I have a question that I’m sure a lot of you can relate to. I’m always getting new plot ideas, but I never actually finish my stories. How do you decide between starting a new story and continuing an old one? I think there was an SE article about this, but I couldn’t find it. Also, are you able to work on more than one project at a…[Read more]

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]

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]

I was just wondering if any of you have written fanfiction. I’m considering starting to do this. If you’ve written any, I would be interested in reading it.

Thanks!

Michaela

I’ve been wondering for a while…why do almost all fantasy stories/books have some sort of middle ages setting? I get that the medieval times are often associated with magic, but personally, I prefer to write low fantasy (or maybe it almost crosses the line into sci-fi). I’m just curious as to what you think: is the medieval fantasy…[Read more]

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).

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]

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

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]

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 also posted this in the “Themes” category, but I felt like it could kind of go in either category. I hope it was okay to put it in both.

I just wanted to get your thoughts on what populations you would like to see better represented in fiction (maybe they are either 1. represented poorly/inaccurately or 2. They are never/rarely…[Read more]

Hi Naiya! Sorry it took me so long to get back to you. That’s a neat idea! Would you mind giving a little more detail into the story? Are there any analogies or aesthetics that you incorporate? They might provide some title-inspiration.

I just wanted to get your thoughts on what populations you would like to see better represented in fiction (maybe they are either 1. represented poorly/inaccurately or 2. They are never/rarely represented at all). I wanted to do a poll/vote on what types of characters writers should incorporate more, for example, here are my…[Read more]

I came across this cool tool recently. You don’t need to do it exactly the way it says, but it may still be helpful for brainstorming if. Let’s get those steampunk-style gears turning! I know, it’s fantasy, not necessarily steampunk, but whatever.

– different accents & pronunciations

– the specific words that someone uses

– Color of eyelashes? (e.g., brown hair with blond eyelashes)

-…[Read more]

I’m in one of those creative moods where I feel like brainstorming some titles. If you’re struggling with coming up with a book/chapter title, I’d be glad to help you out! Anyone else can chime in, of course – I’m curious to see your ideas!

Someone may have said this already, but a culture’s values often determine class systems. For example, I had an idea for a fictional culture that prizes asymmetry, quirkiness, and oddities  – a value that trickles into its concept of beauty (e.g., women purposefully wear their mascara asymmetrically, etc.). Since this culture…[Read more]

I hope I’m not stepping on anyone’s toes, but I don’t like Hallmark movies. I’ll watch them if someone else in the room is watching them, but I wouldn’t voluntarily choose them unless I’m outlining the plot, analyzing the acting, making fun of them (a…[Read more]

P.S. I love your profile picture, by the way! Foxes are so cute!

I would suggest listening to instrumental music that fits the mood of whatever you’re writing (e.g., sad, introspective, beauty-filled, etc.) I find that music really inspires my writing; I made a writing playlist on Spotify of instrumentals to listen to while I’m writing. You could even make a playlist that reminds you of the…[Read more]