I'm trying to write a book, and one of the main characters' names is Vasilisa(She's Russian). the issue with this is that I can't find a good last name for her. I'm taking examples from other Russian Vasilisas (Ex: Vasilisa Prekrasnaya and Vasilisa Premudraya), but I can't find any Russian adjectives starting with P to continue the line of them(Despite having Russian as my first language, I'm not that good in it). Is there anyone Russian here who knows what type of last name to give her?

So in this book I want there to be Fae who if they grow to much power from the earth and burn out and keep drawing they give themselves over to the magic and go crazy. I’m not sure exactly how to set up that magic system. I also have a human realm and a fae realm but I’d love for their to be an elvish realm to but what distinguishes the fae from the elvish people? Could it be race? Type of magic? Any ideas or could the elves be more or less immortal. I’ve already wrote 5 chapters and have a decent outline but I have no clue who to create the magic system. I want there also to be healers, humans, fae, elves, maybe more? I also want half breeds but what do I call them elvish-fae or Demi- fae. I want my fmc to be of elvish descent but also a Demi fae. I ofc have the usual all humans hate fae. And fmc doesn’t know she is part fae.

Human realm: Ebrue Fae world : Xathuila Elvish realm: need ideas-

So I’m thinking maybe all healers are part elvish and that’s how they get their healing powers. that fae cannot heal with magic or if they can it’s only a small amount. I want elvish people to kind of be mysterious and unknown I want them to keep to themselves and human generally only think they are make belief but fae just think their going extinct. Think of the island that Miryam and Drakon live on in acotar kind of vibes-

Also what I’m thinking also is that elvish- fae half breeds are kind of like the illyerians or white fang people- where they have their own camps and keep to themselves because they are outcast by fae unless they have healing powers. But idk if this is really confusing or just to much. I’ve never written fantasy before and I’m not ashamed to ask for help any criticism would be nice if you want to read my first 4 chapters lmk and I’ll link it

Fellow artist, I have a question. I am 17 (and I'm not sure if I should share that, but it's important because I've been working on a novel and I'm curious). Well, it's about my life, but for safety reasons, I am referring to it as a novel. I’ve heard from many sources that publishers won’t even look at a manuscript of a novel that is over 300-320 pages, and my book is currently 377 pages, and I'm barely finishing it.

I have several questions: How does one find an agent? If I do find an agent, what prevents them from stealing my book and claiming it as their own? Is there even a genre for my book? How do I go about promoting it? Should I just publish it on Amazon instead of using a publishing company? Where can I find an editor? What should I do if my book flops? And how can I keep my readers engaged? Also, what does it look like if the book gets into a hardcover? Like who decides it? (always wondered that). Oh and also when would be like a time to end a chapter or is that up to me?

Please I ask for guidance from you all please it would mean the world to me.

Hello authors, I would like to vent so I apologize in advance for the long post.

I've carried the dream of becoming a published author since childhood. Life, however, had other plans – bills needed paying, so I spent six years as a copywriter and editor in the digital marketing world. Anyone familiar with that industry knows it's less about creative writing and more about SEO keywords and crafting content for readers who barely skim past the first line before clicking "add to cart."

Now, I've finally reached a point of financial stability. While I still need to work, I have something precious: time to write. I've been researching the publishing journey, and honestly, getting published seems even more daunting than writing the book itself. Part of me says "just start writing and figure it out later," while another voice whispers that I might pour my heart into something that either never sees the light of day or worse – gets published only to be torn apart by readers.

I'd love to hear from others who've walked this path or are currently on it. Has anyone else navigated these same fears while pursuing their writing dreams?

I recently wrote a story about Stockholm Syndrome to spread awareness about it and overall why people might stay with abusers for a Creative Writing class I am in and the MCC is of Arabic decent but the culture does not play into the story much (just his name, a cute thing he calls her, and that he has books in Arabic). Many people focused on the fact that this is a racially profiled story and gives into stero-types, but that was not my intent at all. My FMC is of Asian/White decent and no one commented on that. I fear that if I change him to being white he will be a dull character but it will be romanticized as a dark romance when that is not my intent. Should MCC only be white due to stereotypes and to avoid them? I also feel like they were all too focused on this part to get the bigger picture of the story--Stockholm Syndrome.

I have access to Word and Google docs, are there any programs you recommend? I know its not a big deal but I wouldn't want my progress to be glitched and deleted somehow...

How did you get your first book out there? What would you have done differently? Tell me your story.

Dive into the world of author Tillie Cole, a master of blending lighthearted and dark themes in her novels. Learn about her background, unique writing style, and popular book series that have captivated readers worldwide. With insights from her Goodreads profile and ways to connect through her personal website and social media, this video is perfect for fans and newcomers to her work.

https://youtu.be/-0evDKxm5xo

Hey everyone!

I published my debut book, "The Glow Up: Ascending in My Twenties," in late September. If you're interested in reading a young adult memoir that touches on self-help, daddy and family issues, along with learning how to forgive and heal, this will be a great read for you.

It's available everyone on Amazon (Canada, the US and the UK) and Barnes & Noble.

Please let me know if you have any advertising advice too. More than anything, I'd love to hear your feedback :)

Link: https://www.amazon.ca/Glow-Up-Ascending-My-Twenties/dp/1068948612/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Hiya!

I wrote a nonfiction book, but literary agents either say no to my prospectus or I don't get a reply.

I fear that it's because I don't have an established platform, brand, or audience.

I would like to build one, but I'm not sure how I should do that. Do I blog, create a YouTube channel, create a reddit community?

Any suggestions for building a base?

So I was looking for some place to publish my books without showing id or credit card (I'm really engaged in privacy) and getting payment some other way, like crypto or similars. It would need to be a safe place to upload my ebooks and no have them stolen. Anyone knows any site?

Not sure this is allowed but I’d love to support any authors here. Drop your book title and where I can find it and I’ll read it and give it a review where I can.

I just wrote my first book and self published it on Amazon. Advertising is difficult to get the word out there! Here is what it's about:

At the tender age of ten, Freya Norwood endured the unimaginable loss of her entire family in a tragic accident. Taken in by her Aunt Jane, she grew up in the mystical town of Salem, Massachusetts. Now in her late-twenties, Freya takes a bold step into a new chapter of her life, moving to the vibrant city of Boston to live and work with Evie at the Brick Tavern. Enter Ezra Thorn, a captivating vampire with striking violet eyes. When he enters the tavern, he has no idea that his life is about to take a thrilling turn. Freya and Ezra quickly become entwined in a passionate romance, indulging in steamy encounters that leave them both breathless. As Freya delves deeper into the enigmatic world of vampires, she and Ezra begin to unravel the mysteries surrounding a powerful tome steeped in dark magic. Together, Freya and Ezra must navigate the treacherous dynamics of the Coven while grappling with their own burgeoning feelings.

Note: This book is intended for readers aged 18 and older due to explicit language, violence, and adult content. 🔥

If you’re in search of a world-building, literary masterpiece, this book is not it.

This isn’t your conventional fantasy romance tale. The narrative is straightforward, honing in exclusively on the romantic entanglements of the characters—after all, it is a romance smut novel... This isn’t just about the physical; it is an exploration of connection—the heart’s fiery whims that dance behind closed doors.

https://a.co/d/1IB40fK

Hi everyone!! I recently published my first book in November. Now I did not have the highest expectations, but I was hoping at least a few people would actually review and read my book rather than just buy it. It’s understandable my family hasn’t read it because it is extremely sexual and detailed with drugs. I spent over $200 on Facebook to advertise it and only got 200 likes😐😐 If anyone is willing to give my book a try or read it that would be lovely. Even if you don’t like it, I have not gotten any feedback whatsoever so I can’t even call it imposter syndrome because I DON’T KNOW!! Check it out please, if it doesn’t interest you don’t read it but if it seems like something you’d like give it a chance:)

https://a.co/d/dmW1uQb

https://a.co/gFca2Er (KU)

Hey folks, so I’ve wanted to make a website but nothing too fancy.

It should just be a place for readers etc. to go to if they’re searching for some information.

• Books I’ve published (and where they’re available)
• Usernames/Links of my social media accounts
• Latest updates (for example a new Medium post or how a current project is going)
• What my current WIP is
• Maybe add a portfolio
• How to contact me

Nothing to purchase there etc., just a place with all the information. You can’t always trust socials, or can’t have every single social media app and be active on them all, so I thought that’d be a great option.

The problem is: that I have NO experience and NO idea how to do that. I only know it doesn’t need to be whatever fancy, and for free because I’m poor. Maybe a maximum of 5-10€ one-time pay if there aren’t (good) free options.

It’d be cool if there’d be the possibility for a specific color scheme, on my socials I like to present the colors (dark) brown, dark/forest green, and dark amber/dark-ish orange-brown. That’s no need at all tho lol! Just a silly idea I’ve had since it would match up the vibes, if that’s not possible I don’t mind at all.

Edit: Also, due to my financial & general life situation, I wouldn’t be able to pay someone to create that for me or help me. I’ve seen some average prices, which are fair and reasonable, but not affordable for me.

OK, so it's completed. 1:41 minute book video trailer. How did I do it for under £60?

First, I wrote the script (mini exciting synopsis).

Free Images. With the help of AI 'Microsoft Designer' and 'Pixabay', I always credit the maker.

Free Videos: Pixabay (they have thousands of videos) Credit the maker if you wish. I usually do as the video are high quality and awesome.

Music: Purple Planet Music. Free use for Youtube channels, even monetised Youtube channels. https://www.purple-planet.com/ - check out their terms if you want to use their music for other purposes. You must credit them.

'Runway'. I used this AI generation program to animate the 237 picture I created with Microsoft Designer. Under £20 monthly subscription (cancel when you wish). Image generator, video generator and so much more.

Voiceovers: I used 'Hedra' in a different way than normal. I normally use it to create talking AI characters, this time I hid the video but allowed the high quality voice to be the narrator. Approx £8 a month basic subscription. Cancel as you wish. There is a free version but with limited voices, but it's still viable for a book trailer. The free version will have the Hedra watermark if you show the whole uploaded character, not just the narrator voice.

If you record the voiceover yourself, it's free...

I used 'Magix Movie Studio 2024' for the final mix but there are free video editing suites out there. I paid about £30 for a lifetime use.

And here's the finished video. I'm very happy with it. (I suppose I would say that!)

Feel free to ask any questions or if you want any tips.

https://youtu.be/NhTFqhf7T0c?si=1HXipb2fFB9rUbJi

Okay, so, my mc is trying to escape her palace without her guards noticing. Her goal is to make it into town which is a short walk away. My problem is, I don't know how to describe it! It's for a short story, so I'd like to keep it kind of short without it being too rushed (which I already feel like the story is-). Any tips?

Like the title says.

I’m currently on the first draft of my debut novel, and I plan on 3 more drafts after this.

At what stage should I hire beta readers, would it also be helpful to possibly have alpha readers?

Hi, I was wondering if it’s safe to assume that any of the romance sub genres on kindle have real money making potential? I would really like to write rockstar romance because it sounds exciting and interesting lol. I’ve read from someone on here that any of them in that list have potential. I’d also mix it with others like alpha and polyamory. But I know billionaire (of the suit and tie variety) seems to be top dog. And werewolf. I’m a house cleaner but that would cool to live off of just writing. Or even just to go part time with cleaning some day. I’d also like to live in LA one day and thats not cheap lol

This alternative to Twitter is taking off like wildfire. Twitter has become annoyingly ad-filled and now people are jumping because of the political link. I’ve joined because the @writingcommunity is re-inventing itself over there. Worth investigating.

https://bsky.app/profile/veronamccoll.bsky.social

I’m an aspiring author. Currently halfway through my first book of poetry and hopefully one day a fantasy novel. Anyways, just wondering - do you guys get AI to help you write stuff, wouldn’t this be detectable? Or just anything AI, which programs do you use and how do they help etc.

I'm trying to gather some input from the community regarding book cover ideas. I'm in the middle of writing a horror novel, and I don't have a clear image in my head of what the cover should be yet, so I've made a Google form with 8 pieces of art gathered from different Artstation artists that piqued my interest. I won't say what my book is about or the title or anything, as this is not an ad. None of the art featured, as I said, is my own, either.

If you were browsing the horror section in the book store, what cover would make you pick up the book?

I will also post whatever the final result is on here as a way to help other writers with that data as well. It's always good to see what people's interests lean towards.

Thank you so much!

Google Forms

The sun shone brightly on the grand Georgian houses of Bath, England, as Matteo Bancroft, the handsome and charismatic son of the Duke Steven Bancroft of Bath, strolled along the bustling streets. His dark hair and piercing blue eyes drew admiring glances from the ladies, while his confident stride and easy charm made him the envy of the gentlemen. Alongside him walked his two closest friends, Alexander Bell, a witty and clever scholar, and Jacob Afton, a quiet and observant artist. Together, they formed an inseparable trio, bound by their shared love of adventure and their unwavering loyalty to one another.

On the other side of Bath, in a quieter part of the city, two young women were also making their way through the bustling streets. Nadine Bradbury, a spirited and independent young woman with a quick wit and a sharp tongue, was walking alongside her best friend, Sophia Bordman, a gentle and kind-hearted soul with a love for poetry and music. The two women were quite different, but they were inseparable, bound by their shared love of friendship and their unwavering belief in each other.

As Matteo and his friends strolled through the city, they couldn't help but notice the two young women walking ahead of them. Matteo was particularly intrigued by the spirited young woman with the quick wit and sharp tongue. He decided to approach her and introduce himself. As he did, he accidentally bumped into her, causing her to stumble and almost fall. Matteo quickly caught her arm and steadied her, apologizing profusely for his clumsiness.

Nadine, surprised by the sudden contact, looked up at Matteo with a mixture of annoyance and amusement. She quickly regained her balance and brushed herself off, muttering a quick "thank you" before hurrying away with Sophia, who was giggling at the scene. Matteo, feeling a bit embarrassed, watched them go, wondering if he would ever see the mysterious young woman again.

Matteo and his friends continued their walk, but Matteo couldn't stop thinking about the mysterious young woman. He was determined to find out more about her. He asked his friends if they knew who she was, but they didn't recognize her. Matteo decided to do some research on his own. He asked around town and eventually learned her name was Nadine Bradbury. He also learned that she was a talented artist and a bit of a rebel. Matteo was intrigued. He wanted to know more about this mysterious and captivating young woman.

Sophia: Sophia watched as Nadine and Matteo exchanged words. She couldn't help but smile at the way Nadine's cheeks turned pink. It was clear that she was smitten. Sophia had never seen Nadine act this way around a boy before. She was usually so independent and strong-willed. But around Matteo, she seemed to melt.

Sophia knew that Nadine had a crush on Matteo. She had been trying to set them up for months, but Nadine was always too shy to make the first move. Sophia was hoping that this encounter would be the start of something special.

As Nadine and Matteo walked away, Sophia couldn't help but wonder what would happen next. She was excited to see how their relationship would develop.

Sophia knew that Nadine was a talented artist, and she was sure that Matteo would appreciate her work. She also knew that Nadine was a kind and compassionate person, and she was sure that Matteo would be drawn to her.

Sophia was hopeful that Nadine and Matteo would have a chance to get to know each other better. She was sure that they would make a great couple.

Nadine: I couldn't stop thinking about Matteo. He was so charming and handsome, and he made me laugh. I had never felt this way about anyone before. I was nervous and excited at the same time. I wondered if I would ever see him again.

Sophia could tell that I was smitten. She smiled and said, "You should talk to him."

I blushed and said, "I don't know what to say."

Sophia laughed and said, "Just be yourself. He'll like you for who you are."

Later that day, I was walking through the park with Sophia when I saw Matteo and his friends. My heart started pounding. I tried to act cool, but I knew I was blushing.

Matteo saw me and smiled. He walked over to me and said, "I didn't think I'd see you again so soon."

I smiled back and said, "Me neither."

We talked for a while, and I realized that Matteo was even more charming in person. He was funny and smart, and he made me feel good about myself.

As we were talking, Sophia and Alexander walked over. Sophia smiled and said, "I think I'll let you two lovebirds have some alone time."

I laughed and said goodbye to my friends. I couldn't believe that I was actually going on a date with Matteo.

We walked through the park, talking and laughing. I felt like I could tell Matteo anything. He was such a good listener, and he always knew just what to say.

As the sun began to set, we sat on a bench. We talked about our dreams and aspirations. I realized that Matteo was not only handsome, but also intelligent and kind.

I knew that I was falling in love with him.

Jacob: I watched as Matteo and Nadine strolled through the park, their laughter filling the air. I couldn't help but smile. It was clear that Matteo had found someone special. I was happy for him.

I turned to Alexander. "I think Matteo's found the one."

Alexander nodded. "Yeah, I think you're right. She's beautiful and intelligent. And she seems to really like him."

We continued our walk, discussing our plans for the evening. We decided to go to a local tavern. As we walked, I couldn't help but think about Nadine. She was unlike any other woman I had ever met. She was strong, independent, and passionate. I was drawn to her.

When we arrived at the tavern, we found a table and ordered some drinks. We talked about our day, and I couldn't help but bring up Nadine.

"I think she's really interesting," I said.

Alexander raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Is that so?"

I shrugged. "Yeah, I don't know. She's just... different."

Alexander chuckled. "Different how?"

I hesitated. "I don't know. She's just... not like other girls."

Alexander nodded. "Well, I'm sure you'll figure it out."

I smiled. "Yeah, I hope so."

As the night wore on, I couldn't shake the feeling that I had a connection with Nadine. I wondered if I should pursue it. But I also knew that Matteo was interested in her. I didn't want to ruin their relationship.

I decided to wait and see what happened. In the meantime, I would enjoy my friendship with Matteo and Alexander.

Matteo: As I walked through the bustling streets of Bath, I couldn't help but think about Nadine. Her laughter, her intelligence, her beauty - it all captivated me. I had never felt this way about anyone before.

I met up with Alexander and Jacob, and we decided to go to a local tavern. As we drank and talked, I couldn't help but bring up Nadine.

"I think I'm falling for her," I admitted.

Alexander and Jacob exchanged knowing glances. "Well, you should go for it," Alexander said. "She seems to like you too."

I nodded, feeling a surge of confidence. I decided to ask her out the next day.

The next day, I saw Nadine and Sophia walking through the market. I approached them with a nervous smile.

"Nadine, would you like to go for a walk?" I asked.

She hesitated for a moment, then smiled. "I'd like that."

As we walked through the park, we talked about everything and nothing. I told her about my childhood, my family, and my dreams for the future. She listened intently, and I could tell that she was interested in what I had to say.

We talked for hours, and I realized that I had fallen in love with her. She was everything I had ever wanted in a woman. She was intelligent, kind, and beautiful.

As the sun began to set, we sat on a bench. I took her hand in mine and looked into her eyes. "I think I'm falling in love with you," I said.

Nadine smiled. "I think I'm falling in love with you too, Matteo."

We kissed, and it was the most perfect moment of my life. Alexander:  I woke up the next morning feeling refreshed and energized. I couldn't stop thinking about Matteo and Nadine. They seemed so happy together. I was happy for them, but I couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy.I decided to go for a walk to clear my head. As I strolled through the park, I couldn't help but think about my own love life. I had never been in a serious relationship before. I had always been too focused on my studies and my career

P.S: I have a prequel spin off in the plot thinking process and a sequel and this is just the first 7 chapters by the way the prequel is called Alexandre et Sophie and it will be mostly in french.

As the title says, I want to know if you guys have any discards or reddits that would critique work

As an essayist deeply enraptured by the intellectual grandeur of figures such as Camus, Nietzsche, and Spinoza, I am perpetually dismayed by the pervasive banalities of contemporary literature. The landscape is cluttered with works of no substantive merit—tiresome reiterations of insipid tropes, barren of linguistic elegance, conceptual sophistication, or stylistic virtuosity. Fiction, that facile escapism, dominates the literary scene, but it holds no allure for me; indeed, it is a dish I neither consume nor condone. My vocation resides in the relentless interrogation of existence, the excavation of truth through the rigorous dialectic of philosophical thought. I seek interlocutors whose minds are similarly attuned to the profound and the abstruse. Should your inclinations converge upon these elevated realms, I welcome your discourse.

I’m currently 10,000 words into writing book and I am not sure if people will read it. I think my book is a little out there and covers so heavy topics like trauma and addiction. The story follows a young addict living in nyc who finds a bottle of pills on the subway and decides to take one once she arrives home and goes to sleep she wakes up trapped in magical dark realm where she has been selected to participate in trials she must win the trials or she will die. I want to say that I was inspired to write this book because of a person very close to me who struggles with addiction. I worry that this might be too out there and people will be offended.

I am thirteen years old and I really want to make a living off of writing in the future. How do I improve my writing skills and abilities? How do I know when I am ready to start writing a book? What software do you recommend to write on?

Sorry if this is a stupid question. I always ask questions here and they’re always so silly 😭 I just really need help. I write on Google docs and I’m writing a fantasy novel. This means I have inserted my map, list of abilities (kinda like powers), dedication, and the date I started onto the doc. The thing is, this made my page numbers set to 7 on the first chapter. What I want to ask is how I can change it to say page one on the chapter. I would get rid of the other things, but the map and ability list are things I’m constantly having to revisit and it’s a lot easier having them on the same document as my WIP. Any tips?

I don't intend this to be promo. It's just PURE JOY!

You guys, after a month of sales so lousy I wondered if I actually wrote anti-keywords or what, I changed to free and... BAM. Over 100 downloads overnight and I'm sitting at #1 on two charts. I did NOTHING else. Nothing at all. No freakin anything else except just remove a price barrier.

Yeah, it remains to be seen if anyone actually reads the things. But for now, I want to throw my arms wide to all of you author friends here, form a gigantic ring like in Who-Ville, and dance. Join me! Your book will be next to do this, c'mon, I know it!

Hello, I’m looking for advice on something

Me and my friends have been writing a comic for around 3 years now, and while it started as a simple role-play we made up in our heads with ourselves as characters it has certainly evolved past that, my worry is that the three main characters we have while may not be entirely similar to us and definitely have their own unique aspects, have taken inspiration from us and especially in the physical appearance and nationality aspect for them. And we may portray one of our own struggles or insecurities onto one of the characters to make them feel more real.

What I’m trying to ask is, is this a bad thing given the amount of negativity around a self insert in the media? And again these characters are three years in the making and have greatly evolved and developed into their own people. If anything I’ve been acting more like her than trying to make her like me.

Some advice would be greatly appreciated

and if anyone wants to know more about our comic in general I’d love to share more as this has been a massive passion project the three of us have been working on and we would love if it would bring joy to others as it has done to us.