Writing Level

13 posts / 0 new

Fri, 2012-08-24 07:05

Writing Level

Hey all, I was just moseying through ABCtales—stuck with insomnia—when I began to ponder: Which writing level am I at?

I'll be more specific here: What would you say my age must be based on my ability? Very young? Fairly old? If I could get a specific age or range, that would be great! If I get no response, then so be that. I'm just pretty curious as to where I stand. Or rather, where my readers think I stand.

I believe no one on here knows my actual age—perhaps has an idea, though, from written proof somewhere on the site...but hopefully not.

Fri, 2012-08-24 14:22

ItsSteveDave

I agree with Stan and I would also add that writing a poem inspired by a Mogwai song is class! If you're 14-20, then you are a musically aware 14-20 year old. DEATH TO RHIANNA! Ok not really, but still, get her off my telly. Actually, not that either, but I reserve my right to watch her on mute.

Fri, 2012-08-24 17:36

Jessiibear

Yes, Stan, that helped. A lot. As your words often do. :) Sometimes I ask dumb questions, just to see what others think or say. 'Cause I'm weird - like Mark says. :P Maybe swathed in my duvet with my heavy eyes rarely blinking in the glow of my laptop screen, I was too weary and clouded up there to realize the generalization I've made. I was super tired last when I made this thread, too. Though, I understand now the reality of it all. It makes total sense. Steve, thank you, lol. I listen to everything, basically. I admire all kinds of music - and yes, even some country. To me, this kind of music especially - like Mogwai's - is really inspiring, it takes me out of this world...planting me into my own. But yeah, c'mon, Rhianna isn't that bad! To each his own, anyway. Oh yeah, and you're right. I am under 20 yet over 14. ;)

Jess <3

Fri, 2012-08-24 21:09

jennifer

Dear Jessica, There is no such thing as a writing 'level' (unless we are talking about National Curriculum Levels, which I highly doubt!). There is only merit in using aspects of writing such as punctuation, grammar, lexis, layout etc. competently and/or for effect. At the end of the day, what is 'good' is what people like/enjoy reading - and age (be it of the writer or the reader) has little to do with it. I've read stories, essays and poems written by teenagers that are a lot better, in my opinion, than a lot of published writing penned by adults! However, I would argue that practise and development of writing is key - taking on board the constructive criticism and advice of others in order to ensure that the writing we produce is as of as high a quality as we are capable. I also maintain that the more we read, the better our own writing becomes - that we develop writing through reading. I would also argue that the Literary Canon, the bestselling book charts and the opinions of others have little bearing on the matter - if you enjoy reading something and think that it is good writing, then it is just that. Writing, like so many other things in life (looks, wealth, success, etc.) can only ever be judged subjectively. And let's not forget luck in all of this - luck, passion and a lot of hard work went into the writing and publishing of Unbelievable (my first novel, which has just come out). At the end of the day, I did not write it for money, fame, success or to be published - I wrote it because I was inspired by my students and I wrote it for sheer love of writing a story and playing with words, dialogue, structure, punctuation, imagery and plot. I'm just lucky that other people thought it a suitable 'level' to be published! Jennifer Pickup x

Fri, 2012-08-24 22:00

mikepyro

People used to tell me I wrote wa beyond my age when Iwas younger, but as you get older and better it appears to not matter, ha. It's a hard question to answer because each person has their own style. While some may write like a 18 year old in imagery, their dialogue or characters could be like classic literature. All depends :) As for music tastes, who knows, long as its good! I love the rock blues of WhiteStripes/Black Keys but also BB King and Muddy Waters. Love the harmony of Queen and the new band Fun.

Give me the beat boys and free my soul! I wanna getta lost in ya rock n' roll and drift away. Drift away...

Fri, 2012-08-24 23:59

Jessiibear

Thank you Jennifer for flattening out those lingering wrinkles. When it comes to writing, I enjoy learning! I love watching how my writing develops over time - and believe me, it got a lot better than say three years ago. Sometimes I write and it's, 'Great job!' Other times, afterward, I may produce something that only gets a mere, 'Eh.' So yeah, it always depends. I understand that now, haha. I also believe that the more we read, the better our writing becomes. Lately, unfortunately, I've deprived myself of books or articles as such. I've only been flooding my brain capacity with works of site writers (from here and elsewhere). That in itself is still good, though, I find. By doing so, I have still been able to pick up a few things here and there. Everyone on here (and on the other sites I contribute to) is so talented! Congratulations on your book selling, too. That's an amazing achievement. Sometimes - more often lately - I'll get too caught up in technique and professionalism, telling myself I need to work harder to be like that. To be like those who acquire those things. I used to write just for the sake. It was the perfect getaway. I need to be like that again. I stress too much. Mike, same here! When I was younger people told me I wrote like a university student. I know. How unfathomable. But people liked to spread my work around. Now that I'm a bit older, I feel like it doesn't matter anymore. I used to feel so proud and special. I think my ability varies from time to time anyway, now. Depending on mood, motivation, inspiration, stress level, and so on. In addition, I'm not too familiar with those artists you've listed, but I do love Fun. :D

Jess <3

Sat, 2012-08-25 01:13

mikepyro

You've never heard of Queen? Black Keys? BB King? :O That's crazy girl. I'm undoubtably a better writer now than I ever was, of course, do miss the you write so well for you age thing, but not so much considering I'm amazing regardless :D

Give me the beat boys and free my soul! I wanna getta lost in ya rock n' roll and drift away. Drift away...

Sat, 2012-08-25 01:44

Natalia

Before you said anything, I thought you were in your early twenties. Hey, how old do you guys think I am?

Natalia :)

Sat, 2012-08-25 02:48

Jessiibear

Mike, lol! Don't judge me, okay? Hehe. I'll check 'em out, though. I swear! :P I do in fact miss that, also. My stuff was passed around like wildfire. To my principal. My teachers and other teachers - who had recommended I enter certain contests at the time. Students. My teacher's family. It was a nice feeling, indeed. And you are amazing Mike. :) We all are, actually. Natalia, I can't believe that. Haha. I'm younger than 18! For me, I would guess you're between the ages of 13 and 16? Am I right? :O

Jess <3

Sat, 2012-08-25 03:46

#10

mikepyro

Oh, well it went on a while long than 18 for me, guess I was just super amazing. Come on it's Queen! We Will Rock You? Bohemian Rhapsody? Another one Bites the Dust? Killer Queen? We Are the Champions? Find Me Somebody to Love? Without them Fun wouldn't exist. (they basically are Fun but 40 years earlier) All you can do is hone your craft. To me if you can get past that and produce work that wows people even older than you at 20 then you're a writer, and then you can only improve.

Give me the beat boys and free my soul! I wanna getta lost in ya rock n' roll and drift away. Drift away...

Sat, 2012-08-25 05:10

#11

Jessiibear

Ohh! I know them then, haha. Must have never been aware of the artists who sang those genius songs... I think you're right, too. Embrace it, sell it, improve it. Right? Then, of course, repeat.

Jess <3

Sat, 2012-08-25 05:09

#12

Jessiibear

Ohh! I know them then, haha. Must have never been aware of the artists who sang those genius songs... I think you're right, too. Embrace it, sell it, improve it. Right? Then, of course, repeat.

Jess <3

Sun, 2012-08-26 04:53

#13

Natalia

LOL...very funny Stan. Yes, you're right....Jessica.

Natalia :)