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RibZ
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Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2007 6:02 am Post subject: Culture and writing (seems like best place for this thread) |
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 Honorary Crew

Joined: Sep 25, 2007 Posts: 141 Location: State of insanity
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| Do you write about cultures other than your own? If so, how do you make sure your writing is accurate? |
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Cparker
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Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2007 9:33 am Post subject: |
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 Monkey Boy

Joined: Sep 26, 2004 Posts: 623 Location: Portugal/London
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I haven't ever written about a culture that is different to my own... I would imagine an immense amount of research would be needed as well as many, many first hand experiences with the culture itself. Is it something you have ever done? _________________ Teal´c : To resist the influence of others, knowledge of oneself is most important. |
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RibZ
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Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2007 10:05 am Post subject: |
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 Honorary Crew

Joined: Sep 25, 2007 Posts: 141 Location: State of insanity
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| I actively avoid doing that because I would prob project my stereotypes and assumptions about that culture. My writing wouldn't be accurate or respectful. |
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TheRadiantSeraphim
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Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2007 7:25 pm Post subject: |
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 visiting addict

Joined: Sep 04, 2007 Posts: 95 Location: In a pile of books.
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Fiction or non-fiction, I have dabbled into spiritual inspirations in my writing - some of these can be seen in my poetry. Some of my fiction, especially the one I am working on right now, subtly reflect the tradition of existing religions, with a fantasy twist to it all. I have done cultures I am familiar with, or things I research and become somewhat familiar with. When it comes to writing about other cultures, more or less, the only thing I can suggest is: research.
I am not being sarcastic. It helps. One thing to also consider is getting English translations of the information of a particular culture, or at least an English-written book made by someone who has been accredited with having exposure to the culture to write accurately enough. I say this because I noticed that a several people will claim to know certain things, when they really do not. Also, try to get information that is the most up-to-date, as in anything in the year 2000 or younger. As someone once said, "History is a series of revisions." (Author Unknown)
The internet is a good pool of information too, but I suggest the same caution, even moreso since anyone can publish information on the web. Some web communities might be able to help in this matter.
Sincerely,
TheRadiantSeraphim |
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quantum
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Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2007 12:05 pm Post subject: |
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 Official member

Joined: May 27, 2007 Posts: 30 Location: U.K.
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I am currently writing a romantic fantasy set in Regency England and involving the game of cricket.
A painless way of picking up an overview of the 'Regency rules' is to read novels by eminent authors like Jane Austen or Georgette Heyer.
Googling then fills in the details, like checking that an aristocratic name does not exist in reality or checking when round arm bowling came in.
I find that the 'research' aspect actually starts to fascinate after a while and becomes a major source of interest and fun.  _________________ Dave
When you can tunnel, the whole multiverse becomes your oyster! |
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