Should a Novice ask for tips from Veterans? duh OfCourse

[LEGENDGOD1]

So yeah, I know story Marc, our guide to better story writing, went through his videos, it gave me an idea about some stuff I knew less or didn't know the definition of. But when writing it doesn't click to me quite as well. like, I want my scenes to be sensory, more show then tell wherever necessary, good flow, transition and all that good stuff, but I don't understand what, how, where and when is enough of any of these improvements I make, I fear making the story bigger, bloated with unnecessary details that might put off potential reader. So I am here to Assemble the greatest veterans or at least people who know they can help me in these things. You know, just another passionate fellow author asking for tips. I hope I conveyed my problem clearly or at least somewhat relatable.

Edit: Not knowing what's necessary to be added or what's not is also a problem, as I have a planned out world building with lots of details, I am at times overwhelmed by the choice of decision to whether to or not to add the details.


My story is named Cosmeta, I am genuinely looking for guidance here, I feel lost. experience comes with time I know but I don't think wanting to know even a little more than one do before time, hurts.

 

[Empress_Omnii]

But when writing it doesn't click to me quite as well. like, I want my scenes to be sensory, more show then tell wherever necessary, good flow, transition and all that good stuff,

This is far too general, maybe give some examples of your writing?

fear making the story bigger, bloated with unnecessary details that might put off potential reader.

So why are you adding the details if they seem unnecessary? Just to make it fit your idea of show not tell?

 

[TASTYLEADPAINT]

Just write and post to be honest. You learn through doing really.

And if your lucky like me you can fail your way to a successful story

I'll keep it a buck with you. I didn't plan shit. I just wrote what I thought was cool and somehow got here lol

 

[RepresentingWrath]

Comes with experience, so keep writing.

 

[Tempokai]

If you want experience, read my anti-guide duology under my signature. You'll not forget it.

 

[owotrucked]

Theoretical knowledge and tutorials increase your "ability to see". They give you a possible direction to train.

Actual technical skill comes from the habits you have integrated. They develop through producing a draft, and assess what you like in your own work, and repeat this process while slowly adding and trimming the facets of your art until it matches the ideal you envisioned.

Taking too much knowledge too fast will increase your frustration. However, I know that it's tempting to pile up as much knowledge as you can, to make each of your attempts as worthwhile and precious possible. In the worst case, it can set expectations that aren't possible to meet

 

[Clo]

Theoretical knowledge and tutorials increase your "ability to see". They give you a possible direction to train.

Actual technical skill comes from the habits you have integrated. They develop through producing a draft, and assess what you like in your own work, and repeat this process while slowly adding and trimming the facets of your art until it matches the ideal you envisioned.

Taking too much knowledge too fast will increase your frustration. However, I know that it's tempting to pile up as much knowledge as you can, to make each of your attempts as worthwhile and precious possible. In the worst case, it can set expectations that aren't possible to meet

I love that graphic, I am so going to steal it for future use.

 

[LEGENDGOD1]

This is far too general, maybe give some examples of your writing?


So why are you adding the details if they seem unnecessary? Just to make it fit your idea of show not tell?

Theoretical knowledge and tutorials increase your "ability to see". They give you a possible direction to train.

Actual technical skill comes from the habits you have integrated. They develop through producing a draft, and assess what you like in your own work, and repeat this process while slowly adding and trimming the facets of your art until it matches the ideal you envisioned.

Taking too much knowledge too fast will increase your frustration. However, I know that it's tempting to pile up as much knowledge as you can, to make each of your attempts as worthwhile and precious possible. In the worst case, it can set expectations that aren't possible to meet

I am not one to get demotivated to do something until its something coming from my parents, so that's not a problem at all. yeah, maybe you are right, I shouldn't think too much right now, I can always come back and make it better as I become better along the way.

 

[OokamiKasumi]

So yeah, I know story Marc, our guide to better story writing, went through his videos, it gave me an idea about some stuff I knew less or didn't know the definition of. But when writing it doesn't click to me quite as well.

Welcome to the world of WRITING -- fiction or not.
-- You're going to need Beta-Readers; as in: More than One, to help you sort out what works in your story, what needs bolstering, and what doesn't work at all.

Link! --> [Tutorial] Test Your Story's Popularity Potential -- Beta-Readers

Every writer has things they're Good at, and things they're Trash at.
-- The trick is figuring out what those are.

To identify them, you need Beta Readers -- other people to tell you what you Suck at, so you can find tricks to get around those problem areas, and what you're Good at, so you can adjust your work to show those off.

For example...
-- My weakness is writing Emotional scenes. I suck ass at them.
Luckily, my Beta-Reader, a very good friend of mine, and rabid fan of my work -- wrote me a personal tutorial on how to get emotions on the page, without drowning the reader in angst.

She is absolutely brilliant at emotional scenes, and comic writing, but can't write sex scenes to save her life, and can't plot anything longer than a 20k short story. Since my strengths are in writing juicy sex scenes and plotting, we work well together.

like, I want my scenes to be sensory, more show then tell wherever necessary, good flow, transition and all that good stuff, but I don't understand what, how, where and when is enough of any of these improvements I make, I fear making the story bigger, bloated with unnecessary details that might put off potential reader.

All writers worry about those things, every single writer in existence, even us pros -- especially us pros who have already established that we know how to write properly.

As every addict knows: Everyone Falls off the Wagon sooner or later. The hard part is dealing with the flack (rabid fans & critics) for making a mistake, then getting back on the wagon and doing it again just to prove that yes, we do know how to write properly.

So I am here to Assemble the greatest veterans or at least people who know they can help me in these things. You know, just another passionate fellow author asking for tips. I hope I conveyed my problem clearly or at least somewhat relatable.

There are a lot more experienced writers and pro authors on this site than you might think. However, most of us are busy, you know, writing our own crap. :)

To get the help you actually need, Identify your Specific Problems so we can actually help you.

Us experienced writers and pros have busy, busy schedules, and not a whole lot of time to share. We certainly don't have the time to beta-read a whole story, or even a whole chapter, to figure out where you messed up, then write a tutorial on how you can fix it too.

What we Can do is write quick advice --or post a tutorial-- on how to fix a problem you (and your beta-readers,) have Identified.

Edit: Not knowing what's necessary to be added, or what's not, is also a problem,

Correct.
-- It's very hard for us busy pros to help someone if they can't identify the problem they need help with.

That's why you need Beta-Readers. Their job is to Spot Problems you can then ask us pros how to fix.

as I have a planned out world building with lots of details, I am at times overwhelmed by the choice of decision to whether to or not to add the details.

Welcome to the World of Writing.
-- Every writer goes through this with every single story they write -- every single time we write.

If you can't choose, then Don't Choose. Go full description every time then ask your Beta Readers what needs to be trimmed off to make the scene Concise, Not Boring, and Not Draggy.

My story is named Cosmeta, I am genuinely looking for guidance here, I feel lost. experience comes with time I know but I don't think wanting to know even a little more than one do before time, hurts.

Ask your questions, but Be Specific.
-- Your best bet is to gather a few Beta Readers FIRST and ask them to look at your work. It will help narrow down any chronic and Specific problems that us busy pros can help you with.


~~~~~~~~~
My Writing Tutorials. (There are Lots!)

 

[greyblob]

Practice and revision. It's like playing a game and watching someone else play; different parts of the brain working.

Step 1 is write. Focus on getting words on paper.

Step 2 is rest. Do something else. Let your mind reset.

Step 3 is review. Get back and read what you wrote. Evaluate the scene and see what it's missing and what doesn't feel right.

once you've identified the flaws, start over. You can do this as many times as you want. I usually did 2 to 3 before i wanted to pull out my hair. A small tip is to read a book you want to use as inspiration. I found that when I read a novel immediately before writing, I would immitate/incorporate its writing style into my own.

 

[TASTYLEADPAINT]

Step 1 is write. Focus on getting words on paper.

This is the key step. Just write. Put some words onto a document and just do it.

Just make sure you're writing something you enjoy and at a rate that helps you stay consistent. I do 1 chapter a week and that chapter is 2k words long.

 

[LEGENDGOD1]

Welcome to the world of WRITING -- fiction or not.
-- You're going to need Beta-Readers; as in: More than One, to help you sort out what works in your story, what needs bolstering, and what doesn't work at all.

Link! --> [Tutorial] Test Your Story's Popularity Potential -- Beta-Readers

Every writer has things they're Good at, and things they're Trash at.
-- The trick is figuring out what those are.

To identify them, you need Beta Readers -- other people to tell you what you Suck at, so you can find tricks to get around those problem areas, and what you're Good at, so you can adjust your work to show those off.

For example...
-- My weakness is writing Emotional scenes. I suck ass at them.
Luckily, my Beta-Reader, a very good friend of mine, and rabid fan of my work -- wrote me a personal tutorial on how to get emotions on the page, without drowning the reader in angst. She is absolutely brilliant at emotional scenes, and comic writing, but can't write sex scenes to save her life. We work well together.


We all worry about those things, every single writer in existence, even us pros -- especially us pros who have already established that we know how to write properly.

As every addict knows: Everyone Falls off the Wagon sooner or later. The hard part is dealing with the flack (rabid fans & critics) for making a mistake, then getting back on the wagon and doing it again just to prove that yes, we do know how to write properly.


There are a lot more experienced writers and pro authors on this site than you might think. However, most of us are busy, you know, writing our own crap. :)

To get the help you actually need, Identify your Specific Problems so we can actually help you.

Us experienced writers and pros have busy, busy schedules, and not a whole lot of time to share. We certainly don't have the time to beta-read a whole story, or even a whole chapter, to figure out where you messed up, then write a tutorial on how you can fix it too.

What we Can do is write quick advice --or post a tutorial-- on how to fix a problem you (and your beta-readers,) have Identified.


Correct.
-- It's very hard for us busy pros to help someone if they can't identify the problem they need help with.

That's why you need Beta-Readers. Their job is to Spot Problems you can then ask us pros how to fix.


Welcome to the World of Writing.
-- Every writer goes through this with every single story the write -- every single time we write.

If you can't choose, then Don't Choose. Go full description every time then ask your Beta Readers what needs to be trimmed off to make the scene Concise, Not Boring, and Not Draggy.


Ask your questions, but Be Specific.
-- Your best bet is to gather a few Beta Readers FIRST and ask them to look at your work. It will help narrow down any chronic and Specific problems that us busy pros can help you with.


~~~~~~~~~
My Writing Tutorials. (There are Lots!)

you are right about that. but how do i get beta readers? its hard to find those who would do it for fun, most ask for money, which i as a student is suffering a lot to do End's meet of the month.

 

[OokamiKasumi]

you are right about that. but how do i get beta readers? its hard to find those who would do it for fun, most ask for money, which i as a student is suffering a lot to do End's meet of the month.

The easiest way to get Beta-Readers is to ASK for them.
-- Right here on this forum, post a thread and Ask if anyone is interested in being a beta-reader. You want More than Two, if you can get them.

Make sure to include:
-- A quick synopsis of your story -- that doesn't include the whole plot.
-- A list of your main characters, and what part they play in your story: Hero, Villain, Heroine, Victim, Ally, Betrayer, Love Interest, Best Friend? DON'T list Every Character, just the main movers and shakers.
-- The Genre the story is supposed to be in: Fantasy, Gothic, Horror, Romance, Sci-Fi, LitRPG?
-- The Rating you want your story to have: G, PG13, R18, xXx?

Also, make sure to include what you want your beta-readers to look for.
-- Use my checklist for a list of things you can pick and choose from.

Link! --> [Tutorial] Test Your Story's Popularity Potential -- Beta-Readers

Most Importantly -- Listen to their Advice!
-- This doesn't mean Obey all advice given. This means pay attention to the issues they bring up. If you have 3 beta-readers and they all complain about the same thing, then maybe you should fix that thing.

Lastly, don't get yourself all tied up in knots. ScribbleHub will not make or break your writing career.
-- Just do yourself a favor and Don't start posting chapters until you're at least halfway done with your story. Namely because Finishing a story is actually the hardest part of writing one.

 

[CharlesEBrown]

you are right about that. but how do i get beta readers? its hard to find those who would do it for fun, most ask for money, which i as a student is suffering a lot to do End's meet of the month.

As an underemployed adult, I'm in a similar boat - I've tried to be a Beta Reader before (even was an Alpha Reader twice) a few times, but was only "successful" once (at each), and have never requested any myself.

 

[LEGENDGOD1]

As an underemployed adult, I'm in a similar boat - I've tried to be a Beta Reader before (even was an Alpha Reader twice) a few times, but was only "successful" once (at each), and have never requested any myself.

I feel you homie. ?

 

[Story_Marc]

Here's a story I once wrote which might help you out...

"One Lesson"​

The boy found him at the edge of a half-collapsed rice field, kneeling in the mud with a rusted hoe in his hands.

“You’re the Sword Saint,” the boy said.

The man didn’t look up. He kept breaking the earth, row by row.

“I’ve come a long way,” the boy continued. “Weeks on foot. I’ve sold everything I own. I’ve read all the texts. I believe in the old ways. I believe in honor. I believe the sword is more than just a weapon—it’s a path.”

Still no response.

“I don’t ask for much. Just one lesson.”

The Sword Saint stopped. Stood up slow, like his knees hurt. His back crackled with the sound of old wood.

He turned to face the boy. “You want a lesson?”

“I do.”

“Then here it is.” The man leaned the hoe against a stump. “Nobody gives a shit what you believe.”

The boy blinked. “I—what?”

“You’ve spent five minutes telling me why you need something. As if your desperation buys you a place in my life. Like your need is currency.”

“I thought—if I explained it clearly—”

“You thought wrong.” The Saint motioned around him: the patchy field, the sagging shed, the tools rusting from use, not neglect.

“I’ve got rice that won’t grow. A roof that leaks. Hips that crack when it rains. You think I spend my days waiting for barefoot boys with dreams to show up and eat my time?”

The boy lowered his head. His jaw clenched. “So you won’t teach me.”

“I am teaching you. Right now.”

The boy said nothing.

The Saint moved closer. His voice didn’t rise. Didn’t need to.

“Here’s what you missed. If you want something from someone, don’t appeal to their charity. Find what they want. Then trade for it.”

“You want me to pay?”

“I want you to stop acting like the world runs on pity. It doesn’t. It runs on leverage.”

The boy’s fists curled. “Then what do you want?”

The Sword Saint stepped past him, picked up the hoe again. He answered over his shoulder.

“That’s your second lesson. Come back when you know the answer.”
----
Find a way to be of service to those you seek specific help from. There are many ways beyond money.

 

[LEGENDGOD1]

Here's a story I once wrote which might help you out...

"One Lesson"​

The boy found him at the edge of a half-collapsed rice field, kneeling in the mud with a rusted hoe in his hands.

“You’re the Sword Saint,” the boy said.

The man didn’t look up. He kept breaking the earth, row by row.

“I’ve come a long way,” the boy continued. “Weeks on foot. I’ve sold everything I own. I’ve read all the texts. I believe in the old ways. I believe in honor. I believe the sword is more than just a weapon—it’s a path.”

Still no response.

“I don’t ask for much. Just one lesson.”

The Sword Saint stopped. Stood up slow, like his knees hurt. His back crackled with the sound of old wood.

He turned to face the boy. “You want a lesson?”

“I do.”

“Then here it is.” The man leaned the hoe against a stump. “Nobody gives a shit what you believe.”

The boy blinked. “I—what?”

“You’ve spent five minutes telling me why you need something. As if your desperation buys you a place in my life. Like your need is currency.”

“I thought—if I explained it clearly—”

“You thought wrong.” The Saint motioned around him: the patchy field, the sagging shed, the tools rusting from use, not neglect.

“I’ve got rice that won’t grow. A roof that leaks. Hips that crack when it rains. You think I spend my days waiting for barefoot boys with dreams to show up and eat my time?”

The boy lowered his head. His jaw clenched. “So you won’t teach me.”

“I am teaching you. Right now.”

The boy said nothing.

The Saint moved closer. His voice didn’t rise. Didn’t need to.

“Here’s what you missed. If you want something from someone, don’t appeal to their charity. Find what they want. Then trade for it.”

“You want me to pay?”

“I want you to stop acting like the world runs on pity. It doesn’t. It runs on leverage.”

The boy’s fists curled. “Then what do you want?”

The Sword Saint stepped past him, picked up the hoe again. He answered over his shoulder.

“That’s your second lesson. Come back when you know the answer.”
----
Find a way to be of service to those you seek specific help from. There are many ways beyond money.

I see where you are taking me with the story?, well what the boy can offer is work on the fields. i am trying though, well...at least that's what i think, or would like to...

 

[OokamiKasumi]

Here's a story I once wrote which might help you out...

"One Lesson"​

The boy found him at the edge of a half-collapsed rice field, kneeling in the mud with a rusted hoe in his hands.

“You’re the Sword Saint,” the boy said.

The man didn’t look up. He kept breaking the earth, row by row.

“I’ve come a long way,” the boy continued. “Weeks on foot. I’ve sold everything I own. I’ve read all the texts. I believe in the old ways. I believe in honor. I believe the sword is more than just a weapon—it’s a path.”

Still no response.

“I don’t ask for much. Just one lesson.”

The Sword Saint stopped. Stood up slow, like his knees hurt. His back crackled with the sound of old wood.

He turned to face the boy. “You want a lesson?”

“I do.”

“Then here it is.” The man leaned the hoe against a stump. “Nobody gives a shit what you believe.”

The boy blinked. “I—what?”

“You’ve spent five minutes telling me why you need something. As if your desperation buys you a place in my life. Like your need is currency.”

“I thought—if I explained it clearly—”

“You thought wrong.” The Saint motioned around him: the patchy field, the sagging shed, the tools rusting from use, not neglect.

“I’ve got rice that won’t grow. A roof that leaks. Hips that crack when it rains. You think I spend my days waiting for barefoot boys with dreams to show up and eat my time?”

The boy lowered his head. His jaw clenched. “So you won’t teach me.”

“I am teaching you. Right now.”

The boy said nothing.

The Saint moved closer. His voice didn’t rise. Didn’t need to.

“Here’s what you missed. If you want something from someone, don’t appeal to their charity. Find what they want. Then trade for it.”

“You want me to pay?”

“I want you to stop acting like the world runs on pity. It doesn’t. It runs on leverage.”

The boy’s fists curled. “Then what do you want?”

The Sword Saint stepped past him, picked up the hoe again. He answered over his shoulder.

“That’s your second lesson. Come back when you know the answer.”
----
Find a way to be of service to those you seek specific help from. There are many ways beyond money.

Good story, and relevant, but...
-- Why have you separated the dialogue from the actions that go with them?

 

[Story_Marc]

Why have you separated the dialogue from the actions that go with them?

It depends on where, since in some cases, I intentionally did it for rhythm and clarity. I also haven't tightened that up to a final draft version yet, since it was just something I wrote quickly a while back to get something across to someone asking me for help all the time. I'm saving that for a future video. I want to use it as an example to constantly explore different approaches to writing the same thing. And how tiny touches can alter the experience.

 

[OokamiKasumi]

It depends on where, since in some cases, I intentionally did it for rhythm and clarity.

Understood.

I also haven't tightened that up to a final draft version yet, since it was just something I wrote quickly a while back to get something across to someone asking me for help all the time.

LOL! I know the feeling. (It's why I have so many tutorials on backlog.)

I'm saving that for a future video. I want to use it as an example to constantly explore different approaches to writing the same thing. And how tiny touches can alter the experience.

Nice! I look forward to seeing it.

Thank you.