Dear, Mr. Brent Weeks.

[Ansaphelios]

Well, for one, I know you're AMAZINGLY busy with the next series you're writing and probably will not have time to take a look at this. But, I am an aspiring writer myself. I didn't read much until my friend referred me to your books and let me just say. Wow. This has to be the best trilogy I've ever read. Don't really know if that counts as much considering I've only read books the teachers in school used to force us to read. But anyways, Yes, your books are amazing. I couldn't get enough of them. I am only finished up to book 2 and already. Wow. As usual, I'm carrying myself off topic. I am an aspiring writer myself and was wondering if you interested in helping me continue writing it. I only have the first chapter done. It has a medieval time frame and with the help of someone such as yourself, I think it just might turn out alright. I've stopped writing it because I don't know where to take it and I'm HORRIBLE at connecting characters to the plot unless they're immediate. If not interested in co-writing it with me, would you please possibly take the time to give me some writing pointers?


And also, just gonna throw this out there. Loved the garlic thing with Durzo. It made him completely unique, I think anyways. I mean, who else eats raw garlic cloves? Unless you're afraid of Vampires. And no, for those who will read this and think Twilight. I'm talking about Vampires. Not horrible casting and boring depressed emo girl who loves the shiny boy. :P


See? A.D.D. hahaha. Please comment back with your thoughts.

[Sethanel]

I eat raw garlic... Anyways - writing tip - Get your plot threshed out first. I wrote 178 single spaced pages of 12 sized times new roman before realizing that 140 of those pages did absolutely nothing but meander. (think of Many Meetings from JRR Tolkein). I had a loose plot and thought that a loose plot was good because there is room for new stuff. I was so wrong. A tight plot is the best thing with which you can start a book/novel/story, so buy a notebook and plot out scene and sequel events. (scene is the action, sequel is the emotional part afterwards --> explained here: http://jimbutcher.livejournal.com/ ).

BTW - if you are thinking of vampires, consider this: since twilight. vampire novels are in abundance and by the time you get yours to print, they might be in a decline, therefore make sure you have an idea for vampires that is unique, an idea that is entirely yours. (ie, no more girl falls for vamp, then finds cute werewolf, then there is a love triangle and then girl walks away with vamp. You see that everywhere these days...)

Good luck with your book!

[Ansaphelios]

LMFAO.
There are no vampires in my book. But thank you for the writing tips. I don't know where to go with my book in 3 ways. 1, The plot I had originally planned for the book was Hell vs. Heaven type thing. The Tura'Kai(Hell.) were recruited by Hell to fight their former brethren, The Mana'Kai(Heaven.) The armies of heaven and purity, who cast out all flawed, heretic/non-believers in The God and the deformed. But then I got confused in my own writing after re-reading what I had wrote only a few months ago. I still don't have any new ideas for it. Hopefully something hits me soon and I can continue.

BTW - How does raw garlic taste?

[Faisal]

raw garlic tastes kinda bitter and tangy at the same time. but it burns a little, and then the flavor isnt that important... :D

[Tom Rotondo]

I was just reading the comment by Seth, and I was saying to myself "Wait, there's no vamps in his story"... XD. Nevermind

Nonetheless, what Seth said was very important: Having a notebook. That's the main place to jot down ideas for later when you can't currently think about it, For example, you say "Ok, I need to find a name for the main character, and then the two supporting characters" So you jot down some names or something, anything that could inspire a name for your story. Like,,,

"Main Character names:
Durzo
Drizzit
Ryu
Gennosuke
Kenneth
Lloyd

Or something like that. Then you can play with those names. I'm pretty sure Mr. Weeks played with some names, like with "Kylar" and "Jorsin", things like that. Notebook is also the great place to find a way to branch out your plot, drafting it. I'm currently writing a short story, so I gotta keep too many ideas in there (my book is crying right now, it needs a break).

Nonetheless, hope this helps. If you still have trouble with the story, contact... practically anyone on this network. Either Seth, me, or anyone, or if you want to go to the Big Man (no, not God, I mean the author of this site)

Have fun with your story.

[Sethanel]

Ah, garlic--> vamps not garlic --> book. oops, wasn't reading to carefully I guess...

Raw Garlic is acidic so it tastes spicy (think about the burn), but Faisal is right, it is tangy and bitter at the same time but tastes like it smells when you are cutting it (try a piece next time!)

[Donnie ledbetter]

haha i loved the garlic as well.

What type of work will you be constructing, because i can answer a few questions concerning fantasy. I began writing at a very young age and have developed some writing skills. I am very eager to learn and i presume that you are as well. :) Dont get me wrong, i am inexperienced but i would love to discuss ideas if thats ok with you?

[Alex Duchar]

wow anasaphelios you might be my twin lol
im on the second book as well
jsut like you i didnt read much till these books
and considerr writing on of my hobbies
if you wanna exchange details ide love to read you story,
hit me back

[Steven Smith]

I think, firstly, you need to read more.

I myself write alot in my spare time and I feel that reading helps me come up with ideas. The ideas may become absolutely rubbish and you might dismiss them but it's always a starting point. Once you have that idea, play with it and manipulate it into something of your own.

For exampe, after reading the first two NA books it made me want to write about someone just like Kylar. Now, after toying with it and what not, I have a story and plotline that's completely different from the NA books.

Once I've written some more of it, I'd be happy to send you it. (See if you can find the NA influence :P)

Anyhoo, so read alot more. Especially books that may be similar to your style of writing and idea. So if you're writing an epic fantasy that others think is similar in style to Lord of the Rings, read Lord of the Rings (lol hobbits amuse me).

Keep us updated! I love reading work of new writers!

[Fipe Naz-Mero, JK]

I will say this... At least write the main ideas/main scenes that you think would make your story interesting. I actually have one of my stories based from dreams I had. None of them connected, but they are capable of be part of a story at some point. You don't have to actually write the whole story, just the main points so you can remember later...

Second... research... Just like being an archeologist is 90% research and 10% expeditions (don't believe the movies)... Right? As a writer, the more you know, the better to get ideas and express yourself. For example, if you want to write about Science Fiction readings from NASA, space discoveries, science and technology advancements are only some of your best friends. To write about Vampires, I would look into history and other writings where you can get a base of what a vampire is. There are so many stories about them, that you can get all disoriented about it...

Just my 2 cents and only ideas...
R,
Naz-Mero

[Ansaphelios]

Thank you to everyone who has thrown in an input and tips on how I should go about writing my book. I appreciate everything deeply and I hope you will all enjoy reading my story one day.

Thank you all,
Ansaphelios.

[Disturbed1]

Love your Twilight rip!

[Zepwolfx]

I hate what Twilight has done to Vampires. In my opinion the characters of that book aren't Vampires. Don't know what they are, but Vampires they are not.

As for the asking for assistance. I'm on the same boat. I'm a co-writer on a story, along w/ my best friend. It's actually on the web right now. The site is: pariahstory.wordpress.com

If anyone can go and give us some constructive criticism, I will really appreciate it. Brent that goes for you too.