Are You Writing Serious Fantasy? II - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Lhundulinwen · 05-19-2004, 07:44 PM

Congratulations Sirithheruwen! Starting can be really hard sometimes, even when you know basically where the story is going! Does anyone have a ritual or something they do especially when starting a project? I read about how one author always starts a new novel on January 8th every year. And how about music? I almost allways have some type of music going in the background. (Yes, I confess. It generally is FOTR or ROTK soundtrack, but hey they are really good music.)

Kitanna · 05-19-2004, 08:04 PM

I have a little ritual I do when I write. I almost always listen to music. Mostly the ROTK soundtrack, but sometimes the Gladiator soundtrack of Gustav Holz's The Planets. If music cannot be played I'm usually in German class blocking out my teacher's annoying voice. I don't know if that counts as a ritual, but it's how I do it.

Saraphim · 05-20-2004, 03:23 PM

Kitanna: I am also plagued by a German teacher with an annoying voice. You have my pity.

Anyway, I get some of my inspiration for stories and especially for fighting scenes from music. I listen to a lot of Tool, which is a great band and quite inspirational, for me at least. I recommend it, if you don't mind cursing.

When I'm writing a particularly profound scene, it often helps me to listen to a song that the scene relates to.

The way I see writing and writers is that they, (and people in general, actually) are genuinly affected by the things thay are exposed to.

My friend doesn't like to read or see movies, because he is afraid it will affect his writing and make it un-original. I keep telling him that whatever he does will affect his writing, but he doesn't listen. It could have something to do with the fact that I tell him to do stupid things with volatile chemicals as well, but oh well.

Imladris · 05-20-2004, 03:28 PM

Watching TV does numb your mind...but I think that that is more of the dumb comedy/soap operas that do that...I don't think movies do, though I, too, am becoming a bit paranoid and worry that I'm watching too much TV.

However, if he's still concerned about it, you should tell your friend to read tons of books, because books will increasue and develope the imagination.

Nurumaiel · 05-20-2004, 03:43 PM

I know how watching TV can numb your mind. I never watch TV unless there's a really good movie or such on. The worst movie I ever saw in my life was on TV, and if I hadn't kept on the defense while watching it, it might have infested my mind and affected my writing. To write better now I only watch movies that are good without a doubt.

It's the same way with the books I read. If I read books that are badly-written, etc. it influences my writing for the worst. Now I try to stick to only well-written books by trustworthy authors, such as Tolkien, Chesterton, Dickens, etc.

So, Imladris, when you say,

Quote:

you should tell your friend to read tons of books, because books will increasue and develope the imagination.

I agree, but I suggest you mention to your friend to read good, well-written books unless he's able to resist the temptation of letting bad books influence his writing.

Sirithheruwen · 05-20-2004, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Congratulations Sirithheruwen!

Why, thank you!

I don't really have a ritual. I do listen to music, however. I prefer music without any words, it helps me concentrate better. The ROTK soundtrack is really good, as is the Pirates of the Caribbean one. However, I love love LOVE the theme for Requiem for a Dream. I also got an idea for a battle scene from the exact same music I got my death scene from. I don't think it will go in this book though, because there won't be many battle scenes. It also helps to write when I'm in a particularly emotional mood. Mad, sad, happy, whatever. It just helps to get my creative juices flowing. When I wrote said death scene, I was frustrated with my sisters, so I just went upstairs, turned on my music, and wrote.

I try not to watch TV also, and I don't really. Not that I have time to watch TV anyways.

Actually, one of my main characters came from a TV show -- don't laugh -- called Teen Titans. Hey, I told you not to laugh! The show wasn't particularly inspiring, but something triggered my creative juices. Ah well...

Happy Writings!

Sirithheruwen · 05-23-2004, 01:40 PM

Hmmm....I wonder if LMP knows this thread has been resurrected. I should like to know how his novel is coming...

05-19-2004, 07:44 PM	#1
Lhundulinwen Wight Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Wishin' and hopin' in the Shire Posts: 139	Congratulations Sirithheruwen! Starting can be really hard sometimes, even when you know basically where the story is going! Does anyone have a ritual or something they do especially when starting a project? I read about how one author always starts a new novel on January 8th every year. And how about music? I almost allways have some type of music going in the background. (Yes, I confess. It generally is FOTR or ROTK soundtrack, but hey they are really good music.) __________________ ~Just call on me, and I'm there. I'll always be your Sam~

05-19-2004, 08:04 PM	#2
Kitanna Child of the West Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Watching President Fillmore ride a unicorn Posts: 2,132	I have a little ritual I do when I write. I almost always listen to music. Mostly the ROTK soundtrack, but sometimes the Gladiator soundtrack of Gustav Holz's The Planets. If music cannot be played I'm usually in German class blocking out my teacher's annoying voice. I don't know if that counts as a ritual, but it's how I do it. __________________ "Let us live so that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry." - Mark Twain

05-20-2004, 03:23 PM	#3
Saraphim Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: The other side of freezing. Posts: 404	Kitanna: I am also plagued by a German teacher with an annoying voice. You have my pity. Anyway, I get some of my inspiration for stories and especially for fighting scenes from music. I listen to a lot of Tool, which is a great band and quite inspirational, for me at least. I recommend it, if you don't mind cursing. When I'm writing a particularly profound scene, it often helps me to listen to a song that the scene relates to. The way I see writing and writers is that they, (and people in general, actually) are genuinly affected by the things thay are exposed to. My friend doesn't like to read or see movies, because he is afraid it will affect his writing and make it un-original. I keep telling him that whatever he does will affect his writing, but he doesn't listen. It could have something to do with the fact that I tell him to do stupid things with volatile chemicals as well, but oh well. __________________ I drink Pan Galactic Gargle Blasters! ~ Always remember: pillage BEFORE you burn.

05-23-2004, 01:40 PM	#7
Sirithheruwen Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: May 2003 Location: Wind's Road Posts: 467	Hmmm....I wonder if LMP knows this thread has been resurrected. I should like to know how his novel is coming... __________________ "My name is Mallard, but you can call me Duck." ~Random Saying, compliments of Sirith and her best friend, concerning a book.

05-20-2004, 03:28 PM	#4
Imladris Tears of the Phoenix Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Putting dimes in the jukebox baby. Posts: 1,453	Watching TV does numb your mind...but I think that that is more of the dumb comedy/soap operas that do that...I don't think movies do, though I, too, am becoming a bit paranoid and worry that I'm watching too much TV. However, if he's still concerned about it, you should tell your friend to read tons of books, because books will increasue and develope the imagination.