1. The Garrulous Mute

    The Garrulous Mute New Member

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    I've just landed, blank manuscript to hand...

    Discussion in 'New Member Introductions' started by The Garrulous Mute, Oct 20, 2017.

    Well, maybe not blank or it would be but a ream.

    I've been away from the world for a while, but now I'm back I want to make the most of life and I believe I have a book in me. The thing is... I'm not a big reader. Well, not for many years now.
    Yes, yes, I know that I should read 10 000 books before I set to write one, but no-one told me that when I started reading and I didn't think to keep count. I honestly don't know how many books I've read or if I've read enough. I'm willing to take the chance.

    If I put some colour in my reasons for being here, then maybe I might find help of the useful kind - I would add if I'm lucky but I'm not religious, and I know that luck is what's left over for those who don't believe in God or magic.

    I happened on this site last night when looking for a synonym for smile (yeah, I found out what I couldn't see was all of that which I already knew to be) then as I realised what a fabulous and practical resource it could turn out to have to hand and when I had more time, I joined today.

    The plot of my book is very contemporary with a shelf life and will have to be researched and completed with as much haste as can be mustered, but involves some rather technical matters that have to be right and I am heavily ignorant. So there's that.

    But in the main, I need pointing to/help with grammar and punctuation suitable/accepted/acceptable for what is intended to be a 100 000-ish word novel. I have, over my time, developed irregularities and peculiarities in my writing style, particularly with grammar and punctuation that, while I realise they are not in fact the right way to do things, it's never been of consequence beyond my own need to be understood... and I know I take liberties with scrupulous, meticulous and other ouses.
    I realise there must be a standard, deviations from which would be covered under the title of etiquette but I know not what they are.

    To sum; I would say that I hope to find... but then again I never hope, for hope is all there is for the ones who are never lucky. Let's just say I believe!
    With that then, I'll just put this out there. I need, and I know my need's resolve is out there looking for me.
    Oh, and just for the record, I'm not a taker. Quid pro quo Clarice at least and fair exchange is not robbery.

    I have much to offer, if only enthusiastic, exuberant eccentricity.
     
  2. Tenderiser

    Tenderiser Not a man or BayView

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    I don't think it's possible for one person to read 10,000 novel-length books in a lifetime, let alone long enough before their death to write their own book. :D Even if you read a novel a week (which is exceedingly rare) from the age of 12, with an average British life expectancy you could read around 3,600 in a lifetime.

    A more average consumption would be one a month, which would allow you read 828 by the time you left this mortal plane.

    I hope that puts your mind at rest about the 10k books thing. Welcome to WF!
     
  3. fruityloops

    fruityloops New Member

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    welcome to WF
     
  4. Alastair Woodcock

    Alastair Woodcock Active Member

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    No need to read 10,000 books or anything like that number. In fact one good book might be enough to provide you with inspiration. I would estimate I've read about 100 non-fiction and perhaps 80 fiction books in my life which is hardly a record amount. That modest haul has helped me complete two books (of about 40,000-45,000 words each) in the past two months. Until then I would have said there was no way I could complete a proper book. Everyone has their own way of writing -- yours may well be perfectly adequate, but picking up hints and tips from others is never a bad idea.

    Looking forward to seeing your idiosyncratic writing style (once you complete the apprenticeship required of you by the forum rules, that is).

    From a fellow newbie
     

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