Me too. It read as a lot of gobblygoop to me, meant to sound deep, but really having little meaning. But, I wasn't going to say anything, because it seems anytime I dissent or point out anything contrary everyone gets up in arms about how everyone's opinions or advice can never be wrong and to even imply such a thing is a personal attack and a sin. But really, a bunch of well meaning nonsense is still nonsense. Sorry if that hurts anyone's feelings, but based on the title of these forums, I'm led to believe the purpose is serious discussion of writing, not the free sharing of nonsense that may actually be misguiding of misinforming other writers under the guise we should all excuse it and instead just be friends who blindly support anything anyone wants to say, even when they're claiming it's fact or giving advice. Not to mention, a list of vague philosophical statements doesn't exactly create a writing technique. What does this even mean: This might belong better on the poetry forums (I mean that as a compliment!). And I don't want to take away anyone's rights to express their opinion, I guess I just don't get how this is a writing technique, or at all helpful to anyone outside of equally vague "We all have our own unique way we gain inspiration." Yeah, that's great, but that doesn't mean everyone's methods or techniques (however loosely defined) are honestly worthy of discussion or note, especially when they're barely even comprehensible. I guess my bewilderment and consternation stems from the fact I'm more than willing to spend my own time discussing writing issues, answering questions, sharing what I've learned, learning from others, etc... but I'm finding it harder and harder to find such topics, and instead it seem increasingly threads are filled with flat-out misguided or misinformed information that is then personally defended when any debate comes about, or threads like this where no debate can really occur as the post is confusing, not exactly asking a question, or even really discussing writing. More actual discussions of writing, please, unless we're all done learning everything we need to know, then sure, lets just all share our vague philosophies and the things we think are fact because they're our opinions and we wouldn't dare be capable of thinking something false. I guess I just don't understand how this thread fits the following description: I guess maybe it's sharing resources? Maybe there needs to be a forum for people with writer's block, as it seems many of these threads are more about NOT writing, than actually writing. I don't want to be crabby-apple, but it's frustrating to click a thread advertising a writing technique and getting very little discussion on either writing, or techniques. It's frustrating how many threads (seemingly recently, or really it's probably just my perception) don't really have much to do with writing, and instead just socializing or sharing very untested theories they subscribe to (for better or worse). I enjoy this forum for the people wanting to discuss the craft of writing, and instead feel like I spend an inordinate amount of time reading through stuff from people who are actually just hanging out, using the threads as a platform to hear their fingers ticking away at their keyboard, whether what they're saying even makes any sense at all. I appreciate what seems well meaning and if nothing else interesting, but perhaps some more concrete and clear 'techniques' will be more helpful (or at least more accessible). And really, consider writing poetry, as I found this not at all helpful or instructive for a writing technique, but still interesting from a philosophical and poetic standpoint. Edit: and I know, I should just lighten up, right? Well, unfortunately writing is what I want to do as a profession, so I take it seriously, and if I just wanting some screw-around conversations I'd spend more time in the Lounge. Speaking of which, there could maybe also stand to be a forum where people can talk about their characters or writing openly, whether it has anything to do with the topic or not, as I find myself wasting (err spending) a lot of my time on these forums reading such posts.
Most of my stories take place in alternate worlds. That's not foreign to me. But, while I think I understand what you're saying here, I'm not sure that it directly helps one write stories. It's like saying blue things are blue. Give us something concrete!
Mewrote -- One should be careful equating religious books to lies. Even if you're redefining a lie. As for you post, I'm hearing you for 1-4 but 5's lost me. "...everything changes and takes on a kind of dynamic indifferent symbiosis of energy exchange." -- What does this mean? I'm getting 'There are no constants because bartered energy can cover a wide range of topics and give and take to those topics, while not caring about them.' -- I'd like to see that last one rewritten so I know where you're coming from. Also I'm looking forward to when you start your reviews of other people's work. I've only been here a couple weeks but it seems to me We have a good number of 'feeling' reviewers here (including me) and could stand for a few logical ones.
I ain't hatin' I agree there is nothing more concrete and compelling than Planet Diptron drama....Bro, you & me are peas sharing the same pod.
The ironic phrase "eschew obfuscation" keeps coming to me. This sounds more like your personal writing philosophy, than your technique? And, well, I'm not finding it very clear. Attempting to translate: > The biggist dramas of the Universe exist in the cosmos and incubate > within the folds of parallel, alternative realities. Are you saying here that the best drama is in fiction instead of reality? Or that you literally believe in alternate realities? > I believe Everything within the limits of our own unique perception of > reality can become an epic tale which is malleable, weavable and > believable. > Everything in existence is a reflection of the Universe and the > telling of a good story relies on the writers perception of these > reflections. These both sound like "write what you know" or "be inspired by what you see" or "a writer should be inspired by his experiences", or something along those lines. > I believe that through an infinite amount of lies there exists a > stronger constant truth that stands more sturdy than any other truth. > No Truth is ever constant because in fact, everything changes and > takes on a kind of dynamic indifferent symbiosis of energy exchange. These both sound like, "There's more than one interpretation of every series of events", but the first seems to claim that one and only one of those interpretations is correct, while the second seems to say that many of them may be correct. ChickenFreak
When I first signed on to this site a few hours ago I was admittedly scared, I was frightened by the fact that I perhaps don't posses some of the more proficient writing skills that some of you guys obviously have but after much thinking, reading and writing, I can honestly say that I was right to be scared. I've learned more about my writing from you guys in the few hours that I've been here than I ever have in any circumstance in my life. Thank you all for allowing me to cast a critical eye on my personal writing technique. Before I conclude this post I'd just like to answer none of your inquiries: it seems my philosophy is best weaved into my stories themselves. I will gladly answer any specific inquiries in PM.
I'm going to apologize here. I think that advice couched in lofty terms tends to make people bristle, and your post sounded like advice, and was pretty lofty. So I, at least, bristled, and even though I tried to reduce the grumpy level of the writing of my post, I probably failed. I'm sure that your writing philosophy has things in it that are worth looking at, but I think that for folks to understand what you're saying, it would need to be less lofty and presented with more context. But, my apologies for my own bristling, and welcome to the forum. ChickenFreak
We should partner up ...consider the below my audition Earth Day is a celebration of life on this planet celebrated around the world in over 200 countries. It brings focus to environmental and humanitarian issues on a large scale. For me every day on Earth is hell. I'm not a big environmentalist. Just an everyday squinktar who tries to survive my exile. The reason every day is a bad day for me is because I am a Diptron. Earth is not my home, a drummed up dereliction of duty case,plummeted me seven du-zumptric cubits to this wasteland, the third rock from the sun. To make matters worse I was not sent to always sunny Philadelphia or romantic Detroit, I was shunned to a place more bizarre than anything on galaxy Nzicjer, I was banished to New Orleans. As a veteran of the Quaturro Wars I have seen more killing and pain then I care to admit. Before I entered the service I was happy. I returned to my pod minus my baby fat and two limbs thanks to the defective misfiring of a Zthezockabyod. Resentment is like drinking the poison and waiting for the other party to die. I wish I had known that before I guzzled the acid of animosity. After I filed a lawsuit with The Panel of Power against the weapon’s manufacturer, the Panel of Power’s nemesis’ from the Castle of Trink, hounded me like a Baskerville. They finally succeeded. They found a charge that stuck. So here I am on earth with you zwingbocts, here in New Orleans and I hate jazz and can not stand spicy food or the heat.
We seem to have the same problem there... when you find the cure, please let me know. Going back to topic, Mewrote I think you should expose your ideas in ways we can all get them. With technical words and going straight to the point of what you want to express. Write them here. If you feel scared of doing so in public because you might be criticised even more or believe people can steal your ideas, don't worry. Don't let anyone bring you down. Sometimes criticism is also good and needed. And more importantly, share a writing technique with others doesn't mean you're letting them to steal it. We all have techniques and we should all share them in order to help other new writers. Mine? It's this: 1- Get inspired and come up with an easy and general idea for a plot. 2- Write it down as if it were back-cover summary. 3- Pick the most suitable story title from it. Be imaginative and deep. 4- Decide how long it's gonna be. Ten chapters? Thirty chapter? 5- Expand your summary into something more detailed. Characters don't exist in this step yet, as they should be treated here like unknown individuals that happen to move on the plot. 6- Start with the characters. Give those individuals names and qualities. Be general here. 7- Write a very short resume for every chapter, so that when you start writing you won't get lost and the number of chapters won't vary. 8- Expand the information about the characters. Give lots of details about them. Their background stories and subplots should always be connected to the main plot (this is generally covered in step 5 but if you want to add something, follow this rule.) 9- Start writing. That's my technique. Not saying it's the best and that everyone should use it, but it works for me and I think that's what matters.
Everything in existence is a reflection of the Universe and the telling of a good story relies on the writers perception of these reflections. - I'd like this one for my signature ? I'll attribute it to you. This is the one that I read and thought, hmmm I like this idea it does indeed reflect my storytelling philosophy with a slight twist I think it relies on the storyteller twisting their own perception of these reflections - I really do think if you just make the language more accessible so others aren't that confused what you have written here is an interesting attempt to not explain a WRITING philosophy but a STORYTELLING philosophy, sometimes writing and storytelling are not the same time. Could make some interesting bullet points about how to help develop and cultivate imagination. You are quite right though astronomy, particle physics tell an amazing mind blowing beautiful story that has me enthralled. I only took a few modules in my first year whilst I love physics and can do equations I am let down by my maths skills. This one also fits very nicely with my stories which are set inside God - The universe makes up something approaching a physical body of the Universal Father. I actually agree with all your points to some degree and it has given me an interesting way to look at what I was doing instinctively.
I totally agree. I'm reminded how important it is to keep our writing muses open to the primordial soul-essences that flow through our existential being with a child-like soul sponge that tunes to the vibratory maternal offerings of a universal consciousness inducing power stream. At least, that's how I write.
Hrm, I dunno, I'm not sure putting it in your sig is a good idea, as then so many people will be exposed to the truth it might literally blow their fragile minds! We should make a trade. You can put my profundity (and I am pro-fun ditties!) into your sig, if I can quote you in my sig with "Can I put that in my sig?" because that really spoke to me.
But writing isn't necessarily always revising. Which is why I include it as a first step, to ensure I have something to revise, as I've learned to not revise as I write, or the writing may never get done.
Heh, yeah, I've learned re-writing the same 10 words 100 times isn't the same as writing a thousand words. It's not always better or worse, just different.
Very true. I don't necessarily do that, just get stuck on one chapter for 2 weeks, then the next. Trying to beat it, not much luck so far.
:redface: Oh dear I think I may agree with you !!!! First draft has nothing for me anyway to do with revising I may not even look at it before I rewrite. Although my detective story is making me a hypocrite I have deleted it twice to put the murder in the right place lol
