should I write books instead?

[Flintsgirl]

HI guys,
Well, I just don't know about this screen writing stuff now. I mean, I'm visually impaired and stuff, but I guess it just doesn't work for us kind of people. Maybe I should write books instead. I want to write something, maybe convert my scripts into books. Do writers though have to stick with one genre though? I mean you dno't see Stephen King or Mary Higgins Clark write romance novels or kids books. Or could you have a mixed variety in one book. Like adventure and romance and horror or something. That's kind of the stuff I like, but I don't know how writers do it. How do they not run out of ideas. pretty creative minds I guess huh? hahahah. Anyway, I'd like to hear back from some people and let me know what I should do. Sometimes I guess I just don't give myself enough credit because everyone tells me I'm a good writer and sometimes I think I am to, but I want to write more than one book. Not write one book while I'm writing another, just one at a time and try not to run out of ideas. I guess that's what I'm scared of.
Talk later and thanks for everything so far.

[dpaterso]

Write the kind of books you like to read. Doesn't get much harder than that. If you like and are familiar with several different genres then write in several different genres, nothing's stopping you, and of course you can mix them to taste. Does Stephen King really write horror, or does he write nonsensical whimsical nutjob fantasy after honking on a crackpipe? The jury's still out on that one, but don't allow imaginary genre boundaries to stop you, leap them at will, and get some writing done.

-Derek
-----------------------My Web Page - naked women, bestial sex, and whopping big lies. (http://hometown.aol.co.uk/DPaterson57)

[Writing Again]

I'm a one time short story writer turned novelist who is exploring the art of screenwriting.

SimonSays is a screenwriter learning to write novels.

Many novelists write different genres under different pen names. It is easier for the potential reader to know what to expect when they pick up the book.

I don't think being visually impaired would preclude you from writing screenplays -- But screenplays are highly visual -- And novels are extremely subjective. Each does what it does best. Novels, exploring the inner experience of the characters might be more accessible to you as a medium.

Check out the thread "Learn Writing with Uncle Jim" in the novelists forum for some valuable advice on writing novels. Be prepared to be there for a while, it is a very long thread.

[desmas]

Screenplay writing is an artform not a craft. You need to love it that much to be truly committed. I guess my question for you is what does your heart say about writing scripts?

Believe it or not but Screenplay writing is the greatest from of story telling. Why? Because you need to bring your story to life an a external way withen a limited time.

Granted your poor eye sight could be a disadvantage but don't let that stop you. If you need any help with Screenplays just hit me in my Inbox. I would more than happy to give you a hand.

[maestrowork]

Are you visually impaired from birth (Beethoven turned deaf later in life, so he knew what music sounded like)? Can you draw from memory? Can you use your imagination? Do you enjoy watching movies? Yes, screenplay is a visual medium verbalized on paper, but you don't have to be able to see (now) to write them.

If you blindfold me, and give me a way to write down my words (voice dictation? a secretary?) I bet I can still write a screenplay if I try hard enough. Because what I can see resides in my brain.

There are people with 20/20 vision who can't write a screenplay if their lives depend on it. Then there are geniuses who are actually blind.

Only you can tell if screen writing is for you. If you want it bad enough, you will do it.

[kojled]

flintsgirl

yes. write books instead. if you have never been able to watch a movie (in the normal way, that is) you probably can't write them. if you have seen them and can remember what the medium is like (and are tremendously talented) then maybe you can write movies

voice recognition is getting better almost daily. if that helps. i'd go for novels. in a way, being blind might enhance your ability


z

[GoneFishinJoe]

I agree with what M said.

Also if your other senses like hearing have improved or your awareness of other aspects of sound reality have improved to compensate for your visual impairment, then you may be able to write very powerful dialog indeed.

You may have a huge advantage. Only you will know in time, with practice.

Just a thought. I'm no expert on these things, and I'm only a beginner at writing but bottom line.

Go for it...keep writing, and enjoy it!

Good luck!

Joe.

[Writing Again]

Basically you are not limited. And if you are legally blind you no doubt have a basic income and can write full time -- Something us working folk can only dream of.

Novels are a story telling medium. Screenplays are a story telling medium. You not only do not have to be limited to one medium, you do not have to be limited to one at a time.

You could write a novel in the morning and work on a screenplay in the evening or vice versa.

Screenplays demand a lot more planing than a novel. I have started novels with a simple idea and written to the end with no idea where I was going until I got there: You cannot do that with a screenplay.

So more than your vision is in question here -- Temperament is as well.