I've never written a story of any kind before. I want to write a science fiction book, but I know it will be shit. I've heard that many writer's first books are shit, so I figured I'd go ahead and get it out of the way. I've come up with an idea for a plot, but I haven't planned anything out yet. I haven't developed any characters or settings. I wrote a small piece to try and get a feel for...something, and I want to know what you guys think. It's the first time I've ever written with a dialogue, and I'm not sure what to think about it. So if you guys could comment on it, that'd help me see if I'm on the right path. The piece is called "Adrift" The violent shaking suddenly subsided. A cold silence echoed throughout the ship once again. John sat up, collected his thoughts and crawled to a stand. He turned to look out of the bridge window of the Alexandria. What he saw was unsettling. They seemed to be in orbit around a brown dwarf star, accompanied by several small planetary bodies, most of which were settled in the backdrop. He looked to the right and saw a small, close by rocky planet. Its surface, scarred with thousands upon thousands of meteor craters, suggested an ancient presence. This solar system was old. Very old. Far older than anything he had seen or heard of. "Is everyone okay?", he asked speaking into the communicator attached to his shirt. No answer. Maybe the communication field has been knocked offline, he thought. "Hello, does anyone read me?" Again silence. Vibrations of panic trickled down his spine. There he was, adrift in an unknown part of the galaxy, not knowing if anyone on board was alive. He shook the thought. He tried again, "Hello, is anyone out there!?" With no reply, he ran towards the stairwell, down the hatch and into the engine room. "Sarah? Are you in here?" He searched around frantically, but to no avail. He ran down the long corridor and into the kitchen. Pots and pans, plates and glass lay broken, thrown into every crack and crevasse in sight. The main dining table was split in two and laying upside down in the middle of the floor. Chairs had been flung here and there. One had somehow managed to get a leg stuck in the ceiling. No one in sight. It's not much, but I'm just aiming to get a feel for a plot. Just trying something out. Thoughts and comments would be appreciated.
Stop talking about it and do it. haha. Shit man. Send me a copy and I'll proofread for you. I love Sci fi.
HH, I'm a writer. Specifically screenwriting. I do write in pros and poetry form also. So, this is my advise to any writer and anyone who wants to write: WRITE!!!!!!!!! Do it. There is no other way around it. Your first stuff is going to be crap.. That's it. Once you except that, you will be free to write until your heart's content. My next advise is to never, I mean NEVER, ask for advise from non-professional writers, especially your first work. No offense to anyone here or anywhere else. If you really want to write a book, you have to learn your craft. If you never had any formal classes or seminars on writing, then I think you should. You have to collaborate with other writers and get feedback from other writers, especially instructors. When looking, look at the instructors credits and/or resume. I did not read your material. So, I cannot/will not comment on it. There are so many elements to writing that it is near impossible to throw it all up and post it in one thread or even one thousand threads. That's where some sort of class would help get you pointed in the right direction. You will have to develop a thick skin and leave you ego and emotions at the door or on paper. Writers rooms can be brutal. Editors and publishers can be brutal too. It's not personal, usually not. However, you have to be ready for people to say that your material is crap because even when it's top notch stuff, people will say that it's crap. I'm not trying to scare you. I just want to prepare you for the feedback you will receive. On the flip side, people will say that your work is great just to boost your ego or to encourage you. In a class setting or seminar, or writer's room, other writers do not have an emotion tie to your work like you do. Usually, the instructor(s) do great at helping you develop your story and pointing out the flaws. Ok. Ok Ok.. This is long winded. If you lived in SoCal, I would offer to meet up for coffee or something. Key Points: Write Read almost anything you can get your hands on or what interest you (aka Sci-Fi) Write Watch movies and tv shows. (Good stuff, nothing reality or news relate or game shows) Read books adapted into movies Writing is re-writing Develop your voice Write Write Write Now, I need to get back to working on my script. E
FYI - I did not proof read that post. So, there are grammatical errors in it and it's ok with me because I think you get the point. E
I think you're doing great, my advice is: before actually writing the book you should write your plot, settings, characters (personality, appearance, role on the book, etc), background story (this one is really important, it hooks the reader when connected to main story), and the solution to the problem. I did that and my story turned great, however i ended up doing a manga instead of novel. Best of luck in your novel!
Writers write. Good writers write well, but anyone can write. Words are the writer's palette and the goal of a good writer is to very clearly and as completely as possible, paint a picture in the reader's mind. The adage is, don't tell; show. Learning the tricks of the trade is an essential part of becoming an effective writer. These "tricks" are merely the tools you use to create your mental images verbally. They are the brushes and palette knives and sponges, etc. and without them, you are limited just as though you can only finger paint. Develop those tools. As for your story, try to think of inspiring ways to communicate the picture and try to eschew cliche'. Understand the story completely and then just try to find an interesting way to let the story reveal itself as your words guide the mind of the reader. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
x2 You are off to a great start OP, but its not much. Keep writing. Write, write write and when you can't write anymore, write! Also, read a lot of books to enhance your vocabulary. I like your story so far. I would read it! Pay for it, even!
Thanks for the feedback guys. I wrote a few more pages, but haven't had the time to recently. Trying to find inspiration is difficult, but I'm really enjoying the process of it all. Very relaxing. Definitely a great way to channel all of my pent up creativity. Thanks.
Steven Kings first book was Cary, and it wouldn't have been published if his wife hadnt pulled it out of thw trash can. Write on!
I don't have much to judge by, but your writing seems very fluid and nice. Go for it man, it might take you somewhere