Post #297204 by Cammo on Thu, Apr 5, 2007 8:09 PM

Thanks, Tommo -

That's funny you should mention your dad, these stories are all made up but totally based on my father's (Bob is my dad) experiences in the northern woods. He's a big fan of that type of fiction, too. I just wanted to write something that had a real strong voice, and wanted to get some ideas down that have been bubbling away in my subconscious.

Here's a few writing tips;

1. Pay attention to detail. The smallest bits are the ones that make a story true, like in the above where I mention the exact amount the stock goes up. More true details, better story every time.

2. A sense of place. Every story should happen in a setting you know inside out, and one that is interesting. Base it on your friend's house layout, or a strange place you've lived in.

3. Never describe what's happening. Describe what your character sees happening instead, or a friend of the main character, or a cat, whatever.

And I've got some Tiki stuff, but it's a new kid's book that needs the illustrations to show what's happening. And I've got a novel with a Pirate Girl Dream, but it's the chapter that explains a lot of the mysteries happening in the book and would ruin the whole plot to post it here.

Meanwhile, I'm thinking of doing another Big Talk story.

About fish. And mining. And mosquitoes.