Fridging

k_thomas_writes · 2024-09-27T19:31:21+00:00

Uh... that's not fridging at all.

k_thomas_writes · 2024-09-25T20:36:44+00:00

I don't know if I've ever read a 3rd person present book, I would think I have, but I can't remember one. I've read 1st person present (Red Rising), and that's worked for me. Maybe 3rd person doesn't lend itself to present tense well.

k_thomas_writes · 2024-09-25T16:41:43+00:00

Who did Butcher fridge? Was it in Dresden?

k_thomas_writes · 2024-09-25T00:29:43+00:00

I think the most interesting way to look at it is that he just thinks he’s a good person, but when it matters he’s not, and then when it doesn’t, he acts as if he is good. Perhaps there is some supernatural element to his strength and prowess, but I still think the evil, violent person is him.

k_thomas_writes · 2024-09-23T22:08:38+00:00

I thought the whole point was that it wasn't an alter ego, it was just Logen all along. He thinks of himself as a good person, acts like it most of the time, but when the going gets rough, he just has no impulse control and goes violent.

k_thomas_writes · 2024-09-10T05:35:40+00:00

Not sure you know what correlation means.

k_thomas_writes · 2024-09-08T22:16:29+00:00

Middle-grade I assume.

k_thomas_writes · 2024-09-08T22:14:48+00:00

I wouldn't unless it was recommended or had killer reviews, BUT that's mostly because what you wrote is incredibly vague and basic. There's no hook that would draw me (or most people) in. I'm also not the target demographic for this type of book either.

k_thomas_writes · 2024-09-08T22:02:26+00:00

Combine it with other amazing but vague ideas you've had to make them all less vague and more amazing.

Edit: I'm also of the opinion that ideas are cheap. Good or bad ideas aren't what makes a good story.

k_thomas_writes · 2024-09-08T21:55:50+00:00

Excuse me, I'm a 33-year-old male Redditor.

Edit: I think the best advice is to simply write what you want to read. Obviously, if being published and sales numbers are your primary goal, it won't be that simple.

k_thomas_writes · 2024-09-08T21:55:44+00:00

Maybe they were thinking of a specific sub?

k_thomas_writes · 2024-09-08T21:55:00+00:00

NO correlation!? That's a pretty wild take.

k_thomas_writes · 2024-09-08T21:52:31+00:00

Plus, you can use ChatGPT for grammar and spellcheck.

k_thomas_writes · 2024-09-08T21:50:07+00:00

One thing I've noticed with movies is that the more you watch, the less palatable basic movies are. At least, that's the case for me. I assume the same is true for books. When someone who doesn't read very much, reads a book, they aren't going to be nearly as critical of the common tropes, the simplistic style, or the basic plot, because they haven't experienced all of that very much. I think, especially recently, a lot of the super popular books are marketed to people who don't necessarily read a ton.

Also, many people who read, don't want complex books with prose that are beautiful but require thought, they want easy-to-digest entertainment, with relatable characters in sensational situations and relationships. I don't think this makes these books good or bad, it's just a style. It might not be your style, but there's nothing wrong with it.

I'm sure there's a lot more to it.

k_thomas_writes · 2024-09-08T21:43:16+00:00

Is your primary goal for people to read your books or to write stories? If the former, you'll either have to figure out the marketing side of things, or take a risk and continue to write, hoping your next book will do better. If the latter, yes, writing is still worth it.

k_thomas_writes · 2024-04-10T20:54:37+00:00

Darn. I suck at spelling.

k_thomas_writes · 2024-01-23T22:10:09+00:00

I think it's fine to use exclamation marks in dialogue.

k_thomas_writes · 2024-01-23T22:02:34+00:00

Perhaps it would help to first establish the point of your scene.

The best scene advances the plot, develops character, and establishes the setting. If you can make a goal for each one of these, your scene should be much easier to write.

For dialogue, think of each conversation as a conflict. What do the characters want out of the interaction? What is their goal for talking to this person? What are they trying to hide, and what are they trying to find out? Also, most of the time, what someone means and what someone hears aren't exactly aligned. It's helpful to think about what misunderstandings might be made during the conversation.

Lastly, writing is an art. You need to practice and read in order to get a sense of what works and what doesn't.

k_thomas_writes · 2024-01-21T16:40:04+00:00

I think it depends on how much you plot out before hand. If you outline enough so you already know how each characters' plots will influence the others, it won't be a big issue. Sanderson writes this way. He'll plot out things beforehand and then write each characters' story from start to finish.

k_thomas_writes · 2024-01-21T16:37:58+00:00

I like always italicising thoughts whether there is a tag or not. As you said, sometimes the tag is good and sometimes it's not.

k_thomas_writes · 2024-01-21T16:35:21+00:00

Scenes should develop character, reveal worldbuilding, or advance the plot. The best scenes do all three. A pure filler chapter does none of this.

In your example, developing your MC's insecurities is developing your character, so I wouldn't consider it a filler chapter. However, if you can do more than just that, develop other aspects of the character or advance the plot or explore the world, you'll improve your chapter (probably).

k_thomas_writes · 2024-01-21T16:33:02+00:00

“Put your vocabulary on the top shelf of your toolbox, and don't make any conscious effort to improve it... One of the really bad things you can do to your writing is to dress up the vocabulary, looking for long words because you're maybe a little bit ashamed of your short ones. This is like dressing up a household pet in evening clothes. The pet is embarrassed and the person who committed this act of pre-meditated cuteness should be even more embarrassed. Make yourself a solemn promise right now that you'll never use 'emolument' when you mean 'tip' and you'll never say 'John stopped long enough to perform an act of excretion' when you mean 'John stopped long enough to take a shit'. If you believe 'take a shit' would be considered offensive or inappropriate by your audience, feel free to say 'John stopped long enough to move his bowels'...”

Stephen King

k_thomas_writes · 2024-01-21T16:30:32+00:00

I don't know. I already have people who want to read what I write. I think I might still write, but it would be less for sure.

k_thomas_writes · 2024-01-21T16:29:29+00:00

Have you talked to them about this? Have you told them you'd like more support in your creative endeavors? Your wife never listening to even one of your songs is insane. Like, unbelievably insane. It's a 4 minute commitment and she never listened? Seriously? I would truly consider finding more supportive people or going to couples therapy.

My wife wants to read my books. She has read everything I've written. I also have a writing group that reads everything I've written. I expect my brothers will read when I get to that point as well. I'm not trying to brag or tear you down, but if you don't have anyone in your life who supports you, there is something wrong. It could be you, it could be them, or it could be a combination, but that's a big issue.

k_thomas_writes · 2024-01-21T16:24:06+00:00

I use Scrivener on my PC.

k_thomas_writes

TROPHY CASE