Writer's Council V.2

I write a lot of notes for my stories. Like, ideas for different areas of the map, items, stuff I want to happen in the story...I do it all on paper. I can take the notebook with me and write stuff down when I have an idea.

Another excellent article on writing:

Macedona's Taberna: The Craft of Writing

Is good advice

Originally Posted by Mirren

As for a new topic, do any of you guys write notes for your stories? Like, jot your ideas down somewhere for whatever?

Not normally - I have a tendency to let an idea sit in my mind and develop for a while. The general philosophy is "if it's a good idea, I'll remember - if it isn't, I won't". Doesn't always work, obviously, but it does often enough to make it worthwhile.

It's also a lot easier to completely disregard what you've got planned out for a fic/character in favour of a new plot idea when it only exists in your head.

Speaking of fics, I think I'll start posting some soon. It's about time I did.

^ Well, yeah, but even some of the "bad ideas" can still be modified. If you write them down and are in a jam for a "filler scene", it's always nice to have a semi-good idea to fall back on. Or if you're in need of a story plot. Heck, if I remembered half the stuff I come up with, I would have finished 3-4 books by now.

Hey y'all, I need you guys's opinon on what I should do. I just resently posted part of a story I started that I hope to turn into a novel someday soon. Here's the link: "The Rat Racer" (Corny titel, I know. I'll change it later). This story involves a Great Race where creatures from each clan race across the Nation (I'll thinking it's going to be an Island nation) riding different animals. All the beings in this story are small, faerie sized.

The main character is a Half-Breed (half Faerie half Troll) named Mizzel. And uh... BlahBlahBlah! I don't want to get into all of this right now, I'll tell you more about it later. My reason for posting this is that I'm not sure exactly how I want the races to unfold. Should it be just a straight out race to the finish line, pass all the check points, yaddy yaddy yadda... Or should it be more like a scavenger hunt where the racers have to follow clues to get to the hidden check points and then reach the finish line before everyone else?

I was also thinking that maybe the racers would not have to reach ALL of the check points, just meet a quota of check points in order to win. Think about it, they are all riding different animals, a bird would not be able to get to an under ground check point and a frog wouldn't be able to reach one on top of an icy mountian. You get the picture.

So what should I do? Any help would be great. Oh and please read what I have so far and tell me if it is even worth my time. Thanks.

How would I get a copyright for a story?

As posted in my story, (Pharaoh) I have some serious Writer's Block. If anyone could read it and give me advice, that'd be great.

See, the pack isn't going to have food. This should be resolved in the next chapter or two, because it would be bad for the main character to die of starvation in the fourth chapter, wouldn't it?

Originally Posted by Omandy

My reason for posting this is that I'm not sure exactly how I want the races to unfold. Should it be just a straight out race to the finish line, pass all the check points, yaddy yaddy yadda... Or should it be more like a scavenger hunt where the racers have to follow clues to get to the hidden check points and then reach the finish line before everyone else?

I was also thinking that maybe the racers would not have to reach ALL of the check points, just meet a quota of check points in order to win. Think about it, they are all riding different animals, a bird would not be able to get to an under ground check point and a frog wouldn't be able to reach one on top of an icy mountian. You get the picture.

So what should I do? Any help would be great. Oh and please read what I have so far and tell me if it is even worth my time. Thanks.

My suggestion would be if you did it as a flat out race - you could always have more than one - like NASCAR is a circuit and you make the rounds and race flat out and win or lose - get points blah blah you know

I do like the check point idea - kind of Ididerod-esque (im sure i spelled that wrong) each check point can involve some sort of challenge - so even if someone gets there first they may not get the flag sort of thing. Sounds like an exciting time and I look forward to more of your story.

Originally Posted by Wolfen

How would I get a copyright for a story?

I don't know what the laws are in the States, but I know in Australia that everything you write down and create is automatically copyrighted, you don't have to get some special thing to say it's copyrighted, it is as soon as you create it. You can put the copyright symbol on your work, but it is not required. That's what the deal is in Australia, not sure about the US though.

For some off beat Halloween fun - go here

I am annoyed with this part of my story. I've never believed I write action type sequences very well and am open to any comments/suggestions/opinion you all may have... I'm very sure it could only improve the mess I've created below.

It's Chapter 42 - chopped into bits
Tenative title : Shadow's Bane

**********************


The shadow man’s staff sent a shower of sparks into the air when it struck the stone floor of the tower. He stared in a moment of disbelief as Mei continued to pull his semi-conscious sister further from him. “I can fix her,” was all the old man said and Hito snarled. All his plans lay in a ruin and someone was going to pay for it.

Hito growled and raised his staff again, it was clear these two were useless and tainted by fairy magic. Preoccupied by his anger he did not see the approach of the fast flying object that smashed into him. The impact sent him skidding toward the bell tower and he was only able to smack the offending attacker once on the side of its head before he lost his grip on of his staff. Mei cackled with delight as it clattered away from him just out of reach. He could no longer see the old man but Hito was sure Mei had taken the opportunity to drag the limp body of his sister further away before he recovered enough to strike another blow.

The mass of feathers in his face made him think it one of the four. After a moment though, Hito discovered, was not one of the guardians, so set on interfering with him, but one of the abominations known as the Rito. Hito loathed them as he had the rock like Goron and slimy Zora peoples of old. The feathered people of Dragonroost, however, he despised most of all. The Earth Sage came from that ilk, and it only fed his rage that he’d missed his chance to get rid of her.

There was no telling when she and that bit of bark that made up the wind sage would turn up – and they always did. He threw off the large form still on top of him and sent it soaring toward the other side of the Tower. He scrambled to his left and grabbed hold of the staff that now lay a few feet away. The staff wouldn’t budge though and Hito glared at the large booted foot atop of it.

“Long time no see, eh Sarith?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

yes very vague...

HELP! I'm trying to write a modern Zelda story, and I'm wondern' if I should, like, name some of the charactures some of the names from oot and stuff, like one idea is to ,like, call one of them 'Saria', so should I. Oh, and should Link already know Zelda i mean...


Mirren Edit-
Merged with Writer's Council...

Help!!!! i have writers block. I mean i'm in the mood to write a story but i don't know what to write about. I usually like to write about fantasy things (things that either don't in exist in our world or probably would never happen) but i don't have an idea for a story so can anyone help me please?.

Originally Posted by Lil-Miaka

HELP! I'm trying to write a modern Zelda story, and I'm wondern' if I should, like, name some of the charactures some of the names from oot and stuff, like one idea is to ,like, call one of them 'Saria', so should I. Oh, and should Link already know Zelda i mean...

Maybe change names like change 'Saria' to 'Sarah' to make it more modern. Some of them should stay how they are though. For 'Ruto', you could say 'Ruth'. But for names like 'Link', just keep it as it is, you know? As long as we understand that it's a Zelda story in the modern world, it doesn't really matter.

Edit: Oh, didn't see that was over a month. Sorry.

I'm about to post a new fantasy story, as it has been re-written. I'd like a second view of this prologue. Any suggestions?

Prologue - Creation of Egrah

Egrah. The City of Fortune as they called it. The city was busy and loud, situated on the Great Mountains of Likarna. There were always markets, shops, fortune tellers, houses, blacksmiths, stables, the barracks and other buildings which made up the city. The most obviously was The Great Spire.

It was built 1000 years ago, according to Creatia, by the Fortune Deity and his pixie pals, and fairy friends.
"It is time to build a new life for further generations my brothers and sisters!" roared the Deity. He stepped over the forests passed the ocean and across the desert until he found a suitable place for his city.

The Deity hurled his fists towards the Hafi Peaks and they broke like thin glass. He picked up the pieces and scattered them.
"My siblings, I will sow the seeds of the future in the fields. I will make new beings to live in this city!"
The Deity leaped miles to a field where the ground was moist and trees were plentiful. There was a lake swarming with fish and a roaring fire.
"Vulca, my twin?" the Deity pondered. Then suddenly out off the enormous blazed steeped a woman! Her hair was redder than autumn leaves and her skin was as pale as the moon. Her eyes spoke off evil when she glared.
"Why yes it is," she said grimly.
"Leave this land Vulca! Return to the Underworld," the Deity commanded.

The fairy-folk building the city could not anticipate what was happening. They had only happy and sweet thoughts. No evil crossed their minds. The suddenly they saw a mighty red blaze. Rika, a young fairy mage flew to the rescue!
"What is happening?" she asked herself "I must help big brother!" She put on a spurt and gained speed, but when she arrived all that remained was a pile of soot and the Pendant of Vulca. The magma filled ruby with the power to turn good minds rotten. Rika did not know of these powers however and hung the pendant at the top of the finished spire.
"We must finish our brother's wishes, to create new life!" proclaimed Rika "Follow me to the desert!" The beings scurried as fast as their tiny wings could take them battling sandstorms and treacherous heat.
"We must combine our power! We will create the divine beings!" she called!
"Yes," a fairy said.
"Indeed," a pixie agreed.
Then a golden light spread across the world! They had combined their power and became the first ten Egahni people!

Originally Posted by Triforcer

Maybe change names like change 'Saria' to 'Sarah' to make it more modern. Some of them should stay how they are though. For 'Ruto', you could say 'Ruth'. But for names like 'Link', just keep it as it is, you know? As long as we understand that it's a Zelda story in the modern world, it doesn't really matter.

Edit: Oh, didn't see that was over a month. Sorry.

I don't think it matters for stickied threads.

Originally Posted by Terminian Sage

I'm about to post a new fantasy story, as it has been re-written. I'd like a second view of this prologue. Any suggestions?

Prologue - Creation of Egrah

Egrah. The City of Fortune as they called it. The city was busy and loud, situated on the Great Mountains of Likarna. There were always markets, shops, fortune tellers, houses, blacksmiths, stables, the barracks and other buildings which made up the city. The most obviously was The Great Spire.

It was built 1000 years ago, according to Creatia, by the Fortune Deity and his pixie pals, and fairy friends.
"It is time to build a new life for further generations my brothers and sisters!" roared the Deity. He stepped over the forests passed the ocean and across the desert until he found a suitable place for his city.

The Deity hurled his fists towards the Hafi Peaks and they broke like thin glass. He picked up the pieces and scattered them.
"My siblings, I will sow the seeds of the future in the fields. I will make new beings to live in this city!"
The Deity leaped miles to a field where the ground was moist and trees were plentiful. There was a lake swarming with fish and a roaring fire.
"Vulca, my twin?" the Deity pondered. Then suddenly out off the enormous blazed steeped a woman! Her hair was redder than autumn leaves and her skin was as pale as the moon. Her eyes spoke off evil when she glared.
"Why yes it is," she said grimly.
"Leave this land Vulca! Return to the Underworld," the Deity commanded.

The fairy-folk building the city could not anticipate what was happening. They had only happy and sweet thoughts. No evil crossed their minds. The suddenly they saw a mighty red blaze. Rika, a young fairy mage flew to the rescue!
"What is happening?" she asked herself "I must help big brother!" She put on a spurt and gained speed, but when she arrived all that remained was a pile of soot and the Pendant of Vulca. The magma filled ruby with the power to turn good minds rotten. Rika did not know of these powers however and hung the pendant at the top of the finished spire.
"We must finish our brother's wishes, to create new life!" proclaimed Rika "Follow me to the desert!" The beings scurried as fast as their tiny wings could take them battling sandstorms and treacherous heat.
"We must combine our power! We will create the divine beings!" she called!
"Yes," a fairy said.
"Indeed," a pixie agreed.
Then a golden light spread across the world! They had combined their power and became the first ten Egahni people!

An excellent prologue! Vague as a prologue should be, and has some good information in it, too! The only advice I have is to space every paragraph.

I wanted to ask a serious question here, that has yet gone unanswered though I have asked many.

What would you say if I made a Reviewer's Thread? It would allow people to sign up who review fiction, so members who can't get people to review their fics can PM them for reviews. The people who sign up would be allowed to say what they would and will not review, and say whether they were still reviewing or not. How would that work?

I need help with the prologue for another story I'm writing.

Prologue

The moon was shining high in the sky. Its light was streaming all over the desert. Cacti and scorpions littered the sands. The light showed one large building. It had two gunners at the top. They were made of dome type of metal and it was reddish-brown. The exterior was a gray that began to fade. A red light was coming out of it. We moved across the desert with great speed as we reached our target. Our green leader sped through the skies with his crimson laser swords.

"The Resistance has no chance against us!" our leader said.

We ran towards the building with the thought of death. People streamed out of the building wearing green and holding guns. I ran towards them and shot them with my own guns. I injured one and I look at his face. Fear spread across his face as I raised my gun to ki-

P-Hunter 3456 - Night of Resistance Hope

Any suggestions?

Originally Posted by dark_link93

I've read some great writing pieces in this section, but I'm just wondering why the location names are always a little overdone to sound absract and magical?

If I may give a suggestion, try to use simpler, more fluent names to get your point across.
Ex. Harry Potter's School --> Ideas: Learning Magic --> Potions -->Warts --> Hogwarts?
Foresty Area --> Swamps --> Moss --> Flowers --> Mossflower Country (redwall)

Random names sound cool and all, but later on in the writing piece they become needlessly annoying.

Argh! Too true, about the names! It's really really annoying, when ametuer fantasy authors feel the need to give people, titles and places really obnoxiously long and outlandish names.

Like so...

"Leannahquiritia," Hendongoaric called to his sister. "I can see the Geitenishi'korin troops assembling on the Koneirighin Front! Shall we allert King Bronisondexyein?"

"Nay," Leannahquiritia replied. "I should find that to be unwise. Instead, do you think we should alert Queen Vajoipingora of the Mikargo'knien territory? She can call on the alliance of the Yainkaoric'einshon troops to come to our aid!"

That's an exaggeration... but not to much of an extent. Most fantasy stories I've seen are like that... --

hey there everyone i was just wondering if anyone could give some help on writing discrpiteivly and make my stories more interesting and longer. if you want to see some of my stories go to the link in my sig. that forum has one story but 2 parts of it its going to be a 3 or 4 part story then im going to make another one but yeah go ahead and read it so you can give me some help.

thank you for those Suggestions and your the 2nd person who think i write good for my age. who should see my friends stories he has heaps of descrpition!