What are the biggest mistakes new writers make, in their writing? And in their presentation?
Biggest mistakes
If you're talking about narrative comedy, I'd say probably not enough planning. Most new writers tend to start at point A and see where it takes them. AS you get more experienced you plan A to B to C before you start writing.
Also, clarity of character. Even seasoned writers don't totally nail that.
And most of all I think - new writers give up too easily after a couple of knockbacks. It's the ones that keep soldiering on learning from their mistakes that eventually succeed.
Quote: Lee Henman @ February 13 2009, 10:02 AM GMTIf you're talking about narrative comedy, I'd say probably not enough planning. Most new writers tend to start at point A and see where it takes them. AS you get more experienced you plan A to B to C before you start writing.
Also, clarity of character. Even seasoned writers don't totally nail that.
And most of all I think - new writers give up too easily after a couple of knockbacks. It's the ones that keep soldiering on learning from their mistakes that eventually succeed.
This should be a mantra, printed out by all us newbies, laminated and then read everytime we go to open up the laptop. (I'm serious)
Def.
A praying mantra?
Quote: Marc P @ February 13 2009, 10:15 AM GMTA praying mantra?
Yes, but unlike its insect relation, the little laminated card will not bite your head off after you have read it.
Def.
Forgetting to make something funny is a common mistake, I find; a lot of folk seem to think simply reproducing the banter they have with their mates in the boozer will similarly recreate the hilarity of the moment, which it rarely does.
Quote: Lee Henman @ February 13 2009, 10:02 AM GMTIf you're talking about narrative comedy, I'd say probably not enough planning. Most new writers tend to start at point A and see where it takes them. AS you get more experienced you plan A to B to C before you start writing.
Also, clarity of character. Even seasoned writers don't totally nail that.
This-
Quote: Stu R @ February 13 2009, 10:38 AM GMT
banter
-and this.
And not making it funny.
Quote: Deferenz @ February 13 2009, 10:07 AM GMTThis should be a mantra, printed out by all us newbies, laminated and then read everytime we go to open up the laptop. (I'm serious)
Def.
I agree. Its my biggest problem. A vague idea and I must hit the keyboard without delay.
Must plan, plan, plan.
Quote: bigfella @ February 13 2009, 4:44 PM GMTI agree. Its my biggest problem. A vague idea and I must hit the keyboard without delay.
Must plan, plan, plan.
It's something I used to do as well; but really planning is essential. The outcome is unquestionably better if you put the ground work in first.
Writing characters, situations and dialogue which they think other people will find funny, rather than what they find funny themselves.
Dialogue tends to be the biggest mistake, certainly on a lot of stuff in Critique.
That and 2D characters who are indistinguishable from one another.
.
Quote: Lee Henman @ February 13 2009, 10:02 AM GMT
AS you get more experienced you plan A to B to C before you start writing.
It's like everything else, Lee. With my Mrs, I go from 'A' (arse) to 'B' (breast) to 'C' (c**t).
As for Shakespeare and his Mrs - he would go from A to B - or not to B.
.
Quote: Morrace @ February 13 2009, 8:44 PM GMT.
It's like everything else, Lee. With my Mrs, I go from 'A' (arse) to 'B' (breast) to 'C' (c**t).
As for Shakespeare and his Mrs - he would go from A to B - or not to B.
.
Quote: Morrace @ February 13 2009, 8:44 PM GMT.
It's like everything else, Lee. With my Mrs, I go from 'A' (arse) to 'B' (breast) to 'C' (c**t).
As for Shakespeare and his Mrs - he would go from A to B - or not to B.
.
Hyah hyah hyaaah!
It's natural to be influenced by what you love, but new writers tend to write another version of characters/sitcoms hey love.