Doris
asked
Ærick Graham:
Tolkien, Salvador, Rothfus, Brooks, Moning;(Karen Marie Moning)*She is the author of Fever series*If you are into this type of fantasy I highly recommend her. I personally own the first 30 novels/books of Terry Brooks "Shannara" series. Knaak. Do you use all layers of writing your fantasy's? Do you feel that a person should have a B. S. to write novels?
Ærick Graham
Thank you for your recommendation. I will definitely check out Moning's books. I have read some Brooks books a while back.
In regards to your question about using 'all layers of writing' in my fantasy, I assume you are referring to my previous response to my writing process. Yes, I formulate (or outline) my writing with this layered approach. It is just how I think, process ideas. I need to start with a story premise, then build from there. Then once I am writing, I also will improvise as the ideas come to me in the moment. Not everything I write will be kept in the final draft, but it is more about brainstorming ideas and exploring the "what if" scenarios in my head. This is perfectly fine, to go crazy with story threads and contradicting ideas. After I have my first draft, that is when I start editing my work to ensure ideas are consistent and relevant. As an author, you should be sure to involve other people into your editing process. Having an outside perspective is critical. I know it can be scary, and leave you feeling exposed. But what is a writer without a reader?
No, you don't need formal education to write novels. It may help, it depends on how you learn and what your creative process is. For me, I pursued an English Literature degree before I started writing my novel. Part of the courses I took were creative writing. Those courses helped tremendously. Writing is a craft, so learning the techniques and being self aware of bad habits really improved my writing. But you could easily learn this if you had a mentor, just like any craft.
Another thing my college experience gave me, it exposed me to literature and writers I would have not chose to read myself, but was glad I read them after the fact. I fell in love with Shakespeare, for example. Also, I wrote tons of essays, so that in itself, tightened up my writing skill, and helped me discover my writing voice AND gave me the confidence to pursue novel writing (which was my goal since I made the decision to go to college at the age of 22). For me, this experience was invaluable and the right choice for me.
If you do not have a B.S. /B.A. in writing, don't let that stop you. Your writing will always speak for itself! Good or bad, a college degree will not change that. It is more a means to an end. Write well, and it will shine on the page, and no one can take that away from you. Good writing is self evident and I believe anyone can do it of they work hard at it.
Hell, I seen bad writers make a living as novelists, so why can't any of us do the same. lol.
In regards to your question about using 'all layers of writing' in my fantasy, I assume you are referring to my previous response to my writing process. Yes, I formulate (or outline) my writing with this layered approach. It is just how I think, process ideas. I need to start with a story premise, then build from there. Then once I am writing, I also will improvise as the ideas come to me in the moment. Not everything I write will be kept in the final draft, but it is more about brainstorming ideas and exploring the "what if" scenarios in my head. This is perfectly fine, to go crazy with story threads and contradicting ideas. After I have my first draft, that is when I start editing my work to ensure ideas are consistent and relevant. As an author, you should be sure to involve other people into your editing process. Having an outside perspective is critical. I know it can be scary, and leave you feeling exposed. But what is a writer without a reader?
No, you don't need formal education to write novels. It may help, it depends on how you learn and what your creative process is. For me, I pursued an English Literature degree before I started writing my novel. Part of the courses I took were creative writing. Those courses helped tremendously. Writing is a craft, so learning the techniques and being self aware of bad habits really improved my writing. But you could easily learn this if you had a mentor, just like any craft.
Another thing my college experience gave me, it exposed me to literature and writers I would have not chose to read myself, but was glad I read them after the fact. I fell in love with Shakespeare, for example. Also, I wrote tons of essays, so that in itself, tightened up my writing skill, and helped me discover my writing voice AND gave me the confidence to pursue novel writing (which was my goal since I made the decision to go to college at the age of 22). For me, this experience was invaluable and the right choice for me.
If you do not have a B.S. /B.A. in writing, don't let that stop you. Your writing will always speak for itself! Good or bad, a college degree will not change that. It is more a means to an end. Write well, and it will shine on the page, and no one can take that away from you. Good writing is self evident and I believe anyone can do it of they work hard at it.
Hell, I seen bad writers make a living as novelists, so why can't any of us do the same. lol.
More Answered Questions
Doris
asked
Ærick Graham:
Thank you for the information and I am so glad that I am not a weak minded fool with a fool hearty dream. I have had many jobs just to "survive" in this world and unfortunately ended up disabled. Too much time on my hands and read with hands 'itching' to join the world of fantasy. Would you ever do a book signing in Northeast TN, BAM in Johnson City, TN.? About 30 min. from my home.
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