I'm proud to say that I'm almost finished my first book published to Wattpad after years of suffering through writer's block, bland creativity, and doubts of what could be. I was letting it all get to me, and I managed to convince myself that it would take me even more years to finally get to even chapter 7 of any of the books I've written behind the scenes. But now, finally, I've managed to write more than I could've ever imagined myself doing last year into this year.
I have even bigger dreams for this book (and other incoming books by me!), but, for now, I've published "Love Runs Art" on mainly Wattpad and Inkitt — available to read for free!
I'll be honest, writing it from the beginning, I felt somewhat stranded; especially since I started off struggling to keep a rhythm in my schedule, but I feel more relieved now that things in the book are finally tying together, and I plan for a Book 2!
It would mean the most to me if you could give it a read and stick around; I promise — it gets better!
Wattpad link:
When you've drowned all that could ruin you, it is often the enemies hand that pulls it back up; that's why it's better to burn it all to th
Inkitt link:
Araenia-Ilona and Nikolai Zane have worked very hard throughout all their years together to build one of the greatest, most esteemed art gal
New Forbidden Romance, God x Mortal, High Fantasy Story!
I have a story rec for everyone in bookblr! If you enjoy forbidden romance, worlds with gods and goddesses, mortal x god romance, sophisticated world-building and developing plots, then this book is for you!
Check out this new story by me, Junera.
It's freely available on Wattpad, and it would mean a lot for anyone to check it out. Jump into the world of Islavera x Ceyx!
Ongoing | Book 1
They say the gods are immortal and untouchable, but she's willing to put that to the test. No god gets to curse her, ruin h
There will be more to come as I always aim to work in the background to keep my stories updated and consistent.
I also have a completed book posted to Wattpad, and I'm preparing a book 2 for it. This one is set in a contemporary world with contemporary characters. The main genres covered are marriage-of-convenience, romance, enemies-to-lovers, and secrets.
Check it out below! Jump into the world of Araenia-Ilona x Nikolai!
When you've drowned all that could ruin you, it is often the enemy's hand that pulls it back up; that's why it's better to burn it all to th
I have a question for everyone. What apps/websites do you use to plan your stories if you plan them digitally? I want to explore different methods of planning stories so I don't get confused about my own story.
For whichever app or website you list, please explain exactly how you use it to plan your stories; whether it be how or if you categorize things, separate them, place them in order, and whatnot. I'm curious.
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Like, do you guys have everything separated and organized, or do your sort of plan your story as if you're writing a story; in one document with descriptive details about things that's happened.
I'm really curious to know. As I said, I want to try out new methods to see which helps me best. Trust me, I have more than enough stories to test them out on.
When you're making a new story, I'm interested as to how you guys flesh your stories out either completely or just enough to write undisturbed whilst fully understanding everything your book is and your characters are.
I know some people don't even necessarily plan their stories further than their characters' names and the premise of their new idea, but if you do go further than that and think more in-depth about your characters and your plot and series of events in your book, then just how far do you go; and with which aspects of the book?
Do you leave some things up to "when i get there, i get there, and i'll take it from there"? If yes, then for what kinds of things about your book do you do this for? your characters? an event? what?
I was recently just planning my story and going more in-depth with my characters, but for some things, I'm wondering if it's something that can wait until I get there in the book.
I'm interested as to how you guys plan your stories and just how far with certain things you go to plan them before you begin writing, undisturbed, your book.
Posted what I consider to be proper advice for the first time in my new community. I mean, I would consider it my first time because the last time I shared advice, it was just me going with the flow. This time, it was that, yes, but it's a bit more structured.
I hope it helps someone, or reassures someone of what they're doing when plotting their fictional characters for their books.
I thought I needed to know every detail of the story and characters beforehand, but I recently realized that it was all just a perfectionist defense mechanism, because deep down I thought that if I knew everything about the story, when the time came to write it, I wouldn't be able to deal with the crushing weight of not being good enough. Anyway, it's not relevant.
Straight to the point, I decided to try to balance my eternal perfectionist with an explorer. I'm planning a story, but I know very little about the middle, the rest of the acts seem clearer, but the middle is my obstacle. So I started writing anyway, just with a general outline. I know a little about the characters, their fears, their personalities, all those basic notions to serve as a guide. And I call it a balance because I could never write this draft groping in the dark, without an outline, but I would never move forward without trying to write a piece of shit.
It's working so far. The ideas flow, and as I write, I have even more of an idea about the events, characters and settings, which is great. I've asked myself what would happen in a certain future scene just to keep writing and see how things unfold along the way.
I'm not sure if this answers the question, or if it helps in any way, but here it is. If you want to discuss it further, I'm trying to be more sociable here 🙃🙃.
Ps: The text is being translated by Google Translate, any mistakes, sorry. 🇧🇷🇧🇷
I get you. Before, I also used to try to plot out my story by a mile so that I'd always know what to do next. But, recently, I've just been plotting down the things that make the current scenes matter, no matter where I am in the book; so things like the characters' personalities, backstory, fears and vulnerabilities, as well as key information about anything else in the story. I do this now because I feel like when I try to see my entire story beforehand, I kinda lose interest in it. Not completely, but it kind of diminishes the drive I have to even write the story in the first place.
So, similar to you, I can picture scenes/events that'll happen way further down in the book rather than the middle.
I've been in a writer's block slump for three years now, so I'm still testing different waters as I try to find my way out of it. I've yet to reach the middle part of any of my stories, but I'm trying my hardest, and I know my hard work will pay off one day.
PS: I'm trying to be more sociable too, haha. Also, for a text being translated through Google Translate, it translated really well. What's your first language, if you don't mind me asking?
Have you ever tried the Snowflake method? After getting stuck on step 5 for ages, and then deciding to write anyway, I wonder if the method has ever actually worked for anyone. I love the method but I always get stuck, lol. Every. Time.
Ps: My first is portuguese, Brazilian Portuguese 🙃🇧🇷
I've only ever heard about the snowflake method just now since you've mentioned it. I researched it and I wouldn't say, necessarily, that I follow the snowflake method. In fact, I researched how I do my stories usually, and found out that I am apparently a "pantser". This basically means I go with the flow. I don't go in blind, I do still plot. I plot my characters, I expound on them, and I do plot key points and events in my planning of my stories. However, I don't create a vivid or direct outline of where my chapters are headed next; that's where I end up going with the flow kind of, whilst having a vague idea of where I want the story to head next. As I said before, I don't really like plotting out an outline for my chapters, at least not in depth, as it sort of takes away the element of surprise for me.
When I write, I'm sort of a writer and a reader at the same time. The writer in me is thinking about where to go next, but the reader also in me is on the edge of my seat for what's going to happen next.
PS: cool! I'd definitely be interested in learning Portuguese, but hearing it spoken sounds hard and complicated haha.
When you're making a new story, I'm interested as to how you guys flesh your stories out either completely or just enough to write undisturbed whilst fully understanding everything your book is and your characters are.
I know some people don't even necessarily plan their stories further than their characters' names and the premise of their new idea, but if you do go further than that and think more in-depth about your characters and your plot and series of events in your book, then just how far do you go; and with which aspects of the book?
Do you leave some things up to "when i get there, i get there, and i'll take it from there"? If yes, then for what kinds of things about your book do you do this for? your characters? an event? what?
I was recently just planning my story and going more in-depth with my characters, but for some things, I'm wondering if it's something that can wait until I get there in the book.
I'm interested as to how you guys plan your stories and just how far with certain things you go to plan them before you begin writing, undisturbed, your book.
Posted what I consider to be proper advice for the first time in my new community. I mean, I would consider it my first time because the last time I shared advice, it was just me going with the flow. This time, it was that, yes, but it's a bit more structured.
I hope it helps someone, or reassures someone of what they're doing when plotting their fictional characters for their books.
I thought I needed to know every detail of the story and characters beforehand, but I recently realized that it was all just a perfectionist defense mechanism, because deep down I thought that if I knew everything about the story, when the time came to write it, I wouldn't be able to deal with the crushing weight of not being good enough. Anyway, it's not relevant.
Straight to the point, I decided to try to balance my eternal perfectionist with an explorer. I'm planning a story, but I know very little about the middle, the rest of the acts seem clearer, but the middle is my obstacle. So I started writing anyway, just with a general outline. I know a little about the characters, their fears, their personalities, all those basic notions to serve as a guide. And I call it a balance because I could never write this draft groping in the dark, without an outline, but I would never move forward without trying to write a piece of shit.
It's working so far. The ideas flow, and as I write, I have even more of an idea about the events, characters and settings, which is great. I've asked myself what would happen in a certain future scene just to keep writing and see how things unfold along the way.
I'm not sure if this answers the question, or if it helps in any way, but here it is. If you want to discuss it further, I'm trying to be more sociable here 🙃🙃.
Ps: The text is being translated by Google Translate, any mistakes, sorry. 🇧🇷🇧🇷
I get you. Before, I also used to try to plot out my story by a mile so that I'd always know what to do next. But, recently, I've just been plotting down the things that make the current scenes matter, no matter where I am in the book; so things like the characters' personalities, backstory, fears and vulnerabilities, as well as key information about anything else in the story. I do this now because I feel like when I try to see my entire story beforehand, I kinda lose interest in it. Not completely, but it kind of diminishes the drive I have to even write the story in the first place.
So, similar to you, I can picture scenes/events that'll happen way further down in the book rather than the middle.
I've been in a writer's block slump for three years now, so I'm still testing different waters as I try to find my way out of it. I've yet to reach the middle part of any of my stories, but I'm trying my hardest, and I know my hard work will pay off one day.
PS: I'm trying to be more sociable too, haha. Also, for a text being translated through Google Translate, it translated really well. What's your first language, if you don't mind me asking?
When you're making a new story, I'm interested as to how you guys flesh your stories out either completely or just enough to write undisturbed whilst fully understanding everything your book is and your characters are.
I know some people don't even necessarily plan their stories further than their characters' names and the premise of their new idea, but if you do go further than that and think more in-depth about your characters and your plot and series of events in your book, then just how far do you go; and with which aspects of the book?
Do you leave some things up to "when i get there, i get there, and i'll take it from there"? If yes, then for what kinds of things about your book do you do this for? your characters? an event? what?
I was recently just planning my story and going more in-depth with my characters, but for some things, I'm wondering if it's something that can wait until I get there in the book.
I'm interested as to how you guys plan your stories and just how far with certain things you go to plan them before you begin writing, undisturbed, your book.
Posted what I consider to be proper advice for the first time in my new community. I mean, I would consider it my first time because the last time I shared advice, it was just me going with the flow. This time, it was that, yes, but it's a bit more structured.
I hope it helps someone, or reassures someone of what they're doing when plotting their fictional characters for their books.
When you're making a new story, I'm interested as to how you guys flesh your stories out either completely or just enough to write undisturbed whilst fully understanding everything your book is and your characters are.
I know some people don't even necessarily plan their stories further than their characters' names and the premise of their new idea, but if you do go further than that and think more in-depth about your characters and your plot and series of events in your book, then just how far do you go; and with which aspects of the book?
Do you leave some things up to "when i get there, i get there, and i'll take it from there"? If yes, then for what kinds of things about your book do you do this for? your characters? an event? what?
I was recently just planning my story and going more in-depth with my characters, but for some things, I'm wondering if it's something that can wait until I get there in the book.
I'm interested as to how you guys plan your stories and just how far with certain things you go to plan them before you begin writing, undisturbed, your book.
Posted what I consider to be proper advice for the first time in my new community. I mean, I would consider it my first time because the last time I shared advice, it was just me going with the flow. This time, it was that, yes, but it's a bit more structured.
I hope it helps someone, or reassures someone of what they're doing when plotting their fictional characters for their books.
Posted what I consider to be proper advice for the first time in my new community. I mean, I would consider it my first time because the last time I shared advice, it was just me going with the flow. This time, it was that, yes, but it's a bit more structured.
I hope it helps someone, or reassures someone of what they're doing when plotting their fictional characters for their books.
With a tied ending (the chapter ends where it began)
With an ambiguous ending
With dialogue that demands answers
With emotional reflection
With foreshadowing
Chapter endings leave your reader with a sense of what to expect going forward.
Cliffhanger endings are the hallmark of page-turner fiction, but perhaps you want to leave your reader with something more subtle to contemplate.
Your chapter endings should encourage your audience to keep reading.
Try to make the end of every chapter as exciting as the opening lines of the chapter—if your chapter ends on a flat, boring note, your reader may give up on your overall story.
Every chapter should end with a "pop", regardless of genre.
Those last few lines are what the reader remembers before they pause. An otherwise beautifully crafted chapter can be ruined if it flops at the finishing line.
Find the suspense point – the lines that make readers ask questions – and use them to wrap up your chapter.
And pay attention to the very last sentence. Sometimes less is more.
Was literally just wondering this earlier today because I was conflicted. I felt like my ending wasn't strong enough and was wondering if I should continue the chapter or just end it like that anyway.
Help please; defining your character's personality
Was planning a new story and came upon a new feat. How do you define a character's personality? When I define them, I feel like I'm not necessarily defining their personality, but rather just who they are. Like what they do, how they react to certain things, and how they think. But I feel like that's kind of straying from the idea of a 'personality'.
So, anyone, please, can you tell me how the hell to truly define your character's personality and not stray?
And then like what are the other different things you need to know about your character to truly make them come to life? I'm sure there's more and that personality is just one of them.
I’m assuredly not an expert, there’s some good advice out there to help you haha. But for my two cents, I think there’s an interesting question here on “what is a personality”. Idk if it happens to you, but I certainly feel like I have different personalities around my family and around my friends, and even around specific friends it will change. A personality, to me, is how I present myself, from how I choose what to say and act to how I choose what to wear or become passionate about.
For writing, I would say that what you said you do- decide what they do, how they react to things, and what they look like- is exactly a personality. And it’s okay if how they react to things will differ from situation to situation too, as long as there is a reason that is consistent with their other personality traits. I’d say the things you should stay consistent with are the characters thoughts of the world around (that how they think portion). If you know how they think about the world around them, you can kind of figure out what they would do in situations based on their perception of good and bad, what they are weary of, and what they are comfortable with. Then you can start to display their personality too.
How to make a character come to life? Well there’s something about flaws that show that someone is innately human (or supernatural). A scar with a story that shows how they really care, or raggedy hair because they simply cannot be bothered to get a “superficial” but good haircut. The flaws that they have can really show us that they are real and alive, they aren’t just blobs of perfect that go around without interacting with anything. They are real and they have feelings and opinions.
Idk, like I said I’m assuredly not an expert, and you should totally look up character making advice from actual authors, but you did ask the class for ideas so here I am I suppose.
Thanks for your input! And I definitely get you on the 'personality changing around different people' part. I think it's something everybody does, and it makes sense now that you explain it like that.
I usually try to define my characters' personalities before I think too in depth about their backstory. But I suppose I should try thinking deeply into their backstory first and then put it together to decipher their personality.
Help please; defining your character's personality
Was planning a new story and came upon a new feat. How do you define a character's personality? When I define them, I feel like I'm not necessarily defining their personality, but rather just who they are. Like what they do, how they react to certain things, and how they think. But I feel like that's kind of straying from the idea of a 'personality'.
So, anyone, please, can you tell me how the hell to truly define your character's personality and not stray?
And then like what are the other different things you need to know about your character to truly make them come to life? I'm sure there's more and that personality is just one of them.
Just reblogged a post, but wanted to make a separate post of my own sharing my thoughts and feelings on this topic; verbatim
I love posts that share writing resources and help. I'm talking the posts that help you think about where to go next, what questions to ask, or what you might've missed while plotting your plot. I'm talking posts that are like "guide to worldbuilding", "guide to magic"; posts that detail what certain themes/topics in writing encompass, among many more.
So, as the title says, I'd just recently shared the thoughts below, verbatim, in a reblog, but I wanted to make it into a separate post in which I can see if others agree with me, since interactions with a reblog will be associated with the original post (which isn't a problem, but I just wanted to see who was with me).
Here's what I shared:
A lot of times, I write and I don't know where to begin with certain things. And I love writing high fantasy, in which I make up countries and species and continents and states, and I especially love thinking about their unique cultures and what exactly makes them unique.
But because I have to use my brain and imagination for all of this, sometimes I get stumped. Sometimes I fill out one area, but leave out the rest/another, or I can't figure out the rest/another. For example, I might be able to come up with something of a culture, but I've completely forgotten about the country's history. What brought it to where it is today?
So, it's little things like these that I forget or can't get right or immediately sometimes. It's why I appreciate posts like these that are kind of a directory for where to look next; for what holes you still have to fill; and what links you still have hanging that you need to connect.
I love worldbuilding.
Like genuinely, just reading the words in these posts is inspiring my mind to imagine things I realize I've never truly looked into before. And it's through these little things that I also get my writing inspiration. Writing inspiration doesn't only have to come from your head or from prompts or from Pinterest or real life. They can come from posts like these that truly put your brain to work; to answering questions you might've never thought before. And then you begin imagining putting this world together, and your characters manifest, and then the storyline; or whichever way it goes for you.
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14 members, 16 posts about #writeblr #writing advice #writing inspiration • An author's safe haven.
How to Get Started with Worldbuilding for Fantasy Writers
Hey fellow writers!
Worldbuilding can feel like a Herculean task, but it’s one of the most rewarding parts of creating a fantasy novel. If you're getting stuck, Here are some tips that have helped me, and I hope they’ll help you too!
Start with the Basics
Geography
- Map out the physical layout of your world. Think about continents, countries, cities, and natural features like mountains, rivers, and forests.
Climate and Ecosystems
- What are the climate zones and ecosystems like? How do they shape the lives of your inhabitants?
Create a History
Origins
- Dive into how your world came into existence. Are there creation myths or ancient civilizations that set the stage?
Major Events
- Outline key historical events. Wars, alliances, discoveries, and disasters can add so much depth.
Develop Cultures and Societies
Cultures
- Craft diverse cultures with unique customs, traditions, and values. What do they wear? What do they eat? How do they express themselves through art?
Social Structure
- Define the social hierarchy. Who holds power? What are the roles of different classes or groups?
Establish Magic and Technology
Magic System
- Set the rules and limitations of magic. Who can use it? How does it work? What are its costs and consequences?
Technology
- Decide on the level of technological advancement. Is your world medieval with swords and castles, or does it have steampunk elements?
Design Political and Economic Systems
Governments
- Create various forms of government. Are there kingdoms, republics, or empires? How do they interact?
Economy
- Define the economic systems. What are the main industries and trade routes? How do people earn a living?
Build Religions and Beliefs
Religions
- Develop religions and belief systems. Who are the gods or deities? What are the rituals and holy sites?
Myths and Legends
- Craft myths and legends that influence the culture and behavior of your characters.
Craft Unique Flora and Fauna
Creatures
- Invent unique creatures that inhabit your world. Consider their habitats, behaviors, and interactions with humans.
Plants
- Design plants with special properties. Are there magical herbs or dangerous plants?
Incorporate Conflict and Tension
Internal Conflicts
- Think about internal conflicts within societies, such as class struggles, political intrigue, or religious disputes.
External Conflicts
- Consider external threats like invading armies, natural disasters, or magical catastrophes.
Use Maps and Visual Aids
Maps
- Create maps to visualize your world. This helps you keep track of locations and distances.
Visual References
- Use images or sketches to inspire and flesh out your world.
Stay Consistent
Consistency
- Keep track of the details to maintain consistency. Use a worldbuilding bible or document to record important information.
Feedback
- Share your world with others and get feedback. Sometimes fresh eyes can spot inconsistencies or offer new ideas.
Let Your Characters Explore
Character Perspective
- Develop your world through the eyes of your characters. How do they interact with their environment? What do they know or believe about their world?
Be Flexible
Adapt and Evolve
- Be open to changing aspects of your world as your story develops. Sometimes the best ideas come during the writing process.
Worldbuilding is an ongoing journey, and it’s okay to refine and expand your world as you go. If you’re stuck or need specific advice, drop a comment or message me. Happy worldbuilding! 🌍✨
Feel free to share your own tips and experiences below. Let’s build some amazing worlds together! 💫
By the way, if you’re looking for a tool to help you keep track of all your worldbuilding details, check out my worldbuilding bible on Etsy! It’s designed to help you organize every aspect of your world, from geography and cultures to magic systems and conflicts.
I poured my heart into creating this, and I hope it inspires you as much as it has inspired me. Writing is such a beautiful journey, and having a structured way to keep your ideas organized can make all the difference. So go ahead, dive deep into your imagination, and let your creativity flow. You’ve got this! 💖📝
Happy writing, friends!
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I've expressed my appreciation for posts like these before in my tumblr community, and I will express them again.
A lot of times, I write and I don't know where to begin with certain things. And I love writing high fantasy, in which I make up countries and species and continents and states, and I especially love thinking about their unique cultures and what exactly makes them unique.
But because I have to use my brain and imagination for all of this, sometimes I get stumped. Sometimes I fill out one area, but leave out the rest/another, or I can't figure out the rest/another. For example, I might be able to come up with something of a culture, but I've completely forgotten about the country's history. What brought it to where it is today?
So, it's little things like these that I forget or can't get right or immediately sometimes. It's why I appreciate posts like these that are kind of a directory for where to look next; for what holes you still have to fill; and what links you still have hanging that you need to connect.
I love worldbuilding.
Like genuinely, just reading the words in these posts is inspiring my mind to imagine things I realize I've never truly looked into before. And it's through these little things that I also get my writing inspiration. Writing inspiration doesn't only have to come from your head or from prompts or from Pinterest or real life. They can come from posts like these that truly put your brain to work; to answering questions you might've never thought before. And then you begin imagining putting this world together, and your characters manifest, and then the storyline; or whichever way it goes for you.
I wanna write, but idek how to buckle down and lock into writing mode right now. But I want to write, because then I'll have to wait a whole week again to get this opportunity back. I'll be occupied. Man. This is annoying.
