Dear Writer
Advice to a Budding Author13 total reviews
Comment from Badger_29
Dear Irish, I can see that you put a lot of time and blood of your own here. Some great relevant quotes, with an intriguing and beguiling narrative woven around them. Of course I feel that this was written for me, but I should not be so vain or naïve, for lack of a better description. It had a huge impact on me, in a way that made me think of things, like, what IS my passion? Where exactly am I investing this great, valuable, and rapidly diminishing thing that we call TIME., You snuck this one in on me, I was so distracted that I missed it the first (few?) times. I have copied and pasted this "holy grail", and intend to study it's intricacies. Darren
reply by the author on 24-Nov-2016
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Dear Irish, I can see that you put a lot of time and blood of your own here. Some great relevant quotes, with an intriguing and beguiling narrative woven around them. Of course I feel that this was written for me, but I should not be so vain or naïve, for lack of a better description. It had a huge impact on me, in a way that made me think of things, like, what IS my passion? Where exactly am I investing this great, valuable, and rapidly diminishing thing that we call TIME., You snuck this one in on me, I was so distracted that I missed it the first (few?) times. I have copied and pasted this "holy grail", and intend to study it's intricacies. Darren
Comment Written 23-Nov-2016
reply by the author on 24-Nov-2016
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Thank you so much for the review and all the stars! You are the only reader who saw the real message, and appreciated what I was saying. To be able to see, really see, and then able to write the image more vividly than it appeared in real life.
irish
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Not only did the a pple not fall far, it sprouted and grew . . .
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And, yeah,I do feel much better.
Comment from IndianaIrish
OH, Irish, I can't tell you how happy I feel reading your words once again. It's been too long and I've had a heartache waiting. Your wonderful wisdom, tucked inside your Irish humor and insight, is truly a delightful read. I consider myself a budding author, and in reality, I know I always will. There's so much to keep learning in all aspects of writing. So much of good writing involves letting the reader grasp onto the characters by allowing the reader to use their senses to hold on and stay holding on. I think when a reader relates to the sensory images of the characters, then that's when the emotional impact will hit them ...and you've got them.
I loved your use of mistakes to prove the point of your essay. You're such a brilliant craftsman, Irish. Welcome back, and I sure hope you stay around awhile. I could use some more of you.
Smiles and sláinte, my friend,
Sassy :)
reply by the author on 02-Nov-2016
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OH, Irish, I can't tell you how happy I feel reading your words once again. It's been too long and I've had a heartache waiting. Your wonderful wisdom, tucked inside your Irish humor and insight, is truly a delightful read. I consider myself a budding author, and in reality, I know I always will. There's so much to keep learning in all aspects of writing. So much of good writing involves letting the reader grasp onto the characters by allowing the reader to use their senses to hold on and stay holding on. I think when a reader relates to the sensory images of the characters, then that's when the emotional impact will hit them ...and you've got them.
I loved your use of mistakes to prove the point of your essay. You're such a brilliant craftsman, Irish. Welcome back, and I sure hope you stay around awhile. I could use some more of you.
Smiles and sláinte, my friend,
Sassy :)
Comment Written 27-Oct-2016
reply by the author on 02-Nov-2016
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Ah, my Sweet Coleen! I have missed you and wondered often what marvelous turns your life has been taking while I was off taking care of family business. Thank you for your wonderful review, your insight into my little piece(That was rumbling around in my wee brain for so long!) , and the galaxy of stars! No one saw the deliberate errors designed to stimulate a readers ire or curiosity.
I will check out you site to see what pearls you have thrown to us. Will e-mail and bring you up yo date some.
irish
Comment from Adri7enne
Being a writer entails being an observer, both of the outside world and the interior emotions brought about by the observation. You are totally right in this. Just as a painter must be able to see, so must a writer be able to see and observe and note his own reactions to the scenes. It's a solitary occupation for sure. Perhaps not so lonely when the world is populated by created characters, brought about by careful observation.
I noticed the grammar issues, but like you, I felt they were mere distractions and I didn't want to be swerved from the ideas you were expressing. It's always an exciting experience to see a friend from a different perspective. I like the way you think as a writer. Well done, Irish. Good to read you again after such a long time.
reply by the author on 02-Nov-2016
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Being a writer entails being an observer, both of the outside world and the interior emotions brought about by the observation. You are totally right in this. Just as a painter must be able to see, so must a writer be able to see and observe and note his own reactions to the scenes. It's a solitary occupation for sure. Perhaps not so lonely when the world is populated by created characters, brought about by careful observation.
I noticed the grammar issues, but like you, I felt they were mere distractions and I didn't want to be swerved from the ideas you were expressing. It's always an exciting experience to see a friend from a different perspective. I like the way you think as a writer. Well done, Irish. Good to read you again after such a long time.
Comment Written 26-Oct-2016
reply by the author on 02-Nov-2016
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Ah, my Lady from the furthest shores! Thank you for the sky full of stars, your insight, interpretation, and perspective view. Have been distracted by urgent family business and am glad to be back among friends. Almost no one noticed the deliberate errors I left in my little ramble to stimulate and inspire authors (Like You, My Dear!) to respond and comment.
I will check you site to see what clever musings you have been up to(And an e-mail to tantalize you with my present life), and hopefully I can write out some of the other thoughts that have been aching to get out of my wee brain.
irish
Comment from DonandVicki
I like the way that you composed this story with the sayings from Steinbeck and Hemingway. I enjoyed all of the advice. Very well constructed.
reply by the author on 02-Nov-2016
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I like the way that you composed this story with the sayings from Steinbeck and Hemingway. I enjoyed all of the advice. Very well constructed.
Comment Written 25-Oct-2016
reply by the author on 02-Nov-2016
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Thank you so much for reading, and the stars. I am a big Hemingway, Steinbeck and Thomas Wolfe fan, but read many significant modern authors. My advice was not original, but a summary from many gifted writers who have commented on my many works here on FS, all now resting in my portfolio.
Thanks again, irish
Comment from ScarBundy
I think every aspiring writer should read this. It gives one much to think about and learn from. I make no presumptions that I am flawless in my writing, and to read this only gives me more things to consider when I do write. Thank you for taking the time to create this.
reply by the author on 02-Nov-2016
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I think every aspiring writer should read this. It gives one much to think about and learn from. I make no presumptions that I am flawless in my writing, and to read this only gives me more things to consider when I do write. Thank you for taking the time to create this.
Comment Written 25-Oct-2016
reply by the author on 02-Nov-2016
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Thank you so much for reading, the stars, and your thoughtful comments! In a departure from the normal rote and manner of "How to Write" advice on construction, etc. , I tried to give readers some of the really necessary qualifications for in-depth creation.
Thanks again, irish
Comment from Maureen's Pen
Dear Irish, This was a great first step in direction for all writers of all levels. For good writing is a constant work of art, and takes the time needed to grow as we pen depth that ultimtely draws our readers in.
I enjoyed reading this very much.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and wisdom.
Hugs
m
reply by the author on 02-Nov-2016
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Dear Irish, This was a great first step in direction for all writers of all levels. For good writing is a constant work of art, and takes the time needed to grow as we pen depth that ultimtely draws our readers in.
I enjoyed reading this very much.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and wisdom.
Hugs
m
Comment Written 25-Oct-2016
reply by the author on 02-Nov-2016
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Ah, my Sweet Lady! So good to read your words again! Thank you for the fresh galaxy! Have been gone on a family business sojourn that changed my life(What there is left of it) and am now able to pen and pine at the same time(But us Irish have survived the rigors for generations that way!).Will check your site and gain some more wisdom into The Great Mystery.
It's been so lonely drinking that morning cup of coffee alone...
Cal-
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Your reply intrigues me my friend. I hope to read of your travels, body, mind and spirit. Looking forward to your ink, and a cuppa coffee too.
Take care Cal, missed you.
M
Comment from Brett Matthew West
You make some valid suggestions in this piece.
However, if a writer is truly going to be "all they can be" as a writer, then they need to also not only know the rules of grammar, but how to properly use them, in order to make the pieces they write truly stand out.
Here is another piece of advice that could be included in something like this:
The first time is the right time to write something right.
reply by the author on 24-Oct-2016
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You make some valid suggestions in this piece.
However, if a writer is truly going to be "all they can be" as a writer, then they need to also not only know the rules of grammar, but how to properly use them, in order to make the pieces they write truly stand out.
Here is another piece of advice that could be included in something like this:
The first time is the right time to write something right.
Comment Written 24-Oct-2016
reply by the author on 24-Oct-2016
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Very well taken, Brett. There are many requirements that I did not cover. I was attempting to show a beginning writer how to look at an object, person, place or thing and see it in depth, in order to make the transition to the written word. Thanks for reading, your excelleny comments, and the stars.
irish
Comment from humpwhistle
Some very sage advice, irish. And I should know, because I've already arrived at many of these stations (of the cross we bear), and the journey wasn't easy, or pretty. Where the hell were you when I was stupid? Fear not, I'm still in no shortage of stupidity.
One point you made is very close to my heart. It isn't enough to write a good story--you must imbue your story with good writing! Brilliant writing, if you can muster it.
You probably know, I like to let my characters speak. And I like them to say things that give my characters depth and quirks. I like them to spout homespun philosophies appropriate to the story arc. At this point in my journey, this is the most rewarding accomplishment--when I'm able to pull it off.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to more of your philosophy.
Very well done.
Peace, Lee
reply by the author on 24-Oct-2016
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Some very sage advice, irish. And I should know, because I've already arrived at many of these stations (of the cross we bear), and the journey wasn't easy, or pretty. Where the hell were you when I was stupid? Fear not, I'm still in no shortage of stupidity.
One point you made is very close to my heart. It isn't enough to write a good story--you must imbue your story with good writing! Brilliant writing, if you can muster it.
You probably know, I like to let my characters speak. And I like them to say things that give my characters depth and quirks. I like them to spout homespun philosophies appropriate to the story arc. At this point in my journey, this is the most rewarding accomplishment--when I'm able to pull it off.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to more of your philosophy.
Very well done.
Peace, Lee
Comment Written 22-Oct-2016
reply by the author on 24-Oct-2016
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Ah, your comments stand out just as truly as your works of fiction! You have an insight lacking in many of the writers here-and elsewhere-in that you let your characters tell the story, thereby drawing your readers in immediately. Your latest works are succinct in their quality, your characters spring to life through their homespun philosophies. I would recognize them if they passed me on the the street.
Thank you for reading, commenting, and All Those Stars!
irish
Comment from barbara.wilkey
I am trying to absorb everything you wrote in this post. It's hard to do. You do have some good advise. I will read it again.
reply by the author on 02-Nov-2016
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I am trying to absorb everything you wrote in this post. It's hard to do. You do have some good advise. I will read it again.
Comment Written 22-Oct-2016
reply by the author on 02-Nov-2016
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Hello, Barbara! Good to read your words again! Thank you for the stars, for reading, and your great insight into my little piece. Tried to depart from the norm and rote of construction, plot, action, etc. and perhaps point someone in the precursors to pursue before they start to spin a yarn.
Thanks again, irish
Comment from c_lucas
There comes a time when one must hearkens to Life's realities and dealing with its many curve balls. I'm at that moment in life and I find your advice to be a welcomed
interlude. The answers lie with in the wordsmith about which is more important.
reply by the author on 22-Oct-2016
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There comes a time when one must hearkens to Life's realities and dealing with its many curve balls. I'm at that moment in life and I find your advice to be a welcomed
interlude. The answers lie with in the wordsmith about which is more important.
Comment Written 22-Oct-2016
reply by the author on 22-Oct-2016
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Hi Charlie, been a while, life took some fast turns and kept me jumping through hoops, slowing down a bit now. Thank you for your wonderful insight and great rating.
irish
