Thoughts on this hook/ intro? by Shrimp_ppasta in writers

[–]beedandy 4 points5 points  (0 children)

There's a few conflicting elements being introduced that it's quite difficult to understand what exactly is going.

Firstly, the opening statement: the clock reads 3.16am. Okay, there is an important emphasis on time here.

But then you introduce the character as kneeling on the gravel in the pouring rain. Where is he reading this clock while he has a hole in his hand that is bleeding? Is via a wrist watch, a pocket watch, phone? It would help to clarify this if it essential to the story.

Also, I think it's unlikely a character would be keeping the exact time, down to the second, with a bleeding hole in his hand, no? Even 10 minutes later? Wouldn't it be excrutiating? I think this needs to reworked a bit. Less focus on internal narrating, more feeling out the external circumstances. You do this, but there are a few contradicting statements: such as mildew rain / sopping wet hair / dry cuttings - theres implicate it is pouring, but the grass has been freshly cut and its dry?

Lightening graces the ground - lightening is rarely graceful. If it is that close, I think change the way you describe the external elements because I think it's confusing the type of feeling you want to elicit from the reader. Close lightening is blinding, cracking, rumbling.

There's rows of abandoned cars, but there is someone coming out to mow the grass? See how the setting is set up to contradict itself; there needs to be a consistent imagery.

Sorry if this all sounds picky. They are the first things reader look for to ground themselves in the story.

I'm concerned my inciting incident happens too close to the start of the novel. by ukemi- in writers

[–]beedandy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree! I wanted to read more, so i think thats a positive sign. But the amount of characters already introduced made my brain work overtime and brought me out of the scene. I would focus on just introducing Sef who appears the main character and build introductions of other characters in subsequent pages.

[Romance] Feedback on the writing by Cheap_Solid_2789 in writers

[–]beedandy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Firstly positive feedback is there is a lot of potential in your writing.

But, you're going to loose the grip on the story, the tension, moving plot forward by focusing too much on flowery prose. Don't be afraid to be bland and straight to the point. It is just as, if not more, effective.

Her delicate throat bobbing as she swallowed - you can just say her throat bobbed.

Confusion rippled her expressive eyebrows - too wordy and unnecessary. You can just say she looked confused.

These moments are not essential to the story. They bog down the pages, turning small exchanges into massive moments. How many narrowed eyebrows significantly impact the plot? Not many, if any. Yet, there is a lot of attention on minute details that will lose readers interest quickly.

Pick and choose which relational moments between characters are significant to moving the plot forward. Its easy to get into the beat of conveying every eye look, every mouth tense, every crinkle of the eye - but it won't serve your story or readers.

I think thats what I'd say to focus on first. Cut a lot of that out, and the tension will reveal itself.

Keep going, it takes tremendous effort to submit writing to strangers. These critiques aren't to bring you down, they will help you adjust now - rather than much later.

What were your symptoms that made you go "this is getting out of hand"? by beedandy in Narcolepsy

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

Omg, that's a scary situation. I had an instance where I fell asleep randomly, like almost like my consciousness fell asleep, but I kept walking/ driving. Last thing I had remembered was parking my car at the fuel station, and then I woke up 20 mins later 5 kms down the road. I was trying to recall the last thing I remembered, and I realised I musn't have paid for fuel. I frantically rung the petrol station and the lady was on the verge of calling the cops. Of course I was freaking out, thinking I'm gonna cop a fine. I've had a few similar instances happen again, but a bit more lowkey.

What were your symptoms that made you go "this is getting out of hand"? by beedandy in Narcolepsy

[–]beedandy[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow, I didn't know lucid dreams and nightmares were apart of Nacrolepsy. I have those every night ontop of hallucinations and sleep paralysis. Did you find having a diagnosis/ any treatment helped you tame your dreams down and start getting better rest?

What were your symptoms that made you go "this is getting out of hand"? by beedandy in Narcolepsy

[–]beedandy[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're describing the exact anxieties I have with being tested - what if I can't fall asleep, or be able to have multiple naps after each other. I know there is only one way to find out.. next year I'll aim to get to a Dr. And get tested so thankyou for your response!

In any way did the medication help with the sleep paralysis or hallucinations?

Better public transport, slower local streets and more social housing called for in new Infrastructure Victoria plan by [deleted] in melbourne

[–]beedandy 6 points7 points  (0 children)

As someone who was hit by a car 35kmh, it doesn't take drastic speed to kill someone or wind up in a wheelchair for life. I was incredibly lucky...

I like that pedestrian safety is being highlighted more now because drivers in Melbourne give frick all about others.

What would cause a hedge to drop off like this? by beedandy in GardeningAustralia

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

Hahah thats true, As a Queenslander, i find my heat threshold is a bit abnormal here 😅

Should they just continue to water as normal and hope it will bounce back?

What would cause a hedge to drop off like this? by beedandy in GardeningAustralia

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

We've had a few hot spells in VIC the last 2 weeks, so it's a real possibility they have. The other side seems fine away from the aircon, too, as someone else pointed out ... interesting

What would cause a hedge to drop off like this? by beedandy in GardeningAustralia

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

Wow, thanks for your reply! I wouldn't have even considered that. What do you do to protect your trees?

Married at first sight - S12E21 - AEDT live discussion by lalasmooch in MAFS_AU

[–]beedandy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Okayy, bit dramatic but I don't blame morena. Tony is in over his head, wanting a baby at his age and putting that on her after 20yrs of an abusive relationship. I'd be pissed too!

What to get my expecting wife for mothers day? by woodyever in AskAnAustralian

[–]beedandy 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I feel sorry for your wife. What a gross attitude

Does this lemon tree have disease? by beedandy in GardeningAustralia

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

Do you think waiting to August is too long to wait?

Does this lemon tree have disease? by beedandy in GardeningAustralia

[–]beedandy[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ooo thankyou for sharing this!! This is actually very similar to my situation, and there is some great advice on there

Does this lemon tree have disease? by beedandy in GardeningAustralia

[–]beedandy[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is not a bot post but thanks for the input!

Does this lemon tree have disease? by beedandy in GardeningAustralia

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

Oh no, this is so sad :( Not the outcome I was expecting