Coming Up With a Story The Right Way Reprise

Ok, so let us begin this interesting journey together...

Step 1: Come Up With Some Interesting Characters

Ok, so this is pretty easy for some people, but not so for others. Basically, come up with a handful of characters, and when I say this, I mean get really deep into making them and getting to know them yourself. You need the basic list, at the very least, and some interesting side characters as well.

List of Basic Needed Characters:

• Protagonist(s)
• Antagonist(s)
• Mentor(s)
• Tempter(s)
• Side Kick(s)
• Sceptic(s)
• Emotional(s)
• Logical(s)

~Tim Stout's post on this subject
(I do actually recommend reading this post, it's quite interesting)


Moving on!
So, you now have a list of types of characters to come up with. This means it's time to get to work creating lovable/despicable/whatever kinds of characters for your story. Backstories, personalities, all sorts of fun things. Really, this is probably one of the best parts of coming up with a story, just keep in mind that you're going to be writing these characters, so make sure you know them and how they interact with the scenarios you put them through.


You see where I'm going here? Continue on with questions, get to know your character before your write them, it makes a difference. If you know your character, you can write your character, make sense?

Step 2: Setting?

This is a pretty simple concept.
Where does your story take place? When is it? does it scatter across time/space/dimensions/etc./all the above? What's happening around your characters in whatever world/time/dimension/whatever about the time the story starts? News? Media? What's happening and where?
(NOTE: I wish the best of luck to whoever is coming up with their own world. You and I are in the same boat dude, its tough and a journey)

Step 3: Problem?

What is kicking off this story?
Basically what this is is the question as to what calls your Protagonist(s) into action. What has the Antagonist(s) done to the world happening around the Protagonist(s), that they feel like they need to do something about it?

Step 4: Write Write Write

Seriously, getting around to writing is probably the hardest part.
Just getting to work, however, actually kind of helps. I know I'm never really inspired until I'm writing on my keyboard, so really, just find what works for you and STOP PROCRASTINATING! YOU GOT THIS DUDE!!!!







I Hope this was helpful in some way :3

~Rey Brooks

The Four Rules of Introducing Any Character

Ok, so in this post, we will be going over a few rules to be sure you're following when you're introducing your characters to your story. These are pretty important and are some hard lessons I've taught myself over my years of writing (and many failed projects that made for the learning experience).

Rule One:
Don't Reveal Everything About Your Character

This will kill your story immediately.



When you introduce a character, your reader needs to crave information about them and their past. You can't just explicitly lay out in front of your reader a complete history of the character you're trying to get them to love or hate.



Let your readers get to know the characters opinions on things, their past, their emotions, and everything else along the way of the story. Heck, sometimes it's better for your reader to come up with their own assessment of the character you're trying to introduce.





Rule Two:
Don't Show Your Character's Greatest Weakness



This might just throw out any planned plot twists or character development you had planned for the story. The reader will see it coming like Christmas (not as exciting though), and won't particularly be impressed when the plot passes or comes to an end.
(This rule, of course, has a few exceptions, and it kind of depends on your story, but keep this rule in mind anyway)



KEEP IN MIND: YOUR CHARACTER'S WEAKNESSES AND DOWNFALLS MAKE FOR GREAT PLOT TWISTS AND CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT, SO DON'T DISREGARD THEM IN THE STORY AT ALL.

Rule Three:
Show Your Character's Habits

How does your character interact with their environment? How do they respond to emotions? What kind of messy habits do they have? What are their cute quirks? What would make someone fall for them? What would make someone hate them? These are some of the kinds of questions you need to be asking yourself when even just coming up with the character.



(IMPORTANT: Eventually, in your story, you're going to have to show how they respond to desperation, if not the beginning, so think about that too)
(Why I'm mentioning it: desperation really affects readers)

 

Rule Four:
Don't Make Them a Useless Character To The Plot

This should, honestly, already be known. You shouldn't have a character who doesn't have a point to be there. Delete that precious baby or give them a purpose, because honey, it will be the downfall of your plot.



That baby needs to have some drive, some purpose, and some character improvements so that baby has things to be proud of when the story is all said and done (unless you killed them off). This will also cause your readers to like them even more (or dislike, depending on how you do any of this).


I hope this helped loves,
~Rey Brooks

Writing a Traumatized Character

Ok, so this may be a bit of a touchy subject, but this is something that should be done right so Imma write about it. Keep in mind that having characters with trauma, or becoming traumatized in your story does add to diversity, and not only that, it makes it a little more realistic.





Most of this post is probably me questioning you about your character like usual when I write things like this. This post will also include ways your character can get healed from their trauma, so keep in mind that healing does add to your story as well. Ths post will not include, however, PTSD, that will be for a later post, but if you find something in here that applies to it, be my guest and utilize the information. I simply feel like PTSD needs its own post. 





Ok, now onto the actual part of the post, which needs to happen. let's go over the fact that there are things that can trigger people with trauma. What triggers your character? If they have a fear of water, does just the idea of swimming scare them, make them nervous, or send them into a panic attack? If they have a fear of fire, does even candles scare them? If they've been physically abused, does someone play fighting with someone else cause them to cry or get angry?







What triggers them?







Next off, trauma goes into their backstory, so let's get into those questions...



 how were they traumatized? 

Why? 

How did they handle it then vs. how are they handling it now? 

Did they ever receive help? 

Are they going to get help if not? 

Are they too scared or prideful to obtain help? 







These are the types of questions you need to be asking yourself about your character. Remember, as I said previously, your character getting healing or relief from their trauma is very appreciated by the reader unless you're going for giving that character a bad ending. 




Here's a list of symptoms I've found that also come with trauma, which should be kept in mind when you write about the character (not all of these have to apply to your character, a few, or even one, work). 






Depression
Irritability
Loss of interest
Decreased Concentration
Numbing
Insomnia
Emotional Overwhelm
The feeling of Shame and Worthlessness 
Hopelessness of anything, especially the future
Little to no memories
Mistrust to a very high degree
Flashbacks and Nightmares of their trauma
Anxiety and Panic Attacks
Chronic Pain 
Headaches
Eating Disorders or other abuse of substances
The Feeling of being unreal
Self-destructive
A lot of the question 'Who Am I?' 


found these on Pinterest, I don't hold claim over anything...





Now, as for your character's healing/dealing with the problem/ taking it out on something else. This is a subject that really needs to have relation to your plot and their entire story. 




Here are some questions about their healing/taking it out on something else/ dealing with the problem:




Are they Healing/Taking it out on something else/dealing with the problem with a hobby?

Did they get help? Is it working? 

Have they tried in the past to recieve help? Did it work?

Are they consuming themselves with work to get their mind off of it?

Do they like to be with people to get their mind off of it? 

When they go into breakdown, do they have a plan?

Do they get into fights?

How exactly are they handling it?





So, let's go over a few things, in case the questions I've asked haven't been enough. For their healing/etc., they could do things to keep their minds off of it. They could become obsessive with that or not, and their past could be their drive in the story. Remember, their healing can come with the progression of the story, and it needs to advance the plot in their own story as well as the entire plot line.




Healing with a therapist is another thing too. You always run into the question on whether or not they openly talk about going to therapy or keep it secret. Therapy is a very slow process, and it sometimes doesn't work out and the character may need to find other ways to deal with trauma.






HOPE THIS HELPED :3




~Rey Brooks




(NOTE: IT'S ALSO VERY CUTE WHEN OTHER CHARACTERS CONCIDER THE TRAUMATIZED CHARACTER'S TRIGGERS WHEN THE STORY PROGRESSES)

(NOTE NOTE: IT ALSO SHOWS A LOT OF TRUST WHEN A TRAUMATIZED CHARACTER REVEALS THEIR TRAUMA TO SOMEONE ELSE)

(NOTE NOTE NOTE: YOU CAN MAKE YOUR READERS DESPISE A CHARACTER FOR IGNORING AND TEASING ABOUT YOUR TRAUMATIZED CHARACTER'S TRAMA)

The Seven Deadly Sins Rule of Writing

So, to begin this long overdue post, let's get into the part of 'HIIIII MISSED POSTING BLAH BLAH BLAH'. Nah bro, I've enjoyed running from literally any responsibility, but I got bored of that and was inspired about a week ago and finally got around to doing this. So you're stuck with me for this one...




First off, let's give the title an explanation, shall we? what do I mean by The Seven Deadly Sins RULE OF Writing (RULE OF not SEVEN DEADLY SINS OF WRITING). Ok, so, obviously it's just one rule, and really more of a helpful tip if anything. 




So, say you're creating one of your amazing characters and they're just amazing. too amazing. like, wayyyyy overpowered and absolutely no faults, much like that overachiever you're jealous of right now at ____ (fill in for yourself). So, basically you have yourself some sort of Jesus, but he needs to be flawed because that ain't the kinda character you were wanting and faults make your fans love 'em. 





STEP ONE!


What's the solution?
Pick yourself a sin.




Choices:
Pride
Envy
Wrath
Gluttony 
Lust
Greed
Sloth





Picked one? Good. 






STEP TWO!




Now, down to business. Now that you have a sin picked out, think of the traits that come with these sins that you have observed or know of. If not, I've got a list of links that may be of use to you. Don't worry too much, if you want to change sins to suit your character's personality, go for it. Anything you do here can be undone and redone, so no sweating. 






STEP THREE!



Apply these to your character.





Boom.
You did it.




You go taco, your character is now a lovably flawed character whom will be adored by your readers. This also helps when you're looking for ways to have your characters build throughout the story to become better people. 




OR!





Of course, you could also just start off with a sin and work your way from there instead, similar to how ' Pride and Prejudice' was done. Pick yourself a fault or a sin and just add characteristics, habits, looks, and other things that come with making a character and there you go! 












~Rey Brooks




Pride:
https://careynieuwhof.com/5-habits-that-reveal-youre-a-prideful-leader-5-keys-to-humility/





Envy:
http://www.thebrunettediaries.com/how-to-spot-and-deal-with-jealous-people/



Wrath:
https://iblp.org/questions/what-are-visible-signs-angry-spirit




Gluttony: 
https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090616054849AAwd4pk




Lust:
https://thoughtcatalog.com/caithlin-pena/2015/03/8-signs-that-tell-you-youre-in-lust-not-love/


Greed:
https://knowledge.insead.edu/blog/insead-blog/seven-signs-of-the-greed-syndrome-4624



Sloth:
https://iblp.org/questions/what-are-symptoms-slothfulness

How to Write an Optimistic Character

Ok, so I've actually been thinking about this all week. Since I'm more of a pessimistic, sarcastic, and other words, it's slightly difficult for me to see how, well, people see the bright side of things... CONSTANTLY. I mean, it's cute and cool, and I particularly like characters like these, even though they tend to be the most innocent characters. So, basically, I did some research and observing on some of my favorite optimists and decided to do a post on this good stuff right here. :3

To start off, we'll make a list of character traits that they all seem to have in common and another list of what other traits are... we'll say cliched/common with the optimistic traits.

OPTIMISTIC TRAITS:

• Believing in everyone
• Having faith in everyone
• Trusting luck that things work out
• Looking on the bright side even when things don't work out
• Saying things similar to 'It'll work out better next time'

Ok, now onto traits that are common with these...

TRAITS COMMON WITH TRAITS OF OPTIMISM

• Generally happy characters
• (as stated earlier) Innocent
• Kind
• Second or more chances type of person
• Nice self-esteem
• High opinions on just about everyone
• Emotional
• seriously, protect these sweet babies

Ok, so, we've now gotten down the basics, I hope it was helpful to you. Remember, the extra traits are just what're common with these types of attitudes, so you don't need to have your characters particularly innocent or have a nice self-esteem to have them optimistic, these are just some helpful hints to get those exclusive types of characters that are slightly rare to come by. It would honestly be very nice to see new mixed new traits in with this recipe, so really, experiment, I'm sure it'll turn out nicely. 

~Rey Brooks

How To Write Sociopaths and Psychopaths

So, this is the exact place on the vast sea of the internet that we can all just come right out and say that everyone loves a well written, psychopathic Villain. Go ahead. None of us can or really will judge, we all do love those characters and they hold a special place called the throne of fear in our hearts.


Of course, you know what that means...let's learn how to write characters just like 'em!


The first place to start would be learning the differences between Sociopaths and Psychopaths, which I have taken the effort of doing a ton of research in, so please, enjoy the list below.

Top Five Differences Between Psychos and Socios:

1. Psychos run on generally wants while Socios run on emotions and triggers
2. Psychos generally have a plan while Socios generally have a moment of pure 'spontaneousness'
   
   
   
3. Psychos cannot have emotional connections to people while Socios can
   
   
   
4. Psychos always calculate while Socios are just random
   (this means psychos probably going to get away with anything and socios have more of a chance of being caught due to lack of planning in whatever act they committed)
    
5. Nothing can get to a psychopath, like stress, anxiety, and anything along those lines. Meanwhile, Sociopaths are actually particularly vulnerable to these emotions. 

Psychopaths can be, as stated, highly manipulative people with huge egos. These people can't really feel emotion as a 'normal' person does, but they have the potential to understand them and mimic them as to appear 'normal'. An example of this would be they can't feel empathetic for you, but they can certainly act like they can. By committing acts of empathy towards you, you could trust them more which puts them in a position of influence over you.



These people tend to be people who always have a plan for the outcome they've predicted to occur due to whatever actions they've planned for. They will put themselves in positions of influence, especially career and relationship wise, just to feel powerful or commit some act that they want.



The act they may plan to commit has the potential to be good or bad, they really don't limit themselves usually to a side but their own, so it's whatever is in their best interest or entertainment.




Psychopaths can be quite charming and know how to work their way into your heart. They can, without fail, make you obsess over them, should that benefit and/or entertain them. These are the types of people who can manipulate someone to die for them.



Now that we have that covered, we may now move to the mind of a Sociopath...



The first thing to really understand about these types of people is that they have tendencies to, in a way of terminology, self-destruct. This is due to mostly lack of future planning and intelligent decisions on their side. Since they have tendencies to 'self-destruct', it adds to whatever emotions they can't really handle, which are along the lines of stress, anxiety, and depression, as stated before.



These people tend to make hasty decisions or tend to be indecisive, due to not looking at it from every angle. They really act based on instinctual concepts, so whatever comes to mind first when they're in a corner, they'll do. In a sense, their minds are like people who are constantly in the fight-or-flight mode. Always in desperation, and always ready to fight.



Well, this has been the breakdown of people with these issues! Remember! Psychos are going to charming and cunning! Socios are going to be reckless and random! GOOD LUCK!!!




~Rey Brooks

How To Write a Fist Fight Scene

Ok, so I will simply say, this is the kind of scene that is going to show EXACTLY how your character(s) act under the influence of desperation/failure/success/etc.. This means, as I will always tell you, KNOW YOUR CHARACTER(S)!!!!

Now that that’s settled, we can move on…

SO, one thing you should know is that fist fights don’t start too quickly when its guys fighting. The first part of these kinds of fights goes with intimidation (mockery/provoking is usually leading up to this, especially with bullying. This means KNOW WHO IS IN THE FIGHT), then it goes onto pushing/shoving, then onto the actual throws.

Ok, let’s review that…

Guy Fight Scene Stages:

1. (optional) Mockery/Provoking (Bullying, in a sense)
2. Intimidation (The weird chest puff out thing/Chin higher than their jawline/trying to be taller)
3. Shoving/Pushing
4. Fists are finally involved

Like I’ve said, this is just a typical guy fight. How someone fights really depends on their personality, but this is the, in the term ‘masculine’ way of fighting that I’ve observed. An Example of this would be: Shy personalities will typically not fight and will try and peace-make here, which will probably boost the other one’s ego.

Generally, the type of fights I’ve described above can be stopped easily. How? Simple, the breaking of eye contact (someone backs down or someone gets in the way).

Now, onto, what I suppose I’ll call, girl/feminine/catfights. If you haven’t seen one, I recommend looking one up. Those things are freaking brutal. In these fights, it’s going straight for the neck. Heck, I don’t even think half of the time there’s even any intimidation, they just start clawing and tackling each other.

(NOTE: These kinds of fighters are typically emotional fighters. This means they rush into the fight mostly due to anger or fear, so like I’ve said… KNOW YOUR CHARACTERS)

Factors in Girl Fights:

• They go straight for the kill, most of the time without any prior steps leading up to it.
• Any hit they can land, with whatever limb, they will aim for
• Clawing/scratching
• Biting
• Tackling
• These fights are usually pretty sloppy, but they’re brutal. period.

Still following? good.
(NOTE: Masculine fights are typically started by an offense to their pride. Feminine fights are usually started by wrath/envy. KNOW YOUR CHARACTER SO YOU KNOW THEIR OFFENCE or EMOTION. IT HELPS, I SWEAR.)

Now there are a few factors I would like to go over when it comes to fights, especially when it comes to a character’s first fist fight. Some of these can also be applied to weapon fighting, so keep that in mind as we go along.

Factors That Should be Remembered When Writing Your Character’s First Fight:

1. Sloppy:Your Character isn’t going to AMAZING their first fight. They will throw crappy, sloppy punches and it’s all going to be confusing for them.
   (NOTE: this, however, doesn’t mean they can’t get at least ONE good hit or two in)
   
   
2. Slow:
   As stated, they aren’t going to be amazing, and more than likely, they’re going to be slow with their offense and defense, due to lack of practice in fights.
   This also means they’re going to be slow mentally. What does this mean for the fight? 
   ~Terrible Dodging
   ~Not Seeing Some of The Throws The Other Person is Throwing
   ~Probably Not Even Throwing Hits Themselves
   (NOTE: they’re going to have intense fear and anxiety throughout the fight, and that WOULD help them if it wasn’t for their confusion. Confusion=slow)
   
   
   
   
3. Adrenaline:
   They are going to have a LOT of this, I guarantee. This is what’s going to typically make them confused yet ‘sparky’. This means they’re typically going to be breathing excessively heavy and uneven, sweating a lot, and sometimes this will affect their vision.
   (NOTE: this will typically affect their memory as well, generally making them only focus on the fight and NOT ON WHY THEY GOT INTO THE FIGHT)

Hope this was helpful! :3

~Rey Brooks

How To Write The Mentor In Your Story

This is where we will be talking about that Gandalf/Dumbledore/Obi-won type of character in your story. These characters have all died at least once now that I look at that list… Ok, so apparently the trend here is also to kill this character off, even though you really don’t have to. 

I suppose we’ll start this off with a definition:

Mentor:

an experienced and trusted adviser.

OK, you see that right there? THIS IS A CHARACTER WHO PROBABLY KNOWS WHAT THEY’RE TALKING ABOUT OR HAVE A GENERAL IDEA. This character has a story to tell, maybe some war stories, inner battles, or anything they’ve gone through that’s of some use. 

Keep in mind, however, that this character probably shouldn’t be too involved. You see what I’m saying? This is why those other characters were pretty much all killed off (though I think Gandalf was well done in this aspect, so do observe and admire). This character has already had their story (or not, in a sense, similar to Gandalf,), and needs to let the next set of heroes/villains/grey characters take over (retirement man, unless your Gandalf, then people keep screwing up and need you).

Generally, This type of character is in the beginning, to show the character the starting path and usually leaves/dies/whatevers and the character they showed the way begins their own story, and so on.

These characters, if they stick around in your story, also ARE A CHARACTER AND NEED FLAWS ASWELL AS EVERY OTHER CHARACTER. This is a character as well, as prior mentioned, so make an entire character who knows what on earth they’re talking about but aren’t Jesus (unless your character is Jesus?). This also means that this character has helpful traits, endearing traits, bad/good habits, a personality, a sense of humor, etc. so MAKE THIS CHARACTER LIVE!!! 

Another thing to take note of with these types of characters is in the same sense of the word CHARACTERS (That plural). What I mean by this is a simple fact that there doesn’t have to be just one. There can be mentors all along a character’s story, and they can talk to all of them and learn from all of them.

I hope this was of some help :3

~Rey Brooks

(NOTE: Generally, you can learn SOMETHING from ANY type of character)
(NOTE: This character can’t take over completely either…)
(NOTE: I also don’t own any characters mentioned)

How To Write an OCD Character

First of all, personally, I think that it’s always important to read the definition of something before you actually start writing it. By doing this, you are showing some potential and commitment in researching for your story.  So keep in mind, it is appreciated when the author does some actual looking into the facts to know what they’re talking about.

For now, however, I’ll be showing you my research results.

Obsessive-Compulsion Disorder:

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder in which people have unwanted and repeated thoughts, feelings, images, and sensations (obsessions) and engage in behaviors or mental acts in response to these thoughts or obsessions.

Often the person carries out the behaviors to reduce the impact or get rid of the obsessive thoughts, but this only brings temporary relief. Not performing the obsessive rituals can cause great anxiety.

 A person’s level of OCD can be anywhere from mild to severe, but if left untreated, it can limit his or her ability to function at work or school or even to lead a comfortable existence at home or around others.

~psychologytoday.com(Their Post On Anxiety)

One thing you should understand about this definition is the fact that this disorder IS caused BY ANXIETY. What does this mean? Well, this means that the character you’re giving this disorder too, you are also giving them anxiety, because OCD doesn’t come just by itself.

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety, or extreme apprehension and worry, is a normal reaction to stressful situations. But in some cases, it becomes excessive and can cause sufferers to dread everyday situations.

~PsychologyToday.com

(Their Post on Anxiety)

Ok, so we have the definitions of OCD and Anxiety. I will write up a post some other time going through how to write anxiety, but for now, we’re all here for OCD character traits and things of the sort, so we’ll continue with the discussion of OCD.

Well, the first thing to kick this off would be to list out things OCDs typically do.

OCD behaviors and habits:

• Double Checking things are in order
• Re-doing tasks
• Bacterial fear
• Cleaning
• Hoarding
• Symmetrical needs
• Arrangement needs (colors need to be the same, something is out of place and needs to be fixed, etc.)
• Severe Anxiety (as stated and will be repeated)
• Overthinking
• Worry (A LOT)
• Putting themselves back into the loop of obsessive thinking due to the anxiety of not doing it right
• Loss of behavior and thinking habits
• Overthinking

(NOTE: all of the behaviors of OCDs is to lessen all of the anxiety they feel. So cleaning, hoarding, bacterial fear, re-doing tasks, double checking, symmetrical needs, arrangement needs, etc., are all for them to feel safer in a world they feel like they have no control over. This means that your character is typically going to feel helpless most of the time and will begin to be triggered by things and begin doing some of the things listed above)

Still following? Good. This is a lot of information, so keep up the attention span! :3

Ok, another thing you should know is that your character doesn’t have to have all of the previously mentioned symptoms. Sometimes it’s hard to tell if someone even has OCD or anxiety because of how well they hide it or how less severe they have it compared to others. needless to say, moreover, is the fact remains the same. Your character still has it.

Remember, this character also has anxiety, hopelessness, and other issues, so not having this so severe isn’t a bad thing. Just keep in mind when you’re writing them, they have what you gave them.

Also, getting help, admitting they have a problem, etc. can also be apart of your character’s CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT. Of course, this also includes that your character could develop this along with the course of your story, so it depends on how you go about it all.

Hope this helped!!! :3

~Rey Brooks