thewritershandbook reblogged
my brain when i sit down to write: “i have no ideas.”
my brain when i’m trying to sleep: “here’s 50 plot twists and a perfect line of dialogue.”
thewritershandbook reblogged
NEED HELP WRITING? (a masterlist)
I have likely not added many that I've reblogged to this list. Please feel free to roam my blog and/or ask/message me to add something you'd like to see on this list!
Synonym Lists
Descriptors
Tips & Tricks
- 5 Tips for Creating Intimidating Antagonists by @writingwithfolklore
- How To (Realistically) Make a Habit of Writing by @byoldervine
- Let's Talk About Misdirection by @deception-united
- Tips to Improve Character Voice by @tanaor
- Stephen King's Top 20 Rules for Writers posted by @toocoolformedschool
- Fun Things to Add to a Fight Scene (Hand to Hand Edition) by @illarian-rambling
- Questions I Ask My Beta Readers by @burntoutdaydreamer
- Skip Google for Research by @s-n-arly
- Breaking Writing Rules Right: Don't Write Direct Dialogue by @septemberercfawkes
Databases/Resources
Advice/Uplifting
thewritershandbook reblogged
prompt 2425
Write about a dinner party thrown by someone who doesn't want to be the host. Who attends? What happens? Does it go horribly wrong or is it a great success?
thewritershandbook reblogged
Vocabulary List for Fight Scenes
Combat Actions
- Hoist
- Dart/Dash
- Deflect
- Shield
- Sidestep
- Snatch up
- Stalk
- Stamp/stomp
- Stretch
- Stride
- Wagger
- Oust
- Leap
- Lose ground
- Mimick
- Mirror
- Negate
- Overpower
- Parry
- Rear to full height
- Resurgate
- Suanter
- Seize
- Take cover
- Throttle
- Twirl
- Unleash
- Withdraw
- Entwine
- Flee
- Gain ground
- Grasp
- Cling to
- Breach
- Duck
- Dodge
Hits
- Amputate
- Bloody
- Carbe
- Castrate
- Collision
- Connect
- Crush
- Defenestrate
- Destroy
- Disfigure
thewritershandbook reblogged
Things That May Be Causing Your Writer's Block- and How to Beat Them
I don't like the term 'Writer's Block' - not because it isn't real, but because the term is so vague that it's useless. Hundreds of issues all get lumped together under this one umbrella, making writer's block seem like this all-powerful boogeyman that's impossible to beat. Worse yet, it leaves people giving and receiving advice that is completely ineffective because people often don't realize they're talking about entirely different issues.
In my experience, the key to beating writer's block is figuring out what the block even is, so I put together a list of Actual Reasons why you may be struggling to write:
(note that any case of writer's block is usually a mix of two or more)
Perfectionism (most common)
What it looks like:
- You write one sentence and spend the next hour googling "synonyms for ___"
- Write. Erase. Write. Rewrite. Erase.
- Should I even start writing this scene when I haven't figured out this one specific detail yet?
- I hate everything I write
- Cringing while writing
- My first draft must be perfect, or else I'm a terrible writer
Things that can help:
- Give yourself permission to suck
- Keep in mind that nothing you write is going to be perfect, especially your first draft
- Think of writing your first/early drafts not as writing, but sketching out a loose foundation to build upon later
- People write multiple drafts for a reason: write now, edit later
- Stop googling synonyms and save that for editing
- Write with a pen to reduce temptation to erase
- Embrace leaving blank spaces in your writing when you can't think of the right word, name, or detail
- It's okay if your writing sucks. We all suck at some point. Embrace the growth mindset, and focus on getting words on a page
Lack of inspiration (easiest to fix)
What it looks like:
- Head empty, no ideas
- What do I even write about???
- I don't have a plot, I just have an image
- Want to write but no story to write
Things that can help:
- Google writing prompts
- If writing prompts aren't your thing, instead try thinking about what kind of tropes/genres/story elements you would like to try out
- Instead of thinking about the story you would like to write, think about the story you would like to read, and write that
- It's okay if you don't have a fully fleshed out story idea. Even if it's just an image or a line of dialogue, it's okay to write that. A story may or may not come out of it, but at least you got the creative juices flowing
- Stop writing. Step away from your desk and let yourself naturally get inspired. Go for a walk, read a book, travel, play video games, research history, etc. Don't force ideas, but do open up your mind to them
- If you're like me, world-building may come more naturally than plotting. Design the world first and let the story come later
Boredom/Understimulation (lost the flow)
What it looks like:
- I know I should be writing but uugggghhhh I just can'tttttt
- Writing words feels like pulling teeth
- I started writing, but then I got bored/distracted
- I enjoy the idea of writing, but the actual process makes me want to throw my laptop out the window
Things that can help:
- Introduce stimulation: snacks, beverages, gum, music such as lo-fi, blankets, decorate your writing space, get a clickity-clackity keyboard, etc.
- Add variety: write in a new location, try a new idea/different story for a day or so, switch up how you write (pen and paper vs. computer) or try voice recording or speech-to-text
- Gamify writing: create an arbitrary challenge, such as trying to see how many words you can write in a set time and try to beat your high score
- Find a writing buddy or join a writer's group
- Give yourself a reward for every writing milestone, even if it's just writing a paragraph
- Ask yourself whether this project you're working on is something you really want to be doing, and be honest with your answer
Intimidation/Procrastination (often related to perfectionism, but not always)
What it looks like:
- I was feeling really motivated to write, but then I opened my laptop
- I don't even know where to start
- I love writing, but I can never seem to get started
- I'll write tomorrow. I mean next week. Next month? Next month, I swear (doesn't write next month)
- Can't find the time or energy
- Unreasonable expectations (I should be able to write 10,000 words a day, right????)
- Feeling discouraged and wondering why I'm even trying
Things that can help:
- Follow the 2 min rule (or the 1 paragraph rule, which works better for me): whenever you sit down to write, tell yourself that you are only going to write for 2 minutes. If you feel like continuing once the 2 mins are up, go for it! Otherwise, stop. Force yourself to start but DO NOT force yourself to continue unless you feel like it. The more often you do this, the easier it will be to get started
- Make getting started as easy as possible (i.e. minimize barriers: if getting up to get a notebook is stopping you from getting started, then write in the notes app of your phone)
- Commit to a routine that will work for you. Baby steps are important here. Go with something that feels reasonable: every day, every other day, once a week, twice a week, and use cues to help you remember to start. If you chose a set time to write, just make sure that it's a time that feels natural to you- i.e. don't force yourself to writing at 9am every morning if you're not a morning person
- Find a friend or a writing buddy you can trust and talk it out or share a piece of work you're proud of. Sometimes we just get a bit bogged down by criticism- either internal or external- and need a few words of encouragement
The Problem's Not You, It's Your Story (or Outline (or Process))
What it looks like:
- I have no problems writing other scenes, it's just this scene
- I started writing, but now I have no idea where I'm going
- I don't think I'm doing this right
- What's an outline?
- Drowning in documents
- This. Doesn't. Make. Sense. How do I get from this plot point to this one?!?!?! (this ColeyDoesThings quote lives in my head rent free cause BOY have I been there)
Things That Can Help:
- Go back to the drawing board. Really try to get at the root of why a scene or story isn't working
- A part of growing as a writer is learning when to kill your darlings. Sometimes you're trying to force an idea or scene that just doesn't work and you need to let it go
- If you don't have an outline, write one
- If you have an outline and it isn't working, rewrite it, or look up different ways to structure it
- You may be trying to write as a pantser when you're really a plotter or vice versa. Experiment with different writing processes and see what feels most natural
- Study story structures, starting with the three act structure. Even if you don't use them, you should know them
- Check out Ellen Brock on YouTube. She's a professional novel editor who has a lot of advice on writing strategies for different types of writers
- Also check out Savage Books on YouTube (another professional story editor) for advice on story structure and dialogue. Seriously, I cannot recommend this guy enough
Executive Dysfunction, Usually From ADHD/Autism
What it looks like:
- Everything in boredom/understimulation
- Everything in intimidation/procrastination
- You have been diagnosed with and/or have symptoms of ADHD/Autism
Things that can help:
- If you haven't already, seek a diagnosis or professional treatment
- Hire an ADHD coach or other specialist that can help you work with your brain (I use Shimmer; feel free to DM me for a referral)
- Seek out neurodiverse communities for advice and support
- Try body doubling! There's lot's of free online body doubling websites out there for you to try. If social anxiety is a barrier, start out with writing streams such as katecavanaughwrites on Twitch
- Be aware of any sensory barriers that may be getting in the way of you writing (such as an uncomfortable desk chair, harsh lighting, bad sounds)
And Lastly, Burnout, Depression, or Other Mental Illness
What it looks like:
- You have symptoms of burnout or depression
- Struggling with all things, not just writing
- It's more than a lack of inspiration- the spark is just dead
Things that can help:
- Forget writing for now. Focus on healing first.
- Seek professional help
- If you feel like it, use writing as a way to explore your feelings. It can take the form of journaling, poetry, an abstract reflection of your thoughts, narrative essays, or exploring what you're feeling through your fictional characters. The last two helped me rediscover my love of writing after I thought years of depression had killed it for good. Just don't force yourself to do so, and stop if it takes you to a darker place instead of feeling cathartic
thewritershandbook reblogged
Some tips for using a few words to describe voices:
1. Tone Words: Use tone words to convey the emotional quality of a voice. For example, you can describe a voice as "melodic," "soothing," "sharp," "gentle," or "commanding" to give readers a sense of the tone.
2. Pitch and Range: Mention the pitch and range of the voice. Is it "deep," "high-pitched," "raspy," or "full-bodied"? This can provide insight into the character's age, gender, or emotional state.
3. Accent and Diction: Describe the character's accent or diction briefly to give a sense of their background or cultural influences. For instance, "British-accented," "Southern drawl," or "formal."
4. Volume: Mention the volume of the voice, whether it's "whispering," "booming," "murmuring," or "hushed."
5. Quality: Use terms like "velvet," "silken," "gravelly," "honeyed," or "crisp" to convey the texture or quality of the voice.
6. Rate of Speech: Describe how fast or slow the character speaks, using words like "rapid," "slurred," "measured," or "rambling."
7. Mood or Emotion: Indicate the mood or emotion carried by the voice. For example, a "quivering" voice may convey fear or anxiety, while a "warm" voice may express comfort and reassurance.
8. Resonance: Describe the resonance of the voice, such as "echoing," "nasal," "booming," or "tinny."
9. Timbre: Mention the timbre of the voice, using words like "rich," "thin," "clear," or "smoky."
10. Cadence: Highlight the rhythm or cadence of speech with descriptors like "staccato," "lilting," "rhythmic," or "halting."
11. Intonation: Convey the character's intonation by saying their voice is "sarcastic," "apologetic," "confident," or "questioning."
12. Vocal Characteristics: If applicable, mention unique vocal characteristics, like a "lisp," "stutter," "drawl," or "accented 'r'."
thewritershandbook reblogged
Question for my writer/artist friends:
thewritershandbook reblogged
Fanfics - Update as you go or finish then post?
Hi readers/ writers of fanfiction!
What is your preference when it comes to fanfictions? Do you prefer fics that update as they go along, but you may have to wait between chapters? Or would you rather have a fully completed fic to read?
For writers specifically who update as they go, I often go back and edit chapters to flesh out character interactions or add nods to future plot points/foreshadowing. I keep worrying about that for one of my longer fics that I know people are waiting on. How do you deal with this?
thewritershandbook reblogged
Some of my favorite words and phrases to describe a character in pain
- coiling (up in a ball, in on themselves, against something, etc)
- panting (there’s a slew of adjectives you can put after this, my favorites are shakily, weakly, etc)
- keeling over (synonyms are words like collapsing, which is equally as good but overused in media)
- trembling/shivering (additional adjectives could be violently, uncontrollably, etc)
- sobbing (weeping is a synonym but i’ve never liked that word. also love using sob by itself, as a noun, like “he let out a quiet sob”)
- whimpering (love hitting the wips with this word when a character is weak, especially when the pain is subsiding. also love using it for nightmares/attacks and things like that)
- clinging (to someone or something, maybe even to themselves or their own clothes)
- writhing/thrashing (maybe someone’s holding them down, or maybe they’re in bed alone)
- crying (not actual tears. cry as in a shrill, sudden shout)
- dazed (usually after the pain has subsided, or when adrenaline is still flowing)
- wincing (probably overused but i love this word. synonym could be grimacing)
- doubling-over (kinda close to keeling over but they don’t actually hit the ground, just kinda fold in on themselves)
- heaving (i like to use it for describing the way someone’s breathing, ex. “heaving breaths” but can also be used for the nasty stuff like dry heaving or vomiting)
- gasping/sucking/drawing in a breath (or any other words and phrases that mean a sharp intake of breath, that shite is gold)
- murmuring/muttering/whispering (or other quiet forms of speaking after enduring intense pain)
- hiccuping/spluttering/sniffling (words that generally imply crying without saying crying. the word crying is used so much it kinda loses its appeal, that’s why i like to mix other words like these in)
- stuttering (or other general terms that show an impaired ability to speak — when someone’s in intense pain, it gets hard to talk)
- staggering/stumbling (there is a difference between pain that makes you not want to stand, and pain that makes it impossible to stand. explore that!)
- recoiling/shrinking away (from either the threat or someone trying to help)
- pleading/begging (again, to the threat, someone trying to help, or just begging the pain to stop)
Feel free to add your favorites or most used in the comments/reblogs!
thewritershandbook reblogged
10 Questions to Ask About your World
- What are the common theories about the universe? (Fate, free will, what’s out there? Gods?)
- How much does this society know about its world? (how much is explored versus not, are they fully aware of their history or are there things they haven’t discovered yet? What’s beyond their scope?)
- What sort of religions or communities exist?
- What foods do they eat, what wouldn’t be as normalized?
- What traditions do they have? Festivals, celebrations, holidays, etc.
- How does the average person spend a Sunday?
- Is there a skill that’s expected for people to know? (ex. where I live most people know how to ride a bike) Is there something that would be odd in this society to know?
- Do people drive or do they transit or do they walk? How do people get around?
- How do people communicate with each other? (Phones, letters, birds, etc.)
- What’s something that makes your setting unique or fit specifically for your story?
Good luck!
Sam and Emily SW discuss the evolution and use of witches and witchcraft in literature.
Source: youtube.com
thewritershandbook reblogged
220 Scents
This is a companion resource to Words To Describe Scent.
Arguably our most evocative sense, the sense of smell is an underused tool in writing descriptions and settings. Nothing transports me into the book I’m reading as effectively as the memory of some familiar scent, or some distant one awoken from the deepest parts of my brain. This is simply a list of recognizable scents, categorized by the “type” of scent or the kind of environment where it might be found:
Sam and Emily SW discuss the evolution of Vampires in popular fiction media through history.
thewritershandbook reblogged
On Animal Sounds
There’s a huge difference between what we perceive animals to sound like and what they actually sound like. Most of us know this by now (I think the red-tailed hawk vs. bald eagle meme has been circulating for a while) but this gets a bit more subtle too.
- Most eagles in film are actually using recordings from Red-tailed Hawks. Bald eagles make a cackling sound, and you can hear this notably in Brother Bear (2002).
- Film horses whinny all the time. Real horses express most mild emotions with their bodies, and louder noises are only reserved for the most excited emotions. You know who whinnies almost as often as most horses in film? Stallions when they’re losing their minds about mares.
- Humans are verbal creatures, so we tend to communicate with sound where animals communicate with their bodies. Most animals in media are way more vocal than they actually would be in real life.
- Media often relies on restricted auditory shorthand. Growl expresses anger. High-pitched noises convey fear or excitement. Purring indicates contentment (in real life, it doesn’t always). But there are subtler noises like chuffing, grunting, and groaning that we don’t hear in fiction very often.
I find this leaves non-visual media lacking in animal body language, when there isn’t a soundtrack that needs to communicate to the audience. Consider the ways in which many animals communicate:
- Spinal/muscle tension
- Degree of staring or averted eye contact
- Body position
- Orientation (facing toward vs. away, to the side, etc.)
- Movement of tails or limbs
- Pheromone signals
- Scent markers
OC Spectrum Sheet by Merimutt
Source: deviantart.com
Back from the dead to give you this year’s October Spooky Writing Challenge.
In this revised edition, we will be presenting 31 days of visual inspirations starting October 1st, and ending on October 31st.
There is no actual ‘Challenge’, just 31 spooky images to hopefully inspire your creative endeavors this October.
Visuals will post every day around 8 AM EDT.
They will be posted here on Tumblr, @thewritershandbook
Also here: Haunted Hearts Society via YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels.
Enjoy!