Finally, I'm complete with my first iteration of 3 short stories. If you just started reading (and I know, I'm sporadic at best); then this was my plan:
Firstly, I would write three short stories, each one focusing on a different part of my writing style that I think I needed to develop.
1) Voice: I wanted to define the mood and overall disposition with which I executed my writing. My voice constantly changes, but has some core fundamental concepts that are 90% of the time, homogeneous in my writing. A friend who read a short story stated that it reminded her of Film Noir. I would like to think that my voice alternates between that, action-intensity, and epic description typical of High Fantasy.
2) Conflict Resolution: More of a technical aspect. I've become better acquainted with myself as a writer. I'm now able to develop a source-sheet for a project, to prevent me from going on tangent, while at the same time, not being restricted to whats down in the outline.
3) Theme: A big one. My work must pass-along a greater message. Something deeper than the text itself, appealing to emotion, deep intellect, or even something more. Very small target, but I think I'm getting there in my own way.
Then, after this first series of three is complete, I would try to sum them up in one project:
4) A project that tries to combine all aspects of the first three short stories into one.
Following this; I would execute two more projects to tackle stylistic elements that can be attributed to any genre; although I would argue that the result would be a new genre or sub-genre. Both of these style elements are common in my chosen genre(s) [if it can be considered that I have one].
5) Satire. Using humor in my writing to make a social or political statement.
6) Dark. Unfortunately, far too much of my work ends up being 'dark' and my heroes find defeat easier than they do victory. If thats my standard, I shudder to think what my 'dark' is.
And finally, just a 7th project to wrap it all up.
7) Last Project. My choice. Just an open-ended project.
Now that I've finished project #3; I'm going to begin work on the Satire Piece, and maybe start sourcing for Project 4. However, I've had a concept sheet for a novel laid out for about 3 months now, and that is begging of my attention, so I may opt to start it, and work on projects 4, 6, and 7; when writer's block strikes.
Thanks for reading! Now I'm off to mail this to F&SF Magazine. Wish me luck
Showing posts with label Creative Writing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Creative Writing. Show all posts
Friday, December 10, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
UFOs, Aliens, and More!!!
Oh My!
Taking a Short Break; probably just until tommorrow (for a total of one week), before I begin work on my 3rd Short Story for the fall. This one is a much more in-depth character story with deep focus.
However, I don't want to get too much into that.
Are you bored? Check out my Alien Abduction Site, currently, I'm running a story, as related to me by a man in Florida, who has been having strange encounters. The episodes are revealed through regressive hypnosis, and the transcripts seem genuine (thus why I run them). So stop on by, if you can!
Taking a Short Break; probably just until tommorrow (for a total of one week), before I begin work on my 3rd Short Story for the fall. This one is a much more in-depth character story with deep focus.
However, I don't want to get too much into that.
Are you bored? Check out my Alien Abduction Site, currently, I'm running a story, as related to me by a man in Florida, who has been having strange encounters. The episodes are revealed through regressive hypnosis, and the transcripts seem genuine (thus why I run them). So stop on by, if you can!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Sons of Anarchy
Okay, while I'm working on my next short story, I thought I would write about this. Anyone here watch Sons of Anarchy? Its a show about an Outlaw Motorcycle Gang in Northern California. Its got elements of action, but is really centered on the inter-character drama that happens within the gang, and focuses somewhat on the criminal element of the gang.
I love the show, but it reminds me of a quote I read recently. "People read books for company, not for plot." While SoA has a great plot, and could be potentially a great action piece, or great crime bit, in only touches on those issues. In exchange, it focuses on the development of the characters.
I'd love it if it took a more Active bent, but I understand why they made it like it is. After all
, it is high-up there in ratings. However, they could achieve a better mix if they had a higher budget (BattleStar Galactica, after all was a decent mix of an active plot and drama, and was critically acclaimed). But I'm starting to think thats not where Kurt Sutter is wanting to go with this.
Still, I'm addicted.
I love the show, but it reminds me of a quote I read recently. "People read books for company, not for plot." While SoA has a great plot, and could be potentially a great action piece, or great crime bit, in only touches on those issues. In exchange, it focuses on the development of the characters.
I'd love it if it took a more Active bent, but I understand why they made it like it is. After all
, it is high-up there in ratings. However, they could achieve a better mix if they had a higher budget (BattleStar Galactica, after all was a decent mix of an active plot and drama, and was critically acclaimed). But I'm starting to think thats not where Kurt Sutter is wanting to go with this.
Still, I'm addicted.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Happy
I'm about to get a soda from the store, and work on my next short story project. Hopefully have it finished before Monday morning. I think this one will be a good story.
Its focused on the Conflict & Conflict Resolution aspect that I need to develop, it has a really defined concept, and an especially defined conflict. The narrative flows like water, logically so far, and will end in a way that will support the protagonist.
However, I've already written the outline for the third project. And this one may be a bit unusual, but I had to think really hard to get a story with theme in. I came up with a theme, a very deep-seated personal one. Its conflict is not so clear cut, and no violence is involved in the story. Hopefully it will show my depth and breadth as a writer, and some publisher will pick it up.
Really...I hope all of my stories will be picked up. :) I'm confident though, there are a few gems in the rough here and there.
Lastly, on a personal note, I'm happy with life. I've had some personal problems, but I finally feel recovered from them, and that I've moved on successfully. I will soon out-pace anyone who had their chips against me.
Its focused on the Conflict & Conflict Resolution aspect that I need to develop, it has a really defined concept, and an especially defined conflict. The narrative flows like water, logically so far, and will end in a way that will support the protagonist.
However, I've already written the outline for the third project. And this one may be a bit unusual, but I had to think really hard to get a story with theme in. I came up with a theme, a very deep-seated personal one. Its conflict is not so clear cut, and no violence is involved in the story. Hopefully it will show my depth and breadth as a writer, and some publisher will pick it up.
Really...I hope all of my stories will be picked up. :) I'm confident though, there are a few gems in the rough here and there.
Lastly, on a personal note, I'm happy with life. I've had some personal problems, but I finally feel recovered from them, and that I've moved on successfully. I will soon out-pace anyone who had their chips against me.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Short Story Projects
After thinking this through, I'm going to go ahead and tell you my three Short Story projects, that I have in mind to help me develop my writing. Each one is dedicated to a different aspect that I feel I personally need to work on.
Also, I would like to apologize for not updating this blog often enough, but I will make more attempts now.
Project 1: Voice
Related to my novel concept that I've written, I wrote a short story about a Necromancer who will appear in the novel. Its sort of his Origin story. It's already been written, and submitted, however, I'm doubtful if it will be accepted. I would be delighted if it was, and I shall post the results here, of course.
Project 2: Conflict/Conflict-Resolution
One of the clear things in my novels, is that sometimes I lack a clearly defined conflict for my stories. I've noticed this in at least two of my works, so I will be writing a simple short story, involving ants. I've taken, recently, to outlining the plot elements of a story, to ease in the writing process. In fact, after this blog post, I will begin working on the outline for this Short Story, in the hopes of writing it this weekend.
Project 3: Theme
My stories are generally very one-dimensional, in that they lack any themes beyond what is given directly to the story. I want to develop this very clearly, and though my writing style (and the voice I've started to define) is clearly different from Mr. Liu's; he was my inspiration to consider this.
Boss Battle 1: Combination
You like that title, don't you? Yes. I will be writing a forth short story, combining all those elements I had developed before. No, I have no clue as to the plot yet; or even the setting. But overarching plots and especially settings are my strong points.
After these are completed, I also plan a few more very specific projects, before I can feel assured that I'll do justice to the Plot/Setting that is mind for my novel.
Project 4: Chara Development
I plan to make one story very character-centric. Maybe centric on a few of them; and I shall focus on developing them as characters. As above, I have no idea what this story will be about.
Project 5: Emotional Attachment
A second story, character-centric. This one will be about providing the reader with company, as opposed to providing them with plot. It will still be fully developed, but I will be focusing on making sub-themes for the characters, that hopefully tie-in to a larger theme.
Final Boss Battle:
A last story, hopefully that I will complete and submit by January 1st, 2011; which will combine the elements which I will struggle to obtain through the next two months. After submitting this, I think I will be ready to begin work on my new novel.
While I would like some commercial success with these six works (and hopefully will at least see one published); I am not set upon it. Even if the works aren't picked up in their independent state, I will consider it a victory just to have written with focus on one topic in each project. Thus, I will go on to begin my novel, come hell or high-water. I have no clue when I'll finish the novel, though it should be much more expedient than my 'grinding' on my first zombie novel, as the plot and major conflict (as well as chapter layout) has already been done.
In truth, I expect to write a few short paragraphs for the novel even while I'm working on these smaller projects, if only to break some of the boredom. However, while I'm writing the novel, I shall continue to turn out shorter stories as I enter periods of writer's block.
Thats really all I had to say. I wrote this as much for me as for you guys. I think I'm very creative, and some of you who've read my RPG settings, know this. I want to translate this into literary ability.
Feel free to subscribe here, or subscribe to my Alien Blog. But from now on, this blog will be devoted to my efforts in writing. Hell or High-Water.
Also, I would like to apologize for not updating this blog often enough, but I will make more attempts now.
Project 1: Voice
Related to my novel concept that I've written, I wrote a short story about a Necromancer who will appear in the novel. Its sort of his Origin story. It's already been written, and submitted, however, I'm doubtful if it will be accepted. I would be delighted if it was, and I shall post the results here, of course.
Project 2: Conflict/Conflict-Resolution
One of the clear things in my novels, is that sometimes I lack a clearly defined conflict for my stories. I've noticed this in at least two of my works, so I will be writing a simple short story, involving ants. I've taken, recently, to outlining the plot elements of a story, to ease in the writing process. In fact, after this blog post, I will begin working on the outline for this Short Story, in the hopes of writing it this weekend.
Project 3: Theme
My stories are generally very one-dimensional, in that they lack any themes beyond what is given directly to the story. I want to develop this very clearly, and though my writing style (and the voice I've started to define) is clearly different from Mr. Liu's; he was my inspiration to consider this.
Boss Battle 1: Combination
You like that title, don't you? Yes. I will be writing a forth short story, combining all those elements I had developed before. No, I have no clue as to the plot yet; or even the setting. But overarching plots and especially settings are my strong points.
After these are completed, I also plan a few more very specific projects, before I can feel assured that I'll do justice to the Plot/Setting that is mind for my novel.
Project 4: Chara Development
I plan to make one story very character-centric. Maybe centric on a few of them; and I shall focus on developing them as characters. As above, I have no idea what this story will be about.
Project 5: Emotional Attachment
A second story, character-centric. This one will be about providing the reader with company, as opposed to providing them with plot. It will still be fully developed, but I will be focusing on making sub-themes for the characters, that hopefully tie-in to a larger theme.
Final Boss Battle:
A last story, hopefully that I will complete and submit by January 1st, 2011; which will combine the elements which I will struggle to obtain through the next two months. After submitting this, I think I will be ready to begin work on my new novel.
While I would like some commercial success with these six works (and hopefully will at least see one published); I am not set upon it. Even if the works aren't picked up in their independent state, I will consider it a victory just to have written with focus on one topic in each project. Thus, I will go on to begin my novel, come hell or high-water. I have no clue when I'll finish the novel, though it should be much more expedient than my 'grinding' on my first zombie novel, as the plot and major conflict (as well as chapter layout) has already been done.
In truth, I expect to write a few short paragraphs for the novel even while I'm working on these smaller projects, if only to break some of the boredom. However, while I'm writing the novel, I shall continue to turn out shorter stories as I enter periods of writer's block.
Thats really all I had to say. I wrote this as much for me as for you guys. I think I'm very creative, and some of you who've read my RPG settings, know this. I want to translate this into literary ability.
Feel free to subscribe here, or subscribe to my Alien Blog. But from now on, this blog will be devoted to my efforts in writing. Hell or High-Water.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Secondary Projects
I trully believe one of the best cures for writer's block, without a loss of productivity, is having an established list of secondary projects. These projects should be completely seperate entities, from the project your trying to overcome. Thus, blogs, marketing, and other associated material will not help you overcome writing block on a project.
I recently wrote another nice Short Story, and mailed it today (with any luck I will be telling you who picked it up in a few weeks). But I've noticed that it has re-invigorated me towards working on my novel. Why does this happen? Why do our brains work like that?
I think one good thing, is when you write something else, or work on another project, you start to identify with that project, and maybe come up with good bits for it. And sometimes you might be able to apply those bits to another project. For instance, I found a really good chapter opener which I plan to modify and re-use in several other writing projects of mine. Thats just an example.
However working on another project should never take the place of exposing yourself to other media or works by other people. You need those alternate points of view, because frankly, you will never get them anywhere else. But projects do not reduce your productivity, because you can always use those for something. I find myself writing several short stories while working on the novel, and if only 25% of them get picked up, that might be close to a $1000 I wouldn't have otherwise. Plus, in the future, I still have the other shorts, and I can either self-publish them, or try to market them to other magazines.
I recently wrote another nice Short Story, and mailed it today (with any luck I will be telling you who picked it up in a few weeks). But I've noticed that it has re-invigorated me towards working on my novel. Why does this happen? Why do our brains work like that?
I think one good thing, is when you write something else, or work on another project, you start to identify with that project, and maybe come up with good bits for it. And sometimes you might be able to apply those bits to another project. For instance, I found a really good chapter opener which I plan to modify and re-use in several other writing projects of mine. Thats just an example.
However working on another project should never take the place of exposing yourself to other media or works by other people. You need those alternate points of view, because frankly, you will never get them anywhere else. But projects do not reduce your productivity, because you can always use those for something. I find myself writing several short stories while working on the novel, and if only 25% of them get picked up, that might be close to a $1000 I wouldn't have otherwise. Plus, in the future, I still have the other shorts, and I can either self-publish them, or try to market them to other magazines.
Monday, January 4, 2010
My Struggle with Writer's Block Continues
Im determined to battle my way through it. I certainly have alot on my plate with the various projects and the freelance work I, occassionally, do. However, I don't want my writing to suffer for it. But more importantly, I dont want my readers to suffer for it either.
So today, I have no shooting to go to (most this weekend I was involved in shooting, in downtown Atlanta and in Dunwoody). Really I'll I have on my plate is to update my blogs, do a little bit of markeing, and write. I have a feeling, however, tht my writing will not be so good. I feel an incredible lack of connection with the story.
So, I plan to watch a zombie related movie (Diary of the Dead) and then I will force myself through my current break. Hopefully, tommorrow, I will post something success oriented!
-Emperor
So today, I have no shooting to go to (most this weekend I was involved in shooting, in downtown Atlanta and in Dunwoody). Really I'll I have on my plate is to update my blogs, do a little bit of markeing, and write. I have a feeling, however, tht my writing will not be so good. I feel an incredible lack of connection with the story.
So, I plan to watch a zombie related movie (Diary of the Dead) and then I will force myself through my current break. Hopefully, tommorrow, I will post something success oriented!
-Emperor
Monday, December 21, 2009
Submitting Short Stories
Hey everyone, its been a few days since my last post. But as I said, I've been working on my book, as well as a few short stories for submission to literary magazines. What I want to do, is cover the topic of submitting to magazines, and some tips on how you can improve your writing, and your chances of getting published.
Firstly, improve your quality. Read more. Write more. Watch movies, read books, and other entertainment venues you wouldn't normally touch. Take criticism with a grain of salt, and learn how to accept good criticism, and how to identify bad criticism. This is the first task of any writer.
Secondly, improve your quantity. This goes hand and hand with the 'Write More' tenet above. The more manuscripts you write, the more chance you will have of getting published. While pushing yourself to 10,000 words a day may not yield positive results, try to set nominal goals for yourself to meet per day. Most writers try something between 500 and 2,000 words a day. If you can write more, and still keep your quality up, go for it.
Lastly, learn. This goes hand and hand with the 'Read More' tenet above. As you read, you will learn more about your craft, about life, about new trends that are inspiring the reading world.
Firstly, improve your quality. Read more. Write more. Watch movies, read books, and other entertainment venues you wouldn't normally touch. Take criticism with a grain of salt, and learn how to accept good criticism, and how to identify bad criticism. This is the first task of any writer.
Secondly, improve your quantity. This goes hand and hand with the 'Write More' tenet above. The more manuscripts you write, the more chance you will have of getting published. While pushing yourself to 10,000 words a day may not yield positive results, try to set nominal goals for yourself to meet per day. Most writers try something between 500 and 2,000 words a day. If you can write more, and still keep your quality up, go for it.
Lastly, learn. This goes hand and hand with the 'Read More' tenet above. As you read, you will learn more about your craft, about life, about new trends that are inspiring the reading world.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Crimson Mysteries
So, its really interesting, right now, I'm working to get another project off the ground. Actually I'm in the negotiation stage with the company that wants to publish the product. The product centers around the Vampire Mystery game which I developed. I was approached by a publisher in the industry, who expressed interest in the project.
Since then, I've been in negotiations with the publisher. However, his offers so far, have been low-balled to an extreme which I can't fathom. If he doesn't fulfill what I want from the deal, I might just decide to self-publish this idea as well. However, this project will put a drain on capital to develope it.
And considering my limited capital is tied up in hosting and content fees for the comic, I'm hoping sales pick up. Or at least that I can build my contact list.
So if you like what you've read so far, and might have any interest in my company, click the Crimson Star Icon to your right. Check out the company, even if you don't buy anything, I would appreciate if you signed up for my mailing list.
Since then, I've been in negotiations with the publisher. However, his offers so far, have been low-balled to an extreme which I can't fathom. If he doesn't fulfill what I want from the deal, I might just decide to self-publish this idea as well. However, this project will put a drain on capital to develope it.
And considering my limited capital is tied up in hosting and content fees for the comic, I'm hoping sales pick up. Or at least that I can build my contact list.
So if you like what you've read so far, and might have any interest in my company, click the Crimson Star Icon to your right. Check out the company, even if you don't buy anything, I would appreciate if you signed up for my mailing list.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Freebies & Blogging
Hey everyone. Just touching base with my readers, what few of you there are!
First of all, I would like to go ahead and point you this direction:
Suvudu Library
Listed in this link are several free books for download, including one by RA Salvatore. If your familiar with the Forgotten Realms and Drizzt Do'Urden, then your familiar with the works of Salvatore. Apparently the book is apart of his Demon Wars series, at least thats what I think it is called.
Nextly, I often get some similiar questions from my friends. Frankly, how to write a good blog, and how do I keep up coming up with unique content day after day. I mean, it makes sense, eventually, you would run out of things to talk about, right?
Yes of course, but hopefully, at that point you might have enough resource to purchase a blog post, at least one new one a week. You can usually get a 500 word post for about $10 and a backlink, maybe less if it is a new, untested writer.
But before you as a blogger, can get to that point, you must first write your own blogs. The first thing you should do, is dedicate a notebook. Whenever you see or read about a topic you think would be worth bloggin about, you should write it down in your notebook.
Then when your ready to sit down and write; look through your notebook and choose those topics that you think will be interesting to write about. Put it in your voice, but make it appeal to the reader. Notice how I am giving YOU some tips on how to write, not explaining the process by which I write. Eiter one will work, but talking to the audience directly is more effective.
However, blogging about things that happen to you in your everyday life, or about your dog or cat, will not appeal to the audience, unless you have some unique element to your lifestyle. So unless you are trekking through the amazon, writing a novel, or curing cancer we don't care. And we really don't care about fluffy humping your leg. Dont write about it, unless its for you!
Once you get past this, then you come to the minutia, ie make sure you check spelling and don't sound like a moron. Don't offend you audience. And always read your columns.
When you have something funny to say (or meaningful), incorporate it into the lesson you are giving the audience. It works much better, and it is those little elements, and those stories about your life (when successfully incorporated) that will add character to your blog!
Nextly, another comment exercise! Tell me some of the stupid Halloween Jokes you've heard. Ill go ahead and start off!
What am I going for this Halloween?
Im going to buy an Affliction Tshirt and go as a Jackass!
All credit for that Joke goes to Specialist Mac in my unit, the 178th MP Company out of Monroe, Ga. That doesnt make it any less funny! Anyhow, go ahead and it me with your comments!
First of all, I would like to go ahead and point you this direction:
Suvudu Library
Listed in this link are several free books for download, including one by RA Salvatore. If your familiar with the Forgotten Realms and Drizzt Do'Urden, then your familiar with the works of Salvatore. Apparently the book is apart of his Demon Wars series, at least thats what I think it is called.
Nextly, I often get some similiar questions from my friends. Frankly, how to write a good blog, and how do I keep up coming up with unique content day after day. I mean, it makes sense, eventually, you would run out of things to talk about, right?
Yes of course, but hopefully, at that point you might have enough resource to purchase a blog post, at least one new one a week. You can usually get a 500 word post for about $10 and a backlink, maybe less if it is a new, untested writer.
But before you as a blogger, can get to that point, you must first write your own blogs. The first thing you should do, is dedicate a notebook. Whenever you see or read about a topic you think would be worth bloggin about, you should write it down in your notebook.
Then when your ready to sit down and write; look through your notebook and choose those topics that you think will be interesting to write about. Put it in your voice, but make it appeal to the reader. Notice how I am giving YOU some tips on how to write, not explaining the process by which I write. Eiter one will work, but talking to the audience directly is more effective.
However, blogging about things that happen to you in your everyday life, or about your dog or cat, will not appeal to the audience, unless you have some unique element to your lifestyle. So unless you are trekking through the amazon, writing a novel, or curing cancer we don't care. And we really don't care about fluffy humping your leg. Dont write about it, unless its for you!
Once you get past this, then you come to the minutia, ie make sure you check spelling and don't sound like a moron. Don't offend you audience. And always read your columns.
When you have something funny to say (or meaningful), incorporate it into the lesson you are giving the audience. It works much better, and it is those little elements, and those stories about your life (when successfully incorporated) that will add character to your blog!
Nextly, another comment exercise! Tell me some of the stupid Halloween Jokes you've heard. Ill go ahead and start off!
What am I going for this Halloween?
Im going to buy an Affliction Tshirt and go as a Jackass!
All credit for that Joke goes to Specialist Mac in my unit, the 178th MP Company out of Monroe, Ga. That doesnt make it any less funny! Anyhow, go ahead and it me with your comments!
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