Hawke, At The Winter Palace: Who The FUCK—

for all the non-native English speakers out there that play Choices

you’re doing a great job, seriously

guess what? the game even helps you on training your English skills, how amazing is that??? seriously, for free

don’t worry about missing some quick time events just because you misunderstood (or didn’t comprehend at all) a word, really, you’re managing to understand 99% so you’re a star!!!

just so we remember that even though we can miss some references sometimes, we should neither forget nor be afraid of being an active part of the fandom

you’re doing amazing, everyone

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Some examples of why the Oxford comma is generally a good idea

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Whoa! Amazing work as always! I love this so much!! 😍😍

Too adorable. Thank you for sharing it!

Casual Hana

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While some many questions were answered and not, I think I can help with at least one. The key with Quinn's zodiac on it was likely left by the endless to aid them on their quest much like Raj's frying pan and the mark on the wall for Estella. Our group just did not find it in this timeline.

ES Finale

Ooof, I don’t even know where to start…

I knew that trusting Rourke was an idiotic idea, but I tried it out of curiosity… Quinn is still dying, Sean isn’t happy (from what I can tell), Michelle is dealing with those fake friends again, Zahra’s our “roomie” but as cold as an iceberg, Estela was hella rude, didn’t see much of Craig, Raj, Grace, and Aleister. Lila’s alive, and a Rourke groupie again. And we don’t even get to see Jake and Mike… The only plus was starting a new friendship with Diego. #AllHailEmperorRourke

Staying on the island was also not great. Yeah, we get to stay with everyone on the island, live with our sexy husband/wife, but everyone seems like they weren’t really happy. The last thing they did was toast to their lost family members… Also upset that after getting married we don’t get to see a new house or whatever. I was looking forward to building a home on La Huerta.

The fact that we never got to see everyone reunite with their families pisses me off so much… Like I didn’t sacrifice myself to not see everyone’s future. I wanted the heart-wrenching reunion scenes! Jake seeing his mom and sister for the first time in years, Estela going back to her uncle, Sean seeing his mom again, and Quinn getting her parents back together. But, nope. (in my opinion) This was the best out of the 3. I knew I was gonna choose this anyway, because to me it just made the most sense. The voice message MC left was really sweet though i most definitely cried, and they all got together 5 years later on the island it looks like and toasted to MC. We didn’t really get as much of reaction (especially from our LI’s) as I’d hoped… But it was still worth it.

Somethings I still don’t get though:

Who was Diego crushing on in book one?

What was the point of the pirates and Kele?

Is Jake’s name cleared in the 3rd option? Does he not see his family again?

Why did I buy the bikini in the 3rd book if it doesn’t even replace that ugly purple one?

What was the deal with the Dolphin Key in the diamond scene? What does it do?

What was the deal with the robot spider on the boat?

What was the point in showing Taari disappearing at the end of book 2? They didn’t even mention it.

What was the point of the mezzberries (or whatever they’re called)?

Were they all just on a random beach in the 3rd option? If it was La Huerta, how is it still existing without Vaanu?

Estela and Zahra, Michelle and Jeanine, Lila and Aleister… Why?

What happened to Varyyn in the 1st option? Does Diego find out he’s still alive?? Or even remember him???

Well, I guess thats it. It’s done now. Over. Gone. Finito. 

I feel like the whole finale was kind of… Lackluster? Idk, I just expected something more… A 4th option or some sort of surprise after the stats. A secret ending… Huh, I guess it’s really over…

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Resources For Describing Emotion

Emotions

Without Making Your Character Feel Too Self Aware

Showing Emotion Without Telling About It

Emotions Associated With Body Language

Telling Readers What The Character Doesn’t Want To Show

Hiding Emotions

Expressing Cardinal Emotions: Masculine vs. Feminine

Writing Extreme Emotion Without Melodrama

Specific Emotions

Conveying Shock

Conveying Embarrassment

Conveying Disappointment

Conveying Love/Attraction

Conveying Annoyance

Conveying Relief

Conveying Uncertainty

Conveying Impatience

Conveying Shame

Conveying Resentment

Conveying Panic

Conveying Guilt

Conveying Desperation

Conveying Sarcasm & Verbal Disrespect

Conveying Confusion

Conveying Stubbornness

Conveying Frustration

Conveying Indifference

Conveying Indignation

Conveying Confidence & Pride

Conveying Smugness

Conveying Enthusiasm

Conveying Curiosity

Conveying Hopefulness

Conveying Unease

Conveying Reluctance

Conveying Worry

Conveying Humility & Meekness

Conveying Happiness & Joy

Conveying Amusement

Conveying Disgust

Conveying Resignation

Conveying Jealousy

Conveying Anticipation

Conveying Contentment

Conveying Defeat

Conveying Excitement

Conveying Fear

Conveying Hatred

Conveying Hurt

Conveying Being Overwhelmed

Conveying Sadness & Grief

Conveying Satisfaction

Conveying Somberness

Conveying Sympathy & Empathy

Conveying Wariness

Conveying Defensiveness

Conveying Desire

Conveying Doubt

Conveying Energy

Conveying Exhaustion

Conveying Hunger

Conveying Loneliness

Conveying Physical Pain

Emotional Wounds

A Role Model Who Disappoints

A Sibling’s Betrayal

A Speech Impediment

Becoming a Caregiver at an Early Age

Being Bullied

Being Fired or Laid Off

Being Held Captive

Being Mugged

Being Publicly Humiliated

Being Raised by Neglectful Parents

Being Raised by Overprotective Parents

Being So Beautiful It’s All People See

Being the Victim of a Vicious Rumor

Being Stalked

Being Trapped in a Collapsed Building

Being Unfairly Blamed For The Death of Another

Childhood Sexual Abuse (by a family member or known person)

Discovering One’s Parent is a Monster

Discovering One’s Sibling was Abused

Experiencing a Miscarriage or Stillbirth

Failing At School

Failing To Do The Right Thing

Financial Ruin Due To A Spouse’s Irresponsibility

Finding Out One’s Child Was Abused

Finding Out One Was Adopted

Getting Lost In a Natural Environment

Growing Up In A Cult

Growing Up in a Dangerous Neighborhood

Growing Up In Foster Care

Growing Up In The Public Eye

Growing Up In The Shadow of a Successful Sibling

Growing Up with a Sibling Who Has a Chronic Disability or Illness

Having Parents Who Favored One Child Over Another

Having To Kill Another Person To Survive

Infertility

Infidelity (emotional or physical)

Losing a Limb

Losing a Loved One To A Random Act of Violence

Making a Very Public Mistake

Overly Critical or Strict Parents

Physical Disfigurement

Rejection By One’s Peers

Telling The Truth But Not Being Believed

The Death of a Child On One’s Watch

Victimization via Identity Theft

Watching A Loved One Die

Wrongful Imprisonment

Spending Time In Jail

Suffering From a Learning Disability

Motivation

Achieving Spiritual Enlightenment

Avoiding Certain Death

Avoiding Financial Ruin

Beating a Diagnosis or Condition

Being Acknowledged and Appreciated by Family

Being a Leader of Others

Being the Best At Something

Caring for an Aging Parent

Carrying on a Legacy

Catching The Bad Guy or Girl

Coming To Grips With Mental Illness

Discovering One’s True Self

Escaping a Dangerous Life one Doesn’t Want

Escaping a Killer

Escaping a Widespread Disaster

Escaping Confinement

Escaping Homelessness

Escaping Invaders

Finding Friendship or Companionship

Finding a Lifelong Partner

Having a Child

Helping a Loved One See They Are Hurting Themselves and Others

Obtaining Shelter From The Elements

Overcoming Abuse and Learning To Trust

Overcoming Addiction

Protecting One’s Home or Property

Pursuing Justice For Oneself or Others

Realizing a Dream

Reconciling with an Estranged Family Member

Rescuing a Loved One From a Captor

Restoring A Name or Reputation

Righting a Deep Wrong

Seeking Out One’s Biological Roots

Stopping an Event From Happening

Trying Again When One Has Previously Failed

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Last night I dreamed I unlocked a super secret mode in DA:I that let me play through the story as Cassandra.

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Adorable

Wait going to post a bunch of old fanart ahhh

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When It Clicks.

Becca x MC (Alison)

on a evening where Alison convinces Becca to try a game with her nerdy friends.

Word Count:1800+

This was requested by absolutely no one, i just wanted to write it for me, and that is why i started writing to start with, for me and my silly ideas. I had a lot of  fun with it, and i hope you enjoy it too. (Also not been proof-read, sorry.)

“So, you want me to play some video game with you?” Becca said, slightly surprised at the suggestion, she was sure she never shown any indication at being into any such thing before.

“Yeah! Why not, isn’t that what couples do? Take an interest in each other’s hobbies and interests?” Alison was excited at the idea, she was really interested in seeing how Becca would react, whether she would enjoy it. Becca was always full of surprises, she had managed to get into watching The Crown and The Flame with Alison, something previously conceived to be far to nerdy for Becca to endure never mind enjoy.

“Don’t you think playing video games is a little childish, oh wait look who I’m talking to!” Becca mocked, Alison smiled in return, she did rather enjoy the teasing back and forth that they had, it was one of the reasons why they worked. Becca’s smile quickly faded and her face fell, her eyes following, dropping to the floor as she questioned herself. “Won’t I be absolutely useless? I wouldn’t want you to get fed up with me.”

“i’m really not that competitive, besides you’ve shown yourself to be very adaptable.”

Becca rolled her eyes, and blew out a sharp exhale almost in defeat, she did make a very good argument. And how could she say no to that half smile Alison always pulled when she knew she came out on top with an indefensible argument.

Keep reading

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Showing Instead of Telling

@aithlynfreyeaesthetic said:

Hello. I hope you are doing well. I struggle with showing and not telling. Do you have any tips to get better at this? I apologize if you’ve already answered an ask like this.

Hi there, thanks so much for your ask! I don’t have much to say as a prologue-type thing, so let’s jump right into it!

The Difference Between Showing and Telling

“Nick was cold.”

This is telling. When you “tell”, you’re just giving your reader information. There’s not much room for the reader to deduce what’s happening or for you to include too many double meanings (if that’s your intention).

“Nick shivered as the strength of the wind grew, goosebumps appearing on his forearms.”

This is showing. Does it say Nick is cold? No. Could you have guessed that Nick is cold? Probably. When you “show”, you’re doing more than just giving your reader information; you’re giving them clues of sorts that lead them to the knowledge that, in this case, Nick is cold.

The Importance of Showing

In many cases, “telling” is a good way to make your readers believe that you think they’re stupid. Showing helps you give readers the opportunity to discover for themselves, and it also helps them paint a picture in their mind’s eye. 

Let’s look at the above example. Nick is cold, sure. But how does he react to being cold? How do we really know that he’s cold, as opposed to just being told? This is where showing comes in; it’s also a great way to include some imagery and for underwriters to boost their word counts.

Is telling ever acceptable?

Yes! Think, for example, of a time jump in your novel. If there’s something that you need to include but that doesn’t play a legitimate role in your story, this is where telling comes in. A week passed and nothing important happened? Write that.

For example, in my current project Smoke Shadows, I have the phrase: “Three days pass in a monotonous routine of…” Why? That’s all I need to write. Nothing important happened in these three days, but I needed my readers to know that three days passed.

It’s probably best to use telling to describe things like this, then jump right back into showing.

Some Tips for Showing

Here are some quick things to think of.

Do you ever state an emotion? Think of how you could let your readers know that your character is feeling this emotion rather than just telling them outright.

What about character traits? Sometimes those don’t need to be said outright, but instead you can pepper your writing with clues. Maybe a short character is always getting their hair ruffled or having people leaning their elbows on their shoulder.

Do your best to avoid forms of “be”. Unless it’s in dialogue or in a few other circumstances, the verb “be” is usually a sign of telling.

How are you describing the world around your character? Instead of saying they’re in a classroom, describe and give clues/description that would lead the reader to understand that the character is in a classroom.

Use your five senses! If you can really put yourself in the character’s point of view for this moment, then you can probably be sure that you’re showing instead of telling.

Read through your writing. Is there anything that seems abrupt, or that makes you feel like you’re just being given information? Unless it’s dialogue, you’re probably reading a bit of “telling”.

Remember that not everything needs to be shown! Trust your own judgment; if you’re telling but you believe that’s what’s best for your work, then don’t change it because of an advice post you’re reading on the internet.

So, that’s all I’ve got for today! If there’s anything else you want to see me write about in my next post, please don’t be afraid to drop a message in my ask! Until next time, much love! <333

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Writing Characters Who Don’t Know How to Relationship

Hey everyone, Abby here with another writing post! Today we’re talking about those classic characters, the ones who have crushes and no idea how to act on them.

Everyone knows that one person who can’t relationship. They can’t romance and at the moment it seems hopeless, but it’s also kind of entertaining to see how things work out for them. Today I’m giving advice on how to write that character, things to do and not to do, as well as some ideas to get the inspiration flowing.

So, your character doesn’t know anything about relationships. How do we know? These things usually start off with two things: a crush and a character who has no idea what to do with it. Do they act on it? Do they not? Do they stay friends? Do they just keep staring until their crush gets the message and asks them out? (That was weirdly specific but we’re rolling with it.) Who knows? Not them.

We’re also going to remember that anyone can have no idea how to relationship. It’s not always the quiet kid in the back with the high grades and big glasses, please remember this. It can be the star of the basketball team or the girl who’s friends with everyone. It can be anyone.

Also, there’s a difference between being “good in bed” and knowing how to maintain a proper relationship. There is a huge difference. Characters like this who get into serious relationships can end up being abusive or (more likely) only in it for the sex. If the other person wants a legitimate relationship, things aren’t going to work out.

If you’re character has no idea what they’re doing, they probably fall into one of two categories. They’ve either never been in a relationship or they’ve been in multiple that didn’t make it very far. So, you could probably consider them naive when it comes to relationships. So when they get into a real, lasting one, they’re going to be in love with the idea of being involved with someone. This can often be a misunderstanding or misinterpretation; they might project that love of being in a relationship onto the person they’re with, which could lead to some major issues.

Another problem is the media. It only portrays the extremes. You never see anything in the media about people in regular relationships, they’re either madly in love or falling apart. There’s no in between, and because your character has no experience to tell them otherwise they could fall into the trap of believing that’s the way real life goes. (Hint: it’s not.) This could end up creating a lot of unnecessary drama when things are going fine, because there’s nothing you would see in the news about that and your character expects action.

I just realized I’ve made this more of a list of the negatives of writing these characters. Why not some positives?

This is a relationship, and it’s important to them. If your character cares, they’re going to do everything they can to keep this relationship in a healthy state. This could include things like random little surprises, trips to random places for some time away, things like that. These things are all considered endearing and will definitely earn them some Romance Points™. 

If this character hasn’t been involved with anyone in a while (or ever) and they’re happy in their relationship, you bet they’re going to talk about it. This might include proclamations about how happy they are, how great their partner is, etc.

If your story is set in today’s world, the Internet is a thing. They’ll probably be turning to all sorts of articles to help them out, and the fact that they’re doing this is definitely a good thing. Even if they do something wrong, they cared enough to try.

So, there are some tips to follow. Just to get the ball rolling (because this topic isn’t a stranger to anyone, I’m sure) I’m going to throw in a few examples/ideas for your clueless characters.

Being afraid to talk to their crush.

Thinking about simple exchanges (saying hello in the hallways) for ten million years.

Finally working up the nerve to ask their crush out.

The intense joy that comes after they say yes.

Or the bout of sadness that comes from rejection.

Brainstorming little things to do, like making breakfast in bed or arriving to their house with a bouquet of flowers.

Intense confusion about first kisses, when they should happen, how they should go.

Long phone calls or texting late at night, being exhausted in the morning but it’s okay because at least they got to talk.

Things like this. I would probably die of a cute overload if book characters did anything like that; maybe I’m reading the wrong genre, but I don’t think I see enough of it.

Anyway, that’s all I’ve got for today. Like a lot of the topics I write about, there are plenty more pointers to give, but I think this would be enough to get you going. If there’s anything you’d like to see me write about in my next post, please don’t hesitate to leave a message in my ask. Until next time, stay lovely <333

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