HOW DO YOU LYK MY STORIE?!!?(sic)?

Question

Throughout our history, there have been many great authors; George Orwell, Ray Bradbury, Mary Shelley, Thomas Paine, Homer, Kurt Vonnegut, and the list goes on. There have also been many mediocre ones that were still good enough to get published. The above statements are rather inherent.

What isn't inherent, however, is why some fifteen year-olds think that they have the literary prowess to write a book. Too often on this section, I see questions that are similar to (or the same as) the title of my question. These stories infallibly prove to be bad.

Too often, the authors of these stories enlist the help (I should actually say major burden) of purple prose. They feel that to write a good book, they must fill every line and paragraph with as many similes, metaphors, personifications and other literary devices as they possibly can. Not only that, but it seems they open up their trusty thesaurus and try to find a synonym of each word, trying to sound sophisticated.

Prematurely ending my rant (yes, I have more "grievances" to address), I would like to ask two questions:

1.What makes fifteen year old authors think that they can write, let alone publish, a good book?
2. What is up with their affinity for purple prose?

Additional Details

By the way, in case you are wondering, I am in no way saying that I can write a good book, short story or anything similar.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

1. Most 15 year olds don't think they'll get published in the next week. Most are willing to try writing. I think it's unfair and judgemental of you to assume that everyone who posts their work here is looking to publish in the near future. And they wouldn't post their work if they thought they were perect already.

2. They just don't know how to write yet. These are beginners, not people who have been writing since they were four. I used to use purple prose when I started- I thought that was what I was supposed to do. It seemed appropriately descriptive. Anyway, now that I've been writing for longer I know better. Same with everyone else.

I understand that the postings are annoying. But also try and understand where these people are coming from. They post their work for praise or criticism. Most are looking for the former, but they won't get anywhere with purple prose and sooner or later, they'll learn that. But they need time.

Answer 2

It's good. I would definately read more...

Answer 3

Can't believe I am doing this but I am. I am going to defend them.

Who are you to say they cannot write let alone write well enough to be published? Who made you the all-knowing one about writing books? You said it yourself you cannot write a good book or a short story so why bash on these kids for trying?

I can agree it gets ridiculous seeing poorly written work with no real thought or effort but hey, they have dreams too. Granted a good many should just give it up but who are we to tell them that? Let them practice the craft and possibly fall on their butts when they find out they really aren't up to publication standards.

There are a select few out there who are exceptional writers for their age and I am impressed by it. Encourage those who have the skill and talent and tame the ones with the egos. Sometimes it is hard for me as a writer to see such nonsense being spit out but even I have to remember I was one of those teenagers. I wasn't naive enough to put my work in the public eye and beg for praise but I did write a lot of crap.

Let them be. The strong writers worth being published will make it and the ones who aren't will move on to a new hobby.

Oh, and for the record, these teenagers are writers, not authors. Author implies they have publishing credits which a good majority don't. And speaking of whipping out the thesaurus, care to explain your love of so-called "big words" in this question?

Source(s):

Writer with 15 years experience and seven professionally.

Answer 4

1# They get inspiration from other writers, and they think they'll get rich.

2# ?

I can write, I've been told I'm good at what I do and I'm fourteen, it's not all young writers that are hopeless at it. Although, my work might need editing, I've been told it's good quite a lot.

I agree with the above.

Source(s):

http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/ind…

Answer 5

LOL Nice title! I was prepared to comment without reading, but luckily was able to see that you really do know how to spell ;)
But anyway, I don't think its a bad idea for kids to want to write. It is great to have a hobby and dreams. It is okay to want to get advice. I post advice questions on here about my writing to get feedback, but I have no intention of publishing, it is merely for pleasure...Why would you post something on here that you have a dream of one day publishing? If somebody really thinks it is good enough to be published one day, why give out your idea on the internet?? Anyone can take it. That is what I don't understand.

What I don't understand about these young kids posting is that they say they want advice, but they can't take the bad feedback. Well, if they really believe that they will get their work published, they should learn to endure it. Criticism is a part of life.

Answer 6

Um, ouch? Sorry we all can't be perfect like you, ***.hole.
Who are you to say that kids can't write? There ARE teens who genuinely like to write and read *Cough* LIKE ME *Cough* and aren't doing it so you can stroke their ego. There ARE teens, like me, who are working VERY hard at honing their talents so they can always be improving, so maybe someday they can make a career out of what they love doing.

So screw you, if you think that just because we're young we shouldn't do what we love.

Answer 7

Wow. I clicked on this question thinking, "Oh God, here we go again." Instead, I find you.

As you've pointed out, there are a lot of young writers on this site who post their work. Yeah, most of it's crap. Most of them need a good kick in the butt to set them straight. But who are you to say that there's not one kid out there who has some talent?

Writing, like every other thing in this world, takes practice. Nobody wakes up with all the skill and ability of a seasoned, professional writer. Kids are kids. Obviously not professional. So why should you, or anybody else, expect them to write like one?

I'm sixteen years old and I absolutely love writing. No, I'm not perfect. I know that. I'm lucky enough to have parents that know a thing or two about writing as well as some pretty awesome teachers. I work hard every day to hone my skill, to fix what needs to be fixed and improve on what I can.

Who are you to generalize and stereotype the young writers on here? Can't you remember what it was like being young and just beginning to write? I can assure you that you weren't brilliant.

1.) Twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen...it doesn't make a difference. Everybody starts somewhere. And when you start something, you're excited about it, and sometimes the inspiration goes to your head. When you realize you love something, you don't like hearing that you just plain out suck. No one would like that. Now, I'm not at all saying that any Joe-Schmo can publish a book. Most young people can't. But it doesn't mean they can't dream. Dreaming is what keeps them writing.

Who are you to judge them based on their age? You should be encouraging them, not putting them down. You don't have the right to crush their dreams.

2.) Yeah, purple prose. Got to love it. They just don't know any better. Not everyone has a mom or dad or sister or teacher that can show them the proper way to write something. They haven't had the chance to learn technique and style. No one's ever told them that having every other word be a flowery one isn't necessarily a good thing.

Next time you click on a question asking for help with a piece of writing, don't trash them because they're not 100% there yet. Cut them some slack. Don't just point out their errors (because there are a lot), but tell them how to avoid the same mistakes in the future.

People like you make me angry. You can't tell young writers to stop doing what they love just because they're not great at it yet. At least they're practicing! At least they're asking for help and advice! At least they can see that there's room for improvement!

There are always going to be people who get offended when good advice is given. Those people won't make it. It's those who strive to be better that deserve some acknowledgement.

They're trying to get better. Maybe you should stop being so harsh.