James Bond Story Advice

James Suzuki

For a long time now, I've been interested in writing a James Bond story. I've made one or two attempts. But have been bogged down with work, and life in general. I am, determined, however.
Which made me start thinking. Maybe im trying to bite off more than i can chew?
So i've decided to start off with a James Bond short story. I have only a few of the characters in my mind. and the barebones of a plot Not much.
was wondering if any of the members here would have some good advice about things such as...
Setting: Modern day or 50/60's?
What Bond? Should I go for movie Bond, or fully Fleming Bond?
Also general advice about writing would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Barbel

Have a look through older posts in the Lit forum, James, there are quite a few dealing with writing fan fiction which may help.

James Suzuki

Barbel wrote:

Have a look through older posts in the Lit forum, James, there are quite a few dealing with writing fan fiction which may help.

-{ Okay, searching now.
Will use this thread as a collection of my brainstorms and stuff, if that's okay?

Thunderpussy

Read my astonishingly good, many have said brilliant ( the wife, to shut me up)
Short, very short story.
Seriously there is some fan fiction in the literary forums, which is very good and
may give you some examples of writing style etc.
Off the top of my head, I'd go for the film Bond, as you can play with your own style
Of writing rather than boxing your creativity tightly up, in an exercise in trying to
copy Fleming. -{

James Suzuki

Thunderpussy wrote:

Read my astonishingly good, many have said brilliant ( the wife, to shut me up)
Short, very short story.
Seriously there is some fan fiction in the literary forums, which is very good and
may give you some examples of writing style etc.
Off the top of my head, I'd go for the film Bond, as you can play with your own style
Of writing rather than boxing your creativity tightly up, in an exercise in trying to
copy Fleming. -{

Hey. thanks TP.
That's great advice.

Thunderpussy

You have the perfect place to try it out James, several members here
have written their own books {[] , so you can use it as a training ground.
before really getting in to your work.
I'm sure many here would give you feed back, on what works and what
Doesn't.
I agree writing is hard, I only wrote a long paragraph and it took me ages.
So I have nothing but respect for anyone who can bring out the discipline
In themselves to put out a few hundred pages. -{

Mr Snow

Hi James,

I do like a good spy novel with John Le Carre, Graham Greene, Sue Grafton, Patricia Cornwell, Joseph Conrad and of course Ian Fleming being my favourites. I haven't read any Bond books written by anyone other than Fleming so I won't comment as to how good or bad they are.

Unfortunately, I have as much imagination as a blank sheet of paper so I can't give you a lot of advice as to a plot, characters etc but I would go with a Bond (character) from the Daily Express comics - that's how I picture him when reading the novels. Or at least a 'cold' type of personality as opposed to the films (Daniel Craig excluded as he for mine, is the most realistic Bond).

In saying that, for what it's worth, I'd go with a modern day Bond primarily based that you would reach a far more broader audience as opposed to old school (Fleming - cold war). You would also be up to date with what's happening in the world today; who's at war with whom?, modern technology, political correctness, mobile phones, gadgets, world currencies etc - you get the picture.

You can also add characters whom you've known in your own life that may (but don't have to) resemble M, Miss Moneypenny, Bill Tanner, Felix Leiter, Q etc and enemies you've encountered during your personal or working life (is there someone you know you wouldn't hesitate to have dangling over a shark infested tank?).

By all means, throw in idyllic locations possibly from your own life experiences and what you experienced there if you think it may be interesting.

Finally, I wouldn't try to copy anyone's style - in particular Ian Fleming; it would be like a band trying to be The Beatles or Led Zeppelin - it just won't work.

Hope this helps in some way. -{