Random Questions Thread

So is it best to write a visual novel in the first or the second person?

It depends on whether the protagonist is an actual character or just a reader insert and what kind of style you're going for. Personally, I'd recommend avoiding second person.

Running on the basis of Scotireland, how much could I get away with setting my story in (rural) Wales while describing locales/environments that would be more typical of Scotland?

The reason for this is that the Welsh culture is fairly integral to my story's setting while the environs found in the Scottish Highlands feel more 'mystical', atmospheric and all around a better fit for tone. Otherwise, any suggestions for my dilemma?

edited 28th Nov '15 12:41:53 PM by peasant

I doubt it would be necessary. While I don't know the exact details of what you're doing, I'm pretty sure that Wales has some "mystical" and atmospheric scenery.

Sorry. What I meant to say is that the Welsh countryside is primarily mountainous ranges with limited vegetation whilst what I kind of need are things like ancient forests in remote regions where the Fair Folk still lurk.

Has it always been that way or did Wales used to have more forest?

Generally, the British Isles was much more heavily forested but 2000+ years of human activity has eroded most of it away; with forests of decent size mainly only being found in Scotland and maybe a bit of South England.

edited 28th Nov '15 8:06:51 PM by peasant

Hmm. My impression of Wales was "chalk downs", but a quick bit of research tells me that's wrong and that Wales is heavily mountainous.

So there's the possibility of a 2000 year old "Ghost Forest" somewhere in Wales. How would that work as a setting?

I'm unfortunately unfamiliar with the term, though it sounds intriguing and right up my street for my needs. What exactly is a "ghost forest" and anymore info on it?

Kind of cultural question.

In Northern parts of US, 21st century, would it be frowned upon for a woman to have a child out of wedlock?

Usually, yeah.

The lady in question had a reputation of being a so called "good girl" by everyone around her and the fact that she had an illegitimate child (I guess you could say that?) comes as a shock to everyone around her. I was just worried that it could come off as being far too conservative.

No that sounds about right. Things suck over here.

Which part of US are you from, if that isn't too private of a thing to ask?

North Carolina but I'm really an estranged Jersey boy.

Gotcha.

Now, another question, tangently related to the question above.

So I got a character who comes from a prestigious family of successful doctors, lawyers, stock broker, etc.

In modern day America, what are some jobs that pays well enough to raise a child, but feel really inadequate compared to the jobs mentioned above?

Bonus points if it's a job with high suicide rate.

Nothing, our middle class is eroding rapidly and unless you have one of those jobs the odds of you being able to support a child without taking multiple full time jobs is almost nonexistent. Doubly so if you have to do it yourself.

edited 30th Nov '15 2:09:39 PM by LeGarcon

Damn.

Like I said, it really sucks over here.

Unless you have the familial or social links to help you lighten the load (i.e., parents help take care of your kid), even with child support payments you're in for a very rough time as a single mother.

Another question, but for the same story.

A character tries to commit a suicide by hanging himself inside his house. He fails when the thing that he tied the noose (not the neck, obviously) to snapped, making him just fall on his face.

What are some of the places where you can hang that can also be broken?

If it's an old house, most anywhere. Rafters, for example. A high place is usually the lamp on the ceiling, and if it's a fan than that's a place to do it.

Also the rope itself if it's not tied right.

Ah, I see. Thanks.

How much of a pair of failed dates should I write?

Background - lead female is 43. She has been asked on a date by a co-worker lots of the women fancy, nice dresser, nice cologne etc.

However this co-worker exists only for her to have a pair of failed dates - there is an 'Everyone Can See It' (except the pair of them) best friend with benefits, but they've both said 'when Mr/Ms Right comes along, you should go for it and don't worry about me'

So she gets asked out, the dates don't go well, they don't go bad, they just don't seem to click.

So how much of the dates should I write? - there has to be a limit of 'Show not Tell'! Can anybody give any examples from anything I might have read/seen. There's no plot to be relayed, no character development needed. last time I wrote date it was between the lead characters in another book, so that's no guide - I had to get from A to B with their developing relationship.

Thanks

edited 30th Nov '15 3:25:29 PM by Last_Hussar