storm

if we live fast, let us die young

[your-absent-father]

I think people misunderstand "x fell first, y fell harder " trope because it's not about like the one who fell harder loves the other person harder. It's just that the one who fell first falls in a graceful way, one step at the time, maybe gradually over a span of time. The one who fell harder smashes trough the air, there's blood everywhere, everything is fine-

[jung-koook]

taehyung came to support jungkook ♡

[novlr]

I'm writing a story with multiple POVs, how should I balance the story out so every MC gets equal time?

Writing from multiple points of view (POVs) can feel like juggling, constantly trying to keep all your characters moving, worried that if you drop the ball even once, the whole thing falls apart.

It’s natural to want to give each character their fair share of the spotlight, especially when they’re all contributing to your story’s narrative. But if you think of it like directing a play, some characters need to step forward while others support from the background. The trick isn’t necessarily in giving everyone equal time. It’s in knowing when each character needs to take centre stage.

Do all POVs need equal time?

The short answer is no.

Your POV distribution should serve your story’s needs rather than obeying a strict division of word count dedicated to each character. In a multi-POV book, all characters are important, but that doesn’t mean they need equal time dedicated to their stories. Some might naturally take the lead at different points while others provide essential support.

How to decide on POV balance

Follow the needs of your story

The best rule of thumb is to let your story’s plot and emotional arc guide your POV choices. Ask yourself these questions to help you decide how much time to give each POV:

Which character has the most at stake in a particular scene or story arc?

Whose perspective will deliver the most powerful emotional punch?

How would switching POVs affect your story’s pacing?

Would this scene be more effective from a different perspective?

Whose emotional journey is most relevant right now?

What information needs to be revealed, and who can best reveal it?

How does this POV choice serve the overall story?

Sometimes, a brief scene from a secondary character’s viewpoint can have more impact than a lengthy chapter from your protagonist. And sometimes, sticking with one character for multiple chapters rather than switching will help move the story further than constantly jumping around.

Consider what each POV adds to the narrative and whether it moves the story forward or deepens the reader’s understanding.

Signs you might need to adjust POV balance

Even with careful planning, it’s easy to lose sight of whether your POV choices are serving your story. Here are some red flags that might clue you in to whether you need to rethink your POV balance:

Readers consistently forget about certain POV characters (after your first draft, beta readers are invaluable for picking up feedback like this).

Some chapters feel like filler just to give a character page time.

Important plot points happen “off-screen” with more interesting characters.

You’re forcing scenes from a particular POV when another character’s perspective would work better.

Tips for managing multiple POVs

Structure with purpose

Consider using a primary POV character who gets slightly more page time.

Organise POV switches around major plot points or revelations.

Use chapter breaks or clear scene divisions for POV changes.

Think about POV order and how it affects tension and pacing.

Keep track

Create a POV map or outline showing when each character appears.

Track each POV character’s story arc and make sure they’re well paced and complete.

Track word count per POV if helpful, but don’t let numbers dictate your choices.

Quality over quantity

Instead of aiming for equal time, focus on:

Making each POV section meaningful.

Ensuring every perspective adds value to the story.

Using the most appropriate POV for each scene.

Maintaining story pace regardless of which character is on screen.

Common pitfalls to avoid

Forcing equal POV distribution at the expense of story pacing.

Including unnecessary scenes just to give a character air time.

Switching POVs too frequently and confusing readers.

Neglecting secondary POV characters and their story development.

Using POV switches as a shortcut for building tension.

Finding the right balance

Remember that good POV distribution doesn’t always mean equal. Your goal is to create an interesting narrative that serves your story’s needs, not to give every character equal air time. Some characters might naturally require more page time to fulfil their role in the story, while others can make a significant impact with fewer but well-crafted scenes.

Focus on making each POV section purposeful and engaging rather than achieving perfect equality. If readers are invested in your story and characters, they won’t be counting pages to check if everyone got the same amount of time.

[taekooktimeline]

January 1, 2023 -

Taekook’s New Year’s Greetings! (Tae’s usage of the 🌈 emoji🥺)

[creativepromptsforwriting]

How to create an atmosphere: Beach

Sight

rolling waves crashing on the shore

seagulls flying overhead

golden sand stretching along the coastline

seashells, driftwood, and seaweed scattered on the beach

people sunbathing, playing, or walking

dogs jumping around the water

a group of people playing volleyball or frisbee

boats on the horizon or surfers in the water

the shimmer of sunlight reflecting on the water

Hearing

the rhythmic crashing of waves

crying seagulls and other coastal birds

children laughing and playing

yelling from groups playing volleyball

the distant hum of boats or jet skis

wind rustling through palm trees or beach grass

vendors selling ice cream, yelling out to their potential customers

footsteps crunching in the sand

Touch

warm, grainy sand beneath your feet

cool ocean water lapping at your ankles

a salty breeze brushing against your skin

smooth pebbles, rough shells, or prickly bits of dried seaweed

the sun's heat on your skin

ice cream cone in hand

dampness from the sea mist or splash of waves

rough skin, dehydrated from the sea water

getting sand in places you wish it wouldn't touch

Smell

salty sea air

the scent of seaweed

the smell of sunscreen

barbecues or food stands nearby (grilled fish, fries)

a faint fishy or musty ocean smell

Taste

salt on your lips from the ocean spray

a hint of sand in all your snacks

fresh seafood from a stall or a nearby restaurant

sweetness from tropical fruit or ice cream

More: How to create an atmosphere

If you like my blog and want to support me, you can buy me a coffee or become a member! 🥰

[a-hymnforher]

Wherever you go, that's where I'll follow~

[indigofilm]

@jjkeverlast

[herbariumofletters]

The Most Common Emotion People Struggle to Show

(and How to Fix It!)

Hey there, fellow gardeners of words!

We've all been here: you want your reader to feel what your character feels, to truly step into their shoes. But sometimes, it's so easy to just tell them. "She was sad." "He was happy." These lines get the job done, but they don't exactly make our hearts ache or soar with the character, do they?

In my experience, the emotion writers struggle with the most is often sadness or grief. It's easy to say "they cried," but how do you make that crying feel unique, raw, and impactful? How do you show the depth of their sorrow without resorting to clichés?

Here's how we can cultivate deeper emotional resonance:

Tips & Examples for Showing Emotion (Especially Sadness!):

1. Body Language is Your Canvas: Our bodies react instinctively to emotion. Use these physical cues!

Instead of: "She was sad."

Show Sadness:

"Her shoulders slumped, as if gravity had suddenly doubled its pull. She traced the rim of her cold coffee cup, eyes fixed on the condensation gathering on the glass."

"He dragged his feet across the floor, each step heavy, leaving a faint scuff mark. His hands were stuffed deep in his pockets, knuckles white."

"Her breath hitched, and she bit the inside of her cheek until she tasted copper, trying to swallow the sudden lump in her throat."

2. Sensory Details: What Do They See, Hear, Smell, Taste, Touch? Emotion can heighten or distort our senses.

Instead of: "He was overwhelmed with grief."

Show Grief:

"The world around him faded into a muted hum, all colors draining to shades of grey. He could only focus on the acrid, metallic tang of tears on his tongue."

"The soft chime of the clock on the mantelpiece echoed like a gong in the sudden, crushing silence. He felt the coarse weave of the armchair dig into his palms as he gripped it tightly."

3. Internal Monologue / Thought Process (Short & Sharp): Show their mind working through the emotion, but don't over-explain.

Instead of: "She felt confused and anxious."

Show Confusion/Anxiety:

"A dozen questions fired through her brain, each one dissolving before she could grasp it. Wait, no, was it...? But then... what about...?"

"His gaze darted around the room, landing on nothing, searching for an answer that wasn't there. His chest felt tight, as if a lead weight had settled on his lungs."

4. Dialogue Tag Actions (Beyond "Said"): How they speak, or don't speak, can show everything.

Instead of: "'I don't know,' he said sadly."

Show Sadness in Dialogue:

"'I don't know,' he whispered, his voice cracking like dry leaves underfoot."

"She shook her head, unable to meet his gaze. 'I don't know.' Her voice was barely a breath."

5. Environmental Interaction / Object Use: How do they interact with their surroundings or objects when feeling this way?

Instead of: "He was frustrated."

Show Frustration:

"He shoved his chair back, the legs screeching against the floor, and began pacing, running a hand roughly through his already dishevelled hair."

"She squeezed the stress ball until her knuckles whitened, a thin, high-pitched squeak coming from the rubber. It wasn't enough."

The goal isn't just to tell your reader, "your character is sad." It's to make them feel the slump in the shoulders, the burning in the eyes, the hollow ache in the chest. It's about planting the seeds of emotion and letting them blossom naturally in your reader's imagination.

What's an emotion you find challenging to show?

[literaryvein-reblogs]

Hi! This might be odd, but as someone who’s never kissed anyone, how do I describe it? 😅 and what makes someone a ‘good’ kisser? What words do I use?

Hi! Not an odd question at all :)

Here's an excerpt from a previous post I made:

Some Physiological Reactions to a Kiss

Pulse and blood pressure increase

Pupils dilate

Breathing deepens

Rational thought retreats, as desire suppresses both prudence and self-consciousness

The Brain During a Kiss

The brain goes into overdrive during the all-important kiss. It dedicates a disproportionate amount of space to the sensation of the lips in comparison to much larger body parts.

During a kiss, this lip sensitivity causes our brain to create a chemical cocktail that can give us a natural high. This cocktail is made up of 3 chemicals, all designed to make us feel good and crave more: dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin. Like any cocktail, this one has an array of side-effects.

The combination of these 3 chemicals work by lighting up the 'pleasure centres' in our brain. The dopamine released during a kiss can stimulate the same area of the brain activated by heroin and cocaine. As a result, we experience feelings of euphoria and addictive behaviour.

Oxytocin fosters feelings of affection and attachment. This is the same hormone that is released during childbirth and breastfeeding.

Finally, the levels of serotonin present in the brain whilst kissing look a lot like those of someone with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

No wonder the memory of a good kiss can stay with us for years.

I would recommend going through the sources in that post if you need more information.

But the same reactions to kissing described above won't be experienced when kissing someone you love vs. someone you don't.

And still, reactions would vary from one person to another.

So explore your specific characters' feelings toward, and thoughts about, who they're kissing.

Also consider your character's relationship with intimacy itself. Because kissing is quite an intimate experience. Consider your character's backstory. What are details there that could guide you in writing how they would typically act in intimate moments? Would they have negative or positive feelings/thoughts/experiences during intimate moments? Are they more bashful? Would they be repelled? Are they less inhibited?

And even more questions need to be asked regarding the context surrounding the scene in particular. Answer the whys, where, and when, not just the how.

Additional articles on the science of kissing: 1 2 3

Types of Kissing

It seems you're inquiring about a romantic kiss, so I'll just include a few romantic types here (but there are 20 types of kissing according to Relationship & Sex Therapists and Experts)

French kiss - also known as a makeout; write about a mix of open-mouth kissing and tongue

Neck kiss - since the neck is a vulnerable part of the body, exposing it is generally a sign of flirtation or comfort, according to body language expert Blanca Cobb, M.S. Going in for a few neck kisses in the middle of a makeout session can be super erotic. Brown-James recommends kissing the nape of the neck as well as the sides of the neck.

Bite kiss - take the phrase "bite" very lightly here—in fact, consider it more of a nibble to start. If you want to make your French kiss a bit more interesting, consider gently biting your partner's lip or lightly tugging it with your teeth. Just try not to break skin, unless they're into that.

Body kiss - a way to make your makeout session more intimate or erotic, or it can be a form of foreplay. "You can kiss various body parts like earlobes, sides of necks, insides of wrists, and other hot spots, where blood flow is close to the surface of the skin," Brown-James says. "This would include places like the butt crease, inner wrist, nape of the neck, inner arm and armpit, and even the popliteal (back of the knee)."

Single lip kiss - a little more sensual than a peck since the mouth is slightly open. This is a good intro to a French kiss, where one partner kisses the other's bottom lip while the other kisses the top lip.

Kissing Tips

The experts also give tips on kissing, which you could incorporate in your writing:

The first step to a good kiss is asking consent, Brown-James says. "Along with consent, hydrating is key so that you're not dry-mouthed," she adds.

Once you go in for the kiss, she recommends starting off slowly. Too much too soon can be overwhelming, but creating some sexual tension with a slow buildup can make the experience all the more pleasurable.

Don't just use your lips, either—get the whole body involved. For a peck, that could mean lightly holding the person's cheek or putting your hands around their waist. For a steamier Frenching session, Brown-James says to let the hands roam and allow the bodies to melt into each other.

A "Good" Kisser?

This depends on your character's preference and the quality of their relationship with the character they're sharing this intimate moment with.

As the experts state: "Kissing can be seriously fun if you're with the right person and you both know what you're doing. It increases feelings of closeness and improves sexual wellness, no matter the type of kiss."

You can read more tips and techniques provided by experts here to guide you in writing the physical aspects of a kiss.

But, similar to writing any other scene, don't just focus on what is happening externally. Consider going into detail about what is happening for your character internally (how they feel, what they are thinking...). Ask yourself how important this scene really is to your overall story, the purpose/s that it serves, and this could help you in determining factors such as how lengthy the scene needs to be, how much detail you would include etc. If you want a template on writing a scene, you can scroll down this post for a scene-by-scene guide using the 3-act structure, but you can always edit the template to better suit your writing style.

Consider writing about the lead up to the kiss, and the aftermath as well.

Here's another article on kissing tips. And more details on French Kissing.

What Words to Use?

Some Related Words: osculation, peck, pucker up, smack, smooch

This depends on the tone and the mood of your scene, or even your entire story. What are you trying to convey and evoke?

Some words might be too formal or over-complicated, and thus, could be too distracting for your readers. Rather than being able to focus on what's happening in the scene and how your characters are developing, or how the plot is moving forward, your reader might not become immersed in your scene if you use the wrong words (i.e., if they sound clunky/awkward, or too humourous, or just generally unsuitable considering the context of your scene).

Sometimes the most simple, straightforward words could be the best ones.

How do Other Authors Write Kissing Scenes?

Lastly, read excerpts of kissing scenes in your favourite books or maybe some famous literary works. Learn from how other authors write their kissing scenes. Here are some examples:

Then came the most exquisite moment of her whole life passing a stone urn with flowers in it. Sally stopped; picked a flower; kissed her on the lips. The whole world might have turned upside down! The others disappeared; there she was alone with Sally. And she felt that she had been given a present, wrapped up, and told just to keep it, not to look at it — a diamond, something infinitely precious, wrapped up, which, as they walked (up and down, up and down), she uncovered, or the radiance burnt through, the revelation, the religious feeling! —VIRGINIA WOOLF, Mrs. Dalloway

His heart beat faster and faster as Daisy’s white face came up to his own. He knew that when he kissed this girl, and forever wed his unutterable visions to her perishable breath, his mind would never romp again like the mind of God. So he waited, listening for a moment longer to the tuning fork that had been struck upon a star. Then he kissed her. At his lips’ touch she blossomed like a flower and the incarnation was complete. —F. SCOTT FITZGERALD, The Great Gatsby

She drew him toward her with her eyes, he inclined his face toward hers and lay his mouth on her mouth, which was like a freshly split-open fig. For a long time he kissed Kamala, and Siddhartha was filled with deep astonishment as she taught him how wise she was, how she ruled him, put him off, lured him back… each one different from the other, still awaiting him. Breathing deeply, he remained standing and at this moment he was like a child astonished by the abundance of knowledge and things worth learning opening up before his eyes. —HERMANN HESSE, Siddharta

More: Writing Notes & References ⚜ Love ⚜ Kinds of Love

[indigofilm]

@jjkeverlast

[imastoryteller]

20 Ways to Show Extreme Fear in Your Writing

As I dive into researching signs of fear for my horror WIP, I wanted to share some of the most compelling and visceral reactions I’ve come across. Whether you’re writing a chilling scene or crafting a character’s panic, these 20 signs of fear can help bring tension and realism to your story.

Physical Reactions

Hyperventilating — sucking in air but never feeling like it’s enough

Chest tightens — feels like a weight or hands pressing down

Limbs shaking violently, knees buckling

Complete loss of muscle control — collapsing or unable to stand

Cold sweat soaking through clothes

Heart hammering so hard they feel it in their throat or head

Tunnel vision — the world narrowing down to one terrifying focal point

Ringing in the ears or sudden deafness, like the world drops away

Dizziness / feeling faint / vision blurring

Dry mouth — unable to speak or even scream

Uncontrollable Behavior

Screaming / sobbing / gasping — involuntary vocal outbursts

Panic run — bolting without thinking, tripping over everything

Clawing at their own skin / chest / throat — like trying to escape their body

Begging / pleading out loud even if no one’s there

Repeating words or phrases — “No, no, no” / “This isn’t happening”

Hiding instinctively — diving under tables, closets, or corners

Desperate grabbing — reaching for someone, anything solid

Loss of bladder or bowel control (for extreme terror)

Total mental shutdown — frozen, slack-jawed, staring blankly

Memory blackout — later can’t recall what happened during the worst moment

[glitchedoutpxie]

How to use Em Dash (—) and Semi Colon ( ; )

Since the ai accusations are still being thrown around, here's how i personally like to use these GASP ai telltales. 🦄✨

Em Dashes (—)

To emphasize a shift / action / thought.

They're accusing us—actually accusing us—of using AI.

To add drama.

They dismissed our skills as AI—didn't even think twice, the dimwits—and believed they were onto something.

To insert a sudden thought. Surely they wouldn't do that to us—would they?

To interrupt someone's speech. "Hey, please don't say that. I honed my craft through years of blood and tears—" "Shut up, prompter."

To interrupt someone's thoughts / insert a sudden event.

We're going to get those kudos. We're going to get those reblogs—

A chronically online Steve commented, “it sounds like ai, idk.”

Semi Colons ( ; )

To join two closely related independent sentences / connect ideas.

Not only ChatGPT is capable of correct punctuation; who do you think it learned from in the first place?

Ultimate pro tip: use them whenever the fuck you want. You don't owe anyone your creative process. 🌈

[literaryvein-references]

When your Character...

Gets into: A Fight ⚜ ...Another Fight ⚜ ...Yet Another Fight

Hates Someone ⚜ Kisses Someone ⚜ Falls in Love

Calls Someone they Love ⚜ Dies / Cheats Death ⚜ Drowns

is...

A Ballerina ⚜ A Child ⚜ Interacting with a Child ⚜ A Cheerleader

A Cowboy ⚜ A Genius ⚜ A Lawyer ⚜ A Pirate ⚜ A Spy

A Wheelchair User ⚜ A Zombie ⚜ Beautiful ⚜ Dangerous ⚜ Drunk

Funny ⚜ In a Coma ⚜ In a Secret Society ⚜ Injured ⚜ Shy

needs...

A Magical Item ⚜ An Aphrodisiac ⚜ A Fictional Poison

A Coping Strategy ⚜ A Drink ⚜ A Medicinal Herb ⚜ A Mentor

Money ⚜ A Persuasion Tactic ⚜ A Quirk ⚜ To be Killed Off

To Become Likable ⚜ To Clean a Wound ⚜ To Self-Reflect

To Find the Right Word, but Can't ⚜ To Say No ⚜ To Swear

loves...

Astronomy ⚜ Baking ⚜ Cooking ⚜ Cocktails ⚜ Food ⚜ Oils

Dancing ⚜ Fashion ⚜ Gems ⚜ Herbal Remedies ⚜ Honey

Mushrooms ⚜ Mythology ⚜ Numbers ⚜ Perfumes

Roses ⚜ Sweets ⚜ To Argue ⚜ To Insult ⚜ To Kiss

To Make False Claims ⚜ Wine ⚜ Wine-Tasting ⚜ Yoga

has/experiences...

Allergies ⚜ Amnesia ⚜ Bereavement ⚜ Bites & Stings

Bruises ⚜ Caffeine ⚜ CO Poisoning ⚜ Color Blindness

Facial Hair ⚜ Fainting ⚜ Fevers ⚜ Food Allergies

Food Poisoning ⚜ Fractures ⚜ Frostbite ⚜ Hypothermia

Injuries ⚜ Jet Lag ⚜ Kidnapping ⚜ Manipulation ⚜ Mutism

Pain ⚜ Paranoia ⚜ Poisoning ⚜ More Pain & Violence

Scars ⚜ Trauma ⚜ Viruses ⚜ Wounds

[these are just quick references. more research may be needed to write your story...]

Writing Resources PDFs

[thewatcher727]

Writing Description Notes:

Updated 9th September 2024 More writing tips, review tips & writing description notes

Facial Expressions

Masking Emotions

Smiles/Smirks/Grins

Eye Contact/Eye Movements

Blushing

Voice/Tone

Body Language/Idle Movement

Thoughts/Thinking/Focusing/Distracted

Silence

Memories

Happy/Content/Comforted

Love/Romance

Sadness/Crying/Hurt

Confidence/Determination/Hopeful

Surprised/Shocked

Guilt/Regret

Disgusted/Jealous

Uncertain/Doubtful/Worried

Anger/Rage

Laughter

Confused

Speechless/Tongue Tied

Fear/Terrified

Mental Pain

Physical Pain

Tired/Drowsy/Exhausted

Eating

Drinking

Warm/Hot

[luna-azzurra]

Ways to Show a Character Is Jealous

✧ acts overly supportive, like, too supportive it’s suspicious

✧ suddenly finds flaws in someone they used to like just fine

✧ laughs at jokes that aren’t funny, then immediately regrets it

✧ drops compliments that are 80% praise, 20% passive aggression

✧ asks “innocent” questions that are secretly digging for dirt

✧ starts competing for attention in subtle, exhausting ways

✧ makes snide comments and pretends they’re just kidding

✧ points out how “perfect” someone is… through gritted teeth

✧ gets real quiet when the other person gets praised

✧ forgets how to act natural the second their rival enters the room

✧ shows up where they don’t belong, “just to help”

✧ makes weird comparisons that no one asked for

✧ tries to bond with their competition, then instantly regrets it

✧ notices everything and says it doesn’t bother them

[literaryvein-reblogs]

words to use instead of ______

"Very"

Mild: clearly, decidedly, distinctly, markedly, considerably, notably, largely, recognizably, especially, indubitably Moderate: especially, surprisingly, substantially, uncommonly, chiefly, incredibly, obviously, unmistakably, considerably, awfully, wonderfully, particularly Bold: profusely, unequivocally, strikingly, astonishingly, exceedingly, absolutely, exceptionally, extremely, unquestionably, vastly, incontestably

"A Lot" (time)

Mild: often, oftentimes, sometime Moderate: frequently, usually, various, generally Bold: regularly, recurrent, persistent

"A Lot" (size)

Mild: many, much, several Moderate: numerous, bountiful, considerable Bold: multitude, profuse, vast

"Big"

Mild: sizable, ample, large, considerable, great, above average, important Moderate: ponderous, significant, crucial, vast, copious, magnificent, substantial Bold: enormous, immense, colossal, extensive, endless, paramount, boundless, prodigious, imposing, gigantic, voluminous, limitless, essential

"Small"

Mild: slight, limited, trivial, minor, light, puny, superficial, undersized, dinky, negligible, faint Moderate: scant, petite, inconsiderable, microscopic, dwarf, unsubstantial, minimum, miniature, tiny Bold: insignificant, minute, meager, infinitesimal, ineffectual, undetectable, inconsequential

"Good"

Mild: acceptable, favorable, agreeable, pleasing, satisfactory, satisfying, super, able, relevant, accomplished, efficient, reliable, ample, useful, profitable, adequate, adept Moderate: great, honorable, admirable, commendable, sound, splendid, superb, valuable, wonderful, worthy, clever, proficient, qualified, apt, skillful, thorough, wholesome Bold: excellent, exceptional, gratifying, marvelous, reputable, stupendous, superior, exemplary, virtuous, expert, solid, advantageous, flawless, extensive, perfect

"Bad"

Mild: cheap, dissatisfactory, faculty, off, mean, wrong, unpleasant, unwell, low, grim, sour, regretful Moderate: careless, defective, inferior, imperfect, deficient, rough, ill-suited, inadequate, unsatisfactory, delinquent, sinful, unruly, wicked, rancid, grave, harsh, terrible, downcast Bold: awful, unacceptable, corrupt, dreadful, putrid, erroneous, detrimental, ruinous, vile, villainous, diseased, adverse, evil

more words to use instead other words to use instead even more words to use instead

Writing Resources PDFs

[indigofilm]

@jjkeverlast