Writing Contest 2

[ansatsusha_gouki]

How do you become a good writer?

How do you arrange your thoughts in your head and make them a story?

What steps should I take to become better at desribing and illustrating my thoughts?

I'll probaly start a thread about this later but I figured since I'm already in this thread.

1.I've always been able to write a good story but my grammar is horrible....But in order to become a good writer you must pratice like anything else...Also it will help if you read alot of books


2.I have alot of paper...everytime I got an idea I write it down...Right now I'm currently writing a book so Im doing alot of research on werewolves and other supernatural beings.

3.This one is a hard because Im an artistic person so its pretty easy for me but what I do is sit down and think about how each character,building and etc will look like.


4.Thats a good idea

 

[godofwine]

I'll be reading.

I say all of that to ask this. How do you become a good writer? How do you arrange your thoughts in your head and make them a story? What steps should I take to become better at desribing and illustrating my thoughts?

I don't make an outline. I had the chickenpox for two weeks while they taught how to do this in second grade (true story). When I write, I freestyle. Not as you think, but I have a very good imagination and have a great idea of the direction I want the story to go. If I get a good idea to use later on I write it down. I make corrections later. I will have MAJOR problems with this if I ever write a novel. You can freestyle 3-7 pages, you can't freestyle 330.

I've done okay so far, but I wouldn't suggest that other people do this. What works for one doesn't work for others. I edit maybe 5-10 times, each time cleaning up spelling & Martin Gramatica errors and ensuring that the details are in line. The details usually are, but what I usually catch are spelling errors that spell check didn't catch (ones that are words but the wrong word for the situation). For example, if I have used the same words in the same sentence or back to back sentences I use a thesaurus (www.dictionary.com).

 

[bigreg2007]

1.I've always been able to write a good story but my grammar is horrible....But in order to become a good writer you must pratice like anything else...Also it will help if you read alot of books


2.I have alot of paper...everytime I got an idea I write it down...Right now I'm currently writing a book so Im doing alot of research on werewolves and other supernatural beings.

3.This one is a hard because Im an artistic person so its pretty easy for me but what I do is sit down and think about how each character,building and etc will look like.


4.Thats a good idea

Thanks and I will start a thread soon.

I don't make an outline. I had the chickenpox for two weeks while they taught how to do this in second grade (true story). When I write, I freestyle. Not as you think, but I have a very good imagination and have a great idea of the direction I want the story to go. If I get a good idea to use later on I write it down. I make corrections later. I will have MAJOR problems with this if I ever write a novel. You can freestyle 3-7 pages, you can't freestyle 330.

I've done okay so far, but I wouldn't suggest that other people do this. What works for one doesn't work for others. I edit maybe 5-10 times, each time cleaning up spelling & Martin Gramatica errors and ensuring that the details are in line. The details usually are, but what I usually catch are spelling errors that spell check didn't catch (ones that are words but the wrong word for the situation). For example, if I have used the same words in the same sentence or back to back sentences I use a thesaurus (www.dictionary.com).

Thanks a lot. At least I know I'm on the right track because I will freestyle about 2 pages while I'm on the laptop...re-read it...correct grammer...re-read it...add/subtract details...yada yada.

It feels good when I do it I just didnt know if this was the proper way.

I think I'm going to follow assassin's suggestion and start developing characters one at a time.

Thanks again.

 

[ansatsusha_gouki]

Does everyone like the amount of days for the voting or should it be alittle longer?

 

[godofwine]

Does everyone like the amount of days for the voting or should it be alittle longer?

Make it 3 days.

 

[future2001]

Every great writer will tell you one thing... write... write... and keep writing...

Practice makes perfect in a way... the more you write the better you get... unless you've been doing the same thing for the past (insert years here).

Try and work on grammar... there are alot of websites that have free grammar lessons... it's never ending you'll never become perfect at grammar unless you're that guy.

Write some more... cry alot... Write some more...

A story will come... a book will come... keep writing...

 

[future2001]

This is why I like little things like this... a. they're fun b. They actually help you get better. c. You're practicing and people can critique you d. it keeps you writing even if you're stuck on one of your projects.

I already started mine I got too many storylines based off that one apocalyptic storyline.. I was wondering if I could write about the beginning of the apocalypse instead of the end...

 

[ansatsusha_gouki]

Strongly thinking about making a short and long version of my story. I got 7 pages of stuff but trying to cut it down for the contest

 

[future2001]

I still say we need a writers group.

 

[godofwine]

Strongly thinking about making a short and long version of my story. I got 7 pages of stuff but trying to cut it down for the contest

I don't worry about the pages. I just try to stick as close as I can to the words. Because I use the format used in books with separate paragraphs during conversations and such I tend to go over a few pages but still keep close to the 2500 word limit. Detail cutting is difficult because how do you tell yourself that X & Y details aren't as important and Z detail is?

 

[ansatsusha_gouki]

I still say we need a writers group.

 

[godofwine]

I still say we need a writers group.

For what? To have another part of the board nobody hardly goes to? Sincel they split it up I hardly go to the music board, or the back up board. keep it right where it is and we might get a few BGOL'ers with some sense that will stop in and vote on our stuff. Give it its own forum and each story will get 1 vote...as each person votes for themselves.

Don't do it.

 

[Sampson]

I'll add some more tips later but what I always try and do is think outside the box. Approach the story you're writing from a unique perspective. Don't follow everyone elses formula. It's easy to because we all have to be inspired by the people before us but always try and put a twist on a situation.

 

[ansatsusha_gouki]

I'll add some more tips later but what I always try and do is think outside the box. Approach the story you're writing from a unique perspective. Don't follow everyone elses formula. It's easy to because we all have to be inspired by the people before us but always try and put a twist on a situation.

c/s

 

[future2001]

i didnt mean a seperate forum... no i meant a group of talented writers helping each other get better at their craft. We give each other a chapter or two of whatever we're working on each month read it... give our critiques etc.... something like that... doesn't have to be a chapter. Persay.

 

[godofwine]

i didnt mean a seperate forum... no i meant a group of talented writers helping each other get better at their craft. We give each other a chapter or two of whatever we're working on each month read it... give our critiques etc.... something like that... doesn't have to be a chapter. Persay.

It would be really nice if we could do that. However, with the high likelihood of piracy/plagiarism that would be an impossibility. not to say that I can't trust you or that I am not trustworthy. But there is always one or two that would get us and by the time we found out...yeah.

I had it happen to me. I sent Browns beat writer Tony Grossi an article I wrote saying that the only thing the NFL is lagging behind the other sports is how the NBA signs it's rookies. There is no negotiation. It is set in stone. Don't like it? Don't play in the most popular league in the world. Simple. That bastard used 70-80% of my artlicle, much of that verbatim, in the next Sunday's paper. I had a good idea, did a little bit of research on it and gave him an article for the Sunday paper.

Now I was proud, like a kid that gets his drawing put up on the principal's door, but at the same time I "got got". Hell, even the stuff that is posted here we have the benefit of a "poor man's copyright". If anybody tried to cop one of my stories, or any of ours we can at the least go back to where the story was posted and which screenname it was posted under. If they don't have that screenname then they are caught. So we have that. Other than that you have a bunch of anonymous guys, some you can trust whole heartedly, some you can't...most you can't. I hate to think like that but you have to protect yourself.

We can help each other out with research, though. Details that make a story better. If I was writing about a Sicilian family in Philadelphia wrestling with their kids getting sucked into a life that they don't want for them. I am Black, from Cleveland, and I know little about Philly. One of you might be able to give me info on streets, hangouts, Catholicism and details that would give my story credibility. Stuff like that.

 

[ansatsusha_gouki]

how is everyone's story coming along

 

[ansatsusha_gouki]

bump

 

[future2001]

lol just changed my whole plot lol... first go round was too much exposition going on .

 

[godofwine]

how is everyone's story coming along

I'm in the home stretch. Closing it up. 300 words to go, maybe.

 

[future2001]

It would be really nice if we could do that. However, with the high likelihood of piracy/plagiarism that would be an impossibility. not to say that I can't trust you or that I am not trustworthy. But there is always one or two that would get us and by the time we found out...yeah.

I had it happen to me. I sent Browns beat writer Tony Grossi an article I wrote saying that the only thing the NFL is lagging behind the other sports is how the NBA signs it's rookies. There is no negotiation. It is set in stone. Don't like it? Don't play in the most popular league in the world. Simple. That bastard used 70-80% of my artlicle, much of that verbatim, in the next Sunday's paper. I had a good idea, did a little bit of research on it and gave him an article for the Sunday paper.

Now I was proud, like a kid that gets his drawing put up on the principal's door, but at the same time I "got got". Hell, even the stuff that is posted here we have the benefit of a "poor man's copyright". If anybody tried to cop one of my stories, or any of ours we can at the least go back to where the story was posted and which screenname it was posted under. If they don't have that screenname then they are caught. So we have that. Other than that you have a bunch of anonymous guys, some you can trust whole heartedly, some you can't...most you can't. I hate to think like that but you have to protect yourself.

We can help each other out with research, though. Details that make a story better. If I was writing about a Sicilian family in Philadelphia wrestling with their kids getting sucked into a life that they don't want for them. I am Black, from Cleveland, and I know little about Philly. One of you might be able to give me info on streets, hangouts, Catholicism and details that would give my story credibility. Stuff like that.

damn that sucks... and yea you're right... not that I don't trust you cats but thats an issue. These contests do help us get better as writers though and I hope we can keep these things going.

 

[godofwine]

damn that sucks... and yea you're right... not that I don't trust you cats but thats an issue. These contests do help us get better as writers though and I hope we can keep these things going.

I give everybody enough rope to hang themselves. After that I don't want to have shit to do with them. I give every person I meet, chat with, etc. a clean slate when I meet them. If they show me they are an ass, then they are an ass and...well, fuck 'em. However, if they show me they are a cool person and can be trusted they are cool with me. I tell people I can love you and hate your twin brother.

Trust and online almost shouldn't go together in the same sentence unless there is a DON'T in there. I do hope we keep this going. I like the chance to write, and given that folks can critique and help me get better is an even greater part of it. I look forward to seeing your work.

 

[future2001]

I wonder if anyone else gets that tense scared feeling when showing their work to others... The trying and hoping you write something worth it... it's happening.

trust and the internet... now that's a topic lol

 

[Damian Stone]

I finished my first draft but I am busting the 2500 word limit, I have 2678 words so far.
I will see when I reread and correct some stuff if I can reduce it.
Problem is when I reread I tend to completely change the whole plot lol

 

[UptempoDro]

who was the author of The Beast week 1?

 

[mealstrom]

who was the author of The Beast week 1?

That was me. Did you have any questions about it?

I'm taking a break off of this contest - WAY too much work going on in my offline life. It sucks because this is a topic I would have loved to write something in! I have to do a 500 page paper by Monday, besides all the rest of my homework and work.

 

[ansatsusha_gouki]

I wonder if anyone else gets that tense scared feeling when showing their work to others... The trying and hoping you write something worth it... it's happening.

trust and the internet... now that's a topic lol

I'm very protective about my work especially since my story is 40-50 years after the events of my book.Thinking about making 5 books to my story.....

That was me. Did you have any questions about it?

I'm taking a break off of this contest - WAY too much work going on in my offline life. It sucks because this is a topic I would have loved to write something in! I have to do a 500 page paper by Monday, besides all the rest of my homework and work.

I can make Part 2 later on...

How do some of yall come up names of yall characters.


Anyone gonna host the third contest.

 

[ansatsusha_gouki]

bump

 

[godofwine]

How do some of yall come up names of yall characters.

My first one "The Hunters" was named Dorian Miller, inspired by Dorie Miller. Black Navy sailor who grabbed a gun during a Pearl Harbor battle where the captain was mortally wounded and just started shooting at the Japanese planes with an anti-aircraft gun he had no training in using. He was the first Black man to be awarded the Navy Cross.

For the hunters in my story "The Gorgrumites" I thought of Gargamel hunting the Smurfs. I know, right?

In my second one, my character's father is named after a nick name my friend Ashley calls me. I don't know where she came up with it. The son is a name similar to his father's name as it used to be. His mother's name is Osyra (after Greek God Osiris, although I was thinking of Ol' Dirty when I wrote it.)

I finished my first draft but I am busting the 2500 word limit, I have 2678 words so far.
I will see when I reread and correct some stuff if I can reduce it.
Problem is when I reread I tend to completely change the whole plot lol

Last story I went over by a little over 200 (okay, 292), but it was necessary to finish the story decently. All I could think of was how they ended the recent "The Day The Earth Stood Still". It was like they had a character limit as well. Pretty decent believable movie until they rushed the end. I'm probably going to run the same amount over. To me the story is more important. Now if that gets to 4000 words you are going to need to trim it, but 200 or so words don't matter as long as the story is good.

 

[Lesane Crooks]

All I could think of was how they ended the recent "The Day The Earth Stood Still". It was like they had a character limit as well. Pretty decent believable movie until they rushed the end.

Maaaaan.

Im so mad at that flick cause it had a good bit of potential to not only be good on its own but even compared with the classic. Most of the time when cats be on that "the older one is better" its on some nostalgia tip but in this case the one from 50 years ago is hands down superior. Muhfuckas be giving special effects a bad rap but when the story gets eclipsed by the effects I cant even argue with em.




But yea. Good luck on the stories fellas. Ill be up on the reviews in a timely fashion this time.

 

[ansatsusha_gouki]

My first one "The Hunters" was named Dorian Miller, inspired by Dorie Miller. Black Navy sailor who grabbed a gun during a Pearl Harbor battle where the captain was mortally wounded and just started shooting at the Japanese planes with an anti-aircraft gun he had no training in using. He was the first Black man to be awarded the Navy Cross.

For the hunters in my story "The Gorgrumites" I thought of Gargamel hunting the Smurfs. I know, right?

In my second one, my character's father is named after a nick name my friend Ashley calls me. I don't know where she came up with it. The son is a name similar to his father's name as it used to be. His mother's name is Osyra (after Greek God Osiris, although I was thinking of Ol' Dirty when I wrote it.)

For my book I name one of the characters after MLK and the author of "The Howling".....I try to come up name of my own but its a pain in the ass......Most of the name I come up with are names that influence in my life.

 

[future2001]

just do what most do... baby names and google..

 

[Damian Stone]

Frankly I made up the names as I wrote this time, I am still looking for a title.
Yeah I won't stress the word count, I am not over 3 pages.

 

[godofwine]

For my book I name one of the characters after MLK and the author of "The Howling".....I try to come up name of my own but its a pain in the ass......Most of the name I come up with are names that influence in my life.

Simple random shit can help you, too. The kid that sat behind you in algebra. The first person who turned you on to weed. The brother of the first chick you had a RELATIONSHIP with (you aren't going to know the brother's name if she is a jumpoff), the first teacher who you learned their real name, guy who had your same birthday in high school.

OR

Go play NCAA with the real player names and blindly scroll to the left or right for 4-6 seconds. If you don't like it just scroll down for 2-5 seconds. BAM. You have names galore. You can always go the guy above or below if you don't like the one. With the 116 teams and 70+ players on every team you are bound to have enough names for your ffranchise...er, your book. Using MLK is Too common. With historic names I like to make it close MLK would be Marvin Lewis Kennedy, Jesse Owens becomes Joseph Owens or O'Neal.

just a suggestion

 

[Mr MajestiK]

Coming up with names for me is usually dependent on what type of story I'm writing.

If it's Gothic horror based, I tend to use names with a more old world ring to them.

As long as the name fits the character and general tone of the story, I'm good to go.