Writing?

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Ok I was chatting to a mate of mine while Christmas shopping on Saturday ( ) and we started chatting about writing (he's a writer) and he asked how I was coming along with my book, which long story short died a death a very long time ago as I decided long ago that I didn't have the focus, dicipline let alone talent to be an Author

Nevertheless I've kept the idea for the book alive in my head, and wouldn't mind putting pen to paper just for my own benefit, as I've no illusions as to my complete lack of talent on that front

So has anyone got any tips and experiences on the writing front they'd care to share

Thanks in advance fella's

[donvito]

"Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing." Benjamin Franklin

Here's a site with some writing quotes. This is words of advice page, go to the main site it has more stuff there.

http://koti.mbnet.fi/pasenka/quotes/q-writ.htm#Some%20words%20of%20advice

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Thanks for that mate, I'm having a nose around as we speak

[parnass]

Have you thought about writing and publishing something shorter than a book?  For instance, short stories or articles?

I've written several magazine articles, but lack the concentration to write something more lengthy.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Have you thought about writing and publishing something shorter than a book?  For instance, short stories or articles?

I've written several magazine articles, but lack the concentration to write something more lengthy.

Wow you really are prolific

I've writen a few crappy articles/reviews on this and other forum's, but I have considered giving a short story a go first

[Leatherman123]

I am not a very good writer.. I am an amazing poet, though! You would be surprised how well I can write poetry!

[Benner]

You're modest as well. 

We will need an example now. 

[Anthony]

Write what you know.

[ptolemy]

Ok I was chatting to a mate of mine while Christmas shopping on Saturday ( ) and we started chatting about writing (he's a writer) and he asked how I was coming along with my book, which long story short died a death a very long time ago as I decided long ago that I didn't have the focus, dicipline let alone talent to be an Author

Nevertheless I've kept the idea for the book alive in my head, and wouldn't mind putting pen to paper just for my own benefit, as I've no illusions as to my complete lack of talent on that front

So has anyone got any tips and experiences on the writing front they'd care to share

Thanks in advance fella's

when you write reviews how to's it is much easier since it's a specific object and you are just explaining.

writing something else like a story is totally abstract IMO, and i wouldn't know what to write after 5-10 pages.
to me it's like start/middle./end. no depth, clarity, backstory, etc

[DaveK]

Write what you know.

In my case, that wouldn't take long

Micky D - I've often thought about doing some writing, but never seem to find the time, and you'd need a lot of time I think. I'm generally quite an impulsive bloke, so I've been working on the assumption that if / when some inspiration comes, I'll be on it.

It generally amazes me how authors of fiction can "force" the new ideas for stories. I do a lot of technical writing, and white paper type stuff in my job (will be doing even more when I start my new one), and that comes easy to me, as you either know what you need to write, or you know what you need to learn about.

Every time I think I've had an idea for a fictitious story though, it usually transpires that I remembered it from something I read or saw on the telly 

My daughter on the other hand, even though she's only 12, has won prizes already for her poetry and stories, I guess she got all the creativity that this family's allowed! Mind you she is dedicated, she churns out stuff at a hell of a rate, and she's very self critical. I don't think I've got that stuff in me to be honest!

What genre would your stories be do you think?

Edit; Haha - just saw ptolemy's post, similar point I think!

[eodtech]

Ok I was chatting to a mate of mine while Christmas shopping on Saturday ( ) and we started chatting about writing (he's a writer) and he asked how I was coming along with my book, which long story short died a death a very long time ago as I decided long ago that I didn't have the focus, dicipline let alone talent to be an Author

Nevertheless I've kept the idea for the book alive in my head, and wouldn't mind putting pen to paper just for my own benefit, as I've no illusions as to my complete lack of talent on that front

So has anyone got any tips and experiences on the writing front they'd care to share

Thanks in advance fella's

Not being a published writer, just aspiring to gain that status in my life time is a goal I have always wanted to attain.
As we speak I am writing an "article" that has yet to be named on the subject matter of - bargain hunting for MT's - what to do and what not to do in the quest for the Holy Grail of MT's.
Having written factual reports since I was 18 in the military and going on today as an investigator.  The difference between a report and a story is quit different, at least in my opinion. Breaking the report writing mold to do a fictional piece is hard for me to over come.  Sorry I can't give you and hard fast rules, I have several books on report writing I have had for years but nothing referring  to fiction.

[Grant Lamontagne]

If you wait for the right time, you'll probably never do it.  Don't force it, but set yourself a schedule or deadline and make yourself stick to it.  Sure, you may not give your best stuff while struggling to make the deadline, but you can always revise and edit it later on when you are more inspired.  At least you'll have a framework, and something to dress up and build on if you have parts already put together.

You are starting on the right track already, writing for SOSAKOnline.  Sure, it may not be as prestigious as the LA Times or the Times, but it's a good place to refine your style by writing about something you are generally interested in.

If I can help with any other tips, or share my so called writing experiences, well you know how to reach me!

Def

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Thank's for the tip's guys , it'll be something to look into in the new year

As for what genre, well war fiction, more specifically about the Winter war between Finland and Russia, as I find that a facinating conflict, and a very human one too

Come on Nikko let's see an example of you poetry to inspire me

[BIG-TARGET]

As Douglas Adams(Hitchikers Guide to the Galaxy) described writing as:"you stare at a blank piece of paper, until beads of blood start to drip from your forehead"

I  too have a story, that I've been working on..  For about a day shy of forever

[duckman1975]

Don't think just write mickyd, after all whats an editor for

[Grant Lamontagne]

Great writers don't write great stories... they just finish them!   

Def

[I'm Still Bison]

I prefer essays myself,I was always horrible at constructing dialogue.But above all else,be yourself,write as though you're writing to please yourself

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

I prefer essays myself,I was always horrible at constructing dialogue.But above all else,be yourself,write as though you're writing to please yourself

Not a bad idea that mate

[Benner]

I'm still waiting for LM123's poetry 

[Grant Lamontagne]

You'd be the only one then... I can live without "Ode to a Surge."

Def

[Leatherman123]

 

Let me look through my things.. I have some great poetry that I've done in the past!