Writers Support Group

Looking through everyone's little descriptions of themselves, it seems that there's a lot of writers or want-to-be writers here so far. I thought we could use this topic as a place to discuss how we're getting along with fanfiction or original fiction, and ask for help if need be.

good idea DDAgent!

Also, if you want to advertise any new fanfiction or recommend any good ones, link them! (but only link ones you recommend and think are good).

and remember .... Tighclops is always watching you!

I'm gonna be the first one to use the support group. I'm currently in the middle of writing a novel. I started it years ago (about four) and last year I managed to get through two drafts of a completed novel. However, I've gone through several life style changes since then and the novel is too dark for my happy mind to edit anymore. I've tried planning a new one, but my attempts so far are mixed up and jumbled.

Does anyone have any advice on planning things before writing them?

Hey DD,

When I tend to plan my joint novel, I like to listen to music. At the moment it seems to be Lisa Marie Presley, but can be something like Foo fighters... anway I'm digressing lol. When i listen to the music, I can see in my mind everything, my characters, the setting and as the music plays, depending on what it sounds like my mind will then create what happens, e.g if the music is fast paced and punchy, then it tends to be an action scene or if it's slow, then my character could be in anguish. That's how my stories tend to develop... then you'll be suprised how fast the words to write it just flow out of you...

Hope that helps in some way,
Hannah

Thanks very much, I'm going to try that later. I'll post some of the results!

Remember that your novel is your novel. That sounds strange, but many times we try to emulate other writers or even how people write, yet you are you and you can't change. Your novel(s) will evolve as you evolve as a person; each character will change, the story will change, sometimes even the setting. Go with it. Never write the beginning, or at least if you do, be willing to go back and change it (you're going to anyway).

It's about finding your voice and that sounds cliche, but it's true. Write what you know. Create characters that you know. Make your audience feel for your characters. A good book is one that the audience can relate to so narrow in on a crowd and go from there.

I find with myself that notes help. I also hand write a lot of things in a journal. Setting helps me too. The novel I'm working on right now is set in Louisiana so I like to go out on the levee, turn on jazz, and just let the book tell me what to write. Hehe, that sounds funny. Or rather, just let it spill out. You can edit later.

Ah, I love Amanda's answere here! So true...
And the idea of the topic is great! Airlock, dear, where are you hiding?

LaurandBill_destinylove wrote:Ah, I love Amanda's answere here! So true...
And the idea of the topic is great! Airlock, dear, where are you hiding?

*falls out of fish tank cupboard* me? hiding? noooo of course not

I'm just typing up my next paragraph of mine and Easter's joint story!!

I already gave a copy to Airlock to look over, but I was wondering if anyone else wouldn't mind reading over this script I have. Its the beginning of a film script, kinda psychological thriller, for a Summer competition. I'm not really looking for spelling mistakes or grammar (because I tend to catch those in the second draft), but overall a sense of how its coming along, whats expected of it and if people like it or not.

http://www.4shared.com/file/61152473/49167bb9/Caedo.html

Download for the manuscript is above, and if anyone does read it then could you post your comments, or send them to me in a PM either way.

Oh, and thanks to everyone who gave me tips on planning my novel. I'm written them down and am planning to put them into usage when I've finished the project above (due date is the end of September!!!!).

DD Agent wrote:I already gave a copy to Airlock to look over, but I was wondering if anyone else wouldn't mind reading over this script I have. Its the beginning of a film script, kinda psychological thriller, for a Summer competition. I'm not really looking for spelling mistakes or grammar (because I tend to catch those in the second draft), but overall a sense of how its coming along, whats expected of it and if people like it or not.

http://www.4shared.com/file/61152473/49167bb9/Caedo.html

Download for the manuscript is above, and if anyone does read it then could you post your comments, or send them to me in a PM either way.

Oh, and thanks to everyone who gave me tips on planning my novel. I'm written them down and am planning to put them into usage when I've finished the project above (due date is the end of September!!!!).

1. Never give a camera shot. Never. Ever. Unless you are the director, don't do it. It is the biggest No No in writing a screenplay. How you then write, is describe something you want a shot of.

2. New paragraph for each shot (meaning you might have multiple paragraphs; this is how you inadvertently tell the director what you want focused on without calling the shots; however, the director can still do whatever he/she wants to). So you want a shot of the living room. New paragraph.

3. How important (and by important, I mean IMPORTANT) are details? What do the lilies do if anything? If they are not important to the plot, cut them. Aesthetic purposes don't work.

4. Is the police officer a vital character? If so, the moment he enters, give him character description, age, etc.

5. Cut unnecessary lines like "There, there." No reason for that.

6. Never let a character talk for more than three lines (four is pushing it). Have a new paragraph put in for a new shot, or someone else say something.

7. How are you going to prove this is a flashback? (to the audience)

The dialogue is pretty good (don't hesitate to cut... a lot); be wary not to get novel-istic although you're on a good path. Give character descriptions and age.

Otherwise, you're doing good and you certainly catch the audience with the first five minutes. And that's the goal. I haven't finished it, but from what I can tell, you're off to a good start.

Screenplays are just very tricky and there's a method to writing them. Once you get big (like John Sayles) you're allowed to bend the rules. Until then, adhere to them as much as possible.

Thank you so much! When I start the second draft I'm going to use your advice.

For those of you who like to read... and write... I tried my hand at creating my own little forum, 'tis not very good but if anyone is interested to discuss book and your own work, feel free to join...

http://readerwritersupport.forumotion.net/forum.htm

*hoping cute cats compell you to join lol*

Thanks very much!

ahhh ok i need some help!

Right, any ideas of a good meorial speech??

A few chapters away in my story, i'm gonna need Adama to do a memorial speech and maybe Roslin to say a bit aswell. Adama is well known for his good speeches, so i need it to be in character and i'm stuck for ideas!

anyone care to give a few ideas? in my head, i've got him going off on a rant about something or other, if that makes any sense? They haven't found earth yet, but they've defeated their enemies, although there was alot of deaths of allies. The good cylons are gonna be there (although segregated because the humans would be wary). I was thinking of part of the speech being how they must sort of unite together now etc, but it needs to be good in order for them to actually take the speech to heart.

Any ideas are more than welcome, because i'm stuck!