Publication Problem

[Photogen]

I have a story that I submitted, and it was rejected for not following paragraph convention by supposedly containing quotes from two different characters in one paragraph. However, after reviewing the story, I confirmed that there weren't any such paragraphs. The confusion probably results from several of my paragraphs containing two quotes from one character, seperated by a description or explanation of some sort. Do I need to change these sections for my story to be approved, or is there another way? This question is also for future reference, because I quote one character multiple times per paragraph quite a bit with my writing, and from what I've seen so do most authors.

Anyway, thanks in advance, anyone that can help

 

[Elianna]

I have a story that I submitted, and it was rejected for not following paragraph convention by supposedly containing quotes from two different characters in one paragraph. However, after reviewing the story, I confirmed that there weren't any such paragraphs. The confusion probably results from several of my paragraphs containing two quotes from one character, seperated by a description or explanation of some sort. Do I need to change these sections for my story to be approved, or is there another way? This question is also for future reference, because I quote one character multiple times per paragraph quite a bit with my writing, and from what I've seen so do most authors.

Anyway, thanks in advance, anyone that can help

I generally do as much space between things as makes sense. This is because it's really hard to read things online... so... yes.

"Quote"

Description.

"Person continues speaking"

That order might work out just fine. Looking back at my stuff, I think it's what I do. "Chunking" your things is really helpful.

 

[cloudy]

Its hard to tell what's going on without seeing it. I'd be willing to take a look at it if you like.

 

[Stella_Omega]

Hi, welcome to AH!

Lit uses some kind of automatic spelling/grammar check thingie. It's a stupid robot and there's no arguing with it.

The authors around here agree that when your kind of problem occurs, the best thing to do is upload your submission in Word. That means someone has to look at it-- who might understand the subtleties of fiction writing better than a bot does.

(I like to write the same way, and I HATE being asked to make each utterance its own paragraph)

 

[MarshAlien]

Drop a PM (not an e-mail) to "Laurel," and explain it to her. If the bot screwed you - sorry, plot bunny popped up there - she'll be able to take care of it.

 

[sr71plt]

There's nothing wrong with having two separate quotes by the same character in the same paragraph. I do it and never have had a rejection for this. If you are sure that's what the problem is, just refile it and state in the comments field that there are no paragraphs with quotes from more than one character that you can see. Chances are good the story will just clear then (in another week).

 

[glynndah]

A welcome for the little newbie from the good little witch.

 

[Photogen]

Thanks you guys
I'll try submitting it with a comment, and then PMing Laurel if that doesn't work. Hopefully my story will be up and ready for some primative reader-on-writing action (I see what you mean with the plot bunny thing, happens all the time with me ) in no time.

 

[Boxlicker101]

Hi, Photogen, and welcome to the AH. I had a story rejected for the same reason, a contest entry yet, and I thought there was nothing wrong with the story when I looked it over again. I made some changes and it was accepted on the second try.

If you have two quotes by the same person, it is perfectly okay, but they should be related to be in the same paragraph. Such as: "Did you bring your umbrella," she asked. Jane went to the window and looked out. "I think it's gonna rain."

On the other hand, if you have a quote by somebody, followed by a fair amount of narration, followed by another quote by the same person, it might get rejected. This would be more a matter of paragraphing than quotes.

 

[Photogen]

Sex, Cars, Dinah.

"Blah blah blah"

Edited ;P

 

[sr71plt]

I only looked this far. But they probably mean, as an example, that this paragraph should have broken between "day." and "I grab." (and they are right). The paragraphing throughout should be split up more than you have done. Paragraphs should be shorter for computer reading than for print--because of the span of the reading area. Dialogue should pretty much be separated from any extensive narration.

“If by pastor’s kid you mean ‘nice ass,’ then I agree.” Steve laughs and nudges me deliberately. “Too bad you have another piece occupying your time at the moment. Looks like it’s time for Steve-O to save the day.” I grab my empty tray and walk off. I didn’t want to talk about Stasy. She was moderately attractive, but seemed more so in contrast to most other girls at this school. We shared a birthday in March, but while she had turned eighteen, I actually turned nineteen, since I was held back in third grade. She was 5’7” with short blonde hair (naturally brown), bronze tan, not skinny, but not really overweight either. She has a nice C-cup that she got done this summer. Her and I usually skip out study period after lunch together, since we’re both Seniors and Mr. Oberlin doesn’t give a fuck, so I go outside to wait for her.


Beyond that (and again, without doing more than glancing at it), you have a whole lot of problems with tense flipflopping in this. That might be fixed before a final submission, if you can.

And, on posting it on the forum. No, this isn't really a good idea to do with rejected stories. In rejecting it, the Web site is saying it doesn't want the story posted on the Web site yet (for whatever reason). When you slap it on the forum, you've posted it on the Web site, despite their rejection. If they see it, there's no reason they'd be pleased you had circumvented their rejection.

 

[Photogen]

Thanks, I'll be sure to change it.