Surtsey‭

There is no correct answer. As some have intimated a character's description is only necessary if it's relevant to the story. My personal technique involves giving a reader a vague enough descript...

posted 7y ago by Surtsey‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

Oh God! not the dialogue tag debate . . . again. Firstly, those who believe 'said' is the only valid dialogue tag and dialogue tags should be invisible are misled. It's fine if you don't write a l...

posted 9y ago by Surtsey‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

Dialogue a very difficult subject for a 'typical' writer. Dialogue needs to heard and cannot really be learned from a book. And unless you've a diverse group of friends you've no source material. ...

posted 9y ago by Surtsey‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

The process isn't the big deal others seem to think it is. I don't believe there are hard and fast rules to writing but I believe an author should apply a set of rules to a particular work. Ask yo...

posted 7y ago by Surtsey‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

There are too many of these questions. Chapter length is governed by four elements: scenes, transitions, location switches, time breaks. I have a novel where the shortest chapter is 400 words - a c...

posted 9y ago by Surtsey‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

I am not as fantasy orientated as the majority of members. Nor am I a fan of "Disney" plots, stories written for the purpose for being popular. Unfortunately the tribal nature of society does not a...

posted 9y ago by Surtsey‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

I disagree with the first answer. The core of the problem is the writer's individual style. Essentially, we're discussing the well-worn subject of 'show don't tell'. Showing leads the reader to de...

posted 9y ago by Surtsey‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

I certainly agree with Mark. Not much to add. But always remember POV. Who's telling the story? Without a doubt Emma Richards was the most beautiful girl in the world. A valid opinion if your...

posted 9y ago by Surtsey‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

There is a snobbery amongst readers (and writers). This is evidenced by the sheer volume of fantasy writers on this site. When they go to the library or the book-store they rarely look past the fan...

posted 9y ago by Surtsey‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

It depends on your market and the quality of your readership. There is a battle between two major forms of the English Language - British English and American English. US culture is very internal -...

posted 9y ago by Surtsey‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

I want to be harsh or burst your bubble but your worries don't conform with reality. Agencies receive thousands of manuscripts each week - most of which they don't actually read. Acceptable storie...

posted 9y ago by Surtsey‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

I've just thought . . . In the opening of "Millennial" I attempted animate inanimate objects. Whilst it may not specifically answer your question it may give you ideas on how to set up a suitable e...

posted 9y ago by Surtsey‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

I'll go right ahead and declare that you're far too versed in 'writing theory' than the practise of writing itself. All the writing techniques being questioned are related. Once you understand tha...

posted 9y ago by Surtsey‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

Yes, I'd pretty much go with your ear. I could explain the technicalities of cadence and pacing but it's pretty much like dancing - if you think about too much while your doing do it . . . it's rar...

posted 9y ago by Surtsey‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

"Then" is not really required in the examples you show. "Then" is only really required when the previous sentence or clause indicates further actions or items. "First, the Earth cooled, then the d...

posted 9y ago by Surtsey‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭