I needed a blog where I can put the random prompts and ideas that pop in head so here we are. Main is @godlesslostsoul.
Types of Prompts with links (to be updated)
Long Writing Prompts: plot heavy
Dialogue Prompts: self-explanatory
Character Prompts: ideas for characters
Trope Prompts: prompts surrounding popular book tropes
Word Prompts: single words with story examples
Relationship Prompts: prompts surrounding both platonic and romantic relationships between characters
Scene Prompts: mostly short and to the point ideas
Plot Point Prompts: plot twists or specific plot ideas
Prompts Based on Music: like most authors I’ve made up scenes in my head when listening to music but they don’t always fit what I’m writing so I share
Writing Help & Research with links (also to be updated)
I forgot I had tumblr for three months and came back to many notifications most of them from here so I'll continue making little posts as time goes on (I'll probably disappear again lol)
Me writing pitch for story in my screenwriting class but my brain has ceased to function due to lack of sleep and caffeine:
Beginning in a seemingly normal world, one that reflects our own. Then someone fucked around and found out now there’s magic and monsters and it’s pretty much a fantastical apocalypse.
(how do I professionally someone fucked around and found out like what)
When writing about anything you are not personally familiar with, research is your best friend. Don't use this post as a catch all and think it's all you need to write characters with ADHD. This is far from all the information about it, but it's a starting point.
Here's some basic information that I have found and I've also included some of my own experience since I have ADHD, which is at the bottom of this post. (Just as a note I won't always do things I have personal experience with. These are just the ones I feel comfortable sharing first.)
Information regarding ADHD
As most people know, ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. It's a neurological disorder that impacts many various things but mainly an individual's focus (both ability and where that focus is). Many people with ADHD usually are focused on something but they don't have control of where that focus is. The biggest example of this is in school settings (which often leads kids to be diagnosed) where they're in the classroom and even though they hear the teacher giving instructions they can't help but focus on what's happening outside or the posters on the wall, etc.
There are various types of ADHD and they have been updated by the DSM. It was once separated as ADHD and ADD, which pretty much meant you had A or B, which doesn't really work neurodivergence because every brain works differently and everyone has their own experience (it's a spectrum). There are now three types and they luckily aren't as cut and dry: Predominantly Inattentive, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive, and Combined Presentation. It's also important to note that presentations can change over time but it's always just ADHD. Source: CDC
Some more in-depth information:
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder | NIMH
Living with ADHD | Coping Strategies | ADDitude
Data and Statistics About ADHD | CDC
Things to Consider about the character you're writing:
When was your character diagnosed? Also, how did they go about this diagnosis process? While this may seem like some simple questions, the answer does contribute to your character's story and identity. Was it part of their K-12 years? If so, what part? Was it when they got to college? Were they never diagnosed until a friend/family member pointed it out to them? Are they still undiagnosed? You should look into the experiences people have shared online about their diagnosis because it may be helpful for creating your character.
Do they have other forms of neurodivergence? Many neurodivergent people have more than one diagnosis in neurodivergence. For example, there's a lot of overlap with ADHD and Autism. So much so, that there's a unofficial term for it: AuDHD. This term is unofficial in the sense that it was developed by the community for the community rather than medical professionals. If your character has multiple diagnoses, how do those diagnoses interact with each other?
*Also, be aware of statistics. It's been proven over and over again that women or AFAB people are less likely to receive a diagnosis for ADHD (they're more likely to be diagnosis with anxiety, depression or OCD; all of which can be contributed to ADHD)
My Experience with ADHD
I decided to create a section to share my experience just because of how much it's apart of my daily life. I've obviously had ADHD all my life but I wasn't diagnosed until my first/second year of high school. The reason for this is because I was "good in school" and wasn't "jumping off the walls". I was good in school because I was hyperfixated on academics and academia. I wasn't jumping off the walls with energy because I was constantly masking, because now as I have gotten older and more comfortable, those high energy symptoms are more apparent.
I didn't take ADHD medication for a very long time because I thought I was managing just fine. I actually requested medication a few months back (before my third year of university). Turns out I was not managing just fine. I was constantly procrastinating and leaving things to the last minute. I was relying on the pressure of a looming deadline. I was also in a constant state of executive dysfunction when that deadline wasn't there (like with household chores). Imagine my surprise when I'm suddenly able to work on tasks without pressure of a deadline or pressure of failure.
As a funny little note, whenever I spoke to healthcare professionals and I told them I had ADHD or they saw it in my chart, they would be shocked/surprised by the fact I was unmedicated. Another funny note, when I spoke with my psychiatrist about being put on an ADHD medication, he was like "I was wondering when this would happen" like sir??? lmao
**Once again, always do more research. Do not use this post as all you need. Anytime you write something or create a character that has something you aren't familiar with, you need to take the time to learn about it. Research Research Research!
“If it came down to it, I would be one that gets left behind.”
“We wouldn’t do that to you.”
“Don’t make me laugh. Deep down you know it. Because when it comes down to it, in the moment, I am the last person anyone thinks of let alone worries about! So, yeah, I’d be the one that gets left behind. That’s not what hurts though… what hurts is the fact I’d be okay to make that sacrifice- if that means you guys would be okay.”
A character whose love language is food. They love cooking and baking for their loved ones. They'll also share recipes or have their loved ones cook with them. They are the dad friend. They have a lot of good advice even when you don't ask for it. They also make those cheesy dad jokes. You're having car issues or need to renovate your house? They know the ins and outs.
A character whose love language is food. They love cooking and baking for their loved ones. They'll also share recipes or have their loved ones cook with them. They are the dad friend. They have a lot of good advice even when you don't ask for it. They also make those cheesy dad jokes. You're having car issues or need to renovate your house? They know the ins and outs.
When writing about anything you are not personally familiar with, research is your best friend. Don't use this post as a catch all and think it's all you need to write characters with chronic pain. This is far from all the information about it, but it's a starting point.
Here's some basic information that I have found and I've also included some of my own experience since I have chronic pain.
Information regarding Chronic Pain
First thing's first, what is chronic pain? According to John Hopkins Medicine, the difference between chronic pain and regular pain is that chronic pain is long-lasting (anywhere from months to years). Chronic pain doesn't stay the same level (0-10) for everyone; also, majority of people with chronic pain don't realize that the normal amount of pain is 0. It can be continuous or it could switch from 0 to 10 to 6 to 3 to 9 to 7 and so on so forth...
There are various types of pain as well: muscle, joint, headaches/migraines, and nerve. You can have one or you can have all of them. Personally, I have all four. The first three for me are chronic and the nerve pain is from a recent surgery. They all have different causes and I know some of them. For example, my migraines are genetic and very common in my family. The joint and muscle pain probably caused multiple things but I know for sure it's caused by the scoliosis I've had for over a decade. My entire body was developing unevenly. So my joints are weakened and different muscle groups developed unevenly (especially my back and core).
Here's some clinical resources for the different kinds of pain that just cover the basics:
Joint related: Arthralgia | John Hopkins, Joint Pain | Mayo Clinic, Joint Pain | Cleveland Clinic
Migraine related: Migraines | Mayo Clinic, Migraines | NIH.gov
Nerve related: Neuralgia | Health Direct
Something worth doing in your research is to find blogs, vlogs, or influencers that have personal experience with chronic pain. Don't overstep and reach out to them about research for the character you're writing. If they are open to questions, feel free to just remember to be respectful. Otherwise, read or listen to their experiences and research more until you think you have a grasp of it. If you are unsure of something, you have a search engine at your finger times, use it! Remember to cross analyze information though because just because it says it one place online doesn't mean it's true in all cases.
Things to Consider about the character you're writing:
How long have they had chronic pain? Just because it's chronic, doesn't mean they've had it all their life. If they've had it for a while, they might be good at hiding their pain or masking. They also may be more aware of their body and their limits (ex. they know they can't walk more than x miles before being in pain). They probably have already figured out some treatments that help them manage the pain like pain killers or hot/cold therapy.
If they only recently developed it, they're pain may be more visible (ex. they can't sit still because of pin and needles). They'll probably more vocal in their complaints of it as well.
What is causing their pain? Don't give your chronic pain just to give them something. Do they have an autoimmune illness or some form of invisible illness? Do they have something kidney stones? Do they have an illness that has flare-ups? If you're writing fantasy, did someone curse them with never ending pain? You don't have to flat out state it to the reader if you don't want to. You're allowed to make it unknown but as the author, make sure there is a reason you are writing a character like this. Make sure it has a role in the story you're telling.
If you are writing chronic pain that's connected to a specific illness, remember to also research that illness. Chronic pain is usually a symptom not a diagnosis. If you look my own medical chart, it says I have a history of chronic pain and it's lists the kinds of pain. The only thing that is a diagnosis of pain is migraines (but those can also be a symptom it depends on the person).
**Once again, always do more research. Do not use this post as all you need. Anytime you write something or create a character that has something you aren't familiar with, you need to take the time to learn about it. Research Research Research!
The hero… it wasn't that long ago that they wanted to send them to the afterlife. Now, they would burn the entire world down for them. Hell, it wasn't even just that. They would be willing to settle down for them. Buy a little house, adopt a few pets, and work one of those minimum wage jobs. They would give up everything, if that's what the hero wanted.
Just a few random things to keep in mind when writing enemies-to-lovers:
Enemies to Friends to Lovers is important because if you can't see them as friends is really a good romantic relationship? You don't gotta write slow burn, but please show some of the platonic love as it turns to romantic.
With all relationships, remember communication please. A lot of us don't like the miscommunication trope and to add it to enemies-to-lovers is meh. It can be annoying and it seems counter productive with this trope. These are two characters that were once on opposite sides and wouldn't trust each other with a ten foot pole. You're telling me they're lovers now with miscommunication? Not that likely.
Keep the banter. Did they pick on or taunt each other? Transfer that to their new dynamic. Show how it plans off one another.
Unless it's something you're trying to write, like in dark romance, steer away from the toxicity, crossing boundaries, or non-consensual acts.
Show how the relationship has changed. Don't just tell. How do they act around each other then vs now? How do they speak about the other?
Either the character faked their death or came back from the dead and instead of going back home and potentially risk the lives of their friends/family/lovers. They stay close to keep them safe, and they aren't one to hide in the shadows. They make it obvious (ex. they're the guitarist playing in the club their friends frequents) and are literally hiding in plain sight. Maybe they aren't recognized because of magic or maybe they're just really good with disguises or SFX make-up.
Bonus: if the antagonist who killed them or is after their loved ones is very aware of the character and what they are doing
A character introduced during their childhood and is presented as the typical sunshine character. They bring light into every room they're in. Their family is supporting and loving. The scene shows as much but as that scene comes to a close, it's revealed to be a flashback. The character doesn't look much older than in that scene but there's obvious changes. Scars both visible and not. Their eyes seem darker and they continuously look uninterested, even when angered. When a stranger looked at them, especially when they were around their new group of allies, they appeared to be soldier-like. Constantly on edge, always aware of their surroundings, posture always correct, and never without a weapon.
Write more characters with physical disabilities. Write more characters with mental disabilities. Write characters with neurodivergence (more than one specific type too). Write characters with mobility aids. Write characters who have good and bad health days. Write characters who are chronically in pain, but don't express it every second. Write characters who were born with a disability. Write characters who developed one. Write characters who have adapted to the world around them because the world won't adapt for them. Write about their strengths and weaknesses due to their disability. Write about accessibility. Write about inaccessibility. Make it realistic.
Don't make the disability magically disappear or be cured (or at least be mindful of how you write that). Don't make it their entire personality but also don't skip over it. Don't use stereotypes (and that's not just with disabilities). Don't make the character actively hate their disability; they're allowed to be upset but most people with disabilities have learned to accept it as part of their life and accept it as part of their identity.
The group of friends had been traveling together for some time, and upon finding shelter, they meet the protagonist’s old mentor who decides to tell the group a story:
The story of two powerfully beings who did not known their strength. They fought on opposite sides and seemed destined to fight each other forever. The hero and the villain… they had given each other many scars. They bickered and they fought. They seemed evenly matched.
That is until the hero witnessed the villain being punished for not taking the hero down. The villain’s own mentor, the villain’s parent, struck them because they could not defeat a singular being. After the punishment, the hero showed up at the villain’s doorstep. No weapons. No fight. Just a medkit clutched to their chest. The hero tended to the villain’s wounds. That sat in a surprisingly comfortable silence. The villain didn’t ask what the hero knew and the hero didn’t ask how long it had been happening.
The next few times they fought. It seemed like nothing had changed. They were still evenly matched. Until the villain was able to land a blow. The hero was down. The villain’s mentor stepped forward, prepared to finally end the hero who had been in their way for oh so long. As they prepared that final blow, the hero bowed their head prepared for this fate… but the attack never came. Upon looking up, the villain was shielding the hero with their mentor knocked back on the ground.
So began the unlikely team, the hero and the villain turn anti-hero. For years, their friendship grew. They protected people. They stopped the bad guys (one way or another). Then friendship became something more.
Character C: I knew it! I knew it! They were in love!
Mentor: yes they were but it took some time for them both to see it or admit it to each other
Character D: *tsk* why?
Mentor: because they were each other’s first friends in many, many years. It took many years of friendship for them to feel safe enough to share a secret. A secret that always left them with heartache.
Character C: well? What was it?!
Mentor: the hero was immortal, destined to protect. They had lived through many lives and had watched main people die, and the hardest was watching them die from old age when they themselves would never meet such a fate… what the hero didn’t know though was the anti-hero was also immortal and had also lived countless lives.
Character C: aww they were meant for each other.
Mentor: if only that were true-
Character D: what? What do you mean?
Mentor: as I said before, the hero was destined to protect. It’s written into their story into their fate. The anti-hero was destined to conquer and destroy, as was their parent, the true villain. Despite their love, they could never truly escape destiny. The time would come… they’d face each other once more and it would not be as lovers.
Character C: but- but that’s not fair!
Mentor: life rarely is. After all, when has it ever been true for immortality to be a gift and not a curse?
They sat together in silence. Little did Character C and D know was their companions, Character A and B, were the ones in the story. Mentor was mentally preparing them for what was to come.
They would have to help A fight the villain, yes, but they’d also have to help in defeat B. This is where their journey was leading them. A and B knew this. While Mentor began to talk about old tales, B held A’s hand a little tighter while A leaned their head onto their lover’s shoulder.
