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Tcr
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Posts posted by Tcr
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After a hiatus of sorts…. Chapter ten is posted.
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Chapter 14’s up to read and enjoy
. I’m hoping everyone’s enjoying it and, as always, questions, comments, and concrit are always welcome .
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Chapter Thirteen’s up to read. Bit of an overhaul to the summary over the last few days, too
, with a hopefully more intriguing hook to it. As always, questions, comments, points, concrit, leave a review and I’ll reply.
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On 09/04/2017 at 4:23 PM, BronxWench said:
::peeks out from the frenetic RL stuff::
Hi, stranger :)
On 09/04/2017 at 4:23 PM, BronxWench said:But, while trying to come up with a way to make people want to read my book, it occurred to me the first person I needed to sell it to was me. Would I want to read the book based on my summary? Or would I cringe and put it back?
Sounds so logical now, but never thought of it that way. Admittedly, I'm strange when it comes to books; I usually read the flyleaf after I've skimmed over the first chapter(s) (from which I make a judgement call...), so the summaries, in my case, are more an afterthought. Which is probably reflected in how my writing is…
On 09/04/2017 at 3:48 PM, CloverReef said:Now, though, I tend to pick the two most important parts of the plot to focus on, and try to mention something specific and/or personal about the main char. Ideally, I’d mention the love interest too, since it’s still M/M, but that’s not always doable.
You... Hate... Writing... Summaries? <holds fingers in shape of cross...> Blasphemy!
I agree. The two important/interesting elements work and would certainly blend in with what BW said. The set target audience would, consequently, be determined by those; for example, a SciFi romance would likely have the romantic elements outright listed, allowing the intended audience to know. Not only that, but, because of the main themes and elements being presented, you have, hopefully, a hook in the summary that draw people in (...which is exactly what a summary should do and what BW said already...).
Obviously, something called Attack of the Killer Lizard Blob People From Planet 672 is not likely to have "Killer Lizard Blob People attack! Bob milks his cows. Joan walks the dog. It's an interesting day." (Although, I'm kind of interested, in a strange way, at why Bob and Joan are doing mundane things as Lizard people are attacking...)
- BronxWench, CloverReef and Anesor
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Okay, so, scenario… you've written up something you want to post (...because who doesn't want to post an incredible work of art taking people to all realms and realities?) you stare at the monitor in front of you, blank, sterile white, laughing incessantly (no, that last bit only happens to me?) as you try to think of a summary...
Obviously, this isn't the same for everyone. There are probably some who write up a summary in ten seconds that sound like a summer blockbuster, sure to bring in millions of dollars… and others on the opposite spectrum, who struggle endlessly trying to get something that sounds, to them, remotely interesting (as a writer, I think I might be a little overly critical of my summaries… Regardless of what I think or how they sound…)
So, how do you all go about writing your summaries? How do you “sell” your work of art? What techniques do you use and recommend to improve a summary? What do you avoid? What grabs you as a reader? What turns you off? (Why choose A over B, essentially?)...
- BronxWench and Anesor
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Hell of an Anniversary:
Thank you, CloverReef, for your review.
The beginning and the action were good, though pretty wordy. My favourite part was the end, though (no, not because it was over.) Your pacing and wordiness cleared up a bit, and the action got really good. And the last few lines were excellent.
" A loud, wet, resounding snap came from the forearm to a grin on his face."
This was my favourite. Such an unusual but powerful twist of words.
Nice job, hun.Too wordy, eh? Guess I haven't learned enough to completely cut betas out, lol. Glad it cleared up by the end, even slightly. (On a side note, I'm sure that's the entire reason for why it was the best part
...)
Strange that you thought that was the best line, as that was the one I gave the least thought about. It was a reaction line, a bit of an insight into Jacs... A victory of sorts over one person who had tormented him.
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Chapter Twelve’s up...
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Chapter eleven is posted.
On a side note… Posted a oneshot (almost a character prequel) that gives a little background into the character of Jacs called ‘Hell of an Anniversary’. So, check that out too
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2 minutes ago, CloverReef said:
That is helpful. It’s good to know not everyone gets intimidated by a longish page of text like I do.
Haven’t I said that many times? lol.
33 minutes ago, sweetmamajama said:Personally I hate short chapters. When I see that a story has like 20 chapters and get super excised to read that shit and then discover that all the chapters are like super short I get pissed! So I’d take a longer chapter any day. But I get it, super long chapters can be a pain in the ass for a reader and sometimes intimidating. So honestly medium is the best. Now idk how much this is when it comes to word count, so the words “long” and “short” are subjective. So I don't think I helped much here...but I gotta get that post cred! #thuglife
On a personal level, I feel that if you have the same, repetitive nature of a two page chapter system without any change, it becomes boring and monotonous IF you don’t keep the audience’s attention. A ten page chapter that draws you in can feel like a two page one; a one paragraph chapter (which, admittedly, pisses me off), can feel like a twenty page chapter if it’s plain boring… Longer chapters are fine, if they’re not draw out to impossible sizes by multiple tangents, thus boring people to death.
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2 minutes ago, CloverReef said:
Uh, random, drive-by critique? Jeez, I had no idea replying to a thread was putting my writing on trial
EVERYONE HIT THE FLOOR!
3 minutes ago, CloverReef said:I was talking about culture because original post specified culture, but to be fair I did mention sexuality in my reply as well. Of course, there are many ways to portray diversity: diversity in religion, in politics, disabilities, disorders, genders, species? It’d be awesome to be able to portray diversity in many ways.
Did I? Well, damn… Most of mine was on just the culture aspect of diversity… Shit… Huh… More accurately, I should have asked about all diversity, you’re correct…
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21 hours ago, Desiderius Price said:
Every character you write will have, at its core, a reflection of you, after all, writing is a form of Schizophrenia that won’t get you locked up (well, normally).
Oh, certainly. Kind of a terrifying thought at times when reading them...
20 hours ago, CloverReef said:I don’t really try to steer away from stereotypes, though when I do use stereotypes, I want them to be so well rounded, they don’t feel like a stereotype, you know? Because when you think of a stereotype for gay men, one of the first that comes to mind is effeminate. And effeminate gay guys do exist, and shouldn’t be excluded just because they’ve been treated like the butt of a joke, you know?
Stereotypes are definitely not a bad thing, as there are reasons they last so long. I tend to stray away from stereotypes, though, on the reasoning tangentially said above. Most stereotypes I've seen/heard come with negative inferences...
15 hours ago, GeorgeGlass said:This is something I struggle with, too, because I don’t want every character in my stories to be white and suburban. So I research what I can and try not to wander too far into stereotypes.
When I first started, my casts were all Caucasian without a second thought, usually English speaking American. Then I started writing more vaguely, allowing readers to create a character. I've noticed a lot of people leave it vague... There's no real mention of culture, religion, ethnicity.…
I wonder if this is intentional or if this is subconscious?
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Obsession? You? No, say it ain't so! Lol.
As a wildly ranged reader of all sorts of weird random stuff... To me, the numbers don't matter much. If I'm engrossed in a chapter, for example, I'm not likely to notice if it's five pages or twenty-five pages. In the flip side of the statement, if it's boring and drags on for all unnecessary eternity, then five sentences feel like five hundred pages.…
As a writer, I'm bad... I set myself up, not with a word count, butane average page count (for ones which I'm trying to publish). It has to be an average of ten pages! No more, no less! The line must be drawn here!
On here... I tend to go with what a chapter feels like... If it feels complete to me, I end it... Which isn't always a good thing, as sometimes a chapter isn't entirely done. So my page counts vary wildly... From as little as two and a half to as much as nine....
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As someone who has tried to show a rather diverse cast of characters within my writing (of which, unfortunately, only one has achieved this at this point in time; others, not posted, have done so as well, but...), I’m curious and, in all fairness, perhaps this curiosity can help someone in writing their own endeavours.
Firstly, how do you attempt to drastically avoid the cliches and stereotypes of the characters who aren’t, so to speak, your background? Secondly, as writers, do you often have concerns that, who or what you’re writing about will be disrespectful to that culture? And thirdly, for aspiring writers, is it better to avoid making references to the diverse cast and allow the reader to otherwise insert their own thoughts and ideas for the cast?
In my attempts, I usually do a fair amount of research, sometimes relying on friends who are there or know people who are, or, and this is the usual aspect, I do a lot of research into the culture (religion, views, thoughts on the aspects in the story, cultural history). This isn’t always perfect. (Logically, one takes the internet and, even, written word research with a grain of salt based off who is writing it (every man, woman, child, dog, cat, and parrot seems to have some opinion on some culture somewhere in the world).
As for point two, I’m always worried about how it will come across when writing my characters. CR can verify that much (...surprised CR hasn’t ended up in fetal position in corner mumbling incoherently as a result of my worry...), which usually means lots of discussions... Not sure if there’s anything that can really be done there…
I had asked myself quite often while writing mine and figured others might have had the same thoughts or even may be able to offer advice and tips that can help.
TCR
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That would be in general for me. Knowing there's hints to me means I've got to find them and I usually end up ruining the experience... I don't read mysteries because of that. But finding them in there as you're reading, strangely doesn't ruin anything... I'm weird, I know.
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In my regards, no. I like finding them, even after the fact. Take yours, if you hadn't said anything and peppered hints (or, like DP said, red herrings) throughout until a final realization... That would be something I'd go back and figure... As it stands right now, what you have in yours is a good way to start it. It's not obvious and can be built upon as the chapters develop.
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Okay, lot of questions here... Let's get cracked <breaks finger while cracking>. Damn, been a bit…
Personally, I like the subtle hints peppered throughout. When they all come back around at the end and you can look back and go, wait a second!" When reading, that's part of the fun. As for too subtle, I think everyone has a different interpretation of subtle and how much or little is required.
While I'm sure I'll have tomatoes thrown, there are some people who don't read for the hints. Personally speaking, I don't always. (Put down the pitchforks!) I know people who read mysteries just because they like the author... And others will actively try to solve it before the character does... (One where I used to work would be reading a James Patterson with a notebook next to her, taking notes...)
On a personal level, again, I can only say that I prefer not knowing a clue and solving or being surprised at the end... Like you, that's part of the fun. Hints are good (although I probably wouldn't have figured things out on The Divine Hand without a little prodding... Hopefully that comes around a little more...)
All that incoherent rambling aside, best advice I can give, write what you want to read. If you like having hints strewn throughout, go for it. If you do, someone else will too.
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Chapter Ten’s posted. A little bit of a detour, but hopefully it works well enough… Maybe… Oh well, leave a comment, review, questions… Always willing to get back to my readers
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Come Hell or High Water
Chapters V and VI:
Thank you, CR.
(Ch 5)
This started off interesting. You do the conversation between the officers well, and your dialogue is clearly inspired by something you are passionate about. That being said, it does start to drag a little. There's a bit too much technical discussion going on that lulls your pacing and takes me out of the story.
Once the meeting ended. though, I started to enjoy it again. I really like the end in the bridge. It was an excellent way to close off the chapter with a subtle cliffhanger. And throughout the chapter, Kyla's character and reactions have been strong and interesting, so with the exception of what I already bitched about, it was a good installment.
I was worried that the briefing would drag on (apparently it did…), so apparently still a little left to learn in editing. As for the passionate side, well, if you’re not going to be passionate about what you write, right? Technical discussions, yeah… There’s that passionate side coming through… The urge to show off the passion and creativity as well as blending real world with the universe created. (I guess I need to stem some of that, eh?)
I tried to make it so that the morality of right and wrong was blurred so drastically because of the betrayal that, while trying to keep the sense of duty and honour they had been trained in the Stellar Navy and Confederation Marine Corps (Jacs and the rest of the 16th Company), there was no real black and white anymore (something you kind of commented on in the next chapter). Thus, the pros and cons sides were supposed to have good points either way, with Kyla being the tipping point.
(Ch 6)
First couple scenes are really good. You start this chapter super strong and plunge right into the suspense, then excitement. I really felt the weight of Kyla's hard decision and the possibility that her crew might not approve - maybe even turn hostile about it - even though she's acting in their best interests, the difference between right and wrong is so beautifully obscured.
The boarding is pretty exciting. I mean we know Lopez set something up, but we don't know what so that lends some nice tension to the reading experience. Last scene is just awesome. Nuff said.
I’m glad you thought the hook was adequately placed, so to speak. :). I wasn’t sure how well it would all flow together and I’m glad to see that it did so well. I wasn’t sure if Kyla’s decision came across as difficult for her as it should have and the other side of the equation, Alan Carver, was meant as her literary foil.
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“No Surrender! No Retreat!”
Well, this was a little unexpected. I wasn’t sure this would garner any real attention, having only a hundred views. It was a fun experience to write something for the Dribs challenge, but I wasn’t thinking anyone would come to it and review it. Then, suddenly, here’s one… So…
Thank you, Pittwitch, for the review.
Wow, that was intense. Well-written, disturbing which I'm sure was your intent. Good job with the prompt words.
I’m glad everything went across as intended. Much of the Eastern Front was a Hell Zone and I tried to get much of that feeling into the oneshot in such a short time. (I admit, the line with ‘Finesse’ was probably the one line I like the most of the prompt words… But, writer’s indulgence…)
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Chapter Nine is up. Feel free to ask questions or make comments. I’m always excited to answer them.
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4 hours ago, CloverReef said:
I was tempted to go all bitch and just say “Fuck you” to this. But of course I would say it with love and I worried that wouldn’t translate in text without an explanation lol. Blame it on a week of watching drag queens read each other. Bitch, the library is closed! God, I’m sorry! I can’t get Rupaul out of my head!!!!
Well, I’d know, but yeah… Someone reading it would probably be like: ‘My God… Not going there again’. Good thing I know you a little better than that ;). And fine… “Bad, bad Rupaul! Bad!”
4 hours ago, CloverReef said:*Clears throat* anyway… Thank you for the review hun. I don’t remember what I altered after you betaed, but I’m glad you approve.
You’re very welcome, CR. Like I said, I’m surprised I was the first to review. It IS a great oneshot.
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1 hour ago, CloverReef said:
For most of those places, I just smooshed a bunch of sounds together until I liked it.
Like Mister Luflaraoisjd? 
1 hour ago, CloverReef said:I think taking a description and putting it in a different language, as you explained, is an excellent way to find something that might be unoriginal and make it sound cool for your English audience. Like in one story I had that took place in a central american inspired island. Decided to name it after a marine animal, but used the Spanish name. Isla Raya.
Oh, wholeheartedly agree. Mont Rouge sounds better that Red Mountain... Versaute Berg sounds a little better than Kinky Mountain... Although, I'd love to see the description there
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Oh, and CR, thanks... Now I have the urge to watch Jurassic Park...
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Well, I don't have much of a problem naming most places, thanks to the majority of those posted being in contemporary times. However, that said, for a few (one I don’t have posted and the other being Come Hell or High Water), I understand.
In my case, for those, I fall back to old naming conventions, historical, or myths. Such as, for example, if I'm writing about a mountain and I describe it as looking red in the sunset, that may give it it's name (to use your example, Red Mountain), a city on a different planet may take its name from its location (For example, a city on Mars by the Gusev Crater may be named Gusev City, not exactly original, but then how many bloody Victoria cities are in the world? Or Lincolns? Berlins?). There are quite a few examples of a lack of originality when it comes to naming, whether to honour or simply out of euphoria. So, don't worry about repeating something (in my opinion... Although the chairs are moving again...)
Of course, there's always trying to get it to fit. A throwaway line of Gerganbalia can be fine (although, who was drunk that day?), but it's probably not something one wants to write constantly. Many old naming conventions weren't exactly the greatest of creations... Many were simple descriptors (Red Mountain, Devil’s Mouth, Chimney Rock...et cetera...) So that could be something to think of, too.
Apologies for the ramble...
TCR
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4 minutes ago, sweetmamajama said:
The Divine Hand Chapter 1
Well thanks tcr for leaving a comment and praising my magnificence and my majestic art, I appreciate it. Oh and since clovey was betaing this one, any mistake is her fault! I wash my hands!
Lol. Blame CR, eh? You do have your own style, unique and colourful as you, yourself are.
Come Hell or High Water
in Promote a Story!
Posted
Chapter 15 is posted. Any comments and concrit are always welcome.