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Carolina | Looking for feedback @carolinampereira.bsky.social · 4h

Thank you for hosting the challenge and always replying. I have fun with it

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Carolina | Looking for feedback @carolinampereira.bsky.social · 14h

Just overall prize vibes

En version on alt

#WriteSky #WIPSnip #WrittingCommunity

As always, I took a moment to look over the shelf lined with trophies and rosettes. There’s always something new. I find the display fascinating, not just for how many there are but for the creativity and variety. There is a bit of everything: the usual cups, horse-shaped figures, and simple rectangular blocks with engravings. The rosettes formed a single ribbon that stretched along the wall under the shelves, a rainbow of good results.
Above the trophy shelves hung a framed photo of the whole team after they won what they called the "Summer Eventing". Jonathan stood in the center holding the trophy in the air, with Peter and Daniel on his left, both covered in mud but smiling wide. On the right was a shorter, younger boy, Ryan. That photo must be about seven years old now. They all looked like kids, even the twins. The chaotic, triumphant energy in that picture never fails to make me smile.
Pinned to the corkboard above the desk, though, is another photo that makes me sad these days. A selfie of the three of us at the Eiffel Tower, taken on our ninth-grade trip. I only have good memories from that day. It’s one of the pictures I had to print again after regretting cutting Diogo out.

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Carolina | Looking for feedback @carolinampereira.bsky.social · 15h

Their father's death in a mission abroad. Losing someone so dear wasn't easy for the twins.
Plus, for Peter, an ugly fall from a horse that could have killed him.
Peter's situation turned his brother even more overprotective.

#PlotTober #WriteSky

Ange @gunsmile.bsky.social · 19h

#PlotTober Day 10: MC backstory & traumas

Answer the prompt on the card by quoting this post. Remember, answering a prompt is always optional. Even if you don't share it publicly, I hope the prompt encourages you to think about it privately.

#WritingCommunity #WritingPrompt #WriteSky

#PlotTober - a WIP plotting game by @gunsmile.bsky.social

10. What are some potential backstory or contextual reasons for your main character(s) having this kind of personality or behaving this way? In other words, what could have caused them to be the person they are at the start of your WIP?

Remember: Use the #PlotTober hashtag, engage with others, and have fun!

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Carolina | Looking for feedback @carolinampereira.bsky.social · 16h

Peter starts in the depths of depression and slowly improves his mental health by letting go of old ghosts. Eventually, he falls in love, both with someone and something, making him yearn for a long life. And then he relapses 👀 quite the rollercoaster

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Carolina | Looking for feedback @carolinampereira.bsky.social · 1d

Peter: empathy and sensitivity. He's gentle to others, but harsh on himself

Daniel: cold and straightforward. His rare moments of tenderness captivate me.

Jonathan: proud and romantic. One moment you think he's the perfect boyfriend, the other you hate him to pieces.

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Carolina | Looking for feedback @carolinampereira.bsky.social · 1d

Peter is both empathetic and self-critical.
He's observant, absorbing every single thing he sees or hears to incorporate on the construction of his idea of self.
At the same time, his negative side keeps him from leaving his mark on the others as if he wants to be forgotten.

#PlotTober

Ange @gunsmile.bsky.social · 1d

#PlotTober Day 9: MC personality & behaviors

Answer the prompt on the card by quoting this post. Remember, answering a prompt is always optional. Even if you don't share it publicly, I hope the prompt encourages you to think about it privately.

#WritingCommunity #WritingPrompt #WriteSky

#PlotTober - a WIP plotting game by @gunsmile.bsky.social

9. What are some personality traits and behaviors, both positive and negative, that you think would suit your main character(s)? How do these traits affect your main character's goals and motivations?

Remember: Use the #PlotTober hashtag, engage with others, and have fun!

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Carolina | Looking for feedback @carolinampereira.bsky.social · 1d

🔋 Recharging
From Part 1

English version on alt

#WIPSnip #WriteSky #WritingCommunity

Melanie’s smile carried the strength she wanted to give me. All of a sudden, my doubts faded. I almost felt like grabbing my notes and getting back to studying, but I figured I’d use this moment to recharge my batteries. This weekend is for unwinding.
“You’ve been spending a lot of time with Jonathan. That’s like an intensive course in self-confidence.”
“He’s a pain in the butt.” I let out a small laugh. “Those car rides drain me. He never stops asking questions. But he always ends up talking about himself.”
“Jonathan seems genuinely worried about how things are going.”
“He’s a genuine hypocrite.” I matched her tone. “It’s only since we moved here that he suddenly remembers to ask how we’re doing. Before that, he never knew anything. And honestly, it was better that way. I don’t think I owe him any explanations, just like I never felt the need to know anything about his life.”

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Carolina | Looking for feedback @carolinampereira.bsky.social · 2d

Oof that would be a spoiler... Let's just say Peter has been too mentally sane to do so.

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Carolina | Looking for feedback @carolinampereira.bsky.social · 2d

Jonathan and Vanessa would go on a romantic holiday in a paradisiac island, somewhere exotic. Jona for the luxury and experience. Vanessa for the intimacy and the ocean.

The twins would be fine with a roadtrip with no destination in particular. Freely roaming around and camping. Especially Daniel.

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Carolina | Looking for feedback @carolinampereira.bsky.social · 2d

Going with bunker today

English translation on alt

#WIPSnip #WriteSky #WritingCommunity

I tried not to trip over the cables scattered across the floor and pushed the bunker window all the way open, hoping to let in some fresh sea air.
But before anyone jumps in with the classic “but Diogo, bunkers don’t have windows,” let me clear that up: this hybrid between a bedroom, office, and studio is called a bunker not for its architecture, but for its concept. Sure, it sits a bit below ground level, and there are enough hidden snacks to survive a siege, but the motto is different. It’s the space I claimed in this house where the only kind of privacy comes from other people’s lack of interest.
Back then, my older sister, Nana, and I needed a corner for our artsy stuff. The solution was to renovate the old pantry-slash-guest-room which served every purpose except those two. We lined the walls with dark wood, plastered posters everywhere, improvised some soundproofing, and that’s how the bunker was born: the anti-younger-siblings and anti-interruptions shelter.

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Carolina | Looking for feedback @carolinampereira.bsky.social · 3d

Daniel being a scared horse

#WIPSnip #WriteSky #WritingCommunity

“Wish I could, Ryan!” Dan spoke loudly, as if he wanted to prove it. “Wish I could control that part.”
“What for? To finally turn yourself into a machine?”
“To live in peace with myself.”
The aggression drained from his voice with those last words, stripping it down to something eerily close to his brother’s tone. If I had my eyes closed, I’d have trouble knowing which one was speaking.
“I don’t agree with you, but I won’t explain why. I bet you’re tired of hearing what everyone else has to say. Not to mention, you’ve got the brains to figure it out on your own.”
It was far from easy to keep a calm atmosphere. I have to agree with him on one thing — sometimes it’s easier to let anger speak. But easy doesn’t always mean right.
“Thanks.” I heard him murmur.
I’ve no idea who or what he was thanking, but he sounded more regretful than grateful. I chose not to pay it much attention. When I finally dared to look at him again, I found missiles aimed right at me. How long had he been studying me?
“What is it now?” I asked quietly, unable to hide the discomfort his heavy gaze stirred in me.
“Nothing.” Dan relaxed after a deep breath. “Just never thought you’d shut up.”
I decided it was safe to move a little closer. Maybe that would make the atmosphere feel warmer. I let myself relax too. Only then did I realized how hard I’d been working to stay steady during that talk. It’s really not my thing.

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Carolina | Looking for feedback @carolinampereira.bsky.social · 3d

It's Peter's father. He was gone too soon and thanks to a war his country didn't start.
Secondly, he yearns for that little ray of solace of knowing that those who took his dad away from him are no longer in this world. Even if he has the wrong person on the cross hair.

#PlotTober #WriteSky

Ange @gunsmile.bsky.social · 3d

#PlotTober Day 7: Main character motivations

Answer the prompt on the card by quoting this post. Remember, answering a prompt is always optional. Even if you don't share it publicly, I hope the prompt encourages you to think about it privately.

#WritingCommunity #WritingPrompt #WriteSky

#PlotTober - a WIP plotting game by @gunsmile.bsky.social

7. Now that you've come up with some goals for your main character, ask yourself: why do they care? What are some potential motivations for pursuing these goals, even against their better judgment or self-interest?

Remember: Use the #PlotTober hashtag, engage with others, and have fun!

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Carolina | Looking for feedback @carolinampereira.bsky.social · 3d

This actually happens in the story! When Daniel is away, he leaves to Ryan the mission of ensuring Peter doesn't go totally nuts.

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Carolina | Looking for feedback @carolinampereira.bsky.social · 4d

We don't have much of a Halloween tradition in Portugal, so I tend to forget this is a big thing ahah

But the only characters I imagine celebrating are Ryan and Melanie. Ryan will throw a Bi Pride flag over the shoulders and make a "I'm invisible" joke. Mel will go with a dark fantasy vibe.

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Carolina | Looking for feedback @carolinampereira.bsky.social · 4d

Fico feliz de ouvir 🥹 obrigada, significa muito

É verdade, por muito que o mundo queira falar inglês, há coisas que parece que só se consegue traduzir na língua materna.

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Carolina | Looking for feedback @carolinampereira.bsky.social · 4d

It's kinda hard to answer this. The goals are a bit scattered, might have an underlying problem on the WIP. But also because it's a goal that only exists when Peter is in a certain mindset.

He wants to avenge his father's death, but also to go back to having a normal life.

#PlotTober #WriteSky

Ange @gunsmile.bsky.social · 4d

#PlotTober Day 6: Main character goals

Answer the prompt on the card by quoting this post. Remember, answering a prompt is always optional. Even if you don't share it publicly, I hope the prompt encourages you to think about it privately.

#WritingCommunity #WritingPrompt #WriteSky

#PlotTober - a WIP plotting game by @gunsmile.bsky.social

6. Main characters are driven by actionable goals, but not every goal is created equal. For your MC, they should be specific, tangible, personal, achievable, and urgent. Can you think of some goals for your MC that meet this criteria?

Remember: Use the #PlotTober hashtag, engage with others, and have fun!

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Carolina | Looking for feedback @carolinampereira.bsky.social · 4d

Using the Portuguese word "saudade" instead.

English on alt

#WIPSnip #WriteSky #WritingCommunity

"I wasn't expecting this. Jeez. You scared me. Do you miss me that much?"
I rolled my eyes, even though he couldn't see it. Five minutes isn't going to be enough, I can already tell.
"I have little patience for texting. Tell me things."
"Don't you want to do a video call?"
"It's not the time to violate protocol." My voice echoed down the corridor. I had to make an effort to speak quieter. "No cameras here."
On the other side, Ryan let out a disappointed ohhh.
"I would never do anything wrong with the little confidential stuff I'd catch. I swear." He grumbled.
"Ryan." I warned.
"Damn it, and here I thought I'd get to see where you sleep. Your face, at least. Now that I think of it, I've never seen you in uniform." He made a sound like a puppy growling. "I bet you look all— ahem."
"Spare me." I pinched the bridge of my nose. "There's nothing to see. I'm in a hallway with nothing but dirty white walls, a floor that reek of bleach, and head-splitting lights. The rest is just crummy bunks and a dozen snoring punks. It's uninteresting and functional. Nothing worthy of being filmed."

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Carolina | Looking for feedback @carolinampereira.bsky.social · 5d

Sounds interesting! I love first person POVs, especially when there's so much depth

Carolina | Looking for feedback @carolinampereira.bsky.social · 5d

Daniel is the best choice. I'm trusting his survival skills and bravery. I'm sure he would take it as a mission.

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Carolina | Looking for feedback @carolinampereira.bsky.social · 5d

There's two main characters: the Howe twins Peter and Daniel.
Except for part 2, where Jonathan (the twins' cousin) takes the spotlight.
They all share the Strider genes: striking blue eyes.

#PlotTober #WriteSky

Ange @gunsmile.bsky.social · 5d

#PlotTober Day 5: Main character ideas

Answer the prompt on the card by quoting this post. Remember, answering a prompt is always optional. Even if you don't share it publicly, I hope the prompt encourages you to think about it privately.

#WritingCommunity #WritingPrompt #WriteSky

#PlotTober - a WIP plotting game by @gunsmile.bsky.social

5. How many main characters would suit your WIP? What are your initial ideas for them? What are some inspirations for them that you can draw on from existing media you enjoy?

Remember: Use the #PlotTober hashtag, engage with others, and have fun!

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Carolina | Looking for feedback @carolinampereira.bsky.social · 5d

Peter's inner monologue at the beach

English version on alt

#WIPSnip #WriteSky #WritingCommunity

Did I overshare?
I couldn’t quite understand what had made me trust Diogo so much. I tried not to think too hard about the few big things I’d told him. Looking back, I realize I spent most of the time silent. Even so, I felt a knot in my stomach every time I remembered the little I’d said. It was easy to picture Diogo twisting the story and spreading it around. And yet, the mere possibility of seeing my words misinterpreted in his mind was enough to make me nauseous.
Though the brightness of the sky still faintly lit the rippling water, society’s burning need demanded that projectors, streetlights and neon signs switch on for the night to begin. I watched my stretched shadow spill across the sand, reminding me that behind me, at the far end of the beach, the urban world rose where my family, friends and almost-strangers talked, shared drinks, and built relationships. One group among the many scattered along the line of bars, beach stores and paved patios.

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Carolina | Looking for feedback @carolinampereira.bsky.social · 6d

My current WIP is set in the contemporary world from 2013 to 2020. Most of the setting is inspired by places I've been to.

Ange @gunsmile.bsky.social · 6d

#PlotTober Day 4: Setting for WIP

Answer the prompt on the card by quoting this post. Remember, answering a prompt is always optional. Even if you don't share it publicly, I hope the prompt encourages you to think about it privately.

#WritingCommunity #WritingPrompt #WriteSky

#PlotTober - a WIP plotting game by @gunsmile.bsky.social

4. Is there a specific setting you'd like to use for your WIP? Would it work better in a contemporary world, secondary world, or a blend of the two? What characteristics of the setting are important for your ideas?

Remember: Use the #PlotTober hashtag, engage with others, and have fun!

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Carolina | Looking for feedback @carolinampereira.bsky.social · 6d

He definitely loses to Daniel 🤭
His interactions with Jonathan are minimal, tho

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Carolina | Looking for feedback @carolinampereira.bsky.social · 6d

Some idiomatic expressions

#WIPSnip #WriteSky #WritingCommunity

“Circumstances shape the person.”
“They say so.” He swallowed hard. “I’m still waiting for the day when circumstances get back to work on the sculpture of my person. It feels like I’m doomed to live the same play, no matter the stage.”
“Life’s one hell of a theatre, yeah.” There was now another cigarette butt on the window sill. “Talking about my life isn’t my thing, but I’m going to force myself to tell you a story. But let it be very clear that I’m only doing this because you need to stop with that whole ‘I’m doomed’ thing before I send you on a snipe hunt.”
“You don’t know me. You don't know why I say it.” Peter raised his voice, annoyed by my provocation.
“True. But you don’t know me either, so I think we’ve got a little problem here. No one’s going to be able to help you without knowing what’s going on. Likewise, I don’t allow anyone to say ‘I wish I were like you’ without knowing me. After all, I don’t know which of us has had to swallow more bitter pills.”

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Carolina | Looking for feedback @carolinampereira.bsky.social · 6d

Raw fear moves me, as TyJo sings.
Peter is terrified of repeating things that have gone wrong in the past. It's like the darkness is lurking and he avoids it. But also the fear of losing someone you care about, either due to death or relationships falling apart.

#PlotTober #WriteSky

Hiria Dunning @hiriadunning.bsky.social · 6d

Hello #pretendpanel! I've been on the road all day so I have a bunch to catch up on from yesterday, but here's the next question...

October 4th: How have you explored fear in your writing?

#WritingCommunity #Writers #Authors #WritingPrompts

#pretendpanel
a daily prompt tag hosted by @hiriadunning.bsky.social
October 4th: How have you explored fear in your writing?
Please support your fellow #pretentpanel posters with replies, likes and reposts
New #pretendpanel questions every Friday and Saturday. Hop in any time!

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