{ ＩＮＫＬＩＮＧＳ } A Thread For Writers

[breath.]

Thanks!!

[Weeping_Angel }Y{]

Username:DolphinGirl4Ever
Story link:http://www.chickensmoothie.com/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=57&t=1684537
Thank you.

[Rolly-chan]

I just have a curious qeustion for anyone who's interested to answer. When you think of werewolves, what seems more interesting; werewolves that are human and shift into a full-on, looks-like a wolf, wolf, or werewolves that seem to be more like what they are (lycanthrope) and shift into something both humanoid and wolf-like?

Personally, I think ones that are humanoid in appearance are more exciting and interesting, and I was adding them to my story. But before I do, I was just wondering what everyone else thinks.

*picking this up since all the interesting discussions seem to take part when it's the middle of the night here* xD

Personally, I like the humanoid werewolves far far better than simple wolves (though it does depend on the story; I don't mind shapeshifters who turn into simple wolves if they fit the story better). To my mind, the werewolves in Underworld (the movie) are the best werewolves out there (but that's just my opinion xD). They just look the way I picture werewolves. Muscular, broad-shouldered, humanoid wolves with a little scary-looking faces and sharp fangs. Not that skinny werewolf-thingy from Harry Potter, or those pet wolves from Twilight.

@hobbit geek
There's this nice site here:
Clicky!
It's run by a published author who offers some free workshops and how-to's to aspiring authors. She has really good advice up there about writing novels (since she's a novelist), but also on how to query agents and publishers, how to write your synopsis, what to look out for before sending off your manuscript, etc.
Try it out, and if you think it's helping you, there are also some workshops you have to pay for, but they're pretty cheap (like, 5$, or 8$, something around those prices. She's trying to make them affordable even for pupils, students and other not so rich people).
I have bought some of the workshops she offers, including the Plot Clinic, Character Clinic, "How to write page turning scenes", and some lessons from "How to think sideways". So if you have questions regarding those courses, feel free to ask me xD
Here's why I like Holly Lisle's courses:
She's the only workshop offering author I know that not only gives you the theory, but also gives you instructions on how to put into practice what you learn from her, with examples. She really shows how to do what she teaches. It feels like she's sitting beside you, helping you and treating you like an equal. It's a nice feeling xD I haven't found other workshops like hers yet.
But mind you, I don't use all her techniques. Some just aren't for me, but that's the way it is with writing. No two writers work exactly the same way *shrugs*

[asexual pirate;;]

Previous Username: S h I n E d O w N
New Username: ((Through.the.Ghost
What you'd like to be called now: Ghost is fine. ^^

And my new username is still Shinedown themed... I'm such a nerd.

Oh, and thank you for the comments on the werewolf/lycanthrope thing. I have always liked the werewolves in Underworld. It seems more frightening and vicous, and I think that's what I'm going for. As soon as I figure out how to continue my story a bit more. I dead-ended right in the middle of my first chapter...

[Hobbit Geek]

I just have a curious qeustion for anyone who's interested to answer. When you think of werewolves, what seems more interesting; werewolves that are human and shift into a full-on, looks-like a wolf, wolf, or werewolves that seem to be more like what they are (lycanthrope) and shift into something both humanoid and wolf-like?

Personally, I think ones that are humanoid in appearance are more exciting and interesting, and I was adding them to my story. But before I do, I was just wondering what everyone else thinks.

*picking this up since all the interesting discussions seem to take part when it's the middle of the night here* xD

Personally, I like the humanoid werewolves far far better than simple wolves (though it does depend on the story; I don't mind shapeshifters who turn into simple wolves if they fit the story better). To my mind, the werewolves in Underworld (the movie) are the best werewolves out there (but that's just my opinion xD). They just look the way I picture werewolves. Muscular, broad-shouldered, humanoid wolves with a little scary-looking faces and sharp fangs. Not that skinny werewolf-thingy from Harry Potter, or those pet wolves from Twilight.

@hobbit geek
There's this nice site here:
Clicky!
It's run by a published author who offers some free workshops and how-to's to aspiring authors. She has really good advice up there about writing novels (since she's a novelist), but also on how to query agents and publishers, how to write your synopsis, what to look out for before sending off your manuscript, etc.
Try it out, and if you think it's helping you, there are also some workshops you have to pay for, but they're pretty cheap (like, 5$, or 8$, something around those prices. She's trying to make them affordable even for pupils, students and other not so rich people).
I have bought some of the workshops she offers, including the Plot Clinic, Character Clinic, "How to write page turning scenes", and some lessons from "How to think sideways". So if you have questions regarding those courses, feel free to ask me xD
Here's why I like Holly Lisle's courses:
She's the only workshop offering author I know that not only gives you the theory, but also gives you instructions on how to put into practice what you learn from her, with examples. She really shows how to do what she teaches. It feels like she's sitting beside you, helping you and treating you like an equal. It's a nice feeling xD I haven't found other workshops like hers yet.
But mind you, I don't use all her techniques. Some just aren't for me, but that's the way it is with writing. No two writers work exactly the same way *shrugs*

Thanks

[jules_]

Has anyone here ever written a story with an unreliable narrator?
I've always found the idea interesting, and was thinking of doing a short story with one. I just wanted to see if anyone here has had any experience with it.^^

What do you mean by an unreliable narrator? Something like Lemony Snicket?

An unreliable narrator, or the way I've been taught it, is a narrator who is not truthful to the reader. For example, a narrator who is mentally unstable might state that they are in fact sane. This would make them a unreliable narrator.

[nyah,]

Username: paris.
What we will call you: paris
Will you critique other's work?: =
Links to your story if you have any: Yes, I will try hard to critique everyone's work.
Anything you want us to know?: I've been writing for about two years now, but I've been afraid to share any. Mostly, I'm afraid if people will laugh at my work or not think its just as good as anyone elses. Hopefully, this can change a whole lot. c:

[Azalaya]

Username: paris.
What we will call you: paris
Will you critique other's work?: =
Links to your story if you have any: Yes, I will try hard to critique everyone's work.
Anything you want us to know?: I've been writing for about two years now, but I've been afraid to share any. Mostly, I'm afraid if people will laugh at my work or not think its just as good as anyone elses. Hopefully, this can change a whole lot. c:

No one will laugh.It's rude and the worst that can happen is some rejection but most of us here will approve of everyones work and tell them how to make it better and less well boring.

[princess pudding]

A lot happened today, but it’s safe to say I lived to write everything down. Luckily, I managed unscathed—and so did the book I found. It’s about a group of kids living in an apocalyptic society (sound familiar?), where there aren’t many adults left. It gives me a lot of images of how the world used to be, the way they describe the buildings and landscapes. Pretty neat, if you ask me. Anyways, I accidentally crossed the border this morning. A group of Followers caught me and threatened to ‘take me to the city’ if I didn’t leave immediately. Funny, seeing as I’m not allowed to go inside, convicted or not. I think that was their way of saying ‘leave or we’ll kill you’. Nice talking to you to guys, too!

Right, the book. Well, I’ll be honest, it didn’t come from the other side of the border. There’s a pit near the city, and most everything was ash, but this little guy here took a blaze and survived with only burnt edges. Can you believe it? A real live book, straight from back then. I’m almost done reading, and I’m glad to have added it in my collection. I think I’d better go now, it’s getting dark and Their coming out. Lights out, friends.
—Clem

P.S. I’ve been thinking. Since I left the city, life has been different. Not exactly a smooth ride, but it’s opened up my eyes. They say civilization was a mess back then, and all of this happened for a reason. I disagree. We’re corrupted. We’re evil. What happened?


A snippet from a future project. The story consists of mostly letters written by Clem, a teen living in 'the new world'.
Note that you're not supposed to know what's going on, it's just a quick glance. Tell me what you think.

[Small Child]

Need crit on ym short story.
1. I do know that the end is short and cut off. It's supposed to be. I'll extend it maybe later, but this is for English.
2. What do you think of my beginning? That's the bit I'm really proud of:

A dip into a murky lake is like a dip into one’s own mind. Whether it be a refreshing chill found there, or a sludge filled mass, each is different, each is to their own. So, what if the lake were clear, tranquil, no current? What then? What would that signify to the person’s mind?
A separation from reality? A lost grip on society’s values? Or a total detachment to all but a few things? The only way to know whether a person’s lake is stormy, clear, or foggy is to look into their eyes. Eyes have been said to be the gateway into one’s own soul, and that, dear reader, is the truth. So what is it when blank, innocent eyes stare back at you?
Is it stupidity, ignorance, retard? Or is it perfection? I’d like to believe the latter, because that is what I found in her. That small child. That quivering pale girl in a street alley, her eyes fixed on something that I could not see. Pale blue lips trembling in the snow’s cold vice. Her eyes were as crisp, and clear and new as the snow, although darker in their hues. She was untainted by the darkened sky that forced others to scurry about the streets to find shelter. She alone remained dormant on that concrete slick, her knees loose against her chest, her thin arms wrapped frailly over them, fingers trembling.
She was unfazed by the damp bleeding through her rags, biting at her skin from the snow. Her toes were enclosed in leather sandals, torn and shredded from overuse. Her hands were swathed in what appeared to be gloves too small, the finger tips having previously been pulled off.
I stole a glance as I walked by, to see her ebony hair resting in waves against her emaciated shoulders, her lashes thick and long, and her lips pastel, but full. For a brief moment I wondered if she had perished to the winter, but her eyes sparked with dark light. I threw a faint smile her way, and continued onward. But something tugged at me, just a little tug, and I turned back.
Her hazel eyes burned into mine, yet I found no emotion concealed within. They just tore at my own pupils, without reflecting so much as to what she was thinking. She didn’t appear to be thinking at all, not a wonder.
I shot a look at the sky to find that, though it was low and dark, it didn’t seem to be ready to open up and give way to the rain. I would have time to part with the girl, before I was doused by the icy downpour. I turned my body to her, and felt a pang on my ankles from the snow drifts, but pressed on, making my way slowly towards her. I felt as though I was advancing on a wild animal, afraid it would flee upon close encounter. But her eyes kept on me, her body not tensing, nor relaxing.
I crouched a ways away from her form, smiling. Her eyes remained fused to my face and I chanced a whispered message. “Hello…”
Still not a reflection of emotion, or recognition passed her features. I looked down, biting my lip, and shifted my position on my ankles, one becoming numb from cold. I came closer still, and not a movement occurred. Reaching out, I held my hand towards her, so that she may take it. Finally, a spark of knowledge crossed her golden-brown eyes, and her expression turned to face me. I smiled, and she raised her pale hand to me, reaching. I gasped as it fell through my own, a chill running up my arm. She was not a lost child. She was a ghost.