looking for opinions |
Author: Robert Hobaugh (---.dsl.ipltin.sbcglobal.net)
Date: 04-30-08 22:45
Can anyone tell me the best way for me to show my work? I have never wrote anything publicly. The only person I have ever shown my work to is my wife, and she always tells me that it is great (what else would she say? she loves me). I would like to find someone who could look at some of my writing and tell me what they honestly think.
I am not fooling myself thinking I am the greatest writer, but I do feel I have something to share with the world. I don't know why and I have stopped trying to figure out why, but there is something that is in my sole that tells me to write. Can anyone help?
Please write back thank you
Robert H
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Re: looking for opinions |
Author: Busy Lizzy (---.dip.t-dialin.net)
Date: 05-01-08 03:38
You can post an excerpt in the WC part of this forum.The members are usually very patient and helpful.
But you need a thick skin. They like to express their opinions very clearly, not meaning to hurt but to help.
Good luck!
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Re: looking for opinions |
Author: Beautiful Loser (---.dllstx.fios.verizon.net)
Date: 05-01-08 10:30
I'll be blunt.
Before you post ANYTHING, first check for typos, grammatical errors, etc. If you don't, you'll be chastised.
Also, use single space, double between paragraphs, and try to understand that most people here also have other works of their own in progress.
Hope that helps. I'm sure OTHERS will also provide input.
Good luck, welcome aboard, and fasten your seatbelt. Sometimes the ride gets a little bumpy. ;-D
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Re: looking for opinions |
Author: Linden Holidae (---.bois.qwest.net)
Date: 05-01-08 20:21
Hello, i'm new at this too, and i'm addicted as well. i know what you mean, i've been bold and asked more people though. I tell them that this is just my first draft and i'm sure there's at least 4 more drafts ahead of me. i call my first flow of words, literary vomit. I also let people know that i don't want spelling or editing corrections, just their opinion on the substance of the story, how it reads, and all that. i can iron it out later, so be clear on what you want from their response, and also, i ask them to also give compliments as well. We all have a few things negative to say, but we need positive to keep going, to know what works. I know i'm the kind that will write no matter what others say, just like you.... :)
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Re: looking for opinions |
Author: d. Leroy (---.area5.spcsdns.net)
Date: 05-01-08 21:15
I'd definitely take Beautiful's advice - if you post a piece of work, don't post something full of typos, mispellings, grammar errors, etc. - I'm not saying it has to be perfect, but at least enough to show you've taken some time and worked on it.
Speaking for myself, I don't usually waste time on someone's "first draft" when reading their posts and providing feedback. Here's why:
I've got my own writing to do, I don't mind helping people out (as I need the favor returned), but I like to see people put their best foot forward, that's the real risk, that's where you get the honest truth. Once you think you've written the greatest thing ever, that's when you post it. Then you'll really<\i> know what people think and where you stand.
Posting work that isn't your best leaves you an out, you can always say, 'well, that's just my first draft' and when you say upfront that this is just my first draft, the people who do critique it, they're just skimming it, they're not doing the deep dive and critiquing your writing, which is what it sounds like your looking for.
Just remember, it's all individual opinions and the feedback you get is not personal.
d.
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Re: looking for opinions |
Author: d. Leroy (---.area5.spcsdns.net)
Date: 05-01-08 21:18
Sorry for screwing up the italics.
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Re: looking for opinions |
Author: Busy Lizzy (---.dip.t-dialin.net)
Date: 05-02-08 04:24
Sorry Linden, but I have to agree with d.Leroy here. If you post something here that is full of ugly mistakes, it reveals too much about your - let's call it - "mistake-potential".
It's like going out on a first date with someone, hoping to start a lasting relationship, with runs in your stockings and smeared mascara.
He won't be impressed if you tell him,"I know I'm looking dreadful this evening, but I really can make myself look devastating, if I like."
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Re: looking for opinions |
Author: Beautiful Loser (---.dllstx.fios.verizon.net)
Date: 05-02-08 08:21
I'll just leave it at this...some people here have a hizzy fit if you don't provide substantive works. Personally, it doesn't bother me a bit when you say "sole" and I know you mean "soul" - others will JUMP ALL OVER YA!
You've been warned.
Trust me, been there, did that...
As I said, welcome aboard.
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Re: looking for opinions |
Author: Kate Humphrey (---.range86-141.btcentralplus.com)
Date: 05-02-08 09:17
The other thing about first drafts full of mistakes that I have a problem with is that they are really distracting to me. I can't get into the substance of the work if there are glaring mistakes all over the place. But maybe that is just because I am a stickler for puncuation and grammar...my mother was an english major. Came with the territory. Kate
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Virgin Writer says.... |
Author: Linden Holidae (---.bois.qwest.net)
Date: 05-03-08 15:30
Ok, ok world, sorry, let me explain...
Rober, my writers hand is streatched out to you, please hold on. Sure, if you are going to have writers and publishers look at your stuff, let the work be your best.
But in my opinion, in the world of average americans, our readers, friends, family, of course you don't want the paper to be hard to read, but ask them to not analize over a couple of misspelled words or grammatical errors. With a computer, generally there isn't that many spelling errors.
Also, in my virgin writers opinion, what helps motivate and feed our passion- compliments.
Writing a first novel takes time, it would suck to work for 2 years on it, and then have people say that it was horrible. I'm talking about offering a sample to your friends, coworkers, people you trust.
As for the cute comment about having something "with it's make-up smeared and pantyhose ripped," I think of offering a first draft sample more like:
Her heaving chest filled up the sweaty flannel, her jeans were worn and faded, and oh, a hole in the side revealing dark, soft skin. Her thick braid of blond hair swayed back and forth as she worked in the heat, bucking hay, chopping wood. Sweat moistened the dirt and dropped on her strong hands, with a nice shower, this raw beauty would clean up well.....
what do you think Robert? seems you need validation from the average reader before you get hacked apart from fellow writers and publishers, etc....
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Oh, ya... |
Author: Linden Holidae (---.bois.qwest.net)
Date: 05-03-08 15:34
i love how i get picked apart for my writers forum misspelled words and grammatical disasters, you'd think you can just get your message in here without having it hacked apart as well, kind of funny, i don't mind, but in here, you have to edit your comments before you can let go of them... love this site though, :) in good humor... always!
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Re: Oh, ya... |
Author: Cara K (---.hsd1.ct.comcast.net)
Date: 05-03-08 22:58
I think if this were a forum for mechanics or landscapers, people wouldn't be so offended by misspellings and grammatical mistakes. But since we are writers, we have high standards in regards to written work. As far as the mistakes go, I don't mind finding them or correcting them. But it is true that, if I'm distracted by little mistakes, I'm not looking as closely at flaws in the actual writing. Just something to think about!
--Cara K
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Re: Oh, ya... |
Author: Busy Lizzy (---.dip.t-dialin.net)
Date: 05-04-08 01:53
LOL, Linden! I loved that twist you gave my post. Reading that, I would say that your writing is great and stands out for itself.
Ever thought of stretching that scene out into a novel? :-)
Incidentally, I didn't notice many mistakes in that one...
Busy Lizzy
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Re: Oh, ya... |
Author: Cathy C (---.sangtx.dsl-w.verizon.net)
Date: 05-04-08 12:31
Linden,
I do understand what you're saying, but the problem comes when you're moving from the "private" world of your friends, co-workers and family (and yes, they're all still PRIVATE because they know you, which is going to necessarily skew their opinion of the book/story.) When you say "public" on a public board like WN, which is composed of writers, you're asking where to go to have it looked at by people LIKE YOU---other writers.
Writers usually don't want validation or compliments from other writers. Pats on the back and "Great job!" compliments are fun, but don't do a darned thing to improve the story. Heck, your friends will be impressed that you even managed to get something down on paper, which they often can't do themselves, so they're useless as Beta readers.
To put your work out in the actual public is a whole different thing, so consider the move carefully. You're more likely to get negative opinions of the work than positive ones---because it's what you're ASKING people to do, by the mere posting of it with the question "What do you think?"
If you're not yet ready, psychologically, to have it ripped to shreds publically for the betterment of the work, then don't do it yet.
You'll know when you're ready when you BEG for negative comments, when you WANT people to say the character doesn't breathe for them, or that your plot has holes a truck could drive through. Still, some people are never ready for other opinions that aren't glowing. Only you know where you stand on it.
Good luck either way. :)
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Oh, ya.... woman... :) |
Author: Linden Holidae (---.bois.qwest.net)
Date: 05-04-08 23:57
Yep, i'm working on my first novel, and i love it. I have a friend who reads a lot, and she knows a screen writer who both love my novel so far, and the original subject matter. I was just drawn to Roberts comments, and what he says about himself. He says he loves Writing, breathing, his wife, his kids, and writing. I laughed because i have said the same thing, but, i love writing, breathing, my husband and kids, and writing, and that was before i read Roberts description of himself.
It was like driving down a long road of drab blacktop and i saw something glimmer on the side of the road, so i pulled over and it was a discarded diamond ring. There isn't that many people out there, or authors that i'm drawn to anymore. Thanks so much for the compliment...
-Linden....
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Re: Oh, ya.... woman... :) |
Author: Dave Norem (---.dhcp.jcsn.tn.charter.com)
Date: 05-06-08 09:29
Robert Hobaugh
You might have a great story and a wonderful way of telling it, and still use lousy grammar and punctuation.
The story, and how you tell it, is what really matters.
The only way to find out is to post the first two or three paragraphs and see what happens.
Some writers are meticulous with their spelling and grammar, while putting you to sleep within three or four paragraphs.
Go for it.
Dave Norem
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opinions |
Author: A.L. Sirois (155.91.28.---)
Date: 05-08-08 11:29
In workshops, I've run into some people who simply cannot accept any criticism whatsoever. All they want is to be told how good their stuff is. These "misunderstood" people never last long. Frankly, I don't have time for them, so I'm always happy to see them leave.
Being told what's good about a piece of writing is far less helpful to a writer's creative development than constructive criticism of what is wrong. A little validation is good, of course, and we'd all love to be told how great we are, all day long, but that doesn't pay the bills.
So, if you get some negative remarks you can snivel and whine about your bruised ego or you can set that BS aside and work on improving your skills so that you can sell your work and make some money.
You like my writing? Thank you! I appreciate that! Now tell me how to make it better so that I can sell more of it.
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Re: opinions |
Author: Michael Scott (---.bb.sky.com)
Date: 05-09-08 12:07
Hi, I am new here, I have read parts of this thread. My punctuation is crap. I tend to miss out small words. Maybe, this is why I am going to come down firmly on the side of those who make typos. Personally, I believe in creative writing. It comes from the imagination, and your own basic communication techniques. Good grammar can be taught and learned, for fiction writes, the imagination cannot. I have never written anything, until I wrote a 125,000 word novel. While I am waiting for an opinion and sopme proofing. I\'ve written the first 20,000 words of the sequel! If I ask for a critique, I don\'t want a grammar check. I just want to know if it\'s any good, before I write thousands more words of crap. Try to think of a loveletter, from somebody who has a crush on you, they have finally amassed enough courage, to commit their feeling to paper, the greatest insult would be to correct the punctuation and send it back. If I post here, I am asking one question (unless otherwise specified)
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Did you enjoy it?
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Re: opinions |
Author: Jeanne Gassman (---.ph.ph.cox.net)
Date: 05-09-08 12:45
But here is the problem, Michael. Grammar and punctuation control the style, the writer's voice. You mentioned "communication techniques." Well, good writing is all about good communication. It doesn't matter how imaginative your story is if the reader can't understand it or is distracted by poor grammar, spelling, typos, etc.
A professional musician needs to know how to count, how to read music, and how to play in tune. A writer should also master the tools of his trade: grammar and punctuation. When you master the tools, you can make the words dance for you.
Just my thoughts...
Jeanne
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Re: opinions |
Author: A.L. Sirois (155.91.28.---)
Date: 05-13-08 13:28
What Jeanne said, pure and simple. Next case.
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Re: opinions |
Author: Edward Stevens (---.hsd1.mn.comcast.net)
Date: 05-13-08 21:09
Hi,
I have two ways to give advice that would help you. Both I offer totally free as a member of this forum.
The first thing that I can offer is to tell you that I found a great way to increase both my frequency of writing, get critiqued, get published immediately, and earn some extra money at the same time.
The best thing is that it is also 100% completely free with no strings what so ever attached. This has helped me so much I am looking for like souls to share this information with.
If you want more details and want to answer me via this forum that is fine or you can contact me directly at londonering@aol.com
I hope you are interested but if not - it's not a problem and pardon my message if you consider it an intrusion.
The next is to tell you to use www.blogspot.com to write your own blog. Then the important thing is that to increase your number of hits on your blog site you need to use www.socialmarker.com to post your site to as many social bookmarking sites as possible. That address will allow you to post a link to your site to up to 47 sites.
It's also totally free - other than the time you put in to do the posting.
Good Luck and I hope to hear from you,
Javaman - Edward Stevens
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Re: opinions |
Author: Edward Stevens (---.hsd1.wa.comcast.net)
Date: 05-13-08 21:11
Hi Virgin Writer,
I found a great way to get started, get critiqued, get published immediately, and earn some extra money at the same time.
The best thing is that it is 100% completely free with no strings what so ever attached. This has helped me so much I am looking for like souls to share this information with.
I hope you are interested but if not - it's not a problem and pardon my message if you consider it an intrusion.
If you want to answer via this forum that is fine or you can contact me directly at londonering@aol.com
I would prefer to send you this info by email as I don't want the entire world to know abou this.
Sincerely,
JavaMan - Edward Stevens
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Re: opinions |
Author: Ce Ce (---.clt.bellsouth.net)
Date: 05-13-08 21:21
Sigh again.
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Re: opinions |
Author: d. Leroy (---.area5.spcsdns.net)
Date: 05-13-08 22:09
What the hell is going on in here?
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Re: opinions |
Author: A.L. Sirois (155.91.28.---)
Date: 05-14-08 12:03
We've attracted a spammer.
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Sorry. You need to Join WritersNet and activate your account to post a message.
It's quick, easy and free. All we need is a valid email address and the name you wish to use here .
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