Melted Ink Media

In defense of the digital detox

November 7, 2025
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Table of contents
- Visual prompt
- This week’s article
- More from Writeropolis Media
- Final thoughts
Visual prompt

Time to get writing! What does this picture evoke for you? Write about it, and if you’re so inclined, email me back and let me know if anything came out of it.

Photo by Pablo Merchán Montes for Unsplash+.

Assessing smartphone dependency: In defense of the digital detox

Smartphones are a great invention. They can save time and keep us connected in ways we once only saw in movies. However, it’s important to remember that balance is key. There are many reasons why people participate in digital detoxes, and finding that balance is crucial.

Embarking on a digital detox is a voluntary measure that can yield immediate benefits. It’s also known by different names: ‘media blackout,’ ‘digital diet,’ and ‘social media detox.’

Whatever you call it, it’s about consciously removing social media apps, logging out of their sites on a desktop, and finding any way possible not to use them. Some people do it for a set time frame, while others do it permanently. A month typically works best for me, but it will always vary from person to person.

Here are eight signs you might need to spend less time on a smartphone.
1. Pick it up upon waking: Starting the day by reaching for a smartphone right away might not be the best approach. It might be beneficial to establish a morning routine that allows for a more mindful start before engaging with digital distractions.
2. Poor attention span: Many individuals find themselves distracted by their phones during mealtime, which can detract from quality time spent with family. It’s important to recognize these habits and consider how they affect personal interactions and family connections.
3. Lack of participation in life: The preoccupation with smartphones while attending games, plays, or engaging in other enjoyable activities is at an all-time high. This behavior can affect social connections and the overall enjoyment of shared experiences.
4. Usage in bathrooms: Many people accidentally drop their phones into toilets because they use them in the restroom. Consider placing it in a secure location to prevent accidents.
5. Oversharing: Capturing photos of every meal can detract from your overall dining experience, especially if you’re not a food or travel blogger. It can be more beneficial to savor the moment without sharing it online.
6. Cutting the cord: Keeping a smartphone on at night can negatively impact sleep quality. A device-free sleep environment can significantly enhance the overall sleep experience.
7. Dry eyes: Devices such as smartphones, televisions, and computers emit blue light, which can adversely affect eye health and interfere with sleep. This disruption can lead to insomnia and increased daytime fatigue.
8. Total recall: It’s important to have a backup plan for phone numbers or other important information stored in a smartphone. Consider writing down numbers or storing them in a cloud service. This step ensures analog access to essential contacts.
But remember, it’s not always about getting rid of it altogether; smartphones are valid for travel, emergencies, and work. It’s about finding a healthy balance and regaining control. A digital detox can give you the freedom to use a smartphone without it controlling you.

Consider a dumbphone, if your lifestyle allows it. I almost bought the Light Phone, but I do rely on my iPhone a lot, and a dumbphone doesn’t work for me right now. However, I do make it a point to follow through with a digital detox when I can and while I’m behind the detox curtain, I find things to do to fill up the time.

It’s tough, but I believe in you!

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Everybody’s got a little light under the sun

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Review: Yasunari Kawabata’s “The Sound of the Mountain”

November 6, 2025

On June 14, 1899, Yasunari Kawabata was born in Osaka, Japan. He was orphaned at two and sent to live with his grandparents. After graduating from high school before his 18th birthday, he gained entrance to Tokyo Imperial University as an English major. He mainly wrote fiction stories, though he often found work as a reporter. The death of his immediate family at a young age and the cruelty of World War II had a significant influence on his body of work. On April 16, 1972, his official death was suicide by gas, though his family and friends believe it was an accident.

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The Sound of the Mountain follows a year in the life of a man named Ogata Shingo. Along with his plain wife Yasuko, his son Shuichi lives there with his wife, Kikuko. Their family includes a daughter named Fusako. During the blank slate of his daily commute, he scrutinizes his family’s inner turmoil.

Shingo takes his secretary Eiko Tanizaki out dancing. Through their friendly conversations, Eiko confesses that Shuichi has a mistress. She’s somewhat friendly with the woman named Kinu. Shingo decides to investigate the war widow further but cannot bring himself to announce his presence at her door.

Shuichi is a terrible husband, and his numerous affairs are an open secret. The turmoil of being in a loveless marriage causes Kikuko to focus her attention on another subject. Shingo admits that he is emotionally dependent on his daughter-in-law for everything, and begins to see her in a sexual light.

He tries to talk some sense into Shuichi to care for Kikuko but his son’s reluctance is palpable. Kikuko and Shuichi become pregnant but obtain an abortion funded by Kinu. Kinu announces her own pregnancy after Shuichi breaks the affair off. She adamantly refuses to admit that Shuichi is the father of her child, claiming the father is another one of her lovers.

On New Year’s Eve, his homely daughter Fusako comes home with her two young daughters after leaving her husband, Aihara. The family received divorce papers from his side, but Shingo never felt compelled to return the completed paperwork.

The family learns from the newspaper that Fusako’s husband has failed to commit suicide with another woman. He had been quietly supporting Aihara’s paternal grandmother until the news of his son-in-law’s attempted suicide.

Fusako places the blame for the breakdown of her marriage solely on her father’s sagging shoulders. Shingo admits to himself he was not a great father to either of his children and feels that this behavior is reflected in the failure of their marriages.

As he is processing the trauma of his existence, he realizes that his life’s actions and inaction are coming out in the present and affecting the future. His memory is worsening in his old age and he clings to what he can. His thoughts become jumbled dreams that take on a more pronounced tone as the book unfolds.

The dreams reflect his cognizance of his first love which was Yasuko’s beautiful elder sister plus prophetic fantasies of old friends and associates. Shingo finds himself attending more funerals for school friends than in previous years. He wonders about his own eventual death. The passing of his friend, Toriyama, causes him to become the unlikely owner of a couple of No masks. He is drawn to the mask resembling a young woman.

These details are an integral part of Shingo’s evolution, drawing his mental state out on the page in a tangible, relatable way. These bits and pieces of his consciousness are the sound of the mountain to him. The novel ends right back in the Ogata home, with Fusako asking to open a shop with her parents’ help and Shingo announcing that he would like to visit the family’s country home.

The ending is reminiscent of Kawabata’s writing style, no bombastic endings, no grand finales, simply art for art’s sake. To me, the entire novel felt like a snapshot of the Ogata family that you would see in the family photo album. They went through these terrible, earth-shaking situations but time marches on. It’s time to think about the next step.

And their story ends right where it needs to before getting placed in the photo album for posterity. You can always go back and look at the pictures, recall the moments that lead you to capturing it, but you’re going to close the album again.
Theatrical techniques: How to use play structure in novel development

November 5, 2025
A powerful approach to crafting stories is to incorporate theater techniques, particularly the structure of play writing, into the creation of a novel.

Theatrical structure, with its explicit acts, scenes, and dramatic arcs, can add fresh energy to a novel. It can provide a helpful framework that can improve a novel’s pacing, tension, and emotional impact. These techniques can also help writers take charge of their storytelling or find a new way to approach a story that’s struggling to get on the page.

By focusing on elements like rising action, climax, and resolution, writers can create complex plots that keep readers interested from start to finish. This method can elevate a narrative and engage readers more deeply.

Here’s how writers can learn to use the key structures of a play and integrate them smoothly into their novel writing.

First act

The traditional length of the first act of a novel doesn’t need to adhere strictly to the precise structure of a play. However, the following timeline can serve as a valuable guide for writers, illuminating where to effectively commence and conclude the narrative.
- Hook: The opening moment in the opening scene, possibly the first line.
- Setup: The readers learn about the characters, their goals, and the stakes.
- Inciting event: The turning point halfway through, or the Call to Adventure. The Call to Adventure in the hero’s journey marks a pivotal moment when the protagonist considers leaving their ordinary world and embarks on a quest that will challenge them and lead to transformation.
- Build-up: The final pieces necessary for the central conflict move into position, ramping up tension.
- First plot point: The pivotal moment that bridges the first and second acts is the Key Event, serving as a dramatic gateway that propels the narrative forward and deepens the characters’ journeys.
Second Act

By weaving in detailed settings and sensory descriptions, the second act of the novel should immerse readers in the story’s world. It’s crucial that this section delves deeply into the characters’ motivations, conflicts, and relationships, while also exploring their fears, desires, and transformations.
- Reaction: The protagonist scrambles to understand the obstacles thrown by the antagonist.
- First pinch point: A reminder of the antagonist’s power provides clues to the nature of the conflict.
- Realization: The protagonist’s reactions evolve into thoughtful responses.
- Midpoint: The central truth to the nature of conflict, or the Moment of Truth. The Moment of Truth in the hero’s journey is when the main character makes an important realization about their conflict. This realization forces them to face their fears and rethink their motivations as they get ready for the challenges ahead.
- Action: The fully-informed protagonist makes headway against the antagonist.
Third Act

The third act of the novel should strive toward a compelling conclusion. This is where the writer should weave the narrative’s intricate threads together, such as character arcs, subplots, and thematic elements. By revisiting earlier motifs and tying loose ends, the conclusion should not only resolve conflicts but also reflect the growth and transformations of the characters, leaving the audience with a lasting impression of the story’s overarching message.
- Third plot point: After the victory, the protagonist experiences a reversal.
- Recovery: The protagonist crashes out by questioning choices, commitment, worth, and ability.
- Climax: The narrative’s turning point, when the protagonist can finally face the other.
- Confrontation: A literal or metaphoric duel to the death. Neither the protagonist nor the antagonist can walk away.
- Climactic moment: The protagonist achieves their goal, rendering the conflict physically impossible to continue.
- Resolution: The author eases readers out of the climax’s excitement and into the final emotion.
Why writers should interview their fictional characters

November 2, 2025
In storytelling — whether in literature, film, or video games — character development is the cornerstone that captivates audiences.

For writers, delving deep into their characters’ motivations, backgrounds, and personalities is key to crafting narratives that resonate. Character interviews offer creators unique insights into their characters’ inner worlds, paving the way for memorable, relatable stories.

Interview questions not only reveal a character’s history and desires but also encourage writers to think critically about the narrative choices that generate tension within the story. By asking targeted questions, writers can discover nuanced traits and complexities, transforming their characters from mere figments of imagination into living, breathing, three-dimensional beings.

It can be challenging to distinguish the writer’s voice from the character’s during the interview process. However, writers should see this as an opportunity to delve deeper and view the questions from the character’s perspective. What a writer uncovers might not necessarily be used in the story, but it can influence how the character evolves within the narrative.

Here are some questions to help get the process started, whether you are a seasoned author or an aspiring storyteller.
1. Do you feel sufficiently resilient enough for change?
2. Do you have a positive or negative body image?
3. Do you have plans for tomorrow? What about next week or next year?
4. Do you need friends?
5. Do you work for someone else?
6. How do you define strength?
7. How do you feel about Mom and Dad, or whomever played the caregiver role in your life?
8. What are your reasons for lying?
9. What causes physical fear in you?
10. What would mentally destroy you?
11. What would you think if you met me in real life?
12. When did they feel loved and accepted?
13. When would you defend a stranger in public?
14. Who or what would you die for?
15. Who’s one person to spend your last day alive on Earth with? They can be dead or alive.
5 questions to embrace growth

October 31, 2025
Thank you for subscribing to Whimsy, a weekly newsletter designed to help creatives sustainably improve their literary citizenship compiled each week by the Melted Ink Media team and friends for your consumption. Share the love and mention the newsletter to your friends and enemies.
Hi there,

Welcome to another issue of Whimsy, helping you build your creative citizenship.

Table of contents
- Visual prompt
- This week’s article
- More from Writeropolis Media
- Final thoughts
Visual prompt

Time to get writing! What does this picture evoke for you? Write about it, and if you’re so inclined, email me back and let me know if anything came out of it.

Photo by Tobias Reich for Unsplash+.

Mirror, mirror: 5 questions to embrace growth

Self-reflection allows us to dive deep into our thoughts and experiences, leading to improvement.

Embracing this practice can lead to profound insights, such as understanding the root of our fears or discovering our true passions, and a richer understanding of ourselves, fueling the journey toward becoming the best versions of ourselves. The goal of self-reflection is to examine existing thoughts and actions, understand motivations, and gain insights.

Asking the right questions is crucial, but it can be challenging to know where to begin. Those who regularly engage in self-reflection stay motivated, thus fostering personal growth. Self-reflection is not a one-time task; it’s an ongoing journey of self-discovery.

Here are five questions that can serve as a starting point for self-reflection.

1. What are my core beliefs and values?

Core values are the principles that guide how people live their lives. Beliefs are the assumptions we hold about ourselves and the world around us. To truly understand our core values and beliefs requires more than self-reflection; it involves naming them.

By identifying these values and beliefs, individuals empower themselves to make decisions that align with their authentic selves.

2. What are my weaknesses and strengths?

People can grow by identifying their personal strengths and weaknesses. Strengths like problem-solving, creativity, and strong communication help us succeed in our careers and relationships. At the same time, recognizing weaknesses such as poor time management, trouble working with others, or fear of public speaking shows us where we can improve.

By understanding both strengths and weaknesses, we create a balanced view of ourselves. This encourages us to keep learning and leads to a more fulfilling life.

3. What are my aspirations?

Take some time to consider both short- and long-term plans. Tracking progress allows for course corrections. One effective strategy is to align daily activities with specific goals.

For instance, an entrepreneur might want to invest in a limited liability company (LLC). They might decide to fill out the appropriate paperwork themselves or work with a company that can file it for them. That puts them one step closer to making their small business a reality.

Additionally, make it a habit to regularly revisit these goals at set intervals—such as weekly, monthly, or annually—to make sure that they still reflect attainable wants and needs. If pursuing these goals no longer brings you joy, don’t hesitate to change them.

4. What have I learned from my mistakes?

Many people see mistakes as dead ends, which makes them reluctant to move forward. Instead, we should view these mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow.

Life is a beautiful mess, and it’s up to each of us to make sense of it. We should reflect on the lessons that these experiences teach us. Embracing our failures can positively influence our decisions in the next season of life.

5. Am I fulfilling my purpose?

People should assess whether their lives truly reflect who they are. It’s important to feel confident in following one’s own path without being swayed by external expectations, such as societal norms, family pressures, or cultural standards.

Living authentically brings a sense of purpose, so take the time to identify what’s genuinely motivating, and take steps toward achieving it. Many people find themselves starting over at different points in their lives. Those who embrace their authentic selves can recover more easily when life presents challenges, as their passions are rooted in meaningful purpose.

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When I go places, I just don’t care, you’d know why if you’d see what I wear

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Show, don’t tell: 6 subtleties of body language

October 29, 2025

As writers, the adage “show, don’t tell” is often easier said than done. This phrase examines a fundamental principle that goes beyond writing and into the nuances of human interaction.

Body language, often seen as a silent yet powerful form of expression, plays a critical role in conveying emotions, intentions, and attitudes. Understanding these subtleties can enhance interpersonal relationships, foster empathy, and facilitate deeper connections.

Words help articulate thoughts, but it’s through gestures, posture, facial expressions, and eye contact that individuals truly reveal their innermost feelings and reactions. Writers that are able to put body language in words can make their work relatable to their readers.

Here are some ways writers can begin to convey the complexities of body language in their work.

1. Showing interest

To show engagement in a conversation, have a character try the following techniques: lean in and ask open-ended questions; maintain strong eye contact; smile and nod to show interest; speak in short, concise bursts; contribute to the dialogue while encouraging the other person to share; adopt an open body posture; use light physical touch when appropriate; respect personal space; give full attention to the speaker; and stay focused without distractions.

If the character is showing emotional or physical attraction to another characters, they might have dilated pupils and mimic the other person’s movement. A woman might cross or uncross their legs towards the object of their affection.

An honest character might expose their palms, unfold their arms and legs, and lean forward.

2. Showing disinterest

Leaning back with an angled body, crossed arms, and a wandering gaze, this individual displays signs of being easily distracted. Their poor eye contact and reluctance to speak, often coupled with casual shrugging, create a compelling impression of disengagement and indifference.

3. Showing uneasiness

To portray distress, a character might exhibit physical jitters, such as fiddling with their watch or touching items unrelated to the conversation. They might frequently break eye contact, look down or away, swallow often, touch their throat, or rub their neck. Additionally, they might hesitate when responding, let their speech trail off, and display a non-committal demeanor. They might keep their hands in their pockets. If they’re seated at a table, they might rest their hands or arms on the furniture. Furthermore, men will rub an imaginary pain in their neck, while women will fiddle with their purse or bag.

A submissive character will smile, slump their bodies, and try to appear small and as disarming as possible.

4. Showing frustration

When a character expresses anger, the writer typically portrays this through a tight voice and a low tone. They tend to speak directly and get to the point, using short sentences. The character might display facial and muscular tension, curl their hands, and grip objects firmly. They might thrust out their chest, give an intense stare, hardly blink, and limit movement in their neck. The character might grapple with the idea of fight or flight, have an increased heart rate, and show dilated pupils. Their face might be flushed, they might ball up their fists, and use their index fingers pointedly.

5. Showing trickery

A character who uses subterfuge will manipulate their eye contact, flash a smile, and sputter. They might change the topic, misdirect the person they are speaking to, and try to delay their reactions. Additionally, they will steer the conversation in different directions, interrupt others, and adopt a defensive posture to protect their true intentions. They might also increase the physical distance between themselves and others, as well as block or close off their body language.

More ways to show a character lying is when they cough or cover their mouth whenever possible. They’ll touch or rub their nose or the space between the nose and mouth. They’ll rub their eyes and scratch their neck with an index finger.

6. Showing superiority

These are universal gestures a character might use to assert dominance: steepling their fingers, placing their hands behind their back, or letting their thumbs stick out of their pockets. The character may put their hands on their hips or straddle a chair. Men often fold their hands behind their heads while sitting up, while women tend to sit or stand tall to project confidence.
Love is kinda crazy with a spooky little girl like you

October 27, 2025

1. Hearing

Audio provided by MusicSesame.

2. Sight

Photo by Jon Butterworth on Unsplash

3. Smell

Desiccated leaves from a dead tree.

4. Taste

Sugar cookies fresh from the oven.

5. Touch

A mountain of warm blankets.
4 practices for improved mental health

October 24, 2025
Thank you for subscribing to Whimsy, a weekly newsletter designed to help creatives sustainably improve their literary citizenship compiled each week by the Melted Ink Media team and friends for your consumption. Share the love and mention the newsletter to your friends and enemies.
Hi there,

Welcome to this week’s edition of Whimsy!

Table of contents
- Visual prompt
- This week’s article
- More from Writeropolis Media
- Final thoughts
Visual prompt

Time to get writing! What does this picture evoke for you? Write about it, and if you’re so inclined, email me back and let me know if anything came out of it.

by Curated Lifestyle on Unsplash

Flourish and thrive: 4 practices for improved mental health

Mental health is a tricky subject.

It’s a topic that includes emotional, psychological, and social aspects of our lives. These parts are closely connected and can affect a person’s overall well-being.

Emotional health is about understanding and managing feelings. This can impact relationships and the choices a person makes. Psychological factors involve thoughts and beliefs, which can influence how people see and react to challenges. Social aspects include community support and relationships with others, which help reinforce feelings of security and connectedness.

All these elements together create a complete picture of mental health. They highlight how important mental health is for building resilience, coping with stress, and improving a person’s quality of life.

Keep in mind that these strategies are not a substitute for professional assistance. There’s no shame or judgment in reaching out to a qualified professional who specializes in the areas where help is needed.

Here are some simple ways to improve mental health:

1. Slow down

Life is busy, and no one is immune. However, people who prioritize work and spend time doomscrolling on social media might miss what’s happening around them. One way to reclaim this bandwidth is by practicing mindfulness. Mindfulness is as simple as watching a bird fly or meditating. Acknowledging specific details can help a person relax and feel at peace.

As a writer myself, I’m a massive advocate for writing. I believe in the power of journaling. Writing is an excellent tool for self-reflection, which feeds into personal growth. When we write, we can explore our thoughts and feelings. This allows our minds to wander and our ideas to grow. Writing is not just a routine; it’s a journey into the mind, helping people understand experiences and emotions that might stay hidden otherwise.

2. Give a little

Building good relationships doesn’t take long. A person can form meaningful connections in a few weeks or months. A person shouldn’t seek to make best friends with everyone that they meet; even a brief chat with a neighbor can help. It could be something as simple as reaching out to an old friend or family member and setting up a coffee date to catch up.

There’s also the option to find ways to give time. Giving can take many forms, such as volunteering at a local shelter, mentoring a young person, or helping someone in need. The important thing is to reassess where a person’s time and energy are going and use them more purposefully.

3. Upskill

Learning a new skill or hobby can improve a person’s mental health. It gives them a chance to meet new people and boosts their self-esteem, providing them with a purpose outside of work. Many people say they don’t have time for trying something new, but the only thing holding these people back is themselves.

Technology can help. For example, the simple act of signing up for an online course to learn a new language counts. Countless video tutorials exist that can help homeowners tackle DIY projects. Budding cooks can search for healthy recipes and practice making them.

4. Let’s get physical

Being physically active is suitable for the body and the mind. Exercise releases endorphins, which help improve mood and reduce feelings of pain and anxiety. More activity can potentially help a person notice positive changes in how they feel about themselves. As with anything, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to movement.

Potential activities might include a 15-minute walk, an hour of cycling per week, or 30 minutes at the gym. Something as simple as looking online for free activities that fit someone’s fitness level and are adaptable to chronic health issues and disabilities, such as dancing, swimming, or cycling. There’s also the option to follow a Couch to 5K plan for running support.

More from Writeropolis Media

Darling, you send me

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Backstory: necessary tool or optional element

October 22, 2025
The idea of backstory often sparks discussion among writers, critics, and readers.

Backstory is the history and context that come before the current story. It’s essential for developing characters by helping move the plot forward and adding depth to themes. Understanding the role of backstory in shaping characters is important.

Supporters of backstory believe that using them helps readers understand the characters’ motivations better, allowing for an emotional connection. However, some suggest keeping it simple because too much backstory can slow the story down and distract from the main conflict.

Writers can ask themselves three questions to decide if they need backstory.

1. Does the backstory connect to the current action?

The backstory should link directly to the action in a scene. This connection influences what characters do and helps drive the story forward in a meaningful way.

2. Do readers need the backstory to understand the character?

If a writer finds it hard to show backstory through things like dialogue or action, then it’s important for readers to understand this part of the story. Knowing the backstory gives insight into the characters’ motivations, fears, and desires, making the reading experience richer.

3. Would the scene lose its power without the backstory?
Think about a scene where a character’s painful childhood, complex relationships, and unfulfilled dreams are missing. Without this backstory, readers might not fully connect with the character’s current struggles and motivations, making the scene feel flat. The details of their past experiences might help explain their emotions and choices, adding depth to the story.
Dance with somebody

October 20, 2025

1. Hearing

Audio provided by MusicSesame.

2. Sight

Photo by Samantha Weisburg on Unsplash

3. Smell

A seedy nightclub in 1920s New York.

4. Taste

A sip of cold water on a hot summer’s day.

5. Touch

via GIPHY