I’m Amber Wycis, the heart and soul behind this little corner of Tumblr.
My journey with words started, 8 years ago, as a ghostwriter who loves writing stories behind the scenes. It was a mix of late-night writing sessions, endless cups of coffee, and the occasional moment of staring at a blinking cursor.
But every moment has been worth it
Over time, I built a team of writers, editors, designers and together we created ProGhostWritingHub—a platform where we all can work together. But somewhere along the way, I realized I had stories of my own to tell.
So, I took the leap and became an author myself. I recently published my second book " Dare to Love the Enemy" and decided to share my first debut novel " The fairytale Unfolds" as a free gift for my readers—because every story deserves to be shared, and every reader deserves a good story.
I created this blog as a collective space for everything I am and everything I do—from writing advice to publishing tips, tricks or guidance, from personal reflections to behind-the-scenes glimpses into my author and ghostwriting journey.
If you're a fellow writer, a curious reader, aspiring author, published author or someone just passing by, I hope you find something here that makes you feel at home.
Beyond sharing writing advice, I also want to encourage aspiring writers to consider ghostwriting as a career. It’s a fulfilling path that not only hones your skills but also allows you to make a living doing what you love—writing.
You’ll find plenty of tips, tricks, and insights from my own ghostwriting journey right here on this blog.
What Can You Expect from This Blog?
Here’s a little peek into what you’ll find:
Writing Tips & Tricks: Practical advice to strengthen your writing i.e. Outlining, plot twists, writing prompts, charchter building, world building, story structure etc with free templates, guides, workbooks and more.
Publishing Guidance: Lessons from my self-publishing and ghostwriting experiences.
Personal Reflections: Honest thoughts on writing, creativity, and life as an author.
Ghostwriting Career Tips: How to build a career, find clients, and get success as a ghostwriter.
Free Resources & Tools: Helpful goodies for writers.
Community Engagement: Chats, Q&As, and shared creative spaces.
Masterlists for Easy Access
I’ve organized the blog into three masterlists so you can easily find what you’re looking for:
Writing Advice Masterlist
From character development, plotting and world-building, story structure to writing your novel and editing.
Publishing & Ghostwriting Masterlist
Everything about self-publishing, agency work, and ghostwriting tips. Community & Personal
Reflections Masterlist
Chats, events, and my own musings on the writing life.
You’ll find these masterlists pinned on my blog for quick reference SOON.
This blog is more than just posts and masterlists—it’s a space to connect, learn, and grow. Whether you dream of publishing your own novel or building a career as a ghostwriter, or JUST getting writing tips & resources, I’m here to guide and cheer you on every step of the way.
An anti-villain - (unlike their evil counterparts) are not complete monsters.
This makes them particularly hard to hate, despite all their terrible deeds.
In the character’s minds, they have justifiable, noble goals—how they go about achieving those goals is what eventually becomes a problem for the hero.
Their means don’t justify their desired ends.
Every villain has their own morality.
A key principle to remember is that making a decision between good and evil is never really a choice: All humans will choose good as they see it.
Your villain chooses their own good, which to readers, and the hero, appears evil in opposition.
This creates a moral dilemma at the heart of the novel’s conflict.
Types of Anti-Villains
Villainy comes in shades of gray.
One that starts out good. This anti-villain is a good person who has been pushed to the brink of their personal limits.
The one you feel for. A sympathetic anti-villain may do bad things, but they are ultimately a product of their circumstances or environment. They may have had a terrible upbringing, where people acted evil towards them as children making them evil as adults. They deserve to seek different circumstances, and were their means not so terrible, you might root for them.
The one who means well. When good intentions go crooked, and heroic qualities like tenacity and cleverness are aimed at the wrong target, you get your “well-meaning” anti-villain, who often takes things a step too far in pursuit of a noble goal. These anti-villains typically have a plan to save the world, with many, many casualties along the way in the name of the “greater good.” Think of Marvel’s “Mad Titan” Thanos and his plan to clear half the universe in order for the remaining half to thrive.
The one in the wrong place at the wrong time. This designated “villain” in name only typically falls into this category as a result of the existence of the hero. Their acts might be totally justified—vengeance for a loved one, or carrying out the corruption required of them by their job—but the protagonist doesn’t give them a free pass.
Examples of Anti-Villains
Sometimes, the only difference between the “bad guys” and the “good guys” is a point of view.
Carrie from Stephen King’s book Carrie is a sympathetic anti-villain. As a teenager in a small town, she is an outcast because of her beliefs and the way she dresses. Bullies at school make fun of her incessantly, building to the point where she turns her rage into telekinesis (mind power) to kill everyone in her school, then goes on a killing rampage through the town.
While The Joker in Batman is fairly straightforward in his villainy, it’s his tragic backstories—at different points, either driven insane by grief after the death of his wife, or disfigured after a fall into a vat of poisonous chemicals—that makes him compelling to watch. The audience suspects that if they were pushed to the edge of their sanity, they might act in the same way—and that’s all it takes to create an anti-villain worth of the caped crusader.
Anti-Villain vs. Anti-Hero
While an anti-villain might be a villain with some redeeming features, an anti-hero is a heroic character without the conventional charms.
They might do the right thing, but mostly out of self-interest.
They are often portrayed as a principled, but somewhat isolated figure, and their heroism is usually a product of their surroundings and circumstances.
In some narratives, the anti-hero may be subject to a shift of perspective—like the twist in Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl that reveals the truth about Amy Dunne’s actions—that paints them as an antagonist.
Other examples of an anti-hero include:
Tom Ripley of The Talented Mr. Ripley (1955) by Patricia Highsmith
Huckleberry Finn in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1885) by Mark Twain
Tony Soprano of The Sopranos (1999)
Walter White of Breaking Bad (2008)
Lisbeth Salander in The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (2008) by Stieg Larsson
To create a villain your readers will care about, you’ll need to define how he is the hero of his own story. If you reduce the villain to a bad guy without taking time to understand from his/her perspective, you’ll cheat your reader.
To create a convincing villain, your villain must have the following:
Motivations that the reader can understand
Moments of relatability that make the villain vulnerable and tragic
7 "Key Ingredients" for your Villain
Consider giving your villain the following:
An obsession
A secret
A wound
A personal connection to the hero
A worthy match for the hero
The villain thinks he or she is the hero
An Achilles heel
Consider the following:
The reader needs to understand the motivation of the villain.
The villain should have moments of vulnerability that make him/her relatable (even if that’s in the backstory).
No villain should be all evil all the time. That makes for a flat character. Don’t create a caricature.
Give the villain characteristics that are desirable, too.
Make the villain the hero of his/her own story.
Use the villain to develop your protagonist.
Use abstract villains sparingly. Try to assign a person to an antagonistic force.
Make the villain a foil of the protagonist. He/she should be opposite to bring out characteristics in your protagonist.
Give the villain a moral code.
Allow the villain to have small wins through your novel to increase tension.
Create a backstory for your villain.
Create an entire arc for your villain. He/she should not just pop up when it’s convenient for your story.
Don’t give the villain unnatural, overly-eloquent language unless there’s a good reason to do so.
Other Qualities for your Villain
Two other qualities that make for a good villain are:
A great name: The Friday the 13th movie franchise proves that you can call your villain “Jason” and get away with it. But that’s the exception that proves the rule. Give your villain a name as memorable as the rest of the character, and the character will stick around in their minds forever.
A cool costume: Even if your villain doesn’t inhabit a sci-fi or fantasy world, spend some time developing a key aspect of your villain’s appearance that makes him or her instantly recognizable and memorable.
This trope is the reason "villains act, heroes react"; the villain needs to be doing something evil or the hero has no evil to thwart.
Some popular examples of Evil Plans:
Take Over the World: This is the most popular villainous scheme of all. The scale of conquest can vary depending on the setting and (or) the villain—some warlords are content to settle with conquering a city, a kingdom or nation, while Science Fiction or Fantasy overlords will go for nothing less than galactic, universal or even multidimensional domination.
The Evils of Free Will: A popular means to this end: by robbing everyone of their free will, they will have no choice but to serve their rightful ruler.
Assimilation Plot: Let's turn everyone into a single entity, whether they wish it or not.
Earth-Shattering Kaboom: Why take over the world when you can blow it up? Like Take Over the World, the scale of destruction also varies depending on the setting — some villains are content with merely destroying a city or kingdom (particularly if they feel the city or kingdom has somehow wronged them — i.e., revenge), while Omnicidal Maniacs may well wish nothing less than to destroy the entire universe or multiverse.
Kill All Humans. Related tropes: Feeling Oppressed by Their Existence: A character wants to get rid of a particular person or group of people just for existing. Absolute Xenophobe: Wants to destroy all other sentient life (human or otherwise). Omnicidal Maniac: Wants to destroy absolutely all life, sentient or not. Final Solution: The intentional extermination of a species/demographic is the answer to fix a perceived issue. Humanity's Wake: The outcome of this trope should the opposing species succeed in eradicating us.
In Their Own Image: Not happy with the world the way it is? Try tearing it down, and building it back up as something even greater.
The End of the World as We Know It: Not so much destroying the world or humanity as really screwing up civilization; though the former two may be involved in the bargain.
A God Am I: Forcing everyone to acknowledge their godhood (actual godlike powers optional).
Godhood Seeker: Make your character an actual deity.
Immortality Seeker: Pursue the quest for eternal life, no matter what foul deeds are needed to make it happen.
A Plot in Deed: Steal the deed to a plot of land and you'll own it, so why not steal the deed to somewhere good?
MacGuffin: Steal an ancient artifact with untold powers. This is usually done in the pursuit of one of the other Evil Plans.
Sealed Evil in a Can: Release the source of all Evil from its prison. This rarely goes well for the villain attempting it.
Revenge: You know that guy that wronged you in the past? It doesn't matter how petty or misplaced your grievance is, it's payback time. Time to kill him, or make his life a living hell.
Get-Rich-Quick Scheme: If you're already rich, get richer. Any scheme is fair game in the pursuit of the profit margin, be it theft, blackmail, or auctioning the world off to hungry demons. Unfortunately, this lust for wealth falls prey to poor planning.
Utopia Justifies the Means: You know how people keep hurting themselves and each other? Make them stop, by whatever means are necessary. No ill will required! Just like in Take Over the World, The Evils of Free Will often gets put into play here.
Dystopia Justifies the Means: People hurting each other? That's exactly what your society needs. Use all the means at your disposal to create a nightmarish dystopia where the forces of evil run rampant and people live in constant terror and corruption, just the way the villains like it.
Poke the Poodle: Their idea of evil is harmless behavior like cheating at Solitaire, jaywalking on an empty road, chewing gum in Singapore, pulling the "do not remove" tag off of your mattress, hiding your toothpaste, drinking the milk directly from the carton...
5 (Petty) Ways for Your Villain to Annoy Your Hero
Because a little psychological warfare goes a long way.
Writing a villain doesn’t have to be about blowing up cities or world domination. Sometimes, the best villains are the ones who go after the hero’s peace of mind. They're calculated, subtle, and petty in a way that makes the tension personal.
If your villain knows the hero well enough to hurt their pride instead of their body then it's a point to think about ways of writing them well.
Here are 5+ petty ways for your villain to push your hero’s buttons:
1. Mimic Their Behavior—Then Do It Better
Your hero must have a signature line, move, or heroic pose. You have to make your villain starts copying it—ironically at first… and then nails it.Before long, people are quoting the villain’s version instead.
--2. Overhear Their Strategy—and Flip It
Nothing cuts deeper than seeing your own plan used against you.
Let the villain casually drop that they overheard your hero’s plan two days ago. And oh—they’ve already outmaneuvered it.
You can add a smug, “Nice try though.”
---3. Steal Their Hobby and Outshine Them
Your hero bakes to relax himself but your Villain wins Bake-Off.
Your hero is learning piano but your Villain casually performs at a gala.
Let your hero question everything they thought they were good at.
It would be painful and personal.
---4. Win Over Their Friends
Slowly. Subtly.Start with “We’re not so different, you and I,” and end with the sidekick questioning the hero’s judgment.
The villain isn’t just charming—they’re suspiciously likable.
---5. Undermine Their Big Moments
The hero goes in for their final dramatic speech but the villain interrupts with, “Wow, you practiced that in the mirror, huh?”
Every heroic moment becomes cringe when the villain shows up unbothered and unfazed.
---6. Stay Calm While the Hero Spirals
The more unhinged the hero gets, the calmer the villain becomes.
Let them smile. Sip tea. Drop a sarcastic, “You good?”
This is emotional warfare at its finest.
---Writer-to-Writer Tip:
Petty villain moves are more than just fun—they reveal character. It shows us how well the villain understands the hero and adds layers to their rivalry. These aren’t just enemies. They’re foils. Mirrors. Maybe even ex-friends. And that’s what makes it so good.
As writers, we often get caught up in writing heroes that readers will root for, but what about our villains?
Villains aren’t just antagonists standing in the hero’s way; they’re complex characters who are driven by motivations that are just as important as those of the protagonist. Writing s villain with a “point” can deepen your story and create moral ambiguity which makes your readers question the nature of good and evil.
That's why I thought to write this analysis post for your better understanding to create villain's own morally complex antagonists.
---1. Killmonger
You probably know this amazing charachter from Black Panther. Erik Killmonger’s vendetta against Wakanda and its leadership is driven by his pain and a deeply ingrained desire for justice. He isn’t simply an evil person; he’s a product of the broken systems around him. He was raised in America, he witnessed the brutal reality of systemic oppression and the world’s failure to uplift Black communities. His anger is valid, but his solution—using violence and dominance to reshape the world—is where he diverges from heroism.
Writer’s Perspective:
As writers, Killmonger teaches us that villains can be shaped by their personal history and experiences. He’s not just a “bad guy” trying to conquer the world for power—he’s a person trying to right what he perceives as a wrong, which makes his actions more sympathetic. If you're writing a villain like Killmonger, think about their backstory.
What pain or injustice has shaped their worldview?
Make sure that their motivations are rooted in their experiences, even if their methods are misguided.
A villain who is driven by personal trauma or societal failings can engage more your audience, as it asks the question:
Could we, too, be pushed to such extremes?
---2. Magneto (X-Men)
Magneto’s ideology stems from his traumatic experiences during the Holocaust, where he learned firsthand how fear and hatred can lead to the destruction of an entire people. As a mutant, he sees the potential for similar persecution in the future, and while Professor X hopes for peaceful coexistence, Magneto believes that mutants must prepare for war. Magneto’s primary goal is survival and empowerment, and though his methods are extreme, his reasoning is rooted in a survivalist mentality.
Writer’s Perspective:
Magneto shows how villains can be driven by history, and not just an inherent desire for power.
When creating a villain like Magneto, think about the formative experiences that shaped them—what past trauma could have given rise to their current worldview?
As writers, it’s important to show the why behind the villain’s hatred. A well-developed antagonist like Magneto teaches us that it’s not enough for a villain to want power; they must want something more meaningful, like freedom or justice, and it’s this deeper desire that makes them compelling.
---3. Thanos (Avengers: Infinity War)
Thanos is often regarded as one of the most compelling villains in the Marvel universe, not because of his thirst for power, but because he believes he is acting for the greater good. His desire to eliminate half of all life stems from his conviction that the universe is overpopulated and resource-depleted. His twisted logic leads him to believe that balance can only be restored through mass genocide. He is not a madman; he genuinely believes in his mission to save the universe from its own destruction.
Writer’s Perspective:
Thanos demonstrates that villains can be driven by a sense of responsibility, not just selfishness.
As writers, this gives us a valuable lesson: your villain doesn’t have to be evil for the sake of it. A villain like Thanos can be seen as a “necessary evil,” someone who has convinced themselves that extreme actions are needed to protect the future.
This kind of villain is interesting because they make your readers question the morality of their own actions.
Thanos teaches us that a villain’s perspective is often rooted in their interpretation of the greater good, making them both frightening and relatable. Writing a villain with this mindset challenges readers to see the bigger picture—sometimes the road to hell is paved with the best of intentions
.---4. Ozymandias (Watchmen)
Ozymandias (Adrian Veidt) is one of the most morally ambiguous villains in comic book history. He orchestrates the deaths of millions in order to prevent nuclear war and create global peace. His actions are undeniably horrific, but his reasoning—stopping humanity from annihilating itself—reflects a deep understanding of human nature and the futility of diplomacy in the face of absolute destruction. His belief in the “greater good” leads him to make a decision that no one else could, ensuring that peace would come, but only through mass sacrifice.
Writer’s Perspective:
Ozymandias represents the idea that a villain doesn’t have to be selfish or power-hungry to be dangerous. Their extreme actions may be justified by a cold, calculated belief in their own vision of a better world.
As a writer, it’s important to give your villain a complex and nuanced reason for their actions. Ozymandias is a perfect example of the "ends justify the means" trope, and he challenges the idea of morality in the pursuit of peace.
When writing a character like Ozy, think about what they would sacrifice to achieve their vision—what are they willing to do to reshape the world?
---5. The Beast (Beauty and the Beast)
While not a typical "villain," the Beast’s transformation into a monster was the result of his rejection of others and the cruelty of an enchantress who cursed him for his lack of kindness. His curse was a reflection of how isolation and misunderstanding can shape a person. The Beast’s anger is a defense mechanism, stemming from both his own shame and the rejection he faced from others. While he isn’t actively "villainous," his initial demeanor and actions seem villainous to others, when, in reality, he’s simply a victim of circumstance.
Writer’s Perspective:
The Beast serves as a reminder that sometimes, villains are made, not born. His anger, bitterness, and eventual redemption highlight how deeply personal experiences can shape someone's behavior.
As a writer, this teaches us that villains don’t always have to be fully aware of their role in the conflict. Sometimes, they are simply people who have been hurt, rejected, or misunderstood, and their actions reflect their inner turmoil.
This type of antagonist is especially interesting because they often invite readers to empathize with their struggles which make their eventual redemption all the more powerful.
.---Conclusion:
As writers, these villains teach us the value of moral complexity.
A villain who "has a point" isn't just an obstacle for the hero to overcome; they’re a mirror for the reader to reflect on difficult truths.
When creating your own antagonists, remember that their motivations should be rooted in their personal experiences, beliefs, and desires.
The best villains challenge the status quo and force your readers to ask tough questions about the nature of good, evil, and everything in between.So, as you develop your next villain, ask yourself:
What is their point?
What drives them?
And how can you make their motivations relatable, even if their methods are not?
Villains with a purpose are the ones who linger long after the story ends.
A well-hidden villain is one of the best twists in fiction. You don’t want readers to see the twist coming; you want them to sit there, staring at the page, thinking, Wait… how did I not notice this?!
Here’s how to pull it off:
1. Make Them Helpful
Readers are trained to be suspicious of shady, lurking characters—but someone who actively helps the protagonist could be way less suspicious.
Maybe they give advice, offer resources, or even save the protagonist’s life at some point.
Or maybe in your science fiction novel, the AI assistant helps the protagonist escape a space station—only to later lock them out of the system when they need it most.
And in your romance book, the charming coworker comforts the protagonist after a breakup, all while subtly pushing them toward bad decisions.
When someone is useful, people are less likely to question their motives.
2. Direct Distrust at Someone Else
Give the readers a decoy. Someone who seems like the obvious bad guy—shady, aggressive, or just at the wrong place at the wrong time. Meanwhile, your real villain quietly works in the background, gaining trust while everyone’s focus is on the fake threat.
Maybe in your science fiction, the gruff spaceship captain seems like the villain, but the real traitor is the soft-spoken medic.
And in your romance, The protagonist’s best friend insists their partner is untrustworthy—when they’re actually the one sabotaging the relationship.
3. Make Them Appear Foolish, Weak, or Incompetent
No one suspects the comic relief or the one who constantly messes things up.
Maybe they seem like a coward, someone who couldn’t possibly pull off a grand scheme.
For example, in your Sci-Fi, the bumbling engineer keeps making mistakes—until the crew realizes those “mistakes” were calculated sabotage.
And in your romance, the clumsy barista spills coffee on the protagonist daily, but they’re actually gathering intel for an obsessive admirer.
Readers assume villains have power and intelligence, so flipping that expectation makes the reveal even more shocking.
4. Give Them a Justifiable Motive
People are more willing to forgive—or at least understand—a villain when their reasons make sense.
Maybe they’re trying to protect someone they love.
Maybe they’ve been hurt before and think they’re doing what’s necessary.
Let readers sympathize with them, even before they know the full truth.
5. Control the POV
If the protagonist trusts them, the reader will too. Your protagonist might ignore small red flags, justify their odd behavior, or even defend them when others raise concerns.
By shaping the protagonist’s perception, you shape the reader’s as well.
For example
In Sci-Fi, the villain is always off-screen, communicating through distorted transmissions, making the crew suspect the wrong person.
And in romance, the protagonist’s diary describes their partner as loving—because the partner reads it and adjusts their behavior accordingly.
6. Plant Clues but Mislead the Reader
The best hidden villains aren’t hidden at all—they’re just overlooked. Give small hints that, in hindsight, make perfect sense.
Maybe they were always there when bad things happened.
Maybe they made an offhand comment that seemed meaningless at the time.
The key is to distract the reader with something bigger so they don’t put the pieces together too soon.
7. Distract the Reader with Disaster Situations
If there’s chaos—fights, betrayals, natural disasters, big emotional moments—readers won’t be analyzing every character’s motives. Use these moments to let your villain operate unnoticed.
Maybe they "try to help" but make things worse.
Maybe they’re the one pulling the strings behind the disaster itself.
8. Don’t Overplay the Mystery
If you try too hard to make someone seem suspicious, readers will immediately assume it’s misdirection.
The trick is to let the villain blend in naturally. If they act too secretive, people will start connecting the dots too soon.
9. Make the Reveal Hurt
When the truth comes out, it should feel like a gut punch—not just to the protagonist, but to the reader.
Let there be betrayal.
Let there be regret.
Let the protagonist (and reader) look back at all the moments that suddenly make sense and realize just how deeply they were fooled.
The best villains aren’t the ones hiding in the shadows. They’re the ones standing right next to the protagonist, smiling.
We all know the classic villain archetypes—the ruthless warlord, the cackling mad scientist, the masked slasher lurking in the shadows. But the most terrifying villains aren’t just the ones who kill without mercy or wield immense power.
The truly terrifying villains are the ones who feel real.Think about it.
The Joker is scary, but Anton Chigurh from No Country for Old Men is Chilling.
Hannibal Lecter is unsettlingly charismatic and Dolores Umbridge is absolutely infuriating.
Why?
Because they tap into something deeper than just mindless evil. So, here are 4 major thingsbthat I think really makes a villain terrifying.
1. Believability
The scariest villains don’t see themselves as villains. They believe they’re the hero of their own story.
Maybe they’re righting a personal wrong.
Maybe they’re enforcing their own brand of justice.
Maybe they think they’re saving the world.
Their motives make sense—even if they’re horrifying in execution. That’s what makes them dangerous.
2. Emotional Connection
A villain who was once a friend, a mentor, or even a hero hits differently. Their fall into darkness isn’t just shocking—it’s personal.
Think Anakin Skywalker becoming Darth Vader, or Light Yagami descending into his god complex in Death Note.
When a villain’s journey feels tragic or inevitable, it makes them even scarier because we felt for them at some point.
3. Unpredictability
A truly terrifying villain doesn’t just follow a predictable “evil plan.” They operate on their own logic—one that doesn’t always align with what we expect.
Maybe they have a moral code, but it’s warped.
Maybe they act on a whim, making them impossible to reason with.
It’s that unpredictability that keeps us on edge.
4. A Mirror to Ourselves
The best villains aren’t monsters. They’re human. They reflect the darkest parts of us—the anger, the desperation, the power-hungry impulses we hope we’d never act on.
And that’s what makes them truly terrifying: the idea that, given the right circumstances, anyone could become them.
The real horror is the scariest villains make us wonder if, under different circumstances, we’d agree with.
Funny how the best ones don’t need fangs, claws, or a creepy mask—just a twisted sense of purpose and the right amount of conviction.
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Listen, we’ve all read (or written) a villain that just… doesn’t hit right. Maybe they felt too predictable, too over-the-top, or just plain boring. A great villain makes the story, but....
how you lose readers? That's a big question.
So, let’s talk about the villain tropes that are overused, outdated, or just don’t work—and what to do instead.
🚫 The “Evil for No Reason” Villain
“I was born evil, and I do evil things just because.”
This might have worked in old fairy tales, but modern readers want depth. Nobody wakes up one day and thinks, You know what? I’m going to destroy the world because it sounds fun.
Real people—yes, even villains—have reasons for what they do.Even if those reasons are twisted, they should exist.
Maybe they believe what they’re doing is right. Maybe they’re seeking revenge, power, or control. Maybe they think they’re saving the world, but their methods are monstrous. Whatever it is, give them a reason.
So you have to think about why your villain believes they’re the hero of their own story. Because they do.---
🚫 The Overpowered Villain
We all love a terrifying villain. But if they’re too powerful, what’s the point?
A villain who can’t be defeated—or one who only loses because the plot demands it—makes the hero’s journey feel cheap. Readers need to believe that the hero has a chance, but only if they work for it. If your villain is unbeatable, your climax loses impact.
What to do instead---Give them limits.
Maybe they have a weakness, a blind spot, or an emotional vulnerability.Make them human in some way. Even the scariest villains have flaws—arrogance, obsession, underestimating the hero.
Let the hero win through strategy, growth, or sacrifice, not just luck or plot convenience.A great villain is a challenge, not an unstoppable force of doom.---
🚫 The Villain Who Explains Their Whole Plan
We’ve all seen this one. The villain has the hero at their mercy, and instead of just finishing the job, they give a dramatic speech, revealing their master plan in excruciating detail.
Why do they do this? Do they just love hearing themselves talk? Are they secretly hoping the hero will stop them?
Whatever the reason, it kills tension.
A smart villain doesn’t reveal their hand. They manipulate, they mislead, they keep people guessing.
If your villain’s plan is going to be exposed, make it organic—maybe the hero pieces it together, maybe they overhear something, maybe the villain wants them to know part of it.
But please, no long-winded monologues while the hero escapes.---
🚫 The “Crazy for No Reason” Villain
Madness can be unsettling, but it’s not a personality.If your villain is chaotic evil with no real motivation beyond “I like to watch the world burn,” they become one-dimensional. Real fear doesn’t come from randomness—it comes from purpose.
Think about it: the scariest villains aren’t the ones who destroy for fun. They’re the ones who believe they’re doing the right thing.
Maybe they think the world is broken and needs to be reset. Maybe they want to force humanity to "wake up." Even if they’re completely unhinged, their actions should still make sense to them.
Give them a philosophy, a set of beliefs.
Even if those beliefs are twisted, they should be consistent. That’s what makes them unsettling.---
🚫 The One-Dimensional Bully Villain
Being mean isn’t the same as being interesting.If your villain’s entire personality is just being a jerk, they won’t leave much of an impact. A great villain isn’t just cruel—they’re calculated, manipulative, or even charismatic.
Think about villains who don’t just scream threats and kick puppies. Some of the most terrifying villains are the ones who can smile while they do something horrific. They’re the ones who make you question your morals.Make your villains complex, not just nasty.---
🚫 The Disposable Villain
If your villain’s defeat doesn’t change anything, why were they even there?A villain should matter.
They should
Challenge the hero in a meaningful way.
Push the plot forward.
Leave a lasting impact, even if they’re only in the story briefly.
If you can replace them with another random bad guy without altering the story, they aren’t a strong antagonist. Make them matter.---
SO, Here is What To Do Instead
If you want a villain that actually works, try this
✔ Give them a real reason for their actions.
✔ Make them a true challenge for the hero. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.
✔ Avoid predictable weaknesses. No more “Oh no, I’m allergic to water!” moments.
✔ Let them feel human sometimes.
Even a villain can have love, fear, or moments of doubt.
The best villains aren’t just obstacles. They’re the dark reflection of the hero.---
Free resources | 45 day KDP publishing Series | Freelance for us
Let’s be honest—villains make stories unforgettable.
But throwing in a bad guy just for the sake of conflict? That’s not enough. You need the right kind of villain for your story. Here are some common types of villains that can make your story shine.
First, we have The Mastermind—the villain who’s always ten steps ahead.
If you’re writing a story where the hero has to outthink rather than outfight their enemy, this is your guy. A good Mastermind doesn’t just make random evil moves; every step they take is part of a bigger plan. If your hero wins, it better be because they actually outsmarted them, not because of some lucky coincidence.
This is best for high-stakes, strategy-driven stories
✔ Makes the hero struggle with outthinking rather than out-fighting
✔ Needs carefully planned actions—no lucky wins, just pure intelligence
✔ Their defeat should feel like outsmarting a genius, not random luck
Then there’s The Monster—pure destruction with no conscience.
You don’t negotiate with a Monster; you survive them. If your story leans into horror, survival, or action-heavy themes, this is the type of villain that keeps the tension high. Monsters work best when they symbolize something bigger—fear, chaos, or the inevitable destruction the hero has to face.
This type of villain is perfect for horror, survival, or action-heavy stories
✔ The hero’s challenge is to survive, not negotiate
✔ Often symbolizes primal fear or destruction
✔ Can’t be reasoned with, so the story focuses on escaping or overcoming fear
Now, The Corrupted Hero is where things get emotional.
They weren’t always bad, and that’s what makes them so compelling. Maybe they were once the hero’s friend, mentor, or someone who shared the same ideals—until something changed. This villain forces the hero to ask, Could I become like them? Their downfall should feel tragic, not just evil for the sake of it.
These works well when they’re connected to the hero’s past
✔ Creates deep emotional conflict—they could’ve been good
✔ Challenges the hero’s beliefs—"What if I become like them?"
✔ Their downfall should feel tragic, not just evil
And then, we have The Trickster—the wildcard.
They lie, manipulate, and thrive on chaos. Tricksters are fun because they’re unpredictable; you never quite know if they’re helping or making things worse. The key with these villains? Keep their real motives unclear for as long as possible. Maybe they’re messing with the hero just for entertainment, or maybe there’s something deeper. Either way, the hero can’t just punch their way out of this one—they have to outthink the Trickster.
This works best when their true motives are unclear and can switch between comedic and terrifying moments
✔ Adds chaos and unpredictability to the story
✔ Can switch between comedic and terrifying moments
✔ The hero must outwit them, not overpower them
Now, if you want a villain who rules with an iron fist, that’s The Tyrant.
This is the kind of villain that controls everything—the government, the people, even the hero’s fate. They don’t just want power; they want absolute control. And the scariest part? They usually believe they’re doing the right thing. The best way to defeat a Tyrant isn’t just a final battle—it’s exposing their weakness. Maybe it’s their fear of losing control, or maybe it’s their own paranoia that destroys them.
This is best for epic battles, revolutions, and resistance themes
✔ Controls everything—the law, the world, even the hero’s fate
✔ Should have a twisted justification for their rule
✔ Their biggest weakness? Their fear of losing control
And then we have The Hidden Threat—the villain you never saw coming.
Maybe they were in the background the whole time, disguised as a friend, mentor, or even an innocent bystander. The trick with these villains is to leave just enough hints before the big reveal so it feels shocking but not random. And when they finally show their true colors? It should change everything for the hero.
It works best in stories with plot twists and betrayals
✔ Must have subtle hints before their reveal (so it’s shocking, not random)
✔ Their betrayal should change the hero’s perspective
✔ The best hidden villains seem harmless until it’s too late
But here’s the thing—you don’t have to stick to just one type. Some of the best villains are a mix.
A Tyrant who’s also a Mastermind? Terrifying.
A Trickster with a tragic past? Hard to hate.
A Monster with intelligence? Even worse.
Layering different traits makes your villain more complex, more real, and more memorable.At the end of the day, villains aren’t just obstacles. They’re the reason your hero grows.
How to Write Burns in Your Novel (The Art of Verbal Warfare)
She flicks her fan open, eyes glinting like a cat who just cornered a mouse. “Oh dear, I would agree with you, but then we’d both be wrong.”
His mouth opens. Closes. He stares. The room erupts into laughter.
That’s the power of a good burn.
Burns are often used in fiction to showcase a character’s wit, dominance in a conversation, or to add humor and tension to dialogue.
Writing burns in your novel isn’t just about throwing insults. It’s about timing, wit, and the perfect choice of words.
So, how do you write one that stings just right?
Here are some proven tips.
1. Know Your Character’s Intelligence Level
Not everyone is a master of sarcasm or wit. A sharp-tongued noblewoman will deliver a different burn than a street-smart rogue. Make sure the insult matches their voice.
For Example:
The Aristocrat: "Darling, your ideas are as refreshing as yesterday’s tea—lukewarm and entirely unnecessary."
The Rogue: "You talk a lot for someone who can’t back it up. Must be exhausting."
2. Less Is More
The best burns are quick and punchy. Don’t let your character ramble—one well-placed line is all it takes.
Example:
Bad: "You know, I always thought you were incompetent, but now I see you’ve made a full-time job of it.
"Better: "Incompetence suits you."
3. Context Is Everything
A burn needs the right setup. Delivered at the wrong moment, it falls flat.
You can think of burns like landmines—placed strategically, they do the most damage.
For Example:
Casual Setting: A friend teasing another: "You have something on your chin. No, the other one."
Tense Scene: An enemy smirking: "You’re so predictable I wrote your comeback for you."
4. Use Irony and Double Meanings
The best burns don’t just insult—they make the victim realize they walked into it.
Example:"I’d explain it to you, but I left my crayons at home."
"Your secrets are safe with me. I never even listen when you tell them."
5. Let the Reaction Speak for Itself
Sometimes, the power of a burn isn’t just in the words—it’s in the stunned silence that follows. Let your character drop the insult and walk away, leaving the recipient (and the reader) reeling.
For Example:
-She raises an eyebrow. “Bless your heart.” And sips her tea.
-He leans in, grins. “That’s cute. You think you matter.”
Burn delivered. Scene set. Let the verbal carnage begin.
9. Righteous Indignation - Becomes excessively angry over perceived injustices, often alienating others.
10. Altruistic Self-Destruction - Sacrifices themselves for others to an unhealthy degree, often leading to self-neglect.
11. Pathological Modesty - Downplays their own achievements to the point of self-sabotage or invisibility.
12. Incapable of Solitude - Feels an intense fear of being alone, leading to codependent or unhealthy relationships.
13. Over-Rationalization - Justifies every action or decision, even when it’s clearly flawed, to avoid guilt or responsibility.
14. Constant Self-Sabotage - Subconsciously undermines their own success due to deep-seated fears or insecurities.
15. Misplaced Loyalty - Stays loyal to people or causes even when it’s harmful or undeserved.
16. Ethical Rigidity - Follows their moral code to the letter, unable to adapt to complex or gray situations.
17. Need for Obscurity - Prefers to stay unnoticed or in the background, avoiding recognition or responsibility.
18. Involuntary Aloofness - Appears distant or disinterested, often without meaning to, leading to misunderstandings.
19. Fear of Mediocrity - Terrified of being ordinary, they constantly strive for greatness, often leading to burnout.
20. Rejection Sensitivity - Overreacts to criticism or perceived slights, often withdrawing or lashing out.
21. Conflict Avoidance - Avoids confrontation at all costs, leading to unresolved issues and resentment.
22. Over-idealization of Others - Puts people on pedestals, only to be deeply disappointed when they don’t meet expectations.
23. Chronically Unfulfilled - No matter what they achieve, they always feel something is missing, leading to constant searching.
24. Compulsive Truth-Telling - Feels compelled to speak the truth, even when it would be kinder or wiser to remain silent.
25. Overactive Imagination - Sees threats or possibilities where there are none, leading to anxiety or missed opportunities.
26. Faux Humility - Pretends to be humble but secretly craves admiration or validation.
27. Micromanagement - Needs to control every detail, often suffocating others or hindering their own progress.
28. Anachronistic Thinking - Clings to outdated beliefs or practices, struggling to adapt to modern realities.
29. Over-Reliance on Routine - Becomes anxious or lost without their routines, struggling to adapt to change.
30. Selective Memory - Remembers events in a way that suits their narrative, often distorting the truth.
31. Paradoxical Fear of Success - Desires success but subconsciously fears the changes or responsibilities it might bring.
32. Compassion Fatigue - Once empathetic, now numbed or indifferent due to overwhelming exposure to others’ suffering.
33. Overwhelming Nostalgia - Lives in the past, unable to move forward or appreciate the present.
34. Unyielding Perfectionism - So focused on flawlessness that they struggle to complete tasks or accept anything less than perfect.
35. Epistemic Arrogance - Believes they know everything worth knowing, dismissing the possibility of learning from others.
36. Excessive Hedonism - Pursues pleasure to the point of neglecting responsibilities or moral considerations.
37. Over-Cautiousness - So afraid of making mistakes that they rarely take action, leading to missed opportunities.
38. Idealistic Naivety - Believes the world should operate according to their ideals, often clashing with reality.
39. Ambition without Direction - Desires greatness but has no clear path or plan, leading to frustration and failure.
40. Emotional Transference - Projects unresolved emotions onto others, often misinterpreting their intentions or actions.
41. Overdependence on Routine - Becomes anxious or lost without their routines, struggling to adapt to change.
42. Misplaced Guilt - Feels responsible for things outside of their control, leading to unnecessary self-blame.
43. Fear of Being Ordinary - Constantly strives to stand out, often at the expense of authenticity or well-being.
44. Chronic Indecisiveness - Struggles to make even simple decisions, constantly second-guessing themselves.
45. Faux Cynicism - Pretends to be jaded or cynical as a defense mechanism, while secretly caring deeply.
46. Romanticization of Suffering - Believes that suffering is noble or meaningful, often rejecting happiness or comfort.
47. Selective Compassion - Empathetic towards some but completely indifferent or cold to others, often based on biases.
48. Avoidant Optimism - Avoids negative thoughts or situations, clinging to an unrealistic positivity that ignores real problems.
49. Fear of Abandonment - Clings to relationships out of fear of being left alone, often leading to unhealthy dynamics.
50. Overidentification with Work - Sees their job as their entire identity, struggling with self-worth outside of work.
51. Excessive Altruism - Sacrifices their own needs to help others, often to their own detriment.
52. Self-Imposed Isolation - Withdraws from others out of fear of rejection or misunderstanding, leading to loneliness.
53. Over-Analysis Paralysis - Overthinks every situation to the point of being unable to make decisions or take action.
54. Eternal Romantic - Sees the world through a lens of idealized love, often leading to disillusionment or heartbreak.
55. Emotional Incontinence - Struggles to control their emotions, often overwhelming others with their intensity.
56. Fear of Aging - Obsessed with youth, they go to great lengths to deny or hide the aging process.
57. Intellectual Cowardice - Avoids challenging their own beliefs or ideas, sticking to what they know out of fear of change.
58. Emotional Hoarding - Holds onto past hurts or grudges, unable to let go and move on.
59. Unquenchable Curiosity - Always needs to knw more, often prying into others’ lives or crossing boundaries.
60. Romantic Escapism - Uses fantasy or daydreams as a way to avoid dealing with reality, leading to detachment.
61. Masochistic Tendencies - Deliberately seeks out situations that cause them pain or discomfort, believing they deserve it.
62. Incurable Wanderer - Can never settle down, always moving on to the next place or experience, leading to rootlessness.
63. Dependency on Validation - Needs constant approval or praise from others to feel good about themselves.
64. Constant Self-Reinvention - Continuously changes their identity or persona, never settling on who they truly are.
65. Moral Masochism - Finds satisfaction in self-punishment or guilt, often holding themselves to impossible standards.
66. Faux Bravado - Pretends to be fearless or confident to hide deep-seated insecurities or fears.
67. Over-romanticization of the Past - Idealizes past experiences, believing that things were better back then, leading to dissatisfaction with the present.
68. Chronic Hedging - Never fully commits to decisions or actions, always leaving themselves an escape route.
69. Fear of Stagnation - Constantly needs to be doing something or moving forward, fearing they’ll become irrelevant or bored.
70. Over-Attachment to Objects - Places excessive sentimental value on material possessions, struggling to let go.
71. Emotional Stoicism - Refuses to show or acknowledge emotions, leading to repression and eventual breakdowns.
72. Self-Flagellation - Constantly punishes themselves for perceived failures or mistakes, often disproportionate to the actual events.
73. Fear of the Unknown - Terrified of what they can’t predict or control, leading to anxiety or avoidance of new experiences.
74. Romantic Pessimism - Believes that love or relationships are doomed to fail, leading to self-sabotage or cynicism.
75. Intellectual Purism - Believes in the superiority of “pure” intellectual pursuits, often dismissing practical or emotional concerns.
76. Existential Dread - Obsesses over the meaning (or lack thereof) of life, leading to paralysis or despair.
77. Involuntary Nonconformity- Desires to fit in but can’t help standing out or going against the grain, often feeling alienated.
78. Self-Imposed Martyrdom - Puts themselves in a position of suffering or sacrifice, believing it’s their duty or fate.
79. Idealized Self-Image - Clings to an unrealistic self-concept, struggling to accept their flaws or limitations.
80. Compulsive Honesty - Feels compelled to always tell the truth, even when it’s hurtful or inappropriate.
81. Over-Reliance on Technology - Becomes helpless without modern conveniences, struggling to cope with real-world challenges.
82. Moral Exhibitionism - Shows off their ethics or principles to gain admiration or moral superiority, often insincerely.
83. Perpetual Student Syndrome - Always learning but never applying knowledge, avoiding real-world responsibilities.
84. Emotional Osmosis - Absorbs others’ emotions so deeply that they lose track of their own feelings or needs.
85. Pathological Frugality - So obsessed with saving money or resources that they miss out on life’s joys or opportunities.
86. Obsessive Self-Improvement - Never satisfied with themselves, constantly striving for unattainable perfection.
87. False Modesty - Pretends to be humble while fishing for compliments or validation.
88. Uncontrolled Impulsiveness - Acts on whims or impulses without considering the consequences, leading to chaos or regret.
89. Chronic Hedonism - Lives only for pleasure, often to the detriment of their long-term happiness or relationships.
90. Overly Abstract Thinking - So focused on big ideas or concepts that they lose touch with reality or practical concerns.
91. Romantic Idealism - Believes in a perfect love or relationship, often leading to disappointment or disillusionment.
92. Selective Altruism - Only helps others when it suits them, often ignoring those who don’t fit their criteria.
93. Pathological Shyness - So shy or introverted that they struggle to function in social situations, often missing out on opportunities.
94. Moral Superiority - Believes they are more ethical or righteous than others, often looking down on those who don’t share their views.
95. Over-identification with a Role - Sees themselves only as their job, family role, or social identity, losing sight of their true self.
96. Chronic Complaining - Constantly finds something to complain about, often bringing others down or creating a negative atmosphere.
97. Faux Stoicism - Pretends to be emotionally strong or unaffected, while secretly struggling with deep emotional turmoil.
98. Addiction to Drama - Thrives on conflict or chaos, often creating drama where there is none to feel alive or important.
99. Obsessive Collecting - Gathers possessions, knowledge, or experiences obsessively, often unable to let go or move on.
100. Inflexible Optimism - Refuses to acknowledge negative possibilities, often unprepared for setbacks or challenges.
101. Contrarianism - Always takes the opposite stance just to challenge others, often without genuine conviction.
102. Emotional Projection - Attributes their own feelings or issues onto others, often leading to misunderstandings.
103. Compulsive Heroism - Feels the need to be seen as heroic or brave, even in situations that don’t call for it.
104. Spiritual Narcissism - Uses spirituality as a way to feel superior to others or to avoid personal flaws.
105. Self-Defeating Humor - Constantly makes jokes at their own expense, using humor to deflect serious issues.
106. Identity Fluidity - Frequently changes their identity or beliefs to fit in with different groups, losing a sense of true self.
107. Overattachment to the Past - Can’t move on from past successes or failures, allowing them to define their present.
108. Pseudointellectualism - Pretends to know more than they do, using complex language or ideas to impress others.
109. Overidealization of Youth - Places youth on a pedestal, often dismissing the value of experience or aging.
110. Refusal to Accept Help - Rejects assistance from others, believing they must do everything on their own, even to their detriment.
111. Emotional Manipulation - Uses guilt, pity, or other emotions to control or influence others, often without realizing it.
112. Inconsistent Values - Holds contradictory beliefs or morals, leading to confusion or hypocrisy in their actions.
113. Obsession with Legacy - So focused on how they’ll be remembered that they neglect the present or make unwise choices.
114. Excessive Eagerness to Please - Goes out of their way to make others happy, often at the cost of their own needs or principles.
115. Emotionally Guarded - Builds walls around their feelings, making it difficult for others to get close or understand them.
116. Selective Memory - Chooses to remember events in a way that favors them, often distorting the truth.
117. Overattachment to Authority - Relies heavily on rules or leaders, struggling to make decisions independently or question authority.
118. Fear of Vulnerability - Avoids showing weakness or asking for help, leading to isolation or burnout.
119. Intellectual Detachment - Approaches everything with cold logic, often ignoring the emotional or human side of situations.
120. Obsession with Control - Needs to control every aspect of their life and others’, often leading to stress or strained relationships.
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Well- If you're writing about a character with burn scars, the details right matters alot.
Burn scars aren't just a visual trait; they come with physical, emotional, and social challenges that shape a person’s daily life.
If you want your portrayal to feel authentic, here are some things to consider.
First, burns vary in severity.
A first-degree burn, like a mild sunburn, won’t leave lasting scars.
Second-degree burns can, depending on depth and healing.
Third-degree burns, which destroy deeper layers of skin, almost always leave significant scars.
Fourth-degree burns extend to muscle and bone, often requiring surgeries like skin grafts.
If your character has major burn scars, they likely underwent medical treatments, faced mobility challenges, and had to manage long-term skin care.
Burn scars don’t just “heal and go away.” They can be tight, raised, discolored, and sometimes painful for years.
Hypertrophic scars stay within the original burn area and can feel thick and rigid.
Keloid scars go beyond the burn site and grow over time.
Contracture scars, common with deeper burns, can limit movement, especially if they form over joints.
If your character has scars on their hands, face, or neck, they might struggle with flexibility, facial expressions, or even simple tasks like gripping objects.
Healing Process
The healing process isn’t just about scars fading. Burn survivors often deal with chronic itching, sensitivity to heat and cold, and the need for moisturizers, compression garments, or silicone treatments.
Some undergo laser therapy or surgery to improve mobility or appearance, but complete "removal" is unrealistic.
Skin grafts can help, but they leave their own scars and don’t fully restore normal skin texture.
Socially, people with burn scars face reactions ranging from curiosity to outright rudeness. Strangers might stare or ask intrusive questions. Some assume scars are from accidents, self-harm, or abuse, making conversations awkward or painful. Others might offer unwanted advice—suggesting miracle creams or home remedies that don’t actually help.
If your character is self-conscious about their scars, they might cover up, avoid certain situations, or struggle with confidence. If they’re comfortable with them, they might develop a tough exterior, educate others, or challenge beauty standards.
Psychologically, burn survivors often deal with more than just physical recovery. Trauma, PTSD, body image struggles, or a changed sense of identity are common. Some people accept their scars as part of their journey, while others struggle with them for years.
Your character’s reaction depends on their, support system, and experiences.
If you want your portrayal to feel real, avoid clichés. Scars don’t have to define a character, but they do affect their life. They aren’t just a “tragic backstory” feature or something that instantly gives someone a hardened personality.
NOW, it's time to talk about sea salt water thing......
I resesrched alot but couldn't find a better answer other than this...
This is a big misconception
People say the minerals in seawater speed up recovery, smooth out scars, or even “fade” them over time.
No doubt, medical-grade saline solutions are used in hospitals for wound care but raw sea salt and ocean water aren’t the same.
The reality is "exposing burn scars to seawater can be risky".
The ocean isn’t sterile; it’s full of bacteria, pollutants, and irritants that can cause infections, especially if the skin is still healing.
Salt itself is also drying, which can make scar tissue feel tighter and more uncomfortable. Instead of soothing the skin, it often leads to irritation, redness, and even more itchiness.
A study conducted in Western Australia's Gascoyne region examined 28 patients with marine-associated wound infections. The findings revealed that 64.3% of these wounds were infected with Staphylococcus aureus, and 32.1% with Vibrio species. Notably, 39.3% of the infections were polymicrobial, involving multiple bacterial species. ( resource)
Some other myths
Some people believe scrubbing scars aggressively will “remove” them, but that just damages the skin further.
Others swear by home remedies like lemon juice, claiming it lightens scars, but all it does is cause stinging and potential burns from sun exposure.
Oils and herbal creams are often promoted as miracle cures, but most don’t penetrate deep enough to change scar tissue.
Remember that hydration and proper care can improve a scar’s appearance, no natural ingredient can erase one completely. The best approach isn’t following every home remedy suggestion—it’s understanding what actually works and what might make things worse.
So do your research too before using aby home remedy.
My Last Post Went Viral With 300K+ People—Here’s What I Learned
So, my last post went viral with over 300,000 views, and wow, the feedback has been eye-opening that taught me alot espacially the imporatance of fact check and well research while writing.
I’m super grateful for all the attention, I realized just how much more I can offer you when it comes to writing advice.
Here's what I learned from my viral experience and why you should hit that follow button for writing tips that are well-researched, fact-checked, and organized in a way that won't leave you confused!
1. No Random Posts Without Research
Everything Should Be Backed by Research.
After reading a ton of different perspectives, I also realized one thing: it’s important to stay true to your narrative by doing your own homework. I don’t believe in just posting random advice without knowing it's reliable and useful. I’ll be sharing writing tips that are thoroughly researched and grounded in what actually works.
From writing techniques to story structures, every post will be something you can trust. I’ll always double-check facts, provide solid resources, and make sure that what I’m sharing is relevant and helpful to your writing journey.
2. Fact-Checking and Sharing My Own Opinions
One thing I noticed after my viral post is that there’s a lot of misinformation floating around—especially when it comes to writing advice.
As writers, we draw inspiration from many places, including Tumblr, Reddit, and random blog posts. But here's the thing: not everything on the internet is 100% accurate. I learned the hard way that facts matter, especially when you're tackling sensitive topics like health, injuries, or science. If you’re incorporating these elements into your stories, it’s worth doing your homework and speaking to experts.
So, I’ll make sure that everything I share goes through proper fact-checking. If I ever take inspiration from a Tumblr post (or anything else), I’ll also add my own insights and opinions so you get a clearer perspective on how to apply it to your writing.
3. There’s Power in Community Feedback
The best thing about having so many eyes on my post was the insightful feedback I got from a diverse group of people. Writers, medical professionals, and even those with personal experience all shared their opinions, which ultimately made my own understanding deeper.
So, engage with your community—sometimes they’ll correct you, and sometimes they’ll challenge your thinking in ways that make you a better writer.
If you're someone who likes to engage with my posts—whether it's to appreciate, critique, or correct me publicly—then this is the place for you.
SO, Let's Grow Together—Without Confusion
If you’re tired of stumbling through random advice and wish there was a clear path to follow, my account is for you.
I will be posting writing tips, resources, and insights in an organized series, so you’ll always know where to start and what to do next.
There’s no more confusion or wasting time wondering which tip you should follow. I’ll do the hard work for you by putting everything in order, so you can focus on growing your writing skills.---
please please please please reblog if you’re a writer and have at some point felt like your writing is getting worse. I need to know if I’m the only one who’s struggling with these thoughts
Good news! At various points in your development, it is!
As you write, you level up in little ways. It's not like D&D where you get a level all at once. Oh, no. You get tiny improvements to your skill tree, and there will be points where your build is entirely unbalanced. As you adjust to these changes, you will naturally regress in some areas. This is just your mind and overall skill level getting ready for the final leveling, where you're briefly fully balanced again!
TL;DR: Regression is a natural part of improvement, and while it's frustrating as hell, if you keep going, you can write through it.
E.A. Deverell - FREE worksheets (characters, world building, narrator, etc.) and paid courses;
Hiveword - Helps to research any topic to write about (has other resources, too);
BetaBooks - Share your draft with your beta reader (can be more than one), and see where they stopped reading, their comments, etc.;
Charlotte Dillon - Research links;
Writing realistic injuries - The title is pretty self-explanatory: while writing about an injury, take a look at this useful website;
One Stop for Writers - You guys... this website has literally everything we need: a) Description thesaurus collection, b) Character builder, c) Story maps, d) Scene maps & timelines, e) World building surveys, f) Worksheets, f) Tutorials, and much more! Although it has a paid plan ($90/year | $50/6 months | $9/month), you can still get a 2-week FREE trial;
One Stop for Writers Roadmap - It has many tips for you, divided into three different topics: a) How to plan a story, b) How to write a story, c) How to revise a story. The best thing about this? It's FREE!
Story Structure Database - The Story Structure Database is an archive of books and movies, recording all their major plot points;
National Centre for Writing - FREE worksheets and writing courses. Has also paid courses;
Penguin Random House - Has some writing contests and great opportunities;
Crime Reads - Get inspired before writing a crime scene;
The Creative Academy for Writers - "Writers helping writers along every step of the path to publication." It's FREE and has ZOOM writing rooms;
Reedsy - "A trusted place to learn how to successfully publish your book" It has many tips, and tools (generators), contests, prompts lists, etc. FREE;
QueryTracker - Find agents for your books (personally, I've never used this before, but I thought I should feature it here);
Pacemaker - Track your goals (example: Write 50K words - then, everytime you write, you track the number of the words, and it will make a graphic for you with your progress). It's FREE but has a paid plan;
Save the Cat! - The blog of the most known storytelling method. You can find posts, sheets, a software (student discount - 70%), and other things;
