#writing skills

[vivsinkpot]

The Words We Don’t Say: Dialogue Should Reveal, Not Just Inform.

Every line of dialogue is a tiny window into who your characters are, not just what they need to say. In real life, people rarely say exactly what they mean. They dodge, hint, exaggerate, fall silent, or say one thing when they feel another. Your characters should, too.

Good dialogue isn’t about giving information cleanly — it’s about revealing layers.

For example:

A character could say “I’m fine,” while tightening her grip on the table so hard her knuckles go white.

He could say “You’re impossible,” but his voice is soft, almost laughing — meaning you’re impossible and I love you for it.

She could say “I hate you,” in the rain, soaked through, desperate — meaning don’t leave.

The surface words and the real emotions don’t always match. That’s where the tension lives.

That’s what makes dialogue linger.

Three quick tricks to deepen your dialogue:

1. Layer emotion under the words.

Surface: What are they saying?

Subtext: What do they really mean?

Conflict: What’s holding them back from just saying it?

E.g. Two best friends sitting in a car after one of them has announced she’s moving across the country.

She fiddled with the edge of her sleeve, staring straight ahead.

“You’ll forget about me after a week,” she said, light, almost laughing.

Surface: She says he’ll forget about her.

You’ll forget about me after a week. (The outward words are casual, a joke.)

Subtext: She’s terrified of being left behind, feeling abandoned.

I’m scared you don’t care enough. I don’t want to be alone. Please tell me you’ll miss me.

Conflict: She doesn’t want to beg him to stay — she’s too proud, too afraid he doesn’t feel the same.

She wants to stay close, to ask for reassurance — but fear of rejection makes her hide her true feelings under humor.

2. Use silence and body language.

• A pause can scream louder than a speech.

• A glance away can whisper I’m afraid better than a thousand words.

E.g. After her apology, it’s his silence — heavy, raw, unspoken — that says everything words can’t.

After an argument, she finally admits, in a shaking voice, “I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

He says nothing.

Instead, he leans back against the wall, scrubbing a hand across his mouth, looking everywhere but at her.

The silence stretches between them — heavy, aching, almost unbearable.

When he finally does speak, his voice is hoarse: “I know.”

Breakdown:

Pause: His silence after her admission isn’t empty — it’s full. It screams his hurt, his struggle to forgive, his overwhelming emotions.

Body Language: Scrubbing his hand across his mouth, looking away — it all whispers I’m overwhelmed. I’m hurt. I don’t know how to say what I’m feeling.

Result: The tension between them becomes almost physical without a single extra word.

3. Let characters miscommunicate.

• Real conversations are messy.

• People interrupt, misunderstand, react to what they think they heard.

• That tension is pure narrative gold.

E.g. A confession turns into heartbreak when he misunderstands her words and walks away before she can explain.

She pulls him aside at the crowded party, her voice low and urgent.

“I need to tell you something — about us,” she says.

He stiffens immediately, crossing his arms. “Don’t bother. I get it. You regret everything.”

She blinks, hurt flashing across her face.

“No, that’s not what I meant—”

But he’s already turning away, anger burning in his chest.

She watches him go, the words she was really about to say — I love you — still caught in her throat.

Breakdown:

Miscommunication: He interrupts and jumps to conclusions, assuming the worst.

Realism: Conversations are messy; people hear what they’re most afraid of hearing.

Narrative Gold: Now, there’s heartbreak, regret, and a perfect setup for future emotional payoff when they finally untangle the truth.

Some brilliant examples to study:

‘Normal People’ by Sally Rooney — where miscommunication becomes the air between them.

‘Pride and Prejudice’ by Jane Austen — where formality and wit mask tenderness and fear.

‘Six of Crows’ by Leigh Bardugo — where silence says what pride refuses to.

Dialogue is not just a tool for moving the plot.

It’s a doorway into the heart of your story.

Open it carefully.

[the-crooked-library]

one of the interesting things about writing original fiction is that eventually you develop a sense of what is meant to be on the page and what would fare better remaining inside your skull. it is a skill to take a pause and think to yourself - no. this would be misplaced.

and it's not even about purple prose or anything of that sort, it's just that some things are for the author to silently Know, and for fanfiction writers to pull from a bunch of sideline implications later

[brittanyearnestauthor]

Balancing Show and Tell in Writing

I’ve touched on this topic before, but in this post, I’ll dive deeper into the art of balancing show and tell. If you’re just starting out or looking to refine your writing skills, you’ve come to the right place!

Showing and telling is a fundamental aspect of writing because it forms the building blocks of an effective plot. When done well, it gives your story its purpose and immerses your readers in the world you’ve created. Below, we’ll explore what it means to tell and to show, along with tips for finding the right balance.

Examples of Telling

Telling statements are simple and factual, but they lack depth and engagement. For example:

- The wind blew.

- The grass grew.

- The sky changed color.

- That person smelled bad.

These statements merely relay information and don’t evoke much emotion or imagery. While they serve a purpose in writing, overusing them can make your story feel flat.

Examples of Showing

Showing statements, on the other hand, add vivid detail and context, helping readers visualize the scene and feel connected to it. For instance:

- The wind blew through my hair as I walked to work.

- The grass had grown a foot since my last visit—it was nearly up to my knees.

- The sky shifted from blue to a breathtaking mix of purple and pink.

- My teammate smelled of sweat after practice.

These examples provide depth and allow readers to experience the moment with the character. By showing rather than simply telling, you invite readers into your story and keep them engaged.

How to Balance Show and Tell

Balancing show and tell is crucial to your story’s success. Knowing when to show and when to tell will help you create a dynamic, compelling narrative. Here are some tips:

- Dialogue: When characters talk about past experiences, telling can work well—it’s often the natural way people communicate. However, if you want a character to help others visualize the moment, consider blending show and tell.

- Scenes: For characters experiencing something new or stepping into a different environment, showing is key to immersing your readers. Use sensory details and actions to paint a vivid picture.

- Efficiency: Sometimes, telling is more effective for moving the plot forward. For example, a brief, factual statement can help bridge scenes without bogging down the narrative with unnecessary detail.

Balancing show and tell might feel challenging at first, but as with any writing skill, practice makes perfect.

Show and Tell Used Effectively

Want to see show and tell in action? One of the best ways to observe this balance is through horror movies or books. These genres often rely on both techniques to build suspense and deliver emotional impact. For instance, a horror film might show a character nervously glancing over their shoulder (visualizing fear) and then tell us their internal thoughts (“Something didn’t feel right”).

Conclusion

Show and tell are essential tools for crafting memorable stories. Knowing when to show and when to tell can elevate your writing, making it more engaging and impactful. Remember, showing immerses your readers in the moment, while telling keeps the narrative focused and clear. Mastering this balance takes time, but with practice, you’ll find your rhythm.

Happy writing!

[whereforartthoumisthios]

Does anybody else go back and read their fics from the beginning for whatever reason - but realize the first half isn't as well written as the second half because your writing skills got better as you went on?

Do you get the urge to revamp the whole thing? Do you ever rewrite parts? lol

I'd like thoughts on this!!

[seaweedtree-blog]

Irony is a tool that Ursula Le Guin has had since birth; here is a page from the writer's teenage manuscripts:

"Lord knows what going to go in this book. Maybe he does, but I don't."

But time has shown that Ursula Le Guin has successfully overcome the barrier of whiteness of the sheets 📚

[femmefatalevibe]

any tips for getting into copywriting?

Learn the basics of copywriting & writing fundamentals/ marketing skills

Study the different types of copywriting (web/banners, email, social, ads, direct mail, sales letters, etc.)

Decide on your niche(s). Study everything you can about the industry, trends, latest news, customer demographics/psychographics, customer behavior, types of lifestyles/preferences they have, how they speak, where they spend the most time (IRL or digitally)

Craft an inspiration folder full of compelling copywriting examples you find when browsing on the web, going through your email, scrolling on social media, billboards, magazines, direct mail, etc.

Practice rewriting these examples with your own flair. Evaluate it, and keep practicing until you're proud of your copy.

Be as concise, clever, and convincing as possible. Keep your tone conversational (write like how you would speak), catchy, simple, and witty. Take out any extraneous or fluff words. Pepper in cultural references, puns, and relatable anecdotes understood by your target audience when relevant to your messaging/CTA

Create a portfolio with these mock-ups or projects done for family/friends (state they're spec work, not client-commissioned samples) or clips from an internship, school work, etc.

Craft a USP for yourself (including your niche, copywriting specialties, and the specific expertise you offer within your broader niche/service offerings that makes you unique)

Create an Upwork profile and share your services on LinkedIn (optimize both of these profiles)

Research local clients and small businesses within your niche. Also, take time to create a list of dream clients. Study their copy, brand voice, and keep tabs on updates regarding these companies' happenings

Learn the art of a cold email/LinkedIn pitch/Upwork proposal. Introduce yourself and your services to your prospect and share with them how you can fulfill a specific need they're seeking out (For local and smaller companies, feel free to offer suggestions. With more established companies, connect the dots as to why your experience/expertise is a great fit for their brand/target audience), and attach your work/link to your LinkedIn profile, website, and any other relevant hub for your professional services & content

Ask for referrals from friends/family to get started. If they're not a relative, get a testimonial to include in your portfolio

Follow up once if you haven't heard back from a prospective client after an initial pitch after a few days

Search for potential gigs on sites like Upwork/ProBlogger/People Per Hour

Once you land a gig, execute to the best of your ability and hand in your work by the deadline (strategies surrounding best business practices is a whole other post, lol)

Gather testimonials from all clients of successful projects. Confirm with clients whether you can use their work in your portfolio if you're unsure

Continue studying copywriting from books, courses, and everyday reading & living

Stay knowledgeable about advancements/updates in your field, keep updated on current events, and culture/social trends, and read a lot in general. Have interesting, multi-faceted conversations with others. Observe what makes people tick & remain engaged in a verbal dialogue or content

[onstar9]

I wish I could write.

[itsawritblr]

The basics every writer over the age of 10 should know.

[aislingstorm]

[ftfiction]

5 Common Grammar Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Even the best writers make grammar mistakes. The key is recognizing them and knowing how to correct them. Here are five common grammar pitfalls and simple tips to avoid them:

1. Subject-Verb Agreement

The Mistake: Using a singular verb with a plural subject or vice versa. Example: "The list of rules are confusing." The Fix: Match the verb to the subject, not the words in between. Corrected: "The list of rules is confusing."

Quick Tip: Ignore phrases between the subject and verb when deciding agreement.

2. Misplaced Modifiers

The Mistake: Placing descriptive words in the wrong part of the sentence, causing confusion. Example: "She almost drove her kids to school every day." The Fix: Place modifiers next to the word they describe. Corrected: "She drove her kids to school almost every day."

Quick Tip: Ask yourself: "What exactly is being described?"

3. Comma Splices

The Mistake: Joining two independent clauses with only a comma. Example: "I love writing, it’s so relaxing." The Fix: Use a period, semicolon, or conjunction to separate the clauses. Corrected: "I love writing; it’s so relaxing."

Quick Tip: If both parts of the sentence can stand alone, they need proper separation.

4. Confusing "Their," "There," and "They’re"

The Mistake: Mixing up these commonly confused words. Example: "Their going to the park over there." The Fix:

"Their" shows possession: "Their books are on the table."

"There" refers to a place: "Let’s go over there."

"They’re" is a contraction of "they are": "They’re excited to go."

Quick Tip: Replace "they’re" with "they are" to see if it fits.

5. Apostrophe Misuse

The Mistake: Using apostrophes for plurals or misplacing them in possessive forms. Example: "The dog’s are barking loudly." The Fix: Use apostrophes only for contractions or to show possession. Corrected: "The dogs are barking loudly." (Plural) or "The dog’s collar is red." (Possessive)

Quick Tip: Ask yourself if the word shows ownership or if it’s just plural.

Final Thoughts: Grammar mistakes happen to everyone, but with practice, they’re easy to fix. Double-checking your writing and keeping these tips in mind can make a huge difference. Need help with editing? Feel free to reach out—I’m here to help! ✍️

Need an editor? Let’s collaborate! DM me or check out my pinned post for details.✨

"Like everything metaphysical the harmony between thought and reality is to be found in the grammar of the language." Ludwig Wittgenstein

[sjstone-author]

(via The 3 Writing Exercises That Instantly Level Up My Writing - YouTube)

You don’t need a muse—you need a workout. Writing isn’t magic, it’s muscle. In this video, Carson Long shares 3 high-impact writing exercises that will help you build your skills in: ✨ Generating vivid detail ✨ Mastering prose through sensory writing ✨ Writing unique, character-driven dialogue Each exercise includes an easy mode and a hard mode, making them perfect for beginners and experienced writers alike. No fluff. No theory. Just real, actionable practice to level up your writing in under 30 minutes.

[mynamesnotjackbutboyamidull]

Third Times the Charm: the Anthology Series.

This week’s theme: life, time and death.

- The antithesis to life isn’t death, it’s nothing. Pure apathy is worse than any suffering you can go through, and emotion, human or not, is what makes something alive. A plant doesn’t understand love like a human, but it feels the sun on its skin, it understands that it’s good, and it feels pain when a lawnmower shreds it to pieces. You can feel everything good in life or everything bad, but you still have the luxury of feeling in the first place.

- Time is not your enemy and you need to unlearn that. You can complain that you didn’t get to experience something because of something else, but that isn’t times fault. Time simply tells us how long we have left, regardless of if it’s just a social construct, and it’s up to us to use it sparingly. Don’t waste it lamenting on what you could’ve done, and instead hope to see what you want to do. You only have so long to do it, after all.

- The thing about death is that it has two variables and two constant. On one hand, you die peacefully, and on the other, you feel every second of it. The only guarantees are that everyone eventually experiences it, and that your close ones will hurt more than you ever will. Nobody is certain where we go when we die, or if we go anywhere at all, but I hope you’ve been doing what you beleive will take you to the better place.

[brittanyearnestauthor]

Writing Tips for Beginners

Writing can feel intimidating when you're just starting out. There’s a lot to consider, but taking things step by step can make the process much smoother. This guide walks you through essential tips to help you navigate your writing journey with confidence.

1. Why Do You Want to Write?

The first step in becoming a writer is understanding your motivation. Ask yourself:

- Do you want to write entertaining stories with no deeper lessons?

- Are you passionate about highlighting important issues to educate readers?

- Do you wish to share valuable life lessons and inspire others?

- Or is it a mix of all these reasons?

Defining your “why” will shape what and how you write, giving your work purpose and direction.

2. Choosing a Writing Style

Your writing style is a key part of storytelling. Start by exploring:

- Third Person: "Jake went to school late this morning because he forgot to set his alarm clock."

- First Person: "I can't believe I forgot to set my alarm clock last night. Now, I'm late for school."

Both styles are powerful, but picking one to focus on as a beginner can help you find your groove. Mastery of both can come later.

3. Choosing a Genre

Think about what you love to read or watch—those genres can inspire your writing. Your familiarity with the genre will guide you in crafting your story, but always ensure your ideas are original. Copying someone else’s work risks losing the respect and trust of your audience.

4. Brainstorming Ideas

Brainstorming is where creativity starts. Keep a notebook or document of ideas—no matter how wild they seem. Even ideas that don’t fit one story might inspire another in the future.

5. Creating a Writing Schedule

Life can be busy, but carving out time for writing is essential. Even five minutes a day can build momentum and keep creativity flowing. Little by little, it all adds up.

6. Making a Plot Outline

Outlining your plot keeps your story organized and prevents excessive rewrites. A simple outline looks like this:

- Jane goes to the library.

- Jane grabs her favorite book.

- Jane meets the librarian.

This allows for creativity while keeping the story on track.

7. Creating Character Sheets

Characters are the heart of your story. Use character sheets to note their:

- Features

- Personality

- Behaviors

- Interests

This ensures your characters are unique and memorable, reducing confusion for readers.

8. Choosing Writing Software

Pick software that suits your needs. Options include:

- Microsoft Word: Reliable and feature-rich for writing, editing, and formatting.

- Google Docs: Free and convenient, but dependent on internet access.

- Open-Source Software: Free alternatives, though they may have limited features.

9. Writing Tools

Leverage tools like Grammarly to catch errors and refine your work. While AI tools can aid editing and polishing, remember they're there to support—not replace—your creativity. Work smarter, not harder!

10. Editing

Editing doesn’t have to be daunting. Take breaks to see your work with fresh eyes and use tools like Grammarly or text-to-speech programs to catch errors. Rewrite or cut scenes that don’t serve the story’s purpose.

11. Exploring Publishing Options

You have two main routes:

- Traditional Publishing: Requires pitching your manuscript but offers professional backing—though it can take time.

- Self-Publishing: Faster and gives you full control. Platforms like Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) offer free marketing tools like giveaways and discounts.

Research to find what fits your goals.

Conclusion

Writing takes time, patience, and a willingness to learn. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to starting and succeeding on your writing journey. Happy writing!

[nevereverthem]

Gotham fanfiction :

I'm at 9,000 words of banter and nonsense with these two motherfucking IDIOTS. 😭😭

I know that I am spamming every day.

I know that it is not much compared to the people who write hundreds of thousands of words worth of fanfictions. These people are writing literal books...

But, that's already something big for my restricted capacities.

I'm just glad to have enough imagination to have conversations happening in my brain that I then write down the best I can, hoping I didn't forget it all in that lapse of time. 😭🩷

Thank you for bearing with my daily rambling. 🫶

[authorkarajorgensen]

What I Learned from Writing TRR

Every book is a learning experience. This is something I have been trying to drill into my college students’ heads while teaching my novel writing class this semester. No two projects are the same, and every book teaches you new things. Some more than others. The Reanimator’s Remains (TRM #3) is one of those books where I felt like I stretched myself and came out the other side a better writer.…

[femmefatalevibe]

I don’t want to be a lawyer but I love debate and watching the moots mock court. Any tips on how to be transversed in communication and confident speech like lawyers when they prep? Thank you!

Thoroughly review and research

Deep dive into all of the facts and plot points/characters & timelines of your "case"/argument

Create a logical story arch based on fact, statistics, reason, and common sense with enough evidence to dispel the counterargument (the "defense")

Refine your argument to engage in compelling, convincing storytelling using words, factual-based arguments/interpretations, personal anecdotes, visuals, videos, etc.

Hope this helps xx