Becoming a better writer

[The_Darkness]

Invariably, all of us here want to improve our craft in writing. Whether we're professions in the journalism or media fields, or just someone who likes to write, we can all improve.

Improvement is easy, but it takes diligence, it takes patience, and it takes time, and those are things that not all of us have. Jobs, life, family, and friends are all distractions. Get rid of them.

Just kidding.

Seriously though, like basketball, videogames, lovemaking, or playing a musical instrument, you have to practice writing. But if you just practice and practice without much improvement, I'll post some good starters here. More will probably be posted over time, as well as any other suggestions that any and all of you might have.

For starters, I have listed some simple writing exercises. The purpose of which is explained therein, and just as a forewarning, not EVERYTHING is intended to make a story. Sometimes, you need to learn to write before you tackle things like plot, characters, setting, believeablity. These techniques are also just not for erotica writing, but they will help you in every kind of writing.

Character Sketching: No, by sketching I don't mean a drawng. A character sketch is simply a detailing of a character. This can be a full-fleshed out version of a character: name, occupation, age, etc; or it can be a detailed description of one. The detailed description of a person is the easiest way to start. Go to a coffee shop, a bar, a shopping mall, a restaurant or some other place where there's a lot of people. Bring a note pad with you and something to write with and just observe someone for a while and start writing down details about them. Most of what you write will probably be visual details...bald, flannel shirt, hockey mask....stuff like that. Take care to use complete sentences; don't make notes, write a good, detailed description so that anyone who reads it can pick him out from the crowd. Add other types of sensory details if you can...smells, sounds, textures, and (I'd stay away from this for the most part) tastes that are associated with that person.

The more you do this exercise, the easier it will be to make good character descriptions in your stories. As far as erotica goes, I don't mind the blanket description of "She was a redhead, probably about 5'8", a good set of tits with always-hard nipples, and a lean, muscular build from years of volleyball." However, that descripition is pretty bare. All of you have a picture in your mind from what you just read. However, jmt's idea will vary from Perdita's idea, and they will vary differently from destinie21's idea. Details are what makes or breaks a story. Start with the character sketching and post some results here. For those of you who really get into this, e-mail them to me and I'll tell you what I think. Just a warning, I'm generally brutally honest.

After a day or so, I'll post another "lesson" and I'll try to keep that up. Like I said, for those of you with other ideas concerning this, post 'em here and get them out!

 

[Ravishing]

Eh, before I say what I had intended to here, I almost made my reply to a new thread. *mutters* One would think I'd be used to the layout of thei forum by now. Anyway....


As he said, it's the characters that make it, sure you can have the best plot line this side of next year, but if your cast (read as, Characters) aren't believable. You might as well be writing a story that has talking socks as the main characters. Of cause, if I sat down to do what The_Darkness wanted people to do, I'd be spending a few hours on it, somehow I don't think my bruised finger would cope with all the typing. On top of what I'm already doing.

Although, *grin* a story with socks as the main characters, could be a minor challenge...

 

[The_Darkness]

Hmmm....stories of talking socks. People in movies have socks. Sometimes socks aren't used for feet. Socks weren't used for feet in American Pie. If socks could talk, what would they say? What would Jim's sock say? Would I want to hear it? Do socks have eyes? Jim wasn't the only one in his room. Elizabeth Shannon was in Jim's room. I wonder what Jim's sock would say about her.


Yeah, there's probably a story. Erotica from the perception of something mundane as a sock.

Write it, someone. I'll give someone a 5 for a vote out of priniciple alone for that.

 

[Ravishing]

*laughs n' wipes the tears away* .... and to think I have American Pie one, two and three currently not five feet from me.

 

[The_Darkness]

Vouyeristic Teddy bears, anyone?

The really cool thing is that that actually ties back into this thread. We observe things from a very human perspective. Most of what we observe is visual. For most of us, hearing also plays a big role in what we encounter, then smells, feels, and tastes. The further you go on that list, the more intimate the sensation is and the more realistic it becomes for the reader.

How would a non-human percieve things? What would they notice differently (or first)? How do the inherent properties of their senses change the way that they percieve something...ie, if dogs only see black and white, how does that change their perception?

That type of sensory shifting could be an interesting writing experiment in and of itself...

 

[Dirt Man]

Actually, I find brevity of detail in discribing characters much more reader friendly than extensive details that blur the intended image one wishes to portray. If it takes more than a short paragraph then you're doing it wrong.

Example:

As a woman Elenor had it all; Space Needle elegant gams, full firm matching cresent moons for a derrier that nothing else could eclips, a gently tucked in, yet elongated waist, overlooked by Himilayan proportioned breasts. And a smile above it all that knew the strength in having a sense of humor where men's eyes, and her back ach where concerned. A look that said: "The Nickle tour is over, bub, time to get serious," now had my undivided attention.

As Always
I Am the
Dirt Man

 

[The_Darkness]

Dirt man, not only is that a cool post, but it is also extremely important. Berevity of detail can be very good. Sometimes, less is more, and it enables the reader to draw him or her self into the story further by picturing what the character looks like.

However, we have to examine everything in detail to learn what is important. Undoubtedly the picture formulated in your mind was somewhat more complete than what you listed. Does this chick with "Space Needle elegant gams" have hair?

In story descriptions should be short, but if a person is writing a longer story, or the character may be used more than once, or his or her features described more than once, it might be handy to jot them down somewhere....it'll save the time of haveing to re-read what you've written to get it straight.

Not all details about a character may be included in a story, be it erotica, novella, or a straight up novel. Maybe Rand form the Wheel of Time series has a scar on his left foot. The reader may never know about that scar, but Jordan will. There's a story behind that scar, and it gives Jordan a more complete picture of the character.

However, for short story purposes, you are right, Dirt Man....less is more. Cruicial space should not be used unless it is necessary.

Some of you reading this post might be thinking "Goddamnit, Darkness, you knew that before you even typed one word in this thread. What the hell was I ready to go to the bar for?"

People are some of the hardest things to detail in a story. If pictures are worth 1000 words, people are a novel by themselves. If you learn to detail your characters..or people in general...you learn to describe scenes in more exacting detail. In short stories, where space is so precious, the words need to be as effective as possible, and the story is usually still in the details.

 

[champagne1982]

Tom Robbins in one of his novels, writes a story from the point of view of a can of beans, a spoon, a painted stick and (who'd have thought!?) a dirty sock. ... I think it's in Skinny Legs and All..

(and yes, bits of the novel can be percieved as erotic)

 

[The_Darkness]

Tom Robbins in one of his novels, writes a story from the point of view of a can of beans, a spoon, a painted stick and (who'd have thought!?) a dirty sock. ... I think it's in Skinny Legs and All..

Now that's just damn cool.

 

[gauchecritic]

'Moderation in all things' is a maxim that he didn't subscribe to. Everything went fast. 'Youth's a mask, but it don't last.' was a fact that he had all too recently become frighteningly aware of, but he couldn't find the brakes.
It showed in his face. It was apparent in the lengthening amount of time it took for him to be ready, for anything. It was most obvious in his gait. He hated it, but he couldn't slow down. "So now you pay the price." She'd laughed.
At the moment he didn't care. He looked in the mirror and cringed, not from the reflection but because he realised this was Lit and he couldn't describe himself on pain of death.

Gauche (I hate descriptions)

 

[Ravishing]

Tom Robbins in one of his novels, writes a story from the point of view of a can of beans, a spoon, a painted stick and (who'd have thought!?) a dirty sock. ... I think it's in Skinny Legs and All..

(and yes, bits of the novel can be percieved as erotic)

Reminds me to go off and find my list of weird 'characters'.... You'll all see what I'm on about if I find it.

 

[The_Darkness]

Let me finish snickering before I think of something to say.

*pauses*

Screw it.

I'm not asking for Joyce Carolyn Oats, and I'm not meaning for the assignment to be a three page bio on a subject.

Detail spawns interest though. Aside from the cliches used in gauchcritic's rendition of why he hates describing things he portrayed someone who was aging less than gracefully but was taking it lightly.

That or he was describing me after a long day of training and a longer night of sex. I swear, parts of my are 90 years old already.....which is a hell of a trick considering I'm not quite 25 yet.

 

[billy_strokes]

Over My Head but...

Darkness et al...

I am very new to submitting to Literotica. I have been reading stories here "to get off" for a couple of years but i have only been submitting for about a month. I happened to find a great editor in Lady Christabel who has actually inspired me to think about my writing not just as sex stories but stories with explicit sexual moments.

That said I have taken an very different approach to my characters, although in concept it might not be that divergent. In each of my stories I have chosen to leave the characters as non-descript as possible, at least in terms of physical appearance. I felt that if I accomplished this I could allow any reader to place themselves or anyone they chose in the stories situation. I admit that I have probably also used this as a convient way to get around the fact that I am an amatuer creative wirter at best. As a matter of note, I have to admit that even if it is not apparent in my stories, each of my character is a definitive person in my life. While I may not be accurate in my assessment of them in rea life, I have a fully developed and preconcieved notion of who the character is, even if I do not reveal it in my writing.

I would love to get any of the contributors to this threads ideas on using generiec characters in stories. Even if it is burrtally honest. If any of you wanted to take the time to read my submissions I would appreciate it, but even generic comments would be interesting.

One final thought...if you are interested in character development I wholeheartedyl endorse reading Tom Robbins. One of my favorite pieces of lierature all time is Still Life with Woodpecker. Robbins can take the most bizarre characters with the most amazing eccentricities, in the most ridiulous setttings and weave an completly coherent story.

I challenge anyone to write a story about an exiled princess, suffering the trauma of a miscarriage, who take on an over zealous approach to enviromentalism and describe the love affair she has with a red headed bomber while existing inside the image on a pack of Camel ciagrettes. I will vote you a 5 twice if you can do it it with out plagarising Tm Robbins.

 

[raphy]

Re: Over My Head but...

One final thought...if you are interested in character development I wholeheartedyl endorse reading Tom Robbins.

Or Terry Pratchett........

Raph, who very firmly believes in the 'less is more' school of character description (Although I do agree that authors need to have fully detailed pictures of their characters in their heads, if for no other reason than to decide what to show and what not to show)

 

[Ravishing]

Re: Re: Over My Head but...

Or Terry Pratchett........

In that above comment I agree whole-heartedly with. Pratcett is a very good example for Character Development. I, myself have almost all his books,, and must say nothings better than curling up with one and reading it.......

except for coffee. *grin*

 

[Dirt Man]

characteristics in a book vs a short story..

Initial discriptions should always be held to the length of a paragraph especially in a short story. However in a book length novel an author never really stops developing their main characters throughout the entire length of the book. It's done by showing their actions, and reactions mostly, and through dialog and any interaction between the characters. It can be also done to some extent in short stories, and should be wherever possible in the same manner. In effect, the character actions, and reactions show more about them than anything else.

As Always
I Am the
Dirt Man

 

[The_Darkness]

I've read many stories with non-descript characters, some are amazingly good, and some from authors you'd never expect. Steven King actually leaves most of his characters surprisingly non-descript. In most of his stuff that I've read, he'll give you a short list of descriptors for the character when they are introduced and then not dwell on the description for the duration of the story unless it's part of a major plot point. And example of this would be Bill's Panama hat in Insomnia.

Billy, I'll more than likely read some of your stuff when I get home from work tonight.

Dirt Man, another excellent point.

 

[The_Darkness]

NEW EXERCISE!

I said I'd give a new one of these each day, and I'll try to hit that goal. Until I'm out of ideas....which may be a while.

Focus or Timed Writing: This exercise takes some time. First of all, figure out where and when you write best. Get the environment down and the comfort level to where you want to be. If you can have someone help you with this exercise it'll be a little better.

The purpose of this exercise is to look at an object for 10 to 30 seconds and then write for the next 20 minutes or so. The length can vary anywhere from 10 minutes to about 30. For the duration of this writing, don't correct spelling, don't correct grammar, don't correct punctiation. Just write. Hell, you don't even have to write legibly.

The purpose of this is to get the ideas flowing freely. Some refer to it as "stream of consciousness" writing...you just go and let your mind tell the story. Sometimes something comes out of this, sometimes you just get crap, but the purpose is to get the mind going....to train it to think faster and to focus on writing the scene at hand. Also, you may find that the object at hand has little to do with what was written. I found once in my creative writing class that a 20 minute timed writing about a short length of red ribbon turned into a detailed stop-motion description of a poker game turned gun-fight in a 1880's saloon.

Where does the other person come in to this exercise? They can pick an object and set it down in front of you so to let your mind focus clearer on the object. Again, I'd like to stress that this object can be anything: a red ribbon, a pen, a coffee mug, a kitten....anything that you encounter in your everyday life.

Last time I did this I filled almost 3 pages of narrow-ruled paper in 20 minutes, and my hand-writing is pretty damn small.

 

[Dirt Man]

I found that after 30 seconds of focusing on an object that I wanted to go to sleep, and not type anything. LOL

As Always
I Am the
Dirt Man

 

[wildsweetone]

hmm my Water Bottle...

Here it sits on the table beside me, condensation frosting the transparent blue plastic. Inside, the clear liquid is about three quarters full. The smooth circumference with its patterned indentations are reflecting the vertical blinds.

The top is up, a tiny drop of water delicately balancing on the edge about to fall to the bare wooden table. The blue ring holding the top on, has partly fallen away leaving jaggered ridges in its wake. If I look closely, I can see my own silhouette, elongated.

A droplet of condensation has grown and is about to forge its way to the silver mat the bottle sits on. Placing my finger on the edge of the bottle, I make a tiny river, its tributaries joining force and surging ahead until the river reaches the mat then pools. The pool becomes so big, it overflows onto the table.

Bugger, I need a cloth. brb

 

[The_Darkness]

Dirt man, don't let your wife/girl friend/significant other (or all of the above) hear that...unless they already know. If that's the case, then you are one of the bravest men I've ever met.

Wildsweetone, yeah. Like that....but, you know...drier.

 

[lucky-E-leven]

hmm my Water Bottle...

Here it sits on the table beside me, condensation frosting the transparent blue plastic. Inside, the clear liquid is about three quarters full. The smooth circumference with its patterned indentations are reflecting the vertical blinds.

The top is up, a tiny drop of water delicately balancing on the edge about to fall to the bare wooden table. The blue ring holding the top on, has partly fallen away leaving jaggered ridges in its wake. If I look closely, I can see my own silhouette, elongated.

A droplet of condensation has grown and is about to forge its way to the silver mat the bottle sits on. Placing my finger on the edge of the bottle, I make a tiny river, its tributaries joining force and surging ahead until the river reaches the mat then pools. The pool becomes so big, it overflows onto the table.

Bugger, I need a cloth. brb

Whew! Is it hot in here? Or is it just me?

-lucky

 

[wildsweetone]

drier?

you're gonna take all the fun out!


Edited to add: Sorry, it's about 82F here at the moment with humidity you can slice through. And that water is divine


Darkness, do you mean you want just plain basic objective description?

 

[The_Darkness]

Darkness, do you mean you want just plain basic objective description?

Well...yes and no.

The purpose of this little exercise is two fold. One, it's to help the flow of information from the imagination centers of the brain to the paper. That's why you shouldn't worry about spelling or punctuation or grammar or anything with this particular exercise.

Two, it's to help you find inspiration in anything. Like I said, a simple red ribbon turned into a gun fight at a saloon. Maybe your waterbottle can turn into a zeppelin over France in WWII. Maybe a can of soda turns into the memory of a lost lover.

If you use it to write a detailed description of that item, then do that. However, keep writing. Don't stop, don't slow down, and just let the imagination flow. God only knows where that waterbottle tease would have gone if you'd kept writing it....

 

[sweetnpetite]

I think I read somewere that you should describe a characters looks in proportion to the importance of his/her looks in the story.

If the story is about beautiful people having sex, you need to show just how beautiful they are.

If the story is about a shy girl learning to express her sexuality, then you want to focus more on her character.

Sometimes it's enough to say, She had blonde hair and leave it at that. But you should be able to picture the character in your head. Don't fall into the trap that your character could be *anyone* or they will end up being noone interesting

When you know how the characters looks are important to the story, it's easier to tie them into the action. "what she loved about him was that he wasn't intimidated about her height the way most men were" vs. "She was a very tall girl, at least six inches taller than most of the men she knew."