Recent content by Jay King

There are conventions in literature, not rules for writing it. There are many conventions that speculative fiction defy, so I don't critique it, and I don't read it. Most criticism is usually highly subjective. Though I haven't critiqued any stories in this forum, in other forums I let it be...

I am looking for guidelines for the length of critiques. What is the minimum length for acceptable critiques? Sometimes the best advice is short and to the point without going into detail.

It's a true story.

Someone suggested that it is contemporary literary. I can't say that I avoid any genre. I just try to keep my characters, characterization, and plot within the realm of possibility. I try to deal with mostly universal themes, characters, and problems most people have seen or can understand.

Yes, I believe you are right.

What you are talking about are archetypes: An archetype is a universally understood symbol, concept, or pattern of behavior that serves as a model or prototype upon which others are copied or emulated. More information about archetypes can be found here.

I tend to write about characters who seem to be ordinary people. When the truth about the character is revealed, so is the plot. That's sort of how life is. Everyone is different. Everyone has secrets. The arc of the plot follows the revelation of character.

I haven't read your story, but an interesting Taoist title might be "The Uncarved Block".

I don't think my work fits into any genre category. I write about people and mostly universal experiences.

When I am blocked, it is usually because there are things that I must do, should do right now or in the very near future. Sometimes it's something as mundane as getting the the oil changed in the car, getting the lawn mowed, and washing the vinyl siding--- all demanding to be done soon. I can't...

Time spent productively.

Something that I have been aware of for awhile is that most of my stories are about a woman or are narrated by a woman. It may be because it is easier for me to convey emotion and personality through the eyes of a woman. The men in my stories tend to be a little emotionally slow and less...

I'm just looking for now, judging functionality and personality of the forum. Cheers, Jay