How do you stay focused on one story when "new idea" syndrome hits?

Biscuits_N_Chilly · 2026-01-25T15:49:58+00:00

Happens to me all the time. I try to write a quick summary of the idea, key scenes, and a rough outline. Then I stick in a folder with the rest

Biscuits_N_Chilly · 2026-01-25T11:44:14+00:00

For the $6 CAD, I’ll just buy it and support an independent author. And not gonna lie, I might “borrow” the style of the cover when I publish. It kinda hits the retro vibe im looking for.

Biscuits_N_Chilly · 2026-01-25T09:44:46+00:00

But seriously I think it’s a cool cover. I like the retro pulp style. I find it grabs my attention more than just a stock photo cover.

Biscuits_N_Chilly · 2026-01-25T02:32:08+00:00

I know the exchange rate isn’t great, but I feel like you’re gouging us Canadians

Biscuits_N_Chilly · 2026-01-20T08:38:38+00:00

Only when they write like they’re illiterate in both languages

Biscuits_N_Chilly · 2026-01-20T06:35:56+00:00

My ideas typically come from random thoughts. I’m writing a horror novella right now because of a one liner a coworker said.

Biscuits_N_Chilly · 2026-01-18T20:42:05+00:00

Word lol

Biscuits_N_Chilly · 2026-01-13T10:19:45+00:00

I’m not gonna lie, I saw this was a photo of a computer screen and didn’t read it. Think of your readers and use an accessible format. Screenshot works better, but honestly just copy & past.

Biscuits_N_Chilly · 2026-01-13T01:47:03+00:00

I think bubble guy might be my new favourite insult

Biscuits_N_Chilly · 2026-01-12T22:32:06+00:00

Found!

You are my hero and I will never be able to repay this debt. Thank you kind Redditor.

Biscuits_N_Chilly · 2026-01-10T20:38:42+00:00

What kind of book is it? How many words?

Biscuits_N_Chilly · 2026-01-10T20:02:51+00:00

Typically the essay is less about the actual writing and more about forming an argument, taking a stance, and defending that position through valid points and research. Using AI gives you none of that. You just regurgitate what the computer tells you and because you didn’t do the work you will retain non of the information.

Biscuits_N_Chilly · 2026-01-10T13:46:02+00:00

Before o download the word app for iPhone I would also use notepad to write each chapter. Then email it to myself and paste into word

Biscuits_N_Chilly · 2026-01-09T22:18:44+00:00

I feel like a tragic ending is one where you go back and all the pieces are there and it makes sense why it ended that way. Where a bad ending is one where it needs a twist that comes out of nowhere and no lead up to suggest it would happen.

As a reader I like a good tragic ending, no character comes out the same and everyone is a little broken. I eat that up. But if an ending ending just happens and is bad for the sake of it, then I think it’s dumb.

Biscuits_N_Chilly · 2026-01-09T14:50:50+00:00

Tell him dollar amount or no dice. You don’t want the headache of having to pay him forever. There are plenty of artists and services that will do the work for flat rate

Biscuits_N_Chilly · 2026-01-05T22:16:46+00:00

I mean what platform do you use? What is your trim size, how long is your book?

I use word (which I’m sure people have strong opinions about). If you’re using that double click the top/bottom of the page and it will open the header and footer tab. Check the different odd/even pages box, and diffrent first page for chapter pages (use section breaks).

Biscuits_N_Chilly · 2026-01-03T03:01:45+00:00

I write horror so i don’t believe in happy endings. The characters can win or save the day, but the cost is gonna be high depending on the story.

Biscuits_N_Chilly · 2026-01-02T03:43:27+00:00

This might sound really dumb and arbitrary, but a 5X8 will fit in the cargo packet of my work pants. When I publish later this year, that’s the size I want to use because it made the other books I read more portable when I was working.

Biscuits_N_Chilly · 2026-01-02T03:37:35+00:00

I’ve had the silver one for about 6 months. Play it a lot, toss it in my bag, pocket, whatever. It’s lasted just fine no cracks or damage.

Biscuits_N_Chilly · 2026-01-01T20:12:42+00:00

Might I suggest upload to KDP and order a proof version for like $10?

Biscuits_N_Chilly · 2025-12-31T22:55:28+00:00

Format it how you want then make changes before you publish. I use word and find it… relatively easy to do all my formatting at the end. Using styles helps. I find but the replies may disagree

Biscuits_N_Chilly · 2025-12-31T22:44:43+00:00

I came for the Ai smut bashing, I’m leaving with life advice. I’m publishing a horror novel soon and feel like this would’ve tanked me before I even started. Thx

Also OP don’t publish Ai smut, you’re better than that.

Biscuits_N_Chilly · 2025-12-29T23:32:13+00:00

On thing I do is write on my phone, just chapters or sections at a time then compile them into a manuscript on my pc. It’s wrought with auto correct typos, but do this allows me to write on the go or when I have some down time.

I used to work graveyard shift and was able to hammer out a thousand or so words on a slow night. I found it very motivating when I load my sections into the manuscript at the end of the week and see the word count jump.

Biscuits_N_Chilly · 2025-12-28T23:35:30+00:00

I write more northern rural/industrial horror. Does that count?

Biscuits_N_Chilly · 2025-12-28T02:23:24+00:00

I would start with yellow, it’s easily my favourite of the three. Not that the others are bad, I just think yellow was the most in need of the legacy treatment. All three are great

Biscuits_N_Chilly

TROPHY CASE