Writing Interactive Fiction (IF)

academy

adventurer's guild

alchemist

apiary

apothecary

aquarium

armory

art gallery

bakery

bank

barber

barracks

bathhouse

blacksmith

boathouse

book store

bookbinder

botanical garden

brothel

butcher

carpenter

cartographer

casino

castle

cobbler

coffee shop

council chamber

court house

crypt for the noble family

Part V

How to show grief

a vacant look

slack facial expressions

shaky hands

trembling lips

swallowing

struggling to breathe

tears rolling down their cheeks

How to show fondness

smiling with their mouth and their eyes

softening their features

cannot keep their eyes off of the object of their fondness

sometimes pouting the lips a bit

reaching out, wanting to touch them

How to show envy

narrowing their eyes

rolling their eyes

raising their eyebrows

grinding their teeth

tightening jaw

chin poking out

pouting their lips

forced smiling

crossing arms

shifting their gaze

clenching their fists

tensing their muscles

then becoming restless/fidgeting

swallowing hard

stiffening

holding their breath

blinking rapidly

exhaling sharply

How to show regret

scrubbing a hand over the face

sighing heavily

downturned mouth

slightly bending over

shoulders hanging low

hands falling to the sides

a pained expression

heavy eyes

staring down at their feet

Part I + Part II + Part III + Part IV

I've compiled a spreadsheet that will continue to be updated with resources over time to make it more comprehensive. Some are resources I made myself, some are from other creators and they are linked directly for their credit.

For now, I am only sending the link to other creators. Please message me from your author/creator/game account for instant verification if you would like the link. I won't send it to other types of accounts as of now.

Here are the sections currently available in the spreadsheet:

Minimizing Pirating (Patreon, itch.io, etc.)

Twine Resources (coding, discords, videos, templates, etc.)

Ren'Py (coding, videos, templates, etc.)

Worldbuilding (articles, inspiration, templates, tools, etc.)

Characters (diverse characters, character dev., educating oneself, tools, etc.)

Writing & Outlining (outlining, plotting, editing, writing, tools, etc.)

Marketing (Kickstarter, Tumblr, etc.)

This post is not to open a discussion on particular topics and I won't respond to any asks regarding those. But I have been working behind the scenes for some time to compile, research, and create resources and information to better arm indie creators. Please send me a message here if you would like the link. I would prefer to only share it with other creators at this time.

Best,

I compiled a list of my better articles on visual novel development & marketing to make them easier to find on my blog. I also included a few links to other people's articles and talks that are great!

This list is mainly for my own stuff and an up to date list can be seen here.

This was supposed to be up last night but I crashed... and forgot to press post/publish.

The 100 85% Good Twine SugarCube Guide!

NOTE: This is a currently Pre-Release of the Guide. This means it may contains typos, broken links, and wonky formatting. Edit will be made for improvement/corrections, as well as adding more content.

This SugarCube Guide was create as an alternative to the official documentation, providing a comprehensive and wide look of over the use of Twine, particularly the SugarCube format.

The Guide is compartmentalised in (currently) four categories:

The Basics: or the absolute basics to start with SugarCube

The Basics+: adding interactivity, and creating a fully rounded IF game

Intermediate Use: adding more customisation and complex code

Advanced More (incomplete): the most complex macros and APIs

Each category explains a multitude of aspects of the format, tailored to a specific level of the user.

If something is unclear, you found a mistake, you would like more examples in the guide, or would like a feature covered, let me know!

The Guide currently covers all macros (as of SugarCube v.2.36.1*), most functions and methods, and some API. It touches upon the use of HTML, CSS, JavaScript and jQuery. *In case of format update, this Guide will make relevant edits.

The Guides also provides a list of further resources, for the different coding languages.

When completed, this guide will be available in a downloadable form.

I see two common formulas when a character is severely hurt

injured >> panic >> faint

or

injured >> hide it >> faint

While these two formulas are great, I am here to propose other things people do when they are in severe physical pain. pain to this degree throws a persons entire body out of wack, show it!

here are some other less commonly found things people do when they’re in severe pain:

firstly, repeat it after me, kids! not everyone faints when they’re in a ton of pain! some people wish they could faint

but they do tremble, convulse, or thrash uncontrollably (keep in mind, trembling and convulsing are something the body does of it’s own accord, thrashing is an action taken by the person)

hyper/hypoventilate

become nauseous

vomit (in severe cases)

hallucinate

lose sight (temporarily)

lose hearing (temporarily)

run a low-grade fever

run a high-grade fever (in severe cases)

become unaware of surroundings

develop a nosebleed

develop a migraine

sweat absolute bullets

(feel free to use <3 req by @thyme-in-a-bubble. god the 15th, 17th, 20th, 22nd, 24th???? has me crying. @urfriendlywriter )

ignoring one another

"i think we need some time apart.."

"this won't work, [name]."

"i can't go a minute without you, babe, please don't do this to me.."

trying to talk it out but it always ending up in an argument

"you are going to let a misunderstanding destroy us?"

"is it so easy for you to assume than to listen to me for goddamn once??"

"please, talk with me. how else are we going to solve this..."

getting into fights but becoming physically much clingier

"how could you point your finger at me so easily ??"

not being able to talk it out, but still showing physical affection - taking your hand in theirs, massaging you in silence, hugging, cuddling.

or - watching them walk out the room to sleep alone

^ "it has now come to this huh?" and them turning back, regret and sadness in their eyes, "what do you want me to do then?"

trying to be a better person always

"bury my heart deeper, love. If that's what you're trying--it's working." with a painful smile. or tears in their eyes.

telling each other how much you cherish one another

2 am and they're at your doorstep, crying, as they say, "i don't want to go to sleep-with this hanging between us, im so so sorry."

"lets take turns ranting, shall we? we don't want this to burden us."

"you didn't hear one word i said, did you?"

"trust me." "oh, im trying to, so hard rn."

"you think i came all the way here to fight with you? No, [name], i wanna talk this out, over a cup of tea, too. relax. breathe and talk. aint no way we're stressing ourselves out." with a few clicks of the tongue. CUS THIS? green flag.

"when have you ever cared?" ouch.

"i didn't know you felt all that.. I'm sorry."

"what.. are we now?" OK THE ANGST IF ITS WRITTEN RIGHT??? INSANE

Get ready to swoon because today's the day we're exploring the loveliest of emotions in my 'Show don't Tell: Emotions' series! Are you a regular reader? So glad to see you again! And if you're new, then let me give you a big warm welcome!

Today let's talk about Love.

Happiness is such a wonderful feeling! It brings us pleasure, contentment, and joy, and often leaves us with a sense of well-being and satisfaction with life. In creative writing, happiness can be a powerful tool to convey positivity and hope, to contrast with darker emotions, or to create a satisfying resolution.

If you want to show happiness in your writing, there are many effective ways to do so. One of the most obvious ways is through your characters' body language. They can jump for joy, laugh brightly, or even have a smile so wide it hurts their cheeks!

Love is a beautiful emotion that fills us with warmth, affection, and a sense of belonging. It can leave us with a feeling of completeness and fulfilment. In creative writing, love can be a powerful tool to convey intimacy and connection, create tension and conflict, or build a heartwarming resolution.

To show love in your writing, there are many effective ways to do so. One of the most obvious ways is through your characters' body language. They can gaze into each other's eyes, hold hands tightly, or even kiss passionately!

Gaze into each other's eyes

Hold hands tightly

Kiss passionately

Embrace in a hug

Rest their head on the other person's shoulder

Stroke or caress the other person's hand or arm

Lean in for a kiss or whisper in their ear

Smile lovingly or tenderly

Play with the other person's hair

Nuzzle or snuggle up close

Sit or stand close together

Wrap arms around each other's waist

Tilt head to the side while looking at the other person

Rest a hand on the other person's cheek

Sit facing each other with legs intertwined

Dance closely or slow dance together

Rest head on the other person's chest

Hold the other person's face in their hands

Linger in each other's embrace

Touch foreheads or noses together

Playfully tickle or tease each other

Smile softly or shyly

Whisper sweet nothings or compliments

Gently stroke someone's hand or arm

Rest their head on someone's shoulder or chest

Make prolonged eye contact

Blush or flush with embarrassment or shyness

Smile softly or shyly

Bite their lip or play with their hair

Whisper or speak in a hushed tone

Hold someone's gaze without speaking

Take a deep breath and let it out slowly

Look down and then back up with a smile

Giggle or chuckle at something someone says

Playfully push or shove someone

Lean in for a kiss on the cheek or forehead

Hold someone's hand and squeeze it tightly

Put an arm around someone's waist or shoulder

Hold someone's face gently in their hands

Lick their lips or moisten them with their tongue

Rest their forehead against someone else's

Tap their foot or bounce their leg excitedly

Trace circles or patterns on someone's skin with their fingers

When it comes to love, writers can use sensory details to create a rich and immersive experience for readers. By describing what characters see, hear, taste, smell, and feel, we can bring readers into the world of love that the characters are experiencing. But we need to delve deeper than just surface-level sensations and capture the complex emotions that come with falling in love.

Gazing into each other's eyes

Holding hands tightly

Kissing passionately or gently

Feeling butterflies in their stomach

Hearing the sound of their loved one's voice

Feeling a sense of safety and security in their partner's embrace

Noticing the small details of their loved one's appearance, like the curve of their smile or the color of their eyes

Enjoying the sensation of being close to their partner, like feeling their warmth or breath

Feeling a sense of happiness and contentment in their partner's presence

Taking pleasure in doing things together, like cooking or traveling

Feeling a sense of longing or yearning when apart

Remembering fond memories or inside jokes with their loved one

Being excited for future plans and adventures together

Sharing intimate moments, like cuddling or sleeping together

Feeling a sense of comfort and familiarity with their partner's touch or scent

Noticing the beauty of nature together, like a sunset or starry night sky

Feeling a sense of gratitude and appreciation for their loved one

Feeling inspired or motivated by their partner's support and encouragement

Having a deep sense of trust and understanding with their partner

Feeling a sense of vulnerability and openness in their relationship.

Feeling a fluttering in their chest or stomach

Noticing the way their heart races or their breath quickens

Experiencing a rush of adrenaline or excitement

Enjoying the sound of a loved one's voice or laughter

Savoring the taste of a favorite food or drink shared with a loved one

Feeling a sense of comfort or security in a warm embrace

Noticing the way their skin tingles or their hairs stand on end

Taking in the beauty of a special place or moment shared with a loved one

Feeling a sense of anticipation or excitement at the thought of seeing a loved one

Hearing the sound of their loved one's footsteps or heartbeat

Enjoying the sensation of holding hands or cuddling with a loved one

Feeling the warmth of a fire or candlelight shared with a loved one

Smelling the scent of a loved one's perfume or cologne

Feeling a sense of calm or serenity in a quiet moment shared with a loved one

Noticing the way their loved one's eyes light up when they smile

Hearing the sound of their loved one's breathing or sighs of contentment

Enjoying the sensation of a gentle touch or caress from a loved one

Feeling a sense of trust or safety in the presence of a loved one

Noticing the way their loved one's hair or clothing smells

Feeling a sense of pride or admiration for their loved one's accomplishments

Enjoying the sensation of a gentle breeze or warm sun shared with a loved one

Noticing the way their loved one's body moves or gestures when they're happy

Hearing the sound of their loved one's heartbeat or pulse

Feeling a sense of belonging or connection with a loved one

Noticing the way their loved one's eyes sparkle or crinkle when they laugh

Enjoying the sensation of a soft kiss or gentle touch from a loved one

Feeling a sense of gratitude or appreciation for a loved one's presence in their life

Noticing the way their loved one's face lights up when they're happy

Enjoying the sensation of a warm hug or snuggle with a loved one

Feeling a sense of peace or contentment in a quiet moment shared with a loved one.

Let's move on to our next topic of discussion - the power of action in portraying emotions, particularly the joy of being in love. The way a character moves and engages with their environment can effectively depict their emotional state. As we've previously discussed body language, there may be some similarities in this discussion.

Blushing or feeling flustered when the crush is around

Smiling or laughing at their crush's jokes

Making an effort to look good when they know they will see their crush

Trying to impress their crush by showcasing their talents or skills

Being nervous or fidgety around their crush

Engaging in activities that their crush enjoys, such as listening to their favorite music or watching their favorite movies

Showing interest in their crush's hobbies or interests

Complimenting their crush and making them feel good about themselves

Being supportive of their crush's goals and dreams

Daydreaming about their crush or imagining future scenarios with them

Feeling a surge of happiness or excitement when they receive a message or call from their crush

Feeling jealous or possessive when someone else pays attention to their crush

Trying to find excuses to spend time with their crush

Getting butterflies in their stomach or feeling nervous before a date or hangout with their crush

Daydreaming or getting lost in thought about the person

Smiling or feeling giddy at the thought of seeing the person

Acting nervous or fidgety when around the person

Complimenting or praising the person to show their admiration

Being extra attentive or considerate towards the person

Going out of their way to help or support the person

Finding excuses to spend time with the person, such as offering to study together or running errands together

Making eye contact with the person and holding it for longer than usual

Mirroring the person's body language or mannerisms to create a sense of connection

Finding common interests to bond over and share with the person

Listening intently to the person and showing interest in what they have to say

Laughing at the person's jokes or finding their humor particularly enjoyable

Sharing personal stories or experiences to build intimacy and trust with the person

Touching the person in a playful or flirtatious way, such as lightly brushing their arm or shoulder

Dressing up or wearing clothes that make them feel confident and attractive around the person

Being more talkative or animated around the person than with other people

Seeking out opportunities for physical contact, such as offering a hug or brushing past the person

Giving the person thoughtful or meaningful gifts to show their affection

Writing letters or notes expressing their feelings for the person.

Writing love letters or poems to express their feelings to their crush

Feeling a sense of euphoria or elation when their crush reciprocates their feelings.

Holding hands with someone special

Staring into each other's eyes

Giving a passionate kiss

Cuddling or snuggling with a loved one

Saying "I love you" or expressing affectionate words

Making a surprise romantic gesture, like leaving a love note or buying a thoughtful gift

Going on a romantic date or getaway

Dancing together to a slow love song

Sharing a warm embrace after a long time apart

Making eye contact and smiling from across the room

Listening intently to a loved one's words and responding with empathy and understanding

Putting their arm around someone's shoulder or waist

Sharing a special moment or experience together

Sharing an inside joke or laughter-filled moment

Doing something spontaneous and exciting together

Doing something kind and thoughtful for each other

Expressing vulnerability and opening up about personal feelings

Offering support and encouragement during a challenging time

Creating a cozy and romantic atmosphere with candles, music, and dim lighting

Writing a love letter or poem

Surprising someone with a serenade or musical performance

Making a promise or commitment to love and cherish each other

Engaging in a shared hobby or interest

Making each other laugh with silly jokes or playful teasing

Sharing a deep and meaningful conversation about the future or dreams.

Holding hands while walking

Leaving a love note or small gift for someone

Giving a surprise kiss on the cheek or forehead

Cooking a favorite meal for someone

Massaging or rubbing someone's shoulders or feet

Snuggling up together on the couch or in bed

Making eye contact with a soft, loving gaze

Offering to help with a task or chore

Surprising someone with a thoughtful gesture

Taking a romantic walk together

Sharing a special moment or memory together

Holding someone close during a difficult time

Creating a romantic atmosphere with candles or music

Offering words of encouragement or support

Making a homemade gift or card

Engaging in a shared hobby or interest

Planning a surprise date or outing

Sharing a laugh or inside joke together

Offering to be there for someone in any way they need

Doing something spontaneous or adventurous together

Listening attentively and actively to what someone has to say

Dancing together in a slow, intimate way

Showing physical affection, like gently stroking someone's hair or holding them close

Planning a weekend getaway or vacation together

Surprising someone with a special treat or dessert

Taking turns expressing gratitude for one another

Offering forgiveness and understanding during a disagreement

Spending quality time together, like playing a game or watching a movie

Being supportive and understanding of each other's goals and dreams

Saying "I love you" in a sincere and heartfelt way.

Let's explore the theme of setting in the context of love! It's not just a physical backdrop for your characters to be present in, it's about how they engage with it and respond to it. The place, the surroundings, and your character's reactions to them can all be effective means of expressing their emotions, including love.

Smiling or blushing when they see their crush

Feeling a flutter in their stomach or their heart racing when their crush is around

Being more self-conscious about their appearance and grooming

Paying more attention to their love's interests and hobbies

Trying to be near their crush as much as possible without being obvious

Feeling a sense of jealousy or possessiveness when their crush is with someone else

Daydreaming about their crush and imagining romantic scenarios

Feeling shy or nervous around their crush and struggling to find the right words to say

Seeking the approval or attention of their crush through their actions and behaviors

Feeling a sense of elation or euphoria when their crush shows interest or reciprocates their feelings

Finding excuses to touch their crush or be physically close to them

Becoming more outgoing or adventurous to impress their crush or share experiences with them

Having a heightened awareness of their crush's body language and nonverbal cues

Feeling a sense of disappointment or sadness when their crush is not around or doesn't show interest

Finding ways to show off their talents or accomplishments to their crush

Feeling a sense of protectiveness or concern for their crush's well-being

Becoming more open and vulnerable with their crush, sharing personal thoughts and feelings

Feeling a sense of longing or anticipation for the next time they will see their crush

Seeking the advice or input of friends or family about how to approach their crush

Being more attentive and considerate towards their crush's needs and feelings.

Blushing or getting flustered around the person they have a crush on

Smiling or laughing at jokes made by the person they have a crush on

Getting nervous or fidgety when the person they have a crush on is around

Daydreaming about spending time with the person they have a crush on

Becoming more talkative or outgoing when around the person they have a crush on

Seeking out the person they have a crush on in social settings

Offering to do things for the person they have a crush on, such as getting them a drink or helping them with a task

Complimenting the person they have a crush on or expressing admiration for their qualities or accomplishments

Acting more self-conscious or aware of their appearance around the person they have a crush on

Finding excuses to touch the person they have a crush on, such as brushing their hand or shoulder

Being more willing to take risks or try new things when the person they have a crush on is involved

Feeling a sense of elation or excitement when receiving a text or message from the person they have a crush on

Making an effort to look or smell good when around the person they have a crush on

Seeking out the person they have a crush on for advice or guidance on personal matters

Finding common interests or hobbies with the person they have a crush on and pursuing them together

Making plans or scheduling events around the person they have a crush on's availability

Looking for opportunities to get closer to the person they have a crush on, such as sitting next to them or standing near them

Sharing personal stories or experiences with the person they have a crush on to establish a deeper connection

Seeking validation or approval from the person they have a crush on, such as asking for their opinion or input on decisions

Feeling a sense of euphoria or happiness simply from being in the presence of the person they have a crush on.

Have you ever noticed how a romantic setting, such as a sunset, soft music, and candlelight, can instantly put you in a loving mood? The same effect can be applied to the settings in your story. Even without a character present, the environment can influence the readers' perception of the mood. It's relatively easy to convey love through the scenery by incorporating elements such as roses, heart-shaped objects, and warm colors.

Weather: Warm and sunny weather can create a romantic and blissful atmosphere.

Time of Day: Evening or late night can create an intimate and cozy atmosphere.

Location: A beautiful garden or a cozy cabin can create a sense of love and intimacy.

Objects: Sentimental or symbolic objects like a piece of jewelry or a handwritten letter can indicate a character's love and affection.

Colors: Rich or passionate colors like red or deep purple can be used to create a sense of love.

Noises: Romantic and soothing sounds like a gentle breeze or a romantic song can create a sense of love and tranquility.

Crowds: A secluded and intimate environment, such as a quiet restaurant or a candlelit room, can be used to create feelings of love and intimacy.

Architecture: Romantic and enchanting environments like a castle or a beautiful mansion can create a sense of love and enchantment.

Nature: A picturesque and serene landscape can create a sense of love and awe.

Animals: Affectionate or loyal animals can be used to create a sense of love and companionship.

Dialogue is an excellent way to express emotions, particularly love. The tone, words, and delivery of your characters' dialogue can all be used to convey their feelings of joy and happiness in a beautiful manner.

Using flirty and playful language, such as "You're looking great today," "I can't stop thinking about you," or "I love spending time with you."

Laughing or giggling nervously at appropriate moments in conversation.

Offering to help or do favors for the person they have a crush on.

Asking questions about the person's interests and hobbies.

Trying to make the person they have a crush on laugh or smile.

Being attentive and engaged in conversation with the person they have a crush on.

Making excuses to be around the person they have a crush on.

Using endearing nicknames or pet names for the person they have a crush on.

Complimenting the person they have a crush on on their appearance, skills, or personality.

Acting nervously or shyly around the person they have a crush on.

Finding excuses to touch or be physically close to the person they have a crush on.

Sharing personal stories or experiences with the person they have a crush on.

Being supportive of the person they have a crush on's goals or aspirations.

Offering to do things for the person they have a crush on, like picking up coffee or bringing them lunch.

Talking about future plans or events they would like to experience with the person they have a crush on.

Asking the person they have a crush on for advice or opinions on different topics. Being willing to compromise or change plans to make the person they have a crush on happy.

Being persistent in trying to spend time with the person they have a crush on.

Expressing nervous excitement or anticipation when talking about the person they have a crush on.

Using teasing or playful language with the person they have a crush on.

Acting protective or possessive of the person they have a crush on.

Blushing or turning red in the face when around the person.

Fidgeting or being nervous around the person.

Being extra attentive or helpful to the person.

Finding excuses to be around the person or in their company.

Daydreaming or fantasizing about the person.

Smiling or grinning uncontrollably when thinking about the person.

Stuttering or stumbling over words when talking to the person.

Making an effort to dress nicely or look good when around the person.

Getting jealous or possessive of the person's attention.

Finding it difficult to focus on other things or people when the person is around.

Being willing to go out of one's way to please or impress the person.

Feeling a rush of adrenaline or butterflies in the stomach when near the person.

Making an effort to learn more about the person's interests or hobbies.

Being more talkative or outgoing around the person.

Playfully teasing or poking fun at the person.

Seeking out the person's company in group settings.

Getting nervous or flustered when the person touches or hugs them.

Finding excuses to text or message the person.

Feeling a strong desire to make the person happy or laugh.

Becoming more aware of one's own body language and behavior around the person.

And after all that, you get to delve into your character's mind and showcase their thoughts and core feelings, which can reveal their love. Expressing a character's thoughts is a great way to convey love in creative writing. It allows readers to gain a deeper understanding of the character's emotions and creates a more intimate reading experience. When a writer reveals a character's innermost thoughts, it strengthens the connection between the reader and the character.

For instance, if a character is feeling love, their thoughts may reflect their sense of adoration, affection, and commitment. They may think about their significant other, recalling moments that strengthen their bond, or reflecting on qualities that they admire in their partner. By describing the character's thoughts, the writer can give the reader insight into what is making the character feel love and allow them to share in that emotion.

Additionally, a character's thoughts can be used to contrast their present feelings of love with past struggles or hardships. By demonstrating how the character has grown in their ability to love or has learned to overcome obstacles in relationships, the writer can create a sense of triumph and fulfillment that adds depth to the character's love.

Daydreaming or fantasizing about happy scenarios or possibilities with their crush

Feeling a sense of nervousness or excitement when around their crush

Being more self-conscious about their appearance or behavior

Feeling a sense of happiness or contentment when their crush gives them attention or compliments them

Feeling a sense of disappointment or sadness when their crush doesn't give them attention or doesn't reciprocate their feelings

Feeling a sense of jealousy or envy when their crush pays attention to someone else

Reflecting on happy moments or interactions with their crush

Feeling a sense of anticipation or excitement for potential future interactions with their crush

Feeling a sense of hope or optimism about the possibility of a relationship with their crush

Thinking about ways to impress or show their affection towards their crush

Feeling a sense of insecurity or self-doubt about their worthiness of their crush's attention or affection

Feeling a sense of longing or yearning for their crush's presence or attention

Feeling a sense of nervousness or butterflies in their stomach when thinking about their crush

Feeling a sense of joy or elation when their crush shows them affection or returns their feelings.

Feeling butterflies in their stomach or a racing heart when thinking about their crush

Daydreaming about spending time with their crush or going on a date

Feeling a sense of longing or anticipation when they see their crush or think about them

Imagining scenarios where their crush reciprocates their feelings

Feeling a sense of jealousy or possessiveness when their crush interacts with others

Feeling a sense of disappointment or sadness when their crush doesn't reciprocate their feelings

Thinking about ways to impress their crush or get their attention

Feeling a sense of vulnerability or openness when around their crush

Imagining future possibilities with their crush, like a long-term relationship or marriage

Feeling a sense of nervousness or awkwardness when trying to talk to their crush

Feeling a sense of excitement or giddiness when their crush compliments them or shows interest in them

Feeling a sense of safety or comfort when their crush is around

Thinking about the qualities they admire in their crush and feeling grateful for them

Feeling a sense of hope or optimism about the possibility of being with their crush

Imagining scenarios where their crush saves them or comes to their rescue

Feeling a sense of motivation or drive to improve themselves to impress their crush

Feeling a sense of elation or happiness when their crush reciprocates their feelings

Feeling a sense of relief or ease when their crush is around, like they can be themselves

Thinking about their crush even when they're not together, like when they're doing something mundane or routine

Feeling a sense of intimacy or closeness when they share personal thoughts or feelings with their crush.

A sense of contentment and satisfaction with their relationship or current romantic situation

Thoughts of gratitude or appreciation for their partner and the good things in their relationship

Positive self-talk, such as reminding themselves of their worth and their partner's love for them

Optimistic thoughts about the future of their relationship and upcoming romantic events

Thoughts of love or affection towards their partner, such as thinking about how much they care for them or how attractive they find them

Daydreaming or fantasizing about happy romantic scenarios or possibilities with their partner

Feeling a sense of lightness or freedom in their thoughts, with fewer worries or anxieties when they're with their partner

A sense of fulfillment or accomplishment after doing something romantic for their partner or completing a task together

A desire to express their love to their partner through words or actions

Feeling a sense of belonging or connectedness with their partner

Being grateful for small romantic gestures from their partner, like a thoughtful text or surprise gift

Feeling a sense of relief or release after resolving a conflict or disagreement with their partner

Feeling a sense of validation or recognition for their efforts in the relationship

Feeling a sense of pride in their partner's accomplishments or character traits

Reflecting on happy romantic memories or past experiences with their partner

Feeling a sense of anticipation or excitement for upcoming romantic events or opportunities with their partner

Feeling a sense of comfort or security in their partner's presence or with familiar romantic gestures

Feeling a sense of wonder or amazement at the depth of their love for their partner

Feeling a sense of accomplishment or progress towards a long-term romantic goal with their partner

Thinking about ways to make their partner happy or to deepen their love for each other

Feeling a sense of peace or serenity in a quiet romantic moment or peaceful environment with their partner

Feeling a sense of enthusiasm or passion for their relationship or their partner's interests and hobbies

Feeling a sense of nostalgia for past romantic experiences or happy times with their partner

Feeling a sense of connectedness to their partner and nature or the outdoors when enjoying romantic activities together

Thinking about happy romantic moments shared with their partner, such as anniversaries or romantic getaways

Feeling a sense of awe or inspiration from witnessing acts of love and kindness towards their partner or others

Feeling a sense of relief or release after expressing their emotions of love, forgiveness, or empathy to their partner

Feeling a sense of confidence or empowerment in their relationship after overcoming fear or self-doubt

Feeling a sense of awe or gratitude towards their partner or a higher power for the love they share.

Let's talk about how to infuse your writing with the beautiful feeling of love by using metaphors and analogies. These two literary tools are a great way to bring your characters' emotions to life and create unforgettable images that will leave a lasting impression on your readers.

Metaphors compare two different things, while analogies explain how two things are similar. By using these tools in your creative writing, you can create vivid and tangible images that show the depth of your characters' love.

You can use metaphors and analogies in many different ways to show the beauty of love. Instead of simply stating that a character is in love, you might write, "Her heart was a fluttering butterfly, captivated by his every move." This comparison creates an image that's much more memorable and helps the reader feel the character's love more deeply.

Metaphors and analogies can also be used to create contrast, which can make the love even more impactful. For example, you might describe a character's love as "a blooming rose in a barren wasteland." This comparison creates a feeling of hope and joy that's made even more powerful by the contrast with the bleak surroundings.

Remember not to overuse metaphors and analogies, or your readers might become overwhelmed. Use them sparingly and strategically, and you'll bring your characters' love to life in a way that your readers won't soon forget.

"Love was a seed planted in her heart, growing with each passing day."

"His love was a compass, guiding her towards happiness and fulfillment."

"She felt like a ship in calm waters, anchored in the safety of his love."

"His love was a lighthouse, guiding her through the stormy seas of life."

"She was a garden, blooming with love and spreading joy to those around her."

"His love was a symphony, playing a beautiful melody of affection and devotion."

"She felt like a puzzle piece finally fitting in place, completing the picture of their love."

"His love was a fire, burning bright with passion and warmth."

"She was a butterfly, fluttering with excitement in the presence of his love."

"His love was a river, flowing endlessly and filling her heart with contentment."

"She felt like a bird soaring high in the sky, carried by the strength of their love."

"His love was a beacon, shining bright and calling her home."

"She was a book, filled with the pages of their love story."

"His love was a rainbow, bringing color and joy to her world."

"She felt like a candle, glowing bright with love and warmth."

"His love was a puzzle, fitting together perfectly and creating a beautiful picture."

"She was a sunrise, shining bright with the promise of their love." "His love was a compass, pointing them towards a future full of happiness."

"She felt like a rose, blooming with the beauty of their love."

"His love was a mountain, strong and unmovable in its dedication." "She was a song, singing the melody of their love."

"His love was a blanket, wrapping her in the comfort of his affection."

"She felt like a dancer, moving in perfect harmony with his love."

"His love was a star, shining bright and lighting up her world."

"She was a canvas, painted with the colors of their love story."

"His love was a garden, blooming with the flowers of their affection."

"She felt like a rainbow, spanning the sky with the colors of their love."

"His love was a castle, strong and impenetrable in its devotion."

"She was a poem, written with the words of their love."

Hey there! Our time is up for today, but don't worry - I'll be back next next time with more.

                Notes, journal entries, lost letters, a book tucked into the back corner of the store—written hints and exposition can show up in storytelling across many forms. Given how useful and easy as it is to divulge information through perfectly scattered journal entries or a conveniently timed newspaper article this form of sharing information is a common trope across storytelling. Because of this, it can feel cheap or unearned.

                So here’s how to use written hints without making your readers feel cheated:

Don’t overuse it

Unfortunately this is the long and the short of it. The more information you have through written mediums, the less realistic or earned it will feel. If you can, keep this trope down to once or twice in a piece. If you can convey that information another way, choose that instead.

2. Create purpose behind its creation

Not only does the writing have to have the relevant information you need to convey, but it has to have a purpose for existence. Remember that people write notes to remember something, something they’d be likely to forget. If you can’t think of a reason someone would need to remember (or would believe they might forget) a piece of information, don’t convey it on a note. Journals are made to review someone’s day or emotions, it’s unlikely someone would journal about the government’s secrets (and even more so, scatter the pages around in an order for the protagonists to find to pace out said information—I’m sorry, I’m throwing just a little bit of shade at the indie horror community ;))

                If it’s not news worthy, it shouldn’t be in the news, etc. and so on. Think about why your written material was created, and by who, and how it ended up where it did.

3. Place it behind a barrier

This is a bit of a sneaky trick, but hiding your written hint behind an ‘effort wall’ is going to make it feel so much more earned to gain. Maybe the journal they’re looking for is within a locked desk, and the characters have to break in to get it. The sticky note with the password is in the suit pocket of the antagonist (they just happened to leave at the dry cleaner that morning). The binder of secrets is behind three security guards and a locked door.

                Any effort your protagonists have to make to gain the information is so much better than just happening to find it, and could trick readers into believing the information was more difficult to gain than it was.

4. Don’t make it too convenient

Lastly, make sure the characters don’t just learn what they were looking for, but a little bit less, and a little something else. If they need to know exactly who was at the party in 2005, maybe they don’t find a list of names, but rather a photo album of people they then have to do a bit more work to identify. The written hint should be that—a hint, a start of a greater solution. If it’s the end, a lot more effort should have come before.

(Written by a cane user)

A few months ago, I wrote a small guide on good disabled characters and why they were good that gathered quite the attention, and I thought that doing another more specific guide this time would be interesting for writers or just people that are curious ! This guide will include general informations, some things to do, some things to avoid and some ideas that might revolve cane users's lives.

Things to know about cane users

Cane users are pretty diverse, and putting us in little boxes usually isn't the best idea if you want to make a character that has substance and isn't just "the disabled one". Here some infos about cane users that might be helpful knowledge !

Canes don't have ages. Most cane users in media are portrayed to be old, but truly, anyone can have the need to wield a cane ! I've been using mine ever since I was 17.

Can users can have a large variety of problems for their canes. Some canes are used to avoid pain from effort. Some canes are used for balance purposes. Some canes are to make walking less exhausting (works the same as walking sticks !) And sometimes, it's multiple problems at once.

Not everyone needs their cane 24/7. Some always need it, some can make small efforts without it but overall often need it, and some people, like me, can spend quite a lot of time without it. I almost never use my cane in my house, and mostly take it outside !

People with canes can run. We're not necessarily slow, I'm even faster than a lot of my friends.

Not using a cane can come with consequences, but not always. Some people might be able to walk without a cane but then suffer horrible consequences, but for others, canes are just a commodity for specific occasions.

Canes don't have to be looked down upon. Look at some characters with canes that look cool as hell ! Arsène Lupin, Roguefort Cookie, Brook ... Their canes serve their style !

We can be pretty healthy. Some people can have canes just because they were born with a bent leg and that's it. Our cane doesn't define our health status.

Canes aren't a curse. Think of them as something positive. It's a tool to make our lives better. You don't see someone sitting on a chair and think "awh, it's sad that they need a chair". It's more something like "hey it's cool that this chair is here so they can sit down"

Things to do

Make them use their cane. And when I mean use, I mean that canes are just funky long sticks usually made out of metal. Have fun with it ! Let them use it as a weapon ! Trust me, one hit in the knees with a cane and you're DOWN. Use it to reach stuff that's too high for everyone ! Have fun. Be creative.

Let them decorate their cane. It's an extension of their body ! You usually put on clothes that you like, don't you ? It's the same for a cane. If they like cutesy stuff, let them paint in it pastel colors ! If they like a more flashy style, add some stickers on it ! If they're a fancy person, give them a beautiful crafted cane with jewels on it !

You can make them a little shy or uneasy about their cane. Some people don't feel worthy of confident enough to wield one. It's not rare to see people think they're "not disabled enough to do so"

But on the other hand, you can do the complete opposite !! Make them proud of that cane ! Make them act like they're feeling pretty and more confident with it ! One thing i like to think about with my own cane is that I look like a cool gentleman. That boosted my confidence immensely.

Things to avoid

Don't make it their whole world. And by that, I do not mean that their cane shouldn't be a defining trait of their personality. Think of Toph from ATLA. She is blind, and you usually can't think of her character without describing her as blind. However, that isn't her entire personality trait. Make cane users have a goal in life, friends who enjoy them for who they are and not just pity them, have fun ... Don't just make them the disabled one.

Don't try to make the character's life just a plain disaster unless it's the focus of your story and you really know what you're talking about. Having a character who's always in pain, who feels bad about relying on their cane and/or who's angry at the entire world for being disabled is a REALLY tricky subject to use if you don't want them to be either a mass of unhappiness and angst for no good reason or some inspirational porn of the character who inside is deeply tortured but outside keeps up a facade because they shouldn't cry to avoid making others uneasy.

Do not, and I repeat, do NOT try to heal them, especially in a magical way. Bad idea. A lot of disabled people's goal isn't to be healed. It's to live a normal life. Making it so the ultimate goal for them is to be healed makes it as if they were worthless as long as they were disabled. Making their situation better physically or mentally is one thing. Curing them completely is really bad. "But some disabled folks want to be cured !" True, true. But if you are able bodied, I'm not sure if you can have the right mind to understand all of the complex details about this situation that leads to someone's life choices and the end result may look like you think the only thing that can make disabled people happy is being freed from their condition. I think it's best to just avoid it altogether. If you need a more nuanced idea, try to give them a solution that still has a few downs ! For exemple, a prosthetic that feels like a real arm, acts like a real arm and basically replaces it perfectly is a full cure. But a prosthetic that takes time to adjust to, needs repairs sometimes and doesn't look 100% like an arm can be a better narrative choice

Smaller thing, but don't make the handle uneasy to wield if you draw the character design. You can decorate most of the cane, but if you have chunky spiky decorations on the place you're supposed to clench your hand over, you're gonna hurt yourself. I've seen quite a lot of jewel handles or sculpted metal handles and usually their not good. If it's detailed metal, your hand will end up cramped in little parts and it can hurt. If it's a jewel, it's so easy for it to slip out of your hand it's unpractical.

List of tropes/ideas of scenes/details about canes to help you write new situations !

If you walk with a cane during winter, you can't put your hand in your jacket to get warm and there's a high chance your hand will get freezing. So after a long walk, you get an excuse for another character to hold their hand and warm them up.

If the handle is metallic, you get the opposite problem during summer. You can burn yourself so easy ! Easy accident if you want someone to help and get closer to the disabled person without it necessarily involving their disability.

Canes are SUPER useful when you're walking upon heights. They make things really easy, just like hiking poles on mountains ! I live on volcanoes and whenever we clim on a harsh slope, I'm always the first to get up there. Good moment for your character to get a boost of confidence if they get all the way up somewhere before their friends !

The first time using your cane feels magical. If you have chronic pains, it makes you feel like your pain disapear. If you can't walk right, it feels like everything is suddenly alright. The moment where a character chooses to wield a cane can be huge for character development. It's a moment of fear because of the impact a cane has on their appearance, but also a moment of confidence and relief.

Canes fall. All the time. And after a while, it becomes fucking comical. Trust me, putting a cane against the wall, seeing it fall and doing it three times again in a row while it doesn't want to stay up makes you embarrassed but also makes you want to laugh because of how stupid it looks.

When you get a cane, you stop being invisible. When you walk outside, generally speaking, people don't look at you. They don't care about you. But when you get a cane, people start to stare at you for no other reasons that you have a cane. Half of them are just curious, especially if you're young. The other half has a very specific look. The "oh, you poor thing" look. Which is, trust me, particularly awful to get, especially when you're just existing and doing nothing special. How does your character react to this ? How do they feel about it ?

I believe that is all I had in mind. I may add some more details in the future if I get other ideas, but this should already be a good start. I would be thrilled to answer questions if you have some, either in my askbox or through DMs.

I will tag this post with characters holding canes that aren't necessarily considered cane users but that some people may be interested in writing as such. Feel free to tell me if you'd like to see tags being added !

Black Deaf Culture Through the Lens of History (BASL and ASL-centric)

Understanding Deaf Culture by Paddy Ladd (which can also be found on archive.org)

Many Ways to Be Deaf: International Variation in Deaf Communities

the British Deaf Association website

directory for Deaf Australia’s “Our Deaf Ways” video podcast (presented in Auslan with audio from an interpreter and accurate closed captioning for all episodes)

The Irish Deaf Community by Patrick A. Matthews

Breaking the Silence: The Education of the Deaf in Ireland, 1816-1996

the Canadian Deaf Culture Center website

History of Hawai'i Sign Language and Hawai'i Deaf People by Barbara Earth, with Linda Lambrecht

Summer’s here! Can you believe how fast we’ve gotten to June? What are your goals for this month? Are you doing to be doing any of these writing prompts?

1st - Write a short story featuring a tortoise

2nd - Create a mood board of up to 10 images for one of your characters based on a single color, then write a short scene with that character inspired by the mood board

3rd - Write 500 words for your main project

4th - BREAK

5th - Write a short story set in an underground cave

6th - Write a short story from a 2nd person narrator (ex. You walked to the door.)

7th - Write a story about a magician who’s lost their power

8th - BREAK

9th - Write 500 words for your main project

10th - Write a short story set in an amusement park

11th - Write a short story about long-time camp roommates developing a summer romance

12th - BREAK

13th - Write a short story only through journal entries from a secret laboratory worker

14th - Write a catchy prologue for a murder mystery on a yacht

15th - Write 500 words for your main project

16th - BREAK

17th - Write a short story titled Every Rose

18th - Write a poem titled Under the Same Stars

19th - Write a short story told only through the transcript of a radio show or a podcast

20th - BREAK

21st - Write a short story titled Early Grave

22nd - Write 500 words for your main project

23rd - Write a short story from the perspective of a slug

24th - BREAK

25th - Write a short story set in the middle of a thunderstorm

26th - Write a short story beginning with the line: “That name was the last thing I wanted to hear.”

27th - Write 500 words for your main project

28th - BREAK

29th - Identify your least favorite story of the month and rewrite it from a different narrative perspective.

30th - Identify your favorite story and rewrite it in a completely different genre.

Need helping plotting your novel out? Check out the Writer’s ToolBoox to get your project organized!

Grab it through the [link here] or below!