Post by Avacyn on Nov 13, 2014 18:59:35 GMT
I thought I would create this thread, so people could have a place where they could give general tips and advice about writing, and maybe help to answer questions about writing!
To start it off, here is a post I made elsewhere. I plan to do this quite a bit, put here what thoughts and advice I have proffered elsewhere.
And I hopwe this helps people in general as well!
To start it off, here is a post I made elsewhere. I plan to do this quite a bit, put here what thoughts and advice I have proffered elsewhere.
Hey!
Planning is a useful idea. Trust me, it really helps with the flow, and speeds you up somewhat. This is especially crucial when you are trying to get a story done by a deadline. :@)
Of course, there are lots of different ways to do this. First of all, though... what is the core idea of your story? Once you know what it is, write it down somewhere. It could be a scene, a chance meeting, or an overall idea as to what happens, like a theme or event. Once you have that point, work outwards. Who are in that scene or event? How did they get there? What do they do, and why do they do it? Just feel your way about, and build from there.
One effective way to speed up planning is location. In the Internet age, you can find out heaps about somewhere you have never been to. I set last years novel in Providence, Rhode Island. Studying it meant I was able to include local events, like the Fire Water displays they have there. Where the story is set will inform and guide where you go as well. Maybe it has some unusual feature?
Example: Odessa, Texas is a city that has a replica Stonehenge, Replica Globe theatre, and has a meteor crater on the outskirts. It also has no skyscrapers, and about seven or so tall buildings. It is home to the Permian Panthers, who have been written about, and was the inspiration for the television series "Friday Night Lights." Just look at what I've just said... potential galore, right? Your location is a wonderful way to find out what happens in the plot, because you gain ideas as you research. Also, with Google maps, you can go to satellite, and see the geography of the place. And then there is Street View. Deeply, deeply useful. :@)
Also... don't know what your characters look like? Google images! If you use actors or celebrities, chances are you can get childhood pictures as well, thus helping you to get ideas of not just descriptions, but what they wee like growing up. I also have gone to higher levels, and have done photoshopping, to get the exact likeness I wanted. But usually, looking at pictures is enough.
Also, using an actor can give you things like height and build. Hayden Pannettiere, for example, is very small, and quite slender. Thomas Dekker, mind you, has had growth spurts, so is quite tall. These little nuances pad out a character, and also help with your idea-forming.
Also, realise you are creating a whole new world. Once you have a good idea about it, you will then be able to get comfortable in that world. That is when plots really take shape; you know the mechanics of the universe, you know what will happen and what will not.
Hopefully, this all helps, and good luck with the novel!
Planning is a useful idea. Trust me, it really helps with the flow, and speeds you up somewhat. This is especially crucial when you are trying to get a story done by a deadline. :@)
Of course, there are lots of different ways to do this. First of all, though... what is the core idea of your story? Once you know what it is, write it down somewhere. It could be a scene, a chance meeting, or an overall idea as to what happens, like a theme or event. Once you have that point, work outwards. Who are in that scene or event? How did they get there? What do they do, and why do they do it? Just feel your way about, and build from there.
One effective way to speed up planning is location. In the Internet age, you can find out heaps about somewhere you have never been to. I set last years novel in Providence, Rhode Island. Studying it meant I was able to include local events, like the Fire Water displays they have there. Where the story is set will inform and guide where you go as well. Maybe it has some unusual feature?
Example: Odessa, Texas is a city that has a replica Stonehenge, Replica Globe theatre, and has a meteor crater on the outskirts. It also has no skyscrapers, and about seven or so tall buildings. It is home to the Permian Panthers, who have been written about, and was the inspiration for the television series "Friday Night Lights." Just look at what I've just said... potential galore, right? Your location is a wonderful way to find out what happens in the plot, because you gain ideas as you research. Also, with Google maps, you can go to satellite, and see the geography of the place. And then there is Street View. Deeply, deeply useful. :@)
Also... don't know what your characters look like? Google images! If you use actors or celebrities, chances are you can get childhood pictures as well, thus helping you to get ideas of not just descriptions, but what they wee like growing up. I also have gone to higher levels, and have done photoshopping, to get the exact likeness I wanted. But usually, looking at pictures is enough.
Also, using an actor can give you things like height and build. Hayden Pannettiere, for example, is very small, and quite slender. Thomas Dekker, mind you, has had growth spurts, so is quite tall. These little nuances pad out a character, and also help with your idea-forming.
Also, realise you are creating a whole new world. Once you have a good idea about it, you will then be able to get comfortable in that world. That is when plots really take shape; you know the mechanics of the universe, you know what will happen and what will not.
Hopefully, this all helps, and good luck with the novel!