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Fiction Writing
Fictitious novels are works of imagination that are not true. This category contains all questions regarding the techniques of fictional writing.
361 Questions
How do you write a realistic fiction story?
Here are some good links to help you become a writer. Realistic fiction is just a fiction story that could actually happen, as opposed to science fiction or fantasy.
What are the 6 elements of revenge tragedy?
While I'm not sure there are 6 definitive elements that make a revenge tragedy, there are some common characteristics that most have in common. According to Fredson Bowers (who was the first to really identify the genre) the key identifiers are
- Revenge has to be the focus of the plot. The main action of the play.
- The appearance of a ghost, usually to initiate or urge on the revenge.
- Bloody and violent acts
- The portrayal of madness (either real or faked).
- The revenger's hesitation (whether impeded by external forces or self-imposed).
- Long soliloquies giving insight into the characters mentality and moral uncertainty
- The revenger usually dies (or is sentenced to death) shortly after achieving their goal.
- The use of a play within the play as a means of exposing or killing the revenger's target
If I had to pick six most widely used elements I would go with the first six.
Is it unlikely that an author would write a work that is on his or her own values and beliefs?
Actually, it is not unlikely. Authors can write works on their own beliefs and values, or they will hide them amidst their stories. Writers usually grasp ideas from one's beliefs on a subject. They can twist a religious story and form it into a story plot with a whole new twist.
What are some good book names for a survival horror post apocalyptic book?
Only you can come up with a good name! Titles come from the story, not from some anonymous person on the internet! You're getting this backwards I'm afraid -- you need to write the story first and think of the title last.
Titles are also not as important as some writers think - your title might change many times between your first write and your final draft!
Think about your story - what is going on and who are the people involved? What is something special about the story that might make a good title? Don't sweat it - just write something down and get on with the story!
What is a good name for a science fiction war story?
That is entirely up to you if you are the one who is going to write it. Try writing the story and see if the title comes to you after the story develops.
How can you get a story out there when you don't think you are a good enough writer?
I thought that too when I started my first book. Just send it in and have the publishers read it. If they think it's good they will send you a letter saying that you can get it published you just need to fix any corrections. If they don't think it's good they'll send you a letter saying 'rejected'. I felt really good when they said yes.
You need to get into a good critique group that will help you become a better writer!
Here are some good links to help you become a better writer and have more confidence!
If you had to write a science fiction story about anything at all what would you write about?
The best science fiction stories have at their heart some scientific principle either illustrated or extrapolated upon. Such as
- Mission of Gravity
- Neutron Star
- The Gods themselves
- The Moon Moth
If I were to write a Science Fiction story I would first chose a principle and build a story around it.
Salman Rushdie. A Fatwa was declared on him by the government of Iran.
What is a good way to start a detective story?
Plot! Characters, setting, and research! Look back to our old favorite detective books for ideas and examples, such as Nancy Drew (for girls) and the classic old Hardy Boys (for boys). Look at their plots and endings. Also look at the beginnings. Encyclopedia Brown might help you too!
Start the book with a mysterious and scary beginning. Not a boring one. Also, if you already know what the crime and crime starter is then make some puzzles that will lead the main character to the crime starter. It helps for the reader to know what the crime is so they know what characters in your book might have done the crime. Have fun writing!
Joyce Carol Oates said it best: "The first sentence can't be written until the final sentence is written."
Worry about finishing your story, not about writing the perfect opening sentence! You can change anything you like once you've finished -- go back and think of a great first sentence then, instead of waiting for some magical "first sentence" to fall out of the sky and hit you in the head.
Now get off the internet and get back to writing that story!
Can someone give you ideas titles for a book and charachter names?
Only you can come up with a good name! Titles come from the story, not from some anonymous person on the internet! You're getting this backwards I'm afraid -- you need to write the story first and think of the title last.
Titles are also not as important as some writers think - your title might change many times between your first write and your final draft!
Think about your story - what is going on and who are the people involved? What is something special about the story that might make a good title? Don't sweat it - just write something down and get on with the story!
Click on the Related Questions for specific tips and tricks.
Is writing a love story about angels and demons wrong?
No it is not! It is a creative idea and fiction has no boundry when it comes to writing. It sounds very interesting but also sounds like alot of research will be needed depending on how you want to present the story.
