Hey yall. I'm a small time writer submitting work to a few small magazines, hoping to get a new piece I have in a February edition. This piece is about an ex if mine from when I was a preteen/teen, we met online and have remained in touch on and off through out the years. He is not named, and only he, and a few mutual friends would ever know it was about him if it were published. My question is is it very ethical of me to tell parts of what are also his story without asking him, even though no one would know it was him? the connection to me is the only thing that would ever ring bells, and I truely don't really want him to read it, as it's reminiscent of past sentiment of the young love we had. Is it skeevy to write your real life without those in your life knowing they're susceptible to your written dialog?

I'm writing a small story but it's sounding wrong when I try and adjust a certain character's speech. Contractions aren't a necessary thing but when I don't use them as this character prefers talking without them, it sounds weird. I have the contractions correct, don't is so not, can't is can not ect. Sorry if this is the wrong flair it's my first time posting here. I have as example of a certain part that sounds especially weird to me below.

This is what I have but it sounds weird or wrong to me? Maybe because I use contractions in my everyday speech so I'm not used to seeing it like this? "But I just do not talk about the weather or TV shows like other people do, I just can not make myself you know?"

I added on the 'make myself you know?' because I think it sounds better than just 'can not' but even still it sounds weird.

This is what the sentence was before. "But I just don't talk about the weather or TV shows like other people do, I just can't." First time posting here so I hope I got everything correct for the post.

• Genre/s: fantasy/ romantasy, scifi
• Goals/expectations/commitment: critiquing work, general rambling about their work on a weekly level
• Writing/experience level: any, but motivated
• Meeting place: discord
• Max size: 5

Hi, I’m a writer from Belgium (f28) looking for writer friends to discuss all things about writing. What you’re writing or reading…If you in or near Brussels, even better! I mainly write fantasy and working on a story right now.

Comment or message me if interested

• Genre/s: All genres are welcome even poetry.
• Goals/Expectations/Commitment: For critiquing work, discussing editing and everything writing-related, especially with school and university (juggling the two)
• Writing/Experience Level: Open to any level. You don't need to be studying writing, just be a writer.
• Meeting Place: Discord
• Max Size: 20 but it's up to how many people are interested.

Hi, I’m Meg (18F) and I'm for writer friends around my age (a few years younger or older). I’m currently working on my debut novel and love talking about writing. This group will be mainly for young writers who are teenagers or in university.

If this sounds like something you’d love to be a part of, feel free to comment or message me!

• Genre/s: Queer romance in fantasy/science fiction, horror
• Goals/expectations/commitment: looking for buddies/critique partners to chat about what we're working on I'm great at helping with world building and brainstorming. Open to causal chats to routine check ins.
• Writing/experience level: any
• Meeting place: discord
• [Writing groups only] Max size: any

Hello. I am writing a novel, and my protagonist will be in an isolated, stagnant period in her life at the exposition, as this is her new status quo. I started to wonder if it would be good to set the story during 2020 or if it would be something that would not be well received. As of right now, the novel is planned to be literary fiction. My character is dealing with the confrontation of her grief that she had been putting off, so would it be better to set it in the current time (anywhere from 2023-2025) or have it set in 2020? I don't plan on having many characters as it is a story more about her relationships and, of course, had, which is the story's driving force. Thank you!

I've recently gotten back into writing and I am struggling to stay focused on writing. I can write one or two sentences before my focus becomes lost. I just can't focus as well as I used to, and I would love to be able to write for long periods again. Has anyone else had this issue? Does anyone have any tips for improving my focus? Should I set a timer? Make a small daily word goal?

Let me preface this, this is not a self prmotion, nor am i being paid or offered anything to share my experience with any apps i mention. This is solely my opinion and recommendations. I didn't see any rule regarding offering recommendations, remove if I'm wrong.

I know I'm not alone, typing handwritten articles and stories can be a pain. Over the years I have tests countless programs from OCR text recognition to Speech recognition but never really found the best option until a few years ago.

Almost no OCR programs can effectively recognize handwritten text especially more illegible writing.

A few years ago I found an app for android called Pen to Print (serendi ltd), it worked incredibly well and although I consider my handwriting to be decent it correctly identified even some of the bad writing. Offers an export option for handy saving.

The other app I found is called Handwriting to Text (creative papa) which is similar to the other and also does excellent in recognition. Sadly it doesn't offer an export option though copy and paste into a text editor is simple.

Both offer options to take a photo in the app or select from the gallery and both allow editing of the text after recognition. Both apps have basic user interfaces and are easy to use in my opinion.

There are other handwriting to text scanners but I've tried nearly all and most can't recognize written text very well and most OCR apps only recognize standard text from documents and books.

Feel free to add your own experiences and any Handwriting OCR programs you have tried.

Reposting here, since it was removed from a different sub for some reason.

How do bestselling authors never have writer's block, and are always able to write something or the other? I feel tired and demotivated to write, because I have a hard time thinking of ideas after a point. Like I run out of ideas. I need to write an orginal story for my lit class, but I'm too exhausted to have ideas. My counsellor thinks its anhedonia. So many writers write all these bizzare ideas, but they never seem to have writers block. For the full course of a novel.

How do I unlock that ability? I also hesitate a lot, because I overthink and things may sound off to my professor. How do I just let my self go and have the kind of thoughts I need to write well instead of ones that keep telling me to not give a fuck?

Writing seeking closure from an ongoing application

Has anyone heard back from Odyssey about the status of their application? It’s been more than a few weeks and still no word.

I understand the process might take some time, but the deadline was three weeks ago. A colleague of mine applied back in 2022 and heard back within the first two weeks.

Is anyone else experiencing this problem?

I'd like to probe the minds of the fantasy loving community, about two different versions of the animal human hybrid style races. I.e. cat people, dog people, bird people, and the like...

At the moment, i have a tiger hybrid, and a harpy like person as supporting main characters. They both posses animal like features blended into their humanoid forms. Like feline features, such as claws for hands and feet, with fur going up the forarms and legs. I've contemplated the smoll cat nose, potentially whiskers. But I've tried to maintain a 70/30 split with the majority being human feature. The same for the harpy. Feathers, wings, special eyes, very light weight ect...

Now recently i've been thinking about whether it would be better for these hybrid races to have the ability to maintain a complete human form, and with the use of magic, have a 'transformation' that brings out their inhuman features to be properly utilized when needed, like in battle, or other things.

For some context, so far the story takes place within human society. Who's known for capturing harpy's as slaves/prisoners, and harvesting their feathers for use in alchemy and other magical rituals/ceremonies. Perhaps the claws of the beast hybrids would also have similar properties.

You would think staying hidden would be in the interest of self preservation. And because traversal of the sea is extremely rare, the mixing of species is very limited. Perhaps the only way for human society to attain these slaves would be slavers of the same species selling off the unwanted/left overs of tribal war.

All that being said, there are interesting implications for being able to resemble humans, and also for not being able to. I'm curious as to the general preference of people.

What sounds better with the story? Or is it just an aesthetic preference?

I tend to prefer a static appearance, but i thinks its more of an aesthetic preference personally.

What do you guys like?

Welcome to Feedback Friday!

This is a thread for submitting and critiquing prose.

• Your submission should be a top-level comment in the thread. Consider using the format [TITLE] — [GENRE] — [WORDCOUNT] in the heading of your submission.
• We expect reciprocation. If you receive a critique, give a critique. Anyone who continually leeches will eventually be discluded.
• Have fun and stay polite. Members who give outstanding crit will be acknowledged and rewarded on our Discord Server. You are free to submit any work for critique within the subreddit's rules, of any length.
• Links to Google Documents are allowed for submissions. Consider creating a separate Google account/email if you’are concerned about anonymity.

New to Critiquing?

• No worries! We encourage writers of all skill levels to try their hand at providing feedback.
• Not sure how to start? A critique template, courtesy of r/DestructiveReaders, can be found here.

• Genre/s: Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Horror, Romance 💚
• Goals/expectations/commitment: Fluid, but you receive the amount of help you contribute!
• Writing/experience level: Any level is fine!
• Meeting place: instagram? Discord?
• Max size: I’m good with no max, but maybe 15 if you need a number!

18+ pls!

Hi all! I’m 27f in the San Fernando Valley. Looking for writer friends to discuss all things writing! Current reads, current WiPs etc! Advice, suggestions, audience!

Got my BA & MA in creative writing! This is my first semester away from school, so looking to continue having like-minded people around!

Got a few small pieces out in literary zines but still a beginner!

Comment or message and we can figure this thing out!

i want to write about scene about an assassination attempt that ISNT poison. ideas?

• Fantasy
• Goal is improving and feedback and maybe some friends
• I am a novice
• reddit DMS
• like 3 pages

I recently hired an editor to help me with my query package. Her feedback has been invaluable! She picked up on two issues I have, which is using commas inappropriately and that I write in a passive voice. She recommended hiring someone for a grammar edit, but I can't afford it. Can anyone share any free resources to teach me how to fix this myself?

Hi Everyone!

I'm (36 M) a sci-fi and fantasy writer who has had two short stories published in SFWA-approved magazines. I am currently looking for other published writers to critique swap with either as individuals or a group.

I have a few sci-fi and fantasy short stories I'm developing for upcoming submission calls, as well as an MG fantasy novel. I'd be interested in offering any for critiques.

Genres: Spec Fic, Horror, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, YA/MG, Mystery, Suspense, and Thrillers.

Goals: To critique swap pieces geared toward short story/flash fiction professional markets or published novels and to celebrate each other's accomplishments.

Writing Level: Published writers preferred.

Meetings: Currently, hoping to correspond by email and text based systems due to some medical issues I'm healing from.

Please let me know if you're interested by adding a short reply with some note about genre interests and if youve previously published.

Can anyone tell me some great free apps that are offline and easy to control with a good interface.

I'm making an Xmas gift for my grandmother, it's a box with a butterfly on it and on the inside of the lid it has a caterpillar (she loves raising them). I want to write something on the inside so I used google to come up with ideas and these are the modified frontrunners. I need help deciding or maybe modifying an existing one.

I like the part of the last one that specifies strength to grow and courage to fly, I like how the others mention love and wisdom from her, and I like the idea of referencing the butterfly and caterpillar transformation, but I'm not sure how to combine all 3.

1. "Your love and wisdom have helped me grow into who I am today."

2. "Thank you for helping me spread my wings and become the best version of myself."

3. "Like the butterfly that blooms from a caterpillar, you’ve nurtured my heart and spirit to help me soar."

4. "Through your love, I’ve learned to grow, change, and fly."

5. "In your loving embrace, I’ve found the strength to grow and the courage to fly."

Plotting, drafting, scene cards, outlining, etc. I am drowning in potential resources to help, with many only offering one part of the solution. I want to use the least amount for the most impact. There are so many out there: Scrivener, Dabble Writer, Sudowrite, Campfire writer.

Wanting ot write a Romance novel, but finding myself drowning in educating myself on how to even create a good novel, let alone lay one out and plot one.

Arcs, narrative flow, tension building, act structures, beats... its A LOT.

What are you using and what does the current market really lack that you wish someone would make?

I can't find an "all-in-one" software that helps with all of the above and can also teach me about what I need to know for my genre.

Anything out there teach you and give you tools to build?

(Female only, 25+)

Hey there!

I’m part of a small group of active and dedicated writer friends, and we’re looking to add a few new members. We’ve built a supportive and creative community where we share progress, tackle writing challenges, set goals, and engage with each other daily. This group is all about connecting, socializing, and growing together as writers.

• Genre/s: Open to any!
• Goals/expectations/commitment: We’re seeking writers actively working on a project and committed to seeing it through. There are no requirements for submissions or formal meet-ups, but active participation is encouraged to help foster the community.
• Writing/experience level: All levels are welcome!
• Meeting place: Discord.
• Group size: We’re looking to add 2-3 new friends.

If this sounds like a good fit for you, let me know, and I’ll send you a DM to connect further!

So im starting a Fantasy/Action long novel with the main premise being the main character gets stronger when taking damage. I want to figure out how to implement the idea that he is the pinnacle of humanity in his world while also being the biggest defect if humanity. In want to implement the flashback of his birth during a war between races, (he is fully human) and to survive he did anything even while still a baby. afterward I want to jump to the present of him in a seafood buffet. I dont know why I cant connect two simple parts together, can someone help?

I’ll try not to talk too much but towards the end of my story we find out that a character had brought their best friend back to life after he accidentally died when they were teenagers.

How could he have done this? If he’s appealing to a god, which one could it be? How could he use magic if the story is set in our world? I’d love some ideas!

The deadline for my region was 6:00 p.m eastern time but I submitted my pieces around 9:00 pm eastern time. The website still let me submit but i'm worried since I turned them in late, they won't get judges. Does anyone know if this is true?

Genre: All, Goals/expectations/commitment: please see below Writing/experience level: Amateur, Meeting place: Discord or open to suggestions, Max size: 9

I am working on my first novel and would like to start a writing group to work on world building, outlining and writing in general.

I will be writing a fantasy novel but the group is open to all genres for feedback, brainstorming, motivation/comradery.

Looking for writers 18 plus, and LGBTQ+ welcome. Main objective: Looking to have a good time writing and making progress on writing goals together. Casual schedule, flexible for those with busy days. If you are interested in starting a writing group, please respond here or send a chat message.

Edit: we re at 8 of 9 members, first come first serve. I'll post here once we re full.

Genre: poetry Goals: for each of us to write a poem a week. I’ll provide a few prompts each week, but your poems can, ofc, deviate from the prompt. Expectations: 21+ knowledgeable about poetry, experience with workshops Commitment: a couple hours a week Writing/Experience level: Intermediate. I’m not asking you to have a degree in creative writing or anything, but I do want you to have experience with and/or knowledge on how to workshop poetry and give feedback. Meeting place: Discord server Max size: 10

If you’re interested, DM me

Hello, I'm writing a chose your own adventure-style game with some rolling involved for a class, would anyone know how to format this? I'm probably going to use InDesign, but I'm worried about it being too hard to navigate. Is there any way to make this easier? Also, it will be printed so I cannot use hyperlinks.

I'm writing a non-fiction short story about a race and while it has interesting highs and lows, the natural shape of the story doesn't make for a great narrative. So I'm trying to think of better ways to tell it.

To paraphrase the South Park creators, I often get stuck in a "this happens, and then this happens, and then this happens..." rut, rather than "this happens, BUT this happens, THEREFORE, this happens." I can see myself getting stuck in that rut if I tell this story in a linear fashion.

Being a short story, I don't have time to go non-linear crazy like Pulp Fiction or a Christopher Nolan movie.

But I want to avoid the hacky, easy option of starting the story at a low point in the middle with a record scratch "Yeah, that's me. I bet you're wondering how I got here" situation then going back to the beginning.

I'm wondering if anyone has any favorite examples of short pieces (fiction or non) that do this well.