Category: writing-tips

April 2025, Character Writing Challenges, writing-tips

10 Short Writing Challenges to Explore Your Characters

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

Getting to know your characters on a deeper level can unlock emotional scenes, unexpected plot twists, and rich story arcs. These short writing challenges are perfect for when you want to stretch your imagination or add depth to your cast. Whether you’re writing fantasy, romance, or contemporary fiction, these prompts will push your characters into new situations and reveal more of who they are.

1. A Lie They Tell

Write a scene where your character tells a lie to protect someone else—or themselves. What are they hiding, and why?

2. First Fear

Describe a moment when your character faces a fear from childhood that still haunts them today. How do they react now that they’re older?

3. A Letter They’ll Never Send

Have your character write a letter to someone they lost or never got closure with. What do they wish they could say?

4. Their Worst Day (So Far)

Put your character through a terrible day. Everything goes wrong. How do they handle it? What does it reveal about their strengths or flaws?

5. A Choice with Consequences

Give your character a difficult decision to make—one where neither option is perfect. What do they choose, and how does it affect their story?

6. Caught Off Guard

Write a scene where your character is surprised by a confession, betrayal, or secret. How do they process the moment?

7. A Happy Memory They Rarely Talk About

Dig into a joyful memory from your character’s past that shaped who they are. Why do they keep it to themselves?

8. Someone Sees Through Them

Let another character call them out on something they’ve been avoiding or denying. How do they respond?

9. The Moment Before the Change

Capture the quiet or chaos just before something big happens that will change your character forever.

10. A Strange Dream That Stays With Them

Your character wakes from a vivid dream. Write the dream and how it lingers in their thoughts throughout the day.

Happy writing^_^

April 2025, writing-tips

How to Use Seasonal Symbolism in Fiction – Exploring Spring Imagery in Storytelling

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

Spring is a season of rebirth, growth, and transformation—and it can add powerful layers of meaning to your fiction. Whether you write fantasy, romance, or contemporary stories, using seasonal symbolism helps ground your narrative in emotion and atmosphere. Spring in particular is rich with imagery that speaks to new beginnings, hope, vulnerability, and the tension between chaos and calm.

Let’s explore how to use spring symbolism to breathe life into your storytelling.

1. Spring as a Metaphor for New Beginnings

Spring is often associated with fresh starts. It’s a time when characters can shed old identities, form new relationships, or begin emotional healing. This makes it a perfect setting for:

• A romance where the characters are learning to love again.

• A fantasy tale where a hero awakens after a long winter curse.

• A coming-of-age story where the protagonist begins to understand their place in the world.

Use the setting—melting snow, budding trees, migrating birds—to reflect the inner awakening of your characters.

Example: A character moves to a quiet town in early spring after a life-altering event. As the landscape slowly shifts from gray to green, so does their outlook on life.

2. Blossoms, Rain, and Mud: Layers of Symbolism

Spring is not only about beauty—it’s messy, unpredictable, and deeply emotional. Use these elements to add realism and symbolic tension.

• Blossoms (like cherry, apple, or magnolia) can represent fleeting beauty, young love, or delicate emotions.

• Rain can symbolize emotional release, cleansing, or even conflict.

• Mud may reflect the complicated, messy beginnings of something worthwhile.

Tip: Let the environment mirror your character’s emotional journey. Are they overwhelmed? Show sudden storms. Are they hopeful? Add sunlight breaking through clouds.

3. Animals and Rebirth Themes

Spring is the time of birth—baby animals, insects buzzing back to life, birds returning home. These elements can symbolize innocence, vulnerability, or a fresh purpose.

• A character rescuing an injured baby bird could represent their own emotional growth.

• A butterfly emerging from a cocoon might mirror a major character transformation.

• Nest-building animals can symbolize a desire to create something lasting—whether it’s a home, a relationship, or an identity.

4. Spring Holidays and Folklore

Spring is filled with traditions and myths tied to fertility, resurrection, and hope. Consider weaving in:

• Easter or Ostara themes (rebirth, resurrection, light returning).

• Spring equinox symbolism, representing balance between light and dark.

• Local festivals or rituals celebrating planting, flowers, or life cycles.

These elements can enrich fantasy and historical fiction but also add depth to modern settings by grounding your story in nature’s rhythm.

5. Contrast and Conflict

Spring isn’t always gentle. Sudden storms, allergies, and unpredictable weather can create tension. This contrast can be a powerful tool:

• A romantic picnic disrupted by rain can reflect emotional vulnerability.

• A long-awaited spring that comes late may mirror a character’s struggle to move forward.

Showing the clash between expectation and reality makes your story feel more human.

Final Thoughts: Write with the Season in Mind

Using seasonal symbolism doesn’t mean every story needs to open with a weather report. But when you align your setting with your characters’ inner journeys, readers will feel a deeper connection. Spring can be a quiet whisper of change or a riotous burst of color—let it reflect what your story needs most.

Try This Prompt:

Write a scene where a character walks through a spring forest. What do they notice? How do the sights, sounds, and scents reflect their internal state?

Happy Writing ^_^

April 2025, writing-tips

How to Use Body Language in Dialogue

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

(Without Going Overboard on Sighs and Eyebrow Raises 👀)

You’ve probably been there. You’re writing a scene, your characters are talking, and suddenly…

She sighed.
He raised an eyebrow.
She crossed her arms.
He sighed again.

Before you know it, your characters are stuck in a cycle of repeated gestures—and your reader’s attention starts to drift.

But body language is important! When used well, it adds nuance, tension, and emotion. It shows what characters aren’t saying out loud. The key is balance—and a little creativity.

Here’s how to use body language in dialogue that actually works:

✅ DO: Use Body Language to Reveal Emotion

The best body language doesn’t just fill space—it deepens the emotional undercurrent of the scene.

Instead of this:

“I’m fine,” she said, crossing her arms.

Try this:

“I’m fine,” she said, but her shoulders had curled inward like she was bracing for a hit.

That shift in body language gives us more than a tired “crossed arms” cliché—it hints at vulnerability, fear, and what she isn’t saying.

❌ DON’T: Repeat the Same Gestures

If every chapter has someone sighing, clenching fists, or raising a brow, your readers will start to notice. And not in a good way.

Fix it: Keep a running list of body language you tend to overuse. Challenge yourself to replace it with something more specific to your character’s personality or situation.

✅ DO: Anchor Dialogue with Purposeful Movement

Body language can ground a scene and keep it dynamic. Characters don’t just float and talk—they move, interact, fidget, avoid, engage.

Example:

He rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding her eyes.
She picked at the label on her water bottle, waiting for him to answer.

These gestures do double duty: they show mood and keep the scene visually active.

❌ DON’T: Describe Every Little Movement

Readers don’t need a play-by-play. Trust them to fill in the blanks.

Too much:

He walked into the room, sat on the couch, stretched his legs out, and folded his hands on his stomach.
“So,” he said, “what now?”

Better:

He dropped onto the couch, expression unreadable. “So. What now?”

Streamlining lets the emotional beat shine through.

✅ DO: Match Movement to Mood and Personality

A confident character doesn’t fidget nervously (unless they’re pretending to be nervous). An anxious character might avoid eye contact or tap their foot.

Let your character’s unique way of being shape how they move.

Example:
A flirtatious character might lean in closer, toy with a necklace, or glance at someone through their lashes.
A reserved character might keep their posture tight, their hands tucked into pockets, avoiding touch.

❌ DON’T: Use Body Language as a Crutch for Weak Dialogue

If your scene only works because of all the gestures propping it up, the dialogue itself might need a revision.

Body language should enhance, not save, a scene.

Quick Fixes:

Here’s a little cheat sheet of fresh alternatives to “the usual” gestures:

OverusedTry Instead
SighingJaw tightening, eyes unfocused, rubbing forehead
Eyebrow raiseTilting head, one corner of mouth quirking up
Arm crossingFolding a napkin, shifting weight from foot to foot
Fist clenchingKnuckles going white, nails digging into palm

Final Thoughts

Body language is a powerful tool—but like all good things, it works best in moderation. Think of it as seasoning: the right amount enhances your scene, too much overpowers it.

So next time you catch yourself writing another sigh or eyebrow raise, pause. Ask yourself:
✨ What is this character really feeling—and how would they show it? ✨

You’ve got this.

Happy Writing ^_^

April 2025, writing-tips

Dialogue That Feels Real: Dos and Don’ts

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

If you’ve ever read a story where the characters talk like robots or wax poetic when they should be panicking… you know how much bad dialogue can kill a good story.

Great dialogue doesn’t just sound good—it feels real. It pulls readers in, reveals character, and moves the plot forward without feeling forced. But writing dialogue that sparkles and still feels authentic? Not always easy.

Let’s break it down with some practical Dos and Don’ts to help your dialogue hit just right.

✅ DO: Listen to how people talk

Real-life conversations are messy, emotional, and often filled with quirks. People interrupt, trail off, use contractions, and—let’s be honest—sometimes say the wrong thing.

Tip: Eavesdrop (respectfully!). Watch TV shows or movies with stellar dialogue. Write down snippets that sound natural and analyze why they work.

❌ DON’T: Overload with exposition

If two characters are talking just to dump information the reader needs, it’s going to sound awkward.

Bad:

“As you know, Jenna, ever since Mom died in that tragic car crash six years ago, you’ve had a hard time trusting people.”

Better:

“You always shut people out, Jenna. Ever since Mom… you’ve been different.”

Let the emotion do the heavy lifting.

✅ DO: Use subtext

What’s not being said can be just as powerful as what is.

Example:

A couple fights about dishes. It’s really about feeling unappreciated.
A teen talks about hating school. She’s actually scared of failing.

Readers love uncovering the real meaning beneath the words.

❌ DON’T: Make every character sound the same

Each character should have their own voice—word choice, rhythm, and tone. A snarky teen should sound different from a gruff old warrior or a nervous professor.

Try this:
Read each character’s dialogue aloud without tags. Can you tell who’s talking just by the words and tone?

✅ DO: Use contractions and natural phrasing

Unless your character is intentionally formal (a robot, royal, or old-fashioned type), they probably don’t say “I do not want to go to the store.”
They say, “I don’t wanna go.”

Small tweaks = big difference in flow and believability.

❌ DON’T: Use dialogue to fill silence just for the sake of it

Not every scene needs chatty back-and-forth. Sometimes silence, body language, or internal thought says more.

Let your characters breathe. Let tension simmer.

✅ DO: Read it out loud

This is one of the best tests. If you trip over your words or it feels stiff, your reader will feel it too. If it flows off your tongue naturally? You’re probably onto something good.

Quick Bonus Tip:

Avoid name-dropping too often.
In real conversations, we rarely say each other’s names unless we’re trying to get someone’s attention or make a point.

Unnatural:

“What are you doing, Sarah?”
“I’m just thinking, Mike.”
“You seem tense, Sarah.”

Natural:

“What’re you doing?”
“Just thinking.”
“You seem tense.”

Final Thoughts

Writing dialogue is part art, part instinct, and part practice. If you focus on voice, subtext, rhythm, and emotional truth, your characters will feel like real people readers can connect with.

So go on—write conversations that matter, that crackle, that linger.

And if you ever feel stuck? Just ask yourself: Would a real person actually say this?

Happy Writing ^_^

April 2025, writing-tips

How to Turn a Dream or Daydream into a Story

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

Have you ever woken up from a vivid dream or gotten lost in a daydream that left you inspired—heart racing, ideas swirling—only to wonder how to turn that wild, beautiful chaos into a full story?

You’re not alone. Dreams and daydreams are incredible sources of creative gold, often revealing pieces of ourselves, symbolic images, and emotional truths that our waking minds don’t always tap into. But translating that into a story takes a bit of crafting.

Here’s a simple guide to help you take that dream or daydream and spin it into something magical, meaningful, or just plain fun.

1. Write It Down Immediately

Dreams fade fast. The moment you wake up or snap out of your daydream, jot everything down. Don’t worry about structure or grammar—capture the details, emotions, colors, snippets of dialogue, and even the nonsense. Sometimes the strangest details become the most symbolic or powerful parts of a story.

Bonus tip: Keep a dream journal by your bed or a notes app handy if you’re more of a daydreamer during walks or chores.

2. Identify the Core Feeling or Theme

What stuck with you most? Was it a sense of fear, wonder, longing, freedom? Did it hint at something deeper—a desire, a memory, a metaphor for your current life?

Use that core emotion or message as your anchor. Maybe your dream about a crumbling castle was really about the fear of change. That gives your story depth and purpose.

3. Ask Questions to Expand It

Treat your dream or daydream like a story seed and start asking:

  • Who is the main character and what do they want?
  • What is the world like? Is it magical, futuristic, or eerily familiar?
  • What obstacles stand in their way?
  • How does it end—or how could it end?

Questions spark answers. And answers lead to plot.

4. Reshape the Logic

Dreams don’t always follow linear logic—but stories should (even surreal ones). Take the raw pieces from your dream and rearrange them into a coherent structure:

  • Beginning (What kicks off the journey?)
  • Middle (What trials or discoveries happen?)
  • Climax (What truth is revealed or action taken?)
  • End (How is the character changed?)

You don’t need to explain everything, but grounding your dream in a loose structure gives readers something to hold onto.

5. Bring in Your Own Voice

This is your dream. Your vision. Your unique lens. Don’t worry if it’s “too weird” or doesn’t make perfect sense right away. When you write from that raw place, your voice will shine through—and readers will feel it.

Add texture, dialogue, stakes, and your signature mood. Whether it’s romantic, eerie, whimsical, or intense, shape the story to match how it made you feel.

6. Use It as a Scene, Not Just a Plot

Not every dream needs to be a whole novel. Maybe it becomes a short story, a flash fiction piece, or even a single scene in a larger work.

Sometimes dreams give us powerful moments—a character’s death, a magical door, a stolen kiss—that can be woven into bigger stories. Don’t be afraid to mix and match dream fragments with other ideas.

7. Let Go of Perfection

Dreams are messy. Stories are too, especially first drafts. Let your imagination run wild before you try to polish it. You can always revise, add structure, or cut later.

The goal is to capture the magic—and magic doesn’t always come in clean lines.

Final Thoughts:

Your dreams and daydreams are windows into your subconscious creativity. Trust them. Explore them. And most of all, play with them.

You might be surprised what stories are already inside you, just waiting to be written.

Happy Writing ^_^

April 2025, Writing Challenges, Writing Ideas, writing-tips

April Showers Bring Story Powers: Embracing Emotional Depth in Your Writing

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

We’ve all heard the phrase, “April showers bring May flowers,” but have you ever considered how the same applies to storytelling?

Just like those gray, rainy days nourish the ground and prepare it for blossoms to bloom, emotional depth—the storms within your characters—can transform your writing from surface-level to soul-stirring.

Rain as a Metaphor for Emotion

Rain is often associated with sadness, grief, or cleansing, but it also represents growth. In storytelling, the same is true. Conflict, heartache, and vulnerability aren’t just drama—they’re necessary to cultivate powerful transformation in your characters.

A good story doesn’t shy away from emotional storms. It walks straight into them, soaked and shivering, knowing that something meaningful waits on the other side.

Let It Pour: Creating Emotional Depth

Here’s how you can channel your own April showers into story power:

1. Let Your Characters Get Wet

Don’t shelter your characters from hardship. Let them cry, break down, lash out, or feel numb. The more honest their emotional responses, the more your readers will care.

💭 Think of a scene where your character’s internal storm mirrors the actual weather. What are they hiding from? What are they afraid will be washed away?

2. Use Weather to Reflect Mood

Weather can be more than just background—it can mirror emotion. A gentle drizzle can represent quiet sorrow. A thunderstorm might echo anger or chaos. Fog may suggest confusion or fear.

🖋️ Writing prompt: Your protagonist walks through a downpour after a major betrayal. What memories does the rain stir up? What do they finally let go of?

3. Give Conflict Time to Soak In

Just like rain seeps into the soil, emotional conflict should take time to settle. Avoid rushing from a dramatic event to a tidy resolution. Let your character wade through the mess—guilt, regret, denial—and evolve gradually.

4. Bloom on the Other Side

Every storm eventually passes. Once your character has faced the emotional deluge, let them emerge changed. Maybe not healed, but growing. This transformation is the flower after the rain—the heart of your story.

🌼 Emotional growth makes a story memorable. Readers crave catharsis as much as your characters do.

Don’t Fear the Rain

Too often, writers pull back from emotional intensity, afraid it might be “too much.” But writing, like life, isn’t always sunshine. Rain can be beautiful, cleansing, even poetic—if you lean into it.

So the next time you hear rain tapping against your window, think of it as a creative nudge. Let those emotional showers fall onto your page. Your story—and your characters—will bloom because of it.

Writing Prompt Challenge: Write a scene that starts with a rainstorm and ends with a moment of emotional clarity. Bonus points if something physical in the scene—muddy shoes, soaked paper, thunder—adds symbolism to your character’s emotional state.

Let your April be full of stories that rain truth, storm with feeling, and bloom with meaning. Because when it comes to powerful writing, sometimes a little weather is exactly what your story needs.

Happy Writing ^_^

April 2025, writing-tips

5 Fantasy Writing Myths Debunked – Spring Cleaning Edition 🧹✨

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

Spring is here, and with it comes the itch to clean, refresh, and toss out what no longer serves us—not just in our homes, but in our writing habits too! If you’re a fantasy writer, chances are you’ve picked up a few myths along the way that might be cluttering your creative space. So grab your metaphorical broom, and let’s sweep out these outdated beliefs.

1. You Must Create an Entire World Before You Start Writing

The Myth: You can’t write a word of your story until you’ve built a complete, detailed world with maps, histories, languages, and political systems.

The Truth: Worldbuilding can evolve with your story. Some writers do extensive prep, but others build as they go. Your world only needs to be as developed as your characters need it to be in that moment. Don’t let perfectionism stall your progress. Let your world grow like a garden—season by season.

2. Fantasy Stories Have to Be Epically Long

The Myth: If your fantasy book isn’t at least 100k words, it’s not “real” fantasy.

The Truth: Length doesn’t define quality. You can write a powerful, immersive fantasy in under 80k words (or even less!). Think novellas, serialized fiction, or tightly focused standalones. Not every tale needs to span generations or contain a 12-book prophecy arc. Let your story be the length it needs to be—not what a myth tells you it should be.

3. Fantasy Needs to Include Elves, Dragons, or Medieval Settings

The Myth: Fantasy must look like Tolkien’s Middle-earth or it doesn’t count.

The Truth: Fantasy is a genre of possibility. Want a desert realm ruled by elemental queens? A floating market in a cyber-fantasy world? A demon-run coffee shop in a city built on ley lines? Yes, yes, and yes. Fantasy can blend with sci-fi, horror, romance, or surrealism. Don’t box yourself in. Your imagination is your only limit.

4. Magic Needs to Be Fully Explained to Be Believable

The Myth: If your magic system doesn’t follow hard rules and scientific logic, readers won’t take it seriously.

The Truth: There’s room for both “hard” and “soft” magic systems. Some stories thrive on intricate rules; others use mystery and wonder to create emotional impact. Think Studio Ghibli vs. Brandon Sanderson. Both are valid. Your job is to stay consistent, not to turn your magic into a science textbook (unless you want to!).

5. You Have to Write Like [Insert Famous Author] to Succeed

The Myth: You’ll never make it if you don’t write like Sanderson, Le Guin, or Martin.

The Truth: You have your own voice, and that is your superpower. Readers want new perspectives, diverse voices, and fresh takes. Don’t compare your rough draft to someone else’s polished publication. Hone your craft, sure—but write like you. That’s who your future fans are waiting for.

🌸 Time to Declutter Your Creative Space

Spring cleaning isn’t just about dusting shelves—it’s about letting go of what holds you back. These writing myths? Toss them out with last winter’s socks. Your fantasy story deserves room to breathe, grow, and become uniquely yours.

Now go open a window, light a candle, and get back to writing that magical world only you can create. 🌙🖋️

Happy Writing ^_^

April 2025, mythology, Writing Prompts, writing-tips

Magical Creatures of Spring: Writing Fair Folk, Spirits, and Forest Guardians

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

As the world thaws and blossoms into life, spring invites us into a season of enchantment. This is the time when the veil between our world and the realm of the Fair Folk seems thinnest—when stories of spirits in the trees and guardians in the moss feel more real than ever. For writers of fantasy, spring offers a rich tapestry of inspiration to breathe life into magical beings that walk in harmony with blooming forests and shifting winds.

Here’s how to infuse your stories with spring’s magic through the lens of fair folk, nature spirits, and forest guardians.

1. Fair Folk: The Wild Grace of Spring

The Fair Folk—also called the Fae—aren’t just glittering figures with butterfly wings. Spring is their season of mischief, growth, and change. Think of them as wild forces of nature, both beautiful and dangerous. In spring, they may emerge from their winter slumber to weave chaos or blessings among the living.

Writing Tip:

Create a spring court of fairies that embody different aspects of renewal: a mischievous Fae who sows wildflowers with every footstep, or a melancholic one mourning winter’s retreat. Use sensory details like the scent of lilacs or the shimmer of dew on grass to bring their presence to life.

2. Nature Spirits: Whispers in Bloom

From Japanese kodama to Celtic dryads, nature spirits are the soul of the forest. In spring, these spirits stir with new energy. They may live in blooming trees, dance in foggy meadows, or travel on the wind’s breath. They can be helpful guides or silent watchers of balance.

Writing Tip:

Give your nature spirits ties to a specific part of the forest—like a spirit born from the first daffodil or the guardian of a glade that only blooms during the equinox. How do these spirits interact with your protagonist? What secrets of the land do they know?

3. Forest Guardians: Ancient Souls Awakened

Forest guardians are protectors—ancient beings tied to the heart of nature. They might be horned beasts carved from bark and bone or gentle giants with flowering shoulders. In spring, they might stir after long winters to heal lands, challenge intruders, or guide lost souls.

Writing Tip:

Your guardian could be a reluctant ally, one who tests a character’s worth before offering aid. Use spring themes—rebirth, trust, growth—to shape their arc. Perhaps the forest is out of balance, and the guardian is torn between preservation and change.

4. Infusing Spring Energy Into Your Story

Whether your magical creature is playful or primal, spring is about transformation. It’s the season of first steps, budding connections, and old magic reawakening. Tap into these feelings to enrich your storytelling.

• Mood: Use imagery of light rain, vibrant blossoms, or birdsong to build atmosphere.

• Symbolism: Let creatures represent cycles—growth after hardship, joy after sorrow.

• Conflict: Maybe winter spirits resist the change, or a curse has frozen spring in one part of the world.

5. Writing Prompts for Spring Magic

• A reclusive forest spirit reveals itself to a child who plants a forbidden flower.

• The Spring Queen of the Fair Folk courts a mortal in exchange for healing a wounded grove.

• A guardian awakes to find the forest dying and must choose between saving nature or the humans who harmed it.

• An ancient tree blooms for the first time in centuries, signaling the return of a forgotten deity.

• A witch’s garden is the boundary between realms—and the creatures of spring are no longer content to stay hidden.

Final Thought:

Spring is a storyteller’s dream—a living metaphor for beginnings, transformation, and awakening. When you write the magical creatures of this season, let the wild heart of spring guide your words. Somewhere between the budding branches and the twilight fog, your next enchanted tale is waiting to bloom.

Happy Writing ^_^

March 2025, writing-tips

How to Show, Not Tell: Practical Tips for Stronger Scenes

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

One of the most common pieces of writing advice out there is “show, don’t tell.” But what does that actually mean? And how can you apply it to your own stories without getting lost in overly descriptive language?

Let’s break it down with practical tips to help you write vivid, emotionally resonant scenes that keep your readers hooked.

📖 What Does “Show, Don’t Tell” Really Mean?

“Telling” gives the reader facts and summaries. “Showing” invites the reader into the scene to experience it for themselves.

  • Telling: She was angry.
  • Showing: Her fists clenched at her sides, and her jaw tightened as she stared him down.

Showing uses action, dialogue, body language, thoughts, and sensory details to convey emotions and events. It allows the reader to draw conclusions rather than being handed information directly.

✨ Why It Matters

When you show instead of tell:

  • Readers feel more immersed in the story.
  • Emotions feel authentic and powerful.
  • Characters become multi-dimensional and relatable.
  • Scenes become cinematic and engaging.

🛠️ Practical Tips to “Show, Not Tell”

1. Use Sensory Language

Instead of summarizing what’s happening, anchor your scenes in the five senses.

  • Telling: The forest was spooky.
  • Showing: Branches creaked in the wind, and a low mist curled around the trees, muffling her footsteps.

Ask yourself: What does the character see, hear, smell, taste, or feel in this moment?

2. Express Emotions Through Reactions

Show your character’s emotions through how they react physically, mentally, and verbally.

  • Telling: He was nervous.
  • Showing: He wiped his sweaty palms on his jeans and glanced at the clock for the fifth time.

Body language, pacing, inner thoughts, and tone of voice are all goldmines for showing emotion.

3. Use Dialogue with Subtext

People rarely say exactly what they feel. Let characters speak around the truth, hesitate, or use sarcasm to reveal inner conflict.

  • Telling: She didn’t trust him.
  • Showing (through dialogue):
    “You expect me to believe that?” she said, arching an eyebrow. “That’s cute.”

Let your characters show their trust, doubt, fear, or affection through what they say—and how they say it.

4. Add Movement and Action

Even small gestures—biting nails, pacing, fidgeting—can reveal a lot.

  • Telling: He felt out of place.
  • Showing: He hovered near the door, one hand gripping the strap of his bag like a lifeline.

Keep your characters active in their world, and emotions will naturally shine through.

5. Focus on Specifics

Vague descriptions lead to telling. Specifics make the scene come alive.

  • Telling: The house was messy.
  • Showing: Pizza boxes teetered on the edge of the coffee table, and a sock dangled from the ceiling fan.

Zoom in. Use concrete details that spark an image in your reader’s mind.

🧠 When Telling Is Okay

“Telling” isn’t evil—it has its place, especially for:

  • Transitions or time jumps
  • Summarizing unimportant details
  • Creating narrative distance
  • Streamlining pacing

The key is balance. Use telling when necessary, and show when the moment demands emotional depth, character growth, or tension.

📝 Try This Writing Exercise:

Choose a telling sentence and rewrite it by showing the emotion or action.

Example:

  • Telling: She was scared.
  • Showing: She froze, her breath caught halfway in her chest, and her eyes darted toward the hallway as footsteps echoed closer.

Practice rewriting 3–5 telling sentences and see how they evolve into more vivid scenes.

💬 Final Thoughts

“Show, don’t tell” isn’t about eliminating all exposition. It’s about choosing which moments deserve the spotlight. When you show, you invite readers to feel, imagine, and connect. That’s where the magic happens.

So next time you’re writing a scene, pause and ask yourself:
Can I show this instead?

Happy writing^_^

—

Want more tips like this? Follow along for prompts, journal ideas, and creative inspiration just for writers. Also If you want Books to check out for writing, Check out my Page Resource Books.

health, Holistic Health, March 2025, writing-tips

Incorporating Holistic Health Practices Into Your Writing Life

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

As writers, we often find ourselves in the thick of deadlines, creativity struggles, and the pressures of managing both our personal and professional lives. For many of us, creativity can ebb and flow, and when it does, it can feel like a battle. But what if there were tools—tools that not only support your physical and emotional well-being but also nurture your creativity? Incorporating holistic health practices like meditation, energy work, and herbalism into your writing routine can make a world of difference, especially when managing chronic illness and pain.

The Power of Meditation: Clearing the Mind for Creativity

Meditation is one of the simplest yet most powerful practices you can introduce to your life as a writer. It is a way of calming the mind, reducing stress, and creating space for creativity to flow. By taking just a few minutes each day to meditate, you can find clarity, cultivate mindfulness, and refocus your energy.

For those with chronic pain or illness, meditation is particularly beneficial. The act of quieting your mind helps reduce stress, which in turn can lower pain levels and ease the mental strain that often accompanies chronic health conditions. Mindfulness meditation can also help manage anxiety and depression, both of which are common in people living with chronic illness. Regular practice can train your mind to stay focused, even during difficult times, making it easier to return to your writing with a fresh perspective.

Energy Work: Healing Through Intentional Practice

Energy work, including practices like Reiki, chakra balancing, and grounding exercises, can be incredibly beneficial for writers who want to connect more deeply with their creativity while nurturing their physical and emotional health. These practices focus on clearing blocked energy and restoring balance to the body and mind, which can make space for creative ideas to flourish.

For writers managing chronic pain or illness, energy work can provide relief in subtle yet powerful ways. Reiki, for instance, is a healing modality that works with the body’s energy system, promoting relaxation and helping to ease the discomfort caused by chronic conditions. Grounding exercises—such as walking barefoot on the earth or focusing on your breath—can help reduce feelings of fatigue, anxiety, or overwhelm, creating a calming environment for your writing to thrive.

Energy work also encourages a deeper connection with your body, which can be empowering for those dealing with the physical challenges of chronic illness. Understanding your energy and practicing balance can provide a sense of control and empowerment, which translates into your creative process as well.

Herbalism: Nourishing Your Body and Mind

Herbalism is a wonderful way to complement your holistic health practices, especially when dealing with the stress of writing and the physical demands of managing chronic health issues. Certain herbs can promote relaxation, alleviate pain, or boost your mental clarity, all of which are important for a writer’s creative flow.

For chronic illness or pain, herbs like ginger, turmeric, and willow bark can help reduce inflammation and relieve discomfort. Adaptogens such as ashwagandha and Rhodiola are known for their ability to help the body cope with stress, balance hormones, and increase energy levels. A cup of chamomile tea or lavender essential oil can help calm anxiety and promote restful sleep, ensuring you wake up feeling rejuvenated and ready to write.

Herbalism also has a long history of supporting emotional health. Herbs like lemon balm, passionflower, and valerian root are known for their calming effects, which can be particularly helpful when chronic illness or pain leads to emotional strain or fatigue. By incorporating these plants into your routine, you can create a more balanced, nurturing environment for both your mind and body, enhancing your creative process.

Writing and Chronic Illness: A Holistic Approach to Health and Creativity

Managing chronic illness or chronic pain is no easy feat, and it can often feel like an ongoing battle. However, embracing holistic practices can not only improve your quality of life but also support your writing career in ways you may not have expected. Meditation, energy work, and herbalism are just a few tools that can make a tangible difference, helping you cope with physical pain, emotional stress, and creative blocks.

The key is to find what works best for you and to listen to your body. When you’re in tune with your needs—whether it’s through a calming meditation session, a healing energy practice, or a soothing cup of herbal tea—you’re more likely to approach your writing with renewed inspiration, creativity, and resilience. And that’s a gift not just to your creative life but to your overall well-being.

If you’re living with chronic illness or pain, I encourage you to experiment with these practices and see how they support you. They’re not a cure-all, but they offer a compassionate approach to living with illness while fostering your creative spirit. After all, as writers, we are not just creators of stories—we are creators of our own journeys, embracing each step with mindful presence, healing, and creativity.

This holistic approach to writing offers both physical and mental support, promoting a balanced life that nurtures creativity and well-being. By integrating these practices into your daily routine, you’re not only enhancing your craft but taking charge of your health and your life as a writer.

Happy Writing ^_^