C. R. Loner

C. R. Loner | Writer | Leo ♌️ Just book reviews, writing updates, and talks around different tropes @carmen_the_loner on TikTok and Insta

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Worldbuilding Tip: How Landscape affects Culture

Culture is actually tied very closely to the landscape which can bring about different challenges for different people. Thinking about how the place the people tend to live in can help add more details to your worldbuilding. It’s helped me with my own.

Tips:

1. Geography

Depending on where they are placed on the map can determine plenty things about the culture of a group. For example in my own story, a group of people live in high mountains where it can get cold quickly and they are dangerous. This in turn makes them need to trust each other more and makes them value resourcefulness and loyalty. For a real life example, ancient Egyptians lived near the Nile which frequently flooded but made land fertile in return so they began to see life in a way where it gave and took. Depending on what geographical features are around alters what they need to do to survive and in turn what they need of each other.

2. Resources

What resources are available to this group of people? Food, textiles, and etc. how do they use these resources to make life easier. This will affect their agriculture, infrastructure, fashion, and their cuisine.

3. Climate

Climate will determine not only the phenotype of the people but also the culture. Intense climates will determine whether they need to stay warm or cool. If they live in a rainforest climate what do they do to keep themselves dry? Do they see multiple seasons or just a rainy or dry season? Think about how the climate would force people to adapt in different ways?

4. Flora and Fauna

What plants and animals do they see often in their landscape. Visually this can add to the culture because what animals are important to them? What animals do they see daily? What are rare plants in their area? What animals would they never see and would be exotic to them?

These are just things I think about as I’m writing. So I wanted to share

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Worldbuilding Cultures: Holidays

I think holidays are often underutilized in writing. I especially think that holidays can brighten the world. Here are some types I've thought of.

Different Ideas for Holidays

Region Specific Holidays

They only happen in a certain region and are tied to the region of that place. Perhaps a supernatural event only happens in this region that happens once a year. Hence the holiday celebrating it. This can be a traditional contest that happens or fair that happens in the area. It is just determined on the region that a person is in.

2. Group Specific Holidays

A cultural holiday that is only celebrated by a certain group of people. Perhaps it is tied to their religion, their history, or their cultural traditions. This can be as broad as a whole country, to a small community of people, or a diasporic group.

3. Remembrance Days

Holidays that simply focus on the memory of something. A war's end, a historical figure, a natural disaster, or an anniversary of something poignant that happened. They just focus on the memory of something or someone. How the people celebrate it is determined on whether it is celebratory, honoring, or mourning.

4. Religious Holidays

They have a religious meaning behind them and are meant to focus on the worship of whatever being it is. It can be a god that is no longer worshipped and is long forgotten, or the dominant deity of the culture. How the religion is celebrated can be determined by the deity and what its nature is.

5. Natural Events

Natural events whether they are supernaturally occurring or not. This can be a meteor shower, eclipses, or seasons changing. Perhaps when spring comes people celebrate the first blooms.

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Character Introduction

Character Introductions can be hard, but some methods that I like and that I try to use come from how I've seen other writers and shows do it.

Introduction Tips

Alternate Perspectives

Using a different character to introduce the character and gives their personality (especially if it is a multiple POV story) more chance to be fleshed out prior to their chapter or scene. Sometimes the character doesn't even need to be seen to be introduced. If they are well known what rumors surround them? If there a hero, how are they remembered and revered? Other people's perceptions can skew what the main character thinks so when they meet them you can vary it.

2. Character Defining Actions

Put them into a scene that makes their actions memorable and well defining to the story. If it is an authority figure, maybe they settle a dispute with no question. Craft the scene to show their personality in the best way possible to the story and their perceived role.

3. Memorable Appearance

Make their appearance unique in the way that it defines who they are as well. Have their clothes tell a story alongside with the character. This goes for their physical appearance as well. Go for the defining features, the striking ones that tell you more about what the character might be like. I always have fun doing the opposite as well. For example, I have a character that is handsome, soft featured, and beautiful when in reality, he's cruel and evil. Using appearance to set up a false perception can help craft the character into a memorable one later on.

4. Dialogue

Depending on how they were raised, people will speak differently so it will say something about them as well. It will show the reader subtly their education level, their class, their origin, and some of their quirks.

5. Character's Intention

Think of the purpose of the character. Are they are supporting character, a villain, love interest, or something else? Think of the intention of the character and what they want from their perspective if they are an important character. This will help the introduction feel purposeful, maybe even inevitable.

There are probably more and if you have helpful tips, don't be shy and share!

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Religion in Fantasy Worlds

I always find that religions in Fantasy worlds always feel extremely fake. I've been struggling with writing them myself. I think what helps is to observe how people in real life practice religion.

Tips:

Vary the Piety

Not Everyone is going to believe the same. Some are going to attend temple, church, or whatever you call it more than others. Some will stay at home. Some won't at all. Some will be so tied to the religion they are clergy members of it. Think about how the religion would show up in small ways too. Do some people wear tokens or symbols to feel closer to their religion. What sayings do they have? How strongly does your character associate themselves with the religion and how strongly does it shape their world view.

2. Scriptures and Teachings

What is taught in the religion. How are people taught to live. Religion is sort of a connection of what philosophy and science can't quite answer. Think about how that religion teaches people how to live, what things are unknown and the religion answers in that world. This also means that people will have different interpretations and will have different understandings. This can help characterize the cast too.

3. Aesthetic

This one is more fun, but I think visually thinking about what the common aesthetic of the religion is makes it feel more lived in. What symbols and what imagery is evoked by the religion. What rituals are practiced.

4. Holidays

Come up with holidays that people have within the religion. There are probably special days and holidays associated with the religion. Vary it by region too if you have multiple countries. They'll have different traditions.

5. Taboos

Taboos are often associated with religion. Think of what would be considered a sin in that religion (I was raised Christian). Why would it be considered that. Think not just because of what religious reason that would be, but what the societally logical reason behind it would be.

This was just some random thoughts that I had. Hope this helps as much as it helped me think through my own worldbuilding!

[elder-devenia]

Character Introduction: Lorraine Chatelaine

The Sorceress (20 yrs - Orlognian - Conjurer/Healer)

Lorraine's Aesthetic and visuals

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Check out my WIP. I know I haven't been on Tumblr for a while, but I've been writing a lot! Working on a draft of a novel. Here's the main character for anyone interested!

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Plotting Tip: Fights in Stories

Been reading a lot of manga lately. Finished a couple and I began noticing this issue writing wise. So here’s some tips.

Six tips for Plotting Fights

1. Build Anticipation

A good way to build anticipation is by introducing the opponent either through talk or simply having them talk prior to fighting. This doesn’t have to be them directly talking and character A saying: “let’s fight.” Give the opponent a proper introduction or at least some sort of entrance into the story. Think about what the stakes of this fight are? What is the point of it to? The fight won’t be memorable if there is no stakes or a point to it. Think about what could be preventing them from fighting or what is going to allow them to start fighting.

2. Challenge Your Protagonist

Actually challenge your protagonist. I personally find it very irritating to have a protagonist that I never worry about or there are zero stakes to it. Maybe character a is fighting in character b’s stead and if they lose character b will lose something important. Make the challenges be terrain, their own morals, injuries, or weather.

3. Create Limitations

Creating restrictions and limitations to what the characters can do can be very interesting. Think of what landscape they are fighting in. If it’s a city, think of what limitations that would have. What physical limitations does the character have? If they’re a long range fighter are they disadvantaged up close. Handicapping your protagonist will make them have to think far more strategically than others. Through that

4. Not Everyone Can be the Strongest

I’m a person who enjoys a very powerful villain, but I read a lot of stories where everyone seemed to be the most powerful awesome person. Don’t be afraid to make your hero lose. They need to lose to make the battle where they win mean more to the reader. Even if they do win a fight, make it a struggle and also think about why they need to win. If they always win it can get boring.

5. Space Fights Out

For the love of god, I read too many mangas and books where it felt like it was fight right after fight right after another fight. It just became too much. Fights need to be spaced out not only for narrative reasons but spacing out fights can make you think about which ones are really important. It can help make them more poignant. Also will make the fights more memorable.

6. What is the point?

Think about what the point of the fight is in the story. Is it to establish the villain? Is it to show how much the hero has grown. Think about the Why for the fight both plot wise but also narratively? Each scene functions to tell your story, but it should serve a purpose.

Sorry for not posting in a while. I was glued into reading and that is a good way to get better at writing.

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Worldbuilding: Naming Conventions

*My Opinion*

I feel like I’m going insane but Booktok has pushed me. I’m so sick of some of the names characters are given.

Please I beg authors to research cultures and to at least world-build extensively to make the names make sense. I’m always thrown off when I’m reading a story where it has Celtic vibes and then their are so many random Greek names in the story.

Or the name will be entirely made up. This again is just my opinion but I prefer when the names are similar in style because my immersion isn’t broken then.

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Trope Discussion: Only One Bed

I genuinely love this trope only because I do like romance and I feel like it does create some kind of tension, but sometimes I think it should have some variation.

Ways to Vary this Trope:

1. Too Many People for One Bed

The number of characters deeply outweighs the size of the bed. Not only do I find this funny but it makes me think of what characters would sleep on the floor or what characters would end up kicking other people onto the floor.

2. The couple and the third wheel

It sounds exactly as it is. The couple has a third wheel whom they share the bed with. It’s awkward and the third person won’t go to another room because there is no other room.

3. The bed sucks

The bed just sucks. It’s uncomfortable for a number of reasons and the people who have to share the room would rather sleep on the floor.

Understanding the Trope

Now with this trope I think in dissecting it, we can see that authors use this trope as a way to force characters who have something unspoken between their relationship to somewhat address it. It’s also used to help characterize them individually. Who takes the floor? If there is a couch who takes that? Do they both take the bed? What do the characters do in this situation? I think additionally it shows how the characters treat each other in a microcosm. It gives the reader more to ship with or it gives them comedic relief.

(I might do more trope discussions because while I think understanding tropes is important to the writing process in general as they’re things that can naturally occur in writing. I think understanding conventions is important to being a good writer)

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Writing/Character Tip: Character Voices (Dialogue)

I fear when sometimes I write or I’m reading. Everyone can sound the same. I tend to get stressed over this so here are some tips that helped me. I’m focusing on the dialogue itself, so I also attached some articles that include more than what I mention below.

Dialogue Tips

1. Remember their personality 🎭

Are they straightforward when they speak or very nonchalant, aloof, flirty. The way they speak should be determined by their personality.

2. Subtext is part of the key 🧊

Subtext is just the iceberg underneath the water. What is just peeking out when they speak? What are they trying to say? In turn how do they go about sharing their thoughts. Do they lay it all out or are they very restrained?

3. Concise 🤐

Knowing when to shut up or stop writing is important. Generally people say conciseness is key. How your being concise is what I say is more important. Every piece of dialogue should drive the conversation forward and show something new to the reader. You can have a lot of dialogue but it better be relevant.

4. Goal 🥅

What is the goal of the conversation. Think of the dialogue as moving towards a peak. Lay out the bottom and then mountaineer towards your goal. What do they want to get out of the conversation or what is the story trying to express? If character A is trying to break up with character B. Then depending on their personality think about how they would break up with B.

5. Power Dynamics 💥

Think of the conversation as a car driving. Who is driving? Who are the passengers? And who is the backseat driver? In layman’s terms, who is driving the conversation and who’s going along for the ride. Who’s starting it and who’s ending it. Also think about how the characters personality’s adapt in power dynamics. The way someone talks to their boss will be different to how they talk to their friend or mother.

6. Don’t be too realistic 🥱

If we wrote down every conversation we’ve had then the books written would be far too long. Dialogue is only really entertaining when we’re intrigued. If it was every bit of small talk it would be too much.

Dialogue Resources:

These go way further into detail than me so I encourage people to read them.

19 Ways to Write Better Dialogue — Well-Storied.

For years, I struggled deeply with the dialogue in my stories. I didn’t have a natural knack for writing conversations that felt real and tr

How to Turn Good Dialogue into Great Dialogue

Master the art of writing compelling dialogue in fiction. Learn techniques to turn good dialogue into great dialogue.

How To Write More Compelling Dialogue in Fiction

Dialogue can make or break the feeling of authenticity in a story. Here, author Matthew Farrell shares how to write more compelling dialogue

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Writing Resources List

I use my blog to share writing resources that I’ve collected over the years. I’ve recently gotten some new followers, so I thought I would make a list of many of these resources for easy reference.  

(However, this is not a complete list of all the resources I’ve posted. For more writing resources, feel free to check out my blog.)

Encouragement for Writers

Writer’s Block & Procrastination

Writing Your Story’s Plot

How to Write a Scene

Choosing a Setting for Your Story

Character Arc & Character Development

Character Traits

How to Write Heroes & Villains

Elemental Magic & Superpowers

Writing Magic Systems

Fantasy Writing & World-Building

Writing Fight Scenes

Swords and Bows

Writing Mermaids

Writing Relationships & Romance

Romance & Relationship Prompts

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I’m a writer, poet, and editor. I share writing resources that I’ve collected over the years and found helpful for my own writing. If you like my blog, follow me for more resources! ♡

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Literally I hate that I want to share my writing but it also makes me so nervous. Because what do you mean it’s going to be read over, picked apart, and possibly hated when I love it so much 😭. That’s my baby🤱

[crloner]

Character Tips: Villains

I think Villains can be as crazy as they want but people usually don’t write them well. Often times I have to ignore how palpably terrible the villain is written to continue reading. Especially when the villain is meant to be a pure evil villain.

I find that authors believe that making their villain do heinous acts is enough to make them scary, but they forget to make them interesting. Iconic villains are remembered because they are interesting not because of what great horror they caused. So here’s tips from someone who writes and reads on how to make villains interesting and memorable.

Tips

1. What are they not willing to do? Why?

I find it infinitely more interesting when a villain has something their not willing to do or lose. It can be something as basic as love. For example: Homelander from the Boys. He’s not willing to lose his public image and how he looks so he has to stifle himself in order to maintain his image. Homelander is definitely evil but this makes him more interesting. It makes him move through the story in a different way that is more entertaining than it would be if he didn’t care about what people thought about him. So when thinking about your own villain think about what she/he might not do to get to their goals. Why that is?

2. How do they treat people they see as important or even more important?

Think about how your villain interacts with other characters. In my own work, I have a villain who while views humans as lesser than him amongst his own race their is a hierarchy which even he falls into. He resents this so he often hates people associated his own standing that he finds underserving but is overly kind to those he views as worthy of being above him. If their are multiple villains in your story and they know each other how do they interact with each other.

3. They’re human too (Unless they’re a monster than ignore this… but don’t)

What I mean by this is that they have to have a personality to some extent. Whether it be made of more negative traits than positive is entirely up to you. But they have to have some personality. I find a villain more interesting when they feel like they have a distinct personality to them. For example: Azula from Avatar: the Last Airbender. The character has a distinct personality, she’s cunning, a perfectionist, and arrogant. It’s perfectly explainable too. She was a raised in an imperialistic and fascist society within a family that was also abusive and favored cruelty over compassion. Her personality and how it interacts with the other characters is intriguing because of how their personalities clash. I think writers need to understand that they don’t need to make them have a good qualities. It’s okay to write a character that is intrinsically bad. Just makes sure it’s developed.

4. Do they have their own arc?

What I like is when a villain has their own arc where they regress further or they have to adapt to get what they want. Think about it. Your hero has to adapt to the villain so the villain should do the same. Having them go through some kind of arc can be interesting to watch or read so consider if they have an arc. This goes for both human and monster villains.

5. Give them unique relationships outside the MC

I tend to like villains who have multiple relationships with different characters that vary widely. Like if they feel a sense of kinship with one character, admiration, jealousy, or even pity. Think of what your villains individual relationship with other characters might be like because chances are they’ll have varying opinions on your characters.

6. How do they perceive the world?

What is their view on the world? Are they a nihilist, an optimist, or an absurdist? Though it may not be important to the story, the author should know this part because it will partly explain their personality and their reasons for doing things.

That’s all I’m going to write mainly because I’m facing a bout of burn out 😭. If you have other villain tips please comment and share 💕

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I hate when I’m not busy and I have no thoughts in my head to write. Like what are you doing you’ve been waiting for this moment 😭

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"need some books with a fairytale like aesthetic but are also dark and misty" a song of ice and fire found crying in a corner

While yes, I like asoiaf, it’s more of a political fantasy it is focused on the conflicts between the characters and different factions. It definitely has these aesthetics but I guess I’m looking for a story that feels more like a fairytale not so much of a high political fantasy.

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Editing Tips: Crutch Words

When I’m writing, I have words that I use so much but I have to go through and remove. My own advice for this is here ⬇️

1. Recognizing them:

If you see a phrase or word you use firstly in your first draft go ahead and write them. Your goal is to finish writing your draft but after read through your work and look for where you repeat words or phrases far too closely to each other. When I can’t think of what to write to move on I use the phrase “she breathed…” or “he breathed out or in…” you get the gist. I recognized that and now I can move forward.

2. Are they necessary?

Search them up and genuinely think it they’re necessary to the paragraph or story. Each sentence and word should be telling something new. If it isn’t necessary then remove it and if it is, then think of how you can rephrase it.

3. The words: look, feel, thought, and saw

Make sure the phrase if they point to a sensory description you don’t break the immersion unless you find it necessary. See the difference here:

1. She saw birds flutter past her.

2. Birds fluttered past her.

Not only does the second sentence work better for description, it doesn’t break you out of the immersion because it’s just describing the action better. It’s not telling it’s showing. If you have crutch words like this try telling the sentence without the word involved.

4. Find a Reader

Finding someone who will be completely honest with you can be difficult but they’ll help you find what words you use too much and they’ll help you identify other problems so find someone to be your editing crutch as well.

P. S.

If anybody needs help finding one, you can message me and I’ll help. I promise I don’t bite 💕

[crloner]

Character Tips: Pre-existing Relationships

When I read, I personally favor relationships that have pre-existing history to them and background. I love the drama so here are some times on writing established relationships (platonic, enemies, rivals, and romantic):

6 Tips on Writing Pre-Existing Relationships:

1. Background

You should know how these characters met and how they interacted. Based on how they interacted and how their relationship has developed you need to know that. Not necessarily the reader but you should know as the writer.

2. Length of History

How long have they had this relationship? If the characters have known each other since they were little kids and they’re best friends, they should know a lot about each other. That could be a conflict when one of them holds a big secret. If they’ve known each other for a week, then they shouldn’t know much about each other.

3. What perceptions do they have of each other?

What do they think of the other person? We all have separate ideas of how a person acts so your character should too. Are they friends but the one feels like the other is annoying. That defines a part of the characters relationship. Show this to create more complexity in the relationship

4. Show how they act physically around each other

How do they act around each other. Is character a very unaffectionate to most but only affectionate to character b? By showing how they express themselves and if it’s any different from how they normally do you can highlight the relationship better.

5. What do they like and dislike about each other?

What things does the other person do that irritates them. What do they do that they like? Are their problems that they have on the small to more complex level? How does it make each person feel. How do their personalities clash and work with each other. What do they admire and hate about each other?

6. Think about what needs work?

Think about if you want the relationship to develop and how it develops throughout the plot. If the characters are going through a tough time or if they’ve spent time apart and are reuniting, they’re going to have different interactions. This can help drive the characters to develop different perceptions about the other character involved.

These are just some tips to help get started or to think about. These tips are also broad and for most relationships. If people want more specific types of relationships written please tell me 🙏

[elderscrollsconceptart]

Shadowmere when you eat horse meat to heal