Brooke Lorren
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brookelorren.bsky.social
Brooke Lorren
@brookelorren.bsky.social
1K followers 89 following 550 posts
Aspiring author- speculative fiction and mostly medieval nonfiction. Christian, (still) NeverTrump conservative.
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Brooke Lorren @brookelorren.bsky.social · Jun 11
She wants to prove her innocence. He just wants to live indoors again. THE ELF AND THE OUTLAW. A better title than NaNoWriMo 2022, lol.
brookelorren.bsky.social
Ability isn’t there, but able is.

#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity
September 8, 2025 at 9:43 AM
brookelorren.bsky.social
Several times. I don’t even try to disguise it sometimes. I name the characters after myself 🤣.

But sometimes even my regular characters get my flaws. They sometimes like some of the same things I do.

#pretendpanel
September 6, 2025 at 4:05 PM
brookelorren.bsky.social
From SAVE THE BEST FOR LAST:

She might never get to be the astronomer to the king, but something told me that this wouldn’t be our last adventure together.

#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity
August 27, 2025 at 6:43 AM
brookelorren.bsky.social
From SAVE THE BEST FOR LAST.

#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity
The battlefield spilling across the canvas looked like it covered more area than our entire village. Dying elves lay in front of the queen, some with their intestines hanging out, nearly all bleeding. It was the most gruesome sight I’d ever seen. “Do you think this was a real battle?” Melody asked. “I don’t know. We don’t get a lot of news from Soyuza. Perhaps, if it is, then it explains why the elves are so desperately building a new city here. Didn’t Lily tell us that the queen and her daughter didn’t see things the same way?”
August 25, 2025 at 12:19 AM
brookelorren.bsky.social
I almost never use said because I usually write present tense 😂. I often use say or says.

But I prefer to use action tags when it makes sense to do so.

#SummeeOfStory
cfranciswrites.bsky.social Charlotte Francis @cfranciswrites.bsky.social · Aug 23
Hello #SummerOfStory!

Day 23: Dialogue Tags & Action Beats

Disclaimer: This is a prompt game to discuss common writing tips & techniques, not an attempt to tell people how to write.

Over to you: This is a controversial one. Very curious to hear everyone's takes.

#WritingPrompt
1: Title, Date, & Prompt Introduction This slide features a large torn piece of lined paper with the text 'August 23rd' at the top and the writing prompt 'Dialogue Tags & Action Beats' in big script letters. There is a typewriter in the corner with a note saying 'TOOLS not RULES'. On the right, there is a speech bubble with prompt questions, a Bluesky butterfly, and a palm leaf background. Transcription: August 23rd Dialogue Tags & Action Beats What's your take on this writing technique? Have you used it before — or do you avoid it? Share your thoughts, drop a snippet, or tell us how you'd use it in a scene. 2: What & Why This slide looks like a piece of lined notebook paper with teal palm leaves in the background. Headings 'What?' and 'Why?' are taped to the page. A counterpoint note is taped across the top. A blue butterfly decorates the corner. Transcription: Counterpoint: Dialogue tags are one of the most divisive topics in style. Many writers argue that synonyms for said can signal tone, emotion, or energy in ways that enrich the dialogue. What? Most modern style guides recommend keeping Dialogue Tags both simple and scarce. They advise using only said (or asked), which is considered unobtrusive, and limiting their frequency. When attribution is obvious, Action Beats — brief gestures or movements — are often preferable to extra tags, since they identify the speaker while adding texture. Why? Proponents argue said disappears into the background. Unlike more expressive synonyms, it doesn't intrude on the scene or compete with the dialogue. That invisibility lets the words themselves carry emotion, tone, and subtext. 3: In Practice This slide looks like a piece of graph paper with teal palm leaves in the background. On the left, an excerpt from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice appears in a beige box. On the right, a taped paper section explains Austen's use of dialogue with minimal tags. A speech bubble highlights her approach, and a bluesky butterfly decorates the page. Transcription: Jane Austen: Dialogue Without Distraction Chapter 10 [Excerpt from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen] In Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen relies mostly on said, though she occasionally uses synonyms like cried or observed. Often she lets dialogue stand alone, trusting the voices and rhythm to carry tone. When she does break in, it's usually with something minimal — "He made no answer," or "He was silent" — which shapes pacing without intruding. 4: What do you think? This slide is a torn piece of paper with discussion questions for writers about using dialogue tags and action beats. There's a speech bubble repeating 'TOOLS not RULES', a Bluesky butterfly, and palm fronds in the background. Transcription: What do you think? What's your take on Dialogue Tags & Action Beats? Do you stick with said, or do you prefer to vary your tags for colour and rhythm? Do you use tags scarcely or attribute most dialogue? Do you find yourself leaning more on action beats to handle attribution, or do you like the clarity of a tag? Share your thoughts, drop a snippet, or share an example you love (or hate). Hot takes welcome — just please don't set anyone on fire!
August 23, 2025 at 11:49 PM
brookelorren.bsky.social
My fantasy characters are either nobles or farmers, mostly. No career, but job is important to SAVE THE BEST FOR LAST. Although Melody is a seamstress for the summer (her parents are farmers).

#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity
He brightened. “Sure! I have some edible cookies with it baked in. Do you think your hot friend would bake cookies for us?” “Her name is Melody, and I don’t think so. She didn’t really seem interested in it when you mentioned it at lunch.” “Too bad. Maybe if we paid her?” “I don’t think she needs the money.” “What’s she doing out here then?” “I think she came for the adventure. The money is great, I’m sure, but that’s not her main motivation. Her family would be just fine if she stayed back in our village. When we were kids, she always dreamed of becoming the king’s astronomer.” “But that’s a man’s job!” “It doesn’t have to be. There’s nothing even remotely masculine about staring up at the stars through a telescope.”
August 20, 2025 at 11:33 AM
brookelorren.bsky.social
I was watching The Americans (a TV show, does that count?)

Lets assume that Lila knew about technology. She lives in a world similar to the 14th century so that’s a stretch. She would NOT be surprised at the corruption, at least from the midpoint of her book.

#WritingCommunity #WriteSky
charliedeltawrites.bsky.social Charlie Delta 🦊🐐 @charliedeltawrites.bsky.social · Aug 19
Tell me more about your awesome characters!

Your character is transported into the universe of the last video game you played (or movie you watched, if you prefer).

How do they fare?

Is this an upgrade or a downgrade for them?

#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
August 20, 2025 at 11:22 AM
brookelorren.bsky.social
No. While it's fantasy, my book is highly influenced by 14th century Europe.

If my characters encountered one, they would think it was a magical device of some sort.

#DailyOCs
dailyocs.bsky.social Daily OC questions @dailyocs.bsky.social · Aug 19
Are there computers and phones in your OC's world? 📱🖥💻
If yes: How much do they like using them?
If no: How would they react if they'd encounter one?

#dailyocs
August 20, 2025 at 3:25 AM
brookelorren.bsky.social
From SAVE THE BEST FOR LAST.

#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity
After about twenty minutes, I pull Chocolate into a clearing. I leave Lin on the horse, not trusting myself to be able to lift her back up again, if it comes to that, although I hide them both under a blanket. Lin is still wearing a light dress and slippers that would be more appropriate to a ball, not walking through the snow. What happened? Aside from being covered in vomit, her dress seems fine. Kirill hadn’t tried to attack her, as far as I could tell; she didn’t have any blood on her. “What happened?” I say, mostly to myself. “Are you going to be okay?” I hear crunching in the snow behind me. There’s a bow and arrows among the luggage, but I’d have to unpack them, and Quintus is the archery expert, not me. I wish I had my dagger! But Quintus might have needed it. For all I know, it might have saved his life. “It’s just me,” Quintus says. I let out a heavy breath.
August 18, 2025 at 10:21 AM
brookelorren.bsky.social
I didn't know I used crawl in my book, but evidently I do: 4 times in SAVE THE BEST FOR LAST. It was 5, but two were used within 2 paragraphs of each other so I changed one.

#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity
“You know we’d share with Quintus. And his dad.” She rolls her eyes, then kisses me on my forehead. “Get some sleep, okay?” “Okay, Mom.” Mom blows out my candle and I wriggle under the blanket. “Good night,” I say, watching her close the door behind me. I let out a breath. After a minute, Quintus crawls out from under my bed. “That was close.” “No kidding.”
August 18, 2025 at 1:39 AM
brookelorren.bsky.social
From SAVE THE BEST FOR LAST.

#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity
Sometimes ships sink when they’re traveling long distances,” he said. “There aren’t many pirates, but nature is an angry enough enemy. My grandparents used to tell me stories about their days at sea. Fortunately, it was lucrative enough that they were able to retire.”
August 14, 2025 at 10:41 AM
brookelorren.bsky.social
“Boys. I hate them.” Lin said.

A very simple line from SAVE THE BEST FOR LAST. Lin has good reasons to hate them too. And at this point in the story, Melody does as well. Or, at least, one particular boy.

#WritingCommunity #WriteSky
shadowsparkpub.bsky.social Shadow Spark Publishing @shadowsparkpub.bsky.social · Aug 13
Iiiiit's Hump Day, folks! Let's get a page from your wip. Maybe it's the middle for you? Give us a line from PAGE 133

Haven't gotten to page 133 yet? How about just 33, then?

#Wednesday #HumpDay #indieauthors #WritingCommunity #snippetshare #WritingQ #snippets
Wednesday hump day featuring a Bactrian camel who is judging you for daring to think that he can't be the mascot of hump day just because he has two humps.
August 13, 2025 at 4:59 PM
brookelorren.bsky.social
Drink item? I guess ale? Although none of my characters really drink it. A lot of drinks that used to be common are no longer available because they are imported and the country no longer trades with anybody except the Soyuzans.

#WritingCommunity #WriteSky
kikilegendlore.bsky.social Kiki Lee | Author ✒️ 🩷💜💙 @kikilegendlore.bsky.social · Aug 13
Authors and Gamemasters, today's world building question!

What is the most common drink item presented in your world? Does it have any cultural significance? Does it have ritual significance?

#booksky #ttrpg #authors #gamemasters #worldbuilding #writingcommunity #writersky #writingprompts
August 13, 2025 at 3:27 PM
brookelorren.bsky.social
Agreed. I’m not all King and say never use them, but I couldn’t find an example of any recent adverbs I’ve used. Yesterday I got rid of the word “sleepily”. Although I replaced it with “in sleepiness”, so I’m not sure that’s any better 😂.

#SummerOfStory #WritingCommunity
cfranciswrites.bsky.social Charlotte Francis @cfranciswrites.bsky.social · Aug 13
Hello #SummerOfStory!

Day 13: Strong Verbs over Adverbs

Massive caveat: I know this advice is contentious. Stephen King has riled up many a writer with his war on adverbs. This is not my advice, just prompting discussion.

Okay, let me just fetch my fire gloves before I hit post...

#WritingPrompt
1: Title, Date, & Prompt Introduction This slide features a large torn piece of lined paper with the text "August 13th" at the top and the writing prompt "Strong Verbs over Adverbs" in big script letters. There's a typewriter in the corner with a note saying "TOOLS not RULES". On the right, there's a speech bubble with prompt questions, a Bluesky butterfly, and a palm leaf background. Transcription: August 13th Strong Verbs over Adverbs What's your take on this writing technique? Have you used it before – or do you avoid it? Share your thoughts, drop a snippet, or tell us how you'd use it in a scene. 2: What and Why This slide is a torn piece of lined paper with "What?" at the top and "Why?" in the middle, each on a strip of brown tape. There's a small blue butterfly in the top right corner and teal palm fronds in the background. Transcription: What? First up, this isn't about banning adverbs. Sometimes an adverb is exactly what you need. But more often, they're a crutch that props up a weak verb, telling the reader how something is done instead of showing it, and can water down emotional impact. By reaching for a strong verb instead, you can sharpen your writing. Why? Adverbs can make prose feel over-explained and sluggish. Strong verbs keep pace brisk, engage the reader's imagination, and deliver emotion or action without filler. The goal isn't to ban adverbs, but to make them the exception, used when they add nuance a stronger verb or vivid description can't match. 3: In Practice This slide looks like a piece of graph paper with the heading "Adverbs VS Strong Verbs: A silly demonstration". It features two short narrative passages about a character, Charlotte, trying to write. The first uses many adverbs; the second replaces them with strong verbs. In between, there's a teal box with commentary. The background is teal with palm leaves. Transcription: Charlotte typed furiously, tapping quickly at the keys as her mind worked frantically. She sighed loudly, staring blankly at the half-finished sentence. Leaning back heavily, she rubbed her temples tiredly and read the words again. They seemed hopelessly tangled. She groaned quietly, then reached hesitantly for her coffee. Alright, it's OTT, but it demonstrates how adverbs can make reading feel like wading through sentences. Replacing adverbs with stronger verbs can make writing cleaner and more immediate. Charlotte hammered at the keys, her thoughts racing. She sighed, eyes fixed on the half-finished sentence. Slumping back, she kneaded her temples and scanned the line again. The words twisted on the page. She groaned, then reached for her coffee. 4: What do you think? This slide is a torn piece of paper with discussion questions for writers about using strong verbs instead of adverbs. There's a speech bubble repeating "TOOLS not RULES," a Bluesky butterfly, and palm fronds in the background. Transcription: What do you think? What's your take on Strong Verbs over Adverbs? Where are you on the scale from Stephen King to my OTT example? Are there times where adverbs are better than strong verbs? Care to share a snippet to show off your deft adverb usage? Share your thoughts, drop a snippet, or share an example you love (or hate). Hot takes welcome – just please don't set anyone on fire!
August 13, 2025 at 3:23 PM
brookelorren.bsky.social
Lin really shouldn’t return to her dad…

From SAVE THE BEST FOR LAST.

#WIPSnips #WritingCommunity
August 13, 2025 at 9:18 AM
brookelorren.bsky.social
I'm not sure if I have used it, but I do think it could be used well. I have more hidden meanings in the translation of words.

#SummerOfStory #WritingCommunity
cfranciswrites.bsky.social Charlotte Francis @cfranciswrites.bsky.social · Aug 12
Hello #SummerOfStory!

Day 12: Subtext in Dialogue

The art of saying what's not being said. From non-sequiturs to waspish remarks, subtext can elevate dialogue. Have you used it before?

If ever there was a day to drop a snippet, today's the day! Let us read between your lines.

#WritingPrompt
1: Title, Date, & Prompt Introduction This slide features a large torn piece of lined paper with the text "August 12th" at the top and the writing prompt "Subtext in Dialogue" in big script letters. There's a typewriter in the corner with a note saying "TOOLS not RULES". On the right, there's a speech bubble with prompt questions, a Bluesky butterfly, and a palm-leaf background. Transcription:
 August 12th 
Subtext in Dialogue What's your take on this writing technique? Have you used it before — or do you avoid it? Share your thoughts, drop a snippet, or tell us how you'd use it in a scene. 2: What and Why This slide is a piece of lined paper with "What?" and "Why?" highlighted at the top and middle. A small taped tab at the top reads a quick tip about non-sequiturs. There's a Bluesky butterfly and palm fronds in the background. Transcription: Tip: Non-sequiturs (replies that seem off-topic) can be a great tool for subtext. That sudden change of subject can say more about a character's motives than answering the question ever would. What? Subtext in dialogue is the unspoken meaning, emotion, or intent hiding under the surface of dialogue. Characters might dodge the question, talk about something else, or choose words that say one thing but imply another. Subtext lets readers pick up on tension, attraction, deceit, or fear without it ever being stated outright. Why? It makes dialogue more layered, realistic, and engaging. By hinting rather than stating, you create tension, deepen relationships, and keep readers hooked without heavy exposition. 3: In Practice This slide is split: on the left, a torn notebook page shows an excerpt from "The Great Gatsby"; on the right, a grid paper panel titled "Subtext in The Great Gatsby" explains the subtext at work. A Bluesky butterfly sits near the header; palm fronds behind. Transcription: (Excerpt from "The Great Gatsby", F. Scott Fitzgerald) "I've got a man in England who buys me clothes. He sends over a selection of things at the beginning of each season, spring and fall." He took out a pile of shirts and began throwing them one by one before us, shirts of sheer linen and thick silk and fine flannel which lost their folds as they fell and covered the table in many-colored disarray. While we admired he brought more and the soft, rich heap mounted higher—shirts with stripes and scrolls and plaids in coral and apple green and lavender and faint orange with monograms of Indian blue. Suddenly with a strained sound Daisy bent her head into the shirts and began to cry stormily. "They're such beautiful shirts," she sobbed, her voice muffled in the thick folds. "It makes me sad because I've never seen such—such beautiful shirts before." (Commentary) Subtext in The Great Gatsby This conversation isn't really about shirts. Subtext is doing a lot of heavy lifting here. Daisy is overwhelmed, not by fabric, but by what the shirts symbolise — Gatsby's wealth, and the life she could have had with him. The dialogue and action never state her regret outright, but the reader can connect the dots through her reaction. That's subtext: the unsaid truth sitting beneath the words. 4: What do you think? This slide is a torn piece of paper with discussion questions for writers about using subtext in dialogue. There's a speech bubble repeating "TOOLS not RULES", a Bluesy butterfly, and palm fronds in the background. Transcription: What do you think? What's your take on Subtext in Dialogue? Do you enjoy reading between the lines, or does it feel frustrating when characters don't just say what they mean? Do you consciously weave subtext into your own dialogue, or let it appear naturally? Share your thoughts, drop a snippet, or share an example you love (or hate). Hot takes welcome—just please don't set anyone on fire!
August 13, 2025 at 2:57 AM
brookelorren.bsky.social
Well, the first line of my book is currently "My brother just stabbed me." So I guess that qualifies.

But I immediately explain what's going on.

#SummerOfStory #WritingCommunity
cfranciswrites.bsky.social Charlotte Francis @cfranciswrites.bsky.social · Aug 11
Hello #SummerOfStory!

Day 11: In Media Res

Why start at the beginning when you can throw your reader into the thick of it? In Media Res drops them right into the action, questions swirling, tension already crackling.

Do you love it, hate it, or find it confusing?

#WritingPrompt
1: Title, Date, & Prompt Introduction This slide features a large torn piece of lined paper with the text "August 11th" at the top and the writing prompt "In Media Res" in big script letters. There's a typewriter in the corner with a note saying "TOOLS not RULES". On the right, there's a speech bubble with prompt questions, a Bluesky butterfly, and it has a palm leaf background. Transcription: August 11th In Media Res What's your take on this writing technique? Have you used it before – or do you avoid it? Share your thoughts, drop a snippet, or tell us how you'd use it in a scene. 2: What and Why This slide is a piece of lined paper with "What?" and "Why?" highlighted at the top and middle. It explains what "In Media Res" means as a writing technique and why it's useful. There's a Bluesky butterfly and palm fronds in the background. Transcription: What? In Media Res (Latin for 'into the middle of things') means starting your story or scene in the midst of the action rather than at the chronological beginning. You drop the reader straight into a moment of conflict, drama, or change, then fill in the backstory as the scene unfolds. Why? It grabs attention instantly and hooks the reader before they can wander off. By starting with action or intrigue, you raise immediate questions they'll keep reading to answer. 3: In Practice This slide looks like a piece of graph paper and is titled "The OG In Media Res". It explains that these days, In Media Res refers to scenes that start fast or in the middle of action, but originally, when coined by Roman poet Horace, it meant beginning a story in the heart of the action or climax of the whole work. Two diagrams are shown: The first is the chronological narrative structure most books utilise – boxes for "Exposition", "Rising Action", "Climax", "Falling Action", "Resolution", with "Inciting Incident" marked between Exposition and Rising Action. The second is the structure of a story starting In Media Res – starting with "Inciting Incident or Climax", then "Exposition", "Rising Action", "Climax", "Falling Action", "Resolution". A note says: "Your start point comes from this part of the story, but then you go back and catch the reader up on what they missed." A Bluesky butterfly sits in the corner. Transcription: These days, In Media Res refers to scenes that start fast or in the middle of action. Originally though – in the way back when of the Roman poet Horace, who coined it – it referred to a specific story structure, beginning in the heart of the action or climax of the whole work. This is the chronological narrative structure most books utilise: Exposition → Rising Action → Climax → Falling Action → Resolution And this is the structure of a story starting In Media Res: Inciting Incident or Climax → Exposition → Rising Action → Climax → Falling Action → Resolution Your start point comes from this part of the story, but then you go back and catch the reader up on what they missed. 4: What do you think? This slide is a torn piece of paper with discussion questions for writers about using the "In Media Res" technique. There's a speech bubble repeating "TOOLS not RULES", a blue butterfly, and palm fronds in the background. Transcription: What do you think? What's your take on In Media Res? Have you ever started a book like this? Do you enjoy stories that start in the thick of things, or do you find them confusing? Does this technique work best for action-heavy plots, or can it shine in quieter, character-driven drama? Share your thoughts, drop a snippet, or share an example you love (or hate). Hot takes welcome – just please don't set anyone on fire!
August 13, 2025 at 2:54 AM
brookelorren.bsky.social
12. My fmc just believes in god. The mmc becomes a seer, so he was granted visions.

#AugustWorldbuilders #WritingCommunity
August 12, 2025 at 11:49 PM
brookelorren.bsky.social
12 - Last - The Most Beautiful Woman in Florence by Alyssa Palombo
Current - Summer Days and Summer Nights (various authors)
Future - Twilight by Stephanie Meyer

I actually have multiple books going on at a time though.

#FantasyIndiesAugust #WritingCommunity
August 12, 2025 at 11:46 PM
brookelorren.bsky.social
12. Favorite fairytale - The Little Mermaid (Disney version, not the one where she turns into sea foam)

#FantasyIndiesAugust #WritingCommunity
August 12, 2025 at 11:43 PM
brookelorren.bsky.social
Lila doesn't want to die. Even if she hadn't turned the prince down, she still would have ended in this predicament.

Ren wants a normal life, w/a job and place to live.

They both want justice. Neither chose to fight for their lives, but they choose to help others.

#WritingCommunity #WriteSky
charliedeltawrites.bsky.social Charlie Delta 🦊🐐 @charliedeltawrites.bsky.social · Aug 10
Tell me more about your awesome characters!

What is their driving force?

What makes them move forward in the plot or in their life?

Is it vengeance? Curiosity? Survival? Love? Money? Other?

Was the plot the cause of their motivation or vice versa?

#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
August 11, 2025 at 12:54 AM
brookelorren.bsky.social
The tagline is easy: She wants to prove her innocence. He just wants to live indoors again.

#FantasyIndiesAugust #WritingCommunity
August 11, 2025 at 12:47 AM
brookelorren.bsky.social
I guess the closest thing would be becoming a seer. It's a mixed blessing, it's often inherited, and you don't ask to be one. You may end up seeing things you don't want to see, or you may see something useful. The meanings to visions are often unclear.

#AugustWorldbuilders #WritingCommunity
August 11, 2025 at 12:45 AM
brookelorren.bsky.social
I cut a lot of telling from my story, but some parts cannot be shown. I'm not going to waste a whole chapter of a book on this; but it's important because it affected the way she saw the world.

#SummerOfStory 6
August 9, 2025 at 8:13 PM
brookelorren.bsky.social
I use symbols. Some overt, some hidden but discoverable, some are just for me. As an example, I will never have the enemy's colors be of my university, but they're often of my rival school.

For me, sometimes the translation of a word gives hidden meanings.

#SummerOfStory 8
cfranciswrites.bsky.social Charlotte Francis @cfranciswrites.bsky.social · Aug 8
Hello #SummerOfStory!

Day 8: Motifs and Symbols

The secret backbone of stories, or just fancy literary dressing? Do you plan them out, or do they sneak in by accident?

NB: These ideas are not my own. I'm not trying to tell anyone how to write, just prompt discussion.

#WritingPrompt
1: Title, Date, & Prompt Introduction A large, torn piece of lined paper displays the text "August 8th" at the top and the writing prompt "Motifs & Symbols" in bold, handwritten script. In the lower left, there’s a vintage typewriter with a note reading "TOOLS not RULES". A speech bubble on the right asks prompt questions about the use of motifs and symbols, and a blue butterfly motif appears beside it. The background is filled with palm fronds in teal tones. Transcription: August 8th Motifs & Symbols What’s your take on this writing technique? Have you used it before – or do you avoid it? Share your thoughts, drop a snippet, or tell us how you’d use it in a scene. 2: What and Why A torn sheet of lined paper with "What?" and "Why?" highlighted on strips of paper. This slide explains the difference between a symbol and a motif. A blue butterfly decorates the top right, with palm fronds as the backdrop. Transcription: What? A Symbol is a concrete element in a story (an object, person, sound, image) that is used to hint at a deeper idea or theme. It’s different to a Motif, which is when a distinctive feature or idea is repeated several times throughout a book to reinforce theme or mood. A symbol might only be used once, but a motif is defined by its repetition. Why? Symbols and motifs help readers connect with your work, reinforce key themes, and create deeper, more layered storytelling that resonates with shared human experience. 3: In Practice A grid of squared paper introduces "Motifs and Symbols in '1984'". On the left, under "Motif", there’s an image of a "Big Brother is Watching You" poster. Below, text explains how Big Brother functions as a motif. On the right, under "Symbol", there’s a photo of a glass paperweight being held in hands. The background includes palm fronds and a blue butterfly. Transcription: Motifs and Symbols in "1984" Motif: Big Brother functions as a motif by repeatedly appearing throughout the novel to symbolise the Party’s constant surveillance and psychological control. Appearing on posters, screens, and in discussion, Big Brother reinforces the themes of authoritarianism, manipulation, and the erasure of individuality. Symbol: The paperweight symbolises the fragile, enclosed world Winston shares with Julia and his longing for a past untouched by the Party. When it shatters, it marks the destruction of their relationship and the collapse of their brief escape from oppression. 4: What do you think? A large torn sheet of paper poses questions to the community about using motifs and symbols in writing, whether they develop naturally or are planned, and invites examples or snippets. The "TOOLS not RULES" speech bubble and blue butterfly are included on the right. The background is teal with palm fronds. Transcription: What do you think? Do you use motifs and symbols in your own writing? Do they develop naturally, or do you plan them ahead of time? Have you ever cut one that wasn’t working, or discovered one you didn’t know you’d written? Or do you take a different approach altogether? Share your thoughts, drop a snippet, or share an example you love (or hate). Hot takes welcome – just please don’t set anyone on fire!
August 9, 2025 at 8:09 PM