How do creative people keep going?

Question

I'm a struggling writer. Struggling to keep on task, struggling to write everyday and struggling to believe in myself. How do other writers and creative people keep going? I can't get anyone who reads my stuff to comment, except for my family and well we all know they wouldn't hurt my feelings.

Answer 1

Prunes.

;-)

Answer 2

Truth is, sometimes we don't. All good artists hit a lull, have their inspiration disappear, their fount of creativity dry up, their Muse take a vacation. It happens to everyone and it's annoying as hell.

But sometimes it's actually a good thing. It gives you time to air out your brain, refocus your attentions and find enjoyment in what you do.

I write too, as well as draw, and usually when I hit a lull in my own works I turn to others. I'll write silly little fanfictions, read one author for a while and then try to copy his style, doodle or write the first thing that comes to mind (which is usually nonsense), watch my favorite movies, or play Pieces (turn on the television and flip through the channels and try to make as coherant a sentence as you can. Don't stay on one channel for longer than ten seconds). These things help me find my inspiration or my own style again, they also help me relax (because stress is the main killer of any Muse).

As for getting people to read your work; if you live near a campus, ask an English professor there to review some of your work or have him have his students look it over. Be warned, though, if you do that be ready for some really hard hitting critism and a lot of technical disecting of your works. But, if you can survive and keep your vision even after a hard review, then you've passed the biggest challenge for all writers; the Critic!

There are also websites and on-line communities where you can post your work and have people review it. The only problem with these is sometimes you'll run across Mister Dishonest who will try to steal what you've created. There are laws protecting your stuff, always remember that, even if you never get it published, so never feel like you can't do something should someone rip off your work.

I hope your Muse returns to you soon, and you find people willing to read you works. Take care,

~~ Abaddon

Answer 3

I feel for you, seriously. Been there. If you don't have anybody really there to support you, I can see your worries. And yeah, your family is prone to be nice to you because they're family, they don't want to hurt your family. Which is considerate and you have to love them for it but it sometimes makes you want to put a jackhammer to their heads saying, "Tell the truth." You don't have anybody else that would view your stuff. A creative writing teacher at school, someone outside your family. I'm sorry to say this but for now, you're going to have to go on without any support. Writers can go on without much support. It is hard but the main thing is that you got to believe in yourself, you have to have the passion in order to write, the fire that keep you lit and going to the page to get the story down. If you're having problems relax. Every writers goes through a bout of hopelessness. It will wear out. If you're struggling to write each day, find a time of the day where you write most proficiently. If you write best in the mornings, write in the mornings, if you write best in the afternoons, write in the afternoon, and so forth. And do you have a hectic life with a busy schedule at your house? That might be a trigger to some of the stress you're feeling. Find a quiet secluded space where no one can interrupt you and you can write whenever you want. It can be in your house, a part of the basement, or it could be a quiet little restaurant around the city, if you want to drive or have someone drive you. And while you're feeling down, it's best to read. If you're not writing, you need to keep refueling your writers juices and reading can do that. And if no one except your family wants to comment. . .I could look at some of your stuff, I'm not biased. I'll be happy to give you an opinion but that's only if you want to. So, whatever you decide, good luck with your writing and I hope I've been of help.

Answer 4

I am not a writer in the sense that its my goal in life. I do write as a hobby. Currently working on a screenplay with a friend and we are learning together.
From her research into what needs to be done she has learned that we should take each scene and write it like a short story with a beginning middle and an end. I would think that same rule should go towards writing a book. Each chapter should have a beginning, a middle and an end.

We have learned in the research that most writers write their first scene and their climatic scene back to back so that they know the direction the story should go in. This is the same for books. I read that JK Rowling had the final chapter of Book Seven written before she completed book one. She knew which direction she wanted her characters to go in and has worked on getting them there.

Also each scene (aka chapter) should move the story forward.

As for getting someone besides family to read what you've written you probably have to write up a short snyopsis of the chapters and submit that to a publisher. If the publisher likes the snyopsis they will ask to read the actual book transcript you've written. At least thats the way I have been finding out what I should do. There might be another way to go about this I just don't know it.

Answer 5

I guess my question is what are you trying to write? fiction, nonfiction, ect.?? I got this book called "How do write your Own life story" by Lois Daniels. I have found it interesting in that she suggests having two notebooks, 1 is called a memory bank and each page has a topic, the other notebook is where you actually write assignments regarding notes you have put in your memory bank. Biggest thing I would suggest when struggling to stay motivated, take the day off from the writing, forcing it is only gonna make you more miserable and more blocked. Goof off, If something odd happens that you notice write it down, and then you can add to it and write a story around it. :) Or start out with writing a description of someone or something, and then maybe describe what they are doing. etc. However, i find that little things are more inspiring than we give them credit.

Answer 6

It's tough. I write music, and do some graphic design. There was a period of almost two years were I was depressed and I didn't create much of anything. I think that it is important to be passionate about something. What do you believe? What do you want to change? Those things and the emotions that go with them will fuel your creativity. Also, don't be afraid to carefully study other writers that you admire, and learn from their techniques. Another thing is that you may be putting to much pressure on yourself by having huge expectations. Get other things going on in your life, so that you can afford to let creations unfold slowly but surely.

Answer 7

Join competitions: they're always a good way to get your work somewhere. That's where I kind of started off (though I'm not a full-fledge writer now). Show your work to your friends, and if they don't have the time for that, move on to even acquaintances. Write a blog: it's the easiest way to get your work out to a huge mass of peole.

Don't be afriad if you receive bad criticism as well: write them down, and take them into consideration. You can't please everyone. Good luck : )

Answer 8

you need to form a support group of other writers around you who will offer the constructive criticism you need. many creative writing programs are good for this, they offer workshopping and are filled with other writers encountering the same thing as you. they are also wonderful for writers block, motivation and as a source of ideas. there are also plenty of online groups like this, but i find it much more effective in person. keep writing!!!

Answer 9

Creative people keep going by always believing in themselves and their ability to overcome whatever obstacle there may be .Times are changing , when it changes we have to upgrade .How often do you take your self out ,or how often do you sit around a have tea with a group of other creative people and listen to some ideas and suggestions. Good Luck!

Answer 10

They get an idea and they want to get it out so much, they get adrenaline when writing and it's hard for them to stop. The ideas flood into their minds. They will write everyday because that is what they believe they are here to do and won't let anything or anyone step in their way.

Answer 11

Some advice:
1. read literature that is in your genre/style of writing.
2. if possible, take a creative writing class
3. always practice stream of consciousness writing to get the creative juices flowing.
4. criticism is good if it is constructive: it helps you to improve and move ahead
5. as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, remember you will always have fans and critics of your work...