While yes, this isn't exactly about writing itself, it is about the wonders of the written word in music. Music is the way that we can understand ourselves. Notes, music notes, are just our attempts to make it readable for others. Words are the same way. Words are ways of trying to capture our imagination, something which is impossible for us to do.
Music, it conveys emotions in us that we can not understand. When listening to a love song, one that is sad, sweet, and ending in a story book ending, it brings out the sappy side of even the hardest criminal. When listening to your favorite work out song, your heart races and you get pumped up. When the song comes on, it changes the mood of the entire room, changing peoples emotions.
Like any book, once you have read the story a few times, it becomes a part of you, making everything you know a little different and new. Every story has lines you'll remember, every story has people has little personalities about them that make memorable. The same thing is true about music. There are memorable lines from the chorus, and beats that make you laugh when it is played.
However, there is a downside. Songs are so well known that soon enough, they fade into the back ground. They are known for a little while, before they fall off the radar, fading into blackness. They are only used in references that no one uses but it in old song references. The songs fade away, and only once in a while the dedicated fans get together and play old songs.
Songs and words are together to try to capture feeling where it can never be captured. Music brings about our base emotions, where we become one with the songs attitude and the emotions the lyricist was trying to convey to their listener. Words try to capture the imagination of the writer, to give it to the reader in ways no one can ever imagine.
As for the music preferences and such that I enjoy, I have no real preference. Music is music, and whether is it pop music from big names, or indy music that has only a few followers, it reaches out and touches people in ways they can never imagine. That is why I have no preference to music, because every song is unique and wonderful to each person.
Just a bit on music and my own preferences. More tomorrow.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
The Musical Side of Writing: Poems, Songs, and Music.
Sorry I didn't update yesterday, so I'll post twice today. Last time I wrote, I talked about the side of writing that involved illustrations, such as movies, comic books, and manga. Today I'm going to discuss the musical side of writing. This includes poems, songs, lyrics, and music. All of them are are involved with rhythm, meter, music, rhyme...there are dozens of others terms I could state, but it all means one thing at the end. It is about the music.
Poems, they are exactly music. Some of them have rhythm, some of none. Some are long and epic, and some are just short. There isn't any set method to poems, they is just something lyrical and musical and rhythmical about poems that make them poems. There isn't anything set about poems that make them poems, they just are.
Now, I've said this for a while, and if no one else has said it yet, I call it as my own saying. "Poems are just lyrics to music, without music." Poems have that feel to them that can be sometimes set to music. Like music, it calls to a person's inner emotions, in a way that words in a book can't. It says music calms the savage beast, that because music can make even the most savage or humans calm and soothed.
Poems are something of a mystery. There isn't a law book out there to set a code about the nature of poems. There isn't only poems about love. There are poems about hate, lust, anger, love, joy, peace, wonder, amusement, laughter, war, astonishment, despair, discouragement, encouragement, depression...I could go on with a list to last forever. Poems are something that tries to express human emotion, words to express what can not be expressed.
Poems are simply words that try to convey human emotion, something that can not be done, or something that will ever be fully accomplished.
Lyrics, I believe, are poems that have music with them. Every lyric is carefully chosen, just as a poem is. Every song is a story, every lyric a line that tells it. It is impossible to go and write out something like that as short, bringing up the same emotion. Lyrics for songs are one of the most important things for music, and without these lyrics, without a man behind the curtain as it were, the music would just be empty notes.
Songs express who we are, much like poems. That is why I believe there is very little difference between song lyrics, poems, and music. In a world full of technology and factual knowledge, it is good to go back to the roots and express ourselves in a way that goes back to our ancient days, where we danced and sung guttural songs in front of the fire. Only, get rid of the fire, and change the songs to something newer, more cultural and wonderful for us.
A short little thing for now. Another update soon, as in a few hours.
Poems, they are exactly music. Some of them have rhythm, some of none. Some are long and epic, and some are just short. There isn't any set method to poems, they is just something lyrical and musical and rhythmical about poems that make them poems. There isn't anything set about poems that make them poems, they just are.
Now, I've said this for a while, and if no one else has said it yet, I call it as my own saying. "Poems are just lyrics to music, without music." Poems have that feel to them that can be sometimes set to music. Like music, it calls to a person's inner emotions, in a way that words in a book can't. It says music calms the savage beast, that because music can make even the most savage or humans calm and soothed.
Poems are something of a mystery. There isn't a law book out there to set a code about the nature of poems. There isn't only poems about love. There are poems about hate, lust, anger, love, joy, peace, wonder, amusement, laughter, war, astonishment, despair, discouragement, encouragement, depression...I could go on with a list to last forever. Poems are something that tries to express human emotion, words to express what can not be expressed.
Poems are simply words that try to convey human emotion, something that can not be done, or something that will ever be fully accomplished.
Lyrics, I believe, are poems that have music with them. Every lyric is carefully chosen, just as a poem is. Every song is a story, every lyric a line that tells it. It is impossible to go and write out something like that as short, bringing up the same emotion. Lyrics for songs are one of the most important things for music, and without these lyrics, without a man behind the curtain as it were, the music would just be empty notes.
Songs express who we are, much like poems. That is why I believe there is very little difference between song lyrics, poems, and music. In a world full of technology and factual knowledge, it is good to go back to the roots and express ourselves in a way that goes back to our ancient days, where we danced and sung guttural songs in front of the fire. Only, get rid of the fire, and change the songs to something newer, more cultural and wonderful for us.
A short little thing for now. Another update soon, as in a few hours.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Comic books, Manga, and Movies; A Different Style of Writing
As I talked about in my previous blogs, the character drives the plot, sometimes to the point where it is just dialogue in a scene. In the end of the day, there are other ways than just books and pamphlets to record a writers work. Writers sometimes have to use other methods to get their work out there. In that way, there is the options of other venues of work that need creative minds who can write stories. In that regard writers go sometimes to the illustrating field. In this case of today's topic, comics, and movies.
Movies are something almost everyone, rich and poor, see every day and enjoy. Behind every movie are directors, actors, producers, prop makers, and script writers. These writers, they have a different technique than the one I use, but most certainly their technique is usable by anyone. The very unique thing with script writers, on a quick note, are that they are demanded results quickly, and there work can be seen by thousands at one time, as apposed to authors who write a book which is read over a period of years by the thousands.
Using story boards, the script writers plan out the story they wish to convey. These story boards are usually rough sketches and used to show what the camera is going to view when the scene is going on. Script writers talk in different voices when presenting the work to their fellow writers, and the result is a rough sketch of a movie. The good thing about this is that the writer gets instant feed back from others about his work. The bad thing is, they all know if the script isn't done right for the movie, then the public rats out on them.
I have a lot of respect for the writers of a movie. They are hired one day to write out a story with requirements and to have it by a certain date so the entire world can see it. It's a lot of pressure, and for the guys that manage to create a script that ends up as a blockbuster hit that makes millions, well, I give them a hand for accomplishing that.
Now, comic books are the dream of every little boy. At least, that is what it was when I was younger. Comic books are the reading material for kids that help them read and grow their imagination. Super heroes, villains, and civilians are brought to life in super hero comic books. Adventure and excitement for a young kids mind as their favorite hero takes out a villain. At least, those are the comic books Americans read.
Behind every comic arc, behind every hero and villain, there is a writer. A writer that writes out new scenes and action for the avid reader. The thing with the writer is that he must either find an illustrator that is in sync with the story and the stories dream. Or, the writer has to be a very good illustrator to illustrate the story. This way, the writer can throw up his ideas into the page, with his dreams and his ideas taking form.
If the writer does take this career, he reaches kids in a way no one else can. The writer can open up a kids mind into a whole new world of wonder and imagination. But the problem is, the writer can either make it like Stan "the Man" Lee, or drop off like any number of unknown writers out there. This path is hard and harder and with almost instant feedback from the people that read their work. The readers can either be from a young age, where they become instant fans of heroes, or older as adults who read for the entertainment for their own time.
Now, manga is a form of comics that others sometimes look upon with confusion and suspicion. Manga is the Asian form of comic books. Because of the American comic books that we know here in America are more about super heroes and what not. Manga is more about drama and other worldly things, which is something of a dream of others. Manga art is also different, with more pronounced features such as the eyes, and the body type for men and women are more pronounced.
But, because it is another type of comic, it is also the writer who starts the story, and who writes it out. Most manga artists are the writers, and most manga story arcs last for a while, making new series and new stories ever month. But, because the values and morals are not exactly the same as western values and morals, there are some different and odd things many frown upon and dislike. That causes most people to shy away from this style, despite the fact it is a valid form of story telling.
And at the end of the day, that is what it is. Story telling and writing, they go hand in hand. Whether it be books, or comics, or movies, or music and poems, writing is an essential part of like. It provides hours of endless entertainment. And while being an author might not pan out for some, there are other choices where being a writer is essential.
Movies are something almost everyone, rich and poor, see every day and enjoy. Behind every movie are directors, actors, producers, prop makers, and script writers. These writers, they have a different technique than the one I use, but most certainly their technique is usable by anyone. The very unique thing with script writers, on a quick note, are that they are demanded results quickly, and there work can be seen by thousands at one time, as apposed to authors who write a book which is read over a period of years by the thousands.
Using story boards, the script writers plan out the story they wish to convey. These story boards are usually rough sketches and used to show what the camera is going to view when the scene is going on. Script writers talk in different voices when presenting the work to their fellow writers, and the result is a rough sketch of a movie. The good thing about this is that the writer gets instant feed back from others about his work. The bad thing is, they all know if the script isn't done right for the movie, then the public rats out on them.
I have a lot of respect for the writers of a movie. They are hired one day to write out a story with requirements and to have it by a certain date so the entire world can see it. It's a lot of pressure, and for the guys that manage to create a script that ends up as a blockbuster hit that makes millions, well, I give them a hand for accomplishing that.
Now, comic books are the dream of every little boy. At least, that is what it was when I was younger. Comic books are the reading material for kids that help them read and grow their imagination. Super heroes, villains, and civilians are brought to life in super hero comic books. Adventure and excitement for a young kids mind as their favorite hero takes out a villain. At least, those are the comic books Americans read.
Behind every comic arc, behind every hero and villain, there is a writer. A writer that writes out new scenes and action for the avid reader. The thing with the writer is that he must either find an illustrator that is in sync with the story and the stories dream. Or, the writer has to be a very good illustrator to illustrate the story. This way, the writer can throw up his ideas into the page, with his dreams and his ideas taking form.
If the writer does take this career, he reaches kids in a way no one else can. The writer can open up a kids mind into a whole new world of wonder and imagination. But the problem is, the writer can either make it like Stan "the Man" Lee, or drop off like any number of unknown writers out there. This path is hard and harder and with almost instant feedback from the people that read their work. The readers can either be from a young age, where they become instant fans of heroes, or older as adults who read for the entertainment for their own time.
Now, manga is a form of comics that others sometimes look upon with confusion and suspicion. Manga is the Asian form of comic books. Because of the American comic books that we know here in America are more about super heroes and what not. Manga is more about drama and other worldly things, which is something of a dream of others. Manga art is also different, with more pronounced features such as the eyes, and the body type for men and women are more pronounced.
But, because it is another type of comic, it is also the writer who starts the story, and who writes it out. Most manga artists are the writers, and most manga story arcs last for a while, making new series and new stories ever month. But, because the values and morals are not exactly the same as western values and morals, there are some different and odd things many frown upon and dislike. That causes most people to shy away from this style, despite the fact it is a valid form of story telling.
And at the end of the day, that is what it is. Story telling and writing, they go hand in hand. Whether it be books, or comics, or movies, or music and poems, writing is an essential part of like. It provides hours of endless entertainment. And while being an author might not pan out for some, there are other choices where being a writer is essential.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Author and Character
Alright, so I mentioned the other day about the characters and how they go about the entirety of the plot. I said that I would talk more about it, so here I am, writing down how my characters drive the story to the direction to where I want to go.
I start with an idea. A simple idea, something that is simple and yet complex enough that it can be solved in more than a few sentences. Think about a ten step proof in geometry, there are a couple of different ways to write down the ten steps you need, and there is a way to to choose one step or another when doing the proof. But, you still start out with a set number of numbers and equations at the beginning, and you still end up at the same ending. That ending is written by someone else entirely different, and no matter what you do as you try to solve the problem, what you are trying to prove is still what you are trying to prove.
Alright. Take the editor and make it me. Take the numbers and equations in the metaphor and make them setting, problem, and extra characters. Take the ending, the solution that I have given, and make that the ending scene of the story. You becomes the characters, driving the story. Makes sense? If not, I got another analogy up my sleeve.
Frodo's task, destroy the One Ring. His path could have taken many roads. He was influenced by other characters and the different personalities that they had. He chose to go through Moria, chose to go with Gollum and Sam, chose to leave Sam, and almost chose to keep the ring from the own ring's power. Granted, you may say that Tolkien decided on all of that for the character, but it is my belief that the characters do come alive and write the story alongside the author.
Remember that one story you read when you were younger? That one that you became obsessed over, and no matter what, you would want to reread the book or series until you knew it all by heart? Why would you, as a reader, do that? The answer, as you probably know, is that the character grew on you. Why shouldn't that be different for us authors and writers?
As I write, my characters grow into personalities that are presented to them. My main character in a recent story was a douche, when I wanted him to be a hero. Here's the thing, even if the character ends up in a different light than what you expected, they are still your character. They grow on you, you end up loving them as a parent loves a child. This character you watch evolve as they interact with other characters and situations, they wouldn't have existed to be in those situations if it wasn't for you.
Yes, you can make the argument that the author directs the characters sometimes. The author writes the story, not fictional people, and therefore, my entire theory is debunked. There is no character clashing character, unless it is the author who makes it. This way of thinking makes the author seem like an all powerful god in the story, moving pieces on a chess board to his own ideas and situations.
Wrong. many stories of mine are the words being fired back between two different personalities. Even away from your chosen mode of writing the characters are alive in your mind, living out their lives. In the time you give them, the story can progress in you never imagine, because the character moves in ways you never expect. I never thought I would add a coffee shop to my latest story until the villain made his way there.
In short, while I have a problem, and a general idea of a plot, and an ending and beginning, I let the characters drive me there to where I want to be. Yeah, let them drive me to Florida, take whatever route they want, but I want to stop by a Dunkin' Donuts in Tennessee, a barbecue place in Virginia, and take a trail along the Mississippi River. I don't care how you get there, but I want to stop at those places and do those things. That is what happens when I write. I set a few way points in the story, and as long as they are accomplished, I don't care how my characters get to it.
That's all for now, update tomorrow. See you tomorrow!
I start with an idea. A simple idea, something that is simple and yet complex enough that it can be solved in more than a few sentences. Think about a ten step proof in geometry, there are a couple of different ways to write down the ten steps you need, and there is a way to to choose one step or another when doing the proof. But, you still start out with a set number of numbers and equations at the beginning, and you still end up at the same ending. That ending is written by someone else entirely different, and no matter what you do as you try to solve the problem, what you are trying to prove is still what you are trying to prove.
Alright. Take the editor and make it me. Take the numbers and equations in the metaphor and make them setting, problem, and extra characters. Take the ending, the solution that I have given, and make that the ending scene of the story. You becomes the characters, driving the story. Makes sense? If not, I got another analogy up my sleeve.
Frodo's task, destroy the One Ring. His path could have taken many roads. He was influenced by other characters and the different personalities that they had. He chose to go through Moria, chose to go with Gollum and Sam, chose to leave Sam, and almost chose to keep the ring from the own ring's power. Granted, you may say that Tolkien decided on all of that for the character, but it is my belief that the characters do come alive and write the story alongside the author.
Remember that one story you read when you were younger? That one that you became obsessed over, and no matter what, you would want to reread the book or series until you knew it all by heart? Why would you, as a reader, do that? The answer, as you probably know, is that the character grew on you. Why shouldn't that be different for us authors and writers?
As I write, my characters grow into personalities that are presented to them. My main character in a recent story was a douche, when I wanted him to be a hero. Here's the thing, even if the character ends up in a different light than what you expected, they are still your character. They grow on you, you end up loving them as a parent loves a child. This character you watch evolve as they interact with other characters and situations, they wouldn't have existed to be in those situations if it wasn't for you.
Yes, you can make the argument that the author directs the characters sometimes. The author writes the story, not fictional people, and therefore, my entire theory is debunked. There is no character clashing character, unless it is the author who makes it. This way of thinking makes the author seem like an all powerful god in the story, moving pieces on a chess board to his own ideas and situations.
Wrong. many stories of mine are the words being fired back between two different personalities. Even away from your chosen mode of writing the characters are alive in your mind, living out their lives. In the time you give them, the story can progress in you never imagine, because the character moves in ways you never expect. I never thought I would add a coffee shop to my latest story until the villain made his way there.
In short, while I have a problem, and a general idea of a plot, and an ending and beginning, I let the characters drive me there to where I want to be. Yeah, let them drive me to Florida, take whatever route they want, but I want to stop by a Dunkin' Donuts in Tennessee, a barbecue place in Virginia, and take a trail along the Mississippi River. I don't care how you get there, but I want to stop at those places and do those things. That is what happens when I write. I set a few way points in the story, and as long as they are accomplished, I don't care how my characters get to it.
That's all for now, update tomorrow. See you tomorrow!
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Fanfiction, Fiction, Nonfiction, Poems/Song, and Songfics
So, from the title of this piece, I guess you know what I'm going to talk about today. There are different genres to writing, but four big categories in my opinion. Fiction, Nonfiction, Fanfiction, and Poems/Songs are the four categories I will be talking about today. A couple points on both and my preference whether or not I write in that style.
Fiction is the most varied and the one most people know about. It ranges from the supernatural, to mystery, to realistic, to historic...the list goes on and on. Fiction is the general overview of that entire section of books most people, well at least me, like to read and write about. It varies from the easy reading from a child, to the advanced and sometimes confusing adult books. But they all have something in common. They are fake. They are not true, but they may be based on true events. Every time a story is created in this general section of writing, there is a likely chance someone has written or thought of something similar to that idea. That is why when some one creates an idea that is unique and interesting, the rest of the world grasps onto it and loves it. Look at Harry Potter, amazing idea and unique. Look at it now, a world wide phenomenon and no signs of slowing. Now, other fiction writers write for the audience. Take the Twilight series for example. Yes, I have read them all, so I do feel within my power to comment on it. Stephanie Meyer took a story idea that is common, and made it something more, and from there wrote more and more about it for her fans. And yet there is a dedicated following to it some people dislike. This genre also includes comics, and manga. Both of which has their own style of writing, but includes the art of...well, art. I will discuss more of this on a later time.
As for myself, I love to write in the fiction way. It is fun, easy for me, and it is a challenge to create new ideas and situations people haven't thought of before. However, it is also something that I dread, as there are hundreds of new writers entering the field every day. Because of that, it makes a writer like myself strive for perfection and new and bolder ideas. It's the only way to stand out in a crowded room.
Now, Nonfiction. It is the style of writing dedicated for facts, and more facts. This is all about science, math, history, and the truth. These nonfiction books are usually backed up by sources from other books and encyclopedias. Ever written an essay for a class? That is nonfiction. Ever read an autobiography? That's nonfiction as well. Nonfiction is a different style which requires hours upon hours of research. and I am not talking about the kind of research you do for a last minute paper or idea. I am talking about years of research. And this result after the years is a book packed with ideas and facts about real life. For me, it is a good thing to sit down and read something like that. Some of my favorites are nonfiction books, because of the facts and the way the writer presents the work they have a love for.
But for me, writing nonfiction is not my cup of tea. I love the facts, but I hate the research. I believe at least for now that I would never end up becoming a nonfiction writer.
Poems/Songs are more lyrical than anything else. This is in it's own category in my opinion because it can be both Fiction and Nonfiction, breaching both worlds with it's own lyrical, musical bridge. Poems and songs move people in ways books can not. Poems and Songs reach into our soul, that creative part of us, and move us in ways we can never imagine. Listening to songs can make us cry, and reading poems can make us feel inspired. For me, poems and songs are one and the same, only one has music and one doesn't. I feel like because they are the same, they change us in ways no one can foresee.
I LOVE to write in this category, though it is hard to create new poems and songs. If I continue anything in my life, it will be to write poems and songs. That is a definite.
Fanfiction is a grey area with many writers. For those of you who don't know, fanfiction is when the writer takes another author's work, like Harry Potter, and writes stories based off of that. Fanfiction is part of the fiction category, and while it is a way for people to learn from their mistakes, others frown upon it. Some call it lame, some say to write your own. Here's the thing, people write fanfiction to keep the story alive, and to add ideas to make the series even better in their own opinion. That has one of two effects. Either really good ideas are incorporated, or the writer makes it into their own fantasy of the characters. Usually the latter is so bad that people ignore them, because they choose what they want in the story, even if it isn't canon to the story.
For me, I do write fanfiction. Way I see it, it is a valid way to practice your art of writing and to keep add ideas you like. I don't like it when the story isn't mostly canon to the work, or if the story is just a bunch of nonsense. And, I agree that it is lame in it's own way. In that sense, the author must learn to write their own things, even if it does mean laving behind a fan base. For myself, I continue writing fanfiction, for my own fans. But, I do not condone the ideas that pop into my head about fanficiton being just for my own fantasies. Fanfiction is also for the fans of the fiction it was comprised of. And remember, Fanfiction isn't just about you, the writer as a fan, but for all fans.
Lastly, I wanna talk about Songfics. Songfics are like fanfiction, but it is fanficiton to songs. In this sense, the writer writes about a story based off of the song, but it doesn't have to be fanfiction necessarily. This can be sometimes very good, or very bad. That depends on the author and the song itself, and the idea that is incorporated to connect the two. Usually though, the song is chosen because the writer has a passion for it, and therefore, the writer won't accept mediocrity.
I have written songfics, but not songfics for fanfiction. My songfics end up based off songs that move me in some way, and I try to write a story based off of that particular song. It has ended up good every time I write in this way, which is good. I like this style because it allows me to write how I want, but it gives me guidelines for the genre and the style, as the song is the focal point in this case.
So, just a few thoughts on the different categories of writing. I'll update soon, with most likely another essay. What about? I have no idea yet.
Fiction is the most varied and the one most people know about. It ranges from the supernatural, to mystery, to realistic, to historic...the list goes on and on. Fiction is the general overview of that entire section of books most people, well at least me, like to read and write about. It varies from the easy reading from a child, to the advanced and sometimes confusing adult books. But they all have something in common. They are fake. They are not true, but they may be based on true events. Every time a story is created in this general section of writing, there is a likely chance someone has written or thought of something similar to that idea. That is why when some one creates an idea that is unique and interesting, the rest of the world grasps onto it and loves it. Look at Harry Potter, amazing idea and unique. Look at it now, a world wide phenomenon and no signs of slowing. Now, other fiction writers write for the audience. Take the Twilight series for example. Yes, I have read them all, so I do feel within my power to comment on it. Stephanie Meyer took a story idea that is common, and made it something more, and from there wrote more and more about it for her fans. And yet there is a dedicated following to it some people dislike. This genre also includes comics, and manga. Both of which has their own style of writing, but includes the art of...well, art. I will discuss more of this on a later time.
As for myself, I love to write in the fiction way. It is fun, easy for me, and it is a challenge to create new ideas and situations people haven't thought of before. However, it is also something that I dread, as there are hundreds of new writers entering the field every day. Because of that, it makes a writer like myself strive for perfection and new and bolder ideas. It's the only way to stand out in a crowded room.
Now, Nonfiction. It is the style of writing dedicated for facts, and more facts. This is all about science, math, history, and the truth. These nonfiction books are usually backed up by sources from other books and encyclopedias. Ever written an essay for a class? That is nonfiction. Ever read an autobiography? That's nonfiction as well. Nonfiction is a different style which requires hours upon hours of research. and I am not talking about the kind of research you do for a last minute paper or idea. I am talking about years of research. And this result after the years is a book packed with ideas and facts about real life. For me, it is a good thing to sit down and read something like that. Some of my favorites are nonfiction books, because of the facts and the way the writer presents the work they have a love for.
But for me, writing nonfiction is not my cup of tea. I love the facts, but I hate the research. I believe at least for now that I would never end up becoming a nonfiction writer.
Poems/Songs are more lyrical than anything else. This is in it's own category in my opinion because it can be both Fiction and Nonfiction, breaching both worlds with it's own lyrical, musical bridge. Poems and songs move people in ways books can not. Poems and Songs reach into our soul, that creative part of us, and move us in ways we can never imagine. Listening to songs can make us cry, and reading poems can make us feel inspired. For me, poems and songs are one and the same, only one has music and one doesn't. I feel like because they are the same, they change us in ways no one can foresee.
I LOVE to write in this category, though it is hard to create new poems and songs. If I continue anything in my life, it will be to write poems and songs. That is a definite.
Fanfiction is a grey area with many writers. For those of you who don't know, fanfiction is when the writer takes another author's work, like Harry Potter, and writes stories based off of that. Fanfiction is part of the fiction category, and while it is a way for people to learn from their mistakes, others frown upon it. Some call it lame, some say to write your own. Here's the thing, people write fanfiction to keep the story alive, and to add ideas to make the series even better in their own opinion. That has one of two effects. Either really good ideas are incorporated, or the writer makes it into their own fantasy of the characters. Usually the latter is so bad that people ignore them, because they choose what they want in the story, even if it isn't canon to the story.
For me, I do write fanfiction. Way I see it, it is a valid way to practice your art of writing and to keep add ideas you like. I don't like it when the story isn't mostly canon to the work, or if the story is just a bunch of nonsense. And, I agree that it is lame in it's own way. In that sense, the author must learn to write their own things, even if it does mean laving behind a fan base. For myself, I continue writing fanfiction, for my own fans. But, I do not condone the ideas that pop into my head about fanficiton being just for my own fantasies. Fanfiction is also for the fans of the fiction it was comprised of. And remember, Fanfiction isn't just about you, the writer as a fan, but for all fans.
Lastly, I wanna talk about Songfics. Songfics are like fanfiction, but it is fanficiton to songs. In this sense, the writer writes about a story based off of the song, but it doesn't have to be fanfiction necessarily. This can be sometimes very good, or very bad. That depends on the author and the song itself, and the idea that is incorporated to connect the two. Usually though, the song is chosen because the writer has a passion for it, and therefore, the writer won't accept mediocrity.
I have written songfics, but not songfics for fanfiction. My songfics end up based off songs that move me in some way, and I try to write a story based off of that particular song. It has ended up good every time I write in this way, which is good. I like this style because it allows me to write how I want, but it gives me guidelines for the genre and the style, as the song is the focal point in this case.
So, just a few thoughts on the different categories of writing. I'll update soon, with most likely another essay. What about? I have no idea yet.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Process
If there is anything I can say I learned when I was a kid was that there are hundreds of different stories. For me, I used to be obsessed by one of my favorite authors, R. A. Salvatore. Later on, as in much more recently, I have a new obsession with author Jim Butcher and his series. Here's the thing, both men write fantasy novels, but they go about them in different ways. One writes traditional fantasy, while one writes contemporary fantasy. Both are good, but both are different in the way they present their stories. Both men show their stories in their own way, and yet both are good.
That got me thinking of the whole process of writing and all of that stuff. Why do I write the way I do? I have written different genres and different situations, but every time I write I have the same basic concept on how I want to write. Yet others I talk to write in their own way. When I read others work, I swear they either have this complex plan, or they come up with the story as they go on. That got me thinking even more on the basic process of authors, and how they work it all out. I guess I wanted to start out with my process and the process of others and different ideas of this whole writing thing before I started on with my actual writing.
If you look at special features on movies, some of them have a how it was made section. Sometimes, when the movie interests me enough, I go and watch it. There, I see story boards, and the writers acting out voices as they show the story to their fellow peers. Yes, while they do not write books and poems and short stories and songs, they write the books which do not go into print, they write them for movies and shows, which is very similar in the basic premise. As for me, watching them create on story boards and showing them to the others around them, I can see the ideas flowing. I see the smiles on their faces as they present in different voices. This is their process, story boards, a thing that I do not use, though it is a very good process in itself.
Another way to start writing is a challenge. Jim Butcher's Codex Alera series was based off of a challenge he was presented. To write a story off of a lame idea. He was given two choices, the lost Roman legion, and Pokemon. I don't know why Pokemon is in there, since Pokemon is awesome, but Butcher wrote a series which has captured the imaginations of myself and countless others. A similar thing to challenges are requests, where another person asks you to write something for them. For me, it has come to the idea of songfics, or fiction based off of a song. While it isn't normally that, people have requests for song writers, authors, writers, and poets. Some of these requests become world famous, or just friend famous. Requests are something I have been given, but something I would love more of.
Most of the time, writers just think of an idea. This can come from anything, media, real life, fantasies, dreams, other stories; you name it, a story has come from it. For myself, this is one of the ones I find that I end up writing from, from an idea that has popped into my head that I cannot get out. Now, usually, because these ideas are not for others, and only for yourself, it can have one of a few effects. The first effect is that the writer perseveres through the story and finishes it. More often or not, that I have seen at least, writers end up choosing the second effect. That the story is a good idea in their head, but they can not write it, or are unwilling to finish it. The final choice that I see is that the story is always half written, that the writer has the will to finish it, but can not finish it because the story for them can not be finished, that they are not satisfied by their result.
Now that I delayed long enough, I guess I have to reveal the process that I end up using. I start out with an idea. Any idea will do. Even if it is as simple as: I walked the dog for the tenth time this morning. After that it can go one of two ways. The first way is that I end up writing it down, and I start writing until I become stalled. The other way is that I end up acting it out in my head. Inside my mind I end up acting out the story, or even outside in real life. If it is a story using multiple characters, I end up acting with different props, getting a feel for the characters and the plot. In fact, change that. Every story I write I end up acting out in my head or in person, to get the feel for it. Other than the acting, it goes straight to paper or to the computer. Some stories I haven't written, because I want to end up acting them over and over again in my head until I am satisfied with it. Ergo, many of my stories are in my head, and no where else. Then again, other stories I have written out after I acted some of it.
Now, despite the fact that I do act my stories, there is something very similar with every time I do act. I have a plot that I end up keeping. I have an end, and a beginning, but no middle. That is where I improvise, aiming for the end of the story, but unsure and not caring which road to take in between. It is like I want to go from my house to the library. I can drive over there, walk, take different routes, bike, etc; there are different paths to the same place. When I let the characters drive the story, it is like I roll a number on a die and I follow them to the destination of my choice. But that is a different conversation for a different day.
Why do I reveal my process? First off, I think it is a good thing for other writers and authors and others to use, or copy from. And it's not like I'm giving away my ideas, I'm only giving away how I take my ideas and put them into paper or computer. So, there you have it, another update soon.
That got me thinking of the whole process of writing and all of that stuff. Why do I write the way I do? I have written different genres and different situations, but every time I write I have the same basic concept on how I want to write. Yet others I talk to write in their own way. When I read others work, I swear they either have this complex plan, or they come up with the story as they go on. That got me thinking even more on the basic process of authors, and how they work it all out. I guess I wanted to start out with my process and the process of others and different ideas of this whole writing thing before I started on with my actual writing.
If you look at special features on movies, some of them have a how it was made section. Sometimes, when the movie interests me enough, I go and watch it. There, I see story boards, and the writers acting out voices as they show the story to their fellow peers. Yes, while they do not write books and poems and short stories and songs, they write the books which do not go into print, they write them for movies and shows, which is very similar in the basic premise. As for me, watching them create on story boards and showing them to the others around them, I can see the ideas flowing. I see the smiles on their faces as they present in different voices. This is their process, story boards, a thing that I do not use, though it is a very good process in itself.
Another way to start writing is a challenge. Jim Butcher's Codex Alera series was based off of a challenge he was presented. To write a story off of a lame idea. He was given two choices, the lost Roman legion, and Pokemon. I don't know why Pokemon is in there, since Pokemon is awesome, but Butcher wrote a series which has captured the imaginations of myself and countless others. A similar thing to challenges are requests, where another person asks you to write something for them. For me, it has come to the idea of songfics, or fiction based off of a song. While it isn't normally that, people have requests for song writers, authors, writers, and poets. Some of these requests become world famous, or just friend famous. Requests are something I have been given, but something I would love more of.
Most of the time, writers just think of an idea. This can come from anything, media, real life, fantasies, dreams, other stories; you name it, a story has come from it. For myself, this is one of the ones I find that I end up writing from, from an idea that has popped into my head that I cannot get out. Now, usually, because these ideas are not for others, and only for yourself, it can have one of a few effects. The first effect is that the writer perseveres through the story and finishes it. More often or not, that I have seen at least, writers end up choosing the second effect. That the story is a good idea in their head, but they can not write it, or are unwilling to finish it. The final choice that I see is that the story is always half written, that the writer has the will to finish it, but can not finish it because the story for them can not be finished, that they are not satisfied by their result.
Now that I delayed long enough, I guess I have to reveal the process that I end up using. I start out with an idea. Any idea will do. Even if it is as simple as: I walked the dog for the tenth time this morning. After that it can go one of two ways. The first way is that I end up writing it down, and I start writing until I become stalled. The other way is that I end up acting it out in my head. Inside my mind I end up acting out the story, or even outside in real life. If it is a story using multiple characters, I end up acting with different props, getting a feel for the characters and the plot. In fact, change that. Every story I write I end up acting out in my head or in person, to get the feel for it. Other than the acting, it goes straight to paper or to the computer. Some stories I haven't written, because I want to end up acting them over and over again in my head until I am satisfied with it. Ergo, many of my stories are in my head, and no where else. Then again, other stories I have written out after I acted some of it.
Now, despite the fact that I do act my stories, there is something very similar with every time I do act. I have a plot that I end up keeping. I have an end, and a beginning, but no middle. That is where I improvise, aiming for the end of the story, but unsure and not caring which road to take in between. It is like I want to go from my house to the library. I can drive over there, walk, take different routes, bike, etc; there are different paths to the same place. When I let the characters drive the story, it is like I roll a number on a die and I follow them to the destination of my choice. But that is a different conversation for a different day.
Why do I reveal my process? First off, I think it is a good thing for other writers and authors and others to use, or copy from. And it's not like I'm giving away my ideas, I'm only giving away how I take my ideas and put them into paper or computer. So, there you have it, another update soon.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Hi, I'm Zack
Hi, I'm Zack. If you haven't figured it out by now, my love for God is closely seconded by my love for writing. I am young, and only semi-experienced in the ways of writing. But, this blog is not only for me to wet my feet as they say, but also for you, the reader, to look at my progress from beginning to end. I will be honest, like all people my age, I have a life outside of writing, and that takes away from the valuable time I have here to write and tell my stories. But that makes me even more dedicated to my craft, to work hard at my love with everything I have.
That reminds me of one of my favorite verses. James 2:17. In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. NIV. When I first heard this verse, I was actually struck by something. My faith, which at the time was new and weak, was dead without action? I was confused, and some small part of my mind grasped that verse, and took its practice to heart. Since then, I have placed myself in numerous opportunities to serve, and not only serve my church, but to serve others as well. For me, I find great joy in servicing others, even if it is something simple as moving a table for someone else. It is like the great missions in adventure books, or the objective in the latest first person shooter. Move the table, to complete the objective. And while anyone might have a great deal of joy when they beat an impossible part in a game, or getting their license, I get that same thrill by helping others in any way I can.
This mindset of mine has led me to different countries, different situations, and difficult times. But out of it I became a better man. I found a group of guys that have the same fire for the Lord that I have, and that their passions vary like mine, from music to skating to writing to leadership. For me, I found acceptance in this group of guys, and while everyday we take a step closer to being better men, we also find out ways to help each other. Being me, I can not sing at all, but I can serve and help set up sound equipment for them, or jot down lyrics when they write new songs. And when we have free time on our hands, we get to discuss whatever topics we want. At each discussion, I have learned that despite our walks of life and our differing passions, all of us are wise in our own right. And, at each discussion, I have felt the cog inside my mind work on new ideas and story ideas.
Perhaps that is why it took me so long to find friends. I moved to where I am now in the mid year of my public education. Meaning, finding friends who are decent humans in seventh grade was a task I was unwilling to do at the time. By the time my senior year rolled around, I became friends with some of the best people I know, and pretty much all of them have the same interests as me: God and writing and art and music. With them, I am able to talk and discover differing parts of my writing side. Parts of me I realize I like. Other parts of me I don't like, and I realize that it is not the path for me to take.
So why am I off on a tangent about my own life when I am talking about writing? Because I have a very simple philosophy. "If I manage to change someone's emotions, change someone's behavior, change someone's opinion, change someone's ideas or ideals, and if I can change a person at all, even if it is only a moment that they may or may not remember for the rest of their lives, then I can consider myself an author."
That is why I went on a tangent. I can service others by writing out the things that I want to. When I read fantasy adventure stories when I was a kid, it was to become a hero of old. When I read those mystery novels, I became a sleuth on par with Sherlock Holmes. People read to escape their own lives, to become something more even if it is only for the duration of a story. It is the same for the author. The author loses himself in the story, putting himself into it until it is almost like an autobiographical work of fiction. All that is missing is the true events and facts and the not the fictional, or nonfictional if the case may be, that are being read.
So, that is why I write all of my stories. That is why mind is in a constant state of thinking over ideas and plots and everything else that is required in stories. As for this blog, I am not exactly sure why I decided to start one, or what content is going to be in here. I would most likely post a few of my stories, a few originals, a few fan stuff I write. Maybe I can get to write down some poems and song lyrics and stuff. Maybe it will be just thoughts on whatever topic I want, which would most likely be something related to the writing world. Maybe a combination of all of them. I have no idea what yet, but I'll make a decision to do so real soon.
That reminds me of one of my favorite verses. James 2:17. In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. NIV. When I first heard this verse, I was actually struck by something. My faith, which at the time was new and weak, was dead without action? I was confused, and some small part of my mind grasped that verse, and took its practice to heart. Since then, I have placed myself in numerous opportunities to serve, and not only serve my church, but to serve others as well. For me, I find great joy in servicing others, even if it is something simple as moving a table for someone else. It is like the great missions in adventure books, or the objective in the latest first person shooter. Move the table, to complete the objective. And while anyone might have a great deal of joy when they beat an impossible part in a game, or getting their license, I get that same thrill by helping others in any way I can.
This mindset of mine has led me to different countries, different situations, and difficult times. But out of it I became a better man. I found a group of guys that have the same fire for the Lord that I have, and that their passions vary like mine, from music to skating to writing to leadership. For me, I found acceptance in this group of guys, and while everyday we take a step closer to being better men, we also find out ways to help each other. Being me, I can not sing at all, but I can serve and help set up sound equipment for them, or jot down lyrics when they write new songs. And when we have free time on our hands, we get to discuss whatever topics we want. At each discussion, I have learned that despite our walks of life and our differing passions, all of us are wise in our own right. And, at each discussion, I have felt the cog inside my mind work on new ideas and story ideas.
Perhaps that is why it took me so long to find friends. I moved to where I am now in the mid year of my public education. Meaning, finding friends who are decent humans in seventh grade was a task I was unwilling to do at the time. By the time my senior year rolled around, I became friends with some of the best people I know, and pretty much all of them have the same interests as me: God and writing and art and music. With them, I am able to talk and discover differing parts of my writing side. Parts of me I realize I like. Other parts of me I don't like, and I realize that it is not the path for me to take.
So why am I off on a tangent about my own life when I am talking about writing? Because I have a very simple philosophy. "If I manage to change someone's emotions, change someone's behavior, change someone's opinion, change someone's ideas or ideals, and if I can change a person at all, even if it is only a moment that they may or may not remember for the rest of their lives, then I can consider myself an author."
That is why I went on a tangent. I can service others by writing out the things that I want to. When I read fantasy adventure stories when I was a kid, it was to become a hero of old. When I read those mystery novels, I became a sleuth on par with Sherlock Holmes. People read to escape their own lives, to become something more even if it is only for the duration of a story. It is the same for the author. The author loses himself in the story, putting himself into it until it is almost like an autobiographical work of fiction. All that is missing is the true events and facts and the not the fictional, or nonfictional if the case may be, that are being read.
So, that is why I write all of my stories. That is why mind is in a constant state of thinking over ideas and plots and everything else that is required in stories. As for this blog, I am not exactly sure why I decided to start one, or what content is going to be in here. I would most likely post a few of my stories, a few originals, a few fan stuff I write. Maybe I can get to write down some poems and song lyrics and stuff. Maybe it will be just thoughts on whatever topic I want, which would most likely be something related to the writing world. Maybe a combination of all of them. I have no idea what yet, but I'll make a decision to do so real soon.
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