#indie tips
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Tips for Indie Plotting
So you’ve started an Indie and you want to reach out to some potential partners? Or maybe you want some more partners and have seen someone you want to reach out to? These are a few tips and tricks. These are ones that I personally have found work for me (and these are things I have experienced more than once), but they may not work for everyone. So these are just some things to keep in mind, especially if you’re the one making first contact.
First things first: check if your potential partner has a rules page. Read it. An indie roleplayer’s rules aren’t just there for the fun of it. They are there to establish boundaries, and your page is a place for you to establish your own. If your rules aren’t compatible with theirs, this is not the partner for you. Boundaries are very important in creating a cohesive partnership.
Check your potential partner’s muses page. If there is information on the muse that you want to write with: read the bio. If the bio has triggers that you’re not comfortable with, they might not be a character that you want to write with. Remember that the FC is not the character.
Start by introducing yourself. It’s a little thing but I know a lot of players like to know their partners names.
Have some kind of a plot idea in mind. Don’t message them and then expect them to do all of the heavy lifting. It’s okay if you only have a vague idea that can be built on, just have some kind of idea.
If you’re approaching a multi-muse, know which character or selection of characters you would like some kind of plot with. Read their bios and see who would fit in with your plot. If you’re also a multi-muse, know who you plan to use. It makes things a hell of a lot easier for both of you.
At the same time, remember that some people have face claims that they are not comfortable roleplaying with. Look for that list before you message them so you don’t suggest someone they have banned. Also if you see your favourite FC on their banned list, don’t message them asking them to change their minds. Respect their wishes and go looking for another FC or someone else to RP with.
Some people only like interacting with multi-muse blogs, some people don’t like interacting with them at all. If you can see on their rules that they more than likely won’t roleplay with you, you will only be setting yourself up for rejection.
If your potential partner has starters open to non-mutuals, answer one. Sometimes just answering a starter can break the ice a little bit easier. This is also handy if you’re not so much a person who thrives with messaging first. So many people do not have expiry dates on their open starters.
Never ever EVER ask someone who does not know you from a bar of soap to bend their rules or change their muse for you.
Remember that it is okay for the other player to say no. This is a hobby. Don't be rude if they say no, move on.
If you violate someone's boundaries whether intentional or not and they block you, MOVE ON. Don't make another blog to go and harass them because they did.
On the other side of it, don't let anyone shame you for having boundaries. It is okay to want to be comfortable in the RPC. I personally find writing smut uncomfortable, and cannot tell you how often people try to get me to change my mind. Don't be afraid to block.
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25 Prose Tips For Writers 🖋️✨ Part 1
Hey there!📚✨
As writers, we all know that feeling when we read a sentence so beautifully crafted that it takes our breath away. We pause, reread it, and marvel at how the author managed to string those words together in such a captivating way. Well, today I'm going to unpack a few secrets to creating that same magic in your own writing. These same tips I use in my writing.
But before I begin, please remember that writing is an art form, and like any art, it's subjective. What sounds beautiful to one person might not resonate with another. The tips I'm about to share are meant to be tools in your writer's toolkit, not rigid rules. Feel free to experiment, play around, and find what works best for your unique voice and style.
Power of Rhythm 🎵
One of the most overlooked aspects of beautiful prose is rhythm. Just like music, writing has a flow and cadence that can make it pleasing to the ear (or mind's ear, in this case). Here are some ways to incorporate rhythm into your writing:
a) Vary your sentence length: Mix short, punchy sentences with longer, flowing ones. This creates a natural ebb and flow that keeps your reader engaged.
Example: "The sun set. Darkness crept in, wrapping the world in its velvet embrace. Stars winked to life, one by one, until the sky was a glittering tapestry of light."
b) Use repetition strategically: Repeating words or phrases can create a hypnotic effect and emphasize important points.
Example: "She walked through the forest, through the shadows, through the whispers of ancient trees. Through it all, she walked with purpose."
c) Pay attention to the stressed syllables: In English, we naturally stress certain syllables in words. Try to end important sentences with stressed syllables for a stronger impact.
Example: "Her heart raced as she approached the door." (Stronger ending) vs. "She approached the door as her heart raced." (Weaker ending)
Paint with Words 🎨
Beautiful prose often creates vivid imagery in the reader's mind. Here are some techniques to help you paint with words:
a) Use specific, concrete details: Instead of general descriptions, zoom in on particular details that bring a scene to life.
Example: Instead of: "The room was messy." Try: "Crumpled papers overflowed from the waste bin, books lay spine-up on every surface, and a half-eaten sandwich peeked out from under a stack of wrinkled clothes."
b) Appeal to all five senses: Don't just describe what things look like. Include smells, sounds, textures, and tastes to create a fully immersive experience.
Example: "The market bustled with life. Colorful fruits glistened in the morning sun, their sweet aroma mingling with the earthy scent of fresh herbs. Vendors called out their wares in sing-song voices, while customers haggled in animated tones. Sarah's fingers brushed against the rough burlap sacks of grain as she passed, and she could almost taste the tang of ripe oranges on her tongue."
c) Use unexpected comparisons: Fresh similes and metaphors can breathe new life into descriptions.
Example: Instead of: "The old man was very thin." Try: "The old man was a whisper of his former self, as if life had slowly erased him, leaving behind only the faintest outline."
Choose Your Words Wisely 📚
Every word in your prose should earn its place. Here are some tips for selecting the right words:
a) Embrace strong verbs: Replace weak verb + adverb combinations with single, powerful verbs.
Example: Instead of: "She walked quickly to the store." Try: "She hurried to the store." or "She dashed to the store."
b) Be specific: Use precise nouns instead of general ones.
Example: Instead of: "She picked up the flower." Try: "She plucked the daisy."
c) Avoid clichés: Clichés can make your writing feel stale. Try to find fresh ways to express common ideas.
Example: Instead of: "It was raining cats and dogs." Try: "The rain fell in sheets, transforming the streets into rushing rivers."
Play with Sound 🎶
The sound of words can contribute greatly to the beauty of your prose. Here are some techniques to make your writing more musical:
a) Alliteration: Repeating initial consonant sounds can create a pleasing effect.
Example: "She sells seashells by the seashore."
b) Assonance: Repeating vowel sounds can add a subtle musicality to your prose.
Example: "The light of the bright sky might ignite a fight."
c) Onomatopoeia: Using words that sound like what they describe can make your writing more immersive.
Example: "The bees buzzed and hummed as they flitted from flower to flower."
Art of Sentence Structure 🏗️
How you structure your sentences can greatly affect the flow and impact of your prose. Here are some tips:
a) Use parallel structure: When listing items or actions, keep the grammatical structure consistent.
Example: "She came, she saw, she conquered."
b) Try periodic sentences: Build suspense by putting the main clause at the end of the sentence.
Example: "Through storm and strife, across oceans and continents, despite all odds and obstacles, they persevered."
c) Experiment with sentence fragments: While not grammatically correct, sentence fragments can be powerful when used intentionally for emphasis or style.
Example: "She stood at the edge of the cliff. Heart racing. Palms sweating. Ready to jump."
Power of White Space ⬜
Sometimes, what you don't say is just as important as what you do. Use paragraph breaks and short sentences to create pauses and emphasize important moments.
Example: "He opened the letter with trembling hands.
Inside, a single word.
'Yes.'"
Read Your Work Aloud 🗣️
One of the best ways to polish your prose is to read it aloud. This helps you catch awkward phrasing, repetitive words, and rhythm issues that you might miss when reading silently.
Edit Ruthlessly ✂️
Beautiful prose often comes from rigorous editing. Don't be afraid to cut words, sentences, or even entire paragraphs if they don't serve the overall beauty and effectiveness of your writing.
Study the Masters 📖
Please! Read widely and pay attention to how your favorite authors craft their prose. Analyze sentences you find particularly beautiful and try to understand what makes them work.
Practice, Practice, Practice 💪
Like any skill, writing beautiful prose takes practice. Set aside time to experiment with different techniques and styles. Try writing exercises focused on specific aspects of prose, like describing a scene using only sound words, or rewriting a simple sentence in ten different ways.
Remember, that developing your prose style is a journey, not a destination. It's okay if your first draft isn't perfect – that's what editing is for! The most important thing is to keep writing, keep experimenting, and keep finding joy in the process.
Here are a few more unique tips to help you on your prose-perfecting journey:
Create a Word Bank 🏦
Keep a notebook or digital file where you collect beautiful words, phrases, or sentences you come across in your reading. This can be a great resource when you're looking for inspiration or the perfect word to complete a sentence.
Use the "Rule of Three" 3️⃣
There's something inherently satisfying about groups of three. Use this to your advantage in your writing, whether it's in listing items, repeating phrases, or structuring your paragraphs.
Example: "The old house groaned, creaked, and whispered its secrets to the night."
Power of Silence 🤫
Sometimes, the most powerful prose comes from what's left unsaid. Use implication and subtext to add depth to your writing.
Example: Instead of: "She was heartbroken when he left." Try: "She stared at his empty chair across the breakfast table, the untouched coffee growing cold."
Play with Perspective 👁️
Experiment with different points of view to find the most impactful way to tell your story. Sometimes, an unexpected perspective can make your prose truly memorable.
Example: Instead of describing a bustling city from a human perspective, try describing it from the point of view of a bird soaring overhead, or a coin passed from hand to hand.
Use Punctuation Creatively 🖋️
While it's important to use punctuation correctly, don't be afraid to bend the rules a little for stylistic effect. Em dashes, ellipses, and even unconventional use of periods can add rhythm and emphasis to your prose.
Example: "She hesitated—heart pounding, palms sweating—then knocked on the door."
Create Contrast 🌓
Juxtapose different elements in your writing to create interest and emphasis. This can be in terms of tone, pacing, or even the literal elements you're describing.
Example: "The delicate butterfly alighted on the rusted barrel of the abandoned tank."
Use Synesthesia 🌈
Synesthesia is a condition where one sensory experience triggers another. While not everyone experiences this, using synesthetic descriptions in your writing can create vivid and unique imagery.
Example: "The violin's melody tasted like honey on her tongue."
Experiment with Sentence Diagrams 📊
Remember those sentence diagrams from school? Try diagramming some of your favorite sentences from literature. This can give you insight into how complex sentences are structured and help you craft your own.
Create a Sensory Tour 🚶♀️
When describing a setting, try taking your reader on a sensory tour. Move from one sense to another, creating a full, immersive experience.
Example: "The old bookstore welcomed her with the musty scent of aging paper. Dust motes danced in the shafts of sunlight piercing the high windows. Her fingers trailed over the cracked leather spines as she moved deeper into the stacks, the floorboards creaking a greeting beneath her feet. In the distance, she could hear the soft ticking of an ancient clock and taste the faint bitterness of old coffee in the air."
Use Active Voice (Most of the Time) 🏃♂️
While passive voice has its place, active voice generally creates more dynamic and engaging prose. Compare these two sentences:
Passive: "The ball was thrown by the boy." Active: "The boy threw the ball."
Magic of Ordinary Moments ✨
Sometimes, the most beautiful prose comes from describing everyday occurrences in a new light. Challenge yourself to find beauty and meaning in the mundane.
Example: "The kettle's whistle pierced the quiet morning, a clarion call heralding the day's first cup of possibility."
Play with Time ⏳
Experiment with how you present the passage of time in your prose. You can stretch a moment out over several paragraphs or compress years into a single sentence.
Example: "In that heartbeat between his question and her answer, universes were born and died, civilizations rose and fell, and their entire future hung in the balance."
Use Anaphora for Emphasis 🔁
Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. It can create a powerful rhythm and emphasize key points.
Example: "She was the sunrise after the longest night. She was the first bloom of spring after a harsh winter. She was the cool breeze on a sweltering summer day. She was hope personified, walking among us."
Create Word Pictures 🖼️
Try to create images that linger in the reader's mind long after they've finished reading. These don't have to be elaborate – sometimes a simple, unexpected combination of words can be incredibly powerful.
Example: "Her laughter was a flock of birds taking flight."
Use Rhetorical Devices 🎭
Familiarize yourself with rhetorical devices like chiasmus, antithesis, and oxymoron. These can add depth and interest to your prose.
Example of chiasmus: "Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country." - John F. Kennedy
Even the most accomplished authors continue to hone their craft with each new piece they write. Don't be discouraged if your first attempts don't sound exactly like you imagined – keep practicing, keep experimenting, and most importantly, keep writing.
Your unique voice and perspective are what will ultimately make your prose beautiful. These techniques are simply tools to help you express that voice more effectively. Use them, adapt them, or discard them as you see fit. The most important thing is to write in a way that feels authentic to you and brings you joy.
Happy writing, everyone! 🖋️💖📚 - Rin T
Hey fellow writers! I'm super excited to share that I've just launched a Tumblr community. I'm inviting all of you to join my community. All you have to do is fill out this Google form, and I'll personally send you an invitation to join the Write Right Society on Tumblr! Can't wait to see your posts!
#writing tips#on writing#creative writing#writers block#writing#how to write#thewriteadviceforwriters#writers and poets#writers on tumblr#writeblr#aspiring author#author#book writing#indie author#writer#indie writer#authors of tumblr#fiction writing#writing a book#writing advice#writing blog#writing community#writing guide#writing help#writing characters#writing ideas#writing inspiration#novel writing#romance writing#writing reference
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writing tip #3255: the fewer the fucks given, the better the writing. get out of your head and onto the page.
#writeblr#writers#creative writing#original writing#writeblr community#writing#jgmartin#writers of tumblr#authors supporting authors#writing advice#tips#literature#author life#indie author
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Been going through a lot of animation reels this past week and a bit and one prevailing thing I noticed was that a lot of animators either struggle with, or completely disregard, the timing and pacing of their frames. Timing and spacing is (to me) utterly essential to create some nice, smooth and well flowing animation, otherwise it can look very jittery, jumpy, volume will fluctuate greatly and won't look too good.
This clip here should help show you how I place my keys, breakdowns and inbetweens to get some nice movement. (I wish I had room for timing charts!)
As you can see from the timeline grab here, a lot of this is on 3's, with a few 2's here and there. Even some 4's to help ease. With proper placing of frames even 3's and 4's can look smooth!
AND, if you have toon boom, and you wanna have a deep dive into this file, I've attached it below so you can really have a good look!
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If you’ve ever tried to run a “murder mystery” in D&D5e, you know how it goes. There’s not much that can be rolled, the PCs’ abilities barely help them, they get stuck, the DM has to walk them through, etc.
If only there was an better way to do mystery adventures in a TTRPG!
#dnd5e#dnd#dungeons and dragons 5e#pathfinder#d&d 5e#d&d#dungeons & dragons#murder mystery#detective#columbo#ttrpgs#ttrpg#ttrpg tumblr#indie ttrpg#indie ttrpgs#dungeon master#dm tips#crit role#critical role#eureka#eureka: investigative urban fantasy
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Book Publishing Resources
Well, since a few people said they were interested and/or that posting about it on here occasionally was a decent idea, here we go!
I'm MC Calvi, a freelance editor specializing in self-help, psychology, spirituality, paganism, workbooks, and LGBTQ books.
You can find out more about me at my website, where I also offer free twenty-minute book/publishing consultations, in addition to regular editing services.
I am also now offering some pay-what-you-can resources on my website and on Gumroad. I'm committed to offering pay-what-you-can resources because the odds are already so stacked against marginalized authors, and publishing shouldn't be pay to win.
I have two new booklets I'm actually super happy with! They both draw on my eight years of experience in the publishing industry to give authors a leg up.
And now, back to our regularly scheduled programming as I hit "publish" on another good news post!
#Also if you're not interested but still want to help/support me#it would actually be super helpful if you reblogged this#because having my website link in more places will help boost my ranking in search engines#I promise not to post about this often#like we're talking less than once a month#I'm here to spread good news! not to spam my stuff!#and everything I do post will be tagged with#my editing#in case you want to filter#book editing#publishing#publishing tips#book publishing#indie author#self publishing#not news
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05.04.2024 [🤔]
🌛: 우선순위를 정하자/ Let's prioritize things to do
#diary#online diary#student#study aesthetic#study blog#study motivation#study tips#studyblr#online#journal#academia aesthetic#classic academia#dark academia aesthetic#dark academia#academia style#dark acadamia#daily list#light#daily life#light acadamia aesthetic#light indie#study time#studying#study hard#studyspo#students#studies#studio#study desk#blog post
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#moodboard#aesthetic#icons#pinterest#indie#cozy#bathtime#self love#self care#girly#skincare tips#self care tips#flowercore#flowers#pink flowers#rose#magic moments
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May I ask the software you use to write?
Congratulations on getting so much done!
Thank you so much. And, of course.
I use the Reedsy Book Editor for all of my writing projects, and I've been using it for about three years now. I also have experience with other amazing softwares, and I would love to create more tutorials on them if you need me to.
Here's a quick tutorial on how to use the Reedsy Book Editor.
When you visit the website, the first thing you'll come across is this page. It's a completely free writing tool with a fantastic interface. All you need to do is sign up with your Google or Facebook account.
After you've completed the sign-up process and provided some information about yourself, you will be directed to this page. Please locate the "Books" option in the website's header.
Feel free to give your book/WIP (Work in progress) a title. Remember, it's okay if it's not your final title, as you can always change it in the settings of your book later.
Once you've created it, you can take your time and when you're ready, you can click "Write.”
Once you click "Write," you'll be directed to the next page. There, you'll find your chapters, the space to write your manuscript, and a sidebar with various helpful features provided by Reedsy.
Then, you can choose any name for your chapter that feels meaningful to you.
You can also track your writing goals for your specific manuscript or book. This feature provides insights into your writing habits, such as the days you've written and the number of words you've written. You can also set a target word count goal for the manuscript, and you also have the option to set manual writing goals. Additionally, you can check the word count in your current chapter from the bottom of the widget.
You have the option to set a deadline and choose the days that work best for you to write. This will help Reedsy estimate a realistic word count goal for you.
Remember that on Reedsy, there's a new beta feature that allows you to plan and outline your novel without having to leave the website. It offers note cards for you to jot down the plot and scenes from your novel, which can serve as a helpful guide and provide a simple outline to support your writing process.
Also, don’t forget the various features available to you when creating your book in Reedsy. For instance, you have the option to include preset formatted pages such as a dedication page and an epigraph that resonates with your story. These features can add a lot of value to your book, and I encourage you to explore them further.
Hopefully this can help you understand the basics of Reedsy Book Editor. One of my favorite writing softwares that is completely FREE!
Hey fellow writers! I'm super excited to share that I've launched a Tumblr community. I'm inviting all of you to join my community. All you have to do is fill out this Google form, and I'll personally send you an invitation to join the Write Right Society on Tumblr! Can't wait to see your posts!
#writeblr#creative writing#thewriteadviceforwriters#writers on tumblr#writer things#writing#writing tips#on writing#writer#writer community#writing tools#writing resources#writing blog#writing advice#fiction writing#novel writing#author#book writing#publishing#indie author#fiction#reedsy#book editor#bookblr#self concept#bookworm#bookstore#books and reading#reading#book quotes
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Just a quick reminder that I will not tolerate bad-mouthing of traditional, indie, hybrid, online, fan-fiction, or any other type of writing and publishing on my blog, in asks, in the replies, or in the reblogs.
Furthermore, anyone who feels the need to disparage any type of writing or publication should take some time to educate themselves and do some self-reflection. What insecurities are these feelings masking? Why are they not confident enough in their own writing or path to publishing to be supportive of all types of writing and publishing? Why do they feel the experiences of some are enough to invalidate the experiences of many?
There is room for everyone in the world of writing and publishing. There's no reason not to be inclusive of everyone, all types of writing, all paths of publishing, and advice from every background and level of experience.
~ with love, WQA
#writing#writing advice#publishing#self publishing#indie publishing#indie authors#indie books#writing tips#writing community#writers of tumblr#writeblr#writing help#snobs need not apply
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Master Dialogue Writing Techniques for Engaging Fiction (For Writers)
(Beware, long post!)
As fiction writers, we all know that effective dialogue is essential for bringing our stories and characters to life. After all, the way our protagonists, antagonists, and supporting players speak to one another is one of the primary ways readers get to know them on a deep, intimate level. Dialogue reveals personality, uncovers motivation, and propels the narrative forward in a way that felt narration simply can't match.
But nailing natural, compelling dialogue is easier said than done. It's a craft that takes serious skill to master, requiring writers to have a keen ear for authentic speech patterns, a nimble handle on subtext and implication, and the ability to strike that delicate balance between being true to real-world conversation while also keeping things snappy, dynamic, and laser-focused on the story at hand.
If you're someone who struggles with crafting dialogue that truly sings, never fear. In this in-depth guide, I'm going to dive deep into the techniques and best practices that will help you elevate your dialogue writing to new heights. By the end, you'll have a toolbox full of strategies to ensure that every exchange between your characters is as gripping, revealing, and unforgettable as possible.
The Fundamentals of Effective Dialogue
Before we get into the more advanced nuances of dialogue writing, let's start by covering some of the foundational principles that all great fictional conversations are built upon:
Reveal Character One of the primary functions of dialogue is to give readers a window into who your characters are as people. The way they speak — their word choices, their tone, their body language, their turns of phrase — should provide vivid insight into their personalities, backgrounds, values, quirks, and emotional states.
Think about how much you can glean about someone just from how they communicate in real life. Do they use a lot of slang and shorthand? Are they verbose and flowery with their language? Do they struggle to make eye contact or fail to respond directly to questions? All of these subtle linguistic cues are powerful tools for crafting multi-dimensional characters.
Drive the Plot Forward While revelations about character are crucial, you also want to ensure that your dialogue is constantly pushing the story itself forward. Each exchange should feel purposeful, moving the narrative along by introducing new information, triggering plot points, creating conflict, or prompting characters to make pivotal decisions.
Dialogue that feels aimless or extraneous will ultimately bore readers and detract from the forward momentum of your story. Every line should have a clear intent or function, whether it's uncovering a hidden truth, setting up a future complication, or escalating the tension in a high-stakes moment.
Establish Distinct Voices In a story featuring multiple characters, it's crucial that each person has a clearly defined and differentiated way of speaking. Readers should be able to tell who's talking just from the rhythm, diction, and personality of the dialogue, without any additional context clues.
This doesn't mean every character has to have an over-the-top, hyper-stylized way of communicating. In fact, the most effective character voices often feel grounded and natural. But there should still be distinct markers — whether it's word choice, sentence structure, tone, or speech patterns — that make each person's voice instantly recognizable.
Convey Subtext While the literal words being spoken are important, great dialogue also traffics heavily in subtext — the unspoken emotional undercurrents, power dynamics, and hidden agendas that simmer beneath the surface of a conversation.
The most compelling exchanges happen when characters are communicating on multiple levels simultaneously. Perhaps they're saying one thing out loud while their body language and tone convey a completely different sentiment. Or maybe they're engaged in a subtle war of wits, trading verbal jabs that reveal deeper wells of resentment, attraction, or vulnerability.
Mastering the art of subtext is key to creating dialogue that feels layered, lifelike, and imbued with dramatic tension.
Strategies for Writing Snappy, Realistic Dialogue
Now that we've covered the foundational principles, let's dive into some specific techniques and best practices that will take your dialogue writing to the next level:
Omit Unnecessary Details One of the biggest mistakes many writers make with dialogue is bogging it down with too much extraneous information. In real life, people rarely speak in perfectly composed, grammatically correct full sentences. We stumble over our words, interrupt each other, trail off mid-thought, and pack our speech with filler words like "um," "uh," and "you know."
While you don't want to go overboard with mimicking that messiness, you should aim to strip your dialogue of any overly formal or expository language. Stick to the essentials — the core thoughts, feelings, and information being exchanged — and let the subtext and character voices do the heavy lifting. Your readers will fill in the gaps and appreciate the authenticity.
Master the Art of Subtext As mentioned earlier, crafting dialogue that's rich in subtext is one of the keys to making it feel gripping and lifelike. Think about how much is often left unsaid in real-world conversations, with people dancing around sensitive topics, conveying hidden agendas, or engaging in subtle power struggles.
To layer that sense of unspoken tension into your own dialogue, consider techniques like:
• Having characters contradict themselves or say one thing while their body language says another
• Utilizing loaded pauses, interruptions, and moments of uncomfortable silence
• Injecting subtle sarcasm, skepticism, or implication into a character's word choices
• Allowing characters to talk past each other, missing the unspoken point of what the other person is really saying
The more you can imbue your dialogue with that layered, emotionally-charged subtext, the more it will resonate with readers on a deeper level.
Establish Distinct Voices As mentioned earlier, ensuring that each of your characters has a clearly defined and differentiated speaking voice is crucial for great dialogue. But how exactly do you go about accomplishing that?
One effective strategy is to give each person a unique set of verbal tics, idioms, or speech patterns. Maybe one character is prone to long-winded, flowery metaphors, while another speaks in clipped, efficiency-minded sentences. Perhaps your protagonist has a habit of ending statements with questioning upticks, while the sarcastic best friend always punctuates their barbs with an eye roll.
You can also play with differences in diction, syntax, and even accent/dialect to further distinguish how your characters communicate. The key is to really get to know the unique personality, background, and psychology of each person — then let those elements shine through in how they express themselves.
Lean Into Conflict and Confrontation When it comes to crafting gripping dialogue, conflict is your friend. The most compelling exchanges often arise from characters butting heads, engaging in verbal sparring matches, or working through deep-seated tensions and disagreements.
Conflict allows you to showcase the high stakes, unresolved needs, and deeper emotional currents that are driving your characters. It forces them to make bold choices, reveals aspects of their personalities that might not otherwise surface, and generates the kind of dramatic tension that will really hook your readers.
Of course, you'll want to avoid making every single dialogue scene a full-blown argument. But learning to sprinkle in well-placed moments of friction, confrontation, and clashing agendas is a surefire way to elevate the energy and impact of your character interactions.
Read Your Dialogue Out Loud One of the most valuable tricks for ensuring your dialogue sounds natural and lifelike is to read it aloud as you're writing. Hearing the words out loud will quickly expose any clunky phrasing, overly formal grammar, or inauthentic rhythms that would otherwise go unnoticed on the page.
Pay close attention to how the dialogue rolls off your tongue. Does it have a smooth, conversational flow? Or does it feel stilted and unnatural? Are your characters' unique voices shining through clearly? Are there any spots where the back-and-forth starts to drag or feel repetitive?
Actively listening to your dialogue — and making adjustments based on how it sounds in the real world — is an essential part of the writing process. It's one of the best ways to refine and polish those character interactions until they feel truly alive.
Hopefully, this can help you all!
The key is to always keep your focus on authenticity. Ask yourself: how would real people actually speak?
Hey fellow writers! I'm super excited to share that I've just launched a Tumblr community. I'm inviting all of you to join my community. All you have to do is fill out this Google form, and I'll personally send you an invitation to join the Write Right Society on Tumblr! Can't wait to see your posts!
#writing#thewriteadviceforwriters#writeblr#creative writing#writing tips#on writing#writers block#how to write#writers and poets#writers on tumblr#authoradvice#author#fiction#indie author#writer#publishing#book writing#book quote#bookblr#books#writing advice#fiction writing#writing blog#writing tools#writing resources#novel writing#writer community#fantasy novel#readers#reading
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🅸🆃'🆂 🅼🆈 🅱🅸🆁🆃🅷🅳🅰🆈 🅼🅾🅽🆃🅷!🧁🥳🎂
Hey babes this Virgo ♍ decided to set up a tip goal for my birthday month aka the last month I (possibly) will stop making spicy content.
Any tips $5-$9 will get a one month FREE trial to my OF!
Any tips $10 and above will have more special treats available (through OF or MV, I don't sell directly)
$0/$500
Cash app: $gabbigabriella
Venmo: gabbigabriella
PayPal: gabbigabriella
If you wish to just tip/spoil me for my birthday month without redeeming any treats just shoot me a DM on here specifying that if you don't mind ☺️
And a reminder that my OF will be on a permanent discount even after I stop updating it!
#birthday month#virgo#tip goal#subpixie420#me#of subpixie#mv subpixie420#support content creators#support queer creators#support indie creators
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How to make your Readers Feel Emotions for Dummies
(AWWWWW :]]]] Edition)
So... Do you have any cute animals or children in your story?
No?
Then I can't help you go away
Kidding, kidding, you can make AWW moments in your story no matter who or what your characters are.
First
You have to have at least semi-Likable characters (Pets, adorable animals, or children make this wayyyyyy easier)
Likable characters make your readers want the characters to be happy! You can't really get AWWWW moments if you want the characters to suffer
Most AWWW moments come from Shipping or cute baby moments
Second
Decide what Type
whether you want it to be an AWWWW Romance moment, or an AWWWWW Baby moment
There's also #3 I forgot to mention: AWWWWW comfort/sentimental moment
Third
Decide which character the AWWW moment will happen between
Couple, Father/child, mother/child, friends, siblings, doesn't matter - Well... it obviously matters Which AWWW moment you're going for but... yeah
Fourth
What's Gonna happen?
For romance it's usually cute fluff moments - Want examples? Too bad, look it up on Pinterest! No, no, Joking. Here's a list:
Small cheek/hand kisses
A small, 'I love you so much.'
Wearing other's clothes
Forehead touch
Cuddling
Holding BOTH of each other's hands
FACE TOUCHES - Cheek/jawbone is best
Leaning into touch
Careful dancing
For parental figure and Child it's usually a comforting trust moment, a protecting the child moment, or a 'make me proud' moments
I fucking love these and I'm gonna go on a rant Addict, Tired, bitter mentors are so fucking great. There's so much you can do with them Mostly there's 'make me proud moments' The first 'I approve' moment There's 'you've made me proud' moments There's also 'Fine, you're my kid' moments And comforting trust moments hit so much harder when the mentor rarely shows affection.
It's just so... :D
For Friends, You should do with comforting moments, or a 'you don't know how much I care about you moments
Fifth
Soft Phrasing = soft emotions
Use long, calm sentences. No exclamation points or question marks unless it's dialogue. Keep everything smooth and fluid.
Tears are a powerful tool so use them sparingly
Use short words, and use cuter, softer words, metaphors, and adjectives.
Sixth
Have a visible result
Smiles, cute thoughts, cute dialogue, different feelings or actions towards other characters
Stuff like that
AWWWWW moments can be very powerful to characters as they can for real people, they can change so much with little words.
They can be turning points, displays of affection to the audience, turning points of affection, showcases of change, strengthening of relationships, a final goodbye, they can be so much in just so little.
Good Evening and Good Luck with your Writing My loveable Writing friends! you can do this! <3
#creative writing#fiction writing#writing community#writer things#writerscommunity#writers on tumblr#writeblr#writing#writers#writer#write#writers and poets#writblr#author#writeblogging#writebrl#write better#writing tips and tricks#writing tips#writing advice#writing help#writing characters#writing resources#writing guide#authors of tumblr#writerscorner#novel writing#indie author#writing a novel#writing about writing
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"Kleptomaniac," investigator Trait from Eureka: Investigative Urban Fantasy. Every investigator has 3 to 6 Traits!
#ttrpg character#ttrpg tumblr#ttrpg community#ttrpg art#indie ttrpg#ttrpg#tabletop#rpg#roleplaying#detective#investigation#investigators#private investigator#ttrpgs#ttrpg design#queer ttrpg#queer artist#queer art#shoplifting#lifting tips#eureka#eureka: investigative urban fantasy#team artist
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the way that in real life Indianapolis, IN there is a canal on which you can take a ride in a real life gondola with a guy dressed up like a stereotypical Venetian gondolier and NONE of you have given that job to Eddie Munson... fake fans
#i'm kidding obviously but real life indy has A Lot to offer plot wise if you look LIKE#imagine....#he would either make bank in tips or be so annoying depending on the group#put that guy in a situation? no. put that guy in a costume and make him learn how to not fall out of a boat#dot thought
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08.05.2024 [🙂↕️]
🌼: 새벽에 꽃시장 다녀오기/ I went to the flower market early in the morning.
#diary#online diary#student#study aesthetic#study blog#study motivation#study tips#studyblr#online#journal#academia aesthetic#classic academia#dark academia aesthetic#dark academia#academia style#dark acadamia#dark acadamia aesthetic#light#daily list#daily life#studying#studies#study time#students#study desk#dark academia style#books & libraries#light acadamia aesthetic#light indie#daily blog
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