How to know the world you write about
Posted: 2007/09/05 15:03
I've written two scripts, and both received the feedback "good first draft, the flaw is that you don't know the universe you're writing about." Particularly with the second script I'm writing about a world that I've worked in for years! What exactly does this mean - "know the world I'm writing about?" How do I learn more about this? How do I go deeper? I've already done tons of research - don't know what else I can do.
Thanks for any insight and resources you can give!!
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Caleb Monroe
Posts: 147
Karma: 4
Re:How to know the world you write about
Posted: 2007/09/05 23:59
Were these two scripts set in worlds of your own creating or somewhere created by others? And who was giving you this feedback?
Those are my two questions before I answer...otherwise I'd end up having to be pretty vague.
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Will Turner
Posts: 3
Karma: 0
Re:How to know the world you write about
Posted: 2008/03/11 01:55
"Knowing your world" I think that's a tough one, as the only way to really do that is either a: research your work or b: having characters in your head since childhood (My one Reynard City started off as b but gradually became a as I got older!)
You don't mention what your comics are about. In terms of "research", facts are one part but the other part is application.
For example, I have a character who is a psychic. So I recently read around psychology for this. I eventually came to a chapter on symbols in dreams. These symbols helped me create a superb dream sequence, foreshadowing later events in the story. Essentially, the research must be a part of the creative process, not just "the bit I do before I start writing". Also, don't be afraid to self-analyze your work BEFORE getting feedback. Hemmingway said "the first draft of anything is sh**" After you've redrafted it several times, the next time you read research, you'll be able to connect it with the world you've created, rather than creating a world from research.
Reynard City is...
"a unique concept" Kristen Simon, Shadowline "Jackie Chan meets One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest" Comicbookdb "excellent entertainment" Billy Tan, Tomb Raider:Lost Horizons "an exciting project on so many levels" Silverbulletcomicbooks
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Howard Wong
Posts: 58
Karma: 1
Re:How to know the world you write about
Posted: 2008/03/17 03:57
Try creating a bible for the world you created. AS a creator you will know the characters and the world they live in very well, but others, not so.
By writing out a bible, it makes you think of the things that you may need to include in your scripts that will immerse your readers into your world.
Early on, I never really did this, but I do it now and it helps greatly when structuring a story. Be it time lines, character motivation, or just to know where someone should be at a certain moment, all of which, can be traced back to the bible you create.
Hope that helps.
Collected together for the first time the smash hit sold-out series! Check out previews at my comicspace page
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