writing-if
Writing Interactive Fiction (IF)
A blog dedicated to resources and tips related to writing, coding, planning and all around creating interactive fiction. 😄| Main account is @nextinline-if where I’m working on my WIP royal interactive fiction.
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I Need advice,
I really want to start making a game but I don't want to make it in choicescript because I don't want to support cog but also because I want to eventually sell it but I've tried several other tools including twine and some others and choicescript just seems easiest for me to learn. what should I do?
Hi, anon. First, in regards to "what should I do?", I can't tell you what to do, that ultimately has to be your decision.
However, I'll share my opinion and hope you find it useful!
Before you make a demo, the hardest part is getting the demo done. After that, the hardest part is updating. At least, for me.
You appear to be at the very beginning stages because you said you want to make a game which implies you haven't begun. And that's okay, you have to start somewhere.
I made the personal decision to move Next in Line to Twine because it aligned better with my values and goals. But I started with CScript. And you can, too. If that works better for you in terms of just getting started and creating your first demo, I say go for it. It doesn't have to stay there.
It's true that moving your content over and learning new coding can be a massive undertaking. But if you continue to toil on the idea of which direction, you may never get started. Start wherever is easiest for you. Later on, once you're in the right place (you'll know), you can then make the decision on when, where, and why to move your game to another tool/code.
Hope this helps and best of luck creating your game. You've got this!
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New Resources Spreadsheet for Indie Game Authors/Devs
I've compiled a spreadsheet that will continue to be updated with resources over time to make it more comprehensive. Some are resources I made myself, some are from other creators and they are linked directly for their credit.
For now, I am only sending the link to other creators. Please message me from your author/creator/game account for instant verification if you would like the link. I won't send it to other types of accounts as of now.
Here are the sections currently available in the spreadsheet:
Minimizing Pirating (Patreon, itch.io, etc.)
Twine Resources (coding, discords, videos, templates, etc.)
Ren'Py (coding, videos, templates, etc.)
Worldbuilding (articles, inspiration, templates, tools, etc.)
Characters (diverse characters, character dev., educating oneself, tools, etc.)
Writing & Outlining (outlining, plotting, editing, writing, tools, etc.)
Marketing (Kickstarter, Tumblr, etc.)
This post is not to open a discussion on particular topics and I won't respond to any asks regarding those. But I have been working behind the scenes for some time to compile, research, and create resources and information to better arm indie creators. Please send me a message here if you would like the link. I would prefer to only share it with other creators at this time.
Best,
Vi
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visual novel development guides
I compiled a list of my better articles on visual novel development & marketing to make them easier to find on my blog. I also included a few links to other people's articles and talks that are great!
This list is mainly for my own stuff and an up to date list can be seen here.
making visual novels
How to Make Visual Novels
Game Development Checklist
VNDev Wiki’s various pages on development
strategies for working with teams
How to Find Game Jam Teams
making game development backup plans
Releasing 8+ games (ft. game jams) and when to take breaks
marketing visual novels
How to Market Visual Novels
Marketing Fundamentals for indie game developers
Marketing Visual Novels FAQ
Marketing your first indie game — What we learned from releasing the same game twice. (a Scarlet Hollow devlog)
The stairstep approach to indie game marketing
marketing visual novels - social media
Social Media Marketing Plan Template + Marketing Funnel
Social Media Marketing for Indie Games – 2021 Guide
Marketing Visual Novels on TikTok
marketing visual novels - press
Visual Novel Press-Kits
crowdfunding
Underutilized Aspects of Marketing Visual Novels
Marketing your Visual Novel for Kickstarter
publishing games
How to Make Your itch.io Page Stand Out
Tagging Visual Novels on itch.io
additional resources
5 Free Tools For Indie Game Marketing + Bonus
VNDev Wiki’s various pages on development (seriously check it out)
DevTalk+ (LGBT+ friendly Discord server)
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This was supposed to be up last night but I crashed... and forgot to press post/publish.
The 100 85% Good Twine SugarCube Guide!
NOTE: This is a currently Pre-Release of the Guide.
This means it may contains typos, broken links, and wonky formatting. Edit will be made for improvement/corrections, as well as adding more content.
This SugarCube Guide was create as an alternative to the official documentation, providing a comprehensive and wide look of over the use of Twine, particularly the SugarCube format.
The Guide is compartmentalised in (currently) four categories:
The Basics: or the absolute basics to start with SugarCube
The Basics+: adding interactivity, and creating a fully rounded IF game
Intermediate Use: adding more customisation and complex code
Advanced More (incomplete): the most complex macros and APIs
Each category explains a multitude of aspects of the format, tailored to a specific level of the user.
If something is unclear, you found a mistake, you would like more examples in the guide, or would like a feature covered, let me know!
The Guide currently covers all macros (as of SugarCube v.2.36.1*), most functions and methods, and some API. It touches upon the use of HTML, CSS, JavaScript and jQuery.
*In case of format update, this Guide will make relevant edits.
The Guides also provides a list of further resources, for the different coding languages.
When completed, this guide will be available in a downloadable form.
THE GUIDE!
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Lil’ Tip
I see two common formulas when a character is severely hurt
injured >> panic >> faint
or
injured >> hide it >> faint
While these two formulas are great, I am here to propose other things people do when they are in severe physical pain. pain to this degree throws a persons entire body out of wack, show it!
here are some other less commonly found things people do when they’re in severe pain:
firstly, repeat it after me, kids! not everyone faints when they’re in a ton of pain! some people wish they could faint
but they do tremble, convulse, or thrash uncontrollably (keep in mind, trembling and convulsing are something the body does of it’s own accord, thrashing is an action taken by the person)
hyper/hypoventilate
become nauseous
vomit (in severe cases)
hallucinate
lose sight (temporarily)
lose hearing (temporarily)
run a low-grade fever
run a high-grade fever (in severe cases)
become unaware of surroundings
develop a nosebleed
develop a migraine
sweat absolute bullets
feel free to add more in comments/reblogs!
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You know what? I believe that you can finish your writing project. I believe you can update your fic. I believe you can work on your WIP. I don't care if you think it's cringy or bad. I don't care if we've never met or interacted in our whole lives. I believe in you. Keep going - you've got this.
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"i want to save this relationship, please." prompts :
(feel free to use <3 req by @thyme-in-a-bubble. god the 15th, 17th, 20th, 22nd, 24th???? has me crying. @urfriendlywriter )
ignoring one another
"i think we need some time apart.."
"this won't work, [name]."
"i can't go a minute without you, babe, please don't do this to me.."
trying to talk it out but it always ending up in an argument
"you are going to let a misunderstanding destroy us?"
"is it so easy for you to assume than to listen to me for goddamn once??"
"please, talk with me. how else are we going to solve this..."
getting into fights but becoming physically much clingier
"how could you point your finger at me so easily ??"
not being able to talk it out, but still showing physical affection - taking your hand in theirs, massaging you in silence, hugging, cuddling.
or - watching them walk out the room to sleep alone
^ "it has now come to this huh?" and them turning back, regret and sadness in their eyes, "what do you want me to do then?"
trying to be a better person always
"bury my heart deeper, love. If that's what you're trying--it's working." with a painful smile. or tears in their eyes.
telling each other how much you cherish one another
2 am and they're at your doorstep, crying, as they say, "i don't want to go to sleep-with this hanging between us, im so so sorry."
"lets take turns ranting, shall we? we don't want this to burden us."
"you didn't hear one word i said, did you?"
"trust me." "oh, im trying to, so hard rn."
"you think i came all the way here to fight with you? No, [name], i wanna talk this out, over a cup of tea, too. relax. breathe and talk. aint no way we're stressing ourselves out." with a few clicks of the tongue. CUS THIS? green flag.
"when have you ever cared?" ouch.
"i didn't know you felt all that.. I'm sorry."
"what.. are we now?" OK THE ANGST IF ITS WRITTEN RIGHT??? INSANE
the glances either starts to glint with hatred. or love that's beyond reach.
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Show Don't Tell: Love
Get ready to swoon because today's the day we're exploring the loveliest of emotions in my 'Show don't Tell: Emotions' series! Are you a regular reader? So glad to see you again! And if you're new, then let me give you a big warm welcome!
Today let's talk about Love.
Happiness is such a wonderful feeling! It brings us pleasure, contentment, and joy, and often leaves us with a sense of well-being and satisfaction with life. In creative writing, happiness can be a powerful tool to convey positivity and hope, to contrast with darker emotions, or to create a satisfying resolution.
If you want to show happiness in your writing, there are many effective ways to do so. One of the most obvious ways is through your characters' body language. They can jump for joy, laugh brightly, or even have a smile so wide it hurts their cheeks!
Love is a beautiful emotion that fills us with warmth, affection, and a sense of belonging. It can leave us with a feeling of completeness and fulfilment. In creative writing, love can be a powerful tool to convey intimacy and connection, create tension and conflict, or build a heartwarming resolution.
To show love in your writing, there are many effective ways to do so. One of the most obvious ways is through your characters' body language. They can gaze into each other's eyes, hold hands tightly, or even kiss passionately!
Gaze into each other's eyes
Hold hands tightly
Kiss passionately
Embrace in a hug
Rest their head on the other person's shoulder
Stroke or caress the other person's hand or arm
Lean in for a kiss or whisper in their ear
Smile lovingly or tenderly
Play with the other person's hair
Nuzzle or snuggle up close
Sit or stand close together
Wrap arms around each other's waist
Tilt head to the side while looking at the other person
Rest a hand on the other person's cheek
Sit facing each other with legs intertwined
Dance closely or slow dance together
Rest head on the other person's chest
Hold the other person's face in their hands
Linger in each other's embrace
Touch foreheads or noses together
Playfully tickle or tease each other
Smile softly or shyly
Whisper sweet nothings or compliments
Gently stroke someone's hand or arm
Rest their head on someone's shoulder or chest
Make prolonged eye contact
Blush or flush with embarrassment or shyness
Smile softly or shyly
Bite their lip or play with their hair
Whisper or speak in a hushed tone
Hold someone's gaze without speaking
Take a deep breath and let it out slowly
Look down and then back up with a smile
Giggle or chuckle at something someone says
Playfully push or shove someone
Lean in for a kiss on the cheek or forehead
Hold someone's hand and squeeze it tightly
Put an arm around someone's waist or shoulder
Hold someone's face gently in their hands
Lick their lips or moisten them with their tongue
Rest their forehead against someone else's
Tap their foot or bounce their leg excitedly
Trace circles or patterns on someone's skin with their fingers
When it comes to love, writers can use sensory details to create a rich and immersive experience for readers. By describing what characters see, hear, taste, smell, and feel, we can bring readers into the world of love that the characters are experiencing. But we need to delve deeper than just surface-level sensations and capture the complex emotions that come with falling in love.
Gazing into each other's eyes
Holding hands tightly
Kissing passionately or gently
Feeling butterflies in their stomach
Hearing the sound of their loved one's voice
Feeling a sense of safety and security in their partner's embrace
Noticing the small details of their loved one's appearance, like the curve of their smile or the color of their eyes
Enjoying the sensation of being close to their partner, like feeling their warmth or breath
Feeling a sense of happiness and contentment in their partner's presence
Taking pleasure in doing things together, like cooking or traveling
Feeling a sense of longing or yearning when apart
Remembering fond memories or inside jokes with their loved one
Being excited for future plans and adventures together
Sharing intimate moments, like cuddling or sleeping together
Feeling a sense of comfort and familiarity with their partner's touch or scent
Noticing the beauty of nature together, like a sunset or starry night sky
Feeling a sense of gratitude and appreciation for their loved one
Feeling inspired or motivated by their partner's support and encouragement
Having a deep sense of trust and understanding with their partner
Feeling a sense of vulnerability and openness in their relationship.
Feeling a fluttering in their chest or stomach
Noticing the way their heart races or their breath quickens
Experiencing a rush of adrenaline or excitement
Enjoying the sound of a loved one's voice or laughter
Savoring the taste of a favorite food or drink shared with a loved one
Feeling a sense of comfort or security in a warm embrace
Noticing the way their skin tingles or their hairs stand on end
Taking in the beauty of a special place or moment shared with a loved one
Feeling a sense of anticipation or excitement at the thought of seeing a loved one
Hearing the sound of their loved one's footsteps or heartbeat
Enjoying the sensation of holding hands or cuddling with a loved one
Feeling the warmth of a fire or candlelight shared with a loved one
Smelling the scent of a loved one's perfume or cologne
Feeling a sense of calm or serenity in a quiet moment shared with a loved one
Noticing the way their loved one's eyes light up when they smile
Hearing the sound of their loved one's breathing or sighs of contentment
Enjoying the sensation of a gentle touch or caress from a loved one
Feeling a sense of trust or safety in the presence of a loved one
Noticing the way their loved one's hair or clothing smells
Feeling a sense of pride or admiration for their loved one's accomplishments
Enjoying the sensation of a gentle breeze or warm sun shared with a loved one
Noticing the way their loved one's body moves or gestures when they're happy
Hearing the sound of their loved one's heartbeat or pulse
Feeling a sense of belonging or connection with a loved one
Noticing the way their loved one's eyes sparkle or crinkle when they laugh
Enjoying the sensation of a soft kiss or gentle touch from a loved one
Feeling a sense of gratitude or appreciation for a loved one's presence in their life
Noticing the way their loved one's face lights up when they're happy
Enjoying the sensation of a warm hug or snuggle with a loved one
Feeling a sense of peace or contentment in a quiet moment shared with a loved one.
Let's move on to our next topic of discussion - the power of action in portraying emotions, particularly the joy of being in love. The way a character moves and engages with their environment can effectively depict their emotional state. As we've previously discussed body language, there may be some similarities in this discussion.
Blushing or feeling flustered when the crush is around
Smiling or laughing at their crush's jokes
Making an effort to look good when they know they will see their crush
Trying to impress their crush by showcasing their talents or skills
Being nervous or fidgety around their crush
Engaging in activities that their crush enjoys, such as listening to their favorite music or watching their favorite movies
Showing interest in their crush's hobbies or interests
Complimenting their crush and making them feel good about themselves
Being supportive of their crush's goals and dreams
Daydreaming about their crush or imagining future scenarios with them
Feeling a surge of happiness or excitement when they receive a message or call from their crush
Feeling jealous or possessive when someone else pays attention to their crush
Trying to find excuses to spend time with their crush
Getting butterflies in their stomach or feeling nervous before a date or hangout with their crush
Daydreaming or getting lost in thought about the person
Smiling or feeling giddy at the thought of seeing the person
Acting nervous or fidgety when around the person
Complimenting or praising the person to show their admiration
Being extra attentive or considerate towards the person
Going out of their way to help or support the person
Finding excuses to spend time with the person, such as offering to study together or running errands together
Making eye contact with the person and holding it for longer than usual
Mirroring the person's body language or mannerisms to create a sense of connection
Finding common interests to bond over and share with the person
Listening intently to the person and showing interest in what they have to say
Laughing at the person's jokes or finding their humor particularly enjoyable
Sharing personal stories or experiences to build intimacy and trust with the person
Touching the person in a playful or flirtatious way, such as lightly brushing their arm or shoulder
Dressing up or wearing clothes that make them feel confident and attractive around the person
Being more talkative or animated around the person than with other people
Seeking out opportunities for physical contact, such as offering a hug or brushing past the person
Giving the person thoughtful or meaningful gifts to show their affection
Writing letters or notes expressing their feelings for the person.
Writing love letters or poems to express their feelings to their crush
Feeling a sense of euphoria or elation when their crush reciprocates their feelings.
Holding hands with someone special
Staring into each other's eyes
Giving a passionate kiss
Cuddling or snuggling with a loved one
Saying "I love you" or expressing affectionate words
Making a surprise romantic gesture, like leaving a love note or buying a thoughtful gift
Going on a romantic date or getaway
Dancing together to a slow love song
Sharing a warm embrace after a long time apart
Making eye contact and smiling from across the room
Listening intently to a loved one's words and responding with empathy and understanding
Putting their arm around someone's shoulder or waist
Sharing a special moment or experience together
Sharing an inside joke or laughter-filled moment
Doing something spontaneous and exciting together
Doing something kind and thoughtful for each other
Expressing vulnerability and opening up about personal feelings
Offering support and encouragement during a challenging time
Creating a cozy and romantic atmosphere with candles, music, and dim lighting
Writing a love letter or poem
Surprising someone with a serenade or musical performance
Making a promise or commitment to love and cherish each other
Engaging in a shared hobby or interest
Making each other laugh with silly jokes or playful teasing
Sharing a deep and meaningful conversation about the future or dreams.
Holding hands while walking
Leaving a love note or small gift for someone
Giving a surprise kiss on the cheek or forehead
Cooking a favorite meal for someone
Massaging or rubbing someone's shoulders or feet
Snuggling up together on the couch or in bed
Making eye contact with a soft, loving gaze
Offering to help with a task or chore
Surprising someone with a thoughtful gesture
Taking a romantic walk together
Sharing a special moment or memory together
Holding someone close during a difficult time
Creating a romantic atmosphere with candles or music
Offering words of encouragement or support
Making a homemade gift or card
Engaging in a shared hobby or interest
Planning a surprise date or outing
Sharing a laugh or inside joke together
Offering to be there for someone in any way they need
Doing something spontaneous or adventurous together
Listening attentively and actively to what someone has to say
Dancing together in a slow, intimate way
Showing physical affection, like gently stroking someone's hair or holding them close
Planning a weekend getaway or vacation together
Surprising someone with a special treat or dessert
Taking turns expressing gratitude for one another
Offering forgiveness and understanding during a disagreement
Spending quality time together, like playing a game or watching a movie
Being supportive and understanding of each other's goals and dreams
Saying "I love you" in a sincere and heartfelt way.
Let's explore the theme of setting in the context of love! It's not just a physical backdrop for your characters to be present in, it's about how they engage with it and respond to it. The place, the surroundings, and your character's reactions to them can all be effective means of expressing their emotions, including love.
Smiling or blushing when they see their crush
Feeling a flutter in their stomach or their heart racing when their crush is around
Being more self-conscious about their appearance and grooming
Paying more attention to their love's interests and hobbies
Trying to be near their crush as much as possible without being obvious
Feeling a sense of jealousy or possessiveness when their crush is with someone else
Daydreaming about their crush and imagining romantic scenarios
Feeling shy or nervous around their crush and struggling to find the right words to say
Seeking the approval or attention of their crush through their actions and behaviors
Feeling a sense of elation or euphoria when their crush shows interest or reciprocates their feelings
Finding excuses to touch their crush or be physically close to them
Becoming more outgoing or adventurous to impress their crush or share experiences with them
Having a heightened awareness of their crush's body language and nonverbal cues
Feeling a sense of disappointment or sadness when their crush is not around or doesn't show interest
Finding ways to show off their talents or accomplishments to their crush
Feeling a sense of protectiveness or concern for their crush's well-being
Becoming more open and vulnerable with their crush, sharing personal thoughts and feelings
Feeling a sense of longing or anticipation for the next time they will see their crush
Seeking the advice or input of friends or family about how to approach their crush
Being more attentive and considerate towards their crush's needs and feelings.
Blushing or getting flustered around the person they have a crush on
Smiling or laughing at jokes made by the person they have a crush on
Getting nervous or fidgety when the person they have a crush on is around
Daydreaming about spending time with the person they have a crush on
Becoming more talkative or outgoing when around the person they have a crush on
Seeking out the person they have a crush on in social settings
Offering to do things for the person they have a crush on, such as getting them a drink or helping them with a task
Complimenting the person they have a crush on or expressing admiration for their qualities or accomplishments
Acting more self-conscious or aware of their appearance around the person they have a crush on
Finding excuses to touch the person they have a crush on, such as brushing their hand or shoulder
Being more willing to take risks or try new things when the person they have a crush on is involved
Feeling a sense of elation or excitement when receiving a text or message from the person they have a crush on
Making an effort to look or smell good when around the person they have a crush on
Seeking out the person they have a crush on for advice or guidance on personal matters
Finding common interests or hobbies with the person they have a crush on and pursuing them together
Making plans or scheduling events around the person they have a crush on's availability
Looking for opportunities to get closer to the person they have a crush on, such as sitting next to them or standing near them
Sharing personal stories or experiences with the person they have a crush on to establish a deeper connection
Seeking validation or approval from the person they have a crush on, such as asking for their opinion or input on decisions
Feeling a sense of euphoria or happiness simply from being in the presence of the person they have a crush on.
Have you ever noticed how a romantic setting, such as a sunset, soft music, and candlelight, can instantly put you in a loving mood? The same effect can be applied to the settings in your story. Even without a character present, the environment can influence the readers' perception of the mood. It's relatively easy to convey love through the scenery by incorporating elements such as roses, heart-shaped objects, and warm colors.
Weather: Warm and sunny weather can create a romantic and blissful atmosphere.
Time of Day: Evening or late night can create an intimate and cozy atmosphere.
Location: A beautiful garden or a cozy cabin can create a sense of love and intimacy.
Objects: Sentimental or symbolic objects like a piece of jewelry or a handwritten letter can indicate a character's love and affection.
Colors: Rich or passionate colors like red or deep purple can be used to create a sense of love.
Noises: Romantic and soothing sounds like a gentle breeze or a romantic song can create a sense of love and tranquility.
Crowds: A secluded and intimate environment, such as a quiet restaurant or a candlelit room, can be used to create feelings of love and intimacy.
Architecture: Romantic and enchanting environments like a castle or a beautiful mansion can create a sense of love and enchantment.
Nature: A picturesque and serene landscape can create a sense of love and awe.
Animals: Affectionate or loyal animals can be used to create a sense of love and companionship.
Dialogue is an excellent way to express emotions, particularly love. The tone, words, and delivery of your characters' dialogue can all be used to convey their feelings of joy and happiness in a beautiful manner.
Using flirty and playful language, such as "You're looking great today," "I can't stop thinking about you," or "I love spending time with you."
Laughing or giggling nervously at appropriate moments in conversation.
Offering to help or do favors for the person they have a crush on.
Asking questions about the person's interests and hobbies.
Trying to make the person they have a crush on laugh or smile.
Being attentive and engaged in conversation with the person they have a crush on.
Making excuses to be around the person they have a crush on.
Using endearing nicknames or pet names for the person they have a crush on.
Complimenting the person they have a crush on on their appearance, skills, or personality.
Acting nervously or shyly around the person they have a crush on.
Finding excuses to touch or be physically close to the person they have a crush on.
Sharing personal stories or experiences with the person they have a crush on.
Being supportive of the person they have a crush on's goals or aspirations.
Offering to do things for the person they have a crush on, like picking up coffee or bringing them lunch.
Talking about future plans or events they would like to experience with the person they have a crush on.
Asking the person they have a crush on for advice or opinions on different topics. Being willing to compromise or change plans to make the person they have a crush on happy.
Being persistent in trying to spend time with the person they have a crush on.
Expressing nervous excitement or anticipation when talking about the person they have a crush on.
Using teasing or playful language with the person they have a crush on.
Acting protective or possessive of the person they have a crush on.
Blushing or turning red in the face when around the person.
Fidgeting or being nervous around the person.
Being extra attentive or helpful to the person.
Finding excuses to be around the person or in their company.
Daydreaming or fantasizing about the person.
Smiling or grinning uncontrollably when thinking about the person.
Stuttering or stumbling over words when talking to the person.
Making an effort to dress nicely or look good when around the person.
Getting jealous or possessive of the person's attention.
Finding it difficult to focus on other things or people when the person is around.
Being willing to go out of one's way to please or impress the person.
Feeling a rush of adrenaline or butterflies in the stomach when near the person.
Making an effort to learn more about the person's interests or hobbies.
Being more talkative or outgoing around the person.
Playfully teasing or poking fun at the person.
Seeking out the person's company in group settings.
Getting nervous or flustered when the person touches or hugs them.
Finding excuses to text or message the person.
Feeling a strong desire to make the person happy or laugh.
Becoming more aware of one's own body language and behavior around the person.
And after all that, you get to delve into your character's mind and showcase their thoughts and core feelings, which can reveal their love. Expressing a character's thoughts is a great way to convey love in creative writing. It allows readers to gain a deeper understanding of the character's emotions and creates a more intimate reading experience. When a writer reveals a character's innermost thoughts, it strengthens the connection between the reader and the character.
For instance, if a character is feeling love, their thoughts may reflect their sense of adoration, affection, and commitment. They may think about their significant other, recalling moments that strengthen their bond, or reflecting on qualities that they admire in their partner. By describing the character's thoughts, the writer can give the reader insight into what is making the character feel love and allow them to share in that emotion.
Additionally, a character's thoughts can be used to contrast their present feelings of love with past struggles or hardships. By demonstrating how the character has grown in their ability to love or has learned to overcome obstacles in relationships, the writer can create a sense of triumph and fulfillment that adds depth to the character's love.
Daydreaming or fantasizing about happy scenarios or possibilities with their crush
Feeling a sense of nervousness or excitement when around their crush
Being more self-conscious about their appearance or behavior
Feeling a sense of happiness or contentment when their crush gives them attention or compliments them
Feeling a sense of disappointment or sadness when their crush doesn't give them attention or doesn't reciprocate their feelings
Feeling a sense of jealousy or envy when their crush pays attention to someone else
Reflecting on happy moments or interactions with their crush
Feeling a sense of anticipation or excitement for potential future interactions with their crush
Feeling a sense of hope or optimism about the possibility of a relationship with their crush
Thinking about ways to impress or show their affection towards their crush
Feeling a sense of insecurity or self-doubt about their worthiness of their crush's attention or affection
Feeling a sense of longing or yearning for their crush's presence or attention
Feeling a sense of nervousness or butterflies in their stomach when thinking about their crush
Feeling a sense of joy or elation when their crush shows them affection or returns their feelings.
Feeling butterflies in their stomach or a racing heart when thinking about their crush
Daydreaming about spending time with their crush or going on a date
Feeling a sense of longing or anticipation when they see their crush or think about them
Imagining scenarios where their crush reciprocates their feelings
Feeling a sense of jealousy or possessiveness when their crush interacts with others
Feeling a sense of disappointment or sadness when their crush doesn't reciprocate their feelings
Thinking about ways to impress their crush or get their attention
Feeling a sense of vulnerability or openness when around their crush
Imagining future possibilities with their crush, like a long-term relationship or marriage
Feeling a sense of nervousness or awkwardness when trying to talk to their crush
Feeling a sense of excitement or giddiness when their crush compliments them or shows interest in them
Feeling a sense of safety or comfort when their crush is around
Thinking about the qualities they admire in their crush and feeling grateful for them
Feeling a sense of hope or optimism about the possibility of being with their crush
Imagining scenarios where their crush saves them or comes to their rescue
Feeling a sense of motivation or drive to improve themselves to impress their crush
Feeling a sense of elation or happiness when their crush reciprocates their feelings
Feeling a sense of relief or ease when their crush is around, like they can be themselves
Thinking about their crush even when they're not together, like when they're doing something mundane or routine
Feeling a sense of intimacy or closeness when they share personal thoughts or feelings with their crush.
A sense of contentment and satisfaction with their relationship or current romantic situation
Thoughts of gratitude or appreciation for their partner and the good things in their relationship
Positive self-talk, such as reminding themselves of their worth and their partner's love for them
Optimistic thoughts about the future of their relationship and upcoming romantic events
Thoughts of love or affection towards their partner, such as thinking about how much they care for them or how attractive they find them
Daydreaming or fantasizing about happy romantic scenarios or possibilities with their partner
Feeling a sense of lightness or freedom in their thoughts, with fewer worries or anxieties when they're with their partner
A sense of fulfillment or accomplishment after doing something romantic for their partner or completing a task together
A desire to express their love to their partner through words or actions
Feeling a sense of belonging or connectedness with their partner
Being grateful for small romantic gestures from their partner, like a thoughtful text or surprise gift
Feeling a sense of relief or release after resolving a conflict or disagreement with their partner
Feeling a sense of validation or recognition for their efforts in the relationship
Feeling a sense of pride in their partner's accomplishments or character traits
Reflecting on happy romantic memories or past experiences with their partner
Feeling a sense of anticipation or excitement for upcoming romantic events or opportunities with their partner
Feeling a sense of comfort or security in their partner's presence or with familiar romantic gestures
Feeling a sense of wonder or amazement at the depth of their love for their partner
Feeling a sense of accomplishment or progress towards a long-term romantic goal with their partner
Thinking about ways to make their partner happy or to deepen their love for each other
Feeling a sense of peace or serenity in a quiet romantic moment or peaceful environment with their partner
Feeling a sense of enthusiasm or passion for their relationship or their partner's interests and hobbies
Feeling a sense of nostalgia for past romantic experiences or happy times with their partner
Feeling a sense of connectedness to their partner and nature or the outdoors when enjoying romantic activities together
Thinking about happy romantic moments shared with their partner, such as anniversaries or romantic getaways
Feeling a sense of awe or inspiration from witnessing acts of love and kindness towards their partner or others
Feeling a sense of relief or release after expressing their emotions of love, forgiveness, or empathy to their partner
Feeling a sense of confidence or empowerment in their relationship after overcoming fear or self-doubt
Feeling a sense of awe or gratitude towards their partner or a higher power for the love they share.
Let's talk about how to infuse your writing with the beautiful feeling of love by using metaphors and analogies. These two literary tools are a great way to bring your characters' emotions to life and create unforgettable images that will leave a lasting impression on your readers.
Metaphors compare two different things, while analogies explain how two things are similar. By using these tools in your creative writing, you can create vivid and tangible images that show the depth of your characters' love.
You can use metaphors and analogies in many different ways to show the beauty of love. Instead of simply stating that a character is in love, you might write, "Her heart was a fluttering butterfly, captivated by his every move." This comparison creates an image that's much more memorable and helps the reader feel the character's love more deeply.
Metaphors and analogies can also be used to create contrast, which can make the love even more impactful. For example, you might describe a character's love as "a blooming rose in a barren wasteland." This comparison creates a feeling of hope and joy that's made even more powerful by the contrast with the bleak surroundings.
Remember not to overuse metaphors and analogies, or your readers might become overwhelmed. Use them sparingly and strategically, and you'll bring your characters' love to life in a way that your readers won't soon forget.
"Love was a seed planted in her heart, growing with each passing day."
"His love was a compass, guiding her towards happiness and fulfillment."
"She felt like a ship in calm waters, anchored in the safety of his love."
"His love was a lighthouse, guiding her through the stormy seas of life."
"She was a garden, blooming with love and spreading joy to those around her."
"His love was a symphony, playing a beautiful melody of affection and devotion."
"She felt like a puzzle piece finally fitting in place, completing the picture of their love."
"His love was a fire, burning bright with passion and warmth."
"She was a butterfly, fluttering with excitement in the presence of his love."
"His love was a river, flowing endlessly and filling her heart with contentment."
"She felt like a bird soaring high in the sky, carried by the strength of their love."
"His love was a beacon, shining bright and calling her home."
"She was a book, filled with the pages of their love story."
"His love was a rainbow, bringing color and joy to her world."
"She felt like a candle, glowing bright with love and warmth."
"His love was a puzzle, fitting together perfectly and creating a beautiful picture."
"She was a sunrise, shining bright with the promise of their love." "His love was a compass, pointing them towards a future full of happiness."
"She felt like a rose, blooming with the beauty of their love."
"His love was a mountain, strong and unmovable in its dedication." "She was a song, singing the melody of their love."
"His love was a blanket, wrapping her in the comfort of his affection."
"She felt like a dancer, moving in perfect harmony with his love."
"His love was a star, shining bright and lighting up her world."
"She was a canvas, painted with the colors of their love story."
"His love was a garden, blooming with the flowers of their affection."
"She felt like a rainbow, spanning the sky with the colors of their love."
"His love was a castle, strong and impenetrable in its devotion."
"She was a poem, written with the words of their love."
Hey there! Our time is up for today, but don't worry - I'll be back next next time with more.
See you soon!
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Fictional Notes and Letters
Notes, journal entries, lost letters, a book tucked into the back corner of the store—written hints and exposition can show up in storytelling across many forms. Given how useful and easy as it is to divulge information through perfectly scattered journal entries or a conveniently timed newspaper article this form of sharing information is a common trope across storytelling. Because of this, it can feel cheap or unearned.
So here’s how to use written hints without making your readers feel cheated:
Don’t overuse it
Unfortunately this is the long and the short of it. The more information you have through written mediums, the less realistic or earned it will feel. If you can, keep this trope down to once or twice in a piece. If you can convey that information another way, choose that instead.
2. Create purpose behind its creation
Not only does the writing have to have the relevant information you need to convey, but it has to have a purpose for existence. Remember that people write notes to remember something, something they’d be likely to forget. If you can’t think of a reason someone would need to remember (or would believe they might forget) a piece of information, don’t convey it on a note. Journals are made to review someone’s day or emotions, it’s unlikely someone would journal about the government’s secrets (and even more so, scatter the pages around in an order for the protagonists to find to pace out said information—I’m sorry, I’m throwing just a little bit of shade at the indie horror community ;))
If it’s not news worthy, it shouldn’t be in the news, etc. and so on. Think about why your written material was created, and by who, and how it ended up where it did.
3. Place it behind a barrier
This is a bit of a sneaky trick, but hiding your written hint behind an ‘effort wall’ is going to make it feel so much more earned to gain. Maybe the journal they’re looking for is within a locked desk, and the characters have to break in to get it. The sticky note with the password is in the suit pocket of the antagonist (they just happened to leave at the dry cleaner that morning). The binder of secrets is behind three security guards and a locked door.
Any effort your protagonists have to make to gain the information is so much better than just happening to find it, and could trick readers into believing the information was more difficult to gain than it was.
4. Don’t make it too convenient
Lastly, make sure the characters don’t just learn what they were looking for, but a little bit less, and a little something else. If they need to know exactly who was at the party in 2005, maybe they don’t find a list of names, but rather a photo album of people they then have to do a bit more work to identify. The written hint should be that—a hint, a start of a greater solution. If it’s the end, a lot more effort should have come before.
Good luck!
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How to write a cane user character
(Written by a cane user)
A few months ago, I wrote a small guide on good disabled characters and why they were good that gathered quite the attention, and I thought that doing another more specific guide this time would be interesting for writers or just people that are curious ! This guide will include general informations, some things to do, some things to avoid and some ideas that might revolve cane users's lives.
Things to know about cane users
Cane users are pretty diverse, and putting us in little boxes usually isn't the best idea if you want to make a character that has substance and isn't just "the disabled one". Here some infos about cane users that might be helpful knowledge !
Canes don't have ages. Most cane users in media are portrayed to be old, but truly, anyone can have the need to wield a cane ! I've been using mine ever since I was 17.
Can users can have a large variety of problems for their canes. Some canes are used to avoid pain from effort. Some canes are used for balance purposes. Some canes are to make walking less exhausting (works the same as walking sticks !) And sometimes, it's multiple problems at once.
Not everyone needs their cane 24/7. Some always need it, some can make small efforts without it but overall often need it, and some people, like me, can spend quite a lot of time without it. I almost never use my cane in my house, and mostly take it outside !
People with canes can run. We're not necessarily slow, I'm even faster than a lot of my friends.
Not using a cane can come with consequences, but not always. Some people might be able to walk without a cane but then suffer horrible consequences, but for others, canes are just a commodity for specific occasions.
Canes don't have to be looked down upon. Look at some characters with canes that look cool as hell ! Arsène Lupin, Roguefort Cookie, Brook ... Their canes serve their style !
We can be pretty healthy. Some people can have canes just because they were born with a bent leg and that's it. Our cane doesn't define our health status.
Canes aren't a curse. Think of them as something positive. It's a tool to make our lives better. You don't see someone sitting on a chair and think "awh, it's sad that they need a chair". It's more something like "hey it's cool that this chair is here so they can sit down"
Things to do
Make them use their cane. And when I mean use, I mean that canes are just funky long sticks usually made out of metal. Have fun with it ! Let them use it as a weapon ! Trust me, one hit in the knees with a cane and you're DOWN. Use it to reach stuff that's too high for everyone ! Have fun. Be creative.
Let them decorate their cane. It's an extension of their body ! You usually put on clothes that you like, don't you ? It's the same for a cane. If they like cutesy stuff, let them paint in it pastel colors ! If they like a more flashy style, add some stickers on it ! If they're a fancy person, give them a beautiful crafted cane with jewels on it !
You can make them a little shy or uneasy about their cane. Some people don't feel worthy of confident enough to wield one. It's not rare to see people think they're "not disabled enough to do so"
But on the other hand, you can do the complete opposite !! Make them proud of that cane ! Make them act like they're feeling pretty and more confident with it ! One thing i like to think about with my own cane is that I look like a cool gentleman. That boosted my confidence immensely.
Things to avoid
Don't make it their whole world. And by that, I do not mean that their cane shouldn't be a defining trait of their personality. Think of Toph from ATLA. She is blind, and you usually can't think of her character without describing her as blind. However, that isn't her entire personality trait. Make cane users have a goal in life, friends who enjoy them for who they are and not just pity them, have fun ... Don't just make them the disabled one.
Don't try to make the character's life just a plain disaster unless it's the focus of your story and you really know what you're talking about. Having a character who's always in pain, who feels bad about relying on their cane and/or who's angry at the entire world for being disabled is a REALLY tricky subject to use if you don't want them to be either a mass of unhappiness and angst for no good reason or some inspirational porn of the character who inside is deeply tortured but outside keeps up a facade because they shouldn't cry to avoid making others uneasy.
Do not, and I repeat, do NOT try to heal them, especially in a magical way. Bad idea. A lot of disabled people's goal isn't to be healed. It's to live a normal life. Making it so the ultimate goal for them is to be healed makes it as if they were worthless as long as they were disabled. Making their situation better physically or mentally is one thing. Curing them completely is really bad. "But some disabled folks want to be cured !" True, true. But if you are able bodied, I'm not sure if you can have the right mind to understand all of the complex details about this situation that leads to someone's life choices and the end result may look like you think the only thing that can make disabled people happy is being freed from their condition. I think it's best to just avoid it altogether. If you need a more nuanced idea, try to give them a solution that still has a few downs ! For exemple, a prosthetic that feels like a real arm, acts like a real arm and basically replaces it perfectly is a full cure. But a prosthetic that takes time to adjust to, needs repairs sometimes and doesn't look 100% like an arm can be a better narrative choice
Smaller thing, but don't make the handle uneasy to wield if you draw the character design. You can decorate most of the cane, but if you have chunky spiky decorations on the place you're supposed to clench your hand over, you're gonna hurt yourself. I've seen quite a lot of jewel handles or sculpted metal handles and usually their not good. If it's detailed metal, your hand will end up cramped in little parts and it can hurt. If it's a jewel, it's so easy for it to slip out of your hand it's unpractical.
List of tropes/ideas of scenes/details about canes to help you write new situations !
If you walk with a cane during winter, you can't put your hand in your jacket to get warm and there's a high chance your hand will get freezing. So after a long walk, you get an excuse for another character to hold their hand and warm them up.
If the handle is metallic, you get the opposite problem during summer. You can burn yourself so easy ! Easy accident if you want someone to help and get closer to the disabled person without it necessarily involving their disability.
Canes are SUPER useful when you're walking upon heights. They make things really easy, just like hiking poles on mountains ! I live on volcanoes and whenever we clim on a harsh slope, I'm always the first to get up there. Good moment for your character to get a boost of confidence if they get all the way up somewhere before their friends !
The first time using your cane feels magical. If you have chronic pains, it makes you feel like your pain disapear. If you can't walk right, it feels like everything is suddenly alright. The moment where a character chooses to wield a cane can be huge for character development. It's a moment of fear because of the impact a cane has on their appearance, but also a moment of confidence and relief.
Canes fall. All the time. And after a while, it becomes fucking comical. Trust me, putting a cane against the wall, seeing it fall and doing it three times again in a row while it doesn't want to stay up makes you embarrassed but also makes you want to laugh because of how stupid it looks.
When you get a cane, you stop being invisible. When you walk outside, generally speaking, people don't look at you. They don't care about you. But when you get a cane, people start to stare at you for no other reasons that you have a cane. Half of them are just curious, especially if you're young. The other half has a very specific look. The "oh, you poor thing" look. Which is, trust me, particularly awful to get, especially when you're just existing and doing nothing special. How does your character react to this ? How do they feel about it ?
I believe that is all I had in mind. I may add some more details in the future if I get other ideas, but this should already be a good start. I would be thrilled to answer questions if you have some, either in my askbox or through DMs.
I will tag this post with characters holding canes that aren't necessarily considered cane users but that some people may be interested in writing as such. Feel free to tell me if you'd like to see tags being added !
Edit : I'm highly encouraging everyone to look at the tag section under this post where a lot of other can users are sharing their experiences !!
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I think this could be helpful if your story has deaf characters as well as better understanding deaf culture in reality.
i know hearing people on this website love to pass around those posts with links to free sign language lessons but you know you need to actually put effort into learning about Deaf culture, too, right?
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An alternative SugarCube Custom Macro to the <<choice>> macro, adding the text on the page rather then moving to a new passage.
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1 Month of writing ideas for June
Summer’s here! Can you believe how fast we’ve gotten to June? What are your goals for this month? Are you doing to be doing any of these writing prompts?
1st - Write a short story featuring a tortoise
2nd - Create a mood board of up to 10 images for one of your characters based on a single color, then write a short scene with that character inspired by the mood board
3rd - Write 500 words for your main project
4th - BREAK
5th - Write a short story set in an underground cave
6th - Write a short story from a 2nd person narrator (ex. You walked to the door.)
7th - Write a story about a magician who’s lost their power
8th - BREAK
9th - Write 500 words for your main project
10th - Write a short story set in an amusement park
11th - Write a short story about long-time camp roommates developing a summer romance
12th - BREAK
13th - Write a short story only through journal entries from a secret laboratory worker
14th - Write a catchy prologue for a murder mystery on a yacht
15th - Write 500 words for your main project
16th - BREAK
17th - Write a short story titled Every Rose
18th - Write a poem titled Under the Same Stars
19th - Write a short story told only through the transcript of a radio show or a podcast
20th - BREAK
21st - Write a short story titled Early Grave
22nd - Write 500 words for your main project
23rd - Write a short story from the perspective of a slug
24th - BREAK
25th - Write a short story set in the middle of a thunderstorm
26th - Write a short story beginning with the line: “That name was the last thing I wanted to hear.”
27th - Write 500 words for your main project
28th - BREAK
29th - Identify your least favorite story of the month and rewrite it from a different narrative perspective.
30th - Identify your favorite story and rewrite it in a completely different genre.
Need helping plotting your novel out? Check out the Writer’s ToolBoox to get your project organized!
Grab it through the [link here] or below!
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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!
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Twine Sugarcube 101
AKA, all you need to make a Twine game (I swear to god)
I’ve seen a lot of people go “Twine is too complicated for me :(” and give up before they’ve even started. And that makes me sad, partly because they’re giving up on a really cool hobby, and also because that’s false! It’s absolutely not too complicated for you!
I think the problem is that people look up Twine, see the documentation, and go “There’s way too much there! I can’t learn all that!” Well guess what- you shouldn’t learn all that, at least not yet. As a beginner you can skip pretty much all of this:
(Ignore <<linkappend>> too, forgot to crop that one out)
That’s a lot more manageable, right? Below the cut, I’ll let you know how to use all those remaining important things to make your story! Warning- it’s quite long! You might want to read it in sections! And while I’ll try to keep it entertaining, it’s also a coding tutorial, so… y’know. Might not be the most exciting read if you aren’t trying to learn Twine.
Keep reading
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How long should your interactive fiction demo be?
If you’re writing a new interactive fiction (especially if it’s your first time) you may be wondering how long your demo needs to be.
Ask a dozen people and they’ll all tell you something different. Why? Because people want different things out of a demo.
Your demo is your opportunity to connect with a player and leave them wanting more. But if not properly executed, it could cause people to drop off, meaning they lose interest in your game.
So, how long does your demo need to be? It needs to be however long it takes for you to introduce and hook people into your story.
You may be thinking, “Thanks, Vi. That totally answered my question.” Which is fair. So, how long does it need to be? Well, it’s not an exact science, but here’s my opinion (based on my research and experience):
Focus on quality, not word count. I’d rather read two thousand words that hook me than ten thousand that don’t.
Introduce the world. At least a little. Is this fantasy? Modern? Steampunk?
Make sure the MCs purpose is clear. As in, what is their journey about? This can be the tied into the major conflict/problem/plot.
Introduce most, if not all of the main characters.
Allow the player to make some choices. Even if they are minor. It allows them to get more attached to the story and gives them a taste of what to expect. All of that said, there are perfectly amazing demos that don’t have any choices because they’re just the prologue and that’s okay. It depends on your story.
When I set out to write the demo for Next in Line, I was writing it for the visual novel format at the time and I set my demo word count goal to be between 5000-10000 words.
Those numbers made me sweat if I’m being honest. They felt impossible when I first began. But I ended up with about 20,000. And then when I decided to reformat it to interactive fiction, it got to over 40,000 words, which is where the demo stands as of today.
Do you need 40,000 words for your demo? Nope. I just wrote until I felt like I had introduced the world and characters enough to hook people.
My best advice? Don’t get caught up with word count. Just write.
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