Remember, even the most famous authors started out as confused people yelling at their laptops.
They still are.
2025 on Tumblr: Trends That Defined the Year

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Stranger Things
Sweet Seals For You, Always
Game of Thrones Daily
trying on a metaphor
todays bird
"I'm Dorothy Gale from Kansas"
Monterey Bay Aquarium

@theartofmadeline
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let's talk about Bridgerton tea, my ask is open
Not today Justin
Xuebing Du
d e v o n
Keni

Andulka

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One Nice Bug Per Day

Product Placement
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@skribeworks
Remember, even the most famous authors started out as confused people yelling at their laptops.
They still are.
Writing Description Notes: Tired/Drowsy/Exhausted
Updated 14th June 2024 More description notes
His eyelids drooped like curtains at the end of a long performance.
Each step seemed to drag as if he were wading through deep mud.
Her face had a pallor that hinted at sleepless nights and endless worries.
His eyes were rimmed with red, the usual sparkle dimmed by fatigue.
John’s voice was a mere whisper, each word an effort to push out.
His shoulders sagged under an invisible burden, making him look smaller.
It was a face that looked washed out, as if drained by an invisible tide.
Dark shadows under her eyes spoke of too many nights spent staring at the ceiling.
Each breath he took was labored, a sigh escaping with every exhale.
Her usually vibrant expression had dulled, as if someone had turned down the brightness.
His jaw hung slack, a yawn escaping before he could stifle it.
The world around him blurred, his tired mind struggling to stay focused amidst the fog of weariness.
She shuffled her feet, unable to muster the energy to lift them properly.
Thoughts drifted in and out like shadows, his mind shrouded in a haze of exhaustion.
Jane’s complexion had taken on an ashen hue, the color drained from her face.
That sleepy feeling was surely how Earth felt when summer has passed, needing months to regenerate and bloom again in spring.
Night rolled around, and gradually, the sandman arrived to weigh down John’s eyelids.
Each limb grew heavy, and John’s heart beat a more tranquil rhythm, beckoned by the comfort of bed.
John’s head felt foggy as if every eyelash weighed more than it should, and gravity had intensified tenfold.
His muscles seemed slack, lacking their usual tautness and strength.
Each blink was slow, as if her eyelids were weighed down by lead.
He felt like he had been through a marathon, every muscle screaming with exhaustion.
Her usual regal demeanor was replaced by slumped shoulders and weary eyes, with dark circles betraying her fatigue.
Writing Description Notes: Guilt/Regret
Updated 30th May 2024 More description notes
John winced in deep sympathy and guilt.
Jane bowed her head from the guilt rising up to mix with her painful shame.
Jane felt a heavy knot of remorse settle in the pit of her stomach.
John’s heart was heavy with the weight of his past mistakes.
Jane’s thoughts were clouded by the shadow of regret that loomed over her.
John’s conscience gnawed at him relentlessly, reminding him of his wrongs.
Jane’s soul felt burdened with the echoes of her regrets.
A somber mood settled over the group, marked by the collective burden of guilt hanging in the air.
It was as if a cloud of remorse had descended upon them, casting a shadow over the once lively gathering.
The mood was thick with the unmistakable presence of guilt, casting a pall over the otherwise cheerful atmosphere.
In the quiet moments that followed, the only sound was the echoing resonance of regret, filling the space between them with its haunting presence.
Writing Description Notes: Confidence/Determination/Hopeful
Updated 30th May 2024 More description notes
With renewed vigor.
He wheedled, animated by hope again.
John asked with his usual bravado, as if the missiles raining down on them were of no concern.
His confidence was a sturdy oak tree, firmly rooted in the ground, standing tall amidst the storms.
John’s determination was a relentless river, flowing steadily towards its destination, carving through obstacles with unwavering persistence.
He moved through life as if every door was already open.
His invisible armor turned doubts into mere whispers against the fortress of certainty.
She strode into the room with the assurance of someone who had already won the battle.
Every setback was merely a detour for her, not a dead end.
She approached each day as if the universe conspired in her favor.
Quiet confidence was exuded, with every move calculated and sure.
He moved with the certainty of one who had mapped out every possible outcome.
It was as if uncertainty was a familiar friend.
John handled setbacks with the ease of someone rearranging pieces on a chessboard, always several moves ahead.
John embraced challenges with a welcoming smile, viewing them as opportunities in disguise.
His confidence was not loud or boastful, but a quiet strength that spoke volumes in every action he took.
How to show emotions
Part IX
How to show being delighted
bright, sparkling eyes
smiling or grinning broadly
light, bouncy steps or movements
clapping hands or small, excited gestures
warm blush or flushed cheeks
soft, happy sighs or laughter
jumping up or small hops
eyes crinkling at the corners
open mouth, slightly parted in surprise or joy
leaning forward eagerly
staring at whatever delights them
spinning in a circle
How to show dread
rapid, shallow breathing or sudden gasps
sweaty palms or clammy skin
trembling hands or body
tightened jaw or grinding teeth
furrowed brows, tense forehead
wide, darting eyes or a fixed, unblinking stare
clenched fists or nails digging into skin
stiff, frozen posture or tense muscles ready to react
dry mouth or difficulty swallowing
sudden chills or shivers
heart pounding visibly or audibly (e.g., pounding in ears)
fidgeting or restless movements, pacing
nausea or tightness in the stomach
avoiding eye contact or looking away anxiously
voice trembling or catching in throat if speaking
How to show serenity
slow, deep breathing
soft, gentle smile or neutral, peaceful facial expression
softly gazing
smooth, unhurried movements
hands resting calmly, loosely folded or open palms
even heartbeat/pulse
slight tilt of the head, indicating calm attentiveness
relaxed jaw, no clenching or grinding
steady, balanced posture with relaxed shoulders
soft sigh or contented breath out
minimal fidgeting or twitching
How to show being alarmed
widened eyes
raised eyebrows
dilated pupils
quickened or shallow breathing
heart pounding or racing
trembling or shaking hands
stiffened posture or frozen still
sweating or cold sweat
sudden intake of breath or gasping
paleness or flushed face
lips pressed tightly or quivering
clenched jaw or fists
neck hairs standing on end
fidgeting or restless movements, pacing
mouth slightly open or dry mouth
rapid head movements, scanning surroundings
jumping or flinching suddenly
tightened throat or throat clearing
More: How to write emotions Masterpost
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Writing Grief: Beyond the Stereotypes
Grief comes in many forms. We’re often taught that grief only follows death—but in truth, grief is far more complex than that. As writers, understanding the many faces of grief can help us craft scenes with deeper authenticity and emotional resonance.
In this post, we’ll explore different types of grief to help you write characters who feel real, layered, and human.
Grieving the Living
Grief doesn’t only come from death. You can grieve someone who’s still alive.
- A breakup, whether romantic or platonic, can leave someone mourning the version of the relationship they once had.
- Estrangement from family can feel like a living loss—especially when the person is still physically present but emotionally gone.
This kind of grief is often overlooked, but it can be just as devastating as bereavement.
Grieving While Alive
Sometimes, grief comes from within.
When someone is in a dark emotional or mental space, just existing can feel like a burden. They may grieve the life they thought they’d have, the person they used to be, or the hope they’ve lost.
It might sound strange, but for someone in pain, every breath can feel like a reminder of what’s missing. This kind of grief is deeply personal and often invisible—but it’s real.
Grieving a Part of Yourself
Another form of grief that’s rarely discussed is the loss of a part of one’s body or identity.
- Losing a limb, a sense (like sight or hearing), or even a career-defining ability can trigger intense grief.
- It’s not just about physical loss—it’s about mourning what you used to be able to do, and who you were before.
This kind of grief can lead to depression, identity crises, and a long journey of adaptation and healing.
Why This Matters in Storytelling
Grief is not one-size-fits-all. It’s messy, unpredictable, and deeply personal.
By exploring the many dimensions of grief, you can write characters who feel authentic and relatable. Readers connect with stories that reflect their own experiences—even the ones they’ve never been able to name.
Understanding grief in its many forms allows you to:
- Add emotional depth to your characters
- Create more nuanced, human stories
- Offer comfort and validation to readers who may be grieving themselves
Final Thoughts
Grief is not just about death. It’s about loss in all its forms—relationships, identity, ability, hope.
As a writer, your job isn’t to simplify grief. It’s to honor its complexity and give it space on the page. When you do, you create stories that resonate, heal, and endure.
I hope this helps you write with more empathy and insight.
Happy writing.
hey guys you know a work can have challenging & disturbing & weird themes without it actually being a kink that the writers have, right? I know we all like to use that “the author’s barely disguised fetish” meme but i truly need y’all to understand that some things are just recurring themes & motifs in a body of work without it being sexual for the writers or anyone involved in the creation of art. It’s important to me that y’all know this.
Writing Description Notes: Eye Contact/Eye Movements
Updated 26th May 2024 More description notes
Three sets of eyes honed in towards him.
Everyone collectively shifted their gazes towards him.
His eyes widened like they were about to burst.
His eyes widened like saucers.
Humor was twinkling in his eyes at the irony of the situation.
Emotionless eyes contrasted with charged words.
His gaze parted from hers.
She caught his gaze with hers
He glared daggers.
Her eyes were fierce, but still reflected compassion.
Her hilariously wide eyes.
Ensnared by a pair of eyes.
Jane bore down on her friend with her sharp eyes, but surprisingly the glare had no effect.
A flash of frustration creased her brow and sparked in her eye, letting him know that his sound wasn't appreciated.
Their eyes trained on each other and silence swept over them.
His golden eyes dissected her, seeming to examine every quirk of her expression.
He could feel her gaze cutting into him.
Once again, he turned back to her, and was rewarded with just a small smile and her warm eyes.
His sky blue eyes veiled towards the large window claimed by the freezing temperatures.
His eyes burned into her, the fire intent on destroying whatever it could catch but she was ready for it this time.
His eyes scoped out the make-shift battle ground searching for something, anything that could help him out.
Their stares remained interlocked, neither of them making a move to look away.
His golden eyes shone in the dim light, reflecting every insecurity within him.
Amusement danced in those green eyes.
Her gaze flitted between their blanket and him.
Shielding her eyes on instinct, Jane recovered with wary blinks.
Red optics bore into her widened, watering eyes.
He gave John a sidelong stare.
His optics settled on Jane as she raised her fist with cheer.
The stare was of one hurt and buried, as if they feared being vulnerable more than the cold reality they had manufactured and serviced.
His stare was as uncomfortable as a chorus-girl corset and had the same effect on Jane’s breathing, constricted and shallow. There was no life behind those eyes. Every move he made betrayed his intentions and none of them were noble.
His eyes searched hers, looking to find some shred of... emotion in them.
He rolled his eyes, a nonverbal expression of exasperation.
writing tip #4075:
can't stress about all the problems with your first draft if you never read it again
Here’s an invaluable writing resource for you.
Was looking for this information just yesterday. Thanks so much.
Y’all I could have used this so many times before oh my good god
The Pevensie children are too old for their age.
Their mom notices, at the dinner table. She sees no nagging children, no stupid fights. She sees Lucy eating and speaking with perfect manners, Edmund analysing the economy and war with concerning skill, Susan being gracious but poised, like a diplomat.
Their father sees it in Peters eyes the first time they get into a fight. When he moves to punish Edmund for speaking out of turn, Peter calls him out on it. When his gaze meet his eldest son's, he's leveled by the war he sees behind it, the tensed muscle in his arm, the knuckles white around his knife. He's seen that before, in other soldiers. He doesn't know how to react.
Other children notice, too. Talking to all the Pevensie kids at the same time is like being the only one left out of a secret, and the way they touch and tease each other speaks of a history far deeper than their polite demeneor lets on. And when they walk they fall in line, as if there is a natural hierarchy between them.
The first time anyone picks a fight with Edmund, Peter comes home with a three week suspension and blood around his mouth. He looks more alive than you've seen him in weeks.
When Susan gets back in the pool after Narnia, she wins all the contests. Coaches can't explain how to beat her, because they don't understand how she's doing it, either. She seems to almost disappear when underwater.
Lucy, always gay and golden-haired, starts dancing, and never misses a step. She moves with an elegance that no 10 year old should have, and all the girls want to be friends with her
Edmund soon becomes the best student in his faculty. He always seems to know the right thing to say, and teachers laud his ability to think through complex problems. His mouth does get him in trouble sometimes, but the boy seems uncatchable, always talking his way through the cracks. And if not?
No one actively fears Peter, but everyone is a little scared of him sometimes. He's tall for his age, sure, but there is something else, some other air that seems to give him an authority far beyond what's normal for a teenage boy. He's nice enough, but teachers can't stand it, and bullies learn very quickly that pissing him off means missing teeth and black eyes.
The Pevensies are not quite inhuman, but not fully mortal, either
Fire Horse thunders,
Trampling upon old year, brings
New Year's blessings: rain
"its a living" <- guy who has a job it hates
"its'a living!' <- dr mario frankenstein
Just curious... if I told you that you encounter a group of michiganders bedecked in red wing scarves, and one of them is eating a bear claw and discussing going to Bronners... what are your thoughts?
uh...some people from a state with a large lake in the northern (north east?) usa are wearing sports merch. one of them is eating some kind of pastry and discussing going to a shop? that might sell that weird all in one soap?
what an odd question
I shudda turned left at Albuquerque.
Test run of threshold day salamander bread! The winter weather is doing its best to make sure my dough doesn't rise, but we persevere
My babies have risen! Time for a washing! I'm trying egg, oat milk, and butter, and one control without any to try for that shiny mottled salamander look
My rotund babies! They're burnt on the bottom but otherwise lovely. The egg wash wins for looks but the butter is so soft and tasty
Omg the cutest way to celebrate Threshold day!!
Jeeves and Wooster as incorrect quotes
Screen caps by @bluebassy
🧪 Character Arcs 101: what they are, what they aren’t, and how to make them hurt
by rin t. (resident chaos scribe of thewriteadviceforwriters)
Okay so here’s the thing. You can give me all the pretty pinterest moodboards and soft trauma playlists in the world, but if your character doesn’t change, I will send them back to the factory.
Let’s talk about character arcs. Not vibes. Not tragic backstory flavoring. Actual. Arcs. (It hurts but we’ll get through it together.)
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💡 what a character arc IS:
a transformational journey (keyword: transformation)
the internal response to external pressure (aka plot consequences)
a shift in worldview, behavior, belief, self-concept
the emotional architecture of your story
the reason we care
💥 what a character arc is NOT:
a sad monologue halfway through act 2
a single cool scene where they yell or cry
a moral they magically learn by the end
a “development” label slapped on a flatline
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✨ THE 3 BASIC FLAVORS OF ARC (and how to emotionally damage your characters accordingly):
Positive Arc They start with a flaw, false belief, or fear that limits them. Through the events of the story (and many Ls), they confront that internal lie, grow, and emerge changed. Hurt factor: Drag them through the mud. Make them fight to believe in themselves. Break their trust, make them doubt. Let them earn their ending.
Negative Arc They begin whole(ish) and devolve. They fail to overcome their flaw or false belief. This arc ends in ruin, corruption, or defeat. Hurt factor: Let them almost have a chance. Build hope. Then show how they sabotage it, or how the world takes it anyway. Twist the knife.
Flat/Static Arc They don’t change, but the world around them does. They hold onto a core truth, and it’s their constancy that drives change in others. Think: mentor, revolutionary, or truth-teller type. Hurt factor: Make the world push back. Make their values cost them something. The tension comes from holding steady in chaos.
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🎯 how to build an arc that actually HITS (no ✨soft lessons✨, just internal structure):
Lie they believe: What false thing do they think about themselves or the world? (“I’m unlovable.” “Power = safety.” “I’m only valuable if I’m useful.”)
Want vs. need: What do they think they want? What do they actually need to grow?
Wound/backstory scar: What made them like this? You don’t need a tragic past™ but you do need cause and effect.
Turning point: What moment forces them to question their worldview? What event cracks the surface?
Moment of choice: Do they change? Or not? What decision seals their arc?
🧪 Pro tip: this is not a worksheet. This is scaffolding. The arc lives in the story, not just your doc notes. The lie isn’t revealed in a monologue, it’s felt through consequences, relationships, mistakes.
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🛠️ things to actually do with this:
Write scenes where the character’s flaw messes things up. Like, they lose something. A person. A plan. Their cool. Make the flaw hurt.
Track their beliefs like a timeline. How do they start? What chips away at it? When does the shift stick?
Use relationships as arc mirrors. Who challenges them? Enables them? Forces reflection? Internal change is almost never solo.
Revisit the lie. Circle back to it at least three times in escalating intensity. Reminder > confrontation > transformation.
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🌊 bonus pain level: REVERSE THE ARC
Wanna make it really hurt? Set them up for one arc, and give them the opposite. They think they’re growing into a better person. But actually, they’re losing themselves. They think they’re spiraling. But they’re really healing. Let them be surprised. Let the reader be surprised.
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TL;DR: If your plot is a skeleton, your character arc is the nervous system.
The change is the thing. Don’t just dress it up in trauma. Don’t let your character learn nothing. Make them face themselves. And yeah. Make it hurt a little. (Or a lot. I won’t stop you.)
—rin t. // thewriteadviceforwriters // plotting pain professionally since forever
P.S. I made a free mini eBook about the 5 biggest mistakes writers make in the first 10 pages 👀 you can grab it here for FREE:
✦ A free (and actually helpful) guide to leveling up your first 10 pages ✦If you're unsure whether your opening is ✨doing enough✨ to hook re