creative writing about heartbreak

32 Writing Prompts about Heartbreak

We’ve all been there, right?

That super sucky feeling that makes you want to crawl in a hole.

But hey, guess what?

It’s kinda normal!

Even though it feels like the worst thing ever, it happens to everyone.

Sometimes, words just don’t cut it when you’re this bummed. That’s where writing comes in. Putting those messy emotions on paper can be like a magic trick – it turns that confusing jumble of feelings into something real you can deal with.

The problem is, staring at a blank page can be, well, terrifying. That’s where these heartbreak prompts come in! Think of them as conversation starters, a way to get those feelings flowing and turn them into something awesome.

So, whether you’re a pro writer or just looking for a way to vent, let’s dive into this heartbreak-healing journey together.

We’ll find the words to fix what’s broken, one story at a time!

Writing Prompts about Heartbreak

• The Box of Memories : When Eleanor moved into her new apartment, she stumbled upon a small, dusty box left by a previous tenant. Inside, she discovered a series of letters , photos, and trinkets that told a tale of a profound love followed by devastating heartbreak. Write a story that unravels the tragic love story hinted at within the box’s contents.
• The Lost Connection : Samuel and Rebecca were childhood sweethearts who, due to circumstances, had to part ways. Years later, Samuel finds an unsent letter from Rebecca in an old book , revealing hidden feelings and the reasons behind their sudden separation. Craft a tale that explores the after-effects of this revelation on Samuel’s life .
• Coffee Shop Regret : Every Sunday for five years, Lila has visited the same coffee shop, hoping to run into James, the man she let go of due to a misunderstanding. She clings onto the regret, thinking about what could have been. Write about the Sunday when James finally walks in, but he’s not alone.
• Sounds of Silence : After a painful breakup , Sophie finds herself unable to hear music in the same way. Each melody and lyric is either a stark reminder of the past or sounds hollow. Capture Sophie’s journey as she tries to rediscover her love for music while navigating the maze of her emotions.
• The Diary’s Revelation : While cleaning the attic, Marcus stumbles upon his late mother’s diary. As he flips through the pages, he learns of a heartbreaking love story from her youth, a story he never knew. Chronicle Marcus’ reactions as he grapples with this newfound perspective of his mother’s past.
• The Garden of Memories : An elderly woman named Clara spends her days maintaining a beautiful garden. Each flower, however, represents a memory of her lost love. As her health starts to decline, she begins to train a young girl in the neighborhood about the importance of each plant . Detail the stories behind the flowers and how they help both women find healing.
• The Photo : Every year on the anniversary of their breakup, Alex receives an anonymous photo in the mail. Each photo captures a place that holds a significant memory from his past relationship . Dive deep into the mystery of who sends the photos and why, eventually leading to an unexpected confrontation.
• Parallel Lives : After a heartbreaking split, Olivia and Ethan never imagined they’d cross paths again. Yet, fate has other plans. They continuously find themselves encountering each other in different cities and circumstances but never at the right time. Narrate the series of almost-reunions and missed connections that span across years.
• Echoes of a Forgotten Poem : In an old bookstore, Jenna discovers a handwritten poem tucked inside a book. The verses speak of love, loss, and longing. Intrigued, Jenna decides to trace its origins and in the process, uncovers a story of unfulfilled love from decades ago. Write about Jenna’s quest to understand the emotions behind the poem and the hearts it once touched.
• The Last Dance : At an old ballroom that’s about to be torn down, an elderly couple meets , each visiting the place for their own reasons. Through conversation, they realize they were each other’s first love and the ballroom was where they met. Recount the evening they spend together, reminiscing about the past and the choices they made.
• Mismatched Letters : Alex receives a heartfelt breakup letter meant for someone else. Feeling a connection with the emotions in the letter, Alex decides to locate its intended recipient and deliver it. Chronicle the journey of intertwining destinies, leading to unexpected realizations about love and heartbreak.
• Portraits of the Past : Lydia, a young artist , paints portraits of strangers from her imagination . One day, a man recognizes himself in one of her paintings, but with a woman he once loved and lost. Explore the story behind the painting and how the universe uses art to reconnect two lost souls.
• Heartbreak Hotel : A quaint inn in a coastal town is known to be a retreat for those mending broken hearts. Sarah, a travel journalist , decides to stay there and document the tales of its visitors. Write a story that focuses on the pain of the situation, highlighting the universal experience of heartbreak and healing.
• Lost in Translation : While living abroad, Jake receives a letter in a language he barely understands. Seeking a translator reveals the message is from an old flame, apologizing and explaining her abrupt departure years ago. Delve into Jake’s emotional journey as he confronts memories he had buried deep within.
• The Annual Letter : Every year, on the same date, Mia writes a letter to her first love, updating him on her life. She never sends them but keeps them stored in a box. When the box goes missing, Mia embarks on a quest to retrieve it, leading to unexpected revelations. Pen down Mia’s frantic search and the aftermath of her letters being read by unintended eyes .
• Bridges to the Past : On the outskirts of a city, there’s a bridge where lovers inscribe their names. Rachel, in her middle age , revisits the bridge only to find a fresh message next to her old inscription, answering a question she asked decades ago. Unravel Rachel’s story as she seeks to find out who replied to her long-forgotten message and why.
• The Playlist that Remembered : Myles has an old playlist that brings back memories of his first love, Nora. One day, he discovers that the playlist starts updating on its own, with songs that tell a story of heartbreak and hope. Dive into the mystery behind these song additions and what message they’re trying to convey to Myles.
• Ghosts of the Theater : The grand old city theater, long believed to be haunted, is about to be renovated. On its last open day, Elise visits and encounters an apparition of a heartbroken actress from the 1920s. Narrate Elise’s quest to uncover the tragic love story that has left its mark on the theater.
• Map of Lost Memories : A map mysteriously arrives at Ben’s doorstep, marking places around the city. As he visits each spot, he relives moments of a past relationship he had long forgotten. Follow Ben’s journey as he confronts his past, realizing the impact of those forgotten moments on his present.
• Scent of a Memory : In an artisanal perfume shop, Liana stumbles upon a fragrance that vividly recalls her past love affair. Intrigued, she learns that the creator was inspired by his own lost love. Dive deep into their shared experiences and how fragrances can evoke powerful, often heartbreaking memories.
• The Silent Phone Booth : In a small town stands an old, unused phone booth where legend says, if you speak your heartbreak into the receiver, you’ll find closure. When Jamie tries it, he’s startled to hear a voice from his past on the other end. Unravel the mystery of the phone booth and the healing it offers to those who dare to confront their past.
• Threads of Destiny : At a vintage clothing store, Isabelle finds a dress with a heartrending note sewn inside. Moved, she wears the dress to a ball, where she attracts the attention of an older woman who recognizes the garment. Recount their emotional conversation, revealing the interconnectedness of love, loss, and fate.
• Messages in the Sand : Every morning, while walking on the beach , Anna sees messages written in the sand, speaking of love and longing. Curious, she decides to stay overnight to discover the writer. Pen down the unexpected encounter and the tales of heartbreak they share under the starlit sky.
• The Book with No Ending : Charlie discovers an unfinished romance novel at a library sale. As he reads, he realizes the story mirrors his own love life, with details that are eerily accurate. Explore Charlie’s reactions as he seeks the book’s author, eager to understand if the ending holds a clue to his own romantic future .
• Time’s Fading Ink : At a historic estate sale, Cassandra buys an old inkwell. To her astonishment, every time she writes with the ink, she receives a response from a heartbroken soldier from the past. Delve into their written conversations, bridging centuries and emotions, as they find solace in shared experiences.
• The Hourglass Cafe : In the heart of the city lies a cafe where visitors can relive a memory for the duration of the sands in an hourglass. Adrian chooses to revisit a heart-wrenching goodbye , hoping for answers. Narrate Adrian’s ephemeral journey into the past and the enlightenment it brings to his present.
• Whispers from the Lighthouse : Legend says that on stormy nights, the old lighthouse broadcasts messages from lost sailors. On one such night , Lily hears a familiar voice expressing regret and love. Join Lily as she navigates her haunting past and the waves of emotion brought on by the spectral message.
• The Heartbroken Statue : In a secluded park, there stands a statue with an expression of profound sorrow. On its base, an inscription invites readers to share their tales of heartbreak. Zoe, seeking solace, shares hers and is stunned when she receives a written reply the next day. Chronicle Zoe’s unfolding mystery as she communicates with the unknown respondent.
• Eclipsed Love : During a rare solar eclipse, Jamie and Clara, separated lovers from different parts of the world, find themselves transported to a dreamlike realm. They have the duration of the eclipse to find closure. Capture their poignant reunion as they navigate this fleeting, shadowed world seeking understanding and redemption.
• The Vintage Radio Station : Tessa inherits an old radio station that, when powered on, broadcasts shows from decades ago. One night, a sorrowful dedication from a lover in the past resonates deeply with her. Narrate Tessa’s journey as she becomes engrossed in the tragic love story played out over the airwaves.
• The Heartbreak Library : In a town where people come to heal, there’s a library that archives stories of lost love. Patrons can read but also contribute their tales. When Ryan adds his story, he discovers a response from his ex-lover the next day. Recount Ryan’s emotional roller-coaster as he engages in this written dialogue with his past.
• The Tear Collector : In an alternate reality, there exists a profession known as ‘Tear Collectors’, who gather tears of heartbreak to distill them into powerful elixirs. Amelia, a young collector, begins to experience the memories associated with the tears she collects. Explore Amelia’s journey as she becomes entangled in the poignant memories of strangers, learning lessons about love and loss.

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BEST SAD WRITING PROMPTS

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Action stations with tom bromley, write about a character reminiscing over something they should have said, and how their life would be completely different had they said it., write about a character who is trying to leave something or someone behind — only to realize they carry it with them., "i trusted you.", write a story where a character's last words to someone are: "i wish i could forget you.", one is the loneliest number. and you're one..

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The best sad writing prompts

One great thing about creative writing prompts is that they are always there for you, especially when you want sad writing prompts. Writing is a beautiful outlet to engage with life and the world around us — and sometimes, it's the only way to deal with something painful or raw.

If you’re a writer who’s looking for some sad writing prompts to help get you in touch with your feelings or deal with such themes as love and death, this page is for you. We hope that it provides you with the inspiration that you need. 

If you're looking to cut to the chase, here’s a list of top sad writing prompts:

• Someone in the story has a lot of hard lessons to learn.
• Write a story about someone tired of their day-to-day routines.
• Write a story about someone who loses their cat.
• Write a story based on the metaphor: "Beauty is a fading flower."
• Write a story inspired by this quote from Ally Condie: "Growing apart doesn't change the fact that for a long time we grew side by side; our roots will always be tangled. I'm glad for that."
• Write a story that feels lonely, despite being set in a packed city.
• Write a story that starts with two people saying goodbye.
• Write about one character’s fundamental misunderstanding of another character’s job.

If you’re interested in becoming an author, check out our free resources on the topic:

• Character profile template (free resource)  — All stories are character-driven, and it might be argued that this is especially true for sad stories. If you want to figure out what’s driving your character’s emotions, this free character profile template is here to help. 
• How to Write Believable Dialogue that Develops Plot and Character (free course)  — If your story requires your characters to navigate some difficult conversations about sadness, you may find this helpful. Dialogue is one of the most important writing tools that can drive character and plot. Let this free ten-day course show you how.  

Ready to start writing? Check out  Reedsy’s weekly short story contest  for the chance of winning $250! You can also check out our list of  writing contests  or our directory of  literary magazines  for more opportunities to submit your story.

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19,890 quotes, descriptions and writing prompts, 4,964 themes

broken hearted - quotes and descriptions to inspire creative writing

• adapt and overcome
• bad romance
• bereavement
• break up of a relationship
• broken culture
• broken mirror
• broken world
• doomed love affair
• ex boyfriend
• quotes of a broken heart
• when he left me

After my heart broke I bled an ocean through my eyes. My soul felt wafer thin. My body trembled and chilled. Yet even this magnitude of grief passes. And while it does, we learn more about pain than we ever wanted to know. Then we remember it. Then we use it as the fuel we need to make a world of less suffering. Or, at least, that is what I did, and I see a lot of folk doing the same thing in many different ways. Broken hearted is a tough roll of the dice, but if you transform that raw pain into your soul-roar, you'll bring down the house with all that you win. So, c'mon soldier, on your feet. We need you back.

Healing a broken heart is a recipe for which you are your own chef. The right music, the right good memories, the right boost of self worth, the right amount of self love, the support of anyone lucky enough to have you in their life... then time. Ride the waves. Wait. Pick more upbeat music once in a while. Be okay with feeling better, the world needs you, we do.

Broken hearted is not a destination, yet a difficult road that often appears at the feet, that must be walked in order to get to a better future. We can pad our shoes with good memories to absorb the shock, or let our soles feel the full pain of this change in terrain. At times we alternate between the two. As the days become months and years, the good memories keep us walking with ease, and then we are ready to love again, to feel healthy and well.

There is a sort of broken hearted that is akin to a smooshed ice-cream melting on a hot road; then there is the sort that is akin to lighting a match, enjoying the flame and leaving the ashes. My memories of you, the fun ones, are that flame, but the rest is the ashes I watch blow away in the wind. I think that's fair.

Where did you go, my love? Where did you go? There's this guy, Who walks, And talks, Just like you, But it's not you. It's like he got your skin, And wears it, Like his own, But it's not his. That skin belongs to a man I loved, On him it was beautiful, And soft, And warm, No longer. The skin is ashen, The smile I loved, Gone, The protection, Gone, Just attacking and cold. And so, I feel like a widow, One with no funeral, To go to, To mourn at, To express my grief... For the man who wears your skin, I wish him love, Long life, Happiness, Whoever he is, Because he looks so much, Like the one I loved, And even that shadow, I love more, Than most ever love, In a lifetime. Did I ever tell you, That I love you? No? Because I do. It's just that, My heart broke, And mended, With you, On the outside, And then he came, And you left, Forever.

Once I was a glass figurine, perfect to the eye, fragile underneath. Since you used your words as weapons I am ground to the finest of dust - still glass, yet vulnerable to any gust. I still feel pain, so much raw pain, but I can't be broken anymore. You did your worst, but I am still here, sparkling in the midwinter light.

Lover, you cut at me and then crawl back into my affections. You strike, wound, draw blood to win any victory no matter how petty. You excuse yourself with meaningless jibes about the words I used to mount my inadequate defence, playing with semantics rather than true meaning. Perhaps you are unable to understand emotions, perhaps you simply don't care, only wanting your hollow "victories" - either way we are through and the pain sears at my heart.

Your soul is a pure spark of love but your rages are more than my heart can bare. You drew me in with a sweetness I'd never found before, something so strong I could feel it even when we were apart. But those times you came back so angry, yet unable to know the real cause, you broke me in ways I had never imagined possible. You turned my safe haven into my hell, my mind into its own prison, you broke my heart and now I must recoil to protect the shattered pieces that remain.

In the half-light Caleb looks like the shadow he's become. Hunched over the baggage he could be anybody, and in a way I guess he is. I took our bond for granted, and in my naivety I'd thought it unbreakable. But when that bus pulls away it won't only be broken, but shattered into fragments more numerous than the stars. I want to beg, plead, get down on my knees and tell him that his life here has meaning, that our love has meaning, but I know that face. It is the one he wears when his ears are closed and his mind has put up barriers to all new information. So no matter what I say it will only push him further away. So when I walk closer it is with a mask of contentment. I wish him well with the voice that came so naturally before his plan to do great things far away, it sounds like me but it isn't. I'm already in transition to become a person I never wanted to be. The bitterness is rising like bile into my mouth and when he's gone I'll have no reason to swallow it anymore.

The greatest mistake I ever made was thinking that work ever mattered. I had six precious years with my son and spent most of them in an office cubicle, working late, being churlish when he asked for an extra bedtime story. Now I am nothing but a shell, worse than a robot and bereft of a love I took for granted. My heat isn't merely broken, it is a shadow of what it was and fading a little more every day.

In this heartache the sun won't shine, birdsong passes as if the melody can't glide through the air as it once did before. But the truth is, I'd rather forgo comfort than keep a lover who doesn't love. So instead I will let this heartache be as my teacher and the reason to keep seeking one who can hear the playful calling of their own soul.

Key players earn the right to exist in the matrix with a "call-sign" such as on a CB-radio of old. That is eternal and fixed as their identifier. Immortality is impossible without it. That's the prize, otherwise fade out at the end of your days and we hope you got something worthwhile out of it all. We do put a temporary reboot on those who suffered and had no chance to thrive, a sort of free pass for one more try in a better situation. It is fair we believe. So, pragmatically speaking that is the best we can do. Emotionally speaking we are all broken hearted for the situation of your species and planetary system. We'd do more if we could.

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6 Confessions of Heartbroken Writers

by Kellie McGann | 60 comments

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I get it why they call it a heartbreak. It's this deep feeling in your chest, something inexplicable. The pain isn't sharp, or dull, the pain is tight. The pain is like a balloon, full of so much air, the rubber is stretched so tight—ready to burst. And then, the pain is fleeting.

Yes, that's right. I'm heartbroken—or at least I was, when I wrote this. God, I hope I'm over it by the time you read this. Sometimes, you need to make decisions, like breakups knowing the outcome will be hard. But you'll get through it. We all do.

Great Stories Are About Heartbreak

Great stories almost always involve heartbreak. It's no surprise that the best writers experienced heartbreak in their own lives.

Today, to celebrate heartbreak, I've compiled some of the best heartbreak quotes from famous authors.

Not only am I confessing my writer's heartbreak, but so are some of our favorite authors.

Oscar Wilde

“The heart was made to be broken.” —Oscar Wilde

Norman Rush

“I feel like someone after a deluge being asked to describe the way it was before the flood while I'm still plucking seaweed out of my hair.” —Norman Rush

Virginia Woolf

“The beauty of the world has two edges, one of laughter, one of anguish, cutting the heart asunder.” —Virginia Woolf

Stephen King

Sylvia Plath

“Perhaps some day I'll crawl back home, beaten, defeated. But not as long as I can make stories out of my heartbreak, beauty out of sorry.” —Sylvia Plath

My Heartbreak Quote

After my last post, challenging you to write about the hardest experience of your lives , I was overwhelmed with the honesty and support there was for one another.

So I took a page out of my own book and wrote about my own heartbreak. Don't worry, I'll spare you the sappy, pathetic, whining rant.

After my personal writing, and heartbreak quote searching, I came to the conclusion that I had my own “confessional heartbreak quote.”

What do you think of these writers' quotes on heartbreak? Which is your favorite? Tell me in the comments below.

Take fifteen minutes and practice writing your own quote on heartbreak. Draw from personal experience or fictional experience.  Post your practice in the comments  below!

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Kellie McGann

Kellie McGann is the founder of Write a Better Book . She partners with leaders to help tell their stories in book form.

On the weekends, she writes poetry and prose.

She contributes to The Write Practice every other Wednesday.

60 Comments

A broken heart is mended only through unbearable pain and sorrow and, sometimes, nearly crippling self-doubt. But the light on the other side is soft and gentle and warm and healing, and so you must go, despite the difficulty of the trip.

Love this! Thanks for sharing!

I agree. The other side has beauty, compassion & joy! 😉 <3 Check out my debut novel about a young American woman who goes to El Salvador during their civil war: tinyurl.com/klxbt4y

This is beautiful! Thank you for sharing.

If you stop being who you were meant to be or stop doing what you were meant to do that in itself is heart ache.

Or as the line in my favorite movie flash dance says it

“You give up your dream you die”

Oh, I like it! Definitely resonates!

The problem i s that heartbreak is not just a balloon that fills with so much pain that it finally bursts and is gone. No. Heartbreak is more like a bubble pipe. It may start as a filling and a bursting but the pipe just keeps putting little bubbles of heartbreak that sneak up on and burst, inundating you again with the tears filling that bubble. You turn a corner and run into a bubble because there receeding into the distance is a figure that reminds you of your heartbreak. You smell cinnamon and apples and find another bubble of heartbreak bursting, rminding you of how she liked to bake. So, until the bubble pipe runs dry, there will always be a moment of heartbreak, just around the next corner.

Thanks for sharing Gary, I really like the analogy you use to describe the bubbling, feels so true! Pain teaches us so much about ourselves.

Beautiful. I feel like the ending you wrote is perfect. There’s a quote that I’ve heard that goes something like this–“Grieving is a by-product of love. Welcome it when it comes. It means that you truly loved.”

Gary, what beautiful description of heartbreak you have written! Losing a spouse definitely fills the bubble pipe and, therefore, informs the writing, doesn’t it? Thank you so much!

Gary’s anything but little pen.

Beautiful and emotional piece. Lovely use of bubbles. Thanks for sharing.

The ending is perfect because is so true. Sometimes we have felt pain for so long we end up getting used to it.

I’ve been hurt so many times by men, that my heart refuses to mourn the loss of any male who is not my brother, my child or my dog.

Sigh! Love IS for the birds! Why do I fall for the men who stare at my breasts and head right to my thighs? They always plunge headfirst into my bucket, say I am “finger lickin’ good,” but they always end up wanting someone boneless, hotter, spicier with an extra crispy attitude. Can’t they see, those fresh women are so over processed and definitely no good for them!? I start to question myself, why am I such a pigeon to fall for these guys? Maybe I AM too Original recipe for this day and age? And why do I have to go cold turkey after the breakup?! I call fowl! Still, I get so chicken when it comes to starting something again with someone else. I duck and dodge love, I just don’t do it right. This is going south fast. Hopefully,the right one will swoop in someday 🙂

Kimberly, thanks for sharing. We learn so much about ourselves through heartbreak. I am hopeful for the future and the amazing story that is being written through your life.

Likewise Kellie! I will always choose to smile through the pain and laugh through the tears

I agree with Kellie, Kimberly. I was where you are once. One day, an intuitive woman told me that my perfect mate is someone I already know. I thought she was crazy until I got in touch with a teacher I had known. We were 2 1/2 hours apart by then, but we made it happen! We are happily married now & about to celebrate our 10th anniversary! Write down what you want in a mate & keep the list close to your heart! Check out my debut novel about a young American woman who goes to El Salvador during their civil war: tinyurl.com/klxbt4y

P.S. I couldn’t have written my novel without his love & support.

Ha ha, you definitely know a way to a man’s heart.

Absolutely, Thomas, but too bad most of them were too “full of it” to begin with. 😉

Virginia Woolf’s most agrees with my own: In order to feel great happiness, we must also be willing to feel great sadness. Check out my debut novel about a young American woman who goes to El Salvador during their civil war: tinyurl.com/klxbt4y

We can only go as far as we have experienced, I like it. Thanks for sharing!

True heartbreak is like the fire of the Phoenix; intense, all consuming, total destruction… only to allow the person to rise from the ashes new, stronger, better, and full of life because of it.

Kellie, that is so good. I love the picture of ashes. Hope. Bam. Thanks for sharing!

Beautiful quotes, all. I wish this were a WordPress blog so I could re-post it on my blog. Check out my debut novel about a young American woman who goes to El Salvador during their civil war: tinyurl.com/klxbt4y

Kellie, your quote resonates with me. It is very true, and you are very brave and inspiring. I wish I could give you a sister hug. <3

Who can explain true love? Who can describe the heights of its joy or the depths of its pain? Those who love the most are those that hurt the most. They're the tender souls. True love is humble. It is self-less. It's the lover who breaks up with him because she knows they will both be better without each other. She doesn't hate him. Her heart screams for him to hold her now more than ever, and yet she says "goodbye." It is only the broken heart that can heal. And the healing comes. God brings it in its time, and it washes over your soul like the first rain of spring. It awakens you from your sleep to remind you that the world is alive again. Somehow the colors are brighter than before. True love will break you. But it will heal you too.

This is SO beautiful. I am so thankful you shared this. Sounds like you have a lot of wisdom!

Thank you for your encouragement, it means so much to me.

All quotes are beautiful. Another one I recall is one of the French dramatist Jean Annouilh: ‘One who has been happy in love, have not the slightest idea of what love is.’ Sometimes I think that heartbreak comes from the wounded ego, as Robert Frost wrote: ‘Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired.’

Interesting quote Philip, thanks for sharing!

I told myself I would never get over her – total bullshit, thank the Lord.

Ha, nice quote!

My heart is tenderized through it’s little fissures, cracks, crevices, brought on by the suffering of loss. It is more deeply attuned to love, more capable of experiencing love, giving love, feeling worthy of love, more able to experience the expansiveness of love; the looking outward to who needs love and upward to love of the Lord of heaven. There is a crack in everything; that’s how the light gets in.

Nice job Kat! My favorite part, “There is a crack in everything; that’s how the light gets in.” So great! Thanks for sharing!

Thanks! So glad you enjoyed it.

I really liked Gary G Little’s. Simply true and beautiful piece on heartbreak.

But I believe heartbreak is literally a bubble. It’s out there when you can see and feel it, but as soon as you try to give it a touch which is a description, they disappear into the thin air, becoming non-existent.

Heart is often not felt to be there until a crack enters through.

I like your description of the crack entering the heart. Creates a great image! Thanks for sharing!

Heartbreak is a division of body and soul. The soul is dead, the body is not.

To be in love is to be feel all your fears twice. To experience heartbreak is to feel nothing.

When ones heart is broken, emotions are not perceptible, they are you, they consume you.

Those are great. I really like, “To be in love is to feel all your fears twice.” Agreed.

The schoolyard was harsh, ugly and unfamiliar-low, poorly built classrooms set at strange angles, too close to one another. The students, although obviously boys and girls, bore no resemblance to the friends 12,000 miles away. They spoke differently, ate different sweets, sniggered and laughed at her differentness.

First lesson in the new school, she was made to come to the front of the room and give a talk. Something she had not had one minute of practice doing, ever. The sneering faces and guffaws, cruel eyes watching for anything to laugh at were a scene from an expressionist painting. Unconsciously speaking, like a robot programmed to fail, her talk was over. The seat found.

Double trouble. Interval found her in the toilets, grey concrete, cold, noisy, a prison cell. She was twelve, but her period was regular and heavy, it trapped her during break time, while the blood fell in the white bowl. Numbness crept over her like a shell of protection that stopped feelings penetrating, doing deep damage.

Introduction to adulthood was bitter and unexpected. One boy told her he had sex with his sister. She didn’t even know what sex was.

Back home, miles away, she had played with her white kitten, with one eye blue, the other green and wept to say goodbye to him, comforted only by the dream of a beautiful new country filled with rivers, tree ferns, oceans and sun.

It was eight years of heartbreak before the dream was found in the new land. Loneliness, differences, disorientation filled that gap. The wrench of being pulled out of her own soft landscape into the strange never discussed. Maybe not understood.

She is settled and grateful now, having found her place among true friendships-ready to call this other land ‘almost home.’

Fairy tales take simple things, and with a wave of the wand, turn them into the most fanciful. How we often desire that same wand to change the situation that we find ourselves in; extending moments of joy, or erasing periods of heartache.

The reality that we live in is not what we want when there are so many other options available to our imagination. Time, once upon us, offers an endless chasm of what could be, and is only limited by what we can temporarily avoid.

When sorrow overtakes us as a vast ocean and ceaseless tide, we find a wish granting fish, or a song filled mermaid. Our cloudy skies are backdrops for a flying carpet. Even those times of pleasure can have us wear a glass slipper.

Life can be messy, so we often use magic to clean up the truths of love and hate.

This is really powerful! I love your comparison to magic, so true. Thanks for sharing!

What has been my greatest heartbreak? Was it the moment of his final breath as I watched the heart monitor become a straight line, all the while knowing that this moment signaled seismic change in my life? Was it as I planned his funeral, all the while my mind in a jumble of grief? Or has it been the countless moments I spend inside our home without him to call out to me in his lilting accented voice?

Truthfully, it all runs together like a mucky, blackish indigo tie dye with splashes of red that accents the raw pain.

There is not a single moment to identify my greatest heartbreak. It is all about the years that led up to his death, the anguish of watching as his mind became shrouded by disease that robbed him of memories. It must be a terrible thing to experience such a loss of self. It is also agonizing to watch helplessly as a loved one slowly descends behind the dark curtain.

The loss of this man, the person responsible for radical change in my own life has been my greatest heartbreak. Four years later, my heart is still raw and broken. I wonder, does it ever go away?

Linda, this is really powerful, and awful, I’m sorry. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you, Kellie

As I read your words, Linda, I can feel the hearrbreak in my belly. I am so sorry for your loss.

Thank you, Diane.

None of us can look directly at a broken heart. Instead, we wait, hoping with bated breath that it won’t see us as we try not to see it. We wait until the cracks become scars, until the pain stops, like little kids that only look beneath the bed in the light of day. We can’t look directly into that dark weeping, we know, because even though heartbreak won’t kill us, but it might easily drive us mad.

Great job Len. I really like the imagery of cracks becoming scars. I agree with you, we definitely have a hard time looking at a broken heart. Thanks for sharing!

I Can’t Believe He’s Gone By Kiki Stamatiou a. k. a. Joanna Maharis

“I can’t believe he’s gone,” I cried to one of my cousins with my lips quivering, as we both looked on when my brother John was taken of the respirator and other machines he was hooked onto. He never came out of his coma. My entire body shook with grief, and my cousin walked me out of the room.

I didn’t want to leave. I shouted, “I’m not going to leave my brother behind.”

“You have to leave him, honey. He’s with God, now. I don’t like this anymore than you do, but what else can we do. He’s brain dead. There’s not much else we can do for him. Let him go in peace so he wouldn’t feel anymore pain. I’m so sorry, honey, but I don’t know what else to tell you,” she cried with tears falling from her eyes, hugging me tight.

“I wish John didn’t have to die. That father of mine should have been a better father than he was. If he wasn’t abusive and an alcoholic most of the time, he’d of been able to lead by proper example. It’s his fault John was foolish enough to get into the car of that drunk driver. If he didn’t, he’d still be alive and well. The evil parasite lured him into the car, by pretending to be his friend. John trusted that filthy parasite when he shouldn’t have,”

I shouted while breaking away from the hug, and began smacking the walls in the hallway of the hospital to vent my frustration.

“He’s not going to come back to life, honey. You can’t bring John back. I wish I could bring him back and change the overall outcome, but I can’t. What would you have me do, Kiki? Tell me how I can help you to overcome and get through this?” My cousin asked me with her arms in the air.

“I wish John was here and alive. This is a nightmare I can’t wake up from. I don’t want him to be where he is. I want him to come home with us so we can celebrate Christmas in a few weeks from now. What about Christmas, huh? How am I supposed to celebrate Christmas knowing I will never see my brother again?” I asked in hysterics while waving my arms in the air.

My cousin grabbed a hold of me and pulled me close to her, because I had a breakdown. I couldn’t stop crying. I couldn’t stop shaking. I was overcome with rage. I wanted to kill the guy who was responsible for my brother being dead. I wanted the driver of the car to suffer. I wanted revenge.

“Kiki, revenge isn’t the answer. In the Bible, God says, “Vengeance is mine. You can’t see to go out and destroy anyone. The guy who killed Johnny will be punished by God. Please don’t ever take matters into your own hands. I don’t want you to suffer anymore than you already are. I don’t want you to suffer at all. Please believe me when I say I’m sorry you’re suffering. I wish there was more I could do for you. And I wish I could bring your brother back to life so he can find some happiness in life. But maybe he’ll find peace and happiness with God in heaven. You will see him again when the time comes. I believe that with all my heart,” she said while wiping the tears from my eyes with a tissue she pulled out of her coat pocket.

© Copyright, Kiki Stamatiou, 2015

Thanks for sharing Kiki, that is heartbreaking. You wrote it in a beautiful, honoring way. So sorry, I know this relates to so many people and this story is powerful.

Thank you so much, Kellie McGann. I appreciate that.

“The feeling we call heartbreak is not the heart breaking, for if it did we would all be gone from this world. Rather, it is the feeling of your soul drawing deep inside of the heart, inside its vessel, in a desperate attempt to save itself, to let the unsalvageable fall as tears and put the wreckage back together.”

Lauren, this is so great! You wrote this?! It’s incredible. You’re a great writer! Can’t wait to see more of your writing! Thanks for sharing!

Kellie! Thanks so much for your article! Love it! Not a native English speaker, as a little thank you, the attempt to translate one of my heart-break notes, a variation of a Goethe poem … No lyrics, just a confession: Heartbreaks are so deeply human, how could we live without them?

Two hearts, alas!, are beating in my bosom One demands in sorrow and in lust To bleed to death and blossom The other one just beats. It must.

Wow, this is so great! It’s hard to believe your not a native english speaker! The poem is beautiful! I agree, “Heartbreaks are so deeply human, how could we live without them?” Thanks for sharing this!

“True love is letting go, yet here I am hanging on.”

-M.FlynnFollen

Kellie, I Hope your feeling better… or letting the heartbreak fuel your writer’s fire.

“…yet here I am hanging on” Well-phrased; brings forth contemplation

Shock. Disbelief. How could this happen? Why did this happen? Hand to chest, as if to protect the heart, no match for the pain which slithers past the fingers and penetrates the chest. Heat and aching fill the cavity where love and tenderness should reside. “You need to let go.” How can I? The rupture of life. I walk in a daze. How can people be living a normal life? Don’t they feel the pain? My friends say they understand; that helps. It’s still lonely. I alone walk this path, knowing the heartache fills my cells, testing me to grow beyond, to transform this into the lessons of life which bring wisdom from experience. I treasure that woman who I will become. For now, I ache.

It doesn’t feel as if my heart was broken. Sometimes the pain is so deep and sharp, it feels more like emptiness; as if I have no heart at all.

Quote: “Revel in the chaos”. It is tatted on my right leg and the delight started over a month ago. I was scared, excited, worried, and ridiculed by the thought of what others would think about me. The present situation was stressful and weird because It was happening to me and every test confirmed it. Skin was looking great appetite was the peak of Kilimanjaro. I had signs for 5 weeks and still didn’t know and when I did I still didn’t know what to do. I knew I had to tell somebody and I took their advice. Worst feeling of accepting. What I then experienced was nothing to revel in.. what will always be a part of me Is no longer inside of me. It only creeps in; it never stays that’s how I want to deal with this pain.

I opened my email and saw tons of nude photos of little sluts around the world who liked my exercised power and rough touch and indifference. I had a different name for all of those girls, just in case, you see, one day I would be a family man and all of this will be gone to obscurity like your obscure language I studied and I knew you saw innumerable worlds expanding inside of you just by the vision of me and you disregarded my sex games and fuck toys as if they were part of my morning breakfast, I had to have them all and it was alright because you’d come back for more endlessly, just like them, and I will pretend not to see your obvious-like-the-Sun pain.

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How to Make Your Reader Cry (Writing Emotion: Heartbreak)

The Writing Emotion series observes one emotion at a time in a story that does it well. This is so that we can understand better how to do our most important job as storytellers (no matter the genre): make readers feel . Or, in this case, make readers cry.

The objective of these posts is less about learning to convey a specific emotion (joy, sorrow, anxiousness, etc.) and more about studying what is going on underneath a scene that makes the emotionality of it more compelling for the characters and the reader alike—

It’s about learning to write emotion .

Emotion: Heartbreak Story: Stranger Things Season 4

Spoilers Ahead   (In terms of plot for the season, the spoilers here are minor. This scene appears in Episode 3 of Season 4.)

Heartbreak: overwhelming distress.

Scene from the story:

Lesson 1: Make your reader cry by operating from their greatest insecurity

The most poignant scenes in a story play directly into the character’s Lie . In this case, Eleven is operating from the Lie: I am the monster .

This particular lie has been an insecurity of hers since season 1. I chose to focus on heartbreak for this scene (even though it’s only one of many emotions in this scene) because Eleven has convinced herself that the person she trusts and loves most in the world also believes this lie about her.

This internal belief is causing her, as the definition states above, overwhelming distress .

Having someone the protagonist trusts reflect back to them their most sensitive misbeliefs/insecurities about who they are is a spectacular formula for deep, raw emotion.

Not only that, it’s an excellent launch pad into more obstacles and opportunities for transformation. In fact, as a result of this scene, we see both Mike and Will undergo a great amount of growth over the rest of the season.

Lesson 2: Make your reader cry by escalating the emotion with setup & payoff

There are two moments in this scene where Eleven’s heart breaks just a little more— where the emotion escalates and the writer does a good job of making the viewer cry.

This occurs when Mike unintentionally touches on more of her insecurities. We already know from early on in the scene that she has an insecurity of not belonging/being a monster. But earlier in the story (season) the writers have also set up other insecurities playing into that belief.

That Mike no longer loves her

That she is worthless/helpless without her superpowers

This scene is an excellent example of setup and payoff in terms of these insecurities:

Eleven has noticed Mike’s absence of the word “love” in their relationship. This minor conflict is subtle, but has been established with their exchanging of letters. We hear Eleven’s use of the word “love” in the opening scenes of the season as she writes a letter to Mike. Later, we deduce that she is disappointed when Mike writes “From” in the flowers he gives to her, rather than “Love.” That setup pays off in this scene (when Eleven is already in a considerable amount of distress) when Mike says the line, “I care for you so much.” Her emotion and insecurity escalates noticeably at this statement, and the scene conflict escalates as a result.

Eleven has been feeling helpless without her superpowers. Without them, she has no way (that she knows) to fight against her bullies. This has been set up in multiple scenes, but here it comes to a head, ending the scene with even more escalated emotions. This occurs when Mike cites his feelings for Eleven grounded in the fact that she is a “superhero.” Again, noticeably, her emotion escalates as she replies, “Not anymore.”

Lesson 3: Make your reader invest emotionally by layering the scene with a mystery

Eleven’s emotion escalates when Mike does not tell her he loves her.

But why doesn’t he?

The writers do a great job of using subtext to pique our curiosity. Is Mike insecure? Have his feelings shifted somehow? What’s going on that is making him reluctant or unable to give Eleven what she needs in this moment?

This not only intensifies the emotion in this scene (we see Mike’s confusion, desperation, frustration, etc.), it also makes us eager to keep watching so that we can see this conflict resolve and understand what’s going on with Mike emotionally— aka, solve this mystery.

Want more insight into behind-the-scenes story magic & writing emotion? Click on one of the buttons below.

How to Leave Your Reader Satisfied (Writing Emotion: Contentment)

Useful writing tips based on your enneagram type.

104 Journal Prompts for Breakup and Broken Heart

• Felix Prasetyo
• Updated March 28, 2022
• March 28, 2022
• Category    Journal Prompts

Table of Contents

Journal prompts for breakup and broken hearts

Are you having trouble writing your journal entries? Are they too personal or too boring? Journal prompts are a great way to get started. They provide structure and motivation .

Journal prompts are short phrases that prompt you to write about something specific. They can be very helpful for writers who struggle with creativity.

Don’t have time to read the whole guide right now?

No worries. Let me send you a copy so you can read it when it’s convenient for you. Just let me know where to send it (takes 5 seconds):

Journal prompts for breakup and broke heart.

• 1. Write about a time when you felt sad or lonely .
• 2. Write about the first thing you did after getting hurt.
• 3. What if life keeps going on as usual after you break up with someone?
• 4. How do you deal with the pain caused by love lost?
• 5. If you could choose any superpower, what would it be?
• 6. Think of three people in your life who have always been trustworthy. Describe each one of them.
• 7. What’s the best medicine for sadness?
• 8. If you had to start over again right now, what would you change about yourself?
• 9. What is your most painful memory from the past?
• 10. Have you ever made someone else happy before? Explain how.
• 11. List all the things you wish you hadn’t done when you were younger.
• 12. Where would you go if you won a million dollars?
• 13. Imagine you just broke up with someone. Would your life be different without him/her?
• 14. Do you still think about him/her? Why or why not?
• 15. Tell us a secret story about a time when you were feeling really down.
• 16. Did anyone say anything out loud that made you feel better? Who was it?
• 17. What is your deepest fear?
• 18. Write a list of everything you’ve learned so far during this break-up process .
• 19. What’s one way you hope to move forward from here?
• 20. Look back on your relationship , take three words and describe what happened between you two in those three sentences.
• 21. Look at these two pictures: One shows the person you once loved; the other shows another person that you no longer love. Which picture looks more like you today? Why?
• 22. Is there a song lyric that reminds you of a special moment in your relationship ? Copy it into your journal .
• 23. Make a list of all the things you miss about him/her. Then make a separate list about all the things you don’t miss anymore. Don’t worry about being objective. Just write what feels true to your heart .
• 24. Do you want to keep your ex around forever? Why or why not?
• 25. What did you learn about yourself while you were together?
• 26. If you could tell your former partner one thing before he/she left you for good, what would it be and why?
• 27. What is the hardest part about ending a long-term relationship ?
• 28. Do you think your ex will try to contact you if you stay away from him/her? Why/why not?
• 29. You know you have to let go of your ex, but how do you feel about it? Why?
• 30. Write about an activity you enjoy doing with friends or family members.
• 31. Were there times during your relationship where you thought things would never work out? Describe one example.
• 32. Has your opinion on love changed since becoming single? Is there something you’d change about the way you look at relationships ?
• 33. Take some time to write about your feelings towards your ex.
• 34. Are you looking ahead to future dates ? What are they like?
• 35. What have you gained from breaking up?
• 36. Write about the last time you talked to your ex.
• 37. When was the last time you cried? Why?
• 38. What has been the hardest thing to deal with since losing your partner?
• 39. How would you rate your current level of sadness?
• 40. What kind of relationship do you believe you need going forward?
• 41. In the past year, who has given you the best advice about love? Why?
• 42. Do you regret any aspect of your relationship with your partner ? Why/Why not?
• 43. Write about a mistake you made in your relationship with your ex.
• 44. Write about your best date ever.
• 45. Have you ever felt insecure in your relationship with your partner in the past? What was it about? Was this feeling based on reality or your imagination? What can you do to improve any insecurity issues now?
• 46. Share five things you think you will have in common with your future partner.
• 47. Write about a time you gave up control over a situation in order to help someone else.
• 48. How much do you agree with the following statement? “Sometimes it takes experiencing failure to grow as a human being.”
• 49. Did you become physically ill after this painful breakup journey ? Why/why not. If so, how did that affect you?
• 50. What do you wish your ex knew about you?
• 51. Does your memory of your romantic partners include positive elements and/or negative ones? Why?
• 52. Write about the time you hurt yourself emotionally or financially because of your partner.
• 53. Tell yourself a story about why you should move on.
• 54. What happens when you break up?
• 55. What does it take to forgive someone?
• 56. Who do you see yourself marrying someday? Why? How old do you think you will be by then?
• 57. What do you believe makes people successful in life ?
• 58. Do you believe everyone deserves a second chance? Explain.
• 59. Write about a time when you saw a sign or hear a song that reminded you of your ex.
• 60. What was the worst part about your breakup ?
• 61. Would you ever want to get back together with your former partner? Why/why not.?
• 62. Write about a bad decision you made in the past.
• 63. What do you think is the purpose behind dating?
• 64. In what ways has your perspective on money evolved since your last breakup? Please explain.
• 65. What does breaking up mean for you personally? How has it affected your life?
• 66. What do you believe was the most important lesson you learned during your previous relationship ?
• 69. Think about a time you had a very bad experience in your recent past. Try writing about those events from a different point of view.
• 70. Has there always been a person in your life whom you wanted with you forever? Explain. If so, describe him/her.
• 71. Are you willing to let go of those feelings in order to move on? Explain.
• 72. Describe an incident where you demonstrated great faith toward another person.
• 73. What are some strategies you use to avoid getting involved with new people?
• 74. Write one thing that you can do to make yourself feel better when you start thinking about your ex again.
• 75. Write one thing that you can do when you are trying to get over your ex.
• 76. What is healthy, inter-dependent relationship mean to you?
• 77. What three qualities do you look for in a potential mate?
• 78. Imagine a world without jealousy . Is this possible?
• 79. Describe your first love.
• 80. What do you think makes a relationship work well?
• 81. Describe how your relationship with your parents affects your decisions today.
• 82. What do you believe is the most important quality required to build strong relationships?
• 83. Have you ever felt like your heart belonged to someone else?
• 84. Write about a situation when you have given up something truly valuable.
• 85. Write about a person who taught you a lot about love.
• 86. Describe the best advice you have received regarding your current relationship.
• 87. Have you ever thought that you would never find true love ?
• 88. Can you imagine being able to help others through tough times , just as they helped you?
• 89. In what ways has the course of your life changed after your last major breakup?
• 90. Has anyone ever broken your trust ?
• 91. Where do you see yourself five years from now?
• 92. Describe your ideal marriage situation. Do you believe these things are necessary for happiness?
• 93. What kind of romantic relationship do you expect to have in the future?
• 94. Describe a moment when you believed in yourself.
• 95. How often do you worry about your future?
• 96. What is the one thing that will be hardest for you to accept about your ex?
• 97. When did you last cry? Why were you crying?
• 98. When was the last time you experienced real happiness ?
• 99. You recently broke up with someone who you said loved you. Did your actions convince them or break their hearts? Why?
• 100. Why does everyone say that true romance comes with age? Does such a statement hold any truth in your case?
• 101. What kinds of experiences make you happy?
• 102. Name at least four emotions that you struggle against.
• 103. If possible, write about two moments in your life when you felt lonely.
• 104. What do you think the secret is behind finding real love?

I hope that these writing prompts have helped you during this challenging time. The healing process from breakups is tough, but not impossible.

And although this painful breakup story may still be fresh in your memory, I know that you will eventually recover from this and be in a healthy relationship again with someone who truly loves you for who you are.

Best of luck in you future relationships!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Felix Prasetyo is the founder and publisher at Lifengoal, covering relationships, social skills, and personal growth. Felix holds a degree in Computer Science from the University of British Columbia, and has also contributed to other media publications such as Addicted2Success.com and YogiApproved.

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What Is Creative Writing? (Ultimate Guide + 20 Examples)

Creative writing begins with a blank page and the courage to fill it with the stories only you can tell.

I face this intimidating blank page daily–and I have for the better part of 20+ years.

In this guide, you’ll learn all the ins and outs of creative writing with tons of examples.

What Is Creative Writing (Long Description)?

Creative Writing is the art of using words to express ideas and emotions in imaginative ways. It encompasses various forms including novels, poetry, and plays, focusing on narrative craft, character development, and the use of literary tropes.

Table of Contents

Let’s expand on that definition a bit.

Creative writing is an art form that transcends traditional literature boundaries.

It includes professional, journalistic, academic, and technical writing. This type of writing emphasizes narrative craft, character development, and literary tropes. It also explores poetry and poetics traditions.

In essence, creative writing lets you express ideas and emotions uniquely and imaginatively.

It’s about the freedom to invent worlds, characters, and stories. These creations evoke a spectrum of emotions in readers.

Creative writing covers fiction, poetry, and everything in between.

It allows writers to express inner thoughts and feelings. Often, it reflects human experiences through a fabricated lens.

Types of Creative Writing

There are many types of creative writing that we need to explain.

Some of the most common types:

• Short stories
• Screenplays
• Flash fiction
• Creative Nonfiction

Short Stories (The Brief Escape)

Short stories are like narrative treasures.

They are compact but impactful, telling a full story within a limited word count. These tales often focus on a single character or a crucial moment.

Short stories are known for their brevity.

They deliver emotion and insight in a concise yet powerful package. This format is ideal for exploring diverse genres, themes, and characters. It leaves a lasting impression on readers.

Example: Emma discovers an old photo of her smiling grandmother. It’s a rarity. Through flashbacks, Emma learns about her grandmother’s wartime love story. She comes to understand her grandmother’s resilience and the value of joy.

Novels (The Long Journey)

Novels are extensive explorations of character, plot, and setting.

They span thousands of words, giving writers the space to create entire worlds. Novels can weave complex stories across various themes and timelines.

The length of a novel allows for deep narrative and character development.

Readers get an immersive experience.

Example: Across the Divide tells of two siblings separated in childhood. They grow up in different cultures. Their reunion highlights the strength of family bonds, despite distance and differences.

Poetry (The Soul’s Language)

Poetry expresses ideas and emotions through rhythm, sound, and word beauty.

It distills emotions and thoughts into verses. Poetry often uses metaphors, similes, and figurative language to reach the reader’s heart and mind.

Poetry ranges from structured forms, like sonnets, to free verse.

The latter breaks away from traditional formats for more expressive thought.

Example: Whispers of Dawn is a poem collection capturing morning’s quiet moments. “First Light” personifies dawn as a painter. It brings colors of hope and renewal to the world.

Plays (The Dramatic Dialogue)

Plays are meant for performance. They bring characters and conflicts to life through dialogue and action.

This format uniquely explores human relationships and societal issues.

Playwrights face the challenge of conveying setting, emotion, and plot through dialogue and directions.

Example: Echoes of Tomorrow is set in a dystopian future. Memories can be bought and sold. It follows siblings on a quest to retrieve their stolen memories. They learn the cost of living in a world where the past has a price.

Screenplays (Cinema’s Blueprint)

Screenplays outline narratives for films and TV shows.

They require an understanding of visual storytelling, pacing, and dialogue. Screenplays must fit film production constraints.

Example: The Last Light is a screenplay for a sci-fi film. Humanity’s survivors on a dying Earth seek a new planet. The story focuses on spacecraft Argo’s crew as they face mission challenges and internal dynamics.

Memoirs (The Personal Journey)

Memoirs provide insight into an author’s life, focusing on personal experiences and emotional journeys.

They differ from autobiographies by concentrating on specific themes or events.

Memoirs invite readers into the author’s world.

They share lessons learned and hardships overcome.

Example: Under the Mango Tree is a memoir by Maria Gomez. It shares her childhood memories in rural Colombia. The mango tree in their yard symbolizes home, growth, and nostalgia. Maria reflects on her journey to a new life in America.

Flash Fiction (The Quick Twist)

Flash fiction tells stories in under 1,000 words.

It’s about crafting compelling narratives concisely. Each word in flash fiction must count, often leading to a twist.

This format captures life’s vivid moments, delivering quick, impactful insights.

Example: The Last Message features an astronaut’s final Earth message as her spacecraft drifts away. In 500 words, it explores isolation, hope, and the desire to connect against all odds.

Creative Nonfiction (The Factual Tale)

Creative nonfiction combines factual accuracy with creative storytelling.

This genre covers real events, people, and places with a twist. It uses descriptive language and narrative arcs to make true stories engaging.

Creative nonfiction includes biographies, essays, and travelogues.

Example: Echoes of Everest follows the author’s Mount Everest climb. It mixes factual details with personal reflections and the history of past climbers. The narrative captures the climb’s beauty and challenges, offering an immersive experience.

Fantasy (The World Beyond)

Fantasy transports readers to magical and mythical worlds.

It explores themes like good vs. evil and heroism in unreal settings. Fantasy requires careful world-building to create believable yet fantastic realms.

Example: The Crystal of Azmar tells of a young girl destined to save her world from darkness. She learns she’s the last sorceress in a forgotten lineage. Her journey involves mastering powers, forming alliances, and uncovering ancient kingdom myths.

Science Fiction (The Future Imagined)

Science fiction delves into futuristic and scientific themes.

It questions the impact of advancements on society and individuals.

Science fiction ranges from speculative to hard sci-fi, focusing on plausible futures.

Example: When the Stars Whisper is set in a future where humanity communicates with distant galaxies. It centers on a scientist who finds an alien message. This discovery prompts a deep look at humanity’s universe role and interstellar communication.

Watch this great video that explores the question, “What is creative writing?” and “How to get started?”:

What Are the 5 Cs of Creative Writing?

The 5 Cs of creative writing are fundamental pillars.

They guide writers to produce compelling and impactful work. These principles—Clarity, Coherence, Conciseness, Creativity, and Consistency—help craft stories that engage and entertain.

They also resonate deeply with readers. Let’s explore each of these critical components.

Clarity makes your writing understandable and accessible.

It involves choosing the right words and constructing clear sentences. Your narrative should be easy to follow.

In creative writing, clarity means conveying complex ideas in a digestible and enjoyable way.

Coherence ensures your writing flows logically.

It’s crucial for maintaining the reader’s interest. Characters should develop believably, and plots should progress logically. This makes the narrative feel cohesive.

Conciseness

Conciseness is about expressing ideas succinctly.

It’s being economical with words and avoiding redundancy. This principle helps maintain pace and tension, engaging readers throughout the story.

Creativity is the heart of creative writing.

It allows writers to invent new worlds and create memorable characters. Creativity involves originality and imagination. It’s seeing the world in unique ways and sharing that vision.

Consistency

Consistency maintains a uniform tone, style, and voice.

It means being faithful to the world you’ve created. Characters should act true to their development. This builds trust with readers, making your story immersive and believable.

Is Creative Writing Easy?

Creative writing is both rewarding and challenging.

Crafting stories from your imagination involves more than just words on a page. It requires discipline and a deep understanding of language and narrative structure.

Exploring complex characters and themes is also key.

Refining and revising your work is crucial for developing your voice.

The ease of creative writing varies. Some find the freedom of expression liberating.

Others struggle with writer’s block or plot development challenges. However, practice and feedback make creative writing more fulfilling.

What Does a Creative Writer Do?

A creative writer weaves narratives that entertain, enlighten, and inspire.

Writers explore both the world they create and the emotions they wish to evoke. Their tasks are diverse, involving more than just writing.

Creative writers develop ideas, research, and plan their stories.

They create characters and outline plots with attention to detail. Drafting and revising their work is a significant part of their process. They strive for the 5 Cs of compelling writing.

Writers engage with the literary community, seeking feedback and participating in workshops.

They may navigate the publishing world with agents and editors.

Creative writers are storytellers, craftsmen, and artists. They bring narratives to life, enriching our lives and expanding our imaginations.

How to Get Started With Creative Writing?

Embarking on a creative writing journey can feel like standing at the edge of a vast and mysterious forest.

The path is not always clear, but the adventure is calling.

Here’s how to take your first steps into the world of creative writing:

• Find a time of day when your mind is most alert and creative.
• Create a comfortable writing space free from distractions.
• Use prompts to spark your imagination. They can be as simple as a word, a phrase, or an image.
• Try writing for 15-20 minutes on a prompt without editing yourself. Let the ideas flow freely.
• Reading is fuel for your writing. Explore various genres and styles.
• Pay attention to how your favorite authors construct their sentences, develop characters, and build their worlds.
• Don’t pressure yourself to write a novel right away. Begin with short stories or poems.
• Small projects can help you hone your skills and boost your confidence.
• Look for writing groups in your area or online. These communities offer support, feedback, and motivation.
• Participating in workshops or classes can also provide valuable insights into your writing.
• Understand that your first draft is just the beginning. Revising your work is where the real magic happens.
• Be open to feedback and willing to rework your pieces.
• Carry a notebook or digital recorder to jot down ideas, observations, and snippets of conversations.
• These notes can be gold mines for future writing projects.

Final Thoughts: What Is Creative Writing?

Creative writing is an invitation to explore the unknown, to give voice to the silenced, and to celebrate the human spirit in all its forms.

Check out these creative writing tools (that I highly recommend):

Read This Next:

• What Is a Prompt in Writing? (Ultimate Guide + 200 Examples)
• What Is A Personal Account In Writing? (47 Examples)
• How To Write A Fantasy Short Story (Ultimate Guide + Examples)
• How To Write A Fantasy Romance Novel [21 Tips + Examples)

DraftSparks ✨

Understanding Heartbreak

Write about a time you felt heartbroken and describe the emotions surrounding that experience..

Heartbreak is a universal feeling yet it is a deeply personal experience, with each individual coping with it differently. For this prompt you could explore questions such as: What caused the heartbreak? How did you react initially and then overtime? What coping strategies did you use? How did this event shape you? Reflecting on these questions can help you better understand your emotional response and personal growth following heartbreak.

Scratchpad ℹ️

Feel free to share your story in the comments below.

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Related prompts:

• Understanding the Rain
• Understanding Depressive Episodes
• Trust in Innocence
• Ticket to Romance
• The Shades of Sadness
• The Lost Trails
• The Healing Power of Personal Stories
• Stress Signature
• Reaching Out
• Purpose in Pain
• Puppeteer of the Past
• Mapping the Maze

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25 Journal Prompts for Heartbreak: Healing and Moving Forward

Heartbreak is a universal experience that we all face in our lives. It could be the end of a relationship, the loss of a loved one, or any other tragedy that touches our lives. Finding ways to cope with heartbreak can be a challenging and daunting task, but journaling can be an effective tool in helping to process and heal from the emotions that arise. Whether it’s through writing down our deepest fears and frustrations or connecting with our inner selves, journal prompts for heartbreak offer a powerful way to heal and grow.

If you’re experiencing heartbreak, then consider trying out some of these journal prompts. Start by asking yourself what you’re feeling right now and why. Write down your emotions, whether it’s anger, sadness, or grief. Then, try to pinpoint what triggered those feelings. What events led up to this moment? Reflect on any moments of joy and gratitude that you still feel, no matter how small they may seem. From there, you can begin to explore how you can move forward and begin the healing process.

Through journaling, you can uncover hidden patterns and beliefs that may be holding you back. It can be a powerful way to tap into your intuition and gain insights into your own life. Some helpful prompts for heartbreak include writing letters to loved ones, exploring your core values and beliefs, and reflecting on your dreams and aspirations. As you continue to journal, you may discover new dimensions of yourself that have been waiting to be discovered. So, take a deep breath and pick up a pen. Your journey towards healing and growth is just beginning. Journal prompts for healing after heartbreak

Dealing with heartbreak is an emotional rollercoaster that can leave you feeling lost and overwhelmed. Keeping a journal can be a therapeutic and healing process that allows you to sort through your thoughts and emotions. Here are 15 journal prompts to help you heal after heartbreak:

• What did I learn about myself from this heartbreak?
• What could I have done differently in the relationship?
• What are my personal values and how did they align with the person I was with?
• How has this heartbreak shaped me and my future relationships?
• What positive qualities do I bring to a relationship?
• What are some things that have brought me joy in the past?
• How can I focus on self-care during this time?
• What are some areas of my life that could use improvement?
• What are some things I can do to grow and develop as an individual?
• How can I use this heartbreak as a learning experience?
• What are some goals I want to set for myself?
• What are some things I am grateful for in my life?
• How can I practice forgiveness toward the person who hurt me?
• What are some positive affirmations I can repeat to myself?
• What are some things I can do to bring positivity back into my life?

Journaling provides a safe space to process your emotions and work through difficult feelings. Be patient with yourself and allow yourself to feel the range of emotions that come with heartbreak. With time and reflection, use these prompts to find growth, healing, and a renewed sense of self.

Remember, healing takes time and self-compassion is essential during this process.

Journal prompts for forgiveness after heartbreak

Forgiveness is a vital step in healing from heartbreak. It is a process that involves acknowledging the pain caused, allowing ourselves to feel the emotions attached to it, and eventually letting go. Forgiveness does not mean erasing what happened or condoning it, but rather accepting the situation and finding peace within ourselves. Here are 15 journal prompts to help us navigate through the journey of forgiveness:

• What does forgiveness mean to me?
• What emotions am I feeling towards the person who caused my heartbreak?
• How has holding onto resentment affected me?
• What do I need to forgive myself for in this situation?
• What can I learn from this experience?
• What positive qualities can I recognize in the person who hurt me?
• Who can I lean on for support during this time?
• What actions can I take to move towards forgiveness?
• What boundaries do I need to set to protect myself?
• What can I do to practice self-compassion?
• What am I grateful for in my life despite the heartbreak?
• What steps can I take to heal and move forward?
• What would it look like to extend forgiveness to the person who caused my pain?
• What are some ways I can cultivate inner peace?
• What affirmations can I say to myself to reinforce the idea of forgiveness?

Writing down our thoughts helps us process our emotions and gain clarity. It allows us to reflect on our experiences and find meaning in them. Through journaling, we can acknowledge our pain, find forgiveness within ourselves, and move forward with compassion and healing.

Remember, forgiveness is a journey and may take time, but it is worth it. Holding onto anger and resentment only hurts ourselves in the end. Through forgiveness, we can free ourselves from the pain of heartbreak and find peace within.

Journal prompts for self-reflection after heartbreak

Going through a heartbreak can be a painful and challenging experience, but it can also be an opportunity for growth and self-reflection. By journaling, you can gain insight into your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, and start the healing process. However, it can be hard to know where to start or what to write about. Here are 15 journal prompts to get you started:

• What were some warning signs in the relationship that I ignored?
• What are some patterns in my past relationships?
• How did my own behavior contribute to the breakup?
• What values were important to me in the relationship, and how were they met or not met?
• What was my role in the conflict?
• What were some unhealthy behaviors or habits that I need to work on?
• What did I learn about myself through this experience?
• What do I need to let go of to move on?
• How can I practice self-care during this time?
• Who can I turn to for support?
• What are some things I am grateful for despite the breakup?
• What are some positive qualities that I possess?
• What do I want in my next relationship?
• How can this experience help me grow and become a better person?
• What have I learned about love and relationships?

Remember, the purpose of journaling is not to judge yourself or others, but to reflect on your experiences and learn from them. By taking the time to write down your thoughts and feelings, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your needs, and start to heal from the pain of heartbreak.

If you find that journaling is not enough to cope with your feelings, it may be helpful to seek professional support from a therapist or counselor who can provide additional guidance and resources.

Journal prompts for moving on after heartbreak

Breaking up with someone you once loved can be a challenging time, and moving on may seem impossible. It’s essential to acknowledge your thoughts and emotions to move forward. Journaling can help you process your feelings, thoughts, and emotions in a healthy way. Here are 15 journal prompts to help you move on from heartbreak.

• What did I learn from my past relationship?
• How did the relationship change me, both positively and negatively?
• What are the things I need to forgive my ex-partner for?
• What did I appreciate about myself before the relationship, and how can I reconnect with those qualities?
• What do I want to let go of in my life right now?
• What are my strengths, and how can I use them to move on from heartbreak?
• What do I want and need in a future relationship?
• What can I do to make myself feel loved and appreciated?
• How can I turn negative thoughts into positive affirmations?
• What are my fears about being alone, and how can I face them?
• What can I do to improve my self-care routine?
• What are some of my passions or hobbies that I haven’t pursued in a while?
• What changes can I make to meet new people and expand my social circle?
• Who are the positive people in my life that I can lean on for support?
• What are some things I can look forward to in my future?

Journaling can be a powerful tool for self-reflection, growth, and healing. Remember to be gentle with yourself and take your time to process your feelings. Moving on from heartbreak is a process, but with time and patience, you can heal and move forward. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed, and be kind to yourself.

Remember that your heart is capable of love, and there is someone out there who will value and cherish you. Take time to heal and rediscover who you are before starting another relationship.

Journal prompts for rebuilding self-esteem after heartbreak

After a heartbreak, it’s common to feel like your self-esteem has taken a hit. But rebuilding your confidence is not impossible. Journaling can be a helpful tool in working through your emotions and rebuilding your sense of self-worth. Here are 15 journal prompts to get you started:

• What are five things you like about yourself?
• What compliments have you received from others in the past?
• List five times when you overcame a difficult challenge in your life.
• What are five things you are proud of achieving in your life so far?
• What are five strengths that define your personality?
• What are five things that make you feel happy and fulfilled?
• What are five things you enjoy doing that make you lose track of time?
• What are five qualities you look for in a good friend?
• What are five values that are important to you?
• What are five things you have learned about yourself since your heartbreak?
• What are five affirmations you can say to yourself each day to boost your confidence?
• What small step can you take today towards rebuilding your self-esteem?
• How can you practice self-care to show love and kindness to yourself during this time?
• What advice would you give to a friend going through a similar situation?
• What are five things you are looking forward to in your future?

Remember, self-esteem takes time to build, so be gentle with yourself. Use these prompts as a starting point to explore your strengths and accomplishments. Acknowledge the progress you have made and be open to new opportunities for growth. You are capable of rebuilding your self-esteem and moving forward after a heartbreak.

Journal prompts for closure after heartbreak

After experiencing the pain of heartbreak, finding closure can be difficult. Journaling is a great way to work through your emotions and gain clarity on the situation. Here are 15 journal prompts to help you find closure after heartbreak:

• How did the relationship make me feel?
• What did I learn from the relationship?
• What did I contribute to the relationship?
• What were the warning signs that the relationship was not working?
• What would I have done differently in the relationship?
• What values were important to me in the relationship?
• What positive traits did my partner have?
• What negative traits did my partner have?
• What are my deal-breakers in relationships?
• What do I want in a future partner?
• What are my non-negotiables in a relationship?
• What are my boundaries in a relationship?
• What are the things I want to prioritize in my life right now?
• What are my personal goals for the future?
• What are the things that make me happy independently of anyone else?

These journal prompts will help you reflect on your past relationship and find the closure you need to move on. Remember to be honest with yourself and take your time. Finding closure is a journey, but with the help of these prompts, you can work towards a better and brighter tomorrow.

If you are struggling to find closure or need additional support, consider talking to a therapist or trusted loved one. You are not alone in this process.

Journal prompts for finding hope after heartbreak

Heartbreak can be a painful and challenging experience, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the world. Instead, it can be a new beginning for growth, healing, and self-discovery. One way to help yourself heal and move forward is through journaling. By writing our thoughts and feelings down on paper, we can come to a better understanding of ourselves and our experiences. Here are 15 journal prompts to help you find hope after heartbreak:

• What are some positive things you learned from this experience?
• What did you learn about yourself through this experience?
• What are you looking forward to in the future?
• What are some things that make you happy?
• What are some things you’re proud of about yourself?
• What strengths do you have that will help you get through this?
• What are some ways you can show yourself kindness and self-care?
• What are some things you’re grateful for?
• What are some things you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t had the chance?
• What are some new experiences you’d like to try?
• What are some values that are most important to you?
• What are some things you can do to improve your life?
• What are some qualities you look for in a healthy relationship?
• What are some things you can do to build trust with yourself and others?
• What are some things you can do to forgive yourself and others?

Remember, finding hope after heartbreak takes time and patience. Be gentle with yourself and treat yourself with care and compassion. By journaling regularly and reflecting on these prompts, you’ll start to cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness, healing, and growth.

If you’re struggling to move forward on your own, don’t be afraid to seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional. With time, patience, and self-reflection, you’ll find that there is still hope and joy to be found after heartbreak.

FAQs about Journal Prompts for Heartbreak

Q: what are journal prompts for heartbreak.

A: Journal prompts for heartbreak are prompts or questions specifically designed to help someone process and heal from heartbreak through journaling.

Q: Why should I try journal prompts for heartbreak?

A: Journal prompts for heartbreak can help you express and release your emotions, gain clarity and perspective on the situation, and ultimately move forward and heal.

Q: What are some examples of journal prompts for heartbreak?

A: Example prompts include: “What did I learn from this relationship?”, “What are some things I can do to take care of myself during this time?”, “What are some positive affirmations I can tell myself?”, and “How can I forgive myself and/or my ex-partner?”.

Q: How often should I do journal prompts for heartbreak?

A: How often you do journal prompts for heartbreak depends on your own personal needs and schedule. Some people may find it helpful to do daily prompts, while others may choose to do them weekly or whenever they feel the need to process their emotions.

Q: Can journal prompts for heartbreak be triggering?

A: It’s possible that journal prompts for heartbreak could be triggering, especially if you’re still in the early stages of healing. It’s important to take breaks and practice self-care as needed, and to consult with a therapist or trusted friend if you feel overwhelmed.

Q: Can journal prompts for heartbreak be done digitally?

A: Absolutely! Journal prompts for heartbreak can be done in a notebook or journal, or even digitally through a writing app or website.

Q: Are journal prompts for heartbreak a substitute for therapy?

A: While journal prompts for heartbreak can be a helpful tool for processing emotions and gaining clarity, they are not a substitute for therapy. If you’re struggling with severe emotional distress, it’s important to seek professional help.

Thanks for Reading!

We hope these FAQs have been helpful in understanding what journal prompts for heartbreak are and how they can be a useful tool for healing. Remember to take care of yourself during this time and practice self-compassion. If you’d like to read more content like this, make sure to visit our website regularly for updates and new articles. Thanks for reading!

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• Journal Prompts for Healing Heartbreak: A Guide to Emotional Recovery
• 10 Effective Journal Prompts to Get Over an Ex
• 10 Effective Breakup Journal Prompts to Help You Heal
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How to Heal a Broken Heart, According to Therapists

Heartbreaks are an incredibly emotional experience, with 75% of Americans having endured the pain of a romantic partner ending a long-term relationship with them. In a world where relationships under five years are more likely to fall apart, the ache of separation is a universal human experience. Break-ups are like a shattered mirror, leaving fragments […]

Updated on Jan 12, 2024

In this article

• 01 What Makes Heartbreak So Painful?
• 02 The Four Stages of Healing a Broken Heart
• 03 Healing Timeline: How Long Does It Take?
• 04 A Guided Three-Step Journey to Healing After Heartbreak
• 05 Discovering Heartache Relief With Therapy
• 06 Takeaways

Heartbreaks are an incredibly emotional experience, with 75% of Americans having endured the pain of a romantic partner ending a long-term relationship with them. In a world where relationships under five years are more likely to fall apart , the ache of separation is a universal human experience.

Break-ups are like a shattered mirror, leaving fragments of the reflection that once formed a whole version of ourselves. The initial shock and disbelief can leave us feeling lost, numb, or deflated.

Yet, as we collect the pieces, hope begins to glimmer through the cracks, guiding us towards a gradual recovery. The once-jagged edges of our pain smooth over with time, revealing a new, more resilient version of ourselves.  

Though this journey is anything but straightforward, it’s certainly possible. Read on as we uncover what makes heartbreak so painful, what you can expect throughout this process, and expert-recommended coping strategies illuminating the path to healing.

What Makes Heartbreak So Painful?

Heartbreak is a deeply distressing emotional state following a breakup with a partner or the unfulfilled desire for a romantic connection. It shatters our emotional attachment with our now ex-partner, triggering feelings of loss and inadequacy. 

In many cases, the feelings of heartbreak become more overwhelming due to a concept known as unwanted singleness , the state of being unpartnered against one’s wishes. The sudden shift from having a strong desire to remain in a committed relationship and the new experience of being alone or single can lead to profound emotional pain. 

Heartbreak can result in various emotional, mental, and physical consequences. Below are some of the common psychological and physiological consequences of breakups. 

Psychological Causes of Heartbreak Pain

When we think of heartbreak, we often think of the mental experience of the pain. Here are some more common psychological reasons for the intensity of heartbreak pain.

Heartbreak Disrupts Attachment Bonds

Sudden breakups can shatter the once-familiar emotional connection we shared with an individual. As a result, it can deeply disrupt the attachment bond we created, leading to a loss of trust and security. It shifts our emotional dependence away from our ex-partner, leaving us numb, broken, and full of emotional confusion. 

Heartbreak Leads to Feelings of Rejection

It’s natural to experience feelings of rejection and unworthiness following a breakup. Often, individuals who experience a separation will internalize the end of their relationship as a reflection of their inadequacies, causing their self-esteem and self-concept to deteriorate.

Heartbreak Causes Rumination 

It’s difficult not to overthink or ruminate over a heartbreak. As you wonder what you could have done differently to change the outcome, you commonly find yourself trapped in a cycle of repetitive and distressing thoughts. 

Rumination is incredibly harmful to our minds, as it can lead to heightened levels of emotional distress. One study found that individuals who took longer to recover from a breakup and experienced ongoing pain showed higher rumination levels than those who coped well.

Physiological Causes of Heartbreak Pain

Did you know that emotional heartache can be interpreted by our bodies as physical strain? Here are some more common physiological reasons for the intensity of heartbreak pain.

Heartbreak Causes Physical Pain 

Our minds are intimately connected to our bodies. As a result, the emotional pain of heartbreak can result in feelings of physical pain in our bodies. The concept of “pain overlap” suggests that the brain can not distinguish emotional pain from physical pain, causing a raw and visceral reaction to heartbreak. 

Heartbreak Induces a Stress Response

The overwhelming nature of heartbreak can be directly linked to heightened stress levels in the body. As a response to emotional turmoil, our brain’s perception of threat or loss activates the body’s “fight or flight” responses, leading to a rise in cortisol levels . As cortisol surges in the blood, it can cause elevated alertness, suppressed immune response, reduced sleep patterns, and so on. 

Heartbreak Alters Brain Chemistry 

Losing a romantic connection can lead to a drop in pleasure-inducing hormones in our brains, such as dopamine and oxytocin. This sudden absence of “feel-good” hormones can leave us sad, empty, and emotionally detached. 

The Four Stages of Healing a Broken Heart

The journey of healing a broken heart unfolds in four distinct stages: 

• Denial : This phase serves as a buffer against the initial shock of heartbreak, protecting us from the reality of the loss.
• Anger (or sadness) : As reality sets in, anger or sadness surfaces, which is often directed inwardly (i.e., self-pity, self-doubt, or self-sabotage).
• Acceptance : Gradually, the anger subsides and gives way to a phase of relief, where the pain is acknowledged and processed, making room for closure to set in.
• Growth : Lastly, we have the growth stage, where we emerge from this experience with a newfound sense of understanding, fostering personal development and resilience.

While navigating through these stages, it’s important to recognize that this journey is not linear. It’s natural to encounter setbacks, spend an extended period in one stage, or experience a mix of fresh emotions along the way.

Healing Timeline: How Long Does It Take?

The journey through heartbreak is highly individual. Since no two relationships are the same, neither will the feelings following the breakup. 

Considering the various factors that come into play when it comes to healing from heartbreak, such as attachment style , preferred coping mechanisms, support system, length of relationship, and so on, there is no predetermined duration for healing. 

Whether it takes one month or one year, healing is gradual. 

According to Grow Therapy licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Christy Barongan , “When clients come to therapy because of a broken heart, I help them conceptualize what they’re going through as a grieving process in which they will experience many feelings that sometimes may feel contradictory. ‘Progress’ will be up and down in that they will likely encounter triggers that bring back memories of the person. I tell them there is no timeline for how long it takes to move on and that they need to be patient with themselves during the healing process.” 

Whether it takes one month or one year, healing is gradual.

A guided three-step journey to healing after heartbreak.

Research has shown that having a better understanding of your breakup can help individuals improve well-being and lead to better relationship success in the future. 

For this reason, we must take the time to begin the healing process on the right foot. Here are three therapist-recommended steps that can help you heal your broken heart.

Step 1: Embrace Reflection and Self-Care

Healthily navigating the grieving process after a relationship ends is essential for emotional healing and personal growth. 

At this point, you may be experiencing a raw mix of emotions such as sadness, anger, confusion, and perhaps even relief from a hard time. Allowing yourself to experience these feelings without judgment is a powerful tool to help you let go and move forward. 

The best way to do this is by embracing reflection and self-care. 

Consider the positives as you reflect on the lessons learned from the relationship. Research has shown that focusing on the positive aspects of the break-up can lead to more positive emotions and a healthier perspective on why the relationship ended. 

Research has shown that focusing on the positive aspects of the break-up can lead to more positive emotions and a healthier perspective on why the relationship ended.

Writing exercises can be beneficial in this process. By journaling about the factors leading up to the break-up, the actual break-up, and the time right after, you can gain insights and clarity that contribute to your healing journey.

Engaging in practices of self-love and self-compassion are also important during this time. Be mindful of how you speak to yourself and avoid self-blame or negative self-talk as you process your emotions. It also helps to limit social media and focus on real-life connections with friends and family. 

Step 2: Nurture Your Well-Being and Connections

As you continue your healing journey, nurturing your well-being and connections becomes essential in reclaiming your sense of self and finding joy in life again. 

Lean on your friends and family support group who have your best interests at heart. Reach out to a best friend, a family member, or any other trusted loved one for encouragement and validation. Sometimes, sharing our thoughts can provide valuable insight and perspectives, helping us achieve greater strength and understanding. 

One of the greatest benefits of this is building resilience. 

According to Grow Therapy licensed mental health counselor Kristian Wilson , “ Resilience is the ability to bounce back from challenges. By embracing setbacks and adapting to them, you’re building resilience. Over time, this resilience strengthens your ability to face adversity with greater ease.”

It’s helpful to discover new hobbies and passions that foster personal growth and a renewed sense of purpose in your own way.

Alongside this, it’s helpful to discover new hobbies and passions that foster personal growth and a renewed sense of purpose in your own way. Whether through reading, engaging in creative outlets, or pursuing new interests, prioritizing your needs is essential during this time. 

Step 3: Move Forward With Empowerment and Embrace New Beginnings 

Visualizing the future that we desire and setting positive intentions can be an empowering practice that helps guide us forward. 

Our mindset is a powerful tool in the face of challenges. Take charge of your life by adapting your mindset to embrace new beginnings. It’s time to consider the end of a relationship as necessary to make room for a fresh start. 

Take charge of your life by adapting your mindset to embrace new beginnings. It’s time to consider the end of a relationship as necessary to make room for a fresh start.

We can change our lives in more productive and healthy ways, whether opening ourselves up to meeting new friends or discovering new passions. 

When the time is right, exploring new relationships can provide a fresh perspective on love and companionship. Though this step may have challenges, it offers the potential to create new connections and open the doors for meaningful experiences. 

Consider testing the waters on dating apps or other platforms when you feel ready to explore new romantic connections. 

Discovering Heartache Relief With Therapy

During the tumultuous period of heartbreak, therapy provides the light to guide us toward healing and emotional wellness.  

A mental health professional, such as a PsyD, LCSW , or LMHC , has the expertise to provide practical coping strategies and tools to manage the challenges involved in heartbreak. Within this safe and non-judgmental environment, therapy sessions allow individuals to explore the intricacies of their break up, which can help them process emotions, regain control, and discover relief.

Beyond providing immediate post-break-up relief, therapy can help us prepare for our future relationships by enabling us to recognize our patterns, understand our needs, and define what we desire in a healthy romantic relationship. 

If you seek additional guidance, podcasts or self-help resources can offer insights and comfort during challenging times.

Healing a broken heart is a complex journey that encompasses emotional, psychological, and physical aspects. While heartbreak brings profound pain, it also offers growth and transformation opportunities. 

Wilson states, “Healing is a process with its ups and downs. Embracing setbacks as part of the journey can lead to profound personal growth and transformation. Approach setbacks with patience, self-compassion, and a willingness to learn, and you’ll discover the strength within you to overcome challenges and continue moving forward.”

Healing is a process with its ups and downs. Embracing setbacks as part of the journey can lead to profound personal growth and transformation.

- kristian wilson, lmhc.

If you feel as though your healing process feels too daunting or prolonged, don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance. Grow Therapy has you covered, offering you access to mental health providers cross the country who accept insurance. Begin your journey today by finding a therapist in your area. 

Why does heartbreak hurt so much?

Heartbreak takes an emotional and physiological toll on us, disrupting our emotional bonds, spiking our stress, and leading to rejection and even loss of identity.

How long does it take to heal a broken heart?

There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ healing timeframe for a broken heart. Individual factors such as the length and intensity of the relationship, personal coping skills, and access to support all play a role in this journey.

Why do some people seem to move on quickly while others struggle for a long time?

Our capacity to move on from a relationship differs based on factors such as resilience to emotional trauma, coping skills, social support, personal beliefs, and the nature of a relationship. It’s important to avoid comparing our situation to anyone else, as healing is an incredibly complex and personal matter.

What can you do to heal a broken heart?

Healing a broken heart takes time, patience, and self-compassion. It’s important to give yourself time to grieve, seek support from friends and family, prioritize self-care, and consider reaching out for professional guidance if needed.

When should I consider seeking therapy for heartbreak?

If your distress persists over time, interferes with your daily functioning, or causes you to struggle to manage your emotions, it may be beneficial to seek support. When you’re ready to take the next step, Grow Therapy can help you find a therapist and start your journey to healing.

Alan Deibel is a licensed clinical professional counselor with over 12 years of experience who specializes in ADHD, addiction, anxiety, trauma, and PTSD.

This article is not meant to be a replacement for medical advice. We recommend speaking with a therapist for personalized information about your mental health. If you don’t currently have a therapist, we can connect you with one who can offer support and address any questions or concerns. If you or your child is experiencing a medical emergency, is considering harming themselves or others, or is otherwise in imminent danger, you should dial 9-1-1 and/or go to the nearest emergency room.

Article Sources

• How Couples Meet and Stay Together
• Weir, K. (n.d.). The pain of social rejection. Monitor on Psychology.
• Crofford, L. J. (2015). Chronic pain: Where the body meets the brain. Transactions of the American Clinical and Climatological Association.
• Roos, L. G., Levens, S. M., &amp; Bennett, J. M. (2018, March). Stressful life events, relationship stressors, and cortisol reactivity: The moderating role of suppression. Psychoneuroendocrinology.
• Earp, B. D., Wudarczyk, O. A., Foddy, B., &amp; Savulescu, J. (2017, March). Addicted to love: What is love addiction and when should it be treated?. Philosophy, psychiatry, &amp; psychology : PPP.
• Kansky, J., &amp; Allen, J. P. (2018). Making sense and moving on: The potential for individual and interpersonal growth following emerging adult breakups. Emerging adulthood (Print).

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35 Poems About Heartbreak

Written by Dan

Heartbreak is as much a part of the human experience as joy and love. Capturing the raw emotion of a broken heart has long been one of poetry’s most enduring callings.

Within the verses of heartbreak poems, we find the poignant reflection of lost love, the deep ache of longing, and the transformative power of grief. It is through these tender and sometimes tumultuous words that we connect with the collective sorrow of parted lovers, the sting of betrayal, and the quiet hope for healing.

Join us as we explore the beautiful complexity of heartache through the art of poetry, where every line resonates with the whispers of souls that have loved and lost.

Related : For more, check out our article on  Why Love Poetry Is So Special  here.

Table of Contents

Five Free Verse Poems About Heartbreak

1. shattered echo.

The silence after you left

echoes louder than any argument we ever had,

a haunting reminder that our shared laughter

is now just a wisp of memory, dissipating.

I reach out for the warmth of your hand,

but clasp only the cold absence of your presence,

and in the quiet aftermath,

my own heartbeat sounds like an intruder.

By Dan Higgins 2024

2. Bleeding Skies

We painted our dreams in vibrant hues,

a mural across the canvas of our unity.

But now, the colors run like rain,

bleeding from the skies of my resolve.

The promises we made drip away,

staining the ground with shades of us,

leaving me with a monochrome truth

that love, sometimes, is transient.

3. The Embers of Us

Once, there was a fire that blazed

with the fierce beauty of undying stars.

Now, all that’s left are the embers of us,

glowing dimly with the residue of passion.

I sift through the ashes for a sign,

for any spark that might reignite the flame.

But ash is ash, and dead stars do not relight,

and I am left with soot-stained hands and a smoldering heart.

4. Fragmented Wholeness

How strange it is to feel incomplete,

when once I never questioned my own wholeness.

You departed with fragments of my identity,

pieces I gave willingly, but now can’t seem to retrieve.

I wander through the hollows of my own being,

searching for what makes me whole again.

Yet all I find are echoes of your departure,

reminding me that some pieces are lost forever.

5. Love, the Thief

In stealth, you entered my unsuspecting heart,

a thief cloaked in the guise of endless tomorrows.

You stole the words from my lips,

the breath from my lungs,

and in their place, you left a void,

dark as a night without stars.

Your escape was silent,

but the void echoes with the cacophony

of a love that once was,

now the greatest heist of my soul.

Related : For more, check out our article on  Poems About St Valentine  here.

Five Haiku Poems About Heartbreak

1. winter’s love.

Bare branches weep ice,

Lonely echoes fill the void—

Hearts frost under stars.

2. Wilting Petals

Roses drop their heads,

Petals fall like silent tears—

Love withers unseen.

3. Distant Shores

Waves pull back from sand,

Leaving shells of memories—

Your voice drifts away.

4. Last Ember Fades

Fire’s glow dies softly,

Warmth retreats into the night—

Darkness hugs the lost.

5. Echoed Goodbyes

Whispers in the wind,

Our laughter now a ghost dance—

Farewells linger on.

Related : For more, check out our article on  Poems About Love  here.

Five Limerick Poems About Heartbreak

1. sorrow’s smile.

There once was a smile now faded,

With love that was quite overrated.

It broke and it tore,

Now it beats no more,

In sorrow’s arms, it’s now cradled.

2. Broken Tune

A heart once played a lover’s tune,

Which ended abruptly too soon.

Now silence prevails,

As happiness fails,

And tears fall to the light of the moon.

3. Love’s Departure

In love’s game, she was quite forsaken,

From sweet dreams, she was abruptly shaken.

With a heart left to ache,

And her smile at stake,

She found her trust was quite mistaken.

4. Cupid’s Miss

Cupid aimed but he missed the mark,

Leaving the night cold and stark.

Lovers part with a sigh,

Underneath the night sky,

Now their spark’s lost in the dark.

There once was a love oh so bold,

Now nothing but a story old.

Echoes of the goodbyes,

Beneath the vast skies,

A tale of a heartbreak untold.

Related : For more, check out our article on  Poems About Women  here.

Five Tanka Poems About Heartbreak

1. shattered echoes.

Love’s glass lies shattered,

Echoes of our laughter gone—

Cold winds sweep through me.

In the silence of the night,

Your absence cuts deep and true.

2. Wilted Roses

Roses in my hand,

Petals wilted, color lost—

Like our love’s demise.

Thorns are all that’s left to hold,

Piercing through what once was whole.

3. Autumn’s Grief

Leaves fall, so does hope,

Autumn strips the trees of life—

Our love fades with them.

Branches bare as my soul now,

Reaching for warmth, finding none.

4. Tides of Sorrow

Tides ebb back to sea,

Taking pieces of our dreams—

Salt stings open wounds.

On the shore of memories,

I am drenched in sorrow’s waves.

5. Lost Constellations

Stars we once wished on,

Now hidden by stormy skies—

Our constellations lost.

In the blackened heavens, I

Search for our extinguished light.

Five Sonnet Poems About Heartbreak

Within the silence, echoes of our past,

Reverberate through halls of broken dreams,

I reach for shadows that we cast,

Now all dispersed like morning’s fleeting beams.

Our love was like a sonnet, once so bright,

Its meter perfect and its rhyme so pure,

But dusk has fallen on our shared delight,

And left me with a pain I must endure.

I wander through the remnants of our tale,

Each memory stings like thorns of a rose,

The symphony of us now quiet and stale,

As solitude around my heart enclose.

Yet in this shattered echo, love resides,

In every beat, your essence still abides.

2. Wilted Petals

Once roses bloomed ‘neath gazes intertwined,

Their petals lush, a testament to love,

But time has weathered what was once defined,

And wilted petals fall from stems above.

Where laughter rang and smiles were freely shared,

Now silent whispers float in frigid air,

Our canvas stripped of color once declared,

A masterpiece now frayed beyond repair.

So here I stand amidst the withered blooms,

Our garden of affection overgrown,

The vibrancy of yesteryears entombs,

The warmth we nurtured turned to lifeless stone.

Though roses die and leaves may lose their green,

Our season lingers somewhere in between.

3. Tides of Sorrow

The tide rolls out and takes your love away,

Leaving vast beaches barren, cold, and bare,

Gone is the warmth of our sunlit day,

Replaced by the chill of evening’s despair.

The castle walls we built have washed aside,

Each grain of sand, a promise now undone,

No longer does the hopeful seashell bide,

Upon the shore where our two hearts were one.

The ocean’s depths conceal our story’s end,

Its waves a gentle mourner’s mournful cry,

For love’s sweet ship that will no more ascend,

Beneath the sorrow of the parting sky.

Yet still I walk the shoreline’s lonely breadth,

Where tides of sorrow speak of love’s own death.

4. Autumn’s Embrace

Through whispered winds of autumn’s cool embrace,

The leaves descend in colors of our flame,

Each one a memory that time can’t erase,

A dance of joy now just a flickering name.

Our passion burned like foliage in fall,

A vibrant blaze that could not be contained,

But seasons change and answer winter’s call,

Leaving stark branches where our love remained.

I feel the chill that comes with shorter days,

The ember’s glow that fades into the night,

The haunting quiet in the forest’s maze,

Replaces once what was our shared delight.

In fall’s embrace, I find a subtle grace,

For even dying leaves fall with a trace.

5. Nights Without Stars

The night sky stretches vast without its stars,

An endless void where once your eyes did gleam,

My world now dark for light has traveled far,

And left me with but shadows of our dream.

I search the heavens for a single spark,

A sign that love’s not swallowed by the night,

But all that greets me is the stark,

And empty canvas robbed of all its light.

Yet still, I gaze above with hope to find,

A distant twinkle from the love we knew,

A beacon in the dark for love resigned,

To guide me back to memories of you.

Though nights are starless in your absence, dear,

I hold the hidden constellations near.

Five Ode Poems About Heartbreak

1. ode to the lost embrace.

Oh, grievous heart, what loss we here sustain,

In the silent absence of our once sweet lock,

That tender clasp where solace did remain,

Now leaves behind love’s shadow on the clock.

Your arms, a haven from the world’s harsh cries,

A fortress built with whispers and with sighs,

Yet now I wander, cloak of night my guise,

And in the dark for your embrace, my eyes.

What cruel fate that steals away such warmth,

That leaves the nights so empty and so long,

No more the anchor in my tempest’s storm,

No more the melody in life’s sweet song.

I mourn the lost embrace, the vanished light,

And hold to dreams of you each lonely night.

2. Ode to the Silent Phone

To thee, the herald of a love now dumb,

Silent phone whose ring once sang of joy,

The quiet now does settle, heavy, numb,

Where laughter’s echo used to deploy.

How vibrant were the chimes that signaled bliss,

A symphony of beeps with every text,

But hush’d are now the tones I’ve come to miss,

The silence loud, perplexing, and complex.

O instrument of modern lover’s tale,

Why dost thou not vibrate with news to share?

Each notification now to no avail,

For messages of love are rare as air.

An ode to thee, the bearer of the quiet,

Whose absent buzz has caused the heart such riot.

3. Ode to Forsaken Promises

Thou art betrayed, O heart, by broken vows,

Promises that time has rent asunder,

Like fallen leaves that naked branch allows,

Our dreams have been struck down by plangent thunder.

Once words were pledged with earnest, loving breath,

A future painted in the hues of trust,

But now lie scattered, testament to death,

Of love that crumbled into bitter dust.

O promises that hung like stars above,

Why did you fade from the nocturnal sky?

Leaving behind the chill of spurned love,

A void where only ghostly echoes lie.

An ode to all the oaths that went astray,

In their forsaken wake, my heart does fray.

4. Ode to the Fading Photograph

Image of a time when joy was ripe,

Captured light on paper, now fading fast,

Each color bleeds away, despite my gripe,

As if erasing moments from our past.

You hold a smile within your paper frame,

A moment frozen, yet it slips away,

The gradual decay plays its game,

Turning vibrant yesterdays to gray.

Why must you, photograph, lose your hue?

As memories do in the mind’s deep well,

Can there not remain some trace, some clue,

Of the love story we once could tell?

An ode to thee, dear snapshot of delight,

Even as you fade, you’re my heart’s respite.

5. Ode to the Echo of ‘Us’

To the echo that reverberates no more,

The sound of ‘us’ that danced upon the air,

Your resonance that once did soar,

Now silenced, leaving naught but disrepair.

The conversations echoing through halls,

The shared secrets whispered late at night,

Now but an echo that faintly calls,

A ghostly trace of love’s relinquished light.

You, echo of a union once so strong,

A chorus of two hearts in harmony,

Why has your melody become a song,

Of what was once, not what will come to be?

An ode to the ‘us’ that no longer sounds,

Within its quiet, my lone heart rebounds.

Five Villanelle Poems About Heartbreak

1. the echoes of goodbye.

The day you left, the sky was steel and wide,

Echoes of goodbye lingered through the night,

The stars, once bright, now dim with tears I’ve cried.

No words were left to say, no tears to hide,

A broken compass, love had lost its sight,

The day you left, the sky was steel and wide.

We danced in dreams, where silent shadows bide,

Till morning came and took you with the light,

Your voice, a whisper that in my heart died,

A symphony that ended in our plight,

The promises we made became our tide,

Washed away, our future out of sight,

I walk alone, where memories reside,

Haunted by what could’ve been, despite,

2. Shattered in Solitude

In silence, shards of broken dreams collide,

Across the void where once your laughter dwelt,

Alone, I bear the heartache deep inside.

A river runs, with sorrow as its guide,

Through barren lands, where once such warmth was felt,

In silence, shards of broken dreams collide.

A chasm wide, no bridge to span the divide,

Where once a garden bloomed, now frost is dealt,

No solace found in midnight’s moonlit tide,

Nor in the dawn, where hopelessness is spelt,

The emptiness, a cloak I cannot hide,

A love that burns, yet cannot be unfelt,

For time may heal, but cannot turn aside,

The ache of what was lost, the hand not held,

3. Whispers of the Past

The whispers of the past still call your name,

Caressing every corner of my mind,

The shadows hold the remnants of our flame.

A muted echo of the love we claimed,

That fierce embrace, now faltering and blind,

The whispers of the past still call your name.

No peace in solitude, no end to blame,

An empty bed, a clock that’s been unwound,

A dance of memories, a cruel game,

Where visions of your face are intertwined,

The once-bright future, now a flickering lain,

Our interwoven fingers now unbind,

This hall of echoes, where I stake my claim,

Amending broken strings I hoped to find,

4. Winter’s Embrace

Frost clings to the heart where love once lay,

A winter’s chill where warm breaths softly fanned,

In the cold embrace, our dreams slip away.

Like leaves that from their branches break away,

Scattered by the winds across the land,

Frost clings to the heart where love once lay.

I sought solace in the break of day,

But even the sun can’t understand,

In whispered tones I begged you to stay,

My words fell like snowflakes, a silent strand,

Empty vows drift into disarray,

A tapestry unraveled strand by strand,

Time marches, indifferent to dismay,

Leaving only the touch of your ghostly hand,

5. The Last Serenade

The music fades, the final notes decay,

A symphony that we can’t reorchestrate,

With every chord, it’s clearer you won’t stay.

Our song of love, now distant disarray,

A melody that time will desecrate,

The music fades, the final notes decay.

Within the silence, I find no leeway,

No rhythm in the void that resonates,

The harmony we shared has gone astray,

A discord in the tune we used to create,

I strain to hear the words we’d often say,

In whispers soft, a lullaby too late,

And so I’ll play our ballad while I may,

A haunting refrain for love’s lost estate,

In the realm of heartbreak poems, the full spectrum of emotional upheaval is laid bare—a testament to the resilience and vulnerability of the human spirit. As we delve deeper into the verses that speak of love’s demise, we encounter a universal truth: that to feel pain is to have truly cherished.

The power of such poetry lies not only in its capacity to express the indescribable but also in its ability to forge a path toward solace and redemption.

So let these poems be both a balm and a beacon, guiding us through the shadows of sorrow back into the light of understanding and eventual peace. Through the shared language of loss and yearning, we emerge, perhaps a little bruised, but with a greater capacity for compassion, wisdom, and an enduring hope for love anew.

Related Posts

About The Author

I'm Dan Higgins, one of the faces behind The Teaching Couple. With 15 years in the education sector and a decade as a teacher, I've witnessed the highs and lows of school life. Over the years, my passion for supporting fellow teachers and making school more bearable has grown. The Teaching Couple is my platform to share strategies, tips, and insights from my journey. Together, we can shape a better school experience for all.

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30 Metaphors for Heartbreak Explained Simply

Heartbreak is a common human experience that can be difficult to express in words.

Metaphors, however, offer a unique way to capture the depth of emotion that comes with heartbreak.

What is a metaphor for heartbreak?

A metaphor for heartbreak could be “a storm-tossed ship adrift in a sea of sorrow.”

This imagery evokes the tumultuous emotions and feeling of being lost or abandoned that often accompany heartbreak.

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What is a simile?

Identify the simile in the following sentence: “She swims like a fish.”

What is a metaphor?

Which of the following is a metaphor?

What is an idiom?

What does the idiom “break the ice” mean?

What is an adjective?

Choose the adjective in the following sentence: “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.”

What is an abbreviation?

What does the abbreviation “e.g.” stand for?

What is a verb?

Identify the verb in the following sentence: “The cat sleeps on the sofa.”

“Out of the frying pan into the fire” is an example of:

Which of the following is an adjective?

The abbreviation “NASA” stands for:

Choose the metaphor in the following sentence: “Time is a thief.”

What does the idiom “hit the books” mean?

Which of the following sentences contains a simile?

“LOL” is an abbreviation for:

Identify the verb in this sentence: “They whispered secrets into the night.”

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When someone feels heartbroken, it’s like they’ve been hit by a storm, leaving them feeling empty and shattered inside. You can find more comparisons for heartbreak at this link and common phrases at this one .

Metaphors for Heartbreak

1. shattered glass.

Meaning: Like a glass that has been shattered into countless pieces, heartbreak can leave a person feeling completely broken and fragmented. In a Sentence: After the breakup, Sarah felt like her heart was as fragile as shattered glass.

2. Wilted flower

Meaning: Just as a flower wilts and loses its vibrancy when deprived of water and sunlight, heartbreak can cause someone’s spirit to wither and lose its vitality. In a Sentence: His heartbreak was evident in the way he moved through life like a wilted flower.

3. Cracked porcelain

Meaning: Similar to delicate porcelain that cracks under pressure, heartbreak can create fractures in a person’s emotional resilience. In a Sentence: She tried to smile, but beneath the surface, she felt as fragile as cracked porcelain.

4. Torn pages

Meaning: Heartbreak can feel like the pages of one’s life story being torn apart, leaving behind a jumble of memories and emotions. In a Sentence: Each memory felt like a torn page in the book of his heartbreak.

5. Storm-ravaged coastline

Meaning: Just as a coastline is ravaged by a powerful storm, heartbreak can leave someone feeling battered and worn down by intense emotions. In a Sentence: Her heart felt like a storm-ravaged coastline, battered by the waves of grief.

6. Melting ice

Meaning: Heartbreak can melt away the emotional barriers one has built, leaving them feeling vulnerable and exposed. In a Sentence: With each tear shed, it felt like the ice around his heart was slowly melting away.

7. Fading sunset

Meaning: Similar to a sunset that fades into darkness, heartbreak can signal the end of a chapter in one’s life. In a Sentence: As their relationship ended, she felt like she was watching the fading sunset of her happiness.

8. Collapsing bridge

Meaning: Heartbreak can cause the foundation of trust and connection in a relationship to crumble like a collapsing bridge. In a Sentence: With each lie he told, it felt like another support beam in their relationship was collapsing.

9. Deserted battlefield

Meaning: Heartbreak can leave someone feeling like they are standing alone on a battlefield, surrounded by the remnants of a once vibrant connection. In a Sentence: As she looked around at the wreckage of their relationship, she felt like she was standing on a deserted battlefield.

10. Echoing silence

Meaning: In the aftermath of heartbreak, the silence can seem deafening, amplifying the loneliness and emptiness one feels. In a Sentence: The only response to her confession was the echoing silence of his empty heart.

11. Drowning anchor

Meaning: Heartbreak can feel like being weighed down by an anchor, dragging someone into the depths of despair. In a Sentence: With each passing day, the weight of his heartbreak felt like a drowning anchor pulling him under.

12. Fractured mirror

Meaning: Heartbreak can distort one’s self-image, leaving them feeling like a fractured reflection of their former self. In a Sentence: Looking in the mirror, she no longer recognized the fractured reflection staring back at her.

13. Fading starlight

Meaning: Similar to starlight that fades into the darkness of night, heartbreak can extinguish the light of hope and joy. In a Sentence: With each passing day, the spark of happiness in her eyes faded like dying starlight.

14. Hollow cavern

Meaning: Heartbreak can create a deep sense of emptiness within, leaving someone feeling like they are wandering through a vast and hollow cavern. In a Sentence: Despite the laughter and smiles, she felt the hollowness of her heartbreak echoing within.

15. Bleeding wound

Meaning: Heartbreak can feel like an open wound that continues to bleed, causing emotional pain and suffering. In a Sentence: His heartbreak was a bleeding wound that refused to heal.

16. Sinking ship

Meaning: Like a ship that is slowly sinking, heartbreak can leave someone feeling powerless to stop the inevitable decline of their relationship. In a Sentence: Despite their efforts to patch things up, their relationship felt like a sinking ship.

17. Scorched earth

Meaning: Heartbreak can leave behind a trail of destruction, akin to the scorched earth left behind by a raging fire. In a Sentence: In the wake of their breakup, it felt like their love had left nothing but scorched earth in its wake.

18. Broken compass

Meaning: Heartbreak can leave someone feeling directionless, like a broken compass unable to find its true north. In a Sentence: Without her by his side, he felt like a broken compass, lost and searching for direction.

19. Fading ember

Meaning: Similar to an ember that slowly loses its glow, heartbreak can cause someone’s passion and enthusiasm to diminish. In a Sentence: With each passing day, the fire of his heartbreak burned down to a fading ember.

20. Tangled wreckage

Meaning: Heartbreak can create a tangled mess of emotions and memories, making it difficult to untangle and move on. In a Sentence: Amidst the tangled wreckage of their relationship, she struggled to find closure.

21. Shifting sand dunes

Meaning: Heartbreak can feel like standing on shifting sand dunes, where stability and certainty are elusive. In a Sentence: With each passing day, the ground beneath her feet felt like shifting sand dunes, constantly changing and uncertain.

22. Shattered fortress

Meaning: Similar to a fortress that has been breached, heartbreak can leave someone feeling exposed and vulnerable. In a Sentence: With her defenses shattered, she felt defenseless against the pain of heartbreak.

23. Fading echo

Meaning: Heartbreak can cause the echoes of past memories and emotions to fade into the background, leaving behind a sense of emptiness. In a Sentence: With each passing day, the echoes of their love faded into a distant and fading echo.

24. Abandoned mansion

Meaning: Heartbreak can leave someone feeling like they are living in an abandoned mansion, surrounded by memories of happier times. In a Sentence: As she walked through the halls of their once vibrant love, she felt like she was in an abandoned mansion haunted by memories.

25. Crumbling ruins

Meaning: Heartbreak can reduce the foundation of a relationship to crumbling ruins, leaving behind a sense of loss and devastation. In a Sentence: Amidst the crumbling ruins of their love, she struggled to find a way to rebuild.

26. Rusting chains

Meaning: Heartbreak can feel like being bound by rusting chains, trapping someone in a state of emotional captivity and stagnation. In a Sentence: Despite her efforts to move on, she felt like she was still shackled by the rusting chains of heartbreak.

27. Flickering candle

Meaning: Similar to a candle that flickers uncertainly before extinguishing, heartbreak can cause someone’s hope to waver before fading away completely. In a Sentence: With each passing day, her hope flickered like a fading candle in the wind.

28. Shivering frost

Meaning: Heartbreak can create a cold and icy barrier around one’s heart, leaving them feeling emotionally frozen and numb. In a Sentence: Despite the warmth of the sun, she felt like her heart was encased in shivering frost.

29. Eclipsed moon

Meaning: Heartbreak can obscure the light of happiness and joy in one’s life, casting a shadow over their emotional well-being. In a Sentence: With each passing night, her heartbreak felt like an eclipsed moon, dimming the light of her happiness.

30. Dying flame

Meaning: Similar to a flame that flickers and dies out, heartbreak can extinguish the passion and intensity of one’s emotions. In a Sentence: As their relationship ended, the flame of their love died down to a dying ember.

Here are 10 quiz questions about the metaphors discussed in the article:

• A) Feeling emotionally frozen and numb
• B) Feeling completely broken and fragmented
• C) Experiencing a sense of loss and devastation
• D) Being trapped in a state of emotional captivity
• B) Losing one’s sense of direction
• C) Experiencing a loss of vitality and spirit
• D) Feeling powerless to stop the decline of a relationship
• B) Experiencing a sense of loss and devastation
• C) Feeling completely broken and fragmented
• D) Watching the fading sunset of happiness
• A) Experiencing a sense of loss and devastation
• B) Feeling emotionally frozen and numb
• C) Feeling surrounded by the remnants of a once vibrant connection
• D) Losing one’s sense of direction
• A) Loneliness and emptiness
• B) Hope and joy
• C) Passion and enthusiasm
• D) Trust and connection
• B) Experiencing a loss of vitality and spirit
• C) Experiencing emotional pain and suffering
• A) Feeling completely broken and fragmented
• B) Experiencing emotional pain and suffering
• C) Feeling directionless
• D) Experiencing a tangled mess of emotions and memories
• B) Passion and enthusiasm
• C) Stability and certainty
• A) Experiencing a loss of vitality and spirit
• B) Feeling exposed and vulnerable
• D) Experiencing emotional pain and suffering
• A) Feeling directionless
• C) Loneliness and emptiness
• D) Experiencing a sense of loss and devastation

Heartbreak is a complex and deeply personal experience, but using metaphors can help to convey its intensity and depth.

Whether it’s feeling like shattered glass or a fading ember, each metaphor offers a unique perspective on the pain of heartbreak.

About the author

Dr. Julia Rossi

Dr. Julia Rossi , a luminary in the field of linguistics, earned her Ph.D. with a groundbreaking thesis that delved into the cultural and historical dimensions of idioms, metaphors, and similes. Her work, spanning decades, has brought to light the dynamic nature of idiomatic expressions, illustrating how they serve as cultural artifacts, revealing the collective consciousness of a society. Rossi’s publications, widely acclaimed in academic circles, have not only expanded our understanding of idioms but have also paved the way for a more nuanced appreciation of cross-cultural communication.

Word Of The Day

Ephemeral (adjective) :

• Lasting for a very short time; short-lived; transitory.
• Existing only briefly; temporary; fleeting.

Example sentence: “The beauty of the cherry blossoms is ephemeral, lasting only a few weeks each spring.”

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Music and concerts | column: josephine luhman marks her most vulnerable moment yet on debut ep ‘leaning’.

“You’re supposed to be vulnerable,” she said. “You’re supposed to get out of your comfort zone because that’s the only way you grow and the only way it really touches people.”

On Luhman’s debut EP, “Leaning,” she marks her most vulnerable moment yet. The crisp indie rock record is also a dissection of a romantic breakup, one Luhman feels she may not have been able to process without the songwriting process.

Like many musicians, Luhman grew up around music. She recalled her father always playing lots of old ’80s and ’90s music, including bands like No Doubt. Many years were spent in the church, where Luhman’s mother was a pastor. Alone in the empty church, Luhman gravitated to the piano, her first instrument.

“I think I just wanted to play around,” Luhman said.

Soon, that initial music interest turned into piano lessons, community theater and her own experiments. In high school, she began playing around with the guitar and GarageBand, learning how to produce music. Alone with her software, Luhman was able to turn the songs in her head into “the real thing.”

However, a move to Chicago to study film at Columbia College truly changed the course of Luhman’s creative life. With a keen interest in city life, Chicago’s vast number of opportunities, venues and events piqued her interest. “It was the biggest pool I could dive into and I think that was really exciting,” Luhman said. During this time, she took music production more seriously and began playing DIY shows, too. Her creative purpose finally clicked into place. “I was like, ‘Oh yeah. This is definitely what I was meant to do,’” she recalled.

Yet it took some time for Luhman to make the music she actually wanted to create. During those early years, Luhman often worked with a producer to write more pop and electronic-forward music, but in the back of her mind, she felt a pull toward the indie rock world.

“I wanted to have a live band. I wanted to have real instruments,” began Luhman. “All the songs I write start with guitar.”

The lockdowns of the COVID-19 pandemic were a turning point for Luhman. She began searching for a live band to play with and wanted to take herself more seriously. A chance meeting with an engineer from her pop music days turned into an introduction to other musicians. Soon after, things began to roll. These musicians, who soon became Luhman’s backing band, helped her record her initial three singles, the basis of her new EP.

“Leaning” is an emotionally transparent collection of songs. Inspired by a breakup Luhman went through around two years ago, “Leaning” sharply and honestly taps into the insecurities of heartbreak. It is an EP that is as true as any can be about the feelings of young heartbreak.

“How I Love You,” the EP’s opener, was actually written during the last month of Luhman’s relationship. And although it wasn’t intended to be a breakup song, Luhman’s haunting vocals and the track’s contemplative instrumentation sound like a foreshadowing of what was to come.

Luhman went into a writing frenzy in the weeks and months after her break up. “That’s how I have to get over things,” she said. Luhman crafted the EP’s tracks alone and was nervous to hear them in their entirety. Yet, she still brought them to her band members, who helped her flesh out the tracks and truly bring them to life.

“I think it helped to bring them to the band and get them off my chest and get them out in the world, so they’re not mine anymore to deal with,” Luhman said. “If it’s something that you write and you think, ‘Oh, this is too weird or this is too much,’ or you think people are going to judge you for it, that’s probably what’s the best. You’re probably getting something special there.”

Since writing these songs, Luhman has tried to focus on pushing past the apprehension that comes with vulnerability. It is that same vulnerability that listeners can relate to, understand and ultimately appreciate. Rather than avoid those feelings, she is beginning to trust them.

“Those are probably the golden parts of the song,” she said.

Britt Julious is a freelance critic.

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Hannah brown embarks on a new love story with debut romance novel.

The former 'Bachelor' and 'Bachelorette' star talks to The Hollywood Reporter about her book, 'Mistakes We Never Made': "This has been a dream of mine for forever."

By Lexy Perez

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Hannah Brown knows a thing or two about love.

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The novel, publishing Tuesday from Forever, an imprint of Hachette Books , centers on protagonists Emma Townsend and Finn Hughes who after almost dating in high school and reuniting in the following years after, don’t necessarily like each other. But when one of their mutual friends getting married goes missing after having a Runaway Bride moment, Emma and Finn are forced to go on a road trip together in search of their friend, all the while maybe or maybe not experiencing a few sparks along the way.

To go from searching for love to writing about love seemed like the appropriate time for Brown to flex her creative writing muscle. “I’m known for my time trying to find love on television. I have a lot of the people who support me that also come from that time of my life and so I wanted to make sure that I was continuing to connect with them from a mutual love of reading and romance and watching and reading about stories of people trying to figure out what love is and how to hold that and how do we create that in their life,” Brown tells The Hollywood Reporter .

Despite her novel being a work of fiction, Brown admits there are parallels between both herself and the characters — “Even though this wasn’t a story about my life, my thoughts, feelings and emotions could be represented in characters and in their story throughout” — as well as what she’s learned about love both publicly and personally. “It’s important to take risks for love, and that’s something that I’ve really learned in my life, too. It’s fun to be able to explore with Emma,” she says.

Ahead of her novel’s release, Brown spoke with THR about writing romance for the first time and the lessons of love she wanted to imbue throughout, and she teases the next stories she’s ready to tell.

How did this novel come to be? Is this something you’ve always wanted to do and why was now the right time to work on something like this?

This has been a dream of mine for forever, it feels like. I’ve always been a really avid reader. I love to write but more just for myself. I’ve gotten to do a lot of really amazing things in my life, things that I could have never dreamt of but this has been a dream of mine. I can’t exactly remember if it was high school or when I was back home in college, sitting at the kitchen counter with my mom, telling her I had a dream to write a novel one day. I think that’d be a really big dream to have, not knowing if I would ever really be able to do it but it was something that I would hope to do at some point in my life. So that it’s here is just really, really, really cool and truly, truly a dream come true.

Why did you pick the romance genre to be your first foray into writing a novel?

There have obviously been great romance stories told. Can you talk about how you came up with the concept for this novel and what was something you wanted to explore?

Everything that I’ve done that people have resonated [with] is when I’m being really vulnerable. And so, even when it comes to creating the work of fiction, how can parts of myself and truths be a part of this? That was really important to me that, even though this wasn’t a story about my life, my thoughts, feelings and emotions could be represented into characters and in their story throughout. One of the ideas was to be able to put parts of myself into the women in the book. There’s a core girl group of best friends and each of them kind of represent a part of me. Emma is the main character of this book … and it just released [parts of] myself that I have to have it all figured out, I have to care for other people, that has to be kind of the one to have it all together. My idea was to try to explore and expand that part of myself. My hope is that people kind of go on the journey with her to process why she is the way that she is and that feel connected to her because it is drawn from a real honest, true human place and human experience that is one of my own.

We watched your journey to find love on television. What was something you have learned about love from your journey that you wanted to tell through this story?

What did your experience of being on The Bachelor and Bachelorette tell you about what someone might not want in a love story? And how did that shape you how wrote this book, if at all?

I think just the unfortunate real-life problem of miscommunication and misunderstanding that happens a lot in relationships. A lot of that is from somebody believing or thinking somebody meant something different in the way that they responded or reacted and how that can really derail a potential relationship in some way and the importance of really getting to the truth of and understanding of why somebody did what they did. That doesn’t mean that it makes it okay, ever, but I think when you’re hurt, it does allow us to have some compassionate understanding as to why people are the way that they are and why they may be show up differently than you would hope or want them to in a relationship. It’s always a very human thing [and] doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be in a relationship because of it but I think it is really important to understand and find a way to communicate with each other to come to an understanding of why we are the way that we are.

A romantic journey can either be a love at first sight and quick or a slow burn that’s developed over time. After being on a dating show and experiencing that heightened love at first sight and quick pace but then also experiencing real-life dating, which kind of love story appealed to you more to tell with Emma and Finn?

What were the inspirations for your characters, Emma and Finn, and what did you want to explore with them?

Emma is the way for me to explore a part of myself and to really have a full-fledged character of those certain meanings, associations with that part of myself and the feelings surrounding that. Then Finn is a good guy that also didn’t know how to fully express who he is, what he wants and what’s actually going on internally. So they’re both very complex people who have to kind of learn to give and take and to show themselves and feel safe to be seen with each other. There’s all those classic tropes in romance, and you could say this is the enemies-to-lovers story, but sometimes enemies to lovers, to me, it’s just not believable. Don’t get me wrong, I love them, but there’s no way I’m going on a road trip with somebody that I really hate. There’s always something behind why we don’t like somebody or upset with somebody. There’s a deeper feeling in that, and I wanted to explore what that was with them, and if they could get to a place of really stripping themselves back down and being really honest with who they are, why they are the way they are [and] why they’ve been showing up in the ways they’ve been showing up to each other that is not allowing them to really connect. Because I think that happens a lot as we go through finding relationships in our life.

We really focus on the importance of dialogue. In the book, there’s a lot of time they’re on a road trip, so they’re in the car together a lot. Even though there are some epic moments that you can say are right out of a Bachelor date card situation, there’s a lot of time just mundane in the car, so what makes those experiences just as, or even more important, is the conversation and the time to be able to have without distraction — really get down to the root of who a person is, and that was really important. It’s not the fireworks that make you fall in love with somebody. It’s really understanding who they are [and] what fireworks represent to them. It’s really understanding the meaning of what each person gives [in] certain situations and in their life and that comes without sometimes all the flowers and the fireworks and the beautiful scenery. It’s just like, how are people in a car together?

With romance novels you want there to be an emotional depth that readers can connect to but also some spice and steamy scenes. As a first-time romance author, did you feel pressure in delivering those kinds of scenes?  

The book seems to end on a vague note with regards to the character Sybil. Why did you choose to end it in that way for them?

I feel like for Emma and Finn their story gets tied together with a nice bow but my hope is that the readers connect with the other characters in the book. I think Sybil is one that I hope the readers are really concerned about and there is a book two. So my hope is that people are really invested in wanting to know more about these characters and that book two kind of answers some questions.

Speaking of book two, it was announced that you have a two-book deal. Have you started working on book two yet and do you know what it will be about?

The core four is really where this idea comes from because I feel like one of the greatest love stories in your life can be between your girlfriends and how you are connected and their own individual love stories. So that’s the idea of this book and also in book two. So these characters are in there. We’re gonna stay in their world but really dive into the other women and what’s going on in their life.

Given this is your first romance novel and the writing process is new, what was the most difficult part of writing this that you’ll take with you as your work on your next novel?

What do you hope that readers take away from this story?

I think just that love is worth the risk. I think we can really hold ourselves back because we’re scared to make a mistake in our life. But that decision that we make to either go for it or not, the outcome could lead to a mistake, but it also could lead to the next great chapter of your life. So it’s important to take risks for love, and that’s something that I’ve really learned in my life, too. It’s fun to be able to explore with Emma.

In your career thus far in the industry, you’ve been on reality TV, won Dancing with the Stars and Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, published a memoir, host a podcast and are now a published romance author. What’s next? Anything else on your list of goals that you want to achieve?

Mistakes We Never Made is available now.

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"I try to be a multi-hyphenate in terms of the creative space" Meet fashion's favourite filmmaker, Amalie Gassmann

The filmmaker, photographer and model is hello fashion's june-july 2024 cover star....

Amalie Gassmann is a dynamic force of creativity. As a writer, model, photographer, creative director and filmmaker, she brings a multifaceted vision to life through her passion for storytelling. 

"I try to be a multi-hyphenate in terms of the creative space, because I really love everything," she tells us when we speak before her Hello! Fashion cover shoot. 

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For Amalie, who is still only 28, it all began at the age of 12, when she attended a Christmas party in Paris with her mother and caught the eye of Jeni Rose, head scout for IMG Models. Although legally she couldn’t sign to the agency until she was 16, this encounter marked the beginning of her varied career.

Amalie was born in San Francisco and raised in Paris by parents who valued artistic expression. Her mother, Gay Gassmann, is an art consultant and fashion writer; and her father, Uli Gassmann, likes photography, painting and architecture. “We are a very creative household. Growing up, I was always trying out different things.”

MORE: Amelia Gething on comedy, love of fashion and her Mighty Boosh obsession

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"Growing up with all these different cultures I’ve had to become better at observing, I guess."

In addition to being a multi-hyphenate multitasker, Amalie is multilingual (English, French, German and Japanese) and comes from a multicultural background. With a German father and a Japanese mother, she embodies a fusion of influences that undoubtedly enrich her perspective and creativity. And understanding different cultures has obviously helped Amalie with her career.

“The mannerisms definitely have. Growing up with all these different cultures I’ve had to become better at observing, I guess.” Adding an additional layer, of course, was her early start in modelling, which provided valuable insights into the workings of the industry. "I really was able to have the experience of being in front of the camera. And that really fed into my knowledge of styling, lighting and composition."

After spending a gap year modelling in Australia and New York, Amalie enrolled in a film production degree course at Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, Upstate New York, about 90 miles north of New York City.

“I like that it is a liberal arts school as well. I really love its full programme. Also, I really enjoy being in nature. I was close enough to New York City that I could go whenever I wanted to, but it was like a breather in terms of full-on moving into the city, which is pretty crazy.”

"Dior was my first fashion show and so I've been going to its shows for the past 11 years, since I was 17."

Since graduating in 2019, Amalie has created short films and a “short film-slash-music video” she made for one of her friends in Los Angeles. Her background in modelling and photography, teamed with immersing herself in nature, have definitely added an ethereal touch to her work. She is represented by the prestigious Ridley Scott Group, which is behind huge blockbusters including Alien and Blade Runner.

For the shoot, Amalie was dressed by Dior, a brand she has had a relationship with for over a decade. “Dior was my first fashion show and so I’ve been going to its shows for the past 11 years, since I was 17. It’s been an amazing relationship. They are so loyal. They are wonderful. And I mean it is a very, very iconic brand to be associated with.”

Next up for Amalie, who is currently based in London, is the short film she has started writing, but it is early days; “I feel now is about focusing on my writing and my craft.”

The full interview with Amalie Gassmannn appears in the June/July issue of Hello! Fashion , out now…

Photographer:  @timokerber

Stylist:  @hannahbeckstylist

Hair:  @themanestyle

Makeup:  @francescaleachmakeup

Nails:  @_by_reme

Art Director:  @marion_reilly

Production:  @clarepenners

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Style & Commerce Director:  @tanyaphilipson

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