We’re trying out a new idea that we hope will spark some great discussions about all kinds of STF related topics. While I kicked ff this one, my hope is that others will volunteer to have the conversations with fellow members.

If you’re interested in helping us kick off a future conversation, please email me at cmm@star-fleet.com.

Linds: So you said you write outside of STF- what do you write?

River: Within original fiction, I mostly write fantasy and sci-fi, aimed at a young adult level. However, my most recent little project is an entirely new idea, a spy novel in which my main character is 33 years old and works for what is basically going to be the CIA but private. I’ve also dabbled in fanfics and stuff, but not too much.

*Linds: That’s fun! Do you primarily write longer fiction, or do you do short fiction as well?

River: I do both! I have a few one-off short stories lying around, and a mountain of unfinished novel ideas XD

Linds: Haha, don’t we all? Us writer-folks, I mean. I feel like having a file or notebook of back burner ideas is almost key to being a writer. Sure, sudden inspiration can come about, but you often need things you can come back to when you’re ready.
River: Yeah, definitely. I’m a pen-and-paper type of person. I have dozens of notebooks filled with half-baked ideas XD For me, a blank word document is paralyzing, while a blank piece of paper is a story waiting to happen

Linds: I’ve heard some people say that. For me, typing is physically easier, so I do writing on the computer, but I will often brainstorm and jot notes in notebooks. Does this mean you have a stash of notebooks everywhere?

River: Yes! I made a goal to burn through the ones I have before buying more, and now I’m
finally nearly out! I’ve got two left, aha.
And probably twenty laying around my room and cluttering up my bookshelf.

Linds: LOL! I so know the feeling. I will say that pandemics can help with the buying of stash items. Maybe. For some. I may or may not have stocked up as things were going down.

River: I made the mistake of assuming that it would blow over in a month or two… thankfully, I work at an office store and my manager gave us all first pick at high-demand items

Linds: Well that was fortunate!
When it comes to stories, what is it that draws you to them? To creating them?

River: To be honest, a lot of my ideas come straight out of my dream world. I tend to have very intricate, detailed dreams that yield great ideas XD Otherwise, I browse writing prompt subreddits.

Linds: Writing prompts can be such a great way to keep your mind flexible. I know for myself I use them if I feel like I’m edging towards writers block, though those moments are rare. I’ve heard of a few club members speaking about it, but do you ever get writers block? And if so, what do you do to combat it?

River: Frequently. As for what I do about it, ahhh stares guiltily at large pile of abandoned ideas. These days, usually I’ll ask somebody I know who also writes. Like, “Hey, what do you think could go well here?” That can help, definitely. Otherwise, just… take a break for a while. Come back to it with a fresh mind.

Linds: Collaboration is always such a valuable thing. Which lends us nicely to STF. Do you find your writing outside the club influences your posts? Or vice-versa?

River: The chance to write with so many other people, many of whom I feel are better writers than myself does definitely influence my writing. What influences my writing most is what I read, I tend to mimic styles. So, when I read a lot of posts, my writing definitely starts to look like them, aha

Linds: Yeah, sometimes that can be a problem, but I think there is room for the viewpoint that it’s an evolution. You have to understand and practice something before you can truly learn it.
I know for myself that when I am writing with other talented writers (especially, if like you said they are more skilled than yourself) that I find myself pushing to be better. It can make for some truly incredible writing and reading experiences.

River: I agree completely. That’s one of my favorite things about it

Linds: Have you had any of those kinds of moments yet in the club?

River: Not specifically, but I do feel my writing has improved since joining the club. And having joined the ships I chose, I feel it’s coming.

Linds: I hope you get that moment soon. :slight_smile:
Do you have any advice for people wanting to build their writing skills, either within STF or outside?

River: My biggest main problem area is descriptions. Describing without “telling” is hard. Describing my character’s emotions is even harder. Since finding that is probably the biggest issue my writing currently has, it has been improving much quicker. So the best thing I can say is this: Analyze your writing. Compare it to those better than you, whether that be your favorite novel or someone here, and look for the differences, because figuring out what specifically you need to improve on means you can focus on it. If that made any sense

Linds: It does!
Again, it’s a bit about emulating what you know to be good and then finding your own style once you have the skills.

River: Yeah. And it’s important to know emulating others’ writing isn’t wrong, which is what I thought when I was younger, it’s a path to developing your own style.

Linds: Exactly. I think there’s often so much fear about doing things wrong that a newer writer can miss out on key opportunities to grow.
Is there anything else you wish you knew when you first started writing that you know now?

River: I can’t remember honestly. I used to get in trouble in middle school for writing instead of paying attention XD

Linds: lol! A good sign it was something you loved.
Do you have any story ideas you want to do but know you aren’t ready to write yet?

River: I can’t think of anything off the top of my head. I have notebooks full of ideas, most of which I haven’t looked at in anywhere from months to years honestly

Linds: Time to bring them out, I think! :wink: And I’m sure you’ll find lots of people here to brainstorm with should you need it.

River: Yes! Some of it is super cringey because middle school but yeah :joy: time to go through the old stuff!

Linds: Indeed! And we could probably talk about writing for hours (and we probably will in the future, lol), so we should stop here. But any last advice or tidbits you’d like to share?

River: Anything you write and aren’t happy with, you can always come back to later, so long as you don’t throw it away. It was in high school that I started conserving everything, aha

Linds: Smart advice!
Well, it was a pleasure to chat with you. Thank you for thanking the time to sit down (as it were) with me.

River: You too! And thanks for the opportunity. It’s been fun :)

Join the conversation! Do you write outside the club? Have you found RP to help with your writing or vice-versa? What are the writing skills you feel you have gained and/or are still trying to work on?