Writers 101

[McKennaR]

Hi there(:
So I started this thread, because I realized there are a lot of people who want to be writers, but unfortunately, there's not much classes or guides, or help, on being one.
That's why I started this board. If you didn't know, my father is an author. We also meet many different authors at a writers group we go to. I'm pretty talented as well
Here's how it works: You ask questions. I answer them (well technically the writers do, I just type it). Whatever they may be, as long as they are related to writing, of course. The main point of this is to help aspiring authors understand writing literature a bit better.
So ask away!
P.S. If there's another board like this, feel free to move this to spamzilla, because I really didn't know

[kissinthewind]

I have two questions:
How long does it take to write a story?
How do you get inspiration?

[McKennaR]

The two questions you asked are completely at random, and varies depending on the author/writer. I'll try to answer them to the best of my ability.
How long does it take to write a story?
The amount of time it takes to write a story varies immensly. For example an author can write a quick 3-page short story, or go all Harry Potter and write 830 pages. Also, authors aren't typing (for the most part) everyday and every minute. Sometimes you have to wait and sit through stubborn writer blocks that won't leave (and the WORST thing you can do is try to write through those). The speed and time it takes to write a story could be a month to a year; it really depends on the writer.
How do you get inspiration?
Ideas come to each there own. For some people (like me), they strike you like lightning when you least expect it. In fact, sometimes I'll keep a notebook by my bed for those nagging ideas that strike me in the middle of the night. For other people, they simply dwell into their wonder. Can this do that? What would happen if...? For others, they get inspiration from real-life experiences that they or a friend have experienced. Other simply have the ability to be inspired by the beauty of things, like nature and music. I guess the whole point of that block of text was to say, you get inspiration from everywhere and not everyone gets ideas the same way.

[fRoiD]

Just to clear things up a bit, could you explain who is answering these questions? Published writers, or just writers with above average experience in writing?

[McKennaR]

My father is an actual published writer, so are the people in the writers group. Of course, some people in there are just poets or short story writers, and then there are novelists like my fathers. But yep, they all have experience and published work

[musicgirl718]

OMG I would so love to be an author! I am writing a story now, but i have writer's block. How do i get unblocked?

[McKennaR]

How do i get unblocked?
Ah, the dreaded writer's block. It's feared by most writers. The first thing you should know: NEVER try to write out of it. Never. The reason for this, is because you tend to write a jumbled mess; authors tend to stray off their plot path or end up too describing or not describing, or adding to much 'filler'; you get the point. When the mojo or ideas aren't coming to you, you shouldn't write the nothingness inside your head. What I suggest to get out of it is search for your inspiration (ideas listed above^). Try re-reading over your story, see if you can get some foreshadowing you previously wrote, or try to see if ideas come to you as you're reading it. There's no definite way to get through it; in fact, I'd suggest you'd just sit through it and wait for you're mind to finally clear These are just things to help you get through it. Good luck!(:
-Answered by C (first letter of her name)

[Bird skull]

Don't be afraid to write when your friend's think your a lame ass when you write.

NEVER LET YOUR HEAD DOWN(:
ALWAYS EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS INSIDE WITHOUT HURTING ANYONE ELSE'S. BE YOURSELF AND GET REWARDED.

Teenagers. this is for you. people. it is lame to be a fucking bully. please dont do it. fucking back off. stand up and BE YOURSELF. thanks.

[Tiaraaii]

I don't know if this thread is still recent and active, but if so;
< I hope I don't interrupt you with this, just do it IF you have time >

I have been writing a small story, here. But I don't really seem to get it smooth. It's like I try to express the situation as much as possible, but somehow I don't seem to manage that. Perhaps if you have some time to read it, could you help me to make it smooth, or a tip(s) to show expressions/situations more in a story?><

[unit leader]

i am a writer of a series called the age chronicles, other events and other other events
and bull skull, that was not very nice to say. words hurt, you know
just to warn you