RJB-BTS

Oh my gosh, my story was picked in the 10 fanfic by WattsPad - I know it was because you were such a great beta reader and editor 
          
          Thank you - thank you - thank you
          
          I still can’t believe my little story was picked as one of the 10 

RJB-BTS

Writers always need good editing and people to bounce off of - that is what helps writers get from head to paper to reader - I might hate the time it takes to edit but that editing makes a huge difference 
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Mila_SK

@RJB-BTS you're way too kind. I'm glad I could help (if I did in any way), but I cant take any credit for your amazing storytelling and great writing. I also had the best time reading your story, so if you ever need beta reader again, you can count on me always. :)
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RJB-BTS

one always needs a good editor and someone to bounce ideas off of - with out the right person the story does not flow for readers - it is small things like changing the word to chit-chat that can make a difference in the feel of the story 
            
            and since the whole story is in an authors head, they often do not see when something does not make sense or they are missing an element - so no a good story needs beta readers and editors
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RJB-BTS

Well, I got it in with 30 minutes to spare. I was at about 18,900 words. I ran out of time, so I did not get to write an epilogue, but I left it as a cliffhanger (the best I could do).
          
          I was able to add pics (which I know aren't supposed to count, but I think they help focus attention). 
          
          I reworked 15 and made it into 2 chapters today. Rearranged a few things and added some detail. I need another day, oh well. 
          
          As I said, I do not expect to win, but it was a good exercise, and I really appreciate your very insightful input.

RJB-BTS

It is always nice to talk to a fellow author 
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Mila_SK

@RJB-BTS, I know we don't know each other, but I'm very proud of you!!!<3 you challenged yourself, and the result is great! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. :)
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RJB-BTS

I added chapters to the competition story - I still need a name for the book (suggestions welcomed) - I think I have to finish it this weekend

Mila_SK

@RJB-BTS, sorry, I didn't see your first message at all. :( but you're welcome... I enjoyed reading your story, it's well written, and I honestly think you have a good chance of winning... it's literally my favorite part that while everyone underestimated Jimin as just pretty face, it turned out to be his most lethal weapon :) You also did very well on the word count, it's very well paced, and you can be very proud. Limiting yourself on length of a piece can be very challenging, but you did a great job. I truly hope others will see your talent <3
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RJB-BTS

I wanted to thank you so much for your assistance with the fan competition book. I saw a few critical things I did not see as an author (why having a reader is always helpful). As authors, we hear things in our heads one way; we know the backstories we created, but our readers do not. 
            
            I still need to get that last chapter done today (June 30th) and submit.  I do not think I will win, but I feel better about this being a decent showing. The challenge of keeping it to 20k was good for me, as I tend to be wordy.
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RJB-BTS

Thank you for going back and clicking the stars for the chapters in my book - I really thank you so much - the stars are like little hits of dopamine for me  -  my reward, you might say - this is just a hobby for me

RJB-BTS

Let me point out that is my method. However, you need to see what you start with first in your head.  Maybe you have emotion of the scene but not the action.  Write what you see (yes see) in your head first, then go back and ad. 
            
            Now some people, not me, can do it all at once.  I need to layer. 
            
            I also found a basic outline of the goal of each chapter helps, and simple outline. So, for the fan fic story I have a basic outline of the story - I had 22 scene at first, simple one or two lines. However, knew that had to be cut, now down to 18. The outline since tells me what the scene should tell the reader, who is in it, and how it moves the story forward. 
            
            I find it helps a great deal to keep me on track.  I use to wonder in my chapters and then see the characters had not accomplished anything - it was an empty chapter.
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Mila_SK

@RJB-BTS wow, thank you so much for taking time and writing these out! This really helps! I'll definitely try to implement these to my next chapters!
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RJB-BTS

I had a writing professor friend who helped me get over my fear and tips on improvement as I tended to be very factual in writing (he went there and then she did this) 
            
            What she recommended is that I still do that first because it is how I think - I see the scene in my head and want to get down the action and movement (I have little drawing of the dorm layout I often use) - then she said sit with it for a day once I am comfortable - now emotionally act it out in your head what is going on -  answer the WHY questions first - example: Jimin looks at the counter (Why, what does the counter offer or why did he not continue to look at Yoongi)  
            
            Once I have that answered, then what emotion is surfacing or being felt (let say that Jimin is embarrassed) - now add the detail of the physical body reaction to that so the reader know - (Jimin looks away with downcast eyes, he embarrassed to say he is totally clueless because he should have known). 
            
            Do not give up on your story but see what you feel it lacks - the timeline - the action - the emotions - the physical 
            
            I have not read your story yet, but there is also a need to build each character to have some separate aspects about them (My Namjoon tends not to use contractions and he curses with the F word - where as Jimin uses lots of slang and contractions - Jin uses humor in a serious way like calling Yoongi an idiot all the time)
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