Recent content by The Unseemly

Ah yes, the cruel reality of the delete key... I've experienced this problem before, thought the remedy (though keep in mind that my metal remedies aren't scientifically tested) is simply a good lie down, a drink (though remember Occupational Health and Safety come First), and asking yourself...

You, my good Sir MFreako, have made my day. I mean, why so serious?

With a situation like yours, my suggestion would be to sit down with pen(cil) and paper in hand or something similar (you don't have to necessarily write anything - its just there to help you with thinking), and figure out what exactly your storyline is supposed to be. You'll then get an idea of...

First off, showing and not telling is little things like: Tell: "Oops," he said, nervously. Show: "Oops," he said, glancing up at his mother. This, I assume, you understand. Where the line is drawn is altogether a more difficult question. Usually, the best place to tell is in a place you...

Personally, I think this nicely summarises what everyone has said: there isn't any particular technique, so don't bother trying to write a bestseller, but rather, just do what you enjoy, and write a story. Yes?

But perhaps there still are some little things that people prefer? I mentioned originality, so I suppose it would have to be original in the right way, in the right time with the right market?

Perhaps such a thread has existed, perhaps it hasn't, but here is a place to discuss what makes/made a work of fantasy a bestseller. First off, something to keep in mind is that not everybody can write a bestseller. Indeed, you shouldn't aim to write a bestseller, you should aim to write a...

This is sort of my point. It's not that I mind graphic sex and/or violence (indeed, if I did, then I'd probably mind and awful lot of today's fantasy), and it's not that I don't appreciate the fact that GoT doesn't draw attention to how cruel and unrelenting was and is, it's simply that I mind...

I believe there has been many threads dedicated to prologue here and elsewhere, but, I suppose, one more won't hurt. First off to say - don't ever force yourself to write a prologue. If it isn't necessary to the plotline ahead, then don't bother. Thus, the shortened answer to your question...

My exact point on the forced realism/reality (whichever word someone prefers). Every time I flicked through those pages, I felt that GRRM was just trying too hard to make the novel seem "realistic", or, alternatively, wrote this to keep reader interest and sold it as "realistic". If you are too...

Personally, I think GoT fell for what I call the "Lovecraft phallacy", much like (unfortunately) many long series do. The first books were good - I did ocassionally get the feeling that the so-called "realism" was being ever so slightly overdone, as if Martin was trying to make it "realistic"...

I have a wonderful laugh with this tool, posting various bits of my WIP into the thing. Sometimes, the so-called "cliches" can be a bit ridiculous given specific contexts/other such "situational" elements, but then again... Do as you will people.

Idea are what he wants? I suggest you watch Pirates of the Caribbean, especially the second/third one if you want "fantasy material". My mind thumbed around with thousands of ideas about pirates when I watched that (kudos go to Johnny Depp).

Considering that this seems like a cinematic name that's supposed to have a tad more meaning than a more "common" name such as Guardian, Guard, Warden, Overseer, Sentinel, Custodian, etc... Why don't you just come up with a completely new name, or something that is rarely used? Praetor is one...

At the same time, use your imagination. Build a world. Find characters that appeal to you. And most importantly - enjoy. If you're writing something because you're forcing yourself to do it, it's not going to work. My suggestion would be to write a sample blurb for your book. If you can get...