I have a problem with writing...?

Question

I always wanted to write, but sometimes I just get so lazy. I tell myself that I will write that novel I always dreamed of writing tomorrow. But tomorrow isn't coming. What can I do? I feel scared to start because I am afraid that I will stop writing in the middle because I would feel my novel isn't good enough. I have so many novels that I had written but stopped in the middle because I felt they weren't good or lost interest in the ideas. How can I write, and not be so self-conscious about it, so I can finish writing that damn novel for a change?

Answer 1

I'm sure most authors have run into this at some time. I would think that you have to force yourself to finish the job. If you run into a block on the plot, you may need to put it aside until you see a way around it. Otherwise, finish and if you don't like the ending put it on the shelf until you see a way to improve it.

I think writing is probably like genius, 95% perspiration. I've tried writing but have never had success with publishing.

Answer 2

Join a local writers group where other wannabe writers get together to read bits and pieces of their efforts for constructive help. It can help in multiple ways-- it will give you an incentive to have something fresh and new for every meeting and walk you through the self-conscious stage in bits and pieces! Most top notch writers have many "great" stories that died before they were finished because they either were distracted by a 'hotter' idea or the characters and/or plots bogged down and the writers subconscious has not yet figured out how to continue it. Very often what you think will be a good story hits a blank wall simply because you started it out in the wrong direction--- such as writing it as a 'first-person' or 'eye-witness' experience rather than a 'third-person' account! Primary rule is KEEP AT IT! The more you do it the more proficient you will become! Suddenly you will find yourself starting a story and your characters, and other characters that you never imagined you could know, will grab you by the nose literally drag you through THEIR story! VERY EXCITING when that happens!!

Answer 3

You are the writer not the critic so dont be self - conscious. Maybe you can stick some of the half written novels together and make a complete one. I have heard that you can send in a particially written story to be looked at by a publisher and if they like it then you are given a chance to compelte it . This way you will know for sure if what you have started is worth finishing. I would send it in to a few publishers though so you can get various responses. You cant judge your own work. Its impossible because no one is ever satisfied with what they do.

Answer 4

I come from a family every last one of whom can write well. But being able to express yourself, and having story ideas is not the same as feeling compelled to write. A person who ends up writing a novel and calling themselves a writer by trade has the gift for writing novels. You like writing, and maybe your ideas are good and well expressed, but might be better in a different format - say, a short story. Think about submitting a short story to a writing contest. Short-story writing is an art form too, you know. Some people become famous on just their short-story writing.

Answer 5

Write every day--even if it's garbage, because some of it will be gold amongst the garbage. Plan your novel--outline first and do some research on the location, etc. Writing a novel is taking a chance--don't be afraid of failing of writing a publishable novel--this only means you have written a first draft. Failure isn't this--failure is not going through with the attempt. Don't give up--I didn't and after over one year, I finished and published my first novel and I'm working on my second one. You can do it--just don't stop.

Answer 6

your fear is a common one- try doing short stories or poetry writing in small bits till you are comfortable than tackle that novel-
I love this site: fanstory.com Here you can write a chapter at a time receive great feedback and suggestions and hone your craft- I too have written a few novels and stopped in the middle on the fanstory.com site is where I finally finished one! I even won honorable mention in a contest!


Write On...
remember to not even try is the only way to guarantee failure!

Answer 7

Check out NaNoWriMo.org. This website promotes National Novel Writting Month and offers a challenge, writting a 50,000 word novel in one month. There will be people all over the world to cheer you on and... it doesn't matter what the novel sounds like, good or bad. No one will read it if you don't want them to. And the point of Nano isn't to write a good novel per se, it's simply to write a novel.

Answer 8

I was surprised to see that someone already gave the answer I was going to give; I just discovered the "No Plot? No Problem" Kit at the bookstore, which is a pretty kitschy, but very effective dose of motivation in a box (for $20). Some might call it a waste of money, but for me, it was the kick in the pants I needed.

Now I need to get back to my novel-in-progress. I've taken the 30-day challenge and this bizarely addictive website is my way of avoiding a stand still I've reached in my plot!

Back to the book...

Answer 9

I used to struggle every day with this. I still have to fight with it every now and then, but it is getting better and better.
You must first work on your self esteem. You have to realize that you are worthy of this dream! If that realization comes hard it will help to read books on improving your self esteem, to surround yourself with positive people that encourage you, and to spend less and less time with the moany groany types. Try making a list of your accomplishments. Be encouraging to yourself! Put down any and everything you are glad you have ever done! Then refer to the list when you need strength.
Secondly give yourself permission to write crappy rough drafts. Realize that every great novel was once just a crappy rough draft! Read "Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamott if you have trouble with this.
Thirdly, Give yourself small attainable goals. SARK's Creativity books will help you learn this trick-- and help develop a healthy self esteem.
And last but not least, make friends that have the same struggles and the same goals. You may email me if you like at [e-mail]

Answer 10

Hi! Go sign up at www.nanowrimo.org and push yourself to do 50,000 words in one month! That way, it becomes about the writing itself ... the creativity of it and the urge to get those words on paper. Doing 1660 words every day for 30 days leaves no time to be self-conscious. It's supposed to turn out as garbage! And that's fine. First drafts are garbage, but then you go back and turn them into things of beauty. :-)

Good luck! I'm there for the third year.