Postby true_noir_chloe » Sun Jul 03, 2005 12:09 pm
You know, I really didn't give a very good critique on your first bit of writing, Insane. Sorry about that. ^^;;; I feel very badly that I short-changed you with a bad critique.
Please, let me try again now that I've thought over your writing, looked it over again, and looked at this new section.
In the first section I felt lost as a reader. And I think I know why, it's because you had trouble transitioning from one scene to the next. When I said I felt you needed to give us more info, I didn't mean give away the secrets to the story, I meant just more info. on the scene - build up, make us know where we are, a little background, a bit of description - anything to pull me (the reader) in. I want to be swept up into the fantasy world you've created. It's like the game, Jenga, where you have a tower of blocks and you slowly pull away each block. Well, your first section was like that tower with quite a few blocks already missing and I'm on top tottering and trying to get my footing before it falls down. Readers need to be secure in the world you've created or they will get so lost they won't want to read on. That means you need to be secure and know your world backward and forward to convey that to the reader - and then convey it.
Now, with most writing this isn't uncommon; I notice when I go back and do an edit this is where I usually have to edit. I'd really suggest you read up on scene structure and how to give just the right amount of information on a scene so that you draw your reader into the story. This really comes with practice and reading.
Also, I couldn't attach to your main character as much as I would have liked. Even now, with the new section, I'm not quite sure what kind of person Arys is and why I should care about her dilemma she's in. Please don't take that badly - I don't mean I don't care about your character. I mean, you haven't filled me in with what kind of person she is enough - possibly at the beginning - to feel for her the way I would like to. It's just, I think a bit more well-chosen sentences or a background paragraph here or there, might have done it.
I agree 100% with Photosoph, that she seems too well-adjusted to the situation.
I hate to bog you down with another comment, but the way the bartender speaks needs a little work if you are trying for a Cockney-type accent or something similar to Hagrid (sp?) of Harry Potter. The dialogue is good, otherwise.
I think you've got a lot of talent, but like I tell my daughter you're young and you'll keep learning; don't ever think that you're accomplished because there is always room for improvement. That's the fun part of being young - learning to get better at something - the process is worth it. Writing is fresh for you and if you love to do it, I know you'll just blossom the more you do it. I've played guitar for over 30 years and I'm still no Carlos Santana, but I can always learn new things and still get better. And, I just plain old love to play.
I hope I gave you a more hopeful critique this time. It's great that you and Kneko can bounce your ideas off one another. I think it shows in both of your writing.
[size=84][color=seagreen]YOU SEE
You see into the deepest part of me ---
beyond the fog I hide behind.
You cast your light upon the shadows
that stretch like cobwebs in my mind.
You ease the pain when I am hurting,
and morbid visions from my past
pierce into the realm of Reason
as though I danced on blades of glass.
You grant me strength when I have fallen
and, once again, I've lost my way.
You take my hand in Yours and lead me
into the promise of a brand new day.
You bring order to all my chaos,
yet set my well-laid plans awry.
You place me on a firm foundation ---
then give me wings so I can fly.
You sand away my roughened edges
and polish all the dullest parts
until I stand before Your presence...
a newly-sculpted work of art.
You see into the heart within me,
right through my motives and selfish will.
And yet, in spite of all You see
You say You love me even still.
~by D.M.~
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