frost

28. I write stuff. Sometimes.

[frost-writes-stuff]

Of Love And Tears

Was it something I did,

That made you lose interest?

Or was it something I lacked?

Perhaps the fact that I wasn't pretty enough.

Or maybe it was because I was open with you,

About what I wanted.

Was it something I said,

That pushed you away?

Or was it something I never said?

Did you close your heart because you were hurt before?

Or was it because I wasn't what you were looking for?

Was it my scars that made you run away?

Or the open wounds in my soul,

Memories from a past so far.

Did you say "no" because I had lost the light in my eyes?

Perhaps you only liked souls that were alive.

I only hope it wasn't the tears I shed,

That washed your feelings away.

Had I known they could cause so much harm,

I would have made my sorrows drown.

[frost-writes-stuff]

always too much, but somehow never enough...

[frost-writes-stuff]

Of Love And Tears

Was it something I did,

That made you lose interest?

Or was it something I lacked?

Perhaps the fact that I wasn't pretty enough.

Or maybe it was because I was open with you,

About what I wanted.

Was it something I said,

That pushed you away?

Or was it something I never said?

Did you close your heart because you were hurt before?

Or was it because I wasn't what you were looking for?

Was it my scars that made you run away?

Or the open wounds in my soul,

Memories from a past so far.

Did you say "no" because I had lost the light in my eyes?

Perhaps you only liked souls that were alive.

I only hope it wasn't the tears I shed,

That washed your feelings away.

Had I known they could cause so much harm,

I would have made my sorrows drown.

[endorpial]

[block]

reblog if you need a hug

[block]

reblog if you need a hug

[northerlygale-deactivated202307]

Reblog to give the person you reblogged this from a much needed hug

[frost-writes-stuff]

Of Love And Tears

Was it something I did,

That made you lose interest?

Or was it something I lacked?

Perhaps the fact that I wasn't pretty enough.

Or maybe it was because I was open with you,

About what I wanted.

Was it something I said,

That pushed you away?

Or was it something I never said?

Did you close your heart because you were hurt before?

Or was it because I wasn't what you were looking for?

Was it my scars that made you run away?

Or the open wounds in my soul,

Memories from a past so far.

Did you say "no" because I had lost the light in my eyes?

Perhaps you only liked souls that were alive.

I only hope it wasn't the tears I shed,

That washed your feelings away.

Had I known they could cause so much harm,

I would have made my sorrows drown.

[tenderwatches]

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

[frost-writes-stuff]

[frost-writes-stuff]

Writing Excerpt

There's nothing romantic about getting soaked in heavy rain. Your hair soaked and stuck to your face, your clothes drenched, it's all cold and wet and uncomfortable... There is not a single thing romantic about it. None.

Some might say, "But what about the main guy going out in the heavy rain and chasing the girl? He's risking catching a cold. He's too lovestruck to remember to take an umbrella or wear a raincoat."

No. That is not romantic. That is pure stupidity. That stuff only happens in books and movies, it's not real life. In real life, there is no slow music as you chase after the one you love when it's pouring outside and you're getting all wet. There won't be a romantic kissing scene where all is forgiven and afterwards you live happily ever after.

He or she or they will not stick their head out the window just to hear what you have to say and get their hair all wet. They will not step out into the street, barefeet and not even wearing a raincoat let alone having an umbrella. They will not cup your cheeks and kiss you to make you stop talking, they will not say, "Just shut up. I forgive you, already. I love you," and continue to kiss you.

No, this stuff doesn't happen in real life, no matter how much you'd want to have that experience. And no, I don't like the rain. I hate thunderstorms. I hate having my clothes get wet and cold, I hate the sudden gush of wind that freezes you to your bones and makes you pray that your umbrella doesn't break. I hate the cars that drive by you with such speed that they splash you with all that dirty rain water on the road. I hate how cold and wet and gloomy it is and how lonely it makes me feel. So, no, there is nothing romantic about rain. No matter what the poems and books and movies tell you. Rain is wild, and once again, it is not romantic.

[unboundprompts]

advice for a character who grips control like a lifeline. who wants to be in charge of every little thing because whenever they're not in control of something something bad could happen. has happened. they can't let a single variable be wild or in someone else's hands

How to Write a Controlling Character

Backstory Rooted in Trauma or Guilt

This character likely has a history that has ingrained the belief that they must be in control or face devastating consequences. Perhaps they once trusted someone else with something crucial—a promise, a responsibility, or a life-altering choice—and that trust was broken in a way that had lasting repercussions. For example, maybe they lost someone because they weren’t “careful enough,” or they experienced a betrayal when they trusted another person’s plan.

They might frequently flash back to this moment, possibly catching themselves thinking, If only I’d been the one in control, this wouldn’t have happened. This memory fuels their need to keep a tight grip on everything, especially if they’re in high-stakes situations.

Rigid Daily Routines and Habits

This character’s day is probably packed with small rituals and routines that give them a sense of security. From double-checking door locks to setting multiple alarms, they rely on routines to give themselves a sense of order. In fact, they might be nearly ritualistic about small actions—checking emails three times before sending, never leaving a task halfway finished, or meticulously arranging their workspace.

Even something as simple as making coffee can become a precise process. If someone moves one of their tools or a file from their desk, they may feel a spike of frustration or even anxiety, seeing it as a disruption to their personal “system.” They could feel that control in their daily life is the only thing keeping chaos at bay.

Intensely Observant of Details and Mistakes

They are hyperaware of mistakes or inefficiencies in others, mentally cataloging things like a coworker’s slight lateness or a friend’s disorganization. They may feel a sense of superiority (or frustration) over people who don’t “have it together” and take it upon themselves to organize or “fix” things for others.

In conversation, they might cut people off or “correct” them even over small points, often justifying this to themselves as necessary. For instance, if someone shares a plan that seems half-formed, this character could immediately dive in, pointing out potential problems or filling in details.

Controlling Relationships and Social Situations

This character struggles in relationships where they aren’t the dominant or organizing force. They might instinctively take over when making plans with friends, micromanaging even casual hangouts to make sure everything goes “right.” For example, they might pick the restaurant, plan the travel route, and check weather forecasts—assuming that if they don’t, no one else will think of these things.

When someone resists their attempts at control, they can respond defensively, often turning cold or resentful, unable to understand why anyone wouldn’t want them to manage the situation. Statements like, “Fine, but don’t blame me if this doesn’t go well,” are frequent in their interactions.

Extreme Anxiety or Panic When Control Is Taken Away

When things go beyond their reach, this character might experience panic, as if they’re suddenly powerless. For instance, if an unexpected roadblock prevents them from handling a task (like a canceled flight they needed to board, or a plan that falls apart), they might spend hours trying to regain control, calling every contact or frantically exploring alternatives.

Their reaction may feel extreme to others. Even minor setbacks—such as a colleague taking initiative on a project or a friend planning something without consulting them—can trigger a disproportionate response, like clenching their fists, pacing, or silently stewing as they feel the situation “slipping.”

Inability to Accept Help or Collaboration

Their controlling nature makes it hard for them to collaborate, as they believe their methods are the only ones that work. For them, accepting help feels like an admission of weakness or failure, so they rarely delegate or ask for assistance. If they do reluctantly accept help, they are constantly supervising or “suggesting” things, making it feel more like they’re still in charge.

In a team setting, they might take on all the major tasks, either out of distrust in others’ abilities or a feeling that no one will match their standards. Their motto could be something like, “If you want something done right, do it yourself,” even if that means working late or burning out.

Reluctance to Show Vulnerability or Need

Since vulnerability and control rarely coexist for them, they avoid showing weakness at all costs, preferring to mask stress or struggles as “just part of the job.” If they do become overwhelmed, they’re more likely to shut people out, saying, “I’ve got it handled,” even if it’s far from true.

When people push them to let go or share the load, they might lash out, accusing others of “just not understanding.” They often see their intense responsibility as a form of sacrifice, justifying their behavior with, “If I don’t handle this, who will?”

[promptsforthestrugglingauthor]

Writing Prompt #2916

"I'm not lovable. Not in the long term. I know that."

"What?"

"I'm fun for a little bit, but there's too much when you dig down. It's more than anyone else should have to handle. I'm like trash TV—you put it on for a little bit and it makes you feel better about how normal you seem but grating if it's all you watch."

[frost-writes-stuff]

That hit a little too close to home...

[creativepromptsforwriting]

Sorry to break it to you, but it's not going to write itself. So you might as well get to work.

[frost-writes-stuff]

No. I will wait until it gains a consciousness of its own so, it can write itself. I will not bow to it.

[hayatheauthor]

100 Dialogue Tags You Can Use Instead of “Said”

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

1. Neutral Tags 

Straightforward and unobtrusive dialogue tags: 

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

2. Questioning Tags 

Curious, interrogative dialogue tags:

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

3. Emotive Tags 

Emotional dialogue tags:

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

4. Descriptive Tags 

Insightful, tonal dialogue tags: 

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

5. Action-Oriented Tags 

Movement-based dialogue tags: 

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

6. Conflict Tags 

Argumentative, defiant dialogue tags:

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

7. Agreement Tags 

Understanding, compliant dialogue tags: 

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

8. Disagreement Tags 

Resistant, defiant dialogue tags: 

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

9. Confused Tags 

Hesitant, uncertain dialogue tags:

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

10. Surprise Tags

Shock-inducing dialogue tags:

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

Looking For More Writing Tips And Tricks? 

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

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[frost-writes-stuff]

Yes. We all need this.

[creativepromptsforwriting]

Shout-out to multilingual writers who are writing in their second (or third and so on) language.

The frustration of speaking it fluently, but still having to google basic words when you're writing.

The absolute joy of finding a word that sounds just perfect and conveys exactly what you mean.

Doubting all your grammar and being afraid to post it or even send it to a beta reader.

The euphoria of someone calling your use of this language, that is not your mother tongue, beautiful.

[frost-writes-stuff]

That euphoria, that pure bliss of someone native calling your use of this language beautiful...

Nothing beats that feeling.

[creativepromptsforwriting]

heartbreaking.

"It wasn't meant to be."

"Did you even love me?"

"I begged you to stay."

"Was any of it ever real?"

"If only we had more time."

"You have given up."

"I will never forget you."

"We made so many plans together."

"You promised me you'd come back."

"I have always loved you."

"You can't hurt me anymore."

"Dreams are all we have now."

"I wish I could stay forever."

"You broke me."

"Everywhere I go, I see you."

"It hurt too much to say it out loud."

"Maybe in a another life."

[frost-writes-stuff]

Writing Excerpt

I had a dream last night. You said to me, "Fuck it, let's just give this thing a chance." You'd changed your mind. You wanted to give it a go. You wanted to give us a chance, to change our friendship into a relationship.

I am dying to tell you all about it. But I know that if I tell you about this and how it made me the happiest person alive, it will push you away. I know that I might lose you. And I don't want to lose you. I don't want to lose your friendship.

I am still under the influence of the dream. Thinking of it, remembering it, playing it in my head... It puts a bittersweet smile on my face. For I know it won't come true. Probably... Still, it was a sweet feeling while it lasted, even though I was asleep.

I wish I could tell you all about it, to your face. I wish you would say those words and pull me in, embrace me in your arms and kiss my lips as if you were dying of thirst and my lips were the only source of water that could quench your thirst. I wish... But I know that there is no genie in the lamp to grant my wish.

Anyways. It has been a long time since I last saw you. Years, perhaps... I know you must have changed. Maybe you even found someone and you are living my dream with that person. I changed too. I got a cat. Yeah, I know, I hated cats. Weird, huh? Now I love cats, not because you loved them, no. I love cats because I was chosen by one a few months ago. A silly black kitten, screaming at me, running behind me before climbing up my jeans and nestling it's head to my neck. She taught me that I wasn't unlovable, that I just chased the wrong time. Yeah, I have a cat now...

How are you doing?