#Creative writing
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sometimes you need dialogue tags and don't want to use the same four
#they're like synonyms and adjacent words and some of them only loosely fall into the category shown i just needed to stick them somewhere#fanfic writing#writing#creative writing#writers on tumblr#writing dialogue#writing reference#writing tips#synonyms#writing resources#for future reference
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"Didn't know they were dating" is slowly but surely becoming one of my favorite tropes. What do you mean, these two characters who are soulmates haven't actually been in a long-term relationship like everyone thought? What do you mean they didn't know? Everyone knows!
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if it's good enough for you, then it deserves to be made. don't let anyone else decide if your story is worth it or not.
#this more for myself than anything#because i get so bogged down on if my story is good enough for other people and if others would like it#writeblr#creative writing#writers of tumblr#writerscommunity#writers#writer stuff#book tropes#novel writing#writing#writers on tumblr#bookblr#authors#book writing#writer#publishing#writing stuff#on writing#ao3 writer#female writers#writers and poets#writing life#writing memes
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Body Language Cheat Sheet For Writers
╰ Facial expressions
These are your micro-signals, like the blinking neon signs of the soul. But they��re small, quick, and often lie harder than words.
Raised eyebrows �� This can mean surprise or disbelief, sure. But it can also be a full-on, silent “Are you serious right now?” when someone’s being ridiculous. Or even curiosity when someone’s too emotionally repressed to askthe damn question.
Furrowed brow — That face people make when they’re doing long division in their head or trying to emotionally process a compliment. It’s thinking, yes—but also confusion, deep frustration, or quiet simmering rage.
Smiling — Can be happiness… or total fake-it-till-you-make-it energy. Some smiles are stiff. Some don’t reach the eyes. Show that.
Frowning — Sure, sadness. But also: disappointment, judgment, or the universal “I’m about to say something blunt, brace yourself.”
Lip biting — It’s not just nervousness, it’s pressure. Self-control. Anticipation. It’s the thing people do when they want to say something and decide, at the last second, not to.
╰ Eye movement
The window to the soul? Yeah. But also the window to when someone’s lying, flirting, or deeply trying not to cry in public.
Eye contact — Confidence or challenge. Eye contact can be gentle, curious, sharp like a blade. Sometimes it’s desperate: “Please understand me.”
Avoiding eye contact — Not always guilt. Sometimes it’s protectiveness. Sometimes it’s “I’m afraid if I look at you, you’ll see everything I’m trying to hide.”
Narrowed eyes — Calculating. Suspicious. The look someone gives when their brain’s saying “hmmm...” and it’s not a good hmm.
Wide eyes — Surprise, yes. But also sudden fear. The oh-God-it’s-happening look. Or when someone just found out they’re not as in control as they thought.
Eye roll — Classic. But try using it with tension, like when someone’s annoyed and trying very hard not to lose it in public.
╰ Gestures
This is where characters’ emotions go when their mouths are lying.
Crossing arms — Not just defensive. Sometimes it’s comfort. A self-hug. A barrier when the conversation is getting too personal.
Fidgeting — This is nervous energy with nowhere to go. Watch fingers tapping, rings spinning, sleeves tugged. It says: I’m not okay, but I’m trying not to show it.
Pointing — It’s a stab in the air. Aggressive, usually. But sometimes a desperate plea: Look. Understand this.
Open palms — Vulnerability. Honesty. Or a gesture that says, “I have nothing left to hide.”
Hand on chin — Not just thinking. It’s stalling. It’s delaying. It’s “I’m about to say something that might get me in trouble.”
╰ Posture and movement
These are your vibes. How someone occupies space says everything.
Slumped shoulders — Exhaustion. Defeat. Or someone trying to take up less space because they feel small.
Upright posture — Not always confidence. Sometimes it’s forced. Sometimes it’s a character trying really, really hard to look like they’re fine.
Pacing — Inner chaos externalized. Thinking so loudly it needs movement. Waiting for something. Running from your own thoughts.
Tapping foot — Tension. Irritation. Sometimes a buildup to an explosion.
Leaning in — Intimacy. Interest. Or subtle manipulation. (You matter to me. I’m listening. Let’s get closer.)
╰ Touch
This is intimacy in all its forms, comforting, protective, romantic, or invasive.
Hugging — Doesn’t always mean closeness. Could be a goodbye. Could be an apology they can’t say out loud. Could be awkward as hell.
Handshake — Stiff or crushing or slippery. How someone shakes hands says more than their words do.
Back patting — Casual warmth. Bro culture. Awkward emotional support when someone doesn’t know how to comfort but wants to try.
Clenched fists — Holding something in. Rage, tears, restraint. Fists mean tension that needs somewhere to go.
Hair tuck — Sure, flirtation or nerves. But also a subtle shield. A way to hide. A habit from childhood when someone didn’t want to be seen.
╰ Mirroring:
If two characters start syncing their body language, something is happening. Empathy. Chemistry. Shared grief. If someone shifts their body when the other does? Take notice. Other human bits that say everything without words...
Nodding — Not just yes. Could be an “I hear you,” even if they don’t agree. Could be the “keep going” nod. Could be patronizing if done too slow.
Crossed legs — Chill. Casual. Or closed-off, depending on context. Especially if their arms are crossed too.
Finger tapping — Time is ticking. Brain is pacing. Something’s coming.
Hand to chest — Sincerity, yes. But also shock. Or grounding—a subconscious attempt to stay present when everything feels like too much.
Tilting the head — Curiosity. Playfulness. Or someone listening so hard they forget to hide it.
Temple rub — “I can’t deal.” Could be physical pain. Could be stress. Could be emotional overload in disguise.
Chin stroking — Your classic “I’m judging you politely.” Often used in arguments between characters pretending to be calm.
Hands behind the back — Authority. Control. Or rigid fear masked as control.
Leaning body — This is the body betraying the brain. A tilt toward someone means they care—even if their words are cold.
Nail biting — Classic anxiety. But also habit. Something learned. Sometimes people bite because that’s how they self-soothe.
Squinting — Focusing. Doubting. Suspicion without confrontation.
Shifting weight — Uncomfortable. Unsure. Someone who wants to leave but doesn’t.
Covering the mouth — Guilt. Hesitation. The “should I say this?” moment before something big drops.
Body language is more honest than dialogue. If you really want to show your character’s internal world, don’t just give them lines. Give them a hand that won’t stop shaking. Give them a foot that won’t stop bouncing. Give them a mouth that smiles when their eyes don’t. And if you’re not sure what your character would do in a moment of fear, or love, or heartbreak, try acting it out yourself. Seriously. Get weird. Feel what your body does. Then write that down.
#writing#writerscommunity#writer on tumblr#writing tips#writing advice#character development#writer tumblr#writblr#writing help#body language#writers#aspiring writer#creative writing#fiction writing#tumblr writing community#writeblr#writer community#writer stuff
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“omg you’re so creative. how do you get your ideas” i hallucinate a single scene in the taco bell drive thru and then spend 13 months trying to write it
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Some idiot: "Why are you reading your own fic, that's shallow and stupid"
All fanfic writers and writers everywhere: "Who the fuck do you think I wrote it for?!"
#writer things#fact#writers on tumblr#writeblr#creative writing#writerscommunity#writing community#ao3 writer#writers and poets#write#writers#writer#writers on writing#writerslife#ao3#fanfic#fanfic writers#authors#wayward rants#wayward rambles#shit post
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Hey, stop scrolling and start writing. The book ain't gonna write itself.
#although I wish it did#creative writing#writerscommunity#writing#writeblr#writers on tumblr#writer#writer stuff#adhd#female writers
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the holy grail types of fanfic
#writerscommunity#enemies to lovers#creative writing#writers life#fanfiction#archive of our own#ao3#ao3 writer#ao3feed#ao3 fanfic#fiction writing#female writers#writers on tumblr#my fic#original story#original character#fanfic writing#femme fatale#fanfic#enemies to lovers trope#writing tropes#character tropes#dark romance#romance novels#novel writing#indie author#fiction#fanfic meme#writing memes#creative process
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sometimes a theme recurs in your work without your permission. and sometimes it reaches a threshold where you're like. well now i think this is saying something about me against my will. don't know what though
#creative writing#shitpost#sorry just wrote a third piece with the same underlying idea/premise#which i didn't do on purpose#and now i'm like. well fuck. what's this mean about me?#now i gotta do some self reflection about that
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Angry Dialogue
Part I
"You had one job, and you still managed to mess it up!"
"I trusted you, and this is how you repay me?"
"Are you happy now that you ruined it all?"
"Don't you dare walk away while I'm talking to you!"
"Is this all just a joke to you?"
"Great, this is just great, so perfect."
"Do you actually believe the bullshit you're saying?"
"It's so frustrating trying to talk to you!"
"Oh, so now it's my fault? How convenient!"
"I can't believe I ever trusted you!"
"You think a simple 'sorry' will fix this?"
"How could you do this to me?"
"Do you even care how much you are hurting me?"
"This is absolutely not what I signed up for!"
"Stop blaming me for your mistakes!"
"You never listen—ever!"
"I can't believe you thought I wouldn't find out."
"Are you seriously trying to justify this?"
"Oh, you want to fight me? You're so immature!"
"Nothing you say can make this right!"
If you like my blog and want to support me, you can buy me a coffee or become a member! 🥰
#dialogue prompts#angry dialogue#writeblr#writing prompts#creative writing#writers on tumblr#writing inspiration
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writing? oh, i’m definitely writing. in my head. during the most inconvenient times. like in the shower or when i’m about to fall asleep. actual typing? no, no, we don’t do that here.
#writing#writeblr#writer problems#writing humor#writers on tumblr#writing memes#writing community#writing struggles#writer life#creative writing#writer things#writing motivation#ao3 writer#writer memes#writing is hard#on writing#writerblr#writers block#writing funny#writer thoughts#fiction writing#writer struggles#writing tips#writing advice#writer woes#writing woes#writer quotes#writing inspiration#plot problems#writer chaos
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if anyone needs me. i will be in the corner. contemplating the characters
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10 Non-Lethal Injuries to Add Pain to Your Writing
New Part: 10 Lethal Injury Ideas
If you need a simple way to make your characters feel pain, here are some ideas:
1. Sprained Ankle
A common injury that can severely limit mobility. This is useful because your characters will have to experience a mild struggle and adapt their plans to their new lack of mobiliy. Perfect to add tension to a chase scene.
2. Rib Contusion
A painful bruise on the ribs can make breathing difficult, helping you sneak in those ragged wheezes during a fight scene. Could also be used for something sport-related! It's impactful enough to leave a lingering pain but not enough to hinder their overall movement.
3. Concussions
This common brain injury can lead to confusion, dizziness, and mood swings, affecting a character’s judgment heavily. It can also cause mild amnesia.
I enjoy using concussions when you need another character to subtly take over the fight/scene, it's an easy way to switch POVs. You could also use it if you need a 'cute' recovery moment with A and B.
4. Fractured Finger
A broken finger can complicate tasks that require fine motor skills. This would be perfect for characters like artists, writers, etc. Or, a fighter who brushes it off as nothing till they try to throw a punch and are hit with pain.
5. Road Rash
Road rash is an abrasion caused by friction. Aka scraping skin. The raw, painful sting resulting from a fall can be a quick but effective way to add pain to your writing. Tip: it's great if you need a mild injury for a child.
6. Shoulder Dislocation
This injury can be excruciating and often leads to an inability to use one arm, forcing characters to confront their limitations while adding urgency to their situation. Good for torture scenes.
7. Deep Laceration
A deep laceration is a cut that requires stitches. As someone who got stitches as a kid, they really aren't that bad! A 2-3 inch wound (in length) provides just enough pain and blood to add that dramatic flair to your writing while not severely deterring your character.
This is also a great wound to look back on since it often scars. Note: the deeper and wider the cut the worse your character's condition. Don't give them a 5 inch deep gash and call that mild.
8. Burns
Whether from fire, chemicals, or hot surfaces, burns can cause intense suffering and lingering trauma. Like the previous injury, the lasting physical and emotional trauma of a burn is a great wound for characters to look back on.
If you want to explore writing burns, read here.
9. Pulled Muscle
This can create ongoing pain and restrict movement, offering a window to force your character to lean on another. Note: I personally use muscle related injuries when I want to focus more on the pain and sprains to focus on a lack of mobility.
10. Tendonitis
Inflammation of a tendon can cause chronic pain and limit a character's ability to perform tasks they usually take for granted. When exploring tendonitis make sure you research well as this can easily turn into a more severe injury.
This is a quick, brief list of ideas to provide writers inspiration. Since it is a shorter blog, I have not covered the injuries in detail. This is inspiration, not a thorough guide. Happy writing! :)
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*writes two paragraphs after months of literally nothing and it took three hours*

#theaftersundown#writers on tumblr#creative writing#novel writing#writerscommunity#female writers#fanfiction#artists on tumblr#archive of our own#romance novels#graphic novel#writers block#writing memes#writing motivation#aspiring writer#writers of tumblr#ao3 writer#writeblr#writers and poets#amwriting#ao3#fiction writing#currently reading#books and reading#book blog#writing life#writing prompt#creative process#ao3feed#ao3 fanfic
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some days you cannot help but pity some people
#creative writing#writerscommunity#writeblr#female writers#writing community#writing blog#hazbin hotel fanart#hazbin#alastor#hazbin art#alastor hazbin hotel#hazbin hotel alastor#gaza genocide#gaza strip#gaza#save palestine#free gaza#falastine ask#pkmn#pokemon fanart#lapras#pokemon art#shaymin#mimikyu#tumblr#aesthetic#love#like#tumblrgirl#follow
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