u/Sad_Trash3766

A desolate world. Humans are near extinct after an apocalypse. Nature is reclaiming cities.

You can write a story in whatever genre you want, but the theme for our first writing prompt is post-apocalyptic. Everyone who wants to participate will have two weeks to write and submit their story. The winner gets to create the next writing prompt. Please make sure to add your Reddit username and the date of submission in the top left corner of your story, and post a google link to your story under the "Writing Submission" flair. Have fun!

Okay, so it looks like the majority of people who voted liked the idea of doing a writing challenge. Here are the details. On Sunday, we will come up with a writing prompt and post it. Everyone interested will have 2 weeks to write a short story. Minimum word count will be set at 2k, max will be set at 4k. All rules of the sub will apply to the challenge as well. All submissions must be a Google link. Put your reddit username and date of submission in the top left corner. You may either dm your submission directly to me, or you can post in the sub with the "Writing Submission" flair. After all the stories are submitted 14 days later (midnight EST), we will create a poll and attach links to all the stories on the poll. Everyone who wishes to participate in voting will have 14 days to read the stories and vote on the poll. The winner of the challenge will be able to make the next writing prompt. Thanks everyone!

Some of us were talking about potentially starting up a writing challenge. Basically we would come up with a prompt, give everyone that's interested a short amount of time to write a short story, and then have submissions posted to the subreddit throughout the amount of time. I don't think there would really be any winners or losers, but it could be a fun way to engage with the community, flex our creative muscles, and get some good practice/critique/advice on our writing. So with all that said, would anyone be interested?

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What's your favorite genre to write? Why do you love writing it? Mine is horror/thriller. I enjoy reading/watching both genres, so it ends up being what most of my writing is.

Hey, all. I just want to make sure everyone knows that we have a thread specifically for beta readers, and you can also always post and ask for feedback. If anyone comments asking you for any personal info, including phone number/email, please do NOT give it to them. They are likely a scammer. Thank you.

Hey guys, my ex and I recently broke up, and she told me to never message her. I just finished my novel though, and I think she'd like it. I've been working on it for awhile, and we used to talk about it. It's a dark fantasy romance erotica. She hates me though, so should I do it?

Just curious, what's everyone's thoughts on Purple Prose? Do you try to avoid it? Do you lean into it?

Hey everyone, if you believe someone is using AI, please instead of calling them out in comments, just report it to the moderators. We do not want conflict in the comments. I assure you, we WILL take any reports seriously, and do our due deligence in reviewing it and taking appropriate actions. Also report if you see any malicious behavior, including trolling. Thank you.

Edited to add more info.

Hey all, you've seen me post a few times in here looking for feedback, I'd love some on this as well! This is Chapter One of my book, and I'd love to know what I can do better for a 2nd draft. Thank you!

“Clear out! This is a crime scene, for Christ’s sake.” Detective Hayes ducked under the yellow tape blocking off the dingy motel room, while trying to push bystanders away. The first thing he noticed was the smell; it was similar to the scent of rotting meat, with a slight undertone of spoiled milk. I’ll never forget that smell. 
Hayes took an initial scan of the room. There was blood on the mattress. It trailed across the room to the bathroom, where the victim had been found by the cleaning staff. It was a weird pattern, like the attacker dragged the victim, but he couldn’t keep straight. 
The lamp on the nightstand was knocked over. There was a knife on the floor, but no blood on it. Hayes walked into the bathroom to get a better look at the victim. He had multiple stab wounds, mostly in the chest and abdomen. His heart had been cut out and removed. Blood underneath his fingernails implied that he had fought back. The poor bastard didn’t stand a chance.
“Oh Christ. Who… what could have done this?” Hayes looked to his left, where the sheriff and her deputy stood. The deputy looked physically ill. Must be his first dead body. Hayes looked at his badge; Sawyer. “I’m gonna need a sec–,” Sawyer couldn’t get the rest out, before retching. 
“Ah fuck, not in my crime scene. Find a trash can please.” Sawyer scurried off, clasping both hands over his mouth. 
“Sorry about him, this is his first murder. You must be the new detective. I’m Sheriff Rhodes.” She reached out to shake Hayes’ hand. Hayes stared at her hand dismissively.
“Yeah, I’m stationed in Sandy Cove. I was assigned the case this morning. Due to the circumstances, the brass thought it was necessary.”
Rhodes rolled her eyes. 
“I’m Hayes. Nick Hayes. Why are you at my crime scene?” He was annoyed.
“Well, Nick, I used to do all the detective work before you arrived. Thought maybe you could use a hand,” Rhodes said with a slight smirk. She’s cocky… Too cocky.
“Alright, what do you think happened? Run me through it.” Hayes raised an eyebrow, almost as if he was testing her. He could practically see the gears turning in her head as she thought silently for several seconds. This should be amusing.
“Well, the guy got stabbed. He was found in the bathroom, and he was missing his heart. I think the sick fuck probably wanted to sell it on the black market,” Rhodes said, looking fairly proud of herself. “It looks like the vic didn’t put up much of a fight.”
“Wrong,” Hayes said, looking at the corpse. “A lamp was knocked over, and we can see the blood trail. It’s not straight. From the pattern on the floor, it looks like the victim fought like hell while being dragged to the bathroom.”
“But–”
“And you didn’t inspect the corpse. He has blood under his fingernails, showing he scratched the attacker.” Hayes shook his head, disapprovingly. “You have a lot to learn, this was all stuff I picked up during a basic scan.”
“Hey, I found his wallet.” Sawyer entered, still looking worse for wear. “It was around the back, near some tire tracks.” 
“What are you doing? Your fingerprints are all over it now!” Sawyer hung his head with a defeated look. Sliding on gloves, Hayes took it. He rummaged through the wallet, hoping to find an ID, or anything that could be used to identify the dead man in the bathroom. Nothing.
“Woah… I think I recognize him.” Rhodes was in the bathroom, standing over the corpse. “He’s the pastor; his last name is Smith. Not sure on the first name.”
“I’ll take it from here.” Hayes looked over to Sawyer, who looked completely overwhelmed. “Can you go to the front desk and ask if they have any security cameras?” Sawyer nodded and briskly walked out the door, looking relieved to get a break. “Rhodes, can you bring the housekeeper who found him to your office and start on a report? I’ll give Sawyer a ride back.” 
Rhodes sighed. “Yeah, I’ll get right on that.” She stepped out of the doorway, looking back at Hayes, rolling her eyes. “Good luck, detective.”
Hayes waited until he heard the patrol car leave. He sighed, trying to ignore the pounding in his head. What a goddamn headache. I probably shouldn’t have drank so much last night. 
Hayes took another scan of the motel room, trying to see if he could learn anything else*. There.* He walked to the corner of the room, picking up a piece of black cloth. The material felt like it was from some kind of robe
“Freeze! Police!” Hayes’ attention snapped to the other side of the room.  He rushed to the window. Sawyer was outside, standing across from a stranger. They were cloaked in a black robe, slowly walking towards Sawyer. There was something in their hand; a knife. Sawyer stood his ground, with his pistol drawn. “I said stop!” 
Hayes ran outside, trying to pinpoint where Sawyer was. He ran through the crowd of bystanders and turned behind the motel. There. He saw Sawyer standing in the rear parking lot with the figure walking towards him. 
“I’m warning you, I WILL shoot!” 
No reaction. 
“Please, don’t make me do this!” Sawyer put his finger on the trigger. 
Still, the figure walked closer. 
Sawyer pulled the trigger. The air smelled of gun powder. The suspect fell to the ground, clutching their stomach. The knife clanged as it fell to the concrete. There was a red pool forming around the body. The suspect was dead.

Are you a writer? Are you tired of AI content taking over in writing spaces? We have a Subreddit for you! The Writing Table is a subreddit for fiction novelists to share work, get advice, have discussions with other writers, and get help finding resources for when your novel is ready. As long as you're kind and respectful, and you are able to adhere to our no AI rules, feel free to join!

What are your opinions on this idea? I don't like or subscribe to it, but I'm curious what everyone else thinks.

How do you describe characters without sounding corny? Especially in a genre like horror?

Hey everyone, I just enabled and added flairs! At this time we are not requiring flairs for posts, but we would appreciate it if you'd consider using them, as it will help keep this sub organized. Thank you!

Has anyone ever worked on any screenplays? Or is everyone here a novelist?

Just wondering, do you guys usually try to insert a deeper meaning into your works? Or do you just want to write an entertaining story? I see so many people analyze writing, and I'm worried my writing won't be considered "good" if it doesn't have a deeper meaning, but I just want to create stories that are fun to read.

Just letting everyone know, we have added a rule that was not clearly stated earlier. Along with no using AI, there will also be no discussion of AI in this subreddit. Thank you

Hi guys, me grate at gramer. Can me be best riter?

This book is a mystery thriller about a detective investigating a string of strange murders in a small town. Looking for any feedback, but especially feedback on pacing/flow. Thank you!

“Clear out! This is a crime scene, for Christ’s sake.” Detective Hayes ducked under the yellow tape blocking off the dingy motel room, while trying to push bystanders away. The first thing he noticed was the smell; it was similar to the scent of rotting meat, with a slight undertone of spoiled milk. I’ll never forget that smell. 
Hayes took an initial scan of the room. There was blood on the mattress. It trailed across the room to the bathroom, where the victim had been found by the cleaning staff. It was a weird pattern, like the attacker dragged the victim, but he couldn’t keep straight. 
The lamp on the nightstand was knocked over. There was a knife on the floor, but no blood on it. Hayes walked into the bathroom to get a better look at the victim. He had multiple stab wounds, mostly in the chest and abdomen. His heart had been cut out and removed. There was blood underneath his fingernails. It appeared that he fought back. The poor bastard didn’t stand a chance.
“Oh Christ. Who… what could have done this?” Hayes looked to his left, where the sheriff and her deputy stood. The deputy looked physically ill. Must be his first dead body. Hayes looked at his badge; Sawyer. “I’m gonna need a sec–,” Sawyer couldn’t get the rest out, before retching. 
“Ah fuck, not in my crime scene. Find a trash can; please.” Sawyer scurried off, clasping both hands over his mouth. 
“Sorry about him, this is his first murder. You must be the new detective. I’m Sheriff Rhodes.” The sheriff reached out to shake Hayes’ hand. Hayes stared at her hand dismissively.
“Yeah, I’m stationed in the next town over. I was assigned the case yesterday. Due to the circumstances, the brass thought it was necessary.”
Rhodes rolled her eyes. 
“I’m Hayes. Nick Hayes. Why are you at my crime scene?” Hayes was annoyed.
“Well, Nick, I used to do all the detective work before you arrived. Thought maybe you could use a hand,” Rhodes said with a slight smirk. She’s cocky… Too cocky.
“Alright, what do you think happened? Run me through it.” Hayes raised an eyebrow, almost as if he was testing her. He could almost see the gears turning in her head as she thought silently for several seconds. This should be amusing.
“Well, the guy got stabbed. He was found in the bathroom, and he was missing his heart. I think the sick fuck probably wanted to sell it on the black market,” Rhodes said, looking fairly proud of herself. “It looks like the vic didn’t put up much of a fight.”
“Wrong,” Hayes said, looking at the corpse. “A lamp was knocked over, and we can see the blood trail. It’s not straight. From the pattern on the floor, it looks like the victim fought like hell while being dragged to the bathroom.”
“But–”
“And you didn’t even inspect the corpse. He has blood under his fingernails, showing he scratched the attacker.” Hayes shook his head, disapprovingly. “You have a lot to learn, this was all stuff I picked up during a basic scan.”
“Hey, I found his wallet.” Sawyer entered, still looking worse for wear. “It was around the back, near some tire tracks.” He gave it to detective Hayes. Hayes rummaged through the wallet, hoping to find an ID or something that could be used to identify the dead man in the bathroom. Nothing.
“Woah… I think I recognize him.” Rhodes was in the bathroom, standing over the corpse. “He’s the Deacon; his last name is Smith. Not sure on the first name.”
“I’ll take it from here.” Hayes looked over to Sawyer, who looked completely overwhelmed. “Can you go to the front desk and ask if they have any security cameras?” Sawyer nodded and briskly walked out the door, looking relieved to get a break. “Rhodes, can you go back to the sheriff’s office and start on a report? I’ll give Sawyer a ride back.” 
Rhodes sighed. “Yeah, I’ll get right on that.” She stepped out of the doorway, looking back at Hayes, rolling her eyes. “Good luck, detective.”
Hayes waited until he heard the patrol car leave. He sighed and rubbed his temples. What a goddamn headache. I shouldn’t have drank so much last night. 
Hayes took another scan of the motel room, trying to see if he could learn anything else*. There's something there.* He walked to the corner of the room, picking up a piece of black cloth. Looks like it belongs to a robe of some kind.
“Freeze! Police!” Hayes’ attention snapped to the window. What’s happening? Nick rushed to the window. Sawyer was outside, standing about two hundred feet from a stranger. They were cloaked in a black robe; they were slowly walking towards Sawyer, holding a butcher’s knife. Sawyer stood his ground, with his pistol drawn. “I said stop!” 
Hayes ran outside, trying to pinpoint where Sawyer was. He ran through the crowd of bystanders and turned behind the motel. There. He saw Sawyer standing in the parking lot behind the motel, and the figure walking towards him. 
“I’m warning you, I WILL shoot!” 
No reaction, the figure was still walking towards him.  
“Please, don’t make me do this!” Sawyer put his finger on the trigger. 
Still, the figure walked closer. 
Sawyer pulled the trigger. The air smelled of gun powder. The suspect fell to the ground, clutching their stomach. The knife clanged as it fell to the concrete. There was a red pool forming around the body. The suspect was dead.

Hi, everyone. I posted yesterday but noticed some typos and issues that I meant to fix before posting, so I took it down and an reposting today. I'm hoping for some opinions on the first couple pages of a book I just recently started. It's about a detective investigating a string of strange murders in a small, quiet town. I'm very excited about this idea, and am looking for feedback to make it the best I can. Thank you!

CHAPTER ONE
“Clear out! This is a crime scene, for Christ’s sake.” Detective Hayes ducked under the yellow tape blocking off the dingy motel room, while trying to push reporters away. The first thing he noticed was the smell; it was similar to the scent of rotting meat, with a slight undertone of spoiled milk. Hayes looked around the scene to try and piece everything together. 
There was blood on the mattress. It trailed across the room to the bathroom, where the victim had been found by the cleaning staff. It was a weird pattern, like the attacker dragged the victim, but he kept getting derailed. 
The lamp on the nightstand was knocked over. There was a knife on the floor, but no blood on it. Hayes walked into the bathroom to get a better look at the victim. He had multiple stab wounds, mostly in the chest and abdomen. His heart had been cut out and removed. There was blood underneath his fingernails. It appeared that he fought back. Unfortunately the poor bastard didn’t stand a chance.
“Oh Christ. Who… what could have done this?” Hayes looked to his left, where the sheriff and her deputy stood. The deputy looked physically ill. Must be his first dead body. Hayes looked at his badge; Sawyer. “I’m gonna need a sec–,” Sawyer couldn’t get the rest out, before retching. 
“Ah fuck, not in my crime scene. Find a trash can; please.” Sawyer scurried off, clasping both hands over his mouth. 
“Sorry about him, this is his first murder. You must be the new detective. I’m Sheriff Rhodes.” The sheriff reached out to shake Hayes’ hand, but he refused.
“I’m Hayes. Nick Hayes. Don’t mean to be rude, but I’m already wearing gloves,” he said. “Why are you in my crime scene?” Hayes was annoyed.
“Well, Nick, I used to do all the detective work before you arrived. Thought maybe you could use a hand,” Rhodes said with a slight smirk. She seemed cocky… Too cocky.
“Alright, what do you think happened? Run me through it.” Hayes raised an eyebrow, almost as if he was testing her. He could almost see the gears turning in her head as she thought silently for several minutes.
“Well, the guy got stabbed. He was found in the bathroom, and he was missing his heart. I think the sick fuck probably wanted to sell it on the black market,” Rhodes said, looking fairly proud of herself. “It looks like the vic didn’t put up much of a fight.”
“Wrong,” Hayes said, looking at the corpse. “A lamp was knocked over, and we can see the blood trail. It’s not straight. From the pattern on the floor, it looks like the victim fought like hell while being dragged to the bathroom.”
“But–”
“And you didn’t even inspect the corpse. He has blood under his fingernails, showing he scratched the attacker.” Hayes shook his head, disapprovingly. “You have a lot to learn, this was all stuff I noticed during a basic scan.”
“Hey, I found his wallet.” Sawyer entered, still looking worse for wear. “It was around the back, near some tire tracks.” He gave it to detective Hayes.

Okay, so I want to start a podcast where I talk about scary movies. Basically the idea is I'll watch a movie, take notes, do some research on it, then do about a thirty minute to an hour long episode talking about the movie. Basically I'll talk about what I liked, what I didn't like, the themes, etc. My question is, I'm not an expert, but does that matter? Like I have no reason for people to even really care about my opinion, but I just think it would be awesome to have a community of listeners to talk about something I really enjoy.