Thursday, November 6, 2014

How to Write Books Good, Part 1


Thinking up the idea:
  • Think of an idea.
  • Lie in bed and think about the idea some more.
  • Dismiss idea.
  • Walk around house. Do menial tasks. Allow the mind to wander
  • When the mind has wandered around to an idea, stop doing menial tasks and pay attention.
  • Write it down.
  • Read it over.
  • Change it.
  • Lie down on sofa. Let idea form a story.
  • Dismiss idea. Hates idea. Idea is stupid.
  • Decide to write from the headlines. Switch on news. Read newspapers. Look for inspiration. 
  • Ebola, eh?
  • Brand new idea. A plague that wipes out most of humanity! The few survivors come together under some vague supernatural (religious?) pretence. 
  • But evil people have also come together! Drama! Conflict!
  • Realise your idea is The Stand, by Stephen King.
  • Read The Stand, by Stephen King.
  • Go back to original idea, decide it's good enough. 
  • Congratulations! You now have your idea!

4,788 comments:

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Vivanus Keen said...

*too

Inky Flame said...

(As I stated above
I dropped scissors on my foot
And I was like, blanked last night

But I'm talking to you and rhos so I guess I'm okay ^.^)

Vivanus Keen said...

(How big were the scissors?
I'm so sorry.

:-) )

Inky Flame said...

(They were quite big
But I'm tough
I punched a wall the other day
And don't apologise ^.^)

Vivanus Keen said...

(Ouch,
That's cruel to the wall... ;-)
I will apologize if I so wish)

Inky Flame said...

(I can be a cruel person
And okay then ... I accept your apology)

Vivanus Keen said...

(I have to go now, goodbye!)

Inky Flame said...

(Byii viv!)

Jophiel said...

I want to give Dylan another hug... He's so warm... And strong...

I know I shouldn't say this, but I actually feel kind of safe in his arms...

Inky Flame said...

(*huggles death*
I would say something but it wouldn't do anyone anygood
So I'm just going to huggle)

Jophiel said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Inky Flame said...

(*sighs* well im off to college now
be on later)

Jophiel said...

*Huggles back*

Want to see how I feel in a song?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGHfIR6PK7M

The overall mood of this is just me...

Jophiel said...

Bye Penguin...

Tanya Halcyon (Kas) said...

*stumbles in*

*hugs Danni*

*stays there*

Tanya Halcyon (Kas) said...

That song is beautiful, Danni.

Vivanus Keen said...

*walks in covered in metal*

Tanya Halcyon (Kas) said...

(Hello, Vivanus. How are you today?)

Vivanus Keen said...

(Metallic)
*looks around*
Typical...

Tanya Halcyon (Kas) said...

(Time zones...)

Vivanus Keen said...

(Still...)

Tanya Halcyon (Kas) said...

(I know...

*hugs Viv*)

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

*raises an eyebrow*

Anonymous said...

I saw the following on Tumblr.
All my OTP's, sitting in a tree
Ho-mo-se-xu-ality...

I'm pretty sure I died laughing.
How're you all? :)

Anonymous said...

Anybody here?

Vivanus Keen said...

(Aagh! I forgot my password, I had to change accounts, reboot, verify, and change my password to get back on...*sigh*)
*step over^
Can I help you?

Anonymous said...

Hi, Vivanus! :)
And no, I'm fine. Do you need help, by any chance?

Anonymous said...

crud I've gotta go
Sorry :/
*poofs*

Vivanus Keen said...

(Bye)

Vivanus Keen said...

*sits, waiting*

Vivanus Keen said...

*starts making a sword*

Vivanus Keen said...

*swings the blade to lengthen it*

Vivanus Keen said...

*finishes*
*stretches*
*makes a few swipes in the air*

Vivanus Keen said...

*gets bored and makes a bench*
*blogland needs more benches*

Vivanus Keen said...

*sits down*

Vivanus Keen said...

*waits*

Tanya Halcyon (Kas) said...

Hey, Viv.

I'm an emotional wreck. What should I do?

Vivanus Keen said...

I dedicate this page to all veterans. Thank you so much for the sacrifices you made for us.

Salute the ones who died
The ones that give their lives
So we don't have to sacrifice
All the things we love.
-Zac Brown "Chicken Fried"

Vivanus Keen said...

What's wrong Tia?

Vivanus Keen said...

(*hugs Tia*)

Vivanus Keen said...

Tia?

Vivanus Keen said...

*sigh*

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

*pokes her head on* schooool...

Vivanus Keen said...

Hi Sil

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Vivvy!
*tacklehugs*

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

Hello.

Vivanus Keen said...

Oomph
*huggles Sil*
Hi.

Vivanus Keen said...

(Oh this should get interesting)
*snaps his head up*
*gets to his feet*
Hello.

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

(MATTYYYYYYY)
(Oh wait...Matty and viv...at same time...um..
Let's all get along!)

Tanya Halcyon (Kas) said...

(Hear hear!)

Hello, Sil. How are you?

(Viv...)

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

Um?
See this is my problem.
What should the problem be, according to you Viv and you are just friends.
*shakes head*

Vivanus Keen said...

(@Tia: have you tried chocotherapy?)

Tanya Halcyon (Kas) said...

(Hello, Matex. How be you?)

Vivanus Keen said...

*narrows eyes*
Friends?
We're engaged!
*spikes bristle across his armor*

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

Viv i do not RP.
Hello, I am me, not a character.

Tanya Halcyon (Kas) said...

(@Viv Doesn't help with everything, I'm afraid.)

Vivanus Keen said...

(I see.
*spikes retract*
So are we talking about Sil TC or TA?)

Vivanus Keen said...

((@Tia: shock therapy then?))

Vivanus Keen said...

((Or is that illegal?))

Anonymous said...

@Tia: *hugs* :/
I have a few solutions:
1. Try listening to music that you like, while lying back and at least trying to relax. Then eat some chocolate. :P
2. Do those things, and after you've gone to a state of not-being-so-emotionally-wrecked, think about what you could do (realistically) to fix the situation.
3. Talk. Talk to people you trust, let it all out. It'll help, trust me. :)
And if those don't work, well-
Would hugs do? :)

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

The author as you all so fondly call it.
I come here as myself.
I roleplay using ** but i am not a character or anything. So you can forget about being jealous unless you're after Jai.

Anonymous said...

(wbvvvvvvvd)

Vivanus Keen said...

That's too bad, it would have made for a fantastic RP...

Tanya Halcyon (Kas) said...

(Bye, Em!)

Vivanus Keen said...

(((Sil, email))

Tanya Halcyon (Kas) said...

(I'll just be ghosting now...)

Vivanus Keen said...

Then what, may I ask, was your point in commenting at the moment that you did?

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

I have zero interest, sorry.
I don't like the idea of the engagement either, but that's beyond my control.

Vivanus Keen said...

If things are as separate as you would have me believe, why should you not like the engagement?

Anonymous said...

@Viv: if that was directed to me, it was to alert anybody who cared that I would be, as I said, be veryveryveryveryveryveryvery distant. *nods*

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

As i would have you believe?
No, i dont believe they are seperate at all, however my opinion is not popular.

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Sorry internet..lessons. Right..we should talk

Vivanus Keen said...

(Not to you em)

Vivanus Keen said...

Matex, you said " i am not a character or anything. So you can forget about being jealous unless you're after Jai."
This would denote a separation of characters and authors.

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Okay.
Words.

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

No i merely mean that your so-called character can stop being jealous about me because im not here to RP and take Sil from Viv.
That doesn't mean it doesn't make me uncomfortable, or that i agree with these seperations of characters.

Tanya Halcyon (Kas) said...

(@Sil words convey ideas, feelings.)

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

Sorry, probably not clear.
I understand the definition of having a distinct "character", i just dont believe they are as seperate as everyone would like to believe. They still exist on your heads.

Vivanus Keen said...

1) So-called?
2) I'm not worried in the slightest about you breaking up Vivilente.
3) So Sil TC should reflect Sil TA, is that what you are implying?

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

*is here is just lacking words*

Tanya Halcyon (Kas) said...

(Guys, from an outsider's perspective it looks like you're arguing over Sil.)

Tanya Halcyon (Kas) said...

*hugs Sil*

You're amazing you are!

*wraps around her*

Vivanus Keen said...

(Sil, did you get my email?)

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

*shakes*
Not should; does, in most cases. Even when people are unaware of it.

It's not really important though, i offer my thoughts as an explanation, not in attempt to convince anyone.

I don't like it, but whatever.
I'm here to let you know I have no interest in being the object of your jealousy and feeling any worse than I do, thanks.

I had intended to offer an olive branch, i figured a friend of a friend would be my friend too. But it has become apparent that's not the case.

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

@Tia in a way they are..


Okay, for outsiders;
Viv x Siltc
Matty x Silta

However Matty doesn't believe in a seperate ta/tc thing.

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

(Sorry i have skipped words, should say *shakes head*)

Vivanus Keen said...

I'm afraid that you are mistaking my wariness for hostility.

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

Thats a very blunt way of putting it Sil but sure.

I imagine i'll just leave soon because people are going to get their backs up, so that ought to be fucking great.

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

*hugs Matty* don't leave..

Tanya Halcyon (Kas) said...

(We can all be friends!)

*pulls Sil and Viv and Matex into a hug*

*wraps around them*

Tanya Halcyon (Kas) said...

(We can all be friends!)

*pulls Sil and Viv and Matex into a hug*

*wraps around them*

Vivanus Keen said...

There's no need to cuss.

Vivanus Keen said...

Well I tried. Goodbye.

Tanya Halcyon (Kas) said...

I'm sorry, Viv. You did.

*hugs*

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

No Viv..


I..I'm sorry...

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

I do cuss, I'm frustated, my apologies.

Vivanus Keen said...

Well it was SUPPOSED to be goodbye except my iPod froze on this screen...awkward...

Vivanus Keen said...

Ok, now it works. Goodbye!

Tanya Halcyon (Kas) said...

I hope to see you again soon, Viv.

*huggles*

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

There's no need to leave but okay, good bye.

Vivanus Keen said...

Again? I can't go on the internet without it freezing here I guess...so, as we were saying?

Vivanus Keen said...

(Sorry, I have a quirky iPod)

Tanya Halcyon (Kas) said...

(Rent and heating and water and food and TV license and taxes and insurance! How will I ever be able to earn enough money to live?)

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

*shrug*
My cussing wasn't even directed at you so I am sorry if that offended you, in fact that whole comment was about something else completely.

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

*hugs Viv and Matty TA's*
*hugs Matty extra tightly*

Vivanus Keen said...

No problem, I just think that this blog could do with a little less foul language.

Tanya Halcyon (Kas) said...

(Back to ghosting.)

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

Understandable.
I admit, i often get annoyed when I am ghosting and see people swear.
I suppose i forgot where i was.

Vivanus Keen said...

I'm of two thoughts, firstly no swearing should be ideal, and two, if one must swear, don't just throw it around for emphasis, it should only be used to define a character, usually lowering that character in my eyes.

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

I disagree with the idea that it implies lowering someone, but fair enough; i see where you're coming from.

Vivanus Keen said...

Usually that character lowers themselves anyway.

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

(And of course, you said "in my eyes" so thats not subject to my opinion anyways.)

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

*shrugs* its weirdly quiet.
I suppose Sil has disappeared.

Administrator Kestrel LeStarre-Sparrowhawk The Celestial said...

((Just ghosting, but I'm just putting it out there that KesTC is the kind of character who swears all the time but I stop her from doing it here))

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

No I haven't.

Tanya Halcyon (Kas) said...

Sil?

*hugs her tightly, worried*

Sil...

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

Aha. Just lost for words?

Vivanus Keen said...

Well it's been nice talking, I must leave now. Farewell.

Tanya Halcyon (Kas) said...

Sil...

*just hugs her, collecting the sadness that is emanating from her*

Tanya Halcyon (Kas) said...

(Good bye, Viv! See you soon, hopefully!)

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Nah. Being confused by maths. And melting. And I don't really see how I can contribute so I'm lurking.

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

Farewell Vivanus

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

Contribute? It was you who said we would talk here and you've barely said a word.

Maths is fabulous. Feel free to ask for help if you want.

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Sorry...


Fractions..they make a smidge of sense

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

*pinches her cheek and bends down to look her in the eye, scowling*
You apologise too much.

Oh? What about them?

Tanya Halcyon (Kas) said...

Matex? Sil? Hello?

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

Hello, Tia.
Correct me if i'm wrong but i believe you still haven't answered Sil's question from last night.

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

*smiles around the pinch* yes I do. Sorry..


Just...interacting.



Hello Tia

Tanya Halcyon (Kas) said...

Indeed I haven't.

I like you more than I like most, Sil. As a friend.

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

Interacting fractions? *raises an eyebrow* well just let me know if there's anything i can do :)

Tanya Halcyon (Kas) said...

(Sorry, 11 ignored messages are making me cranky.)

Tanya Halcyon (Kas) said...

(Hello.)

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

*high fives Tia*
You're telling me.

Tanya Halcyon (Kas) said...

*high fives Matex*

*sighs*

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

I get that regularly, it isn't fun. Sometime's theres nothing you can do.

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

I'm sorry if I ignore anyone..

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

Hello apostrophe where did you come from. You are not wanted in that word. Go away. *squashes the apostrophe*

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

*raises hand* like me?
Nah, you have school.
Just reply to people when you can

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

I don't ignore you Matty!
*squashes*

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

*raises an eyebrow* email, Silly

Tanya Halcyon (Kas) said...

It's okay, Sil. Not your fault.

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

Defo never forgot to reply to email!


*hugs Tia gently*

Tanya Halcyon (Kas) said...

*hugs Sil, very sadly*

Matex Von Darkhour - マテクス said...

Ummmmm sure, totes.

Commander Sophia Keating (N7 Operative and Council Spectre) said...

(Hello.)

Tanya Halcyon (Kas) said...

(Hello, Sophia. How is your day going?)

Commander Sophia Keating (N7 Operative and Council Spectre) said...

(Rather boring. Your own?)

Tanya Halcyon (Kas) said...

(Not good.

Not much I can do about that, I'm afraid.

I feel like my time is running out.)

Commander Sophia Keating (N7 Operative and Council Spectre) said...

(Time for what?)

Vivanus Keen said...

*walk in with a briefcase*

Commander Sophia Keating (N7 Operative and Council Spectre) said...

(Hello Vivanus/Jag.)

Vivanus Keen said...

(Hello)
*opens briefcase*
*pulls out a gun*

Tanya Halcyon (Kas) said...

(Nothing... I didn't mean anything.)

(Hello, Jag.)

Commander Sophia Keating (N7 Operative and Council Spectre) said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Commander Sophia Keating (N7 Operative and Council Spectre) said...

(I am aware that you did mean something, Tia.)

Vivanus Keen said...

*looks at the gun with disgust*
*puts the muzzles into his armpit*
*empties the cartridge*

Vivanus Keen said...

*begins to methodically disassemble the gun*

Vivanus Keen said...

*throws the pieces away*

Tanya Halcyon (Kas) said...

I'll be ok, Sophia. Always am.

John said...

*Suddenly pokes up behind Jag, seemingly out of thin air*

Whatchya got there?

Commander Sophia Keating (N7 Operative and Council Spectre) said...

(Hello, Blake.)

John said...

(Hey, Soph and everyone else. How're things in good old Blogland?)

Inky Flame said...

(I am here my darlings ^^)

Commander Sophia Keating (N7 Operative and Council Spectre) said...

(Hello, Chloe. How are you?)

Inky Flame said...

(I am great ^^
only had two lectures today
and I had hot chocolate XD
you?)

Vivanus Keen said...

*smiles*
Mr. Soul, it's great to see you.

I'm simply disposing of a murder weapon, used by an assassin in an attempt to kill me.

Inky Flame said...

(Hey Jag/Viv!)

Commander Sophia Keating (N7 Operative and Council Spectre) said...

(I am depressed.)

Inky Flame said...

(Awww Soph :/)

Commander Sophia Keating (N7 Operative and Council Spectre) said...

(It is not a problem, Chloe.)

Tanya Halcyon (Kas) said...

Hello Blake and Chloe. How are you today?

Inky Flame said...

(I am goooood ^^)

John said...

Interesting. How's this murderer doing?

I'm good Tia, you?

Tanya Halcyon (Kas) said...

Good.:)

Vivanus Keen said...

I made him sign up for one of my anger management classes.

Tanya Halcyon (Kas) said...

...Wbd

Take care, and I will see you later :)

Inky Flame said...

*sits in bar*
*on her fourth cider*

The Grave of a Coward said...

*a wild Midnight Hotel appears*

Good morning, Blogland. I am here to say goodbye, because I am going to Disneyworld for nine days.

I am also here to drink and be merry with my friends!
*drinks*
*is merry*

Commander Sophia Keating (N7 Operative and Council Spectre) said...

(Hello, Clara. How are you?)

Inky Flame said...

(Anni! how art thou?
have a great time!)

The Grave of a Coward said...

How do I feel?

Well, terrified, to be perfectly honest with you.

Inky Flame said...

(terrified? why?)

The Grave of a Coward said...

Because I'm going to be flying on a plane for the first time in my life.

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

(*realises her comment saying Bbs never went through* *whoops*)

Inky Flame said...

(really? taking off is fun...I laughed hysterically when I took off on my first skiing holiday with my old school
AND NOW I AM GOING TO CERN IN SWITZERLAND WITH COLLEGE)

Inky Flame said...

(Hey Sil! how art thou?)

The Grave of a Coward said...

Congratulations, Inky!
*raises a toast to your health*

The Grave of a Coward said...

Greetings, Silente, my fine friend!

Inky Flame said...

(hehe thanks *grins*)
*starts swaying in the bar*
*is pissed*

The Grave of a Coward said...

Speaking of bars, I recently remembered that Scapegrace owned a bar.

I would like someone to write a fanfiction with Trip and Scapegrace having a my-bar-is-better-than-your-bar war.

Inky Flame said...

(that. is. a. great. idea!)

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

(Hey Flickz! I'm tired. You?)
(@Clara ...friend?
Also @Clara OH GUESS WHAT GUESS WHAT!!!)

The Grave of a Coward said...

*used car salesman voice* Yes, I have many great ideas, and you can find many of them at @ChartruseClara on Twitter!

Inky Flame said...

(I am good ^.^)

The Grave of a Coward said...

WHAT, SILENTE?
TELL ME WHAT!
TELL ME, I'M SO EXCITED!
*begins violently buzzing*

Tanya Halcyon (Kas) said...

(*hugs Clara and Sil*

Great idea, Clara.

2% and rain.)

*leaves*

Commander Sophia Keating (N7 Operative and Council Spectre) said...

(Hello, Silente. *hugs her tightly*)

Jai (Silente Tempest - St Of Sinners) said...

(IN GRAPHICS WE'RE MAKING CD'S/CD CASE'S!!! WE GET TO CHOOSE THE BAND!!! IM MAKING BACKPACK OF TROUBLES!!!)

The Grave of a Coward said...

THE NOISE I JUST MADE IN REAL LIFE IS NOT SUITABLE TO TYPING.
OH GOODNESS. OH HEAVENS.
THIS IS AMAZING.

The Grave of a Coward said...

Have you written a post about it on the Be the Glue blog? You should do that!
Are all three of our names going to be on the back of the case?
Will there be a track list with a bunch of song names on it?
Will our logo be there?
OH MY GOODNESS.

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