I've been quite focused on writing and revising my first chapter. I joined the Novel Beginnings challenge in ProWritingAid and have close to 5000 words which is the limit in the challenge. I have received two rounds of critiques on Scribophile and done two AI critiques on ProWritingAid. I did some revisions to make the first scene keep moving and to show more about the characters. I just finished another revision in which I worked on establishing the omnicient POV sooner and added a scene with the antagonist. I also added some writing to show the protagonist having a more gradual change of state and develop the minor characters more through unique dialogue. I plan on also revising a bit to give the protagonist more agency as she is passively following along a lot as her allies educate her about her new environment. I thought I would need to include the first and second chapters to have the 5000 words, but as I revise, I'm adding more words and it might just be the first chapter. The biggest win is that I am enjoying the revising process. I previously dreaded it when I wrote mostly poetry and it would flow out with the feelings of the moment. I saw no need for major revisions once the moment passed. But now, writing a novel and learning about all the aspects of building the structure and flow, it's more like a sculpture or painting I can return to and add layers of the story. One question I have is about creating unique ways of speaking for the different characters in the dialogue to show more of their personalities. Any siggestions for techniques or exercises to do for this would be much appreciated.

I’ve seen writers rewrite the same book three or four times and still feel stuck. At some point, rewriting stops helping. That’s usually the moment when the problem isn’t the writing itself, but the direction of the story. You can polish sentences forever and still miss the core issue. Sometimes clarity beats craft. Has rewriting ever made you feel more confused instead of clearer?

Time once again to welcome some new people to the group in an official capacity! Obviously a good chunk of y'all have been active already, but still, everyone gets one. Without further ado, please welcome... @Eliud Kimathi, academic-focused nurse practitioner interested in sharpening healthcare essays and professional research projects. @Valerie Bachinsky, health educator and RN building a daily creative habit around health, risk reduction, and real-life stories. @Leala Vincent, aspiring poet and toddler mom sharing pieces about love, change, and everyday moments. @L. Roberts Dale, self-publishing author and YouTube host here to help storytellers shape and launch their books. @Ben Olivia, professional editor focused on Christian books, clarity, structure, and strong storytelling from draft to finished manuscript. @Silvia Martins, human rights researcher shaping a memoir at the intersection of justice, accountability, and environmental stories. @Vera Sephora, romance fiction specialist helping turn almost-ready love stories into polished, publish-ready books and audiobooks. @Jenna Kelly, homeschool mom of five and book lover shaping a novel from dream sketch to finished story. @Esmond Thea, paranormal romance author and creator blending supernatural themes with online business and affiliate-world experience. @Oliver Haddington, fiction-focused creator here to level up craft, confidence, and overall storytelling skills. @Kim Wilson, who's just browsing for the moment but came here courtesy of @Kirsten Ivatts. I make these posts so everyone has a guaranteed way to get introduced to people and have an easy first connection point. If someone here sounds like your kind of person, say hi on their posts or pull them into a thread.

Got kinda swamped this week so this is a day late, but I'm persisting regardless! Please greet our new members (obviously some of you have been active already, but everyone gets one anyway): @Kexxie Wolf, lone wolf teacher sharing human, AI free life stories with comedy and drama. @Kaysea Eckel, language lover fascinated by linguistics and exploring new ideas on the page. @Elizabeth Molloy, starting a blog and experimenting with personal stories alongside digital marketing life. @Todd Crawford, working on a collection of short stories and poetry between fishing adventures. @Juan Montero, exploring poetry and learning to shape feelings into simple, honest lines. @Matilda Morril, experimenting with different forms and treating life like an open book. @Aliscia Reed, sharing faith filled poetry and learning how her words connect with people. @Crystal Kroupa, exploring stories of perseverance and reminding us every chapter can still change. @Nur Uddin Mahmud Tareq, content creator honing professional articles and leveling up a growing creative career. @Clare Naden, Kiwi in France who covers tech and science by day and tackles a first novel. @Francesco Dj, exploring academic projects and curious about how AI shapes stories and language. @Erica Jong, a novelist still exploring desire, freedom, identity, and women’s inner lives on the page. @Antoinette Bullard, poet and sensitive artist bringing raw, personal pieces to the circle. @Abagail Dietiker, brewing a zombie novel alongside herbs, healing, and homestead life. @Cyndi Maureen, author here to share stories and see where the next project leads.

Hola chicas and chicos, This is Ananth from India. I am an AI Automation guy, I have been building stuff for almost 2 years now. I just finished making a tool that helps the user to increase their vocab, get better at the langauge and helps them become fluent. Just on the lookout to get some feedbacks on it before it goes live. Looking forward for some love and support. Peace - Ananth