Certified Author and Tea connoisseur. Overly dramatic and sarcastic as every author should be. Come join me and the writing community for laughs, information, and friendly boosts into your writing adventures.
Today’s topic is something that has been wildly overcomplicated:
Diet.
(Collective deep breath. We’re keeping this gentle, I promise 💛)
Let’s start with what “diet” actually means:
Diet is… very simple.
It’s this:
What you put in your mouth.
That’s it.
Somewhere along the way, the word got tangled up with pressure, guilt, aesthetics, and “I’m not doing this right.” So now we avoid it altogether.
But in reality?
Diet = what you eat. Not a moral statement. Not a performance. Just… input.
At its core, diet is about one thing:
✨ Nutrition. ✨
Not calories.
Not Instagram meals.
Not weight loss trends.
Nutrition.
When you shift your focus to nourishing your body instead of controlling it, something starts to soften. Food becomes less of a fight—and more of a support system.
A small, real-life note from me:
I’ve had a complicated relationship with food in the past—everything from not being able to eat due to pain, to not knowing how to cook simple meals, to struggling with anorexia in my early teens (which I’ve fully healed from 🤍).
I’m not “perfect” now—but I eat three meals a day, and I actually look forward to them.
And that’s a huge shift.
So whether you’ve struggled with food, or you just feel overwhelmed trying to “do it right,” this space is judgment-free. I’ve got you.
Why does diet actually matter? (quick version, no ranting):
🌿 Clarity
Your gut and brain are very connected. What you eat affects your gut health, which in turn affects mood, focus, and mental clarity.
🔥 Passion
When your body feels better, you have more energy to pour into your life—your writing, your hobbies, your people.
⚙️ Function
Food is fuel. The right nutrients = more stable energy, better physical function, and fewer “why am I exhausted at 2 PM” moments.
Okay—so how do we actually approach this without spiraling?
No perfect formula. Just three grounded things to focus on:
🦠 1. Probiotics (your gut’s best friends)
If you changed nothing else, this alone could make a difference.
Your gut is full of bacteria (the good kind—we love them), and they play a huge role in digestion, immunity, and even mood.
Easy ways to add probiotics:
kimchi
kefir
sauerkraut
yogurt with live cultures
pickled veggies
Or yes—supplements if that’s more accessible.
Think of it as quietly upgrading your internal ecosystem.
🥗 2. Nutrition over everything
Let’s bring it back: nutrition matters more than calories.
Your body needs:
vitamins (like B vitamins, vitamin C)
minerals (iron, zinc, copper, etc.)
proteins, fats, carbs (the macronutrients)
A lot of modern diets are low in these, even if they’re high in calories.
Ever randomly crave an energy drink?
There’s a good chance your body was looking for B vitamins 👀
One super helpful tool is the Cronometer app—it shows not just what you eat, but what nutrients you’re actually getting. There’s a free version too.
You don’t have to track forever—but it can help you learn what your body’s been missing.
🔄 3. Rotation (aka: don’t eat the exact same thing forever)
Eating the same foods every day might feel easy, but over time:
you can miss out on certain nutrients
you might develop sensitivities to foods you overdo
Instead, gently mix things up:
switch between rice and bread
rotate protein sources
have dairy some days, skip it others
No need to overthink—just add a little variety where you can.
And that’s it for today 💫
No extremes. No pressure. Just small shifts that actually support your body.
Take care of yourselves, my darlings 🪽
You deserve to feel fed—not just full.
(And if you have favorite easy meals or tips, drop them below. Let’s help each other out 🫶)
Music & Writing 🎧✨ (A Love Letter to Soundtracks and Daydreams)
Hello my little writing birds! 🐦💛
Today we’re switching things up a bit and talking about something that has completely changed the way I write:
👉 Music.
Not just “playlist in the background while I type” music—but intentional, creative, soul-stirring, this-song-just-gave-me-a-whole-plotline kind of music.
So let’s talk about how you can use music as a tool in your writing life ✨
🎶 Finding New Music = Finding New Stories
One of the best things you can do for your creativity is to try new music.
And I don’t just mean a new artist in your usual genre—I mean really branch out:
– Punk rock
– Pop
– 50’s classics
– International music
– Classical
– Folk music from a random decade you’ve never thought about before
Each genre opens a different emotional door. And behind that door? New ideas, new characters, new vibes.
How I like to do it:
I pick a decade + a genre + a country/language… and then I go searching.
Sometimes I find exactly what I’m looking for.
Sometimes I don’t.
But I always discover something new.
For example: Japanese folk music from the 70’s?
A completely random find… and now one of my absolute favorites. My little creative treasure.
Trying new music expands your mind in a really quiet, beautiful way. It lets you experience tiny pieces of the world right from your headphones—and that’s incredibly valuable as a writer.
☁️ Daydreaming… But Make It Productive
Let’s talk about daydreaming.
Because I’m going to say something controversial (not really):
👉 Daydreaming is not a waste of time.
In fact, for writers? It’s kind of essential.
But—learning how to do it productively makes all the difference.
I won’t go super deep here (we could make a whole post out of this honestly), but I’ll leave you with two gentle guidelines:
1. Set a time limit
Don’t accidentally stay up until 3am or lose your entire day off (we’ve all been there). Give yourself a little window of time to just… drift.
2. Actually relax
Let your brain wander without forcing anything.
And this part matters:
Try not to use daydreaming purely as a coping mechanism.
(And before you feel called out—I promise I’m not 😂 it’s very common.)
Just make this a safe, intentional space for creativity. When your brain feels rested and safe, the ideas come so much easier—and honestly? Your brain will start craving that time.
🌿 Let Your Brain Rest (So Music Hits Harder)
Here’s something I discovered that surprised me:
When I listened to music less, it actually had more impact.
More emotion.
More creativity.
More inspiration.
When I constantly had headphones in, everything started to blur together. But when I gave my brain little breaks from sound, music started feeling special again.
This doesn’t mean you need to go full “silent retreat mode.” Just… give yourself space.
Personally, I like to:
– Leave my phone inside and go outside for a bit
– Take walks without music
– Occasionally convince a friend to bring their phone so I don’t have to bring mine 😂
Those quiet moments? They reset your brain. And when you come back to music, it hits so much deeper.
✨ How Music Actually Shapes My Writing
Okay, let’s talk real-life impact.
Music doesn’t just inspire me—it actively shapes what I write.
– I’ve built an entire novel off of albums I discovered
– It helps me develop characters by giving them a “sound” or emotional tone
– It adds depth and variation so my writing doesn’t feel repetitive
And for scene writing?
Music is incredible for mood and ambience.
If I’m writing something soft and emotional, I’ll match it.
If it’s intense, chaotic, dramatic? You already know I’m pulling out something powerful.
It’s like scoring your own movie while you write it.
(And yes—I know I’m not the only one who does this. We are all just out here directing imaginary films in our heads ✨)
That’s all from me today, my lovely little birds 💛
If you haven’t experimented with music in your writing yet—or if you’ve been stuck in the same playlists for a while—this is your sign to branch out.
You never know what story is waiting in the next song you find.
Character Chemistry (Pt. 3) ✨🫀 Human Heart Science (a.k.a. Why Characters Do The Things They Do)
Hello my little writing birds 🐦💛
Welcome back to chemistry class 🤓🧪
Today we’re diving into something very important—and honestly? This is where character chemistry really starts to feel real:
✨ Human Heart Science ✨
(Yes, that’s what I’m calling it. Yes, I’m sticking with it.)
This is the part where we talk about why characters pull toward each other… or away from each other, and how their internal wiring affects every interaction they have.
Let’s get into it.
🫀 Needs vs. Wants (The Core of Everything)
At the heart of human behavior—real or fictional—are two things:
👉 Needs
👉 Wants
Needs are non-negotiable parts of being human.
When they go unmet for too long, we feel distress, disconnection, or instability.
Think:
– Connection
– Safety
– Love
– Belonging
Now—
Wants are how we try to meet those needs.
They’re shaped by:
– Personality
– Past experiences
– Culture
– And sometimes… unresolved wounds 👀
Wounded Wants (Protective Patterns):
– Rigid or very specific
– Feel intense or urgent
– Tied to fear (abandonment, rejection, control)
– Often formed from past hurt
Example:
Wanting reassurance sometimes → totally human
Needing constant reassurance to feel safe → likely something deeper
🧠 Why This Gets Confusing (And Why It Matters for Writing)
People often confuse wants with needs because:
– Their past taught them, “This is how I stay safe”
– Their nervous system connects certain behaviors with security
– They’re trying to avoid old pain
So you could say:
👉 Some wants are actually strategies our mind learned to protect us.
They make sense… but they don’t always serve us anymore.
And this is GOLD for writing.
Because—
👉 We don’t just choose people. We respond to how they make our needs and wants feel.
🧲 Why Characters Gravitate Toward Each Other
Characters tend to be drawn to people who:
– Match their unmet needs
– Feel emotionally familiar (even if it’s unhealthy)
– Trigger their wants—especially the intense ones
Examples:
– Someone inconsistent → hooks a character craving validation
– Someone emotionally distant → attracts someone trying to earn love
– Someone expressive and warm → feels safe to someone needing reassurance
And just like that—you’ve built chemistry.
Or tension.
Or both. 😌
⚠️ When Wants Become “Needs”
When characters treat wants like needs, things get messy:
– Pressure builds
– Communication breaks down
– Emotional strain shows up
And that?
That’s where your conflict lives.
🩹 Trauma Needs vs. Innate Needs
Now let’s go a layer deeper.
There are two types of “needs” you’ll see in your characters:
🩹 Trauma-Based Needs
These are real emotional needs… but they were created through pain.
They often come from:
– Neglect
– Rejection
– Abuse
– Repeated negative experiences
Example:
A character who was constantly put down growing up may develop a need for constant validation just to make decisions.
So now?
Everyone in their life becomes a walking validation machine 💀
These aren’t malicious.
But they can create confusion, tension, and emotional strain in relationships.
You’ll recognize a trauma need when:
– It drains others
– It feels extreme or constant
– It doesn’t quite match the current situation
(And yes—these can be healed. For real people and for your characters.)
🌿 Innate Needs
These are natural. Built-in. Human.
Things like:
– Connection
– Safety
– Belonging
You don’t “heal” these—you just learn to meet them in healthy ways.
And here’s a helpful writing tip:
👉 Many character wounds come from these needs not being met.
So if you’re building a backstory? Start here.
🔍 How Do You Tell the Difference?
Look at how the character reacts.
If you see:
– Fear
– Anger
– Resentment
– Over-attachment
…it’s usually tied to a trauma-based need.
That said—there’s an exception:
Sometimes people just handle their needs badly (we’ve all been there). So context matters.
👀 Awareness: The Game-Changer
Now for one of my favorite tools:
👉 Is your character aware of themselves… or not?
Some characters:
– Understand their wounds
– Recognize their patterns
– Try to act intentionally
Others:
– Run purely on instinct
– Don’t understand why they react the way they do
– Repeat patterns without realizing it
And this changes EVERYTHING.
🐕 Example Time (Because We Love T-REX)
Let’s bring back T-REX 🐕 (our golden retriever king)
Version 1: Self-Aware T-REX
He knows he tends to be clingy and wants constant attention.
He notices his human is tired… so he gives her space.
He trusts he’ll get affection later.
Growth. Awareness. Emotional regulation. We love to see it.
Version 2: Not Self-Aware T-REX
He follows her everywhere.
Doesn’t pick up on cues.
Gets confused when she’s overwhelmed.
“I just want pets?? Why are you upset???”
And now we have tension.
Miscommunication.
Possibly a very tired human.
Same character. Same need.
Different awareness = completely different dynamic.
✨ Bringing It All Together
At the end of the day:
👉 Your character’s needs + wants determine who they’re drawn to
👉 Their wounds shape how intense those connections feel
👉 Their awareness determines how they act within those relationships
And all of that?
Affects not just relationships—but plot decisions too.
That’s all from me today, my lovely writing birds 💛
This is just an introduction to this kind of thinking—but if you dig deeper into it, it will seriously transform the way you write character dynamics.
Next time, we’re moving on from the basics and into something super fun:
🍵 Writing Platonic Dynamics
(friendships, found family, chaotic duos—you know the vibe)
Until then—go write some emotionally complex little humans.
Often I post about writing… but today we are starting ✨Friday Science✨ episodes.
Because I believe writers need to know how to take care of themselves too.
(And honestly—this is for anyone who’s interested, writer or not 💛)
So today we’re talking about something we all pretend doesn’t exist:
Your circadian rhythm. Your sleep schedule.
(I just felt every writer collectively scream. I heard it. It was loud.)
Why this matters:
🌗 Your body loves routine. It relies on it to know when to do… well, everything. When you throw that off, your body basically has a tiny internal crisis.
🌖 Your mind feels safer with predictability. A steady rhythm can lower stress, reduce anxiety, and improve brain function—which helps with writing, relationships, work… all of it.
🌕 Good sleep is preventative care. We’re choosing the “take care of ourselves now” method instead of the “oh no everything is on fire” method. (Also—sleep can support things like weight regulation because it lowers stress levels 👀)
How (because let’s be real… this is NOT easy):
❤️ Set an alarm for bedtime, not just waking up.
I know. Revolutionary. Slightly offensive. But it works.
💙 Follow through with your plans.
If your brain learns “we never actually listen to ourselves,” it’ll stop taking you seriously. And then consistency? Gone. Sleep schedule? Dramatic Victorian collapse.
💛 Prioritize your wake-up time.
This is the big one. Waking up at the same time matters more than going to bed at the exact same time. Plus, your body will start falling asleep faster once it learns the pattern.
💚 Get back on the horse.
Missed a day? Cool. Try again tomorrow. No spiraling into “guess I live at 3 AM now.” We do not live there anymore.
💜 Turn off screens at the same time every day.
Give yourself a cutoff. Most things can wait. Protect your peace. Preferably 1-2 hours before bed. (I turn mine off at 5 PM, preventing me from “just a few more minutes” of work or scrolling) TV tends to be a bit less addictive and easier to get off, so I don’t worry about this as much, but if this is a struggle for you add this to your list.
(No TikTok in bed 😌 I’m looking at you.)
🧡 Watch the sunrise and sunset when you can.
Your body actually responds to that light. It helps reset your rhythm and gently tells your brain “hey… we’re winding down now.” (Your cells all have their own clock, and the clock is set by different types of light!) It also can improve your eye health over long term exposure to the red light that these times of the day produce.
🩷 Journal (yes, even you).
It does NOT have to be aesthetic. This is not a Pinterest competition.
Just get the thoughts out of your head so they don’t follow you into bed like a dramatic villain whispering:
“hey… what about that thing in two weeks…”
My method:
random thoughts (literally anything)
what I’m grateful for / looking forward to
tomorrow’s to-do list
2 frustrations (we acknowledge and release)
highlights of the day
random ideas
🩶 Hot tea or a bath before bed.
Lavender essential oil + hot bath sounds fancy but it’s super simple and helps relax. If you’re busy or can’t slow down then just a hot cup of tea helps. Look for calming ingredients like chamomile, honey bush, lemon balm, hops, peppermint, etc.
🩵 Figure out why you’re staying up.
This one’s big. Sometimes it’s stress. Sometimes it’s unprocessed thoughts. Sometimes it’s the only “me time” you get.
If you don’t meet that need in a healthier way, you’ll keep drifting back to late nights.
And that’s all for today 💫
I hope this helped, or at least gave you something to think about.
Take care of yourselves, my darlings 🪽
(And if you have any tips, please share them below—I’d love to hear them 🫶)
Character Chemistry (Pt. 2) 🧪✨ Supporting Characters & The Chaos They Bring
Welcome to Chemistry class 🤓🧪
Today we're jumping back into character chemistry and all the explosive goodness known as building dynamics from scratch. In our last post, we covered the main character side of things--- getting into their wants, their wounds, all the juicy internal stuff.
Today? We're shifting focus to:
👉 Supporting characters (aka everyone who isn't your protagonist but still causes problems for them)
Let's keep this simple and practical:
🍵 Your basic 4 emotions
🥊 The actions that follow those emotions
🪽 A cheat sheet for who gravitates toward (or avoids) who
🍵 The "4 emotions" Method (Your Shortcut to Chemistry)
When it comes to supporting characters, you don't always need to know everything about them. You can go deep--- but you don't have to. So here's a shortcut I like to use:
👉 The 4 Emotions
These are the core emotional tendencies that define how your character moves through the world-- and more importantly, how they'll interact with others.
Let's a use a very serious, highly professional example:
We have a character named.... T-REX 🦖 (because obviously)
T-REX is a golden retriever (literally). His main desire is to protect and spend time with his favorite person. His backstory? He was left alone at a shelter until someone finally chose him. Simple.
Now, here's how we define his "4 emotions":
How does he react to conflict?
How does he react to affection/positive moments?
What is his natural state?
What is he like when he's vulnerable?
And we answer simply with emotions or tendencies:
Conflict: Avoidant (he hides)
Affection: Secure, seeks it out (maybe a little too enthusiastically)
Natural state: Energetic
Vulnerability: Quiet, moody
Boom. That's it. You now understand how this character functions.
🧲 How This Creates Chemistry
Now watch what happens when we introduce other characters:
A friendly, energetic, cuddly ginger cat enters the scene → T-REX will naturally gravitate toward them
An aggressive, conflict heavy siamese cat enters → T-REX will withdraw, avoid, and shut down
And just like that--- you have organic character dynamics.
No forcing. No overthinking. Just natural emotional reactions. This applies to human characters too (we were just using a silly example for ease.) Most people operate from patterns like this unless they're actively trying to change (which, but the way, creates incredible dynamics).
For example:
An avoidant character usually won't gravitate toward aggressive personalities.... unless there's a deeper reason (past trauma, familiarity, etc.) And if they do, their behavior will shift-- they might lie more, people-please, or suppress themselves.
That tension? Liquid story gold.
🥊 Actions: Where the Magic Becomes Visible
Now let's talk about something very important:
👉 Readers don't see emotions --- they see actions.
You might know your character is avoidant, anxious, or secure... but your reader only sees what's on the page. So you need to translate those emotional tendencies into physical actions and behaviors. For example:
Do they avoid eye contact?
Do they joke when things get serious?
Do they get quiet? Snappy? Overly cheerful?
Do they ramble? Shut down? Change the subject?
A super helpful trick is to create a mini action cheat sheet for each character:
Little phrases they repeat, habits they fall into, body language they default to. Because sometimes what a character does won't look exactly like what we expect from the emotion--- and that's what makes them feel real.
🤍 Chemistry Cheat Sheet: Who Moves Toward Who?
Alright. Here's a quick cheat sheet to help you build dynamics faster:
Sometimes even secure people (they feel exposed or challenged)
And occasionally.... each other
🪽 Honest/Intense/Straightforward characters
→ Tend to avoid:
Dishonesty
Manipulative or overly "layered" personalities
Mean or hostile people (they can't be open around them) If they do engage, they often pair best with someone secure enough to handle them.
🪽 Rescue-prone characters (the "I can fix them" crew)
→ Gravitate toward: Victim-prone characters
This can feel really strong at first.... but often becomes messy when the rescuer burns out and the other person feels misunderstood.
🪽 Villain-prone characters (Not "evil", just people who project pain outward)
→ Gravitate toward: Victim-prone characters first. And if they can't find that, they will drift toward rescue types
The rescue x villain dynamic often tends to have more friction and bad chemistry and explodes faster than the villain prone x victim prone.
🪽 Victim-prone characters (Again-- not bad, just struggling)
→ Gravitate toward: Rescue types first. And if they can't get their needs met by that, they'll end up stuck with more harmful dynamics such as villain prone types.
And just to gently underline this:
These aren't labels or boxes, they're tendencies. We've all been some version of these at different points in our lives. What matters is how you use them to help your character grow and build real, layered interactions.
That's just scratching the surface, but it should give you a strong starting point for building character chemistry without wanting to throw your laptop across the room 😌
Next time, we're diving into something very exciting:
✨ Human Heart Science ✨
Until then, go create some lovely little character dynamics (why does all of this make me think of Mii Characters 😂)
Character Chemistry (Pt.1) ✨🧪 The Basics (a.k.a. Where the Magic Actually Starts)
Here it is. The beloved post I have been waiting to share.
Keyword: me. 😂
But truly-- I'm so excited to dive into this one because character chemistry is one of those things that, when done right, makes readers feel everything. And when it's off.... well.... we don't talk about that.
So welcome to:
✨Character Chemistry✨
In this series, we're going to cover:
The basics of writing character dynamics
Platonic character dynamics
Romantic character dynamics
And those beautiful, confusing, "what even are they??" in-between dynamics
But today? We're starting with the foundation
🧩 Character Dynamics: Messy & Beautiful
Character dynamics are both messy and beautiful. Messy to write. Beautiful when they finally click. At the core, there are three foundations pieces:
Know your main character inside and out
Understand how your supporting characters react (at least on a surface level)
Learn a little human science of the heart 🩷 (aka: why we pull away, lean in, trust, doubt, etc.)
Today we're focusing on the first one-- the big one:
👉 Know your main character inside and out
🧠 Step One: Build a Character Chart (Your New Best Friend)
If you take anything from this post, let it be this:
Your character chart is your best friend.
And not just a "they like coffee and sunsets" kind of chart-- we're going deeper than that. You want to understand:
Their wounds
Their past experiences
Their beliefs
The lies they believe (both consciously and unconsciously)
What they're stubborn about
what they'd actually be willing to change
And most importantly:
👉 How they personally reacted to what they've been through
Because two people can go through the exact same event and come out completely different. One becomes guarded. One becomes overly trusting. One shuts down. One fights back.
That's where the individuality--- and the chemistry starts.
A great way to build this is by using question lists (there are tons online), or resources like The Emotional Wound Thesaurus (highly recommend). Pair that with music, memories, people-watching, or even thinking about how your friends react to things.
It takes practice--- but eventually, you'll be able to build a full, rich character pretty quickly. (Which feels like a superpower, honestly.)
💫 Quick reminder: The goal isn't to know their favorite color (though, cute, we love that). The goal is to understand their mind. Think of your character like a math equation-- if you know their "absolute value", you can throw any situation or person at them and get a natural, believable reaction every time.
🎭 Step two: Stress Test Your Character
This is where things get fun.
Take your character and drop them into random situations. No pressure, no perfection-- just play. Try writing them in:
An action scene
A comedic moment
A quiet, slice-of-life interaction
A frustrating conversation
A really long, exhausting day
Ask yourself:
What do they do when they're calm?
Do they love the rain....or hate it with their whole soul?
How do they react to rude people?
What happens when someone is unexpectedly kind to them?
What does heartbreak look like for them?
This is where you start seeing patterns. Reactions. Habits. And those patterns? That's where your character's voice and chemistry potential begin to form.
Also-- please hear this: You are not wasting time doing this.
You are building depth. You are building instinct. You are building a character that will actually feel real when placed next to others. And sometimes? These little test scenes will spark actual plot ideas. So it's a win-win.
🗝️ Step Three: Know What They Want
This is the key to the whole thing. Backstories matter. Wounds matter. Beliefs matter. But at the end of the day?
👉 Humans are driven by love and desire.
So ask yourself:
What does your character want?
Love?
Freedom?
Stability?
Validation?
To escape something?
To prove something?
To protect someone?
To fight a dragon? (Okay.... maybe sometimes that one counts.)
Whatever it is, that desire will shape everything. Because once you know what they want-- and what they believe about themselves-- you can predict how they'll react to other people.
Will they chase what they want boldly? Or quietly long for it from a distance? Will they trust easily? Or pull away the second things get real?
This is where chemistry starts to ignite--- because now their wants will either align with, clash with, or complicate the desires of other character. And that's where things get interesting. 👀
And that's all from me today, my lovely writing humans 🩷
Next time, we'll move on to something equally important (and slightly chaotic): 🍵 The art of supporting characters-- aka the people who make your main character's life better....worse...or emotionally confusing.
Until then, go build some beautifully complicated people.
Romance in Writing (Pt. 4) 🕊️💘 More Tropes, More Chaos (Respectfully)
Hello my little writing birds! 🦢✨
We're chugging right along into part 4 of this series-- and wow, it is getting long 😂 but you're still here, I'm still here, so buckle up.
Today we're covering a few more classic romance dynamics to add to your writing toolbox. Think of this as a little burst of inspiration fuel 🔥
Soon I want to dive into character chemistry and how to build romantic and platonic dynamics from scratch (very exciting, very scary), but for now we'll stick with some familiar tropes to get your creative gears turning.
Let's hop in.
🌗 Opposites attract
Ah yes. The classic: "These two have absolutely nothing in common... so obviously they fall in love."
Weird? A little. Fun to write? Absolutely.
This trope thrives on contrast. Two characters who are wildly different somehow finding connection-- that's where the magic happens.
The biggest key here? Let your imagination run.
Put them in interesting situations. Throw them into environments where their differences are highlighted. The more you lean into those contrasts, the more fun (and believable) the dynamic becomes.
Now here's something important: Unlike some other tropes, forced proximity isn't your best friend here. You can use it a little, but don't rely on it. Instead, focus on making the characters genuinely curious about each other.
Why does this person live so differently from me? Why do they see the world this way? Why am I...intrigued? That curiosity is what pulls them together.
A couple extra tips:
🧪 Make their differences complementary, not toxic. Friction is good. Constant emotional damage? Not so much. You want contrast that creates growth-- not just chaos.
🧪 Don't drag this one out forever. Opposites Attract tends to shine brighter in tighter storytelling. If it goes on for too long without progression, the spark can fade. If you do stretch it out, make sure you're adding new layers and points of interest along the way.
🧪 Side note-- but this trope is fantastic for supporting couples. Sometimes even more than the main couple! They can already be together and exist as a fun, contrasting duo in the background. Background couples usually can pull away from the story so if you want to include that, this is one way to make it interesting and fun.
📖 Use visual and behavioral cues to reinforce their differences. Readers latch onto what they can clearly see.
For example:
They speak differently (formal vs chaotic gremlin energy)
Different backgrounds or lifestyles
Opposite hobbies that somehow compliment each other
Completely different tastes in music, fashion, or entertainment
These little details make the dynamic feel real and memorable.
🥀 Forbidden Love
Ooooh. The longing. The drama. The "we absolutely should not be doing this" energy.
At it's core, this trope is simple: Two people are in love....and can't be together.
Easy right?
Well---yes and no.
This trope lives or dies by one thing:
👉 Your plot
If the reason they can't be together feels weak, the whole dynamic falls flat. So whatever is keeping them apart needs to feel real, unavoidable, and meaningful. Get creative here.
Why can't they be together? Is it societal rules? Family expectations? War? Magic systems? Careers? Loyalties?
And here's a big one: If the reader can easily think, "Why don't they just leave?"-- you might need to raise the stakes.
Unless....
There's internal conflict keeping them there.
Maybe one character could leave-- but they love their home, their responsibilities, or their identity too much to walk away. Now we've got emotional tension layered on top of external barriers. And ohhh we love that. Perfection ✨
Which brings us to a very fun little cheat sheet:
🤍 Internal + External Conflict = Maximum tension, deeper emotional payoff, readers clutching their hearts
🤍 Mostly External Conflict = Great for adventurous plots, dramatic stakes, or even lighter/comedic setups
All of these work -- It just depends on the story you want to tell.
And that's part 4, my lovely writing birds 🫶 You're officially stocked up on even more romance dynamics to play with. Next up, we'll start moving beyond tropes and into something even more powerful:
✨Character Chemistry ✨
(aka how to make readers feel things even when nothing "big" is happening)
Until then--- go write something soft, dramatic, and beautiful (and share it with us 👀)
We're so far from each other often times, I think. Whether in real life or even on the internet. I want to cultivate community between us ✨
This is for everyone, writers or not! Comment below or tag this with your post. Try your hand at writing a little blurb based on this prompt!
The forest was not always like this.
Once, the frogs sang in gentle, familiar rhythms—but tonight their chorus twisted into something hollow, almost mechanical, as if the sound had been remembered incorrectly. Above the marshy ground, thousands of small lanterns drifted silently through the air, their dim lights pulsing like distant heartbeats. No wind stirred them. No hand guided them.
You walk deeper into the woods, though you don’t remember deciding to move. Each step lands a moment before you feel yourself take it. The sound of your own footsteps echoes ahead of you, slightly out of sync, as if something else is walking your path just seconds before you do.
The trees thin.
Ruins emerge—broken stone, swallowed by moss and time. At the far end stands a figure, cloaked and still, a staff planted firmly at their side. They do not approach. They do not speak.
But they are waiting.
And somehow… you know they have been waiting for you.
(I'm gonna be curious to see what everyone comes up with 👀)
Romance In Writing (Pt. 3) An Introduction To Tropes and Developing Character Dynamics 💝
Ok we're in part of 3 of this series. This is getting so long, but I'm about to yap at you more about this topic. So let's dive in.
Romance stories are strange little ecosystems. Put people together, give them history, tension, or a ridiculous situation, and suddenly the emotional weather starts changing.
That shifting dynamic is what readers latch onto. So in this post, let's talk about character dynamics. Just an introduction here. These are the different relationship setups that can spark romance.
Before diving in, a small piece of loving writerly advice: develop your characters' personalities at least a little first. You don't need a forty page character dossier, but you should know who they are, how they react to stress, what annoys then, and what makes them laugh. Romance dynamics work best when the characters themselves feel real. Trust me on this-- you'll thank yourself later.
Below are a few popular romance "tropes." Think of tropes less like rigid formulas and more like relationship starting points. They're simply dynamics that create natural tension, chemistry, and story opportunities. you can follow them loosely, twist them, or mix them with other ideas. Creativity is very welcome here.
Let's jump in.
Rivals to Lovers ❤️🔥
Yes, the name is a little goofy, but it works for explaining the idea.
This is slightly different from the classic enemies to lovers. Rivals usually operate on a level of mutual resect even if they're constantly trying to outdo each other. They might compete academically, professionally, or in some shared skill. Think of two people who always end up neck-and-neck in everything they do.
The energy here is playful competition.
The key ingredient in this dynamic is banter. Lots of it. Quick back-and-forth dialogue, teasing, witty remarks, and the occasional smug. grin when one of them wins a round. That playful friction creates what writers love to call chemistry. (Oooooo chemistry 🤓)
One important tip: keep the rivalry respectful. Friendly jabs are fun; constant belittling isn't. Readers tend to fall in love with characters who challenge each other, not characters who tear each other down.
Another helpful trick is to force the characters into situations together. Rivalries lose their spark if the characters rarely interact. Give them reasons to spend time together--- shared projects, competitions, team assignments, missions, you name it. The more they collide, the more their dynamic has room to grow. 🌱
And as always, think outside the box. Rivalries don't have to be about sports or grades. Maybe they're rival chefs, rival explorers, rival inventors.....rival dragon riders. Creativity is welcome.
Friends to Lovers 💫
This one is incredibly popular for a reason: it's relatable. Many real-life relationships start with friendship, so readers often connect with this dynamic quickly.
But there's a catch. ☝️
Friends-to-lovers only works well if the characters themselves are interesting individuals. If the two characters don't have lives, goals, or personalities outside the romances the relationship can start to feel flat.
So develop both characters well. Give them goals, hobbies, problems, and relationships beyond each other. When two full, interesting people collide, the romance feels much richer.
One of the best tools for this trope is shared experiences. Seriously. Shared experiences are the engine here.
Adventures. Mistakes. Late-night conversations. Weird mishaps. Victories. Failures. The more moments these two characters experience together, the more believable their growing feelings become.
Did I mention shared experiences? I did? Ok ok I'll stop now.
(A small personal note, I usually avoid love triangles with this trope unless the friendship is already extremely deep and complex. when the emotional core is two friends slowly realizing their feeling, adding another romantic competitor can sometimes muddy the waters. But this isn't a hard rule---just something to consider and work with/around.)
And that's where we'll pause for today before this post turns into a small novel of it's own.
Next time in this series, we'll explore more romantic dynamics and talk about how different genres tend to pair well with certain tropes, because yes-- some dynamics shine brighter in fantasy, others in contemporary stories, so on so forth.
Until then, happy writing, and may all your fictional couples eventually figure out their feelings.
Romance In Writing (Pt. 2) Structure Without the Scary "Outline" Word 💘
If you've read a lot of romance novels, romantic subplots, or watch your favorite lovey-dovey movies, you've probably noticed something: there are a lot of opinions about romance in story telling.
And when I say a lot, I mean a lot.
People will tell you what's right, what's wrong, what's "cringe" what's "overdone", and what you absolutely do or must not do. Honestly? It can get a little overwhelming.
So let me say this first: there is no single perfect way to write romance that will make every reader swoon. Taste is wildly personal. What works beautifully for one audience might make another roll their eyes.
But what I can do is share a couple of structural tips that I've seen work well over the years--- for myself and for many other writers.
And yes, I know. The words structure and outline aren't exactly the most romantic things to hear when you're writing about love. But trust me... a little structure goes a long way. You'll thank yourself later.
Tip #1: Don't make the Romance the Only Plot 🦋
Okay, before anyone throws tomatoes at me--- hear me out.
Even when you're writing a romance novel, the entire story shouldn't rely only on whether the characters get together. If the romance is the only driving force in the story, everything starts riding on one question: Is this relationship interesting enough to carry the whole book?
And that's a risky gamble.
When authors feel that pressure, they sometimes overcompensate with extra drama, extra "spice", or scenes that feel forced just to keep things exciting. Readers end up thinking, "Oh no.... not another dramatic misunderstanding."
Instead, give your character something else driving the story. A goal. A mission. A personal struggle. A mystery. A dragon threatening the kingdom (I clearly have a theme.)
When romance isn't the only engine of the story, two great things happen:
First: You create "Lack"
In marketing and business, there's a concept called the art of scarcity--- when something isn't constantly available, people want it more.
Stories work the same way.
If romantic moments are sprinkle throughout the story instead of constantly front-and-center, readers start leaning in. They begin thinking, "Wait...are they going to get together? I nee more of this!"
And that tension? That anticipation? That's the magic.
Second: You gain leverage as a writer.
When you have two plot lines running together-- the main story and the romance-- you suddenly have more tools to work with. The plots can influence each other, create tension, and raise stakes in ways that feel natural.
The romance becomes something that adds richness to the story, rather than something carrying the entire weight of it.
Tip #2: Structure the Romance Like its own Mini-Story 🎀
Even if romance isn't your main plot, it still needs structure. Think of the relationship arc like its own little story happening alongside the bigger one. It doesn't have to be dramatic or complicated, but giving it a clear progression helps readers feel satisfied.
In basic story structure we have (I'll give it a romantic spin here):
Beginning (Introducing the stakes, interests, characters, etc. For romance, this means setting up the spark of interest whether forced proximity or not)
Pinch Point (s) (There can be up to three of these usually. This is a conflict internally or externally but not the main climax. These are conflicts that will ultimately bring the characters closer together.)
Climax (The main conflict and the stakes are at risk here. Sacrifice, realization, confessions, this is the moment where things change.)
Resolution (The relationship settles into its new form. No matter what happens, the emotional question has been solved and the stakes are resolved.)
And here's something important: the conflict doesn't have to come from the characters fighting each other.
Sometimes the most satisfying romances are when the characters face a challenge together. The tension comes form the world around them rather than the constant drama between them.
In real life, we don't usually want our romantic experiences to be dramatic roller coaster. But in storytelling, a little tension and growth helps readers stay invested. If the romance is just random sweet moments scattered throughout the story without any progression, readers won't feel that same emotional payoff.
But when the relationship grows, changes, and moves somewhere meaningful-- that's when readers start rooting for the couple.
I hope this gave you a few helpful ideas as you build romance into your stories. As usual, if you have questions, thoughts, or tips of your own, feel free to share them in the comments. I always love hearing how other writers approach these things.
Until next time---happy writing and happy swooning.
So I wanted to hop on here and ask my fellow readers and writers if they'd be willing to help support the community of writers, by commenting below this post your favorite books and who they're by-- or your favorite authors. So like author and book swapping!
I've noticed that sometimes in my local area, we lose our community mindset, and I know for sure we lose this a lot online too. My goal is to help support each other's writing and books!
So even if you've found something that you've loved reading that isn't in book format, even just a online story someone posted-- feel free to share that here!
Romance in Writing (Pt. 1) 💘 The Sweet, Subtle Art of Making Readers Swoon
Romance. Ooooo ooo oo.
It's one of those strange parts of writing that somehow manages to be both the simplest and the most complicated at the exact same time.
Today, I want to share a few personal tips and thoughts on writing romance between characters-- not the technicalities of how to write a kiss scene (we'll save that for another post..... or not. Hehe.)
🩷 Tip #1: Less is More
This is a hill I will joyfully die on.
When it comes to romance, subtlety is powerful. It draws readers in with tension, little glances, unspoken words, and emotional slow burns. When the feelings simmer under the surface, it's almost impossible not to root for the couple.
Let your readers lean in and feel like they're discovering the romance, not being spoon-fed every heartbeat.
💞 Tip #2: Pull from Real Life (Yes, your life)
Okay, stay with me here. I know some of you just dramatically gasped and said:
"I have zero romantic experience."
"My love life is a dumpster fire and I'd rather forget it exists."
"Everything I've felt is boring. No one wants to read about that."
But listen. Real-life romance-- especially the quiet, messy, ordinary kind-- can be golden when it comes to creating authentic relationships on the page.
Romance that feels grounded in real emotion resonates so much more deeply than the overly polished, hyper-dramatic kind. (Not that there's anything wrong with drama! But there's a time and place for it.)
So no-- you don't have to copy your life story beat for beat. But you can borrow bits and pieces. That awkward crush. That heartbreak. That one soft moment that made your stomach flip. These are the building block of believable emotion.
💖 Tip #3: Use Emotion, Not Exact Events
Let's say you once got rejected by someone you really liked. Ouch. Been there.
Now, say your character gets their heart broken-- not because they were rejected outright, but because their love interest left to study abroad, and nothing ever came of their feelings. Different event, same emotion.
See what we did there?
You're not rewriting your life-- you're using emotional memory to add truth to fictional experiences. This works in all kinds of writing, but it really shines in romance because those feelings are so universally human.
💗 Tip # 4: Build the Characters First
Before you start writing their heart-fluttering moments and tension-filled banter, make sure you actually know your characters. Who are they? What do they want? What are they afraid of?
Romance is about two people's journeys intertwining-- not one person waiting around while the other figures it out. Get to know your characters as individuals first, and then bring in the romance as something that challenges, heals, and/or transforms them.
🎻 Bonus Thought: Romance is a Symphony
Stay with me on this metaphor. Writing romance is like composing a symphony. It's not about hitting one loud, dramatic note (though those moments can be powerful). It's about building layers-- soft beginnings, rising tension, the crescendo of realization, and finally, resolution.
It doesn't matter what genre you're writing or what character dynamics you choose. If you treat the romance like a musical performance-- with rhythm, patience, and feeling-- it can be incredibly moving.
If you've never watched an orchestra perform, I highly recommend. There's something magical about it-- and once you get the visual, you'll see exactly what I mean.
I'll wrap it up here before this post ends up in the "uh-oh, we're rambling again" category 😅
Next time, I'll dive into how to structure the romance arc in your plot, and how to weave it seamlessly into the rest of the story. Because let's be honest-- that part can be tricky.
Until then, keep dreaming, keep writing, and don't be afraid to put your heart on the page. 💌
Character Lies 101 🧪 (aka: The Emotional Damage Cheat Code for Writers)
Character lies are one of my favorite tools in the writers toolbox. They're emotional, powerful, and (if you ask me) a little bit magical. ✨ Whether you're writing a triumphant hero's journey or a tragic descent into villainy, lies are what we use to shape a character's arc-- for better or worse.
So today, let's dive into the what, why, and how of character lies-- and why they're basically your secret weapon for delicious storytelling.
So... what exactly is a character lie?
Great question, my lovely.
A character lie is something your character believes to be true about themselves, others, or the world.... but isn't. And that false belief shapes their choices, their relationships, and their arc.
What does a character lie actually do?
Here are three things it accomplishes:
Creates emotional stakes and subplots The lie helps build tension and gets the reader emotionally invested. It's the reason they root for your character to grow, even when they're being a little disaster.
Shapes how the character interacts with others It gives you a framework for conflict, vulnerability, and those juicy little moments of tension or connection.
Connects to backstory and reveals deeper themes The lie often comes from a wound or trauma in the character's past, and the journey to overcome it creates meaning, growth, and theme (aka, the soul of your story).
But wait--there's more. (I promise this isn't an infomercial.)
There's a lesser-known perk of character lies that I didn't discover until later in my writing journey, and it's honestly a game-changer.
👉 It gives you consistent character behavior.
Yep. It's a sneaky little cheat code for keeping your character's voice, actions, and reactions consistent throughout the book.
Let's break that down.
Example Time: May vs. the Dragon 🐉
Let's say your main character is named May, and she's up against a classic Big Bad-- a massive dragon threading to destroy her kingdom. (Cliche? Maybe. Fun? Always.)
Now, May believes a lie:
"I'm stupid and useless. I could never save anyone."
Oof. That's heavy. And also? Super relatable.
The lie does a few things:
It creates inner conflict.
It holds her back from becoming the hero.
And importantly-- it makes her react consistently.
So whenever her best friend Alex makes a teasing joke that sounds innocent, May misinterprets it. Because it pokes at her wound.
If May's personality is quiet and self-protective, maybe she gets sad, shuts down, apologizes, or gets quietly passive-aggressive. If she's more fiery, maybe she lashes out, storms off, or throws a bread roll across the room (no judgment).
Either way, you as the the author know how she'll react. The lie becomes your anchor for how she interests the world-- and that give your scenes cohesion and emotional truth ✨
Alright, back out of the rabbit hole 🐇
Let's wrap up with a few quick tips to help you wield these character lies like the narrative wizards you are:
⭐️ Focus on 1-2 lies per book
In real life, people believe all sorts of messy, conflicting lies. But in fiction, simplicity = clarity. Choose one main lie (or two at most) to focus on your character arc. The others can exist quietly in the background if you want added depth.
(Psst-- if you're writing a series, feel free to sprinkle in new lies later like emotional seasoning.)
⭐️ Tie the main lie into the plot
The best character lies interfere with the plot in meaningful ways.
Back to our May example: If she doesn't believe she's capable, then of course she's going to hesitate when the time comes to slay the dragon. Boom: tension. Conflict. Delicious drama.
Personally, I like to tie the lie to the main plot and another to the sub plot or emotional journey. But that's just my personal method. You do you!
⭐️ Make the lie show up (a lot)
Don't let your character's lie only show up when it's convenient. Like us, character's drag their baggage everywhere. The lie should influence their choices, fears, conversations, and even the way they interpret compliments or setbacks.
Consistency makes them feel real-- and lets reader grow attached to their journey.
⭐️ Show consequences-- especially if they don't change
Most stories show character overcoming their lie in some way. That's a positive arc. But if they don't? That's a negative arc-- and it needs to come with consequences.
The kingdom falls. The relationship shatters. The character gets what they thought they wanted.... but loses what they truly needed. 🥀
In either case, make it it matter.
Whew! That's it for now, friends. Thanks for hanging out and diving deep into character psychology with me. Go forth and write some beautifully broken (and hopefully redeemed) fictional people!
And if you have any lie-related tips, tricks, or examples, drop them in the comments-- I'd love to hear what you're working on!
Time for Saturday Blurbs! Yay! This is part three of this weekly story. I hope you enjoy! (I apologize for missing a few weeks. Hopefully this makes up for it ^^)
As the festival rolled on, something imperceptible shifted.
The music didn't stop. The drums still beat. The tambourines still shimmered like silver in the dusk. But the rhythm stretched--drawn long and strange--like candle wax dripping slow in a windless room.
Kita blinked.
The lanterns above glowed too bright for a moment, flaring unnaturally gold before dimming again. People still danced, still shouted and tossed ribbons of silk through the air, but their limbs seemed to move through syrup. Their laughter came from too far away.
Time was slowing.
She could feel it.
She clutched Namul's hand tighter, though her own was damp with sweat beneath her glove. His thumb brushed over her knuckles, grounding her in a way that no words ever could. It was the only thing that still felt real.
And then-- they emerged.
From the alleys behind puppet stalls, from the shadows of the tented archways and smoke-thick corners of the old square, they came. Dozens of them. Maybe more. Dressed in layered black cloth that shimmered oddly like oil in lamplight. Eyes covered in masks--each one carved with a different emotions. One laughed. One cried. One screamed.
Phantoms.
Her allies.
....Aren't they?
Kita's breath caught. Her throat constricted like she'd swelled cold iron. She had danced with them. For them. For him. For the masked leader they called "Father of Ash." They fed her, clothed her, whispered promises of justice in the flickering dark.
But they owned her.
And they owned Namul too.
Are they really allies when they're all that keeps her from her love and freedom? Are they allies when her dance is no longer hers, but a weapon laced in spell and blood?
The shadowed figures stepped out, fanning into the crowd like ink spilling through water. Nobody else seemed to notice. They were glamoured. Or the music was too loud. Or the festival too full of illusion.
Or maybe no one wanted to see.
She did.
And she couldn't stop.
Rita's body ached for movement. The Phantom's touch was already reaching toward her bones. She would be called soon. Her dance would begin. And this time-- it wasn't for show. It was for the plan. The strike. The king's steward would be present tonight. A symbol. A message. A warning dressed in silk and blood.
Which side is right? Which side is wrong?
The question bloomed in her skull like thorny roses. The king was cruel, yes-- but the Phantoms.... they had made her dance for executions. Made her watch. Made her smile.
Which side would let her live as herself again?
The music bent, warbling in her ears like a cracked music box. Somewhere, bells began to chime from the tower. She didn't remember them being part of the show.
Namul's hand squeezed hers again.
His red-brown hair glowed bronze in the lantern light, untamed and soft against the sharp contrast of the Phantom's rising presence. He still smelled like saddle soap and river wind. He hadn't lost himself yet.
The square began to shift as the center stage--their decoy stage-- lit up with colored torches. The air thicken with sweet smoke and clove. Dancers whirled. Somewhere backstage, someone screamed. Not apart of the act.
Namul leaned in close to her ear.
"It's starting. Please.... be safe." He murmured, barely audible.
And as usual, despite the emptiness the words held, like a tradition between the two of them, she uttered the lie she could never give to him, "I promise."
They met eyes. Something unspoken. Something even she didn't know the meaning of anymore. Something heartstrung and desperate.
He pulled her toward the far edge of the crowd, past the lantern post with the broken chain. That was the mark. One of many. She followed, her feet moving automatically even as her spirit resisted.
She could already feel the pull.
The Phantoms would want her to dance tonight.
Not the free, sky-touching dance she dreamed of. Not the dance with sunlight on her skin and laughter on her tongue. This was the other dance-- the one that sliced the air like blades. The one laced with poison, shadow, and illusion.
But they think it's power, she reminded herself. They think they're the light.
She glanced behind.
One of the Phantoms had stopped, standing still in the road as the revelry twirled past him unseeing. His mask was a blank, cracked porcelain face with no mouth. But she knew he was looking at her. Not through eyes-- but through something colder.
The plan was in motion.
And there would be no turning back now.
Still, wrapped in the small warmth of Namul's hand-- his fingers wrapped in hers like a promise--- she found one thing left untouched by the dark.
Writing Juicy Backstories Pt. 3 🍓Creative Brainstorming & Character Shenanigans
We've already talked about the technical stuff: why backstories matter, how to balance them with your plot, and how not to give your readers emotional whiplash (we love you, twisty plots--- but behave).
Now, as promised, let's jump into the fun part--- creativity and brainstorming!
Now, do I really need to teach writers how to be creative? Absolutely not. That would be like trying to teach cats how to knock things off shelves. Y'all are out here giving Tommy an angsty, tragic backstory evolving a haunted tree and a stolen heirloom even when I beg you not to. (And honestly? This is what I love about our writing community worldwide.)
But even the most chaotic of creative minds hit ruts. Dead ends. Brain fog. Total meltdowns that somehow involve pacing the kitchen and dramatically whispering "Maybe I'll just delete the whole book." If (or when) that happens--- this post is here for you. Think of it like a cozy little toolbox of inspiration, or a creative pep talk in blog form.
(Side note: You're totally welcome here even if you're not in a rut. I like having you around.)
My Brainstorming Process (Or, How I Gently Coax My Brain Into Making Stuff Up)
Now, this process changes depending on my mood, the vibe of the story, or what snacks I've had that day--- but here's my general go-to method:
Step 1: Ask "Why are they like this?" Once I have a character in mind, I start asking the big dramatic questions:
Why are they the way they are?
What happened to make them like this?
What pieces will the reader learn, and what won't be mentioned in the story, but will affect the character's behaviors?
What decisions shaped their lifestyle, fears, or weird snack preferences?
(And bonus tip: A character's past experiences and ways they've experienced/not experienced love WILL affect who they gravitate toward romantically. Keep that in mind 😉)
I don't try to force answers right away. Instead, I let my brain wander while I do things that spark creativity:
🎶 Listening to music
📸 Browsing aesthetic Pinterest boards (Or making my own for the character teehee)
🚶♀️Walking around town (Or the kitchen) like I'm in a coming-of-age movie montage (the more trees, the better the inspiration)
Sometimes it takes five minutes. Sometimes it takes a lot of snacks and mood playlists titled things like "haunted forest vibes + emotional damage." (And let's be real, sometimes character backstories take me weeks. When that's the case, I just work on other projects while I'm developing it. Don't be afraid to take your time-- it's always worth it.)
Step 2: Ask More Questions, Write Stuff Down
This is when I start grabbing a notebook or doc and just go wild with questions like:
"If her uncle adopted her, why? Do her parents come back later? Are they dead? Do they affect the plot later, or even just her memories of them affecting the plot? Do they just suck? Does she even remember them???"
"If he was trained as a swordsman since age six, did he love it? Did he hate it? Did he think it was normal until he met someone with a childhood?"
The point here isn't to find the answers-- it's to explore the possibilities. To play. To let your brain throw paint at the wall and see what makes you go, "Oooooh now that's juicy."
Step 3: Connect the Dots (a.k.a. Character Web Time)
Now I start weaving those backstories into the larger cast. Some characters will have no shared past with anyone (which can be interesting in itself), but others do--- and it changes everything.
If two characters have been friends since they were seven? That's going to affect how they bicker, trust, and protect each other. If someone betrayed another years ago, even if it's not part of the main plot, you better believe it'll leak into their interactions.
These small connections add depth-- and make the group dynamics feel real and messy in the best way.
Step 4: Repeat, Mix, Match, Stir
I loop through these steps as many times as I need until I feel like I know the character---not just what happened to them, but how they feel about what happened.
Once the bones of the backstory are solid, I move on to the next part (which technically isn't backstory-specific, but it's connected):
🌱 I start working on the lie(s) they believe about themselves/in general,
🌿 Their character arc, and how their history shapes their relationships and reactions throughout the plot.
But that's a story for another post 🤭
Whether you're knee-deep in edits or just vibing with a new idea, I hope this helped spark something fun and useful for you! And if you have any favorite backstory-building tips, I'd love to hear them--- drop a comment below and share the secret sauce.
Until next time, With love, daydreams, and maybe too much character drama,
In my last post, I talked about why creating backstories is important (spoiler alert: they're the emotional glue that holds your story together). Today, I want to dive into the how --- specifically, how I go about creating backstories for my characters. Or at least, a few ways I like to stir the pot.
When I sit down to craft a character's backstory, I usually start by asking myself two simple questions:
What kind of novel is this?
What journey am I trying to take the reader through?
Let's start with the first question. The reason behind this one is simple: the type of story I'm writing will directly affect the kind of backstories I create. Genre, tone, complexity, audience -- all of it plays a part. Think of it like pairing your characters' emotional baggage with the right kind of suitcase. You wouldn't pack a steamer trunk for a weekend trip, right?
Now, is this step absolutely necessary? Technically no --- you could skip it. But I've found that one of the secret sauces of writing (mmm... sauce) is balance. And often, my biggest breakthroughs have come from adjusting backstories to better match the story I'm telling.
Allow me to go full rabbit hole for a second. 🐇
Let's say I'm writing a sci-fi dystopian novel. You know the type: evil rulers, an underground resistance, danger, drama-- my kind of fun. In a story like this, the main character's backstory needs to do two things:
Explain why they're fighting to save the world,
Balance out the complexity of the plot.
If the plot is twisty-turn with world building galore and surprise reveals every other chapter, I try to keep the main character's backstory simple but powerful. Why? Because readers can only hold so many puzzles in their brain before they short-circuit and quietly place your book in the "maybe later" pile (we've all done it).
So when the reader discovers that Marnie was actually a test subject all along, they should have that satisfying "OH that's why's he's so obsessed with taking down the head scientist" moment. Not a "Wait... what? Who's Marnie again? Is this the one with the robot twin or the one who escaped from the moon prison?" moment.
(Of course, you can write complicated backstories-- but be mindful of how much the reader needs to process right now vs. what you cans save for a later reveal. Or even just hint at.)
Okay, rabbit hole complete. 🕳️ Thank you for following me down there.
Let's hop back up to the second question: What journey am I trying to take the reader through?
Yes, your reader will go on a twisty, emotional, probably slightly traumatic journey (we're writer, after all). But when I pick up a backstory, I like to focus on one core idea --- the heart of the journey. Everything else tends to tumble out naturally (and often more dramatically than I planned. As it should be.)
Ask yourself questions like these:
Am I trying to show the readers that healing after heartbreak is possible?
That they're not alone in their mental health struggles? That it's possible to overcome them?
That they're lovable, worthy, and maybe just a bit magical and wonderful?
That core idea will shape the backstory.
Quick example: One of my character (no spoilers, because I'm about to publish the book-- eep!) starts off believing she's worthless and that life has no meaning. Cue existential dread. The story takes her through a slow, emotional climb toward truth, love, and healing. But those beliefs didn't come out nowhere-- her backstory includes emotional abuse and abandonment, the kind of wounds that leave scars. So now, the reader can see the why behind the what, and they get to root for her as she fights her way toward hope.
Whew! This post is already getting long, so I'll wrap it up here. Next time, I'll get into the fun part: brainstorming! We're talking character webs, odd habits, tragic childhood pets-- maybe even that dramatic betrayal at the school talent show. You know. The good stuff.
If you've got any tips or wisdom to share on backstories and characters, feel free to drop a comment below. We writerly folks love swapping notes. 💌
(I'm a day late on my Saturday blurbs-- sorry for that. I lost track of time. So today is Sunday blurbs? Lol. Anyways, here's the second part to this series.)
The streets bustled with energy that could’ve rivaled her grandmother’s excitement on the Evening Star feast morning. This, however, was not the Evening Star feast morning. It was the traveling troupe’s grand festival— and unlike the polite, candlelit joy of her villages harvest ceremonies, this festival thrummed with reckless delight.
Colorful banners in every shade of sun and flame flapped from balconies and street poles, snapping in the wind like a hundred gossipy tongues. Minstrels danced between stalls on makeshift stilts, laying flutes and jangling tambourines, their cheeks flushed from heat or wine— or both.
Lanterns bobbed on wires strung between rooftops like tiny moons caught in a net, and confetti clung to the cobblestones like crushed dreams beneath boots and hooves. Kita wove through the crowds, pulling her old cloak’s hood lower over her face. Her frame was small and nimble, but it did little good in the crush of people and the chaotic flow of traffic. A donkey cat nearly clipped her toes, and the vendors were shouting louder than ever, hawking sweet jujube buns and fried eel skewers, their voices tangling with the music in the air.
Her bare feet, dirt scuffed and aching, padded fast across the heaven stone. She’d remembered when they had taken extra taxes from the people to line the streets with the smooth, golden white rocks. Her cloak whipped behind her like the tail of some startled fox. She kept her eyes sharp, darting left and right trough the dizzying carnival of color and scent and movement. And then—there.
Namul.
Her heart fluttered like a loose ribbon in the wind.
A sharp whistle from behind made her duck instinctively— just in time to avoid a passing carriage that rattled too fast for a festival street. She dove sideways, straight into a pair of waiting arms.
“Hey.” He grinned as their foreheads bonked together awkwardly.
He steadied her with both hands, his sleeves patched and weathered— like the rest of him. A walking mosaic of stitched linen, cracked leather, and poorly hidden burn marks. She clung to the fabric of his sleeve rather than answering. The noise and faces blurred into something meaningless as soon as he touched her. She hated how her body gave away the relief before her mind caught up.
Namul looked at her, amused, but gentle. There was something else too. Something behind his eyes. It might’ve been a familial protection, a feeling that he carried with him to take care of her. Or planning. She knew that he had been running their strategy through his head at least a hundred times since they’d spoken last. It’s just how he was.
His fingers found hers, gloved in too-worn fabric, and without a word, he pulled her through the crowd. The festival roared around them like a tide. But her heartbeat was louder— erratic. Fear. Was it fear of failure? Or fear of success? She didn’t know.
Fire breathers sent arcs of gold into the air, and acrobats leapt from rooftops to nets with gasps from the crowd below. Drums pounded with such fury they mimicked a battle march— too loud, too fast. A girl danced on a stage with a snake coiled around her shoulders. Kita stopped for a brief moment, her eyes inadvertently watching the girl’s footwork.
It all shimmered with beauty and danger. A mask with teeth beneath the paint. Kita followed Namul’s back, the way his red-brown hair curled upward no matter how many times he tried to smooth it. She remembered teasing him about it once. Before the fire. Before the fall of Ethcoll. Before the hiding, the lies, and…. The plan.
The crowd didn’t know what was coming.
They cheered and tossed coins at the dancers. They washed the fire-eater exhale his roaring arc. They smiled as jugglers tossed knives between them like harmless toys. Kita held tighter to Namul’s hand. He glanced back at her. His gaze was intense. Worry, determination— and asking her if she was ready.
She didn’t smile. She didn’t speak. She only squeezed his hand once. And gave him the look of fire in her eyes. He clenched his teeth, as if preparing himself and turned back toward the crowd, pulling her to his side— just a little closer. As if having her next to him could actually protect her.
As they reached the far square— where the main act would begin— she caught a glimpse of something high on the clocktower’s balcony. A flicker of movement. A glint of something not made for celebration.
Namul paused. She saw his shoulder tense. He didn’t turn around this time. But he squeezed her hand. Once. Kita didn’t need words— She knew exactly what that meant. The festival played on. And somewhere beneath the stones below them, something darker stirred.
