playful sub's 1st level two assignment

[Playfulsub]

How can I become a better writer?

Honestly, I use very little structure when I write. This isn't because I refuse to , or think I don't need to; it's because I really don't know how to. I could certainly use some help in this area. I have never used an outline – at least not when writing fiction. In fact, in all but the shortest of stories, I never know how it will end until sometimes halfway through. In my experience, characters grow as the story unfolds. I have a general idea about who this character is, but they grow according to what they encounter in the story. Sound chaotic? I guess it probably is! Character development, therefore, isn't one of my strong points.

Another of my weaknesses is the excessive use of attributes and adverbs, although I have cut down on these.

My strengths lie in descriptive language and dialogue. I love to use dialogue to move a story forward. In that vein, I often take notes of dialogue going on around me. I jot notes while sitting at the doctor's office, the oil change garage, a council meeting. I write the dialog exactly the way I hear it. I have copious notes of exchanges I have heard that, one day, may end up in one of my stories.

I edit more than I write. In fact, I edit to a fault sometimes. There are times I can't move forward until I get the last chapter 'just right.' I have wasted a good bit of time doing this, as there have been times that I have deleted a whole chapter because it ended up not working anyway.

On characterization: This is another area where I lack structure. I'm of two minds on this one. In some stories, I think having a detailed character sketch would be helpful. On the other hand, I often prefer to not describe the character's appearance, instead leaving that to the reader's own imagination. For me, some of the most enjoyable literature I have read allowed me to decide what the characters looked like. I do give my characters quirks, traits, and a general background. I can see how having a character sketch would be necessary when there are multiple characters.

On dialogue: I absolutely, positively agree with this! (Look – two two adverbs in one sentence!) Using dialogue makes a passage far more interesting to the reader, in most circumstances. And a great deal of information can be shared by using dialogue.

On conflict: Here is a subject where I feel completely ignorant. I have never put into words the internal or external conflict contained in one of my stories. They just seem to 'be.' When I finish the story, it ends up being obvious what the conflicts are, but I didn't consciously put it in there. I could use help in this area!

On scene and sequel: [/B] This is another area where I didn't know what I was doing initially, but it ended up working. I credit that to all of the good writing I have read. I suppose I internalized this dynamic without having any idea what it was called.

Burn the deadwood: Word! (enough said)

Let you characters lead you to your plot: Again, this is an area I need to improve. Most of my characters thus far have had a great deal in common with me, therefore it's been easy to know what their internal conflicts, goals, and values are. I want to branch out more in my character development and allow them to set the story, as opposed to the other way around.

Dialect: I think this may be another of my strong points. I look forward to more practice with this in future writing.

The pros and cons of outlining: I've always been quite averse to using an outline. Too much structure causes my writing to sound sterile. But, I like the idea of the Triple-O. It's general enough to provide some basic structure without being too confining.

These tips have been tremendous food for thought. I've been writing for a long time, but have just recently taken it seriously. I am always glad for the chance for feedback from other writers.

[Aussiegirl1]

Playful, thank you for really giving the articles a lot of thought.

Like you, I have the very bad habit of not knowing how most of my stories are going to end! I have no problems starting them, but then............. well that is why I have a whole lot of unfinished stories LOL

I can understand what you mean about editing too. I am not sure of the time frame between you writing and then going back to edit, but I have found it best to not touch the chapter/ story for a few days, and then go back and edit. It is even better if I have left it for longer, as I tend to sometimes forget what I have written and get a really fresh view of the story.

You have pointed out a few areas where you want to improve and or work on. I think that is great, and I am sure you will be able to focus on those areas more, especially in the following levels. I think the key is not to stress about them, but to just see how you go and ask for help as needed.

You made some really interesting comments and have shown that you are serious about your writing.

If you haven't begun on the next assignment already, then you can begin it any time that suits you. The best way of doing it is just like how other stories have been reviewed. If need be, slip back to level one, and see how Dragon's Muse reviews a strory.

The main thing to remember is that I don't want a rewrite of the chapter you decide to do but a review of it. While I want to know what you will change, the more important thing is why you would change it!

Have fun and know neither H Dean or I will be offended by any changes you make to our chapters. Now it is not every day you hear that! lol