Writing Class

[The Shadow One]

To All:

At the risk of sounding presumptuious, I was wondering if anyone would be interested in a writing class. Since we have quite a few writers here, I thought it might be helpful to sharpen storytelling and writing skills.

I was thinking of series of essays (with examples and exercises) following this rough syllabus:

Introduction:

Choosing a topic or why write at all?

Experience and Storytelling -- Writing About What You Know

The Art of Storytelling:

Conflict

Drama

Theme and Emotion

The Mechanics of Storytelling:

Descritptions

Dialog

Character

Narration or Action

The Story Form:

Beginnings

Middles

Endings

Editing:

Edit, Edit, Edit

Five Things to Edit Before Your Story Is Done

Conclusion

I could do two or three essays a week, if there is any interest. By this, I'm not saying I'm the best or have all the answers; I love to write and I enjoy teaching others to do the same.

The course would contain grammer explanations as necessitated by the topic.

We could do this at the rate of two or three essays per week and people can participate at their convenience or desire.

I don't have carloads of time to do this, but if there's enough interest, I'm willing to do it.

The Shadow One

[Monk]

well TSO, (can I call you TSO, TSO? i like acronyms. sorry )

Anyway. I like the idea, but through all the essays we should stress the fact that, when it comes to crafting a story, nothing is set in stone. (at least, not in my experiences) Some things work in one situation, but not another. So...

I suppose i could write one or two essays about some of these subjects. we need a few more "how to" threads around here imho.

[shifty157]

That would be very nice and i think it would help out most everyone here including myself. If you need any help to lessen the workload just throw me a pm and id be happy to help out.

[The Shadow One]

well TSO, (can I call you TSO, TSO? i like acronyms. sorry )

TSO is perfectly acceptable.

Agreed that I am not the final word. I would think I'd learn as much from writing these essays as anyone else. I'm actually in line to teach a writing course this fall and so it would be a good way for me get some ideas and share them with some very talented people.

Writing is my life. I don't say that emotion; it's simply the truth. When I go days without writing, even a few days, I get edgy, I drink too much coffee and beer, I find myself depressed and short with the world.

Anyway, more than one point of view on any topic is good thing.

BTW, I like your story, I did.

The Shadow One



"Theirs not to make reply,
Theirs not to reason why,
Theirs but to do and die."

Ah, to be able to write like the Lord.

[CrackedAxe]

It's a great idea, TSO, I'm sure many of the writers here in the mead hall would find the info invaluable. Monk's point is a good one, though - if you're writing just for the enjoyment of it, then anything is acceptable. Not everybody wants to sell short stories to magazines or write that best-selling novel. If, though, a writer wants to learn the forms of proper short story or novel writing, then certain forms and structures have to be adhered to. This isn't due to academic dogma, but to ensure that the work is readable and enjoyable. You have to be a master of the written word before you can break the rules and still have marketable work.

To give some examples of TSO's points:

Conflict: ALL stories should contain conflict of some sort, whether internal, external, emotional, physical or all. This is what drives a story.

Drama: physical conflict alone is never particularly dramatic, unless it's incredibly well done. The internal conflict of characters needs to be included to push the physical events along

The point of a story: all stories should have a clear point and premise, a reason for being, this should be worked out before the story is started.

Descriptions: should never be overdone or exist seperately from the plot, but worked into it.

All stories should have a beginning, middle, and end. Writing your story to a structure will make it incredibly enjoyable to read, and believe it or not, make writing a story a hell of a lot easier for the writer.

These are just a few points about story writing that are invaluable to learn and it would be great to get some of the info up on here for us all. I'd welcome it if you want to go ahead with this, TSO. I study a degree in Creative Writing and would be glad to help out.

[Monk]

You have to be a master of the written word before you can break the rules and still have marketable work.

Cracked is quite right in all his points. You must know the rules before you break them . Anyway, this is a great idea; not just to let new writers a chance to get a 'how to' so to speak, but also a good way for our older writers to get a fresh look at the 'rules' of writing.

[Nevyn]

That would be great TSO. Although I started to write to learn English better I would love to know more of the actual art of writing. My lack of writing skills are beginning to show, my first chapter in my Brutii campaign for example lacks something. I don’t know what it is, but there is something that should be in there that is not (if anybody has a clue please let me know ). A writhing class would hopefully help me with that. Anywhoooo I like you’re suggestion.

Cheers
Nev