I just started really writing not that long ago. I write short stories and really enjoy doing them. I've completed about 4 stories so far. Working on my next (Liking this one!) Now my problem is I don't know if I'm any good. Don't think I am. Now thing is, if I'm really not that good. Why bother writing? If I'm gonna spend my time writing stories, I would like to make some money off it idealy. I really just wanna get my work out there to open doors for other things.
I really do actually enjoy writing. But if I'm not good enough to make into anything. Why bother?
Anyone else have this issue?
Thoughts?
PLEASE DON'T MOCK ME. IF SO MOVE ON.
2007-11-24 09:05:14 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
THANKS GUYS, REALLY!!!!
2007-11-24 09:31:56 · update #1
You shouldn't quit! The fact that you think you're not good is just another reason to keep on going! The fact is, if you think you're not really good, you should just keep on writing to get better.
A good way to improve could be this: write a story. Then show it to someone (or post it on Yahoo Answers, which might be a little uncomfortable for you), and get suggestions and feedback on what needs to be improved. Then make a list for yourself the things you need to improve on. I just posted a story and this is exactly what i'm doing: trying to get better.
Please, please, please don't give up. Only give up if you feel your talents lie somewhere else. Also what helps is to read lots of books; if you observe and gather other author's technique and the basic skill of writing, you're sure to get better!!
Soon, you can sell stuff and become a great writer!!
Good luck and never give up!
(the reason why I'm so desperate to convince you is because i really hate to think of someone giving up their dream to become a write :) i want to become a writer too).
:) :)
2007-11-24 09:47:00 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
No! If you love writing and it is your passion then you should keep doing it! Don't let anything discourage you. If you think you aren't that doesn't mean you should stop! Just keep writing over time and you will gradually get better. I have a bit of the same problem writing The Butterfly Bop. Just open up and let thoughts flow down as you type your story. Then, when you think your story is good, go see if you can get it published. There are many people who make fortunes off of short stories. Don't give up. I believe you can be a great writer. Best Wishes, A.S.
2007-11-24 09:17:09 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Writing is an amazing way to channel negative emotions out of your body and release stress. It would be ideal to make some money off it and if you're dedicated enough you probably can!
You're in the same situation as me with music. I love playing music but I'm not the greatest! But it's a hobby that connects directly to emotion just like writing.
Here's what I say to do, have a back up for financial purposes. But keep writing, the more you write the better you get and the less stress you'll have to deal with. Don't be afraid of rejection or someone not "liking" it, it doesn't matter. You enjoy doing it!
Don't quit!
2007-11-24 09:14:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Take it from someone who knows. Everyone who ends up a professional author has a stack of stories and probably at least one or two novels hidden away in a desk drawer that they read now and say "What the hell was I thinking?" We wouldn't show them to anyone!
Let me ask you this. The day you got your drivers' license, did you go out and drive a Formula 1 Racecar? The first time you played the piano, did you perform at Carnegie Hall? The first time you danced, did you play Clara in The Nutcracker? Of course not.
You spend your time cutting your teeth on stories and learning your craft. You learn by doing.
I truly believe that writers are born. BUT you must spend time honing that gift into a skill and a talent. And that takes time and effort. So a lot of your first stories won't be great masterpieces. Join the club. If I told you about my first novel, you would die laughing. I was 16. It was hilarious. I own it but I wouldn't show it to my best friend. But I learned from it. I learned a lot.
Do yourself a huge favor and read Stephen King's On Writing. I am not a huge fan of his work, it's ok, but ON Writing is a GEM. A masterwork. Listen to what he has to say about becoming an author. Starting with this one. BEFORE YOU CAN BECOME A GREAT WRITER YOU MUST BECOME A GREAT READER.
Never diminish that statement. I read daily. Often a book a day. EVerything and anything. And to tell you the truth, I learn more from reading works I hate than I do from works I love. I learn what not to do.
No don't quit writing. Just acknowledge that your early works aren't War and Peace. They are training works. The Great American Novel may come one day, but not before you work hard to learn.
Right now forget about money. No - the truth is for the most part you will not make money on these stories. We have a very successful author here named PJM who answers questions a lot. He is a successful short story author and appears in many anthologies. Want to know what he gets paid for them? Sometimes between 5 and 25 dollars. Sometimes between 1 and 3 cents a word. Forget money right now. It is not there. Right now focus on your skills and talent. Grow as an author. When the time is right, you will know it. When you have something so great it MUST be read by the public, you will know it.
Gone With the Wind was rejected 50 times. Stephen King was so frustrated with Carrie he threw it out and his wife pulled it out of the trash can. James Patterson was rejected something like 70 times. That is the nature of the beast.
By the way - something like 5 -10 percent of authors make a living at it. There is a remarkable author out there named Glen Cook. His Garrett Series are some of my favorite books. He has written a ton of Sci Fi and he is a great author. He wrote at night while working on the GM Light Truck Factory during the day. Yes, unless you are blessed with a large inheritance the way I was when I lost my husband, you will NEED a job.
If you go to my profile, you will find I star great Q and A regarding publishing and writing. Read through them and print out ones you think will help you and support you.
Don't quit - but don't expect instant results either. Writing isn't anything like minute rice and microwave dinners. Got it? There are no shortcuts.
----
They're, Their, There - Three Different Words.
Careful or you may wind up in my next novel.
Pax - C
2007-11-24 09:41:41 · answer #4 · answered by Persiphone_Hellecat 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Take it from someone who knows. Everyone who ends up a professional author has a stack of stories and probably at least one or two novels hidden away in a desk drawer that they read now and say "What the hell was I thinking?" We wouldn't show them to anyone!
Let me ask you this. The day you got your drivers' license, did you go out and drive a Formula 1 Racecar? The first time you played the piano, did you perform at Carnegie Hall? The first time you danced, did you play Clara in The Nutcracker? Of course not.
You spend your time cutting your teeth on stories and learning your craft. You learn by doing.
I truly believe that writers are born. BUT you must spend time honing that gift into a skill and a talent. And that takes time and effort. So a lot of your first stories won't be great masterpieces. Join the club. If I told you about my first novel, you would die laughing. I was 16. It was hilarious. I own it but I wouldn't show it to my best friend. But I learned from it. I learned a lot.
Do yourself a huge favor and read Stephen King's On Writing. I am not a huge fan of his work, it's ok, but ON Writing is a GEM. A masterwork. Listen to what he has to say about becoming an author. Starting with this one. BEFORE YOU CAN BECOME A GREAT WRITER YOU MUST BECOME A GREAT READER.
Never diminish that statement. I read daily. Often a book a day. EVerything and anything. And to tell you the truth, I learn more from reading works I hate than I do from works I love. I learn what not to do.
No don't quit writing. Just acknowledge that your early works aren't War and Peace. They are training works. The Great American Novel may come one day, but not before you work hard to learn.
Right now forget about money. No - the truth is for the most part you will not make money on these stories. We have a very successful author here named PJM who answers questions a lot. He is a successful short story author and appears in many anthologies. Want to know what he gets paid for them? Sometimes between 5 and 25 dollars. Sometimes between 1 and 3 cents a word. Forget money right now. It is not there. Right now focus on your skills and talent. Grow as an author. When the time is right, you will know it. When you have something so great it MUST be read by the public, you will know it.
Gone With the Wind was rejected 50 times. Stephen King was so frustrated with Carrie he threw it out and his wife pulled it out of the trash can. James Patterson was rejected something like 70 times. That is the nature of the beast.
By the way - something like 5 -10 percent of authors make a living at it. There is a remarkable author out there named Glen Cook. His Garrett Series are some of my favorite books. He has written a ton of Sci Fi and he is a great author. He wrote at night while working on the GM Light Truck Factory during the day. Yes, unless you are blessed with a large inheritance the way I was when I lost my husband, you will NEED a job.
If you go to my profile, you will find I star great Q and A regarding publishing and writing. Read through them and print out ones you think will help you and support you.
Don't quit - but don't expect instant results either. Writing isn't anything like minute rice and microwave dinners. Got it? There are no shortcuts.
2007-11-24 13:16:46 · answer #5 · answered by Twilight Luver!!! 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
no, i truly don't think that you should give up writing. if you think that it's good than that's good enough. if you have some doubts about it, let other people read your stories, ask them for their comments and advice. as you keep writing more and more stories, you will have different expectations, that just goes with your growth of a good writer. so, i don't think you need to worry about giving up anytime soon. you love writing, it's your passion, so keep writing. =)
2007-11-24 09:11:48 · answer #6 · answered by vi3t10nisgirl 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
you don't no if your stories are any good if your the only person that's reading them everyone droughts them self on personal stuff like that .........that's one of two ways that you won't make money.......the second is.....you won't make money if you don't get your self out there and then you won't open doors for your self . if writing is something you really want to do and its something your passionate about...... try going to an agency and get advice from people who know what their talking about ................ try submitting them on-line and let people comment on them. you never no who might end up reading them!! hope i helped and good luck.
2007-11-24 09:33:44 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Practice makes perfect applies to writing as well. The more you write, the better you beome. Keep trying at it and i'm sure you'll do awesome! Good luck!
2007-11-24 10:06:45 · answer #8 · answered by S M 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, don't give up. I imagine all writers doubt their ability at times. If you have a talent for observation and can use words well you're fortunate. If you enjoy it you're blessed.
I'm a reader...where would I be without you writers out there?
2007-11-24 11:39:36 · answer #9 · answered by Kelly P 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
With each story you write you will improve your style and technique.Write stories that are about something you are interested in.Good luck on your writing.Never give up on your dreams.
2007-11-24 12:26:17 · answer #10 · answered by gussie 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋