Workflow and successful writing

Discussion in 'General Writing' started by Alan Aspie, Mar 7, 2019.

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  1. Alan Aspie

    Alan Aspie Banned Contributor

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    I agree.

    But you can't underline, write remarks, check things when you want to... if you use libraries.

    I've been told that you can also listen as much books as you like by getting some kind of "book spotify". (Some of my friends use these.)

    And recycled books are free or almost.

    And many ebooks don't cost much.

    But... you know... There is always enough money to buy books. (Don't buy cloths every year/decade. Eat less. Don't drink or smoke or travel.... There is always something less important you can skip.)
     
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  2. Alan Aspie

    Alan Aspie Banned Contributor

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  3. talltale

    talltale Member

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    Prologues generally have nothing to do with the protagonist, so I would advise against putting the "meeting" there.

    Also, I would advise against putting both the past and present environment in the same chapters unless you plan on this back-and-forth being a story telling mechanism.
     
    Last edited: Apr 17, 2019
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  4. ChickenFreak

    ChickenFreak Contributor Contributor

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    Prologues usually do have some sort of break from the main story--they may be far way in time, in place, or they may, yes, feature a different character. But I wouldn't agree that they generally have nothing to do with the protagonist. The Harry Potter prologue, as I recall, was about Harry as a baby. The prologue of In This House of Brede was about the protagonist several years (maybe a decade?) before the main beginning of the story. And so on.

    Edited to add: Hmm. Interesting; apparently what I remembered as the prologue in Harry Potter was just the first chapter? I don't have the book handy to check this.
     
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  5. Hammer

    Hammer Moderator Staff Supporter Contributor

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    Pretty much anyone can write a story. Story-telling is one of the fundamental facets of humanity. We start as infants trying to explain why the broken window/missing cake/singed cat was nothing to do with us.

    Whether the story is publishable or even readable adds many more layers of complexity. There are generally accepted norms like spelling and punctuation which contribute to being readable, but on top of that there are subleties and style which make it enjoyable.

    The best way to start writing is to pick up a pen (metaphorically, perhaps; you can use a word-processor if you prefer) and write. The best way to learn to write well is to write a lot. The best way to learn to write with style is to read a lot.
     
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  6. Infel

    Infel Contributor Contributor

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    Hello friend, worry not. Despite the opinions of many, it is entirely possible to write without reading books. DON'T think to yourself "Oh, I guess I have to read before writing this thing I want to write"--no, don't do that. Pick up your computer, and write the chapter--however you can, as fumbling, poor, and terrible as it might be--write it. Just go do it. Right now.

    It might not be any good. But that's not what you care about right now. You're writing because you want to write. You're writing because it's important to you. You have the inspiration and energy and desire to put something from your brain onto paper--don't waste it.

    You can learn how to write better, and apply it to your writing later.
    At some point, you'll need to read. You won't necessarily have to read fiction, but you'll at least have to read books on how to write fiction, if nothing else. But that can all come later.

    The worst thing you can do right now is ask for other people's advice and opinions. I know it's scary to start something new, but forget what everyone else says--forget what I say, if you want. Just do the thing you want to do. You have to start somewhere, and you have to fall down and fumble through the dark for a bit. You probably won't write something publishable your first time through. But that doesn't matter--that's not the point. The point is that you're starting something that you WANT to do, because you want to do it. Just do it. Go do it. Go write.

    Everything else can come later.
     
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  7. NobodySpecial

    NobodySpecial Contributor Contributor

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    That’s the main reason I started buying kindle books. I bought one on Amazon today- (a textbook) the kindle version was $9.99 while the print version was $79.99. I still buy print books, there’s this feeling I’m helping someone keep their job when I do, plus some books just aren’t available in a digital format. I have roughly 400 books on my iPad. Try lugging all those around as print books.
     
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  8. Azarro

    Azarro New Member

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    That's a good idea I didn't think bout that thanx
     
  9. Azarro

    Azarro New Member

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    I just find books boring in general. It's difficult for me to find books that really catches my attention. I dont hate books tho, there are books that have caught my attention lately and I'm planning to read but I'm not a bookaholic.
     
  10. Azarro

    Azarro New Member

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    Thank u:)
    I actually don't read books cause I find it boring a lot of times. Maybe because I've chosen books with stories that don't really get me. I've read good books too, It's just that the type of stories I like are difficult to find. That's one reason why I wanna write. I've read fanfics too so I don't know if that really counts but I think that idea of audiobooks is a really good option. I will try that and will be cautious with flashbacks. Thanx for the advice
     
    Last edited: Apr 18, 2019
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  11. Azarro

    Azarro New Member

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    Thanx for this good advice, it really gets a pressure of my chest reading this. Honestly I don't want to let these ideas in my head vanish cause I think they would make a pretty good novel in the far future. Plus like u said the desire to write is there and I can't waste it. The thing is I had the insecurity that something like storytelling is only possible when u read but thinking bout it everything can help u with storytelling and what u mentioned that reading is to help make ur story publishiber and readable for others. So what I understood is after u know what u wanna tell ur gonna have to learn how to tell them (by reading books), but at least u won't forget what they were cause u wrote everything. Thanx again for this advice:)
     
    Last edited: Apr 18, 2019
  12. Infel

    Infel Contributor Contributor

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    @Azarro No problem!! If you want a great video about this, feel free to send me a PM and I'll send it over.
     
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  13. Alan Aspie

    Alan Aspie Banned Contributor

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    Idea is a start. Execution is The Thing.
     
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  14. The Dapper Hooligan

    The Dapper Hooligan (V) ( ;,,;) (v) Contributor

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    I thought Childs was The Thing. Or maybe it was McReady.
     
  15. Alan Aspie

    Alan Aspie Banned Contributor

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    Not anymore. The Thing got executed. So... Execution took it's place. Now execution is The Thing.
     
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  16. jannert

    jannert Retired Mod Supporter Contributor

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    It does take a while to find books that you really like. I know I struggle sometimes to really get into a book, and I'm a voracious reader, and always have been. But something just has to 'click,' doesn't it? It's like anything else, really. TV, movies. You won't love everything you watch either. But some of these things will become favourites.

    Don't worry about forcing yourself to read what somebody else tells you is a 'good' book. If it doesn't grab you, it doesn't grab you. Everybody's taste is different.

    However, if you find it boring, it's a good idea to pinpoint WHY it's boring. Then, whatever that writer is doing, don't do it yourself. A lot of writers say they are more inspired by reading bad books than good ones. They read a bad (or boring) book and think: I can do better than THAT!

    You might want to try browsing through Amazon. Put a category into the search bit (Fantasy, etc), and take a look at what comes up. Read the blurb, and then open up the 'look inside' feature. If what you see sounds like something you'd enjoy, give it a try. The 'look inside' is crucial, because it lets you make up your own mind whether you're likely to enjoy the book or not.

    What is important (in my opinion) is to find a few books you DO like. You can then keep them in mind for your own. If they don't bore you, they are good role models. How do they handle giving information? What are their descriptive scenes like? How do they present their dialogue? You can do worse than imitate an author whose book you enjoy. Obviously you won't steal their story :eek: but it's perfectly okay to steal their style. :)

    edited - I do agree with @Infel. It's important to write. And write without asking for opinions, at least until you're done. Get that story that's in your head out there on paper (computer), so your ideas don't get lost and you don't lose enthusiasm for it. You can work on the form of the story later on. Don't let worry hold you back. Get writing! :)
     
    Last edited: Apr 19, 2019
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  17. almostvoid

    almostvoid Member

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    ah you mentioned style --- I came apart at that. Wasted thousands of words. Trying to write like Lovecraft! Talk about hubris---there was a good -at first- British horror writer ----Campbell --- who started at first doing this -ahem much better- but still it read different even as this writer is exceptional--and when he found his own style he was really off and away and doing some creative malfeasance which left that other American author somewhat predictably tame in comparison.
     
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  18. jannert

    jannert Retired Mod Supporter Contributor

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    Aye, well, some styles are above imitation, aren't they? Lovecraft was noted for his. Thing is, if you imitate a writer whose style is extremely unique, you'll end up looking silly, I reckon. (There is always a down side to my advice! :)) I was meaning for the OP to attempt to tell a story the way they like to hear/read it being told. Imitating a favourite author's style is one way to do this. But probably not if the author is Lovecraft, or Shakespeare.

    My own 'echo author' was the British mystery/fantasy writer Mary Stewart. I grew up reading her mystery/romances, and THEN she wrote The Crystal Cave ...followed by three more in a series about Merlin. I have re-read this series many many times, and still enjoy it. Hers was the style that echoed in my head when I wrote my own novel, which, topically, is absolutely nothing like any of hers. In fact, she writes mostly in first person, while I always write in third limited. But I wanted to write 'like that.' Her books gave me my initial story voice.
     
    Last edited: Apr 19, 2019
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  19. almostvoid

    almostvoid Member

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    Yes---I see what you mean---the inspiration from the chosen authoress --- and you found your own style ---ah this is the creative dialectic working---I prefer the third person to read. I sometimes do write in the first person--because there are multiple personalities and intertwining story's so one will be the 'me' as in 'I' - though it feels strange. [that is the brain - I have no control there}
     
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  20. Azarro

    Azarro New Member

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    Thanx again for another good advice. With movies I always watch them and look at the little details or things I would avoid if I were to make a movie cause theres were my interests mainly lie. The fact that I could make a better story than what I watched actually inspires me a lot . With books I didn't stand still and see it from the POV of making something better but It's a great idea seeing it from that perspective. Also I'm glad I'm not the only one with unique interests. I felt someway cause I'm not a book fan in general or cause the book doesn't meet my expectations a lot of times. But I'm gonna continue doing what u and infel advised me, seeing It's the best option I have right now. Thanx again :agreed:
     
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  21. jannert

    jannert Retired Mod Supporter Contributor

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    Just get your story out there. That's the most important thing. And don't worry about what somebody else is going to think of it. Just write honestly.

    I am a fan of not showing work to anybody till you feel it's ready to be shown. Nobody else even needs to know you're writing at all (unless they wonder what you're doing hunched over a computer all day long. Even then, you can lie!) Give yourself the breathing space to make mistakes, to take your time, etc.

    You don't owe anybody any explanations. Just have fun! Write that story you would LOVE to read, that would not bore you. It truly is fun. And once you've done it, you will have created characters and a story that is just as 'real' as any other author's work. It's a very exciting stage of writing. The hard work comes later on, but by then you'll know you've got 'something.'
     
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  22. Azarro

    Azarro New Member

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    Yes thanx. It's really exciting indeed . I went from editing existing clips together (I want to become a film producer) to writing my own stories. I realized I keep wanting to do more in the creating field. The ambition is there and I think it's there to stay, seeing how long I've been keeping up with creating things. I just wanna enjoy doing what I like and continue till I'm at that point where I want to be. Also a fan of not showing ur work till u think is ready, I can relate. Nobody knows best then oneself at moments like that. These days I've been writing hoping that my mom or sister won't ask me what I'm doing cause I'm not ready yet to show. But thanx for the motivating advices , u guys are lovely:)
     
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  23. jannert

    jannert Retired Mod Supporter Contributor

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    Awww. Are your mom and sister likely to be supportive? I hope so. I hope you are able to just tell them you're trying to write a story, and that you don't want to show it to anybody until it's done ...and maybe even not then! I hope they respect your privacy.

    I had to confess I was writing when my husband began to wonder why I was hogging the computer all the time—we now have separate computers and a peaceful marriage—but he was lovely about not pestering me about it, once I told him what I was up to. Not everybody is so lucky with family members.
     
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  24. Azarro

    Azarro New Member

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    Just today I told my sister. She laughed cause I've never wrote before and I don't read books normally but I told her I was serious bout it. I told her friend too and she surprisingly believed me and told me to do what I want and enjoy. Ur husband is great for respecting ur privacy. I told my sister that if I'm writing don't ask to see it pls. I think she'll respect it, the one I think will probably have some issues undetstanding is my mom. But hopefully she'll just keep wondering instead of peeking or asking me to show.
     
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  25. jannert

    jannert Retired Mod Supporter Contributor

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    Yeah, I hope she respects your privacy. Tell her you won't be able to write at all if you think somebody is looking over your shoulder.
     
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