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Writing styles in fiction

Started by The_Rooster, August 01, 2013, 06:40:09 PM

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The_Rooster

I sometimes delude myself into believing that I can write. When I get this virus-like entity invading my system and convincing me that I should continue writing one of my numerous stories, I sometimes post my material online for review.

In doing so I've encountered a lot of resistance to my writing style. I think this is a sign of the changing nature of literature and society. At least, that's what I'd like to think it is since the alternative is admitting that I'm not very good at writing.

Most of my inspiration for being a writer is older fiction. By older I mean that the most recent thing I've become a fan of is George R.R. Martin's work. Before him it was Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, Oscar Wilde, Edgar Allen Poe, Ray Bradbury, H.P. Lovecraft, etc.

The difference in writing styles from older works to modern ones seems to be impatience, especially in characterisation and exposition. Readers don't seem to want to read about the environment or what the character looks like, or their history or anything other than the narrative and progression of the story. If it's not directly related to moving the story forward, then it's now considered boring.

At least, that's the impression I get from the feedback and subsequent discussions I've had in regards to my writing style. I sometimes feel as if I should not bother with writing a novel at all and merely write a TLDR for it instead.

Thoughts?
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danbuter

Maybe just don't include as much background. Keep the main flow, but edit out 50% or something, and see if that goes over better.
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Rincewind1

I'd need to see an example first to say anything.
Furthermore, I consider that  This is Why We Don\'t Like You thread should be closed

The_Rooster

Quote from: Rincewind1;676586I'd need to see an example first to say anything.

Not really looking for feedback on my writing. Was more interested in the conversation about writing styles in fiction and how they've changed over the years.
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J.L. Duncan

I'm a big fan of Raymond Chandler. As a pulp/ detective writer, Chandler doesn't linger too long on fluff description. That being said, he has a bit of comic flare-

You might try reading Chandler.

If you want to publish something that is a whole lot different than just wanting to write something. If you want to publish, listen to your critics; hell-search for the people who will slam what you've written into oblivion! Don't make it a personal matter and do what you can do to improve. It depends on your perspective and what you want to achieve in writing.

Another book you might try is Stephen King "On Writing."

GL-

The_Rooster

Quote from: J.L. Duncan;681033I'm a big fan of Raymond Chandler. As a pulp/ detective writer, Chandler doesn't linger too long on fluff description. That being said, he has a bit of comic flare-

You might try reading Chandler.

If you want to publish something that is a whole lot different than just wanting to write something. If you want to publish, listen to your critics; hell-search for the people who will slam what you've written into oblivion! Don't make it a personal matter and do what you can do to improve. It depends on your perspective and what you want to achieve in writing.

Another book you might try is Stephen King "On Writing."

GL-
Again, not taking anything personally. Was not interested in a discussion about my writing at all in fact. Then again, it's my fault for mentioning it at all in the OP. I should've stated the question more directly.
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