Some Advice : The Elder Scrolls Series Discussion

» Fri Dec 10, 2010 3:57 pm

I have been playing Oblivion for a year now and have been refining my writing in my history class.(mixed with writing advice for painfully detailed and well-written essays) I have also been studying with lore and have been thinking about some interesting concepts to write about. Naturally, I have several questions on adapting my writing skills to Elder Scrolls fan fiction.

1. What tips could you give me for a topic to use in general?(not a specific topic, but only for what types)

2. How long do you believe each chapter should be?

3. For those of you who know me, is my writing good enough for writing succesful fan fiction?

4. How should each line be spaced out?

5. Is basing my fan fiction off of my actual character(from Oblivon) a good idea?

6. Is there any other advice that you could give me?

other questions about this section of the forums:

1. What point of view are stories mostly written in?

2. Are comedies usually put on here?

All answers would be appreciated.

» Fri Dec 10, 2010 8:33 pm

I have been playing Oblivion for a year now and have been refining my writing in my history class.(mixed with writing advice for painfully detailed and well-written essays) I have also been studying with lore and have been thinking about some interesting concepts to write about. Naturally, I have several questions on adapting my writing skills to Elder Scrolls fan fiction.

1. What tips could you give me for a topic to use in general?(not a specific topic, but only for what types)

Obvious choices are the main quest and/or side quests for various factions. Variety can be added by doing quests from mods or expansions. More creative (and more difficult) is to strike out on your own. The story is set in TES world, possibly during the Oblivion crisis, but does NOT follow the in-game plot. You could write from the perspective of Chancellor Ocato, or one of the Counts/Countesses, or the Grey Fox. Or some random individual whose life is affected by the events, but who is not central to them.

2. How long do you believe each chapter should be?

Depends. It should be self-contained- that is, cover a reasonable arc of the plot and action. I don't really have a ballpark for word-count- as you write, you will probably realize, "Hey, this is a good stopping place."

3. For those of you who know me, is my writing good enough for writing succesful fan fiction?

Define successful. A story that people will read and enjoy? Certainly. Beyond that? Well, I don't know that there is much beyond that for fan-fiction. :shrug:

4. How should each line be spaced out?

Look at works by Rumple, BSparrow, Helena, etc. White space is the reader's friend.

5. Is basing my fan fiction off of my actual character(from Oblivon) a good idea?

It will make things somewhat easier IF you tend to RP your character. It also depends on what you decide about 1. If you follow in-game quests- definitely. If you freestyle, it may still be helpful.

6. Is there any other adceie that you could give me?

Write down everything as you think of it. Have an overall plan in mind, but don't get married to it- your character(s) will develop their own ideas at times. Write first, revise later. Look at this thread for more ideas-

http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=1047806

other questions about this section of the forums:

1. What point of view are stories mostly written in?

Appears to be limited 3rd person, with a few 1st person narratives.

2. Are comedies usually put on here?

They can be- we haven't had a good one in a while- unless I missed it, which is entirely possible. Helena and Acadian use humor to great effect, but their stories aren't exactly comedies.

All answers would be appreciated.

» Fri Dec 10, 2010 3:14 pm

Thanks treydog.

I was thinking of creating a story that takes place during a time not in one of TES games as well. This setting wouldn't be in a time within one of the games, but rather it would be based on my character before the events in Oblivion or after the events in Oblivion.

» Fri Dec 10, 2010 4:08 pm

The concept of fanfiction is taking ones own idea, mixed with that of the Elder Scrolls lore, and creating something YOU enjoy. To answer your questions:

1. If you sit and think about the most common thought of the TES universe that you have, it will probably provide an excellent topic.

2. Most decent chapters I've seen are nearly eight to nine paragraphs. (Keep in mind that most fanfictions like this are written by more seasoned members of the forum)

3. I couldn't answer as I've never read any of your literature.

4. Writing a paragraph for each major action or sequence of events, spacing dialogue or single statements you want to deliver a punch with.

5. It's a common occurence. Just look at Buffy the Bowgirl. If you actually put some effort into bringing your character to life and placing them not only within a quest you've done, but taking them on an adventure, you'll pull it off effortlessly.

6. Try to pay attention to how you use your tenses in a fanfic. Watch your spelling, grammar, and punctuation as well. Darkom will hunt you down and finger feed the dictionary to you if you don't.

7. Normally it's third person but this shouldn't dictate how you choose to write your fanfiction. However you feel most comfortable is the proper way.

8. There have been a few short-lived comedies in my time. I haven't seen one in some time to be honest.

If you're unsure on how good you are, simply post a well-devised fanfic and see how the community reacts. Darkom will always find something though. He's a regular Elmer Fudd and the your mistakes are his Bugs Bunny.(sp?)

» Fri Dec 10, 2010 2:24 pm

1. What tips could you give me for a topic to use in general?(not a specific topic, but only for what types)

Choose a topic that interests you. The worst thing you could do is try to write about something that bores you. And don't worry if there's a subject that interests you but you don't know a lot about it. That is what research is for. Research is a great writer's tool.

2. How long do you believe each chapter should be?

This depends solely on you. Every writer differs. Me personally, I enjoy longer chapters. But there are time when short chapters work as well. This is a pretty good guideline: If it seems rushed then it's too short, if it drags on then it's too long. You'll have to tinker with it until you find your own style.

4. How should each line be spaced out?

You mean paragraph spacing? For the sake of your readers, I believe a writer should space for every new paragraph, and for when a new speaker has spoken. It's just common courtesy, and it's easy on the eyes. But again, that's just my opinion.

5. Is basing my fan fiction off of my actual character(from Oblivon) a good idea?

It can be good or bad. I've seen terrible stories and I've seen great stories. Really, if you're a good writer it won't matter. *shrug* Just don't name the character Seti. I hate it when writers use their username as their character's name.

6. Is there any other advice that you could give me?

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Seriously. Hell, bug me with questions if you want. I love helping out people with their writing anyway. This forum has some really talented writers. It would be a shame if you didn't use that to your advantage. Must of us are friendly enough to offer a helping hand.

1. What point of view are stories mostly written in?

Most are written in 3rd-person I would say, but that doesn't matter. Choose whatever feels natural to you. Though, remember that there are certain situations in which 3rd person would be better than 1st. For example, if I'm writing a story with a lot of emotion I want to write in 1st person. That's just how I am. It differs with each author of course.

2. Are comedies usually put on here?

I wouldn't say usually, but there are a few gems. Darknova is DA MASTA of comedic pieces. Seriously.... man's a straight up G when it comes to comedy.

I hope at least some of that helped you.

» Sat Dec 11, 2010 2:11 am

It has all helped. Would it be a good idea to just write the narration of my fan fic and put it on here for review?

» Sat Dec 11, 2010 1:58 am

I have my setting/characterization/plot sheet completed. The concept actually looks pretty good to me.

» Fri Dec 10, 2010 1:12 pm

Very good to see you finallly coming over to fan fiction, seti.

It's really fun, and don't be afraid to keep asking questions and trying out new things.

» Fri Dec 10, 2010 12:23 pm

Very good to see you finallly coming over to fan fiction, seti.

It's really fun, and don't be afraid to keep asking questions and trying out new things.

I had to observe the lore more thoroughly first. I am working on my first part, but probably should be sleeping. It's 3 A.M. now and I have school later today, but I am eager to work on my writing.

» Fri Dec 10, 2010 11:00 pm

I had to observe the lore more thoroughly first. I am working on my first part, but probably should be sleeping. It's 3 A.M. now and I have school later today, but I am eager to work on my writing.

Very good. I know it was a while back, but remember when I gave you that big review of your Fallout story? Well, read all the things I told you to improve on and make sure they're in the story.

And seriously, go to sleep. You spend too much time on the forums and frankly, it'll screw up your writing. It's not healthy.

In any case, I look forward to seeing it.

» Fri Dec 10, 2010 7:31 pm

Damn it. I missed the whole discussion. :stare:

» Fri Dec 10, 2010 6:03 pm

So, my writing is coming along well and should be finished by the end of the week.

» Sat Dec 11, 2010 2:28 am

Damn it. I missed the whole discussion. :stare:

Nonsense, my friend! It is never too late to answer a question covered multiple times over

1. What tips could you give me for a topic to use in general?(not a specific topic, but only for what types)

Hmm... personally, I have a few things I do for topics: historical events gone into detail, game quests with some major twists, or just non-main plotline original stories. For example, I have a few ideas bouncing around to do the Alessian Rebellion, the Galerion-Mannimarco conflict, and a war between the knightly orders in Hammerfell and High Rock (which would be historical things). I recently ended "Fallen Champion: Garzog", which was based on the Oblivion side quest "Last King of the Ayleids". And I have quite a few ideas for original stories (Illusionist anarchist cult, Mages guild civil war, etc.)

Basically I got a lot of my ideas just cruising around the UESP wiki lore, playing Oblivion, and reading this forum. Some of these stories have really inspired me.

But yeah, be completely sure you absolutely love an idea and can write a lot about it before starting. Always plan stuff out

2. How long do you believe each chapter should be?

That will depend on the content of the chapter. Dialogue makes pages go by faster, while descriptive stuff can eat up a word count. But one thing to keep in mind with chapters: each chapter should almost be like a story in and of itself. It should have an exposition (if the scene is different than the last chapter), it should have some rising action, and it should have a mini-climix. And so long as it isn't a cliffhanger, it should have a bit of a resolution. Keep these in mind with the overall plot and you have the makings of a good story

3. For those of you who know me, is my writing good enough for writing succesful fan fiction?

Sorry, but I don't know you all that well :embarassed: But I do know that anyone can write a fan fiction that they enjoy and get some decent feedback. It is really rare to post a story and absolutely no one say anything to you. Most of the time you will get some pretty good feedback as well. Go ahead

4. How should each line be spaced out?

Yeah, hit enter after each paragraph twice. Indentations don't work too well here, so it is a good idea to double space. Check out other stories for examples.

5. Is basing my fan fiction off of my actual character(from Oblivon) a good idea?

Once again, it really depends. I wouldn't advise it, being that it tends to lead to a less developed plot and much less characterization. I base my Oblivion characters off my writing :rock: You can if you want, and I've seen it done countless times, but please avoid doing the main quest. I know you can come up with new ideas, but it is usually better to get an original idea.

6. Is there any other advice that you could give me?

Uhh... "Show, don't tell", no ninjas or uber guys, remember the basic rules of plot, the introduction is the most important part of the story, and most stories are character driven (plot is great, but the characters make the novel. Silence of the Lambs would have been crap without Hannibal :evil:

)

other questions about this section of the forums:

1. What point of view are stories mostly written in?

Anything you want, though third and first are most common. Going into specifics beyond that would really depend on a few things from the story. First person tends to be restricted to one character for easier reading, but it helps to characterize that one like crazy. Third can get plots across easier, though characterization and grammar are more difficult, and multiple character points of view would require it. There are other rules, but I would say go with what you're more comfortable with.

2. Are comedies usually put on here?

I've seen them, and they're all fine and good, but they won't help your writing skill as much. If you want to make people laugh then that's your stuff, but I like more serious stories.

I had to observe the lore more thoroughly first. I am working on my first part, but probably should be sleeping. It's 3 A.M. now and I have school later today, but I am eager to work on my writing.

:ooo: Go to sleep! I never stay up past eleven on a school night, and that's only if a new episode of House is on.

Lore is always a good thing to observe when writing, though it can skirt the boundaries without a problem. Always remember with lore who is writing the information; many books and such are biased, as such always check your sources if using the wiki or an article by a user. Also, feel free to make some stuff up- you're a writer, you can do whatever you darn well please

Thanks, I look forward to your story :goodjob:

EDIT: We'll see... Aw, who am I kidding, sure I'd love to critique your story when you post it (let's see, Tuesday is free after 7, Wednesday is free until 7, and until the next Monday my schedule is clear. So I'm good for whenever)

» Sat Dec 11, 2010 3:33 am

Nonsense, my friend! It is never too late to answer a question covered multiple times over

:ooo: Go to sleep! I never stay up past eleven on a school night, and that's only if a new episode of House is on.

Lore is always a good thing to observe when writing, though it can skirt the boundaries without a problem. Always remember with lore who is writing the information; many books and such are biased, as such always check your sources if using the wiki or an article by a user. Also, feel free to make some stuff up- you're a writer, you can do whatever you darn well please

Thanks, I look forward to your story :goodjob:

I look forward to your opinion on my story. I'm making it detailed.

» Fri Dec 10, 2010 12:28 pm

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