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wcjs8h
|
writing_train
| 0.9 |
Crazy idea: Try to use the question, "What does that mean?" more often. Parroting the last word a character said back at them to demonstrate confusion has gotten way too common. I don't want to name the book I was reading today, but I saw three phrases back-to-back where one character is trying to catch up two others on what happened since they saw each other last. Three times in a row he explained something absurd and they repeated it back to him, which got me thinking, "Do people really talk like this in real life?" Followed by, "Do I do this in my *own* writing??" (turns out, I do, and I'm going to start paying attention to it.) Some made up examples of what I'm talking about: > "I told the mercenaries that captured me that the artifact they were looking for had been taken by chinese commandos." > *"Chinese commandos?!"* or > "And then the AI told me an alien ship was on its way to destroy our sun." > *"Destroy our sun!?"* and even > "That creature is called a gleefazoan. They eat nurgles." > *"Gleefazoan?!"* You get the idea. I just started to notice how common this has gotten and now I'm seeing it everywhere.
|
iidbeb7
|
iicyzp4
| 1,659,266,230 | 1,659,256,057 | 90 | 32 |
Do people in real life actually skew towards asking the question explicitly though? Echoing seems more common in real conversation to me, unless perhaps the speaker is a child. Just one anecdotal observation.
|
I know someone who does this IRL. It freaks me out, but I think it's something people are taught to be a trick of active listening and taken too literally. Good advice, though. I'm going to watch out for it in my writing.
| 1 | 10,173 | 2.8125 | ||
wcjs8h
|
writing_train
| 0.9 |
Crazy idea: Try to use the question, "What does that mean?" more often. Parroting the last word a character said back at them to demonstrate confusion has gotten way too common. I don't want to name the book I was reading today, but I saw three phrases back-to-back where one character is trying to catch up two others on what happened since they saw each other last. Three times in a row he explained something absurd and they repeated it back to him, which got me thinking, "Do people really talk like this in real life?" Followed by, "Do I do this in my *own* writing??" (turns out, I do, and I'm going to start paying attention to it.) Some made up examples of what I'm talking about: > "I told the mercenaries that captured me that the artifact they were looking for had been taken by chinese commandos." > *"Chinese commandos?!"* or > "And then the AI told me an alien ship was on its way to destroy our sun." > *"Destroy our sun!?"* and even > "That creature is called a gleefazoan. They eat nurgles." > *"Gleefazoan?!"* You get the idea. I just started to notice how common this has gotten and now I'm seeing it everywhere.
|
iidbeb7
|
iid7149
| 1,659,266,230 | 1,659,262,749 | 90 | 23 |
Do people in real life actually skew towards asking the question explicitly though? Echoing seems more common in real conversation to me, unless perhaps the speaker is a child. Just one anecdotal observation.
|
Everywhere?! No, but I do agree. Same with the 'Skip the technobabble/in plain English, please.'
| 1 | 3,481 | 3.913043 | ||
wcjs8h
|
writing_train
| 0.9 |
Crazy idea: Try to use the question, "What does that mean?" more often. Parroting the last word a character said back at them to demonstrate confusion has gotten way too common. I don't want to name the book I was reading today, but I saw three phrases back-to-back where one character is trying to catch up two others on what happened since they saw each other last. Three times in a row he explained something absurd and they repeated it back to him, which got me thinking, "Do people really talk like this in real life?" Followed by, "Do I do this in my *own* writing??" (turns out, I do, and I'm going to start paying attention to it.) Some made up examples of what I'm talking about: > "I told the mercenaries that captured me that the artifact they were looking for had been taken by chinese commandos." > *"Chinese commandos?!"* or > "And then the AI told me an alien ship was on its way to destroy our sun." > *"Destroy our sun!?"* and even > "That creature is called a gleefazoan. They eat nurgles." > *"Gleefazoan?!"* You get the idea. I just started to notice how common this has gotten and now I'm seeing it everywhere.
|
iie2r13
|
iicyzp4
| 1,659,280,765 | 1,659,256,057 | 51 | 32 |
Yeah, ppl do that. I do that too, usually when something hard to believe is said. "So yeah, they bought you a car." "They bought me a car?"
|
I know someone who does this IRL. It freaks me out, but I think it's something people are taught to be a trick of active listening and taken too literally. Good advice, though. I'm going to watch out for it in my writing.
| 1 | 24,708 | 1.59375 | ||
wcjs8h
|
writing_train
| 0.9 |
Crazy idea: Try to use the question, "What does that mean?" more often. Parroting the last word a character said back at them to demonstrate confusion has gotten way too common. I don't want to name the book I was reading today, but I saw three phrases back-to-back where one character is trying to catch up two others on what happened since they saw each other last. Three times in a row he explained something absurd and they repeated it back to him, which got me thinking, "Do people really talk like this in real life?" Followed by, "Do I do this in my *own* writing??" (turns out, I do, and I'm going to start paying attention to it.) Some made up examples of what I'm talking about: > "I told the mercenaries that captured me that the artifact they were looking for had been taken by chinese commandos." > *"Chinese commandos?!"* or > "And then the AI told me an alien ship was on its way to destroy our sun." > *"Destroy our sun!?"* and even > "That creature is called a gleefazoan. They eat nurgles." > *"Gleefazoan?!"* You get the idea. I just started to notice how common this has gotten and now I'm seeing it everywhere.
|
iie2r13
|
iidp8fs
| 1,659,280,765 | 1,659,274,640 | 51 | 25 |
Yeah, ppl do that. I do that too, usually when something hard to believe is said. "So yeah, they bought you a car." "They bought me a car?"
|
Metal Gear?!
| 1 | 6,125 | 2.04 | ||
wcjs8h
|
writing_train
| 0.9 |
Crazy idea: Try to use the question, "What does that mean?" more often. Parroting the last word a character said back at them to demonstrate confusion has gotten way too common. I don't want to name the book I was reading today, but I saw three phrases back-to-back where one character is trying to catch up two others on what happened since they saw each other last. Three times in a row he explained something absurd and they repeated it back to him, which got me thinking, "Do people really talk like this in real life?" Followed by, "Do I do this in my *own* writing??" (turns out, I do, and I'm going to start paying attention to it.) Some made up examples of what I'm talking about: > "I told the mercenaries that captured me that the artifact they were looking for had been taken by chinese commandos." > *"Chinese commandos?!"* or > "And then the AI told me an alien ship was on its way to destroy our sun." > *"Destroy our sun!?"* and even > "That creature is called a gleefazoan. They eat nurgles." > *"Gleefazoan?!"* You get the idea. I just started to notice how common this has gotten and now I'm seeing it everywhere.
|
iie2r13
|
iid7149
| 1,659,280,765 | 1,659,262,749 | 51 | 23 |
Yeah, ppl do that. I do that too, usually when something hard to believe is said. "So yeah, they bought you a car." "They bought me a car?"
|
Everywhere?! No, but I do agree. Same with the 'Skip the technobabble/in plain English, please.'
| 1 | 18,016 | 2.217391 | ||
wcjs8h
|
writing_train
| 0.9 |
Crazy idea: Try to use the question, "What does that mean?" more often. Parroting the last word a character said back at them to demonstrate confusion has gotten way too common. I don't want to name the book I was reading today, but I saw three phrases back-to-back where one character is trying to catch up two others on what happened since they saw each other last. Three times in a row he explained something absurd and they repeated it back to him, which got me thinking, "Do people really talk like this in real life?" Followed by, "Do I do this in my *own* writing??" (turns out, I do, and I'm going to start paying attention to it.) Some made up examples of what I'm talking about: > "I told the mercenaries that captured me that the artifact they were looking for had been taken by chinese commandos." > *"Chinese commandos?!"* or > "And then the AI told me an alien ship was on its way to destroy our sun." > *"Destroy our sun!?"* and even > "That creature is called a gleefazoan. They eat nurgles." > *"Gleefazoan?!"* You get the idea. I just started to notice how common this has gotten and now I'm seeing it everywhere.
|
iie2r13
|
iidk03s
| 1,659,280,765 | 1,659,271,826 | 51 | 4 |
Yeah, ppl do that. I do that too, usually when something hard to believe is said. "So yeah, they bought you a car." "They bought me a car?"
|
I definitely do this in real conversations, though usually sandwiched between or embellished with "wait, what". It fits very well when the person asking the question is either not trusting their own ears because what was said was SO out there (like the alien sun destruction example) or they need a moment to process the thing that was said or want to change the emphasis of it ("CHINESE commandos?"). The final example is the only one I take issue with. If someone is not familiar with a word/thing, especially if it's a complicated word, the word itsself is unlikely to be the question (or maybe that's just me). Real people would probably just say "A what now?" or "Could you repeat that?" instead.
| 1 | 8,939 | 12.75 | ||
wcjs8h
|
writing_train
| 0.9 |
Crazy idea: Try to use the question, "What does that mean?" more often. Parroting the last word a character said back at them to demonstrate confusion has gotten way too common. I don't want to name the book I was reading today, but I saw three phrases back-to-back where one character is trying to catch up two others on what happened since they saw each other last. Three times in a row he explained something absurd and they repeated it back to him, which got me thinking, "Do people really talk like this in real life?" Followed by, "Do I do this in my *own* writing??" (turns out, I do, and I'm going to start paying attention to it.) Some made up examples of what I'm talking about: > "I told the mercenaries that captured me that the artifact they were looking for had been taken by chinese commandos." > *"Chinese commandos?!"* or > "And then the AI told me an alien ship was on its way to destroy our sun." > *"Destroy our sun!?"* and even > "That creature is called a gleefazoan. They eat nurgles." > *"Gleefazoan?!"* You get the idea. I just started to notice how common this has gotten and now I'm seeing it everywhere.
|
iidqm06
|
iie2r13
| 1,659,275,323 | 1,659,280,765 | 3 | 51 |
That’s one of the tips a lot of people follow, obviously, concerning exposition. You repeat the parts you want the audience to remember. Here’s the thing: maybe it’s cliché but that’s only because you’ve seen it before; it doesn’t mean it’s bad or shouldn’t have been used. It’s unfair to the text and to your own experience to outsmart what you read or predict the ending. Sometimes you can’t help that sort of thing but that’s why it’s always better to give more consideration than criticism. You might be missing out on something really meaningful just because you didn’t give it a chance
|
Yeah, ppl do that. I do that too, usually when something hard to believe is said. "So yeah, they bought you a car." "They bought me a car?"
| 0 | 5,442 | 17 | ||
wcjs8h
|
writing_train
| 0.9 |
Crazy idea: Try to use the question, "What does that mean?" more often. Parroting the last word a character said back at them to demonstrate confusion has gotten way too common. I don't want to name the book I was reading today, but I saw three phrases back-to-back where one character is trying to catch up two others on what happened since they saw each other last. Three times in a row he explained something absurd and they repeated it back to him, which got me thinking, "Do people really talk like this in real life?" Followed by, "Do I do this in my *own* writing??" (turns out, I do, and I'm going to start paying attention to it.) Some made up examples of what I'm talking about: > "I told the mercenaries that captured me that the artifact they were looking for had been taken by chinese commandos." > *"Chinese commandos?!"* or > "And then the AI told me an alien ship was on its way to destroy our sun." > *"Destroy our sun!?"* and even > "That creature is called a gleefazoan. They eat nurgles." > *"Gleefazoan?!"* You get the idea. I just started to notice how common this has gotten and now I'm seeing it everywhere.
|
iid7149
|
iidp8fs
| 1,659,262,749 | 1,659,274,640 | 23 | 25 |
Everywhere?! No, but I do agree. Same with the 'Skip the technobabble/in plain English, please.'
|
Metal Gear?!
| 0 | 11,891 | 1.086957 | ||
wcjs8h
|
writing_train
| 0.9 |
Crazy idea: Try to use the question, "What does that mean?" more often. Parroting the last word a character said back at them to demonstrate confusion has gotten way too common. I don't want to name the book I was reading today, but I saw three phrases back-to-back where one character is trying to catch up two others on what happened since they saw each other last. Three times in a row he explained something absurd and they repeated it back to him, which got me thinking, "Do people really talk like this in real life?" Followed by, "Do I do this in my *own* writing??" (turns out, I do, and I'm going to start paying attention to it.) Some made up examples of what I'm talking about: > "I told the mercenaries that captured me that the artifact they were looking for had been taken by chinese commandos." > *"Chinese commandos?!"* or > "And then the AI told me an alien ship was on its way to destroy our sun." > *"Destroy our sun!?"* and even > "That creature is called a gleefazoan. They eat nurgles." > *"Gleefazoan?!"* You get the idea. I just started to notice how common this has gotten and now I'm seeing it everywhere.
|
iidp8fs
|
iidk03s
| 1,659,274,640 | 1,659,271,826 | 25 | 4 |
Metal Gear?!
|
I definitely do this in real conversations, though usually sandwiched between or embellished with "wait, what". It fits very well when the person asking the question is either not trusting their own ears because what was said was SO out there (like the alien sun destruction example) or they need a moment to process the thing that was said or want to change the emphasis of it ("CHINESE commandos?"). The final example is the only one I take issue with. If someone is not familiar with a word/thing, especially if it's a complicated word, the word itsself is unlikely to be the question (or maybe that's just me). Real people would probably just say "A what now?" or "Could you repeat that?" instead.
| 1 | 2,814 | 6.25 | ||
wcjs8h
|
writing_train
| 0.9 |
Crazy idea: Try to use the question, "What does that mean?" more often. Parroting the last word a character said back at them to demonstrate confusion has gotten way too common. I don't want to name the book I was reading today, but I saw three phrases back-to-back where one character is trying to catch up two others on what happened since they saw each other last. Three times in a row he explained something absurd and they repeated it back to him, which got me thinking, "Do people really talk like this in real life?" Followed by, "Do I do this in my *own* writing??" (turns out, I do, and I'm going to start paying attention to it.) Some made up examples of what I'm talking about: > "I told the mercenaries that captured me that the artifact they were looking for had been taken by chinese commandos." > *"Chinese commandos?!"* or > "And then the AI told me an alien ship was on its way to destroy our sun." > *"Destroy our sun!?"* and even > "That creature is called a gleefazoan. They eat nurgles." > *"Gleefazoan?!"* You get the idea. I just started to notice how common this has gotten and now I'm seeing it everywhere.
|
iidk03s
|
iiefabe
| 1,659,271,826 | 1,659,286,095 | 4 | 6 |
I definitely do this in real conversations, though usually sandwiched between or embellished with "wait, what". It fits very well when the person asking the question is either not trusting their own ears because what was said was SO out there (like the alien sun destruction example) or they need a moment to process the thing that was said or want to change the emphasis of it ("CHINESE commandos?"). The final example is the only one I take issue with. If someone is not familiar with a word/thing, especially if it's a complicated word, the word itsself is unlikely to be the question (or maybe that's just me). Real people would probably just say "A what now?" or "Could you repeat that?" instead.
|
people really only notice these things when they’re either looking for them or simply uninterested in the story. Crazy idea: write a good story then no one will care.
| 0 | 14,269 | 1.5 | ||
wcjs8h
|
writing_train
| 0.9 |
Crazy idea: Try to use the question, "What does that mean?" more often. Parroting the last word a character said back at them to demonstrate confusion has gotten way too common. I don't want to name the book I was reading today, but I saw three phrases back-to-back where one character is trying to catch up two others on what happened since they saw each other last. Three times in a row he explained something absurd and they repeated it back to him, which got me thinking, "Do people really talk like this in real life?" Followed by, "Do I do this in my *own* writing??" (turns out, I do, and I'm going to start paying attention to it.) Some made up examples of what I'm talking about: > "I told the mercenaries that captured me that the artifact they were looking for had been taken by chinese commandos." > *"Chinese commandos?!"* or > "And then the AI told me an alien ship was on its way to destroy our sun." > *"Destroy our sun!?"* and even > "That creature is called a gleefazoan. They eat nurgles." > *"Gleefazoan?!"* You get the idea. I just started to notice how common this has gotten and now I'm seeing it everywhere.
|
iiefabe
|
iidqm06
| 1,659,286,095 | 1,659,275,323 | 6 | 3 |
people really only notice these things when they’re either looking for them or simply uninterested in the story. Crazy idea: write a good story then no one will care.
|
That’s one of the tips a lot of people follow, obviously, concerning exposition. You repeat the parts you want the audience to remember. Here’s the thing: maybe it’s cliché but that’s only because you’ve seen it before; it doesn’t mean it’s bad or shouldn’t have been used. It’s unfair to the text and to your own experience to outsmart what you read or predict the ending. Sometimes you can’t help that sort of thing but that’s why it’s always better to give more consideration than criticism. You might be missing out on something really meaningful just because you didn’t give it a chance
| 1 | 10,772 | 2 | ||
wcjs8h
|
writing_train
| 0.9 |
Crazy idea: Try to use the question, "What does that mean?" more often. Parroting the last word a character said back at them to demonstrate confusion has gotten way too common. I don't want to name the book I was reading today, but I saw three phrases back-to-back where one character is trying to catch up two others on what happened since they saw each other last. Three times in a row he explained something absurd and they repeated it back to him, which got me thinking, "Do people really talk like this in real life?" Followed by, "Do I do this in my *own* writing??" (turns out, I do, and I'm going to start paying attention to it.) Some made up examples of what I'm talking about: > "I told the mercenaries that captured me that the artifact they were looking for had been taken by chinese commandos." > *"Chinese commandos?!"* or > "And then the AI told me an alien ship was on its way to destroy our sun." > *"Destroy our sun!?"* and even > "That creature is called a gleefazoan. They eat nurgles." > *"Gleefazoan?!"* You get the idea. I just started to notice how common this has gotten and now I'm seeing it everywhere.
|
iieckvw
|
iiefabe
| 1,659,284,959 | 1,659,286,095 | 3 | 6 |
That only works if that particular character would say something like that. Otherwise it'll throw your readers out of the scene.
|
people really only notice these things when they’re either looking for them or simply uninterested in the story. Crazy idea: write a good story then no one will care.
| 0 | 1,136 | 2 | ||
wcjs8h
|
writing_train
| 0.9 |
Crazy idea: Try to use the question, "What does that mean?" more often. Parroting the last word a character said back at them to demonstrate confusion has gotten way too common. I don't want to name the book I was reading today, but I saw three phrases back-to-back where one character is trying to catch up two others on what happened since they saw each other last. Three times in a row he explained something absurd and they repeated it back to him, which got me thinking, "Do people really talk like this in real life?" Followed by, "Do I do this in my *own* writing??" (turns out, I do, and I'm going to start paying attention to it.) Some made up examples of what I'm talking about: > "I told the mercenaries that captured me that the artifact they were looking for had been taken by chinese commandos." > *"Chinese commandos?!"* or > "And then the AI told me an alien ship was on its way to destroy our sun." > *"Destroy our sun!?"* and even > "That creature is called a gleefazoan. They eat nurgles." > *"Gleefazoan?!"* You get the idea. I just started to notice how common this has gotten and now I'm seeing it everywhere.
|
iiefabe
|
iieen3g
| 1,659,286,095 | 1,659,285,825 | 6 | 3 |
people really only notice these things when they’re either looking for them or simply uninterested in the story. Crazy idea: write a good story then no one will care.
|
Illuma-what-I?
| 1 | 270 | 2 | ||
wcjs8h
|
writing_train
| 0.9 |
Crazy idea: Try to use the question, "What does that mean?" more often. Parroting the last word a character said back at them to demonstrate confusion has gotten way too common. I don't want to name the book I was reading today, but I saw three phrases back-to-back where one character is trying to catch up two others on what happened since they saw each other last. Three times in a row he explained something absurd and they repeated it back to him, which got me thinking, "Do people really talk like this in real life?" Followed by, "Do I do this in my *own* writing??" (turns out, I do, and I'm going to start paying attention to it.) Some made up examples of what I'm talking about: > "I told the mercenaries that captured me that the artifact they were looking for had been taken by chinese commandos." > *"Chinese commandos?!"* or > "And then the AI told me an alien ship was on its way to destroy our sun." > *"Destroy our sun!?"* and even > "That creature is called a gleefazoan. They eat nurgles." > *"Gleefazoan?!"* You get the idea. I just started to notice how common this has gotten and now I'm seeing it everywhere.
|
iieqngi
|
iiepd9h
| 1,659,290,860 | 1,659,290,320 | 3 | 1 |
It's common because it's more commonly said than "what does that mean". Dialog should be realistic to the speaker.
|
Other suggestions: “The what?” ____ [stared blankly/blinked/furrowed their brow/began to pace/other character appropriate action] in confusion. “Say that one more time.” Any type of stuttering e.g. “I- uh- what?” Cool acceptance without breaking composure, leaving other character shocked/bemused.
| 1 | 540 | 3 | ||
wcjs8h
|
writing_train
| 0.9 |
Crazy idea: Try to use the question, "What does that mean?" more often. Parroting the last word a character said back at them to demonstrate confusion has gotten way too common. I don't want to name the book I was reading today, but I saw three phrases back-to-back where one character is trying to catch up two others on what happened since they saw each other last. Three times in a row he explained something absurd and they repeated it back to him, which got me thinking, "Do people really talk like this in real life?" Followed by, "Do I do this in my *own* writing??" (turns out, I do, and I'm going to start paying attention to it.) Some made up examples of what I'm talking about: > "I told the mercenaries that captured me that the artifact they were looking for had been taken by chinese commandos." > *"Chinese commandos?!"* or > "And then the AI told me an alien ship was on its way to destroy our sun." > *"Destroy our sun!?"* and even > "That creature is called a gleefazoan. They eat nurgles." > *"Gleefazoan?!"* You get the idea. I just started to notice how common this has gotten and now I'm seeing it everywhere.
|
iiefuza
|
iieqngi
| 1,659,286,333 | 1,659,290,860 | 0 | 3 |
Proud to say i have bever done this
|
It's common because it's more commonly said than "what does that mean". Dialog should be realistic to the speaker.
| 0 | 4,527 | 3,000 | ||
wcjs8h
|
writing_train
| 0.9 |
Crazy idea: Try to use the question, "What does that mean?" more often. Parroting the last word a character said back at them to demonstrate confusion has gotten way too common. I don't want to name the book I was reading today, but I saw three phrases back-to-back where one character is trying to catch up two others on what happened since they saw each other last. Three times in a row he explained something absurd and they repeated it back to him, which got me thinking, "Do people really talk like this in real life?" Followed by, "Do I do this in my *own* writing??" (turns out, I do, and I'm going to start paying attention to it.) Some made up examples of what I'm talking about: > "I told the mercenaries that captured me that the artifact they were looking for had been taken by chinese commandos." > *"Chinese commandos?!"* or > "And then the AI told me an alien ship was on its way to destroy our sun." > *"Destroy our sun!?"* and even > "That creature is called a gleefazoan. They eat nurgles." > *"Gleefazoan?!"* You get the idea. I just started to notice how common this has gotten and now I'm seeing it everywhere.
|
iiepd9h
|
iiexzhu
| 1,659,290,320 | 1,659,293,923 | 1 | 3 |
Other suggestions: “The what?” ____ [stared blankly/blinked/furrowed their brow/began to pace/other character appropriate action] in confusion. “Say that one more time.” Any type of stuttering e.g. “I- uh- what?” Cool acceptance without breaking composure, leaving other character shocked/bemused.
|
"Come again?" "The f is that supposed to mean?" "Pardon?" The look of total confusion on his face was almost comical. "The what?" "Over where?" "Uh-huh.... sure..."
| 0 | 3,603 | 3 | ||
wcjs8h
|
writing_train
| 0.9 |
Crazy idea: Try to use the question, "What does that mean?" more often. Parroting the last word a character said back at them to demonstrate confusion has gotten way too common. I don't want to name the book I was reading today, but I saw three phrases back-to-back where one character is trying to catch up two others on what happened since they saw each other last. Three times in a row he explained something absurd and they repeated it back to him, which got me thinking, "Do people really talk like this in real life?" Followed by, "Do I do this in my *own* writing??" (turns out, I do, and I'm going to start paying attention to it.) Some made up examples of what I'm talking about: > "I told the mercenaries that captured me that the artifact they were looking for had been taken by chinese commandos." > *"Chinese commandos?!"* or > "And then the AI told me an alien ship was on its way to destroy our sun." > *"Destroy our sun!?"* and even > "That creature is called a gleefazoan. They eat nurgles." > *"Gleefazoan?!"* You get the idea. I just started to notice how common this has gotten and now I'm seeing it everywhere.
|
iiefuza
|
iiexzhu
| 1,659,286,333 | 1,659,293,923 | 0 | 3 |
Proud to say i have bever done this
|
"Come again?" "The f is that supposed to mean?" "Pardon?" The look of total confusion on his face was almost comical. "The what?" "Over where?" "Uh-huh.... sure..."
| 0 | 7,590 | 3,000 | ||
wcjs8h
|
writing_train
| 0.9 |
Crazy idea: Try to use the question, "What does that mean?" more often. Parroting the last word a character said back at them to demonstrate confusion has gotten way too common. I don't want to name the book I was reading today, but I saw three phrases back-to-back where one character is trying to catch up two others on what happened since they saw each other last. Three times in a row he explained something absurd and they repeated it back to him, which got me thinking, "Do people really talk like this in real life?" Followed by, "Do I do this in my *own* writing??" (turns out, I do, and I'm going to start paying attention to it.) Some made up examples of what I'm talking about: > "I told the mercenaries that captured me that the artifact they were looking for had been taken by chinese commandos." > *"Chinese commandos?!"* or > "And then the AI told me an alien ship was on its way to destroy our sun." > *"Destroy our sun!?"* and even > "That creature is called a gleefazoan. They eat nurgles." > *"Gleefazoan?!"* You get the idea. I just started to notice how common this has gotten and now I'm seeing it everywhere.
|
iif6okz
|
iieydix
| 1,659,297,669 | 1,659,294,085 | 3 | 2 |
In my case I think I just usually have my characters.go "huh" or "what?" "And then I totally got drugged." "What?" "I said I got drugged." "I repeat, what?"
|
I like people-watching in random public places, like restaurants, and even taking notes about how people talk naturally. It can be quite different from the often "idealized" language found in books or film. I think this might be a great exercise for any times you find yourself repeating a pattern too much.
| 1 | 3,584 | 1.5 | ||
wcjs8h
|
writing_train
| 0.9 |
Crazy idea: Try to use the question, "What does that mean?" more often. Parroting the last word a character said back at them to demonstrate confusion has gotten way too common. I don't want to name the book I was reading today, but I saw three phrases back-to-back where one character is trying to catch up two others on what happened since they saw each other last. Three times in a row he explained something absurd and they repeated it back to him, which got me thinking, "Do people really talk like this in real life?" Followed by, "Do I do this in my *own* writing??" (turns out, I do, and I'm going to start paying attention to it.) Some made up examples of what I'm talking about: > "I told the mercenaries that captured me that the artifact they were looking for had been taken by chinese commandos." > *"Chinese commandos?!"* or > "And then the AI told me an alien ship was on its way to destroy our sun." > *"Destroy our sun!?"* and even > "That creature is called a gleefazoan. They eat nurgles." > *"Gleefazoan?!"* You get the idea. I just started to notice how common this has gotten and now I'm seeing it everywhere.
|
iiepd9h
|
iif6okz
| 1,659,290,320 | 1,659,297,669 | 1 | 3 |
Other suggestions: “The what?” ____ [stared blankly/blinked/furrowed their brow/began to pace/other character appropriate action] in confusion. “Say that one more time.” Any type of stuttering e.g. “I- uh- what?” Cool acceptance without breaking composure, leaving other character shocked/bemused.
|
In my case I think I just usually have my characters.go "huh" or "what?" "And then I totally got drugged." "What?" "I said I got drugged." "I repeat, what?"
| 0 | 7,349 | 3 | ||
wcjs8h
|
writing_train
| 0.9 |
Crazy idea: Try to use the question, "What does that mean?" more often. Parroting the last word a character said back at them to demonstrate confusion has gotten way too common. I don't want to name the book I was reading today, but I saw three phrases back-to-back where one character is trying to catch up two others on what happened since they saw each other last. Three times in a row he explained something absurd and they repeated it back to him, which got me thinking, "Do people really talk like this in real life?" Followed by, "Do I do this in my *own* writing??" (turns out, I do, and I'm going to start paying attention to it.) Some made up examples of what I'm talking about: > "I told the mercenaries that captured me that the artifact they were looking for had been taken by chinese commandos." > *"Chinese commandos?!"* or > "And then the AI told me an alien ship was on its way to destroy our sun." > *"Destroy our sun!?"* and even > "That creature is called a gleefazoan. They eat nurgles." > *"Gleefazoan?!"* You get the idea. I just started to notice how common this has gotten and now I'm seeing it everywhere.
|
iiefuza
|
iif6okz
| 1,659,286,333 | 1,659,297,669 | 0 | 3 |
Proud to say i have bever done this
|
In my case I think I just usually have my characters.go "huh" or "what?" "And then I totally got drugged." "What?" "I said I got drugged." "I repeat, what?"
| 0 | 11,336 | 3,000 | ||
wcjs8h
|
writing_train
| 0.9 |
Crazy idea: Try to use the question, "What does that mean?" more often. Parroting the last word a character said back at them to demonstrate confusion has gotten way too common. I don't want to name the book I was reading today, but I saw three phrases back-to-back where one character is trying to catch up two others on what happened since they saw each other last. Three times in a row he explained something absurd and they repeated it back to him, which got me thinking, "Do people really talk like this in real life?" Followed by, "Do I do this in my *own* writing??" (turns out, I do, and I'm going to start paying attention to it.) Some made up examples of what I'm talking about: > "I told the mercenaries that captured me that the artifact they were looking for had been taken by chinese commandos." > *"Chinese commandos?!"* or > "And then the AI told me an alien ship was on its way to destroy our sun." > *"Destroy our sun!?"* and even > "That creature is called a gleefazoan. They eat nurgles." > *"Gleefazoan?!"* You get the idea. I just started to notice how common this has gotten and now I'm seeing it everywhere.
|
iif2jd2
|
iif6okz
| 1,659,295,875 | 1,659,297,669 | 1 | 3 |
Metal Gear?
|
In my case I think I just usually have my characters.go "huh" or "what?" "And then I totally got drugged." "What?" "I said I got drugged." "I repeat, what?"
| 0 | 1,794 | 3 | ||
wcjs8h
|
writing_train
| 0.9 |
Crazy idea: Try to use the question, "What does that mean?" more often. Parroting the last word a character said back at them to demonstrate confusion has gotten way too common. I don't want to name the book I was reading today, but I saw three phrases back-to-back where one character is trying to catch up two others on what happened since they saw each other last. Three times in a row he explained something absurd and they repeated it back to him, which got me thinking, "Do people really talk like this in real life?" Followed by, "Do I do this in my *own* writing??" (turns out, I do, and I'm going to start paying attention to it.) Some made up examples of what I'm talking about: > "I told the mercenaries that captured me that the artifact they were looking for had been taken by chinese commandos." > *"Chinese commandos?!"* or > "And then the AI told me an alien ship was on its way to destroy our sun." > *"Destroy our sun!?"* and even > "That creature is called a gleefazoan. They eat nurgles." > *"Gleefazoan?!"* You get the idea. I just started to notice how common this has gotten and now I'm seeing it everywhere.
|
iifm0kc
|
iieydix
| 1,659,304,268 | 1,659,294,085 | 3 | 2 |
My characters never talk to each other like that lol I hadn’t considered it actually, so that’s interesting. Good tip
|
I like people-watching in random public places, like restaurants, and even taking notes about how people talk naturally. It can be quite different from the often "idealized" language found in books or film. I think this might be a great exercise for any times you find yourself repeating a pattern too much.
| 1 | 10,183 | 1.5 | ||
wcjs8h
|
writing_train
| 0.9 |
Crazy idea: Try to use the question, "What does that mean?" more often. Parroting the last word a character said back at them to demonstrate confusion has gotten way too common. I don't want to name the book I was reading today, but I saw three phrases back-to-back where one character is trying to catch up two others on what happened since they saw each other last. Three times in a row he explained something absurd and they repeated it back to him, which got me thinking, "Do people really talk like this in real life?" Followed by, "Do I do this in my *own* writing??" (turns out, I do, and I'm going to start paying attention to it.) Some made up examples of what I'm talking about: > "I told the mercenaries that captured me that the artifact they were looking for had been taken by chinese commandos." > *"Chinese commandos?!"* or > "And then the AI told me an alien ship was on its way to destroy our sun." > *"Destroy our sun!?"* and even > "That creature is called a gleefazoan. They eat nurgles." > *"Gleefazoan?!"* You get the idea. I just started to notice how common this has gotten and now I'm seeing it everywhere.
|
iiepd9h
|
iieydix
| 1,659,290,320 | 1,659,294,085 | 1 | 2 |
Other suggestions: “The what?” ____ [stared blankly/blinked/furrowed their brow/began to pace/other character appropriate action] in confusion. “Say that one more time.” Any type of stuttering e.g. “I- uh- what?” Cool acceptance without breaking composure, leaving other character shocked/bemused.
|
I like people-watching in random public places, like restaurants, and even taking notes about how people talk naturally. It can be quite different from the often "idealized" language found in books or film. I think this might be a great exercise for any times you find yourself repeating a pattern too much.
| 0 | 3,765 | 2 | ||
wcjs8h
|
writing_train
| 0.9 |
Crazy idea: Try to use the question, "What does that mean?" more often. Parroting the last word a character said back at them to demonstrate confusion has gotten way too common. I don't want to name the book I was reading today, but I saw three phrases back-to-back where one character is trying to catch up two others on what happened since they saw each other last. Three times in a row he explained something absurd and they repeated it back to him, which got me thinking, "Do people really talk like this in real life?" Followed by, "Do I do this in my *own* writing??" (turns out, I do, and I'm going to start paying attention to it.) Some made up examples of what I'm talking about: > "I told the mercenaries that captured me that the artifact they were looking for had been taken by chinese commandos." > *"Chinese commandos?!"* or > "And then the AI told me an alien ship was on its way to destroy our sun." > *"Destroy our sun!?"* and even > "That creature is called a gleefazoan. They eat nurgles." > *"Gleefazoan?!"* You get the idea. I just started to notice how common this has gotten and now I'm seeing it everywhere.
|
iieydix
|
iiefuza
| 1,659,294,085 | 1,659,286,333 | 2 | 0 |
I like people-watching in random public places, like restaurants, and even taking notes about how people talk naturally. It can be quite different from the often "idealized" language found in books or film. I think this might be a great exercise for any times you find yourself repeating a pattern too much.
|
Proud to say i have bever done this
| 1 | 7,752 | 2,000 | ||
wcjs8h
|
writing_train
| 0.9 |
Crazy idea: Try to use the question, "What does that mean?" more often. Parroting the last word a character said back at them to demonstrate confusion has gotten way too common. I don't want to name the book I was reading today, but I saw three phrases back-to-back where one character is trying to catch up two others on what happened since they saw each other last. Three times in a row he explained something absurd and they repeated it back to him, which got me thinking, "Do people really talk like this in real life?" Followed by, "Do I do this in my *own* writing??" (turns out, I do, and I'm going to start paying attention to it.) Some made up examples of what I'm talking about: > "I told the mercenaries that captured me that the artifact they were looking for had been taken by chinese commandos." > *"Chinese commandos?!"* or > "And then the AI told me an alien ship was on its way to destroy our sun." > *"Destroy our sun!?"* and even > "That creature is called a gleefazoan. They eat nurgles." > *"Gleefazoan?!"* You get the idea. I just started to notice how common this has gotten and now I'm seeing it everywhere.
|
iifm0kc
|
iiepd9h
| 1,659,304,268 | 1,659,290,320 | 3 | 1 |
My characters never talk to each other like that lol I hadn’t considered it actually, so that’s interesting. Good tip
|
Other suggestions: “The what?” ____ [stared blankly/blinked/furrowed their brow/began to pace/other character appropriate action] in confusion. “Say that one more time.” Any type of stuttering e.g. “I- uh- what?” Cool acceptance without breaking composure, leaving other character shocked/bemused.
| 1 | 13,948 | 3 | ||
wcjs8h
|
writing_train
| 0.9 |
Crazy idea: Try to use the question, "What does that mean?" more often. Parroting the last word a character said back at them to demonstrate confusion has gotten way too common. I don't want to name the book I was reading today, but I saw three phrases back-to-back where one character is trying to catch up two others on what happened since they saw each other last. Three times in a row he explained something absurd and they repeated it back to him, which got me thinking, "Do people really talk like this in real life?" Followed by, "Do I do this in my *own* writing??" (turns out, I do, and I'm going to start paying attention to it.) Some made up examples of what I'm talking about: > "I told the mercenaries that captured me that the artifact they were looking for had been taken by chinese commandos." > *"Chinese commandos?!"* or > "And then the AI told me an alien ship was on its way to destroy our sun." > *"Destroy our sun!?"* and even > "That creature is called a gleefazoan. They eat nurgles." > *"Gleefazoan?!"* You get the idea. I just started to notice how common this has gotten and now I'm seeing it everywhere.
|
iiefuza
|
iifm0kc
| 1,659,286,333 | 1,659,304,268 | 0 | 3 |
Proud to say i have bever done this
|
My characters never talk to each other like that lol I hadn’t considered it actually, so that’s interesting. Good tip
| 0 | 17,935 | 3,000 | ||
wcjs8h
|
writing_train
| 0.9 |
Crazy idea: Try to use the question, "What does that mean?" more often. Parroting the last word a character said back at them to demonstrate confusion has gotten way too common. I don't want to name the book I was reading today, but I saw three phrases back-to-back where one character is trying to catch up two others on what happened since they saw each other last. Three times in a row he explained something absurd and they repeated it back to him, which got me thinking, "Do people really talk like this in real life?" Followed by, "Do I do this in my *own* writing??" (turns out, I do, and I'm going to start paying attention to it.) Some made up examples of what I'm talking about: > "I told the mercenaries that captured me that the artifact they were looking for had been taken by chinese commandos." > *"Chinese commandos?!"* or > "And then the AI told me an alien ship was on its way to destroy our sun." > *"Destroy our sun!?"* and even > "That creature is called a gleefazoan. They eat nurgles." > *"Gleefazoan?!"* You get the idea. I just started to notice how common this has gotten and now I'm seeing it everywhere.
|
iifm0kc
|
iif2jd2
| 1,659,304,268 | 1,659,295,875 | 3 | 1 |
My characters never talk to each other like that lol I hadn’t considered it actually, so that’s interesting. Good tip
|
Metal Gear?
| 1 | 8,393 | 3 | ||
wcjs8h
|
writing_train
| 0.9 |
Crazy idea: Try to use the question, "What does that mean?" more often. Parroting the last word a character said back at them to demonstrate confusion has gotten way too common. I don't want to name the book I was reading today, but I saw three phrases back-to-back where one character is trying to catch up two others on what happened since they saw each other last. Three times in a row he explained something absurd and they repeated it back to him, which got me thinking, "Do people really talk like this in real life?" Followed by, "Do I do this in my *own* writing??" (turns out, I do, and I'm going to start paying attention to it.) Some made up examples of what I'm talking about: > "I told the mercenaries that captured me that the artifact they were looking for had been taken by chinese commandos." > *"Chinese commandos?!"* or > "And then the AI told me an alien ship was on its way to destroy our sun." > *"Destroy our sun!?"* and even > "That creature is called a gleefazoan. They eat nurgles." > *"Gleefazoan?!"* You get the idea. I just started to notice how common this has gotten and now I'm seeing it everywhere.
|
iiefuza
|
iiepd9h
| 1,659,286,333 | 1,659,290,320 | 0 | 1 |
Proud to say i have bever done this
|
Other suggestions: “The what?” ____ [stared blankly/blinked/furrowed their brow/began to pace/other character appropriate action] in confusion. “Say that one more time.” Any type of stuttering e.g. “I- uh- what?” Cool acceptance without breaking composure, leaving other character shocked/bemused.
| 0 | 3,987 | 1,000 | ||
wcjs8h
|
writing_train
| 0.9 |
Crazy idea: Try to use the question, "What does that mean?" more often. Parroting the last word a character said back at them to demonstrate confusion has gotten way too common. I don't want to name the book I was reading today, but I saw three phrases back-to-back where one character is trying to catch up two others on what happened since they saw each other last. Three times in a row he explained something absurd and they repeated it back to him, which got me thinking, "Do people really talk like this in real life?" Followed by, "Do I do this in my *own* writing??" (turns out, I do, and I'm going to start paying attention to it.) Some made up examples of what I'm talking about: > "I told the mercenaries that captured me that the artifact they were looking for had been taken by chinese commandos." > *"Chinese commandos?!"* or > "And then the AI told me an alien ship was on its way to destroy our sun." > *"Destroy our sun!?"* and even > "That creature is called a gleefazoan. They eat nurgles." > *"Gleefazoan?!"* You get the idea. I just started to notice how common this has gotten and now I'm seeing it everywhere.
|
iiefuza
|
iif2jd2
| 1,659,286,333 | 1,659,295,875 | 0 | 1 |
Proud to say i have bever done this
|
Metal Gear?
| 0 | 9,542 | 1,000 | ||
wcjs8h
|
writing_train
| 0.9 |
Crazy idea: Try to use the question, "What does that mean?" more often. Parroting the last word a character said back at them to demonstrate confusion has gotten way too common. I don't want to name the book I was reading today, but I saw three phrases back-to-back where one character is trying to catch up two others on what happened since they saw each other last. Three times in a row he explained something absurd and they repeated it back to him, which got me thinking, "Do people really talk like this in real life?" Followed by, "Do I do this in my *own* writing??" (turns out, I do, and I'm going to start paying attention to it.) Some made up examples of what I'm talking about: > "I told the mercenaries that captured me that the artifact they were looking for had been taken by chinese commandos." > *"Chinese commandos?!"* or > "And then the AI told me an alien ship was on its way to destroy our sun." > *"Destroy our sun!?"* and even > "That creature is called a gleefazoan. They eat nurgles." > *"Gleefazoan?!"* You get the idea. I just started to notice how common this has gotten and now I'm seeing it everywhere.
|
iiefuza
|
iig1qe2
| 1,659,286,333 | 1,659,311,597 | 0 | 1 |
Proud to say i have bever done this
|
I'm so confused. Please, elaborate.
| 0 | 25,264 | 1,000 | ||
zcg8l1
|
writing_train
| 0.71 |
Is it an issue that I come up with ideas, start writing a story but then never finish it? I really need honest opinions here- I'm 16 y/o I've started officially writing 3 book but I haven't even finished one- I literally have a whole plan and schedule but I never follow it for any of them. I write a whole bunch of prompts and ideas but I never put them to use or even include them in my writing. I don't have much time to write cause I'm writing exams soon but when I do I have time I never write... I don't knkw what to do please help me :(
|
iywhw4g
|
iywzlgj
| 1,670,179,239 | 1,670,185,924 | 2 | 7 |
become a better editor than you are a writer.
|
Good news and bad news: Good news first: this is fine for now. You are going through the exercises, and (I presume) getting practice in trying types of dialogue, or linking plot devices. Maybe you're getting practice in describing scenery, or depicting action sequences (whether combat, romance, skill, or environment-based). Building these skills is like an MMA fighter practicing their form on punches and kicks... you're developing the basics so they come naturally, and won't get in the way when you are doing the real thing. Bad news: Starting writing is easy. Finishing is hard. A friend got to meet Neil Gaiman, and asked for writing advice. "Finish" was his advice. Having an inspiration is easy, and fun and exciting, but you need to get over the hump of pushing through writers' block eventually. You need to learn how to guide a story toward a conclusion and to make a trajectory for a character arc that reaches resolution on-schedule. If you want to start with short stories, that's not a bad idea. Make a tale that lasts 5 pages. Then go to 10. But finish them. Bonus good news: One tactic I've enjoyed in writing is lilly-padding (a term I just made up). But have scenes that you love, but without context. "I want a 5-way standoff between different criminals." "I want a scene where a person has to tell their dying father they love them, not by words, but by picking up the work that he based his life on." I keep a document of such scenes (albeit more fleshed out), and then try to link them together to find a narrative path. If you've got a cache of half-formed ideas, then you have things that you find cool or moving that you can insert into a narrative when appropriate.
| 0 | 6,685 | 3.5 | ||
zcg8l1
|
writing_train
| 0.71 |
Is it an issue that I come up with ideas, start writing a story but then never finish it? I really need honest opinions here- I'm 16 y/o I've started officially writing 3 book but I haven't even finished one- I literally have a whole plan and schedule but I never follow it for any of them. I write a whole bunch of prompts and ideas but I never put them to use or even include them in my writing. I don't have much time to write cause I'm writing exams soon but when I do I have time I never write... I don't knkw what to do please help me :(
|
iywp6nw
|
iywzlgj
| 1,670,181,995 | 1,670,185,924 | 1 | 7 |
Don't be too hard on yourself. If every time you sit down to write you end up feeling guilty or depressed, you'll kill your motivation completely. Write for fun. Write for practice. Write to develop the habit. Don't feel like your writing is only valuable if it's making progress toward a finished book. That's an absurd goal and an unhelpful strategy. Write a variety of things. Look up writing exercises. Try your hand at nonfiction or poetry. And take breaks when you need to as well. I know the common advice is to treat writing like a job, and that's all well and good, but you're 16 and a student. You don't need another full-time job right now. Take care of yourself.
|
Good news and bad news: Good news first: this is fine for now. You are going through the exercises, and (I presume) getting practice in trying types of dialogue, or linking plot devices. Maybe you're getting practice in describing scenery, or depicting action sequences (whether combat, romance, skill, or environment-based). Building these skills is like an MMA fighter practicing their form on punches and kicks... you're developing the basics so they come naturally, and won't get in the way when you are doing the real thing. Bad news: Starting writing is easy. Finishing is hard. A friend got to meet Neil Gaiman, and asked for writing advice. "Finish" was his advice. Having an inspiration is easy, and fun and exciting, but you need to get over the hump of pushing through writers' block eventually. You need to learn how to guide a story toward a conclusion and to make a trajectory for a character arc that reaches resolution on-schedule. If you want to start with short stories, that's not a bad idea. Make a tale that lasts 5 pages. Then go to 10. But finish them. Bonus good news: One tactic I've enjoyed in writing is lilly-padding (a term I just made up). But have scenes that you love, but without context. "I want a 5-way standoff between different criminals." "I want a scene where a person has to tell their dying father they love them, not by words, but by picking up the work that he based his life on." I keep a document of such scenes (albeit more fleshed out), and then try to link them together to find a narrative path. If you've got a cache of half-formed ideas, then you have things that you find cool or moving that you can insert into a narrative when appropriate.
| 0 | 3,929 | 7 | ||
zcg8l1
|
writing_train
| 0.71 |
Is it an issue that I come up with ideas, start writing a story but then never finish it? I really need honest opinions here- I'm 16 y/o I've started officially writing 3 book but I haven't even finished one- I literally have a whole plan and schedule but I never follow it for any of them. I write a whole bunch of prompts and ideas but I never put them to use or even include them in my writing. I don't have much time to write cause I'm writing exams soon but when I do I have time I never write... I don't knkw what to do please help me :(
|
iywx17k
|
iywhw4g
| 1,670,184,975 | 1,670,179,239 | 7 | 2 |
You just havent developed skills in self-discipline, organisation and consistency. These things often don't come naturally to creative people, so it's not unusual. But you will never be able to complete a project if you don't develop them. Hold yourself accountable to your schedule, set achievable goals, give yourself a big timeline and practice.
|
become a better editor than you are a writer.
| 1 | 5,736 | 3.5 | ||
zcg8l1
|
writing_train
| 0.71 |
Is it an issue that I come up with ideas, start writing a story but then never finish it? I really need honest opinions here- I'm 16 y/o I've started officially writing 3 book but I haven't even finished one- I literally have a whole plan and schedule but I never follow it for any of them. I write a whole bunch of prompts and ideas but I never put them to use or even include them in my writing. I don't have much time to write cause I'm writing exams soon but when I do I have time I never write... I don't knkw what to do please help me :(
|
iywx17k
|
iywp6nw
| 1,670,184,975 | 1,670,181,995 | 7 | 1 |
You just havent developed skills in self-discipline, organisation and consistency. These things often don't come naturally to creative people, so it's not unusual. But you will never be able to complete a project if you don't develop them. Hold yourself accountable to your schedule, set achievable goals, give yourself a big timeline and practice.
|
Don't be too hard on yourself. If every time you sit down to write you end up feeling guilty or depressed, you'll kill your motivation completely. Write for fun. Write for practice. Write to develop the habit. Don't feel like your writing is only valuable if it's making progress toward a finished book. That's an absurd goal and an unhelpful strategy. Write a variety of things. Look up writing exercises. Try your hand at nonfiction or poetry. And take breaks when you need to as well. I know the common advice is to treat writing like a job, and that's all well and good, but you're 16 and a student. You don't need another full-time job right now. Take care of yourself.
| 1 | 2,980 | 7 | ||
zcg8l1
|
writing_train
| 0.71 |
Is it an issue that I come up with ideas, start writing a story but then never finish it? I really need honest opinions here- I'm 16 y/o I've started officially writing 3 book but I haven't even finished one- I literally have a whole plan and schedule but I never follow it for any of them. I write a whole bunch of prompts and ideas but I never put them to use or even include them in my writing. I don't have much time to write cause I'm writing exams soon but when I do I have time I never write... I don't knkw what to do please help me :(
|
iywp6nw
|
iyxafvq
| 1,670,181,995 | 1,670,190,074 | 1 | 2 |
Don't be too hard on yourself. If every time you sit down to write you end up feeling guilty or depressed, you'll kill your motivation completely. Write for fun. Write for practice. Write to develop the habit. Don't feel like your writing is only valuable if it's making progress toward a finished book. That's an absurd goal and an unhelpful strategy. Write a variety of things. Look up writing exercises. Try your hand at nonfiction or poetry. And take breaks when you need to as well. I know the common advice is to treat writing like a job, and that's all well and good, but you're 16 and a student. You don't need another full-time job right now. Take care of yourself.
|
You possibly have adhd. It is a common trait of people with adhd to be creative and start many projects but have trouble finishing them. You're young so it's not that much of a problem. You don't have to be an accomplished author at 16. A good strategy to finish a story is to outline every part of the plot. Number each major development in the story just so you don't forget what you have thought out already. That way you can leave the project and easily come back to it in the future. I would argue many accomplished authors have multiple unfinished projects at all times. The difference is that they have a system to keep them organized, and an editor to help them figure out which projects are worth pursuing at each time.
| 0 | 8,079 | 2 | ||
zcg8l1
|
writing_train
| 0.71 |
Is it an issue that I come up with ideas, start writing a story but then never finish it? I really need honest opinions here- I'm 16 y/o I've started officially writing 3 book but I haven't even finished one- I literally have a whole plan and schedule but I never follow it for any of them. I write a whole bunch of prompts and ideas but I never put them to use or even include them in my writing. I don't have much time to write cause I'm writing exams soon but when I do I have time I never write... I don't knkw what to do please help me :(
|
iyx3w4x
|
iyxafvq
| 1,670,187,520 | 1,670,190,074 | 1 | 2 |
The following are suggestions not hard & fast rules. Sounds like you need a partner…seriously. Also, write your idea…immediately revise that idea, edit your revision, then share with a willing partner who knows they are a) helping you or b) collaborating [this may change per story]. Aim to complete short short stories: 500-1500 words. This strategy will help you write a body of work to expand. Good luck!
|
You possibly have adhd. It is a common trait of people with adhd to be creative and start many projects but have trouble finishing them. You're young so it's not that much of a problem. You don't have to be an accomplished author at 16. A good strategy to finish a story is to outline every part of the plot. Number each major development in the story just so you don't forget what you have thought out already. That way you can leave the project and easily come back to it in the future. I would argue many accomplished authors have multiple unfinished projects at all times. The difference is that they have a system to keep them organized, and an editor to help them figure out which projects are worth pursuing at each time.
| 0 | 2,554 | 2 | ||
zcg8l1
|
writing_train
| 0.71 |
Is it an issue that I come up with ideas, start writing a story but then never finish it? I really need honest opinions here- I'm 16 y/o I've started officially writing 3 book but I haven't even finished one- I literally have a whole plan and schedule but I never follow it for any of them. I write a whole bunch of prompts and ideas but I never put them to use or even include them in my writing. I don't have much time to write cause I'm writing exams soon but when I do I have time I never write... I don't knkw what to do please help me :(
|
iyx0b33
|
iyxafvq
| 1,670,186,194 | 1,670,190,074 | 0 | 2 |
I guess it depends on what you want to do. I’ve never finished a story bc I don’t really want to. I’ve never really had a desire to publish, so I just write whatever story I feel like and never really end it bc I can come back later and keep writing with the same characters I really like
|
You possibly have adhd. It is a common trait of people with adhd to be creative and start many projects but have trouble finishing them. You're young so it's not that much of a problem. You don't have to be an accomplished author at 16. A good strategy to finish a story is to outline every part of the plot. Number each major development in the story just so you don't forget what you have thought out already. That way you can leave the project and easily come back to it in the future. I would argue many accomplished authors have multiple unfinished projects at all times. The difference is that they have a system to keep them organized, and an editor to help them figure out which projects are worth pursuing at each time.
| 0 | 3,880 | 2,000 | ||
zcg8l1
|
writing_train
| 0.71 |
Is it an issue that I come up with ideas, start writing a story but then never finish it? I really need honest opinions here- I'm 16 y/o I've started officially writing 3 book but I haven't even finished one- I literally have a whole plan and schedule but I never follow it for any of them. I write a whole bunch of prompts and ideas but I never put them to use or even include them in my writing. I don't have much time to write cause I'm writing exams soon but when I do I have time I never write... I don't knkw what to do please help me :(
|
iyxafvq
|
iyx6ys4
| 1,670,190,074 | 1,670,188,697 | 2 | 1 |
You possibly have adhd. It is a common trait of people with adhd to be creative and start many projects but have trouble finishing them. You're young so it's not that much of a problem. You don't have to be an accomplished author at 16. A good strategy to finish a story is to outline every part of the plot. Number each major development in the story just so you don't forget what you have thought out already. That way you can leave the project and easily come back to it in the future. I would argue many accomplished authors have multiple unfinished projects at all times. The difference is that they have a system to keep them organized, and an editor to help them figure out which projects are worth pursuing at each time.
|
I have BEEN there! My way of dealing with it is what I call word splat (something I developed for writing essays then adapted for fiction). Write your favourite bit. Whether it's something said by someone, a paragraph of description, or even a whole scene, get that down on paper. Then, in italics write how you get there/go on from there as a plan. Don't write these scenes (if there's a great sentence that stands out to you as having to go in that bit put it in brackets, but try to avoid doing this too much). Think of these italics as the bones of the story. Take these as far as you can, but stop when you run out of ideas. Do this process again with your second favourite bit. Now find how they fit together. Do this for the WHOLE story. You need a plan for every scene; trust me when I say writing is ten times easier when you know what's happening that scene. If you're not used to it it will take a little practice, but I promise you it will massively improve your writing. Once you have a plan, go in and write the other scenes. Oh and if you can avoid editing the scenes it's best. I write notes to myself in italics if I need to change something, but more often than not there are several different iterations of that scene before I'm actually happy with the whole plan, so it's best to leave changing anything for your second draft.
| 1 | 1,377 | 2 | ||
zcg8l1
|
writing_train
| 0.71 |
Is it an issue that I come up with ideas, start writing a story but then never finish it? I really need honest opinions here- I'm 16 y/o I've started officially writing 3 book but I haven't even finished one- I literally have a whole plan and schedule but I never follow it for any of them. I write a whole bunch of prompts and ideas but I never put them to use or even include them in my writing. I don't have much time to write cause I'm writing exams soon but when I do I have time I never write... I don't knkw what to do please help me :(
|
iywp6nw
|
iyxqhsz
| 1,670,181,995 | 1,670,196,829 | 1 | 2 |
Don't be too hard on yourself. If every time you sit down to write you end up feeling guilty or depressed, you'll kill your motivation completely. Write for fun. Write for practice. Write to develop the habit. Don't feel like your writing is only valuable if it's making progress toward a finished book. That's an absurd goal and an unhelpful strategy. Write a variety of things. Look up writing exercises. Try your hand at nonfiction or poetry. And take breaks when you need to as well. I know the common advice is to treat writing like a job, and that's all well and good, but you're 16 and a student. You don't need another full-time job right now. Take care of yourself.
|
Instead of following a set schedule, write only when you feel like writing and work on whichever part of your book(s) interests you most in this moment. Over time, the positive association with writing for pleasure will naturally encourage you to write more regularly and for longer periods. What you are doing might actually make your form a negative association with writing (bad feelings from not meeting your goals, frustration with lack of progress). On days that you don't feel like drafting new text, work on outlining the unfinished parts of your story. On days that you don't feel like outlining, go and spend some time polishing up the chapters that are already drafted. Giving yourself options let's you develop your own natural writing rhythm and process. Having multiple projects also gives you the freedom to switch back and forth whenever you hit writer's block on any given story. Forgive yourself for having a hard time, and good luck with your writing adventure.
| 0 | 14,834 | 2 | ||
zcg8l1
|
writing_train
| 0.71 |
Is it an issue that I come up with ideas, start writing a story but then never finish it? I really need honest opinions here- I'm 16 y/o I've started officially writing 3 book but I haven't even finished one- I literally have a whole plan and schedule but I never follow it for any of them. I write a whole bunch of prompts and ideas but I never put them to use or even include them in my writing. I don't have much time to write cause I'm writing exams soon but when I do I have time I never write... I don't knkw what to do please help me :(
|
iyx3w4x
|
iyxqhsz
| 1,670,187,520 | 1,670,196,829 | 1 | 2 |
The following are suggestions not hard & fast rules. Sounds like you need a partner…seriously. Also, write your idea…immediately revise that idea, edit your revision, then share with a willing partner who knows they are a) helping you or b) collaborating [this may change per story]. Aim to complete short short stories: 500-1500 words. This strategy will help you write a body of work to expand. Good luck!
|
Instead of following a set schedule, write only when you feel like writing and work on whichever part of your book(s) interests you most in this moment. Over time, the positive association with writing for pleasure will naturally encourage you to write more regularly and for longer periods. What you are doing might actually make your form a negative association with writing (bad feelings from not meeting your goals, frustration with lack of progress). On days that you don't feel like drafting new text, work on outlining the unfinished parts of your story. On days that you don't feel like outlining, go and spend some time polishing up the chapters that are already drafted. Giving yourself options let's you develop your own natural writing rhythm and process. Having multiple projects also gives you the freedom to switch back and forth whenever you hit writer's block on any given story. Forgive yourself for having a hard time, and good luck with your writing adventure.
| 0 | 9,309 | 2 | ||
zcg8l1
|
writing_train
| 0.71 |
Is it an issue that I come up with ideas, start writing a story but then never finish it? I really need honest opinions here- I'm 16 y/o I've started officially writing 3 book but I haven't even finished one- I literally have a whole plan and schedule but I never follow it for any of them. I write a whole bunch of prompts and ideas but I never put them to use or even include them in my writing. I don't have much time to write cause I'm writing exams soon but when I do I have time I never write... I don't knkw what to do please help me :(
|
iyxqhsz
|
iyx0b33
| 1,670,196,829 | 1,670,186,194 | 2 | 0 |
Instead of following a set schedule, write only when you feel like writing and work on whichever part of your book(s) interests you most in this moment. Over time, the positive association with writing for pleasure will naturally encourage you to write more regularly and for longer periods. What you are doing might actually make your form a negative association with writing (bad feelings from not meeting your goals, frustration with lack of progress). On days that you don't feel like drafting new text, work on outlining the unfinished parts of your story. On days that you don't feel like outlining, go and spend some time polishing up the chapters that are already drafted. Giving yourself options let's you develop your own natural writing rhythm and process. Having multiple projects also gives you the freedom to switch back and forth whenever you hit writer's block on any given story. Forgive yourself for having a hard time, and good luck with your writing adventure.
|
I guess it depends on what you want to do. I’ve never finished a story bc I don’t really want to. I’ve never really had a desire to publish, so I just write whatever story I feel like and never really end it bc I can come back later and keep writing with the same characters I really like
| 1 | 10,635 | 2,000 | ||
zcg8l1
|
writing_train
| 0.71 |
Is it an issue that I come up with ideas, start writing a story but then never finish it? I really need honest opinions here- I'm 16 y/o I've started officially writing 3 book but I haven't even finished one- I literally have a whole plan and schedule but I never follow it for any of them. I write a whole bunch of prompts and ideas but I never put them to use or even include them in my writing. I don't have much time to write cause I'm writing exams soon but when I do I have time I never write... I don't knkw what to do please help me :(
|
iyx6ys4
|
iyxqhsz
| 1,670,188,697 | 1,670,196,829 | 1 | 2 |
I have BEEN there! My way of dealing with it is what I call word splat (something I developed for writing essays then adapted for fiction). Write your favourite bit. Whether it's something said by someone, a paragraph of description, or even a whole scene, get that down on paper. Then, in italics write how you get there/go on from there as a plan. Don't write these scenes (if there's a great sentence that stands out to you as having to go in that bit put it in brackets, but try to avoid doing this too much). Think of these italics as the bones of the story. Take these as far as you can, but stop when you run out of ideas. Do this process again with your second favourite bit. Now find how they fit together. Do this for the WHOLE story. You need a plan for every scene; trust me when I say writing is ten times easier when you know what's happening that scene. If you're not used to it it will take a little practice, but I promise you it will massively improve your writing. Once you have a plan, go in and write the other scenes. Oh and if you can avoid editing the scenes it's best. I write notes to myself in italics if I need to change something, but more often than not there are several different iterations of that scene before I'm actually happy with the whole plan, so it's best to leave changing anything for your second draft.
|
Instead of following a set schedule, write only when you feel like writing and work on whichever part of your book(s) interests you most in this moment. Over time, the positive association with writing for pleasure will naturally encourage you to write more regularly and for longer periods. What you are doing might actually make your form a negative association with writing (bad feelings from not meeting your goals, frustration with lack of progress). On days that you don't feel like drafting new text, work on outlining the unfinished parts of your story. On days that you don't feel like outlining, go and spend some time polishing up the chapters that are already drafted. Giving yourself options let's you develop your own natural writing rhythm and process. Having multiple projects also gives you the freedom to switch back and forth whenever you hit writer's block on any given story. Forgive yourself for having a hard time, and good luck with your writing adventure.
| 0 | 8,132 | 2 | ||
zcg8l1
|
writing_train
| 0.71 |
Is it an issue that I come up with ideas, start writing a story but then never finish it? I really need honest opinions here- I'm 16 y/o I've started officially writing 3 book but I haven't even finished one- I literally have a whole plan and schedule but I never follow it for any of them. I write a whole bunch of prompts and ideas but I never put them to use or even include them in my writing. I don't have much time to write cause I'm writing exams soon but when I do I have time I never write... I don't knkw what to do please help me :(
|
iywp6nw
|
iyykkmh
| 1,670,181,995 | 1,670,210,794 | 1 | 2 |
Don't be too hard on yourself. If every time you sit down to write you end up feeling guilty or depressed, you'll kill your motivation completely. Write for fun. Write for practice. Write to develop the habit. Don't feel like your writing is only valuable if it's making progress toward a finished book. That's an absurd goal and an unhelpful strategy. Write a variety of things. Look up writing exercises. Try your hand at nonfiction or poetry. And take breaks when you need to as well. I know the common advice is to treat writing like a job, and that's all well and good, but you're 16 and a student. You don't need another full-time job right now. Take care of yourself.
|
I know others have said it, but pick a project and finish it. I just finished writing a first draft and it was a slog on some days, but I did it anyway. The thing you mentioned that I can speak to the most, though, is time. I am a father of 2 and an all around busy guy. I have an hour to write on good days. If you want to write, you prioritize. Even when you don’t feel like it, put the pen to paper (or fingers to the keyboard) to find out what happens next in your story
| 0 | 28,799 | 2 | ||
zcg8l1
|
writing_train
| 0.71 |
Is it an issue that I come up with ideas, start writing a story but then never finish it? I really need honest opinions here- I'm 16 y/o I've started officially writing 3 book but I haven't even finished one- I literally have a whole plan and schedule but I never follow it for any of them. I write a whole bunch of prompts and ideas but I never put them to use or even include them in my writing. I don't have much time to write cause I'm writing exams soon but when I do I have time I never write... I don't knkw what to do please help me :(
|
iyykkmh
|
iyx3w4x
| 1,670,210,794 | 1,670,187,520 | 2 | 1 |
I know others have said it, but pick a project and finish it. I just finished writing a first draft and it was a slog on some days, but I did it anyway. The thing you mentioned that I can speak to the most, though, is time. I am a father of 2 and an all around busy guy. I have an hour to write on good days. If you want to write, you prioritize. Even when you don’t feel like it, put the pen to paper (or fingers to the keyboard) to find out what happens next in your story
|
The following are suggestions not hard & fast rules. Sounds like you need a partner…seriously. Also, write your idea…immediately revise that idea, edit your revision, then share with a willing partner who knows they are a) helping you or b) collaborating [this may change per story]. Aim to complete short short stories: 500-1500 words. This strategy will help you write a body of work to expand. Good luck!
| 1 | 23,274 | 2 | ||
zcg8l1
|
writing_train
| 0.71 |
Is it an issue that I come up with ideas, start writing a story but then never finish it? I really need honest opinions here- I'm 16 y/o I've started officially writing 3 book but I haven't even finished one- I literally have a whole plan and schedule but I never follow it for any of them. I write a whole bunch of prompts and ideas but I never put them to use or even include them in my writing. I don't have much time to write cause I'm writing exams soon but when I do I have time I never write... I don't knkw what to do please help me :(
|
iyx0b33
|
iyykkmh
| 1,670,186,194 | 1,670,210,794 | 0 | 2 |
I guess it depends on what you want to do. I’ve never finished a story bc I don’t really want to. I’ve never really had a desire to publish, so I just write whatever story I feel like and never really end it bc I can come back later and keep writing with the same characters I really like
|
I know others have said it, but pick a project and finish it. I just finished writing a first draft and it was a slog on some days, but I did it anyway. The thing you mentioned that I can speak to the most, though, is time. I am a father of 2 and an all around busy guy. I have an hour to write on good days. If you want to write, you prioritize. Even when you don’t feel like it, put the pen to paper (or fingers to the keyboard) to find out what happens next in your story
| 0 | 24,600 | 2,000 | ||
zcg8l1
|
writing_train
| 0.71 |
Is it an issue that I come up with ideas, start writing a story but then never finish it? I really need honest opinions here- I'm 16 y/o I've started officially writing 3 book but I haven't even finished one- I literally have a whole plan and schedule but I never follow it for any of them. I write a whole bunch of prompts and ideas but I never put them to use or even include them in my writing. I don't have much time to write cause I'm writing exams soon but when I do I have time I never write... I don't knkw what to do please help me :(
|
iyx6ys4
|
iyykkmh
| 1,670,188,697 | 1,670,210,794 | 1 | 2 |
I have BEEN there! My way of dealing with it is what I call word splat (something I developed for writing essays then adapted for fiction). Write your favourite bit. Whether it's something said by someone, a paragraph of description, or even a whole scene, get that down on paper. Then, in italics write how you get there/go on from there as a plan. Don't write these scenes (if there's a great sentence that stands out to you as having to go in that bit put it in brackets, but try to avoid doing this too much). Think of these italics as the bones of the story. Take these as far as you can, but stop when you run out of ideas. Do this process again with your second favourite bit. Now find how they fit together. Do this for the WHOLE story. You need a plan for every scene; trust me when I say writing is ten times easier when you know what's happening that scene. If you're not used to it it will take a little practice, but I promise you it will massively improve your writing. Once you have a plan, go in and write the other scenes. Oh and if you can avoid editing the scenes it's best. I write notes to myself in italics if I need to change something, but more often than not there are several different iterations of that scene before I'm actually happy with the whole plan, so it's best to leave changing anything for your second draft.
|
I know others have said it, but pick a project and finish it. I just finished writing a first draft and it was a slog on some days, but I did it anyway. The thing you mentioned that I can speak to the most, though, is time. I am a father of 2 and an all around busy guy. I have an hour to write on good days. If you want to write, you prioritize. Even when you don’t feel like it, put the pen to paper (or fingers to the keyboard) to find out what happens next in your story
| 0 | 22,097 | 2 | ||
zcg8l1
|
writing_train
| 0.71 |
Is it an issue that I come up with ideas, start writing a story but then never finish it? I really need honest opinions here- I'm 16 y/o I've started officially writing 3 book but I haven't even finished one- I literally have a whole plan and schedule but I never follow it for any of them. I write a whole bunch of prompts and ideas but I never put them to use or even include them in my writing. I don't have much time to write cause I'm writing exams soon but when I do I have time I never write... I don't knkw what to do please help me :(
|
iyykkmh
|
iyyjlay
| 1,670,210,794 | 1,670,210,305 | 2 | 1 |
I know others have said it, but pick a project and finish it. I just finished writing a first draft and it was a slog on some days, but I did it anyway. The thing you mentioned that I can speak to the most, though, is time. I am a father of 2 and an all around busy guy. I have an hour to write on good days. If you want to write, you prioritize. Even when you don’t feel like it, put the pen to paper (or fingers to the keyboard) to find out what happens next in your story
|
No! Keep those ideas and those prompts. You might look back on them one day and be inspired to add or even finish them.
| 1 | 489 | 2 | ||
zcg8l1
|
writing_train
| 0.71 |
Is it an issue that I come up with ideas, start writing a story but then never finish it? I really need honest opinions here- I'm 16 y/o I've started officially writing 3 book but I haven't even finished one- I literally have a whole plan and schedule but I never follow it for any of them. I write a whole bunch of prompts and ideas but I never put them to use or even include them in my writing. I don't have much time to write cause I'm writing exams soon but when I do I have time I never write... I don't knkw what to do please help me :(
|
iyx3w4x
|
iyx0b33
| 1,670,187,520 | 1,670,186,194 | 1 | 0 |
The following are suggestions not hard & fast rules. Sounds like you need a partner…seriously. Also, write your idea…immediately revise that idea, edit your revision, then share with a willing partner who knows they are a) helping you or b) collaborating [this may change per story]. Aim to complete short short stories: 500-1500 words. This strategy will help you write a body of work to expand. Good luck!
|
I guess it depends on what you want to do. I’ve never finished a story bc I don’t really want to. I’ve never really had a desire to publish, so I just write whatever story I feel like and never really end it bc I can come back later and keep writing with the same characters I really like
| 1 | 1,326 | 1,000 | ||
zcg8l1
|
writing_train
| 0.71 |
Is it an issue that I come up with ideas, start writing a story but then never finish it? I really need honest opinions here- I'm 16 y/o I've started officially writing 3 book but I haven't even finished one- I literally have a whole plan and schedule but I never follow it for any of them. I write a whole bunch of prompts and ideas but I never put them to use or even include them in my writing. I don't have much time to write cause I'm writing exams soon but when I do I have time I never write... I don't knkw what to do please help me :(
|
iyx0b33
|
iyx6ys4
| 1,670,186,194 | 1,670,188,697 | 0 | 1 |
I guess it depends on what you want to do. I’ve never finished a story bc I don’t really want to. I’ve never really had a desire to publish, so I just write whatever story I feel like and never really end it bc I can come back later and keep writing with the same characters I really like
|
I have BEEN there! My way of dealing with it is what I call word splat (something I developed for writing essays then adapted for fiction). Write your favourite bit. Whether it's something said by someone, a paragraph of description, or even a whole scene, get that down on paper. Then, in italics write how you get there/go on from there as a plan. Don't write these scenes (if there's a great sentence that stands out to you as having to go in that bit put it in brackets, but try to avoid doing this too much). Think of these italics as the bones of the story. Take these as far as you can, but stop when you run out of ideas. Do this process again with your second favourite bit. Now find how they fit together. Do this for the WHOLE story. You need a plan for every scene; trust me when I say writing is ten times easier when you know what's happening that scene. If you're not used to it it will take a little practice, but I promise you it will massively improve your writing. Once you have a plan, go in and write the other scenes. Oh and if you can avoid editing the scenes it's best. I write notes to myself in italics if I need to change something, but more often than not there are several different iterations of that scene before I'm actually happy with the whole plan, so it's best to leave changing anything for your second draft.
| 0 | 2,503 | 1,000 | ||
zcg8l1
|
writing_train
| 0.71 |
Is it an issue that I come up with ideas, start writing a story but then never finish it? I really need honest opinions here- I'm 16 y/o I've started officially writing 3 book but I haven't even finished one- I literally have a whole plan and schedule but I never follow it for any of them. I write a whole bunch of prompts and ideas but I never put them to use or even include them in my writing. I don't have much time to write cause I'm writing exams soon but when I do I have time I never write... I don't knkw what to do please help me :(
|
iyyjlay
|
iyx0b33
| 1,670,210,305 | 1,670,186,194 | 1 | 0 |
No! Keep those ideas and those prompts. You might look back on them one day and be inspired to add or even finish them.
|
I guess it depends on what you want to do. I’ve never finished a story bc I don’t really want to. I’ve never really had a desire to publish, so I just write whatever story I feel like and never really end it bc I can come back later and keep writing with the same characters I really like
| 1 | 24,111 | 1,000 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixivtc9
|
ixist8z
| 1,669,232,800 | 1,669,231,616 | 84 | 16 |
Your teacher is already filled to the brim with unpaid extra work. They have to grade papers and create lesson plans while still having a life. I think it is very rude to ask your teacher this.
|
Have some pride in upholding the standards of our craft, and don’t self-publish until you can afford to pay for a quality editor. Doing otherwise is just dragging the entire industry down
| 1 | 1,184 | 5.25 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixivtc9
|
ixis0ow
| 1,669,232,800 | 1,669,231,295 | 84 | 9 |
Your teacher is already filled to the brim with unpaid extra work. They have to grade papers and create lesson plans while still having a life. I think it is very rude to ask your teacher this.
|
I would say that is too much to ask someone to do for free. But you can ask.
| 1 | 1,505 | 9.333333 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixitfmj
|
ixivtc9
| 1,669,231,865 | 1,669,232,800 | 6 | 84 |
I would say maybe ask for advice, but not for them to edit it. As someone who works at a school, I can tell you they probably have little free time as it is and might not want to take the time to edit your work, especially for free. Your best bet is to learn how to edit yourself or try using programs like ProWritingAid to help. It doesn't hurt to ask, but I wouldn't expect much and I'd probably feel bad making them edit something that I know will be a lot of work.
|
Your teacher is already filled to the brim with unpaid extra work. They have to grade papers and create lesson plans while still having a life. I think it is very rude to ask your teacher this.
| 0 | 935 | 14 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixiv77q
|
ixivtc9
| 1,669,232,558 | 1,669,232,800 | 5 | 84 |
Why publish yourself? I'm not saying not to just curious why you would choose that personally. Would you perhaps want just a couple of copies made at a vanity press instead?
|
Your teacher is already filled to the brim with unpaid extra work. They have to grade papers and create lesson plans while still having a life. I think it is very rude to ask your teacher this.
| 0 | 242 | 16.8 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixirzmy
|
ixivtc9
| 1,669,231,283 | 1,669,232,800 | 3 | 84 |
It’s not a bad idea to ask a teacher for help - the worst they can do is decline. (Other posters made good points, though: prepare for them to decline and also make sure you word it in a way where it comes across that you really value their time and feedback and take whatever you can get.) But … I’d suggest this first: make sure you already did several rounds of edits yourself. Make this baby shine. Have some beta readers read and comment and work in that feedback. Have you let it sit for a bit and then come back? If you want to persuade a teacher to help with editing, it will help if they see potential and see that you’ve done lots of work yourself already. From your post it’s unclear if this is a first draft or something you’ve worked on extensively? Which is it? Anyways. Kudos for writing and finishing a manuscript! That’s really awesome.
|
Your teacher is already filled to the brim with unpaid extra work. They have to grade papers and create lesson plans while still having a life. I think it is very rude to ask your teacher this.
| 0 | 1,517 | 28 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixiwmrr
|
ixist8z
| 1,669,233,121 | 1,669,231,616 | 57 | 16 |
That's exploitation mate. Teachers barely get paid a thing and you think they have the time, and energy, to read your lovely teenage masterpiece. If you are doing self-pub, you've got to pay. There's no easy route. That or you tradpub, in which case you must research all that. But teachers scarcely have the time to simply do a scrap of what they like on the weekends, your idea seems so incredibly obtuse and selfish.
|
Have some pride in upholding the standards of our craft, and don’t self-publish until you can afford to pay for a quality editor. Doing otherwise is just dragging the entire industry down
| 1 | 1,505 | 3.5625 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixiwmrr
|
ixis0ow
| 1,669,233,121 | 1,669,231,295 | 57 | 9 |
That's exploitation mate. Teachers barely get paid a thing and you think they have the time, and energy, to read your lovely teenage masterpiece. If you are doing self-pub, you've got to pay. There's no easy route. That or you tradpub, in which case you must research all that. But teachers scarcely have the time to simply do a scrap of what they like on the weekends, your idea seems so incredibly obtuse and selfish.
|
I would say that is too much to ask someone to do for free. But you can ask.
| 1 | 1,826 | 6.333333 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixitfmj
|
ixiwmrr
| 1,669,231,865 | 1,669,233,121 | 6 | 57 |
I would say maybe ask for advice, but not for them to edit it. As someone who works at a school, I can tell you they probably have little free time as it is and might not want to take the time to edit your work, especially for free. Your best bet is to learn how to edit yourself or try using programs like ProWritingAid to help. It doesn't hurt to ask, but I wouldn't expect much and I'd probably feel bad making them edit something that I know will be a lot of work.
|
That's exploitation mate. Teachers barely get paid a thing and you think they have the time, and energy, to read your lovely teenage masterpiece. If you are doing self-pub, you've got to pay. There's no easy route. That or you tradpub, in which case you must research all that. But teachers scarcely have the time to simply do a scrap of what they like on the weekends, your idea seems so incredibly obtuse and selfish.
| 0 | 1,256 | 9.5 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixiwmrr
|
ixiv77q
| 1,669,233,121 | 1,669,232,558 | 57 | 5 |
That's exploitation mate. Teachers barely get paid a thing and you think they have the time, and energy, to read your lovely teenage masterpiece. If you are doing self-pub, you've got to pay. There's no easy route. That or you tradpub, in which case you must research all that. But teachers scarcely have the time to simply do a scrap of what they like on the weekends, your idea seems so incredibly obtuse and selfish.
|
Why publish yourself? I'm not saying not to just curious why you would choose that personally. Would you perhaps want just a couple of copies made at a vanity press instead?
| 1 | 563 | 11.4 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixiwmrr
|
ixivvis
| 1,669,233,121 | 1,669,232,824 | 57 | 3 |
That's exploitation mate. Teachers barely get paid a thing and you think they have the time, and energy, to read your lovely teenage masterpiece. If you are doing self-pub, you've got to pay. There's no easy route. That or you tradpub, in which case you must research all that. But teachers scarcely have the time to simply do a scrap of what they like on the weekends, your idea seems so incredibly obtuse and selfish.
|
You can give them a sample. See what they said and go from there. People are busy, editing is a lot of work, but there’re teachers who’ll be happy to help a student’s passion.
| 1 | 297 | 19 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixiwmrr
|
ixirzmy
| 1,669,233,121 | 1,669,231,283 | 57 | 3 |
That's exploitation mate. Teachers barely get paid a thing and you think they have the time, and energy, to read your lovely teenage masterpiece. If you are doing self-pub, you've got to pay. There's no easy route. That or you tradpub, in which case you must research all that. But teachers scarcely have the time to simply do a scrap of what they like on the weekends, your idea seems so incredibly obtuse and selfish.
|
It’s not a bad idea to ask a teacher for help - the worst they can do is decline. (Other posters made good points, though: prepare for them to decline and also make sure you word it in a way where it comes across that you really value their time and feedback and take whatever you can get.) But … I’d suggest this first: make sure you already did several rounds of edits yourself. Make this baby shine. Have some beta readers read and comment and work in that feedback. Have you let it sit for a bit and then come back? If you want to persuade a teacher to help with editing, it will help if they see potential and see that you’ve done lots of work yourself already. From your post it’s unclear if this is a first draft or something you’ve worked on extensively? Which is it? Anyways. Kudos for writing and finishing a manuscript! That’s really awesome.
| 1 | 1,838 | 19 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixizat1
|
ixj2pef
| 1,669,234,177 | 1,669,235,531 | 20 | 35 |
The problem is that you're asking your teacher to do a paid job for free. S/he already works a lot at a moderately paid job, I'm sure, and doesn't need to do another non-paid job on top of it.
|
Your teacher would probably be happy to give you some general feedback, but having trained as an English teacher (and then as an editor), I can tell you: (a) teachers are NOT editors, and they have zero training in editing. So even if your teacher is willing to edit your work for free, he/she is unlikely to actually know how to do it. (b) editing isn’t the same as correcting a few spelling mistakes; a good editor knows the market, understands how to structure your work to make it effective for that audience and, importantly, has lots of experience doing so. (c) if your teacher DOES have experience with editing, expect to pay for that experience - even if they give you discounted rates. As other people have said, it sounds like you’re still gaining experience and not ready to publish yet. There’s nothing wrong with that, and please don’t let it stop you from writing - this is a normal process that every writer goes through. If you want to put your work “out there”, I’d suggest entering competitions or submitting to journals, so if your work is selected, it will be edited for you (but please polish it as much as you can yourself before you do). If you do self-publish without paying for an editor, you should think about doing so under a pen name, so this work won’t be connected to your name when you’re in your 30s.
| 0 | 1,354 | 1.75 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixist8z
|
ixj2pef
| 1,669,231,616 | 1,669,235,531 | 16 | 35 |
Have some pride in upholding the standards of our craft, and don’t self-publish until you can afford to pay for a quality editor. Doing otherwise is just dragging the entire industry down
|
Your teacher would probably be happy to give you some general feedback, but having trained as an English teacher (and then as an editor), I can tell you: (a) teachers are NOT editors, and they have zero training in editing. So even if your teacher is willing to edit your work for free, he/she is unlikely to actually know how to do it. (b) editing isn’t the same as correcting a few spelling mistakes; a good editor knows the market, understands how to structure your work to make it effective for that audience and, importantly, has lots of experience doing so. (c) if your teacher DOES have experience with editing, expect to pay for that experience - even if they give you discounted rates. As other people have said, it sounds like you’re still gaining experience and not ready to publish yet. There’s nothing wrong with that, and please don’t let it stop you from writing - this is a normal process that every writer goes through. If you want to put your work “out there”, I’d suggest entering competitions or submitting to journals, so if your work is selected, it will be edited for you (but please polish it as much as you can yourself before you do). If you do self-publish without paying for an editor, you should think about doing so under a pen name, so this work won’t be connected to your name when you’re in your 30s.
| 0 | 3,915 | 2.1875 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixj2pef
|
ixizett
| 1,669,235,531 | 1,669,234,220 | 35 | 17 |
Your teacher would probably be happy to give you some general feedback, but having trained as an English teacher (and then as an editor), I can tell you: (a) teachers are NOT editors, and they have zero training in editing. So even if your teacher is willing to edit your work for free, he/she is unlikely to actually know how to do it. (b) editing isn’t the same as correcting a few spelling mistakes; a good editor knows the market, understands how to structure your work to make it effective for that audience and, importantly, has lots of experience doing so. (c) if your teacher DOES have experience with editing, expect to pay for that experience - even if they give you discounted rates. As other people have said, it sounds like you’re still gaining experience and not ready to publish yet. There’s nothing wrong with that, and please don’t let it stop you from writing - this is a normal process that every writer goes through. If you want to put your work “out there”, I’d suggest entering competitions or submitting to journals, so if your work is selected, it will be edited for you (but please polish it as much as you can yourself before you do). If you do self-publish without paying for an editor, you should think about doing so under a pen name, so this work won’t be connected to your name when you’re in your 30s.
|
Personally, I'm humiliated by every breath I took as a teen. The book is awesome but I'd recommend getting some feedback from people who don't know you first.
| 1 | 1,311 | 2.058824 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixj2pef
|
ixis0ow
| 1,669,235,531 | 1,669,231,295 | 35 | 9 |
Your teacher would probably be happy to give you some general feedback, but having trained as an English teacher (and then as an editor), I can tell you: (a) teachers are NOT editors, and they have zero training in editing. So even if your teacher is willing to edit your work for free, he/she is unlikely to actually know how to do it. (b) editing isn’t the same as correcting a few spelling mistakes; a good editor knows the market, understands how to structure your work to make it effective for that audience and, importantly, has lots of experience doing so. (c) if your teacher DOES have experience with editing, expect to pay for that experience - even if they give you discounted rates. As other people have said, it sounds like you’re still gaining experience and not ready to publish yet. There’s nothing wrong with that, and please don’t let it stop you from writing - this is a normal process that every writer goes through. If you want to put your work “out there”, I’d suggest entering competitions or submitting to journals, so if your work is selected, it will be edited for you (but please polish it as much as you can yourself before you do). If you do self-publish without paying for an editor, you should think about doing so under a pen name, so this work won’t be connected to your name when you’re in your 30s.
|
I would say that is too much to ask someone to do for free. But you can ask.
| 1 | 4,236 | 3.888889 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixitfmj
|
ixj2pef
| 1,669,231,865 | 1,669,235,531 | 6 | 35 |
I would say maybe ask for advice, but not for them to edit it. As someone who works at a school, I can tell you they probably have little free time as it is and might not want to take the time to edit your work, especially for free. Your best bet is to learn how to edit yourself or try using programs like ProWritingAid to help. It doesn't hurt to ask, but I wouldn't expect much and I'd probably feel bad making them edit something that I know will be a lot of work.
|
Your teacher would probably be happy to give you some general feedback, but having trained as an English teacher (and then as an editor), I can tell you: (a) teachers are NOT editors, and they have zero training in editing. So even if your teacher is willing to edit your work for free, he/she is unlikely to actually know how to do it. (b) editing isn’t the same as correcting a few spelling mistakes; a good editor knows the market, understands how to structure your work to make it effective for that audience and, importantly, has lots of experience doing so. (c) if your teacher DOES have experience with editing, expect to pay for that experience - even if they give you discounted rates. As other people have said, it sounds like you’re still gaining experience and not ready to publish yet. There’s nothing wrong with that, and please don’t let it stop you from writing - this is a normal process that every writer goes through. If you want to put your work “out there”, I’d suggest entering competitions or submitting to journals, so if your work is selected, it will be edited for you (but please polish it as much as you can yourself before you do). If you do self-publish without paying for an editor, you should think about doing so under a pen name, so this work won’t be connected to your name when you’re in your 30s.
| 0 | 3,666 | 5.833333 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixiv77q
|
ixj2pef
| 1,669,232,558 | 1,669,235,531 | 5 | 35 |
Why publish yourself? I'm not saying not to just curious why you would choose that personally. Would you perhaps want just a couple of copies made at a vanity press instead?
|
Your teacher would probably be happy to give you some general feedback, but having trained as an English teacher (and then as an editor), I can tell you: (a) teachers are NOT editors, and they have zero training in editing. So even if your teacher is willing to edit your work for free, he/she is unlikely to actually know how to do it. (b) editing isn’t the same as correcting a few spelling mistakes; a good editor knows the market, understands how to structure your work to make it effective for that audience and, importantly, has lots of experience doing so. (c) if your teacher DOES have experience with editing, expect to pay for that experience - even if they give you discounted rates. As other people have said, it sounds like you’re still gaining experience and not ready to publish yet. There’s nothing wrong with that, and please don’t let it stop you from writing - this is a normal process that every writer goes through. If you want to put your work “out there”, I’d suggest entering competitions or submitting to journals, so if your work is selected, it will be edited for you (but please polish it as much as you can yourself before you do). If you do self-publish without paying for an editor, you should think about doing so under a pen name, so this work won’t be connected to your name when you’re in your 30s.
| 0 | 2,973 | 7 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixj2pef
|
ixivvis
| 1,669,235,531 | 1,669,232,824 | 35 | 3 |
Your teacher would probably be happy to give you some general feedback, but having trained as an English teacher (and then as an editor), I can tell you: (a) teachers are NOT editors, and they have zero training in editing. So even if your teacher is willing to edit your work for free, he/she is unlikely to actually know how to do it. (b) editing isn’t the same as correcting a few spelling mistakes; a good editor knows the market, understands how to structure your work to make it effective for that audience and, importantly, has lots of experience doing so. (c) if your teacher DOES have experience with editing, expect to pay for that experience - even if they give you discounted rates. As other people have said, it sounds like you’re still gaining experience and not ready to publish yet. There’s nothing wrong with that, and please don’t let it stop you from writing - this is a normal process that every writer goes through. If you want to put your work “out there”, I’d suggest entering competitions or submitting to journals, so if your work is selected, it will be edited for you (but please polish it as much as you can yourself before you do). If you do self-publish without paying for an editor, you should think about doing so under a pen name, so this work won’t be connected to your name when you’re in your 30s.
|
You can give them a sample. See what they said and go from there. People are busy, editing is a lot of work, but there’re teachers who’ll be happy to help a student’s passion.
| 1 | 2,707 | 11.666667 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixj2pef
|
ixiz624
| 1,669,235,531 | 1,669,234,125 | 35 | 3 |
Your teacher would probably be happy to give you some general feedback, but having trained as an English teacher (and then as an editor), I can tell you: (a) teachers are NOT editors, and they have zero training in editing. So even if your teacher is willing to edit your work for free, he/she is unlikely to actually know how to do it. (b) editing isn’t the same as correcting a few spelling mistakes; a good editor knows the market, understands how to structure your work to make it effective for that audience and, importantly, has lots of experience doing so. (c) if your teacher DOES have experience with editing, expect to pay for that experience - even if they give you discounted rates. As other people have said, it sounds like you’re still gaining experience and not ready to publish yet. There’s nothing wrong with that, and please don’t let it stop you from writing - this is a normal process that every writer goes through. If you want to put your work “out there”, I’d suggest entering competitions or submitting to journals, so if your work is selected, it will be edited for you (but please polish it as much as you can yourself before you do). If you do self-publish without paying for an editor, you should think about doing so under a pen name, so this work won’t be connected to your name when you’re in your 30s.
|
I would ask your teacher if they're open to reading the first chapter or two and letting you know if you're on the right track or making a few suggestions. I would not ask for a full edit unless they ask for more and are really eager to help.
| 1 | 1,406 | 11.666667 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixj2pef
|
ixizrid
| 1,669,235,531 | 1,669,234,358 | 35 | 3 |
Your teacher would probably be happy to give you some general feedback, but having trained as an English teacher (and then as an editor), I can tell you: (a) teachers are NOT editors, and they have zero training in editing. So even if your teacher is willing to edit your work for free, he/she is unlikely to actually know how to do it. (b) editing isn’t the same as correcting a few spelling mistakes; a good editor knows the market, understands how to structure your work to make it effective for that audience and, importantly, has lots of experience doing so. (c) if your teacher DOES have experience with editing, expect to pay for that experience - even if they give you discounted rates. As other people have said, it sounds like you’re still gaining experience and not ready to publish yet. There’s nothing wrong with that, and please don’t let it stop you from writing - this is a normal process that every writer goes through. If you want to put your work “out there”, I’d suggest entering competitions or submitting to journals, so if your work is selected, it will be edited for you (but please polish it as much as you can yourself before you do). If you do self-publish without paying for an editor, you should think about doing so under a pen name, so this work won’t be connected to your name when you’re in your 30s.
|
There's a lot of good points and advise made here by other posters. If you're looking for someone to edit for free, try seeking some beta readers perhaps. Betas can help you find a good and right path and some do line edits as well.
| 1 | 1,173 | 11.666667 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixirzmy
|
ixj2pef
| 1,669,231,283 | 1,669,235,531 | 3 | 35 |
It’s not a bad idea to ask a teacher for help - the worst they can do is decline. (Other posters made good points, though: prepare for them to decline and also make sure you word it in a way where it comes across that you really value their time and feedback and take whatever you can get.) But … I’d suggest this first: make sure you already did several rounds of edits yourself. Make this baby shine. Have some beta readers read and comment and work in that feedback. Have you let it sit for a bit and then come back? If you want to persuade a teacher to help with editing, it will help if they see potential and see that you’ve done lots of work yourself already. From your post it’s unclear if this is a first draft or something you’ve worked on extensively? Which is it? Anyways. Kudos for writing and finishing a manuscript! That’s really awesome.
|
Your teacher would probably be happy to give you some general feedback, but having trained as an English teacher (and then as an editor), I can tell you: (a) teachers are NOT editors, and they have zero training in editing. So even if your teacher is willing to edit your work for free, he/she is unlikely to actually know how to do it. (b) editing isn’t the same as correcting a few spelling mistakes; a good editor knows the market, understands how to structure your work to make it effective for that audience and, importantly, has lots of experience doing so. (c) if your teacher DOES have experience with editing, expect to pay for that experience - even if they give you discounted rates. As other people have said, it sounds like you’re still gaining experience and not ready to publish yet. There’s nothing wrong with that, and please don’t let it stop you from writing - this is a normal process that every writer goes through. If you want to put your work “out there”, I’d suggest entering competitions or submitting to journals, so if your work is selected, it will be edited for you (but please polish it as much as you can yourself before you do). If you do self-publish without paying for an editor, you should think about doing so under a pen name, so this work won’t be connected to your name when you’re in your 30s.
| 0 | 4,248 | 11.666667 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixist8z
|
ixizat1
| 1,669,231,616 | 1,669,234,177 | 16 | 20 |
Have some pride in upholding the standards of our craft, and don’t self-publish until you can afford to pay for a quality editor. Doing otherwise is just dragging the entire industry down
|
The problem is that you're asking your teacher to do a paid job for free. S/he already works a lot at a moderately paid job, I'm sure, and doesn't need to do another non-paid job on top of it.
| 0 | 2,561 | 1.25 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixizat1
|
ixis0ow
| 1,669,234,177 | 1,669,231,295 | 20 | 9 |
The problem is that you're asking your teacher to do a paid job for free. S/he already works a lot at a moderately paid job, I'm sure, and doesn't need to do another non-paid job on top of it.
|
I would say that is too much to ask someone to do for free. But you can ask.
| 1 | 2,882 | 2.222222 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixizat1
|
ixitfmj
| 1,669,234,177 | 1,669,231,865 | 20 | 6 |
The problem is that you're asking your teacher to do a paid job for free. S/he already works a lot at a moderately paid job, I'm sure, and doesn't need to do another non-paid job on top of it.
|
I would say maybe ask for advice, but not for them to edit it. As someone who works at a school, I can tell you they probably have little free time as it is and might not want to take the time to edit your work, especially for free. Your best bet is to learn how to edit yourself or try using programs like ProWritingAid to help. It doesn't hurt to ask, but I wouldn't expect much and I'd probably feel bad making them edit something that I know will be a lot of work.
| 1 | 2,312 | 3.333333 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixizat1
|
ixiv77q
| 1,669,234,177 | 1,669,232,558 | 20 | 5 |
The problem is that you're asking your teacher to do a paid job for free. S/he already works a lot at a moderately paid job, I'm sure, and doesn't need to do another non-paid job on top of it.
|
Why publish yourself? I'm not saying not to just curious why you would choose that personally. Would you perhaps want just a couple of copies made at a vanity press instead?
| 1 | 1,619 | 4 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixivvis
|
ixizat1
| 1,669,232,824 | 1,669,234,177 | 3 | 20 |
You can give them a sample. See what they said and go from there. People are busy, editing is a lot of work, but there’re teachers who’ll be happy to help a student’s passion.
|
The problem is that you're asking your teacher to do a paid job for free. S/he already works a lot at a moderately paid job, I'm sure, and doesn't need to do another non-paid job on top of it.
| 0 | 1,353 | 6.666667 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixizat1
|
ixiz624
| 1,669,234,177 | 1,669,234,125 | 20 | 3 |
The problem is that you're asking your teacher to do a paid job for free. S/he already works a lot at a moderately paid job, I'm sure, and doesn't need to do another non-paid job on top of it.
|
I would ask your teacher if they're open to reading the first chapter or two and letting you know if you're on the right track or making a few suggestions. I would not ask for a full edit unless they ask for more and are really eager to help.
| 1 | 52 | 6.666667 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixirzmy
|
ixizat1
| 1,669,231,283 | 1,669,234,177 | 3 | 20 |
It’s not a bad idea to ask a teacher for help - the worst they can do is decline. (Other posters made good points, though: prepare for them to decline and also make sure you word it in a way where it comes across that you really value their time and feedback and take whatever you can get.) But … I’d suggest this first: make sure you already did several rounds of edits yourself. Make this baby shine. Have some beta readers read and comment and work in that feedback. Have you let it sit for a bit and then come back? If you want to persuade a teacher to help with editing, it will help if they see potential and see that you’ve done lots of work yourself already. From your post it’s unclear if this is a first draft or something you’ve worked on extensively? Which is it? Anyways. Kudos for writing and finishing a manuscript! That’s really awesome.
|
The problem is that you're asking your teacher to do a paid job for free. S/he already works a lot at a moderately paid job, I'm sure, and doesn't need to do another non-paid job on top of it.
| 0 | 2,894 | 6.666667 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixjgf4y
|
ixjjmfd
| 1,669,241,157 | 1,669,242,557 | 18 | 19 |
Congrats on completing a book-length work at a young age! Writing is like any other artistic skill - it takes a lot of practice to really master. For context, I'm 38. I took creative writing classes in high school and thought I was hot shit. I got a BA degree in creative writing in my early 20s, and realized everything I wrote in high school was crap. Thought I was hot shit. I got an MFA in fiction writing in my late 20s, and realized everything I wrote in college was crap. Thought I was hot shit. 8 years later, I am HAUNTED by how bad some of the stuff I wrote in my 20s is. And the worst news is that some of it is published, which means it will be out there forever, for anyone to find. There are no take-backsies. What I'm saying is, I strongly recommend against rushing to self publish. Especially at your age, consider conventional publishing (meaning after you do a bunch of edits try looking for a literary agency or small press. You might be a writing savant and the world needs your book, but maybe not... and I would let professionals be the filter). Otherwise in 10 years you will look back on this and DEEPLY regret your choice. This isn't meant to discourage - if you've completed a book-length work you are LEAGUES ahead of where I was in my teens and have a bright future. Good luck!
|
As a person who did exactly this, my advice is not to do it. As a high schooler, I didn't have the understanding of the craft/business to know what I was asking, and who I was asking it from. English teachers, while they obviously have a firm grasp of vocabulary and grammar, and they do edit essays all day long, they are not copy editors. I didn't realize how horribly I'd wasted my time (and probably hers) on that project until years later. Neither of us actually knew what the end product should have been. My work was no better for her help. I didn't learn anything valuable except to go to professionals when a professional is called for.
| 0 | 1,400 | 1.055556 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixjgf4y
|
ixist8z
| 1,669,241,157 | 1,669,231,616 | 18 | 16 |
Congrats on completing a book-length work at a young age! Writing is like any other artistic skill - it takes a lot of practice to really master. For context, I'm 38. I took creative writing classes in high school and thought I was hot shit. I got a BA degree in creative writing in my early 20s, and realized everything I wrote in high school was crap. Thought I was hot shit. I got an MFA in fiction writing in my late 20s, and realized everything I wrote in college was crap. Thought I was hot shit. 8 years later, I am HAUNTED by how bad some of the stuff I wrote in my 20s is. And the worst news is that some of it is published, which means it will be out there forever, for anyone to find. There are no take-backsies. What I'm saying is, I strongly recommend against rushing to self publish. Especially at your age, consider conventional publishing (meaning after you do a bunch of edits try looking for a literary agency or small press. You might be a writing savant and the world needs your book, but maybe not... and I would let professionals be the filter). Otherwise in 10 years you will look back on this and DEEPLY regret your choice. This isn't meant to discourage - if you've completed a book-length work you are LEAGUES ahead of where I was in my teens and have a bright future. Good luck!
|
Have some pride in upholding the standards of our craft, and don’t self-publish until you can afford to pay for a quality editor. Doing otherwise is just dragging the entire industry down
| 1 | 9,541 | 1.125 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixizett
|
ixjgf4y
| 1,669,234,220 | 1,669,241,157 | 17 | 18 |
Personally, I'm humiliated by every breath I took as a teen. The book is awesome but I'd recommend getting some feedback from people who don't know you first.
|
Congrats on completing a book-length work at a young age! Writing is like any other artistic skill - it takes a lot of practice to really master. For context, I'm 38. I took creative writing classes in high school and thought I was hot shit. I got a BA degree in creative writing in my early 20s, and realized everything I wrote in high school was crap. Thought I was hot shit. I got an MFA in fiction writing in my late 20s, and realized everything I wrote in college was crap. Thought I was hot shit. 8 years later, I am HAUNTED by how bad some of the stuff I wrote in my 20s is. And the worst news is that some of it is published, which means it will be out there forever, for anyone to find. There are no take-backsies. What I'm saying is, I strongly recommend against rushing to self publish. Especially at your age, consider conventional publishing (meaning after you do a bunch of edits try looking for a literary agency or small press. You might be a writing savant and the world needs your book, but maybe not... and I would let professionals be the filter). Otherwise in 10 years you will look back on this and DEEPLY regret your choice. This isn't meant to discourage - if you've completed a book-length work you are LEAGUES ahead of where I was in my teens and have a bright future. Good luck!
| 0 | 6,937 | 1.058824 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixjgf4y
|
ixis0ow
| 1,669,241,157 | 1,669,231,295 | 18 | 9 |
Congrats on completing a book-length work at a young age! Writing is like any other artistic skill - it takes a lot of practice to really master. For context, I'm 38. I took creative writing classes in high school and thought I was hot shit. I got a BA degree in creative writing in my early 20s, and realized everything I wrote in high school was crap. Thought I was hot shit. I got an MFA in fiction writing in my late 20s, and realized everything I wrote in college was crap. Thought I was hot shit. 8 years later, I am HAUNTED by how bad some of the stuff I wrote in my 20s is. And the worst news is that some of it is published, which means it will be out there forever, for anyone to find. There are no take-backsies. What I'm saying is, I strongly recommend against rushing to self publish. Especially at your age, consider conventional publishing (meaning after you do a bunch of edits try looking for a literary agency or small press. You might be a writing savant and the world needs your book, but maybe not... and I would let professionals be the filter). Otherwise in 10 years you will look back on this and DEEPLY regret your choice. This isn't meant to discourage - if you've completed a book-length work you are LEAGUES ahead of where I was in my teens and have a bright future. Good luck!
|
I would say that is too much to ask someone to do for free. But you can ask.
| 1 | 9,862 | 2 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixjahlr
|
ixjgf4y
| 1,669,238,672 | 1,669,241,157 | 6 | 18 |
Mow a couple of lawns, get the money, and hire an editor. Given the several spelling and grammar mistakes just in your post, editing your book will be a decent project that your teacher does not have time for. They may be nice, underestimate the amount of work and say yes, (or feel pressured into saying yes) but come to resent you for the amount of work that comes with this kind of task. Yes, it’s a bad idea.
|
Congrats on completing a book-length work at a young age! Writing is like any other artistic skill - it takes a lot of practice to really master. For context, I'm 38. I took creative writing classes in high school and thought I was hot shit. I got a BA degree in creative writing in my early 20s, and realized everything I wrote in high school was crap. Thought I was hot shit. I got an MFA in fiction writing in my late 20s, and realized everything I wrote in college was crap. Thought I was hot shit. 8 years later, I am HAUNTED by how bad some of the stuff I wrote in my 20s is. And the worst news is that some of it is published, which means it will be out there forever, for anyone to find. There are no take-backsies. What I'm saying is, I strongly recommend against rushing to self publish. Especially at your age, consider conventional publishing (meaning after you do a bunch of edits try looking for a literary agency or small press. You might be a writing savant and the world needs your book, but maybe not... and I would let professionals be the filter). Otherwise in 10 years you will look back on this and DEEPLY regret your choice. This isn't meant to discourage - if you've completed a book-length work you are LEAGUES ahead of where I was in my teens and have a bright future. Good luck!
| 0 | 2,485 | 3 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixjgf4y
|
ixitfmj
| 1,669,241,157 | 1,669,231,865 | 18 | 6 |
Congrats on completing a book-length work at a young age! Writing is like any other artistic skill - it takes a lot of practice to really master. For context, I'm 38. I took creative writing classes in high school and thought I was hot shit. I got a BA degree in creative writing in my early 20s, and realized everything I wrote in high school was crap. Thought I was hot shit. I got an MFA in fiction writing in my late 20s, and realized everything I wrote in college was crap. Thought I was hot shit. 8 years later, I am HAUNTED by how bad some of the stuff I wrote in my 20s is. And the worst news is that some of it is published, which means it will be out there forever, for anyone to find. There are no take-backsies. What I'm saying is, I strongly recommend against rushing to self publish. Especially at your age, consider conventional publishing (meaning after you do a bunch of edits try looking for a literary agency or small press. You might be a writing savant and the world needs your book, but maybe not... and I would let professionals be the filter). Otherwise in 10 years you will look back on this and DEEPLY regret your choice. This isn't meant to discourage - if you've completed a book-length work you are LEAGUES ahead of where I was in my teens and have a bright future. Good luck!
|
I would say maybe ask for advice, but not for them to edit it. As someone who works at a school, I can tell you they probably have little free time as it is and might not want to take the time to edit your work, especially for free. Your best bet is to learn how to edit yourself or try using programs like ProWritingAid to help. It doesn't hurt to ask, but I wouldn't expect much and I'd probably feel bad making them edit something that I know will be a lot of work.
| 1 | 9,292 | 3 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixjgf4y
|
ixiv77q
| 1,669,241,157 | 1,669,232,558 | 18 | 5 |
Congrats on completing a book-length work at a young age! Writing is like any other artistic skill - it takes a lot of practice to really master. For context, I'm 38. I took creative writing classes in high school and thought I was hot shit. I got a BA degree in creative writing in my early 20s, and realized everything I wrote in high school was crap. Thought I was hot shit. I got an MFA in fiction writing in my late 20s, and realized everything I wrote in college was crap. Thought I was hot shit. 8 years later, I am HAUNTED by how bad some of the stuff I wrote in my 20s is. And the worst news is that some of it is published, which means it will be out there forever, for anyone to find. There are no take-backsies. What I'm saying is, I strongly recommend against rushing to self publish. Especially at your age, consider conventional publishing (meaning after you do a bunch of edits try looking for a literary agency or small press. You might be a writing savant and the world needs your book, but maybe not... and I would let professionals be the filter). Otherwise in 10 years you will look back on this and DEEPLY regret your choice. This isn't meant to discourage - if you've completed a book-length work you are LEAGUES ahead of where I was in my teens and have a bright future. Good luck!
|
Why publish yourself? I'm not saying not to just curious why you would choose that personally. Would you perhaps want just a couple of copies made at a vanity press instead?
| 1 | 8,599 | 3.6 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixjgf4y
|
ixivvis
| 1,669,241,157 | 1,669,232,824 | 18 | 3 |
Congrats on completing a book-length work at a young age! Writing is like any other artistic skill - it takes a lot of practice to really master. For context, I'm 38. I took creative writing classes in high school and thought I was hot shit. I got a BA degree in creative writing in my early 20s, and realized everything I wrote in high school was crap. Thought I was hot shit. I got an MFA in fiction writing in my late 20s, and realized everything I wrote in college was crap. Thought I was hot shit. 8 years later, I am HAUNTED by how bad some of the stuff I wrote in my 20s is. And the worst news is that some of it is published, which means it will be out there forever, for anyone to find. There are no take-backsies. What I'm saying is, I strongly recommend against rushing to self publish. Especially at your age, consider conventional publishing (meaning after you do a bunch of edits try looking for a literary agency or small press. You might be a writing savant and the world needs your book, but maybe not... and I would let professionals be the filter). Otherwise in 10 years you will look back on this and DEEPLY regret your choice. This isn't meant to discourage - if you've completed a book-length work you are LEAGUES ahead of where I was in my teens and have a bright future. Good luck!
|
You can give them a sample. See what they said and go from there. People are busy, editing is a lot of work, but there’re teachers who’ll be happy to help a student’s passion.
| 1 | 8,333 | 6 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixjgf4y
|
ixiz624
| 1,669,241,157 | 1,669,234,125 | 18 | 3 |
Congrats on completing a book-length work at a young age! Writing is like any other artistic skill - it takes a lot of practice to really master. For context, I'm 38. I took creative writing classes in high school and thought I was hot shit. I got a BA degree in creative writing in my early 20s, and realized everything I wrote in high school was crap. Thought I was hot shit. I got an MFA in fiction writing in my late 20s, and realized everything I wrote in college was crap. Thought I was hot shit. 8 years later, I am HAUNTED by how bad some of the stuff I wrote in my 20s is. And the worst news is that some of it is published, which means it will be out there forever, for anyone to find. There are no take-backsies. What I'm saying is, I strongly recommend against rushing to self publish. Especially at your age, consider conventional publishing (meaning after you do a bunch of edits try looking for a literary agency or small press. You might be a writing savant and the world needs your book, but maybe not... and I would let professionals be the filter). Otherwise in 10 years you will look back on this and DEEPLY regret your choice. This isn't meant to discourage - if you've completed a book-length work you are LEAGUES ahead of where I was in my teens and have a bright future. Good luck!
|
I would ask your teacher if they're open to reading the first chapter or two and letting you know if you're on the right track or making a few suggestions. I would not ask for a full edit unless they ask for more and are really eager to help.
| 1 | 7,032 | 6 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixizrid
|
ixjgf4y
| 1,669,234,358 | 1,669,241,157 | 3 | 18 |
There's a lot of good points and advise made here by other posters. If you're looking for someone to edit for free, try seeking some beta readers perhaps. Betas can help you find a good and right path and some do line edits as well.
|
Congrats on completing a book-length work at a young age! Writing is like any other artistic skill - it takes a lot of practice to really master. For context, I'm 38. I took creative writing classes in high school and thought I was hot shit. I got a BA degree in creative writing in my early 20s, and realized everything I wrote in high school was crap. Thought I was hot shit. I got an MFA in fiction writing in my late 20s, and realized everything I wrote in college was crap. Thought I was hot shit. 8 years later, I am HAUNTED by how bad some of the stuff I wrote in my 20s is. And the worst news is that some of it is published, which means it will be out there forever, for anyone to find. There are no take-backsies. What I'm saying is, I strongly recommend against rushing to self publish. Especially at your age, consider conventional publishing (meaning after you do a bunch of edits try looking for a literary agency or small press. You might be a writing savant and the world needs your book, but maybe not... and I would let professionals be the filter). Otherwise in 10 years you will look back on this and DEEPLY regret your choice. This isn't meant to discourage - if you've completed a book-length work you are LEAGUES ahead of where I was in my teens and have a bright future. Good luck!
| 0 | 6,799 | 6 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixirzmy
|
ixjgf4y
| 1,669,231,283 | 1,669,241,157 | 3 | 18 |
It’s not a bad idea to ask a teacher for help - the worst they can do is decline. (Other posters made good points, though: prepare for them to decline and also make sure you word it in a way where it comes across that you really value their time and feedback and take whatever you can get.) But … I’d suggest this first: make sure you already did several rounds of edits yourself. Make this baby shine. Have some beta readers read and comment and work in that feedback. Have you let it sit for a bit and then come back? If you want to persuade a teacher to help with editing, it will help if they see potential and see that you’ve done lots of work yourself already. From your post it’s unclear if this is a first draft or something you’ve worked on extensively? Which is it? Anyways. Kudos for writing and finishing a manuscript! That’s really awesome.
|
Congrats on completing a book-length work at a young age! Writing is like any other artistic skill - it takes a lot of practice to really master. For context, I'm 38. I took creative writing classes in high school and thought I was hot shit. I got a BA degree in creative writing in my early 20s, and realized everything I wrote in high school was crap. Thought I was hot shit. I got an MFA in fiction writing in my late 20s, and realized everything I wrote in college was crap. Thought I was hot shit. 8 years later, I am HAUNTED by how bad some of the stuff I wrote in my 20s is. And the worst news is that some of it is published, which means it will be out there forever, for anyone to find. There are no take-backsies. What I'm saying is, I strongly recommend against rushing to self publish. Especially at your age, consider conventional publishing (meaning after you do a bunch of edits try looking for a literary agency or small press. You might be a writing savant and the world needs your book, but maybe not... and I would let professionals be the filter). Otherwise in 10 years you will look back on this and DEEPLY regret your choice. This isn't meant to discourage - if you've completed a book-length work you are LEAGUES ahead of where I was in my teens and have a bright future. Good luck!
| 0 | 9,874 | 6 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixj3w61
|
ixjgf4y
| 1,669,236,014 | 1,669,241,157 | 2 | 18 |
If you do this, which you shouldn't for the reasons other people listed, I really hope your book is squeaky clean/pg content. Otherwise you're just going to risk getting everyone involved in trouble. Asking your teacher to edit for you is just unprofessional and probably proves you need more time before you're ready to publish.
|
Congrats on completing a book-length work at a young age! Writing is like any other artistic skill - it takes a lot of practice to really master. For context, I'm 38. I took creative writing classes in high school and thought I was hot shit. I got a BA degree in creative writing in my early 20s, and realized everything I wrote in high school was crap. Thought I was hot shit. I got an MFA in fiction writing in my late 20s, and realized everything I wrote in college was crap. Thought I was hot shit. 8 years later, I am HAUNTED by how bad some of the stuff I wrote in my 20s is. And the worst news is that some of it is published, which means it will be out there forever, for anyone to find. There are no take-backsies. What I'm saying is, I strongly recommend against rushing to self publish. Especially at your age, consider conventional publishing (meaning after you do a bunch of edits try looking for a literary agency or small press. You might be a writing savant and the world needs your book, but maybe not... and I would let professionals be the filter). Otherwise in 10 years you will look back on this and DEEPLY regret your choice. This isn't meant to discourage - if you've completed a book-length work you are LEAGUES ahead of where I was in my teens and have a bright future. Good luck!
| 0 | 5,143 | 9 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixist8z
|
ixjjmfd
| 1,669,231,616 | 1,669,242,557 | 16 | 19 |
Have some pride in upholding the standards of our craft, and don’t self-publish until you can afford to pay for a quality editor. Doing otherwise is just dragging the entire industry down
|
As a person who did exactly this, my advice is not to do it. As a high schooler, I didn't have the understanding of the craft/business to know what I was asking, and who I was asking it from. English teachers, while they obviously have a firm grasp of vocabulary and grammar, and they do edit essays all day long, they are not copy editors. I didn't realize how horribly I'd wasted my time (and probably hers) on that project until years later. Neither of us actually knew what the end product should have been. My work was no better for her help. I didn't learn anything valuable except to go to professionals when a professional is called for.
| 0 | 10,941 | 1.1875 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixjjmfd
|
ixizett
| 1,669,242,557 | 1,669,234,220 | 19 | 17 |
As a person who did exactly this, my advice is not to do it. As a high schooler, I didn't have the understanding of the craft/business to know what I was asking, and who I was asking it from. English teachers, while they obviously have a firm grasp of vocabulary and grammar, and they do edit essays all day long, they are not copy editors. I didn't realize how horribly I'd wasted my time (and probably hers) on that project until years later. Neither of us actually knew what the end product should have been. My work was no better for her help. I didn't learn anything valuable except to go to professionals when a professional is called for.
|
Personally, I'm humiliated by every breath I took as a teen. The book is awesome but I'd recommend getting some feedback from people who don't know you first.
| 1 | 8,337 | 1.117647 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixjjmfd
|
ixis0ow
| 1,669,242,557 | 1,669,231,295 | 19 | 9 |
As a person who did exactly this, my advice is not to do it. As a high schooler, I didn't have the understanding of the craft/business to know what I was asking, and who I was asking it from. English teachers, while they obviously have a firm grasp of vocabulary and grammar, and they do edit essays all day long, they are not copy editors. I didn't realize how horribly I'd wasted my time (and probably hers) on that project until years later. Neither of us actually knew what the end product should have been. My work was no better for her help. I didn't learn anything valuable except to go to professionals when a professional is called for.
|
I would say that is too much to ask someone to do for free. But you can ask.
| 1 | 11,262 | 2.111111 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixjjmfd
|
ixjahlr
| 1,669,242,557 | 1,669,238,672 | 19 | 6 |
As a person who did exactly this, my advice is not to do it. As a high schooler, I didn't have the understanding of the craft/business to know what I was asking, and who I was asking it from. English teachers, while they obviously have a firm grasp of vocabulary and grammar, and they do edit essays all day long, they are not copy editors. I didn't realize how horribly I'd wasted my time (and probably hers) on that project until years later. Neither of us actually knew what the end product should have been. My work was no better for her help. I didn't learn anything valuable except to go to professionals when a professional is called for.
|
Mow a couple of lawns, get the money, and hire an editor. Given the several spelling and grammar mistakes just in your post, editing your book will be a decent project that your teacher does not have time for. They may be nice, underestimate the amount of work and say yes, (or feel pressured into saying yes) but come to resent you for the amount of work that comes with this kind of task. Yes, it’s a bad idea.
| 1 | 3,885 | 3.166667 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixjjmfd
|
ixitfmj
| 1,669,242,557 | 1,669,231,865 | 19 | 6 |
As a person who did exactly this, my advice is not to do it. As a high schooler, I didn't have the understanding of the craft/business to know what I was asking, and who I was asking it from. English teachers, while they obviously have a firm grasp of vocabulary and grammar, and they do edit essays all day long, they are not copy editors. I didn't realize how horribly I'd wasted my time (and probably hers) on that project until years later. Neither of us actually knew what the end product should have been. My work was no better for her help. I didn't learn anything valuable except to go to professionals when a professional is called for.
|
I would say maybe ask for advice, but not for them to edit it. As someone who works at a school, I can tell you they probably have little free time as it is and might not want to take the time to edit your work, especially for free. Your best bet is to learn how to edit yourself or try using programs like ProWritingAid to help. It doesn't hurt to ask, but I wouldn't expect much and I'd probably feel bad making them edit something that I know will be a lot of work.
| 1 | 10,692 | 3.166667 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixiv77q
|
ixjjmfd
| 1,669,232,558 | 1,669,242,557 | 5 | 19 |
Why publish yourself? I'm not saying not to just curious why you would choose that personally. Would you perhaps want just a couple of copies made at a vanity press instead?
|
As a person who did exactly this, my advice is not to do it. As a high schooler, I didn't have the understanding of the craft/business to know what I was asking, and who I was asking it from. English teachers, while they obviously have a firm grasp of vocabulary and grammar, and they do edit essays all day long, they are not copy editors. I didn't realize how horribly I'd wasted my time (and probably hers) on that project until years later. Neither of us actually knew what the end product should have been. My work was no better for her help. I didn't learn anything valuable except to go to professionals when a professional is called for.
| 0 | 9,999 | 3.8 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixjjmfd
|
ixivvis
| 1,669,242,557 | 1,669,232,824 | 19 | 3 |
As a person who did exactly this, my advice is not to do it. As a high schooler, I didn't have the understanding of the craft/business to know what I was asking, and who I was asking it from. English teachers, while they obviously have a firm grasp of vocabulary and grammar, and they do edit essays all day long, they are not copy editors. I didn't realize how horribly I'd wasted my time (and probably hers) on that project until years later. Neither of us actually knew what the end product should have been. My work was no better for her help. I didn't learn anything valuable except to go to professionals when a professional is called for.
|
You can give them a sample. See what they said and go from there. People are busy, editing is a lot of work, but there’re teachers who’ll be happy to help a student’s passion.
| 1 | 9,733 | 6.333333 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixiz624
|
ixjjmfd
| 1,669,234,125 | 1,669,242,557 | 3 | 19 |
I would ask your teacher if they're open to reading the first chapter or two and letting you know if you're on the right track or making a few suggestions. I would not ask for a full edit unless they ask for more and are really eager to help.
|
As a person who did exactly this, my advice is not to do it. As a high schooler, I didn't have the understanding of the craft/business to know what I was asking, and who I was asking it from. English teachers, while they obviously have a firm grasp of vocabulary and grammar, and they do edit essays all day long, they are not copy editors. I didn't realize how horribly I'd wasted my time (and probably hers) on that project until years later. Neither of us actually knew what the end product should have been. My work was no better for her help. I didn't learn anything valuable except to go to professionals when a professional is called for.
| 0 | 8,432 | 6.333333 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixizrid
|
ixjjmfd
| 1,669,234,358 | 1,669,242,557 | 3 | 19 |
There's a lot of good points and advise made here by other posters. If you're looking for someone to edit for free, try seeking some beta readers perhaps. Betas can help you find a good and right path and some do line edits as well.
|
As a person who did exactly this, my advice is not to do it. As a high schooler, I didn't have the understanding of the craft/business to know what I was asking, and who I was asking it from. English teachers, while they obviously have a firm grasp of vocabulary and grammar, and they do edit essays all day long, they are not copy editors. I didn't realize how horribly I'd wasted my time (and probably hers) on that project until years later. Neither of us actually knew what the end product should have been. My work was no better for her help. I didn't learn anything valuable except to go to professionals when a professional is called for.
| 0 | 8,199 | 6.333333 | ||
z2xhid
|
writing_train
| 0.79 |
Is it a bad idea to ask my teacher to help edit? In brief: I've written a book, I'm a teen, I'm looking to self publish, I'm not spending money on editors, I'd like to ask my english teacher to help editting and to get feedback. Are there and flaws or problems with this idea? Should j do it? Any Qs please ask.
|
ixjjmfd
|
ixirzmy
| 1,669,242,557 | 1,669,231,283 | 19 | 3 |
As a person who did exactly this, my advice is not to do it. As a high schooler, I didn't have the understanding of the craft/business to know what I was asking, and who I was asking it from. English teachers, while they obviously have a firm grasp of vocabulary and grammar, and they do edit essays all day long, they are not copy editors. I didn't realize how horribly I'd wasted my time (and probably hers) on that project until years later. Neither of us actually knew what the end product should have been. My work was no better for her help. I didn't learn anything valuable except to go to professionals when a professional is called for.
|
It’s not a bad idea to ask a teacher for help - the worst they can do is decline. (Other posters made good points, though: prepare for them to decline and also make sure you word it in a way where it comes across that you really value their time and feedback and take whatever you can get.) But … I’d suggest this first: make sure you already did several rounds of edits yourself. Make this baby shine. Have some beta readers read and comment and work in that feedback. Have you let it sit for a bit and then come back? If you want to persuade a teacher to help with editing, it will help if they see potential and see that you’ve done lots of work yourself already. From your post it’s unclear if this is a first draft or something you’ve worked on extensively? Which is it? Anyways. Kudos for writing and finishing a manuscript! That’s really awesome.
| 1 | 11,274 | 6.333333 |
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