Headmistress wrote:The first one said that you should keep writing simple in your style instead of attempting to use affected or flowery language. He said not only does it sound natural, but others will find it easier to understand. This always works for me.
Headmistress wrote:The second said that you need to understand your characters. I agree with this because when I write fictionally, I try to work out what my characters are thinking and feeling and what sort of people they are. This has improved my writing a lot.
KP Presents wrote:Technique? You mean there is a technique to this?
More seriously, the two pieces of advice you give are the startin gpoint for my philosophy as well. I'd add two toher, more personal things for me.
Firstly, credit the reader with a modicum of intelligence - you don't have to spell out every little excurciating detail., when half the fun of reading these tales can be imagining what else is going on.
Secondly, if you're going to do a historical story, or set a story in the past, do some research and get the facts right. For example, if you do a story set in the 1950's in the UK, it's all right to use scarves as gags, or Elastoplast, but Duct Tape was not commonly available outside the forces or Television/film industry then.
Finally, remember always Chakov's First Rule of Storytelling - If you're going to shoot someone in the final act, show the gun in the first, and if you show a gun in the first act then make sure it's used by the last scene.
Jason Toddman wrote:KP Presents wrote:Technique? You mean there is a technique to this?
More seriously, the two pieces of advice you give are the starting point for my philosophy as well. I'd add two other, more personal things for me.
Firstly, credit the reader with a modicum of intelligence - you don't have to spell out every little excurciating detail., when half the fun of reading these tales can be imagining what else is going on.
Secondly, if you're going to do a historical story, or set a story in the past, do some research and get the facts right. For example, if you do a story set in the 1950's in the UK, it's all right to use scarves as gags, or Elastoplast, but Duct Tape was not commonly available outside the forces or Television/film industry then.
Finally, remember always Chekov's First Rule of Storytelling - If you're going to shoot someone in the final act, show the gun in the first, and if you show a gun in the first act then make sure it's used by the last scene.
Jason Toddman wrote:My edit got deleted somehow just as I was submitting it and I had to retype it; sorry about that. Recheck my post above this one.
quote]KP Presents wrote:
Firstly, credit the reader with a modicum of intelligence - you don't have to spell out every little excurciating detail., when half the fun of reading these tales can be imagining what else is going on.
Secondly, if you're going to do a historical story, or set a story in the past, do some research and get the facts right. quote]Jason Toddman wrote:
So instead, just aim to please yourself the best you can when you write and let the chips fall as they may.Jay Candice wrote:When I'm writing TUGs, I always try to make it so it isn't just a repetition of my previous entries, you know?
The Black Falcon wrote:As a writer and a reader, I would say PLEASE avoid "What do you think? Should I continue it?" after just the introduction.
xtc wrote:Sorry Jason,
I disagree: txt spk’s NVR acceptable xept in txts! !
drawscore wrote:So after you run your story through SpellCheck, get a trusted friend to proofread it for you. Hopefully, your friend will know the language well enough to spot any remaining errors.
sarobah wrote:drawscore wrote:So after you run your story through SpellCheck, get a trusted friend to proofread it for you. Hopefully, your friend will know the language well enough to spot any remaining errors.
Being a perfectionist, I never have problems with people (including TUGs readers) pointing out my poor expression. It’s apparently human nature to be somewhat blind to one’s own mistakes. I will read something I’ve written half a dozen times and still miss a glaring error or two.
drawscore wrote:Writing Tips:
7. Just between you and I, case is important.
Drawscore
7. Just between you and I, case is important.
sarobah wrote:7. Just between you and I, case is important.
I think this refers to nominative and objective case - i.e. “I” and “me”.
11. Try not to ever split infinitives.