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That would be correct if you are optimistic enough to continue on that straight line to your destination and not let outside forces knock you off course. Of course everyone may not feel that way. That's what makes the world go round. Makes me wonder who taught those first great writers; I mean the ones who happened to make it before all those how to writing books? Yep, I think inertia would fit in there somewhere within that first draft. Take care. Vern

Hi, GS, welcome to the site. Learning is a two-way street; you'll probably teach us a lot along the way. Take care. Vern

Nothing out of line; if you don't ask, you don't know if it would work or not -- sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn't. This is a fickle bunch and much depends on the tone of the question, in which case you pass muster in that you're not playing the "poor-little-me" card. I actually read your story yesterday, but didn't have time for a review. Most likely I'll get around to it this weekend, that being Sunday and Monday for me. I will say the sex is certainly not gratuitous, not even close. Good luck. Take care. Vern

Okay, I'm going out on a limb here, but I'm sure you know the prime directive is review, review, review -- I don't know if you've made that first effort yet but assume that you have since you've been here long enough to understand that. So, now comes the sawing off of the limb. I looked at the first several para of each chapter posted and must admit I couldn't get into the story.

Your title indicates a probable sci-fi (never looked at the genre) about time travel or such, but pretty much all I read is description upon description of how the characters look and/or are dressed. No action or indication of such in that or the casual dialogue thrown into the mix. Speaking only for myself, I had no reason to continue reading. That may be true for others or it just might be me. My best advice would be to find a hook early on which would hold the attention of your projected audience. I'm not trying to be rude or a hard ass, just offering my opinion on your question. That would be my style -- not for everyone -- if I had actually reviewed the work. Good luck. Take care. Vern

Oops, not allowed to talk Trump in these forums, lol. Take care. Vern

So, the discussion is now where it belongs imo; whether "roar" is appropriate or not within the sentence. This is what imo the reviewer and/or author should be asking as opposed to an obscure (for most folks) rule which in essence would add little if anything to the description in this specific case though that assertion may not be true for all sentences with similar structure.

We can have different opinions of what exactly defines a "roar" and if a particular definition is what the author is trying to present to the reader. It is all good and from this perspective, there is no right or wrong, merely what is in the eye of the beholder. The author would/should make that final calculation after considering the various angles from reviewers. Quite interesting me thinks. Take care. Vern

Yes, I understand the rules are there for a reason, that being to make things clear. My point is that in this instance, it is obviously clear without using google to look up obscure rules the preponderance of readers and writers have no idea exist. That is going beyond what I dare say any publisher/editor would be concerned within the context of a story. But if someone is looking for that technical detail in a review then they are well beyond anything I could offer or would seek on this site.

I do wish this had come up before the clarification that cheetahs don't roar because that is precisely what I was going for. When we overlook a factual error, contradictions, plot holes, transitions, etc. in our search for technical fault, that is a case of sticking to rules to the detriment of creative writing imho. Take care. Vern

The sentence was/is presented as an example where the author may not in fact know he/she has made an error. And many times, we as reviewers simply read over and accept it without comment because we are also unsure.

To quote:
***Cheetahs purr whereas big cats such as leopards,jaguars,lions, and tigers do not have the purring capability. Only these true large cats listed above can roar. Cheetahs do not roar because they do not have the capability of "true" large cats.***

Thanks for the input. Take care. Vern

LOL, I should've used that as backup. Take care. Vern

Pretty much the opinion when the narrator is speaking in a more or less conversational tone, using both past and present tense as most of us do when telling  story in person. Take care. Vern

There are exceptions to every "rule" except of course the one I just stated. You can find success stories which break basically every so-called rule of writing. That doesn't mean that "you/we" can break them with impunity. It also doesn't mean that we will be put to the guillotine should we break any "cardinal rules" placed upon the shoulders of would be authors. If it works, it works. But the odds are that you and I as unknown authors will not pass the preconceptions of agents/editors/publishers, etc. which may take a gander at our stories. Sure we can self-publish if that is the route we wish to take and there are success stories in that category also -- just a whole lot more that don't quite pay the rent. So, we must ask ourselves, "Do you want to take the shot or not; well, do you, ...? Go for it. Take care. Vern