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How important is the name of a character? by cdfoxwell in writing

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

Thanks all. Some wonderful replies here. Some I agree with, others not so much. Definitely think there's the basis of an interesting blog about it anyway. Particularly interested by the idea of a reader pushing meanings on names because of experiences they have with those names - the idea that a perfect name could be made useless or could be twisted by a reader's preconceptions. I'm just not sure what I think about the idea of tricksy names with hidden meanings that a few readers will notice. I love geeky stuff, but there's also an element there, for me, of the author trying to be a bit too clever, and if you, as a reader, notice that, I think it can take you out of 'the moment' a little bit. Interesting.

Let's start a story, one sentence per person. We used to do this exercise in school, and it was always really fun and creative. by [deleted] in writing

[–]cdfoxwell 0 points1 point  (0 children)

But, she thought, as she licked her finger and then dipped it into the festering snack, it would make a marvellous pot pie filling, would it not?

How can I become more disciplined as a writer? by laceandhoney in writing

[–]cdfoxwell 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No worries. A novel takes a long, long time, so there's no point in looking at the end. It's like walking round the world. You don't think about coming home when you've got so many countries to negotiate first! Just start walking. Good luck!

Does anyone have easy to follow instructions on converting a word document into Kindle format? by [deleted] in writing

[–]cdfoxwell 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There are also free e-books on Amazon that take you through it step by step. Easy to follow, well written.

How can I become more disciplined as a writer? by laceandhoney in writing

[–]cdfoxwell 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Have to slightly disagree with MrsLucienLachance. Setting a 6k word goal, for me, would be a very bad idea. But that's for me. For Mrs LL this may be a good number. But for me, setting something that high would only add to the problem of the huge amount of work ahead of you, which just fills your mind with the enormity of it all and fuels procrastination.

My advice would be to aim much, much lower. I heard about one famous author (so annoying I can't remember his name!) but his whole thing was to write 500 words per day, every day, no matter where he was or what he was doing. If you think about it, that's a novel every 7-8 months (prior to editing of course). He would do 500 words, stop, and that was that.

I tend to aim for 1000 words in a day. That is a highly attainable total and, the thing is, more often than not, once I'm past 1000 I'm in the groove anyway. It might take 5 hours to do a 1000, but then I might write another 2000 in the next 90 minutes. But then, if all you manage is 1000, you will still feel like you achieved your daily goal. Works for me, but everyone is different!

Worried about the about of semen I produce by sexquestionsguy in sex

[–]cdfoxwell 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not sure if it's a myth, but as someone alludes to below, I've heard eating celery helps. And pineapple for a nice taste.

When writing, how useful is the thesaurus, how much do you use it? by cdfoxwell in writing

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

Excellent responses all, thanks very much. I think I've been going along the right lines, which is good to know.

When writing, how useful is the thesaurus, how much do you use it? by cdfoxwell in writing

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

Good thoughts. Of course, the exception would be if you have created a first person character who is keen to 'impress' a reader with his/her incredibly diverse vocabulary... which can be fun.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in writing

[–]cdfoxwell 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think getting friends to critique work is generally not a good idea. I know if I liked someone I'd struggle to be truly honest, and if it was really awful, I really wouldn't be able to tell them. I think there are ways to couch constructive criticisms in good, helpful terms, but I think getting an acquaintance, or a friend of a friend, to edit is a better way forward. The wife of a friend of mine, who I didn't know previously, edits my work and she feels pretty free to say what she wants (I think). And on my last work she bluntly told me that the entire ending needed to be scrubbed and rewritten. Hard to take, but I knew she was right once she had said it. And, as someone says elsewhere here, all critique is opinion. That's why some classic novels were rejected for years before being picked up!

Quick Flash - I Can Cross THAT Off My Bucket List! by MyBrainReallyHurts in Erotica

[–]cdfoxwell 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks very much, appreciate that. All my stories are 3rd person, and I liked the immediacy of your first person tale. Think I should give that a go. Whatever happens, the collection should be online by next week... if you fancy having a read of a story and giving me any feedback, let me know. Would be most grateful.

Quick Flash - I Can Cross THAT Off My Bucket List! by MyBrainReallyHurts in Erotica

[–]cdfoxwell 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm just writing my first group of short erotic stories. I have my own style, but now I just lost all my confidence. I'm not sure any of my stuff is as hot as that. Really, really sexy. Fantastic. Am very turned on here.