Topic: writing
Can someone explain to me why nearly every post in this forum is about American politics, and not about writing? Surely that is why everyone is here?
- njc
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Re: writing
Well, if you'd prefer, I saw an article about the British Succession a couple of days ago.
- C J Driftwood
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Re: writing
I don't think you've looked hard enough. I just scanned the titles of several threads and counted at least 20 that had nothing to do with politics.
Those just seem to be the ones that generate the most debate, for some reason.
- Norm d'Plume
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Re: writing
Lynne Clark wrote:
Can someone explain to me why nearly every post in this forum is about American politics, and not about writing? Surely that is why everyone is here?
Amen! I'm still hoping that those so-inclined will form a debate group, or move to the existing Fight Club. Hint, damn it!
- Lynne Clark
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Re: writing
CJ threads that nobody contributes to aren't a whole lot of good though, are they? Just recently, the only threads with any action have been about politics - and no, I have no interest in discussing British Succession issues here. I appreciate Trump is interesting to you guys, but there are places to discuss that, aren't there? Even here, I have no doubt there is a coffee shop type group for just chatting and griping? This is a PREMIUM group apparently. One that means I only get here because I've paid my subs. Well, my subs mean actively talking about writing.
So to kick us off, what is the opinion here on critiquing outlines?
- C J Driftwood
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Re: writing
If you mean critiquing an outline of a future project/novel etc., I'm all for it. Outlines give you the basis for the story arch and without the proper structure, the rest is just fluff.
- Lynne Clark
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Re: writing
yes, that's the thing. I'm about to embark on a scene by scene outline of my WIP for editing purposes, to check the overreaching arc and the goals and conflicts. It is a job and a half.
- Norm d'Plume
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Re: writing
Lynne, a bunch of us have set up shop in the Medieval/Fantasy group to brainstorm about our novels (one forum thread per work in progress) and to review each other's chapters. Not all the books are about fantasy. We've got science fiction and a supernatural thriller as well. It evolved that way because there is no easy way to reach each other if each of us is in the "correct" group. You're welcome to join us. Naturally, if you post the thread in Premium, you'll reach the largest audience, but if every member does the same, Premium will quickly become overwhelmed with such posts. I limit my use of Premium to cases when I need to find someone with specific expertise outside of our existing clique. It's your call.
- j p lundstrom
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Re: writing
Interesting idea to request critique of an outline. I always thought the outlining phase would be private, but getting help at the outset could be a good thing.
I'm usually so eager to start writing the story my outlines are pitifully brief. I build the characters and story as I work, incorporating details (and keeping notes) as I go. Sometimes I change my mind about the direction of a story--the bad guy becomes the hero, or the killer is not the person I originally suspected.
Would working with a detailed outline inhibit my writing? I don't know. It's possible having other people critique my outline might sway the direction of my story. I might wind up writing your story instead of my own.
Just my thoughts. As Jack has said, to each his own. Below are some articles on outlining. There are tons of these on the internet--use with caution.
The Snowflake method. Seems overly complicated at first glance.
https://www.nownovel.com/blog/understan … ke-method/
The four story structures. Dismisses the prologue as useless.
http://www.writersdigest.com/writing-ar … ate-novels
Plot templates to follow when outlining a story. I haven't tried them but they look interesting.
http://www.darcypattison.com/writing/pl … templates/
- Lynne Clark
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Re: writing
JP I am a pantser by inclination. I simply can't think the plot through until I am about two thirds through, but then I seem to run out of steam and that is that place where i stop and start to look at the outline of what I have already and what I need to finish the book. I was working through the YouTube vids of Ellen Brock and she was talking about editing using a scene by scene outline
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_190lk7nP0E
which looked really interesting. I guess it would come out something like this timeline for Jane Austen's Emma
https://www.shmoop.com/emma/emma-woodho … eline.html
I am planning a total rewrite and resetting of the arc of my WIP and find the thought really daunting.
- Mariana Reuter
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Re: writing
Lynne,
I was truing to check your work, but it seems it's kinda private.
Kiss,
Gacela
- Lynne Clark
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Re: writing
Hi Norm, ace idea. I'll see you over there. My WIP is a Middle Grade Fantasy so would suit the group in any case. I'm still finding my feet here, so I am probably floundering about making a lot of unnecessary dust.
- Lynne Clark
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Re: writing
Mariana Reuter wrote:
Lynne,
I was truing to check your work, but it seems it's kinda private.
Kiss,
Gacela
The short stories are all open to this group, I think, but my novel is currently only available to a closed group Crucible. As I get more points (and as I redesign the entire WIP) I will make that available too.
- vern
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Re: writing
Lynne Clark wrote:
Can someone explain to me why nearly every post in this forum is about American politics, and not about writing? Surely that is why everyone is here?
It seems the better question would be why anyone is so concerned about writers talking about politics. Writers talk about all types of subjects. Lots of famous writers also talked politics -- Mark Twain, George Orwell, Johnathon Swift, and Aldous Huxley to name a few which might come readily to mind. No one is demanding anyone read any threads about politics or any posts within threads. Boycott them; that's your right. There are numerous writing posts and anyone who cares can keep that thread going. Alas they seldom do.
You want something about a specific writing subject, post a question or post an article with sage advice or read some of the ones already posted. Writers are not one dimensional hopefully. One can entertain a political subject and a writing subject without sacrificing one or the other. Most writers can talk and chew gum at the same time despite what some seem to believe.
Yes, this is a writing site, but all aspects of life are part of a writer's life also unless they wish to hole up in a cave somewhere in the jungle where they can never be found or influenced by anything. Politics invades writing all the time and the reverse is also true. So I find it rather ironic that people get all bent out of shape over a political discussion on a writing site and it happens practically every time the subject is breached. Participate or not, the choice is each writer's to make. That's my political two cents to put in the bank or throw down a storm drain or write a story about it if you so desire. Take care. Vern
