The lessons we've learnt

Just to balance that: people (unaccountably) want to know what the surroundings look like.

Also, just because something is realistic (e.g. character reactions, dialogue etc) doesn't mean it works in a story.
 
For me, as someone yet to finish a full first draft of a manuscript, the best advice so far has been that Chuck Wendig blog about self doubt. I get so hung up on looking at some past writing and thinking this. is. AWFUL. that I end up being too depressed to go back to it for days. It was depressing that all these stupid, useless words kept getting in the way of what looked so good in my head.

It really helped to know that most authors don't write mana from heaven prose straight off the bat. Now instead of looking at some of my writing and thinking "this is turgid crap, give up." I can think, "well, I may not be a great writer, but I know great writing when I see it, so I'll just keep polishing till this looks a bit more like it..."
 
Hi,

Why kill it? The passive voice has its place in a book. It's really a question of finding a good balance and where in a book its more useful and where its less so.

Cheers, Greg.
 
psychotick said:
Hi,

Why kill it? The passive voice has its place in a book. It's really a question of finding a good balance and where in a book its more useful and where its less so.

Cheers, Greg.
Click to expand...

If that's aimed at me, isn't that what I said?

How to kill passive voice (and when it's okay to use it).
Click to expand...
 
Hi Mouse,

Not really aimed at anyone. Apparently I've been posting in the wrong thread somehow. It was meant to be in the thread about killing the passive voice.

I'm obviously having a brain freeze type day.

Cheers, Greg.
 
I just get annoyed when people say you must always/never do something, so I always make sure I add something saying sometimes things are ok. (Like using adverbs and whatnot).
 
You must never drink gin with oysters...;)

The best lesson I had was from a writer who made me consider this:

Part of being a storyteller is keeping secrets. Part of being a storyteller is revealing secrets. If you get the proportions wrong, you either bore or frustrate the reader.

Helps me keep the balance between too much showing or telling!
 
I would never drink oysters...

The best advice I have received.

What you write well today may not pass the muster tomorrow so publish it now and when the tides of time shift you can always attribute it to the impetuousness of youth.
 
That every writer, without exception, must read Stephen King On Writing before going any further.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Thread starter Similar threads Forum Replies Date
M Article on reintroduction of wolves - how it happened naturally in Europe and lessons for UK Science & Nature 4
Toby Frost Lessons From The Screenplay Writing Resources 10
M Lessons In Writing from Philip Pullman Writing Discussion 7
VinceK Swimming and Writing Lessons Writing Discussion 5
O Lessons Learned about Copy-Editing and Publishing Publishing 20

Similar threads


Back
Top