#CharacterDevelopment
Explore tagged Tumblr posts
Text
Things Real People Do in Dialogue (For Your Next Story)
Okay, let’s be real—dialogue can make or break a scene. You want your characters to sound natural, like actual humans talking, not robots reading a script. So, how do you write dialogue that feels real without it turning into a mess of awkward pauses and “ums”? Here’s a little cheat sheet of what real people actually do when they talk (and you can totally steal these for your next story):
1. People Interrupt Each Other All the Time In real conversations, nobody waits for the perfect moment to speak. We interrupt, cut each other off, and finish each other's sentences. Throw in some overlaps or interruptions in your dialogue to make it feel more dynamic and less like a rehearsed play.
2. They Don’t Always Say What They Mean Real people are masters of dodging. They’ll say one thing but mean something totally different (hello, passive-aggressive banter). Or they’ll just avoid the question entirely. Let your characters be vague, sarcastic, or just plain evasive sometimes—it makes their conversations feel more layered.
3. People Trail Off... We don’t always finish our sentences. Sometimes we just... stop talking because we assume the other person gets what we’re trying to say. Use that in your dialogue! Let a sentence trail off into nothing. It adds realism and shows the comfort (or awkwardness) between characters.
4. Repeating Words Is Normal In real life, people repeat words when they’re excited, nervous, or trying to make a point. It’s not a sign of bad writing—it’s how we talk. Let your characters get a little repetitive now and then. It adds a rhythm to their speech that feels more genuine.
5. Fillers Are Your Friends People say "um," "uh," "like," "you know," all the time. Not every character needs to sound polished or poetic. Sprinkle in some filler words where it makes sense, especially if the character is nervous or thinking on their feet.
6. Not Everyone Speaks in Complete Sentences Sometimes, people just throw out fragments instead of complete sentences, especially when emotions are high. Short, choppy dialogue can convey tension or excitement. Instead of saying “I really think we need to talk about this,” try “We need to talk. Now.”
7. Body Language Is Part of the Conversation Real people don’t just communicate with words; they use facial expressions, gestures, and body language. When your characters are talking, think about what they’re doing—are they fidgeting? Smiling? Crossing their arms? Those little actions can add a lot of subtext to the dialogue without needing extra words.
8. Awkward Silences Are Golden People don’t talk non-stop. Sometimes, they stop mid-conversation to think, or because things just got weird. Don’t be afraid to add a beat of awkward silence, a long pause, or a meaningful look between characters. It can say more than words.
9. People Talk Over Themselves When They're Nervous When we’re anxious, we tend to talk too fast, go back to rephrase what we just said, or add unnecessary details. If your character’s nervous, let them ramble a bit or correct themselves. It’s a great way to show their internal state through dialogue.
10. Inside Jokes and Shared History Real people have history. Sometimes they reference something that happened off-page, or they share an inside joke only they get. This makes your dialogue feel lived-in and shows that your characters have a life beyond the scene. Throw in a callback to something earlier, or a joke only two characters understand.
11. No One Explains Everything People leave stuff out. We assume the person we’re talking to knows what we’re talking about, so we skip over background details. Instead of having your character explain everything for the reader’s benefit, let some things go unsaid. It’ll feel more natural—and trust your reader to keep up!
12. Characters Have Different Voices Real people don’t all talk the same way. Your characters shouldn’t either! Pay attention to their unique quirks—does one character use slang? Does another speak more formally? Maybe someone’s always cutting people off while another is super polite. Give them different voices and patterns of speech so their dialogue feels authentic to them.
13. People Change the Subject In real life, conversations don’t always stay on track. People get sidetracked, jump to random topics, or avoid certain subjects altogether. If your characters are uncomfortable or trying to dodge a question, let them awkwardly change the subject or ramble to fill the space.
14. Reactions Aren’t Always Immediate People don’t always respond right away. They pause, they think, they hesitate. Sometimes they don’t know what to say, and that delay can speak volumes. Give your characters a moment to process before they respond—it’ll make the conversation feel more natural.
Important note: Please don’t use all of these tips in one dialogue at once.
#creative writing#writing#writblr#writing advice#writers block#writers on tumblr#WritingTips#AmWriting#DialogueWriting#RealisticDialogue#CharacterDevelopment#WritingAdvice#FictionWriting#WritingRealism#WritingProcess#WritingCraft#WritersOfTumblr#WriterCommunity#CreativeWriting#Storytelling#WritingDialogue
12K notes
·
View notes
Text
🌟 Creating Character Names: A Non-Basic Guide for Fantasy Writers 🌟
Listen up fellow writers! aggressively slides into your dashboard with chai in hand Let's talk about one of the most CHAOTIC yet FUN parts of writing - naming your precious book babies!
👀 First things first - throw out everything you know about "normal" naming conventions because honey, we're going WILD today!
Here's the tea: Your character's name is literally their FIRST impression on the page. It's their brand™️, their essence, their whole vibe condensed into a few syllables. And in fantasy? The rules? We don't know her.
🔮 Non-Basic Methods for Name Creation:
The Vibes-Based Approach
Close your eyes and picture your character
What color are they giving off?
What texture?
Now translate that into sounds
Example: A character who feels like liquid silver might be named Sylthra or Mercurine
2. The Meaning Mashup Method
Take 2-3 words that represent your character
Break them apart
Frankenstein them back together
Example: Brave (Fortis) + Storm (Tempest) = Fortempest
3. The Aesthetic Alchemy Instead of just picking random syllables, think about:
How does the name look on the page?
Does it have strong consonants or flowing vowels?
Would it look good written in blood on a magical contract? (IMPORTANT)
🌙 Pro Tips That Nobody Talks About:
Test Drive Your Names
Write them in different fonts
Yell them dramatically
Whisper them mysterously
If you can't dramatically whisper "Lord Xylophone the Terrible" without giggling, maybe reconsider
2. The Name Evolution Game Your character's name should have:
A formal version
A nickname
What their enemies call them
What their mom yells when they're in trouble Example: Theodora → Thea → The Midnight Witch → THEODORA BLACKTHORN GET DOWN HERE THIS INSTANT
3. Cultural Consideration (but make it fantasy)
Create naming patterns for different regions/species
Maybe elves use lots of 'ae' and 'th' sounds
Perhaps dragon-folk names always start with a hiss
Desert dwellers might have names that sound like wind through sand
🔥 Advanced Name-Crafting Techniques:
The Emotional Echo Method
Write down the key emotion of your character
Find its opposite
Create a name that somehow bridges both Example: A character who's both gentle and fierce → Lysander (means "liberator" but sounds soft)
The Musical Approach
Names have rhythm
They have melody
Try singing your character names
If it sounds like a spell, EVEN BETTER
💫 Remember:
Names can be weapons (looking at you, True Name magic systems)
They can be prophecies
They can be curses
They can be LIES
🚫 What to Avoid (but like, in a non-basic way):
Names that look like you headbutted your keyboard
Names so complex your readers need a pronunciation guide every 2 pages
Names that are just regular names with random 'y's thrown in (looking at you, Kathryn → Kathyryn → Kathyyryn)
✨ Final Thoughts: Your character's name is a spell you're casting on your readers. Make it memorable. Make it meaningful. Make it YOURS.
And remember, if all else fails, you can always name them after what they had for breakfast. (Looking at you, Toast the Dragonslayer 👀)
sips chai aggressively
That's all for today's chaotic naming advice! Drop a 🌟 if you're gonna rename all your characters now! - Rin T.
[Note: Feel free to reblog and add your own chaotic naming methods! Let's build this resource together!]
#writingcommunity#fantasywriting#writingtips#characterdevelopment#amwritingfantasy#writersoftumblr#writing#writingadvice#characternames#amwriting#writer#creative writers#fantasy writer#helping writers#how to write#fiction writing#novel writing#on writing#creative writing#resources for writers#writers#writers and poets#writers block#writerblr#writers on tumblr#writerslife#writeblr#writing a book#writing advice#romance writing
341 notes
·
View notes
Text
extensive list of character traits
hello hello, it's me! here's an extensive list of traits. note: if you're developing a character, check out this free workbook which has a complete character sheet :D
good character traits:
understanding
courageous
tenacious
resourceful
confident
diligent
persevering
empathetic
caring
respectful
patient
dependable
trustworthy
adaptable
charismatic
creative
innovative
encouraging
gracious
forgiving
generous
inquisitive
knowledgeable
modest
noble
optimistic
passionate
practical
principled
reliable
self-disciplined
selfless
strong-willed
thoughtful
wise
assertive
bold
decisive
dignified
disciplined
enthusiastic
faithful
friendly
humorous
imaginative
insightful
intuitive
open-minded
persuasive
practical
proactive
rational
self-confident
self-sufficient
sensible
sympathetic
tactful
team player
trusting
unassuming
visionary
well-rounded
bad character traits:
self-centered
rude
disrespectful
impulsive
greedy
arrogant
dishonest
manipulative
lazy
stubborn
moody
pessimistic
judgmental
aggressive
reckless
inconsiderate
paranoid
insecure
materialistic
irrational
vengeful
deceitful
disloyal
boastful
closed-minded
condescending
impatient
intolerant
narcissistic
obsessive
possessive
short-tempered
sneaky
suspicious
unpredictable
unreliable
wasteful
weak-willed
withdrawn
agonizing
cynical
possessive
aloof
intimidating
sadistic
bitter
passive-aggressive
evasive
procrastinating
irritable
dismissive
disrespectful
confrontational
overbearing
domineering
pompous
biased
inflexible
impetuous
misanthropic
overcritical
arrogant
hope this was useful! have a nice day <3
#writers#writeblr#writing advice#writing#writer tips#writerscommunity#writing help#writing resources#writing tips#writing reference#bullet list#adjectives#traits#character building#characterdevelopment#original character#character description#character traits#novel#novelist#author#authors#writer's block#on writing#masterpost#masterlist#long post#useful#helping writers#help post
2K notes
·
View notes
Text
Dear Marvel,
If Howard the Duck can have a child with Darcy Lewis and get an entire storyline dedicated to it, why not give fans something even more compelling? Let Star-Lord and Gamora have a child and explore their journey as parents. Better yet, let them get married! That would be a much more meaningful and exciting storyline than one that raises eyebrows with themes like bestiality. Let’s give the fans the epic stories they deserve!
P.S., Let’s not forget how Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 hints at the possibility of Peter and Gamora finding their way back to each other. While the 2014 variant doesn’t share the same memories, the movie shows that she’s not entirely closed off to the idea of a connection with Peter. By the end of Vol. 3, Gamora acknowledges the bond they could have had, even if it’s not the same as before.
This opens the door for their relationship to grow organically in the future. Love stories in the MCU often thrive on character development and second chances—why not let Star-Lord and Gamora build a new chapter together? It’d be a compelling evolution for both of them!”
#Marvel#MarvelStudios#MarvelComics#GuardiansOfTheGalaxy#StarLordAndGamora#StarLordxGamora#PeterQuill#Gamora#MCU#disney#GuardiansOfTheGalaxyVol3#MarvelCouples#EpicLoveStories#MCUPhase5#CharacterDevelopment#MakeItHappenMarvel#StarLordGamoraRelationship#MCULoveStories#PeterAndGamoraForever#GuardiansFamily#MarvelFans#what if season 3#what if series
70 notes
·
View notes
Text
#poll#poll time#fun polls#polls on tumblr#tumblr polls#my polls#polls#writer#my writing#writers#writing#characterbuilding#characterbackstory#characterdevelopment#charactercreation#chronic illness#chronically ill#chronic fatigue#chronic pain
22 notes
·
View notes
Text
JJ Maybank Character Analysis
Why a pairing of Kiara and JJ would hardly work under real-life circumstances

Screenwriters love messy romantic storylines because drama sells and keeps us all on the edge of our seats. Complicated relationships filled with "OMG, did that just happen?" moments push characters to grow and show off their deeper sides, making them more relatable. Plus, they mirror our own love life dramas (or lack thereof) and give us an escape from reality. The whole "will they or won’t they" vibe keeps us binge-watching season after season, completely invested in their rollercoaster romance.
But let's get real for a sec—these chaotic love stories shouldn't be your blueprint for a real-life relationship.
That being said, it might not be the popular opinion, but Kiara would be the worst match for JJ. In real life, their relationship would quickly go downhill, and here's why:
JJ's been crushing on Kiara since Season 1. His feelings have been solid, even while she was off exploring things with John B. and Pope even though she often treated him badly, commenting on almost all of his actions with sarcasm and disregard.
There are a lot of examples, especially in the first two seasons, where Kiara is being disrespectful and sarcastic towards JJ. It actually seems like she doesn't care for him at all
That's why Kiara’s sudden interest in JJ, after her flings with the other guys, raises some eyebrows. Is she really into JJ, or is this about rebelling against her parents or wanting a “fixer-upper” project?
youtube
JJ and Kiara would make a perfect example for a toxic relationship
Kiara's and JJ's core personalities and backgrounds clash in fundamental ways. JJ, with his ADHD-like tendencies, impulsive nature, and carefree, rebellious attitude, often acts without thinking, seeking thrills and living in the moment. This behavior is in stark contrast to Kiara’s strong morals, rule-following disposition, and the disciplined upbringing she received from her wealthy household and good education. While JJ's spontaneity might seem exciting, it conflicts with Kiara’s structured approach to life.
youtube
Kiara is feeding into JJ's insecurities
She tends to be judgmental, especially towards behaviors that deviate from her values, which can make it hard for her to fully understand or accept JJ’s way of coping with his challenges.
JJ grew up in an abusive household with a neglectful and violent father. This messed up his self-esteem, emotional health, and understanding of relationships. He’s conditioned to accept unhealthy dynamics and put others first, often at his own expense.
Kiara, on the other hand, had a cushy, stable upbringing with overprotective parents. This gave her strong convictions and a clear sense of right and wrong but also left her with high expectations and a need to maintain a certain image.
Kiara’s strong will and idealism can sometimes make her judgmental and inflexible, especially toward those who don't see things her way.
youtube
Opposites attract: the more differences, the better the story
She might struggle to fully get the depth of JJ's trauma and how it shapes his behavior. His impulsiveness and reckless behavior, driven by a need to survive his trauma, often clash with Kiara's moral convictions. His actions aren't about seeking admiration but about finding safety and acceptance.
youtube
JJ's and Kiara's values are constantly clashing
JJ’s low self-esteem, need for validation, and history of emotional neglect make him vulnerable to falling into the same victim role he’s known all his life. Kiara’s strong personality and occasional self-righteous streak could unintentionally exploit JJ’s compulsive selflessness and lack of boundaries.
youtube
Is there really more to the chemistry between JJ and Kiara other than just physical attraction?
So, unless JJ takes some serious time for personal growth, gets to know himself and his boundaries, and learns what healthy relationships actually look like, jumping into a romance with Kiara too soon is basically setting himself up to fall right back into the emotional traps he’s trying to escape.
So, what do you think about all this? Would you disagree or do you have another constellation in mind that would suit a character like JJ better (Sarah?). Let me know your thoughts!
#KiaraAndJJ#OuterBanks#CharacterAnalysis#ADHD#ImpulsiveNature#RebelliousSpirit#StrongMorals#RuleFollower#PrivilegedBackground#ContrastingPersonalities#RelationshipDynamics#ClashingWorldviews#StructuredVsSpontaneous#EmotionalChallenges#UnderstandingAndAcceptance#FrictionInRelationships#DifferentUpbringings#LifeApproaches#CharacterDevelopment#jiara#jiara obx#jiara outer banks#jj x kiara#kiara carrera#obx s2#obx s1#obx s3#obx content#obx#jj maybank
50 notes
·
View notes
Text
P1 -Types of Scarcity in Post-Apocalyptic Fiction: A Comprehensive Guide to Survival Elements in Dystopian Worlds

Understanding the Types of Scarcity
Material Resources: First, start with food, water, fuel, and ammo. Once you have the basics, move to less commonly thought-about things like batteries, clothing, scrap metal, and wood.
Skills and Knowledge: Doctors, engineers, survival experts, and mechanics would be some people worth knowing or being in a post-apocalyptic world. What if there were none?
Emotional Resources: Once the world goes to hell, trust and community become resources. Surviving sometimes means getting along with others; you'll want all parties to mean it. Getting fed to a zombie so someone can escape sounds like no fun.
Information: Who are you going to let hold the map for you? Things can get harder on your team if it gets stolen, left behind, or destroyed. In a world without GPS, information is a resource; let's face it, you must trust its handler.
This is part one of a five-part writing guide to post-apocalyptic scarcity. Tune in next time for a more in-depth breakdown of scarcity and who makes the decisions? Not me, that's for sure. I'd probably be the one used as zombie bait first.
-Indigo Everly
Want more advice? Check out my other articles!
#WritingCommunity#AmWriting#WritersLife#WritingTips#WritingInspiration#CreativeWriting#WritingPrompts#Writeblr#WritingResources#FictionWriting#PoetryCommunity#NonfictionWriting#Screenwriting#WritersOnTumblr#NaNoWriMo#WritingProcess#CharacterDevelopment#Plotting#EditingTips#Storytelling#PostApocWrite#WastelandWriters#EndTimesFiction#SurvivalWriting#ApocalypticThemes#DystopianElements#SHTFWriting (SHTF: Sh*t Hits The Fan)#FalloutFiction#AfterTheEnd#DystopianDrama
226 notes
·
View notes
Text
Irene Monogatari -
I found the first season of Don Chuck Monogatari[1975] on YT. I watched it as a kid, it aired in Canada only in French in the 80’s and early 90’s. I decided to draw Irene in that style, kinda…Heh
37 notes
·
View notes
Text

Night alone
Just because someone wanted to leave negative comments on my last ship picture mahahaha!
Dick x Jason
#artist#artists on tumblr#comic#comicart#characterdevelopment#comics#gay art#web comics#digital art#dc comics#dc universe#dc fanart#comic books#lgbtq community#lgbtq artist#lgbt pride#lgbtq#lgbtqia#lgb alliance#gay superheroes#jason todd#roy harper#dick grayson#dick x jay#dickie bird#dicky bird#jaydick#jay bird#jaybird#robins
31 notes
·
View notes
Text
📢 Poll Time 📊
#oc#ocs#originalcharacter#originalcharacters#characterdesign#characterdevelopment#originalcharactersart#artistsoftiktok#refsheet#digitalart#designanoc#octrend#arttok#art#character#characters#ocdesign#ocmaker#occreator#occreation#ocstory#ocstoryline#lore#information#detail#profile#wiki
14 notes
·
View notes
Text
Shadows of Destiny (Part II) – Blood Ties (Kai x Reader)
This is a sequel to Shadows of Destiny. Read the Part 1 here >>>
Shadows of Destiny (Kai x Reader)
I hope you enjoy the story <3
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jo and Alaric were having a happy, celebratory wedding surrounded by loved ones. Everyone involved desired a fresh start and a peaceful moment. However, tranquility proved to be fragile and easily disrupted.
With wrath and resentment in his eyes, Kai Parker dashed into the ceremony. He launched his strike before the Gemini Coven could respond, with magic sparking through the air.
Trying to escape the lethal energy bursts, guests shrieked and dispersed. His twin, Jo, eyes wide with shock and resolve, stood her ground. Shaking, she begged, "Kai, stop this! Why are you doing this?!"
But Kai had no brotherly affection in his distorted smile. Ignoring Jo, he said, "You should know by now. I never quit on what I started."
As he lifted his hand to cast another attack, the hall doors flung open. Y/N staggered in with her gaze fixed on Kai, bruised, and worn out. Her willpower, pushing her on despite the agony, had allowed her to break free from her restraints.
She cried, "Kai!" as she hurried herself between him and Jo, "Enough already!"
As Kai saw Y/N, he paused, his gaze closing in. In a low, and deadly tone he muttered, "You… How come you were free?"
Y/N sprang for him, attempting to throw him off balance before he could react. Kai moved more quickly. With his power blazing, he turned and launched her across the room with his magic. Y/N flew into tables strewn across the floor. She flew so hard into them that her lungs were afflicted with formidable force and coughed up blood. All bloods were stained on her clothes.
Y/N’s besties Elena and Caroline raced to her aid, "No, Y/N!"
Fearful, Caroline sobbed, “Don’t die on us, please.”
Damon, who had developed a close bond with Y/N during their time in the Prison World, stepped closer and unleashed a torrent of anger. He yelled, "You messed with the wrong person, Kai."
Kai had little time to react when Damon tackled him, but with a flick of his wrist, he sent Damon hurling across the room and into a set of chairs.
“Damon, get out of here!” Kai yelled, “This is between me and the rest of the others.”
With a sneer on his lips, Damon got up to his feet. He spat, "Like hell it is," but Elena held his arm and stopped him before he could strike again.
“Damon, no,” she cried out, “You are going to make things worse.”
As he watched them, Kai's face faltered, something flickering in his eyes when his gaze turned to Y/N.
"Y/N, you shouldn't have come here," he added in a near whisper, “You should have stayed away.”
Y/N clung to her side as she staggered to her feet, "I could never let you do this," she exclaimed, "You're not a monster, Kai. There is no need to do this.”
Kai's fists shook with hardly controlled power, his mouth tightening.
"You persist in defying me even after I provided you with the chance to behave properly!" This was mostly targeted at his coven members, especially the former Gemini coven leader, Joshua Parker. He spat, "You must be so desperate to die." Fearful, the guests crowded together.
Elena moved forward, her face resolute. Despite the chaos surrounding her, Elena uttered firmly, "Please, Kai. Do not do this. Let everyone go.”
Kai's hold on his power became stronger, and for a split second, it appeared as though he would let loose everything. But Y/N's shaky voice broke the strain.
She whispered, "Kai," as she fixes her gaze on him, “Avoid turning into the monster they believe you are.”
He looked at her, his face tense between wrath and something else… something… human.
"You don't understand," he continued, his voice trembling, “I have to finish this. This is the only option."
Ignoring her wounds, Y/N protested, "No, it's not," and moved closer, “You are free to take another course. We can work out another solution together."
Kai's gaze wavered, and the fury gradually faded. His voice hardly rose above a whisper, "I don't know if I can," he murmured.
Stretching out her hands to him, Y/N said, "You can. You do not have to be alone.”
The guests' labored breathing in the entire room was the sole sound for a long, anxious time. Then, very gradually, the enchantment at Kai's fingertips vanished. With his face tense, he lowered his hand.
"You should be thankful," he says at last directed towards his coven, breaking the silence in the room, his voice breaking, “You get to live another day.”
Kai turned to go, but as he saw Y/N's strength waning, he hurried to her side, and lifted her into his arms. The guests watched in horror as Kai carried Y/N away; her blood smeared his clothing. Her eyes opened, a mixture of relief and bewilderment meeting his. Weakly whispering, "Kai, what are you doing?"
"Saving you," he said, sounding almost compassionate now, "Y/N, I can’t lose you. No, not in this way."
Kai disappeared, dragging Y/N into the unknown after one last, conflicted look at Elena, Caroline, and Damon.
______________________________________________________________
As night descended, remorse swept over Y/N. She would never have let Kai leave if she had known what Bonnie, Damon, and Elena were up to. Their plan was to trick Kai and keep him in another prison world. She had not acted on her intuition that something was amiss. She heard bits of their talk, their low voices, and their hurried murmurs just before Kai and the others went to the prison world where the Heretics were imprisoned. She disregarded her inner intuition, convinced that they were acting morally. She wished she had done something—anything—to stop this chaos made by Kai.
"I'm sorry, Kai," she said in a regretful and painful whisper, "I should have known. I should have stopped them."
“It's too late for that now,” he said, “Maybe, though, we can work things out together.”
The darkness drew closer, and Y/N nodded feebly. She held onto the belief that there was someplace, someway, a chance to put things right, to keep Kai from the darkness that threatened to swallow him, and to keep herself from the sorrow that was eating at her.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Read Part 3 here >>>>
Shadows of Destiny (Part III) - Redemption's Edge (Kai x Reader)
#Fanfiction#ShadowsOfDestiny#BloodTies#KaiParker#JoAndAlaric#TheVampireDiaries#TVDFanfic#MagicBattle#FantasyDrama#SupernaturalConflict#WeddingDisaster#EpicShowdown#CharacterDevelopment#EmotionalScenes#HeroicSacrifice#DarkFantasy#SupernaturalThriller#ActionPacked#PlotTwist#TumblrFanfic#kai x reader#Kai Parker#The Vampire Diaries#TVDFanfiction#Kai Parker x Reader#Y/N#Kai Parker Fanfiction#Fandom#Drama#Romance
38 notes
·
View notes
Text
Writing Angsty Scenes Without Making Them Cringe
Alright, so we all love a good angsty moment, right? That scene where everything feels like it's falling apart, emotions are running high, and your character's world is just burning around them. But… writing those scenes without slipping into "oh no, not this again" territory? Yeah, it can be tricky.
Angst is powerful, no doubt, but it can get cringey fast if you’re not careful. So, how do you make your readers feel the hurt without rolling their eyes at the drama? Here are some thoughts (because we’ve all been there)
1. Keep It Real No one—and I mean no one—has perfectly poetic, life-altering thoughts while they’re in the middle of an emotional meltdown. If your character’s going through it, make sure their reactions feel raw, maybe even messy. Show us their confusion, anger, and fear in a way that makes sense for them. Don’t just throw in a monologue about the meaning of life or have them collapse in a rainstorm. (Unless it’s really necessary. Then, okay, fine, but be careful!)
2. The Little Details Hit Harder Sometimes, it’s the small, unexpected details that pack the biggest punch. Instead of a dramatic sobbing fit, maybe your character’s hands shake as they try to make a cup of tea or they notice a tiny crack in the wall that they never noticed before because they’re spiraling. It’s those little, relatable moments that make the angst feel real, not overdone.
3. Embrace the Quiet Moments It doesn’t always have to be yelling or crying to show that your character is struggling. Silence can be loud. Sometimes it’s the things unsaid that carry the most weight. Maybe your character withdraws, or they’re stuck staring at the ceiling for hours. A pause in the conversation, a long sigh, or a blank stare can be just as gut-wrenching as full-on breakdowns.
4. Avoid the Obvious Clichés (If You Can) Okay, this one’s a bit tricky. It’s not that you can’t ever have rain scenes or broken mirrors (I see you, “symbolism”), but if you’re gonna go there, give it a twist. Maybe instead of staring out a window during a storm, they’re in a brightly lit, overly cheerful room that just doesn’t match how they’re feeling. Play with contrasts. Make the environment work against their mood rather than mirroring it perfectly.
5. Let the Angst Breathe Don’t feel like you need to dump all the angst in one scene. Let it stretch out a bit. Give your characters space to process (or fail to process) over time. A lot of times, readers will feel more for a character who’s quietly unraveling over several chapters than one who explodes all at once. It makes the eventual breakdown hit harder when it does happen.
6. People Are Weird When They’re Hurting They joke at the wrong times. They say things they don’t mean. They shut people out, or they get way too clingy. Don’t be afraid to make your characters react in unexpected or contradictory ways—people do that when they’re feeling too much. Let your characters be complicated, because real people are.
7. Subtle Can Be Stronger Not every angsty scene needs a screaming match or someone running away dramatically. Sometimes, a single line of dialogue or a character’s slight change in expression can hit like a freight train. Try letting things simmer. Hold back when it feels like you should go big, and you might surprise yourself (and your readers) with how much more intense it feels.
#WritingTips#AmWriting#AngstyWriting#WritingAdvice#WriteBetter#WritingCommunity#WriterLife#AngstIsArt#FictionWriting#CharacterDevelopment#WritingInspiration#EmotionalWriting#WritingProcess#WritersOfTumblr#AngstDoneRight#CreativeWriting#WritingCraft#creative writing#writing#writing advice#writblr
145 notes
·
View notes
Note
Do you have any tips on writing a character that can be a bit quiet and weird/quirky yet confrontational and loud. She bites and picks her fingers when very anxious but she’s also a confident, and brave character who fights for what’s right and what she wants. I have a difficulty mixing a character’s personality sometimes, and wondered if you had any tips to help? :)
On Creating Beautifully Contradictory Characters ✨
Hey writer friend! Rin here.
I LIVE for these questions! 💕
Here's the thing about characters (and people). we're not single-note beings who fit into neat little boxes. The most real characters exist in the in-between spaces.
Let's talk about how to make this work...
The secret to contradictory character traits
What makes a character feel REAL isn't consistency. it's coherence.
• Your character doesn't need to be the same in every situation
• What they need is an emotional core that makes sense of their seemingly opposing behaviors
• Think of their personality as a constellation, not a straight line
When I'm developing characters like this, I always start with their wounds and values. What do they care about SO DEEPLY that it would make a normally quiet person raise their voice? What hurts have they experienced that make them bite their fingers when anxious?
Some practical ways to blend these traits
• Give her specific triggers for each mode. Maybe she's quiet in casual social settings but finds her voice when someone's being mistreated.
• Create physical transitions between states. How does her body language shift when moving from quiet observer to vocal defender? Does she take a deep breath? Square her shoulders?
• The finger-biting anxiety habit is actually perfect. it can be the bridge between her quiet and loud states. Maybe it's what she does while gathering courage before speaking up.
• Show us moments where BOTH traits are present at once. She can be nervously biting her fingers WHILE confronting someone.
What NOT to do (because it's boring)
Please don't fall into these traps:
• Don't make her "usually quiet except when..." That's not a complex character, that's just situational behavior.
• Don't explain away her contradictions with trauma (unless that's genuinely part of her story). Not every character trait needs a tragic backstory!
• Don't make her self-conscious about her contradictions. She doesn't need to apologize for being both quiet and loud.
Let's make some word magic happen
Try writing a scene where:
We first see her in her quiet, observing mode
Something happens that triggers her sense of justice
We witness her internal thought process as she decides to speak up
She exhibits her anxious behavior (finger biting) while ALSO stepping into her confrontational mode
Afterward, she returns to quietness, but it feels different now
The magic happens in those transition moments. That's where readers will fall in love with her complexity.
Remember this always
The most memorable characters aren't the ones who are consistently anything. They're the ones who surprise us while still feeling true to themselves.
Your character's contradictions aren't flaws to fix or explain away. they're what make her human. They're what make readers say "I KNOW her" even if they've never met anyone exactly like her.
So embrace those contradictions. Let her be quiet AND loud. Let her be anxious AND brave. Let her be fully, messily human.
I hope this post helped you
-Rin T.
#WritingAdvice#CharacterDevelopment#WritingCommunity#AuthorLife#writing#writeblr#on writing#writing tips#how to write#writers block#creative writing#writers and poets#thewriteadviceforwriters#writers on tumblr#writing project#fiction writing#novel writing#writing a book#writing advice#romance writing#writing characters#writing community#writing guide#writing inspiration#writing prompts#writing ideas#writing reference#writing blog#writing resources#writing help
133 notes
·
View notes
Text
[FREE] The Writer's Workbook
Hello hello, it's me! Hope you're doing well.
Today I am announcing a project I've been working on and is finally ready for you guys to download (for free!)
So, what is it, you ask me.
It's a digital WORKBOOK with over 90 pages to help you develop your new novel!

With clear instructions, plenty of examples, and helpful resources, I designed this workbook to be easy to use and accessible for writers of all skill levels. It has plenty of worksheets and templates to help you organize your ideas and plan your novel!
Over 60 exercises
Tips
Worksheets and templates
A comprehensive list of additional resources to help you continue your writing journey
You can download it as a PDF and use it digitally or print it out!
DOWNLOAD IT HERE!!
I hope this is helpful <3 have a nice day
#writingtips#writingcommunity#writersofinstagram#novelwriting#writingresources#writingworkbook#aspiringwriters#characterdevelopment#plotstructure#worldbuilding#writingexercises#writingprompts#writingfeedback#writingadvice#writing inspiration#writing prompts#writeblr#writing advice#writers#writing#writer tips#writerscommunity#writing help#writing resources#gumroad#freebie#freebies#free#author struggles#resources for writers
703 notes
·
View notes
Note
Write a love story about (y/n) taking the hunter exam along with Gon and Killua and Gittarackur (Illumi Zoldick in disguise) finds (y/n) very interresting and slowly falls in love with her powers, her looks and her character
Whispers of Shadows: An Enigmatic Love
In a world where extraordinary abilities were wielded by those who dared to dream, an enchanting love story was poised to unfold. (Y/N), a spirited and determined individual, had embarked on a life-altering journey by undertaking a prestigious examination. Alongside two remarkable companions, Gon and Killua, they ventured into a realm of trials and tribulations that would push their limits, both physically and emotionally. Unbeknownst to them, their path was soon to intersect with an enigmatic figure, Gittarackur, who concealed his true identity as Illumi Zoldyck.
(Y/N) had long harbored the dream of becoming a Hunter, a title that promised boundless opportunities and adventures. Their resolve was unwavering, their spirit unyielding, and the Hunter Exam was the initial step towards realizing their aspirations. Amidst the numerous aspirants, Gon and Killua shone as exceptional talents. Their camaraderie, forged through shared challenges and victories, grew stronger with every trial. It was amidst these tests that (Y/N) not only discovered the allure of the hunt but also found themselves drawn to the captivating personalities of Gon and Killua.
As days turned into weeks and trials morphed into friendships, a shadowy presence lingered in the background. Gittarackur, an adept assassin disguised as an examinee, had been assigned a mission to observe and gather information on (Y/N). However, his mission evolved into something more complex and compelling, as he found himself inexplicably drawn to (Y/N)'s powers, appearance, and character.
Gittarackur, from his concealed vantage point, watched (Y/N) with unwavering fascination. He admired their grace in combat, their resolve in the face of adversity, and the loyalty they held for their friends, Gon and Killua. Every moment spent observing (Y/N) only deepened his intrigue.
As days turned to weeks, and weeks to months, Gittarackur's fascination evolved into something he hadn't anticipated—love. It wasn't just (Y/N)'s powers or physical attributes that enamored him; it was the essence of their character, their unyielding spirit, and the depth of their emotions that captivated him.
One evening, in a quiet moment away from the hustle of the Hunter Exam, Gittarackur found himself alone with (Y/N) in a secluded corner of their lodgings. It was a rare respite, and he seized the opportunity to engage in conversation.
"You possess an extraordinary aura," Gittarackur remarked, his voice tinged with admiration. "Your abilities are truly remarkable, and your determination is unmatched."
(Y/N) smiled, humbled by the compliment. "Thank you, Gittarackur. But my journey here wouldn't have been possible without the unwavering support of my friends, Gon and Killua."
Gittarackur's gaze lingered on (Y/N), his fascination growing more profound by the day. "There's something about you that transcends mere talent and determination. You exude a unique charm—one that is difficult to define."
As their eyes met, a peculiar connection seemed to form—a thread of unspoken understanding and uncharted emotions that hung in the air. Gittarackur's fascination had grown into something deeper, something he couldn't ignore any longer.
Amidst the trials and chaos of the Hunter Exam, Gittarackur struggled to come to terms with his newfound emotions. His mission, once straightforward, had transformed into a labyrinth of conflicting desires, torn between his duty and the affection he felt for (Y/N).
One fateful night, with the Hunter Exam reaching its culmination, Gittarackur decided it was time to reveal his true identity to (Y/N). He exposed the depth of his deception, confessing not only to his mission but also to his burgeoning feelings—a love that had taken root in the shadows and grown into a profound affection.
"(Y/N), my mission was to observe and gather information about you," Gittarackur began, his voice laden with emotion. "But it has become more than that. I've fallen for you—your powers, your character, your very being. I know it's complicated, but I couldn't keep the truth hidden any longer."
(Y/N) listened, their heart a tumultuous sea of emotions. They were torn between the shock of the revelation and the complexity of their own feelings. In that moment, they realized that beneath Gittarackur's assassin facade, there was a person—a person conflicted and flawed—who had come to cherish their existence.
As the Hunter Exam concluded and (Y/N), Gon, Killua, and Gittarackur embarked on new adventures, their love story became intertwined with the enigmatic world they inhabited—a tale of love and self-discovery amidst the chaos of their extraordinary lives. It was a journey filled with challenges, danger, and the discovery that true love could flourish even in the darkest of shadows.
NOTE! This story was generated by OpenAI
#illumi zoldyck#illumi zoldyck x reader#illumi zoldyck x you#illumi zoldyck x y/n#x reader#reader insert#illumi x reader#illumi x you#illumi x y/n#HunterExam#LoveStory#AdventureRomance#EnigmaticLove#OCxCanon#ExtraordinaryAbilities#CharacterDevelopment#MysteryRomance#UnconventionalLove#ActionRomance#WhispersOfShadows#HiddenIdentity#TumblrFiction#CreativeWriting#AnimeFanfic#RomanticJourney#ComplexCharacters#LoveInTheShadows#EpicLove#DiscoveringEmotions
111 notes
·
View notes
Text
Totally fixed several plotholes in one swoop by adding a little bit of rep to the main character, I don't know why I didn't think of it before!
#writing#writers#female writers#characterdevelopment#characterbuilding#charactercreation#selkie#The Selkie Groom#trans#transgender#trans representation#goal#plot holes#plot hole fix#queer#queer representation#queer rep in media#queer characters#lgbtq#lgbtq community#lgbtqia
32 notes
·
View notes