For the writers struggling to rid themselves of the classic ‘said’. Some are repeated in different categories since they fit multiple ones (but those are counted once so it adds up to 100 new words).
1. Neutral Tags
Straightforward and unobtrusive dialogue tags:
Added, Replied, Stated, Remarked, Responded, Observed, Acknowledged, Commented, Noted, Voiced, Expressed, Shared, Answered, Mentioned, Declared.
2. Questioning Tags
Curious, interrogative dialogue tags:
Asked, Queried, Wondered, Probed, Inquired, Requested, Pondered, Demanded, Challenged, Interjected, Investigated, Countered, Snapped, Pleaded, Insisted.
3. Emotive Tags
Emotional dialogue tags:
Exclaimed, Shouted, Sobbed, Whispered, Cried, Hissed, Gasped, Laughed, Screamed, Stammered, Wailed, Murmured, Snarled, Choked, Barked.
4. Descriptive Tags
Insightful, tonal dialogue tags:
Muttered, Mumbled, Yelled, Uttered, Roared, Bellowed, Drawled, Spoke, Shrieked, Boomed, Snapped, Groaned, Rasped, Purred, Croaked.
5. Action-Oriented Tags
Movement-based dialogue tags:
Announced, Admitted, Interrupted, Joked, Suggested, Offered, Explained, Repeated, Advised, Warned, Agreed, Confirmed, Ordered, Reassured, Stated.
6. Conflict Tags
Argumentative, defiant dialogue tags:
Argued, Snapped, Retorted, Rebuked, Disputed, Objected, Contested, Barked, Protested, Countered, Growled, Scoffed, Sneered, Challenged, Huffed.
7. Agreement Tags
Understanding, compliant dialogue tags:
Agreed, Assented, Nodded, Confirmed, Replied, Conceded, Acknowledged, Accepted, Affirmed, Yielded, Supported, Echoed, Consented, Promised, Concurred.
8. Disagreement Tags
Resistant, defiant dialogue tags:
Denied, Disagreed, Refused, Argued, Contradicted, Insisted, Protested, Objected, Rejected, Declined, Countered, Challenged, Snubbed, Dismissed, Rebuked.
9. Confused Tags
Hesitant, uncertain dialogue tags:
Stammered, Hesitated, Fumbled, Babbled, Mumbled, Faltered, Stumbled, Wondered, Pondered, Stuttered, Blurted, Doubted, Confessed, Vacillated.
10. Surprise Tags
Shock-inducing dialogue tags:
Gasped, Stunned, Exclaimed, Blurted, Wondered, Staggered, Marvelled, Breathed, Recoiled, Jumped, Yelped, Shrieked, Stammered.
Check out the rest of Quillology with Haya; a blog dedicated to writing and publishing tips for authors!
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Creating characters can sometimes be difficult. Not only do you have to connect to the characters personally so their personalities shine in your work but you also have to think about their goals, their likes, dislikes and what would make your readers want them to have a happy ending. So how do you do it?
Well I make a brief template first of all;
Name:
Age:
Gender:
Powers:
Personality:
Description:
Likes:
Dislikes:
Fears:
Backstory:
From there I think about the kind of world I want to put them in and what dangers they will face and how they will handle said danger. Throughout the book you want your character to grow as a person, allowing more and more readers to relate to them so are they starting off the book already strong willed or will they be a coward?
If you're still struggling look at meanings of names and see if you can create your character around the meaning of that. For example Kaizen's name means 'good change' and 'continuous improvement'. Hope this helps!
(prompt list here) & 2025 Request List - requests open
...a kiss to shut Sanji up
You really could listen to Sanji talk about cooking forever. From the way he danced effortlessly around the kitchen as he described the flavour profile he intended to build, to the way his eyes sparkled as he so beautifully presented a bowl of heartfelt sustenance in front of you day in and day out, it was a joy to be a part of his whole creative endeavour. The only problem with Sanji's ability to take non-stop about ingredients, techniques and far-off cuisines, was sometimes he almost seemed to forget to cook as he spoke.
You really thought you could listen to the blonde-haired, lovesick chef talk about cooking forever. But sometimes you just really need him to focus on making you breakfast.
You had just passed a grueling night keeping watch from the crow's nest, near countless waves appearing on the horizon just tall enough to need adjustments to the vessel's steering. You had been concentrating for the full ten hour stretch before finally only one thing stood between you and your well-deserved rest; breakfast.
Sanji was alone in the ship's kitchen as you dragged yourself through the heavy doors, the hour still too early for any of the rest of the crew to have risen from their hammocks. His face lit up the moment you appeared, watching you eagerly as you retreated to the furthest corner of the room to settle in while he worked. It wasn't long until his usual parade of comments came your way, describing the dish he intended to cook in the utmost detail. However you couldn't help but notice that as he described each ingredient he intended to use, his hands would dance around in front of him, rather than doing any of the tasks required in the meal's preparation.
"Sanji, I usually love your recipe chat, but it's been a really long night. Any chance you could make me something a bit quicker than usual?"
"Right, of course, I won't be more than a moment sweetheart." He shrugged off the comment, finally taking a pot of the shelves behind him, getting your hopes up, only for him to spend the next ten minutes debating the pros and cons of each of the shiny copper pans.
"Sanji, please! Breakfast?" You tried not to be short with him, your usual affections for the chef quickly getting shrouded by the growing hunger and exhaustion taking over your frame.
"Almost there my love." He lied, immediately launching back into his excitable monologue about how each dish requires an immense amount of thought, as you deserve only the finest of meals because you are the absolute finest of company. Normally his sweet talk and compliments were music to your ears, but today all you could focus on was that the more that he moved his mouth, the less progress he made in cooking. Finally you knew you needed to resort to truly desperate measures if you wanted to get to bed before the kitchen filled with the rest of the crew, and your chance for an hour of quiet to fall asleep in, went straight out the window.
Letting out an audible sigh of exhaustion, you rose from your seat, taking slow and deliberate steps towards Sanji, who had not stopped talking, even as he eyed you intently. As you drew closer to the chef, you kept your gaze solely fixed on his ever-moving lips, so much so that by the time you stood just a step away from him he was starting to trip over his words, cheeks getting flushed at the unusual, but not unwanted, attention.
"Is, uh, there something I-" You cut off his mumbled offer by placing one hand lightly on the nape of his neck, the other combing the blonde locks out of his eyes so you were sure his vision wouldn't be obscured for this. With his lips finally still, parted slightly in disbelief, you pressed our own gently against them. It was just a light peck, lingering for a moment longer than you had planned to, enjoying the welcoming warmth that his mouth seemed to offer but stepping away from his now dazed expression.
After a moment of processing that on this random Tuesday morning, all of his dreams had suddenly come true, a huge beaming grin broke out on Sanji's face. He leant forward to chase your lips again, looking like a sad puppy when you placed a hand on his chest to stop his getting close enough to taste you again.
"You can kiss me again," his eyes lit up,"as much as you want", his jaw dropped "but only after you've given me breakfast."
He scanned your intense gaze for any sign of joking or hesitation, but in realising the gravity of the situation he nodded like an army general given new orders and immediately got back to work, only letting himself steal the occasional lovestruck glance your way as he focused on his mission. You relished sitting in that comfortable silence as he worked, enjoying every manic smile he threw your way until your morning's peace was interrupted by an intruder to the tension between the two of you.
"Good morning Sanji! What are you working on today?" Usopp was cheery and chatty as he strolled into the kitchen, sitting directly opposite Sanji for their usual morning discussions.
"Shush!" Was all the frantic chef could dignify as a response as he finally plated up the dish he'd been working on for you, tossing his apron aside the moment he was done and dashing over to your table to set the plate in front of you. He squished himself onto the bench at your side, letting his arm lean against yours as he watched you take a first bite, almost trembling with excitement at the satisfied hum you let out in response.
"Can I have that too?" Usopp asked awkwardly from his seat, wondering why he was getting the feeling he had interrupted something.
"Feed yourself, I'm going to be very busy today." Sanji spat back, eyes never leaving your lips as you tried to savour every bite. Afterall, you probably weren't going to get much rest after this anyway.
***
If you enjoyed this, check out my one piece master list for more Sanji!
#writing tips
good traits gone bad - Part III
Ambitiousness - While ambitiousness is generally seen as a positive trait, driving individuals towards achieving their goals and aspirations, there can be a downside if it becomes excessive. An ambitious character can come across as ruthless.
Optimism - Optimism can lead to increased happiness and resilience, but not if it becomes unrealistic. Excessive optimism can lead individuals to underestimate potential risks or challenges, which can result in poor decision-making.
Diligence - Constantly working diligently without proper breaks can lead to burn out. Diligence can also mean that the person is not able to bend strict rules, but rather makes sure to follow them. It can make them resistance to change.
A list of resources on different water-related words and nautical terms.
Surfing and Water Terms Provides infographics that explain the different types of waves and their characteristics, terminology, and words that describe water.
Words Related to the Beach A list of various words related to the beach, along with their definitions. Also includes a list of the different types of tides with brief explanations.
Word List: Sea A list of various words that contain the word “sea,” along with their meanings.
Descriptive Words for Water A list of various words that describe water or that are water-related.
100 Words for Water A lengthy list of various words that describe water or that are water-related.
Pirate Terms and Phrases A list of pirate terms and phrases, along with other nautical terms, and their definitions.
Glossary of Nautical Terms A long glossary of nautical terms (relating to boats, ships, and sailing) as used in the late 18th century and early 19th century. Includes an infographic of a ship with the different parts labeled.
Writing Reference: Parts of a Boat A list of terminology for the different parts of a boat, along with explanations.
For more water-related resources, check out my post Writing Mermaids.
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I’m a writer, poet, and editor. I share writing resources that I’ve collected over the years and found helpful for my own writing. If you like my blog, follow me for more resources! ♡
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Watching One Piece and I'm in Dressrosa. I immediately hate Cavendish.
Bartolomeo is kinda funny ngl. So when does he become annoying?
Does anyone else get really anxious at night? Like to the point where you're having an anxiety attack while trying to sleep? Because it is debilitating. It's not every night but it's often enough that I struggle getting restful sleep. And medication doesn't help. Or calming tea. Or meditation (I have ADHD). Just this overwhelming sense of "If I close my eyes, something bad will happen."