Sentence Starters - Blog Posts

writing prompt #1

person A: “I’m kinda hungry.”

person B: “For what? Revenge?”

person A: “No, just for like, Chinese. Maybe some fries.”

allergic reaction prompts

1. “Does this have (allergy) in it? I’m super allergic to (allergy.)”

2. “It’s getting hard to breathe.”

3. “What do you mean you don’t have an epi-pen on you?!”

4. Is it better to sit down or lie down?”

5. “Okay, just try to breathe, the ambulance is on its way.”

6. “Don’t just stand there, call 9-1-1 you idiot!”

7. “Are you sure there’s (allergy) in this? I feel fine...”

8. “Did he just pass out?! Is he breathing!?”

9. “He’s gonna be pissed when he wakes up in the hospital.”

10. “I have an epi-pen in here somewhere, I know I brought it...”

11. “Take off your shirt, I need to see if there are hives on your back and chest.”

12. “Is that a rash? What did you eat?”

13. “My mouth feels kinda weird. Like, furry. And my tongue is too big.”

14. “Oh god, I think i’m gonna throw up—“

15. “Have you ever been stung by a bee before?”

16. “Is anyone else really really itchy all of a sudden?”

17. “You have to lay down, it’ll help you breathe better.”

18. “Woah, the hives are all over your back now.”

19. “I barely know him. How was I supposed to know he was allergic to Penicillin.”

20. “I’ve never had (allergy) before. Honestly it might be my new favorite thing.”

christmas sentence starters

just a few cute sentence starters because... ‘tis the season? or something like that? please reblog if you use! i love christmas stories!

1. “That’s not holly... that’s mistletoe...”

2. “Is it just me or does Santa look extra hot this year?”

3. “When Brenda Lee said rock around the christmas tree she didn’t mean literally. Please go put them back outside, they’re not cute.”

“I think it’s rustic.”

4. “(Name)! Why is our bathtub filled with snow?!”

5. “You didn’t have to get me anything. No seriously, I’m Jewish...”

6. “Fine! I’ll put up the lights all by mySELF.”

7. “Please come with me? ‘‘Tis the season!”

8. “Okay this was fun at first but now i’m cold and covered in pine needles, pick one and let’s go.”

9. “Wait, I thought we were going to my parents house this year?”

10. “YOU SPIKED THE EGG NOG???”

11. “Should we make christmas cookies or build a ginger bread house?”

12. “You woke me up at four in the morning to open christmas gifts like a child. At least let me make a cup of coffee first. We don’t even have kids!”

13. “If you’ve seen one Hallmark movie, you’ve seen them all.”

14. “Your nose is so red! Like Blitzen.”

“Wrong reindeer.”

13. “Iron Man 3! My favorite Christmas movie!”

“FOR THE LAST TIME. IRON MAN 3 IS NOT A CHRISTMAS MOVIE.”

14. “She wanted a puppy, not a litter.”

15. “Guys! Wrapping paper rolls are NOT lightsabers!”

16. “Do you wanna build a—“

“I swear to god if I hear you sing Frozen ONE MORE GODDAMN TIME.”

17. “Those aren’t poinsettias. They’re red chrysanthemums. And they mean death.”

18. “Where I grew up, we didn’t have snow at Christmas time.”

19. “You FELL through the FROZEN LAKE? ARE YOU CRAZY?”

20. “Is that... tape? On your gingerbread house?”

21. “Oh... Did I not tell you? The dog likes to eat cardboard. And also wrapping paper. It’s her way of getting in the Christmas spirit.”

22. “Can you come with me to get the ornaments out of the basement? I don’t want to go alone, it’s scary down there!”

23. “Your gingerbread house looks more like a... gingerbread pile.”

24. “The Christmas party is tonight? But I don’t even have an ugly sweater!”

25. “It’s Christmas Day! The only place open is the emergency room. And 7-eleven. We are staying IN.”

fall sentence starters

hey y’all! i’ve been in the writing mood so here are some autumnal writing prompts, both tricks and treats!

1. “I don’t really like candy corn.”

2. “I have no one to go apple picking with...”

3. “Do you... maybe wanna have a scary movie night?”

4. “Did you bring an umbrella?”

5. “My hands are so cold.”

6. “Can I borrow your hoodie?”

7. “Look at all the leaves!”

8. “Can you light a candle or something?”

9. “I know a way to warm you up.”

10. “What kind of candy should i get.”

11. “My nephew wants us to take him trick or treating this year.”

12. “Haven’t you ever seen the leaves change colors before?”

13. “Oh no, it looks like it’s gonna rain.”

14. “Your sweater is so big!”

15. “Lay with me?”

16. “Why is it so hot? It’s October!”

17. “Why did you get such a tiny pumpkin? We have to carve this!”

18. “You didn’t tell me we had to carve this!”

19. “Be careful with the decorations! That ladder won’t hold your— weight.”

20. “Are you seriously going all black this month?”

21. “What is the point of pumpkin spice pringle’s.”

22. “Summer is over. Stop wearing sunscreen.”

23. “The sun doesn’t go away just because it’s fall.”

24. “It’s raining so much.”

25. “But you’re so tall! Can you pleaaase come apple picking with me?”

26. “We are NOT dressing up my animal in a halloween costume.”

27. “You make a pretty cute ghost, babe.”

28. “I don’t want to go either but it’s a company party and there’s free food and we might as well have fun with it, right?”

29. “When was the last time you went to a Halloween party?”

30. “What are you going to dress up as?”

31. “You’ve never been to a corn maze?!”

32. “If you want to go to the haunted house I’ll go with you, just so you don’t get scared, y’know?”

33. “They have the best plain donuts here i’ve ever had in my life.”

34. “Cider is the best drink. Period.”

35. “But I’ve never made an apple pie before.”

36. “Come on, aren’t you excited to see the little kids trick or treating?”

37. “I don’t have to have to hand out candy alone, just put on the costume!”

38. “I picked it out especially with you in mind! You’re hurting my feelings!”

39. “They have good stuff down at the farmers market.”

40. “Why are your eyes so... red?”

41. “I haven’t been sleeping well lately.”

42. “Did you hear that?”

43. “Is that an... actual skeleton?”

44. “It’s just your imagination.”

45. “Maybe it’s just a scary prank.”

46. “Is that your blood!?”

47. “Is this what being poisoned feels like?”

48. “Help them! They can’t breathe!”

49. “It’s just a scrape...”

50. “How did you break your leg? And so close to Halloween, too?”

51. “Do you know what death smells like?”

52. “Is that a real knife?”

53. “Your nose is bleeding, like, really bad.”

54. “Just sit down, I’m gonna take the nail out.”

55. “It’s Halloween, they’re probably just in a costume.”

56. “You’re scary good at that. For a beginner.”

57. “I love that sound.”

58. “There’s nothing better than fresh meat.”

59. “When I said trick or treat, I meant just treat.”

flower meanings

Just some flower meanings I wanted to get out there. It seemed pretty cool to me and was a lot of work, so I hope y’all enjoy it! Now updated with pictures of each one! 

Disclaimer: None of these photos are mine, and this post is obscenely long. Like, super long. Beware. But also enjoy ;)

Alstroemeria - Wealth, prosperity, fortune, friendship

Pink/red alstroemeria - warmth and affection towards a friend

Orange alstroemeria - keeps you working towards your goals

Yellow/white/blue alstroemeria - express your concern to a loved one who isn’t feeling well

Amaryllis - Splendid beauty, worth beyond beauty


Anemone - Fading hope, forsaken, anticipation 

Pink/Red Anemone - forsaken or dying love

White Anemone - death and bad luck in Eastern cultures where white is the color used at funerals

Purple/blue Anemone -  anticipation and protection from evil meanings

Anthurium - Hospitality, happiness, abundance

Red Anthurium - Love and Passion

White Anthurium - Innocence and Purity

Pink Anthurium  - Compassion, Femininity, Motherly Love


Aster - Patience, a love of variety, elegance, daintiness


Bird of Paradise - Joyfulness, magnificence, wonderful anticipation


Bouvardia Double - Enthusiasm, zest for life


Calla Lily - Magnificence, beauty, purity, innocence


Carnation - Pride, beauty


Red Carnation - Love, pride, admiration


Pink Carnation - Love of a woman or a mother


Purple Carnation - Capriciousness


Yellow Carnation - Disdain, rejection, disappointment


White Carnation - Innocence, pure love


Striped Carnation - Refusal


Chrysanthemum - Fidelity, optimism, joy, long life


Red Chrysanthemum - Love


White Chrysanthemum - Truth, loyal love


Yellow Chrysanthemum - Slighted love

Daffodil - regard, chivalry, rebirth, new beginnings, eternal life, unrequited love


Daffodil (Single) - Foretells a misfortune


Daffodil (Bunch) - Joy, happiness


Daisy - Innocence, purity, loyal love, “I will never tell.”


Gerbera Daisy- Cheerfulness


Delphinium - Big hearted, fun, lightness, levity, ardent attachment


Freesia - Innocence, thoughtfulness


Gardenia - Purity, sweetness, secret love, joy, conveys loneliness from the giver


Gerbera - Cheerfulness

Gladiolus - Strength of character, remembrance


Lavender Heather - Admiration, solitude, beauty


White Heather - Protection, wishes will come true


Hyacinth - Playfulness, sporty attitude, extreme rashness, constancy


Blue Hyacinth - Constancy


Purple Hyacinth - Sorrow


Red/Pink Hyacinth - Play


White Hyacinth - Loveliness


Yellow Hyacinth - Jealousy


Hydrangea - Heartfelt emotions, gratitude for being understood, frigidity, heartlessness


Iris - Eloquence


Purple Iris - Wisdom, compliments


Blue Iris - Faith, hope


Yellow Iris - Passion


White Iris - Purity


Larkspur - Levity, lightness, fickleness, haughtiness


Lilac - Youthful innocence, confidence


White Lilac - Humility, Innocence


Field Lilac - Charity


Purple Lilac - First love


Lily - Purity, refined beauty


White Lily - Modesty, virginity


Orange Lily - Passion


Yellow Lily - Gaiety


Lily of the Valley - Sweetness, purity of heart


Easter Lily - Virgin Mary


Orchid - Exotic beauty, refinement, thoughtfulness, mature charm, proud and glorious femininity


Peony - Bashfulness, compassion, indignation, shame, happy life, happy marriage, good health, prosperity


King Protea - Change, transformation, daring, resourcefulness, diversity, courage


Queen Anne - Haven, sanctuary, complexity, delicateness


Ranunculus - Radiant charm, attractiveness

Snapdragon - Graciousness, strenght, deception, presumption

Statice - Remembrance, sympathy, success

Stock - Lasting beauty, happy life, bonds of affection, promptness 

Sunflower - Pure thoughts, adoration, dedication, dedicated love, haughtiness

Sweet Pea - Delicate pleasure, bliss, departure after having a good time


Tulip - Declaration of love, fame, perfect love

Rose - Love

Red Rose - Love, longing, desire, respect, admiration, devotion

Deep Red Rose - Regret, sorrow

White Rose - Purity, chastity, innocence, new beginnings, sympathy, humility, spirituality

Yellow Rose - Exuberance, joy, warmth, welcome, friendship, caring, purely platonic emotions

Pink Rose - Gentleness, admiration, joy, gratitude, appreciation, elegance, grace

Orange Rose - Passion, energy, desire, pride, fervor, fascination

Lavender Rose - Enchantment, love at first sight, majesty, splendor, fascination, adoration

Blue Rose - Elusive, unattainable, mysterious, desire, I can’t have you but I can’t stop thinking about you

Green Rose - Harmony, opulence, fertility, best wishes for a prosperous new life or wishes for recovery of good health

Black Rose - Death, farewell, elusive

Mixed Roses - Mixed feelings, I don’t know my feelings yet but I care about you enough to send roses

Moss Rosebud - Confession of love

Thorn-less Rose - Love at first sight, early attachment

Leaf Rose - You may hope

Hibiscus Rose - Delicate beauty

Burgundy Rose - Unconscious beauty

Christmas Rose - Relieve my anxiety

Dog Rose - Pleasure and pain

Damask Rose - Freshness, Persian ambassador of Love

Garden Rose - I am from Mars

Tea Rose - I will remember always

Rose of Sharon - Consumed by love

Carmine Rose - Deceitful desire

Cardinal Red Rose - Sublime desire

Amaranth Red Rose - Long standing desire

Wild Rose - Simplicity

Musk Rose - Capricious beauty 


Rosa Mundi - Variety 


Single Red Rose - “I love you”


A Single White Rose - “My feelings are pure”


A Single Yellow Rose - “You bring joy to my life” “Let’s be friends”


A Single Pink Rose - “I like you“


A Single Orange Rose - “I am proud of you”


A Single Peach Rose - “Thank you” “I sympathise with you” 


A Single Lavender Rose - “I am enchanted by you”


A Single Blue Rose - “You seem like an unattainable dream”


A Crown Of Roses - Reward of virtue


A Bouquet Of Roses - Gratitude 


A Rose In A Tuft Of Grass - There is everything to be gained by good company 


One Red Rose - “I love you” “You are the one for me”


Two Red Roses - “Let us be together”


Three Red Roses - “You and me and our love for company”


Five Red Roses - “I am halfway in love with you”


Twelve Red Roses - “Be mine”


Twenty Five Red Roses - “Congratulations”


Fifty Red Roses - “My love for you is limitless”

A Quick Guide to Varying Sentence Starters

One of the things that really winds me up about my own writing is looking back and seeing a multitude of sentences beginning with “I” or “And” or “But”. I’m a messy first-drafter as it is and I do a lot of line edits, but it’s still takes up a significant portion of my time going back to change things. 

So, I’m here today to share with you the ways I try to vary my sentence starters and some tips and tricks for drafting and edits” 

-.-.-.-

We all know why it’s important to vary your sentence structure, and by extent, your sentence starters. Besides obvious intentional things such as creating tension, or specific mood/tone/atmosphere, we should be aiming to vary how we start sentences to keep the reader engaged and not it being repetitive.

This is especially important if you, like me, write in first person and begin a lot of sentences with things like “I was” or “I am” etc. Or if you have a habit of beginning sentences with characters’ names. But what other options do we have? Here are five general categories that I like to use:

ING WORDS Coughing, she pushed her way through the blaze.  Smiling, he leaned in for a kiss. 

SIMILIES (and other techniques) Like the chattering of a typewriter, their eyes flittered over the group in front.  Sweeping in like a dove, she cut through the awkward conversation.

PREPOSITION (beside, near, with, across, around, out, at, in, etc.)  On the starter’s whistle, I pushed forward.  Under the heavy fog, the streetlamp glowed valiantly 

CONNECTIVE (Because, but, and, despite, after, before, etc.) After he left, I slipped the dagger back into its brace.  But I wasn’t about to give in now.  ED WORDS Distracted, she let the ice cream fall from her hands.  Stunned by his words, they stopped in their tracks. 

.-.-.-.

Obviously you can make these examples much more complex and attuned to your own styles! There are lots of other ways you can vary your sentence openers, these are just what I personally use - so hopefully you can get some use of them! 

.-.-.-.

Hints and Tips!

Use the highlighting treatment! Go through your WIP and focus on your sentence openers. Select a different colour for each category (Blue for She/He/They/I starters, red for ED Words, yellow for ING words, as an example) and use it to help you see where you may need to add some more variation! 

This also is a great exercise to do with a published book you really enjoy or by an author you admire - it’s a great learning experience!

Use a good mix of short, long, and medium sentences! If you find that your writing feels a bit samey or dry, even with varied openers, try changing the structure of the whole sentence itself! 

Experiment and play around with word order and structure - free write for a few minutes every day and try something new! It’s all practice and even if it never sees the light of day in your WIP, it’s still a worthwhile thing to do! 

.-.-.-.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide and/or found it useful!

If you’d like to request a particular guide, please pop into my inbox and leave a request!

Smut prompts

Never tease me like that again.

I'm bored. Wanna play?

I want to kiss you everywhere.

Can I touch you?

Touch me and you lose.

You look beautiful. But I'm afraid you'd look more gorgeous with that dress off you.

You have no idea how much I want you right now.

I want you so bad...

Ugh,baby, I cant- please...

I can't help but have naughty thoughts when you when look like that.

You know,you make me feel so naughty.

You make such pretty sounds,my love .

How do you feel,baby?" I... feel... good... "

Tell me how it feels. It doesn't hurt does it ?

Are...you ok? Is this pace good enough?

I'm gonna do the type of things that happen in your dreams .

Mmm, so beautiful...

I can't help but wonder how your cute face would look when I finally touch you

You know, how about a little fun before we go to bed?

You're more than just a fling,my love.

Does doing these kind of things make us friends with benefits?

Just friends?! Do your friends make you feel hot and bothered like this? Do they make you moan like this?!

I love your body,baby.Everything you hate about it is what drives me crazy.

I'd love to love you all night,my love.

I love how excited you are .

Right now, I'd love your kisses on anywhere but my lips.

Gosh, why can't I get enough of your body?

I love seeing you so flustered.

You're safe with me,my love . You know I'd never hurt you .

You're so cute when you're nervous.

But baby,I want to play with you ~

See what a mess you've made me ?

I need you...

You like it when I touch you?

I want to make love to you.

It looks like you're ready for me,my love.

Tell me how much do you want me, my love?

I can't help but to be turned on by the sight of you

You don't have to be so shy around me, you know?

Don't tempt me.

I'm gonna do something very crazy but I know you're gonna love it.

You have been waiting long for this, haven't you?

Did I tell you to touch?

I'm going to mark all the parts I love to show you how beautiful you are.

I will never get tired of holding you./ Your body

Would you like to do it again?

Why can't I get enough of you?

We could... do it.

I want to make you feel so good,babe.

You're so beautiful...so,so beautiful...

Come here.

What if I told you I wanted you, right here. Right now?

I'm always in the mood to play,my love

You're mine , understand? Mine!

You know exactly what I want .

I love it when you're naughty like this.

Don't mind me, just enjoying the view.

I want you so badly...

Why are you covering up? I have already seen everything.

Let me show you how much I care about you.

How bad do you want me,my love?

I-I've never done this before so I'm afraid you have to guide me.

You're so adorable. Aww, don't hide your face/ don't cover up.

I-I want you to touch you too. Please remove the cuffs...

It's not going to hurt,is it?

Wet already? I see you're so eager,hm?

Seriously,when are you never horny?

Kneel.

Stop the teasing, please...

No,I'm supposed to make you feel good.

First person to become horny/turned on loses.

Don't you wanna feel good, baby?