#dark-slowking

[fleshbadger]

A fair few of pokemon cards feel like they're cursed. Like the shopkeeper telling "you these here cards come with a terrible price" cursed. For example-

[fixyourwritinghabits]

Hi there. I've been writing a story since october and I'd really like to submit it for NaNoWriMo or something for people to read when it's finished. Trouble is me and my girlfriend bounce back ideas between us and we think up new 'better' ways for a chapter to go and a lot of stuff I write gets scrapped as a result. I was wondering if this is normal for writers.

First a quick word about NaNoWriMo. They suggest if it’s your first time participating that you do it the traditional way and start a new novel on November 1st. Here’s some of the reasoning behind that logic.

This sounds like a dumb, arbitrary rule, we know. But bringing a half-finished manuscript into NaNoWriMo all but guarantees a miserable month. You’ll care about the characters and story too much to write with the gleeful, anything-goes approach that makes NaNoWriMo such a creative rush. Give yourself the gift of a clean slate, and you’ll tap into realms of imagination and intuition that are out-of-reach when working on pre-existing manuscripts.

It is ultimately up to you, but as a two-time winner my advice would be to start something new and save your WIP for later. You can look at it with fresh eyes, and more experience, when you’re done.

Now, to the second part of your question. You used better in quotes. Why is that? Is it because your girlfriend thinks it’s better and you’re just going along with it or it’s because she’s the one making improvements and your ego is getting a bit bruised?

Now, you don’t have to take any feedback you receive. It’s your story and you, as the author, have the right to make decisions as you see fit. With that said, wise is the writer who reflects on the feedback of others.

For the former, if you’re just going along with her to make her happy, then I’d cut that out. It’s dishonest. Going forward, I’d suggest the following if she asks why you didn’t take her advice. Say something like “I appreciate your input about X, but but after thinking about it, I’m going to do Y. I think it fits better for (insert reasons).” You are being honest, you acknowledge the feedback, and you provide your reasons of why you’re not going with it. Who knows, maybe she’ll offer additional insight that will lead to an improvement? 

For the latter, ask yourself this. Is it more important to have all of your ideas in your story or to have a solid story? Count your lucky stars you have an engaged reader who’s willing to give you meaningful advice, and check your ego at the door. It has no place in writing.

-Graphei

[arainestorm]

Quick draw of two of my friend dark-slowking's OCs, Xander and Felix. I honestly don't know that much about their story or personalities but this feels right.

Heavily based on a stock image from SenshiStock - they have great poses and resources and things A+