Tips I have Learned As An Amateur Writer... Post Yours

[jjabrams55]

I have not read much of books that deal with how to write fiction, simply because I believe they waste your time. The truth about writing something entertaining has to do largely with HOW you write it.

If you have researched what you will be writing about, or know about it already, that is ALL you need to write a story.

Yet the problem some have, like me, is that they end up world-building INSTEAD of writing a story. It is not fun to read about worldbuilding (not to readers, and only marginally so for the author).

The secret to writing? You need plot. Plot in itself can be complex, but I've made it simply by having it revolve around characters and the kind of story I want, with the setting I want (want a scifi space opera that breaks physics you know? Fine, make it a space sim video game about sentient characters).

You also need to show your world through the point of view of the CHARACTERS. That is a story. A world without the point of view of ANY character is just worldbuilding, NOT a story.

Once you know what your characters are (just use three words to describe their main traits), then you know how to write them in a given situation. Eventually if you have enough scenes with said character, they will start to have consistency and you will get to see them as 'real'.

Mind you, each character can be done this way, even if you have many. And characters that have little roles, need not have much exposition anyway (the inkeeper, or the busboy), other than what ever role they will play.

It's important that you make things happen in your story by making it HAPPEN. But the hero/protogonist should never have an easy time of winning all the time, because that is a marysue. They can be brilliant, but they CANNOT stomp every challenge they come across.

Of course, this is not just about me. What are YOUR tips as an amateur writer of fiction?

 

[Ray McCarthy]

• If in doubt, check on Chrons?
• Keep writing
• Cut bits that don't fit even if you love them.

 

[jjabrams55]

• If in doubt, check on Chrons?
• Keep writing
• Cut bits that don't fit even if you love them.

Yeah, I'll post mine someday when it's more complete. It does make me laugh though. So far it's about a Tony Stark type inventor guy with a small cargo spacship (like a DS9 runabout in size), and a sister who is klepto, which causes major problems.

Since she sells one of his inventions, thinking it's a plasma saber, to a criminal. Yet he figured she would, and make it look like a plasma saber. It's really just a toaster that looks like plasma saber (it mechanically transforms bigger, into a toaster).

The end result. They are being chased at FTL by the CRIMINAL who works for a massive crime syndicate, who wants a plasma saber, NOT a toaster that looks like one.

 

[Brian G Turner]

I have not read much of books that deal with how to write fiction, simply because I believe they waste your time. The truth about writing something entertaining has to do largely with HOW you write it.

If you have researched what you will be writing about, or know about it already, that is ALL you need to write a story.

Do you always dismiss books you haven't read?

Seriously, if you only try one, read Save the Cat and tell me you didn't learn anything from that...

There are so many technical aspects to writing a story. A few aspiring writers can understand what they need intuitively - but the majority do not.

I remember going through a long phase of dismissing writing books, and other people's fiction. It was one of the worst mistakes I ever made.

Books on writing do not tell you how to write - they highlight the range of different tools that a writer employs to make a story strong. And from what you've written, you only have a beginners idea of what those tools might be, and clearly do not understand them.

If you do feel like reading books on writing, then here's another thread on that:
https://www.sffchronicles.com/threads/551724/

You might personally get the most out of Jeff Vandermeer's Wonderbook, as that deals with the whole length of the writer's journey, from beginning to seasoned.

 

[jjabrams55]

Do you always dismiss books you haven't read?

Seriously, if you only try one, read Save the Cat and tell me you didn't learn anything from that...

There are so many technical aspects to writing a story. A few aspiring writers can understand what they need intuitively - but the majority do not.

I remember going through a long phase of dismissing writing books, and other people's fiction. It was one of the worst mistakes I ever made.

Books on writing do not tell you how to write - they highlight the range of different tools that a writer employs to make a story strong. And from what you've written, you only have a beginners idea of what those tools might be, and clearly do not understand them.

If you do feel like reading books on writing, then here's another thread on that:
https://www.sffchronicles.com/threads/551724/

You might personally get the most out of Jeff Vandermeer's Wonderbook, as that deals with the whole length of the writer's journey, from beginning to seasoned.

I simply feel that an author who KNOWS HOW TO WRITE can simply tell in a single paragraph the basics of how to do it so that it is NOT a chore to read. Writing is complex, I know, but taking an ENTIRE book to tell you things you ALREADY know is a bit of a waste of time and money. I have not dismissed others fiction (since we all have experience with fiction).

I prefer simpiclity to overly complex ways of explaining things. And I figure writers KNOW how to explain it quickly and simply, but won't because they couldn't cash in on some verbose book.

It's also a matter of time. I simply don't have the time to A: research everything (the science, what I'm going to make up and what I will keep for reals) and then ALL the ideas of other writers which may or may not work for what I'm trying to do. I do research, but as for reading writing books... been there... done that. It's like those For dummies books. Funny, but ultimately very verbose when I could have said it in a lot less.

 

[Jo Zebedee]

That I know nothing, Jon Snow. And to listen and learn.

Oh, and have patience. Lots of it.

(I'm not a great writing book person but I am aware that is down to my pragmatic learning style and that others, esp theorists and reflectors learn a lot from them. I absolutely would not dismiss a tool so many others find useful. Perhaps a wider reflection that what suits you isn't what suits another, rather than a blanket rejection? They may be a waste of your time but not others')

 

[jjabrams55]

That I know nothing, Jon Snow. And to listen and learn.

Oh, and have patience. Lots of it.

(I'm not a great writing book person but I am aware that is down to my pragmatic learning style and that others, esp theorists and reflectors learn a lot from them. I absolutely would not dismiss a tool so many others find useful. Perhaps a wider reflection that what suits you isn't what suits another, rather than a blanket rejection? They may be a waste of your time but not others')

For me personnally, you are right. One shoe does not fit all, it's just any easy way to look at ways in which you have been burned though.

Ultimately it's just too time consuming for me

 

[Jo Zebedee]

Ultimately it's just too time consuming for me

And reading through a long thread of posts isn't?

 

[Maieius]

I don't think reading books on writing is wasting time - reading anything that might help you learn something is never a waste of time, even if you don't take heed on what you're reading. It's worth reading, whether or not you use the method or agree with it. If you don't read these books on writing, you might be missing out on something that could seriously change the way you look at an element in your story.

There is so much advise that's useful. I use pinterest A LOT and a lot of it is repetitive, a lot of it is dismissible but my pinboards are clogged. There's a lot on there.

My advise is pretty basic: write down every thought, idea, etc. that comes into your mind about your story. Keep a notebook - mines with me at all times and I write in it almost every day. I sleep with it by my side.

Write what feels right - don't think about what's popular or what people might not like and don't include an element simply because you think it might be popular - it could really affect your story and be completely wrong. A lot of the time, people chase what's popular, but seriously think about the story you want to read and you'll find that you're not the only one who wants to read it. People are looking for something that's different. Don't try at being the same or being different, just try for yourself. It'll be honest.

Remember when reading the "do's and don't's" and the rules and all the advise that's given, that writing is very flexible and you shouldn't use these as laws, but guidelines. Writing is one of the few things that when the phrase "rules are meant to be broken" is said, it's actually very true. It doesn't mean you can do everything you read you shouldn't do, but it's all about how it's written. If you can make it work, then do it. I recently had a similar dilemma when considering cutting one of my characters because of many different rules and opinions I'd read about, but after a little encouragement (thanks guys ) I realised, it's my story. I do what I want and I've got every reason to pull it off.

It's also important to remember, I think the MOST important, is that you can't please everybody. You'll drive yourself insane trying to and, like I said before, you can really damage the plot if you try. Concentrate on the people who do like the story. It's easy to look them over and once you find the part of the internet (or wherever) who don't, it's difficult to get out of there and back to the ones who care.

 

[Unmentionable]

Write whatever you want, whether it is totally derivative or the most far out thing possible.

 

[Hex]

Find people you like and trust, and whose work you admire, and then bully/ beg/ blackmail them until they agree to take part in a writing group with you. You need honest opinions on your work, because you can't see all the problems for yourself (or I can't), and good, trustworthy CPs will point them out.

If you get stuck -- really, really stuck -- chances are something has gone wrong earlier on that you need to go back and fix, or you're trying to make your characters do something that doesn't flow naturally from what has happened before. Listen to your inability to write something and take it as feedback. Then fix it.

It's a good idea to write a synopsis/ query before you start the story. You won't stick to it (if you're like me) but it will remind you what you thought you were writing and it will be a place to start when you reach the end and have to write the actual synopsis.

Listen to criticism but don't take it too much to heart. Don't change anything without giving yourself time to think it through (well, change typos etc but nothing major). Even your most beloved CPs are not the people who are writing your story, and you shouldn't let them. If all (or most of) your crits are picking up the same issue, something needs to change. BUT it's not necessarily the obvious something.

Beware sections where stuff just happens without any structure. Beware padding.

re writing books -- I've read several and most of them taught me something useful or made me understand why something worked or didn't, but I wouldn't say they've been half as useful as getting feedback on the Chrons and having my (often stupid and petulant) questions answered by the lovely generous people on here.

 

[Ray McCarthy]

Beware sections where stuff just happens without any structure. Beware padding.

I've just regretfully cut nearly 12K of stuff I really like. Perhaps it will be a separate short story. It just detracts from overall story.
But I have both versions just in case.

 

[Brian G Turner]

It's also a matter of time. I simply don't have the time to A: research everything (the science, what I'm going to make up and what I will keep for reals) and then ALL the ideas of other writers which may or may not work for what I'm trying to do. I do research, but as for reading writing books... been there... done that. It's like those For dummies books. Funny, but ultimately very verbose when I could have said it in a lot less.

From my own experience, there's a stage where a degree of self-belief may be required that strays into arrogance.

However, recognising some of the basics of storytelling is not enough - the novel is a very specific media. The sooner you learn about those technicalities, the shorter your journey to becoming published can become.

 

[Toby Frost]

The truth about writing something entertaining has to do largely with HOW you write it.

But that's what how-to-write books are there to do, isn't it? Writing a good book is difficult - not the hardest thing in the world, and a lot of fun if that's your idea of fun, but tricky. Writing a crap book is easy, and some crap books get published and make loads of money - but that's not the point (and contrary to popular belief, a book can be very good and extremely successful). I'd be suspicious if a professional writer thought they could explain it all in a single paragraph. That's like saying that you can fly a plane by going to the front and working the controls.

 

[Ray McCarthy]

I'd be suspicious if a professional writer thought they could explain it all in a single paragraph

So would I!
Also some most experts at doing are rubbish at teaching or explaining what they do.

 

[Jo Zebedee]

Ah, indeed, I'll echo @Hex. Find good beta readers. Be nice to them. Repay the favour. And if you're asked to join an immensely fab writing group say yes, please.

 

[tinkerdan]

When I buy a new piece of equipment I glance through the manual first. I might not read it all; but I know where most everything is in the book so when I have a question I can seek the answer.

This thing, writing, sure it looks simple out of the box; but I suggest you put a manual or two on your shelf before you get started. Unless you've already been writing for a living for the last five year or so, there will be things you will overlook. The problem with writing is that you can do your level best and sit there for days trying to figure out why it doesn't look as good on paper. The quickest way past that block is to know where to go to find the answer.

Also you should be reading lots of books in your genre; these too are writing manuals. If you shun reading because you know it all you are going to be disappointed by the first one star review and if you complain you'll probably look pretentious; but that's another story in another thread.

I'm sure there must be someone who was successful jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire.

I have a shelf full of books on writing and it's not all a boring waste of time. Some are quite entertaining such as Stephen Kings On Writing. Plus there are those on editing, if you insist on self editing. Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King. Also entertaining.

Orson Scott Card has several great books. James Scott Bell also has several. These two almost parallel each other.

The list goes on and I know there are a lot more out there. I don't dispense much advice on writing because I can just point people at those and I have taken a lot from each one, yet there is just as much I don't know that I have to go back and check now and then.

Is it a waste of time? Not for me. But I need all the help I can get most the time.

Cutting corners is often the quickest route to disappointment.

 

[Teresa Edgerton]

Before I wrote my first complete novel I didn't have much use for writing books. I did read some articles, out of which I gleaned one piece of information that I have found invaluable over the years which is that something that is short can seem interminably long and something that is long can whiz right by if it includes all the interesting bits that the shorter version left out.

And that is about it. I didn't have beta readers, and I didn't belong to a writing group. I learned all that I needed to learn to write a publishable book by the simple process of trial and error combined with paying attention to the books I loved and giving a little thought to their techniques.

But it took me seven years of intensive writing to get there. If I had studied books on writing and used some of the other resources it probably would have knocked off a few years from that number. But, you know, in reality I genuinely wasn't ready to take anyone's advice. I wasn't receptive. So I don't think it would have done me a bit of good.

But that was how I did it, and others have benefited by doing things a different way (and as a result some of them have progressed a lot more quickly!).

So there I was with a book about to be published by a major SFF publisher, a contract for the next two books in the trilogy, and you might think I had it all figured out and had no more to learn.

But that was when I joined a writers group and found out that after all I had a great deal to learn. Part of it was being able to articulate to myself things I already knew, so that they were more accessible to me when I needed them.

At the same time, there were a lot of things I really did not know at all, and by listening to the other members in my group I learned those things and I believe my writing is much better because of that.

But the most important thing I learned during those seven years on my own was that a writer needs to develop their instincts, and that takes a long time and a lot of work, and it's something no one can teach. But once those instincts are developed it makes learning things and recognizing good advice (and bad advice) a lot easier, wherever that advice comes from: writing books, classes, other writers, writers groups, etc.