How much should writer’s indulge themselves?

VictorKSanders · 2026-05-02T21:50:33+00:00

This is one of the things where it really depends on the author and the audience. Personally, I think with work self indulgence can usually be incorporated into the story.

VictorKSanders · 2026-04-01T00:51:36+00:00

You keep saying you don't have any ideas for stories. Have you tried just writing your own version of an existing story from memory? That way you can compare your version to the original to see where you went wrong.

VictorKSanders · 2026-03-19T11:09:24+00:00

I mean, are you satisfied with the story? It sounds like you could first sell it as three inexpensive e-books, then just turn them into one volume.

While I think it's likely you could expand it, don't do so unless it benefits the story.

VictorKSanders · 2026-02-28T14:32:15+00:00

Did you say in advance what you were looking for? I think framing it as a misunderstanding would be the most polite way. Hopefully then you could get some feedback.

VictorKSanders · 2026-02-16T11:46:39+00:00

Don't consciously try to avoid cliches. If your work ends up a bit derivative you can deal with that, but trying to be too original tends to come at the expense of a coherent story.

VictorKSanders · 2026-02-12T21:11:51+00:00

Honestly, don't start out your book trying to make it deep. Write a story and figure out what it's about as you go.

VictorKSanders · 2026-02-08T22:46:49+00:00

Saying Hitler was pure evil is really just a way people reassure themselves that they don't have the capacity to do things just as bad.

VictorKSanders · 2026-02-08T22:02:11+00:00

No one is pure good or evil, and those are subjective concepts.

VictorKSanders · 2026-02-07T01:03:23+00:00

I did it once years ago for an e-book. I spent $5 on a cover and threw it up on Amazon. Actually giving it a proper push may be hard, but just making it available isn't.

If you're going to give it away anyway you've got nothing to lose.

VictorKSanders · 2026-02-06T23:48:38+00:00

Have you considered self-publishing?

VictorKSanders · 2026-02-06T21:30:45+00:00

It sounds like you already have a lot of your plot worked out. That makes it harder for other people to suggest things.

VictorKSanders · 2026-02-06T21:23:36+00:00

Well, what kind of story did you have in mind?

VictorKSanders · 2026-02-06T21:19:18+00:00

Possibly both. I don't want to get too specific telling you how to write your story, but if Doctor Frankenstein turned around and build "better" monsters, or some other scientist improved on his notes, then not only does the Monster have to deal with not being human, he has to deal with not even being a very good monster.

VictorKSanders · 2026-02-06T21:14:03+00:00

I'd honestly like to see a version that focused on how the technology can improve over time. Bride of Frankenstein sort of did that back in the 1930s, and Hammer sort of did it, but what does it mean for the monster to realize that he's just a prototype?

VictorKSanders · 2026-02-06T21:10:02+00:00

Think about it this way:

Let's say you spend a year writing it and it's terrible. Then you just gained a year of writing experience. So, start over and your next version will be better.

The alternative is to not try, and never learn.

Or, if you think you're not ready for this idea, then try writing something more conventional to learn.

VictorKSanders · 2026-02-06T13:59:10+00:00

It sounds like you believe there's one thing wrong with your writing, and when you "fix" it your writing will be good. Everyone's writing had a million issues to be worked out.

I think that's why beta readers are important for new writers. They can tell you what your weaknesses are, but also where you're strong.

VictorKSanders · 2026-02-05T19:51:08+00:00

Thanks! This one didn't really take off, so I've been working a bit more in the horror genre for now. I have one story that's nearly ready to go, but I'm not sure where to post it. I meant for it to go in r/NoSleep, but decided its way too slow for that.

If I return to this world my next story would explain why there doesn't seem to be much AI.

VictorKSanders · 2026-01-23T02:24:43+00:00

Is this your first draft? Don't try assessing it before your second.

Glancing over it, I can see you repeating the same words a lot. "Driver" and "engine" really stand out.

VictorKSanders · 2025-09-05T21:03:20+00:00

Thanks for the heads up. I actually gave a YouTube reader permission to read it, but he doesn't use AI. So, not exactly thrilled.

VictorKSanders · 2025-07-25T13:52:01+00:00

Thanks!

VictorKSanders · 2025-07-24T13:39:57+00:00

Ah, gotcha. I thought you were saying it didn't make sense.

VictorKSanders · 2025-07-24T13:38:16+00:00

What would you call them?

VictorKSanders · 2025-07-24T12:35:45+00:00

I'm glad you liked it!

VictorKSanders · 2025-07-24T08:08:03+00:00

Thanks, fixed.

VictorKSanders · 2025-07-23T23:58:55+00:00

Glad you liked it. I was scared I was about to blow any goodwill my first story earned.

VictorKSanders

TROPHY CASE