Help me become a better writer!

[Sigmund Av Volsung]

The skinny;

I had finished English Language & Literature (GCSE, Year 11) with strong A*'s in both of them(marks:177/200 & 188/200 respectively) and now I have a free period(essentially) when I'm supposed to be having English.

Instead of revising (I just cannot get the will to do revision, as I use my free periods as "relaxation time") I decided to write a story inspired by Assassin's Creed(the only element I have used is the whole "parkour brotherhood of assassin's" thing, no hidden blades as of yet).

However, I always have an issue that when I decide to look back upon my own work, I can't help but cringe and despise it.

Aside from that, I would greatly appreciate it if any members of The Escapist could offer me advice in writing stories(and please, try to keep it simple; more often than not, I fail to interpret most information provided in Help;Science-type threads)

The parts of writing that I'm struggling the most are:
-Formulating a proper story around an idea
-Character establishment & development
-Variation in descriptive sentences(I start way too many sentences with "The x was y")

 

[Total LOLige]

When I had to write stories in school, I used to just think up a set of characters before I even started thinking about anything else. Then I would write scenes with them in and how they would react to one another, then it's just a case of putting the scenes together and buliding up a plot around those scenes and characters. I've not written anything in a while and I'm not nearly as qualified as you are in the field of english, I haven't got any GCSEs but that's a story for another time. But I hope my 'advice' helps. Also I looked at your profile(stalkerish much?) and it says you were born in october 96, now I was born almost one year before you and I only left school last year did you start early or something? I don't mean to pry just curious.

 

[Sigmund Av Volsung]

When I had to write stories in school, I used to just think up a set of characters before I even started thinking about anything else. Then I would write scenes with them in and how they would react to one another, then it's just a case of putting the scenes together and buliding up a plot around those scenes and characters. I've written anything in a while and I'm not nearly as qualified as you are in the field of english, I haven't got any GCSEs but thaat's a story for another time. I hope my 'advice' helps. Also I looked at your profile(stalkerish much?) and it says you were born in october 96, now I was born almost one year before you and I only left school last year did you start early or something?

I got screwed over by the "age selection" thing that schools in the UK do.

I WAS supposed to have finished by now, and I'm so dissapointed that I haven't; I am sick of my school at this point in time, and how monotonous the days seem in school.

 

[Soviet Heavy]

Ever considered finding an editor? You might think your work is shit, but if you can get an editor, it will improve. It's always good to have a second opinion if you aren't up to editing your own work.

 

[Total LOLige]

Snip

Oh right, I see. That sucks dude.

 

[triggrhappy94]

Read a lot more.

Consider taking a journalism class or two--proper grammar and puncuation will be beat into you after that; you also learn how to take criticism, so much criticism.

Read Anne Lamont's "Bird by Bird", if you consider yourself a writer you're probably already familiar with the famous quote that's in this book, and where it gets its name.
We had to read it in my Freshman Comp. class (Engl 101). I think it's alright, especially if you're not being forced to read it. It has some humor to it, and has insight into the wonderful world of publishing.

 

[Sigmund Av Volsung]

Ever considered finding an editor? You might think your work is shit, but if you can get an editor, it will improve. It's always good to have a second opinion if you aren't up to editing your own work.

I have given it to people that I trust to be critical about my work.

But everyone thinks it's good.

Which is a shame, as I'm looking for someone to be brutal towards it.
Also, I'm the only one in my English class who has finished English, and I severely doubt that any of my friends would be interested in giving up their free time to edit my work.

I already find it hard to express what my story is about in words, as it is essentially an idea at this point, with no real end and story progression.

 

[Midnight Crossroads]

Write a choose-your-own adventure game for an image board or forum. The lack of control on your part and the variables presented by the audience forces you to think creatively and on your toes. I do this on another website and it's some of the most fulfilling fun I have with writing.

 

[WhiteFangofWhoa]

Well a central idea is the first thing you need. Your classes should at some point have shown you the usefulness of outlines for plots, all the branches of which spawn from a central premise, which everything else is built upon. If it helps, George Lucas confessed the entire idea of Star Wars originally sprung from the plot of mentor (Obi-Wan) and student (Luke) going on adventures and the student eventually surpassing the mentor.

What setting do you want? If you can't decide, I'd say 'write what you know', either current times or a setting you've read tons of books on (although I would never do a Mafia story despite having read every Mario Puzo book). Which brings me to another thing I do when I can't figure out how to formulate my thoughts for a story (this is my big problem, not planning stories but putting them into a format that isn't stale or confusing)- read some of my favourites. Pay attention to how the author frames events and character's thoughts that makes them unique.

Once you've fleshed out your outline a bit I'd be happy to review/edit.

 

[Fappy]

Read a lot more.

Yeah, this one pretty much nailed it.

You need to read to write well depending on the medium. If you're writing prose you need to read a lot of novel/short stories. If you're writing poetry you need to read a lot of poems. If you are writing comics... well you get the idea.

I personally gave up on pursuing prose seriously when I realized I don't read many books. I still enjoy using it from time to time though.

 

[Silvianoshei]

Read a lot more.

This. Your writing won't get any better unless you read. Read all genres, don't just read fantasy and sci-fi. The best fantasy and sci-fi work took inspiration from romances, tragedies, and even non-fiction like treatises and political manifestos.

If you want to write, you have to be a learner. You have to want to read sophisticated work. Even if your work is not meant to be particularly provocative, you will naturally incorporate nuance into your writing that sets it apart from all the fan-fiction-level writers out there.

Specifics like structure and style will come. First, go read.

 

[Nickolai77]

Read a lot more.

Yeah, this one pretty much nailed it.

You need to read to write well depending on the medium. If you're writing prose you need to read a lot of novel/short stories. If you're writing poetry you need to read a lot of poems. If you are writing comics... well you get the idea.

I personally gave up on pursuing prose seriously when I realized I don't read many books. I still enjoy using it from time to time though.

The OP should note though that the more novels you read the more they influence how you write. In part this is a good thing, because if your work is inspired by a collection of stories rather than just one your work is going to be more original. The downside, i personally find, is that if you read too many different novels it can stall your writing progress because you get overloaded by different, and incompatible, ideas from different genres. In the end you can't decide what you want to write about and end up dissatisfied no matter which direction you take.

I agree the OP should read more, but i'd advise him/her to keep it within one genre.

And also- practise, practise and practise. The more you write and get useful feedback the better your writing becomes- and the younger you start off the better.

 

[Sigmund Av Volsung]

Read a lot more.

This. Your writing won't get any better unless you read. Read all genres, don't just read fantasy and sci-fi. The best fantasy and sci-fi work took inspiration from romances, tragedies, and even non-fiction like treatises and political manifestos.

If you want to write, you have to be a learner. You have to want to read sophisticated work. Even if your work is not meant to be particularly provocative, you will naturally incorporate nuance into your writing that sets it apart from all the fan-fiction-level writers out there.

Specifics like structure and style will come. First, go read.

Well that sorts out my Birthday wish list

So, Hagakure, trggrhappy94's book( I think it's called Bird by Bird) are good places to start?(I'm picking Hagakure because It relates to the story I'm writing)

 

[Korenith]

Read a lot more.

Yeah, this one pretty much nailed it.

You need to read to write well depending on the medium. If you're writing prose you need to read a lot of novel/short stories. If you're writing poetry you need to read a lot of poems. If you are writing comics... well you get the idea.

I personally gave up on pursuing prose seriously when I realized I don't read many books. I still enjoy using it from time to time though.

The OP should note though that the more novels you read the more they influence how you write. In part this is a good thing, because if your work is inspired by a collection of stories rather than just one your work is going to be more original. The downside, i personally find, is that if you read too many different novels it can stall your writing progress because you get overloaded by different, and incompatible, ideas from different genres. In the end you can't decide what you want to write about and end up dissatisfied no matter which direction you take.

I agree the OP should read more, but i'd advise him/her to keep it within one genre.

And also- practise, practise and practise. The more you write and get useful feedback the better your writing becomes- and the younger you start off the better.

I couldn't disagree more about the sticking to one genre (respectfully of course).

The fact is that a lot of genres have some problems which reoccur again and again. That can creep into your subconscious if you read too much of the same stuff. If you vary what you are reading though it means you can approach your work from a variety of angles which is invaluable when you hit a bit of a roadblock. Also the best books in the world are often ones which stepped outside their genre and incorporated elements from others.

Also learn to read critically. Ask "why is the author doing this" when you're reading and you will then automatically think about it when you write. I'm not suggesting you pick apart every book like it's an exercise in dissection but you should at least be looking at what worked and what didn't and then why that was the case. And every book has something to teach, even if it's how not to do it (or just demonstrating a style that you'd rather avoid).

Feedback is also a must I find because you'll end up to wrapped up in your work to see it objectively. You need to find somebody who'll be honest without being a dick about it though which can be tough.

And don't get into the habit of saying "I don't feel like writing" because that's when it all falls apart and you never finish anything. If you have a habit of writing often it'll get easier and you'll get less blocks than if you keep making excuses. Not that there aren't days when you really can't get anything done but cutting down on those is important.

Oh and finally be honest about what you want to achieve. If you want to write the next Ulysses then good for you but most people can't write like that. Pick a writer who you like and writes at the kind of level you want to write at then work at it until you can. Loads of people give up because they think they are expected to be the next Shakespeare so don't fall into that trap.

 

[Coppernerves]

When I had to write stories in school, I used to just think up a set of characters before I even started thinking about anything else.

Then I would write scenes with them in and how they would react to one another, then it's just a case of putting the scenes together and buliding up a plot around those scenes and characters.

*snop*

I got awesome grades in GCSE English Lit and Lang, but still don't feel like I can write a good story.

Your method sounds really interesting, I think I'll try it some time.

I reckon I can come up with cool characters way more easily than I can think of a plot.

I've never looked back on any work in any medium, and thought "that plot was awesome", it's always "that character", or "that move" or whatever.

 

[Ryank1908]

There are three things I've learnt from my many years as a writer of various forms.

The first is that you need to be a voracious reader. If you don't read, you're cutting yourself off from a massive pool of inspiration. I've written entire stories just by seeing one sentence in someone else's work that has triggered my imagination.

Secondly, you need to share your work. Honestly. Self-criticism is incredibly skewed. Find a friend who's interested in writing about similar things or go to a writer's group. Not only will hearing other people judge your work make give you thicker skin, there's the obvious benefit of getting free notes on your piece and on what needs to be improved and what should just be cut.

My final point (but easily the most important one) is that you have to write every single day. Just 400 words or so, or however much you feel like writing. It doesn't have to be relevant to the piece you're working on, it doesn't have to be something you intend to finish off, and it definitely doesn't have to ever see the light of day. All you have to do is keep practising and keep that brainbox creating characters or defining events. You'd be amazed how much practise helps: it's easy to think writing is an ingrained skill, but it's not. You have to work at it!

If your first piece doesn't come out right, then, that's okay. Never be afraid to go back to the drawing board. Or... writing board, or whatever. The 'right piece' will never just slither out of your brain and onto your page. It'll take a long time and a lot of practise, so keep at it.

 

[Silvianoshei]

I agree the OP should read more, but i'd advise him/her to keep it within one genre.

And also- practise, practise and practise. The more you write and get useful feedback the better your writing becomes- and the younger you start off the better.

I agree 150% with the latter point, but I don't agree with the first point. I think that's more a personal thing. My own writing may have been influenced by all sorts of things that I've read, but I don't ever try and consciously adopt certain ideas or thematic elements (themes themselves maybe, but not representations of those themes.) You only get confused when you try to get "involved" in your subconscious processes. I'm a firm believer in writing from your gut.

My final point (but easily the most important one) is that you have to write every single day. Just 400 words or so, or however much you feel like writing. It doesn't have to be relevant to the piece you're working on, it doesn't have to be something you intend to finish off, and it definitely doesn't have to ever see the light of day. All you have to do is keep practising and keep that brainbox creating characters or defining events. You'd be amazed how much practise helps: it's easy to think writing is an ingrained skill, but it's not. You have to work at it!

I agree with this sentiment as well. It's really important that you set aside time every day to write, preferably alone.

Well that sorts out my Birthday wish list

So, Hagakure, trggrhappy94's book(I think it's called Bird by Bird) are good places to start?(I'm picking Hagakure because It relates to the story I'm writing)

You can start wherever you like, Bird by Bird was a bit drab for me but it's not a bad book. I've never read Hagakure, so I can't comment. If you want to write Assassin's Creed-esque work, you might want to read some of the writing from those time periods. Assassin's Creed is very much an interpretation (and in some cases blatant reimagining) of history. You can't really base a story on a gameplay mechanic, unless it's a sports novel or something, so learn more about the setting.

Also, is there anything specifically cringe-worthy you find about your work as it stands?

 

[Benni88]

I found that whenever I was trying to write a story, I'd already visualised a few scenes which I wanted to write. However this limits you when it comes to writing previous/following chapters/sections.

I'd advise roughing out the entire story, beginning, middle and end before you begin writing individual segments. It's tempting to begin with a powerful idea which inspired you to write it in the first place, but this can hinder your efforts.

Also, when thinking of characters its important to devise what makes them them. Modes of speech, posture, responses to situations are all necessary to consider when placing your cast in a scene.

 

[Sigmund Av Volsung]

I agree the OP should read more, but i'd advise him/her to keep it within one genre.

And also- practise, practise and practise. The more you write and get useful feedback the better your writing becomes- and the younger you start off the better.

I agree 150% with the latter point, but I don't agree with the first point. I think that's more a personal thing. My own writing may have been influenced by all sorts of things that I've read, but I don't ever try and consciously adopt certain ideas or thematic elements (themes themselves maybe, but not representations of those themes.) You only get confused when you try to get "involved" in your subconscious processes. I'm a firm believer in writing from your gut.

My final point (but easily the most important one) is that you have to write every single day. Just 400 words or so, or however much you feel like writing. It doesn't have to be relevant to the piece you're working on, it doesn't have to be something you intend to finish off, and it definitely doesn't have to ever see the light of day. All you have to do is keep practising and keep that brainbox creating characters or defining events. You'd be amazed how much practise helps: it's easy to think writing is an ingrained skill, but it's not. You have to work at it!

I agree with this sentiment as well. It's really important that you set aside time every day to write, preferably alone.

Well that sorts out my Birthday wish list

So, Hagakure, trggrhappy94's book(I think it's called Bird by Bird) are good places to start?(I'm picking Hagakure because It relates to the story I'm writing)

You can start wherever you like, Bird by Bird was a bit drab for me but it's not a bad book. I've never read Hagakure, so I can't comment. If you want to write Assassin's Creed-esque work, you might want to read some of the writing from those time periods. Assassin's Creed is very much an interpretation (and in some cases blatant reimagining) of history. You can't really base a story on a gameplay mechanic, unless it's a sports novel or something, so learn more about the setting.

Also, is there anything specifically cringe-worthy you find about your work as it stands?

"The x was Y" bits are the most and I think only cringe inducing parts of my story so far.

As for the setting, I'm trying to do it modern day and the focus is about the actual killing: it's hard for me to explain the idea at the moment; essentially it's about the psychological changes that occur in his profession and how he has to maintain sanity by using the action as a way to remove obstacles as a last resort.

Like I said, the only elements taken from Assassin's creed is the whole "parkour assassin brotherhood" thing, with some elements of Bushido.