Short Story Discouraged after writing a short story - why is writing so hard?

Discussion in 'Genre Discussions' started by Mirrorcle, Aug 29, 2020.

  1. Cephus

    Cephus Contributor Contributor

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    If you want to get anywhere with it you do. If you don't care, then it's entirely up to you if you proceed or not.
     
  2. Cave Troll

    Cave Troll It's Coffee O'clock everywhere. Contributor

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    I know the feeling. I was 110k into a sequel and wasn't feeling it anymore.
    Granted Sci-fi doesn't need any more war stories....it is full of that simple
    crap.

    After some time off from writing, I finally found other things to write about
    instead, which can still be in Sci-fi or contemporary fiction. Sometimes it
    takes something new and exciting to get the juices flowing. Even a challenge
    to write something you never thought you could, can be a good way to get
    some mojo back.
    Sure not everything you put out will be the 'next big thing', but you learn by
    looking at where the bad stories went wrong. So, you don't repeat the same
    missteps on the next one.

    Good luck, and I hope you find something new to spark your inspiration.
    Happy Writing. :)
     
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  3. jannert

    jannert Retired Mod Supporter Contributor

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    The first thing that entered my head when I read this, is a question: Have you had any beta readers for your story, or are you just going it alone?

    Betas (good ones) can be VERY helpful. They may see what's 'wrong' with the story or the way it's written, and can offer suggestions for improvement which you might not have thought of.

    It sounds to me as if you are just vaguely unhappy with the result—and feel that it doesn't match up to your original vision for it. A fresh pair of eyes on the manuscript might offer a breakthrough that gets you enthusiastic again.
     
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  4. Naomasa298

    Naomasa298 HP: 10/190 Status: Confused Contributor

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    Don't give up just because it didn't quite work out the way you wanted the first time. It happens to all of us. As you do it more often, it will get better, if you put the effort into getting better.

    If humans gave up after things didn't go so well the first time, none of us would have any children. ;)
     
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  5. John Calligan

    John Calligan Contributor Contributor

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    I get super depressed every time I finish something. It's not just that I think no one will read it. It is also the fact that when it is finished, and I am done with it, it isn't being cultivated anymore.

    If that feeling was all their was to it, of course I'd stop writing, but then I just end up feeling like writing again in a day or two, so I do. I think people write because they feel like it.

    OP: if writing were easy, then everyone would be good and no one would stand out. Lottery tickets are usually only sold to those who endure the longest lol
     
  6. Cephus

    Cephus Contributor Contributor

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    Then you move on. The day after I finish a book, I'm on to another one. I never take a day off. There are always other books.
     

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