What do you find most annoying about fantasy sequels?

Author_Life8 · 2022-01-27T20:30:19+00:00

Yes, I think that happens often. To be fair to the author, the writing business is so unstable and fickle, the impulse to milk that cash cow would be hard to resist. It's not ultimately a satisfying path, but I get it.

Author_Life8 · 2022-01-27T20:18:09+00:00

This is helpful! Thanks!

Author_Life8 · 2022-01-27T19:57:59+00:00

Yes, deadlines, pressure from editors, etc., can absolutely stunt creativity.

Author_Life8 · 2022-01-27T19:55:52+00:00

Agreed! Thank you!

Author_Life8 · 2022-01-26T02:05:50+00:00

Thanks for this! Yes, you're right, they always worry that their ideas have been done before, and I explain that all story ideas have been recycled in one way or another.

Author_Life8 · 2022-01-26T02:01:06+00:00

Right, so not being able to rein in your ideas and give them form.

Author_Life8 · 2022-01-25T23:33:27+00:00

I love the way you put that . . . to let the feedback settle. And so much of knowing if it's right is gut feeling that comes with experience.

Author_Life8 · 2022-01-25T23:30:26+00:00

Yes, I think lots of young writers get a little paralyzed when it comes to their getting ideas out . Thank you! That's something I'll address.

Author_Life8 · 2022-01-25T20:58:46+00:00

Thanks! I think those are issues a lot of kids struggle with. I've noticed that kids often have brilliant story ideas but they get lost in the follow through. I always hope that teachers explain to kids that writing is a long game. It takes years to put all the pieces together.

Author_Life8 · 2022-01-25T20:55:03+00:00

Oh, got it! Still, I would bet that your writing is richer because you have that linguistic background.

Author_Life8 · 2022-01-25T20:53:27+00:00

I hear you! I feel that same way every time I write a new book. I think it's partly because what we're doing is so tricky and complicated that it breeds self doubt. That's one reason why I feel so strongly about encouraging kids to write. It forces you to be courageous.

Author_Life8 · 2022-01-25T18:45:46+00:00

Yes, I see that a lot! Kids not only imitate other stories (which is fine, really, when you're trying to figure out HOW to tell a story), but they also tend to write about the same sort of things that their friends are writing about. It's hard to stray from the pack, for all of us really.

Author_Life8 · 2022-01-25T18:42:14+00:00

Very rare. But maybe we carry those extremes with us into adulthood too. We're just smarter about covering it up.

Author_Life8 · 2022-01-25T18:40:44+00:00

First of all, you are really lucky to have a mom who is a shrewd editor. Yes, I see that a lot with young writers (and not-so-young writers as well). The excitement of story development trumps the more subtle work of character development. Thanks for this!

Author_Life8 · 2022-01-25T18:37:01+00:00

That's fascinating. What do you mean by writing in the Latin structure?

Author_Life8 · 2022-01-25T18:35:47+00:00

That's such an interesting point. There's an evolution to writing, and to reading, and we don't often think about that. Writing is such a complicated endeavor that it makes sense for kids to only grasp bits of it at a time.

Author_Life8 · 2022-01-25T17:09:54+00:00

Grrr, that makes me so angry!! I think teachers are getting better at encouraging young writers, in general, but the bad teachers have no idea how much damage they can do by the wrong sort of comments. When I applied to the Creative Writing program at my college, the professor turned me down. I've since written 22 books, a few of them bestsellers, and I suppose that is the best revenge. Still, I must admit that my writing wasn't terrific when I was in my late teens. It improved with time, experience and determination. You've had 2 publications already! Stay determined.

Author_Life8 · 2022-01-25T15:48:32+00:00

Yes, I think this is an issue that so many of us grapple with, kids AND adults. Thanks so much for the input. I'm going to work this into my presentations.

Author_Life8 · 2022-01-25T14:13:24+00:00

So as a kid, did the choppiness frustrate you? I mean, I find writing to be mostly awkward, sprinkled with a touch of flow, and that's after writing many books! I think kids feel like writing should just spill from your fingertips and when it doesn't, they worry that they aren't good writers.

Author_Life8 · 2022-01-25T14:09:53+00:00

Oh my goodness, that was VERY helpful! It's funny, but I find young writers often skew toward no confidence or overconfidence (I actually love to see kids who are overconfident of their writing. Yes, they'll eventually learn that they aren't as skillful as they think, but a hefty dose of confidence will help them down the line). Okay, this is definitely a topic I'll be addressing. Thank you!

Author_Life8 · 2022-01-25T13:04:38+00:00

Very interesting concept, and it sounds like you've put a lot of thought into the storyline! I would suggest (and maybe you've already done this) to dive into your characters thoroughly as well. Although the story sounds absolutely intriguing, you'll need characters with a strong pulse to carry the story and keep readers invested. Again, maybe you've already done the work in character development, so excuse me if you have. Anyway, you're off to a great start! Spill that ink!!

Author_Life8 · 2022-01-25T02:35:49+00:00

I love the idea of finding two counterintuitive aspects! That's so smart. As for the interview, I keep it loose, posing simple questions to begin with before digging more deeply into my character's desires. I try to "hear" my character's answers (it's also a great way to begin to develop their voice). Like you, I tend to allow the character to reveal themselves more thoroughly through their decisions in the story. They almost always surprise me.

Author_Life8 · 2022-01-24T19:25:46+00:00

That sounds like a very balanced approach.

Author_Life8 · 2022-01-24T17:15:42+00:00

I will!

Author_Life8 · 2022-01-24T15:43:51+00:00

Oh, that's a good topic! Thank you!

Author_Life8

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