College Books

[sr71plt]

you know, none of my grades have anything to do with the subject matter. I get graded on formatting and research and citations and quoting, but never on opinion or subject. Kind of disappointing, really.

Are you sure it was a creative writing course you signed up for?

 

[Guest]

Are you sure it was a creative writing course you signed up for?

You know, it doesn't feel like it. And that is perhaps why I am so disenchanted with the course. When you are taking your courses online, though, there is nothing that you can really do about it.

 

[sr71plt]

You know, it doesn't feel like it. And that is perhaps why I am so disenchanted with the course. When you are taking your courses online, though, there is nothing that you can really do about it.

Mind you, that sounds like a good course to take--just that it doesn't sound like a creative writing class.

 

[Guest]

Mind you, that sounds like a good course to take--just that it doesn't sound like a creative writing class.

It is a good course, but I believe it to be misnamed. I was expecting something different, and there is not much creativity there at all.

 

[Hiliburn]

So....you're all editors (mostly, barring questioners like myself or those seeking editors), and I have a question.

I am taking a creative writing course, and it required me to buy two books. They seem comprehensive, and I was wondering if anyone had a take on them in comparison to other books on writing/editing.





has anyone else ever used these books? They are current, but when the classes are over, I am going to need different books for the next one. Should I sell them, and buy the CMS? Or sould I hold them in lieu of the CMS? Or should I keep them and GET the CMS?

They ran me about $150, so really I want to know if they are any better or worse than the (much) less expensive CMS.

Sorry I can't help- but I am thrilled that the CMS is still popular choice! I still have it on my shelf and could not part with it when my classes were over (5 years ago! lol) Good luck

 

[colddiesel]

1 Might be handy if someone explained to this ignoramus what CMS is.

2 SR 71 . HW Fowler died in 1933 though you're right that it is the editions post '96 that are most stuffed up.

 

[_Lynn_]

1 Might be handy if someone explained to this ignoramus what CMS is.

2 SR 71 . HW Fowler died in 1933 though you're right that it is the editions post '96 that are most stuffed up.

Here you go. CMS.The manual publishers follow on grammar, punctuation, formatting, and much more.

 

[sr71plt]

HW Fowler died in 1933 though you're right that it is the editions post '96 that are most stuffed up.

Thanks. They didn't get around to messing extensively with his book until the latest edition. I didn't realize he'd died much earlier, though.

 

[colddiesel]

Here you go. CMS.The manual publishers follow on grammar, punctuation, formatting, and much more.

Thanks, I have only published anything in UK OZ and Germany and that was all technical stuff - thus my excuse for ignorance!

 

[CopperSkink]

Agree with Honey about getting into contact with writing professors. My nosing around various colleges for some three years taught me to aim for community colleges if you were interested in learning the basics like writing, science, or history; load up for as long as you can until it's time to move on to university for your major. The teachers who exist to teach the most willing students regardless of pay live in the junior college system (according to my own research).

Usually the English department in a given school is large enough that you have your choice of professors. Ask around from people who take any and every kind of professor to see who connects with students the best, then zero in on him to see if he can culture your writing ability. Whether in class for credit or privately, such professors are some of the most knowledgable, accessable, and willing people in the business that can be found.

And while you're on campus, see about joining the creative writing club. Nothing helps like reading your own work in public, and comparing it to what others read.

 

[Guest]

Agree with Honey about getting into contact with writing professors. My nosing around various colleges for some three years taught me to aim for community colleges if you were interested in learning the basics like writing, science, or history; load up for as long as you can until it's time to move on to university for your major. The teachers who exist to teach the most willing students regardless of pay live in the junior college system (according to my own research).

Usually the English department in a given school is large enough that you have your choice of professors. Ask around from people who take any and every kind of professor to see who connects with students the best, then zero in on him to see if he can culture your writing ability. Whether in class for credit or privately, such professors are some of the most knowledgable, accessable, and willing people in the business that can be found.

And while you're on campus, see about joining the creative writing club. Nothing helps like reading your own work in public, and comparing it to what others read.

hey!

nice to hear from you again.

I...ummmm...don;t have a campus.

 

[CopperSkink]

I emailed you last week ago >.<

I understand the Armed Forces have journalism? And there are still creative people encamped; stick your nose around, get involved, find out who else writes.

Personally, my journey of creative writing has been two separate objectives: Diversity in content, and diversity in style. "Diverse content" means if you write one day about a guy finding love while swimming in a flock of dolphins, then next time write about a car crash that takes someone's love away but also opens a big can of worms that leaves the future of all those involved in question. "Diverse style" means not getting caught up in a rigid, simple sentance structure. Having a fluidity in how you're able to put the words on paper many different ways. Third person, first, second (shudder), letter correspondance, newscasts are a type of stylistic choice. The kung fu of writing, to learn dragon style and tiger style only to go on to learn more and more so you can be capable of everything but defined to nothing.

I hate to say it, but you might want to stick your nose in some of Literotica's challenges. Expose yourself to the works that were written for exercise to see how different spins can be put on things. Maybe even enter the marathon, as constant writing with deadlines may stimulate your creative brain in ways you haven't tapped yet.

Here's a question to ask yourself: What do you expect from a creative writing course? If you give it an honest thought, you may be more prepared to get what you want out of it (if it exists to extract), or better luck for the future.

 

[Guest]

I emailed you last week ago >.<

I understand the Armed Forces have journalism? And there are still creative people encamped; stick your nose around, get involved, find out who else writes.

Personally, my journey of creative writing has been two separate objectives: Diversity in content, and diversity in style. "Diverse content" means if you write one day about a guy finding love while swimming in a flock of dolphins, then next time write about a car crash that takes someone's love away but also opens a big can of worms that leaves the future of all those involved in question. "Diverse style" means not getting caught up in a rigid, simple sentance structure. Having a fluidity in how you're able to put the words on paper many different ways. Third person, first, second (shudder), letter correspondance, newscasts are a type of stylistic choice. The kung fu of writing, to learn dragon style and tiger style only to go on to learn more and more so you can be capable of everything but defined to nothing.

I hate to say it, but you might want to stick your nose in some of Literotica's challenges. Expose yourself to the works that were written for exercise to see how different spins can be put on things. Maybe even enter the marathon, as constant writing with deadlines may stimulate your creative brain in ways you haven't tapped yet.

Here's a question to ask yourself: What do you expect from a creative writing course? If you give it an honest thought, you may be more prepared to get what you want out of it (if it exists to extract), or better luck for the future.

I responded a week ago.

And when things slow down here in about a month I am going to be trying to write again.But for now, this "creative writing" class has garnered no real feedback and is simply posting on discussion boards and sending out essays that come back with one or two line critiques for 1,200 + words. Simply not what I expected.

Yes, the Armed Forces has journalism. They are not readily accessible I am actually working on an essay about religious oppression and sexuality, but it is not coming well. I plan on submitting it for my final in creative writing as this is the only essay where I can pick my own topic.

As far as what I expect from a creative writing class, I thnk that what i NEED from one is a classroom environment where I can interact instead of an online environment. The Army is not exactly conducive to classroom learning. I may just have to take another when I get out.

 

[_Lynn_]

I responded a week ago.

And when things slow down here in about a month I am going to be trying to write again.But for now, this "creative writing" class has garnered no real feedback and is simply posting on discussion boards and sending out essays that come back with one or two line critiques for 1,200 + words. Simply not what I expected.

Yes, the Armed Forces has journalism. They are not readily accessible I am actually working on an essay about religious oppression and sexuality, but it is not coming well. I plan on submitting it for my final in creative writing as this is the only essay where I can pick my own topic.

As far as what I expect from a creative writing class, I thnk that what i NEED from one is a classroom environment where I can interact instead of an online environment. The Army is not exactly conducive to classroom learning. I may just have to take another when I get out.

I chose online college, but the setting isn't for everyone. Learn what you can from the class as long as you're in it. You may be surprised what you find helpful later on.

 

[Guest]

I chose online college, but the setting isn't for everyone. Learn what you can from the class as long as you're in it. You may be surprised what you find helpful later on.

It helps me with opinion writing and news-article style. But there is no creativity in the creative writing course. I understand that they have to use a list of approved topics, but Jesus....cats v. dogs? Really? 1,200 words? Seriously?

What I want to write about is topics like monotheism and sexual repression. What I want to write about is creating scenes to a photo and laying them out on paper. What I want to write about is comparisons and contrasts of different writing styles by period and genre. Instead, I get cats v. dogs, or a comparison essay on cigarette addiction. I could practically phone this course in.

There's no serious feedback. The longest response I got was "nice job on the topic, your subject wandered a little but I liked it.'

That's it. Four essays, and that's it. All I get are numerical grades. Not a thing on sentence structure, my (excessive) use of parentheticals, gerunds (thank you Copper) or any other technical aspect of writing.

I should copy this post to the dumbing down of our schools thread, too.

 

[_Lynn_]

It helps me with opinion writing and news-article style. But there is no creativity in the creative writing course. I understand that they have to use a list of approved topics, but Jesus....cats v. dogs? Really? 1,200 words? Seriously?

What I want to write about is topics like monotheism and sexual repression. What I want to write about is creating scenes to a photo and laying them out on paper. What I want to write about is comparisons and contrasts of different writing styles by period and genre. Instead, I get cats v. dogs, or a comparison essay on cigarette addiction. I could practically phone this course in.

There's no serious feedback. The longest response I got was "nice job on the topic, your subject wandered a little but I liked it.'

That's it. Four essays, and that's it. All I get are numerical grades. Not a thing on sentence structure, my (excessive) use of parentheticals, gerunds (thank you Copper) or any other technical aspect of writing.

I should copy this post to the dumbing down of our schools thread, too.

I had far better feedback than that in my Essay Writing class. Not only did the professor leave constructive comments throughout the course, but we also had another student review our work near the end of the class. While it's true most of them didn't know how to write correct sentences, the feedback was still helpful in other ways.

Plus I was able to choose my own topic.

 

[Epmd607]

It helps me with opinion writing and news-article style. But there is no creativity in the creative writing course. I understand that they have to use a list of approved topics, but Jesus....cats v. dogs? Really? 1,200 words? Seriously?

What I want to write about is topics like monotheism and sexual repression. What I want to write about is creating scenes to a photo and laying them out on paper. What I want to write about is comparisons and contrasts of different writing styles by period and genre. Instead, I get cats v. dogs, or a comparison essay on cigarette addiction. I could practically phone this course in.

There's no serious feedback. The longest response I got was "nice job on the topic, your subject wandered a little but I liked it.'

That's it. Four essays, and that's it. All I get are numerical grades. Not a thing on sentence structure, my (excessive) use of parentheticals, gerunds (thank you Copper) or any other technical aspect of writing.

I should copy this post to the dumbing down of our schools thread, too.

It sounds like a general composition course for a general studies requirement. The only actual writing course I took in college was just called "Freshman Composition" and we basically just did what you're describing. I've only gotten better at writing through reading tons of fiction and writing every day, even if it's just a sex story that I know I'll never finish. A teacher, whether in their office or over the Internet can only give you so many minutes of feedback. Their advice would be to keep taking classes, but when you take those classes it's mostly about writing and getting feedback. There has to be someone you know who can read something of yours and tell you what's wrong with the grammar and general storyline. You don't need a pro editor sitting over your shoulder telling you what's wrong, just people saying whether they liked or disliked your story.

 

[sr71plt]

It helps me with opinion writing and news-article style. But there is no creativity in the creative writing course. I understand that they have to use a list of approved topics, but Jesus....cats v. dogs? Really? 1,200 words? Seriously?

What I want to write about is topics like monotheism and sexual repression. What I want to write about is creating scenes to a photo and laying them out on paper. What I want to write about is comparisons and contrasts of different writing styles by period and genre. Instead, I get cats v. dogs, or a comparison essay on cigarette addiction. I could practically phone this course in.

There's no serious feedback. The longest response I got was "nice job on the topic, your subject wandered a little but I liked it.'

That's it. Four essays, and that's it. All I get are numerical grades. Not a thing on sentence structure, my (excessive) use of parentheticals, gerunds (thank you Copper) or any other technical aspect of writing.

I should copy this post to the dumbing down of our schools thread, too.

If you like, you could PM me for my e-mail and then send them to me and I'll give them some feedback--it might take a while as I'm up to my neck with writing and editing, but I'd try to do more than a one-liner.

 

[Guest]

If you like, you could PM me for my e-mail and then send them to me and I'll give them some feedback--it might take a while as I'm up to my neck with writing and editing, but I'd try to do more than a one-liner.

I appreciate that, thank you. Let me finish up these two assignments today and I will definitely take you up on your offer.

 

[Guest]

I had far better feedback than that in my Essay Writing class. Not only did the professor leave constructive comments throughout the course, but we also had another student review our work near the end of the class. While it's true most of them didn't know how to write correct sentences, the feedback was still helpful in other ways.

Plus I was able to choose my own topic.

It sounds like a general composition course for a general studies requirement. The only actual writing course I took in college was just called "Freshman Composition" and we basically just did what you're describing. I've only gotten better at writing through reading tons of fiction and writing every day, even if it's just a sex story that I know I'll never finish. A teacher, whether in their office or over the Internet can only give you so many minutes of feedback. Their advice would be to keep taking classes, but when you take those classes it's mostly about writing and getting feedback. There has to be someone you know who can read something of yours and tell you what's wrong with the grammar and general storyline. You don't need a pro editor sitting over your shoulder telling you what's wrong, just people saying whether they liked or disliked your story.

@ML and EPMD: I'm going to finish this class, then make sure that the rest of the classes I take by distance learning are non-English core classes. Classes like chemistry and mathematics instead. Then, when I get back to the States, I can ensure that all English classes I take are in a classroom environment, where I can have personal interaction with a teacher and can ask questions as they come up. This way, I get something out of the class besides just "checking the block".

Interestingly enough though, I am so excited by the act of writing that I am considering getting a second degree in journalism once my core classes are done.

 

[CopperSkink]

I've got first- and second-hand accounts for you on smoking addiction as soon as you're ready for it. Religion and sexual oppression, too.

 

[Guest]

I've got first- and second-hand accounts for you on smoking addiction as soon as you're ready for it. Religion and sexual oppression, too.

The addiction essay is already complete and submitted. I appreciate the offer though, and it has been recommended that I change my final topic to something a little less polarizing than religion and/or sex. I think that instead I am going to write about...well fuck. I don't know what I am going to write about now.

But I think I am going to sell the books when this is done.

 

[Epmd607]

@ML and EPMD: I'm going to finish this class, then make sure that the rest of the classes I take by distance learning are non-English core classes. Classes like chemistry and mathematics instead. Then, when I get back to the States, I can ensure that all English classes I take are in a classroom environment, where I can have personal interaction with a teacher and can ask questions as they come up. This way, I get something out of the class besides just "checking the block".

Interestingly enough though, I am so excited by the act of writing that I am considering getting a second degree in journalism once my core classes are done.

Change your MOS, 46Q series. Propaganda machine or not, they'll train you in journalism.

 

[_Lynn_]

The addiction essay is already complete and submitted. I appreciate the offer though, and it has been recommended that I change my final topic to something a little less polarizing than religion and/or sex. I think that instead I am going to write about...well fuck. I don't know what I am going to write about now.

But I think I am going to sell the books when this is done.

The Research Writing class I'm in now let us choose the topic. I'm finding I don't like mine already. Or maybe I just don't like the class itself. Yet I didn't have any trouble in the essay class. I chose that topic too and the paper went fine.

Yeah, sell the books. Good idea.

 

[Guest]

Change your MOS, 46Q series. Propaganda machine or not, they'll train you in journalism.

I'm ETS ing. I am a Staff Sergeant with over 10 years in. There's no MOS change for me.