You can write a good book without being artistic; you can't write a good book without the craft. Some people get the craft born into 'em, but they're pretty rare, and their names usually rhyme with "break-beer".
Yep, exactly. And, y'know, I stumbled over somebody whose writing was *so* good I'd go read her shopping lists a few years ago - after she'd asked me to look at something 'in case it's worth anything'. I was absolutely blown away. She got editors interested... worked like crazy on two novels... and then gave up. Sheer frustration! She had it *all*. And didn't think she was the greatest thing since sliced bread when the compliments started to roll in, either. I still live in hope that she'll start to write again (but is doing a doctorate at the moment so has no time to chuck out fiction *g*).
But hey - one of my greatest fuzzy moments was when a newish writer who had been on the end of my TOUGH edits got her first book published this year :) Proof that I don't put everybody off, eh?
Subject matter and tone are to each person's taste but the actual basics of putting a piece of fiction together are not. There are fundamentals required to be readable and only after you have mastered them can you _maybe_ begin to toy with them. And in my opinion, even in the hands of masters, it rarely works.
Heh - Elizabeth G made them about the 'nuts and bolts' stuff, not me... but I really do agree with her. Have to say that if you read the book, you'll find that her approach to her books is incredibly thorough (blows my mind - and not sure if I'd every find any *fun* in that, y'know?).
Just looked at your LJ profile - so welcome to Pros. I'm SO behind with anything not related to work or attempting to run a family at the moment I've hardly seen people arrive let alone to see if / what they write...
Dare I ask where in N.E. England? I'm from Sheffield originally, although have been out of the UK for 26 years now. But spent holidays in Redcar, Saltburn area when I was a kid and get nostalgic now and again.
Well, I DO write, and have been told that I have a flair for it (not just by my friends) but I am just beginning in fandom, so I know there is scope for massive improvement. I did creative writing at school, and did quite well. However, I am keen to improve to the best of my ability and learn the "craft" side, and following yours and Bamfie's recent posts, have already been googling and ordered some books from Amazon. I strive for excellence in the things I set out to do.
I'm originally from West Yorkshire; my parents live approximately half way between Huddersfield and Wakefield, but I moved to the North East to be with my husband. So for the past 11 years, I have lived in Saltburn - really. I will send you some snaps just to remind you, because I doubt it's changed much. We're going into Redcar shortly to do some shopping. Small world, huh?
Comments 8
Reply
But hey - one of my greatest fuzzy moments was when a newish writer who had been on the end of my TOUGH edits got her first book published this year :) Proof that I don't put everybody off, eh?
Reply
Plus, totally agree with all the above.
Are you feeling better now?
Reply
Subject matter and tone are to each person's taste but the actual basics of putting a piece of fiction together are not. There are fundamentals required to be readable and only after you have mastered them can you _maybe_ begin to toy with them. And in my opinion, even in the hands of masters, it rarely works.
Reply
Reply
Just looked at your LJ profile - so welcome to Pros. I'm SO behind with anything not related to work or attempting to run a family at the moment I've hardly seen people arrive let alone to see if / what they write...
Dare I ask where in N.E. England? I'm from Sheffield originally, although have been out of the UK for 26 years now. But spent holidays in Redcar, Saltburn area when I was a kid and get nostalgic now and again.
Reply
Well, I DO write, and have been told that I have a flair for it (not just by my friends) but I am just beginning in fandom, so I know there is scope for massive improvement. I did creative writing at school, and did quite well. However, I am keen to improve to the best of my ability and learn the "craft" side, and following yours and Bamfie's recent posts, have already been googling and ordered some books from Amazon. I strive for excellence in the things I set out to do.
I'm originally from West Yorkshire; my parents live approximately half way between Huddersfield and Wakefield, but I moved to the North East to be with my husband. So for the past 11 years, I have lived in Saltburn - really. I will send you some snaps just to remind you, because I doubt it's changed much. We're going into Redcar shortly to do some shopping. Small world, huh?
Reply
Reply
Leave a comment