Writing meme

[louiselux]

I found it really hard to answer these for other people, so I've put my own answers in for me - maybe you can tell me if you agree with them or not?

1. Do I have a distinct style of writing?

My style of writing is an amalgam of all the writing styles I have ever admired, so to me it feels like the answer to this is no. I hope other people see it differently though.

2. If so, what exactly is it that defines my style?

Understatement, possibly. I do try very hard to avoid telling the reader things directly whenever possible. If I have an idea it can be guarateed that it's not very original-- so on the whole I also try very hard to find a new or different way to tell it that idea.

3. Would you say my stories follow a certain theme?

Exploration of self? I don't know, to be honest. I've written a lot of sex in the past year, and that actually pretty accurately reflects my state of mind. There's a distinct flavour of repression and denial in my stories, but also of romance. I'm not sure how that all fits together.

4. Is there anything you feel I ought to improve or change?

I've definitely improved in the past year or so - I know there are some things I don't have to worry about quite so much anymore, like finding the right way for a character to express a thought or idea. Generally I think I need to be a bit braver with my writing and try different styles.

5. Does my style (if I have one) remind you of anyone else?

Yes. All the writers whose styles I have liked and have borrowed wholesale from.

6. Judging from whatever writing of mine that you've seen, what do you think is/are my strength(s)?

I think I am quite good at conveying emotion, and at giving a story a good pace. I think I am good at dialogue and have a good 'ear' for how characters should sound. I have got a lot more inventive in writing sex, or, more accurately (and crudely?), I have got a lot better at putting into words things that turn me on.

7. What do you think are my weaknesses?

I don't think I'm very good at giving things a big original spin, or plotting, or creating detailed backgrounds for characters-- those things that go in to making a good long story. This is an area where I am trying to consciously improve. I think I take understatement too far sometimes, and those stories end up as boring.

Comments

[baka-gaijin.livejournal.com]

#6: I would add that your stories are always believable. I never read your stuff and say to myself, "Well, if I suspend all belief in everything I know to be true and right in this world, then I can believe this story."

And you write great porn. Again, it's so believable. XD

[louiselux.livejournal.com]

Thank you - that's really very wonderful to hear. I do try quite hard to flesh out the characters' emotions by showing their day to day life, on the premise that you can learn a lot about someone just from watching them go about their daily business, and seeing how well or how badly they cope.