Writers, and novelists or fiction writers in particular, can you share your goals, processes and timelines for each of your drafts?
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posted by thinkpiece
on May 19, 2013 -
8 answers
Are there any blog/writing websites out there that are like Thought Catalog, but slightly more... mature I guess? Without the high-school/college drama or pop culture nonsense. Sometimes I feel just slightly too old for TC's target demographic. :/ But I do enjoy reading short blog posts from a variety of authors. Thanks in advance
posted by The Biggest Dreamer
on Mar 22, 2013 -
4 answers
As a reader of fiction (especially if you're a devotee of
speculative fiction), how much do you like detailed descriptions and/or lists as part of the story? What if the story switches between detail and expediency?
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posted by batmonkey
on Dec 28, 2012 -
12 answers
Researchers, Writers, Grad Students, and Professors: Tell me about your technical setup (hardware and software). What do you use, and what couldn't you live without?
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posted by NotMyselfRightNow
on Nov 2, 2012 -
25 answers
Help me find a great writing spot in Toronto, with some very specific requirements.
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posted by lizifer
on Oct 25, 2012 -
16 answers
I am in the last two weeks of writing my master's thesis and I was wondering what herbs or supplements others have found useful for writing. Focus is part of it, but I also need to
produce and get in the flow, so to speak. It comes sometimes, but I can never force those really productive moments. I have a cupboard full of various herbs, but no time to experiment. Wondering what has worked for other, including combinations.
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posted by cejl
on Feb 17, 2012 -
17 answers
Copywriters and other creatives: how do you protect yourself when dealing with clients who suck up time with extensive revisions, general indecisiveness, or just plain bad judgment? My larger projects can handle some ballooning of time in one direction or another, and for my big national clients there is always client awareness of my expertise and what it's worth. My problem is with taking on smaller clients who seem great at first, but then balk at suggestions, revise good writing into terrible, etc...
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posted by mdiskin
on Oct 14, 2011 -
22 answers
What is your favorite travel book/essay/blog? Who are your favorite travel writers?
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posted by rinosaur
on Oct 29, 2010 -
30 answers
I'm looking to develop a comprehensive list of movies about writers. I have a pretty good list that includes the likes of 'Wonder Boys', 'The Hours', 'Mrs. Parker', 'Capote' and the like. However, I know there are many small indie films that fly under the radar every year, some probably about writers. Even if you think I already have it on my list - tell me your favorite movies about writers. Thanks!
posted by Gerard Sorme
on May 16, 2010 -
67 answers
I have written a literary science fiction novel. I am confident that it is salable, but I am so far having difficulty finding an agent. I am considering going to the
Backspace Writer's Conference but am uncertain as to whether the $700 cost would be a good investment.
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posted by 256
on May 2, 2010 -
12 answers
With NaNoWriMo looming ever nearer, I would like to hear your best tips, tricks, habits, and techniques for staying chained to the keyboard.
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posted by BitterOldPunk
on Oct 22, 2009 -
26 answers
How often are the stories of a comic, novel, play, TV series, movie, or song conceived by the writer's friend, relative, acquaintance, neighbor, mailman, dog, etc?
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posted by TheSecretDecoderRing
on May 28, 2009 -
14 answers
Anyone know any active writing forums they would recommend?
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posted by Ugh
on Apr 12, 2009 -
5 answers
Are there any reasonably well-known (or even famous) writers who are truly multi-genre?
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posted by wackybrit
on Nov 10, 2008 -
54 answers
I have a web site. I want to write a book based on the topic. I have publishers/agents asking to talk to me, but I don't know if I'm ready. For one thing, I'm not convinced traditional publication is best — I'm intrigued by self-publishing and e-books. I'm looking for general advice: What are the pros and cons of each method? It seems that unless I'm lucky, traditional publishing offers the lowest dollar return. But are there other, intangible benefits I'm missing? Exposure? Having somebody who knows what they're doing guide me along? And how do I approach a discussion with agents/publishers so as to get the best deal?
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posted by jdroth
on Jan 7, 2008 -
13 answers
I'm looking for recommendations on best places to write in Venice, CA. Mostly in the realm of coffee shops or writer-friendly cafes, libraries, or anything else that comes to mind.
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posted by np312
on Jan 7, 2007 -
4 answers
Famous Writing Habits? I come across sites dealing with a few here and there but there is no great collection I can find. Common examples: Hemingway's habit/belief of 500 words per day, Faulkner drinking whiskey whilst writing, Balzac drinking 10+ espressos a day, Thomas Wolfe's habit of writing standing up and his prolixity (so much so that Max Perkins had to substantially edit his work). Certain writers lived philosophies on first drafts/revisions, words/hours per day, etc etc.
I have no problem locating famous quotes, but I'm more interested in info about actual behaviors.
Hope that sounds right.
Thank You in advance.
posted by Gnostic Novelist
on Aug 13, 2006 -
27 answers
Does anyone know of spaces (offices/cafes/whatever) geared specifically to writers? I know of
theOffice in Santa Monica. Any others you know of? Links? Also, if you've frequented such a place, what were your impressions? If you're a writer, what would get you into such a place?
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posted by Manhasset
on Aug 1, 2006 -
13 answers
How to (tactfully and successfully) get some major names to look at some of my writing? Of course there is
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posted by exlotuseater
on Jul 18, 2006 -
18 answers
Thesis writers block: So I have until thursday to get a first draft of the discussion section of my thesis written. I've been working on it for the past few weeks at a snail's pace. I showed my advisor what I had come up with last week and surprisingly enough, he was ok with it. My problem is I just simply cannot muster up the motivation to get any more work done on this.
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posted by garethspor
on Feb 20, 2006 -
24 answers
Looking for good, free online writers' forums to try and promote a magazine project I'm working on. Where on the web do poets and short story writers tend to congregate, and how can I reach that audience (preferably without spending any money)?
posted by BackwardsCity
on Jan 11, 2005 -
3 answers
In a variation on the
first question I posted to AskMe, I'm looking for a resource that'd help me find local, actually-meet-and-talk-to-people writing groups. My searching skills are apparently flaccid and small. I mean, I live in a freaking college town, I should be innundated with such activities. And yet no luck. Any ideas on where I might find these elusive groups?
posted by billybunny
on Nov 10, 2004 -
6 answers
Do we have any travel writers in the house? Is it really the life of glamour and ease that
thetravelwriterslife.com claims?
Since I suspect it's not as easy as one might suppose after digesting that page, I have more questions: Can you tell me what it's like? How you got started? What kind of money you pull in?
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posted by Irontom
on Jun 15, 2004 -
9 answers
OK, I'm trying to write my latest masterpiece, and I'm doing everything but... Any tips on writing routines? Not blocked, as such. Plain lazy is a definite possibility. But seriously, anybody have a fail-safe way to get up in the morning and get going?
posted by klaatu
on Apr 14, 2004 -
21 answers
