McAnally's (The Community Pub) > Author Craft

So, I'm probably having a random freak attack... ignore me...

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the neurovore of Zur-En-Aargh:

--- Quote from: Tersa on April 07, 2008, 02:09:35 AM ---That's the most sane advice anyone's ever given me.  How sad that it had to come from an online forum... *Sigh* 

--- End quote ---

Think about that a moment.

People you meet in real life are in the same geographic space for wide enough a bunch of reasons that it's essentially random. [ Unless you live in an arctic base or something. ]

People you meet in an an online forum are usually there for some sort of common purpose and interest.  Also, the ones who stick around and make an impression sort of Darwinianly select for being articulate and good at interacting with each other and expressing ideas clearly.

Now, which of these ways of selecting people seems better suited to give you sane advice in general, let alone sane writing advice ?

Franzeska:

--- Quote from: Tersa on April 07, 2008, 01:40:35 AM ---I have no idea what the hell right I have to write.

--- End quote ---

Then don't compare yourself to your favorite authors, people you'll never think you're equal to even if you get published and have legions of fans.  Compare yourself to all those people who make you think: "God, I could so do that better!"  Don't worry about being "the best" because there's no such thing.

Murphy's Stunt Double:
More great advice Franzeska!

I remember never feeling more motivated and confident than the day I picked up one book in particular and realized... "someone actually gave this person a publishing contract. This is the worst finished product I have EVER seen."

Made me feel I had a shot!  ;D

Tersa:
*laughs*  That's a very good point, neurovore.  Thus why it is near impossible to talk to anyone on my college floor... and thus why I have retreated to message boards when people I know are busy.  ;D

To all of you, thank you for responding.  I was having a bad spell last night, because like MSD said, a bunch of options hit me in the face.  It's amazing I don't have a black eye like Harry often does.  *Snickers to self*  "Raccoon..."

I actually had an experience like Franzeska mentioned not too terribly long ago, where I was wondering what the publishers were smoking when they gave someone a contract.  I have found the fantasy and romance sections are quite good for having those types of realizations. ;)

Starbeam:

--- Quote from: Tersa on April 07, 2008, 09:35:26 PM ---I actually had an experience like Franzeska mentioned not too terribly long ago, where I was wondering what the publishers were smoking when they gave someone a contract.  I have found the fantasy and romance sections are quite good for having those types of realizations. ;)

--- End quote ---

It's a very good section for it.  One of the books I go back to all the time for that kinda thing is Eragon. All I have to do is read one random sentence out of that, and it pulls me outta most funks.  With the good writers, that you feel like you'll never be in their league, or anywhere close, I just read it and hope that I'm even the slightest bit as good as them with my storytelling.

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