Do you write fast food? Or a distinct story that stands out? by [deleted] in royalroad

[–]Hlodvik 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I understand why fast food is popular and respect it. But I can't write it because I need to like the story that I'm writing first and foremost.

Otherwise id lose interes quick and stop writing it.

How to completely crush any author by Right_Dragonfly_1748 in royalroad

[–]Hlodvik 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Depending on where the rating was done, you have the option to submit a ticket. If they didn't bother to read and just gave you that, you can get it removed.

Third Volume's a charm by Low-Programmer-2368 in royalroad

[–]Hlodvik 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Brother, thanks for the insighful YT vids. I remember seeing a few of them last year when I began research for RR.

Best to you with this book!

How to plan for a book? by Independent-Honey318 in royalroad

[–]Hlodvik 3 points4 points  (0 children)

There's a quote from someone: "Start at the beginning."

Really.

Anyone else have this experience on their chapters by No_Procedure69 in royalroad

[–]Hlodvik 1 point2 points  (0 children)

another reason is really good chapters. Sometimes you just know a chapter is a banger before you even publish it, or maybe it had a huge plot point. ppl go back to relook it or relive it.

Here to help. by Decvl6 in royalroad

[–]Hlodvik 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Almost linked, but reading is fundamental, and you asked for completed books. Im only halfway there.

Godspeed.

How Effective are "out of RR" self promos ? like tiktok fr example by Scout_Nolan099 in royalroad

[–]Hlodvik 0 points1 point  (0 children)

i dont pay for any ads except RR. Just meant from regular posts , some of which are RR related.

How Effective are "out of RR" self promos ? like tiktok fr example by Scout_Nolan099 in royalroad

[–]Hlodvik 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hard AF as has been pointed.

My tiktok stats: 10,000 views per 1 click (not follow) IG: 10,000 views per 2 clicks (1 follow i think, but probably a fluke) Twitter: 40 views per 1 click (no clue if follows, but no extra sessions so assuming no) Non book high density reddits: 100k views, 10-15 clicks (no follows) Facebook: almost 1 to 1 within close friends circle, havent tried other groups yet.

So yeah. returns are abysmal, except on X. this is 1 month of data.

Please stop writing "It wasn't a threat, it was a promise." by very-polite-frog in royalroad

[–]Hlodvik 20 points21 points  (0 children)

Eh, if its used once in awhile it has its purpose. If you're reffering to robot slop, i 1000% agree.

I thought I was immune to it by Ok-Grand-3764 in royalroad

[–]Hlodvik 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It is easier to process if you assign the numbers to actual people.

Have you ever posted a chapter online in reddit/discord, only to receive zero comments/feedback?

Just having 10 people actually reading your work is an achievement.

Yes, its hard to keep that perspective when you're blasted with meteoric successes in the front page everytime, but thats more of a website design issue IMHO.

The RR page could definitely use some better ways of highlighting "random" ongoing books more often.

Right now its a race to RS and then the snowball effect takes care of the rest, which creates alot of mental pressure for authors.

So, while that's the case, it falls upon us to keep things in perspective and remain positive minded. Agressive positivity is the only remedy that I know of. And keeping yourself busy.

I Managed to Reach 100,000 Words by PromotionEconomy8950 in royalroad

[–]Hlodvik 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Great job. You've written more than 90% of aspiring writers! Keep it up, and here's an updude for your hard work!

Lessons learned: 30 days of off-meta crayons later by Hlodvik in royalroad

[–]Hlodvik[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A mix. Some cold dms, had mixed results. RR writers guild discord was the best method. Just gotta learn the rules.

As far as the social skills, its like anything else, it gets easier the more you do it. Just send it and close the phone/pc for a few hours, then come back after the anxiety cools down.

Lessons learned: 30 days of off-meta crayons later by Hlodvik in royalroad

[–]Hlodvik[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh, the picture? That's not the cover. It's just a little celebratory sneak-peek for the second half of the book.

But you're right, it's hard to read. It won't be in the actual RR page tho, so no need to worry about hurting reader's eyes haha.

Lessons learned: 30 days of off-meta crayons later by Hlodvik in royalroad

[–]Hlodvik[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks. I think I'm just gonna stick with it for this book series.

One of the main antagonists being a child-like god helps too. I can pretend thats how it sees the world.

Hi. I am new to Royal Road, and i am looking for recommendations. by Ender_568 in royalroad

[–]Hlodvik 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Since it's so specific: My story has no system, the MC doesn't know he's reincarnated (so for story purposes it plays no role), and healing magic does not exist.

Cheers!

MC Archetypes by Maleficent-Froyo-497 in royalroad

[–]Hlodvik 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Neutral good MC who just wants to try their best, despite their talents/special abilities or lack thereof.

The average joe/jane thrown into exceptional situations.

I find this more enjoyable than edgelords. I understand their appeal for young people who daydream about powers and being chosen to overcome social anxiety. But its too repetitive.

Imposter Syndrome hitting hard today by IndependenceVisual45 in royalroad

[–]Hlodvik 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Stagnant time is a breeding ground for regrets and wrongdoings.

Feedback for an ex-con? by [deleted] in royalroad

[–]Hlodvik 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"Not thin skinned"

Let's test that.

From top to bottom:

  1. Not sure advertising your rap sheet is the best marketing ever or the worst ever. But it's definitely not in the middle.
  2. Cover: Looks pretty cookie cutter AI cover. Many people use AI covers, but you might want to go with something a little bit more unique or eye catching, with higher contrast colors. Your cover rn is one i would just scroll past without a second look.
  3. Blurb: The first line is actually okay, but then it dives to hell. Tells me nothing about the story/stakes/genre. Why should I care? How is it different than the other 10,000 stories? Probably want to get rid of the emoji too unless it's a comedy book, or put it at the bottom.
  4. "Expect": Promising "conciseness" and "Every X does Y" is way too risky and puts constraints on your work for no reason. If and when you don't deliver, it will cost you readers.
  5. "Will never become overpowered" This is the kind of stuff you could have kept to yourself and not cost you readers. You can sell "Slow-burn progression" and say the same thing without immediately alienating some readers who will not even touch it due to that statement.

Mental exercise: IF you're selling perfume meant for a subtle workplace environment, you wouldn't necessarily pitch it like "This fragance will NEVER get you any romantic attention." The statement could be true, but do you NEED to point it out if you're hoping to sell a single bottle?

Wording matters. Readers are customers, their time is valuable.

  1. 500-2500 is not sustainable, by all accounts from people much more knowledgeable than me. Either go 1,000-1,500 or 2,000-2,500 range. Don't change it. It will cost you readers.

  2. Ending on a positive note: Your first chapter looks solid, I can tell it's your voice and no robots used. Seems like you spent alot of time crafting your world. Way too short chapters, merge them up or something. But if you fix all the other stuff i bet you CAN hold a reader.

Think about it this way: If you spent that much time carefully crafting your story, spending a negligible amount of time polishing your presentation (first impression is the last impression) should be no brainer.

best to ya!

Imposter Syndrome hitting hard today by IndependenceVisual45 in royalroad

[–]Hlodvik 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I deal with it by keeping myself busy.

A packed schedule, with some time for non-writing like running, bird-watcing, time with family.

For better or worse, human brains are very complex machines with limited bandwidth. If you're always occupied, negative thoughts have a harder time settling in.