#Writer's journey

[clarkresse]

Week 004

Despite my eagerness to move forward and finish my WIP, my body didn't check IDs and now a gang of criminals and disruptors called the FLU are wreaking havoc in my body.

I may be a little dramatic but I may not survive this battle.

It's Day 3 and my temperature is lower than it was on Day 1 and I can stand for three minutes now without holding on to something. Anyway, victory is within sight. I also said that yesterday but here I am still in bed.

Finished One Piece Live Action yesterday. Usually, I'd consume a season in one night but I wanted to savor the taste of each episode and really appreciate the effort the cast and crew made for my favorite manga.

And now, I'm desperate for season 2.

Yeah, the Live Action wasn't perfect. However, at its core, it was the One Piece I love. I was still emotional at Belle Mere's 'I love you girls'. Nami's 'Help Me' scene opened the floodgates, Syrup Village was never my favorite in the East Blue Saga but now it's opened my eyes. Also, seeing the Going Merry again... Sail forever Merry. Sanji and Zeff being stranded on the rock felt so different. Perhaps, because it was Live Action, and seeing a child become desperate and sticking the darkness of the manga censored in the anime, I was truly scared.

Of course, no more words need to be said about the main cast. Oda picked them himself. There was no argument there.

It was just the best adaptation it could have done and I'm looking forward to season 2 already.

Also someone explain to me 777 on September 7, 2023. Cause I have a dream and I'd like for it to come true. Does everything I dream and manifested that day come true soon? Like maybe later this evening. Because I'm accepting everything that I've been asking for and I don't want to wait any longer.

I want everything I've been visioning to come to reality before the end of this month.

[screamingeyepress]

Inside the Mind of Joe R. Lansdale: Exploring Horror, Humor, and Humanity

In a genre that lives to thrill, shock, and unnerve, Joe R. Lansdale has long held a distinctive place as a master of horror fiction. Known for his unorthodox style, Lansdale has built a career on blending dark themes with unexpected humor, empathy, and authenticity.

In his interview with Twisted Pulp magazine, Lansdale opens up about his influences, his thoughts on horror, and what it takes to tell a story that resonates with readers.

The Origins of Lansdale’s Storytelling

Lansdale’s journey into fiction didn’t come from a traditional literary background, his storytelling grew out of personal experience as much as from literary influence. This deep connection to his life experience has allowed Lansdale to carve out a storytelling style that feels not only real but raw, reflecting a genuine familiarity with the eerie, odd, and unsettling aspects of life.

Finding Humanity in Dark Fiction

What sets Joe Lansdale apart from many writers is his dedication to writing deeply human characters, even in the most inhuman of circumstances. Lansdale’s characters often feel like real people with genuine reactions, a reflection of his belief that stories are ultimately about people, no matter how outlandish the plot may be. He believes this sense of humanity is what helps readers truly engage with a story, allowing them to experience the horror on a personal level.

Embracing Creative Freedom

Lansdale’s approach to writing is refreshingly fearless. He admits that he doesn’t overthink the boundaries of genre or worry about fitting neatly into a category. Instead, he lets the story dictate its own direction. In the end, Lansdale’s unique voice has left a lasting impact, transforming it into something that goes beyond mere thrills. His blend of horror, humor, and humanity is an invitation into a world that is frighteningly real and uniquely his own.

For fans of horror or anyone who loves a well-told tale, the full interview with Joe R. Lansdale in Twisted Pulp is a must-read.

[marketingprofitmedia]

A Writer's Journey - Discover The Steps To Writing An eBook That Stands Out

Creating an outstanding eBook requires a strategic approach and dedication to quality content. Follow a structured writing process to ensure your eBook captures and retains reader attention.

Embarking on the journey of writing an eBook can be both exciting and daunting. The key to success lies in the ability to distinguish your work amidst a sea of digital content. This requires not only a compelling topic that resonates with your target audience but also a clear, concise writing style underpinned by thorough research and planning.

>> My Best Recommended & Proven Way to Make $100 Daily — Watch THIS Video FREE Training to START >>

Embarking On The Ebook Odyssey

Writing an ebook is an adventure, a creative journey transforming ideas into digital pages. It’s a quest that demands courage, commitment, and clarity. With each chapter, writers navigate the vast sea of digital publishing to deliver a work that connects, informs, and entertains.

Personal Motivations And Goals

Every writer embarks on their ebook journey for unique reasons. Some seek to share expertise or stories, while others chase the dream of becoming a published author. Understanding personal motivations clarifies purpose and fuels perseverance.

Sharing knowledge — Educate readers on a specific topic.

Telling stories — Captivate audiences with compelling narratives.

Building authority — Establish expertise in a chosen field.

Generating income — Create a passive revenue stream.

Fulfilling aspirations — Realize the goal of publishing a book.

Identifying goals is crucial. Clear goals navigate the writing process and shape the ebook’s path to success.

The Rising Popularity Of Ebooks

The digital revolution has made ebooks incredibly popular. Their convenience and accessibility have revolutionized reading habits globally.

Ebook AdvantagesImpact on ReadersPortabilityCarry a library on a deviceCost-effectiveOften cheaper than print booksInteractiveLinks, audio, and video enhance experienceEco-friendlyNo paper used, reducing environmental impact

Credit: www.amazon.com

Crafting The Ebook Concept

Crafting the Ebook Concept is a foundational step on a writer’s journey to producing an ebook that truly stands out. This crucial phase involves deep thinking and strategic planning to ensure your ebook resonates with readers and achieves its purpose. From selecting a topic that sparks interest to understanding your target audience and analyzing the market, this stage sets the trajectory for your ebook’s success.

Selecting A Captivating Topic

Selecting the right topic is pivotal. It ignites curiosity and encourages downloads. Follow these tips to pinpoint a subject that captivates:

Identify your passions: Write about what excites you.

Know your strengths: Choose a topic that showcases your expertise.

Uncover gaps: Seek out areas with limited resources.

Check trends: Use Google Trends to discover popular themes.

Market Analysis And Audience Targeting

Understanding your market and audience ensures your ebook meets readers’ needs. Here’s a brief guide:

Audience InsightsCompetitive ResearchCollect data on reader demographics, interests, and challenges.Analyze top-performing ebooks in your niche.Create reader personas to target content accurately.Identify content gaps left by competitors.Engage with potential readers through surveys and social media.Review reader feedback on similar ebooks for improvement ideas.

Implement the insights gathered to tailor your ebook to your audience’s preferences. Doing so increases your ebook’s appeal and potential impact.

>> My Best Recommended & Proven Way to Make $100 Daily — Watch THIS Video FREE Training to START >>

Initial Drafting: Laying The Foundation

An author’s first steps in the journey of writing an eBook are crucial. The initial drafting phase is akin to building the base of a house. It must be strong and well-structured. For robust eBook creation, focusing on an outline and cultivating productive writing habits are essential. Let’s explore how to craft this essential groundwork. With a clear outline and consistent writing routines, your eBook will start to take shape, firmly standing on the foundation you lay.

Outlining Your Ebook

Outlining your eBook acts as a blueprint for your writing adventure. Start with brainstorming key ideas and categorize them into chapters. Organize thoughts and research into a logical flow. Below are steps to create an effective outline:

Identify the main theme of your eBook.

Break down the theme into subtopics or chapters.

Arrange chapters in a coherent, engaging order.

Detail each chapter with bullet points of key concepts.

Refine the outline by reviewing and rearranging as needed.

Writing Rituals And Routines

Consistency transforms ordinary tasks into extraordinary achievements. Establishing writing rituals and routines is the engine that will power you through the drafting process. Consider these tips:

Select a specific time of day for writing.

Set achievable daily word count targets.

Create a comfortable, distraction-free writing space.

Commit to regular short breaks to maintain focus.

Track your progress and adjust goals accordingly.

Remember, structured routines lead to sustainable writing habits. Every word you write builds the foundation of your eBook, paving the way to success. Embrace these initial drafting steps and watch as your eBook begins to take life!

Refining Your Draft

Imagine your ebook as a diamond in the rough. Refining your draft shapes this gem into its final, sparkling glory. This key phase in your writing journey involves honing your manuscript with precision. It requires self-editing techniques and beta reader feedback to elevate the quality of your work. Grab your polishing tools; let’s make your ebook dazzle on the digital shelves!

Self-editing Techniques

Transform your first draft into a polished masterpiece by mastering self-editing. Aim for clarity, coherence, and conciseness throughout your ebook.

Read Aloud: Spot clumsy phrasing and awkward dialogue easily.

Check Consistency: Ensure character details and plot points remain constant.

Look for Overused Words: Replace repetitions with synonyms for variety.

Simplify Complex Sentences: Short, direct sentences bring clarity.

Focus on Flow: Transition smoothly between topics and chapters.

Grammar and Spell Check: Use tools like Grammarly to correct basic errors.

After self-revisions, your draft should feel tighter and more engaging.

Incorporating Beta Reader Feedback

External perspectives shed light on areas you might have overlooked. Beta readers provide invaluable feedback before your final edit action.

Choose the Right Readers: Select individuals from your target audience.

Provide Clear Instructions: Ask specific questions about your book.

Analyze Feedback: Identify common trends in the comments received.

Prioritize Changes: Tackle major issues before minor adjustments.

Update Your Draft: Apply changes that align with your book’s vision.

Beta reader insights can dramatically improve your ebook’s effectiveness and reader appeal.

By harnessing both self-editing techniques and beta reader insights, your ebook will shine brilliantly among its peers. Your writing journey edges closer to a successful publication with every careful revision. Put in the effort during this phase, and readers will notice the professionalism and care infused into your work.

Professional Touch: Editing And Cover Design

To stand out in the vast sea of ebooks, your masterpiece needs a professional touch. Transforming a good ebook into a great one demands meticulous editing and a cover that captures attention. Let’s delve into how these essential elements elevate your ebook’s appeal.

Hiring An Editor

Polished content reflects your professionalism. A skilled editor fine-tunes your ebook, ensuring clarity and coherence. An editor also brings fresh perspectives, catching subtle grammatical nuances that may bypass your keen eyes. Let’s break down the editing process:

Developmental Editing: This phase refines your ebook’s structure and flow.

Copy Editing: Here, your grammar, spelling, and punctuation get scrutinized.

Proofreading: The final look before publishing, this step irons out lingering errors.

Selecting the right editor can be a game-changer for your ebook’s success. Opt for professionals who align with your vision and writing style.

Designing An Eye-catching Cover

First impressions count, and your ebook’s cover is crucial. A striking cover beckons potential readers, hinting at the adventure within. Key elements to consider:

Use bold colors and legible typography that align with your content.

Ensure your imagery is high-quality and relevant to your ebook’s theme.

Keep it simple: Avoid clutter. A clean, professional look is key.

For those not well-versed in design, commissioning a graphic designer is a smart move. They can craft a cover that embodies your ebook’s essence while also being visually compelling.

Remember, your cover is your storefront — make it count!

>> My Best Recommended & Proven Way to Make $100 Daily — Watch THIS Video FREE Training to START >>

Preparing For Ebook Launch

The journey of writing an ebook culminates in its launch, a pivotal moment that requires precise preparation and strategy. This critical phase determines the reach and impact of your work. Embrace these steps for a launch that not only grabs attention but also sustains interest in the literary market.

Building An Online Presence

Establishing a digital footprint is essential for modern authors. Start by creating an author website with a memorable domain name. Use it to share your story and connect with readers.

Engage on social media. Choose platforms where your target audience loves to hang out.

Post regularly on your blog. It should offer valuable content, not just book promotions.

Network with other authors and industry influencers. Consider collaborations for broader reach.

Developing A Marketing Strategy

Having an actionable plan is crucial. Start by identifying your core audience. Who will love your book the most? Craft a message that speaks to them directly.

Design attractive graphics for promotions. Use tools like Canva.

Schedule an official book launch event. It could be online or in a local bookstore.

Collect email addresses for direct marketing campaigns. Offer an ebook teaser for sign-ups.

Utilize early reviews to build anticipation. Reach out to book bloggers and offer a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Marketing Timeline for Ebook LaunchTimeframeAction6 Weeks BeforeFinalize book cover and description.4 Weeks BeforeSend press releases to media outlets.2 Weeks BeforeBegin countdown on social media.Launch DayHost live Q&A session with readers.

Post-launch: Maintaining Momentum

The thrill of publishing an ebook doesn’t end at launch. Keeping the momentum is key. You’ve crossed the finish line, but the race goes on. Smart strategies post-launch can make your ebook a continued success. Let’s explore how to sustain the buzz!

Gathering And Utilizing Reviews

Reviews are your ebook’s best friends. They build trust and provide social proof. Positive feedback propels more sales. It’s like a chain reaction.

Ask readers for reviews right after they finish the ebook.

Use email campaigns to remind buyers to leave their thoughts.

Showcase top reviews on your website and social media.

Respond to feedback, even the negative, to show you care.

Treat reviews as gold. Use them to refine your writing. They can guide your next project.

Planning Your Next Writing Project

Don’t let the momentum fade. Start planning your next ebook. Use insights from your recent launch to make the next one even better.

TaskActionAnalyze what workedCheck which marketing efforts brought the best results.Look at reader feedbackConsider what readers loved and what they wanted more of.Set goals for the next bookBe specific about what you want to achieve.

Keep your writing muscle active. Start brainstorming. Outline ideas. Dive into the next adventure.

Growth is continuous. So is the journey of a writer. Keep learning, keep improving, keep writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is An Ebook?

An ebook is a digital book format that readers can access on electronic devices such as computers, tablets, or smartphones.

Why Write An Ebook?

Writing an ebook allows authors to easily share and distribute their work globally, target specific audiences, and often, self-publish.

How To Start Writing An Ebook?

Begin by choosing a compelling topic, create an outline, and dedicate time for consistent writing to maintain progress on the ebook.

What Makes An Ebook Stand Out?

A unique perspective, engaging content, exceptional value to the reader, and professional formatting are key elements that make an ebook stand out.

Tips For Marketing An Ebook?

Effective ebook marketing strategies include building an email list, leveraging social media platforms, and getting reviews to enhance credibility and visibility.

Conclusion

Embarking on an ebook creation journey marks the beginning of an exciting adventure for any writer. By following the steps outlined, your book can shine amidst a sea of digital content. Remember, crafting an engaging narrative and providing unique insights will captivate readers and set your work apart.

Keep honing your skills, stay true to your voice, and the path to a standout ebook is yours to claim.

>> My Best Recommended & Proven Way to Make $100 Daily — Watch THIS Video FREE Training to START >>

Thanks for reading my article on A Writer’s Journey — Discover The Steps To Writing An eBook That Stands Out, hope it will help!

Affiliate Disclaimer :

This article Contain may be affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission at NO ADDITIONAL cost to you if you decide to purchase something. While we receive affiliate compensation for reviews / promotions on this article, we always offer honest opinions, users experiences and real views related to the product or service itself. Our goal is to help readers make the best purchasing decisions, however, the testimonies and opinions expressed are ours only. As always you should do your own thoughts to verify any claims, results and stats before making any kind of purchase. Clicking links or purchasing products recommended in this article may generate income for this product from affiliate commissions and you should assume we are compensated for any purchases you make. We review products and services you might find interesting. If you purchase them, we might get a share of the commission from the sale from our partners. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended.

Source : A Writer’s Journey — Discover The Steps To Writing An eBook That Stands Out

[ranjith11]

Don’t say these things to your partner when they’re writing a book | SummitPressPublishers

Don’t say these things to your partner when they’re writing a book 📚 Are you supporting your partner on their journey to become an author? Join us for an enlightening discussion on the dos and don'ts of communicating with your loved one as they write their book!

[sophieakatz]

Thursday Thoughts: Becoming a Writer #3 – Writing as Work

So far, I’ve told you about the earliest sparks of inspiration in my writer’s journey. When someone asks me, “How did you become a writer?” I find that that’s often what they’re looking for – the moment where someone told me I could do it for the first time, or the stories I loved that first sparked my interest in telling them. But while those stories I told in the first two blog posts in this series are true, and very fun to tell (especially the parts about my dad handing me the paper and my mom interrupting Cinderella), they’re not the whole story.

Inspiration and play are where being a writer starts, but not where it continues.

My elementary school participated in a contest called Young Authors. I believe it was a state competition, though I don’t remember much besides a few stories I worked on for it. I remember being very young and filling pages with colored-pencil drawings of cows, though I couldn’t begin to tell you the plot of that story. I remember more, in second or third grade, writing a story about a unicorn who had lost her horn and went on an epic adventure across the land with her friends. It had multiple points of view, and I drew a map in the front of the book.

What I remember most about the Young Authors contest is how much I screamed at my mother.

Mom helped me with my Young Authors entries by typing up the story for me on the computer and telling me when something I said didn’t make any sense. I hated this. I didn’t want her to tell me I was wrong. I wanted her to type exactly what I’d said, exactly how I wanted the story to be. It was my story! It all made sense to me; it was already perfect! What right did she have to tell me it wasn’t? Writing was supposed to be fun, and she was making it not fun. I stomped and screamed. I was always very good at throwing tantrums.

But she stuck with me. She wouldn’t back down. She never gave up until the story was better.

This was, of course, my first real experience with critique, feedback, and the editing process. I don’t think I understood the purpose of it, back then. It didn’t seem to make a difference with the contests. I never won any Young Authors awards. No one except my parents seemed to care about the stories I wrote.

In hindsight, though, the important part of that sentence is except my parents. My parents cared. They showed me that care by holding me to a higher standard. They wanted me to do what I loved and to do it well. They showed me that my writing was worth putting effort into, because they put effort into it. Mom sat with me and worked with me through all the tantrums. She left plenty of space on the pages for me to add illustrations. Dad took the typed-up pages to Kinko’s to get them bound for the contest. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if when my parents finally move out of that house, we find those books buried in a box somewhere, well-preserved.

If your younger self embarrasses you, it’s a sign that you’ve grown. I’m feeling a lot of embarrassment writing this blog post. Kid-me never told Mom that she was right about how important it is to make sure that people can understand what you’re writing. I didn’t appreciate it back then; I couldn’t have. I do now – and don’t worry, I’ve told her.

Yes, fun is important. It’s also important to learn that anything worth doing is worth doing well. A writer needs to learn that writing is work, and that this work is a good, important thing. It’s a long, slow lesson, but one worth learning. I’m lucky to have parents who were willing to teach me.

[damonp304]

Don’t say these things to your partner when they’re writing a book | SummitPressPublishers

📚 Are you supporting your partner on their journey to become an author? Join us for an enlightening discussion on the dos and don'ts of communicating with your loved one as they write their book!

[rawhoneybliss]

"Fall is a time of letting go, releasing and allowing source to guide you. As you watch the leaves fall around you, know that this is symbolic of old energies falling away from your reality. Old versions of yourself are being replaced with a healed you, a new you. You can feel your old self falling off. Your old thoughts, old conversations, old beliefs—it's all being replaced with new. Surrender to the new version. Let all the old energies fall away with ease. Spend time with nature. It will show you the way. It will show you how to release and let go."

— Written by Raw Honey Bliss

[writer-logbook]

How to get back into writing: a 5-steps guide

As someone who hasn't written anything in a decade, this is what I did to get back into writing seriously.

Identify which archetype of writer fits me better. You may have heard George R.R. Martin saying there are two types of writers: gardeners and architects. Whether you believe in that statement or not isn't relevant per se, but the actual meaning behind that point is that you need to get to know yourself as a writer, how you work, what you need, etc., so you can adapt your environment to achieve your goals. Speaking of which…Gentle reminder : you're a person not a robot. You are allowed to work the way you want to, and not to follow whatever pieces of advice that are linked to these archetypes.

Set a realistic word count/session I can stick to over the long term. When you're a 9-6 office employee, it's not always easy to find time to write and sometime our day at work got the very best of us. Having that in mind, I set my word count up to 200-500 words per session or 1 chapter per week (they're rather small in my case). Gentle reminder : babysteps are better than no-step at all.

If I'm not writing, fine, I'll do some research or anything else. Your story will always require something from you. When I'm not in the mood for writing, there are two options : forcing myself or doing what I call para-writing. For instance it's : reading articles or books about improving my writing style, improving my worldbuilding, drawing a map of my city etc. This are not things that would appear in the novel but it would guide me throughout the process the way a walking-stick would do for an injured man. Gentle reminder : you always find something useful to do but at the end of the day, you still have to write.

Have a general idea of what I want to tell. I won't lie, I've plotted my entire novel from the very beginning to the very end, which means I know exactly what to write and when. If you're against having a defined plot, I'm no one to judge, but having at least the key events or the major points will definitely help you. Like a lighthouse, it will help you navigate through the mists of confusion or hesitation. Gentle reminder : It's better to know where to go even if you end up losing yourself along the journey. Having the map doesn't mean you have to follow it, but rather when you can allow yourself to take a step to the side.

Write something I enjoy. A bit cliché I admit, but it's the best advice I could give. You'll spend hours, days, weeks - even years !- on that story so better buckle up to something you really want to write. Otherwise the risk is to abandon that hard-work you've done halfway through the process. No one needs that frustration and that self-doubting questionnings. No one. Not you. Not even me. Gentle reminder : it's okay to want readers and reviews but I promise you, your writing will be really different on something you trully want to share...Remember how pissful it was to write an essay for class you didn't want to ?

[luna-loveboop]

I find it funny that Wild, who has basically a couple years ish of full life experience, comes up with the most insane theories for everything

He assumed that the only other explanation to Four being able to split in Four was. That he was quadruplets who'd been hiding this whole time???

Also apparently he believed that his wolf companion Twilight in botw was a diety (and felt very uhh shocked upon finding out that he was not)

Malon made things worse, telling him about her aliens theory

What's even FUNNIER is that every time Wild expresses any sort of confusion at magic stuff that he's never seen before, everyone else in the chain acts like it's crazy for him to be weirded out by it

Honestly maybe Wild's the only one with his head on straight, rather than everyone else who are just like 'it's magic bro' like no he's right this is weird

I appreciate this because it's very considerate of the fact that he woke up with no memories not too long ago, so he doesn't have much experience to explain the stuff that's 'normal' for the chain. Plus the explanations he comes up with are funny.

:)

.

Art and comic and adorable character by Jojo @linkeduniverse au :D

[clarkresse]

Week 008

A little bit more hopeful than I usually am.

This week has just put me in hopes and wishes. Waiting for the universe or the forces that I've never consulted with to grant my delusions. I got a feeling that it'll be granted tonight.

I've been in the same place for almost a year now. Past the deadline in which I told myself that I would leave. But I got a feeling about this month. I'm just trusting whatever is in my head and heart that tells me to keep going and hoping the Universe matches my vibes and goes with it.

Anyway my WIP. (Gleeful and sad sigh- if that makes sense) I've plotted most of how the story was going to go and so far I've always liked it the way it was. But I just had a thought and I put meaning into it. More than I want to. Then BOOM. Dots connected. Lines were crossed. Everything just made sense. Taking my time was both poison and cure. If I had rushed it, then I wouldn't have been able to add this small but important detail that'd be important later on.

I want to finish this. I really do. Despite my years of procrastination and telling myself, 'Yeah, this is it'. I just needed time to be able to accept the story I'm writing and be happy with it. More than anyone, more than my intended audience, and more than a few of my friends who've read it, my own opinion of my own creation is the most important decision for me. I need to be happy with it before anyone else can be happy with it.

I'm excited for strangers to pick it up and read it. Be excited with it as I wrote it. But I need to consult the muses I locked in my mind. Wait for their opinion and their approval.

And right now, from all the versions I've written of my work, this one agrees with what I want.

[star-struck09]

I think I will miss you for a very long time.

[histhoughtslately]

Sometimes a person needs no words; just a hug.

That action in itself can go a very long way.

[ranjith11]

Don’t say these things to your partner when they’re writing a book | SummitPressPublishers

Don’t say these things to your partner when they’re writing a book 📚 Are you supporting your partner on their journey to become an author? Join us for an enlightening discussion on the dos and don'ts of communicating with your loved one as they write their book!

[writingwithfolklore]

Writing Character Arcs

                Here’s an easy secret about character arcs—they fit the same structure as plots (that’s because your main character’s arc is the main plot, but I’ve already talked about that here).

                That means, your character arc will somewhat follow this structure:

Normal world

Inciting Incident

Big thing happens 1

Fun and Games

Midpoint

Things get worse

Big thing happens #2

Crisis

Climax

Resolution

It begins with your character in their ‘normal state’—who they are from their backstory. They have some sort of problem that they aren’t addressing, because why would they? Change is hard.

Then, inciting incident. Something happens that sends them into a “change spiral”. They’re forced to face something they’ve been ignoring or avoiding. This incident can be just about anything that turns their world upside down—a new person comes into their life, an old person they left behind reappears, a close one dies, or a friend moves on. Etc. Etc.

Big thing #1 is the first action they take to “right” what happened in the inciting incident. An old flame reappears in their life, maybe they decide to meet up with them. A close friend dies—maybe they decide to take a trip away for a little while. It is an action taken by your character because of what happened in the inciting incident.

Fun and Games is the part where things seem to be going okay for them. Or things can be going terribly for them—it’s up to you. Either way, it accumulates to…

The midpoint. Something happens and it’s terrible and probably their fault. The old flame reinforces why they stopped going out by breaking your character’s heart again. The funeral for the friend is happening and MC missed it. Etc.

Things get worse is just hammering home this point. From their actions, things are going downhill.

Big thing happens #2 is the second action they take to right things again. This time they’re changing strategies from the first thing they tried. Maybe if they tried avoiding their problem first, they’re going to confront it (for better or for worse).

The crisis is the recognition of their initial problem or flaw. Leading to:

The climax, in which the character either chooses to change or to stay the same. Grow and do the right thing knowing what we now know, or stay stagnant and do the thing they would have done in the beginning. What you choose here depends on if your story is a tragedy or a comedy—tragic characters don’t recognize their flaw and grow from them.

Resolution is the consequences of their actions. For tragic characters, things are probably bad and remain that way—we need to show the readers their choice was the one wrong. For characters who do grow, we see them begin to thrive for the first time in the story. They’ve achieved what they wanted, though maybe not in the way they thought they wanted it.

(Pair this post with Character is Plot to flesh out your characters.)

[astrosouldivinity]

𝑯𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒐 𝑫𝒆𝒂𝒍 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑬𝒗𝒊𝒍 𝑬𝒚𝒆: ⁺⋆🧿⋆⁺ (𝙿𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝚃𝚑𝚛𝚎𝚎)

𝑬𝒗𝒊𝒍 𝑬𝒚𝒆 𝑻𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒔 𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑷𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝑼𝒔𝒆:

1. 𝑬𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒈𝒚-𝑺𝒊𝒑𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 (➖)

• Recruiting Allies: They recruit other people to help with undermining you, knowing they can't succeed alone.

• Obsessive Monitoring: They engage in gang-stalking behavior, fixating on you, plotting and praying on your downfall.

• Controlling Behavior: They nitpick and belittle you, trying to manipulate your emotions and provoke reactions.

• One-Sided Relationships: You invest your energy into them, but they offer nothing in return. Essentially, pouring into an empty cup, leaving you drained and feeling entitled to your energy.

• Deteriorating Health: Their influence can manifest in negative effects on your well-being, leading to visible changes such as decreased vitality, increased illness, and persistent brain fog.

2. 𝑬𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑴𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒑𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 👹

• Gaslighting: They make you question your reality through passive-aggressive tactics, engaging in psychological warfare that is truly diabolical. This involves throwing stones and hiding their hands, creating confusion that drives you to doubt your perceptions and feel like you’re going crazy.

• Isolation: Following a smear campaign, you may find yourself ostracized, leaving you vulnerable and unprotected. This isolation is even more distressing if you don’t fully understand what’s happening.

• Existential Neglect: They act as if you don’t exist, undermining your self-worth and causing you to doubt yourself. This behavior pushes you to seek their validation, aiming to disconnect you from your true self.

3. 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒀𝒐𝒖 🪢

• Commitment to Misunderstanding: They are dedicated to misinterpreting you, and people who dislike you will always find faults, fueled by a relentless desire to undermine you.

• Projection: They impose their limiting perceptions on you, trying to box you into a version they can control.

• Stagnation: They resist your growth, attempting to keep you in a state where they had the most control over you, and project their own lack of evolution onto you.

4. 𝑯𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒐 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 🪬

1. Wear Protective Crystals: Utilize stones such as black tourmaline, obsidian, and smoky quartz. Wear evil eye jewelry, and incorporate protective practices like spell jars, mantras, and visualization techniques.

• I create evil eye-themed jewelry, crystal jewelry, and spell jars, which will be available for purchase soon. 💟

• 𝚂𝚙𝚎𝚕𝚕 𝙹𝚊𝚛𝚜 🌱🫙

2. Pray for Protection: If necessary, consider return-to-sender or freeze spells. However, these are most effective when you know the source of the negativity. Identifying the evil eye source can be challenging, especially in omnipresent situations.

• 𝚁𝚎𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚗 𝚝𝚘 𝚂𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛/𝙵𝚛𝚎𝚎𝚣𝚎 𝚂𝚙𝚎𝚕𝚕

3. Practice Energetic Detachment: Employ the "grey rock" method—remain unresponsive and stoic. By becoming an emotionless force, you deprive them of the energy they seek to access.

4. Embrace Your Inner Power: Recognize that they are sending negative energy towards you. Channel that energy back to them, transmuting it into your own strength. Remember, these individuals are ultimately weak; their attempts to bring you down are driven by a desire to feel powerful and in control.

𝙿𝚊𝚛𝚝 1

𝙿𝚊𝚛𝚝 2

𝚃𝚒𝚙 𝙹𝚊𝚛 🫙🙏🏿

𝙼𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚕𝚒𝚜𝚝

𝙽𝚘 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚐𝚒𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚣𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚘𝚏 𝚖𝚢 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚔 𝚒𝚜 𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚘𝚠𝚎𝚍. 𝙷𝚘𝚠𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛, 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚢 𝚘𝚏 𝚖𝚢 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚔 𝚙𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎 𝚐𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚖𝚎 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚙𝚎𝚛 𝚌𝚛𝚎𝚍𝚒𝚝: @𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚜𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍𝚒𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚝𝚢 🖤

*✧🧿 *✧･ﾟ🧿✧･ﾟ🧿 *✧･ﾟ🧿✧･ﾟ🧿 *✧･ﾟ🧿✧*

𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚕𝚞𝚍𝚎𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚊𝚕 𝚙𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚖𝚢 𝚜𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚘𝚗 𝚍𝚎𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚕 𝚎𝚢𝚎. 𝙸 𝚖𝚊𝚢 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚜𝚒𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚝𝚘𝚙𝚒𝚌 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚏𝚞𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚎, 𝚊𝚜 𝙸 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚖𝚞𝚌𝚑 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚋𝚊𝚜𝚎𝚍 𝚘𝚗 𝚖𝚢 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗𝚊𝚕 𝚎𝚡𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚜. 𝙸𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚜𝚙𝚎𝚌𝚒𝚏𝚒𝚌 𝚚𝚞𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚑𝚘𝚠 𝚝𝚘 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚝𝚎𝚌𝚝 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚜𝚎𝚕𝚏, 𝙸 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚙. 𝚂𝚝𝚊𝚢 𝚜𝚊𝚏𝚎 𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎; 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚕𝚍 𝚠𝚎 𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝚒𝚜 𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚕𝚊 𝚜𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚢. 😓

[odinsblog]

In 4 minutes, Kurt Vonnegut explained stories better than anyone I’ve ever heard. “The shape of the curve is what matters. Not their origins.”

He plots stories on 2 axes: X: Time, Y: Good fortune / ill fortune. He goes on to say, “Somebody gets into trouble, then gets out of it again. People love that story. They never get tired of it.”

Point 1: Stories have defined patterns.

In Joseph Campbell’s Hero of a Thousand Faces, he makes the case for the Hero’s Journey. Since then, it’s become the most famous storytelling structure in the world. Vonnegut argued stories could be divided into 8 shapes.

Each story, he said, fit one of the 8.

Point 2: Vonnegut says, “Be a sadist.”

No matter how sweet and innocent your leading characters, make awful things happen to them — so the reader may see what they're made of.” To see who your characters really are, you have to make them suffer. Only then does your audience have someone worth cheering for.

Point 3: End on a high note.

Vonnegut says, “It’s not accidental that the line ends up higher than where it began. This is encouraging to readers.” The way a story makes people feel when they finish is how they remember it. It’s called recency bias. Lift people up and they will love you.

“There are people. There are stories. The people think they shape the stories, but the reverse is often closer to the truth.” —Kurt Vonnegut

(source)