Any Writers here?

[Major Biggles]

I'm quite interested in writing a few short stories here and there, when i'm bored. I was just wondering if anyone here is a writer or someone who's dabbled in writing. I was kind of wondering where to start with it all, any tips from any enthusiasts would be great ty guys

[Gunthr]

Hi Major Biggles,  I'm only a voracious reader, but have a look at what this guy has acomplished by posting his writing online....

http://www.brokentype.com/monster/000263.html

[Vudak]

I write now and then for pleasure and the college newspaper...  I'm by no means an expert but what are your questions?

Also - try asking Widewing - he's very good.

[Major Biggles]

i was just kind of fishing for tips on how to plan and develop a story, as well as some basic writing techniques and things along those lines

ty for the link and the heads up though guys

[nirvana]

The standard for planning writing (since I was in middle school and throughout standardized high school testing) is to do a "spider line" or whatever it's called.  Basically put your main topic in the middle and have your facts come off that to the side.  Then add details to your facts etc.

If it's fiction I'd tell you to just go for it.  If it's nonfiction then you'd probably be better off sorting out your ideas first.  Also remember that some artists might have upwards of 20 drafts before they like what they have.  I am personally more of a political type writer and I tend to ramble more then make a good argument.

Anyway, good luck and let us know how it goes.

This isn't the greatest example but it illustrates my point http://www.strategictransitions.com/images/brainstorm.gif

[Major Biggles]

Originally posted by nirvana
The standard for planning writing (since I was in middle school and throughout standardized high school testing) is to do a "spider line" or whatever it's called.  Basically put your main topic in the middle and have your facts come off that to the side.  Then add details to your facts etc.

If it's fiction I'd tell you to just go for it.  If it's nonfiction then you'd probably be better off sorting out your ideas first.  Also remember that some artists might have upwards of 20 drafts before they like what they have.  I am personally more of a political type writer and I tend to ramble more then make a good argument.

Anyway, good luck and let us know how it goes.

yup, i was thinking back to school english classes can't remember some stuff, and was seeing if there were any kind of tips for planning it, but you're probably right, i think it's best to take a shot in the dark and manipulate it from there

[Vudak]

Kinda funny that you brought up this thread...  I've spent most of my day at work pretending to be busy by actually plotting out a new "book" I intend to write/draw...

Basically I've just broken it down into sections, wrote a little description of what I hope to accomplish with each section, and then wrote little bullets of specific events in that section.

This is non-fiction though, so it might not help you out....

If you're going for fiction, maybe Bill Watterson of Calvin and Hobbes could help you out...  Very, very, very loosely paraphrased:

"I very rarely know how the story will end when I start writing it...  I just let the characters take it."

[Rolex]

Yes, Widewing is a precise writer of clear thinking in a clear voice.

The cycle of fiction writing is simple:

Writers write, then editors brutally beat the living crap out of them and dump their bodies in dark alleys of doubt, or scatter the torn pieces of flesh and bone across fields of shattered hope and confidence.

Writers write again.

[Halo]

These will date me, but they're timeless and invaluable resources for the craft of writing:

On Writing Well by William Zinsser

111 Don'ts for Writers by Marian Elwood

Danse Macabre by Stephen King

[Widewing]

Writing short stories can be great fun. One of the best at short stories is Stephen King.

Find a copy of his book, "On Writing: A Memoir Of the Craft". King provides a neat blueprint on organizing and structuring a short story. He spends time discussing style as well. It is a valuable tool for budding writers.

It's also available as an audio book.

My regards,

Widewing

[rpm]

[hacksaw1]

Short Story Group

Provides some good ideas, and examples.

[JB88]

Originally posted by Widewing
Writing short stories can be great fun. One of the best at short stories is Stephen King.

Find a copy of his book, "On Writing: A Memoir Of the Craft". King provides a neat blueprint on organizing and structuring a short story. He spends time discussing style as well. It is a valuable tool for budding writers.

It's also available as an audio book.

My regards,

Widewing

second that.  i was pleasantly surprised by king's book.

not far on technique.  it mostly regards the writers spirit.

[Rolex]

Well, let's write some short stories and post them here. I think the word limit for a post is 10,000, so there's one rule.

The only other rule being that it be new, not an old story you pull out and dust off.

Anyone?

[Gunthr]

by all means gentlemen, start your word processors....  I always enjoy reading new writing