Board Thread:Off Topic/@comment-26397825-20160524033118/@comment-27425734-20160524044317

RayStrikeAbius wrote:

Just... there's a point when people can improve. And then there's a line that needs to be drawn, when a person has shown that they're just beyond help and just do NOT have the talent, ability, or motivation to improve. I think we've crossed that line several miles back, and we just optimistically kept going, but now? I'm done. Just done. We've clearly seen the full extent of your creative capacity, and it ends at where everyone else's begins. Okay, hold the phone there, man. That is not what any aspiring young, hopeful writer should be told. I don't care how many crappy OCs this kid makes, if he truly does want to be a good writer and wants to improve, then what he really needs is guidance right now. Lots of it. We've tried that, but it's clear that Kirito isn't going to improve anytime soon, so I agree with you on that. But, I do think Kirito has potential as a writer, as any writer does.

Therefore (I'm now speaking to you, Kirito), I suggest you focus on learning how to write good, original content. The best way to do that is, IMO, to read. Read, read, and read some more. If you don't like reading, well that's too bad, Kirito, because if you want to be the best, you should learn from the best. I HIGHLY suggest picking up this book called "Seize the Story, A Handbook for Teens Who Like to Write" by Victoria Hanley. It's packed full of excellent advice on how to write a story, and how to create characters without making edgelord monstrosities.

However, as great as this book was for me as a writer (Good starting point, but you'll need more than this I'm sure), the BEST RESOURCE you can access is taking a creative writing course with other young writers. You'll receive criticism, and you'll have to be able to take it because that's what that class will be focused on; making you a better writer by giving you loads of constructive criticism while also having someone that is hopefully knowledgable in the field of writing (Such as an English teacher who has written their own books, plays, etc.), and whose job it is to teach you. Yes, criticism might hurt more in person  where you can spit out a lengthy argument to a person's face like you can on the Internet, nor can you simply log out and leave the room. You have to stay, and you have to take it. But, that's how you learn.

Lastly, I recommend you frequently refer to the wonderful website of TV Tropes who provide detailed articles on various cliches and tropes while writing in general. (Start with the word "Mary Sue" then move on through the writing tropes list).