I see what you're both saying, in setting a time to write every day, I'm making it a chore rather than something I enjoy doing. That makes sense. The problem with that, though, is that if I wait until I feel inspired to write, my output will be so low that I might never get any of my work finished. Surely it's better to write something regularly, than nothing at all?? Garza - I like your idea for creative freewriting. Might have to give that a go and see what happens.
I'm the kind of person who HAS to set aside a certain time every day to write, else I'll get nothing done, so I see your dilemma in that. The thing is, it doesn't feel like a chore to me, so it's not something that's "forced." Maybe you need to try working on something that nobody else will ever see? Journal entries, personal observations, unsent letters, some such? You're worrying so much that your work will suck, it sounds like you intend the world to eventually see it and that holds you back. (I know ALL ABOUT that too...still don't know a way around the feelings, though they don't stop me from writing.) Perhaps if you worked on something that has every right to suck, it won't be as stressful to write it? And then maybe after a while, if that gets easy, writing things that you DO intend people to see will start to come easier...not sure, but it's a thought. You can also try writing at different times in the day. Still set aside a period of time to write, yes, but alter it now and then.
'Surely it's better to write something regularly, than nothing at all??'- It depends what it is, I suppose. The above sounds good to me, but as I said, it should be something you want to do, not feel the need to do. Writing is all about expressing yourself, and I personally dont think you can force yourself to express yourself. Ahh well, that's just my opinion anyway!
Scribe Rewan - I have to disagree with your comment that, 'Writing is all about expressing yourself...' I've had 50+ years of writing as a career and very little of it had anything at all to do with expressing myself. Writing is about communicating, whether facts or ideas, and nothing to do with self expression. I have taken to writing short opinion pieces (two minutes at the end of the news) for a local radio station, and even those have little to do with self expression.
I think the amount of expression in your writing depends on whether you write non-ficition or ficition, what you're trying to put across, and your intentions before beginning to write. I believe that in ficition you often express yourself through your writing without ever realising you're doing it.
I have a similar problem to you, I have stuff I have done but I've always been too scared to show anyone for fear of it and consequently me being rejected...Being on this site has shown my that people are not going to be outright harsh when advising you on your work, so I will keep trying...hopefully you will see that there are plenty of people wanting to help you with your problem too, I know I will
garza33- ok, sorry. I meant novels/ stories etc, and I also meant for me personally, although reading it again it sounds like a generalisation. I did think however that a lot of people who write fiction would agree with me, but as I said, it's only my opinion.
Lucy E - Fiction is a whole different animal, and you are probably correct. I've just recently written two short stories, my first venture into fiction after all these years. The introduction to one is posted here, and I plan to put the other one into the short story competition. As for why anyone writes, for me that's easy. To make a living. It's the easiest way I know of to live a good life without working and without breaking the law. There is little effort needed to string a few thousand words together. Of course, you first must go out there and find something to write about, but that's the fun part. And don't think that 'out there' must mean some far distant place. 'Out there' can be down the street in your home town. That's where it all starts. If you can put together an interesting article about the Northside Ladies Garden Club, you can make a good living writing.
I have a set time to write every day -- from sunrise, until I meet my quota of pages. But, then for me it's a matter of not liking the look of the local homeless shelters.
I'm in the same stuck spot that daisydaisy's in. I've written more than 400,000 words in my life, but stopped writing regularly in tenth grade when the homework piled up. Now I have trouble making myself write - and like daisydaisy, I frequently think "This is terrible" when I do write, then I come back later and realize that it actually isn't bad. Heck, most of you have seen bits of my writing; you know that I'm fair-to-middling, if not exactly stellar. My solution, since I'm in college, has been to take writing classes and to challenge myself to write more. I've written a few good, medium-length things (eight to fifteen double-spaced pages) as a result of the class, and I have even more story ideas and plots that I've worked out. Actually, does anyone here have advice for someone who has too many stories and plots worked out? It's gotten to the point where I sometimes feel like if I don't write something NOW, I'll lose it under the other neat ideas I've concocted. Or should I just make a list of stories to write and go through the list? Any advice would be appreciated. I'm keeping this post under the "can't write, won't write" thread because it seems that I'm in a very similar situation to that of daisydaisy, the thread starter.
Thanks all of you for your generous responses. I think that maybe, as some of you have said, I'm putting too much pressure on myself to 'write something good', when I should be enjoying what I'm doing. Since I wrote my original post, I have picked up the journal I used to keep quite regularly, and written down my feelings about writing and compared that to how I used to feel about writing. I enjoyed it more when I wrote for fun, and didn't take it so seriously. So I think I need to try and get back to that. Writing that Journal entry, and thinking about what you lot have said, has helped a lot, so thanks again!
'Actually, does anyone here have advice for someone who has too many stories and plots worked out? It's gotten to the point where I sometimes feel like if I don't write something NOW, I'll lose it under the other neat ideas I've concocted. Or should I just make a list of stories to write and go through the list?'- could you combine elements of some of the stories and plots together, to create fewer, but more substantial stories? I'm sure they don't lack substance as they are, but you might find that some twists, or backstory, or situations from one story could be put into another one to make one more complex one. That might work, but if it does I doubt it would be useful for many of your ideas. But still, it might be worth a try!
This is one of the Reasons why i joined this site, i mean you can post what you like and you'll be critisized constructively, many people are still supportive and in any case, i like to use Music to get back my inspiration, try it if you like. Try reading younger books for a richer description and larger imagination, i always try to get myself in the mind of a younger kid when i'm lacking innovation. good luck anyways =]
I need motivation. Loads of it. I have the plot, I have the characters. I have everything. Except for the motivation to actually start writing. I mean, I can think of 200 reasons not to write. 1) I'm too tired 2) My book will never be published 3) Everyone will hate my book 4) I can't write for ****. I suck. Who am I kidding with this? 5) The story is way too boring And so on and so forth. I admit, I tend to procrastinate, A LOT. So, any help with this? Any advice on gritting my teeth and just going for it?
if you don't have the motivation/passion to write, we can't give it to you... that's something that is either there or it isn't... everyone and his/her cousin gets ideas for stories/books/movies, but only a true, born-to-write writer will get around to actuallywriting them...
Yep, like Mammamaia indicated. Almost everyone it seems believes they have at least one book in them, and intend to write it...ummm someday. From there some do more than talk about it...they actually plan and even start writing. From there a small fraction actually complete the first draft. (here some think they did the job and simply submit, doomed to rejection) From there a small percentage really dig in and do what's necessary...researching, editing, revising where needed, seeking input and polishing the final product. (Some actually take it this far and never submit for some reason) From here, some submit but never follow through after the first rejection. (an very very rare few get accepted the first time out--cool if it happens) From here some keep improving that work (and others) and keep submitting. From here a few get published...while even fewer make a living at it. I did not throw in learning the craft of writing, studying the markets, preparing strong query letters and other necessary skills. There is so much, but I think the point is made. Knowing what is ahead of you, Para, only you can muster the drive needed. The perseverance to continue when things get difficult and the motivation to overcome the hurdles and barriers to not only completing a novel but succeeding in getting it published. Yep, there are hundreds of excuses not to write... I truly hope you decide it is worth the effort to write your novel (and others) and follow through to a successful end. Terry
When people make excuses, there is always an underlying truth. Fear of failure, laziness, self doubt, lack of skill, fear of success, inadequate preparation...you need to ask yourself "Why am I procrastinating?" Only when you can answer that question, will you know if you really have the necessary drive to embark on such a big project. Until then, be a happy reader, enjoying the works of others. You'll know when the time is right to take your own plot and characters for a ride. .....NaCl
We seem to be mostly on the same boat. I do have a few plot bunnies in my head, but I worry about writing them down in case they don't turn out as well as I want them to. Maybe you could read a book on writing - for inspiration and to learn the craft even more. That's what I'm doing.
Unfortunately, no one on here can give you motivation. But, providing you feel as if you could write if only you had some motivation to do so, I have a few suggestions... 1. Read some books on writing. This is one of the most inspirational things you can if you lack the motivation to write. Just read a book on writing. I'd suggest, first and foremost, Your First Novel by Laura Whitcomb and Ann Rittenberg. This is an exceptionally good book - it gives you tips, hints, advice, suggestions, inspiration, and a behind-the-scenes look at agenting, editing and publishing. It's written by a published author and a top agent. I'd also recommend Characters, Emotion & Viewpoint - part of the 'Write Great Fiction' series. 2. Read other books. It inspires you, and gives you insight into others' work and what succeeds and what fails. 3. Spend a night developing characters in your head. This can be surprisingly inspirational - it helps you bond with the characters before you begin writing and gives you a reason to write.
I get inspired from quite a few things: 1. Music - Theres nothing better than picturing a battle and listening to my favorite song choice for battles (The Battle - Gladiator Soundtrack) or trying to depict a club or bar scene and playing some techno. Whatever gets you in the mood for a particular scene just plug it in, close your eyes, and let it take you. 2. Movies - Nothing is better than watching a Sci-Fi or Fantasy movie to me and thinking of how things could change to put a better spin on the story. Or just watching glorious battles/fight scenes to put you in that action type mood. 3. Books - Reading novels/stories from your favorite author may have you swimming in a dreamland of creating a masterpiece of your own, triggering ideas in your head that can bring you there. The choice is yours, but the motivation is everywhere. Just have to pick what you enjoy to get the process moving.
Write because you have a story to tell. Write so that you can say that you told it. Write because it's something you love to do. Write it with truth, with passion and to the best of your ability. If you write with passion, you may find that being tired will be less of an issue, and if you have a passion for the story that is being told, I doubt it would be boring . If you write with truth, it will resonate with readers - not everyone is going to love everything that you ever write, but writing with truth will ensure that you do, and if you do, it's more likely that others will, too. Writing to the best of your ability is the most that you can ask of yourself. If the results are published - wonderful - if they're not, each story is still testament to a craft that can take years to hone. Hope that helps.
"1. Music"- if you want a really really epic song to get you in the mood to write something equally epic, youtube a song called Take Me Away, by Globus. It's what I listen to when editing my book. I often write to music actually, it helps tone my writing. And saying everyone will hate your book and that you can't write. I get that now whilst editing my novel and I'm planning to send it off to a publishers soon. Everyone gets self doubt- don't let it get in the way. If your going to think that your story is rubbish when you havent even started it, your not going to feel any worse when you do actually write it, so you might as well! And if you need further encouragement, tour this forum looking at what people write in their introductory paragraph to their stories they post. There are loads, including mine, that say something along the lines of 'oh this is rubbish. It's not funny/emmotional/descriptive etc enough. Rip it to peices- it deserves it.' only for people to come back saying things such as 'this is impressive/amazing/really good/i want to read more.' A lot of people will say that they are their own harshest critic, which is a good thing, as it means that when you post stories on here people will say things that will surprise you. I hope you have been encouraged by what everyone here has said- the world might be missing out on another bestseller if you dont write it. You never know....
