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@E - i completly understand what your going through. here is what i know about pov's and how i decide how to write them.
first pov - this is where you describe everything. you can put all of your emotions into your writing. so if you are feeling sad you can make your character feel sad. if you're happy or upset you can make your character's surroundings happy or angry. that may sound confusing but the minor characters around your main character can also be connected to your personality and your own emotions. this one does seem to be the easier one to write in.
thrid pov - this is where you really have to be connected with your character. you can add emotion but its harder this way. i do find this pov easier to describe things around your characters. umm i would say this one is harder but there are some things that make it easier. like i said you have to be really connected and know what your character wants and what you want.
second pov - honestly i really don't know how you would write with this????
i hope this helps!
I'm having trouble coming up with believable characters with personalities that don't match my own. They're all so boring and like me!!! I could use some advice.
@carsie yessssss! writing scenes are very difficult to write and i completely understand. and especially when your book is an action & adventure book lol. there has to be at least one fight scene. so what i have learned is you need to know these few things:
how much blood can one loose before dying?
this is always good to know lol. you don't want your character to sit there and be bleeding out and you describe in detail how much blood they are losing but by the end of the chapter, they have pretty much lost all their blood and would technically be dead in real life. lol
know how you characters feel about fighting.
this is really important. you can't write a fight scene until you fully understand or know-how and/or why your characters fight. know with the two characters that are fighting but just how each individual character fight. you should know how they feel about fighting and how they feel about fighting different characters.
how they even got to the point of fighting.
what made them start fighting? was it a person? was it a religion? a status? was it going to turn out being murder? or was it for honour. you have to have all these aspects to fully understand
that last thing is...
just write what you feel!
you may think your fight scene is bad but it might not actually be! listen to some bold music that makes you feel tense or gives you the chills. this helps too! but you don't know if the fight scene is actually bad until you have others read it :) just write how you always do!
i hope this helps! <3
@Carsie i also found this :)
Carsie Rose wrote: "kennie wrote: "@Carsie i also found this :)
"
Those are great! The Eragon reference cracked me up (Even tho technically, Eragon had elf powers by then and therefore weird healing abilities XD)"
"
Those are great! The Eragon reference cracked me up (Even tho technically, Eragon had elf powers by then and therefore weird healing abilities XD)"
lol i honestly didn't fully read them and understand them. not gonna lie i read the titles and was like "OH! these will help" lol
Carsie Rose wrote: "So I would love some tips on writing fighting scenes. Fighting scenes are my bane. I try, but I don't have any clue how to write them. Or I focus on things that aren't important. I don't know. It ..."
Just like your book and your scenes have a mood or style, when I think of fight scenes, I think of a mood and a style too. Is this a high school parking lot fight? a Jason Statham fight scene? Kung fu fighting? An abusive/domineering fight?
Depending on the style of the fight depends on how much and what kind of choreography and details to use.
High school fights are usually very messy/disorderly. So summarizing the attacks to general details (a flurry of punches) but using other details to illustrate the mood (like anger or chaos) would probably help.
Whereas if you're going to do a Jason Statham BA fight where one master fighter is just chopping down henchmen, knowing choreography of punches, kicks, & throws helps.
Kung-fu fighting is similar. Possibly a combination of the above 2 if you're against equally matched opponents, and you can utilize dodging & blocking more.
And in the event where you're character is just outmatched and is getting pummeled to oblivion, slow down the pace, focus on the pain of each dealt blow and detail injuries like blood or bruises.
Sure, this isn't an exhaustive list, but your fight scene probably falls close to or in between one of those 4. And of course, Youtube is great for helping with fighting tips if you ever want to implement actual BJJ/kickboxing/wrestling/taekwondo etc or movie fight scenes to get a feel for how to do some choreography. Hope this helps.
Do y’all have any tips for 3rd person writing, I’m trying to write in 3rd person, and I’m struggling.
I'd suggest finding a couple books in third person, and immerse yourself in them. It may help the new style become more natural, or it does for me at least. If you can't find any YA+ third person books, MG has a ton and it may be worth reading a bit younger level to get the feel for the style! Hope this helps, good luck!! :)
Sadie wrote: "Do y’all have any tips for 3rd person writing, I’m trying to write in 3rd person, and I’m struggling."Reading more in the group definitely helps, but when writing it you can still show the characters thoughts, and how if effects them physically. The way the world is described might change a bit depending on what they have experienced, or they might think with more negative/positive words depending on there mood and personality. It's just what I've seen in a lot of third person books, as well as how I tend to write in. Good luck.
Hi everyone,I'm looking for a second opinion. How do you guys feel about subplots that are disconnected? Do they have to tie in to the main plot?
I think most novels have some type of subplot (romantic interest, personal struggle, financial struggle, etc) that in my genre are intertwined with the explosive high-stakes dangers that sell the book.
But my book features three characters that are related and introduced. But only one of them has the main plot, and the other two have smaller subplots. Would this be okay? Or would this be distracting or hinder the enjoyment of the book?
Dana wrote: "Hi everyone,I'm looking for a second opinion. How do you guys feel about subplots that are disconnected? Do they have to tie in to the main plot?
I think most novels have some type of subplot (r..."
As long as it ties in to the MC and main plot, maybe by using similar themes? It could provide answers to the plot before the main character discovers it. Of course you can't have to many subplots, but if they all bring something important to the story you should be fine.
Thank you two for your feedback! Like both of you had suggested, the subplots do utilize a similar theme as the main plot, one does "provide an answer" as Hailey had said, and the subplots feature the MC's siblings. But I can't guarantee at the moment that they will link up with the main plot. I'll definitely take it into consideration though, as I'm brainstorming for a way to make that possible.
Hey everyone!!! I've just recently finished my current book, and I'm in the process of editing it. I know I'm a long way from getting to the finishing edit/publishing stage with it, but I'd like to have someone else read a bit of it and give me their honest opinions. Soooo, does anyone want to Beta Read the first few chapters of my middle grade historical fiction novel? Its about a Jewish girl in Holland working with for a WWII resistance movement, and throws in the mystery of who gave away Anne Frank and her family. I've gotten to personally know a lot of you guys, and I'd really love your opinions on my work! :)
Jenna Marie ~Let it Snow~ wrote: "Hey everyone!!! I've just recently finished my current book, and I'm in the process of editing it. I know I'm a long way from getting to the finishing edit/publishing stage with it, but I'd like to..."I'd be interested. I don't normally beta read, but for this story I just might have to! You said it's a middle grade, so I'm around the age group too (I'm a teenager).
Oh yay, thank you both!! Please dm me and we can talk details! :)
Jenna Marie ~Let it Snow~ wrote: "Hey everyone!!! I've just recently finished my current book, and I'm in the process of editing it. I know I'm a long way from getting to the finishing edit/publishing stage with it, but I'd like to..."
@jenna i know you posted this awhile ago but i would looooove to read this! i am currently writing a prose for the zekelman holocaust center on anne frank and the power of her voice. I would love to see your insight on a few things!
Oh awesome, thanks!!
hey! any advice on how to write a kissing scene? it's at a party, and it's somewhat of a drunken kiss. the two ARE indeed in like with each other, but aren't dating yet.
Zoe wrote: "hey! any advice on how to write a kissing scene? it's at a party, and it's somewhat of a drunken kiss. the two ARE indeed in like with each other, but aren't dating yet."Hey Zoe!
You could read What's Not To Love as inspiration. The book has a similar scene and the author is a really good writer. But, the couple in that book are rivals so it might not exactly match. Also, are you sure that you want to portray your characters as people who do sudden, (almost reckless) things at parties? Again, that's up to you to decide, since I don't know about your writing, your leads and storyline. Maybe you want to incite a spark of awkwardness or even romance (Maybe) or something else entirely; I'd say that you, as the writer should go for what you feel is right. Because it is your book, not someone else's. And just as advice - from writer to writer - take into consideration how the scene impacts their future relationship as well as their history, and past experience, and personality devolopment; as one of the things that are most vital in a book is the lead's actions and thoughts.
I hope this was useful and I didn't offend you. (If I did, I respectfully apologize and say with utmost sincerity that I had no intention of doing so.)
Good luck! (If you need it, and us writers rarely do)
- Ellis.
Postscript: Holly Black is the Queen of drunken kisses and louche behaviour; I'll suggest checking out Folk Of The Air series as well.
Ellis wrote: "Zoe wrote: "hey! any advice on how to write a kissing scene? it's at a party, and it's somewhat of a drunken kiss. the two ARE indeed in like with each other, but aren't dating yet."Hey Zoe!
You ..."
Thank you! No, you didn't offend me at all. I've just never written an actual like romance novel before, espically not a kissing scene. Again, thank you, definetly will check out those books as well!
hi! i'm here, again :) so i got how it's going to start, but like how would i describe it? generally, ive never freaking been kissed, so it's kinda an experience I can't say "let me just think of how i felt" . any ideas on how TO describe it?
Zoe wrote: "hi! i'm here, again :) so i got how it's going to start, but like how would i describe it? generally, ive never freaking been kissed, so it's kinda an experience I can't say "let me just think of..."
Never kissed, but I read a lot of kiss scenes. Describe how the character feels, are they nervous or excited? What pose are they in, does the MC lean in closer to kiss, or are they kissed and feel an arm pull them closer, or are they resting their hands on his/her shoulder?
I don't know if any of that makes sense. Another this I see is using similes/metaphors/whatever-they're-called to describe things.
So I have a pirate short story, it's 13 pages long and it needs beta readers.It's Fantasy set in the real world and there is no blood (it is mentioned that a character wipes some off them after a fight, but not graphic), cursing, or anything like that.
If you are interested it beta reading, or want more details private message me please.
Zoe wrote: "Ellis wrote: "Zoe wrote: "hey! any advice on how to write a kissing scene? it's at a party, and it's somewhat of a drunken kiss. the two ARE indeed in like with each other, but aren't dating yet."..."
You're most welcome! And don't worry: The purpose of a first draft isn't to get it right; It's to get it written.
(Also, good to know I wasn't derogatory.)
Hailey wrote: "So I have a pirate short story, it's 13 pages long and it needs beta readers.It's Fantasy set in the real world and there is no blood (it is mentioned that a character wipes some off them after a..."
Hi Hailey!
I noticed that your profile isn't set to accept private messages, so you might want to rectify that in Account Settings. Also, good luck finding beta-readers! (If you need it; writers such as us are often vicarious readers and always want for new reading material)
- Ellis.
Ellis wrote: "Hailey wrote: "So I have a pirate short story, it's 13 pages long and it needs beta readers.It's Fantasy set in the real world and there is no blood (it is mentioned that a character wipes some o..."
I didn't realize that, thanks you! I fixed it if you wanted to message me, if not thanks for alerting me to that.
Does anyone know of any short story writing contests for 2022? Preferably with no entry fee. I have a few short stories I think are decent that I may try to get in some contests this year! Thanks :)
Hailey wrote: "Ellis wrote: "Hailey wrote: "So I have a pirate short story, it's 13 pages long and it needs beta readers.It's Fantasy set in the real world and there is no blood (it is mentioned that a characte..."
You're most welcome, Hailey.
Jenna Marie ~Spring Has Sprung~ wrote: "Does anyone know of any short story writing contests for 2022? Preferably with no entry fee. I have a few short stories I think are decent that I may try to get in some contests this year! Thanks :)"Jenna Marie,
https://writingcooperative.com/16-rec...
I think this might help. I hope you don't need luck if you decide to enter.
- Ellis.
Ellis wrote: "Jenna Marie ~Spring Has Sprung~ wrote: "Does anyone know of any short story writing contests for 2022? Preferably with no entry fee. I have a few short stories I think are decent that I may try to ..."Thanks!
Carsie Rose wrote: "I've decided to experiment with writing flash fiction. I'm more accustomed to writing longer fiction pieces, so any tips?"I have never written any flash-fiction, but I agree on being more accustomed to writing longer pieces. I big thing I need to do is make the idea shorter, so that it can fit within the word/page count. So I normally outline it to make sure that I won't get lost.
hey, what is UPP ! anyway, hey. i'm back!and this is on the SAME character from last time I was here. to continue it on, it's been a few chapters in, and I have no idea how to keep the kiss in her mind. they're dating now, and i want something to like, idk, bring the kiss back up? how would I write that??
to refresh:Zoe wrote: "hi! i'm here, again :)
so i got how it's going to start, but like how would i describe it? generally, ive never freaking been kissed, so it's kinda an experience I can't say "let me just think of..."
The problems with writing romance when you've never experienced it... I'm right there with you lol.
So I'm stuck on something with my world building. Okay so to sum it up, dragons in my world are born with a first name, and have to earn their last name. I imagine there is some type of trial for this, but I don't know what to do for it? Any ideas?
You could follow the native American ways a bit; they earned their official names by their actions, typically some brave deed or connection to nature, occasionally something about their personalities or more of a joke. You could have a certain year in which they had to do something very brave, and what they did determines their name? Just a thought!
Jenna Marie ~Spring Has Sprung~ wrote: "You could follow the native American ways a bit; they earned their official names by their actions, typically some brave deed or connection to nature, occasionally something about their personaliti..."Oh that's a good idea!
Hi guys!I have a few questions about writing the first chapter in a book...
1. Is it a good idea to start a book with dialogue? Like, an entire conversation between two characters?
2. Is it a good idea to start off with something like, "He's dead.".
3. Is first or third person POV best if you want more of a serious tone? Not exactly dramatic, but more like a serious tone that sounds causual too.
4. How do you gradually give your reader info about your world without giving them an information dump? Is it best to keep most of the information off until, like, the second or third chapter?
Sorry if this is a lot...
Hey! I might be able to help. 1. If done well, dialogue can be a great starter for a book
2. It’s a strong starter, nice and fast.
3. I don’t really know, I guess just write what feels comfortable for the story. I usually try both and pick the one that sounds best. Trial and error approach
4. I’m not the best at this, but What i do is whenever I’m introducing I new concept, I add a few sentences describing it afterwards. For example, my OC will be talking about the new thing, then I give a few sentences explaining concept in question. Maybe they’re thinking about it, looking at it or something else.
Hope this helped <3
꧁Sadie꧂ wrote: "Hey! I might be able to help. 1. If done well, dialogue can be a great starter for a book
2. It’s a strong starter, nice and fast.
3. I don’t really know, I guess just write what feels comfortabl..."
Thankyou!
Hi guys, I have a question...I'm on the first chapter of my book, but I was wondering --should it be counted as a chapter at all?
It consists of a flashback, giving the reader a bit of information about of my MC's past. It's about 600 words long, so I was wondering if it's more of a prologue??
Also, how many word should an average chapter be?
I think it would fit better as a prolouge in my opinion! :D
I would definitely consider that a prologue, not an actual chapter, despite word count. I find chapters are averagely 2,000 to 2,500 words each, but there's really no right or wrong. Each author seems to choose their own length of comfort to stick around. I'd say anything between 1,500 and 3,500 works, just go with the flow and end the chapter wherever a good ending or cliff-hanger presents itself! (that's mainly what I do)
Good luck!! :)
What kind of classes would someone who’s going to be ruling a kingdom one day take?Characteristics of a good leader and tips in writing one would be really helpful.
Any tips on writing alternating POVs?
Thanks!
I’m currently writing something with 4 different povs so I think I might be able to help.1. if they’re in first person make sure each persons pov is disincentive, if that makes sense.
2. End the chapter when it feels right, like for example end of a conversation or setting change.
3. Don’t worry about a set order, go with the story flow. Choose whatever pov makes sense
These are just tips that work for me
Hope that helps
<3
Writing POV and deciding what kind of tone I want to go with.
How did everyone else decide with choosing POV and tone?