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#worldbuilding#fantasy worldbuilding#writers#creative writing#writing#writing community#writers of tumblr#creative writers#writing inspiration#writeblr#writerblr#writing tips#helping writers#writing science fiction#fantasy world building#writing fantasy#writing games#writing exercise#writing exercises#let's write#resources for writers#writers on tumblr#how to write#writers and poets#writer's block#beat writers block#writers block#story inspiration#writer#writing advice
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Attempts at Fluff, pt1
I'm generally quite terrible at fluff (it always ends in tears) and I'm even worse at romance so have these two who are totally not in a QPR:
“Do not even think about it, you thick-witted imbecile," I hissed. To think, I had dressed up, pulled out a mortal suit, and for this?
"Come on, didn't ya say yer wanted to go have some fun?" My love met my eyes with a wild grin, eyes glinting like gold ingots.
“Hash, I was under the impression we were going to blow up a bank or throw eggs at the Lich-Queen's castle," I snapped, gesturing at the setup before us. "Not- Whatever this is."
"Don't be a spoilsport, Hans," he wheedled. "It's just a picnic. I bought lemonade too!" He slipped a hand around my waist, and I slapped it in a fit of pique. As soon as it retreated, I regretted chasing it away.
"We are in public," I told him petulantly. "Unlike you, I do have an image to maintain. That image involves rivers of blood, not sitting and having chocolate chip cookies under a scarrarin tree."
"We're literally in the middle of a human garden in bloody Losaras, ya grouchy old bastard. Half of these people have never even seen a spirit before, let alone possibly recognising ya," he chided me, smacking me on the nose with a finger.
"You are far older than me," I retorted, but he'd already coaxed a smile onto my face. "Fine. Just this once, I shall indulge your degenerate fancies."
Hash let out a laugh that could have made the princes of old swoon with delight. As it stood, I settled with placing a peck on the side of his cheek. There was something delightful in the knowledge that he'd chosen his form to match my height, so I did not have to float to even reach his shoulder.
He nudged me in the ribs with an elbow, and pulled me down onto the grass with him. I let out a shriek unbecoming of a man of my stature, and landed on top of him. “This- This is most undignified,” I told him, laughing as I did. Hash snickered in my ear.
I picked up a cookie from the plate. Hand baked, it seemed, for no self-respecting bakery could sell something quite as chunky and uneven as it. Nonetheless, I stuck it in my mouth and grinned at my love. He grabbed my hand again, and this time I had not the hubris to push him away.
We sat there, beneath the falling scarrarin petals, sipping lemonade and giggling like schoolboys at the humans who ogled us. Had they never seen a shifter and a spirit holding hands? Hash knelt his chin against the curve of my shoulder, and murmured, “Say, we don't have to just have a picnic, ya know. We could have some of the other kind of fun.”
Instinctively, I gave him the glare I typically reserved for overly aggressive noblewomen. “I don't mean it that way, you idiot,” he teased. “We could blow something up. Like that pretty watchtower over there.”
I looked where he was pointing. There was indeed a gorgeous example of mortal architecture there, one of those erect serpents of steel and glass that seemed to poke at the heavens themselves, a firm up-your’s to the gods. “Yes, I suppose it will do,” I replied, grinning. “There is just one issue, however.”
“Oh?” Hash's eyes widened, and I could not help but pull myself closer to him. "Whatever might it be?"
“If you must know,” I sighed dramatically. “I'd rather sit here with you.”
#These bastards just won't be a couple#Like they won't be just friends either#my writing#Writing exercises#Writblr#Fluff#Advice would be appreciated actually
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Character Descriptions: How Much to Reveal?
My partner comes downstairs to poke me gently on the shoulder, and I catch a glimpse of gray ink on his arm: a row of polyhedral dice. He’s a writer, too. Or, he wants to be—is, in spirit, and I have to keep reminding him (and myself) that’s what matters. That, I suppose, and the actual act of writing. I peel myself away from my own keyboard to look up at him.
Squinting at the speeding train of his own thoughts, he tells me his ideas, so we can collaborate (I’m the one with the college degree in writing, but he’s the plot mastermind), and one uncertainty he brought to me was this:
How much do I need to describe what a character looks like?
This is the first in a series of Creative Writing Advice articles I will be posting exclusively to my ko-fi page. They will be free to read, but I would like to encourage you to leave a tip if you find them useful!
I do have a particular fundraising goal: ADHD meds are still in short supply and only the brand-name manufacturers seem to be able to distribute them. Our insurance only covers the generics. So, if you'd like to support my partner's quality of life and our creative endeavors, we would very much appreciate your support! ♡♡
#character description#writing tips#creative writing#writing advice#creative writing advice#characterization#writing exercises#writeblr
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A way to study, practice, and appreciate adjectives, fine-tune descriptions, and invent worlds (longer description and typed examples are at A study in adjectives):
Collect adjectives from an atmospheric book. (Or make your own themed list, but it’s very interesting seeing what’s distinctive in a particular book or author. Here, I used John Dickson Carr’s 1932 The Waxworks Murder, and then words associated with e.g., cats, oceans, fabric.)
Invent or borrow a template sentence, with blanks where adjectives could go. Here’s mine:
A ___, ___ cafe, down a ___ alley, the light ___ and ___ through ___ leaves, and ___, ___ customers in a ____ mood, this ___ establishment is a ___ haunt of ___ locals.
Drop the adjectives in at random. Notice what they do. Try again with a different list and compare.
Bonus: If you illustrate, try to draw it.
(Also my short story collection Kindling, the first story in which is extremely adjective-heavy, is out now from Small Beer Press.)
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The importance of writing exercises.
Practice and skill development :
Writing exercises provide an opportunity to improve your abilities, it allows you to focus on specific aspects of writing, such as character development, dialogue, descriptive language, or plot structure.
Overcoming Writer's Block :
Writing exercises can be an effective tool for overcoming writer's block or periods of creative stagnation. When you're stuck on a particular project or lacking inspiration, engaging in a different writing exercise can help break through the mental block. It allows you to shift your focus, explore new ideas, and spark your creativity.
Building Writing Discipline :
Consistently doing writing exercises helps you develop discipline and consistency in your writing practice. It cultivates the habit of sitting down to write regularly, even when you may not feel particularly motivated or inspired. This discipline is crucial for sustaining long-term writing projects and achieving your writing goals.
Here are a few writing exercises for you :
Describe a vivid and atmospheric setting, such as a bustling city street during a thunderstorm, a serene beach at sunrise, or an abandoned mansion shrouded in mist.
Write a dialogue between two characters who have opposing viewpoints on a controversial topic. Explore their arguments, emotions, and the potential for understanding or conflict.
Create a character who possesses an unusual and magical talent. Write a scene where they first discover or struggle to control their power.
Write a scene in which a character faces their greatest fear. Explore their internal thoughts, the physical sensations they experience, and the choices they make in overcoming or succumbing to their fear.
Post it, or don't.
Happy writing!
#writers block#writers on tumblr#creativity#writing#writers helping writers#writing help#writing advice#writing tips#writing prompts#writing exercises
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Competitive Writing Sprints!
This weekend, Admin MJ is hosting TWO sets of competitive writing sprints in our discord server! Two chances to add words to your WIP and win prizes!
What time will it be for you?
Los Angeles - Saturday and Sunday 9am
New York - Saturday and Sunday noon
London - Saturday and Sunday 5pm
New Delhi - Saturday and Sunday 9:30pm
Melbourne - Sunday and Monday 2am
How will it work?
Exact number of sprints and length of each sprint will be decided by the host and participants. Be prepared to work on a WIP of your own, but the host has the option of offering a prompt.
At the end of the sprints, whoever wrote the most words in one sprint will get a prize. Whoever wrote the most words in all of the sprints together will also get a prize. More prizes may be given out on the day depending on how things go. If the host brings prompts, there may be opportunities to win more prizes for most creative, funniest, etc. Be prepared to be asked to share your work! You don’t have to if you don’t want to! (Prizes will be chosen from the Pond Prize Pool.)
Where will this happen?
In the sprint channel in the Pond discord server. (You must be a member to be in the discord server. Not a member? Start here and then send us an ASK!) For anyone who hasn’t sprinted before, how it all works will be explained before we start.
I have more questions. How do I get them answered?
Send us an ASK, or ask your question in the discord server (someone will get back to you later if no one is there when you ask), or send a private message to @thoughtslikeaminefield!
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
#pond events#writing challenge#writing exercises#writing sprints#pond admin#fan fiction#fanfiction#fan fic#fanfic#spn fan fiction#spn fanfiction#spn fan fic#spn fanfic#supernatural fan fiction#supernatural fan fic#supernatural fanfiction#supernatural fanfic#the winchesters#spnwin
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one day i will commit myself to doing the not so automatic writing exercise by thomas lux
#writing exercises#poetry#thomas lux#part of me yearns to be a poet again#yearns to write#but in response i keep screaming back how how how#show me how#for the love of god how do you write a poem#anyways#cloud nonsense
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Prompt 1844
You are a cashier that works nights at a 24 hour grocery store. Who comes in regularly? What do they buy? Why do the patrons get stranger and stranger as the night goes on?
#daily writing prompts#fiction#writing#writing prompts#writing practice#creative writing prompts#writing inspiration#writing exercises#writing prompt#prompts#dead week#I want to be doneeeee
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“If you were my student, I’d have you make a list of all the quick, wordless gestures you make every day.
The thumbs up. The thumb and index finger OK sign. Knocking your fist lightly on your forehead to recall something. Clutching your heart. The hitchhiker’s thumb, indicating ‘get lost.’ The index finger held vertically against the lips for ‘hush up.’ The hooked ‘come here’ finger.
I’d make you list at least 50 hand signals, that way you’d always, always be aware of the variety of gestures you can insert into dialogue.”
From “Consider This” by Chuck Palahniuk
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do you have any tips on how to get better at showing, not telling when it comes to descriptions in stories? i really struggle with describing characters without blatantly telling you what their features are especially. i always find myself reverting back to telling without realising it. thanks!!
Our post in the Reading Room today is all about showing, not telling, and includes these great writing exercises to help you improve your skills!
Writing exercises to show, not tell
Picture this!
Using a random picture (it can be anything from a stock photo, your favourite painting, or a book cover you like), describe what it shows without explicitly stating what’s depicted.
This isn’t an easy task, but it’s a great challenge to get you to start describing things without stating the obvious. It’s a good way to practice giving readers a sense of things and really putting your imagination through its paces.
Let me give you an example below:
With a regal bearing and a piercing green gaze, she stands before the void in feline judgement.
Sensory immersion
Choose a familiar setting, like a coffee shop, a park, or a favourite restaurant. Spend a few minutes observing your surroundings, paying close attention to the sensory details, then write a descriptive passage that never mentions exactly where you are.
Focus on sensory details and illustrate what is happening around you. Share this passage with someone who is also familiar with the place and see if they can tell where you’re writing about from description alone.
All about action
Take a character from one of your stories or create a new one. Write a scene where the character experiences a strong emotion, such as joy, anger, or fear. Without explicitly stating the emotion, write around it using action only.
You can use body language, facial expressions, and gestures but avoid using anything (synonyms, for example) that will give away the emotion. Show it to a trusted writing buddy and see if they can guess the emotion you’re trying to convey.
Talk it out
Write an exchange between two characters where they are having an emotionally charged moment. You can use a character you’ve created, or use two characters from a favourite book or TV show that you know well. As long as you have a good sense for who they are and their back story.
The exercise is to avoid directly stating the emotion each character is experiencing; instead, use tone of voice and word choice to illustrate their emotional state and convey their thoughts and emotions indirectly.
Narrate your day
This one is super fun, but be warned, if you do it in public, people will think you’re a little odd. I’ve done it before, and it resulted in some hilarious real-world interactions, but just be prepared. Some of you might prefer to only do this one when you’re alone.
The task for this is to narrate everything you do for a day. Using the recorder on your phone, dictate your actions, your thoughts, and your feelings. Going for a walk? Talk about where you’re going, what is around you, how things feel under your feet, and what the weather is like. What other things are you thinking about on the walk? How are you feeling? Not just in the moment, but what is going on in the back of your mind?
At the end of the day, listen back to everything you’ve narrated. Take note of what sticks out. When I did this exercise, I found that the emotions I thought I might be feeling in any given moment were often not the ones that I was actually feeling. For instance, I’d spoken with my family earlier in the day, and there was a sense of homesickness that wormed its way into every other moment of the day, from my interactions with others to my mood before bed.
An exercise like this can really help show you how to use subtext to show, not tell.
Remember to approach these exercises with an open mind and a willingness to experiment. The goal is to practice and refine your ability to show rather than tell, not to generate a world-class piece of prose that you’d immediately want to include in your next project.
#writers#creative writing#writing#writing community#writers of tumblr#creative writers#writing inspiration#writeblr#writerblr#writing tips#writblr#novlr#writer things#show dont tell#showing not telling#descriptive writing#writing exercise#writing exercises#writing prompt#learn to write#helping writers#writing resources#creative writing resources#writing advice#writer#writers helping writers#how to write
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Worldbuilding Exercise #9
What are three factions/organizations that all have the same goal, but are completely different still via goals, aesthetics, behavior, or other?
How do these factions differ from each other? What makes them so alike? Do they know each other, and if so how does that typically go?
How do these groups recruit newer people? What would life be like in them?
#worldbuilding#world building#world building inspo#worldbuilding exercises#writing exercises#worldbuilding inspo#worldbuilding inspiration#world building exercises
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Story Prompt 108
"You just don't get it," they said, frustration etching lines on their face. "It's not about what's convenient for you. It's about what's right."
Their companion shook their head, unable or unwilling to comprehend. "But why do you always have to be the one to make the sacrifices? Why can't things just work out for once?"
A wry smile flickered across the determined individual's lips. "Because that's not how it works. Someone has to step up, someone has to make the tough decisions."
The other scoffed, the weight of their own desires blinding them to the bigger picture. "And what makes you so special? Why should you get to play hero while the rest of us suffer?"
"Because heroes aren't born, they're made," came the reply, tinged with a hint of sadness. "And sometimes, being the hero means being vilified by those who can't see beyond their own needs."
#story prompt#writing prompt#creative writing#am writing#story ideas#writers community#fiction prompt#inspiration#writing inspiration#story beginnings#writers life#writers block#writers of ig#writing community#plot ideas#character development#storytelling#prompt challenge#fiction writing#author life#get writing#writing ideas#writers corner#writing challenge#writing tips#story generator#writing exercises#fiction ideas#storytime#plot generator
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Helpful Creative Writing Warmups
Your brain isn't technically a muscle, but warmups can get your creativity flowing before diving back into your WIP or a new story.
Try these warmups when you need to loosen your mind and do something a little different than normal.
30 Second Stream of Consciousness Writing
Set a timer and throw every thought you have onto paper. Do they make sense? Are they just the embodiment of your anxiety? Who cares! Get it out of your head and see if that loosens up your writing abilities.
Describe Something Close to You
Look to your right. Look to your left. Pick one thing and spend a few sentences describing it. Get that creative flow working and repeat if you're enjoying it.
Write to a Song
It's easy to write a paragraph-length scene about a song with story-like lyrics, but what happens when you write whatever comes to mind while listening to low-fi? A thunderstorm? An acoustic cover? Let's find out!
Make an Object Come to Life
If the half empty water bottle next to you came to life, what would it say? Write a few sentences and move onto another object if you enjoy the exercise.
Write About How a Show/Movie Made You Feel Recently
Talk about the movie or TV show that last made you laugh, cry, get angry or feel joy. What captured your heart so deeply? Use a page to write about it. It may help connect you to the heart in your current/next story.
Pick a Different Genre and Write 50 Words
Writers can often get stuck in the same genre (I'm totally guilty of that!). Pick something wildly different and write a 50-word story in that genre. It might be trash, it might be treasure. It will definitely be a creative writing exercise.
Find a Prompt and Write About It For One Page
There are tons of great writing prompt tumblrs with fresh ideas you'd never think of otherwise. Commit one page to a prompt that catches your eye and write something just for yourself.
Rewrite Your Favorite or Least Favorite Scene
in a book or movie. maybe it's the ending, the beginning, or a scene in the middle. limit yourself to a few sentences or a page to keep it flash fiction. low stakes--already familiar with the characters, setting, conflict.
Write Without a Specific Letter
Are you up for a real challenge? Write a 10-sentence story without a letter. Any letter. It's way harder and more fun than you'd think.
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Have fun challenging yourself and trying something new next time you're bored 💛
#writeblr#writing warmups#writing exercises#writing tips#writers of tumblr#writing help#writing advice#writing inspiration#creative writing#writing community
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Six Waiting Room Writing Exercises
These are short writing exercises you can do in waiting rooms, on the bus or train, between tasks, or whenever else you have a moment. All of these are doable on your phone or in your head.
Descriptions
Write down 1-2 sentence descriptions of the people around you. Instead of police sketch accuracy, focus on capturing their vibe.
Pick a still object around you and write a short description of it. Then write another description of the same object, but with a different voice or personality. How would a kid describe it vs an adult? An artist vs an actuary?
Dialogue
Transcribe a conversation happening near you.
Take a two to four line exchange or make one up and then revise it with different emotions. (Your exchange can be as simple as "How are you?" / "Fine. You?" / "I'm good."). What if the first speaker is worried and then relieved? What if one speaker is afraid of the other?
Characterization
Imagine backstories for the people around you. Why are they where you are? How did they get there? What do they want? What is preventing them from getting it? What is hurting them? What makes them happy?
Write a short 1-3 sentence description of a person around you. Now pick a personality or trait for that person and rewrite their description to highlight that.
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Looking for NEW writing exercises to help writers get in the mood to write.
I've done the following exercises before:
six word sentences
5 headed hydra
free write for 5mins
Please comment with your writing exercises and how you use them. 😊
#writers on tumblr#creative writing#writing progress#writer stuff#aspiring author#novel writing#writing exercises#writer problems#writer exercises
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Competitive Writing Sprints with @princessmisery666!
What time will it be for you?
Los Angeles - Thursday 11am
New York - Thursday 2pm
London - Thursday 7pm
New Delhi - Thursday 11:30pm
Melbourne - Friday 4am
How will it work?
Exact number of sprints and length of each sprint will be decided by the host and participants. Be prepared to work on a WIP of your own, but the host has the option of offering a prompt.
At the end of the sprints, whoever wrote the most words in one sprint will get a prize. Whoever wrote the most words in all of the sprints together will also get a prize. More prizes may be given out on the day depending on how things go. If the host brings prompts, there may be opportunities to win more prizes for most creative, funniest, etc. Be prepared to be asked to share your work! You don't have to if you don't want to! Prizes will be chosen from the Pond Prize Pool.
Where will this happen?
In the sprint channel in the Pond discord server. (You must be a member to be in the discord server. Not a member? Start here and then send us an ASK!) For anyone who hasn’t sprinted before, how it all works will be explained before we start.
I have more questions. How do I get them answered?
Send us an ASK, or ask your question in the discord server (someone will get back to you later if no one is there when you ask), or send a private message to one of our admins!
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
#pond events#pond admin#writing challenge#writer resources#writing exercises#writing sprints#fan fiction#fanfiction#fan fic#fanfic#spn fan fiction#spn fanfiction#spn fan fic#spn fanfic#supernatural fan fiction#supernatural fan fic#supernatural fanfiction#supernatural fanfic
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