OctaviaLocke

With ONC round two open, here's a question: Would anyone participating in the ONC be interested in doing a beta read swap? Ideally, I would like to beta read another ONC completed work, but I'm open to doing partially completed stories. I'm looking for an in-depth critique that can help me in the revision stage and would gladly return the favor for someone else seeking the same. PM me if you'd be interested and we can discuss the details. : )
          	
          	Octavia

OctaviaLocke

@DomiSotto Pacing mostly (especially in the back half), any inconsistencies in the narrative, phrases/sentences that break immersion/cause confusion, etc. Also, if the narration, as told in some chapters by a waaaaay younger protagonist and then, in others again by that same protagonist but thousands of years later, reads as distinct.
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DomiSotto

@OctaviaLocke definitely any confusing passages and any shifts in tonality/mood that take you out of the flow/breaks immersion. I am happy with the overall plot, but would like to eventually smooth it up. What would you like me to focus on?
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OctaviaLocke

@DomiSotto That actually works perfectly! I'll get started on your story this weekend then so that when Dragon's Dogma 2 drops, I'll have freed up some time to play it. :) Is there anything you are looking for specifically in terms of your story? Or just general first impressions, thoughts on pacing, dialogue, characters, where (and if) something gets a little confusing, etc?
• Reply

OctaviaLocke

With ONC round two open, here's a question: Would anyone participating in the ONC be interested in doing a beta read swap? Ideally, I would like to beta read another ONC completed work, but I'm open to doing partially completed stories. I'm looking for an in-depth critique that can help me in the revision stage and would gladly return the favor for someone else seeking the same. PM me if you'd be interested and we can discuss the details. : )
          
          Octavia

OctaviaLocke

@DomiSotto Pacing mostly (especially in the back half), any inconsistencies in the narrative, phrases/sentences that break immersion/cause confusion, etc. Also, if the narration, as told in some chapters by a waaaaay younger protagonist and then, in others again by that same protagonist but thousands of years later, reads as distinct.
• Reply

DomiSotto

@OctaviaLocke definitely any confusing passages and any shifts in tonality/mood that take you out of the flow/breaks immersion. I am happy with the overall plot, but would like to eventually smooth it up. What would you like me to focus on?
• Reply

OctaviaLocke

@DomiSotto That actually works perfectly! I'll get started on your story this weekend then so that when Dragon's Dogma 2 drops, I'll have freed up some time to play it. :) Is there anything you are looking for specifically in terms of your story? Or just general first impressions, thoughts on pacing, dialogue, characters, where (and if) something gets a little confusing, etc?
• Reply

OctaviaLocke

In the Pursuit of Death is FINISHED!!! ONC destroyed! Over 20,000 words written in a month and I'm not hating the end result. If you were waiting to read more of Eris's story, now's the time to do so! Binge it if you want! I'm going to relax, play a little otome, catch up on other ONC entries and then begin the editing process. :)

jusdubs

@OctaviaLocke yes that is exactly what I'm doing! I've been doing a bit of writing but not much, instead focusing on reading. I do have about 11,000 words though for the novella although the changes may alter that. That is a good idea, though! I might work on something that doesn't have a deadline attached to it too. That might help! Thank you :D
            
            I've come to the realization that I do need to do some actual planning for some of my stories, and I think that's what's stopping me (I'm a pantser through and through xD). And from what I've read of your story, your process helped make a wonderful story!!
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OctaviaLocke

@jusdubs Thank you! :) And yeah, take a step back from your story, take a step back from writing, writing something else, and maybe in doing so, you'll inspire a new direction for your story. For me, while writing In the Pursuit of Death, I came close to stalling while writing one of the chapters because my instinct was to start that chapter with sentence fragments (because I wanted both the language and imagery to come across quite jarring and a little discombobulating for readers) and I was like I can't do that. So I wrote, several different beginnings and nothing felt right until I went back and wrote it the way I initially envisioned it. And sure, it might not work well, and I could end up changing it in the future but it definitely helped me overcome that hurdle and continue on. So I'm sure you'll figure it out. You've got plenty of time, and it's such a great story as is. I hope you can make it be what you envision it being! :) <33
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OctaviaLocke

@DomiSotto Thank you!!
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OctaviaLocke

Whelp, In The Pursuit of Death reached over 200 reads, already! Just want to give a big thank you to everyone who's reading this very raw first draft and is giving it their love and support! Being a part of ONC this year has definitely helped me with my writing. The struggle is still there, the imposter syndrome is real, and I have to fight with myself not to hate every word I write down, but I am remembering how fun it can be plotting out a new story, writing new characters, and letting yourself enjoy what you write and not worry about editing and revising.  I'm remembering how nice it is just getting something down, and how exciting it is when I stumble across a sentence that I think is good, like make-it-to-the-final-product good. 
          
          ONC is great. There are a TON of great, creative entries this year. A lot of great writers participating. And hands down, the ONC community is THE BEST. <3333
          
          Oh, by the way, just posted another chapter of ITPOD (yes, already too lazy to type out the whole title):
          
          https://www.wattpad.com/1422672535-in-the-pursuit-of-death-onc-2024-4-the-hunt
          
          Much love, 
          
          Octavia

jusdubs

I see you, posting your ONC story ;P... welcome back!!!! :D I'm thrilled to see you're back and participating in the contest!!! ❤️

jusdubs

@OctaviaLocke yes indeed it is!! I hope the contest will help you out with that :D I'm looking forward to diving back into your stories!
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OctaviaLocke

@jusdubs Yeah, we're going to try this out and see how it goes. I'm hopeful I'll be able to find my footing and that writing will come easier, like it used to. ONC seems like the perfect opportunity for that. :)
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