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[ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 112: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 112: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 112: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 112: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 112: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/functions.php on line 4668: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at [ROOT]/includes/functions.php:3815) [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/functions.php on line 4670: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at [ROOT]/includes/functions.php:3815) [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/functions.php on line 4671: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at [ROOT]/includes/functions.php:3815) [phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/functions.php on line 4672: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at [ROOT]/includes/functions.php:3815) Horror World • View topic - The Writing Thread
I've been writing on a Christmas Horror story to submit to the POH contest. It's going pretty well. I've always had difficulty writing one that fits with that setting in the past, although I really want to and have tried for the past couple of years (attempting to keep alive the tradition held by M.R. James and Charles Dickens you know). My main difficulty looks to be the word count as I have never been able to write any story in 2,000 words or less. My stories usually run between 3,500 and 6,000 words. Even if I don't make the word count to submit for this one, I'm excited that I actually believe I will complete one this year and the contest has helped spur me on. Also I seem to enjoy the holiday season more when I'm trying to absorbe all the festive atmosphere to translate onto paper.
I’ve always been interested in the craft of writing. In every interview I conduct with a writer, I try to ask about their method of writing. As you might imagine, there are as many answers as there are writers. You have to find what works for you. But it basically breaks down into two camps: the writers who slowly craft their story, revising as they go, and those who don’t look back until they finish the story.
After years of trial and error, I find that I fall into the latter group.
Writing, for me, is a head game. I have to convince myself that the story is worth telling and I am the only guy who can do it. Then, once the writing begins, I have to trust myself to tell the story. It is so easy to get distracted or discouraged by doubting yourself as you go along. Perhaps it’s part of my nature to look for reasons not to write, but in the past I’ve scapped countless projects because of a lack of confidence in what I had written, projects that – had I stuck with them – would likely be publishable.
So experience has taught me to just sit down and write, damn it, until I reach the end. For me, writing is most gratifying when I get caught up in the heat of the story, letting it pour out. The results always feel more honest and powerful, whereas a story that I’ve carefully plotted in advance and revised constantly during the actual writing can feel cold and contrived.
When I finish I can revise and, if necessary, fix story problems. And I find a lot of things to fix, believe me. You’re talking to the king of typos. On the other hand, I usually discover that those parts of the story that were originally doubt-inducing read just fine in the finished product.
A few days ago I was rereading The Gunslinger by Stephen King and found inspiration in his foreword to the revised edition:
“My approach to revision hasn’t changed much over the years. I know there are writers who do it as they go along, but my method of attack has always been to plunge in and go as fast as I can, keeping the edge of my narrative blade as sharp as possible by constant use, and trying to outrun the novelist’s most insidious enemy, which is doubt. Looking back prompts too many questions: How believable are my characters? How interesting is my story? How good is this, really? Will anyone care? Do I care myself?”
I do edit as I go to some extent, but only when returning to it after a day or more break. I use it to sort of get me back into the story and refresh in my memory on what I have already written. I don't write everyday, so I probably wouldn't need to do it so much if I did. I also only sit down to write if I have an idea that I'm excited about. For short stories I don't outline but I do like to know the reasons for the supernatural events that are going on. I do check my word counts and keep a log where I record what story I worked on, how long I worked on it, and the word count produced (or reduced by editing). I don't set a word count goal but always try to end with a completed scene. So that's basically it. I know it goes against a lot of the rules for writing but it is what I feel most comfortable with.
Well the story is presently at 1,263 words. I was able to rewrite the beginning some and eleminate about 500 words to give me a little more space to work with. I'm pretty happy with it right now and my wife is wondering why I'm so into Christmas this early this year. It's been fun so far.
Managed to cut down the word count with some more editing. Then continued to write on it bringing the word count to 1,536. Only 464 words left to work with. Yikes! Still having a blast writing it though. Think I'll let this last scene fester in my mind tomorrow before I continue.
Despite great progress over the last month, I've got almost no writing done this week. It's mostly due to work, a medical situation and some personal issues (Oh, and Star Trek ). But I'm on vacation next week, so I expect great things.
Well, I finished the first draft of my Christmas Horror story and was able to get it in at under 2,000 words. Now begins all the editing and rewriting.
I'm hoping to get back to the novel today. The past couple of days' writing has been devoted to pitching a new project to a publisher. I'll let you know if anything comes of it. Brainstorming has been a lot of fun, though. I enjoy it as much as the nuts-and-bolts writing.
I haven't updated this thread in a while, mainly because I've been busy on a project that hasn't been announced yet. Now it looks like the announcement will be made toward the end of January.
In addition to the unannounced project, I have a few things on my plate: the serialized pulp novel and podcast, several short stories and a couple of novels.
I have a story that I wrote for an anthology that made the first cut with the publisher, I have to wait until this summer though to see if I make the final cut. Got my fingers crossed.
I've been in this situation twice over the last two years, both times the editors told me my story was really good, but alas, when it came down to the final cuts, I didn't make it. One editor told me that mine would have been the next story chosen if there was room. I'm wondering if there is a stratagy for submitting stories, should you do it when finished or wait until the deadline is close? Both times I submitted early and waited many months before the final cut was made.
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