Writing Stack Exchange
Writing Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [terminology]

This tag should be used for questions about common terminology related to the craft writing or how terminology is handled in writing. Do not use this tag to ask about terminology of specific topics that are not related to the craft of writing. In these cases you might want to check out EnglishLanguage&Usage.StackExchange and their single-word-requests tag.

This tag should be used for questions about common terminology related to the craft writing or how terminology is handled in writing. For example you could ask how terminology should be presented in a document or what means.

Do not use this tag to ask about terminology of specific topics that are not related to the craft of writing. In these cases you might want to check out EnglishLanguage&Usage.StackExchange and their single-word-requests tag.

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Pantsing a story?

I heard a writer talking about pantsing a story. What does that mean?
Elizabeth Schechter
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What is a discovery writer?

From an answer to this question: How do I successfully structure a long fiction piece? I think I can infer the meaning from the usage but some elaboration would be helpful.
One Monkey
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Term for a character that only exists to be talked to

I just saw a two-person play where one character did the majority of the talking and the other seemed to exist only to give the other character someone to talk to. I've seen this happen in books and TV as well, and sometimes a normally strong…
David K
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7 answers

Are there any general rules or guidelines for using neologism or newly coined word (Cutease)?

Recently, I came across a beautiful word 'Cutease', defined on Urban dictionary as: Cute, sassy, saucy and cheeky. ends up being a tease. I found this word on one of the social networks and I loved the way it was used. Later, I found it on Urban…
CaWo
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14 answers

Is it okay to call the reader's target audience stupid?

I'm a tech genre author, and have already published one book on Android development. However, this book was focused more on the developer of the apps, than the user. Now I'm working on my second book, which is on app UI. In this book, there is a lot…
Raghav Sood
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16
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6 answers

What is the term for an accessible character that knows nothing?

In a lot of books, movies, or TV shows, there will be a character that knows little to nothing about the subject at hand. Most cop shows and medical shows will have someone who doesn't know very simple things so that the story can be accessible by…
Jeff
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15
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Is there a term for this?

I'll explain my question by citing what was done on the TV show Dexter. Halfway through an episode (Season 4, episode 4, 'All in the Family') two established characters (one of them being Deborah) were flirting while talking about the value of…
Bob516
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15
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4 answers

What other kinds of writers are there besides plotters and pantsers?

In a comment to an answer of mine Mark Baker has suggested that the common, dichotomous view of writers as either "plotters" or "pantsers" or something of both might not be complete and that there are other types of writers. In their extreme forms,…
user5645
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3 answers

Where can subject matter experts volunteer to work on proofing the technical details in fiction?

I am not a writer (yet!), but I have been working in the computer field for over 10 years and would love to put in some time volunteering my services as a subject matter expert (SME) for programming and computer related story components. Is there a…
Larry Smithmier
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Is there a word for something that is structured like a parody, but utilizes an idealized or improved version of the original context?

(Edit: title frames the question better thanks to @TheRubberDuck) This has been bugging me for a while; enough to join this wonderful community - thanks for any help you can offer! Keep in mind English/Literature isn't my field, so apologies in…
Wojtek
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Is there a phrase that means "a character suddenly gets a lot of development right before they die"?

If I remember correctly, there is a phrase meaning "a character suddenly gets a lot of development right before they die". However I have forgotten the name and can't find it. Perhaps I am just imagining that it has a name. Is there a phrase meaning…
Matthew
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What is an arena-driven story?

There is an answer here from FraEnrico which is the cause for my question: What is the difference between character-driven stories and plot-driven stories?. Here he explains a bit of what an "arena driven story" is, but I wanted to know more. What…
Hanilucas
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What is the difference between character-driven stories and plot-driven stories?

I have googled this question several times but I'm just not clear on the answers I'm getting. For example, I know that screenplays/plays/books such as A Streetcar Named Desire, Enough Said, The Spare Room and Little Miss Sunshine are character…
user27894
11
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2 answers

What are First Drafts, Second Drafts, etc.?

I've been reading a few questions on this site, and I've seen the terms First, Second or Third Drafts. What does this refer to actually? And could someone give a clear detail of what they are, and why specifically three drafts?
Fikko3107
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What's a moment that's more impactful on a reread called?

I've met a few of these but the most recent instance was two characters discussing buying a third character a drink when they all got home, on the first reading this is a simple moment of comradery and thanks giving for what they owe that person.…
Ash
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