Descriptionary
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Helping Writers Find the Words - descriptionary.wordpress.com
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#help
It's important to consider the whole sentence before committing to signs and marketing...đ
add a skeleton here at some point
about 1 hour ago
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* It got more worser - Instead: It got worse. * Each time he baked, the results got more better - Instead: Each time he baked, the results got better The issue is a double comparison. English has a built-in way to compare things. You either use âmoreâ or you modify the word itselfânot both.
7 days ago
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Writing Tip - avoid using descriptors such as: - The apartment smelled like burnt pizza and broken dreams (broken dreams do not have a smell, and this is *very* abstract) - His voice was like velvet over steel (this is cliché, arguably corny, and sounds like AI writing)
7 days ago
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www.theatlantic.com/books/2026/0...
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Why Authors Canât Let Go of Greek Myths
The fascination with these stories reflects an existential interest in what in life is inevitable, and what we can control.
https://www.theatlantic.com/books/2026/01/the-way-to-colonos-kay-cicellis-sophocles-book-review/685414/
7 days ago
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reposted by
Descriptionary
Shonna White
about 1 month ago
Pro writing tip: maps can be obnoxious, let nature design them for you!
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You wanted it, and here it is! Let's talk about writing rain in your novels without being cliche about it.
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Describe It: Rain
When writing, you can use weather to help or hinder characters or set a mood (sometime to a cliche level re: sadness = raining). Weather can also helps us with world building, especially when we take into consideration the type of climate our storyâs environment has. Does your character live near the ocean? The clouds and rainfall is going to have a major impact on the way people live!
https://descriptionary.wordpress.com/2025/12/09/describe-it-rain/
about 1 month ago
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Ideas for Writing Healing Magic In the magic series, we're going to review a whole host of magic types! Magic systems are more than flashy spells and glowing hands. They're rules, rituals, and consequencesâthe invisible architecture behind every fireball, healing touch, or whispered curse.âŠ
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Ideas for Writing Healing Magic
In the magic series, we're going to review a whole host of magic types! Magic systems are more than flashy spells and glowing hands. They're rules, rituals, and consequencesâthe invisible architecture behind every fireball, healing touch, or whispered curse. Regardless of the type of magic, it needs structure and purpose to truly resonate with readers. We get into how to build a magic system and the importance of it in the D-Script…
https://descriptionary.wordpress.com/2025/10/07/ideas-for-writing-healing-magic/
3 months ago
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Wikipedia has put out a comprehensive list of how to spot AI writing (for now). Keep in mind, humans naturally do many of these, so watch for multiple instances of many of these before jumping to conclusions It's going to get harder spotting AI the more it develops
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikiped...
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Wikipedia:Signs of AI writing - Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Signs_of_AI_writing
3 months ago
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Statement About AI Use It's only natural these days that people are curious about the use of AI in professional settings. This, of course, is also important to a lot of people in fields that have been immediately threatened or encroached upon by generative AI like Claude or ChatGPT. These fieldsâŠ
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Statement About AIÂ Use
It's only natural these days that people are curious about the use of AI in professional settings. This, of course, is also important to a lot of people in fields that have been immediately threatened or encroached upon by generative AI like Claude or ChatGPT. These fields includes ones dear to my heart, such as writing and art. I'm both a writer and an artist!
https://descriptionary.wordpress.com/2025/09/22/statement-about-ai-use/
4 months ago
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A question has come in on our feedback form asking if AI is used to write articles: I'll always be transparent about the use of AI, marking any content (where possible) that's been generated by AI, which is not a lot. It would be faster, and I'd be able to get out more articles a year, but...
4 months ago
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Ideas for Writing Spirit Magic In the magic series, we're going to review a whole host of magic types! Magic systems are more than flashy spells and glowing hands. They're rules, rituals, and consequencesâthe invisible architecture behind every fireball, healing touch, or whispered curse.âŠ
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Ideas for Writing Spirit Magic
In the magic series, we're going to review a whole host of magic types! Magic systems are more than flashy spells and glowing hands. They're rules, rituals, and consequencesâthe invisible architecture behind every fireball, healing touch, or whispered curse. Regardless of the type of magic, it needs structure and purpose to truly resonate with readers. We get into how to build a magic system and the importance of it in the D-Script…
https://descriptionary.wordpress.com/2025/09/02/ideas-for-writing-spirit-magic/
4 months ago
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Your character is going through it ... how do you write emotional pain? By reader request, get some inspiration here!
#writingcommunity
#howto
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Describe It: Emotional Pain /Â Hurt
Jump to Descriptions Eyes Mouth General Hands/Arms Body Language/Behaviour Internal Reactions Impact on Mind Voice Walk Definition Emotional pain is an often invisible hurt that comes from loss, trauma, disappointment, or a powerful negative emotional experience. Itâs not physical but your body and brain can still respond to it like it is! Emotional pain can make your heart race or stomach twist, cause tears or numbness, affect sleep, appetite, and focus, and/or drive people to act in ways they usually wouldnât.
https://descriptionary.wordpress.com/2025/08/23/describe-it-emotional-pain-hurt/
5 months ago
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Time magic is one of the most powerful kinds of magic there is, and one of the hardest to write. Consider these writing tips!
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Ideas for Writing Time Magic
In the magic series, we're going to review a whole host of magic types! Magic systems are more than flashy spells and glowing hands. They're rules, rituals, and consequencesâthe invisible architecture behind every fireball, healing touch, or whispered curse. Regardless of the type of magic, it needs structure and purpose to truly resonate with readers. We get into how to build a magic system and the importance of it in the D-Script…
https://descriptionary.wordpress.com/2025/08/05/ideas-for-writing-time-magicsymbolism-of-time-in-storytellingideas-for-writing-time-magic/
5 months ago
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Need some ideas on how to portray an emotion in your writing? This set of D-Scripts are for you!
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Portraying Emotions and Sensations Effectively â Help for Authors
When writing a novel, itâs important to describe how things look. Colour is a great way of doing that, but it can be tricky if all you use is the basic name.
https://descriptionary.wordpress.com/make-your-readers-feel/
6 months ago
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It's not just romance or romantasy books that have love arcs. Here, we discuss what love is, what it isn't, and give lots of examples on how to SHOW love in your novels.
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Describe It: Love
The article offers an in-depth exploration of love, focusing on its various dimensions including trust, respect, empathy, and emotional bonding. It clarifies that obsession, jealousy, possessivenesâŠ
https://descriptionary.wordpress.com/2023/12/03/describe-it-love/
6 months ago
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The next three D-Scripts were going to be about describing floods, flood survival, and rain. Considering the recent deadly flooding in Texas, we're going to postpone those a while and work to get another D-Script up soon.
6 months ago
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Want to bend reality in your writing? Chaos magic is an awesome way to do that. Let's discuss how to bend all the rules.
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Ideas for Writing Chaos Magic
In the magic series, we're going to review a whole host of magic types! Magic systems are more than flashy spells and glowing hands. They're rules, rituals, and consequencesâthe invisible architecture behind every fireball, healing touch, or whispered curse. Regardless of the type of magic, it needs structure and purpose to truly resonate with readers. We get into how to build a magic system and the importance of it in the D-Script…
https://descriptionary.wordpress.com/2025/07/01/ideas-for-writing-chaos-magic/
7 months ago
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Portraying Consent When Writing Novels. Consent isn't boring, but finding the words and descriptions without breaking the scene can be harder than your MMC! Learn to write with consent but also learn the huge red flags to avoid.
descriptionary.wordpress.com/2023/11/22/p...
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Portraying Consent When Writing Novels
TRIGGER WARNINGThis D-Script discusses subjects that may be triggering to some people (abuse, grooming, sexual assault) Nowadays, people generally understand what consent is. In this D-Script weâŠ
https://descriptionary.wordpress.com/2023/11/22/portraying-consent-when-writing-novels/
7 months ago
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Want to check in on your character's heights in relation to each other? There's a tool for that! See if she really just comes up to his collarbone or if your mind is getting the measurements wrong.
www.heightcomparison.com
#authors
#writingcommunity
7 months ago
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The Oxford Comma helps with clarity. One of the last things you want is to make your readers have to stop and go back to reread something. You'll kill your flow.
7 months ago
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reposted by
Descriptionary
Shonna White
7 months ago
AI does a ... decent (?) job at replicating human writing. Ish. It's only going to get better though. For now, even AI uses em dashes wrong. It even overuses them. You're not going to be able tell based on something so minor.
add a skeleton here at some point
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reposted by
Descriptionary
Shonna White
7 months ago
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Including dreams in your novel? Here's some tips to on how to do it without confusing your readers.
#ByRequest
#writerscommunity
#howto
descriptionary.wordpress.com/2023/11/01/w...
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Writing About Dreams Without It Being a Nightmare
Dreams are wonderful tools in writing. However, theyâre often overused, improperly used, or used in place of proper story or character development. It may be your way of inserting informationâŠ
https://descriptionary.wordpress.com/2023/11/01/writing-about-dreams-without-it-being-a-nightmare/
7 months ago
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When writing magic into your novels, have you considered the world of dream magic? Let's talk about how to do it! Ideas for Writing Dream Magic
descriptionary.wordpress.com/2025/06/03/i...
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Ideas for Writing Dream Magic
In the magic series, weâre going to review a whole host of magic types! Magic systems are more than flashy spells and glowing hands. Theyâre rules, rituals, and consequencesâthe invisibâŠ
https://descriptionary.wordpress.com/2025/06/03/ideas-for-writing-dream-magic/
7 months ago
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We've majorly expanded the list on how to write consent without it killing the mood! Check out the "How to Approach Consensual Sex or Intimacy without being Boring" section for a TONNE of new examples.
#writingcommunity
#romance
#darkromance
descriptionary.wordpress.com/2023/11/22/p...
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Portraying Consent When Writing Novels
TRIGGER WARNINGThis D-Script discusses subjects that may be triggering to some people (abuse, grooming, sexual assault) Nowadays, people generally understand what consent is. In this D-Script weâŠ
https://descriptionary.wordpress.com/2023/11/22/portraying-consent-when-writing-novels/
8 months ago
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Level up your character descriptions! Learn how to write backsâstrong, soft, scarred, and real. Get tips, examples, and inspiration for every story. Read the new guide!
#writingcommunity
#authors
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Describe It: Backs
There aren't too many times that back are mentioned in writing. If they are, it's generally in the context of providing some information about a person being strong or feminine. What isn't often considered is using the back as an example, you can show intimacy, stress, or pain even. It's a phenomenal tool to show, don't tell. However, it would get awkward if you referenced the back more than a two to three times (these are arbitrary numbers) in any one novel unless there was a reason to do so (pointing out scars, tattoos, a deformity, etc.)
https://descriptionary.wordpress.com/2025/05/27/describe-it-backs/
8 months ago
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Writing a character with chronic pain? Avoid clichĂ©s, romanticism, and lazy shorthand. This guide breaks down how to write pain that hurtsâwith empathy, depth, and realism
#byrequest
#writingcommunity
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Describe It: Writing Characters with Chronic Pain
You've likely heard of chronic pain, which is an invisible illness. Chronic pain is persistent, long-lasting pain that typically continues beyond the normal healing time, usually lasting at least three months, though can last for years or even an entire lifetime (ugh!). Unlike short-term pain, which has a clear cause, warning the body of damage or injury, chronic pain frequently becomes a condition itself, no longer merely a symptom of something else.
https://descriptionary.wordpress.com/2025/05/20/describe-it-writing-characters-with-chronic-pain/
8 months ago
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Rules are made for breaking. Carefully. And within moderation.
8 months ago
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Once a month for probably the next year, we'll be releasing one of these for different type of magic! If there's a type of magic you want to see, let us know. We'll keep it going until we're out of them.
#writingcommunity
#fantasy
#authors
add a skeleton here at some point
8 months ago
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Determination is a powerful emotion that can tell your readers a lot about your characters. Write it effectively.
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Describe It: Motivated /Â Determination
Jump to Descriptions Eyes Mouth General Hands/Arms Body Language/Behaviour Internal Reactions Impact on Mind/Body Voice Walk Definition Motivated: Motivation is the internal spark that pushes someone to actâitâs the why behind behavior. It can be fleeting or long-burning, conscious or unconscious. Itâs what gets someone out of bed in the morning⊠or makes them burn kingdoms to the ground. Synonym Strength…
https://descriptionary.wordpress.com/2025/05/13/describe-it-motivated-determination/
8 months ago
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All you fantasy writers out there, we've got help for you on how to write fire magic!
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Ideas for Writing Fire Magic
In the magic series, we're going to review a whole host of magic types! Magic systems are more than flashy spells and glowing hands. They're rules, rituals, and consequencesâthe invisible architecture behind every fireball, healing touch, or whispered curse. Regardless of the type of magic, it needs structure and purpose to truly resonate with readers. We get into how to build a magic system and the importance of it in the D-Script…
https://descriptionary.wordpress.com/2025/05/06/ideas-for-writing-fire-magic/
8 months ago
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One of the most common injuries to write in fiction is bruising. Let's discuss what they are, what they look like (including on dark skin), and give descriptive examples!
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Injuries: Writing About Bruises
IMPORTANT NOTE: This D-Script should NOT be used to guide medical treatment or diagnose a condition. It's a guide for how to write bruises only. If you have a medical concern, please seek advice from a medical professional. Bruises are not as flashy as a gaping stab wound or as dramatic as a shattered femur, but they're a great tool for storytelling.
https://descriptionary.wordpress.com/2025/04/30/injuries-writing-about-bruises/
9 months ago
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This one is for our spicy authors out there. What are Doms, Subs, and Switches? Did you know there are types? Where do your characters fall?
#authors
#romance
#education
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Terminology for Writing: What are Doms, Subs, and Switches?
To expand on the helpful terminology you might want to know when writing spicy novels or spicy character archtypes, Iâm going to briefly get into what Doms, Subs, and Switches are with all thâŠ
https://descriptionary.wordpress.com/2025/04/23/terminology-for-writing-what-are-doms-subs-and-switches/
9 months ago
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When writing, it's important to learn how to scale injuries as to not lose impact. Let's talk about it!
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Writing Injuries: The Art of Appropriate Scaling
When we write, a paper cut can drive a crucial plot point while a seemingly devastating wound might be shrugged off by the next chapter. The art of scaling injuries isn't just about medical accuracy â it's about crafting believable consequences that serve your story while respecting your readers' suspension of disbelief. That said, when you can manage it, realism is a wonderful way of ensuring that your character doesn't just come off as immortal or infallable, something that drains the tension from your story.
https://descriptionary.wordpress.com/2025/04/19/writing-injuries-the-art-of-appropriate-scaling/
9 months ago
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"Very" is one of those words in writing you should avoid where possible in favour of stronger writing. Here's some ways of replacing it (not our pic - but we don't know whose it is)
10 months ago
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We all get a little vengeful sometimes, but how do you write that villain who has it seething beneath the surface? Get some inspiration here!
#amwriting
#writingcommunity
#authors
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Describe It: Vengeful
Jump to Descriptions Eyes Mouth Jaw/Neck General Hands/Arms Body Language/Behaviour Internal Reactions Impact on Mind/Body Voice Walk Definition Vengeful: having a strong desire to harm someone in return for a perceived injury, wrong, or insult - essentially, seeking revenge or retribution. This desire to harm may be physically, emotionally, socially, etc. Synonym Strength These are just some of the words that can be used to describe anger.
https://descriptionary.wordpress.com/2025/01/29/describe-it-vengeful/
12 months ago
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#writingcommunity
12 months ago
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By your request! Wanting to write a little dancing into your novel? Descriptionary is here to help you make it great!
#writingcommunity
#authorcommunity
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How to Describe Dancing in Writing
Dancing scenes offer writers a goldmine of opportunities for character development and storytelling in a non-standard way. Think about it â when do people dance in real life? Often at pivotal moments, when emotions are running high, or when social expectations demand it. Each of these situations creates natural tension and reveals character in ways ordinary dialogue can't touch. It's also a great opportunity to…
https://descriptionary.wordpress.com/2025/01/22/how-to-describe-dancing-in-writing/
12 months ago
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We personify things naturally in the way we speak. But how is it done in writing? How do you avoid overdoing it?
#writingcommunity
#authorcommunity
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What Is Personification and How to Use it in Writing
It's human nature to personify objects. That is, to give things that aren't human attributes such as characteristics, emotions, or behaviours. This can be to animals, objects, natural phenomena, or even abstract concepts. This allows writers to create vivid imagery and emotional connections by making these feel familiar through human qualities. When used effectively, personification gives life to descriptions, and helps readers form stronger emotional bonds to your writing.
https://descriptionary.wordpress.com/2025/01/13/what-is-personification-and-how-to-use-it-in-writing/
12 months ago
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Adding details about the arms of a character in a novel can tell us a lot! Learn how to do it well.
#writingcommunity
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Describe It: Arms and (a Little About)Â Wrists
In books, arms are often referenced in ways that aid in the show, don't tell aspect of writing or allude to femininity, masculinity, or even sexual attraction. The condition of the arms, when done tactfully, can give us insight into characters. For example: "Hold still," Marcus muttered, reaching up to adjust the shop's ancient sign. Even after twenty years as a mechanic, his right arm remained noticeably thinner than his left - a permanent reminder of the motorcycle accident that had nearly ended his career before it began.
https://descriptionary.wordpress.com/2024/12/16/describe-it-arms-and-a-little-about-wrists/
about 1 year ago
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Sometimes, this is what editing is like. Have any tips to help people stay on track?
#WritingCommunity
#authors
about 1 year ago
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A request came in for help on how to describe confusion in writing. We've got you!
descriptionary.wordpress.com/2023/10/27/d...
#writingcommunity#help#authorcommunity
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Describe It: Confusion
Jump to Descriptions Eyes / Brows Mouth General Hands/Arms Body Language/Behaviour Internal Reactions Voice Walk Definition Confusion (state of mind): A state of uncertainty or bewilderment Note: IâŠ
https://descriptionary.wordpress.com/2023/10/27/describe-it-confusion/
about 1 year ago
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The Art of the Chase Scene: Being Chased At their core, chase scenes are powerful tools for character development, plot advancement, and engagement. A well-crafted chase scene reveals who a character really is through the decisions they make under pressure. When your protagonist must chooseâŠ
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The Art of the Chase Scene: Being Chased
At their core, chase scenes are powerful tools for character development, plot advancement, and engagement. A well-crafted chase scene reveals who a character really is through the decisions they make under pressure. When your protagonist must choose between helping a fallen bystander or catching the villain, their split-second decision tells readers volumes about them. The way a character handles physical and mental stress, whether they think strategically or react instinctively, and how they deal with obstacles all peel back layers of their personality that might stay hidden in calmer moments.
https://descriptionary.wordpress.com/2024/11/15/the-art-of-the-chase-scene-being-chased/
about 1 year ago
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Finding the right way to write how people sympathize and empathize with others can be hard, especially with different cultures having different norms. Let's talk about how to write this in your novel!
descriptionary.wordpress.com/2024/11/10/d...
#writingcommunity
#authorcommunity
#help
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Describe It: Sympathy/Empathy
Jump to Descriptions Eyes Mouth General Hands/Arms Body Language/Behaviour Emotional Responces Impact on Mind/Body Voice Other Active Listening Skills Definition Sympathy is feeling compassion, sorâŠ
https://descriptionary.wordpress.com/2024/11/10/describe-it-sympathy-empathy/
about 1 year ago
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Needing to write about cloaks, capes & robes? Get it right! From fabrics to how minute differences mean another garment entirely, you can find it here with over 50 different types, including some similar garments.
#writingcommunity
#authorcommunity
#help
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What We Wear: Cloaks, Capes, Robes, and Similar Garments
This one ⊠well, it took a while (even if you donât include some life drama in there ), and I hope that shows in the details! Alright, self-pity aside, letâs launch into the articâŠ
https://descriptionary.wordpress.com/2024/11/01/what-we-wear-cloaks-capes-robes-and-similar-garments/
about 1 year ago
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As part of the What We Wear D-Scripts, here's how to use fastenings such as buttons, brooches, pins, and more in your writing!
#writingcommunity
#authors
#help
#amwriting
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Types of Fastenings Used in Fashion: from Ancient to Modern
In preparation for more clothing and accessory articles, weâre going to touch on what weâve used to secure garments throughout history. But, why would you include tiny details like thisâŠ
https://descriptionary.wordpress.com/2024/10/25/types-of-fastenings-used-in-fasion-from-ancient-to-modern/
about 1 year ago
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Describing purple in writing! Includes symbology and purple and the human body.
descriptionary.wordpress.com/2022/04/12/d...
#WritingCommmunity
#authorcommunity
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Describe It: Purple
Not All Descriptions Are Equal Just because a colour name exists, doesnât mean it will translate well into your writing. Generally, people will know what colour plum is. People are less likelâŠ
https://descriptionary.wordpress.com/2022/04/12/describe-it-purple/
over 1 year ago
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How to describe Grey (Gray) in your writing, including symbolism of this shade.
descriptionary.wordpress.com/2022/04/03/d...
#authors
#WritingCommunity
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Describe It: Grey (Gray)
Not All Descriptions Are Equal Just because a colour name exists, doesn't mean it will translate well into your writing. Generally, people will know silver as it's a common metal. People are less like...
https://descriptionary.wordpress.com/2022/04/03/describe-it-grey-gray/
over 1 year ago
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Describe It: Pink
descriptionary.wordpress.com/2022/04/03/d...
Descriptionary has D-Scripts for describing every category of colour! Check it out!
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Describe It: Pink
Not All Descriptions Are Equal Just because a colour name exists, doesn't mean it will translate well into your writing. Generally, people will know rose as they've likely seen roses before. People ar...
https://descriptionary.wordpress.com/2022/04/03/describe-it-pink/
over 1 year ago
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While we work on getting the details right on the capes, cloaks, and robes D-Script that's upcoming ...
#WritingCommmunity
#AuthorsCommunity
over 1 year ago
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