Reblogged cloudycleric

a-elliott

Send help, I’m obsessing over a man in an “Is it a celebrity crush or gender envy?” Way again.

Like stfu, being that pretty shouldn’t be legal.

hillycliff

i was looking for the gender in somebody else but

i had ALL the gender

koda-does-stuff

The sheer queer rage of being consistently being put in a neat little box by everyone in the whole world.

If you want that then go off, but I’m very much genderfluid and my sexuality is fluid too

I just hate society’s concept of gender. Like no! I’m not a man, but I’m also most definitely not a women. I was socialized as a girl, and relate a lot to femininity but that doesn’t make me a female.

I prefer to be called he and like being mistaken for a guy, but that doesn’t make me a male.

Gender is so much more complicated than people pretend it is. And it’s sad that people will almost never understand that.

Sometimes I just wish I could run away and live in the woods away from society.

#genderfluid #lgbtqia #lgbtq #Idk man I just want to be a person and not worry about it #is it really so hard to just exist #like I’m not a he necessarily but I’m definetly not a she #but he is better than she so

koda-does-stuff

Reblogged

iphysalian

How to make your writing sound less stiff

Just a few suggestions. You shouldn’t have to compromise your writing style and voice with any of these, and some situations and scenes might demand some stiff or jerky writing to better convey emotion and immersion. I am not the first to come up with these, just circulating them again.

1. Vary sentence structure.

This is an example paragraph. You might see this generated from AI. I can’t help but read this in a robotic voice. It’s very flat and undynamic. No matter what the words are, it will be boring. It’s boring because you don’t think in stiff sentences. Comedians don’t tell jokes in stiff sentences. We don’t tell campfire stories in stiff sentences. These often lack flow between points, too.

So funnily enough, I had to sit through 87k words of a “romance” written just like this. It was stiff, janky, and very unpoetic. Which is fine, the author didn’t tell me it was erotica. It just felt like an old lady narrator, like Old Rose from Titanic telling the audience decades after the fact instead of living it right in the moment. It was in first person pov, too, which just made it worse. To be able to write something so explicit and yet so un-titillating was a talent. Like, beginner fanfic smut writers at least do it with enthusiasm.

2. Vary dialogue tag placement

You got three options, pre-, mid-, and post-tags.

Leader said, “this is a pre-dialogue tag.”
“This,” Lancer said, “is a mid-dialogue tag.”
“This is a post-dialogue tag,” Heart said.

Pre and Post have about the same effect but mid-tags do a lot of heavy lifting.

They help break up long paragraphs of dialogue that are jank to look at
They give you pauses for ~dramatic effect~
They prompt you to provide some other action, introspection, or scene descriptor with the tag. *don't forget that if you're continuing the sentence as if the tag wasn't there, not to capitalize the first word after the tag. Capitalize if the tag breaks up two complete sentences, not if it interrupts a single sentence.

It also looks better along the lefthand margin when you don’t start every paragraph with either the same character name, the same pronouns, or the same “ as it reads more natural and organic.

3. When the scene demands, get dynamic

General rule of thumb is that action scenes demand quick exchanges, short paragraphs, and very lean descriptors. Action scenes are where you put your juicy verbs to use and cut as many adverbs as you can. But regardless of if you’re in first person, second person, or third person limited, you can let the mood of the narrator bleed out into their narration.

Like, in horror, you can use a lot of onomatopoeia.

Drip Drip Drip

Or let the narration become jerky and unfocused and less strict in punctuation and maybe even a couple run-on sentences as your character struggles to think or catch their breath and is getting very overwhelmed.

You can toss out some grammar rules, too and get more poetic.

Warm breath tickles the back of her neck. It rattles, a quiet, soggy, rasp. She shivers. If she doesn’t look, it’s not there. If she doesn’t look, it’s not there. Sweat beads at her temple. Her heart thunders in her chest. Ba-bump-ba-bump-ba-bump-ba- It moves on, leaving a void of cold behind. She uncurls her fists, fingers achy and palms stinging from her nails. It’s gone.

4. Remember to balance dialogue, monologue, introspection, action, and descriptors.

The amount of times I have been faced with giant blocks of dialogue with zero tags, zero emotions, just speech on a page like they’re notecards to be read on a stage is higher than I expected. Don’t forget that though you may know exactly how your dialogue sounds in your head, your readers don’t. They need dialogue tags to pick up on things like tone, specifically for sarcasm and sincerity, whether a character is joking or hurt or happy.

If you’ve written a block of text (usually exposition or backstory stuff) that’s longer than 50 words, figure out a way to trim it. No matter what, break it up into multiple sections and fill in those breaks with important narrative that reflects the narrator’s feelings on what they’re saying and whoever they’re speaking to’s reaction to the words being said. Otherwise it’s meaningless.

—

Hope this helps anyone struggling! Now get writing.

#for reference

koda-does-stuff

Reblogged

thewriteadviceforwriters

50 Character Personality Traits + Meanings (For writers, worldbuilders, and artists) Part 1

Adventurous - Enjoys trying new experiences and exploring the unknown.
Ambitious - Driven to succeed and achieve their goals.
Analytical - Tends to think critically and examine things in-depth.
Artistic - Highly creative and expresses themselves through artistic mediums.
Assertive - Confident in expressing their thoughts and feelings.
Caring - Shows compassion and concern for the well-being of others.
Charismatic - Has a natural charm and appeal that draws people in.
Clever - Able to come up with creative solutions and make astute observations.
Compassionate - Displays empathy and a desire to help those in need.
Confident - Believes in their own abilities and is self-assured.
Conscientious - Reliable, responsible, and attentive to detail.
Curious - Eager to learn new things and explore the world around them.
Cynical - Tends to be skeptical and distrustful of others' motives.
Dependable - Can be counted on to follow through on their commitments.
Determined - Persistent in pursuing their goals and overcoming challenges.
Diplomatic - Skilled at navigating social situations and resolving conflicts.
Eccentric - Displays unconventional or unusual behaviors and interests.
Empathetic - Able to understand and share the feelings of others.
Ethical - Guided by a strong moral compass and a sense of right and wrong.
Extraverted - Enjoys being around people and draws energy from social interactions.
Flexible - Adaptable to changes and open to trying new approaches.
Forgiving - Willing to let go of past hurts and give people second chances.
Friendly - Approachable and enjoys building positive relationships with others.
Grounded - Practical, down-to-earth, and focused on the present.
Hardworking - Diligent and dedicated in their efforts to achieve their goals.
Honest - Values truthfulness and integrity in their words and actions.
Idealistic - Driven by a vision of how the world should be and a desire to make a difference.
Imaginative - Possesses a rich inner world and creative problem-solving abilities.
Independent - Prefers to think and act for themselves without relying on others.
Indecisive - Struggles with making decisions and often second-guesses themselves.
Introverted - Finds energy and fulfillment in solitary activities and introspection.
Jealous - Experiences feelings of resentment or insecurity towards others.
Kind - Gentle, considerate, and thoughtful in their treatment of others.
Leaders - Able to inspire and guide others towards a common goal.
Logical - Approaches problems and decisions through a rational, analytical lens.
Materialistic - Highly values the acquisition of possessions and wealth.
Organized - Maintains order and efficiency in their personal and professional life.
Perfectionistic - Strives for flawlessness and can be overly critical of themselves and others.
Pessimistic - Tends to focus on the negative aspects of situations and expect the worst.
Resilient - Able to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to changes.
Risk-taker - Willing to take chances and step outside of their comfort zone.
Sarcastic - Uses irony and witty remarks to convey their thoughts and feelings.
Sensitive - Deeply affected by the emotions and experiences of themselves and others.
Stubborn - Unwilling to change their mind or compromise on their beliefs and opinions.
Suspicious - Inclined to doubt the motives and intentions of others.
Thoughtful - Considerate of the impact their words and actions have on others.
Timid - Shy, reserved, and hesitant to take risks or assert themselves.
Trustworthy - Reliable, honest, and worthy of confidence.
Unpredictable - Displays an element of surprise and spontaneity in their behavior.
Witty - Possesses a quick, clever, and humorous way of expressing themselves.

Hey fellow writers! I'm super excited to share that I've just launched a Tumblr community. I'm inviting all of you to join my community. All you have to do is fill out this Google form, and I'll personally send you an invitation to join the Write Right Society on Tumblr! Can't wait to see your posts!

Membership Form for Write Right Society (Fill-Out Form!)

Welcome to Write Right Society! At Write Right Society, we are dedicated to nurturing the creative spirit and honing the skills of writers a

Google Docs

#for reference

koda-does-stuff

Reblogged neil-gaiman

this-machine-k1lls-fascists-dea

Really happy to see this at my local library

oracleanne

OOOOH. *happy YA librarian dance*

thessalian

I want this in every library, everywhere. After all, some kids won’t even google this stuff because they don’t want parents/siblings checking their browser history.

kungfucarrie

This is really awesome. And if you’re not familiar with how the Dewey Decimal system works - the numbers subject-based, which means these numbers are applicable in EVERY library. So if you see something you want to research on this list - look for those same numbers in any of your local libraries.

lafemmedemon

This is wonderful.

the-woman-of-belgravia

Reblogging to possibly save a life

centuries-of-thoughts

@certifiedlibraryposts

certifiedlibraryposts

Certified Library Post

Reblogged

Reblogged

Anonymous asked:

My MC loves rasing plants. Can you give any tips on how to incorporate that into the story?

novlr answered:

Plants can serve as powerful symbols, metaphors, and plot devices, adding depth and richness to your stories, and are a great thing to include in your narrative! Whether you’re writing a lush, vibrant garden scene or a barren, lifeless landscape, incorporating plants into your writing can help you create immersive and memorable settings, but they can also serve to develop complex characters and worlds by considering your characters’ relationships with them or incorporating them into your world’s mythos.

The symbolic meaning of plants

Plants have long been associated with various symbolic meanings across cultures and traditions and can symbolise various themes and emotions. We have an introduction to the symbolism of flowers in this Tumblr post; however, here are some more ways you can think about how to incorporate the symbolism into your own writing.

Consider the real-world cultural symbolism you want to draw from. Symbolism that is common in one country, and one period of time may not be the only way to represent something.
Think about the health of the plants. For instance, wilted flowers can symbolise decay, loss, or the passage of time.
A character’s relationship with a plant can reveal aspects of their personality or emotional state, especially when combined with that plant’s symbolic nature.
The growth or decay of a plant can parallel a character’s personal growth or decline in line with the character trait that plant represents.
Consider researching whether a plant has multiple symbolic meanings and whether you can use that to give your characters depth.

Use plants to develop characters

Plants can also be used to develop characters by reflecting their personalities, backgrounds, or emotional states. For example:

A character who meticulously tends to their plants may be detail-oriented, patient, and disciplined.
A character with a neglected or overgrown garden might be struggling with personal issues or feeling overwhelmed.
A character who keeps a specific type of plant, such as a rare orchid, may have a unique backstory or quirk.
A character’s favourite plant or flower can reveal their cultural background, memories, or aspirations.
An allergy or aversion to certain plants can add depth to their personality and create potential conflicts or challenges.
A character’s knowledge of plants, such as their medicinal properties or cultural significance, can showcase their intelligence, education, or heritage.

Writing plants into world-building

In the setting of your story, plants can play a crucial role in world-building. Consider the following:

If writing genre fiction, create unique, fictional plants that have specific properties or uses within your world, such as a plant that glows in the dark or one that can heal wounds.
Use plants to create a sense of atmosphere or mood. A dark, foreboding forest can evoke feelings of danger or mystery, while a lush, vibrant garden can convey a sense of peace and tranquility.
Consider how the climate and geography of your world would influence the types of plants that grow there. A desert setting might feature hardy, drought-resistant plants, while a tropical setting would have more lush, exotic vegetation.
Incorporate plants into your world’s mythology or folklore. Certain plants might be sacred to specific cultures or have legendary origins.
Show how plants are used in daily life, such as for food, medicine, clothing, or shelter, to add depth and realism to your world.

Create atmosphere with plants

Plants can be powerful tools for creating atmosphere and setting the mood in your writing.

Consider the sensory details associated with plants, such as their scent, texture, and appearance.
Use vivid descriptions of plants to immerse your readers in the setting and convey the desired emotional tone. The presence or absence of plants can also symbolise the overall state of the world or society.
Use plants to create contrast between different settings or to reflect changes in the story’s tone.
If your characters are associated with plants, show how their stories develop and change by reflecting those same changes in the plants that surround them.

Plants as plot devices

Plants can serve as powerful plot devices in your stories. They can be used to:

Create obstacles or challenges for characters, such as a poisonous plant or a rapidly growing vine that blocks their path.
Provide clues or solutions to mysteries, like a rare flower that holds the key to a puzzle.
Serve as a catalyst for character growth or change, such as a character learning to nurture a plant and, in turn, themselves.
Represent the passage of time or the changing of seasons, mirroring the story’s progression.
They can be used to create suspense and foreshadow future story beats.
Serve as a symbol of hope or resilience if they survive and flourish despite harsh conditions.

Research plants for authenticity

When incorporating real-world plants into your writing, it’s essential to research their characteristics, habitats, and cultural significance to ensure authenticity. Things to look for might include:

Research the specific characteristics, growth patterns, and care requirements of the plants you include.
Consider the climate, soil type, and seasonal changes that affect the plants in your story’s setting.
Use reliable sources such as botanical gardens, gardening books, or online plant databases.
Incorporate sensory details such as the texture of leaves, the colour of flowers, or the taste of fruits.
Avoid relying only on stereotypes or generalisations about plants to maintain authenticity.
If you’re writing about a specific culture or time period, research the plants that were significant to that context and how they were used.
Visit local gardens, parks, or natural areas to observe plants firsthand and gather inspiration for your descriptions.

Source: novlr.org

#saving for later

koda-does-stuff

Reblogged neil-gaiman

azspot

“Rich kids should go to public schools. The mayor should ride the subway to work. When wealthy people get sick, they should be sent to public hospitals. Business executives should have to stand in the same airport security lines as everyone else. The very fact that people want to buy their way out of all of these experiences points to the reason why they shouldn’t be able to. Private schools and private limos and private doctors and private security are all pressure release valves that eliminate the friction that would cause powerful people to call for all of these bad things to get better. The degree to which we allow the rich to insulate themselves from the unpleasant reality that others are forced to experience is directly related to how long that reality is allowed to stay unpleasant. When they are left with no other option, rich people will force improvement in public systems. Their public spirit will be infinitely less urgent when they are contemplating these things from afar than when they are sitting in a hot ER waiting room for six hours themselves.”

— Everyone Into The Grinder

Source: hamiltonnolan.com

furygirrl10-blog

There’s so much press about the South Korean and Norwegian education systems being the top internally. When I was in school, we did all sorts of reading and analysis of it, especially compared to American education. We were told that the American system is successful (though much lower testing) through the teacher connections with the students. South Korea is successful because the programs are massively competitive (and horribly stressful.) Norway is successful because ????.

Then, years later I read that Norway forbids school fees.

I can’t believe that information wasn’t given to me in the hours of analysis I had about their schooling and success. If you don’t allow people to insulated themselves at private schools with fees, or cherry pick public schools that loophole fees (like charters, which are private schools that get public funds,) it’s in the wealthy’s best interest to invest in the local school and rising tides lift all boats.