Tuesday 1 February 2011

Is your WIP a Chaotic minefield for readers?

So, is your WIP in crisis and spinning toward sense of chaos?

Does it read like something from the pages of history combined with 21st century slant?

That's fine if you're writing a historical fantasy incorporating time portal to other/parallel/para-normal world:  depicted below.



If you're writing contemporary novels do you use specific authors from differing countries (within your chosen genre) as guiding lights? After all, some words/phrases expressed in the US can mean something entirely different in another country.  Take the words fanny and spunk.
In the US they're relatively innocent.
"She sat on her fanny kicking her heels more kid than adult. . ."  
"That boy's got real spunk, and . . ."

In the UK those same words have serious sexual connotations as well,
so "Beware" is a wise watch word! 

Because this is an open blog I dare not post erotic examples!    



Which author, if any has influenced your writing? 
Do you slavishly follow and attempt to recreate every aspect of that author's style (voice)?
Did you make a wise choice in selecting your virtual mentor?

Go on, fess up!

I did, here but you don't have to go read my post if you're not inclined.


6 comments:

Will Burke said...

I've found myself imitating style, but it's a rookie mistake. All part of finding my own style. My mentors are those who don't let style get in the way of the story.
When one author dropped an "F-Bomb" into his high fantasy, I found it out-of-context and distracting.

Francine Howarth said...

Hi Will,

You're right on the rookie mistake aspect, but one sees it all the time in aspiring writer's works.

As for the "F-bomb", yeh, can relate to seeing those often enough. I can safely say no author has influenced my writing. My reading taste is too eclectic. Hence chaos would rule if I chose one or more to light my way on writing road! ;)

bestF

Margo Benson said...

I read such diverse and eclectic work that I don't feel I've been influenced by any one writer. When I'm reading something totally delicious, I do absorb and aspire.

I have found that humour comes into my work when I'm not expecting or planning it....not sure where that comes from!

Ellie Garratt said...

I try not to imitate a specific writers style but I suppose it could be easy to do and not be aware of it!

200 Followers Q & A Competition

Michael Di Gesu said...

I'm with Ellie,

I was greatly influenced by JK Rowling. I know, how cliche', but she really did bring me back to reading, and I love the chemistry she has created between her three mc's.

That I tried to do with my fantasy writing. I want to chapter that same wonderful chemistry with my three mc's.

My world and story are very different than hers. I have elementals and fairies, and a few wonderful creatures, but no magic.


Michael

Francine Howarth said...

Hi Margo,

Where would we be without a little humour creeping in, hee hee.

Ellie,

From what I've read of your work: it's original Ellie!

Oh Michael,

No magic you say, but fairies are magical cute! ;)

best
F