about writing stories

[bakura_fan]

Well this doesn't happen too often, but often enough that I've got a ton fo story ideas in my head. Well, last night I had a really cool unique dream. and because of that dream I am attempting a new story (it really helps when the plot/theme/characters/etc are spelled out for you in your dream. ) And I want to make it into a manga. Should I make it into like a webmanga after it's done? like post it online? Is it ok if my style is weird? I still don't have a set style and it bugs the heck out of me. So, anyone else written a story thanks to a dream? Any tips?

Also, if this is in the wrong place, I apologize...

[~darkelfgirl~]

Ooh, I get a lot of ideas from dreams. I just pick what I want out of them, because some just don't make sense and actually cramp the story. Like that one with the priest chasing me with holy water. Weird o.o

Hm, I don't know, hehe. If you want to do it, I guess *shrugs*. This might sound like a total Sunday School answer, but pray about it.

Hmm, weird style? What do you mean? I think weird styles make the story more interesting, depending on what you're talking about

[bakura_fan]

Check out my deviant art and you might see. I'm rarely consistant with my art. Basically my dream dealt with two feuding vampire gangs. The good gang *had a red dragon symbol on their clothes* want to become human and know that it is possible thanks to their queen (who has an elixer), however she has lost all memories (long story). The bad group wants to kill her and ruin the chance of ever becoming human (they could care less, think humans are inferior etc.) The main characters are Kyle (good), Kale (good, but traitor later), and Esther (queen). The style in my dream was something I want to draw but I can't get dark tones and settings down. eh. guess it's just practice for me.

[~darkelfgirl~]

Ok, I'll check it out ^^. Sounds interesting.

What's your DA? Nevermind, hehe (I'm kinda slow as of the moment).


Later:
You can do it. Just keep practicing ^^. I'm in that mode, too....kinda being lazy and using the chibis.

[LadyRushia]

My advice is to just write it or draw it out anyway no matter how weird it might be. For me, the physical act of writing tends to get rid of plot holes and help the story move along. Another thing I find helpful is writing out different scenes regardless of chronological order. As for your style, that comes with practice.

For one of my stories, I've pulled two characters from a random dream I had (they still don't have names, though D8). Dreams can be wonderful source material. In fact, I know of a poet (I can't remember his name) who wrote all of his poems about his dreams.

Hahaha, I have a character named Esther in my largest story and she ends up being a queen. ^_^

[the_wolfs_howl]

I think you should just go with it for a while, see if you like it, and then decide whether you want to continue writing/drawing it or not. If you don't enjoy it, chances are no one else will either

I've gotten two names from dreams, and both of them were names I probably would never have thought up on my own. I often don't get plot from dreams, but the other night I did dream that I was one of my favorite main characters. That was fun

Oh, just a suggestion: Kyle and Kale look and sound extremely similar. One of the big 'no-no's of character naming is having two main characters whose names are very similar. So unless you want your audience to become confused, I think you should change at least one of the names.

Please keep in mind that these are all just suggestions and comments from someone who doesn't know what she's talking about in terms of your story. Feel free to ignore me.

[bakura_fan]

I think you should just go with it for a while, see if you like it, and then decide whether you want to continue writing/drawing it or not. If you don't enjoy it, chances are no one else will either

I've gotten two names from dreams, and both of them were names I probably would never have thought up on my own. I often don't get plot from dreams, but the other night I did dream that I was one of my favorite main characters. That was fun

Oh, just a suggestion: Kyle and Kale look and sound extremely similar. One of the big 'no-no's of character naming is having two main characters whose names are very similar. So unless you want your audience to become confused, I think you should change at least one of the names.

Please keep in mind that these are all just suggestions and comments from someone who doesn't know what she's talking about in terms of your story. Feel free to ignore me.

hmm maybe. All I know is that kyle and kale are brothers. and you know how some parents can be. heh. I'll probably make the older brother change his name (kale), since he does end up being the traitor, why would he want to keep some human name right? Thanks for all the replys guys! I'll probably work out a storyline today at work. well. back to bed. I'm up cause Micah has to be up right now to get ready for work. *yawn* night!

[GeneD]

Your story sounds pretty cool, that must have been one heck of an interesting dream. I've gotten ideas for stories from dreams. I haven't turned any of them into proper stories yet (at the moment I’m working on a story which was inspired by a single sentence) but hopefully I will one day. I've written what happened down though so that I wouldn't forget it.
As for the manga thing, hey if you can do it, then go for it.

If you don't enjoy it, chances are no one else will either

This has happened to me before. You get the point where it's like: What am I writing? It's horrible and boring. And if even I think it sucks...
Not a very nice feeling, but I guess it's something all writers have to deal with at some time or other.

[Maledicte]

Boy, I love it when dreams just spell things out for me I've gotten two characters, one plot, and one entire short story from dreams.

Just run with it. Nothing's set in stone, so you're free to experiment until you find something that clicks. As for finding your style, just keep drawing and keep writing. Someone once said you're not a writer until you've written a million words (or was it pages? I don't remember), so just keep at it. Read and look at a lot of different stories and art with lots of different styles, and try to pinpoint what you like about them, and how you can incorporate them into your work (say, "I like how Neil Gaiman's dry wit livens up the story, how Margaret Weis makes each character feel alive, how Barbara Hambly tells her stories from a very objective point of view and how Stephen King just takes an idea and runs with it." Or, "Kohta Hirano's work is very edgy, but I love the graphic simplicity of Ted Naifeh and the ethereal imagery of Yoshitaka Amano.") You'll end up taking bits and pieces from art you're exposed to, whether you're aware of it or not. So keep hunting for new inspirations!

[LadyRushia]

What SirThinks2Much says is very true. Read what you like and read a lot of it, but also look at classics. I find myself analyzing everything I read and watch (literature, manga, anime, T.V., etc) to see what their creators are doing and why they are successful. Pay attention to the structure and character development of whatever you read and read a variety of things too because you'll find yourself pulling from many different sources; eventually, you'll have something original.

[bakura_fan]

thansk guys! actually. I'm more happy about this, not because this might go somewhere, but because I needed a break from my other story *has been in the process of writing it since I was 13...and rewriting...scrapping...repeat sigh* So, I might be able to work on my other story soon. I am so thrilled I finally got to a plot/story I like. I'm up to chapter...5...I think. anyway. I had to throw out my original cause it just didn't set right. But this break is quite welcome. ^_^

Edit: I want to post the prologue...but I no want anyone stealing it. >_>;; I've worked really hard for it and I don't want some creep comming in and taking my work before I can finish it. I guarantee once it is finished...I will post the prologue and first chapter here...after copywrighting it of course.

[LadyRushia]

I don't think you can see the writing section unless you're logged in, but you have a point. I feel the same way, actually, but I also don't have much material that's in a presentable format, XD. Still, you'll definitely want to get someone to beta it for you. You could always PM it to somebody you trust.