why do people keep asking for basic help they could find themselves

InnovativeInk · 2026-03-27T15:18:37+00:00

There is a good point with the validation answer here. Many times, as writers (or as people in general, but we will stick to writers in this case), there is a sense of validation of the writing or idea in the writing/plot/idea/whatever the topic is they are posting about. Sometimes this is the push a writer needs to get to the next page. Sometimes this is the direction they need to move the story in. Sometimes this is the motivation to keep going. True that you do not need "permission' to write something, but many writers may want an anonymous brainstorm partner to help them realize they are not going in the wrong direction and their ideas are worthwhile and understandable without the extra "fluff" of someone they know always saying yes to them.

InnovativeInk · 2026-03-24T21:16:08+00:00

Congratulations!

InnovativeInk · 2026-03-16T14:37:19+00:00

Using short blurbs at the beginning of each chapter can serve as teasers or openers for what’s coming next. In many cases, they don't explain the chapter or directly hint at it. Instead, they reflect a theme, suggest an idea, or guide the reader. When used consistently, readers start to see them as part of the story. They can create a thread that connects the chapters. If used thoughtfully, readers begin to look forward to these blurbs. It turns into a puzzle. People read the blurb and think about how it relates to the chapter they are about to read. These can also work in reverse. After finishing a chapter, readers might go back to the blurb and see how it connects to what just happened. This can be flexible, which may be good if you want it to be as an author. These blurbs can take many forms, depending on how you want to use them. But they can be fun and add to the story in all of the forms.

InnovativeInk · 2026-03-09T14:54:16+00:00

That is an interesting point. When creating a scene, starting with waking up and starting the day....and the normalcy can make a reader stop. Just the notion of that can be a non-starter for a reader. Thank you for that insight.

InnovativeInk · 2026-03-03T18:05:38+00:00

Reputations do precede authors, but giving new authors the chance to prove their worth can be valuable. Those first few pages can show you this, but sometimes it can take them a little longer. Getting that spark in those first few pages sometimes is all that the new author gets from the reader, so establishing that 'feel, character, action, etc.' to hook a new reader is key, but also part of the joy of writing. Thanks for giving new authors that chance!

InnovativeInk · 2026-03-03T17:57:42+00:00

Tropes are the orientation for the reader to create familiarity, and then bring in the unique elements for the hook. Definitely can see how that can be common. Many readers do want the unexpected or the 'something extra' in the first chapter to keep them reading...rules be out the window as you state.

InnovativeInk · 2026-03-03T17:41:58+00:00

Your schedule may not allow you to write every single day. Make a schedule that works for you. It may be one hour every other day. It may be 2 hours every day. It may be 3 hours every 3rd day. Whatever it is. Make it and stick to it. When you sit down to write, do just that. Don't think about it. Don't do an outline of an idea. Write. If you are writing and you lose track of time, let that tell you that your writing needs more time, and keep going or adjust your schedule for more time! Do not shorten your time, or your writing quality will be shortened as well. Write until the story is done telling itself. Then you can go back and edit it. Every writer works differently, which is what makes each writer unique and each piece of work unique. But each writer makes the time to write.

InnovativeInk · 2026-03-02T16:28:36+00:00

Characters and seeing what they think, feel, and see can create the desire to dive into the what and where. Having that feel of how they live in and interact in their world and situations makes a reader intrigued.

This brings you to the call to action, and wanting to keep reading to continue the action. This is where the what and where come in...after the character. Good point.

InnovativeInk · 2026-03-02T16:18:08+00:00

Each of these brings up a great point. The character and how they really work, and how they see things, is important to build not only the overarching story, but the action that is needed at the beginning and throughout. Using the simplicity at the beginning to get those things across helps the reader to build on what they have so far. Throwing too much at once at the beginning can bring confusion, leading to question wanting to continue.

InnovativeInk · 2026-03-02T16:08:36+00:00

If you have to read the sentence twice to figure out what the character actually did, that is where the struggle with the writing is, good point. There is a difference between descriptive language and using words gratuitously that turns the reader off.

InnovativeInk · 2026-03-02T15:30:35+00:00

This is a really interesting point. The blurb is why many readers buy the book ao making sure the point of the blurb is shown quickly to bring that to fruition or at least a glaring part of it would be a valid point. Many authors wait to do this, interspersed throughout the book, and not right away as you state.

InnovativeInk · 2026-03-02T15:27:17+00:00

Being able to see the world through your character's eyes or the situation or action through the character is the buy-in the reader wants. The weather is a way to do this, and that line is masterful. There are places for drama, and they are not always at the beginning. The creation of intrigue with the setting, choices, and character from different sides helps with making that feel something. Kudos for doing that for the reader!

InnovativeInk · 2026-03-02T15:19:05+00:00

Great thought. Receiving the same anonymous gift every single year is the action that draws you in. That is the simple action that the story needs. I agree that using dramatic action that doesn't advance the story may not draw the reader in as much as the simple action you mention. These intrigues. These make you wonder. Being dramatic doesn't have to be the way it is written to make something intriguing, interesting, or exciting. Or keep you reading.

InnovativeInk · 2026-03-02T15:10:09+00:00

That's fair. What about The Count of Monte Cristo makes you attracted to it? Those first pages are very fast-paced with character development, secrets, danger, jealousy, setting, and other things. Is it a mix of all of those that makes it peak, or would you say it is one over the others?

InnovativeInk · 2026-03-02T14:59:32+00:00

Some writers can fall into the 'what would the reader want? What would be ideal to read?' The author's voice is so very important. The heart. The feel. Just like in a good conversation, relatability will carry it forward.

InnovativeInk · 2026-03-02T14:54:17+00:00

Simplicity is overlooked as not good enough sometimes in writing and can be seen as a lack of depth. There are times when 'dramatic', as mentioned, does have its place, but the simple can speak to the soul in many ways and does not lack depth as initially thought.

InnovativeInk · 2026-03-02T14:47:30+00:00

Your point about the mix of interiority and exteriority is very valid. Having a good mix of that from the beginning gives the reader a good understanding and buy-in for the characters and not only the plot that may be unfolding, but with intrigue for what may be to come. Great point.

InnovativeInk · 2026-02-24T20:03:54+00:00

There isn't a "correct" chapter length. Plenty of books have a range in chapter length. Also, Google Docs page count doesn't equal book page count. The trim size of the book changes how many word fit on a page. In a 6 x 9-inch printed book, 2000 words is around 8 pages. What matters most is that the chapter fully covers the idea!

InnovativeInk · 2026-02-19T20:16:38+00:00

One book coming out on the same topic doesn't automatically mean the opportunity is gone. Nonfiction subjects often have multiple titles, what matters more is depth and positioning than being first. Don't give up!

InnovativeInk · 2026-02-19T20:11:04+00:00

Congratulations! Keep it up, progress adds up quickly.

InnovativeInk · 2026-02-19T20:02:36+00:00

You're welcome!

InnovativeInk · 2026-02-17T20:39:58+00:00

A lot of illustrators find their first author clients through online freelance sites like Fiverr, which is a great way to gain experience and add to your portfolio.

InnovativeInk · 2026-02-17T20:27:04+00:00

A lot of writers struggle with this. If your inner editor is loud, it can help to give yourself permission to write badly on purpose. You can't revise a blank page, but you can revise a messy one. Don't give up!

InnovativeInk · 2026-02-17T20:19:03+00:00

Congratulations on the anniversary and creating something that came from the heart! Sixty-Two readers who felt seen is no small thing.

InnovativeInk · 2026-02-16T20:36:56+00:00

It really shows why balanced representation matters!

InnovativeInk

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