Remorse for unwritten words

Neko's compilation of stuff about writing and drawing, among other things. Also consist of my original works.

[psliterary-deactivated20190419]

The books a writer reads are so important; they form a compost bed beneath the rosebushes of her own writing.

Ben Dolnick  (via psliterary)

[neko032-blog]

It’s been so long since I dropped by here. Things have changed recently and I need to get back to my roots to get my creative juices back up. Hopefully I can do some writing exercises again.

[silvokrent]

Source.

[midenianscholar]

Antagonists are tricky. Too little work, and the antagonist comes across flat. A flat antagonist is easy and boring, because he or she won’t push the protagonist hard enough. Plus there’s that practice of making fleshed out characters and having interesting three-dimensional people, blah blah.

We all know the saying: Every villain is his own hero. Though I wrote these questions and prompts with famous antagonists in mind, you could actually pose them to your protagonist or other characters (just switch out the protagonist-themed questions for antagonist-themed) and it will still work.

I’ve always found it most helpful to answer questionnaires in my character’s voice, so I have written this addressing your antagonist directly. Try to answer in the way he or she would. You’ll uncover hidden backstory, depth, and softness in your antagonist.

But remember – even something “soft” (like empathy) can be a terrible motivator.

Your Antagonist’s Backstory

Hurting people hurt others. What hurt you?

When was the first time you were frightened by something you did?

When was the first time you experienced pain?

What is the most painful thing you have ever gone through?

Do you have a mentor, or someone you’ve modeled yourself after? Who is it, and why are they so compelling?

Have you killed anyone? Who was the first person you killed? (Alternatively: Who is the person you’ve hurt most?)

When did you feel the most humiliated by someone else?

Tell me about a time you faced rejection.

Is there something you’ve said or done you wish you could take back?

Who (or what) do you miss?

What’s one thing you can never forgive? (Could be an event in the past, or a character trait like lying.)

When did you feel the most accomplished or successful?

When have you felt helpless?

What was the first lie you told? What do you lie about most often?

Your Antagonist’s Habits

What do you do to relax?

Where do you go when you want to feel like you belong? If you can’t get there, where would you like to go?

What do you like to read? What shows do you watch?

What do you daydream about?

What is your weapon of choice? How did you learn to use it?

When you feel uncomfortable, what do you do to cover it up?

What sort of clothes do you wear? Would you make changes to your wardrobe if you could?

Do you have any unusual or advanced skills?

How do you like to approach a problem?

Your Antagonist’s Personal Life

Who are your parents? Do you have any siblings? Are they still alive?

Who (or what) is one person (or thing/ideal) you would never harm?

Who (or what) do you love? Would you call it love?

What is one secret you’ve never told anyone? Would you consider revealing it to another character? If so, who?

What lie do you tell yourself?

What is one silly thing you’re afraid of?

Tell me about your dream vacation.

What is one fault in others you just can’t stand?

What type of people do you like to be around (if any)?

What about you do you feel other people misunderstand?

Do you like kids? What about animals?

(read the rest here)

[the-writers-society-deactivated]

The Complete List of Archetypes

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Check out my posts: Archetypes 101 and The 12 Common Archetypes!

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Willing Hero – King Arthur; Leelu from The Fifth Element; Hercules

Unwilling Hero – Bilbo Baggins from The Hobbit, Phillipe Gaston from Ladyhawke

Cynical Anti-hero – Han Solo from Star Wars

Tragic Anti-hero –Lestat from Ann Rices’ Vampire Chronicles; Darth Vader from Star Wars

Group-oriented Hero – CuChulainn from Irish myth.

Loner Hero –Indiana Jones, Xena from Xena: Warrior Princess

Catalyst Hero – Any mentor (s/he’s the hero of their own stories)

Dark Mentor – anti-heroic character, the inversion of heroic values

Fallen Mentor – characters who are having difficulty with their own heroic journey

Continuing Mentor – recurring characters in a series of stories

Multiple Mentors – a hero may have more than one Mentor, learning a new skill from each one

Comic Mentor – often a type of advising sidekick to the Hero

Shaman – helper who aids the Hero in seeking a guiding vision to help him/her on the journey

The Herald – Herald characters issue challenges and announce the coming of significant change

The Threshold Guardian – Threshold Guardians protect the Special World and its secrets from the Hero, and provide essential tests to prove a Hero’s commitment and worth

Shape shifter – The Shapeshifter’s mask misleads the Hero by hiding a character’s intentions and loyalties

Trickster – Tricksters relish the disruption of the status quo, turning the Ordinary World into chaos with their quick turns of phrase and physical antics

Fool – In Europe, the court jester was not necessarily a simpleton, and in fact, often served to remind the monarch of his own folly and humanity

Shadow – the Shadow represents the energy of the dark side, the unexpressed, unrealized, or rejected aspects of something

The Anima/Animus – form generally reflects either the condition or the needs of our soul presently

The Divine Couple – The opposites of the outer and the inner life are now joined in marriage

The Child – The Child Archetype is a pattern related to the hope and promise for new beginnings

The Self – The Spirit descends as a Dove upon Jesus in the wilderness (example), true self

The Magician – He once was ignorant but through the experience of taking the Fool’s “step of faith” over the edge and into the unknown he has made a decision to master the Four Elements and therefore seek to balance his personal Karma

The Virgin/Maiden/High Priestess – She is the guardian of the Mystery Temple of Solomon; Protectress of the Secret Wisdom that lifts human consciousness from the depths of materialism to the heights of illumination

The Empress – She is the image of Fertility; the creative Life Force that perpetuates the continuity of life forms on the planet; She is Mother Nature; guardian of the natural process and rhythms of growth and procreation

The Authority/Emperor (King, Chief, Leader) – He is the representative image of Father Time; in charge of the seed and the withdrawal of the Life Force when the period of Life is done

The Medicine Woman/Hierophant – This Archetypal Figure represents the external Form and function of the internal Mysteries; The Hierophant stands as a barrier to those who are yet unable to comprehend the True creative Life principles and therefore the External Teaching is all that they receive. However, if they can pass beyond the Form via choice to join the Spirit of Illumination radiating from within their Souls then the High Priestess is waiting to reveal the heretofore hidden Mysteries inscribed in the Scroll she is holding in reserve for those who are truly ready

The Hermit – His search has led him to the Summit of his own perfection. Now, from this great height he can see 360 degrees without obscuration. His Lantern is held high as an inspiration to all who aspire to attain the Wisdom which he has come to realize during the process of his own Soul journey. The isolation and abstinence image sometimes given to the Hermit is one of the past; a glimpse of his travels through the physical and emotional wasteland where the misrepresentations of life as seen through the perception of the Physical Plane have been experienced and eventually transcended. This Archetype passed through a period of solitude and alienation during this walk through the proverbial “Valley of the Shadow of Death” that could have driven him Mad had it not been for the Light in his Lantern penetrating the Darkness and illuminating his Soul thus granting him hope of deliverance. The Hermit has indeed been carried through this initiatory Journey via his unwavering Faith in the Universal Source who Teaches and Guides all of us internally. The Lantern which he carries symbolizes his inner Vision provided via his “Third Eye” (Candle) which grants this Archetypal traveler a keen sense of Spiritual insight

The Wanderer (aka chariot) – An invisible barrier stands between the mind of Man and the Mind of God, and this blinds the Charioteer, thus preventing his conscious realization of union with the Source, Victory in the material sense, on all levels. Mastery of the Elements, but not the Spirit which Guides them, therefore the Chariot rides in service to a higher authority even though the driver might presume that he is in complete control

The Hunter/ Strongman (strength) – The senses of sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch are directed by the sixth sense, intuition, thus resulting in perfect Harmony

The Judge (law, justice) – The Dispensation of punishments and rewards according to the precepts of Karmic Law, which is represented on the Physical Plane by external legal systems: lawyers, courts, prisons, etc. However, it is the Spiritual workings of an involuntary nature of which this Archetype speaks

The Weaver – Temperance, i.e. the balanced management of Life taking all things in moderation, is the means of maintaining steady progress during humanity’s long Search through Limitations of material existence for eventual Transformation into Divine Beings of Light

Death (personification) – Transformation via Dramatic Change, as symbolized by the image of physical Life being terminated and the Afterlife commencing. Therefore, a sudden pole reversal occurs, i.e. orientation or circumstances change is indicated. That which was the order of things has been totally shattered

The Sacred Messenger/ The Giver

The Hanged Man (meditation, suspension) – Its symbolism points to divinity, linking it to the death of Christ in Christianity and the stories of Osiris (Egyptian mythology) and Mithras (Roman mythology). In all of these stories, the destruction of self brings life to humanity.

The Devil – The Devil is both the Ur-Adversary, and a tremendous source of strength. He represents nearly an inexhaustible source of energy. Battling him gives us strength. Submitting completely to him is ego-death.

The Unity of the Universe – continually changing universe. Here is the supreme unity of attainment and joy ruled by that incalculable factor - the element of luck; This ultimately manifests as the spiral progression of the unfolding Universe. The counterbalance of Night and Day, and to a greater extent passage of the Seasons, is indicated. However, more importantly, the Cycle of birth, death, and rebirth is depicted here. This is symbolic of the proverbial “Phoenix Principle.”

The Sacrificial Dance

The Tower (Babel, falsity)

The Star(s) – People have always looked to the stars as a source of inspiration and hope. There is something about their twinkling light that draws us out of ourselves and up into a higher plane. When we turn our eyes heavenward, we no longer feel the distress of earth. The Star reminds one of the clear, high voice of a soprano. There is something otherworldly about it. All the harshness and density of everyday life has been refined away leaving only the purest essence. After being exposed to the Star, we feel uplifted and blessed.

The Moon – The Moon is the light of this realm - the world of shadow and night. Although this place is awesome, it does not have to be frightening. In the right circumstances, the Moon inspires and enchants. It holds out the promise that all one can imagine can be obtained. The Moon guides one to the unknown so one can allow the unusual into one’s life.

The Sun – Throughout history, people have honored the Sun as the source of light and warmth. In the myths of many cultures, the Sun is a prominent god - full of vigor and courage. He is the vital energy center that makes life on earth possible.

The Spirit World

The World – The World represents an ending to a cycle of life, a pause in life before the next big cycle beginning with the fool. The figure is at once male and female, above and below, suspended between the heavens and the earth. It is completeness.

Übermensch – An Übermensch, (sometimes “Overman”, or “superman”) is a term coined by philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, in Thus Spoke Zarathustra (in German, Also sprach Zarathustra). He argues that a man can become an Übermensch (homo superior; the common equivalent English translation would be ‘super-human’; see below) through the following steps: 1. By his will to power, manifested destructively in the rejection of, and rebellion against, societal ideals and moral codes; 2. By his will to power, manifested creatively in overcoming nihilism and re-evaluating old ideals or creating new ones. 3. By a continual process of self-overcoming.

Wise Old Man – In works of fiction, this kind of character is typically represented by a kind and wise, older father-type figure who uses personal knowledge of people and the world, to help tell stories and offer guidance, that in a mystical way illuminate to his audience a sense of who they are and who they might become.

The Puer Aeternus – (Latin for “eternal boy”), e.g. Peter Pan

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Enneagrams: (minor archetypes)

Reformer, Critic, Perfectionist [Anger]. This type focuses on integrity. Ones can be wise, discerning and inspiring in their quest for the truth. They also tend to dissociate themselves from their flaws and can become hypocritical and hyper-critical of others, seeking the illusion of virtue to hide their own vices. The One’s greatest fear is to be flawed and their ultimate goal is perfection.

Helper, Giver, Caretaker [Pride]. Twos, at their best, are compassionate, thoughtful and astonishingly generous; they can also be prone to passive-aggressive behavior, clinginess and manipulation. Twos want, above all, to be loved and needed and fear being unworthy of love.

Achiever, Performer, Succeeder [Deceit]. Highly adaptable and changeable. Some walk the world with confidence and unstinting authenticity; others wear a series of public masks, acting the way they think will bring them approval and losing track of their true self. Threes fear being worthless and strive to be worthwhile.

Romantic, Individualist, Artist [Envy]. Driven by a fear that they have no identity or personal significance, Fours embrace individualism and are often profoundly creative. However, they have a habit of withdrawing to internalize, searching desperately inside themselves for something they never find and creating a spiral of depression. The angsty musician or tortured artist is often a stereotypical Four.

Observer, Thinker, Investigator [Avarice]. Believing they are only worth what they contribute, Fives have learned to withdraw, to watch with keen eyes and speak only when they can shake the world with their observations. Sometimes they do just that. Often, instead, they withdraw from the world, becoming reclusive hermits and fending off social contact with abrasive cynicism. Fives fear incompetency or uselessness and want to be capable above all else.

Loyalist, Devil’s Advocate, Defender [Fear]. Sixes long for stability above all else. They exhibit unwavering loyalty and responsibility, but are prone to extreme anxiety and passive-aggressive behavior. Their greatest fear is to lack support and guidance. There are two types of sixes, phobic and counter phobic. Phobic sixes will have a tendency to run from or hide from what they fear, while a counter phobic six is more likely to attack or confront said fear.

Enthusiast, Adventurer, Materialist [Gluttony]. Eternal Peter Pans, Sevens flit from one activity to another. Above all they fear being unable to provide for themselves. At their best they embrace life for its varied joys and wonders and truly live in the moment; but at their worst they dash frantically from one new experience to another, being too scared of disappointment to enjoy what they have.

Leader, Protector, Challenger [Lust]. Eights worry about self-protection and control. Natural leaders, capable and passionate but also manipulative, ruthless and willing to destroy anything and everything in their way. Eights seek control over their own life and their own destiny and fear being harmed or controlled by others.

Mediator, Peacemaker, Preservationist [Sloth]. Nines are ruled by their empathy. At their best they are perceptive, receptive, gentle, calming and at peace with the world. On the other hand they prefer to dissociate from conflicts and indifferently go along with others’ wishes or simply withdraw, acting via inaction. They fear the conflict caused by their ability to simultaneously understand opposing points of view and seek peace of mind above all else.

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RPG Archetypes:

(taken from Foxfire and Afira’s Guide to Roleplaying)

The Scholar: The scholar is perhaps the most underestimated type of individual that exists in character building. He can be extremely calculating, highly intelligent, rational, an excellent strategist, and extraordinarily… vain. After all, he has all this excess intelligence, why not spend a little on himself? Scholars are guided by the pursuit of knowledge and the usage and implimentation thereof. This can range from the trivial, to the extensive knowledge and inner workings of political culture, computer design, or magic lore. Of course, like the rest of the archetypes, he comes in many forms. Usually the stereotypical scholar spends 10 years in hermitville studying on his choosen craft, he wears the scholarly glasses, the slightly balding head with a bit of wildly unmanagable tufts of hair sticking out, the plain and unassuming clothes of someone living on the edge of financial existance, however, as roleplaying of this character becomes divergent from the typical Hollywood influences, many new types are becomming apparent. Jesters and technology or weapons gurus also fit into this catergory. Jesters for their high levels of intelligence and strong usage of, and technology or weapons gurus for the same reasons.

The Soldier: Strong, willful, and looking for a fight, whether it be for profit, or to avenge the death of a loved one. One type of soldier encompasses those who seek to do justice in an evil and dark world: The rugged heroes who are strong in arm and wit, but have some fatal character flaw (dealing with the death of a loved one, pride or vanity, a weakness for damsels in distress…) that will be the end of them if they don’t figure out how to solve it. Another type refers to those who always use sheer force to solve any problem. Big, hairy, and usually extraordinarily stupid, these individuals are almost always hopeless at accomplishing complex tasks. Still others might seek to cause destruction or chaos to appease a higher entity or leader. Persons of action, and extreme calculation, these people tend to make fantastic villains. Overall, the soldier class of characters seek to force their will on the world, directly, or indirectly.

The Politician: The politician archetype usually encompasses the most diverse groupings of individuals: Poets, Rogues, and of course, Politicians. The Poet is the hopeless romantic that is usually more skilled with his instrument of choice, rather than sheer brute force. The instrument can range from musical lyres, lutes, and the like, to the musical sound an axe or gun makes when going through flesh. They are socially capable of holding conversations, but most people tend to view them as lost or dreamy souls. They tend to be stereotyped with the thin, wiry, tall, and dreamy; however, the jovial, heavy-set drunkard leaning on a wall with his mug of ale is just as susceptible to being a Poet. A Rogue is the strongly misunderstood man of the moment. Usually an attention getter striving to better himself at his trade or skill, the rogue is a drifter, never really settling down with someone or something. This could be caused by profession, reputation, or self-inflicted torture. Impulsive activity mixes with the common traits of exceptionally specialized skills in one or more areas, high levels of reflex, agility, and intelligence. They could potentially be very dangerous given the right circumstances, or alignment, for example, the Great Rogue himself-Robin Hood. Politicians are exactly as their name implies-great talkers who love to listen to the sound of their own voice. Rather than facing conflict, they seek to beguile, distract, and utilize words to walk around it. Usually they are highly intelligent with strong social skills, specifically dominate, persuade, or manipulate.

The Priest: Priests, Clerics, Necromancers, Fortune-tellers, Mediums, and anything else dealing with the spiritual and supernatural world fall into this genre. These types of characters usually come in the most unlimited range of styles, body types, and personalities, as the effects of dealing with the spiritual or supernatural may have odd effects on someone’s psyche and physical appearence. Your average neighborhood Catholic Priest heavy in the midsection, could mingle with your thin teenage punk kid who has more than a few run-ins with walking zombies-and won. These individuals are either guided, aided, cursed, or replused by an driving force in their lives, and a sense that something bigger than them exists. Hunters that seek out supernatural creatures to kill for their own means portray aspects of the priest as well, as they seek to impose a vision of the world without those creatures. The priest is above all a visionary-he can see something that no one else can, and through his faith-in himself, or something higher-everything he sees will be accomplished.

Combinations: To some extent, gypsies fit all of these profiles and work as a good combination. Very intelligent jesters at heart(Scholar), without a sense of the limits of their own physical property, mixed with a bit of old world swindling, story-telling, and pan-handling(Politician), perhaps guided by an overwhelming guiding force that lets them see the words, “I’m naive, steal from me.” in bold letters on someone’s forehead(Priest), and take advantage of the situation for their own ends(Soldier).

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Chinese Zodiac Animal-types:

Rat: Essentially charming. Compassionate. Renowned for thrift and love of family, at times rather superficial.

Ox: Calm, patient, studied character. Takes things slow, steady pace. At times rather dictatorial. Always industrious.

Tiger: Very warm, loving. Independent minded. Pays scant regard for other’s feelings while pursuing fun and freedom.

Rabbit: Also know as the Cat or Hare. Very sensitive soul. Loves spending time at home. Although quiet and discreet, still ambitious. Self-indulgent.

Dragon: Charismatic and colorful. Wants to be center of attention. Very arrogant.

Snake: High moral principles, mostly when applied to other. Sophisticated and charming. More than meets the eye.

Horse: Confident and proud. Prone to erratic behavior. Heart is in right place. Scatty.

Goat: Sensitive, creative and multitalented. Eccentric. Much Fortitude. Loves to be loved, hates to be pushed.

Monkey: Wily and cunning. Ignores regimented rules. Free spirit.

Rooster: Brave and enthusiastic. Notoriously picky. Highly intelligent. Rarely has wool pulled over its eyes.

Dog: Honest, loyal, sincere. Believes in justice for all. Fights for principles. Sometimes bad tempered, self-righteous.

Boar: Will do anything for anybody. Model of sincerity and honor. Occasionally fits of rage. Self-sacrificing and altruistic.

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Carolyn Myss’s Archetypes:

Included are many repeats, but kept for the sake of keeping her list whole

Addict (Conspicuous Consumer, Glutton, Workaholic–see also Gambler)

Advocate (Attorney, Defender, Legislator, Lobbyist, Environmentalist)

Alchemist (Wizard, Magician, Scientist, Inventor–see also Visionary)

Angel (Fairy Godmother/Godfather)

Artist (Artisan, Craftsperson, Sculptor, Weaver)

Athlete (Olympian)

Avenger (Avenging Angel, Savior, Messiah)

Beggar (Homeless person/ Indigent)

Bully (Coward)

Child (Orphan, Wounded, Magical/Innocent, Nature, Divine, Puer/Puella Eternis, or Eternal Boy/Girl)

Clown (Court Jester, Fool, Dummling)

Companion (Friend, Sidekick, Right Arm, Consort)

Damsel (Princess)

Destroyer (Attila, Mad Scientist, Serial Killer, Spoiler)

Detective (Spy, Double Agent, Sleuth, Snoop, Sherlock Holmes, Private Investigator, Profiler–see also Warrior/Crime Fighter)

Dilettante (Amateur)

Don Juan (Casanova, Gigolo, Seducer, Sex Addict)

Engineer (Architect, Builder, Schemer)

Exorcist (Shaman)

Father (Patriarch, Progenitor)

Femme Fatale (Black Widow, Flirt, Siren, Circe, Seductress, Enchantress)

Gambler

God (Adonis, see also Hero)

Gossip (see also Networker)

Guide (Guru, Sage, Crone, Wise Woman, Spiritual Master, Evangelist, Preacher)

Healer (Wounded Healer, Intuitive Healer, Caregiver, Nurse, Therapist, Analyst, Counselor)

Hedonist (Bon Vivant, Chef, Gourmet, Gourmand, Sybarite–see also Mystic)

Hero/Heroine (see also Knight, Warrior)

Judge (Critic, Examiner, Mediator, Arbitrator)

King (Emperor, Ruler, Leader, Chief)

Knight (see also Warrior, Rescuer)

Liberator

Lover

Martyr

Mediator (Ambassador, Diplomat, Go-Between)

Mentor (Master, Counselor, Tutor)

Messiah (Redeemer, Savior)

Midas/Miser

Monk/Nun (Celibate)

Mother (Matriarch, Mother Nature)

Mystic (Renunciate, Anchorite, Hermit)

Networker (Messenger, Herald, Courier, Journalist, Communicator)

Pioneer (Explorer, Settler, Pilgrim, Innovator)

Poet

Priest (Priestess, Minister, Rabbi, Evangelist)

Prince

Prostitute

Queen (Empress)

Rebel (Anarchist, Revolutionary, Political Protester, Nonconformist, Pirate)

Rescuer

Saboteur

Samaritan

Scribe (Copyist, Secretary, Accountant–see also Journalist)

Seeker (Wanderer, Vagabond, Nomad)

Servant (Indentured Servant)

Shape-shifter (Spell-caster–see also Trickster)

Slave

Storyteller (Minstrel, Narrator)

Student (Disciple, Devotee, Follower, Apprentice)

Teacher (Instructor, see also Mentor)

Thief (Swindler, Con Artist, Pickpocket, Burglar, Robin Hood)

Trickster (Puck, Provocateur)

Vampire

Victim

Virgin (see also Celibate)

Visionary (Dreamer, Prophet, Seer–see also Guide, Alchemist)

Warrior (Soldier, Crime Fighter, Amazon, Mercenary, Soldier of Fortune, Gunslinger, Samurai)

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Hope this helped! If you have any questions, concerns, or just want to talk, feel free to drop by my ask box!

[love-fede-thehatter-posts-deact]

Either way…

[thewritersarchive]

This is an ultimate masterlist of many resources that could be helpful for writers. I apologize in advance for any not working links. Check out the ultimate writing resource masterlist here (x) and my “novel” tag here (x).

✑ PLANNING

Outlining & Organizing

For the Architects: The Planning Process

Rough Drafts

How do you plan a novel?

Plot Development: Climax, Resolution, and Your Main Character

Plotting and Planing

I Have An Idea for a Novel! Now What?

Choosing the Best Outline Method

How to Write a Novel: The Snowflake Method

Effectively Outlining Your Plot

Conflict and Character within Story Structure

Outlining Your Plot

Ideas, Plots & Using the Premise Sheets

✑ INSPIRATION

Finding story ideas

Choosing ideas and endings

When a plot isn’t strong enough to make a whole story

Writing a story that’s doomed to suck

How to Finish What You Start: A Five-Step Plan for Writers

Finishing Your Novel

Finish Your Novel

How to Finish Your Novel when You Want to Quit

How To Push Past The Bullshit And Write That Goddamn Novel: A Very Simple No-Fuckery Writing Plan

✑ PLOT

In General

25 Turns, Pivots and Twists to Complicate Your Story

The ABCs (and Ds and Es) of Plot Development

Originality Is Overrated

How to Create a Plot Outline in Eight Easy Steps

Finding Plot: Idea Nets

The Story Goal: Your Key to Creating a Solid Plot Structure

Make your reader root for your main character

Creating Conflict and Sustaining Suspense

Tips for Creating a Compelling Plot

The Thirty-six (plus one) Dramatic Situations

Adding Subplots to a Novel

Weaving Subplots into a Novel

7 Ways to Add Subplots to Your Novel

Crafting a Successful Romance Subplot

How to Improve your Writing: Subplots and Subtext

Understanding the Role of Subplots

How to Use Subtext in your Writing

The Secret Life of Subtext

How to Use Subtext

Beginning

Creating a Process: Getting Your Ideas onto Paper (And into a Story)

Why First Chapters?

Starting with a Bang

In the Beginning

The Beginning of your Novel that isn’t the Beginning of your Novel

A Beginning from the Middle

Starting with a Bang

First Chapters: What To Include @ The Beginning Writer

23 Clichés to Avoid When Beginning Your Story

Start Writing Now

Done Planning. What Now?

Continuing Your Long-Format Story

How to Start a Novel 

100 best first lines from novels

The First Sentence of a Book Report

How To Write A Killer First Sentence To Open Your Book

How to Write the First Sentence of a Book

The Most Important Sentence: How to Write a Killer Opening

Hook Your Reader from the First Sentence: How to Write Great Beginnings

Foreshadowing

Foreshadowing and the Red Hering

Narrative Elements: Foreshadowing

Foreshadowing and Suspense

Foreshadowing Key Details

Writing Fiction: Foreshadowing

The Literary Device of Foreshadowing

All About Foreshadowing in Fiction

Foreshadowing

Flashbacks and Foreshadowing

Foreshadowing — How and Why to Use It In Your Writing

Setting

Four Ways to Bring Settings to Life

Write a Setting for a Book

Writing Dynamic Settings

How To Make Your Setting a Character

Guide for Setting

5 Tips for Writing Better Settings

Building a Novel’s Setting

Ending

A Novel Ending

How to End Your Novel

How to End Your Novel 2

How to End a Novel With a Punch

How to End a Novel

How to Finish a Novel

How to Write The Ending of Your Novel

Keys to Great Endings

3 Things That End A Story Well

Ending a Novel: Five Things to Avoid

Endings that Ruin Your Novel

Closing Time: The Ending

✑ CHARACTER

Names

Behind the Name

Surname Meanings and Origins

Surname Meanings and Origins - A Free Dictionary of Surnames

Common US Surnames & Their Meanings

Last Name Meanings & Origins

Name Generators

Name Playground

Different Types of Characters

Ways To Describe a Personality

Character Traits Meme

Types of Characters

Types of Characters in Fiction

Seven Common Character Types

Six Types of Courageous Characters

Creating Fictional Characters (Masterlist)

Building Fictional Characters

Fiction Writer’s Character Chart

Character Building Workshop

Tips for Characterization

Fiction Writer’s Character Chart

Advantages, Disadvantages and Skills 

Males

Strong Male Characters

The History and Nature of Man Friendships

Friendship for Guys (No Tears!)

‘I Love You, Man’ and the rules of male friendship

Male Friendship

Understanding Male Friendship

Straight male friendship, now with more cuddling

Character Development

P.O.V. And Background

Writing a Character: Questionnaire

10 Days of Character Building

Getting to Know Your Characters

Character Development Exercises

✑ STYLE

Chapters

How Many Chapters is the Right Amount of Chapters?

The Arbitrary Nature of the Chapter

How Long is a Chapter?

How Long Should Novel Chapters Be?

Chapter & Novel Lengths 

Section vs. Scene Breaks

Dialogue 

The Passion of Dialogue

25 Things You Should Know About Dialogue

Dialogue Writing Tips

Punctuation Dialogue

How to Write Believable Dialogue

Writing Dialogue: The Music of Speech

Writing Scenes with Many Characters

It’s Not What They Say …

Top 10 Tips for Writing Dialogue

Speaking of Dialogue

Dialogue Tips

Interrupted Dialogue

Two Tips for Interrupted Dialogue

Show, Don’t Tell (Description)

“Tell” Makes a Great Placeholder

The Literary Merit of the Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Bad Creative Writing Advice

The Ultimate Guide to Writing Better Than You Normally Do

DailyWritingTips: Show, Don’t Tell

GrammarGirl: Show, Don’t Tell

Writing Style: What Is It?

Detail Enhances Your Fiction

Using Sensory Details

Description in Fiction

Using Concrete Detail

Depth Through Perception

Showing Emotions & Feelings

Character Description

Describing Your Characters (by inkfish7 on DeviantArt)

Help with Character Development

Creating Characters that Jump Off the Page

Omitting Character Description

Introducing Your Character(s): DON’T

Character Crafting

Writer’s Relief Blog: “Character Development In Stories And Novels”

Article: How Do You Think Up Your Characters?

5 Character Points You May Be Ignoring

List of colors, hair types and hairstyles

List of words to use in a character’s description 

200 words to describe hair

How to describe hair

Words used to describe the state of people’s hair

How to describe your haircut

Hair color sharts

Four Ways to Reveal Backstory

Words Used to Describe Clothes

Flashbacks

Using Flashbacks in Writing

Flashbacks by All Write

Using Flashback in Fiction

Fatal Backstory

Flashbacks as opening gambit

Don’t Begin at the Beginning

Flashbacks in Books

TVTropes: Flashback

Objects in the Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear: Flashback Techniques in Fiction

3 Tips for Writing Successful Flashbacks

The 5 Rules of Writing Effective Flashbacks

How to Handle Flashbacks In Writing

Flashbacks and Foreshadowing

Reddit Forum: Is a flashback in the first chapter a good idea?

Forum Discussing Flackbacks

P.O.V

You, Me, and XE - Points of View

What’s Your Point of View?

Establishing the Right Point of View: How to Avoid “Stepping Out of Character”

How to Start Writing in the Third Person

The Opposite Gender P.O.V.

LANGUAGE

 How To Say Said

200 Words Instead of Said

Words to Use Instead of Said

A List of Words to Use Instead of Said

Alternatives to “Walk”

60 Synonyms for “Walk”

✑ USEFUL WEBSITES/LINKS

Grammar Monster

Google Scholar

GodChecker

Tip Of My Tounge

Speech Tags

Pixar Story Rules

Written? Kitten!

TED Talks

DarkCopy

Family Echo

Some Words About Word Count

How Long Should My Novel Be?

The Universal Mary Sue Litmus Test

Writer’s “Cheat Sheets”

Last but not least, the most helpful tool for any writer out there is Google!

[ask-the-clumsy-shrine-maiden-de]

Let me ruin ur Life

[ask-metamorphy]

O - O

[ever-scent]

i CAN’T EVEN-

[shy-peacock]

I FUCKING LOST IT

[recreationalwitchcraft]

Limited Witchcraft Masterpost

So you live in a place that limits your uses of things typically associated with spell casting. Maybe you’re in a dorm, an apartment with indoor sprinklers or are simply not in a place where you can practice openly. Don’t worry, we got your back.

Cleansing Alternatives to Smoke & Open Flames:

Moon Water/Blessed Water/Storm Water Cleansing

Moonlight/Sunlight Cleansing

Salt Cleansing

Burial/Earth Cleansing

Salt Jar Cleansing

Cleansing Mist

Heatless Ritual Fragrance Alternatives:

Potpourri Sachets

No burn Reed Diffuser incense

Essential Oil Sprays

Alternative Representations of Fire:

Fire Salts

Fire Sigil

Fire Oil

Fire Associations

Cheap & Easy Herbal Magic:

Kitchen Cursing

Grocery Store Alternatives

Household cooking herbs & spices and their correspondences

Discreet Altar Options:

Pocket Altars

Travel Altars

Bath Altars

E-Shrines

Hidden Altars

Discreet Practices:

Bath Magic 

Technopaganism

Secret Witchcraft

Sigil Magic

Textile Magic

Kitchen Witchcraft 

Tea Magic

Beauty Magic

No-Cost Divination Methods:

Free Online Tarot Deck

Free Tarot Goddess Online Tarot Deck

Free Llewellyn Online Tarot Deck

Free digital Ouija Board

Fire or Water Scrying

Free Apps:

Witchy Apps for Android

Witchy Apps for Apple

Material Substitution Lists:

In a pinch substitutions list

Bonus Substitutions

Herbal Substitutes List

Budgeted Witchcraft:

Tips & Tricks for Frugal Witches

Moonstone Beginning’s Frugal Pagan Resource

A Witch in a Pinch (Blog)

Budget Witch (Blog)

Witchcraft on a Budget

Being a Witch on a Budget

Budget Witchcraft (Site)

Accumulating Witch Stuff on a Budget

Ways to Practice Witchcraft with Little or No Money

[aerogrammestudio]

From  How I Became a Famous Novelist by Steve Hely

[irkdesu]

JFC.

[rcmclachlan]

ETCH THIS INTO MY HEADSTONE.

[writingbonesblog-blog]

You must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you.

Ray Bradbury (via writingbonesblog)

[fictionwritingtips]

(5 More) Common Story Problems with Simple Fixes

I wanted to add to my previous list, so here are a few more common story problems. Here are some ways to fix those problems that plague many writers during the process:

Problem: Too Short

If you’re like me, I usually always come up short with my word count. I target maybe 70,000 words for a YA novel, but sometimes only come up with 55,000-60,000. It’s important that you are able to reach a specific word count if you want to submit to an agent or publisher and the length could have an impact on the pacing of your story.

Solution:

Write your story first and try to not focus entirely on word count. It’s great to have a goal in mind and an outline to go with it, but just try to get your first draft down first. You can read through your first draft, decide what sections/scenes can be enhanced, and you’ll easily drive up your word count while also improving your story. Write first, edit later.

Problem: Flat Antagonists

I think we’ve all read a story with a flat antagonist. They seem more like a cardboard cut-out of a villain than an actual person. They want to be evil for the sake of being evil. Though this has been done successfully before, their evil usually needs to have a purpose or should be explained in some way. Sometimes it’s a great idea to make your villain relatable.

Solution:

Give your antagonists motivation like you would any other character. Flesh it out. Make sure you know them just as must as you know the protagonist. Think of the protagonist and antagonist as opposing forces and go from there. There should be more behind your villain than just “I want to cause pain and destruction”. Help your readers understand their thought process.

Problem: Unmotivated Writers

We’ve talked about unmotivated characters, but what about unmotivated writers? I get endless questions about what to do when you get writer’s block or when you just don’t feel like finishing your novel. How do you fix being unmotivated when it comes to finishing a project?

Solution:

I know a lot of you don’t like to plan, but outlining can sometimes help writers tremendously who have problems finishing their novels. Your outline isn’t set in stone, but it gives you something to work off of when you get stuck. After you’re done writing for the day, take a few minutes to rework your outline—then you’re set for the next day! It helps so much!

Problem: Sagging Middle

Writing the opening can be exciting. Writing the ending can be exciting. But what about the middle of your novel? Why does it seem like writers have a hard time picking up the action in the middle? Some writers can lose sight of the story they’re trying to tell and forget about structure.

Solution:

Try to divide each part of your novel into 3 acts. The middle of your story should have a beginning, middle, and an end. Each part should have a purpose. Focus on building tension and plan out each step before writing. A sagging middle can be extremely boring for both you and your readers. Stay excited about your WIP and don’t be afraid to rework it.

Problem: Not Enough Action

Do you feel like your novel doesn’t have much to say? Maybe you started out with an idea that hadn’t been fleshed out too much or you’re just lost on where your novel is headed. It’s possible to tell a simple, uncluttered story, but there needs to be action. Not explosions and chase scenes, but something exciting for your readers needs to be happening.

Solution:

Add subplots! A story with a singular focus can get dry very fast, so considering adding in a few subplots that connect with your story. I’m not saying add nonsense, but something that helps explain character motivations, the plot, etc. Check out your favorite stories and try to jot down the different plotlines that are happening. Usually there’s more than one. This should also help with your word count if you’re not reaching it.

-Kris Noel

[just-shower-thoughts]

Good always triumphs over evil, because history is written by the victors, and they don’t want to look like the bad guys.

[lifehackable]

This is potentially life saving information everyone should know.

[tarcroach]

No you guys this post helped me find my cat. He was missing for almost a month and I’ve had him for over 12 years. After seeing this I put his favorite blanket he always slept on outside hoping he would smell mine or his scent and he was back the next fucking day asleep on it.

[ittygittydiddynator]

When my cat got out, we called and called for him, and then, later that night, I remembered similar advice to this, and so put his little scratching pad, which he adores, on the front porch. Not even half an hour later, I heard a thump, opened the door, and there was his big butt, meowing at me.

[sparklesmccheesy]

Important and vital

[anatomicalart]

I can’t stress enough the importance of stretching your hands, and forearms every morning and every evening, spend 5-10 minutes going through a stretching routine. These are very easy to do, takes little time to do them. It’s VERY common in all animation studios. Conditions can slowly develop, the most typical one is Repetitive Strain Injury, it’s a prevalent condition resulting from overusing the hands to perform a repetitive task, such as typing, clicking a mouse, writing, and of course drawing. In simple medical terms, repetitive strain injury (RSI) stems from prolonged repetitive, forceful, or awkward hand movements. The result is minor damage to muscles, tendons, and nerves of the neck, shoulder, forearm, and most commonly hand and wrist, which can cause pain, weakness, or numbness. If you’re feeling some pains, tingles, weakness, or numbness in the wrist/forearm; one of the best ways to heal quickly are ‘Contrasting Baths’. What crazy voodoo am I speaking of? A couple different physiotherapists and massage therapists had recommended this technique to me several years ago, and for anyone I knew that tried it, they all say the results are fast and effective. Commonly used by carpal tunnel suffers, it’s a method of treating muscle soreness, swelling and inflammation, it’s also known as Hot/Cold Immersion Therapy. You can use the double sink in your kitchen at home, if you don’t have one, then get your hands on two very large identical bowls, it needs to be big enough to submerge your entire forearms from wrist to elbow. Fill one up with ice cold water (with a couple dozen ice cubes floating in there). The other with very warm water, not tea-kettle boiling hot water, just hot tap water, or as warm as you can handle, no sense in burning yourself of course. Have a stop watch or clock ready, and submerge your arms for 30 seconds in the hot, then switch to doing 30 sec. in the cold, and repeat a few times back and forth, 30 sec. a piece. After only a few times you’ll notice the hot water getting cooler and the cold water getting warmer, so then the technique grows to be less effective, but by then, the job is done. The idea is that the extreme heat and cold contracts and expands your blood vessels, promoting greater blood flow to circulate and flush through your arms, and increased blood flow is what aids in healing faster! Enjoy!

[Source]

For artists and animators. Take care of your body and your body will take care of you.

The PDF version of this can be found [Here]. Stick it up in your work station. Keep yourself healthy.

[riddlesdiary]

[okappas-deactivated20190626]

Hey, Tumblr! You want anime that...

Has Powerful Leading Ladies -

Saiunkoku Monogatari  (AMAZING politician lady please watch this)

Rose of Versailles 

Red Garden

12 Kingdoms

Skip Beat

Basara

Fate/Zero

Jormungand

Hataraki Man

Kemono no Souja Erin

Revolutionary Girl Utena

Black Lagoon

Has Main Characters With Dark Skin -

Turn A Gundam

Majin Bone

Gundam: G no Reconguista

Peacemaker Kurogane

Jormungand

Mitchiko e Hatchin

Wolf’s Rain

Black Lagoon

Gankutsuou

Red Garden

Fushigi no Umi Nadia

Hanasakeru Seishounen

Blade

Revolutionary Girl Utena

Elemental Gelade

Power Stone

Hare + Guu

Kiba

Has Androgynous Characters -

Kino no Tabi

Majestic Prince

Rose of Versailles

Soul Eater

Hunter x Hunter

No.6

Kobato

Has Trans characters that are NOT comic relief/fetishy -

Moyashimon

Paradise Kiss

Ixion Saga DT

Gankutsuou

Wandering Son/Hourou Musuko

Maria Watches Over Us (season 3)

Hunter x Hunter (2011 series only)

Simoun

Tokyo Godfathers

Lovely Complex

Has Canon Queer Characters (not in specifically yaoi/yuri anime)-

Oniisama e

Aoi Hana

Simoun

Shinsekai yori

Tenshi ni Narumon

Soukyuu no Fafner

Patalliro (not subbed)

Patalliro Saiyuki (fully subbed spinoff series)

Gankutsuou

Cardcaptor Sakura

Neon Genesis Evangelion

Day Break Illusion

Samurai Flamenco

Antique Bakery

Revolutionary Girl Utena

No.6

Maria Watches Over Us

Sasameki Koto

Brave 10

Kyo Kara Maoh

Natsu e no Tobira

Psycho Pass

Soukou no Strain

Kashimashi (for this one, the boy is transformed into a girl, but he chooses to stay a girl forever so I figured I’d include it anyway)

Mirai Nikki

Kaze to ki no Uta

Last Exile

This Boy Caught a Merman

This Boy Can Fight Aliens

Night Walker

Descendants of Darkness

Symphogear

Is Based off of Japanese stories/folklore/literature -

Aoi Bungaku

Ayakashi: Japanese Classic Horror

Mononoke (Bakeneko)

The Tale of Genji

Animated Classics of Japanese Literature

Hoozuki

Uta Koi

Has Girls Playing Sports -

Princess Nine

Aim for the Ace

Moshidora

Taisho Baseball Girls

Ginga e Kickoff

Teekyuu

Softenni

Bamboo Blade

Chihayafuru

Battle Athletes Victory

Sabagebu

Saki

Yawara

C3-Bu

Shion no Ou

Messes with your head -

Monster

Paranoia Agent

Infinite Ryvius

Sci-fi Harry

Mouryou no Hako

Himitsu

Night Head Genesis

Ghost Hound

Serial Experiments Lain

Boogiepop Phantom

Kurozuka

Texhnolyze

Noein

Steins;Gate

Ghost in the Shell

Has White Haired Boys That Aren’t Komaeda/Kaworu/Akise/Clear -

Fantastic Children

Innocent Venus

Letter Bee

Suteki Tantei Labyrinth

Berserk

Last Exile

Turn A Gundam

Hunter x Hunter

Kurogane Communication

Zettai Karen Children

Princess Tutu

Terra e

Devil Survivor 2

Jyu Oh Sei

Kiba

Kamisama Dolls

Pretear

Tactics

Rental Magica

Guin Saga

Has Unique Art-

Trapeze

Aku no Hana

Kaiba

Mononoke

Kemonozume

Aoi Bungaku

House of Five Leaves

The Tatami Galaxy

Eccentric Family

Kurozuka

Cat Soup

Legend of Black Heaven

Fantastic Children

Tekkon Kinkreet

Gankutsuou

Is “For kids” but has a lot of depth -

Romeo’s Blue Skies

Kemono no Souja Erin

Nobody’s Boy Remi

Dog of Flanders

Shoujo Cosette

Mahou Shoujo Tai Arusu

Ashita no Nadja

Little Princess Sara

Has Cute Girls Doing Cute Violent Things -

Girls und Panzer

C3-bu

Sabagebu

Strike Witches

So Ra No Wo To

AKB0048

Vividred Operation

Upotte!

Sky Girls

Symphogear

Is About Humans + Nature -

Mushishi

Earth Maiden Arjuna

Kemono no Souja Erin

Now and Then Here and There

Tokyo Magnitude 8.0

Terra e

Silver Spoon

Jyu Oh Sei

Is So Tragic It’ll Destroy Your Ass -

Saikano

Now and Then Here and There

Basilisk

Grave of the Fireflies

Bokurano

Nobody’s Boy Remi

Terra e

Romeo’s Blue Skies

Rose of Versailles

Chrno Crusade