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1500 questions
49
votes
12 answers
'The Chosen One' paradox
In many books novels or other forms of fictional writing, the reader is introduced to a so called 'chosen one'. This character or being is of higher power or in general, of different nature than other characters.
To be more precise - my question is…
user32730
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5 answers
"The flux capacitor--it's what makes time travel possible." When to keep world-building explanations short
Gosh, I really think I'm quite clever sometimes. But what about those situations where the readers (audience) can be told, and they feel completely satiated and entertained by not going into the nuts and bolts. There are tons of examples: How about…
Stu W
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49
votes
16 answers
Is there any good time-line software out there?
I write mostly speculative fiction, and use Scrivener for writing and note-taking.
But I'm looking to start crafting timelines to keep track of the exact year and months events in the distant and close past occurred.
In a perfect world: I'd like…
oldrobotsneverrust
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48
votes
14 answers
Avoiding spectacle creep
It's common in stories for spectacle to build over time. Each story arc, the stakes get higher, the drama gets more intense, the villains get more dangerous, and so on. For a story with a fixed endpoint, that's fine. So long I know where I'm…
user33474
46
votes
8 answers
I have written my first novel and I think it's ready. What next?
I've completed my first novel and done as much editing as I think I can as the author. What should I do next in order to get this out there?
Jeff Yates
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46
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9 answers
Why write a book when there's a movie in my head?
Around a decade ago, I had a dream. An actual middle of the night dream. An entire movie played in my head, all I had to do was write it down. I did a fair bit of research on the topic then I spent the next 10 years working it out in my head but…
Cyn
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46
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15 answers
If I'm writing in US English, am I not allowed to use the metric system?
For example, can I say this if my book is written in US English (in non-dialog):
The car was going at least 140 kilometers per hour!
Or should I convert them to miles or what have you?
It's for a fiction novel that takes place in Italy. However,…
Klara Raškaj
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46
votes
13 answers
Is it a bad idea to have multiple bad endings and only one good ending?
Background: I'm working on a game that has multiple paths for players to choose from. The choices the players make can lead them to very different endings. There are many bad endings but only one true canon ending. Only one good ending,…
user23083
46
votes
15 answers
How to perpetuate the plot-driving riddle without frustrating the reader?
Usually, at the end of a crime, thriller, horror, fantasy, science fiction, or other action genre novel, the identity of the antagonist is uncovered and the riddle that drives the plot is resolved: the murderer gets caught as the detective…
user29032
45
votes
16 answers
How to make travel scenes interesting without adding needless plot diversions?
I have always had a problem with travel in my stories. Since I'm writing an epic fantasy novel, travel is a big theme as characters often have to move from where they are to where the plot dictates.
However, one of the difficulties I have is that…
StrixVaria
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45
votes
6 answers
How to avoid mentioning the name of a character?
I am writing a short story which features a character known only as Old Man, but there is a part of the story where someone calls the Old Man by his name. Only once, and I was wondering if there was a way to have it so that the name is said but not…
Kalama Xander
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45
votes
25 answers
Help! I've got Writer's Block
I really want to write, but as soon as I sit down and set pen to paper, my mind goes blank.
I can't think of anything to write. Sometimes I stare at my screen for hours; doesn't help.
If I do think of something, it feels stupid, it won't work, it's…
newyellowshoes
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44
votes
15 answers
What are good places to post your work where it will be read by others?
Seeing this site and reading some of my ridiculous stories that I wrote a while ago makes me want to start writing again. I know I'll be more enthusiastic if I have people reading my work and commenting on it, and that will also be great feedback to…
Claudiu
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44
votes
15 answers
Do Writers Use LaTex/TeX for writing?
I'm quite interested in the LaTex/TeX system and am wondering if any other fellow writers use it frequently to write in.
JFW
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44
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12 answers
How long can a fantasy novel stay in metaphorical Kansas?
I am writing a novel with the basic Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland or the Matrix if you want structure. The novel begins in perfect modern day, and at some point in a very sharp way takes a turn for fantasy.
Right now Kansas currently takes up…
Andrey
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