Asmoshy

(Note: This character isn't the only POV character)

How To Write Envious and Insecure Characters That Don't Seem Obvious And Cliche

One of the major turning points in a character's behaviour comes when they are jealous. Writing jealousy can be summed up in two ways. One, being straightforward and showing the writers that your character is a jealous little bubble of insecurity, the second type is more subtle, where readers can peek into the character's conscience, where they weigh their feelings of jealousy before validating it.

Writing subtle jabs of jealous comments

Instead of portraying jealousy directly, leaving random hints or comments that feel like subtle attacks of incompetence towards your character makes jealousy look more dynamic and natural.

example: "I get jealous of her" or "His presence fires up my jealousy"

(write)

"must be NICE hanging out with HER" (tone difference)

Difference in tones is a simple technique to add volume to a dialogue, making someone automatically sound jealous or insecure without pointing it out directly.

"She was insecure about her body" Plain. Boring. Bland.

Show that she feels insecure every time she passes by a mirror, tell the readers she faces the other way when she comes across a mirror or the fact that she has covered her mirrors with newspapers.

Small ways to showcase jealousy are by adding criticism. Your character won a ballet scholarship to New York?

"Oh, good for you" (Sounds condescending) "You got it easy for yourself, my science scholarship was much harder." (Trying to show superiority)

Add smaller, finer details. Seeing their friend achieve something, and they end up fake laughing, forced laughter, elements like scrunching their eyebrows, twitching near the lips, trying to force a smile.

The list is huge, but elements like these make a character more natural and relatable, acts that readers could relate to.

How to write an authentic Indian character

If you want to represent an actual Indian character that isn't so 'American' and feels like a touch of authenticity, then you've come to the right place! Because let's be honest, we are all tired of the same recycled stereotypes.

Writing an Indian character isn't all about 'butter chicken' and 'dark-skinned' people. No, it's a much more versatile country with variety to offer, making our character stand out with uniqueness.

Don't limit your character's personality with predictable stereotypes shown on American television, such as the notion that all your character does is eat butter chicken with mango lassi always on hand. Yikes!

Instead: Show your character is still in touch with their cultural cuisine, display how they miss their favourite dish, maybe whip it up once a blue moon, or when they feel homesick/ depressed, a simple meal of rice and lentils (dal chawal) comforts them.

Not every Indian you come across are 'Dark skinned' or has thick, long hair, or wears flowers in their hair. What you are representing is a South Indian.

Instead: Research your character's background beforehand. Indians have versatile skin colours and features.

For example, if someone is with skin colour varying from a light peachy tone to a wheatish complexion, a narrow nose and half-lips with mono lid, almond-shaped eyes, then you are probably describing an East-Indian, from states like Assam, Manipur, etc.

The secret to accuracy lies in research. Research about your character before representing them.

Your character is probably lacking authenticity, missing a key factor that is some 'quirks' that make them dynamically 'Indian'.

So, how to fix this?

Show your character's obsession towards their favourite Bollywood actor, making them quirky.

Make your characters bargain and negotiate. It's an Indian trait.

Show them switching languages mid-sentence

Is your character disciplined and workaholic towards their career?

Were they brought up in a strict family, leading to a grown-up, disciplined version of themselves?

Show your character (if an immigrant), facing language barrier issues. Have them drop a simple "huh?" at times when having difficulty comprehending a foreign language, or even English with thick accents overseas.

In conclusion, your character stands out when you let them be authentic and in touch with their cultural roots, instead of developing their personality around stereotypes.

How to write natural dialogues to enhance your characters personality

At times your characters feel bland their dialogue delivery feels out of place and they end up with a voice that doesn't help them stand out. Here's a guide for beginner writers.

Show that your character lacks communication skills, natural vocabulary. (This makes your character seem natural)

Show that your character is awkward by adding pauses and stuttering when they talk.

If their dialogues lack emotions then fix that! (Remember dialogues are a way to convey emotions through words)

If your characters have a preppy personality then add excitement in their dialogue delivery, make their words sound adventurous and add exclamations.

If you have a dry, morbid, intimate or closed off character then shape your dialogues according to that. (Use the show and tell method if they aren't much of a speaker or have them use their expressions instead)

Keep your characters and their dialogue delivery consistent.

If you write characters which aren't naturally occurring like aliens, Greek gods, demons, or talking animals then create a unique voice for them. Their dialogues must be different from your average human conversations.

Here are a few tricks to add and make your dialogues sound natural.

At times let the characters words be incoherent or let others to then be deaf words. Make it seem like no one wants to them out.

Add stuttering/pausing.

Show your character grunting or in pain while delivering their dialogues.

Show they are embarrassed while talking.

Show them eating or disrupting between a conversation.

Show them shouting between a conversation.

Show their snippy side.

Have them cry in middle of a conversation.

Let them rant out their frustration (have them Yap)

Surnames To Dazzle Up Your Characters

Here is a list of surnames based on different countries, American, Fictional, Indian, Latin, Italian, Columbian, Greek etc....

Request by- @winterrsnow

Winkleberry 

Solan 

Witherbell

Goodwin 

Malhotra 

Oberoi 

Starfall

Diaz

Montague

Callahan 

Woods 

D'suza

Ross

De Luca

Zhang

Lou 

Xing 

Baldwin 

Erdene

Cicero

González

Herrera

Dimitriou

Calloway

How To Write Your First Chapter With Success (In Detail)

There are several components to keep in mind when it comes to writing your first chapter. It is challenging and involves numerous drafts, editing and re-writing. 

When you begin a chapter, don't info-dump in the beginning; would you prefer to start your story in the boring old way where your character wakes up in the morning with a yawn and smile on their face? 

(Instead)

Start the story with a hook, it is intriguing and makes the reader want to read more. Hooks give your story uniqueness and make it interesting. 

Start your story in the middle of the night, in an eerie/ vivid setting

Start your story with a philosophical question that would hook the readers from the beginning. Have them think and wonder the question 'why?'

Start it with a punch line 

Start the story with some action and good dialogue

2. Don't leave the introduction of your character for chapter 10

(Instead)

Introduce your character early into the chapters but make their introduction stand out. Add essence to it.

Identify how you'd like to voice your characters 

keep your main character special yet human (flawed)  

Give them specific quirks and personality

3. Don't set a forced setting because of trends. Don't rely on dialogues for setting the tone.

(Instead)

Your setting should reflect your story. Set the tone you want. Is your chapter conveying a depressed scene, an action scene, a romantic scene etc? 

If you all have any questions or would like to ask then feel free to send your queries! I

How to avoid character inconsistency in your writing

Set your character boundaries:

What's the background?

What's your character's backstory?

What are their traits, and how do they portray them?

Know what keeps your characters motivated. (Are they reaching their goal?)

You can avoid quick shifting of scenes. Let your readers absorb the setting of the scene.

Ensure that their actions and decisions align with their development and growth.

Tip 1: Start your chapter with a scene or dialogue that comes back at the end, which helps maintain consistency.

Tip 2: Throughout the chapter avoid the fast pacing of the story, rather let the characters express themselves so that it's clear for the readers.

Consider how your characters react to situations that are hard to convey. (Do they feel nervous? Scared? Fearless?)

Dialogue writing is crucial in explaining your character's personality while writing a story.

Heartbroken Dialogue Prompts That Will Make Your Readers Cry Hard

What's a character without a little heartbreak?

do note that these are my original dialogues, credit @asmoshywrites

"All it took was one situationship to lose faith in love."

"I can't stay strong knowing that all this was a sick game."

"Don't you get it?" "I want to hold hands while staring at the stars, laugh at your lame jokes, share a milkshake, but you left me, jerk."

"All along I was a pawn for you to play with."

"It was silly of me to hold out your favourite flowers in the rain while I watched you kiss someone else."

"You lost the spark in your eyes, princess."

"I wasn't a hole in your pocket that needed stitching. I didn't need fixing. Hell! I wasn't even your problem in the first place."

"It was her all along, right?"

"There was a time when you were my favourite chapter, but now all I can think about is burning the book to its core."

"Look at yourself! Time was supposed to heal you, not turn you into a monster."

"You were once my most wonderful dream, but now you turned into my greatest nightmare."

"I rather kill myself than stay with you. You cause someone with life dread to die."

When Your Character Finds Ways To Show Affection- Romance Prompts

When the character goes on a walk he brings back flowers from roadside trees and gardens because it reminds him of her.

Character A knows about all the allergies of Character B and decides to cook their favourite meal.

Every time the Characters are getting dressed, one of them is always mesmerised by the other and stares at the mirror, frozen. Making the other characters blush and hide their face.

Character A knows his partner is a bookworm, so he gifts his partner autographed books.

Unique Names for Your Protagonists 

(Because finding good names is a tough job)

FANTASY 

Feel free to mix and match the names to make it more personable for our characters!

Ezra Winters -Helper of the night (Female)

Aurelia -The golden/ chosen one (Female)

Nyx Elowen -Nyx refers to the Greek goddess of night and implies darkness and mystery. Elowen is associated with the Alm tree, meaning strength. (Female)

Niran- Little Fire of Hope. (Unisex)

Verena -To fear, to respect (usually for a warrior related with bravery and power) (Female)

Caligo- Darkness, dimness, gloom (Male)

Caelum -The Sky of Heaven (Male)

Elayne -A ray of light, signifying hope. (Female)

Ophelia- Little moon (Female)

Altair Nocturne- A name embodying pride and strength associated with the darkness of night. (Male)

Azure -meaning the colour blue bonded to a serene blue sky or ocean. (Unisex)

Zephyrine -the name refers to pure little wind, derived from the Greek god Zephyrus. (Female)

Reverie- Daydream (Female)

HOW TO DECIDE A TITLE FOR YOUR STORY 

Picking titles for your story can be crucial. Creating the perfect title that tells its own story and is unique, importantly, it should reach the right audience. 

"If they can judge a book by its cover, they will judge the title."

Know the summary of your story, and build a title based on it. (Your title should relatively give an idea about the story)

Deciding the title after significant elements in your book.

Naming the title after the plot twist (no one sees it coming)

Give the title of your story based on the main character.

Avoid cliches and long titles. (They aren't as impactful as you think)

 Titles often vary by genre. For instance, mystery titles might aim to be more enigmatic, while romance titles may focus on emotions or relationships.

Remember, your title should make the reader think, excite them, and create a memorable title.

Giving Characters Traumatic Backstories

(To spice up your character development)

Giving traumatic backstories to your characters is like bringing a new life into your readers. It makes your characters relatable and more human, bringing a sense of attachment between your readers and the characters.

Scars to remind them of their rough past. 

(Extra points if they've tried to get rid of them but were unsuccessful)

2. Death of a close family member or friend.

(Extra points if they had to witness the death or couldn't move on from it)

3. The Character is an outcaste to society/ friends/ family 

4. Abusive childhood/ Neglected as a child

5. Fire survivor 

6. Being gaslighted or manipulated by someone close leads to severe trust issues and a distorted sense of reality.

7. Developing severe anxiety, PTSD, or other mental health disorders due to a traumatic experience.

8. Unsuccessful suicidal attempts due to fear of societal judgment from people.

emotional/ hurt dialogue prompt

These dialogues are more appropriate to show the act of 'care' towards your character or open up the softer sides of your more 'rigid' characters.

"I'm not leaving you, MC."

"Show me where it hurts."

"Sometimes it's okay to cry, I promise."

"You are safe here...with me."

"I am going to take care of you, and you will let me."

"You look rather paler than usual, MC."

"I'm here- I'm here, just stay alive! Please!"

(ft. Not so Villany behaviour) 

These quirks are excellent for villains with soft personalities or characters with a breaking point.

These scenes can make an intense setting easygoing and give dimension to it.

They bring the victim flowers to seem like a gentleman after abducting them. 

Villian accidentally spills the victims' schedule while revealing to them how they kidnapped them.

Villian is a softie for the victim and uncuffs them.

 (Extra points if the villain rubs their wrist softly while feeling guilty.)

They awkwardly try to calm the hyperventilating victim by giving side hugs. 

Being so obsessed with the victim that they know everything about them

The villain forgives the victim when they run away after the villain forgets to lock the door.

(Extra points if the villain effortlessly catches them while the victim is frustrated)