What did you learn today about writing?

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A place to talk through and discuss our thoughts
Jan 28, 2021
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Hi! I had an idea for a thread, so here it is.

If you learned something today about writing, e.g. ''Less is more.'' Then please feel free to post about it here.

Try and do this daily. If everyone collaborates, I think as time goes by we can all learn some really interesting stuff.

If nobody posts, well, every three days I'll contribute to this with what I've learned, and everyone's welcome to come back here and learn something new — nice!

So, I'll go first: Today I learned about stories with Kurt Vonnegut. He taught me that there are only three basic kinds of stories.

These are the: (Man in hole.) (Boy meets girl.) (From bad to worse.) ... Really interesting stuff! Because it makes storytelling super simple to understand, and removes all the anxiety I used to have around storytelling. If anyone's interested in these concepts, I'd be happy to explain them to you quickly, just send me a message.

Look forward to seeing what people have to say!
 
This is a fascinating idea. I'll admit I haven't learned anything today specifically, but why not toss in something I've learned in general?

Stealing is encouraged. Of course, this needs a bit of explanation.

Stealing content is not okay. But stealing techniques? Go for it!

If you discover a new technique through someone else's writing, take it for your own! Love the way someone structures their sentences? Take it! Enjoy the way someone utilizes setting in their story? Yep, that can be yours too. Your writing style is an amalgamation of all your favorite authors, whether you realize it or not. Recognizing effective techniques and utilizing them in your own work can give a big boost to your skillset. Don't be afraid to experiment with new ways of structuring your stories. If you see a new technique you like, try it out in your next RP and see how it works for you. You might just discover a whole new way of RPing.
 
Stealing content is not okay. But stealing techniques? Go for it!

Yes. The way I learned to write was by studing authors whose prose I liked. Do I still make mistakes? Yes. But am I easier to understand than I was? Absolutely.

Your writing style is an amalgamation of all your favorite authors, whether you realize it or not.

So true. I write like Hemingway by default, because I realised he painted easy pictures in my head.

Recognizing effective techniques and utilizing them in your own work can give a big boost to your skillset.

Often I'll try and use new ways of expressing myself. Unreliable narration. Writing in the first person. Writing from a female perspective (hugely different to how men write.) By doing this, I open myself up to new audiences. If I only stuck to one style, I'd be so limited as to who I could sell my work to.

Thank you so much Nevermind. Made me realise how much I've grown as an author, and to keep on trying new things. I'm getting some new books very soon and can't wait to pick up some new techniques!