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Q&A

General Q&A about the craft of professional writing, editing, and publishing. Questions about all types of writing are welcome -- fiction, technical documentation, scholarly articles, poetry, scriptwriting, blogs, and more.

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Is having elaborate metaphors ever a bad thing?

Is having elaborate metaphors a bad thing in a short story (for the purposes of the story being accepted by a magazine)? How can I know if my metaphors are too elaborate?

2 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Yukang Jiang‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Mark Baker‭

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How to realistically describe pain?

So, I was doing a writing excersie, I came up with, to help me with sentence structuring and developing my style. One thing, I ran into, however, was that I couldn't describe pain very well. Th...

3 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Mephistopheles‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Mark Baker‭

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Punctuation assistance with complicated list of titles during a formal greeting

I'm working on a scene in a high-fantasy setting where the main characters greet each other for the first time. Part of the greeting is also a definition of what each of the characters mean to each...

1 answer  ·  posted 4y ago by PeteMcRepeat‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Monica Cellio‭

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Advice for indicating sources in tables

I'm writing a thesis about the Accords by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS). If I put a table exactly from the Accords, I write in the table note "Source: BCBS (year)". If I start...

1 answer  ·  posted 4y ago by CarLaTeX‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Monica Cellio‭

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Doubt about a particular point of view on how to do character creation

Of course developing a character is quite an intimate process. But still, like a story, you can in fact have some tools that give you some sort of axiomatic path on "how-to". There is a TV writer ...

4 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by M.N.Raia‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Amadeus‭

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What's the difference between time-tested and formulaic?

Maybe this is all in my head, but it seems that novel writing for a lot of genres has become mainstreamed to the point of formula. We have articles, podcasts, and books telling us how to: Create ...

4 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by icanfathom‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by sesquipedalias‭

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Should a scene break always be put in place when there is change in location, times, and dates?

I have read many books where the character is in one place at a certain time and, without a scene break being utilised, they are all of a sudden in a different place at a different time, but it wo...

3 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by N.Houghton‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by DPT‭

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Is it cliché to have two best friends fall in love?

I am writing a detective novel and wanted to include two best friends who are working together. Eventually they fall in love but one of my readers said it's too boring and cliché. Is that true? S...

3 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Felisha‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Mark Baker‭

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How do we create our own symbolisms?

In the Bible, the apple is a symbol for knowledge, immortality, temptation, the fall of man and sin. The book itself gave the apple a symbolic meaning. How can you as an author give an object like ...

3 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by blackbird‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Mark Baker‭

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Can a fight scene, component-wise, be too complex and complicated?

Okay, there is some preliminary information for you to be able to answer this question: There is a sword of great power, a McGuffin, and a destined one who wields it. The destined one has two compa...

5 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by A. Kvåle‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Amadeus‭

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Documenting framework features and descriptions

We have written a custom software framework and it has grown to the point where we are ready for documentation. This documentation will be used by other developers to share knowledge. I am concerne...

3 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Grim‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Monica Cellio‭

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Is there a formula for creating stakes?

I thrive off of formulas. I don't do well with brainstorming or figuring out how things in my stories should happen, but I can make a lot of progress if there's a one-size-fits-all formula which ca...

6 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Thomas Myron‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Kevin‭

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Alternatives to develop relationships without dialogue

I have to come up with an idea (this is an assignment) for a story between 1 or 2 characters without dialogue and with a length of 90 seconds, so I know it's totally possible, however, when it come...

2 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Santi Tinjacá Rivera‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Mark Baker‭

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Introducing a new POV near the end of a story

This question is strongly related to this one: Balance between character's point of views However, that question is asking about balancing POVs in general, whereas this one is about potentially su...

6 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Llewellyn‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by DPT‭

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How to integrate letters, in-universe book Snippets and the like into a story

So, let's say the main characters enter a building, a really big laboratory of sorts. They don't know what was being worked on here, because no one is still there, it's been abandoned recently. But...

4 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Pharguin‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Mark Baker‭

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How to start a story after the inciting incident?

My novel starts with the three heroes joining a cattle drive. When they talk among themselves, it's obvious that they have some kind of hidden agenda. We'll learn more about thier secret mission ov...

3 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Shawn V. Wilson‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by DPT‭

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Outlining the climax made me lose interest in writing the actual story

I am a discovery writer. I wrote more than 50% of my first novel's first draft. I got really confuse about some aspects of writing, so I took a break and analysed my plot. I've started developing...

4 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Sangeetha‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Amadeus‭

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Do people usually like the side characters more than the MC?

I feel there is a common audience trend in favoring the side characters more than the MC. And I believe "literary science" backs that up, in regards to character focus. That even though the MC's ch...

2 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by A. Kvåle‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Mark Baker‭

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How to "Start as close to the end as possible", and why to do so?

Kurt Vonnegut has 8 tips on how to write a good story Use the time of a total stranger in such a way that he or she will not feel the time was wasted. Give the reader at least one character he or...

6 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by theonlygusti‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Amadeus‭

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Is quality of writing subjective, or objective?

When someone says that writing is good or bad, better or worse, is it merely a way to talk about whether something is popular, or interesting to you? Or is there more to it than that? Compare the...

2 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Jedediah‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Mark Baker‭

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How to write characters doing illogical things in a believable way?

As much as I would like it, both in Worldbuilding and Writing, not every action is logical or "right". There are two types of this: Imperfect information: The character(s) lack vital informati...

4 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Mephistopheles‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Amadeus‭

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Are competitions worth it in order to get published?

I have recently finished my 25,000 word novella and contacted some publishers and agents about a month ago. I have only heard back from a couple rejecting me but considering the format of my book a...

4 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Tttttttttttttt‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Mark Baker‭

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Difference between News Analysis and Opinion?

I am looking to get a better understanding of different categories of material written in a newspaper. I had assumed two main types: 1) News (i.e. reporting of facts) -> objective (not debatabl...

2 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by get_going‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Mark Baker‭

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Where can I find resources about writing "Choose your own adventure"-style books?

I have read/played a couple of "Choose your own adventure"-style book and am interested in the process of creating one. Where can I find (preferrably free) online resources, such as How-To-Write o...

4 answers  ·  posted 6y ago by Secespitus‭  ·  edited 4y ago by Secespitus‭

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Where can I find online resources about writing a visual novel?

I have read/played quite a few visual novels and am interested in the process of creating one. Where can I find (preferrably free) online resources, such as How-To-Write or styleguide articles and...

1 answer  ·  posted 6y ago by Secespitus‭  ·  edited 4y ago by Secespitus‭

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How do big creative writing projects with multiple people work, preferably in the videogame industry?

I was reading some questions and answers on this site about writing for video games, when I stumbled upon this answer that mentions some things I am not familiar with. In an ideal world, there wo...

2 answers  ·  posted 6y ago by Secespitus‭  ·  edited 4y ago by Secespitus‭

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Is it acceptable in academic writing to write "their very self" or "very + [noun]"?

Is the "very + [noun]" structure, as an emphasis on the noun, formal-enough for an academic paper? For example in the sentence below: "The environment had a significant impact on the state of his ...

1 answer  ·  posted 4y ago by nra‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Secespitus‭

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Is there a "right" way to interpret a novel? If so, how do we make sure our novel is interpreted correctly?

Is there a "right" way to interpret a novel? If so, how do we make sure our novel is interpreted correctly? I have been told that there's no way of interpreting the true meaning of a book written b...

6 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by blackbird‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Secespitus‭

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Dangers of being sympathetic to the killer

I wrote a piece of flash fiction as a mental exercise. I happened to listen to Glen Miller’s “Moonlight Serenade,” and happened to watch an episode of “Samurai Jack.” “Moonlight Serenade” is a so...

4 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Dave Harris‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Amadeus‭

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How can I have a character introduce themselves as humble without making them seem arrogant?

Two people are dating, and one of them wants to tell the other they are humble, which they genuinely are. But I don't want it to seem like they're bragging or showing off about it. In normal conv...

5 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by jazhang‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Amadeus‭

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How can I make a character sound uneducated?

Some of my characters have little to no education, and I'm looking for ways to show that through their dialogue. (They're uneducated, but not necessarily stupid.) Here's what I've tried so far: ...

2 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Evil Sparrow‭  ·  edited 4y ago by Evil Sparrow‭

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How much uncertainity will the 'general (Non-YA) fantasy reader' tolerate?

In my current project my goal is to go for the following narrative style within scenes: Show only what the POV-Char can see, hear,... sense. Show their emotional reaction (through body-feelings, ...

3 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by System‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Mark Baker‭

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Can I conceal an antihero's insanity - and should I?

I have an idea for an anti-heroic sci-fi character whose character arc runs from spoilt rich girl, to a refugee in the rubble of human civilisation after an alien invasion, to crewmember and then c...

6 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Monty Wild‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Mark Baker‭

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Character and world building in less than 2000 words

Is it possible to build a new character and/or world in a science fiction under a tight word limit? What aspects should be covered and what avoided? Also are there some similar previous examples to...

3 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Abdul Rehman‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Mark Baker‭

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Is it a copyright violation to have the character share some characteristics with a known character?

More specifically, consider the following examples: 1) Say my protagonist is a boy who has a lightning-bolt scar on his forehead, wears round glasses, and has dark hair and green eyes. His name is ...

3 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Adyescu‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Mark Baker‭

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First or third person

I'm sitting with a bit of a dilemma. I'm writing a novel and I'm struggling with the decision of whether I should use first or third person. I prefer third person, also prefer to read novels writt...

2 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Liezl Doman‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Mark Baker‭

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Handwriting speed

Currently I am 22 years old. I have a very bad handwriting. Also, I kinda feel I write slow when compared to other students of my age. Back in 10th grade, I was so slow that I was unable to finis...

3 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Beyond.Multiverse‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Secespitus‭

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What are the top most important key elements for a computer game story?

I am a programmer and in the middle of developing a TBS (turn based strategy) computer video game. Those kind of games have a flow of what is commonly known to gamer as 4X, that is, explore, expand...

3 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Stefanos Zilellis‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Secespitus‭

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Replacing Amazon's ISBNs

I published many paperbacks with Amazon ISBNs. Everything was perfect but some books became too popular (sold well) and it was the beginning of my drama. I completely lost control (long story). Th...

2 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Eve‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by DPT‭

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Is it a good idea to leave minor world details to the reader's imagination?

As a writer, I used to write short stories and poems. As a reader, fantasy is my favorite genre. And I am currently working on my first novel, an extraterrestrial fantasy thriller. When describing...

9 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Sangeetha‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by DPT‭

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How does someone write a moving Declaration of Independence?

Context: I'm among a growing number of people who are becoming dissatisfied with Stack Exchange. In some ways (not all, but some), Stack Exchange's behaviour is analogous to "curation without rep...

2 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by becky82‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by DPT‭

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How to deal appropriately with an inappropriate sexual relationship

Part of the character arc for my main character from Can I conceal an antihero's insanity - and should I? is that she is a sociopath, prepared to do things that normal people would not. Part of he...

5 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Monty Wild‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Amadeus‭

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Letting a (secondary) antagonist leave mid story - Should it be avoided?

I have a powerful antagonist perform important functions within my story. At the midpoint, he just leaves. Several Plot developments depend on this character. I tried replacing him with other char...

4 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by System‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by celtschk‭

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Should you write character description points in bulk or spread them out?

I've heard a lot of people saying they skip descriptions if they are written as one bulk list, but others say it's important that we let the reader know what the character looks like and include al...

4 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Klara Raškaj‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Mark Baker‭

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What is Documentation Design that I haven't already done?

I'm a contractor who has been working on a project (a developer guide website) for months with another contractor writer. We spent a lot of time: Interviewing end users Designing the deliverable...

1 answer  ·  posted 4y ago by user2263986‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Mark Baker‭

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How can a writer point out the merits of his or her own work?

It is generally taken that if I tell you a joke, then have it explain why it's funny - it's not probably not funny. I continually return to one of my own short pieces. If I submit it I believe it ...

2 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Surtsey‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Mark Baker‭

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How to ensure that neurotic or annoying characters don't get tiring in the long run

A is a special snowflake, though for all the wrong reasons. You see, he was born with a special ability that allowed him to see premonitions of his and his loved ones' future in the form of still i...

3 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Mephistopheles‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Amadeus‭

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Basing my protagonist on myself

(I asked another question about this novella here.) In a novella I'm writing, I explore the lives of a young Hispanic woman, Ramona, and her brother, Rafael, in an Orwellian-esque future America w...

2 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by weakdna says reinstate monica‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Amadeus‭

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Books in a trilogy are significantly different lengths. What to do?

I’ve managed to write a fantasy book, Lord of the Rings-style. That is, a single story that would almost certainly be published as three separate books with multiple branching plotlines. Or at le...

3 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Galendo‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Amadeus‭

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What's "fair use" for borrowing someone else's invented term?

Let's say I'm writing a sci-fi novel. I want to use a word which another writer has coined, which has become well-recognized outside the original book, for the name of an alien species in my story....

4 answers  ·  posted 12y ago by Lauren Ipsum‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Amadeus‭