cariad's second assignment

[cariad]

For your next task I would like you to do two things. One is to let me know how you liked this task and how you felt about not using all of your usual methods to check your work.

I would then like you to read Rabbit's stickies at the top of level two - How can I become a better writer and more general writing tips. Let me know what points helped you, inspired you, overwhelmed you etc.

I will look forward to hearing your views on these readings. I am going to make reading and commenting on them part of the level from now on and would love to know if you think it is a worthwhile task.

Aussiegirl

Assignment One, without grammar checker running, or second person proof reading it.

First of all a big thank you Aussiegirl for excusing me the spelling bit of this task. I actually found it easier to write without the grammar checker on, because so often my sentences ‘fail’ Mr Gate’s standards, which makes me go back and check to see what is ‘wrong’, and then have a mental disagreement with the computer as to whether the ‘error’ was justified. I am not sure that the extra commas which you suggested would have been picked up anyway – so all in all, thinking of having it switched off in future.

Whilst I was happy to post here without someone else proof reading it, I would feel most unhappy about going more public.

I would be really interested in anybody’s views about the pace of the story at the end – I was aware that it became much faster, but it was how it ‘felt’ as I wrote it. I do wonder though if I should have thrown a little more description in. The other element I struggled with there, is the potential cross over between erotica and pornography, which is a line I did not wish to cross.

Rabbit's sticky paws

Characterisation – I am quite sure I am not the sort of person who would ever prepare a written character sketch, but can see that a note pad on which to record details of the character, either as they occur to me, or as they are added to the story would be both useful and practical.

Dialogue – this is something which I have to admit I fight shy of, I find it very hard to write good dialogue for characters who not have the same background as myself. But I take the point on board, and will see if I can make use of it.

Conflict – Whilst this is a sound observation it felt like a rather obvious point, and I am not quite sure how to make use of it, but will bare it in mind.

On scene and sequel – being uncomfortably new to this whole writing business I have yet to face this issue. What is said makes sense, and the notes are filed away in my head for future reference.

Deadwood – now this is an interesting one. I am the girl who was once put into detention at school for writing a story about the beach and not mentioning the sea. My excuse being that everyone KNOWS the sea is there. I can see how long wordy descriptive passages can slow the plot, but there is a balance. I hope that my friends and tutors here will help me to find the middle path.

Asking your character’s questions. I think this is one of those ideas which is so obvious that it can slip under, my at least, radar. Is also linked to the cheat sheet above. I think I will find the great challenge creating the conflict for my characters to respond to.

Dialect. Well, I don’t know any dialects well enough to attempt writing in them, but use of syntax and keywords to reflect the character’s background is a good point and one I would enjoy using, given the opportunity.

Plotting – well my palms go sweaty at the thought. Perhaps more because I have never done it, however I can see how essential it is to have some structure. The triple O would seem to be a useful way to go about it, and I will try using it….

Strengths / weaknesses – I know what I expect these to be, but since the only fictional writing I have done since I was 16 is what I have written for writer’s block, it remains to be seen. I do like the idea of a notebook to record snippets of conversations, character details etc.

Editing – well this is something I am shooting up the learning curve on. I have to admit I find it hard, although am fully convinced of the need of it. I think I made the most modifications as a result of reading what I had written out loud. Made me aware of where the text did not flow quite as it could.

JP Parz’s tips – my struggle here is not the point which he makes, but how to get inside the male head. I was thinking about this last night, and decided that it is back to the obvious, read well written stories which have male authors and learn from them.

I had read these tips before I posted my first assignment, and had extracted these points, so not sure that I found writing this up in note form particularly helpful – but perhaps that is just me – I also hate keeping case notes at work.

[Aussiegirl1]

Thanks Cariad, You certainly did a great job reading and refecting on the readings.

Now I would like you to do another short story, using any spelling and grammar checks you want to.

[cariad]

Part three coming up then, although probably not until after the weekend

cariad

[Aussiegirl1]

No worries, take your time! I am sure it will be worth the wait.