I'm writing a book

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JD

Jul 5, 2009
638
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Longview, Texas
It's going to be a fictional story based on a bit of fact. The book will be about card counting. Hopefully the book will be quite good and it's based on the truth of myself and two other friends who decided to learn to count cards and to practice this new skill at the casinos in Oklahoma which don't require players to be 21 to play, only 18 years of age.
 
May 15, 2010
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With Gerard Way
That is a great idea, I am also a magician and a writer. I am only 14 but have already written a couple of novels, (Realistic fiction). I am thinking about writing about a teen magician and throughout the story the reader always guesses if the person has powers or if it is just slight of hand, since I can't say "Did a helix 180 cut and controlled the card to the top and then did a double lift…" That would make no sense to the reader and I can't be giving away stuff now can I. I think your idea is great and can have a lot of potential. My best advice for any writer is to know your characters well because they make the plot. I would love to read some of it when you get some chapters out. Pm me. I'll send you some of my stuff if you want.
 

RickEverhart

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Sep 14, 2008
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Louisville, OH
I think it is a great idea, however, don't allow the book to sound just like the movie, "21" or everyone and their brother is going to call you out on that and say you just copied the movie.
 

JD

Jul 5, 2009
638
1
Longview, Texas
I won't let it sound like that, although the title was going to be vingt-et-un, which means twenty and one. If someone can make up a better title that would be greatly appreciated
 

CaseyRudd

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Jun 5, 2009
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I won't let it sound like that, although the title was going to be vingt-et-un, which means twenty and one. If someone can make up a better title that would be greatly appreciated

French influence? I've been trying to write several books, but i think I might actually start one because you inspired me to. haha. I guess I have something to do over the summer now! Thanks man.

-Casey
 
Apr 6, 2010
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I suggest you make it into a full blown character study; focus on why your character is card counting - what does it fill him with? Gratification? Adrenalin? Power? Its a cool idea but you need to give it a lot more depth than just about card counting. Make him some failed magician or card mechanic who longs to make it into the big games or be successful, but is stuck in a one bedroom apartment with a wad of bills.

As well as that, maybe draw in some fictional conflict between the three of your character (who obviously represent you and your friends). Maybe the two of them arent as good as you/your character, and they give up because your character is too obsessed with card counting.

A good film for you to check out - 'Croupier'. Its a film about a writer who gets a job as a dealer in his local casino and loves the enigmatic power he gets from seeing the punters loose their money. Its a great film and Clive Owen is fantastic in the role. Also check out Shade if you havent seen it - cant beat Stallone.

I am currently working on my second novel, and hope to have it published by the end of my first year at Uni. Ill give you a tip now, make sure you plot the hell out of it before you start writing, i made the mistake of trying to write my first novel whilst making it up as i went along and it didnt work so well.

Good luck!

EDIT: And don't try to come up with a name for it to start with, just wait and as you write it names will come to you that seem perfect.
 
Nov 30, 2007
821
0
I suggest you make it into a full blown character study; focus on why your character is card counting - what does it fill him with? Gratification? Adrenalin? Power? Its a cool idea but you need to give it a lot more depth than just about card counting. Make him some failed magician or card mechanic who longs to make it into the big games or be successful, but is stuck in a one bedroom apartment with a wad of bills.

As well as that, maybe draw in some fictional conflict between the three of your character (who obviously represent you and your friends). Maybe the two of them arent as good as you/your character, and they give up because your character is too obsessed with card counting.

A good film for you to check out - 'Croupier'. Its a film about a writer who gets a job as a dealer in his local casino and loves the enigmatic power he gets from seeing the punters loose their money. Its a great film and Clive Owen is fantastic in the role. Also check out Shade if you havent seen it - cant beat Stallone.

I am currently working on my second novel, and hope to have it published by the end of my first year at Uni. Ill give you a tip now, make sure you plot the hell out of it before you start writing, i made the mistake of trying to write my first novel whilst making it up as i went along and it didnt work so well.

Good luck!

EDIT: And don't try to come up with a name for it to start with, just wait and as you write it names will come to you that seem perfect.

Great advice!

I thought I might pass on a little bit of advice myself. Something that I have found practical in some situations was said by the great writer Kurt Vonnegut. He said, "Every sentence must do one of two things—reveal character or advance the action." Of course, different writers have different styles, and be sure to explore yours!

Best of luck, keep us updated on how it's going!
 
Nov 30, 2007
821
0
I have never heard of Kurt Vonnegut but that is a brilliant quote, thanks for sharing it!

Absolutely. If you ever want to learn more about him, there's a link. I would also highly recommend some of his work, especially his collection of short stories, Welcome to the Monkey House.
 
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Nov 8, 2007
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My apologies - nope! Im not much of an literature guy anymore, i dropped English in college because i wanted to focus on film more.

The best filmmakers are all very well-read people. Film, at its best, is very much an extensive of literature. If you imagine yourself ever holding your own in a conversation with Scorcese, Spielberg, Coppola, Allen, etc. you may want to get that college English class under your belt.
 
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