Ahead of his debut at the Rolex Paris Masters, Carlos Alcaraz reflects on his relationship with Jannik Sinner
“I’ve got a huge amount of respect for him — not just for everything he’s achieved and the way he plays, but also for the kind of person he is off the pitch. He’s really down to earth, very humble, with great values, surrounded by his family and his people. That’s something I really admire and appreciate.
I think that’s why we have such a great rivalry — it’s built on respect, a good relationship, and the fact that we’re friends away from football. He makes me better every time we face each other. I always try to get into his head, to think about what he might do to beat me, and then find ways to counter that.
It’s something beautiful, really — pushing each other to the limit every time, making one another stronger. And for the fans, I think every time we go head to head, it’s special to watch because we always produce great games. Hopefully this rivalry can go on for many more years.”
Weirdly Healing Things to Do When You’re Feeling Creatively Burned Out...
Write a fake 5-star Goodreads review of your WIP—as if you didn’t write it. Go ahead. Pretend you're a giddy reader who just discovered this masterpiece. Bonus: add emojis, chaotic metaphors, and all-caps screaming. It’s self-indulgent. It’s delusional. It’s delicious.
Give your main character a Pinterest board titled “Mentally Unstable but Aesthetic.” Include outfits, quotes, memes, cursed objects, and that one painting that haunts their dreams. This is not about logic. This is about ✨vibes.✨
Make a “deleted scenes” folder and write something that would never make it into the book. A crackfic. A “what if they were roommates” AU. The group chat from hell. This is your WIP’s blooper reel. Let it be silly, chaotic, or wildly off-brand.
Interview your villain like you’re Oprah. Ask the hard-hitting questions. “When did you know you were the drama?” “Do you regret the murder, or just the way you did it?” Bonus points if they lie to your face.
Host a fake awards show for your characters. Categories like “Most Likely to Die for Vibes,” “Worst Emotional Regulation,” “Himbo Energy Supreme,” or “Best Use of a Dramatic Exit.” Write their acceptance speeches. Yes, this counts as writing.
Write a breakup letter… to your inner critic. Be petty. Be dramatic. “Dear Self-Doubt, this isn’t working for me anymore. You bring nothing to the table but anxiety and bad vibes.” Rip it up. Burn it. Tape it to your mirror. Your call.
Create a “writing comfort kit” like you’re a cozy witch.
A candle that smells like your WIP. A tea that your characters would drink. A playlist labeled “for writing when I’m one rejection email away from giving up.” This is a ritual now.
Design a fake movie poster or book cover like your story is already famous. Add star ratings, critic quotes, and some pretentious tagline like “One soul. One destiny. No chill.”
Write a scene you’re not ready to write—but just a rough, messy outline version. Not the polished thing. Just the raw emotion. The shape of it. Like sketching the bones of a future punch to the gut. You don’t have to make it perfect. Just open the door.
Let your story be bad on purpose for a day. Like, aggressively bad. Give everyone ridiculous names. Add an evil talking cat. Write a fight scene with laser swords and emotional damage. Just remind yourself that stories are meant to be played with, not feared.
In the right wintry conditions, an ice bridge forms between the Diomede Islands in the Bering Strait. Theoretically, this is the only place where you can walk from Russia to the United States (and vice versa), however travel between one Diomede to the other is strictly forbidden.
On the West side sits Russia’s Big Diomede with a population of 0. The smaller Little Diomede to the East has a small population of 82 (as of 2021).
because it implies that the face was something so eternally beautiful that it had to framed with something.
Be it blood
The blood flowed down her eyebrow, dripping from her chin, framing her face with an ethereal but deadly crimson glow. The slippery red liquid oozed out of the side of her head in a constant, seemingly impossible flow. How could someone look so eternal in the moments when death floats in a dark shroud above their mortal cage.
be it hair
Someone had once told him that his hair looked too golden to be real. How comical, he thought, as he stared at his reflection in the gilded mirror. His hair tumbled down in what mortals could only describe as being softer than any fur they had ever touched, more fluid than the most vicious liquid they had ever seen, and that it shimmered more than the stars the Lady of the Night so proudly showed off. The threads of liquid gold framed his oh-so-lovely face, bending over every curve, splaying over every dip. Ethereal was not even slightly enough to describe him.
Maybe he should start wearing his hair down more often.
or frost
If their blue lips were not enough to signify their ancestry, the way Frost would start decorating what was theirs every few minutes would have been enough. They had learnt to stay warm and brush their face every few minutes, but this was not something they bothered to do at night when no one was there to police their appearance and talk in hushed voices about how the beautiful fractals bloomed over their sharp features. Only the ghosts of their room would know how frost would frame their face while they slept, claiming their royal, slowly and deliberately. White dustings of cold nothingness creeping up onto the face whiter than snow. Some would ask about their ghastly appearance once in a while, with hair that rivalled even the purest of silvers and eyelashes that would almost somehow always...seem to have frosted over. The most common comment would be why their lips were so...blue? "Oh, just lipstick"
Only if the ghosts could tell them about the terrifyingly ethereal nature of the Royal of the Frost.
You get me?? like you know what I mean.
Also, not my excerpts getting longer and longer. ALSO also, this is the first writing I've done in a long LONG time, and I mean in like MONTHS. Be proud, I died a little
“some people don’t deserve redemption” redemption isn’t something that’s deserved, it’s something someone does. it’s making the choice to change the way you live your life, to be better, to do good things instead of bad things and try to make up for the bad things. and everyone can and should do that, at any time, no matter what they’ve done. we can’t change the past, but we can choose what kind of person to be now and in the future. we have the responsibility to do so. it is so completely not about “deserving.”
Things Real People Do in Dialogue (For Your Next Story)
Okay, let’s be real—dialogue can make or break a scene. You want your characters to sound natural, like actual humans talking, not robots reading a script. So, how do you write dialogue that feels real without it turning into a mess of awkward pauses and “ums”? Here’s a little cheat sheet of what real people actually do when they talk (and you can totally steal these for your next story):
1. People Interrupt Each Other All the Time
In real conversations, nobody waits for the perfect moment to speak. We interrupt, cut each other off, and finish each other's sentences. Throw in some overlaps or interruptions in your dialogue to make it feel more dynamic and less like a rehearsed play.
2. They Don’t Always Say What They Mean
Real people are masters of dodging. They’ll say one thing but mean something totally different (hello, passive-aggressive banter). Or they’ll just avoid the question entirely. Let your characters be vague, sarcastic, or just plain evasive sometimes—it makes their conversations feel more layered.
3. People Trail Off...
We don’t always finish our sentences. Sometimes we just... stop talking because we assume the other person gets what we’re trying to say. Use that in your dialogue! Let a sentence trail off into nothing. It adds realism and shows the comfort (or awkwardness) between characters.
4. Repeating Words Is Normal
In real life, people repeat words when they’re excited, nervous, or trying to make a point. It’s not a sign of bad writing—it’s how we talk. Let your characters get a little repetitive now and then. It adds a rhythm to their speech that feels more genuine.
5. Fillers Are Your Friends
People say "um," "uh," "like," "you know," all the time. Not every character needs to sound polished or poetic. Sprinkle in some filler words where it makes sense, especially if the character is nervous or thinking on their feet.
6. Not Everyone Speaks in Complete Sentences
Sometimes, people just throw out fragments instead of complete sentences, especially when emotions are high. Short, choppy dialogue can convey tension or excitement. Instead of saying “I really think we need to talk about this,” try “We need to talk. Now.”
7. Body Language Is Part of the Conversation
Real people don’t just communicate with words; they use facial expressions, gestures, and body language. When your characters are talking, think about what they’re doing—are they fidgeting? Smiling? Crossing their arms? Those little actions can add a lot of subtext to the dialogue without needing extra words.
8. Awkward Silences Are Golden
People don’t talk non-stop. Sometimes, they stop mid-conversation to think, or because things just got weird. Don’t be afraid to add a beat of awkward silence, a long pause, or a meaningful look between characters. It can say more than words.
9. People Talk Over Themselves When They're Nervous
When we’re anxious, we tend to talk too fast, go back to rephrase what we just said, or add unnecessary details. If your character’s nervous, let them ramble a bit or correct themselves. It’s a great way to show their internal state through dialogue.
10. Inside Jokes and Shared History
Real people have history. Sometimes they reference something that happened off-page, or they share an inside joke only they get. This makes your dialogue feel lived-in and shows that your characters have a life beyond the scene. Throw in a callback to something earlier, or a joke only two characters understand.
11. No One Explains Everything
People leave stuff out. We assume the person we’re talking to knows what we’re talking about, so we skip over background details. Instead of having your character explain everything for the reader’s benefit, let some things go unsaid. It’ll feel more natural—and trust your reader to keep up!
12. Characters Have Different Voices
Real people don’t all talk the same way. Your characters shouldn’t either! Pay attention to their unique quirks—does one character use slang? Does another speak more formally? Maybe someone’s always cutting people off while another is super polite. Give them different voices and patterns of speech so their dialogue feels authentic to them.
13. People Change the Subject
In real life, conversations don’t always stay on track. People get sidetracked, jump to random topics, or avoid certain subjects altogether. If your characters are uncomfortable or trying to dodge a question, let them awkwardly change the subject or ramble to fill the space.
14. Reactions Aren’t Always Immediate
People don’t always respond right away. They pause, they think, they hesitate. Sometimes they don’t know what to say, and that delay can speak volumes. Give your characters a moment to process before they respond—it’ll make the conversation feel more natural.
Important note: Please don’t use all of these tips in one dialogue at once.
The above are concepts classified according to subject and usage. It not only helps writers and thinkers to organize their ideas but leads them from those very ideas to the words that can best express them.
It was, in part, created to turn an idea into a specific word. By linking together the main entries that share similar concepts, the index makes possible creative semantic connections between words in our language, stimulating thought and broadening vocabulary.
50 Supernatural Entities to Haunt Your Halloween Night for Paranormal Fantasy Writers:
1. Vampire
Description: Blood-drinking creatures of the night.
What They Do: Feed on the blood of the living, sometimes charming their victims first.
Appearance: Pale skin, sharp fangs, often dressed in dark, old-fashioned clothing.
2. Werewolf
Description: Human by day, wolf-like beast by full moon.
What They Do: Transform into violent wolves and hunt at night.
Appearance: Muscular, covered in fur, with fangs and claws; halfway between wolf and human.
3. Ghost
Description: Spirit of a deceased person.
What They Do: Haunt places they have ties to, usually in a restless state.
Appearance: Translucent, often resembling the person they were in life.
4. Banshee
Description: A female spirit who forewarns of death.
What They Do: Wails loudly to signal someone’s impending death.
Appearance: Gaunt, with long hair and wearing white or gray robes.
5. Poltergeist
Description: Mischievous, noisy spirit.
What They Do: Throws objects, slams doors, and causes disturbances.
Appearance: Invisible but known for chaotic energy and moving objects.
6. Revenant
Description: Corpse risen from the grave for vengeance.
What They Do: Seeks revenge on those who wronged them in life.
Appearance: Decayed and skeletal, with tattered clothing.
7. Wendigo
Description: Cursed, cannibalistic spirit.
What They Do: Feeds on human flesh and spreads madness.
Appearance: Tall, emaciated with antlers and pale, cold skin.
8. Zombie
Description: Reanimated corpse, often mindless.
What They Do: Wander in search of living flesh to consume.
Appearance: Rotting, decayed, with vacant eyes.
9. Ghoul
Description: Creature that feeds on the dead.
What They Do: Raids cemeteries, feasting on corpses.
Appearance: Grayish, decayed, with sharp claws and teeth.
10. Shadow Person
Description: Mysterious dark figure, often seen in peripheral vision.
What They Do: Follows or observes humans, inducing fear.
Appearance: Tall, dark silhouette without detailed features.
11. Lich
Description: Undead sorcerer who achieved immortality.
What They Do: Uses dark magic to control other undead beings.
Appearance: Skeletal, with tattered robes and glowing eyes.
12. Mummy
Description: Reanimated, embalmed corpse from ancient tombs.
What They Do: Seeks vengeance or protects their treasures.
Appearance: Wrapped in bandages, often missing pieces.
13. Grim Reaper
Description: Personification of death.
What They Do: Collects souls of the deceased.
Appearance: Hooded figure in a black robe, carrying a scythe.
14. Succubus
Description: Female demon that seduces men.
What They Do: Drains life energy through intimate encounters.
Appearance: Attractive, sometimes with bat wings and horns.
15. Incubus
Description: Male counterpart to the succubus.
What They Do: Preys on women, draining their life force.
Appearance: Handsome, often with dark or demonic features.
16. Dullahan
Description: Headless horseman from Irish mythology.
What They Do: Rides a black horse, heralding death.
Appearance: Carries their own head, glowing eyes, wearing dark armor.
17. Necromancer
Description: Sorcerer who commands the dead.
What They Do: Raises and controls undead creatures.
Appearance: Dark robes, carrying a staff or book of spells.
18. Hellhound
Description: Fiery, demonic dog from hell.
What They Do: Guards the underworld, hunts souls.
Appearance: Large black dog with glowing red eyes and flames.
19. Draugr
Description: Undead Norse warrior.
What They Do: Guards treasure and attacks intruders.
Appearance: Bloated, decaying corpse with armor.
20. Chupacabra
Description: Beast that preys on livestock.
What They Do: Drains blood from animals, mainly goats.
Appearance: Reptilian, with spines and sharp teeth.
21. Djinn
Description: Ancient spirit capable of granting wishes, often with a trick.
What They Do: Manipulates wishes to harm the wish-maker.
Appearance: Wispy, ethereal, with sometimes human features.
22. Yurei
Description: Vengeful spirit from Japanese folklore.
What They Do: Haunts those who wronged them in life.
Appearance: Pale, disheveled, with long, dark hair.
23. Headless Horseman
Description: Decapitated rider seeking revenge.
What They Do: Rides at night, often hunting for a head.
Appearance: Headless, in dark clothing, riding a black horse.
24. Gorgon
Description: Snake-haired monster that can turn people to stone.
What They Do: Hunts or curses those who look upon her.
Appearance: Female, with snakes for hair and a terrifying visage.
25. Kraken
Description: Giant sea monster, often attacking ships.
What They Do: Destroys ships, drags sailors underwater.
Appearance: Gigantic, tentacled beast resembling an octopus.
26. Nosferatu
Description: An older, monstrous version of a vampire.
What They Do: Preys on blood, more feral than elegant vampires.
Appearance: Rat-like features, bald, with elongated claws.
27. Shtriga
Description: Witch from Albanian folklore that preys on children.
What They Do: Sucks life energy from young children.
Appearance: Elderly, shriveled, with a long, pointed nose.
28. Jiangshi
Description: Chinese hopping vampire.
What They Do: Drains life force, hopping instead of walking.
Appearance: Rigid, dressed in ancient attire with a pale face.
29. Aswang
Description: Filipino shapeshifting creature.
What They Do: Hunts humans, especially at night.
Appearance: Changes from human to monstrous form with long tongue.
30. Noppera-bo
Description: Japanese faceless ghost.
What They Do: Terrifies people by erasing their face.
Appearance: Normal human but with a blank face.
31. Kitsune
Description: Fox spirit from Japanese folklore.
What They Do: Plays tricks on humans, can possess or enchant.
Appearance: Fox with multiple tails or as a human with fox traits.
32. Rakshasa
Description: Demonic being from Hindu mythology.
What They Do: Devours humans, uses magic to deceive.
Appearance: Animal-like face, often with fangs and claws.
33. Wraith
Description: Malevolent spirit tied to a place of death.
What They Do: Harms those who enter their territory.
Appearance: Shadowy, with skeletal hands and a hooded cloak.
34. Ghast
Description: Larger, more terrifying version of a ghoul.
What They Do: Consumes living and dead flesh.
Appearance: Grayish, skeletal, with sharp teeth.
35. Kappa
Description: Water demon from Japanese folklore.
What They Do: Drowns humans and feeds on them.
Appearance: Humanoid with a beak, webbed hands, and water-filled head.
36. Selkie
Description: Mythical seal creature that transforms into human form.
What They Do: Lives as human on land, as a seal in water.
Appearance: Human with soft features, seal-like in water.
37. Manananggal
Description: Filipino monster that detaches its torso to fly.
What They Do: Feeds on unborn children and blood.
Appearance: Upper body separates and grows wings at night.
38. Gashadokuro
Description: Giant skeletal monster from Japanese folklore.
What They Do: Crushes and devours people.
Appearance: Enormous, skeletal, with fiery eyes.
39. Pontianak
Description: Vengeful female spirit from Malaysian folklore.
What They Do: Attacks men, especially those who wronged her in life.
Appearance: Beautiful, but transforms into a blood-stained, terrifying figure with long nails.
40. Strigoi
Description: Undead creature from Romanian folklore, precursor to modern vampires.
What They Do: Rises from the grave to feed on blood or energy.
Appearance: Gaunt, pale, with sharp teeth, sometimes bearing claw-like nails.
41. Demon
Description: Evil entity from various mythologies.
What They Do: Possesses or torments humans, spreading chaos.
Appearance: Often with horns, red skin, and menacing features, sometimes invisible.
42. La Llorona
Description: “The Weeping Woman” from Mexican folklore.
What They Do: Wanders near bodies of water, crying for her lost children.
Appearance: Pale, drenched in white, with a sorrowful, ghostly presence.
43. Kelpie
Description: Shape-shifting water spirit from Scottish folklore.
What They Do: Lures people, usually children, into water to drown them.
Appearance: Often a beautiful horse, but can appear as human.
44. Dybbuk
Description: Malevolent spirit from Jewish folklore.
What They Do: Possesses living people, usually to fulfill unfinished business.
Appearance: Invisible, but exerts dark energy around the possessed.
45. Hag
Description: Wicked, old woman often associated with witchcraft.
What They Do: Casts curses, manipulates people, sometimes feeds on fear.
Appearance: Elderly, with wrinkled skin, often carrying magical trinkets.
46. Mare
Description: Spirit that causes nightmares.
What They Do: Sits on the chests of sleeping people, creating disturbing dreams.
Appearance: Shadowy, mist-like figure, sometimes with a vague human shape.
47. Fenrir
Description: Gigantic, mythical wolf from Norse mythology.
What They Do: Destined to bring about Ragnarok, devouring gods.
Appearance: Massive, fierce wolf with powerful jaws.
48. Tengu
Description: Supernatural creatures from Japanese folklore, part bird and part human.
What They Do: Mischievous or malevolent; protect forests and mountains.
Appearance: Humanoid with bird wings, red face, and often a long nose.
49. Doppelganger
Description: An exact double or duplicate of a living person.
What They Do: Appears to forewarn misfortune or even bring harm.
Appearance: Identical to a specific person, but with an eerie, lifeless presence.
50. Nightmare Horse
Description: Fiery, demonic horse that haunts dreams and the night.
What They Do: Gallops through night skies, bringing fear to those who see it.
Appearance: Black horse with glowing red eyes and flaming mane and hooves.
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