Advice for My Fiction Writing?

[alcuin18]

I have a beginning fiction author, specifically science fiction and fantasy though I’ve also dabbled in mystery. Unfortunately, however, the network of people for me to discuss my writing with is limited to one person. I deeply value their opinion, but I would just like someone else’s perspective on it. I would especially like someone who enjoys my genres, especially Tolkien and his ideas, and from a Catholic standpoint. Would anyone possibly be able to discuss my writing with me via email or messages on this forum? I would greatly appreciate it. God bless.

 

[phil_at_dayboro]

I know a fiction writer, I could ask him if he is interested tn talking to you,
P M. Your Email address & I’ll pass it on ,

 

[3DOCTORS]

There are some Catholic and Christian science fiction and fantasy groups on Facebook if you have Facebook. Also on NaNoWriMo there are Catholic threads. How do I know this? I’ve started several of them myself! PM me if you’re interested in specific links.

 

[Mary_Estelle]

Before you send any of your work out via e-mail, be sure to protect your intellectual work and property. Also, think of Lincoln’s Gettysburg address as one of the best forms of literature written. I think the opening line contained around 21 word or so, but summed up the entire address to the nation.

With sc-fi or fantasy it would not really be that possible to become a second Lincoln, but it is a good guide. Say a lot with fewer words and no run on sentences. I, for one, do not enjoy run on, convoluted sentences. Good luck with your writing. Peace. P. S. If you would like me to do some editing for you I would be glad to give it a whirl.

 

[Della]

You may find support through The Catholic Writers Guild. You have to pay dues to join, but you may find it helpful.

I write sci-fi/fantasy, as well. If you want to discuss exchanging work for critique you can contact me through CAF via email.

 

[tomarin]

I have a beginning fiction author, specifically science fiction and fantasy though I’ve also dabbled in mystery. Unfortunately, however, the network of people for me to discuss my writing with is limited to one person. I deeply value their opinion, but I would just like someone else’s perspective on it. I would especially like someone who enjoys my genres, especially Tolkien and his ideas, and from a Catholic standpoint. Would anyone possibly be able to discuss my writing with me via email or messages on this forum? I would greatly appreciate it. God bless.

Why don’t you take a creative writing class? You are sure to get plenty of feedback from the professor and the other students.

 

[edwest2]

Why don’t you take a creative writing class? You are sure to get plenty of feedback from the professor and the other students.

Before taking a Creative Writing class, try to get some information about what will be covered. When I took such a class at Wayne State University, I was disappointed. The comments from other students ranged from “I’m impressed” to “I didn’t think it works” with a few tidbits about why, but for a beginning writer, it didn’t really help. The instructor was all about “express yourself” with no real (name removed by moderator)ut. What do I mean? I did not get the “how” regarding:

Character development
Story structure
Mood
Pacing
Research (especially for places that don’t or do exist)

Grammar and sentence structure are important but you need a compelling story. A world, regardless of genre, your reader falls into and experiences. That’s a good book. As a working book editor, I see the same mistakes over and over. Like:

Too wordy
Too many adjectives
Scenes that don’t add to the story but slow it down
Inconsistency - like something happens on page 10 but on page 40 it becomes something else or never happened.

There is a basic story “skeleton” on which all good stories are built. I know some writers “just write” in their own fashion, and that’s fine, but there are certain basics a writer should know.

I caution against sharing work with others since taking other people’s ideas, or “borrowing” bits of this or that happens. I don’t want to discourage anyone but that’s a possibility.

Ed

 

[Della]

I caution against sharing work with others since taking other people’s ideas, or “borrowing” bits of this or that happens. I don’t want to discourage anyone but that’s a possibility.

Ed

When I shared my work via the Writers Catholic Guild it was forbidden for us to do that. If one does it on ones own there is a greater risk, of course. Those who wish to share their work for critique must agree to not steal anything from each other. The person I had been sharing with was scrupulous about that, as was I. Unfortunately, the other person has become too busy to share work, but I have work I want to share for critique, so I’m winging it alone. Finding a good critique partner is like finding gold.

 

[Kay_Cee]

I might be willing to help you, depending on the circumstances. I have critiqued for others before, including a friend of mine who is a professional writer. I have also published three novels, one of which is sci-fi.

You can click on the link in my signature below to take a free look at my writing style. You can also check out the beginning of my other two novels, Rain from Heaven and Amaranth, on Kindle for free.

PM me if you are interested, and we can talk it over.