Latest Posts by freakinfiction - Page 3
just because someone can articulate their point better doesn’t make them right, it makes them articulated.
Some Gemology Vocabulary
for your next poem/story (pt. 2)
Gemology—the scientific study of gemstones
Clarity - The grading of a gemstone is based on the presence or absence of inclusions. The fewer inclusions, the better a gemstone’s clarity grade.
Crown - Located above the girdle or at the top of a cut stone, the crown faces up and is in plain view when the gem is arranged in a setting.
Culet - The bottom quadrant or point on a stone with a pavilion that ends in a single point; a bottom facet cut parallel to the girdle on a stone with an otherwise pointed bottom, initially intended to prevent chipping.
Diaphaneity - The general term to describe the transmittance of light through an object. The 3 typical classifications are transparency, translucency, and opacity.
Diffusion treatment - A treatment used to alter the color of a gemstone (mostly sapphires).
Dispersion - The separation of white light into the component colors of the visible spectrum.
Facet - A flat surface on a stone or other media.
Girdle - The line created where the crown and pavilion facets meet, or the series of facets that separate the crown and pavilion facets.
Pavilion - The part of the stone below the girdle, otherwise the bottom portion of the stone.
Sectile - Capable of being cut as into slices or shavings.
Table - A facet on the crown, usually parallel to the girdle. In cases when the girdle isn't a straight line, the table is typically at 90° to the stone's center axis.
Tavernier rule - A method of gemvalue calculation. Price increases by the square of weight of stones. Now obsolete.
Veinstone - Any mineral other than metal which occurs in a vein (i.e., a crack, crevice, or fissure, filled, or practically filled, with mineral matter).
Wisps - Whitish wisp-like fractures resembling thin wind-blown clouds. Occur in some synthetic emerald but never in the genuine.
Youstone - An old English term for jade.
Sources: 1 2 3
More: On Gemology ⚜ Word Lists
Some Geology Vocabulary
for your next poem/story (pt. 1)
Abyssal plain - A flat region of the deep ocean floor.
Aeolian - Describes materials formed, eroded, or deposited by or related to the action of wind.
Braided stream - A sediment-clogged stream that forms multiple channels that divide and rejoin.
Colluvium - A general term applied to loose and incoherent deposits, usually at the foot of a slope or cliff and brought there chiefly by gravity.
Conchoidal - Resembling the curve of a conch shell and used to describe a smoothly curved surface on a rock or mineral; characteristic of quartz and obsidian.
Devitrification - Conversion of glass to crystalline material.
Dune - A low mound or ridge of sediment, usually sand, deposited by the wind.
Ephemeral lake - A short-lived lake.
Estuary - The seaward end or tidal mouth of a river where freshwater and seawater mix.
Euhedral - A grain bounded by perfect crystal faces; well-formed.
Fenestral - Having openings or transparent areas in a rock.
Fluvial - Of or pertaining to a river or rivers.
Friable - Describes a rock or mineral that is easily crumbled.
Granoblastic - Describes the texture of a metamorphic rock in which recrystallization formed crystals of nearly the same size in all directions.
Hermatypic - Describes a type of reef-building coral that is incapable of adjusting to conditions lacking sunlight.
Hot spring - A thermal spring whose temperature is above that of the human body.
Isthmus - A narrow strip or neck of land, bordered on both sides by water, connecting two larger land areas.
Lacustrine - Describes a process, feature, or organism pertaining to, produced by, or inhabiting a lake.
Lithify - To change to stone, or to petrify; especially to consolidate from a loose sediment to solid rock.
Lunar tide - The part of the tide caused solely by the tide-producing force of the Moon.
Source ⚜ More: Word Lists
Apparently a lot of people get dialogue punctuation wrong despite having an otherwise solid grasp of grammar, possibly because they’re used to writing essays rather than prose. I don’t wanna be the asshole who complains about writing errors and then doesn’t offer to help, so here are the basics summarized as simply as I could manage on my phone (“dialogue tag” just refers to phrases like “he said,” “she whispered,” “they asked”):
“For most dialogue, use a comma after the sentence and don’t capitalize the next word after the quotation mark,” she said.
“But what if you’re using a question mark rather than a period?” they asked.
“When using a dialogue tag, you never capitalize the word after the quotation mark unless it’s a proper noun!” she snapped.
“When breaking up a single sentence with a dialogue tag,” she said, “use commas.”
“This is a single sentence,” she said. “Now, this is a second stand-alone sentence, so there’s no comma after ‘she said.’”
“There’s no dialogue tag after this sentence, so end it with a period rather than a comma.” She frowned, suddenly concerned that the entire post was as unasked for as it was sanctimonious.
Writing Reference: Parts of a Castle
Arrow slits - Defenders could fire arrows out, but attackers could not shoot in through these narrow holes.
Banners - Showed the symbol of the lord and his king.
Battlements - Defenders standing here could bombard attackers while staying sheltered.
Blacksmith - Skilled metalworkers provided armor, weapons, and other equipment.
Curtain wall - Thick stone walls kept the castle’s inhabitants safe from attack.
Drawbridge - This wooden bridge could be raised to cut off access to the gate.
Dungeon - Prisoners could be locked away underground, with no hope of escape.
Entranceway - A single narrow entrance meant attackers could only approach one at a time.
Gardens - Grew vegetables to eat in case of siege.
Gatehouse - The castle entrance was heavily defended. It was often built as a narrow tunnel with wood or iron gates at either end. Holes in the ceiling (murder holes) could be used to pour boiling oil or water on attackers in the tunnel.
Gatehouse towers - Towers on either side of the gatehouse allowed defenders to rain arrows, stones, or boiling water on anyone attacking.
Great hall - The feasting room, where the lord would hold banquets for his knights and guests.
Lord’s chambers - The lord and his family had private rooms in the strongest part of the castle, known as the solar.
Moat - Cut into the rock and often filled by diverting a nearby stream, the moat kept attackers away from the walls.
Postern gate - A side door acted as an emergency exit in case the castle was ever conquered.
Towers - Circular towers allowed defenders to fire arrows in any direction.
During peacetime, a castle was home to the lord, his family and servants, and guards known as men-at-arms. Many castles were like little villages inside, with kitchens, blacksmiths, gardens, stables, and a chapel. If they were attacked, the people inside had everything they needed to survive until help came.
Source More References: Medieval Period ⚜ Worldbuilding ⚜ Plot ⚜ Character
“No, no. Trust me; it works. Humans love to take care of pregnant and baby things. I’ve even seen them adopt things they eat!” “What about things that eat them?” “Oh, humans like those best of all! So just go up and act weak, they’ll take care of the rest.”
List of 120 unique fantasy jobs to give to your fantasy characters. Writers save this!
1. Spellscribe: Weaves magic into ink, creating enchanted scrolls and spellbooks.
2. Dreamweaver: Shapes dreams, ensuring a peaceful slumber for all.
3. Star Cartographer: Maps constellations and celestial paths.
4. Potion Alchemist: Brews elixirs, love potions, and invisibility brews.
5. Whispering Wind Courier: Carries messages on ethereal zephyrs.
6. Crystal Harmonist: Plays melodies on gemstone xylophones.
7. Arcane Librarian: Guards forbidden tomes and ancient grimoires.
8. Stormcaller: Commands lightning and tempests.
9. Shadow Weaver: Manipulates shadows for stealth or illusion.
10. Fey Ambassador: Bridges the gap between humans and fae.
11. Time Tinkerer: Repairs temporal rifts and broken clocks.
12. Soul Gardener: Tends to souls in the afterlife.
13. Dragon Whisperer: Communicates with fire-breathing beasts.
14. Labyrinth Architect: Designs mazes with shifting walls.
15. Aetheronaut: Pilots airships through the skies.
16. Cauldron Chef: Cooks magical stews and enchanted pastries.
17. Goblin Negotiator: Haggles with mischievous goblins over stolen treasures.
18. Wisp Shepherd: Herds glowing wisps across moonlit meadows.
19. Constellation Painter: Dips brushes in stardust to create cosmic art.
20. Swordsmith of Destiny: Forges blades with prophetic properties.
21. Oracle of Riddles: Answers questions through cryptic puzzles.
22. Moss Whisperer: Encourages moss-covered stones to share their secrets.
23. Harvest Moon Dancer: Leads celestial dances during lunar eclipses.
24. Chimera Veterinarian: Cares for mythical hybrid creatures.
25. Lore Bard: Sings epic sagas of forgotten heroes.
26. Stardust Prospector: Mines cosmic minerals from fallen meteors.
27. Mistwalker: Guides lost souls through foggy moors.
28. Enchanted Cobbler: Crafts shoes that grant extraordinary abilities.
29. Celestial Clockmaker: Constructs timepieces powered by starlight.
30. Gargoyle Sculptor: Carves stone guardians with hidden sentience.
31. Wandmaker: Whittles wands from ancient tree branches.
32. Mermaid Translator: Deciphers underwater songs and sea whispers.
33. Nightshade Apothecary: Harvests moonflowers and midnight herbs.
34. Serpent Charmer: Mesmerizes serpents with haunting melodies.
35. Skyship Navigator: Charts courses through floating islands.
36. Frostfire Sculptor: Shapes ice and flame into ephemeral statues.
37. Cursed Cursebreaker: Lifts hexes and breaks enchantments.
38. Goblin Archaeologist: Digs up lost goblin civilizations.
39. Sylph Perfumer: Captures the essence of zephyrs in fragrances.
40. Mystic Cartographer: Maps hidden ley lines and magical nexuses.
41. Moonstone Miner: Extracts shards of moonlight from caverns.
42. Gryphon Trainer: Raises and trains majestic gryphons.
43. Candlemaker of Lost Hopes: Creates candles that reveal forgotten memories.
44. Starwhisper Cartographer: Maps cosmic phenomena—comets' paths, shooting star trails, and celestial alignments.
45. Gloomsmith: Crafts melancholic artifacts—music boxes that play haunting melodies, mirrors that reflect lost loves, and inkwells that pen tear-stained poetry.
46. Siren Songstress: Sings enchanting melodies by moonlit shores, luring sailors toward rocky fates or guiding them safely through treacherous waters.
47. Astral Weaver: Spins threads from stardust, creating cloaks that grant glimpses of alternate realities or tapestries that depict forgotten legends.
48. Cryptobotanist: Studies otherworldly flora—glow-in-the-dark mushrooms, singing vines, and moonblossoms that bloom only during eclipses.
49. Soothsayer: Reads the future in tea leaves, cloud formations, or the patterns of fireflies. Their predictions shape destinies.
50. Stormglass Sculptor: Carves intricate sculptures from stormglass—frozen lightning, raindrop chandeliers, and thunderstorm dioramas.
51. Wispkeeper: Tends to wisps—tiny, glowing spirits that flit through forests. They bottle wisp-light for healing potions.
52. Eidolon Portraitist: Paints portraits of ghosts, capturing their essence before they fade into oblivion.
53. Moss Oracle: Listens to moss-covered stones, deciphering their murmurs to reveal lost histories.
54. Labyrinth Minstrel: Wanders through shifting mazes, singing songs that guide lost travelers to safety.
55. Frostbite Healer: Extracts shards of moonlight from caverns.
56. Gryphon Trainer: Raises and trains majestic gryphons.
57. Candlemaker of Lost Hopes: Creates candles that reveal forgotten memories.
58. Starwhisper Cartographer: Maps cosmic phenomena—comets’ paths, shooting star trails, and celestial alignments. Their charts guide explorers to hidden constellations.
59. Gloomsmith: Crafts melancholic artifacts—music boxes that play haunting melodies, mirrors that reflect lost loves, and inkwells that pen tear-stained poetry.
60. Siren Songstress: Sings enchanting melodies by moonlit shores, luring sailors toward rocky fates or guiding them safely through treacherous waters.
61. Astral Weaver: Spins threads from stardust, creating cloaks that grant glimpses of alternate realities or tapestries that depict forgotten legends.
62. Cryptobotanist: Studies otherworldly flora—glow-in-the-dark mushrooms, singing vines, and moonblossoms that bloom only during eclipses.
63. Soothsayer: Reads the future in tea leaves, cloud formations, or the patterns of fireflies. Their predictions shape destinies.
64. Stormglass Sculptor: Carves intricate sculptures from stormglass—frozen lightning, raindrop chandeliers, and thunderstorm dioramas.
65. Wispkeeper: Tends to wisps—tiny, glowing spirits that flit through forests. They bottle wisp-light for healing potions.
66. Eidolon Portraitist: Paints portraits of ghosts, capturing their essence before they fade into oblivion.
67. Moss Oracle: Listens to moss-covered stones, deciphering their murmurs to reveal lost histories.
68. Labyrinth Minstrel: Wanders through shifting mazes, singing songs that guide lost travelers to safety.
69. Frostbite Healer: Treats frostbitten extremities with salves made from frost sprites’ tears.
70. Chalice Enchanter: Carves runes into crystal goblets, infusing each sip with memories or emotions.
71. Goblin Archaeologist: Digs up lost goblin civilizations, unearthing rusty gadgets and cryptic hieroglyphs.
72. Sylph Perfumer: Captures the essence of zephyrs in fragrances—dawn mist, thunderstorm ozone, and moonrise musk.
73. Mystic Cartographer: Maps hidden ley lines and magical nexuses. Their charts reveal portals and ley-gates.
74. Moonstone Miner: Extracts shards of moonlight from caverns, which can be used for enchantments or as lantern fuel.
75. Gryphon Trainer: Raises and trains majestic gryphons for aerial patrols or epic quests.
76. Candlemaker of Whispers: Crafts candles that flicker with spectral flames, allowing communication with the departed.
77. Stardust Prospector: Mines cosmic minerals from fallen meteors—star iron, comet opals, and nebula gems.
78. Golem Animator: Breathes life into clay and stone constructs, imbuing them with purpose.
79. Wraith Whisperer: Communicates with restless spirits, negotiating unfinished business.
80. Celestial Navigator: Guides ships by star charts, steering vessels through astral currents.
81. Chaos Theorist: Predicts chaotic events using butterfly-wing equations, preventing or exploiting chaos.
82. Fairy Ring Dancer: Enters mystical circles to converse with fairies, striking bargains or seeking wisdom.
83. Banshee Lullaby Singer: Soothes grieving souls with haunting songs, easing their passage to the beyond.
84. Goblin Diplomat: Negotiates peace treaties between realms, balancing goblin mischief and human interests.
85. Veilwalker: Steps between dimensions using shimmering veils, exploring parallel worlds.
86. Moonshard Weaver: Threads moonstone shards into cloaks that grant moonwalking abilities.
87. Gryphon Whisperer: Communicates with gryphons through empathic bonds.
88. Cursed Curator: Collects cursed artifacts, safeguarding them in hidden vaults.
89. Sphinx Riddler: Poses enigmas to travelers seeking wisdom, granting answers in exchange for riddles.
90. Bard of Echoes: Sings songs that echo through time, preserving forgotten tales.
91. Goblin Inventor: Constructs whimsical gadgets—umbrellas that predict rain, shoes that dance, and hats that translate squirrel chatter.
92. Serpent Astronomer: Studies cosmic serpents—constellations that writhe across the sky.
93. Wisp Choreographer: Stages ethereal dances in moonlit glades, captivating forest creatures.
94. Lorekeeper of Lost Languages: Deciphers ancient scripts, unlocking forbidden knowledge.
95. Mistral Cartographer: Maps winds—trade winds, storm fronts, and zephyr currents.
96. Harbinger of Eclipses: Predicts solar and lunar eclipses, foretelling cosmic shifts.
97. Grimoire Illuminator: Adds luminescent runes to spellbooks, making incantations glow.
98. Nymph Whisperer: Listens to water nymphs’ laughter, translating it into healing melodies.
99. Celestial Harvester: Gathers stardust for celestial events—meteor showers, comet arrivals.
100. Goblin Mechanomancer: Constructs clockwork creatures—mechanical squirrels, steam-powered beetles.
101. Sylph Skyweaver: Spins cloud silk into airy garments that grant flight.
102. Oracle of Shifting Sands: Reads desert dunes, predicting sandstorms and mirages.
103. Moonmoth Keeper: Tends to moonmoths—luminous insects that guide lost travelers.
104. Gryphon Herald: Announces royal decrees from the backs of majestic gryphons.
105. Cauldron Seer: Gazes into bubbling cauldrons, glimpsing past, present, and future.
106. Whisperwood Arborist: Nurtures ancient trees that whisper forgotten secrets.
107. Stardust Cartographer: Maps cosmic phenomena—supernovae, black holes, and quasars.
108. Goblin Clockmaker: Constructs timepieces with peculiar quirks—watches that run backward, hourglasses that pause.
109. Sphinx Scholar: Studies riddles, deciphering their hidden meanings.
110. Wisp Guardian: Protects sacred wisps from curious wanderers.
111.Labyrinth Keeper: Guards labyrinth entrances, ensuring only worthy seekers enter.
112. Frostfire Forger: Crafts weapons that blaze with icy flames.
113. Goblin Meteorologist: Predicts weather using enchanted barometers and cloud crystals.
114. Sylph Windwhisperer: Converses with gusts, learning their secrets.
115. Dreamcatcher Artisan: Weaves dreamcatchers that trap nightmares and release sweet dreams.
116. Celestial Herald: Announces cosmic events—comets, eclipses, and planetary alignments.
117. Grimoire Binder: Assembles spellbooks, binding them with dragonhide and phoenix feathers.
118. Nymph Songkeeper: Records water nymphs’ melodies, preserving them in enchanted shells.
119. Goblin Tinkerer: Repairs broken gadgets—flying broomsticks, talking teapots.
120. Starforged Smith: Hammers star fragments into celestial armor and swords.
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Mont Saint-Michel, France by Allyson Beaucourt
Do you have any good words for pain? (Hurt for example) Like being in pain or exclamations of pain (ouch for example)
Pain—unpleasant bodily sensation; mental/emotional distress or suffering
Ache - a usually dull persistent pain
Affliction - a cause of persistent pain or distress
Agony - intense pain of mind or body; anguish, torture
Anguish - extreme pain, distress, or anxiety
Bruise - an injury involving rupture of small blood vessels and discoloration without a break in the overlying skin; an injury especially to the feelings
Burn - to produce or undergo an uncomfortable or painful sensation like that of being injured by fire
Chafe - to make sore by or as if by rubbing
Clonus - a rapid succession of alternating contractions and partial relaxations of a muscle occurring in some nervous diseases
Colic - an attack of acute abdominal pain localized in a hollow organ and often caused by spasm, obstruction, or twisting
Cramp - a painful involuntary spasmodic contraction of a muscle
Deleterious - harmful often in a subtle or unexpected way
Discomfort - mental or physical uneasiness; annoyance
Distress - pain or suffering affecting the body, a bodily part, or the mind; trouble
Fester - to generate pus; putrefy, rot;; to cause increasing poisoning, irritation, or bitterness
Gripe - a pinching spasmodic intestinal pain—usually used in plural
Inflamed - to cause inflammation (i.e., injury that is marked by capillary dilatation, leukocytic infiltration, redness, heat, and pain) in (bodily tissue)
Lancinate - pierce, stab, lacerate
Malaise - a vague sense of mental or moral ill-being
Misery - a circumstance, thing, or place that causes suffering or discomfort
Noxious - physically harmful or destructive to living beings
Pernicious - highly injurious or destructive; deadly; (archaic): wicked
Prickle - a prickling or tingling sensation
Sore - a source of pain, distress or vexation; affliction
Spasm - an involuntary and abnormal muscular contraction; a sudden violent and temporary effort, emotion, or sensation
Sting - a wound or pain caused by or as if by stinging (sharp or piercing)
Suffer - to endure death, pain, or distress
Throb - to pulsate or pound with abnormal force or rapidity
Travail - a physical or mental exertion or piece of work; task, effort; agony, torment
Twinge - a sudden sharp stab of pain
Woe - a condition of deep suffering from misfortune, affliction, or grief
Exclamations of Pain
ouch, boo, ow, aw, woe, shucks, ay, rats, yuk, sheesh, alack, tush, pooh, yuck, wirra (Irish), phooey, alas, tsk, pshaw, bah, humph, tut, pish, ho hum, faugh, fie
Hope this helps with your writing. Do tag me, or send me a link. I'd love to read your work!
This might be my fav art of them so far I think
Print <3 | kofi | instagram
if you were to draw tengen uzui from demon slayer I would give you my life savings 😭
I really want to he looks dashing 🤭
Also here is smiling yoruichi
Descriptions: Because “The Sunset was Nice” is Clearly Pulitzer-Worthy
Hey, my cute little Muses!
Let's talk about something that's as essential to writing as coffee is to my life: description. Yep, those juicy, detailed snippets that paint a picture in your reader’s mind. Buckle up, because we're diving deep into the wonderful world of words!
The Beauty of Description
First things first, let's get this out of the way: dialogue is awesome. It’s the sassy sibling of description that gets all the attention at family gatherings. But description? Description is the unsung hero, the one who quietly makes everything beautiful and meaningful.
Example Time!
Imagine a scene where two characters meet after years apart. You could write:
Dialogue Version:
“Hey, long time no see.”
“Yeah, it’s been a while.”
Description Version:
The air hung heavy with unspoken words as Jane stepped into the dimly lit café. Her heart raced, a drumbeat echoing the years of separation. Across the room, a familiar figure turned, his eyes widening in surprise. The years had etched lines into his face, but his smile – that same old smile – was unmistakable.
See the difference? One is a quick text exchange, the other pulls you into the moment, making you feel every heartbeat.
My Personal (Hilarious) Struggles with Description
Let’s get real. My early attempts at description were… let’s say, less than stellar. Picture this: me, hunched over my laptop at 2 AM, trying to describe a sunset. I wrote, “The sunset was nice.” Genius, right? Shakespeare would be proud.
But over time, I learned to appreciate the beauty of weaving in details. Descriptions don't just tell you what something looks like; they tell you how it feels, smells, sounds, and tastes. They make your world vivid and real.
Another Example!
Consider a spooky old house:
Dialogue Version:
“Look, it’s an old house.”
Description Version:
The house loomed ahead, its windows like dark, empty eyes. The wind whispered through the broken shutters, carrying with it the faint scent of decay. Each step on the creaking porch felt like an invitation to the unknown, a call to uncover the secrets hidden within its ancient walls.
You feel that shiver? That’s the magic of description.
The Great “Show, Don’t Tell” Myth
Here’s the kicker: “show, don’t tell” doesn’t mean you have to ditch description for action-packed dialogue. Description is a vital part of showing. It’s about making your readers experience the story, not just read it.
Show, Don’t Tell Example!
Tell Version:
John was scared.
Show Version:
John’s hands trembled as he gripped the flashlight. His breath came in short, sharp bursts, and his eyes darted around the dark room, searching for the source of the eerie noise.
In the “show” version, you’re right there with John, feeling his fear. Description brings out the emotions without simply stating them.
Why Description Over Dialogue?
1. Depth and Atmosphere: Dialogue can be snappy and fun, but description sets the scene. It creates the mood and builds the world your characters inhabit.
2. Character Insight: Through description, you can reveal a character’s thoughts and emotions in a way that dialogue alone can’t.
3. Pacing and Tension: Good description can slow down a moment to build suspense or quicken the pace to heighten excitement.
Remember, balance is key. Too much description can bog down your story, while too little can leave readers feeling disconnected. It's all about finding that sweet spot.
Final Thoughts
So, next time you’re writing, give a little extra love to your descriptions. Think of them as the cozy blanket that wraps around your story, keeping it warm and inviting. And if you ever find yourself writing “the sunset was nice,” just know you’re not alone – we’ve all been there.
Keep writing, keep describing, and remember: every detail counts!
Until next time,
Museadvicecorner (a.k.a. the person who has way too many notebooks)
P.S. If you need me, I'll be here, trying to describe the indescribable and failing gloriously.
Your feedback on my blog would mean the world to me! If my posts make you smile, why not fuel my caffeine addiction? Any support is super appreciated, even a comment too. Got any topics you want me to dive into? Just holler. Need some custom writing prompts? Hit me up anytime! :-) Also I'm thinking of starting a writing community do tell me what you think about it (◠‿◕)
How to make your writing sound less stiff part 2
Part 1
Again, just suggestions that shouldn’t have to compromise your author voice, as I sit here doing my own edits for a WIP.
1. Crutch words
Specifically when you have your narrator taking an action instead of just… writing that action. Examples:
Character wonders/imagines/thinks/realizes
Character sees/smells/feels
Now not all of these need to be cut. There’s a difference between:
Elias stops. He realizes they’re going in the wrong direction.
And
Elias takes far too long to realize that it’s not horribly dark wherever they are
Crutch words are words that don’t add anything to the sentence and the sentence can carry on with the exact same meaning even if you delete it. Thus:
Elias stops. They’re going in the wrong direction.
I need a word in the second example, whether it’s realizes, understands, or notices, unless I rework the entire sentence. The “realization” is implied by the hard cut to the next sentence in the first example.
2. Creating your own “author voice”
Unless the tone of the scene demands otherwise, my writing style is very conversational. I have a lot of sentence fragments to reflect my characters’ scatterbrained thoughts. I let them be sarcastic and sassy within the narration. I leave in instances of “just” (another crutch word) when I think it helps the sentence. Example:
…but it’s just another cave to Elias.
Deleting the “just” wouldn’t hit as hard or read as dismissive and resigned.
I may be writing in 3rd person limited, but I still let the personalities of my characters flavor everything from the syntax to metaphor choices. It’s up to you how you want to write your “voice”.
I’ll let dialogue cut off narration, like:
Not that he wouldn’t. However, “You can’t expect me to believe that.”
Sure it’s ~grammatically incorrect~ but you get more leeway in fiction. This isn’t an essay written in MLA or APA format. It’s okay to break a few rules, they’re more like guidelines anyway.
3. Metaphor, allegory, and simile
There is a time and a place to abandon this and shoot straight because oftentimes you might not realize you’re using these at all. It’s the difference between:
Blinding sunlight reflects off the window sill
And
Sunlight bounces like high-beams off the window sill
It’s up to you and what best fits the scene.
Sometimes there’s more power in not being poetic, just bluntly explicit. Situations like describing a character’s battle wounds (whatever kind of battle they might be from, whether it be war or abuse) don’t need flowery prose and if your manuscript is metaphor-heavy, suddenly dropping them in a serious situation will help with the mood and tonal shift, even if your readers can’t quite pick up on why immediately.
Whatever the case is, pick a metaphor that fits the narrator. If my narrator is comparing a shade of red to something, pick a comparison that makes sense.
Red like the clouds at sunset might make sense for a character that would appreciate sunsets. It’s romantic but not sensual, it’s warm and comforting.
Red like lipstick stains on a wine glass hints at a very different image and tone.
Metaphor can also either water down the impact of something, or make it so much worse so pay attention to what you want your reader to feel when they read it. Are you trying to shield them from the horror or dig it in deep?
4. Paragraph formatting
Nothing sticks out on a page quite like a line of narrative all by itself. Abusing this tactic will lessen its effect so save single sentence paragraphs for lines you want to hammer your audiences with. Lines like romantic revelations, or shocking twists, or characters giving up, giving in. Or just a badass line that deserves a whole paragraph to itself.
I do it all the time just like this.
Your writing style might not feature a bunch of chunky paragraphs to emphasize smaller lines of text (or if you’re writing a fic on A03, the size of the screen makes many paragraphs one line), but if yours does, slapping a zinger between two beefy paragraphs helps with immersion.
5. Polysyndeton and Asyndeton
Not gibberish! These, like single-sentence paragraphs, mix up the usual flow of the narrative that are lists of concepts with or without conjunctions.
Asyndeton: We came. We saw. We conquered. It was cold, grey, lifeless.
Polysyndeton: And the birds are out and the sun is shining and it might rain later but right now I am going to enjoy the blue sky and the puffy white clouds like cotton balls. They stand and they clap and they sing.
Both are for emphasis. Asyndeton tends to be "colder" and more blunt, because the sentence is blunt. Polysyntedon tends to be more exciting, overwhelming.
We came and we saw and we conquered.
The original is rather grim. This version is almost uplifting, like it's celebrating as opposed to taunting, depending on how you look at it.
—
All of these are highly situational, but if you’re stuck, maybe try some out and see what happens.
*italicized quotes are from ENNS, the rest I made up on the spot save for the Veni Vidi Vici.
How to Give Your Character Unique Dialogue: A Guide for Writers
Hey there, fellow writers!
Crafting memorable characters isn’t just about their backstory or physical traits—it’s also about how they speak. Unique dialogue can make your characters stand out and feel more real. Here’s a quick guide on how to give your characters a voice that’s all their own:
1. Know Your Character Inside Out
• Background: Where did they grow up? What’s their education level?
• Personality: Are they sarcastic, formal, shy, or bubbly?
• Motivations: What drives them? How does this affect their speech?
2. Use Distinctive Speech Patterns
• Catchphrases & Slang: Does your character have a favorite saying or unique slang?
• Rhythm & Pace: Do they speak quickly when excited or slowly when thinking?
• Filler Words: Um, like, you know—these can reveal a lot about a character’s confidence and background.
3. Reflect Their Environment
• Regional Dialects: Incorporate local idioms or accents.
• Professional Jargon: Use specific terms related to their job or hobbies.
4. Show Their Emotions
• Tension & Relaxation: How does their speech change under stress or when they’re relaxed?
• Subtext: What are they not saying? Use pauses and interruptions to show this.
5. Keep it Consistent
• Consistency is Key: Ensure their dialogue remains true to their character throughout your story.
6. Read Aloud
• Test it Out: Read your dialogue out loud. Does it sound natural? Does it fit the character?
7. Edit Ruthlessly
• Trim the Fat: Remove unnecessary words. Make every line count.
• Avoid Info-Dumping: Let dialogue reveal character and plot naturally, not as an exposition dump.
Example Time!
Here’s a snippet showing how distinct dialogue can differentiate characters:
Aloof Scientist:
“The quantum flux anomaly is, frankly, quite perplexing. However, if we calibrate the resonator to precisely 9.42 terahertz, we might just mitigate the interference.”
Street-Smart Rebel:
“Look, I don’t know shit about your fancy science talk, but if it’s gonna help us bust outta here, I’m all in. Just tell me where to hit.”
Happy writing, and may your characters’ voices ring true!
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Show, Don't Tell (Unless You Want to Sound Like Me): A How-To and How-Not-To Guide
Hey, my cute little Muses! It's your favorite (or maybe not) self-proclaimed advice-giver who still can’t get her own writing life together. Today, we’re tackling the age-old advice: “Show, don’t tell.” A rule that’s as confusing as trying to assemble IKEA furniture without the instructions. I mean, who needs those, right?
Why "Show, Don’t Tell" is Like the Holy Grail (and Why You Keep Dropping It)
"Show, don’t tell" is like that elusive treasure we all chase in our writing journeys. It’s supposed to make our stories vivid, our characters relatable, and our readers engaged. Instead, it often leaves us feeling like we’re playing literary Twister with our brains. So, let’s dive into this mess, shall we?
When to Show (Because Apparently, Descriptions Are Fun)
Imagine your character is sad. (No, not just because they’re reading my blog.) Instead of saying, “John was sad,” you could show it:
- Tell: John was sad.
- Show: John slumped on the park bench, staring at the ground as if the answers to life’s miseries were etched in the cracks of the sidewalk.
See? Now, John’s sadness is palpable. You can almost feel the weight of his despair. Or maybe you just feel the weight of your own struggles trying to craft such sentences. Either way, it's a win-win.
When to Tell (Because Ain’t Nobody Got Time for That)
Sometimes, you just need to get to the point. Not every moment needs to be a cinematic masterpiece. Here’s a hint: if you’re bogging down your story with endless details, you might be overdoing it.
- Tell: It was a cold night.
- Show: The icy wind howled through the leafless trees, its chill biting at the skin like a thousand tiny needles, making every breath visible in the frosty air.
Yeah, I know. The second one sounds fancy, but do we really need a weather report? Unless your character is battling the elements, a simple “It was a cold night” will do. Save your energy for the scenes that matter. Like the one where your protagonist has an existential crisis (which, let’s be honest, is probably inspired by your own).
The Balance (Or How I Pretend to Know What I’m Doing)
Finding the balance between showing and telling is like finding the perfect coffee-to-milk ratio. Too much milk and it’s bland; too little, and it’s just bitter. The trick is knowing when to be a barista of words and when to just dump the coffee and move on.
Here’s a worthy example (and by worthy, I mean it won’t make you want to claw your eyes out):
- Show: The corners of her mouth twitched upward as she watched the puppy stumble over its own feet, a laugh bubbling up from her chest.
- Tell: She was amused.
Both have their place. Use the first when you want the reader to be in the moment with the character. Use the second when you just need to convey information quickly and get on with your life (and your story).
The Overuse and Underuse (Because Moderation is for the Weak)
Let’s be real. We all either overuse or underuse this rule. Some writers show everything, turning their stories into long-winded epics that make "War and Peace" look like a quick read. Others tell everything, creating a narrative that’s as exciting as a grocery list.
Final Thoughts (Aka My Rambling Conclusion)
“Show, don’t tell” is crucial, but like most writing advice, it’s not a one-size-fits-all. Understand it, play with it, and most importantly, don’t stress over it. Remember, even Shakespeare probably had days where he was like, “To show, or not to show, that is the question.”
So, go forth, write brilliantly, and remember: if all else fails, you can always come back here for more advice (or just to feel better about your own writing skills by comparison).Happy writing!
Until next time,
Muse Advice Corner (a.k.a. the person who has way too many notebooks)
P.S. If this post didn’t help, at least you can say you survived reading it. That’s an achievement in itself.
Your feedback on my blog would mean the world to me! If my posts make you smile, why not fuel my caffeine addiction? Any support is super appreciated, even a comment too. Got any topics you want me to dive into? Just holler. Need some custom writing prompts? Hit me up anytime! :-) Also I'm thinking of starting a writing community do tell me what you think about it (◠‿◕)
some people think writers are so eloquent and good with words, but the reality is that we can sit there with our fingers on the keyboard going, “what’s the word for non-sunlight lighting? Like, fake lighting?” and for ten minutes, all our brain will supply is “unofficial”, and we know that’s not the right word, but it’s the only word we can come up with…until finally it’s like our face got smashed into a brick wall and we remember the word we want is “artificial”.
some people think writers are so eloquent and good with words, but the reality is that we can sit there with our fingers on the keyboard going, “what’s the word for non-sunlight lighting? Like, fake lighting?” and for ten minutes, all our brain will supply is “unofficial”, and we know that’s not the right word, but it’s the only word we can come up with…until finally it’s like our face got smashed into a brick wall and we remember the word we want is “artificial”.
㋡🥀
idea: scene with two characters eagerly stripping each other clearly about to bone, but they keep getting interrupted by finding carefully concealed weapons in each other’s clothing, so they keep just unholstering, revealing and unstrapping increasingly ludicrous amounts of hidden guns and knives as the clothes come off, and it’s lowkey killing the mood a little
It is absolutely useless to point out to me that my favorite characters went insane and perhaps slightly evil, especially when they were the ones wronged first. I support them and think they could have been more insane, actually. I think they should have just started attacking people on sight. They should have gone off the walls completely. They should have made all their decisions based off of grief and fear for far longer! I support rights and wrongs indiscriminately. I think forgive and forget should only come after they've worked through their hurt in the most destructive way possible and traumatized everyone back. Pls never assume otherwise
Wherever the fate calls us next, I know everything will be just fine. Because you and Mother Nature got my back. You're both my home, because home can be a person ...or a cat
print ♡ • free wallpaper
The Princess Royal
Hey guys! This is important so please dont scroll past this.
Wafaa's old blog got shadowbanned, and its just yet another example of how far tumblr will go to silence palestinians when theyre already struggling to get by because of illness, starvation and the constant violence. It should alarm you just how frequent this is becoming with palestinian bloggers having to remake 3-4 times when theyre already living through the worst things imaginable.
If you don't know who she is, Wafaa Alnhal is a woman in her 40s who had left for Egypt a little after the occupation attacked for medical treatment. She has since been working hard to spread her campaign and evacuate her family who she had to leave behind in Gaza, despite her own ongoing struggle with her health issues and making rent.
Initially her goal for her gfm had been 35k, but recently she's had to raise it to 50k because her daughter has gotten hepatitis from the polluted water in Gaza. Her family is suffering- all 15 of them including 4 young children and a newborn baby- and they will have to live with the damage for the rest of their lives. It's taking its toll on Wafaa too, who's had to neglect her own health and wellbeing to raise funds for them.
She's made a new blog @wafs-posts and you all should follow her there to get updates from her on the situation directly. You should be listening to her instead of hearing this from me.
Her gfm is currently at 12k/50k
They still have a long way to go, so please dont let tumblrs censorship slow them down
Her campaign has been verified, and there is a raffle being conducted (by @/ibtisams) to raise funds for her campaign so please give it a look, and consider taking part there are some truly beautiful journals to be won.
Please follow the raffles for palestine account and take a look at the other artwork thats up for grabs too!
The Shards of Childhood
The city I knew, the one my children chased pigeons in and learned to ride bikes on, is gone. War, a cruel sculptor, has reshaped its once vibrant streets into a desolate landscape of twisted metal and shattered dreams.exclamation Buildings that held laughter and the scent of baking bread now stand as hollow shells, their windows vacant eyes staring back at a ravaged sky. Memories, too, lie fractured beneath the rubble. Gone are the echoes of children's games played in sun-dappled courtyards, replaced by the relentless thud of shelling. The familiar scent of jasmine, once a signature note in the summer air, is now tainted by the acrid tang of destruction. Each corner used to hold a story - the bakery where my daughter devoured warm croissants, the park bench where my son scraped his knee for the first time. Now, these fragments of our lives exist only in the fragile museum of my mind, a place where the war cannot reach, but still manages to cast a long shadow. Yet, amidst the wreckage, a flicker of hope remains. Like fragile wildflowers pushing through cracked concrete, the resilience of the human spirit endures. We, the survivors, carry the weight of this loss, but also the fierce love for our children and the yearning to rebuild. We will gather the shards of our memories, piece by broken piece, and weave them into a tapestry of a new future, one where laughter finds its voice again and our children can dream safe dreams, free from the haunting echoes of war