I wish we could use weird things as comparison titles. Forget your book being the next Harry Potter. I want someone to tell me their book is warm latte foam crossed with the feeling of missing the last stair.
What weird things would you "comp?" 😜
Okay, roll call--let's see how many of you are hard-core punctuation users.
How many of you know what this does? --> ;
How many of you use semicolons regularly?
I will be the first to say I use too many. 😆
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#writingq
Controversial question... does every chapter have to relate to the main plot? Can you have "side quests" and "filler episodes?"🤔
I was originally thinking it must relate, but I remember some of my favorite chapters have been "filler episodes."
#WritingCommunity
#writingq
Is it okay to make up new words in fiction?
My most recent is...
Shlap: verb, the sound pant legs make when they're sopping wet, or to walk with pants in this state.
Example: She shlapped onto the shore, soaked.
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#writingq
Do you think beta readers and/or critique partners are absolutely necessary?
I used to think they weren't... and then I got some, and, wow, did they catch things I didn't even think of.😁
#WritingCommunity
#writingq
Who is going to admit their first really dumb story idea?
My "sparkle era" was inspired by Eragon. Girl finds dragon, girl is perfect, music is magic but only the girl can sing. It was 200k+ words of nonsense. 😅
...I was also ~10-12 years old.
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#writingq
How do you name your novels? 🔖
I gotta say, I'm kind of tired of the "A Bowl of Mac and Cheese" fantasy titles. 🍜
A Court of Thorns and Roses
A Song of Ice and Fire
Children of Blood and Bone
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#writingq
What's a misconception you see people have about writing/writers?
When I tell people I've finished writing novels, they say, "Oh, why haven't you published yet?" People think that when you finish a novel, it magically appears on shelves. 😅
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#writingq
Why are you here?
On Twitter/X, I mean. I didn't intend to sound so existential. 😅
I'm here to meet
#writers
and excitedly spew about books/writing to any poor sap who listens.
Is it okay to break the writing rules? Which ones?
I'm going to be a rebel and say that "show, don't tell" isn't always a good thing. 😎
#writingq
#WritingCommunity
Do you prefer that the hero spares or kills the villain?
With the exception of redeemable villains, I tend to like it when the hero is willing to end the villain. No, it doesn't make them "just like the villain." It makes them a monster-slayer, in my opinion.
Is writing a talent or a skill? Or a mixture of both?🌟
I tend to think that writing is a skill that can be learned and developed. Talent helps, but the talented writer who never practices may ultimately fall behind those determined to improve.
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#writingq
I finished my current novel!!! Yeah, 113k is a little long, but it's book 3 in the series, right? 🥳🎉🎉
Gotta say, I am so proud of how far my dorks have come this book. Thanks for letting me brag!😄
Why do you write?
I write because I have to--the stories in my head get rather grouchy when I don't write them down. Whether anyone reads them or not, I will always be writing. 😁
#WritingCommunity
#writingq
What's an unreasonable expectation put on writers today?
I've noticed a trend to say someone's writing is "unsuccessful" if it isn't their full-time job. The harsh reality is that most of us will need another job. 😅
#WritingCommunity
#writingq
Do you use adverbs? Or do you try to avoid them?
(Hint: Not can be an adverb!) 😉
I am one of those weird writers who loves adverbs--I try not to overuse them, but I think they have their place in writing.
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#writingq
Your story must now include either a vampire, a dragon, or a fairy. Which do you pick?
I would pick dragon. While none of my current series have dragons, one has very dog-like wyverns, so it's not too far off, right? 🐉
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#writingq
What is your definition of being successful as an author?
I want a community that loves my books as much as I do. Also, fanart and cosplayers would make me the happiest writer ever. 😁
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#writingq
Would you let your family read your writing? Would you want them as beta readers/critique partners?
I thought it was a common thing, but I've seen so many people say otherwise! 🤷♀️
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#writingq
Prologues--yay or nay?🐎
I usually don't write them and often skim them when reading, but in my current series, the prologues may be my favorite parts. 😝
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#writingq
Who is a famous author who would get scolded today for breaking a writing rule? What rule did/do they break?🧑⚖️
I have to go with Tolkien for his info-dumping and extensive worldbuilding. Bless his heart. 😆
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#writingq
On a scale of 1-10, how attractive is your main character?💕
One of mine is a solid 8 until he opens his mouth, and then he becomes a 2.😆
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#writingq
When you tell people you're a writer, what reactions do you get?
I mostly get awkward nods--they probably assume I write bizarre fanfic or 1k-word horse novels. There are some wonderful people who express interest, though! (Thanks, guys). 😁
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#writingq
Have you ever killed off a character? Was it one you loved?
I am not ashamed to say that I was extremely mopey when I had to kill one of my favorite characters. They were never even supposed to be there. 😭
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#writingq
You wonderful writers inspire me a lot, so I was wondering...
Is it okay to get inspiration from other people/sources, or should a good writer come up with all the ideas themselves?
Can you like a book with an unlikable main character?😡
Character is a huge thing for me, so I struggle to get through such books unless the side characters or plot shines. Now, I love flawed characters--just not ones who make me hate them! 😅
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#writingq
Sorry I've been absent for the past few days, but I have exciting news!
I finished my current novel! It's a standalone that I love so much I got addicted to writing instead of keeping up with y'all. Thanks for your advice on length--it's a ~92k mystery fantasy. Now to edit! 🥳
What do you want your book to be remembered for?
I want people to remember my characters. I want them to be iconic, the sources of memes, fanart, and discussion. I want to create people weirdos like me can relate to. 💖
#WritingCommunity
#writingq
Which do you remember more--the way a novel starts or how it ends?🏁
Weirdly, I remember far more endings than I do beginnings--good starts make me open a book, but good endings make me reread it over and over. 😁
#WritingCommunity
#writingq
How many exclamation marks is it okay to use in fiction? One per page? Per chapter? Per book? Or does it depend on genre and character?
I choose to use mine here.
Wait for it.
Here it comes.
!
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#writingq
Does your character's name have any significant meaning or tie to the plot?
Xaeroh, the witty but gullible assassin, gets his name from the number zero. In his culture, numbers hold meaning--his name stands for empty, lost, unknown.
Nameless.
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#writingq
How do you overcome the "overpowered character" dilemma?
I make my powerful MCs struggle. I make power a vice, a specter, a horror. I make power tantalizingly addictive, dangerous, or heartbreaking. To be powerful is to pay a price.
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#writingq
Would you rather your book be super famous after you're dead or mildly successful while you're alive?💀
I would rather it be wildly popular after I died--then I won't be alive to hear critiques. 😜
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#writingq
Do you base your characters off of real people?
I hope I don't, lol. Sometimes, I realize that a trait or two might've been picked up from someone I know, and I'm like, OH NO. 😂
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#Writingq
Do you read the acknowledgments in books?🫶
If I liked the book, I usually do--often, the author has an interesting life, funny thoughts, or an awesome team of people. Oh, and I am shamelessly looking for agent names, lol.
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#writingq
What genre do you look like you write? 🪞
I look like I write horse-girl novels with an untamable horse named Shadow and a girl who loves him anyway. They have to win a race to save the ranch.
...I write quirky fantasy with lots of twists. 😅
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#writingq
How vividly do you describe things when you write? I think there's a range between picture books and Nathaniel Hawthorne, lol.
I thought I over-described until all my betas asked for more descriptions of environments, clothes, reactions, etc. 🤔
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#writingq
Do you prefer series or standalone novels?📔
I love series--there's something about having time to get to know the characters and world. I've heard debut authors should avoid series, though. 🤷♀️
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#writingq
#readingcommunity
Who is your favorite character that you've ever written?
I'm torn between my current MC and my gullible assassin mastermind. He was fun to write because I figured out what any logical character would do... and made him do the opposite.😅
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#writingq
Do you like to read about descriptions of food in fiction, or does it annoy you?🍩
For me, it depends on the setting/food. Go ahead, describe coffee for a paragraph. I will probably skip over a description of a salad. (I need to eat healthier).
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#writingq
A MAGIC STEEPED IN POISON X BG3
Bubbly goblin Cali must make a hero out of OCD recluse, Acolyte, or both will die. There’s just one problem—Acolyte is a mimic. The world may run on luck, but Cali’s is gone. After all, everyone knows...
MIMICS DON’T GO ON DIETS.
#questpit
#Q
We writers don't brag enough. What's something you're really good at writing?😎
I love writing quirky characters with bizarre flaws/habits/personalities. I'm not sure I could ever write an "average" MC!
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#writingq
Would you rather write a book that readers can't put down or one that makes them think?🧠
I'm torn--I would probably go with one that makes them think, but I would ideally want both. Ugh, decisions...
#WritingCommunity
#writingq
Have you ever liked the villain more than the hero? How do you avoid this in your writing (or do you encourage it?)
I watched this one Turkish show in which I sided with the villains the entire series. They were doing more good than the hero, lol. 😆
#WritingCommunity
#writingq
What's your definition of failing as a writer? What can you do to make sure you don't?
For me, it is simple. Stop writing. Stop trying to improve. Just. Stop. So, I guess I'll just never quit writing, then! 🌞
#WritingCommunity
#writingq
How technologically advanced is the world in your book? For books set in this time--how do you write about technology you don't understand?
Mine are set in their own worlds, but I've created my own technology... and still don't understand it. 😅
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#writingq
I have a theory that writers are incredible at handling insults. What's your favorite critique or scathing review you've gotten about your writing?
Mine is: "I can certainly tell *you* wrote it." 😆
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#writingq
#ouch
What genre are you least comfortable writing?😟
Mine is historical fiction. I am terrible at anything historical. I have read amazing HF books that impress me so much because it takes such precision and knowledge. (You rock, HF writers!)
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#writingq
I'm going to cry--why are all the
#writers
here so nice and amazing?
Lately, I haven't had a ton of time, (or confidence) to write, and you guys have all been so wonderful and encouraging.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!🥰
#WritingCommunity
How do you write important info into a story without info dumping?📔
I weave it into dialogue and give characters strong opinions, but I also may slip it into advertising/surroundings. Teaching a reader about an entire world/magic system is hard!😅
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#writingq
Do your characters ever do things you don't want them to do?
Mine just yelled at a really sweet character. Little stinker. I'm going to throw a few monsters at him as punishment. 😠
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#writingq
Does a POV character have to have a character arc or some development?
Asking for a friend who has an animal POV character who doesn't really experience character growth but does further the story.
...Uhhh, that friend is me. 😅
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#writingq
What's something you want to improve on in your writing?📈
I would love to get better at descriptions--I tend to gloss over environments and favor dialogue and action, but I would love to improve my description of vivid environments. 😁
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#Writingq
How do you avoid formulaic writing?
I mean, my answer is chaos, advice from writer friends, and coffee, but I don't know if that's very applicable. 😆
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#writingq
What usually sparks a novel idea for you? Characters? Plot? Something else?
Unfortunately for me, it seems to be ✨vibes✨that I can't place. Do I know what the story is about? No, but it certainly has a feel, lol.
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#writingq
Do you follow the 3 Act structure? If not, what structure do you follow?
I have recently switched from the 3 Act structure to try ~4 "mini-stories" with their own climaxes and conclusions that all are pieces of the main plot. It's been fun!😁
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#writingq
What's the most challenging thing you've ever written?
I give myself challenges in every book, such as:
-MC has foresight and doesn't see time linearly
-MC can't use possessive tense
-MC must speak in rhymes
I don't know why I do this to myself.😅
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#Writingq
If you could invent a new punctuation mark, what would it be?
Introducing:
Squiggle-worm, which indicates a sentence is sarcastic~
Diperiod for ending conversations..
|Absolute value for double negatives, which I ain't never gonna use|.
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#writingq
Uhh, has anyone ever gotten this before? It made me prove I am a human, says I am following zero people, and is limiting what I can do. Apparently, I am either a spammy bot or spreading terrible misinformation? (About the use of semicolons???)😆
Who is your *least* favorite character you've ever written?
Mine is a goblin named Loafer. I hate him so much. He's only there for two chapters. He's not even a villain, but, oh, I want to strangle him.😠
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#writingq
Is your main character physically fit? Do they work at it, or are they naturally like that?
Mine is... well, he's really skinny and probably never gets enough sunlight. His idea of exercise is fighting monsters in some dark dungeon. 😅
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#writingq
Okay, be honest. Do you judge a writer's ability based on their Twitter posts?
I realize I am opening this post up to lots of grammar criticism. Go ahead, I can take it. 😆
Would you survive in your character's world?
Would they survive in this one?
I would say no on both counts--I would immediately get eaten by a mimic toothbrush or something, and my MCs would give up upon discovering you have to cook food. 😆
#writingq
#WritingCommunity
What can we do to be an inspiration to the next generation of writers?
My goal is to support more and critique less. New writers don't need to be hit over the head with "writing rules"--they need good questions, engaged readers, and encouragement.🥰
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#writingq
What do writers often get wrong about...
-Male main characters? ♂️
-Female main characters? ♀️
(Yes, you can answer even if you're not that gender--there is still value in your thoughts.)😁
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#writingq
Do you judge books by their covers?
I know I do. But I'm the weirdo who chooses to read a book based on the title's font, so I'm curious if it's just me. Plus, fantasy font kind of has a certain ✨vibe✨ that I love.
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#writingq
This is not to guilt trip anyone... but what stops you from writing?
Mine is definitely time. If I had time to spare, I'm sure I could write a flurry of books before someone begs me to please come out into the sunlight again. 😆
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#Writingq
How long has it been since a novel truly surprised you?😯
For me, it's unfortunately been a while. Maybe I know too many tropes, maybe I examine books too critically. Maybe I need to read different types of books. I miss being shocked. ☹️
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#writingq
Does your main character have any important trinkets or objects they carry with them?
Xaeroh carries a potted red flower in his pocket. He named it. And, yeah, he talks to it.
He still thinks he's a really macho assassin.🥷
#WritingCommunity
#writingq
Today on writer would you rather:
Would you rather have an AI-generated cover or something you design in Microsoft Paint?🖌️
I'm actually thinking MS Paint. Maybe I'm overestimating my art skills, though. 😅
#WritingCommunity
#writingq
How do you write a good action scene?⚔️
I used to explain every action and follow strategies, but now I've traded that for lyrical sentences, choppy paragraphs, and onomatopoeias--I find it holds my attention better when a battle is like poetry.
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#Writingq
How do you generally start a novel?
With action? A question? An onomatopoeia? The character's full name? Backstory?
Or just one word at a time?
#writingq
#WritingCommunity
What drives your main character?
Mine wants to be satisfied. He will pray to an empty-hearted deity (but she loves him, right?). His patterns and prickling thoughts are never enough. The world is never enough.
And he's never satisfied.
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#writingq
Help! I need a villain name that is creepy and mysterious.
It would be helpful if it...
-Had something to do with shadows/decay
-Had something to do with static noise or colorlessness
-Is better suited to a man
Thank you in advance! 😁
How many words do you make your average chapter?
I try to average ~3k words per chapter, but I have had the accidental 5k or two. 🤭
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#writingq
If you could go anywhere in your book, where would you go?
I want to visit the Moor, a cafe in the deepest recesses of a dreamscape where only some of the coffee is poisoned and only a few of the guests are assassins. But they have excellent muffins!
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#writingq
How happy is your character on average? 😃
One never stops smiling. She laughs at everything, turns insults into jokes, and turns hardship into opportunities. She sees the world as sunshine and sparkles.
...I would say she's my saddest character.
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#writingq
How smooth/flirty is your character?😘
Mine is... accidentally pretty smooth? I mean, the poor dude has no idea what a date is but somehow got a girlfriend. Can't wait for him to find out a date doesn't mean an "appointed time."
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#writingq
I'm stuck on naming a few books. Give me your worst ideas for a fantasy book title.
Bonus points if you can include the word "Goblin" without it sounding like a fantasy title. 😉
Who will you (or did you) dedicate your book to?
I have to thank my two besties--we've been writing together since high school. They've been there through the biggest spoilers and the dumbest characters. (They know which one.) 🥰
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#writingq
Do you prefer your MCs to be...
-Dumb but lovable, lol
-Average--maybe sort of intelligent in one or two areas
-Absolutely brilliant
I prefer conniving stinkers who face obstacles by outwitting them despite being underdogs. For me, smarts > power. 😁
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#Writingq
Give me one bizarre fact about your story/world/characters.
And... go!
Think you can top mine? My MC loves to eat styrofoam cups. 😜
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#writingq
#yummy
Do you ever pick a color scheme to go with your characters?
One MC's color is red like the crimson-bell flowers he so loves, like his cunning eyes, like blood dripping, slipping, sliding off a dagger. 🗡️
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#writingq
Does your main character have any nicknames?
Xaeroh is often called Squishy, which he hates. Well, okay, he's got soft features and isn't scaring anyone by daydreaming. 😶🌫️
He swears he's an evil mastermind--you'll just have to take his word for it.
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#writingq