all things fiction

/allthingsfiction52

The place for fiction of all kinds. Novels, series, short stories, audio dramas, movies, you name it. If you're writing, producing, reading, watching, or listening to it, we want to hear about it!

Oops, forgot to cast this in the channel.
It's time for the inaugural Fiction Wrapped here on /allthingsfiction! 🥳

What does that mean?

You're going to tell us about your year in fiction.

- Favourite thing you read and why + link
- Favourite thing you watched....
- Favourite thing you listened to...
- Any honourable mentions

Quote this cast so everyone can see your answer!
Need to put my money where my mouth is:

- Regime change isn't easy, Harold.

- It is until a lowly plumber decides to play mercenary.

- You know I'm not really a plumber.

- You unclog shit for a living. What other name is there? Come to think of it, you did the exact opposite this time. But that's beside the point. Now I have the prime minister screaming at me wondering why on earth the dictator is still in his palace and your face is plastered across every screen from here to Cape Town.

- Are you done?

- Patronize me at your peril, I swear.

- I wouldn't think of it.

- Then for all that's good and holy, what the hell did you think you were doing?

- They're dirty, Harold.

- Who?

- The team you sent in. They planned to take the country for themselves.

- But that's the bloody point, isn't it! We can't have these countries running themselves of their own free will. How do you think we built this country? Hard work? Ha!
The Saga

Dulingurel bounced along the rutted country road, even the fine wheels of her new carriage - her husbands carriage - not capable of smoothing the ride. She smoothed her skirts around her for the tenth time, the smile that dawns on her face both nervous and full of too much joy to contain.

She was married, now. Her mother and small sister would be okay, now. This was her father’s final gift to them all, this arranged marriage.

And Hughelor was lovely. Talk and handsome, with a ready smile and happy to hear her thoughts, to share books and walks. The house, the wealth…she was the most fortunate girl in the world.

The carriage finally pulled up in front of the grand house, her new maid and gardener waiting to welcome their mistress as the houseman helped her out and began to bring in her trunks.

Yes, she was the most fortunate girl in the world.
"...it actually inspires the hell out of me. It eliminates procrastination."

https://sive.rs/f3
Strong submission to the weekend writing prompt!

@feeei @markmcclure.eth @dauleah @christin Care for a submission of your own?
I began working on my book, *Death Is a Bully*, this week, and it's evolving into a thrilling exploration of tragedy in Raina Solomon's life. I'm still crafting the prologue, which sets a tense atmosphere.

The prologue immerses readers in a dark world filled with secrets as Raina confronts the ominous presence of Death. It promises a journey into deep fears.

I’d love your thoughts on:

1. Is the setting and tone engaging?
2. Are the descriptions vivid yet not overwhelming?
3. Any suggestions to enhance intrigue?

Also, how do you create captivating opening scenes? What fuels your creativity in building an enthralling atmosphere? Let’s share some inspiration!
How about a weekend writing prompt?

Respond as a character of your choice to this (and continue the dialogue, if you wish):

"You know what this looks like, right? No? Well, let me tell you what it looks like. A dumpster fire. How did you even get yourself into this?"
Anyone else looking forward to Black Doves in Netflix?

https://www.netflix.com/ro-en/title/81682935

I find the British to be so much better at the espionage genre than anyone else.

Slow Horses on Apple TV is also really good. The novels are excellent as well!
Hello everyone!

It is my first time posting here, and I am thrilled to say that I am starting a dark psychology thriller called DEATH IS A BULLY.

This project has been a labor of love, and I’m on the lookout for passionate collaborators who might want to join me on this journey. I would love to speak with you if you are interested in delving into the depths of the human psyche and crafting an engrossing story!
Japanese "comfort" fiction on 🔥

"Known in the industry as “healing” or “heartwarming” fiction, comfort books often go unreviewed in the press but represent more than half of the bestselling Japanese fiction titles this year. There are recurring motifs: coffee shops (Toshikazu Kawaguchi’s Before the Coffee Gets Cold); bookstores and libraries (Michiko Aoyama’s What You Are Looking for Is in the Library); and, most of all, cats (Makato Shinkai’s She and Her Cat)."

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2024/nov/23/japanese-fiction-britain-translation
Starting House of Cards the novel today.

What are you reading, watching, listening to?
Just finished The Children of Men.

After you get through Theo's journal entries at the beginning, the story really flows. Also liked the pre-apocalyptic ambience. It just felt dark and moody, hinting at an undesirable future.

Some other thoughts:

1. I remember the movie going in a completely different direction at one point. Need to re-watch to confirm that.

2. If #1 is in fact correct, I've always wondered how it feels as an author to see your story changed significantly to fit a different medium or target audience. The money surely helps, but it must sting a bit?

3. This makes me realize how important premise and character arcs are for film/series adaptation.

Thanks again for the rec, @tokenizedhuman!
Did anyone feel that Diplomat S2 was The West Wing, Homeland, and a spy thriller all at once??
Is anyone looking forward to season 2 of Squid Game?
I think this weekend is the time to crack open that Joyce Carol Oates ❤️

it's called Sourland and I think I'll be a better person when I'm done reading, also a better writer and storyteller :)
Anyone watching The Diplomat on Netflix?

Enjoyed season 1, really enjoying season 2 (about halfway through).
Microfiction by @markmcclure.eth. A great way to experiment with ideas and techniques!
Are 6-10 episode series the ideal visual storytelling device?

There's ample time to build character, have multiple plot twists, and have mini arcs within episodes.

I've more or less stopped watching new movies, except on airplanes. There's only so much you can do in 90 mins. I often find myself saying, "That would've been so much better as a series."
First day of NaNoWriMo! What are you writing?

I’m dedicated to finishing a rough draft of my fantasy book Everyone and No one, featuring Sunny.

Not to mention the audio drama that’s taking shape!
This was supposed to be here.
Thought you might like to see this in here @kentb