HGZero's rambelings Assignment 1

[HGZero]

How can I become a better writer?

I spend a lot of time thinking of how I want a story to go. In my mind I develop a character, carve the plot down to a desired path, and ponder what a good ending might be. Once I sit down to type things tend to go differently. The process of writing often feels like opening up a part of my soul and each word that comes out is not only showing what I see happening but also driving it along. With the case of such duality I find my characters often develop and take a life of their own. I do not let them run wild but I understand that I can only truly understand them though their actions. With long works and a steady stream of action the story adjusts and grows. I get to know the characters better.

I have heard that there are two different schools of thought when it comes to writing character driven stories. One is that they are my puppets and the idea that they have a life of their own is laughable. The other is what I know to be true for me. Characters are meant to be alive. When writing I understand that there are only so many plot points, so many twists, and so many ideas. I have readers who want more not because my story is the next di vin chi code, but because they miss my characters.

I am aware that though editing, rewriting, and sharing that I control every aspect of my story. I grow in my ability to tell stories and I try to remember the tips I read. I started writing for my self, and kept writing for my characters. Now I write to share the joy they bring me with others.

What I learned:

I have learned there are things I still do not understand about writing. Much of what I read in the posts confused me at several points. I have to admit my writing style is my own and while I try to read any tip others have about the art I work very carefully not to give my own. I am not sure if I will ever be good enough to give counsel. I have friends with stacks of books on writing. I have a few myself. What I have learned is that nothing beats experience. I am sure all of the tips come from experience and that I just lack enough to understand.

P.S.: I held off on doing this assignment for a long time. When I write I can let my work speak for it's self. When I talk about my writing in an abstract form such as skill I often see my own confidence bleed though to boasting. In my own mind I am a masterful writer. I am better than most at my level and am destined for greatness. In my own mind. When I feel myself grow as a writer it is both exciting and humbling. My work will always be the next one. I keep try to keep this in mind when I am getting my work edited, reviewed, and revised, but it is never easy. I love praise, but I also thrive off of bad news. I praise myself all the time so never worry that what you say might be too harsh. In a forum that is there for a lifestyle that can embrace pain as a form of pleasure, don't feel the need to hold back.

[Aussiegirl1]

Thanks HGZero, both for taking the time to think about your response and for sharing a bit of yourself in your post.

In my mind I develop a character, carve the plot down to a desired path, and ponder what a good ending might be. Once I sit down to type things tend to go differently

.

Oh my, how I can relate to this! I think it is great to let a story stray from your planned path, so long as it still makes sense. Some of my best ideas have come as I am mid-writing and are often much better than what I had planned.

I am aware that though editing, rewriting, and sharing that I control every aspect of my story. I grow in my ability to tell stories and I try to remember the tips I read. I started writing for my self, and kept writing for my characters. Now I write to share the joy they bring me with others.

I love this quote! It is great to write for yourself first. I know this was one of the first things I learnt about writing, not to try to write for a particular audience. If you love what you do, and you have interesting characters and plots, you will find an audience that loves your work.

I have to admit my writing style is my own and while I try to read any tip others have about the art I work very carefully not to give my own

.
I think this is great. There is no way any writer can follow every single tip they read, nor should they. If you have found a style that works for you, use it, while being open to any new ideas that might improve your skills. As to sharing your own ideas, well you might be surprised what others could learn from your style.

I am sure all of the tips come from experience and that I just lack enough to understand.

Hmm, while the tips do come from experience, they are someone else's experiences. Your lack of understanding of some points, could just be that they don't suit your style.

When I feel myself grow as a writer it is both exciting and humbling.

I hope you always feel this way.

I praise myself all the time so never worry that what you say might be too harsh.

LOL Well, while I will be honest with you, it is H Dean who will give you the element of harshness you desire.

Thanks again. You can move onto assignment 2 any time you like. I will be very interested in seeing how you like this assignment, as it is only new. I would be grateful if you could let me know what you thought of it.

AG

[H Dean]

Well, Big Zero, your situation is not unlike so many authors I know. Obviously, not unlike Aussiegirl's and very much like mine. As for thinking that your stories are superior to so many other stories...well, you think that now. But, when you've a greater number of stories, and after you've become practiced, you will look back at your masterpieces and shriek in horror. Yup - they will all posess a powerful odor. It won't be a good odor.

At any rate, it was good to hear from you on this first assignment. I look forward to you deconstructing one or another chapter for your next assignment. And yeah, Aussie is the nice one. I am a no good sob