arik
Team Zissou Intern
too much of a good thing is wonderful
Posts: 101
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Post by arik on Jun 14, 2005 21:44:08 GMT -5
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Post by texasgal on Jun 14, 2005 22:11:11 GMT -5
Hi Arik,
The reason I'm responding to your question is because I might be the first to read it. It's not because I think I'll have the best advice. I'm sure other Wilsonettes have better, more practical advice.
My suggestion is that you start with an outline of your plot. Or a list of characters.
Outline your plot as you would any theme paper. That way, you just build up your story by continuing to fill in the lines between your lines. If that makes sense.
Expect to write in the margins and all over the paper too. But that's why it might be better to write at your computer so you don't have to worry about those things. Some people think better on paper though than at the computer. I think better at the computer. I type much faster than I can write too which helps me write. But whatever works for you, go with it!
That's how I'm working through a fan fiction I'm writing for the Wilsons and another story not having anything to do with the Wilsons.
If you have no particular plot or characters in mind, you're going to have to do some real brainstorming. Probably best to start with something you know, such as your own life. Start writing about people, issues, and issues with people you might have. You'll have to get kind of zen-like and go with the flow as it comes to you. Also - be sure to carry a small notebook with you at all times. I found that when I was writing autobiographical stories that I never knew when a great sentence or a great phrase might pop into my head. That way, I could write it down before it escaped me.
Another piece of good advice I've yet to heed, one which a lot of successful writers recommend: Write something every day! It doesn't have to be an entire story or an entire chapter. But it should be a page. A lot of them who say this also add that they get up early in the morning and write as the first thing they do. They try to write for an hour minimum every day.
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Post by Jennifer Richards on Jun 15, 2005 6:40:26 GMT -5
Wow Texasgal, that's such good info! You're inspiring me to put pen to paper as well!
xx
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Post by Mrs.Sylfian on Jun 15, 2005 7:51:28 GMT -5
:)me too!
i had writing classes once,but it wasn`t for me ,it is a lonely job,i am more people person......
s
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Post by texasgal on Jun 15, 2005 15:48:07 GMT -5
Sylcia, yes, writing tends to be a solitary occupation. But nothing wrong with being a people person. I wish I was more of a people person than I am. I'm not much of a people person - I do much better when I'm with one other person or with a very small group of, say, no more than 3 or 4 people. Crowds tend to overwhelm me. People don't gravitate to me so I'm forced to "butt in" with other people if I'm going to socialize at all. Ha. OK, back to writing. I'm glad you found my message useful, JR. I'm best at writing prose on my own. But I have no talent for writing dialogue; therefore, if I'm going to write a screenplay, I must team up with another writer. After I posted my original message to Arik, I thought later that I could have added this: If you're having trouble getting started with a writing project, maybe you could get motivated by journaling. Start a daily journal, and that will help get you into the habit of writing daily and putting thoughts to paper (or monitor screen).
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Post by bubbles4play on Jun 16, 2005 0:24:37 GMT -5
Wow, Tex, I think you really called that one. That's exactlly all the things I would've said, you beat me to it. I just want to add that if you're having trouble coming up with ideas...look around you. Ride the bus/subway/railway and listen to the people around you. Stories are just waiting to be told. Listen to what's going on in the world. There are all sorts of "what if's" waiting to be explored. And most importantly, look inside yourself. ;D
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Post by texasgal on Jun 16, 2005 18:03:26 GMT -5
Bubbles, YOURS is the best concrete advice ever. I sure wish I could team up with you and Sculptured. Just listening to you two converse would be good enough of a kick-start for me.
Oh, btw, how could I forget to comment on the Dating The Creations. I thought it was very imaginative, entertaining, and held my interest throughout. Great job!!!
I'm writing a story about cytotechnologists since that's what I do. I'm thinking of titling it: "Hell's Bells And Vaginal Cells." But that might be either too technical or too x-rated. What do y'all think?
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Post by bubbles4play on Jun 16, 2005 23:52:40 GMT -5
Oh, btw, how could I forget to comment on the Dating The Creations. I thought it was very imaginative, entertaining, and held my interest throughout. Great job!!! I'm writing a story about cytotechnologists since that's what I do. I'm thinking of titling it: "Hell's Bells And Vaginal Cells." But that might be either too technical or too x-rated. What do y'all think? ok, I don't even know what cyto whatever means...boy do I feel dumb...love that title though. BTW, I can't take any credit for Dating the Creations...that was all scuplty....
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Post by sculpturedsound on Jun 17, 2005 0:58:04 GMT -5
Oh, btw, how could I forget to comment on the Dating The Creations. I thought it was very imaginative, entertaining, and held my interest throughout. Great job!!! Aw, thanks! Yeah "Dating the Creations" was just me, except for the fact that I got lots of help from Wes, Owen, and Noah because they created all the characters for me! ha ha!
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Post by texasgal on Jun 17, 2005 16:48:15 GMT -5
Oh dear, color me embarrassed: for confusing the author of Dating The Creations. I honestly thought it was a partnered effort. Well, you did an even greater job since it was a solo masterpiece! (The icon caption says 'embarrassed,' but at first glance it always looks like an 'anger' icon to me.) Ah well... A cytotechnologist analyzes your pap smears. (Is your check-up up to date?)
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Post by sculpturedsound on Jun 18, 2005 21:37:53 GMT -5
(The icon caption says 'embarrassed,' but at first glance it always looks like an 'anger' icon to me.) I think some of them are mis-named, the embarrased one should be the one called cheesy, and the if you notice, the one called anger is actually the one that's laughing and slapping the floor with it's arm.
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Post by sculpturedsound on Jun 18, 2005 21:41:02 GMT -5
Oh dear, color me embarrassed: for confusing the author of Dating The Creations. I honestly thought it was a partnered effort. Well, you did an even greater job since it was a solo masterpiece! It's ok! No big deal.
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arik
Team Zissou Intern
too much of a good thing is wonderful
Posts: 101
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Post by arik on Jun 19, 2005 14:33:31 GMT -5
Thanks so much for the advice guys and/or gals!!!!!!! I love your ideas they seem really easy for someone as lazy as me..... no really, it's embarrassing how bad I am . That idea of riding the bus or bart train and just jotting down insparation from eaves dropping sounds like lots of fun......... how'd you know that I like being nosy . Rock On Girls! I'll be sure to post more information as I get a good deviluping story. duhhhh............ me figures after reading my own posts me should work on my bigger words and the words I choose to use much more better. (ah,huk)
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