Sci-fi / Fantasy Editor needed.

[tekimp]

Ugh! Here goes...

So I've been writing for some 4 years now? I have one story... that is just all over the place. Seriously all over the place! Disaster? Perhaps, perhaps not. It's a great tale. It's 18 chapters... and isn't even half way complete. The main character went into "God Mode," fighting evil, and that jacked up the story... but it can be salvaged. No short supply of ideas! This one story has so many errors, I was refining my skills through this work. Based on modern civilian transported to magical world... harem scenes... the works. All over the place. Just work and more work kept me off focus.

When I did refocus, I thought I'd try to start another story... I think it's only at 8 sections now? It's got quite a lot of character development and is my favorite. Military beginning, once again magically transported to another world. Once again... real life caught up with me and I couldn't continue.

I want to focus on the 2nd story, since it's the shortest right now, but I am uncertain if my formatting and character dialogue is correct. It's a lot better than the first story.

I never worked with an editor before and I really don't know what to expect, very apprehensive.

Hopefully I've given enough detail to merit someone's interest and quite possibly support in refining my work.

Cheers,
Tekimp

 

[LadyVer]

Ugh! Here goes...

So I've been writing for some 4 years now? I have one story... that is just all over the place. Seriously all over the place! Disaster? Perhaps, perhaps not. It's a great tale. It's 18 chapters... and isn't even half way complete. The main character went into "God Mode," fighting evil, and that jacked up the story... but it can be salvaged. No short supply of ideas! This one story has so many errors, I was refining my skills through this work. Based on modern civilian transported to magic work... harem scenes... the works. All over the place. Just work and more work kept me off focus.

When I did refocus, I thought I'd try to start another story... I think it's only at 8 sections now? It's got quite a lot of character development and is my favorite. Military beginning, once again magically transported to another world. Once again... real life caught up with me and I couldn't continue.

I want to focus on the 2nd story, since it's the shortest right now, but I am uncertain if my formatting and character dialogue is correct. It's a lot better than the first story.

I never worked with an editor before and I really don't know what to expect, very apprehensive.

Hopefully I've given enough detail to merit someone's interest and quite possibly support in refining my work.

Cheers,
Tekimp

Word count, sex scene info, and category would help. I'm not available to edit for another month, so I'm just saying what info is helpful to editors in general.

As far as working with editors goes, Lit is a volunteer platform, so it's like a box of chocolates, for both writers and editors (which is really the way it works for editing anywhere). Communication is key in editor/writer relationships.

I can't tell if you want copy editing (mechanics) or developmental editing (story structure), or both. From the info you give so far about your second story, your story sounds interesting.

Good luck!

 

[tekimp]

Dear LadyVer;

Thank you for your prompt response. I consolidated the 8 sections into one word doc. It says I have a total of around 30,000 words, about 41 pages so far.

Hmmm... sex scenes... are random, but plentiful. I found my muse for this from the Momono Tales. Using info from the Momono Monster Index (Monster Girls)... and putting my own spin on it.

Overall, this band of soldiers (two guys) are adapting to their new world... still in the learning phase. Plot development is still on going. Was getting to that in the newest section which is still being pieced together.

I don't know if it's me or not... but... writing sex scenes proves difficult at times... and I don't want to be repetitive with each scene, as I want them each to be unique and fulfilling, but... it seems like I fall into that trap of repetition. I am not that experienced with writing out the sex scenes with all the necessary detail as would be desired. So help with that would be great.

Of course, the flow and structure may need improvement as well. Character dialogue and story telling separation. As easy as the strike of the "enter" key, but it's hard for me to do, as I've so much invested into it.

On the note of Mechanical or Story Structure... I honestly do not know. This is the first time I've sought the help of an editor.

 

[LadyVer]

I was reading an article last night about writers. The author said that men tend to write action scenes more easily than women, giving lots of detail, whereas women writers have an easier time with sex scenes than action scenes--less detail, more emotion.

I think it depends on the writer and their experience. As a volunteer editor editing for primarily male writers, it seems to me that most new writers seem to be grappling with insecurity and fear. They know their writing isn't as good as it could be, and yet, they don't know enough about mechanics and development that it leaves them in the dark. So when an editor tells them a sentence needs to be cut or revised, a word doesn't sound right, or a particular verb can't be used as a preposition, they take it personally...

PS You're welcome.

 

[tekimp]

Dear LadyVer;

Indeed, your statement holds most true. Writing action scenes is most easy, deploying overseas every year for the last many years has provided much inspiration, adding to personal knowledge of such details necessary to enhance the reading. Yet, crossing the line of providing too much detail can be most foul on a good work. Don't want to give a whole droll history lesson.

As per the erotic portions... it all depends. Love... Romance... Lust... Passion... Feeling... Carnal Desires? I would consider myself much of a hopeless romantic. Yet, the significance of throwing so much detail to intensify the significance of true love... I don't know where my train of through is going... but, for me, sex is a special bond. Of course, dirty sex can also be used as a tool to amplify the darkness of despair too. Ironically, even the darkest stuff I write seems lovey dovey.

Overall, I assume it all depends on the kind of scene / atmosphere / setting one is trying to develop.

Of course, a male only uses half their brain when conversing while a female uses both hemispheres of the brain. Thus, it's no surprise that women tend to be most skilled when it comes to expression and communication.

As per the story development... here's a little insight to the many stories that are suppose to merge into one final story (the 5th story). 1st story... civilian to magic world via portal. 2nd story... military guys to magic world via anomaly caused by sand storm. 3rd story... distant future space colonization adventure leading to the creation of the magic world... 4th story... mining project gone wrong... discovery of Atlantis and portal to magic world.

My problem isn't that I don't have enough ideas or inspiration... it's that I have too many. I know where I want to go, but I can't help but become mentally exhausted.

I am humble and accept all criticism without worry or care. The only way for me to improve is to seek both positive and negative criticism, just a glutton for punishment I guess?

This is quite the fun, corresponding like this. Thank you again for your time, sincerity, and insight.

Hopefully, these correspondences will aid in portraying my literary qualities and perk the interest of others.

 

[LadyVer]

Hey Tek,

Your story ideas sound good. I'm not sure about men using half their brains though.

I just finished editing a story and I have a job, so sometimes I can't get back to threads quickly.

Good luck with your writing and finding an editor. Sometimes it takes a while to find an editor, so if you haven't found one yet, be patient.

 

[tekimp]

Dear LadyVer;

It's a good thing to be preoccupied with projects and other activities. Looking at the bright side of things, it means there are many more works being edited; that there are many stories just waiting to be refined, finished, and posted. More for all to read!

All last night I power read through 20 different works. Trying to see what other authors on here have done. It's just so amazing! Such skill and talent! Hopefully, I too can achieve such a level.

It's just difficult to say. Hopefully someone will see this and decide to answer my request to review / edit my work?

No rush though, I still have to get through section 9... building up a conflict and the oncoming battle.