Hello! Here are my thoughts:

Replacements for look: Depending on the context, intention, and overall personal writing style, you could try:

– more formal: expression, demeanor,

– If the person is looking over at something or someone: glance (e.g., a judgmental, blank, or loving glance)

– You can also play around with things like, “Her face…[Read more]

In my opinion, as long as you explain the reasoning behind these emotions, it will work. For example, go into detail about what she thinks are the worst case scenarios – both if she keeps the secret AND if she shares it. This will drive home the inner battle. Rather than just saying, “she’s having mood swings,” talk about the physical sensations…[Read more]

Hey Grace!

My protagonists practically are me, LOL – they tend to have a similar personality & interests, but under different circumstances (and usually a bit braver than me! Sometimes they end up being my ideal self.).

You can try gaining inspiration for your protagonist the same way that you do it for side characters (for example, through…[Read more]

@pensword

Anything concerning the overarching plot, theme and/or aesthetic of the story. Maybe even something the character likes & what they learn from it (if that makes sense).

@naiya-dyani You’re welcome! Sounds like a good story 🙂

@hope-ann

Thank you for tagging me in this 🙂 Here are some ideas (some of these may have already been mentioned):

• These characters often show, rather than tell,  how much they care. They could sacrifice themselves. Have them secretly perform an act of kindness or faithfully watch out for someone without saying a word.
• Microexpressions.…

[Read more]

@naiya-dyani “Original Characters or OCs are the characters in a fanwork that are not in the source media, but have been created by the fanwork’s author.” https://fanlore.org/wiki/Original_Character

I just Googled it; I didn’t know it had to do with fanfiction.

@naiya-dyani

Here are some ideas (don’t expect much, XD):

When I look in their eyes/The Plea In Their Eyes

<i>Faces That Changed Me</i>

Hunting Injustice

Facets of Mercy (the looks that they give him show different aspects/facets of morality)

The Lengths We Go (double meaning: the lengths the tribe goes to achieve their goal and the l…[Read more]

@wolverinerm

YES, I agree about the friends-of-different-races-just-because-they’re-friends trope. I don’t think the color of someone’s skin should be a big deal (I’m biracial, by the way). Great ideas! I often forget to incorporate minority races/ethnicities in my stories (the protagonist is frequently – if not always – a white female, and I…[Read more]

I’ll take a stab at it. The ability to be creative & express ourselves through the arts (music, painting, writing, poetry, etc.), the ability to philosophize and ask/wonder about these sorts of questions 🙂 and the ability to problem-solve/reason. The fact that we all need a Savior. Our morality or lack thereof. In general, the fact that we are…[Read more]