advice for you all... - Page 2 - Writers Forum

CatchyUsername · 07-04-2007, 09:43 PM

Totally concur 100% with you, Mike.

valeca · 07-04-2007, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike C

When people ask this, they generally mean "I lack the wit and imagination to come up with my own ideas - can I have some of yours, please?"

I can be reasonable certain this thread is a result (if not fully, than in large part) due to my response in this thread, especially since my words were quoted verbatim. As there was no 'idea bouncing' just 'idea wanting', the last part of what Mike said sure rings true to me.

If you ask others to figure out your main plot points, at some point you have to stop and ask yourself why you're writing that story in the first place.

Truth-Teller · 07-04-2007, 10:52 PM

Mirmusic, don't mind Mike; he has no feeling for others.

I understand exactly what your saying. Instead of helping you improve your writing by telling what should be omited, or what could be added--how can the pacing be faster, or the atmosphere written better--people tend to nitpick about the grammar and the most trivial things like spelling.

Post up your work, and I'll give you honest, constructive feedback.

~Kouryuu~ · 07-05-2007, 05:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Truth-Teller

Mirmusic, don't mind Mike; he has no feeling for others.

I understand exactly what your saying. Instead of helping you improve your writing by telling what should be omited, or what could be added--how can the pacing be faster, or the atmosphere written better--people tend to nitpick about the grammar and the most trivial things like spelling.

Post up your work, and I'll give you honest, constructive feedback.

Sorry... I really agree with Truth here. Not saying that everyone elses points were wrong. They are right also. I just dont think that's what Music was tryng to say.

Voodoo · 07-05-2007, 05:38 AM

People rarely even revise their work anyway. Mostly, they just want a gallery of false compliments.

~Kouryuu~ · 07-05-2007, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by German Voodoo

People rarely even revise their work anyway. Mostly, they just want a gallery of false compliments.

Amen.

Voodoo · 07-05-2007, 05:55 AM

Reminds me of everytime I send my pic to someone

You're smokin

love your hair

Like, piss off lying tarts.

lisajane · 07-05-2007, 06:26 AM

If you don't want to be told to go away on these threads, then don't come begging for plot ideas. Why should I give my plot ideas out when I can write them myself?

Mike C · 07-05-2007, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lisajane

Why should I give my plot ideas out when I can write them myself?

I don't think it even matters. If someone's at the stage where they still have to overcome the problem of livening up their story, you could give them the best plot idea in the world and they'd still write something drab. Plot is what happens. Storytelling is how it happens, and it's storytelling skills, not plot, that will engage the reader.

Foxee · 07-05-2007, 09:22 AM

That's the truth. Learning storytelling isn't a craft that's helped by someone spoon-feeding the author ideas. The author only gets better by trying different things, throwing them out there, seeing what works, and trying again. You learn a lot by just writing what you're going to write and getting critiques. If your work isn't commented on then you didn't grab attention. Try again. And again. And again.

Stubbornness really helps.

If I became dependant on someone else to 'liven up' my stories, how would I learn to do it myself? Nope, go the bumps and bruises route.

mlrmusic08 · 07-05-2007, 04:31 PM

if you write a love story, there are millions out there, the only way it's read is if it's different then theother love stories.

Yeah I don't fish for ideas of what to write about, and I read a ton of books while writing, but once in a while when I get writers block I will ask people what would be expected to happen so I can make a twist.

If there was no inspiration which sometimes is told, then there would be nothing but non fictional writings that had no life to it.

Truth-Teller · 07-05-2007, 04:38 PM

You have a lovely avatar.

I wish I was beneath those spread wings.

Azmakna · 07-05-2007, 04:39 PM

i wish you were too... about six feet

Ilasir Maroa · 07-05-2007, 04:42 PM

I've only been here for a few weeks, but I don't see how this thread is applicable. There are a few people who are totally clueless, and pretty much want you to solve all their problmes. And people tell them it's their story, and they need to write it.

But almost all the rest of the time, when someone has a valid question about their piece, a bunch of people jump in with suggestions.

CatchyUsername · 07-05-2007, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ilasir Maroa

I've only been here for a few weeks, but I don't see how this thread is applicable. There are a few people who are totally clueless, and pretty much want you to solve all their problmes. And people tell them it's their story, and they need to write it.

But almost all the rest of the time, when someone has a valid question about their piece, a bunch of people jump in with suggestions.

I'm pretty new here too, and I've had a lot of helpful advice as well.

I had an entire book in my head for almost 2 years before attempting to write it. I had the entire plot; every character, every plot twist...everything. It was only divine providence and meeting with a friend I hadn't seen for 10 years that convinced me to write the book. I had every excuse in the world NOT to write the book; no time....I have no desire to be a "writer"....I don't want to do the research required....etc...

Funny....I even have the follow-up book already being plotted in my head that will follow the book I'm writing now.