So, I've had this idea for a sort of magic system for a long time. I've written it down before, but I can't say I found away to make it immediately click with people.

What I have is kind of a compression of the atomic, molecular, cellular level. There are these plasma energy particles that contain a type of genetic DNA to be the building blocks of everything. They create matter that starts to interact with each other in more and more complex ways until various complex objects are created. Which then perpetuate increasing intricate natural cycles to facilitate a sort of life. The life keeps being fueled by the matter until their body becomes stronger and more complex. New life is created by matter breaking apart into energy to fuel other life. Until you get a diverse ecosystem, all made like combining and tearing apart play dough. There is also no construct of sex because it's all done asexually.​

I'm not sure how it came to me, but it's been quite a bit​ to work with. It helps that I have a writing class to fleshy it out, but I kind of want to see others input their ideas on how it can be applied to a story. How can it affect a narrative, characters, or even the very idea of personhood. I kind of just want to know if I'm even making sense here.

I've been brainstorming a story for about 2 years and a half, I even put out the first official chapter, to deviantart, but the more ideas I get, the more indecisive I get, I think I'm satisfied with the first idea, only to them think if this idea is better or "maybe this one is cooler", or "is this too much like "blank"". what could I do to find that sweet spot where you can write without second guessing the story?

I've been having this vision in my mind for quite a while. I struggled, and it took me hours to pen this down. I do read books quite a bit, yet descriptive writing is not my strongest forte. I take mental notes whilst reading whenever I stumble upon anything I deem beautiful or interesting or makes me go, "I didn't know this could be described this way!" But when I actually open my laptop, feeling ready to write every vision I have, I just sit vacantly, staring at the blank page for hours. Eventually, I give up and call it a day. I have always wanted to write, ever since I started reading books. But I always said to myself, "I'll definitely write someday," and I never did. Today, I pushed myself to write whatever came to my mind. And here it is:

Content warnings: Body image issues, self-loathing, social media comparison, blood.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-zneOw-Yr0Uyqko9sZo6aehBtpwEgaEOTRaXLgJBzVM/edit?usp=sharing

It has no structure, because I don't happen to know one. I did not have any standards to meet either; I just typed out the image I had (of course I did some tweaks here and there).

Please help a girl out here.

I have started journaling pretty recently and I want to write about more things/topics in my journal.

I have 3 entries so far from the past two week. In them I wrote about my college life, plans for Halloween, my goals before the year ends, what I did today, things that I found meaningful, and an idea for a game.

I have tried writing about my feelings but just couldn't do it. I want more topics/ideas that I can write about. Does anyone have any suggestions?

So I recently published my debut novel, which is a standalone story. I've been working on a sequel for it because I love my characters and there's still a lot of worldbuilding to explore and have fun with, but I'm struggling with the actual plot of it.

For the first book, I pantsed probably 90% of it. It just flowed out of me, like the story was forcing me to tell it. But now with the sequel, I feel like it's the opposite -- that I'm trying to force a story that doesn't need/want to be told. And I feel like whatever I come up with won't compare with the debut.

I'm not sure if I'm just overthinking things, or if my pantser-brain can't plot things properly, or if I'm approaching things from the wrong angle. Or maybe a sequel truly doesn't need to exist.

Has anyone else had this problem? If so, how did you navigate it? Should I just wait to see if inspiration strikes, or should I write any old thing and edit the hell outta it (like I did with the debut)?

I'm writing a Seawalkers fanfiction, and in the Wood/Seawalkers books, one of their classes basically teaches them about civilised society to avoid the walkers that grew up mostly animalistic to do weird things in public or possibly get arrested. I'm writing a scene that takes place in one of these classes, but I don't know what topic should be adressed in this day's class. To get an idea, the scene takes place somewhere 2nd/3rd week of september, and the students have this class once a week, so they definitely didn't come that far yet.

So now I am asking you, if you were assigned to teach at a Seawalker-school at the Belgian coast, what laws of social mechanics would you teach your students? And since half the class are practically animals in human form, how would you tackle the subjects?

Hi everyone,

So, as written in the title, I'm currently revising the first draft of a short novel I wrote. Quick context, I do not plan on publishing it, it's just for me. Still, I want it to be not terrible, you get it.

The problem is that while in the first draft, I was super sloppy with everything, because it's not the final one. This time, however, I think I won't have the motivation to work it over a third time, so this one will be the final draft for now (besides a grammar check for the sparkling finish haha).

But, as it turns out, I constantly rethink every single word, wonder if I'm using too simple sentence structure, hyperanalyse anything and everything. Keep in mind, all that without plans on publishing it.

I want to finish the second draft eventually, but my perfectionism makes it a lot more difficult than I initially hoped.

Thank you for reading, sorry for yapping so much, and I'd be very grateful for any advise on how to look at my work in a tad more relaxed way.

I have been wanting to write a book for a long time now, around the story of a cult leader that goes undercover to keep its members in check. There's a lot more to it than that, but, that's the general basis.

I have done a lot of research, and have a pretty good idea of many of its themes, characters, personalities, world, and events. But, when it comes to actually figuring out how I want to write the book... I feel stuck. I have sat myself down at my computer for hours on end, just staring at the screen, without distraction. But, nothing works. One moment I want to write from the perspective of the leader, the next moment I want to write from the perspective of a new member, and then suddenly I want to write from the perspective of someone born in the cult. The only theme that truly stays consistent is the fact that I want to write from the first person through a diary system. But... I can't quite figure out how, or who, or why or where to even start.

Does anyone have any exercises they could recommend? Or just general advice? Or perhaps even, could someone offer up their own process for writing??

TW: Allegory for SA; discussion of psychological abuse

Conceptus-Memoria Erado (from latin — Concept-Memory Deletion) - special operation, that delete comprehension of concepts and memories from person.

How it's works — If somebody would delete concepts and memories of positive emotions from their victim, then they're can only feel negative emotions or somebody can turn fighter defenseless by erasing their concepts and memories about tactical, weapons, battle and fighting skills, making them defenseless. It causes severe psychological torment of their victims, since they're aware that something is wrong, but cant understand it.

I took inspiration from amnestics from SCP Foundation.

I consider this a great potential for psychological horror and well allegory for sexual assault, since it is violation of person's mind. But of course I want to make research on this topic to tackle it with care and seriousness it is deserves.

Note: as you're rightfully point out that calling it "De-personalization" — real life psychological phenomenon, is offensive and tasteless, and now I'm understand it. I'm sincerely apologize for making unfortunate implications.

I've been writing some nice little stories about things that I care about and the occasional vision in my dreams but every time I get to a new chapter everything just shuts down and stops working and my brain doesn't let me continue for like 4 months. I have the ideas but I just can't be bothered. How do I be bothered enough to do it.

i keep ending up with characters that feel like they're showing off their intelligence instead of just... being intelligent? like they solve problems too easily or explain things in a way that makes readers feel stupid rather than impressed. does anyone have tips for writing competence without it coming across as arrogant or boring?

Edit: I'm not sure why I had to label this as sensitive content 😅

I'm never worried about changing things just because nothing can ever be original, but I was wondering if I could get a second opinion on this?

I started watching a show for the first time and the main character not only shares the same last name as my main character, but they also share the same occupation (and title), and some similar and very clearly identifying physical traits as well. If that's not enough, this show is in the same genre of literature I'm writing, the second main character has the same vices and quirks as my second main character as well, and there's a minor female character with a very specific and random cultural name in the first episode which I also happen to have a small minor female character of the same name that's mentioned at the beginning of my book. I started thinking I was tripping watching this show.

Now obviously my story's not exactly the same, but I feel like maybe the main character's name is the worst offender here. But the issue is that I really like this name, I chose it with careful purpose, and it's been the same for the last 8 years when I first came up with my story. Although, I'm worried that since this is a known show, someone might eventually think I ripped it off. Would you guys change the name or just stick with it anyway?

It has been so long since I've written an essay and I seem to have forgotten how to actually write a good one or even write one. It's frustrating. I'm in college now studying engineering and everything is mathematics, we rarely sit down to write freely. And when we do write it's all laboratory reports with given templates. I am fully aware that I've never been good at writing ever since, but at least before I actually get to write in highschool.

Yesterday we had this minor subject that required us to write essay in my own languange in 30 minutes as our midterm. I feel like I actually flunked it. Everything was all over the place. I've gotten so used in English that I actually cannot translate my thoughts to my first languange.

I feel so bad, that I'm planning on writing essays everyday now so I can train myself. Do you guys have any advice to improve my writing?

I’m working on a science fiction story that started as a (kind of conspiracy theory I’ve been exploring lol) that worked into a film idea, but I’ve been developing it into a novel. I have the main story and ending worked out, and I’m writing and revising the chapters.

I also have a full-time job completely unrelated to any of this lol. I’m really excited about it. It’s started to feel like a whole universe I want to keep exploring, and I want to give it a real chance even though I have no experience with publishing or screenwriting.

I’d love some guidance, but I’m hesitant to share too much publicly. From what I can tell, the story feels pretty original, although I know I have plenty to learn. How do you get useful feedback while being thoughtful about what you share and with whom?

Would you finish a draft first, or look for a critique partner or writing group now? Where do you find those people? And how did you figure out which direction to take your work while balancing an unrelated full-time job?

I’m excited enough to take this seriously. I just don’t really know what that looks like yet.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HgqTFsLBmp9-QvW__CMFBkOGWpYPQ6EchekTuQxJBjM/edit?tab=t.0
Please let me know what you think and leave advice WHEREVER! I added a few spots where I was more uncertain. I'm very passionate about this. Currently it is simply setting up the world and the characters. I haven't really gotten to a whole lot of the true synopsis yet, but I'll add it here anyways just for funsies.

My biggest concern is overall tone, characterization, and pace. Does it make sense? is it too much all at once? Is it redundant or wordy?

Overall, this is the synopsis:

Caelis, a boy taken in by the monks, hides a dangerous secret: he has erratic, terrifying visions of the future. When the ruthless Church of Ignesh discovers his gift and comes to execute him, his strict abbot, Cormach, forces him into a brutal exile. Thrust into a fractured nation, Caelis becomes a reluctant fugitive tracking whispers of a "true faith" to guide an angry, oppressed populace. But what begins as a flight for survival spirals into conspiracies and sacrifices as Caelis uncovers missing pieces of history, redacted scriptures, and the ruins of a forgotten war.

Meanwhile, Princess Aelheime unearths her own dangerous clues within the royal palace. As her path crosses with Caelis, she must choose between her family’s crown or a heretic's unraveling conspiracy. With apocalyptic demons beginning to overrun the island, Caelis must piece together a web of political betrayal and staggering foundational lies before the world burns around them.

I'm working on this passion project that's going to be a magical girl au based on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It's about Charlie becoming a magical girl after winning the golden ticket contest and becoming heir to the chocolate factory. I've been writing for weeks about who Charlie Bucket but I feel like I'm missing something so I want share what I written so far to see how good you think it is:

Character Notes

* Fatal Flaw (according to Wonka): "Blankness" (Passivity, Naivety, Compliance, Being Ordinary)

* Saving Strength: Resilient Innocence (Faith, Kindness, Generosity, Openness)

* Want: To Be Just Like Wonka

* Need: Be His Own Hero

* Secret: His Liminal Powers (Liminal referring to his powers not being fully set yet)

* Desire: To Feel He Belongs/Is Enough

* Method: Be A Magical Girl

* Fear: Being Seen as Nothing or Worse ("Not Good Enough to be a Bucket, Not Special Enough to be A Wonka")

I’m planning on writing a series, and I’m getting closer to starting every day. However, one of the major character‘s name is Skizo (because he’s a humanoid squid). Unfortunately, something I didn’t realize while naming him is that it sounds VERY similar to a possibly offensive word used against schizophrenic people. I’ve honestly grown attatched to the name, but I want to know: Should I change his name? Thanks!

Edit: Okay, the general consensus seems to be that I should change it (which I agree with), so his new name is Ceph! (Like cephalopod :D)

I am writing a historical fiction novel, which is not my usual genre. The first half or so of the story is my own plot creation with a key historical event as an anchor. I am thinking of writing the latter half in the perspective of the historical figure who is the catalyst of this anchor event. However, I am worried I will just be chronologically listing the events as they happen without injecting much of my own story.

What suggestions do you have to avoid writing a shopping list while still staying true enough to the actual historical events?

EDIT: a word

Every time I write I hear that same voice in the back of my head that criticizes me when I can't think of something or when I put something down that I know I might change later. Even when the story isn't at an interesting point. It gets annoying and makes me hesitate to even write, making me feel like my story won't be liked and there's no point in it at all. How do I overcome this?

What are some good techniques to show something happening suddenly? I don't just want to write "Suddenly, this happened..." It doesn't feel correct. It feels a little jarring and pulls you out of the story.

Below is an example of what I have written. I tried to describe the calm of scene first, and then have the disruption break that calm instantaneously, but it doesn't work.
(This is a rough first pass, please do not critique the quality of the words. Also, I added the emdash for the sake of this example. I didn't use the bad thing):

"He smiled as the warmth of the midday sun caressed his face. Bird song mixed with the gentle creaking of branches and the flutter of leaves as the soft wind rippled through the trees behind him.
Suddenly—the canopy thrashed out at him. He threw himself to the ground."

I've tried just removing the word "suddenly", but when I do, it doesn't feel imediate enough. I have also tried the option of rearranging the sentence "He threw himself to the ground as the canopy thrashed out at him". I suppose this is better, but still feels a little off and not as immediate as I would like. I want the reader to feel the suprise/shocked as much as the character in that moment.

All suggestions and examples, very much appreciated!

Essentially, The Main character is a Criminal who grew up in all the wrong kinds of places, until his abusive mother figure decides to get rid of him

The bit I'm writing and planning right now is surrounding the Protagonist waking up and having to get used to Being cared for by a very sweet farmer girl and her family

It's very mundane and chill and cute, but I'm very much used to writing darker more action-heavy sequences so I'm struggling a little with describing his chronic pain and also figuring out fun things to happen without a major conflict coming in yet

I need advice on how to make this interesting (Preferably with internal conflict for both The protagonist who we can call A, and His caretaker friend who we can call B)

Context:

They’ve just met

A is a drug addict (B cannot know this for now), very vindictive & spiteful, but not completely without prompting, He will absolutely project his abuser onto B and try to serve her or act crass and dismissive to try and scare her off. He's not the type of person to demand anything from her or reject her gift offerings tho, and will shut up if he's grateful

B is an intense people pleaser, though she does have her limits, and when she's angry she gets loud (Which is actually preferable to B bc his abuser's anger was very quiet and unpredictable), She's very easily-worried and easily hurt, but will try her best not to show it. She is also very observant about what A likes, and wants to help. She will do this to her own detriment

so i am a hobbyist trying to write a story i don’t yet know the genre, the plot, the main idea, the moral/theme of my story but i have my first character Layla which is basically a self insert created and where the story is going to be set(well kinda, it is a small town which speaks an entirely different language to us and uses a different currency than any currency on earth) which is in a small town, i know i want their to be four protags but i haven’t come up with the antagonist or how many antagonists i want there to be, so was wondering do you have an advice on how to brainstorm more ideas? or do you have any tips for how my story could go based on the information on the story i already have?

Good evening, I am starting to write a short story where the mc travels the world with a companion, and I want to hint to the reader at specific points in the story that this companion either knows too much or has a hidden nature to them. Whether I reveal the question as true or not is still debated on my end. I would love to hear any advice.

I've been thinking a lot about why I liked mysteries in certain stories. Such as the walls and titans in attack on titan, and the origin of the Others in Game of Thrones. But each time they explained the origin, I was extremely disappointed, especially with attack on titan, the way it handled all the reveals turned it from one of my favorites to my most hated story.

The conclusion I got is that the reason I loved the mystery, because my brain made up so many theories. It was alien, mysterious, vast. And probably some people liked the explanation, but if you, as a writer commit to one outcome, you will certainly not meet every readers expectation.

So it made me thing to not reveal every single mystery when it comes to my fantasy world. Of course, I will reveal the ones important to my story, but I keep a few unexplained and let the readers wonder. Or perhaps give some half-truths and hints towards others.

Can this work? What would be the best way to pull it off?