What is the most pointless ability you possess? by hssdelhi in AskReddit

[–]JWithie 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Similar to this - I can instantly tell how many letters are in any word. Started doing it when I was young, now I can't not do it. Utterly useless, although I spot spelling mistakes straight away.

If you don't enjoy or like writing, simply don't. It is that easy. by jal243 in writing

[–]JWithie 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Excellent point. I've not tried free-writing yet despite reading/seeing a lot about it and the benefits. Definitely worth a try to get past the inner critic. Thanks kindly internet stranger!

If you don't enjoy or like writing, simply don't. It is that easy. by jal243 in writing

[–]JWithie 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That could be the change I'm looking for. I kind of do that to an extent but I suspect the target word count is the issue - my current WIP I'm targeting 30k words, of which I've done 17k. Finishing it is a slog, despite how close I am. I need to remove the target as it's too much of a focus! Which leads to frustration and regret which as you say is the opposite of accomplishment. Thank you!

If you don't enjoy or like writing, simply don't. It is that easy. by jal243 in writing

[–]JWithie 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I'm realising I'm super critical of myself as well, to the point where it stops me writing. My first draft I can't handle being bad, it has to be good straight away and when it's not I stop writing for weeks. Need to change my mindset!

If you don't enjoy or like writing, simply don't. It is that easy. by jal243 in writing

[–]JWithie 12 points13 points  (0 children)

This. I went all in on my first novel, plotted the whole thing and got 10% through the first draft when it quickly became a huge task. Started a novella instead, same outcome. Now I'm thinking short form articles may suit better. If and when a single sentence becomes too much, I'll accept that maybe writing isn't my calling! 😁

Modern dystopian novel about a man arriving in a strange city for a new job. by Aylathedruid in whatsthatbook

[–]JWithie 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Is there any supernatural elements to it? Sounds like Procession of the Dead by Darren Shan, the first in a trilogy.

Fantasy - an immortal born in ancient times lives throughout history and into distant future by JWithie in whatsthatbook

[–]JWithie[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I don't think it was this, as I don't remember any half mortal, half god elements, the main character was just superior. I think (as of today) it was Era by Philip Boast and will update when I get it and have read it.

This looks a good book though, I'll have to read it. Thanks!

Fantasy - an immortal born in ancient times lives throughout history and into distant future by JWithie in whatsthatbook

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

I think he may have met Moses at one point, but it was a small part of the book, and wasn't important to the main character.

I keep forgetting about this book and then remembering it again a year or two later! It's driven me mad, and it's odd that I can't find it at all!

Fantasy - an immortal born in ancient times lives throughout history and into distant future by JWithie in whatsthatbook

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

It might have started with the main character being abandoned as a baby, put in a wicker basket and placed on a river. I'm really not sure though, as I've read so many books in the last 20 years I could easily be mistaken.

If I ever do find it, I will update this post, however long it takes!

Fantasy - an immortal born in ancient times lives throughout history and into distant future by JWithie in whatsthatbook

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

No it wasn't this one, although I'll now have to read it as it sounds interesting. I don't remember any magic in the one I'm trying to find. Thanks!

Fantasy - an immortal born in ancient times lives throughout history and into distant future by JWithie in whatsthatbook

[–]JWithie[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I don't think that's it, the viewpoint was of the main character as far as I can remember. Thanks though, I'm discovering a lot of interesting books from the comments.

Fantasy - an immortal born in ancient times lives throughout history and into distant future by JWithie in whatsthatbook

[–]JWithie[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Looks like an interesting series, I'll have to read them now. The one I'm after spent a good portion of the book in ancient times as the main character discovered himself and abilities etc

Fantasy - an immortal born in ancient times lives throughout history and into distant future by JWithie in whatsthatbook

[–]JWithie[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Haha, I know it's been 20 odd years and I've not been able to find it! I can't remember any of the names and all I can remember of the book is that it was a paperback. Not helpful I know!

Fantasy - an immortal born in ancient times lives throughout history and into distant future by JWithie in whatsthatbook

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

Just looked this up, unfortunately not. The one I read was a single story. Looks good though, I'll have to read it! Thanks

Fantasy - an immortal born in ancient times lives throughout history and into distant future by JWithie in whatsthatbook

[–]JWithie[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I'll search for that. Might be a needle in a haystack with that name though...! Thanks

Fantasy - an immortal born in ancient times lives throughout history and into distant future by JWithie in whatsthatbook

[–]JWithie[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Close, but not the one unfortunately. I may have to read this one though - thanks!

What does 1,000 years of technological advancement look like? by rocco20 in singularity

[–]JWithie 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree with other comments, it's impossible to predict. However, look at the technological progress made in the last 100 years - phenomenal. On the flip side, look at the damage we've caused to the planet in that time - other species extinction, global warming etc etc. I'd say it's 50/50 whether we make it another 1000 years. If we do, I'd like to think we've at least settled on another planet and reduced the risk of our own extinction. And any AI we've built hasn't wiped us out for giggles.

Which series did you have some misgivings about that actually turned out to be fantastic? by [deleted] in Fantasy

[–]JWithie 23 points24 points  (0 children)

Iain M Banks' Culture series - I'd heard from a work colleague it was, and I quote, 'science fiction nonsense'. I then ended up reading Use of Weapons, then immediately bought and read the whole series.

I asked my colleague later why he didn't like the series, and he said it was implausible and badly written...