is @writeblrconnections. They have a lot of cool events they do to help connect writers and find betas for your WIPS.

Examples of Good Beta Callout Posts:

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

Thanks for your question! If you need help with anything else, feel free to send in another ask!

~AIT

#writing #writeblr #writing blog #writing tips #writing advice #writing reference #writing help #nanowrimo #my post #ask #ask ait #anon ask #beta reader #beta reading #editting #critique #review

[author-in-training-writes]

Symbols for Writing Use

When I’m writing, I always feel stressed when I’m trying to put symbolism in one of my stores. I never know if I’m doing it right, and I never know which objects to give meaning. Any object can be a symbol, but here’s a big ol list of some classic symbols to use in literature if you ever get stuck:

Animals

Dove - Peace Lion - Courage/Strength Bird - Freedom Raven - Trickster Crow - Bad Omens, but Can Be Sacred in Some Cultures Bat - Guardian of Night, Illusion Spider - Creativity, Intelligence Wolf/Fox - Loyalty, Intelligence, Playfulness Cat - Balance, Independence, Curiosity Horse - Determination Deer (Doe) - Innocence, Grace Butterfly - Transformation, Rebirth Swan - Divinity, Power of Self Panda - Gentle Strength, Luck Rabbit - Fear, Caution, Fertility

Weather

Rain - Not Sadness, New Opportunity, Cover of Darkness (shelter)

Snow - Cleansing

Storming - Conflicted Emotions, Anger

Fire Storm (Forest Fire, Volcanoes) - Earthly (nonhuman) anger, aggressive renewal, danger

Silver Lining of Clouds - Hope

Smoke - Desperation, Calm Before the Storm

Objects

I meant what I said when I said that symbolism can be tacked on to any object, but here are the most classic

Generational Weapons (ex. a father’s gun passed to a daughter) - Wisdom from pain, chance for forgiveness of donor

Glass - Fragile Order

Tree - Quiet Wisdom

Eyeglasses - Intelligence, Societal Order

Lockets/Family Heirlooms - Belonging, Familial Bonds, Vitality

Book/Pen/Pencil - Lasting Intelligence

Mask (dependent on context) - Cover of Secrecy, Safety in Anonymity

Animal Souvenirs (ex. boar’s head on stake) - Defiance Against Nature

Colors

Red - Passion, Impulsivity, Anger

Orange - Happiness, Enthusiasm

Yellow - Joy, Innocence, Peace

Green - Growth, Harmony

Blue - Stability, Loyalty, Intelligence

Purple - Royalty, New Strength and Leadership

Black - Mystery, Death, Quiet Solitude

White - Divinity, Cruel Strength, Lack of Empathy

How to Use Them

1. Be sure that the symbols are recurrent. The most effective way to let your reader know that this is, in fact, a symbol is to constantly remind them that your symbol is present

2. Use as directed. If a scene doesn’t require the use of a certain symbol, then don’t add it. For example, don’t insert characters who are about to be cleansed from their past and be reborn into better people in a scene set with a stormy atmosphere.

3. Explain, but don’t hold hands. Once the reader is clear that a symbol has been laid out and is present in your story, be sure that they understand exactly what the symbol is there to do. Of course, leave much of it up to interpretation, but don’t have its use be so loose that it’s difficult to pinpoint.

I hope this helped, and to anyone who might use this, good luck, happy writing!

#reblog #symbolism

[author-in-training-writes]

Hi! I was just wondering what do you think would be the best way to go about writing a friends with benefits type of relationship?

Friends-with-Benefits

There’s a lot of questions you should be asking yourselfabout these characters’ relationship.

The Beginning – Howdid this relationship start? How did the characters meet? Did they use a datingapp like Tinder or Grindr? Why did they decide to establish a friends-with-benefitsrelationship as opposed to a romantic, committed one?

The Fun Part –How often do they meet up? Do they ever hang out and not hook-up with eachother? Are they seeing other people? Are they open and honest about their liveswith each other? Does anyone outside of the relationship know about it?

The Inevitable –9 times out of 10, a friends-with-benefits relationship will lead to one characterfalling for the other. Think about how you want this relationship to end. Willthey successfully be able to not fall in love? Or will they have to face theirfeelings and potentially start a real romantic relationship?

Thanks for your question. If you want help with anythingelse, feel free to send in another ask!

~AIT

#writing #writeblr #writing blog #writing tips #writing help #writing advice #writing reference #nanowrimo #my post #ask #ask ait #ait writes #anon ask #relationships #characters #friends with benefits #romance #sex #love

[author-in-training-writes]

Writing Deaf Characters | Speech is Speech

Before I get going, I’m 75% deaf, as some of you know, semi-reliant on hearing aids and lip reading. My first languages were Makaton sign and then BSL. I now use spoken English. This is part one of two. People are People covers characterization and toxic tropes.

There are a lot of issues I find with how deaf people are represented in books, when represented at all. I would love to see more deaf and hard of hearing characters in the books I read- without having to read books specifically about deaf/HoH people- but when I find them, they’re grossly undercharacterized or stereotyped. Authors write them in a way that sets signing language characters apart from speaking characters as if they are inferior, and this makes my blood boil.

Some technicalties

I’ll keep this brief.

You may have heard that “deaf” is a slur and you should use “hearing impaired”. Don’t. I’ve never met a deaf or hard of hearing person who believed that. Use deaf for people who are deaf, and Hard of Hearing (HoH) for people who lack hearing. These can be interchangeable depending on the person. This is why sensitivity readers are a useful part of the beta process.

Sign language is incredibly varied. It developes in the same way as spoken language. Fun fact: in BSL there are at least half a dozen ways to say bullshit, my favourite of which is laying your arms across one another with one hand making a bull’s head sign and the other hand going flat, like a cowpat. It’s beautifully crude, and the face makes the exclamation mark. Wonderful.

There are different sign languages. Knowing more than one would make a character multi or bi-lingual, even if they are non-speaking.

Makaton is basic sign language used by children, and it mirrors the very simple language used by toddlers.

Yes, we swear and talk shit about people around us in sign language sometimes, and no, it isn’t disrespectful to have signing characters do this. Just remember that we also say nice things, and random things, and talk about fandoms and TV shows and what we’re having for dinner, too.

Each signed language is different from another. ASL and BSL? Nothing alike. Just google the two different signs for horse.

Remember that sign language is a language, equal to the spoken word

Therefore, treat it as such. Use quotation speech marks and dialogue tags. You only need to explicitly state that this character uses signed language once, and then let your modifiers and description do the rest.  It isn’t a form of “sub-speech" or “making hand actions”- sign language is a language all on its own: it has its own grammar rules, syntactical structures, punctuation, patterns, idioms and colloquialisms. For example, “what is your name?” becomes “Your name what?” with the facial expression forming punctuation in the same way that spoken English uses alterations of prosodic tone (inflections). There is even pidgin sign; a language phenomenon usually associated with spoken language.

In the same way that you would describe a spoken-English character’s tone of voice, you would describe a signed-English speaker’s facial expressions and the way that they sign- keeping in mind that these things are our language’s equivalent of verbal inflection.

So please, none of that use of “special speech marks” or italicised speech for sign. If your viewpoint character doesn’t understand signed speech, then you take the same approach that would be used for any other language they don’t understand, like French or Thai. E.g “He said something in rapid sign language, face wrinkling in obvious disgust.” is a good way of conveying this. The proof that you’ve done this well is in whether or not you can switch “sign language” for French or something else, and it would read the same.

Don’t be afraid to describe how things are said, either. Sign language is such a beautiful and expressive way of talking, and to see a writer do it justice would be truly fabulous. Putting this into practise:

“Oh, I love maths!” She said, fingers sharp and wide with sarcasm. She raised her eyebrows.

“I’m sorry.” He replied and made his face small, but could not keep the grin forming. She was starting to laugh, too.

 For the sake of readibility, I’m putting the rest of the information in part two.

This is part of my weekly advice theme. Each week I look at what you’ve asked me to help with, and write a post or series of posts for it. Next week: settings and character development (including heroes, anti-heroes, villains, and every other kind of character).

#reblog #disability #characters #deaf

[author-in-training-writes]

Hi! Really love your blog. My question for you is this: What is the best way to handle/present a gap of ten years in my story? Would it be best to use a prologue for the early chapters, and then begin the actual story after the years have passed? I've heard prologues are pretty much no-nos, but nothing relevant to the story happens in those ten years. How would you handle the passage of time? Thanks!

For Scenes that Happened “A Long Time Ago”

Prologue - Prologues are pretty much always “no-nos”, except when they aren’t. If you feel it is absolutely necessary to put this scene at the beginning of your story, then do it. Even if you use a prologue, remember to establish that a long time has passed since the last chapter at the start of the next one. This is best to use if the event is short enough to fit into one chapter.

Flashbacks – If it’s not necessary to put this scene in the beginning, consider using a flashback. You can start a new scene or have a character discuss the event through dialogue. If you choose to write out the scene through a traditional flashback, again establish that the reader is now in a different time and place. Flashbacks are usually written in italics.

Divide into Parts – Is the event that takes place in the past big enough to cover multiple chapters? Then divide your book into distinct parts. Part 1 could take place in the past and part 2 could take place in the present. As always, remember to establish that time had passed in some way.

Thanks so much for your question! If you need help with anything else, just ask!

~AIT

#writing #writeblr #writing blog #writing tips #writing help #writing advice #writing reference #nanowrimo #my post #ask #ask ait #writin-on #scenes #description #backstory #time skips

[author-in-training-writes]

Tips on writing unrequited love? I'd like to add that character A is in love with Character B who is in a relationship with character C and all three of them have been friends since they were young.

Hi there, thank you so much for your question!! I think unrequited love can be such an interesting thing to explore, because it’s something that’s not often written about in favor of, well, requited love. But I think many of us have, at some point, had feelings for someone that aren’t returned, so not only is it relatable, but it can add some unexpected conflict to your story, and bring just a little bit more life to the characters in question :)

For the sake of clarity – in this post, the primary character will be referred to as A; the object of A’s affections is B; and B’s significant other will be C.

Unrequited Love

The consequences of unrequited love are going to affect not only character A, but characters B and C in this equation. B is the object of affection, so it is tempting to focus almost entirely on B – but C is a major pillar as well, because C has, essentially obtained B. This is not to objectify B, or any other characters, but it can be helpful to view it in these terms: A desires B, but B is possessed by C, therefore C is the enemy. The attraction will affect A’s relationship to both characters, depending on how they feel, and their level of guilt/remorse over the situation. I am not saying that one should feel guilty over their feelings of affection for someone. And it is possible (and would also be interesting) to have a character who does not feel guilty for their attraction despite B being in a relationship, which will be addressed later in the post.

As with anything in your story, this is going to affect many of your character’s actions and decisions. It will affect the way their friendship functions, and much of this, I would argue, is dependent upon who in this equation is aware of character A’s feelings. I will address each situation accordingly, beginning with:

Character A

If only Character A is aware of their own romantic feelings for B, then B-and-C’s actions will not be affected by said feelings. They will act the same way towards A that they always have throughout their friendship, unless some outside force would implore them to act otherwise. These feelings are, therefore, bottled up inside of A.

How do they feel about their feelings?

There are many ways that A could react to their own romantic feelings for B, especially considering there is a third person in the picture. These feelings, also, do not have to be mutually exclusive. It can be dominated by one major driving emotion, or A can experience conflicting feelings about the situation.

Guilt/Shame/Embarrassment? – In such a case, A will probably fight to keep their feelings hidden. If they’re feeling guilty, it is probably due to their close friendship to both B and C, and their desire to not infringe upon their happiness in their relationship. These emotions are turned inward, meaning they are taking responsibility for their emotions, and holding themselves responsible for what may happen as consequence of these emotions. They may even go to the extreme of pulling away from B and/or C all together.

A lack of guilt may lead A to act in the complete opposite extreme. They may make snarky comments towards B and C about their relationship, whenever they are sharing a moment that A is not a part of. They may attempt to sabotage the relationship, either by drawing B’s attention away, or trying to paint C in a negative light. This leads into the next point:

Jealousy/Anger/Resentment? – In this case, A may be angry towards B and C. Maybe because their friendship is now stilted due to B and C’s private relationship, leaving A to feel like a third wheel. Under what circumstances did B and C get together? Was A there for the process, or did they find out after the fact, only to realize that their friend group would never be the same because of it? These emotions are turned outward, meaning that A is placing blame. Not necessarily blame for their romantic feelings, but blame for their discomfort and unhappiness on an external situation. 

If this is a three-way friendship, but B and C are in a relationship, there will often be times where A feels like a third wheel, or like an outsider, simply because romantic relationships often have their own language. Because they spend so much time alone together, where A is not present, B and C will develop their own inside jokes, their own mannerisms with each other, their own ways of communication that A may not be privy to understanding. 

If B and C are aware of A’s feelings, then A might act very differently towards them. The guilt and/or anger will still be present, but their actions due to them will change, because the nature of their feelings is no longer a secret, making a lot of their actions a little more transparent. This may also be dependent upon how B and C responded to learning about A’s romantic feelings. If the group are still friends, then I would assume it did not destroy the relationship entirely, but there will undoubtedly be a certain level of strain/awkwardness on the relationship, even if it’s only at certain points. 

Characters B & C

As the object of A’s affections, B’s actions hold a huge impact on the relationship and how it continues to function. A is going to be specifically affected by B’s response due to their romantic affections towards B. If B isn’t aware of A’s feelings, then the effects would be less impactful, however it is important to consider how B treats A as a friend: is B one of those hyper-affectionate with people, comfortable with being physically close/playful with those outside of their romantic relationship? Or do they maintain a firm difference between how they treat a friend and how they treat a lover? Meanwhile, C holds just as much impact on the group dynamic as A and B, especially if C’s reaction is much different from B’s. The following points apply to both B and C in the case that either of them are made aware:

How do they treat A because of it? 

Distance themselves/pull away from A? – Your character may have a myriad of reactions to A’s feelings, ranging from pity to disgust. Thus, they may treat A differently because of it, leading to a rift in the relationship. They may no longer share secrets with A like they used to, or they may no longer be able to joke around in the same way due to the awkwardness caused. There may even be resentment towards A for feeling the way that they do. Keep in mind, the act of pushing A away can either be a conscious or an unconscious decision. They may intentionally ostracize A due to the discomfort they feel, or maybe to make a point to A to let them know that their feelings will be reciprocated. Or, it can spring entirely unwittingly. 

Act like nothing has changed? – On the other hand, your character may act as if nothing about the relationship is different – again, either purposefully or not. If it is an intentional act, your character may feel that A’s feelings do not change the strength of their friendship, and that they can still maintain their strong bond in spite of it. Or, it may be that your character is trying to cope with any discomfort they may feel by pretending that nothing is wrong. 

Final Notes:

Where did we come from? 

What was this friendship like before B and C got into a relationship? What was it like before A even developed feelings? This will serve as the foundation for this relationship, giving you a springboard from which to jump off of. 

Where are we now? 

How do all characters in the situation feel about each other due to A’s feelings? What are the repercussions, and what has changed in the relationship because of A?

Where are we going? 

What actions are A, B and C going to take due to their current reality? 

Thank you so much again for your question, and I hope this could be of help!! Don’t hesitate to hit us with another ask if you have any other questions. Happy writing! – Mod Daenerys 

If you need advice on general writing or fanfiction, you should maybe ask us!

#reblog #love #romance #unrequited love

[author-in-training-writes]

To every writer who thinks their story isn’t good enough, or exciting enough, or written well enough:

Chances are, it’s better than you think.

You’re just too close to your own story to see how wonderful it really is.

#reblog #inspiration

[author-in-training-writes]

HEY, Romance Writers!

A few followers have asked for tips on writing romance into their stories or as the basis of their stories. Here’s a masterlist of sources that may help [UPDATED].

Romance:

What Defines Romantic Love?

How to Plot a Romance Novel 

How to Build a Romance Thread in Your Story

How to Write a YA Romance Without Cliché  

Writing Healthy Couples in Fiction

9 Romance Writing Mistakes to Avoid

An Antidote to “Love at First Sight”

How Attractive Should Your Characters Be?

6 Ways to Get Your Readers Shipping Like Crazy 

3 Great Ways to Show That Your Character Is In Love

Seven Great Sources of Conflict for Romances 

20 Tips for Writing Lovable Romance Novel Heroes

Six Steps to Stronger Character Arcs in Romances

How to Write a Kissing Scene in a Romance Novel

List of Ideas to Keep Romantic Tension High 

100 Questions for Character Couples

Romantic Development/Compatibility (ask)

Pinterest Board “Writing: Romance Arcs and Plots”  

Bad Romance:

Removing the Creeps From Romance

+ Why The Surprise Kiss Must Go

Possessiveness 101

10 Signs You May Be in an Emotionally Abusive Relationship

Edward & Bella Are In An Abusive Relationship 

Red Flags, Verbal Abuse, Stalking… | Script Shrink

5 Huge Mistakes Ruining the Romantic Relationships in Your Book 

General Tips for Writing Characters Love Interests:

How to Write from a Guy’s POV 

Writing Awesome Male Characters: What You’re Doing Wrong

7 Point-of-View Basics Every Writer Should Know

How Do You Describe a Character?

4 Ways to Make Readers Instantly Loathe Your Character Descriptions

3 Signs Your Story’s Characters Are Too Perfect 

Is a Quirk Just What Your Character Needs?

Six Types of Character Flaws

Is Your Character Optimistic Or Pessimistic?

5 Ways to Keep Characters Consistent

9 Simple and Powerful Ways to Write Body Language

10 Body Language Tricks for Deeper Characterization

Describing People Part Three: Gestures, Expressions, and Mannerisms

33 Ways To Write Stronger Characters 

Conveying Character Emotion 

Distinguishing Characters in Dialogue 

How to Make Readers Love an Unlikable Character…  

Characters: Likability Is Overrated

Relationships in General:

How to Create Powerful Character Combos

8 Secrets To Writing Strong Character Relationships

Character Relationships: 6 Tips for Crafting Real Connections 

Stereotypes, Archetypes, & Tropes:

Five Signs Your Story Is Sexist: Part 1, Part 2

Five Signs Your Story Is Sexist – Against Men

AlwaysFemale vs Always Male

Born Sexy Yesterday & Manic Pixie Dream Girl

7 (Overused) Female Love Interests

When Friends Fall for Each Other (ask)

Intercultural Romance:

How do I write an interracial couple accurately? (ask)

15 Common Stereotypes About Intercultural Relationships

Cross Cultural Relationships

[Ideas for] Your [Fictional] Cross-Cultural Relationship

Things to Avoid When Writing Interracial Romance

— — —

Ko-Fi // Wattpad // Goodreads // Pinterest

#reblog #romance

[author-in-training-writes]

How To Actually Get Writing Done

– I’ve seen so many posts on how to feel productive, but not too many on how to actually be productive. I do firmly believe in the power of mindset but that only does so much if you’re not actually going to sit down and get to work. I hope this is helpful to those who need it right now, whether you’re facing the end-of-the-year deadline or you’re trying to finish an essay before Christmas break is over or if you’re just trying to get out of a writing rut. This, as always, is my advice derived from personal experience and it may not work for everyone, but if this can so much as point you in the right direction, it has served its purpose.

Get Your Priorities Straight

Do you really want to spend this time writing? Or do you need to get that essay done? Is the laundry piling up in your closet, forming into the shape of a demon that’s going to scare the crap out of you tonight? If there is one thing I can pass onto you as advice, it’s to write with a clear mind. I’m not saying that you can’t write if you have other responsibilities, but writing to escape the million other things you know you need to do is not going to make that weight leave your shoulders and isn’t going to allow you to create good content either. it is much easier to be creative when the boring chores of reality aren’t nudging at your brain whenever you get stuck on a word that sounds wrong.

Eliminate All Distractions

Social media is not the only distraction there is that’s keeping you from writing. If you need to get stuff done, realize that maybe it isn’t wise to have two friends over to “study”. Be honest with yourself when the situation is starting to get critical. Do not set yourself up to fail by turning Netflix on in the background because “the noise just makes me feel more comfortable when I’m alone”. That’s what ASMR is for. Don’t make excuses for the fact that creating distractions is a form of procrastination.

Say No To Yourself

Your brain is going to tell you “Just one more YouTube video” or “Just a 30 minute power nap” or “I’ll have more time to write tomorrow anyway”. Ignore that voice. Recognize that that, forgive me if I offend you, is BS. You cannot have faith in the convenience of the future if you want to be a successful writer. If you constantly depend on the cozy belief that you will feel it tomorrow or that you don’t have anything going on tomorrow so you can spend today doing whatever and shove it all on future you, you are going to get slapped hard by reality a lot sooner than you think. Train your mind to hear that voice and respond with “no, there is a good to fair chance that something unexpected is going to pop up tomorrow and that right now is the only time I’ll get to get this done, so I’m going to power through and do it now” because it is much better to have it done early than be worrying about it later on.

Write What You’re Excited About First

So, it’s common sense that you’ll be more motivated to start writing when you’re excited about what you’re writing, so start with that. This is one of the oldest pieces of advice in the book, but it’s popular for a reason. If you need to, start at the end or the middle or a scene you’ve been thinking about a lot recently or whatever. Even if you go back and edit one of your past scenes to throw yourself back into your own story, it’s ok. It’s allowed. Do what you need to do to get into it.

Just Get Started

I promise you that writing is more fun and exciting and a lot easier than you think when you just do it. Even if you know that what is coming out of your pen is garbage, just enjoy it. Fool yourself into thinking it’s the best art there has ever been and sometime into the writing session it will become such. If you tell yourself what you’re writing is golden, it will become golden. Confidence is pretty much everything when it comes to writing, because the confidence shows in the final product at the end of the day. Just remember, like everything else in life, you just have to fake it until you make it.

Face Reality

You’re not going to get 10,000 words written and edited and ready for publishing in one day. You’re not going to wake up tomorrow any more motivated than you are right now. You aren’t going to suddenly feel ready to write your entire book if you spend an hour scrolling through inspirational quotes on Tumblr. You are never going to be more ready to write than you are now, so stop making excuses and procrastinating and read this as a sign: start now. Don’t second guess it, don’t spend time making your surroundings perfect and outlining the chapter ad nauseam. Just write. Right now.

Support Wordsnstuff!

Request A Writing Help Post/Themed Playlist/Writing Tips!

Send Me Poetry To Feature On Our Instagram!

Receive Updates & Participate In Polls On Our Twitter!

Like us and share on Facebook!

Read More On Our Masterlist & See our Frequently Asked Questions!

Tag What You Want Me To See With #wordsnstuff !

#reblog #writer's block #inspiration #motivation

[author-in-training-writes]

Ways to Get Inspired to Write That Character

1. Create a Mood Board

A mood board is a collage of images, text, colors, or materials. that are used to “to evoke or project a particular style or concept”. Basically, it helps set the “mood” for whatever you are working on. Mood boards are often used by interior decorators and artists but can also be used for writing. I love creating mood boards for each of my characters. It helps me get a a feel for the character I am writing. For example, one of my characters is an elven swordswoman. For her mood board I used images of trees, flowers, decorative swords, and artwork of elves. It really helps when I’m trying to write from her perspective. 

To create a mood board, simply find images or text that remind you of your OC. I use google images or even pinterest to find images. Its easy and fun. 

2. Take Quizzes for Your Characters

Okay, this may seem a little silly but it totally works. Take a quiz from your characters point of view. Select the answers you think your character would select. I personally like doing this with personality quizzes such as the Myers Briggs tests because I can use the results as a foundation for my characters personality. It’s fun, effective, and actually productive.

3. Create Playlists 

I listen to music a lot because it gets my creative juices flowing. So, if I find myself stuck on a particular character, I make a playlist of songs that remind me of that character. I actually like doing this before I start working on a character so I can listen to it while working on them. It sets the mood and gives you better results. Give it a try. 

4. Study Some of Your Favorite Characters

Sit down, take out a notebook, and start taking notes on some of your favorite characters from literature, TV, or movies. What made you attracted to this character? What made you hate this character? What is your favorite thing about this character? Answering these questions will help see why you feel that way towards your favorite or least favorite fictional characters. Use your notes as a guideline on how to make readers either hate or love your OCs. 

5. People Watch

Yeah, this sounds creepy but it is very effective. Go to the park, take a walk, or simply sit at the window and observe the people you see. Take notes on the little things that they do. Do they walk a certain way? Do they stand up straight or do they slouch? What quirks do they have? Do they drum their fingers while sitting? Do they tap their foot while waiting in line? Write down what you observe and you can apply the results to your characters. It will give your original characters a more realistic touch. 

Feel free to add to this list!  

#reblog #characters #inspiration

[author-in-training-writes]

Super detailed questions about your OCs

1. What’s their full name? Why was that chosen? Does it mean anything? 2. Do they have any titles? How did they get them? 3. Did they have a good childhood? What are fond memories they have of it? What’s a bad memory? 4. What is their relationship with their parents? What’s a good and bad memory with them? Did they know both parents? 5. Do they have any siblings? What’s their names? What is their relationship with them? Has their relationship changed since they were kids to adults? 6. What were they like at school? Did they enjoy it? Did they finish? What level of higher education did they reach? What subjects did they enjoy? Which did they hate? 7. Did they have lots of friends as a child? Did they keep any of their childhood friends into adulthood? 8. Did they have pets as a child? Do they have pets as an adult? Do they like animals? 9. Do animals like them? Do they get on well with animals? 10. Do they like children? Do children like them? Do they have or want any children? What would they be like as a parent? Or as a godparent/babysitter/ect? 11. Do they have any special diet requirements? Are they a vegetarian? Vegan? Have any allergies? 12. What is their favourite food? 13. What is their least favourite food? 14. Do they have any specific memories of food/a restaurant/meal? 15. Are they good at cooking? Do they enjoy it? What do others think of their cooking? 16. Do they collect anything? What do they do with it? Where do they keep it? 17. Do they like to take photos? What do they like to take photos of? Selfies? What do they do with their photos? 18. What’s their favourite genre of: books, music, tv shows, films, video games and anything else 19. What’s their least favourite genres? 20. Do they like musicals? Music in general? What do they do when they’re favourite song comes? 21. Do they have a temper? Are they patient? What are they like when they do lose their temper? 22. What are their favourite insults to use? What do they insult people for? Or do they prefer to bitch behind someone’s back? 23. Do they have a good memory? Short term or long term? Are they good with names? Or faces? 24. What is their sleeping pattern like? Do they snore? What do they like to sleep on? A soft or hard mattress? 25. What do they find funny? Do they have a good sense of humour? Are they funny themselves? 26. How do they act when they’re happy? Do they sing? Dance? Hum? Or do they hide their emotions? 27. What makes them sad? Do they cry regularly? Do they cry openly or hide it? What are they like they are sad? 28. What is their biggest fear? What in general scares them? How do they act when they’re scared? 29. What do they do when they find out someone else’s fear? Do they tease them? Or get very over protective? 30. Do they exercise? Regularly? Or only when forced? What do they act like pre-work out and post-work out? 31. Do they drink? What are they like drunk? What are they like hungover? How do they act when other people are drunk or hungover? Kind or teasing? 32. What do they dress like? What sorta shops do they buy clothes from? Do they wear the fashion that they like? What do they wear to sleep? Do they wear makeup? What’s their hair like? 33. What underwear do they wear? Boxers or briefs? Lacey? Comfy granny panties? 34. What is their body type? How tall are they? Do they like their body? 35. What’s their guilty pleasure? What is their totally unguilty pleasure? 36. What are they good at? What hobbies do they like? Can they sing? 37. Do they like to read? Are they a fast or slow reader? Do they like poetry? Fictional or non fiction? 38. What do they admire in others? What talents do they wish they had? 39. Do they like letters? Or prefer emails/messaging? 40. Do they like energy drinks? Coffee? Sugary food? Or can they naturally stay awake and alert? 41. What’s their sexuality? What do they find attractive? Physically and mentally? What do they like/need in a relationship? 42. What are their goals? What would they sacrifice anything for? What is their secret ambition? 43. Are they religious? What do they think of religion? What do they think of religious people? What do they think of non religious people? 44. What is their favourite season? Type of weather? Are they good in the cold or the heat? What weather do they complain in the most? 45. How do other people see them? Is it similar to how they see themselves? 46. Do they make a good first impression? Does their first impression reflect them accurately? How do they introduce themselves? 47. How do they act in a formal occasion? What do they think of black tie wear? Do they enjoy fancy parties and love to chit chat or loathe the whole event? 48. Do they enjoy any parties? If so what kind? Do they organise the party or just turn up? How do they act? What if they didn’t want to go but were dragged along by a friend? 49. What is their most valued object? Are they sentimental? Is there something they have to take everywhere with them? 50. If they could only take one bag of stuff somewhere with them: what would they pack? What do they consider their essentials?

#reblog #characters #ask game