So, I'm an aspiring writer. Admittedly, I'm only an amateur writer but I plan on taking Creative Writing as a major. Or a minor and take education as a major. I dunno.
Anyway, I'm planning on writing a fantasy novel. Prior to that I had been working on a messianic sci-fi novel, but I don't have much experience with that genre so I've put it on hold for the time being.
As such, since I'm an amateur writer I was wondering if anyone could give me some tips on how to write skillfully.
Help with writing
Débuté par
TEWR
, déc. 01 2011 06:08
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#3
Guest_greengoron89_*
Posté 01 décembre 2011 - 08:08
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I've had writing aspirations for a long time myself, but too often suffer from writer's block and general lack of motivation, which stifles my work quite a bit. But I'll impart some common wisdom, if you don't already know this stuff.
The best piece of advice I can offer overall though is NOT to write genre fiction (in case that's what you had in mind) - the world has enough fantasy novels with elves, dwarves, dragons, etc. You could attempt to put your own spin on those conventions, of course, but that's not easy to do anymore.
Best to just start from scratch IMHO - don't let genre rules restrict your writing if you're capable of being much more creative than that.
Another thing: avoid fancy purple prose. I've seen a lot of people try to make a Shakespearean soliloquy out of a simple paragraph (something I've been guilty of myself in the past), and while it may read and sound elegant, it's sort of obnoxious - and publishers especially don't like it.
Lastly, don't use too many "big" or obsolete words - it's common for writers (including myself) to look through a dictionary or thesaurus trying to find the "right" word to use, but end up choosing a word that few people outside of English teachers will even understand. You don't want readers to have to pull out a dictionary during every paragraph trying to figure out what the hell you're talking about.
Also, I know a good program to use for organizing your novel. It can help you separate everything into the appropriate categories and keep track of everything without having to make tons of notepad or Word files. Check it out if you're interested:
http://www.spacejock.com/yWriter5.html
It can be a little confusing to use at first, but once you get the hang of it, it will help you out immensely. Trust me.
Anyway, good luck with your writing. It's not the easiest task in the world, but if you get good at it, it can be very rewarding.
EDIT: One more thing - no prologues. If you need to give your story a little "background" before kicking it off, the best way to do it is to spread out that background across the story and reveal it a little bit at a time. Stuffing everything into a prologue is unnecessary and looked down upon.
I might have some more pointers to add - but it's 3:00 AM here, so I'm not operating at 100% capacity. Check back later today.
The best piece of advice I can offer overall though is NOT to write genre fiction (in case that's what you had in mind) - the world has enough fantasy novels with elves, dwarves, dragons, etc. You could attempt to put your own spin on those conventions, of course, but that's not easy to do anymore.
Best to just start from scratch IMHO - don't let genre rules restrict your writing if you're capable of being much more creative than that.
Another thing: avoid fancy purple prose. I've seen a lot of people try to make a Shakespearean soliloquy out of a simple paragraph (something I've been guilty of myself in the past), and while it may read and sound elegant, it's sort of obnoxious - and publishers especially don't like it.
Lastly, don't use too many "big" or obsolete words - it's common for writers (including myself) to look through a dictionary or thesaurus trying to find the "right" word to use, but end up choosing a word that few people outside of English teachers will even understand. You don't want readers to have to pull out a dictionary during every paragraph trying to figure out what the hell you're talking about.
Also, I know a good program to use for organizing your novel. It can help you separate everything into the appropriate categories and keep track of everything without having to make tons of notepad or Word files. Check it out if you're interested:
http://www.spacejock.com/yWriter5.html
It can be a little confusing to use at first, but once you get the hang of it, it will help you out immensely. Trust me.
Anyway, good luck with your writing. It's not the easiest task in the world, but if you get good at it, it can be very rewarding.
EDIT: One more thing - no prologues. If you need to give your story a little "background" before kicking it off, the best way to do it is to spread out that background across the story and reveal it a little bit at a time. Stuffing everything into a prologue is unnecessary and looked down upon.
I might have some more pointers to add - but it's 3:00 AM here, so I'm not operating at 100% capacity. Check back later today.
Modifié par greengoron89, 01 décembre 2011 - 08:26 .
#4
Posté 01 décembre 2011 - 11:25
Deathwurm
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Hellbound555 wrote...
Take theatre classes.
This is pretty good advice that will take you far in learning how to get into you're character's heads.
The one thing I would add to this, however is to keep in mind that writing Prose to be read is very different than writing a Play that will be heard. A lot of plays don't make for good reads because they are written for the ear and a lot of books don't sound quite right out loud because they're designed to be seen.
I'm not a huge fan of Hemigway, but I do appreciate what he did for the pace of the modern Novel...using the fewest words possible to get to your point is a really good way to go.
#5
Posté 01 décembre 2011 - 11:29
whykikyouwhy
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I'm not in any position to give sagely advice, but I find that it's best to prep by matching how you think. If you *see* the scenes in your head, storyboard them out as pictures (even if stick figures - it doesn't matter. Just capture a visual outline of sorts.) If you *hear* the scenes, jot down straight script-like dialogue first, then fill in the gaps later.
You build a foundation and then add layers on top. Sometimes just start with scenes (to get them down on paper), maybe even out of order, and then link them together later.
You build a foundation and then add layers on top. Sometimes just start with scenes (to get them down on paper), maybe even out of order, and then link them together later.
#6
Posté 01 décembre 2011 - 11:55
Ponendus
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Have you thought about roleplaying? You can try finding some great roleplaying guilds in online MMO's or if you are really adventurous try *gulp* Second Life.
Seriously a few friends of mine said that immersing oneself in fantasy roleplay online can be really helpful to understand how a fantasy world exists and how people interact in it, which really improved their writing. Also great for practicing dialogue.
Might be worth a shot?
Seriously a few friends of mine said that immersing oneself in fantasy roleplay online can be really helpful to understand how a fantasy world exists and how people interact in it, which really improved their writing. Also great for practicing dialogue.
Might be worth a shot?
#7
Guest_Mei Mei_*
Posté 01 décembre 2011 - 12:39
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The resource I would recommend for you is going to Brandon Sanderson's blog brandonsanderson.com and speaking with him.The Ethereal Writer Redux wrote...
So, I'm an aspiring writer. Admittedly, I'm only an amateur writer but I plan on taking Creative Writing as a major. Or a minor and take education as a major. I dunno.
Anyway, I'm planning on writing a fantasy novel. Prior to that I had been working on a messianic sci-fi novel, but I don't have much experience with that genre so I've put it on hold for the time being.
As such, since I'm an amateur writer I was wondering if anyone could give me some tips on how to write skillfully.
I am serious. What you just outlined is basically what he did. He's amazing to speak to and usually answers questions. You can also look him up on Youtube and listen to him talk about his experiences doing what you want to do. He finsihed eight novels by time he was published. But now he writes the Wheel of Time series upon Jordon's death.
Also, pick up one of his books. My recommendation, Warhammer. In my opinion, he is a wonderful storyteller and writer. He can capture things to vividly. I didn't want that book to end. It was just written very well.
Good luck!
#8
Posté 01 décembre 2011 - 12:44
OmegaXI
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I write a good bit, but try to use some of your own experiences in your writing. That and when you eventually hit the brick wall of writers block, go hiking to see some good sights and scenes to come up with new inspirations for your writing.
Good Luck : D
Good Luck : D
Modifié par OmegaXI, 01 décembre 2011 - 12:56 .
#9
Posté 02 décembre 2011 - 12:29
Homebound
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Write because you want to.
Not because you want to be famous, not because you want to be rich or anything in between.
But because you want to, because you enjoy it. Even if it means nobody else will read it, or if everybody tells you it's bad or if it will never even see the light of day.
Do it because you want to.
Not because you want to be famous, not because you want to be rich or anything in between.
But because you want to, because you enjoy it. Even if it means nobody else will read it, or if everybody tells you it's bad or if it will never even see the light of day.
Do it because you want to.
#10
Posté 02 décembre 2011 - 02:55
KenKenpachi
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Be as "creative" as me. (See also Bat **** insane)
#11
Posté 02 décembre 2011 - 06:09
slimgrin
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My background is in the visual arts but a couple years ago I started dabbling in writing myself. Some tips that have helped me:
-join a writers group focusing on the genre you want to write in. No more than 4 people. Make sure everyone gives candid feedback.
-do writing exercises. You can look them up on the web.
-I focus on short stories; writing a novel seems a monumental task. Short stories, however, are difficult and have a unique structure that will press you to cut, whittle down, and focus on what's crucial to the narrative. An important skill to learn.
-make it routine. Write everyday.
-build a character sheet - a short summary of the personalities of the people you know. Focus on their defining qualities. Sum them up in as few words as possible. This is a great resource to draw from when creating your own characters.
-I won't go into the all the do's and don'ts of writing, but one I will mention. Be specific. I constantly have to return to passages and re-think them, narrow them down, so the reader can envision what I'm describing.
"She had brown hair."
Or:
"She had auburn hair bundled in elaborate braids at her crown, with subtle streaks of grey at the temples."
-join a writers group focusing on the genre you want to write in. No more than 4 people. Make sure everyone gives candid feedback.
-do writing exercises. You can look them up on the web.
-I focus on short stories; writing a novel seems a monumental task. Short stories, however, are difficult and have a unique structure that will press you to cut, whittle down, and focus on what's crucial to the narrative. An important skill to learn.
-make it routine. Write everyday.
-build a character sheet - a short summary of the personalities of the people you know. Focus on their defining qualities. Sum them up in as few words as possible. This is a great resource to draw from when creating your own characters.
-I won't go into the all the do's and don'ts of writing, but one I will mention. Be specific. I constantly have to return to passages and re-think them, narrow them down, so the reader can envision what I'm describing.
"She had brown hair."
Or:
"She had auburn hair bundled in elaborate braids at her crown, with subtle streaks of grey at the temples."
Modifié par slimgrin, 02 décembre 2011 - 07:59 .
#12
Posté 02 décembre 2011 - 06:32
Wentletrap
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Read, a lot.
I would pick up or check out from the library, any collection or anthology of short stories (like the "Best American Short Stories" from xx year). Read through the stories, figure out which ones you like or don't like, or why.
It might also be worth doing the same for fanfiction.net. (It's what I do - I find it is helpful to read stuff from other "amateur" writers as well).
Two quotes I also keep in mind:
"Death to the adjective" - Robert Frost
"There are significant moments in everyone's day that can make literature. You have to be alert to them and pay attention to them." - Raymond Carver
I would pick up or check out from the library, any collection or anthology of short stories (like the "Best American Short Stories" from xx year). Read through the stories, figure out which ones you like or don't like, or why.
It might also be worth doing the same for fanfiction.net. (It's what I do - I find it is helpful to read stuff from other "amateur" writers as well).
Two quotes I also keep in mind:
"Death to the adjective" - Robert Frost
"There are significant moments in everyone's day that can make literature. You have to be alert to them and pay attention to them." - Raymond Carver
#13
Posté 02 décembre 2011 - 06:34
blothulfur
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Write. Write as often as you can and get somebody objective to tear your work a new one every once in a while.
Empathise. Get into the minds of people and try to envision their take on life, a pseudonym when dealing with different subject matter can really help you immerse into the role you'll be writing for.
Read. Shamelessly half inch talented authors tricks of the trade, and from as many genres as possible, Shakespeare's turn of phrase is still razor sharp and fresh.
Develop another skill that you can live on while the tide of rejections roll in, and you will be rejected frequently so don't become discouraged.
Empathise. Get into the minds of people and try to envision their take on life, a pseudonym when dealing with different subject matter can really help you immerse into the role you'll be writing for.
Read. Shamelessly half inch talented authors tricks of the trade, and from as many genres as possible, Shakespeare's turn of phrase is still razor sharp and fresh.
Develop another skill that you can live on while the tide of rejections roll in, and you will be rejected frequently so don't become discouraged.
Modifié par blothulfur, 02 décembre 2011 - 06:36 .
#14
Guest_Fair Enough_*
Posté 02 décembre 2011 - 06:41
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I write mostly fanfics. Once thought to try to write a novel, but it appears that I am not patient enough and quite short-tempered, thus not able to accept much criticism. Plus, I can't stand when I get 0 reviews, even thought I know that my friends read my work, but they just don't comment. Seeing no reviews makes me want to quit. I hope that's not the case for you if you tried writing fanfics.
Anyhow, you should read a lot and listen to wht others said. Plus, be patient. Build your characters slowly, no need to rush on that. There are like a billion fantasy novels out there, with one writer stealing ideas from the other, so good luck. You'll need it.
Anyhow, you should read a lot and listen to wht others said. Plus, be patient. Build your characters slowly, no need to rush on that. There are like a billion fantasy novels out there, with one writer stealing ideas from the other, so good luck. You'll need it.
#15
Posté 02 décembre 2011 - 06:49
magelet
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DESTRUCTION TO THE PASSIVE VOICE.
Seriously though, reading a lot will help in writing. Also, try reading things that you write out loud, it'll help you to write in a way that you know is easy to understand. Also then you can keep yourself from writing in a weird convoluted way.
Seriously though, reading a lot will help in writing. Also, try reading things that you write out loud, it'll help you to write in a way that you know is easy to understand. Also then you can keep yourself from writing in a weird convoluted way.
#16
Posté 02 décembre 2011 - 07:13
slimgrin
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magelet wrote...
DESTRUCTION TO THE PASSIVE VOICE.
Seriously though, reading a lot will help in writing. Also, try reading things that you write out loud, it'll help you to write in a way that you know is easy to understand. Also then you can keep yourself from writing in a weird convoluted way.
I don't fully endorse the destruction of the passive voice, but rather beating it into submission. Reading aloud is an excellent aid, I forgot to mention that one.
Modifié par slimgrin, 02 décembre 2011 - 07:14 .
#17
Posté 02 décembre 2011 - 11:41
TEWR
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Thanks for all this help everyone! The more advice the better!
I'm in the process of creating an outline of races, creatures, countries, characters, and other things at the moment, so when I start the actual writing I'll take everything that's been said into account.
I'm in the process of creating an outline of races, creatures, countries, characters, and other things at the moment, so when I start the actual writing I'll take everything that's been said into account.
#18
Posté 02 décembre 2011 - 11:51
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Collaborating is quite helpful for pounding out ideas for me.
#19
Guest_greengoron89_*
Posté 03 décembre 2011 - 01:48
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The Ethereal Writer Redux wrote...
Thanks for all this help everyone! The more advice the better!
I'm in the process of creating an outline of races, creatures, countries, characters, and other things at the moment, so when I start the actual writing I'll take everything that's been said into account.
A very wise thing to do. I did pretty much the same thing, and was able to construct a basic "world" this way.
If you have sort of a "world history" both before and after your story takes place in mind, I recommend writing a timeline for it - I have a file chronicling the history and events leading up to the main story of my own work, and how they connect both directly and indirectly to the events in it. Knowing the history of your "world" is very important (though you may not know it all until after you start outlining the main plot - so just add things as you go).
Also, keep a pen and paper on you at all times - ideas will come to you sometimes when you least expect it, so be sure to jot them down before you forget them.
#20
Posté 03 décembre 2011 - 01:53
Laser Beam
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Read what you want to write. That's seriously the best advice one can give.
#21
Posté 03 décembre 2011 - 02:38
Aaleel
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I wrote a fantasy piece that started as short stories when I was younger which evolved into the last part being a novel. I actually won a short story contest in college with one of the early parts.
What I did was create the world first. I drew a huge map of how I wanted the lay of the land to look. Then I started looking at pictures of nature, lakes, mountains, forests, etc. I started seeing cities, towers, temples, etc. I started drawing them until I had a sketch book full of pictures.
Then I just let my visions tell me a story. Who lived here, what kind of culture was it, what government ruled these lands. That's how I came up with my races, cities, kingdoms, etc. Then once that was done I gave the world a history of how it and it's races came to be.
So basically putting the world before the story gave me total freedom to create stories throughout the worlds existence and weave them together.
This may be unconventional I don't know. But other tips.
- Make a timeline, make a timeline, make a timeline. Doesn't mean you can't change it later, but just have one.
- Read, read, read a lot.
- Keep a pad (well ipad now lol) by the bed. I can't count how much stuff I saw in my sleep. I saw areas, events, new characters in dreams.
- Talk to other people, bounce ideas off them
- Write something everyday, even if you don't intend to use it in your story. I had times when something I wrote just as practice I saw a place to use it while I was writing.
- Don't make an overly strict outline. It's fantasy, you'll see things as you write about the world you created.
- Flesh your main characters out before hand. They should be almost like children to you. I was sad when I killed of some characters.
- Don't stop writing when you're in a groove. If you have to name something, people, weapons, etc. Don't dwell on it too long and lose your groove. I had many things that were Weapon1, Tower1, person on the road, etc. Come back and do the names later, all you need is a placeholder.
Sorry, I've rambled on way too long. Just remember you're only limited by your imagination, good luck.
Edit: I'm sorry another one. I helped me to write in the morning. your mind is a lot clearer. Not just writing either, studying in the morning is good as well.
What I did was create the world first. I drew a huge map of how I wanted the lay of the land to look. Then I started looking at pictures of nature, lakes, mountains, forests, etc. I started seeing cities, towers, temples, etc. I started drawing them until I had a sketch book full of pictures.
Then I just let my visions tell me a story. Who lived here, what kind of culture was it, what government ruled these lands. That's how I came up with my races, cities, kingdoms, etc. Then once that was done I gave the world a history of how it and it's races came to be.
So basically putting the world before the story gave me total freedom to create stories throughout the worlds existence and weave them together.
This may be unconventional I don't know. But other tips.
- Make a timeline, make a timeline, make a timeline. Doesn't mean you can't change it later, but just have one.
- Read, read, read a lot.
- Keep a pad (well ipad now lol) by the bed. I can't count how much stuff I saw in my sleep. I saw areas, events, new characters in dreams.
- Talk to other people, bounce ideas off them
- Write something everyday, even if you don't intend to use it in your story. I had times when something I wrote just as practice I saw a place to use it while I was writing.
- Don't make an overly strict outline. It's fantasy, you'll see things as you write about the world you created.
- Flesh your main characters out before hand. They should be almost like children to you. I was sad when I killed of some characters.
- Don't stop writing when you're in a groove. If you have to name something, people, weapons, etc. Don't dwell on it too long and lose your groove. I had many things that were Weapon1, Tower1, person on the road, etc. Come back and do the names later, all you need is a placeholder.
Sorry, I've rambled on way too long. Just remember you're only limited by your imagination, good luck.
Edit: I'm sorry another one. I helped me to write in the morning. your mind is a lot clearer. Not just writing either, studying in the morning is good as well.
Modifié par Aaleel, 03 décembre 2011 - 03:16 .
#22
Guest_greengoron89_*
Posté 03 décembre 2011 - 02:58
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LOL. It is indeed interesting how stories tend to come in "visions" - almost like the story is telling itself to you, and it's your job to relay it to others.
#23
Posté 03 décembre 2011 - 03:20
Aaleel
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greengoron89 wrote...
LOL. It is indeed interesting how stories tend to come in "visions" - almost like the story is telling itself to you, and it's your job to relay it to others.
Yeah. Only bad thing was that I got less sleep when I was really into writing something
I would literally have dreams when I was in my story with my characters. I had specific ideas/pictures of what my characters looked like, how their voices sounded.
Modifié par Aaleel, 03 décembre 2011 - 03:20 .
#24
Guest_greengoron89_*
Posté 03 décembre 2011 - 05:59
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Aaleel wrote...
Yeah. Only bad thing was that I got less sleep when I was really into writing something
I would literally have dreams when I was in my story with my characters. I had specific ideas/pictures of what my characters looked like, how their voices sounded.
I do the exact same thing - I've sometimes spent days on end doing nothing but sitting here at my computer writing up a storm. And I derive a lot of my ideas from dreams - which tend to be very vivid and complex, so often I can get some interesting stuff from them.
Unfortunately, I tend to have... erratic moods, so my creative periods tend to be few and far between - maybe once every few months or so I'll get on a writing kick for a week or two and flood my file folders with notes, and add tons of stuff into my yWriter files.
It's quite sad, really, because I've got some good material that has come a long way in the last year or so. It's too bad I can't force more creativity out of myself - if I try, I just sit there drawing blanks while staring at a Word file like a vegetable. <_<
Modifié par greengoron89, 03 décembre 2011 - 06:03 .
#25
Posté 03 décembre 2011 - 06:02
Chuvvy
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Listen to the end of the Nerdist Podcast with Neil Gaiman. He gives some really good advice. It helped me out. It's number 106 on this page.
