• "how can you not know, i made it so obvious!" "clearly, you didn't make it that clear!"
• “i’ve had feelings for you for so long.”
• “it’s a bit frustrating to how oblivious you are.”
• “how did you not notice, i always flirted with you.”
• “you deserve someone who would treat you right.” “who might that be?” “… how about me?”
• “i’m right in front of you.”
• character b going on and on about how they never find someone and character a is just looking at them ready to snap.
• “you just got to be fucking kidding me, right?”
• “are you messing with me?” “no, why would you think that?” “because i gave you all the signs to me liking you and you haven’t notice one bit.”
• “why are you so clueless?”
• “did you ever stop and think that maybe just maybe the person you’re looking for is me?”
• character a choosing to ignore character b for a while after b goes out on a tinder date and b is so confused on why a been avoiding them.
• ^ “did i do something wrong?”
• “what do i have to do or say for you to notice that i’m in love with you?”
• “everyone knew but you!”
• character a having to hear character b talk about the sweet gifts that character c claimed they sent reader.
• ^ "they didn't send you those gifts, i did!"
• "wait... you're in love with me?"
• "why do you care!" "because i’m in love with you!"
• "you claim to know everything about me but you never noticed that i’ve feelings for you, not even once?”

• Rain: cleansing, sadness, renewal, obstacles
• Sunshine: happiness, hope, clarity, energy
• Storms: conflict, turmoil, dramatic change
• Snow: purity, stillness, coldness, isolation
• Fog: confusion, mystery, uncertainty
• Wind: change, freedom, unrest, communication

• Eagle: freedom, vision, strength, courage
• Lion: bravery, power, leadership, pride
• Dove: peace, love, innocence, spirituality
• Wolf: loyalty, cunning, survival, community
• Snake: transformation, danger, temptation, wisdom
• Butterfly: transformation, beauty, impermanence

• Rose: love, beauty, passion, secrecy
• Oak Tree: strength, endurance, wisdom
• Willow Tree: sadness, flexibility, resilience
• Lotus Flower: purity, enlightenment, rebirth
• Ivy: friendship, fidelity, eternity
• Cactus: endurance, protection, warmth

• Mirror: self-reflection, truth, illusion
• Key: opportunity, secrets, freedom
• Bridge: connection, transition, overcoming obstacles
• Candle: hope, spirituality, life, guidance
• Clock: time, mortality, urgency
• Mask: disguise, deception, concealment

• One: beginnings, unity, individuality
• Two: partnership, balance, duality
• Three: creativity, growth, completeness
• Four: stability, order, foundation
• Five: change, adventure, unpredictability
• Seven: mystery, spirituality, luck

• Spring: renewal, birth, growth, hope
• Summer: vitality, abundance, joy, freedom
• Autumn: change, maturity, decline, reflection
• Winter: death, stillness, introspection, endurance

• Light: knowledge, purity, safety, enlightenment
• Darkness: ignorance, evil, mystery, fear
• Shadow: the unconscious, secrets, mystery
• Twilight: ambiguity, transition, mystery

• Fire: passion, destruction, energy, transformation
• Water: emotion, intuition, life, change
• Earth: stability, grounding, fertility, growth
• Air: intellect, communication, freedom, change

"it's all in the eyes i was once told"

• catching the stare of someone across a crowded room
• subtle furrowing of eyebrows beyond a blank facade
• coldness easing into warmth
• a fond mothering gaze
• corner of the lip nudged upward
• forced glower/glare as they break underneath
• batting their lashes, playful
• a boisterous laugh
• intrigue piercing the stoic
• proud smugness at the other's success
• lingering glances
• a childish joy bursting through
• pupils dilate
• eyelids shut in a look of peace, calm and trust

"there was once a time when they were mine"

• terseness
• features fold into a scowl
• an urgent flinching back
• coldness returns (as though the warmth had never come)
• lips part then purse
• invasion of shock
• slow stare at the floor
• the ripple effect of a swallow
• frustrated breath/sigh
• bitter laugh in reminiscence
• dread tearing through the seams of their composure

"darkness"

• mean smirk- teeth bared grimace- scowl
• dismissive gaze
• gaze of contempt/impatience
• threat lowering the voice
• sardonic goading grins verging on manic
• rolling one's eyes
• flicker of irritation in the eyes
• stares stubbornly ahead despite distraction
• gritted teeth, clenched jaw
• fierce biting remarks
• even measured complexions betraying no thought
• strangling oneself back from violence
• utter apathy
• murderous silence hanging in the stare
• snobbish laughter
• smiling at another's downfall

• Facial Expressions
• Masking Emotions
• Smiles/Smirks/Grins
• Eye Contact/Eye Movements
• Blushing
• Voice/Tone
• Body Language/Idle Movement
• Thoughts/Thinking/Focusing/Distracted
• Silence
• Memories
• Happy/Content/Comforted
• Love/Romance
• Sadness/Crying/Hurt
• Confidence/Determination/Hopeful
• Surprised/Shocked
• Guilt/Regret
• Disgusted/Jealous
• Uncertain/Doubtful/Worried
• Anger/Rage
• Laughter
• Confused
• Speechless/Tongue Tied
• Fear/Terrified
• Mental Pain
• Physical Pain
• Tired/Drowsy/Exhausted
• Eating
• Drinking
• Warm/Hot

• 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

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• “You’re blushing.” “Yeah, so? Never seen anyone fall for your charm before?”
• “Are you okay? You look a little…” “I’m fine!”
• A tries to hide their blush from B by turning their head away, but the latter doesn’t let them.
• “I can’t help it (when you look at me like that).”
• “Are you actually blushing?” “No! Shut up.”
• “You, uhh… You… Sorry. I didn’t mean to make you… I mean…”
• A smiles fondly when B starts to blush and draws them closer, allowing them to hide in their embrace.
• “Awww. Did I fluster you?”
• “This never happened, do you understand?! If I find out you mentioned this to anyone, I’ll…”
• It appears A made B blush, and in response their own cheeks heat up.
• “Stoooop. Stop making me all…” “All… what?”
• “Just admit that…” (e.g. you like when I look at you like that.)
• A has never blushed when they asked that question/made such a comment before. (Before what?/Has something changed?)
• “… You’ll never let me live this down, will you?”
• A touches their own heated cheeks (, maybe to confirm that they really are blushing. Not that they didn’t already know.)
• “Why am I blushing?!”
• A and B try to figure out who can make the other person blush first/the hardest.
• “I call bullshit. There’s no way you never blush. No way.”
• “Months/Years later, and you still make me blush.”
• “I’m not blushing. It’s from the cold.” “Yeah. Sure.”
• “Sorry. I just... like seeing that I have an effect on you, I guess.”
• “God. You look adorable/etc. (when you’re blushing).”
• A is curious/confused/etc. Once, they easily were able to make B blush. Nowadays, it seems almost impossible.
• “You’re blushing.” “So are you.”

1. Gaze - To look steadily and intently, especially in admiration or thought.
2. Glance - A brief or hurried look.
3. Peek - A quick and typically secretive look.
4. Peer - To look with difficulty or concentration.
5. Scan - To look over quickly but thoroughly.
6. Observe - To watch carefully and attentively.
7. Inspect - To look at closely in order to assess condition or quality.
8. Stare - To look fixedly or vacantly at someone or something.
9. Glimpse - To see or perceive briefly or partially.
10. Eye - To look or stare at intently.
11. Peruse - To read or examine something with great care.
12. Scrutinize - To examine or inspect closely and thoroughly.
13. Behold - To see or observe a thing or person, especially a remarkable one.
14. Witness - To see something happen, typically a significant event.
15. Spot - To see, notice, or recognize someone or something.
16. Contemplate - To look thoughtfully for a long time at.
17. Sight - To suddenly or unexpectedly see something or someone.
18. Ogle - To stare at in a lecherous manner.
19. Leer - To look or gaze in an unpleasant, malicious way.
20. Gawk - To stare openly and stupidly.
21. Gape - To stare with one's mouth open wide, in amazement.
22. Squint - To look with eyes partially closed.
23. Regard - To consider or think of in a specified way.
24. Admire - To regard with pleasure, wonder, and approval.
25. Skim - To look through quickly to gain superficial knowledge.
26. Reconnoiter - To make a military observation of a region.
27. Flick - To look or move the eyes quickly.
28. Rake - To look through something rapidly and unsystematically.
29. Glare - To look angrily or fiercely.
30. Peep - To look quickly and secretly through an opening.
31. Focus - To concentrate one's visual effort on.
32. Discover - To find or realize something not clear before.
33. Spot-check - To examine something briefly or at random.
34. Devour - To look over with eager enthusiasm.
35. Examine - To inspect in detail to determine condition.
36. Feast one's eyes - To look at something with great enjoyment.
37. Catch sight of - To suddenly or unexpectedly see.
38. Clap eyes on - To suddenly see someone or something.
39. Set eyes on - To look at, especially for the first time.
40. Take a dekko - Colloquial for taking a look.
41. Leer at - To look or gaze in a suggestive manner.
42. Rubberneck - To stare at something in a foolish way.
43. Make out - To manage to see or read with difficulty.
44. Lay eyes on - To see or look at.
45. Pore over - To look at or read something intently.
46. Ogle at - To look at in a lecherous or predatory way.
47. Pry - To look or inquire into something in a determined manner.
48. Dart - To look quickly or furtively.
49. Drink in - To look at with great enjoyment or fascination.
50. Bask in - To look at or enjoy something for a period of time.

The Writer's Scene Workbook

Calling all aspiring storytellers with hearts full of whimsy! Get ready to sprinkle a touch of enchantment into your scenes with my Scene Wo

Gumroad

Join Write Right Society • Community on Tumblr

683 members, 435 posts about #creative writing #creative writers #helping writers • Guiding Writers to New Heights

Tumblr

• Amaryllis: Pride
• Black-eyed Susan: Justice
• Bluebell: Humility
• Calla Lily: Beauty
• Pink Camellia: Longing
• Carnations: Female love
• Yellow Carnation: Rejection
• Clematis: Mental beauty
• Columbine: Foolishness
• Cyclamen: Resignation
• Daffodil: Unrivalled love
• Daisy: Innocence, loyalty
• Forget-me-not: True love
• Gardenia: Secret love
• Geranium: Folly, stupidity
• Gladiolus: Integrity, strength
• Hibiscus: Delicate beauty
• Honeysuckle: Bonds of love
• Blue Hyacinth: Constancy
• Hydrangea: Frigid, heartless
• Iris: Faith, trust, wisdom
• White Jasmine: Amiability
• Lavender: Distrust
• Lilac: Joy of youth
• White Lily: Purity
• Orange Lily: Hatred
• Tiger Lily: Wealth, pride
• Lily-of-the-valley: Sweetness, humility
• Lotus: Enlightenment, rebirth
• Magnolia: Nobility
• Marigold: Grief, jealousy
• Morning Glory: Affection
• Nasturtium: Patriotism, conquest
• Pansy: Thoughtfulness
• Peony: Bashfulness, shame
• Poppy: Consolation
• Red Rose: Love
• Yellow Rose: Jealously, infidelity
• Snapdragon: Deception, grace
• Sunflower: Adoration
• Sweet Willian: Gallantry
• Red Tulip: Passion
• Violet: Watchfulness, modesty
• Yarrow: Everlasting love
• Zinnia: Absent, affection

• Red face
• Tensing up jaw/body
• Clenching fists
• Gritting teeth
• Stomped feet
• Rolling eyes
• Crossing arms
• Kick/Hit something
• Eyebrows furl
• Face crunches up
• Tight lips
• Narrow eyes

• Laugh/Giggle
• Smile from ear to ear
• High tone in voice
• Smiling/Grinning while talking
• Heart Pounding
• Clapping
• Breathing deeply
• Squeal/Scream
• Talking fast
• Contentedly Sigh
• Tilted head
• Hand clasped over mouth

• Pace back and forth
• Sigh loudly
• Blank face
• Play with fingers
• Staring off into space
• Yawning
• Fidgeting around
• Leaning head on hands
• Rubbing eyes
• Droopy eyes
• Dark circles under eyes
• Complaining

• Trembling lips/body
• Tears in eyes
• Bite Nails
• Curl up/tuck knees to chest
• Bite nails
• Eyes burn/turn red
• Stop breathing OR breathe fast
• Lose appetite
• Frowning
• Darting eyes
• Blinking quick or not at all
• Pounding heart

colour is the lifeblood of a scene. here are ways not to over-use it.

name: meaning of name: nicknames/titles: age: gender: location: birthday: strengths + example where it's shown: weaknesses + example where it's shown: how it affects others:

attachment style + how it manifests in the story: physical fear: emotional/abstract fear: happy memory: sad memory: object of significance: philosophical outlook/belief: what characters are ignorant about themselves: how confident are they: goal: long-term dreams: what they're embarrassed/ashamed to tell others about: regrets: source of pride: source of misery: what they admire above all else: do they believe in fate:

mbti: enneagram: big five: character archetype: star sign: who they pretend to be on the outside: who they actually are/how they feel towards the mask: mental health conditions: how it manifests for them: iq: eq: humour: reputation:

bad habits: mannerisms when stressed: mannerisms when content: mannerisms when scared: mannerisms normally: verbal mannerisms/distinctive speaking style: how do they move across a room: what do they say and what remains unsaid: how they express love: hobbies:

defining features: eye shape + colour: hair texture + colour: skin texture + tone: vibe: height: build: clothing: any bodily disfigurement (scars, etc.): overall attractiveness: their opinion on their appearance: appeals to:

who they trust most: what they wish they could do for them: what's holding them back: who they hate most: what they wish they could do to them: what's holding them back: relationship with the protagonist: relationship with the antagonist: siblings: relationship with them: parents/step-parents: relationship with them: previous broken relationships: why did it break: what others expect of them: who believes in them: their mentor character/who they look up to: political/religious/other affiliations: what makes them different from every other character: non-human relationships + why: romantic "type" + why: relationship dynamics:

primary emotion towards their past: primary feelings while in their past: where did they grow up: defining incidents: earliest childhood memory: saddest memory: happiest memory: major accomplishments: their opinion on it: notable people in their backstory: effect on them today: trauma: what have they already lost: financial circumstance:

why are they important (eg. why're they the only one able to do something?): what do they learn about themselves throughout the story: what do they learn about the world: how do they feel towards their newfound knowledge: character arc (positive, negative, neutral): how relationships change because of their actions: what mistakes do they make: what scene is their character highlighted: do they get what they want: why or why not: what happens to them after the story ends: