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Your Writing Process, And/Or Problems with Same |
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treydog |
Mar 24 2011, 12:16 AM
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Master
Joined: 13-February 05
From: The Smoky Mountains
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QUOTE(Grits @ Mar 23 2011, 09:10 AM) I’ve been writing each post separately with a rough chapter outline, and I think it shows. I’ve rushed some sections, and I’ve tossed out others because they didn’t fit within a reasonable word limit. For the next chapter I want to write the whole thing, then break it into posts. Maybe that will help me learn how to develop a plot. I find that I’m often confused about what fits in the story as opposed to what’s there because I like it.
What mALX said. Rule one for writing fiction (or poetry or whatever is not "work-related")- HAVE FUN! So- if you have something that you like- make the story fit that part! I cannot tell you how much I have changed my original concept because I realized there were things I (and my long-suffering readers) really wanted to see. Case in point- Athynae, who has basically become the "co-star" was originally just going to be a cameo so I could test my ability to write a more "romantic" subplot. The story would suffer terribly if I had forced myself to "stick to the plan."
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The dreams down here aren't broken, nah, they're walkin' with a limp...
The best-dressed newt in Mournhold.
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mALX |
Mar 24 2011, 12:32 AM
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Ancient
Joined: 14-March 10
From: Cyrodiil, the Wastelands, and BFE TN
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QUOTE(treydog @ Mar 23 2011, 07:16 PM) QUOTE(Grits @ Mar 23 2011, 09:10 AM) I’ve been writing each post separately with a rough chapter outline, and I think it shows. I’ve rushed some sections, and I’ve tossed out others because they didn’t fit within a reasonable word limit. For the next chapter I want to write the whole thing, then break it into posts. Maybe that will help me learn how to develop a plot. I find that I’m often confused about what fits in the story as opposed to what’s there because I like it.
What mALX said. Rule one for writing fiction (or poetry or whatever is not "work-related")- HAVE FUN! So- if you have something that you like- make the story fit that part! I cannot tell you how much I have changed my original concept because I realized there were things I (and my long-suffering readers) really wanted to see. Case in point- Athynae, who has basically become the "co-star" was originally just going to be a cameo so I could test my ability to write a more "romantic" subplot. The story would suffer terribly if I had forced myself to "stick to the plan." Yes, poor Treydog was inundated with poems about Athynae - do you realize how many words rhyme with her name ??? Like billions! I could have gone on forever with them ... but thankfully Treydog resurrected her into the story to save himself the grief I was causing him with my attempts at poetry, lol.
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mALX |
May 11 2011, 01:39 AM
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Ancient
Joined: 14-March 10
From: Cyrodiil, the Wastelands, and BFE TN
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QUOTE(treydog @ May 10 2011, 08:09 PM) The great thing is- we do not compete- we cooperate. So we have all won. I WILL catch up on my reading (shakes fist defiantly at RL). And as for you- you simply MUST continue Serene's story.... Don't make me deploy the "Puppy Dog Eyes of Extreme Begging!" QFT !!!!
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Lady Syl |
May 11 2011, 06:47 AM
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Finder
Joined: 2-April 11
From: The Shivering Isles, Wisconsin
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QUOTE(minque @ May 10 2011, 06:51 PM) Oh my....you're all so very talented here....like professionals, and I can't even dream about catching up...yet. So I will lurk around for now.
I'm not sure I dare continue Serene...with this massive competition, then again, I normally finish what I start even if it take ages!
No no no! You mustn't quit! As others have said--no competition. We cooperate! Each of us adds our own unique touch to this forum with our stories--together we create a beautiful tapestry full of life with our characters, and if one thread is lost, the whole thing comes unraveled. Don't pressure yourself, of course, but likewise never give up! I'm sure all of us feel discouraged from time to time, and we all feel like we can't compare to each other at times. But we are a community of writers, each with his or her own thread to add to this exquisite tapestry. So, please do not feel so discouraged, dear.
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Olen |
May 11 2011, 07:58 PM
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Mouth
Joined: 1-November 07
From: most places
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Essentially I'm just going to echo the above - there's a reason I post here and only here. The internet is full of writing places where there's competition and a rather unpleasant atmosphere, maybe good for development (but probably not) and certainly no fun. Chorrol is different, there is useful criticism but there isn't the competitive element, just cooperative.
One thing I will add though is that it's been two years since an update - that itself can be stressful. Getting back to something that's been left is daunting, at least I find it to be. If you keep finding yourself meaning to, but not quite doing it, I'd suggest setting a time when you're going to write some more and not let RL get in the way, then just write. It doesn't have to go up, but it will get the thing flowing again. Even writing a short sidepiece can help get back in the mood of the story, and in the mood for writing.
Certainly I have a date set for getting back to it once I'm finished exams... otherwise I never will.
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Look behind you and see an ever decreasing number of ghosts. Currently about 15.
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Burnt Sierra |
May 11 2011, 08:28 PM
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Two Headed cat
Joined: 27-March 05
From: UK
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And if I might be so bold as to add one other thing, the same thing I've been saying since 2005... There's only one person who ever has doubts Minkey - about your story, your ability, about your way of making Serene a compelling, thoughtful, layered character. And that's you. Don't doubt yourself. Those same people you say make you feel, I don't know the right word, intimidated maybe? Those are the same people who react with pleasure and joy when you've updated your story in the past. So...(to continue this increasingly laboured point ) if our forum writers here know their stuff, as you say, maybe you do as well.... SO GET BLOODY WRITING!!!I, for one, want to know what happens next! p.s. Mind you, it occurs to me that I'm a fine one to bleedin' well talk. I can't even remember the last time I wrote something here. Maybe we both need to get our backsides into gear
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Grits |
May 12 2011, 03:42 PM
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Councilor
Joined: 6-November 10
From: The Gold Coast
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Hi, I wanted to at least finish Chapter One of Serene of Cyrodiil before I spoke up. I can imagine a lot of reasons why a writer would put a story aside and not return to it. RL gets busy, and they might move on to other interests. But if you still want to continue Serene’s story, let me add my voice to the chorus encouraging you to do so. This community amazes me. Just look at the number of characters who are able to move through different writers’ stories. I’m guessing it takes a lot of respect and co-operation to accomplish that! What a group of thoughtful, generous, supportive, inspiring individuals. All brought together (in this forum at least) when someone writes a story. The Writer Sub Forums are like treasure chests to me. I would love to know there is more to anticipate from you, Minque! This post has been edited by Grits: May 12 2011, 03:48 PM
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Jacki Dice |
May 19 2011, 05:26 AM
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Knower
Joined: 18-March 10
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QUOTE(Olen @ May 11 2011, 10:58 AM) Essentially I'm just going to echo the above - there's a reason I post here and only here. The internet is full of writing places where there's competition and a rather unpleasant atmosphere, maybe good for development (but probably not) and certainly no fun. Chorrol is different, there is useful criticism but there isn't the competitive element, just cooperative.
One thing I will add though is that it's been two years since an update - that itself can be stressful. Getting back to something that's been left is daunting, at least I find it to be. If you keep finding yourself meaning to, but not quite doing it, I'd suggest setting a time when you're going to write some more and not let RL get in the way, then just write. It doesn't have to go up, but it will get the thing flowing again. Even writing a short sidepiece can help get back in the mood of the story, and in the mood for writing.
Certainly I have a date set for getting back to it once I'm finished exams... otherwise I never will.
This!!!! Its been far too long since I updated. So I get on and start typing...but then I realize just how long its been and it gets harder to do. Of course I can't walk away from it. I think about it all the time, especially the specific plot lines and how to arrange certain things so I hop back to it... and then realize its been so long and the vicious cycle continues. One of my biggest issues is the "What if I've lost my touch?" repeating itself in my head. No matter how many times I read and fix it doesn't seem to be as good as previous chapters. So I figure I'll read the other stories and draw inspiration...but I'm sooooo far behind those too! -sob- This post has been edited by Jacki Dice: May 19 2011, 05:30 AM
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Olen |
May 19 2011, 11:13 PM
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Mouth
Joined: 1-November 07
From: most places
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QUOTE One of my biggest issues is the "What if I've lost my touch?" repeating itself in my head. That would be the internal editor of doom. There are a few solutions, I believe Haute was rather forceful with hers during natwrinimo (or whatever the acronym is), I'll let you find the metaphor... But I'd recommend just writing, read over it later - it'll probably be fine and if not then rework it or just lose it - either way it gets things going again. Failing that write something related, or not. I believe I've posted links here before, some of them have good articles. The best one I've tried though, if you're really stuck, is to write something you'd never normally dream of writing. Me? I'd never write romance so if nothings coming, especially if it the editor getting in my way, I go and write something racy (and promptly delete it because it's dreadful). It's not the product which matters though - it's the utter shock to the little voice which says "this is no good" and makes it quiet so I can write things I do enjoy. Give it a go, I'd like to see more Champion of Madness.
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Look behind you and see an ever decreasing number of ghosts. Currently about 15.
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haute ecole rider |
May 19 2011, 11:54 PM
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Master
Joined: 16-March 10
From: The place where the Witchhorses play
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QUOTE(Olen @ May 19 2011, 05:13 PM) QUOTE One of my biggest issues is the "What if I've lost my touch?" repeating itself in my head. That would be the internal editor of doom. There are a few solutions, I believe Haute was rather forceful with hers during natwrinimo (or whatever the acronym is), I'll let you find the metaphor... The metaphor he refers to goes to the relationship I have with my inner editor. I tend to see it as the BDSM kind, with my inner editor being the Dom. Not that I like it (I don't, particularly), but that's just the way it works out. But during Nanowrimo (the correct acronym), I basically reversed the tables on him and left him bound and gagged like the classic gimp in the corner. It worked well - after a false start, I scrapped the first attempt after a week and started a whole new one. It was wonderful - I wrote 100,000+ in about 21 days. And in reviewing it, it wasn't half bad, either. Two of my friends read it and told me that it was pretty good. I'm waiting to hear from a third. Discipline is important, I've found. Just write something every day. Whether or not it moves your story forward, or even has anything to do with your story, it doesn't matter. What matters is that you are writing. Olen has the right of it too - if you don't like what you are writing, scrap it. Forget about it. Move on to something else. Be ruthless.
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