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The ONLY Writer's Thread

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07-06-2010, 03:47 PM

#61

Todd Hart

Do Sadists go to Hell?

Join Date: Sep 2009

Location: United Kingdom

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Contagen

Nobody read mine.

I completely missed it, apologies.

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Contagen

Are we allowed to post stories here? If so, I will....

Dear Dearest,

Reminisce with me. Do you remember when I asked of you to accompany me through those fields, those dream-like, mesmerizing fields? I was positive that you would deny my inquisition. I have a very shy personality about me, and I never did get along with anybody very well. I attribute this to the harsh ways I was treated by others. Growing up, I was antagonized by my peers for my appearance, actions, beliefs, and ethnicity. My parents were of no guidance either. They were divorced by the time my mother’s nine months were up. This feeling of melancholy and loneliness has led me to do some terrible things that I regret. (No expansion?)

I was awestruck. You accepted. Was this really happening? Never before had I had this feeling. Had I unlocked the door to some parallel universe where everything I knew and believed to be fact was upended? I ponder everyday in this chamber why you chose me, wishing you hadn’t.

Did I come off as agitated for the duration of our stroll? I certainly was. I couldn’t help but gaze aimlessly into your sapphire-blue eyes, paying little attention to what your mouth was trying to convey to me. You were a beautiful sight to behold. I still remember the exquisite dress you wore that day, the high-heels (You pick silly girls if they wear high-heels whilst strolling through fields)

you adorned yourself with, and of course your dark hair that seemed like it could stretch down your back for miles. (When referring to a physical feature, a metaphor may be better than a simile. State that the hair stretches down her back, rather than saying it seems like it does. It sounds more positive and vivid. Also, stretches sounds quite ugly when referring to hair, would flows or something similar not work better? It was cold out that day. You must have felt as a glacier does. Do you recall when I held you in my arms to warm your body and soul?

Silly me.

Of course you don’t.

I remember how you told me about your previous relationships. How he used to beat you like a dog. None of that mattered when you and I were together in that blessed, cursed (I see exactly what you're trying to achieve with this, but the mix sounds peculiar.) field. But I was not satisfied. You deserved more. A grand gift for my love!

I didn’t even notice your mouth agape from what I had to show you. What was usually even, flatland had merged into a mountain of maroon-shaded dolls, their shape not much different than you and me. Then the tears that seeped from your eyelids (Again, this girl is odd, she cries from her eyelids?), like raindrops from the heavens. You were so happy, as was I. When you pushed me away and ran, screaming as loud as your vocal cords would let up, and I chased you, taking in every moment we shared as you bellowed out for help, I was sure that we were meant to be. I caught you, and to this day still wonder why you scurried, who you were calling out to. Remember how I shoved you down and ripped off your garments, how I struck you with all of my force? You and I truly shared a special moment together.

Perhaps you and I could continue this relationship. Where are you living now? I’ve heard by word of mouth that you are dwelling in a hard to reach place

With all the love in my heart,

[ILLEGIBLE]

This is a bit old, I'm not sure if I'm pleased with it now, but I was at the time. Critique?

Belated critique;

Red can be cut out.
Blue is grammatically incorrect or could the language could be changed. Blue brackets is a suggested change (but I try and keep that to minimal unless it's awful, I dislike putting words in other peoples fingers.)
Green is either confusing or incoherent.

Red1: Too many 'had's. The word doesn't lend itself to repetition as it adds little to the meaning.
Green1: You claim to have found an entire universe, and yet you find yourself in a chamber? The juxtaposition has potential but the contrast is too great and with no transition.

I thought the piece was good, I really didn't expect such a sinister ending. The way you manipulated the narrative was good, however the choice of words was slightly, peculiar at times. I loved the grittiness of it though, although the last paragraph lacked in emotion I felt, and could have included much more passion and anger. Overall it was good and original.

__________________

...Stapling helium to penguins since 1949.

Last edited by Todd Hart : 07-06-2010 at 03:49 PM.

07-06-2010, 05:32 PM

#62

gabcd86

isn't French.

Join Date: Jul 2007

Location: Camden, UK

Quote:

Originally Posted by Todd Hart

Would you like some constructive criticism? Tough because you're getting some.

Oh, I'm totally down with that.

Quote:

The first red part (of Leeds) sounds slightly repetitious, due to you mentioning the name of the city only a short while before hand.

Sounds reasonable.

Quote:

The second red part is more subjective. Personally I feel it takes away from a sense of tension, the fact that you clarify that all the bodies are of 'undead'. Now clearly the undead are your antagonist and despite the fact it is a plural term, deeming them as the only casualty takes away from the fear and makes them appear more frail. However, this could, depending on the rest of the piece, be more of an implication of the efficiency of 'the General's' men, and so I may be wrong.

I can see what you're getting at here. Looking at this extract, I do mention they're undead in the blue bit, so the exposition is there. Y'see, when I post this, it'll be online, and I've got three or four short flashes around this size, that will be posted once a day, followed by the first chapter. This is the last one, and previously, there have been no zombies. Although it has to be said, I'm not sure zombies carry any fear for my audience anymore. The main threat in this is really the sheer amount of them. I'll mull it over.

Quote:

The blue part is highlighted because I felt it sounded slightly...I'm not sure. The sentence itself sounds wrong in a subtle way, breaking the flow of the piece. It may be the syntax, in which case always remember that each word you use has to expand on either the storyline or the description. However it may simply be my preferred manner of reading so I wouldn't worry about it.

I do actually seem to recall it causing me trouble at the time. One of those things that doesn't seem to want to write, y'know? So it may well have been my subconscious warning me off it.

Quote:

Try getting comments from others and this'll be clarified.

Overall though I thought it was good. The intimacy of the characters is clear and your use of dialogue is very good. Also you seem very clear in your approach to moving the plot on and the piece is very consistent in the manner of writing.

Best of luck with the rest of it.

Edit: Just realised removing red2 would require changing the sentence before it to stay consistent to the syntax. Mhmm.

Ta muchly. It's currently stagnated at around 7000 words, but I'm hoping to break through the next chapter or so, at which point it's fairly clear in my mind.

__________________
The Revolution Will Not Be Televised.

"En una revolucion, se triunfa o se muere, si es verdadera." ~Ernesto "Che" Guevara

Quote:

Originally Posted by leeb rocks

I guess that does technically make you the Che to my Fidel if it makes you feel better

UG Amplified

07-06-2010, 07:11 PM

#63

PeZ546

User Title Not Found

Join Date: Apr 2009

Location: Essex, England, Uk, Europe, Earth

Oh, we're posting stuff now? I can dig it...

Here's the last thing I wrote; a slightly longer version of my latest flash fic entry.

Criticism is greatly appreciated.

Quote:

When I was young I was always in the garden, out playing amongst the green trees and shrubs and coloured flowers, living my days with careless abandon. Most of the time I spent with my two best friends; Sammy the Squirrel and Turley-pot the Turtle. Yes, they were imaginary, as everyone become so eager to point out, but they seemed real enough to me. I loved the days we three spent in the garden, laughing, playing and adventuring, they seem so long ago now.

There was another who lived in the garden whom I did not like so much, I called him the Grey Man.

I cannot remember how old I was when I first caught sight of the Grey Man, only that those first glimpses were but fleeting. Nothing more than quick movements in the corner of my vision, or a pair of eyes staring out at me from behind the thick ivy bushes. I remember the day I first saw him in full. I was sat reading on the lawn when I felt compelled to look up, and when I did so there he was, standing right there in front of me, yet at the same time not there at all. For the first time in my life, I was speechless. My usual cheerful and outgoing manner dissipated, replaced by a distinct sense of confusion and unease. All I could do was watch him, as he stood there completely monochrome against the vivid greenery. As I watched, his long, sullen face began to turn to a smirk which quickly became a wide grin. The next thing I knew, the Grey Man was laughing loudly, laughing at me. I quickly became unnerved and turned away, trying to ignore him, but he did not stop.

Over time, this would become a routine. I would go out to play in the garden, the Grey Man would appear from behind the ivy and laugh at me until, despite my efforts to ignore him or make him stop, I was forced to retreat inside. At nights he would grow bold and come creeping across the lawn, up to my bedroom window where he would tap loudly on the glass for hours, and I would lay in the dark wishing that he would leave me alone.

I tried my hardest to avoid him, but everywhere I went in the garden, he would turn up. I became paranoid that he might start appearing indoors, or that I would wake up one night and find him looming over my bed. He was slowly driving me insane.

One day I went out into the garden and called for Sammy and Turley, but there was no response from either of them. I looked everywhere I could think of but they were nowhere to be found, then I heard laughter. I turned towards the ivy and, sure enough, the Grey Man was standing there. Only this time, to my horror, I saw that there was blood on his hands and bits of fur and entrails all around him. He was laughing harder than ever.

“What have you done!?” I screamed at him, but he carried on laughing. That was when I finally snapped. With tears streaming from my eyes I ran and fetched a cannister of petrol and some matches from the garage. I poured the entire cannister over the ivy bushes and then stepped back. “This will show you! This will show you!” I shouted at nobody. Then I struck a match.

Afterwards all the grown ups would gather around me and ask me to explain why I burned my garden and almost my house down, and I would tell them that the Grey Man made me do it, then they would murmur anxiously to one another.

Nowadays, they tell me that it was all in my head, that there never was a Grey Man. I guess my only choice is to believe them, after all, I was only a child, and it was so long ago. How could any of it have been real? And yet I still shiver uncomfortably whenever I hear laughter or a tap at my window in the dead of night.

__________________
I don't always write stories. But when I do I post them here

Play BF3 on PS3? Add me: PeZ_IMMoRTAL

Follow me on Twitter - I promise I wont stalk the hell out of you

07-06-2010, 07:55 PM	#64
XavierOprah Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009	I just finished the first chapter of my novella =] It's a challenge for me; so far all my stories have been really short. Anything over 1000 words was rare. This chapter is like, 1500 words. And I'm pretty happy with it. I'm not posting it anywhere until I'm finished, because I'm sick of posting unfinished stuff and never finishing it. But I'll keep you updated. __________________ East Hastings (cover) Soundcloud Ash Shields - author Against the Current - Ash Shields

07-07-2010, 10:47 AM

#65

Colohue

UG Writer

Join Date: Dec 2006

Location: Blackpool, England

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeZ546

Oh, we're posting stuff now? I can dig it...

Here's the last thing I wrote; a slightly longer version of my latest flash fic entry.

Criticism is greatly appreciated.

That's way too long to engage the interest of somebody who posts in the Pit.

Give us a snippet.

__________________

Tom Colohue is a writer from Blackpool, England, recognisable for his integrative descriptive work and his cynical textual mannerisms.

Facebook Fan Page

Twitter feed

I have the most profile views on UG.

07-07-2010, 11:16 AM

#66

PeZ546

User Title Not Found

Join Date: Apr 2009

Location: Essex, England, Uk, Europe, Earth

Ok then, here's a more manageable chunk:

Quote:

I cannot remember how old I was when I first caught sight of the Grey Man, only that those first glimpses were but fleeting. Nothing more than quick movements in the corner of my vision, or a pair of eyes staring out at me from behind the thick ivy bushes. I remember the day I first saw him in full. I was sat reading on the lawn when I felt compelled to look up, and when I did so there he was, standing right there in front of me, yet at the same time not there at all. For the first time in my life, I was speechless. My usual cheerful and outgoing manner dissipated, replaced by a distinct sense of confusion and unease. All I could do was watch him, as he stood there completely monochrome against the vivid greenery. As I watched, his long, sullen face began to turn to a smirk which quickly became a wide grin. The next thing I knew, the Grey Man was laughing loudly, laughing at me. I quickly became unnerved and turned away, trying to ignore him, but he did not stop.

Over time, this would become a routine. I would go out to play in the garden, the Grey Man would appear from behind the ivy and laugh at me until, despite my efforts to ignore him or make him stop, I was forced to retreat inside. At nights he would grow bold and come creeping across the lawn, up to my bedroom window where he would tap loudly on the glass for hours, and I would lay in the dark wishing that he would leave me alone.

__________________
I don't always write stories. But when I do I post them here

Play BF3 on PS3? Add me: PeZ_IMMoRTAL

Follow me on Twitter - I promise I wont stalk the hell out of you

07-07-2010, 02:42 PM

#67

C. Limon

Climon

Join Date: Jun 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeZ546

Oh, we're posting stuff now? I can dig it...

Here's the last thing I wrote; a slightly longer version of my latest flash fic entry.

Criticism is greatly appreciated.

I actually read it all. I'm not very good at critiquing other work. I either like it or I don't. I liked yours. It wasn't the most original idea but I'm sure you didn't think it was either. It was good enough to keep me reading to the end.

I noticed you used the wrong tense of some words but I can tell it's from lack of proofreading and not from a lack of skill.

__________________
It was a graveyard smash.

07-07-2010, 06:38 PM

#68

PeZ546

User Title Not Found

Join Date: Apr 2009

Location: Essex, England, Uk, Europe, Earth

Quote:

Originally Posted by C. Limon

I actually read it all. I'm not very good at critiquing other work. I either like it or I don't. I liked yours. It wasn't the most original idea but I'm sure you didn't think it was either. It was good enough to keep me reading to the end.

I noticed you used the wrong tense of some words but I can tell it's from lack of proofreading and not from a lack of skill.

Really? You must have a keener eye for detail than I do, 'cause I can't see that anywhere.

__________________
I don't always write stories. But when I do I post them here

Play BF3 on PS3? Add me: PeZ_IMMoRTAL

Follow me on Twitter - I promise I wont stalk the hell out of you

07-07-2010, 06:40 PM

#69

Jiggzy.UK

Spiders

Join Date: Feb 2009

Location: The Ranch

I really really want to be a writer...what's with the skill you guys have? did you always have it?

__________________

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karl Pilkington

Jellyfish are 97% water or something, so how much are they doing? Just give them another 3% and make them water. It's more useful."

07-07-2010, 06:45 PM	#70
alaskan_ninja Banned Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Not in Alaska anymore!	Wazzup, bitches! I've been having lots of trouble writing stories for quite some time, and I don't really know why. It's frustrating. They just don't turn out the way I want them to anymore. So I've been focusing mainly on poetry lately. Also, I gots some stories and whatnot posted online at http://fearofsinking.blogspot.com/. Check it out if you want.

07-07-2010, 06:49 PM

#71

Todd Hart

Do Sadists go to Hell?

Join Date: Sep 2009

Location: United Kingdom

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jiggzy.UK

I really really want to be a writer...what's with the skill you guys have? did you always have it?

I wouldn't say I have any real skill with writing. Most of my stuff is rubbish, it's not often I'm satisfied with my work.

I think one of the most important and easily forgotten aspects of writing, is reading. Reading new books, of different genre, time period and style expands your language and techniques so much. Also, don't just read a piece and take in the story, analyse how they have achieved the emotions and meaning. Do they use semantics (literal meanings) or pragmatics (implied meaning) to craft the storyline and emotions of the text. Look at how dialogue is used, how punctuation is used to alter the meaning of a piece.

Also, I find when writing a full story (I'm working on a novella at the moment), you must have some kind of plan, even if it's just in your head of where each page will lead. Each word must have meaning and each page much continue the story in your desired direction. Also, don't be afraid to take risks in your writing. You mistakes will improve your writing far more than your successes (so long as you recieve effective critique). And most of all, write about what you love. Don't write in a form or genre if you loathe it. Whilst it is interesting to explore other forms, and should be done especially in your reading, constantly writing in a form you can't abide will simply lead to distaste towards writing itself. Writing is akin to music in that it is a way to express emotion, and that every emotion you feel will show in your writing. Don't ruin your work by hating it.

__________________

...Stapling helium to penguins since 1949.

07-07-2010, 06:50 PM

#72

gabcd86

isn't French.

Join Date: Jul 2007

Location: Camden, UK

I can't write for shit anymore. As a consolation, I wrote a decent chunk of lyrics today.

__________________
The Revolution Will Not Be Televised.

"En una revolucion, se triunfa o se muere, si es verdadera." ~Ernesto "Che" Guevara

Quote:

Originally Posted by leeb rocks

I guess that does technically make you the Che to my Fidel if it makes you feel better

UG Amplified

07-07-2010, 06:50 PM

#73

rocknrollstar

Debaser

Join Date: Feb 2006

Location: Not sure yet

Hey guys, any chance I can get some crit? songwriting is my main thing but recently I've been having vivid dreams and I've started to jot them down.

Quote:

Night Visions

- by Michael O'Neil

She stood like some strange apparition. Some sort of creature talked about in folklore or drawn upon the walls of pyramids in Ancient Egypt. Aphrodite herself but with a cool, nonchalant stare as if to say "I know you, I know time and I know all the Earths' hidden secrets."

I observed my surroundings and came to the conclusion immediately that this was all a dream. A kind of real-time fantasy were I could control my own reality. Thats when you know your dreaming. When you think you've got control over anything.

Despite her casual glance I knew that we had been close. Perhaps friends at some time or maybe even lovers. As I thought about people I knew, I watched her changing into them. Her skin literally moving and contorting itself to fit perfectly with my own descripted thoughts. My own point of view.

Eventually, as I approached her (taking five steps) I felt completely worn. The steps themselves feeling like a century of walking in a cold, harsh desert with only your own thoughts to keep you company.

I reached out with my hand, which was suprisingly steady and ran my fingertips through her hair. Hair etched with the blackest ink. I turned my hand and noticed that it to had become shaded, as if I'd smudged her on some devine artists canvas. Still, her gaze never changed as she motioned me to come closer. I leaned in gently. I no longer had control.

"You keep finding new ways to get away from me Oscar" she whispered as her very being melted infront of me and evaporated into the sky. Like rainfall in reverse. I woke up bewildered with only one question on my mind.

"Why did she say Oscar?" I thought.

-by Michael O'Neil (registered copyright 2010)

__________________
All Hail Mr Jingles!!!

You've found what you were looking for.

07-07-2010, 06:52 PM

#74

gabcd86

isn't French.

Join Date: Jul 2007

Location: Camden, UK

I like it, but I'd cut the second paragraph - it's unecessary and breaks the flow. Aside from that,

__________________
The Revolution Will Not Be Televised.

"En una revolucion, se triunfa o se muere, si es verdadera." ~Ernesto "Che" Guevara

Quote:

Originally Posted by leeb rocks

I guess that does technically make you the Che to my Fidel if it makes you feel better

UG Amplified

07-07-2010, 06:55 PM

#75

Jiggzy.UK

Spiders

Join Date: Feb 2009

Location: The Ranch

Quote:

Originally Posted by Todd Hart

Right. Well I'm off to do some writing, then. Although I doubt i'll have the guts to post.

__________________

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karl Pilkington

Jellyfish are 97% water or something, so how much are they doing? Just give them another 3% and make them water. It's more useful."

07-07-2010, 06:57 PM	#76
Todd Hart Do Sadists go to Hell? Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: United Kingdom	Okay, I was going to critique some work but this laptop screen is making reading a pain in the arse. I'll critique all those that I haven't tomorrow. If I miss any then don't be afraid to pm me or ask in this thread. I have nothing better to do than crititique work... __________________ ...Stapling helium to penguins since 1949.

07-07-2010, 07:04 PM

#77

gabcd86

isn't French.

Join Date: Jul 2007

Location: Camden, UK

You're doing good work though.

__________________
The Revolution Will Not Be Televised.

"En una revolucion, se triunfa o se muere, si es verdadera." ~Ernesto "Che" Guevara

Quote:

Originally Posted by leeb rocks

I guess that does technically make you the Che to my Fidel if it makes you feel better

UG Amplified

07-07-2010, 07:06 PM	#78
Colohue UG Writer Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Blackpool, England	My work is 98% bullshit. I write 35,000 words a week. Sometimes, just barely, decent stuff gets through. __________________ Tom Colohue is a writer from Blackpool, England, recognisable for his integrative descriptive work and his cynical textual mannerisms. Facebook Fan Page Twitter feed I have the most profile views on UG.

07-07-2010, 07:08 PM

#79

gabcd86

isn't French.

Join Date: Jul 2007

Location: Camden, UK

Jesus.

I'm lucky if I write that in a month. I probably used to, but I would be surprised if I had written that much all year. ****in' writer's block.

Do you write full-time, at least?

__________________
The Revolution Will Not Be Televised.

"En una revolucion, se triunfa o se muere, si es verdadera." ~Ernesto "Che" Guevara

Quote:

Originally Posted by leeb rocks

I guess that does technically make you the Che to my Fidel if it makes you feel better

UG Amplified

07-07-2010, 07:10 PM

#80

C. Limon

Climon

Join Date: Jun 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeZ546

Really? You must have a keener eye for detail than I do, 'cause I can't see that anywhere.

"Yes, they were imaginary, as everyone become so eager to point out, but they seemed real enough to me."

Found in the first paragraph. I may be mistaken but shouldn't it be "had become" or "became," seeing how he uses "became" throughout the rest of the story and since the story is written as if the narrator were reflecting.

__________________
It was a graveyard smash.

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