Faced with Writer’s Block? Let Tarot Give You a "Hint" on What to Write Next!
Hi there! I'm Aries Yoko, the fortune-telling manga artist.
How is your creative work going? "I have things I want to draw, but I can't think of specific episodes." "Lately, I feel like I'm writing the same kind of stories over and over..."
When a wave of "writer's block" hits you like that, why not invite Tarot cards to your internal brain meeting? Tarot isn't just for divining the future; it's the ultimate creative partner that tells you the "missing pieces" of your story!
🔮 Draw a Card! "Seeds of Ideas" to Move Your Story
For example, if you're stuck on the "next development" of your current story and draw a card, seeing these could be a sign that the narrative is about to take a new turn!
【Card: The Chariot】
"Don't stop—push for a forceful, sudden development!" The story might be getting a bit too relaxed. At this point, throw a seemingly impossible challenge at the protagonist or introduce an unexpected new character to stir things up. Add an intense episode that pulls the reader along with "momentum" rather than pure logic.
【Card: The Lovers】
"Choice" and "Communication" are the keys. Battles and incidents are great, but now is the timing to depict "dialogue" between characters or scenes where they are forced to make a significant "choice." Think about which pairing would be most interesting to watch talk, and what choices they will make. Inserting an episode that digs deep into the characters' "hearts" adds depth to the story.
【Card: The Tower】
"Throw in a shocking incident that shatters the peace!" It may seem ominous, but in a story, it's the best kind of spice! A desperate, "I can't believe this is happening" event brings out new sides of your characters. I believe the courage to break down what you've built once can be the trigger for creating a masterpiece.
2. How to Use Tarot as a "Prompt Box"
When you have absolutely no idea what to write, try using the cards like this:
- One-Card Draw: Associate keywords from the imagery of the card (e.g., if "The Star" appears, write a night scene or a story about hope).
- Two-Card Draw: Read the first card as the "protagonist's situation" and the second as the "wall blocking their way" to form the skeleton of a plot.
Advice from Aries Yoko
Running out of ideas is proof that you have worked hard to use up everything in your personal repertoire until now. Don't worry, thinking "Do I have no more new ideas inside me?" Tarot cards will pull out the "yet-to-be-verbalized treasures" sleeping in the depths of your heart.
"What development are readers looking for now?" "What situation makes my character shine the brightest?"
If you want specific hints for ideas, come visit Aries Yoko's Tarot room. I'll help you find that "magic move" to get your story moving!
In Closing
A blank manuscript is a "mass of possibility" where you can draw anything interesting from now on. If you're struggling alone and your pen stops, come borrow the power of the cards anytime. I'm so looking forward to the amazing story that will be born when your imagination and Tarot cause a chemical reaction!