Wanted: help and encouragement

I'm not  really the best writer, since my best and most popular works happen to be very emo poetry.  I recently came up with a drabble that is a memory of my character Remi. I want to wite it, but I'm not sure about the entire thing. I haven't ever managed to write more than a page even when I try, and this whole thing is uncharted territory for me. I need a beta who will kick my butt every once in a while so I can possibly finish this thing. My goal would be to write enought collected memories for each of my chars that I have books for each of them. btw: the topic is in RC in case I need to discuss details that are less than PD friendly. My chars' histories are collectively very disturbing, and contain violence, sex, and abuse in all its forms.

Well see- that's half the fun with being a writer- telling a story you love cause you know others will love it too. Theoretically- the story should motivate you. I'm not sure what your beta would do. Are you needing a cheerleader? Or a co-writer? What are you wanting exactly?

more like both! I don't know if many would be willing to be the cheerleader though. Looking at it now, I see how it probobly won't happen. I should rephrase my wanted poster to exclde the cheerleader bit. I'm just really unsure, insecure, and scared about this. I've never been able to write anything I like myself. I want to be able to enjoy it myself, and for others to enjoy reading it. I don't want it to be one of those OC stories that's an entirely annoying waste of time for the readers. That's what I need an editor for.

I can help, but most of it needs to come from you I'm affraid. It's like art- I can help you make it look aesthetic, but in the end, its your idea for the picture. Your story. If you aren't telling the story then there's not alot of point.

Also, watch how much dark you put in a storyline. Make sure you have some light. He may have a shitty past, but give him something to live for Otherwise the readers will stop reading and go watch Sailor Moon to make themselves happy again. Dark storys are a difficutl thing to balance I've found. I mean- its a drama story I take it? Not a mystery, or noir, or thriller or what ever. Drama is a scandle genre, but there's usually a gossip feel about it. Noir, although its dark, its has a cool, gangster feel about it. Thriller is a heart rate genre. You speed up and slow down the pace to make the reader excited. Mystery? Well, that's all unknown stuff, and its gret to read cause it challenges the writer to think outside the square ALOT. My Phoenix Wright fic is a partial mystery story. All PW storys are. Mystery/drama.

Pick what gere you want, and think of the elements that make them good. That's my biggest suggestion

Thanks! The one I decided to write for right now is just a drabble of Remi's past. He was raised with the belief in Hoodoo, and the story has several religious and spooky aspects. My challenge in balance would be that not only is it just a memory (not the complete story) but its also told from a small child's point of view. Remi would have been about seven, and had the attention span of a five-year--old due to his learning disabilities.

I'm a little late in replying but I am pretty good at 'ass-kicking' during a critique.  Ark has a very good point.  In the end it's all about you!

I'm good at asking questions.  For instance:  Why, who, what, where and how?  Why did a character chose something.  How did the situation start? What perspective suits the protagonist? Who is this character and why should I care about his/her predicament.  Who's the intended audience?  What themes are you trying to convey?  Where do you get your inpsiration? How do you organize your story?  What's your pleasure...heavy imagery, wordy dialogue or both?  Have you read stories like the one you hope to create? No? Yes?

I could go on and on!

I can't really help you with the writing part, but I can sympathize with the motivation thing. I often wish I had someone to cheer me on and check in on my projects to make sure I'm getting things done. There are several factors that seem to inhibit progress in my projects. Perhaps some of my experience will be of some help...

For me, the hardest part is getting started and I have to find ways to force myself to sit down and do it. Often times after I struggle through those first 20 minutes, I start to get going and make lots of progress.  One solution is to create a work space that feels inviting. Create a space somewhere in your room that is dedicated specifically to working on this project. Get some nice new pretty pens, post its, and other office supplies that could aid in your production. It's not just that these tools are useful, it's that the newness of them and seeing them there makes the space more inviting, which means you may be more likely to sit down and start working.

Another deterrant is the project seems too overwhelming. It seems so huge that it seems like there is no possible way to get it done. The solution for this is to plan out the project into bite sized chunks. This may be something you've heard before, but here's something you may not have heard; Trick your brain into thinking that you are ONLY going to do that first chunk. Say to your brain "ok this first chunk is probably only 15 minutes worth of work. I'm going to only do this first chunk and that's it." Then once you get it done you'll probably have gotten in the zone and will feel like taking the next chunk. And even if you feel like stopping, at least you've put 15 minutes into it.

And yet another source of angst in working on projects is feelings that you feel like you aren't skilled enough or good enough to get it as good as you want to. In this case, I'm not entirely sure what the solution is. The best advice I can give is to think of what you create as a draft, and not the final version. Tell yourself that you can always go back later and revise.

Anyway, I hope this helps.

thanks so much everyone! you've all shed some insight and help that has made me decide to just get on with it. the first little story anyway. Silverbane, I would love for you to critique my story as well as Arkillian. I hope to get some done tonight or at least over the weekend.

*salute* I stand ready to critique. 

got the basic outline done on the ride to memphis on sat. I'm working on some research currently for hoodoo protection spells and items. I will then start on the actual first draft. XD this is really exciting! my first story evar!

 Okay you! [cruffins]

How's it going?  *poke-poke*

I'm being encouraging-ing.    

How goes it?

lol, thanks! I've gotten it written down, so now I just have to type it up. I'm getting there, and I've already got another idea since my char Gene felt neglected. I've just had a hectic time lately since I'm getting ready to graduate high school. its sooo busy! I'm excited and high-strung about the whole thing. and then there's the fact that I'v ehad a recent boost to my self confidence from a source outside my home town. people are always putting each other down here, everybody's miserable. XD but I'm just.....squeeeeeee!!! Whew. got that all out now. damn. okay, but I am planning on posting here soon. I might get a chance this weekend. my aunt is coming to visit and I'll try to hole up in my room so I don't have to baby-sit her grandkids. uggh, they're monsters. god I just keep going don't I? I'll stop now.

UPDATE: I am about halfway through typing my story. It's taking soo long because I've found several things I don't like about it, so I'm also editing as I type. I'm hoping to get some feedback when I post, and if anyone would like to take the liberty of actually editing it or putting in notes I'll gladly send them the file. gah! this is soo much harder than I thought....*whimper*

oh, and its very short kuz, ummm....that's how all my stuff ends up. le sigh.

Update Again:My story has been uploaded in the PD side since it isn't mature (for now) It is under the name of "Mess wit de dead". If anyone would like to critique it or add notes to the actual file let me know. thank you all for the help and support. this story wouldn't be here if it weren't for all of you!

Left a comment- Please don't be discoraged by it, its got some critique in it which I hope will be usefull. Writing your first story can be VERY difficult, cause you may or may not know where to start etc... Just, try not to take crit too personally, and try to use all the info people give you on this story to help out with the next. I guarranty you, story writing is easy. It really is. Those first few storys are a bitch to EVERYONE though. Please don't lose heart cause I'd liek to see you do more- k? You just have a few beginner quirks to work out first- that's all

On Apr 29, 2008 4:45 am, arkillian said:

You just have a few beginner quirks to work out first- that's all

I'd say more like a ton. I'm baisically trying to figure out how to re-write the story now. and I've got this other idea poking me while I'm trying to think of this one. gah! oh well, I like it so I am going to keep at it. Thanks for the advice and ego-boost!

I'm glad you're not discouraged ^^ Some of my earliest writings were kinda really silly, not thought out and Mary Sue like, but its the imagination that is the key. Get the reader conjuring up imagery of the scene and  take them on a journey ^^ enjoy yourself too! That's most important

Sorry it's taking a while to crit...  I was nailed by the damn 15 minute cookie issue...it erased a very long and informative crit.  I'm trying to re-gather my thoughts to post again.

I noticed your rant in the regular forums. Thanks for your time though. just let me know when you have anything you want me to crit. I'm not good at writing, but I do know my literature very well. It's my best subject in fact.

Hun..? What you need to do is sit down and web, or plan as it is known. Write down key events you want to happen, interactions the characters would have with others, design your settings and time lines and develope laws or look into some. All that takes a bit outa a writer and disenchants much o the unknown factor fun, but, in order to get something finished, that is what you have to do. ^^

Faithfuly true,

Scitah