How To Apply 'Common Sense Over Nonsense' In Writing Novels?

2025-08-20 17:43:13 220

5 Answers

Edwin
Edwin
2025-08-22 20:25:59
Common sense in writing means making the impossible feel inevitable. I study how masters like Brandon Sanderson craft magic systems with clear limits. 'Mistborn’s' Allomancy has strict rules, which makes Vin’s growth satisfying.

Dialogue should reveal character, not just exposition. In 'The Witcher,' Geralt’s terse speech reflects his loner nature. I also cut scenes that don’t serve the plot or themes. Pacing suffers when stories meander without purpose. A tight narrative, like 'Death Note’s,' keeps readers hooked by balancing logic and drama.
Amelia
Amelia
2025-08-23 22:56:43
I apply 'common sense' by ensuring emotional truths anchor the story. Even in surreal works like 'Neon Genesis Evangelion,' the characters’ psychological struggles feel real. I avoid contrived conflicts—misunderstandings should arise from personality clashes, not lazy writing.

World details must serve the story. 'Fullmetal Alchemist’s' equivalent exchange isn’t just a cool concept; it drives every conflict. Lastly, I beta-test plots with friends. If they spot inconsistencies, I revise until the story feels both thrilling and grounded.
Scarlett
Scarlett
2025-08-24 01:42:15
Keeping 'common sense over nonsense' in writing is about balancing imagination with logic. I focus on making characters' decisions plausible, even in absurd situations. In 'One Piece,' Luffy’s reckless actions work because they align with his personality. Research helps too—sci-fi needs scientific accuracy, and historical fiction demands period-appropriate details.

I also avoid overloading the story with unnecessary twists. A single, well-executed surprise beats a dozen random shocks. Emotional stakes matter most; if readers care, they’ll forgive minor flaws. Subtle foreshadowing, like in 'Attack on Titan,' makes revelations satisfying rather than confusing.
Reese
Reese
2025-08-24 10:40:57
To avoid nonsense, I prioritize cause and effect. Every event should stem from earlier choices or world rules. In 'Steins;Gate,' time travel’s consequences feel weighty because they’re meticulously planned. I also limit deus ex machina—solutions should arise organically.

Characters must face realistic limitations. Superman’s vulnerability to kryptonite keeps conflicts tense. Even in comedy, like 'The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.,' absurdity works because it’s intentional and consistent. Readers appreciate when stories respect their intelligence.
Peter
Peter
2025-08-26 14:01:13
Writing novels with 'common sense over nonsense' means grounding even the most fantastical stories in relatable human experiences. I always start by asking myself if the characters' actions and reactions feel authentic. For example, in 'The Hunger Games,' Katniss's survival instincts and emotional struggles make the dystopian setting believable.

Another key is avoiding plot holes by ensuring events follow logically. If a character suddenly gains a power without explanation, it breaks immersion. World-building should have internal consistency—think 'Harry Potter,' where magic has rules. Finally, dialogue must sound natural. People don’t monologue in real life; they interrupt, hesitate, and ramble. Balancing creativity with realism keeps readers invested.
View All Answers
Scan code to download App

Related Books

Hayle Coven Novels
Hayle Coven Novels
"Her mom's a witch. Her dad's a demon.And she just wants to be ordinary.Being part of a demon raising is way less exciting than it sounds.Sydlynn Hayle's teen life couldn't be more complicated. Trying to please her coven is all a fantasy while the adventure of starting over in a new town and fending off a bully cheerleader who hates her are just the beginning of her troubles. What to do when delicious football hero Brad Peters--boyfriend of her cheer nemesis--shows interest? If only the darkly yummy witch, Quaid Moromond, didn't make it so difficult for her to focus on fitting in with the normal kids despite her paranormal, witchcraft laced home life. Forced to take on power she doesn't want to protect a coven who blames her for everything, only she can save her family's magic.If her family's distrust doesn't destroy her first.Hayle Coven Novels is created by Patti Larsen, an EGlobal Creative Publishing signed author."
10
803 Chapters
SIN (Sense Enhancer)
SIN (Sense Enhancer)
“Sin dumme-maranii. Maran dumme-Sinia.” All Sins are humans; all humans are Sins. The king’s curse made it impossible to detect a Sin’s existence. One cannot be born as a Sin and a Sin cannot give birth to a Sin. It cannot be controlled by anyone nor anything. Only fate will determine. The moment all Sins turned to ash, stories and theories about them spread like wild fire. Through the mist of misleading plots and opinions, only a few people truthfully know what really happed at that moment. Twenty years after the king passed, a young man was able to find out that he was a Sin. He claims to be the reincarnation of the late king as he had visions of the past. Relying on his instincts and trusting his visions, he travelled the world in search of Sins like him to resurrect the wrecked honor of the fallen angels. He was able to find some and that’s when the new era of reborn Sins began. The young man became the new king of Sins. Together, they searched for Sins all over the world and began to form a new union that will protect and guide Sins to be able to live alongside humans. The cycle went on until another tragedy occurred which disintegrated the foundations of the union. Twenty years from the present, the king was rumored to be killed by an alliance that were in charge of capturing Sins for experimentation. To this day, Sins are in hiding. Sins try hard to live unnoticed by anyone. My name is Rayne Martin and I am one of them. I am a Sin. .. 
10
6 Chapters
The Path Of Writing
The Path Of Writing
Here is your full guidance on walking on the path of writing~ If you are a new writers, check here! If you are a well developed writer...check anyway!
10
21 Chapters
A Second Life Inside My Novels
A Second Life Inside My Novels
Her name was Cathedra. Leave her last name blank, if you will. Where normal people would read, "And they lived happily ever after," at the end of every fairy tale story, she could see something else. Three different things. Three words: Lies, lies, lies. A picture that moves. And a plea: Please tell them the truth. All her life she dedicated herself to becoming a writer and telling the world what was being shown in that moving picture. To expose the lies in the fairy tales everyone in the world has come to know. No one believed her. No one ever did. She was branded as a liar, a freak with too much imagination, and an orphan who only told tall tales to get attention. She was shunned away by society. Loveless. Friendless. As she wrote "The End" to her novels that contained all she knew about the truth inside the fairy tale novels she wrote, she also decided to end her pathetic life and be free from all the burdens she had to bear alone. Instead of dying, she found herself blessed with a second life inside the fairy tale novels she wrote, and living the life she wished she had with the characters she considered as the only friends she had in the world she left behind. Cathedra was happy until she realized that an ominous presence lurks within her stories. One that wanted to kill her to silence the only one who knew the truth.
10
9 Chapters
Azmia's Writing (Bam's little notes)
Azmia's Writing (Bam's little notes)
Azmia, a housewife who has to accept the harst reality. When she is pregnant, Bram (her husband) is dragged into the word of coercion by Bram's bos. Azmia' brain tumor and Bram's infidelity accompanied the birth of their baby. Azmia struggle and tries to save Bram and their househode from the abyys destruction. However, happiness only last from a moment. The dead of her six - month - old baby Micca left a wound in her hearth. Losing Micca made Azmia cold and away from Bram. She's back to being a hedonistict women. Reuniting with Baren (a man whos still loves her) and knowing the life stories of her friends makes Azmia realize what she really wants in life. When Baren and Bram fought over Azmia's love, suddenly Azmia's condition was critical.
10
27 Chapters
The Alpha Can't Sense His Mate!
The Alpha Can't Sense His Mate!
Alpha Zadok is a ruthless Alpha and King of the Roman pack. After a betrayal from the witches that saw to the killing of his parents and close extermination of his people, he retaliates and eradicates the entire witch clan in his territory. After the extermination, he is met with the cruel reality of the fact that he has been placed with a curse that hinders him from sensing his mate. When an unsuspecting and powerless witch gets teleported to the wrong location, Zadok is breathing fire and ready to kill. What happens when he finds out she just might be the salvation of his pack, and ultimately, his mate? Ithra is a powerless witch from the Celts clan of witches. When her coven and home is threatened by a hole in the forcefield that protects her people from the underworld, she is forced to embark on a journey to save her clan. A spell gone wrong lands her into the wrong location, and eventual trouble at the hands of a ruthless Alpha. With a goal to save her community, and a destiny she cannot avoid, what happens when she falls in love with the greatest enemy of her kind?
10
130 Chapters

Related Questions

How To Balance 'Common Sense Over Nonsense' In Fanfiction?

5 Answers2025-08-20 01:32:06
Balancing 'common sense over nonsense' in fanfiction is all about grounding even the wildest ideas in believable character motivations and world rules. I love diving into fics where the author takes an absurd premise—like Harry Potter becoming a rockstar—but makes it work by sticking to the core traits of the characters. For example, if Harry’s impulsive nature drives his career shift, it feels organic. World-building is key too. Even in AUs (Alternate Universes), internal consistency matters. If a fic bends canon logic—say, magic coexisting with modern tech—it should establish clear rules early. Readers will forgive almost anything if the story respects its own logic. I’ve seen fics where Naruto opens a ramen shop, and it’s hilarious yet plausible because it aligns with his obsession. The best fanfictions blend creativity with just enough realism to keep you hooked.

What Does 'Common Sense Over Nonsense' Mean In Storytelling?

5 Answers2025-08-20 20:41:53
As someone who consumes a ton of stories across anime, books, and games, 'common sense over nonsense' in storytelling means prioritizing logical consistency and relatable character decisions over flashy but implausible twists. A great example is 'Fullmetal Alchemist,' where the laws of alchemy are strict and violations have consequences, making the world feel real. Nonsense would be if characters suddenly broke rules without explanation just for spectacle. Another angle is character development. In 'The Legend of Korra,' characters grow through struggles that align with their personalities, not random plot devices. When stories respect common sense, audiences invest more because actions have weight. It’s why shows like 'Attack on Titan' resonate—even in a fantastical setting, choices matter. Conversely, nonsense like deus ex machina endings can ruin immersion. Good storytelling balances creativity with grounded logic.

Examples Of 'Common Sense Over Nonsense' In Popular Manga?

5 Answers2025-08-20 02:48:15
As someone who's been knee-deep in manga for years, I love when stories flip tropes on their head by using common sense. Take 'Spy x Family'—Anya’s adoptive parents, Loid and Yor, could’ve been typical clueless adults, but they actually communicate and problem-solve like rational people. Even in high-stakes spy scenarios, Loid prioritizes family over mission, which feels refreshingly human. Then there’s 'My Hero Academia,' where characters like Deku don’t just rely on brute strength. He analyzes quirks mid-battle, adapting strategies like a real tactician. Even Bakugo, despite his temper, has moments of startling clarity, like when he acknowledges Deku’s growth. These moments stand out because they reject lazy writing for realism. Another example is 'Chainsaw Man'—Denji’s survival instincts often override flashy heroics, making his choices gritty yet logical. It’s a welcome break from protagonists who charge in blindly.

How Does 'Common Sense Over Nonsense' Improve Anime Plots?

5 Answers2025-08-20 23:52:05
As someone who has watched anime for over a decade, I’ve noticed that 'common sense over nonsense' is a game-changer for storytelling. When characters act logically and the world follows consistent rules, it creates a deeper immersion. Take 'Attack on Titan'—its brutal realism and tactical decisions make the stakes feel real. Even in fantasy settings like 'Fullmetal Alchemist,' the laws of equivalent exchange ground the story in a way that resonates emotionally. On the flip side, shows that rely too much on absurd plot armor or irrational character choices often lose their impact. 'Tokyo Revengers' sometimes frustrates me because the protagonist’s repeated mistakes feel forced. Meanwhile, 'Steins;Gate' thrives because Okabe’s actions align with his intelligence and desperation. A balance of realism doesn’t mean sacrificing creativity—it means making the extraordinary feel earned.

Do Producers Prioritize 'Common Sense Over Nonsense' In Adaptations?

5 Answers2025-08-20 21:11:15
As someone who's spent years dissecting adaptations across anime, live-action, and games, I've noticed a fascinating tug-of-war between honoring source material and appealing to mass audiences. Producers often walk a tightrope—too much 'nonsense' (like excessive fanservice or plot holes) alienates casual viewers, while stripping away quirky charm risks angering hardcore fans. Take Netflix's 'Cowboy Bebop' live-action: it smoothed over some of the anime's surreal edges for accessibility, but lost its soul in the process. That said, truly great adaptations know when to embrace 'nonsense.' Studio Trigger's anime original works thrive on absurdity because they commit fully to their vision. Meanwhile, poorly received adaptations like 'The Promised Neverland' Season 2 prove that prioritizing only 'common sense' pacing and explanations can backfire spectacularly. The magic often lies in balancing both—HBO's 'The Last of Us' kept the game's emotional core while making smart changes for TV.

Why Do Fans Prefer 'Common Sense Over Nonsense' In Stories?

5 Answers2025-08-20 15:56:51
As someone who has spent years immersed in storytelling across various mediums, I believe fans gravitate toward 'common sense over nonsense' because it grounds the narrative in a way that feels authentic and relatable. Even in fantastical settings like 'Attack on Titan' or 'The Lord of the Rings,' internal consistency and logical character decisions make the world believable. When characters act irrationally or the plot relies on contrivances, it breaks immersion and frustrates audiences who invest emotionally. At the same time, 'common sense' doesn’t mean mundane—it’s about cause and effect. Take 'Fullmetal Alchemist,' where the rules of alchemy are strict yet imaginative, making the stakes feel real. Conversely, stories that abandon logic for spectacle, like certain isekai anime with overpowered protagonists facing zero consequences, often lose their appeal quickly. Fans crave tension and growth, which only works when the universe obeys its own established rules.

Books That Follow The 'Common Sense Over Nonsense' Rule?

5 Answers2025-08-20 01:01:00
As someone who loves stories grounded in realism, I often seek out books where characters make decisions based on logic rather than pure dramatic convenience. One standout is 'The Martian' by Andy Weir, where the protagonist, Mark Watney, survives on Mars using sheer ingenuity and scientific reasoning. Every problem he faces is tackled with methodical thinking, making it a thrilling yet believable read. Another favorite is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn, where the twists are shocking but always rooted in psychological realism. The characters' actions, though extreme, stem from believable motivations. For a lighter take, 'The Rosie Project' by Graeme Simsion features a protagonist who approaches love with a systematic, almost scientific mindset, which feels refreshingly logical. These books prove that compelling stories don’t need to rely on absurdity to captivate readers.

Is 'Common Sense Over Nonsense' A Trend In Modern Movies?

5 Answers2025-08-20 12:31:08
As someone who spends way too much time analyzing film trends, I’ve noticed a clear shift toward 'common sense over nonsense' in modern movies. Audiences today crave realism and logical storytelling, even in genres like superhero films or fantasy. Take 'The Batman' (2022)—it’s gritty, grounded, and avoids the over-the-top theatrics of earlier comic adaptations. Similarly, films like 'Parasite' and 'The Social Network' thrive because their conflicts feel painfully relatable and intelligently constructed. This trend isn’t just about avoiding plot holes; it’s a reaction to the exhaustion of spectacle without substance. The success of 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' proves that even wild concepts can resonate if anchored by emotional truth. Meanwhile, franchises like 'Fast & Furious' face criticism for leaning into absurdity. The demand for coherence is shaping how stories are told, from indie dramas to blockbusters.
Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status