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Oh dear - another newbie
This is a typical problem, I guess, for a lot of new potential authors.
I've had an idea for fiction for a very long time, and have (even when certain times were really bad) put pen to paper, then paper to bin.
This is a book that I can't stop thinking about.
It doesn't matter how long, I've just started making huge progress getting all thoughts, characters now 3D, and every new incident seems to fit together.
But it's rubbish. I think that it's going to be rejected as I'm useless at writing.
Who else has felt, and overcome, or feels like this?
I've had an idea for fiction for a very long time, and have (even when certain times were really bad) put pen to paper, then paper to bin.
This is a book that I can't stop thinking about.
It doesn't matter how long, I've just started making huge progress getting all thoughts, characters now 3D, and every new incident seems to fit together.
But it's rubbish. I think that it's going to be rejected as I'm useless at writing.
Who else has felt, and overcome, or feels like this?
Comments
Currently having only entered a few competitions and not actually sent anything off for publication, I am in my own little bubble where it doesn't matter if it's crap as it's still with me where I can change it
When I eventually get to sending manuscripts out - I'll need all the support I can get - I'll be depending on TB [but don't worry it won't be any time soon]
By the way, October's One Word Challenge is going to start soon. Why not have a go? September's has just finished. It was a good month, but please don't think you couldn't come up with something just as good. If everyone thought 'I'll never write like that,' there'd be no books. :-)
It's your work, your creation, be proud.
To some extent though, I guess it can't be that crap, if the idea's wont go.. All of us here on the board are here for the same reason.
Cheers
Good to hear you have put pen to paper. You can't edit a blank page. I find putting things on paper (or screen) helps me to see what works and what doesn't. Usually something worth saving even if it is only a word or phrase that sits well.
Forgot to say ... welcome to Talkback!
Welcome though you've come to the right place.
Yes we all have times we feel like that, but we remind ourselves we CAN write, and anything wrong can be worked on later.
And if you ever feel like that, tell us, and we'll give you a reminder...
If you have the intelligence (and it certainly sounds like you have!) then you can learn to write. Not everyone can get ideas. You have the ideas, so you will get there...
Please do not permit yourself to put yourself down or think negatively. We tend to be what we think we are and often achieve what we feel we will achieve.
It is impossible to make any comment on your writing without seeing it, but no matter wither amazing or personally enjoyable the one thing you can change is self perception. If you can do that your writing and the enjoyment of your writing, is highly likely to improve.
You have already done what many never do and that is actually write. Tens of thousands talk about writing and have storyline concepts. You have already gone beyond that by putting pen to paper. Possibly one of the best things to do is just write. Forget about the mechanics , grammar, spelling, punctuations, even structure. Just write and keep on writing. If you get your story out from your mind and onto paper or hard disk then that first draft can be edited and corrected at any time. The mechanics of the English language and thus writing are of course crucial so that others can enjoy what the writer attempts to convey and express in words. It is a personal feeling though, that it is better to get the story down first, then correct the many aspects of written English. If we get too caught up in the latter often the creativity can be lost in the process of writing.
In closing can I also ask you to consider that if your writing gives enjoyment to you then it is excellent writing. Anything else is a bonus.
Listen to this lot, they make good sense and give you a great confidence fix to believe that little more in yourself.
Remember there is always some light that shines through the tree's and gives you warmth. (Sorry I have a thing for trees!!!)
Welcome. I, too, have spent many years with ideas simmering inside me. Problem is they're increasing ferocity and are now bubbling. You know the answer, mate. I've found the only way to get 'em out of your system is to write them down (not just the idea...the whole damn thing!).
And you say you not a very good writer...well, if you write and write and write, you'll get better...simple as.
DO IT.
;)
Was there something interesting on the radio or television. Concentrate and make a mental note then jot something down afterwards. Start creating an ideas diary. Get yourself a large folder if possible, divide it into twelve months of the year then either put in some lined paper for each month or keep a notebook at hand and transfer it to your computer and print it off if you might have problems deciphering it. It will make a wonderful reference source if you are stuck for ideas but do not need to confine it to the month you are in if say you want something from another month. Be observant too and if you are very courageous, half eavesdrop but you have to be reasonably careful. Imagine what is going on in other people's lives if you can. Watching make over or house moving programmes like Location Location or Relocation, even Escape to the Country can be very revealing with regard to character. After all, this is research and that is most important. Do you visit old country houses or castles etc? We don't go out as much as we should perhaps but with petrol prices still fairly high, one has to think carefully but do you know anyone nearby perhaps who has a large house with a priesthole, is it haunted, why is it haunted, what happened. As I said, go on to Open Learn with the Open University and give yourself some mental exercises that will give you the discipline to write.
Remember, we are all here to encourage and support you, we are all rooting for you to win and be published.
ALWAYS carry a notebook and pen/pencil. You can guarantee when that great idea or overheard snippet occurs, it will happen when you don't have one to hand.
As Woll suggested- look and listen.
And ask why? If something seems stuck, ask why x did that etc.
Usually works.