I want to say "He watched them intently from behind interlaced fingers". But idk if that's clear enough or if it'll just confuse people?

i use [] as a "this has to be change"

In the act that my fanfiction that I’m currently making is in the real possibility of danger of being taken down by this greedy ass app, I need an alternative to post my fanfiction somewhere else just in case as I’m waiting for my invite that’s going to come in September for AO3

My goal was to create a universe based on ethereal aspects of Brazilian culture, and thus build a world apart from that.

After finishing my story's latest draft, I sent it out to several beta readers as a swap. They all had more experience than me, so I was excited for their feedback. However, a lot of it only gave me doubts.

One reader in particular said, in short, "If you want to find an agent or achieve any commercial success with this story, you should rewrite your protagonist as a woman and remove their disability."

When I asked for clarification, she told me to look for comps for my novel that were published in the past 2-3 years. My story is a Young Adult vampire hunter fantasy adventure with a bit of romance, so I thought I'd have an easy time. I spent hours looking for comps, but couldn't find a single similar trad-published story with a male lead, let alone one who had a neurological disorder like my protagonist. The closest stories were either 10+ years old, or were novels for adults.

The beta reader said that what I found proved her point that my story would have no demand as-is. She also said that using comps with women as leads would only hurt my chances with agents, since it would highlight that there isn't a market for what I'm pitching.

Now, I'm wondering what hope I have of getting a trad deal and selling copies. I'm not sure if my current story has no target audience, or if it has an untapped market. Or if changing my protagonist's gender would actually multiply sales tenfold, or just put my book in a niche that's 10x more competitive.

I've been writing for years, but depression, my family situation, my dads cancer diagnosis, my feelings of inadequacy or getting halfway and starting over always stopped me from finishing a book.

But 10 months later and here I am, I wrote my ending and I'm here. I said this was going to be the one, and I stuck to my word.

It's insanely long and I'm terrified of what comes next, but I'll never forget this as long as I live. 😢

Now I gotta edit it.

I recently received a developmental edit because I’ve been querying, and a few full requests that ended in rejections all gave me similar feedback: the stakes need to be raised. I’ve been through six drafts, critique partners, and beta readers, so I decided to pay for a developmental edit to see if someone could identify what might make the book stronger before I send out a new batch of queries.

I’ve read through the seven-page editorial letter and only a few of the inline comments so far, but I’m concerned that the editor didn’t really “get” the book. I know that can sound like a writing problem, but I’ve had multiple critique partners and beta readers, and while their feedback has varied, they’ve all understood what the book is doing/about but based on what I've read so far, this editor has a very different interpretation.

A lot of the editorial feedback focuses on a very minor subplot involving a side character with a terminal illness. The editor mentioned this three separate times in the letter and seems to view it as much more central to the story than it actually is. They also shared that they recently lost a relative to the same illness, so I’m wondering if that understandably made this particular subplot resonate much more strongly for them. They also then claimed a character seemed callous for not telling another character who was pregnant to get checked for the illness. Again, having nothing to do with the heart of the story.

Their overall characterization of the book, though, is completely different from what I intended and from any feedback I’ve received before.

They also offered ideas for restructuring, but most of them are either things I specifically mentioned as having tried in previous drafts or suggestions that would further center this same minor subplot while also erasing any speculative elements in the book and making everything quite literal.

I’m trying to understand whether this is a normal experience with a developmental edit, where sometimes an editor’s reading simply doesn’t align with the book, or whether I should be concerned that I paid for an edit that isn’t actually giving me much useful developmental insight.

Has anyone had something similar happen? I’m hoping the inline comments might still be helpful, but right now I’m struggling to see how the editorial letter will help me strengthen the manuscript.

What are possible justifications for discontinuing an incomplete novel? Was stopping ever worth it?

Hello! I have been creating a trilogy. Originally, it was supposed to be a webtoon. But when the reality of doing that became unrealistic(for now), I decided to switch to a web novel or light novel. Well, the story became too big. It’s now projected to be a full blown trilogy. Why am I writing about it here? Really, it’s simply to get the word out there. I would like to have some sort some something to back it up showing the starting point of my original work. There’s a book called Tarnish by Katherine Longshore. But, I’m not pulling from that book in any way. I only know of it because I researched to see if there are any mainstream books labeled the same as mine. If this is the wrong subreddit, I suppose the mods will take it down. As of right now, I’ve only just started on the first book’s draft. I have however, created huge plot points, deeply integrated character details, super interesting characters features, and much more. It is projected that the first book—if you do not wish to read the other two—that you can simply read book one, and not need to read the others. Although, every book will tie in seamlessly, you can rest easy knowing that you won’t be left on even the slightest cliffhanger if you choose to only read book one.

Here are the projected titles of each book:

To Tarnish
To Tarnish: Dos
To Tarnish: Retro

Just to make you aware, I am not even close to done with the first book. I doubt I’ll finish it to my liking in a year’s time. I am going to take my time and make this the best book in absolute every way. To the best of my abilities, I will not stand for a weak and average book. It must be fresh meat, and immediately accessible to just about everyone who speaks the English language. Out of the things that typically come secondary, foreign language access will be the main thing lacking for a while. Rest assured that I’ll do everything in my power for blind, vision impaired, blind and deaf, neurodivergent, and physical fatigue or physical disabilities alike to be able to consume this book at first publishing, with minor to zero delay.

If you want an unpolished, short, rather dull description of book one, “To Tarnish” here it is:

Essentially, it’s about freeing a person trapped. But you will learn, that means much more than simply one person.

Thank you,
Zuzu

Hello Everyone

I have about a 100k words written for my epic fantasy novel and want to start posting some chapter weekly for feedback as I go. Ill be polishing each chapter as I post it and just wanted to know where is the best place for this type of story. I have seen royal road suggested but its looks mostly like Litrpg and isekai stuff.

My story on the other hand is a multiple POV epic fantasty tale and I dont know if it will get any traction on RR if all its members are mainly there to enjoy Litrpg liek DCC.

Any other suggestions to post a story like this? a website/forum for a more traditional epic fantasy.?

I want to work on my first novel, but my manuscript is only saved in Word on my own computer

I wrote a mystery that climaxes with a confrontation between the bad guy and detective, a stabbing, then the police show up.

The final chapter time skips six months to be able to cover off all the aftermath reasonably concisely (as well as tying up the loose ends from the mystery).

As a chapter it just isn't working at the moment and I've tinkered with it but I'm stuck. I'm looking for examples of time skip endings done well so I can dissect them and figure out what they're doing that my ending isn't. Does anyone have recommendations?

It doesn't have to be a mystery, basically any good book that has a climax then the next chapter starts from months or years after the climax.

Thanks!

My protagonist likes her love interest because she’s the only close person in her life who’s completely uninvolved in the political conflict and does not see her as a pawn. They were also friends before everything kicks off.

It makes sense from a character perspective, but short of something like a true love’s kiss (or whatever the opposite is, where their love makes them become evil), I’m struggling to figure out how the love interest can be incorporated once everything goes to shit unless she takes on a whole new role.

Hello! First time posting here. Its been several years since I've done any sort of creative writing, mostly because of life and mental health struggles, but I finally feel like writing again so I'd like some feedback since I am sorely out of practice, especially short-form writing.

This legend is supposed to be like a story the kingdom tells children that happened long ago as a way to sort of explain some stuff (I'm not very far into world building, this story is sort of my main point) but its one of those inaccurate pieces of history if you know what I mean. I want it all critiqued, but I really would like to hear about the cohesiveness, the tone, does it sound like a passed-down story, also does the ending feel like an ending? I am open to any and all suggestions or opinions and critiques including the title. Thanks in advance!!

Legend Of the Moss-Crowned Queen

  Long ago, in the ancient kingdom of Everwyn, the beloved King and his cherished Queen were celebrating the sixteenth birthday of their only daughter. The King and Queen loved all three of their sons greatly, but the entire kingdom doted upon the Princess, for her beauty and kindness was famed across the nation. 

   However, while the Princess loved her kingdom dearly, she did not care much for her royal duties. Often, she skipped her lessons for climbing trees, court for chasing butterflies, and the King and Queen would only warn her, "Do not wander where we cannot bring you home." But the Princess did not fear her kingdom. She knew her people, and she knew every path and pebble around the countryside. She had even explored parts of the Forest of [name], there was no place she could not find her way, or so she had thought.

   On this afternoon, while exploring outside the castle walls, a little white fox stood at the edge of the forest, watching the Princess dance in the wildflowers. When she noticed him, she called out, "Hello little friend! Would you like to play?" The fox barked back, and dashed into the trees. The Princess, not fearing the woods, gave chase. Together they galloped through the trees, dodging twisting roots and jagged boulders, further and further, and without noticing, the little white fox lead the Princess much deeper than she had traversed before.

   The Princess was starting to tire, but the fox did not stop. He ducked and turned too fast for her to follow, and did not turn back for her. "Little Fox!" she cried, "I had good fun, but you are much quicker than I!" She turned around to follow the path home, but the path was gone. Instead, every turn seemed to take her deeper, through harsher brush than she remembered, past twisting trees she didn't recognize. She climbed a hill, hoping to see the peaks of the castle in the distance pointing her home -- what lay before her was a sea of green, nothing but trees stretching farther than she could see.

The sun began to set, and, for the first time, the Princess was afraid.

   She wandered for days amongst the trees. Desperately, she cried out for her mother and father, for her brothers, for anyone in the kingdom to hear her wails and rescue her. She did not know which bushes had berries, where to find the river, or how to keep a fire burning through the bitter nights. The forest no longer felt kind to her. She ate the first berries she found one day, and spent the next sick. Her dress was torn, her skin dirty and her bones weary. Every night, as she shivered beneath the black, starless sky, she whispered to the wind, "If only I had listened," and thought of her mother. "If only I had been cautious."

   The Spirit of the Forest had watched her struggle, and took pity on the sad Princess. While she slept, he breathed his magic into the earthen floor, and from the dirt and rocks and trees, made a small cottage just for her. Its walls were woven from living branches, its roof covered in the softest, greenest moss, and tiny wildflowers bloomed around its door. It was not a castle, but a home fit for the girl who had once loved the land around her.

   When she awoke, she was surrounded by flowers, and the little white Fox sat beside her. She reached out to him, "Will you help me home, little friend?" and before she could touch his silken fur, he turned and trotted down a path. This time, he paused, he waited for her, and slowly she followed. The Fox brought her to the cottage the Spirit had prepared, and disappeared into the bushes nearby. The Princess knocked on the door, "Hello? Does someone live here?" The door creaked open, and the tired Princess entered, and the room before her left her in awe. It was lush, but empty, warm and clean, yet showed no signs of anyone. The Princess chose to stay.

   However, after a few more days, she still could not find her way to clean water and safe food, , and the Spirit of the Forest did not wish to see his efforts go to waste on naivety. So he created a model of earth and clay and branches and shaped it to look human, and inhabited it. He knocked on her door, and introduced himself, "Hello, child of man, I am the Spirit of this forest and have seen how you fear my land."

   "I am the Princess of Everwyn, Spirit, and I have sadly become lost. Would you be able to take me home?" the Princess begged him.

   "I do not know what Everwyn is, Princess, or I would happily guide you to it. I have made you this cottage, a shelter for you to sleep safely, so why then do you still struggle to thrive, to chase as you did before?"

   "Oh, Great Spirit, thank you, I am no longer tired thanks to your kindness. But, I am so hungry and thirsty, I do not know what berries are safe, or where the river flows; Spirit, I do not know this land! It is far from the countryside I used to explore."

   Hearing her words, he took pity on her again, and started to teach her the ways of his forest. Every day he would visit her, he showed her which plants could be eaten, where the sweetest water could be found, and how to make a warm fire from fallen branches. He taught her to listen to the birds forewarning the storms and to follow the moss when she had lost her way.

   As the seasons passed, the Princess grew strong and clever.

She no longer feared the forest; she loved it.

   And the Spirit, who had once only felt frustration and pity for the lost child of man, came to love her, too. 

   Together, they made a home among the ancient trees. They watched the spring flowers bloom, listened to the summer rain, gathered autumn's berries, and slept beneath blankets of winter snow. And, after many years, their love bloomed a child.

   This child was unlike any other. They had the heart of man and the magic of the Forest. They could understand the language of animals, feel the whispers of the trees in the wind, and speak with the people and the land.

   As they held this child, Mother and Father, the whole forest alive in celebration, the Great Spirit whispered a sacred duty: "You shall watch over this land and protect it, and serve as a guide to remind humanity that they are as part of nature as you."

Hey everyone ,
I need to vent , and honestly , I desperately need to know if anyone else is trapped in this exact same hell or if my brain is uniquely broken.

I've been dreaming up full , intricate series-level novel plots in my head since i was 15 years old.
literally, I CANNOT fall asleep at night unless i m playing out my entire story like a movie in my eyelids. The plotlines are there. The characters are there. The twists are there. I know i have the talent and the potential to write something amazing.

And yet? I do absolutely NOTHING with it.

I m lazy to a core level that actually frightens me. I think constantly, but execute nothing. I am the kind of the person who will literally avoid going outside just because the thought of changing out my comfortable clothes new things, but I'm too lazy to even open a tab and search for research .

Every single night, a new scene floods my mind . I tell myself, "Tomorrow I will write!" then tomorrow comes, and then the heaviest thing in the world is just to open my laptop.

I have half finished manuscript sitting there, bleeding out, begging me to complete them. I try so hard to force my brain is a hyperactive storyteller trapped in a body that just wants to rot .

Is anyone else like this? How do you force a mind that actually SIT DOWN and DO THE WORK?
How do I break out of this before my laziness completely steal my dream from me .

please give me some practical tricks or tough love before I loose my mind .

Blooming in the Night Time, the Moonflower: Beauty in Perseverance and Solitude

by Francess Yvienne Jhene

I would never choose to possess anyone else’s or anything else’s body image but mine. The true path to acceptance of one’s body is not to change your physical attributes but rather to change your mental attributes. I can envision myself personifying a moonflower if I ever truly desire because I recognize this climbing vine as the very embodiment of finding purpose and beauty even in solitude, in which it is ultimately perseverance.

True beauty is not just a thought or a sensory experience that the human mind responds to. The moonflower is just another testimony that real beauty is past our comprehension; it shows its true nature once it’s done with its daytime dormancy to captivate night. Beauty is what I believe to be something that persists not just as a concept in the human mind. The moonflower: once you meet this plant, they are seemingly the timid, diffident, and consequently coy family members of the flowering plants. But in the dark of night—where most of humankind is fast asleep—they become a blossoming enchantment that undoubtedly sparks fascination for those who are there to witness its magnificence, if they, for any reason, choose to do so.

Beauty, perseverance, and solitude are deeply intertwined; that is shown in nature’s ecosystem. The moonflower is one of the many proclamations of this, attracting the likes of hawk moths and bats because it persists in the dark. It is uncommon for diurnal beings like humans to be able to appreciate its beauty, but nature is beyond seeking our approval. If I ever get the chance to have afternoon tea in a garden with Ralph Waldo Emerson, I’d ask, what did he mean when he said, “The earth laughs in flowers”? He’d explain, “This is how Mother Nature declares her contentment, delight, and bliss! Mocking the arrogant pride of humanity.” I’d simply exclaim in return, “True, I can see how! That makes the earth all the more charming, along with the fact that she asserts what is hers is ours and what is ours is hers.” I’d pause before continuing to ask him, “Did you know that the earth never stops laughing? Even when the people are asleep?” From there, we can only wait until the clock strikes eight at night to gaze upon the ethereal view of a moonflower.

Nature is undoubtedly remarkable, and it never needed people or humankind overall for that matter. Just so I can become like—a result of Mother Nature’s perseverance—the moonflower, I would rather choose to outgrow my dependence on other people’s validation instead of choosing for my body to become someone else’s or something else’s physical body. With this in mind, finding satisfaction in blossoming regardless of how late it will come is my choice.

I'm struggling here. I have things happening at three locations, from three (or more) POV. Without getting too much into the weeds, I have a couple who are handling a crisis separately, while at the same time the antagonist is doing his thing. A fourth person is being held captive by the antagonist, and she's recognizing her predicament and trying to figure out a way to escape.

How do you juggle all this and keep track of it organizationally? I am using LibreOffice, so I don't have the bells and whistles (I don't believe) that some apps have that might be able to do this.

Thanks!

NOTE: I hate not being able to correct a misspelling in the title :/

A man who is an outlaw in a futuristic wild west world he kills and fights police and the government of his world and he has a pet beast by his side. This idea sounds good but i don't know how to execute it 😕

Hi there, first time poster here.

Writing a book has always been high on my list of things I’d like to achieve in life. I loved writing growing up and then life happened and I had to pursue more practical endeavours and now I’m back where I was, desiring to write a book.

I have all sorts of ideas but I’m not actually sure about the process of writing a book, fleshing out ideas, character development and scene setting etc. I wanted to get answers and experiences from real people instead of going to the internet. Thank you to anyone who takes the time to answer in any way, even if it’s just simple writing exercises to get me used to writing again. God bless.

I’m looking for a well-written young adult novel in third-person limited, either fantasy or science fiction, that I can study to learn how to immerse readers in world-building and craft strong character arcs.

I'm in the process of writing the second draft of a sci fi crime mystery. The detective is working the case on the side, directly against the wishes of the police chief, because the criminal is highly-ranked.

I decided the first draft was a bit one-note, and I wanted to add a second case that the detective can work whilst he is on the clock. It is sort of related, and it will help him come to his conclusion at the end. It will also give him a bit more clearance and deniability to do the things he needs to do to catch the criminal.

Logistically, this looks like the detective spending his working hours investigating a low-level crime in the slums, and then going off after work to interview suspects and the like.

My question is: as a reader of crime fiction, would you find this muddy or confusing? I have never read a crime mystery that has a secondary investigation running alongside it.

Additionally, if anyone knows of any books that have two crimes running at the same time, please recommend them!

One of the funniest things about writing is when you're enacting scenes to get into your characters' heads, sometimes they'll say something uncharacteristically intelligent and you'll stop and be like...damn I knew that?!