Writing tips

[HeroSparks 232]

Hey everypony, I'm new to to community but seeing so many other bronies being so creative, it makes me want to make a contribution of my own, even if it's a small one. I have ideas for writing a fanfic for my oc, but I've haven't done much creative writing except for a few school assignments where we really weren't allowed to get too creative. I was wondering if anypony could give me some helplful tips on writing a fanfic and a full story. Anything would be a great help. Thank you 

[Mr. Changeling 132]

 Dont edit while you are writing. It will mess you up, and make you think that what you wrote isnt good. After you write (i always write in 1000 word intervals), wait 3 days to edit your content, that will be enough time to clear your head of the story and to not have a very super biased opinion on it.

[Batbrony 16,055]

First, I agree with Mr. Changeling's editing tip, but just to clarify, DO NOT EDIT AS YOU WRITE does not necessarily mean you shouldn't take your time while writing or just barf words onto a page.  Be patient and measured in your writing, and yes, don't look over all of it in a full editing process until you have a finished product, but still take your time while writing.

 

Now, onto a couple of others.

 

(1) Online dictionaries and thesauruses are your friend!  If you know that a word has the right meaning you need, but don't know if you want to use that specific word, look up its synonyms in an online thesaurus.  If you don't know the meaning of the word, look up its meaning in an online dictionary.

 

(2) Don't use unnecessary details or words just to sound smart.  If you don't know the meaning of a word that you rarely if ever see in any fiction or nonfiction, chances are your readers won't either.  Also, unnecessary details clutter up a story and make it a boring, cluttered drag to read.  Your story should be RICH with details and good imagery, not STUFFED just for the sake of sounding smarter!!!

 

Hope these help!

Edited September 10, 2013 by Batbrony

[DiscordAnarchy 770]

I recommend that you do your best to keep the characters as true to the series as possible. A lot of fan-fiction authors like to twist thing around or alter the characters' personalities (making them cuss and whatnot).

 

Take your time. Once you finish something, take a moment to let the story rest and let it roll arond in your head. Sometimes it will not feel right after the fact but if it still feels good, go with it

[HeroSparks 232]

Thanks a bunch everypony, I'll make sure to do my best. And hopefully I'll be able to post it up for people to read as soon as it's ready 

[Nagneto 8]

You need to pick up a copy of Strunk and White's Elements of Style and study from it with great zeal. It is a small and short read but an essential tool for any sort of writer. I also recommend reading a lot of short stories from different authors of different genres, expecially ones in which you want to write in. I recommend both Ray Bradbury and Harlan Ellison as they are highly adaptable and write across several genres. Out of character is always a bad idea, and original characters better have a damn good reason for upstaging the main characters.

[Blique 211]

Study the characters from the story and figure out the core of their characters, what gives them depth. For this, I recommend watching those brony analysis videos on Youtube. Going off what @DiscordAnarchy said, keep them in character - the best fanfics emphasize the pre-existing traits that the characters already have (Lullaby for a Princess is good example).

 

I personally create stories by mulling over the plot, characters, settings, theme, details, etc in my head. But considering how I rarely get anything done with that method, it may not be the best to try out.

 

I think Stephen King writes his stories the moment he thinks of the concept, and fills in the details as he goes. He writes fast but thoughtfully, then when he's done, he doesn't look at it for a few weeks/months, then he goes back to fix things up. He says that he writes the moment he thinks of a good concept because the longer he waits on it, the staler it gets, and he loses sight of why he liked the concept so much.

 

I should probably try King's method...