So I've heard folks say that X is a good storyteller but a bad writer -- and vice versa. Who, in your mind, is both a good storyteller AND a good writer? Who's a good storyteller but a sucky writer? Who's a good writer or stylist but a not-so-good storyteller? Do these distinctions make sense to you?
* For the purpose of this post feel free to mention any person who writes fanfiction, nonfiction, fiction, or poetry.
- a question
I think that tends to be my greatest shortcoming, as well--I've got a couple of novels fully storyboarded now, and every time I come back to them and review the plot, they look great, but whenever I start writing, it just feels awful and stilted and dull.
Been there, done that, am still there. Very rarely does what we put down on paper match the vision in our heads. But we can edit, polish, and rework. You haven't asked for my opinion, but I'm going to give it to you anyway: if you want to write, write. Don't let your inner editor stop you.
I'm a huge believer in what Ira Glass said in that YouTube clip. Thanks for the link, by the way. Not everyone will agree with this opinion, but I believe writing is a craft; as with any craft, I'll improve with practice.
For some reason, her imagination is to envy, but her orthography, grammar, style... everything is THAT lame.
I prefer not to say the name, furthermore it's all in Spanish. OMG if it was in her LAMER English... ;)
George Lucas.
:D
I say, well done.
I miss the good ol' days when the AB books actually had a plot.
I'm not saying there aren't any books/fanfiction around that don't contain both, but they're a minority. (I hope I don't sound too cynical.)
I'd say
Thank you for posting this-- it's always good to have ten minutes of uninterrupted thought.
How many errors? If there are more than three errors on a page, I generally stop reading.
I know, I know: I have about 3,000 fics recced on my LJ, but still: I don't rec every fic I read. There's one Bones fanfic writer who's a terrific storyteller, but whom I've recced maybe once. Reason? She doesn't proof-read her stories. It's annoying to read a story and have to stop periodically and mentally correct grammar, spelling, etc.
In the Bones fandom, I am particularly fond of your work - you can tell a story AND you can write. Same for
In the BtVS/AtS fandom, I am particularly fond of the storytelling and writing of about one dozen writers - who "represent" various 'ships. In that fandom, I really don't care much about the 'ship - it's the story - the possibilities - that interest me.
I've noticed some storytellers whose writing is okay, but wow! the plots are fabulous. The reverse is true, as well.
I don't like to mention the names of my favorites or my not-so favorites; I'm sure to forget someone and then I'll feel dreadful about it.
Incidentally, the book I'm finishing up has a chapter on the fanfic reading habits of Buffy and Angel fans, so I don't want to really get into that here. :-)
Wow...just too many to name, and now I'll be embarrassed that I didn't include someone.....
I'm the exact same way, and I've had friends tell me that either I'm too picky, or I'm fickle. :P
I know I'm one of the few who feel this way, but I honestly cannot stand reading her HP books. Every time I try I just want to spoon my eyes out from the pain of it.
I'm simply not a fan of her writing, and I think it's best if I leave it at that :0)