#creative writing

[theaftersundown]

the holy grail types of fanfic

[nondelphic]

every time i open my old drafts it’s like walking into a crime scene where i am both the detective and the perpetrator. like who did this. who wrote this. what does it mean. how did i lose the plot and also my sense of direction

[tenderwatches]

sometimes you need dialogue tags and don't want to use the same four

[hayatheauthor]

100 Dialogue Tags You Can Use Instead of “Said”

For the writers struggling to rid themselves of the classic ‘said’. Some are repeated in different categories since they fit multiple ones (but those are counted once so it adds up to 100 new words). 

1. Neutral Tags 

Straightforward and unobtrusive dialogue tags: 

Added, Replied, Stated, Remarked, Responded, Observed, Acknowledged, Commented, Noted, Voiced, Expressed, Shared, Answered, Mentioned, Declared.

2. Questioning Tags 

Curious, interrogative dialogue tags:

Asked, Queried, Wondered, Probed, Inquired, Requested, Pondered, Demanded, Challenged, Interjected, Investigated, Countered, Snapped, Pleaded, Insisted.

3. Emotive Tags 

Emotional dialogue tags:

Exclaimed, Shouted, Sobbed, Whispered, Cried, Hissed, Gasped, Laughed, Screamed, Stammered, Wailed, Murmured, Snarled, Choked, Barked.

4. Descriptive Tags 

Insightful, tonal dialogue tags: 

Muttered, Mumbled, Yelled, Uttered, Roared, Bellowed, Drawled, Spoke, Shrieked, Boomed, Snapped, Groaned, Rasped, Purred, Croaked.

5. Action-Oriented Tags 

Movement-based dialogue tags: 

Announced, Admitted, Interrupted, Joked, Suggested, Offered, Explained, Repeated, Advised, Warned, Agreed, Confirmed, Ordered, Reassured, Stated.

6. Conflict Tags 

Argumentative, defiant dialogue tags:

Argued, Snapped, Retorted, Rebuked, Disputed, Objected, Contested, Barked, Protested, Countered, Growled, Scoffed, Sneered, Challenged, Huffed.

7. Agreement Tags 

Understanding, compliant dialogue tags: 

Agreed, Assented, Nodded, Confirmed, Replied, Conceded, Acknowledged, Accepted, Affirmed, Yielded, Supported, Echoed, Consented, Promised, Concurred.

8. Disagreement Tags 

Resistant, defiant dialogue tags: 

Denied, Disagreed, Refused, Argued, Contradicted, Insisted, Protested, Objected, Rejected, Declined, Countered, Challenged, Snubbed, Dismissed, Rebuked.

9. Confused Tags 

Hesitant, uncertain dialogue tags:

Stammered, Hesitated, Fumbled, Babbled, Mumbled, Faltered, Stumbled, Wondered, Pondered, Stuttered, Blurted, Doubted, Confessed, Vacillated.

10. Surprise Tags

Shock-inducing dialogue tags:

Gasped, Stunned, Exclaimed, Blurted, Wondered, Staggered, Marvelled, Breathed, Recoiled, Jumped, Yelped, Shrieked, Stammered.

Note: everyone is entitled to their own opinion. No I am NOT telling people to abandon said and use these. Yes I understand that said is often good enough, but sometimes you WANT to draw attention to how the character is speaking. If you think adding an action/movement to your dialogue is 'good enough' hate to break it to you but that ruins immersion much more than a casual 'mumbled'. And for the last time: this is just a resource list, CALM DOWN. Hope that covers all the annoyingly redundant replies :)

Looking For More Writing Tips And Tricks? 

Check out the rest of Quillology with Haya; a blog dedicated to writing and publishing tips for authors!

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[unravelingwhy]

my fave writing reminder

honestly, this phrase has been on my mind more times than i can count. i've kidnapped it, taken it as a hostage with no ransom money because i need it to live permanently in my head.

[creativepromptsforwriting]

Have you ever read so much fanfiction and consumed so much fanart that you genuinely forgot what canon is?

[thescifiwitch]

Me, still checking my inbox even though I haven't posted anything new:

[sourdough-seal]

“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

[waywardsou2]

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?!"

[astro-nomaly]

Your friends reading something for the first time and getting to that scene/chapter VS you, the writer

Your friends watching something for the first time and getting to that scene VS you, the knower.

[nondelphic]

writing would be so easy if it didn’t require thinking, typing, reading, sitting, focusing, planning, decision-making, maintaining a linear train of thought, or remembering what the main character’s name is

[creativepromptsforwriting]

Reactions to... seeing their enemy

"I knew you would come. You're so predictable."

"So, it's finally time to officially meet?"

"Is this your idea of a joke? Because no one is laughing."

"Well, look who decided to show up. I was wondering when you'd finally make your move."

"I really hoped I wouldn't have to look at your face again."

"You? Here? Wouldn't have expected to see you here."

"Couldn't have known you would be here as well, could I?"

"Guess I can't avoid you forever. What's up? Another round?"

"I was starting to think you'd lost your nerve."

"Hmm. This is not good. This is really not good."

"And here you are again, playing the same old game. Pathetic."

"If that isn't my favourite enemy. My nemesis."

"What are you doing here? Did I miss the memo about our next epic fight happening at Starbucks?"

"You're here. Good. That makes it easier for me to finish what I started."

"Are you lost or just trying to get yourself killed?"

"If it's a fight you want, it's a fight you'll get."

"Wow, I didn't think you were capable of showing your face around here."

"You just won't stop, will you? After everything, you still think you've got something to prove?"

"You really can't leave me alone, can't you? Missed me so much?"

"Is this the best you can do? I thought you'd bring something worth my time."

"You're late. I can't work against an unreliable enemy. We all got other appointments after this."

"Look, if you're here to apologize, I'll let you know now, it's too late. But if you're here to fight, I'm all ears."

"I've been waiting for this. Let's see if you can still run your mouth when I'm through with you."

"Didn’t I tell you last time? You're going to regret this. Again."

"No one told me they would here as well. This is so awkward."

"You just don't know when to quit, do you?"

"I was hoping you'd show up. You always make things interesting."

"Back again? I'll admit, I'm impressed. You're either brave... or just plain stupid."

More:

Reactions to… Masterpost

Hero x Villain

Enemies to Lovers Masterpost

[nondelphic]

the therapist slides a printout across the table. it’s a scene from my novel. “you wrote this?” i nod. “this is a cry for help.” “no,” i whisper. “this is chapter 17.”

[mondojuice]

Or going third person omniscient but the narrator is an asshole that likes to tease the reader with half-infromation

absolutely love abusing the power that comes with 3rd person limited pov and just ignoring things and being vague sometimes. does the character know all the details? no? then I don't have to either.

[charbroiledchicken]

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.