So, I'm working on my story for Fiction Writing class and I'm trying to decide which story I want to workshop. I've narrowed it down to two, but I'm not sure which to submit.
Sounds like the first story might be less of a crowd-pleaser but also might get you more of the particular kind of feed-back you're looking for. If your ego can take not everybody getting engrossed in your story right off, that might be the one to go with.
Ah, asking me to rein in my ego... that's quite a tall order ;-) Though, I agree. If what I want is to actually improve my writing (and not just cherish my little angel) then number 1 it is. Thanks!
Yeah, unfortunately as much as I like the second story, I don't think the 19-20 year old Idaho guys are going to be able get past the fact that the character's gay. Even if it's just to insist they're “okay” with it, I worry that the whole hour will go to that. Thanks.
Oh, I get it. I'm from Texas; my own family is terrible about it. It's really grating that this stuff is still such an issue in places, but I guess a writing class isn't the best place to tackle that when you're looking to improve, not push an agenda.
Are you allowed to have advice beforehand? Is that cheating? *shifty eyes* 'Cause I was gonna say if you're worried about not holding their interest, why not open up with an attention-grabbing line? Something like: She never imagined becoming a stalker, didn't even realize her actions could be construed as such until she found herself {insert stalkery scene here}, {blah blah a little more lead-in}. It started innocently enough. And then go into the less exciting set-up. That way, your audience knows something interesting is coming; they just have to wait a bit.
I dunno. Something like that. Or not. I'm just over-helpful sometimes and I've never taken a writing class, so take that as you will. :P
Oh, I don't mind over-help, I do it myself :) Right now my opening line is “I think he's a superhero.” Which I like, but we'll see how it works once I finish the entire story.
This is my first writing class and it's been eye opening, mostly because I have a new found respect for fanfic writers. Seriously, the average fanfic writer, with a few stories under her belt, is head and shoulders above the English majors in my class. Turns out, fanfic -is- writing. Who knew?
This may be a case of "horses for courses"-courses not being exactly irrelevant, in the circumstances.
Personally, I'd be far more likely to read the second story. Oddly, from your description, I get the impression you have it better worked out in your mind. (???)
So...if that's the story you've got a better grip on, would you write it anyway? One doesn't want a good story to get in a snit because it thinks you're favouring a lesser rival. In my experience, if you keep snubbing the bunnies, they eventually hop off.
I do get everyone else's point. I do. Honestly. I just think one also has to think of the story's P.O.V. It has rights, and you have obligations. (You're the one who thought of it, after all.)
Boise isn't -that- small, though Idaho is ridiculously conservative. The problem is that my school is fed by the outlying tiny towns that won't play so much as an Elton John song on the radio lest he “put ideas” into people's heads. Yeah.
From the descriptions you gave, I would love to read the second story. And I agree with previous comments, that it's understandable why you wouldn't want people to be distracted by the content so much that you don't get con-crit you need.
I've been dealing with closed-minded people almost my whole life and sometimes I just have to remind myself, "I can't please everyone."
Still, I hope that whatever story you pick to workshop you get what you need out of it. =]
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Are you allowed to have advice beforehand? Is that cheating? *shifty eyes* 'Cause I was gonna say if you're worried about not holding their interest, why not open up with an attention-grabbing line? Something like: She never imagined becoming a stalker, didn't even realize her actions could be construed as such until she found herself {insert stalkery scene here}, {blah blah a little more lead-in}. It started innocently enough. And then go into the less exciting set-up. That way, your audience knows something interesting is coming; they just have to wait a bit.
I dunno. Something like that. Or not. I'm just over-helpful sometimes and I've never taken a writing class, so take that as you will. :P
Good luck with it, at any rate.
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This is my first writing class and it's been eye opening, mostly because I have a new found respect for fanfic writers. Seriously, the average fanfic writer, with a few stories under her belt, is head and shoulders above the English majors in my class. Turns out, fanfic -is- writing. Who knew?
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Personally, I'd be far more likely to read the second story. Oddly, from your description, I get the impression you have it better worked out in your mind. (???)
So...if that's the story you've got a better grip on, would you write it anyway? One doesn't want a good story to get in a snit because it thinks you're favouring a lesser rival. In my experience, if you keep snubbing the bunnies, they eventually hop off.
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I've been dealing with closed-minded people almost my whole life and sometimes I just have to remind myself, "I can't please everyone."
Still, I hope that whatever story you pick to workshop you get what you need out of it. =]
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I have to turn in a second story at the end of the term that just the prof. will read, so I might use story 2 for that. Thanks :)
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