˚₊‧˚✩ Dovesso_lovechild₊𐙚‧₊✉

eyes tracing over their features while they're turned away, catching on their eyelashes fluttering against their skin, the slope of their nose, the curve of their lips.

hands brushing, fingertips twitching, savoring the sparks that ignite from touching them, and resisting the urge to chase after it.

hanging onto their every word, engraving the sentences they speak into their very bones.

bodies in close proximity, focusing on how electric the air is, and being hyperaware of how their heat is searing itself into their skin.

idealizing them, imagining them in their fantasies, thinking repeatedly about their best qualities.

having them constantly on their mind, finding reminders of them in the most mundane of daily activities.

a tightness in their chest, an ache in their body at the thought of what they don't have.

leaning in to gaze at them better, taking note of every little detail, every new addition to their appearance, and staring like they'll slip through their fingers if they ever look away.

staying silent when the topic is brought up, too fearful to broach it in case of rejection, or maybe just unwilling to fully commit, and merely returning to their longing afterward.

overthinking what they say, what they do, desperate for the other's attention, just to have their eyes on them.

“Where’s Bob's files?”

“The office? Why what’s wrong?”

“I’ll be back.”

“What?”

Closed off stance (arms crossed, hunched shoulders, etc.)

Rigid body

Unwillingness to make eye contact

Vacant staring

Shifting weight frequently

Putting distance between them and another party

Rapid blinking (to keep tears away)

Turning away/leaving a situation

Stagnant facial expressions

Dull eyes

Squeezing eyes shut

Fidgeting (in some scenarios)

"I was raised to be the perfect heir to the family business: cold, calculating, ruthless. But then I met you—the only person who ever made me hesitate before pulling the trigger. And now, the family has noticed." AU

"I’ve been the family’s ‘cleaner’ for years—disposing of bodies, covering up crimes, making problems disappear. But when I find out my latest target is someone I once loved, I start wondering if I’m next to be erased." AU

"I’m the family lawyer, which means I know where all the bodies are buried—literally. But when I get arrested on a minor charge and the boss sends someone to ‘handle it,’ I realize I might be the next one they handle." AU

We were childhood friends before my family got into the business, unlike yours. Years later, you recognize me on the news—wanted for multiple murders. You call me, not to turn me in, but to ask: “Was any of it real?” AU

"I was just a bartender at a shady dive, serving drinks and ignoring the bloodstains. But I witnessed something I shouldn’t have, and now the local crime family only has two options for me: join them or disappear." AU

The boss’s son has a reputation for being reckless, violent, and uncontrollable. I’m their new ‘handler,’ meant to keep them in line. The problem? They’re the only one who truly sees me.

"I faked my death to escape the family. Years later, you—my old partner in crime—find me living a quiet life. You don’t turn me in. Instead, you say, ‘I need your help one last time.’"

"I’m the face of the family—charismatic, polished, the one who smooths things over with politicians and cops. But when a rival crew starts targeting me specifically, I realize someone inside the family sold me out." AU

"You were supposed to be an easy target—a witness who saw too much. But when I corner you, you don’t beg for your life. You just smile and say, ‘Took you long enough.’"

"I’m the family’s hacker, the ghost in the machine who makes evidence vanish. But when I uncover proof that the boss had my predecessor killed, I know I’m next—unless I run… or fight back." AU

"We were rivals, enemies, always trying to destroy each other. But after a botched hit leaves us both wounded and trapped together, we realize the real threat isn’t each other—it’s the ones who set us up." AU

1. Start with your core idea

• Every plot begins with a spark—a question, a concept, or a character. Build from that seed.

• How? Ask, "What excites me about this story?" and focus your energy there.

• Example: A story about a magical curse could explore themes of redemption or betrayal.

2. Brainstorm freely

• Don’t start by thinking about structure. Instead, write down every idea you have—plot points, character traits, world details—without judgment.

• How? Use mind maps, lists, or “what if” questions to expand your ideas.

• Example: “What if two rival kingdoms were forced to unite to stop a shared enemy?”

3. Map out key events

• Divide your plot into beginning, middle, and end, and identify major turning points. These events should shape the character’s journey.

• How? Use the three-act structure, or simply think in terms of setup, confrontation, and resolution.

• Example:

Beginning: A thief steals a sacred artifact.

Middle: The artifact begins to curse them, forcing them to seek help.

End: They must choose between keeping the artifact’s power or destroying it.

4. Plan with cause and effect

• Immersive plots follow logical progression. Ask yourself: “What happens because of this event?” for every key moment.

• How? Make sure each event impacts the characters or world.

• Example: A hero saves a village → the village leader reveals a secret about the hero’s past → this drives the hero to confront their estranged parent.

5. Flesh out your subplots

• Subplots add depth and make your world feel real. Tie them to the main plot for maximum impact.

• How? Use subplots to explore secondary characters, add emotional stakes, or introduce twists.

• Example: While on a mission to defeat a villain, the hero struggles to repair their broken friendship with their ally.

6. use story beats to stay organized

• Break your story into smaller moments: inciting incident, midpoint twist, climax, resolution.

• How? Write one sentence for each beat to outline the flow of your story.

• Example:

Inciting incident: A cursed item bonds to the protagonist.

Midpoint: They discover the curse is tied to a powerful enemy.

Climax: They must sacrifice their freedom to destroy the curse.

7. Think of immersive twists

• Twists keep readers engaged and make your story unforgettable. They should feel earned, not random.

• How? Ask, "What would surprise the reader but make sense in hindsight?"

• Example: The mentor helping the hero turns out to have caused the conflict in the first place.

8. Build emotional stakes

• Plot isn’t just about events—it’s about how those events affect your characters. The stakes should feel deeply personal.

• How? Tie the plot to your protagonist’s fears, desires, and growth.

• Example: A hero who’s afraid of failure is forced to lead a mission where the cost of failure is catastrophic.

9. Create a planning routine

• Writing immersive plots takes time and refinement. Set aside regular sessions to brainstorm, refine, and test your ideas.

• How? Use tools like storyboarding, sticky notes, or apps like Scrivener to organize your ideas.

• Example: Start each session by reviewing your previous notes, then tackle one section of your plot.

10. Test your plot

• Once you’ve mapped out your story, summarize it to see if it holds together. Does each event flow logically? Are the stakes clear?

• How? Share your outline with a friend or writer’s group for feedback.

• Example: “A reluctant hero must destroy a magical artifact to save their world, but doing so will cost them their memories.”