Writing Stack Exchange
Writing Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [text-analysis]

This tag should be used for example for questions about tools that can aid an author in analyzing their own text. Please note that analysis of existing literary works are off-topic on Writing.SE - you might want to check out Literature.SE - and that writing critiques are also off-topic on Writing.SE.

This tag should be used for example for questions about tools that can aid an author in analyzing their own text. Please note that analysis of existing literary works are off-topic on Writing.SE - you might want to check out Literature.SE - and that writing critiques are also off-topic on Writing.SE.

29 questions
17
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9 answers

Software to draw plot structure charts

When I plot my own novels or analyze other works to understand their structure, I like to visualize the dynamic of the storyline(s) in a diagram. Usually I draw this by hand. A first version of such a narrative chart might look like this one (which…
user29032
10
votes
3 answers

Does a repository of analytical breakdowns of stories exist?

I'm a data scientist and for my next project I'm looking for a location where I can find stories broken down by structure. I.e. The basics of the seven point story structure, or wikipedia dramatic structure, etc... I've found…
Tolure
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9
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7 answers

How many different words are in the average novel?

I realize there's going to be a bit of variation here from one author to the next and depending on length of the novel, but the range shouldn't really be too large. The thing is, I really have no idea where the middle of that range lies. 5,000…
temporary_user_name
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9
votes
4 answers

Software for analyzing a manuscript?

I would like to get a better picture of a manuscript I've written, especially in regards to word usage patterns and potentially overused terms. I'm curious whether anyone can recommend a document analysis tool. Specifically, is there a program that…
Cliff Hangerson Page
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8
votes
4 answers

Programs that analyze word frequency?

I would like a utility that could analyze a document and give me stats like this: WORD: FREQUENCY: a 47,268 the 37,201 gross 215 irregardlessly 1 Does anyone know if this is available? BTW, I'd…
Chowzen
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5
votes
4 answers

What tense do I use when talking about a character that has died?

When analysing a book and speaking of a character that dies, do you still you present tense as you are still analysing a book? If I were to make up a quick example: "Despite Anna's death, the plot continues. [...] Riley says Anna wanted to die, but…
Devon
5
votes
3 answers

What are some good writing analyzing software programs?

What are some good writing analyzing software programs? I'm on a trial right now of something called EffectCheck which seems to give you the overall tone of your work and provide charts and bar graphs of how heavy that is. For example, happiness vs…
Dynas
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4
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2 answers

Websites that offer book/movie/story analyses useful for writers?

I was wondering if there are any websites that offer analyses of stories, written or otherwise, with the intention to teach people something about writing and storytelling? I realize I can just google for analyses on specific works of litterature,…
erikric
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4
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1 answer

Is there a term describing two poems that start simultaneously or in succession?

I am studying a poem called Unbearable Weight of Staying by Warsan Shire. It includes regular type and then indented, italicised type e.g I don't know when love became elusive. My mother's laughter in a dark room The remainder of the poem follows…
SlummingWords4
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4
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3 answers

Which free text analysis tools do authors use?

I'm looking for free tools to perform some text analysis. I don't want just simple Flesch-Kinvaid or Coleman-Liau score, I was hoping for a tool that identifies problem sentences, overused words, etc. There is a plugin for Google Docs called…
Stéphane
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4
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2 answers

How does the 3 act structure fit in a Non Linear story?

I see that the 3 Act structure can be applied over almost any story, from Hamlet to Mulholland Drive, from The Matrix to Rocky. Story structures like 3 Acts, or 4-5 Acts, always feature a Character Arc and a series of plot turns (i.e. Turning…
FraEnrico
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4
votes
2 answers

Effective differentiation of dream sequence from "normal text"

There are lots of questions about how to write about dream, how will it be in a book etc. I have a bit different question. Imagine this situation: I was walking down the street to the entrance of the ZOO. Hand in hand with my grandma and baloon…
Ernedar
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2
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1 answer

Can I reference italics in academic writing?

I am analysing a poetry collection for college and one poem is 'Unbearable Weight of Staying' by Warsan Shire. She includes both regular and italicised type in the text, e.g: I don't know when love became elusive. My mother's laughter in a dark…
SlummingWords4
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2
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1 answer

Moving between a narrator's memories of the past and the "literary present"

The rule is simple in general: use the present tenses when discussing events in literary works. One situation where this gets more complicated is where you have to switch timelines because, for example, we enter events through a narrator's memories.…
user159214
2
votes
1 answer

What length should my paragraphs be?

I could not stop noticing that some books have longer paragraphs than others. Patrick Rothfuss often use short ones in his books. Other writers such as Cornwell uses longer paragraphs before adding paragraph. What is the technique behind this? Why a…
Hanilucas
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