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billscott

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  • Don't Read This

    Don't Read This

    I thought I said, don't read this
    from 2 reviews.
    Horror and Thriller  Fiction
  • It's time

    It's time

    Richard needs to stop drinking, now.
    from 2 reviews.
    Horror and Thriller  Fiction
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    Dead Bolted

    Terry owes someone money or else.
    from 3 reviews.
    Horror and Thriller  Fiction
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billscott: would you take a script writing class to hone the novel or story writing process?
    DIS-illusioned: Mmm...may-be. -
    Michaelk: I can see where it might help. Like taking piano lessons to become a better guitar player. -


billscott: What's more important in a story, if you had to choose only one....intrigue or suspense?
    Michaelk: Suspense. It's more powerful. -
    michaelcahill: Intrigue. It's more captivating. (just being difficult) -
    vapros: Suspense is more important, because all the readers can feel it. Not so with intrigue, which would have to be tailored for the most basic readers. -


billscott: If faced with a choice to write a novel or blog for fun, which would it be? Why?
    michaelcahill: I always get more satisfaction when I do something difficult and have to stretch for it. Things that come easy to me come without satisfaction. -


billscott: What inspires your word art?
    Michaelk: Music. I write some of my best stuff while listening to Metallica. -


billscott: Germany is considering returning to the typewriter.

Good or bad idea?
    Imogen JH: Good Idea. -
    shelley kaye: whatever.
    -
    Val Crisson: WHY??? -


billscott: If computers were rendered useless, would you still be a writer?
    Imogen JH: Only when writing a cheque. -
    Linda Engel: oh yes, I wrote for years without one. love being creative -
    Kingsland: Absolutely. I have many books full of hand written poems and I still write them down on paper to this very day... -
    Michaelk: I'll stop writing when they pry the pen out of my cold, dead, hand. -
    nor84: Sure. I also own several electric typewriters. If electricity ceases to exist, I also have a portable manual typewriter in a closet somewhere. Before I owned one, I used pencil and paper.

    -
    billscott: Germany is considering going back to typewriters...interesting. -


billscott: Do you use feather and ink writing tools?
    adewpearl: The only feather and ink writing tools I ever owned was a souvenir from Independence Hall :-) -
    TAB_that's me: Oh I wish! -
    Cumbrianlass: In my little village school (in the sixties) we first learned to write with chalk on slate, and after that with nib pens and ink. We all had white porcelain inkwells in our desks, and were supplied with blotting paper. An ink blot on your work was frowned upon. I can remember when the blue and yellow Bic pens came out, and we began to write with those instead. That little village school is still operating, btw. -
    billscott: Cumbrianlass, what village is this? -
    Cumbrianlass: Allithwaite, in Cumbria. (Allithwaite C of E Primary School) :)
    -
    billscott: Cumbrianlass, I will look that up. It sounds fascinating. -


billscott: Scenario: A topic intrigues you for a story, its characters are full and lush in your mind, the storyline is fairly clear, you pen a partial outline. While all of it is fresh in your mind:

do you check to see if the story is a Big Concept against today's news and hot headlines to see if its worth writing?

or

do you write it anyway, regardless of its overall appeal (or lack-there-of)?
    vapros: Bill, you might have to decide whether you would rather be a writer or a reporter. Relevance to current events doesn't mean a thing, unless you are trying to sell it. Write it, man, and post it here. If we like it, we will give you two good reviews. This is why we are here - including you. Don't by shy. Write and post. -
    William Walz: Lord, no. If the idea intrigues you that should be enough in and of itself. -
    Michaelk: When an idea strikes I start writing as fast as I can. The theme doesn't really matter. Something is always going to be hot and something is always going to be not. What's in the headlines now might not be by the time you finish your writing. -
    Aiona: If we all wrote what was popular, there'd be nothing but vampires, zombies, and werewolves for the next century. PLEASE write something different! :) -
    Aiona: I think the main idea of Big Concept is lost on most people. People think Twilight is popular because of vampires. No, it's popular because of unrequited love. An everlasting concept that people never tire of hearing about, because real life doesn't let up either. -
    billscott: Aiona, creativity is boiling over on this site. There is so much talent here it's mind-boggling. What I wish to write is something amazing and memorable, like any writer on and off FS. -


billscott: Scenario: you have two plotlines from which to choose.

One plot resembles a "hot topic", which might challenge your friendships

OR

the other topic is a bit toned down and you know will get "some" mild attention at best.

Which one do you choose?
    Kingsland: You choose which ever one you want to write. Most authors write for themselves first and the reads come second. It has to be that way. It's the only way writing will ever work... -
    shelley kaye: whichever one YOU are most interested in.
    -
    michaelcahill: Hot Topic. That is what you really want to write about, correct? -
    nor84: What does it matter how much 'attention' a piece gets, as long as it pleases its author? Some poets and novelists on the site could do equally well with either plot, gaining attention with both. -


billscott: Self publishing or conventional publishing? Which one is better in your opinion?
    Kingsland: I think it's just a matter of choice, as long as you find a reputable publisher and not some rip off scheme. Be careful, as there are some bad ones out there... -
    billscott: xlibris and authorhouse are quite questionable, fyi
    -
    vapros: When you say 'conventional publishing', are you still referring to a publisher you hire to publish your work? -
    billscott: vapros, yes, that's what I mean -


billscott: if writing was your only way to make money...seriously, your only way...would you work for someone or yourself? And in what capacity?
    michaelcahill: I'd work for myself. I'd be my flunky. -


billscott: When do you think your story, poem or novel is good enough for publishing?
    shelley kaye: umm.... when it's published?

    ;-)

    -
    michaelcahill: That's a good question. I'm guessing that a consensus from writer's opinions that you respect. I find it hard to judge my own work. Sometimes I think it's the greatest, other times I want to set it all on fire! -
    Michaelk: I agree with Mr. Cahill, it's extremely difficult to judge your own work. I had people rave over my stories, but I would send them to magazines only to be rejected over and over. The answer is it's ready when it's ready. When you're satisfied with it, send it out.
    If you really want to see your work in a different light, get it edited. I never knew how many mistakes I was making until I started getting my novel edited. -
    humpwhistle: When you're re-read it for the 200th time, and you finally decide to make no changes.
    -


billscott: How do you thoroughly plan your story?

Is it in your head or on paper or on computer before you write it?

    michaelcahill: I just start writing and see where it goes with no idea at all. Sounds insane doesn't it! -
    nor84: There are three types of prose writers:

    Those who write an extensive outline and know the tale from beginning to end before they start, and those who write a minimal outline as they go -- as ideas come to them. And then there are the "pantsers" who think of a situation, choose their characters, start and the beginning and work through to the end without an outline.

    I fall somewhere in the middle group, sometimes outlining a bit, but mostly not. -
    Michaelk: I'm a 'pantser'. I get an idea and start writing. Sometimes in the middle of a story I will have an idea about the end, so I jot it down. Getting the end solidified helps me put more detail in the beginning. Back and forth it goes like some hellish see saw. When I feel like I have a complete story, I start sanding down the rough edges.
    My best stories are ones where my muse hits me upside the head with a two by four, and I have to rush to write it all down. -
    vapros: Nor, I must confess that many of my stories begin with the punch line, or the crescendo, or the death, or the surprise news. If I think I have a good ending - maybe a guy up shit creek with a nun and a goat, but no paddle - man, there is a story. It is great fun to write the rest of it, and you can make it as long or as short as you like.

    I see members here calling for help with the end of a story. That's shit creek. You should have thought of that before you left the dock!

    Hmmm - I think I will sponsor a contest that will have to end with my direction. How about that? -
    nor84: Sounds interesting.

    Some people, by the way, write the end first, or they write the main scenes and then go back and fill in dialogue and more detail.

    Some love outlining, because if they wake up and feel like writing a fight scene (or a love scene) they know right where it goes in the story, and they skip ahead, write it, and polish later. -
    billscott: All of you are incredibly interesting!

    Thank you for talking about this topic.

    Awesome tips in there too. -
    Michaelk: vapros, I would sign up for that contest. -


billscott: Who inspires you to write?
    shelley kaye: my imaginary friends....

    ;-)

    -
    humpwhistle: Folkish folks, like Mark Twain and Larry McMurtry. -
    michaelcahill: All these fibbers that say I can!! -
    Michaelk: Mike Battaglia, Dean Kuch, Edgar Allan Poe, and Metallica. -


billscott: Offering up prayers, thoughts and respectful meditations for Gungalo...we will miss you!

I miss her
    Shirley B: I will miss her too. -


billscott: do you decide a plot based on a subject you like or with current events?
    nor84: I decide on a situation, the 'inciting incident'. Then, I put two characters in that situation and see how the protagonist 'wins the day', add supporting characters, and move forward, figuring out details and backstory as I go. -


billscott: How do you "figure out" your characters?

Do you use past experiences of your own and mix them in?

Or do you completely make it all up?
    shelley kaye: they're my imaginary friends....

    ;-)

    -
    pafaust: They're all me. I just disguise their weirdness in different names so I can deny that. -
    nor84: Every character has a facet of my own personality -- or of the way I wish I were. -
    vapros: I think you have to begin with a story, and then invent the characters needed to make it work. When you know what you want them to do, you will know what kind of people you need to invent.

    If you begin with characters, then you find that you need to change them, as the story demands. And remember, they not only have to serve, they also have to entertain. -


billscott: after you have written your work, have you wondered what it might look like as a screenplay? or even written it yourself? or maybe someone wrote it out for you?
    shelley kaye: nope
    -
    Leonardo Wild: Yes, billscott, I have turned three of my novels into screenplays ... though mind you, the first one was probably not good at all, and the second one I did never went past the second draft. With the third I co-wrote it with the director who wanted to turn it into a film, but the financial quandary could never be overcome. But doing all that has helped me not only learn about screenwriting, but also how that can be applied to novel writing. It's really worth the exercise, as it can probably help you cut down your "learning curve" for novel writing by quite a few years. -
    billscott: Leonardo- I have written a few scripts without guidance (per instructor or mentor) and I thought it rather interesting to seek out some serious guidance. After reading your post, I have made up my mind...cheers my friend! -


billscott: If you could be a fly on the wall of a famous author to see how they operate, write, market, interact with publishers, their fans, etc., whose wall would you be on?
    shelley kaye: no one's.... because i don't want to get swatted by a rolled up newspaper lol ;-)

    -
    William Walz: The late, great Kurt Vonnegut. -
    shelley kaye: then again.... maybe i'd watch william.... have to hid in a place where he can't see me though, in case i fall asleep from boredom hehe ;-)

    -
    Adri7enne: Ken Follet's wall. I think he's the best novel writer alive today. Sometimes, when I really need a shot of good, professional writing, I read one of Follet's novels for the second time. I've read them all, so I'm always waiting for the next one. But, right now I'm reading "World Without End" for the 2nd time. I have it on my EReader. Now I try to analyse the way he puts it together as much as I read for the story. He does great research. And he's been writing wonderful novels since he was just a kid. Just goes to show one doesn't have to be long in the tooth when there's real talent. Follet seems to have always known how the world works. -


billscott: Have you written more than one genre? Which one? If so, would you ever do so again?
    Adri7enne: Yes. I write fantasy, sci-fi, but I've also written an allegorical novel, with caterpillar characters and transformational butterflies. I think it's good to experiment. Why tie yourself into a particular genre unless it's your only interest. I find the entire world with its wide range of possibilities should remain an open field. Maybe I just don't like commitments? LOL! -
    billscott: Adr7enne, have you mixed genre's in the same work before? -
    Adri7enne: I have. Sometimes, a story just comes to you, without time to stop and analyse what genre it might fall into. Don't try to set up too many tight paremeters around yourself. Let it be what it is and worry about the genre when it's done. Allow yourself to just be creative and original. The creative part of you is beyond the analytical mind. When you find the thread of the story, you can then allow the mind to refine it. It's always a two step process with me. You create until you find the thread of the story line. Then use your writing skills - the ability to inhabit your characters and their surroundings - and use your skills to bring them to life and tell their story. It should be fun! -
    billscott: Fun is what it's all about. ;) -
    billscott: Adri7enne - you said you wrote about caterpillars? Have you heard of David Gerold?

    He wrote using worms but for a more sinister purpose..I believe the series was called The War Against The Chtorr...Have you heard of it?
    -
    Adri7enne: I'd never heard of that series but I checked it out. Looks like something I could get lost in for years. I loved Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series. I thought he did characters well. And he created a world with such firm descriptions that I felt I knew it. Great fun! -
    nor84: I've written action/adventure with a touch or romance, also paranormal and paranormal romance. Would do all again. One of the neat things about e-book publishing is that you can mix genres in the same book because it doesn't have to 'fit' onto a bookstore shelf as any one genre. -
    billscott: nor84 I love that aspect of ebook publishing as well. I wish agents of today would get brave and realize the power of such mixed genre's; we writers would have more profitability on our hands...one can hope. -


billscott: When your written words hit the page, what leads you...the character(s), plot, theme, or central conflict?

Or is it something else?
    shelley kaye: usually the voices that whisper in the night

    lol ;-)

    -
    Joy Graham: When your words hit the page like a fresh blot of ink, that's amore! Sorry, that tune grabbed me when I read your post lol! -
    billscott: Joy...LOL -
    Adri7enne: I think it might be different for other writers, but for me, the characters lead the action and eventually, the plot. If my characters don't lead me or play well against each other, I know I should just can it. Other times, I like the characters so well, I hate to leave them. Usually, when I feel good about them, readers will tell me they wanted to story to go on. That's when you know the characters work and the work might be worth developing further. -
    billscott: Adri7enne, I agree. If a character is shaped without enough detail, the story just falls away and becomes narration. -
    Joy Graham: My characters tell me how to write the story. We have great arguments about it lol! -


billscott: When inspiration strikes, do you write or outline your next writing project?
    vapros: I'm not sure what I might do, if inspiration ever struck. -
    michaelcahill: I write, but I probably should outline. I so get myself in trouble sometimes by winging it. But, there are advantages to not knowing what is coming next. -
    Adri7enne: Sometimes, it's an advantage not knowing what you just wrote. Some people get so buffuddled by nonsense, they think it might make sense to someone and they're just not smart enough to get it. They'll give you points for 'writing over their heads'. Bullshit still baffles brains. Just go for it! At least some people seem to be successful with that idea. Sometimes I think it's true that the grounds of the madhouse are so vsst, fools wander the grounds making profound statements while not realizing they're behind the gates. -
    billscott: Ari7enne - what do you mean "behind the gates?" -
    Adri7enne: Ah, but if I'm to play that 'enigmatic', 'guess what I wrote' game, I shouldn't be asked to explain myself. That would be telling the Emperor he isn't wearing any clothes. -
    billscott: hehe..understood. *nods -
    Adri7enne: Sorry, Bill. I'm just being a smartass this morning. I find that allowing my mind to roam free with an idea and a computer, without an outline, will at least get me writing. Then, I might generate a germ of an idea while putting down a few lines. From there, I can either keep on writing or discard the preliminary exercise and run with the new idea the writing just generated. The risk is not knowing when to discard what doesn't work. We tend to think everything that originates in our minds has to be a masterpiece. Some of it is just fodder for the trash can. A lot of mine is. I'm learning to cut and discard - write and rewrite - the most important skills a real writer can learn. -
    billscott: I understand. It's ok.

    You touch upon aspects a very good author explains in his book called "Several Short Sentences About Writing"

    It talks similarly of what you explained.

    We all have our ways to get our "juices" going. That's the interesting part of writing. Rules? What rules?

    What inspires, inspires...what doesn't, just doesn't.

    I have read some of your material. Love it.

    Headin over for a deeper look if I may...

    Cheers! -
    shelley kaye: depends on what the voices tell me to do....

    ;-)
    -


billscott: What is meditation?

AT first when I thought about it, I thought it meant donning a robe and climbing to the top of a mountain and finding some guru to talk with.

Of course that is a naive way to think about it, so I needed more of an example.

A friend of mind introduced me to the idea and within 5 minutes we were done.

All I remember was considering his ideas and being calm.

And he said...

Exactly, all you have to do is to change one aspect of what we just did.

And that blew my mind...
    shelley kaye: blew it where? did you catch up with it and get it back?

    ;-)

    -
    billscott: hehe...yep and made a full recovery ;)
    -


billscott: If meditation was designed to work with what you do like and was specific to your intentions, would you use it?
    William Walz: Let me think about it. -


billscott: What if meditation helped your writing...would you try it to find out?
    shelley kaye: i have tried meditation a few times.... didn't like it and didn't do anything for me. lol

    next question?

    -


billscott: Do you use meditation before tackling writing prompts?
    nor84: No. -
    shelley kaye: nope
    -
    michaelcahill: never -


billscott: All photos on any of my works are courtesy of google images in the public domain, unless indicated by FanArt contributions.

ABOUT
Location Toronto, Canada
Born yes, I was born
Gender Male
Member Premier Author
Joined August 2013
Although, the majority of my work is dark and horror-themed, I love the Light of God and I seek His wonders wherever I go. I rid my soul of the horrors of this life as perishable words on a page or pages.

And such is the reason why I write, when I write.

Greetings, everyone.

Be well and thrive.
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