Draft Happens
@drafthappens.bsky.social
✍️ Writer. Worldbuilder. Draft wrangler.
☢️ Vault 404: Good ideas not found.
📚 Posting writing tips, story structure takes, and the occasional meltdown.
#DraftHappens
☢️ Vault 404: Good ideas not found.
📚 Posting writing tips, story structure takes, and the occasional meltdown.
#DraftHappens
A MacGuffin isn’t about what it is — it’s about what it makes people do.
Use it to drive choices, conflict, and momentum. If it stops mattering, the story stalls.
#WritingAdvice #AmWriting #StoryCraft #PlotTools #FictionWriting #WritingTips #DraftHappens
Use it to drive choices, conflict, and momentum. If it stops mattering, the story stalls.
#WritingAdvice #AmWriting #StoryCraft #PlotTools #FictionWriting #WritingTips #DraftHappens
February 12, 2026 at 7:03 PM
A MacGuffin isn’t about what it is — it’s about what it makes people do.
Use it to drive choices, conflict, and momentum. If it stops mattering, the story stalls.
#WritingAdvice #AmWriting #StoryCraft #PlotTools #FictionWriting #WritingTips #DraftHappens
Use it to drive choices, conflict, and momentum. If it stops mattering, the story stalls.
#WritingAdvice #AmWriting #StoryCraft #PlotTools #FictionWriting #WritingTips #DraftHappens
Focus creates power. Removing what the story doesn’t need sharpens pacing, clarifies intent, and forces what remains to carry real weight. #WritingAdvice #AmWriting #RevisionTips #StoryCraft #KillYourDarlings #FictionWriting #DraftHappens
February 9, 2026 at 7:02 PM
Focus creates power. Removing what the story doesn’t need sharpens pacing, clarifies intent, and forces what remains to carry real weight. #WritingAdvice #AmWriting #RevisionTips #StoryCraft #KillYourDarlings #FictionWriting #DraftHappens
Introduce new characters through how they matter to your protagonist, and the web of connections does the work for you. Less confusion. More clarity.
#WritingAdvice #AmWriting #StoryCraft #CharacterDevelopment #WritingTips #FictionWriting #DraftHappens
#WritingAdvice #AmWriting #StoryCraft #CharacterDevelopment #WritingTips #FictionWriting #DraftHappens
February 5, 2026 at 7:03 PM
Introduce new characters through how they matter to your protagonist, and the web of connections does the work for you. Less confusion. More clarity.
#WritingAdvice #AmWriting #StoryCraft #CharacterDevelopment #WritingTips #FictionWriting #DraftHappens
#WritingAdvice #AmWriting #StoryCraft #CharacterDevelopment #WritingTips #FictionWriting #DraftHappens
February 2, 2026 at 7:03 PM
Pastiche is a creative work that intentionally imitates the style or techniques of another artist, genre, or period as a form of tribute. Unlike parody, it isn’t mocking—the goal is appreciation and stylistic exploration rather than criticism. #DraftHappens #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #Terminology
January 29, 2026 at 7:02 PM
Pastiche is a creative work that intentionally imitates the style or techniques of another artist, genre, or period as a form of tribute. Unlike parody, it isn’t mocking—the goal is appreciation and stylistic exploration rather than criticism. #DraftHappens #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #Terminology
Write What Should Not Be Forgotten. #MotivationMonday #DraftHappens
January 26, 2026 at 7:01 PM
Write What Should Not Be Forgotten. #MotivationMonday #DraftHappens
The Refusal of the Call matters because it reveals the hero’s fear, flaw, or wound. When they hesitate, we see what the journey must change. A quick “yes” creates plot; a meaningful “no” creates character.
#WritingAdvice #AmWriting #StoryStructure #DraftHappens
#WritingAdvice #AmWriting #StoryStructure #DraftHappens
December 18, 2025 at 7:03 PM
The Refusal of the Call matters because it reveals the hero’s fear, flaw, or wound. When they hesitate, we see what the journey must change. A quick “yes” creates plot; a meaningful “no” creates character.
#WritingAdvice #AmWriting #StoryStructure #DraftHappens
#WritingAdvice #AmWriting #StoryStructure #DraftHappens
Plot hooks your reader, but character keeps them turning pages. External stakes pull them in; internal stakes make them care.
Which character in your WIP would readers follow anywhere?
#DraftHappens #AmWriting #WritingTips #Storytelling #WritingCommunity
Which character in your WIP would readers follow anywhere?
#DraftHappens #AmWriting #WritingTips #Storytelling #WritingCommunity
December 11, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Plot hooks your reader, but character keeps them turning pages. External stakes pull them in; internal stakes make them care.
Which character in your WIP would readers follow anywhere?
#DraftHappens #AmWriting #WritingTips #Storytelling #WritingCommunity
Which character in your WIP would readers follow anywhere?
#DraftHappens #AmWriting #WritingTips #Storytelling #WritingCommunity
Contrasting characters make stories sharper. Give two people the same goal but different worldviews — the young vs old scientist, the rich vs broke fighter. Contrast = instant tension. The HOW of accomplishing a goal will change.
What’s the best contrast you’ve written?
#DraftHappens #Writing
What’s the best contrast you’ve written?
#DraftHappens #Writing
December 4, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Contrasting characters make stories sharper. Give two people the same goal but different worldviews — the young vs old scientist, the rich vs broke fighter. Contrast = instant tension. The HOW of accomplishing a goal will change.
What’s the best contrast you’ve written?
#DraftHappens #Writing
What’s the best contrast you’ve written?
#DraftHappens #Writing
When conflict hits hardest, it’s because no one is the villain. The emotional truth lives in the tension between them.
Make your conflicts unwinnable in a human way—two people with valid wounds, crashing into each other instead of healing.
#WritingAdvice #StoryCraft #StrangerThings #CharacterDriven
Make your conflicts unwinnable in a human way—two people with valid wounds, crashing into each other instead of healing.
#WritingAdvice #StoryCraft #StrangerThings #CharacterDriven
December 3, 2025 at 7:02 PM
When conflict hits hardest, it’s because no one is the villain. The emotional truth lives in the tension between them.
Make your conflicts unwinnable in a human way—two people with valid wounds, crashing into each other instead of healing.
#WritingAdvice #StoryCraft #StrangerThings #CharacterDriven
Make your conflicts unwinnable in a human way—two people with valid wounds, crashing into each other instead of healing.
#WritingAdvice #StoryCraft #StrangerThings #CharacterDriven
Let your characters reveal themselves through action, not explanation.
Behavior is emotional truth—especially under pressure.
#WritingTips #ShowDontTell #CharacterArc #StrangerThings #EmotionalDepth #FictionWriting #WritersCommunity #AmWriting #DraftHappens
Behavior is emotional truth—especially under pressure.
#WritingTips #ShowDontTell #CharacterArc #StrangerThings #EmotionalDepth #FictionWriting #WritersCommunity #AmWriting #DraftHappens
December 2, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Let your characters reveal themselves through action, not explanation.
Behavior is emotional truth—especially under pressure.
#WritingTips #ShowDontTell #CharacterArc #StrangerThings #EmotionalDepth #FictionWriting #WritersCommunity #AmWriting #DraftHappens
Behavior is emotional truth—especially under pressure.
#WritingTips #ShowDontTell #CharacterArc #StrangerThings #EmotionalDepth #FictionWriting #WritersCommunity #AmWriting #DraftHappens
Doubt isn't a flaw. Only those who don't realise how little they know can be confident. Keep growing, keeping discovering all there is to learn about writing, then add it to your to-learn list and keep going. #DraftHappens #MotivationMonday #AmWriting #WritingAdvice
December 1, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Doubt isn't a flaw. Only those who don't realise how little they know can be confident. Keep growing, keeping discovering all there is to learn about writing, then add it to your to-learn list and keep going. #DraftHappens #MotivationMonday #AmWriting #WritingAdvice
Your monster should grow with your character. Dart starts cute, then sheds, hisses, evolves—mirroring Will’s rising terror. Let your threat unfold in stages that reflect the internal arc. Symbolism as tension.
#WritingAdvice #StoryCraft #StrangerThings #HorrorWriting #DraftHappens #FictionTips
#WritingAdvice #StoryCraft #StrangerThings #HorrorWriting #DraftHappens #FictionTips
November 30, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Your monster should grow with your character. Dart starts cute, then sheds, hisses, evolves—mirroring Will’s rising terror. Let your threat unfold in stages that reflect the internal arc. Symbolism as tension.
#WritingAdvice #StoryCraft #StrangerThings #HorrorWriting #DraftHappens #FictionTips
#WritingAdvice #StoryCraft #StrangerThings #HorrorWriting #DraftHappens #FictionTips
Miscommunication only works when it reveals character. Eleven, Mike, and Max aren’t confused—they’re hurting. Use misunderstandings to expose longing, insecurity, and fear of being replaced. It matters because they care.
#WritingTips #CharacterArc #StrangerThings #DraftHappens #AmWriting
#WritingTips #CharacterArc #StrangerThings #DraftHappens #AmWriting
November 29, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Miscommunication only works when it reveals character. Eleven, Mike, and Max aren’t confused—they’re hurting. Use misunderstandings to expose longing, insecurity, and fear of being replaced. It matters because they care.
#WritingTips #CharacterArc #StrangerThings #DraftHappens #AmWriting
#WritingTips #CharacterArc #StrangerThings #DraftHappens #AmWriting
The best monsters are mirrors. Will’s “between worlds” episodes show his fear, shame, and isolation made literal. Let your antagonist embody what your character already battles inside. The monster = metaphor.
#WritingAdvice #StoryCraft #HorrorWriting #StrangerThings #DraftHappens #AmWriting
#WritingAdvice #StoryCraft #HorrorWriting #StrangerThings #DraftHappens #AmWriting
November 28, 2025 at 7:01 PM
The best monsters are mirrors. Will’s “between worlds” episodes show his fear, shame, and isolation made literal. Let your antagonist embody what your character already battles inside. The monster = metaphor.
#WritingAdvice #StoryCraft #HorrorWriting #StrangerThings #DraftHappens #AmWriting
#WritingAdvice #StoryCraft #HorrorWriting #StrangerThings #DraftHappens #AmWriting
The Chosen One - A character marked by destiny, not choice. This doesn't mean they don't have agency, their power comes from how they respond to being chosen. #drafthappens #amwriting #writingcommunity #storytellingtropes
November 27, 2025 at 7:08 PM
The Chosen One - A character marked by destiny, not choice. This doesn't mean they don't have agency, their power comes from how they respond to being chosen. #drafthappens #amwriting #writingcommunity #storytellingtropes
Small conflicts reveal big truths. A tiny costume argument in Stranger Things exposes insecurity, grief, and shifting power. Your “small” moments can carry your biggest character reveals.
#WritingTips #StoryCraft #CharacterArc #StrangerThings #DraftHappens #AmWriting #FictionAdvice
#WritingTips #StoryCraft #CharacterArc #StrangerThings #DraftHappens #AmWriting #FictionAdvice
November 27, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Small conflicts reveal big truths. A tiny costume argument in Stranger Things exposes insecurity, grief, and shifting power. Your “small” moments can carry your biggest character reveals.
#WritingTips #StoryCraft #CharacterArc #StrangerThings #DraftHappens #AmWriting #FictionAdvice
#WritingTips #StoryCraft #CharacterArc #StrangerThings #DraftHappens #AmWriting #FictionAdvice
Instead of recapping Season 1 through exposition, the episode shows how trauma lingers:
Will sees visions of the Upside Down.
Joyce panics when the phone rings.
Mike calls Eleven every day.
Hopper forces calm but carries tension everywhere he goes.
#DraftHappens #StrangerThings #WritingTips
Will sees visions of the Upside Down.
Joyce panics when the phone rings.
Mike calls Eleven every day.
Hopper forces calm but carries tension everywhere he goes.
#DraftHappens #StrangerThings #WritingTips
November 25, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Instead of recapping Season 1 through exposition, the episode shows how trauma lingers:
Will sees visions of the Upside Down.
Joyce panics when the phone rings.
Mike calls Eleven every day.
Hopper forces calm but carries tension everywhere he goes.
#DraftHappens #StrangerThings #WritingTips
Will sees visions of the Upside Down.
Joyce panics when the phone rings.
Mike calls Eleven every day.
Hopper forces calm but carries tension everywhere he goes.
#DraftHappens #StrangerThings #WritingTips
The smoother the story feels, the more effort hides beneath it. Good writing looks effortless because the writer has already done the work—cutting, shaping, and refining until every word feels inevitable. #drafthappens #writingcommunity #motivationmonday
November 24, 2025 at 7:02 PM
The smoother the story feels, the more effort hides beneath it. Good writing looks effortless because the writer has already done the work—cutting, shaping, and refining until every word feels inevitable. #drafthappens #writingcommunity #motivationmonday
High stakes force hard choices. Hopper cutting a deal with Brenner isn’t noble — it’s desperate, messy and human.
Don’t protect your characters from moral grayness. Let the climax expose who they really are.
#WritingAdvice #Characters #Plotting #StoryCraft #DraftHappens
Don’t protect your characters from moral grayness. Let the climax expose who they really are.
#WritingAdvice #Characters #Plotting #StoryCraft #DraftHappens
November 23, 2025 at 7:00 PM
High stakes force hard choices. Hopper cutting a deal with Brenner isn’t noble — it’s desperate, messy and human.
Don’t protect your characters from moral grayness. Let the climax expose who they really are.
#WritingAdvice #Characters #Plotting #StoryCraft #DraftHappens
Don’t protect your characters from moral grayness. Let the climax expose who they really are.
#WritingAdvice #Characters #Plotting #StoryCraft #DraftHappens
Sometimes the most powerful way to raise the stakes isn’t a new threat — it’s a memory.
Hopper’s flashbacks don’t pause the climax… they sharpen it.
Backstory should collide with the present, not interrupt it.
#WritingTips #AmWriting #StoryStructure #CharacterArc #DraftHappens
Hopper’s flashbacks don’t pause the climax… they sharpen it.
Backstory should collide with the present, not interrupt it.
#WritingTips #AmWriting #StoryStructure #CharacterArc #DraftHappens
November 22, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Sometimes the most powerful way to raise the stakes isn’t a new threat — it’s a memory.
Hopper’s flashbacks don’t pause the climax… they sharpen it.
Backstory should collide with the present, not interrupt it.
#WritingTips #AmWriting #StoryStructure #CharacterArc #DraftHappens
Hopper’s flashbacks don’t pause the climax… they sharpen it.
Backstory should collide with the present, not interrupt it.
#WritingTips #AmWriting #StoryStructure #CharacterArc #DraftHappens
Joyce shows how compassion shifts a character arc—she doesn’t push Eleven, she listens. Not every turning point needs conflict. Up to this point, every adult in Eleven's life has forced her to do something.
#WritingCommunity #DraftHappens #AmWriting #WriteBetter
#WritingCommunity #DraftHappens #AmWriting #WriteBetter
November 21, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Joyce shows how compassion shifts a character arc—she doesn’t push Eleven, she listens. Not every turning point needs conflict. Up to this point, every adult in Eleven's life has forced her to do something.
#WritingCommunity #DraftHappens #AmWriting #WriteBetter
#WritingCommunity #DraftHappens #AmWriting #WriteBetter
When subplots finally collide, the story surges forward. Episode 7 proves it—once Hopper, Joyce, Jonathan, and Nancy link up, everything accelerates.
#DraftHappens #StoryStructure #AmWriting #WritingTips
#DraftHappens #StoryStructure #AmWriting #WritingTips
November 20, 2025 at 11:00 PM
When subplots finally collide, the story surges forward. Episode 7 proves it—once Hopper, Joyce, Jonathan, and Nancy link up, everything accelerates.
#DraftHappens #StoryStructure #AmWriting #WritingTips
#DraftHappens #StoryStructure #AmWriting #WritingTips
Motif — A recurring element that threads meaning through a story. It can be an image, phrase, color, or symbol that quietly echoes a theme. #drafthappens #creativewriting #learntowrite #storytellingtips
November 20, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Motif — A recurring element that threads meaning through a story. It can be an image, phrase, color, or symbol that quietly echoes a theme. #drafthappens #creativewriting #learntowrite #storytellingtips
Episode 7 raises the stakes and gives relief at the same time—Hopper finds Eleven just as the danger spikes. Layered emotions make moments hit harder.
#WritingAdvice #DraftHappens #StoryTelling #AmWriting
#WritingAdvice #DraftHappens #StoryTelling #AmWriting
November 19, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Episode 7 raises the stakes and gives relief at the same time—Hopper finds Eleven just as the danger spikes. Layered emotions make moments hit harder.
#WritingAdvice #DraftHappens #StoryTelling #AmWriting
#WritingAdvice #DraftHappens #StoryTelling #AmWriting