Writing about Writing

[scribblemyname]

It’s something almost every writer does, simply because if we’re really doing it for a living, it’s generally the thing at the top of our mind. But that made me think about what really makes me who I am online.

I love to analyze, to explore, and to figure out how things work, especially psychologically. I have no degrees or credentials, just a whole lot of self-taught ideas and bits that come together into some startling wholes. I don’t care much for writing nonfiction, but I like to journal, I like to create worlds and languages and cultures, and I love to write fiction and occasionally poetry. I’ve been heavily involved in fandom writing and graphic art and am heavily involved now in original science fiction fantasy.

What kinds of things would a reader of mine actually like to read?

I write for readers, not just writers. I write for creative people who like fantastic worlds in their spare time, and many of them like the kind of worlds they can get immersed in with characters they love. I have no fans at this point, something about just starting out and eking out my words at a pace that permits tolerable prose sandwiched in between other activities in an altogether too hectic life. It leaves me feeling a little jumbled—what I want to journal about and what is an actual offering or gift to whatever precious reader stumbles across this corner of the web are two very different creatures.

What do you like to read?

Originally published at Liana Mir. You can comment here or there.

Comments

[lithiumlaughter.livejournal.com]

This is exactly what I meant when I waxed poetic about how insightful you are.

As to what I like to read?

Perhaps a better question is what I don't like to read. I'm one of those annoying people who is comfortable giving nearly every genre a try, and reads a little bit of everything from books written for 9-12 year olds to classics to true crime. I figure by describing what doesn't work for me, you might get an idea of what DOES.

I don't like it when writers insult my intelligence, particularly in worldbuilding. I personally prefer being thrown headfirst in, and having things slowly come together with gradual explanations. I'm not an idiot; I can keep up. As long as you string me along, I'll keep reading.

I don't care for overdone angst. I've encountered writers who simply through every possible tragedy at a character, and it just comes off as cheap. Things can happen that hurt, but you don't need to use absolutely EVERYTHING to create a wounded, destroyed character.

I don't enjoy it when descriptions are overdone. I love intricate detail -- it can be beautiful -- but there comes a point where it's just ridiculous. I don't need to know the exact folds of a woman's dress, or the brand of sneakers a guy is wearing.

Overall? If you can make me believe in your world, if you can convince me that it exists, that your characters live and breathe and love and hurt, then you've got me.

[scribblemyname]

Wow. Girl after my own heart. "I'm one of those annoying people who is comfortable giving nearly every genre a try, and reads a little bit of everything from books written for 9-12 year olds to classics to true crime." This could be me. :grins:

And love this:

"If you can make me believe in your world, if you can convince me that it exists, that your characters live and breathe and love and hurt, then you've got me. "

I hope that I can master that again with original fiction. It's been a long haul getting back into it, but I'm having fun.