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how to fight writer’s block like it personally insulted your best friend

Writer’s block isn’t a myth. It’s real. It’s rude. And it shows up exactly when you don’t want it to—like an ex at your book launch. Here’s how to yeet it into the void:

1. stop trying to write “good”

Seriously. Lower the bar. Bury the bar. Let the bar rot in the forest. Write badly on purpose. Be cringe. Be free. You can’t fix a blank page, but you can edit a disaster.

2. change the medium

Tired: typing in the same doc for hours. Wired: scribbling in a notebook like a Victorian ghost. Inspired: recording a voice memo like a sleep-deprived cryptid explaining your plot to future you.

3. skip the part that’s blocking you

Stuck on Chapter 5? Write Chapter 9. Write the ending. Write that one scene with the knife and the rain and the betrayal. You can stitch it all together later like Frankenstein’s monster.

4. give your brain new input

Go outside. Touch grass. Watch a movie. Read a book not in your genre. Eavesdrop at a coffee shop. Ideas in = ideas out.

5. bribe yourself

“Write 100 words and you get a cookie.” “Finish this scene and you can scroll Pinterest for aesthetics.” Become your own treat-dispensing machine.

6. embrace ✨trash drafts✨

Your first draft is not the final product. It’s the mess you make before the magic. Let it be wild. Let it be ugly. Let it live.

7. stop declaring war on your creativity

Sometimes writer’s block is just burnout in a trench coat. Maybe what you need isn’t to write harder—it’s to rest, to dream, to let the well refill.

tl;dr: writer’s block can’t survive if you trick it into thinking you're just vibing. So vibe. Write weird stuff. Take breaks. Make art like no one’s watching (because no one is yet).

You’ve got this.

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how to weave subplots into your story without getting tangled in the mess

Subplots: the spicy side quests of your main narrative. They deepen your world, flesh out your characters, and keep things interesting. But if you’ve ever added one and ended up with a story that feels like it’s running in six directions at once… yeah. Let’s fix that.

1. your subplot should serve the main plot

Don’t just throw in a romance arc or a secret sibling reveal because it’s fun (though it is fun). Ask:  

- Does this subplot challenge the main character’s goals?  

- Does it echo or contrast the main theme?  

- Does it change something by the end?

If it’s just a cute side quest with no real impact, it’s fanfic material for your own story. Cool, but maybe not plot-essential.

2. intertwine, don’t parallel

Bad: your subplot exists in a bubble, running beside the plot but never touching it.  

Better: your subplot interacts with the main plot. Maybe it complicates things. Maybe it supports the MC in a moment of crisis. Maybe it explodes everything.

Example: your MC is hunting a killer, and the subplot is their failing marriage. Good subplotting means the stress of the hunt affects the marriage, and the marriage affects the hunt.

3. stagger your arcs

Your main plot might hit its midpoint twist at chapter 10. Have a subplot hit a *smaller* emotional beat around chapter 7 or 13. It keeps pacing dynamic and gives your readers something to chew on between big moments.

4. use subplots to develop side characters

Side characters are more than background noise. Give them wants. Give them stakes. Let their stories *collide* with your MC’s. That’s when the magic happens.

5. know when to shut it down 

Not every subplot needs a 3-act structure and a dramatic finale. Some are small. Some fade out naturally. Some just shift the perspective enough to reframe the main plot. If you’re tying up subplot #6 with a bow in the epilogue, maybe ask yourself if it really needed to be there.

6. outline the spiderweb 

It helps to map out how every subplot connects to the main story. Literally. Draw lines. Make a chaos diagram. It doesn’t have to be neat—just make sure those threads touch.

TL;DR:

Subplots are great. Subplots are juicy. But they’re not decoration—they’re infrastructure. Weave them into the story’s bones or risk writing 3 novels in one.

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how to stop over-describing in your writing

So you’re writing a scene and suddenly you’ve spent three paragraphs describing the way the curtains flutter in the breeze. Been there. Here’s how to rein it in:

Ask: Does this detail do something?

Does it build mood? Reveal character? Advance the plot? If it’s just vibing there because it’s “pretty,” consider trimming it.

One strong detail > five weak ones

Instead of listing every feature of a room, pick one or two vivid, specific things that convey the vibe. Trust your reader to fill in the rest.

Read aloud

If your paragraph feels like it's dragging or you’re running out of breath, chances are your reader will feel it too.

Treat descriptions like seasoning

A little goes a long way. Sprinkle, don’t dump.

Use the character’s POV

Describe only what they would notice. A detective will see clues. A florist will see the wilting roses. Let their perspective guide the focus.

Sometimes you have to edit it out

Sometimes the line is beautiful. Poetic. Gorgeous. But it doesn’t belong. Cut it. Save it for later. Mourn. Move on.

tl;dr: if your prose starts sounding like a nature documentary, take a step back. Description is a tool, not the whole toolbox.

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how to deal with self-doubt as a writer (from someone who lives there rent-free)

writing is hard. even when you love it. especially when you care. and if you’ve ever stared at a page and thought “why am i even doing this?” or “i’ll never be good enough,” congrats, you’re officially a writer.

so here’s the thing. self-doubt isn’t a sign you’re failing. it’s a sign you care. you want your words to matter. you want your stories to land. that’s good. that means you’re reaching for something real.

but here’s how to keep going when the doubt gets loud:

write anyway seriously. even if it’s bad. even if it feels pointless. writing is a muscle. show up, scribble something, and count it as a win.

stop comparing your favorite author has a different path. different tools. different struggles. you’re not behind. you’re on your timeline.

don’t wait for confidence confidence doesn’t show up before the work. it comes after you’ve done the scary thing. write scared. write unsure. write badly if you have to. just keep writing.

talk to other writers you’ll find out they all feel the same way. yes, even the published ones. yes, even the ones with book deals and fan art and movie options.

reread something you’re proud of remember that time you wrote something that made you smile? made someone else cry? go back and read that. you did it once. you can do it again.

be gentle with yourself you don’t have to write every day. you don’t have to be perfect. you’re allowed to rest. you’re allowed to try again.

your voice matters. even if it shakes. even if it whispers. even if it’s still figuring out what it wants to say.

write your messy little stories. write your weird little worlds. write what makes you feel something.

and if no one’s told you today: you’re doing a good job. keep going.

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How to Write Better Characters: Roles, Motivation & Actually Making People Care

Let’s be real: your story can have the coolest magic system, the twistiness of the plot, or the hottest vampire/detective/alien—  

but if your characters are flat?  

Nobody’s sticking around.

So let’s break down how to give your characters real presence in your story by understanding their role, their motivation, and how to make them hit harder on the page.

1. What’s Their Role in the Story?

Every character needs a *reason to exist*. Think of them like parts in a machine. What do they *do* in your narrative?

Here are a few basic types:

- Protagonist: The one we’re rooting for. They drive the plot forward.

- Antagonist: The one in their way. Doesn’t have to be evil—just opposed.

- Foil: Someone who reflects the main character’s traits by contrast.

- Mentor: Offers wisdom, often with a tragic backstory or dramatic exit.

- Love Interest: Romantic tension? Check. But make sure they’re *more* than just eye candy.

- Wildcard: Unpredictable chaos gremlin. Every story needs one.

TIP: If you can remove a character without changing the plot? You probably should.

2. What Do They Want? (AKA Motivation)

This is the *core* of your character. Motivation makes everything feel real. Ask yourself:

- What does this character want more than anything?

- Why do they want it?

- What are they willing to do (or give up) to get it?

Bonus points if their motivation is in conflict with someone else’s. That’s where the juicy drama lives.

Ex: “She wants to save her sister. He wants to save the world. One bomb. One choice.”    Now we’re COOKING.

3. How Do You Show It?

Motivation isn’t just monologues and dramatic speeches. It’s in:

- What they *notice* first in a room.

- Who they *trust* (or don’t).

- The mistakes they keep repeating.

- The lies they tell *themselves*.

A character who’s obsessed with control might organize their bag mid-crisis.  

A character desperate to be loved might make themselves useful to everyone… even villains.

4. Let Them Be Messy

Perfect characters are boring.  

Give them contradictions. Regrets. Bad coping mechanisms. Let them be *wrong*. Let them grow.

Characters who never fail or change = characters nobody relates to.

Let your soft boys punch someone. Let your bad girls cry. Let your villains have a point.

5. Ask Yourself the Hard Stuff

- What would break this character?

- What line won’t they cross?

- Who are they when no one’s watching?

If you can answer these? You *know* your character.

6. Level Up: Relationships Matter

Characters don’t exist in a vacuum. Use dynamics to reveal depth:

- A character might be brave in a fight but terrified of disappointing their mentor.

- A flirty rogue might go speechless around the person they actually care about.

- A villain’s cruelty might soften around their childhood friend.

People are different with different people. Show it.

 TL;DR:  

Great characters = clear role + deep motivation + real emotion. 

Make them want things. Make them struggle. Make them human (even if they’re a dragon princess from space).

Want help building a specific character? Drop their name + vibe in my ask box. Let’s break them open together.

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Lust, Love, and the Sweet, Sweet Burn: Writing Romance That Makes Readers Feel

Let’s talk romance—specifically the kind that makes readers scream into pillows, clutch their chests, and whisper “just kiss already” at the page. Whether you're a seasoned romance author or just dipping your toes into the love pool, there's one golden truth to remember: good romance is about *tension*. And tension lives in the delicious space between lust and love.

First Comes Lust…

Lust is that electric charge between characters. It’s the stolen glances, the way one of them notices the other's hands or voice or the way they lean in a little too close when they talk. Lust is immediate. It’s instinctual. And let’s be honest, it’s fun as hell to write.

But if you stop there—if all your characters do is pine and make out and pine some more—you risk making it all surface-level. Lust is the spark, but it’s not the whole fire.

Then Comes Love (Eventually)

Love, real love, is slower. It’s about trust, vulnerability, and seeing the other person fully—flaws, baggage, weird hobbies and all—and still leaning in. It happens in the quiet moments: making tea for someone who's had a bad day, remembering how they take their coffee, watching them geek out about something they care about. That’s where readers fall with your characters.

The magic is in the shift—when your characters go from “I want to kiss you until my brain falls out” to “I’d burn the world down if it meant keeping you safe.” It doesn’t happen all at once. And that’s where the slow burn comes in.

Ah, the Slow Burn: Delicious Torture

Slow burn romance is a masterclass in delayed gratification. It's all about restraint. You’re letting readers live in the tension—the almost-touches, the lingering stares, the confessions that never quite happen. And every time the characters get this close to admitting their feelings or acting on them and then don’t? Readers get more hooked.

But here’s the key: something has to be progressing. Slow burn doesn’t mean nothing happens. It means everything matters. 

Every moment builds the foundation. Every emotional beat gets us one step closer to that glorious payoff.

Think of it like cooking over a low flame. You’re letting the flavors deepen. So when the first kiss finally lands? It’s earned. It’s fireworks. It matters.

Tips for Writing a Killer Slow Burn

- Give them obstacles. Emotional baggage, clashing goals, external threats—give your characters legit reasons not to jump into bed right away.

- Let them see each other. Intimacy isn’t just physical. Let your characters learn each other’s fears, dreams, scars.

- Build micro-tension. Hands grazing. One of them patching the other up after a fight. A joke that turns into a confession. Let every small moment do work.

- Make the payoff worth it. When they finally get together—make it satisfying. Let it feel like the culmination of everything they’ve been through.

Don’t Just Make Them Hot—Make Them Real

It’s easy to write about two people who are attracted to each other. What’s harder—and infinitely more rewarding—is writing two people who choose each other. Who grow, change, fight, make up, and fall deeper the whole time.

So go ahead. Light the match. Let them burn slowly. And when your readers are begging for that kiss? That’s how you know you’ve done it right.

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How to Write Better Villains (Because Your Story Deserves One)

There’s nothing worse than a forgettable villain. You know the type: cartoonishly evil for no reason, monologuing their master plan to no one in particular, and vanishing from memory the second you finish the book. A great villain, though? They haunt your thoughts, challenge your hero, and—sometimes—you catch yourself *agreeing with them*. If you want to level up your storytelling, here’s how to craft villains that stick.

1. Give them a reason to be bad (and make it make sense)

Nobody wakes up one day and just decides to be evil (unless they’re in a Saturday morning cartoon). Real people are shaped by their pasts, fears, and desires—and your villains should be, too. Maybe they believe they’re saving the world, just in a way that costs too much. Maybe they were betrayed and now trust no one. Whatever the case, give them a *why*. Even better? Make your readers *understand* that why, even if they don’t agree with it.

2. Avoid the evil-for-evil’s-sake trope  

Mustache twirling is out. Complexity is in. A villain who kicks puppies just to prove they’re the bad guy is boring. But a villain who feeds stray dogs while orchestrating a political coup? *That’s* compelling. The best antagonists aren’t evil—they’re driven. And when their goals put them in direct conflict with the hero, *that’s* where the tension comes from. Let them think they’re the hero of their own story.

3. Let your villain challenge the protagonist in meaningful ways  

Your villain shouldn’t just be a physical threat—they should challenge your hero’s beliefs, force them to make hard choices, and maybe even make them question themselves. When the antagonist represents a deeper, thematic opposite to the protagonist, you’ve got literary gold. Think of how The Joker unravels Batman’s moral code, or how Killmonger forces T’Challa to reconsider Wakanda’s isolationism. Conflict isn’t just punches—it’s philosophy.

4. Make them unforgettable

Whether it’s a chilling line of dialogue, an eerie calmness, or a twisted sense of humor, give your villain something *distinct*. Personality matters. A unique voice, a specific mannerism, or an unexpected vulnerability can elevate your villain from “meh” to “iconic.” Think about what makes them tick—and what makes them *memorable*.

5. Don’t be afraid to make them right

The scariest villains are the ones who are *almost* right. When a reader can see where they’re coming from—or even agree with some of their points—that’s powerful. It creates tension not just in the story, but in the reader’s own mind. And that’s exactly what a good villain should do: make you question, make you uncomfortable, and make the story impossible to forget.

What are some of your favorite villains in fiction? Drop your favs (or your own villain WIPs) in the tags or replies—I’d love to see them!

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<3 Welcome to Cloaked Press <3

Whimsical. Dark. Reader-obsessed.

We’re a small, independent publishing house conjured into existence in 2017 by writers who wanted something different—something better—for authors and readers alike.

We specialize in: Fantasy that cuts deep Horror that lingers in your bones Sci-fi that stares back when you blink at the stars

And yes—we actually market for our authors. Because we’re author-owned. Because we believe in paying it forward. Because writers should be seen and sold.

We release about 5 spellbinding titles per year, carefully chosen and beautifully crafted, with a focus on original voices, queer stories, and genre blends that don’t color inside the lines.

Our books live in indie bookstores, haunt the halls of Amazon, rest quietly on Barnes & Noble Online, and sometimes whisper through the pages of your favorite newsletter.

Want to know more? Check out our latest titles, preorder something strange and wonderful, or follow us here for behind-the-scenes, cover reveals, author spotlights, and bookish chaos.

linktr.ee/cpllc

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Dark things linger in the mirror. And some of them want out. Grim Reflection is just $0.99 until April 16—don’t miss this chilling New Adult supernatural thriller.

Shay was only looking for proof that ghosts exist. What she found nearly pulled her through the glass.

When a paranormal investigation at a haunted house turns violent, Shay finds herself haunted in more ways than one. Her brother disappears under mysterious, possibly possessed, circumstances. Shadows whisper. Mirrors watch. And something powerful is waking the dead in the quiet town of Teton Falls.

Now, with the help of her best friend and a few unlikely allies, Shay must unravel the town’s darkest secrets—before the entity behind it all drags her and everyone she loves into a reflection that doesn’t let go.

This book is for you if you love: 🪞 New Adult horror with emotional depth 🪞 Creepy small-town mysteries 🪞 Ghosts, mirrors, and possession 🪞 Found family + sibling bonds 🪞 Vengeful spirits and things that go bump in the night

Now just $0.99 until April 16! Snag it now before the mirror closes... https://a.co/d/hwxKsyD

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Hey y'all my first book is only 99 cents this week!

You can get it here!

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10 Tips for Writing Better Setting Descriptions

Setting isn't just a backdrop—it's an active, breathing part of your story. When done right, it can anchor the reader, build tension, and even reveal your character's emotional state.

Whether you’re writing a sweeping fantasy, a gritty sci-fi, or a quiet character-driven story, strong setting description makes your world feel real.

Here are 10 tips to help you level up your setting descriptions:

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1. Engage All Five Senses

Don’t just focus on what your world looks like. What does it smell like? What’s the texture underfoot? Is the air thick with humidity or dust?

*Pro Tip*: Close your eyes and imagine walking into the space. What hits you first?

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2. Show, Don’t Tell

Instead of saying “It was a creepy house,” describe the sagging shutters, the overgrown lawn, the faint buzzing of flies. Let readers feel the mood through details.

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3. Get Specific with Details

General descriptions fade quickly, but specific ones stick. “The alley was dark” is fine—but “a rusted fire escape groaned overhead” gives the reader a stronger visual.

Choose a few vivid, concrete details that spark the imagination.

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4. Reflect Mood or Theme

Let your setting echo your character’s internal world. A storm might mirror chaos. A cluttered room could reflect a cluttered mind.

This helps your world feel emotionally resonant—not just physically real.

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5. Weave Description into Action

Avoid stopping your story to deliver a paragraph of setting. Instead, reveal details as your character moves through the world:

> “She ducked beneath the low beam, brushing cobwebs from her jacket.”

Now you’ve got movement and mood in one sentence.

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## 6. Use Metaphors and Similes (Sparingly)

A striking metaphor can make your setting unforgettable:

> “The hallway stretched like a throat waiting to swallow her.”

Just don’t overdo it—too many comparisons can feel forced or distracting.

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7. Create Atmosphere, Not Just Location

Setting should make readers feel something. Ask yourself: Is this space tense, comforting, eerie, nostalgic?

Use language that matches the emotional tone of the scene.

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8. Let the Setting Move

Make the environment dynamic. Let wind stir leaves, shadows shift, light change. Movement brings your world to life and keeps readers grounded in time.

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9. Don’t Overload the Reader

You don’t need to describe every single thing in a room. Give just enough for the reader to imagine the rest. Let their mind fill in the gaps—that’s half the magic.

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10. Filter Through Your Character’s POV

The same setting looks different through different eyes. A detective might notice bloodstains. A florist might notice wilting daisies.

Let your descriptions reflect what your character notices—and why.

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Final Thoughts

Strong setting description isn’t about dumping a bunch of details—it’s about making your world feel alive, meaningful, and emotionally charged.

Next time you're writing a scene, don’t just ask what it looks like. Ask:

- What does it feel like?

- What’s moving?

- What would my character notice first?

Let your setting become a living part of the story.

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20 Ways to Show Extreme Fear in Your Writing

As I dive into researching signs of fear for my horror WIP, I wanted to share some of the most compelling and visceral reactions I’ve come across. Whether you’re writing a chilling scene or crafting a character’s panic, these 20 signs of fear can help bring tension and realism to your story.

Physical Reactions

Hyperventilating — sucking in air but never feeling like it’s enough

Chest tightens — feels like a weight or hands pressing down

Limbs shaking violently, knees buckling

Complete loss of muscle control — collapsing or unable to stand

Cold sweat soaking through clothes

Heart hammering so hard they feel it in their throat or head

Tunnel vision — the world narrowing down to one terrifying focal point

Ringing in the ears or sudden deafness, like the world drops away

Dizziness / feeling faint / vision blurring

Dry mouth — unable to speak or even scream

Uncontrollable Behavior

Screaming / sobbing / gasping — involuntary vocal outbursts

Panic run — bolting without thinking, tripping over everything

Clawing at their own skin / chest / throat — like trying to escape their body

Begging / pleading out loud even if no one’s there

Repeating words or phrases — “No, no, no” / “This isn’t happening”

Hiding instinctively — diving under tables, closets, or corners

Desperate grabbing — reaching for someone, anything solid

Loss of bladder or bowel control (for extreme terror)

Total mental shutdown — frozen, slack-jawed, staring blankly

Memory blackout — later can’t recall what happened during the worst moment

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books: we’re gonna ruin your life but in a literary way me: thank you i love it here

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Important Steps to Better Time Management as a Writer

Effective time management starts with **clear writing goals** and a structured schedule. Define specific daily, weekly, and monthly targets, such as word counts, chapter completions, or revision milestones. By breaking projects into smaller tasks, like outlining, drafting, and editing, you can stay focused and avoid feeling overwhelmed. A **dedicated writing schedule**—treated as a non-negotiable appointment—helps build consistency and discipline in your writing routine.

Eliminating distractions is crucial for maintaining productivity. Find a quiet workspace, turn off notifications, and use focused work sessions to minimize interruptions. Techniques like the **Pomodoro Technique**, which involves 25-minute writing sprints followed by short breaks, can enhance focus and efficiency. Time blocking—setting aside specific periods for brainstorming, drafting, or editing—can also prevent procrastination and create a balanced workflow.

Regularly reviewing your progress ensures long-term success. Track your writing habits, adjust your schedule as needed, and celebrate small milestones to stay motivated. Time management is a continuous process of refining what works best for you. By staying organized, setting priorities, and maintaining discipline, you can make steady progress and reach your writing goals efficiently.

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The 5 Most Important Emotions in Writing

Emotions are the foundation of compelling storytelling, shaping how readers connect with characters and their journeys. Among the many emotions that can be woven into a narrative, five stand out as particularly impactful: fear, love, despair, hope, and anger. Each of these emotions serves a unique purpose, deepening character development and enhancing the emotional stakes of a story. By integrating these elements effectively, writers can create immersive and memorable experiences for their readers. Fear is a driving force in many stories, heightening tension and keeping readers engaged as characters navigate uncertainty and danger. Love, whether romantic, platonic, or familial, adds warmth and motivation, making relationships feel authentic and meaningful. Despair, on the other hand, provides depth to conflict, allowing readers to connect with a character’s struggles. Without moments of hardship, triumphs can feel hollow, making despair a necessary contrast to moments of victory. These emotions, when balanced with one another, create a dynamic and compelling narrative. While fear, love, and despair create tension and depth, hope and anger propel the story forward. Hope offers a light in the darkness, inspiring resilience and the pursuit of something better. It prevents stories from becoming overly bleak and gives characters a reason to fight. Anger, meanwhile, fuels conflict and transformation, pushing characters to take action and driving the plot. When all five of these emotions are carefully woven into a story, they create a powerful emotional journey that resonates with readers long after they have turned the final page.5m

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Show, Don’t Tell: Bringing Writing to Life

One of the most important skills a writer can develop is the ability to “show” rather than “tell.” Instead of simply stating emotions or facts, effective writing immerses the reader in the experience by using sensory details, actions, and dialogue. For example, rather than saying a character is scared, a writer might describe the way their hands shake, their breath quickens, or their eyes dart around the room. Similarly, rather than stating that someone is angry, a writer can show clenched fists, a slammed door, or a voice raised in frustration. These techniques allow readers to experience the story firsthand, making it more engaging and emotionally resonant.

Writers can also use figurative language and environmental cues to enhance storytelling. Metaphors and similes create vivid comparisons that help readers visualize a scene, such as describing a hot day by saying, “The sun pressed down like a weight, turning the pavement into a griddle.” Additionally, a setting can reflect a character’s emotions—storm clouds gathering in the distance may suggest turmoil, while a bright, sunny morning can symbolize hope. Internal thoughts and dialogue further add depth to characters without the need for direct statements. Instead of saying a character feels guilty, a writer can show them replaying a past mistake in their mind, hesitating before speaking, or avoiding eye contact. These techniques create a richer, more immersive experience for the reader.

Ultimately, showing rather than telling requires trust in the audience’s ability to infer meaning. Writers should avoid over-explaining by allowing context and character actions to speak for themselves. Pacing and sentence structure also play a role in setting tone—short, abrupt sentences create tension, while longer, flowing ones suggest a calmer mood. By focusing on sensory details, actions, and subtext, writers can craft stories that feel real and compelling. Mastering the art of showing instead of telling transforms writing from simple narration into an engaging and evocative experience.