(´・ω・)

i try to write sometimes. (writing tag)

[bowshaowow]

a compilation of arts from chapter 4 (final) of my double identity au

t/w for blood... im putting the rest of the art under the cut just in case

FINAL CHAPTER... ITS FINALLY DONE....... i hope it was able to make people feel things

also feel free to check out the author's note chapter for some extra art

blue spring (ch 4)

[bowshaowow]

a compilation of arts (that i've done so far) from chapter 3 of my small double identity au

90% of these have been posted on this blog before LOL but you guys now have the full context of it :")

blue spring (ch 3)

[bowshaowow]

a compilation of arts (that i've done so far) from chapter 2 of my small double identity au

THIS ONE IS A REALLY LONG ONE AHSJKAS i hope it's still understandable 😭

blue spring (ch 2)

[bowshaowow]

a compilation of arts from chapter 1 of my small double identity au... i finally mustered the courage to post it recently so please feel free to take a read if you're interested!

i actually have more rough sketches on this chapter alone lol so i might actually add more to this in future if i manage to finish them someday

blue spring (ch 1)

[sachiyoumi]

blue spring - chapter 4 (final)

Summary: Despite Nagisa having been numbed by the frost of life, a single bud continues to endure.

(A musician / double identity AU)

Fandom: Assassination Classroom Pairing: Karmagisa (Akabane Karma / Shiota Nagisa) Words: 10k

It burns. The bruises and the cuts that have torn the fabric of his skin apart feel like they’re on fire.  His muscles are practically screaming at this point too, with how many people he’s managed to find and eventually subdue, and with how much weaponry he’s managed to take apart and discard in record time. With such a high bounty and a priority level on Akabane Karma, it shouldn’t be a complete surprise that there are multiple hitmen lying in ambush for their bright red target to appear, like flies to the sweet honeyed temptation of money. But perhaps somewhere deep down, a part of him had naively wished otherwise. Despite the increasingly burning fatigue, he continues to take them down one by one anyway. One after another, it chips away at him, but the searing sensation keeps him awake enough to keep going, because time waits for no one. It has never waited for anyone.

Read on AO3

[sachiyoumi]

blue spring - chapter 3

Summary: Despite Nagisa having been numbed by the frost of life, a single bud continues to endure.

(A musician / double identity AU)

Fandom: Assassination Classroom Pairing: Karmagisa (Akabane Karma / Shiota Nagisa) Words: 14k

“Then what would you rather I do, Akabane-san?”  Ironically, the name tastes so false and so fake against his lips, just like the mask he’s put on in an attempt to keep this wilful fantasy going. As he twists around, Nagisa catches the other’s eyes widening ever so slightly, but the look in his golden irises doesn’t betray any sort of surprise… Almost as if, he’s already aware of Nagisa knowing his identity for a while now. Perhaps, both of them have been playing each other for fools this whole time. “... Why didn’t you say anything?” Akabane Karma finally asks, with a bitter laugh.  “Like I said, I’ve been using you.” “I don’t buy it. You’re too much of a mouse to do that, Nagisa—” “Nagisa is long dead,” the assassin coldly spits out, blatantly ignoring how every word is like a knife twisting into his heart. “Dead since he was sixteen. Whatever you thought I was, it was all fake.” Before him, Karma doesn’t quite move. His presence is almost reminiscent of a vicious predator that towers over its meek prey, his dark shadow threatening to swallow it whole.  “Look at me and say it,” he growls. “Directly.”

Read on AO3

[sachiyoumi]

blue spring - chapter 2

Summary: Despite Nagisa having been numbed by the frost of life, a single bud continues to endure.

(A musician / double identity AU)

Fandom: Assassination Classroom Pairing: Karmagisa (Akabane Karma / Shiota Nagisa) Words: 18k

“But he’s not involved. I know – ” “ – But, you don’t really know that, do you?” But what if his suspicions are wrong? There are millions of people in the world, after all. Surely, there’s bound to be some people that look eerily similar to someone else. There have been reports of people encountering their own doppelgangers in this world, so it’s not like the chances are entirely zero, either. “If a contract comes in with his name on it,” she asks slowly, her voice uncomfortably even, “will you still do it?” Red flashes in his mind again. The red of split fruits, the red of blood on his hands, the red of death that lingers, the red of his hair–  “... I don’t know.” Perhaps, this is the most truthful answer that he has given for the first time in years.

Read on AO3

[sachiyoumi]

blue spring - chapter 1

Summary: Despite Nagisa having been numbed by the frost of life, a single bud continues to endure.

(A musician / double identity AU)

Fandom: Assassination Classroom Pairing: Karmagisa (Akabane Karma / Shiota Nagisa) Words: 14k

It somewhat nags at him that the violin notes are chaotic, completely going off the rails that were meant to dictate its delivery. In terms of dynamics, musical interpretations, everything, it’s absolutely nothing like the textbook examples that he has heard and committed to heart. Yet, the way the notes are played with impressive control and such easy confidence tells Shiota that its player isn’t just an ordinary musician. In fact, there’s just something awfully familiar about his playing that nags at the pianist’s mind with a disconcerting discomfort, the way the violin bow just practically prances across the strings with playful abandon, a spirit so free that it could’ve taken him by the hand and danced.  Where has he felt this feeling before? He looks up, intrigued, and for an instant, his gaze meets eyes of yellow karmic fire.

Read on AO3

[luna-azzurra]

Signs your pacing is having a Medical Emergency!!

⋆˙⟡ Three chapters of breakfast preparation

⋆˙⟡ Action scene so fast you gave yourself whiplash

⋆˙⟡ Time skips with no transition ("Five years later, anyway")

⋆˙⟡ Meandering description while someone is literally dying

⋆˙⟡ Entire backstory mid-fight scene

⋆˙⟡ Spending 10 pages on outfit selection, 1 paragraph on major plot event

⋆˙⟡ Conversations in real-time including every "um" and pause

⋆˙⟡ Action → sequel → action → sequel like a metronome

⋆˙⟡ Tournament arc that lasts 200 pages

⋆˙⟡ Travel time: either instant or geologically slow, no in-between

⋆˙⟡ Flashback within a flashback within a flashback

⋆˙⟡ Every scene is the same length (you're not writing TV)

⋆˙⟡ Slow build for 300 pages then everything happens in 20

⋆˙⟡ Daily routine described in excruciating detail for "realism"

⋆˙⟡ Multiple POVs all covering the same event identically"

⋆˙⟡ Meanwhile" every other chapter (we get it, things are happening)

⋆˙⟡ Climax rushed through like you just remembered your word count

⋆˙⟡ Training montage that isn't actually a montage

⋆˙⟡ Politics explained via characters info-dumping at each other

⋆˙⟡ Every meal described like a Food Network show

⋆˙⟡ Reaction scenes longer than the action they're reacting to

⋆˙⟡ "That night" followed by a full night's sleep described

⋆˙⟡ Chase scene with detailed architectural observations

⋆˙⟡ Emotional moment interrupted by 3-page tangent

⋆˙⟡ Time moves differently depending on plot convenience

⋆˙⟡ Spending chapters on subplots that go nowhere

⋆˙⟡ Action scene that stops for internal monologue every sentence

⋆˙⟡ "Later" doing a lot of heavy lifting in your transitions

⋆˙⟡ Battle preparation longer than the actual battle

⋆˙⟡ Love confession taking 47 paragraphs

⋆˙⟡ Waiting described in real time (we're waiting too now)

⋆˙⟡ Important revelation buried in a boring scene

⋆˙⟡ Entire chapter that could've been a sentence

⋆˙⟡ Race against time where time apparently stopped for a chat

[skribblegurl]

some people think writers are so eloquent and good with words, but the reality is that we can sit there with our fingers on the keyboard going, “what’s the word for non-sunlight lighting? Like, fake lighting?” and for ten minutes, all our brain will supply is “unofficial”, and we know that’s not the right word, but it’s the only word we can come up with…until finally it’s like our face got smashed into a brick wall and we remember the word we want is “artificial”.

[heywriters]

I couldn't remember the word "doorknob" ten minutes ago.

[bumblewyn]

ok but the onelook thesaurus will save your life, i literally could not live without this website

[breelandwalker]

REBLOG TO SAVE A WRITER'S LIFE

[myfairkatiecat]

LIFE SAVED

REBLOGGING TO SAVE ANOTHER WRITERS LIFE

[sirowsky]

I use this every time I sit down to write. It's the best tool in the world and I would be lost without it!

[luna-azzurra]

When writing a character struggling with shame

Shame isn’t guilt. Guilt says I did something bad. Shame says I am something bad. It’s corrosive. It rewrites self-worth. And most of the time, it whispers, not screams.

✧ Start with silence. Characters carrying shame don’t confess it on page one. They avoid. They deflect. They joke. They become perfect. Shame thrives in secrets. Let it fester before it speaks.

✧ Show the disconnect. They don’t feel lovable, even when they are. Compliments bounce off them. Praise feels like a setup. They think kindness is a trick. Show them flinching at affection.

✧ Give it a backstory. Shame doesn’t appear from nowhere. Maybe they were told they were too much. Not enough. A mistake. Shame is always planted by someone else, then internalized. Find that origin moment and make it hurt.

✧ Let them sabotage good things. They get a healthy relationship? They run. They succeed? They downplay it. They get seen? They shut down. Shame convinces people they don’t deserve good things and they’ll act accordingly.

✧ Body language matters. Hunched shoulders. Arms crossed. Averted eyes. Shrinking into themselves. Shame has a physical posture. Write it.

✧ Watch their inner voice. Shame doesn’t sound like “I’m the worst.” It sounds like “Why would they care about me?”or “Of course I messed it up.” It’s casual. Constant. Cruel.

✧ Make healing slow and clumsy. Shame doesn’t vanish after one pep talk. It takes safe spaces. Relearning. A lot of awkward baby steps. Let your character accept one small good thing and then panic about it later.

✧ Let them rewrite their own story. Eventually, they’ll have to look at who they were and say, “Even then, I was trying. Even then, I deserved love.” Let them get there. Let it be earned. Let it feel impossible and then let it happen anyway.

[luna-azzurra]

20 Subtle Ways a Character Shows They're Not Okay (But Won’t Say It)

(For the emotionally repressed, the quiet imploders, the “I’m fine” liars.)

✧ Cancels plans they were excited for.

✧ Sleeps too much—or barely at all.

✧ Snaps at tiny things, then immediately regrets it.

✧ Can’t stand silence, suddenly always has noise on.

✧ Dresses in oversized clothes to hide their body.

✧ Laughs too loudly. Smiles too tightly.

✧ Picks at their nails, lips, or skin.

✧ Constantly checks their phone, even though no one is texting.

✧ Stops answering messages altogether.

✧ Forgets to eat—or pretends they already did.

✧ Eyes scan the room like they’re waiting for something bad.

✧ Overcommits. Can’t say no. Burns out quietly.

✧ Stops doing the things they love “just because.”

✧ Apologizes too often.

✧ Avoids mirrors.

✧ Can’t sit still—but won’t go outside.

✧ Says “I’m tired” instead of “I’m hurting.”

✧ Tries to clean everything when their life feels out of control.

✧ Uses sarcasm as armor.

✧ Hugs people just a second too long—and then acts like nothing happened.

[luna-azzurra]

You don’t need to say “She was losing.” 

Show me the way her breath stutters, the way her vision blurs at the edges, how her arms feel like lead but she still lifts them anyway. Show me the taste of blood on her tongue, the sharp sting when she wipes it away.  

A fight isn’t just fists and kicks, it’s instinct. It’s mistakes. It’s the split second where she moves left instead of right, and pain explodes across her ribs. It’s the way she grits her teeth, forces herself to stay standing, even when her legs threaten to buckle. 

People don’t announce their next move. They don’t think in long sentences. It’s breathless. It’s now. It’s move or lose. Make your readers feel every hit, every heartbeat, every desperate second she fights to stay on her feet.

[sachiyoumi]

“Do you realise what you’re doing? To me?” the red-haired male breathes, raw and vulnerable.

Against the soft sheets of the bed, Karma’s hands are securely anchoring Nagisa’s wrists down. His amber eyes are wide open with a hardened gaze as his breath brushes dangerously close against the other’s lips; almost like a predator having set sights on its prey and hungrily waiting to devour it whole. 

Nagisa, however, does not flinch in the slightest.

Perhaps it’s due to all the precarious situations he has found himself in before, but he does not feel any semblance of fear, instead meeting Karma’s gaze with unwavering determination.

“... I know,” he whispers, his voice wholly quiet with acceptance.

In the stillness of the moment, tension hangs in the air like a heavy curtain. Even as the hold on him tightens, Nagisa – captured yet unafraid – does not struggle, nor fight against it. Amidst the vice-like grip is a resolute sense of security that blooms from the weight of Karma’s hands, a grounding force that had always anchored Nagisa to safety, even now.

Hands that have painstakingly fought their way to the very top.

Hands that have unmade the knots of doubt in his heart and made a bed of sanctuary, a place where Nagisa could find solace without worry.

“I could do many things to you, Nagisa.”

Karma’s voice drops dangerously low; a reminder of the power that he holds over Nagisa at this very moment. His intimidating yellow eyes remain steadfast, but there’s a quiet tremble of hesitation that almost goes unnoticed, if his own fingers hadn’t loosened ever so slightly as well.

Almost as if he’s… afraid.

So instead, Nagisa tilts up his face, rising to bridge the gap between them with another kiss. This time, he lingers for a moment longer than necessary, passing along a hushed promise of affirmation with a brush of his lips.

“I know.”

[unboundprompts]

How to __ and Other Writing Tips

↳ a masterpost for informational writing prompts and other tips for writers

If you like what I do and want to support me, please consider buying me a coffee! I also offer editing services and other writing advice on my Ko-fi! Become a member to receive exclusive content, early access, and prioritized writing prompt requests.

How to Write __:

How to Write Nightmares and Sleep Paralysis

How to Write a Monster

How to Write a Good Villain

How to Make Readers Fear Your Villain

How to Write a Panic Attack

How to Write Dialogue for a Stuttering Character

How to Write a Character with an Eating Disorder

How to Write a Character with a Prosthetic

How to Write a Character that has been Poisoned

How to Write an Unreliable Narrator

How to Write a Paranoid Character

How to Write Hypothermia and Frostbite

How to Describe __:

Different Ways to Describe Fear

How to Describe Facial Expressions

How to Describe a Character's Speech

How to Describe Emotionally Distant Parents

How to Describe a Character's Appearance

Other:

What to Do With Too Much Dialogue

Ways for Characters to Get to Know Each Other

Ideas for a Character Earning Money in a Fantasy World (list)

Pirate Terms and Phrases

[slayingfiction]

List of 400+ Dialogue Tags

Below is a full (but not exhaustive) and updated list of dialogue tags. Dialogue tags are a widely debated topic for writers, some saying you should only use said, others arguing the opposite. You will get no opinion for me—only a list to use as you wish :D

Some words may differ in categories based on context.

Expressing Agreement or Confirmation

Acknowledged, Admitted, Affirmed, Agreed, Apologized, Confirmed, Conceded, Gibed, Professed, Reassured, Verified, Vouched

Initiating or Continuing Conversation

Added, Began, Chimed In, Commented, Continued, Conversed, Discussed, Elaborated, Greeted, Interjected, Offered, Proposed, Remarked, Went On

Making a Declaration or Announcement

Announced, Attested, Declared, Decreed, Emphasized, Enunciated, Proclaimed, Revealed, Stated, Voiced

Formal or Deliberate Communication

Chanted, Concurred, Observed, Postulated, Preached, Put Forth, Reasoned, Surmised, Testified

Indirect Communication 

Digressed, Hinted, Implied, Insinuated 

Providing Information, Explanation or Speculation

Alleged, Articulated, Asserted, Clarified, Doubted, Equivocated, Explained, Guessed, Imparted, Informed, Lectured, Noted, Predicted, Quoted, Recited, Reported, Theorized

Expressing Doubt or Uncertainty

Doubted, Faltered, Guessed, Hesitated, Pondered, Questioned, Speculated, Wondered, Ventured

Seeking or Giving Advice

Advised, Coaxed, Proposed, Recommended, Remonstrated, Suggested, Supposed, Urged

Animalistic

Barked, Croaked, Growled, Hissed, Hooted, Howled, Hummed, Roared, Snarled 

Expressing Discontent or Frustration

Complained, Fretted, Grumbled, Protested, Ranted

Demonstrating Authority or Command

Avowed, Commanded, Crowed, Decided, Demanded, Dictated, Directed, Insisted, Instructed, Maintained, Ordered, Pressed, Proclaimed, Reprimanded

Displaying Confidence or Assertiveness

Asserted, Assured, Boasted, Bragged, Claimed, Piped Up, Pledged, Spoke Up, Told, Vowed

Exhibiting Anger or Aggression

Accused, Bristled, Challenged, Cursed, Erupted, Exasperated, Fumed, Groaned, Huffed, Raged, Seethed, Snapped, Spat, Stormed, Swore, Threatened, Whinged

Displaying Sadness or Despair

Anguished, Bawled, Bemoaned, Blubbered, Cried, Despaired, Grieved, Lamented, Mourned, Sobbed, Wept, Whimpered, Worried

Persuasiveness 

Appealed, Begged, Cajoled, Convinced, Persuaded, Petitioned, Pleaded, Prayed

Conveying Fear or Worry

Cautioned, Entreated, Gasped, Quaked, Shuddered, Stressed, Trembled, Warned

Softly or Quietly

Breathed, Called, Crooned, Murmured, Mumbled, Muttered, Sighed, Whispered

Loudly or Forcefully

Bellowed, Boomed, Cried Out, Hollered, Screamed, Screeched, Shouted, Shrieked, Thundered, Wailed, Whooped, Yelled

Demonstrating Disgust or Disdain

Cringed, Gagged, Griped, Groused, Rasped, Scowled, Sneered, Snorted

Expressing Mockery, Disrespect or Sarcasm

Dared, Imitated, Insulted, Jeered, Mimicked, Mocked, Ribbed, Ridiculed, Scoffed, Snickered, Taunted 

Doing Annoyingly

Gloated, Goaded, Nagged, Pestered, Provoked, Sassed, Tattled

Emotional or Expressive Communication

Grunted, Mewled, Panted, Quavered, Sniffled, Snivelled, Squawked, Whined, Yowled

Showing Empathy or Comfort

Comforted, Consoled, Empathized, Soothed, Sympathized

Indicating Thoughtfulness or Reflection

Contemplated, Echoed, Mused, Pondered, Recalled, Reflected, Remembered, Reminded, Reminisced, Retorted, Reiterated

Expressing Humour or Amusement

Cackled, Chirped, Chuckled, Giggled, Guffawed, Jested, Joked, Laughed, Quipped

Revealing Information

Confessed, Confided, Divulged, Disclosed, Expressed, Hinted, Revealed, Shared, Spilled, Uttered

In a Flirtatious Way

Bantered, Cooed, Flirted, Joshed, Moaned, Purred, Teased

Demonstrating Surprise or Astonishment

Gasped, Marvelled, Yelped

Indicating Hesitation or Reluctance

Faltered, Hesitated, Stammered, Stuttered

Engaging in a Dispute or Argument

Argued, Bargained, Bickered, Contended, Debated, Disputed, Negotiates, Objected, Rebutted, Shot Back

Showing Enthusiasm or Excitement

Beamed, Blurted, Cheered, Exclaimed, Gushed, Raved, Rejoiced, Sang, Squealed, Trumpeted

Expressing Approval or Praise

Applauded, Complimented, Encouraged, Exhorted, Extolled, Lauded, Praised

Speaking in a Continuous or Repetitive Manner

Babbled, Chattered, Jabbered, Rambled, Rattled On, Repeated

Questions and Answers

Answered, Asked, Cross-examined, Inquired, Implored, Probed. Prodded, Prompted, Queried, Questioned, Quizzed, Requested

Expressing Criticism or Disagreement

Challenged, Chastised, Chided, Condemned, Corrected, Countered, Criticized, Deflected, Demurred, Denounced, Scolded

Negative or Deceptive Communication

Denied, Droned, Exaggerated, Interrupted, Lied

Finishing the Conversation 

Concluded, Finished, Thanked

Neutral or Miscellaneous

Admired, Consented, Foretold, Invited, Mentioned, Mouthed, Pointed Out, Replied, Said, Sputtered, Volunteered

Don’t forget our Grand Opening Giveaway starts February 1st/24 on Tumblr, Instagram and slayingfiction.com! You don’t want to miss it!

Happy Writing!

[secondhandsorrows]

Some Vital Scenes to Include in a Romantic Subplot, pt. 1

I’ve been in the plotting stages of a novel I’ve been working on for some time now. It’s not a romance novel, per se, but the romantic aspect is very prevalent… dare I say important. Anyway, so as I was working on my scenes and character arcs, I began to realize that I didn’t have enough fleshed-out about romantic arc, nor deepened the protagonist’s love interest or their connection, for that matter. This led me to devise up some scenes that I felt were crucial to the story if I wanted to keep this romantic angle to it, and now that I’ve most of them arranged, I find now that I’m way more excited about my characters’ love story. 

These tips will be unnumbered because, obviously, the sequence of these events and how they will fall into your storyline will probably be different. Also, you don’t have to use only one scene for every suggestion that will be mentioned, as you can have multiple scenes of flirtations or deep conversations, for example. They usually blend all together into the narrative at this point. Just remember that there should be some relevance to the plot at hand in some of these scenes as to not derail completely from the main narrative or other conflicts.

I was going to post this all at once, but decided it was too long and wanted to split it into two parts to go more in-depth and for easy reading. /-\ Enjoy ~

- The meet-cute, or the meet-ugly:

Ah, yes, the first encounter. Or, as we sometimes like to call it: the meet-cute, or the meet-ugly if you’re feeling a little unconventional or perhaps mischievous. Though we may enjoy setting up our star-crossed characters in a whole range of moments from awkward to swoon-worthy, the initial meeting is what’s important (if your characters haven't already met before the beginning of the story, ofc, but this is useful to have in mind). Let us quickly define the two:

Meet-Cute: A charming and serendipitous first encounter between the characters in question that sets a positive, memorable, and oftentimes romantic tone.

Meet-Ugly: An unconventional, awkward, or disastrous initial meeting that adds a unique twist to the start of the romantic connection, often leading to unexpected chemistry and an added intrigue on whether or not they’ll get together.

You don’t have to nail your characters’ first encounter into a label or bubble such as these two examples, but I like bringing these up for a general idea. 

- Bouts of flirting and/or banter:

Just as the title suggests, these are scenes containing the flirtaious communication between the two characters. These kinds of interactions will, of course, develop over time and deepen the bond or relationship. Playful interactions, gazes, and witty exchanges between the characters can create a lighthearted and flirtatious atmosphere that hints at their growing attraction.

The way they might flirt or tease can reveal their personalities. For example, one character might be more sarcastic, while the other responds with quick wit, or quiet bashfulness. There’s an element of subtlety, as flirting lets the characters express their romantic interest without explicitly stating it (unless one of your characters lacks subtlety in general and prefers to shout their undying love from the rooftops, which would make for an interesting dynamic, but I’m only spit-balling). 

Banter, teasing, and romantic tension underscoring heated debates or loathsome gazes suit just as nicely, especially if you’re writing with enemies-to-lovers or rivalry tropes in mind. But be careful! A little goes a long way: too much all at once can repel any growth for the characters or narrative.

- Initial conflict or struggle:

Depending on your story’s big-picture conflict, the introduction of challenges or obstacles can create tension between the characters, adding depth to their relationship and making their eventual connection all the more satisfying. This might include cultural or class differences, opposing goals or values, history of past heartbreak, personality weaknesses such as stubbornness, or external pressures that threaten to keep the characters apart. Even a nosy family or a disapproving mother can be considered. How the characters navigate and resolve these conflicts contributes significantly to the overall emotional impact of the romance subplot, as well as allowing for some exploration of each character's strengths, weaknesses, and resilience. 

- Shared vulnerability:

This kind of scene involves the characters opening up to each other about their innermost fears, insecurities, past trauma, or personal struggles. Shared vulnerability goes beyond surface-level interactions. It involves characters revealing their authentic selves, exposing their emotional vulnerabilities, and allowing the other person to see them in an honest — and sometimes new — light.

This is a symbolic gesture of commitment we’re talking about, here… something that requires trust. As characters share their fears or past traumas, they are entrusting the other person with sensitive information, fostering a sense of trust and emotional intimacy. It might be scary, it could be out from left field, but they will end up learning something new about themselves, their situation, or about the other person, and thus deepen their connection, little by little.