You raise some interesting questions. Reading the replies leaves me feeling rather lightweight LOL.
Why do you write? No deep and meaningful reason. I've always made up stories in my head, and it's fun sharing them and seeing what people think, good or bad.
How did you learn to write?
Writing referral letters about people to specialists for 25 years is a bit like telling little stories. You need to convey all the important bits succinctly without wandering off topic. That was good practice. Reading a large variety of genres helped, and Karelia taught me the rest.
What do you feel you're still learning to do?
I'm still at the simple linear story stage. Weaving together something more complex and multifaceted than I've done before would be cool.
How much is your identity wrapped up in your writing and storytelling?
Not much, really. My personality tends to show through in the dialogue and the humour.
How much does audience play into what you do and how you do it?
A huge amount. I write to entertain people, make them laugh, occasionally make them cry, or even make them melt. I like to leave readers wanting to know what happens next. I need no catharsis, self-therapy, or validation. I never write without showing someone. To me, that would be like performing in a play to an empty theatre.
On the other hand, if someone doesn't like something I write, I don't get all bent out of shape. Everyone's taste is different, after all. I love reading/writing reviews and receiving/replying to reviews. It's all about the interaction with other people. I saw the way reviewers and authors interacted on TPP, and I just wanted in on the party!
What makes certain stories shine (yours or others) in your eyes?
Some people write the most beautiful prose. I am in absolute awe of their skill, but, to be honest, I read this style only occasionally. My job involves a lot of serious stuff and the constant need to make decisions which potentially could be life-threatening if incorrect. I want my reading to have enough depth to be a decent plot, but not take itself too seriously. So the stories that shine are those with a captivating plot, good characterisation, and at least a little humour.
What do you look for in a story? Above, good writing, and reasonable SPaG. Karelia has spoiled me by teaching me grammar and punctuation! :P Poorly edited stories annoy the crap out of me.
What draws you to read certain stories or certain writers?
Previous experience with that writer. Knowing the writer. Recommendations from others.
Does anybody else get this crash after finishing a big or otherwise important (to you) story? Does anybody know why it happens?
I just feel relieved! Time to think up the next one.
Does anybody else wonder why they do this and feel like they've just ripped off their skin and are waiting for the world's approval/approvation/rejection/indifference every time they post something?
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Date: 2011-08-29 11:19 am (UTC)Why do you write? No deep and meaningful reason. I've always made up stories in my head, and it's fun sharing them and seeing what people think, good or bad.
How did you learn to write?
Writing referral letters about people to specialists for 25 years is a bit like telling little stories. You need to convey all the important bits succinctly without wandering off topic. That was good practice. Reading a large variety of genres helped, and Karelia taught me the rest.
What do you feel you're still learning to do?
I'm still at the simple linear story stage. Weaving together something more complex and multifaceted than I've done before would be cool.
How much is your identity wrapped up in your writing and storytelling?
Not much, really. My personality tends to show through in the dialogue and the humour.
How much does audience play into what you do and how you do it?
A huge amount. I write to entertain people, make them laugh, occasionally make them cry, or even make them melt. I like to leave readers wanting to know what happens next. I need no catharsis, self-therapy, or validation. I never write without showing someone. To me, that would be like performing in a play to an empty theatre.
On the other hand, if someone doesn't like something I write, I don't get all bent out of shape. Everyone's taste is different, after all. I love reading/writing reviews and receiving/replying to reviews. It's all about the interaction with other people. I saw the way reviewers and authors interacted on TPP, and I just wanted in on the party!
What makes certain stories shine (yours or others) in your eyes?
Some people write the most beautiful prose. I am in absolute awe of their skill, but, to be honest, I read this style only occasionally. My job involves a lot of serious stuff and the constant need to make decisions which potentially could be life-threatening if incorrect. I want my reading to have enough depth to be a decent plot, but not take itself too seriously. So the stories that shine are those with a captivating plot, good characterisation, and at least a little humour.
What do you look for in a story? Above, good writing, and reasonable SPaG. Karelia has spoiled me by teaching me grammar and punctuation! :P Poorly edited stories annoy the crap out of me.
What draws you to read certain stories or certain writers?
Previous experience with that writer. Knowing the writer. Recommendations from others.
Does anybody else get this crash after finishing a big or otherwise important (to you) story? Does anybody know why it happens?
I just feel relieved! Time to think up the next one.
Does anybody else wonder why they do this and feel like they've just ripped off their skin and are waiting for the world's approval/approvation/rejection/indifference every time they post something?
Er... no. My stories are just stories. :D