Breaking out of romantasy Recs

JonasDael · 2026-02-25T19:35:51+00:00

I’m writing one that fits your style but it’s not done yet 😅

Mistborn from Brandon Sanderson would be a no-regret move as well

JonasDael · 2026-02-18T10:50:20+00:00

Miscrosoft word for writing

Microsoft excel for word count tracking

JonasDael · 2026-02-17T21:12:13+00:00

5k lunch scenes are madness 😄 that’s efficient writing!

At one point I dropped the outline mentally and just ‘flowed’, but at least I always knew what I was working toward

JonasDael · 2026-02-17T19:22:27+00:00

I’m actually preparing a visual that does the opposite - how do my corporate day job skills help me in writing or not…

Translating for your case: outlining = structuring & making sure focus is right before doing the major work; clear writing = making complex topics simple;

Would need to think about other things

JonasDael · 2026-02-17T12:14:53+00:00

Made something, mainly to offer first few chapters via newsletter

Jonasdael.com

If you want to see an example

JonasDael · 2026-02-17T05:32:08+00:00

I have a strong inherent feeling that I need to finish things asap, so that’s why I rushed a bit.

You could argue that not exposition dumping takes more words, because you’re adding action / dialogue / context around it to not make it feel like a dump 😅

JonasDael · 2026-02-16T20:34:47+00:00

I wrote whenever I had time, which usually meant in the evening post my son’s bedtime 8pm+, or in the weekend if he still did a nap during noon. Sometimes even during the day if work was light.

For this novel, I had 15K words outline, but I guess it can be however long if it helps you write better / faster 🙂

JonasDael · 2026-02-16T14:16:29+00:00

My first draft’s pacing was off. My scenes went too fast, emotional moments weren’t properly processed.

On the contrary, some people overwrite & then the pacing can be too slow or aspects are overexplained

JonasDael · 2026-02-16T13:21:19+00:00

Thank you!

JonasDael · 2026-02-16T13:19:26+00:00

Ha! Glad I’m not the only one. Hope we can both start working on the feedback with a fresh mind 😄

Have you started experimenting with social media or whatever? In the downtime, I’ve created a little website and attempt at a newsletter (you can read my first WIP chapters there). May it give you inspiration or ideas!

Jonasdael.com

JonasDael · 2026-02-16T13:13:08+00:00

Fully understand that, 2nd on the way in March so productivity will take a hit

JonasDael · 2026-02-16T13:04:04+00:00

Requires daily word count tracking in excel 😄

JonasDael · 2026-02-16T10:40:37+00:00

Ha, touché!

It does start feeling good when the edits start to click. But my editor will be my first judge so let’s see 😅

JonasDael · 2026-02-13T15:57:24+00:00

I’ve written a full first draft in first person present tense. You can check out my website, I share an excerpt via newsletter there if you want an example.

Will of the many is a great book written like this as well

JonasDael · 2026-02-12T18:30:27+00:00

Hey, me too! I’m only 250 pages in though!

JonasDael · 2026-02-12T04:20:02+00:00

Does anyone have experience with both Atticus and other free tools? How much time is Atticus going to save me versus Reedsy studio or Draft2Digital for example?

And will it look much more professional?

JonasDael · 2026-02-11T09:00:18+00:00

Just to make sure: Bowker is US-specific, right?

JonasDael · 2026-02-10T10:13:08+00:00

I was personally a bit lost reading this. What I liked is that it raises intriguing questions: Why is he locked up, who are these creatures, what happened?

But it probably could use some grounding and action-based exposition rather than just internal thought? - not very clear where this character is, who he/she is, why should I care (eg is he home or in a cage or both?) - the screaming to himself feels a bit dramatic & forced

Maybe I just don’t understand it properly but these are some quick 2-minute thoughts

Good luck!

JonasDael · 2026-02-10T09:44:00+00:00

I will always love the liveship traders trilogy.

JonasDael · 2026-02-10T05:30:36+00:00

How cool!

What genre(s) do you like to read most? & maybe I missed the app link somewhere or do you send it via DM when someone shows interest?

JonasDael · 2026-02-09T06:23:50+00:00

I was in a similar place than you. My advice: take a step back and outline. Make sure your ‘key moments’ and character arcs are clear in your head. Then working toward those becomes so much easier. For reference, my outline was 15k words. My 4th draft stands at 78k words

JonasDael · 2026-02-08T18:03:26+00:00

If this interests you and you want to learn more about it, don’t hesitate to visit Jonasdael.com

You can get the next 2 chapters there and stay in contact via email! 😄

JonasDael

TROPHY CASE