did people hear about 1)configure stairs and 2)culutral content (ie a hijab)
I'm super excited about the stairs... Finally, I can design my houses the way they were supposed to be with proper landings! No more odd stairs banging into a random wall since they don't turn.
did people hear about 1)configure stairs and 2)culutral content (ie a hijab)
I'm super excited about the stairs... Finally, I can design my houses the way they were supposed to be with proper landings! No more odd stairs banging into a random wall since they don't turn.
I just wish people would let it go that EA is putting in some Turkey-related stuff
did people hear about 1)configure stairs and 2)culutral content (ie a hijab)
What. When.
just confirmed patch tomorrow. between switch games and reborn dolls i haven't been paying as much attention. i'm excited for once i have no adulting on patch day.
I have a question. How did you all learn to write? Were you english majors, did you take writing classes, or did you just start one day and get better?
I'm only asking, because sometimes I feel like my writing isn't as good as others. I've been wanting to take writing classes.
I don't really struggle with dialogue, just with the in between writing. It's so hard for me to articulate what is going on in my stories sometimes . That's why I rely mostly on screenshots and dialogue.
I have a question. How did you all learn to write? Were you english majors, did you take writing classes, or did you just start one day and get better?
I'm only asking, because sometimes I feel like my writing isn't as good as others. I've been wanting to take writing classes.
I don't really struggle with dialogue, just with the in between writing. It's so hard for me to articulate what is going on in my stories sometimes . That's why I rely mostly on screenshots and dialogue.
@Acarb90 I don't know what you're talking about. You're one the best storytellers I know. You're writing is great and your story is excellent. I'm looking forward to catching up. Also sometimes less is more. I love the way you use screenshots to tell your story.
My mother's a former journalist so I think I learnt a lot of my writing from her. She's the scariest critic I know, believe me, she doesn't mess around if she doesn't like something.
I'm planning to give my novel to her before I share it with anyone else because then I know that the worst is over.
I did attend a creative writing course at uni but it was crap. I think the best way to hone your craft is to read lots of books and write a bit everyday. I've been writing in my journal since I was five. I've still got a lot to learn, but I think my journal has helped me develop a voice. It has also been useful for when I want to write kids, because I have some insight into my mind as a child. Although it was mostly full of Alexander Beatle and rabbits. (I loved rabbits). But seriously, there's a big section of my childhood journal dedicated to me writing out the entire Alexander Beatle song.
And then, if I remember correctly, I sang it on repeat. My poor parents.
I was also an English major (Graduated at the end of last year), but I don't think it really helped me improve my writing. What it did do was introduce me to some good books. (Although I had actually read most of them already).
I have a question. How did you all learn to write? Were you english majors, did you take writing classes, or did you just start one day and get better?
I'm only asking, because sometimes I feel like my writing isn't as good as others. I've been wanting to take writing classes.
I don't really struggle with dialogue, just with the in between writing. It's so hard for me to articulate what is going on in my stories sometimes . That's why I rely mostly on screenshots and dialogue.
don't do that. compare your writing to others i mean. i used to feel like my writing wasn't good because i compared my writing to jes cathtea and citizen. its easy to fall into the their writing is better than mine trap. but once i stopped worrying people started reading.theres nothin wrong with letting screenshots tell the story. i struggle too. i came home from work one day to really confusing comments. i read through them and realized cathtea and jes were having a conversation. lol . theres also nothing wrong with short posts i use screenshots and just enough words yo get the story across.
i'm writing tomorrow cause of the update.
so relax write and don;t compare yourself to others.sorry the post is so long my best friend is cathtea.
I have a question. How did you all learn to write? Were you english majors, did you take writing classes, or did you just start one day and get better?
I'm only asking, because sometimes I feel like my writing isn't as good as others. I've been wanting to take writing classes.
I don't really struggle with dialogue, just with the in between writing. It's so hard for me to articulate what is going on in my stories sometimes . That's why I rely mostly on screenshots and dialogue.
Honestly, I just started writing one day and got better over time. I've since edited the original posts of my legacy so if you go back they're better than they were when I started. But, the purpose of this, I've gone back and gotten an original version of it sans pics. If you want a comparative chapter, here.
@Acarb90 I have so much to say about this, having an MFA in creative writing and having taught writing for over 25 years. I've spent a lot of time thinking about how we write and how we learn to write and observing our learning processes.
We can always learn and improve and grow. That never changes , or shouldn't, if we want our work to stay alive.
We can also enjoy and appreciate where our writing is at the moment, at the current stage. And I'll share with you that your work is on my list of well-written, significant work.
If schedule allows I'll swing by later to share more thoughts about the process and also benefits and potential pitfalls of writing classes.
If schedule allows I'll swing by later to share more thoughts about the process and also benefits and potential pitfalls of writing classes.
i'm intrested too.
I have a question. How did you all learn to write? Were you english majors, did you take writing classes, or did you just start one day and get better?
I'm only asking, because sometimes I feel like my writing isn't as good as others. I've been wanting to take writing classes.
I don't really struggle with dialogue, just with the in between writing. It's so hard for me to articulate what is going on in my stories sometimes . That's why I rely mostly on screenshots and dialogue.
This feels a bit unhelpful, but I learned to write by writing. Reading a lot also helped, as once I started developing my own style I noticed bits and pieces I'd nicked from other authors. And don't worry about being stronger on the dialogue - you can turn that to your advantage I've found that if you make the narrator another character (either literally via first-person view or just via a particularly characterful third-person) it makes it so much easier to write the bits in between. I could rattle off a whole list of examples, but this isn't about me.
Thank you everyone, for your kind words and advice!
I don't read much (used to when I was younger). I just watch a lot of tv shows, but I think it helps with learning how to develop storylines/characters lol
I have a question. How did you all learn to write? Were you english majors, did you take writing classes, or did you just start one day and get better?
I'm only asking, because sometimes I feel like my writing isn't as good as others. I've been wanting to take writing classes.
I don't really struggle with dialogue, just with the in between writing. It's so hard for me to articulate what is going on in my stories sometimes . That's why I rely mostly on screenshots and dialogue.
My best advice: read. A good reader (as in, someone who reads a ton) is more likely to be a good writer than someone who hates reading. Not that a "bad reader" can't be a great writer, it's just more natural for "good readers." This is because you've been exposed to more good writing, so you know what works and what doesn't. You can read others' SimLit, books, online stories you found on a whim, anything.
So, back with my thoughts, now that they've simmered all afternoon!
Like others, I learned to write by writing, telling stories, listening to storytellers, reading, watching movies, daydreaming (lots and LOTS of daydreaming), playing music, playing video games, climbing trees, telling jokes, more daydreaming, playing with imaginary friends, playing with friends who thought they weren't imaginary, spending lots and lots and LOTS of time alone, listening to music, thinking, being quiet, watching clouds, daydreaming, watching leaves fall, watching the light....
I think we learn to write by living in an engaged and curious manner.
And, @Acarb90 , you've got that in your writing already--loud and clear and distinctively! What makes your writing so good (and the same goes for all the folks who've chimed in with answers to your post) is that your life and observations come through your writing. The way you write isn't like anyone else, and that's because it's saturated with your perspective and observations.
So the short answer is: think. observe. live deeply. be curious. continue to live as you, and your writing will grow out of that.
As for writing classes?
When I signed up for graduate classes in creative writing, I expected they would focus on craft. I thought that we'd be asked to describe a scene from each of the 14-20 senses, then choose one or two to build a story around.
I thought that we'd sit in cafes and jot down overheard conversations and later work those into a story, analyzing the distinctions between actual conversation and what makes a conversation work in fiction.
I thought we'd tell a simple story involving three people from the perspective of each character.
We didn't do any of those things. Now an undergraduate creative writing class or a class focused on technique and craft might do those things--and those might be useful! You can also do those types of activities on your own, and books like Writing Fiction can guide you through exercises like that.
The program I went to was workshop oriented, so what we did was write a lot, read each other's work, and have our own work "workshopped." Thinking back on it, it was grueling and not all that helpful. The best advice I got was from John Keeble who said, "Say it once, with power, and then move on."
There was some pressure (though not from my two mentors, fortunately) to write in the current style, which was a weird blend of post-modern, modern, and minimalist. My style relied on more words, and stuck with it, against the grain.
One good thing that came out of it was meeting other writers and seeing that they're people, too, who happen to live deeply.
The best learning-about-writing came from my secondary emphasis, which was rhetoric and teaching composition. That actually touched upon the craft of reaching others.
In my career of teaching, I've observed that we learn to write in a way that blossoms when something opens up inside, and we discover we have a voice, we have stories to tell, and as we tell them, bits and pieces of ourselves fall into place. This can happen at any level of experience--and sometimes what sparks it is when writers feel they suddenly, finally, are allowed to tell their stories, their way. Sometimes it happens when they write and they hear their words on the paper--or they watch someone else hearing their words.
In the SimLit community, you can find many writers who bring something unique to their work. It's always helpful to note, for example, ways that others use dialogue, scene, description, and the interplay of picture and words. It can be just as useful to notice what seems not to work as to notice what seems to work well!
Comments
Thank you!
Rainbow Sundae
yes
I'm super excited about the stairs... Finally, I can design my houses the way they were supposed to be with proper landings! No more odd stairs banging into a random wall since they don't turn.
Rainbow Sundae
I just wish people would let it go that EA is putting in some Turkey-related stuff
Very nice! I like her. Has a lot of personality
What. When.
there part of the new update which comes out tomorrow i think.
just confirmed patch tomorrow. between switch games and reborn dolls i haven't been paying as much attention. i'm excited for once i have no adulting on patch day.
I have a question. How did you all learn to write? Were you english majors, did you take writing classes, or did you just start one day and get better?
I'm only asking, because sometimes I feel like my writing isn't as good as others. I've been wanting to take writing classes.
I don't really struggle with dialogue, just with the in between writing. It's so hard for me to articulate what is going on in my stories sometimes . That's why I rely mostly on screenshots and dialogue.
@Acarb90 I don't know what you're talking about. You're one the best storytellers I know. You're writing is great and your story is excellent. I'm looking forward to catching up. Also sometimes less is more. I love the way you use screenshots to tell your story.
My mother's a former journalist so I think I learnt a lot of my writing from her. She's the scariest critic I know, believe me, she doesn't mess around if she doesn't like something.
I'm planning to give my novel to her before I share it with anyone else because then I know that the worst is over.
I did attend a creative writing course at uni but it was crap. I think the best way to hone your craft is to read lots of books and write a bit everyday. I've been writing in my journal since I was five. I've still got a lot to learn, but I think my journal has helped me develop a voice. It has also been useful for when I want to write kids, because I have some insight into my mind as a child. Although it was mostly full of Alexander Beatle and rabbits. (I loved rabbits). But seriously, there's a big section of my childhood journal dedicated to me writing out the entire Alexander Beatle song.
And then, if I remember correctly, I sang it on repeat. My poor parents.
I was also an English major (Graduated at the end of last year), but I don't think it really helped me improve my writing. What it did do was introduce me to some good books. (Although I had actually read most of them already).
don't do that. compare your writing to others i mean. i used to feel like my writing wasn't good because i compared my writing to jes cathtea and citizen. its easy to fall into the their writing is better than mine trap. but once i stopped worrying people started reading.theres nothin wrong with letting screenshots tell the story. i struggle too. i came home from work one day to really confusing comments. i read through them and realized cathtea and jes were having a conversation. lol . theres also nothing wrong with short posts i use screenshots and just enough words yo get the story across.
i'm writing tomorrow cause of the update.
so relax write and don;t compare yourself to others.sorry the post is so long my best friend is cathtea.
Honestly, I just started writing one day and got better over time. I've since edited the original posts of my legacy so if you go back they're better than they were when I started. But, the purpose of this, I've gone back and gotten an original version of it sans pics. If you want a comparative chapter, here.
Btw, your writing isn't terrible, it's great.
We can always learn and improve and grow. That never changes , or shouldn't, if we want our work to stay alive.
We can also enjoy and appreciate where our writing is at the moment, at the current stage. And I'll share with you that your work is on my list of well-written, significant work.
If schedule allows I'll swing by later to share more thoughts about the process and also benefits and potential pitfalls of writing classes.
Do you also play The Elder Scrolls Online? You can find me there as CathyTea, too!
i'm intrested too.
This feels a bit unhelpful, but I learned to write by writing. Reading a lot also helped, as once I started developing my own style I noticed bits and pieces I'd nicked from other authors. And don't worry about being stronger on the dialogue - you can turn that to your advantage I've found that if you make the narrator another character (either literally via first-person view or just via a particularly characterful third-person) it makes it so much easier to write the bits in between. I could rattle off a whole list of examples, but this isn't about me.
@friendsfan367 I think its some type of degree. That's what google said anyway.
I don't read much (used to when I was younger). I just watch a lot of tv shows, but I think it helps with learning how to develop storylines/characters lol
My best advice: read. A good reader (as in, someone who reads a ton) is more likely to be a good writer than someone who hates reading. Not that a "bad reader" can't be a great writer, it's just more natural for "good readers." This is because you've been exposed to more good writing, so you know what works and what doesn't. You can read others' SimLit, books, online stories you found on a whim, anything.
Like others, I learned to write by writing, telling stories, listening to storytellers, reading, watching movies, daydreaming (lots and LOTS of daydreaming), playing music, playing video games, climbing trees, telling jokes, more daydreaming, playing with imaginary friends, playing with friends who thought they weren't imaginary, spending lots and lots and LOTS of time alone, listening to music, thinking, being quiet, watching clouds, daydreaming, watching leaves fall, watching the light....
I think we learn to write by living in an engaged and curious manner.
And, @Acarb90 , you've got that in your writing already--loud and clear and distinctively! What makes your writing so good (and the same goes for all the folks who've chimed in with answers to your post) is that your life and observations come through your writing. The way you write isn't like anyone else, and that's because it's saturated with your perspective and observations.
So the short answer is: think. observe. live deeply. be curious. continue to live as you, and your writing will grow out of that.
As for writing classes?
When I signed up for graduate classes in creative writing, I expected they would focus on craft. I thought that we'd be asked to describe a scene from each of the 14-20 senses, then choose one or two to build a story around.
I thought that we'd sit in cafes and jot down overheard conversations and later work those into a story, analyzing the distinctions between actual conversation and what makes a conversation work in fiction.
I thought we'd tell a simple story involving three people from the perspective of each character.
We didn't do any of those things. Now an undergraduate creative writing class or a class focused on technique and craft might do those things--and those might be useful! You can also do those types of activities on your own, and books like Writing Fiction can guide you through exercises like that.
The program I went to was workshop oriented, so what we did was write a lot, read each other's work, and have our own work "workshopped." Thinking back on it, it was grueling and not all that helpful. The best advice I got was from John Keeble who said, "Say it once, with power, and then move on."
There was some pressure (though not from my two mentors, fortunately) to write in the current style, which was a weird blend of post-modern, modern, and minimalist. My style relied on more words, and stuck with it, against the grain.
One good thing that came out of it was meeting other writers and seeing that they're people, too, who happen to live deeply.
The best learning-about-writing came from my secondary emphasis, which was rhetoric and teaching composition. That actually touched upon the craft of reaching others.
In my career of teaching, I've observed that we learn to write in a way that blossoms when something opens up inside, and we discover we have a voice, we have stories to tell, and as we tell them, bits and pieces of ourselves fall into place. This can happen at any level of experience--and sometimes what sparks it is when writers feel they suddenly, finally, are allowed to tell their stories, their way. Sometimes it happens when they write and they hear their words on the paper--or they watch someone else hearing their words.
In the SimLit community, you can find many writers who bring something unique to their work. It's always helpful to note, for example, ways that others use dialogue, scene, description, and the interplay of picture and words. It can be just as useful to notice what seems not to work as to notice what seems to work well!
Do you also play The Elder Scrolls Online? You can find me there as CathyTea, too!
Hey everyone! I have a new chapter today which you can read here! Enjoy!
Nightshade: A Simlit || Blogspot || Forum Thread
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Chapter seventy nine: Part of Your World.