Apologies for the break, while I was on holiday. Ironically, I was in a #storycraft timezone, but racing around too much to attend!
This week, the lovely Kim Koning came up with another great topic: How Not to Write. Looks like it was a great tweetchat – I envy you all!
As always,
Happy Writing!
Danielle (@Danisidhe/@Story_Craft)
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@DIYMFA: So excited I’m making it to #storycraft today! #storycraft
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@TCiddaCisuma: My week is great! And today, I re-potted some beautifully growing plants. Sun is shining. Writing is going growingly glowing. #storycraft
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@AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft Will wait a couple more minutes for more people to sneak in and then we will begin
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@DIYMFA: Almost done with round one of revisions on the book proposal, so it’s been a productive weekend. #storycraft
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@KarenBridget777: #storycraft Room is painted. Kitchen is almost done. Writing schedule has been erratic w/ furniture moving and such.
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@The_MOW: In the process of changing the name of a character (it’s seriously needed). As usual, going overboard on this process. lol #storycraft
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@KarenBridget777: #storycraft At least the bulk of it is done and we’ll have a break until the 15th when carpet comes in.
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@readingslab: Since I’ve been so out of practice I think it was important to recall the inspiration sensation. #storycraft
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@AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft Ok peeps so I was trying to come up with a fresh topic today ,then thought.We always focus on what is the right way write 1/2
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@AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft 2/2 but today we are going to focus on how not to write…like a “what not to wear” issue for your WIP…
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@chihuahuazero: I’m trying to stop rewriting scenes and revise. It might kill productivity. #storycraft
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@DIYMFA: @The_MOW I can totally relate. When I’m choosing character names, I spend too much time on baby name websites and SS database. #storycraft
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@AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft We all know the whats of how to write but sometimes we are blind to what we are doing and what is going wrong with our WIPs
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@PaulDail: Hey @AuthorKimKoning, just got in. Trying to get the yard/garden/etc… in gear. Gotta take advantage of a decent day. #storycraft
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@AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft So to begin our: What not to write? Give me 3 mistakes or lessons learned from your own experience about what not to write.
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@readingslab: Ooh what/how not to write! I think it’s important to not force a plot. Allow for inspirational turns “off course.” #storycraft
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@AuthorKimKoning: @PaulDail Hey Paul…Today we are going to talk about What not to write…like a What not to wear issue for your WIP #storycraft
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@KarenBridget777: #storycraft I’m not even sure what I’m doing. I’d go outside for “fresh air” but it’s 80 degrees out.
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@fireflyfly: @AuthorKimKoning 3 mistakes I’ve made: too much detail; too much backstory; too little/much prep (the balance is important 4 me) #storycraft
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@readingslab: 3 things I’ve done “wrong” were: 1-force a plot twist. #storycraft
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@cryssfox: One of the worst things to do is let yourself get stuck. We invent for a living. #storycraft
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@AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft What not to write no # 1 Don’t assume the reader can see into your head or your character’s head.
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@PaulDail: Tweetdeck moving very slow right now. #storycraft
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@PattiLarsen: writing from the logical side of your brain and not the creative side #storycraft
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@KarenBridget777: #storycraft I think the fumes may be killing my brain cells. I’m stuck with a scene where the male lead meets the male antagonist.
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@chihuahuazero: Theoretically, anything can be written. In many cases, it’s difficult to write correctly. #storycraft
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@PattiLarsen: editing from the logical side of the brain…. you get me #storycraft
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@DIYMFA: RT @AuthorKimKoning but today we are going to focus on how not to write… << Ooh, I like this topic. #storycraft
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@cryssfox: There are a million solutions, so I’ve been starting to make myself write them all down until I find one I like. #storycraft
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@readingslab: 2-force a character relationship 3-forget a major character trait. Tho not all in same story thankfully #storycraft
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@AuthorKimKoning: RT @readingslab: 2-force a character relationship 3-forget a major character trait. Tho not all in same story thankfully #storycraft
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@fireflyfly: RT @Leah_Jamielynn: #storycraft What not to write no # 1 Dont assume the reader can see into your head or your characters head. #storycraft
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@AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft What not to write? #2 Don’t confuse the reader with too many events in one chapter…
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@TCiddaCisuma: I’m so constantly over-critical. What-Not-To-Do is never easy. But excellent #grammar rates very high. #storycraft@chihuahuazero
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@fireflyfly: @PaulDail Those tend to be my biggest flaws. I am long winded. Working on that, though  #storycraft
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@DIYMFA: I don’t think there’s a wrong way to write, as long as you’re writing. If you’re not writing, though, then there’s a problem… #storycraft
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@AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft What not to write? #3 Don’t forget plot, don’t write yourself into a corner or dead-end with no return.
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@LM_Preston: #storycraft I don’t write what I don’t know about and what does not drive me to want to write
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@AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft What not to write? Dialogue: Don’t make your characters all sound the same…put in quirks and tics to individualise them
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@LM_Preston: #storycraft what ever you write can be edited to perfection
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@DIYMFA: All first drafts are ugly–what matters is that you get the words down. 90% of craft is in the revision, after all. #storycraft
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@LM_Preston: RT @AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft What not to write? Dialogue: Don’t make your characters all sound the same…put in quirks and tics to individualise them
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@AuthorKimKoning: RT @DIYMFA: All first drafts are ugly–what matters is that you get the words down. 90% of craft is in the revision, after all. #storycraft
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@Becky_AS: RT @DIYMFA: All first drafts are ugly–what matters is that you get the words down. 90% of craft is in the revision, after all. #storycraft
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@readingslab: Also: don’t be overly “clever” & stuff scenes with too much “meaning” #storycraft
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@AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft What not to write? Don’t give more attention to either protag or antag but equal attention to both.
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@DIYMFA: Or how about writing what you WANT to know? I love writing about topics that force me to learn new things. @The_MOW@LM_Preston #storycraft
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@AuthorKimKoning: RT @DIYMFA: Or how about writing what you WANT to know? I love writing about topics that force me to learn new things. #storycraft
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@Siri_Paulson: #storycraft A big one for me is confusing character arguments with conflict. They overlap, but they’re not the same.
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@readingslab: I have to remember this! RT @DIYMFA: All first drafts are ugly–what matters is you get words down. 90% of craft is revision #storycraft
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@fireflyfly: @DIYMFA I agree re: writing on things you want to know; I always want to write on stuff I don’t know! #storycraft
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@DIYMFA: RT @Siri_Paulson: A big one for me is confusing character arguments with conflict. They overlap, but they’re not the same. #storycraft
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@AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft What not to write? Stop telling, telling, lecturing, lecturing…Put the reader in the scene by Showing.
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@LM_Preston: RT @AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft What not to write? Don’t give more attention to either protag or antag but equal attention to both.
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@MardouLedger: RT @DIYMFA: All first drafts are ugly–what matters is that you get the words down. 90% of craft is in the revision, after all. #storycraft
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@TCiddaCisuma: DON’T forget that writing is often a grievous endeavour–crippling, painful. But we must do it, even at that cost. #storycraft
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@KarenBridget777: #storycraft I have two female leads (sort of) and one male lead and it’s messing with my mind.
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@LM_Preston: #storycraft if you weird what you don’t know then take time to research
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@fireflyfly: @TCiddaCisuma I’ve been experiencing that pain recently! This darn short won’t…just…finish! LOL! Thanks for the reminder #storycraft
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@DIYMFA: What not to write? You need to set the rules of your story’s world. Once set you can break them, but they have to exist first. #storycraft
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@AuthorKimKoning: Yes. RT @DIYMFA: You need to set the rules of your story’s world. Once set you can break them, but they have to exist first. #storycraft
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@fireflyfly: Always, always, always research…even if you know it…just to make sure… #storycraft
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@PaulDail: @cryssfox (2/2) I’ve been lost in physical fight scenes where they tell me all the punchs and swings and moves. #storycraft
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@fireflyfly: Oops…think that was a DO, not a DON’T. #storycraft
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@readingslab: RT @DIYMFA: You need to set the rules of your story’s world. Once set you can break them, but they have to exist first. #storycraft
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@fireflyfly: @DIYMFA Rules for a world are a must; and IF you break them, you’d best have a good reason, or you’ve lost me, the reader #storycraft
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@KarenBridget777: #storycraft How do you set the rules of the story world without telling what they are? I have a character about to discover that she (1/2)
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@AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft What not to write? don’t dumb down your WIP because you underestimate the reader, they are not stupid.
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@TCiddaCisuma: Good to be hyper-critical! RT @fireflyfly: Always, always, always research…even if you know it…just to make sure… #storycraft
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@chihuahuazero: What not to do? Be inconsistent with the narrator’s emotions. Just saw it in the book I’m reading. #storycraft
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@KarenBridget777: #storycraft has a magical ability she never knew existed. And she’s in her late 20′s/early 30′s. (2/2)
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@AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft What not to write? Don’t throw in the whole kitchen into the WIP, it is ok to let readers fill in some of the blanks…
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@DIYMFA: I don’t believe in writing something unless I can put my name to it. If I do, I don’t show it anyone and dispose of it quietly. #storycraft
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@Leah_Jamielynn: RT @AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft What not to write? Don’t throw in the whole kitchen into the WIP, it is ok to let readers fill in some of the blanks…
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@TCiddaCisuma: What not to write? #storycraft DON’T write anything below your true ability.
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@AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft What not to write? Real world, real setting – don’t muck up the details, the reader will spot your mistakes a mile off.
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@KarenBridget777: @fireflyfly #storycraft But where do you put the rules in the story? Should it be in dialogue like the shopkeeper in Gremlins?
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@Siri_Paulson: #storycraft Don’t throw in too many subplots, themes, etc. You’ll just confuse yourself and make editing harder.
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@AuthorKimKoning: Grt pnt. RT @Siri_Paulson: #storycraft Don’t throw in too many subplots, themes, etc. You’ll just confuse yourself and make editing harder.
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@fireflyfly: RT @Siri_Paulson: #storycraft Dont throw in too many subplots, themes, etc. Youll just confuse yourself and make editing harder. #storycraft
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@chihuahuazero: @fireflyfly My Lost Skirt by Lynda Durrant. To be fair, it’s historical fic based on a true story, but… #storycraft
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@AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft What not to write? Worldbuilding in a created world: Don’t assume the reader understands your created world, make it clear
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@Leah_Jamielynn: RT @AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft What not to write? Worldbuilding in a created world: Don’t assume the reader understands your created world, make it clear
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@AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft What not to write? Don’t make your characters unrelateable eg Your antag all bad and dark, your protag all good and sweet.
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@AndreaHunter313: Reading a book that defined the murder victim in Chpt 11 & killed him in Chpt 12! Everything to that point seemed to be fluff. #storycraft
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@DIYMFA: It’s all about the writing being effective. What’s “good” writing in one scenario might not work in another. Writing must work. #storycraft
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@KarenBridget777: #storycraft I have an antagonist who is WAY more over the top than he needs to be. He’s so evil he makes my appropriately flawed (1/2)
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@readingslab: RT @AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft Don’t make your characters unrelateable eg Your antag all bad and dark, your protag all good and sweet.
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@KarenBridget777: #storycraft Male protag look like a Gary Stu, which he is NOT! (2/2)
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@AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft What not to write? Don’t muck up details about your character…if he started with blonde hair don’t suddenly switch to brown
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@The_MOW: @KarenBridget777 You want over the top? Use the world of professional wrestling like I am for your story. lol #storycraft
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@chihuahuazero: What not to do: Make the protag unlikable AND boring. #BasedOnAnotherBook #storycraft
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@DIYMFA: @AuthorKimKoning It’s the “Opposite is Possible” theory: you have to show readers that char. has a hint of opposite to him/her. #storycraft
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@AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft What not to write? Cliches and overused words/phrases! Beware.
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@fireflyfly: @chihuahuazero Ooh, good one. I don’t mind an unlikeable prot if there is promise of change along the way #storycraft
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@Siri_Paulson: #storycraft Oops, must run for dinner. Glad I could stop in for a bit and chat with you all!
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@fireflyfly: What not to write? Stagnant characters. They must grow, change, develop, and blossom #storycraft
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@AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft What not to write? Protags and antags than don’t grow or change or evolve.
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@The_MOW: Here’s a challenging character to write — “the mysterious benifactor
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@AndreaHunter313: For me, the most effective bad guys have redeeming qualities…then you always wonder, will or can s/he change and be likable? #storycraft
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@TCiddaCisuma: What not to write? #storycraft DON’T write as though you were less than a fantastically complex, unique individual.
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@DIYMFA: What not to write: anything that pulls (or jolts or yanks) the readers out of the story. #storycraft
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@AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft What not to write? Don’t over-complicate things that readers can’t follow the storyline…
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@Scatoma: Strewnfields weekly chapt http://t.co/BkBMu2HV #writenow #mybook #nanowrimo #novelists #selfpublishing #wrotetoday #storycraft #scribechat
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@AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft What not to write? Don’t throw your main characters under a bus that does not exist…make their obstacles clear.
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@AndreaHunter313: Great point! RT @DIYMFA: What not to write: anything that pulls (or jolts or yanks) the readers out of the story. #storycraft
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@fireflyfly: @DIYMFA Interesting point. You mean anything that doesn’t fit in with the story? #storycraft
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@AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft What not to write? Writing a story to match trends… Don’t.
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@KarenBridget777: #storycraft The first thing the antagonist does (after he buys restaurant from male protag’s parents) is rip religious symbols off walls)
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@chihuahuazero: #WhatNotToWrite? Don’t wait until the end for us to care a little about the protag. #storycraft
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@AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft What not to write? Skimping on tension…there always needs to be tension both character-driven and plot-driven
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@chihuahuazero: #WhatNotToWrite? Make the antag more interesting than the protag. #storycraft
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@AuthorKimKoning: Love that. RT @fireflyfly: What not to write: a book without hilarious, sad, or terrible moments. Life’s a b**** sometimes #storycraft
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@KarenBridget777: #storycraft The dystopias probably wouldn’t be selling so well if we weren’t so close to being there in reality. 
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@DIYMFA: @fireflyfly I mean anything that makes the reader realize they’re *reading* and not actually in the world of the story. #storycraft
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@AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft What not to write? Don’t drag out the story or write too long-winded.
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@chihuahuazero: #WhatNotToDo? Have every character except the protag’s little sis unlikable. #storycraft
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@chihuahuazero: #WhatNotToDo? Never solve ANY of the injustices presented in the book. #storycraft #rant
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@TCiddaCisuma: #storycraft DON’T neglect to bare your broiled brain in the editing stage.
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@chihuahuazero: RT @fireflyfly: What not to write: a book without hilarious, sad, or terrible moments. Life’s a b**** sometimes #storycraft
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@chihuahuazero: #WhatNotToDo? Have the protag not have a high point of reference in the beginning of a tragedy. #storycraft
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@DIYMFA: RT @chihuahuazero Never solve ANY of the injustices presented in the book. <<At least, protag should be the one to solve them… #storycraft
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@KarenBridget777: #storycraft Right now the thing Americans are the most terrified of losing is our freedom.
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@fireflyfly: @TCiddaCisuma broiled brain, huh? yeah, that happens during edits. about halfway through, i’m wondering where the end is #storycraft
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@AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft Well it seems we all know what not to do and how not to write and what should be avoided. 1/2
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@chihuahuazero: #WhatNotToDo? Don’t be too risky with a 2nd person story. You’re already on thin ice. #storycraft
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@AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft 2/2 Now that we have got all the cons out of the way, we can avoid them in our own WIPs… #lessonslearnedwhenwriting
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@Leah_Jamielynn: RT @AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft 2/2 Now that we have got all the cons out of the way, we can avoid them in our own WIPs… #lessonslearnedwhenwriting
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@AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft #lessonslearnedwhenwriting The first draft is meant to have these mistakes in them, you have editing to correct these errors.
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@chihuahuazero: #WhatNotToDo? Maintain the same kind of mood for most of the story. #storycraft
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@Leah_Jamielynn: RT @AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft #lessonslearnedwhenwriting The first draft is meant to have these mistakes in them, you have editing to correct these errors.
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@AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft #lessonslearnedwhenwriting Don’t be afraid of terrible first drafts…It is only through mistakes we can learn.
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@fireflyfly: @AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft The first draft is meant to have these mistakes in them, you have editing to correct these errors. #storycraft
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@DIYMFA: RT @AuthorKimKoning: The first draft is meant to have these mistakes in them, you have editing to correct these errors. #storycraft
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@chihuahuazero: BTW, the last few #WhatNotToDo all apply to a book I have a bone to pick about. #storycraft
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@DIYMFA: You can do just about anything in writing… except edit a blank page. #storycraft
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@fireflyfly: I love first drafts! You can be a horrible writer there and no one will know! #storycraft
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@AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft Well peeps that is the end of another week’s #storycraft chat… Thank you all for coming and for chiming in 
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@fireflyfly: NICE! RT @DIYMFA: You can do just about anything in writing… except edit a blank page. #storycraft
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@readdonnaglaser: Just finished my first draft an hour ago! Very exciting. Now the real work begins. #storycraft
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@fireflyfly: Thanks, Kim, for another stellar session! #storycraft
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@AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft Have a great week everyone…and remember…same time, same place next week SUNdays ESt 6pm-7pm Bring friends. More the merrier
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@chihuahuazero: (Coun.) I’m being a bit unfair with said book, but I’m still wondering what’s the appeal to it. #storycraft
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@TCiddaCisuma: @VivienWeaver had a great way of differentiating first and final drafts in terms of quality and appearance. Mud to sculpture. #storycraft
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@readdonnaglaser: Sorry to have missed it but I was brain dead from a morning of writing. Maybe next week! #storycraft
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@AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft Write-well peeps…Have a stellar writing week! See you all next week.
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Looks like you guys had another fantastic chat, thanks to the lovely @AuthorKimKoning who continues to take such good care of, and build the #storycraft community. I can’t wait to get back into a timezone that allows me to join in, and host again. Happy writing, everyone! @Danisidhe (@Storycraft) @AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft Starts now..Who’s going to join…
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@AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft Starts now!Come join us.Newbies and first-timers welcome.We talk about the crafting of story in this hour long chat. #WriteChat March 25, 2012, 10:00 pm @PaulDail: Are we there yet? Are we there yet? #storycraft March 25, 2012, 10:00 pm @crimnos: @AuthorKimKoning Hey hey I’m here, doing okay. #storycraft March 25, 2012, 10:01 pm @AuthorKimKoning: We’re here! We’re…
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@AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft So according to DST time it is now #storycraft time… #WriteChat March 11, 2012, 10:01 pm @KarenBridget777: #storycraft Hi! March 11, 2012, 10:01 pm @emrcreates: Hello, everyone! #storycraft March 11, 2012, 10:02 pm @AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft Hi all….I almost would have missed the chat….Our clocks have not changed yet…Only change 01/04. We go back 1 hour. March 11, 2012,…
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My apologies to the lack of transcript the past couple of months, illness and dodgy internet have prevented me from my usual routines. I will endeavour not to let it happen too often. Enjoy! #STORYCRAFT TRANSCRIPT 15TH JANUARY 2012 @AuthorKimKoning: 1 minute to #storycraft Are you ready for a great chat on what makes a great story?…
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@AuthorKimKoning: Grey matter engaged, pens down, tweeting fingers ready? It’s #Storycraft time now. Welcome & hello #writechat November 13, 2011, 11:00 pm @AuthorKimKoning: #storycraft Hello all! So I hope the week has been treating you all well. Few early chatters already. Nice to see you eager. November 13, 2011, 11:00 pm @CarlPurdon: @AuthorKimKoning It’s really nice this time…
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Great chat on POV today. Summing up:3rd is preferred method but 1st is effective for YA and for immediacy as well as getting into character’s head..Important to have a distinct Voice for each POV if switching POV in story. Keep in mind, don’t confuse reader…When switching genders for different POVs…keep true to gender. Betas of…
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Hi all. My apologies for taking so long to get this up – my prompt used to be finishing hosting #storycraft but since I’m not anymore & it’s week one of NaNo I’m afraid I just haven’t managed it till now. It looks like Kim did a wonderful job her first time round and the numbers…
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As you all know, when I moved to Bangkok about 2 months ago, the old #storycraft time became around 4a.m. for me (depending on US DST) so I moved the chat to 10pm Bangkok time, which was about 11a.m. Sunday, New York Time. After a good 6 weeks, those of you who have been…
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@Story_Craft: 5mins to #storycraft. Today: the essential “whys” of writing. It’s a new format, but I’m hoping you’ll know more about your WIP at the end! October 2, 2011, 3:00 pm @Story_Craft: It’s #storycraft time. Who’s up for a “why” pass of their Work In Progress? Are you brave enough? October 2, 2011, 3:01 pm @Leah_Jamielynn: RT @Story_Craft: It’s #storycraft time….
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#storycraft
