Topic: Would any of you be kind enough too... (Read 3262 times)

Sirgod · « **on:** September 08, 2009, 10:05:52 pm »

Link me some resources on Creative Writing?

I have a few ideas on story lines, and also on the tone of the stories I want to present, But I fail so hard when it comes to proper writing techniques.

I can put together the standard prepositional phrase, and know my way around adjectives and adverbs, But so many times, when I place a sentence down, I fall back into general forum talk. ie. In that I write like I'm talking to a person in first person, or myself.

I acknowledge that I may need a refresher course, as It's been almost 25 years since I even had to write a college level essay.

Thanks ahead of time.

Stephen

toasty0 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 09, 2009, 08:43:38 am »

This was required reading in our screenwriting program at UNLV. Though much of it seemed obvious to me, it is nice to see someone else say it. http://www.amazon.com/Writing-Down-Bones-Freeing-Writer/dp/0877733759

The Hero's Journey Joseph Campbell ( http://www.cerritos.edu/fquaas/resources/English102/hero.htm ) is another great resource.

Aristole's Poetics: http://libertyonline.hypermall.com/Aristotle/Poetics.html

That should keep you busy for a bit. The best advice I ever heard to become a successful writer--meaning to complete a story--is to place butt in chair and write. Good luck, and be sure you're having fun.

Roychipoqua_Mace · « **Reply #2 on:** September 09, 2009, 12:49:28 pm »

Toasty0's advice sounds good.

I'm no writer, but I like it when fiction is written simply and to-the-point, instead of being too detailed -- detail and density just for the sake of it never appealed to me. So I don't think that your "forum talk" style is a bad thing at all.

Sirgod · « **Reply #3 on:** September 09, 2009, 02:01:54 pm »

Thanks Jerry, and I agree Roychipoqua_Mace. I just know if I'm going to take a serious stab at this, I need to get off my butt and do some research.

Stephen

Commander La'ra · « **Reply #4 on:** September 10, 2009, 07:06:34 pm »

All sorts of resources can be helpful for technique and inspiration, but what you really gotta do is just sit down and start writing. It's like anything else in the world; it takes practice and attention. It's also very valuable to have someone to bounce your stories off of who isn't inclined to say what you want to hear: find a critic who'll cut off your balls (politely and not so politely as you prefer) and listen to what they have to say.

Andromeda · « **Reply #5 on:** September 16, 2009, 10:28:44 am »

Buy The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition(Paperback)
by William Strunk Jr., E. B. White. It's a very good investment. Almost required, I would say.

toasty0 · « **Reply #6 on:** September 16, 2009, 10:30:12 pm »

Excellent recommendation. Concise.

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