I have a problem....

[Lady Chastity]

I have a little problem with writing. One I can't spell, but I have computers to help me with that. Two, I can plot out an entire story but can't fill in the gaps. Three, if I do try and fill in the gaps I can't finish the story >.<

Any tips? Should I sell my plots, have goast writers or just give up?

 

[Lady Chastity]

Have to go now, but post a reply if you want, I'll read it later ^_^

 

[LorriLove]

I have a little problem with writing. One I can't spell, but I have computers to help me with that. Two, I can plot out an entire story but can't fill in the gaps. Three, if I do try and fill in the gaps I can't finish the story >.<

Any tips? Should I sell my plots, have goast writers or just give up?

never give up honey, it's easier than you think really, i believe you might be trying too hard to make masterpieces of every draft... if you have a story in your head just write it as you'd tell it to someone... never mind all the perfect grammar and spelling crap. you can get help to edit it later, just write it down and play later.... that's how i wrote my first published thingie, and how i've written others not yet published here.

 

[JRaven]

Make an outline listing the main parts of the story. Then expand a little on part just a little bit more. Go back to the beginning and add a little something that connects the parts. Finally, write the first draft.

Another method, if you're better at telling stories. Get a tape recorder and tell the story. You could even have a few props around. A picture of a good looking guy, a dildo, a blow up doll.

Hope this helps your writers block.

Jenny

 

[sirhugs]

write the story through, then go back and fix/fill in. If you still need help, find an 'editor plus' who will ghostwrite, but only the parts you need help with.

I bet after two or three stories, you wil have less trouble.

 

[orangeangel]

keep triying dont give up.

 

[flawed_ethics]

I outline first. I have a nasty tendency to go off on tangents when I write, and if I don't have a plan, then who knows where I'll end up. Can't have a sexy story if the two decide to have coffee instead of bump uglies.

Of course, there's that terrible 'writer's block' to deal with.

So I'd recommend outlining, line you said. Then fill in the bits as you see fit. You don't need to start from the beginning. You can write the climax first, then back up to the previous point leading to the climax. if you get stuck, try a different point. You may inspire yourself from what your characters do to finish those other tougher parts.

It's worked for me in the past.

 

[Lady Chastity]

Re: Re: I have a problem....

never give up honey, it's easier than you think really, i believe you might be trying too hard to make masterpieces of every draft... if you have a story in your head just write it as you'd tell it to someone... never mind all the perfect grammar and spelling crap. you can get help to edit it later, just write it down and play later.... that's how i wrote my first published thingie, and how i've written others not yet published here.

My biggest problem isn't the grammer and spelling, I've learned to work around that. My problem is that, I have a story in my head that sound great, but there are no details, just cool parts in the middle of the begining, climax and end. I can never fill the rest in. I start the book, know the end and the begining but nothing that happens in the middle >.<

 

[Lady Chastity]

I outline first. I have a nasty tendency to go off on tangents when I write, and if I don't have a plan, then who knows where I'll end up. Can't have a sexy story if the two decide to have coffee instead of bump uglies.

Of course, there's that terrible 'writer's block' to deal with.

So I'd recommend outlining, line you said. Then fill in the bits as you see fit. You don't need to start from the beginning. You can write the climax first, then back up to the previous point leading to the climax. if you get stuck, try a different point. You may inspire yourself from what your characters do to finish those other tougher parts.

It's worked for me in the past.

I've done to outlining thing before, and thats all that came out, was the outline >.< couldn't write the rest. I guess the best way for me right now is just wright backwords.... start at the end and ask how I got there *shrugs*

I know I'm good with RPG and acting, And I can think of wonderful things to do on the stage, I just can't wright a script. Thats why I was thinking about the whole goast writer.

Any other thoughts?

 

[tarkatony]

I can solve your problem and, at the same time, make the writing process a whole lot more interesting for you: don't plot out your story! Let your story emerge.

One of the definitions of good fiction writing is to create compelling, interesting characters then turn them loose and record what they do, how they interact. If you do this well, you will notice that your characters simply won't do what you want them to, they'll only do what they what to do.

So, practically speaking, if you take this approach you'll never have any gaps: your characters and thus, your story, will simply evolve, develop.

Try this. Create two strong characters, but them in a room and watch what they do, listen to what they say and write about it. If they are interesting people, they will do interesting things. Bon chance.

 

[snooper]

... One of the definitions of good fiction writing is to create compelling, interesting characters then turn them loose and record what they do, how they interact. ...

That is only one way of working, and few major authors claim to do that. The end point of this way of working is Joycean "stream of consciousness" and there are other ways, as explained in this thread.

 

[tarkatony]

Well, Snooper, you'll note I began with "one of the …" and I recognize it as simply one, but a good one, especially for someone complaining of gaps (aka details). I disagree with your notion that such an approach must become a stream of consciousness. Writers can have discipline. The challenge is to watch and listen — to understand the characters and their motivations, to make sense of it all. Still, each to his own.

Odd how a harmless, intentionally constructive comment can solicit debate.

 

[Ekals]

I've only written two stories, one of which is within Lit and the other isn't....yet. They are very different styles but both were written off the cuff.

I sat down at the keyboard with an idea in my head and just typed it all out. I found that once I got going the story just flowed.
Having said that, the story that is on here was written on two different nights (and extensively embellished over several nights). When I emailed it to a friend of mine to review , she asked me if I had written it on two separate occasions because the second half was written so differently from the first. Apparently all the good bits were missing from the second half.

Don't get caught up on the lack of details, just allow yourself to get under the skin of a story, be part of it, be the main character, whatever it takes to make it work for you.

There are no hard and fast ways to success. The only thing that is guaranteed to work is what suits you as an individual. I could never sit down and draft it all out first. That would never suit me as it would restrict me too much and prevent me from free flowing my thoughts. Additionally, I would probably end up sticking to the draft too closely and loosing a lot of great variations that could be included in the story.

Two more little things to add:

1. Be in the mood for writing. Never do it if you aren't. It wont come out right.

2. Don't worry about grammer or spelling until you review it. Let's face it, I've read loads of stories on Lit where the spelling is atrocious and grammatically would make a 14 year old cringe. I've seen errors in my own story that make me cringe. You learn to take more care once you get the chance to review something a while after its been written.

Good luck with your stories and if you need someone to give their opinion, friends are usually a good starting point. Providing they wont be shocked of course.