The -ing form of verbs (like "sitting") is a present participle but it is not necessarily in present tense; rather, it indicates that this action...
The spiderweb/ivy seemed to me a better comparison and a better image, which was the reason for my preference. Either way, the problem for me is...
Grammatically it's fine. Kind of mixing your metaphors, though. I'd drop the "stranglehold" thing.
Might help if the damsel somehow contributes to her own rescue--like the knight charges into the high tower after her, but the whole rescue thing...
I've been worrying about a similar issue in my novel. It's not exactly the same scene being retold - I don't want to repeat myself - but more a...
I think the second version would be better for a couple of reasons. First, clearly it's more interesting to you, so you'll write it better....
You're asking if you can show traits through the characters' possessions, activities, etc.? Sure. Also clothing, body language, the way they...
Sometimes I edit. Usually I work on things for my dayjob that I would be neglecting if I were writing. I write because I want to. If the feeling...
I think Cormac McCarthy is a good example of an author that clearly has a great vocabulary, but most of the time keeps his word choice simple. On...
I wrote a thing for Nanowrimo once which was 40K at the end, but I dunno if I count it as a novel. Currently I'm about 2/3 through a first draft...
I'm all for simple language, but sometimes the big word is the right word. I'm not talking about "purple prose" or trying to impress people, I'm...
You might try watching the X-files, probably seasons 5 or 6. That show played a lot with the MCs' suppressed attractions to each other, at times...
What about money? I can imagine a young, broke musician deciding his dreams of being a professional are just fantasies that he needs to outgrow....
Often I just make up a place-holder name and use it until either something else comes to me, or I've gotten so used to the place-holder that it...
If it's a novel, you need conflict. Maybe you should try creating a second character that argues against your MC. Might be an interesting mental...
Separate names with a comma.
