You will not use AI to get ideas for your story. You will lie on the floor and have wretched visions like god intended
Haha. Iâm not a total AI hater but kinda. This though! đđđ Epic. It should be a commandment.
let's talk about Bridgerton tea, my ask is open

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You will not use AI to get ideas for your story. You will lie on the floor and have wretched visions like god intended
Haha. Iâm not a total AI hater but kinda. This though! đđđ Epic. It should be a commandment.
The Best Fantasy Language Generator for Your Fiction
This is a fantasy language resource I wanted to post about. I'm sorry, it's not a complete article. A new guide is coming⊠someday. For now, here is my favorite fantasy language generator https://www.vulgarlang.com . They have an in-depth language generator that guarantees a new language with a dictionary and sentence translator. Wow, this is starting to sound like an ad. It's not. I have clearly heard too many sponsorship plugs on YouTube lately. It's melting my brain.
How to show emotions
Part V
How to show grief
a vacant look
slack facial expressions
shaky hands
trembling lips
swallowing
struggling to breathe
tears rolling down their cheeks
How to show fondness
smiling with their mouth and their eyes
softening their features
cannot keep their eyes off of the object of their fondness
sometimes pouting the lips a bit
reaching out, wanting to touch them
How to show envy
narrowing their eyes
rolling their eyes
raising their eyebrows
grinding their teeth
tightening jaw
chin poking out
pouting their lips
forced smiling
crossing arms
shifting their gaze
clenching their fists
tensing their muscles
then becoming restless/fidgeting
swallowing hard
stiffening
holding their breath
blinking rapidly
exhaling sharply
How to show regret
scrubbing a hand over the face
sighing heavily
downturned mouth
slightly bending over
shoulders hanging low
hands falling to the sides
a pained expression
heavy eyes
staring down at their feet
Part I + Part IIÂ +Â Part III +Â Part IV
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Hi! I was just wondering, what's the best way to make/write out a plot?
Guide: How to Outline a Plot
The best way to write out a plot isnât the same for everyone, and sometimes itâs even different from story to story. There are lots of different methods, and most writers use a combination of them, so you just have to try different things to see what works best for you. Here are some of the most common methods:
1. Just Write
Some writers are whatâs known as âpanstersâ meaning that once they have a story idea in mind, they prefer to âfly by the seat of their pantsâ and start writing without any planning in place. The key to making this method work is to remember that youâre only writing the first draft. Nothing youâre doing is set in stone, so donât feel the story has to be perfect in one shot. Follow your gut and write the story to the best of your ability. Worry about tightening and polishing in subsequent drafts.
2. Synopsis
Some writers prefer to start by writing beginning to end summary of the story, describing all the important details and events in the order that they unfold. Summaries can be a great way to flesh out an idea for a plot, and they can also serve as a nice guideline if you want to âjust writeâ your story but need a bit more structure first.
3. Old-Fashioned Outline
Do they still teach outlining in school? I donât even know⊠when I was a kid, we learned how to do outlines with Roman numerals for the main points, capital letters for the minor points, and numbers for sub-points. If youâre good at outlining, this can be a great way to outline your plot.
4. Timeline
Creating a timeline for your story can be a great way to map it out. All you need is a beginning event, climax event, and end event. From there you can start filling in the events that follow and precede those events. Even if you donât know the exact date for when a scene takes place, you can still mark it down in the right general place.
5. Scene List
If you have a pretty good idea of the scenes that need to take place, or at least a good number of them, you can start by writing out a scene list. Itâs nice to do them in a table if you can so you can organize important details, like chapter, scene number, date and location, whoâs in it, and then a short summary. Though, how you organize it is up to you. If you prefer, you can just write the scene number and then a brief summary.
6. Story Structure Map
Some writers like to map out their story according to whatever story structure they want to follow. Theyâll pull up a graphic or chart of the structure, transcribe it onto paper or into a document, and then note each relevant event for each structure âmile marker.â
7. Subway/Tube Map
This is a new one I recently heard about. I havenât had a chance to try it yet, but I think itâs fascinating. And there are even subway map creators you can use if you donât want to draw it out. Ultimately, the goal is to map out the events of your story in the style of a subway/tube map. This method makes it easy to illustrate subplots and see how they relate to the rest of your story.
8. The Mind Map
Mind maps can be a fantastic way to get the most important parts of your story out on paper, and to start figuring out where other parts fit in and how they relate to everything else.
9. Index Cards
Some writers have luck writing out key scenes, moments, bits of dialogue (or anything else they have in mind) on individual index cards, which can then be laid out in order on a table, allowing for cards to be easily moved around, added, subtracted, etc. until a more complete story starts to emerge. Some writers even invest in giant cork boards for this purpose. Others use a dry erase board and draw out the âcardsâ instead. A lot of story writing software, such as Scrivener, even includes digital bulletin boards and index cards that you can use to visualize your story.
10. Method/Theory/Template
There are numerous methods/theories/templates dedicated to building/fleshing out plots. Some to look into:
- The Snowflake Method- Dramatica Theory- Save the Cat! for Novels- The Heroâs Journey
If one of the above doesnât work for you, youâre sure to find even more ideas online. Try doing a search for âhow to outline a plotâ or âoutlining a novelâ to see what comes up. You might even try searching for your favorite authorâs name plus âoutliningâ to see if theyâve done any posts sharing their own methods. You may also want to look into books, software, and apps/web sites that offer ways to help you plot your story.
Good luck!
A Note for New Writers
               When I started this blog, one of my goals was to compile advice that I hadnât really seen online anywhere. Stuff a little bit beyond the foundations I was already very familiar with. I took university courses and different approaches to writing combined with my own experience and lessons from the mentors and teachers around me, and began to write it all down to share with you.
               The idea was never that you would start writing your first character with Character is Plot say. However, I noticed there are a lot of new, beginner, or learning writers on here, and thereâs a great value in really nailing the foundations, so here marks the start of a short series of foundational advice for you new writers (or for writers who have been around the block and may need a refresher. I know I do!)
               I see a lot of new writers in the tags looking down on yourselves or your ability. Stuff like, âwhy canât I seem to do thisâ or âif only I could actually follow this adviceâ. My posts were never meant to make you feel like you arenât good enough. It was written with over a decade of experience behind it. It takes time to build those instincts in knowing what to do. Unfortunately you canât just build writing skill by reading and collecting articlesâthey can be a guide, but they arenât meant to instantly come naturally to you âif only you were a good writer.â
No one can automatically learn how to write just from reading some advice because writing skill isnât about the knowing, itâs about the practicing.
               And it takes a hell of a lot of practice.
               Writing is mostly intuitionâwe practice certain skills to get them to a place where we can just do them without really thinking about it. Itâs kind of like when you were learning to type, and you had to constantly remind yourself to put periods at the ends of your sentences. Then, over time and a million reminders, you started to just do it on instinct without really thinking about it.
               Itâs muscle memory, itâs trying again and again, itâs a lot of struggling and tears and feedback and more tears and a million and one false starts and unfinished drafts and finished drafts that are really bad and lost contests and rejections. I have been through it all. Iâm still going through it all. Only recently have I been publishedâit took me over a decade of practice to get there. Oh, and in the same month one of my pieces was published, another was rejected.
               Thatâs how it goes. Itâs not some switch that will one day flick where youâre âgood enoughâ. And the timeline isnât so set. While I was working on building up skill, I was also working on building up confidence. In the right publications, with enough confidence, I probably couldâve been published years ago. In the right place, and if youâre brave enough to submit, you probably could too.
               Itâs about who sees it, very rarely does it really depend on how âgoodâ it is (and you can tell from all the published work that canât possibly be better than your unpublished work, right?)
               TL;DR, writing isnât about the knowing, itâs about time, patience, and practice. If youâre reading advice and donât feel good enough to execute on it, just take a little bit more time and get a hundred thousand more words under your belt. One day, it will just become intuition.
You will get there.
These are words to memorize. Iâve spent years getting to where I am. Iâve done it with so much self doubt. Do yourselves a favor. Donât assume it will absorb by osmosis. You can do this.
Conquering the Writing Slump: Reignite Your Creativity and Motivation
Every writer experiences it at some point: the dreaded writing slump. It's that sinking feeling when your creativity seems to have gone into hibernation, leaving you staring at a blank page. But fear not! In this blog post, I'll help you explore unique and effective strategies to help you break free from the writing slump and reignite your motivation to write. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, these carefully crafted steps will guide you back to your creative flow.
Step 1: Reconnect with Your Writing Purpose
Take a moment to reconnect with your writing purpose. What drove you to start writing in the first place? Was it the desire to tell captivating stories, impart knowledge, or share your unique perspective? Reflect on your initial motivations and remind yourself of the passion that ignited your writing journey. This reconnection will serve as a powerful source of inspiration to propel you forward.
Step 2: Embrace the Power of Mindset
Your mindset plays a crucial role in overcoming a writing slump. Instead of viewing it as an insurmountable obstacle, shift your perspective and see it as an opportunity for growth. Embrace the belief that challenges are stepping stones to success. Cultivate a positive mindset, affirming your ability to overcome the slump and rediscover your writing mojo.
Step 3: Rediscover Your Writing Identity
Sometimes, a writing slump occurs when you feel disconnected from your writing identity. Take the time to rediscover who you are as a writer. Reflect on your unique writing style, voice, and the themes that resonate with you. Reconnecting with your writing identity will reignite the spark of creativity and motivate you to put pen to paper once again.
Step 4: Set Realistic Writing Goals
Setting realistic goals is essential in reclaiming your motivation. Break down your larger writing projects into smaller, achievable milestones. By doing so, you'll experience a sense of accomplishment as you complete each task, fueling your motivation to tackle the next one. Remember, progress, no matter how small, is still progress.
Step 5: Cultivate a Writing Ritual
Establishing a writing ritual can work wonders in overcoming a slump. Designate a specific time and place for your writing practice. Create a personalized ritual that helps you transition into a focused and creative mindset. It could be lighting a scented candle, playing calming music, or even performing a short meditation. The familiarity of your ritual will signal to your brain that it's time to unleash your creativity.
Step 6: Experiment with Writing Prompts
Writing prompts serve as catalysts for fresh ideas and inspiration. Seek out unique writing prompts that resonate with your interests and writing style. They can be found in books, online websites, or even through random word generators. Embrace the challenge of writing within given constraints, and witness how it sparks your creativity and motivates you to write again.
Step 7: Engage in Stream-of-Consciousness Writing
Stream-of-consciousness writing is a powerful technique to bypass your inner critic and tap into your subconscious mind. Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and write whatever comes to mind without censorship or judgment. Allow your thoughts to flow freely, even if they seem disjointed or nonsensical. This exercise can unlock hidden ideas and awaken your creative energy.
Step 8: Seek Inspiration from Other Creative Outlets
Sometimes, finding inspiration outside of writing can reignite your creative fire. Engage in other artistic outlets such as painting, photography, or music. Immerse yourself in nature, visit art galleries, or attend live performances. These experiences will stimulate your senses, refresh your perspective, and infuse your writing with newfound inspiration.
Step 9: Collaborate with Fellow Writers
Collaboration can be a powerful motivator. Seek out fellow writers and engage in collaborative projects, writing circles, or workshops. Sharing ideas, receiving constructive feedback, and discussing challenges with like-minded individuals will invigorate your creative spirit. Embrace the sense of camaraderie and support that comes from being part of a writing community.
Step 10: Embrace Self-Care and Recharge
Self-care is vital for overcoming a writing slump. Take care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Engage in activities that recharge your creativity, such as practicing mindfulness, exercising, or immersing yourself in a favorite hobby. Prioritize self-care to create a balanced and nurturing environment for your writing to flourish.
Defeating the writing slump requires a combination of self-reflection, mindset shifts, and proactive steps. By reconnecting with your writing purpose, embracing a positive mindset, exploring new writing techniques, seeking inspiration from various sources, and nurturing your well-being, you will reignite your motivation to write and unleash your full creative potential. Remember, every writer encounters temporary setbacks, but it's your resilience and determination that will guide you back to the page. So, embrace these unique steps, trust in your abilities, and let your words flow once again. Happy writing!
Some of my writerâs block cures:
Handwrite. (If you already are, write in a different coloured pen.)
Write outside or at a different location.
Read.
Look up some writing prompts.
Take a break. Do something different. Comeback to it later.
Write something else. (A different WIP, a poem, a quick short story, etc.)
Find inspiring writing music playlists on YouTube. (Themed music, POV playlists, ambient music, etc.)
Do some character or story prompts/questions to get a better idea of who or what youâre writing.
Word sprints. Set a timer and write as much as you can. Not a lot of time to overthink things.
Set your own goals and deadlines.
Write another scene from your WIP. (You donât have to write in order.) Write a scene you want to write, or the ending. (You can change it or scrap it if it doesnât fit into your story later.)
Write a scene for your WIP that you will never post/add to your story. A prologue, a different P.O.V., how your characters would react in a situation thatâs not in your story, a flashback, etc.
Write down a bunch of ideas. Things that could happen, thing that will never happen, good things, bad things.
Change the weather (in the story of course.)
Feel free to add your own.
Write only dialogue
Write only scenery
Write a list of what you want to have happen that scene to visualize it better
Evaluate if your writer's block is the "I need to write to get around it" variety or the "I have self-doubt and emotional burnout and need distance from my work" kind, because they aren't the same
Share your idea with someone you trust for feedback or hype/encouragement
Read something (book, article, fic, etc) to get your juices flowing
I donât know how I forgot the dialogue one. I do that all the time. Thanks for adding it. I also love the other ones. Very helpful.
I like brain.fm to get into the flow when other music is distracting. Staring at a picture and writing down every little detail you can think of about it then using that description to write a scene or story can help.
Made this design based on the work of Carl Golden for whoever may need a little help with their characterâs development
Sometimes templates help generate new ideas. đ
Name Change
I've changed my writing advice/blog username to plotandelegy The content will remain the same. Just an FYI. :)
The Five Types of Readers That Read Your Fantasy Book (For Writers)
As a fantasy writer, understanding your target audience is crucial for the success of your book. Knowing the different types of readers who are drawn to the genre can help you tailor your writing to their preferences and create a more engaging experience. In this blog post, I'll help you explore the five types of readers that are likely to read your fantasy book and provide insights into their characteristics and expectations.
The Escapist Reader
The first type of reader is the Escapist. These readers are looking for a break from reality and crave immersion in a rich and imaginative world. They are drawn to epic quests, magical creatures, and fantastical settings. As a writer, you can capture their attention by crafting a vivid and detailed world, filled with intricate plotlines and larger-than-life characters. Engaging their sense of wonder and providing an escape from their everyday lives will keep them hooked from the first page to the last.
The World-Builder
The next type of reader is the World-Builder. These readers are fascinated by the intricacies of world-building and the lore that shapes the fantasy realm. They enjoy exploring the history, mythology, and geography of the fictional world you create. To captivate these readers, focus on developing a well-constructed and cohesive world that feels authentic and believable. Pay attention to the small details, establish consistent rules of magic, and provide glimpses into the rich tapestry of your universe.
The Character-Driven Reader
Another important type of reader is the Character-Driven reader. These readers are emotionally invested in the journeys and growth of the characters they encounter. They want to experience the highs and lows alongside the protagonists, forming deep connections with them. To engage these readers, focus on creating well-rounded and relatable characters with compelling arcs. Develop their motivations, flaws, and relationships to evoke empathy and resonate with your audience on a personal level.
The Plot-Oriented Reader
The fourth type of reader is the Plot-Oriented reader. These readers are primarily interested in the twists, turns, and surprises that unfold throughout the story. They enjoy intricate and well-paced plots that keep them guessing. As a writer, you can capture their attention by crafting a narrative with unexpected twists, clever foreshadowing, and satisfying resolutions. Keep the suspense high and deliver a satisfying payoff to keep these readers engaged and coming back for more.
The Theme-Seeker
The final type of reader is the Theme-Seeker. These readers are drawn to the deeper meanings and messages embedded within a story. They enjoy exploring philosophical, moral, or social themes that resonate with them on a personal level. As a writer, you can captivate these readers by weaving thought-provoking themes into your narrative. Explore complex issues, challenge societal norms, and offer unique perspectives to stimulate their intellect and leave a lasting impact.
Conclusion
Understanding the different types of readers that are drawn to your fantasy book can help you tailor your writing to their preferences and create a more immersive experience. Whether you are capturing the attention of Escapist readers, captivating the World-Builders with your intricate lore, evoking emotions in Character-Driven readers, surprising Plot-Oriented readers, or stimulating the intellect of Theme-Seekers, knowing your audience is key. By crafting a story that resonates with these reader types, you increase your chances of creating a loyal fan base and achieving success as a fantasy writer.
Blow your readers mind. Happy writing!
How to show emotions
Part VI
How to show bitterness
tightness around their eyes
pinched mouth
sour expression on their face
crossed arms
snorting angrily
turning their eyes upward
shaking their head
How to show hysteria
fast breathing
chest heaving
trembling of their hands
weak knees, giving in
tears flowing down their face uncontrollably
laughing while crying
not being able to stand still
How to show awe
tension leaving their body
shoulders dropping
standing still
opening mouth
slack jaw
not being able to speak correctly
slowed down breathing
wide eyes open
softening their gaze
staring unabashingly
How to show shame
vacant stare
looking down
turning their head away
cannot look at another person
putting their head into their hands
shaking their head
How to show being flustered
blushing
looking down
nervous smile
sharp intake of breath
quickening of breath
blinking rapidly
breaking eye contact
trying to busy their hands
playing with their hair
fidgeting with their fingers
opening mouth without speaking
Part I + Part IIÂ +Â Part III
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MASTER LIST OF INSTRUMENTAL PLAYLISTS FOR WRITING (OR FOR STUDYING, MAKING ART, ETC.)
I find that the perfect writing playlist can GREATLY enhance the writing experience. Even if it doesn't make your writing "better" (which it can, since it helps writers with visualization, tone, and mood), it can definitely make your writing flow easier!
Personally, words distract me when I'm writing, either by breaking my train of thought or by getting me too into the music so that I'm jamming out to my favorite tunes instead of writing.
Therefore, I've amassed a vast knowledge of instrumental music across a variety of media over a course of many years. Now here I am, deciding to share all of them with you!
Maddyâs Favorite Instrumental Songs
Just like the title says. All of the best pieces of instrumental music I've ever heard, compiled together with no regard for genre. It can be a bit of a whiplash playlist, but some amazing recs in there that I just like listening to in my free time, not just for writing.
Maddyâs Ultimate Instrumental Playlist
A mega compilation of 550+ fantastic instrumental music from a variety of media and genres. Kind of a whiplash playlist if you put it on shuffle, but is a great start for anyone looking to find what kind of instrumental music they like! Playlist Groupings in Order: Independent instrumental songs, live action movies, animated movies, animated tv shows, live action tv shows, video games.
Maddy's Instrumental for Sleep
Some more chill vibe instrumental for people who either A) want to sleep or B) want a relaxed playlist that won't distract you with loud volume and sudden changes in tempo or melody.
MISC PLAYLISTS:
you're a haggard adventurer discovering worlds beyond your wildest dreams
Music to inspire wonder and wanderlust, the kind of feeling you get when you finally reach the end of a mountain hike and see the world stretching out before you.
you're a hero who's just lost everything
Basically the most sad instrumental music I could find. A playlist for grief and revenge.
more beneath the cut :)
Reblogging this again because I added more playlists, as well as explanations for all of the miscellaneous ones!
Happy writing :)
I love writing playlists. Too much of a fan probably. I could sit for hours putting them together. I do not recommend it. :)
Crafting Spells with Incantations: A Primer for Fantasy Writers
1. The Roots of Language & Power:Â Think about languages. Why is Latin so captivating to many? Elvish words from Tolkien's Middle Earth gives us a sense of nostalgia. Incantations borrow from the weight and mystery of forgotten or invented tongues to create allure in our fictional works. Authors might want to consider phonetic aesthetics and rhyming words. Cadence can distinguish between magic that stays with the reader or falls short.
2. The Binding Element -Â Intention: Fancy words can enchant, but intention carries power. Consider the caster's emotions, desires, and the cost of wielding the magic. A simple spell to light a candle may be whispered, while summoning a storm might require a shout. Emotional resonance adds depth to your magical system. Depth can make it more relatable and memorable.Â
3. The Harmony of Gesture:Â Incantations are often paired with gestures. The flow between word and motion can amplify potency. Perhaps the caster must trace a key through the air to open a door. Visual clues help readers see spell casting in their minds.Â
4. The Complexity of Consequence:Â Let spells have consequences. Mispronouncing an incantation could come with disastrous or unexpected outcomes. Spells can backfire if cast with doubt. Create checks and balances that challenge your characters.Â
5. Soundscapes of Sorcery:Â When performed correctly, what sounds accompany the spell? What sounds come when the magic is incorrect? Spells that summon forth storms release echoing booms in the distance. Offer readers a multi-sensory experience where they can 'hear' the magic too
-Indigo
If youâd like more check out my article on unique and classical sources of magic.
Hello, and welcome to another one of my incredibly overdue writing guides. Where does the magic pulse from in your fictional world? What ene
The Deep Wells of Magic: Drawing from Timeless and Novel Sources
Hello, and welcome to another one of my incredibly overdue writing guides. Where does the magic pulse from in your fictional world? What energy does your magic user draw forth to complete their spells? Here is a list of classical and somewhat unique magical sources you might use to craft your supernatural system. Remember, the key to originality is being a little twisty and the ability to mash concepts. Okay, maybe the first isn't a determining factor.
Sources:
Geographical landmarks
Celestial Events
Memories
Mythical creatures
Seasonal events
Ancestors
Secrets
Mirrors
Shadows
Dreams
Movements
Heartbeats
Ocean currents
Moonlight
Fragmented thoughts
Music
Echoes
Crystals
Wishes
Mana
Mystical ingredients
Special words
Color
Divine intervention
Relics
Chants
Symbols
Candles
Talismans
Meditation or trance
Sounds and silences
Emotions
Elemental forces
Sacred sites
Amulets
Magic dust
Energy residue
Wind
Weather
Common Punctuation Mistakes
Last time we did punctuation rules, now weâre looking at mistakes you might be making in your sentences!
Sentence Fragments
This is an incomplete sentenceâit lacks a subject, a verb, or a complete thought.
Wrong: âBecause it was raining.â Fixed: âBecause it was raining, we got soaked yesterday.â Or âWe got soaked yesterday because it was raining.â
Run-on Sentences
This is two complete sentences that are joined together where there should be a pause, or they express more than one thought.
Wrong: "I never drink Starbucks it tastes burnt." Fixed: "I never drink Starbucks. It tastes burnt." Or âI never drink Starbucks because it tastes burnt.â
Comma Splices
This is when you connect two independent clauses with a comma.
Wrong: "Anna wants to go to the beach, Linda doesnât want to go with."
Fixed: "Anna wants to go to the beach, but Linda doesnât want to go with." Or ââŠgo to the beach; Linda doesnâtâŠâ Or âgo to the beach. Linda doesnâtâŠâ
Any other common punctuation mistakes you can think of?
Character is Plot
Character is plot. I mean that as, your main characterâs arc is (literally) the main plot. If you think about arcs as something to put over or alongside an existing plot, they probably arenât working very well. Or at least, you donât have as much time or space as you need to fully explore both a good plot and a good arc. They are one of the same, so Iâd even say throw whatever idea you have about plot out the window. Theyâre called arcs now. Congrats.
This also means if your characters arenât working, the whole thing is going to fall apart. So Iâm going to relay what was taught to me about solid character creation, and finding your arc!
Thereâs five critical things that go into character building: Goal, Objective, Unconscious Need, Disrupting Characteristic, and a Formative Event. They all work very closely together, so once you get one going, the others typically fall into place. (oh, and they sound complicated, but I promise theyâre not.)
Goal and Objective go hand in hand, Iâm sure youâre telling me right now that actually theyâre the same thing. Youâre right, they kind of are. The reason I split them up is so I make sure I always get not only a journey for my character to go on, but a meaning behind it. Action and intention. So:
Objective: the actionable (your character can work at it) objective of the story. What your character is physically doing throughout the story. Frodo taking the ring to Mordor is his Objective, Rapunzel going to see the lanterns in Tangled. Mulan protecting her dad by taking his place. Essentially, objective is what weâve thought of as plot.
Goal: the intention behind the objective. Why is your character doing this? This is usually the emotional core of the story, where we tuck away arc and characterization. Rapunzel wants to see the lanterns to finally get out and start her life. Mulan wants to prove sheâs worthy. Your character wants to make someone proud, or hurt someone whoâs hurt them, or feel loved. This is the emotion behind their objective and cannot on its own be turned into an arc. One cannot âprove themselves worthyâ out of a void, thatâs the goal, you also need an objective, âprove themselves worthy through taking their fatherâs place in the warâ.
If you have these, great job! Youâve got a really solid foundation for your arc. What your character wants, and why they want it. However, if we just follow an objective and goal, your characters are going to feel very lifelessâso we need some additional depth:
Unconscious need: This will probably be the one you get stuck on the most. Good thing is, both of these words are hints on what to do here, Unconscious meaning your character doesnât realize it, couldnât put it into words, and Definitely doesnât say it out loud. Need, is the start of how to answer this blank space. Your character needs to realize something they havenât been aware of to achieve their goal. Or they need to realize a flaw in their goal. For example, a woman wants to run for president (objective) to make her mother proud (goal), but she needs to realize all her mother wants is to spend more time with her, and by using all her time to campaign for president, sheâs actually splitting them further apart. Mulan needs to internalize that she doesn't have to be bigger than life to make her parents proud of her and bring them honor.
Your need is character specific, which means no one else should need the same thing. If your need can apply to multiple people, you probably didnât get specific enough. Everyone needs to be loved, everyone needs to feel cared for. However, not everyone closed themselves off from relationships and needs to open up to people if they want to foster a connection. See the difference?
This step will directly influence how you write your climax, because it leads to a choice your character makes. They can either realize their need and adhere to it (Fine, Iâll take my name out of the campaign for president/call my parents/apologize to the people Iâve hurt) or continue with their objective despite it. Typically, characters that ignore their need after they realize it are considered to have tragic arcs. Getting your character to realize their need is the end of their positive arc, itâs what weâve been working towards all along.
So itâs important. Donât skip, yes?
Disrupting Characteristic: this one is fun. This step is adding a flaw to your character, specifically, itâs the flaw thatâs holding them back from meeting their need. If there was nothing holding them back, wouldnât they be satisfied already? So thatâs the easiest place to start with this one, what they need, and what could possibly be holding them back from it. If they need to see their father as he truly is, maybe their disrupting characteristic is that theyâre optimistic to a fault. This characteristic could be a thing the character does (idolizes their father, acts fiercely independent, etc.) or a belief they have about themselves or the world (self conscious, believes humans are inherently cruel, etc.) Itâs the epitome of their internal conflict, they need something, but some ingrained part of them is keeping them from it. Evil? Absolutely. But us writers tend to be.
The disrupting characteristic is the internal arc your character goes through, they are working and being challenged throughout the story to overcome this characteristic. So in another example, a romantic character may realize their parents led them to believe they were undesirable (unconscious need), and that it has no merit, so they gain a new confidence and overcome their self consciousness (disrupting characteristic) to ask their ideal partner out.
You see what I mean why I say all these steps work together. Need and disrupting characteristic and goal are so intertwined that it can be difficult sometimes to voice them apart from each other, but they also canât carry each other. A solid need and disrupting characteristic isnât going to do much if you donât have a very convincing goal. Make sure you can put them into words (preferably write them down) and voice them all as separate things from each other, and how they work together. If you can do that, youâre set.
Last but not least is Formative Event: this is essentially your beginnings of backstory. The formative event Is the (usually) singular event in a characterâs past that made them to be who they are todayâimportantly, that developed their need and disrupting characteristic. Your character showed up to school in their new dress and was bullied, a mom left, or a dog died. The reason they are the way that they are. From this, you can build up the rest of their backstory. Moana is chosen by the ocean, her parents try to keep her away from the ocean, she grows up unsure about the idea of being the next chief. If youâre struggling with backstory, start here, build around it.
(Oh, and you donât necessarily have to mention the formative event in your story, in fact most screenplays donât. As long as you know it, youâre set.)
Speaking of backstory, itâs our invisible sixth step (or⊠first, really) because all of these things you come to know about your character is developed out of backstory (which makes it a pretty good place to start). It makes sense, really, if these steps are who they are, theyâve become that way because of where theyâve come from. I tend to start with family when Iâm trying to discover backstory, given family is a large part of who we areâthen education, then home/community, friends, interests, etc. But thereâs no real âperfectâ way to do it. Just write, let your mind wander, add and take away whatever you want, and meet your new character for the first time.
So how did all of that give you your plot? Itâs through how they change! Weâve created someone who wants something, and needs something else, and unless we take them on a journey so they can figure it out, weâll never have a story. So that journey to help them realize their need? Thatâs your plot.
If youâre struggling with how to help them change, consider putting your arc into a logline (something screenwriters do, but I find it really helpful even in novel writing). A logline is essentially your plot (character arc) summed up in a sentence or two. It goes like this: A but B so C
A: Disrupting characteristic
but
B: Conflict (goal/objective meets antagonist)
so
C: Changed character
Loglines are a tool for writing (at least in the way weâre using them), so make sure you have your full storyâending, character change, conflict, anything youâd find helpful to keep you on track.
Iâll often write a logline for each major character I have. Hereâs an older one about a character Iâll call âMarkâ:
A: Obsessive
B: His death has been predicted
C: Opens up to the others, recognizes he only has a little bit of time left, and should spend it with the people he loves (thatâs also his need!)
Logline: Private Mark Jackson obsesses over an unproven myth that promises the escape of his small life, but when his untimely death is foretold and every day drives him closer to his fate, he opens up to his friends to be content in a slightly different life than he had imagined for himself.
Loglines are great because they have it all!
Private (additional characteristic) Mark Jackson obsesses (disrupting characteristic) over an unproven myth (objective) that promises the escape of his small life (goal), but when his untimely death is foretold and every day drives him closer to his fate (conflict), he opens up to his friends (need) to be content in a slightly different life than he had imagined for himself (change).
You see how the entire story is right there in that sentence? This is a great place to start before we move onto officially outlining next week, so save your work, weâll come back to it!
To get a good handle on all this, Iâd recommend watching your favourite movies or reading your favourite book and filling out as many steps as you can, then creating loglines for each major character. Disney movies especially stick to this structure (thus all the examples) and typically have very clear arcs, but anything works.
Good luck!