Hey so I've just started writing fairly recently, first I found a love for reading then I tried writing and I loved it. My problem is I have great ideas but execution is a huge problem. I write a few chapters then I have writers block then I doubt myself, would people like it? Is it even good? You know stuff like that? This has lead to me deleting multiple books that I've started to write some almost complete but never published or anything.
Hello thediffernetgirlontheblock,
This is something every freaking writer on the planet, from King to Rowling has gone through. The only difference is they did it anyway. They got their butt in their chair and wrote despite themselves. I know self doubt can be overwhelming, and the entire writing process can feel big, but this is where it’s best to take a step back and just focus on the step in front of you. That’s all.
Two things popped out to me off the bat: You started as a reader, and you can write.
You started as a reader: This is great. The best kind of writers do it for the love of reading or their love of the written word. Your passion for reading will directly feed your passion for writing, but reading can fuel self doubt at times. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Don’t compare yourself to other writers. Nobody writes like you, so it’s really a moot point. The only person you are in competition with is yourself and you always want to beat yourself at your best.
If you think your writing sucks, you have good taste: Honestly that’s all it is. You know there is a better way of saying what you meant and you WILL get there with practice. Bad writers don’t think their writing sucks, they don’t know any better. You already are winning half the battle when you doubt yourself.
Give your work some air…some room to breath: I just last week looked at my nano project from last year. At the end of November I would have probably deleted the whole thing right there. It was shaky and full of rambling and had a ton of embarrassing things that made me want to punch my couch when I read it fresh. Since I gave it time, things look more redeemable and now I at least have a crap first draft to work with. It’s much better than staring at a blank page.
Don’t erase anything: I mean that. You can hide it so it never sees the light of day again but don’t erase it. It doesn’t do you any harm being there. It’s still progress. Just remember that nobody has to see it until you’re ready and that is the truth. I can’t remember where I heard this, but some of the best advice I’ve used: Write drunk, edit sober. Who cares how your writing is a first. You can edit it as much as you need to to get it there.
Remember traditionally published books weren’t written alone: Every book has gone through several editing processed before making it’s way to a shelf. An agent and several different types of very experienced editors have given it the hacking. Don’t compare your work to pub novels it’s simply unfair.
You can write: I mean that. I’ve only read this question and as a short as it is, it’s still enough to know you can form a sentence and structure a paragraph (very well). You should continue to write. If you are having trouble with the execution you can maybe try plotting more. Another option: try writing your idea out like a synopsis/jacket cover way from start to finish. You can then worry about the line by line writing, the sub-plot and the character depth et. al. One you have a solid foundation story down. This will help you stay encouraged and continue writing. I hope you do.
