(I'm sorry, this is gonna be long because I LOVE giving writing advice and encouraging writers!!! This is a little personal to how I decide to go about writing but I hope this helps regardless! <3)
TERRIBLE fanfic. READ IT! The type that makes you cringe and want to hit yourself on the head with a hammer. Like reading the Y/N fics where she/he/they sing "fight song" on the rooftop while dancing ballet and are a vampire/mermaid hybrid who have a dark past, BAD FANFIC!!! When you watch or read something bad it makes you want to write out the character or scenario more to your liking, more personalized to your tastes (that's how I view it). I read bad fanfiction but you can do this with movies, books, shows, articles, whatever suits your fancy!
I also like to associate my characters/OCs with music. Really pay attention to the lyrics and of course listen to the melody. Interpret the song from the lyrics how you'd like. Paint a story out of the song itself, maybe even create a playlist that kinda sorta tells a story. You can even listen to music without lyrics. I'm obsessed with listening to instrumentals from movies and painting scenes in my head how I interpret those compositions. Sometimes I like to let my Spotify play random songs and I choose what I like out from the randomized selections.
Anywho...listen to music!
Don't be afraid to ask people to proofread! Some constructive criticism never hurts. Even if it's just a spellcheck or something like that. I like to send my stuff to my friends and they give me some feedback or ideas that I can add. Maybe even join a writing community whether it be reddit, discord, or even here on tumblr. Wherever you think you can get a second opinion! <3
Also, don't be afraid to use popular tropes for your characters. I know there can be a lot of stigma in using them, but if it's something you like, then use it. And just because it's a trope doesn't mean you can't make it unique in your own way through your writing. It's only stale if you don't shape it to your own design.
It's alright to be inspired by shows and movies you like and take small snippets of ideas, just don't copy it down word for word. If you have a favorite scene, relationship, or overall character, use it at as a reference for what you're trying to build.
LASTLY, sometimes the idea you have aren't bad, but rather it's just how you're writing it down. Sometimes it's just the wording that throws you off and it makes the entire thing not feel right. You yourself will always be your worst critic, don't overthink it. This kinda goes back to just getting a second opinion because sometimes it's just the little voice in your head that is nitpicking at what isn't even there. Even then, if you're still not proud of it, scrap it! There's no use in wasting your energy on something you're not into.
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