EloquentDragon

Vines killing people doesn't have to be graphic... don't describe in detail. (Maybe they choke them instead?) In fact, why do you have to describe any of this in detail? ...

Some magazines still publish serials... but they are rare and relatively unknown. The interenet is really the standard for short fiction, however, the scope of text offered and available is ...

Just a sudden idea--- rain that's poisonous or toxic in someway would easily kill 200 people. So could a hail storm. Besides that, rain floods. Floods kill. Rain erodes ground. ...

^^^Dittto If you're writing a time piece than research is key, not just for fight scenes but for everything. For example, a guy would probably not be named Von or ...

A slightly redundant question, nevertheless.... Outlining is perhaps one of the most imortant tool an author can utilze. The romantic picture of a 19th century author opening up a blank ...

Okay, first of all, a synopsis is the method of choice mode of plotting for some authors (mostly screenwriters) and works something like this (in a nutshell): 1. Write a ...

Well, *clears throat* My best advice would be to go and research... do you know what physical training--- even light physical training involves? I swim, bike, run, and hike. Trust ...

Why would it detract/distract? It's called a subplot, and romance is usually the most used subplot of all. That being said, go ahead and set up the love triangle between ...

*tsk tsk tsk* Avoid the Narnia trap. That is, don't just copy what other people have used in the past, go for the un-ordinary and the non-cliche. If you must ...

I just pick em' if they sound good. (And are pronounceable, *ahem) Although I do have one or two named for their characteristics, and a few more named for traditional/historical ...

Right. Also note that when starting out writing your story, you needn't write the first chapter first. And don't try to aim for perfection right off the bat either---that's what ...

Yes, personality is key. Why does this guy act the way he does? What is his motivation. Essentially it's the same as writing any other realistic character--- the way to ...

Um....um...um um um um.... (I'm going to give a very short reply here, not sure what you want us to say?) Sounds cool(ish...if you're into that sort of stuff) BUT ...

Or, another good example (using many more than just three characters in 1st POV) is East, a retelling of beauty and the beast.

Hmm, writing in present tense? I've seen it work---but usually only in first person POV. No offense, but it sounds kind of cheesy in third person POV "He runs to ...