How To Write - Tumblr Posts

Remember: I don't know your world. I barely know your characters. If this advice doesn't apply, think on it but don't force it.

There is a LOT to cover in this small post so i'm going to skip over the big fucking autistic elephant for just this moment!

From most problematic to least :D

A) Villainizing DID

You are definitely villainizing DID. Certainly. Like this is one of the most clear-cut examples of villainzing DID that I have ever heard.

Seriously:

A "secret" criminal alter

DID meant to not demonstrate people with DID but to scare non-plurals

Murder Mystery Genre

DID as a shocking plot twist

Please, for the love that is holy, don't write THAT aspect of his character. The majority of the DID community doesn't have criminal alters and by writing that specific part of your character you're introducing ableistic bullshit into you writing where mental illness is not meant to be sympathized with but to horrified off.

This is especially bad-looking when you understand that DID (aka dissociative identity disorder) is caused by extensive trauma in their early childhood. I'm talking about the worst kinds of things one can suffer. Not just name-calling. Not just something you can pull out of the Murder Mystery HAT! F#CK!!

B) Delusions

This can work.

It can.

But should it?

From a purely writer perspective, if you already have a character who doesn't see the murder in "murder mystery" as wrong then why do you need DID to throw into the mix for a half-handed messy plot twist that doesn't need to be there?

If you wanted to make Liam Clark a villain while still being an unreliable narrator, just have them be murdering people and then cut those parts out.

HECK! Why do you need delusion in the first place?! Just have Liam Clark be a normal autistic guy who sometimes murders people! Then the theme can be "murderers are humans, not monsters"!

It just screams "demonizing mental illness" and that is not good at all.

C) Autism

At this point, the focus should be on the fact that these autistic traits are going to be seen as evidence that "displays how this guy was always mentally screwed up".

When your audience sympathetizes for the loner bullied guy who gets called weird by his classmates, they are going to feel like they should have been calling this guy weird the whole time!

They are going to re-read the book and see all of these autistic traits and say to themselves "oh how didn't I see this murderer sooner?"

So many times movies and shows use autistic traits to communicate to the audience that something spiritually or morally wrong with that individual.

I'm not saying that autistic characters can't be villains. I'm just saying that it's a delicate topic.

Here are some tips:

The only way this is going to work out for you is if you add a sympathetic good person autistic person. You need to convince your audience that autistic people are not the villain. Only Liam Clark is.

Try to add sympathetic reasoning behind why Liam Clark acts like this. Use diction to properly show why he would find this texture disgusting

Honesty: Yes, autistic people can sound rude when they are trying to be candidly helpful. If Liam Clark is trying to be helpful to these people and he comes of as rude, that is not an issue. If Liam Clark is just saying hurtful shit because he wants to then that's not autism, that's being an asshole.

Really? Your villain is a guy obsessed with horror movies? And is autistic? how groundbreaking...

WAKE UP!!! Scream did it first! And every single f*cking Scream copy-cat did it after you!

This is just pure cliche and is definitely going to be seen as you villainizing autistic traits like hyperfixation.

CONCLUSION:

Is Liam Clark a poor example of autism representation? Kinda. It could swing to good and bad depending on how you play with his traits.

Is Liam Clark a poor example of DID representation? Yes. Definitely.

Is Liam Clark a poor example of delusion representation? Almost certainly.

Liam Clark is a fucking ableist character who feels wholly unsympathetic, kinda disgusting, and pretty ableist all things considered.

Is Liam Clark un-fixable? Obviously not.

You could have Liam Clark as the autistic DID guy who isn't the villain. That's an actual twist.

You could have Liam Clark be the autistic villain who battles against actual hero, autistic somebody!

But never put people with delusions and/or DID in the fucking villain role

I Need help creating a new Character

HI, so I have a new character, but I am worried I would write him wrongly.

My new character is called Liam Clark. But the thing is, he is the villain in his own story.

Sort of like Norman Bates but the thing is,he is austistic.

Yeah, I am so worried. I have opened like ten tabs on Autism in teens and kids and boys. I read a book Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare. Great book by the way. Where Ty , has autism or has the traits ,show don't tell but done amazedly well.I think.

My other worry is that he is a villain, anti-hero. Who commits crimes without his knowledge.

I even wrote a draft, if anyone who is Autistic, please tell me if I am writing wrongly. So I can improve it.

I even want to consult one of my friends, but I feel like I am overstepping a boundary by asking him to help me.

I would ask him tho.

So, I have created his well personality, kind off. I want to make him a guy who happens to be autistic not an autistic guy and that's it.I am somewhere, not quite.

So, Liam Clark, is a seventeen-year high School student from southern California.

Liam is a smart dude, gets all A and Bs and stuff. At his High School, people bully him for being "werid" because he likes staring at stuff that are posters. Liam is obsessed with posters and Horror films. The book takes place in 2019 so is very progressive. He HATES loud music and HATES being stared at and it pisses him off.He hates the texture of yogurt because it reminds him of something NSFW, but he is into it.He still eats it because he can and taste like wet cement. He is very picky with his food and stuff and avoids the texture. He is very honest, very rude if you don't know him and points out the obvious to people which pisses them off. He doesn't like socializing much Tho, His classmates are little shits and call him Aussie just to piss him off. And in the first chapter, he calls them out. He really wants to punch those kids but he is worried that he would get in trouble for it, so he insults them in his mind. He divides his lunch and certain foods that look like plastic.

Plus, he is bisexual. Attracted to men most but attracted to women. Since he doesn't get social cues, he would tell the guy to his face about his assets and even girls to which makes them shocked.

Not the best guy right.

I am scared to write him because I feel like I am villainizing Autistic people and making him a villain.

Please I need help.

Worst of all is that he suffers from a big delusional disorder so he doesn't really see what he did was wrong even if it stared at him in the face. And DID, which he isn't aware of his criminal version of himself which does crime from petty to straight up evil. He doesn't get it, he becomes ignorant. He is unreliable narrator.

The story is indded a Murder Mystery which is told in first person and not chronologically.

He is a white guy who is lanky and skinny and stuff.

So yeah.

I need criticism need to improve him, or I would lock him away. And never write him.

I am stretching my hands towards the Autistic community asking for help and advice. Thank you.

Heres a link to the draft. Thanks if anyone reads it and gives their viewpoint.It is also kind of Satire.

I Am Not A Murderer I Swear ( Book 1 #I Am Not Series ) - Google Docs

Thank you so much for the positive response! As someone who has a intense interest in mental illness and media, I can get exceedingly annoyed when I see the same reductive portrayal of these conditions, I can often forget the well-meaning person behind the creation.

For that, I apologize.

If you still want to write a story where Liam Clark is unaware of the murdering, you could use the supression or repression of memories.

It would be an interesting way to still keep Liam Clark in the dark about the murders while not outright villainizing any specific disorder.

Although, if you are going this route, I recommend that some traces of the memories "bubble" up from time to time. It can be a misplaced phobia that doesn't really make sense, an avoidance of certain actions that his brain may associate with the murders, and other stuff like that.

If you want to send in a more "formal" writing advice request, my inbox is always open :)

I Need help creating a new Character

HI, so I have a new character, but I am worried I would write him wrongly.

My new character is called Liam Clark. But the thing is, he is the villain in his own story.

Sort of like Norman Bates but the thing is,he is austistic.

Yeah, I am so worried. I have opened like ten tabs on Autism in teens and kids and boys. I read a book Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare. Great book by the way. Where Ty , has autism or has the traits ,show don't tell but done amazedly well.I think.

My other worry is that he is a villain, anti-hero. Who commits crimes without his knowledge.

I even wrote a draft, if anyone who is Autistic, please tell me if I am writing wrongly. So I can improve it.

I even want to consult one of my friends, but I feel like I am overstepping a boundary by asking him to help me.

I would ask him tho.

So, I have created his well personality, kind off. I want to make him a guy who happens to be autistic not an autistic guy and that's it.I am somewhere, not quite.

So, Liam Clark, is a seventeen-year high School student from southern California.

Liam is a smart dude, gets all A and Bs and stuff. At his High School, people bully him for being "werid" because he likes staring at stuff that are posters. Liam is obsessed with posters and Horror films. The book takes place in 2019 so is very progressive. He HATES loud music and HATES being stared at and it pisses him off.He hates the texture of yogurt because it reminds him of something NSFW, but he is into it.He still eats it because he can and taste like wet cement. He is very picky with his food and stuff and avoids the texture. He is very honest, very rude if you don't know him and points out the obvious to people which pisses them off. He doesn't like socializing much Tho, His classmates are little shits and call him Aussie just to piss him off. And in the first chapter, he calls them out. He really wants to punch those kids but he is worried that he would get in trouble for it, so he insults them in his mind. He divides his lunch and certain foods that look like plastic.

Plus, he is bisexual. Attracted to men most but attracted to women. Since he doesn't get social cues, he would tell the guy to his face about his assets and even girls to which makes them shocked.

Not the best guy right.

I am scared to write him because I feel like I am villainizing Autistic people and making him a villain.

Please I need help.

Worst of all is that he suffers from a big delusional disorder so he doesn't really see what he did was wrong even if it stared at him in the face. And DID, which he isn't aware of his criminal version of himself which does crime from petty to straight up evil. He doesn't get it, he becomes ignorant. He is unreliable narrator.

The story is indded a Murder Mystery which is told in first person and not chronologically.

He is a white guy who is lanky and skinny and stuff.

So yeah.

I need criticism need to improve him, or I would lock him away. And never write him.

I am stretching my hands towards the Autistic community asking for help and advice. Thank you.

Heres a link to the draft. Thanks if anyone reads it and gives their viewpoint.It is also kind of Satire.

I Am Not A Murderer I Swear ( Book 1 #I Am Not Series ) - Google Docs

How To Write Romantic Relationships [MASTERPOST]

How do you balance between having emotional and meaningful without also having sappy and cliche?

How do you organically incorperate romance to the plot without having too force it in?

Don't fret my romantically inexperienced little writer! I'm here to help!

A) Make It Meaningful

Look, you can put in all the effort and still have readers not give a f$ck about the romance.

Why is there romance? Is it to create conflict? Illustrate a character's flaws? Is it a fun dynamic?

Make characters individually interesting. Your readers should understand why a character has fallen in love or you will have a riot on your hand! Remember when your favorite character fell in love with the equivalent of cardboard? Not fun. Remember: FLAWS!

The characters should be physically attracted to each other. It's pretty awkward having a romance where one character is just supressing disgust for the other.

The characters should feel emotionally connected.

Unless this is the main focus of the relationship, the characters should share core, fundamental beliefs. They can express these beliefs in different ways but it's awkward trying to ship pacifist x murderer.

Characters either need to share the same level of critical thinking ability or be willing to fall in love with an idiot. By the way, you don't love idiot x smart, you love emotional x stoic, reckless x reserved, or emotionally intelligent x logical.

B) The Meet-Cute Or Meet-Hideous

Now you might be saying, "but my dynamic is "friends/enemies to lovers"! Not strangers to lovers"!

Cool. You still have to understand how they met initially whether that was 5 minutes ago, 5 months ago, or 5 years ago. How two or more characters meet can influence first impressions, expectations for the relationship, and what these characters know about each other.

If two people met with A thinking B is an angel and B thinking A is the most boring person alive, that's a meeting that's definitely going to influence each other's expectations for their relationships and for each other.

Then, if you are writing a couple who met before the beginnings of this story, you also need to investigate their "re-meeting". This re-meeting demonstrates how the relationship is between characters.

Is there tension? Are they breaking apart? Are they meeting after a period seperated?

For strangers to lovers, where characters meet in canon and not pre-canon, a writer needs to focus on the meeting.

What are their first impressions? What is the environment around them? How is everyone feeling? What's the initial dynamic?

Common Pitfalls:

Love at First Sight. Unless you have a story where you are switching between the love interest's perspective, then the only way the audience is going to fall in love with this character is through the protag. And while the protag can fall in love at the blink of an eye, the reader can't. If your audience isn't invested in the characters, that's a problem.

Boring Meeting. Unless the entire point of the meeting is that it's mundane, try to give the meeting significiance.

Lack Of Characterization. Writers often copy the standard rom-com meeting but it does a disservice to your characters. Distrusting characters won't fall in love immediately. Reserved characters won't leave their routine for anyone. Let the meeting be guided by the characters.

C) Romantic Chemistry

In order to make a couple romantically compatible, their traits need to complement each others.

Readers tend to implicitly see the potential two characters could have if they just got together. Having two characters with opposing but balancing characteristics could satisfy this thirst.

Readers understand that a character battling depression is more likely to thrive with someone who provides benefits in relation to the depression whether it's compassion, open-mindedness, or perceptiveness.

D) Conflict

All relationships need conflict! This type of conflict tends to be man vs self, man vs man, or man vs society

Characters are either struggling with their own characters flaws, the external threat of another character, or the interference of society.

Common Pitfalls:

Lack Of Themes. Let the themes you are working with inspire what type of conflict impact the relationship. Don't throw in a plot twist or an inorganic cliche.

Lack Of Grounding. Authors can be so focused on the spectacle of a grand fight that they can loose their characters and the grounded experience of an unstable relationship.

Lack Of Characterization. Whenever authors grab a random conflict, they risk a character acting outside of their parameters which make the move feel shoehorned in.

Lack Of Justification. Don't have the conflict show up out of nowhere! Write little moments where something seems off. Then when these little things pile up, it won't feel shocking but justified.

Lack Of Punishment. Characters shouldn't come out of these moments without questioning their entire existence. Have them re-evaluate their beliefs, expectations, and actions.

Lack Of Power. Give your love interest and your protagonist the chance to air out their grievances. Don't let your characters suffer in silence. Call these characters out on their bs.

E) Actions In Love

Everyone has their own ways of expressing love, so don’t assume that there’s only one right way to write about it. Some characters show their love through physical acts of intimacy such as holding hands and kissing. Some characters compliment. Others show it through grand romantic gestures. Others are more subtle.

Try to weave these little acts of sincerity throughout all of the scenes where your two lovebirds are in love.

Character Quiz! :D

Here are some questions to ask your character in order to understand them just a little bit more!

What is the worst quality you could ever imagine in someone?

2. If you had to define you childhood with one item, what would it be?

3. What do you wish people knew about you?

4. What traits do you admire?

5. What's the worst decision you have ever made? Was there a reason?

6. What's your biggest fear and have you ever faced it? Do you know why you are so scared?

7. What makes you feel safe? Why?

8. What's your favorite memory and why? It could be a childhood memory or something that happened a couple days ago!

9. Do you think about the future and the past? Why?

10. Who's life do you envy the most and why?

11. What's something you learned that nobody else has learned? It could be a life lesson or maybe a secret?

12. How do you show appreciation? Why?

13. Who is the person you are closest to? Why?

14. What is your main piece of advice?

Tagging: @loverboyxbutch, @differentnighttale, @12-cluh, @fanwriting93, @drivingmebonkas, @largestmothinnorthamerica, @startheoverseer, @wyvchard, @madmadhuman, @lavenillarose, and anyone else who wants to do this :D

Explanation Time!

What is the worst quality you could ever imagine in someone?

I wrote this question because it can really demonstrate what a character has been most scarred by. If someone despises uncleanliness most of all, for instance, then that definitely communicates something interesting :D

2. If you had to define you childhood with one item, what would it be?

It gives your characters a little motif of their childhood. Then using changes in those items to represent changes. The bouquet is withering. The red wool baby clothing is tattered. It is striking imagery!

3. What do you wish people knew about you?

It immediately gets to the soft spot of your character! I believe the best types of characters are the characters with layers. If you can see everything from the top layer, then why should I spend an entire book trying to get the "bottom layer"?

4. What traits do you admire?

This question has many different uses. It can hint at a greater trauma in the past if the trait is something like trust. It can hint at this obsession with a specific concept. It can hint at characteristics.

This trait could be beauty, hope, luck, charisma, trust, and so many interesting possibilities :D

5. What's the worst decision you have ever made? Was there a reason?

I think this is one of the most important questions that could ever be asked of your character. Personally, the characters that are exclusively forced into doing bad stuff are never that interesting. I prefer the characters that fail.

It adds humanity. It adds the possibility of this dilemma appearing symbolically.

6. What's your biggest fear and have you ever faced it? Do you know why you are so scared?

It provides a jumping off point for the characters. If they overcome this fear, you have a character arc!

Besides, fears provide gateways into traumatic backstories. Fears also humanize a seemingly unbreakable symbol, give explanation for a character's actions, and create obstacles.

This fear could be as conceptual as you like.

7. What makes you feel safe? Why?

It provides more information about a person's childhood! If someone feels safe in the comfort of a book, then I can already imagine a little scene where this kid was also reading in a book.

It can hint at potentially bad coping mechanisms

8. What's your favorite memory and why?

Prioritizing is a major human thing. If a character prioritizes a memory it denotes sentimental attachment, admiration, a good segway into a monologue, and a peek into a character's internal life!

9. Do you think about the future and the past? Why?

There are people who reach for the future and ignore the dark past.

There are people who mourn for the past and fear the future.

There are people who feel united by the past and hope for the future.

There are people who feel attached to only the present.

There are people who hate it all.

10. Who's life do you envy the most and why?

What makes something a "well-lived life"? What's their perspective on this character? What's something that lacking from their life?

All of these questions and more can be answered!

11. What's something you learned that nobody else has learned? It could be a life lesson or maybe a secret?

This helps with understanding a character's life experience, maturity level, and plot devices.

12. How do you show appreciation? Why?

This question targets how reserved they are. It can also demonstrate how their guardians raised them!

13. Who is the person you are closest to? Why?

This connects to a character's backstory if this is a childhood friend scenario. Or a childhood rivals scenario. Or literally anyone this character knew before the story officially began.

It can also summarize questions 1, 7, 4, and 3 into a "real life" relationship.

14. What is your main piece of advice?

This establishes a character's philosophy about the world, the themes the story will dive into, and struggles characters have had in their backstory.

Establish a character's perspective on what life is like and how to act in it is one of the most important and most overlooked aspect in designing characters

Character Quiz! :D

Here are some questions to ask your character in order to understand them just a little bit more!

What is the worst quality you could ever imagine in someone?

2. If you had to define you childhood with one item, what would it be?

3. What do you wish people knew about you?

4. What traits do you admire?

5. What's the worst decision you have ever made? Was there a reason?

6. What's your biggest fear and have you ever faced it? Do you know why you are so scared?

7. What makes you feel safe? Why?

8. What's your favorite memory and why? It could be a childhood memory or something that happened a couple days ago!

9. Do you think about the future and the past? Why?

10. Who's life do you envy the most and why?

11. What's something you learned that nobody else has learned? It could be a life lesson or maybe a secret?

12. How do you show appreciation? Why?

13. Who is the person you are closest to? Why?

14. What is your main piece of advice?

Tagging: @loverboyxbutch, @differentnighttale, @12-cluh, @fanwriting93, @drivingmebonkas, @largestmothinnorthamerica, @startheoverseer, @wyvchard, @madmadhuman, @lavenillarose, and anyone else who wants to do this :D

Excerpt From WIP (Criticize Me!)

Feel free to ask questions :D

Did you know that one of the most common symbols used in stories are eyes? That's a made-up statistic but in my opinion, it's true.

Caramel eyes that sparkle with sunlight in the dawn are used to communicate that while someone looks like the everyday, inside there is just something glorious about them.

Crystalline blue eyes are used to demonstrate an obviously mysterious kind of specialness. They glitter like fresh sleeping snow in the morning before the world has started again. Beautiful and fatal if you stand there for too long.

Verdant irises spring images of lively forests. Lively, energetic, and sensational are all words that apply to these characters. Slightly nosatalgic even. Sometimes given to those with greed in their hearts.

But scorched irises are rarely given a moment to shine. Only the most wicked men are given such a rich shade of deep brown. The majority of makeup advertisements and filters tend to given them a golden sheen.

If eyes are windows to the soul, then ink-like eyes are the least desirable to have.

I also didn't like them that much. None of my favorite characters had them and black, non-reflective eyes rarely told an interesting story.

I don't really know why I started thinking about this but it most likely has something to do with you, Yuuma.

Because you have pitch black eyes.

It's impossible to ignore them. Whenever you are overcome by this eclipsing sense of consuming bliss, the corners of your eyes wrinkle a bit. You also roll your eyes a lot. Even the universe herself seems at awe with your eyes. The soft breeze always ruffles your eyelashes gently, as if it's an orchestrator guiding nature herself to worship you. The paint you always use leaves itself near your eyes. I really like when the black dye does that. It makes it look like you have two sets of eyes!

I notice because I always try to notice. I want to notice these little things. I want to think of beautiful poetry to spin about your eyes.

Characters in love always pay attention to their love interest's eyes. Your eyes aren't beautiful. They make you look like Stonehedge in old England whenever you aren't actively expressing, like when you're painting. I remember this one moment when Anghel was frightened by your sudden appearance. He just suddenly yipped "Eyes!". We both laughed like maniacs.

Your eyes aren't beautiful. But they're yours which means they deserve attention. And let's be honest with ourselves! If i'm not willing to stare into your eyes who else will? how could I call myself worthy enough to be your love interest?

So I will watch your eyes as the sun begins to slip into the horizon, and the dim sparkle of waking stars acts as a spotlight focused entirely on you. This is your domain. You are the ruler of this moment. It suits you well. The universe sings around you; it's a symphony, and you are the solo. You are ethereal.

You open your mouth to say something and the sun itself seems to hault as if what you are about to say will shake the core of universe. You hesitate. The sun and stars stands still as we all stare in support. You can do it. Finally, you find your resolve again. You speak.

"I love you"

Tagging: @differentnighttale, @12-cluh, @madmadhuman, @melda0m3, @drivingmebonkas, @startheoverseer, @fanwriting93, @loverboyxbutch, @largestmothinnorthamerica, @lavenillarose, @ravennova7, @procrazedfan, @wyvchard, @outrazona

Special Acts Of Love! (Feel Free To Share)

These are moments of affection that are so individual to these characters that no one else casually does this!

Yuuma and Jukka: Whenever Jukka gets an injury that he can't play off like a cast or splint, Yuuma also gets their own fake cast for the fake injury. Then Yuuma pretends that they're the one with the injury and Jukka is just pretending to be injured for dramatic solidarity. Yuuma does this so Jukka won't feel so vulnerable. Whenever Yuuma gets injured, Jukka repays the favor :D

Myroslava and G.R.M.L: Sometimes Gabriel Rosario Moxcir Lumeran likes to pretend that they are just now discovering the fact that they are a no-hand haver. In an act of affection, the usually reserved Myroslava will be a hundred precent dedicated to the bit!

Surryn and Nirali: Surryn likes playing a game with Nirali where the entire point of the game is to get Nirali better into the habit of saying "no" to impossible demands. Whenever Nirali is estatic about refusing to do something, Surryn is always the most celebratory!

Share your own character's affectionate habits

Advice for writing relationships

Ship Dynamics

How to create quick chemistry

How to write a polyamorous relationship

How to write a wedding

How to write found family

How to write forbidden love

Introducing partner(s) to family

Honeymoon

Date gone wrong

Fluffy Kiss Scene

Love Language - Showing, not telling

Love Language - Showing you care

Affections without touching

Giving the reader butterflies with your characters

Reasons a couple would divorce on good terms

Reasons for breaking up while still loving each other

Relationship Problems

Relationship Changes

Milestones in a relationship

Platonic activities for friends

Settings for conversations

How to write a love-hate relationship

How to write enemies to lovers

How to write lovers to enemies to lovers

How to write academic rivals to lovers

How to write age difference

Reasons a couple would divorce on good terms

Reasons for having a crush on someone

Ways a wedding could go wrong

Arranged matrimony for royalty

If you like my blog and want to support me, you can buy me a coffee or become a member! And check out my Instagram! 🥰

How to write about someone’s appearance? Their physique, styles, face , clothes,?

How to Describe a Character's Appearance

-> dabblewriter.com

-> link to Character Description Prompts

Avoid Over-Describing

Overloading readers with too much information can be overwhelming and make your characters feel flat and one-dimensional. Focus on the details that are the most important to the story and the characters themselves.

If the character's appearance is not central to the story, then you may only need to give a basic description. If it plays a significant role, you may want to go into more detail. Always keep the purpose of your physical descriptions in mind.

Show Don't Tell

Don't blatantly state every little thing about your character's appearance, but rather show it through their actions and behaviors.

example: If they are tall, show that through their actions. They have to duck to get under a doorway, they help someone reach the top shelf, etc.

Include Personality Traits

A character's personality is what makes them memorable. Consider their motivations, values, beliefs, and quirks and give them a well-defined personality.

Avoid Stereotypes

Create characters that are more than just their cultural, racial, ethnic, or gender identity. Give them unique interests, hobbies, and personalities. Allow them to have flaws, contradictions, and diverse perspectives.

External Features

External features include a character's height, weight, body type, and general appearance. You can describe their skin color, hair color, eye color, and any distinctive features like freckles or scars. This type of description gives the reader a basic understanding of what the character looks like, which is helpful in creating a mental image.

Clothing

Describing the type of clothing they wear, including the colors, patterns, and how they fit, can reveal a lot about a character’s personality and social status.

For example, a character who wears tailored suits and expensive shoes might be a little snobby and concerned with their image, while a character who wears ripped jeans and t-shirts might be casual and relaxed.

Facial Features

Facial features can be used to give the reader a more in-depth understanding of a character's personality and emotions. You can describe their smile, the way they frown, their cheekbones, and their jawline. You can also describe their eyebrows, the shape of their nose, and the size and shape of their eyes, which can give the reader insight into their emotions.

Body Language

Body language can be used to give the reader an understanding of a character's emotions and personality without the need for dialogue. Describing the way a character stands, walks, or gestures can reveal a lot about their confidence level, mood, and attitude.

For example, a character who slouches and avoids eye contact is likely to be shy, while a character who stands up straight and makes direct eye contact is likely to be confident.

Words to Describe Various Features

Head and face

Oval: rounded, elongated, balanced, symmetrical

Round: full, plump, chubby, cherubic

Square: angular, defined, strong, masculine

Heart: pointy, triangular, wider at the temples, narrow at the chin

Diamond: angular, pointed, narrow at the forehead and jaw, wide at the cheekbones

Long: elongated, narrow, oval, rectangular

Triangular: angular, wide at the jaw, narrow at the forehead, inverted heart-shape

Oblong: elongated, rectangular, similar to oval but longer

Pear-shaped: narrow at the forehead, wide at the jaw and cheekbones, downward-pointing triangle

Rectangular: angular, defined, similar to oblong but more squared

Facial features

Cheeks: rosy, plump, gaunt, sunken, dimpled, flushed, pale, chubby, hollow

Chin: pointed, cleft, rounded, prominent, dimpled, double, weak, strong, square

Ear: large, small, delicate, flapped, pointed, rounded, lobeless, pierced

Eyes: deep-set, angled, bright, piercing, hooded, wide-set, close-set, beady, slanted, round, droopy, sleepy, sparkling

Forehead: high, broad, wrinkled, smooth, furrowed, low, narrow, receding

Jaw: strong, square, defined, angular, jutting, soft, weak, chiseled

Lips: full, thin, chapped, cracked, puckered, pursed, smiling, quivering, pouty

Mouth: wide, small, downturned, upturned, smiling, frowning, pouting, grimacing

Nose: hooked, straight, aquiline, button, long, short, broad, narrow, upturned, downturned, hooked, snub

Eyebrows: arched, bushy, thin, unkempt, groomed, straight, curved, knitted, furrowed, raised

Hair

Texture: curly, straight, wavy, frizzy, lank, greasy, voluminous, luxurious, tangled, silky, coarse, kinky

Length: long, short, shoulder-length, waist-length, neck-length, chin-length, buzzed, shaven

Style: styled, unkempt, messy, wild, sleek, smoothed, braided, ponytail, bun, dreadlocks

Color: blonde, brunette, red, black, gray, silver, salt-and-pepper, auburn, chestnut, golden, caramel

Volume: thick, thin, fine, full, limp, voluminous, sparse

Parting: center-parted, side-parted, combed, brushed, gelled, slicked back

Bangs: fringed, side-swept, blunt, wispy, thick, thin

Accessories: headband, scarf, barrettes, clips, pins, extensions, braids, ribbons, beads, feathers

Body

Build: slender, skinny, lean, athletic, toned, muscular, burly, stocky, rotund, plump, hefty, portly

Height: tall, short, petite, lanky, willowy, stocky, rotund

Posture: slouching, upright, hunched, stiff, relaxed, confident, nervous, slumped

Shape: hourglass, pear-shaped, apple-shaped, athletic, bulky, willowy, curvy

Muscles: defined, toned, prominent, ripped, flabby, soft

Fat distribution: chubby, plump, rounded, jiggly, wobbly, flabby, bloated, bloated

Body hair: hairy, smooth, shaven, beard, goatee, mustache, stubble

Weight: light, heavy, average, underweight, overweight, obese, lean, skinny

Body language: confident, nervous, aggressive, submissive, arrogant, timid, confident, relaxed

Body movements: graceful, clunky, fluid, awkward, jerky, smooth, agile, rigid

Build

Muscular: ripped, toned, defined, well-built, buff, brawny, burly, strapping

Athletic: fit, toned, agile, flexible, energetic, muscular, athletic, sporty

Thin: skinny, slender, slim, lanky, bony, gaunt, angular, wiry

Stocky: sturdy, broad-shouldered, compact, muscular, solid, robust, heavy-set

Overweight: plump, chubby, rotund, heavy, portly, corpulent, stout, fleshy

Fat: overweight, overweight, rotund, heavy, bloated, tubby, round, fat

Lean: lanky, slender, skinny, thin, wiry, willowy, spare, underweight

Larger: large, heavy, hefty, substantial, solid, overweight, portly, rotund

Skin

Texture: smooth, soft, silky, rough, bumpy, flaky, scaly, rough

Tone: fair, light, pale, dark, tan, olive, bronze, ruddy, rosy

Complexion: clear, radiant, glowing, dull, blotchy, sallow, ruddy, weathered

Wrinkles: deep, fine, lines, crow's feet, wrinkles, age spots

Marks: freckles, age spots, birthmarks, moles, scars, blemishes, discoloration

Tone: even, uneven, patchy, discolored, mottled, sunburned, windburned

Glow: luminous, radiant, healthy, dull, tired, lifeless

Tautness: taut, firm, loose, saggy, wrinkles, age spots, slack

Condition: healthy, glowing, radiant, dry, oily, acne-prone, sunburned, windburned

Style

Clothing: trendy, stylish, fashionable, outdated, classic, eclectic, casual, formal, conservative, bold, vibrant, plain, ornate

Fabric: silk, cotton, wool, leather, denim, lace, satin, velvet, suede, corduroy

Colors: bright, bold, pastel, neutral, vibrant, muted, monochrome

Accessories: jewelry, hats, glasses, belts, scarves, gloves, watches, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings

Shoes: sneakers, boots, sandals, heels, loafers, flats, pumps, oxfords, slippers

Grooming: well-groomed, unkempt, messy, clean-cut, scruffy, neat

Hair: styled, messy, curly, straight, braided, dreadlocks, afro, updo, ponytail

Makeup: natural, bold, minimal, heavy, smokey, colorful, neutral

Personal grooming: clean, fragrant, unkempt, well-groomed, grooming habits

Overall appearance: put-together, disheveled, polished, rough, messy, tidy

If you like what I do and want to support me, please consider buying me a coffee! I also offer editing services and other writing advice on my Ko-fi! Become a member to receive exclusive content, early access, and prioritized writing prompt requests.

Can you give tips for slow burn/developing romance? I’m good at writing couples once they’re already in love, but when they have a crush on each other or them slowly developing feelings I don’t really know how to do

How to Write a Slow Burn Romance

-> writersdigest.com

-> reddit.com

The Growing Relationship

Make sure the reasons your characters don't get together right away makes sense. It doesn't need to be realistic, but it needs to be believable.

Focus on how their relationship grows. Spend time on the meeting, the getting to know each other, the subtle moments and big moments that draw them to each other. There will be obstacles, arguments, and conflicts to solve.

Make the development of the relationship natural for the characters.

Start as far back in their relationship as you can. This will allow the longest amount of time for their relationship to be exploired in the story. If it fits, you can start when they first meet. Of course, if it doesn't fit your story, you can start later in their relationship.

Build the Tension

You want your readers to be on the edge of their seats when it comes to your character's relationship. They should be screaming "just kiss already!"

Add near-miss moments. An almost kiss interrupted by a phone call. A hug that lasts just a moment too long.

Add little indications of feelings. Soft Smiles. Winking. The brush of a finger. Lingering glances.

Pining. Give insights into your character's thoughts. Constant thoughts about the other person. Butterflies when they think about them. The anticipation.

Slow Burn, Not Slow Pace

There needs to be other plot points happening while the romantic tension is building. Your characters should be dealing with other situations while they are also pining after each other.

Outside Forces

Slowburns are not always endless pining and dancing around one another. Sometimes, there are outside forces that are keeping characters apart when they already realize that the feelings are mutual.

Examples: Distance between the characters, health/mental health reasons, job/work complications, family dynamics, character goals, characters are on two different sides of a conflict, etc.

If you like what I do and want to support me, please consider buying me a coffee! I also offer editing services and other writing advice on my Ko-fi! Become a member to receive exclusive content, early access, and prioritized writing prompt requests.

I also have a Patreon! Become a member to gain access to a Member's Only Community where you can chat and message other members and myself. Also gain access to my personal writing, which includes completed short stories, chapters from novels in progress, as well as completed scenes.

Writing Description Notes:

Updated 9th September 2024 More writing tips, review tips & writing description notes

Facial Expressions

Masking Emotions

Smiles/Smirks/Grins

Eye Contact/Eye Movements

Blushing

Voice/Tone

Body Language/Idle Movement

Thoughts/Thinking/Focusing/Distracted

Silence

Memories

Happy/Content/Comforted

Love/Romance

Sadness/Crying/Hurt

Confidence/Determination/Hopeful

Surprised/Shocked

Guilt/Regret

Disgusted/Jealous

Uncertain/Doubtful/Worried

Anger/Rage

Laughter

Confused

Speechless/Tongue Tied

Fear/Terrified

Mental Pain

Physical Pain

Tired/Drowsy/Exhausted

Eating

Drinking

Warm/Hot

Hmm, okay I'm saving this

The demon that haunts me: You never write anything

*raise an eyebrow* Did I ask for you opinion? Besides, you keep whispering and showing me different worlds all the days, if someone has the fault of my lack of concentration is you

Demon: That's not true! *murmurs* and I show you a new world every three days.

It's still not enough time!

tip: how to prepare to avoid writer's block

I didn't think I needed this until I tried but here is the way one teacher taught us to prepare for writing fiction:

1 - Settle your universe

Whether it is fantasy, sci-fi or slice of life, you must know your universe. Don't think about your universe as a setting but as some living thing your character(s) will interact with. The universe isn't only about scenery. It's about how society is shaped, what customs and holidays exist, if life is good or bad there, etc.

2 - Craft your characters

Once you're done with the universe, go to your characters. And I won't tell you to do a 10-page character sheet that will end up irrelevant while you'll write your story. I think you can start with 3 sections: who are they, what do they look like, what do they want and why. So it's basically part one being the basic info you can find on your own ID and part two is about appearance, tics/mannerisms and how they carry/express themselves. Part three is the most important one because it grasps the psychology of the character and you'll need to figure out two things: the character's goal in the story and the weakness that will become an obstacle to get to the said goal. For example, your OC wants to become an amazing singer (goal) but every time they get in front of an audience, they can't sing (weakness). It's only when they will break free from this that they'll get closer to their goal.

3 - Tie your knots

Once you have your universe and your character(s), you can settle your plot points. Only break down the events that will affect all characters and/or the universe. That way you can focus on "main" scenes and work through them as freely as possible. I realised that breaking every scene restrained and burned me out. But if I settle 6-8 plot points, I still have a direction and I'm free to write as I go. It's a good compromise for plotters & pansters.

I don't know if this 3-stage prep will work for you but it did to me. I wasn't hit by writer's block and wrote 57 pages in less than a week.

Pro-writing tip: if your story doesn't need a number, don't put a fucking number in it.

Nothing, I mean nothing, activates reader pedantry like a number.

I have seen it a thousand times in writing workshops. People just can't resist nitpicking a number. For example, "This scifi story takes place 200 years in the future and they have faster than light travel because it's plot convenient," will immediately drag every armchair scientist out of the woodwork to say why there's no way that technology would exist in only 200 years.

Dates, ages, math, spans of time, I don't know what it is but the second a specific number shows up, your reader is thinking, and they're thinking critically but it's about whether that information is correct. They are now doing the math and have gone off drawing conclusions and getting distracted from your story or worse, putting it down entirely because umm, that sword could not have existed in that Medieval year, or this character couldn't be this old because it means they were an infant when this other story event happened that they're supposed to know about, or these two events now overlap in the timeline, or... etc etc etc.

Unless you are 1000% certain that a specific number is adding to your narrative, and you know rock-solid, backwards and forwards that the information attached to that number is correct and consistent throughout the entire story, do yourself a favor, and don't bring that evil down upon your head.

any tips for writing road trips?

Hi :)

How to write a road trip

For a road trip there are a few things to consider that change how you go about it:

Purpose

Just wanting to have a road trip

Is there a specific place they need to go to?

What is going to wait for them at the end?

Route

If there is a specific place, they need to be at they should take the direct route there

If it’s just for fun they can go and stop in any direction whenever they want

You can include some obstacles, like road blocks, traffic jams, construction sites, getting lost, etc.

If you use actual places, try to figure out the time it takes to get from point A to point B

Sleeping arrangements

A few options: in the car, in a tent, in a motel

Depends on where they are, their budget and the weather

Passengers

How many people are in the car?

What is their relationship?

Are they carefree and happy or is there tension between them?

Plot points

The plot is like a road trip itself - it moves from one point to another and then ends at a point you choose

So, you can choose different stations during the trip to include different plot points and further the plot

Maybe something major always happens when they have to stay in the car with nowhere else to go

Maybe they only have important conversations at night

End of the trip

You should interconnect the end of the trip with the end of the plot you wanted to get across

It’s like reaching the destination in both aspects

That makes for the most satisfying end for the reader

Road Trip Ideas

picnic at the side of the road

quick bathroom breaks

having a snack stock pile

homemade sandwiches

getting lost

fights about which way to go

being stuck in traffic

the perfect road trip playlist

and still fighting over the music

phone batteries being dangerously low and no way to charge them

trying to read an actual paper map

packing too many useless things

while forgetting something important

looking out for places to sleep

contemplating if the creepy motel is worth it

sleeping in the car, uncomfortable in all the wrong places

sleeping under the starry sky

not seeing a single soul for miles

randomly stopping at interesting things

watching the sun set and rise again

measuring time with McDonald's signs they see

visiting small towns

coming across ghost towns

exploring the remnants of civilization

arriving at their destination feeling either more connected to each other or farther away from each other

I hope you enjoy this and have fun writing it!

- Jana

How to show emotions

Part V

How to show grief

a vacant look

slack facial expressions

shaky hands

trembling lips

swallowing

struggling to breathe

tears rolling down their cheeks

How to show fondness

smiling with their mouth and their eyes

softening their features

cannot keep their eyes off of the object of their fondness

sometimes pouting the lips a bit

reaching out, wanting to touch them

How to show envy

narrowing their eyes

rolling their eyes

raising their eyebrows

grinding their teeth

tightening jaw

chin poking out

pouting their lips

forced smiling

crossing arms

shifting their gaze

clenching their fists

tensing their muscles

then becoming restless/fidgeting

swallowing hard

stiffening

holding their breath

blinking rapidly

exhaling sharply

How to show regret

scrubbing a hand over the face

sighing heavily

downturned mouth

slightly bending over

shoulders hanging low

hands falling to the sides

a pained expression

heavy eyes

staring down at their feet

Part I + Part II + Part III + Part IV

If you like my blog and want to support me, you can buy me a coffee or become a member! And check out my Instagram! 🥰

USEFUL WEBSITES FOR WRITERS

Writing With Color: Helps with writing about culture, ethnicity, and religion. Overall, it gives advice on how to write about diversity.

Name Generator: As the name says, it helps you build names for your characters. Very useful if you cannot think of names for your characters!

KathySteinemann: The 'archive.pdf' section helps you with synonyms in case you struggle to find the right word for your sentences (also to avoid using redundant words).

Spwickstrom: Similar to the previous one, this one provides grammar tips. Extremely helpful when finding phrases, verbs, conjunctions, adjectives, and so on.

Servicescape: The perfect website if you're experiencing writer's block. It provides writing prompts. It helps you spark creativity when it comes to writing.

reblog to help other writers !!

how to write teenagers

disclaimer: i am in my 20's. it wasn't too long ago that i was a teenager, but admittingly i am not perfect and there might be errors.

Edit: yes i used psychonauts 2 as an example, this does not mean all examples apply to psychonauts 2. This is a GENERAL writing advice post for people who need help, and this is a collection of tropes that personally annoy me. I am playing psychonauts 2 for the first time (no spoilers not finished with the game yet ) i wont spoil anything but i will say this: the interns are fucking awful. which is bizzare because the child characters from the first game were still side characters, but had so much personality. so here is me ranting about badly written teen characters (In general media) in hopes to prevent this annoying trope

1- teenagers are not sociopathic monsters yes some teenagers are terrible. yes high school bullies are a thing. but guess what? people don't magically become horrible once they turn 13. most teens who put down and bully people have hard home lives. stop with this annoying "lol lets just bully a random stranger for no reason" trope. Its lazy. if you want a good bully character give them a deeper reason then "well teenagers are just awful!" (looking at YOU psychonauts 2)

2- actually talk to teenagers/ write for the era it takes place in while teens have simmular attitudes than previous generations, a lot of how kids in that age group think are dependent on trends. being a teenager is a very sponge-ey time in their lives. Its the part where you are old enough to understand deep topics, but not the nuance of it all. at that age, kids re often trying to learn about the world and... you guessed it, become adults. not all teenagers are rebellious "i am going to do this specifically cus i was told not to" types either. stop writing teenagers like how you saw them in the 80's. not every kid is gonna act like the cast of footloose. In my high school experience, a lot of kids my age were very chill and tended to themselves.

3- did you know that you actually retain your personality when you turn 13 ? and that not every kid is a tik tocker attention whore with a phone? who knew? did you know that SHY teenagers exist? that not all teenagers are insecure mentally insane fucks who have to bend their entire personality and thoughts JUST to get attention and to fit in? its almost as if teenagers are people with different interests and personality traits and not identical mannequins with a self image complex not every teenager is a hot topic dweller who does illegal and stupid shit for no reason. Like adults, teenagers are a tad deeper than that.

4- Teenagers are also naive and stupid sometimes. yes i know I just talked about how old people just write about the parts of teenagers they hate and nothing else, but bear with me. don't write your teen like a shorter adult. instead use this opportunity to grow the character ! this is such a malleable age for them to grow as people and i rarely see anyone utilize this! they are young and dumb and learning about the world! that is perfect breeding ground for writing! why don't people use this more?? good example of this: Homestuck. no i am not going to explan homestuck's plot. I dont have 5 years to write this post. Just know that the characters in that comic utilize the age of the characters well without making them stereotypical "ugh smartphones amirite fellow zoomers?"

5- the age of the kid MATTERS a 13 year old acting like an immature prick? yeah thats normal. people in that age tend to be edgy and annoying. 17 year old acting like an immature prick? that guy is well beyond "immature kid" age and is just a prick. The older the kid, the more impactful their actions are. A tween is more likely to grow out of traits more than a 17 year old. I roll my eyes when i see "bully teen group" trope in shows when the kids are seniors and then they expect me to forgive the kids at the end. NO. you kids are almost 18, that isn't teen angst you are all damn near adults. let me say this again: talk to teenagers if you are unsure how they act. there is a reason why its problematic for a 17 year old to date a 13 year old even though there is only a 4 year gap. teenagers develop QUICKLY as they age. a 13 year old and a 17 year old will have vastly different maturity level while a 30 yr old and a 35 year old will probably be the same level of maturity. age matters. and finally

6- stop being a condescending douche. yes. we get it. its cringe that the 14 year old kid thinks referencing death and depression is "deep" but also fuck off. this kid is growing and trying to become an adult. show some sympathy. yes. i know you think your kid's date isn't as important because said kid is going to grow out of it, but don't condescend your audience: they are at a developing age and while it doesn't matter to you, IT MATTERS TO THEM. I have always hated stuff like the hunger games and divergent. I think they are terrible series specifically made to pander to kids looking for an escapist fantasy. But you know what? these shows were not made for me, because i am not a teenager. let these kids have their fun. and if you are making a show/book/etc for teenagers, then you need to put your contempt for kids aside to actually write for them instead of acting like you are all high and mighty. (an example of this done wrong: every bad boomer comic in existence) and honestly ? if you are middle aged and you are putting down someone 1/4 your age for just exiting, it's not impressive. It's sad and pathetic and you need to rethink your life. and yes, i know people put down homestuck for being... homestuck, but homestuck has a wonderful portrayal of teenagers and how they really act. give it a read if you have literally all the freetime in the world. don't read beyond the epilogues tho. HS^2 is dead to me. thank you for reading my bullshit homies.

Nice

Character mannerisms to consider!

Mannerisms, in this case, are the little details that are unique to each character of your story! These are perfect ways help the reader know more about your character’s personality without needing to read through multiple sentences of description or dialogue. Mannerisms also become incredibly useful when you need to convey things like social status, upbringing, mental health status and how they interact with the world/people around them.

There are hundreds of unique ways to use mannerisms, for example linking one character to another despite their lack of interaction in the story. The dialogue and description might point to Character A having never met Character B, but they might share the same mannerisms, which would hint to some kind of past link between the pair.

How much space do they take up? Do they spread out when they sit or stay curled-up? Do they flail their arms to gesture? Do they speak loudly or quietly? Who listens when they speak up? Do they make a sound when they move?

How does your character sleep? What position? Do they sleep restlessly or soundly? Do they prefer covers, or do they sleep without?

How does your character greet people? Are they welcoming or reserved? How genuine are they being?

How much do they mirror others? Do they mirror everyone? (Mirroring is a subconscious behaviour where two+ people in a conversation will copy one another’s body language. This usually means there is a connection of some kind being made. Lack of / exaggerated mirroring might indicate towards a mental disorder or other (ex: personality disorder, neurodiversity, anxiety etc)

Which part of their body is the most expressive? Does your character use their hands a lot or do they tuck them away? Do they need movement to ground themselves (swaying, rocking, fidgetting…)?

Who would your character turn to in a group of people for comfort? Would they acknowledge that person more? Would they engage in a conversation with only them or would they just glance their way?

Do they have a re-occuring habit to indicate a mood? Do they crack their knuckles when excited? Do they bite their lip ring when angry? Do they look at their hands when sad?

How do they gesture? Do they speak with their hands? Do they point, nod or use their eyes to show something? Which movements are conscious, and which aren't?

Do they have a comfort item or person? Is there something they always think of? Is there something they hold with care? How much do they value that thing more than others?

How would they react to another person’s misfortune? Would their eyes light up? Would their heart hurt? How genuine would they feel? How genuine would they act?

Is there anything that makes them OOC (out of character)? (This is a good thing! One tiny OOC aspect can make a huge impact on that character) Perhaps they’re cruel but love cats? Perhaps they’re known for being the kindest but smile when they think of something tragic? How often do they act strangely? Do they do it in front of anyone? Do their actions indicate this or solely their thoughts?

I hope this helps you develop your characters! If you have anything to add, feel free to do so!

How to Create A Villain

The best villains? They don’t even see themselves as the bad guys. They’re 100% convinced that what they’re doing is right, even if it’s messed up. Maybe they’re trying to “save the world” by doing something super questionable, or they think enforcing strict rules is the only way to keep society in check. They truly believe they’re the hero of their own story, which makes them way more interesting and real.

And Yeah, your villain might want power, but the real question is: Why? Were they humiliated in the past and now want control? Did they grow up powerless and now crave it to avoid being vulnerable again? When you dig into their backstory and show us why they’re doing horrible things, it makes them a lot more relatable—even if they’re totally wrong.

Flat, one-note villains are boring. If your antagonist is going to stick with people, they need depth. Show us what’s going on under the surface. Maybe they lie awake at night, doubting their choices, or they’re still haunted by a massive failure that’s pushing them toward their goal. A villain with personal struggles and vulnerabilities feels way more human and way harder to fully

A great Villain doesn’t just fight the hero, they reflect them. They might have totally different goals, but at their core, they share similar traits, maybe ambition, stubbornness, or a tragic backstory. When the hero looks at the villain, they should see a bit of themselves, and that’s what makes the conflict between them so intense.

When the villain finally goes down, it should feel big. Their defeat shouldn’t just be a fight, it should hit them emotionally. Ideally, their downfall comes from their own flaws, maybe they got too arrogant or made a mistake because of their obsessive goal. The best villain defeats leave the audience feeling a little sad or conflicted, not just happy for the hero’s win.

How to show emotions

Part IV

How to show bitterness

tightness around their eyes

pinched mouth

sour expression on their face

crossed arms

snorting angrily

turning their eyes upward

shaking their head

How to show hysteria

fast breathing

chest heaving

trembling of their hands

weak knees, giving in

tears flowing down their face uncontrollably

laughing while crying

not being able to stand still

How to show awe

tension leaving their body

shoulders dropping

standing still

opening mouth

slack jaw

not being able to speak correctly

slowed down breathing

wide eyes open

softening their gaze

staring unabashingly

How to show shame

vacant stare

looking down

turning their head away

cannot look at another person

putting their head into their hands

shaking their head

How to show being flustered

blushing

looking down

nervous smile

sharp intake of breath

quickening of breath

blinking rapidly

breaking eye contact

trying to busy their hands

playing with their hair

fidgeting with their fingers

opening mouth without speaking

Part I + Part II + Part III

If you like my blog and want to support me, you can buy me a coffee or become a member! And check out my Instagram! 🥰