Last Email for This Month
I swear, this is the last email related comic for the month!
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Let's Ask Violet
An Advice Webcomic
I swear, this is the last email related comic for the month!
Follow us on the Let’s Ask Violet Facebook page and My Twitter!
Hi,
I hate being one of those “But actually….!” nobs you see on the internet but I feel if you’re handing out advice, then a friendly little correction might be welcome?
I’m a writer. Along with Gamergasm, that’s my thing. The first bit of your advice isn’t strictly true. The genre in which a writer ‘writes’ and what he reads are very separate things. There are sometimes similarities, but oftentimes, you find Authors like to read different genres to what they write.
For example, I read Discworld novels, Tom Holt books and pretty much other kinds of satirical, funny stuff. But the closest I come to writing that sort of stuff is Absurdism. Typically, I actually write dramatic, serious stuff.
To be a good writer, it’s good to sample all kinds of genres and find the one that ‘clicks.’ Best piece of advice given to me in University was to write the thing you think you’ll enjoy the least. Just something short and snappy. Then move on to a completely different genre. It hugely improves your writing very quickly, gets you familiar with writing for different genres and helps you explore where your talent lies and which genres you actually enjoy.
It’s not something that works for everyone, but then nothing does. But I figure if their are writers out there looking for advice, then this struggling, lowly author and crappy website creator might be able to offer an inside view and a different course of action.
Otherwise, the other two panels I agree with. Sorry if I sound all preachy or coming across a little arrogant. I don’t mean to, just thought I’d chime in on a subject I am somewhat knowledgeable.
*slinks away before being lynched…*
I’m a writer too…TT^TT
and really, this is more for someone who’s starting out, rather than someone who’s already writing. There’s nothing saying they can’t change genres. :3
Personally, I like a large variety of novels, so I have a lot to draw from. ^^;;; You know, one from each type of genre. I guess I keep forgetting that other people out there don’t read as much as I do…
the other problem is if someone doesn’t read fantasy books, and then starts writing fantasy novels, they normally don’t do well…*coughcoughbasliksarenotsnakescoughcough*
Actually, in the oldest descriptions (Pliny, I think) basilisks are snakes (the “king of serpents”, hence the name). So too, actually, are dragons. In medieval times their appearance is changed radically and they become more of a cross between a bird and a snake (a form that is also known as a cockatrice) or something even more bizarre, which is the source for most modern images.
I am sorry to say Sam but I wikipedia’d Basilisk and it’s apparently correct to assume the Basilisk as a snake as in a few legends call it the King of Serpents or Snakes. It is weak against a weasel though..
Anyways, GamergasmPhil, I agree with Sam stating to start with your favorite genre of books or movies. If you haven’t written at all, processing thoughts on something you enjoy and reviewing it seems, to me, to be the best way to start.
That being said, I heard that reverse work method being said about art too. Draw something in the definite wrong way and then it will improve the right way. However, if you start with what you hate, you tend to end up hating the topic… ie, if you like comedies and love stories yet write a gorey monster book, you’d probably end up hating writing all together. However if you try writing a romantic comedy as you see fit, then try another genre, you’d expand your literary arsenal for the kind of writing you like to do.
Granted you are write, just cause you like comedies doesn’t mean that will be your forte, just think of the movie and book Marley and Me.. writing news articles was John Gorgan’s forte but he wanted to be a news writer.