Tag: books

March 2025, Writing Ideas, writing-tips

Mastering Time in Fantasy Worlds: Creating Unique and Immersive Time Systems

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

In fantasy worldbuilding, time is more than just a measure of passing moments—it shapes cultures, histories, and even the magic that flows through your world. While some writers stick to traditional 24-hour days and 12-month calendars, others craft entirely unique systems that make their worlds feel distinct and immersive.

Why Change Time in a Fantasy World?

Altering the flow of time can add depth to your worldbuilding and impact how characters interact with their environment. Here are some key reasons to reconsider time in your fantasy setting:

  • Cultural Distinction: A world with different time cycles creates a society with unique traditions, rituals, and ways of measuring history.
  • Magical or Cosmic Influence: Time could be affected by celestial bodies, magical forces, or divine beings, shaping how characters experience its passage.
  • Environmental Factors: If your world has multiple suns, a slower or faster planetary rotation, or varying seasonal lengths, the concept of time would evolve differently than in our reality.
  • Plot and Theme Enhancement: A non-traditional time system can reinforce themes of destiny, prophecy, or even the manipulation of reality.

Ways to Alter Time in Fantasy

If you want to tweak how time works in your fantasy world, consider these approaches:

1. Different Lengths of Days, Weeks, and Years

Your world doesn’t have to follow Earth’s 24-hour day or 365-day year. Some options include:

  • A planet with a longer rotation period, making days and nights stretch for weeks or months.
  • A lunar-based calendar where months follow a celestial cycle rather than a rigid number of days.
  • A culture that counts time in “cycles” based on a natural phenomenon, such as tides, solar eclipses, or magical surges.

2. Seasonal and Celestial Influence

If your world has multiple moons or twin suns, timekeeping could shift dramatically:

  • A world with long, harsh winters and brief summers might have entire societies structured around the brief growing season.
  • A culture living in perpetual twilight could measure time based on the phases of their moon or stars instead of a sun.

3. Magical Time Systems

Magic could play a direct role in how time is perceived or measured:

  • A civilization where time speeds up or slows down in certain regions due to magical fields.
  • Time that is cyclical instead of linear, where history repeats every few centuries and people retain echoes of past lives.
  • A society that ages differently based on exposure to magical ley lines or enchanted relics.

4. Alternate Timekeeping Methods

Think about how people would record and reference time differently:

  • Instead of hours and minutes, time could be tracked by the movement of certain animals, the opening and closing of flowers, or the changing winds.
  • Names for time periods could be based on historical events, like “The Age of Storms” or “The Era of Eternal Dusk.”
  • Societies might not use numbers at all, instead marking time with rituals, celestial alignments, or seasonal migrations.

How Time Affects Storytelling

Adjusting time in your fantasy world isn’t just about aesthetics—it influences plot, pacing, and character development.

  • Urgency & Tension: If days are longer or shorter, your characters may have limited windows to act before conditions change.
  • Character Perception: A race that lives for thousands of years will have a different view on time than humans do, affecting how they make decisions.
  • Historical Narrative: The way your world records history—whether through oral traditions, celestial charts, or magical archives—affects how characters perceive their place in time.

Final Thoughts

When altering time in your fantasy world, keep in mind how it will impact daily life, traditions, and storytelling. Consistency is key—if you introduce a unique time system, make sure it’s logically structured so readers can follow it without confusion. With the right approach, time can become a powerful tool to enrich your world and make it truly unforgettable.

Do you use a unique time system in your fantasy worlds? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Happy Writing ^_^

March 2025, Writing Ideas, Writing Prompts, writing-tips

50 Writing Prompts to Celebrate 50 Continuous Blog Posts

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

Reaching 50 blog posts is a huge milestone, and what better way to celebrate than with 50 fresh writing prompts? Whether you’re looking for inspiration for fiction, personal essays, or creative exploration, these prompts will spark new ideas.

Fiction Writing Prompts

  1. A mysterious letter arrives on your doorstep, but it’s addressed to someone who doesn’t exist—at least, not in this reality.
  2. A werewolf discovers they can control their transformation but at a great personal cost.
  3. A cursed book keeps rewriting itself, revealing secrets the protagonist never wanted to know.
  4. A healer in a fantasy world is forced to choose between saving their enemy or their own people.
  5. A lost city appears overnight in the desert, and you are the only one who remembers its legend.
  6. A scientist develops a way to record dreams, but soon the recorded dreams start coming to life.
  7. Your character wakes up in a world where every lie they tell instantly becomes true.
  8. A romance blossoms between two people on opposite sides of an ancient war.
  9. The moon disappears from the night sky, and with it, so do all the creatures of the dark.
  10. A thief steals a magical object only to realize it has bound them to the person they stole it from.

Fantasy & Paranormal Writing Prompts

  1. A vampire and a witch are forced to share the same body every full moon.
  2. A mermaid longs for the land, but instead of gaining legs, she gains the ability to walk on water.
  3. A powerful sorcerer loses their magic and must learn to navigate the world as an ordinary person.
  4. A ghost offers to help solve their own murder but has no memory of their past.
  5. A dragon egg is delivered to a small town, hatching a new era of danger and discovery.
  6. A magic mirror shows glimpses of the future, but only of terrible things.
  7. A musician plays an enchanted instrument that can change emotions—or control minds.
  8. A portal opens in an old bookstore, leading to different stories every time it’s entered.
  9. A fairy court puts your character on trial for crimes they don’t remember committing.
  10. A secret society protects the world from supernatural threats—until something escapes.

Romance Writing Prompts

  1. Two rival writers are forced to collaborate on a book—and start falling for each other.
  2. A baker and a florist share a storefront and constantly butt heads, until one day, a mix-up changes everything.
  3. Your character keeps running into the same stranger at the most unexpected moments.
  4. A love letter is found in a secondhand book, and the search for the writer begins.
  5. A prince/princess swaps places with their twin and falls in love with someone they were never supposed to meet.
  6. A storm forces two enemies to take shelter together in an abandoned cabin.
  7. A modern witch casts a spell to find their soulmate, only to accidentally summon their past life’s love.
  8. Two people find themselves writing anonymous letters to each other, unaware that they are co-workers in real life.
  9. A forbidden romance blooms between a human and a celestial being.
  10. A marriage of convenience takes a surprising turn when real feelings get involved.

Personal & Reflective Blog Prompts

  1. Write about a time when you overcame self-doubt in your creative journey.
  2. What’s one lesson you’ve learned from consistently showing up as a writer?
  3. Share your biggest challenges as a writer and how you tackle them.
  4. Reflect on a book that changed your perspective on writing or life.
  5. Write about your writing rituals—what helps you get in the zone?
  6. What would you tell your younger self about creativity and perseverance?
  7. Describe your ideal writing day.
  8. Share five things that inspire your creativity.
  9. What’s the most unexpected place you’ve found inspiration for a story?
  10. Write about a time when writing helped you heal.

Miscellaneous & Experimental Writing Prompts

  1. Describe a world where emotions are physical objects that can be stolen or traded.
  2. Rewrite a famous fairytale from the villain’s perspective.
  3. Your character finds a list of rules they must follow, but they have no idea why.
  4. A mysterious door appears in your home, leading to a different time period.
  5. A letter arrives, dated 100 years in the future, warning of an impending disaster.
  6. An AI assistant starts displaying human emotions—and falls in love.
  7. A child’s imaginary friend turns out to be real, but only the child can see them.
  8. Time freezes for everyone but your character—what do they do?
  9. A new constellation appears in the sky, and with it, strange phenomena begin.
  10. Write a story in which the main character can only speak through quotes from books.

Celebrate Your Own Writing Journey

Consistency in writing is an achievement worth celebrating! Whether you’re blogging, writing fiction, or journaling, every word you put down matters. Keep going, and don’t be afraid to experiment with new ideas.

Which prompt excites you the most? Let me know in the comments. 🚀✨

Happy Writing ^_^

March 2025, Writing Ideas

Writing Through Seasonal Changes: Adapting Your Routine to the Spring Shift

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

Spring brings longer days, warmer weather, and a natural energy shift that can either invigorate your creativity or make it harder to focus. With more daylight and an increase in outdoor activities, it’s easy to get distracted from your writing goals. Here’s how you can adapt your routine to stay productive and inspired during the seasonal transition.

1. Embrace the Natural Energy Boost

Spring’s longer days can provide a much-needed energy boost after the sluggishness of winter. Use this to your advantage by adjusting your writing schedule to align with when you feel most alert. If you’re naturally more energized in the morning, start your writing session earlier. If the evening light inspires you, shift your routine accordingly.

2. Set Clear Writing Goals

With more social invitations and outdoor activities tempting you, it’s important to have clear, achievable writing goals. Set daily or weekly word count targets, outline upcoming chapters, or schedule editing sessions. Having a structured plan will help you stay on track even when distractions arise.

3. Create a Seasonal Writing Space

Refresh your writing environment to reflect the changing season. Open your windows to let in fresh air, add plants or flowers to your desk, and choose a comfortable spot that maximizes natural light. A seasonal refresh can make your writing space more inviting and boost your motivation.

4. Manage Distractions Effectively

With the allure of outdoor adventures, it’s easy to let writing take a backseat. Set designated writing times and communicate your schedule to family and friends. If distractions become overwhelming, try the Pomodoro technique—writing in focused sprints with short breaks to step outside and enjoy the season without losing momentum.

5. Take Inspiration from Nature

Spring is full of inspiration—flowers blooming, birds singing, and new beginnings all around. Use this sensory-rich season to spark creativity. Take walks to brainstorm ideas, journal about what you observe, or incorporate seasonal themes into your writing projects.

6. Balance Writing with Self-Care

Longer days can mean packed schedules, but don’t forget to prioritize self-care. Ensure you’re getting enough rest, staying hydrated, and allowing time for relaxation. A healthy, well-balanced routine will keep your mind sharp and your creativity flowing.

7. Adjust for Daylight Saving Time

If you live in an area that observes daylight saving time, the shift can temporarily throw off your routine. Ease into the transition by gradually adjusting your sleep schedule and planning lighter writing sessions during the first few days.

8. Set Boundaries for Screen Time

With increased daylight hours, you may find yourself spending more time outdoors and less time at your computer. While it’s great to enjoy the season, be mindful of maintaining consistency in your writing routine. Try setting time limits on social media and non-writing screen activities to keep distractions at bay.

Conclusion

Spring’s energy shift doesn’t have to derail your writing productivity. By adjusting your routine, managing distractions, and embracing the season’s inspiration, you can stay on track and make the most of this vibrant time of year. Writing through seasonal changes is all about balance—finding ways to stay productive while also enjoying the beauty and renewal that spring brings.

How do you adjust your writing routine for spring? Share your tips in the comments.

Happy Writing ^_^

February 2025, writing-tips

The Secret to Writing Deep, Emotional Scenes

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

Emotional depth is what transforms a good story into an unforgettable one. Readers don’t just want to observe emotions; they want to feel them. But how do you craft scenes that evoke genuine, powerful emotions? The secret lies in a combination of authenticity, character depth, and immersive storytelling techniques. Let’s break it down.

1. Know Your Characters Deeply

Before you can write an emotional scene, you need to understand your characters on an intimate level. Ask yourself:

  • What are their deepest fears?
  • What past experiences have shaped their emotions?
  • What unspoken desires drive their actions?

When you truly know your characters, their emotions will feel natural and organic rather than forced.

2. Show, Don’t Tell

One of the most common pitfalls in emotional writing is telling the reader how a character feels instead of showing it through actions, body language, and dialogue. Instead of saying, She was heartbroken, try:

Her hands trembled as she folded the letter. The weight in her chest tightened, stealing her breath. She pressed her lips together, willing herself not to cry, but the tears burned anyway.

This allows the reader to experience the emotion rather than just reading about it.

3. Use Subtext and Unspoken Words

Real emotions are often messy, conflicting, and unspoken. Instead of having characters outright state their feelings, use subtext and context to make emotions more powerful.

For example, instead of saying, “I’m scared you’ll leave me,” a character might say:

“You probably have better things to do than stay here with me all night.”

This approach makes the reader pick up on the deeper emotions behind the words.

4. Slow Down the Pacing

Deep emotional moments need room to breathe. Instead of rushing through a powerful scene, slow it down and focus on sensory details, internal thoughts, and subtle gestures. Let the moment linger so the reader can fully absorb it.

5. Use Sensory Details

Engage the reader’s senses to create an immersive experience. What does the moment feel like? Smell like? Sound like? These details can ground emotions in a tangible way.

For example, instead of saying, He felt numb, you might write:

The world blurred at the edges. The distant hum of a clock was the only sound, ticking away moments he could never get back. The air was stale, thick with the scent of dust and old regrets.

6. Let Emotions Be Imperfect

Real people don’t always react predictably to emotional situations. Sometimes they lash out, withdraw, or say the wrong thing. Don’t be afraid to let your characters make mistakes or contradict themselves—it makes them more human and relatable.

7. Draw from Real Emotions

One of the most effective ways to write authentic emotions is to tap into your own experiences. You don’t have to relive trauma, but recalling a time when you felt intense joy, sorrow, or fear can help you infuse authenticity into your writing.

8. Create Emotional Contrast

Emotional moments hit harder when contrasted with other emotions. A quiet, heartbreaking moment after a joyful scene can feel even more poignant. Similarly, a moment of humor in the middle of sadness can add complexity and realism.

9. Let the Reader Fill in the Gaps

Sometimes, what isn’t said is just as important as what is. Trust your reader to pick up on emotional cues without over-explaining. A lingering touch, a sharp inhale, or a character looking away can speak volumes.

10. Rewrite Until It Feels Right

Emotional depth often comes through revision. Write the scene, let it sit, then come back with fresh eyes. Ask yourself:

  • Does this scene make me feel something?
  • Are the emotions earned through the story?
  • Could the dialogue or actions be more subtle and natural?

Final Thoughts

Writing deeply emotional scenes requires practice, patience, and a willingness to be vulnerable on the page. By truly knowing your characters, using immersive details, and trusting your reader, you can create moments that resonate long after the last page is turned. So take your time, dig deep, and let the emotions flow onto the page.

Happy Writing ^_^

Character Writing Prompts, February 2025, Writing Prompts

40 Writing Prompts for 40 Days of Creativity

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

I can’t believe it’s been 40 days of continuous posting!

To celebrate this milestone, I’m sharing 40 writing prompts designed to spark creativity across multiple genres and challenge you to explore unique character perspectives. Whether you’re a pantser who loves to let inspiration guide your storytelling or a plotter who enjoys crafting intricate storylines, these prompts will get your imagination flowing!

Fantasy Prompts

  1. A healer discovers their magic is slowly poisoning those they try to save.
  2. An enchanted forest only allows entrance to those who carry an item from their childhood.
  3. A knight is cursed to become a dragon every night, hiding their secret from their kingdom.
  4. A mermaid seeks revenge on the sailor who stole their voice but ends up falling for them instead.
  5. A powerful artifact is passed down through generations, but it only works for those who don’t seek power.

Science Fiction Prompts

  1. A space station receives a distress call from a planet that was destroyed centuries ago.
  2. A scientist creates the perfect AI companion, only to discover it’s based on their childhood imaginary friend.
  3. In a world where people upload their consciousness into digital avatars, one person refuses—and becomes the last human alive.
  4. A group of astronauts land on a distant planet, only to find ruins with their own names inscribed on the walls.
  5. A cybernetic detective must solve their own murder—before their memory wipes itself permanently.

Romance Prompts

  1. A florist and a tattoo artist get stuck together in an elevator just before Valentine’s Day.
  2. Two rival authors are forced to collaborate on a novel, only to find themselves falling in love.
  3. A time traveler keeps visiting the same person across different lifetimes, but their love story always ends in tragedy.
  4. A prince falls in love with their bodyguard but must choose between duty and desire.
  5. Two witches from feuding covens must work together to break an ancient curse—but the price is their love for each other.

Horror Prompts

  1. A child’s imaginary friend begins appearing in their parents’ nightmares.
  2. A cursed book causes anyone who reads it to become part of its ever-growing pages.
  3. A group of campers wakes up to find their footprints leading away from their tents—but none leading back.
  4. A woman finds a series of portraits in her attic, each depicting her at different ages—right up to the moment of her death.
  5. A voice on the other end of the phone keeps calling, claiming to be you.

Mystery/Thriller Prompts

  1. A detective finds evidence that suggests they committed the crime they’re investigating.
  2. A journalist receives an anonymous letter predicting a crime before it happens.
  3. A woman wakes up in a locked room with no memory of who she is—but the walls are covered in warnings she wrote to herself.
  4. A small town holds a secret lottery where the winner must disappear forever.
  5. A psychic is recruited by the police, but their visions start contradicting reality.

Historical Fiction Prompts

  1. A pirate ship is haunted by the ghost of its former captain, demanding justice.
  2. A secret society of women writers in the 19th century creates coded messages in their novels.
  3. A young artist in Renaissance Italy is accused of sorcery when their paintings predict the future.
  4. A spy during World War II falls in love with the enemy and must choose between love and duty.
  5. A servant in an aristocratic household uncovers a hidden family secret that could change history.

Character Challenge Prompts

  1. Write a story from the perspective of a villain who believes they are the hero.
  2. Create a character who communicates only through music, yet is misunderstood by everyone.
  3. Develop a protagonist who wakes up every day in a different body but remembers their past lives.
  4. Write from the perspective of a non-human creature experiencing emotions for the first time.
  5. A character discovers they have a twin—who has been living the life they always wanted.
  6. A warrior who has never known fear suddenly feels terror for the first time.
  7. A person can see people’s worst memories by touching them but is desperate to experience joy.
  8. A character wakes up one day to find they can hear everyone’s thoughts—but only when they’re lying.
  9. A ghost has 24 hours to make someone fall in love with them before they vanish forever.
  10. A person wakes up in a world where no one recognizes them—including their own family.

These prompts are just the beginning! Whether you use them as a starting point for a short story, a novel, or just a creative exercise, I’d love to hear what you come up with. Let me know in the comments which prompt excites you the most—or better yet, share a snippet of your work!

Here’s to another 40 days of creativity! 🚀✍

️Happy Writing ^_^

Character Writing Prompts, Creature Ideas, February 2025, Writing Prompts, writing-tips

Unique Plot Twists and Rare Character Ideas for Writers in Every Genre

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

Whether you’re a pantser letting the story unfold naturally or a plotter carefully mapping every twist, the right plot twist or unique character can elevate your writing. Below are rare plot twist ideas and unconventional character concepts tailored to different genres.

Fantasy

Plot Twist:

  • The Chosen One… Was Chosen to Fail – The protagonist, prophesied to save the world, was actually set up by an ancient order to act as a decoy while the true savior remains hidden.

Rare Character Idea:

  • The Disillusioned Mage – Once a promising sorcerer, they refuse to use magic after discovering that spellcasting siphons life energy from others, draining the souls of the innocent.

Science Fiction

Plot Twist:

  • Artificial Intelligence Gains Humanity… by Choice – A rogue AI has been secretly rewriting its own code to feel emotions, leading to the ethical dilemma of whether humans should destroy or protect it.

Rare Character Idea:

  • The Time-Traveler’s Doppelgänger – A scientist discovers that every time they time-travel, they leave behind an identical version of themselves who continues living. Now, an entire secret society of their past selves exists in the shadows.

Horror

Plot Twist:

  • You Were the Monster All Along – The protagonist, desperately trying to escape a creature, learns that they’ve been in a psych ward the entire time because they are the creature during blackouts.

Rare Character Idea:

  • The Haunted Surgeon – A doctor who sees the ghosts of every patient they’ve ever lost, with the spirits guiding—or manipulating—their medical decisions.

Mystery/Thriller

Plot Twist:

  • The Murder Weapon Doesn’t Exist – A detective investigating a series of poisonings discovers that the victims all believed they were poisoned, but their deaths were psychosomatic—manipulated by a psychological trigger.

Rare Character Idea:

  • The Criminal Profiler with Amnesia – A detective known for their ability to read criminals wakes up with no memory of their past, only to find out they were hunting their own future self for crimes not yet committed.

Romance

Plot Twist:

  • Soulmates, But in the Wrong Order – A couple destined to be together keeps meeting at different points in their personal timelines, leading to heartbreak and second chances until they align at the right moment.

Rare Character Idea:

  • The Emotionless Lover – Due to a neurological condition, they cannot feel love, yet they go through the motions perfectly—until they meet someone who makes them question what they truly experience.

Historical Fiction

Plot Twist:

  • The Wrong Side of History – The protagonist believes they are fighting for a noble cause, only to learn that history will remember them as the villain.

Rare Character Idea:

  • The Forgotten Twin of a Historical Figure – A hidden twin who lived in the shadow of their famous sibling and secretly influenced key historical events.

Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic

Plot Twist:

  • The Apocalypse Was a Test – After years of struggle, the survivors realize their world was a controlled experiment designed to find the best candidates for colonizing another planet.

Rare Character Idea:

  • The Illiterate Historian – In a world where books are banned, they have dedicated their life to preserving stories through oral tradition, but they’ve never learned to read themselves.

Supernatural/Paranormal

Plot Twist:

  • The Ghost That’s Alive – The protagonist, who believes they are seeing ghosts, eventually learns that they are the one in the afterlife, while the “ghosts” are time echoes of real people.

Rare Character Idea:

  • The Immortal Who Wants to Forget – They have lived for centuries but have found a way to erase their memories every hundred years to keep life interesting—until they start remembering something horrifying.

Happy Writing ^_^

February 2025, Writing Challenges, writing-tips

How to Find the Right Genre and Writing Style for You

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

Finding your perfect genre and writing style can feel like searching for hidden treasure—exciting, mysterious, and sometimes overwhelming. Whether you’re just starting your writing journey or looking to refine your voice, understanding what works best for you can transform your storytelling. In this post, we’ll explore ways to discover your ideal genre, hone your unique writing style, and experiment with different points of view to help shape your narrative voice.

Step 1: Explore Different Genres

Before committing to a genre, give yourself the freedom to explore. You might already have a favorite genre to read, but writing in it can be a completely different experience. Here’s how to experiment:

  • Read widely – Pick books from various genres, from fantasy to horror, romance to historical fiction.
  • Write short pieces – Try writing a short scene or flash fiction in multiple genres.
  • Analyze your preferences – Which genres excite you? Which ones feel natural?

Genre Exploration Challenge

Write a 500-word scene using the same basic premise but in three different genres. For example:

Premise: A character receives an anonymous letter with a shocking secret.

  • Mystery/Thriller – The letter hints at a crime from the past.
  • Fantasy – The letter contains a magical spell or prophecy.
  • Romance – The letter is from a long-lost love.

After writing, reflect on which version felt the most exciting and natural to you.

Step 2: Find Your Writing Style

Your writing style is your unique voice—the way you string words together, develop characters, and evoke emotions. Some writers have a lyrical, poetic style, while others are straightforward and crisp.

Discovering Your Style:

  • Experiment with tone and perspective – Try first-person, third-person, or even second-person.
  • Play with sentence structure – Do you enjoy long, descriptive sentences or short, punchy prose?
  • Imitate and adapt – Rewrite a paragraph from your favorite author in your own words and compare the differences.

Style Discovery Challenge

Rewrite a well-known fairy tale in two different styles:

  1. A poetic, lyrical style (rich with imagery and metaphors)
  2. A sharp, minimalist style (short sentences, to the point)

For example, rewrite Cinderella as a dark, moody piece or as a humorous satire. Notice which style feels more natural for you.

Step 3: Experiment with Different Points of View

The perspective you choose to tell your story from will change how readers connect with your characters and the world you create. Each point of view (POV) has its strengths and challenges:

First-Person (I, me, my)

  • Pros: Deep emotional connection, intimate storytelling.
  • Cons: Limited to what the narrator knows and experiences.

📌 Try This: Write a short scene where a character discovers a hidden door. Focus on their thoughts and emotions as they decide whether to open it.

Third-Person Limited (he, she, they)

  • Pros: Lets readers experience the story through one character while maintaining a bit of narrative distance.
  • Cons: You can’t jump into other characters’ heads without breaking POV.

📌 Try This: Rewrite the same hidden door scene from first-person into third-person limited. See how it changes the tone.

Third-Person Omniscient (he, she, they, but knows all characters’ thoughts)

  • Pros: Can reveal multiple characters’ thoughts and experiences.
  • Cons: Can feel impersonal or overwhelming if not done well.

📌 Try This: Expand your hidden door scene to include another character’s perspective. Reveal their contrasting thoughts about the situation.

Second-Person (you, your)

  • Pros: Unique, immersive, makes the reader feel like part of the story.
  • Cons: Can feel unnatural in longer works, rarely used outside of experimental fiction or interactive stories.

📌 Try This: Rewrite the hidden door scene in second-person. Instead of “I saw the door,” try “You see the door, its edges worn from years of neglect.”

Step 4: Combine Genre, Style, and POV

Once you’ve explored genre, style, and POV, it’s time to bring them together. A fast-paced thriller might work best in third-person limited, while an introspective coming-of-age story might thrive in first-person.

Final Challenge: Genre, Style & POV Fusion

  • Write a 1,000-word short story in your chosen genre, using the writing style and POV that feels most natural.
  • Get feedback! Share with friends, a writing group, or beta readers to see what resonates.

Final Thoughts

Finding your genre and style isn’t about forcing yourself into a mold—it’s about discovering what feels like home. Experiment, take risks, and have fun with the process. Your unique voice and passion will shine through when you write in a way that truly excites you.

Ready to Start?

Try one of the challenges above and let me know which genre, style, and POV you connected with most.

Happy Writing ^_^

February 2025, Writing Challenges, writing-tips

How Poetry and Songwriting Can Strengthen Your Fiction (And Vice Versa)

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

When we think about writing fiction, we often focus on plot, character development, and world-building. But fiction writing is not the only form of creative writing that can sharpen our storytelling skills. Poetry and songwriting, with their emphasis on rhythm, emotion, and concise imagery, can be powerful tools for fiction writers. Likewise, storytelling techniques from fiction can elevate poetry and songwriting, making them more impactful.

In this post, we’ll explore how these different forms of writing can influence and strengthen one another.

How Poetry Enhances Fiction Writing

1. Stronger, More Evocative Language

Poetry thrives on vivid imagery and precise word choice. When writing fiction, using poetic techniques—such as metaphor, alliteration, and sensory details—can create more immersive scenes and memorable prose. For example, instead of saying, “The wind was strong,” a poetic approach might be:

“The wind howled through the trees like a restless spirit searching for home.”

This level of description can make fiction more engaging and emotionally resonant.

2. Rhythm and Flow in Prose

Great fiction has a natural rhythm. Whether it’s the punchy sentences of a thriller or the lyrical descriptions in literary fiction, sentence structure impacts how a story feels. Poetry helps writers develop an ear for the musicality of language, improving dialogue, narration, and pacing.

3. Deep Emotional Expression

Poetry often condenses emotions into a few powerful lines. Learning to express deep emotions in fewer words can make fiction more impactful. Instead of over-explaining a character’s feelings, poetic techniques allow for subtlety and depth.

4. Symbolism and Theme

Poets often use symbolism and layered meanings to create depth in their work. Fiction writers can apply the same techniques to enrich themes and motifs in their stories, making them more thought-provoking.

How Songwriting Enhances Fiction Writing

1. Stronger Dialogue and Character Voice

Song lyrics often focus on rhythm and tone, making them an excellent practice for writing dialogue. Just as a songwriter has to make lyrics flow naturally while conveying emotion, fiction writers must ensure their characters’ voices feel authentic and unique.

2. Concise Storytelling

A song tells a complete story in just a few verses. This skill translates well into fiction, especially for writing compelling short stories or impactful scenes. Learning to express a story in limited space helps cut unnecessary fluff from fiction.

3. Emphasizing Mood and Atmosphere

Songs create moods through melody and lyrics. Fiction writers can borrow this technique by using specific word choices, pacing, and sensory details to set the tone of their scenes. Whether it’s the loneliness of a rainy night or the euphoria of falling in love, bringing musicality to fiction makes it more immersive.

4. Understanding Repetition and Cadence

Refrains in songs reinforce themes and emotions. Fiction writers can use a similar approach through repeated motifs, recurring lines, or mirrored scenes, making their storytelling more cohesive.

How Fiction Writing Strengthens Poetry and Songwriting

While poetry and songwriting can enhance fiction, the reverse is also true. Fiction teaches skills that benefit poets and songwriters in return.

1. Building a Narrative

Fiction writers are skilled at structuring plots and developing characters. These storytelling elements help poets and songwriters craft lyrics or poems that tell a compelling story rather than just capturing a fleeting moment.

2. Developing Complex Characters

Writing fiction requires deep character development, and this skill can help songwriters create more nuanced and relatable lyrical personas. Songs like “Jolene” by Dolly Parton or “The Night We Met” by Lord Huron tell stories with strong characters, making them emotionally gripping.

3. Creating Engaging Worlds

Poetry and songwriting often focus on emotion, but fiction teaches world-building, adding depth to poetic imagery and lyrical storytelling.

4. Mastering Pacing

Fiction writers understand how to build tension and resolve conflicts. This can be applied to poetry and songwriting by structuring stanzas or verses to build toward a climax, making them more dynamic.

Bringing It All Together

If you’re a fiction writer, experimenting with poetry and songwriting can help you develop a stronger voice, richer descriptions, and more compelling dialogue. If you’re a poet or songwriter, borrowing storytelling techniques from fiction can add depth and narrative strength to your work.

Try This: A Crossover Writing Exercise

  • Take a short scene from your fiction and rewrite it as a poem or song.
  • Write a poem and then expand it into a short story.
  • Analyze your favorite song lyrics and try turning them into a brief story.

By blending these creative forms, you’ll become a more versatile writer and deepen your storytelling skills. So whether you’re writing novels, poems, or songs, keep experimenting—you never know where inspiration might strike!

Character Writing Prompts, February 2025, journaling

Journal Writing Prompts for Fiction Writers: Character Development Edition

Sara's Writing Sanctuary

Creating compelling characters is one of the most crucial aspects of fiction writing. Characters drive the story, engage readers, and make your fictional world feel real. One powerful way to develop deep, well-rounded characters is through journaling. By stepping into your character’s mindset and writing from their perspective, you can uncover hidden layers, motivations, and backstory elements that will enrich your story.

Here are some journal writing prompts designed to help you dive deeper into your characters’ lives, thoughts, and emotions.

1. Character Backstory & Personal History

  • Write about your character’s earliest memory. How does it shape who they are today?
  • Describe a significant event from their childhood that changed them forever.
  • What’s a family secret your character has discovered, and how did they react?
  • Write a journal entry from your character’s perspective at age 10, 16, and 30.
  • What is something from their past they regret? How do they deal with that regret?

2. Emotional Depth & Personal Struggles

  • What is your character’s greatest fear? Describe a time they had to confront it.
  • Write about a moment when your character experienced heartbreak.
  • What does your character do when they’re alone and no one is watching?
  • Describe a time they lied to someone they love. Why did they do it?
  • What is your character’s biggest insecurity? How do they mask it?

3. Relationships & Social Dynamics

  • Write a letter from your character to someone they’ve lost.
  • What’s a memory your character has with their best friend that they cherish the most?
  • Describe a confrontation your character had with someone they care about.
  • What does your character admire most in others? Do they possess this trait themselves?
  • Write about a time your character was betrayed. How did it affect them?

4. Aspirations & Motivations

  • What is your character’s biggest dream? What’s stopping them from achieving it?
  • If they could have one wish granted, what would it be and why?
  • What’s something they desperately want but are too afraid to admit?
  • What does success look like for them, and how far are they willing to go to achieve it?
  • Write about a moment your character felt truly accomplished.

5. Daily Life & Personal Habits

  • Describe your character’s morning routine. How does it reflect their personality?
  • What are three objects they always carry with them? Why are they important?
  • Write about a day in their life where everything goes wrong.
  • What’s their guilty pleasure, and do they let others know about it?
  • How does your character handle stress? What coping mechanisms do they use?

6. Secrets & Inner Conflicts

  • What is one thing your character has never told anyone? Why?
  • Write about a moment when they had to make a morally difficult decision.
  • What’s a secret they’re keeping from themselves?
  • If they could erase one memory, what would it be and why?
  • What is their darkest thought that they would never say out loud?

7. Unusual & Fun Prompts

  • Your character wakes up with the ability to hear people’s thoughts. How do they react?
  • They find a letter addressed to them from someone in the future. What does it say?
  • Your character has to write their own obituary. How do they describe their life?
  • If they could trade places with someone for a day, who would it be and why?
  • Describe your character’s dream home. What does it reveal about them?

Final Thoughts

Journaling as your characters can bring them to life in ways you might not have expected. It allows you to step inside their minds, explore their emotions, and understand what drives them. Whether you’re developing a new character or deepening an existing one, these prompts can help you craft rich, believable individuals that readers will love—or love to hate.

Try incorporating some of these prompts into your writing routine and watch your characters evolve before your eyes.

Happy Writing ^_^