#woes of a fic writer

[xyywrites]

The Power of Silence in Dialogue

We often think of dialogue as something that’s just about what characters say, but let’s talk about what they don’t say. Silence can be one of the most powerful tools in your writing toolbox. Here’s why:

1. The Unspoken Tension

When characters leave things unsaid, it adds layers to their interactions. Silence can create a tension that’s so thick you could cut it with a knife. It shows things are happening beneath the surface—the real conversation is happening in what’s left unspoken.

Example:

“So, you’re leaving, huh?” He didn’t look up from the table, his fingers tracing the rim of his glass, slow and deliberate. “Yeah.” “Guess I should’ve expected this.” (Silence.) “You’re not mad?” “I’m not mad,” she said, but the way her voice broke was louder than anything she'd said all night.

2. Building Anticipation or Drama

Sometimes silence can heighten the drama, creating a pause where the reader feels like something big is about to happen. You don’t always need words to convey that sense of dread or anticipation.

Example:

They stood there, side by side, staring at the door that had just closed behind him. “You should’ve stopped him.” She didn’t answer. “You should’ve said something.” The room felt colder. “I couldn’t.” (Silence.)

3. Creating Emotional Impact

Sometimes, saying nothing can have the biggest emotional punch. Silence gives the reader a chance to interpret the scene, to sit with the feelings that aren’t being voiced.

Example:

He opened the letter and read it. And then, without saying a word, he folded it back up and placed it in the drawer. His fingers lingered on the wood for a long time before he closed it slowly, too slowly. “Are you okay?” He didn’t answer.

TL;DR

Silence isn’t just a pause between dialogue—it’s a powerful tool for deepening emotional tension, building anticipation, and revealing character. Next time you write a scene, ask yourself: what isn’t being said? And how can that silence say more than the words ever could?

[bipolaritysucksbutslaps]

brb gonna daydream about writing fanfiction for several hours without actually writing a single word

[i-will-write]

[wordsofwilderness]

You'd think writing a chapter would make you one chapter closer to being done with a fic. You'd think that, wouldn't you??

But no, you are in fact 3 chapters further away.

[luna-the-cretar]

Me whenever I’m at work and can’t write at that moment: I must write RIGHT NOW. If I don’t write I will DIE

Me, when I’m at home and can write: what are words

[alfietimewolf]

[haley-harrison]

[freesia-writes]

[dinkflocculent]

Perfectionism is hell. Eveytime my sentences isnt the perfect line ever written my brain thinks i is the foulest thing on the earth. It only worsens when I see good writing by a writer who is probably thinking the same thing about their writing.

[hoshiumi78]

One thing I hate about being a writer (actually, there’s a lot of things, but I still write all the time. Why? Because I’m totally not insane :)) is the fact that the beginning of your book even exists. Like, *I* wrote that terrible garbage that I’m making myself post for the whole world to read because I’m too lazy after writing the whole book to go back and rewrite the first 10-15 chapters so it sounds similar to my current writing???

Like guys I swear, it gets way better, please just hang on 🥹🎀

[includedisco]

Confessions of my struggles as a writer

By the time I'm writing chapter 16 of a story, I've forgotten what was happening in chapter 5

I overuse the words 'gently' and 'softly' because my brain thinks everything is better when said or done gently/softly🙄

I write romance fanfics but I always have to Google help for kiss scenes😅 it's been 6 years of writing and I was on Google just last night

I forget minor character names

I forget entire characters

If you can relate, you're not alone 🤝 we'll get better as long as we don't resort to AI

Fuck AI

[xyywrites]

Pacing Through Sentence Length in Writing

You ever notice how a scene can feel like it’s dragging or speeding up based solely on the length of the sentences? Sentence length isn't just a technical detail—it’s a pacing tool. When used right, it can control the speed and tension of your story. Here’s how:

Short Sentences = Speed, Tension, Impact

Short, snappy sentences are like quick breaths, instantly pulling the reader’s attention. They mimic fast action, nervous energy, or urgent thoughts. They create momentum. Think of action scenes or emotional moments—often, less is more.

Example: The door slammed shut. His heart raced. She was gone.

In just three sentences, you feel the urgency, the chaos, and the emotional weight of the moment. It’s all about breaking up the narrative with these quick hits to keep the reader on edge.

Long Sentences = Build-up, Reflection, Depth

On the flip side, long sentences slow things down, adding complexity, reflection, or tension. They’re great for moments of introspection, world-building, or setting a scene in rich detail. These sentences create a flow, pulling the reader into the character’s headspace or the atmosphere of the moment.

Example: The wind howled through the narrow alley, carrying the distant sounds of a city that never seemed to sleep, never seemed to rest, and in that eternal hum, he wondered, not for the first time, if he would ever find peace here or if, like everyone else who tried to escape the shadows, he would simply become another part of the city’s endless noise.

Here, the length of the sentence mimics the complexity of the thoughts—heavy, reflective, almost hypnotic. It builds tension not with action but with an overwhelming feeling of being stuck or trapped in thought.

Combining Both = Dynamic Flow

The real magic happens when you mix short and long sentences. This creates a rhythm—suddenly, a break in the flow, a quick shock, and then back to a longer, more drawn-out moment. It reflects real life: quick bursts of action or emotion followed by moments of pause or thought.

Example: He reached for the door. It was locked. His heart pounded, each beat a reminder of how badly he needed this. There were no other options. There was no way out. The key could be anywhere. And he could not afford to wait any longer.

TL;DR:

Long sentences = build tension, create depth, set mood. Short sentences = ramp up urgency, show action, make an impact. Mastering this flow is a game-changer for pacing!

[theflagscene]

[khepiari]

Enough with the politeness of, "Leave kudos on the fic if you liked it..."

Be shameless like me and ask for more.

I want comments, kudos, art, music, shoutouts and everything!

GIVE ME EVERYTHING!

I am not a humble person, I need attention and affection as loud as a sudden storm of banging pots and pans against my window!

[vmprsm]

[madamechrissy]

At a crossroads on Healing Hearts. (Dr Gojo!) I could take this WAY angsty and messy (I'm talking breakup and a darker turn) or keep it a little more lighthearted and more the comedic side? Ahhhh and I'm at a part that's gonna decide how this goes??? 🙃 Which direction would you more enjoy on this I don't wanna turn ppl off of it 😭💗