I have no words other than THANK YOU. I am so appreciative of the kind words. Like everyone else in the world, I have major imposter syndrome and this has really made me excited to work on increasing my output again. I have no doubt that everyone else who submitted feels the same after you kindly took the time to provide feedback to SO MANY people. In one shot I think you've inspired and motivated the hell out of hundreds of people. So selfishly, thank you, and also probably on behalf of all of us who submitted, thank you. I'll hit your email asap. :)
I'm so indescribably fucking happy for you girl! You massacred it! When I saw that it was you that won I did a little happy dance in the bathroom at work.
Thank you! <3 <3 <3 As I'm over here thinking to myself "Okay, if Dara wins, remember that we are VERY happy for her even if we're jealous that she's prettier and stealing all my favorite people." XD
Congratulations Alison!!! Ricky I would listen to and follow your advice. Any advice I receive I try to follow, unless it’s clearly bad advice. I could honestly use some positivity right now. I’m
Inspired to follow my hearts desire, but so much bad has surrounded my life lately that it seems impossible
I think it's a bit of both. Reading books on writing, taking creative writing classes and then reading from a variety of authors to see how those mechanics are put into place really help hammer those ideas home.
I've taken a handful of different creative writing classes online over the years that have really helped me with super specific issues. Generally speaking, for more bang for your buck, it might make more sense to read a couple books to help with some general guidelines.
For example:
Stephen King's "On Writing"
Benjamin Percy's "Thrill Me"
Chuck Palahniuk's "Consider This"
All of those are really great and informative reads. The rest is just learning how to use the tools to better your own craft.
As far as authors that have influenced me, it shouldn't be any surprise that I wear my Chuck Palahniuk influence on my sleeve. For a lot of people, his work, you either love it, or hate it. Outside of all of the shock value content, the guy knows how to tell a story and string you along for the ride. And that is something I really aspire to do in my own work. I don't know if I could choose a favorite, so here's a handful that have inspired my own writing over the years: Craig Clevenger, William Christopher Baer, Matt Bell, Blake Crouch, Lindsay Hunter.
Another question. I am never satisfied with what I write. I change and rewrite the same things and I can't settle for anything. The idea doesn't change, but I will still write it again, in a different way. It's never-ending. Does this happen to you too? How can I become more happy with what I write?
It's like cooking a meal: Not everyone will do the same things with the same ingredients, but over time you will figure out what ingredients you like to use, as well as how to prepare them. I think this comes with experience. Once you understand what you enjoy, it's much easier to find a trail to get there. It just takes practice and time!
The thing you don't want to get caught up in is rewriting indefinitely. As with any form of creative art, if you don't put a finite deadline on something, you will work on it forever. Sometimes it's better to get it to a point where you are okay with where the story is at and call it done. That way, you can go back to it months later, presumably better at your craft, and know what you did wrong, as well how to make it better. Hope that helps!
Yes! Thank you for the advice and the opportunity you gave me through this contest. I really needed something to write about and the contest solved that problem and motivated me. I have a lot to learn from you! Thanks for helping!!!
I’m back to writing after 11 years so I’m soaking up all advice there is. Thank you for the suggestions!
Yes, your writing does give Palahniuk vibes. I love his work btw. Haunted, is such a great piece. Currently reading Snuff. Indeed, he’s a great storyteller. The way he uses in media res is terrific, his twists, it’s hard to put him down. I’ve heard of Blake Crouch, I’ll check the rest.
I follow great writers like yourself on Twitter and it’s wonderful to see the humbleness in helping out others in this community like you do. Thanks again!
Thank you so much, Aliza! I have a few things floating around out there, e.g. on Medium, but your best bet would be to give me a follow on Instagram @allisonreagan or Twitter @allisonjreagan as I reorganize my website and Fright Bites series if you want to stay updated. That's so kind of you to ask, and if you shoot me a DM I'll follow back. :)
I have no words other than THANK YOU. I am so appreciative of the kind words. Like everyone else in the world, I have major imposter syndrome and this has really made me excited to work on increasing my output again. I have no doubt that everyone else who submitted feels the same after you kindly took the time to provide feedback to SO MANY people. In one shot I think you've inspired and motivated the hell out of hundreds of people. So selfishly, thank you, and also probably on behalf of all of us who submitted, thank you. I'll hit your email asap. :)
I'm so indescribably fucking happy for you girl! You massacred it! When I saw that it was you that won I did a little happy dance in the bathroom at work.
Thank you! <3 <3 <3 As I'm over here thinking to myself "Okay, if Dara wins, remember that we are VERY happy for her even if we're jealous that she's prettier and stealing all my favorite people." XD
Soon enough I'll steal your skin too...oh wait I think thats your thang
He was exactly right though, your work was incredible!
This was so haunting Allison, what a fantastic job you did!
An absolutely fabulous read. Congratulations Allison. Well done you!
You're a great writer Allison congrats
Congratilations Allison !!! So happy for you. I loved your story. ☺️
Congratulations, well deserved 😀
Congratulations Alison!!! Ricky I would listen to and follow your advice. Any advice I receive I try to follow, unless it’s clearly bad advice. I could honestly use some positivity right now. I’m
Inspired to follow my hearts desire, but so much bad has surrounded my life lately that it seems impossible
Wow, I hadn’t read this one and it’s impressive. Love reading stories that haunt you after. Congrats Alisson! Do you have a blog?
For Ricky, on advice, did reading other authors help you alone or do you recommend taking courses on creative writing?
And what are your top 3 authors that influenced you?
I think it's a bit of both. Reading books on writing, taking creative writing classes and then reading from a variety of authors to see how those mechanics are put into place really help hammer those ideas home.
I've taken a handful of different creative writing classes online over the years that have really helped me with super specific issues. Generally speaking, for more bang for your buck, it might make more sense to read a couple books to help with some general guidelines.
For example:
Stephen King's "On Writing"
Benjamin Percy's "Thrill Me"
Chuck Palahniuk's "Consider This"
All of those are really great and informative reads. The rest is just learning how to use the tools to better your own craft.
As far as authors that have influenced me, it shouldn't be any surprise that I wear my Chuck Palahniuk influence on my sleeve. For a lot of people, his work, you either love it, or hate it. Outside of all of the shock value content, the guy knows how to tell a story and string you along for the ride. And that is something I really aspire to do in my own work. I don't know if I could choose a favorite, so here's a handful that have inspired my own writing over the years: Craig Clevenger, William Christopher Baer, Matt Bell, Blake Crouch, Lindsay Hunter.
Another question. I am never satisfied with what I write. I change and rewrite the same things and I can't settle for anything. The idea doesn't change, but I will still write it again, in a different way. It's never-ending. Does this happen to you too? How can I become more happy with what I write?
It's like cooking a meal: Not everyone will do the same things with the same ingredients, but over time you will figure out what ingredients you like to use, as well as how to prepare them. I think this comes with experience. Once you understand what you enjoy, it's much easier to find a trail to get there. It just takes practice and time!
The thing you don't want to get caught up in is rewriting indefinitely. As with any form of creative art, if you don't put a finite deadline on something, you will work on it forever. Sometimes it's better to get it to a point where you are okay with where the story is at and call it done. That way, you can go back to it months later, presumably better at your craft, and know what you did wrong, as well how to make it better. Hope that helps!
Yes! Thank you for the advice and the opportunity you gave me through this contest. I really needed something to write about and the contest solved that problem and motivated me. I have a lot to learn from you! Thanks for helping!!!
Did you take any of the master classes?
I’m back to writing after 11 years so I’m soaking up all advice there is. Thank you for the suggestions!
Yes, your writing does give Palahniuk vibes. I love his work btw. Haunted, is such a great piece. Currently reading Snuff. Indeed, he’s a great storyteller. The way he uses in media res is terrific, his twists, it’s hard to put him down. I’ve heard of Blake Crouch, I’ll check the rest.
I follow great writers like yourself on Twitter and it’s wonderful to see the humbleness in helping out others in this community like you do. Thanks again!
Thank you so much, Aliza! I have a few things floating around out there, e.g. on Medium, but your best bet would be to give me a follow on Instagram @allisonreagan or Twitter @allisonjreagan as I reorganize my website and Fright Bites series if you want to stay updated. That's so kind of you to ask, and if you shoot me a DM I'll follow back. :)
It’s great you’re on Twitter. That’s where I have all my writers. I enjoy the feed there. @XxAlizaBxX is my user. I’ll DM you shortly.
Wow!! I’m in tears!! This is absolutely haunting!!! Well done!!!!
Thank you so much - that makes my heart so happy!
Congrats!!!!
Congratulations Allison!
That's awesome! Congratulations Allison! 🖤
Fantastic
Thank you so much. ❤❤❤