《How to Write Stories People Will Love》7. Read Other Books
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I've seen some debate about this. "Why should I waste my time reading when I could be writing my own work??"
It's a lot like saying, "Why should I study architecture when I can build with Tinker Toys instead?"
Does that sound ridiculous? Well think about it. You create using the knowledge you have. If you're simply keeping a journal, you're just recording your thoughts into words. Nothing fancy. But if you're creating a story to share with other people, well there's a lot more to it. There's plot structure, characterization, dialogue, and numerous aspects of a story that can be taught in class. A creative writing class will definitely beef up your mental toolkit. But it's not a requirement. I've never taken a single creative writing class. I've just been learning from books and articles as I go along. And reading fiction.
There are the countless other nuances that are easy to miss if you don't read. Take paragraph structure, for instance. Read a beginner's work, and you'll notice huge blocks of text filling up the page. (I may go into this more in a later chapter.) You'll see characters "feeling sad" instead of "crying their eyes out." (Telling vs. showing.) You'll find scenes that feel rushed instead of tension building up.
If you can, mix up your reading sources. Read a few Wattpad stories, and throw in some traditionally published books as well. As you read, tune in to your feelings. Can't wait to turn the page? Why is that? Really think about why this story is so enjoyable to you. Can't stand the story? Think about that too. Is the dialogue wooden? Characters unrealistic? By pointing out the things you dislike, you learn to avoid those things in your own writing.
If you're serious about improving your writing, then reading is a requirement. Consider it your homework, or training. Amateurs always watch professionals in order to grow. Medical students go through internships. Football players watch game tapes. Writers read books.
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It doesn't have to be a chore. My eyes get tired after 20 minutes of reading or computer-staring. I want to be able to read and do nerdy computer things all day long. I want cyborg eyes just so I can do that without getting headaches. But since that isn't currently possible, I take breaks. Every 20 minutes, I get up and walk around. Wash dishes. Do laundry. Eat some broccoli. Whatever. Just do something else for 5-10 minutes, then go back to reading. I have a little program that reminds me to do this, otherwise I forget and then wonder why I have exhausted eyes.
You also avoid the chore-like feel of reading by reading what you like. If you dislike something, evaluate why you hate it, then put it down and find something else to read. That's the beauty of self-imposed homework. You get to pick and choose.
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The System
After a couple of mysterious happenings on earth, Peter suddenly gets teleported into a weird forest filled with danger. Meanwhile Timothy, the creator of a new world, slowly grows mad. Writer here:I wrote a couple of chapters for a project of mine, just posting here for critique. Hate it, love it? Please leave a comment or review.The first few chapters can be pretty peculiar, however please bear with it.
8 158Never After
Harmonia is a teenager born with a silver spoon and the inability to use magic, unlike her peers. After years of living a stagnant life and a dream that kept plaguing her mind, 17-year-old Harmonia Fleur seeks for a way to fix her problems, but to no avail. Until one day, she overheard a conversation between her father and an agent, about a Dangerous Prisoner, with knowledge of magic that far surpasses anyone of this age. With newfound motivation, she goes against her father's words and seeks for the Prisoner. Leading her to an encounter that she thought would fix her problems, What transpired was nothing she could've thought of, a full-scale prison breakout. When the very thing that plagued her mind appeared right before her eyes, Harmonia realizes that her life is about to take a drastic turn.
8 165The Blood Summoner
Flo is a hybrid, an offspring molded by a human and a dir. In the world of Fleis, an earth forged in the searing furnace of the great Elders, the act of such was deemed a sin so grim that Flo was then sold to slavery, severing the bond with his parents -never again to feel their warm embrace. With everything taken away from him, he now survives in the hands of a human master, fighting in a bloody cage built by human kin: an arena. He thrives in the death of other slaves and hybrids alike for the sake of seeing the light of tomorrow. Ruthlessly and mercilessly, he fought -until he met an old man who changed the course of his entire story by the blink of an eye. Follow Flo's journey, along with a bird-woman and a human deserter, as he turns from a mere slave to something far, far greater in this colossal and mystic world of Fleis -built using the flesh, blood, and bones of a dead Ancient, brimming with mythical races and magic.
8 234The Power of Boredom Is Limitless
Hello, my name is Ian, I have no daoist title as I have chosen to forget it long ago I over the time of millions of years achieved peak cultivation and ascended to godhood. However, after thousands of years of eternal life at the peak of strength, I feel only one thing Boredom I have never felt life was so boring, all the blood, sweat, and tears I made leads to this! A boring existence! I who cultivated a dao above the primordial chaos, the concept of reality itself, can't find a way to make his own existence interesting! Why you may ask, I believe it is due to one thing. My moral compass, This "compass" has lead me on the path of righteousness and orthodoxy, however is this ever going to fulfil the word "fun"? So I who can travel across realities, Worlds of Magic, Modern Worlds, Futuristic Worlds. Will discard my moral compass and strive for one thing. To cure boredom, No matter the cost Physics and science? Dao Laws? Magic Laws? Love? Common Sense? None Can stand in my way!
8 160The Art Of Politics
In the wake of the death of Vice President Dallace Bolton Isabella and her father Jeffery have to deal with an international crisis that too threatens the safety of the United States of America.
8 109Red: Butterfly (Twilight Fanfic) (Complete)
A strange girl appeared with long pure red hair, Rosy beige skin, and ocean blue eyes. Her beauty outcasted any girl in the whole world. She lives with her father who wanted nothing more, but to see her daughter smile again as he started a new job, new place, new state, and a new life for them. Yet, the strange girl gives nothing to show any emotion of expression.To her own thoughts, she was nothing more, but an empty, broken butterfly.
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