Quote by Regnadkcin


1.) When writing something like this, do you outline / block out the story arc for the whole thing first? Do you write a draft of the whole story, break it into chapters and then complete / submit chapter one?

2.) Do you plot out the biographical details character eleements before starting? Keep notes on the character?

3.) Did you start with the complexity of characters, plot elements, etc (love triangle, KKK, off to college, preachers’ kids, etc.)... determined to mix them in, or did they evolve during the writing?

4.) Do yo incorporate details that are personal and based upon your experiences? Are they always in your protagonist?

5.) Did you intend to break it into chapters? Would you make it a novella if you didn’t have to break it up?

6.) How far ahead of the latest published chapter is your writing?

This is obviously not all inclusive. I’ll leave off my practices lest I bias others’ responses.

Quote by KindOfHeart
As a scientific writer I was always instructed to write in the passive voice as if that was more objective and impartial than the first person active voice. Perhaps that is why scientific papers seem so dry and boring when in fact they are often exciting. This was not always the case and some of the most interesting scientific writing of the 18th century was written in the active voice. I believe it is time for scientists to rebel against the restrictions imposed by well meaning pedants. You never know all those arts scholars among our small fellowship here on SS might be persuaded that we scientists are fun people to be with, and even moderately passable writers.

Quote by gillianleeza

Freshly caught (by my better half and son) wheat fish (Sea trout) grilled with garlic butter and dill and lemons. (It was a successful day of fishing.)

Quote by Lisa
How long does it normally take you to write a short story? Would the length of time be measured in hours, days or months?

How many drafts do you generally write?

It usually takes me a month or so to finish a story. I'm very nitpicky with editing and keep finding little errors here and there. I can't let my stories go until I've found as many as possible!

Quote by gillianleeza

I am a huge fan a Lovecraft. My taste in reading does veer towards the macabre and supernatural and horror. My parents were concerned about my taste in reading, lol.

After seeing your post I pulled out my copy of some of Lovecraft's short stories. I had not read him in awhile. I have also been reading some of Stephen Kings son Joe Hills books. I was also interested to see that King has written a book with his other son Owen King that will be out in December. It will be interesting to see how that collaboration comes together.

Quote by gillianleeza
Rereading one of my favorite books.

Quote by rolandlytle
It bothers me that we ever need to block someone. We are all adults here, but everyone here is intelligent and often opinionated. Some people have a hard time dealing with the conflict that may ensue and use blocking as a way to remove themselves from the intellectual fray. If it is someone's choice to do that, I will not criticize. I just am hopeful it is not me being blocked. I think as a site we should provide whatever service possible (Gav knows what is possible and practical) as long as it make a member more comfortable. I personally can not imagine blocking a fellow member myself, but that is just me and I would not judge other's actions just because they are different.

Quote by Ghostreader
H. P. Lovecraft

He kept on writing thou providence and hard times.

Quote by LarryFNigh


I love the way she is continually tweeting to put certain people in their place. Quite intelligent and witty..