10 Ideas For Character Personalities

Some quick tips for writing sexual tension in your novel:

1. Establish strong chemistry: Develop the characters' attraction to each other through meaningful interactions, shared interests, or a deep emotional connection. Their chemistry will lay the foundation for the sexual tension to build upon.

2. Use body language and non-verbal cues: Describe subtle gestures, lingering glances, or the way their bodies react in each other's presence. These non-verbal cues can heighten the tension and create a sense of anticipation.

3. Utilize dialogue: Employ flirty banter, double entendres, or suggestive remarks to create verbal sparring between characters. Clever wordplay can add layers of subtext and amplify the sexual tension.

4. Slow down the pace: Build tension by slowing down the pacing of scenes involving the characters. Emphasize their awareness of each other, the anticipation of physical contact, and the longing that grows with every passing moment.

5. Explore internal thoughts and desires: Give readers insight into the characters' internal dialogue, their secret desires, and the fantasies they have about each other. This adds depth and intensifies the sexual tension.

6. Employ the power of touch: Describe the impact of a brief brush of hands, accidental contact, or the lingering sensation left by a gentle touch. These tactile sensations can evoke a heightened sense of awareness and anticipation.

7. Create obstacles and conflicts: Introduce obstacles or conflicts that prevent the characters from acting upon their desires. These challenges can fuel the sexual tension, making the eventual release even more satisfying for both the characters and the readers.

8. Use sensory details: Engage the readers' senses by describing scents, sounds, or textures associated with the characters' proximity or potential intimacy. Sensory details can intensify the atmosphere and enhance the readers' experience of the sexual tension.

9. Play with power dynamics: Explore power dynamics between characters, such as a power imbalance or a push-pull dynamic. This can create a magnetic pull and increase the sexual tension as the characters navigate their desires and boundaries.

10. Employ the element of surprise: Introduce unexpected moments or situations that catch the characters off guard and heighten the sexual tension. These surprises can lead to spontaneous or forbidden encounters, increasing the anticipation and desire.

Remember to balance the sexual tension with the overall tone and genre of your novel, ensuring it aligns with your intended audience and fits organically within the story. With these tips, you'll be able to craft captivating scenes that sizzle with sexual tension, leaving readers eagerly turning the pages for more.

Happy writing!

Easiest ways to add conflict to your novel

If you’re unsure whether your story is utilising all its sources of potential conflict, have a read through this post! It’s so easy to lose ourselves in our stories, and miss opportunities to create more interesting and tense situations that help our characters grow.

When we get too deep into our story, it’s difficult to see whether it’s falling flat in conflict. Here are 4 ways you can make sure you’re keeping it interesting!

Start from the character

Internal struggle is always the best place to start introducing conflict into your story! What is that misbelief that holds your character back achieving what they’re meant to? Can they have a flaw or struggle that directly interferes with them achieving their goal?

The side-characters

They shouldn’t always be helpful. Or if they’re meant to be, maybe they shouldn’t start out that way. Scenes where there is no conflict of interest or at least some source of tension often fall flat and feel boring.

So if there’s ever a chance to add a layer of tension into a scene with a side-character, take it.

Make them work for it

Your protagonist should rarely ever succeed at what it is they want, at least until the end of the story. Whatever big break-through of success they do have should feel like a reward that they’ve actually failed at achieving before, or have had to take lots of steps to grasp onto it.

And sometimes, when they do get it, it’s immediately taken away or undermined.

Raise the stakes

Whatever your character is chasing, give them a strong reason as to why they HAVE to get it. What happens if they don’t? Whatever it is, to them it should feel like the end of the world. And then your readers will also feel that there is no other way for this character, and are likely to be more invested in their goal.

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Writer's ToolBoox

The Writer's ToolBoox is a pack of 3 extensive E-books that cover the areas of: character craft, world building, and plotting. It comes with

Tips for creative writers:

1. Read widely: Read books, articles, and poetry across different genres and styles. This exposure to diverse writing will expand your vocabulary, inspire new ideas, and help you develop your own unique voice.

2. Write regularly: Establish a writing routine and stick to it. Set aside dedicated time each day or week to write, even if it's just for a short period. Regular practice is key to honing your skills and maintaining creative momentum.

3. Embrace creativity exercises: Engage in writing exercises or prompts to stimulate your imagination. Explore free writing, brainstorming, or visual prompts to spark new ideas and challenge your creative boundaries.

4. Edit and revise: Don't be afraid to revise your work. Editing is a crucial part of the writing process, allowing you to refine your ideas, improve clarity, and enhance the overall quality of your writing. Embrace feedback and be open to making changes.

5. Develop unique characters: Create well-rounded and believable characters by giving them depth, flaws, and distinctive voices. Explore their motivations, desires, and conflicts to make them relatable and engaging for readers.

6. Show, don't tell: Instead of telling readers what is happening or how characters feel, strive to show it through vivid descriptions, sensory details, and compelling dialogue. Engage the readers' senses and immerse them in your storytelling.

7. Pay attention to pacing: Balance the pace of your writing to maintain reader engagement. Mix moments of tension and action with quieter, reflective scenes. Vary sentence length and structure to create rhythm and keep the narrative flowing.

8. Create compelling dialogue: Craft dialogue that is realistic, purposeful, and reveals character traits. Use dialogue to advance the plot, reveal conflicts, and deepen relationships between characters.

9. Embrace constructive feedback: Seek feedback from trusted peers, writing groups, or mentors. Constructive criticism can help you identify blind spots, refine your writing, and grow as a writer.

10. Stay inspired and curious: Maintain a sense of curiosity about the world around you. Seek inspiration from art, music, nature, and everyday experiences. Keep a journal to capture ideas, observations, and inspiration that may fuel your writing.

Happy writing!

Soft Prompts for Couples Not Yet Together

1. "Fleeting Encounters": Picture this - two strangers who consistently find themselves in the same crowded places. There's an unexplainable connection, a sense of familiarity that leaves them wondering if the universe is trying to tell them something.

2. "Whispers of the Heart": Every conversation they have feels like a sweet symphony. The world around them fades into the background, and it's just the two of them, sharing intimate moments that make them wonder if friendship could turn into something more.

3. "Shy Smiles and Silent Longing": Across a room filled with people, their eyes meet, and it's like time stands still. Shy smiles are exchanged, hearts beating in synchrony. They both yearn for the courage to take that first step towards something extraordinary.

4. "The Bond of Late Nights": Late-night conversations become their sanctuary, a space where they open up and share pieces of their souls. Little do they know, their hearts are already entwined, silently falling for each other.

5. "The Serendipitous Crossings": In a whirlwind of missed opportunities, they keep crossing paths. Is it mere coincidence, or is there a higher force conspiring to bring them together? They can't help but wonder what destiny has in store for them.

6. "Confidants in the Dark": A shared secret or an unexpected vulnerability brings them closer. They become each other's confidants, weaving a bond that goes beyond surface-level connections.

7. "Passion's Connection": A shared hobby ignites their souls, their passions intertwining as they explore a world of common interests. But what they don't realize is that their connection extends far beyond the shared activity they love.

8. "The Glance that Changed Everything": Their eyes meet, and something shifts in the air. It's as if the universe pauses to witness their undeniable chemistry. In that moment, they both know that their lives are about to change forever.

9. "Teasing Fate": Friends playfully tease them about the palpable chemistry between them. But little do they know that deep down, they can't ignore the growing spark between their hearts. The question lingers: will they finally take that leap of faith?

10. "Melodies of Love": Music becomes their language, notes carrying the unspoken words they're too afraid to say. The rhythm of their connection dances to the beat of their hearts, a secret language of affection.

Unleash Your Inner Vampire: Tips for Writing Vampire

1. Study Vampire Legends and Lore: Immerse yourself in vampire mythology and folklore from various cultures. Familiarize yourself with popular vampire tales, historical references, and the diverse interpretations of these immortal creatures.

2. Immortality and Eternal Life: Explore the themes of immortality, longevity, and the consequences that come with eternal life. Delve into the existential questions, moral dilemmas, and emotional complexities that arise from living through the ages.

3. Supernatural Abilities and Weaknesses: Define the unique set of supernatural abilities and weaknesses your vampires possess. Consider powers such as superhuman strength, speed, heightened senses, and the need for blood as sustenance. Establish the vulnerabilities, such as sunlight, garlic, holy symbols, or wooden stakes, that can be used against them.

4. Bloodlust and Temptation: Portray the powerful and primal urge vampires have for blood. Describe the inner struggle to maintain control, resist temptation, and reconcile their predatory nature with their humanity. Explore the psychological and moral conflicts that arise from their insatiable thirst.

5. Immortal Society and Clans: Create a complex social structure and hierarchy within the vampire community. Develop vampire clans or covens, each with their own traditions, rules, and relationships. Explore the dynamics between older, more influential vampires and newly turned ones.

6. Nighttime Environments and Atmosphere: Craft a vivid portrayal of the vampire's nocturnal world. Describe the allure of moonlit nights, mysterious gothic settings, and the ethereal beauty that accompanies their existence in the shadows.

7. Vampire Origins and Transformations: Establish the origins and methods of vampiric transformation in your story. Explore the lore behind their creation, whether through a bite, a curse, or a supernatural event. Consider the physical and emotional changes that occur during the transformation process.

8. Hunting and Feeding Rituals: Delve into the rituals and methods vampires employ when hunting for blood. Describe their seductive charm, mesmerizing allure, and the art of choosing and mesmerizing their prey. Showcase the duality of violence and sensuality that accompanies their feeding.

9. Humanity and Redemption: Allow your vampire characters to grapple with their lost humanity and the possibility of redemption. Explore their desires to reconnect with their past, form meaningful relationships, or find purpose beyond their existence as predators.

10. Vampire Hunters and Threats: Introduce conflicts and adversaries that challenge your vampires' existence. Include vampire hunters, rival factions, or other supernatural creatures that pose a threat to their secrecy and survival.

Remember to infuse your writing with atmospheric descriptions, emotional depth, and explore the complexities of the vampire's existence. Let your imagination soar as you delve into the captivating world of vampires.

War, Battles and Sieges: Causes of War

War is a staple of any fantasy or historical book. War is often at centre of plot. So in these set of posts, we will be discussing the different areas and aspects of writing war and battles. (If there are any other areas I do not cover, feel free to send a suggestion to the ask box.)

Wars in any genre must have a starting point and reasons leading up to the initial conflicts. These can be numerous. In this post we’ll discuss the eight accepted reasons for a war. These are as follows:

Economic Gain

Territorial Gain

Religion

Nationalism

Revenge

Civil War

Revolutionary War

Defensive War

1. Economic Gain

Some wars are often fought for money and assets. Really if we would break every war down to basics, money is always a factor. Countries, kingdoms and factions have been battling over gold, cattle and other things that equal wealth for centuries. Even today, wars for wealth and economic gain can be summed up in a single reason: oil.

Examples

First Anglo Dutch War (1652): The English states wanted a greater control their trading routes and their growing colonies. The Dutch wanted to keep control of their ports in and Portugal, allowing them to hold onto their emerging commercial power.

Anglo-Indian Wars (1766-1849) – These wars were were fought between the British East India Company, a trade conglomerate, and different Indian states. These wars were fought to bring India under English rule, to gain the vast wealth of India.

First Opium War (1839-1842) - The British Empire had issue with trade with China as they wanted to import more exotic items such as silk, porcelain and tea which had become more and more on demand and China preferred to keep foreign trade to a minimum. After the East India Company sold off a large amount of Opium to other trade partners, China shut down trade with British Empire including seizing assets and arresting merchants.

Finnish-Soviet War or “The Winter War” (1939-1940) – The Soviets wanted to mine Nickel in Finland, which would turn a profit. However the Finnish refused the offer leading the Soviet Union to declare war.

2. Territorial Gain

Dreams of Empire have long been the aim of many combatants in war. Invasions and Acquisitions are always numbered as the most popular causes of war and conflict.

Examples

Campaign of Gaul (58-50BC): This was the wars fought by Caesar as he invaded Gaul. This war was seen as an “illegal” war as the Senate did not approve of it. The main aim of the war was the acquisition and maintaining of Roman rule in Gaul.

Arab-Israeli War or “Six Day War” (1967-1988) – Israeli invaded the territories of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, taking them from Jordan which led to the lengthy war.

Mexican-American War (1846-1848) – This war began shortly after annexation of Texas, where Mexico was forced to release the state of Texas to American hands. Mexico fought for the return of Texas but were defeated.

World War II (1939-1945): This war might have begun for a number of reasons but the inciting point was Hitler’s invasion of Poland and other surrounding nations.

Serbo-Bulgarian War (1885-1886) – After an act of nature, the river which marked the border between the countries of Bulgaria and Serbia was moved. After this, the two nations went to war over a disputed border town.

3. Religion

Wars have always been fought over who has the “real” god/s and who is in the right when it comes of values and customs. Wars of such have been fought for as long as men first found differences between different religions and believed themselves “righteous”.

Examples

The Crusades (1095-1291) – These wars were sanctioned by the Catholic Church in the middle ages. Popes and Kings alike all dreamed of retaking the Holy Land of Jerusalem. They wished to spread Christianity, destroy Islam and Judaism and win the land they believed theirs. The effects of these brutal wars can be felt today

The Troubles (1968-1998): The Troubles were a series of attacks and skirmishes between Protestants and Catholics in the North of Ireland. The two sides battled bloodily in streets and in attacks, claiming thousands of lives including the innocents.

Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990) – The Lebanese Civil War was fought between the Sunni Muslim, Shiite Muslim and Christian Lebanese populations.

Second Sudanese Civil War (1983-2005) – This war was caused by the predominantly Muslim government imposing sharia law on all residents including those who were non-muslim.

4. Nationalism

Nationalism can be addressed as attempting to prove that your country is the greatest by invasion or harsh subjugation. The war is often a declaration of power, a “look at us, look how strong we are.” Look at the British Empire. Ancient Rome. America.

5. Revenge

This reason often walks hand in hand with Nationalism. Revenge is a common reason for war even if it doesn’t always take the top rung on the ladder of reasons.

Examples

World War II (1939-1945) – The rise of the Nazis and the Germanic invasions of Europe all culminated because of the Treaty of Versailles, which was written in such a way to prevent Germany ever reaching full power which crippled growth and led to a poverty stricken state.

War on Terror (2001- Present) – After the devastating attack on the World Trade Center, President George W. Bush declared war Iraq. These wars, which some argue as pointless, still are being fought.

The Third Punic War (149 BC – 146 BC): The third of these wars was enacted as revenge for the waste that the famous general Hannibal inflicted on Rome during the Second Punic war in retaliation for the First war. The Third however led to the utter destruction of the city of Carthage, ending the cycle of revenge.

Troy vs Greece (Unknown date/undecided reality): Though the famous war between the Trojans and the Greeks is well known, no historian can confirm it happened. The inciting event of this war was the elopement of the Spartan Queen Helen and the Trojan Prince Paris. The Greeks followed them, leading to a 10 year war and the annihilation of Troy.

6. Civil War

Civil wars are fought between two powers of the same land for control over the country. These wars are always the most devastating for the people of the land and often end by planting the seeds for the next conflict.

Examples

American Civil War (1861-1865) - The American Civil War divided America North and South over the issue of slavery. The war was the most bloody in American history, the total of deaths outweighing even the portion of American soldiers that died during WWII.

Russian Civil War (1917-1923) – This war was caused by the successful Russian Revolution. It was fought by the Red Army and the White Army who were battling over the future of Russia and its people.

English Civil War (1642-1651): This war was fought between Parliament and the Crown. The war eventually brought down the Monarchy, lost Charles I his head and left the Purtian Dickhead Oliver Cromwell in charge. (More on this CUNT person later)

Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) – The Spanish Civil War was fought by Republicans loyal to the left-leaning Second Spanish Republic, and the Nationalists led by Franco.

Wars of the Roses (1455-1485): After Henry IV lost is mind, Richard of York decided that he would be king. This begun a chain of battles between York and Lancaster which culminated in a victory headed by a rank outsider.

7. Revolutionary War

When a faction rebels against the control of another, we get a revolution. Glorious or not, all revolutions end in in blood and spark major wars. Revolutions are popular in fictional wars and can be set off for many reasons such as tyranny or an excessively harsh ruling class or colonialism.

Examples

Russian Revolution (1917-1918)- After suffering through the harsh WWI and the reign of the well meaning yet incompetent and woefully unprepared Tsar, the people rose and overthrew Tsarist Russia. This revolution claimed the lives of thousands including all of the Tsar’s children, himself and his wife.

Portuguese Restoration War (1640-1668) – The Portuguese revolution ended the 60-year rule of Portugal by Spain.

American Revolution (1775-1783) – The American Revolution was incited by sugar taxes laud on by England. The American colonies fought for independence from the British Empire.

French Revolution (1789-1799) – The French Revolution occurred because of another incompetent monarch and a large and lavish aristocracy. The starving underclasses rose up and began slaughtering the rich and the noble and set about building a new France.

Haitian Revolution (1791-1804) – This revolution saw slaves rising up against their ruling class and masters and setting the groundwork for the foundations of the first free black republic the world has ever known.

Ireland (1169-Present?): Ireland was invaded by Henry II of England (a douche tho I stan his wife and mom), on invitation from an idiot king. Since then Ireland has been under English rule. Ireland has fought rebellion after rebellion, revolution upon revolution to save the land and her people the invaders who forbade our traditions and killed our language and literally starved half the population to death and forcing us to leave our homes, which we have never recovered from. Some say our rebellions are done, perhaps they are. But the spirit is always there. I think this line sums it up best. For 800 years, we fought you without fear and we’ll fight you for 800 more.

8. Defensive War

A defensive war is a war fought before one can be started by the enemy. Or to put it simple terms: Imma punch that guy sitting over there before he can punch me. This may seem a strange concept. It is.

Examples

Cold War (1947-1991) – This war, if it can be called a war, was fought between Soviet Russia and America over nuclear weapons and where they ought to be placed. The American invasion of Cuba can be classed as a defensive war strategy.

3 of the worst story beginnings (and how to fix them)

Big no-no’s for story openers!

Now, don’t get me wrong - every type of story beginning can come out really well if you write it well, a skilled writer can make your typical wake-up-morning-routine-with-the-hero sound super interesting, but 9 times out of 10, this is not the case.

Especially if you are JUST starting out on your writing journey, I’d highly recommend to test out an unexpected opener for your story instead. Think of what makes your hero different, and HOW their normal is different than someone else’s.

#1 Waking up

Your protagonist wakes up to their alarm, tries to turn it off and drops the clock or breaks it. They get up and get ready for their day, typically while describing themselves in the mirror and telling us about their daily routine. Yawn. Pun intended.

✔️ The fix: If you’re going to start with a character’s wake-up routine, show us why it’s interesting. What’s different about their routine that could take your readers off-guard? Do they get up in the middle of the night? Inside a bunker? A submarine? If their routine is just like everyone else’s, there’s no reason to show it.

#2 Traumatic flashback

As soon as we open the book, we’re thrown into some kind of important and emotional moment of your protagonist’s life that happened years ago. The problem? We aren’t familiar with the protagonist yet, so we’re not going to care what happened to them.

✔️ The fix: Save the big important flashbacks for later. If you immediately hit with the biggest punch, then what is there to work up to? If you’re starting with a flashback, make sure it’s one that paints the character’s internal conflict well and makes us root for them.

#3 Exposition

Commonly found in prologues and first chapters, when we learn all about the story world, its history, the relationships between the characters in this scene, and their backstories. Also known as a surefire way to bore your readers before they’ve even started reading.

✔️ The fix: Subtext. Train yourself to think through subtext, and trust that your readers are smart enough to pick up on it. When we start the story we don’t care about the fascinating things of your world and complex backstories. We want to get to know who the characters are, and let them slowly reveal all the puzzle pieces through the book.

My final piece of advice is to focus on creating questions for your readers to wonder about, and resist the temptation to answer those until later chapters.

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The Plottery

I'm a fiction writing coach with a special focus on the power of outlining, and I'm here to help you go from an idea to a polished manuscrip

Poison list

While it's important to approach writing with creativity and imagination, it's crucial to prioritize responsible and ethical storytelling. That being said, if you're looking for information on poisons for the purpose of writing fiction, it's essential to handle the subject matter with care and accuracy. Here is a list of some common poisons that you can use in your stories:

Hemlock: Hemlock is a highly poisonous plant that has been used as a poison in various works of literature. It can cause paralysis and respiratory failure.

Arsenic: Arsenic is a toxic element that has been historically used as a poison. It can be lethal in high doses and can cause symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, and organ failure.

Cyanide: Cyanide is a fast-acting poison that affects the body's ability to use oxygen. It can cause rapid loss of consciousness and cardiac arrest.

Nightshade: Nightshade plants, such as Belladonna or Deadly Nightshade, contain toxic compounds that can cause hallucinations, respiratory distress, and even death.

Ricin: Ricin is a potent poison derived from the castor bean plant. It can cause organ failure and has been used as a plot device in various fictional works.

Strychnine: Strychnine is a highly toxic alkaloid that affects the nervous system, leading to muscle spasms, convulsions, and respiratory failure.

Snake Venom: Various snake venoms can be used in fiction as deadly poisons. Different snake species have different types of venom, each with its own effects on the body.

Belladonna: Also known as Deadly Nightshade, Belladonna contains tropane alkaloids such as atropine and scopolamine. Ingesting or even touching the plant can lead to symptoms like blurred vision, hallucinations, dizziness, and an increased heart rate.

Digitalis: Digitalis, derived from the foxglove plant, contains cardiac glycosides. It has been historically used to treat heart conditions, but in high doses, it can be toxic. Overdosing on digitalis can cause irregular heart rhythms, nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances.

Lead: Lead poisoning, often resulting from the ingestion or inhalation of lead-based substances, has been a concern throughout history. Lead is a heavy metal that can affect the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, cognitive impairment, anemia, and developmental issues, particularly in children.

Mercury: Mercury is a toxic heavy metal that has been used in various forms throughout history. Ingesting or inhaling mercury vapors can lead to mercury poisoning, causing symptoms like neurological impairment, kidney damage, respiratory issues, and gastrointestinal problems.

Aconite: Also known as Wolfsbane or Monkshood, aconite is a highly toxic plant. Its roots and leaves contain aconitine alkaloids, which can affect the heart and nervous system. Ingesting aconite can lead to symptoms like numbness, tingling, paralysis, cardiac arrhythmias, and respiratory failure.

Thallium: Thallium is a toxic heavy metal that can cause severe poisoning. It has been used as a poison due to its tastelessness and ability to mimic other substances. Thallium poisoning can lead to symptoms like hair loss, neurological issues, gastrointestinal disturbances, and damage to the kidneys and liver.

When incorporating poisons into your writing, it is essential to research and accurately portray the effects and symptoms associated with them. Additionally, be mindful of the potential impact your writing may have on readers and the importance of providing appropriate context and warnings if necessary.

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hello! can you make some marriage of convenience prompts?

One of my favorite tropes :) hope you enjoy!

By @me-writes-prompts

"This is only, and only for the business deal. No more, no less."

"You know I'll never love you, right? I'm doing this just so my parents don't disown me."

Person A and Person B have always been enemies, so what's with their parents being friends and forcing them to get married?

Getting married to settle political matters.

They're both celebrities and people want to see them as a couple off-screen too. There is money involved with popularity, so why not? Until it becomes not about the money but the damn feelings. (Ok, this is very specific, but go with it)

"I never even dreamed that I'd marry you, of all people." "Me neither, but here we are."

Holding hands and kissing in front of their friends and family, but slowly, it's becoming more genuine and there are feelings being poured into it.

Getting protective over the other without meaning to.

Starting to feel *butterflies* when they get too close to each other.

"Omg, they thought we were a couple." "Because we are, we're literally married." "We are not a couple." "Yet." (Ikykwk;)