I start writing but then there are some problems! Help??

Question

I start writing with great ideas but then as I move along with my story, I feel it was a dumb idea to start in the first place.

I also leave my writing in the middle and when I come back to it, if ever, I feel that it isn't good.

I am too scared to show my writing to anyone because I fear criticism too much.

Help?

Answer 1

If you are going to be a writer you will have to toughen up dear. Even the most famous and successful writers were criticized. Rejection is the name of the game. You have to KNOW inside yourself tht you are a writer. If you never doubt that, and keep on trudging on, the good will follow. If you feel your work is not as good when you go back to it, simply take it and work with it. Tweek it until you are happy with it. Keep the central idea, but work around it. All writers question themselves at some point. If you don't believe in you , then don't expect anyone else to either. Keep on working at it dear. If you write because the words have a voice of their own, and not because you seek fame or fortune, you will find your voice. You will be a writer if you ARE a writer. Nothing will stop you :-)

Answer 2

Hey, I always do that as well!

Whatever you do, don't stop writing; the easiest way to make sure you finish a book is to write a little each day. Don't worry about how it sounds or if it's stupid, just keep writing. Even setting aside a half hour or so is good. After you're finished, put it away for a length of time, and pull it back out after a few months to see what areas can be improved. As for criticism, don't think of it is a negative thing; rather, think that these people want to help you make your book the best it can be, and turn it from a mediocre story into a great one. Good luck on your writing!

Answer 3

I used to have the same problems. Your caring too much about what others think of your writing. If you don't like what you write, then it is pointless. THere will always be people who not like it, or any other thing you do in life. Just ignore it and let go. Writing is an outlet for all of the creative energies that build up in the soul. It is just meant to be fun. And not all stories will work (I've had quiet a few fail), and that's normal too. Just keep trying until you find one plot you like and run with it. About the quality of the writing, everyone thinks theirs is horrible at first, and if anyone tells you it is bad, are they even trying? Good writing comes through time and practice (mine's pretty crappy at a lot of times yet and I've been doing this for three years!). Just listen to your soul and let your fingers do the writing. Hope this helps!

Answer 4

You seem to fear criticism, but I think you are your own biggest critic, and that's okay. You say that when you first start writing, you think it's really good, but then you change your mind. When you are writing this way this is your more creative side coming out. Keep in mind, this is your first draft or you could even call it your raw material. Most writers will revise and change this material many times.

I suggest you continue to allow this creative side to flourish, and then change what you don't like about it. Keep revising it until you produce something you really do like- something you're proud of. If you can just do that just one time, you'll find that it will be easier the next time.

-BD

Answer 5

I know exactly how you feel with your first two points; the best advice that I can give you is to think up the best idea that you have and just continue to go with it until you know that it is well written by your own standards.

As for your third point: You need to learn now how to deal with criticism. If you can't deal with rejection well (such as a rejection slip from a magazine you might submit a short story to), then you won't make it; you'll become easily discouraged and quit. I would suggest joining a writing group on Yahoo! Groups.

Answer 6

I know what you are talking about. Keep going with your writing. Eventhough it might feel like a dumb idea it sure is not. If you leave your writing make sure you go back to it when you have more ideas or took a break from writing. You seem to be your own critic, so don't worry about your writing while writing. have someone close to you read it and go over your writing again.

Answer 7

Every writer suffers self-doubt, not just you.
Keep going, and then when you're happy with what you've done, show it to a friend.
You might be surprised.