tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post2166009364747337049..comments2024-03-28T22:21:46.973-07:00Comments on Tossing It Out: Whar Kin I Larn to Rite Good? --#IWSGArlee Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-69701883782423046882015-05-11T13:55:04.855-07:002015-05-11T13:55:04.855-07:00Honesty is a good policy I think. In my opinion a...Honesty is a good policy I think. In my opinion any kind of review is better than no review at all. There have been cases where I have made a purchase based on curiosity piqued by a bad review. What one person thinks is bad may sound good to another.<br /><br />Lee<br />Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-5475281803635309962015-05-09T08:31:32.625-07:002015-05-09T08:31:32.625-07:00Hi Lee - having not done any of those things on yo...Hi Lee - having not done any of those things on your survey ... I think I'd flunk the test ... and at school I certainly did; only found my writing voice via blogging and getting wonderful comments about my rather distinctive style of writing/blogging ... so I can only thank blogging for this support. I am grateful when people comment with some viewpoint on the blog - makes me feel I'm in the right direction with my writing - it's different ... and that's the way it is ... a unique voice ... I doubt there's more than one of me - and poor thing if there's another?! Cheers HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-65600583042395568642015-05-09T06:48:19.445-07:002015-05-09T06:48:19.445-07:00Well said. We should be best advised not to take ...Well said. We should be best advised not to take any one critique to heart to any extreme degree since a good deal of what comprises critique can be based on personal preference as well.<br /><br />Lee<br />Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-26730007391817769442015-05-09T06:45:43.394-07:002015-05-09T06:45:43.394-07:00Reading through these comments I probably should h...Reading through these comments I probably should have used a different assignation than "higher authority". Just about anything we do that takes us out of our zone is probably at least somewhat helpful when it come to our interests and developing our abilities.<br /><br />Lee<br />Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-1415859823695102682015-05-09T06:43:05.387-07:002015-05-09T06:43:05.387-07:00Yes, I agree with what your saying. In essence, g...Yes, I agree with what your saying. In essence, good anything is made more than born. We might have certain inclinations toward particular talents when we are born, but without the training, the practice, and the will we won't necessarily become great at it.<br /><br />Lee<br />Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-49832928451068567752015-05-09T06:39:31.361-07:002015-05-09T06:39:31.361-07:00Thankfully I've got most of the mechanics of w...Thankfully I've got most of the mechanics of writing down fairly well, but I know I misuse commas on occasion.<br /><br />Lee<br />Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-70790392319474018452015-05-09T06:37:56.515-07:002015-05-09T06:37:56.515-07:00I've been tempted by the WD contests but have ...I've been tempted by the WD contests but have yet to enter one. I think I learn a lot of storytelling skills from watching TV and movies.<br /><br />Lee<br />Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-68867089338165973612015-05-08T14:17:21.847-07:002015-05-08T14:17:21.847-07:00I had hyperlexia (full-blown advanced reading) at ...I had hyperlexia (full-blown advanced reading) at age three, and began writing at age four. I've gotten much better over time, though all my teachers and other people always said I was really talented for my age. One of the best things to develop oneself as a better, more mature, more professional writer is good old-fashioned time. We should always be growing and developing as we get older and gain more experience with writing. All the critiques in the world can never take the place of continuing to better yourself as a writer over many years. It's one thing to be told an earlier draft isn't up to snuff or that a certain style you thought was so awesome is just a bad, poorly-executed gimmick, but only with personal growth and an honest eye towards your own work can you understand WHY those earlier efforts are facepalm-worthy and in serious need of rewriting.Carrie-Annehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05810154378449825641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-59692263995297127902015-05-08T08:59:36.195-07:002015-05-08T08:59:36.195-07:001) writing blogs, classes, interesting articles, b...1) writing blogs, classes, interesting articles, but mostly I learn from writing - especially using challenges which make me step outside my comfort zone - and the comments and feedback on my efforts. I am going on two workshops next weekend, though :)<br />2) Come to think of it, I don't take kindly to authority anyway, so I don't look on anyone as a 'highest' authority.<br />3) No. I don't read many magazines anyway, and I wouldnt subscribe to a writing one. I occasionally find interesting articles online though.<br />Jemima Petthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17110647375899927233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-42935586351172261142015-05-08T07:41:48.292-07:002015-05-08T07:41:48.292-07:00I thjink anyone can be a good write just like some...I thjink anyone can be a good write just like someone can sing well or create art or a craft but then there are the "special" people who innately are just a step above. They don't just play the piano, they make it sing. There are people who can take all the classes, study, read and can be good in what they write but can never attain that extra something that I believe in inherent in some way. Do I think that any creative person can just create and they have a masterpeice? No. They must take classes, read, study, experiment to turn their gift into nsomething truly great. The key is not only that innate sense but the passion. With passion comes a certain perfectionism which is a blessing and a curse. I look at what my mom created, Faberge Eggs. She was a true artist since she made almost everything inside as well. She created them using real eggs. She loved it, read up on it and practised and practised. She had a passion. I made a few eggs-they are nice but no where close to what my mom created. I did not have that passion nor was I a perfectionist. One can see the difference. I have read from other bloggers who have almost scrapped all their writing and started again because they needed it to be better.-The blessing and the curse of the perfectionist. One will go to great lengths to make sure what they create, whether it be a piece of art or writing, is what they will be happy with and usually they can still find fault. The writers, I think, will use any means to help their craft. Reading helps, I loved taking creative writing classes. If I would show any of my writings, it would be to someone who is an author themself or knowledgable with the English language since my grammar sucks:) I have never bought a magazine about writing but I am certain many doBirgithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09439720285857050428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-72878731954829831632015-05-07T22:20:46.904-07:002015-05-07T22:20:46.904-07:00Law, Law, help me law! Yes-diddy I had a look at c...Law, Law, help me law! Yes-diddy I had a look at comas. Uh-huh, those little things that resemble fish hooks. I gotz to larn me sumpin'.Dixie@dcreliefhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11558671709412200904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-27565917003833453732015-05-07T15:42:24.754-07:002015-05-07T15:42:24.754-07:00Answering your questions...
1. A lot of the progr...Answering your questions...<br />1. A lot of the progress I've made over the years has come from a combination of those things, plus continuous reading. Watching a well-constructed movie or TV show (e.g. Breaking Bad) also helps me learn about good storytelling. <br /><br />2. I don't know if I regard anyone as the highest authority because I'm wary of putting anyone on a pedestal. But if more than a few people keep suggesting I need to change something in my story, I'd listen. <br /><br />3. I subscribed to Writers Digest years ago. I remember enjoying reading about the contests out there. <br /><br />Hope this helps!<br /> Cynthiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00912167351889969855noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-66644064388503411722015-05-07T13:23:17.564-07:002015-05-07T13:23:17.564-07:00Reading and writing are probably the best for impr...Reading and writing are probably the best for improving ones writing.<br /><br />Lee<br />Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-89869039916538189722015-05-07T13:22:34.359-07:002015-05-07T13:22:34.359-07:00Refresher workshops or any kinds of classes can be...Refresher workshops or any kinds of classes can be worthwhile not only for new things you can possibly learn, but also for networking potential. Never know what new friends you'll make in those situations.<br /><br />Lee<br />Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-88913210925315633482015-05-07T08:51:50.195-07:002015-05-07T08:51:50.195-07:00My best teacher is a regular writing practice, fol...My best teacher is a regular writing practice, followed closely by reading. I love to study great books, but even a bad book teaches me, because I realize what not to do. I read writing books regularly, and some are real gems. Finally, I like to attend one or two conferences a year to give me motivation.Nadine_Feldmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05742177071130596367noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-56363879811836846092015-05-06T21:05:21.213-07:002015-05-06T21:05:21.213-07:00I lucked out with really good teachers in high sch...I lucked out with really good teachers in high school and college but I still took refresher workshops when I started writing fiction as an adult.<br /><a href="http://www.susangourley.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">Susan Says</a>Susan Gourley/Kelleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02669793865290876168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-3824386457494327152015-05-06T19:58:39.214-07:002015-05-06T19:58:39.214-07:00That's a tough call. But I think the cases you...That's a tough call. But I think the cases you sighted, where you privately told them what you thought ( I think I would go so far as to privately send them the review) and they said to go ahead anyway, is a good way to handle such a situation.<br /><br />All that said and even with the authors consent, I belueve you're likely to lose a friend. It's hard to have someone critique your 'babies'.<br /><br />I sincerely hope I would never compromise my credibility or integrity to give someone a favorable review. I would rather refuse to do it altogether first, and risk the friendship than to genuinely hurt someones feelings. <br /><br />Now a critique done privately between the author and myself is a whole different animal. That's a place where I think it's important to be painfully honest.farawayeyeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17578277501054242356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-23777196860944770492015-05-06T19:54:18.232-07:002015-05-06T19:54:18.232-07:00I like looking at my writing library, but I'd ...I like looking at my writing library, but I'd probably be better off reading some of those books. Of course I'd be best off if I'd just write more, more, more!<br /><br />Lee<br />Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-89719026953277540322015-05-06T19:44:09.457-07:002015-05-06T19:44:09.457-07:00To answer your questions:
1. The best place to le...To answer your questions:<br /><br />1. The best place to learn to write is opening your imagination. Put the pen down and day dream a wonderful wild dream. Then write it down.<br />2. The most critical reader I've ever dealt with was me. I tear my work apart on a regular basis. My betas are pretty tough too.<br />3. I can't say I subscribe, but I do have a large library of how-to-write manuals that I refer to often. <br /><br />I write because I need an outlet. A method of expressing myself that hurts no one, and I'd go completely bonkers if I quit. :-)<br /><br /><a href="http://emaginette.wordpress.com/2015/05/05/iwsg-13-omniscient-point-of-view-is-killing-me/" rel="nofollow"> Anna from Elements of Writing</a>emaginettehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03324981140248692448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-13804916493778405802015-05-06T19:12:27.265-07:002015-05-06T19:12:27.265-07:00Having that dream to succeed is the ember that nee...Having that dream to succeed is the ember that needs to be fanned in order to catch fire. You can do it! I've subscribed to <i>Writer's Digest</i> for many years though most copies like most of my writing books go unread. They're kind of neat to have in my library though.<br /><br />Lee<br /><br /><br />Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-89995900508390894322015-05-06T19:09:47.329-07:002015-05-06T19:09:47.329-07:00Practice is essential, but the passion and heart f...Practice is essential, but the passion and heart for the writing probably makes the biggest difference of all.<br /><br />Lee<br />Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-81514228505698906582015-05-06T19:08:27.183-07:002015-05-06T19:08:27.183-07:00Telling the truth can be painful sometimes and eve...Telling the truth can be painful sometimes and even lose friends. That can be a difficult thing to do when faced with that decision. What if someone you really do like requests that you review something on a public forum and that work is really bad, do you forsake your own credibility in the name of friendship? When I've been faced with something similar, I've emailed the author to tell them if I honestly reviewed their work it would not be a great review and in the 3 cases I remember this happening all of the authors said to do the review anyway. I still correspond with one of them and continue to have a positive relationship.<br /><br />Lee<br />Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-15524640583384802282015-05-06T19:03:10.530-07:002015-05-06T19:03:10.530-07:00There a lot of people with their opinions, but whe...There a lot of people with their opinions, but when their own life exemplifies what they say then they do have a bit more credibility I'd say.<br /><br />Lee<br />Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-19840510760741376982015-05-06T18:12:02.522-07:002015-05-06T18:12:02.522-07:00I definitely agree that feedback in all forms (goo...I definitely agree that feedback in all forms (good and bad) is a valuable tool in this learning process. Of course, we are not an effective judge of our own writing. Heck, sometimes I can't even see the spelling errors in my own work, even when word underlines them in red. My eyes, just keep seeing the misspelled word as correct.<br /><br />CP's, editors, and the public in general will judge our work and be more than happy to tell us what they think (especially if they DON'T like it). This is why I'm always happy to give a review or critique to anyone who asks. That said I don't like to give a bad review (a critique in private maybe) to a friend. If I really don't like it, I just tend to keep my mouth shut.farawayeyeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17578277501054242356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-49756036895259143732015-05-06T17:53:26.773-07:002015-05-06T17:53:26.773-07:00I also think it a combination of innate talent and...I also think it a combination of innate talent and learned skill. Desire to be good sparks an interest in learning. Nobody becomes an expert at any craft without practice, and education. Growth keeps the desire fresh. Sometimes i feel like only a hobby writer, but I still have the dream of being a famous author (in my lifetime) so I suppose I more than playing at it, but not dedicated like I should be.<br /><br />1.I use all those to learn about the craft of writing, and to make me better. I'm more of a hands-on learner, so writers groups and critique partners (both giving and receiving) have been most beneficial to me.<br />2. I learn all I can, from everyone. I am more influenced by traditionally published famous authors and writing books/magazines though. But lots of bloggers have well thought out, effective writing posts also.<br />3. I subscribe to Writers Digest, and have has subscriptions for other writiing related magazines. And I visit some dedicated craft writing blogs and online forums. It doesn't matter the venue, I think all media is helpful. I am glad there is so much out there online. Discussions with other writers is very useful.dolorahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08715849844092553699noreply@blogger.com