Afreek
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
English as my second language i am not very good at writing, but i have stories i want to put out in the world. Where do i start? How should map out the story i hold so dear to me?
Michael J. Sullivan
Hey Afreek,
I'm always glad to meet authors who are just starting out. In general writers fall into one of three categories: discovery, outliners, or hybrid (who do a bit of both). It's impossible for me to tell you which way to go, as every other is different. My suggestions.
First, write in your native language, as that'll give you one less thing to worry about. You (or someone else) can always have it translated into English later on.
Second, because you mentioned "mapping out" I suggest you do lean more toward outliner than discovery writing. I'd do some "tent pole" writing where you decide your beginning and ending, and then have a few key points in the story that you are going to hit. Then just start writing! The important thing is to develop some discipline and write everyday (even if it's only for a small amount of time. The more you write, the more you'll understand what works well for you personally. So just dive in and see how it goes! I wish you great success.
I'm always glad to meet authors who are just starting out. In general writers fall into one of three categories: discovery, outliners, or hybrid (who do a bit of both). It's impossible for me to tell you which way to go, as every other is different. My suggestions.
First, write in your native language, as that'll give you one less thing to worry about. You (or someone else) can always have it translated into English later on.
Second, because you mentioned "mapping out" I suggest you do lean more toward outliner than discovery writing. I'd do some "tent pole" writing where you decide your beginning and ending, and then have a few key points in the story that you are going to hit. Then just start writing! The important thing is to develop some discipline and write everyday (even if it's only for a small amount of time. The more you write, the more you'll understand what works well for you personally. So just dive in and see how it goes! I wish you great success.
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I have just finished reading Hollow World and thought it extraordinary particularly for your insights into the intractability of human nature across time. If you are considering a sequel, I'd be most interested in knowing how the Pax character would be developed. Also, can you tell me what some of your stronger influences came to bear on your concept of Hollow World and its inhabitants?
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