New Writer Growing Pains

Discussion in 'Plot Development' started by sallynortheast, Jan 10, 2019.

Tags:
  1. EBohio

    EBohio Banned

    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2018
    Messages:
    871
    Likes Received:
    697
    Location:
    Ohio
    Ok, I see now. You are using first person stream of consciousness. Best examples of that is "Catcher In The Rye".

    It needs tightening up. I don't like it when author's insert pages from dictionarys, find a more clever way.

    Stream Of Consciousness is hard to keep up, but I think you said in another thread you will be using multiple POVs.

    Even though it's a different genere, read "Catcher In The Rye". There's probably plenty of excerpts on the net.

    You are trying to tell the story as if Sally is right in front us telling us the story (which is why I first thought you were talking to us in the forum at times).

    I talked about this short story in another thread once, "Lawns" by Mona Simpson. I think you might like how she handles it.

    (I'll be back with a link).
     
  2. sallynortheast

    sallynortheast Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2019
    Messages:
    39
    Likes Received:
    12
    Thank you that's great ,I will check out the Catcher book, sorry for the confusion - I also thought the correct dictionary insert would seem more realistic as she is supposedly reading it on her PC.
     
  3. EBohio

    EBohio Banned

    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2018
    Messages:
    871
    Likes Received:
    697
    Location:
    Ohio
    Do it better with her thoughts, it can be done.

    Check Out "Lawns", http://wwla.weebly.com/uploads/6/6/3/0/6630130/lawns.pdf. It's about a girl dealing with inappropriate behavior with her father.
     
    sallynortheast likes this.
  4. sallynortheast

    sallynortheast Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2019
    Messages:
    39
    Likes Received:
    12

    Thank you
     
  5. sallynortheast

    sallynortheast Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2019
    Messages:
    39
    Likes Received:
    12
    I tried changing the strict definition from the wiki pages to her thoughts and it works much, much better, thank you for the suggestion. :supergrin:
     
  6. cosmic lights

    cosmic lights Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2018
    Messages:
    863
    Likes Received:
    857
    Location:
    Norwich, UK
    Something I learned is too avoid 'putting yourself in the characters position' because you are not the character. You'll end up doing what you would do and not what she would do. If she has a different personality to you, which she should have, it wont be true to the character. Character creating is about knowing this separate person so well you don't need to put yourself in her shoes, you just instantly know what she would do.
    To a gang of bullies, you might stand up for yourself, but your character might just walk away. Instead of 'becoming the character' and letting you slip in there keep her a separate person from yourself. Otherwise, all your characters end up being the same because you're constantly in their shoes.

    This is what worked for me. But it may not work for you. I'm better off keeping a separation and some people aren't.
     
    jannert likes this.
  7. sallynortheast

    sallynortheast Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2019
    Messages:
    39
    Likes Received:
    12
    Thank you for those words - Well my original heading for this posting was Growing Pains, the easiest route has been - How would 'I' act in such a situation? I appreciate that the 'easiest' route is not necessarily the most effective route but it helped me as a new writer get a story down on paper. The interesting part for me has been recently writing from the other characters POV's as it has made me go back and make big alterations to the MC's storyline.
     
  8. J. J. Wilding

    J. J. Wilding Member

    Joined:
    Dec 16, 2018
    Messages:
    76
    Likes Received:
    47
    Location:
    Lincoln, England
    Write what you would want to read, in response to the dilemma you're in. And yeah, I was much the same. Took me 14 years and I have to admit there are still some mistakes that remained, but it will come and I can guarantee it will come to you faster than it did me. Identifying with your main character should make the process ultimately easier in the long run too, happy writing!
     
  9. sallynortheast

    sallynortheast Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2019
    Messages:
    39
    Likes Received:
    12
    Thank you, at this moment in time I am writing for me, enjoying what my mind springs on my MC and me. I'm just amazed at how easily the words are flowing. I wish I would have had the time years ago to pursue this. My husband showed me a quote by Ray Bradbury "You must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you" I must admit a few G&T's help too. Don't panic, I understand the quote, just learning not to take myself to seriously when writing.
     
  10. J. J. Wilding

    J. J. Wilding Member

    Joined:
    Dec 16, 2018
    Messages:
    76
    Likes Received:
    47
    Location:
    Lincoln, England
    That's just it, enjoying whatever comes to mind, however outlandish, is the way to enjoy writing as a hobby. I can't recommend the books of Garth Nix higher in this regard as the man has a super-charged imagination and one that convinced me I was going to be a writer in some capacity. Read his 'Keys to the Kingdom' series, it's light-hearted fantasy with a dash of adventure and drama and heaps of creativity. For any budding author, it's a great place to start. Happy writing!
     
  11. sallynortheast

    sallynortheast Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2019
    Messages:
    39
    Likes Received:
    12
    Thank you for your comment, really appreciated - I will look up Garth Nix, sounds interesting.
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice