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  1. Aeroflot

    Aeroflot New Member

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    Questions for YOU

    Discussion in 'General Writing' started by Aeroflot, Apr 4, 2009.

    Question #1
    Does writing with a computer and writing with a pen and pad make any difference to you? How does the aesthetic affect your writing and/or mood?

    Question #2
    Are you a believer in writing about what you like or writing what you were given as a talent to write about? Eventually what you like and what you are good at writing will converge, but if you had to pick one.

    Question #3
    If you write to be famous, do you often struggle with keeping ego out of the way?

    Question #4
    Are you writing to win a prize like the Nobel or Pulitzer? If so, 1) why, and 2) how are you changing your writing (if all) to be considered for such an award?

    Question #5
    Are you addicted so much to something (doesn't have to pertain to writing) that your friends get sick of it?
     
  2. woahkatie

    woahkatie New Member

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    #1
    i prefer to write with a pen and paper. i'm faster at writing than typing, so it helps to just write it all out on paper, and if i get a side note, i can just write it on top of the paper instead of having to push "enter" a couple of times then type my side note then go back up and continue typing.

    #2
    i would write what i like. but as a bonus, it ends up that what i like is what i'm best at. lol but also, i'm good at politics, but i HATE it, so i stay away from it. so i write what i like.

    #3
    i'm not an arogant person. i might joke around pretending i'm one of those people who knows everything and think i'm extremely good looking and that i'm the best writer out there, but i'm only kidding. i know i'm not one of those people. i'm a down to earth kind of person. i come from a poor family, and i'm not that smart, so writing is all that i have. and if i succeed in that, then that is how i will be able to take care of myself in the future.

    #4
    i'm not writing to win anything. i just think it would be really really cool if i do end up winning something like that. and i really hope that i do win an award like that one day, but i'm not putting myself in that. i believe that if you just continue working on what you are best at, then things that were meant to happen, will.

    #5
    well....i'm not sure. the only thing i know that my friends get annoyed about me is that i always get a crazy obsession over famous guys or just hot guys in general. i dont stalk them or anything, i just wont shutup about them. (my friends, that know i like to write and have actually read some of my writing, think i'm really good at it, and hope that i become very successful with this career.)
     
  3. Cobaye

    Cobaye New Member

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    Question #1
    I like to write with a computer, simply because it's faster. I find I "burn out" quickly when I write so the faster I can write the more I can get out. Plus it's a lot easier to change your mistakes. I do agree though that writing the old fashioned way certainly has a sort of feel that makes it unique.

    Question #2
    If I had to pick one it would be the former, writing what I like. I think that writing is a very personal thing, so you should write what you enjoy. It's like choosing between a job that makes a lot of money or a job that makes you happy. One will get you rich, while the other will make you happy. I'd choose happiness.

    Question #3
    Yeah, sometimes I guess. I'm not famous obviously but I can see myself maybe being a bit too conceited. Hopefully that won't happen :x

    Question #4
    Nope, just writing for the sake of writing :D

    Question #5
    Hmm...nothing my friends get sick of, really. Maybe I complain a bit too much for their likings. I'm not really addicted to anything...at least, not that my friends know of ;)
     
  4. Phantasmal Reality

    Phantasmal Reality New Member

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    Question #1
    My handwriting sucks. I avoid using it whenever possible. :rolleyes: Computers are my friends. :-D

    Question #2
    I have to write about something that is important to me, or at least interests me. I think that's where talent really lies anyway.

    Question #3
    I want to be successful, but I would rather eschew the fame. Find your voice, say what you want to say, and be proud of it--even if nobody else ever reads it.

    Question #4
    My prize is one person truly saying "your story had a lasting impact on my life".

    Question #5
    Hmm... nope. ;)
     
  5. LucasM

    LucasM New Member

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    #1 I tend to enjoy writing, especially for the first draft, in notepad on the computer. No distractions. For plot work, character sketches, coming up with ideas, I find it better to use pen and paper; easier to express non-linear thought processes.

    #2 I am unsure. I like a certain set of books, but if I try to write like them, I just can't do it. Thus it is better to write what I personally believe in. Non-committal.

    #3 No desires for fame, but, rather, desires for satisfaction.

    #4 An award is given according to a set of criteria, dependent on the bias of the judges, as to what makes a book good. Thus, it should be aspired for, but in no ways expected, even if it is the better book in the eyes of many.

    #5 :) I don't quite understand this question so I'll just smile.
     
  6. Dalouise

    Dalouise New Member

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    1. Computer only, it's far quicker.
    2. I write on topics I have some experience of, or specialist knowledge.
    3. Yes
    4. No
    5. Yes, if I'm with a different group of people who do not share the same liking.
     
  7. crimsonrose

    crimsonrose New Member

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    Question #1
    I prefer to write on a computer because of the way I keep track of my work. i keep computer document upon computer document filled with saves pictures that have inspired my work and so on. Writing on a notepad takes too long, hurts my hands, and is easier to lose.

    Question #2
    I prefer to write about what I like. If I write about what I dislike, but am good at, eventually the talent at writing about what I dislike will fade, and then I will be left with nothing.

    Question #3
    Nope. I hope to get published. If I never do, I can still say that I completed a novel by 18 years of age. that's a pretty big accomplishment, i think.

    Question #4
    I don't think I'm worthy of a nobel prize. Writing a novel that may or may not fascinate the masses doesn't make one worthy of winning a nobel prize.

    Question #5
    I'm not addicted to anything (as far as I know) but because I love to research anything and everything, I get obsessed with random subjects for days at a time. A certain story in greek mythology, the possibility of time travel, ect.
     
  8. KP Williams

    KP Williams Active Member

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    1) Usually, writing on paper helps me to stay concentrated on the story, so it helps when my well of inspiration is getting low. But on the days when I know exactly how I want to write a scene, computer all the way.

    2) I only write stories that I would like to read. If I'm writing a story, it's because I think it should be on a library/bookstore's shelf, but isn't.

    3) I've seen what happens to writers who become famous. People automatically look for any excuse to say that he/she doesn't deserve the fame, and unfortunately, most of the time, there is a reason. I'd take popular over famous any day.

    4) The reason I write has already been stated. Screw the prizes.

    5) I have plenty of addictions (all of them legal, none of them liver/lung killers), but I tend to keep it to myself. So I don't think so.
     
  9. Castlesofsand

    Castlesofsand Banned

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    Question #1
    Does writing with a computer and writing with a pen and pad make any difference to you? How does the aesthetic affect your writing and/or mood?

    Answer: I used to write by pen, I found it more feverish when a good story came to mind, you didn't have the option of backspacing so I believe a lot more of the rough-cut diamonds can appear. Sadly my penmanship sunk in grade school and drown at sea, so I use the computer. I still have handwritten pieces.

    Question #2
    Are you a believer in writing about what you like or writing what you were given as a talent to write about? Eventually what you like and what you are good at writing will converge, but if you had to pick one.

    No, the reason is if you get stuck just writing what you like, what you have a talent for, then you can't learn how to write anything else. I believe you have to stretch your mind into other genres. I am better in certain ones but refuse to baulk at other genres. If I had to pick one, I'd say its dark/horror

    Question #3
    If you write to be famous, do you often struggle with keeping ego out of the way?

    Fame can mean meaning things and have many levels. I don't write to be famous persay, but like the idea of someone else enjoying my pieces. My ego used to be involved, getting good comments by friends does that, but a few good critiques solves that easily enough, let me know I need to improve. so I write to be better, not really famous

    Question #4
    Are you writing to win a prize like the Nobel or Pulitzer? If so, 1) why, and 2) how are you changing your writing (if all) to be considered for such an award?

    A prize, hmm, not really, though if I won a prize, I am not turning it away. I am changing my writing by listening to the critiques, seeing what they see, also by critiquing. I've learnt a vast amount from looking harder into others' works, seeing how they express things. That has helped me so much. I was surprised.

    Question #5
    Are you addicted so much to something (doesn't have to pertain to writing) that your friends get sick of it?

    I was addicted to one thing in my life, never again. I am sure my friends/family/fellow workers were very sick of it. It's the reason I stopped. Not an easy thing to do even when death is the other option.

    thanks for the interesting questions, enjoyed reading everyones' replies
     
  10. lucyvp

    lucyvp New Member

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    Question #1
    i jot down notes and ideas in pen when I have a spare moment at work, but I do all my writing on the computer. I don't really think it affects anything because the notes and the actual writing are two different things.

    Question #2
    I don't think I could write well about anything I wasn't particularly interested in. I suffer from ADD and lose interest in things very quickly, and can't even try to get interested in something just because I have to.
    Question #3
    I don't write to be famous - rather, my goal is to actually finish something, and then ultimately, to have it published - not to get famous, but as a way of saying 'this is good enough' so that I feel as though I've produced something worthwhile, not just in my eyes, but in others'.

    Question #4
    I'm not writing for any prizes - I just want to walk past a bookstore and see my book there up on the shelf (or even in the $2 bargain bin - I don't care, so long as I see it published!)

    Question #5
    No, not really...maybe chocolate? But my friends aren't sick of it.
     
  11. Gone Wishing

    Gone Wishing New Member

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    Question #1
    Does writing with a computer and writing with a pen and pad make any difference to you? How does the aesthetic affect your writing and/or mood?

    Yes. Writing with a pen and paper has a more natural feel and flow to me. The exact same words on a computer screen don't read the same to me at all. I'm getting a little better at using the computer to write first drafts, but I find when I write with paper and pen that I don't stop anywhere near as often to correct or edit as I go, or choosing words.

    Question #2
    Are you a believer in writing about what you like or writing what you were given as a talent to write about? Eventually what you like and what you are good at writing will converge, but if you had to pick one.

    I honestly don't see the difference - I've never written about something that I don't like (unless you count school assignments, but even then...) As such, I have no idea if I have a talent for writing about things other than what I like to.

    Question #3
    If you write to be famous, do you often struggle with keeping ego out of the way?

    I don't write to be famous, but I struggle with my ego on a daily basis. My ego is kind of a bully, incredibly self-important and occasionally a snob; but I've been watching WWE and learned how to deliver a low-blow - takes it out just long enough for me to make a fool of myself without shame. :) (The day after - when it's all bruised and sitting on ice - not so much fun >_>).

    Question #4
    Are you writing to win a prize like the Nobel or Pulitzer? If so, 1) why, and 2) how are you changing your writing (if all) to be considered for such an award?

    Nope - if a small panel of people ever decide any published work I may ever have is sticker-worthy, then woot, because I like stickers. But I'd never direct my writing to that end - would kind of defeat the purpose of my writing.


    Question #5
    Are you addicted so much to something (doesn't have to pertain to writing) that your friends get sick of it?

    I am extrememly secretive with my addictions. [​IMG]
     
  12. Miswrite

    Miswrite New Member

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    Question #1
    Does writing with a computer and writing with a pen and pad make any difference to you? How does the aesthetic affect your writing and/or mood?

    Computers are better because I waste paper.

    Question #2
    Are you a believer in writing about what you like or writing what you were given as a talent to write about? Eventually what you like and what you are good at writing will converge, but if you had to pick one.

    Writing what I like is what I'm good at.

    Question #3
    If you write to be famous, do you often struggle with keeping ego out of the way?

    Yes.

    Question #4
    Are you writing to win a prize like the Nobel or Pulitzer? If so, 1) why, and 2) how are you changing your writing (if all) to be considered for such an award?

    No, but I want to win some sort of award.

    Question #5
    Are you addicted so much to something (doesn't have to pertain to writing) that your friends get sick of it?

    Yes.
     
  13. lynneandlynn

    lynneandlynn New Member

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    1. Yes. I can't write a rough draft on a computer. I just can't.. it has to be by hand first, because it allows me to write more slowly and actually think about what I'm writing.

    2. Um... I dunno. I just write whatever. I never really thought I was talented at one spectrum of writing more than another and I enjoy the process. So I guess it's already converged for me so I couldn't pick one as I can't distinguish them anymore. Confusing question for me, anyways.

    3. I don't write to be famous. And I've noticed a lot of people who do are very ego-centric and forget that they themselves don't know everything about the craft and try to force their thoughts/ideas/beliefs about writing on other people. Very annoying habit. Writers should be humble (imo).

    4. No. I write solely to express myself. Not to win awards.

    5. Um... don't think so. I can't really think of any addictions I have right now (except these forums!).
     
  14. Acglaphotis

    Acglaphotis New Member

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    My handwriting is awful so I always the PC when I can.

    What I like, without a doubt.

    No, I'm perfect. ;)

    Nope.
    Not really.
     
  15. inkslinger

    inkslinger Active Member

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    Question #1
    Does writing with a computer and writing with a pen and pad make any difference to you? How does the aesthetic affect your writing and/or mood?
    I used to only write on pen and paper, but then I got my first laptop, and it sort of just became routine for me to instead write on my computer. Now I can't write effectively on pen and paper, it's sort of sad. These past two and a half weeks my laptop was broken and in repair, and I felt very creative during this point. I couldn't do anything about it because I only had pen and paper; I tried to write, but I just couldn't. It was frustrating.

    Question #2
    Are you a believer in writing about what you like or writing what you were given as a talent to write about? Eventually what you like and what you are good at writing will converge, but if you had to pick one.
    I write about what I want. A lot of it is what I 'like', I guess. But I'm an odd person; I like... out there things, so I don't necessarily see it as a bad thing that I write what I like a lot of the times.

    Question #3
    If you write to be famous, do you often struggle with keeping ego out of the way?
    No? I'm not writing to be famous; I'm writing because I feel like I should be.

    Question #4
    Are you writing to win a prize like the Nobel or Pulitzer? If so, 1) why, and 2) how are you changing your writing (if all) to be considered for such an award?
    No.

    Question #5
    Are you addicted so much to something (doesn't have to pertain to writing) that your friends get sick of it?
    Batman lol. But I'm not like crazy addicted... to anything except for gum.
     
  16. RomanticRose

    RomanticRose Active Member

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    1. When I'm writing an article or other non-fiction I compose on the keyboard. When I'm writing fiction, either a new romance novel or my non-genre novel in progress, I simply can't get into the creative mindset at the keyboard. It's almost as if the marble front composition book were the portal to enter the head of my characters. I know it's not. I know it's a silly superstition. There is no magic in a that book and a Uniball Deluxe, fine point black ink please, but the odds of hitting that zone where the-words-just-flow-and-it's-a-race-to-keep-up-with-them-ohmygod-how-cool-is-this -- oops, sorry. You know the zone, right. Well, my odds of getting there are increased with a composition book and Uniball Deluxe.

    2. Sorry, I'm a word whore. Romance novels, erotica novellas, romanterotica, newsletters, articles, tweaking corporate reports, ad copy -- I will write them, and do write them, for money. Writing those things for money leaves me more free time than a "regular job" would to work on the non-genre novel in progress.

    3. I don't really want to be famous. If my books are famous, it works for me.

    4. I wouldn't turn down a Nobel, but it's not really a goal.

    5. Running/fitness/yoga
     
  17. Lemex

    Lemex That's Lord Lemex to you. Contributor

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    Question #1
    Does writing with a computer and writing with a pen and pad make any difference to you? How does the aesthetic affect your writing and/or mood?

    Pen makes me think about every word. I do it mostly for notes and first drafts.

    Question #2
    Are you a believer in writing about what you like or writing what you were given as a talent to write about? Eventually what you like and what you are good at writing will converge, but if you had to pick one.

    For me, what you like writing and what writing you are good at go hand-in-hand.

    Question #3
    If you write to be famous, do you often struggle with keeping ego out of the way?

    I can't see myself having an ego problem, but I don't care for fame either. I'd be happy to make a living off writing, yes, but if I can live off it, I don't mind.

    Question #4
    Are you writing to win a prize like the Nobel or Pulitzer? If so, 1) why, and 2) how are you changing your writing (if all) to be considered for such an award?

    No. Just no. I am writing to entertain myself.

    Question #5
    Are you addicted so much to something (doesn't have to pertain to writing) that your friends get sick of it?

    No, my friends like the fact I write. My girlfriend however, gets so SICK of me going on about reading it is sometimes funny. However, I get the make-up and clothing lecture, so it's fairgame.
     
  18. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

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    Question #1
    Does writing with a computer and writing with a pen and pad make any difference to you? ...nope...How does the aesthetic affect your writing and/or mood?...what do you mean by 'aesthetic'?... of what?...



    Question #2
    Are you a believer in writing about what you like or writing what you were given as a talent to write about? oddly worded second half that again, i can't tell for sure what you mean by it, but they both seem the same, to me... Eventually what you like and what you are good at writing will converge, but if you had to pick one....i don't have to, since i've always been good at writing whatever i feel like writing... and i can't tell what you seem to think the difference is, anyway...

    Question #3
    If you write to be famous, do you often struggle with keeping ego out of the way? ...i don't, and haven't...

    Question #4
    Are you writing to win a prize like the Nobel or Pulitzer? ...nope!... If so, 1) why, and 2) how are you changing your writing (if all) to be considered for such an award?

    Question #5
    Are you addicted so much to something (doesn't have to pertain to writing) that your friends get sick of it?...nope!...
     
  19. Piestein

    Piestein Active Member

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    Question N#1: I used to write on a sheet of paper. That was a lovely feeling, I adored it. It's what drew me into writing first. However, PC simply provides so many benefits. It's easier to read, it's easier to spot any odd words, Microsoft Office spots the typos for me and so on, and so on. Alas, I have no PC pens.

    Question N#2: I write what I like, period. I might be misunderstanding the question here, btu if somebody comes in and says "Hey, write a novel about this and that", I'd look him in the eyes and say simply and only "No", then close the door. If it's an article, sure, okay. If it's anything related to fiction...

    Question N#3: Erm, I'd love if I became famous. But I don't write because of that.

    Question N#4: Nope.

    Question N#5: Depends what you mean by addicted. I don't feel a physical urge to do something that would annoy my friends.
     
  20. Yitz

    Yitz New Member

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    Question #1
    I have to write on the computer. I cannot write fast enough when using a pen.
    The ambiance doesn't throw me one way or the other, so long as it's not too
    extreme...not too loud, too cold, etc. I like using Courier when I am writing some
    times..the aesthetics of the font only rarely bug me.

    Question #2
    I write about everything. I like writing about every subject. So, the subjects
    that I am gifted to write about are included in "everything".
    I just don't know what they are yet!

    Question #3
    I write with the goal of hopefully being able to pay the bills one day with it.
    I love to write, why not get paid to do it?
    As for the ego, I don't care if people know my name or not.
    One thing that helps is writing with my pen name. It helps me put ego aside in a way.

    Question #4
    Good heavens no! I don't think I possess that much talent.
    Maybe someday, but it's not a goal.

    Question #5
    No. Moderation in everything, except writing. *smiles*
     
  21. PS Foster

    PS Foster Member

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    I'm a pen & paper person. I can't type fast enough to get the ideas down quickly.
    I write it all down on paper, then do first edit as I type it into the computer.
    It's what works for me.
     
  22. Aeroflot

    Aeroflot New Member

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    In other words: how does writing with a pen and piece of paper affect how you perceive writing? And does that affect your writing?

    What you like to write about and what you are 'blessed' with can be two different things. For instance, you might hate fantasy novels, but you're really good at writing them.
     
  23. Dr. Doctor

    Dr. Doctor New Member

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    Question #1
    Does writing with a computer and writing with a pen and pad make any difference to you? How does the aesthetic affect your writing and/or mood?


    There is a slight difference, as I write things in pen and pad that I might not write on the comp - more on the spur of the moment, you know? It doesn't affect the quality much, but there is a bit of a difference there.

    Question #2
    Are you a believer in writing about what you like or writing what you were given as a talent to write about? Eventually what you like and what you are good at writing will converge, but if you had to pick one.


    They're both the same thing to me. I write whatever strikes me as good to write about.

    Question #3
    If you write to be famous, do you often struggle with keeping ego out of the way?


    I don't see anything wrong with a bit of ego if it's warranted. I don't see why I can't appreciate praise and revel in it - it's reaping the rewards!

    Question #4
    Are you writing to win a prize like the Nobel or Pulitzer? If so, 1) why, and 2) how are you changing your writing (if all) to be considered for such an award?


    I would love to win a prize like that, but I will not change my writing for that sole purpose. Only to better get across my points and tell my stories.

    Question #5
    Are you addicted so much to something (doesn't have to pertain to writing) that your friends get sick of it?


    No.
     
  24. hortaux

    hortaux New Member

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    1) Typing is for when a story's riding me so hard I can hardly sit still— I type much faster than I write, and the bonus is that typing is always legible. My handwriting frequently isn't. But handwriting has a unique flavor; I feel as though it fits best with ordinary thoughts, things that have no rush to come out.

    Now, typewriting. Different story (bad pun is bad) altogether. That's a slow, thoughtful, meaningful process. Mistakes are harder to fix with a typewriter, but... there's something rewarding in finishing a page with no jams or major mistakes.

    2) I don't think I'm good at writing anything, so it's largely irrelevant. I may be able to spell (most of the time) and organize my sentences in a readable way, but nothing I write has any value or depth.

    3) I write to get the words out. I'd like to be famous, but there's no way I can see that ever happening.

    4) If I could write, I would write to win the World Fantasy Award, or the Hugo. If only, if only.

    5) Yes. I'm addicted to complaining; everyone I know is sick to death of it.
     

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