The Isochronism

Edit: Can't believe I got ninja'd. Let's try this again. Can we take a second to acknowledge the irony of this post? I'm just confused about numbers I think. Nothing terribly interesting. 1771

How about Ghosts (how can I move on) by muse, as a theme for Sazed's story in HoA

Did you know that Koalas were a thing? Also Polar Bears are scary, never trust them. I'm scared to go outside sometimes, because outside is where the polar bears are.

Xisisrefliel

If you could change any letter in your real name to an equivalent letter that a different languages uses (changing "o" to "ø" or "ô" or "œ" for example) would you do it? If so, which letter would you change, and to what? Would you alter the pronunciation of your name, or just do it to confuse everybody? Why? (I'll note that you don't have to, and maybe even shouldn't put your real name here if you don't want to.)

What a power move, I believe it! Hahaha Respect+ Have you ever actually had to beat any sorry butts into the dirt?

Preservation

NAMELESS! You threw off our count! Now we're 1 ahead again! 1766 (This double post feels justified. Sorry anyway mods.)

It takes a good eye. (And a good computer screen.) 1766

Oh frick, our number has been thrown off. Let me fix that.

Hahahahahahaahahahhahahhahaha Ha Ha.

Neither have I, but I still have a favorite break up excuse. I like: "My fish died. I need time to mourn alone." I would obviously never use this excuse, but infinite respect if a girl breaks up with me using that line.

1750 Too easy... little did you know, all text is black. Hahahaha---oh that's a tentacle monster I'm---

There are almost as many pages in this thread as there are posts in the "100,000th post wins" thread. Fancy that.

What's your favorite break up excuse?

Sign me up! I have a thing for darkness. 1746

Well actually... False.

For all those who are confused, this is post #1743 You're welcome.

I'm down for this thread to be locked, as long as my post is the last.

There's always a moment of anticipation that precedes something that is anticipated. Sometimes that moment of anticipation is greater than the moment that follows, but in this case your reward will be worth all the wait. You've been waiting for 384 hours (1) which means you have used between 1,280 and 1,600 gallons of water and produced an average of 70 pounds of trash in this period. (2) But deep in the back of your minds, you all have been anticipating my reply to this next question. Finally, that reply is here. That's right. It's the moment you've all been waiting for. So this is a complex and intricate question, which I don't think you simplified justly. Your initial question "what is the greatest feat of fiction ever accomplished by the human mind, etc. etc." is asking a different thing than your second question "What is my favorite book." My favorite book is probably something by Brandon Sanderson, (Way Of Kings, Oathbringer, Rhythm, Yumi and the Nightmare Painter, Steelheart, Skyward, Bands of Mourning etc. etc. etc. the list goes on. (3)) However, I don't know if it would be fair to call any of his books the greatest feat of fiction ever to exist up to this point, even though I'd love to. So instead, I think it would be more fair to look to the most influential literary works ever to exist. I tried to do some research on which books were most influential, and found "The Bible" at the top of every list. (4) Which is fair, but also doesn't seem like a very good answer. So I'm going to say Lord of the Rings for fantasy, Dune for Sci-fi, Pride and Prejudice for Romance, and Sherlock Holmes for Mystery. (I'm only naming four of my favorite genres, there's obviously other genres, and this list obviously is just my opinion. However, the book that had the greatest influence on me as a person has to be Steelheart. Maybe not Brandon Sanderson's best book, but it was what got me into his books, it was what turned me into a novelist, and those domino effects resulted in who I am today. And now some wisdom. @Thaidakar the Ghostblood, it says in your signature that you dabble in writing, and us writers are always wondering what type of writing pays the most by word. So I have some wisdom for you, and all the rest of the writers out there. For years I wasted my time on books, and poems, and all sorts of writing that I expected would pay off, but I only recently discovered the type of writing that pays the very best. Ransom notes. I hope this wise tip saves you some time! Citations: You know the drill, have a good day.

Yeah, I'd say it's nothing more then a first step. You have to learn how to write beginnings, just like you have to learn how to do everything. But I know for a fact it's going to be one long time before I'm good at everything, so I want to focus on the first step. For now. If the first 1000 words is the only good part of your novel, you're still screwed but even if the second 1000 words is AWESOME nobody will get there if you don't hook them in five minutes. Does that make sense?

The most important part of a book is the beginning. I think deep down all writers know that, but even though I know how important the beginning is, as an author I'm rarely willing to do the hard work to make the beginning really click with my audience. At the end of the day, you have about five minutes to get your readers' attention. I thought it'd be really helpful (especially for me, because I suck at beginnings) to do critique swaps of the first five minutes of your novel. (I'll say approximately ~1000 words.) I'm sure you're all busy people, so sometimes you don't have time to read a 100,000 word novel, but we have five minutes I think all the writers in this community could benefit from a place to practice their beginnings, and get advice and constructive criticism. And so I'll offer all of you the five-minute guarantee. I will read the first 1000 words of any novel you send me (through this forum or through DMs of you'd be more comfortable) and if you have five minutes you can do the same for me (although by no means should you feel obligated to, I'm just happy to help out anyone who could use a second opinion. Consider it my gift, for my 150th post, because this community is awesome.) When reading your 1000 words, I'll think about the promises I feel like you're making to me (as the reader) and I'll tell you about the genre vibes I'm getting, so you can see what's intentional and what's unintentional. Here's the deal guys. If you ever want to get published, editors, agents, and publishers never ask for more than the first five pages of your book. It doesn't matter if you're really good at writing endings (like I hope I am) because if your first five pages aren't great they'll never want more. The same goes for readers. So one way or another, writing the beginnings is a skill you'll have to learn. Also this is a great way to discuss how to write a good pitch for your book, what makes a good first line or "hook," what mistakes you should avoid on the first five pages, and things you should always have. So please, if you're interested in sending me something to read, don't hesitate to let me know! If you have any advice for me, a writer who struggles more with beginnings then anything, please let me know! And beyond that, happy writing. Now have a great day.

Thank you for saying that, I had a good time writing it and I'm glad you enjoyed it!