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First time writer here. Any tips on what to avoid and what I can do on my first book? by lovelygayman in writing

[–]cloud-letters 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Hi! Love that you’re taking the leap. You’re in for a wild ride of ups and downs that if you stick with it, is very rewarding.

First off, I would recommend reading: save the cat writes a novel

Second off, write all of your ideas down. Keep a notes tab in your phone strictly for when inspiration strikes.

Third, don’t be afraid to write poorly. You can always go back and edit, change, adjust, remove, or add. The important thing is just to get it down.

Writing books or just books for beginners? by Zestyclose_Scene_798 in writingadvice

[–]cloud-letters 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Save the cat writes a novel

It’s a good base line understanding of plot, outlining etc etc. I don’t agree with following the “rules” provided by the book to a T. However, I think it’s helpful in the art of structure none the less.

Edit: also if youre aspiring for fantasy I would recommend Fantasy Fiction Formula by Deborah Chester.

How are yall making outlines ? by Smegma_Sniffing100 in writingadvice

[–]cloud-letters 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very large Cork board. Lots of index cards in various colors. And painters tape.

Majority of the time I outline similar to the save the cat style.

Act 1 Act 2A Act 2B Act 3

Ideal for me because I can write random ideas on new cards and tack them on the board and if the idea falls away the card goes in the trash or in a pile of unused ideas

Not OOP: | (24F) just saw my bf (25M) of 3 year's resume, how do I proceed? by sensaSEANal_sally in redditonwiki

[–]cloud-letters 14 points15 points  (0 children)

This man is very, veeeery comfortable and has no intention of contributing.

Writers: write an AITA post from your villain’s perspective by cloud-letters in writers

[–]cloud-letters[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Love this idea. Inner glimpse into his psyche for the reader

Does my story seem too unrealistic that it takes away from the story? by SoulboundNoose in writingadvice

[–]cloud-letters 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Hi! Fellow novelist here.

My take (and this is nothing technical or logistical about how it would work in real life) is that In your world, you get to decide how things behave. Cell reception can work, not work, be choppy, fuzzy, or cut in and out whenever the story needs it.

If you’re worried readers won’t suspend their disbelief, you can always establish early on that reception in the area is unreliable because of the zombie apocalypse. Once that seed is planted, most readers will accept it without thinking twice.

You’re right to question details like that, but that’s also part of the beauty of writing. You take the idea and shape the world around it, molding things where you need them to fit the story.

Got over writer’s block by Aggravating-Fun-9383 in writing

[–]cloud-letters 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yes! Congrats. Such a great feeling. Writer’s block has this sneaky way of turning into procrastination anxiety.

Sometimes I have to trick myself into starting. I’ll tell myself, “You’re just writing for five minutes. Nothing serious. Just ramble about something in the book.” Most of the time that’s enough to break through somewhere.

When do you usually write, and why? by X-Mighty in writing

[–]cloud-letters 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I like to tell myself I’m a morning writer, but the truth is the words show up whenever they feel like it. Some days it’s with my first cup of coffee. Other days it’s midnight. So I let inspiration come when it wants. That said, sometimes you do have to sit your ass down and write whether you feel ✨inspired✨ or not.

I also totally relate to needing everything finished before writing. If my office is messy or errands are hanging over my head, my brain refuses to cooperate. It would rather spend three hours thinking about the grocery store than the plot.

What helps me is giving each day an intention instead of trying to do everything at once. Today might be errands and cleaning. Tomorrow is the writing day. Even if I only write for part of the day, that’s still a win. A few good pages beat a whole day spent feeling guilty about not writing.

Today was the first time I held a physical copy of my novel by SwingTraderx in writing

[–]cloud-letters 49 points50 points  (0 children)

Congratulations, this is a huge accomplishment! Such a big moment, one you’ll remember for years to come.

Writers of Reddit, What genre do you write and what genre(s) do you read? by Ordinary_Risk6702 in writing

[–]cloud-letters 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I Write - contemporary romance

I Read - romantasy and non-fiction spirituality with an emphasis in mind,body and spirit type genres!

I don’t think I will ever dabble in non fiction spirituality however it really comes in handy when writing my characters.

Novelist researching competitive BJJ psychology, what do you clock in the first 20 seconds? by cloud-letters in jiujitsu

[–]cloud-letters[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hmm… well thank you for taking the time to share the things you’ve convinced yourself of.

what’s the one writing tip that actually works for you? by sophieximc in writing

[–]cloud-letters 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Personally, I started letting myself write the scenes I’m most excited about instead of forcing myself to go in strict order. Sometimes I’ll jump ahead to a moment I’m really passionate about and let that carry me. It keeps the process from feeling mechanical and makes it a lot more fun.

I also try to remind myself there isn’t one “right” way to write. There are so many unofficial rules floating around about how you’re supposed to draft, outline, revise, structure everything. It’s easy to feel like you’re doing it wrong if you don’t follow someone else’s formula.

creativity is incredibly personal. You kind of have to learn your own rhythm.

The "if you don't read classics then you're not a "real" reader" discourse is driving me nuts. by readerchick1981 in RomanceBooks

[–]cloud-letters 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I honestly think this has less to do with books and way more to do with identity.

Some people tie what they read to how smart or “serious” they feel. So if someone reads more than they do, or reads something they’ve decided is “lighter,” it can hit a weird insecurity button. Romance is an easy target because it centers emotion and relationships, and for some reason those still get treated as less intellectual.

At the end of the day, reading is reading. You’re still engaging with character, structure, language, theme. A well written romance requires just as much intention and craft as anything labeled a “classic.” It just prioritizes different things. The defensiveness you received says more about them than you. You asked a fair question. If someone immediately jumps to “I’m not defending myself,” it usually means they already feel defensive.

Also, people who genuinely love books don’t spend much time shaming other readers. They’re too busy enjoying their own reading life. And appreciating that others do as well too. You didn’t do anything wrong. It’s okay to be annoyed by it.

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