Handy Hints for Writing
just what it says22 total reviews
Comment from royowen
I guess the thing that critiques leave out, is unfortunately some will never be able to write, no matter what, but that thinking is not entirely true either, everyone has a story to tell, but the first requirement is language knowledge and ability. I do a lot of reading, so therefore ideas are manifold, plus knowing how chess is played is a plus, it's the middle game that's hard, well done, blessings Roy
reply by the author on 20-Jul-2021
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I guess the thing that critiques leave out, is unfortunately some will never be able to write, no matter what, but that thinking is not entirely true either, everyone has a story to tell, but the first requirement is language knowledge and ability. I do a lot of reading, so therefore ideas are manifold, plus knowing how chess is played is a plus, it's the middle game that's hard, well done, blessings Roy
Comment Written 13-Jul-2021
reply by the author on 20-Jul-2021
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Much appreciated, Roy. G
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Welcome
Comment from Ulla
Hi Gareth, thanks a lot for this article and for all the advise you are giving. It's very helpful. I think all writers are the worst for self critisism. We all feel vulnerable and can be overwhelmed with doubt. Having said that, it's important to rise about it and start believing in ourself.
Yes, writing is indeed a learned skill with some talent thrown in. That's the elusive but important bit that can't be taught. Ulla:)))
reply by the author on 20-Jul-2021
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Hi Gareth, thanks a lot for this article and for all the advise you are giving. It's very helpful. I think all writers are the worst for self critisism. We all feel vulnerable and can be overwhelmed with doubt. Having said that, it's important to rise about it and start believing in ourself.
Yes, writing is indeed a learned skill with some talent thrown in. That's the elusive but important bit that can't be taught. Ulla:)))
Comment Written 13-Jul-2021
reply by the author on 20-Jul-2021
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I hear a lot of folk saying that grammar et al isn't that important because they're storytellers but they fail to realise that if the writing isn't up to par, no one will get the experience the story. Many thanks. G
Comment from robyn corum
Gareth,
Good stuff. Your ending points are ones I try to stress a lot. When I spend 45 minutes or an hour on someone's post - you better believe it's because I think they are worth the time. I certainly have to believe they have some measure of talent or I would not bother. *smile* It's funny how many people miss that whole point and focus just on the criticisms.
This was great advice. Now, let's see how many people actually take it to heart. hahaha Thanks so much! BTW - it's good to see you!
reply by the author on 20-Jul-2021
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Gareth,
Good stuff. Your ending points are ones I try to stress a lot. When I spend 45 minutes or an hour on someone's post - you better believe it's because I think they are worth the time. I certainly have to believe they have some measure of talent or I would not bother. *smile* It's funny how many people miss that whole point and focus just on the criticisms.
This was great advice. Now, let's see how many people actually take it to heart. hahaha Thanks so much! BTW - it's good to see you!
Comment Written 13-Jul-2021
reply by the author on 20-Jul-2021
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I don't think folk always appreciate how long it takes to give a good and thorough review. And you get back abuse... or just 'thanks'. Much appreciated. G
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Thank you for sharing this with us. I normally have an idea for a novel and know where I want it to go and my characters will often send it in a slightly different way.
Whilst good old Wikipedia can help, it shouldn't be your only source. (I make sure I use a minimum of three sources and non of them Wikipedia)
I often hear writers say they haven't got time to write... nonsense. (Did you mean - haven't got time to read...)
You want to root your work in as much reality as possible to make it a believable place. (My son calls this plausible deniability.)
reply by the author on 13-Jul-2021
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Thank you for sharing this with us. I normally have an idea for a novel and know where I want it to go and my characters will often send it in a slightly different way.
Whilst good old Wikipedia can help, it shouldn't be your only source. (I make sure I use a minimum of three sources and non of them Wikipedia)
I often hear writers say they haven't got time to write... nonsense. (Did you mean - haven't got time to read...)
You want to root your work in as much reality as possible to make it a believable place. (My son calls this plausible deniability.)
Comment Written 13-Jul-2021
reply by the author on 13-Jul-2021
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Yep, that should be read and not write. Funny thing is my original manuscript says read! lol
Much appreciated G
Comment from nancy_e_davis
You are so right G-man. It is always a good idea to have a plan mapped out when you embark on a story. Poetry is a little different. You never know where it will take you.
Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us. Good job. Nancy:)
reply by the author on 13-Jul-2021
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You are so right G-man. It is always a good idea to have a plan mapped out when you embark on a story. Poetry is a little different. You never know where it will take you.
Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us. Good job. Nancy:)
Comment Written 13-Jul-2021
reply by the author on 13-Jul-2021
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Yep, I like my poetry to amble along nicely, unless I have a very specific point I want to make. Much appreciated as always. G
Comment from Seshadri_Sreenivasan
Excellent post on writing which I badly need. I am a newbie on this site and I have the necessary tools and enthusiasm to write. But, the finesse is wanting. I am going to save this precious piece for my future reference. Thanks a lot for sharing. Cheers!
reply by the author on 13-Jul-2021
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Excellent post on writing which I badly need. I am a newbie on this site and I have the necessary tools and enthusiasm to write. But, the finesse is wanting. I am going to save this precious piece for my future reference. Thanks a lot for sharing. Cheers!
Comment Written 13-Jul-2021
reply by the author on 13-Jul-2021
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Many thanks for the great response. We all have things to learn. Anyone who doesn't realise this id sadly deluded! lol Much appreciated. GMG
Comment from Ric Myworld
Thanks for sharing some very good information that can help us all if we only listen and apply it. The right tools, mind set, and a structuring process to keep us inline. Thanks for sharing.
reply by the author on 13-Jul-2021
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Thanks for sharing some very good information that can help us all if we only listen and apply it. The right tools, mind set, and a structuring process to keep us inline. Thanks for sharing.
Comment Written 13-Jul-2021
reply by the author on 13-Jul-2021
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Much appreciated, Ric. Hope you well. G
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
I will be copying and pasting this article to my MS Word docs, Gareth. It's got a lot of excellent points in it. I especially like the point of ending at the beginning. I'll try that. I've changed my beginning a few times as I've gone through the story, and I'll be changing it again when it's finished.
The research part for fiction is a very valid point, too. If you write something that is ridiculously impossible, that finishes the story right there. I read every night when I go to bed for at least an hour or more and see this in the books I read. You need to leave the reader saying, 'crikey, that could easily happen...'
As for the critique on FanStory, I have always asked for it, and there are some brilliant editors on here who have put me straight and helped me. I'd still only be writing poetry if they hadn't.
This is great, my friend, and an excellent acticle to turn to. :)) Sandra xxx
reply by the author on 13-Jul-2021
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I will be copying and pasting this article to my MS Word docs, Gareth. It's got a lot of excellent points in it. I especially like the point of ending at the beginning. I'll try that. I've changed my beginning a few times as I've gone through the story, and I'll be changing it again when it's finished.
The research part for fiction is a very valid point, too. If you write something that is ridiculously impossible, that finishes the story right there. I read every night when I go to bed for at least an hour or more and see this in the books I read. You need to leave the reader saying, 'crikey, that could easily happen...'
As for the critique on FanStory, I have always asked for it, and there are some brilliant editors on here who have put me straight and helped me. I'd still only be writing poetry if they hadn't.
This is great, my friend, and an excellent acticle to turn to. :)) Sandra xxx
Comment Written 13-Jul-2021
reply by the author on 13-Jul-2021
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I write a lot of horror, fantasy and sci-fi but I do work hard to have it believable. i find it's easiest to do this with the characters. if you can crack them and make them relatable then you can get away with almost anything else.
In regard to actions, I'm awful, I have to be able to see them - many times I'll see if I'm capable of it myself. My garden is a very fun place! lol
i have a friend who is a graphic novelist and I used to model his characters for him. They used to pull me around on ropes for falls and explosive blasts (He's also a prop maker! and a friend of ours is a stuntman). Mind you, I'm getting a bit old for it now. lol
Much appreciated, as always. G
Comment from Lana Marie
This was nice to read as I have never taken a writing class before. I have been on here for a couple months and I have learned so incredibly much. I think part of the criticism can come from peoples preferences if it's opinion based. But if it's format, punctuation and sentence structure that's always helpful. Either way I felt like I was sitting in class learning about how to structure a good rating. So thank you for sharing.
reply by the author on 13-Jul-2021
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This was nice to read as I have never taken a writing class before. I have been on here for a couple months and I have learned so incredibly much. I think part of the criticism can come from peoples preferences if it's opinion based. But if it's format, punctuation and sentence structure that's always helpful. Either way I felt like I was sitting in class learning about how to structure a good rating. So thank you for sharing.
Comment Written 12-Jul-2021
reply by the author on 13-Jul-2021
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Preference is fine as long as it's not mirrored in the ratings. It helps you find your audience and realise who you are writing for.
on the site here there is a danger of writing to FanStory which doesn't really cut it on the outside world.
Many thanks.
GMG
Comment from Earl Corp
I think this piece could be a beneficial read to writers of all levels. I especially like the idea of outlining a story. I think a surprise ending to you as well as the reader is a good idea. Very helpful.
reply by the author on 13-Jul-2021
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I think this piece could be a beneficial read to writers of all levels. I especially like the idea of outlining a story. I think a surprise ending to you as well as the reader is a good idea. Very helpful.
Comment Written 12-Jul-2021
reply by the author on 13-Jul-2021
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Much appreciated, Earl. G