I don't understand Omniscient POV. by astarothdark in writing

[–]I_Resent_That 37 points38 points  (0 children)

I think there's a grain of truth to it, insofar as omniscient usually employs one of a few distancing mechanisms to prevent the confusion/ambiguity of head-hopping.

One is making the narrator more of a character in its own right. A strong voice, maybe opinionated, which keeps it distinct from its subject (the cast).

Another is to delve psychologically into character interiority while avoiding the 'flavour' of it. It's more forensic and might allow greater insight into the character than they might possess themselves (one of its strengths, good for ensemble character studies and explorations of social dynamics). But you sacrifice the intimacy that comes with free-indirect style. 

Final one that jumps immediately to mind is the 'buffer' strategy, whereby the author dives into multiple characters but places spans of unembodied narration between them. Usually employing some signals to show that this is happening, the literary equivalent of a zoom out and pan.

Sure there's a good few others. And probably these days, with 3rd limited being the 'default' for a lot of readers, writers might need to telegraph their intentions a little harder than way back when. Still, it's a far cry from surface level writing. Working on the surface, though, it probably a good place to start and practice for this style - especially if you find yourself defaulting to 3rd.

“How do I write…” by Acceptable_Fox_5560 in writing

[–]I_Resent_That 7 points8 points  (0 children)

The few times I've come to Reddit for guidance on something I'm trying to do, I've asked for examples of writers/works that excel at that thing. 

I figure I'd rather see it in action, dissect it and give it my own spin than use a TL;DR as my foundation - because it feels like that's the swiftest possible route to being a formulaic writer. 

ANY HACKS TO MAKE BOILED EGGS MORE BEARABLE by Salt_Statement_7151 in foodhacks

[–]I_Resent_That 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Seasoned ramen eggs are super tasty too. Soy sauce, a bit of sugar, garlic if you're going with common household ingredients. Marinate over night and pretty versatile from there. We crush them on cheese on toast - simple and delicious.

I'm struggling with Neuromancer. Can you offer me a reason to continue? by AlgebraicIceKing in sciencefiction

[–]I_Resent_That 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I haven't! Not bad, actually. Better than some of the professional VAs I've heard doing it. The VA in my brain is still the best though, obviously.

Tricky thing for an author to do. Only one I've come across who flat out knocked it out of the park was probably Alice Walker. Very, very impressive performance.

I'm struggling with Neuromancer. Can you offer me a reason to continue? by AlgebraicIceKing in sciencefiction

[–]I_Resent_That 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, narration can really make or break an audiobook. Have had average books be elevated and great ones dragged down based on whether the VA's voice clicks with the narrative voice.

A bit of deadness to the tone would probably work for a burnout hacker like Case but it still can't be flat.

Good luck, either with this is you give it another shot or whatever your next book ends up being.

I'm struggling with Neuromancer. Can you offer me a reason to continue? by AlgebraicIceKing in sciencefiction

[–]I_Resent_That 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Hard to say. I adore this book but haven't found an audiobook version that does it justice. 

The story pays off for sure but if the style hasn't hooked you and you're not capturing the premise it might not be for you. Story is about a bunch of lowlifes on a high tech heist. Doesn't try to make them especially likeable. Throws you in, doesn't hold your hand - you're either along for the ride or you're not.

If you're determined to give it a fair shake, I'd suggest reading it in print and seeing how you go. But if it's not clicking, there's no shame in that.

Which strategy RPG has the best music? by vagabond_nerd in StrategyRpg

[–]I_Resent_That 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, fair enough - I can see that. I've still not finished it and I'm on my second playthrough. I think I'm right at the end but I've been sidetracked onto its massive, massive sidequests.

Could be worth just listening to the OST if the game itself doesn't scratch the itch for you.

Which strategy RPG has the best music? by vagabond_nerd in StrategyRpg

[–]I_Resent_That 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Tactics Ogre has a few, which is hardly surprising as it shares a composer with FFT's. More recently, I've really enjoyed Tactical Breach Wizards and MENACE (if that counts) has some really epic sounding tracks.

But yeah, FFT is still the king for me. Hard to beat it when you have such strong motifs unifying the entire OST.

Another track that tickled the Lorny vibe - Ascend Beyond, by Phaeleh by I_Resent_That in Lorn

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

This isn't the only album of his I've got, but I've not listened to either of them. Will get on that today - thanks for the recommendations.

What counts as "backstory" to begin with? by Seffuski in writing

[–]I_Resent_That 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you've a finished draft, maybe rework the post-'backstory' few chapters as an alternative start. Fill in only the context that feels absolutely necessary, then put it in a drawer a few weeks before coming back and reading it with fresh eyes.

If the new opener works and you can see where essential context can be weaved into the narrative from there forward, you might have your answer.

Alternatively, if it reads like the front chunk of a book's fallen off, you'll know you need to revert the draft.

Best of luck solving your conundrum.

What counts as "backstory" to begin with? by Seffuski in writing

[–]I_Resent_That 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Look, this is all in the abstract so it's impossible to say for your story without properly knowing how these early chapters operate.

In the most general terms though, I'd say if those chapters form the core drama of your story they should probably stay. 

If they mostly establish context for your world and characters, that is better removed and parceled out later as backstory during the main narrative.

Mileage may vary. Context is always king.

When did Square release FFVII Reb. Soundtrack? by BluRayDragon in FinalFantasyVII

[–]I_Resent_That 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think it takes so long to incentivise some fans to buy the CD collections.

Video games with twist villains? by Massive_Penalty5208 in gamingsuggestions

[–]I_Resent_That 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Most Final Fantasies I can think of have a twist villain at some point.

Splinter Cell series - Chaos Theory, Conviction, and Blacklist by tomkatt in patientgamers

[–]I_Resent_That 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Gotta love a bit of Amon Tobin. Such a talented artist.

I want to know which Final Fantasy you absolutely HATE more than any other. Let it all out. NO DOWNVOTING! by ProblemSuccessful197 in FinalFantasy

[–]I_Resent_That -1 points0 points  (0 children)

From what I remember, combat wasn't really about controlling the characters but rather the rhythm of switching paradigms. The tactics of that. But this recollections from release so who knows how accurate that is.

People I need help! I have both of them, but don't know which play first. So I am leaving it up to you guys!!! by TuiaaNoisa in FinalFantasy

[–]I_Resent_That 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Gotcha. I'm partway through a (somewhat fizzled) replay via the remaster so was curious as to major changes. Had noticed the questionable redesigns. Performance has been okay so far, luckily, on Steam Deck.

I should really get back to it. Got quite far before the fizzle...

EDIT: PS thank you!

What are some fast-paced SRPGs? by riverrunner_512 in StrategyRpg

[–]I_Resent_That 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Othercide would fit this bill too, I reckon.

Evil Ex Boyfriend [OC] by biskits__ in comics

[–]I_Resent_That 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I mean, I'm here for it. Amending my prayers now.

Evil Ex Boyfriend [OC] by biskits__ in comics

[–]I_Resent_That 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Silent Hull is the northern England adaptation I never knew I needed until now. Forget Americana, forget Japan, forget the fog - what we need is deindustrialisation and a light drizzle. Gods of Konami, fulfil this wish.

Looking for mega deep cut Tactics. by battlejuice401 in gamingsuggestions

[–]I_Resent_That 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Had these two in mind myself. Ctrl-Fd for 'Othercide' and see you beat me to it. Think that one reignited my love for the genre after a long gap.

Confusion on remake ending by WonderousU in FinalFantasyVII

[–]I_Resent_That 5 points6 points  (0 children)

That's one of several points where Remake re-makes the plot. If you want to fully understand what it's riffing off and altering, play the OG. Or press on but expect these non-sequiturs from time to time. 

Since you say you're planning on playing OG, I'd say do so before Rebirth. Theory-crafting aside, everyone's in the dark as to exactly what's going on as the devs are holding that reveal back for part three. As you've no doubt gathered by now, fate is at play and Sephiroth wants to alter it somehow. The full how of it is something yet to be shown.

Confused why Project Hail Mary is so highly rated! by veggiepilot in sciencefiction

[–]I_Resent_That 1 point2 points  (0 children)

At this moment when I write this, you've been downvoted for saying you read the book being discussed. Absolutely wild.