Your work is too short! (The Writers Guild of Free Republic)

By Free Republic | Created at 2024-11-17 12:57:33 | Updated at 2024-11-17 15:51:41 3 hours ago
Truth

Skip to comments.

Your work is too short! (The Writers Guild of Free Republic)
Original Content | 11/17/2024 | By Laz A. Mataz

Posted on 11/17/2024 4:50:52 AM PST by Lazamataz

I've returned to writing my novel, tentatively titled "Dimensions of Essence". I've gotten somewhat deep into the first act, and I find that my word count is surprisingly low. I tend to be extremely concise. I need to do the opposite of what many authors do... instead of ruthless editing, I need to be more wordy.

I asked ChatGPT what the size of the typical sci-fi novel is, and it replied:

Science fiction novels typically range between 90,000 and 120,000 words. This length allows for the extensive world-building and complex narratives characteristic of the genre. However, some sci-fi novels can be shorter or longer, depending on the story's requirements and the author's style.I'm only at ten percent of the low-end sci-fi novel, so I asked it for suggestions on increasing word-count, and it offered this. To expand your story into a full-length novel, consider the following strategies:
  • Deepen Character Development: Explore your characters' backgrounds, motivations, and growth arcs to add depth and length to your narrative.
  • Enhance World-Building: Provide detailed descriptions of your story's setting, societal structures, and technological aspects to immerse readers fully.
  • Introduce Subplots: Weave in secondary storylines that complement the main plot, enriching the overall narrative and increasing word count.
  • Expand Key Scenes: Elaborate on pivotal moments, adding descriptive detail and emotional depth to engage readers more thoroughly.
  • Incorporate Conflict and Challenges: Introduce additional obstacles or conflicts that your characters must navigate, adding complexity and length to the story.
By implementing these techniques, you can develop your manuscript into a more substantial work that meets the typical length expectations for a science fiction novel.
I offer these points to all my writer friends, that you may profit from them in your efforts.

TOPICS: Books/Literature; Weird Stuff
KEYWORDS:

Dear FRiends, Please use this temporary link to donate by credit card via Authorize.Net:

Or click here to donate by PayPal

Or by mail to: Free Republic, LLC - PO Box 9771 - Fresno, CA 93794

Hopefully, we'll have our normal CC system up and running again soon. Thank you very much for your loyal support!

1 posted on 11/17/2024 4:50:52 AM PST by Lazamataz


To: piytar; LambSlave; StAntKnee; HYPOCRACY; EEGator; Big Red Badger; Army Air Corps; Chickensoup; ...

The Writers Guild of Free Republic ping list

2 posted on 11/17/2024 4:52:20 AM PST by Lazamataz (The BEST birthday present I ever got WAS DONALD TRUMP WINNING IN 2024!!!)


To: Lazamataz

AI is only as good as the human behind it. I can always tell when someone is written by AI—it sounds wooden and dead. Write your own book.


3 posted on 11/17/2024 4:52:33 AM PST by yldstrk


To: yldstrk

Oh, I am definitely NOT using AI for the actual writing. Like you, I find AI is simply uncreative, flat, and forced. I originally had some fear of AI. No more.

I am, however, using it for suggestions on how to improve my writing. It seems to work fairly well in that regard.


4 posted on 11/17/2024 4:54:14 AM PST by Lazamataz (The BEST birthday present I ever got WAS DONALD TRUMP WINNING IN 2024!!!)

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson

Read Entire Article