Post: Reply | Quote

(To all those olders, more knowledgeble out there, this could seem premature, but hey, it's how I wright!) ">

I always have an idea that has been playing around in my mind for awile. Then, I sit at the computer, with something to stare at for inspreation (i.e my pool, a cup of hot chocolate etc.)
Then, I let the words flow for the first paragraph. I then let my dad (ahh, my worse critic, I love him for it) and watch he's face. a smile tweaks the ends of his mouth, good part, eyes enlarge and go back to normal, bad. Then, I wait for he's response, and start again
By the time I have no more inspiration, I read through it (for the thousandth time) and if I don't like it, I don't save it. If I do, then I save it, and maybe come back to it another day.

I have to have that idea from the beggining, then use the books I've read, what's around me, how I feel, all as inspiration. Never taking off others work though.

Satine0071

Post: Reply | Quote

Hello there Satine...thanks for stopping by.

Yes, we all have different sources of inspiration. I find now I'm paying more attention to what's happening around me because even something simple like a friend relating a story or a paragraph you read in a newspaper can set off an explosion of thoughts which turn to real storylines. How terrific to have a dad as a sounding board. I use my husband who knows NOTHING about fantasy and I too let my parents read the manuscript. They find it hilarious as things crop up from my childhood that they've almost forgotten. In my trilogy, there's a man called Adongo...he is inspired by a real person of that name whom I knew 35 years ago and obviously made a very big impression on a very little girl.

Anyway, thanks for sharing your thoughts - are you a lover of fantasy tales?

Post: Reply | Quote

I wish my start was that simple...

I have to have a map. then I look at it and let the ideas flow of who lives in that world. I have to write pages of notes about them first. Then I sat down and started my first real story after just writing scenes that came into my head. I've been at it for ten days now... I am finding that I can't wait to write more of it, its like a damn opened up. I sent what I had done to my American penfriend who does some writing. She's very cluely and picks up on holes or things that just don't make any sense and I can trust her. So far she really liked the story. If she thought it was lame she would have said so...

-------

"The world is not enough..." James Bond 007

Post: Reply | Quote

So just let the dam run free now, Ebony! Write, write, write, write..........x

Post: Reply | Quote

I have tried started writing some many times its not funny. Usually when I am fairly emotional because that is when the best things come to me, but I have a feeling this probably isn't the best way to start as when that emotion runs out I find I'm stuck. I also find that when I read what I have written it is not very good anyway.

Maybe I am supposed to leave writing up to those people that have the talent and I will just enjoy the fruits of those talents. 

-------

HAIL the fantasy writer!

Post: Reply | Quote

Ailsa, you probably haven't hit your stride as a writer yet and you're being overly critical of youself.

One of the most important things you can do as a writer is to read, read and read some more.  Read really well within the genre you think you might like to write in, particularly if it's fantasy because you easily run the risk of inadvertantly producing a bit of work that's already been published by someone else!  But, fantasy also holds examples of everything from really fantastic to really ordinary writing.  Read some of the ordinary stuff and you'll find that your writing is probably not that bad after all! 

Join us in the writer's forum on Tuesdays for advice and support.

As for writing when you're emotional - don't write only when you're emotional.  You can certainly use your emotion in your work, but you need the discipline of writing much more regularly.  Even if you think it's complete crap - just keep writing and reading - you'll learn so much.  And you won't get any better if you keep stopping each time you think it's garbage.  You should read some of the tedious rubbish I've written (especially when I'm emotional!) - I'm sure you'll find every writer could say that about themselves.

Mdx

Post: Reply | Quote

Thanks Merryd.

I am little flat out with my dancing and teaching at the moment, so don't really have time for a lot of writing though I am getting a bit of reading done as I fall asleep at night. Would love to join you guys on a Tuesday but that is a dancing day so probably not. I will definately keep everything that you have said in mind though.

Thanks again Ailsa

-------

HAIL the fantasy writer!