Writing One Sentence Paragraphs -- Trending in Free stories posted Everywhere.

OokamiKasumi

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One Sentence Paragraphs.
Trending in Free Stories posted Everywhere.
One sentence Paragraphs:
"It's kind of become a habit after reading too many Korean web novels."

Translated Korean web novels?

The separation of Dialogue from the Actions of that speaker; creating short one-sentence paragraphs, shows up when the translation posted on the 'Net comes from a Program, not an educated, certified, human Translator -- no matter what language it was translated from.

Programs such as Google Translation, and AI's such as ChatGPT, are easily accessible to anyone that has a Book written in a foreign language, a Smart Phone, and the Internet. This includes Grammar School Kids.

Stories translated with programs like Google Translation, and AI's, are considered MTL: Machine Translated Literature. Many posters will even kindly admit that their work is MTL. Many more don't.

The problem is, these kids are posting their MTL translations on the Internet for others to read on popular story sites, and too many amateur writers have begun to believe that those translations are how stories are supposed to be written.

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They are Not, especially in English!

Programs and AI Translate word for word, exactly how a line is written, using that language's grammar forms, in that translation program's LIMITED Vocabulary. Especially the Free programs -- the ones used by High-School and Grammar School kids.
This is why so many new writers seem to think that an ellipses (. . .) means a Pause in a sentence. It's all over the place in amateur Japanese manga and Eroge game translations. This is especially so in dialogue that features Sound Effects rather than actual words.​
In Japanese grammar, Ellipses are used that way.​
In English grammar, Ellipses are NOT. In English, Ellipses are used for skipped or omitted words. The Comma (,) used used for a Pause.​

If the one posting that translated story doesn't know their grammar well enough, doesn't write fiction themselves, or just plain doesn't edit their results at all, then that's what is posted. A word for word translation, exactly how it was written, using that language's grammar forms, in that translation program's LIMITED Vocabulary.

There is no localization into proper English Grammar:
-- No connection of a character's Dialogue to that character's Actions into a single paragraph, or adjustment of Paragraphs to separate different characters Acting and Speaking into their own paragraphs, it's all in Passive Voice, and has repeating simplistic Vocabulary.

There also tends to be whole words and phrases that are left Not Translated or just plain Skipped because the program they're using simply isn't sophisticated enough to translate slang phrases, censored against Adult topics, or just plain doesn't have a wide enough vocabulary to do so.

Then there are the Mistranslations.

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Unfortunately, these poorly translated stories are the ones most often seen, and accessed on the internet because the bulk of them are on FREE to Read sites like Wattpad, and ScribbleHub, and Cheap to Read sites like Foxaholic, and Flying Lines.

They also number in the millions.

All the properly translated stuff tends to come in Book form and Cost Money to get, so no one without regular Income even looks at them.

Sadly, these poorly translated stories are also the ones most frequently COPIED by amateur Writers -- poor grammar and bad sentence structure included. It's so common in fact, that the Bad Translation Grammar Style has become a Trend among new amateur writers.

A trend I am seeing here on ScribbleHub and on RoyalRoad.

☕
 

PancakesWitch

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This whole rant feels pretentious, hypocrite, and nonsensical and it shows a clear lack of perspective. There is no true and only way of writing a novel, short or small paragraphs can create tension in the narration with several pauses to create something more emotionally moving than just a giant block of text. It is also what's usually prefered by READERS THEMSELVES when reading in phones, which is how 99% of our audience now reads our novels (and how I do it).
Simpler grammar is easy and quick to read, which is what these authors aim for, not because they're copying badly machine translated novels, you ignoramus. Writing simple and quick chapters is how webnovels are usually designed, a chapter composed of 10 blocks of text that cover the entire phone screen is not what they want.
As someone who enjoys both traditional literature books and also web novels, I understand both of them have their own charm, but if you're writing for a webnovel, short paragraphs will come in more handy than larger, more annoying paragraphs, especially when there's a story featuring multiple characters, each one speaking with one another, you cannot just write their dialogues in a single paragraph, can you? each dialogue comes in a different paragraph or you're going to write a confusing mess.
Also, most readers will call out the overly detailed descriptions as FILLER, and they will call out the Author for writing giant blocks of text that dont advance the plot at all. They want THINGS TO HAPPEN, not you to descrive every minute detail in a 500 word paragraph.
Before you make these rants acting like you're a proffesional in the field, think a little about what other people think about it, especially the vast majority of readers.
 
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Envylope

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This whole rant feels pretentious, hypocrite, and nonsensical and it shows a clear lack of perspective. There is no true and only way of writing a novel, short or small paragraphs can create tension in the narration with several pauses to create something more emotionally moving than just a giant block of text. It is also what's usually prefered by READERS THEMSELVES when reading in phones, which is how 99% of our audience now reads our novels (and how I do it).
Simpler grammar is easy and quick to read, which is what these authors aim for, not because they're copying badly machine translated novels, you ignoramus.
I agree with the essence of what you're saying, but why do you always have to say it in such a scathing and insulting way?
 

OokamiKasumi

Author of Quality Smut
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This whole rant feels pretentious, hypocrite, and nonsensical and it shows a clear lack of perspective.
Research is a thing.
-- If you had done some, you wouldn't be reacting this way.

Spell Check is also a thing you seem to be missing out on.
-- For example: Hypocrite should have been written: hypocritical.

There is no true and only way of writing a novel...
Publishers' writing guidelines are a thing, and each publisher has their own.

In fact, there isn't a publishing house that doesn't have Guidelines (read: RULES,) posted on their site about what they will or will not publish, and how they want their stories written. If you don't follow them, they won't publish you. Some of them even list the types of characters and plot lines they look for in the stories they will publish, and what type of content they absolutely won't even look at.

As for writing style, you don't get to know that until after you've signed their contract. Usually from your Editor, and for which you will be Sued if you do not comply. Guess how I found out?

Even ScribbleHub has Guidelines.
-- If you don't follow their Guidelines, they'll toss the story out and possibly Ban the writer too.

Only Vanity Press publishers like Amazon's KDP, Kindle Direct Publishing do not have Rules about what they will publish because they don't care what you write, or how you write it, as long as they get their payment.

Don't know what a Vanity Press is? Do your Research. Google is your friend.

...short or small paragraphs can create tension in the narration with several pauses to create something more emotionally moving than just a giant block of text.
Not contesting this.

I'm ranting about the Poor Grammar trend resulting in One-Sentence Paragraphs.

It is also what's usually prefered by READERS THEMSELVES when reading in phones,

Readers prefer One-Sentence paragraphs? I think not.

I think Readers prefer fully fleshed out stories that have descriptions of people, places, and things, body language cues with their dialogue, and detailed world-building. I think the Readers are getting very tired of simplistic dialogue, plots copied from manga and anime, cliche copy-cat characters, and writing that consists of poor spelling, poor grammar, and an eighth-grade level vocabulary.

By the way, you spelled preferred wrong.

...when reading in phones, which is how 99% of our audience now reads our novels (and how I do it).
Our audience?
-- Maybe your audience reads on their phone.

My reading audience tends to read actual books, which is what I write; trade paperbacks specifically. Though I'm told that my readers also use Kindle tablets, and read their web novels on their Computer. (I went and asked, just to be sure.)

I read on my desktop computer. I also write and edit on my computer, which is why I have access to Spell Check, and you apparently, do not.

Also, reading teeny-tiny text on a phone gives me eye-strain.

Simpler grammar is easy and quick to read, which is what these authors aim for, not because they're copying badly machine translated novels,
Simpler grammar? Try: Simple grammar.

Speaking of grammar... Do you even have a Grammar book? 'Cus if you do, it is not showing.

My favorite grammar book is The Deluxe Transitive Vampire. Hardcover, of course. I also use Strunk & White's Element's of Style.

Anyway!

Easy and quick to read is accomplished with good grammar and proper paragraphing. Something translated web stories and novels Lack, and new amateur writers are Copying. THIS is what my whole rant was about, which you apparently Missed, like your grammar and spelling.

Also, if you think simplistic writing is what makes your readership happy, then you really need to do more Research on your own reading audience. Starting with:

What grade are they in?​
Have they graduated high school?​
Are they in, or have some College?​
Do they have a Job?​
Are they Over 21?​
Are they Under 18?​
Are they Under 16?​

The answers to these alone will tell you their reading comprehension level and vocabulary level.

CLUE by 4: If they've graduated high school and they read on a regular basis, their reading comprehension level and vocabulary is College level or Above.​

Don't just conduct a Poll, ask your readers directly what they want in their stories, and what kind of writing would make those stories come to life. Ask other people's readers. Read the comments on other people's stories as to what those readers liked or disliked about the story, about the writing. Check out the surveys being done by editors and publishing houses as to what is gaining popularity and what is losing it.

Don't limit yourself to the handful of story sites you post on.

Wait, you do post on more than just ScribbleHub, right?

you ignoramus.
Oooo! Name-calling!
-- In that case, I name you: TROLL.

Writing simple and quick chapters is how webnovels are usually designed,
Most actual web novels --written by reputable authors, not amateur writers posting on free Story sites, such as ScribbleHub or WattPad-- are Translations from published Chinese, Japanese, and Korean novels.

Those translations on those Web Novel sites come in 1000 word blocks because the translators were PAID per post, and posting daily paid best. The actual chapters are much, much longer, from 2500 words to 5000 words.

The main reason why web novel chapters tend to be numbered 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 is because Chapter One has been divided into 3 parts.

a chapter composed of 10 blocks of text that cover the entire phone screen is not what they want.
Perhaps you should consider getting a computer?

Writing fiction on a phone with no grammar check or spell check can't be doing good things for your writing style.

As someone who enjoys both traditional literature books and also web novels, I understand both of them have their own charm, but if you're writing for a webnovel, short paragraphs will come in more handy than larger, more annoying paragraphs, especially when there's a story featuring multiple characters, each one speaking with one another, you cannot just write their dialogues in a single paragraph, can you?
Oooo, run on sentence!

Lets break this down a bit.
As someone who enjoys both traditional literature books and also web novels, I understand both of them have their own charm,
Charm. Nice. How about adding Facts to that? Such as, examples?

but if you're writing for a webnovel, short paragraphs will come in more handy than larger, more annoying paragraphs,
Writing for a web novel?
-- Do you mean writing a web novel, or writing for a web novel site?

Also... Come in more handy?

Honey, I really think you need to go out and buy yourself a real grammar book. like, tomorrow. Clearly, the online grammar site you're using is not up to spec.

especially when there's a story featuring multiple characters,
One would hope a story has multiple characters! LOL!

each [character] speaking with one another, you cannot just write their dialogues in a single paragraph, can you?
ROFLMAO!!!
-- My goodness...! You certainly are ignorant as to who you are posting to, and what I have already posted! LOL!

[Tutorial] The Secret to Proper Paragraphing and Dialogue


Also, most readers will call out the overly detailed descriptions as FILLER, and they will call out the Author for writing giant blocks of text that dont advance the plot at all.
No one has ever called my description overly detailed, or Filler, and my chapters are 2500 words at minimum.

Every single thing that is described, every action, and everything said in my stories forward the plot. However, I am rather experienced in writing.

Also, the word: Don't has an apostrophe.

They want THINGS TO HAPPEN, not you to descrive every minute detail in a 500 word paragraph.
The word describe is not spelled: descrive.

Before you make these rants acting like you're a proffesional in the field,
LOL! I am a professional, and I know how to spell it too!

I have published over 34 titles with 4 different publishing houses -- none of which are a vanity press. I do not self-publish. I quit the day job in 1996 because my royalty checks were enough to pay all my bills.

Ookami Kasumi is not the name I am published under. That's the name I use for my fan-fiction.

think a little about what other people think about it, especially the vast majority of readers.
I already know what my readers like and want. After all, it's how I've paid my rent since 1996.

☕
 
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AliceMoonvale

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I get that you're not too happy about poorly translated novels; they're indeed an annoying thing to see, and I can understand that. However, webnovel sites aren't typically for standard long-form novels like the ones you've written. Whether you agree or not, most people who come to sites like Scribble Hub in the first place do prefer seeing shorter paragraphs while they read on their phones. Unfortunately, young people these days are used to short-form videos like TikTok and YouTube Shorts. So, of course, people like that won't want to read long blocks of text either.

The way you speak here, it's as if your mother was killed by a web novel that was poorly translated. lol

Also, shoutout to 1996.

You're coming across as a bit ego-driven, especially with the constant mention of how many books you've published and the veiled implication that your writing experience somehow gives you a higher level of authority on what makes good writing. The repeated emphasis on your own “professional” status feels like you're trying to girlboss gatekeep at points, as if you hate the whole web novel community or anyone who shows habits from the authors doing those bad translations.

PancakesWitch's response is indeed assholey since they misunderstood what your real target was in the original post, but clapping back with pedantry and straw-manning doesn't really make you look any better. Honestly, both of you have some valid points, but poor delivery. lol

I'm feeling a lot of: "I'm right because I'm successful", "If you disagree, you're stupid." vibes.

Think you should have titled this thread as something like "MTL is hurting English prose, here's how writers can avoid it". Instead of "I'm a professional, and you're all doing it wrong. :blobrofl:

But I will agree that MTL does indeed create some weird English, and those god awful translations affect/influence new writers. It's a shame when I come across people whose English isn't their first language, but they're already learning terrible habits from novels like that. :blob_pat_sad:
 

OokamiKasumi

Author of Quality Smut
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if we're talking looking up, check out pancakeswitch, the one you were having a go at with your 5 page essay. she def knows how to get an audience.
Yeah, but I'm not sure I want anything to do with an audience that follows a Troll. I definitely don't want to be a Troll to gain such an audience.
 

Leti

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if we're talking looking up, check out pancakeswitch, the one you were having a go at with your 5 page essay. she def knows how to get an audience.
Yeah, but I'm not sure I want anything to do with an audience that follows a Troll. I definitely don't want to be a Troll to gain such an audience.
When an established author move to a new platforms, their audience often follow them.
 

triflight

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Jul 15, 2020
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There are kind of two statements from OP going on here:
1. MTL is bad
2. One sentence paragraphs are bad

No one is arguing that MTL is bad. The technology isn't quite there yet and MTL misses a lot of the nuance in language and grammar that create an enjoyable reading experience. Plus writing often has various puns, rhymes, or whatever else that only work in the original language.

At the same time, I find that the fact that MTL exists at all to be incredible. Isn't it crazy that I can copy/paste a block of text written by someone across the world in a language I can't read, and maybe haven't even heard spoken, and turn it into English? Might not be very good English but often times the meaning comes through with a little bit of thought.

But yes, generally MTL for novels, web or otherwise, don't make for a great reading experience.

Onto the 2nd point, are one sentence paragraphs bad? If you're an English teacher or Tolkein, maybe. For anyone else, probably not. The neat thing about language is that it's constantly evolving. Books written today are different from those written even 10 years ago. We've come a long way from Lord of the Rings to Percy Jackson, same as we've gone from Voltaire to Lord of the Rings. The way that people interact with written text has changed vastly. Actual physical newspapers used to be the standard and now most people read the news on their phones, tablets, or computer--if they read the news at all.

The real truth of it is that most people wouldn't consider themselves readers. Reading is a hobby for a minority of people, albeit a large one. So how do people interact with text now? Well, it's mostly digital and through social media. Think Instagram posts, tweets, and video captions. As people use these types of media more, they grow more comfortable with the shorter sentence and paragraph format which these media types naturally lend themselves to. As users grow more familiar with those, they begin to write like that even outside of those medias.

As language and technology continue to grow, we're gonna see more changes like that. In conclusion, MTL is bad for novels, one sentence paragraphs have become the norm, and most importantly, MTL isn't the cause for one sentence paragraphs.

You can take a look at this article below that talks about short paragraphs and why they're more common now. Talks about the viewing mode (reading on mobile devices) and the psychology
behind why short paragraphs work.

Link:

Paywall free link:

I'm not a writer so please don't roast my post for that. Even if there's typos you can probably still get the gist of what I'm saying.
 
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