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Uncle Drunkie's Writer/Critic Dating Service

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Greetings! Welcome to...well, you read the title, you know where you are. How does this work, you ask?

CAUTION READ THIS BEFORE POSTING.

Writers looking for critics, post a synopsis of your work here. At the bottom you will find a handy-dandy list of suggestions to use for this. Keep the actual synopsis short (two mid-size paragraphs max. Someone will be along to help you...if you hook their interest, that is. Also, be sure to include a blurb about you, the writer; personal info is neither required nor recommended. Instead, speak on your goals as a writer and how serious you are about this. By "serious" I mean, are you just a fan fic hobbyist looking for some pointers, or are you seriously considering a career as an author?

Critics; your job is even easier. All you have to do is read through the synopses until you find one that interests you. If and when you have, PM the author and tell them "I want to be your critic!" Further details (how to exchange works, what the writer wants, what the critic wants, etc. etc. etc.) I leave to individual pairings to figure out.

The point here is to help join authors and the editors who might love them in the bonds of unholy geekery, for the betterment of all our nascent works...and to cut down on the plethora of "hey, critique my work!" micro-threads Writer's Block was inundated with. Furthermore, posting large chunks of a potentially publishable work in the public domain can be unwise.

Da Roolz: Writers

  • 1: Don't spam the thread. So far this has not been a problem as the Dating Service moves rather slowly. Let us continue this. Make your post and be patient; someone will be along to help you - and if nobody comes along, edit your post to make it more interesting.
  • 2: Writers are not to PM critics unless a prior arrangement has been made. Critics decide whether or not they wish to read a writer's materal.
  • 3: No posts other than synopses; I will be asking the mods to thump any post that doesn't conform to this criterium. Questions? PM me. If I'm not too wasted, I'll answer.
  • 4: Keep your synopsis short; two midsize paragraphs at most. The goal here is to interest someone in your work, not tell them all about it.
  • 5: Before put your work up for critiquing, run it through spell-check and give it a basic proofread. I've had two people complain to me about works where people did not do this, and that's a valid complaint. Yes, you are looking for help, but spell-check is a click away and it is not beyond the wit of writers to do a basic grammar scan. *
  • 6: Don't expect gushing. Expect to hear about weaknesses in your work as well as strengths. If you are not ready for that emotionally, don't post here.
  • 7: I would request that authors not delete their posts after they've gotten their help...just edit the post to say you've got all the help you need currently, and if that changes you can edit it back. People have asked me lots of questions about exactly what to put in their post...examples are good, particularly where the example can be seen as a successful one.

Da Roolz: Critics

  • 1: Don't be a dick. If you cannot be direct and honest without being rude, don't volunteer as a critic. If somebody's work sucks, then it sucks...but by taking on the job of a critic you are volunteering to help the writer make their work not suck.
  • 2: Don't overcommit. If you don't have the time, don't get a writer's hopes up by P Ming them and then never getting back to them. If your life situation changes and the free time you thought you had up and vanishes, be sure to let the writer know.
  • 3: Don't post here (unless you have a synopsis, then by all means...you can swing both ways here, it's all right). Just lurk until something pops up that you like, and PM the author to let them know.
  • 4: If it isn't working out, be sure to let the writer know you are going your separate ways - don't just drop off the planet.
  • 5: Keep checking old posts! Writers who previously had all the help they needed might need help again.

It really is that easy.

Things to put in your synopsis

Make sure you give us:

  • A basic idea of the genre.
  • What it is (book, script, etc.).
  • What kind of help you're looking for (technical, story-based, world-building, factual consultation, etc).
  • How far along the work is. This is important. Some critics don't want to teach kindergarten.
  • How serious you are - is this for fun, or something you hope to make money off of someday?

Also, include a nice little summary that both informs and titillates, somewhere between splash text and explanation.

Okay everyone, you know what to do. Start doin' it.

edited 22nd Sep '13 1:01:56 PM by drunkscriblerian

MiscellaneousSoup Since: Dec, 2012
#101: Feb 9th 2014 at 7:05:24 PM

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10093378/1/The-Joker-And-Harley-Quinn-The-Married-Life

PLOT: Joker and Harley Quinn's married life. Not a shipping fic. I just came up with the idea in a dream and I thought that it would be fun to write. I can send you the second chapter if you comment before Tuesday. The second one is being posted on Tuesday.

WHAT IT IS: A series. I'm planning an overarching plot, but I'm focusing on fun things for now. If it is good enough, I may plan a finale and a designated number of stories. I have one review, from my sister. She likes it.

WHAT KIND OF HELP: Quality, ways to improve it, unfortunate implications.

FAR ALONG: First chapter is posted. Second one is written. I have vague plans for the future.

SERIOUS LEVEL: A story that I'm writing for fun.

edited 9th Feb '14 7:08:59 PM by MiscellaneousSoup

Alasted Since: Dec, 2013
#102: Apr 1st 2014 at 9:11:57 PM

Name: Mafia Kid [Working Title]

Medium: Screenplay (Spec Script)

Genre: Comedy

Length: 119 pages

Status: First draft

Summary: Chris is the twentysomething son of a powerful mob boss, only interested in goofing off and playing video games all day. His father, fed up with Chris' complete lack of ambition, forces him into the family's criminal activities — and in the process, gets Chris and his nerdy friends embroiled in a mob war.

Concerns: In general: Is it good? Does it suck? Any plot holes I may have missed?

More specifically: Is there sufficient dramatic tension to keep you engaged? Does the script work as a comedy, or does it fall flat? At 119 pages, it's pretty lengthy for a comedy script, so I'm looking to tighten things up. I'd like to identify any places where it may drag, be superfluous, or be in need of cutting for any other reason.

arreimil The Silly Gloom Since: Jan, 2012 Relationship Status: Stuck in the middle with you
The Silly Gloom
#103: Apr 4th 2014 at 3:55:13 AM

This should be the one. As of August 2014, I'm still looking for input for this one, so if anyone's interested, then by all means please let me know.

Working title: Black Feather, part of the larger Eritian Story

Genre: Fantasy/Thriller/Parody(?)

Format: Novel

Synopsis: As a militia sergeant of a small frontier town Morton, one of the Sacred Kingdom's foothold in the lawless territory, Strada Austin never expects much. The young man is well fed and leads a comparatively simple life, and he's content it's that way, considering how bad things can otherwise be in the frontier. But all this changes when a series of seemingly random murders and disappearances occur in and around the town and its neighbor Whisperwell, each case more ghastly and violent than the last. Before long, the situation grows out of control, and Strada becomes trapped in his own home, with the only way out being to stop the madness before everything is lost.

Unfortunately for him, the people back in the capital city of Sceinder have a different solution in mind, and have sent their agent to the frontier to, to put bluntly, clean up the mess.

Of course, this inevitably leads to complete chaos, the kind Strada doesn't ever expect to see in his mundane life.

Status: In progress

Seriousness: I hope to be able to at least take professional writing as a job one day.

Type of criticism: A bit of everything from the language to the finer things like dialogue writing, style, story concept, etc. I've never published anything before and, unlike my earlier works which I wrote in my native language, things I've written for the past five years have never received any exposure, and thus feedback (my usual test readers from that time aren't good at English at all). All sorts of criticisms thus are desired and very much welcome.

edited 19th Aug '14 9:15:42 PM by arreimil

On the foundation of glass a dream is built. And, like glass, it shatters.
Chaoraiser360 Since: Feb, 2014
#104: May 17th 2014 at 2:47:44 PM

Edited by Chaoraiser360 on Sep 27th 2021 at 4:42:50 PM

NiceguyEddie Niceguy Eddie from 6 Since: May, 2014 Relationship Status: Married to my murderer
Niceguy Eddie
NiceguyEddie Niceguy Eddie from 6 Since: May, 2014 Relationship Status: Married to my murderer
Niceguy Eddie
#106: May 29th 2014 at 8:44:41 AM

Name: UTOPIA (What would you do with absolute power? (see signiture for link to the work)

Synopsis: Follows the life of a man who has been divinely tasked with transforming society and saving humanity from a cataclysmic judgment, and the reactions of the people and world around him. Highly political and pseudo-religious in nature. Although written from a Politically Liberal (and Religiously Unitarian) perspective, some early fans of the work were Conservatives. The work started from a basic “What would you do?” question, and grew as each “What happens next” and “how would you deal with it” event comes to pass. Very morally ambiguous – no true (or perfect) heroes or villains. (Warning: Contains course language in much of the dialog.)

Media: Novel(s)

Genre: Political, Supernatural, Morally ambiguous

Completion: 80% done with the main work, but a series of epilogues (short sequels?) are planned.

Current Length: 42 Chapters are done and posted - again, click on sig line - 3 more are written but need to be hammered into shape. The rest of the plot is laid out, and needs to be written.

Concern: Just looking for general feedback, advice, questions, criticisms, praise, what did I do right, what am I doing wrong, that kind of thing. Also – I am more than happy to do the same for anyone else in return, so let me know if you want some feedback on your work as well.

Also would very much like to see people’s take on it, Trope-wise. So far, I’m aware of: The Chosen One, The Chooser, The Devil, Meganneko, Matter of Life and Death, Murder is the best solution, Utopia Justifies the means, Archangel, Angel of Death, Fountain of Youth, Soulmates, Appeal to Audacity / Arbitrary Skepticism, Artifact of Death, Psychic-Assisted Suicide, Make it look like an accident, “My god what hacve I done?”, Guns akimbo, From a Certain Point of View, Prophecy Twist

UPTOPIA: What would you do with absolute power?
Petrichor4 Bisexual Goblin Queen from In some whores vagina Since: May, 2014 Relationship Status: With my statistically significant other
Bisexual Goblin Queen
#107: May 30th 2014 at 10:52:58 AM

Name: in my eyes (working title)

Media: book, novel

Synopsis: Prequal to Les Miserables. This will cover who fantine was, her relationship to Jean Val Jean (romantic), the Thenardiers, and various other characters. So far, fantine and jean gre up together and he has fallen for her but he can't marry her.

Genre: historical fiction and romance

Completion: 5%. I just started this.

Current length: 2 short chapters on Fanfiction.net

Concern: Just looking for general feedback, advice, questions, criticisms, praise, what did I do right, what am I doing wrong, that kind of thing. Also, please tell me any tropes you see.

LINK: https://m.fanfiction.net/s/5821043/1/In-My-Life-The-Life-Of-Fantine

edited 30th May '14 10:53:33 AM by Petrichor4

We must never confuse elegance with snobbery.
Underwood Boop from Outer Space Since: Dec, 2012 Relationship Status: Baby don't hurt me!
#108: Jun 5th 2014 at 7:58:31 AM

Hi, I'm Underwood, and I wish o improve my storytelling skills...

Name: Johnny Max and the Winter Witch (Name in progress)

Media: Web book, video game (possibly, won't count on it...)

Synopsis: [IN PROGRESS] In universe to The Secret Saturdays; will include a group from there and have some nods to it, but watching of whole series isn't required. (basic knowledge of the characters is, however) Johnny Maxwell's vacation to the European micro-country of Falconia isn't one of the most relaxing ones, or the most ordinary. It would've, until he is captured by a gang of rebel witches and warlocks and sent to stop a winter witch's curse to save the kingdom before a rather suspicious organization beats them to it. But for Johnny, who wishes to be a hero, this might be his best vacation ever.

Genre: Fantasy, adventure, some sci-fi elements

Current status: In-progress (first chapter coming soon)

Concern: As well as general feedback, advice, parts I'm doing right/wrong, etc., I'd also like to know if my story's coherent, balanced, and logical (or at least as logical as it gets when witches and warlocks exist)

Link: Coming soon; will post first chapter on FanFiction.net when it's done...

edited 7th Nov '14 4:57:46 AM by Underwood

I'm driving down Highway 40 in my big old pickup truck
ArsThaumaturgis Since: Nov, 2011 Relationship Status: I've been dreaming of True Love's Kiss
#109: Jun 16th 2014 at 4:48:15 PM

[edit] I'm closing this posting for now, I think.[/edit]

(Note: The following post is similar to my previous post in this thread, differing mainly in that this is a second draft, and in what sort of feedback I'm primarily looking for.)

Title: The Devouring Doom

Type and genre of work: Short Story (~3000 words), pastiche/gentle parody of Cosmic Horror

Summary: The confession of Jeremiah P_: how he came into possession of an evil idol; how it was lost, and the terrible visions that followed in attempting to regain it; the dire aftermath, and the appearance of the Devouring Doom.

Status: Second draft complete

How serious am I? I hope to make at least a little money from my work some day.

Type of criticism desired: Having made changes since the previous draft, I'm perhaps most concerned about the flow of the story, and whether the changes that I've implemented have improved it. To that end, I'm most hoping for comments on the flow of the story and on its quality in general. Naturally, I'm nevertheless interested in anything else that the critic feels bears mentioning.

edited 30th Aug '14 6:55:50 PM by ArsThaumaturgis

My Games & Writing
Soopor Agent Peacock from Talon IV (Troper Knight) Relationship Status: [TOP SECRET]
Agent Peacock
#110: Jul 7th 2014 at 10:41:20 PM

Never mind.

edited 9th Sep '14 2:16:02 PM by Soopor

ArtisticPlatypus Resident pretentious dickwad from the bottom of my heart. Since: Jul, 2010
Resident pretentious dickwad
#111: Jul 30th 2014 at 12:20:13 PM

Working Title: Brain Moth

Format: Novel

Completion: Hard to assess as I'm continually editing and rewriting. It's currently around 70 pages/16 000 words, and I'm aiming for perhaps 150-300 pages.

Synopsis: The narrator wakes up on a concrete floor. He can't move, a sweet scent lingers in his nose, he's got a gun in his hand and a hamster-sized moth is eating his brains. He now has to piece together what happened before his mind deteriorates.

Genre: Pretentious postmodern character study. Contains meandering trains of thought and run-on sentences galore. And some giant brain-eating moths.

Ambition: It's mostly just a perpetual hobby project, but eventually ending up with a readable finished book would be a nice surprise.

Concern: I'd like an outsider's view on how the story details and themes are handled, to make sure they're subtle but not esoteric, and that there are no overlooked errors in the chronology. I'd also like general feedback on the quality of the writing; what is and isn't entertaining, whether the language is smooth and the pacing feels good and so on.

edited 30th Jul '14 12:21:08 PM by ArtisticPlatypus

This implies, quite correctly, that my mind is dark and damp and full of tiny translucent fish.
Germaholic Since: Jan, 2001
#112: Aug 28th 2014 at 2:38:48 PM

someone has offered to critique this.

edited 29th Aug '14 2:58:43 PM by Germaholic

1upmushroom Rookie Writer from Yes Since: Jan, 2013 Relationship Status: In bed with a green-skinned space babe
Rookie Writer
#113: Aug 29th 2014 at 6:05:11 AM

Name: The Satanic Spider-Man. (Working title)

Medium: Novel.

Genre: Science Fiction, Action, Comedy, Fan Fiction etc.

Status: 3 chapters into a First draft.

Summary: In this very loose adaption of the legendary Marvel Comics franchise, the year is 2089. New York City has very recently been healing from a vicious civil war. Responsible for New York's healing is the Religious Ministry of the Osborns. Lead by Reverend Norman Osborn, the ministry has slowly yet successfully cleaned up the mayhem and debris, taking down crime, and has generally built a huge amount of adoration and respect from New York civilians. Now, the church has practically taken control of New York City, having a little if not complete control of all the media and work related businesses. The Osborn Church is strong.

But then, at a lab that was planned to be shut down by the church, a freak accident resulted in a teenaged aspiring photographer named Peter Parker to be infected by a bite from a mutated spider. Parker not only gets better, he remerges with his newfound powers as The Spider-Man. A hero who will not only change New York City forever, but will also threaten the Osborn Ministry's power.

Seriousness: Obviously since this is a fan fiction, I don't expect to put this on shelves anytime soon. This is just a fun little writing exercise I'm doing to help improve my writing skills.

Concerns: So yeah right at the start, you can tell that this isn't going to be one of those by the book Spidey adaptions. I guess the big concern I have at this point is the bridge between Pragmatic Adaption and In Name Only adaption. I do like reinventing the wheel a lot but not exactly to the point where the final product is nothing like the original source material. The goal here is to be undoubtedly a loose Spider-Man story but still a Spider-Man story through and through.

alasted Since: Dec, 2013
#114: Oct 6th 2014 at 8:27:57 PM

Name: An American in Japan

Medium: Series (Screenplays)

Genre: Comedy-drama

Length: 14 episodes (~30 pages per episode)

Status: Complete

Summary: Andy, an American high school student, travels to Japan to take part in a study abroad program. He goes in expecting a pleasant and edifying cultural experience, but quickly discovers that he has unwittingly enrolled into a school of hard knocks, where students are expected to know — and actively engage in — martial arts.

Concerns: Overall, does the series hold your interest? Is it entertaining throughout?

I have some worries that certain spots may seem long-winded, or like blatant exposition. Also, do the characterizations seem consistent? Do the events flow plausibly?

Dimentiosome Reproduction is not the meaning of life. from Saskatoon, eh? Since: Apr, 2014 Relationship Status: Squeeeeeeeeeeeee!
Reproduction is not the meaning of life.
#115: Nov 1st 2014 at 6:09:56 PM

Title: Just

Medium: Novel

Genre(s): Mystery, Comedy, Drama, Metafiction

Synopsis: Right after having come into existence, Rauxze has had one thought in Her mind; kill Quaint, who is, for all intents and purposes, a god. While Quaint does deserve to get killed for what he's done, there's one question that She still hasn't answered: Why?

Of course, this comes up after an Adventure Time -esque sequence of events. It begins with a man named Clair killing a woman from another dimension to free a ton of people from Mind Control, who then goes through a portal to attempt to kill the guy mind controlling her, whom of which is an angel named Gary. Clair is almost killed, but is saved by the angel of death he released when he killed the woman. They come up with a brilliant plan to clone the angel, Cassandra, to attract attention to her, to get Gary to return, to kill him. But it was all just a plan to attract Quaint. But this is was all orchestrated by Rauxze. But when Rauxze refuses to kill Quaint, the author flips out okay I'm not aiming for realism.

Yeah, that may sound stupid, but I think I pull it off fairly well. The focus isn't on the plot, really, but more the comedy and the way characters react to certain situations. More often than not, the plot is a contrast to what the characters go through, I believe. Think Up.

In-universe, because of the abundance of tropes, people believe they're in a type of medium, but are unsure of which one. Because of this, Leaning on the Fourth Wall is all too common, with an entire religion formed around the concept. Characters are constantly attempting to be Genre Savvy, sometimes using reverse-psychology on the author. This often leads to them deconstructing tropes – especially when Parody Sues enter the picture – and trying to understand the motivations of themselves, the author and the audience. This all ends up thing back to Rauxze's question of 'why', which may or may not have a real answer.

I typically start by having a vague idea of where I want a scene to go, then improvise it the whole way through. While this may be a bad idea, it has helped me make some of my best jokes. You'll be the judge of that, however.

In conclusion, I would appreciate having a critic who is able to look past the ridiculous concept and give an honest opinion on my pride and joy. I'm hoping to do this professionally in the future, so all thoughts are greeted with respect. I may not be as far as I'd hope to be for a critique (10 pages?) but I believe that getting help early would be a good idea.

Concerns: Aremy characters relatable enough? Are the different viewpoints engaging? Is it humorous enough? Is it too humourous? Can you follow what's going on? If you have anything else you'd like to add, go ahead!

Thank you!

...Oh...oh my. This sure was a Wall of Text. ...Sorry.

edited 1st Nov '14 6:14:18 PM by Dimentiosome

Also HOLY FaCKING SHeT!!!!!!!
demarquis Since: Feb, 2010
#116: Nov 2nd 2014 at 8:16:14 AM

@Alastad: How well researched is your work? Are you able to recreate life in Japan more or less accurately, at least as far as the culture is concerned? If you're just making it up, that can be ok, as long as your work reflects that.

@Dimentiosome: Is this primarily a humorous work, like, say Discworld? Also, who is the primary protagonist? It's hard to tell from your description.

Dimentiosome Reproduction is not the meaning of life. from Saskatoon, eh? Since: Apr, 2014 Relationship Status: Squeeeeeeeeeeeee!
Reproduction is not the meaning of life.
#117: Nov 2nd 2014 at 10:37:10 AM

I [up]It is fairly humourous, but there are serious moments as well. I suppose you could say the humour is the main focus, but it's far from the only.

I was aiming for Gray-and-Gray Morality, but there are 3 main antagonists with different levels of involvement. Gary, who aims to be as happy as possible and 'save the world' by taking control of it; Quaint, who was driven to the brink of insanity by simply being alive for so long; and the author, who simply wants to make a successful story, without taking the character's opinions into account. All three of them have valid points, but they still end up going against the protagonists.

Gary is fairly important until Quaint comes in, at which point he is killed and/or redeemed. Quaint doesn't exactly switch sides, but is forced to when the author starts to interfere.

Be aware most of this is still in the planning phase.

Edit: Dang it, I thought you said antagonist.

Well, there are Loads And Loads Of Characters. I didn't mention him in my Wall of Text, but the main character would be Marian, essentially an Author Avatar Genius Ditz who gets possessed by Rauxze. He doesn't have as much involvement as some other characters, but he wants to solve the problems instead of simply adding more to the Gambit Pileup. Unfortunately, he believes the problem can be solved by killing Quaint, which isn't what Rauxze wants.

A Five-Man Band is eventually formed, with Marian as The Hero, Clair as The Lancer, Cassandra the Ensemble Dark Horse, the clone The Chick, and another woman, Miranda, (Marian's 'not girlfriend') The Smart Guy.

The 'problem' is mainly the antagonists using their plans to attempt to help, but their reasonings are quite flawed. Quaint doesn't really do too much, but simply being an apathetic Physical God being targeted by another Physical God is enough motivation for him.

It is very very very very very very very very very very very very very very very complicated.

edited 2nd Nov '14 10:49:39 AM by Dimentiosome

Also HOLY FaCKING SHeT!!!!!!!
demarquis Since: Feb, 2010
#118: Nov 2nd 2014 at 5:59:03 PM

That's ok, I was going to ask about the antagonists next, so you anticipated my questions :)

If it's only 10 pages I'm willing to take a look at it. PM me for my email address.

alasted Since: Dec, 2013
#119: Nov 2nd 2014 at 11:10:46 PM

@demarquis: I definitely had to research aspects of Japanese life that I was unfamiliar with (e.g. drinking etiquette, Shinto, school terms). I have taken some liberties for the sake of the narrative, but the work shouldn't contain egregious errors in terms of culture — or, at least, I don't think.

I'd welcome feedback on this issue. No takers as of yet.

demarquis Since: Feb, 2010
#120: Nov 3rd 2014 at 11:46:58 AM

I'm doing Dimentiosome's right now, but if no one gets back to you in a couple of weeks, remind me again and perhaps I can take a look at it.

Alasted Since: Dec, 2013
Essex Essex from A dormant volcano in the Pacific Rim Since: Jan, 2001 Relationship Status: Yes, I'm alone, but I'm alone and free
Essex
#122: Nov 7th 2014 at 3:04:58 AM

Messiah Glimmer note 

Genre: Magical Girl, Sci-Fi, mood is somewhere in the middle of the Sliding Scale Long Name

Format: Web Novel

Synopsis: (Apologies if this is too long for "middling length")

Set in a mildly alternate 2007, three years after the inevitable Magical Girl Series Finale. Liesel Maranello is Night Crusader, a redeemed Dark Magical Girl attempting to atone for the horrible things she had done to Kagamido City as The Dragon to the long-dead Big Bad. This proves to be difficult, however, as the UN's covert anti-monster force MARCO has lumped her in with her former comrades and hunts her down at every opportunity. Meanwhile, the latter doggedly fight to complete the Big Bad's contingency plan: infect the world with Twilight's Curse and turn every human on Earth into living vectors of Shedim.

The only person she might consider something of a friend is Miyako Tamura (aka Bright Saver), who repeatedly tries (and fails) to get her to stop working alone by offering her a place as The Lancer in her Five-Man Band, the rest of whom sadly remain hostile or indifferent. As the number of Shedim attacks rises, humanity as a whole becomes more cynical and susceptible to infection, and even Miyako is secretly losing hope. When a Cynicism Catalyst drives Miyako past the Despair Event Horizon and towards Utopia Justifies the Means, it's up to Liesel to stop Miyako's plan to Take Over the World... and to save her from becoming the monster that Liesel once served.

Status: Planning Phase: Backstory has been mostly outlined, trying to get a logical, non-scattered main plot outline

Seriousness: Wanting it to be an exercise in serial writing, training ground to hone my writing so that I can one day get published.

Help Wanted: A little bit of everything. Some specifics:

  • Plot and Character Development: plugging up of potential plot holes and preventing allegedly smart characters from doing stupid, stupid things. Also needing to develop characters beyond "mere" archetypes e.g. The Obi-Wan, Glacier Waif, etc.
  • Worldbuilding Tweaking - I've done a lot of broad stuff, working down to the nitty gritty. I'm guessing this is where phlebotinum-induced plot holes start appearing if not properly checked.
  • Management of Shout-Out-ness: Power levels and main characters primarily inspired by Nanoha. There's probably Madoka in there too. I need help figuring out the right mix to make this my own, instead of being Nanoha/Madoka with the serial numbers filed off. Oh, and I haven't seen Rebellion, so please don't spoil me.
  • Writing style critique. I get the distinct feeling from my latest work that my writing has devolved into pseudo-lemony rambling with beige thrown in to depict physical activity.
  • Selecting a POV. I'm considering First Person, with the occasional Third Person Omniscient for important events, ala Fate Stay Night's "Interludes".

edited 7th Nov '14 6:28:57 AM by Essex

TheMungoman Since: Jun, 2014
#123: Jan 17th 2015 at 2:28:22 PM

The Order of Concord

Genre: High Fantasy, Action, Adventure

Format: Animated TV Series

Length: Approximately 2-3 seasons with 20/13 episodes each.

Status: A lot of fluff is already figured out, but the plot itself still very bare.

Synopsis: A traditional premise about a royal knight and paladin named Judy and her pet griffin Hoda attempting to reassemble the ancient legendary Order of Concord to save her country Virtus from the influence of the Evil Sorcerer and shadow wizard Moroka note , who has also kidnapped the crown prince Conrad with his legions of shadow-y goblin-esque Mooks. During her travels to find what is left of the nine members of the Order note  she comes across a young lumberjack torn between his own fears and his curiositynote , a grouchy scientist who is constantly confused to be a wizard due to his tendency to invent rather modern toolsnote , a Keet of a bard, seeking to spread happiness amongst everyonenote , a near-mute Gentle Giant who happens to be a genius blacksmithnote , a Deadpan Snarker Ninja-ForestRangernote , and many more. But not only do they have to worry about Moroka and his minions, but a Mysterious Mercenary Pursuer known only as The Red Wraith, who might be more than they thought he is...

Seriousness: A rather personal project, but if fleshed out enough I might want to pitch it.

Help Wanted:

  • Plot construction. I have a lot of set pieces planned, but I do not know how to fit them together. The story is currently far too linear.
  • Whilst not uninteresting, I do not find Judy to be the most captivating character in the bunch, which is ironic since she's the protagonist. This might have to do with the fact that so far she is just a Lawful Good Hot-Blooded knight with a bit of Survivor Guilt. There is something there, but I do not know how to bring it out.
  • The premise. I feel that it lacks a bit of spice, I think the most interesting thing about it right now is the focus on the virtues.

edited 19th Jan '15 4:08:32 PM by TheMungoman

Murataku Jer gets all the girls from Straya Since: Jan, 2015 Relationship Status: Who needs love when you have waffles?
Jer gets all the girls
#124: Jan 30th 2015 at 3:51:47 AM

The Colour Dancer

Length: 1221 words

Status: Complete. Technically, this is intended to be a tiny snippet of a larger (so far nonexistant) universe, but I am putting this up partially to see how well it functions as a standalone.

Synopsis: It's cold, it's raining, and Jo has what is quite possibly the dullest superpower on her entire team. But every cloud has a silver lining, and this one's a doozy.

Seriousness: Ehh. This might go nowhere, it might not. Please treat this as a standalone, I guess?

Help Wanted:

How easy is it to tell what's going on without the benefit of knowing the larger story? I want to know if it's possible for this piece to exist on its own.

Are the powers involved stupid? I was trying for original, but I'm worried I kind of hit "just plain dumb" instead.

This piece contains a paragraph or two of intentionally purple prose. It makes sense in-story (I hope), but as I've never written in that style before, I really wanna know if it worked. If it came out sounding just dumb or, even worse, you have to force yourself through it, I wanna know.

Thanks!

Everybody's all "Jerry's old and feeble" till they see him run down a skyscraper and hijack a helicopter mid-flight.
AwSamWeston Fantasy writer turned Filmmaker. from Minnesota Nice Since: May, 2013 Relationship Status: Married to the job
Fantasy writer turned Filmmaker.
#125: Jan 30th 2015 at 6:40:42 PM

[up] Can you edit that post to include what genres your story could fit into? I can tell it has superhero elements, but what else?

Award-winning screenwriter. Directed some movies. Trying to earn a Creator page. I do feedback here.

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