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<blockquote data-quote="Fladian" data-source="post: 107739" data-attributes="member: 5833"><p>As most of you know, I'm nearly drowning in the seas of stress that was probably produced by my own simple mind. Because my mind constantly went to the same few subjects I have been worrying sick of - I'm probably getting sick soon - recently, I tried to desperately find something else to think of, and focus on. Normally, work is a good way to distract me from most of my problems, if not that, then I'm studying for my upcoming exams. Both were not good enough to stop me from worrying for a while. Out of pure despair, I eventually finally managed to get a bit of thought into my writing style; probably because I recently was talked about it with a close friend of mine who is interesting in reading more and more from me - therefore that I suddenly started to write again.</p><p></p><p>In order to make me stop thinking about the things I am worried about, I tried to get a few things straight in the way I write. I came to the conclusion that I am exceptional weak in the following parts of the story:</p><p></p><p><strong>1. Introductions and the beginning of a story.</strong></p><p>It is not much of a secret that it probably is one of the most bad parts of my writing. When looking at (just about) all my stories, you'll see that they all have something in common when they start. This is partly intentionally, but mostly it isn't. Before I started to produce some decent quality, my beginnings and introductions varied a lot, but most, if not all were disliked. They were boring and the lacked creativity, something I must agree on. To be honest, I did not improve at all in my beginning of stories. At a certain point, (which I cannot remember when) I made a good introduction. Not really intentionally, I kept using the same kind of beginning over and over again. "Never change a winning tactic," is what they say, but not really what I planned for at the start.</p><p>Introductions of characters are different. I'll admit that I had trouble with it earlier on, but I slowly improved and made it to one of my stronger points instead. A small guide I'm still reading through mentioned that there are two good ways of introducing a character. One of them is telling them immediately how the character is, how he looks like and what some of his personality is; this is done by most people because it's most simple and often interests the reader. People like to know about what kind of people they are reading about. Fact remains that some amateur writers completely forget to introduce the main character though. The other way is to slowly explain the appearance of the characters (to use appearance as example). The reader often creates an imaginary image inside their head of the character which starts out quite bland, but slowly gains more looks. I personally prefer the second one, though will use the first one whenever necessary. I won't waste the abilities of a mirror, but I won't create one just in order to introduce a character.</p><p></p><p><strong>2. Time</strong></p><p>When that <em>close friend</em> of mine read my story, she told me that it was extremely slow paced, but didn't become boring, in opposite of other stories she is familiar with that are slow paced. She could not explain why that was the case.</p><p>That my stories are slow paced is something I cannot deny, mostly because I enjoy giving details - something that she noticed as well - throughout the story... which are actually too many details.</p><p></p><p>But besides the fact that I enjoy giving details, truth is also that I have a hard time to let time pass in the story. I can't let hours, days, or more pass easily in a story. In my point of writing style, there must always be something. Would that be just talking to each other - which could also be used as a weak way of character development - or taking a stroll throughout a park. 'Rick wake up' was a story written without any intention, I just wrote what I felt like at that moment. Read it, and tell me this: How much time passed in that story? How long did the time take between Rick waking up and him starting a game? The only thing that could be considerd as a time is that "the computer took a long time to start up." But many people see "long" in that context in a different way. When a computer is starting up, I consider ten minutes long *cough*computer at work and at school*cough*, some other people consider thirty seconds long. It's hard to imagine how much you can think of in a small amount of time.</p><p></p><p>Even now I still have trouble to let time pass in a story. Letting a character go to sleep is quite the challenge to me too. Heck, just walking is already something I must focus upon. Whenever I let a character move, in order to walk or run to a certain position, I usually disagree in the way I write, and keep rewriting it until I find something that I <em>might</em> consider just good enough to let it pass. Have I ever been fully satisfied in how I let a character move? Yes, during the fight with Herasiel in the story of If, and only if. Compared to how I normally write, it was fast paced and managed to keep it interesting. It lacked details when it came to the surroundings though, which doesn't make it perfect.</p><p></p><p>As for my opinion about slow- and fast paced stories. I prefer slow paced at any time, except during a fight in an action story, as example. Unless the writer is heavily skilled in - which I've seen in amateur styles more than often - making a fight slow pacing, I am fine with a fast paced one. I also heavily recommend to give the pace one heck of a boost at such a moment. In my point of view, during such an exciting moment, the reader isn't interesting what goes around in the mind of the character besides the way to assault their opponent, their fear or worries. Unless it is planned that way and making the character think during a fight: "Gee... I wonder what I'll take for dinner." Hard to take serious though.</p><p>Besides that, I enjoy a slow paced story more than anything. Not to mention that I prefer a story where little happens in, just the way I write. I'm not saying it doesn't need a plot, or something to strive to, I mean that not always something should happen that furthers the story. Character development is (mostly) just as important as continueing the plot of the story.</p><p></p><p><strong>3. Overuse of characters</strong></p><p>I act too arrogant when it comes to characters and their development. It's in my mind that I am able to have influence over a <strong>lot</strong> of characters at the same time. Something which I can do... until a certain limit. That limits lies lower than I often think of. I tend to introduce characters that I promise to develop throughout the story, but they often just get brushed aside. If, and only if's strongest part is its character development though. 'Whatever walks here, walks alone,' is also heavily focused on the character development of the (currently) two (or three, I can't decide about that one) main characters. That is mostly because the story circles around a few specific characters.</p><p></p><p>I also have a policy not to use the names of (most) people I know. Like I said somewhere else before, I'd probably never use the name of 'Wesley,' 'Denise' or 'Cindy' at any time. That wasn't much of a problem a few years ago, considering my shy personality and small selection of people I know/knew, but especially the last amount of years, I'm meeting up with more and more people, slowly, but surely, decreasing my options of names. More importantly, I also don't want to use names I don't like (Oscar, Gaylord, Molly, Nora, etc.) and over used names, which are often names people find that sounds "cool" or something similar (Ryan, Jack, Jeniffer, Josephine, etc.). Unless the names fits the character nicely, of course.</p><p></p><p>Lately I have been trying to give the sound of the names a good thought. Some names are hard to pronounce in a different language. In 'Whatever walks here, walks alone,' I first wanted to call my main character 'Jalte,' a name that I like and it creates the perfect image of the character in my mind. Everything was fine until the question appeared in my head that others might ask: "How do you pronounce that name?" Especially considering that Jalte (and/or Jelte (de Goot), Hjalte (bo Norregaard)) isn't really a common name.</p><p>Recently a friend introduced me to a character of his story. Someone by the name of 'Leon.' In English, the name fits the character perfectly. In my native language, however, the name is pronounced completely differently. Instead of thinking of a big strong fellow, I think of an old fat little business guy. Of course I would try to keep the English sound of that name in my head, but sooner or later - especially considering the length of a story - I'll switch back to my native language. That's why it's a first language.</p><p>Not too long ago, I was asked if I was better in English than I am in my first language, Dutch. I answered him that I my grammar is by far better in English than in Dutch, however, my vocabulary in Dutch is much bigger than the one of English; in terms of that, they cannot be compared to each other. All in all, I'm fluent in both of them. Fluent in speaking and writing, that is. In terms of talking, I <em>do</em> talk with a lot of additions... but that has its reasons. I doubt any of you will ever hear me speak properly anyway. <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite7" alt=":p" title="Stick Out Tongue :p" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":p" /></p><p>Therefore, do not mix names of your own first language and the English one. Names often sound different to other people and could give a completely different impression on other people.</p><p></p><p><strong>4. Underestimating</strong></p><p>This falls under many categories, and I meant more than one with them as well. Sit back.</p><p>In truth, I tend to underestimate my self-made characters. I am often not convinced that they are able to say or explain specific stuff and I tend to quickly browse around my, often many, characters in my story that are able to say and/ or explain it. If that isn't the case, a new character is born and will be introduced as soon as possible. If not, then I'll make sure one of the older characters get to learn that from <em>a new character</em>. Is this lack of creativty? Maybe it is, but I tend to call it the underestimation of how much a single character can do. Probably that I therefore enjoy writing realistic - and modern - stories, because that law is forced upon.</p><p></p><p>I tend to underestimate the skills of other writers as well. I do not see myself as a good writer, but I dare to say that people cannot place me among the group of 'talentless' amateur writers. Writing 'Whatever walks here' (to short it) partly occured because I wanted to show myself - and others - that I am nothing less than a specific amateur writer, I have to look up to, at the moment. In my personal opinion, the guy I look up to to what he writes, is probably the best one I've ever met on amateur level. I don't know many people who can make an extremely cliche concept (which falls under Romance / Drama might I add!!) become extremely interesting and kept my eyes glued to the screen for a couple of hours straight, daily. Funny thing was that the end was just as cliche as the concept, but something he changed very little about. "They married and became happy ever after," in a way to say it. The only bad thing about the story was his lack of development of a <em>few</em> supporting character. I was awfully disappointed that the best friend of the main (male) character did not really change throughout the story. He was a kind, but chaotic guy at the start ("Yeah, didn't I tell you? It's 'Jo', not 'Joe.") and the only thing he changed on was getting together with a girl... though that wasn't much of a surprise. He clearly showed that it was a matter of time before they could officially call them selves having a relationship - something the characters denied throughout the begin of the story - or something like that. The main disappointment of the story was definitely the little role the ex-girlfriend of the (male) main character got. She was introduced in the first paragraph of the story, appeared halfway throughout the story, produced some problems to get the main story on the road, but after she produced those problems ("From who are those panties!?"), she completely disappeared out of the picture, until the last few chapters where she appeared without a particular reason. It felt like he didn't want to introduce yet another character, so he just saught in a bunch of characters to eventually pick her. I was sorely disappointed in the late introduction of the (old) friends of the main (male) character as well. They were introduced during the last few chapters of the stories as well. It's true that they were interesting individuals ("So, good ol' Tom finally comes by after moving, eh? Took you long enough.") and necessary to fully develop the twin sister of the main (female) character , but they got their screen time far too late. The reader was already too interested about the main (supporting) characters.</p><p>The last character that left with me with an unsatisfied feeling were the older people. Though the parents ("Just make sure you make you right decision.") of the main characters were not developed at all - and were only mentioned a few times in total in the story, not to mention that they played quite a small role in general - the grandma of the main male character was left mostly undeveloped ("The one girl I liked most is the one you broke up with? What kind of stupid decision is that?"). It was heavily hinted that she would get some development at a certain point, but she never really got it. Though I didn't really mind his grandma either, mostly because the only thing she seemed to was used for was opening the front door. In truth, she did play a role, and quite a large one as well when I think about it. Besides the main characters friends, she was the only one (though nearly deaf) who knew what was going on in her grandchild's life. The excuse he used why she was so little developed is something I can live with though ("These old legs just can't walk long distances anymore."). Now I think of it, one of the supporting female characters got less development than I had hoped for. From the start of the story, she was completely concentrating of making the main male character 'hers.' Her role was enourmus at the start, but he decided to push it on the break at a certain point, and she didn't appear in the story at all more afterwards, until the last chapter ("If she can't see, why worry about being with me?"). But at that point, most of the story was over. The only thing that kept the reader reading was what kind of college they would attend to, and if the main female character would win a price at her Basketball tournament.</p><p>But considering that it is the only flaw in his story, in my opinion, he did one heck of a good job. Despite those were quite important (supporting) character he <em>forgot</em> to develop, (which I only found the excuse of the grandma good enough to satisfy me) he had one truck load of other supporting characters he did develop nicely, which nearly makes you forget about those characters I earlier named.</p><p>One giant downfall was that <em>I</em> didn't remember the names of the characters. When a character makes a good impression on me, I don't tend to forget the name of that character. I can't remember the names of the old friends of the main male character anymore, as example.</p><p>Thumbs up for the name of the main female character though. 'Jo,' is a great way to let people get mixed up with 'Joe.' Great comedy he made of it too because of that name ("He... he... he has breasts!?"). Two thumbs up for her personality, which is definitely one of my most favorite personalities of all times in a story like that. Unfortunately, I was not too fond on the personality (could be worse) and (mostly) the name of the main male character.</p><p></p><p>The last thing I truly underestimate is the harder the decision become when you're writing. I usually think too easy of them, and often get myself stuck in a situation in a story. This has nothing to do with a writer's block, but the challenge to overcome to hurdle starts off quite easy, but gets harder with big steps, until I really have to spend hours of time just to ask myself: "How can he/she/it solve that?"</p><p>But that isn't really much of a problem; the only thing I have to do then is remind myself that, that is the real joy of writing. The ability to overcome something like that.</p><p></p><p><strong>5. Writer's block</strong></p><p>They are common for me, as I am not the type of personality that should write as a hobby. Just like most people know, I live on stress, and I try to increase that as much as possible because much of me becomes better because of it. Because my problems alone do not produce enough stress, I try to help people with their problems as well, so they partly become some of mine.</p><p>Stress is often the first and foremost reason why a writer's block appears. For someone who tries to get as much on him as possible and still write is a strange combination. Yet it is possible for me to gain an "overdosis," as I am suffering from at this moment. Getting rid of a writer's block is quite an obstacle then, especially considering the fact that I am far less creative than I used to be.</p><p></p><p>My level of writing when suffering from a writer's block is poor, just like everyone when one is capable of saying they have a writer's block. If you aren't sure, take the test I posted in Undead's thread called 'Writer's block.' ("Have you asked your friends to shoot you?")</p><p></p><p><strong>6. Grammar & Sentence-structure</strong></p><p>To say it bluntly: My grammar and spelling is not good enough. A few years ago, when completely serious, I had seven spelling/grammar mistakes at average every page. This decreased a little after a while, but got back to seven when my interest in radio started to hit its peak. The good part of it was that my Dutch grammar, vocabulary and speech improved with quite an amount.</p><p>I am <strong>not</strong> a perfectionist and I <strong>like</strong> to be corrected, but I <strong>am</strong> related to a grammar nazi, which has its good and bad parts. The good part is that you learn to be corrected quite often, the bad part is that you know there is always someone better, which can be annoying. I never really found it annoying to be related to him though... well, once or twice, perhaps, but nothing serious.</p><p></p><p>Sentence construction is, and probably will always be one of my weakest points though. Why do I have trouble with it? I don't know, I can't see my mistakes, but though the less experienced won't see the many flaws, the more experienced ones can see it's full with it. Especially If, and only if swarms from those - though in a way logical, as it is the largest story I've ever made.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Fladian, post: 107739, member: 5833"] As most of you know, I'm nearly drowning in the seas of stress that was probably produced by my own simple mind. Because my mind constantly went to the same few subjects I have been worrying sick of - I'm probably getting sick soon - recently, I tried to desperately find something else to think of, and focus on. Normally, work is a good way to distract me from most of my problems, if not that, then I'm studying for my upcoming exams. Both were not good enough to stop me from worrying for a while. Out of pure despair, I eventually finally managed to get a bit of thought into my writing style; probably because I recently was talked about it with a close friend of mine who is interesting in reading more and more from me - therefore that I suddenly started to write again. In order to make me stop thinking about the things I am worried about, I tried to get a few things straight in the way I write. I came to the conclusion that I am exceptional weak in the following parts of the story: [b]1. Introductions and the beginning of a story.[/b] It is not much of a secret that it probably is one of the most bad parts of my writing. When looking at (just about) all my stories, you'll see that they all have something in common when they start. This is partly intentionally, but mostly it isn't. Before I started to produce some decent quality, my beginnings and introductions varied a lot, but most, if not all were disliked. They were boring and the lacked creativity, something I must agree on. To be honest, I did not improve at all in my beginning of stories. At a certain point, (which I cannot remember when) I made a good introduction. Not really intentionally, I kept using the same kind of beginning over and over again. "Never change a winning tactic," is what they say, but not really what I planned for at the start. Introductions of characters are different. I'll admit that I had trouble with it earlier on, but I slowly improved and made it to one of my stronger points instead. A small guide I'm still reading through mentioned that there are two good ways of introducing a character. One of them is telling them immediately how the character is, how he looks like and what some of his personality is; this is done by most people because it's most simple and often interests the reader. People like to know about what kind of people they are reading about. Fact remains that some amateur writers completely forget to introduce the main character though. The other way is to slowly explain the appearance of the characters (to use appearance as example). The reader often creates an imaginary image inside their head of the character which starts out quite bland, but slowly gains more looks. I personally prefer the second one, though will use the first one whenever necessary. I won't waste the abilities of a mirror, but I won't create one just in order to introduce a character. [b]2. Time[/b] When that [i]close friend[/i] of mine read my story, she told me that it was extremely slow paced, but didn't become boring, in opposite of other stories she is familiar with that are slow paced. She could not explain why that was the case. That my stories are slow paced is something I cannot deny, mostly because I enjoy giving details - something that she noticed as well - throughout the story... which are actually too many details. But besides the fact that I enjoy giving details, truth is also that I have a hard time to let time pass in the story. I can't let hours, days, or more pass easily in a story. In my point of writing style, there must always be something. Would that be just talking to each other - which could also be used as a weak way of character development - or taking a stroll throughout a park. 'Rick wake up' was a story written without any intention, I just wrote what I felt like at that moment. Read it, and tell me this: How much time passed in that story? How long did the time take between Rick waking up and him starting a game? The only thing that could be considerd as a time is that "the computer took a long time to start up." But many people see "long" in that context in a different way. When a computer is starting up, I consider ten minutes long *cough*computer at work and at school*cough*, some other people consider thirty seconds long. It's hard to imagine how much you can think of in a small amount of time. Even now I still have trouble to let time pass in a story. Letting a character go to sleep is quite the challenge to me too. Heck, just walking is already something I must focus upon. Whenever I let a character move, in order to walk or run to a certain position, I usually disagree in the way I write, and keep rewriting it until I find something that I [i]might[/i] consider just good enough to let it pass. Have I ever been fully satisfied in how I let a character move? Yes, during the fight with Herasiel in the story of If, and only if. Compared to how I normally write, it was fast paced and managed to keep it interesting. It lacked details when it came to the surroundings though, which doesn't make it perfect. As for my opinion about slow- and fast paced stories. I prefer slow paced at any time, except during a fight in an action story, as example. Unless the writer is heavily skilled in - which I've seen in amateur styles more than often - making a fight slow pacing, I am fine with a fast paced one. I also heavily recommend to give the pace one heck of a boost at such a moment. In my point of view, during such an exciting moment, the reader isn't interesting what goes around in the mind of the character besides the way to assault their opponent, their fear or worries. Unless it is planned that way and making the character think during a fight: "Gee... I wonder what I'll take for dinner." Hard to take serious though. Besides that, I enjoy a slow paced story more than anything. Not to mention that I prefer a story where little happens in, just the way I write. I'm not saying it doesn't need a plot, or something to strive to, I mean that not always something should happen that furthers the story. Character development is (mostly) just as important as continueing the plot of the story. [b]3. Overuse of characters[/b] I act too arrogant when it comes to characters and their development. It's in my mind that I am able to have influence over a [b]lot[/b] of characters at the same time. Something which I can do... until a certain limit. That limits lies lower than I often think of. I tend to introduce characters that I promise to develop throughout the story, but they often just get brushed aside. If, and only if's strongest part is its character development though. 'Whatever walks here, walks alone,' is also heavily focused on the character development of the (currently) two (or three, I can't decide about that one) main characters. That is mostly because the story circles around a few specific characters. I also have a policy not to use the names of (most) people I know. Like I said somewhere else before, I'd probably never use the name of 'Wesley,' 'Denise' or 'Cindy' at any time. That wasn't much of a problem a few years ago, considering my shy personality and small selection of people I know/knew, but especially the last amount of years, I'm meeting up with more and more people, slowly, but surely, decreasing my options of names. More importantly, I also don't want to use names I don't like (Oscar, Gaylord, Molly, Nora, etc.) and over used names, which are often names people find that sounds "cool" or something similar (Ryan, Jack, Jeniffer, Josephine, etc.). Unless the names fits the character nicely, of course. Lately I have been trying to give the sound of the names a good thought. Some names are hard to pronounce in a different language. In 'Whatever walks here, walks alone,' I first wanted to call my main character 'Jalte,' a name that I like and it creates the perfect image of the character in my mind. Everything was fine until the question appeared in my head that others might ask: "How do you pronounce that name?" Especially considering that Jalte (and/or Jelte (de Goot), Hjalte (bo Norregaard)) isn't really a common name. Recently a friend introduced me to a character of his story. Someone by the name of 'Leon.' In English, the name fits the character perfectly. In my native language, however, the name is pronounced completely differently. Instead of thinking of a big strong fellow, I think of an old fat little business guy. Of course I would try to keep the English sound of that name in my head, but sooner or later - especially considering the length of a story - I'll switch back to my native language. That's why it's a first language. Not too long ago, I was asked if I was better in English than I am in my first language, Dutch. I answered him that I my grammar is by far better in English than in Dutch, however, my vocabulary in Dutch is much bigger than the one of English; in terms of that, they cannot be compared to each other. All in all, I'm fluent in both of them. Fluent in speaking and writing, that is. In terms of talking, I [i]do[/i] talk with a lot of additions... but that has its reasons. I doubt any of you will ever hear me speak properly anyway. :P Therefore, do not mix names of your own first language and the English one. Names often sound different to other people and could give a completely different impression on other people. [b]4. Underestimating[/b] This falls under many categories, and I meant more than one with them as well. Sit back. In truth, I tend to underestimate my self-made characters. I am often not convinced that they are able to say or explain specific stuff and I tend to quickly browse around my, often many, characters in my story that are able to say and/ or explain it. If that isn't the case, a new character is born and will be introduced as soon as possible. If not, then I'll make sure one of the older characters get to learn that from [i]a new character[/i]. Is this lack of creativty? Maybe it is, but I tend to call it the underestimation of how much a single character can do. Probably that I therefore enjoy writing realistic - and modern - stories, because that law is forced upon. I tend to underestimate the skills of other writers as well. I do not see myself as a good writer, but I dare to say that people cannot place me among the group of 'talentless' amateur writers. Writing 'Whatever walks here' (to short it) partly occured because I wanted to show myself - and others - that I am nothing less than a specific amateur writer, I have to look up to, at the moment. In my personal opinion, the guy I look up to to what he writes, is probably the best one I've ever met on amateur level. I don't know many people who can make an extremely cliche concept (which falls under Romance / Drama might I add!!) become extremely interesting and kept my eyes glued to the screen for a couple of hours straight, daily. Funny thing was that the end was just as cliche as the concept, but something he changed very little about. "They married and became happy ever after," in a way to say it. The only bad thing about the story was his lack of development of a [i]few[/i] supporting character. I was awfully disappointed that the best friend of the main (male) character did not really change throughout the story. He was a kind, but chaotic guy at the start ("Yeah, didn't I tell you? It's 'Jo', not 'Joe.") and the only thing he changed on was getting together with a girl... though that wasn't much of a surprise. He clearly showed that it was a matter of time before they could officially call them selves having a relationship - something the characters denied throughout the begin of the story - or something like that. The main disappointment of the story was definitely the little role the ex-girlfriend of the (male) main character got. She was introduced in the first paragraph of the story, appeared halfway throughout the story, produced some problems to get the main story on the road, but after she produced those problems ("From who are those panties!?"), she completely disappeared out of the picture, until the last few chapters where she appeared without a particular reason. It felt like he didn't want to introduce yet another character, so he just saught in a bunch of characters to eventually pick her. I was sorely disappointed in the late introduction of the (old) friends of the main (male) character as well. They were introduced during the last few chapters of the stories as well. It's true that they were interesting individuals ("So, good ol' Tom finally comes by after moving, eh? Took you long enough.") and necessary to fully develop the twin sister of the main (female) character , but they got their screen time far too late. The reader was already too interested about the main (supporting) characters. The last character that left with me with an unsatisfied feeling were the older people. Though the parents ("Just make sure you make you right decision.") of the main characters were not developed at all - and were only mentioned a few times in total in the story, not to mention that they played quite a small role in general - the grandma of the main male character was left mostly undeveloped ("The one girl I liked most is the one you broke up with? What kind of stupid decision is that?"). It was heavily hinted that she would get some development at a certain point, but she never really got it. Though I didn't really mind his grandma either, mostly because the only thing she seemed to was used for was opening the front door. In truth, she did play a role, and quite a large one as well when I think about it. Besides the main characters friends, she was the only one (though nearly deaf) who knew what was going on in her grandchild's life. The excuse he used why she was so little developed is something I can live with though ("These old legs just can't walk long distances anymore."). Now I think of it, one of the supporting female characters got less development than I had hoped for. From the start of the story, she was completely concentrating of making the main male character 'hers.' Her role was enourmus at the start, but he decided to push it on the break at a certain point, and she didn't appear in the story at all more afterwards, until the last chapter ("If she can't see, why worry about being with me?"). But at that point, most of the story was over. The only thing that kept the reader reading was what kind of college they would attend to, and if the main female character would win a price at her Basketball tournament. But considering that it is the only flaw in his story, in my opinion, he did one heck of a good job. Despite those were quite important (supporting) character he [i]forgot[/i] to develop, (which I only found the excuse of the grandma good enough to satisfy me) he had one truck load of other supporting characters he did develop nicely, which nearly makes you forget about those characters I earlier named. One giant downfall was that [i]I[/i] didn't remember the names of the characters. When a character makes a good impression on me, I don't tend to forget the name of that character. I can't remember the names of the old friends of the main male character anymore, as example. Thumbs up for the name of the main female character though. 'Jo,' is a great way to let people get mixed up with 'Joe.' Great comedy he made of it too because of that name ("He... he... he has breasts!?"). Two thumbs up for her personality, which is definitely one of my most favorite personalities of all times in a story like that. Unfortunately, I was not too fond on the personality (could be worse) and (mostly) the name of the main male character. The last thing I truly underestimate is the harder the decision become when you're writing. I usually think too easy of them, and often get myself stuck in a situation in a story. This has nothing to do with a writer's block, but the challenge to overcome to hurdle starts off quite easy, but gets harder with big steps, until I really have to spend hours of time just to ask myself: "How can he/she/it solve that?" But that isn't really much of a problem; the only thing I have to do then is remind myself that, that is the real joy of writing. The ability to overcome something like that. [b]5. Writer's block[/b] They are common for me, as I am not the type of personality that should write as a hobby. Just like most people know, I live on stress, and I try to increase that as much as possible because much of me becomes better because of it. Because my problems alone do not produce enough stress, I try to help people with their problems as well, so they partly become some of mine. Stress is often the first and foremost reason why a writer's block appears. For someone who tries to get as much on him as possible and still write is a strange combination. Yet it is possible for me to gain an "overdosis," as I am suffering from at this moment. Getting rid of a writer's block is quite an obstacle then, especially considering the fact that I am far less creative than I used to be. My level of writing when suffering from a writer's block is poor, just like everyone when one is capable of saying they have a writer's block. If you aren't sure, take the test I posted in Undead's thread called 'Writer's block.' ("Have you asked your friends to shoot you?") [b]6. Grammar & Sentence-structure[/b] To say it bluntly: My grammar and spelling is not good enough. A few years ago, when completely serious, I had seven spelling/grammar mistakes at average every page. This decreased a little after a while, but got back to seven when my interest in radio started to hit its peak. The good part of it was that my Dutch grammar, vocabulary and speech improved with quite an amount. I am [b]not[/b] a perfectionist and I [b]like[/b] to be corrected, but I [b]am[/b] related to a grammar nazi, which has its good and bad parts. The good part is that you learn to be corrected quite often, the bad part is that you know there is always someone better, which can be annoying. I never really found it annoying to be related to him though... well, once or twice, perhaps, but nothing serious. Sentence construction is, and probably will always be one of my weakest points though. Why do I have trouble with it? I don't know, I can't see my mistakes, but though the less experienced won't see the many flaws, the more experienced ones can see it's full with it. Especially If, and only if swarms from those - though in a way logical, as it is the largest story I've ever made. [/QUOTE]
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