Writing beyond your ability

[Wicked-N-Erotic]

Being a mediocre writer at best I find myself often trying to write beyond what I am comfortably capable of. Trying to use words I'd never use in day to day life. I want my writing to come across as being written by someone with half a brain and of semi-intelligence. The problem with this is that I end up losing interest in what I'm writing because I try to hard. I want to be a good writer, but, I also want to have fun doing it.
So, my inquiring mind wants to know...

1) Do you try to write beyond your ability, or have you ever?

2) If you do, do you lose interest?

3) Do you as a reader mind reading something that is mediocre so long as proper spelling and grammar are used?

4) Are stories that seem to be written as if a freind were recounting their sexcapes, with language used just like day to day conversation, as appealing to you or a big turn off?


Wicked

 

[Sabledrake]

1) Do you try to write beyond your ability, or have you ever?

2) If you do, do you lose interest?

3) Do you as a reader mind reading something that is mediocre so long as proper spelling and grammar are used?

4) Are stories that seem to be written as if a freind were recounting their sexcapes, with language used just like day to day conversation, as appealing to you or a big turn off?

1. I always try to challenge myself, but there are some genres that I know I will never be able to write simply because I don't know enough about them and/or have little interest in them.

2. Yeah, when I try something (like hard sci-fi) that I know I am not suited for.

3. I don't _mind_ ... but I probably wouldn't enjoy it much. Just as I wouldn't much enjoy a dazzling story with crappy spelling and grammar. I think both spark and skill are needed to do the job right.

4. It would really depend on the tale. In general, I find vulgar language a turn-off, personally.

Sabledrake

 

[oggbashan]

Polysyllabic words and interminable sentences are easy to write:
short simple words and short sentences are not.

It is better to write as well as you can with the tools you have.

Writing to impress can go badly wrong if you don't know the full meaning of the words and constructions.

Erotic writing does not have to be like Trollope, Thackeray, Dickens or go on forever like Bulwer-Lytton.

The more you simplify your writing, the more people will be able to understand it.

If you use only a total word list of 1500 words then almost every person who can read at all will know what you mean. Even many people who are studying English at a basic level will know.

But simple to read ain't simple to write. It is hard to show what you mean and keep it simple.

So write with words you know. Write about categories you know or like. Use what you know to tell the best story you can. When you have done that you will have won.

Og

 

[Svenskaflicka]

1) Do you try to write beyond your ability, or have you ever?
Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeell yes. That's what the Survivor Contest is all about. And seeing as I'm not getting ANY immunities, I'll really have to write beyond my ability this year... Lesbians... BDSM... Audio!

2) If you do, do you lose interest?
If the plot I originally thought of is too bad to continue with, or if I just can't bring myself to write what is pure crap... then, yes.

3) Do you as a reader mind reading something that is mediocre so long as proper spelling and grammar are used?
Yes, I do mind. I demand BOTH proper spelling/grammar AND a good story. Interesting plot, lively characters, realistic conversations - and if it's funny, it's a great plus.

4) Are stories that seem to be written as if a freind were recounting their sexcapes, with language used just like day to day conversation, as appealing to you or a big turn off?

A turn off. I like literotica - literary erotica, not Letter from our readers in Penthouse!

 

[Star of Penumbra]

1) Do you try to write beyond your ability, or have you ever?
I have no idea what my ability is, but I know when I'm overstepping it.

2) If you do, do you lose interest?
Yeah, pretty much.

3) Do you as a reader mind reading something that is mediocre so long as proper spelling and grammar are used?
I simply will NOT read anything that has words that are used in everyday conversation used improperly or spelled wrong. If I run accross something like this, I stop reading. I find that kind of mistake (like using threw when you should use through, for example) inexcusable. It's NOT that goddamn hard to use a spell checker.

Grammar is more excusable, especially if the piece is in first person.

4) Are stories that seem to be written as if a freind were recounting their sexcapes, with language used just like day to day conversation, as appealing to you or a big turn off?
I won't read anything written in second person either. If it's written in first person, I don't expect the story to sound like it was written by an English professor -part of writing in first person is focusing on one specific character, and if a first person story is written in a soulless, impersonal way, it tends to lower my opinion of the piece.

 

[indigo sky]

1) Do you try to write beyond your ability, or have you ever?


2) If you do, do you lose interest?

3) Do you as a reader mind reading something that is mediocre so long as proper spelling and grammar are used?

4) Are stories that seem to be written as if a freind were recounting their sexcapes, with language used just like day to day conversation, as appealing to you or a big turn off?

Wicked

1. yep...that's actually some of the source of my block right now. Since I'm trying to write in genres I haven't written in much before and don't feel as comfortable with them, I am much more self conscious about my writing than usual. I have tons of ideas, but I am having problems developing because of the confidence issue.

2. Not so much lose interest, as it's hard to find a suitable beginning or any sort of jumping off point that I can get a flow going from. But I think it's just a matter of plugging at it and being willing to try and eventually it will get better

3. proper spelling and grammar are essential just to keep me interested in the story. Otherwise I end up thinking things like, that should have been of, not off, as opposed to what's going on with the characters or the plot.

4. To me good writing is good writing. The things that make it hard to read a not so good story are kind of universal. If it's so obviously a "hey check out my story about this 10 inch cock I don't have," then it's going to lose me no matter what the POV. I have actually been told, often, that I write like I speak, and that it's enjoyable. But it's also another area I'm trying to be a little less dependent on.

 

[cookiejar]

This thread kind of ties in with something I have been wrestling with. I am constantly trying to stretch, to try new things. Do you feel as an author someone is better off writing one style, never challenging yourself? I find if I write straight erotica I get fairly high votes. The moment I branch out and try something slightly different, I seemed to get hammered.

I realize different people see different things in people's stories. A story I have here in Lit has done fairly well, but is my lowest rated...4.17. The same story on another forum board awarded it with Editor's choice.

I guess I'm rambling but I'm wondering how many of you write what you think Lit readers want or do you write and say to hell with it, this is a challenge and readers be damned?

 

[gauchecritic]

Hurrah! A thread NOT started by chicklet.

1) Do you try to write beyond your ability, or have you ever?

I don't see how you can write beyond your ability. If you wrote it then you have the ability. I'll answer a different question. Do you write for a particular intelligence? I write for myself so yes I do write for a particular intelligence. If I write a letter to the local paper I tend to write for a specific intelligence. I often write letters aimed at people who would normally call themselves intelligentsia then find I should have written the usual way instead.

2) If you do, do you lose interest?

Depends entirely on the topic. If I'm impassioned about it I will not leave it alone until it is finished to whomever it may be addressed, story letter or diatribe. If I'm writing in a 'high falutin' style (not necessarily large vocab) but with lots of front, sarcasm and complexity, then even a 3 paragraph post to the boards will take me at least half an hour.

3) Do you as a reader mind reading something that is mediocre so long as proper spelling and grammar are used?

Mediocrity (sp) is a far worse thing to foist on someone than mistakes in grammar and spelling. If the tale flows and consumes then I'll go on with it to the bitter end. Remember "Flowers for Algernon"? If it was grammar and spelling you'd throw away a very good story for the sake of perseverance.

4) Are stories that seem to be written as if a freind were recounting their sexcapes, with language used just like day to day conversation, as appealing to you or a big turn off?

If it's in the style of:- And he's like "Suck this, bitch" and she's like "ghmph hmgmf". Then yeah. Something, anything which I read has to have a 'standard narrative' very few people know how to 'tell' a story verbally and I'd hazard a guess that there are very few writers who tell a story verbally with the gusto with which they write.

If you can capture an audience with oral tales then you shouldn't be telling you whould be writing.

Gauche

 

[Chicklet]

1) Do you try to write beyond your ability, or have you ever?

I try to keep things progressing. Sometimes I try to do a different tense, or a different pov which isn't what I'm used to...I don't know if that's "beyond my ability" but it *is* a challenge.

2) If you do, do you lose interest?

With the above mentioned, I have never lost interest. Well, at least no more than I lose interest in any other type of story.

3) Do you as a reader mind reading something that is mediocre so long as proper spelling and grammar are used?

well, if a story isn't so great, then I don't really enjoy it as much as a super-good story. But to me, word use and "level" of intelligence of the author don't really make up how the story was. As long as there aren't any mistakes, as you said proper spelling and grammar, I tend to enjoy things = )

4) Are stories that seem to be written as if a freind were recounting their sexcapes, with language used just like day to day conversation, as appealing to you or a big turn off?

Every story is different, it really just matters on what the story is and how it's done. I prefer naturally told stories, ones that flow. Anything that the author is uncomfortable with probably isn't going to flow.

-Chicklet

ps - are people really having such a bad time with me starting so many threads?

 

[oggbashan]

Quotes

What is written without effort is in general read without pleasure.
Samuel Johnson 1709-84

No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader.
Robert Frost 1875-1963

Make 'em laugh; make 'em cry; make 'em wait.
Charles Reade 1814-1884 Advice to an aspiring writer.

I put the words down and push them about a bit.
Evelyn Waugh 1903-66

You will have written exceptionally well if, by skilful arrangement of your words, you have made an ordinary one seem original.
Horace 65-8 BC

Og

 

[oggbashan]

Re: Re: Writing beyond your ability

ps - are people really having such a bad time with me starting so many threads?

No.

Og

 

[pop_54]

Re: Re: Writing beyond your ability

ps- are people really having such a bad time with me starting so many threads?

Why would people have a problem with that dear, start as many as you want, if the subject interests me I'll reply, if it doesn't I won't, I certainly wouldn't get the hump over anyone posting a bunch of threads.

As for the real reason for this particular thread reply.

1) Once I tried to be a bit high-brow.

2) Yes it bored me shitless so I didn't bother to finish it.

3) I couldn't enjoy a mediocre tale no mater how bloody perfect it were.
(I can however make allowances for someone being a bit on the human side and making a few minor mistakes if the story is a good'un)

4) Depends on the language used, I couldn't get too involved with some of the modern terms and slang, it is a turn off.
A bit of spice and crude language doesn't bother me though, for Freeks sake it is likely to be an erotic tale after all's said and done.
I also depends on the skill and style of the author, if it sounds like a mono-tone running commentary from a sports programme, forget it.


pops.........

 

[gauchecritic]

apology

ps - are people really having such a bad time with me starting so many threads?

Certainly not. I was being silly. I'm sorry.

Gauche

 

[Svenskaflicka]

No problemo, Chicklita!

We'll answer those we like, and ignore the rest - just like we do with EVERYONE's threads!

 

[Weird Harold]

Being a mediocre writer at best I find myself often trying to write beyond what I am comfortably capable of. Trying to use words I'd never use in day to day life. I want my writing to come across as being written by someone with half a brain and of semi-intelligence. The problem with this is that I end up losing interest in what I'm writing because I try to hard. I want to be a good writer, but, I also want to have fun doing it.
So, my inquiring mind wants to know...

The situation you describe is one of the most common pitfalls for novice/amateur authors. It's the root of the adage, "Write the way you speak."

Expanding your vocabulary is the best way to resolve the issue -- as your vocabulary expands, the limitations your vocabulary imposes move further out.

1) Do you try to write beyond your ability, or have you ever?

I have on occasion tried to write characters who are radically different than I am -- Smarter, dumber, more cultured, trailer trash, insane, etc Those are the areas I try to stretch my writing in -- getting into the minds of people who think in ways I don't really understand. I haven't been terribly successful at it -- yet.

2) If you do, do you lose interest?

Quite often -- my stories in work folder should be renamed abandoned ideas because I can't get many ideas to work the way I want them too.

3) Do you as a reader mind reading something that is mediocre so long as proper spelling and grammar are used?

I'll forgive poor spelling, typos and questionable grammar before I forgive mediocrity -- although both mediocrity and poor technical writing skills sometimes seem to be everywhere I look.

4) Are stories that seem to be written as if a freind were recounting their sexcapes, with language used just like day to day conversation, as appealing to you or a big turn off?

If you mean is, "Is First Person POV acceptable?" then yes. If you're referring to "Penthouse Letters" style, then NO!

My best story to date is a first person story, but it's more of a "how did I get in this situation" retrospective than a "bragging in a bar" type of story.

I think the key difference between my story and most of the first person stories found at Lit or in Penthouse Letters is I tried for an air of "beffudled wonderment" instead of a simplistic "What I did on my summer vacation" recitation of events.

(if you're curious, my best story is: Two Bags For The Bride or Story #2 in the Literotica book.)

 

[OT]

I'd like to think that for every mediocre writer, there is a mediocre reader (or two). If life is good, as we evolve into better writers, we pick up like-wise evolved readers (and of course newbies arrive to fill the void in the spectrum).

If you are not "comfortable" with your writing, the reader can probably tell. The trick I think is to push, but not too far or too fast.

 

[Guest]

Guache rocks, me at least

I won't do the quote thing and take up room; just scroll up to the 12:44 post. I'm with Gauche there and with Ot just above.

We can't help but *feel* we're writing beyond our abilities but that's just anxiety; I think that's good.

No, Chickletta, you can't possibly post more threads than Svenskaya, but keep trying.

Perdita Pear

 

[oggbashan]

Re: Guache rocks, me at least

I won't do the quote thing and take up room; just scroll up to the 12:44 post. I'm with Gauche there and with Ot just above.

Purd: There is a problem with your reference. Thread posts are timed in your local time. What is shown as 12.44 on your screen is not 12.44 on mine.

Lit SAYS I'm on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). I'm not, neither are they. I'm on British Summer Time (BST) which is one hour ahead. Lit CALL it GMT but it isn't.

The times on PMs are even more confusing. They show a time - x hours so unless I know exactly what time zone the writer is in I don't know whether the message came ten minutes ago or twelve hours and ten minutes ago.

My time at the end of this message should read 10.55 BST or 9.55 GMT. What does it read?

Og

 

[Guest]

Ogg time

It says, and I copy here-- 06-11-2003 02:52 AM

Thanks for the note, guess I'll keep using quotes. P.

 

[oggbashan]

Ogg Time

Your message was sent:

06-11-2003 05:05 PM

by my time.

I wonder how many other quirks of Literotica there are to find out?

Og

 

[hiddenself]

Huh?

My my, is Mr Gauche being specially gauche today?

I don't see how you can write beyond your ability. If you wrote it then you have the ability.

[Sophistry = "subtly deceptive reasoning or argumentation"]

Of course, you can. "Ability" in W'N'E's posting ws meant to mean "competence in doing, skill."

Remember "Flowers for Algernon"? If it was grammar and spelling you'd throw away a very good story for the sake of perseverance.

What does that have to do with it? Bad spelling and grammar was a character's attribute in that story (in the same sense as having a deaf or blind protagonist). The story itself was fine.

 

[Guest]

Mr. Self

Picky, picky.

Gauche: I'm a fan. Perdita

 

[jfinn]

1) Do you try to write beyond your ability, or have you ever?
Probably everytime I sit down and start a story, but it hasn't stopped me yet. Seriously, I figured out a long time ago that my style was never going to be considered literary. Instead of being disapointed that I was not going to be the next Jane Austin. I found that insight to be a bit of a relief. Now I just work within the framework of what I know I can do and try and make it the best I've done to date.

2) If you do, do you lose interest?
I will if I write myself into a corner where I'm blathering on about something I know nothing about and don't have a clue how to fake it. Sometimes, I'll put them aside and come back to them when I can figure things out, but usually I just dump 'em.


3) Do you as a reader mind reading something that is mediocre so long as proper spelling and grammar are used?
Yes, I don't waste my time with stories that don't appeal to me on some level and that has to be more than the presentation.


4) Are stories that seem to be written as if a freind were recounting their sexcapes, with language used just like day to day conversation, as appealing to you or a big turn off?

I'm not exactly sure what you're asking here, but if you mean do I like first person POV that's casual and sounds like the good gossip you get from your best friend then yes, I love it. Of course I expect the language to fit the person who's narrating. A college jock would have a very different style of speech than one of his professors for instance. I think you need to be aware of that when writing.

If you're asking about second person POV, I have seen it done well very few times, but those were wonderful. It doesn't seem that there's any inbetween though, 2nd person either sucks or soars.

Nice thread, interesting.

Jayne

 

[gauchecritic]

Re: Huh?

My my, is Mr Gauche being specially gauche today?



[Sophistry = "subtly deceptive reasoning or argumentation"]

Of course, you can. "Ability" in W'N'E's posting ws meant to mean "competence in doing, skill."


What does that have to do with it? Bad spelling and grammar was a character's attribute in that story (in the same sense as having a deaf or blind protagonist). The story itself was fine.

I thought I explained that.

Quite apart from which: If you wrote it you have the competence in doing, skill. Ability. Are you able. What's wrong with you?

I was being deliberately obese for the second part and far from being gauche was obviously being too subtle. Or is that an oxymoron?

Subtlecritic? Never. I am and remain

Gauche.

P.S Thanks Perdita. And YES it IS Perdita. Purrdita. I'll record something for the voice thread so you can hear a 'proper' English voice

 

[Guest]

Re: Re: Huh?

P.S Thanks Perdita. And YES it IS Perdita. Purrdita. I'll record something for the voice thread so you can hear a 'proper' English voice

Ooh, I'm excited. You needn't be too 'proper'.

Purring Perdita