Poll | | Is the phrase "Once upon a time..." | Overused | | 33% | [ 1 ] | Underused | | 67% | [ 2 ] |
| Total Votes : 3 |
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Monthly Writing Prompt |
For this month's writing prompt write a scene using the following sentence to start;
The streets were deserted. Where was everyone? Where had they all gone?
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Writing Tip |
Our monthly writing tips are written by our very own TerishD. You can read more in Terish's Blog located in "The Abstractions" area of the forum.
Look Back
When not able to write ahead, it helps to look back. In my case I had written a paragraph ahead of the story. What I needed to do was add a section of exposition (talking) presenting some facts. In going back, I realized that I could insert a section where a 'tour' of the surroundings could be done. This allowed for character interaction, story development, and other things that enabled me to present the facts in an entertaining manner.
One should not face a writer's block with the mentality of bursting through it. I have found in my own experience that a writer's block is usually due to my mind indicating that it has a problem in 'channeling' the story. One reason might be a re-imagining of certain story points. Another reason however is that there is a problem in where you are at in the story, so you need to look back and find out the problem with the 'journey' that prevents the tale from advancing.
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| | Writing Advice | |
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Should writer's take fan/friends advice regarding the stories endings? | No, it's the your work, so it's your decision. | | 11% | [ 1 ] | Yes, they will initially become paying subscribers to your work. | | 0% | [ 0 ] | Yes, if you don't no one will read it. | | 0% | [ 0 ] | Maybe, suggestions are nice, but in the end it will be up to me. | | 89% | [ 8 ] |
| Total Votes : 9 | | |
| Author | Message |
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Kellycakes
Number of posts : 1136 Age : 46 Location : State of Thankfulness! Current Mood : Registration date : 2008-07-17
| Subject: Writing Advice March 4th 2009, 7:24 pm | |
| Should writer's take fan/friends advice regarding the stories endings? (Exp: Death of a character?)
I recently read one of my favorite author's work and throughout her series I fell in love with all the characters, one of which she killed off. Of course this was fiction, and the character wasn't immortal but because she did kill off one of the main characters it just seemed it killed the whole series for me. Has this ever happened to you in writing and/or reading? | |
| | | HYdraMStar
Number of posts : 1170 Age : 45 Location : Charlotte, NC Current Mood : Registration date : 2008-07-20
| Subject: Re: Writing Advice March 4th 2009, 8:15 pm | |
| No, I feel very strongly that an author should never take the advice of readers as to how to end or in what direction to take the story, peroid. | |
| | | Snacker
Number of posts : 818 Age : 39 Location : Stuck in Michigan Current Mood : Registration date : 2008-07-17
| Subject: Re: Writing Advice March 4th 2009, 8:55 pm | |
| I say that it's up to the writer, how his story starts, goes on and ends. I think that suggestions are okay, whether the writer takes it or leaves it is up to him.
My point is that advice can be taken or left, but I think it is always nice to see what other people think about your writing. | |
| | | Urs
Number of posts : 569 Location : Corner of Insane Ave & Stupid St. in the State of Denial Current Mood : Registration date : 2008-09-23
| Subject: Re: Writing Advice March 4th 2009, 9:15 pm | |
| Listening to what someone has to say is never a bad thing. Sometimes they might give you an idea you can run with, or work with, or give you a twist you did not expect.
But when the final pen stroke it done, or key is hit, it is the Author that writes the story, and no one else.
But that is just my humble feelings on things. | |
| | | TerishD
Number of posts : 1441 Age : 64 Location : Ringgold, Louisiana Current Mood : Registration date : 2008-07-21
| Subject: Reply March 4th 2009, 11:21 pm | |
| The worse mistake was the killing of the second Robin (Jason Bard). It happened due to a call-in poll. While I am very grateful to hear the opinions of others, I make certain that I follow my own advice.
Of course, I am usually not where my fans are at. They are telling me what they think, but I have usually already set things in place. What I post today has been sitting on my computer for weeks (in some cases years), so the events have already been decided. Some suggestions however have caused me to examine certain things, and advice has had me change some writings (my handling of conversation has improved a notch with my latest tale, something I realized today when I went back and re-read my first few chapters). | |
| | | SparkyLT
Number of posts : 5 Age : 30 Current Mood : Registration date : 2009-03-07
| Subject: Re: Writing Advice March 7th 2009, 10:49 pm | |
| I love hearing feedback and suggestions - sometimes just to laugh, "That's so ridiculous, what're you thinking?" I admit. But sometimes other people come up with really cool ideas. You need to be able to accept that others are capable of those too.
But yeah, in the end it's up to the author. So basically exactly what Snacker said. | |
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