I was never taught how to write a novel, it never came up in high school or college (a source of great frustration for me too). Creative writing classes always focused on poetry. *gags*
Some of the things that have been helping learn are: Reading some of the How To Write Novels books. Don't cringe, I'm not a dummy and I know to take things with a grain of salt and not believe that one way is the right way and all. I learned some things about scene, structure and conflict by reading those books.
Playing Advanced Dungeons and Dragons with my best friend over many years was really wonderful for teaching me some things about character development and world building.
Discovering LJ a few years ago allowed me to ask question and listen to what the pros (writers and agents) said about their writing process and what made good writing.
And lastly, the practical application. Putting the things I've learned and am learning into my writing. Too bad it doesn't all go down on paper as well or as easily as I picture it in my head but hey, I'm still learning. ;-)
no subject
Some of the things that have been helping learn are:
Reading some of the How To Write Novels books. Don't cringe, I'm not a dummy and I know to take things with a grain of salt and not believe that one way is the right way and all. I learned some things about scene, structure and conflict by reading those books.
Playing Advanced Dungeons and Dragons with my best friend over many years was really wonderful for teaching me some things about character development and world building.
Discovering LJ a few years ago allowed me to ask question and listen to what the pros (writers and agents) said about their writing process and what made good writing.
And lastly, the practical application. Putting the things I've learned and am learning into my writing. Too bad it doesn't all go down on paper as well or as easily as I picture it in my head but hey, I'm still learning. ;-)