Verago

I don't know about anyone else, but it usually helps me to print out the story I'm working on, and look at it from a reader's point of view, not a writer's.
That, and it gives you positive reinforcement to continue, to see that you've created something.

Just an idea.

Sincerely,
Verago/Ethanael

mammamaia

a helpful practice on all counts!... i always tell those i mentor to read their work as if they're a complete stranger... sometimes, as if they're their worst enemy!

that's the way the pros check their own work... read everything twice... first, as the writer, for mistakes, and the second time, as a 'reader' to see if it 'works'...

that ability to step outside of your ego is the most vital requisite to being a good writer... don't be so in love with your work that you can't see its flaws...

this was a great topic to bring up, v/e... good of you to share your 'idea'...

love and hugs, maia

__________________
For 100% free writing help/mentoring:
www.saysmom.com

"You must BE the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

silverwriter

I agree on all counts.

As an editor (not professionally), I like to have things printed off. There is something about being able to scribble all over a paper that I prefer. I just wish postage wasn't so much.

__________________

Hodge

Yeah, I print my stuff out and mark up the paper. Not only is it easier on my eyes than the monitor, but it also makes it much easier to pick up typoes and awkward sentences.


Plus, I get to carry it around with me and all the girls gush over how I'm such a good writer and how they so badly want me. Or not. Whatever.

__________________
Science

lisajane

I often wind up reading bits of my novel from a reader's POV. Then I get caught up reading it, and then remember that I actually wrote it, then I can feel good about myself and maybe I'm smarter than I thought.

Of course, watching Jessica Simpson on Newlyweds also makes me feel good about myself and maybe I'm smarter than I thought.

__________________
'Beauty stands and waits with gravity to start her death-defying leap. And he, a little charleychaplin man, who may or may not catch her fair eternal form spreadeagled in the empty air of existence.' - Laurence Felinghetti, 'The Acrobat'

barefootwriter

I'm a proofreader, and though these days I work a lot more off a monitor to compare documents, I prefer working off paper when I'm looking at the first draft.

If you can get some space to yourself, try reading aloud. If you're not up against a deadline, set work aside in a drawer for a week or so to get a fresh perspective.

__________________
Barefoot Writer
www.barefootwriter.com , an online writing community

silverwriter

Too bad guys don't gush.

__________________

Dan101

My material wouldn't be half as good had I not printed them out and read them, Im sure. I always read it over before printing, to check for mistakes, then I print it out to actual read. Often times, I end up re-printing pages upon pages from chapters, because while reading through them as a reader, rather than the writer, I find that some things dont work, some things dont fit, and some things are missing. Its definitely a helpful practice.

Plus you have somthing to show your friends, lol ^_^

__________________

Gauda

I do that too! I usually go through and edit the paper a few times to pick out awkward sentence structures, grammatical errors, etc. It really helps to improve the story, although I kind of get sick of reading it over and over again. That's the only way to get everything right though, sadly -_-

__________________
We live; we love; we learn; we soak it in; we spit it out; we run in circles and then sleep face down, with our heads buried in our pillows, trying to shut it out.

http://farfromnirvana.blogspot.com

Dan101

Well, if you find a topic you really love, somtimes you write a story that you never get sick of reading over. Thats the case with my current book. I love reading it over again, because I love the type of setting and characters that I included into it. It really helps your story if you love the characters, setting, and the story line. I find that I absolutely love the type of dramatic emotions that I put into the histories of each character's past. Ack...Ive begun to rant a bit...>_> haha

Gauda

Getting off topic for one second:

No, no, I DO love my topic, but I do get tired of reading the first chapter of it over and over again just scavanging for mistakes I made. I don't know if it's just because I've never found a story topic that I absolutely *love*, but sometimes I do get sick of reading my own writing. Usually I'm too hard on myself. Maybe that's why...

__________________
We live; we love; we learn; we soak it in; we spit it out; we run in circles and then sleep face down, with our heads buried in our pillows, trying to shut it out.

http://farfromnirvana.blogspot.com

dglvrs

I have a relative who is jealous of my writing, so periodically I print out a section and cast my pearls before the swine, so to speak. I even offer him a red pen and tell him to be brutal; he is happy to oblige.

It is a good way to toughen your writer's skin; let a critic critique your work. They will often see things that you, as the writer may not. Besides, it helps me make points with my wife by indulging her uncle.

__________________
R.L. Keck, Author of "Critical Response."
"Your only limitation is motivation."

"No Fear, I don't think so; I say, Know Fear, suck it up, and do it anyway!"

Visit me at www.rlkeck.com.

Hodge

I'm such a megalomaniac that I can read a story of mine over and over and think it the most stirring piece of literature in the history of the world every time.

__________________
Science

Verago

I *love* my current topic, but I still get sick of reading it, because I want to be writing it.

And Hodge...I'm not sure if that really makes you a megalomaniac...It could just mean you really like the stories you have to tell.