Reader questions and feedback on writing issues. Also refer to fiction, non-fiction, movies, TV, screenplay, life story, plot, publish, techniques, career, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions
Answers to Readers' Questions on Writing:
Esteem
The following 10 comments and questions have been sent in. They are listed according to date.
List of first 10 items
- Trying to write with a scientific mind
- What is the best way to start my book?
- Wants to write chidlren's science articles
- Wants to write for children
- Producers didn't pay for scripts
- Shy about writing
- Please provide the answers to your questions
- Wants to be published from New Zealand
- Has problems with co-worker criticizing her writin
- Wants to be technical writer
Trying to write with a scientific mind
Question
June 25, 2006
I have got such a huge, dramatic, Shakespearian story to tell that it will take huge writing talent to not fluff it. It will be very difficult to quickly develop the high level of writing ability required. Writing is so dependent on natural talent--of which I have quite a lot--but I am more of the careful scientific type--and what is needed with my wonderful story is heaps of creative, poetic ability--which is not really my strength!
Sean - Australia
11394
Answer
Yes, some writers are artists that have a way with words. But the advantage that a scientific mind has is that the structure can be analyzed and a good, dramatic story can be synthesized.
A scientific way of writing such a story is to first lay out a simple plot of what will happen in the story. See the Random Plot Generator at:
http://www.school-for-champions.com/writing/random_story.htm to give you an idea about that.
Now the desires, conflicts and problems need to relate to basic human emotions and behavior. Shakespeare was a master at seeing into people's hearts. You then need to describe the emotions and feelings. Like, how did the boy feel and act when he fell in love with the girl? What type of hatred and jealousy did his rival have?
Telling a good story that gets your audience's attention and interest if often worth more than artistry.
I hope these ideas help in writing your dramatic story.
What is the best way to start my book?
Question
July 29, 2005
I have not yet begun to write my book. I have so many ideas that are running through my head that it seems like my brain is scrambled. What is the best way to start writing and to get my ideas down on paper?
Tia - USA
7653
Answer
Make a list of your ideas. Otherwise, you may forget them. The big thing is to define what the book is about. That may take much refinement. Finish the sentence: "This is a book about..."
Some people write a book a page at a time, just letting the ideas flow. Others will outline the plot, and even name the chapters before filling in the details. Do what works best for you, but DO start writing. Once you have material on disk, you can always cut and paste and juggle things around, as you refine your story.
Best wishes on writing your book.
Wants to write chidlren's science articles
Question
July 13, 2005
I want to take up writing as a part time career. I am interested to write non- fiction for children. Being a former marine scientist, I thought of introducing children to the underwater world. But I do not have much ideas to go about it. So I am contemplating on taking up a course in writing from The Writers Bureau LTD of Manchester. But I am very sceptical if they are genuine because their claims seems to be too good. Please advise what I should do or how I should go about my writing carrier.
Thank you.
Jay, Malaysia
Jay - Malaysia
7527
Answer
Typically a writing course will give you practice writing. You may get some advice on style and grammar, etc. But the real part of writing non-fiction for children is in finding outlets for your writing.
I suggest that you seek out magazines for children that have science information articles, and then study them for the type of writing used. Check with your local schools to see if they subscribe to such magazines for the students or their library.
The book Writer's Market usually has listing of magazines for each group. Unfortunately, most magazines in the book are based in the U.S. You really need to start with magazines in your area.
Another possible source is a local newspapers. Often they would be glad to get a short article on a scientific subject for children and students.
If you can find some magazines that have similar articles, you can check with them for their requirements and then submit a short article. Short and simple is the initial route to go. Don't expect much--if any--financial return at first.
One good thing to do is to find a photographer or illustrator to work with on your articles. The combination of good information with some pictures or drawings will readily sell.
After you get enough material published, you may be able to put it all together into a book for children.
Try to get a copy of the Writer's Market book. It gives good tips on getting published.
Best wishes in your new career. It should be satisfying. The first step is the hardest.
Let me know how things turn out.
Wants to write for children
Question
January 17, 2005
Thank you for this opportuniy to learn more about writing skills. I've been writing research papers but deep inside, I have always wanted to write fic-fact for children as I believe that it can help them develop their creative and reflective abilities. I've started writing about my childhood experiences, more as a way of fighting against my tendency to be depressed. It's helping me cope up with my frustrations of not being able to communicate with children. I've also in mind to write about environmental and socio-cultural issues (eco-tourism abuses, culture-gap between the urbanized indigenous people and those who remain in the rural areas) but I do not want it to be strictly a research paper. I want to relate thse issues to children, through stories. How do I go about from here?
Stephen - Sabah, Malaysia
5641
Answer
There is a big market for books and articles for children. But like any writing, it is not easy to get published. It takes much persistence.
Writing your childhood experiences is not only good to express your feelings and recall your childhood, but it also can be used in other material you write at a later time. Keep a journal of your life as a child to use as a reference in your writings.
The best place to start writing for children is close to home. Are there any magazines that are for children? See what is available. Also check with schools to see if they have any such publications for children. Then contact the publishers to see if they would be interested in your stories or articles.
Also, look in bookstores or the library for children's books. Write down the names and addresses of the publishers and contact them to see their interest. Ideally, you would like to find publishers in Malaysia.
You can write short stories and offer to read them in school classes. This will allow you to see how well your material is received.
You need to be very careful in writing about environmental and socio-cultural issues for children. Often writers get too caught up in the cause and forget that the writing is for children. Also, you must be aware of the views of the parents. Providing subtle positive messages is the best.
Write and write and write. It is difficult to get published, but you must keep trying and still not give up and expressing yourself.
Best wishes in your writing career.
Producers didn't pay for scripts
Question
January 5, 2005
Dear Mr. Kurtus,
Last year I have started to write for a sitcom; I have sent a spec to the producers and they asked for more. In few weeks I sent six, one of them was "on air" and I felt very happy. They promissed me we will work together from January but still no answer from them, and, of course, no payment. The bad thing is that I want to write more to send them but I just can not. It feels like I am blocked. I am also quite dissapointed of the results; if they would have thought I was good, they should call, wouldn't they?
Thanks in advance for your answer.
Veronica - Romania
5499
Answer
Producers that are not associated with major networks are known to steal from writers. It is short-sighted, because good scripts and good writers are rare.
A saying from the head of MGM Studios is, "A verbal contract isn't worth the paper it is written on." In other words, verbal agreements are not wise, espcially in the TV and movie industries. A writer must have legal business sense or advice from a legal person. You can send an outline or several paragraph treatment of a story without a contract. You may even send one full script, taking a chance they will be honest. But after that, there must be a written contract or written agreement that is legal in your country.
Typcially, a TV or movie writer in the United States will register a script with the Writer's Guild as a form of protection. If you are dealing with producers in Romania, you should see if there is some copyright protection for your scripts.
Do not give up on these producers, though. Contact them and tell them you have all sorts of great stories and ideas available (whether or not this is true). If they show interest, indicate you want money up front before dealing with them. You need to present yourself as a business person and not a desperate writer for whom they can take advantage.
I hope these ideas help, and best wishes in your writing career.
Shy about writing
Question
April 20, 2004
I have never taken a professional writing course though I studied literature in college.I have written shyly on the web but what I really need is a forum whereby, I can acqwuire polish and skill enough to be a professional writer.I am terrified.Can you help?
Nyambura kiarie.
Nyambura - Kenya
3064
Answer
You don't necessarily have to take a course to become a professional writer, but it is good to study the craft. A course can force you to write, plus you can also have your material critiqued.
One area where you can write your thoughts on the web is through blogs. One site for that is at www.blogger.com. There is also one on writing fiction at http://crofsblogs.typepad.com/fiction/. There are also some sites that will publish your works.
But really, I am sure you would like to do more serious writing than just your thoughts. My suggestion is to look close to home. See if a local newspaper will publish a short essay or story. It is a good way to get your feet wet in writing. Also look at your college publication as an outlet.
It is always good to start small. Starting with very short stories or articles, you can easily work to polish them, such that someone will publish the material. Also short pieces are easier to get published than long.
The big thing is to write, write, write.
Best wishes. I am sure you will soon become a champion writer.
Please provide the answers to your questions
Question
April 14, 2004
I found your site to be informative and interesting. However, could you please provide the answers to your questions in the quiz to assure the reader that they have the correct answers. I reviewed the material a second time to assure that my answers were indeed correct, and maybe that is your intent! But, if it is not, please provide the answers to the quizzes.
Thanks
Glennice - USA
3004
Answer
Thanks for your feedback. If a person get a wrong answer in a quiz, he or she can try another button until the correct answer is found. Since this is not a graded test, it is meant only as a learning tool.
Wants to be published from New Zealand
Question
February 13, 2004
I am very impressed and need all the help one can get out of writing short stories. If I could get at lest one of my stories printed that would be great.
have been writing off and on for years but am rather rusty.But have not really tried to sell any as it is the rejected paert that puts me off.
Sally -
2356
Answer
A writer wanting to get published must have a thick skin. It is often easier to get a short-short story published, and there isn't has much work needed.
The first market is in some local magazines. See if they will publish something by you. The second place to look is in the New Zealand version of Writer's Market book. That lists many magazines and what they are looking for.
One nice thing about writing is that if one can't use your story, the next one might. Just don't take it personal. There often is no rhyme or reason to what they select.
Best wishes in your efforts.
Has problems with co-worker criticizing her writin
Question
February 11, 2004
I am in a job which requires a lot of writing. There is a co-worker in my department who keeps telling me I need to take a writing class. She's been at the same job for 6 years or more and therefore she think her way of writing is the best. I know I lack in self confidence when it comes to my writing skills. I have a 4 year college degree but it's been almost 30 years since I've had to write. I have convinced myself that I'm a poor writer. You see, this co-worker, takes and picks my writing apart and partically rewrites anything which is shown to her. Keep in mind, I didn't ask her to go over my writing. How do I get her to stop picking my work apart when she hasn't been asked to rewrite it?
I mentioned to her I was thinking about taking a writing class to refresh and improve my skills. She automatically jump right in and told me that the schools I attended must not have had very good English and Writing teachers. Than she turned around and sent me your web sight. I feel this was a good move, but it bothers me the way she did it.
How can I get it across to her,I'm capable in writing my own memos without her rewording or correcting them?
From what I have already read, this type of person is one that you stay away from if you are trying to build your self-esteem in writing. I really can't stay away from her since we work so close, so what do I do?
I know part of this comes from my telling her that I want to improve my writing skills.
Can you tell me if this is a class and is there anyone who can look over what I write and give any suggestion on how to improve my skills and self-esteem?
Thank You
-
2340
Answer
People must use care in criticizing the work of others. Although she is probably well-meaning, this is simply a way for her to build herself up. Unfortunately, it is at your expense.
Since you have indicated to her that you have doubts about your writing ability, she is jumping in to try to help you. But she is doing too much.
Unless she is specifically told to proof-read and edit your work, you're just going to have to tell her to please leave your writing alone. It is almost as if she would start to criticize how you dress and want to do a complete make-over on you.
On the other hand, you may be able to pick up pointers from what she edits. That doesn't mean you need to follow everything she suggests. And everyone hates it when someone else tears their writing apart.
Taking a class in writing might not be a bad idea. But it is tough to be spending all day writing and then go to class to write some more.
The big thing is that you use the spell-checker and proof-read your wrting before it goes out. If your boss isn't complaining, then you don't need to worry. But one area of concern is if your co-worker tells your boss that you need a lot of help.
It is a tough problem. Certainly, you shouldn't confide in her about any doubts you may have. In fact, your writing seemed fine to me. If you tell her it isn't necessary to edit your material, she may say, "Oh, yes it is." It is worth a try, and if she continues, then don't pay any attention to what she suggests. Note that apparently, she isn't very busy in her job.
Anyway, don't let her comments or editing get you down. As long as you're doing your best and willing to learn, that is all that can be expected of you. Also, take a look at http://www.school-for-champions.com/writing/esteem.htm.
Wants to be technical writer
Question
November 28, 2003
Sir,
I want to become a technical writer.
i am computer science Post graduate.
Please suggest can i become a good writer or not?
Please evaluate following:
During my college days my teacher asked definition of PERSONALITY.
i immediately created a definition of PERSONALITY,
That was as follows
"A Personality is a combination of the intrinsic and extrinsic qualities of a person".
Teacher said that is really accurate and technical deifinition.
I was so happy that i could create such difiniiton.
Please reply soon.
Abhishek -
1397
Answer
Although there are good jobs in computer science, it is even more valuable to be able to do the technical writing for various projects. You can combine both jobs in one.
A good place to find out about technical writing in your location is through the Society for Technical Commnication. See:
http://www.stc.org/chapter/chapter_search.asp to find a chapter in your location. You can visit a meeting as a guest and get firsthand information from other writers.
Also, see the pages on technical writing in our site at:
http://www.school-for-champions.com/techwriting/
Although your definition was good, you must have good grammar and spelling in ALL of your writing, even in emails. A technical writer must use the spell-checker and make sure writing is always correct.
Best wishes in your efforts to succeed. I am sure you will make it as a champion.
Summary
Hopefully, this reader feedback has helped provide information about Writing issues.
Always do your best
Resources
The following are some resources on this topic.
Websites
Books
Top-rated
books on Fiction Writing
Top-rated
books on Non-fiction Writing
Miscellaneous
What do you think?
Do you have any questions, comments, or opinions on this subject? If so, send an email with your feedback. We will try to get back to you as soon as possible.
Where are you now?
Answers to Readers' Questions