McAnally's (The Community Pub) > Author Craft
Writer's Peeves
blgarver:
--- Quote from: meg_evonne on November 04, 2007, 12:43:01 AM ---Why does the question irk you? :)
--- End quote ---
Well, I'm not sure. I guess because it's an unanswerable question, from my end. I mean, they may as well ask "How many hours will it take you to write your book?" or "When will your book be published?"
People ask that one sometimes too. "When will your book be published?" To which I can only respond, "Probably never."
And then the conversation inevitably moves on to why I'm wasting my time if I'll probably never make money on it.
Damn people.
I also think it irks me because I have to answer "How many pages" and the other common ones so many times. I'm just tired of having to repeat myself.
I'm not much of a people person, if you couldn't tell. :)
meg_evonne:
:D :D :D to your responses BL and welcome Craz...
Ahh, just make it up. You don't want someone like that to read your stuff anyway, right?
If you really want to answer for your own interest, figure 300 words per page OR check out your outline, if you are half way through then double your word count from that tool etc. In a class I was told that you should shoot for 90,000 words for novel or 300 pages. remember though that novels have their own lives and their own time frame to be completed.
As to why would you write what might never be published? They don't understand the overwhelming odds against you. They don't need to know. Just smile and say wouldn't that be great!
Honestly I've written over 35 years plus and I don't tell anyone I write. Heck I didn't let anyone read my stuff until one year ago, when Jim Butcher's journal got me interested in improving my craft. Check it out, some really great stuff in there! I write because I am driven to do so and a lot of people don't understand that need. Which is why this is such a NEAT place to be involved. I mean, once in awhile a real published author, may also reply to your question. Now that is cool. They understand why you do it and understand your frustrations.
I will look forward to reading your work sometime! :D
the neurovore of Zur-En-Aargh:
--- Quote from: meg_evonne on November 05, 2007, 05:08:59 PM ---As to why would you write what might never be published?
--- End quote ---
"So that the voices in my head will shut up and let me sleep" works rather well as an answer to this.
the neurovore of Zur-En-Aargh:
--- Quote from: redneckwitch18 on November 04, 2007, 11:10:44 PM ---"What genre is your story in?" People! It's not finished! When it's finished (final draft and everything) I'll tell you. Quit asking questions that I don't know. :-[
--- End quote ---
That's one I'm usually pretty clear on at the beginning, actually; I'd be very surprised if a high fantasy project turned into space opera part way through, or vice versa.
--- Quote ---"Does it have sex/romance in it?" Are we in high school folks? (well actually i am but thats not the point) this is not hollywood or the OC or the playboy mansion!!!
--- End quote ---
Anybody who knows me at all well knows that romance hasn't a hope in heck of appearing in a book of mine, but nice friendly sex might well show up, in addition to sex that's a Necessary Plot Element.
blgarver:
I wish sex was a necessary plot element in the story of my life...
I don't think I've ever written a sex scene. I'm pretty paranoid about those, because they always come out sounding all cheesy and soap-opera-ish. None of my stories really call for a sex scene, anyway, so I guess I don't have to worry about it.
I think the "What's your story about" question puts a stitch in my craw because I don't think the layperson distinguishes "what happens" from "what's your story about." Or, in other words, "plot" from "story/theme."
It's a fine line that is kind of difficult to navigate when put on the spot.
;D
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
[*] Previous page
Go to full version