11-11-2012, 04:28 AM | #31 | |
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Ask and you shall receive
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As for magic schools: there actually ARE different systems of belief why and how it works; google: hermetic magic, chaos magic, alchemy, shamanism, vicca, voodoo etc. Some knowledge about mythology, ancient religions and mythical creatures doesn't hurt either. The Potter books are a brilliant example how to fail here. 50 Shades: unlike the previous example this is one I haven't read myself but as far as I understand it it's a case of writing about BDSM whilst knowing chickenshit about it. BDSM itself isn't fictional, thus proper research on what, how, (and from psychological POV why) should have been undertaken by the author. |
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11-11-2012, 04:38 AM | #32 | |
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Another well known example is (ok it's a movie but it fits) the Matrix scene showing a traceroute running with net adresses resolved to numbers <255 |
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11-11-2012, 08:57 AM | #33 |
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11-11-2012, 11:33 AM | #34 |
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11-11-2012, 06:53 PM | #35 | |
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11-11-2012, 08:26 PM | #36 | |
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Rather not clearly phrased by me (english is only the 3rd best language of mine) so I'll do my best now to clarify: my usage of "as I understand it" was directed towards "case of" writing about a topic unknown to the author in general and not towards "detailed bits of 50 S".
As the discussion about said book on MR pointed to a great source of reviews and some pointed out an ignorant treating of the topic (e.g. examples of unsecure uses of aids commonly used in BDSM play) I took this as 3rd person (reviever) proven not needed to be discussed again. Insofar I admit that I should have added "As reported by reviewers" were I addressing this point in particular. Rereading my post I should have written "As far as I understand, it's a case of (...) as pointed out in several reviews" Please accept excuses and correction. Unfortunately I omitted focusing my response on Quote:
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11-12-2012, 07:28 AM | #37 | |
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But as I write this I am reminded that, for many years, I thought "The Simpsons" was the worst sort of kids entertainment possible - and said so on more than one occasion. But when I finally got around watching a whole episode (the one with the family hooked up to buzzers attached to each other) I had great fun and soon became hooked. Now Simpson's quotes come to me in all sorts of, often inappropriate, moments. And does that little homily have any relevance to the topic? Sure. Write what you know - or perhaps more appropriately: Don't write what you don't know - applies especially to criticism. As the first response to the OP stated: Do the research. If you don't know what you're writing about it could be that you are mistaken. Last edited by gmw; 11-12-2012 at 07:31 AM. |
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11-12-2012, 09:12 AM | #38 | ||
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(That is to say, it's not children's entertainment at all.) Quote:
What can I do, they are relevant and timeless. OK, back on topic. Last edited by ApK; 11-12-2012 at 12:24 PM. |
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11-12-2012, 12:22 PM | #39 |
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@gmw, I haven't read freeshadow's post above myself, but I feel you're being a bit tough. I don't think even an added smiley would have helped.
Spoiler:
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11-12-2012, 12:25 PM | #40 |
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12-19-2012, 12:33 PM | #41 |
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Coming back to the question, re: “Write what you know” - this is the biggest myth of all. Okay, so John le Carre was a real life spy. And he tells a mean, if wordy, spy story. But Tom Clancy was an insurance salesman. Then he goes and writes The Hunt for Red October. Somehow I don’t think Clancy was writing policies on secret Soviet submarines.
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12-19-2012, 10:19 PM | #42 |
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You are free to use actual systems of magic for your fantasy, there's no obligation to do so. I'm not even sure how helpful it would be. It's not historical fiction.
You can base erotica on what people actually like to do, but fantasy and reality are quite often different. People read The Story of O without wanting to live it. Last edited by QuantumIguana; 12-19-2012 at 10:26 PM. |
12-19-2012, 10:36 PM | #43 |
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12-21-2012, 05:54 AM | #44 | |
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Anyway, you can "know" through research as well as through personal experience. Arthur Hailey would be a best-selling example. |
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12-26-2012, 08:25 PM | #45 |
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"Write what you want to learn."
Seems more encompassing |
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