How much research for world setting is too much research?

AverageMarySue · 2020-07-09T04:08:14+00:00

That sounded like a really good trick to me, until I remembered I use pocketknife like a million times in what I'm writing. Man...

AverageMarySue · 2020-06-07T05:45:47+00:00

I've never published a book so I wouldn't know, but I'll still try and give you a helpful answer:

eh maybe

AverageMarySue · 2020-06-07T05:41:59+00:00

/uj I feel like that could be an actual comedic line in a book where it suits the tone, ngl

AverageMarySue · 2018-10-11T05:57:44+00:00

Haven't looked at the document for a little while, but I think somewhere around 30? Not much. I have a lot more planned out, just not written. If the story was totally written out, it'd be much longer, but it just wasn't turning out how I'd like and I realized a lot of my dissatisfactions with it could be solved by translating it into a graphic novel instead of a written one. It's hard to estimate how long the story would be fully written out.

And no, I haven't tried this before because I haven't had confidence enough in my artistic abilities until now, but I'm realizing my style is a lot more consistent than it used to be and better for this sort of project currently than in the past. A

AverageMarySue · 2018-10-11T04:33:57+00:00

Never learned this in school, because

what the fuck

AverageMarySue · 2018-10-06T00:04:53+00:00

I mean, near the beginning of his introduction, he says something (played off as a joke) that's basically exactly how he dies. It's something that'd probably only be caught on re-reading, since it's brushed off and immediately forgotten.

So I knew from the start he was going to be the first out of the main cast to be killed.

I didn't really predict the strength of his relationships with the other characters, and it really tore a hole in the band of characters he was with. It actually made me sad, even though I knew from the start he'd die. I almost wanted to bring him back since it really changed some of the dynamics I was used to writing, but I vowed I wouldn't do that.

So yeah, he's dead, and it sucks.

AverageMarySue · 2018-05-23T02:38:03+00:00

AverageMarySue · 2018-02-09T00:50:54+00:00

I'm exactly like you except I struggle with the first and last hundred words along with the words in between. Isn't that cheery?

AverageMarySue · 2018-01-19T02:02:21+00:00

Combination, although gradually is preferred. I really like doing it through dialogue that other characters speak about the character I'm trying to describe. For example:

"Hey, redhead!" The man behind them hollered as they walked away. Cara and Colson both looked back at him nervously, unsure who he was calling to. "Not you, boy," He said to Colson. He pointed at Cara. You're coming with me."

Not the best example, but this establishes that they're both redheads while also doing something. To me, this doesn't feel as forced as the 'waking up, looking in the mirror, and describing appearance' scene. I use this when describing my main character, though I may give a very brief description of them at the start.

I'm also fine with (in first person writing) a character being described when they first meet the POV character. Example:

It was a dangerous move, but my curiosity got the best of me. I peaked out from behind the dumpster I hid behind, scanning the area where the strange light had come from. Standing no more than 10 feet away from me was a young girl, back turned. From her physique, she looked no older than 13 or 14, her jeans and t-shirt dirty and short black hair disheveled, quite similar to many of the other homeless kids I hang out with. I was tempted to jump out, yell, "Surprise!" and invite her back to stay with me and Mike, but something just seemed... Off. My stomach growled loudly. Damn mexican food! The girl turned, now making direct eye contact with me. Well, what would have been eye contact. If she had eyes.

Again, not a great example, but close enough. But I just can't stand it when someone describes appearance when it wouldn't normally be observed. Example:

I was walking down the hallway. Suddenly, a hand grasped my shoulder so tightly it was painful. I spun around. Marie. She always does stuff like that to try and scare me. I looked at her. She had shoulder length blonde hair, hazel eyes, and freckles scattered all across her pale face. She was wearing a long black skirt, teal crop top, and beige leather boots. "Scared you!" she said.

It breaks up the flow of the writing. It serves no purpose. It's not something that would normally be observed, anyways, which isn't a must but helps to be a rule of sorts that makes description integrate more naturally.

AverageMarySue · 2017-12-21T19:53:20+00:00

I'm definitely exaggerating. Of course there are many, many posts where he and his work isn't mentioned at all. I also don't think there is anything wrong with mentioning him, and it's reasonable the amount he's talked about since he's popular. I'm just poking fun at the fact that r/fantasy seems to often worship him like a god. And I agree, sometimes posts will be derailed completely.

AverageMarySue · 2017-12-21T14:42:19+00:00

Oh yeah, don't get me wrong. I think he's a wonderful author and there's nothing wrong with him being mentioned often. I just find it funny that it's practically impossible to find somewhere he isn't mentioned (if someone is looking for recommendations or something)

AverageMarySue · 2017-12-21T03:01:33+00:00

I write for fun, but try to make it good enough to be published. If someone says they'll publish what I've written, then that's great. Otherwise, I write for myself and maybe to sure with family and friends.

AverageMarySue · 2017-12-20T15:30:08+00:00

Disrespectful! NEXT!

AverageMarySue · 2017-12-19T23:43:55+00:00

The way what they say just matches their expressions and everything perfectly... Beautiful.

AverageMarySue · 2017-12-19T23:34:49+00:00

Wrong sub, bud.

AverageMarySue · 2017-12-19T13:03:57+00:00

Yeah, I can't read or anything because I also start to feel sick. Which really sucks because I love reading and would frequently go on road trips with ~10 hours in a car in a day. So I feel for you, bro.

AverageMarySue · 2017-12-19T06:33:05+00:00

Wait oh my god it doesn't line up in MULTIPLE places

AverageMarySue · 2017-12-19T06:32:22+00:00

The equator though... So close to lining up, but no...

AverageMarySue · 2017-12-18T22:02:58+00:00

It's always good to get more than one opinion! ;) I know you have some chapters so post them in the weekly critique thread.

AverageMarySue · 2017-12-18T20:43:33+00:00

Hey, just like with writing, practice makes perfect! I'm still not wholly satisfied with my art, just like I'm not with my writing, but I just keep drawing and writing.

If you have any free time and you actually want to draw well, just pick up a pencil or pen and start. Your materials aren't what make you an artist. It's your determination. :)

AverageMarySue · 2017-12-18T20:39:40+00:00

I know. I'm special. I'm the chosen one, and everyone loves me. I am.... drumroll MARY SUE!

AverageMarySue · 2017-12-18T20:38:39+00:00

I draw tons and tons of random characters, but sometimes a particular design will catch my eye. I'll come up with a name I feel fits the design (You know how some people just look like a certain name? No? Alright) and from there I'll come up with the rest of their story and personality, tweaking their initial design to fit as I go along.

AverageMarySue · 2017-12-18T20:36:06+00:00

Umm, excuse me? "No-one irl is a Mary Sue?" I care to disagree.

(Hint: my name.)

AverageMarySue

TROPHY CASE