writing smut like

iamfuckingtrash:

thisiswhymomworries:

3tno:

thisiswhymomworries:

how many synonyms for “penis” do I actually know?

and how many of those synonyms am I actually willing to use

tier 1 (most accepted, considered sexy): cock, dick

tier 2 (generally accepted): length, manhood, member, shaft

tier 3 (clinical, too formal, but not cheesy): groin, penis, phallus

tier 4 (cheesy, barely acceptable): [insert name] Jr., dong, junk, knob, prick, rod, tool, wand, wood

tier 5 (ridiculous, unacceptable, pls don’t): anything to do with beer cans, baby-maker, bishop, choad, donger, dragon, fuck wand, fun stick, hog, johnson, jimmy, lap rocket, little [insert name], love muscle/rod/stick, meat stick, one-eyed [anything], piston, private eye, schlong, trouser snake, wiener, winkie

tier 6 (you’re literally a fourth grader): baby arm, baloney pony, beaver basher, beef whistle, custard launcher, dude piston, flesh flute, heat-seeking moisture missile, krull the warrior king, luigi, mayo shooting hotdog gun, meter long king kong dong, pig skin bus, piss weasle, purple-headed yogurt flinger, purple-helmeted warrior of love, schlong dongadoodle, single barreled pump action bollock, spawn hammer, steamin’ semen truck, tan banana, thundersword, wang doodle, whoopie stick, wing wang doodle, yogurt shotgun 

tag urself im luigi

writeinspiration:

WRITING HELP/CHARACTER

How about some writing resources for those post-NaNoWriMo blues?

Writing Tip June 4th

dreadwvlf:

badassunicorn2016:

A list of body language phrases.

I’ve included a very comprehensive list, organized by the type of body movement, hand and arm movements, facial expressions etc. In some cases, a phrase fits more than one heading, so it may appear twice. Possible emotions are given after each BL phrase unless the emotion is indicated within the phrase. (They are underlined for emphasis, not due to a hyperlink.)

Note: I’ve included a few body postures and body conditions as they are non-verbal testimony to the character’s physical condition.

Have fun and generate your own ideas.:-)

Eyes, Brows and Forehead

  • arched a sly brow:  sly, haughty
  • blinked owlishly:  just waking, focusing, needs glasses
  • brows bumped together in a scowl:  worried, disapproving, irritated
  • brows knitted in a frown: worried, disapproval, thoughtful
  • bug-eyed:  surprised, fear, horror
  • cocky wink and confident smile:  over confidence, arrogant, good humor, sexy humor
  • eyes burned with hatred: besides hatred this might suggest maniacal feelings
  • eyes flashed: fury, defiance, lust, promise, seduction
  • eyes rolled skyward: disbelief, distrust, humor
  • forehead puckered:  thoughtful, worried, irritation
  • frustration crinkled her eyes
  • gaze dipped to her décolletage: sexual interest, attraction, lust
  • gimlet-eyed/narrowed eyes: irritation, thoughtful, mean, angry
  • gleam of deviltry:  humor, conniving, cunning
  • kept eye contact but her gaze became glazed: pretending interest where there is none/bordom
  • narrowed to crinkled slits:  angry, distrust
  • nystagmic eyes missed nothing (constantly shifting eyes):  Shifty
  • pupils dilated:  interested, attraction to opposite sex, fear
  • raked her with freezing contempt
  • slammed his eyes shut:  stunned, furious, pain
  • squinted in a furtive manner:  fearful, sneaky
  • stared with cow eyes:  surprised, disbelief, hopeful, lovestruck
  • subtle wink:  sexy, humor/sharing a joke, sarcasm
  • unrelenting stare: distrust, demanding, high interest, unyielding

Place To Place, Stationary Or Posture

  • ambled away:  relaxed, lazy
  • barged ahead:  rude, hurried
  • battled his way through the melee:  desperate, anger, alarm
  • cruised into the diner:  easy-going, feeling dapper, confident
  • dawdled alongside the road:  lazy, deliberate delay for motives, unhurried, relaxed
  • dragged his blanket in the dirt:   sadness/depressed, weary
  • edged closer to him:  sneaky, seeking comfort, seeking protection, seeking an audience
  • he stood straighter and straightened his tie:  sudden interest, sexual attraction
  • held his crotch and danced a frantic jig: demonstrates physical condition – he has to pee
  • hips rolled and undulated:  sexy walk, exaggerating for sex appeal
  • hovered over them with malice/like a threatening storm: here it’s malice, but one may hover for many reasons.
  • hunched over to look shorter:  appear inconspicuous, ashamed of actions, ashamed of height
  • leaped into action feet hammering the marbled floor:  eager, fear, joyous
  • long-legged strides:  hurried, impatient
  • lumbered across:  heavy steps of a big man in a hurry
  • minced her way up to him: timid, sneaky, insecure, dainty or pretense at dainty
  • paced/prowled the halls:  worried, worried impatience, impatient, diligently seeking pivoted on his heel and took off:  mistaken and changes direction, following orders, hurried, abrupt change of mind, angry retreat
  • plodded down the road:  unhurried, burdened, reluctant
  • practiced sensual stroll:  sexy, showing off
  • rammed her bare foot into her jeans: angry, rushed
  • rocked back and forth on his heels: thoughtful, impatiently waiting
  • sagged against the wall:  exhausted, disappointment
  • sallied forth:  confident, determined
  • sashayed her cute little fanny:  confident, determined, angered and determined
  • shrank into the angry crowd:  fear, insecure, seeking to elude
  • sketched a brief bow and assumed a regal pose: confident, mocking, snooty, arrogant skidded to an abrupt halt: change of heart, fear, surprise, shock
  • skulked on the edges of the crowd: sneaky, ashamed, timid
  • slithered through the door:  sneaky, evil, bad intentions
  • stormed toward her, pulling up short when: anger with a sudden surprise
  • swaggered into the class room:  over confident, proud, arrogant, conceited
  • tall erect posture:  confidence, military bearing
  • toe tapped a staccato rhythm:  impatience, irritation
  • tottered/staggered unsteadily then keeled over:  drunk, drugged, aged, ill
  • waltzed across the floor:  happy, blissful, exuberant, conceited, arrogant

Head Movement

  • cocked his head:  curiosity, smart-alecky, wondering, thoughtful
  • cocked his head left and rolled his eyes to right corner of the ceiling:  introspection
  • droop of his head: depressed, downcast, hiding true feelings
  • nodded vigorously: eager
  • tilted her head to one side while listening:  extreme interest, possibly sexual interest

Mouth And Jaw

  • a lackluster smile:  feigning cheerfulness
  • cigarette hung immobile in mouth: shock, lazy, uncaring, relaxed casualness
  • clinched his jaw at the sight:  angered, worried, surprised
  • curled her lips with icy contempt
  • expelled her breath in a whose:  relief, disappointment
  • gagged at the smell: disgust, distaste
  • gapped mouth stare:  surprised, shock, disbelief
  • gritted his teeth:  anger, irritation, holding back opinion
  • inhaled a sharp breath:  surprise, shock, fear, horror
  • licked her lips:  nervous, sexual attraction
  • lips primed: affronted, upset, insulted
  • lips pursed for a juicy kiss
  • lips pursed like she’d been chewing a lemon rind: dislike, angry, irritated, sarcasm
  • lips screwed into: irritation, anger, grimace, scorn
  • lips set in a grim line: sorrow, worried, fear of the worst
  • pursed her lips:  perturbed, waiting for a kiss
  • scarfed down the last biscuit:  physical hunger, greed
  • slack-mouthed:  total shock, disbelief
  • slow and sexy smile:  attraction, seductive, coy
  • smacked his lips: anticipation
  • smile congealed then melted into horror
  • smile dangled on the corner of his lips: cocky, sexy
  • smirked and tossed her hair over her shoulder:  conceit, sarcasm, over confident
  • sneered and flicked lint off his suit: sarcasm, conceit
  • spewed water and spit: shock
  • stuck out her tongue: humor, sarcasm, teasing, childish
  • toothy smile:  eagerness, hopeful
  • wary smile surfaced on her lips

Nose

  • nose wrinkled in distaste/at the aroma
  • nostrils flared:  anger, sexual attraction
  • nose in the air:  snooty, haughty

Face in General

  • crimson with fury
  • handed it over shame-faced
  • jutted his chin: confident, anger, forceful
  • managed a deadpan expression:  expressionless
  • muscles in her face tightened:  unsmiling, concealing emotions, anger, worried
  • rested his chin in his palm and looked thoughtful
  • rubbed a hand over his dark stubble:  thoughtful, ashamed of his appearance
  • screwed up her face:  anger, smiling, ready to cry, could almost be any emotion
  • sneered and flicked lint off his suit: conceit, derision, scorn

Arm and Hand

  • a vicious yank
  • arm curled around her waist, tugging her next to him:  possessive, pride, protective
  • bit her lip and glanced away:  shy, ashamed, insecure
  • brandished his fist:  anger, threatening, ready to fight, confident, show of pride
  • clamped his fingers into tender flesh:  anger, protective, wants to inflict pain
  • clenched his dirty little fists: stubborn, angry
  • clapped her hands on her hips, arms crooked like sugar bowel handles:  anger, demanding, disbelief
  • constantly twirled her hair and tucked it behind her ear:  attracted to the opposite sex, shy crossed his arms over his chest: waiting, impatient, putting a barrier
  • crushed the paper in his fist:  anger, surrender, discard
  • dived into the food: hunger, eager, greedy
  • doffed his hat:  polite gesture, mocking, teasing
  • doodled on the phone pad and tapped the air with her foot:  bored, inattention, introspection
  • drummed her fingers on the desk:  impatient, frustrated, bored
  • fanned her heated face with her hands: physically hot, embarrassed, indicating attraction
  • fiddled with his keys: nervous, bored
  • firm, palm to palm hand shake:  confident, honest
  • flipped him the bird: sarcastic discard
  • forked his fingers through his hair for the third time:  disquiet/consternation, worry, thoughtful
  • handed it over shame-faced:  guilt, shame
  • held his crotch and danced a frantic jig:  physical need to relieve himself
  • limp hand shake:  lack of confidence, lack of enthusiasm
  • propped his elbow on his knee: relaxed, thoughtful
  • punched her pillow:  restless, can’t sleep, angry
  • rested his chin in his palm:  thoughful, worried
  • scratched his hairy belly and yawned:  indolent, bored, lazy, relaxed, just waking
  • shoulders lifted in a shrug:  doubtful, careless discard
  • slapped his face in front of God and country:  enraged, affronted/insulted
  • snapped a sharp salute:  respect, sarcastic gesture meaning the opposite of respect
  • snapped his fingers, expecting service:  arrogant, lack of respect, self-centered
  • sneered and flicked lint off his suit
  • spread her arms wide: welcoming,  joy, love
  • stabbed at the food: anger, hunger, determined
  • stood straighter and smoothed his tie:  sudden interest, possible sexual interest
  • stuffed his hands in his pockets: self-conscious, throwing up a barrier
  • sweaty handshake:  nervous, fearful
  • touched his arm several times while explaining:  sign of attraction, flattery, possessive
  • wide sweep of his arms:  welcoming, all inclusive gesture, horror

Sitting or Rising

  • collapsed in a stupor:  exhausted, drunk, drugged, disbelief
  • enthroned himself at the desk:  conceit, pronouncing or taking ownership
  • exploded out of the chair:  shock, eager, anger, supreme joy
  • roosted on the porch rail like a cock on a hen house roof:  claiming ownership, conceit, content
  • sat, squaring an ankle over one knee:  relaxed and open
  • slouched/wilted in a chair and paid languid attention to:  drowsy, lazy, depressed, disinterest, sad, totally relaxed, disrespectful
  • squirmed in his chair: ill at ease, nervous, needs the bathroom

Recline

  • flung himself into the bed: sad, depressed, exhausted, happy
  • prostrated himself: surrender, desperate, miserable, powerless, obsequious, fawning, flattering
  • punched her pillow:  can’t sleep, anger, frustrated
  • threw himself on the floor kicking and screaming: tantrum

Entire body and General

  • body stiffened at the remark:  offended, anger, alerted
  • body swayed to music:  dreamy, fond memories, enjoys the music
  • bounced in the car seat, pointing:  excitement, fear, eager
  • cowered behind his brother:  fear, shyness, coward, desperate
  • curled into a ball:  sorrow, fear, sleepy, defensive
  • heart galloping:  anxiety, joy, eager
  • held his crotch and danced a frantic jig
  • humped over his cane, each step shaking and careful: pain, aged
  • inhaled a deep breath and blew out slowly: buying time to find words/thoughtful, reconciled
  • quick and jerky like rusty cogs on a wheel:  unsure of actions, self-conscious, tense, edgy
  • rocked back and forth on his heels:  impatient, cocky, gleeful
  • manhandled the woman into a corner:  bully, anger
  • slumped shoulders: defeat, depressed, sad, surrender
  • stiff-backed:  priggish, haughty, affronted
  • stood straighter and straightened his tie:  sexual interest, wants to make an impression
  • stooped and bent: aged, arthritic, in pain
  • stretched extravagantly and yawned:  tired, bored, unconcerned
  • sweating uncontrollably: nervous, fear, guilt
  • tall erect posture:  confidence, military bearing
  • was panting now at:  afraid, exhausted, out of breath, sexual excitement

-Sharla Rae

regaltempo:

gabibluedragon:

khaleesiofthewolves:

smallbookthings:

writeworld:

sp00kyjames:

sliceofbri:

THERE MUST BE A PARAGRAPH BREAK EVERY TIME A NEW CHARACTER SPEAKS

THIS IS NOT OPTIONAL

NO ONE WANTS TO READ ONE BIG BLOCK OF TEXT JESUS CHRIST

REMEMBER TIP TOP OK:

Make a paragraph every time that any of these things change!

Ti me

lace

To pic

erson

image

reblogging again because this is IMPORTANT

THIS IS SO IMPORTANT, PEOPLE! REBLOG TO SAVE A WRITER’S LIFE!

Yes, very important.

👏👏 LISTEN UP FANFIC WRITERS

Eyes, Skin, Face, Hair, Build: Character physical descriptions.

daddigabi:

Eyes – General

large, small, narrow

sharp, squinty, round

wide-set, close-set, deep-set

sunken, bulging, protruding

wide, hooded, heavy-lidded

bright, sparkling, glittering

flecked, dull, bleary

rheumy, cloudy, red-rimmed

beady, birdlike cat-like

jewel-like, steely, hard

fringed with long lashes, with sweeping eyelashes, with thick eyelashes

Eyes – Color

chestnut, chocolate brown, cocoa brown

coffee brown, mocha, mahogany

sepia, sienna brown, mink brown

copper, amber, cognac

whiskey, brandy, honey

tawny, topaz, hazel, obsidian

onyx, coal, raven, midnight, sky blue, sunny blue

cornflower blue, steel blue, ice blue

Arctic blue, glacial blue, crystal blue

cerulean, electric blue, azure

lake blue, aquamarine, turquoise

denim blue, slate blue / slate gray, storm blue / storm gray

silver / silver gray, chrome, platinum, pewter

smoky gray, ash gray, concrete gray, dove gray

shark gray, fog gray, gunmetal gray, olive

emerald, leaf green, moss green

Eyebrows

arched, straight, plucked, sparse

trim, dark, faint, thin, thick, unruly

bushy, heavy

Skin – Color

amber, bronze, cinnamon

copper, dark brown, deep brown

ebony, honey, golden

pale, pallid, pasty

fair, light, cream / creamy

alabaster, ivory, bisque

milk, porcelain, chalky

sallow, olive, peach

rose / rosy, ruddy, florid

russet, tawny, fawn

Skin – General

lined, wrinkled, seamed

leathery, sagging, drooping

loose, clear, smooth

silken, satiny, dry

flaky, scaly, delicate

thin, translucent, luminescent

baby-soft, flawless, poreless

with large pores, glowing, dewy

dull, velvety, fuzzy

rough, uneven, mottled

dimpled, doughy, firm

freckled, pimply, pockmarked

blemished, pitted, scarred

bruised, veined, scratched

sunburned, weather-beaten, raw

tattooed

Face – Structure

square, round, oblong

oval, elongated, narrow

heart-shaped, catlike, wolfish

high forehead, broad forehea, prominent brow ridge

protruding brow bone, sharp cheekbones, high cheekbones

angular cheekbones, hollow cheeks, square jaw

chiseled, sculpted, craggy

soft, jowly, jutting chin

pointed chin, weak chin, receding chin

double chin, cleft chin, dimple in chin

visible Adam’s apple

Nose

snub, dainty, button

turned-up, long, broad

thin, straight, pointed

crooked, aquiline, Roman

bulbous, flared, hawk, strong

Mouth/Lips

thin, narrow, full

lush, Cupid’s bow, rosebud

dry, cracked, chapped

moist, glossy, straight teeth

gap between teeth, gleaming white teeth, overbite

underbite

Facial Hair 

clean-shaven

smooth-shaven

beard

neckbeard

goatee

moustache

sideburns

mutton-chop sideburns

stubble

a few days’ growth of beard

five o’ clock shadow

Hair – General

I threw a few hairstyles in here, though not many.

long, short, shoulder-length

loose, limp, dull

shiny, glossy, sleek

smooth, luminous, lustrous, spiky

stringy, shaggy, tangled

messy, tousled, windblown

unkempt, bedhead, straggly

neatly combed, parted, slicked down / slicked back

cropped, clipped, buzzed / buzz cut

crewcut, bob, mullet

curly, bushy, frizzy

wavy, straight, lanky

dry, oily, greasy

layers, corkscrews, spirals

ringlets, braids, widow’s peak

bald, shaved, comb-over, afro

thick, luxuriant, voluminous

full, wild, untamed

bouncy, wispy, fine, thinning

Hair – Color

black, blue-black, jet black

raven, ebony, inky black

midnight, sable, salt and pepper

silver / silver gray, charcoal gray, steel gray

white, snow-white, brown

brunette, chocolate brown, coffee brown

ash brown, brown sugar, nut brown

caramel, tawny brown, toffee brown

red, ginger, auburn, Titian-haired

copper, strawberry blonde, butterscotch

honey, wheat, blonde

golden, sandy blond, flaxen

fair-haired, bleached, platinum

Body Type – General

tall, average height, short

petite, tiny, compact

big, large, burly

beefy, bulky, brawny

barrel-chested, heavy / heavy-set, fat

overweight, obese, flabby

chunky, chubby, pudgy

pot-bellied, portly thick

stout, lush, plush

full-figured, ample, rounded

generous, voluptuous, curvy

hourglass, plump, leggy / long-legged

gangling, lanky, coltish

lissome, willowy, lithe

lean, slim, slender

trim, thin, skinny

emaciated, gaunt, bony

spare, solid, stocky

wiry, rangy, sinewy

stringy, ropy

Words to replace said, except this actually helps

imagines–assemble:

msocasey:

I got pretty fed up with looking for words to replace said because they weren’t sorted in a way I could easily use/find them for the right time. So I did some myself.

IN RESPONSE TO
Acknowledged
Answered
Protested

INPUT/JOIN CONVERSATION/ASK
Added
Implored
Inquired
Insisted
Proposed
Queried
Questioned
Recommended
Testified

GUILTY/RELUCTANCE/SORRY
Admitted
Apologized
Conceded
Confessed
Professed

FOR SOMEONE ELSE
Advised
Criticized
Suggested

JUST CHECKING
Affirmed
Agreed
Alleged
Confirmed

LOUD
Announced
Chanted
Crowed

LEWD/CUTE/SECRET SPY FEEL
Appealed
Disclosed
Moaned

ANGRY FUCK OFF MATE WANNA FIGHT
Argued
Barked
Challenged
Cursed
Fumed
Growled
Hissed
Roared
Swore

SMARTASS
Articulated
Asserted
Assured
Avowed
Claimed
Commanded
Cross-examined
Demanded
Digressed
Directed
Foretold
Instructed
Interrupted
Predicted
Proclaimed
Quoted
Theorized

ASSHOLE
Bellowed
Boasted
Bragged

NERVOUS TRAINWRECK
Babbled
Bawled
Mumbled
Sputtered
Stammered
Stuttered

SUAVE MOTHERFUCKER
Bargained
Divulged
Disclosed
Exhorted

FIRST OFF
Began

LASTLY
Concluded
Concurred

WEAK PUSY
Begged
Blurted
Complained
Cried
Faltered
Fretted

HAPPY/LOL
Cajoled
Exclaimed
Gushed
Jested
Joked
Laughed

WEIRDLY HAPPY/EXCITED
Extolled
Jabbered
Raved

BRUH, CHILL
Cautioned
Warned

ACTUALLY, YOU’RE WRONG
Chided
Contended
Corrected
Countered
Debated
Elaborated
Objected
Ranted
Retorted

CHILL SAVAGE
Commented
Continued
Observed
Surmised

LISTEN BUDDY
Enunciated
Explained
Elaborated
Hinted
Implied
Lectured
Reiterated
Recited
Reminded
Stressed

BRUH I NEED U AND U NEED ME
Confided
Offered
Urged

FINE
Consented
Decided

TOO EMO FULL OF EMOTIONS
Croaked
Lamented
Pledged
Sobbed
Sympathized
Wailed
Whimpered

JUST SAYING
Declared
Decreed
Mentioned
Noted
Pointed out
Postulated
Speculated
Stated
Told
Vouched

WASN’T ME
Denied
Lied

EVIL SMARTASS
Dictated
Equivocated
Ordered
Reprimanded
Threatened

BORED
Droned
Sighed

SHHHH IT’S QUIET TIME
Echoed
Mumbled
Murmured
Muttered
Uttered
Whispered

DRAMA QUEEN
Exaggerated
Panted
Pleaded
Prayed
Preached

OH SHIT
Gasped
Marveled
Screamed
Screeched
Shouted
Shrieked
Yelped
Yelled

ANNOYED
Grumbled
Grunted
Jeered
Quipped
Scolded
Snapped
Snarled
Sneered

ANNOYING
Nagged

I DON’T REALLY CARE BUT WHATEVER
Guessed
Ventured

I’M DRUNK OR JUST BEING WEIRDLY EXPRESSIVE FOR A POINT/SARCASM
Hooted
Howled
Yowled

I WONDER
Pondered
Voiced
Wondered

OH, YEAH, WHOOPS
Recalled
Recited
Remembered

SURPRISE BITCH
Revealed

IT SEEMS FAKE BUT OKAY/HA ACTUALLY FUNNY BUT I DON’T WANT TO LAUGH OUT LOUD
Scoffed
Snickered
Snorted

BITCHY
Tattled
Taunted
Teased

reblog to save a writer 

MADD Masterpost: Names

maddwinter:

I have gathered a lot of links for us Maladaptive Daydreamers who have a hard time naming our paras! So here’s a masterpost full of links for you to find a good name!

Do you want good names with meanings?

NAMES WITH MEANINGS
• For cheerful boys: Click here.
• For cheerful girls: Click here.
•For strong boys: Click here.
• For strong girls: Click here.
• For beautiful girls: Click here.
• For handsome boys: Click here.
• For gender neutrals who like peace: Click here.
• Cute unisex names: Click here.
• Names after flowers: Click here.
• Names inspired by mythology: Click here.
• Unisex names: Click here.
• Names after cities: Click here.

POPULAR NAMES FOR CENTURIES

• Popular names in 1800s: Click here.
• Popular names in 1900s: Click here.
• Popular names in 1910s: Click here.
• Popular names in 1920s: Click here.
• Popular names in 1930s: Click here.
• Popular names in 1940s: Click here.
• Popular names in 1950s: Click here.
• Popular names in 1960s: Click here.
• Popular names in 1970s: Click here.
• Popular names in 1980s: Click here.
• Popular names in 1990s: Click here.
• Popular names in 2000s: Click here.
• Popular names in 2010s: Click here.

POPULAR NAMES IN COUNTRIES

• Popular names in America: first and last.
• Popular names in Britain:.first and last.
• Popular names in China: Click here. or here. or here. and last.
• Popular names in Japan: first. and last.
• Popular names in India: Click here or for surnames, here.
• Popular names in Korea: Click here. and last.
• Popular names in Saudi Arabia: first and last.
• Popular names in Egypt: first and last.
• Popular names in Nigeria: first. and last.
• Popular names in South Africa: first and last.
• Popular names in Brazil: first and last.
• Popular names in Canada: first and last.
• Popular names in Thailand: first
• Popular names in Philippines: first and last.
• Popular names in Indonesia: first and last.
• Popular names in Hawaii: first and last.

NAME GENERATORS.

click here.
click here.
click here.
click here.

Part 1: Para names.
Part 2: ???

I will make another para masterpost but I don’t really know what, so any suggestions are welcomed!

Finding Character Voice

justawritingaid:

“Character voice” is rather self-explanatory, simply being the unique way a character speaks or narrates. Every character has a voice, some may just stand out more than others, and part of becoming a better writer is learning to work with voices that are unlike your own. Here are some ways to get started on finding a character’s voice once you have a character concept in mind:

Look into their background. What’s their education level? Does the area they come from have any specific sayings? Speech patterns are influenced by a surprising amount of external or upbringing-related elements, especially when it comes to slang and some aspects of grammar, so learn to look beyond the “now” for finding voice.

Personality and mood affect voice. A laid-back person is unlikely to speak or narrate in a snippy tone, unless that subject matter is super important to them. Likewise, a critical person may judge other characters more than another narrator. 

Everybody has quirks of speech. Can also be known as ‘verbal tics’, though ‘quirks of speech’ refer to general unique speech patterns as opposed to a specific sound. 

Voice is more than just tone. It’s related to perspective and how the character comments on the things they notice. Two characters may see the same tree, but the artist may describe the tree with specific colors whereas a nature-lover may know the species and its stage of life. The information that’s given to the reader through the narrator is a form of voice. 

Some techniques for teasing out potential voice are:

  • Interview your characters with a series of simple questions that get harder and harder. Get personal. See what comes out in how they respond.
  • Write a letter as if by their hand, about a subject they’re passionate about.
  • Try acting things out as if you were that character. Have imaginary conversations or test different tones spoken out loud to test the effects. 
  • Create a scene, then test it witch each different character. What do they notice that’s different from others? What’s the order of things that they notice?
  • Throw each character into the exact same problem. How do they each handle it differently? 

240 Words to Describe Someone’s Tone/Voice

smut-101:

  1. Abrasive – showing little concern for the feelings of others; harsh
  2. Absurd – wildly unreasonable, illogical, or inappropriate
  3. Accusatory – suggesting someone has done something wrong, complaining
  4. Acerbic – sharp and forthright
  5. Acidic – harsh or critical
  6. Admiring – approving; think highly of; respectful; praising
  7. Aggressive – hostile; determined; forceful; argumentative
  8. Aggrieved –  angry and sad because you think you have been unfairly treated
  9. Airy –  giving an impression of being unconcerned or not serious
  10. Ambivalent – having mixed feelings; uncertain; in a dilemma; undecided
  11. Amused – pleasantly; entertain or divert in an enjoyable or cheerful manner
  12. Angry – incensed or enraged; threatening or menacing
  13. Animated – full of life or excitement; lively; spirited; impassioned; vibrant
  14. Anxious –  typically with a feeling of unease
  15. Apathetic – showing little interest; lacking concern; indifferent; unemotional
  16. Apologetic – full of regret; repentant; remorseful; acknowledging failure
  17. Appreciative – grateful; thankful; showing pleasure; enthusiastic
  18. Ardent – enthusiastic; passionate
  19. Arrogant – pompous; disdainful; overbearing; condescending; vain; scoffing
  20. Assertive – self-confident; strong-willed; authoritative; insistent
  21. Authoritative – commanding and self-confident
  22. Awestruck – amazed, filled with wonder/awe; reverential
  23. Barbed – deliberately hurtful
  24. Barking – utter a command or question abruptly or aggressively
  25. Belligerent – hostile; aggressive; combatant
  26. Benevolent – sympathetic; tolerant; generous; caring; well meaning
  27. Bitter – angry; acrimonious; antagonistic; spiteful; nasty
  28. Blasé – unimpressed or indifferent to something because one has experienced or seen it so often before
  29. Bleak – without hope or encouragement; depressing; dreary
  30. Bombastic – high-sounding but with little meaning; inflated
  31. Booming – loud, deep, and resonant
  32. Bored – to tire or make weary by being dull, repetitious, or uninteresting
  33. Brash – self-assertive in a rude, noisy, or overbearing way
  34. Braying – speak or laugh loudly and harshly
  35. Breathy – producing or causing an audible sound of breathing, often related to physical exertion or strong feelings
  36. Breezy – appearing relaxed, informal, and cheerily brisk
  37. Brittle – lacking warmth, sensitivity, or compassion; aloof
  38. Bubbly – full of cheerful high spirits
  39. Burbling – speak in an unintelligible or silly way, typically at unnecessary length
  40. Callous – cruel disregard; unfeeling; uncaring; indifferent; ruthless
  41. Candid – truthful, straightforward; honest; unreserved
  42. Caustic – making biting, corrosive comments; critical
  43. Cautionary – gives warning; raises awareness; reminding
  44. Celebratory – praising; pay tribute to; glorify; honour
  45. Chatty – informal; lively; conversational; familiar
  46. Cheery – happy and optimistic
  47. Childish – silly and immature
  48. Chirping – say something in a lively and cheerful way
  49. Clipped – speech that is fast, that uses short sounds and few words, and that is often unfriendly or rude
  50. Cloying – disgust or sicken (someone) with an excess of sweetness, richness, or sentiment
  51. Coarse – rude, crude, or vulgar
  52. Colloquial – familiar; everyday language; informal; colloquial; casual
  53. Comic – humorous; witty; entertaining; diverting
  54. Compassionate – sympathetic; empathetic; warm-hearted; tolerant; kind
  55. Complex – having many varying characteristics; complicated
  56. Compliant – agree or obey rules; acquiescent; flexible; submissive
  57. Concerned – worried; anxious; apprehensive
  58. Conciliatory – intended to placate or pacify; appeasing
  59. Condescending – stooping to the level of one’s inferiors; patronising
  60. Confused – unable to think clearly; bewildered; vague
  61. Contemptuous – showing contempt; scornful; insolent; mocking
  62. Crisp – briskly decisive and matter-of-fact, without hesitation or unnecessary detail
  63. Critical – finding fault; disapproving; scathing; criticizing
  64. Croaking – a characteristic deep hoarse sound
  65. Cruel – causing pain and suffering; unkind; spiteful; severe
  66. Curious – wanting to find out more; inquisitive; questioning
  67. Curt – rudely brief
  68. Cynical – scornful of motives/virtues of others; mocking; sneering
  69. Defensive – defending a position; shielding; guarding; watchful
  70. Defiant – obstinate; argumentative; defiant; contentious
  71. Demeaning – disrespectful; undignified
  72. Depressing – sad, melancholic; discouraging; pessimistic
  73. Derisive – snide; sarcastic; mocking; dismissive; scornful
  74. Detached – aloof; objective; unfeeling; distant
  75. Dignified – serious; respectful; formal; proper
  76. Diplomatic – tactful; subtle; sensitive; thoughtful
  77. Disapproving – displeased; critical; condemnatory
  78. Disheartening – discouraging; demoralising; undermining; depressing
  79. Disparaging – dismissive; critical; scornful
  80. Direct – straightforward; honest
  81. Disappointed – discouraged; unhappy because something has gone wrong
  82. Discordant – harsh and jarring because of a lack of harmony
  83. Dispassionate – impartial; indifferent; unsentimental; cold; unsympathetic
  84. Dispirited – having lost enthusiasm and hope; disheartened
  85. Distressing – heart-breaking; sad; troubling
  86. Docile – compliant; submissive; deferential; accommodating
  87. Drawling – speak in a slow, lazy way with prolonged vowel sounds
  88. Dulcet – sweet and soothing
  89. Dull – lacking interest or excitement
  90. Earnest – showing deep sincerity or feeling; serious
  91. Egotistical – self-absorbed; selfish; conceited; boastful
  92. Empathetic – understanding; kind; sensitive
  93. Encouraging – optimistic; supportive
  94. Enthusiastic – excited; energetic
  95. Evasive – ambiguous; cryptic; unclear
  96. Excited – emotionally aroused; stirred
  97. Facetious – inappropriate; flippant
  98. Farcical – ludicrous; absurd; mocking; humorous and highly improbable
  99. Feathery – extremely light and soft or delicate
  100. Flippant – superficial; glib; shallow; thoughtless; frivolous
  101. Forceful – powerful; energetic; confident; assertive
  102. Formal – respectful; stilted; factual; following accepted styles/rules
  103. Frank – honest; direct; plain; matter-of-fact
  104. Fretful – expressing distress or irritation
  105. Frustrated – annoyed; discouraged
  106. Gentle – kind; considerate; mild; soft
  107. Ghoulish – delighting in the revolting or the loathsome
  108. Glum – dejected; morose
  109. Goofy – foolish; harmlessly eccentric
  110. Grating – harsh and unpleasant
  111. Gravelly – deep and rough-sounding
  112. Grim – serious; gloomy; depressing; lacking humour;macabre
  113. Growling – low grating voice, typically in a threatening manner
  114. Gruff – rough and low in pitch
  115. Gullible – naive; innocent; ignorant
  116. Guttural – produced in the throat; harsh-sounding
  117. Hard – unfeeling; hard-hearted; unyielding
  118. Harsh – cruel or severe
  119. Hearty – loudly vigorous and cheerful
  120. Hoarse – sounding rough and harsh, typically as the result of a sore throat or of shouting
  121. Honeyed – soothing, soft, and intended to please or flatter
  122. Humble – deferential; modest
  123. Humorous – amusing; entertaining; playful
  124. Husky – sounding low-pitched and slightly hoarse
  125. Hypercritical – unreasonably critical; hair splitting; nitpicking
  126. Impartial – unbiased; neutral; objective
  127. Impassioned – filled with emotion; ardent
  128. Imploring – pleading; begging
  129. Impressionable – trusting; child-like
  130. Inane – silly; foolish; stupid; nonsensical
  131. Incensed – enraged
  132. Incredulous – disbelieving; unconvinced; questioning; suspicious
  133. Indifferent – having no particular interest or sympathy; unconcerned
  134. Indignant – annoyed; angry; dissatisfied
  135. Informative – instructive; factual; educational
  136. Insinuating – suggest or hint in an indirect and unpleasant way
  137. Inspirational – encouraging; reassuring
  138. Intense – earnest; passionate; concentrated; deeply felt
  139. Intimate – familiar; informal; confidential; confessional
  140. Ironic – the opposite of what is meant
  141. Irreverent – lacking respect for things that are generally taken seriously
  142. Jaded – bored; having had too much of the same thing; lack enthusiasm
  143. Joyful – positive; optimistic; cheerful; elated
  144. Jubilant – expressing great happiness and triumph
  145. Judgmental – critical; finding fault; disparaging
  146. Laudatory – praising; recommending
  147. Lifeless – lacking vigor, vitality, or excitement
  148. Light-Hearted – carefree; relaxed; chatty; humorous
  149. Lively – full of life and energy; active and outgoing
  150. Loving – affectionate; showing intense, deep concern
  151. Macabre – gruesome; horrifying; frightening
  152. Malicious – desiring to harm others or to see others suffer; ill-willed; spiteful
  153. Matter-of-fact – unemotional and practical
  154. Mean-Spirited – inconsiderate; unsympathetic
  155. Mellifluous – sweet or musical; pleasant to hear
  156. Melodious – pleasant-sounding
  157. Mocking – scornful; ridiculing; making fun of someone
  158. Monotonous – lacking in variation in tone or pitch
  159. Mourning – grieving; lamenting; woeful
  160. Muffled – not loud because of being obstructed in some way; muted
  161. Naive – innocent; unsophisticated; immature
  162. Narcissistic – self-admiring; selfish; boastful; self-pitying
  163. Nasty – unpleasant; unkind; disagreeable; abusive
  164. Negative – unhappy, pessimistic
  165. Nonchalant – casually calm and relaxed; not displaying anxiety, interest, or enthusiasm
  166. Nostalgic – thinking about the past; wishing for something from the past
  167. Objective – without prejudice; without discrimination; fair; based on fact
  168. Obsequious – overly obedient and/or submissive; fawning; grovelling
  169. Oily – unpleasantly smooth and ingratiating
  170. Optimistic – hopeful; cheerful
  171. Outraged – angered and resentful; furious; extremely angered
  172. Outspoken – frank; candid; spoken without reserv
  173. Pathetic – expressing pity, sympathy, tenderness
  174. Patronizing – condescending; scornful; pompous
  175. Pensive – reflective; introspective; philosophical; contemplative
  176. Persuasive – convincing; eloquent; influential; plausible
  177. Pessimistic – seeing the negative side of things
  178. Philosophical – theoretical; analytical; rational; logical
  179. Piping – high-pitched.
  180. Playful – full of fun and good spirits; humorous; jesting
  181. Pragmatic – realistic; sensible
  182. Pretentious – affected; artificial; grandiose; rhetorical; flashy
  183. Quavering – shake or tremble in speaking, typically through nervousness or emotion
  184. Querulous – complaining in a petulant or whining manner
  185. Rasping – harsh-sounding and unpleasant; grating
  186. Reedy – high and thin in tone
  187. Refined –  elegant; cultured
  188. Regretful – apologetic; remorseful
  189. Resentful – aggrieved; offended; displeased; bitter
  190. Resigned – accepting; unhappy
  191. Restrained – controlled; quiet; unemotional
  192. Reverent – showing deep respect and esteem
  193. Righteous – morally right and just; guiltless; pious; god-fearing
  194. Robust – strong and healthy; vigorous
  195. Saccharine –

    excessively sweet or sentimental

  196. Satirical – making fun to show a weakness; ridiculing; derisive
  197. Sarcastic – scornful; mocking; ridiculing
  198. Scathing – critical; stinging; unsparing; harsh
  199. Scornful – expressing contempt or derision; scathing; dismissive
  200. Scratchy –

    rough; grating

  201. Sensationalist – provocative; inaccurate; distasteful
  202. Sentimental – thinking about feelings, especially when remembering the past
  203. Shrill –

    high-pitched and piercing

  204. Silvery –

    gentle, clear, and melodious

  205. Sincere – honest; truthful; earnest
  206. Skeptical – disbelieving; unconvinced; doubting
  207. Smarmy – 

    excessively or unctuously flattering; ingratiating; servile

  208. Smoky –

    a raspy, coarse and tone of quality that is deeper than usual
  209. Snide –

    derogatory or mocking in an indirect way

  210. Solemn – not funny; in earnest; serious
  211. Somber –

    oppressively solemn or sober in mood; grave

  212. Sonorous –

    imposingly deep and full

  213. Sour – resentment, disappointment, or anger
  214. Steely – coldly determined; hard

  215. Strident –

    loud and harsh; grating

  216. Stony –

    not having or showing feeling or sympathy

  217. Suave –

    charming, confident, and elegant
  218. Subjective – prejudiced; biased
  219. Submissive – compliant; passive; accommodating; obedient
  220. Sulking – bad-tempered; grumpy; resentful; sullen
  221. Surly –

    bad-tempered and unfriendly

  222. Sympathetic – compassionate; understanding of how someone feels
  223. Thoughtful – reflective; serious; absorbed
  224. Throaty –

    deep and rasping

  225. Tolerant – open-minded; charitable; patient; sympathetic; lenient
  226. Tragic – disastrous; calamitous
  227. Tremulous –

    shaking or quivering slightly

  228. Unassuming – modest; self-effacing; restrained
  229. Unctuous –

    excessive piousness or moralistic fervor, especially in an affected manner; excessively smooth, suave, or smug

  230. Uneasy – worried; uncomfortable; edgy; nervous
  231. Urgent – insistent; saying something must be done soon
  232. Velvety – soft; smooth
  233. Vindictive – vengeful; spiteful; bitter; unforgiving
  234. Virtuous – lawful; righteous; moral; upstanding
  235. Whimsical – quaint; playful; mischievous; offbeat
  236. Witty – clever; quick-witted; entertaining
  237. Wonder – awe-struck; admiring; fascinating
  238. World-Weary – bored; cynical; tired
  239. Worried – anxious; stressed; fearful
  240. Wretched – miserable; despairing; sorrowful; distressed

CHARACTER FACIAL EXPRESSIONS (WRITING REFERENCE)

sclacen:

EYES/BROWS

  • his eyes widened
  • her eyes went round
  • her eyelids drooped
  • his eyes narrowed
  • his eyes lit up
  • his eyes darted
  • he squinted
  • she blinked
  • her eyes twinkled
  • his eyes gleamed
  • her eyes sparkled
  • his eyes flashed
  • his eyes glinted
  • his eyes burned with…
  • her eyes blazed with…
  • her eyes sparked with…
  • her eyes flickered with…
  • _____ glowed in his eyes
  • the corners of his eyes crinkled
  • she rolled her eyes
  • he looked heavenward
  • she glanced up to the ceiling
  • she winked
  • tears filled her eyes
  • his eyes welled up
  • her eyes swam with tears
  • his eyes flooded with tears
  • her eyes were wet
  • his eyes glistened
  • tears shimmered in her eyes
  • tears shone in his eyes
  • her eyes were glossy
  • he was fighting back tears
  • tears ran down her cheeks
  • his eyes closed
  • she squeezed her eyes shut
  • he shut his eyes
  • his lashes fluttered
  • she batted her lashes
  • his brows knitted
  • her forehead creased
  • his forehead furrowed
  • her forehead puckered
  • a line appeared between her brows
  • his brows drew together
  • her brows snapped together
  • his eyebrows rose
  • she raised a brow
  • he lifted an eyebrow
  • his eyebrows waggled
  • she gave him a once-over
  • he sized her up
  • her eyes bored into him
  • she took in the sight of…
  • he glared
  • she peered
  • he gazed
  • she glanced
  • he stared
  • she scrutinized
  • he studied
  • she gaped
  • he observed
  • she surveyed
  • he gawked
  • he leered
  • his pupils (were) dilated
  • her pupils were huge
  • his pupils flared

NOSE

  • her nose crinkled
  • his nose wrinkled
  • she sneered
  • his nostrils flared
  • she stuck her nose in the air
  • he sniffed
  • she sniffled

MOUTH

  • she smiled
  • he smirked
  • she grinned
  • he simpered
  • she beamed
  • her mouth curved into a smile
  • the corners of his mouth turned up
  • the corner of her mouth quirked up
  • a corner of his mouth lifted
  • his mouth twitched
  • he gave a half-smile
  • she gave a lopsided grin
  • his mouth twisted
  • he plastered a smile on his face
  • she forced a smile
  • he faked a smile
  • her smile faded
  • his smile slipped
  • he pursed his lips
  • she pouted
  • his mouth snapped shut
  • her mouth set in a hard line
  • he pressed his lips together
  • she bit her lip
  • he drew his lower lip between his teeth
  • she nibbled on her bottom lip
  • he chewed on his bottom lip
  • his jaw set
  • her jaw clenched
  • his jaw tightened
  • a muscle in her jaw twitched
  • he ground his jaw
  • he snarled/his lips drew back in a snarl
  • her mouth fell open
  • his jaw dropped
  • her jaw went slack
  • he gritted his teeth
  • she gnashed her teeth
  • her lower lip trembled
  • his lower lip quivered

SKIN

  • she paled
  • he blanched
  • she went white
  • the color drained out of his face
  • his face reddened
  • her cheeks turned pink
  • his face flushed
  • she blushed
  • he turned red
  • she turned scarlet
  • he turned crimson
  • a flush crept up her face

WHOLE FACE, ETC.

  • he screwed up his face
  • she scrunched up her face
  • he grimaced
  • she winced
  • she gave him a dirty look
  • he frowned
  • she scowled
  • he glowered
  • her whole face lit up
  • she brightened
  • his face went blank
  • her face contorted
  • his face twisted
  • her expression closed up
  • his expression dulled
  • her expression hardened
  • she went poker-faced
  • a vein popped out in his neck
  • awe transformed his face
  • fear crossed her face
  • sadness clouded his features
  • terror overtook his face
  • recognition dawned on her face

SOURCE