Writers block.......?

Question

I love to write. I write many poems and have tried to write stories. I have two that are half written. My problem is when i read them back to myself they sound like a 10 yr old has written them, their might be the odd paragraph that i like but it sounds so jeuvenile. Also i fear im becoming a slave to adjectives in effort to make my story interesting. How can i change how I write?

Answer 1

The best advice I ever got on improving my writing was to simply read books, poems, stories, any writing by someone better than myself.

In your case, reading a variety of poetry of different styles, from different eras, and on different subjects could be helpful.

You are clearly already able to be critical of your own work which is good if you want to improve.

It sounds like you believe your writing, at this point is a little simplistic ("sound like a 10 year old").

I think that by exposing yourself to the greater variety of work that is out there, and analyzing it critically, its meter and rhythm, its content, its structure and so on, you will find styles that you like and discover new techniques that will help you overcome your current pattern.

Additionally, using a thesaurus and improving your vocabulary can also provide a sense of maturity in one's writing, but don't use large words just to use large words - then it sounds pretentious or like you are simply writing frmo a thesaurus, it is a difficult balance, which is why it is considered an art.

Good luck, your willingness to work harder shows that you will likely improve and grow in your ability.

Answer 2

Just answering the "slave to adjectives" problem when you're trying to keep your writing interesting: Remember that the power of the language lives in the verbs, not the adjectives, and if your stories start to droop, go through highlighting all your verbs. If all you find is strings of "was" and "were", then try tweaking a few sentences around (with stuff that you've already written) so that the verbs get all the action and the nouns get all the stuff. Try rewriting passages entirely without adjectives or adverbs altogether: you may even find yourself forced to resort to metaphor and other imagery. You may find you like it. If you do, please will you let me know? Am I the only person who likes verbs best? People think that babies learn nouns first; I am convinced that they respond to verbs first (at a few weeks old). Mine did.

Answer 3

I would suggest starting by reading as much as possible, both in the genre(s) you plan on writing, and books that cover different aspects of writing and grammar. My personal favorite books on writing include:

1) "On Writing Well" by William Zinsser-- This is an excellent reference for any kind of writing. It will make your emails, essays, stories, and other writing clearer. I recommend this to everyone who wants to improve their writing skills.

2) "Bird By Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life" by Anne Lamott-- This is slightly more geared towards fiction writing, but can be helpful when you are attacking ANY large project in your life. Definitely a must for creative writers, students, or people who are looking for an entertaining book on writing.

3) "Writing Down the Bones" by Natalie Goldberg. This definitely targets creative writing, and focuses on the practice of writing. I write a lot of poetry and am working on a novel, and this is incredibly motivational to me. Practicing your writing every day will help teach you how to put those ideas together.

Just to name a few!

Also, as cliche as it is, just remember that practice makes perfect. Keep writing and keep working at it and do not worry about your first drafts sounding perfect! That is what editting is for!

Answer 4

everybody has their own style or voice i suppose u could call it. it took me almost 2 years of writing to relaize what mine was (free verse and usually very confusing and well u'd have to read my stuff to understand i suppose). i would say write about ur own experiences and use words that u would normally use. i think that a poem should be short and simplistic yet descriptive. like u want to use words to show ppl what ur seeing in ur head. the suggestions to read (anything and everything) are very good suggestions. u want to see how others use words and then possibly take a piece from here and there and then add in ur own little bit and just keep building. also ask the input of people u know will tell u the truth. my ppl would be my dad who also writes, and my mom who is very good at critiqueing.(i spelled that wrong...i'm quite sure i did) ne wayz i wish u the best of luck and keep writing!! and dont forget to read!!