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Post by elven dreamer on Nov 10, 2004 3:06:07 GMT -5
Do you guys ever feel like you can't write anything more than short one-off thingies? I have trouble with that sort of stuff...just over a thousand words is about all I can do. *sob* Even in chapter-by-chapter stories, one chappie never exceeds 1500 words!! How to fix? I know the whole 'add more description in' thing but what if you don't want to drown in detail? I've read stories like that, where it takes a paragraph to describe one thing, and they just didn't do much for me. I don't want to end up with that. And a vignette is exactly the same thing, right?  |
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Post by rasinah on Nov 10, 2004 3:18:53 GMT -5
 Hmm.... As for me, I started out preferring to write multi-chap fics. Then I guess it took a toll on me and I switched to one shots. At first, I faced the same probs as you... I can only write out till 1000+. But gradually, I find myself writing 2000, even 3000+ for a one-shot. The secret? Hmm... I don't know, yar, but I'm thinking descriptions. I think my style of writing also evolves with time; now I'm more of a descriptive writer. I find the need to create mental pictures in readers' minds and perhaps that is how my fics get lengthened. *shrugs* I think so, at least for my case... ;D Hope my two cents is worth something to you. 
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Post by elven dreamer on Nov 10, 2004 3:24:05 GMT -5
Thanks. But the whole drown in detail issue....see other post. Maybe you replied before I modified it?
Basically, I just don't want to bore people, you know?
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Post by rasinah on Nov 10, 2004 3:41:46 GMT -5
Hee, yeah... I replied before you modified it...  Well, being descriptive doesn't necessarily mean you have to describe that vividly. I mean, don't overdo it. Gosh, shoot... I have to run now, else the office will close and I'll be left behind. Will reply more in details (excuse the pun) later when I get home. Ta!  |
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Post by Me-Nuriko on Nov 10, 2004 4:59:17 GMT -5
Yes, there is such a thing as overly descriptive. But descriptions are still good. Just don't use it to in detail describe the characters' clothes, hair, and such things. Most of the times, when I find a story having too much of details, it's because the author describe the wrong things. I'm not interested in reading half a page describing the clothes.  If it's important what kind of clothes a character wears, then mix it with other events. Don't write: 'The girl had blonde hair which she wore in a thick, long braid at her back, she had a black tank top and a red miniskirt, and on her feet she had black leather boots.' (This is a shortened version of how many Mary Sues are described. ;D ) If you want to tell that the girl had blonde hair, write something like: 'When she turned around to watch him, her blonde hair for a moment covered her eyes.' Sorry, for the poor examples, I couldn't come up with something better at the moment. I hope you get what I mean anyway. I developed my style to be more descriptive, by reading other writers' stories. I looked how they had described the events. Heh, I still get responses that I write too rushed, so I, too, must work more with this description thing. |
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Post by Blood_Debt on Nov 12, 2004 2:08:43 GMT -5
Well, if you describe obscure things, that helps. And if you combine one or two plot ideas together that will elongate the story too. If you've read Robert Jordan you know he takes ages to describe anything. If you haven't read it, go. It's a pretty good story, but I know you don't like long ones. Finally, it doesn't have to be long to be good. Don't try to fix it if it ain't broke. |
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Post by rasinah on Nov 12, 2004 2:41:23 GMT -5
Sorry for this late post.
As I was saying, you must learn to describe the right things. Action sequences, a new place etc do need to be described as vividly as possible, but not trivial stuffs such as clothes, appearance (esp in a fanfic since fans already know all these things).
But again, it's situational. You need to adapt accordingly to the premise of your story. And well, if 1000+ words can successfully deliver your idea across, then just be happy with it. Descriptions are mostly meant to beautify the story, that is all. ^^
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Post by elven dreamer on Nov 16, 2004 20:47:38 GMT -5
Descriptions are mostly meant to beautify the story, that is all. ^^ Love it. Sorry I didn't reply earlier but have been on holidays. *sigh* Shouldn't complain about going overseas but I'll whine about anything that takes me away from my beloved computer.  Okay, so description but not in overload. Sure. Any other brilliant ways to make a story longer, without dragging it on and on andonandon or including an extra-long author's note? |
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Post by Blood_Debt on Nov 18, 2004 1:40:57 GMT -5
Like I said before, try combining a few ideas in one (as long as it's in the same fandom)... I've cheated a lot that way, ref: BtW, Smoking Kills. That was a Mary Sue fic I have long abandoned, but I combined the idea of people finding out they were demons, having arguements, and a girl trying to break Sanzo's smoking habit. ;D It didn't work, of course.
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Post by elven dreamer on Nov 18, 2004 3:24:32 GMT -5
Of course it didn’t. What kind of crazy idiot would even try? Ok, combine ideas. That works if you have an ongoing story, but this is about one-offs, and that doesn't involve multi-plot chapters as you only have one of the damn things. You know? |
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Post by Ganheim on Nov 21, 2004 17:57:50 GMT -5
What I recommend is that you write, and when you start on the descriptions, go ahead and go as detailed as you can. Wait until after you're done with the next few paragraphs (maybe even the whole "one-shot" if you want), then go back. Trust me, it's a lot easier to clip out unnecessary detail after you're done with a chapter than to put it in after you've written the story. We authors are just like that, and my nightmare is the opposite of yours - I'm always worried that I'm not describing things enough. Like Reiko in Life of the Silver Tear, I don't even know what color her hair or eyes are, and she's been in 15+ chapters. |
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Post by Blood_Debt on Nov 21, 2004 18:42:39 GMT -5
Gee thanks... crazy idiot is meeeee *wink*
If insanity was a requirement for writing... You would definately qualify. So would I. No wonder we have such weird and wonderful plot bunnies ;D
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Post by elven dreamer on Nov 21, 2004 18:45:11 GMT -5
hehehe 15 chapters?  cool. So add in unecessary detail and then cut it all out later? Interesting idea, but I suppose it works. |
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Post by Blood_Debt on Nov 23, 2004 21:13:58 GMT -5
Well, it depends on what you are aiming for. The descriptions of surroundings, people, and even wallpaper can take up paragraphs.  If you feel you've done all you can to it, then it is still short, it doesn't matter, you shouldn't overload. |
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Post by elven dreamer on Nov 24, 2004 3:48:05 GMT -5
Heh. Wallpaper. Reminds me of your German trench wallpaper. Okies. Like I said, anything OTHER than description? No offense meant, man. |
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Hmm....
cool. So add in unecessary detail and then cut it all out later? 