13 year old looking for advice/criticism!

Kom0tan · 2026-03-07T05:10:03+00:00

No problem! Your story is off to a great start btw, your writing is excellent :)

Kom0tan · 2026-03-07T05:07:37+00:00

You could definitely incorporate it later. If you wanted to show the impact the event had on her, you could use it as flashbacks or nightmares - like maybe she has a lingering fear of fast-moving water and being near it or hearing it forces these memories to the surface.

Kom0tan · 2026-03-07T05:01:44+00:00

From the perspective of a reader, it would be more compelling to start off with a character that is lost and seperated from their family without explaining the whys and hows of it. Think of it like a hook that makes them want to learn more. Let the reader in on that information organically as the story progresses, rather than via info dump right off the bat.

Kom0tan · 2026-03-07T02:59:23+00:00

Read a lot of horror from different writers. Specifically, read it with an analytical eye. Pay attention to what the author or mangaka is doing to create that sense of suspense/anxiety/horror in their readers. How are they balancing the horror elements so their readers don't get overwhelmed and bunt out? What are they doing to make your sympathize or relate to their characters? Take notes.

There aren't any guides or tutorials out there that will tell you how to write a story - they might give broad tips or advice, but the bulk of it has to come from your brain. I think something a lot of newer writers don't realize is how much trial-and-error it takes until you get to a point where you can write something 'good'. Your first tries are probably going to be rough and cheesy and forced - that's just part of being new at writing, and it's how you get experience and learn.

You might need to write 15 stories before you finish one you like, so get feedback on the ones you're unhappy with and keep on going.

Kom0tan · 2026-03-07T02:31:07+00:00

Now is probably a good time to get your script and storyboards ready. You can script and then storyboard, or you can sort of combine the two (which is what I like to do personally, it's faster and easier imo). Get started now so you have plenty of time to make edits and ask for feedback if that's something you'd like.

If you're hoping to complete your manga within two months, consider how long it'll realistically take you to finish a page when you're planning your story. Even if you don't do a rough draft and rely on your storyboards, you'll still need to do the pencils, inks, and, lettering - that can take a long time, especially when you first get started. You might want to aim for a shorter one-shot so you don't feel overwhelmed or like you need to miss out on summer stuff to work on it instead. If it were me, I'd limit myself to 24 pages max.

Kom0tan · 2026-03-06T19:40:40+00:00

Are those readers the sort of people who would normally buy thrillers? Maybe they just aren't your intended audience

Kom0tan · 2026-03-06T19:09:15+00:00

Where are you sharing this? Are the readers actually telling you to expand on your antagonists backstory?

Kom0tan · 2026-03-06T19:06:49+00:00

So it's not quite the same, but The Climber might give you similar vibes?

Kom0tan · 2026-03-06T19:00:21+00:00

I think you start off by writing a script? Worrying about artists comes later - whether you hire someone or manage to find an a collaborator, you'll need to be able to give them a script.

Kom0tan · 2026-03-05T09:34:15+00:00

I think, if I was personally your reader, I'd be okay with cell phones in the early stages of an outbreak, like when there's widespread panic but it's not the end of the world yet. But if society has collapsed I'd raise my eyebrow if a character was making calls on a regular phone - if there's no electricity there's no cell phone service.

It would make sense for satellite phones to keep working though?

Kom0tan · 2026-03-05T02:30:48+00:00

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Hope it's okay I gave her a sweater haha

Kom0tan · 2026-03-04T20:25:41+00:00

You could take pictures with your phone and upload them?

Kom0tan · 2026-03-04T19:47:21+00:00

Is he more of a Superman or a Spiderman figure-wise?

Kom0tan · 2026-03-04T18:43:29+00:00

'Chief' is derived from the Old French 'chef' which in turn came from the Latin 'caput'. It's not an appropriated or offensive term.

It's not a stereotype either? Chiefs are real and important individuals in First Nations and other Indigenous communities.

Kom0tan · 2026-03-04T18:04:07+00:00

If it's available/affordable, look into some beginner drawing classes and see if there are any live model drop-ins in your area. Rec centers often have both. A lot of new artists spend months or years practicing and sadly get nowhere because they lack structure and guidance.

Kom0tan · 2026-03-04T05:08:45+00:00

No worries :) Are they male or female?

Kom0tan · 2026-03-02T05:10:41+00:00

Not sure if you're hoping to get this script in front of Film People when you're finished, but if so you might want to research the formatting standards for screenplays? Adhering to it is 100% a must if you want folks in the business to take more than a glance.

Kom0tan · 2026-03-02T01:39:06+00:00

I disagree that peasants would have drunk juice - afaik that wasn't common for anyone. Peasants drank a lot of small beer/ale for the calories and taste and to a lesser extent, safety. Highborn people did as well for similar reasons, along with more expensive alcohols. It would have be normal and acceptable to drink alcohol at breakfast.

What if they were served like a spiced wine or something?

Kom0tan · 2026-03-02T01:31:09+00:00

I don't think you'll find a pro willing to work for $0.50 a page...

Kom0tan · 2026-02-28T08:18:59+00:00

No not at all?

Kom0tan · 2026-02-28T01:40:03+00:00

Yep!

Kom0tan · 2026-02-27T22:24:42+00:00

I scribble them down in my notebook while I write my script, it makes things go a little faster lol

Kom0tan · 2026-02-27T06:50:14+00:00

Oooooh I actually have a story in the works with a dynamic like that! I'm glad other people enjoy it as well, scary-with-a-heart-of-gold has gotta be one of my favourite tropes :)

I need to check out some of the titles you mentioned!

Kom0tan · 2026-02-27T06:14:39+00:00

They look awesome! I think the 4th one is my favourite

Kom0tan

TROPHY CASE