justquokkathings

[justquokkathings]

Jisung: Singing songs isn't going to make me leave, dearest

Jeongin: —OUT THAT DOOR BABY BYE BYE BYE

[justquokkathings]

Writing Tips - Average Joe Was Born ✨ Special ✨

This comic perfectly sums up my point with this

The comic is basically about how a lot of underdog stories like to add the plot twist of the underdog - despite persevering throughout the whole story to prove their worth outside of the less fortunate circumstances they were born into and rising up due to their own hard work and effort - suddenly realising they were actually of the highest class all along due to their secret birthright, which gave them their power all along

The problem with the execution of this, that the comic is pointing out, is that it reinforces the class divide; our main character wasn’t rising up the ranks of their own merit, they were just innately more powerful than everyone else from the start. The moral that “Anyone can be special, no matter what the circumstances of their birth” is lost because the circumstances of the main character’s birth were directly linked to them being special

Of course, you very much can still use the ‘they were secretly powerful royalty all along’ plot twist - it’s a classic, and very fun to write! But you can’t have the overall moral of the story being that anyone can be special even if they weren’t born into greatness… when the character was indeed born into greatness and are special because of this. Characters with innate uniqueness aren’t compatible protagonists for an overarching theme of uniqueness not being innate

[justquokkathings]

I just realized this always happens to me

Me: I am going to stick to just one story idea. No more changing. No more abandoning half baked ideas. No more distractions. I will be focused. I will finish a project.

New idea:

[justquokkathings]

As a rule of thumb, don't reblog donation posts or people asking for donations unless they've been vetted and reblogged by Palestinian bloggers. We usually go to lengths to verify this shit because we know scammers have been faking to get people to send them money, using the urgency of our genocide as bait.

It's disgusting this is what we're dealing with, but people are losing money because of some truly evil people out there.

Accounts don't just randomly spring up on tumblr without gofundmes while asking for someone to help them create a campaign. Fuck out of here with that shit.

[justquokkathings]

stop this is so real i actually just did that

[justquokkathings]

How do you research your writing to make sure you get things accurate? I keep getting sucked down rabbit holes and forgetting what I need to know and I never know where to find the right stuff

Typically you’re told not to research while you’re in the writing zone because it’s easy to get distracted and go off on a research tangent. I usually get around this by giving myself a timer; either I’m in the middle of a writing sprint and need to make sure I have time to finish up that sprint, or I set a timer and give myself what I think will be a reasonable amount of time to search it up. If I can’t find it within that time, I’ll make a note in the spot where I needed it and go back to it later, but I haven’t had to do that yet

If you’re struggling with self-regulation, delegating the research a little by asking someone else (maybe even Alexa or Siri) to look it up for you can help, and if you’re struggling to find answers you should either ask your question online or see if Reddit has a thread about it; closed Reddit threads from half a decade ago are goldmines

[justquokkathings]

How To Plan A Book Series: Ultimate Guide

Writing a book series can be an incredibly rewarding experience for authors, but it also requires careful planning and execution. A well-crafted book series can captivate readers, build a loyal fan base, and provide a steady stream of income for writers. However, planning a successful book series is no easy feat.

It demands a deep understanding of world-building, character development, and plot progression. In this ultimate guide, I'll help you explore the essential steps to help you plan a compelling and cohesive book series that will keep your readers hooked from start to finish.

Develop a Compelling Premise The foundation of any successful book series is a strong premise. Your premise should be unique, engaging, and have the potential to sustain multiple books. Consider exploring a complex world, a captivating concept, or a character with a rich backstory that can evolve over the course of several books. Ask yourself: What makes your premise stand out? What will keep readers invested in the story for multiple installments?

Create a Detailed Outline Before you dive into writing, it's crucial to create a detailed outline for your entire book series. This outline should include the overarching plot, major story arcs, character development, and key events for each book. Having a solid outline will help you maintain consistency, avoid plot holes, and ensure that each book contributes to the overall narrative. Don't be afraid to make adjustments as you write, but having a roadmap will keep you on track.

World-Building: Crafting a Vivid and Consistent Universe One of the hallmarks of a successful book series is a richly developed and immersive world. Whether you're creating a fantasy realm, a futuristic society, or a contemporary setting, pay close attention to world-building. Establish the rules, customs, histories, and geography of your fictional world. Consistency is key, so ensure that the details align across all books in the series. Consider creating a "bible" or a comprehensive guide that outlines the intricacies of your world, making it easier to maintain continuity.

Develop Compelling Characters Great characters are the heart and soul of any book series. Your protagonists, antagonists, and supporting characters should be well-rounded, multi-dimensional, and undergo significant growth and transformation throughout the series. Craft backstories, motivations, flaws, and strengths for each character, and ensure that their actions and decisions drive the plot forward. Remember, character development is an ongoing process, so be prepared to explore new facets of your characters as the series progresses.

Establish Recurring Themes and Motifs Themes and motifs are powerful tools that can add depth and resonance to your book series. Identify the central themes you want to explore, such as love, redemption, power, or identity. Weave these themes throughout the series, allowing them to evolve and deepen with each installment. Motifs, like recurring symbols or imagery, can also create a sense of cohesion and add layers of meaning to your narrative.

Plan for Cliffhangers and Resolutions One of the key strategies for keeping readers engaged in a book series is the strategic use of cliffhangers and resolutions. Cliffhangers create anticipation and leave readers craving for the next installment. However, be cautious not to overuse this technique, as it can become frustrating for readers. Balance cliffhangers with satisfying resolutions that tie up loose ends and provide a sense of closure, while still leaving room for the story to continue.

Consider Pacing and Narrative Structure Pacing and narrative structure are crucial elements to consider when planning a book series. Each book should have its own narrative arc, with a beginning, middle, and end, while also contributing to the overall story progression. Vary the pacing between books to maintain reader interest, alternating between action-packed and slower, more introspective sections. Experiment with different narrative structures, such as multiple perspectives, non-linear timelines, or frame narratives, to keep the series fresh and engaging.

Manage Continuity and Consistency As your book series grows, maintaining continuity and consistency becomes increasingly important. Keep detailed records of character descriptions, plot points, world-building elements, and timelines. Regularly refer back to these notes to ensure that you're not introducing contradictions or inconsistencies. Consider creating a series bible or a wiki to help you keep track of all the moving parts.

Plan for Character Growth and Evolution In a book series, characters should undergo significant growth and evolution. Plan for character arcs that span multiple books, allowing your protagonists and supporting characters to face challenges, make difficult choices, and emerge as changed individuals. This character development will not only add depth to your narrative but also keep readers invested in the journey of your characters.

Anticipate and Address Potential Plot Holes As your book series expands, the potential for plot holes and inconsistencies increases. Be vigilant in identifying and addressing these issues during the planning stage. Regularly review your outline and notes, looking for any logical gaps or contradictions. Enlist the help of beta readers or critique partners to provide fresh perspectives and catch any potential plot holes you may have missed.

Consider the Overarching Story Arc While each book in your series should have its own narrative arc, it's essential to plan for an overarching story arc that spans the entire series. This overarching arc should tie together the individual books, building towards a climactic conclusion that resolves the central conflict or mystery. Ensure that each book contributes to this larger narrative, advancing the plot and raising the stakes for the characters.

Plan for Marketing and Promotion Finally, as you plan your book series, don't overlook the importance of marketing and promotion. Develop a strategy for building buzz and engaging with your audience throughout the release of each book. Leverage social media, author events, book tours, and other promotional opportunities to keep your readers excited and invested in your series.

Remember, writing a book series is a marathon, not a sprint, so be prepared to invest time, effort, and dedication into crafting a truly remarkable literary journey. Hope this helped!

Happy Writing - Rin T.

Hey fellow writers! I'm super excited to share that I've just launched a Tumblr community. I'm inviting all of you to join my community. All you have to do is fill out this Google form, and I'll personally send you an invitation to join the Write Right Society on Tumblr! Can't wait to see your posts!

[justquokkathings]

THANK YOU SO MUCH I've been needing something like this to put plot stuff clearly into something tangible from the messy bits of plot knowledge all over my brain

3hks' Guide to Plot (2024)

Alright guys... Here's a big one! These are MY personal thoughts on how to create and write plot. As time continues, I'm positive that some of these things will change, which is why I included "(2024)" in the title! Let's start with some of the basics and definitions, shall we? Hint: you probably want to see the last tip!

~PLOT STRUCTURE~

For 99.9% of novels, they follow a similar--if not the same plot structure--so let's take a look at them chronologically!

>>> Exposition: The beginning of the story, the starting characters, settings, relationships, and ideas are established. This is meant to give the reader a basic sense of the story.

>>> Inciting Incident (initial conflict): This is what sparks the conflict. The characters themselves may not realize it, but this event ultimately changes the whole course of the plot! (This may not always be before the rising action.)

>>> Rising Action: The GOOD stuff starts here! More introductions, more development, more action! Tension builds as the story continues.

>>> Climax: The climax is NOT equivalent to the conflict. The climax is the most exciting or tensest part of the story. The protagonist often is forced into making a difficult decision, whether it be self-inflicted or by another character's hand.

>>> Falling Action: The climax has ended, and things are coming to an end! The falling action is always shorter than the rising action, because there isn't much to introduce, and the characters are simply rolling through the consequences (good or bad) of their previous actions.

>>> Resolution: This is the end of the story. Many people will tell you to tie all the knots together during this part, but it's ultimately up to you! However, there should be some sort of ending to provide closure, at the very least. The conflict should also be resolved (hence the name).

Let's look at the diagram itself! (I'm using Freytag's pyramid because it's well-known. Thank you Writer's Hive for the image!)

~CONFLICT~

Alright, let's talk about the types of conflict real quick!

Character v.s Character: This is your typical conflict, where there are two opposing characters struggling against each other.

Character v.s Self: This is a less common conflict that takes place within the character's mind. (Examples: Self-doubt, decision making, moral dilemma, etc.)

Character v.s Society: This is a conflict between a character (or even a small group of characters) struggling against a larger, typically oppressive society as a whole.

Character v.s. Nature: Just like in the name, this is a character against a force of nature: a tornado, storm, flood, etc.

Character v.s Supernatural: Simply put, this is just a character struggling against a supernatural force.

While knowing and being able to identify the different conflicts doesn't necessarily help you write, it's important to understand what your character is battling against in order to build the conflict.

~BUILDING THE ARCS~

If you watch a lot of shows or movies, you're probably familiar with the term "arc," which is just another way to say plot or subplot, depending on your story.

When writing plot, you want to have a MAIN or LEADING ARC. This is your character's goal that's usually established at the exposition. However, there is usually more to add so your storyline isn't too one-dimensional. These are more arcs or subplots that simply branch out. In a way, it's meant to slow the plot down and add more content while still advancing the story.

So yeah, subplots are able to assist in slowing down the story but they need to help advance the main arc.

This can be done by simply connecting the two--making sure that both of them are at least relevant to one another.

Here's an example! Let's look at HunterxHunter (Yoshihiro Togashi)

The main character, Gon, has a goal to locate his father. This is what HunterxHunter is mainly about. The leading arc, main plot, etc.

It's incredibly simple and straightforward, but it's not that easy.

Along the way, you see different problems arise, creating more subtle and smaller arcs. For instance, there's the Yorknew arc, the Greed Island arc, and the Chimera Ant arc.

The focus of those arcs aren't necessarily for Gon to find his dad. As a matter of fact, his objective is kind of an afterthought in the presence of these subplots. Still, they are connected to Gon's objective and push the story!

See how modest the main plot is? It does not have to be the world's most complex storyline.

Your protagonist's goal is the leading arc, and things just get in the way of it.

Keep this in mind and it may actually help you design your plot events!

~KEY POINTS~

Character introductions: By the end of the rising action, you want most of your characters to have been introduced. This may vary for some certain scenarios, but logically, most characters are going to be involved in the climax, so they must be introduced beforehand.

Environment: Your character will typically start out with a set view of their society, world, and people. Through your developing plot, there should be some changes in their view. What they believe is true could prove to be false.

Triumphs and losses: Sometimes, your character needs to win, and sometimes, they need to lose. This adds a sense of naturalness (not everyone gets what they want) and aids your character development. There are times when a loss is actually the foundation of the exposition! (Wink-wink, nudge-nudge)

~WHERE TO PLACE "THAT SCENE"~

Here's a pretty big one! As writers, we often have just "that scene" pictured out in our minds--it's absolute perfection and a REAL piece of art.

But where are we going to insert it?

If it's not too important, there are three places I suggest! 1. The exposition, 2. the rising action, 3. the falling action.

If your moment is able to introduce a relationship, character, or setting, the exposition is the way to go. If it can build on the three things I listed AND may have a part in the conflict and/or climax, then rising action it is! If it's somewhere in between and somewhere else, then try falling action!

And it can even be the inciting incident if begins the conflict!

Resolution is also a possibility, but because it's near the end, your scene may have less impact than you want. However, if you're still into that idea, then I suggest placing it at the very end! (You'll just need a lot of patience to get through your whole story just for that part, though lol.)

The most important part is to understand what the moment can contribute to the plot, because then you'll have a much better idea of whether you should place it closer to the climax or further away!

Did this help? Let me know!

Happy writing~

3hks <3

[justquokkathings]

Editing tip: Are you suffering from -ing disease?

Hey all! When I edit my clients’ manuscripts, I mostly focus on the story-level, but I’ve picked up quite a few line-editing tricks along the way. Here’s a hot tip about verbs that end in -ing.

In fiction, -ing verbs can be accurately used to:

(1) Indicate that two actions are happening simultaneously.

Example: While running to catch the bus, Jake dropped his keys.

(2) Show that an action is ongoing or still in progress.

Example: Ingrid wanted to use the oven for her pot roast, but the muffins were still baking.

Jason had been attending college for three years.

But when you misuse or overuse -ing verbs, it quickly becomes tedious and awkward for readers.

As an editor, here are the most common mistakes I see beginning fiction writers make with -ing verbs:

(1) Using -ing verbs to describe two or more actions that could not possibly be happening simultaneously.

Example: Walking across the room, Gayle sat down next to James.

Corrected: Gayle walked across the room and sat down next to James.

(2) Describing too many “ongoing” actions, which has the effect of making every scene feel like a summary.

Example: They ate dinner at Angie’s house, laughing about cat memes and snacking on bacon bits while Angie’s cat, who was lounging on the sofa licking his butthole and casting nervous glances around the room, wondered when someone would drop a bacon bit on the floor.

Corrected: They ate dinner at Angie’s house. While they laughed about cat memes and snacked on bacon bits, Angie’s cat lounged on the sofa. He licked his butthole and cast nervous glances around the room. He seemed to be wondering when someone would drop a bacon bit on the floor.

(3) Falling into the passive voice.

Example: We were eating lunch and then I was running home. As soon as I got into the kitchen, my mom was showing me my report card.

Corrected: We ate lunch and then I ran home. As soon as I got into the kitchen, my mom showed me my report card.

Of course, there’s appropriate uses for -ing verbs. But if any of these traps sound familiar to you, you might want to take a closer look when you’re editing your drafts. Personally, I treat -ing verbs like adverbs or the passive voice, and weed them out whenever possible.

As a general rule, never use a -ing verb where a simple past or present will do, and keep an eye out for impossible simultaneous actions.

Hope this helps!

/ / / / /

@theliteraryarchitect is a writing advice blog run by me, Bucket Siler, a writer and developmental editor. For more writing help, download my Free Resource Library for Fiction Writers, join my email list, or check out my book The Complete Guide to Self-Editing for Fiction Writers.

[justquokkathings]

Could You Do Without "Could"?

If you have established the point of view in your story, you don't need to say that your POV hears the sounds, smells and smells and sees the visions.

Of course, you can use could if it adds meaning. Try deleting the word to see if it is actually doing something.

He could hear footsteps clanking down the stairs. -> He heard footsteps clanking down the stairs. -> Footsteps clanked down the stairs.

She could sense that something was wrong. -> She sensed that something was wrong. -> Something was wrong.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* . ───

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[justquokkathings]

Understanding Internal Conflict in Storytelling

Internal conflict is a vital tool in storytelling, enriching characters and deepening narrative impact. Understanding and effectively using internal conflict can transform a good story into a compelling, unforgettable one.

Introduction to Internal Conflict

Definition: Internal conflict refers to a psychological struggle within a character, often involving emotions, desires, or beliefs.

Purpose: It adds depth to characters, making them more relatable and complex.

Types of Internal Conflict

Moral Dilemmas: Situations where a character must choose between right and wrong, often with no clear answer.

Emotional Struggles: Conflicts arising from feelings like love, guilt, fear, or jealousy.

Identity Crises: Moments when characters question who they are or what they believe in.

Conflicting Desires: When a character's wants or needs are at odds with each other.

Examples of Internal Conflict

Classic Literature: Hamlet's indecision about avenging his father's death.

Modern Fiction: Katniss Everdeen's struggle between her survival instincts and her growing sense of rebellion in "The Hunger Games".

Film: Frodo Baggins grappling with the burden of the One Ring and its corrupting influence in "The Lord of the Rings".

Importance of Internal Conflict

Character Development: Drives growth and transformation, showing how characters evolve.

Engagement: Keeps readers invested in the character’s journey by creating empathy and tension.

Theme Exploration: Allows writers to explore complex themes like morality, identity, and human nature.

Crafting Internal Conflict

Believability: Ensure the conflict is realistic and relatable to the audience.

Depth: Give characters more than one internal conflict to make them richer and more interesting.

Resolution: Show how characters resolve or cope with their internal struggles, even if it’s not a happy ending.

Questions to Consider

What is the character’s main internal struggle?

How does this conflict affect their decisions and actions?

In what ways does the internal conflict drive the story forward?

[justquokkathings]

shoutout to acespec and/or arospec people who still feel some amount of sexual/romantic attraction btw. shoutout to everyone who isn't fully aro/ace and isn't fully allo. shoutout to the aspecs who feel like they don't fully fit in aro/ace communities or allo communities because of it. i love you all i am baking you cookies

[justquokkathings]

This is very true, be more like little kids!

[justquokkathings]

LISTEN UP, FELLOW WRITERS!

Writers, do NOT ever doubt the value of your writing you bring to the world.

Trust me.

Sure, some of us write fanfiction--not exactly the most academic form of the works but that absolutely does not lessen the impact of your story. If you feel like your stories are pointless, please think twice; I cannot tell you how many life lessons I've learned simply by the random stuff I read.

I learned that people are deeper than they seem, I learned what a relationship is like, how love will not always be beautiful, and what a healthy connection may look like. I learned that sometimes, leaving is the right choice.

I learned how different types of friendships can operate, the different types of people and personalities. And despite my heavy introverted-ness, I got unbelievably better at understanding those around me and it helped me open my eyes to what people might be thinking in correlation to their words and actions.

And just writing positively about things can also influence readers. Including acceptance about racial, size, gender, and other differences can genuinely make others accept themselves.

Words are powerful, so PLEASE use them correctly.

Happy writing~

3hks <3

[justquokkathings]

Writing Description Notes: Eye Contact/Eye Movements

Updated 26th May 2024 More description notes

Three sets of eyes honed in towards him.

Everyone collectively shifted their gazes towards him.

His eyes widened like they were about to burst.

His eyes widened like saucers.

Humor was twinkling in his eyes at the irony of the situation.

Emotionless eyes contrasted with charged words.

His gaze parted from hers.

She caught his gaze with hers

He glared daggers.

Her eyes were fierce, but still reflected compassion.

Her hilariously wide eyes.

Ensnared by a pair of eyes.

Jane bore down on her friend with her sharp eyes, but surprisingly the glare had no effect.

A flash of frustration creased her brow and sparked in her eye, letting him know that his sound wasn't appreciated.

Their eyes trained on each other and silence swept over them.

His golden eyes dissected her, seeming to examine every quirk of her expression.

He could feel her gaze cutting into him.

Once again, he turned back to her, and was rewarded with just a small smile and her warm eyes.

His sky blue eyes veiled towards the large window claimed by the freezing temperatures.

His eyes burned into her, the fire intent on destroying whatever it could catch but she was ready for it this time.

His eyes scoped out the make-shift battle ground searching for something, anything that could help him out.

Their stares remained interlocked, neither of them making a move to look away.

His golden eyes shone in the dim light, reflecting every insecurity within him.

Amusement danced in those green eyes.

Her gaze flitted between their blanket and him.

Shielding her eyes on instinct, Jane recovered with wary blinks.

Red optics bore into her widened, watering eyes.

He gave John a sidelong stare.

His optics settled on Jane as she raised her fist with cheer.

The stare was of one hurt and buried, as if they feared being vulnerable more than the cold reality they had manufactured and serviced.

His stare was as uncomfortable as a chorus-girl corset and had the same effect on Jane’s breathing, constricted and shallow. There was no life behind those eyes. Every move he made betrayed his intentions and none of them were noble.

His eyes searched hers, looking to find some shred of... emotion in them.

He rolled his eyes, a nonverbal expression of exasperation.

[justquokkathings]

:-"Soft things people in love do that makes me want to fall in love" prompts-:

(Tag me if you guys write these!!!! yeeeeee)

By @me-writes-prompts

Letting them sit in their seat during a train/bus transaction

Making food for each other as surprise

Picnic dates^^

"We could just stay like this, cuddling all day, if you want."

Random kisses on lips/hands/neck >\\\<

Giving them a head massage while they listen to the other one talk about their day

Late-night star gazing when they can't sleep

^^ "The stars are bright tonight, aren't they?" "Not as bright as you, love." and they pull them into a kiss because they start to laugh at the cheesiness.

Leaning their heads on each other's

"I know you're struggling right now, and it's okay, okay? We'll get through this."

"I left you a note, did you read it?" "Yeah, I left one you one back to tell you I read it!" <3333

"I can't believe you remember the day we first had our kiss!" "It's an important day that needs to be remembered forever :)"

"Is it too early to say I love you? Because I do. I love you so much." "Aww, I love you too. So much."

Making the other one diy bracelets/rings/etc with their names.

^^"This is lovely! But you spelled your name wrong, darling." "Oh...heh, guess I got carried away huh?"

Board game nights where their competitive sides come out

"I hope you know that I'll never leave your side, even though you ate half of my pancakes earlier." "Hmm, I won't either, even though you take my clothes and never return them."

[justquokkathings]

Mood