ATT: Writers - Proposed FR Writers' Group

[BlueBard]

I think "regular" writing challenges should be short exercises that stretch a little, not complete stories, every week or every other week at most.  Set a very low or no minimum word count, so people aren't frustrated or scared off by them.  They need to be regular enough that people can jump right in when they have the time, and they should have a "suggested" reasonable time limit to keep them on their toes and discourage procrastination.

The one downside I see to that is that if you do have a long term project, this could fathomably pull you away from it.  Once every two weeks sounds preferable is they are to be a regular thing.    I had thought they could be open-ended and there if someone is lapsing on their regular writing because they're stuck or what have you, they've got a bit of inspiration to work with.

My thought here is not that everyone should do every writing exercise.  Only that writing "prompts", as the Writing Excuses podcasts call them, ought to be regular enough that someone can jump in at any time when they have time.  And if you say you're going to do one, you do it and try to get it done "on time".

Writing prompts could be things like...

- Write a limerick about your favorite superhero
- Write one scene visually describing the setting of a fierce battle using first-person narration (word count target: 200)
- Write an Arch-Villain's monologue outlining his fiendish plot (word count target: 150)
- Write a two person dialogue using 5 words from a list of words
- Etc.

One rule of thumb ought to be... if you say you're going to write "x", the Writer's Group will try to help you be accountable for the goal you set for yourself.  If you aren't serious about it, don't set a public goal or be "all talk and no write".

Maybe everyone needs their own goal thread or something.  I'm not sure how we'll keep track of everybody's goals if they're all lumped together in one big thread.  Something to think about.

If I'm overthinking this or being unrealistic, somebody please tell me to "shut up".

[Glitch Girl]

Well, if you insist...

Actually the stuff you have listed are some good ideas.  I had thought the challenges could be smaller than they have been in the past, but I was also thinking open-ended and long-termish.  This I can see. 

Goals and keeping track of them... that is a good question.  Individual threads could work, but I'm open to other suggestions. 

I also think that posts relating to this group should be marked as such, like with a "WR" ("Writers Reborn" unless someone has a better idea for a name) at the begining of the subject line.  I could also check to see if we can get a specific post icon for it if anyone is interested.

[Reepicheep]

Fiction Force?

[Outcast]

Or you could combine the two? Fiction Reborn? or Fan Fiction Reborn?

For what's it worth, i think this is a nice idea as well (from a reader's/spectator's point of view...not that good at writing stuff you see.).

[Glitch Girl]

I'd like to stay away from the term "fiction" since I don't want to limit it to just that.  I for one would like to try my hand at essay, and it doesn't exactly fall under the category of "fiction", but does fall under the category of "writing".

Speaking of keeping track of goals and whatnot... Would a site devoted to this group work?  Admittedly I'd prefer to keep as much onsite as possible, but there are limitations to the board setup.  Something like a  Google Site maybe?  Or not. I'm mostly throwing this out there to see what you think.

Remember, I'd like to officially launch on Jan 1st.


PS: Love the Lunatic avatar Outcast

[BlueBard]

I'm totally okay with a Google Site.  You could link to Google Docs, put tasks and events in a Google Calendar, put up a Google+ page, etc.  One real downside is if someone doesn't want a Google account; functionality for that person would be more limited.  The other is that it's a heck of a lot more difficult to get it to look exactly like you want unless you design your own page template.

[BlueBard]

As far as a name for the group goes, how about:

"Authors Assemble"
"The Writers' Bloc"

... I'll keep working on it ...

[Mr. Hamrick]

A google page sounds fine.  I have a Google+ page that I never seem to use so this might give me a good excuse to use it.

On another note: I like the idea of the members setting goals for themselves as well as being given "challenges" on occasion by members.  I have had some particular issues with the scripts that I have been working on (not to mention offline issues distracting me from stuff too) and would love to be able to discuss and get assistance on projects from the other writers where able.

[Outcast]

PS: Love the Lunatic avatar Outcast

Thanks Glitch Girl.

I'd like to stay away from the term "fiction" since I don't want to limit it to just that.  I for one would like to try my hand at essay, and it doesn't exactly fall under the category of "fiction", but does fall under the category of "writing".

As far as a name for the group goes, how about:
"Authors Assemble"
"The Writers' Bloc"

The Writers' Bloc has a nice ring to it.....other suggestions i can think of are....The Writer's Guild Club? Writer's League? or FR Writer's Society (i remembered "Dead Poet Society" on that one. )....

I think having it's own site would be cool but how would the presentation look like? Would each member have his/her own page or something?
If some of you guys like it here within these boards, i'm thinking maybe a sub forum could work. There each member can have his/her own thread. ( Much like in the Meshes/Skins sub forums that have individual threads of a different mesher/skinner presenting their work? I dunno.)

[Deaths Jester]

I don't know about the google site idea, would prefer having it's own seperate complete forum..but that's just me and my dislike of joining too many other online search engine-thingys.  Like the idea of goals beucase then we can always crab on those (like myeself) who don't work hard enought o reach those goals...mainly cause it's fun to get crabby! 

As for challenges, I don't think everyone should have to participate in them, for no other reason than some of us have extremely hard times trying to make the word count and time limit setting.  Example, is that I've an extremely hard time getting in the mood to write and once in that mood I usually can't stop writing anything less than 1,000+ words.

-DJ

[BlueBard]

I don't know about the google site idea, would prefer having it's own seperate complete forum..but that's just me and my dislike of joining too many other online search engine-thingys.  Like the idea of goals beucase then we can always crab on those (like myeself) who don't work hard enought o reach those goals...mainly cause it's fun to get crabby! 

As for challenges, I don't think everyone should have to participate in them, for no other reason than some of us have extremely hard times trying to make the word count and time limit setting.  Example, is that I've an extremely hard time getting in the mood to write and once in that mood I usually can't stop writing anything less than 1,000+ words.

-DJ

No worries, DJ... I think we're all in agreement that challenges need to be on an as-you-have-time basis.  The idea is if you say you're gonna do one, or any other project, the rest of us will helpfully remind you of that fact.  Not to nag, but to encourage.  Accountability is an important self-motivator.

Mini-challenges, in concept, would be small, spare-time writing exercises for fun.  They shouldn't take more than an hour or two apiece (depending on how fast you write) and would have low or no word count targets.  If we have those up regularly, then anyone can pick one when they don't have anything better to do

Full-blown informal writing challenges would be similar to the ones we've done in the past, with deadlines you set for yourself and only once in a great while.

[BlueBard]

Writer's Bloc is taken... oh well

Authors Assemble, on the other hand, looks free and clear. (Even the domain name is available) 

[Nyte Dragon]

@Jey: Held here at the forums hopefully.  I'd like to use Fan Fiction, or perhaps we can create a subforum of it for this.  Anyone who is registered here at FR can post work, and I guess critique as well.  Still working out the finer points, which is why this thread is here. 

I think we could use one of the old unused forums, like the one we used for 'Freedom Lost' for that prehaps. Then everything would still be contained within FR and no need to divert folks into another site.

[Mr. Hamrick]

@Jey: Held here at the forums hopefully.  I'd like to use Fan Fiction, or perhaps we can create a subforum of it for this.  Anyone who is registered here at FR can post work, and I guess critique as well.  Still working out the finer points, which is why this thread is here. 

I think we could use one of the old unused forums, like the one we used for 'Freedom Lost' for that prehaps. Then everything would still be contained within FR and no need to divert folks into another site.

The only concerns that I personally have about using the sub-forum here length of material (particular when I am posting script stuff, I'm pretty sure I could fill a couple of posts back to back if I started posting script stuff here.  the post limit is 20,000 words which is less than the 27 page script I just tried to post), violating forum rules (again, this would be quite easy to do rather it's content or language related violations) and a few minor issues regarding certain genres that might be deemed "offensive" to some people here (it seems to be one thing to see it in a comic or on screen but it would be different to depict it in writing).

Otherwise, the old unused "forum wide project" subforum/ area would probably work.

[JeyNyce]

The only reason I asked my question is because I don't think it's fair for others (non-writers) to judge your guys work (1st draft, etc).  I think you guys should keep your work within the group, edit, rewrite, whatever needs to be done and when you are finish then bring it out to the public for the rest of us to read.

I'm not a writer, so I don't think it's fair for me to judge your guys work, just my opinion.

[Nyte Dragon]

The only concerns that I personally have about using the sub-forum here length of material (particular when I am posting script stuff, I'm pretty sure I could fill a couple of posts back to back if I started posting script stuff here.  the post limit is 20,000 words which is less than the 27 page script I just tried to post), violating forum rules (again, this would be quite easy to do rather it's content or language related violations) and a few minor issues regarding certain genres that might be deemed "offensive" to some people here (it seems to be one thing to see it in a comic or on screen but it would be different to depict it in writing).

Otherwise, the old unused "forum wide project" subforum/ area would probably work.

For lengthy material, you could break up the script into sections (like chapters... or say 1st act, 2nd, etc.) and allow folks to crit that before hand. It could work out advantageous on your part if they gave a suggestion that you thought might improve the story. However on the other hand, by not being able to see the whole story in one go, they might not know why this person is doing something that would be revealed later on in the story. So it's a case of fragged if you do, and fragged if you don't, I guess. 

And we have our handy, dandy filter to block out bad words. I would say with subject matter that might seem a bit much, prehaps we use a ratings system, like TV, to show what the story has in it. (And doesn't violate the boards own rules) Like if there is going to be violence, it could be rated as follows :

CV - Cartoon violence - People getting whacked in the head, or tossed around, but mostly for laughs.
FV - Fantasy violence - Typical silver age comic book fights, more realistic, but not gruesome or overly graphic.
V - Violence - The middle ground, about what you see in modern comics or on current superhero toons.
GV - Graphic Violence - Watchmen or DKR style fighting. And I think with anything approaching this level definetly at least needs a warning posted on it.

Just a suggestion, of course, as it would be up to the majority of the ppl involved, as well as the moderation team on what can/will be allowed.

[ow_tiobe_sb]

(Late to the party, as usual.  )   Given that my name has become something of a byword for unfinished projects (e.g, I am still working on the Beatles fiction challenge from some time ago  ), I would greatly benefit from the sort of support network that you have proposed here.  Consider me interested and willing to participate as both a contributor and constructive critic.

Thanks to all of you for proposing and nurturing this idea.  I cannot wait to see it implemented, and would be happy to help bring it to fruition in any way that I am able.

ow_tiobe_sb
Phantom Bunburyist and Whirled Braker

[Glitch Girl]

Using the old forum is an idea, or we could even set up a new area I think.  When I get home later, I'll make a post in Titans and bounce that idea off them. 

[BlueBard]

My personal feeling is that a forum format, on it's own, is not a good fit for collaboration and projects.

That said, there's always links.  If everyone in the group had their own project page, hosted wherever they want it, then we could have a list of links in the forum.  I would not want to see the group totally separate from the FR board... what would be the point of that?

Within the forum itself, you can link to specific posts and build an index of posts.  But I've done it before and I can tell you it's a lot of work to maintain something like that whenever you update.

We could also ask the admins to look into board mods that would help, but given the post volume of the site and the history of downtime I personally would be leery of such a thing.

[BlueBard]

More name ideas occurred to me...

"Freedom Reborn Expressions Excellence" Workshop - aka, F.R.E.E. Workshop

Or maybe just "Freedom Expressions" or "Freedom Workshop" or "FR Workshop"

[Uncle Yuan]

I've been lurking in this thread - and I'm intrigued.  I've always meant to get more structured about writing.  It would be great if this could get kicked off with the New Year!

Spoiler

And for those who remember him, I am still in regular contact with Grendal_71.  He wrote some very strong FF fanfic, as well as some other free standing stuff.  His wife and I have been after him to get writing again.  We shall step up our campaign and see if we can't get him back in the game!

[Mr. Hamrick]

I'm hoping to get this off the ground soon. 

And we have our handy, dandy filter to block out bad words. I would say with subject matter that might seem a bit much, prehaps we use a ratings system, like TV, to show what the story has in it. (And doesn't violate the boards own rules) Like if there is going to be violence, it could be rated as follows :

CV - Cartoon violence - People getting whacked in the head, or tossed around, but mostly for laughs.
FV - Fantasy violence - Typical silver age comic book fights, more realistic, but not gruesome or overly graphic.
V - Violence - The middle ground, about what you see in modern comics or on current superhero toons.
GV - Graphic Violence - Watchmen or DKR style fighting. And I think with anything approaching this level definetly at least needs a warning posted on it.

Just a suggestion, of course, as it would be up to the majority of the ppl involved, as well as the moderation team on what can/will be allowed.

I'm not as worried about the violence content actually, Night Dragon, as I am other content.  For example, I have a scene in this script that I am working on that has some political stuff in it.  It is actually a "playful argument amongst friends about the political affiliation of the Jedi" that is based on an actual mock debate that a friend and I had.  I'm actually trying to make the conversation a bit tighter and a bit more absurd almost.  More importantly,  I need a "sequel" argument for a later scene.  The "sequel" argument doesn't have to be political but should be equally "comedic" and more importantly make sense as a lead to the end of the scene.

There is a rule about "no politics" on the forums.  I know this first hand.  I've also got a religious scene of sorts (again, done in a somewhat abstract manner though not as humorous but with a little bit of humor in it)  and writing a scene with potential sexual chemistry in it?  I've attempted it (not sure if I was successful) but would be hesitant to post it here for advice. 

Just playing "devil's advocate" here a bit in regards to potential issues that could arise.   I think the idea is great in theory but I don't want to wind up getting in trouble for asking for assistance with material that TECHNICALLY violates certain forum rules.  AND I really would like to post an older version of the "Star Wars political debate" to get some input.  and ideas for a sequel conversation.  These two scenes (mainly the latter one) has been buggering me for waaaay too long.

[kkhohoho]

I'd definitely be interested in this.

[RTTingle]

Oh.. hello there.  Be sure to count me in!

[Deaths Jester]

For lengthy material, you could break up the script into sections (like chapters... or say 1st act, 2nd, etc.) and allow folks to crit that before hand. It could work out advantageous on your part if they gave a suggestion that you thought might improve the story. However on the other hand, by not being able to see the whole story in one go, they might not know why this person is doing something that would be revealed later on in the story. So it's a case of fragged if you do, and fragged if you don't, I guess. 

And we have our handy, dandy filter to block out bad words. I would say with subject matter that might seem a bit much, prehaps we use a ratings system, like TV, to show what the story has in it. (And doesn't violate the boards own rules) Like if there is going to be violence, it could be rated as follows :

CV - Cartoon violence - People getting whacked in the head, or tossed around, but mostly for laughs.
FV - Fantasy violence - Typical silver age comic book fights, more realistic, but not gruesome or overly graphic.
V - Violence - The middle ground, about what you see in modern comics or on current superhero toons.
GV - Graphic Violence - Watchmen or DKR style fighting. And I think with anything approaching this level definetly at least needs a warning posted on it.

Just a suggestion, of course, as it would be up to the majority of the ppl involved, as well as the moderation team on what can/will be allowed.

My one concern aside from the one Hamrick brought up, is I write things that could be considered a bit distrubing to those of lesser fortitude..no overt violence or such but more of the mental disturbing.  I'm wondering how that will fit in.

[Glitch Girl]

I think that anything that's possibly outside the lines of FR's guidelines, or is a long, ongoing project,  can be remote linked with warning and a discussion thread.  That should be fine, right? 


Okay,  I''m going to go through the thread in a little bit and gather names and set up a poll.  Will post link when done.

(Actually I'm also working on the start of a piece in time for the new year kickoff, so that's a bit of a distraction)

[Mr. Hamrick]

I think that anything that's possibly outside the lines of FR's guidelines, or is a long, ongoing project,  can be remote linked with warning and a discussion thread.  That should be fine, right? 

How about the unused forum for "Forum Wide" events for general stuff and for certain content, we set up the Google docs?  (I need to start utilizing my google stuff more anyways.)

Okay,  I''m going to go through the thread in a little bit and gather names and set up a poll.  Will post link when done.
(Actually I'm also working on the start of a piece in time for the new year kickoff, so that's a bit of a distraction)

Working on some stuff to post also.   Actually, would the group to help me tweak a few things on a script or two if that is okay.  (as I mentioned, including the aforementioned scene that involves some comically intended political references. 

actually, was talking with Reepicheep a bit ago and may go ahead and post "project project three" in the empty forum area.  Could one of the admins or mods move the "Sequence Structure" thread from Fan Fic to there?  thanks.

[Uncle Yuan]

Along with the Girl Genius and Order of the Stick webcomics.

Viking, mentioning this in the same sentence as Girl Genius caused me to go check it out.

A) Thanks - it's great fun.
B) I'd like that week of my life back now, please.

[Glitch Girl]

Okay, got the name poll live.
http://freedomreborn.net/forums/index.php?topic=55115.new#new

Vote for what you want to call yerselves folks!

[Mr. Hamrick]

Something that occurred to me this morning.  If we do use the unused forum area, then it should be made viewable to members of the forum only.  Just a thought, but it would protect us from anyone stealing out content and claiming it as their own.