Comfort Prompts For A Lover's Nightmare

Questions to help develop your otp. Pt2

How would they prefer to spend time when out and about?

What signal do they give when they need some space ?

In which setting do they best play off each other ?

What is a moment when each character is vulnerable?

How does each character react to the other being vulnerable?

How do they communicate reciprocated feelings?

What do they disagree on and how did they deal with differing opinions ?

What sort of things do they get into fights over ?

How do they reconcile after arguments ?

How do they each show affection?

At what time do they usually/ mostly have their conversations ?

How honest are they with each other?

How open are they about their current feelings ?

How do they compromise?

In what ways are they in tune with the other's feelings?

How do they show sympathy?

In what ways do they pressure the other or consciously avoid applying pressure?

What topics are the most painful to each other ?

What topics always leads to a fight ?

Is one character too sensitive about something?

What do they want to be resolved the most ?

How do they hold each other accountable?

How do they react in times when they can't cheer the other up ?

What are their plans for the future ?

What plans have they built together ?

If any, what's the biggest threat to their relationship? Are they aware it exists ?

Do they want to have children? If so, how many? Do they agree about this? What gender do they most want ?

Have they discussed the future? Why or why not ?

Where would their dream be located?

Where do they think they'll be in the future together?

How does each want their dream home to be like?

How do they behave or act when they're upset or angry with each other ?

How would each character want to better themselves for the other ?

What would each character appreciate the other doing for them ?

What little things remind them of each other ?

How do they think the other is unique ?

What negative traits do they see in the other and how do they deal with it ?

What might they like to change about the other?

What would each be willing to change in him/ herself for the other and what wouldn't they change?

How did each character come to trust the other ?

What are their shared background experiences ?

What are the differences in their backgrounds ?

What was one moment when one side was weak and the other had to be strong for both ?

When are they jealous for the other ?

When have they let the other down ?

When have they betrayed each other ?

What are the most difficult situations they've faced together so far? How did they overcome them ?

What are their best memories together? What are their worst ?

What's one moment one character felt proud of the other?

What were their first impressions?

When did they realize they were attracted to the other and how did they deal with it?

When was the first temptation to kiss?

When they actually kiss ?

At what point did they realize they might be in love ?

At what point in the story do they most depend on the other?

What are their mannerisms when walking side by side ?

How do they sit when they talk?

How do they respond to physical closeness?

How do they each act ( physically)when confronted with conflicts?

What secrets does each character have? and what secrets would they hate for anyone to discover?

reassurance starters

“ i feel safe with you. “

“ i won't let anything happen to you. “

“ you're safe with me. “

“ are you okay with this? ”

“ you've got good values. “

“ i trust you. “

“ thank you for your patience. “

“ can i kiss you? ”

“ i won't tell a soul. i promise. “

“ i appreciate you. “

“ you are so smart. “

“ i love you for who you are. “

“ the world is lucky to have you. “

“ you don't mind if i kiss you, do you? “

“ it's okay, you know. “

“ i want you to kiss me. “

“ only if you want to. “

“ i would pretty much trust you with my life. “

“ are you okay with being touched? “

“ if you're uncomfortable, you can tell me. “

“ you don't have to do anything you don't want to do. “

“ you're a wonderful person. “

“ you deserve the whole world. “

“ do you want me to talk to them for you? “

“ are you sure about this? “

“ it's okay if you say no. “

“ it's up to you. “

“ i'll always support you. “

“ you'll always have me. “

“ we don't have to do this if you're not ready. “

“ you belong with me, to me, under me. consensually, of course. “

“ can i hug you? “

“ i like kissing you. “

“ you're really cute, you know. “

“ you're adorable. “

“ god, i love you. “

“ we make a pretty good team. “

“ it's you and me. “

“ you're worthy of everything. “

“ i've never loved anyone the way i love you. “

“ you promise this is okay? “

“ are you okay with me kissing you? ”

“ come to me, whenever you need to. “

“ i'm here for you. “

“ you can talk to me. “

“ do you trust me? “ “ yes. “

“ i like spending time with you.

“ it's nice, this thing we've got going on. ”

“ you make me happy. really happy. “

“ you're safe with me. “

“ i got you. “

“ you're okay. “

“ i'm not going anywhere. “

“ call me, even if it's the middle of the night. “

“ are you okay with this? “

“ i'm extremely okay with this. “

“ you know that i love you, right? “

“ whenever you're ready, i'll be there. “

“ if you're not ready, we can wait. “

“ take your time. it's okay. “

“ it's gonna be okay. i promise.

“ you're not alone.

“ you have me. “

PROMPT LIST

feel free to use this prompt list for anyone :) please use at most three per request

Fluff

Can I kiss you?

How did you not know I liked you? I let you meet my parents!

My friends have a bet to see how long it will take me to ask you out.

All I wanna do is know everything about you.

I can get used to waking up like this.

If you don’t get me ice cream, I’m leaving you for your brother.

Would you mind staying the night?

You’re all I can think about right now.

I’m going to marry you one day.

I’m coming home.

Make breakfast with me.

I’m not meeting your parents when I look like this.

I told my mom/dad about you.

I had a dream that you were my wife/husband.

Why are you crying?

Last time I checked, I am deeply in love with you.

Come dance with me.

Why are you wearing my shirt?

Play [video game] with me.

Stop smacking my ass.

I didn’t trip over my shoelaces. I just fell in love with you again.

Are you jealous?

Wanna go for a drive?

Wanna get some food?

Sorry, I just realized that I might be madly in love with you, but go on.

Angst

What if I lose you?

My biggest fear is not having you anymore.

I know I fucked up.

Please don’t touch me.

I don’t know how to deal with this.

Do you actually love me?

I love you so much that I can’t fucking hate you.

Leave me.

What? Is she so much better than me?

I wish I never met you.

I didn’t sleep with your best friend!

I don’t know how much more of this I can actually deal with.

I know this might be dumb, but can you stay with me?

Do you actually mean that?

Of course, I still love you.

You need to decide. Him or me?

I thought you changed.

If you loved me, then why did you sleep with her?

You hurt. You hurt so bad.

I wish I could stop loving you.

Did your ex hurt you?

I lost it.

I’m not going to hit you.

Please slow down the car.

I’m so scared I’m going to lose you.

Smut:

I think we were too loud last night.

Do you think they can hear us?

Lock the door.

You have the body on an Angel.

Spread your legs for me.

Are you going to be a good girl for me?

Don’t leave too many hickies.

We can’t do this here. Everyone will see us.

Get on your knees.

Your tongue is magic, you know that?

If you get me going, I’m not going to stop.

It’s four a.m.. How are you still horny?

I have never seen you this needy.

Your hot when you’re sweaty.

Do you wanna shower with me?

My legs are shaking.

Do I make you nervous?

I have an extra special present for you.

I still sore from last night.

Those aren’t you’re keys in your pocket is it?

I miss you. Take a bath with me.

Louder.

Damn, you’re wet.

Don’t talk to me when you’re only wearing a towel.

Fluff prompts !

" You have a cute blush "

" I prefer you as my pillow "

" Soft " "you're so soft ... - I'm not letting you leave "

"You're just the cutest little angel in the universe ! "

" I love the way you feel "

" You're so lovable "

" I care about you more "

" you're so beautiful . Believe me. "

" I won't stop kissing you "

" I love your smile !'

" I like being with you "

" stop it .. you'll make me feel shy..."

" are you blushing ?"

" I want to kiss you ... just a little bit.

" I like being cuddled "

" could we maybe make out ?"

" aww... My little mess being cute as always "

" I never ever want to lose you , my love "

" I'm so lucky to be with you ".

" you're just too cute aren't you ? "

" I think you're adorable "

" I'm so lucky to have you "

" wanna cuddle ?"

" everybody loves hugs and kisses .

I'm so happy I have you now .

" can I at least get a hug ?"

" No. I'm not letting you go "

" can we just stay like this for a while?"

" you're so important to me "

" I love your lips.."

" there's almost nothing better than kissing you "

AN  INCOMPLETE  LIST  OF  NICHE  KISSES 

feel free to edit who is sending and receiving,  i wanted to keep this post short and sweet so i didn’t create two perspectives since it’s easy to switch around after pasting 

1)  sender kisses the corner of receiver’s eye where their skin is crinkling from a smile. 

2)  sender tenderly places several kisses on receiver’s belly. 

3)  sender takes receiver’s hand and kisses their wrist,  lingering there to feel their pulse against their lips. 

4)  sender takes receiver’s chin between their fingers while receiver is smiling or laughing so they can kiss their dimple.  

5)  sender kisses under receiver’s ear,  right where the jaw and neck connect. 

6)  sender slowly kisses each of receiver’s fingertips. 

7)  sender takes receiver’s hand and kisses their palm. 

8)  sender kisses receiver’s palm after receiver cupped their cheek. 

9)  sender sensually kisses receiver’s inner ankle to start an ascension of caresses up towards their thigh. 

10)  sender kisses the middle of receiver’s chest,  right where the sternum is. 

11)  sender kisses receiver’s eyelids. 

12)  sender stands behind receiver and sweeps their hair aside to kiss the nape of their neck. 

13)  sender sensually kisses right behind receiver’s ear. 

14)  sender tilts receivers head back so they can kiss their throat right beneath their chin. 

15)  sender takes hold of receiver’s face and teasingly squishes their cheeks so it puckers their lips before placing a quick peck. 

Hero × villain prompt.

Hero:" Why are you doing this?!"

Villain : "Cause I'm a bad guy, duh."

Hero : "...did you just make a Billie Eilish reference? "

Writing with Color: Description Guide - Words for Skin Tone

We discussed the issue of describing People of Color by means of food in Part I of this guide, which brought rise to even more questions, mostly along the lines of “So, if food’s not an option, what can I use?” Well, I was just getting to that!

This final portion focuses on describing skin tone, with photo and passage examples provided throughout. I hope to cover everything from the use of straight-forward description to the more creatively-inclined, keeping in mind the questions we’ve received on this topic.

So let’s get to it.

S T A N D A R D  D E S C R I P T I O N

B a s i c  C o l o r s

Pictured above: Black, Brown, Beige, White, Pink.

“She had brown skin.”

This is a perfectly fine description that, while not providing the most detail, works well and will never become cliché.

Describing characters’ skin as simply brown or beige works on its own, though it’s not particularly telling just from the range in brown alone.

C o m p l e x  C o l o r s

These are more rarely used words that actually “mean” their color. Some of these have multiple meanings, so you’ll want to look into those to determine what other associations a word might have.

Pictured above: Umber, Sepia, Ochre, Russet, Terra-cotta, Gold, Tawny, Taupe, Khaki, Fawn.

Complex colors work well alone, though often pair well with a basic color in regards to narrowing down shade/tone.

For example: Golden brown, russet brown, tawny beige…

As some of these are on the “rare” side, sliding in a definition of the word within the sentence itself may help readers who are unfamiliar with the term visualize the color without seeking a dictionary.

“He was tall and slim, his skin a russet, reddish-brown.”

Comparisons to familiar colors or visuals are also helpful:

“His skin was an ochre color, much like the mellow-brown light that bathed the forest.”

M o d i f i e r s 

Modifiers, often adjectives, make partial changes to a word.The following words are descriptors in reference to skin tone.

D a r k - D e e p - R i c h - C o o l

W a r m - M e d i u m - T a n

F a i r - L i g h t - P a l e

Rich Black, Dark brown, Warm beige, Pale pink…

If you’re looking to get more specific than “brown,” modifiers narrow down shade further.

Keep in mind that these modifiers are not exactly colors.

As an already brown-skinned person, I get tan from a lot of sun and resultingly become a darker, deeper brown. I turn a pale, more yellow-brown in the winter.

While best used in combination with a color, I suppose words like “tan” “fair” and “light” do work alone; I’d just note that tan is less likely to be taken for “naturally tan” and much more likely a tanned white person.

Calling someone “dark” as description on its own is offensive to some and also ambiguous. (See: Describing Skin as Dark)

U n d e r t o n e s

Undertones are the colors beneath the skin, seeing as skin isn’t just one even color but has more subdued tones within the dominating palette.

Mentioning the undertones within a character’s skin is an even more precise way to denote skin tone.

As shown, there’s a difference between say, brown skin with warm orange-red undertones (Kelly Rowland) and brown skin with cool, jewel undertones (Rutina Wesley).

“A dazzling smile revealed the bronze glow at her cheeks.”

“He always looked as if he’d ran a mile, a constant tinge of pink under his tawny skin.”

Standard Description Passage

“Farah’s skin, always fawn, had burned and freckled under the summer’s sun. Even at the cusp of autumn, an uneven tan clung to her skin like burrs. So unlike the smooth, red-brown ochre of her mother, which the sun had richened to a blessing.” 

-From my story “Where Summer Ends” featured in Strange Little Girls

Here the state of skin also gives insight on character.

Note my use of “fawn” in regards to multiple meaning and association. While fawn is a color, it’s also a small, timid deer, which describes this very traumatized character of mine perfectly.

Though I use standard descriptions of skin tone more in my writing, at the same time I’m no stranger to creative descriptions, and do enjoy the occasional artsy detail of a character.

C R E A T I V E  D E S C R I P T I O N

Whether compared to night-cast rivers or day’s first light…I actually enjoy seeing Characters of Colors dressed in artful detail.

I’ve read loads of descriptions in my day of white characters and their “smooth rose-tinged ivory skin”, while the PoC, if there, are reduced to something from a candy bowl or a Starbucks drink, so to actually read of PoC described in lavish detail can be somewhat of a treat.

Still, be mindful when you get creative with your character descriptions. Too many frills can become purple-prose-like, so do what feels right for your writing when and where. Not every character or scene warrants a creative description, either. Especially if they’re not even a secondary character.

Using a combination of color descriptions from standard to creative is probably a better method than straight-up creative. But again, do what’s good for your tale.

N A T U R AL  S E T T I N G S - S K Y

Pictured above: Harvest Moon -Twilight, Fall/Autumn Leaves, Clay, Desert/Sahara, Sunlight - Sunrise - Sunset - Afterglow - Dawn- Day- Daybreak, Field - Prairie - Wheat, Mountain/Cliff, Beach/Sand/Straw/Hay.

Now before you run off to compare your heroine’s skin to the harvest moon or a cliff side, think about the associations to your words.

When I think cliff, I think of jagged, perilous, rough. I hear sand and picture grainy, yet smooth. Calm. mellow.

So consider your character and what you see fit to compare them to.

Also consider whose perspective you’re describing them from. Someone describing a person they revere or admire may have a more pleasant, loftier description than someone who can’t stand said person.

“Her face was like the fire-gold glow of dawn, lifting my gaze, drawing me in.”

“She had a sandy complexion, smooth and tawny.”

Even creative descriptions tend to draw help from your standard words.

F L O W E R S

Pictured above: Calla lilies, Western Coneflower, Hazel Fay, Hibiscus, Freesia, Rose

It was a bit difficult to find flowers to my liking that didn’t have a 20 character name or wasn’t called something like “chocolate silk” so these are the finalists. 

You’ll definitely want to avoid purple-prose here.

Also be aware of flowers that most might’ve never heard of. Roses are easy, as most know the look and coloring(s) of this plant. But Western coneflowers? Calla lilies? Maybe not so much.

“He entered the cottage in a huff, cheeks a blushing brown like the flowers Nana planted right under my window. Hazel Fay she called them, was it?”

A S S O R T E D  P L A N T S &  N A T U R E

Pictured above: Cattails, Seashell, Driftwood, Pinecone, Acorn, Amber

These ones are kinda odd. Perhaps because I’ve never seen these in comparison to skin tone, With the exception of amber.

At least they’re common enough that most may have an idea what you’re talking about at the mention of “pinecone.“ 

I suggest reading out your sentences aloud to get a better feel of how it’ll sounds.

“Auburn hair swept past pointed ears, set around a face like an acorn both in shape and shade.”

I pictured some tree-dwelling being or person from a fantasy world in this example, which makes the comparison more appropriate.

I don’t suggest using a comparison just “’cuz you can” but actually being thoughtful about what you’re comparing your character to and how it applies to your character and/or setting.

W O O D

Pictured above: Mahogany, Walnut, Chestnut, Golden Oak, Ash

Wood is definitely an iffy description for skin tone. Not only due to several of them having “foody” terminology within their names, but again, associations.

Some people would prefer not to compare/be compared to wood at all, so get opinions, try it aloud, and make sure it’s appropriate to the character if you do use it.

“The old warlock’s skin was a deep shade of mahogany, his stare serious and firm as it held mine.”

M E T A L S

Pictured above: Platinum, Copper, Brass, Gold, Bronze

Copper skin, brass-colored skin, golden skin…

I’ve even heard variations of these used before by comparison to an object of the same properties/coloring, such as penny for copper.

These also work well with modifiers.

“The dress of fine white silks popped against the deep bronze of her skin.”

G E M S T O N E S - M I N E R A LS

Pictured above: Onyx, Obsidian, Sard, Topaz, Carnelian, Smoky Quartz, Rutile, Pyrite, Citrine, Gypsum

These are trickier to use. As with some complex colors, the writer will have to get us to understand what most of these look like.

If you use these, or any more rare description, consider if it actually “fits” the book or scene.

Even if you’re able to get us to picture what “rutile” looks like, why are you using this description as opposed to something else? Have that answer for yourself.

“His skin reminded her of the topaz ring her father wore at his finger, a gleaming stone of brown, mellow facades.” 

P H Y S I C A L  D E S C R I P T I ON

Physical character description can be more than skin tone.

Show us hair, eyes, noses, mouth, hands…body posture, body shape, skin texture… though not necessarily all of those nor at once.

Describing features also helps indicate race, especially if your character has some traits common within the race they are, such as Afro hair to a Black character.

How comprehensive you decide to get is up to you. I wouldn’t overdo it and get specific to every mole and birthmark. Noting defining characteristics is good, though, like slightly spaced front teeth, curls that stay flopping in their face, hands freckled with sunspots…

G E N E R A L  T I P S

Indicate Race Early: I suggest indicators of race be made at the earliest convenience within the writing, with more hints threaded throughout here and there.

Get Creative All On Your Own: Obviously, I couldn’t cover every proper color or comparison in which has been “approved” to use for your characters’ skin color, so it’s up to you to use discretion when seeking other ways and shades to describe skin tone.

Skin Color May Not Be Enough: Describing skin tone isn’t always enough to indicate someone’s ethnicity. As timeless cases with readers equating brown to “dark white” or something, more indicators of race may be needed.

Describe White characters and PoC Alike: You should describe the race and/or skin tone of your White characters just as you do your Characters of Color. If you don’t, you risk implying that White is the default human being and PoC are the “Other”).

PSA: Don’t use “Colored.” Based on some asks we’ve received using this word, I’d like to say that unless you or your character is a racist grandmama from the 1960s, do not call People of Color “colored” please. 

Not Sure Where to Start? You really can’t go wrong using basic colors for your skin descriptions. It’s actually what many people prefer and works best for most writing. Personally, I tend to describe my characters using a combo of basic colors + modifiers, with mentions of undertones at times. I do like to veer into more creative descriptions on occasion.

Want some alternatives to “skin” or “skin color”? Try: Appearance, blend, blush, cast, coloring, complexion, flush, glow, hue, overtone, palette, pigmentation, rinse, shade, sheen, spectrum, tinge, tint, tone, undertone, value, wash.

Skin Tone Resources

List of Color Names

The Color Thesaurus

Things that are Brown (blog)

Skin Undertone & Color Matching

Tips and Words on Describing Skin

Photos: Undertones Described (Modifiers included)

Online Thesaurus (try colors, such as “red” & “brown”)

Don’t Call me Pastries: Creative Skin Tones w/ pics 3 2 1

Writing & Description Guides

WWC Guide: Words to Describe Hair

Writing with Color: Description & Skin Color

Describing Characters of Color (Passage Examples)

7 Offensive Mistakes Well-intentioned Writers Make

I tried to be as comprehensive as possible with this guide, but if you have a question regarding describing skin color that hasn’t been answered within part I or II of this guide, or have more questions after reading this post, feel free to ask!

~ Mod Colette

List of “God, I’m so in love with you but I’m also a coward, so hiding my feelings it is” prompts 

“Your flirt game is so bad, no wonder you’re still single.” “My flirt game isn’t bad, and the person I like is a fucking idiot. That’s why I’m still single.” “…Okay, but why are you looking at me like that?”

“Why don’t you go marry them if you like them that much?” “…[Name], are you… Are you jealous?” “Am not.”

“You keep sabotaging my dates, and for why?” “Because… Because I know when someone’s an asshole and I don’t want you dating an asshole?”

“My God,” Character A whispers, brushing a strand of hair from Character B’s face; hears the distinct hitch of breath. “You’re so dense,” Character A says. “I’m not… I’m not dense,” Character B breathes out, leaning into Character A’s touch.

“You’re as dense as a cabbage, [name].” 

“I would never like you that way.” “Oh, well, neither would I!” 

“You’re always getting your heart broken.” “I wouldn’t be getting my heart broken if someone knew how to read the signs.”

“Why do you keep calling me an idiot in front of other people?” “Because you are an idiot.”

“Stop putting your arm around my waist. It’s so…” “…So?” “It’s weird, and I hate it. Because it’s doing things to me that I don’t like.” 

“I’d never date you even if we were the last two people in this world. It goes against our friendship code,” Character A says, and Character B tries to hide the twinge of hurt crossing their face. “Yeah, well, I wouldn’t want to date you anyway, even if it were an option.” 

Kiss prompts ! ( Fictional kisses I heart pt 2 )

I present more kiss ideas! Because everyone loves kisses and especially my fellow writers . Hehe~

Whispering " I love you " between kisses before kissing them passionately / deeply.

Break up kisses . ( Like where your otp is ending their relationship but they decide to end it with a last kiss? , pouring their emotions into it and probably mingling with tears because they have to let this beautiful person go ) angst but yh...

Placing a gentle kiss on their temple .

Kissing their fingers / fingertips.

When they smile and mumble " I love you / I love you so much" against their lips .

Caressing their cheeks before leaning in to kiss them .

Grabbing or cupping their face and kissing them .

Glancing or staring at their lover's lip and unconsciously biting their lip before a kiss.

Moaning into kiss when their lover kisses them.

Kissing the crook of their neck.

Caressing their lips/ face before or after they kiss.

Hesitant gentle kisses that slowly become passionate and they pull their lover closer , devouring their lips.

Kisses that one uses to seek attention. ( Like their lover is working or on the phone or doing something and they try to distract them by kissing their cheek /neck or shoulder )

Sitting on their lap when making out.

Intentionally teasing their lover by brushing their lips against theirs / neck / ear .

Kissing below their ear / earlobe.

Leaning their head against each other , panting after a passionate make out session.

When they hold hands , intertwining/ interlacing their fingers during the kiss .

Angst last kiss . Where their lover is on the brink of death and they kiss them for the last time , lips quivering , tears mingling as they feel their warm lips and hold them for the last time .

Brushing their thumb over their lip / caressing their lip before kissing them or after.

A tight hug followed by a sweet kiss..

When they kiss their sleeping lover. Like they're trying to wake them up with kisses or giving them good night kisses.

When they hoarsely / seductively say" kiss me "

The ones where they wrap their arms around them and smile , looking at their f/o like they're the most precious thing they've ever seen before kissing them lovingly.

When they kiss their lover impulsively because they're so damn cute / adorable.

Kissing their wrist .

Kissing the palm of their hand.

Cupping their face and gently pressing their lips to their forehead and staying like that for a few seconds . ( Sweet forehead kisses~)

A kiss meant as an apology .

Top Tips for Clues, Red Herrings, and Breadcrumbs

One of the most important parts of writing MYSTERY is figuring out what to do with clues and red herrings - and how to use them effectively. Here’s some advice that’s never steered me wrong: 

Hide the real clue before the false ones! Most people, so by extent your readers and your sleuth, tend to focus on the last piece of information presented to them. A good strategy is to mention/show your real clue and then quickly shift focus. 

Do a clue cluster! Squeeze your real clue in among a whole pile of red herrings or other clues, effectively hiding it in plain sight. This works especially well with multiple suspect mysteries. 

Struggling to think of what a clue could be? Try this list: 

Physical objects: Letters, notes, tickets, emails, keepsakes, text messages, diaries, etc. 

Dialogue: voicemail recordings, overheard conversations, hearsay, gossip, rumours. All of these can hold grains of truth! 

Red herrings distract and confound your protagonist and your reader, so you should be careful not to overuse them. Well balanced, red herrings should lead your characters down false paths to create confusion, tension, and suspense.

Contradictions! Have characters claim they did so-and-so at such-and-such a time, but other characters have evidence that contradicts this.

Balance! Avoid a clue that’s so obvious it’s like a neon sign saying “Look at me, I’m a clue!” but don’t make it so obscure it’ll be missed entirely. A good clue should leave a reader saying “Damn, I should have noticed that”