Hype! Writers' Thread.

[Arcturus]

Casey, AndThePickles thank you both for the helpful advice, I truly appreciate it! I am glad that there are posters on this website that are so helpful.

 

[squeekness]

This is a good one, and one I'm sure that is different for everybody.

I get writer's block from time to time - normally caused by too much gaming or posting on forums a lot (not mentioning any names ). When this happens I try to get myself enthused again, setting the tone in my mind. I watch films that inspire me (Hitchcock works fine), and I'll read books that make me want to write (Lovecraft and Stephen King work well here). I get myself to that place where I can't not write. First I'll get enthused, and then I can be inspired easily.

I have found that this works for me as well. Sometimes you'll read or watch a movie and then some litle thing that meant nothing in that story will break free something stuck in your own.

When it comes to "writer's block," the best thing to do is force yourself to write. Professional writers can't wait around until they feel inspired, and even a novice shouldn't have to either.

Free-writing is often helpful. Just sit at your computer and type whatever comes to your head. You can start by writing a paragraph, or even brainstorm a list of ideas that interest you.

In terms of improving your writing, I've found that getting together with small groups and sharing is extremely helpful. When I was in college, I took both a Creative Writing workshop and a Nonfiction workshop, just for fun (my major involved technical writing, but I still enjoy writing creatively). Getting feedback from others who aren't afraid to give negative criticism is great.

Also, it is important to remember to draft, draft, draft.

I agree in that it's better to have written or typed out the bare bones of an idea that maybe isn't quite right just so you can say you wrote something. You can always go back and fix it later. (Thank heaven for computers!) Sometimes if I get really jammed, I will work on another section of my story and hope that somewhere along the line, I can bridge the gap later when I get a fresh idea.

 

[Eggyman]

Great stuff, Pickles and Casey

When it comes to "writer's block," the best thing to do is force yourself to write. Professional writers can't wait around until they feel inspired, and even a novice shouldn't have to either

Pickles, I do this all the time. I force myself to start (or continue), and then pretty soon I'll get the tone and voice I was looking for. Writing your way into a story is great advice.

 

[Angel_Faerie]

Here's my third draft:

Dear Mrs. Wiseman,

I am a seventeen-year old in search of an agent. I found you through a search on AgentQuery.com. The reason I’m seeking representation now is that I’m at work on a novel. Aimed at young adults, ONLY YOU is a romantic comedy about sixteen year old Jennifer Markus who, since seventh grade, has been hopelessly in love with a popular boy at school - Aaron Thompson. When things begin to progress between Aaron and popular girl Celine Kilkosk, Jennifer does something desperate in attempt to keep them apart.

While this may sound similar to other material, it is unique in that it doesn't misinterpret high school. In many novels for young adults, high school is greatly exaggerated. According to them, high school is either the most dangerous place in the world or the happiest, most perfect place one could dream of. My novel attempts to show the reality.

Please be in touch and tell me if you’d like to see more of my novel. In the meantime, thank you for taking the time to read my letter.

Sincerely yours, (MY NAME)

 

[SapphirePrima]

Kay, how come you guys don't participate in the writing contest?

 

[hammy]

Sorry SP, I'm on sabbatical.

AF, I think it keeps getting better but my personal take is that it's too flat. It's not compelling enough to stand out from the thousands of other queries she gets. Nothing screams, "You MUST read this manuscript." I can't stress enough how important query letters are. I got my first book contract from my very first query letter. You can make this one better.

 

[squeekness]

Kay, how come you guys don't participate in the writing contest?

Sorry, but I spend most of my time writing my huge fanfic, which reads more like an ongoing comic. I doesn't end, it just keeps going and going...

 

[SapphirePrima]

I know. I've put my script down, and been focusing on my story.

 

[Angel_Faerie]

Fourth Draft:

Dear Mrs. Wiseman,

I'm a seventeen year old girl in search of an agent. I found you through a search on AgentQuery.com. The reason I’m seeking representation now is because I’m at work on a novel. Aimed at young adults, ONLY YOU is a romantic comedy about sixteen year old Jennifer Markus who, since seventh grade, has been hopelessly in love with a popular boy at school - Aaron Thompson. When things begin to progress between Aaron and popular girl Celine Kilkosk, Jennifer does something desperate in attempt to keep them apart.

My novel is unique in that it doesn't misinterpret high school. In many novels for young adults, high school is greatly exaggerated. ONLY YOU shows the reality of high school and the people that fill it, steering clear of the cliched extremes that are often portrayed in novels for young adults. Much of the events that take place are based off of actual things that have occurred during my time so far in high school. This reality contrasts excellently with the more fictional, supernatural elements that come into play later in the story.

Please be in touch and tell me if you’d like to see more of ONLY YOU. In the meantime, thank you for taking the time to read my letter.

Sincerely yours, (MY NAME)

 

[Angel_Faerie]

I sent my letter off this afternoon....I'm so nervous...

 

[hammy]

That sounds a lot better than the previous ones, A.F. Good luck. Keep us posted.

 

[squeekness]

Yes, I hope you have good luck as well.

 

[Heroic Monkey]

Hello, Fellow Writers, I'm hosting a Superhero Fiction Short Story Contest @ www.heroicmonkey.com. Entries must be original stories. I've read some excellent fan fiction on these boards, so please don't take this as a stab at fan fiction. It's free to enter and I've listed a few prizes...it's a list I intend to grow if the interest demands it. So feel free to message me with prize suggestions and/or questions regarding the contest. I figured this was the most appropriate place to post this, since this is the Hype! Writers Thread. I hope you'll consider entering the contest. Thanks for the read!

- Gordie

 

[Angel_Faerie]

No reply yet from the agent. I'm getting a little worried. The site says if there's no reply in 4-6 weeks that it's a no...It's been 2 weeks...I'm panicking!!

 

[hammy]

Angel _Faerie, I know it probably seems like an eternity, but two weeks isn't long at all. In fact, there's a good chance your query hasn't even been seen yet. I know it's hard to do, but try not to worry just yet.

 

[MaskedManJRK]

Kay, how come you guys don't participate in the writing contest?

Writing contest?

 

[SapphirePrima]

Writing contest?

Umm yeah, it's a sticky.

 

[AndThePickles]

Angel _Faerie, I know it probably seems like an eternity, but two weeks isn't long at all. In fact, there's a good chance your query hasn't even been seen yet. I know it's hard to do, but try not to worry just yet.

Also, not to be a debbie downer, but it'll help your (Angel_Faerie) nerves if you truly understand the chances of getting a reply on the first letter you've sent out! Most writers have to send out MANY letters, and re-do many drafts. That's just the way the business works. No worries if you don't get a reply from this particular agent.

 

[adhokk7]

Having been published a few times, I'm amazed by the fact that, for me at least, the submission process doesn't get any easier. Going over the final draft is an utterly agonizing process each and every time. I'd almost rather have dental surgery. I just finished submitting a short story and I feel like, now that this trial is over, a tremendous weight has been taken off of me.
Anyway, just wanted to get that of my chest. My hat's off to you other writers. Now, it's on to the next project.

 

[LastSunrise1981]

Hey everyone,

I'm in the process of creating a story myself. Recently I felt a sense of inspiration to write a very dark, interesting, and emotional story about a Sentient who has been created to destroy mankind. Pretty much it evolved due to my love of heavy metal and the concept stories certain bands have created.

I was inspired by Iced Earth's Something Wicked concept album, Queensryche's Operation: Mindcrime, and I watched Artificial Intelligence and Terminator 2 as a guide to help me create an emotional balance with my characters and so forth. I will say it's not a story in a sense to where it's like a book, a magazine, or a comic book. It's a story told through poems and all of the poems tie the story together in a interesting way.

Is anyone interested in seeing the outline and the overall plot of the storyline?

 

[Eggyman]

Hey, Sunrise, that sounds like a very interesting idea. I'd love to see your stuff

 

[LastSunrise1981]

As most of you know I was in the middle of writing a story that more or less is based off of the poetry I've accumulated over the years. Recently this story started to unfold in my mind as I listened to Iced Earth's song "Come What May", Nevermore's "The Learning", and Queensryche's album "Operation: Mindcrime".

All of a sudden I became interested in creating my own story and how I could make it interesting or readable at least. Needless to say I came up with some characters, a scenario, and I noticed the majority of my recent poetry fit within the theme of the main character who is a sentient cyborg created to bring the apocalypse. But again I got stuck because the theme of an apocalyptic entity chosen to bring about the end of the world has been done plenty of times.

I then remembered how much I loved the film AI: Artificial Intelligence and became inspired to add in elements from that film to my story. While that film didn't include themes of cyborgs destroying the world, it explored the idea of a robot, cyborg, or whatever experiencing human like emotions and is unsure of his place in the world. Now the character is at a crossroads between the world he's known from birth and the world he's been programmed to eliminate.

I'm still working on the story as we speak and adding in new details and writing new poems that will bring the story together. I already had five written and the first two were the perfect introduction, the others such as "Parasite" and "Leeches" , as I read them, became very apparent that they were perfect as it reflected the program and the words that the Sentient's character implanted in his child.

Right now I'm working on a few more poems and I already have the ending of the story figured out. It's just trying to put it on paper and have it be realistic, emotional, and provides a powerful statement that's relevant to the character and to the overall theme. The title of the story is a working title still and I will continue working on the story until I feel I've perfected it.

However I will show you the outline of the story and the poems that add to the concept.

Progression of Destruction(Concept story)

The story begins with a scientist in a secret laboratory creating a technologically advanced cyborg who will bring about the destruction of mankind. The prototype is one of the many advanced models chosen to lead an army of significant soldiers that will create war, famine, and strife.

As the story moves along the prototype is programmed with a single purpose and that is to lead, destroy, and have its army reign supreme at the end of the world. Suddenly as he enters into the world he becomes conflicted with emotions that he's never felt as he comes into contact with humans who take an interest in him. He experiences a form of happiness, sadness, confusion, and is now trying to understand his purpose in an already dark world and dark upcoming future.

The lead Sentient is torn between fulfilling his existence as an instrument of destruction and becoming accustomed to a life he never knew. He was created not to become attached to humanity, love, peace, and now he's experiencing all of these unfamiliar emotions and it's conflicting with his nature. What decision will he make?

Poems/Lyrics of the story.

1. The Beginning of Creation
2. Parasite
3. Leeches
4. Sentient Prototype
5. The Last Days of Peaceful Winter(Will post this up when it's finished.)
6.The Ghost of Winter Nights
7. Voice of the Creator
8. Self-Aware

Update: The writing of the story is still going strong and the creative juices are flowing. Once again I have figured out the conclusion of the story and I feel it's going to be a powerful statement at the end. It hit me really strong a few minutes ago and I knew how to put it on paper. It's going to be a work in progress but I love a challenge and I love finding new ways to be creative.

Be on the look out in a few weeks for the finale of the story. I plan on posting a blog of all the poems in order in which the story takes place as well. The finale is being written right now as I'm typing this and going back and forth with my pen and paper.

 

[Angel_Faerie]

Still no word from that agent. So I'm thinking that means no. The type of stuff she represents is exactly what my book is!

 

[Arcturus]

LastSunrise1981, your story sounds very interesting!

 

[LastSunrise1981]

LastSunrise1981, your story sounds very interesting!

Thanks. I just finished the finale a few minutes ago. Is anyone interested in seeing the poems together that form the story? I was going to post them in one post but I didn't want it to become pointless.