Spooky Panda π³οΈβπ#WritersCoffeeClub 12.10 β Is it ethical to base characters on real people? What is the limit?
It's fine, as long as you don't overdo it. The writers here in this community understand that.
#WritersCoffeeClub 12.11 β How do you keep track of plots and subplots?
Oh, gosh. I track *everything* I do, although I'm sometimes known to be a pantser as well. I'm a bit of both.
"Pantsers are writers who creates their work without a detailed outline, often writing 'by the seat of their pants.' This approach allows them to develop their story organically, relying on their ideas, themes, or characters as they write, rather than following a pre-planned structure. In contrast, a 'plotter' is someone who outlines their work before writing."
I'm a bit of both, but I *always* track everything I write, even if the outline isn't so detailed, and if an idea randomly comes to me, I try to write everything down for it (although it might be after the fact).
#WritersCoffeeClub 12.12 β Who is a writer whose life inspires you?
So many people inspire me. Tolkien is at the top of the list for me, though, hands down. What a kind man with a good heart, and such a family man as well. It's very inspirational. π
#WritersCoffeeClub 12.13 β What have you written for another writer?
I've done this many times, actually. For friends. I've done a lot of little projects for my friends, and I've also helped them wherever or however I can. That's what friends do, I suppose, and we're always very private about it.
#WritersCoffeeClub 12.14 β Share how you tackle a first round of revisions.
1. Stare at the screen.
2. Contemplate making tea, then do it.
3. Finally get to work.
4. Some hair pulling is involved.
5. The old gods are summoned.
6. The spirits of my ancestors are brought forward.
7. Take a few deep breaths.
8. Do some more rewriting, then take a break.
9. VoilΓ , it's half-finished.
10. Do it all over again the following day.
#WritersCoffeeClub 12.15 β Whatβs a non-literary artistic tradition which inspires you?
β’ Video games.
β’ TTRPG stuff or DnD (although I'm the dungeon/game master, so I do the storytelling and writing myself).
β’ LEGO stuff.
#WritersCoffeeClub 12.16 β Do you have one format you write in, or many?
I write a few things: Novels, short stories (with just a few chapters), and standalone stories. But that's about it.
#WritersCoffeeClub 12.17 β Give a shout-out to a resource or site you think more writers should know.
Here's a great site! You can enter a word, phrase, description, or pattern to find synonyms, related words, and more. I'd be lost without the OneLook Thesaurus.
#WritersCoffeeClub 12.18 β Are there writing 'traditions' which ought to be preserved?
Maybe I'm "old-fashioned" for saying this, but I think writing your thoughts and ideas down in a notebook is such a simple, beautiful ritual. It's great to have technology but let's not change *everything,* if you know what I'm saying.
#WritersCoffeeClub 12.19 β If you were to teach a writing course, what would be the most important lesson?
Oh, gosh. Okay, let me think about this.
Lesson: That creativity has value, and AI will be the end of creativity and hard work. Stay on course. Remain hardworking and forever use your superpower β because that's exactly what creativity is, and we all have it.
#WritersCoffeeClub 12.20 β If you write installments (issues, chapters, etc), then whatβs the average length of one installment?
Right, so, let me explain a bit before I answer this prompt. I'm a serial author. I post things in chapter or installment segments. In general, and for *most* of my stories, I try to keep my chapters between 2000 to 3000 words, unless there's a particularly slower one (like the first few ones from Wings of Quiet Longing) that are just barely 2000 words.
I have exceptions, as do we all, but that's just the majority of my current stories. People like the length and say that it's a quicker read and it's easier to digest that way. People like my style. I'm glad it works for everyone, and the feedback helps a lot. I always want to write what or how people genuinely enjoy reading.
#WritersCoffeeClub 12.21 β Do your story ideas come fully formed, or do you have to develop them?
Most of the time, it's actually the characters who come to me first and then the story follows. The plot (usually) develops as I'm writing the tale.
#WritersCoffeeClub 12.26 β Who or what serves as your "rubber duck"?
My girlfriend AKA @aperfectsong. LOL. Since we met, we've always written roleplay stories together, which are just co-written stories, and we often talk through plot points and things like that before or as we're writing together. If I have an issue with one of my novels as well, I can talk things through with her, and I'll usually realize what it is that I need to write or do along the way. We love chats like that.
#WritersCoffeeClub 12.27 β How can we as writers support one another?
In the age of growing AI usage, idiocy, book banning, and all the other struggles we face, we have to do these things...
β’ Love, support, and encourage one another.
β’ Offer any advice or tips we might have learned along the way or heard in the past.
β’ Share, buy, and read each other's work.
β’ Help to boost other authors as well, whether they're published, in the process of publishing, either with a publishing house or self-publishing, or only write for enjoyment and as a hobby and aren't looking to publish. It doesn't matter which.
Boost, boost, boost each other! Help your friends and fellow authors. Support them. Show love to the other writers in the world. This community is such a beautiful, helpful, awesome thing. We've built something amazing together. You can do your part in this messy, crazy world, no matter how little you think it might be. Every little bit does count, and each of these things mean a ton to all of us! I can't stress any of that enough.
#WritersCoffeeClub 12.28 β How do your prose create and maintain tension?
Pure willpower!
No, but seriously, I have no idea what's even happening in the next sentence. I plan to a T and sometimes things change at the last minute. I just write, write, write, and edit to heart's content, all while hoping it'll come together organically. And honestly, that usually works! I'm pretty lucky.
#WritersCoffeeClub 12.29 β How much would writing by another means (by hand, digitally, audio transcription) change your prose?
I actually do a little bit of everything, but I will say that I've done my best writing when I'm in front of a computer. I have Multiple Sclerosis, so writing by hand is rather difficult for me, despite how much I absolutely love it and enjoy doing it whenever I get the chance. I just can't do it for any prolonged periods of time because it hurts too badly. Also, my handwriting is shite these days β but that just means no one can plagiarize anything of mine! Ha!
I'm rather good at "writing" and storytelling by using audio transcription as well. I have a podcast, so speaking with a flow comes rather easily for me these days. It's great for taking notes, or even for getting down my thoughts on a bit of dialogue or description for a scene if I'm too busy to sit down at my computer or I'm half-asleep in bed.
#WritersCoffeeClub 1.1 β Whatβs the greatest benefit you get from online writing community?
Support, camaraderie, love, trust in myself, help whenever I need it, etc. More importantly, though, I've made some of my closest friends either through other sites or here on Mastodon, all because of writing and through it. I even met my girlfriend that way over a decade ago. The online writing community is everything for us. We aren't alone, and that's what matters. We've built this community from the ground up.
#WritersCoffeeClub 1.3 β How do you come up with the titles for your works?
Let's talk about all of my novels and original work. Sometimes it comes from a quote in the book, other times it's from a random thought that pops into my head along the way. Just creativity, I suppose.
When it comes to fanfiction, though, it might also be song lyrics or things like that. It depends on what I'm writing.
#WritersCoffeeClub 1.4 β Share a tool of your trade.
Daydreaming. It's underrated. I get my best ideas that way, to be fair.
#WritersCoffeeClub 1.5 β How do you choose the POV for a new story?
I typically write with one of these two POVs...
Third Person Omniscient POV: The narrator has full knowledge of all characters' thoughts, feelings, and the story's past and future, enabling a god-like perspective. While less common in modern novels, it is used in classic literature and genres requiring a broad narrative scope.
Multiple POVs: Involves shifting between different characters' perspectives, often across chapters or scenes. This approach allows for a broader story scope and deeper character development but requires careful structuring to avoid βhead-hoppingβ and maintain reader clarity.
#WritersCoffeeClub 1.6 β Process-wise, whatβs improved for you over the years?
My editing process is much easier. It's simpler as well, only because I know what needs to be there and what doesn't when it comes to short stories or chapters. I've gotten rather good at adding in those little "vivid verbs" that enrich our writing for readers as well. For the first round of writing, I just get the words out, and then everything else can be added in later, like those particular verbs, for instance. It's much easier than racking my brain the first time around.
To be honest, though, everything feels easier and better. I suppose that just comes with age and experience.
#WritersCoffeeClub 1.9 β Whatβs your top tip for writing authentic dialogue?
Reading your dialogue (and the entire chapter or short story) aloud. If it sounds and feels natural for the characters and for you as well, as you're reading it, then it should work. Try it sometime.
#WritersCoffeeClub 1.10 β How do you steer a readerβs emotional journey?
That isn't my job, not necessarily. The readers take what they want from the story. Everyone has a different "emotional journey" while reading a book, and I'm helpless to steer something like that for so many different readers. The story will tell itself, and that's that.
#WritersCoffeeClub 1.11 β Name a poet who has influenced you.
Hands down, it's Michael Faudet. He's one of my favorite poets. He can be downright filthy (in reference to love) one moment and then heartbreakingly romantic the next. He weaves words so elegantly.
#WritersCoffeeClub 1.12 β How do you get to know your characters before you start writing?
By doing the writing prompt tags, of course! They honestly help so much with fleshing characters out and truly getting to know them.
#WritersCoffeeClub 1.13 β Are you actively building your working vocabulary?
Always. I recently spoke about "vivid verbs" how in love with them I am, so I'm always finding things to add to my arsenal. We continue to learn. It's never ends, and it's a tough but worthwhile journey. I'm enjoying the ride.
#WritersCoffeeClub 1.14 β Whatβs a service or skill youβd like to offer your fellow writers?
Random: I used to be a beta reader. I did it regularly. I'm always open for just reading something and giving my opinions as well. Sometimes we just need a friend to tell us if something stinks or not, you know? It helps. And I'll be honest, whatever you THINK sucks is actually usually fantastic. Imposter syndrome is tough.
#WritersCoffeeClub 1.15 β How human are your protagonists? What about your antagonists?
Let me just talk about the story I'm currently working on. This is funny but the only humans/mortals are the servants and residents in the town. The majority of the main cast are vampires and werewolves. As for human characteristics, they're all very similar to mortals. The feelings or emotions, cognitive and emotional traits, social and behavioral traits, most physical traits, and personalities are all very "human," if you know what I mean.
#WingsOfQuietLonging #ParanormalRomance #Romantasy #Fantasy #Vampires #Werewolves #Ghosts #Romance #Victorian #Worldbuilding #AmWriting #WritingCommunity
#WritersCoffeeClub 1.17 β Whatβs frustrating you, writing-wise?
At the moment, it's just not having the right amount of time to do it. I'm playing catch-up with doctor's appointments and so is my nana after she broke her foot. It's 90% healed, so that's good news. But for the moment, we're just very busy. I'm still finding time to write, but things will get better as the month goes on, I'm sure.
#WritersCoffeeClub 1.19 β Talk about something (even if very small!) from your own life which made it onto the page.
It's not very small but Alistair (in #WingsOfQuietLonging) is also an author, so I guess there's that. I can't think of anything else at the moment, but I'm sure there's loads of stuff I could talk about from other stories, even silly things like a certain type of coffee (meaning a random iced macchiato or latte) or a flavor of coffee syrup used, things like that. I like writing in tiny details that I either fancy or know a good deal about.
#WritersCoffeeClub 1.21 β When writing about unpleasant feelings, how do you avoid alienating the reader entirely?
To be fair, if readers are looking for cozy, carefree stories without ever having *any* unpleasant feelings they won't be picking up my stories from the start. Every synopsis or blurb warns of this. My work features emotion of all kinds, the good *and* the bad. The stories have a range of emotion in them, scenes that won't always be happy-go-lucky and carefree, and that's okay because it's just life. Things can't always be perfect and good, you know? Regardless of all that, this isn't a problem for me. My readers are generally looking for (emotionally) tortured characters who have good recovery journeys after the fact.
#WritersCoffeeClub 1.25 β What comes first: setting, character, plot? What comes next?
Sometimes it's the plot. More often than not, it's the characters. They'll come to me first. A lot of my characters were created for either the purpose of TTRPG stuff (tabletop roleplaying games) or roleplay stories (which is just collaborative writing that I do with friends or my girlfriend), so I've already written a plethora of stories with these characters. The plots come to me later if I finally decide to knuckle down and write a long serial or just a novel with them. C'est la vie.
Edit: I should add this... It's usually a scene between characters that I've already created, and then I have to write an entire story around said scene. It's funny how that works out sometimes, isn't it?
#WritersCoffeeClub 1.26 β Do you include things you personally find repellent in your work?
I do, only because the story isn't about me, it's about the characters. Sometimes a story calls for something that I might strongly dislike. It isn't a perfect world, after all. As much as I love *reading* cozy fantasy, it isn't actually the genre that I'm writing within.
#WritersCoffeeClub 1.27 β Whatβs a technical skill you think should be more widespread?
As a game or dungeon master for many TTRPGs (including DnD), I'll say this... It's drawing your own maps and things. Not enough people do it anymore. Draw stuff! Even if it's bad, *especially* if it's bad, do the thing! It's more fun that way, I promise. It's become a lost art these days, no pun intended.
#WritersCoffeeClub 1.28 β What resource (book, podcast, tool, conversation) unexpectedly helped your writing this month?
I read a (big) handful of books this month, too many to list, and they've all helped me in some way. If you're ever feeling unmotivated or your muse is low, read. Just READ. It always inspires me, and it does the same for so many other writers.
#WritersCoffeeClub 1.29 β Which phrase, paragraph, or page are you most proud of writing this month?
I'll share a snippet with everyone. π€
#WingsOfQuietLonging #ParanormalRomance #Romantasy #Fantasy #Vampires #Werewolves #Ghosts #Romance #Victorian #Worldbuilding #AmWriting #WritingCommunity
#WritersCoffeeClub 1.30 β This month, how did you successfully navigate a challenge or a sticky point in your writing?
Patience. Patience is honestly the key, and that's what helps me through the sticky stuff. If I'm stuck, the issue always resolves itself. I just need to take my time and be patient with myself. The muse always returns if it's disappeared for a while.
#WritersCoffeeClub 2.1 β How satisfied are you with your current writerly 'voice'?
I rather think I *should* be satisfied with things by now. But I'm happy with the way I write, though. We all do our best as writers.
#WritersCoffeeClub 2.2 β How satisfied are you with the rhythm of your works?
We have a tendency never to be satisfied by *anything* of ours as writers. I'm trying to change that. I'm happy with my work. I'm trying to *enjoy* the process of writing, of creating something, and not to stress over it. So, yes, I'm satisfied.
#WritersCoffeeClub 2.4 β How much detail do you use to describe your settings?
As much as I possibly can without overdoing things. I never used to describe things to the level that I wanted, for imagination, and I'm trying to change that. I'm trying to go into detail about the surroundings and settings that my characters are dropped into, but by being subtle about it. There's nothing pushy about my descriptions. I hope so, anyway. That was the old me, years and years ago, but writing is always a work-in-progress journey.
#WritersCoffeeClub 2.5 β What's a trait of other written works you admire, but don't seek to incorporate in your own works?
I've been stewing about this one, and I really don't think I have an answer for it. If one comes to me later on, I'll edit my post. There are so many things I admire about other writers, genres, or stories. I've written a little bit of everything, so this is tough for me to answer.
#WritersCoffeeClub 2.6 β From start to finish, how much time elapses in your current WIP?
Well, I can't give away any spoilers to my readers here. I suppose you'll just have to wait and see. But I will say this, that it's a sizable chunk of time, at least.
#WritersCoffeeClub 2.8 β How imperfect is your pacing? Do you consider imperfection a sign of your humanity?
These questions are rather thought-provoking. Maybe that *is* a sign of our humanity, and mine, of course. No one can be the perfect writer. I don't mind my pacing, though.
#WritersCoffeeClub 2.9 β Do you subscribe to 'show, don't tell?' Why, or why not?
Not really. I never overdo the "telling" part, though, but maybe that's just because my writing style is a bit different. You can do both in moderation without giving away too much. As an author, we're "telling" the story.
#WritersCoffeeClub 2.10 β Talk about a work which subverted your expectations, in a good way.
This one's giving me a tough time of things. I do one of two things, either go into a book without expectations, or I'm drawn to something that everyone's talking about (and they seem to adore) and I genuinely end up loving it as well. So, that doesn't help. In general, I try not to get my hopes up or to have expectations.
#WritersCoffeeClub 2.11 β What time of day is most productive for you? Why?
Nighttime. I'm a little night owl. It's when I have my peace and quiet, when I'm all alone and can be left to my own devices (which is sometimes dangerous).
#WritersCoffeeClub 2.12 β How unique is the setting of your current WIP?
The year is 1890, and this story takes place in Moray, Scotland. It's the perfect spot in Scotland for a paranormal romance to take place. How could I *not* choose it? It's such a beautiful area. Sprinkle in supernatural/paranormal creatures, of course, and that's the premise.
#WritingCommunity #WritersOfMastodon #WingsOfQuietLonging #ParanormalRomance #Fantasy #Victorian #Gothic #Vampires #Werewolves
#WritersCoffeeClub 2.13 β Do you use maps as reference materials as you write?
Coming from my background of a game master for TTRPGs, yes, I usually do. Visuals often help me as I build a story and begin writing. They're good for references later on as well.
#WritersCoffeeClub 2.15 β How big are your settings?
To make this one easier on myself, I'll talk about my current WIP. I won't mention everything else of mine in my writing portfolio. The setting in this story is a small area in Scotland. It takes place in Moray. It made things easier just to focus on something smaller rather than a huge, vast continent or an entire world for once.
#WritingCommunity #WritersOfMastodon #WingsOfQuietLonging #ParanormalRomance #Fantasy #Gothic #Victorian #Vampires #Werewolves
#WritersCoffeeClub 2.16 β What's the most ridiculous place you've tried to sneak in some writing?
It was the hospital last week just before I had my endoscopy procedure. I think that's either at the top of the list or somewhere nearby. π€£
#WritersCoffeeClub 2.17 β How do you write about ecstasy, in a spiritual, artistic, or sensual context?
I'm a romance author, so I feel called out by this prompt lol. Combine all three of those (spiritual, artistic, and sensual), and then you've got my writing. Because emotion should fill every page, and every single one of those words and what they mean should be included when you're writing romantic scenes, especially when it comes to the dark romance, paranormal romance, or romantasy genres.
#WritersCoffeeClub 2.18 β How balanced are your finished works? What do you do to achieve that balance?
Balance looks different for every writer, every genre, every "type" of piece, whether it's a standalone story, a long chapter story, or only a few chapters, all of which I write. I do my best to achieve it every time. It takes time, tweaking, and planning.
#WritersCoffeeClub 2.19 β Whatβs your biggest challenge when crafting a satisfying ending?
Honestly, it's saying goodbye to characters that I've followed along their various journeys. It's never easy to do, and there's a grief that comes with it.
#WritersCoffeeClub 2.20 β How has a setting surprised you?
Oooh, let's talk about #TheCityOfOpulence here, from the #DigitalDystopiaSeries. Every single thing about the setting where this series takes place surprised me, especially in the first story, which I eventually have to finish posting on AO3. Everything about it came as a shock. It developed as the story grew and blossomed. Things changed. Areas became bigger. Business came to be. Battlegrounds made themselves known. This entire setting came from a homebrew (original) #TTRPG I ran, something #cyberpunk, dystopian, and #SFF for my players, and that's also where my characters came from. They were NPCs that I created. As I began writing the story itself, attempting a novel that slowly became a series, things only grew all the bigger. I love love love this setting to death. Ethera is a beautiful, terrifying city. Citune is a gorgeous planet with tons of lore. This is my favorite setting I've *ever* created, hands down.
#WritersCoffeeClub 2.21 β Share an unexpected critique youβve received. Why did it surprise you?
This is a *really* good prompt, but I can't think of anything in particular to write in response. I will say that I've had so much help from friends here on Mastodon in our writing community. Every little bit helps. However, I can't think of anything super surprising or unexpected. Whenever I've received a bit of help, whenever I've gotten some critiques, it's because I've asked for it.
Edit: Something finally came to mind. Someone told me that I should change the way I write, but she didn't understand that the particular POV I used was actually a thing. She was very critical and confused. It actually almost had me changing the way I write. This happened years ago but it still kind of sticks with me, sometimes. It was on another site.
I enjoy writing either of these:
Third Person Omniscient POV: The narrator has full knowledge of all characters' thoughts, feelings, and the story's past and future, enabling a god-like perspective. While less common in modern novels, it is used in classic literature and genres requiring a broad narrative scope.
Multiple (Third Person) POVs: Involves shifting between different characters' perspectives, often across chapters or scenes. This approach allows for a broader story scope and deeper character development but requires careful structuring to avoid "head-hopping" and maintain reader clarity.
#WritersCoffeeClub 2.22 β Are there types of settings you avoid writing? Why?
Honestly, there are so many different types of stories that I write, so very few things are hard limits for me these days when it comes to possibilities in settings.
#WritersCoffeeClub 2.23 β What techniques help you write a difficult second act?
Music. Relaxing. Reading. Watching TV. Gaming. Anything, really, to help inspire me. Any creative activities are helpful. Sometimes taking myself out of "writing mode" is actually the key. I can't force the writing to happen. The muse will return, the ideas will come, but I just have to patient with myself in the meantime. Then, after, the second act will come for me.
#WritersCoffeeClub 2.24β Whatβs your greatest challenge in fleshing out your setting?
For me, it's creating an internal (in my mind) and real (hand-drawn or commissioned) map of the area, so no inaccuracies are ever included while I'm working on the story itself, and that includes the layout of castles or streets. Just things like that. It's very easy to make mistakes. I'm nitpicky like that, and it helps me with the writing process.
#WritersCoffeeClub 2.25 β Whatβs a unique habit you have while writing?
Good question, honestly. The only thing that I can think of is the fact that I can easily sit down and write 10-20k words in one setting. Sometimes even more. I've heard a lot of people say that 5k is a good day, and while it truly *is,* I tend to write far more in one session. It just depends on how easily the words are flowing for me on any given day. Some days they just don't come at all.
#WritersCoffeeClub 2.26 β Does your current WIP have an antagonist? Why or why not?
"Wings of Quiet Longing" has two antagonists. They're traditional villains as well. One is worse than the other, but not by much. Then again, it's all a matter of perspective. They aren't black and white. No antagonists should be. It's boring.
Isma (another vampire): He's the big baddie and is far older than Socrates (c.β470 β 399 BC), among many others that are mentioned within the story. His age is never stated. He kept the vampires he sired as toys, just playthings. He's a horrible man.
Duncan (another vampire): This was the man Alistair sired. He's an absolute bastard, obsessive and possessive, impulsive and animalistic. He's a beast in every sense of the word.
#WritingCommunity #WritersOfMastodon #WingsOfQuietLonging #ParanormalRomance #Fantasy #Gothic #Victorian #Vampires #Werewolves
#WritersCoffeeClub 3.1 β What is the fundamental goal you seek to achieve with your current WIP?
To enjoy writing it, and to also write something that others enjoy reading. It's simple for me.
Ponygirl@floofpaldi My first editor encouraged me to use my "eye" instead of my "I". It profoundly changed the way I write.
@Ponygirl That's a fantastic suggestion. Very well said.
Pent Up Games π@floofpaldi It is a great prompt! I didn't answer it myself, but have been loving everyone else's answers. #WritersCoffeeClub
@pentup I've been enjoying reading other people's replies, too. It's always interesting.
NaraMoore β©οΈπ»ε
«ε°Ίζ§π»β©οΈ at FediIt's been interesting. I had nothing to share. 99% of the critiques I have gotten are from critique partners. None has been surprising. Through at times, but that is what I expect.
I'm getting sea-sick.
@NaraMoore Just like me when I'm on caffeine and zooming around too fast. π€£
Inverse Shadow@floofpaldi It's easier to be spooky at night!
@Inverse_Shadow Too right! So true. π» π€£