For the Newcomers - Writers Forum

Summerhaze · 03-03-2008, 08:24 AM

I know that at this day I have only been here for 4 months. But I have noticed that alot of newcomers (no names mentioned) have tried to post their "work" hoping to get heeps of feedback, and end up "complaining" when they don't get enough, or don't get what they want. This is wrong.
I understand you're new and all, and you want to get your "work" out there. But when I first came I noticed that things were alot different then I had imagined, and my stories; that I had thought were good, weren't. And even after four months, I am still learning new things every day.
WARNING: Metaphor may be offensive.
All I'm saying is don't try to blow your wad the minute you get under the sheets. You'll look like a fool.

bborps · 03-05-2008, 03:29 PM

I get the feeling that this whole thread was just an excuse to use that metaphor

Even though I'm pretty much a complete newb, even I can see what your talking about. If you suck then you suck - very few people become excellent writers without some form of learning from others (classes etc). Some people are just beyond hope, and will never be able to write competently, much less "well."
Those are usually the complainers.

Sam Winchester · 03-05-2008, 05:37 PM

I critiqued about twenty or thirty pieces before I posted my first piece of work. I got a good amount of replies. I thanked everyone for their input and critiqued them in reply. This way you keep everyone happy. Those people who can't take the critiques without getting offended will invariably get less critiques the next time.

Sam.

jooniper · 03-05-2008, 06:42 PM

That's good advice. I have to remember it. Just not on here as much as I'd like to be...not much writing or critiquing goin on for me.

Summerhaze · 03-05-2008, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bborps

If you suck then you suck - very few people become excellent writers without some form of learning from others (classes etc). Some people are just beyond hope, and will never be able to write competently, much less "well."
Those are usually the complainers.

I suppose my opening post was not percieve correctly.
I'm not telling people that they suck, and I'm not trying to put people down, i'm just trying to say what SAM said. Look around a bit, and you will learn a great lot.
I have seen so many stories posted on here that have a great general storyline but they posted it the minute they got on the forum. And I just want to tell them that if they were to stick around for a bit before producing work they would learn alot, in turn making their stories much better.

StarCross · 03-28-2008, 01:45 AM

I'm a newbe who just got his first taste of reality (First critique). Was like getting hit by a hammer. But hay, I've got to start somewhere.

The Backward OX · 03-28-2008, 02:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam Winchester

Those people who can't take . . . critiques without getting offended . . .

Sam.

No comment

smilinghelps · 03-28-2008, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam Winchester

I critiqued about twenty or thirty pieces before I posted my first piece of work. I got a good amount of replies. I thanked everyone for their input and critiqued them in reply. This way you keep everyone happy. Those people who can't take the critiques without getting offended will invariably get less critiques the next time.

Sam.

Sam's right. Read more than you post in the beginning. You don't even have to critique until you're comfortable. I spent most of my time Corrupting Wishes (Word Games) in the beginning as a way of getting to know people. Then I headed for the Poetry and Writer's Workshop threads. I focused on writers whose work I liked or identified with and looked for their older stuff. I researched, read crits and made mental notes of what I agreed with or didn't. Sometimes I bumped old threads to the front again because I thought it didn't get enough attention the first time 'round. And it received more critiques.

It took me a while to post anything and when I finally did I was so nervous. I posted an old poem to see how it was received and amazingly, the ones who I had read and critiqued, read mine and did the same. They were supportive and helpful and positive in their words. And so the cycle goes...

So in my long speech, all I have to say is--Sam was right.

again

Man that Sam. tsk, tsk, tsk. Must be difficult to be right so much...

The Backward OX · 03-28-2008, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smilinghelps

Sam's right.

Sam was right.

again

Man that Sam. tsk, tsk, tsk. Must be difficult to be right so much...

5.45 a.m. downunda. That was as good as - nay, better than - a good strong cup of black java to set me up for the day. chuckle chuckle chuckle.

Xenophile · 03-28-2008, 05:58 PM

The "Sam Strategy" sounds good, and that's what I'm going to do too. Get to know my fellow writers, critique their work as helpfully as I can, and learn the lay of the land before jumping in asking for critiques.

Besides, I don't have any fiction I've self-edited to the point where I'm proud enough to post it yet.

Sam Winchester · 03-28-2008, 08:02 PM

Hell, they've named a strategy after me now! Must be doing something right!

Sam.

Sam Winchester · 03-28-2008, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smilinghelps

Man that Sam. tsk, tsk, tsk. Must be difficult to be right so much...

It's a chore, Smiling, but less of a one with people like you around.

Sam.

Remedy · 03-28-2008, 11:28 PM

I see what y'all are saying, but I don't really agree.

I understand that a lot of new writers haven't really had any experience at all, and yeah, sometimes it helps to look around some. But the critique that's given to one writer generally won't fit another, because style and what works for each one can be so different. If they can't take critique, that's their problem, and it's not something that's going to be changed much by looking at others.

I'm new to this forum, but I'm old in writing, and I stayed for about five years at another writing forum (unfortunately, it had to be shut down, and the relocation site just never took off), so I'm not inexperienced, despite what my post count here might say.

Personally, I'm always a little hesitant with critiquing others at first; it's hard to know, unless it's specifically defined, who wants a heavy and blunt critque and who's looking for a gentler, overall message. There are people who have a fit if you point out grammatical errors, and there are people who want to be corrected. It's hard to tell when you don't know anyone.

That being said, I'm not much of one for going around and getting to know people through other ways. I'm afraid I'm pretty anti-social, so the only way I know how to do this stuff is to stick to what seems relatively safe until I feel set enough to start doing some more critiquing. I did post one of my works in File 13, because I really don't care how harsh the judgment is; I'm fine with that. It's critiquing others that I'm a bit unsure of, at least for awhile in the beginnin.

Sekaya · 03-29-2008, 03:33 AM

Yeah, I can understand that, Remedy.

I know when I first started (I've been writing 6, nearly 7 years, but only in the last 2 has it become serious) I would have been highly sensitive to some of the critiques handed out here.
I'm not anymore, but I can understand where its coming from.

I tend to watch how I phrase things when I suspect the writer is new to writing and posting their work. I don't want to put them off writing from giving a too harsh critique that they weren't really looking for.

But if they ask for it, they ask for it.

I definitely like this forum, but its taking me some getting used to. I haven't been to such an active writing forum before, and all my previous stuff was posted on fiction press. The critiques are great, and you really do learn loads here. I hope others can share the experience positively.