#3 Tips for Creating a Memorable Main Character

[thecraftyfoxthewriterscorner]

Raising Stakes for Characters with Time

Using time to create a sense of urgency, and a master post of sorts. Also, The Writer's Corner is going on break!

Hey Story Crafters,

We’ve almost hit the halfway mark for NaNoWriMo! How is the writing going? Was it easier to write this week, or harder?

After this post, The Writer’s Corner will be going on break due to the upcoming holiday. You can expect the next post in December!

On Character Stakes

At this point of the writing process, it’s important to remember that your characters need to have stakes. Stakes create a sense of urgency, which keeps the reader engaged in your story. When you’re having fun creating beautiful settings, interesting dialogue, and exciting action scenes, it can be easy to forget the reason you’re writing this story in the first place—the “so what,” the reason why a reader should choose to read your story. The “so what” of a story is linked to the stakes a character faces, the decisions the main character must make and act on in the process of pursuing their goal.

One way to raise the stakes right at the start is to give characters a deadline: The main character needs to achieve their main goal of the story by X amount of time, or face Y consequence(s).

An example I like to fall back on is Avatar: The Last Airbender. The main character needs to master three other types of bending and become recognized as the Avatar, before a scheduled comet appears in the sky to increase the antagonistic force’s offensive power astronomically.

For a book example, I recently read Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses, which has two deadlines: one that the main character (and therefore the reader) isn’t aware of, and one the main character chooses to accept. The reveal of the unknown deadline was an interesting twist (about three-quarters of the way in), because the clues of this deadline’s existence was hinted at for a good chunk of the story—pretty obviously, in retrospect. This gives the main character’s decision to accept the imposition of the second deadline (the succeed-or-die kind) more impact, because both the main character and the reader truly understand what’s at stake. I really admired this technique, and wanted to share it in case it inspired someone else’s writing.

A Master Post (of sorts)

Since a lot of us are focused on writing right now, here’s a list of previous posts I think might be helpful.

Thoughts to Consider While Writing

What Makes a Story Compelling?

Point of View + Psychic Distance

Saving Multiple Drafts of Your Writing

3 Tips for Staying Inspired During the Writing Process

How to Avoid Stalling During the Writing Process

Writing Tips for Characters

3 Tips for Creating a Memorable Main Character

Make Your Main Character Shine

Profile of a Main Character

Character Development: First Conflict Event

The Value of Side Characters

Looking at Character Archetype: The Strongest Character

The Wound that Haunts Characters

Creating Physical Wounds for Your Characters

Relationship Mapping Part 2

Writing Tips for Dialogue

Let’s Talk Dialogue:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Writing Tips for Fight Scenes

Writing Fight Scenes Part 1

On Writing Fight Scenes: A Long Post

Example of an Effective Fight Scene: A Brief Breakdown

Feel free to reach out if you have any writing or editing questions, or requests for post topics!

Happy writing!

Best,

Leah

Reminder: The Writer’s Corner will be on break for the next 2 weeks. Expect the next post in December!

Happy writing!

Best,

Leah

Substack Post: https://thecraftyfoxwriterscorner.substack.com/p/raising-stakes-for-characters-with

Interested in learning more about me, and the kind of energy I’ll bring to a writer-editor relationship? If you're a writer, consider subscribing to my free Substack newsletter (you can check out the archives, too). You'll get a free writing resource on relationship mapping, and a special offer when you subscribe!

Are you searching for an editor to work with on a completed (or soon-to-be-completed) manuscript? Get in touch! I’d love to hear about your project(s). I’m looking to work with authors of:

Fantasy

Dark Fantasy

Science Fiction

Horror

Send me an email!

[gertlushgaming]

AdventureQuest 8-Bit: Dungeons & DoomKnights Review (Nintendo Switch OLED)

For this AdventureQuest 8-Bit Dungeons & DoomKnights Review, we must try and defeat DoomKnight and his army of the evil undead. Explore a huge world and battle vampires, ghosts, death knights, liches, ancient evils, giant flying eyeballs, chicken cows... and other unspeakable horrors!

AdventureQuest 8-Bit Dungeons & DoomKnights Review Pros:

- Beautiful 8 Bit graphics. - 195MB download size. - Chiptune soundtrack. - The music player is in the extras menu. - Screen settings - CRT filter, frame/border, aspect (pixel perfect/4:3/widescreen), and color palette (vanilla/game child/game child contrast/virtual child/greyscale). - A beautifully created game manual that acts as a tutorial, shows off the map, and is housed with many images and tips. - Chaos mods - play the main game in black and white mode, play the game as the dog, or play a spin on the Pac-Man genre. - Necronancy is a different game where you play as Nancy the necromancer. - 2D adventure RPG gameplay. - Solid tight controls. - Hack and slash combat. - Enemies can drop coins and items randomly. - Save points are found in the world. - The game plays out on a screen-by-screen basis. - Respawn enemies by leaving and red entering a screen. - Many secrets to find. - The game has excellent Easter eggs and nods to classic games and tropes. - Main and mini-boss fights. - Get a bloodthirsty Pomeranian sidekick! - Meet new memorable characters. - All character interactions are done via in-game art sequences. - Instant reloading upon death, you go to your last save point. Enemies can stay dead upon respawning. - The health system at play is 3 dots and you can pick up health. - Modern retro adventure game. - Gets very addictive. - Over time collect upgrades for more health or skulls. - Skulls are used to send your dog out through dog doors and get killed. - Excellent level design. - With some deaths staying permanent with enemies and doors staying open it does make replaying parts a bit easier or less stressful. - Does have the cool thing of having a respawn point right next to big boss fights. - Progression is very satisfying. AdventureQuest 8-Bit Dungeons & DoomKnights Review Cons: - Takes some getting used to not pressing the start button to pause. - Jumping is fine but it's not how modern games are it's a case of pressing jump and then moving rather than both at the same time. - The manual doesn't mention the controls. - Is difficult a lot of the time but always fair. - Movement is not always as smooth as you would like. - Doorways are very sensitive meaning you can constantly walk in and out of a door by accident. - A game like this has the get hit by enemies the moment you enter a screen niggle. - Checkpoints are far apart. Related Post: Jett Rider Review (PlayStation 5) AdventureQuest 8-Bit Dungeons & DoomKnights: Official website. Developer: Artix Entertainment, LLC Publisher: Nami Tentou Store Links - Nintendo Read the full article

[writeleg1ant]

Mastering the Art of Crafting an Epic Plot: A Comprehensive Guide to Writing Fantasy Novels

1. Introduction

For aspiring authors and fantasy enthusiasts, crafting an epic plot is an essential skill to master. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, understanding the key elements of a captivating story is crucial. From developing memorable characters to creating a world full of magic and wonder, writing a fantasy novel requires careful planning and execution. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best plot structures for fantasy novels, provide tips for beginners, and offer insights on formatting your manuscript. Get ready to embark on an epic writing journey and unleash your imagination like never before!

2. The importance of plot in fantasy novels

In the realm of fantasy novels, the plot serves as the backbone of the story, propelling readers through a world of magic, adventure, and wonder. A well-crafted plot can captivate readers, keeping them turning the pages in eager anticipation of what happens next. Without a strong plot, even the most intricately created worlds and fascinating characters can fall flat. One of the key aspects of a successful fantasy plot is its ability to transport readers to a realm beyond their imagination. It should be carefully constructed, with twists and turns that keep readers engaged and on the edge of their seat. Whether you're writing a classic hero's journey or an intricate web of political intrigue, the plot must be compelling and satisfying. Furthermore, a well-developed plot allows for character growth and development. The challenges and obstacles the characters face throughout the story push them to their limits, forcing them to confront their flaws and embrace their strengths. This adds depth and complexity to the narrative, making the readers invest emotionally in the characters' journeys. In the next section, we will delve deeper into the different types of plots commonly found in fantasy novels and explore some effective techniques for crafting an unforgettable plot that will transport readers to extraordinary worlds. Stay tuned, and get ready to unleash the power of your imagination as we continue our guide to mastering the art of crafting an epic plot in fantasy novels.

3. Understanding the elements of a compelling plot

In order to craft an epic plot in your fantasy novel, it is crucial to understand the elements that make a plot compelling. A strong plot consists of several key components that work together to create a gripping narrative. First and foremost, you need a clear goal or objective for your main character. This goal serves as the driving force behind the plot, motivating the actions and decisions of the protagonist. Whether it is to defeat an evil sorcerer, find a lost artifact, or restore peace to a war-torn kingdom, the goal should be specific, meaningful, and achievable. Next, consider the conflict that arises in pursuit of the goal. Conflict can take many forms, such as external forces, internal struggles, or moral dilemmas. It adds tension and excitement to the story, keeping readers hooked and invested in the outcome. Furthermore, pacing is essential in maintaining the reader's interest. Vary the intensity of the plot, alternating between moments of high action and quieter, introspective scenes. This ebb and flow will create a sense of rhythm and make the story more engaging. Lastly, the resolution of the plot should be satisfying and logical. Tie up loose ends, provide closure to character arcs, and ensure that the resolution is consistent with the world you have built. By understanding and incorporating these elements into your plot, you can create a story that captivates readers and leaves a lasting impression. So, let's dive deeper into each of these components and explore how you can masterfully weave them into your fantasy novel. Stay tuned for our next installment as we continue our comprehensive guide to crafting an epic plot in fantasy novels.

4. Planning your plot: outlining and brainstorming

Now that we have discussed the key components of a compelling plot, it's time to delve into the planning stage of crafting your epic story. Outlining and brainstorming are essential tools that will help you structure your plot and ensure a seamless flow of events. To begin, start by brainstorming ideas and themes that you want to explore in your fantasy novel. Consider the world you have built, the characters you have created, and the conflicts they will face. Jot down any ideas that come to mind, and don't be afraid to let your imagination run wild. Once you have a list of ideas, it's time to organize them into a cohesive outline. This will serve as the backbone of your plot, guiding you through the story's structure and progression. Map out the main events, including key plot points, character arcs, and major conflicts. Make sure each event serves a purpose and moves the story forward. Remember, your outline is not set in stone. It can evolve and change as you write, but having a solid plan in place will provide a roadmap to follow and prevent any plot holes or inconsistencies. With a well-thought-out outline and a clear vision for your story, you are now ready to start writing your epic fantasy novel. In our next blog post, we will discuss the importance of creating compelling and relatable characters that will breathe life into your plot. Stay tuned for more tips in our comprehensive guide to writing fantasy novels!

5. Crafting unforgettable characters that drive the plot forward

Crafting unforgettable characters is a crucial aspect of writing a fantasy novel that will captivate readers and drive the plot forward. After all, it is the characters that readers will connect with and invest in emotionally. To create compelling characters, start by giving them unique personalities, backgrounds, and motivations. Consider how their desires and conflicts will shape their actions and decisions throughout the story. Develop their strengths and weaknesses, as well as their flaws and vulnerabilities. Think about how they will grow and change as they face challenges and overcome obstacles. Furthermore, ensure that your characters are relatable and multidimensional. Give them hopes, dreams, and fears that readers can identify with. Allow them to make mistakes and experience both triumphs and failures. As you write, keep in mind that your characters should not only serve as individuals with their own stories to tell, but also as integral pieces of the overall plot. Their interactions and relationships should drive the narrative forward, creating tension, conflict, and resolution. By crafting unforgettable and relatable characters, you will be able to breathe life into your plot and keep your readers engaged from beginning to end. In our next blog post, we will explore the art of world-building and how to create immersive and believable settings for your fantasy novel. Stay tuned!

6. Developing conflict and tension to keep readers engaged

Creating conflict and tension is a vital aspect of crafting an epic plot that will keep readers engaged in your fantasy novel. Without these elements, your story may fall flat and fail to hold your audience's attention. Conflict can take many forms, from internal struggles within your characters to external obstacles they must overcome. It is through conflict that your characters are forced to grow, change, and confront their fears. Introduce challenges and obstacles that test their strengths and push them to their limits. Tension, on the other hand, is the feeling of unease or anticipation that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. It can be created through secrets, mysteries, or looming threats that gradually unfold throughout your story. Use strategic pacing and well-timed revelations to build and release tension, keeping your readers hooked. Remember that conflict and tension should be integral to your plot and arise naturally from the interactions and motivations of your characters. Avoid introducing unnecessary drama for the sake of it, as this can quickly lose your readers' interest. In the next blog post, we will delve into the art of world-building and how to create immersive and believable settings for your fantasy novel. Stay tuned to learn how to transport your readers to a captivating and vivid world!

7. Plot twists and surprises: keeping your readers on their toes

Plot twists and surprises are essential tools in crafting an epic plot that will captivate your readers until the very end. These unexpected turns of events can add excitement, suspense, and depth to your story, keeping your audience on their toes. When incorporating plot twists, it is crucial to ensure they feel organic and not forced. They should arise naturally from the events and conflicts within your story, catching your readers off guard but still making sense within the narrative. A well-executed plot twist can make readers question everything they thought they knew and provide a fresh perspective on the story. Surprises, on the other hand, can take the form of unexpected character actions, unanticipated alliances, or uncovered secrets. By strategically placing surprises throughout your narrative, you can create a sense of intrigue and intrigue, motivating readers to keep turning the pages. However, it is important to strike a balance when using plot twists and surprises. While they add excitement, overdoing them can overwhelm readers and diminish their impact. Use them sparingly and make sure they enhance the overall plot and character development. In the upcoming blog post, we will explore the importance of creating well-rounded and relatable characters in your fantasy novel. Building realistic and compelling characters is crucial for readers to emotionally invest in your story. Stay tuned to learn how to breathe life into your characters and make them truly unforgettable.

8. Using subplots to enhance your main plotline

Subplots can be a powerful tool for enhancing your main plotline and adding depth to your fantasy novel. These secondary storylines can provide additional layers of complexity and intrigue, keeping readers engaged and invested in your narrative. When crafting subplots, it is important to ensure they complement and support your main plotline rather than distract from it. Subplots should serve a purpose, whether it is to develop characters, explore themes, or provide additional context to the main story. Consider introducing subplots that are intertwined with your main plotline, offering a different perspective or advancing the overall narrative in significant ways. These subplots can create a sense of tension and anticipation, driving the story forward and keeping readers guessing. To effectively incorporate subplots, maintain a clear focus on your main plot while still giving your subplots room to breathe. Be mindful of balancing the pacing and ensuring each subplot contributes to the overarching story in a meaningful way. In our next blog post, we will delve deeper into the art of creating compelling subplots that enhance your main plotline. Discover valuable techniques and strategies to make your fantasy novel a truly immersive and captivating experience. Keep reading to unlock the secrets of successful subplotting.

9. The art of pacing: balancing action and quieter moments

Creating a well-paced story is essential to keeping readers engaged and invested in your fantasy novel. The art of pacing involves finding the right balance between action-packed scenes and quieter, more introspective moments. Action scenes are crucial for driving the plot forward and keeping readers on the edge of their seats. They can be filled with thrilling battles, intense confrontations, or heart-pounding chase sequences. However, it is important not to overwhelm readers with too much action. Take the time to build tension and suspense before unleashing the full force of your story's climax. On the other hand, quieter moments can provide opportunities for character development, reflection, and world-building. These scenes allow readers to catch their breath, deepen their connection with the characters, and gain a deeper understanding of the story's setting. To effectively pace your novel, strategically intersperse action scenes with quieter moments, allowing for a rhythm that keeps readers engaged without becoming overwhelmed. Consider the impact each scene has on the overall plot and the emotional journey of your characters. In our next blog post, we will explore different techniques for creating a well-paced narrative that balances action and quieter moments. Learn how to keep your readers enthralled from start to finish by mastering the art of pacing. Stay tuned for more valuable insights and tips on crafting an epic plot in your fantasy novel.

10. Resolving the plot: satisfying conclusions and loose ends

As we come to the final stages of crafting your epic plot, it's essential to ensure that you provide a satisfying conclusion for your readers. A well-resolved plot ties up loose ends, answers lingering questions, and offers a sense of closure. This is crucial for leaving a lasting impression and keeping your readers fulfilled. When resolving your plot, consider the resolutions of both the main story arc and any subplots. Each storyline should have a satisfying resolution that contributes to the overall narrative. Tie up loose ends by providing explanations and resolutions for any unanswered questions or unresolved conflicts. Avoid leaving your readers feeling confused or unsatisfied. However, it's essential to strike a balance between satisfying resolutions and leaving room for the imagination. While you want to provide closure, you also want to leave some elements open-ended to allow for further exploration or potential sequels. This leaves your readers with a sense of anticipation and curiosity. Take the time to carefully plan and execute your resolution, ensuring that it aligns with the themes and tone of your fantasy novel. Avoid rushing the ending, as this can undermine the impact of your story. Provide a sense of fulfillment and resolution while still allowing for future possibilities. Crafting a well-resolved plot requires careful consideration and attention to detail. It's a delicate balance between satisfying conclusions and leaving room for imagination. In our next blog post, we will delve deeper into the art of resolving the plot, offering tips and techniques to help you create an unforgettable ending. Stay tuned to learn how to leave your readers captivated and eager for more.

11. The power of editing and revising your plot

In our quest to create an epic plot, we cannot underestimate the power of editing and revising. After crafting your initial plot, it's crucial to step back and examine it with a critical eye. Editing allows you to refine your ideas, strengthen your story's structure, and enhance its overall impact. Start by reviewing the pacing and flow of your plot. Does it have a natural rhythm that keeps readers engaged? Are there any slow moments that could be trimmed or expanded upon? Look for opportunities to heighten tension and build suspense, ensuring that your plot is a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Next, delve into the details of your plot. Are there any inconsistencies in the timeline or character motivations? Are all plot threads effectively woven together, or are there loose ends that need to be tied up? Take the time to iron out these kinks, ensuring that your plot is seamless and devoid of any plot holes. Remember, a well-edited and revised plot is polished and captivating. It provides a smooth reading experience, immersing readers in a world of wonder and adventure. So, take the time to edit and revise your plot, refining it until it reaches its full potential. In our next blog post, we will explore the art of editing and revising in more detail, providing valuable tips and techniques to help you streamline your plot and create a masterpiece. Stay tuned for our next installment, and let the magic of editing transform your plot into a work of art.

12. What is the best plot structure for a fantasy novel?

When it comes to crafting an epic plot for a fantasy novel, one question that often arises is: What is the best plot structure? While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, there are certain plot structures that tend to work well in the fantasy genre. One popular plot structure is the Hero's Journey, which follows a protagonist as they embark on a quest, face trials and tribulations, and ultimately undergo personal growth and transformation. This structure allows for a compelling narrative arc and provides opportunities for the protagonist to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. Another effective plot structure is the Three-Act Structure, which consists of a setup, confrontation, and resolution. This structure introduces the world and characters in the first act, builds conflict and tension in the second act, and resolves the main conflict in the third act. This structure helps maintain a steady pace and keeps readers engaged throughout the story. Ultimately, the best plot structure for your fantasy novel will depend on the specific story you want to tell. Experiment with different structures, and choose the one that best highlights the themes, characters, and world you've created. In our next blog post, we will delve deeper into these plot structures, providing examples and insights on how to effectively utilize them in your fantasy novel. Stay tuned as we continue our quest to master the art of crafting an epic plot. Faq - Writing my first fantasy novel, any tips? - Start with a clear outline to guide your plot. - Develop unique and relatable characters. - Build a vivid and immersive fantasy world. - Balance action with moments of reflection. - Embrace creativity, and let your imagination soar. - Need advice on how to get started writing a fantasy novel. - Begin with a compelling idea for your story. - Outline key plot points and character arcs. - Establish rules for your fantasy world. - Dive into world-building to create a rich setting. - Start writing, and don't be afraid to revise. - How do you write a fantasy novel without the main character in a war or fight with demons/monsters/creatures? - Focus on other conflicts like political intrigue or personal growth. - Explore mysteries, quests, or unconventional challenges. - Develop relationships and dynamics between characters. - Incorporate unique magical elements or settings. - Create tension through non-violent means. - How do I start writing a fantasy novel? - Begin with a captivating idea or concept. - Develop a strong outline for your plot. - Create well-rounded and relatable characters. - Establish rules for your fantasy world. Read the full article

[eneblur]

Video and storytelling: Ways to connect on social media

There is a saying, Facts Tell, Stories Sell. Storytelling is a powerful tool that helps connect with the audience, generate leads, and inspire a call to action. It is a fundamental part of being human and works as a neural shortcut for faster decision-making. Everyone can use storytelling to build brand recall and encourage customers to engage. Short-form, easy-to-produce videos, presentations, and reels are taking over social networks, making storytelling easier than ever before.

What Stories Should Your Brand Tell? 

When telling your story, it’s crucial to make it relatable and engaging to your audience. Additionally, one should ensure that the story offers valuable, informative, or helpful information to the target audience. Some social marketers may worry that their videos will become monotonous and repetitive, but this fear stems from a misunderstanding. Your brand possesses numerous possible stories to share, not solely your origin story.

When creating written material in plain English, it’s important to consider your target audience. Different people have different needs and require specific information. To ensure clarity, important information should be presented first. Keep sentences short and to the point, avoiding lengthy and convoluted sentences that can be hard to understand. Use everyday words and avoid technical language, abbreviations, and legal terminology. Prefer verbs to nouns and use the active voice to make the text more straightforward and understandable.

Remember not to change the meaning of the original text, remove any important information, or add new sentences or paragraphs.

Professional videos are done by video editors who either shoot scenes as per social media needs or edit with available raw video clippings or pictures.

To be a successful video creator, you need three traits:

1. Authority: show expertise and provide evidence of how you achieved your goals.

2. Entertainment: show your personality and be fun.

3. Connection: connect with viewers and show that you care.

Create authoritative, entertaining, and heartfelt content. One can get inspired by seeing another video story but always tell new stories and be unique.

Here are some helpful tips to assist you in creating compelling Video stories that connect with your intended audience.

Before you start writing your story, it is crucial to understand the pain points, challenges, and goals of your audience. 

The main idea or message of your story is called a theme, and it should be relevant to your audience’s interests and values. Your story’s theme should also align with your brand’s purpose and vision. 

To help you organize your ideas and guide your audience through your narrative, you need to create a structure for your story. To make your story memorable and engaging, you should infuse it with personality and emotion. 

Finally, your story should have a call to action that tells your audience what you want them to do next. Whether it is to sign up for a newsletter, download a free e-book, request a demo, or buy your product, your call to action should be clear and compelling. 

To make sure your story resonates with your audience, you should test and optimize it based on feedback and data. 

You must ask for opinions from your colleagues, friends, or customers, or use tools like surveys, polls, or analytics to measure the performance of your story.

How We Can Help?

Effective storytelling is crucial for video marketing. To create engaging narratives, understand your audience, employ relatable characters and real-life stories, tap into emotions, use visual storytelling techniques, build suspense, prioritize authenticity, leverage music and sound design, and conclude with a personalized call-to-action. These techniques will help your video marketing efforts on social media resonate with your audience and drive meaningful engagement.

Eneblur Consulting is your complete social media business partner on whom you can rely to shoot, edit, and optimize videos for your online video marketing needs.

Please check our YouTube channel to check some of the videos: https://www.youtube.com/@eneblurconsulting6050

Also, check our social media portfolio can help check out some cool reels.

[digiversatilesol]

Content Marketing in the Age of Short Attention Spans: Engaging Your Audience

Introduction:

In today's fast-paced digital world, capturing and retaining the attention of your audience has become increasingly challenging. With the rise of social media, mobile devices, and constant information overload, consumers' attention spans have shortened significantly. As a result, businesses must adapt their content marketing strategies to effectively engage their target audience. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of content marketing in the age of short attention spans and provide actionable tips on how to create engaging content that captures attention, delivers value, and drives meaningful connections with your audience.

1. Know Your Audience: Understanding your audience is the foundation of effective content marketing. Start by conducting thorough research to identify their preferences, interests, and pain points. Create detailed buyer personas to gain insights into their demographics, behaviors, motivations, and content consumption habits. Use this knowledge to tailor your content to their specific needs, ensuring it resonates and captures their attention. By delivering content that addresses their specific challenges and interests, you can establish a deeper connection and build trust with your audience.

2. Craft Attention-Grabbing Headlines: In a sea of content competing for attention, compelling headlines are essential for grabbing the fleeting attention of your audience. Craft attention-grabbing and curiosity-inducing headlines that clearly communicate the value of your content upfront. Use power words, numbers, and intriguing statements to entice readers to click and explore further. A well-crafted headline makes the difference between someone scrolling past or engaging with the content. However, be sure to deliver on the promise made in your headline by providing valuable and relevant content in the body of your article.

3. Create Engaging Visual Content: Visual content is a powerful tool for capturing attention and conveying messages quickly. Incorporate eye-catching images, infographics, videos, and interactive elements into your content. Visuals break up text and make information more digestible. Ensure your visual content is relevant, high-quality, and optimized for different platforms and devices to maximize its impact. Infographics, in particular, can effectively communicate complex information in a visually appealing and easily shareable format.

4. Use Clear and Concise Language: In the age of short attention spans, simplicity is key. Use clear and concise language for communicating your message effectively. Break down complex ideas into understandable concepts easily. Use short paragraph, subheadings, and bullet points to enhance readability. Make your content scannable by using bold and highlighted text to emphasize key points. This approach caters to readers who skim and allows them to quickly grasp the main ideas. Additionally, use language that is conversational and relatable to foster a connection with your audience.

5. Tell Compelling Stories: Stories have a unique ability to captivate and engage audiences. Incorporate storytelling into your content marketing strategy to evoke emotions, connect with your audience on a deeper level, and make your message memorable. Whether it's through customer success stories, personal anecdotes, or narratives that illustrate your brand's values, stories can create a powerful impact and hold attention. Use storytelling techniques such as a clear narrative arc, relatable characters, and a compelling climax to draw your audience in and keep them engaged throughout your content.

6. Provide Value and Solve Problems: To engage your audience, your content must provide value and address their pain points. Conduct keyword research and identify relevant topics that resonate with your audience. Offer practical tips, actionable advice, and solutions to their problems. Position yourself as a trusted resource and expert in your industry by consistently delivering valuable content that helps and informs. Incorporate data, case studies, and examples to provide evidence of your expertise and establish credibility with your audience. By focusing on delivering value, you can create a strong connection and keep your audience coming back for more.

7. Embrace Interactive and Bite-Sized Content: In the age of short attention spans, interactive content formats and bite-sized content can be highly effective in grabbing attention and encouraging active engagement. Interactive content, such as quizzes, polls, and interactive infographics, allows users to participate and interact with your brand, increasing their involvement and interest. Additionally, embrace bite-sized content like short videos, social media posts, and quick tips that cater to the limited time and attention of your audience. These formats allow for quick consumption and increase the chances of capturing and retaining attention.

Conclusion:

In the age of short attention spans, effective content marketing requires a strategic approach that grabs attention, delivers value, and fosters meaningful connections with your audience. Digiversatile solutions helps in knowing your audience, crafting attention-grabbing headlines, creating engaging visual content, using clear and concise language, telling compelling stories, providing value, and embracing interactive and bite-sized content, you can navigate the challenges of short attention spans and cultivate an engaged and loyal audience for your brand. Remember to continuously analyze the performance of your content, gather feedback from your audience, and adapt your strategies to ensure continued success in capturing and retaining attention in the digital landscape.

[tron-education]

Animation made easy: Vital Tips for Beginners

Animation is a versatile and exciting art form that has become increasingly popular digitally. It involves manipulating images or objects to create the illusion of motion and movement. According to recent statistics, the global animation industry is estimated to reach a market value of $270 billion by 2025.

Animation is an essential part of the digital world, and it is used in a wide range of industries, including film, television, video games, and advertising. As a beginner, understanding the fundamentals of animation and its principles is crucial to create engaging animations.

This article is going to help you do just that. Let’s dive right in!

Understanding Animation and its Uses

Animation is a technique that involves creating the illusion of motion by displaying a series of still images or frames. It is used to tell stories, convey emotions, and communicate complex ideas visually appealingly.

Animation is used in a wide range of industries, including entertainment, advertising, education, and gaming.

Principles of animation

The principles of animation are guidelines developed by Disney animators in the 1930s to create more realistic and engaging animations. Modern animation still uses these principles today and are considered essential for creating high-quality animations.

Some of the important principles of animation are:

1.       Squash and Stretch:

This principle involves exaggerating the shape of objects to create a sense of weight and momentum.

2.      Anticipation:

This principle involves setting up the audience for what is about to happen next, building anticipation and excitement.

3.      Staging:

This principle involves setting up the scene in a way that directs the audience's attention to the most important elements

4.     Follow Through and Overlapping Action:

This principle involves creating secondary movements that follow the main movement, adding a sense of realism to the animation.

5.      Ease in and Ease Out:

This principle involves easing into and out of movements to create a more natural flow.

6.     Arcs:

This principle involves creating smooth and natural movements by following a curved path.

7.     Secondary Action:

This principle involves adding additional movements to enhance the primary action.

8.     Timing and Spacing

This principle involves controlling the timing of the movements to create a sense of rhythm and pacing

9.     Exaggeration:

This principle involves exaggerating the movements and expressions of characters to create a more engaging animation.

10.   Solid Drawing:

This principle involves creating characters and objects with a sense of volume and weight.

11.     Appeal:

This principle involves designing characters and scenes that are visually appealing and memorable. Remember that appeal and charisma is also required for villans!

12.   Straight Ahead and Pose to Pose

The approach to animating with straight ahead action is characterized by its spontaneity and linearity, as the animation progresses frame by frame from start to finish.

In contrast, pose to pose animation is more systematic and deliberate, focusing only on the essential poses needed to effectively convey the story.

Different Software Used in Animation

There are several software options available for animation, each with its own set of features and tools. Adobe Animate, Toon Boom, and Blender are popular options used by professionals and beginners alike.

Common Problems Faced by Animators

Inconsistent timing, unrealistic physics, poor character design, and limited movement are some common problems faced by animators. To avoid these issues, animators need to have a solid understanding of the principles of animation and how to apply them effectively.

Animation is a growing industry with endless possibilities, and understanding the basics is a great way to start a career in animation.

By mastering the principles of animation and using the right software, you can create engaging and memorable animations. Interested in pursuing a career in Animation? Check out Tron Education, where we specialize in helping students develop a creative mindset and equip them with state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure!

[poychachi]

How To Write Deep Friendships

@writinghaven on instagram [SOURCE: kingdompen.org]

Good friendships can turn an okay story into a memorable one. Not only do friendships make the readers care about the story more, it adds more emotional weight to the story. But here is the problem: good relationships are difficult to write. You thought writing romance was difficult? Well, writing friendships is a whole different level of difficulty. Romances usually rely on professions of love and staring into one another’s eyes for lengthy periods of time. But how do you develop great friendships? So today, I am going to give you 6 things you need to do to develop your friendship.

1. Make Each Character His Own Person

If a character’s only purpose of the story is  "be the friend", then I guarantee you that he is going to be a flat and uninteresting character. This will ultimately lead to a friendship that no reader will be invested in.

All the same character creation rules apply to your friend too.

I am surprised by how many times this occurs in stories. You have your main character, and then his 1-dimensional friend who might crack a joke every once in a while.

So before you move onto the next step, flesh out both of the characters in your friendship.

Do both of these characters have a history? Passions? Dreams? Values? Internal journey? Other relationships? Friends? Family?

2. Give Them Something in Common

Now that you have established that these two characters are their own persons,  you need a reason for them to be friends. What brought them together? What makes them friends? What gives them a reason to hang out with each other?

You need to give them similarities. This can be a number of different things: Status, Hobbies, Struggles, History, Background, Interests, Enemy, Goals, Dreams

This gives them a common ground, and from then on, the two of them are able to communicate and get along better.

So what makes your two friends similar? How can they bond over these similarities? How do these similarities connect them in a meaningful way?

3. Give Them Meaningful Differences

With meaningful differences, your two friends can help support their strengths and build them up during their times of weakness. This all leads to a strong friendship.

Here are some great ways to give them differences:

Skills (Example: One friend might be good at coming up with plans, while the other friend might be good at improvising when the plan goes awry.)

Conflict Resolution (Example: They are in an argument. One friend might try to talk things out in a diplomatic way, while the other friend just likes to play devil's advocate and throw more heat into the argument)

Personalities (Ex: One is cold and determined and the other is more relaxed and compassionate)

Method of Action: When faced with an obstacle, how does each friend try to get around it?

Reaction: The two friends will also react differently to major events or situations. For example, one might have a relatively negative reaction, while the friend will have a positive reaction that aids them through the challenge.

4. Give Them a History That Shines Through

If your two friends have known each other for a while now, by no means do you want them to seem like they just met each other yesterday.

What you need to do is throw out hints that these friends have known each other for a while. You need to make the readers curious about these two friends and their history with each other.

And even if your characters meet within the timeline of the story, sneaking in hints that these characters are learning more about each other is a great way to develop your friendship.

How can you show this?

Here are a few ways to show that they have a history with each other: Inside jokes, silly and ongoing bickering, unrivaled closeness, nonverbal communication, etc.

5. Create Meaningful Scenes

Now that you have all the key components to an amazing friendship, it’s time to develop it through your story.

Insert a few key friendship moments in your novel and show your reader the power of this relationship.

6. Don’t Make Their Relationship Perfect

If you can nail down all the other 5 points, you are on your way to a pretty perfect friendship.

Wait a minute. You don’t want a perfect friendship.

People aren’t perfect, and your friends can’t get along together all the time.

I’m not saying that you should stuff in a bunch of contrived conflicts between your friendships.

Instead, set up situations that will naturally occur because of who these characters are, and what they believe. (This is why step 1 is so important)

Maybe their differences get the better of them.

Maybe they react differently to a pivotal event in your novel.

Maybe one of the friend's internal demons gets the better of him, and the other friend has to call him out on it. This only results in more tension between them. This is an especially brilliant method to enhance a character arc.

Are the friendships in your novel too perfect? How can you add complexity to their relationship? What character differences and character flaws must these two friends overcome in order to keep their friendship intact? How do they overcome these obstacles? And how does their friendship deepen as a result?

If you can figure that out, your friendship will rise to a whole new level.

These tips can apply to pretty much any relationship. Lovers. Siblings. Frenemies.

So the next time you sit down to write a friendship, ponder these tips and keep them in mind.

[hollyoakhill]

do you have any tips on how to write a good oc? I just read your Intruder fic (it was absolutely amazing!!!!! thank u for blessing us all with that masterpiece) and one thing that really stood out to me was how 3-dimensional and well developed the characters were- their different personalities, the way they interacted with eachother, their behavior in relaxed vs stressful situations, all felt so real and genuine. I know it might be a complicated question, but how do you make your ocs feel real?

Aaa thank you, that is such high praise!

I'm not an expert, but I can go into a little detail of how I approach the creation of my characters. At the risk of this becoming lengthy, I'll put it all under the cut. None of these things will be one way of creating a character, so feel free to pick and choose these tips as you see fit!

1. Tropes are your friend!

It might be disheartening to realize that your character may fall into certain archetypes - the Mentor, the Cheerful Protagonist, the Angry Rival, the Silent Hunter, etc, but this is far from a bad thing. By being aware of what sort of archetype your character falls into, you can use it as a starting point to create some truly fun and memorable characters.

2. Consider what your character does

Do they have a job or some kind of duty? What kind of person do they need to be in order to do their job? Are they unemployed, and if they are, how do they choose to spend their time?

I like to think about this a lot because it helps inform a lot of their other interactions. A character who is used to being in action might get antsy in longer periods of quiet, or maybe they might relax entirely.

3. Your OC's Neighbor

Creating a character all by themselves can be rough. Sometimes all they need is a friend. I can confidently tell you that pretty much all of my characters exist because I started with one Main OC who just needed a friend (or enemy). Sometimes, creating one character means you have to create a whole family of them. This is where tropes will be super helpful again because it will save you the time and energy to work on the characters that matter to your narrative.

And hey, sometimes by creating a Neighbor to your Main OC, you open the door to create some of the most fun and memorable characters in your narrative. (Kitfox would not exist without Sunshine, and Frostbite would not exist without Kitfox.)

4. Play dollhouse with them

Just plop 'em in a scene! Any scene will do. Have one character ask a question and force your fresh baby OC to answer it. What do they say? Do they say nothing at all? Force them into a house with an exit guarded by fifty dogs and a shark. Now, toss a meteor in there. How do they respond to this new threat? Do they run for cover or do they perhaps have a loved one to rescue?

Honestly, anything goes. This is by far the most effective way to foster and nurture a new OC's personality. I've written countless scenes of a character in scenes that will never be 'canon' because it's all just a playground for them to grow.

I really can't overstate how useful this method is to me. To get you started out, here are some fun questions I like to start a scene with:

- "How the hell did you get in here?!"

- "Are you... bleeding, sir?"

- "I thought she was with you?"

- "Why would you let him into the restricted zone?"

- "When will the reinforcements arrive?"

- "Did you eat the last donut?"

5. Find your character's voice

This might be the trickiest thing when making a new character. It's something that might emerge as your write them more and get a feel for their personality. It kind of goes back into the point of playing dollhouse with your OC's a bit, to experiment and have some fun with the different ways your character sounds. Do they have a distinct accent, do they speak with clipped tones, are they quite short and stoic or are they loud and brash? How you write their dialogue will affect your character's personality a lot. Perhaps they don't speak at all? How do they communicate with others? This leads into my next point:

6. Find your character's mannerisms

Body language is probably one of the biggest factors in characterization. It's not just what a character says, but it's what they do as they say it. Do they gesticulate wildly, or are they sheepishly fiddling with the hem of their shirt?

"Where is the book?" he commanded, stepping briskly toward his men. His voice resounded in the massive chamber, the vibrations felt under the soles of their boots.

"Where is the book?" she smiled, gently brushing a blond lock from her face. She leaned against the counter with mild disinterest, but with shifty eyes that said that she was looking for something else.

A LOT of writing can be done outside of the quotation marks. Have fun with the things you add in there! Really, there's nobody stopping you.

Non-verbal characters are fun to write because it really makes you consider the way they move and behave around different people. Are they perhaps proficient in sign language or do they use different tools to communicate? Dialogue can sometimes be far more than just two characters speaking, and sometimes an interaction done without a single word uttered can be more powerful than a lengthy sonnet.

7. Pretend they're real

This might be a little silly, and this is definitely where you can choose to ignore it entirely. I like to keep things within the realm of naturalism. It means that these characters I create all have a hint of human, real-world flavor in them, no matter how whimsical or ridiculous they are.

What I mean in this case, are just simple, ordinary quirks that may or may not have any bearing on the narrative at all. Like, I'm talking just human, ordinary, flawed things, like bad habits, illnesses, mistakes, making stupid decisions... anything really. Sometimes this means having your superhero OC ordering pizza takeout because they're always too tired to do the dishes, your honorable paladin having a toy collection habit, or your witty, wisecracking Captain having depression (cough, cough, Kitfox). Does your character need to take meds? Do they have issues focusing on a subject for a long time? Do they have a gambling habit? These are all things that can affect how they interact with others, or how they behave themselves.

A lot of writing tips mention giving your characters a Flaw (hubris, arrogance, overprotectiveness, narcissism, etc.) It's a great writing principle, but it doesn't always work for me, because I feel like they can be too floaty when I still don't fully know how the OC works. That's why I like to work with this particular Human principle. Keep in mind, I'm not saying these things are Bad Things, but rather ordinary, human quirks that we have to deal with on a daily, and so does your OC.

///

Aaaaand I've been going on for a long time hahah. It seems I got a little carried away! Anyway, these are all things I like to think about when writing, and it's in no way peer-reviewed by other authors, so pick and choose these subjects as you see fit! Hope this helps and have fun OC-making!!

[thecraftyfoxthewriterscorner]

Updates from the Editor's Desk

#RevPit 2024 Showcase and a master post for The Writer's Corner.

Hey Story Crafters,

The RevPit 2024 Showcase goes LIVE TODAY at noon/12 PM EDT! Come check out the hard work all the RevPit winners put into their query letters and first 5 pages: https://reviseresub.com/showcase

If you’re interested in learning about their RevPit experience, make sure to visit the #RevPitClassof24 thread on X/Twitter, where they responded to the prompts listed below:

As a first-time RevPit editor, the entire contest (from pre-contest events all the way up to the showcase) has been an exciting, rewarding experience. I really appreciate the RevPit Board for giving me the opportunity to participate as a RevPit editor, and I’ve enjoyed getting the chance to interact with both the other RevPit editors and all of the authors in the RevPit community, and working with my contest winner, Jacqui Culler (@CullerPictures)!

As many of us continue on our writing journeys, I thought I’d put together a master post of The Writer’s Corner posts that cover craft topics.

Master Post of Craft Topics

General Writing Tips

What Makes a Story Compelling?

Point of View + Psychic Distance

Saving Multiple Drafts of Your Writing

3 Tips for Staying Inspired During the Writing Process

How to Avoid Stalling During the Writing Process

Let’s Talk Flashbacks

Time in Storytelling

Writing Tips for Characters

3 Tips for Creating a Memorable Main Character

Make Your Main Character Shine

Profile of a Main Character

Character Development: First Conflict Event

The Value of Side Characters

Looking at Character Archetype: The Strongest Character

The Wound that Haunts Characters

Creating Physical Wounds for Your Characters

Relationship Mapping Part 2

Writing Tips for Dialogue

Let’s Talk Dialogue:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Writing Tips for Fight Scenes

Writing Fight Scenes Part 1

On Writing Fight Scenes: A Long Post

Example of an Effective Fight Scene: A Brief Breakdown

Post-Novel Writing Tips

On Consistency and Beginnings

Titles & Expectations

Let’s Talk About Sequels Part 1

Let’s Talk Query Letters

If you’re interested in talking with me about craft topics, or if there is any you’d like me to cover in the newsletter, get in touch! I also still have some openings for editing projects this summer, so please check out my services and send me an email if you’re interested in working with me!

Visit The Crafty Fox Editing Services

Send me an email!

I mostly edit fantasy, dark fantasy, science fiction, and horror, but I’m open to working in most genres if an author and I fit well together (like cozy mysteries!).

Until next time!

Best,

Leah

Connect with me on social media!

Interested in learning more about me, and the kind of energy I’ll bring to a writer-editor relationship? Subscribe to this newsletter (it’s free!).

Substack Post: https://thecraftyfoxwriterscorner.substack.com/p/updates-from-the-editors-desk-45a

[starbuckie]

𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚 𝐥𝐨𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐬

challenge: winter warmers writing challenge by @spaceodditybarnes

prompt: “it’s beginning to look a lot like christmas” by michael buble

pairing: bucky barnes x reader

words: 2k without lyrics, 2.1k with lyrics

warnings: i genuinely don’t think i can say anything besides FLUFF, oh wait theres some mentions of the shmexy sex (i promise im a functioning person)

summary: in which they take a little holiday stroll and talk about what they are.

a/n: THIS MADE ME VERY HAPPY THANK YOU FOR HOSTING THIS CHALLENGE JADE!!! i kinda veered off the idea of christmas with this one, but my mind created another idea and i kinda just went with the flow. anyways, i really enjoyed writing this one, and i hope you all had a lovely holiday season <3 LOTS OF LOVE Y’ALL

main masterlist || sebastian stan characters masterlist

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Everywhere you go

Take a look at the five and ten, it’s glistening once again

With candy cane and silver lanes that glow

Snow sprinkled to the buildings and sidewalks of Midtown Manhattan, making the traffic clog up to the oh so lovely sounds of taxis and cars honking. It was far from what people pictured it, really, New York was absolute hell during the holiday season. Sloshing boots and teens smoking pot outside the scantily decorated discount store that held very little, sad-looking Christmas lights.

It didn’t bother Bucky. No, he had never been a big fan of the holiday season. Even back in the forties, with his ma and little sisters, they had never been huge on celebrating Christmas, instead choosing to work those shifts during the holiday so they could make a buck or two more to hold them over. Now in the twenty-first century, the holiday just reminded him how truly lonely he was, everyone and everything he used to know long gone.

But then he found Y/N. Granted, it had not been a formal introduction. The poor girl had nearly damn run him over with her motorcycle for Christ’s sake, but nonetheless she crawled into his heart that cold December morning two years ago, and had not left ever since. 

Now she walked by his side at Rockefeller Center, her cold fingers intertwined with his warm ones, admiring the tree while he admired her. He already had every part of her memorized, from late night escapades in the sheets to studying the slope of her nose at team breakfasts. Even when he wasn’t with her, he was always looking at her, unable to pull his eyes away from Y/N’s radiance. 

This little… dalliance of theirs had only started a year back, and they had still yet to put a label on it. Sam had called it friends with benefits, Sharon called it being a couple without the name. Bucky had shut both of those ideas down, claiming that they were taking it slow and weren’t looking to call it anything yet they still had not really talked about it. Was it really worth ruining the bond he had with the girl he fell madly in love with? Whatever it was, they had never taken time out of their day to actually discuss what they meant to each other, but, God, he’d be a liar if he said he didn’t want to know.

“Bucky?” Her sweet voice brought him out of his thoughts, the glittering red and white lights of the Christmas tree reflecting in her eyes. “You seem kind of distracted right now, sweetheart, are you bored? We can head back to the compound if you like.”

He smiled at her worried tone, delicately kissing the tip of her nose. “‘M just thinking, doll, wanna stay as long as I can out here with you.”

The grin he received in return was breathtaking, her red-painted lips turned upwards and a little twinkle (literally and metaphorically) in her eyes. “Good.”

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Toys in every store

But the prettiest sight to see, is the holly that will be

On your own front door

“Oh, look at that helicopter, Buck! That’s so cool!” Y/N pointed at a little boy in the store controlling the airborne toy with a small remote. “They didn't have those when I was a kid, I just had my Tamagotchi.”

He scrunched his nose, staring at her with an emotion that could be described as nothing other than distaste. “What the hell is a Tamagotchi?”

“A Tamagotchi was like this little digital pet thing that you could take care of, mainly used for kids who were trying to prove to their parents that they could take care of a real pet. That’s why I had one at least, but I never did get a tabby cat like I wanted.” Y/N continued to ramble about her weird pet thing as they walked through the toy store, though Bucky didn’t really care. But he’d never stop her either. The way her eyes lit up in childlike wonder and her fascination with the toys on the shelves was too precious to destroy. This was the girl who he had seen slit throats and blow aliens’ brains out, and in the moment she was ogling an American Girl Doll like it was the last pancake at the breakfast table. 

Y/N finally convinced herself that she was done looking at the toys, claiming that she was too mature for such things (she really wasn’t), but he let her lead him out the door, before she halted right in the doorway. “What is it, honey?”

“Mistletoe.” He glanced up at the little sprig of green and red berries above their heads, hanging by a small strand of twine. A small group of kids with families stood around, watching them with both happy and annoyed faces. How could they not notice Y/N L/N and Bucky Barnes? Bucky’s vibranium arm may have been recognizable, but Y/N’s cheery, a little-louder-than-normal humming had caused a little group to watch them throughout the store. “I think they’re waiting for us to kiss, Buck.”

She leaned into him, placing her lips on his and placing her freezing hands on his cheekbones. Though Bucky had never been big on PDA, the rest of the world seemed to slip away when he was with her. He grinned into her lips, hugging her tightly around the waist so she squealed. When he forced herself away from her intoxicating mouth, she was sporting a bright smile and smudged lipstick that had rubbed off onto his. 

Giggling, she took her thumb and swiped off some of the red residue she had left. “You had a little something there, sweetheart.” 

A pair of hopalong boots and a pistol that shoots

Is the wish of Barney and Ben

Dolls that’ll talk and will go for a walk

Is the hope of Janice and Jen

Bucky watched Y/N point out all the different street cart vendors as they walked to Radio City Music Hall. She’d insisted that they go look at the window displays there as well, and who was he to argue? Strangely enough, they hadn’t talked much, other than the occasional “are you cold” from Bucky, to which Y/N assured him she was not. Her quiet voice sang the lyrics to Last Christmas when a little girl stopped in front of them, two auburn braids and green eyes boring straight into hers. 

The small child pulled on Y/N’s skirt, a silent plea to go down to her height. “Hi there, are you lost, sweetie?”

“I wanted to talk to you,” she looked back to an older woman, who gave her a thumbs up and a smile, “because you are my favorite superhero and I hope you have a very good Christmas.”

Y/N nearly melted at the toothless smile the girl, who she assumed was named Sadie by the necklace she wore. “Thank you so much, sweetheart. I hope you have a good Christmas too, and do you know this guy?” She dragged Bucky down next to her, the large, buff man hulking over the small girl. “This is my friend Bucky, do you know him?”

He eyed her warily, as if he were absolutely terrified of the tiny human. “You’re the Winter Soldier!”

Uh oh. The name was one that struck a chord of fear through everyone, still in shock of the events that had taken place in D.C. in 2014. While he and Sam had tried to label a new brand for the Avengers, people didn’t forget all the horrors of HYDRA and their prized assassin. Of course it hadn’t been him, even he knew that, but trying to convince people otherwise still made him feel guilty.

“You’re my second favorite Avenger, after Y/N, of course.” Sadie brought her hand to hover over Bucky’s vibranium one, her eyes wide with excitement. “Mr. Bucky, can I touch your metal arm?”

The man in question could barely utter out a word, muttering some sort of agreement before nodding with a timid smile. Giddily, she touched his arm, feeling all the cool ridges of gold-plated vibranium against the gun-grey metal. Sadie continued to pelt questions at him, about Sam and Redwing to his “adventures” with Y/N on the team.

Bucky, though shy at first, got more and more relaxed as they continued their conversation, his grin growing wider. Y/N loved her fans, she loved them so, so dearly, but seeing them interact with the man she loved was something different. Not a bad different, but a word that could only be described as pure joy. 

“Darling, I think we better leave Ms. L/N and Mr. Barnes alone. Say thank you and happy holidays.” The little girl looked sad, turning to look at her mom with a little pout, but she reluctantly obliged and soon the duo were off, into the crowded streets once again. 

“Y’know once upon a time I had dreamed about having kids,” Bucky commented. They walked along the sidewalks in a comfortable quiet after the encounter with Sadie, but Bucky’s mind had not stopped reeling from the happiness his conversation brought him. “Was gonna come home from the war, settle down with a gal, and live to be at least seventy years old.”

“Well, I can tell you you’re good on the last bit of that, Buck.” He snorted at her jab at his age, something that has become a norm for their little makeshift family of four. “What do you want now?”

He stopped in his tracks and looked over at her with a fond tilt of his lips. “Oh, just something real special.”

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Toys in every store

But the prettiest sight to see, is the holly that will be

On your own front door

“Y/N, what are we?” She glanced over at him from where they sat on the Met stairs, giving their feet a break from walking for hours. 

“What do you mean, Buck?”

He grabbed her hands and held them to his chest, trying to make her understand the amount of confusion and impatience he had with this one burdening question. “We’ve been sleeping together for a year, Y/N. We make each other breakfast, we go out together, I literally have half of my closet dedicated to your stuff, but even after all that we haven’t given us a name yet.”

Y/N sat in stunned silence, staring at the outburst from the man in front of her. To be completely honest she had never really thought about the question, choosing to enjoy each second she got to spend with the wonderful man with her. What she had noticed however, was how whenever they parted ways or were in the most intimate of moments, three little words nearly slipped off of her tongue. Every. Single. Time.

“Well, what do you want to be, Bucky?”

“I want to be the man you love. I want to be the man who loves you with his entire heart, though I like to think I already am. I want you to be my best gal more than anything in the world, and that I want to be the man who gets to hold and love you every night.” Slowly they drifted to each other, a magnetic pull bringing them to each other. “What do you think, doll?”

“I think,” her lips split into a grin, hovering over his own with the exact same expression, “that I want to be your best girl and the one who gets to make you pancakes in the morning and I want to be the one you get a cat with, who we’ll name Alpine because if I know you, names are the most important part of having a pet. I want to be held and loved by you every night, Bucky Barnes, and I am the girl who loves you more than anything in this entire damn world.”

Not another second to spare, Bucky pulled Y/N in close, letting himself get lost in one of her sweet, loving kisses, finally knowing that he was hers and she was his. At long last.

Sure, it’s Christmas once more

[neokad]

Phantasy Star II - The 1989 JRPG that could

(This post is dedicated to @kuukigajan, my best friend, whom motivated me to post here again, so... I hope you'll enjoy this!)

This game. This freaking game.

I'm gonna say it right now: this post will contain massive spoilers about pretty much everything in Phantasy Star 2's story, so if you do plan on experiencing this game fresh, I strongly advise you to not read this post at all beyond the first paragraph, but... here's the gist of it: Phantasy Star II is one of the most important and groundbreaking JRPGs of its time, and I just did not believe this game was from 1989, at ALL. For that and a few other reasons, it has become one of my new favourite games of all time <3 

In fact, I do want to start with the one big flaw of this adventure so that I can just gush about everything else that's brilliant about PSII. I have to be honest: the dungeon design in this game is horrible. Now to be fair, it does make the many places you visit more memorable, but well... there's a rumor floating around that an actual trainee made the layouts for the dungeons - and since this game was a bit rushed for the Genesis's launch, the devs just didn't have time to replace the... stuff he submitted. And let me tell you, this rumor makes sense: PSII's dungeons are too big, too maze-like, too confusing and also FILLED with strong enemies. And in a game where you don't get a way to save anywhere until the midway point, it can make your adventure very frustrating and potentially grindy because of that... Now I wouldn't say that PSII's nearly as bad in this area as say, the original version of Dragon Warrior or ironically the first Phantasy Star, but the dungeons can totally make you feel like the game's harder than it actually is, at least without a map.

Thankfully, you should never feel bad for using any maps or guides with this game! The execs at SEGA at the time made the very smart decision to include a walkthrough with each copy of the game, including maps, tips, secrets and more! Said guide does encourage youto not look at it as much as possible but... it's totally fair to just use this, without any shame!

And that is a great thing, because... with you armed with this piece of paper, Phantasy Star II can finally show you its actual brilliance.

The game's plot starts off a thousand years after the events of the first Phantasy Star game. Since Alis and her party defeated Dark Force, the inhabitants of the Algol solar system - and its three planets of Palma, Motavia and Dezolis - have enjoyed relative peace. However, at a (to my knowledge) unknown point in time, a computer entity known as Mother Brain has started imposing itself onto mostly Motavia. This, over time, has actually given many benefits to the region: the once deserted wasteland was given rain, water and crops, so that it could finally host viable, comfortable civilizations. The citizens that lived here could finally ditch their (arguably) nomadic, harsh lives in favor of comfort, pleasant weather and more. And most importantly, Mother Brain allowed its citizens, save for a few, to ditch their current jobs and live a life of laziness, without any obligations or pressure to do anything other than well, existence. This is reflected many times during the game through NPC dialogue, too!

It is on such a setting that our protagonist, Rolf, wakes up from a strange nightmare. In it, we see Alis batting Dark Force and struggling in doing so, but as soon as he realizes this, Rolf wakes up in cold sweat. He then proceeds to calm his nerves, realizing that no such dramatic events could possible happen to him - after all, he and many others have been under the universal protection and care of Mother Brain, whom at this point, has provided all of their needs for centuries. He then gets out of bed and goes to the central tower, where we works as an agent in case some things do go wrong.

And gone wrong things have! His superior informs him that biological monsters, which had been created and bred in the Mota biosystems laboratory, have gone rogue and infected the regions of Motavia at a rapid rate. Because of this, Rolf is asked to investigate the cause of this phenomenon. Once he gets home to prepare for his journey, he is ambushed by best girl Nei, who has been rescued by him many months ago from the clutches of a serial killer. She does not want to be left alone anymore, and since she is also worried for Rolf's sefety, asks him to accompany him on the mission. Naturally, Rolf accepts.

Here, I do want to bring up Nei in more detail! She's in fact, the first of PSII's brilliant story-gameplay interactions, and here's why! Nei is in fact, a crossbreed experiment between a human and an unknown animal with cat-like features, but here's the thing: this said experiment was a failure. Because of this, Nei is only one years old, and yet her physical and mental age are progressing way more rapidly than they should. And you can feel this effect on the game itself: she needs way less EXP than any other party member in the game to level up, and because of this she will skyrocket in levels way beyond the rest of your crew... with a catch. Because of the nature of the experiment, the genetic code inside of her is slowly being messed up and corrupted, which not only causes her level ups to be less valuable than anyone else's, but it also becomes an important plot point later...  Unfortunately, despite her absolute cuteness, her status as a half-half made her a victim of bullying, racism and so much more, which is... pretty messed up to bring up at the time not gonna lie o_o

Starting up the journey, the party discovers that rogues have destroyed a neighboring city, and it just so happens that their base is situed at Shure, the first dungeon of the game . One assumption I like to make from this scene is that life has become so easy and careless on Motavia that people just went and did crime out of pure boredom, because life just wasn't thrilling enough anymore with Mother Brain doing everything it could for its inhabitants...

However, upon climbing said tower, Rolf and Nei find out multiple dead rogue bodies, whom have been presumably murdered by the many biomonsters roaming the place. They do, however, manage to find some dynamite and most importantly, a letter. This piece of paper informs our heroes that the daughter of a Darum, the very same person that tried to murder Nei months ago, is held captive in another tower, which explains why he turned to crime in the first place. They then decide to do the obvious, which is to rescue daughter Teim in her captivity location. Once they meet up with her, she explains her desire to talk to her father to set things straight and sway him from the life he's been getting into, as well as hide her from the surviving rogue members with the help of a veil. Our group manages to meet up with Darum, but... her daughter asks the party to stay put, as she does not want them to interfere with her as she explains things to her father. However, in the heat of the moment, she forgets to remove her veil, which causes Darum to not recognize her. In his confusion, he murders her own flesh and blood and sits there, stunned, as he watches the reason he caused many untold atrocities... wither away below him. Shocked and going insane by this situation, he sees no other way out... but to commit suicide with the help of a bomb.

It gets worse.

While this scene was tragic and brutal to say the least, it does allow Rolf to cross the previously guarded bridge where Darum was always located, which allows him to investigate his mission further.

I do want to make a sidenote here actually! Phantasy Star II does include eight playable characters, but unlike Rolf and Nei they do not join you at fixed intervals - instead, they will become available in your home town of Paseo once conditions are met. Sadly while they do have a recruitment quote, a few lines and a backstory, they do not have an impact on the main story in any way. This does blow as this means PSII does not have much in character development and interaction, but I did want to mention that there’s more to this game than just Rolf and Nei :P 

Upon exploring the regions of Motavia, the party manages to make its way to the Biosystems lab, and what they find here is horrifying to say the least. The lab is in horrible shape, with cracked floors everywhere. On top of that, there is no one inside the lab anymore, it being completely deserted, save for some horrible-looking creatures being kept insides tubes, decorating the now sinister looking building... Because of this, Rolf deems it safe to pick up the recorder inside the lab, to analyze it and try to find out just what exactly went wrong - if anything at all - to hopefully figure out why the world has been sacked by biomonsters. And sure enough, the gang make its way back to Paseo.  After handing over the recorder to the library located in Paseo’s Central Tower, it is now made clear: the biomonsters were caused by a large amount of energy used in a very short amount of time in those labs, causing them to mutate extremely rapidly. This had the predictable but unfortunate effect of ruining the natural order of the ecosystem, which is why these species are wrecking havoc without control. The librarian giving this information also makes the following connection: this outpour of energy must have come from Climatrol - another lab which regulates the weather of the terraformed planet so that it can sustain its new shape. Following this, Rolf and co. take a few steps to reach Climatrol - and I want to highlight a specific one!

The story somewhat pauses until then, but one of the dungeons you’ll go through is a garbage dump... and one of the treasures is a jet scooter you can use! Sounds cool, right? Well it is, but even such a cool object has been abandoned by the lazy society, since teleportation is much more convenient to them. I just thought it was a really neat detail, that’s all ^_^

Once making their way through the relatively normal Climatrol, something does wait for them at the top of the building... something... unsettling...

This is Neifirst. She was another failed experiment just like Nei, sharing the same biological data as her. However, unlike her sister, her creators tried to kill her on the spot due to her status. This made her enraged against the species that gave her life, and as an act of revenge, decided to unleash this bio catastrophy to slowly wipe us out. This is where another truth is revealed: Nei did not come with Rolf just to protect him, she actually wanted to put a stop to her sister, because while she did dislike being treated like a freak or a monster, she never wanted to hate her species as a whole... It remains that she still wants to stop her sister’s plans, and despite Rolf’s protests, the two engages in a fight. However, due to Neifirst being much stronger, Nei sustains heavy damage and is incapacitated. But, this is where the rest of the party comes in, and thus they finish the job and kill off Neifirst dead in her tracks, Rolf then quickly rushes in to his dear friend’s side, but as he does... it’s too late... Nei is dead.

This is yet another reason why Phantasy Star II is such an important game: it is, to my knowledge, the very first JRPG in which a major playable character dies permanently. Heck, Rolf even tries to bring her back through the local Clone Lab - because yes, citizens have access to eternal life by cloning their bodies until the end of time - but... since Nei’s genetic code was degenerating rapidly, they could not clone her body anymore. And, since Neifirst was also defeated, it is also impossible to get a fresh code back from anywhere in the world. Nei is dead. And you cannot do anything about it.

But don’t worry! It still gets worse!

But just as you’re about to find a way to fix this, it turns out that Climatrol has collapsed, which caused an immense flood all over the world. Since the government - and by extension, Mother Brain - isn’t happy about this, you are now considered a fugitive, a criminal. You are now the bad guy, and you are wanted for treason. 1989, anyone??

This is where the second brilliant story-gameplay integration of Phantasy Star II happens. Where until now you’ve only fought mutated monsters due to the outbreak, the government has now sent thousands of carious cyborgs and robots against you - and lo and behold, this is now the only thing you are fighting in both the overworld and dungeons, and the previous creatures are now nowhere to be seen. THAT’S REALLY SMART. Now sure, even if you are considered evil to many, you still task yourself with the task of unflooding the planet, and to do so you simply reactivate all four colored dams in the continent. However, upon reactivating the fourth one, your party is suddenly ambushed by a trio of robots sent by the cops, and this time? They succeed in capturing you. Your party is now sent in chains on a hovering satellite, as you are sentenced to slowly wither away and die in there without any trial of any sort, simply because you went against Mother Brain’s dear wishes...

But, something goes amiss. The sattelite starts to malfunction, and is now set to crash on one of the three planets of the Algol system. And despite you all trying to alter its course, it is too late. The satellite crashes onto Palma - the planet of the first Phantasy Star game - and it is gone.

That’s right! The planet in which many players took the time to save with Alis’s gang, to have a huge dungeon crawling adventure, the planet where you defeated Lassic in a glorious fashion. GONE. In only a few seconds. But... what about yourself? Well, you actually died! But a space pirate wandering close to the crash site pulled out your remains and cloned everyone’s body back to life... which makes you technically not yourself, and also dead, for the remainder of the game! ...May I remind you this game was developed in 1989?

Tyler the space pirate then escorts the zombie party back to Paseo, but not for long - you see, your commander, who hasn’t truly approved of Mother Brain’s actions against your group, allows you access to a spaceship. This is a big deal, because space travel as a whole has been banned ten years ago due to a major accident in which Rolf had lost his parents, and thus, the one stationed in Paseo is the last one remaining on the planet. But sure enough, Rolf takes the opportunity and travels to the ice planet of Dezolis, or Dezo.

And honestly? Even though this next part has nothing to do with the main story, it’s probably one of my favourites in the entire game. In this section, you simply must make your way through an abandoned space station, which has not seen use in years. At first, you’d think it was somewhat related to the spaceship incident, but as you explore this space station, you find a bunch of animals and newspapers lying around. You not only find some irrelevant ads about various products, but also news flash about a horrible gas spreading throughout the station, begging every inhabitant to evacuate immediately, which... definitively implies a very bleak fate to the place and its inhabitants o_o 

And on top of this unsettling setting, this is the first time you get to hear “Silent Zone”, my favourite track in the game. While the rest of the soundtrack is very upbeat, catchy and all around excellent, this track in particular is very... sad, desolate, lonely, in spite of it being just as catchy! It all combines for a brilliant example of “show, don’t tell” that really sets the mood perfectly to me <3

Either way, upon exploring more of Dezo - a frigid wasteland with few inhabitants - the party gets to meet up with Noah, a party member from Phantasy Star I! After reawakening from a cryogenic sleep, he then reveals that unlike Paseo and Motavia, Dezo basically never submitted with Mother Brain’s control and benefits simply because they did not want to live a life without any struggles. Unfortunately, this is also where you learn that Paseo came to terms with this *after* being to MB’s whims and as such, you can connect the dots and realize that the satellite crash was no accident after all... it was all planned.

Noah, however, knows about how deeply MB has ruined everything for the inhabitants of Motavia and thus tasks Rolf with collecting eight legendary ancient weapons all throughout Dezo, located within some ruinous, empty, cold dungeons which make for stunning atmosphere and presence, believe me!

Once that’s done, he then entrusts Rolf with the ultimate Sword and, thanks to kinetic abilities, sends him and his troupe to the space station housing Mother Brain. And once there, for the first time in centuries, a human being has met with Mother Brain.

And of course, the computer scoffs at those rebelling against her. She laughs at how they think they’d want a life with struggles, wtihout comfort, without anyone providing their needs, when work and hardship seems so uninviting on a desert wasteland like Motavia, or a frigid hell like Dezo. And yet, after a (pretty difficult!) battle, you emerge victorious! Or do you?

After the victorious outcome, Noah senses some additional presences beyond Mother Brain’s spot, and urges the party to investigate. And then... I don’t think I’ll even explain it in words. Please watch what happens. It is disturbing.

Yeah. We, the humans, were destroying our planet, Earth. Thus, we escaped through this spaceship to avoid extinction, and found the Algo system. It then, to our species, only seemed logical with so few numbers, to instead slowly weaken the population of all three planets with Mother Brain, making it then easy (although a very long process) to get rid of the population and start anew, even if it meant genocide. What I love about this twist ending is not only how it’s presented: the creepy music, the way you did *not* expect it at all, the number of humans on the screen at once, and so on... but also, how you don’t even know for sure how it ends. You don’t know if Rolf, Rudo, Amy, Kain, Hugh, Shir, Anna... if any of them survived. But it looks grim. It looks like we lost. And it looks like everyone we fought and tried to save... will rot until the final days anyway... Phantasy Star II... is important. Sure, I could talk about how the game is challenging due to how both your party members AND the enemies are very capable in battle or the stellar, catchy, memorable soundtrack...   but its story... is stunning. In 1989, we were still used to princesses being saved by armored heroes from dark dragons. We were used to things going all well in the end. But in 1989, Phantasy Star II taught us many things that would become staples in the future of JRPGs:  Yes, your cherished ones may die with you not being able to do anything about it No, you may not be able to save everyone you’d like to. Yes, your actions might make things worse for yourself and everyone else. No, things aren’t quite as black or white as they seem. And no, you might not always win. Phantasy Star II is a masterpiece. It’s a bit hard to approach this game today, but with a guide, this game is a must play. It’s unique. It’s ambitious. It’s chilling. And I adore this game to pieces. Thank you for reading, somehow <3

[darkmist111]

Phantom Thieves Play Dungeons and Dragons

The Wander and the Worker

Akira had faced many trials, both legally and spiritually. He had also been a master of organization, stuffing as much activity as he could into a single year.

Yet this challenge nearly brought him to his knees.

“So you only add 2 to armor class?”

“No that's only for medium armor your un-armored right now.”

“Shit I should've picked a race with more dexterity.”

It was like herding cat's, without Morgana’s help.

“You guys ready? It's almost 5.” Akira said know that this group could double a session’s play time.

“Hold on I’m trying to memorize our modifiers.” Ann said squinting as she had forgot her glasses at home.

“Don't worry just remember your crap at everything not dexterity and charisma.” Ryuji said nonchalantly.

The plan was to get all the players to level 2 before they got to the main campaign, so Akira did this little mini session with 2 characters first so the players could slip into their roles.

“Alright are we ready to play?”

Ryuji had finally gotten Ann to stop fusing over her papers.

“As we’ll ever be I guess *sigh* I really hope I don't die at level 1 again.” Ann groaned.

“Hell yeah let's kick some ass!”

“Alright close your eyes and listen.” Akira took a deep breath and his voice changed.

“This is the world of Exceeden”

Akira peaked and caught the grins on his two friends faces.

“Unlike our world with disconnected planets, the world of Exceeden is but one layer stacked in-between other realms, but different from the other realms Exceeden did not occur naturally but was created by 20 core gods. The gods were once one shared in their love of their creation, however what they didn't know was it would grant them more power than even their unparalleled minds could imagine.

Jealousy, anger, spite, and rage broke them apart each believing their creation should go the way they decided and the 20 became 5. 6 of Law, 6 of Chaos, 2 of Good, 2 of Evil, and 4 to keep the balance.

While the realm has no supreme rule the cycles of mortals carry on. Empires rise and fall, stories are told and forgotten, until finally the sands of time cycle towards something or someone that can shatter the heavens despite their humble beginnings.

The year is 997 A.I.(After Invasion) and our story takes place on the continent of Almoria. While not the largest continent it houses a wide array of People and Cultures in no small part due to the many differences environments.

In the far north in the icy tundras Orc and Goliath tribes war against the Tiefling Solos Empire and their Minotaur allies even further north in the Shadow Lands.

Below that are the eternal plans of Sparks where wild magic hum and fae slip into our world. Bands of Centaur and Satyr dance across the fields, unknowingly starting war with the Leonin Clans.

On the east of the Great Sezali Desert a new and ambitious clan of HobGoblins are gathering their forces of Goblin and Bugbear.

This makes the Elven Allied Council to the west nervous and the desert has become a sort of cold war, but also a hive of activity for trade and merchants.

On the West Coast the Aarakocra war against the Triton and the East Coast, the legendary Tortle Cleric Genbu brokers peace between the Locathah and the Grung.

In the Mountains Kobold, Lizardmen and Dragonborn War against a unfathomable threat as the Chromatic dragons and Metal Dragons have united to control the Arcane Canyons.

With the fall of Tyrant Human King Rexanik, many flee to the peaceful mountains city of Eternix. The city, nicknamed the city of small folk, was almost completely Gnomes, Halfling, Dwarfs, as well as the Black Wing Monastery, suddenly has possibly the highest human density in the continent.

Humans have also tried their luck in the chaotic Forest of Nayan only to be never heard from again.

In the south peace is almost a certainty as the brotherhood between the Loxodon and Gith remains just a strong as a century ago. Their city Omniox hold the Verdan trading Guild the only constant in these turbulent times

Not all is so clear though, hidden in the desert are rumors of cults who use arcane, scientific, and religious methods to create inhuman monsters that stalk the night.

However it is that Desert where we start our story in the town of Ixyana. Ixyana is a port town to the sea of sand, willing to offer weary travelers any pleasure they require... for the right price. Ixyana has always been self governed but with escalating tensions between the Elven and HobGoblin armies, the town is being pressured to pick a loyalty. But today neither a Goblin nor Elf is the new stranger in town.”

“Ryuji please introduce your character.”

“I’m just a guy who looks like an average traveler, I’m wearing normal cloths and using a spear like a walking stick, the only unusual thing about me is that have blue skin and white “Hair”. I’m a Fighter but only because you get in fights when you wander as much as I do, but it's clear I’m not formally trained.”

The wanderer enters the town carrying a satchel over his back midday. He makes his way towards a inn looking to rest for the night. He hears a commotion and see several HobGoblin warriors speaking angrily toward each other, before rushing off. The young man enters into a alley to avoid crossing their path, as he steps out he sees another beautiful HobGoblin women in revealing clothes dart out from behind a stack of boxes. Before his eyes she begins to shift form before becoming a striking dark haired Elven women and quickly entering the Inn.

“Well That's a Flag if I’ve ever seen one.”

The man is overcome with curiosity and follows her. He enter the inn and sees the first floor is a diner/bar.

At this time of day not many people are drinking and lunch is already over so the inn is uncrowded.

The blue man sees the former HobGoblin women now Elven sit in the corner of the bar skillfully blending in for those not looking.

As he walks up to her she glances before biting her lip.

“Sorry I’m not working right now.”

You realize from her statement and her outfit that this women is one of the courtesans of the towns most powerful group in place of a formal government, The Desert Respite, worshipers of Bast one of the 20 original Gods and practitioners of the arts of pleasure both of a sexual nature and of entertainment.

“I still can believe your playing a Prostitute.” Ryuji says teasing.

“For your information I’m a high class escort. And let's see if you’ll be laughing in a few minutes.”

“Sorry it's not that I... I just... saw you change.”

The woman tenses her eyes narrowing and grits her teeth.

“So what?”

“Are... Are you a Spirit.”

The women slowly turns her head, seeing the nervous young man though in her eyes he's more of a boy shift his weight nervously.

“Perception check!”

“Roll for it.”

“...!!!! Natural 20!”

“Heh, yeah he's a pretty easy mark.”

“Hey!”

She smirks before tipping her drink back and gesturing to the seat across from her.

“From out of town.”

“Out from... everywhere.”

She changes her posture, trained but attractive.

“The desert must've been quite the ordeal, I didn't notice a Caravan enter town. Is your group somewhere else?”

“No, I’ve been traveling alone.”

“Alone?”

“Yes I am quite skilled at traveling, born and raised doing it in fact.”

“Incredible, you must be strong.”

The women bit her lip while the blue skinned man sweat feeling nervous from the shapeshifters forward flirtations.

“You know I have a certain need for a strong man.”

“Role Wisdom Ryuji.”

“What! She hasn't even cast anything.”

“Your mouth was dropped.” Ann teased. “Let's hope your character isn't a simp.”

“No way!”

Ryuji rolled.

“Shit! 6, 7 total.”

“Simp”

“Shut up!”

“What did- What do you need. I’m always looking to help out.”

“You see a girl can only stay in one town for so long before she needs a change of pace. I’m thinking you’ve been to plenty of places, why don't you and I go on adventure.”

The spearman let out a yelp as he felt her leg delicately trace his own.

“And I’ll be sure your thoroughly compensated.”

“Roll Perception against Ann’s Persuasion.”

“Yes!”

“Shit”

Ann rolled and grinned which caused Ryuji to hang his head.

“21 total Persuasion!”

“Goddamnit, 14 total.”

“Yeah she has you wrapped around her finger.”

“*Gulp* There’s no need for that ma’am, I'd be happy to guide you wherever you desire.”

The man saw her smile turn victorious and her leg rubbed a little higher.

“Don’t worry it's no trouble, when we stop for the night I can give you a nice and long compensating.”

_______________________________________

The pair quickly gather their things the shapeshifter, changing again into a stunning Yuan-Ti. They walked through the town. Some men stared at the shabby looking Traveler and the beautiful courtesan, leering at her exposed cleavage, open thighs, and toned belly, others smirked and gave respecting nods. He glared and the former while that latter made him feel like a scumbag.

She insisted they walk on foot so not to draw attention. The man frowned but didn't say anything.

As they walked they chatted.

“My names Zap by the way.”

“Nais of the Desert Respite.”

“So Nais, are you wondering what I am?”

“Probably not as much as your wondering what I am.”

“Well I don't know, I’ve never seen someone change what they look like except my dad.”

“Your dad?”

“Yeah, he’s a Genie.”

“...”

“...”

“...You're not joking?”

“Nope. A Lightning Genie to be specific.”

“Insight Check... 11?”

“He seems to be pretty honest.”

“So you can grant wishes?”

“He could, not me. I’m only half genie, my other half is Human from my mom. Dad said my type of people are called Genasi.”

“Where’s you dad now?”

“He’s only allowed to stay in the material plane for 20 years at a time. He left on my 10th birthday, I’m 22, so he’ll be back in 8 years. Though he’ll probably see my mom before me.”

“... You know that is a really weird story right?”

“I actually didn't know until later in life. For a long time it was just the 3 of us, then the 2, now me.”

“I see.”

“What about you?”

“What about me?”

“You can change into other things, is it magic?”

Nias looked away not wanting to meet Zap’s eyes.

“It's not magic it's just something I’m able to do, as well as my mother and her mother before her. She said that we might be descended from Doppelgängers.”

“That's amazing.” Zap said with awe.

“Perception Check!” Ann yelled out.

“Zap doesn't lie. He's a open book.”

“19!”

“Zap really does think your amazing.”

“Geez he doesn't have to try so hard I already said I’d fuck him.”

“Excuse me! But Zap is a gentleman he doesn't only think about sex.”

“Unlike his player.”

[writeleg1ant]

Mastering the Art of Crafting Compelling Short Stories: A Comprehensive Guide with Examples of Dialogue and Plot Development

1. Introduction

Writing a good short story requires skill, creativity, and attention to detail. From developing a captivating plot to crafting compelling dialogue, there are several key elements that contribute to the success of a short story. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the seven steps to writing a short story, the five essential elements of a short story, and provide examples of well-crafted short stories to inspire and guide you on your writing journey. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced writer looking to refine your skills, this guide will equip you with the tools and knowledge to master the art of crafting compelling short stories.

2. The importance of crafting compelling short stories

Crafting compelling short stories is not just a talent; it is an essential skill for any writer. The ability to captivate readers within a limited word count is a true art form. Whether you are writing for pleasure or pursuing a career as a writer, mastering the art of crafting compelling short stories has numerous benefits. Firstly, short stories provide a platform to experiment with different writing styles, themes, and genres. They allow you to sharpen your skills in storytelling, character development, and plot structure. By honing these techniques, you can apply them to other writing projects, such as novels or screenplays. Secondly, short stories offer an excellent opportunity to showcase your talent to potential readers, agents, or publishers. In today's digital age, many platforms are available for writers to share their work and gain recognition. A compelling short story can create a lasting impression, leading to further opportunities and success in your writing career. Lastly, crafting compelling short stories is a delightful way to express your creativity and imagination. It allows you to explore diverse worlds, introduce unique characters, and delve into thought-provoking themes. Writing short stories can be both challenging and rewarding, providing a sense of fulfillment and achievement. In the next section, we will delve deeper into the seven steps of writing a short story, guiding you through the process of crafting a compelling narrative from start to finish. Stay tuned for practical tips and examples that will ignite your creativity and help you become a master storyteller.

3. Understanding the elements of a great short story

Understanding the elements of a great short story is essential for crafting a compelling narrative. While the specific components may vary, there are a few key elements that every successful short story possesses. Firstly, a well-developed protagonist is crucial. Your main character should be relatable, compelling, and face an internal or external conflict that drives the story forward. This conflict should challenge the protagonist and force them to make choices that reveal their true nature. Secondly, a captivating plot is necessary to keep readers engaged. A strong plot follows a clear structure, comprising an introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Each scene and event should contribute to the overall story arc, building suspense and tension. Additionally, dialogue plays a significant role in short stories. Dialogue should be realistic, revealing character traits, advancing the plot, and providing insights into the theme. It is important to strike a balance between dialogue and narration to maintain a smooth flow. Lastly, an effective use of imagery and sensory details adds depth to your writing. Descriptive language helps immerse readers in the story, making it more vivid and memorable. By incorporating sensory details such as sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch, you can engage readers' senses and create a more immersive experience. In the subsequent sections, we will explore each of these elements in detail, providing examples and techniques to enhance your storytelling skills. Stay tuned for invaluable insights that will elevate your short stories from good to great.

4. Unleashing the power of dialogue in your storytelling

In the world of storytelling, dialogue serves as a powerful tool for bringing your characters to life and driving the plot forward. When done well, dialogue can be the difference between a good story and a great one. One of the key aspects of effective dialogue is its ability to feel realistic and authentic. Your characters should speak in a way that reflects their personalities, backgrounds, and motivations. Avoid using clichés or overly formal language; instead, strive for natural and believable conversations. Furthermore, dialogue should do more than just provide information or exposition. It should reveal character traits, advance the plot, and provide insights into the theme of your story. By allowing your characters to engage in meaningful conversations, you create opportunities for conflict, growth, and deepening connections. Remember, dialogue is not just about the spoken words. It's also about the pauses, gestures, and body language that accompany the conversation. These non-verbal cues can add depth and nuance to your characters, helping readers understand their emotions and intentions. In the next section, we will explore techniques and examples of how to craft engaging and impactful dialogue that will take your storytelling to the next level. Stay tuned for valuable tips that will unlock the true power of dialogue in your short stories.

5. Developing a captivating plot that keeps readers hooked

Developing a captivating plot is essential to keeping readers engaged throughout your short story. A well-crafted plot will grab the reader's attention from the beginning and hold it until the very end. To create a compelling plot, you need to introduce conflict and tension right from the start. Consider starting your story with an intriguing event or a problem that your protagonist must overcome. This will immediately pique the reader's curiosity and make them eager to find out how the story unfolds. As you develop your plot, keep in mind the three-act structure commonly used in storytelling. The first act introduces the characters and sets up the conflict, the second act develops the conflict and builds up to the climax, and the third act resolves the conflict and provides a satisfying conclusion. To add depth and complexity to your plot, consider incorporating subplots and twists. Subplots can provide additional layers to your story and give your characters more opportunities for growth and development. Twists, on the other hand, can surprise and captivate readers, keeping them hooked until the very end. In the next section, we will delve into specific techniques and examples of how to develop a captivating plot. By implementing these strategies, you will be able to craft short stories that leave a lasting impact on your readers. Stay tuned for valuable insights that will elevate your storytelling skills to new heights.

6. Techniques for Developing Memorable Characters in Short Stories

In the previous section, we discussed the importance of developing a captivating plot in short stories. Now, let's shift our focus to another crucial aspect of storytelling – creating memorable characters. Well-developed characters are the heart and soul of any story. They evoke emotions, drive the plot forward, and ultimately leave a lasting impression on readers. To ensure your characters resonate with your audience, consider the following techniques: 1. Detailed Descriptions: Paint a vivid picture of your characters by providing physical descriptions, mannerisms, and unique traits. Use sensory details to bring them to life and make them relatable. 2. Motivations and Goals: Give your characters clear motivations and goals, as these will shape their actions and decisions throughout the story. This will help readers understand and empathize with their struggles. 3. Flaws and Conflicts: Flawed characters are often more interesting and memorable. Give your characters internal conflicts and flaws that they must overcome, adding depth and complexity to their personalities. 4. Authentic Dialogue: Craft dialogue that is true to each character's personality, background, and motivations. This will make their conversations realistic and engaging for readers. 5. Character Arcs: Show the growth and development of your characters throughout the story. Ensure they undergo meaningful transformations and learn valuable lessons, making their journeys compelling and memorable. In the next section, we will explore these techniques in more detail, providing examples and practical tips for crafting unforgettable characters in your short stories. Stay tuned for valuable insights that will help you master the art of character development.

7. Examples of effective dialogue and plot development

Next section: Examples of effective dialogue and plot development Effective dialogue and plot development are essential elements of a compelling short story. Let's dive into some examples that demonstrate how these techniques can bring a story to life. Example 1: "The Midnight Heist" In this story, two master thieves scheme to steal a priceless artifact from a heavily guarded museum. The dialogue between the two characters, Ali and Max, showcases their wit, intelligence, and chemistry. Each line reveals crucial plot information while maintaining a sense of intrigue and tension, keeping readers engaged from start to finish. Example 2: "The Forgotten Promise" In this emotional tale, a woman discovers an old love letter that reminds her of a forgotten promise she made in her youth. The plot unfolds through a series of flashbacks, gradually revealing the character's past and the significance of the promise. The dialogue between the protagonist and her long-lost love evokes nostalgia and reveals the depth of their connection. Example 3: "The Final Stand" This action-packed story follows a group of survivors as they navigate a post-apocalyptic world. The plot development is driven by intense and gripping dialogue during life-and-death situations. The characters' words convey their fears, hopes, and determination, creating a sense of urgency that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. By studying these examples, you can gain insight into how effective dialogue and plot development work together to create a captivating short story. In the following section, we will provide practical tips for incorporating these techniques into your writing. Get ready to take your storytelling skills to the next level!

8. Fine-tuning your storytelling skills

Next section: Fine-tuning your storytelling skills Now that we have explored examples of effective dialogue and plot development, it's time to focus on fine-tuning your storytelling skills. Here are some practical tips to help you craft compelling short stories: 1. Know your characters: Take the time to fully understand your characters' backgrounds, motivations, and desires. This knowledge will inform their dialogue and actions, making them more believable and relatable to readers. 2. Show, don't tell: Instead of directly explaining emotions or events, use vivid descriptions and actions to show them. This will engage readers and allow them to draw their own conclusions, creating a more immersive reading experience. 3. Create tension: Introduce conflict and obstacles that your characters must overcome. This will keep readers engaged and interested in the outcome of the story. 4. Pace your story: Control the flow of your story by balancing moments of action and reflection. This will help maintain a steady rhythm and hold readers' attention throughout. 5. Edit ruthlessly: After completing your first draft, take the time to revise and edit your story. Eliminate unnecessary dialogue and plot points, and ensure that every word contributes to the overall narrative. By incorporating these techniques into your writing, you can refine your storytelling skills and create short stories that captivate and resonate with readers. In the next section, we will explore the importance of effective beginnings and endings in short story writing. Stay tuned!

9. Conclusion: Becoming a master of crafting compelling short stories

Next section: Conclusion: Becoming a master of crafting compelling short stories Congratulations! You have now learned some key elements to master the art of crafting compelling short stories. By honing your dialogue and plot development skills, and fine-tuning your storytelling abilities, you are well on your way to becoming a master storyteller. Remember, storytelling is an art that requires practice and dedication. Keep writing, experimenting with different techniques, and studying the works of accomplished authors. Embrace constructive feedback and continually strive to improve your craft. As you continue your journey, don't forget the importance of effective beginnings and endings in short story writing. These sections play a vital role in captivating readers and leaving a lasting impact. Stay tuned for the next section, where we will delve into creating powerful openings and satisfying conclusions. In the meantime, keep writing and exploring the depths of your imagination. The world is waiting for your stories. 9. Faq - What are the 7 steps to writing a short story? The seven steps to writing a short story involve conceptualizing the plot, developing characters, establishing a setting, creating a compelling conflict, structuring the narrative, refining the dialogue, and ultimately, crafting a satisfying conclusion. - What are the 5 elements of a short story? The five essential elements of a short story include a well-developed protagonist facing conflict, a captivating plot with clear structure, meaningful dialogue that reveals character traits, and effective use of imagery and sensory details to enhance the narrative and immerse readers in the story. - What does a good short story look like? A good short story is characterized by a captivating beginning that hooks the reader, a well-developed protagonist facing a compelling conflict, a plot with clear structure and engaging twists, realistic and revealing dialogue, and a satisfying conclusion that leaves a lasting impact. - What is an example of a short story? An example of a short story is "The Midnight Heist," where two master thieves plan to steal a priceless artifact. The dialogue between the characters, Ali and Max, showcases wit and intelligence while maintaining tension, making it a compelling narrative with a well-crafted plot and engaging dialogue. Read the full article

[hayjeon]

Practical Tips on getting your fics out there!

I’ve gotten an influx of these types of questions here recently, and the more i thought about what i was gonna add, it became really long :(  

disclaimer: a lot of the things i bring up are just from personal experience as a writer on this site, what my followers have told me they appreciate, and what i tend to look for when im looking for fics to read! If you don’t like these tips then pls move on :) 

although i’ll mention them, i’m also not going to be focusing on cliche tips like “write for yourself” or “grammar issues” cause those are pretty obvious!

1. accessibility of your blog 

when you’re trying to get your name out there, make sure that you’re creating an inviting experience for any potential followers! this includes:

a memorable url! be creative!

have some fun designing your blog’s aesthetic! (i love cute blogs because it reflects a bit of the writer’s personality), and (i prefer blogs with white backgrounds because it’s easier to look through/read, say, in contrast to a pitch black one where the words need to be white!) 

put your masterlist link in your bio (even better if you can link most recent fic! found this most helpful when i revisit authors that i like and can easily see if they’ve updated or not)

an organized and easy-to-navigate masterlist (personally, i prefer masterlists organized by band, instead of types of fics ie. i hate when i have to choose between drabbles, oneshots, and series masterlists; i really prefer to see them altogether!) --> see section 3 

organized tags (if you’re going to be posting a lot of non-fic-related content like pictures or videos, tag them properly so followers can sort through and find your fics easily!), or (if you’re going to be writing in different mediums like drabbles, or answering asks, make sure to use a unified #mine or #writing or #fics to centralize your content) 

2. get your name out there!

write write write! once you have some fics that show your talent, don’t be shy! 

join writing groups: when i first started out, I joined a bunch of groups that would reblog my fics in the midst of the content of much bigger writers; these blogs developed a following, and as a result of my content mixing in with bigger blogs’ content, so did my own tumblr! there’s been a stigma recently with these groups, but im sure you can find one thats supportive and not clique-y! 

send your fics to rec pages: what’s the harm? the only bad thing that can happen is that they ignore you! who cares! get out there! 

if you can do the above, i really encourage you to ask your fave writers for advice/to read your fic: again, the worst that can happen is that they say no or don’t respond or don’t have enough time, but it’ll be a good opportunity to get some feedback! i for one read (or try to read) every single rec that falls into my inbox. if i like it, i’ll #rec it, and if i don’t, unless the writer asks me for feedback, i move on!! 

utilize your tags!!: i’m not entirely sure if this is still the same or not, but from my memory, it’s the first 3-5 tags that matter the most? so utilize them well; push back the tags that aren’t really relevant (ie. #writing, #fics) and push more the main subject line of what you wrote (ie. jungkook fluff, bts smut, namjoon angst). these will populate your fics into the tags better!

headers!: when i’m scrolling through an infinite page of fics, the headers catch my eye the most; try being creative! you can find a lot of info out there on how to make ur headers super aesthetic, but i can share my tips too! --> see section 3

3. your masterlist 

here are some practical tips! 

organize by band, not type of fic/member/centralize your masterlist: i went onto a blog recently and clicked their bio mlist link to find a page full of 20~ish “JUNGKOOK MASTERLIST”/ “JAEHYUN MASTERLIST” and when i clicked on each one, they only had like 2 or 3 fics per member. i think it would’ve been better if she’d centralized all her fics! that keeps whoever is looking interested and more likely to click on another fic while browsing

add info about the fics!: when scrolling through a masterlist, it’s easy to get lost; try to add some snippets of info (ie. a short sentence you liked from the fic, a quick summary, a description of the au/scenario, or even a header!) this all gives some info about the fics you have tagged! 

headers: this isn’t a requirement, but i personally love a good header on fics i read and i love making them myself as i finish up a fic and get ready to upload it; here are free sources: unsplash for HQ stock pics, crop/edit/filter in VSCO, and then add aesthetic script with fontcandy) 

try to fill it up!: after i visit a blog after reading one good fic, i usually browse through their mlist to see if there are any more that i’d be interested in. if there’s a lot to look forward to, i’ll almost always follow; try to write as much as you can in the first few months to try and fill up your mlist and give blog viewers a reason to visit your blog again, follow, or even reblog your content!) 

4. try not to reproduce cliche fics: 

honestly tumblr’s writing community (and armys) has grown insanely these past few years and, unfortunately, even from my perspective, in the past 3-4 years, all the writers have sort of become blended together in my brain. but, i can say that the ones who consistently stand out are the ones who produce consistent content and think outside of the box! 

i tend to gravitate towards fics that have really interesting plotlines (ex. btssavedmylifeblr’s VOID is always a surprise to read because it’s sO unique! i usually don’t read ot7 fics but this one is legit my fave) 

I know it’s tempting to try and just write typical smut fics to try and gain some traction, but tumblr is already too overloaded by that kind of content; try to write something that’s special and unique! this will set u apart from the thousands of other writers here --> see next section

5. create unique fics: 

this is also personal to my writing style, but i get so bored writing just casual fics about the members, and it affects the fics i choose to read too; i prefer unique fics which you can achieve through: 

circumstance/au: create a fun au!; don’t just create an arranged marriage, create an arranged marriage in joseon dynasty, or between a werewolf and a hunter! (shameless self plug); don’t just give me friends to lovers, but give me spiderman!jungkook friends to lovers! (ie. cupofteaguk’s exchanges)

jobs: give them out-of-the-ordinary jobs; don’t just give me enemies to lovers, but give me rival!anchors who end up loving eachother! (ie. jimlingss The Newscasters)

fun dialogue: create good back-and-forth, (something i’m still working on!)! this will help your characters develop personality, and that way, readers will start to develop that themselves as well (ie. dad!yoongi from insemination wars by prolixitae is such a specific character that i love so much!, or obiwrites’ garden characters were so memorable!)

create memorable personalities: don’t give me a flat character, try to develop 4d personalities in all of your characters! (im still working on this too!) this way you can really make an impression on your followers! a great way to practice/recognize this is: “Ask my Character.” Can your followers ask a specific character a specific question, and would you be able to deliver an answer that is very specific to that character’s tone/voice/personality? If yes, then ur doing well! If not, try to think of ways that you can make tht specific character from a specific story, really unique and separate from your other characters.

6. some practical writing tips

be yourself, write for your own pleasure, blah blah blah; yeah you know already haha but here are a few more practical tips! 

grammar check: if you can, try and hone your grammar! makes for an easier read 

write like you: i personally LOVE this by obiwrites, but even the way she writes exudes her personality and is so specific; try not to be caught up in adding hundreds of synonyms and exquisite language; in fact, simpling it down and being more concise and honest with your writing is better than a superfluous sentence; this will also give ur characters so much more dimension and funk

use those commas/sentence variation: try to use more commas; this will feel like you’re the narrator to your own story; it also makes it more fluid to read in my opinion, over those short. clipped. sentences. (ie. “he came over, sitting down on the corner of your bed with an expression you’d never seen before” over “he walked over. he sat down, looking sad.”) 

half-half dialogue/narration: a fic with too much dialogue can get confusing, and a fic with too much narration can get dry; try to balance them out, and weave in and out of each! 

quality over quantity: don’t feel burdened to write a 30k word fic. in fact, i think some of the shorter fics (ie. any of versigny’s stuff) made a bigger impression on me over the longer fics because they were short, left me wanting more, and were just so high-quality in such small quantities. try out your hand at drabbles and one-shots, and don’t feel too burdened to try and develop a series right off the bat! 

abandon pigeon-holes: i’m guilty of this; i start series and then end up with no vision for the stories and they end up giving me writers block. its okay. just stop or discontinue them or leave them on a hiatus; it’s okay. your priority is yourself, and if abandoning certain works are part of that, then go ahead. it’ll help you progress more. 

and finally.......

i’ll add more as they come up! but if you liked this, then pls lmk! i’d love to give more tips and tricks; i think i started this blog 3-4 years ago when there weren’t as many writers here, but im glad you’re thinking of starting out/wanting to grow more! don’t feel intimidated! it’s not all about the notes/followers but creating a blog you’re proud of. 

so write what you’re proud of, or interested in, and keep going. i truly thoroughly had so much fun writing this post. if there are any writers who read through this and have some more advice, pls msg me! 

all the best to you! 

[infernal-fire]

A Guide to Kickstarting Your Story

I am a beginner author and I have soo much to learn. I’m on a quest to figure out a writing process so I did some research and dug up some high school work. I have compiled a series of questions, tips and reminders that’ll help kickstart a story.

*I do not claim ownership of these ideas, simply putting it into one place for people to use.

Character Questions:

1. Name/ Nicknames

2. Gender

3. Birthday/ Age

4. Physical appearance - are they conventionally attractive or do they have memorable features?

5. Where do they live? What is their living space like? 

6.  Main personality trait? What is their MBTI personality?

7. Describe their eating habits. 

8. How do they dress? Do they dress to impress? Does their fashion sense make them look older or younger?

9. Do they have any ruminations? Obsessions?

10. Any pets? Are they a dog or cat type of person?

11. Describe any traumatic events in their life. How did the trauma change them?

12. Do they have spare time? If they do, what do they do with it? 

13. Any hobbies? How does the hobby affect their personality/ life? (Are they consumed by it or is it an on-and-off thing?)

14. What are they most embarrassed by?

Secondary characters

Secondary characters should be complementary to the main character - provide emotional support or make up for something they lack. 

They should also be oppositional occasionally. People don’t always agree with each other. Even the main character has flaws that the secondary character could undermine/exploit. They could help them overcome it or work on it. A good example I found for this was Dr. Watson berating Sherlock for his drug use. 

Plot Questions and factors to consider:

1. What is the conflict?

2. What is the main sequence of events (climax)?

3. What are the events that cause the conflict?

4. Locations in the story

5. Timeline of the story

6. How does the conflict change the characters? Did the characters learn anything about the conflict/ themselves that they were previously unaware of?

7. Core themes of the story 

8. What type of story is it: tragedy, comedy, hero’s journey, overcoming the “monster”, rebirth, rags to riches and voyage & return

Other helpful reminders:

- do you have any subplots or pitch points (things that increase pressure on the conflict or heighten the stakes)

- create versions of the story plan

- draft and give yourself critical distance

- there’s a lot to learn from screenwriters

- brainstorm with as much detail as you can

- divide story into segments to work on

Some ways to create pressure:

1. physical danger

2. secondary characters who add tension

3. new problems that complicate things/ act as an obstacle

4. a character’s complicated history

5. reminding reader the stakes

6. time pressure

There’s a lot that I didn’t add in here, but I have literally one follower right now so I hope as time goes on, posts like this will actually be of some use to people and I can add more resources and tips.