apparently an adult now

ten years later and i'm back baby. am i going to finish my incomplete fics??? am i going to start a new fandom??? do i even remember how to write??? let's see!!!

[brainstreams]

100 Dialogue Alternatives to "Said"

Use sparingly—most dialogue works best with said or no tag at all.

Neutral / Common

asked

replied

answered

responded

added

continued

remarked

noted

stated

mentioned

Soft / Quiet

11. whispered 12. murmured 13. muttered 14. breathed 15. sighed 16. mumbled 17. croaked 18. rasped 19. breathed out 20. whispered softly

Angry / Intense 21. snapped 22. barked 23. growled 24. snarled 25. hissed 26. spat 27. roared 28. thundered 29. demanded 30. raged

Happy / Positive 31. laughed 32. chuckled 33. beamed 34. cheered 35. joked 36. teased 37. sang 38. giggled 39. chimed 40. exclaimed

Nervous / Uncertain 41. stammered 42. stuttered 43. faltered 44. hesitated 45. wavered 46. gulped 47. blurted 48. admitted 49. confessed 50. ventured

Serious / Formal 51. declared 52. announced 53. pronounced 54. asserted 55. insisted 56. clarified 57. explained 58. elaborated 59. confirmed 60. emphasized

Questioning / Curious 61. inquired 62. wondered 63. pressed 64. probed 65. questioned 66. queried 67. challenged 68. prompted 69. urged 70. pressed further

Commanding 71. ordered 72. commanded 73. instructed 74. directed 75. warned 76. cautioned 77. urged 78. insisted 79. pressed 80. demanded again

Emotional 81. sobbed 82. cried 83. whimpered 84. pleaded 85. begged 86. groaned 87. moaned 88. lamented 89. protested 90. gasped

Casual / Conversational 91. drawled 92. quipped 93. cracked 94. joked again 95. bantered 96. offered 97. chimed in 98. cut in 99. interrupted 100. called out

If you enjoy posts like this and want more writing resources, consider supporting me. A small donation helps me keep making helpful posts for writers. ❤️

Support Brainstreams

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[brainstreams]

HOW TO SHOW CONFUSION IN WRITING! “She was confused.” — Boring. “She didn’t understand.” — Still boring.

Confusion isn’t a thought. It’s a reaction. It leaks out of the body before the character even says “what?”

Here’s how to write it so it feels lived-in. Reblog if you want more of these!

THE BODY LANGUAGE OF CONFUSION

Voice:

• Words slow down or come out uneven • Sentences trail off or restart mid-thought • Tone lifts at the end unintentionally • Pauses appear in strange places • Quiet • Hesitating to speak

“I—wait. No, that doesn’t—” “Okay, hang on. Say that again?” “You mean… now?”

Eyes:

• Brows knit • Eyes narrow • Gaze flicks between objects or people • Blinking increases • Focus keeps slipping • Staring a moment too long • Looking away to think, then back again

Mouth & Jaw:

• Lips part slightly, then press together • Jaw tightens • Excessive swallowing • Mouth twists as if unsure to speak • Lower lip pulls in, gets bitten • Half-formed expressions that don’t land • Mouth opens to speak—closes again

His mouth opened, closed. Nothing came out. She pressed her lips together, then released them, like the thought slipped loose. His jaw shifted as if he were testing words silently.

Hands:

• Fingers hover • Palms turn up in small, unconscious gestures • Scratching temple, rubbing neck, tugging sleeves • Fidgeting • Hands freeze mid-motion • Half-formed gestures

His fingers hovered mid-gesture, then dropped uselessly to his side. She rubbed her thumb against her palm. He fidgeted with his sleeve, eyes still locked on her face.

Shoulders & Posture:

• Weight shifts repeatedly • Shoulders creep up without meaning to • Body leans back slightly • Head tilts, then tilts again • Unconfident body language

THE INTERNAL STUFF (cause that's important too)

• Thoughts loop • Simple logic feels... not so simple • They latch onto one detail too hard • Or latch onto someone whose comfortable • Time stretches • Pressure behind eyes, around throat, in stomach • Their focus tunnels, or they're painfully aware of their surroundings

This post was proudly written without generative AI. If you liked my post, a small Ko-fi tip would mean a lot. It helps me post consistently.

[nondelphic]

you call it "slow burn" i call it "neither of them speaks directly and now it’s chapter twenty-two and they’re still emotionally constipated but in love"

[wrenasfastasyoucan]

Thank you writing platforms for telling me that after my millionth rewrite of the same thing this week, I no longer have any basic understanding of the English language and have a gibberish mess

[wrenasfastasyoucan]

This year, my new years resolution was to get back into writing after 10 years of not writing and actually enjoy it without fear. I stopped writing in 2016 about the same time my anxiety and depression got really bad and I became my worst enemy; I couldn't even write without putting myself down to the lowest point.

So now I'm back to picking up that metaphorical pen, and just let things happen simply for my own enjoyment. 🥰 New me, new fandom, hopefully just same old love for writing.

square knots

https://archiveofourown.org/works/78595531/chapters/206074501

square knots: two opposing strings constantly pulling in different directions, but forever attached at the base. They don't talk to each other when he's enrolled into Nevermore. But on occasion, perhaps once or twice in a month, they meet, straying away from the school's infirmary if only to avoid attention, and ask the other to help close up their wounds. And maybe in doing so, they heal other wounds as well.

[hayatheauthor]

100 Dialogue Tags You Can Use Instead of “Said”

For the writers struggling to rid themselves of the classic ‘said’. Some are repeated in different categories since they fit multiple ones (but those are counted once so it adds up to 100 new words). 

1. Neutral Tags 

Straightforward and unobtrusive dialogue tags: 

Added, Replied, Stated, Remarked, Responded, Observed, Acknowledged, Commented, Noted, Voiced, Expressed, Shared, Answered, Mentioned, Declared.

2. Questioning Tags 

Curious, interrogative dialogue tags:

Asked, Queried, Wondered, Probed, Inquired, Requested, Pondered, Demanded, Challenged, Interjected, Investigated, Countered, Snapped, Pleaded, Insisted.

3. Emotive Tags 

Emotional dialogue tags:

Exclaimed, Shouted, Sobbed, Whispered, Cried, Hissed, Gasped, Laughed, Screamed, Stammered, Wailed, Murmured, Snarled, Choked, Barked.

4. Descriptive Tags 

Insightful, tonal dialogue tags: 

Muttered, Mumbled, Yelled, Uttered, Roared, Bellowed, Drawled, Spoke, Shrieked, Boomed, Snapped, Groaned, Rasped, Purred, Croaked.

5. Action-Oriented Tags 

Movement-based dialogue tags: 

Announced, Admitted, Interrupted, Joked, Suggested, Offered, Explained, Repeated, Advised, Warned, Agreed, Confirmed, Ordered, Reassured, Stated.

6. Conflict Tags 

Argumentative, defiant dialogue tags:

Argued, Snapped, Retorted, Rebuked, Disputed, Objected, Contested, Barked, Protested, Countered, Growled, Scoffed, Sneered, Challenged, Huffed.

7. Agreement Tags 

Understanding, compliant dialogue tags: 

Agreed, Assented, Nodded, Confirmed, Replied, Conceded, Acknowledged, Accepted, Affirmed, Yielded, Supported, Echoed, Consented, Promised, Concurred.

8. Disagreement Tags 

Resistant, defiant dialogue tags: 

Denied, Disagreed, Refused, Argued, Contradicted, Insisted, Protested, Objected, Rejected, Declined, Countered, Challenged, Snubbed, Dismissed, Rebuked.

9. Confused Tags 

Hesitant, uncertain dialogue tags:

Stammered, Hesitated, Fumbled, Babbled, Mumbled, Faltered, Stumbled, Wondered, Pondered, Stuttered, Blurted, Doubted, Confessed, Vacillated.

10. Surprise Tags

Shock-inducing dialogue tags:

Gasped, Stunned, Exclaimed, Blurted, Wondered, Staggered, Marvelled, Breathed, Recoiled, Jumped, Yelped, Shrieked, Stammered.

Note: everyone is entitled to their own opinion. No I am NOT telling people to abandon said and use these. Yes I understand that said is often good enough, but sometimes you WANT to draw attention to how the character is speaking. If you think adding an action/movement to your dialogue is 'good enough' hate to break it to you but that ruins immersion much more than a casual 'mumbled'. And for the last time: this is just a resource list, CALM DOWN. Hope that covers all the annoyingly redundant replies :)

Looking For More Writing Tips And Tricks? 

Check out the rest of Quillology with Haya; a blog dedicated to writing and publishing tips for authors!

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[thewatcher727]

Writing Description Notes:

Updated 19th October 2025 More writing tips, review tips & writing description notes

Dialogue Tags

Facial Expressions

Masking Emotions

Smiles/Smirks/Grins

Eye Contact/Eye Movements

Blushing

Voice/Tone

Body Language/Idle Movement

Thoughts/Thinking/Focusing/Distracted

Silence

Memories

Happy/Content/Comforted

Love/Romance

Sadness/Crying/Hurt

Confidence/Determination/Hopeful

Surprised/Shocked

Guilt/Regret

Disgusted/Jealous

Uncertain/Doubtful/Worried

Anger/Rage

Laughter

Confused

Speechless/Tongue Tied

Fear/Terrified

Mental Pain

Physical Pain

Tired/Drowsy/Exhausted

Eating

Drinking

Warm/Hot

Cold/Freezing

[wrenasfastasyoucan]

This!!! This is what I've been looking for 🥳 thank you all who contributed

[thewriteadviceforwriters]

Other Words for "Look" + With meanings | List for writers

Many people create lists of synonyms for the word 'said,' but what about the word 'look'? Here are some synonyms that I enjoy using in my writing, along with their meanings for your reference. While all these words relate to 'look,' they each carry distinct meanings and nuances, so I thought it would be helpful to provide meanings for each one.

Gaze - To look steadily and intently, especially in admiration or thought.

Glance - A brief or hurried look.

Peek - A quick and typically secretive look.

Peer - To look with difficulty or concentration.

Scan - To look over quickly but thoroughly.

Observe - To watch carefully and attentively.

Inspect - To look at closely in order to assess condition or quality.

Stare - To look fixedly or vacantly at someone or something.

Glimpse - To see or perceive briefly or partially.

Eye - To look or stare at intently.

Peruse - To read or examine something with great care.

Scrutinize - To examine or inspect closely and thoroughly.

Behold - To see or observe a thing or person, especially a remarkable one.

Witness - To see something happen, typically a significant event.

Spot - To see, notice, or recognize someone or something.

Contemplate - To look thoughtfully for a long time at.

Sight - To suddenly or unexpectedly see something or someone.

Ogle - To stare at in a lecherous manner.

Leer - To look or gaze in an unpleasant, malicious way.

Gawk - To stare openly and stupidly.

Gape - To stare with one's mouth open wide, in amazement.

Squint - To look with eyes partially closed.

Regard - To consider or think of in a specified way.

Admire - To regard with pleasure, wonder, and approval.

Skim - To look through quickly to gain superficial knowledge.

Reconnoiter - To make a military observation of a region.

Flick - To look or move the eyes quickly.

Rake - To look through something rapidly and unsystematically.

Glare - To look angrily or fiercely.

Peep - To look quickly and secretly through an opening.

Focus - To concentrate one's visual effort on.

Discover - To find or realize something not clear before.

Spot-check - To examine something briefly or at random.

Devour - To look over with eager enthusiasm.

Examine - To inspect in detail to determine condition.

Feast one's eyes - To look at something with great enjoyment.

Catch sight of - To suddenly or unexpectedly see.

Clap eyes on - To suddenly see someone or something.

Set eyes on - To look at, especially for the first time.

Take a dekko - Colloquial for taking a look.

Leer at - To look or gaze in a suggestive manner.

Rubberneck - To stare at something in a foolish way.

Make out - To manage to see or read with difficulty.

Lay eyes on - To see or look at.

Pore over - To look at or read something intently.

Ogle at - To look at in a lecherous or predatory way.

Pry - To look or inquire into something in a determined manner.

Dart - To look quickly or furtively.

Drink in - To look at with great enjoyment or fascination.

Bask in - To look at or enjoy something for a period of time.

The Writer's Scene Workbook

Calling all aspiring storytellers with hearts full of whimsy! Get ready to sprinkle a touch of enchantment into your scenes with my Scene Wo

Join Write Right Society • Community on Tumblr

683 members, 435 posts about #creative writing #creative writers #helping writers • Guiding Writers to New Heights

[brainstreams]

HOW TO SHOW ANGER IN WRITING

“He was angry.” — Useless. “He clenched his fists.” — Overused. “He yelled.” — Meh.

Anger is not just being a loud, raging a*s. It's a physical sensation. It hijacks your body first. It's tight, it's sharp, and it overheats, and if left unattended to, it boils uncontrollably. One or two generic sensory cues will not capture that feeling.

Here’s how to actually show it. Reblog if you want more of these.

THE BODY LANGUAGE OF ANGER!!!!

Voice:

• Volume rises • Or drops dangerously low • Short, clipped words • Emphasis on specific words • Sarcasm • Harsh breaths (through clenched teeth) • Speech will: speed up when heated, slow when restrained • Forced or humorless laughs • Voice cracks under pressure/emotion • Long pauses

“I said—don’t touch it.” “Wow. No. That’s not what I meant.” “Say that again.” “You think this is funny?”

Tip: Em dashes are great for sudden—violent speech. For my Dell laptop homies, that's "Ctrl" + "-" + Windows Key.

Eyes:

• Hard, unblinking stare • Narrowed eyes • Brows drawn down and together • Focus locks onto target; tunnel vision • Rapid darting when agitated • Eye contact becomes confrontational or avoided entirely • Whites of eyes show more clearly • Blinking decreases • Or spikes when overwhelmed

Mouth & Jaw:

• Jaw clenched tight • Teeth grind or press together • Lips thin into a line • Mouth pulls tight on one side • Sneers, scowls, grimaces • Lips peel back slightly when provoked • Swallowing hard to keep words in • Tongue presses against teeth

Hands:

• Fists clench, unclench, clench again • Fingers dig into palms • Knuckles whiten • Hands shake subtly • Gripping objects too tightly (cups, fabric, steering wheel) • Sudden, sharp gestures • Hands slam flat on surfaces • Cracking knuckles, flexing fingers repeatedly

Shoulders & Posture:

• Shoulders rise and lock • Neck stiffens • Body leans forward aggressively • Chest tight, guarded • Pacing short, fast steps • Squared stance (claiming space) • Head tilts forward, chin down • Spine rigid, coiled

Breathing:

• Breaths shallow and fast • Flaring nostrils • Sharp inhales, explosive exhales • Breath held too long between words • Audible breathing during silence • Huffed breaths through the nose

INTERNAL STUFF (these are important too)

• Heat rising in face, neck, ears • Pulse thudding in temples • Skin prickling or buzzing • Tunnel hearing • Thoughts loop or sharpen obsessively • Urge to do something—anything • Body feels too big or too tight • Words feel dangerous in the mouth

THE AFTERMATH OF ANGER

• Hands ache afterward • Jaw soreness or headache • Sudden exhaustion • Guilt or justification (or both) • Avoidance or over-assertiveness • Replay of the moment • Short temper lingers • Environment disrupted (objects moved, doors slammed) • Heavy silence

Not all anger is explosive. Some characters restrain it, others let it... well, explode.

Take what I've shown you, now give it a spin that's unique to your character. That's how you'll write something memorable.

This post was proudly written without generative AI. If you liked my post, a small Ko-fi tip would mean a lot. It helps me post consistently.

[wrenasfastasyoucan]

I just uploaded an ao3 draft and it looks not how I intended (at least when I'm on the computer). do folks typically read on their phones or on their desktop?

phone

laptop/computer desk

Voting ended onFeb 9

[ink-dot-kay]

These two... 🥹 AHHHHHHHHHHHH

[wrenasfastasyoucan]

They're just so cute my heart cannot handle 🥹🥹

[wrenasfastasyoucan]

Ok it's time to admit my tumblr page is basic generic but I need to know!!!! For the non artists, how do you choose to decorate your tumblr?? Do you reach out to artists and be like hey can I use this??

[nathalisr]

[wrenasfastasyoucan]

Haven't watched season 2 yet. Isn't this what happened???

[marz-rm]

Achilles and Patroclus Posting this while Hudson is in my Milan. This took way too long to draw (especially Connor's hair) but pretty satisfied with how it came out. There's another version on patreon with the bg and wallpapers!

[wrenasfastasyoucan]

😍😍😍😍 reasons why I came back to Tumblr

[wrenasfastasyoucan]

when writing a romance fic, do i smut or do i give them innocent kisses???

[pantserspen]

Stages Of Writing A Love Story

1. The Setup (Separate Worlds)

Each character is introduced in their own emotional world. We see:

Their wounds, needs, and flaws

What they want vs. what they actually need

Why love is currently not working for them

This stage sets up why the romance matters.

2. The Meet Cute or First Collision

They meet in a way that creates friction, curiosity, or disruption. This can be cute, hostile, awkward, or intense — but it must change something for both of them.

3. Attraction and Tension

They feel drawn to each other, but:

There are obstacles (external or internal)

They deny, resist, or misinterpret their feelings

Chemistry builds through proximity, conflict, or emotional glimpses

This is the slow pull stage.

4. Forced Proximity or Emotional Intimacy

Circumstances push them together:

Working together

Traveling together

Being trapped together

Sharing secrets or vulnerability

This is where emotional bonding starts, even if they don’t admit it.

5. The First Shift (Romantic or Emotional Breakthrough)

A moment changes the nature of their relationship:

First kiss

Confession

One saves the other

A moment of deep understanding

After this, the story is no longer “will they notice each other?” but “what does this mean now?”

6. The Honeymoon or Hope Phase

Things feel good. There’s closeness, trust, or passion. The reader is allowed to believe the relationship might actually work.

This makes the coming conflict hurt more.

7. The Break (The Black Moment)

Something shatters the relationship:

A betrayal, lie, misunderstanding, or revelation

A fear or wound resurfaces

External pressure pulls them apart

This is the emotional low point of the romance.

8. The Growth and Choice

Both characters grow:

They confront their flaws or fears

They choose love intentionally, not accidentally

They become capable of sustaining the relationship

This is where love becomes a decision, not just a feeling.

9. The Reunion and Resolution (HEA or HFN)

They reunite with honesty and emotional maturity. The story resolves with:

A Happily Ever After (HEA) or

A Happy For Now (HFN)

The emotional promise of the genre is fulfilled.

✦ Why This Structure Works

Romance isn’t just about attraction — it’s about emotional transformation through love. Each stage:

Builds intimacy

Introduces risk

Forces growth

Rewards vulnerability

That’s why it feels satisfying.

[brainstreams]

Ways That Fear Can Show Up (Without Saying “Fear”)

When it creeps: • Foreboding — the air feels wrong before anything actually happens. • Ominousness — silence that feels almost... purposeful. • Misgiving — your instincts tugging at your sleeve, whispering, "Don't."

When it hits fast: • Shock — your brain blanks • Startled— your heart slams, you inhale • Panic — thoughts fracture; your instincts beg for escape

When it lingers: • Tension — jaw locked, shoulders up near your ears. • Anxiety — background noise that lingers in every thought • Dread — knowing something bad is coming and having to wait for it.

When it turns physical: • Shivers — cold crawling up the spine. • Sweat, dilated pupils, skin gone pale — your own body betrays you. • Weakness — knees like jelly, grip unreliable.

When it overwhelms: • Terror — too big to think around. • Horror — something has gone wrong. • Paralysis — body refusing orders.

When it distorts reality: • Paranoia — patterns where there are none. • Suspicion — every sound feels intentional. • Unease — the sense of being watched without proof.

If you liked this, a small Ko-fi tip would mean a lot. No pressure!

[wrenasfastasyoucan]

YES THANK YOUUUU