m-r-levine

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Dialogue Responses Masterlist

"Where do we go from here?" (x)

"I miss you." (x)

"It doesn't matter." (x)

"How are you?" (x)

"I need your help." (x)

"What do you need?" (x)

"I have a plan." (x)

"There is something I wanted to tell you…" (x)

"What is wrong with you?" (x)

"Do you feel better now?" (x)

"I feel like I'm losing you." (x)

"What are we?" (x)

"Jealousy doesn't look good on you." (x)

"I think you are in love." (x)

"Can we talk?" (x)

"Are you afraid of me?" (x)

"Have I ever lied to you?" (x)

"I love you." (x)

"I hate you." (x)

"I thought you were dead!" (x)

"I said sorry. What more could you want?" (x)

"Please, come back to me." (x)

"I'm going to kill you!" (x)

"Nothing to be embarrassed about." (x)

"Why are you here?" (x)

"Do you want to be my date?" (x)

"I want to kiss you." (x)

"Are you angry with me?" (x)

"I could ruin you." (x)

"You don't understand." (x)

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Every time, I swear.

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It took me a while to stop crying and resolve to help people who will be targeted (starting 1/20/25). I am also trying to reconnect to even a scrap of joy, by tiptoeing back into writing. But...I keep analyzing my WIPs through the lens of how That Guy will be making half the country feel, wondering, "Is X funny enough? Is Y topic too serious?" Help?! Is it worth writing/querying anything that's not totally escapist? Are there genres that should just stay in a drawer right now?

No need to wait until January to help people! :-)

As to the writing piece: I think you are overthinking it. And hey, I get that! Half the country is still somewhat in "reeling mode", it hasn't even been a month, no need to make any huge decisions or change the course of your writing life or fret about queries that you aren't ready to send anyway right this second. Give yourself some grace. Do some deep breathing.

Nobody knows what the future will bring.

Hey, maybe people will want to read more than they ever have and publishing will thrive across all genres. Maybe there will be an unforeseen trend of books about cowboys in space or something that will make a genre flourish that we haven't ever even thought of before!

Or, maybe the tarriffs will eff publishing up so badly we won't need to worry about ANY genres anymore. Maybe he'll sell us all to Daddy Vladdy for a nickel or start Civil War II and we'll all have to become resistance fighters. (Or, maybe we'll get lucky and the meteor will come; that might be better, because I don't have much to offer in the way of actual resistance fighting unless the troops need children's books or cookies!)

But since none of those lines of thinking are particularly helpful or healthy, maybe let's not focus on speculating about all the random possible scenarios. It's too much! Your brain will break!

Here's what is within your purview: YOUR LITTLE CORNER OF THE WORLD. That includes your work, yes, but also your home, your family, your personal behavior and habits, your physical and mental health, and the well-being of your communities (both literal, like, the people who live near you, and figurative, the people near you or even across the country or the globe with whom you have shared values, etc)

I'm not an expert obvs, but I do feel like, when I stop "reeling" and thinking about whatever bizzaro outrage some politician is perpetrating and start thinking about what tangible things I can do to help support MY LITTLE CORNER OF THE WORLD, I feel a lot better. More useful.

(Like, how about instead of doomscrolling, I actually take that time and put my impotent rage to use pulling out the dying tomato plants and getting the yard ready for winter? How about instead of crying into my pillow, I gather a bunch of stuff to donate to a local charity? OH LOOK, I FORGOT ABOUT THE NEWS FOR A WHILE AND GOT THINGS DONE AND MADE MY CORNER OF THE WORLD BETTER! And now I'm tired and can take a nice shower and watch something silly on TV and go to sleep! Yay!)

What I'm saying is, AFTER you do the deep breathing and give yourself grace and all that stuff -- maybe DON'T think about your WIPS through the lens of "OMG what horror show is that freak in the white house doing" or "what will random terrible people think about what I'm doing" -- but rather, think, how do *I* feel about what I'm doing?

We have limited time on this earth -- do you WANT to spend your time on this? Will working on this bring you joy? Does the idea of writing it excite you? Will it reading it bring other people in your communities joy, or hope, or escapism, or important information, or inspiration, or *something else positive*? Those are the kinds of projects you should focus on, imo.

Obviously I have no clue what "Trends" will be coming up in the future, or what the publishing landscape or the world will look like at all -- but I DO SUSPECT that what we will need the most is books that bring something positive to the table. Whether that means a book full of pure delight/escapist entertainment, or reminders about what is beautiful in the world and special about humanity, or tools to help people enact change, or fuel for the next generation of rebels and resistance fighters, or whatever it is.

And, I think that "something positive" could come in the form of fiction, nonfiction, and pretty much ANY genre or category.

(Probably not a great time for extremely bleak / hopeless books, and certainly not a great time for books that you yourself are not passionate about. Writing and publishing is hard enough - don't do the projects that are a misery on top of all that!)

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Me : I am writing this for myself and me only.

Me : but also if these three specific followers don't like it I have failed as a person

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Don’t forget to make time to read

When you’re a writer, reading is just as important as writing. It keeps you engaged in different story worlds, and lets you learn from other authors and their unique writing techniques.

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The Ultimate (short) Guide to Crafting Captivating Book Titles: A Writer's Journey into Naming Novels

Embracing the Power of a Book Title

Greetings, fellow writers and wordsmiths! As we embark on the magical journey of storytelling, there exists a crucial milestone—bestowing our creations with a name, a title that encapsulates the essence of our narrative. The quest for the perfect title can be as thrilling as drafting the story itself. In this guide, we will unravel the art and significance of titling a novel, exploring strategies, tips, and the creative process behind crafting an engaging and magnetic book title.

Understanding the Importance of a Book Title

The Gateway to Reader Connection

A book title is the beacon that beckons readers to explore the universe you've crafted. It's the first impression, a snapshot that encapsulates the soul of your narrative. A compelling title can captivate an audience, generating curiosity and inviting them to step into the world you've woven within your pages.

Reflecting the Essence of Your Story

A well-crafted title encapsulates the core theme, mood, or central conflict of your novel. It should resonate with the narrative, teasing elements without revealing too much, leaving a trail of intrigue that entices readers to delve deeper.

The Art of Title Creation

Embrace the Journey: Start with a Working Title

Begin with a placeholder, a working title that captures the essence of your story in its rawest form. Let it evolve and grow as your narrative does. This title might serve as a guiding light until you uncover the perfect one.

Exploring the Heart of Your Story

Consider the central themes, characters, or pivotal moments within your book. Delve into the emotional core of your narrative and unearth words or phrases that resonate with its essence.

Utilizing Literary Devices and Techniques

Explore metaphors, alliteration, symbolism, or even poetic verses. Experiment with wordplay, juxtapositions, and contrasts. These literary devices can infuse depth and intrigue into your title.

Testing and Refining Your Title

The Power of Feedback

Share your title ideas with trusted friends, writing groups, or beta readers. Gather feedback on their impressions and the emotions evoked by the titles. Use this input to refine and narrow down your choices.

Alignment with Your Target Audience

Consider your intended readership. Does your title resonate with the genre and expectations of your audience? Ensure it's not only enticing but also aligns with the preferences of your potential readers.

Finalizing the Perfect Title

Distillation of Essence: Keep it Succinct and Evocative

Aim for brevity and impact. A concise yet evocative title can linger in the minds of readers. Often, the most powerful titles are those that say much with few words.

Research and Avoiding Clichés

Investigate existing titles in your genre to ensure your title stands out. Steer clear of clichés and overused phrases, aiming for originality and uniqueness.

Embrace the Artistry of Title Crafting

Crafting the ideal book title is an art in itself. It's the literary cloak that shrouds your creation, inviting readers into the tapestry of your imagination. Embrace the journey of titling your novel with the same passion and creativity you pour into your storytelling. Let the title be a herald, whispering the promise of a remarkable journey that awaits within the pages of your book.

As you venture forth, remember, the perfect title awaits—a key to unlock the hearts and minds of your future readers.

Happy writing and titling!

This comprehensive guide aims to take writers through the journey of creating an impactful and engaging book title, emphasizing the importance of a title and offering practical strategies to craft one that truly resonates with a novel's essence. If you need further insights, examples, or specific advice on any aspect of titling a novel, feel free to delve deeper into each section. Happy titling!

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Worldbuilding Tips: FOOD

Food! The greatest part of being alive!

I find that developing a culture’s cuisine can be incredibly helpful for several reasons. For one, you are elaborating on the physical experiences of your world  and culture. Like all sensory descriptions, this can immerse you and your reader. For another, you can learn a lot about a culture by what they eat, including geography, economics, social status, even religious laws. And lastly, because it’s a lot of fun!

1. Geography: one of the greatest contributors to food culture. If your people dwell in the desert, it’s unlikely they’ll have seaweed salad on the menu. Start researching foods from similar geographical landscapes from our world. For example, following a desert theme, look into food from Saharan tribes, or, depending on the kind of desert, foods from the tribes of the American southwest. Consider farming and agriculture in your particular landscape. What can be grown and raised there?

2. Trading: does your culture have extensive trade with a nearby culture? Say your desert culture has a lengthy trade route that extends far into the jungles, and they can trade for exotic dried spices they can’t grow at home. 

3. Social Status: what can your people afford? What is the difference between what a beggar, a middle class merchant, and a noble or royal would eat? Can they afford more imported goods? Can they afford more spices? Are vegetable and grain dishes more common, as in Ancient Rome, among lower classes, and meat more common among upper classes?

4. Religious and social laws: what foods are off-limits? Why are they off-limits? Is anyone of a particular social or religious class allowed to partake, and laymen are never allowed? 

5. Drinks!: don’t forget, many cultures’ drinks are as important in regional cuisine as the food itself. What is the treatment for alcohol? Does one have to be a certain age to drink? Is alcohol illegal, or heavily monitored? Are there drinking rituals or games common to this culture? 

6. Special cuisine: are there some traditional foods eaten only on special occasions? In the West, many have cakes for their weddings, and in the United States, on Thanksgiving, many eat turkey. What festivals, holidays, and other miscellaneous special occasions are there? For example, if there is a public feast day, what can be adequately served to large amounts of people and be prepared beforehand? If there are foods or spices that are especially expensive, do people splurge on these for special occasions? 

7. Cooking techniques: are there any food preparation methods not seen in other cultures? Are these techniques integral to the culture’s cuisine? For example, say a race of gremlins chooses to cook their food not with fire, but with fumes from acid? What would these techniques do to flavour, texture? Can other cultures stomach food prepare with these techniques?

8. Dessert: the best part, in my opinion. What are some guilty pleasure foods? Remember, dessert does NOT have to be sweet. Desserts can just be palate-cleansers or small snacks served at the end of the main meal. Are desserts only for the wealthy, or for everyone?

9. Street food: what are the most common staples in the culture? Is there a tradition of serving these staples in unique ways? Are there restaurants, pubs, inns, etc.? 

10. Why is Food Important?: food, like any other worldbuilding detail, must be interpreted with its effects on characters and plot. Plot points can be created out of food-related issues. For example:

Prohibition: a once widely-loved drink or food has been outlawed. How does the populace respond? Does a black market form? Is the Prohibition a success, or a big mistake?

Supremacy: is a food, drink, or spice extremely expensive, and several groups are fighting for control of trade? 

Famine: are food or clean water incredibly scarce? How do the people survive?

Extinction: a valuable plant or animal, after being overfarmed or overhunted, is going extinct. If this valuable plant or animal is central to the cultural economy, how does the culture respond?

Those are just a few questions you can ask yourself while creating food culture for your worlds! Personally, I’ve always enjoyed exploring food culture. I like to try to make my fantasy recipes in the real world too, and through research and experimentation, you might come up with something totally unique. 

Hope this helps, and hope you have fun! 

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"I like to write about it in fiction" does not mean "I desire it to happen in real life", and never has.

What you want to write about doesn't necessarily mean anything about you, besides that you want to write about it.

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Take frequent breaks (drink water too!) and do your goddamn wrist stretches

Image (source)

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DO NOT FORGET the things you create are just as unique and singular as you are. NOBODY ELSE can make what you can in WAY that you can with the HEART AND SOUL that you can. you are the only one who can gift this timeline with your art and ideas and this power is at your fingertips

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I put it in the tags of another post but if you like to gamify writing and haven't tried 4thewords.com before, DO IT. It is the #1 tool I've ever found for writing with ADHD and it is so cute and fun. There's always an adorable event going on during NaNo too!

During NaNo you can get a free month and other free goodies with the code wrimo23 and it gives you a free month even if you already subscribe! (And you don't have to cancel after the month to avoid being charged because it works on a pre-paid subscription model)

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More than wishing everyone who's participating in NaNoWriMo good luck with writing, I also just want to wish you all a nice and cozy November.

For a lot of us, the days are getting shorter, darker and colder, so make sure to grab a blanket and a nice warm drink.

I know some people struggle a lot with the seasonal depression, so allow yourself to take breaks and rest, be kind to yourself first and foremost.

My inbox & DMs will always be open in case you ever need or want to chat. Or if you just want a little kitty picture, I have plenty of those to share too.

For example:

A handsome boy, recovering from his bladder infection. He's already happily lounging around the house again.

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SloMo WriNo: Setting Word Count Goals

For your SlowMo Wrimo the first thing to decide is your daily word count goals. And as Mo the Wrino says, they need to be achievable.

My initial promise was that you can write a complete novel in a year. When I say that I’m talking somewhere in the vicinity of 70-80k, which is in the zone for most YA, Romance and Mystery. Fantasy and Science Fiction can run longer, but if you’re writing in those two genres I’m going to encourage you to aim for a word count on the lower end of things, just to keep it doable within 12 months.

Now anyone with a calculator can see that if you divide 80k by 365 you get 219. 

So if you write 219 words every day then presto, you’ve written your novel!

Which is true! But I don’t think it’s reasonable to assume it’s possible to write every single day, with no days off for an entire year. I know some writers do manage that long term, (or at least claim to!) but if you’ve been struggling to get words out, it’s not an achievable plan.

Instead I want you to create a series of Mini-Maxi goals.

That is, have a baseline minimum, but also hold yourself to a maximum allowed. This is a term drawn from construction standards. 

For example, if you’re hanging drywall, there are rules in building codes about how many screws are required per sheet. The lower limit makes intuitive sense to most people. Yes of course when you hang something from a wall there should be a minimum amount of screws. You need enough to keep that thing in place.

But there is also often an upper limit. If you put in too many screws, you will compromise the structural integrity of the drywall, or even the wood framing behind it.

So how does that apply to writing? 

The idea of setting a minimum word count goal is pretty widely understood. That’s usually the method most people go into Nano with. A plan to write a minimum of 1667 words a day. 

For many people that’s hard enough to reach, let alone exceed, so the idea of maximums doesn’t really enter the picture.

However for this challenge I want you to commit to a far lower daily word count, something you can accomplish in fifteen to twenty minutes. Because even if your schedule is very busy, writing for fifteen minutes most days is achievable.

But that begs the question. What if it’s Sunday afternoon and I have a few hours to write! Oh joy! I shall binge write several thousand words!

Here's the problem with that. Overdo it and we’re back with the same burnout and creative exhaustion issues that brought you here in the first place.

So I want you all to set a safe maximum word count too. 

My recommendation is that you go no higher than around 5x your daily minimum. Or approximately what you can write in 1:15 to 1:30 hours.

But what if, you say, what if, after that alarm goes off at 1:30, my brain is still teeming with ideas?

Good! Make some brief outlining notes and then go do something else! You will be all the more refreshed and excited to write tomorrow.

The goal here isn’t to wring every drop out of your creative well in a single session, but to create a long term writing practice.

Like that piece of drywall, you don’t want to compromise your overall creativity by overdoing things.

So, to summarize, your task for today is to select a comfortable minimum daily word count, (an amount you can easily write in 15-20 minutes) and a safe maximum binge-writing word count. (5x your minimum)

If you don’t know how fast you write, do a series of timed sessions over the next few days, and find out. You might be surprised at how much you get done in a short focused session.

Coming up next: Managing your writing time, taking breaks, and sticking with it for a whole year.

Maree

P. S. If you'd like to join the challenge, make a post! use the tag #slomowrino. If have any questions, please shoot us an Ask either here or on the discord.

Links: SloMo Wrino Intro The Discord Server

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Writing Tip: Alcohol

Alcohol is a great plot device.

Does an intoxicated person only tell the truth? Do they just lie? Is it a mix of both? Do they even know if the words leaving their mouth are true or false? Do they think they’re lying to lead the main character astray but there’s actually truth to it or vice versa?

Drunk characters can lead others into a world of chaos or straight to a truth they don’t want to face.

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Hey y'all why are writers always cold?

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5 Tips for Winning Nanowrimo

Plan to write 25 days in a row, not 30. Give yourself wiggle room in case anything happens in the month and you can't write for a day or two.

Grab an accountabili-buddy, someone you can bounce ideas and get through writing blocks with. Share your progress with them as you go.

If you don't have a buddy, still track and celebrate your progress as you make it. Buy an early advent calendar, or draw a design to slowly fill out throughout the month.

If you need to noodle or plan halfway through--you can still count that towards your wordcount goal. Any writing is still progress!

Give yourself a break when you need it. There's more to writing than just getting words on the page ;)

What are some other tips for winning Nanowrimo this year?

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How to Write Defiance: A Quick Guide for Writers

Whether they're standing against authority or resisting the status quo, the actions of defiant characters can add layers of depth to your story. Here are some quick tips on how to effectively write defiance in your characters.

Behaviour

Question authority and break rules

Don't easily back down from challenges

Rebellious and do the unexpected

May appear stubborn to others

Don't easily conform to norms

Value their independence and freedom

Resilient in the face of adversity

Assertive and direct

Courageous in the face of danger

Act based on their principles and beliefs

Interactions

Direct and stand their ground during disagreements

Don't shy away from tough conversations

Don't let others manipulate or control them

Not afraid to express their opinions

May challenge others' viewpoints during discussions

Stand up for what they believe in

Protective of those they care about

May be argumentative or confrontational

Don't give in easily during negotiations

Can be inspiring, encouraging others to stand with them

Body language

Head high with a strong posture

Serious or determined expression

Maintain steady and direct eye contact

Use expansive, open body language

Do not shy away from physical confrontation

Cross their arms to show resistance

Move with purpose and determination

Not easily intimidated by the physical presence of others

Clench their fists when frustrated or angry

Adopt a challenging stance

Attitude

Not easily swayed by popular opinion

Confident in their own abilities

Persevere no matter how tough the situation gets

Believe strongly in their cause or principles

Refuse to be victims

Unruffled by criticism or opposition

Disregard rules they don't agree with

Risk-takers who often choose difficult paths

Value transparency and honesty

Can come across as proud or arrogant

Positive story outcomes

They may succeed in overturning an unjust system

They can inspire others to stand up against injustice

They achieve their goals through sheer determination

They may help someone break free from oppression

They can contribute to a significant societal change

Negative story outcomes

Their defiance can get them into trouble

They may alienate themselves from others with their behaviour

They can face severe consequences for breaking the rules

Their relationships may suffer due to their stubbornness

They can be misunderstood and labelled as troublemakers

Helpful Synonyms

Rebellious

Nonconformist

Contrary

Dissident

Contrarian

Unruly

Insurgent

Uncooperative

Unmanageable

Mutinous

Intransigent

Insubordinate

Recalcitrant

Resistant

Obstinate

Obstreperous

Noncompliant

Indomitable

Unyielding

Fractious