I've been writing a lot lately. And I've come to the realization that I'm not a very good writer.
No, I'm not fishing for complements! I mean, this realization isn't exactly a shock to me. I've known for a long time that I have an ability to string words together, and that I can sometimes even get them to make sense. But I've known for years that when it comes to actual storytelling, my skills are woefully lacking, to say the least.
That never stopped me from wanting to write before. I always thought, "Keep writing and you'll get better." Sort of like exercising, I figured. So I told myself, "You're not going to see results right away, but if you just keep doing it eventually your stories will be amazing!".
The thing is, though, I exercise all the time. And my body stays fit. But I also write all the time, and my stories, well... they're not getting any better.
And that pisses me off. Because I read a lot. I love words, I love books! When I was dancing I was the only girl who read paperbacks during her breaks, because even in a dressing room at a strip club I couldn't resist the temptation to read. The other girls made fun of me sometimes for it, but that never bothered me. And to this day, I spend so much money on books it's stupid. So you would think that by now I would have learned how to craft a good story. I've read so many! But I clearly haven't.
A few weeks ago I realized that maybe I've been going about my writing the wrong way. Maybe I just assumed that since I knew the basics of English grammar, and was more less well read, I could become a good writer without ever having to actually study the craft. Yes, the craft! Don't giggle. Anyone who has ever tried to write fiction will understand me when I say writing is definitely a craft, a skill with rules that you need to master in order to be good at.
Unfortunately, though, I've only just realized this myself.
What if I had realized this back when I was going to college? If I had respected writing more, maybe I would have studied it. But it's too late for that now. Long time readers of this site will know that I can't afford college anymore. My college days are long gone and I have no degree. :( It's too late to go back and try to actually learn how to write.
I still think I could be a good writer, though. I have a ton of stories inside me-- I'm never lacking for ideas. I just lack the skill to tell my tales correctly.
So what should I do? For weeks now I've been obsessed with learning how to actually write good stories. I even checked out a book from the library (embarrassingly the book is intended for high-schoolers!) not long ago about the "essentials" of good fiction writing. Reading it has been an eye-opening experience but it's almost to much to bear! I'm so, so far behind the curve when it comes to writing good stories. Grr.
I need advice. I need help! College isn't an option but I have a lot to learn. Please, please... if anyone out there knows of a good book, or a good website, or a good... whatever! When it comes to the craft of writing, that is... if any of you reading this stupid little blog entry has a good idea of what I should do next in order to become a better writer, please tell me!!!
...and if you say, "Just keep writing" I'll kick you in the balls. :P
No, I'm not fishing for complements! I mean, this realization isn't exactly a shock to me. I've known for a long time that I have an ability to string words together, and that I can sometimes even get them to make sense. But I've known for years that when it comes to actual storytelling, my skills are woefully lacking, to say the least.
That never stopped me from wanting to write before. I always thought, "Keep writing and you'll get better." Sort of like exercising, I figured. So I told myself, "You're not going to see results right away, but if you just keep doing it eventually your stories will be amazing!".
The thing is, though, I exercise all the time. And my body stays fit. But I also write all the time, and my stories, well... they're not getting any better.
And that pisses me off. Because I read a lot. I love words, I love books! When I was dancing I was the only girl who read paperbacks during her breaks, because even in a dressing room at a strip club I couldn't resist the temptation to read. The other girls made fun of me sometimes for it, but that never bothered me. And to this day, I spend so much money on books it's stupid. So you would think that by now I would have learned how to craft a good story. I've read so many! But I clearly haven't.
A few weeks ago I realized that maybe I've been going about my writing the wrong way. Maybe I just assumed that since I knew the basics of English grammar, and was more less well read, I could become a good writer without ever having to actually study the craft. Yes, the craft! Don't giggle. Anyone who has ever tried to write fiction will understand me when I say writing is definitely a craft, a skill with rules that you need to master in order to be good at.
Unfortunately, though, I've only just realized this myself.
What if I had realized this back when I was going to college? If I had respected writing more, maybe I would have studied it. But it's too late for that now. Long time readers of this site will know that I can't afford college anymore. My college days are long gone and I have no degree. :( It's too late to go back and try to actually learn how to write.
I still think I could be a good writer, though. I have a ton of stories inside me-- I'm never lacking for ideas. I just lack the skill to tell my tales correctly.
So what should I do? For weeks now I've been obsessed with learning how to actually write good stories. I even checked out a book from the library (embarrassingly the book is intended for high-schoolers!) not long ago about the "essentials" of good fiction writing. Reading it has been an eye-opening experience but it's almost to much to bear! I'm so, so far behind the curve when it comes to writing good stories. Grr.
I need advice. I need help! College isn't an option but I have a lot to learn. Please, please... if anyone out there knows of a good book, or a good website, or a good... whatever! When it comes to the craft of writing, that is... if any of you reading this stupid little blog entry has a good idea of what I should do next in order to become a better writer, please tell me!!!
...and if you say, "Just keep writing" I'll kick you in the balls. :P
Labels: shameless begging
posted by Shannon at 1:06 AM
23 Comments:
Try this:
http://www.americanwriters.com/
Just keep writing! Im wearing a cup =p
You're not happy with what you've been writing because it's the same thing over and over. The most important thing to do when writing is to create a character that is believable and likable. If you're readers like your characters, you're halfway there.
Besides, what you're doing isn't writing, it's picking at old wounds. All of your characters have different names, but for the most part, have the same experiences. Most of those experiences sound autobiographical or derived from experience.
Finally realize that as a writer, you're never going to be happy with what you do. The ideas you have are not easily translated into written form. Sometimes, you'll knock it right out of the park; other times, dogshit might be more interesting.
P.S. Two things to help you with your writing. One, read *everything* and learn to separate the good from the bad. Two read On Writing by Stephen King, it's has a pretty good hands-on description of the nuts and bolts of writing.
You bastard, anonymous! I was just about to recommend the same book!
Trust you to steal my thunder.
http://www.stephenkingshop.com/books/king/books/OnWritingAMemoiroftheCraft2000.htm
Ok at the risk of this sounding like cheerleading; you are actually doing some thing about your passion, that's more than 99% out there. And it is all about the journey (trite and cliche; it's why it's true), unfortunately people who really seek excellence in what they do are never satisfied and keep raising the bar whether they are aware of it or not. Trust me, the "practice" does pay off, it's just that with every level the changes are more imperceptable. If you truly believe an education is going to make that much of a difference, find a way to take one class at a time. There are np time limits. I believe you are 20 something; I thought just like you then and thought because I hadn't finished my degree yet that it was not an option, tIme had passed me by, etc. Now that I'm 42 I realize that if I had just taken it one step at a time and not put some time limit on it, I'd be done with it.
Ok, I'll stop now. You are a good writer though. You don't know me from Adam, but I am pretty (very)sure I recognize quality when I see it. I know you nothing anyone says will help though, you just have to keep slinging it out there.
Thanks again for all you do.
PunkyGirl: I will be very frank with you since you seem to have a genuine passion for this craft. You are a wonderful *storyteller* but merely a fine-but-unremarkable *writer*.
An excellent book on writing = The Lie That Tells A Truth, by whom, I don't remember. However, my opinion is that one learns to write by learning more about how to read - so pick up a copy of How To Read Literature Like A Proffessor by ? and Reading Like A Writer by Francine Prose.
More importantly, set aside *hours* in order to *just read* and do this *every single day*. Read classics first, for their quality is more lasting and sure than crap by Danielle Steel or Dan Brown. Try www.literature-online.com.
Also, don't ever ask for good reviews again. Seriously. Not ever. Ask to have your writing meticulously torn to shreds, and grow a thick skin.
I hope this helps you.
That's the problem with being Anonymous, everyone quotes you and blames you for everything. :)
You read a lot, but is what you're reading any good? To learn writing from your reading you have to read _good_ fiction. Reading tons of crap will just teach you about crap.
Don't let college bother you. No college course is going to teach you anything about writing. Put it out of your head entirely.
Pick up the book ERNEST HEMINGWAY ON WRITING, edited by Larry Phillips. Read it, then read it again. Here's a random quote:
"Forget your personal tragedy. We are all bitched from the start and you especially have to be hurt like hell before you can write seriously. But when you get the damned hurt use it--don't cheat with it. Be as faithful to it as a scientist--but don't think anything is of any importance because it happens to you or anyone belonging to you."
Decide what it is you want to write, what you have to say.
Write. You have about a million words of bad prose in you and you have to write them out before you can get to the good stuff.
You've received some good help. Especially from the lone stranger, who relayed Hemingway's words. Get all that bad writing out of the way.
I've learned that the first paragraph(s) of anything at all will usually be thrown away. There's a reason for that. A storyteller must learn not to be in love with your own words, but rather with those words that tell your story. It's tough, but when you get that, you'll be a writer - and a storyteller.
College is fine, but you can educate yourself. Go to the library and read every book you can find on how to be a writer. Writer's Digest, and other writer's magazines are wonderfull helps. There are many free writing groups and "classes" online. Search them out. Take notes, like you would in college. Just remember to not get so busy reading about writing that you forget to write. Every skill takes practice. Good Luck!
Above and beyond the suggestions of books on "How-to" write (of which there are almost as many as there are books, period.) I would suggest getting a writing group together.
Not of people around you that read what you write, but of other writers. If you check with a locally-owned bookstore, they usually have one. And there, with other aspiring writers around you, you can get fantastic feedback.
Take a look at the "Thanks" pages in most books of newer authors, nine times out of ten, they credit their writing group with helping them tear apart and rebuild a fantastic novel.
You seem to only have one story in you: a young girl being raped. Now that you've written that story (over, and over), perhaps you've reached the end of your journey.
I don't write too often, but I read quite a bit. These days it tends to be very technical material, but for a while I read business oriented books as well. I stumbled onto a few you may enjoy.
I was very impressed by "The Story Factor", which seems to be on a 2nd edition now. While I don't remember too much now (5 years later), it was filled with insight into the art of story telling. I can't do it justice and I recomend that you skim the reviews at Amazon to see the praises others gave it.
An author who I really enjoy is Gerald Weinberg. He's extremely well known in his field, and was kind enough to write a book about how to write! I haven't read this book, but his others are full of humor and whit for such a dry topic. He's a master you'll enjoy learning from.
First comment for me. Shannon, I've totally enjoyed your stories and it really caught me off guard when you said you were not a good writer. Twenty or so years ago a Marine Officer once told me when I asked the question "How do I learn to write?", he responded simply, "Practice". I recommend the same to you. You have a god given talent and, like any other talent, you must develop with hard work. I wish I could recommend a book or two to help in your development but, honestly, I'm a numbers kind of guy and have never studied writing except what I had to for school.
Now, as far as not being able to pay for school...There's TONS of help out there for both tuition and books. I'm not talking GSL's but programs like the Pell (sp?) grant, etc. Speaking as someone who has been going to college since 1980, finishing school opens more doors than you can imagine.
Best wishes and good luck...
Dear Shannon,
First off, I and your other fans here - would never have been a fan of yours if we did not think that you're a good writer!
I have been a fan of yours for about three years now. There was one time when you posted a farewell notice and I was deeply saddened.
Yet I kept an eye on your blog/forum. When you resurfaced, I was truly happy and relieved.
I think you've reached a point where you crave for growth in your writing and that is why I've noticed you've started to critique your writings more and more. Also it seems like you've started comparing yourself too much to others.
I would recommend to you the zen of writing. To me it means immersing yourself fully in what you are writing about. All your thoughts and feelings focused on that particular episode. Just let the words flow without analyzing. Express your thoughts. Tell your story.
I think that when you first wrote your "A Teen Slut's Saga" and the beginnings of "The Trailer Trash Queen", you were in such state of Zen. You did not care too much what others thought. You had a story to tell. Experiences and deep emotions to impart.
Anyways, check this out (especially read the customer's review for this book):
http://www.amazon.com/Zen-Art-Writing-Creativity-Expanded/dp/1877741094
Here's another book on the Zen of Writing that you can purchase for $1.99 as an mp3 download (audiobook):
http://www.newdimensions.org/program.php?id=2376
Check these out too:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Article-Writing-Strategies-To-Get-Into-Zen-Flow---7-Tips&id=31459
http://www.bulldognews.net/zen_of_writing.html
http://www.gracecathedral.org/enrichment/interviews/int_19970930.shtml
http://books.guardian.co.uk/news/articles/0,,2217735,00.html
We will keep an eye on your next stories.... :D
First, I really enjoy your writing. I read a lot, and I believe you understimate the value of what you already write.
Second, I don't do analysis, but your writing shows an understanding of the topic that might mean you need to look at yourself. I agree with those who say that you deal with the same topic over and over. I don't necessarily see that as a problem, but I do see it as a point in terms of growing as a writer.
Third, I offer two more sources of learning. My favorite book on writing is Rita Mae Brown's book. Unfortunately, I can't remember the name of that book. I really enjoy her other books also, so I pay attention in my "writer" role to what she says about that.
The other source is writersonlineworkshops.com (I think that URL is correct). I believe that this is connected to Writer's Digest. At any rate, they offer online workshops on various aspects of writing, especially writing fiction. That's a lot cheaper and more flexible than college.
Fourth, join a writer group. I worked with one other person for three or four years, and we both improved our writing considerably.
Calvin (foothillbilly)
Shannon,
I believe that you have received alot of good advice and ideas. I think that connecting with a group is most helpful, because it involves producing. Sometimes after reading a self-help book I neglect to start and/or continue the author's advise. If you join a group, then you should feel a responsibility to bring your material to share with the group.
Now, don't write-off and quit on the idea of college either! I know someone, that's about your age, and they are returning to college this month. If you decide to take just one creative writing class, then you will learn skills from somebody trained to educate those skills. If you should persue a degree, then you can get a job writing for a living.
I have read your stories and blog for a while now and I always thought that you should be writing for a living, rather than dancing and entertaining. I thought that you danced because of the lifestyle choices that career offers, partying and quick money. But you have enough talent and interest to learn to be a good writer, and you could land a job now writing brochures and pampletts. Having a college degree in writing would open more opportunities for becoming a feature writer.
Still, without a degree, you can develop better skills by participating in a writer's group, an occasional class, and trying to meet a local writer in your area.
I know that you are comparing yourself to "Rache", who has a degree in literature, and you're not there yet. But, you can be and you will be, if that's where you put your effort.
Merry Christmas to you and all your readers!
NickNack
This post has been removed by the author.
I can recommend this site - they are very helpful - also they cater to erotic stories as well
http://yotnasden.co.uk/Forum/index.php
WOW, you are getting a lot of comments and some of them are pretty good. But I have a couple of questions.
Do you enjoy the writing that you did? Was it "fun" in some way?
Do you feel that there is improvement in the writing from the start of the story to the end.?
OH, Yea, the part about what you write about. I sort of agree and think that we tend to write about what interests us. So now take a look at a new short erotic story but come at it from a totally different direction. Start with a good girl that sees something. It sticks with her. Background, background. She gets into sex. Deeper, deeper.
Then look at the beginning of your story. Did you leave clues or reasons WHY she was moving in that direction?? Reasons why she would do what she did.?? If not, add them. That is the great thing about computers. You can fill out a story after you get the basics. The story flow does not have to be there from the very first words.
Let me know how it goes. And best of luck. I have enjoyed your current work and look forward to more.
N. eldernorm.
A few ideas, some just rehashing what people said earlier.
Join a writing group and let your writing get torn to shreds. You learn more from people who disagree with you than those who agree.
Keep a notepad and jot down interesting lines you think of, quotes you hear, or topics.
One key to good writing is to focus on one small detail of a scene, and expand on it. By giving it depth, it provides overall depth to the reset of the scene. It works pretty well for me.
Read the bio pages of authors and find out what kinds of books/authors they read.
If there's a book you like, read it more than once. Try to figure out why you like it. Also try to see what you notice on a second/third read that you didn't on the first.
If you can't afford college, you can often still take classes by auditing them for a nominal fee, say $50. The quality of college fiction writing classes vary, but they almost always have workshops and those can be quite valuable. You won't get credit when you audit, but you will get around people who can give you ideas.
Most importantly, find someone who not only talks about writing, but actually writes (even if it's not published). There are a lot of wanna-be writers who have great ideas but never put anything to paper. That's also why writers never want to hear what your writing ideas are.. they want to see it on paper.
Also, if you really want to go to college, many colleges offer their employees free tuition so try to find a job at a college. There are also tons of scholarships and grants on the net and being a woman, you have an edge greater than most.
I too recommend the Stephen King book. And keep writing. I have no balls for kicking.
Courtesy of Robert Heinlein, albeit this refers to professional writing. He got into writing by seeing an ad for a contest, writing a story, deciding the story was too good for the contest, so he sent it to another magazine. Other magazine paid him for then the first prize for the contest would've been and he never looked back.
1. You must write.
2. You must finish what you write.
3. You must refrain from rewriting, except to editorial order.
4. You must put the work on the market.
5. You must keep the work on the market until it is sold.
I think alot of the advice you're getting here comes from non-writers.
First rule of writing: writing is not therapy. If you see any piece of work as helping you resolve a personal problem, throw it away. It's junk.
Second rule: Learn plotting. Before you write, you should have a nearly exact sense of how you will finish. Write plot outlines before you start a work, describing how every major incident will appear in the book. If you decide to change the plot, write your reasons for doing so as clearly as possible. Give it to a friend. If the friend thinks the reasons make sense, write a new plot outline incoporating the changes.
Third rule: You are not Jack Kerouac, and you are not writing "On the Road." 90% of writing is done in the re-writes. Do not assume that your first draft is a finished work or that you are skillful, Manic and hyped up on enough speed to feed a role of butcher paper in a typewriter and pound out a work of genius in 72 hours. Next, re-read "On the Road" and tell me if it couldn't be improved by some re-writing.
E.
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