They Couldn't Remember A Time When They Weren't Scared.

They couldn't remember a time when they weren't scared.

Writer’s Block

In one sentence is the spark of a story. Ignite. Mission: Write a story, a description, a poem, a metaphor, a commentary, or a memory about this sentence. Write something about this sentence. Be sure to tag writeworld in your block!

Some advice for when you’re writing and find yourself stuck in the middle of a scene

kill someone

ask this question: “What could go wrong?” and write exactly how it goes wrong

switch the POV from your current character to another - a minor character, the antagonist, anyone

stop writing whatever scene you’re struggling with and skip to the next one you want to write

write the ending

write a sex scene

use a scene prompt

use sentence starters

read someone else’s writing

Legit Tip #137

Don’t make bold claims about a character’s abilities if you, the writer, aren’t prepared to do the research and back up those claims within the narrative. 

That is, don’t claim that your character is a brilliant military strategist if you have zero knowledge of strategy and aren’t prepared to do the research needed to prove your character’s ability in the text. If your character is meant to be a con artist, you need to do enough research on cons to at least somewhat realistically portray what this character does - or else your reader is going to completely drop their suspension of disbelief as they wonder how the heck your character hasn’t been arrested yet. 

You don’t have to become an expert. What you do need is enough of an understanding to hint at your character being as gifted/skilled/well-trained as you’re telling the audience they are. 

Answer all these questions and you should have a fully-developed character for your audience to connect with. A strong character can carry a weak plot; but a strong plot can’t carry weak characters

the ultimate creative struggle:

wanting to talk about your story/comic and get feedback

not wanting to spoil what happens in your story/comic

How to Write Your Own Spells

While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with using other peoples’ spells — and in fact there is an entire industry devoted to publishing books full of them — there are times when you may wish to use your own. It may be that you can’t find what you’re looking for in a book, or you might just feel a need to use original material. Personally, I prefer to write my own spells because I am putting more work, more energy, and more focus into the process which will yield better results if written correctly. Whatever your reasons, it’s not as hard as you may think to write your own spells if you follow this very simple formula.

Figure out the goal or intent of the working. What is it you wish to accomplish? Are you looking for prosperity? Hoping to get a better job? Trying to bring love into your life? What is the specific aim of the spell? Whatever it may be, make sure you’re clear on what it is you want — “I will get that promotion at work!”

Determine what material components you’ll need to achieve the goal. Will the working require herbs, candles, stones, oils, incense, flowers, colors, etc? Perhaps a combination. Try to think outside the box when you’re composing a spell — remember that magick relies heavily on symbolism. There’s nothing wrong with using unusual ingredients in a working.

Decide if timing is important. In some traditions, moon phase is crucial, while in others it’s not significant. Generally, positive magick, or workings that draw things to you, is performed during the waxing moon. Negative or destructive magick is done during the waning phase. It may be that you feel a certain day of the week is best for the working, or even a certain hour of the day. Don’t feel obligated to drown yourself in the details, though. If you’re a person who feels confident doing magick on the fly without worrying about timing, then go for it. Personally, I like to make things as intricate as possible due to the mass amounts of energy created from all the work I’ve put into a spell. Though, sometimes less is more!

Figure out what wording or incantation — if any — will be verbalized during the working. Are you going to chant something formal and powerful, calling upon the gods for assistance? Will you simply mutter a poetic couplet under your breath? Or is it the sort of working where you can simply ponder the Universe in silence? Maybe you want to write it instead of speak it? Maybe you want to use an older language? The list goes on. What’s important is that you do what feels right.  

Put all of the above together into a workable form and begin your spellwork!

Tips:

Despite this being a very bare-bones and simple way of looking at spell construction, it does work effectively. You may wish to keep a magickal journal or make notes in your Book of Shadows during the spell construction phase, and then keep track of results as they begin to manifest.

If a working hasn’t begun to manifest within a few weeks — some traditions say within 28 days, a lunar month — you may want to stop and revisit the working. Figure out what variables may need to be changed.

The Universe has a quirky sense of humor, so make sure anything you cast a spell for is worded correctly. In other words, be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it! If you cast a spell for a promotion, you need to make sure that the best friend that you work with isn’t going to get fired in order for you to get that promotion. If you ask for luck, make sure you aren’t going to get bad luck in return. I can’t stress this enough. If you need more examples feel free to ask me. 

Remember that magick is a tool and a skill set, but some common sense should prevail as well. You can cast all day to get yourself a job, but your chances of success are greatly reduced if you haven’t pounded the pavement and sent out copies of your resume.

Warnings:

Never send out negative energy. The Law of Attraction is very real and curses will eventually come back to you, affecting your mind, body, and soul. 

Never tamper with someone’s free will and always have someone’s permission before you cast a spell on them. 

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