Friendly Reminder That You Should

Things to do instead of talking to your f/o on c.ai:

draw something with them

write something with them

make an edit or other graphics of them. screenshot edits where you add your headcanons or other changes to their design are great too even if you don't commit to the new design

revisit your favorite scenes or even reconsume their entire source

go hunt for pictures of them you didn't save yet

go look for new fanart, fanfics, or other fan content made by others

gush to other people about them

talk about them in general even if it's not a gush. share your favorite fun facts, talk about their source, or share some headcanons

find someone to roleplay your f/o for you

make a journal page dedicated to them

write them a letter (and maybe write a response letter from their perspective too)

listen to songs that remind you of them. you could also make a 2010s style AMV of them with that song

Writing ship-able couples

Here are some tips for writing relationships your readers can get behind:

1. Give them reasons to click

The two characters must have things in common - a hobby, a philosophy, a background. There has to be some element that connects them.

Your readers will root for relationships in which the characters fit together better than they would with others.

Also, make their traits compatible. Have them share some characteristics or have their strengths and weaknesses be complementary. Is the one hotheaded? Maybe the other keeps their cool well in situations of conflict.

There are endless possibilities. Just make sure there’s a reason these two people like/love each other.

2. Have them be vulnerable in front of each other

Personally, this is the best way to get me to love a couple.

Have them share secrets, open up about their feelings and tell each other things they haven’t told anyone. Have them cry in front of each other and comfort each other.

This can be taken to a whole new level by having them understand the other’s emotions even without speaking and already offer comfort. Keep in mind that this will probably only be possible with long-established couples.

And having them open up is also a great way for them to discover all the things they have in common/love about each other.

3. Build up the tension

I cannot emphasise this enough: DO NOT MAKE YOUR COUPLES GET TOGETHER TOO QUICKLY.

One of the best elements of a romantic subplot (or even main plot) is the tension. Your readers want to see the pining! They want the build-up.

And no, I’m not saying that you should introduce endless, petty obstacles. That can become tedious and appear forced.

Just give your characters time to sort through their feelings. Make them fall in love slowly. Have them be unsure. Insert SOME obstacles/conflicts.

Have them almost kiss a few times. Not all the time. Too many almost-kisses can become frustrating. But you should throw a few in there.

And, if you feel comfortable with it, add some sexual tension. Have them notice each other’s bodies and imagine what they’d like to do to each other (that sounds more explicit than I intended :) )

4. Write a healthy relationship

This could just be me and my rejection of unhealthy romances, but I will not root for abusive relationships.

Have your characters be kind to each other, support each other and truly care for each other.

If your characters are constantly putting each other down, physically/emotionally abusing each other or going against the other’s wishes, they’re not in a healthy relationship.

A great way to write a healthy relationship whilst still maintaining the tension, is to have the conflict in the relationship be external. Instead of having the conflict be due to internal struggles between the two characters, have obstacles enter from outside.

Your readers should want them to be together and for that, they should be good for each other.

5. Have their friends/family see their chemistry

I find it beyond adorable when two characters are still figuring out their feelings for each other, but the fact that they’re perfect for each other is crystal clear to everyone around them.

Have their friends tease them about the relationship. Have family members ask after the them. Have their loved ones conspire to get them to admit their feelings.

If your other characters are rooting for them, your readers will probably do so as well.

Plus, this means that the chemistry between the two characters is so strong that it’s obvious, which is always good for an exciting romance.

That’s all I’ve got for now. If you have any further questions about writing OTPs or any other aspect of writing, feel free to message me or pop me an ask.

Reblog if you found any of this useful. Comment with your own tips. Follow me for similar content.

Word List: Said

Said—to express in words; state

Alleged - asserted to be true or to exist

Argued - to give reasons for or against something

Articulated - to utter clear and understandable sounds

Asked - to seek information

Asserted - to state or declare positively and often forcefully or aggressively

Babbled - to talk enthusiastically or excessively

Bellowed - to shout in a deep voice

Bragged - to talk boastfully

Commented - to explain or interpret something by comment

Communicated - to convey knowledge of or information about

Complained - to make a formal accusation or charge

Cried - to utter loudly

Declined - to refuse especially courteously

Demanded - to call for something in an authoritative way

Denied - to declare (something) to be untrue

Encouraged - to attempt to persuade

Expressed - to represent in words

Giggled - to utter with a giggle

Growled - to utter angrily

Inquired - to ask about

Mentioned - to make mention of; refer to

Moaned - lament, complain

Nagged - to irritate by constant scolding or urging

Rebuked - to criticize sharply; reprimand

Rebutted - to contradict or oppose by formal legal argument, plea, or countervailing proof

Rejected - to refuse to accept, consider, submit to, take for some purpose, or use

Replied - to respond in words or writing

Retorted - to answer back usually sharply

Roared - to utter or proclaim with a roar

Scolded - to censure usually severely or angrily

Shrieked - to utter a sharp shrill sound

Shrugged - to raise or draw in the shoulders especially to express aloofness, indifference, or uncertainty

Stated - to express the particulars of especially in words; report

Taunted - to reproach or challenge in a mocking or insulting manner

Voiced - to express in words; utter

Vowed - to promise solemnly; swear

Warned - to give admonishing advice to

Whined - to complain with or as if with a whine

Whispered - to speak softly with little or no vibration of the vocal cords especially to avoid being overheard

Yelled - to utter or declare with or as if with a yell; shout

More: Word Lists

WHY HAVE I NEVER HEARD OF OUTLANDER BEFORE ?????

I SUBSCRIBED TO NETFLIX FOR THE FIRST TIME LAST MONDAY TO WATCH THE WITCHER AND SAW OUTLANDER IN MY SUGGESTIONS SO I WAS LIKE....THAT SOUNDS VERY INDULGENT....AND THEN I STARTED WATCHING IT. IMMEDIATELY MY HEART GREW BY THE APPROXIMATE SIZE OF A TALL SCOTTISH REDHEAD.

yayy another traumatized blorbo to add to the list ! :(

shoutout to that reddit list of triggers + their respective time marks. you a real one.

Oh, going on a painting picnic with the person you love.

MAKING YOUR S/I A COHERENT CHAR.

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Day 1: reference sheet

Day 2: wardrobe

Day 3: emotion chart

Day 4: having their worst day ever possible (for both s/i and f/o)

Day 5: having their best day ever possible (for both s/i and f/o)

Day 6: mini comic detailing their routine

Day 7: asleep

Day 8: personal belongings

Day 9: song lyrics

Day 10: younger and older

Day 11: closest to media style as possible

Day 12: representing their culture/s

Day 13: poster (both s/i and f/o)

˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗

Naven Hope by Anet Aristova (2022)

I don’t care if it’s Valentine’s Day—if he doesn’t look at me like this, then I don’t want him!