Requested by: TonsOfFanFic

Similar to dreams and flashbacks but very different at the same time. Writing them can be confusing and difficult so let's get into it.

When writing thoughts you can either do it directly or indirectly.

Doing it directly would mean putting the exact thoughts into italics, like this I had no idea, she thought to herself, how could I?

When writing out direct thoughts you'd do it the same way you'd write dialogue. It'd have to make sense and not be overly descriptive. It's the voice in your head. It says what you can't say out loud. If you want your character to think/say something specific but don't know if it's right, this is how you do it.

Indirectly is a bit different. This is without italics and is usually in a paragraph form. This one is more descriptive and can go in between what they think, and feel (both physically and emotionally)

Example: I wasn't entirely sure why I did what I did. Thinking back on it, it was probably because I was so out of it at the time. In withdrawl and being manipulated by the villains. My heart clenched at the thought of what they did to me. I was never going to be the same again, and I wasn't sure if that was a good or bad thing.

As you can see, it's more descriptive but a bit drawn out and less direct in explaining what it needs to. Describing what they're thinking really depends on what format you're using. It can either be direct, in which you would imagine they were talking. Or longer, where you would include their emotions more than direct thoughts.

Use both of these equally in your stories to mix it up and balance things out! Both of them work well when portraying a character's thoughts!

Request are open and so is asking questions!

~Lydia