Storytelling

[Cagivagurl]

Yes, so you do care about grammar.

Yes, so you do care about grammar.

No.... I don't...
I explained my position several times.
We could go on, but I really can't be bothered. You are clearly the sort of person who wants the last word...
I was not looking for an argument, simply stating my opinion. It may differ from yours, I'm OK with that...

Cagivagurl

 

[pink_silk_glove]

No.... I don't...
I explained my position several times.
We could go on, but I really can't be bothered. You are clearly the sort of person who wants the last word...
I was not looking for an argument, simply stating my opinion. It may differ from yours, I'm OK with that...

Cagivagurl

This is your MO. You state things emphatically and then at the end tack on a little disclaimer that it's only your opinion. Then when someone opposes your opinion, you say that they're wrong, proving that your 'opinion' is actually intended as more than your opinion. You bring a front while pretending not to have one.

That aside, I was merely pointing out the diametrically opposed statements in your stance. I will spell it out one final time.

"I don't care about grammar as long as things makes sense" means that if it doesn't make sense then you care about the grammar. Which means that you do care in some way about grammar whenever you read.

The cat ate the muffin with the whiskers. <- does not make sense because the grammar is wrong.

The cat with the whiskers ate the muffin. <- makes sense because the grammar is correct.

Making the words and sentences make sense is the only function of grammar. So if you want the words to make sense, you care about grammar.

 

[SimonDoom]

We don't have to get involved in a silly storytelling v. grammar debate in this thread. The thread is about storytelling. I consider myself a grammar nerd and weigh grammar more heavily than most in my appreciation of a story, but I still think storytelling skills are far, far more important than grammar skills. There's plenty to talk about storytelling in this thread. Let's leave the grammar talk for another thread.

The only thing I would say in this thread that touches on grammar is that in good storytelling they are not wholly distinct, because one of the crucial elements of good storytelling is telling your story clearly so the reader understands it. A good storyteller respects a good listener/reader, and that requires some attention to the conventions that enable readers to understand what we are writing.

 

[Kelliezgirl]

We don't have to get involved in a silly storytelling v. grammar debate in this thread. The thread is about storytelling. I consider myself a grammar nerd and weigh grammar more heavily than most in my appreciation of a story, but I still think storytelling skills are far, far more important than grammar skills. There's plenty to talk about storytelling in this thread. Let's leave the grammar talk for another thread.

The only thing I would say in this thread that touches on grammar is that in good storytelling they are not wholly distinct, because one of the crucial elements of good storytelling is telling your story clearly so the reader understands it. A good storyteller respects a good listener/reader, and that requires some attention to the conventions that enable readers to understand what we are writing.

I don't think anyone who is saying grammar isn't important wants to throw it out the window.
It's more a reflection on some of the silly mistakes that don't interfere with the story.

If you use their instead of there we all know from the context what you meant. It isn't important.
There is a meme about the importance of commas.
"Let's eat, kids."
"Let's eat kids."

Yes, the missing comma changes the meaning, but the reader knows what you meant from the context.

 

[Cagivagurl]

This is your MO. You state things emphatically and then at the end tack on a little disclaimer that it's only your opinion. Then when someone opposes your opinion, you say that they're wrong, proving that your 'opinion' is actually intended as more than your opinion. You bring a front while pretending not to have one.

That aside, I was merely pointing out the diametrically opposed statements in your stance. I will spell it out one final time.

"I don't care about grammar as long as things makes sense" means that if it doesn't make sense then you care about the grammar. Which means that you do care in some way about grammar whenever you read.

The cat ate the muffin with the whiskers. <- does not make sense because the grammar is wrong.

The cat with the whiskers ate the muffin. <- makes sense because the grammar is correct.

Making the words and sentences make sense is the only function of grammar. So if you want the words to make sense, you care about grammar.

Firstly....
I never said anybody, including you was wrong.
I always say it is only my opinion, because that is all it is...
I don't speak on behalf of the galaxy. Just myself.
Things may not make sense to you, but for myself. I can read happily a story which has bad grammar and spelling. It does not annoy me.
What works for you, may not work for me... We are different... I'm happy with that.

Cagivagurl

 

[SamBomb]

The opening usually showcases the author's skill.

"My name is Trudy. I’m 26, 5'6", blonde, round in all the right places, and I’ve been very naughty lately,"

is not only a lame opening line but also a lazy way to skip exposition and jump straight into the juicy parts. Unfortunately, such stories are quite common

So many stories start with stat lines or whatever. I hate it.

 

[Kelliezgirl]

So many stories start with stat lines or whatever. I hate it.

The upside is it saves a lot of time. I don't need to read any further.

 

[Izanami9]

In my Druid order the first course of study is called the Bardic grade. It’s focused on creativity in general, but with specific emphasis on several facets of storytelling. So I’m ridiculously passionate about it, but I’ll try to be succinct!

Storytelling is among the most ancient human arts. From hieroglyphics in ancient Egypt through the parables of religious leaders like Buddha and Jesus, all the way to ghost stories told around campfires and porn flicks to get yourself off, we’re a species that thrives on Story.

I’ve done plenty of editorial work, and I wrote my first story in 3rd grade (Battle Island, the epic tale of a unicorn herd and a flock of sheep who coexist peacefully until they are invaded by PIRATES ). Both aspects are important in writing - the way I see it is this: grammar, syntax, etc are the skeleton forming a framework; plot, character, dialogue et al are organ systems (erotica is the sexy bits, obvi); and storytelling itself is the heart and soul.

We all have plenty of heart and soul; we all have stories to tell and unique ways of telling them. No story ever written has pleased everyone who read it, and never will such a tale exist, because that’s how it *should* be. It’s entirely possible to write stories with broad appeal to gain the most readers, although I personally find that unsatisfying. Otoh, even the most obscure or dense or poorly structured story has the potential to inspire someone, or at least provide a moment of clarity, peace, joy, or a nice orgasm.

Conclusion? The ones who constantly say “write for yourself” or “write what you know/ love/ dream” are on to something BIG.

In a society built on greed, way too many creative sparks are shamed out of existence by rejections that are based on a shitty system that only cares about monetary profit. That’s how we end up flooded with “entertainment” that’s soulless and uninspiring. Fuck that shit.

Be inspired; write/ create what lights you up, and regardless of technical quality, there will be someone who is inspired by you in turn. Even if you never know they exist, you’ll inspire yourself, and that’s how we all grow and thrive.

Happy storytelling!

 

[madelinemasoch]

In my Druid order the first course of study is called the Bardic grade. It’s focused on creativity in general, but with specific emphasis on several facets of storytelling. So I’m ridiculously passionate about it, but I’ll try to be succinct!

Storytelling is among the most ancient human arts. From hieroglyphics in ancient Egypt through the parables of religious leaders like Buddha and Jesus, all the way to ghost stories told around campfires and porn flicks to get yourself off, we’re a species that thrives on Story.

I’ve done plenty of editorial work, and I wrote my first story in 3rd grade (Battle Island, the epic tale of a unicorn herd and a flock of sheep who coexist peacefully until they are invaded by PIRATES ). Both aspects are important in writing - the way I see it is this: grammar, syntax, etc are the skeleton forming a framework; plot, character, dialogue et al are organ systems (erotica is the sexy bits, obvi); and storytelling itself is the heart and soul.

We all have plenty of heart and soul; we all have stories to tell and unique ways of telling them. No story ever written has pleased everyone who read it, and never will such a tale exist, because that’s how it *should* be. It’s entirely possible to write stories with broad appeal to gain the most readers, although I personally find that unsatisfying. Otoh, even the most obscure or dense or poorly structured story has the potential to inspire someone, or at least provide a moment of clarity, peace, joy, or a nice orgasm.

Conclusion? The ones who constantly say “write for yourself” or “write what you know/ love/ dream” are on to something BIG.

In a society built on greed, way too many creative sparks are shamed out of existence by rejections that are based on a shitty system that only cares about monetary profit. That’s how we end up flooded with “entertainment” that’s soulless and uninspiring. Fuck that shit.

Be inspired; write/ create what lights you up, and regardless of technical quality, there will be someone who is inspired by you in turn. Even if you never know they exist, you’ll inspire yourself, and that’s how we all grow and thrive.

Happy storytelling!

What a sweet message! I appreciate you saying this.