Ask the BellHunters

Hello, I'm Dawn Hunter-Bellwether...er, formerly Dawn Bellwether if you didn't recognize the added surname. And before you ask, yes 'that' Dawn Bellwether. Ex-Assistant Mayor, Ex-Mayor, Ex-Criminal Mastermind (Reformed thank you very much), City Savior, Controversial Author, and Predator/Prey relationship advocate. I'm also, as you probably guess by the hyphenated last name, married, and happily so to my mate Vernon Hunter, a gray wolf. I'm also a mother to three wonderful pups, something I never thought I'd ever have the chance to be! But, lamb sakes, I've gushed enough about myself here without explaining exactly what this blog is for. You see, after the release of my book “Predator Seeking Prey”, our little family started to get a lot of public attention again, and with it came a lot of question from curious mammals and other pred/prey couples from all over Animalia. My best friend and mate Vernon thought it would be a good idea to deal with these questions directly by opening a sort of blog/forum and taking those questions about our lives directly. Since then, I'd like to say our little blog has been quite successful, with even members of our family and friend circle pitching in and taking a few questions as well. So with all that said., please feel free to Ask Away!


Oh, and also, feel free to check our old location for previous asks until we can get a better archive system in place!


The original Ask Dawn And Vern Tumblr! This blog is a continuation/reboot of the "AskDawnAndVern" tumblr, as I am permanently locked out of the Tumblr at present.

https://askdawnandvern.tumblr.com/


(Blog Author Note: This blog is based on the fanfiction “The Rehabilitation of Dawn Bellwether” as well as it's pseudo-sequel “A Lamb Among Wolves”. If you haven't read them, it'll probably help you better understand what's going on here if you do. I'll link both stories below. Oh Also, I'm open to questions as well. Simply direct “Author” emails to “WastedTime” when composing them. And before I forget, I have a Patreon! Five dollars gets you access to in progress fics, Ask priority, and art previews of both SFW and NSFW art. Of course, even a dollar would help. Seriously, it's how I keep projects like this alive.


The Rehabilitation of Dawn Bellwether:

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/11999389/1/The-Rehabilitation-of-Dawn-Bellwether

A Lamb Among Wolves:

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12364172/1/A-Lamb-Among-Wolves


Wasted Time's Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/wastedtimeee


Thursday, June 9, 2022

Ask Dawn; Writing Tips.

 

Vernon: Sweet Sawgrass, that's a long one.


Dawn: It's lovely though. Thank you for such a thoughtful and interesting letter. I absolutely love your idea! It sounds like an amazing project!


Vernon: As someone who loved 'Who framed Roger Rabbit" as a pup, I gotta agree.


Dawn: That said...I've...always found it very hard to give someone advice on writing myself. It's not like I went to school for it. (mutters bitterly) Thanks to my father's meddling. (Normal voice) That said I only...sort of know all the little writing rules and when it comes to grammar well....there's a reason I have an editor, that's all I'll say.


Vernon: Aw Honey Lamb, yer sellin' yerself short. Yer a great writer despite all that. I mean, the proof is in the book sales.


Dawn: Well, Fifty Shades of Hay was a best seller too, and you didn't have to be a talented writer to know that was complete and utter Dags.


Vernon: *Chuckles* Y'all always go to Fifty Shades...


Dawn: It's the worst thing I've ever read! And the only book I couldn't bring myself to finish! During my tenure as Assistant Mayor, I actually looked into the old and forgotten bylaws of the city hoping to find a basis for a book ban. And you know how I feel about banning books! That's how much I loathed that book!


Vernon: *Chuckles* Yeah, I know. Since I've known ya, you've always said, 'no book deserves to be banned.'


Dawn: Except?


Vernon: *Laughs* Fifty Shades of Hay.


Dawn: Exactly! Anyway...recommendations I can make...hmm...well, I think creating a series bible is always a good start. A nice outline of the lore of the world, the characters' motivations, where they are at the start and end of the story you intend to tell, plot and subplot elements, that sort of thing. It helps you keep track of all the ideas you don't come up with on the fly. And hmm...*scratches chin* When it comes to tenses, I really feel that's a decision you have to make, I'd just tell you once you make that choice, stick to it. I mean, you can change tenses in a story certainly, just be careful to keep them consistent when working on the same part. And...hmm...you could always weave the mystery and the troubled life of Fictions together, just as long as the flow is organic. I think with a world like this, the lore is going to be very interesting...but I would just be mindful to not cram every little bit of the establishing lore in right away...I think it makes for a more compelling story if it's spread out, and you pick up bits here and there as you read...though that is just personal preference if I'm being honest. At the end of the day, you can pretty much bend any rule of writing you like if your work is quality. And based on what you've told me about your series, I think it has serious potential.


Vernon: Me too. It already sounds like it's got more to it than that miserable Chip and Dale thang...


Dawn: Yeah, that wasn't very good at all...and a bit too adult for the lambs. I wish we had been better warned about that.


Vernon: *laughs* The pups 'ill be fine, heck Edi fell asleep halfway through. I just feel bad fer actual chipmunks who'er gonna get a whole new mess o' Chip and Dale jokes thrown at 'em now...


Dawn: As for a quote, I'd be more than happy to supply a little soundbite...or text bit when I read it. So feel free to share it when it's released. I wish you the best of luck in your writing endeavors! I know it can be a little scary putting yourself out there, but it can also be a lot of fun! 

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