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znzb3n | writing_train | 0.9 | Other people’s successful first novels are putting me off from publishing Like, takes The Lies of Locke Lamora. It was Scott Lynch’s FIRST novel and he was only 26 when he published it. Mine obviously isn’t as good, so I feel I should start over or write more novels until my quality of writing improves. That would get me caught in an endless loop, though, and I’d get nothing published. Anyone else have issues with this feeling of inadequacy? | j0k5lii | j0l9ni8 | 1,671,259,365 | 1,671,288,748 | 2 | 5 | I feel like some people can naturally write better and other people, like myself, have to learn by making mistakes which may take longer. That’s not to say “the best writers” don’t make mistakes, but they have a way with words. That doesn’t mean you should give up. It can take years to develop a good craft and even longer to publish. Everyone has to learn, study, read, and practice to get better. You have every right to feel what you’re feeling, but we all have our owns paths to take. Some get there sooner than others. Some days I don’t feel like showing up to write because everything sounds like trash! I didn’t go to college or have any writing friends. It’s a lonely craft. If you ever feel discouraged though, I recommend watching: https://youtu.be/nQhSz5jyd9s This literally got me out of a slump the other day and I will probably watch it every time I need encouragement. | There's a nice thick line between not believing in yourself at all and becoming a total diva. I've seen too many writers wallow in the disbelief side and more than a few turn into raging jerks. Take a few steps toward the middle and try having some faith in your work. Doubtless, it's not as bad you think it is just like no one's work is ever as good as they think it is. Also, like someone else pointed out, the stuff on the bookshelves is probably way different than the 1st cut of the manuscript and it wasn't just Lynch that did all that work. | 0 | 29,383 | 2.5 | ||
znzb3n | writing_train | 0.9 | Other people’s successful first novels are putting me off from publishing Like, takes The Lies of Locke Lamora. It was Scott Lynch’s FIRST novel and he was only 26 when he published it. Mine obviously isn’t as good, so I feel I should start over or write more novels until my quality of writing improves. That would get me caught in an endless loop, though, and I’d get nothing published. Anyone else have issues with this feeling of inadequacy? | j0l9ni8 | j0l1mll | 1,671,288,748 | 1,671,284,468 | 5 | 3 | There's a nice thick line between not believing in yourself at all and becoming a total diva. I've seen too many writers wallow in the disbelief side and more than a few turn into raging jerks. Take a few steps toward the middle and try having some faith in your work. Doubtless, it's not as bad you think it is just like no one's work is ever as good as they think it is. Also, like someone else pointed out, the stuff on the bookshelves is probably way different than the 1st cut of the manuscript and it wasn't just Lynch that did all that work. | Trust the process and yourself. There's always luck involved in publishing but if you tell the story you want to tell and work hard at promoting it you'll get there. | 1 | 4,280 | 1.666667 | ||
znzb3n | writing_train | 0.9 | Other people’s successful first novels are putting me off from publishing Like, takes The Lies of Locke Lamora. It was Scott Lynch’s FIRST novel and he was only 26 when he published it. Mine obviously isn’t as good, so I feel I should start over or write more novels until my quality of writing improves. That would get me caught in an endless loop, though, and I’d get nothing published. Anyone else have issues with this feeling of inadequacy? | j0l9ni8 | j0l89ub | 1,671,288,748 | 1,671,288,059 | 5 | 3 | There's a nice thick line between not believing in yourself at all and becoming a total diva. I've seen too many writers wallow in the disbelief side and more than a few turn into raging jerks. Take a few steps toward the middle and try having some faith in your work. Doubtless, it's not as bad you think it is just like no one's work is ever as good as they think it is. Also, like someone else pointed out, the stuff on the bookshelves is probably way different than the 1st cut of the manuscript and it wasn't just Lynch that did all that work. | Thank you for posting this, OP. I am looking at the comments and it is spurring me to actually begin the writing of my first novel - which I really want to do before I die. Really, thank you! | 1 | 689 | 1.666667 | ||
znzb3n | writing_train | 0.9 | Other people’s successful first novels are putting me off from publishing Like, takes The Lies of Locke Lamora. It was Scott Lynch’s FIRST novel and he was only 26 when he published it. Mine obviously isn’t as good, so I feel I should start over or write more novels until my quality of writing improves. That would get me caught in an endless loop, though, and I’d get nothing published. Anyone else have issues with this feeling of inadequacy? | j0l9ni8 | j0l8exo | 1,671,288,748 | 1,671,288,130 | 5 | 3 | There's a nice thick line between not believing in yourself at all and becoming a total diva. I've seen too many writers wallow in the disbelief side and more than a few turn into raging jerks. Take a few steps toward the middle and try having some faith in your work. Doubtless, it's not as bad you think it is just like no one's work is ever as good as they think it is. Also, like someone else pointed out, the stuff on the bookshelves is probably way different than the 1st cut of the manuscript and it wasn't just Lynch that did all that work. | I published my first book at 26. It sold decent for a small press starting out (and subsequently folding the next year), and I have sold one book a year after followed by over a decade of rejections. You just keep trying and see what works. | 1 | 618 | 1.666667 | ||
znzb3n | writing_train | 0.9 | Other people’s successful first novels are putting me off from publishing Like, takes The Lies of Locke Lamora. It was Scott Lynch’s FIRST novel and he was only 26 when he published it. Mine obviously isn’t as good, so I feel I should start over or write more novels until my quality of writing improves. That would get me caught in an endless loop, though, and I’d get nothing published. Anyone else have issues with this feeling of inadequacy? | j0k5lii | j0ld1hd | 1,671,259,365 | 1,671,290,362 | 2 | 5 | I feel like some people can naturally write better and other people, like myself, have to learn by making mistakes which may take longer. That’s not to say “the best writers” don’t make mistakes, but they have a way with words. That doesn’t mean you should give up. It can take years to develop a good craft and even longer to publish. Everyone has to learn, study, read, and practice to get better. You have every right to feel what you’re feeling, but we all have our owns paths to take. Some get there sooner than others. Some days I don’t feel like showing up to write because everything sounds like trash! I didn’t go to college or have any writing friends. It’s a lonely craft. If you ever feel discouraged though, I recommend watching: https://youtu.be/nQhSz5jyd9s This literally got me out of a slump the other day and I will probably watch it every time I need encouragement. | >Mine obviously isn’t as good, so I feel I should start over or write more novels until my quality of writing improves. On the flip side, look how much garbage gets published and sells. Might as well sell your garbage too! | 0 | 30,997 | 2.5 | ||
znzb3n | writing_train | 0.9 | Other people’s successful first novels are putting me off from publishing Like, takes The Lies of Locke Lamora. It was Scott Lynch’s FIRST novel and he was only 26 when he published it. Mine obviously isn’t as good, so I feel I should start over or write more novels until my quality of writing improves. That would get me caught in an endless loop, though, and I’d get nothing published. Anyone else have issues with this feeling of inadequacy? | j0l1mll | j0ld1hd | 1,671,284,468 | 1,671,290,362 | 3 | 5 | Trust the process and yourself. There's always luck involved in publishing but if you tell the story you want to tell and work hard at promoting it you'll get there. | >Mine obviously isn’t as good, so I feel I should start over or write more novels until my quality of writing improves. On the flip side, look how much garbage gets published and sells. Might as well sell your garbage too! | 0 | 5,894 | 1.666667 | ||
znzb3n | writing_train | 0.9 | Other people’s successful first novels are putting me off from publishing Like, takes The Lies of Locke Lamora. It was Scott Lynch’s FIRST novel and he was only 26 when he published it. Mine obviously isn’t as good, so I feel I should start over or write more novels until my quality of writing improves. That would get me caught in an endless loop, though, and I’d get nothing published. Anyone else have issues with this feeling of inadequacy? | j0l89ub | j0ld1hd | 1,671,288,059 | 1,671,290,362 | 3 | 5 | Thank you for posting this, OP. I am looking at the comments and it is spurring me to actually begin the writing of my first novel - which I really want to do before I die. Really, thank you! | >Mine obviously isn’t as good, so I feel I should start over or write more novels until my quality of writing improves. On the flip side, look how much garbage gets published and sells. Might as well sell your garbage too! | 0 | 2,303 | 1.666667 | ||
znzb3n | writing_train | 0.9 | Other people’s successful first novels are putting me off from publishing Like, takes The Lies of Locke Lamora. It was Scott Lynch’s FIRST novel and he was only 26 when he published it. Mine obviously isn’t as good, so I feel I should start over or write more novels until my quality of writing improves. That would get me caught in an endless loop, though, and I’d get nothing published. Anyone else have issues with this feeling of inadequacy? | j0l8exo | j0ld1hd | 1,671,288,130 | 1,671,290,362 | 3 | 5 | I published my first book at 26. It sold decent for a small press starting out (and subsequently folding the next year), and I have sold one book a year after followed by over a decade of rejections. You just keep trying and see what works. | >Mine obviously isn’t as good, so I feel I should start over or write more novels until my quality of writing improves. On the flip side, look how much garbage gets published and sells. Might as well sell your garbage too! | 0 | 2,232 | 1.666667 | ||
znzb3n | writing_train | 0.9 | Other people’s successful first novels are putting me off from publishing Like, takes The Lies of Locke Lamora. It was Scott Lynch’s FIRST novel and he was only 26 when he published it. Mine obviously isn’t as good, so I feel I should start over or write more novels until my quality of writing improves. That would get me caught in an endless loop, though, and I’d get nothing published. Anyone else have issues with this feeling of inadequacy? | j0mplzl | j0ml73j | 1,671,310,957 | 1,671,309,086 | 5 | 4 | Adding to the "TLOLL is probably not Scott Lynch's first novel" point, I dug around a bit... Ok, not really "dug". I googled "Scott Lynch interview" and clicked on the first link. Here you go: >**Speaking of structural issues, on your blog you said one of your friends took you to a Disney movie and said, “I’ve already seen this movie but I want you to watch it to learn basic plot structure.”**
\Laughter\] That was several years before The Lies of Locke Lamora, when I was even more of a neo-neophyte writer. Apparently it was his impression that basic story structure was eluding me and to some extent he was right. Also: >One of the failed prologues that I wrote for the first book became a chapter in Republic of Thieves called “The Undrowned Girl.” It’s there in Republic of Thieves in more or less its original form. And, from this [other interview: >Writing was something that I had always been interested, at least from the age of about ten. That’s when I tried to write my first actual book, and made it roughly a page and a half. I also spent a great many years convinced that I was going to draw comic books, but in high school my art hit a plateau and I didn’t have the discipline to drag myself off of it…so voila, plan B was writing.
I started seriously planning the book that eventually became TLOLL sometime in 2000, and was making half-assed attempts to write it the year after that. Until 2003, mostly what I had was a very large pile of notes, research, genealogies, and two-page fragments that went nowhere. So basically, he was writing long before TLOLL. | The author of red rising talks about how the early drafts of the series were so garbage he would stop writing completely for months at a time. The first draft will never ever look good. I'm willing to bet if you have a story you really love and you get all the time and editing assistance you'd be surprised at how stellar your work is. | 1 | 1,871 | 1.25 | ||
znzb3n | writing_train | 0.9 | Other people’s successful first novels are putting me off from publishing Like, takes The Lies of Locke Lamora. It was Scott Lynch’s FIRST novel and he was only 26 when he published it. Mine obviously isn’t as good, so I feel I should start over or write more novels until my quality of writing improves. That would get me caught in an endless loop, though, and I’d get nothing published. Anyone else have issues with this feeling of inadequacy? | j0k5lii | j0ml73j | 1,671,259,365 | 1,671,309,086 | 2 | 4 | I feel like some people can naturally write better and other people, like myself, have to learn by making mistakes which may take longer. That’s not to say “the best writers” don’t make mistakes, but they have a way with words. That doesn’t mean you should give up. It can take years to develop a good craft and even longer to publish. Everyone has to learn, study, read, and practice to get better. You have every right to feel what you’re feeling, but we all have our owns paths to take. Some get there sooner than others. Some days I don’t feel like showing up to write because everything sounds like trash! I didn’t go to college or have any writing friends. It’s a lonely craft. If you ever feel discouraged though, I recommend watching: https://youtu.be/nQhSz5jyd9s This literally got me out of a slump the other day and I will probably watch it every time I need encouragement. | The author of red rising talks about how the early drafts of the series were so garbage he would stop writing completely for months at a time. The first draft will never ever look good. I'm willing to bet if you have a story you really love and you get all the time and editing assistance you'd be surprised at how stellar your work is. | 0 | 49,721 | 2 | ||
znzb3n | writing_train | 0.9 | Other people’s successful first novels are putting me off from publishing Like, takes The Lies of Locke Lamora. It was Scott Lynch’s FIRST novel and he was only 26 when he published it. Mine obviously isn’t as good, so I feel I should start over or write more novels until my quality of writing improves. That would get me caught in an endless loop, though, and I’d get nothing published. Anyone else have issues with this feeling of inadequacy? | j0ml73j | j0l1mll | 1,671,309,086 | 1,671,284,468 | 4 | 3 | The author of red rising talks about how the early drafts of the series were so garbage he would stop writing completely for months at a time. The first draft will never ever look good. I'm willing to bet if you have a story you really love and you get all the time and editing assistance you'd be surprised at how stellar your work is. | Trust the process and yourself. There's always luck involved in publishing but if you tell the story you want to tell and work hard at promoting it you'll get there. | 1 | 24,618 | 1.333333 | ||
znzb3n | writing_train | 0.9 | Other people’s successful first novels are putting me off from publishing Like, takes The Lies of Locke Lamora. It was Scott Lynch’s FIRST novel and he was only 26 when he published it. Mine obviously isn’t as good, so I feel I should start over or write more novels until my quality of writing improves. That would get me caught in an endless loop, though, and I’d get nothing published. Anyone else have issues with this feeling of inadequacy? | j0l89ub | j0ml73j | 1,671,288,059 | 1,671,309,086 | 3 | 4 | Thank you for posting this, OP. I am looking at the comments and it is spurring me to actually begin the writing of my first novel - which I really want to do before I die. Really, thank you! | The author of red rising talks about how the early drafts of the series were so garbage he would stop writing completely for months at a time. The first draft will never ever look good. I'm willing to bet if you have a story you really love and you get all the time and editing assistance you'd be surprised at how stellar your work is. | 0 | 21,027 | 1.333333 | ||
znzb3n | writing_train | 0.9 | Other people’s successful first novels are putting me off from publishing Like, takes The Lies of Locke Lamora. It was Scott Lynch’s FIRST novel and he was only 26 when he published it. Mine obviously isn’t as good, so I feel I should start over or write more novels until my quality of writing improves. That would get me caught in an endless loop, though, and I’d get nothing published. Anyone else have issues with this feeling of inadequacy? | j0l8exo | j0ml73j | 1,671,288,130 | 1,671,309,086 | 3 | 4 | I published my first book at 26. It sold decent for a small press starting out (and subsequently folding the next year), and I have sold one book a year after followed by over a decade of rejections. You just keep trying and see what works. | The author of red rising talks about how the early drafts of the series were so garbage he would stop writing completely for months at a time. The first draft will never ever look good. I'm willing to bet if you have a story you really love and you get all the time and editing assistance you'd be surprised at how stellar your work is. | 0 | 20,956 | 1.333333 | ||
znzb3n | writing_train | 0.9 | Other people’s successful first novels are putting me off from publishing Like, takes The Lies of Locke Lamora. It was Scott Lynch’s FIRST novel and he was only 26 when he published it. Mine obviously isn’t as good, so I feel I should start over or write more novels until my quality of writing improves. That would get me caught in an endless loop, though, and I’d get nothing published. Anyone else have issues with this feeling of inadequacy? | j0ljvww | j0ml73j | 1,671,293,446 | 1,671,309,086 | 3 | 4 | Go the other way. Find the worst reviewed paid book you can find, and force yourself through it. Every time you cringe, remember that this asshole made at least a few cents for making you read this utter garbage, and how you can for sure do better than this. | The author of red rising talks about how the early drafts of the series were so garbage he would stop writing completely for months at a time. The first draft will never ever look good. I'm willing to bet if you have a story you really love and you get all the time and editing assistance you'd be surprised at how stellar your work is. | 0 | 15,640 | 1.333333 | ||
znzb3n | writing_train | 0.9 | Other people’s successful first novels are putting me off from publishing Like, takes The Lies of Locke Lamora. It was Scott Lynch’s FIRST novel and he was only 26 when he published it. Mine obviously isn’t as good, so I feel I should start over or write more novels until my quality of writing improves. That would get me caught in an endless loop, though, and I’d get nothing published. Anyone else have issues with this feeling of inadequacy? | j0mftlh | j0ml73j | 1,671,306,788 | 1,671,309,086 | 3 | 4 | I'm in my early 40s, and my first and second books came out this year. My second one (not a novel) will probably be more successful than my first one, at least judging by initial sales and hype. I poured my heart and soul into the first for seven years and co-wrote the second in 12 days. Of course I wanted my first novel to come out in my teens or 20s when I could be critically acclaimed as a young genius! But life didn't pan out that way for me. But I couldn't have written the novel I did when I was in my teens or 20s—I just didn't have the life experience. I was also much more sensitive then and the reality that most books actually don't do that well might have been very discouraging and stopped me from writing more. As it is, I can now put a list of books, multiple, that I've written, when applying for grants or seeking out agents and publishers. Which, at least in my country, is often the only type of success that any creator has. And I'm making up for lost time now. | The author of red rising talks about how the early drafts of the series were so garbage he would stop writing completely for months at a time. The first draft will never ever look good. I'm willing to bet if you have a story you really love and you get all the time and editing assistance you'd be surprised at how stellar your work is. | 0 | 2,298 | 1.333333 | ||
znzb3n | writing_train | 0.9 | Other people’s successful first novels are putting me off from publishing Like, takes The Lies of Locke Lamora. It was Scott Lynch’s FIRST novel and he was only 26 when he published it. Mine obviously isn’t as good, so I feel I should start over or write more novels until my quality of writing improves. That would get me caught in an endless loop, though, and I’d get nothing published. Anyone else have issues with this feeling of inadequacy? | j0mplzl | j0k5lii | 1,671,310,957 | 1,671,259,365 | 5 | 2 | Adding to the "TLOLL is probably not Scott Lynch's first novel" point, I dug around a bit... Ok, not really "dug". I googled "Scott Lynch interview" and clicked on the first link. Here you go: >**Speaking of structural issues, on your blog you said one of your friends took you to a Disney movie and said, “I’ve already seen this movie but I want you to watch it to learn basic plot structure.”**
\Laughter\] That was several years before The Lies of Locke Lamora, when I was even more of a neo-neophyte writer. Apparently it was his impression that basic story structure was eluding me and to some extent he was right. Also: >One of the failed prologues that I wrote for the first book became a chapter in Republic of Thieves called “The Undrowned Girl.” It’s there in Republic of Thieves in more or less its original form. And, from this [other interview: >Writing was something that I had always been interested, at least from the age of about ten. That’s when I tried to write my first actual book, and made it roughly a page and a half. I also spent a great many years convinced that I was going to draw comic books, but in high school my art hit a plateau and I didn’t have the discipline to drag myself off of it…so voila, plan B was writing.
I started seriously planning the book that eventually became TLOLL sometime in 2000, and was making half-assed attempts to write it the year after that. Until 2003, mostly what I had was a very large pile of notes, research, genealogies, and two-page fragments that went nowhere. So basically, he was writing long before TLOLL. | I feel like some people can naturally write better and other people, like myself, have to learn by making mistakes which may take longer. That’s not to say “the best writers” don’t make mistakes, but they have a way with words. That doesn’t mean you should give up. It can take years to develop a good craft and even longer to publish. Everyone has to learn, study, read, and practice to get better. You have every right to feel what you’re feeling, but we all have our owns paths to take. Some get there sooner than others. Some days I don’t feel like showing up to write because everything sounds like trash! I didn’t go to college or have any writing friends. It’s a lonely craft. If you ever feel discouraged though, I recommend watching: https://youtu.be/nQhSz5jyd9s This literally got me out of a slump the other day and I will probably watch it every time I need encouragement. | 1 | 51,592 | 2.5 | ||
znzb3n | writing_train | 0.9 | Other people’s successful first novels are putting me off from publishing Like, takes The Lies of Locke Lamora. It was Scott Lynch’s FIRST novel and he was only 26 when he published it. Mine obviously isn’t as good, so I feel I should start over or write more novels until my quality of writing improves. That would get me caught in an endless loop, though, and I’d get nothing published. Anyone else have issues with this feeling of inadequacy? | j0mplzl | j0l1mll | 1,671,310,957 | 1,671,284,468 | 5 | 3 | Adding to the "TLOLL is probably not Scott Lynch's first novel" point, I dug around a bit... Ok, not really "dug". I googled "Scott Lynch interview" and clicked on the first link. Here you go: >**Speaking of structural issues, on your blog you said one of your friends took you to a Disney movie and said, “I’ve already seen this movie but I want you to watch it to learn basic plot structure.”**
\Laughter\] That was several years before The Lies of Locke Lamora, when I was even more of a neo-neophyte writer. Apparently it was his impression that basic story structure was eluding me and to some extent he was right. Also: >One of the failed prologues that I wrote for the first book became a chapter in Republic of Thieves called “The Undrowned Girl.” It’s there in Republic of Thieves in more or less its original form. And, from this [other interview: >Writing was something that I had always been interested, at least from the age of about ten. That’s when I tried to write my first actual book, and made it roughly a page and a half. I also spent a great many years convinced that I was going to draw comic books, but in high school my art hit a plateau and I didn’t have the discipline to drag myself off of it…so voila, plan B was writing.
I started seriously planning the book that eventually became TLOLL sometime in 2000, and was making half-assed attempts to write it the year after that. Until 2003, mostly what I had was a very large pile of notes, research, genealogies, and two-page fragments that went nowhere. So basically, he was writing long before TLOLL. | Trust the process and yourself. There's always luck involved in publishing but if you tell the story you want to tell and work hard at promoting it you'll get there. | 1 | 26,489 | 1.666667 | ||
znzb3n | writing_train | 0.9 | Other people’s successful first novels are putting me off from publishing Like, takes The Lies of Locke Lamora. It was Scott Lynch’s FIRST novel and he was only 26 when he published it. Mine obviously isn’t as good, so I feel I should start over or write more novels until my quality of writing improves. That would get me caught in an endless loop, though, and I’d get nothing published. Anyone else have issues with this feeling of inadequacy? | j0mplzl | j0l89ub | 1,671,310,957 | 1,671,288,059 | 5 | 3 | Adding to the "TLOLL is probably not Scott Lynch's first novel" point, I dug around a bit... Ok, not really "dug". I googled "Scott Lynch interview" and clicked on the first link. Here you go: >**Speaking of structural issues, on your blog you said one of your friends took you to a Disney movie and said, “I’ve already seen this movie but I want you to watch it to learn basic plot structure.”**
\Laughter\] That was several years before The Lies of Locke Lamora, when I was even more of a neo-neophyte writer. Apparently it was his impression that basic story structure was eluding me and to some extent he was right. Also: >One of the failed prologues that I wrote for the first book became a chapter in Republic of Thieves called “The Undrowned Girl.” It’s there in Republic of Thieves in more or less its original form. And, from this [other interview: >Writing was something that I had always been interested, at least from the age of about ten. That’s when I tried to write my first actual book, and made it roughly a page and a half. I also spent a great many years convinced that I was going to draw comic books, but in high school my art hit a plateau and I didn’t have the discipline to drag myself off of it…so voila, plan B was writing.
I started seriously planning the book that eventually became TLOLL sometime in 2000, and was making half-assed attempts to write it the year after that. Until 2003, mostly what I had was a very large pile of notes, research, genealogies, and two-page fragments that went nowhere. So basically, he was writing long before TLOLL. | Thank you for posting this, OP. I am looking at the comments and it is spurring me to actually begin the writing of my first novel - which I really want to do before I die. Really, thank you! | 1 | 22,898 | 1.666667 | ||
znzb3n | writing_train | 0.9 | Other people’s successful first novels are putting me off from publishing Like, takes The Lies of Locke Lamora. It was Scott Lynch’s FIRST novel and he was only 26 when he published it. Mine obviously isn’t as good, so I feel I should start over or write more novels until my quality of writing improves. That would get me caught in an endless loop, though, and I’d get nothing published. Anyone else have issues with this feeling of inadequacy? | j0mplzl | j0l8exo | 1,671,310,957 | 1,671,288,130 | 5 | 3 | Adding to the "TLOLL is probably not Scott Lynch's first novel" point, I dug around a bit... Ok, not really "dug". I googled "Scott Lynch interview" and clicked on the first link. Here you go: >**Speaking of structural issues, on your blog you said one of your friends took you to a Disney movie and said, “I’ve already seen this movie but I want you to watch it to learn basic plot structure.”**
\Laughter\] That was several years before The Lies of Locke Lamora, when I was even more of a neo-neophyte writer. Apparently it was his impression that basic story structure was eluding me and to some extent he was right. Also: >One of the failed prologues that I wrote for the first book became a chapter in Republic of Thieves called “The Undrowned Girl.” It’s there in Republic of Thieves in more or less its original form. And, from this [other interview: >Writing was something that I had always been interested, at least from the age of about ten. That’s when I tried to write my first actual book, and made it roughly a page and a half. I also spent a great many years convinced that I was going to draw comic books, but in high school my art hit a plateau and I didn’t have the discipline to drag myself off of it…so voila, plan B was writing.
I started seriously planning the book that eventually became TLOLL sometime in 2000, and was making half-assed attempts to write it the year after that. Until 2003, mostly what I had was a very large pile of notes, research, genealogies, and two-page fragments that went nowhere. So basically, he was writing long before TLOLL. | I published my first book at 26. It sold decent for a small press starting out (and subsequently folding the next year), and I have sold one book a year after followed by over a decade of rejections. You just keep trying and see what works. | 1 | 22,827 | 1.666667 | ||
znzb3n | writing_train | 0.9 | Other people’s successful first novels are putting me off from publishing Like, takes The Lies of Locke Lamora. It was Scott Lynch’s FIRST novel and he was only 26 when he published it. Mine obviously isn’t as good, so I feel I should start over or write more novels until my quality of writing improves. That would get me caught in an endless loop, though, and I’d get nothing published. Anyone else have issues with this feeling of inadequacy? | j0ljvww | j0mplzl | 1,671,293,446 | 1,671,310,957 | 3 | 5 | Go the other way. Find the worst reviewed paid book you can find, and force yourself through it. Every time you cringe, remember that this asshole made at least a few cents for making you read this utter garbage, and how you can for sure do better than this. | Adding to the "TLOLL is probably not Scott Lynch's first novel" point, I dug around a bit... Ok, not really "dug". I googled "Scott Lynch interview" and clicked on the first link. Here you go: >**Speaking of structural issues, on your blog you said one of your friends took you to a Disney movie and said, “I’ve already seen this movie but I want you to watch it to learn basic plot structure.”**
\Laughter\] That was several years before The Lies of Locke Lamora, when I was even more of a neo-neophyte writer. Apparently it was his impression that basic story structure was eluding me and to some extent he was right. Also: >One of the failed prologues that I wrote for the first book became a chapter in Republic of Thieves called “The Undrowned Girl.” It’s there in Republic of Thieves in more or less its original form. And, from this [other interview: >Writing was something that I had always been interested, at least from the age of about ten. That’s when I tried to write my first actual book, and made it roughly a page and a half. I also spent a great many years convinced that I was going to draw comic books, but in high school my art hit a plateau and I didn’t have the discipline to drag myself off of it…so voila, plan B was writing.
I started seriously planning the book that eventually became TLOLL sometime in 2000, and was making half-assed attempts to write it the year after that. Until 2003, mostly what I had was a very large pile of notes, research, genealogies, and two-page fragments that went nowhere. So basically, he was writing long before TLOLL. | 0 | 17,511 | 1.666667 | ||
znzb3n | writing_train | 0.9 | Other people’s successful first novels are putting me off from publishing Like, takes The Lies of Locke Lamora. It was Scott Lynch’s FIRST novel and he was only 26 when he published it. Mine obviously isn’t as good, so I feel I should start over or write more novels until my quality of writing improves. That would get me caught in an endless loop, though, and I’d get nothing published. Anyone else have issues with this feeling of inadequacy? | j0mftlh | j0mplzl | 1,671,306,788 | 1,671,310,957 | 3 | 5 | I'm in my early 40s, and my first and second books came out this year. My second one (not a novel) will probably be more successful than my first one, at least judging by initial sales and hype. I poured my heart and soul into the first for seven years and co-wrote the second in 12 days. Of course I wanted my first novel to come out in my teens or 20s when I could be critically acclaimed as a young genius! But life didn't pan out that way for me. But I couldn't have written the novel I did when I was in my teens or 20s—I just didn't have the life experience. I was also much more sensitive then and the reality that most books actually don't do that well might have been very discouraging and stopped me from writing more. As it is, I can now put a list of books, multiple, that I've written, when applying for grants or seeking out agents and publishers. Which, at least in my country, is often the only type of success that any creator has. And I'm making up for lost time now. | Adding to the "TLOLL is probably not Scott Lynch's first novel" point, I dug around a bit... Ok, not really "dug". I googled "Scott Lynch interview" and clicked on the first link. Here you go: >**Speaking of structural issues, on your blog you said one of your friends took you to a Disney movie and said, “I’ve already seen this movie but I want you to watch it to learn basic plot structure.”**
\Laughter\] That was several years before The Lies of Locke Lamora, when I was even more of a neo-neophyte writer. Apparently it was his impression that basic story structure was eluding me and to some extent he was right. Also: >One of the failed prologues that I wrote for the first book became a chapter in Republic of Thieves called “The Undrowned Girl.” It’s there in Republic of Thieves in more or less its original form. And, from this [other interview: >Writing was something that I had always been interested, at least from the age of about ten. That’s when I tried to write my first actual book, and made it roughly a page and a half. I also spent a great many years convinced that I was going to draw comic books, but in high school my art hit a plateau and I didn’t have the discipline to drag myself off of it…so voila, plan B was writing.
I started seriously planning the book that eventually became TLOLL sometime in 2000, and was making half-assed attempts to write it the year after that. Until 2003, mostly what I had was a very large pile of notes, research, genealogies, and two-page fragments that went nowhere. So basically, he was writing long before TLOLL. | 0 | 4,169 | 1.666667 | ||
znzb3n | writing_train | 0.9 | Other people’s successful first novels are putting me off from publishing Like, takes The Lies of Locke Lamora. It was Scott Lynch’s FIRST novel and he was only 26 when he published it. Mine obviously isn’t as good, so I feel I should start over or write more novels until my quality of writing improves. That would get me caught in an endless loop, though, and I’d get nothing published. Anyone else have issues with this feeling of inadequacy? | j0mueg3 | j0k5lii | 1,671,312,966 | 1,671,259,365 | 3 | 2 | Brandon Sanderson didn't get his first novel published, I think he said it wasn't even until his \~12th book that he published. I actually recommend watching his lectures on YouTube, particularly the first lecture, where he covers "Why do you want to write" instead of actual structure. | I feel like some people can naturally write better and other people, like myself, have to learn by making mistakes which may take longer. That’s not to say “the best writers” don’t make mistakes, but they have a way with words. That doesn’t mean you should give up. It can take years to develop a good craft and even longer to publish. Everyone has to learn, study, read, and practice to get better. You have every right to feel what you’re feeling, but we all have our owns paths to take. Some get there sooner than others. Some days I don’t feel like showing up to write because everything sounds like trash! I didn’t go to college or have any writing friends. It’s a lonely craft. If you ever feel discouraged though, I recommend watching: https://youtu.be/nQhSz5jyd9s This literally got me out of a slump the other day and I will probably watch it every time I need encouragement. | 1 | 53,601 | 1.5 | ||
znzb3n | writing_train | 0.9 | Other people’s successful first novels are putting me off from publishing Like, takes The Lies of Locke Lamora. It was Scott Lynch’s FIRST novel and he was only 26 when he published it. Mine obviously isn’t as good, so I feel I should start over or write more novels until my quality of writing improves. That would get me caught in an endless loop, though, and I’d get nothing published. Anyone else have issues with this feeling of inadequacy? | j0l1mll | j0k5lii | 1,671,284,468 | 1,671,259,365 | 3 | 2 | Trust the process and yourself. There's always luck involved in publishing but if you tell the story you want to tell and work hard at promoting it you'll get there. | I feel like some people can naturally write better and other people, like myself, have to learn by making mistakes which may take longer. That’s not to say “the best writers” don’t make mistakes, but they have a way with words. That doesn’t mean you should give up. It can take years to develop a good craft and even longer to publish. Everyone has to learn, study, read, and practice to get better. You have every right to feel what you’re feeling, but we all have our owns paths to take. Some get there sooner than others. Some days I don’t feel like showing up to write because everything sounds like trash! I didn’t go to college or have any writing friends. It’s a lonely craft. If you ever feel discouraged though, I recommend watching: https://youtu.be/nQhSz5jyd9s This literally got me out of a slump the other day and I will probably watch it every time I need encouragement. | 1 | 25,103 | 1.5 | ||
znzb3n | writing_train | 0.9 | Other people’s successful first novels are putting me off from publishing Like, takes The Lies of Locke Lamora. It was Scott Lynch’s FIRST novel and he was only 26 when he published it. Mine obviously isn’t as good, so I feel I should start over or write more novels until my quality of writing improves. That would get me caught in an endless loop, though, and I’d get nothing published. Anyone else have issues with this feeling of inadequacy? | j0l89ub | j0k5lii | 1,671,288,059 | 1,671,259,365 | 3 | 2 | Thank you for posting this, OP. I am looking at the comments and it is spurring me to actually begin the writing of my first novel - which I really want to do before I die. Really, thank you! | I feel like some people can naturally write better and other people, like myself, have to learn by making mistakes which may take longer. That’s not to say “the best writers” don’t make mistakes, but they have a way with words. That doesn’t mean you should give up. It can take years to develop a good craft and even longer to publish. Everyone has to learn, study, read, and practice to get better. You have every right to feel what you’re feeling, but we all have our owns paths to take. Some get there sooner than others. Some days I don’t feel like showing up to write because everything sounds like trash! I didn’t go to college or have any writing friends. It’s a lonely craft. If you ever feel discouraged though, I recommend watching: https://youtu.be/nQhSz5jyd9s This literally got me out of a slump the other day and I will probably watch it every time I need encouragement. | 1 | 28,694 | 1.5 | ||
znzb3n | writing_train | 0.9 | Other people’s successful first novels are putting me off from publishing Like, takes The Lies of Locke Lamora. It was Scott Lynch’s FIRST novel and he was only 26 when he published it. Mine obviously isn’t as good, so I feel I should start over or write more novels until my quality of writing improves. That would get me caught in an endless loop, though, and I’d get nothing published. Anyone else have issues with this feeling of inadequacy? | j0l8exo | j0k5lii | 1,671,288,130 | 1,671,259,365 | 3 | 2 | I published my first book at 26. It sold decent for a small press starting out (and subsequently folding the next year), and I have sold one book a year after followed by over a decade of rejections. You just keep trying and see what works. | I feel like some people can naturally write better and other people, like myself, have to learn by making mistakes which may take longer. That’s not to say “the best writers” don’t make mistakes, but they have a way with words. That doesn’t mean you should give up. It can take years to develop a good craft and even longer to publish. Everyone has to learn, study, read, and practice to get better. You have every right to feel what you’re feeling, but we all have our owns paths to take. Some get there sooner than others. Some days I don’t feel like showing up to write because everything sounds like trash! I didn’t go to college or have any writing friends. It’s a lonely craft. If you ever feel discouraged though, I recommend watching: https://youtu.be/nQhSz5jyd9s This literally got me out of a slump the other day and I will probably watch it every time I need encouragement. | 1 | 28,765 | 1.5 | ||
znzb3n | writing_train | 0.9 | Other people’s successful first novels are putting me off from publishing Like, takes The Lies of Locke Lamora. It was Scott Lynch’s FIRST novel and he was only 26 when he published it. Mine obviously isn’t as good, so I feel I should start over or write more novels until my quality of writing improves. That would get me caught in an endless loop, though, and I’d get nothing published. Anyone else have issues with this feeling of inadequacy? | j0ljvww | j0k5lii | 1,671,293,446 | 1,671,259,365 | 3 | 2 | Go the other way. Find the worst reviewed paid book you can find, and force yourself through it. Every time you cringe, remember that this asshole made at least a few cents for making you read this utter garbage, and how you can for sure do better than this. | I feel like some people can naturally write better and other people, like myself, have to learn by making mistakes which may take longer. That’s not to say “the best writers” don’t make mistakes, but they have a way with words. That doesn’t mean you should give up. It can take years to develop a good craft and even longer to publish. Everyone has to learn, study, read, and practice to get better. You have every right to feel what you’re feeling, but we all have our owns paths to take. Some get there sooner than others. Some days I don’t feel like showing up to write because everything sounds like trash! I didn’t go to college or have any writing friends. It’s a lonely craft. If you ever feel discouraged though, I recommend watching: https://youtu.be/nQhSz5jyd9s This literally got me out of a slump the other day and I will probably watch it every time I need encouragement. | 1 | 34,081 | 1.5 | ||
znzb3n | writing_train | 0.9 | Other people’s successful first novels are putting me off from publishing Like, takes The Lies of Locke Lamora. It was Scott Lynch’s FIRST novel and he was only 26 when he published it. Mine obviously isn’t as good, so I feel I should start over or write more novels until my quality of writing improves. That would get me caught in an endless loop, though, and I’d get nothing published. Anyone else have issues with this feeling of inadequacy? | j0mftlh | j0k5lii | 1,671,306,788 | 1,671,259,365 | 3 | 2 | I'm in my early 40s, and my first and second books came out this year. My second one (not a novel) will probably be more successful than my first one, at least judging by initial sales and hype. I poured my heart and soul into the first for seven years and co-wrote the second in 12 days. Of course I wanted my first novel to come out in my teens or 20s when I could be critically acclaimed as a young genius! But life didn't pan out that way for me. But I couldn't have written the novel I did when I was in my teens or 20s—I just didn't have the life experience. I was also much more sensitive then and the reality that most books actually don't do that well might have been very discouraging and stopped me from writing more. As it is, I can now put a list of books, multiple, that I've written, when applying for grants or seeking out agents and publishers. Which, at least in my country, is often the only type of success that any creator has. And I'm making up for lost time now. | I feel like some people can naturally write better and other people, like myself, have to learn by making mistakes which may take longer. That’s not to say “the best writers” don’t make mistakes, but they have a way with words. That doesn’t mean you should give up. It can take years to develop a good craft and even longer to publish. Everyone has to learn, study, read, and practice to get better. You have every right to feel what you’re feeling, but we all have our owns paths to take. Some get there sooner than others. Some days I don’t feel like showing up to write because everything sounds like trash! I didn’t go to college or have any writing friends. It’s a lonely craft. If you ever feel discouraged though, I recommend watching: https://youtu.be/nQhSz5jyd9s This literally got me out of a slump the other day and I will probably watch it every time I need encouragement. | 1 | 47,423 | 1.5 | ||
znzb3n | writing_train | 0.9 | Other people’s successful first novels are putting me off from publishing Like, takes The Lies of Locke Lamora. It was Scott Lynch’s FIRST novel and he was only 26 when he published it. Mine obviously isn’t as good, so I feel I should start over or write more novels until my quality of writing improves. That would get me caught in an endless loop, though, and I’d get nothing published. Anyone else have issues with this feeling of inadequacy? | j0k5lii | j0na12c | 1,671,259,365 | 1,671,319,857 | 2 | 3 | I feel like some people can naturally write better and other people, like myself, have to learn by making mistakes which may take longer. That’s not to say “the best writers” don’t make mistakes, but they have a way with words. That doesn’t mean you should give up. It can take years to develop a good craft and even longer to publish. Everyone has to learn, study, read, and practice to get better. You have every right to feel what you’re feeling, but we all have our owns paths to take. Some get there sooner than others. Some days I don’t feel like showing up to write because everything sounds like trash! I didn’t go to college or have any writing friends. It’s a lonely craft. If you ever feel discouraged though, I recommend watching: https://youtu.be/nQhSz5jyd9s This literally got me out of a slump the other day and I will probably watch it every time I need encouragement. | I ditched my last novel because it didn't work. The characters were good, but their motivations were muddy and the way the story all fit together was hard to untangle. It didn't have the easy-to-see escalation a good story needs. I chose to ditch it because, even if it did get accepted for publication, I would be embarrassed by it. But I also submitted a short story to a few publications because I know it's high quality. So there's self-doubt and anxiety, but then there's also knowing you screwed up. You sound more like there's self-doubt and anxiety going on. Share with readers whose opinions respect and who read your genre. You'll know when you're ready. | 0 | 60,492 | 1.5 | ||
v5bv46 | writing_train | 0.88 | Apart from the weekly thread, what's a good place for having my work critiqued or reviewed? p.s I have posted my work in this week's thread (*why do we love the rain*) and recently joined Wattpad, but due to being new to all this, I don't know how and where to get my work reviewed and get advice from. This isn't for professional purposes as I'm only a recent high school graduate, instead this is for personal interests. | ib8vo78 | ib92eo7 | 1,654,432,390 | 1,654,436,518 | 4 | 5 | There are (at least) three good writers workshops you can join online: * Scribophile - Must be 18+. * Absolute Write * Critique Circle | r/betareaders You can offer to betaread others in the monthly thread in exchange for critique swap | 0 | 4,128 | 1.25 | ||
v5bv46 | writing_train | 0.88 | Apart from the weekly thread, what's a good place for having my work critiqued or reviewed? p.s I have posted my work in this week's thread (*why do we love the rain*) and recently joined Wattpad, but due to being new to all this, I don't know how and where to get my work reviewed and get advice from. This isn't for professional purposes as I'm only a recent high school graduate, instead this is for personal interests. | ib8w5vg | ib92eo7 | 1,654,432,715 | 1,654,436,518 | 2 | 5 | I've used Critique Circle . You'll have to critique others first before you can submit one yourself. But you'll get good advice mostly. | r/betareaders You can offer to betaread others in the monthly thread in exchange for critique swap | 0 | 3,803 | 2.5 | ||
wbqcw9 | writing_train | 0.9 | Is is bad most of my ideas and stories are essentially “stolen” from other stuff? Obviously these are not not one to one. Let me explain. Whenever I play a video game, watch a movie or read a book, When I see holes in the writing I think “ok, how could I fix this?” A lot of my stories, or maybe ideas as most aren’t concrete thoughts, are based off things I’ve seen or done. For example as a kid I really liked Star Wars the clone wars and we were learning about dinosaurs in school, so I wrote a series of books (not published but did hand them out to classmates) about an army of clones fighting dinosaurs and humanoid dinosaurs. My first real big project, a video game I made with friends, had a similar concept to the game F.E.A.R. and I made it somewhat as an homage to that game as I grew up playing it. Right now I’m currently writing a book similar to the Tom Clancy Rainbow Six group, but a smaller and more secret and somewhat illegal group. I love Tom Clancy stuff, especially Rainbow Six, and I want to make my own thing. But the more ideas I get the more I think “ok, but, this has been done before. Would that make me seem like a lesser writer/creator if I made this?” This thought process has prevented me from actually going through with a lot of things. I don’t want to be seen as “unoriginal” or a “copycat.” This isn’t to say I don’t have original ideas (or at least things I’ve never seen other people do) that I am focusing a lot of effort on, but these are usually smaller and more simple stories compared to my longer ones that are based off things that inspired me I don’t know where it started but ever since I was little I’ve always tried to mimic things I’ve liked. But I’m worried I’d be walking the line of inspiration and plagiarism. Am I just bad at coming up with things or is this normal? | ii889hz | ii89rrj | 1,659,161,634 | 1,659,162,743 | 14 | 98 | Just have more influences and let your imagination and the context of your story shape things. You can be much more original than you think, but it takes some experimentation and just trial and error, also seeing what styles you resonate with etc. | I'm 100% certain that everyone's creative process is just "I like this idea, but I think I could do it a little bit better." That's it. That's the entire creative process of every artistic medium throughout all of human history. | 0 | 1,109 | 7 | ||
wbqcw9 | writing_train | 0.9 | Is is bad most of my ideas and stories are essentially “stolen” from other stuff? Obviously these are not not one to one. Let me explain. Whenever I play a video game, watch a movie or read a book, When I see holes in the writing I think “ok, how could I fix this?” A lot of my stories, or maybe ideas as most aren’t concrete thoughts, are based off things I’ve seen or done. For example as a kid I really liked Star Wars the clone wars and we were learning about dinosaurs in school, so I wrote a series of books (not published but did hand them out to classmates) about an army of clones fighting dinosaurs and humanoid dinosaurs. My first real big project, a video game I made with friends, had a similar concept to the game F.E.A.R. and I made it somewhat as an homage to that game as I grew up playing it. Right now I’m currently writing a book similar to the Tom Clancy Rainbow Six group, but a smaller and more secret and somewhat illegal group. I love Tom Clancy stuff, especially Rainbow Six, and I want to make my own thing. But the more ideas I get the more I think “ok, but, this has been done before. Would that make me seem like a lesser writer/creator if I made this?” This thought process has prevented me from actually going through with a lot of things. I don’t want to be seen as “unoriginal” or a “copycat.” This isn’t to say I don’t have original ideas (or at least things I’ve never seen other people do) that I am focusing a lot of effort on, but these are usually smaller and more simple stories compared to my longer ones that are based off things that inspired me I don’t know where it started but ever since I was little I’ve always tried to mimic things I’ve liked. But I’m worried I’d be walking the line of inspiration and plagiarism. Am I just bad at coming up with things or is this normal? | ii889hz | ii91gal | 1,659,161,634 | 1,659,184,152 | 14 | 47 | Just have more influences and let your imagination and the context of your story shape things. You can be much more original than you think, but it takes some experimentation and just trial and error, also seeing what styles you resonate with etc. | One of the things a college professor told me about writing was that “invent” and “inventory” have the same root word. Essentially, he argued that nothing was invented out of thin air— everything we come up with comes from bits and pieces of things we’ve held onto over our lives. As a concrete example, both Eowyn and Fangorn Forest exist because Tolkien looked at MacBeth and went “I can do that better” | 0 | 22,518 | 3.357143 | ||
wbqcw9 | writing_train | 0.9 | Is is bad most of my ideas and stories are essentially “stolen” from other stuff? Obviously these are not not one to one. Let me explain. Whenever I play a video game, watch a movie or read a book, When I see holes in the writing I think “ok, how could I fix this?” A lot of my stories, or maybe ideas as most aren’t concrete thoughts, are based off things I’ve seen or done. For example as a kid I really liked Star Wars the clone wars and we were learning about dinosaurs in school, so I wrote a series of books (not published but did hand them out to classmates) about an army of clones fighting dinosaurs and humanoid dinosaurs. My first real big project, a video game I made with friends, had a similar concept to the game F.E.A.R. and I made it somewhat as an homage to that game as I grew up playing it. Right now I’m currently writing a book similar to the Tom Clancy Rainbow Six group, but a smaller and more secret and somewhat illegal group. I love Tom Clancy stuff, especially Rainbow Six, and I want to make my own thing. But the more ideas I get the more I think “ok, but, this has been done before. Would that make me seem like a lesser writer/creator if I made this?” This thought process has prevented me from actually going through with a lot of things. I don’t want to be seen as “unoriginal” or a “copycat.” This isn’t to say I don’t have original ideas (or at least things I’ve never seen other people do) that I am focusing a lot of effort on, but these are usually smaller and more simple stories compared to my longer ones that are based off things that inspired me I don’t know where it started but ever since I was little I’ve always tried to mimic things I’ve liked. But I’m worried I’d be walking the line of inspiration and plagiarism. Am I just bad at coming up with things or is this normal? | ii8cs1y | ii91gal | 1,659,165,042 | 1,659,184,152 | 13 | 47 | No. We tell stories because they're a fun way of exploring ideas or teaching morals among other things. Some ideas and themes are just more persistent than others. Just have fun telling a story your own way. | One of the things a college professor told me about writing was that “invent” and “inventory” have the same root word. Essentially, he argued that nothing was invented out of thin air— everything we come up with comes from bits and pieces of things we’ve held onto over our lives. As a concrete example, both Eowyn and Fangorn Forest exist because Tolkien looked at MacBeth and went “I can do that better” | 0 | 19,110 | 3.615385 | ||
wbqcw9 | writing_train | 0.9 | Is is bad most of my ideas and stories are essentially “stolen” from other stuff? Obviously these are not not one to one. Let me explain. Whenever I play a video game, watch a movie or read a book, When I see holes in the writing I think “ok, how could I fix this?” A lot of my stories, or maybe ideas as most aren’t concrete thoughts, are based off things I’ve seen or done. For example as a kid I really liked Star Wars the clone wars and we were learning about dinosaurs in school, so I wrote a series of books (not published but did hand them out to classmates) about an army of clones fighting dinosaurs and humanoid dinosaurs. My first real big project, a video game I made with friends, had a similar concept to the game F.E.A.R. and I made it somewhat as an homage to that game as I grew up playing it. Right now I’m currently writing a book similar to the Tom Clancy Rainbow Six group, but a smaller and more secret and somewhat illegal group. I love Tom Clancy stuff, especially Rainbow Six, and I want to make my own thing. But the more ideas I get the more I think “ok, but, this has been done before. Would that make me seem like a lesser writer/creator if I made this?” This thought process has prevented me from actually going through with a lot of things. I don’t want to be seen as “unoriginal” or a “copycat.” This isn’t to say I don’t have original ideas (or at least things I’ve never seen other people do) that I am focusing a lot of effort on, but these are usually smaller and more simple stories compared to my longer ones that are based off things that inspired me I don’t know where it started but ever since I was little I’ve always tried to mimic things I’ve liked. But I’m worried I’d be walking the line of inspiration and plagiarism. Am I just bad at coming up with things or is this normal? | ii91gal | ii8xjrq | 1,659,184,152 | 1,659,181,708 | 47 | 12 | One of the things a college professor told me about writing was that “invent” and “inventory” have the same root word. Essentially, he argued that nothing was invented out of thin air— everything we come up with comes from bits and pieces of things we’ve held onto over our lives. As a concrete example, both Eowyn and Fangorn Forest exist because Tolkien looked at MacBeth and went “I can do that better” | You're probably fine. Harry Potter's broad concept is just stereotypical wizards + boarding school. It's the execution that matters | 1 | 2,444 | 3.916667 | ||
wbqcw9 | writing_train | 0.9 | Is is bad most of my ideas and stories are essentially “stolen” from other stuff? Obviously these are not not one to one. Let me explain. Whenever I play a video game, watch a movie or read a book, When I see holes in the writing I think “ok, how could I fix this?” A lot of my stories, or maybe ideas as most aren’t concrete thoughts, are based off things I’ve seen or done. For example as a kid I really liked Star Wars the clone wars and we were learning about dinosaurs in school, so I wrote a series of books (not published but did hand them out to classmates) about an army of clones fighting dinosaurs and humanoid dinosaurs. My first real big project, a video game I made with friends, had a similar concept to the game F.E.A.R. and I made it somewhat as an homage to that game as I grew up playing it. Right now I’m currently writing a book similar to the Tom Clancy Rainbow Six group, but a smaller and more secret and somewhat illegal group. I love Tom Clancy stuff, especially Rainbow Six, and I want to make my own thing. But the more ideas I get the more I think “ok, but, this has been done before. Would that make me seem like a lesser writer/creator if I made this?” This thought process has prevented me from actually going through with a lot of things. I don’t want to be seen as “unoriginal” or a “copycat.” This isn’t to say I don’t have original ideas (or at least things I’ve never seen other people do) that I am focusing a lot of effort on, but these are usually smaller and more simple stories compared to my longer ones that are based off things that inspired me I don’t know where it started but ever since I was little I’ve always tried to mimic things I’ve liked. But I’m worried I’d be walking the line of inspiration and plagiarism. Am I just bad at coming up with things or is this normal? | ii90ntq | ii91gal | 1,659,183,672 | 1,659,184,152 | 11 | 47 | There's a reason for word "trope" haha | One of the things a college professor told me about writing was that “invent” and “inventory” have the same root word. Essentially, he argued that nothing was invented out of thin air— everything we come up with comes from bits and pieces of things we’ve held onto over our lives. As a concrete example, both Eowyn and Fangorn Forest exist because Tolkien looked at MacBeth and went “I can do that better” | 0 | 480 | 4.272727 | ||
wbqcw9 | writing_train | 0.9 | Is is bad most of my ideas and stories are essentially “stolen” from other stuff? Obviously these are not not one to one. Let me explain. Whenever I play a video game, watch a movie or read a book, When I see holes in the writing I think “ok, how could I fix this?” A lot of my stories, or maybe ideas as most aren’t concrete thoughts, are based off things I’ve seen or done. For example as a kid I really liked Star Wars the clone wars and we were learning about dinosaurs in school, so I wrote a series of books (not published but did hand them out to classmates) about an army of clones fighting dinosaurs and humanoid dinosaurs. My first real big project, a video game I made with friends, had a similar concept to the game F.E.A.R. and I made it somewhat as an homage to that game as I grew up playing it. Right now I’m currently writing a book similar to the Tom Clancy Rainbow Six group, but a smaller and more secret and somewhat illegal group. I love Tom Clancy stuff, especially Rainbow Six, and I want to make my own thing. But the more ideas I get the more I think “ok, but, this has been done before. Would that make me seem like a lesser writer/creator if I made this?” This thought process has prevented me from actually going through with a lot of things. I don’t want to be seen as “unoriginal” or a “copycat.” This isn’t to say I don’t have original ideas (or at least things I’ve never seen other people do) that I am focusing a lot of effort on, but these are usually smaller and more simple stories compared to my longer ones that are based off things that inspired me I don’t know where it started but ever since I was little I’ve always tried to mimic things I’ve liked. But I’m worried I’d be walking the line of inspiration and plagiarism. Am I just bad at coming up with things or is this normal? | ii8pjx1 | ii91gal | 1,659,175,662 | 1,659,184,152 | 10 | 47 | The problem you have isn't plagiarism or originality, it will be that you'll end up with situations and characters which are inauthentic if you're using other peoples' fiction as your research meaterial. So if you're inspired to write something in the style of Tom Clancy, cool, do that, but do your own research. Read 'Warfighting' and the other military handbooks for instance. Reach out and speak with soldiers. Do the hard work. That's what will make it *your* story, not just fan-fiction. | One of the things a college professor told me about writing was that “invent” and “inventory” have the same root word. Essentially, he argued that nothing was invented out of thin air— everything we come up with comes from bits and pieces of things we’ve held onto over our lives. As a concrete example, both Eowyn and Fangorn Forest exist because Tolkien looked at MacBeth and went “I can do that better” | 0 | 8,490 | 4.7 | ||
wbqcw9 | writing_train | 0.9 | Is is bad most of my ideas and stories are essentially “stolen” from other stuff? Obviously these are not not one to one. Let me explain. Whenever I play a video game, watch a movie or read a book, When I see holes in the writing I think “ok, how could I fix this?” A lot of my stories, or maybe ideas as most aren’t concrete thoughts, are based off things I’ve seen or done. For example as a kid I really liked Star Wars the clone wars and we were learning about dinosaurs in school, so I wrote a series of books (not published but did hand them out to classmates) about an army of clones fighting dinosaurs and humanoid dinosaurs. My first real big project, a video game I made with friends, had a similar concept to the game F.E.A.R. and I made it somewhat as an homage to that game as I grew up playing it. Right now I’m currently writing a book similar to the Tom Clancy Rainbow Six group, but a smaller and more secret and somewhat illegal group. I love Tom Clancy stuff, especially Rainbow Six, and I want to make my own thing. But the more ideas I get the more I think “ok, but, this has been done before. Would that make me seem like a lesser writer/creator if I made this?” This thought process has prevented me from actually going through with a lot of things. I don’t want to be seen as “unoriginal” or a “copycat.” This isn’t to say I don’t have original ideas (or at least things I’ve never seen other people do) that I am focusing a lot of effort on, but these are usually smaller and more simple stories compared to my longer ones that are based off things that inspired me I don’t know where it started but ever since I was little I’ve always tried to mimic things I’ve liked. But I’m worried I’d be walking the line of inspiration and plagiarism. Am I just bad at coming up with things or is this normal? | ii91gal | ii8z67g | 1,659,184,152 | 1,659,182,747 | 47 | 10 | One of the things a college professor told me about writing was that “invent” and “inventory” have the same root word. Essentially, he argued that nothing was invented out of thin air— everything we come up with comes from bits and pieces of things we’ve held onto over our lives. As a concrete example, both Eowyn and Fangorn Forest exist because Tolkien looked at MacBeth and went “I can do that better” | Most stories in general are basically Frankensteined from other stories. It's like cutting a piece of banana and putting it in your smoothie, it's not 100% a banana smoothie, but it does taste like banana. All you've gotta do is to make sure it blends well with the other smoothie ingredients. | 1 | 1,405 | 4.7 | ||
wbqcw9 | writing_train | 0.9 | Is is bad most of my ideas and stories are essentially “stolen” from other stuff? Obviously these are not not one to one. Let me explain. Whenever I play a video game, watch a movie or read a book, When I see holes in the writing I think “ok, how could I fix this?” A lot of my stories, or maybe ideas as most aren’t concrete thoughts, are based off things I’ve seen or done. For example as a kid I really liked Star Wars the clone wars and we were learning about dinosaurs in school, so I wrote a series of books (not published but did hand them out to classmates) about an army of clones fighting dinosaurs and humanoid dinosaurs. My first real big project, a video game I made with friends, had a similar concept to the game F.E.A.R. and I made it somewhat as an homage to that game as I grew up playing it. Right now I’m currently writing a book similar to the Tom Clancy Rainbow Six group, but a smaller and more secret and somewhat illegal group. I love Tom Clancy stuff, especially Rainbow Six, and I want to make my own thing. But the more ideas I get the more I think “ok, but, this has been done before. Would that make me seem like a lesser writer/creator if I made this?” This thought process has prevented me from actually going through with a lot of things. I don’t want to be seen as “unoriginal” or a “copycat.” This isn’t to say I don’t have original ideas (or at least things I’ve never seen other people do) that I am focusing a lot of effort on, but these are usually smaller and more simple stories compared to my longer ones that are based off things that inspired me I don’t know where it started but ever since I was little I’ve always tried to mimic things I’ve liked. But I’m worried I’d be walking the line of inspiration and plagiarism. Am I just bad at coming up with things or is this normal? | ii91gal | ii8zlo5 | 1,659,184,152 | 1,659,183,015 | 47 | 7 | One of the things a college professor told me about writing was that “invent” and “inventory” have the same root word. Essentially, he argued that nothing was invented out of thin air— everything we come up with comes from bits and pieces of things we’ve held onto over our lives. As a concrete example, both Eowyn and Fangorn Forest exist because Tolkien looked at MacBeth and went “I can do that better” | As long as you don't write the exact same story (with or without changing names), you're fine. Many stories share similarities anyway. Taking inspiration from an already existing story is fine, as long as it's just an inspiration and not a copy/paste. Stories have been around for ages, so it's almost impossible to write one that's 100% original. Twilight was not the first book (or the last) to have a vampire and a werewolf fall for the same girl. The idea of a "chosen one" comes up in many many many stories (off the top of my head: Harry Potter, Star Wars, King Arthur, pretty much any fantasy/adventure story). What you're doing can be considered fanfic (if you keep the original characters), but if you change that (and from what you've said, it seems like most details are different), then you're writing your own stories. Are they completely original? Probably not, but they're yours nonetheless. | 1 | 1,137 | 6.714286 | ||
wbqcw9 | writing_train | 0.9 | Is is bad most of my ideas and stories are essentially “stolen” from other stuff? Obviously these are not not one to one. Let me explain. Whenever I play a video game, watch a movie or read a book, When I see holes in the writing I think “ok, how could I fix this?” A lot of my stories, or maybe ideas as most aren’t concrete thoughts, are based off things I’ve seen or done. For example as a kid I really liked Star Wars the clone wars and we were learning about dinosaurs in school, so I wrote a series of books (not published but did hand them out to classmates) about an army of clones fighting dinosaurs and humanoid dinosaurs. My first real big project, a video game I made with friends, had a similar concept to the game F.E.A.R. and I made it somewhat as an homage to that game as I grew up playing it. Right now I’m currently writing a book similar to the Tom Clancy Rainbow Six group, but a smaller and more secret and somewhat illegal group. I love Tom Clancy stuff, especially Rainbow Six, and I want to make my own thing. But the more ideas I get the more I think “ok, but, this has been done before. Would that make me seem like a lesser writer/creator if I made this?” This thought process has prevented me from actually going through with a lot of things. I don’t want to be seen as “unoriginal” or a “copycat.” This isn’t to say I don’t have original ideas (or at least things I’ve never seen other people do) that I am focusing a lot of effort on, but these are usually smaller and more simple stories compared to my longer ones that are based off things that inspired me I don’t know where it started but ever since I was little I’ve always tried to mimic things I’ve liked. But I’m worried I’d be walking the line of inspiration and plagiarism. Am I just bad at coming up with things or is this normal? | ii8xjrq | ii8pjx1 | 1,659,181,708 | 1,659,175,662 | 12 | 10 | You're probably fine. Harry Potter's broad concept is just stereotypical wizards + boarding school. It's the execution that matters | The problem you have isn't plagiarism or originality, it will be that you'll end up with situations and characters which are inauthentic if you're using other peoples' fiction as your research meaterial. So if you're inspired to write something in the style of Tom Clancy, cool, do that, but do your own research. Read 'Warfighting' and the other military handbooks for instance. Reach out and speak with soldiers. Do the hard work. That's what will make it *your* story, not just fan-fiction. | 1 | 6,046 | 1.2 | ||
wbqcw9 | writing_train | 0.9 | Is is bad most of my ideas and stories are essentially “stolen” from other stuff? Obviously these are not not one to one. Let me explain. Whenever I play a video game, watch a movie or read a book, When I see holes in the writing I think “ok, how could I fix this?” A lot of my stories, or maybe ideas as most aren’t concrete thoughts, are based off things I’ve seen or done. For example as a kid I really liked Star Wars the clone wars and we were learning about dinosaurs in school, so I wrote a series of books (not published but did hand them out to classmates) about an army of clones fighting dinosaurs and humanoid dinosaurs. My first real big project, a video game I made with friends, had a similar concept to the game F.E.A.R. and I made it somewhat as an homage to that game as I grew up playing it. Right now I’m currently writing a book similar to the Tom Clancy Rainbow Six group, but a smaller and more secret and somewhat illegal group. I love Tom Clancy stuff, especially Rainbow Six, and I want to make my own thing. But the more ideas I get the more I think “ok, but, this has been done before. Would that make me seem like a lesser writer/creator if I made this?” This thought process has prevented me from actually going through with a lot of things. I don’t want to be seen as “unoriginal” or a “copycat.” This isn’t to say I don’t have original ideas (or at least things I’ve never seen other people do) that I am focusing a lot of effort on, but these are usually smaller and more simple stories compared to my longer ones that are based off things that inspired me I don’t know where it started but ever since I was little I’ve always tried to mimic things I’ve liked. But I’m worried I’d be walking the line of inspiration and plagiarism. Am I just bad at coming up with things or is this normal? | ii90ntq | ii8pjx1 | 1,659,183,672 | 1,659,175,662 | 11 | 10 | There's a reason for word "trope" haha | The problem you have isn't plagiarism or originality, it will be that you'll end up with situations and characters which are inauthentic if you're using other peoples' fiction as your research meaterial. So if you're inspired to write something in the style of Tom Clancy, cool, do that, but do your own research. Read 'Warfighting' and the other military handbooks for instance. Reach out and speak with soldiers. Do the hard work. That's what will make it *your* story, not just fan-fiction. | 1 | 8,010 | 1.1 | ||
wbqcw9 | writing_train | 0.9 | Is is bad most of my ideas and stories are essentially “stolen” from other stuff? Obviously these are not not one to one. Let me explain. Whenever I play a video game, watch a movie or read a book, When I see holes in the writing I think “ok, how could I fix this?” A lot of my stories, or maybe ideas as most aren’t concrete thoughts, are based off things I’ve seen or done. For example as a kid I really liked Star Wars the clone wars and we were learning about dinosaurs in school, so I wrote a series of books (not published but did hand them out to classmates) about an army of clones fighting dinosaurs and humanoid dinosaurs. My first real big project, a video game I made with friends, had a similar concept to the game F.E.A.R. and I made it somewhat as an homage to that game as I grew up playing it. Right now I’m currently writing a book similar to the Tom Clancy Rainbow Six group, but a smaller and more secret and somewhat illegal group. I love Tom Clancy stuff, especially Rainbow Six, and I want to make my own thing. But the more ideas I get the more I think “ok, but, this has been done before. Would that make me seem like a lesser writer/creator if I made this?” This thought process has prevented me from actually going through with a lot of things. I don’t want to be seen as “unoriginal” or a “copycat.” This isn’t to say I don’t have original ideas (or at least things I’ve never seen other people do) that I am focusing a lot of effort on, but these are usually smaller and more simple stories compared to my longer ones that are based off things that inspired me I don’t know where it started but ever since I was little I’ve always tried to mimic things I’ve liked. But I’m worried I’d be walking the line of inspiration and plagiarism. Am I just bad at coming up with things or is this normal? | ii90ntq | ii8z67g | 1,659,183,672 | 1,659,182,747 | 11 | 10 | There's a reason for word "trope" haha | Most stories in general are basically Frankensteined from other stories. It's like cutting a piece of banana and putting it in your smoothie, it's not 100% a banana smoothie, but it does taste like banana. All you've gotta do is to make sure it blends well with the other smoothie ingredients. | 1 | 925 | 1.1 | ||
wbqcw9 | writing_train | 0.9 | Is is bad most of my ideas and stories are essentially “stolen” from other stuff? Obviously these are not not one to one. Let me explain. Whenever I play a video game, watch a movie or read a book, When I see holes in the writing I think “ok, how could I fix this?” A lot of my stories, or maybe ideas as most aren’t concrete thoughts, are based off things I’ve seen or done. For example as a kid I really liked Star Wars the clone wars and we were learning about dinosaurs in school, so I wrote a series of books (not published but did hand them out to classmates) about an army of clones fighting dinosaurs and humanoid dinosaurs. My first real big project, a video game I made with friends, had a similar concept to the game F.E.A.R. and I made it somewhat as an homage to that game as I grew up playing it. Right now I’m currently writing a book similar to the Tom Clancy Rainbow Six group, but a smaller and more secret and somewhat illegal group. I love Tom Clancy stuff, especially Rainbow Six, and I want to make my own thing. But the more ideas I get the more I think “ok, but, this has been done before. Would that make me seem like a lesser writer/creator if I made this?” This thought process has prevented me from actually going through with a lot of things. I don’t want to be seen as “unoriginal” or a “copycat.” This isn’t to say I don’t have original ideas (or at least things I’ve never seen other people do) that I am focusing a lot of effort on, but these are usually smaller and more simple stories compared to my longer ones that are based off things that inspired me I don’t know where it started but ever since I was little I’ve always tried to mimic things I’ve liked. But I’m worried I’d be walking the line of inspiration and plagiarism. Am I just bad at coming up with things or is this normal? | ii90ntq | ii8zlo5 | 1,659,183,672 | 1,659,183,015 | 11 | 7 | There's a reason for word "trope" haha | As long as you don't write the exact same story (with or without changing names), you're fine. Many stories share similarities anyway. Taking inspiration from an already existing story is fine, as long as it's just an inspiration and not a copy/paste. Stories have been around for ages, so it's almost impossible to write one that's 100% original. Twilight was not the first book (or the last) to have a vampire and a werewolf fall for the same girl. The idea of a "chosen one" comes up in many many many stories (off the top of my head: Harry Potter, Star Wars, King Arthur, pretty much any fantasy/adventure story). What you're doing can be considered fanfic (if you keep the original characters), but if you change that (and from what you've said, it seems like most details are different), then you're writing your own stories. Are they completely original? Probably not, but they're yours nonetheless. | 1 | 657 | 1.571429 | ||
wbqcw9 | writing_train | 0.9 | Is is bad most of my ideas and stories are essentially “stolen” from other stuff? Obviously these are not not one to one. Let me explain. Whenever I play a video game, watch a movie or read a book, When I see holes in the writing I think “ok, how could I fix this?” A lot of my stories, or maybe ideas as most aren’t concrete thoughts, are based off things I’ve seen or done. For example as a kid I really liked Star Wars the clone wars and we were learning about dinosaurs in school, so I wrote a series of books (not published but did hand them out to classmates) about an army of clones fighting dinosaurs and humanoid dinosaurs. My first real big project, a video game I made with friends, had a similar concept to the game F.E.A.R. and I made it somewhat as an homage to that game as I grew up playing it. Right now I’m currently writing a book similar to the Tom Clancy Rainbow Six group, but a smaller and more secret and somewhat illegal group. I love Tom Clancy stuff, especially Rainbow Six, and I want to make my own thing. But the more ideas I get the more I think “ok, but, this has been done before. Would that make me seem like a lesser writer/creator if I made this?” This thought process has prevented me from actually going through with a lot of things. I don’t want to be seen as “unoriginal” or a “copycat.” This isn’t to say I don’t have original ideas (or at least things I’ve never seen other people do) that I am focusing a lot of effort on, but these are usually smaller and more simple stories compared to my longer ones that are based off things that inspired me I don’t know where it started but ever since I was little I’ve always tried to mimic things I’ve liked. But I’m worried I’d be walking the line of inspiration and plagiarism. Am I just bad at coming up with things or is this normal? | ii94wxh | ii95tzp | 1,659,186,133 | 1,659,186,639 | 5 | 6 | Think about it this way. If you research how novels actually get published, you'll often see agents and publishers asking for "comps." A "comp" (aka comparison title) is a work similar to what you just wrote. This can include similarities in plot, style, theme, etc. They want these comps to get an idea of how your novel would be placed in the market and how well they could expect it to sell. If your work were unlike anything else out there, publishers wouldn't know how to position it and wouldn't have any confidence in sales projections. So go forth, Admirable\_Elk\_965, with the blessing of a bunch of anonymous scribblers on Reddit to fill the gaps of those imperfect plots and incomplete stories with your own inventiveness. I hope I can one day steal from you as well. | Currently writing a book where I’ve taken ideas from books and movies this year that really pissed me off and I’m writing them to be better and actually work. I’m looking at you Obiwan and Thor: Love and Thunder! Of course the story, characters, plot is all my own but some ideas have been taken | 0 | 506 | 1.2 | ||
wbqcw9 | writing_train | 0.9 | Is is bad most of my ideas and stories are essentially “stolen” from other stuff? Obviously these are not not one to one. Let me explain. Whenever I play a video game, watch a movie or read a book, When I see holes in the writing I think “ok, how could I fix this?” A lot of my stories, or maybe ideas as most aren’t concrete thoughts, are based off things I’ve seen or done. For example as a kid I really liked Star Wars the clone wars and we were learning about dinosaurs in school, so I wrote a series of books (not published but did hand them out to classmates) about an army of clones fighting dinosaurs and humanoid dinosaurs. My first real big project, a video game I made with friends, had a similar concept to the game F.E.A.R. and I made it somewhat as an homage to that game as I grew up playing it. Right now I’m currently writing a book similar to the Tom Clancy Rainbow Six group, but a smaller and more secret and somewhat illegal group. I love Tom Clancy stuff, especially Rainbow Six, and I want to make my own thing. But the more ideas I get the more I think “ok, but, this has been done before. Would that make me seem like a lesser writer/creator if I made this?” This thought process has prevented me from actually going through with a lot of things. I don’t want to be seen as “unoriginal” or a “copycat.” This isn’t to say I don’t have original ideas (or at least things I’ve never seen other people do) that I am focusing a lot of effort on, but these are usually smaller and more simple stories compared to my longer ones that are based off things that inspired me I don’t know where it started but ever since I was little I’ve always tried to mimic things I’ve liked. But I’m worried I’d be walking the line of inspiration and plagiarism. Am I just bad at coming up with things or is this normal? | ii94wxh | ii929mj | 1,659,186,133 | 1,659,184,626 | 5 | 3 | Think about it this way. If you research how novels actually get published, you'll often see agents and publishers asking for "comps." A "comp" (aka comparison title) is a work similar to what you just wrote. This can include similarities in plot, style, theme, etc. They want these comps to get an idea of how your novel would be placed in the market and how well they could expect it to sell. If your work were unlike anything else out there, publishers wouldn't know how to position it and wouldn't have any confidence in sales projections. So go forth, Admirable\_Elk\_965, with the blessing of a bunch of anonymous scribblers on Reddit to fill the gaps of those imperfect plots and incomplete stories with your own inventiveness. I hope I can one day steal from you as well. | As almost every author or artist get their start like that, I'd say no, it's not bad. Just do remember to improve yourself and your writing and you'd be fine. | 1 | 1,507 | 1.666667 | ||
wbqcw9 | writing_train | 0.9 | Is is bad most of my ideas and stories are essentially “stolen” from other stuff? Obviously these are not not one to one. Let me explain. Whenever I play a video game, watch a movie or read a book, When I see holes in the writing I think “ok, how could I fix this?” A lot of my stories, or maybe ideas as most aren’t concrete thoughts, are based off things I’ve seen or done. For example as a kid I really liked Star Wars the clone wars and we were learning about dinosaurs in school, so I wrote a series of books (not published but did hand them out to classmates) about an army of clones fighting dinosaurs and humanoid dinosaurs. My first real big project, a video game I made with friends, had a similar concept to the game F.E.A.R. and I made it somewhat as an homage to that game as I grew up playing it. Right now I’m currently writing a book similar to the Tom Clancy Rainbow Six group, but a smaller and more secret and somewhat illegal group. I love Tom Clancy stuff, especially Rainbow Six, and I want to make my own thing. But the more ideas I get the more I think “ok, but, this has been done before. Would that make me seem like a lesser writer/creator if I made this?” This thought process has prevented me from actually going through with a lot of things. I don’t want to be seen as “unoriginal” or a “copycat.” This isn’t to say I don’t have original ideas (or at least things I’ve never seen other people do) that I am focusing a lot of effort on, but these are usually smaller and more simple stories compared to my longer ones that are based off things that inspired me I don’t know where it started but ever since I was little I’ve always tried to mimic things I’ve liked. But I’m worried I’d be walking the line of inspiration and plagiarism. Am I just bad at coming up with things or is this normal? | ii95tzp | ii929mj | 1,659,186,639 | 1,659,184,626 | 6 | 3 | Currently writing a book where I’ve taken ideas from books and movies this year that really pissed me off and I’m writing them to be better and actually work. I’m looking at you Obiwan and Thor: Love and Thunder! Of course the story, characters, plot is all my own but some ideas have been taken | As almost every author or artist get their start like that, I'd say no, it's not bad. Just do remember to improve yourself and your writing and you'd be fine. | 1 | 2,013 | 2 | ||
wbqcw9 | writing_train | 0.9 | Is is bad most of my ideas and stories are essentially “stolen” from other stuff? Obviously these are not not one to one. Let me explain. Whenever I play a video game, watch a movie or read a book, When I see holes in the writing I think “ok, how could I fix this?” A lot of my stories, or maybe ideas as most aren’t concrete thoughts, are based off things I’ve seen or done. For example as a kid I really liked Star Wars the clone wars and we were learning about dinosaurs in school, so I wrote a series of books (not published but did hand them out to classmates) about an army of clones fighting dinosaurs and humanoid dinosaurs. My first real big project, a video game I made with friends, had a similar concept to the game F.E.A.R. and I made it somewhat as an homage to that game as I grew up playing it. Right now I’m currently writing a book similar to the Tom Clancy Rainbow Six group, but a smaller and more secret and somewhat illegal group. I love Tom Clancy stuff, especially Rainbow Six, and I want to make my own thing. But the more ideas I get the more I think “ok, but, this has been done before. Would that make me seem like a lesser writer/creator if I made this?” This thought process has prevented me from actually going through with a lot of things. I don’t want to be seen as “unoriginal” or a “copycat.” This isn’t to say I don’t have original ideas (or at least things I’ve never seen other people do) that I am focusing a lot of effort on, but these are usually smaller and more simple stories compared to my longer ones that are based off things that inspired me I don’t know where it started but ever since I was little I’ve always tried to mimic things I’ve liked. But I’m worried I’d be walking the line of inspiration and plagiarism. Am I just bad at coming up with things or is this normal? | ii95gws | ii95tzp | 1,659,186,436 | 1,659,186,639 | 3 | 6 | A lot of fantasy writers are inspired by mythology, and at the end of the day those myths were created by people. | Currently writing a book where I’ve taken ideas from books and movies this year that really pissed me off and I’m writing them to be better and actually work. I’m looking at you Obiwan and Thor: Love and Thunder! Of course the story, characters, plot is all my own but some ideas have been taken | 0 | 203 | 2 | ||
yzpofj | writing_train | 0.93 | I'm about two days away from finishing my first draft. What are my next steps? If this is frequently asked, I apologize and will gladly redirect my attention to a previously answered post. If not, then here we go. My story is virtually done, and I'm so glad. I know there is still much to do, perhaps even more than what I've done, but I don't mind at all. I just am lost on the general steps; if writing my first draft was step 1, what is step 2, and 3, and 10? | ix1puzd | ix1oi89 | 1,668,908,862 | 1,668,908,213 | 5 | 3 | I love the general assumption that there’s another incredible idea just waiting to be written about, to “pass the time,” as you wait to edit. | Set it aside and write another first draft to a completely different story. If you're good enough at writing, then another idea should already be in your chamber waiting to be fired off. When that vomit draft is done, finish whatever book you're reading (you better be reading), and then go back to the aforementioned first draft of a story you feel like you're no longer invested in because the other story you wrote was even better... invest all your time into that. Rewrite, either copy and paste style (not recommended), or beat by beat and feel your way back through the story. If it was any good then you won't have trouble retracing your steps. | 1 | 649 | 1.666667 | ||
yzpofj | writing_train | 0.93 | I'm about two days away from finishing my first draft. What are my next steps? If this is frequently asked, I apologize and will gladly redirect my attention to a previously answered post. If not, then here we go. My story is virtually done, and I'm so glad. I know there is still much to do, perhaps even more than what I've done, but I don't mind at all. I just am lost on the general steps; if writing my first draft was step 1, what is step 2, and 3, and 10? | ix1csa4 | ix1puzd | 1,668,902,550 | 1,668,908,862 | 1 | 5 | What are you exactly writing for? Is it going to be published? | I love the general assumption that there’s another incredible idea just waiting to be written about, to “pass the time,” as you wait to edit. | 0 | 6,312 | 5 | ||
yzpofj | writing_train | 0.93 | I'm about two days away from finishing my first draft. What are my next steps? If this is frequently asked, I apologize and will gladly redirect my attention to a previously answered post. If not, then here we go. My story is virtually done, and I'm so glad. I know there is still much to do, perhaps even more than what I've done, but I don't mind at all. I just am lost on the general steps; if writing my first draft was step 1, what is step 2, and 3, and 10? | ix1puzd | ix1pqpy | 1,668,908,862 | 1,668,908,804 | 5 | 1 | I love the general assumption that there’s another incredible idea just waiting to be written about, to “pass the time,” as you wait to edit. | I’m not sure if it is a book for a series or not but if it is, work on the next books, get your ideas down. Then whenever you feel ready, you can work on the first. This is just my way of doing it and yeah it might be slightly problematic. | 1 | 58 | 5 | ||
yzpofj | writing_train | 0.93 | I'm about two days away from finishing my first draft. What are my next steps? If this is frequently asked, I apologize and will gladly redirect my attention to a previously answered post. If not, then here we go. My story is virtually done, and I'm so glad. I know there is still much to do, perhaps even more than what I've done, but I don't mind at all. I just am lost on the general steps; if writing my first draft was step 1, what is step 2, and 3, and 10? | ix1csa4 | ix1oi89 | 1,668,902,550 | 1,668,908,213 | 1 | 3 | What are you exactly writing for? Is it going to be published? | Set it aside and write another first draft to a completely different story. If you're good enough at writing, then another idea should already be in your chamber waiting to be fired off. When that vomit draft is done, finish whatever book you're reading (you better be reading), and then go back to the aforementioned first draft of a story you feel like you're no longer invested in because the other story you wrote was even better... invest all your time into that. Rewrite, either copy and paste style (not recommended), or beat by beat and feel your way back through the story. If it was any good then you won't have trouble retracing your steps. | 0 | 5,663 | 3 | ||
yzpofj | writing_train | 0.93 | I'm about two days away from finishing my first draft. What are my next steps? If this is frequently asked, I apologize and will gladly redirect my attention to a previously answered post. If not, then here we go. My story is virtually done, and I'm so glad. I know there is still much to do, perhaps even more than what I've done, but I don't mind at all. I just am lost on the general steps; if writing my first draft was step 1, what is step 2, and 3, and 10? | ix26axh | ix1csa4 | 1,668,917,265 | 1,668,902,550 | 2 | 1 | Next step is to put it aside. You can't see the forest for the trees right now. I say at lest a couple of months. Then do a really quick edit and give it to a friend to give some quick feedback. Then start your first major rewrite. | What are you exactly writing for? Is it going to be published? | 1 | 14,715 | 2 | ||
yzpofj | writing_train | 0.93 | I'm about two days away from finishing my first draft. What are my next steps? If this is frequently asked, I apologize and will gladly redirect my attention to a previously answered post. If not, then here we go. My story is virtually done, and I'm so glad. I know there is still much to do, perhaps even more than what I've done, but I don't mind at all. I just am lost on the general steps; if writing my first draft was step 1, what is step 2, and 3, and 10? | ix26axh | ix1pqpy | 1,668,917,265 | 1,668,908,804 | 2 | 1 | Next step is to put it aside. You can't see the forest for the trees right now. I say at lest a couple of months. Then do a really quick edit and give it to a friend to give some quick feedback. Then start your first major rewrite. | I’m not sure if it is a book for a series or not but if it is, work on the next books, get your ideas down. Then whenever you feel ready, you can work on the first. This is just my way of doing it and yeah it might be slightly problematic. | 1 | 8,461 | 2 | ||
yzpofj | writing_train | 0.93 | I'm about two days away from finishing my first draft. What are my next steps? If this is frequently asked, I apologize and will gladly redirect my attention to a previously answered post. If not, then here we go. My story is virtually done, and I'm so glad. I know there is still much to do, perhaps even more than what I've done, but I don't mind at all. I just am lost on the general steps; if writing my first draft was step 1, what is step 2, and 3, and 10? | ix26axh | ix1w5ca | 1,668,917,265 | 1,668,911,981 | 2 | 1 | Next step is to put it aside. You can't see the forest for the trees right now. I say at lest a couple of months. Then do a really quick edit and give it to a friend to give some quick feedback. Then start your first major rewrite. | Put the draft away, then begin a rewrite. Once the rewrite is done, find beta readers. Then update accordingly. | 1 | 5,284 | 2 | ||
yzpofj | writing_train | 0.93 | I'm about two days away from finishing my first draft. What are my next steps? If this is frequently asked, I apologize and will gladly redirect my attention to a previously answered post. If not, then here we go. My story is virtually done, and I'm so glad. I know there is still much to do, perhaps even more than what I've done, but I don't mind at all. I just am lost on the general steps; if writing my first draft was step 1, what is step 2, and 3, and 10? | ix2hepv | ix3b49o | 1,668,924,055 | 1,668,948,274 | 1 | 2 | Editing your first draft | Put it away and work on your next story. Preferably one that isn't a sequel or tied to the universe of what you've just written (in case you have to make some major (or even minor) revisions while editing the one you just finished - this isn't uncommon). I usually avoid messing with it for at least 30-60 days. This gives your brain a break from that story, especially if you're working on something else. After the break, read & edit, make revisions where necessary, clean up the spelling, grammar, and punctuation as much as you can. Personally, I put it away again for another break and work on other stories, then pick it up and go over it a third time. You don't have to, but either way, once you've revised it, hand it off to an editor. Do NOT make the mistake of thinking you don't need one. You do. Every professional author will assure you that they believe they are excellent wordsmiths but absolutely need an editor (or two). Find a competent editor who works within your genre. Trust me on this. It's infuriating to have an editor who doesn't read scifi to constantly question or mark stuff about FTL drives or space marine armor and weapons as wrong because they don't understand what any scifi reader inherently knows. And don't use your family or friends or professors as editors. Pay for a real editor. Do some research to find one that is a professional. They cost money and they are worth every penny. Be aware that just because an editor is expensive doesn't mean they are good (or good for you). Good editors will have a waiting list and/or will ask for a chapter or sample so they can see how much work they'll need to do, and you'll see if they're a good fit for you. (I do editing on the side and I've turned down plenty of authors after seeing their samples because it would be far too much work to the point it wouldn't be cost effective for me. I've also turned down authors who refuse to believe their masterwork needs cleaning up - I don't have the energy to argue with an author) From here, decide if you're going to self publish or submit to a publishing company. You don't need an agent for this. If you're going to submit, make sure you do your research and find submission agents who are looking for your genre, read their submission guidelines and FOLLOW THEM TO THE LETTER. They get hundreds, thousands of submissions and will instantly trashcan your manuscript if you didn't do exactly as they instructed. If you're going to self pub, hire a proofreader (separate from your editor) to do another pass to fix any remaining spelling, punctuation mistakes (sometimes grammar too, but proofers are not always going to offer that service). In the meantime, find a cover artist. You can buy pre-made "photoshopped" covers for very cheap, they look good, and tons of choices. Or you can spend a few hundred to a few thousand to have an artist custom paint you a cover. When I decided to self pub after a bad experience with a publisher, I bought pre-made covers for $30 to $100. By my 6th book or so, I only used custom artwork from pro illustrators who charged $350+. Tom Edward's (UK artist) did a few for me for $1500 each and they are amazing. Trevor Smith and Keith Draws have done amazing covers for me for $650-$800 each. Most importantly is don't expect to suddenly blwo up and make money, get on bestseller lists. It CAN happen, but maybe only 1% of the time. It took me (and most others who are making a living at it) anywhere between 5 and 7 years to start earning enough to quit our day jobs. This is true for both self pub (harder but you earn more of each sale) and traditional pub (you will get a small advance since you're a nobody, won't earn royalties until you've earned out that advance, won't get any real promotional help unless you're somehow special... Google JA Konrath as trad pub is a whole other long thing to read about and he breaks it down better than anyone). Tl;Dr put it away and work on something else for a month or two, and in the meantime, research the hell out of self and traditional publishing, editors, decide which route you want to take, do a second pass and revise, then hire an editor (even if you opt for trad pub, you want your sample manuscript to be in excellent shape when it hits the agent's desk). | 0 | 24,219 | 2 | ||
yzpofj | writing_train | 0.93 | I'm about two days away from finishing my first draft. What are my next steps? If this is frequently asked, I apologize and will gladly redirect my attention to a previously answered post. If not, then here we go. My story is virtually done, and I'm so glad. I know there is still much to do, perhaps even more than what I've done, but I don't mind at all. I just am lost on the general steps; if writing my first draft was step 1, what is step 2, and 3, and 10? | ix3b49o | ix1csa4 | 1,668,948,274 | 1,668,902,550 | 2 | 1 | Put it away and work on your next story. Preferably one that isn't a sequel or tied to the universe of what you've just written (in case you have to make some major (or even minor) revisions while editing the one you just finished - this isn't uncommon). I usually avoid messing with it for at least 30-60 days. This gives your brain a break from that story, especially if you're working on something else. After the break, read & edit, make revisions where necessary, clean up the spelling, grammar, and punctuation as much as you can. Personally, I put it away again for another break and work on other stories, then pick it up and go over it a third time. You don't have to, but either way, once you've revised it, hand it off to an editor. Do NOT make the mistake of thinking you don't need one. You do. Every professional author will assure you that they believe they are excellent wordsmiths but absolutely need an editor (or two). Find a competent editor who works within your genre. Trust me on this. It's infuriating to have an editor who doesn't read scifi to constantly question or mark stuff about FTL drives or space marine armor and weapons as wrong because they don't understand what any scifi reader inherently knows. And don't use your family or friends or professors as editors. Pay for a real editor. Do some research to find one that is a professional. They cost money and they are worth every penny. Be aware that just because an editor is expensive doesn't mean they are good (or good for you). Good editors will have a waiting list and/or will ask for a chapter or sample so they can see how much work they'll need to do, and you'll see if they're a good fit for you. (I do editing on the side and I've turned down plenty of authors after seeing their samples because it would be far too much work to the point it wouldn't be cost effective for me. I've also turned down authors who refuse to believe their masterwork needs cleaning up - I don't have the energy to argue with an author) From here, decide if you're going to self publish or submit to a publishing company. You don't need an agent for this. If you're going to submit, make sure you do your research and find submission agents who are looking for your genre, read their submission guidelines and FOLLOW THEM TO THE LETTER. They get hundreds, thousands of submissions and will instantly trashcan your manuscript if you didn't do exactly as they instructed. If you're going to self pub, hire a proofreader (separate from your editor) to do another pass to fix any remaining spelling, punctuation mistakes (sometimes grammar too, but proofers are not always going to offer that service). In the meantime, find a cover artist. You can buy pre-made "photoshopped" covers for very cheap, they look good, and tons of choices. Or you can spend a few hundred to a few thousand to have an artist custom paint you a cover. When I decided to self pub after a bad experience with a publisher, I bought pre-made covers for $30 to $100. By my 6th book or so, I only used custom artwork from pro illustrators who charged $350+. Tom Edward's (UK artist) did a few for me for $1500 each and they are amazing. Trevor Smith and Keith Draws have done amazing covers for me for $650-$800 each. Most importantly is don't expect to suddenly blwo up and make money, get on bestseller lists. It CAN happen, but maybe only 1% of the time. It took me (and most others who are making a living at it) anywhere between 5 and 7 years to start earning enough to quit our day jobs. This is true for both self pub (harder but you earn more of each sale) and traditional pub (you will get a small advance since you're a nobody, won't earn royalties until you've earned out that advance, won't get any real promotional help unless you're somehow special... Google JA Konrath as trad pub is a whole other long thing to read about and he breaks it down better than anyone). Tl;Dr put it away and work on something else for a month or two, and in the meantime, research the hell out of self and traditional publishing, editors, decide which route you want to take, do a second pass and revise, then hire an editor (even if you opt for trad pub, you want your sample manuscript to be in excellent shape when it hits the agent's desk). | What are you exactly writing for? Is it going to be published? | 1 | 45,724 | 2 | ||
yzpofj | writing_train | 0.93 | I'm about two days away from finishing my first draft. What are my next steps? If this is frequently asked, I apologize and will gladly redirect my attention to a previously answered post. If not, then here we go. My story is virtually done, and I'm so glad. I know there is still much to do, perhaps even more than what I've done, but I don't mind at all. I just am lost on the general steps; if writing my first draft was step 1, what is step 2, and 3, and 10? | ix1pqpy | ix3b49o | 1,668,908,804 | 1,668,948,274 | 1 | 2 | I’m not sure if it is a book for a series or not but if it is, work on the next books, get your ideas down. Then whenever you feel ready, you can work on the first. This is just my way of doing it and yeah it might be slightly problematic. | Put it away and work on your next story. Preferably one that isn't a sequel or tied to the universe of what you've just written (in case you have to make some major (or even minor) revisions while editing the one you just finished - this isn't uncommon). I usually avoid messing with it for at least 30-60 days. This gives your brain a break from that story, especially if you're working on something else. After the break, read & edit, make revisions where necessary, clean up the spelling, grammar, and punctuation as much as you can. Personally, I put it away again for another break and work on other stories, then pick it up and go over it a third time. You don't have to, but either way, once you've revised it, hand it off to an editor. Do NOT make the mistake of thinking you don't need one. You do. Every professional author will assure you that they believe they are excellent wordsmiths but absolutely need an editor (or two). Find a competent editor who works within your genre. Trust me on this. It's infuriating to have an editor who doesn't read scifi to constantly question or mark stuff about FTL drives or space marine armor and weapons as wrong because they don't understand what any scifi reader inherently knows. And don't use your family or friends or professors as editors. Pay for a real editor. Do some research to find one that is a professional. They cost money and they are worth every penny. Be aware that just because an editor is expensive doesn't mean they are good (or good for you). Good editors will have a waiting list and/or will ask for a chapter or sample so they can see how much work they'll need to do, and you'll see if they're a good fit for you. (I do editing on the side and I've turned down plenty of authors after seeing their samples because it would be far too much work to the point it wouldn't be cost effective for me. I've also turned down authors who refuse to believe their masterwork needs cleaning up - I don't have the energy to argue with an author) From here, decide if you're going to self publish or submit to a publishing company. You don't need an agent for this. If you're going to submit, make sure you do your research and find submission agents who are looking for your genre, read their submission guidelines and FOLLOW THEM TO THE LETTER. They get hundreds, thousands of submissions and will instantly trashcan your manuscript if you didn't do exactly as they instructed. If you're going to self pub, hire a proofreader (separate from your editor) to do another pass to fix any remaining spelling, punctuation mistakes (sometimes grammar too, but proofers are not always going to offer that service). In the meantime, find a cover artist. You can buy pre-made "photoshopped" covers for very cheap, they look good, and tons of choices. Or you can spend a few hundred to a few thousand to have an artist custom paint you a cover. When I decided to self pub after a bad experience with a publisher, I bought pre-made covers for $30 to $100. By my 6th book or so, I only used custom artwork from pro illustrators who charged $350+. Tom Edward's (UK artist) did a few for me for $1500 each and they are amazing. Trevor Smith and Keith Draws have done amazing covers for me for $650-$800 each. Most importantly is don't expect to suddenly blwo up and make money, get on bestseller lists. It CAN happen, but maybe only 1% of the time. It took me (and most others who are making a living at it) anywhere between 5 and 7 years to start earning enough to quit our day jobs. This is true for both self pub (harder but you earn more of each sale) and traditional pub (you will get a small advance since you're a nobody, won't earn royalties until you've earned out that advance, won't get any real promotional help unless you're somehow special... Google JA Konrath as trad pub is a whole other long thing to read about and he breaks it down better than anyone). Tl;Dr put it away and work on something else for a month or two, and in the meantime, research the hell out of self and traditional publishing, editors, decide which route you want to take, do a second pass and revise, then hire an editor (even if you opt for trad pub, you want your sample manuscript to be in excellent shape when it hits the agent's desk). | 0 | 39,470 | 2 | ||
yzpofj | writing_train | 0.93 | I'm about two days away from finishing my first draft. What are my next steps? If this is frequently asked, I apologize and will gladly redirect my attention to a previously answered post. If not, then here we go. My story is virtually done, and I'm so glad. I know there is still much to do, perhaps even more than what I've done, but I don't mind at all. I just am lost on the general steps; if writing my first draft was step 1, what is step 2, and 3, and 10? | ix3b49o | ix1w5ca | 1,668,948,274 | 1,668,911,981 | 2 | 1 | Put it away and work on your next story. Preferably one that isn't a sequel or tied to the universe of what you've just written (in case you have to make some major (or even minor) revisions while editing the one you just finished - this isn't uncommon). I usually avoid messing with it for at least 30-60 days. This gives your brain a break from that story, especially if you're working on something else. After the break, read & edit, make revisions where necessary, clean up the spelling, grammar, and punctuation as much as you can. Personally, I put it away again for another break and work on other stories, then pick it up and go over it a third time. You don't have to, but either way, once you've revised it, hand it off to an editor. Do NOT make the mistake of thinking you don't need one. You do. Every professional author will assure you that they believe they are excellent wordsmiths but absolutely need an editor (or two). Find a competent editor who works within your genre. Trust me on this. It's infuriating to have an editor who doesn't read scifi to constantly question or mark stuff about FTL drives or space marine armor and weapons as wrong because they don't understand what any scifi reader inherently knows. And don't use your family or friends or professors as editors. Pay for a real editor. Do some research to find one that is a professional. They cost money and they are worth every penny. Be aware that just because an editor is expensive doesn't mean they are good (or good for you). Good editors will have a waiting list and/or will ask for a chapter or sample so they can see how much work they'll need to do, and you'll see if they're a good fit for you. (I do editing on the side and I've turned down plenty of authors after seeing their samples because it would be far too much work to the point it wouldn't be cost effective for me. I've also turned down authors who refuse to believe their masterwork needs cleaning up - I don't have the energy to argue with an author) From here, decide if you're going to self publish or submit to a publishing company. You don't need an agent for this. If you're going to submit, make sure you do your research and find submission agents who are looking for your genre, read their submission guidelines and FOLLOW THEM TO THE LETTER. They get hundreds, thousands of submissions and will instantly trashcan your manuscript if you didn't do exactly as they instructed. If you're going to self pub, hire a proofreader (separate from your editor) to do another pass to fix any remaining spelling, punctuation mistakes (sometimes grammar too, but proofers are not always going to offer that service). In the meantime, find a cover artist. You can buy pre-made "photoshopped" covers for very cheap, they look good, and tons of choices. Or you can spend a few hundred to a few thousand to have an artist custom paint you a cover. When I decided to self pub after a bad experience with a publisher, I bought pre-made covers for $30 to $100. By my 6th book or so, I only used custom artwork from pro illustrators who charged $350+. Tom Edward's (UK artist) did a few for me for $1500 each and they are amazing. Trevor Smith and Keith Draws have done amazing covers for me for $650-$800 each. Most importantly is don't expect to suddenly blwo up and make money, get on bestseller lists. It CAN happen, but maybe only 1% of the time. It took me (and most others who are making a living at it) anywhere between 5 and 7 years to start earning enough to quit our day jobs. This is true for both self pub (harder but you earn more of each sale) and traditional pub (you will get a small advance since you're a nobody, won't earn royalties until you've earned out that advance, won't get any real promotional help unless you're somehow special... Google JA Konrath as trad pub is a whole other long thing to read about and he breaks it down better than anyone). Tl;Dr put it away and work on something else for a month or two, and in the meantime, research the hell out of self and traditional publishing, editors, decide which route you want to take, do a second pass and revise, then hire an editor (even if you opt for trad pub, you want your sample manuscript to be in excellent shape when it hits the agent's desk). | Put the draft away, then begin a rewrite. Once the rewrite is done, find beta readers. Then update accordingly. | 1 | 36,293 | 2 | ||
yzpofj | writing_train | 0.93 | I'm about two days away from finishing my first draft. What are my next steps? If this is frequently asked, I apologize and will gladly redirect my attention to a previously answered post. If not, then here we go. My story is virtually done, and I'm so glad. I know there is still much to do, perhaps even more than what I've done, but I don't mind at all. I just am lost on the general steps; if writing my first draft was step 1, what is step 2, and 3, and 10? | ix3qjlw | ix2hepv | 1,668,956,592 | 1,668,924,055 | 2 | 1 | Let it "simmer" for a couple weeks while you work on a completely different project. Right now you're firmly within the can't-see-the-forest-for-the-trees zone and won't spot obvious problems because you're too close to the draft. If things occur to you about it, keep a list, but under no circumstances do you crack open that file for a while. | Editing your first draft | 1 | 32,537 | 2 | ||
yzpofj | writing_train | 0.93 | I'm about two days away from finishing my first draft. What are my next steps? If this is frequently asked, I apologize and will gladly redirect my attention to a previously answered post. If not, then here we go. My story is virtually done, and I'm so glad. I know there is still much to do, perhaps even more than what I've done, but I don't mind at all. I just am lost on the general steps; if writing my first draft was step 1, what is step 2, and 3, and 10? | ix3qjlw | ix1csa4 | 1,668,956,592 | 1,668,902,550 | 2 | 1 | Let it "simmer" for a couple weeks while you work on a completely different project. Right now you're firmly within the can't-see-the-forest-for-the-trees zone and won't spot obvious problems because you're too close to the draft. If things occur to you about it, keep a list, but under no circumstances do you crack open that file for a while. | What are you exactly writing for? Is it going to be published? | 1 | 54,042 | 2 | ||
yzpofj | writing_train | 0.93 | I'm about two days away from finishing my first draft. What are my next steps? If this is frequently asked, I apologize and will gladly redirect my attention to a previously answered post. If not, then here we go. My story is virtually done, and I'm so glad. I know there is still much to do, perhaps even more than what I've done, but I don't mind at all. I just am lost on the general steps; if writing my first draft was step 1, what is step 2, and 3, and 10? | ix1pqpy | ix3qjlw | 1,668,908,804 | 1,668,956,592 | 1 | 2 | I’m not sure if it is a book for a series or not but if it is, work on the next books, get your ideas down. Then whenever you feel ready, you can work on the first. This is just my way of doing it and yeah it might be slightly problematic. | Let it "simmer" for a couple weeks while you work on a completely different project. Right now you're firmly within the can't-see-the-forest-for-the-trees zone and won't spot obvious problems because you're too close to the draft. If things occur to you about it, keep a list, but under no circumstances do you crack open that file for a while. | 0 | 47,788 | 2 | ||
yzpofj | writing_train | 0.93 | I'm about two days away from finishing my first draft. What are my next steps? If this is frequently asked, I apologize and will gladly redirect my attention to a previously answered post. If not, then here we go. My story is virtually done, and I'm so glad. I know there is still much to do, perhaps even more than what I've done, but I don't mind at all. I just am lost on the general steps; if writing my first draft was step 1, what is step 2, and 3, and 10? | ix1w5ca | ix3qjlw | 1,668,911,981 | 1,668,956,592 | 1 | 2 | Put the draft away, then begin a rewrite. Once the rewrite is done, find beta readers. Then update accordingly. | Let it "simmer" for a couple weeks while you work on a completely different project. Right now you're firmly within the can't-see-the-forest-for-the-trees zone and won't spot obvious problems because you're too close to the draft. If things occur to you about it, keep a list, but under no circumstances do you crack open that file for a while. | 0 | 44,611 | 2 | ||
wtzzia | writing_train | 0.9 | What is something you want to see from female characters in stories that you normally don’t see? I’m a writer and I have two male main characters who are gay (for each other). I wanted that representation as a bi guy, but have to sacrifice writing a strong female lead. I want my side characters to feel like more than side characters and would love your input! I’d hate for my side characters to be another case of female side characters. | il7b5na | il78dbb | 1,661,095,911 | 1,661,094,719 | 589 | 175 | Female characters who are a mess, but not in a funny or cutesy way. I feel like female characters are rarely allowed to be disasters in ugly ways. They can have emotional breakdowns, but they have to be on the couch in their underwear looking cute while they do it. | Women who aren't just there to be someone's love interest. Women who are old or fat or ugly or legitimately weird and/or awkward--but aren't the butt of a joke or there to be a tragic character. Women who are rude, brash, self-serving, aggressive, etc. but are allowed to be flawed and grow through the narrative without anyone ever "putting her in her place." Women who don't have to be the heart and moral compass for everyone else. Women who aren't cold or evil for not wanting marriage or kids. Women who have goals and dreams unrelated to romance or motherhood. Women who aren't compared to, and don't compare themselves to, other women. Women who are just people, both the good and the bad. Women who aren't motivated by a sexual assault. Honestly, don't mention her breasts and never have anyone attempt to sexually harass or assault her, and you'll be heads above many other male authors. But yay for a gay couple at the lead. I'm all about that shiz. | 1 | 1,192 | 3.365714 | ||
wtzzia | writing_train | 0.9 | What is something you want to see from female characters in stories that you normally don’t see? I’m a writer and I have two male main characters who are gay (for each other). I wanted that representation as a bi guy, but have to sacrifice writing a strong female lead. I want my side characters to feel like more than side characters and would love your input! I’d hate for my side characters to be another case of female side characters. | il7b5na | il72x32 | 1,661,095,911 | 1,661,092,384 | 589 | 148 | Female characters who are a mess, but not in a funny or cutesy way. I feel like female characters are rarely allowed to be disasters in ugly ways. They can have emotional breakdowns, but they have to be on the couch in their underwear looking cute while they do it. | I just want to see a female character who isn't characterized by her gender. "Hot girl in an adventure movie? Give her a crop top, tight shorts and have her constantly pose like she's a magazine cover, but don't give her any personality other than she's a sexy bad ass" I'm tired of that trope in American movies. I want to see girls with personality that can do things on their own without needing a man to help! Bc it's either they're sexy and independent or need help! | 1 | 3,527 | 3.97973 | ||
wtzzia | writing_train | 0.9 | What is something you want to see from female characters in stories that you normally don’t see? I’m a writer and I have two male main characters who are gay (for each other). I wanted that representation as a bi guy, but have to sacrifice writing a strong female lead. I want my side characters to feel like more than side characters and would love your input! I’d hate for my side characters to be another case of female side characters. | il7b5na | il77p0u | 1,661,095,911 | 1,661,094,430 | 589 | 23 | Female characters who are a mess, but not in a funny or cutesy way. I feel like female characters are rarely allowed to be disasters in ugly ways. They can have emotional breakdowns, but they have to be on the couch in their underwear looking cute while they do it. | My friend, one thing.. only one thing. Make a woman strong when the time comes. A strong woman doesn't go around acting all rough and tough slapping males. They needn't be loud, as another redditor mentioned. And i hate that extremely high pitched girl scream.. don't do that. Make the girl fearless, and make her a worthy protagonist or partner of the protagonist, who really helps, instead of being Mary Jane and screaming all the time without helping. I like it when they know martial arts, like Black Widow. Don't make her a Mary Sue though. No "Mary"s 😅😂 I like the silent female characters, who act like they don't like a male character first, then suddenly, you can use it as a plot twist, she reveals that she likes him. | 1 | 1,481 | 25.608696 | ||
wtzzia | writing_train | 0.9 | What is something you want to see from female characters in stories that you normally don’t see? I’m a writer and I have two male main characters who are gay (for each other). I wanted that representation as a bi guy, but have to sacrifice writing a strong female lead. I want my side characters to feel like more than side characters and would love your input! I’d hate for my side characters to be another case of female side characters. | il7ufw3 | il7mgkm | 1,661,103,778 | 1,661,100,538 | 352 | 272 | More platonic friendships between men and women where neither of them ever had a crush on each other or saw the other romantically. | Female friendships, relationships, rivalries that aren't about a man. That means you have to have more than one female character. | 1 | 3,240 | 1.294118 | ||
wtzzia | writing_train | 0.9 | What is something you want to see from female characters in stories that you normally don’t see? I’m a writer and I have two male main characters who are gay (for each other). I wanted that representation as a bi guy, but have to sacrifice writing a strong female lead. I want my side characters to feel like more than side characters and would love your input! I’d hate for my side characters to be another case of female side characters. | il7ufw3 | il7guh4 | 1,661,103,778 | 1,661,098,257 | 352 | 214 | More platonic friendships between men and women where neither of them ever had a crush on each other or saw the other romantically. | I would like to see her flaws and strengths counteract each other and it not all be related to crying haha. I say this as a huge crier, but the first thing people will say about me is that while I am extremely empathetic and helpful, I am SO STUBBORN AND GOD HELP YOU ALL. Also, how a woman's helpfulness gets her into trouble and trouble not meaning rape, but instead, it ruins her relationships with others. And less sexual trauma please. A woman can have a hard life without her bodily agency being brutally taken a way from her. Give her a complicated upbringing, maybe someone she was close to died, maybe she's a washed up wonder kid, maybe she's the chosen one who rather stay at home and play video games. Idk. But...sexual trauma and violence aren't always the answer... | 1 | 5,521 | 1.64486 | ||
wtzzia | writing_train | 0.9 | What is something you want to see from female characters in stories that you normally don’t see? I’m a writer and I have two male main characters who are gay (for each other). I wanted that representation as a bi guy, but have to sacrifice writing a strong female lead. I want my side characters to feel like more than side characters and would love your input! I’d hate for my side characters to be another case of female side characters. | il7ufw3 | il78dbb | 1,661,103,778 | 1,661,094,719 | 352 | 175 | More platonic friendships between men and women where neither of them ever had a crush on each other or saw the other romantically. | Women who aren't just there to be someone's love interest. Women who are old or fat or ugly or legitimately weird and/or awkward--but aren't the butt of a joke or there to be a tragic character. Women who are rude, brash, self-serving, aggressive, etc. but are allowed to be flawed and grow through the narrative without anyone ever "putting her in her place." Women who don't have to be the heart and moral compass for everyone else. Women who aren't cold or evil for not wanting marriage or kids. Women who have goals and dreams unrelated to romance or motherhood. Women who aren't compared to, and don't compare themselves to, other women. Women who are just people, both the good and the bad. Women who aren't motivated by a sexual assault. Honestly, don't mention her breasts and never have anyone attempt to sexually harass or assault her, and you'll be heads above many other male authors. But yay for a gay couple at the lead. I'm all about that shiz. | 1 | 9,059 | 2.011429 | ||
wtzzia | writing_train | 0.9 | What is something you want to see from female characters in stories that you normally don’t see? I’m a writer and I have two male main characters who are gay (for each other). I wanted that representation as a bi guy, but have to sacrifice writing a strong female lead. I want my side characters to feel like more than side characters and would love your input! I’d hate for my side characters to be another case of female side characters. | il72x32 | il7ufw3 | 1,661,092,384 | 1,661,103,778 | 148 | 352 | I just want to see a female character who isn't characterized by her gender. "Hot girl in an adventure movie? Give her a crop top, tight shorts and have her constantly pose like she's a magazine cover, but don't give her any personality other than she's a sexy bad ass" I'm tired of that trope in American movies. I want to see girls with personality that can do things on their own without needing a man to help! Bc it's either they're sexy and independent or need help! | More platonic friendships between men and women where neither of them ever had a crush on each other or saw the other romantically. | 0 | 11,394 | 2.378378 | ||
wtzzia | writing_train | 0.9 | What is something you want to see from female characters in stories that you normally don’t see? I’m a writer and I have two male main characters who are gay (for each other). I wanted that representation as a bi guy, but have to sacrifice writing a strong female lead. I want my side characters to feel like more than side characters and would love your input! I’d hate for my side characters to be another case of female side characters. | il7ufw3 | il7jkvx | 1,661,103,778 | 1,661,099,370 | 352 | 132 | More platonic friendships between men and women where neither of them ever had a crush on each other or saw the other romantically. | Thanks for asking! One thing I personally would love to see is a female protagonist or major character whose main struggle isn’t, directly or indirectly, about her being a woman. I understand and even sometimes appreciate the value of stories where women stand up to abusive men or sexist bosses but I’d really like to see more stories where the struggle would have been most the same if she was a man or in a non-misogynistic society. Misogyny is an irritating at best part of my life, I don’t want it in my “escapism” all the time Edit: one more thing is a little more balance in how many women there are. Most stories have like one women for every two to three men if not more skewed. It doesn’t have to be a perfect 1:1 but female people make up 50-52 percent of the world depending on what statistics you look at so it’s both annoying and unrealistic for it to be so heavily skewed so often | 1 | 4,408 | 2.666667 | ||
wtzzia | writing_train | 0.9 | What is something you want to see from female characters in stories that you normally don’t see? I’m a writer and I have two male main characters who are gay (for each other). I wanted that representation as a bi guy, but have to sacrifice writing a strong female lead. I want my side characters to feel like more than side characters and would love your input! I’d hate for my side characters to be another case of female side characters. | il7ufw3 | il7g4md | 1,661,103,778 | 1,661,097,962 | 352 | 56 | More platonic friendships between men and women where neither of them ever had a crush on each other or saw the other romantically. | I really like when it's not all about a man. I totally like love stories too but it's nice once in a while to a (potentiell) partner doesn't play any role. Or ar least only small one. There is often a big difference as to important the general adventure is and how important the love interest. With male protagonist it often feels like a 70:30 split in favor of the adventure or whatever storyline. With female protagonist is feels like the other way around. Obviously that's still fine, just something i personally like in female protagonist or Charakters. | 1 | 5,816 | 6.285714 | ||
wtzzia | writing_train | 0.9 | What is something you want to see from female characters in stories that you normally don’t see? I’m a writer and I have two male main characters who are gay (for each other). I wanted that representation as a bi guy, but have to sacrifice writing a strong female lead. I want my side characters to feel like more than side characters and would love your input! I’d hate for my side characters to be another case of female side characters. | il7ihrg | il7ufw3 | 1,661,098,926 | 1,661,103,778 | 45 | 352 | If you stop thinking about side characters as side characters, but as the heroes of their own adventures, ones you don't happen to be telling at the moment, it helps. Thus, female side characters can be like protagonists: say, like Maddie Ross in *True Grit,* Kel or Alanna in Tamora Pierce's novels, Anne in *Anne of Green Gables,* Ripley in *Alien,* Sarah Connor in *Terminator,* Emma in *Emma,* and so on. Another gimmick is to model characters on actresses. Mae West and Betty White leap to mind. When in doubt, surprise the reader. Characters that are or do what the reader expects are poison. | More platonic friendships between men and women where neither of them ever had a crush on each other or saw the other romantically. | 0 | 4,852 | 7.822222 | ||
wtzzia | writing_train | 0.9 | What is something you want to see from female characters in stories that you normally don’t see? I’m a writer and I have two male main characters who are gay (for each other). I wanted that representation as a bi guy, but have to sacrifice writing a strong female lead. I want my side characters to feel like more than side characters and would love your input! I’d hate for my side characters to be another case of female side characters. | il7ufw3 | il7d8ya | 1,661,103,778 | 1,661,096,789 | 352 | 47 | More platonic friendships between men and women where neither of them ever had a crush on each other or saw the other romantically. | I’m in a similar boat. All of my 3 POVs are male characters so I felt more responsibility to do right by my most prominent female character (all of them really). I was very happy with how my beta readers responded to her. Some even told me they wished she was a POV. The only thing I look for in characters, male or female is that they’re not defined by their relationship with someone else, romantic or otherwise. One of my most frustrating pains in fiction of any media is female characters that only exist as a man’s _____. One thing that worked for me. I used the same profile sheet to construct all my main characters so that means, I’m answering the same questions about all of them - background, goals, fears, strengths, weaknesses etc. Of course, not all of this makes it into the story for supporting characters but that knowledge informs how I write them. They exist solely to tip the plot forward. SN: OP, are you Irish? | 1 | 6,989 | 7.489362 | ||
wtzzia | writing_train | 0.9 | What is something you want to see from female characters in stories that you normally don’t see? I’m a writer and I have two male main characters who are gay (for each other). I wanted that representation as a bi guy, but have to sacrifice writing a strong female lead. I want my side characters to feel like more than side characters and would love your input! I’d hate for my side characters to be another case of female side characters. | il7ufw3 | il7ef2o | 1,661,103,778 | 1,661,097,270 | 352 | 31 | More platonic friendships between men and women where neither of them ever had a crush on each other or saw the other romantically. | Watch promising young woman. The protagonist in that film is such a good example. I also like the trope of dying for a cause in my fiction but it seems like it's only ever males that do this. | 1 | 6,508 | 11.354839 | ||
wtzzia | writing_train | 0.9 | What is something you want to see from female characters in stories that you normally don’t see? I’m a writer and I have two male main characters who are gay (for each other). I wanted that representation as a bi guy, but have to sacrifice writing a strong female lead. I want my side characters to feel like more than side characters and would love your input! I’d hate for my side characters to be another case of female side characters. | il7ufw3 | il7nhao | 1,661,103,778 | 1,661,100,945 | 352 | 30 | More platonic friendships between men and women where neither of them ever had a crush on each other or saw the other romantically. | You already know what you're doing because you're already doing it with your gay leads. How do you write two gay men who are definitely gay and in a relationship without turning them into stereotypes or cliches? Well, you treat them like people who happen to be gay. How do you write good female characters? You treat them like people who happen to be female. Each one will be different. How they view makeup and how much they use it, how physically strong they are, how comfortable they are asking for help (and their reason for being or not being comfortable with this), how much they swear, their jobs, what they wear ... it's all different. I work in a warehouse and I've started wearing mostly men's clothes because it's more practical. But I'm 100% straight, married to a great guy, with two kids. My hair is super long. I wear dresses and make up if I'm going out or feel like spoiling my husband, but I rarely shave my legs. Each character you write is going to be this weird mix of trad femme, practical, masculine, quirky, damaged, strong, vulnerable, weird ... | 1 | 2,833 | 11.733333 | ||
wtzzia | writing_train | 0.9 | What is something you want to see from female characters in stories that you normally don’t see? I’m a writer and I have two male main characters who are gay (for each other). I wanted that representation as a bi guy, but have to sacrifice writing a strong female lead. I want my side characters to feel like more than side characters and would love your input! I’d hate for my side characters to be another case of female side characters. | il7ufw3 | il77p0u | 1,661,103,778 | 1,661,094,430 | 352 | 23 | More platonic friendships between men and women where neither of them ever had a crush on each other or saw the other romantically. | My friend, one thing.. only one thing. Make a woman strong when the time comes. A strong woman doesn't go around acting all rough and tough slapping males. They needn't be loud, as another redditor mentioned. And i hate that extremely high pitched girl scream.. don't do that. Make the girl fearless, and make her a worthy protagonist or partner of the protagonist, who really helps, instead of being Mary Jane and screaming all the time without helping. I like it when they know martial arts, like Black Widow. Don't make her a Mary Sue though. No "Mary"s 😅😂 I like the silent female characters, who act like they don't like a male character first, then suddenly, you can use it as a plot twist, she reveals that she likes him. | 1 | 9,348 | 15.304348 | ||
wtzzia | writing_train | 0.9 | What is something you want to see from female characters in stories that you normally don’t see? I’m a writer and I have two male main characters who are gay (for each other). I wanted that representation as a bi guy, but have to sacrifice writing a strong female lead. I want my side characters to feel like more than side characters and would love your input! I’d hate for my side characters to be another case of female side characters. | il7ufw3 | il7rtpa | 1,661,103,778 | 1,661,102,714 | 352 | 25 | More platonic friendships between men and women where neither of them ever had a crush on each other or saw the other romantically. | No rape and don’t objectify the character. Have actually goals. Have her life not revolve around the love interest. | 1 | 1,064 | 14.08 | ||
wtzzia | writing_train | 0.9 | What is something you want to see from female characters in stories that you normally don’t see? I’m a writer and I have two male main characters who are gay (for each other). I wanted that representation as a bi guy, but have to sacrifice writing a strong female lead. I want my side characters to feel like more than side characters and would love your input! I’d hate for my side characters to be another case of female side characters. | il7ufw3 | il7oooa | 1,661,103,778 | 1,661,101,435 | 352 | 20 | More platonic friendships between men and women where neither of them ever had a crush on each other or saw the other romantically. | Don’t make them ‘not like other girls.’ Theres nothing interesting about reading about a girl who just bashes other women for wearing make up or sleeping with a lot of people, like they feel superior to them just because they like ‘masculine hobbies’ shut up. | 1 | 2,343 | 17.6 | ||
wtzzia | writing_train | 0.9 | What is something you want to see from female characters in stories that you normally don’t see? I’m a writer and I have two male main characters who are gay (for each other). I wanted that representation as a bi guy, but have to sacrifice writing a strong female lead. I want my side characters to feel like more than side characters and would love your input! I’d hate for my side characters to be another case of female side characters. | il7iav7 | il7ufw3 | 1,661,098,850 | 1,661,103,778 | 18 | 352 | A buff strong woman. Not those skinny women in bikinis that go and fight. Or just a female character that is genuinely funny, and can be strong at the same time. Not the “oh she’s broken but she’s strong” trope. I can’t even find any funny female characters. They’re always just sassy or strong. The men get to be strong and funny, the women seem to only be strong. Edit: and heavier female characters. I rarely ever see any big female characters. Sometimes there are heavier men in the books I read, but all the women are really skinny and fit beauty standards. | More platonic friendships between men and women where neither of them ever had a crush on each other or saw the other romantically. | 0 | 4,928 | 19.555556 | ||
wtzzia | writing_train | 0.9 | What is something you want to see from female characters in stories that you normally don’t see? I’m a writer and I have two male main characters who are gay (for each other). I wanted that representation as a bi guy, but have to sacrifice writing a strong female lead. I want my side characters to feel like more than side characters and would love your input! I’d hate for my side characters to be another case of female side characters. | il7mgkm | il7guh4 | 1,661,100,538 | 1,661,098,257 | 272 | 214 | Female friendships, relationships, rivalries that aren't about a man. That means you have to have more than one female character. | I would like to see her flaws and strengths counteract each other and it not all be related to crying haha. I say this as a huge crier, but the first thing people will say about me is that while I am extremely empathetic and helpful, I am SO STUBBORN AND GOD HELP YOU ALL. Also, how a woman's helpfulness gets her into trouble and trouble not meaning rape, but instead, it ruins her relationships with others. And less sexual trauma please. A woman can have a hard life without her bodily agency being brutally taken a way from her. Give her a complicated upbringing, maybe someone she was close to died, maybe she's a washed up wonder kid, maybe she's the chosen one who rather stay at home and play video games. Idk. But...sexual trauma and violence aren't always the answer... | 1 | 2,281 | 1.271028 | ||
wtzzia | writing_train | 0.9 | What is something you want to see from female characters in stories that you normally don’t see? I’m a writer and I have two male main characters who are gay (for each other). I wanted that representation as a bi guy, but have to sacrifice writing a strong female lead. I want my side characters to feel like more than side characters and would love your input! I’d hate for my side characters to be another case of female side characters. | il7mgkm | il78dbb | 1,661,100,538 | 1,661,094,719 | 272 | 175 | Female friendships, relationships, rivalries that aren't about a man. That means you have to have more than one female character. | Women who aren't just there to be someone's love interest. Women who are old or fat or ugly or legitimately weird and/or awkward--but aren't the butt of a joke or there to be a tragic character. Women who are rude, brash, self-serving, aggressive, etc. but are allowed to be flawed and grow through the narrative without anyone ever "putting her in her place." Women who don't have to be the heart and moral compass for everyone else. Women who aren't cold or evil for not wanting marriage or kids. Women who have goals and dreams unrelated to romance or motherhood. Women who aren't compared to, and don't compare themselves to, other women. Women who are just people, both the good and the bad. Women who aren't motivated by a sexual assault. Honestly, don't mention her breasts and never have anyone attempt to sexually harass or assault her, and you'll be heads above many other male authors. But yay for a gay couple at the lead. I'm all about that shiz. | 1 | 5,819 | 1.554286 | ||
wtzzia | writing_train | 0.9 | What is something you want to see from female characters in stories that you normally don’t see? I’m a writer and I have two male main characters who are gay (for each other). I wanted that representation as a bi guy, but have to sacrifice writing a strong female lead. I want my side characters to feel like more than side characters and would love your input! I’d hate for my side characters to be another case of female side characters. | il7mgkm | il72x32 | 1,661,100,538 | 1,661,092,384 | 272 | 148 | Female friendships, relationships, rivalries that aren't about a man. That means you have to have more than one female character. | I just want to see a female character who isn't characterized by her gender. "Hot girl in an adventure movie? Give her a crop top, tight shorts and have her constantly pose like she's a magazine cover, but don't give her any personality other than she's a sexy bad ass" I'm tired of that trope in American movies. I want to see girls with personality that can do things on their own without needing a man to help! Bc it's either they're sexy and independent or need help! | 1 | 8,154 | 1.837838 | ||
wtzzia | writing_train | 0.9 | What is something you want to see from female characters in stories that you normally don’t see? I’m a writer and I have two male main characters who are gay (for each other). I wanted that representation as a bi guy, but have to sacrifice writing a strong female lead. I want my side characters to feel like more than side characters and would love your input! I’d hate for my side characters to be another case of female side characters. | il7jkvx | il7mgkm | 1,661,099,370 | 1,661,100,538 | 132 | 272 | Thanks for asking! One thing I personally would love to see is a female protagonist or major character whose main struggle isn’t, directly or indirectly, about her being a woman. I understand and even sometimes appreciate the value of stories where women stand up to abusive men or sexist bosses but I’d really like to see more stories where the struggle would have been most the same if she was a man or in a non-misogynistic society. Misogyny is an irritating at best part of my life, I don’t want it in my “escapism” all the time Edit: one more thing is a little more balance in how many women there are. Most stories have like one women for every two to three men if not more skewed. It doesn’t have to be a perfect 1:1 but female people make up 50-52 percent of the world depending on what statistics you look at so it’s both annoying and unrealistic for it to be so heavily skewed so often | Female friendships, relationships, rivalries that aren't about a man. That means you have to have more than one female character. | 0 | 1,168 | 2.060606 | ||
wtzzia | writing_train | 0.9 | What is something you want to see from female characters in stories that you normally don’t see? I’m a writer and I have two male main characters who are gay (for each other). I wanted that representation as a bi guy, but have to sacrifice writing a strong female lead. I want my side characters to feel like more than side characters and would love your input! I’d hate for my side characters to be another case of female side characters. | il7g4md | il7mgkm | 1,661,097,962 | 1,661,100,538 | 56 | 272 | I really like when it's not all about a man. I totally like love stories too but it's nice once in a while to a (potentiell) partner doesn't play any role. Or ar least only small one. There is often a big difference as to important the general adventure is and how important the love interest. With male protagonist it often feels like a 70:30 split in favor of the adventure or whatever storyline. With female protagonist is feels like the other way around. Obviously that's still fine, just something i personally like in female protagonist or Charakters. | Female friendships, relationships, rivalries that aren't about a man. That means you have to have more than one female character. | 0 | 2,576 | 4.857143 | ||
wtzzia | writing_train | 0.9 | What is something you want to see from female characters in stories that you normally don’t see? I’m a writer and I have two male main characters who are gay (for each other). I wanted that representation as a bi guy, but have to sacrifice writing a strong female lead. I want my side characters to feel like more than side characters and would love your input! I’d hate for my side characters to be another case of female side characters. | il7mgkm | il7ihrg | 1,661,100,538 | 1,661,098,926 | 272 | 45 | Female friendships, relationships, rivalries that aren't about a man. That means you have to have more than one female character. | If you stop thinking about side characters as side characters, but as the heroes of their own adventures, ones you don't happen to be telling at the moment, it helps. Thus, female side characters can be like protagonists: say, like Maddie Ross in *True Grit,* Kel or Alanna in Tamora Pierce's novels, Anne in *Anne of Green Gables,* Ripley in *Alien,* Sarah Connor in *Terminator,* Emma in *Emma,* and so on. Another gimmick is to model characters on actresses. Mae West and Betty White leap to mind. When in doubt, surprise the reader. Characters that are or do what the reader expects are poison. | 1 | 1,612 | 6.044444 | ||
wtzzia | writing_train | 0.9 | What is something you want to see from female characters in stories that you normally don’t see? I’m a writer and I have two male main characters who are gay (for each other). I wanted that representation as a bi guy, but have to sacrifice writing a strong female lead. I want my side characters to feel like more than side characters and would love your input! I’d hate for my side characters to be another case of female side characters. | il7d8ya | il7mgkm | 1,661,096,789 | 1,661,100,538 | 47 | 272 | I’m in a similar boat. All of my 3 POVs are male characters so I felt more responsibility to do right by my most prominent female character (all of them really). I was very happy with how my beta readers responded to her. Some even told me they wished she was a POV. The only thing I look for in characters, male or female is that they’re not defined by their relationship with someone else, romantic or otherwise. One of my most frustrating pains in fiction of any media is female characters that only exist as a man’s _____. One thing that worked for me. I used the same profile sheet to construct all my main characters so that means, I’m answering the same questions about all of them - background, goals, fears, strengths, weaknesses etc. Of course, not all of this makes it into the story for supporting characters but that knowledge informs how I write them. They exist solely to tip the plot forward. SN: OP, are you Irish? | Female friendships, relationships, rivalries that aren't about a man. That means you have to have more than one female character. | 0 | 3,749 | 5.787234 | ||
wtzzia | writing_train | 0.9 | What is something you want to see from female characters in stories that you normally don’t see? I’m a writer and I have two male main characters who are gay (for each other). I wanted that representation as a bi guy, but have to sacrifice writing a strong female lead. I want my side characters to feel like more than side characters and would love your input! I’d hate for my side characters to be another case of female side characters. | il7mgkm | il7ef2o | 1,661,100,538 | 1,661,097,270 | 272 | 31 | Female friendships, relationships, rivalries that aren't about a man. That means you have to have more than one female character. | Watch promising young woman. The protagonist in that film is such a good example. I also like the trope of dying for a cause in my fiction but it seems like it's only ever males that do this. | 1 | 3,268 | 8.774194 | ||
wtzzia | writing_train | 0.9 | What is something you want to see from female characters in stories that you normally don’t see? I’m a writer and I have two male main characters who are gay (for each other). I wanted that representation as a bi guy, but have to sacrifice writing a strong female lead. I want my side characters to feel like more than side characters and would love your input! I’d hate for my side characters to be another case of female side characters. | il7mgkm | il77p0u | 1,661,100,538 | 1,661,094,430 | 272 | 23 | Female friendships, relationships, rivalries that aren't about a man. That means you have to have more than one female character. | My friend, one thing.. only one thing. Make a woman strong when the time comes. A strong woman doesn't go around acting all rough and tough slapping males. They needn't be loud, as another redditor mentioned. And i hate that extremely high pitched girl scream.. don't do that. Make the girl fearless, and make her a worthy protagonist or partner of the protagonist, who really helps, instead of being Mary Jane and screaming all the time without helping. I like it when they know martial arts, like Black Widow. Don't make her a Mary Sue though. No "Mary"s 😅😂 I like the silent female characters, who act like they don't like a male character first, then suddenly, you can use it as a plot twist, she reveals that she likes him. | 1 | 6,108 | 11.826087 | ||
wtzzia | writing_train | 0.9 | What is something you want to see from female characters in stories that you normally don’t see? I’m a writer and I have two male main characters who are gay (for each other). I wanted that representation as a bi guy, but have to sacrifice writing a strong female lead. I want my side characters to feel like more than side characters and would love your input! I’d hate for my side characters to be another case of female side characters. | il7iav7 | il7mgkm | 1,661,098,850 | 1,661,100,538 | 18 | 272 | A buff strong woman. Not those skinny women in bikinis that go and fight. Or just a female character that is genuinely funny, and can be strong at the same time. Not the “oh she’s broken but she’s strong” trope. I can’t even find any funny female characters. They’re always just sassy or strong. The men get to be strong and funny, the women seem to only be strong. Edit: and heavier female characters. I rarely ever see any big female characters. Sometimes there are heavier men in the books I read, but all the women are really skinny and fit beauty standards. | Female friendships, relationships, rivalries that aren't about a man. That means you have to have more than one female character. | 0 | 1,688 | 15.111111 | ||
wtzzia | writing_train | 0.9 | What is something you want to see from female characters in stories that you normally don’t see? I’m a writer and I have two male main characters who are gay (for each other). I wanted that representation as a bi guy, but have to sacrifice writing a strong female lead. I want my side characters to feel like more than side characters and would love your input! I’d hate for my side characters to be another case of female side characters. | il78dbb | il7guh4 | 1,661,094,719 | 1,661,098,257 | 175 | 214 | Women who aren't just there to be someone's love interest. Women who are old or fat or ugly or legitimately weird and/or awkward--but aren't the butt of a joke or there to be a tragic character. Women who are rude, brash, self-serving, aggressive, etc. but are allowed to be flawed and grow through the narrative without anyone ever "putting her in her place." Women who don't have to be the heart and moral compass for everyone else. Women who aren't cold or evil for not wanting marriage or kids. Women who have goals and dreams unrelated to romance or motherhood. Women who aren't compared to, and don't compare themselves to, other women. Women who are just people, both the good and the bad. Women who aren't motivated by a sexual assault. Honestly, don't mention her breasts and never have anyone attempt to sexually harass or assault her, and you'll be heads above many other male authors. But yay for a gay couple at the lead. I'm all about that shiz. | I would like to see her flaws and strengths counteract each other and it not all be related to crying haha. I say this as a huge crier, but the first thing people will say about me is that while I am extremely empathetic and helpful, I am SO STUBBORN AND GOD HELP YOU ALL. Also, how a woman's helpfulness gets her into trouble and trouble not meaning rape, but instead, it ruins her relationships with others. And less sexual trauma please. A woman can have a hard life without her bodily agency being brutally taken a way from her. Give her a complicated upbringing, maybe someone she was close to died, maybe she's a washed up wonder kid, maybe she's the chosen one who rather stay at home and play video games. Idk. But...sexual trauma and violence aren't always the answer... | 0 | 3,538 | 1.222857 | ||
wtzzia | writing_train | 0.9 | What is something you want to see from female characters in stories that you normally don’t see? I’m a writer and I have two male main characters who are gay (for each other). I wanted that representation as a bi guy, but have to sacrifice writing a strong female lead. I want my side characters to feel like more than side characters and would love your input! I’d hate for my side characters to be another case of female side characters. | il7guh4 | il72x32 | 1,661,098,257 | 1,661,092,384 | 214 | 148 | I would like to see her flaws and strengths counteract each other and it not all be related to crying haha. I say this as a huge crier, but the first thing people will say about me is that while I am extremely empathetic and helpful, I am SO STUBBORN AND GOD HELP YOU ALL. Also, how a woman's helpfulness gets her into trouble and trouble not meaning rape, but instead, it ruins her relationships with others. And less sexual trauma please. A woman can have a hard life without her bodily agency being brutally taken a way from her. Give her a complicated upbringing, maybe someone she was close to died, maybe she's a washed up wonder kid, maybe she's the chosen one who rather stay at home and play video games. Idk. But...sexual trauma and violence aren't always the answer... | I just want to see a female character who isn't characterized by her gender. "Hot girl in an adventure movie? Give her a crop top, tight shorts and have her constantly pose like she's a magazine cover, but don't give her any personality other than she's a sexy bad ass" I'm tired of that trope in American movies. I want to see girls with personality that can do things on their own without needing a man to help! Bc it's either they're sexy and independent or need help! | 1 | 5,873 | 1.445946 | ||
wtzzia | writing_train | 0.9 | What is something you want to see from female characters in stories that you normally don’t see? I’m a writer and I have two male main characters who are gay (for each other). I wanted that representation as a bi guy, but have to sacrifice writing a strong female lead. I want my side characters to feel like more than side characters and would love your input! I’d hate for my side characters to be another case of female side characters. | il7g4md | il7guh4 | 1,661,097,962 | 1,661,098,257 | 56 | 214 | I really like when it's not all about a man. I totally like love stories too but it's nice once in a while to a (potentiell) partner doesn't play any role. Or ar least only small one. There is often a big difference as to important the general adventure is and how important the love interest. With male protagonist it often feels like a 70:30 split in favor of the adventure or whatever storyline. With female protagonist is feels like the other way around. Obviously that's still fine, just something i personally like in female protagonist or Charakters. | I would like to see her flaws and strengths counteract each other and it not all be related to crying haha. I say this as a huge crier, but the first thing people will say about me is that while I am extremely empathetic and helpful, I am SO STUBBORN AND GOD HELP YOU ALL. Also, how a woman's helpfulness gets her into trouble and trouble not meaning rape, but instead, it ruins her relationships with others. And less sexual trauma please. A woman can have a hard life without her bodily agency being brutally taken a way from her. Give her a complicated upbringing, maybe someone she was close to died, maybe she's a washed up wonder kid, maybe she's the chosen one who rather stay at home and play video games. Idk. But...sexual trauma and violence aren't always the answer... | 0 | 295 | 3.821429 | ||
wtzzia | writing_train | 0.9 | What is something you want to see from female characters in stories that you normally don’t see? I’m a writer and I have two male main characters who are gay (for each other). I wanted that representation as a bi guy, but have to sacrifice writing a strong female lead. I want my side characters to feel like more than side characters and would love your input! I’d hate for my side characters to be another case of female side characters. | il7d8ya | il7guh4 | 1,661,096,789 | 1,661,098,257 | 47 | 214 | I’m in a similar boat. All of my 3 POVs are male characters so I felt more responsibility to do right by my most prominent female character (all of them really). I was very happy with how my beta readers responded to her. Some even told me they wished she was a POV. The only thing I look for in characters, male or female is that they’re not defined by their relationship with someone else, romantic or otherwise. One of my most frustrating pains in fiction of any media is female characters that only exist as a man’s _____. One thing that worked for me. I used the same profile sheet to construct all my main characters so that means, I’m answering the same questions about all of them - background, goals, fears, strengths, weaknesses etc. Of course, not all of this makes it into the story for supporting characters but that knowledge informs how I write them. They exist solely to tip the plot forward. SN: OP, are you Irish? | I would like to see her flaws and strengths counteract each other and it not all be related to crying haha. I say this as a huge crier, but the first thing people will say about me is that while I am extremely empathetic and helpful, I am SO STUBBORN AND GOD HELP YOU ALL. Also, how a woman's helpfulness gets her into trouble and trouble not meaning rape, but instead, it ruins her relationships with others. And less sexual trauma please. A woman can have a hard life without her bodily agency being brutally taken a way from her. Give her a complicated upbringing, maybe someone she was close to died, maybe she's a washed up wonder kid, maybe she's the chosen one who rather stay at home and play video games. Idk. But...sexual trauma and violence aren't always the answer... | 0 | 1,468 | 4.553191 | ||
wtzzia | writing_train | 0.9 | What is something you want to see from female characters in stories that you normally don’t see? I’m a writer and I have two male main characters who are gay (for each other). I wanted that representation as a bi guy, but have to sacrifice writing a strong female lead. I want my side characters to feel like more than side characters and would love your input! I’d hate for my side characters to be another case of female side characters. | il7guh4 | il7ef2o | 1,661,098,257 | 1,661,097,270 | 214 | 31 | I would like to see her flaws and strengths counteract each other and it not all be related to crying haha. I say this as a huge crier, but the first thing people will say about me is that while I am extremely empathetic and helpful, I am SO STUBBORN AND GOD HELP YOU ALL. Also, how a woman's helpfulness gets her into trouble and trouble not meaning rape, but instead, it ruins her relationships with others. And less sexual trauma please. A woman can have a hard life without her bodily agency being brutally taken a way from her. Give her a complicated upbringing, maybe someone she was close to died, maybe she's a washed up wonder kid, maybe she's the chosen one who rather stay at home and play video games. Idk. But...sexual trauma and violence aren't always the answer... | Watch promising young woman. The protagonist in that film is such a good example. I also like the trope of dying for a cause in my fiction but it seems like it's only ever males that do this. | 1 | 987 | 6.903226 | ||
wtzzia | writing_train | 0.9 | What is something you want to see from female characters in stories that you normally don’t see? I’m a writer and I have two male main characters who are gay (for each other). I wanted that representation as a bi guy, but have to sacrifice writing a strong female lead. I want my side characters to feel like more than side characters and would love your input! I’d hate for my side characters to be another case of female side characters. | il7guh4 | il77p0u | 1,661,098,257 | 1,661,094,430 | 214 | 23 | I would like to see her flaws and strengths counteract each other and it not all be related to crying haha. I say this as a huge crier, but the first thing people will say about me is that while I am extremely empathetic and helpful, I am SO STUBBORN AND GOD HELP YOU ALL. Also, how a woman's helpfulness gets her into trouble and trouble not meaning rape, but instead, it ruins her relationships with others. And less sexual trauma please. A woman can have a hard life without her bodily agency being brutally taken a way from her. Give her a complicated upbringing, maybe someone she was close to died, maybe she's a washed up wonder kid, maybe she's the chosen one who rather stay at home and play video games. Idk. But...sexual trauma and violence aren't always the answer... | My friend, one thing.. only one thing. Make a woman strong when the time comes. A strong woman doesn't go around acting all rough and tough slapping males. They needn't be loud, as another redditor mentioned. And i hate that extremely high pitched girl scream.. don't do that. Make the girl fearless, and make her a worthy protagonist or partner of the protagonist, who really helps, instead of being Mary Jane and screaming all the time without helping. I like it when they know martial arts, like Black Widow. Don't make her a Mary Sue though. No "Mary"s 😅😂 I like the silent female characters, who act like they don't like a male character first, then suddenly, you can use it as a plot twist, she reveals that she likes him. | 1 | 3,827 | 9.304348 | ||
wtzzia | writing_train | 0.9 | What is something you want to see from female characters in stories that you normally don’t see? I’m a writer and I have two male main characters who are gay (for each other). I wanted that representation as a bi guy, but have to sacrifice writing a strong female lead. I want my side characters to feel like more than side characters and would love your input! I’d hate for my side characters to be another case of female side characters. | il78dbb | il72x32 | 1,661,094,719 | 1,661,092,384 | 175 | 148 | Women who aren't just there to be someone's love interest. Women who are old or fat or ugly or legitimately weird and/or awkward--but aren't the butt of a joke or there to be a tragic character. Women who are rude, brash, self-serving, aggressive, etc. but are allowed to be flawed and grow through the narrative without anyone ever "putting her in her place." Women who don't have to be the heart and moral compass for everyone else. Women who aren't cold or evil for not wanting marriage or kids. Women who have goals and dreams unrelated to romance or motherhood. Women who aren't compared to, and don't compare themselves to, other women. Women who are just people, both the good and the bad. Women who aren't motivated by a sexual assault. Honestly, don't mention her breasts and never have anyone attempt to sexually harass or assault her, and you'll be heads above many other male authors. But yay for a gay couple at the lead. I'm all about that shiz. | I just want to see a female character who isn't characterized by her gender. "Hot girl in an adventure movie? Give her a crop top, tight shorts and have her constantly pose like she's a magazine cover, but don't give her any personality other than she's a sexy bad ass" I'm tired of that trope in American movies. I want to see girls with personality that can do things on their own without needing a man to help! Bc it's either they're sexy and independent or need help! | 1 | 2,335 | 1.182432 | ||
wtzzia | writing_train | 0.9 | What is something you want to see from female characters in stories that you normally don’t see? I’m a writer and I have two male main characters who are gay (for each other). I wanted that representation as a bi guy, but have to sacrifice writing a strong female lead. I want my side characters to feel like more than side characters and would love your input! I’d hate for my side characters to be another case of female side characters. | il77p0u | il78dbb | 1,661,094,430 | 1,661,094,719 | 23 | 175 | My friend, one thing.. only one thing. Make a woman strong when the time comes. A strong woman doesn't go around acting all rough and tough slapping males. They needn't be loud, as another redditor mentioned. And i hate that extremely high pitched girl scream.. don't do that. Make the girl fearless, and make her a worthy protagonist or partner of the protagonist, who really helps, instead of being Mary Jane and screaming all the time without helping. I like it when they know martial arts, like Black Widow. Don't make her a Mary Sue though. No "Mary"s 😅😂 I like the silent female characters, who act like they don't like a male character first, then suddenly, you can use it as a plot twist, she reveals that she likes him. | Women who aren't just there to be someone's love interest. Women who are old or fat or ugly or legitimately weird and/or awkward--but aren't the butt of a joke or there to be a tragic character. Women who are rude, brash, self-serving, aggressive, etc. but are allowed to be flawed and grow through the narrative without anyone ever "putting her in her place." Women who don't have to be the heart and moral compass for everyone else. Women who aren't cold or evil for not wanting marriage or kids. Women who have goals and dreams unrelated to romance or motherhood. Women who aren't compared to, and don't compare themselves to, other women. Women who are just people, both the good and the bad. Women who aren't motivated by a sexual assault. Honestly, don't mention her breasts and never have anyone attempt to sexually harass or assault her, and you'll be heads above many other male authors. But yay for a gay couple at the lead. I'm all about that shiz. | 0 | 289 | 7.608696 | ||
wtzzia | writing_train | 0.9 | What is something you want to see from female characters in stories that you normally don’t see? I’m a writer and I have two male main characters who are gay (for each other). I wanted that representation as a bi guy, but have to sacrifice writing a strong female lead. I want my side characters to feel like more than side characters and would love your input! I’d hate for my side characters to be another case of female side characters. | il7jkvx | il7g4md | 1,661,099,370 | 1,661,097,962 | 132 | 56 | Thanks for asking! One thing I personally would love to see is a female protagonist or major character whose main struggle isn’t, directly or indirectly, about her being a woman. I understand and even sometimes appreciate the value of stories where women stand up to abusive men or sexist bosses but I’d really like to see more stories where the struggle would have been most the same if she was a man or in a non-misogynistic society. Misogyny is an irritating at best part of my life, I don’t want it in my “escapism” all the time Edit: one more thing is a little more balance in how many women there are. Most stories have like one women for every two to three men if not more skewed. It doesn’t have to be a perfect 1:1 but female people make up 50-52 percent of the world depending on what statistics you look at so it’s both annoying and unrealistic for it to be so heavily skewed so often | I really like when it's not all about a man. I totally like love stories too but it's nice once in a while to a (potentiell) partner doesn't play any role. Or ar least only small one. There is often a big difference as to important the general adventure is and how important the love interest. With male protagonist it often feels like a 70:30 split in favor of the adventure or whatever storyline. With female protagonist is feels like the other way around. Obviously that's still fine, just something i personally like in female protagonist or Charakters. | 1 | 1,408 | 2.357143 | ||
wtzzia | writing_train | 0.9 | What is something you want to see from female characters in stories that you normally don’t see? I’m a writer and I have two male main characters who are gay (for each other). I wanted that representation as a bi guy, but have to sacrifice writing a strong female lead. I want my side characters to feel like more than side characters and would love your input! I’d hate for my side characters to be another case of female side characters. | il7ihrg | il7jkvx | 1,661,098,926 | 1,661,099,370 | 45 | 132 | If you stop thinking about side characters as side characters, but as the heroes of their own adventures, ones you don't happen to be telling at the moment, it helps. Thus, female side characters can be like protagonists: say, like Maddie Ross in *True Grit,* Kel or Alanna in Tamora Pierce's novels, Anne in *Anne of Green Gables,* Ripley in *Alien,* Sarah Connor in *Terminator,* Emma in *Emma,* and so on. Another gimmick is to model characters on actresses. Mae West and Betty White leap to mind. When in doubt, surprise the reader. Characters that are or do what the reader expects are poison. | Thanks for asking! One thing I personally would love to see is a female protagonist or major character whose main struggle isn’t, directly or indirectly, about her being a woman. I understand and even sometimes appreciate the value of stories where women stand up to abusive men or sexist bosses but I’d really like to see more stories where the struggle would have been most the same if she was a man or in a non-misogynistic society. Misogyny is an irritating at best part of my life, I don’t want it in my “escapism” all the time Edit: one more thing is a little more balance in how many women there are. Most stories have like one women for every two to three men if not more skewed. It doesn’t have to be a perfect 1:1 but female people make up 50-52 percent of the world depending on what statistics you look at so it’s both annoying and unrealistic for it to be so heavily skewed so often | 0 | 444 | 2.933333 | ||
wtzzia | writing_train | 0.9 | What is something you want to see from female characters in stories that you normally don’t see? I’m a writer and I have two male main characters who are gay (for each other). I wanted that representation as a bi guy, but have to sacrifice writing a strong female lead. I want my side characters to feel like more than side characters and would love your input! I’d hate for my side characters to be another case of female side characters. | il7d8ya | il7jkvx | 1,661,096,789 | 1,661,099,370 | 47 | 132 | I’m in a similar boat. All of my 3 POVs are male characters so I felt more responsibility to do right by my most prominent female character (all of them really). I was very happy with how my beta readers responded to her. Some even told me they wished she was a POV. The only thing I look for in characters, male or female is that they’re not defined by their relationship with someone else, romantic or otherwise. One of my most frustrating pains in fiction of any media is female characters that only exist as a man’s _____. One thing that worked for me. I used the same profile sheet to construct all my main characters so that means, I’m answering the same questions about all of them - background, goals, fears, strengths, weaknesses etc. Of course, not all of this makes it into the story for supporting characters but that knowledge informs how I write them. They exist solely to tip the plot forward. SN: OP, are you Irish? | Thanks for asking! One thing I personally would love to see is a female protagonist or major character whose main struggle isn’t, directly or indirectly, about her being a woman. I understand and even sometimes appreciate the value of stories where women stand up to abusive men or sexist bosses but I’d really like to see more stories where the struggle would have been most the same if she was a man or in a non-misogynistic society. Misogyny is an irritating at best part of my life, I don’t want it in my “escapism” all the time Edit: one more thing is a little more balance in how many women there are. Most stories have like one women for every two to three men if not more skewed. It doesn’t have to be a perfect 1:1 but female people make up 50-52 percent of the world depending on what statistics you look at so it’s both annoying and unrealistic for it to be so heavily skewed so often | 0 | 2,581 | 2.808511 | ||
wtzzia | writing_train | 0.9 | What is something you want to see from female characters in stories that you normally don’t see? I’m a writer and I have two male main characters who are gay (for each other). I wanted that representation as a bi guy, but have to sacrifice writing a strong female lead. I want my side characters to feel like more than side characters and would love your input! I’d hate for my side characters to be another case of female side characters. | il7jkvx | il7ef2o | 1,661,099,370 | 1,661,097,270 | 132 | 31 | Thanks for asking! One thing I personally would love to see is a female protagonist or major character whose main struggle isn’t, directly or indirectly, about her being a woman. I understand and even sometimes appreciate the value of stories where women stand up to abusive men or sexist bosses but I’d really like to see more stories where the struggle would have been most the same if she was a man or in a non-misogynistic society. Misogyny is an irritating at best part of my life, I don’t want it in my “escapism” all the time Edit: one more thing is a little more balance in how many women there are. Most stories have like one women for every two to three men if not more skewed. It doesn’t have to be a perfect 1:1 but female people make up 50-52 percent of the world depending on what statistics you look at so it’s both annoying and unrealistic for it to be so heavily skewed so often | Watch promising young woman. The protagonist in that film is such a good example. I also like the trope of dying for a cause in my fiction but it seems like it's only ever males that do this. | 1 | 2,100 | 4.258065 |
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