On writing, genre, and the impossible cat.

[cadhla]

My normal genre -- and by 'normal' I mean 'the one I write in the most frequently' -- is urban fantasy, edging into light horror. After that comes romcom and chick lit, and then a slowly declining list, all the way down to 'scholarly non-fiction' for my poetry tutorials. 'Young adult lit' isn't a place that I visit all that often, unless I have a

Comments

[spectralbovine]

I don't know how you write so bloody fast. I can't even imagine pumping out a short story that quickly, let alone five chapters of a book. Me, I let ideas fester, and then I stare at the black page in Word not knowing what to write because it must be absolutely perfect omg. Inspiration comes to me in scenes I have to stitch together properly.

[cadhla]

Practice.

Seriously: practice. I've always been a fast writer, but the more I write, the faster I get. Also, proofreaders. You can't splash crap on the page and expect other people to make it good, but you can get it out and let other people find the flaws. Easier to fix than to build.

Also, I have an alcoholic muse who likes to binge and purge.

[azurelunatic]

Have you tried nanowrimo? It's a very good exercise in learning and practicing writing crap fast. And the stuff that you can write fast gets better the more you write fast.

And there's no shame in starting out with something you know is crap, but you know that's the general idea of the scene, you just need that out of the way to make the inspired scene make sense.

[spectralbovine]

I haven't, since I haven't had the time. Or the inspiration. Or courage. Or the ability to fathom a novel. Waaaah. I haven't written a story since I graduated. I need to get back on the damn horse.

[arib]

If you're still looking for someone to help out with proofreading, I'd be happy to help.

[cadhla]

I'm good for this one, thanks.

[mokatiki]

heh, from what i've heard it's going really well,
i'm sure i'll hear more about it when the next part comes out!

[cadhla]

The perils of having a sister who reads for me!

[braider]

My god. I've read that paragraph *how* many times? And it didn't even register. I noted it as having come from Lilly the other day, and went on with it, immediately ignoring it in terms of story. *embarrassed*

[pola_bear]

Me too, I didn't notice at all!

Bah, I've been pretty useless as being a hyena goes, but I'll try more now.

[cadhla]

You've been splendid. All the different reactions and responses tell me things about the story, and what I need to do to make it cleaner.

[hopefoot]

Hi, I'm one of your 300 new LJ friends. Are you published? I like the way you write in here and the genres you mentioned and I'd look for your books next time I'm in a book store.

[pknight]

I second this question, and would love to know the answer.

Also...little side-pimping: My mom does layouts and editing for books. If you wanted someone to do that for you...Just an idea, if you're not published yet.

[cadhla]

Not in any of the genres I'm currently willing to admit to. I have a romantic comedy, Chasing St. Margaret, which I am about to start shopping again; ditto an urban fantasy, Rosemary and Rue.

The minute I sell something, the world will know.