Any of You Guys Writers?

[Jgib5328]

I recently started writing, I'm not an aspiring writer, merely a dilettante. I've always been really imaginative and I've always thought of good stories to write, I just never did.

Well anyways, do any of you guys have any tips for writing? I've been trying to make really simple stories such as delivering a package or delivering milk and trying to be really descriptive about it. Whenever I try to write, I always end up doing a stream of consciousness and I want to try different things.

How did you guys start out? And how did you guys manage to keep it going? Any advice on how to get better? I know just writing will make me better, but any specific techniques.

Thanks.

[dandylion]

Here's what I have to say about writing:

- Write something worthwhile. If you find yourself getting bored or straying from your current project, chances are if it's not enough to excite you, it's not going to be interesting to other people.

- Don't worry so much about trying to perfect everything the first time around. I've done that before--in fact, I'm just getting over that--and it gets me no where. Write, write, write, then edit like hell after the final word is written.

- If you're dying to write something else when you haven't even finished your current project, just quickly jot down the ideas in a file for "safe keeping" so you can come back to it later. This usually gives me the peace of mind to continue working on my current project.

- The only ways to get better at writing is to keep doing it, no matter what. Set daily, REASONABLE goals (i.e. write 3 pages or 800 words daily). Read your own work and think of ways it could sound better. Have other people critique your work and be open-minded to their suggestions. Critique other people's works constantly, too. And read a lot.

- Try not to be wordy; write so that you can verbalize it with ease. Don't bog down the pace with too much description. But then again, don't be so non-descriptive the reader feels like the characters are walking around in a void (why do so many people do this?).

- Know where you're going. Writing aimlessly usually gets you no where. Well, in my experience it has. I always have to have some kind of beginning-to-end outline before I even think about getting down the first line.



Last year I joined a semi-private writing group, Critique Circle, and I highly recommend you go there. The people there are really helpful and have great advice, and the critique system is pretty fair and balanced.

[KenAmada]

I'm 13. I dream to be a writer. Heck, if you count writing competition winners, then I already am.

Ken-kun's Budding Writer's Tips
1. Read. Read plenty of the genre you plan to write on. Learn from bestselling authors of your preferred genre's writing techniques, and apply it to your own writing.

2. Master the dictionary. Read at least 5 pages a day. Good/deep/suitable/exclusive/enchanting vocabulary helps a lot. Using too much simple English won't attract much people.

3. Fuel your characters with emotions. Write them while being them.

4. ...Call me a kid...but whatever, I suggest video games. Some RPGs have really memorable storylines bound to help in drawing inspiration.

5. Be happy when you write. Never write something you have no 100% confidence in.

6. Should you be doing adult fiction (those thick books with many words...not necessarily having adult content, just my name for it since those thin or half-thick books are referred to me as 'kiddy', though some really is worth reading), try to describe things within your story as vividly as you can.

7. Doing research about the theme of your story is recommended.

[Rohsiph]

Prose, poetry, and verse all have distinct, important differences.

One of the most helpful "lessons" I've started recently applying is to let your work evolve naturally--it's alright, probably a very good thing even, to start writing with a certain idea in mind. The idea gets better when you pause and reflect, and start experimenting with taking things in new directions--even if those directions necessarily lead you to unexpected conclusions.

Especially when pursuing prose, it's better to get the ideas out before beginning to obsess over the language . . . but do go back and obsess over the language (and do this from the beginning with poetry)--make every word necessary, and attempt it so that there is no better word you can think of to take its place.

[coffeeloverfreak]

I write for fun, too. When I was younger I used to write short stories all the time and I had dreams of being a writer when I "grew up". Then, of course, I grew up, and grew pragmatic; my job now involves some writing, but by no means am I a professional writer. I still like to write, though.

My advice to you is simple: Write. Just keep writing. Whatever pops into your brain, jot it down, type it, sketch it out, and share it with as many people as possible. Don't worry about perfection. There are so many outlets. I blog, I publish essays, I submit short stories to writers groups online for critique. Learn to take constructive criticism for what it's worth, and don't take it personally. And just keep writing.

[Jgib5328]

I think I'm actually going to start working on one of the stories that popped into my head, it's not exactly a short story, but oh well, we'll see where it takes me.

[thaddeus6th]

Good luck with your efforts.

I'm trying to become a writer. About half done with my book (after much redrafting). This website has quite a lot of useful threads and the like for people into sci-fi or fantasy (whether aspiring writers or just avid readers):
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

[interjerator]

I write, therefore I am.

[Darkmist]

Stalled on a novel at the moment due to a major house building project, but I do intend to return to it. Sffworld.com is another good resource. Just go into the forums and you'll learn a great deal.

[Firelie]

When I was in a creative writing class, the teacher had us just sit down and write for the first 15 minutes of class. He would write down a topic on the board to spark some thought if you felt like responding to it, otherwise you could write about anything you wanted--or write about nothing at all.

I'm not entirely sure what the point of the exercise was, but I think it was meant to stimulate the mind and get it thinking in words...
I wrote a lot in that class, so I think he might've been on to something.

[Colette]

I've been writing poetry for about the past 5 years, and have been published 3 times now (including one second prize in a poetry competition). Lately however, there has been a drought of inspiration :(

[deepFlow]

I do a lot of writing in my daily life, as that seems to me my primary mode of creative expression. Paradoxically, I haven't really "produced" anything really readable by others in a complete form. I sort of aspire to it, but am pretty blocked as of late. Am in the process of just trying to reintegrate writing-pieces-of-coherent-art into my life, and also not beat myself up too much about not producing masterpieces whole right out of the gate ;).

Hmm... it strikes me that it might actually help me to think of myself as an "dilettante". :)

[Cytastic]

I used to write quite a bit, mostly sci-fi and high fantasy, some poetry, but work is putting a big cramp on progress these days. All of the suggestions here are spot-on, writing is something that gets better with practice. I'd take a look at "Self-Editing for Fiction Writers" - lots of good tips to be had.

But I would say that your end goal is to tell a story, and to tell it well...not to get published. That's a whole different world, and you'll have more success (if that's what you want) if you've got your craft nailed down first. Or not, print publishing is something of a crapshoot...

[BlueTopaz]

If you want to write, write. I'm not being flippant. I mean sit down and write everyday. Start a journal. At the risk of sounding trite, practice makes perfect. And I've found reading quality material in the area that you are interested in helps.

[Haphazard]

I write a lot, nearly every day. For the last three weeks I wrote about 3,000 words a day. I usually write low fantasy with a realistic bent.

I have a lot of difficulty finishing things because I find plot holes so easily and then don't find the thing worth writing anymore. Even though I had a wonderful MC in my last WIP I couldn't finish it because his story was full of holes.

Seriously, write every day. If you're having trouble finishing, take a look at To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. I think it'll help.

[Lumbering Jack]

The big question is do you want to write for profit or pleasure? Writing for pleasure is awesome and often very rewarding.
Writing for profit is tough. Unless you're at the top of your field, you earn very little for your work. Believe me, I know. I've been published four or five times now (Articles, for-profit PDFs and a contributor to a book), and in all, I've earned less than $3,000.
Even with the low pay, it's very rewarding to get someone to cough up some cash for my words!

As for some tips on for-profit writing:

>>> If you're only interested in writing fiction, you need to read a lot. You need to read the classics. You need to read what's new. You need to read multiple genres.
>>> As everyone else says, write as much as you can.
>>> Know the right words for the right time. Don't call it "the right side of the boat," call it starboard. (Visual Dictionaries are amazing resources, folks!)
>>> Take journalism classes. Journalism helps you look at things with a critical eye. (I'm always pushing journalism on this board.) Journalism also helps you learn how to use words wisely.
>>> If you're willing to write articles (that's where the money is!) take a good look at all the things in your world that you're familiar with, and explore the niche publications dedicated to them. If you know a lot about skateboarding, check your favorite skateboarding Web site or magazine and see if they'll pay for an article or two.
>>> If you're interested in writing fiction, write about what you know. Using skateboarding again, write a story about a skateboarder who does something, not about a soldier who does something. Your familiarity will help your story along and help its credibility with your readers.
>>> Do not ignore the rules of the language you are writing in (except dialogue), nothing will turn an editor off more than bad grammar and spelling. Remember, the editor is the one who will be buying your stuff. (Sorry if I have some of that bad grammar here.)
>>> Never give up, but have something that can support you for a long, long time while you get going.

[notoppings]

Write constantly for at least five minutes if you get stuck write drawing a blank don't worry about spelling or punctuation just go for volume. After you do this go back and see what you wrote and see if it has anything that you can use for a story line today.

Write at least one short story again don't edit yourself this is just practice you are trying to open your mind to the concept of creating.

If you still have a desire to write Grab a newspaper and cut out headlines and cut those into phrases of 2 or three words mix them up and write a story about whatever you grab. You will be surprised on how effective this will be.

On your stories try to draft an outline make up several flash cards beginning middle end then fill in the meat if you know where your story is going it will be easier to get there.

[Linza]

Write what you want to read, but haven't yet.

[Monte314]

I publish several technical papers a year, and write a column called "Historic Devotions" for my church's website.

And, you can get my book, "Data Mining Explained", published by Digital Press, on Amazon.com

[curiousjane]

Last year I joined a semi-private writing group, Critique Circle, and I highly recommend you go there. The people there are really helpful and have great advice, and the critique system is pretty fair and balanced.

I did, too. It is a great resource. Unfortunately, life got busy and I dropped out. I need to get back into it.

I write daily for my job. Mostly advertising copy and business proposals/research/reports. I've written novels, but none that have seen the light of day. I'd like to one day support myself by writing.

We'll see.

[zooey]

be sure to avoid cliche!

[Roy G Biv]

I have been been writing and journaling since the 5th grade. One day I opened a blank book, scribbled out a dream from the night before, and that was all it took. I never wanted to be a writer as much as I feel driven to write, and I am now lucky enough to be paid for my words.

I have nothing to add to the good advice you've already received, but I do agree that if you want to cultivate your desire to write, you should discipline yourself to do it daily. There are lots of good books on the subject, which I'd be happy to share with you, but they are minimally useful for someone with a deep desire and need to write. Sometimes I think doing all that planning and research only postpones the action.

It's not about wanting as much as doing, whether or not you ever get published or paid. Writers write because we love to create. The importance of being rewarded, whether financially or critically, is only something you can decide.

I have no desire to be famous or critically acclaimed. I just need to get the words out of me.

[Antares]

yes I do, but I can't say I'm a good one. I can't write a love poem, or any poem if my life depends on it. I was writing my R&J short story and it turned into something else all together. Well, the teacher said it was phenomenal, so I accepted it as phenomenal. My friends called it a 'thesaurus'.

[Jane]

I write semi-regularly. Used to do plays, then poetry, haikus then finally short stories (now).

An example I'm rather proud of is this: To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

:D

[Monte314]

There is a lot of good advice in this thread.

I think the greatest asset a writer can have is discipline.

Writing is hard work. To get my book done, I decided that I had to write 500 words a day. This meant 7 days a week, 500 polished, ready-to-send-to-the-editor words, complete with any footnotes, diagrams, references, etc.

I did this for NINE MONTHS (and in a lot of ways, it was like bearing a child!)

You can bet that there were plenty of days that I didn't want to drive back in to the office after a full day's work and put in another 2 or 3 hours (sometimes more) to get that 500 words... but that was the commitment I made to myself.

As a reward, at the end of each writing session (often 10 or 11 pm) I would play the theme from StarTrek Voyager full blast... there was never anyone else there, so it was fine. I love that track, so that was my daily wage, a little victory song to celebrate another page or two of the book.

Discipline. You can get past just about any other shortcoming (especially if you have a good editor); but without discipline, you'll never finish.

[nikewong]

be concise.

[searcher]

You called?

Something I do is pick a random event from each day (it doesn't have to be big or significant - just something that happened) and write about it in as much detail as you can.
Then expand on it. Think about what might have happened in different circumstances. If different people were involved, how would it change?
That sort of thing.

[Jeannette]

I like to write poetry, I have more confidence in it that my stories. I have finished very few stories but everyone loves them when I utterly want to burn them.
You can tell I'm going to be a good author.
I'll just stick to making the cover art.

[tyrantofthought]

I really want to write a novel, and I have been planning it, revamping it, and changing it for the past 2 years(okay, since i was a small kid, but it wasn't until like 2 years ago that it kind of solidified and became an actual story). Once summer comes i hope to do this: To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
I highly suggest you read it because it absolutely motivates me just reading it! I know that if i don't do something similar to this method that I would just get bored with it.

[Lrigyttiw]

please pick up a copy of Stephen King's "On Writing". Very inspirational. When I'm not working on my novel (due to writer's block), I switch to writing and recording music.

[Rowan]

How did you guys start out?

I became very interested in reading in my early teens and took a literature ‘A’ level which solidified my passion for books. Later on I took a creative writing course as a part of my humanities and social science degree and attained a merit, which attracted me to the prospect of becoming a professional writer. Another degree course in literature only made me more certain that this was the direction I wanted to go. I am now looking at publishing two works and do not regret choosing writing as my primary focus.

And how did you guys manage to keep it going?


Morning pages help; every morning you get a single page and fill it without concentrating on what you are writing; you won’t produce anything good, but it will keep you focused on writing.
You can keep a journal, which keeps you writing.
If you have some spare time just sit down and write something; it doesn’t matter if it is good or bad, if you keep writing you increase the likelihood that eventually you will produce something worth editing.
Keep a notebook with you and collect ideas in the same way that many visual artists doodle.


Any advice on how to get better?

Reading is vital. You cannot become a proficient writer without being a proficient reader. Expose yourself to as many ideas as you can; examine the narrative, characters, dialogue, theme, etc. of films, TV series, plays, etc. as well as the books you read. Try and formulate stories from the news, anecdotes you hear or simply the human drama you are bound to encounter everywhere you go. Go to other artistic mediums for inspiration; visual art, architecture and music all influence my writing.

[comfortofeyes]

Yes I write. I write poems and notions, and have started my first novel! :p

[SongofSeptember]

Read. Write. Just do it--it's fun, and it doesn't matter what you write about. Experiment with different styles, genres.

If you ever get stuck (I ALWAYS do), write some fanfiction. It tends to be easier, because you don't have to invent a whole new universe and characters.

Visit this website: To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. It's a good place to start--both reading and writing. Remember, reading is a big part of writing.