I like to write, I want to write, I never write...What's my problem?

Question

I have always loved writing. Ever since I was a little kid I have wanted to write novels. But, now that I am older I am actually self-conscious about it and don't want to get started only to discover that I can't write well.

Answer 1

I can't see the problem. Look at this little blurb you just wrote. Nice. Succinct, clear.

Fear.

Roosevelt: " The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself."

Still true. Don't worry what others' think. Fear of success. Fear of failure. Fear. Fear. Fear. Do. Do. Do. Now get with it!

Answer 2

I had the exact same problem up until this year. I loved writing and have always been told that I was excellent at it, but I'd stare at a piece of paper or a blinking cursor for hours because I didn't want to have someone read my work and say it sucked. My creative writing teacher taught me that keeping a journal helps. It helps you start writing, even if it isn't a novel.
Another thing is to not be afraid of what others think of your writing. This is YOUR writing, not theirs. Criticism is a good thing but only to a point. If you are intimidated by a blinking cursor of a blank page just start writing whatever comes into your head. It will be a long shot from a novel but you can fill in the gaps later.
You obviously have a passion for writing so just start writing. Writing is not a trait you are born with it is something you have to work at. So what if you don't write well? Good Luck with that novel!

Answer 3

In my opinion, the best thing to do would be to just write from your heart. Make it your new hobby. Replace watching TV or Playing video games with sitting outside in a hammock with a notebook. I always find it easier to let my imagination work when I have a pen in my hand rather than sitting at a computer. So just keep writing nonsense ideas until you finally find something you can run with. Then start developing it. Don't be closed to making changes, I know the hardest thing to do is to change something you put all your time into, but it might work out better. And if you can, find someone else who you trust to be honest but still gentle about their criticisms to read over it and maybe make suggestions. Whatever you do, don't be self conscious! Nobody gets it right right away! So don't worry, you'll only keep getting better, but you have to practice! So go out there and start writing!

Answer 4

Your problem is a lack of faith. I mean this only in a self-absorbed religious sense. This is a realm where YOU are God. Perhaps this niggling doubt is telling you something or maybe you just worry too much. This is, by the way, an annoying characteristic that displays some of the down side of a young writer's self-absorpsion (writers are, by they way, self-absorbed). Don't worry about what anyone thinks of your material when beginning. Focus on the Godship of your universe prior to allowing other judgment to blasphme Your name. If it isn't any good, it isn't any good, but it sounds as though you have a need to tell some story. Look at it as self-therapy and vent all anxieties into the text.

Answer 5

A novel is a big step. Why don't you start with a short story? If you are uncertain how to get started, take a creative writing class. If you know "the process", but are still stuck, put the pen down and get out and do something. Writers need ideas, and they don't often invent themselves...they materialize out of significant events in our lives. When you get a couple of pages together send them to a friend. Other people's opinions can help you shape a story...don't think of it as criticism, but just more ideas.

Answer 6

Well, you'll never know until you try.

Many successful writers have found they must set aside a specific time to work at it during the day. After all, it is their profession. Only in this way to they produce enough to be able to go back and throw out the bad stuff, and have enough good stuff to keep.

Of course, they write at other times when they get inspired, too.

Just like swimming, you (probably) weren't born doing it, but you got better the more you did it. And faster, too! So write write write write write and take constructive criticism. Good luck!

Answer 7

Just start writing. You're not gonna be Hemingway right out of the gate. Writing is a talent, but you have to work at it. You have to write a lot of bad sentences before you write a good one.
I draw and I went through what you're going through. But, I just had to pick up the pencil and draw... and a lot of crap came out, but now I'm better. You can do this!

Answer 8

You sound like me. I'm still young, (14) but I want to be a writer when I'm older. I'd love to start now, but I can't get myself to ever finish a writing. Maybe you just need to find someone who will suport you no matter what, and read your work to them. Then maybe you'll be more willing to read it to others. Good luck.

Answer 9

First step for being a good writer is to be a good reader, chose the subject or subjects you like to write about then read the same subject books < soon you will find yourself a good writer and pls let us know the name of your books.
Good luck

Answer 10

forget about your insecurities and just do it. no one ever said you had to show people what you are writing. if you feel confident enough to show people then do it, but if you don't then don't. you'll never know if you are any good at it until you try it. you only live once...might as well live life to the fullest. if you do become a big time writer like j.k. Rowling (harry potter) (don't know if that is how u spell her last name) or something don't forget us little people. lol.

Answer 11

If you love to write, then you should just do it. Maybe your passion isn't really writing, if you are so self-conscious about it, you may not be as passionate about it as you like to think.