doing a map thing- just gotta add some labels and make it look, y'know, not garbage
this is the most invested I've been in worldbuilding for a while
seriously, having a map is one of the most helpful things you can have
I just kind of envisioned my dorks walking around… somewhere, but now I can actually pinpoint where they are and track their every movement so I can torment them more accurately
you're so good at maps!!!
I actually got some writing and editing done today!
granted it was for an unpublishable story but it's still fun and its still writing so there
Good job! ^^
Not sure if I’ve mentioned on here yet (wouldn’t be surprised if I did 🫠😅) but if you’re on the home page of character.ai, scroll to the bottom and click on “Write a story”. ABSOLUTE MAGIC
Opinions on in-universe songs, poems, etc. in books?
Was planning on having a scene of MC comforting a child by singing an in-universe lullaby, but I'm not sure if that'd be annoying or anything-
Used to read these books that had a poet/singer(?) as one the the MC's friends/sisters, and near the end of the last book, she came up with a song about their situation. While I personally didn't mind it, I saw some reviews about how annoying it was-
Opinions on in-universe songs, poems, etc. in books?
Was planning on having a scene of MC comforting a child by singing an in-universe lullaby, but I'm not sure if that'd be annoying or anything-Used to read these books that had a poet/singer(?) as one the the MC's friends/sisters, and near the end of the last book, she came up with a song about their situation. While I personally didn't mind it, I saw some reviews about how annoying it was-
I FREAKING LIVE FOR IT!!
Opinions on in-universe songs, poems, etc. in books?
Was planning on having a scene of MC comforting a child by singing an in-universe lullaby, but I'm not sure if that'd be annoying or anything-Used to read these books that had a poet/singer(?) as one the the MC's friends/sisters, and near the end of the last book, she came up with a song about their situation. While I personally didn't mind it, I saw some reviews about how annoying it was-
obsessed with them honestly,, that scene sounds adorable please do it!! maybe to avoid it being annoying you could have the MC come up with an unrelated song/lullaby to make it seem more realistic. if it's in a frightening or heavy situation, you could add that the MC is trying to keep their voice down/the child quiet, trying to keep their voice from cracking or breaking (could also work if they arent a good singer, which could add a little sympathy/shared experience from readers), or have them mess up the lyrics if they don't remember them. maybe their own human inexperience is what is comforting, amusing, or distracting to the child.
I love these kinds of scenes but one thing to remember is to try not to think "how can I make it clear that emotion is being shown?" (for any emotional scene!). no one has to cry or unpack their past in monologue/dialogue or anything huge for it to be an emotional scene.
good luck with your scene! it sounds awesome! (I said scene like 50 times in this lmao)
y'all.
i have characters, i have a fully made world, i have a story, but i onlyhave a thin strand of motivation left.
should i do it?
y'all.
i have characters, i have a fully made world, i have a story, but i onlyhave a thin strand of motivation left.
should i do it?
do you want to?
are you still excited by the ideas, story, concepts, and characters? then go for it! however, the method that has always worked for me when it comes to a lack of motivation is a good, long break- just waiting for the motivation to come back. maybe that takes a long time or only a few days, but breaks are crucial to the creative process
if you're not as excited anymore though, it's important to know when to step away. don't waste your energy on a project you aren't passionate about! if you're still wanting to hang on to a concept/character/plot idea/etc, though,what I do is list what I like(d) about the project and come back later.
yeah, i am motivated. im devoloping a bord game actually, and just realized that the story would make for a really good short book. the problem is that i do this a lot, where i get a really good idea but after working on it for a while i lose the motivation for it. so im not sure if it's worth starting it if im not sure if i can finnish.
yeah, i am motivated. im devoloping a bord game actually, and just realized that the story would make for a really good short book. the problem is that i do this a lot, where i get a really good idea but after working on it for a while i lose the motivation for it. so im not sure if it's worth starting it if im not sure if i can finnish.
the fun part about passion projects though is that you don't need to finish, and you'll learn more about writing on the way :D
yeah, i am motivated. im devoloping a bord game actually, and just realized that the story would make for a really good short book. the problem is that i do this a lot, where i get a really good idea but after working on it for a while i lose the motivation for it. so im not sure if it's worth starting it if im not sure if i can finnish.
the fun part about passion projects though is that you don't need to finish, and you'll learn more about writing on the way :D
oh good, cause the main character is this charming and very wanted by the police little short stack, and i just love their character!
Opinions on in-universe songs, poems, etc. in books?
Hey, I finally came up the lullaby. I'm not a songwriter or anything, I just picked words that rhymed and went with it-
Somewhere,
In the dim daystar's reach.
Out there,
Moonrise sails to its peak.
Don't be scared,
For the stars in the sky,
Are always there,
Every beat of the night.
Somewhere,
While not a soul is awake,
Out there,
Salient duty stars take.
They'll be there,
Minding us 'til day's rise.
In their care,
We'll rest safe to sunhigh.
And when storm and ashen clouds roll in, veiling the night,
The stars are there to guide us with abounding alight.
Perched upon their pedestals, watching on the wing,
Through night mists and moon tides, all bastions they bring.
Somewhere,
The stars are waiting for you.
Out there,
They lie awaiting me, too.
Don't be scared,
For the stars in the sky,
Are always there,
Every beat of the night.
Ok, scale from one to ten: if a mass-murderer megalomaniac with a voice like Plankton from SpongeBob sang this to you, how comforted would you be- /hj
Ok, scale from one to ten: if a mass-murderer megalomaniac with a voice like Plankton from SpongeBob sang this to you, how comforted would you be- /hj
I’d have to say uhhhh -100/10
Ok, scale from one to ten: if a mass-murderer megalomaniac with a voice like Plankton from SpongeBob sang this to you, how comforted would you be- /hj
uh like a 3 I might laugh while theyre doing it
Ok, scale from one to ten: if a mass-murderer megalomaniac with a voice like Plankton from SpongeBob sang this to you, how comforted would you be- /hj
I’d have to say uhhhh -100/10
uh like a 3 I might laugh while theyre doing it
nacho cheese is crying, blame genetics for a bad singing voice
But anyways how'd you feel about it overall
Ok, scale from one to ten: if a mass-murderer megalomaniac with a voice like Plankton from SpongeBob sang this to you, how comforted would you be- /hj
I’d have to say uhhhh -100/10
uh like a 3 I might laugh while theyre doing it
nacho cheese is crying, blame genetics for a bad singing voice
But anyways how'd you feel about it overall
The song is amazing I love it
Ok, scale from one to ten: if a mass-murderer megalomaniac with a voice like Plankton from SpongeBob sang this to you, how comforted would you be- /hj
I’d have to say uhhhh -100/10
uh like a 3 I might laugh while theyre doing it
nacho cheese is crying, blame genetics for a bad singing voice
But anyways how'd you feel about it overall
yes google maps suffer
It’s really nice
Ok, scale from one to ten: if a mass-murderer megalomaniac with a voice like Plankton from SpongeBob sang this to you, how comforted would you be- /hj
2.5/10 but it's the thought that counts so 3/10
(the song is good though)
Ok, scale from one to ten: if a mass-murderer megalomaniac with a voice like Plankton from SpongeBob sang this to you, how comforted would you be- /hj
um.. 2?
But anyways how'd you feel about it overall
amazing! 50/10
Thank you everyone- ;-;
Nav is salty nobody wants to hear him sing-
navigation can take singing lessons if he's that sad
I'll bump it up to a 4/10 just for him
Opinions on in-universe songs, poems, etc. in books?
Hey, I finally came up the lullaby. I'm not a songwriter or anything, I just picked words that rhymed and went with it-
Alright so back on topic, I might make an audio version of it?!?
I'm not gonna actually sing because my voice sounds like rocks in a blender, but I've already got a good idea of how the melody is.
Considering it- finishing up my last week of classes, so I've got some free time between now and when I start my summer job.
Opinions on in-universe songs, poems, etc. in books?
Hey, I finally came up the lullaby. I'm not a songwriter or anything, I just picked words that rhymed and went with it-
Alright so back on topic, I might make an audio version of it?!?
I'm not gonna actually sing because my voice sounds like rocks in a blender, but I've already got a good idea of how the melody is.
Considering it- finishing up my last week of classes, so I've got some free time between now and when I start my summer job.
I would listen to it
Not exactly looking for feedback or anything. I just found a prompt on Pinterest and my brain decided that I'm gonna write a short story for it, so take a somewhat late night short story. I can't make progress on my actual stories, but I can write this on sheer impulse. Featuring my OCs Jay and Makoto! ^^ (1000 words)
Jay opened his eyes to see a concerned face in front of him. As his vision cleared, he noticed the fluffy brown hair on the person before he tried to sit up. He was gently pushed down by the brunette, whose expression showed nothing but concern. He was kind of adorable.
"You're cute when you're worried," he told him, unsure of why he made that comment.
He had no idea who the male in front of him was, but he felt like he could trust him. Trust. It was a strange feeling, yet he felt it towards the brunette, and it increased the more he looked into his worried eyes.
"U-um…thanks…?" The male appeared confused by the sudden compliment. "Look, let's just go home, alright? You really need to rest…"
Jay tilted his head in confusion at the male's words. He felt alright, aside from his lack of memories. If anyone needed to be cared for, it was the brunette. He was clearly exhausted, and he was bruised, almost as if he had gotten into a fight. Were they fighting? Surely not. Who hurt him, then?
"You're in a worse state than I am. Relax," he told him as he stood up. "Stop worrying so much. It's adorable and all, but I don't need you to panic."
"I…um…"
"Not used to things being switched, huh? Get used to it."
"Look…I need to get you home… Just let me do that, please."
Jay just nodded before looking into the other's eyes. They remained filled with worry, although he didn't know why. Clearly the male in front of him had to be someone he could trust. Why else would he be so worried about him? He didn't see any other reason for it.
Without another thought, he took the male's hand and let him lead him to his house. He seemed so sweet, so caring. How could anyone have ever hurt him? All he wanted to do was help him.
"I know you hit your head and all, but are you feeling alright? You're…oddly affectionate, in a way…" The male's voice was laced with confusion and concern.
"Of course I am," he assured him. "I trust you, so I want to calm you down, too."
Trust. The word must have taken the brunette by surprise, as he suddenly stopped in his tracks and turned to look at Jay. His eyes were welling with tears. He seemed touched by those words, at least in some way.
"I don't think you've ever said that… I'm still so worried about you, but maybe you'll be alright."
He had never said that he trusted someone? How could he have never told the male that he trusted him? He just wanted to protect him and let him know that he was going to be alright. He must have been too scared to admit it in the past, but his words were the truth.
"I've been telling you that," he responded as he wiped the other's tears away with his thumbs. "Now calm down."
Makoto. Why did he feel the urge to say that? It had to have been the male's name, and if it wasn't, he was going to call him that anyway. All he remembered was that name and his own. The rest he had only pieced together from context.
"I will be just fine, Makoto," he added.
The male's eyes widened at those words. Makoto must have been his name. He only teared up more, but Jay quickly wiped those away as well and chuckled softly. He was so sensitive and caring, and his presence radiated comfort. He could spend his life with him, and he wouldn't regret a thing.
Before he could do anything, Makoto wrapped his arms around him and held him close. Were they boyfriend before that day's incident? If not, he was definitely going to change that. He would already do anything for him, no questions asked, and he had only just met him.
The next few moments passed in silence as the two stayed close. Makoto's embrace was warm, and the closeness between them was comforting. All he needed was Makoto to be happy. His personality was perfect, his face was round and soft, perfect with his fluffy hair and shining eyes, and he was simply perfect.
After a moment, Makoto finally let him go, and he just looked at him. He seemed speechless, at a complete loss for words. Like anything else about him, it was adorable. How could someone be so precious? No wonder he trusted him immediately. Who wouldn't trust him?
"How do you keep getting more precious?" Jay asked with a soft chuckle. "I love you."
He only chuckled more as a light blush covered Makoto's face. It seemed like he could become more precious. He had no idea how they met in the past, but he couldn't have been happier. Makoto was perfect.
The brunette remained silent, only letting out a small gasp as he looked at the male in front of him. His golden brown eyes shone in the light, and his black hair fell perfectly onto his face. His tone was genuine. It was genuine.
"You're so easy to fluster," Jay teased as he stepped closer. He pulled Makoto close to him and kissed him softly before he chuckled as he saw his red face. “I really love you. Now let’s go home.”
He admired Makoto’s surprised yet happy expression for a moment longer before he took his hand again. Even though he didn’t remember his life, he could start a new one with the most precious person in the world. Whatever his past was didn’t matter. His new life would be perfect.
“Come on. Lead the way,” he told him.
With a quick nod, Makoto walked with Jay. On the way home, Jay couldn’t take his eyes off of him. Starting over wouldn’t be difficult since he had Makoto’s support. With him, his new life would be perfect.
How do you write a lie/plot twist without it being confusing?
Long story short, I've got two dweebs: MC and Friend.
Turns out Friend told MC a "massive" lie when they first met (early second book), and it comes to a head around late third book into early fourth book. Then the rest of the fourth book is dealing with the aftermath between MC and Friend, major falling out, etc.
Essentially, I just really don't know how to hint at the truth without hinting way too much. I'll give specifics if needed, I just didn't want to go into an unprompted tangent-
Well, in general, you should try to subtly hint at the truth in a way that it's not noticeable to MC. If you want it to be a plot twist, it shouldn't be something that your main character thinks too much of. Some readers may get the hint, but others won't. In the end, it all leads to the reveal in the late third book and plot of the fourth book.
The entire lie is about Friend's bloodline. He's from a faction that's sworn enemies with MC's faction.
Pretty much, if he was honest with MC, he would've been murdered, so Friend lied for his own safety. Some of the ways I planned on hinting at Friend's origin is:
General and inside knowledge about Friend's real faction that he shouldn't have. Friend justifies this by saying he's been spying.
Friend carries around objects that are associated with his real faction. He justifies this by saying he stole the items.
Friend treats MC's faction with general apprehension. MC doesn't ask for a justification because he, himself, dislikes his own faction.
Not sure if that's too much or too little? I don't have too much experience with writing twists, and I DEFINITELY don't have experience with stuff like red herrings- thanks for the general advice! :D