Feeling a little discouraged

[raven_estrella]

I'm on Christmas break right now, which means I won't have class for another week. I'm trying to make the best use of all the spare time. So I've started working on my novel, which I haven't had time for in a few months. I'm close to finishing it and would like to get it done before too long.

The only trouble is this: After having set it aside for

Comments

[robinellen]

Yes, I think every writer goes through this. Part of your discouragement could also be post-holiday blues...hang in there! Perhaps the new year will bring a new enthusiasm or new perspective to your book!

[raven_estrella]

Yes, part of it was post-holiday blues. I'm feeling better now and seeing my novel with more clarity. I think I have a lot of rewriting to do, but I'll try my best. I don't want to give up!

[fandoria]

You're not the only writer to feel this way. When I was writing the first (completed) draft of my novel, I thought it was great. I read through it, revising as I went, after I finished and realized there were plots holes galore and other massive issues. But I'd spent so much time on it that I didn't want to abandon it. I knew it wasn't any good the way it was though. I ended up thinking of new ways to fix it. Except, these fixes required a total, start from scratch, rewrite of the entire book. Crazy, I know. Even more crazy? I was insane enough to tackle the rewrite. But now I'm nearing 75% done and I do not for one second regret my decision. I've been able to save my story and it's so much better than I ever thought it could be

[raven_estrella]

Thanks for the advice; it's much appreciated. It really helps to know that other writers have gone through this. My book will probably require a full, or near-full, rewrite, but it would be worth my while to tackle it. Kudos to you for not giving up! I think it's the writers who don't give in to discouragement that end up being successfully published. It's going to take me awhile to be able to write, but I'm going to try my best. You're right to say that I should look at this as proof that I've grown as a writer, which is good rather than bad news. Good luck with your writing! It sounds like it's really good!

[geekygirl]

Now that boards are over, I have been wanting to write. I have like 5 stories in my head that I would love to commit to paper! Good luck!!!

[raven_estrella]

Write them down before you forget them! That happens to me a lot. Good luck to you too!! I'm curious what your stories will be about!

[edgyauthor]

Do not give up. Every writer goes through this. Well, *I* go through this, at least. All the time I'll write something that I think is gold, then, when re-reading it five minutes later, I run screaming in terror. I think that's why I love revisions so much: even if what I wrote truly does suck, it doesn't have to stay that way.

Basically, just have confidence in yourself. There'd be so many other things you wouldn't accomplish if you gave into every other doubt, so don't do that to your writing.

[raven_estrella]

You're right. I do tend to give in to doubt quite a bit, and it's not good. Someone recently told me that at least writing isn't like painting, where you're not really able to revise any mistakes you made. Writers are lucky that way! Thanks for the advice, and good luck with your own writing!

[music_lover3]

Don't give up! I know every writer goes through this. Heck, I started revising my novel and my first thought was that this really sucks. But knowing that means that I can fix it, and you can fix yours, too. Don't be so hard on yourself. It's only a first draft. Good luck! I know the end result will be awesome!

[raven_estrella]

You're right--even recognizing the problems in the first place means that they can be fixed for sure! It's going to take me a little while before I'm able to work on my novel again, but I'm determined to do it. I just have to embrace the challenge, I guess. Thanks for the encouragement! How was your Christmas break?

[music_lover3]

It was good. Didn't have to work hardly at all which was a plus. Mom and I went to the movies and just hung out. I got lots of cool stuff for Christmas, namely books. :) How about you?