Anyone who doesn't want to read about me and my artistic struggles best look elsewhere. This is going to be a realy long and personal entry. ( Read more... )
Yeah, I think a lot of this self-doubt stuff is universal. Most people, when they set out to do something they really want to excel in, probably doubt themselves at least a little. The good thing is that writing isn't only talent; it's also skill. If you have ideas, and you keep working on communicating those ideas, you'll become more skilled. It's good that you're working on writing what you would want to read, because readers will know when you're having fun with it.
I don't think I've ever finished a story in my life. Maybe I'll try to sit down and write without worrying one of these days, like you. :)
It's pretty much a part of the human condition, something I'm trying to desperately throw to the side. Seriously, it seems like the less I think about my negative emotions, the happier I am. As corny as it usually sounds, 'looking on the bright side' is pretty handy for me.
I've finished a couple of stories, but of course they were really short little 'one-shot' kind of things (if fan-fiction counts).
I think that as long as you put your mind to it, you can do it. As for the not being very good at polishing your stories, I'm sure there would be tons of people who would take a look at it and give you constructive criticism and help you polish it up. Being able to polish a story well is something that takes a lot of practice, and no matter what, you're always going to want to have someone take a look at it to find out their opinion and to catch anything you may have missed.
Yeah, I think that's where the real struggle is going to come in. I don't really care for when most people look over my work, but that might be because I haven't met someone I feel 'creatively' tied with. Most people I've had read any of my snippets pretty much say: "Yeah, it's good." And I just sort of sit there for a couple of minutes thinking: 'That's it? What does that even mean?!'
But yeah, it's pretty much a must to have proof readers, even if it is a pain in the arse. On my road to 'finishing a book', I'm sure there will be many more pains as well. Oh the joys I shall have!
Well when it comes to having someone read over your work you need someone who will actually read it and give you good constructive criticism or its really pointless. Do you have any friends who are English majors? if so maybe ask one of them to read over it for you and let you know what they think.
I've tried writing a few books too and I always end up not finishing them. Short stories seem to work well for me right now though. I am trying to get back into writing more and longer pieces so I will have to see how that goes for me. And hopefully things will go well for you.
Whether or not you think your work is good enough for other people, you should keep always keep writing because it's something you enjoy and the more you write the more you improve. Crafting a story also takes time and things like these should never be rushed.
Unfortunately pursuing a career in writing will mean that you will come under some criticism at some point. A good way to ease yourself into it is to publish something online, even if it's just a hundred word drabble. Who better to give honest, constructive criticism than complete strangers on the internet?
I've published a few things online, but it's all mostly fan-fiction. They seemed to be pretty well-received, though I will admit that... the fan-fiction crowd isn't really picky. No offense to them of course, but they seem to eat up anything regardless of how bad it may be.
I'll just keep on typing whenever my fingers will allow me. That's my goal right now.
I used to read fanfic a while back and I actually stopped because I had gotten too picky. However some of the best writing I've ever seen has come from fanfic writers, just like some of the worst is in published fiction
... or maybe you were in a small fandom that was happy to get any fic. Some people are just afraid to give constructive crit.
And I think you can do it, with the proper training. You've got enough talent and ideas to be able to refine your skills and make something really good. Just brush up on classics, see how the greats did it, and have a purpose for everything you write.
"I'm sure many people who have an artistic longing probably feel the same way I do. I want to create things, but I'm in constant paranoia that I don't have the tools necessary to be a good artist. That I don't have the life experience or the insight."
I know exactly what you mean! I think in a way the paranoia and fear holds people back from trying, so maybe try not to doubt yourself! Just go for it and see what comes of it, and even if it's lame, you have your whole life to improve.
And this is trite, but as long as YOU'RE proud of what you write and don't give it up, you'll have accomplished something. :)
Yeah. Pretty much, I just want to try and write for myself to the best of my abiility and see where it takes me. I have a ton of story ideas that could use some fleshing out, and who knows, maybe one day I'll get published (wishful thinking).
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Yeah, I think a lot of this self-doubt stuff is universal. Most people, when they set out to do something they really want to excel in, probably doubt themselves at least a little. The good thing is that writing isn't only talent; it's also skill. If you have ideas, and you keep working on communicating those ideas, you'll become more skilled. It's good that you're working on writing what you would want to read, because readers will know when you're having fun with it.
I don't think I've ever finished a story in my life. Maybe I'll try to sit down and write without worrying one of these days, like you. :)
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I've finished a couple of stories, but of course they were really short little 'one-shot' kind of things (if fan-fiction counts).
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Good luck!
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But yeah, it's pretty much a must to have proof readers, even if it is a pain in the arse. On my road to 'finishing a book', I'm sure there will be many more pains as well. Oh the joys I shall have!
Reply
I've tried writing a few books too and I always end up not finishing them. Short stories seem to work well for me right now though. I am trying to get back into writing more and longer pieces so I will have to see how that goes for me. And hopefully things will go well for you.
Reply
Crafting a story also takes time and things like these should never be rushed.
Unfortunately pursuing a career in writing will mean that you will come under some criticism at some point. A good way to ease yourself into it is to publish something online, even if it's just a hundred word drabble. Who better to give honest, constructive criticism than complete strangers on the internet?
Reply
I'll just keep on typing whenever my fingers will allow me. That's my goal right now.
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... or maybe you were in a small fandom that was happy to get any fic. Some people are just afraid to give constructive crit.
Good goal, TYPE TYPE TYPE
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And I think you can do it, with the proper training. You've got enough talent and ideas to be able to refine your skills and make something really good. Just brush up on classics, see how the greats did it, and have a purpose for everything you write.
Reply
I know exactly what you mean! I think in a way the paranoia and fear holds people back from trying, so maybe try not to doubt yourself! Just go for it and see what comes of it, and even if it's lame, you have your whole life to improve.
And this is trite, but as long as YOU'RE proud of what you write and don't give it up, you'll have accomplished something. :)
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