Meag's writer's blog

Life as a new mom and an author isn't easy. To all the mama's writers out there, you rock🫶

[rarepairheathen]

WIP FILE GAME: VALHALLA CALLINGGGGGGG!❤️❤️

Gah, I've been itching to talk about this more!! Thank you, lovely! 💜 @thelettersfromnoone

Sooooo... this is one of my oldest WIPs. In fact this year it'll turn 19. *le sigh*

It is a WWII era novel inspired by my own grampa who served in the US Airborne as a Glider Rider. However, I have talked about it here ( 1, 2, 3, and somewhat of a connecting story idea HERE)

I don't feel confident in what I've written so far since I haven't looked at it in years. So here is an image of how I see my MC. Meet Pvt. James Seegar:

Everything about these two pictures just... it is so perfect for my story. How I see it in my mind. James is very, very dear to me. And he has a great story and I can't wait for you to read.

Send me a WIP File Ask!

[meagwritersblog]

When that enemy to lovers hit hard.

It doesn’t seem to bother him because each app I’m presenting to him, he doesn’t say one comment about it, except when I download TikTok.

            “No,” is all he gives me.

            “What do you mean, no?”

            “No,” he repeats.

            “It’s only TikTok, for fuck’s sake!”

            “Yeah, I don’t trust it, so you don’t get it.”            

“I hate you.”

[veronicaleighauthor]

[meagwritersblog]

Here I am

It's official: I've begun documenting my life as an author and a mom of a five-month-old. I'm new to this, and don't expect me to post daily or weekly because this is harder than I thought.

I would have never thought that making a career as an author would be so difficult, let alone that it would be harder to raise a child and open the laptop five seconds a day. I may even begin a TikTok blog for the thrill of doing something with my life because my life has been a real struggle lately.

My motivation and ambitions have been put in question, which is making me question myself about what I want in life. Maybe dumping my thoughts on this blog might create some sort of escape for me. Who knows?

Meagan Cabana

Author&Screenwriter

[meagwritersblog]

🥀

Here we go! Thank you for asking. My favourite part so far is just for you!!!

I turn around the garage, having to pass the front door, but I do so quietly until someone clears its throat.

“I wouldn’t want to marry me either, I get you.”

I sigh, straightening myself and turn to face him.

“Listen, don’t take it personal—”

“I’m not,” Nikolai cuts me off, smoking his cigarette. “I’m not into the idea either. You wouldn’t be my top choice.”

“What does that mean?” I look at him, offended.

“What it should exactly mean. I’m not into brunettes. Your eyes are too large for my taste, and your mouth is just…I don't even want to think about it."

“Then thank God we're not getting married then."

“Listen, you can be a brat all you want, but you're mine. Your dad owes me, which means you now, owes me. If I have to tie the knot with you, so be it, and you’ll shut your ugly little mouth about it. Whine all you want; it’s happening whether you like it.”

“Fuck you.”

“Sweetheart, you don’t even give me a boner.”

[hayatheauthor]

100 Dialogue Tags You Can Use Instead of “Said”

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

1. Neutral Tags 

Straightforward and unobtrusive dialogue tags: 

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

2. Questioning Tags 

Curious, interrogative dialogue tags:

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

3. Emotive Tags 

Emotional dialogue tags:

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

4. Descriptive Tags 

Insightful, tonal dialogue tags: 

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

5. Action-Oriented Tags 

Movement-based dialogue tags: 

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

6. Conflict Tags 

Argumentative, defiant dialogue tags:

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

7. Agreement Tags 

Understanding, compliant dialogue tags: 

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

8. Disagreement Tags 

Resistant, defiant dialogue tags: 

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

9. Confused Tags 

Hesitant, uncertain dialogue tags:

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

10. Surprise Tags

Shock-inducing dialogue tags:

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

Looking For More Writing Tips And Tricks? 

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

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[meagwritersblog]

Make me Write!

Name of the game (aka the rules): Send me an emoji, and i'll write a couple of sentences for the corresponding wip.

(I've been tagged by my beautiful mama @rarepairheathen thank you mama! 🥰🤗)

🥀 HATRED

🥊 ALL THE WAY UP

I have no one to tag unfortunately, but feel free to do it as well! 🥰💙

[luna-azzurra]

How to Write a Character Who Is Naive

Big Optimist Energy

Naive characters usually have this "everything’s gonna be fine!" vibe. They might think the world is fair, everyone’s nice, and good things happen to good people. Show how they’re super trusting, always expecting the best, even when things are clearly going sideways. Maybe they believe their toxic friend will change or that the school bully is just misunderstood.

Misses All the Red Flags

These characters are notorious for ignoring warning signs. Whether it’s a sketchy new friend or a relationship that’s clearly bad news, they’re blind to the obvious. Even when people around them are like, "Um, don’t you see what’s happening?" they’re still convinced everything’s cool, until it all blows up.

Unintentional Comedy

Naive characters can be hilarious without meaning to. Maybe they take everything way too literally, don’t catch sarcasm, or completely misread the vibe in social situations. It’s the kind of thing that makes you cringe and laugh at the same time because they’re just so clueless. These moments can make them super endearing, even if they’re a little embarrassing.

[luna-azzurra]

Real talk, dialogue is where your characters come alive. But here’s the thing, people don’t speak in perfectly crafted sentences. They stutter, they pause, they cut each other off. If your dialogue reads like a speech, you’re doing it wrong. Write conversations that feel like actual people talking, not robots exchanging ideas. Give them quirks, slang, and awkwardness. Sometimes the silence between the words says more than the words themselves. Don’t just use dialogue to tell the reader something, use it to show who your characters really are.

[luna-azzurra]

Writing, at its core, is about stepping into someone else’s shoes. It’s not just about creating characters who are like you, it’s about understanding characters who are nothing like you. Writing forces you to ask, “Why does this person act this way?” “What are they afraid of?” “What do they want?” You have to feel what your characters are feeling, even if you don’t agree with them. That’s how you create characters who are complex, layered, and real.

[luna-azzurra]

Quick Tips for Writing Protective Tension

One character immediately steps in when something happens, overprotective much? The other one is like, “Chill. I got this.”

They stand just a little too close, constantly checking if the other person’s okay, but trying (and failing) to be subtle about it.

“Be careful,” “Watch out,” or “Don’t do that,” every two seconds, like they’re babysitting, but it's all about concern.

One of them puts a hand on the other’s shoulder, almost possessively, like, “Don’t worry, I’m here.”

They instinctively move in front, even if it’s something minor like a crowded street or a heated argument.

[luna-azzurra]

MASTERLIST ✍🏻

Hi! This post is a huge collection of all my writing tips in one place. I will update this list daily and add new posts. And if you have any questions or feedback on writing materials, please send me an email at [email protected] ✍🏻

Writing Tips

How do i Plot a Book?

Childhood Friends to Lovers Gestures

Showing 'Fear' in Writing

examples of body language and action tags

Writing Trust Issues Tension

Quick Tips for Writing Emotional Tension

How to Write a Ruthless Character

Showing 'Anger' in Writing

12 Emotional Wounds in Fiction Storys

Gestures for Shared Moments

Symbolism in Writing

Instead of "Looked", consider

Words to Use Instead of "Said"

Showing 'Determination' in Writing

Showing 'Confusion' in Writing

Showing 'Anticipation' in Writing

Introduce characters

Showing 'Exhaustion' in Writing

Showing 'Excitement' in Writing

Writing a Morally gray character

Showing 'Jealousy' in Writing

Showing 'Love' in Writing

OC Developement

Eye Color to Define Your OC,

Describe your Main Character sheet

Body type and shape

Good Traits Gone Bad

Dialogues

Dialogue Prompts that Hurts

Jealousy Starters

Dialogue Prompts for Friendship

Dialogue Prompts for Unrequited Love

Gestures of Loss

When A Character Is dealing with anxiety they…

When A Character Is hilariously confused they…

Isolation Starters

Regretful gestures

Undermining Confidence Starters

When a character is Babysitting for the first time

Control Starters

Guilt-Tripping Starters

Soft angers Dialogue

Gaslightning Starters

Emotional Blackmail Starters

When A Character Is stuck in a never-ending traffic jam they…

Dialogue Prompts for Mystery/Thriller

When A Character Is dealing with an overenthusiastic fitness trainer they…

Confidence Starters

Prompts

Physical Intimacy Prompts

forced proximity prompts

When A Character Is feeling nostalgic they…

When A Character Is excited about something they…

Prompts for self-Doubt

When A Character Is excited about something they…

Grumpy & Sunshine Affection Prompts

Moral Dilemmas Prompts

when a Character us stressed they…

Supernatural Elements Prompts

Family Secrets Prompts

When A Character Is in a state of panic they…

Inner Conflict Prompts

Twist Prompts

Conflict Prompts

Signs of ….

Signs of Embarrassment

If You’re Writing a…

How to Create a Villain

If You’re Writing a Female Character, Avoid these Bad Writing Mistakes

Emotionally reserved characters

If you’re writing a character who is Naive

Writing Love

How to Write a Confession of Love

forbidden love prompts

When A Character Is in love they…

Signs of Falling in Love

Gestures for Expressing Love

Love Triangle Gestures

Writers Block

Ideas to Get Rid of Writer's Block Inspo

[luna-azzurra]

An action scene isn’t about writing down every punch, kick, or swing of the sword. You’re not choreographing a fight for your reader, you’re throwing them into the moment, making them feel the intensity, the panic, the adrenaline. Focus on the emotions, the tension, the stakes. Show how the character’s thinking changes in the heat of the moment, how their survival instincts kick in, how their body reacts to the chaos. Make it fast, make it brutal, and don’t drag it out longer than it needs to be. Action is about urgency, not precision.

[creativepromptsforwriting]

How to show emotions

Part VI

How to show insecurity

not holding/breaking eye contact

fidgeting

crossing their arms

trying to cover up their body

making themself seem smaller

playing with their hands

hiding their hands in their pockets

holding their head down

blushing

clearing their throat

biting their nails

biting their lips

nervous laughter

stuttering

How to show being offended

stiffening up

hard line around the lips

frozen stare

narrowing of the eyes

turning their head to the side

quickening heartbeat

turning red

making themself bigger, ready to fight

How to show compassion

gentle and soft smile

relaxed facial features

softening of their eyes

openly showing how they feel

leaning towards the other one

nodding along, not directly interjecting, but encouraging

deep breaths inbetween

gentle touches to comfort

How to show being pleased

big smile/grinning

laying head slightly to the side

moving one shoulder up

pursing their lips while smiling

very open body language

leaning back

Part I + Part II + Part III + Part IV + Part V

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

[rheas-chaos-anthology]

Questions to ask beta readers

General:

Were you confused at any point of the story?

What genre would you say this book is?

When did you put the story down?

Is the ending satisfying?

If you had to cut 3 scenes what would they be?

When did you feel like the story really began?

What was the last book you read before this story?

Characters:

Do you get any of the characters names confused?

Which character is your favorite?

If you had to remove a character who would you and why? (you don't have to remove the character, just make sure their role is meaningful)

Which character do you relate to the most?

Which character do you relate to the least?

Do the characters feel real?

Are character relationships believable?

Are the goals clear and influence the plot?

Are the characters distinct (voice, motivations, etc)

Setting:

Which setting was clearest to you?

Which setting was the most memorable?

Am including enough/too much detail?

Plot and conflict:

Are the internal and external conflicts well defined for the main characters?

Are the internal conflicts and the external conflicts organic and believable?

Are there enough stakes?

Are the plot twists believable but still unexpected?

[simoneashlcy]

╰☆╮by clicking the source link below, you will find a total of 452 gifs of Jenna Coleman in episodes 4-6 of the series, Wilderness (2023). this makes a total of 891 gifs in all episodes. all gifs were made entirely by me, please do not claim as your own. do not edit them in any form (gif icons, crackships, etc.), add them to gif hunts, use them to rp as real-life people or for any taboo topics. please also like/reblog if you found this gif pack helpful, your cooperation is appreciated!

triggers include: alcohol, glass, tense scenes

*note: this pack is now complete, part 1 ( eps. 1-3 ) is here.

[diver5ion]

I'm a riddle, wrapped in an enigma, wrapped in inexpensive office wear.