Need help with this story idea!

[Justhetip...]

[Fair warning, the post is a bit lengthy.]

So guys, I'm finally done with my exams, and I've got a bit of free time on my hands.

I do have a story I've been working on, but it's somewhat intricate and will still take a bit of time, so I decided to simultaneously write a side project, which is more to exercise my writing muscles and at least learn consistency.

Here's the idea:

Esme Zayin Al-Kazahn, Arcanist Supreme of the Magi Tower, was the absolute peak of power in her world, and the representation of the very limits of magic, but unsatisfied, she delved into research, and after years, she realized that apart from her world, there existed parallel dimensions beyond, ones where alternate versions of herself existed.

She also realized that to ascend to a higher level of existence, she had to eliminate these variants of herself until she was the only one. And so she hopped from world to world, battling these different versions... Until she came to Earth, and found herself utterly disgusted.

This Earth is one that has gone through the usual gate/dungeon Cataclysm, and the world has adapted into the usual Awakener/Hunter system of things.

Esme arrives, and realizes that this world's variant is a timid and constantly bullied porter, and is everything she isn't. Of all the worlds that she had visited, this one turned out to not only be disappointing, but exceedingly weak, something she despises.

Also, being such a prideful person, she considered traversing worlds just to crush a bug a very big stain to her name, and so she decided to spare this variant, train her, and when she decided she was at the very least, a worthy foe, she would kill her.

It's meant to be a slow-burn slice-of-life. Nothing groundbreaking, since it's a side project, and I don't think it'll be more than 200 chapters.

So guys, here's where I need help:

1. What tips do you have for writing slice-of-life, cuz I'm new to it and scared of writing filler or dragging things out for the sake of slow-burn and it'll turn out boring.

2. I barely have a skeleton of a story, so if you have any discarded ideas you don't plan to use anymore, or suggestions, please feel free to tell me, it's very much appreciated.

3. And lastly, this work is meant to be Yuri/GL, though I've not yet decided on the love interest. But among the potential candidates is the weak variant, so I want to ask: does it count as selfcest? And if it does, will it stop people from reading it?


Thanks if you read through.

Sorry, there's no TLDR.

PS: Also, I was conflicted whether to post it here or on the story feedback section, but I went with this since the story feedback is for mostly already posted/written stories, while mine is still an idea

 

[Fairemont]

An intriguing set up. Definitely selfcest. Knowing people it will definitely not turn away all readers.

Youre going to go the night and day approach. Craft your slice of life around these two versions being completely opposite of each other and you could have yourself a nice SoL comedy.

 

[Madmcgee]

Make sure there's lots of back and forth banter between the two, lots of silly interactions, and don't let her superior self be the 'lord almighty god' about everything.

If she's gotta be super powerful, she's gotta majorly flawed. IMO

 

[Justhetip...]

An intriguing set up. Definitely selfcest. Knowing people it will definitely not turn away all readers.

Youre going to go the night and day approach. Craft your slice of life around these two versions being completely opposite of each other and you could have yourself a nice SoL comedy.

Thanks.

As for the night and day approach, I asked Google, but it wasn't giving me what I wanted, so I handed over to the butler. You meant this right?

Make sure there's lots of back and forth banter between the two, lots of silly interactions, and don't let her superior self be the 'lord almighty god' about everything.

If she's gotta be super powerful, she's gotta majorly flawed. IMO

Lmao, read me like a book. Her character is inspired by Frieren, so there's definitely gonna be shenanigans.

 

[RepresentingWrath]

It won't stop people from reading. Also, DAMN! This is more Korean than some of Korean dungeon novels.

 

[Justhetip...]

It won't stop people from reading. Also, DAMN! This is more Korean than some of Korean dungeon novels.

Exactly.

I just want to shut off my brain and write, I think I've been using it too much recently.

It will be slop, junk food, but I do hope it turns out edible.

 

[RepresentingWrath]

Exactly.

I just want to shut off my brain and write, I think I've been using it too much recently.

It will be slop, junk food, but I do hope it turns out edible.

It's actually impressive how you managed to do it. No offence here or hidden meanings. I really think it's super hard to copy a story like that.

 

[Fairemont]

Thanks.

As for the night and day approach, I asked Google, but it wasn't giving me what I wanted, so I handed over to the butler. You meant this right?
View attachment 38459

Lmao, read me like a book. Her character is inspired by Frieren, so there's definitely gonna be shenanigans.

I made it up.

 

[Justhetip...]

It's actually impressive how you managed to do it. No offence here or hidden meanings. I really think it's super hard to copy a story like that.

None taken.

I made it up.

What...?

 

[Fairemont]

None taken.

What...?
View attachment 38462

You see, as an author, I frequently make things up on the spot and am adept at making it sound authentic.

However, I am also quite correct. Like night and day, they are completely different characters. A viable approach, especially in a drama or comedy.

 

[expentio]

I feel like the premise could be a bit problematic. Does she actually have to kill her variants? Is that an important plot point that can't be changed?
It makes her incredibly unlikeable as a character. If it were just to explore those worlds and encounter those variants, maybe gaining something from them but their lives (that hunter MC is ineligible to give at her level), it might seem a little bit more benign. That the hunter MC is right from the start basically on the to-kill list and only isn't offed because of pity makes the situation seem artificial. The killer variant makes the rules regarding which limits she sets for "a worthy foe". Most likely would be that she'd just stop her advancement before the hunter variant becomes an actual threat. Otherwise, she'd simply appear exceedingly stupid for a supposedly smart archmage to voluntarily lose control of the situation. The whole situation would simply seem too rigged against the MC that, as an interested reader, I could only believe that some extreme BS-reason is going to save her in the end, which would drive me off as a reader (the hunter is the MC here for me, as self-serving killers don't make for supportable characters).

As an option, what if the archmage needs the variants to "resonate" with her? Creating a bit of an "Everything Everywhere All at Once" situation, where they become part of a hivemind that would empower her at the center, as she can centralize their skills and strengths on herself? Yet the weak one is simply not strong enough of a pillar to support her position in this transdimensional circle. Could be an interesting dynamic if she can't kill her, and maybe even needs some kind of consent from her, but the hunter is simply unwilling to advance, which frustrates her to no end.

 

[Snake99]

Will the story have ecchi?

 

[Justhetip...]

You see, as an author, I frequently make things up on the spot and am adept at making it sound authentic.

However, I am also quite correct. Like night and day, they are completely different characters. A viable approach, especially in a drama or comedy.

Alright, you got me. Thanks though, the advice is solid.

I feel like the premise could be a bit problematic. Does she actually have to kill her variants? Is that an important plot point that can't be changed?
It makes her incredibly unlikeable as a character. If it were just to explore those worlds and encounter those variants, maybe gaining something from them but their lives (that hunter MC is ineligible to give at her level), it might seem a little bit more benign. That the hunter MC is right from the start basically on the to-kill list and only isn't offed because of pity makes the situation seem artificial. The killer variant makes the rules regarding which limits she sets for "a worthy foe". Most likely would be that she'd just stop her advancement before the hunter variant becomes an actual threat. Otherwise, she'd simply appear exceedingly stupid for a supposedly smart archmage to voluntarily lose control of the situation. The whole situation would simply seem too rigged against the MC that, as an interested reader, I could only believe that some extreme BS-reason is going to save her in the end, which would drive me off as a reader (the hunter is the MC here for me, as self-serving killers don't make for supportable characters).

As an option, what if the archmage needs the variants to "resonate" with her? Creating a bit of an "Everything Everywhere All at Once" situation, where they become part of a hivemind that would empower her at the center, as she can centralize their skills and strengths on herself? Yet the weak one is simply not strong enough of a pillar to support her position in this transdimensional circle. Could be an interesting dynamic if she can't kill her, and maybe even needs some kind of consent from her, but the hunter is simply unwilling to advance, which frustrates her to no end.

All your concerns are valid, I understand.

While this is meant to be a generic slice-of-life, there is an actual plot bubbling in the background.

Also, I did, keep a lot of things to myself since I felt potential readers might come across this thread and know where the story is going before I even get there. Spoilers and stuff.

So I'll reveal what I can.

Esme is not the only variant hunting down others, this is one of the many conflicts in the story.

Her research where she discovered the existence of other worlds exposed her on the radar of a variant who was previously the hunter, but died by her hands.

The story is meant to be character-driven, so there won't be a sudden ass-pull as to why the weak variant doesn't die eventually, but a gradual set-up where I build it up to the readers realizing she(the weak, hunter variant) won't have to die, or, spoiler, her death might even have severe consequences, again, I can't reveal much.

Apart from being the Arcanist Supreme, Esme is also Her Imperial Highness the Princess, and the Grand Magister of the Empire, yeah, I know, that's a lot of titles, but it's to show how I'll make her arrogance well grounded in her character.

Will the story have ecchi?

Not sure yet. It might, but the chance is low.

 

[Vitriol]

Sup, gonna drop my five cents here.

While this one might be more of a writing tip, if you think something is boring, then just don’t write it. Some novels really drag things out for no reason. Just don’t make that mistake. Since it also has a gate/dungeon subgenre it would be nice to mix in some action for a change of pace when needed. I don’t have a lot to say there, just follow your heart lol.

Uuh since she has to kill all of her versions does that mean that there is a finite number of her versions or that she has to kill all of them before another inevitably pops up? Existential dread material either way ngl.

Also yep, that’s selfcest, but knowing what happened to Sans, Onceler and Klein (and other poor souls whom I do not know)… it doesn’t seem that much of a problem. Anyone who would stop reading just bc of that is weak in spirit and mind /j

 

[Justhetip...]

Sup, gonna drop my five cents here.

While this one might be more of a writing tip, if you think something is boring, then just don’t write it. Some novels really drag things out for no reason. Just don’t make that mistake. Since it also has a gate/dungeon subgenre it would be nice to mix in some action for a change of pace when needed. I don’t have a lot to say there, just follow your heart lol.

Thanks. Action is naturally a given. It's just not going to be the focus

Uuh since she has to kill all of her versions does that mean that there is a finite number of her versions or that she has to kill all of them before another inevitably pops up? Existential dread material either way ngl.

Another angle lmao. But this also has to do with the parts of the plot I'm keeping to myself because again, potential readers might come across this thread.

Also yep, that’s selfcest, but knowing what happened to Sans, Onceler and Klein (and other poor souls whom I do not know)… it doesn’t seem that much of a problem. Anyone who would stop reading just bc of that is weak in spirit and mind /j

Good to know. And yeah, just found myself another rabbit hole to dig in.

 

[CharlesEBrown]

[Fair warning, the post is a bit lengthy.]

So guys, I'm finally done with my exams, and I've got a bit of free time on my hands.

I do have a story I've been working on, but it's somewhat intricate and will still take a bit of time, so I decided to simultaneously write a side project, which is more to exercise my writing muscles and at least learn consistency.

Here's the idea:

Esme Zayin Al-Kazahn, Arcanist Supreme of the Magi Tower, was the absolute peak of power in her world, and the representation of the very limits of magic, but unsatisfied, she delved into research, and after years, she realized that apart from her world, there existed parallel dimensions beyond, ones where alternate versions of herself existed.

She also realized that to ascend to a higher level of existence, she had to eliminate these variants of herself until she was the only one. And so she hopped from world to world, battling these different versions... Until she came to Earth, and found herself utterly disgusted.

This Earth is one that has gone through the usual gate/dungeon Cataclysm, and the world has adapted into the usual Awakener/Hunter system of things.

Esme arrives, and realizes that this world's variant is a timid and constantly bullied porter, and is everything she isn't. Of all the worlds that she had visited, this one turned out to not only be disappointing, but exceedingly weak, something she despises.

Also, being such a prideful person, she considered traversing worlds just to crush a bug a very big stain to her name, and so she decided to spare this variant, train her, and when she decided she was at the very least, a worthy foe, she would kill her.

It's meant to be a slow-burn slice-of-life. Nothing groundbreaking, since it's a side project, and I don't think it'll be more than 200 chapters.

So guys, here's where I need help:

1. What tips do you have for writing slice-of-life, cuz I'm new to it and scared of writing filler or dragging things out for the sake of slow-burn and it'll turn out boring.

2. I barely have a skeleton of a story, so if you have any discarded ideas you don't plan to use anymore, or suggestions, please feel free to tell me, it's very much appreciated.

3. And lastly, this work is meant to be Yuri/GL, though I've not yet decided on the love interest. But among the potential candidates is the weak variant, so I want to ask: does it count as selfcest? And if it does, will it stop people from reading it?


Thanks if you read through.

Sorry, there's no TLDR.

View attachment 38458

PS: Also, I was conflicted whether to post it here or on the story feedback section, but I went with this since the story feedback is for mostly already posted/written stories, while mine is still an idea

If you remove the Yuri/GL angle and make the character a martial artist instead of a magic-user, you basically have the movie "The One" with Jet Li. Checking that out might help with some of the rough spots.
As for the love interest, why not have it be the SO of one of the character's variants? Has to decide if keeping the variant alive to keep the love interest happy is more important than killing the variant (or if she really wants to kill the variant and pretend to BE it instead)?

 

[Akkizakura]

And lastly, this work is meant to be Yuri/GL, though I've not yet decided on the love interest.

You already lost 80% of the site's readers interest.

 

[Justhetip...]

You already lost 80% of the site's readers interest.

Um, not sure which site you're talking about, because Yuri is a predominant genre on Scribble hub.

If you remove the Yuri/GL angle and make the character a martial artist instead of a magic-user, you basically have the movie "The One" with Jet Li. Checking that out might help with some of the rough spots.

Thanks for the recommendation, I'll check that out. Just watched "Everything Everywhere All at Once" last night because it was mentioned too. It's made me see things I could even do to make my idea better.

As for the love interest, why not have it be the SO of one of the character's variants? Has to decide if keeping the variant alive to keep the love interest happy is more important than killing the variant (or if she really wants to kill the variant and pretend to BE it instead)?

You're right on the money with your suggestion. Because it's a slow-burn slice-of-life, I plan to gradually develop the MC's character, and gradually build up to the question of whether she actually needs to kill her, and if it'll be worth it. Which path would she take?

 

[Macha]

You already lost 80% of the site's readers interest.

Um, not sure which site you're talking about, because Yuri is a predominant genre on Scribble hub.

I think Akki-chan needs glasses.

 

[StoneInky]

[Fair warning, the post is a bit lengthy.]

So guys, I'm finally done with my exams, and I've got a bit of free time on my hands.

I do have a story I've been working on, but it's somewhat intricate and will still take a bit of time, so I decided to simultaneously write a side project, which is more to exercise my writing muscles and at least learn consistency.

Here's the idea:

Esme Zayin Al-Kazahn, Arcanist Supreme of the Magi Tower, was the absolute peak of power in her world, and the representation of the very limits of magic, but unsatisfied, she delved into research, and after years, she realized that apart from her world, there existed parallel dimensions beyond, ones where alternate versions of herself existed.

She also realized that to ascend to a higher level of existence, she had to eliminate these variants of herself until she was the only one. And so she hopped from world to world, battling these different versions... Until she came to Earth, and found herself utterly disgusted.

This Earth is one that has gone through the usual gate/dungeon Cataclysm, and the world has adapted into the usual Awakener/Hunter system of things.

Esme arrives, and realizes that this world's variant is a timid and constantly bullied porter, and is everything she isn't. Of all the worlds that she had visited, this one turned out to not only be disappointing, but exceedingly weak, something she despises.

Also, being such a prideful person, she considered traversing worlds just to crush a bug a very big stain to her name, and so she decided to spare this variant, train her, and when she decided she was at the very least, a worthy foe, she would kill her.

It's meant to be a slow-burn slice-of-life. Nothing groundbreaking, since it's a side project, and I don't think it'll be more than 200 chapters.

So guys, here's where I need help:

1. What tips do you have for writing slice-of-life, cuz I'm new to it and scared of writing filler or dragging things out for the sake of slow-burn and it'll turn out boring.

2. I barely have a skeleton of a story, so if you have any discarded ideas you don't plan to use anymore, or suggestions, please feel free to tell me, it's very much appreciated.

3. And lastly, this work is meant to be Yuri/GL, though I've not yet decided on the love interest. But among the potential candidates is the weak variant, so I want to ask: does it count as selfcest? And if it does, will it stop people from reading it?


Thanks if you read through.

Sorry, there's no TLDR.

View attachment 38458

PS: Also, I was conflicted whether to post it here or on the story feedback section, but I went with this since the story feedback is for mostly already posted/written stories, while mine is still an idea

1. I dunno.

2. I like your idea. Dunno.

3. YESSSSSSSSSS IT IS SELFCEST. AND NOOOOOOO IT WILL NOT STOP US.

The very second you told me your idea I thought, she should totally get with her weaker varient form. I am glad to see great minds think alike.