Posts by Surtsey
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...
"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...
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...
I'm going to go against the grain. I'm going to give you some advice that you probably won't want to hear. You say you've only been writing for six months and your mention of 'chapter' indicates y...
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...
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...
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 -...
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...
I constantly run into questions like this. They intimate to me too much fancy booklearnin' and nowhere nearly enough thinking. THE POV IS HELD BY THE LAST PERSON TO PERFORM AN ACTION. Cindy woke ...
I've always struggled with this. I like to write at the top of my knowledge without leaving those not having the benefit my experience behind. It may sound arrogant but if I write for the lowest c...
Unless a better writer can dissuade me I am minded to say no. The 'essential' 'conflict' is cultural. It is part of the western 'Human Condition' - Eastern cultures have stories without conflict. ...
It seems a simple enough question,
About five years ago I self-published a novella "The Spoils of War". In the middle there's a section where the MC is packed of to Pakistan because the family don't want to face the embarrassment of...
The original "kick ass" government operative was James Bond. Since then we've had Jason Bourne and Jack Bauer. James Bond Jason Bourne Jack Bauer Seriously? Of course we all know "Hannibal" rh...
I've written enough to know the kind of writer I am, my voice, my style. I am often accused of making the reader work too hard to put the plot points together. In my latest story: a man experienci...
If anybody has an answer to this question I'd love to hear it. And, yes, it is on topic because I've used the obsession in a story. Here's the thing . . . There's a difference between text and sp...
I'm considering writing my latest story in the style of a TV series. The plan is to write 13 episodes of 10-12,000 each. Episodes will be published weekly on Kindle over a three month period. If se...
My experience tells me that a disproportionate number of wannabe writers are prudes. I recently wrote a scene where a female character is watching TV. The build up is complicated so I'll have to ex...
A have long and unpopular theory about the evolution of acceptable story formats. If all human life originated in Africa and you believe the two tribes theory, then the rest is logical. The tribe m...
I recently asked a question about my current project for a serialised e-story and was informed by the stalwarts that my format was not new. I contrast my own techniques with many of those being pro...
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