Any aspiring novelists out there?
- Thread starter I_Lucas
- Start date
Hi Lucas! Nice to meet you!
My mouse is being disobedient and I have surpassed the daily quota, just wanted to say: me too!!
And will post more later! There's at least one or two other people that I know of!
Have you actually managed to finish any of the novels yet? (I found that to be the problem part.)
I mostly write eco romance, first one was SF eco romance or such
Lots of started short stories too, just a few finished...
And songs, and some poetry, from when I was little.. And some articles.. (easier and quicker to finish)
My mouse is being disobedient and I have surpassed the daily quota, just wanted to say: me too!!
And will post more later! There's at least one or two other people that I know of!
Have you actually managed to finish any of the novels yet? (I found that to be the problem part.
)I mostly write eco romance, first one was SF eco romance
or suchLots of started short stories too, just a few finished...
And songs, and some poetry, from when I was little.. And some articles.. (easier and quicker to finish
) 
Kiwong
Well-known member
Hi_Lucas, I aspire to write a novel or three.
I always enjoyed creative writing at high school, and got top marks for a story of mine when I let my imagination run wild.
About ten years ago I started to write some stories, and I submitted them to a on line writers group, and I learnt about how to write better. A little later I started submitting some stories to magazines and e-zines. Thus far I've had four flash fiction stories published on line, a couple of short stories on e-zines, an e-anthology on CD rom, and two stories published in print. I haven't any any luck with the pro markets yet.
I've found that the life experiences I've had whilst suffering from anxiety, and all the other health problems I've gone through the last ten years are a rich source of story material. I've got several ideas for novels, but haven't got very far with any of them
I always enjoyed creative writing at high school, and got top marks for a story of mine when I let my imagination run wild.
About ten years ago I started to write some stories, and I submitted them to a on line writers group, and I learnt about how to write better. A little later I started submitting some stories to magazines and e-zines. Thus far I've had four flash fiction stories published on line, a couple of short stories on e-zines, an e-anthology on CD rom, and two stories published in print. I haven't any any luck with the pro markets yet.
I've found that the life experiences I've had whilst suffering from anxiety, and all the other health problems I've gone through the last ten years are a rich source of story material. I've got several ideas for novels, but haven't got very far with any of them
sanitariumcalls
Well-known member
*raises hand timidly*
I have a few projects, although life normally gets in the way of me working on them as much as I wish I could, in the fantasy/sci-fi genre, although I did get halfway through an autobiography... before my computer crashed. Still trying to start over on that one lol
I have a few projects, although life normally gets in the way of me working on them as much as I wish I could, in the fantasy/sci-fi genre, although I did get halfway through an autobiography... before my computer crashed. Still trying to start over on that one lol
Feathers, what do you call "eco romance" ? Never encountered that one before, just curious.
I'm an "aspiring author" too, but maybe not as prolific as each of you seem to be. Feel like some stuff is holding me back in the writing process, that i need to sort certain things out before i can actually devote myself to it. Seems that i'm bound to write only fragments - oh, but i won a poetry contest when i was 15, talk about an achievement !
Yet I'm feeling confident about some novel project that i really want to carry out this time, and i'm currently collecting some ideas about it.
Lucas, do people know you're writing stuff ? Ever got it read ?
I'm an "aspiring author" too, but maybe not as prolific as each of you seem to be. Feel like some stuff is holding me back in the writing process, that i need to sort certain things out before i can actually devote myself to it. Seems that i'm bound to write only fragments - oh, but i won a poetry contest when i was 15, talk about an achievement !
Yet I'm feeling confident about some novel project that i really want to carry out this time, and i'm currently collecting some ideas about it.
Lucas, do people know you're writing stuff ? Ever got it read ?
LazyHermitCrab
Well-known member
Hmm..took creative writing in hs and classmates would use my scripts because they were fun to read since people in the class were mostly from drama. Also was kinda innappropiate for school even though I tried to tone it down. In class I used to hate when people would read it and was told they felt weird after reading it, but now I would have enjoyed their reaction more. Freshman year of college a professor said to make my paper more interesting and seemed shocked when I put more effort in it and jumped at the end..it was like an ok then.... moment. Two main stories run through my head a lot which is a supense one and a romance one ;p pretty much like any genre of writing so yeah but mostly just like to make stuff up....
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Kiwong
Well-known member
There are some markets that will give good feedback on short stories. There are also places where you can send your novel manuscript for a detailed appraisal, which you pay for. Most authors have a folder of rejection slips a mile high, even the ones who become famous. So if you're put off by editor's rejections slips then aspiring to be a published author is probably not for you.
I've found that to be an author you need to develop a thick skin, and thank editors for their comments even if they are highly critical. You would have to be extremely lucky or talented to have your novel manuscript taken from an editor's slush pile and published.
In terms of novel writing, I think it is useful to try to have a bunch of short stories published first. So you have a bit of a history and experience behind you to catch the eye of publishers. For novels it is worth looking for the right markets, markets where they may be looking to publish the works of first time authors.
I've found that to be an author you need to develop a thick skin, and thank editors for their comments even if they are highly critical. You would have to be extremely lucky or talented to have your novel manuscript taken from an editor's slush pile and published.
In terms of novel writing, I think it is useful to try to have a bunch of short stories published first. So you have a bit of a history and experience behind you to catch the eye of publishers. For novels it is worth looking for the right markets, markets where they may be looking to publish the works of first time authors.
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Zagreus,
'eco romance' is a term sorta made up, means romance novels trying to promote eco-friendly life through silly romances!
I like humor so all of them are a bit funny too (think comedy romance.. or romance comedy, with eco components..)
either the hero or heroine is 'eco', or 'eco' is a big part of the storyline/s, or both.. so there
Some of the short stories (and songs and poems), okay, most of them are not really eco though.. a wide range of genres, mostly with humor added in.. One story is a send-up of gothic novels etc..
I've looked into alternative publishing a bit too, you do actually need to finish something before you can publish and 'market' it
It's apparently quite easy to have an e-book on Amazon or so... (?)
Though self-publishing (especially for 'real books') seems to be most recommended for non-fiction..
I didn't know we have so many novel writers here... cool
'eco romance' is a term sorta made up, means romance novels trying to promote eco-friendly life through silly romances!
I like humor so all of them are a bit funny too (think comedy romance.. or romance comedy, with eco components..)
either the hero or heroine is 'eco', or 'eco' is a big part of the storyline/s, or both.. so there
Some of the short stories (and songs and poems), okay, most of them are not really eco though.. a wide range of genres, mostly with humor added in.. One story is a send-up of gothic novels etc..
I've looked into alternative publishing a bit too, you do actually need to finish something before you can publish and 'market' it
It's apparently quite easy to have an e-book on Amazon or so... (?)
Though self-publishing (especially for 'real books') seems to be most recommended for non-fiction..
I didn't know we have so many novel writers here... cool
Dronee
1
Zagreus,
'eco romance' is a term sorta made up, means romance novels trying to promote eco-friendly life through silly romances!
I like humor so all of them are a bit funny too (think comedy romance.. or romance comedy, with eco components..)
either the hero or heroine is 'eco', or 'eco' is a big part of the storyline/s, or both.. so there
Some of the short stories (and songs and poems), okay, most of them are not really eco though.. a wide range of genres, mostly with humor added in.. One story is a send-up of gothic novels etc..
I've looked into alternative publishing a bit too, you do actually need to finish something before you can publish and 'market' it
It's apparently quite easy to have an e-book on Amazon or so... (?)
Though self-publishing (especially for 'real books') seems to be most recommended for non-fiction..
I didn't know we have so many novel writers here... cool
I think "Rendezvous With Rama" is indirectly an 'eco romance'... probably the best one I've ever read... if you haven't you can try it and its sequels.
Predacon
Well-known member
I've written a few stories myself. Mostly Sci Fi and fantasy. I've had a few short stories accepted at different places. I'm working on a novel, but it takes time to write it up, I find short stories are easier. I find persistance is the key just keep submitting your stories, eventually you might find someone who likes it. If you're looking to improve your stories there are a lot of good critique sites out there like Critters or Scribophile which give good feedback.
WriterChick3
Well-known member
Yes, I am an aspiring novelist.
I usually lean more in to writing about horror, fantasy, some sci-fi with a dash of romance and some drama ... Of course, my book themes are usually kinda dark and sometimes revolve around other human problems/emotions that exist in reality.
I also read in the categories that I want to write for; such as Stephen King, Neil Gaiman, Melissa Marr, etc.
I haven't written out a full novel yet because I am so self-concious and think my writing is horrid and confusing ... but I write out quotes a lot and will write out a chapter or two. I'm just fearful of writing out a full novel and having it be boring and bad or the characters being lame; Also, I have an over-active imagination ... It runs in my family so that is a good thing.
One day I'll get to write and complete a book ... then I'll be happy.
I usually lean more in to writing about horror, fantasy, some sci-fi with a dash of romance and some drama ... Of course, my book themes are usually kinda dark and sometimes revolve around other human problems/emotions that exist in reality.
I also read in the categories that I want to write for; such as Stephen King, Neil Gaiman, Melissa Marr, etc.
I haven't written out a full novel yet because I am so self-concious and think my writing is horrid and confusing ... but I write out quotes a lot and will write out a chapter or two. I'm just fearful of writing out a full novel and having it be boring and bad or the characters being lame; Also, I have an over-active imagination ... It runs in my family so that is a good thing.
One day I'll get to write and complete a book ... then I'll be happy.
Forgotten-Children
Well-known member
I wouldn't really say novel, perse, but I REALLY wanna make a manga/comic in my life. I have an original idea (which the beta name for the comic is my user namer)
I just gotta create all the characters and monsters to go in it.
My idea was originally going to be an idea for an RPG game, and MAY turn out that way if my manga is big enough, but it really depends on if people actually like the story and characters. I see it going over well but not everyone has the same opinion as me.
PM me if you want a summary. :3
I just gotta create all the characters and monsters to go in it.
My idea was originally going to be an idea for an RPG game, and MAY turn out that way if my manga is big enough, but it really depends on if people actually like the story and characters. I see it going over well but not everyone has the same opinion as me.
PM me if you want a summary. :3
Kiwong
Well-known member
I'm open to constructive reviews of my stories. I have found that if several reviewers point out the same thing that needs fixing in a story, then they are probably onto something. My writing was still evolving, and I think even the most experienced of authors can learn to improve their writing. Criticism of my writing hurts like hell, but it is the only way to learn.
WriterChick3
Well-known member
I'm just fearful of writing out a full novel and then finding out it is not how I want it to be. Like if I change some of the stuff ... like adding more to the characters, adding more to the plot, maybe my story is too unoriginal and/or boring.
Oh, and that I could get sued by someone who claims I stole their idea. Yeah, that's a nice confidence booster [Sarcasm]
... Except the funny thing is there's a person I show in real life some of my work (she's trustworthy) and she says "Your writing is kinda like Tim Burton's stuff ... quirky characters, odd yet interesting ideas, very creative." That makes me feel good because I like a lot of Tim Burton's films ...
Yet I doubt I'd get any of that from the outside world in publishing or readers or other novelists. I have so much self-doubt and figure people only pity me, which is why they must compliment me.
Oh, and that I could get sued by someone who claims I stole their idea. Yeah, that's a nice confidence booster [Sarcasm]
... Except the funny thing is there's a person I show in real life some of my work (she's trustworthy) and she says "Your writing is kinda like Tim Burton's stuff ... quirky characters, odd yet interesting ideas, very creative." That makes me feel good because I like a lot of Tim Burton's films ...
Yet I doubt I'd get any of that from the outside world in publishing or readers or other novelists. I have so much self-doubt and figure people only pity me, which is why they must compliment me.
Well, I got some rather scathing comments a few years ago too, on the 1st one.. wasn't from target market people, and also I knew that part of novel was bad, that's why I wanted a 2nd opinion and ways to improve!! They wouldn't give me much useful stuff though!! (and mind you I didn't even particularly like books by those people, so that should've been a warning.. it still made me lose interest a bit..)
I actually think my first draft was better than the later 'reworked' version... not sure if I wanna turn it back again..
For one part my sis said 'Oh don't make it like that' so I changed it and the other guy who commented said he'd like it better if I left it the old way lol!! So, it can be a bit frustrating at times..!!
Also, a lot of my 1st novel versions are scattered across different computers and files.. And last version is on a USB key that may or may not have been infected with a rather nasty computer virus or such. So I don't dare to insert it. I don't know what to do about this, go to a computer store and ask if they have a computer where they could 'test' it and send myself a file via gmail or something? Would that be 'safe'?
I just let it be for a few years lol.. I think I'd really like to finish it someday, just for the fun of it..
WriterChick, you can always write another one then!!
It's normal to rework your story a bit or a lot!! Some people have 3+ drafts and they can be very different from previous version!!
JS Rowling put a lot of stuff out, before publishing..
Some say it's even better if your first novel sucks somewhat, because if your 1st one is an overnight sensation, it can lead to a lot of stress and depression and 'pressure' to write a perfect one next time too!!
I actually think my first draft was better than the later 'reworked' version... not sure if I wanna turn it back again..
For one part my sis said 'Oh don't make it like that' so I changed it and the other guy who commented said he'd like it better if I left it the old way lol!! So, it can be a bit frustrating at times..!!
Also, a lot of my 1st novel versions are scattered across different computers and files.. And last version is on a USB key that may or may not have been infected with a rather nasty computer virus or such. So I don't dare to insert it. I don't know what to do about this, go to a computer store and ask if they have a computer where they could 'test' it and send myself a file via gmail or something? Would that be 'safe'?
I just let it be for a few years lol.. I think I'd really like to finish it someday, just for the fun of it..
WriterChick, you can always write another one then!!
It's normal to rework your story a bit or a lot!! Some people have 3+ drafts and they can be very different from previous version!!
JS Rowling put a lot of stuff out, before publishing..
Some say it's even better if your first novel sucks somewhat, because if your 1st one is an overnight sensation, it can lead to a lot of stress and depression and 'pressure' to write a perfect one next time too!!