some advice for a beginner

[cornell]

well ive posted here a couple of times stating that i was interested in taking up writing. im not totally new to writing...i wrote for a magazine for a couple of years. here is an article from the mag's site, i would appreciate some feedback on it : http://www.thebuzz.nireland.com/ART408.html

anyway, when i was young i was really upset when the empire defeated the rebels in star wars ep 5, so i wrote a book afterwards where luke and co. got their own back (c'mon i was 13!!) i also wrote a short story continuing the indiana jones saga called 'the nakkarean idol". actually when i look at it now i can't help but laugh at how bad it was.


so point is, im not a virgin to putting pen onto paper, so do you think that i should start with a creative writing class or something, or just write? I mean, to write for the magazine i never really had to learn from anyone, i just wrote...does the same apply to fiction?

[Richard]

My suggestion would be to just write. Think of a story that amuses you and start writing. Don't worry if it sucks, the important thing is to get used to putting words to screen or paper or whatever else, rather than sitting around thinking 'You know, I'd like to write a book' and then winding up watching television all evening. If it reads like crap, well, no matter. Part of the process is learning what does, and with it, how to make it better.

[Richard]

Oh, and Nostradamus was invariably talking about Naples, rather than New York. Well, I say 'talking'. 'Blithering' would be more appropriate, really...

[CACTUSWENDY]

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: GOSH...(I JUST LOVE THE LITTLE YELLOW FELLOWS).....I WOULD THINK THAT JUST GET ON WITH WRITTING.....YOU WILL LEARN AS YOU GO....SINCE YOU KNOW THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND HAVE IDEAS...WHAT ELSE DO YOU NEED? TAKE A CHANCE ON YOUR DREAM AND GO FOR IT.......JUST MY OPINION.....:banana: :banana: :banana:

[Mistook]

Read the Uncle Jim thread, it's very informative. There's a lot of other resources here for a beginner. Just have a look around the joint.

As for my advice, I'd say start writing immediately. You won't be able to appreciate all the tips and tricks, etc that people are talking about until you get your hands dirty and start facing the challenges firsthand.

[Susan Gable]

I have two books that I recommend - I keep them within reach at all times. Between these two books, I think you can get a very thorough education.

The first one is called GMC:Goal, Motivation & Conflict by Debra Dixon. This book is incredible in giving you the basic building blocks of story structure. It's easy to understand - the author uses commonly known movies to teach you. You can find the book at www.gryphonbooksforwriters.com (http://www.gryphonbooksforwriters.com)

The other book is Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King. This book focuses on the basic craft issues, from POV, to show vs. tell, to dialogue... Again, easy to follow, a wonderful tool for all writers.

And then...just write. :Thumbs:

Good luck! And enjoy it!

Susan G.

[Azure Skye]

As a newbie myself, I highly recommend diving in headfirst and start writing.

Over this past summer, between classes, I read how-to books on writing and I learned a lot of theory. After I finished with school something inside my head clicked and I just started writing and I haven't looked back. All that I learned and remembered started making sense but I still have lots to learn as I put it all into practice.

I figure my first WIP is a learning tool and it may never become published but we all have to start somewhere.


Just write!

[Elizabeth]

Try to nip that habit of second-guessing yourself in the bud. Just do it, as they say.
:)

[zornhau]

Just write.
If you're beyond the basics, I'd look for a good writers' crit group, rather than waste time with a class, unless the person teaching it is a full time pro.

http://www.sfwa.org/writing/ has material on crit groups, and writing in general.


It might help you focus to learn about the business side of the SF. This person and this article is a good place to start:
http://nielsenhayden.com/makinglight/archives/004641.html

Many of the comments come from pros.

Good luck
Z

[veinglory]

Fanfiction writing is a great way to get started. Now you just need to bring your own characters and stories to life. I would suggest that you start by writing some short stories and getting critiques at places like 'share your work' here, or if you thinking publication is possible use non-googlable places like critiquecircle.com