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writingwithfolklore · 3 months

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10 Tips for New Writers

Find people to write with (another beginner writing buddy, critique groups for beginners, a mentor or teacher, online writer groups that you trust)

Accept all feedback, but you ultimately decide what changes to make

If you want to traditionally publish your writing—don’t post it online. Anywhere.

Be choosey with who you share your writing with

Rejection does not determine your writing’s worth.

First drafts are meant to be bad—you can’t edit a blank page

Write as much and as often as makes you happy

Try out lots of different techniques until you find the one that really works for you

Write what interests you—not what you think others will be interested in

Ultimately, writing is supposed to be fun—don’t be afraid to have fun with it!

#writing #creative writing #writers #screenwriting #writing community #writing inspiration #filmmaking #books #film #writing advice #10 tips for new writers #tips for new writers #new writers #beginner writer #writing tips

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jane-alma · 7 months

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Writing advice for new writers

Some things that I wished I had been told when I started writing <3

1. Read, read, read:

Immerse yourself in the works of established authors across various genres. Reading not only exposes you to different writing styles and techniques but also helps you understand the fundamentals of storytelling. It broadens your vocabulary, sparks your imagination, and inspires your own writing.

2. Write regularly:

Make writing a habit. Set aside dedicated time each day or week to write, even if it's just for a short period. Consistency is key to improving your skills and developing your unique voice. Practice, experiment, and don't be afraid to make mistakes – it's all part of the learning process.

3. Embrace the editing process:

Writing is rewriting. Understand that your first draft is just the beginning. Editing and revising are crucial steps that transform your work into its best version. Be open to constructive feedback, whether from friends, writing groups, or professionals. Embrace the opportunity to refine your ideas, strengthen your prose, and polish your storytelling.

4. Find your writing environment:

Discover the environment in which you feel most comfortable and creative. Experiment with different settings, and create a space that inspires and motivates you to write. Surround yourself with objects, images, or music that enhance your creativity.

5. Explore different genres and styles:

Don't limit yourself to a single genre or writing style. Experiment with different forms of writing – from short stories to poetry, fiction to non-fiction. Trying new genres and styles challenges you as a writer, expands your skills. I also find this really helpful If I feel stuck in a project. Whenever I feel really stuck, I like to open a new document, or even get a pen and some paper and just write something completely different. It might just be a silly little poem, or maybe I’ll just write down what I’ve been doing that day. Just something to get out of my head, and then I can get back to my project with a clearer mind.

6. Write what you love:

Write about topics that genuinely interest and excite you. When you're passionate about your subject matter, your enthusiasm will shine through in your writing. Whether it's fantasy, romance, history, or science fiction, let your love for the topic fuel your creativity and captivate your readers.

7. Trust your voice:

Each writer has a unique voice, perspective, and story to tell. Embrace your individuality and trust your instincts. Don't compare yourself to others or try to imitate someone else's style. Your voice is what sets you apart and makes your writing authentic.

8. Enjoy the process:

Above all, enjoy the process of writing. Writing is a creative outlet, a form of self-expression, and a journey of self-discovery. Embrace the ups and downs, the challenges and triumphs, and savor the joy of bringing your ideas to life through words.

And most importantly of all: Remember, every writer starts somewhere, and like any other craft, it takes time, practice and dedication. Happy writing y’all! <3

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novlr · 8 months

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How can I end a chapter without it being too abrupt?

Writing a novel is like any craft. Each element contributes to the whole piece, and each chapter forms a part of your narrative with its own arc. However, creating a seamless transition between chapters can be challenging for even the best writers. The end of a chapter needs to be satisfying, yet also tantalizing to keep readers flipping the page. So, how do you end a chapter without being too abrupt?

End with a cliffhanger

Ending a chapter with an unexpected twist, a sudden revelation, or an unresolved situation that leaves readers hanging in suspense is the essence of a good cliffhanger. The key to a successful cliffhanger is to write it in a way that feels organic to your story. A well-crafted cliffhanger triggers curiosity, keeps the narrative tension high, and ensures that your readers remain invested and eager to read on.

Introduce the next point of action

Introducing the next point of action is a powerful way to maintain the pace of your story and end a chapter. It’s as simple as revealing a new character, event, or conflict that will take centre stage in the forthcoming chapter. For example, your character could receive a mysterious letter, stumble upon a secret door, or meet a stranger with riveting news. This gives your readers a clear idea about the next focus but keeps them intrigued to learn more.

Pose a question

Posing a question is a simple way to end a chapter that feels natural. The question could be literal or metaphorical. It could be a question in a character’s mind or a question about the events unfolding in the story. For instance, your character might wonder, “Who was the mysterious stranger?” or “What’s behind that secret door?” This method leaves your readers curious, sparking their imagination as they try to guess the answer. Remember, a good question doesn’t just ask — it hints at a deeper story.

Develop your characters

Concluding a chapter with character development can provide depth to your story and make your readers feel more connected to them. A character might go through a significant change or realisation. For example, your protagonist could realize they’ve been lied to their entire life, or a side character could decide to leave their past behind and start fresh. These kinds of character moments make your readers more invested in their journey.

Use Foreshadowing

Foreshadowing is a narrative device that involves giving hints about what will happen next in the story. You can do this subtly by dropping minor details that hint at future events. For example, you might describe a looming storm cloud on the horizon, foreshadowing a coming conflict or problem. Alternatively, you might make a direct statement about future events. For instance, a character might say something like, “I have a bad feeling about this.” But remember, don’t give away too much. Keeping some level of mystery is important to maintain the reader’s interest.

Reveal something

A revelation at the end of a chapter can make your readers more eager to keep reading. It could involve unveiling a new piece of information about a character, story arc, or mystery that shifts the reader’s perspective. For example, a truth about a character’s past could be revealed, or the discovery of a hidden key could introduce a new mystery. Revealing something important can cause a dramatic turn in your story and can make your readers excited to find out what happens next.

Emotional closure

If you’ve had a lot of fast-paced action, then sometimes you need to give your readers a moment to breathe by letting your characters reflect on their feelings. For instance, you might end a chapter with a character solving an issue, realizing an important truth, or simply having a moment of introspection. This allows readers to connect with them emotionally, to understand their feelings, and to see their growth. Emotional closure provides a moment of calm before your readers dive into the next chapter.

Develop your theme or subtext

Developing your story’s theme or subtext at the end of a chapter might involve reinforcing the central theme of your story or introducing a new idea that adds another layer of depth. For instance, if your story is about the struggle for freedom, you could end a chapter with a character making a decision that signifies their pursuit of liberty. This not only helps readers understand the broader context and message of your story but also leaves them pondering these ideas as they move on to the next chapter.

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inky-duchess · 5 months

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Happy New Year, I haven't much to say but I will leave you with these wise words.

#happy new year #Anybody can write #writing #writeblr #writing resources #writing reference #writing advice #writer #spilled words #writers

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byoldervine · 2 months

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Tips For New Writers

1. You ARE a writer. If you write fanfiction, you’re a writer. If you write one-shots, you’re a writer. If you only write for fun, you’re a writer. If you’ve never finished anything, you’re a writer. If you haven’t written in a while, you’re a writer. If you think up the most amazing plot but can never write down any words for it and you think it always sucks, trust me, you’re definitely a writer

2. Your first draft will never be good. It’s not the starting point that makes a story good, it’s the editing, so don’t try to strive for perfection in the first draft - you’ll only burn yourself out and get disheartened because you’re comparing the first draft of your story to the finished products of others, and they’ve likely undergone at least three edits MINIMUM

3. Never delete decent-sized chunks of your story. Retrying a sentence or even maybe a paragraph is alright, but if it’s anything more sizeable than that then you want to copy/paste it into a different document. I like to call it my ‘writing graveyard’ - you might be able to come back to it later on or find ways to tweak it that better fits the current narrative. And even if not, you can look back on it and see how far you’ve come

4. “Writing is a habit”. All this means is that, if you have some kind of consistent writing goal, even if it’s just 100 words every week, that’s still a guaranteed 100 words every week. A consistent writing practice means consistent progress will be made, rather than occasional spikes in productivity followed by long periods of no motivation. Just figure out what you can comfortably commit to without it feeling more like a chore than a fun activity

5. Make backups. If you work online, make sure there are backups of your work so it doesn’t get lost somehow. I’ve been writing all my first draft chapters in separate documents so far so at worst I’ll only lose one chapter if something bad happens, but I’ve also got everything backed up just in case

Best of luck in your writing projects!

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em-dash-press · 5 months

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Drafting Your Creative Time: Your Guide to Planning a Year of Creative Writing

2024 is about to start. You’re going to venture into another year of writing incredible stories, but what will that practically look like? I feel more in charge of my creativity by planning rough writing schedules. Here’s how you can do the same without locking yourself into a too-strict calendar that leaves your writing spirit depleted.

Set One Writing Goal

Twelve months is a lot of time, but anyone can handle a single goal. Make the next year easy on yourself by picking one thing you want to accomplish (and let’s not make it “publish my novel” if you’re just starting the manuscript on January 1, given how it takes roughly 18 months of work after you get an agent) (and that can take a few weeks to a few years, depending on your querying experience!).

Try picking a manageable writing goal like these:

I will write 10 chapters of my novel.

I will make a collection of 5 short stories I write this year.

I will submit a short story to at least 3 contests this year.

I will publish one new work of fanfiction in the next 12 months.

I will write one short story in a new genre.

Publishing a book can be a long-term goal, but your 2024 goal should be easy to break down into manageable steps you can accomplish by yourself. You’ll be more likely to reach the finish line and work toward another goal.

Establish a Stress-Free Writing Schedule

Creativity comes and goes, but your writing will never get done if you don’t form some kind of schedule. Your upcoming year could look something like this:

I’ll write every Wednesday night between 7-7:30 p.m.

I’ll use voice-to-text to get my story-related thoughts on virtual paper for five minutes every morning before school.

I’ll do freestyle writing for five minutes on Mondays and Saturdays to keep my thoughts flowing, even if I don’t find more time to work on my story that week.

Your schedule should be realistic, which means it shouldn’t stress you out. Make it match your weekly and daily routine. When do you naturally feel most energized? When can you carve out ten minutes for your craft?

Remember, you can always (and should!) adjust this set schedule as time goes on. Your non-creative schedule most likely won’t look the same on January 1 as it will on December 31.

Save a Few Writing Prompts

You might have a few weeks here or there when you’re juggling life’s responsibilities and can’t get to your WIP. It happens to all of us!

When you’re busy, try answering a writing prompt in three sentences or less. Use your phone, a sticky pad, or whatever’s nearby. You never know if it’ll inspire you later when you’re free to write.

In the meantime, you’ll keep using the creative side of your brain so your writing abilities don’t feel so distant.

Check out these prompt apps if getting online isn’t your thing or takes too much time from your busy schedule!

Find a Writing Community

There are so many ways to build a writing community. Start a tumblr about it (guilty as charged) or join a Facebook group. Find an active Reddit thread about your favorite genre or join a Discord server with writers.

You don’t even need to start talking to others and making friends if it makes you anxious. Read what people are saying to get inspired by everyone. You’ll naturally join in when you get excited about something they’re discussing and keep creative writing at the front of your mind.

Read Lots of Books

I always feel more connected to my writing when I’m actively reading. Artists of any kind need a source of inspiration to keep their creativity flowing. Keep an actively growing To Be Read list with apps like Story Graph (a Goodreads-type app that isn’t owned by Amazon and gives so much more information about your curated reading history!).

Visit your local library if you don’t have the money for new books all the time (who does?). As you get inspired by what you read, you’ll also pick up skills from authors you admire or note things you don’t want to recreate. Study each story’s structure and character development. You’ll return to your WIPs with renewed passion.

Embrace the Scary Editing Stage

Your first draft is your thoughts and dreams poured out on paper. The editing stage is where you refine and re-write your work until it shines. Set aside specific time for editing after completing a first draft of any story. Even if your editing phase doesn’t take very long, working on line edits and developmental edits will make your work so much better.

It’s also a normal form of frustration for writers, but one that happens no matter where your writing goes (on fanfiction websites, short story contests, a literary agent’s desk, etc.).

Schedule Your Rest

Writing might feel like a natural hobby, but your brain and body still need to rest after periods of intense focus/work. Schedule rest periods into your daily or weekly calendar. It’s time to recharge in whatever ways best suit your body, like:

Sitting outside

Walking in a park

Reading

Sitting in a hot bath

Going to the movies

Sleeping in

Keep in mind that sometimes you’ll need more rest than others. Extend some self-compassion by checking in with your physical and mental energy frequently during the next year. If you take time to rest, you’ll be less likely to burn out creatively.

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This next year will be full of growth, challenges, and joys in your writing life. Embrace every second by resting and writing in new ways.

#writeblr #productivity #writing productivity #creative writing #creative writers #writing advice #writing tips #writers of tumblr #writing #writing community #writing help #writing resources #writing inspiration #new years resolutions #creative writing resolutions

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frownyalfred · 2 years

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friendly reminder to newbie smut writers: your sex scenes can be fun, naughty, dirty, playful, intense, etc without choking, spanking, pain play, or other kinks.

those things are great in certain fics, don’t get me wrong! but your smut doesn’t have to be edgy to be good.

vanilla doesn’t mean your smut is bad, or boring. the sexiest, most sensual scenes can be simple, kind, or even humorous.

#no hate to those tropes or stories because they’re awesome too #but sometimes we as writers overcomplicate sex scenes to be edgy #and it can make new writers have a skewed sense of what readers want/need #also if you’re a virgin and writing smut pain/choking/other kinks are NOT necessarily normal in everyday sex and that’s okay #writing #fic #smut #ao3 #archive of our own #fanfic #fanfiction #thoughts #writing advice #hopefully this isn’t a stupid take

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stygianpen · 10 months

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Finding Inspiration in Everyday Life

Discovering the Extraordinary in Mundanity

In every breath, every leaf's gentle sway, lies a tale waiting to blossom, a muse's delicate display

Amidst time’s ceaseless flow, the seeker of tales experiences a yearning; a longing to explore and bestow. As a writer’s ink dances across the page, we delve into the vastness of life’s grand design; crafting stories from whispers and making the ordinary shine. The physical page may confine our words to its boarders but its that inspiration which weaves its ethereal role where every moment becomes a glimmer waiting to spark beneath our eyes. So, dear reader, today we are going to have a chat about finding inspiration in everyday life.

The Beauty in Simplicity

In the realm of simplicity, lies a profound beauty often overlooked. Amidst the rush and clamor of daily life, we often forget to appreciate the extraordinary moments hidden within the mundane. Yet, it is within the gentlest of gestures, the subtlest of sights, and the quietest of sounds where inspiration waits patiently to be discovered.

When we shift our perspective and attune our senses to the present, we can unlock the potential to unearth new concepts in the simplest of things. The delicate flutter of a butterfly's wings, the soothing rhythm of raindrops on a windowsill, or the familiar embrace of a loved one—these are the moments that hold immeasurable significance.

By recognizing the beauty in simplicity, we can invite a sense of awe and wonder into our lives. We awaken to the profound interconnectedness of all things and open ourselves to the infinite possibilities that lie within the ordinary. So let us pause, breathe, and allow the world around us to inspire and ignite our creative spirits. In the whispers of simplicity, we shall find the extraordinary.

The Poetry of Nature

Nature's poetic allure unveils itself to those who truly immerse themselves in it. Its rhythmic symphony and mesmerizing patterns feed our creative spirits. We witness delicate ferns mirroring celestial spirals, revealing the unfathomable interconnectedness of everything in our world. Nature's vibrant palette paints vivid pictures in our minds, fueling the drive to create.

Beyond visuals, nature engulfs us in a sensory feast. Fragrances of blossoms, symphonies of birdsong, and the caress of grass evoke profound emotions. Awe, serenity, and primal connection intertwine in the enchanting realm that exists outside our door.

In this poetic realm, we find solace and limitless potential for creative growth. Nature's language transcends words, inviting us to listen, interpret, and let it guide our creative endeavors. As we open ourselves to its wonders, we become avid listeners, allowing for a timeless beauty to permeate our souls and shape our artistic expressions.

By spending time in nature as often as possible, you won't only nourish your ability to write about natural environments, but you'll hone all your senses to better pick up on the world around you.

Human Stories: Portraits of Inspiration

Human connection is a tapestry of inspiration, where stories intertwine and breathe life into our creative souls. Each tale holds the power to captivate and illuminate, inviting us to explore the vast spectrum of human experiences and emotions.

Diverse and profound, these stories fuel our imagination. From the depths of sorrow to the heights of joy, they stir within us a kaleidoscope of feelings. They inspire empathy, curiosity, and introspection, urging us to explore the human condition in all its complexities.

Personal encounters bear witness to the transformative nature of human stories. The chance meeting that altered the course of a life, the shared laughter that transcended barriers, or the wisdom gained from a stranger's words—each interaction enriches our understanding of ourselves and others.

While writing can seem a very solitary task and many of us avoid overly-social situations, it's still important to maintain our connection with humanity, whether that's peering into one another's lives through the computer screen or getting out into the world and truly immersing ourselves in humanity.

Carving Out Time: Cultivating an Inspired Writing Practice

As we carve out time to cultivate an inspired writing practice, let us welcome the world as our muse. In the tapestry of daily life, inspiration awaits us at every turn, ready to whisper its secrets and ignite our creative flames. It is in the rustling of autumn leaves, the laughter of children, and the serenity of a sunrise that stories come alive.

It can be hard to find time to seek out that which sets our mind ablaze. Many of us simply let it come to us. But we need not be passive participants! Here are some tips for finding new inspiration in your life:

Incorporating inspiration into a writing routine:

Set aside dedicated time for writing, creating a sacred space for your craft.

Engage in activities that nourish your creative spirit, such as reading, exploring art, or practicing mindfulness.

Arm yourself with the power of rituals, like journaling or taking nature walks, to exercise your mind before each writing session.

Actively seeking inspiration in daily life:

Cultivate a sense of curiosity and wonder, observing the world around you with fresh eyes.

Seek out new experiences, whether it's visiting unfamiliar places or engaging in conversations with diverse individuals.

Find comfort in solitude and introspection, allowing the quiet moments to reveal insights and spark creativity.

The importance of perseverance and discipline:

Observe the ebb and flow of the creative muse, understanding that it may come and go.

Commit to a writing schedule, showing up consistently to hone your craft.

Embrace challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth

So, fellow writers, venture forth with open hearts and eyes, for inspiration hides in the ordinary and extraordinary alike. Seek it in the melodies of city streets and the symphony of nature's song. Find beauty in both the moments of solitude and the vibrant chaos of human connections. Through perseverance and disciplined dedication, let your pen dance upon the page, breathing life into the stories that reside within you.

In the pursuit of inspiration, may your writing practice be a journey of self-discovery and wonder. May it be a testament to the beauty that lies in carving out time for your craft. And may the words you weave inspire others, for there is a world waiting to be explored through your unique lens!

#writing #writing community #creative writing #new author #writing help #writing tips #writing advice #writing resources #writing tips and tricks #inspiration #beauty #poetry #writing challenge #grow as a writer

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bunnyswritings · 1 year

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ur blog is soo helpful !!!! ive been looking into writing more lately and this is like a godsend <3 i was wondering if u could do some starter tips?? like stuff to avoid as a new writer :o ps. hope ur having a wonderful week!!!

ahhh, hello!! this is such a sweet message, and thank you, i hope you have a fruitful week ahead too ♡ i'm so glad you're writing more lately- i'll def do my best to provide some starter tips (though i'm really also a starter myself 😅 so i hope you like these, and feel free to let me know what you think!) also, just to put it out there that these are what i found helpful personally / what i think will be helpful, and may / may not resonate with everyone. Also, this topic is soooo broad and there are a million things that can be covered, but for now I'll just keep it short and go with stuff to avoid (or rather, approach differently) as per request. if you / anyone else would like another post for more specific writing tips, feel free to drop it in my ask box!

Some general writing tips — stuff to avoid; little things to not overdo

over-planning

overusing fancy vocabulary

over-describing

over-criticising your work

over-comparing

more details under the cut!

Over-planning — plan the general outline, direction of your plot, message of your story, characters and their rough personalities; yes, do all that well! good planning makes for a good story, but i think it's helpful to remember that sometimes things don't pan out the way we envision them to. and it's important to let certain things go, appropriately of course. if your initial storyline doesn't quite fit the characterisation of the protagonist etc (and vice versa), then perhaps it's time to rethink things — and NOT be too hard-up about it. [tldr: be flexible!]

Overusing bombastic vocabulary — i'm sure you've come across millions of writing advice pieces that aim to spruce up your vocabulary with bombastic phrases. by all means go ahead and pick a few that fit the mood and style of your writing. otherwise, i'd say that sometimes, less is more. throwing in fancy words for the sake of it may not be as helpful as you think. there should be a fine balance between using words that add flavour + help to illustrate nuances and using words to make your piece seem complex. simplicity goes a long way, as i've learnt. but having said that, building up a solid repertoire of vocabulary / good phrases is always helpful, the key thing is using those phrases in the right context. definitely easier said than done, so i suggest reading your favourite author's works couple of times through and pick up their way of using language to their advantage.

Over-describing — narration, descriptive language are great, and can really help to nudge your story in the right direction. it helps set the scene, the mood, and all these are critical in writing... BUT! not the same can be applied to describing actions. not every single action has to be written out explicitly — an example: she walks over to the kitchen, turns around, and opens the refrigerator. she then takes out a canned drink, and places the drink on the countertop... etc — you get the point. some things can be left implied, rather than explicit.

Over-criticising your work — ahh, the age-old piece of advice. i do it all the time, and you probably do too... sometimes, being harsh on yourself and on your work may seem like the only way to better yourself and push your limits, but often times, i personally find that this is counter-productive both on the physical and mental front. it wears you down, it is a nidus for dejection and negative vibes. i think the way i try to get round this is by taking pride in my own work; telling myself that 'this is something i wrote, these are my ideas put into prose, these are my thoughts written on paper'. the caveat here is that avoiding being over-critical of your work DOES NOT and should not mean avoiding proofreading. proofreading is extremely crucial to check for grammatical and structural errors (i recommend doing it once or twice yourself, and if possible, getting a fresh pair of eyes to do the same).

Over-comparing — this ties in nicely with the previous point. take pride in your work! this is something original from you and you only, written in your unique style. having authors/writers whom you look up to is essential in moulding your writing style and habits, but should not be the sole focus when you write. remember that every writer is different, every piece of writing is different; this goes even for pieces with similar plots / tropes / character personalities. nuances, subtleties and underlying messages can come through very differently when written by different people. after all, our life journeys are all personal, which is a factor influencing the way we convey messages across through the written word.

and... that's it for now! i really hope that this helps. honestly, i'm scratching the surface here, and there are lots more i can talk about when i have more braincells >_<

feel free to drop any other requests or questions in my ask if you'd like ♡

#writing tips #writing resources #writing inspo #writing inspiration #writing advice #creative writing #creative writing prompts #writing prompts #prompts #writerscommunity #writeblr #fanfiction prompts #new writer boost #writer #writing dialogue #bunnyswritings #bunnyrequests #bunnyrambles

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writingwithfolklore · 11 months

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15 Ways to Spark a New Idea

Revisit an old project

Take inspiration from classic stories/folk tales

Follow your interests

Start with genre (or a unique combination)

Start with a character

Start with setting

Combine or reinvent some classic tropes

Ask someone to share a story they don’t usually tell (be curious about the people around you)

Use something from your past

Focus on a hard to define feeling

Experience something new

Brainstorm with a writing friend

Read outside of your comfort zone

Talk to a stranger about their life

Twist the normal, normalize the magical

#writing #writers #writing tips #writing advice #writing inspiration #creative writing #writing community #books #film #filmmaking #screenwriting #novel writing #fanfiction #writeblr #idea generation #story ideas #15 ways to spark a new idea

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jane-alma · 4 months

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Advice for dealing with writer’s block, from a fellow writer

Okay, so I think we can all agree that writer's block sucks. And if you're someone who writes regularly, there's no way to avoid experiencing it from time to time (I sure know I do). But here are a few things that I usually find helpful when I experience writer’s block <3

Firstly, give yourself permission to take a break. Sometimes, the harder we push ourselves to write, the more elusive inspiration becomes. Step away from your writing for a little while and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. This could be anything from going for a walk, reading a book, or indulging in a hobby. By taking time to recharge, you allow your mind to reset and open up to new ideas. Sometimes it can be an longer break that is needed, sometimes the best way to get back into writing if you have a really bad case of writer’s block is to simply not try.

Another useful technique is to try freewriting. Set a timer for a specific duration, it can be as short as 10-15 minutes (personally, I prefer setting my timer for about half an hour to 45 minutes when I do this), and write continuously without worrying about grammar, punctuation, or structure. Let your thoughts flow freely onto the page. This exercise can help loosen up your creative muscles and break through any mental barriers. If you know that you have a tendency to overthink or be overly self critical when you write, I suggest avoiding a time duration longer than 30 minutes, at least the first times you do this exercise.

If you find yourself stuck on a particular project, consider working on something completely different. Switching gears and exploring a new topic or genre can provide a fresh perspective and alleviate the pressure you may be putting on yourself. Experimenting with different writing styles or formats can also help reignite your passion for storytelling.

Collaboration can be another effective way to overcome writer's block. Engage in writing exercises with fellow writers or seek feedback from trusted peers. Sharing your work-in-progress and receiving constructive criticism can often provide valuable insights and new directions for your writing.

Lastly, it's important to remember that writer's block is a natural part of the creative process. Be patient and kind to yourself. Avoid self-criticism and negative self-talk. Instead, focus on nurturing your creativity through self-care, reading, and exploring new experiences. Trust that inspiration will return in its own time.

And most importantly of all, be kind to yourself. We are usually our own biggest critic. Happy writing! <3

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acasestudyinstorytelling · 1 year

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Random character arc moments and plot points

• in fight about to give up and lose, but then they hear the love interest, or sibling, friend, yelling their name

• friend being in a bad situation/hurt/being caught and they see the MC, but they can't do nothing to save them because they'd blow cover

• character begging to live, and crying their eyes out...or not, just froze in fear and pleading

• character accepting their death knowing they've done their work, and smiling in their last moments

• pushed past their breaking point

• character reuniting with someone they thought was dead

• sacrifice themselves for everyone or just one person

• composed characters losing their composure

• characters hugging each other after one or both of them have been through everything

• the hero has a gun pointed at the villain, but they are struggling to pull the trigger. They can't. They yell for the villain to run

• the betrayer finds the hero, their former friend, injured, and they have compassion, never really wanting the hero to die or be hurt. They help the hero. (Further more, if they end up having to trust each other as the situation becomes more dire.)

• the hero is being captured/hurt/leaving, and their friend held back from intervening and they struggle

#writing advice #creative writing #writing ideas #writing inspo #writing tips #new account #teen writer #classic academia #light acadamia aesthetic #aestethic #nostalgia #hero x villain #character inspo #original character #character analysis #character sheet #story ideas #fiction

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of-stars-and-moon · 2 months

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If you do, what helps you not feel like that?

#im curious because i want to write this one fic in a new fandom #but i feel guilty having wips in the other fandoms #and im trying to tell myself that its okay to write what i want #but it feels weird idk #so if anyone has any advice please let me know #writing #writers #fanfiction #fandom #a.txt

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byoldervine · 4 days

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I've been writing fanfic for a long time, but now I want to write real stories. Do you have any tips?

First off, fanfics absolutely are ‘real stories’ - just because you’re not starting from original grounds doesn’t mean it’s not valid writing. That said, I’ve written plenty of shitty fanfic in my time, so I can definitely help out here

1. The full transition. I once wrote a fic and realised “Hey, if I change a few names here and there, I’d actually have an entirely original story”. Now I’m 73K words and counting into Byoldervine and you’d never guess that it was ever inspired by that specific fandom. You really can just take your fics and tweak them into something original

2. New everything. In fanfic, the world and the characters in it are already pre-established; if you’re reading fanfiction about a piece of media, you’re almost definitely gonna be familiar with said media. You don’t have to introduce new characters or explain the world to us, we already know, so we can just get straight in - but this doesn’t work in original stories, where the reader is new to everything. Remember that you have to do more explaining and add more descriptions in original writing than in fanfic

3. Action-packed. In fanfic, everyone is already emotionally invested in the characters, so slice of life and downtime is much easier to get to without it feeling boring. In an original work, however, the reader needs a balance of high and low tension in order to emotionally connect to the character. Looking into internal conflict (the problems that are going on within your character's mind or within their social circle) vs external conflict (the problems that are directly linked to the plot) can help you with this, but in general you need to balance high tension that shows us the excitement and the suspense and the fun stuff with low tension that shows us why we care about all of it beyond it just being cool

All in all, though, there isn't a huge ton of difference between original and fic writing, as far as I've picked up on. Mostly just cases of more blatant tropes or cliches or something like that, and it's not necessarily a bad thing for those to pop up in original works. Just have fun and put your heart into it like you would with your fics and you can't go wrong

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novlr · 10 months

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I just finished up writing a chapter that I’m really happy with. I have a couple things I want to do in the next chapter, but I always struggle with getting started on that next chapter. What can I do to get started on the next chapter of my story?

Struggling with the tricky transition into your next chapter? 📝 In the Reading Room today, we delve into the art of starting a new chapter seamlessly! Learn techniques including character focus, playing with time, shifting PoV & more.

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paranoia-art · 1 month

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◦•◦Word of the Day◦•◦

◦•◦ Saccharine ◦•◦

Definition: Sickeningly Sweet

Sentence: She distracted the guards with her sacharine voice.

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