Is there anything I should know before I write it?
2 Likes
It's pretty pointless to write a book about a wow character.
You can't publish it, so you won't be able to profit from (or even really share) it.
Blizzard's policy on their writing staff is "Don't apply, we'll contact you," so you can't turn it into a job.
You'll be heavily constrained by setting. You can't re-write WoW's lore, so at best you can write an interesting story which works around it but plays no major role.
These are all problems if you manage to finish, which most aspiring novelists do not. So if you're down to endure, and finish, the slog.. You'd be better off not doing it about Warcraft.
You can't publish it, so you won't be able to profit from (or even really share) it.
Blizzard's policy on their writing staff is "Don't apply, we'll contact you," so you can't turn it into a job.
You'll be heavily constrained by setting. You can't re-write WoW's lore, so at best you can write an interesting story which works around it but plays no major role.
These are all problems if you manage to finish, which most aspiring novelists do not. So if you're down to endure, and finish, the slog.. You'd be better off not doing it about Warcraft.
1 Like
Go ahead if you want.
but i'd say look up the lore on certain areas, best thing i can tell ya certain zones, are bigger than they appear.
and if you wanted to make a blood elf, well there mostly low population, best i can tell ya.
but i'd say look up the lore on certain areas, best thing i can tell ya certain zones, are bigger than they appear.
and if you wanted to make a blood elf, well there mostly low population, best i can tell ya.
1 Like
11/08/2018 04:11 PMPosted by KelivaronIs there anything I should know before I write it?
You should know your character :D
3 Likes
It's good to read up on lore to get an idea of what type of people your race was or what they did. It's good to read lore even if you were not writing a book since some of it is pretty remarkable.
Write the book for fun, since as another has said, you can't make money off of it. It does, nevertheless, give you an exercise in story telling. I've yanked this character out of WoW and put him into my own world. He has some similar upbringings but because I stretched his lore out in WoW to the point beyond comparison, I doubt I'd get in trouble for IP stealing.
As for publishing, you technically can publish it, but it would have to be a private work. I've done it myself on Amazon. I've never distributed and I still only have three copies since at the time that's the least amount of books they could publish for a private work. They may have changed how private publishing works for Amazon though, so best to look it up. And I'd suggest private publishing for YOUR use only.
Write the book for fun, since as another has said, you can't make money off of it. It does, nevertheless, give you an exercise in story telling. I've yanked this character out of WoW and put him into my own world. He has some similar upbringings but because I stretched his lore out in WoW to the point beyond comparison, I doubt I'd get in trouble for IP stealing.
As for publishing, you technically can publish it, but it would have to be a private work. I've done it myself on Amazon. I've never distributed and I still only have three copies since at the time that's the least amount of books they could publish for a private work. They may have changed how private publishing works for Amazon though, so best to look it up. And I'd suggest private publishing for YOUR use only.
1 Like
11/08/2018 04:11 PMPosted by KelivaronIs there anything I should know before I write it?
The biggest question is, do you intend to publish or otherwise make money off this book?
If the answer is yes, then you can write the book but cannot use WoW's setting or lore. Doing so would be copyright infringement and be a sure-fire way to have a legal mess. It is okay to pull inspiration from other works, but whatever you publish needs to be your own material.
If the answer is no, then go right ahead. Many people write stories about their characters and other fan-fiction, some of which is novel-length work.
1 Like
11/08/2018 04:30 PMPosted by HallintonYou can't re-write WoW's lore, so at best you can write an interesting story which works around it but plays no major role.
Except for all the major events which had "nameless adventurers" play major roles.
1 Like
Have some idea of how you want the story to go. Even having a basic plot outline in point form can help you during those periods when you look at the story and think 'where the hell do I go from here?' I almost never write a long piece of fiction without sitting down and working out the main thing I want to have happen in each chapter. it helps keep me on track and i'm a lot less likely to freak out about writing. (the old adage about how to eat an elephant comes to mind... you eat it piece by piece)
Don't think you have to get it written in a certain period of time. Writing has ebbs and flows. Some days you will sit down to write and the words will flow, before you know it, it will be several hours later and you will have written three or four thousand words. Other days you will struggle to write a sentence. It's normal.
I also want to echo two things.
One: DO NOT rewrite WoW lore. If you do, then it's no longer a WoW story.
Two: If you want to sell the story, you will need to talk to a lawyer as you're going to run into copyright issues, which, if Blizzard (or the actual writer of the works you draw inspiration from) decides to pursue a case for copyright violations, could wind up costing you thousands.
There are sites around that allow people to share their writing (including fanfiction stories) Two I know of are Wattpad and fanfiction.net.
Don't think you have to get it written in a certain period of time. Writing has ebbs and flows. Some days you will sit down to write and the words will flow, before you know it, it will be several hours later and you will have written three or four thousand words. Other days you will struggle to write a sentence. It's normal.
I also want to echo two things.
One: DO NOT rewrite WoW lore. If you do, then it's no longer a WoW story.
Two: If you want to sell the story, you will need to talk to a lawyer as you're going to run into copyright issues, which, if Blizzard (or the actual writer of the works you draw inspiration from) decides to pursue a case for copyright violations, could wind up costing you thousands.
There are sites around that allow people to share their writing (including fanfiction stories) Two I know of are Wattpad and fanfiction.net.
1 Like
Cool, I find it rediculous that a few people have already warned you off against writing about WoW when you are probably just talking about putting down the gist of your wow character in a different setting.
And speaking of your character, tell me about him.
Oh and whether you stick to the wow universe or not, Id probably find another site thats more serious about writing and less serious about online cornholing.
Also, Writing up an entire world is half the fun of writing.
And speaking of your character, tell me about him.
Oh and whether you stick to the wow universe or not, Id probably find another site thats more serious about writing and less serious about online cornholing.
Also, Writing up an entire world is half the fun of writing.
2 Likes
11/08/2018 10:57 PMPosted by FisthookCool, I find it rediculous that a few people have already warned you off against writing about WoW when you are probably just talking about putting down the gist of your wow character in a different setting.
And speaking of your character, tell me about him.
Oh and whether you stick to the wow universe or not, Id probably find another site thats more serious about writing and less serious about online cornholing.
Also, Writing up an entire world is half the fun of writing.
Fwiw, I don't think I discouraged the OP exactly. I mean, if that's the intention. I love writing and I am a hobbyist pantser so no NaNoWriMo for me.
However there is a difference between writing for fun (be it getting to know the character or loving the premade world, etc) and looking to write as a profession. With established IPs such as Sanctuary and Azerorth, it can get tricky to expand upon it with your own characters.
It's safer to leave it as fan fiction. There is an option to publish it privately for weirdos like myself that like the feel of a book in their hands. And above all, the use of an established world could be inspiration for a work of their own.
Just saying, I encourage the OP to write. Pantsing or plotting are optional. And to take their time and enjoy the adventure.
1 Like
Not you Ivan, you were actually giving good input.
1 Like
11/08/2018 10:57 PMPosted by FisthookCool, I find it rediculous that a few people have already warned you off against writing about WoW when you are probably just talking about putting down the gist of your wow character in a different setting.
And speaking of your character, tell me about him.
Oh and whether you stick to the wow universe or not, Id probably find another site thats more serious about writing and less serious about online cornholing.
Also, Writing up an entire world is half the fun of writing.
I don't think anyone was saying not to write about wow. Writing fanfiction is fun and a good way to improve writing skills while exploring facets of a character that can't be explored in-game.
However, there is another side to writing that is just as important, and that is the issue of copyright. Copyright exists so that a writer/musician/artist/etc can make money from their work. If I was to take a novel from another author and try to pass it off as my own work, that author would have the right to take me to court and get them to stop me.
I realise that's not what we're talking about here. However, fanfiction exists in a grey area. A fanfiction author may not be copying another person's work, but they are using another person's ideas to create their own story. As fanfiction is usually shared, not sold, it's not normally a problem. However, it's when that story is being sold for money that problems can occur. Because the fanfiction author then can be seen as trying to profit from another person's ideas by passing those ideas off as their own work without crediting the original author.
It's why it's now common to see statements on a book's imprint page (where the copyright information is placed) along the lines of 'all trademarks and brands mentioned in this book remain the property of their original owner'. It's also why songs on a cd will usually list the person who wrote the song.
No one here is saying don't write about wow (except maybe Hallinton, but that's just Hal, he specialises in a form of brutally honest critique that few appreciate) What we ARE saying is that you won't be able to sell your work of fanfiction. By all means, write about your characters and their adventures in Azeroth. Just don't try to make money from those stories and keep to the established lore because if you're going to change things about the wow universe, you're better off making your own universe and placing your characters there.
1 Like
11/08/2018 10:57 PMPosted by FisthookCool, I find it rediculous that a few people have already warned you off against writing about WoW when you are probably just talking about putting down the gist of your wow character in a different setting.
And speaking of your character, tell me about him.
Oh and whether you stick to the wow universe or not, Id probably find another site thats more serious about writing and less serious about online cornholing.
Also, Writing up an entire world is half the fun of writing.
Creativity is a wonderful thing, and more power to those who pursue it. I don't see anyone here actively trying to discourage the OP from writing his story. Writing a story is fine but the main issue comes with monetizing it and copyright laws. The OP did not specify whether they were trying to make a saleable product or not, only that they were writing a book. Without having more specifics it's not a stretch to infer that if they are putting in the work of writing a book that they might want to profit from it, hence the advice about copyrights and monetization. Without more specific questions and information it's hard to provide a less generalized answer though.
I will also note that we have had past dealings here with others wishing to write books about their character. I won't delve into those incidents too deeply, but suffice it to say the person wasn't pleasant to deal with and was insisting on writing and selling their...um...fanfiction...as a novel. OP doesn't seem to be this sort thankfully, but that incident left an impression and I daresay may be contributing to some of the more guarded responses.
To try to end on a somewhat positive note and offer another bit of advice--don't be afraid of constructive criticism. Sometimes it hurts to hear, but it will help you improve your work and better tailor it to deliver your message to your audience. It's also not something you have to absorb all at once either. Write it down, think on it, let it marinate in the back of your mind a few days before making a concrete decision. This helps determine how to best utilize it without being influenced by the heat of the moment. Not all criticism has to be heeded either--the usefulness will vary.
1 Like
The guy asked if there was anything he should know before he writes it. People told him things he ought to know before he writes it.
It's important to note that if he uses IP exclusive to Blizzard he won't be able to monetize it without incurring legal risk.
All the same, I wish him luck whether he chooses to write in this setting or another.
It's important to note that if he uses IP exclusive to Blizzard he won't be able to monetize it without incurring legal risk.
All the same, I wish him luck whether he chooses to write in this setting or another.
1 Like
I used the words “a few people” because Im trying not to single anyone out. I feel the OP deserves an opportunity to answer a few questions. I feel the kind of response he has been given out of the gate would discourage any response on his part.
So lets get a handle on our reflex thoughts and let this guy speak.
So lets get a handle on our reflex thoughts and let this guy speak.
2 Likes
This,and the advice Hal,Bryah and Mori is very sound indeed. By no means are they discouraging the OP,they're suggesting to either post on a fanfiction site if it stays WoW related or to make up his own world and characters if he wishes to make a book and sell it so as not to have Blizzard sue the pants off of him for plagiarism/copyright infringement.11/09/2018 03:23 PMPosted by WalthornThe guy asked if there was anything he should know before he writes it. People told him things he ought to know before he writes it.
It's important to note that if he uses IP exclusive to Blizzard he won't be able to monetize it without incurring legal risk.
All the same, I wish him luck whether he chooses to write in this setting or another.
The fantasy world creation would be most ideal as you can add various other characters which ties your character's current quest at hand together be it companions,family,a love interest or an arch nemesis. In making your own world rather than trying to make something from existing IP,you have a bit more wiggle room and can make money off of the fruits of your imagination!
Also,dont be afraid to take criticism,you'll probably take a few lumps submitting to publishers but if they give advice,always reflect on it better your product and eventually you may see it on Barnes and Noble shelves.
1 Like
11/09/2018 01:54 PMPosted by Morician11/08/2018 10:57 PMPosted by FisthookCool, I find it rediculous that a few people have already warned you off against writing about WoW when you are probably just talking about putting down the gist of your wow character in a different setting.
And speaking of your character, tell me about him.
Oh and whether you stick to the wow universe or not, Id probably find another site thats more serious about writing and less serious about online cornholing.
Also, Writing up an entire world is half the fun of writing.
Creativity is a wonderful thing, and more power to those who pursue it. I don't see anyone here actively trying to discourage the OP from writing his story. Writing a story is fine but the main issue comes with monetizing it and copyright laws. The OP did not specify whether they were trying to make a saleable product or not, only that they were writing a book. Without having more specifics it's not a stretch to infer that if they are putting in the work of writing a book that they might want to profit from it, hence the advice about copyrights and monetization. Without more specific questions and information it's hard to provide a less generalized answer though.
I will also note that we have had past dealings here with others wishing to write books about their character. I won't delve into those incidents too deeply, but suffice it to say the person wasn't pleasant to deal with and was insisting on writing and selling their...um...fanfiction...as a novel. OP doesn't seem to be this sort thankfully, but that incident left an impression and I daresay may be contributing to some of the more guarded responses.
To try to end on a somewhat positive note and offer another bit of advice--don't be afraid of constructive criticism. Sometimes it hurts to hear, but it will help you improve your work and better tailor it to deliver your message to your audience. It's also not something you have to absorb all at once either. Write it down, think on it, let it marinate in the back of your mind a few days before making a concrete decision. This helps determine how to best utilize it without being influenced by the heat of the moment. Not all criticism has to be heeded either--the usefulness will vary.
Fair enough. Hope I wasn't the nasty individual.
And fwiw, the original question is very broad. Hence my overall answer or impression I wanted to give them was to have fun writing.
I did discourage making the story lucrative with Blizzard's IP. However, publishing it privately through Amazon would only be an idea IF they wanted a book for their OWN collection and personal use. I've done it once before and after seeing what I could do with my character after taking him out of Azeroth (and making him a werewolf), I got the confidence to make my own world with its own lore.
It's a pretty awesome experience I think and I am all for the OP cutting their writing teeth with Azerothian denizens :)
1 Like
11/09/2018 08:54 PMPosted by IvanknowlesHope I wasn't the nasty individual.
Ah naw mate, you're good in my book. The individual I was referring to was someone else--no one currently on the forums in recent times.
11/09/2018 08:54 PMPosted by IvanknowlesIt's a pretty awesome experience I think and I am all for the OP cutting their writing teeth with Azerothian denizens :)
Definitely in agreement here, as I've cut some of my own writing teeth with my WoW characters.
1 Like
I have an idea of who he is referring to, and that person is well known to be abrasive, but if you can get past that and pay attention to what is said, he usually has several pertinent points to make.
(I will say this, as tough as we are, an editor will be a lot tougher. It's their job to find every single error and fix them before the book goes to print. So I often tell anyone reading my work to be brutally honest about any errors they find. i'd rather them find mistakes than get bytched out because an editor found a stupid typo or punctuation mistake that screws up the whole meaning of the sentence.)
However, the question was about anything the person needed to know before he/she started writing. I think knowing if they intend to monetize the story is important, because selling a fanfiction story based on someone else's work can wind up costing thousands (in some cases millions) of dollars in damages if the original author decided to get nasty and take it to court for copyright violations.
It's also important to know that fanfiction can't break or change any of the lore established in the original story. Again, copyright can cause problems here, and trademark law can come into play as well, if the original author decided to get nasty.
We would be irresponsible if we didn't point out potential pitfalls to writers thinking of creating their own fanfiction.
Ok, now that that I've given my warnings, allow me to repeat something I said earlier.
Have fun and enjoy writing your fan fiction story. If you have any specific questions, ask. Most of us don't bite and we don't mind helping someone who is genuinely seeking help.
(I will say this, as tough as we are, an editor will be a lot tougher. It's their job to find every single error and fix them before the book goes to print. So I often tell anyone reading my work to be brutally honest about any errors they find. i'd rather them find mistakes than get bytched out because an editor found a stupid typo or punctuation mistake that screws up the whole meaning of the sentence.)
However, the question was about anything the person needed to know before he/she started writing. I think knowing if they intend to monetize the story is important, because selling a fanfiction story based on someone else's work can wind up costing thousands (in some cases millions) of dollars in damages if the original author decided to get nasty and take it to court for copyright violations.
It's also important to know that fanfiction can't break or change any of the lore established in the original story. Again, copyright can cause problems here, and trademark law can come into play as well, if the original author decided to get nasty.
We would be irresponsible if we didn't point out potential pitfalls to writers thinking of creating their own fanfiction.
Ok, now that that I've given my warnings, allow me to repeat something I said earlier.
11/09/2018 12:58 PMPosted by BryahWriting fanfiction is fun and a good way to improve writing skills while exploring facets of a character that can't be explored in-game.
Have fun and enjoy writing your fan fiction story. If you have any specific questions, ask. Most of us don't bite and we don't mind helping someone who is genuinely seeking help.
1 Like
Thanks everyone for the feedback/suggestions.
1 Like