Yes, now we're getting to the big, the bad, and the ugly. Of course, whether or not this topic is any of those things depends on how you look at it and deciding how to look at it is absolutely essential. In the world of writing, or any other world really, there is no escape!
Today's Topic:
How do you take to being criticized? What comments do you take to heart and what comments do you ignore?
My Answer: Criticism, though sometimes painful, is a very important tool for a writer. When writing one tends to see their work through tunnel vision. The eyes of the creator and the eyes of the reader are two, completely different visions and criticism can help you notice things that you've missed. However, in order to be useful, the criticism must be constructive. Yet, there is no way you can control what other people say so it's better to control how you receive it. When first starting to show a project around for feedback, I keep a few rules for myself in mind.
1. Never take any one person's remark too seriously. One remark is simply not enough to fully gage a majority opinion. No matter who it is, that one remark could be simply that one person's preference. I usually try to go for about five opinions on a part I wrote and if they all say the same thing I'd consider adjustments.
2. Don't over react. This rule can be hard to follow. When you pour your heart and soul into a work it is very dear to you and, naturally, you feel the need to defend yourself. Especially when a criticism is unreasonable. But losing your temper is not a good reaction. Whenever I get criticized, whether I like the remark or not, I always try to say pleasantly, "Your opinion is noted." Then I mentally accept or reject the said opinion accordingly.
3. Go to people you trust. Another rule I try to remember is to go to people who's opinions I trust. I try not to over complicate it. I keep in mind a few people I know who are honest, kind spirited, and knowledgeable so that I can get some good, solid feedback.
That was my answer, now let's hear from you. Comment away, either here or on any of the other topics that strike your fancy.
Relating directly into the last post, where there is learning from other writer's there is the formation of admiration and respect for those writers. Let's talk about literature giants that we look up to.
Today's Topic:
What fellow writer's do you look up to and why?
My Answer: I have a few individuals I admire in the world of literature. Here's who they are and why they have my admiration and respect.
First there's CS Lewis, author of The Chronicles of Narnia. In addition to being a writer of fiction he is a noted scholar and philosopher. When I contemplated and prayed about doing Christian based fantasy his work came to mind as an example. He had woven his fiction world with such smoothness and simplicity. He helped me realized that when writing Christian fantasy one doesn't need a representation for every single biblical detail. All that is really required is the firm backbone of the faith, allowing more flexibility in the story. I admire him as a fellow Christian and a fellow writer.
Next is widely renowned writer Brian Jacques, author of the Redwall series as well as several other works of fiction. Jacques was the one who really made me love reading. There was, after all, a time when I didn't like books. The wonderful woodland world he created pulled me in straight away and for the first time I began examining plot structure as well as the importance of diction. For storytelling he was my first teacher.
Another writer I admire is Christopher Paolini, author of The Inheritance Cycle. In addition to learning a lesson or two from his work I was inspired by his backstory. A bestseller at the age of nineteen, he reminded me that one does not have to be advanced in years in order to write successfully. He is an inspiration to young, aspiring authors worldwide.
And now most recently, John Flanagan, author of Ranger's Apprentice and the Brotherband series. I fell in love with his work relatively quickly. The characters are deep and very endearing and the stories are engaging. I admire the wit and well balanced elements he brings to each and every book. From him I'm continually learning about cultural contrast and character personalities as well as a few other things. He has my full recommendation.
As a writer you are continually evolving, continually learning. With every book you explore, try and take something with you.
Those were my heroes, now let's hear some of yours.
It's out there folks. So many people say, "I want to write like that famous bestselling author" or "My style is like that well known writer" or "This story is a shoot off of that story." These statements and all others like them bring us to our latest topic.
Today's Topic:
What is copying? What is learning? Is there really a difference, or is it all just monkey see monkey do?
My Answer: There most certainly is a difference between copying a fellow writer's style and learning from a fellow writer's style. Allow me to illustrate.
Jack reads Jill's story about a hitchhiker named Ben Walker who finds the love of his life and settles down to start the family he never thought he'd have. Jack then proceeds to write his own story about a hitchhiker named Bert Stepper who meets his future wife and, after some persuasion, he settles down to start the family he never thought about having. Though there are minor differences, this is clearly a monkey see, monkey do.
On the other hand, learning from another writer goes something like this. EJ is writing a story and she's concerned about her character dynamics. Her two main characters are joined by a third more minor individual and she worries that it'll throw things off. Then EJ read's Chris' story where characters A and B are traveling together. Then character B dies and is replaced by character C. EJ considers the events and comes to a realization. If major character C had simply joined major characters A and B they would have clashed badly. Therefore, it's okay to have two major characters joined by a minor and the concern is laid to rest.
Yes, this was a lesson that I learned from a fellow writer. Instead of copying circumstances, the details in one story can bring revelations for your own story's situation. Read to learn. Keep yourself original.
That's my answer now let's hear from you.
We've all had that moment. We sit locked into the thrills on the page and when it comes to an end one cannot help but be amazed. How did the author do that? The answer to this question lies in today's topic. So, let's talk about the elements of stories.
Today's Topic:
What makes a good story?
My Answer: To me a good story is a balanced story. A variety of elements creates depth, making the story feel more real to the reader and increasing chances for strong empathy. If the story has too much of one thing then it can be far too unrelatable. When writing a story I try to remember these five basic elements.
1. Action
2. Romance
3. Fear
4. Humor
5. Tragedy
By shifting and alternating them off each other a good, entertaining balance is achieved.
That's my answer now let's hear from you.
The world of writing is a vast current filled with many ideas, each with their own allure. When I talk to other folks who have tried to write a big hindrance they talk about is having too many ideas and not being able to pick just one. Those conversations got me thinking about the topic for today's post.
Today's Topic:
How do you decide what to write when? What makes you choose one idea over another?
My Answer: Like my method for getting the story on paper, selecting the idea is a casual sort of process. It is governed much like nature, survival of the fittest. When I've got ideas I constantly assess their fitness as concepts. Which do I reflect on more and which develops more detail after pondering? Either one idea develops with exceptional speed and kills off the others or if the other idea is of nearly equal prowess it will simply continue to develop on the mental back burner. Thus is the law of the jungle. Survival of the fittest, first come first served.
That's my answer, now lets hear from all you writers out there. How do you choose?
Though it is good to have a variety of expertise in the vast world of writing, everyone has those areas which they are uncomfortable with. Today's topic is all about those areas of discomfort for myself as well as anyone who wants to share. So, let's start talking about standards.
Today's Topic:
What are your standards? What will you write, what won't you write, and why?
My Answer: I love experimenting and trying new things however there are certain things that I won't do. Call me old fashioned, but first, I do not write in depth descriptions of sexuality. I don't believe that it belongs in fiction. Everyone is entitled to their opinion of course, but personally I think there are better ways to maintain a reader's interest. Another standard I have is not to do excessive gore. Many situations, such as a battle scene, do require gory concepts, but there's a big difference between having it there and zooming in on it. In my work I also avoid curse words. Again that may seem old fashioned, even narrow minded, but it's just a pet peeve. That's pretty much it and these standards continue to evolve as I'm introduced to new concepts and ask myself yay or nay.
That's my answer. Now let's hear from you.
Today's topic is all about method. When a writing idea comes to mind it must be organized, taken from the mystical world of thought and brought to tangible form. Writer's everywhere have a great variety of things they do. So let us explore one of the big questions about writing methods.
Today's Topic:
Are you an outliner, or do you write by the seat of your pants? Do you plan everything out thoroughly or make it up as you go along and, in your opinion, is one better than the other? How did you find your method?
My Answer: I tried outlining, really I did. I thought it would be a good way to get my ideas out in a tidy, organized manner. However, in my attempts to outline I found that the story was already advancing beyond the need to figure out characters and details on paper before getting started. Furthermore, when I did an outline and then the actual writing, absolutely none of it went according to planned. So, I said to myself, why waste the paper? I get the basic idea in my head, what the beginning is and what the end is, then make it up as I go from point A to point B. Finding this out took simple trial and error. Now as for one method being better than another, I don't believe that's the case. There's no one way to go about it. What works for one person might not work for another. So, if you were to ask me what the best method is I'd say, there isn't a best. There's just what works for you.
Now let's hear from you.
Hello and welcome to the Writer's Corner. If you find yourself grabbing pen and paper when you feel like expressing yourself, constantly inventing new worlds, and reaching for the next idea to put into words then this is just the place for you. I am EJ Norris, author of The Mirror and The Sword and there are few things I enjoy more than sharing the joys of the writing art. Writer's fellowship is very important. It brings out ideas, encouragement, and lots of smiles. Every writer out there is unique as a fingerprint and through sharing there is so much we can learn from each other.
The mission of this blog is to bring writer's together. Whether you write short stories, the next big novels, or let your emotions out raw in poetry, I welcome your insights on the topics soon to be brought forward here. Hopefully this will become a bustling center for writers encouraging each other in their passion. Come by the comment strand, introduce yourself, and write out what you think on the topic at hand, or bring a new topic for discussion. But please be mindful of our atmosphere. This is a cozy, friendly place so keep all remarks kind and appropriate.
Today's Topic:
What motivates you as a writer? What keeps those words flowing and how long have you been at it?
My Answer: I've had two basic motivations for my work. When I started out it was just because it was fun. Let's face it, it's good to be the boss. In writing, you dictate everything that happens. In it's own odd little way it makes you feel quite powerful. So, first motivation, just plain fun. Then the second motivation came along when I included my faith in my writing. I prayed, and still pray, to write for the glory of God. I feel compelled to tell His story in as many ways and as many times as is conceivable in the world of literature. This really keeps my wheels turning and the trilogy that came from praying for His will has been the most vibrant and resilient of any story I've worked on (still working.) Both these motivations have kept me spinning tales for roughly nine years and I've enjoyed those years immensely.
That was my answer, now let's hear about you!
