Solid advice, especially the point to prioritize finishing the book.
While I’m glad they’re open to taking criticism, I see so many new writers fall into the trap of repeatedly editing chapter 1.
Your first book isn’t ever going to be perfect, you aren’t going to have a publication-ready chapter 1.
I’m trying to edit and self-publish my first novel, prioritizing edits this year. Will be on the lookout for further advice! Best of luck with your own work.
I’ve fallen into it too with one of my recent novellas, but luckily I did pull myself out of it. Advising other writers helped me recognize it and snap myself out of it quickly.
That was a hard slap. I used to write for fun. But lately, and I'm talking about the past three years, it feels like a chore. Just like that. I remember all the fun I had while writing and the addictive joy of finishing ONE sentence (let's not talk about a whole story/novel). I am a persistent and, most probably, pride girl who doesn't give up until I get what I want, and perhaps that's why I haven't given up at all, but writing no longer feels like an art, like a hobby, like an entertainment, not even as a fool game in which I'm wasting my time but also having fun and making priceless memories. It doesn't feel like an escape, but like a jail. Does that make sense? I'd love to step back to those happy golden years when all I wanted to do was to ignore my actual chores so I could get lost in my own beautiful-unreal-world.
I think I got into this struggle because I began to listen to the real world, and not the fictional one that blossomed from my insides. I felt the pressure to achieve insane goals and I let the real me die slowly, until there were just a few dying pieces of what I used to be. Comparing yourself to others is lethal, no matter the point of view.
Anyways, I've been struggling with "writer's block" for years and although not everything is fixed, you made me come to the conclusion that I've been doing it wrong this whole time. Thanks for sharing your very helpful advice and encouraging words. They're a fresh breath.
Of course! It means the world that this post helped you! Thank you so much for sharing your story. I can definitely relate. In September, I stressed myself out so much because I wasn’t getting as much writing done as I wanted to. I went into a kind of depression and was angry all the time. Then I took a step back in August to recover, and went into a brand new novel in October, pushing myself to write an hour every day, but to have fun doing it. It worked, and here I am now!
Again, thank you so much for reading! This is the reason I write! You’re the best, and I believe in you!
🎶Here I am, this is me. There's no where else I rather be🎶
(Sorry, I couldn't help it).
Well, this post really helped me realize one of the reasons why writing has lost its charm for me, so I should be the one to thank. I think I already said it, but doing it again doesn't hurt. But I'm glad that sharing my story encouraged you! Thank you for your kind words, I'm glad you were able to get out of that depression and find your way back. It is encouraging to see other artists taking flight and preserving the beauty of art ;)
I loved reading this! Your tips were well-written and didn't feel overwhelming and I like how you wrote everything from what you've experienced personally. Good luck on your writing endeavors this year!
Thank you so much! I appreciate that. I hear from a lot of writers that I can’t relate to very well, but that feeling of hearing from another writer who thinks about storytelling the way I think about it is always fantastic.
Very nice, I didn't realize you were so prolific! I also didn't realize Wanda Bush was your aunt. Very cook all around.
Thank you so much! I really appreciate that!
Yes she is! She’s as fantastic in person as she is here!
I second that 😆
Thank you! That means a lot!
Solid advice, especially the point to prioritize finishing the book.
While I’m glad they’re open to taking criticism, I see so many new writers fall into the trap of repeatedly editing chapter 1.
Your first book isn’t ever going to be perfect, you aren’t going to have a publication-ready chapter 1.
I’m trying to edit and self-publish my first novel, prioritizing edits this year. Will be on the lookout for further advice! Best of luck with your own work.
Yes! That is a pitfall I’ve seen a lot and have experienced myself. Getting over that hurtle is key.
That sounds excellent!! Best of luck to your this year. You’ve got it. And thank you! I appreciate your encouragement.
I’ve fallen into it too with one of my recent novellas, but luckily I did pull myself out of it. Advising other writers helped me recognize it and snap myself out of it quickly.
Thank you for the kind words! :)
Of course! Thank you for reading and adding your thoughts!
"Writing is supposed to be fun".
That was a hard slap. I used to write for fun. But lately, and I'm talking about the past three years, it feels like a chore. Just like that. I remember all the fun I had while writing and the addictive joy of finishing ONE sentence (let's not talk about a whole story/novel). I am a persistent and, most probably, pride girl who doesn't give up until I get what I want, and perhaps that's why I haven't given up at all, but writing no longer feels like an art, like a hobby, like an entertainment, not even as a fool game in which I'm wasting my time but also having fun and making priceless memories. It doesn't feel like an escape, but like a jail. Does that make sense? I'd love to step back to those happy golden years when all I wanted to do was to ignore my actual chores so I could get lost in my own beautiful-unreal-world.
I think I got into this struggle because I began to listen to the real world, and not the fictional one that blossomed from my insides. I felt the pressure to achieve insane goals and I let the real me die slowly, until there were just a few dying pieces of what I used to be. Comparing yourself to others is lethal, no matter the point of view.
Anyways, I've been struggling with "writer's block" for years and although not everything is fixed, you made me come to the conclusion that I've been doing it wrong this whole time. Thanks for sharing your very helpful advice and encouraging words. They're a fresh breath.
Of course! It means the world that this post helped you! Thank you so much for sharing your story. I can definitely relate. In September, I stressed myself out so much because I wasn’t getting as much writing done as I wanted to. I went into a kind of depression and was angry all the time. Then I took a step back in August to recover, and went into a brand new novel in October, pushing myself to write an hour every day, but to have fun doing it. It worked, and here I am now!
Again, thank you so much for reading! This is the reason I write! You’re the best, and I believe in you!
🎶Here I am, this is me. There's no where else I rather be🎶
(Sorry, I couldn't help it).
Well, this post really helped me realize one of the reasons why writing has lost its charm for me, so I should be the one to thank. I think I already said it, but doing it again doesn't hurt. But I'm glad that sharing my story encouraged you! Thank you for your kind words, I'm glad you were able to get out of that depression and find your way back. It is encouraging to see other artists taking flight and preserving the beauty of art ;)
Lol that was fantastic.
Of course! I'm happy to serve!
I loved reading this! Your tips were well-written and didn't feel overwhelming and I like how you wrote everything from what you've experienced personally. Good luck on your writing endeavors this year!
Thank you so much! That means a lot. I appreciate that!!
Great post! I enjoyed reading what felt like the viewpoint of a writer who is very similar to myself.
Thank you so much! I appreciate that. I hear from a lot of writers that I can’t relate to very well, but that feeling of hearing from another writer who thinks about storytelling the way I think about it is always fantastic.
Totally!