I've been writing a short story for fun and I came across several books that OSC had written about how to write Sci-Fi and how to draw characters. Has anyone read these? Can you tell me if they opened up your writing, or if they pigeonholed you into a Card-esq writing style. I'd love to have all the help I can get with my writing but I'm afraid if I read those books I might just end up sounding like Card. Also, I'd love to hear what you Hatrackers are doing creatively, do you paint, write, dance, what? I'd love to have people to bounce ideas off of and would love to do the same for you.
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
Join one of the groups at the Writer's Group site within this site.
Posted by Ramdac99 (Member # 7264) on :
I'm more interested inthe question about those two books.
Posted by SteveRogers (Member # 7130) on :
I haven't read either. I do write though.....
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
I haven't read them either, but I write frequently, and am in a Hatrack writing group.
I also play the saxaphone and write music.
[ March 17, 2005, 04:23 PM: Message edited by: Lyrhawn ]
Posted by Ramdac99 (Member # 7264) on :
This is awesome info, I used to play the drums but I gave it up when I went to college, the only creative pastime I've kept up doing is writing. but I guess we are all writers technically if we post here. Keep 'em commin.
Posted by KarlEd (Member # 571) on :
I've read both of those and I don't think you would get pigeon-holed by reading them and taking their advice. They do give some excellent advice about writing, but what I like best about them is that he gives a lot of advice useful for coming up with ideas to write about, and he peppers his discussions of technique with names of authors and books that he admires. I discovered Octavia Butler through one of those two books, and read a few others he mentions as well.
In short, I'd recommend those books as good reads for anyone, writer or not, who loves language or reading, or simply wants an inside look at the craft of writing.
Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :
The books are pretty good. Like all advice about writing, remember that he's offering you tools to put in your toolkit-- don't expect for him to provide you a home already built.
Posted by Mormo (Member # 5799) on :
I skimmed How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy by Card a few months ago, and liked it. I especially liked the chapter where he discussed how writers' groups can help or hinder you, I found that very informative.
I plan to go back and read the whole book if I ever try to finish up one of my screenplays. Or if I start the novelization of Olivetta's Operetta. Posted by Mormo (Member # 5799) on :
Oh, and I play the bongos on the skulls of my vanquished enemies, forgot about the sub-theme.
Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
I've read at least one of his books on writing, and found it to be quite useful. And yes, I'm a writer. If you're interested in writing, though, I'd seriously consider joining the writer's workshops forums and/or joining other writers groups.
Posted by Raia (Member # 4700) on :
I haven't read either one of those (I think it sounds like I should check them out!), and I don't write that often, but I do on occasion. Mainly because it's fun.
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