#writinghacks

FEAR

DEFINITION: To be afraid of; to expect threat or danger

PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS:

Face turning ashen, white, pallid Hair lifting on the nape and arms Body odor, cold sweats Clammy hands Trembling lips and chin Tendons standing out in the neck, a visible pulse Elbows pressing into the sides, making one's body as small as possible Freezing, feeling rooted to the spot Rapid blinking Tight shoulders Staring but not seeing, eyes shut or crying Hands jammed into armpits or self-hugging Breath bursting in and out Leg muscles tightening, the body ready to run Looking all around, especially behind A shrill voice Lowering the voice to a whisper Keeping one's back to a wall or corner Shaking uncontrollably Gripping something, knuckles going white Stiff walking, the knees locking Beads of sweat on the lip or forehead Grabbing onto someone Eyes appearing damp and overly bright Stuttering and mispronouncing words, tremors in the voice Jerky movements, squirming Licking the lips, gulping down water Sprinting or running Sweeping a hand across the forehead to get rid of sweat Gasping and expelling one's breath as if pained Uncontrollable whimpering Pleading, talking to oneself Flinching at noises

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

An inability to speak Shakiness in the limbs Holding back a scream or cry Heartbeat racing, nearly exploding Dizziness, weakness in the legs and knees A loosening of the bladder Chest pain Holding one's breath, gulping down breaths to stay quiet A stomach that feels rock hard Hyper-sensitivity to touch and sound Adrenaline spikes

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Wanting to flee or hide The sensation of things moving too quickly to process Images of what-could-be flashing through the mind Flawed reasoning Jumping to a course of action without thinking things through A skewed sense of time

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG TERM FEAR:

Uncontrollable trembling, fainting Insomnia Heart giving out Panic attacks, phobias Exhaustion Depression Substance abuse Withdrawing from others Tics (a repetitive grimace, a head twitch, talking to oneself) Resistance to pain from rushing adrenaline

MAY GROW INTO:

ANGER, TERROR, PARANOIA, PANIC, DREAD

CUES OF SUPPRESSED FEAR:

Keeping silent Denying fear through diversion or topic change Turning away from the cause of the fear Attempting to keep one's voice light A watery smile that's forced into place Masking fear with a reactive emotion (anger or frustration) False bravado Over-indulgence in a habit (nail biting, lip biting, scratching the skin raw) A joking tone, but the voice cracks

MAY TAPER-OFF TO:

AGITATION, OVERWHELMED, WARINESS, UNEASE

POWER VERBS:

You’ve probably heard the usual writing advice like "Show, don’t tell" or "Write every day" (yes, I know, I’ve suggested these too—they’re classics for a reason). But I’ve gathered a few unconventional writing tips that have helped me break through creative blocks, and maybe they’ll spark something for you too! ✨

1. Stop Writing Mid-Sentence

It sounds strange, but if you stop writing in the middle of a sentence, your brain will stay engaged with your work. When you come back, you’ll instantly know where to pick up. It’s like leaving breadcrumbs for your mind to follow.

2. Write the Boring Parts First

That one slow scene you’re dreading? Knock it out first. Think of it as clearing the path for all the fun, action-packed scenes that come later. Once the boring parts are done, you can fully dive into the exciting ones without hesitation.

3. Change Your Font

A quick font change can be a game-changer! It tricks your brain into thinking you’re looking at a completely new piece of writing, helping you spot weak spots or areas that need refining. Also, it makes editing less of a chore when you’re tired of staring at the same old page.

4. Write Something Awful

Give yourself 15 minutes to write the worst thing you can. Let it be cheesy, awkward, and messy. This removes all the pressure and often leads to unexpected ideas or breakthroughs. After that, you can dive into your real writing without the perfectionism getting in the way.

Get rid of a character - this might seem like an overreaction but sometimes a character is just adding nothing to the plot and making it bulky

Check for information dumps and try cut them out or cut them down - try including only key information

Hi, I’m @/obscuresquirrel on Instagram! :)

Writers' block is a very common issue among writers. Especially young or new authors. It can be tough to get through, but not impossible!

Every method is different, as is every author. This is a very small list. Some of these may differ in how much they help you! Let me know if you want a part two!

1) Forest: The App!

If you struggle with your phone being a distraction, like me, then Forest is the app for you! It was created to help students study, but it can totally be used to control phone usage while writing.

You set a timer, and you plant a virtual tree! The cute little tree will grow over the time you set. (Good for writing sprints!) However, if the app catches you sneaking around on any other app... Your tree will die! Nobody wants to kill a tree, right? Give Forest a try!

2) Reading A Book!

This tip may seem a little contradictory, seeing as you’re trying to write your own book, but taking a break and reading someone else's book can:

Increase your vocabulary

Give you prompts (within reason lol)

Give examples of how characters can interact with each other

You might pick up some good metaphors or other imagery tactics

Exposes you to a new style, that can influence how you write 

It’ll give you an insight into how an expert writes, and ultimately, it’ll get you back into the flow of writing!

3) Wait for it... Write in Comic Sans!

It had been proven that writing in Comic Sans induces creativity and inspiration. 

It may seem a bit odd at first but definitely try it. Often I’ve been in situations where I just can’t quite think, and Comic Sans has saved me! Don’t worry, you’re allowed to change it back... lol

4) Listen To a (Writing) Podcast

Sometimes part of the reason I get stuck is that I like to have something to listen to when writing. I’d say this is pretty common. Personally, loud and bright pop music can block realistic dialogue or scenes from forming. 

So I moved on to having a TV show in the background. That way I’m listening to conversation and it isn’t too busy. (My favourite distraction is Friends 😉)

However, the visuals drag my eyes away from the page. So, I had an idea to listen to a podcast! It gives conversation, and there are great writing podcasts out there that discuss great tips; how to publish, common mistakes, beta readers, etc.

My favourite: Writing Excuses! (Unfortunately, I cannot find it on Spotify. I listen on Google Podcasts!)

Humiliation

DEFINITION:

Feeling degraded or mortified, worthless or cheap

PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS:

Body collapsing in on itself A bowed head Shoulders curling over chest Angling torso away from others Uncontrollable shuddering or shivering Hair hanging in face, hiding the eyes A downward gaze A flushed face Hitching chest Eyes dull, lifeless Pulling down a shirt hem (covering gesture) Body shielding (if holding onto an object) Hands clutching at stomach Covering face with hands Bottom lip or chin trembling Whimpering Throat bobbing Arms falling to sides, lifeless Uncontrolled tears Flinching at noise or from being touched Huddling, crouching Trying to cover body with hands Neck bending forward Movement is slow, jerky Knees locked tight together A loss of coordination Cold sweat Stumbling, staggering Backing up against a wall, sliding into a corner, hiding Visible tremors coursing through the body Hands gripping elbows Pigeon toes (tilted inward) Sobs trapped in throat Drawing knees up to the body's core Wrapping arms around self Runny nose

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:

Weakness in legs Sluggish heartbeat Pain in chest Rapid swallowing Dizziness, a sense of vertigo Ribs squeezing Body feels broken Skin tightens (crawls) Loose muscles Hot eyes and cheeks Nausea

MENTAL RESPONSES:

Self-loathing Shattered thoughts A feeling of nakedness, of being on display A need to hide or flee that supersedes all else Wanting it to end at all costs

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG TERM HUMILIATION:

Curling up on the floor Hiding behind something, against something Crying, blubbering, hitching sobs Willingness to escape by any means A desire to die, for the emotional pain to end

MAY GROW INTO:

DEPRESSED, POWERLESSNESS, REGRET, SHAME, ANGER, HATRED, SELF-LOATHING

CUES OF SUPPRESSED HUMILIATION:

Numbness in mind and body Becoming passive and disengaged Closing off all thoughts of what is happening Not speaking or making any sound Sending the mind “somewhere else” A disconnect between the mind and body

MAY TAPER-OFF TO:

EMBARRASSMENT, INSECURITY, VULNERABILITY

POWER VERBS:

Let Your Reader Experience It!

Hey there, literary gardeners!

Today, let's talk about one of the most powerful tools in our writing shed: Showing, not Telling. Now this is one I still struggle with at times. It's like an old crutch I fall back on when I'm drained and not really thinking. But showing, not telling, is the difference between merely describing a plant and letting your reader see, smell, and feel its leaves, its petals, its vibrant life.

"Telling" is like giving your reader a report. "Showing" is like handing them a magnifying glass and letting them discover details for themselves. It draws them into your story, engaging their senses and emotions.

So, are you ready to make your words bloom? Here are some quick ways to shift from telling to showing:

1. Instead of Stating Emotions, Describe Actions & Reactions.

Telling: "He was angry."

Showing: "His jaw tightened, a muscle throbbing in his temple. He slammed the door, the sound echoing through the silent house."

Why it works: You don't just know he's angry; you feel the tension and hear the impact of his rage.

2. Instead of Naming a Trait, Reveal It Through Behavior.

Telling: "She was clumsy."

Showing: "She tripped over his own feet, sending a cascade of papers flying across the room before landing with a soft thud against the bookshelf."

Why it works: We witness her clumsiness in action, making it more memorable and often, more amusing.

3. Instead of Summarizing, Use Sensory Details.

Telling: "The room was messy."

Showing: "Crinkled takeout menus littered the coffee table, battling for space with a stack of unread novels and a single, forgotten coffee mug rimmed with mold."

Why it works: We can almost smell the stale air and see the clutter, painting a vivid picture in our minds.

4. Instead of Announcing the Weather, Show Its Effect.

Telling: "It was cold outside."

Showing: "Frost bitten fingers fumbled with the key, a cloud of breath escaping with every frustrated sigh. The wind bit at his exposed ears, making him shiver uncontrollably."

Why it works: The cold isn't just a fact; it's a physical experience for the character (and the reader).

5. Instead of Describing Appearance, Let Your Character's Style Speak.

Telling: "She was rich."

Showing: "The silk scarf cascaded from her neck, catching the light as she adjusted the delicate gold watch glinting at her wrist, its face adorned with tiny, genuine diamonds."

Why it works: We infer her wealth from the quality and detail of her possessions, rather than being explicitly told.

The Takeaway: Think of your words as seeds. Don't just tell your reader what plant they are; plant them in the ground, water them, and let them grow into something tangible and beautiful right before their eyes!