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Question:I have a character that interacts with his dad a lot. But his dad is also a main character with his own voice. I read somewhere that, in this example, when writing in the sons POV his father should always be called 'dad' or my dad, versus the dad's name. And sometimes that makes sense to me, but other times it feels weird.
Are there any rules about this? Is it ok to switch between 'dad' and 'Bob' when in the son's POV?
Mod
And you can always try to rearrange your sentences to minimize the occasions when you'd need to use it.
Ok, another question. lolI've heard mixed comments on the use of...verbs, I think? (I get so confused about what words are called. I just know what sounds good together.)
For example...is it better to write "She said breathlessly" or "She said in a breathless voice"? Or is it ok to mix it up? Are "ly" words evil?
Mod
However, it is usually best to mix them up a bit - - try to figure out what you're really trying to convey, and then go with that. Okay, brace yourself, this is going to be detailed, but in your example, "She said breathlessly" works best if "she" is the point of view character. If "she" is someone other than the point of view character, then it would be just as fine if not better to use "she said in a breathless voice," because all the point of view character knows is what he/she heard - which is someone speaking in a breathless voice. He/she wouldn't technically know if the speaker was breathless. Does that make sense? Let me know if that didn't make sense. : )
oooh! That makes sense! I think I was trying to do that instinctively (heh!), but hadn't thought about it so technically. (I really should take a writing class or something...)
Apparently, I'm the only one with problems here. lol :)Question about phone calls...writing about them, actually.
Ok, so your character has just completed a phone call on their cell phone. Did they just 'end the call'? or 'hang up'? 'press end'? Before cell phones, it was obviously 'hang up' but that sounds weird, you don't really hang up a cell phone...do you?
I'm so confused!!
Mod
P.S. "disconnected" is another one.
Okay, I need a name for a guy. (I'm awful at coming up with names)He's the boss of the main character, but they've never met before (he actually owns the company and she is the head of one of the branches). It's a security company, and he is a retired SEAL (in other words, he's hot). Her name is Emily.
How about Slade? That definitely sounds like a name a super hot tough guy SEAL would have to me lol.
Okay. So I have a question. I've written a book, but I'm not sure what genre or age group it falls in. It's about a young woman who is an anthropologist and finds out that she is actually half dragon. There are also shape shifters, werewolves, vampires, fairies, witches and wizards, as well as regular humans. There is no profanity or sexual content in it, but I've been told that the average person wouldn't be able to read it because of the big words that are in it. So I'm kind of lost on what type of publisher I should be looking for or what target group to try to sell to. If written anyone has any advise I would greatly appreciate it.
Mod
Jennifer wrote: "Thanks that's really helpful."as far genre I would say maybe fantasy unless it's more horror, sounds like fantasy but one can never be sure just by that you know? never judge a book by it's cover.
as far as target audience, never underestimate the intelligence of your readers haha big words or not one never knows until it's read or anything. sorry if i'm making it more complicated just putting in my two cents
Jennifer wrote: "How about Slade? That definitely sounds like a name a super hot tough guy SEAL would have to me lol."I totally agree that Slade is an awesome name, but it kind of seems like it would fit better in a fantasy book, you know?
Thanks for your suggestion.
Jennifer wrote: "Okay. So I have a question. I've written a book, but I'm not sure what genre or age group it falls in. It's about a young woman who is an anthropologist and finds out that she is actually half drag..."Jennifer,
You failed to mention in your post if you intend to seek publication via a mainline publisher, independently, or prefer to self-publish.
If you do decide to work with a mainline publisher, I suggest that you defer to the recommendation of the conceptual editor regarding specific genre and allow the graphic design artist to target the backmatter of the book's cover toward that particular reading group.
You will hold the copyright to your work and, therefore, will make the final decision. Whatever you decide, I wish you success and hope to read your book someday.
It's definitely not horror. And thank you all your comments have been helpful. As far as what type of publishing... I'm not really sure. This is my first time trying to get anything published so I don't know what the best would be. I'm also confused if I should try to get it published myself or if I should find an agent. I just don't know.
Jennifer wrote: "It's definitely not horror. And thank you all your comments have been helpful. As far as what type of publishing... I'm not really sure. This is my first time trying to get anything published so I ..."Jennifer,
Your local library will have shelves of books related to writing and the publishing process.
They possess information that will provide clear-cut guidance regarding which path to publication to follow based upon self-evaluation - education, experience, free time, resources, etc.
These research tools will also provide advice and specific examples of how to write a query letter, to whom it should be sent, and what to avoid during your search.
Above all, don't understimate your ability and potential. Self-confidence, patience, and determination are essential to success in any endeavor.
I hope I don't kill another thread...here goes! :)I actually stopped working on a YA semi-fantasy (there's some nature-based magic, a touch of alchemy, and some mystical mythology but no dragons or wizards) because I changed voice and am not sure how to get back.
The first half is in first person and I honestly love the tone of it. I like my girl and how she expresses herself. The last thing that happens before part 2 is, the protag is hanging from a copse atop a tower and she starts to fall. I then started part 2 in third person (seriously without even thinking about it) because I wanted some mystery as to if she survived. Which now that I think of it is a moot point, since the story was from her perspective and we wouldn't be hearing it if she were dead (basically).
Crap.
Well anyway. She's falling, then part 2 starts with a description of the two people living in the tower from which she's falling (she crashes through a window, chaos ensues).
I guess, in my head, it was going to go:
Part 1: first person
Part 2: third person
Part 3: first person again
Then I thought I'd switch to first person whenever my protag is alone. Hell, I don't know!
I've been so bothered by the voice change, and the seeming impossibility of justifying it, that I stopped working on the MS. I love the tone of the protag, but I NEED to reveal scenes she's not a part of, is the big problem. I may have to bite the bullet and re-write part one in third person...
I know this is way too long a post and I probably sound like a blithering idiot, but any insight or advice would be greatly appreciated!
Juli wrote: "I hope I don't kill another thread...here goes! :)I actually stopped working on a YA semi-fantasy (there's some nature-based magic, a touch of alchemy, and some mystical mythology but no dragons ..."
Julie,
One of my blog posts deals specifically with your dilemma. It is titled First or Third-Person (Decisions! Decisions!) and is dated November 27, 2013.
If interested, Jim Vuksic's Blog may be accessed via my Goodreads profile.
Thanks a lot Jim. I will definitely be going to the library for that. I didn't even know that had stuff like that at the library lol.
Jim wrote: "Juli wrote: "I hope I don't kill another thread...here goes! :)I actually stopped working on a YA semi-fantasy (there's some nature-based magic, a touch of alchemy, and some mystical mythology bu..."
Thanks for the reply, Jim, I appreciate it. It sounds like you solved your dilemma pretty easily by changing voice. My issue is I want to do both--I feel like the story needs both, but don't know how to credibly and smoothly pull it off :(
I'm thinking I'll have to re-write part one in third person, even though I really don't want to.
But thanks for the input!
Juli wrote: "Jim wrote: "Juli wrote: "I hope I don't kill another thread...here goes! :)I actually stopped working on a YA semi-fantasy (there's some nature-based magic, a touch of alchemy, and some mystical ..."
Juli,
I hope this helps.
Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Cormac McCarthy, who wrote No Country for Old Men and The Road, sometimes switched from first-person to third-person.
If he can, why can't you? Think about it.
Well...good point! I guess I need to think about it more :) Thanks again!
I'm writing a YA novel where the girl is 17 and the guy is 21. Should I put sex or not? If yes, how detailed should it be? :)
Nuzhat wrote: "I'm writing a YA novel where the girl is 17 and the guy is 21. Should I put sex or not? If yes, how detailed should it be? :)"If it's ya then probably not. Depends on the story, if you feel you need the sex to bring them closer(or apart) then yes but probably little detail OR just go into the moment then break it into the next scene saying they did have sex but also leaving it tk the readers imagination so as to not really cross the border into adult novel.
I seriously hope that made sense. Bad habit of mine. Sounds good in my head not so good out loud lol
Juli wrote: "I hope I don't kill another thread...here goes! :)I actually stopped working on a YA semi-fantasy (there's some nature-based magic, a touch of alchemy, and some mystical mythology but no dragons ..."
James Patterson did something similar to what you want to do in his Maximum Ride series, except it was split by chapters instead of parts. When he was writing from Max's POV he would write in first person, but then when he was writing from any else's POV he would write in third person.
I'm not sure how much that helps.
Nuzhat wrote: "Hmm you're right! :) thnx"One other thing i should mention about sex in books is, don't force it in there. If it happens it happens but don't force in the sex justcfir the sake of it, unless it's erotica Lol in which case the rules slightly differ on sex. In my opinion at least
This was one of the best books I've read on POV:The power of point of view : make your story come to life
Rasley, Alicia.
2008
One thing that I often do is write the same scene from different point of view. This is a great way to gain insight into each character and bring them to life.
If you can pull off switching from First to Third person kudos to you! I can't. I switch POV from chapter to chapter sometimes for the main protags and antags but never switch the voice.
Ashley wrote: "Juli wrote: "I hope I don't kill another thread...here goes! :)I actually stopped working on a YA semi-fantasy (there's some nature-based magic, a touch of alchemy, and some mystical mythology bu..."
That really does help, thanks! I can get the books from the library and see how it reads. I truly appreciate the idea :)
James wrote: "This was one of the best books I've read on POV:The power of point of view : make your story come to life
Rasley, Alicia.
2008
One thing that I often do is write the same scene from different po..."
Thanks, James, I'll definitely check that book out. I appreciate the input :)
I have another question about voice. This one is about third person-omniscient vs third person...erm, limited? I guess?The sitch is this: Elpis (my MC) is having a convo with her hookup from the previous night, and 'the voice' (ha) is essentially third person. I'm not in anyone's head, I'm just basically relating what they say to each other, their posture, what they physically do. A bit into the convo, I hop ever-so-lightly into the hookup's head and give a glimpse of what he's thinking.
Once he leaves, the action is just Elpis finishing up her chores. I don't tell you what SHE is thinking. Again, I just relay her actions.
Does that sound like an issue, or like something that would be jarring? And would anyone be willing to read a page and let me know if it is, indeed, distracting?
Any insight is greatly appreciated.
Mod
The sitch is this: Elpis (my MC) is having a convo with her hookup from the ..."
I would stick with one kind of narrator for the whole novel, if I can't figure out what kind of narrator it is I in a book I find myself puzzling over the POV instead of concentrating on the story.
I agree with Sohia. Stick to the POV of your main character. Head hopping is very distracting to me as a reader. Instead of getting into the hookups head, have Elpis read into his actions. In other words, what does she assume he's thinking.
Gareth wrote: "Juli wrote: "I have another question about voice. This one is about third person-omniscient vs third person...erm, limited? I guess?The sitch is this: Elpis (my MC) is having a convo with her hoo..."
Thank you Gareth, Sofia, and James! I know you're right, and I think (THINK!) I've solved it. Gareth, I'll send you the before and after paragraph if you're still up for reading it?
Hello. I'm currently writing a blog that follows my progress in putting together a short story collection I'm hoping to self publish by the end of this year.
So far it's only work colleagues, family and Facebook friends who read it but i want to get it into the wider world of fellow writers.
Trouble is i don't like to just stand up and beg but i know i can't be silent.
Any tips on how to promote a blog would be welcome?
Brian wrote: "Hello. I'm currently writing a blog that follows my progress in putting together a short story collection I'm hoping to self publish by the end of this year.
So far it's only work colleagues, f..."
I hope you get some tips, I could use some, too! At least you have family and friends reading yours. I have one subscriber but I don't think she actually reads anything (she never comments). The only comments I get are spams.
Sometimes feels like I'm yelling into a vacuum...
Hang in there, though! I visited your blog and commented :) Will explore when I get some time!
Brian wrote: "Hello. I'm currently writing a blog that follows my progress in putting together a short story collection I'm hoping to self publish by the end of this year.
So far it's only work colleagues, f..."
I am certainly not an expert on this subject; however, I can share some wisdom that comes with age and experience.
Promotion is a necessary and integral part of introducing any product or work. People can't access something if they are unaware of its existence. Therefore, not promoting your blog is not an option.
Websites like Goodreads.com, designed to bring readers and writers together in a continuous forum, provide the greatest exposure. Check out the various discussion groups to discover which provide a thread dedicated to blogger self-promotion.
When self-promoting on such sites, avoid the "I" syndrome. Over usage of personal pronouns - I, me, my, mine - may be a turnoff to some potential followers.
Proofread anything you wish to include in your blog prior to posting it. If your blog is riddled with misspellings, improper punctuation, bad grammar and syntax, the reader may assume that your stories are as well. Example: The personal pronoun "I" is always capitalized, never "lower-case".
I hope this information proves helpful. I look forward to checking out your blog someday.
Thank you for the feedback Jim. I completely agree with you; when using words like 'I' and 'me' in forum posts it can start to sound like a petulant child (me, me, me). As for proof reading; I'm lucky to have a wife who doesn't like me clicking 'post' until she's cast her critical eyes over it. Bless her.
Juli - thank you for reading the blog. Will check out your comment shortly. One of the aims for the blog, as well as following the process of writing - rewriting - selfpublishing, is to gather any help I find along the way and put it out there for other writers. To help as I wishes to be helped. Hopefully you'll find something of use.
Brian and Juli I would suggest you join the group Making Connections! and post the links to your respective blogs onto this thread:https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Great way to find new followers and discover new blogs...
Brian, you might also consider adding the "website" part into your profile section (I saw the link for your blog but it was at the very end of your profile description). Unfortunately most people have very short attention span, you'll have more people noticing the site if the link is in a prominent place :)
hope this helps :)
Sanda wrote: "Brian and Juli I would suggest you join the group Making Connections! and post the links to your respective blogs onto this thread:https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
Great way ..."
Thanks very much, Sandra, I'll definitely check that out!
Hey guys! Quick semi-random question here. I know goodreads doesn't really make the formatting of posts all that great but I was writing in the Writing Prompt 1 discussion and was curious; in general, is there a right or wrong way to split up your paragraphs? I vaguely remember from English classes in school about starting a new paragraph with each new thought. I've also heard somewhere that you're supposed to do a new one with each line of dialogue. If that's the case though, then you could potentiallyend up
with a lot of
one/short line
paragraphs like this. haha. Are those "rules" more or less correct or should paragraph formatting be more of a personal preference type of thing.
Yes you need a paragraph break every time a new person speaks.
Thanks! Also, what about contractions? I use them occasionally but I try not to use them much in my writing, though in speech I tend to abuse the heck out of them. My speech is not nearly as eloquent as my writing. Anyway, are they a do or do not? Or is it more of a case by case basis kind of thing?
If so, or if any other writing-related problem assails you, then feel free to post it here, and take advantage of the group's collective mental resources to try to find an answer.