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Writers' Bloc - Creative Writing Off Topic Thread

1568101126

Comments

  • Closed Accounts Posts: 342 ✭✭JaneHudson


    I noticed at the Listowel writers festival they had a prize for humorous essays, the one that won was pretty damn funny. I think it's particularly difficult to do it and keep it clean.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,016 ✭✭✭Blush_01


    I think it's oversimplification to say that any of them are more difficult than the other. Everyone has their strengths, and everyone has their own perspective on things. I personally find writing anything vaguely humorous torturous, because I don't believe I'm funny. I find it much easier to "move" people than to make them laugh. I know someone else who posts here and his stuff is hilarious, and I have yet to read or hear him read something that doesn't have a strong vein of humour in it. Now, that doesn't mean his writing isn't moving in its own way, but his strength is comic.

    Just my 2c.

    I don't even like fudge, but I'm having ridiculous cravings.:o


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,555 ✭✭✭Kinski


    I suppose the point I'm making is this: it's easier to play for cheap laughs and succeed than it is to go for cheap sentiment and get away with it. Readers may tolerate, or even get a guilty kick from the former, but will probably be completely turned off by the latter. In that limited sense, comedy is easier.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,746 ✭✭✭✭FewFew


    Kinski wrote: »
    I suppose the point I'm making is this: it's easier to play for cheap laughs and succeed than it is to go for cheap sentiment and get away with it. Readers may tolerate, or even get a guilty kick from the former, but will probably be completely turned off by the latter. In that limited sense, comedy is easier.

    I'd reckon the opposite, it's hard to get a cheap laugh in print, easy to get cheap sentiment. On screen or in real life I'd say the opposite, the emotion is too nuanced to be done by a crap actor, but even a mediocre comedian can get a laugh with a one liner.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,016 ✭✭✭Blush_01


    Any advice on the fudge situation? Barr eating the stuff I don't think I'm getting away from it, and frankly I can't stand it. Ick.


  • Posts: 0 CMod ✭✭✭✭ Perla Calm Puppeteer


    eat a bit and realise you hate it then youll stop wanting it?
    or eat something else sugary


  • Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 35,576 Mod ✭✭✭✭pickarooney


    Do you have spare fudge? I like fudge and can't buy it here.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,746 ✭✭✭✭FewFew


    Blush_01 wrote: »
    Any advice on the fudge situation? Barr eating the stuff I don't think I'm getting away from it, and frankly I can't stand it. Ick.

    Maybe turn it into something wonderful?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,016 ✭✭✭Blush_01


    Picka, PM me your address and I'll send you some. It'll be the weekend before I get to post it though, just warning you.

    I don't have any on me at the moment, but I'd eat it 'til I sickened myself if I did.

    I think the only thing that will fix it is getting really horrifically drunk and honest. Maybe just eating some damned fudge would be better.


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  • Posts: 0 CMod ✭✭✭✭ Perla Calm Puppeteer


    i'm old today! yay!


  • Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 35,576 Mod ✭✭✭✭pickarooney


    Happy 26th, youngster:)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,746 ✭✭✭✭FewFew


    bluewolf wrote: »
    i'm old today! yay!

    Oh my gosh, what'll ya be tomorrow!?!? :eek:


  • Posts: 0 CMod ✭✭✭✭ Perla Calm Puppeteer


    a day older :pac:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,746 ✭✭✭✭FewFew


    bluewolf wrote: »
    a day older :pac:

    :eek:


  • Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 35,576 Mod ✭✭✭✭pickarooney


    Congrats to Fewcifur on his new stars :)


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,183 ✭✭✭Antilles


    I want stars. How do I get stars?


  • Posts: 0 CMod ✭✭✭✭ Perla Calm Puppeteer


    you have to be cool like us


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,746 ✭✭✭✭FewFew


    Congrats to Fewcifur on his new stars :)

    Ah yes, the most relaxed forum possible :)
    bluewolf wrote: »
    you have to be cool like us

    You're cooler, you've got red ones and a lil sub-heading :)


  • Posts: 0 CMod ✭✭✭✭ Perla Calm Puppeteer


    Fewcifur wrote: »
    Ah yes, the most relaxed forum possible :)



    You're cooler, you've got red ones and a lil sub-heading :)

    :cool::cool:


  • Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 35,576 Mod ✭✭✭✭pickarooney


    Anyone can buy red stars, it's just bling.


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  • Posts: 0 CMod ✭✭✭✭ Perla Calm Puppeteer


    you're just jealous you don't have red stars and a sub heading you can edit!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,746 ✭✭✭✭FewFew


    bluewolf wrote: »
    you're just jealous you don't have red stars and a sub heading you can edit!

    I was promised subscription-like powers... I guess I'm just a poor reflection of such magic.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,183 ✭✭✭Antilles


    So I need to pay a subscription or become a mod :/

    What forums need a moderator right now? I can become an expert in whatever they want.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,016 ✭✭✭Blush_01


    First rule of becoming a Mod - pretend like you don't want it. (At least that's how it worked on the forum I used to mod on on a different site...)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,746 ✭✭✭✭FewFew


    Blush_01 wrote: »
    First rule of becoming a Mod - pretend like you don't want it. (At least that's how it worked on the forum I used to mod on on a different site...)

    That's how it worked with me anyhows.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,183 ✭✭✭Antilles


    My hero's family have been kidnapped but when he asks the police for help they aren't interested (for various reasons). If he doesn't grab a gun and try to rescue his family on his own, knowing it's a suicide mission, is he a weak hero?

    Is there any valid reason why if he's the hero he wouldn't risk his own neck stupidly trying to rescue his family? :/


  • Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 35,576 Mod ✭✭✭✭pickarooney


    He has another family? He's about to save humanity with a cancer cure?


  • Posts: 0 CMod ✭✭✭✭ Perla Calm Puppeteer


    his best friend talks some sense into him and tells him the family wouldnt be rescued by him dying?
    the kidnappers sent a note saying if he does anything they'll start doing horrible things?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,746 ✭✭✭✭FewFew


    Antilles wrote: »
    My hero's family have been kidnapped but when he asks the police for help they aren't interested (for various reasons). If he doesn't grab a gun and try to rescue his family on his own, knowing it's a suicide mission, is he a weak hero?

    Is there any valid reason why if he's the hero he wouldn't risk his own neck stupidly trying to rescue his family? :/

    He's a logical thinker? Comes up with a better plan to save them? Doesn't have access to a gun? Knows people better suited to the task? Does something else positive, such as tracking them down?


  • Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 30,933 Mod ✭✭✭✭Insect Overlord


    He should give Trent a call. :cool:


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  • Registered Users Posts: 199 ✭✭CD.


    Does anyone find the use of music is starting to hinder television watching?

    I was watching a TV show last night and some sad music started playing and I knew that a character was going to die, though I didn't know which one. When the character I thought was gonna die was fine rather than thinking oh it's a fake out, I still thought someone was going to die (my second guess was right!)
    but it's getting to the point that the music ques are starting to tip me off.

    Though for those who watch true blood in the earlier seasons when sookie/bill were kissing/having sex/anything intimate the same damn music started playing every SINGLE time. it got very annoying very quickly.

    It's kinda better in books when there is no real proper tip offs and it's a case of anything can happen (unless one of the characters is narrating events or it's first person, generally those people are fine. Or it's a series and you know that X characters carry on to the next books etc)


  • Posts: 0 CMod ✭✭✭✭ Perla Calm Puppeteer


    I read cloud atlas today, it was awesome


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,718 ✭✭✭The Mad Hatter


    bluewolf wrote: »
    I read cloud atlas today, it was awesome

    What I'd give to be able to read a book like Cloud Atlas in a day...:(


  • Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 35,576 Mod ✭✭✭✭pickarooney


    Ah, so it's not the Peep Show guy who wrote that.


  • Posts: 0 CMod ✭✭✭✭ Perla Calm Puppeteer


    sure it's only 530 pages, what's that, 5.5 hours? :pac:
    bit woozy yesterday so i read slow

    okay okay ill stop before mad hatter murders me

    i wish my other books would arrive :( i ordered them before C.A.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,279 ✭✭✭Lady Chuckles


    This may be a silly question, but are you ever ashamed over something you wrote or feel the need to defend your piece to others and yourself?

    I like writing thrillers (mainly for young adults). There's violence and abuse in them, but there's also friendship and love. People reaching out for someone who needs it.

    I'd like to think my main storyline is that there's always someone who cares for you and things will always get better, in a way you might not have expected.

    I self-published a book after some marvellous feedback. However, my mother got concerned about the storyline and ever since I've had a hard time thinking I'm good at what I do - I've even had a hard time actually getting to writing again.

    Is this just me being silly? Or does anyone feel the same? :o


  • Posts: 0 CMod ✭✭✭✭ Perla Calm Puppeteer


    I sometimes wonder if that's why a lot of people publish under false names, their families :pac:

    i wrote a short story once from 1st-person about bullying
    completely and utterly made up, but i got a lot of concerned questions and strange looks for a while from the family
    i'd say they're just too close to you so they link everything

    don't worry about it, focus on the other feedback and keep writing :)


  • Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 35,576 Mod ✭✭✭✭pickarooney


    I don't know if I could ever let my mother read my stuff. It's fairly tame, but still, the psychological sword of parental (dis)approval is hard to escape.


  • Posts: 0 CMod ✭✭✭✭ Perla Calm Puppeteer


    i like your book so far! :)


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  • Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 35,576 Mod ✭✭✭✭pickarooney


    Thanks Mum.


  • Posts: 0 CMod ✭✭✭✭ Perla Calm Puppeteer


    HF were giving away this book for free with other purchases a while back and i've started it now, it's quite enjoyable

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temeraire_(series)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,279 ✭✭✭Lady Chuckles


    bluewolf wrote: »
    I sometimes wonder if that's why a lot of people publish under false names, their families :pac:

    i wrote a short story once from 1st-person about bullying
    completely and utterly made up, but i got a lot of concerned questions and strange looks for a while from the family
    i'd say they're just too close to you so they link everything

    don't worry about it, focus on the other feedback and keep writing :)

    I know exactly what you mean, Bluewolf! :)
    I got the very same with my story. How about some praise instead? :rolleyes:

    They are too close if they can't see the brilliance of a good story, aren't they?

    Thank you so much for those words. This makes it so much easier for me to continue something that I enjoy and that I'm actually pretty good at :pac:
    I don't know if I could ever let my mother read my stuff. It's fairly tame, but still, the psychological sword of parental (dis)approval is hard to escape.

    I too prefer to not let anybody who's close to me read what I write. I don't want them to get the "wrong idea" about me. But at the same time, those are the ones you'd like approval from :rolleyes:


  • Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 35,576 Mod ✭✭✭✭pickarooney


    I can just about let my sister read mine, probably because she lets me read hers.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,279 ✭✭✭Lady Chuckles


    I show my OH most of the times. At first I was frightened he'd think I'm a weirdo, but he really liked it :)

    It's good to have someone you trust to try stories on :)
    (even if they'd be a tad bias) :o


  • Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 35,576 Mod ✭✭✭✭pickarooney


    Do you usually write in English (I think you're Swedish, apologies if I've mixed you up with someone)?


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  • Registered Users Posts: 62 ✭✭Leafonthewind


    I self-published a book after some marvellous feedback. However, my mother got concerned about the storyline and ever since I've had a hard time thinking I'm good at what I do - I've even had a hard time actually getting to writing again.

    Is this just me being silly? Or does anyone feel the same? :o

    After five people read my book and loved it, my mother decided my writing a novel wasn't some flight of fancy on my part and asked to read it. I warned her it wasn't really her thing (she reads biographies and non-fiction; I wrote a paranormal young adult book), but she insisted she wanted to read it. A couple of weeks later, she told me she read the first three chapters and skipped to the end... :rolleyes:

    At first I was hurt and disappointed, but I know she's proud because she's told her entire family I'm writing a book and that's what I've decided to focus on. I think mothers want to protect us from rejection and failure, and it makes their feedback harsher and more subjective.

    It's just one of those parental things you have to take with a shrug and a roll of your eyes. Focus on the other feedback, keep writing and from now on take your mother's concerns with a grain of salt. I know my mother won't be seeing the edited version until I'm ready to submit it for publication! ;)


  • Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 35,576 Mod ✭✭✭✭pickarooney


    After five people read my book and loved it, my mother decided my writing a novel wasn't some flight of fancy on my part and asked to read it. I warned her it wasn't really her thing (she reads biographies and non-fiction; I wrote a paranormal young adult book), but she insisted she wanted to read it. A couple of weeks later, she told me she read the first three chapters and skipped to the end... :rolleyes:

    At first I was hurt and disappointed, but I know she's proud because she's told her entire family I'm writing a book and that's what I've decided to focus on. I think mothers want to protect us from rejection and failure, and it makes their feedback harsher and more subjective.

    It's just one of those parental things you have to take with a shrug and a roll of your eyes. Focus on the other feedback, keep writing and from now on take your mother's concerns with a grain of salt. I know my mother won't be seeing the edited version until I'm ready to submit it for publication! ;)


    To be honest, you should probably appreciate her honesty. No matter how good your book is it's not going to appeal to everyone. If she enjoys your next effort you'll know it's sincere.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,279 ✭✭✭Lady Chuckles


    After five people read my book and loved it, my mother decided my writing a novel wasn't some flight of fancy on my part and asked to read it. I warned her it wasn't really her thing (she reads biographies and non-fiction; I wrote a paranormal young adult book), but she insisted she wanted to read it. A couple of weeks later, she told me she read the first three chapters and skipped to the end... :rolleyes:

    At first I was hurt and disappointed, but I know she's proud because she's told her entire family I'm writing a book and that's what I've decided to focus on. I think mothers want to protect us from rejection and failure, and it makes their feedback harsher and more subjective.

    It's just one of those parental things you have to take with a shrug and a roll of your eyes. Focus on the other feedback, keep writing and from now on take your mother's concerns with a grain of salt. I know my mother won't be seeing the edited version until I'm ready to submit it for publication! ;)

    Awww, thanks for the encouranging words.

    I do love hearing these stories! It makes me realise I'm not alone with this "problem". I can relate to your story as well, as I also felt really hurt that my mum focused on the "bad bits" so much that she couldn't see the bigger picture of my story.

    Next time I'll know better than to take it too hard :)


  • Registered Users Posts: 62 ✭✭Leafonthewind


    To be honest, you should probably appreciate her honesty. No matter how good your book is it's not going to appeal to everyone. If she enjoys your next effort you'll know it's sincere.

    And I wasn't expecting her to enjoy it in the first place. But I held a secret hope she'd be blown away. I do appreciate her honesty. It would certainly be worse if she pretended to like it but I felt she was lying. And I doubt she'll enjoy the next effort. I'm writing a trilogy!
    Awww, thanks for the encouranging words.

    I do love hearing these stories! It makes me realise I'm not alone with this "problem". I can relate to your story as well, as I also felt really hurt that my mum focused on the "bad bits" so much that she couldn't see the bigger picture of my story.

    Next time I'll know better than to take it too hard :)

    It's reassuring to hear others have been there. And these feelings need to be aired out once in a while. :)


  • Posts: 0 CMod ✭✭✭✭ Perla Calm Puppeteer


    bluewolf wrote: »
    i wish my other books would arrive :( i ordered them before C.A.

    yeah, i just got a big stack of books from the postman
    yus :cool:


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