Aspiring novelists gather!

Duane · 08-12-2008, 02:07 PM

Talk about your novels here.

Duane · 08-20-2008, 07:05 PM

The universe is in trouble AGAIN*Insert snippet of Gen. M Bison shouting "OF COURSE!"* Professor Anderson of the North Galactic University of Science is asked to check things out.

HumanePain · 08-20-2008, 09:27 PM

A friend has asked me to ghost write a story for her, she is an aspiring writer, and has the concept down but needs my help in writing the details for her. Now I can say I am a ghost writer too! I am willingly giving her full credit for the story.

Plot: A naive girl who is taking over running her aging parents tour bus company meets a man and falls in love, but he is a dastardly scoundrel who just wants her parent's money. She will eventually see through his facade but not until her heart is painfully broken. It will be new for me writing this kind of romance. Sort of a Japanese style "unhappy ending" novel.

Godslayer Jillian · 08-20-2008, 09:39 PM

I'm trying to write an anti-utopian (not to be confused with a dystopian) novel set in the year 2068.
Set sixty years in the future, it allows me to write fictional events at will while letting me talk about issues of today as it's not that much into the future. Basically, it's perfect for me to exaggerate the evils in society while still making it realistic.

Kristin · 08-20-2008, 09:54 PM

I have a first draft, but am working on the rewrites. On the 3rd rewrite now. It's sucking my will to live! I will return to this thread to get advice on my most urgent concerns such as 3rd vs. 1st person, characterization, and recommendations for good novels in my favorite genre. But right now the waitressing day job (or rather night job, ugh) calleth!

alyroi360 · 08-20-2008, 09:58 PM

I'm writing a fiction novel. It's a little lord of the ringsy, but twistier and a lot more sad. and a lot more pirates... I am working on my first draft. this is going to be my first book ever, but I'd thought I'd just put something down...

Sir Canvas Corpsey · 08-20-2008, 10:21 PM

I'm writing a play and concocting a mythology.... does that count?

MitsyMayhem · 08-21-2008, 01:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Godslayer Jillian

I'm trying to write an anti-utopian (not to be confused with a dystopian) novel set in the year 2068.
Set sixty years in the future, it allows me to write fictional events at will while letting me talk about issues of today as it's not that much into the future. Basically, it's perfect for me to exaggerate the evils in society while still making it realistic.

Same here, sort of.
Mine's set rather far out, 3000-4000, and has nothing to do with the 'evils' of today. I'd just thought I'd enjoy writing it. Got an idea, scribbled it down in class and took it home. I've already started writing. Though I'm lost on Chapter One, as I have a tendency to write out of order.

gothicusmaximus · 08-21-2008, 01:37 AM

I've completed a few novels in my life, and attempted several more. The most legendary of these is 'Captain Planet vs. The Antichrist', the ridiculously verbose chronicle of a teenage paranormal investigator's mind-bending adventures, which uncompleted, fourteen page manuscript I composed while studying Advanced Novel Writing at Harvard for the singular purpose of acquiring a B+ in said course. Maybe I'll post it here so you all can be staggered by its majesty.

Kristin · 08-21-2008, 07:03 AM

Hypothetical question here: Since many of us are probably hoping to get published someday (in my case I aim for being published, but not for inexplicable, annoying tweenage fame, please spare me that), how would one write entertaining fiction without the result of being called a cunt, a bitch, and other such colorful words? (See the Twilight thread in the Whining section.)

I hate Twilight as much as the next person, so don't think I'm calling her work "entertaining." LOL I'm just trying to get some tips on what kind of writing to strive for, and what to avoid.

HumanePain · 08-21-2008, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kristin

Hypothetical question here: Since many of us are probably hoping to get published someday (in my case I aim for being published, but not for inexplicable, annoying tweenage fame, please spare me that), how would one write entertaining fiction without the result of being called a cunt, a bitch, and other such colorful words? (See the Twilight thread in the Whining section.)

I hate Twilight as much as the next person, so don't think I'm calling her work "entertaining." LOL I'm just trying to get some tips on what kind of writing to strive for, and what to avoid.

I am published, and I can tell you this: you cannot avoid that result. There will always be some readers who don't like what you write. If you get half the readers to like you, you are a success. I consider myself fortunate that out of 1,000 readers who read the first chapter, 300 decide they like enough to finish it and make it to the last chapter. (Measuring per chapter statistics on fictionpress dot com.)

You should know early on that your story genre will appeal to a particular audience, and try to reach that audience. Trying to please all audiences will only multiply the number of readers who don't like what you write, so focus.

Me? I love writing gothic romance, supernatural, science fiction and suspense/action. I try to reach an audience of teens/young adults (I do NOT write any explicit love scenes or porn, huggy-kissy scenes only).

Duane · 08-21-2008, 09:34 AM

Kristin,Humane is right, do you think everyone here adores Edgar Allan Poe, or Stephen King? Some people are going to dislike, or even hate these writers, no matter how many people love them/adore them.

I just hope a religious maniac doesn't end up getting offended... see, my novel questions the existence of God, also a few other things some people might consider offensive.

Tam Li Hua · 08-21-2008, 12:42 PM

You mean that monster of a thing I can't even sort through sanely myself?

Yeah, haven't seriously worked on it for a while. The characters in my head keep on keepin' on, but I haven't sat and written down any of their adventures in a while.

Part of my problem is that I fear I may have to go back and majorly edit some of it, so that all of it makes more sense.

Tam Li Hua · 08-21-2008, 12:45 PM

Duane: I'm religious, and I don't find that offensive at all.

I think it's a perfectly natural thing for humans to question, and I wonder about those who never have.

Duane · 08-21-2008, 01:11 PM

I just don't want to end up like... well... John Lennon. No offense John, Sean, and Yoko.

Kristin · 08-21-2008, 08:35 PM

Wise words, Humane. I would guess that extreme popularity also breeds extreme hatred. I wouldn't want either; having gaggles of screaming teenagers fawning over your characters' every move is nauseating and against what I want to achieve with my stories, and let's just say I'm sensitive and cry if someone so much as calls me a turkey.

If I do get published, I don't plan on reading reviews of my books.

Well Duane, unfortunately the fanatics think that everyone else should think like them and nobody should question. And sadly they're the loudest and most obnoxious kind of people out there. LOL I remember the uproar over His Dark Materials. Although I'm religious too, I thought it was a good series (I didn't love them, but didn't hate them either), and can appreciate the need to question some things or present an alternative view of traditional doctrine.

Duane · 08-22-2008, 03:16 PM

Hm, well, the chances of that actually happening is slim... so I have nothing to worry about... just aslong as the religious nuts don't take it as a Fuck you, it's all good.

Kristin · 08-22-2008, 05:29 PM

Who cares what they think anyway Duane, as long as your safety isn't threatened. I know what you mean, though. You don't want your views to be misconstrued, and who likes really negative criticism?

So you guys tell me if this should be in a different thread, but I have some writing questions. What are your opinions on 1st and 3rd person writing? My book is in 1st person right now, although I'd started it in 3rd person.

Do you go to critique groups? I started going to one a few months ago and found it invaluable. A couple of the members are published writers have had some really great advice.

What bad writing/cliches annoy you the most, and should be avoided?

MitsyMayhem · 08-22-2008, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kristin

Who cares what they think anyway Duane, as long as your safety isn't threatened. I know what you mean, though. You don't want your views to be misconstrued, and who likes really negative criticism?

So you guys tell me if this should be in a different thread, but I have some writing questions. What are your opinions on 1st and 3rd person writing? My book is in 1st person right now, although I'd started it in 3rd person.

Do you go to critique groups? I started going to one a few months ago and found it invaluable. A couple of the members are published writers have had some really great advice.

What bad writing/cliches annoy you the most, and should be avoided?

My tips:

On 1st Person vs 3rd Person:
I prefer third person. It's true that with first person, one gets the idea that they are really inside that person's head. However, your vocabulary and metaphors would most likely have to be turned down, as it's your character speaking. But it your character is that fluent, then it's not a problem. Also, with first person, the story is...let's say biased? My creative writing teacher explained it better, but what I'm trying to say is that, let's say two characters experienced the same thing, well both would describe it completely different as they are different people with different viewpoints.
But do what you feel comfortable with.
3rd person is my zone.

On cliches:
You can probably figure out what's clique and what's not by yourself. They are everywhere. If you see a similar plot on Tv, throw that shit away and start over. No joke.
Also, stay away from cliched metaphors such as 'bright as the sun' or 'dark as the night', unless it's in character dialog. Characters are very likely to say cliche things, but when you use it in descriptions, it makes you look incapable of your own creativity.

I don't go to critque groups, but I have a friend who's handy with a red pen, and an honest teacher.
Also, try Writing.com
An account is free and it's easy to use.
You'll be able to write your stories privately, then, when you think their ready for the public, show them and allow the audience to critque it.
Deviant art and wordpress are good as well.

Just an extra tip, if you ever need to describe something you're not familiar with, google it, and write what you see. Or if it's fictional, draw a picture and describe it there.

Hoped I helped some. =]

Duane · 08-22-2008, 06:05 PM

As long as they don't come up to me, and shoot me, or cause my death, I don't care about how they critique my work.

Kristin · 08-23-2008, 02:02 AM

Mitsy: I prefer 3rd person too, which is why I'm having such a hard decision about whether to keep my book in 1st. It was much easier to write in 1st person, but I have no idea if it's really what's best for the story. I'm probably agonizing over it too much though. LOL

And yes, you helped lots! I appreciate your tips.

Duane: That's cool then, I have to practice adopting that kind of attitude!

Apathy's_Child · 08-23-2008, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kristin

So you guys tell me if this should be in a different thread, but I have some writing questions. What are your opinions on 1st and 3rd person writing? My book is in 1st person right now, although I'd started it in 3rd person.

Depends completely on the point of the story. I like to do both, or use multiple first-person narrators (although that can be a real commitment if you're a perfectionist).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kristin

Do you go to critique groups? I started going to one a few months ago and found it invaluable. A couple of the members are published writers have had some really great advice.

Nope. I sometimes show some of my more intelligent friends, usually when drunk or high on something. My main critic is my girlfriend, who is extremely well-read and writes good shit herself. But nothing organized.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kristin

What bad writing/cliches annoy you the most, and should be avoided?

Oh so many........ Love stories and poems are almost always cliched and should be avoided by those without formidable talent. In a similar vein, anyone who describes their love story as containing "dark and twisted sexuality" is usually full of shit. Writing about emotion - anger, loneliness, grief - tends to get samey with some semblance of skill. Some writers also spell everything out for you (yeah, Richard Wright, I'm talking to you. if you're gonna use crude and obvious metaphors, don't insult me by giving a three page explanation straight after). Most gothic writing annoys the shit out of me.