BeastProwl wrote:Now I don't know if this is the proper place to put this, but I figure here is best because I'm more asking for help and expressing my feelings towards writing In general.
For the last month and a half or so I've been attempting to write a story. Like, an actual work of fiction. I have a good setup, several characters and an established set of rules, (I feel this is important to establish early) as well as events I know they'll go through; I know who lives, who dies, who betrays who, etc.
However, writing isn't easy, especially writing characters with believable personalities, and describing things without coming off as overbearing.
Does anyone have any general advice for this? I'm kinda stuck at the moment.
It's just very frustrating spending hours and hours writing and re-writing the same 3 chapters or so when I want to get on with the story. I just feel my writing isn't good enough? Or could be better in the least.
Someone will probably give you the trite advice, "Show, don't tell."
Eh...in your set of questions, it may be appropriate.
Believably, in my opinion is what happens in between scenes. Characters work when the live beyond their plot task. Establish what they like to drink, how they swear, how they react without words to the actions or speech of others. Figure out who they are and hurt them.
I'm serious about that. If a character puts value in something, take it away. If they love someone, kill or threaten that person. Motivation tied to action, with the regular world moving and colliding with a character is what brings them to life.
As for getting stuck. Learn this and learn it well.
There is no re-write.
There is only writing and editing.
Once you start writing, don't stop until the story is done. Even if it's scant, lousy, or thin...finish. Get to the ending. Then you can edit, repair, or revise your work.
If you're stuck on a point, then your current situation or character isn't complete.
If this methodology doesn't work for you, then start outlining.
My outlines end up being massive and detailed. I even put song titles next to sections to remind me to listen to certain music so I can feel a certain way when I get to a section.