With so much writing advice out there telling you what to do and not do, it can be easy to forget that writing is an art, and there are no rules in art.
Yes, learning about different writing techniques is great. Developing a language to talk and think about writing is important. Absorb everything you can. Reading, studying, and practicing are integral to improving your writing. Obviously, I run a writing blog, so I believe in the power of increasing your knowledge about writing and literature.
But don’t forget that, in the end, you can do whatever the hell you want to. Experiment. Have fun. Play. Follow your instincts. Break the “rules.” And don’t listen to anyone who says that no one wants to read weird, nontraditional writing. They do.
For most of my writing life, I’ve kept my crazy, experimental stories hidden away, because it seemed like anything I wrote that wasn’t a straightforward, traditionally-structured story with a main character and a plot wasn’t appreciated by readers. But guess what? One of my weird-as-fuck stories won second prize in a contest this fall, and when I asked the editors why they chose it, they said they liked it because it wasn’t like every other story in the submissions pile. It was different. It was weird. It took a risk. And for that reason it stood out from everything else they read.
It took me years to quiet the chorus of conformity and embrace my weird side. Don’t let that happen to you. Get wild. Write whatever you want. Do it now. We need freaks like you, or we’re all going to whither and die of boredom. Give us everything you’ve got. We need it. We need YOU.
Words instead of sighed and frowned?
Exhaled - breathed out
Heaved - uttered with obvious effort or with a deep breath
Huffed - emitted puffs (as of breath); usually with indignation or scorn
Insufflated - blew on, into, or in (something)
Puffed - blew in short gusts; exhaled forcibly
Snorted - forced air violently through the nose with a rough harsh sound (to express scorn, anger, indignation, or surprise)
Snuffled - breathed through an obstructed nose with a sniffing sound
Suspired - drew a long deep breath; sighed
Glared - stared angrily or fiercely
Glouted - (archaic) frowned, scowled
Glowered - looked or stared with sullen annoyance or anger
Grimaced - distorted one's face in an expression usually of pain, disgust, or disapproval
Loured - looked sullen; frowned
Moue - a twisting of the facial features in disgust or disapproval
Pouted - showed displeasure by thrusting out the lips or wearing a sullen expression
Scoffed - expressed scorn, derision, or contempt
Scowled - contracted the brow in an expression of displeasure
Sulked - silently went about in a bad mood
Hope this helps. If it inspires your writing in any way, please tag me, or send me a link. I would love to read your work!
More: Word Lists ⚜ Writing Resources PDFs
Updated 9th September 2024 More writing tips, review tips & writing description notes
Facial Expressions
Masking Emotions
Smiles/Smirks/Grins
Eye Contact/Eye Movements
Blushing
Voice/Tone
Body Language/Idle Movement
Thoughts/Thinking/Focusing/Distracted
Silence
Memories
Happy/Content/Comforted
Love/Romance
Sadness/Crying/Hurt
Confidence/Determination/Hopeful
Surprised/Shocked
Guilt/Regret
Disgusted/Jealous
Uncertain/Doubtful/Worried
Anger/Rage
Laughter
Confused
Speechless/Tongue Tied
Fear/Terrified
Mental Pain
Physical Pain
Tired/Drowsy/Exhausted
Eating
Drinking
Warm/Hot
There is no reason not to love your writing. You did it. You spent time on it. Of course you should talk about it. No. It’s not boasting, nor are you self obsessed. It’s yours. You spent time on it. Not them. Post about your art. Share with everyone. Because it is amazing.
if you're trying to get into the head of your story's antagonist, try writing an "Am I the Asshole" reddit post from their perspective, explaining their problems and their plans for solving them. Let the voice and logic come through.
glanced
peered
gazed
stared
watched
observed
examined
scrutinized
surveyed
glimpsed
eyed
beheld
inspected
checked
viewed
glanced at
regarded
noticed
gawked
spied
For any writers: http://er.jsc.nasa.gov/seh/SFTerms.html
For more facts, follow Ultrafacts
Cold - frigid, icy, chilling
Hot - sweltering, scorching, torrid
Small - minute, diminutive, petite
Big - vast, colossal, gargantuan
Smart - intelligent, astute, savvy
Dumb - obtuse, vacuous, dim-witted
Fast - swift, rapid, fleet
Slow - sluggish, lethargic, dilatory
Old - ancient, decrepit, venerable
Young - youthful, juvenile, fledgling
Good - excellent, superb, stellar
Bad - dreadful, atrocious, abysmal
Strong - robust, sturdy, formidable
Weak - feeble, frail, flimsy
Funny - humorous, witty, comical
Eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Bouncing on the balls of their feet.
Clapping hands together in delight.
Speaking in a high-pitched, rapid tone.
Grinning from ear to ear.
Jumping up and down with joy.
Hugging others spontaneously.
Cheeks flushed with enthusiasm.
Widening eyes and raised eyebrows.
Waving hands animatedly while talking.
Giggling or laughing uncontrollably.
Unable to sit still, shifting in their seat.
Heart racing with exhilaration.
Feet tapping or legs jiggling.
Practically vibrating with energy.
Exclaiming, "I can't believe it!" repeatedly.
Reaching out to touch or grab someone’s hand.
Dancing or spinning around.
Clutching their chest as if to contain the excitement.
Practicing or rehearsing what they’ll say or do.
"it's all in the eyes i was once told"
catching the stare of someone across a crowded room
subtle furrowing of eyebrows beyond a blank facade
coldness easing into warmth
a fond mothering gaze
corner of the lip nudged upward
forced glower/glare as they break underneath
batting their lashes, playful
a boisterous laugh
intrigue piercing the stoic
proud smugness at the other's success
lingering glances
a childish joy bursting through
pupils dilate
eyelids shut in a look of peace, calm and trust
"there was once a time when they were mine"
terseness
features fold into a scowl
an urgent flinching back
coldness returns (as though the warmth had never come)
lips part then purse
invasion of shock
slow stare at the floor
the ripple effect of a swallow
frustrated breath/sigh
bitter laugh in reminiscence
dread tearing through the seams of their composure
"darkness"
mean smirk- teeth bared grimace- scowl
dismissive gaze
gaze of contempt/impatience
threat lowering the voice
sardonic goading grins verging on manic
rolling one's eyes
flicker of irritation in the eyes
stares stubbornly ahead despite distraction
gritted teeth, clenched jaw
fierce biting remarks
even measured complexions betraying no thought
strangling oneself back from violence
utter apathy
murderous silence hanging in the stare
snobbish laughter
smiling at another's downfall
Updated 17th July 2024 More description notes
She shoved the cup to her lips and felt the warm sensation tickle her throat.
John sipped the cool drink, feeling it refresh him on a hot day.
Jane brought the cup to her lips, and the warm drink felt like a cozy hug.
The smell of the hot beverage surrounded them, promising comfort and relaxation.
John closed his eyes for a moment, enjoying the rich taste as a little indulgence.
John held his warm mug between his hands, enjoying the simple pleasure on a chilly evening.
The strong smell of fresh coffee filled the air, waking up their senses.
The first sip made John feel satisfied, a brief escape into the joy of a good drink.