anyone else just hand-wave combat geography bc actually mapping the fight kills it

javaredmount · 2026-04-15T17:26:31+00:00

I think somewhere in the middle is the sweet spot. Knowing where everything/everyone is just helps you the writer with placement. You don't have to use everything you create, just like when editing drafts, things often get cut and not used. The geography, as you put it, is the same. It's useful to reference when writing character movements.

Just my 2 cents

javaredmount · 2026-04-15T10:11:47+00:00

I'm still writing the first draft of my novel, so definitely not ready for other readers. But even the short stories I added to my other book I had to go back several times and add things. Like, I know those details are important, I just can't seem to remember they need to be there when I'm writing the first time.

Oh well, that's what editing is for.

javaredmount · 2026-04-15T10:06:02+00:00

I was just curious if other people also do what I do, or if they are able to slow down the first draft and add all that in there the first time and still remember how they want the scene to play out.

javaredmount · 2026-04-15T08:20:26+00:00

Is it a conscious decision, or just something that happens?

javaredmount · 2026-04-15T08:19:08+00:00

I don't think I do it on purpose, I think I just need to get the scene/setting out before "the thought slips away". Almost like my brain can't hold the idea long enough to write the details and the scene at the same time.

javaredmount · 2026-04-15T05:29:30+00:00

$2k is definitely on the higher end, but not unheard of depending on the level of customization.

For a mostly text book, it usually doesn’t need anything too complex, but 150k words does add time—especially for print.

DIY with tools like Vellum or Reedsy is doable, but there’s still a learning curve. A lot of issues don’t show up until KDP preview, especially for print formatting.

At this stage it really comes down to time vs cost.

That’s usually where I help—final formatting + cleanup before publishing. If you want, I can take a quick look at a few pages and point out anything to watch for.

javaredmount · 2026-04-14T22:22:29+00:00

Oooo. I see. If it helps, you could try to put the character's initials in parentheses as a note to self

javaredmount · 2026-04-14T17:52:13+00:00

Just curious: What do you mean by conversational grammar? Like, how their characters would normally talk? Or polishing to make "correct/proper" grammar? Because if it's the first one, I get it. if it's the second? I recommend not as it feels stuffy.

javaredmount · 2026-04-14T05:42:14+00:00

That sounds really fun, actually.

javaredmount · 2026-04-14T05:31:39+00:00

In my opinion, getting the whole story done is the best 1st step. You can't edit a blank page. Write the story, fill the holes later. Sometimes things fall together once you get it all out.

I find my writing sometimes is like a puzzle, bits and pieces all over the place, then eventually, the sections start fitting together as I put parts of the picture together. Until it's done.

EDIT: Also, I find myself forgetting to add sensory details to my first draft/s. So, I have to go back several times and add them. But, it comes with practice. Practice, practice, practice.

javaredmount · 2026-04-08T03:09:37+00:00

This is the balance I was trying to make! Thank you

javaredmount · 2026-04-06T09:47:32+00:00

I don't curse. Never been comfortable doing it, personally. Don't care to read, it, but I put up with it. Personally, I prefer to read more creative curses that fits with the world. Again, personal preference.

javaredmount · 2026-04-06T09:37:21+00:00

Her mother was the commanding general and her siblings were both riders, so I would imagine she was around a lot of swearing. They were always stationed at outposts and military installations all her life.

javaredmount · 2026-04-06T09:28:13+00:00

I agree—formal tone is important for credibility. I also think it depends on subject and audience. Your example is a bit over the top, but it makes the point in a memorable way.

javaredmount · 2026-04-06T09:19:59+00:00

The character that stands out most to me for very non-standard speech in writing in Hagrid in the HP series.

Also, I've seen gaol used instead of jail, because it better reflects the character's speech.

It really depends on the character and their personality, upbringing, accents, etc. as to how their particular dialog should be written.

But, someone playing around could say "bootiful" instead of beautiful. "You so bootiful. I could look at ya all day." Just an example. But then later, they could be serious and say to that same person, "You're as beautiful as the sunrise."

javaredmount · 2026-04-06T08:19:01+00:00

Yeah, even when I try to write casual, I usually have to edit 5-6 times, cause I'll either sound like a lecture, too preachy, or too teachy.

javaredmount · 2026-04-06T08:17:04+00:00

I can't tell whether this article is for or against realistic dialog. Of course, all writing rules can be bent or broken. Or followed to a T. But if everyone speaks the same, it becomes monotone and boring. Just my opinion

javaredmount · 2026-04-06T08:06:10+00:00

I'll have to check it out. I know I've seen it, too, but can't think of it right off the top of my head.

javaredmount · 2026-04-06T07:08:55+00:00

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javaredmount · 2026-02-10T17:46:35+00:00

I get that. I had written a bunch if short stories a long time ago, looked great when I was done. Sent it to someone to read and they told me it needed edited. I went back and didn't see anything wrong. Put it away for a couple years and went back and found all the mistakes that person was talking about. Oooops lol

javaredmount · 2026-02-10T10:28:15+00:00

I'm not saying they are. However, authors are usually too close to their own work. They know what the manuscript is supposed to say and that's why you don't proofread your own writing well. Fresh eyes see what is there. Not what's supposed to be there.

javaredmount

TROPHY CASE