2124 réponses à ce sujet

[ColorMeSuprised]

tklivory wrote...
I also have read some *amazing* short stories in 2nd person or FUTURE tense, but those are the most difficult to pull off.  Someday I'll write up a treatment of the roof of Fort Drakon using this method, probably as an exercise, but it is a moment where the 'narrator' pretty much knows what is going to happen, and then it happens - could be interesting.  This also works quite well in stories about psychics (particularly for experimentation).  

I tried using 2nd person two times. Once for this challenge and the first time was when I was 16 and read the book "Winter birds" by Jim Grimsley which is written completely in 2nd person POV. It was horrible (my writing, not the book). I hope I did better this time but in about half a year I will be probably pretty embarassed for sending something like that in. It's always the same, one is never satisfied with his own work...

Oh, but it's the first time I tried it in English, which is easier than in German.

Modifié par ColorMeSuprised, 29 janvier 2012 - 01:25 .

[Firky]

On a list of "don't dos" from DG, much as I'd personally be fine with that, maybe whatever the positive version is might be better. Like, "Tips for making a great competition entry" or something.

It's probably the former school teacher in me. Like, instead of "Don't talk" it's "Great learning happens in a quiet room."

(Teachers. The most positive people in the world 9-3. After hours, though ....)

You know what would be cool, too? If there were a list of "don't dos" and then some of the winning entries had done them. I really like writing that breaks the rules and transcends convention. (That's the *former* school teacher in me, now.)

[ColorMeSuprised]

The Sarendoctrinator wrote...

I guess part of the reason why I like Shakespeare's work is because of the way it sounds. I know Romeo and Juliet isn't the type of story I would read otherwise, but the more tragic stories like Hamlet are. Poe has great stories and poems too. Tell-Tale Heart is definitely one of my favorites. I love to see that kind of emotion in a character.

You know, what disturbed me the most were these shallow feelings of most of his characters. I'm sorry, I don't remember the name of the book I wanted to refer to. The one with the twins that had to leave home and the sister started to work for some king disguised as a man and the king and some woman fell in love with her. And at the end the brother appeared, and the woman just changed from the girl to the boy because they are twins, they just have to be alike.

What was the name again, I can't remember.

I think that, at least the books I read, are all this superficial in the depth of the characters (do I repeat myself? I'm sorry...)

My English literatur prof was just crazy about Shakespeare. I know that most of the jokes I did not understand until my prof explained to us the time and what people in that period thought about like how a baby becomes a boy and such. Oh, Shakespeare was such a vulgar person in retrospect.

Modifié par ColorMeSuprised, 29 janvier 2012 - 01:39 .

[Muirin]

Scrimgeour10 wrote...

 David Gaider @davidgaider

Tempted to put up a list of "never do's" for this type of short fiction. Would that be angst-inducting, or helpful?

Thoughts? 

Definitely helpful!  If you Bioware folks are reading this forum - *please put up the list* (we'll write better stories next time if you tell us what does and doesn't work)

As to publishing the top 20.....gosh yes. I mean why not, it can only be a good thing can't it, encouraging people who did quite well in this contest.

[Nenalata]

ColorMeSuprised wrote...

You know, what disturbed me the most were these shallow feelings of most of his characters. I'm sorry, I don't remember the name of the book I wanted to refer to. The one with the twins that had to leave home and the sister started to work for some king disguised as a man and the king and some woman fell in love with her. And at the end the brother appeared, and the woman just changed from the girl to the boy because they are twins, they just have to be alike.

What was the name again, I can't remember.

I think that, at least the books I read, are all this superficial in the depth out the characters (do I repeat myself? I'm sorry...)

My English literatur prof was just crazy about Shakespeare. I know that most of the jokes I did not understand until my prof explained to us the time and what people in that period thought about like how a baby becomes a boy and such. Oh, Shakespeare was such a vulgar person in retrospect.

That's Twelfth Night C: (sorry for lurking)

I used to have a problem with Shakespeare too, when I was younger. I wouldn't say "it grew on me" or anything--I just got used to the style, yanno? IMHO, at first glance it might seem like the characters don't have much depth--evil! romantic! twin! family!--but you kind of have to force yourself to really think about their actions. For example, the play Othello. That's not a favourite of mine, but the character Iago is so twisted, both in his personality and his possible motives. It really is in-depth. The plot I can understand if you have problems with, but every play Shakespeare wrote was political propoganda. 

Have you seen Shakespeare performed? I can understand not "feeling" the literature, but seeing it live is something else.

By the by, I adore Poe, so I guess that makes me kinda boring for not being controversial

EDIT: Hoo boy, sorry for my lack of coherency. In my defense, it is cold by my computer, and one's fingers do get cold whilst typing.

Modifié par Nenalata, 29 janvier 2012 - 01:50 .

[Serwayn Fletcher]

I have a mess of writing books that are great for telling you what to do and not do, when writing. So...if the list he's talking about is one specific to writing Dragon Age or according to BioWare guidelines...yeah, I'd love to see that! Advice on the craft of writing, however, is information I can easily get elsewhere. I can only get the DA/BioWare information from one place, though...him.

A few points I'll make: One pet peeve of mine when reading is the overuse of adverbs. The single best piece of writing advice I've ever received as a freelance writer from an editor was: "Don't tell me. Show me. Action, not description." Finally, my screenwriting professor in college had us do a really cool exercise where we came up with a scene, and then chose the point in that scene with the most action in it, and had us begin the scene at that point. That's how I tend to do it...drop the reader right in the middle of the action from the start. (I guess we'll see how valuable this advice proves to be, once they post the list...lol).

I kind of hope they post the lists as the 20 "semi-finalists," 5 (or however many) finalists, and winner. It would even be great to end up as one of the 20.

[rickf7666]

I would love to see a list of dos and don'ts from a paid writer who is also judging. Not to mention something like that would let some people know that they are out of the running. The waiting is really becoming wearing.

I also want to thank everyone who has responded to my questions. It has been very insightful and I have a list of new books to read.

[Muirin]

Serwayn Fletcher wrote...

I have a mess of writing books that are great for telling you what to do and not do, when writing.

If there's one you particularly recommend, I'd love to be pointed in the right direction

[Bethadots]

I know some writing competitions will post a "long list" of the top 15 or 20 or so and then a shortlist of the top 5 or so below the announcement of who the winner is. I'm all for this - I'd find it so encouraging to hear I was in the top 1-20 rather than just being aware I was not in the top 5... (Not that I'm presuming that I'd be in the top 1-20, judging by the stellar entries I've read I don't hold out much hope, but I'm just saying if I was on that top list I'd really want to know about it)

[ColorMeSuprised]

Nenalata wrote...
That's Twelfth Night C: (sorry for lurking)

I used to have a problem with Shakespeare too, when I was younger. I wouldn't say "it grew on me" or anything--I just got used to the style, yanno? IMHO, at first glance it might seem like the characters don't have much depth--evil! romantic! twin! family!--but you kind of have to force yourself to really think about their actions. For example, the play Othello. That's not a favourite of mine, but the character Iago is so twisted, both in his personality and his possible motives. It really is in-depth. The plot I can understand if you have problems with, but every play Shakespeare wrote was political propoganda. 

Have you seen Shakespeare performed? I can understand not "feeling" the literature, but seeing it live is something else.

By the by, I adore Poe, so I guess that makes me kinda boring for not being controversial

That's it, yes! Thank you.
(And another lurker revealed! )

I read Othello once, but I don't remember that much. Our literatur prof had us reading almost all Shakespeare books in half a year, which would be fine if it was just reading, but we had to write essays and such too, so I guess Othello was one of the books I more or less skipped through, wrote my two cents and put ad acta.

I had to do the same with Goethe for my German literature classes. I was never a fan of Goethe, Faust I was quite funny, but Faust II was a little too abstract for my tastes. And I had to read the other Goethe books too so... there went my exemplary school life....

(I'm a bad person...)

But, no, I never saw Shakespeare performed by a real theater. We had school plays, which also had shown Antigone and Nathan the wise but I never saw Sheakspeare with a big comanpy (is that the right word for a theater ensemble?)

Oh, I don't even know if I the books I'm mentioning are even remotely know outside Germany, I'm just throwing names around assuming someone knows them...

Bethadots wrote...

I know some writing competitions will post a "long list" of the top 15 or 20 or so and then a shortlist of the top 5 or so below the announcement of who the winner is. I'm all for this - I'd find it so encouraging to hear I was in the top 1-20 rather than just being aware I was not in the top 5... (Not that I'm presuming that I'd be in the top 1-20, judging by the stellar entries I've read I don't hold out much hope, but I'm just saying if I was on that top list I'd really want to know about it)

/This

Modifié par ColorMeSuprised, 29 janvier 2012 - 02:02 .

[CuriousArtemis]

Firky wrote...

(Teachers. The most positive people in the world 9-3. After hours, though ....)

Haha ... in my department, we used to have Halo parties, you know, back when playing Halo was cool.  Imagine a bunch of lit professors taking out their frustration with students as they pummel one another with energy swords.  Good times.

Everyone begging for the writers to release the Top 20 -- sure, you want to know if you're on there.  But what if you weren't?  What if the Top 50 were posted, and you weren't on THAT either?

Do you really want to know?

Modifié par motomotogirl, 29 janvier 2012 - 02:04 .

[JRain]

One of the most valuable parts of my MFA program were our residencies when we got to workshop with published authors and industry professionals. The feedback from the pros, and getting the opportunity to work so closely with them, was incredibly valuable to our process. And if any of us are interested in entering short story/fanfiction contests in the future, having some feedback from an industry insider could help give us an edge.

[Nenalata]

ColorMeSuprised wrote...

That's it, yes! Thank you.
(And another lurker revealed! )

I read Othello once, but I don't remember that much. Our literatur prof had us reading almost all Shakespeare books in half a year, which would be fine if it was just reading, but we had to write essays and such too, so I guess Othello was one of the books I more or less skipped through, wrote my two cents and put ad acta.

I had to do the same with Goethe for my German literature classes. I was never a fan of Goethe, Faust I was quite funny, but Faust II was a little too abstract for my tastes. And I had to read the other Goethe books too so... there went my exemplary school life....

(I'm a bad person...)

But, no, I never saw Shakespeare performed by a real theater. We had school plays, which also had shown Antigone and Nathan the wise but I never saw Sheaspeare with a big comanpy (is that the right word for a theater ensemble?)

Oh, I don't even know if I the books I'm mentioning are even remotely know outside Germany, I'm just throwing names around assuming someone knows them...

Curses, I've been found out! I guess that's what happens when you confess.

Oh, no! No wonder you're not a fan! You read all of Shakespeare's plays in one year when you already really like him; that shouldn't be your introduction! Gee, poor you. That's horrible. Especially since the histories can be tough to slog through.

Don't worry, I know who Goethe and Faust are. Unfortunately, I've never read them, so I guess I can't be a literary snob anymore. How unpleasant. Well, hopefully once you've recovered, you'll give Shakespeare another chance. At the very least, maybe you can drag yourself to a play? I mean, I'd do research to find which productions near you are actually good--don't wanna ruin Shakespeare forever for you. /I'm a nerd I'm a nerd I'm a nerd/

But yeah, nothing like seeing it live! I never thought I'd really enjoy Richard III until I saw it for myself.

ijhqeihw I love Antigone. Never saw it for myself, but I read the 1940 Jean Anouille version, which made me like the Greek one even more. Never read or saw Nathan the Wise, though. (Yup, company. Company or troupe, whichever you prefer.)

Ahem. I'm sorry; I just reread some of my favourite Shakespeare plays, so I'm kinda excited. I'll stop.

[ColorMeSuprised]

motomotogirl wrote...

Do you really want to know?

Yes. Since I will know I'm not in the top 20 I can stop agonizing. If however I would be in the top 20 I would probably say: Nooooo, why, oh why did you release the top 20????

Since I don't believe I made it, I guess it's fine.

[Nenalata]

motomotogirl wrote...

Everyone begging for the writers to release the Top 20 -- sure, you want to know if you're on there.  But what if you weren't?  What if the Top 50 were posted, and you weren't on THAT either?

Do you really want to know?

I can't decide what I'm more terrified of: being in the top twenty, or not being in the top twenty. If nothing else, the anticipation is doing nothing for my productivity.

I know this won't happen, but the more this builds up, the more worried I am that once the tension reaches its peak, someone'll shout THEY WERE ALL GOOD! EVERYBODY WINS! /confetti/ and I'll melt into a puddle from the anticlimatic result.

[ColorMeSuprised]

Nenalata wrote...

I know this won't happen, but the more this builds up, the more worried I am that once the tension reaches its peak, someone'll shout THEY WERE ALL GOOD! EVERYBODY WINS! /confetti/ and I'll melt into a puddle from the anticlimatic result.

So... DG will have to go through 400 interviews? Oh lucky him!

Nenalata wrote...
At the very least, maybe you can drag yourself to a play? I mean, I'd do research to find which productions near you are actually good--don't wanna ruin Shakespeare forever for you. /I'm a nerd I'm a nerd I'm a nerd/

But yeah, nothing like seeing it live! I never thought I'd really enjoy Richard III until I saw it for myself.

Before I had to read his works I watched the movies on TV. There was a time where they aired one movie every saturday, so I stayed up late to watch them. It's not like I just randomly condemn authors.... most of the time. No, I just wanted to know what's so special about his books.

After reading his books I acknowledge the writing style which is unique and with a beautiful flow, because he uses iambic (pentametres?) most of the time. But I only noticed that after I started reading in English instead of German.

Oh well, the next time they play Shakespeare around here I will drag myself into it. I promise.

Modifié par ColorMeSuprised, 29 janvier 2012 - 02:23 .

[The Sarendoctrinator]

I really enjoyed Antigone. I read it, but haven't seen a play. A friend of mine read Faust and told me a little bit about it. I didn't have the chance to read it myself, at the time.

motomotogirl wrote...

Everyone begging for the writers to release the Top 20 -- sure, you want to know if you're on there.  But what if you weren't?  What if the Top 50 were posted, and you weren't on THAT either?

Do you really want to know?

Oh yes. If they release the top 20, then at least I would know if I should be happy or sad! I don't know how I should feel during all this waiting, except nervous and hopeful. If I'm in the top 20, then I can still be hopeful, and if not... I can get the sadness over with now rather than later.

[Talaith_900]

I can't stand reading Shakespeare, but seeing it live is one of my favorite things in the world. When I studied it in high school, my teacher always made us do readings of at least part of each play. We even did a full staged version of Act 2 of Julius Caesar, splitting into small groups for each scene. It was longer ago than I care to admit on a public forum, but I still remember having so much fun and gaining such a deeper appreciation for the play. (I was Brutus. Mwahahaha.)

A list of do's and don'ts would be very helpful indeed. And since I'm positive I didn't make anybody's shortlist, I just want to see the top 20 list so that I can read them.

[deagh]

motomotogirl wrote...

Firky wrote...

(Teachers. The most positive people in the world 9-3. After hours, though ....)

Haha ... in my department, we used to have Halo parties, you know, back when playing Halo was cool.  Imagine a bunch of lit professors taking out their frustration with students as they pummel one another with energy swords.  Good times.

Everyone begging for the writers to release the Top 20 -- sure, you want to know if you're on there.  But what if you weren't?  What if the Top 50 were posted, and you weren't on THAT either?

Do you really want to know?

I do want to know 'top 20' vs 'not top 20'.  If I'm in the list, I'm thrilled. If not, I am already assuming I'm not on the top 20 list.  If I find out I'm really not, then at least I can stop hoping and wondering.  As for feedbak  I'd love to have some feedback.  All constructive criticism is welcome, even if it would induce angst if I knew I'd done some of it.

[Nenalata]

ColorMeSuprised wrote...

So... DG will have to go through 400 interviews? Oh lucky him!

All at the same time, using Skype Video.

ColorMeSuprised wrote...


Before I had to read his works I watched the movies on TV. There was a time where they aired one movie every saturday, so I stayed up late to watch them. It's not like I just randomly condemn authors.... most of the time. No, I just wanted to know what's so special about his books.

After reading his books I acknowledge the writing style which is unique and with a beautiful flow, because he uses iambic (pentametres?) most of the time. But I only noticed that after I started reading in English instead of German.

Oh well, the next time they play Shakespeare around here I will drag myself into it. I promise.

Oh, I didn't mean to come off as "Uncouth, illiterate buffoon! How dare you ignorantly slander Shakespeare's good name!"  Sorry if I did!

Oh, good point. I imagine it'd be much different in German. Eh, I'm not trying to convert you...much. AHEM no I really do respect that--most people just say it's "boring" and leave it at that, so I mean it.

Yay! I hope you enjoy it, and don't come chasing after me with a pitchfork!

[Shadow of Light Dragon]

Scrimgeour10 wrote...

 David Gaider @davidgaider

Tempted to put up a list of "never do's" for this type of short fiction. Would that be angst-inducting, or helpful?

Thoughts? 

Never go over the word limit.
Never forget to check your spelling/lore references.
Never ignore the competition rules.
Never waste half of your word count describing the main character's beautiful face/chiselled visage.
Never get so caught up in your own prose that you forget to give your story a point.
Never wait until you're halfway into the story to grab the reader's interest.
Never go overboard creating your own lore; where possible, work with what you have.

I'm sure it'll be angst-inducting [sic] for some

Nasty thing about Twitter is that you can't edit...

[ColorMeSuprised]

The Sarendoctrinator wrote...

I really enjoyed Antigone. I read it, but haven't seen a play. A friend of mine read Faust and told me a little bit about it. I didn't have the chance to read it myself, at the time.

I'm kind of curious. In Germany we have a certain teaching plan which regulates which books teachers have to discuss with the pupils in which grade. Is there something like that in other countries, too?

Antigone, Faust, Nathan the Wise, The Catcher in the Ray, Romeo and Juliet, The perks of being a wallflower, the Pig man,  The Reader, The Graduate, Man of Straw and many, many (many, many more)... They are all part of this schedule. There are far too many books I had to suffer through, to be honest. I hope students in other countries have to suffer the same way I did!

Nenalata wrote...

ColorMeSuprised wrote...
So... DG will have to go through 400 interviews? Oh lucky him! [smilie]../../../images/forum/emoticons/joyful.png[/smilie]

All at the same time, using Skype Video.

Oh lucky us!

I think he wouldn't even understand half of what we are yelling to be heard over the others.

Nenalata wrote..
Oh, I didn't mean to come off as "Uncouth, illiterate buffoon! How dare you ignorantly slander Shakespeare's good name!"  Sorry if I did!

Don't worry. You did not.

I'm pretty honest with what I think and don't beat around the bush (much), which is why I probably get seen as rude. It's a habit of mine which made me more enemies than friends... so if it sounded like I was angry or defiant, I was not, I was just honest. XD

And as I said, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Even if I don't like it. XD


(At this point I feel like I have to apologize for all the mistakes I make in this thread.... I correct my posts and the next time I still find mistakes. So, so sorry.)

Modifié par ColorMeSuprised, 29 janvier 2012 - 02:44 .

[Tryynity]

I would like a top 20 - kind of like honorable mentions - for encouragement.

To me even that would be an achievement and reward in itself.

I would dearly love some professional critique from these bioware writers - telling me where I went wrong and how I can improve, but I think that would way be too much work for them. They have already have had to go through so many. I wonder if they will do that again or it was too much work.