Writing Tips (for x Black!reader writers)
Iāve been seeing more Black readers wanting to write x reader stories that actually center poc readersāand thatās such a good way to create representation and explore dynamics that usually get ignored. While this post can apply to everyone, I wrote it with Black women in mind. Theyāre constantly targeted with hate on this app, left without real representation, and often made to feel too afraid to share their work. And just to be clearābefore the ignorant ones show upāyes, x reader fics are meant to avoid assuming identity and stay āinclusive.ā But if that were really happening, people wouldnāt have to dig through endless stories full of stuff like "you blushed bright red," "...pale skin," "he ran his fingers through your straight, silky hair," or "he was mesmerized by your blue eyes." Thatās not inclusivity. This post is here to encourage and uplift writers who deserve to see themselves in the stories they love.
So here are some tips to help you get started:
ā¹ Starting Out
1. Pick your character/fandom first.
Who do you want the reader to interact with? Who is driving your motivation? Choosing a specific character gives you immediate direction.
2. Decide on the vibe.
Fluff, angst, romance, horror, or erotica? Knowing the tone makes it easier to start writing scenes.
3. Start small.
Instead of planning a giant fic, write a short drabble (like 300ā700 words). You can always expand later!
āļøš½ Writing POC Reader
Normalize the readerās identity. Donāt overexplainājust weave details naturally, like references to skin tones, hair textures, cultural foods, or experiences. Avoid stereotypes. Instead of making the story about being a Black, let it be about the relationship/plot while still honoring identity (unless that's what the story is about).
Use inclusivity in description. Instead of āher cheeks flushed red,ā you might say ātheir cheeks warmedā or describe a glow/undertone. If you do reference appearance, tie it to beauty and pride.
Tag your work properly!! If you do reference specific hair textures (like coils) or distinct skin tones, just make sure to tag it or mention it in the header so people looking for something else can scroll past.
āExamples for Inspiration:
"At times like this, you envied bald people. Your coils were trapping the humid air against your scalp, the thick heat thriving enough to drive you crazy."
"You smoothed oil down your thighs, watching the dim bedroom light catch the way your brown skin gleamed against the sheets."
"You didn't turn around, but you could feel his gaze tracing the curve of your lips, completely mesmerized by the texure of your hair, your [blank] figure, and the deep, warm glow of your skin in the sunlight."
š Writing Techniques
Use second person pov (āyouā). Thatās the core of x reader writing.
Think like a scene director. Imagine what āyouā are doing, how the character reacts, and the emotions.
āTo really make your scenes pop, you have to play with the actual rhythm of your sentences. The way a sentence is structured dictates the reader's mental and physical state.
Experiment with narration styles!
Play with sentence length. Use long, drawn-out sentences with sensory details when you want a scene to feel heavy, suffocating, or deeply sensual. Then, smash the reader with short, blunt sentences when the tension breaks or something terrifying happens.
Dialogue is gold. It brings out chemistry quickly, but you donāt need a constant back-and-forth to make a story good. Sometimes, the quiet standoff, the heavy silence, or a single, lingering look says more than a whole page of talking.
Show, donāt tell. Instead of writing "you were embarrassed or scared," break down the physical reaction. Write about the sharp catch of breath in your throat, the small, crooked smile you try to hide, or the way your nails dig into your palm to keep from trembling. "You dropped your gaze, but couldnāt hide the small, crooked smile that threatened to break through." Don't take this too literallyāsometimes it's best to just name the feeling instead of going on and on.
ā Tips for Staying Motivated
Write for yourself first, audience second! If you don't love the story, nobody else can do it justice.
Donāt compare your progress. Everyone starts somewhere, and your style will find its own natural rhythm over time.
Test the waters. Post short drabbles on Tumblr, AO3, or Wattpad. Seeing how people respond to small snippets can help you grow without the pressure of a massive project.
Save your inspiration. Keep screenshots, build specific music playlists to anchor the mood of a scene, or save aesthetic boards. It all helps spark ideas when you hit a wall.
Write for dead or tiny fandoms!! If the inspiration is there, DO IT! You'll usually find a small, incredibly dedicated group of readers who are starving for what you're creating.
Basic decency!
Always give people credit where it's due. Writers love knowing their work inspired someone elseāit's the highest compliment you can pay. If a specific scene or dynamic sparked an idea for your own fic, drop a note to say that! And if you use someoneās artwork, graphics, or custom dividers to style your post, GIVE THEM CREDIT! Keep the community supportive and respectful.
Beautiful Dividers by @uzmacchiato
Repost from my other account. All works Ā©. Do not modify, plagiarize, or repost my work.
