What do I do?

[redzinger]

This isn't meant to be a 'Poor Me' or 'U OK hun' type of post.

I just need to know, once and for all, if I can write. Or, if I'm wasting my energy and should find something else to do.

I've several projects which have been 'on the go' for a while. I've had loads of people volunteer to read them to give feedback, and heard nothing. Zilch.

I'm not going to press them any more - going silent I think is enough of a sign to say they didn't like the stories. Disheartening. It's left me reluctant to put words on a page.

The only thing I can think of is approaching a freelance editor for an assessment of my writing style, maybe give me some ideas for a way forward. But, who? Does this type of person exist? And how much would I be paying? And would it just be a total waste of money?

Anyone ever done anything like this?

I just don't want to be told to, 'write for myself', when all that means is, 'it's shit, but if writing it makes you happy...'. Because, it's not making me happy, it's giving me false hope.

Sorry about any stray punctuation. Have been drinking tonight. Will probably want to delete this when I read all the pisstaking comments in the morning.

 

[ElectricBlue]

What's your measure of "goodness" in your writing? The target audience in your own mind? The measure of success? The "evidence" that causes you to doubt?

No feedback doesn't indicate it's rubbish, it just means you picked some people who didn't give you feedback.

Do you have trusted beta readers who know your material well, and don't just give you lip service? They're important, but hard to find. I treasure mine like my own right (write) hand - they tell me when I'm mining treasure or digging up dross.

Curiously, one of them is going down a mine-shaft right now, looking for a fellow with a lantern and coal dust on his hands. And a pit pony. But that's an aside.

Red, why the sudden doubt?

 

[RejectReality]

You're scoring red Hs across a nice variety of categories, and have picked up contest wins. The two categories you don't have Hs in are rough scoring categories. Humor is highly subjective, and Horror just doesn't have a collection of 5 voters like most categories do.

Your view numbers are solid. So are your favorite numbers. Comments/emails have been in a death spiral for years now, so not getting feedback that way is the norm, rather than an exception.

You're doing just fine. You're connecting with readers.

Don't sweat it.

 

[ChloeTzang]

I've several projects which have been 'on the go' for a while. I've had loads of people volunteer to read them to give feedback, and heard nothing. Zilch.

I'm not going to press them any more - going silent I think is enough of a sign to say they didn't like the stories. Disheartening. It's left me reluctant to put words on a page..

More likely people have their own priorities and feedback isn't high on their to do list. I've done that myself too many times. Look at your scores and ratings and those Red "H"s for more valid feedback. You get red H's, you're hitting that spot with LIT readers anyhow. Are LIT readers all you want or do you want to take it further?

The only thing I can think of is approaching a freelance editor for an assessment of my writing style, maybe give me some ideas for a way forward. But, who? Does this type of person exist? And how much would I be paying? And would it just be a total waste of money?

Anyone ever done anything like this?

They do, but you have to find a good one and you want somebody with experience and who comes with references and can actually do the job. My writing workshop guy used to be an editor for Harlequin, now he edits for a couple of publishers part time, runs writing workshops and teaches part-time and he'll edit and offer advice. Price varies based on what you're looking for but he charges $75 an hour for consultation, $5 a page for professional editing.

I just don't want to be told to, 'write for myself', when all that means is, 'it's shit, but if writing it makes you happy...'. Because, it's not making me happy, it's giving me false hope.

What's your goal? Writing for LIT readers or do you want more?

My personal goal is to get to the point where I'm being published and making money from it. Longer term, I'd like to write full-time. That's my ultimate ambition, to make a living from writing. Will I get there? Who knows but it's my goal and I'm not shy about it. LIT is a good training ground for me. Live readers who aren't slow to trash you if you don't make the grade. And it's got me one short story published and a couple of novella's coming up.

 

[rae121452]

you've been at it for a long time, so you must enjoy it. i read your gay male story and found it stimulating and realistic. well written, too. you've gotten the red h on the majority of your stories which means that enough people really enjoyed your efforts to give them high votes. i don't think you need worry............your audience is firmly behind you.

 

[FEELINGLUCKYPUNK]

The real test is theft. If no one steals your stuff all the praise is garbage.

 

[JasonClearwater]

Curiously, one of them is going down a mine-shaft right now, looking for a fellow with a lantern and coal dust on his hands. And a pit pony. But that's an aside.

Only because SOMEONE wrote Jonah STRAIGHT!

https://media.makeameme.org/created/thanks-for-nothing-5abc95.jpg

 

[oggbashan]

The real test is theft. If no one steals your stuff all the praise is garbage.

Some of mine get stolen but not the ones I'd expect to be taken. Some of the thefts have been of stories even I would describe as garbage.

Some are taken by bots that just post the first Lit page no matter how long the story is.

But some of my stories have been on Lit for over 15 years. That's 15 years for potential theft.

 

[KCWinter]

In December, I finished writing a novel I'd been working on for quite a while. I sent it to seven people who had volunteered to be beta readers.

Only two of those readers got back to me. When I nudged the others, two months after sending them the book, they said they would get to it. It's now been another two months, and I've heard nothing from any of them.

Does that mean the novel sucked? I could take it that way, but realistically, no. It means that the five people who haven't responded got busy and either didn't finish reading the book or didn't take the time to get back to me about it.

Sometimes people like the idea of getting to read a story prepublication, but then when it comes time to actually read it, they forget they have it, or they get too busy. It isn't a reflection on your story.

As others have said, if you're getting good feedback (votes, views, etc.) here, that probably means your stories are good. Look at that as your guideline, rather than whether people you've sent the stories to have responded.

 

[AwkwardMD]

Ask for feedback in the Story Feedback forum.

 

[PuckIt]

This isn't meant to be a 'Poor Me' or 'U OK hun' type of post.

I just need to know, once and for all, if I can write. Or, if I'm wasting my energy and should find something else to do.

I've several projects which have been 'on the go' for a while. I've had loads of people volunteer to read them to give feedback, and heard nothing. Zilch.

I'm not going to press them any more - going silent I think is enough of a sign to say they didn't like the stories. Disheartening. It's left me reluctant to put words on a page.

The only thing I can think of is approaching a freelance editor for an assessment of my writing style, maybe give me some ideas for a way forward. But, who? Does this type of person exist? And how much would I be paying? And would it just be a total waste of money?

Anyone ever done anything like this?

I just don't want to be told to, 'write for myself', when all that means is, 'it's shit, but if writing it makes you happy...'. Because, it's not making me happy, it's giving me false hope.

Sorry about any stray punctuation. Have been drinking tonight. Will probably want to delete this when I read all the pisstaking comments in the morning.

Well, hell Zinger! If you are thinking about packing it in, what the hell am I even bothering trying for?

Look. I'm going to assume that what you are talking about is some stuff still in production that we haven't seen yet. Because as everyone else has pointed out, virtually everything you've submitted here has done really well according to the target audience.

Now, here's the thing, nervous Nelly. And I know damn well you know this when you haven't had a bottle (or four) of wine. Any artist, whatever the medium, has got to have a certain amount of conceit AND a certain amount of modesty in balance. The conceit allows them to show what they've done. The modesty prompts them to do just a smidge better next time.

Do you have room for improvement? Well, of course. Hemingway had room for improvement. Verne had room for improvement. Clemens had room for improvement. Shakespeare had room for improvement. Chaucer had room for improvement. Tolstoy had... Well, Tolstoy had a little too much Vodka during the editing process. But, you get my point (if your hangover has let up to see it).

Is your work going to please everybody? Of course not. Personally, I don't see that appeal of a bunch of Rugby players. Real men play LaCrosse. With no rules and bladed sticks.
https://jamesdylanlaverance.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/indians-lacrosse.jpg

But, that's not as important as the fact that you see it and enough others want to see it that it makes your stuff marketable.

Now, as someone around here said. If you're drunk, write. If you're sober, edit.

Oh, and if you are looking for a freelance editor, be cautious. Quite frankly, unless I've got a curriculum vitae from reliable sources other than them, I'd just as soon hit up a college campus and find the frumpiest beret wearing English Major (with Femi-nazi minor by preference) that I can find.

Now, quit fishing for compliments, funny face, and get back on the horse.

 

[HeyAll]

I can help edit if you want

 

[Captainnumnuts]

This isn't meant to be a 'Poor Me' or 'U OK hun' type of post.

I just need to know, once and for all, if I can write. Or, if I'm wasting my energy and should find something else to do.

I've several projects which have been 'on the go' for a while. I've had loads of people volunteer to read them to give feedback, and heard nothing. Zilch.

I'm not going to press them any more - going silent I think is enough of a sign to say they didn't like the stories. Disheartening. It's left me reluctant to put words on a page.

The only thing I can think of is approaching a freelance editor for an assessment of my writing style, maybe give me some ideas for a way forward. But, who? Does this type of person exist? And how much would I be paying? And would it just be a total waste of money?

Anyone ever done anything like this?

I just don't want to be told to, 'write for myself', when all that means is, 'it's shit, but if writing it makes you happy...'. Because, it's not making me happy, it's giving me false hope.

Sorry about any stray punctuation. Have been drinking tonight. Will probably want to delete this when I read all the pisstaking comments in the morning.

Frustration understood. Happiness isn't forever and never leaves you. 'Kryptonite' doesn't always come in a bottle.

 

[Captainnumnuts]

Some of mine get stolen but not the ones I'd expect to be taken. Some of the thefts have been of stories even I would describe as garbage.

Some are taken by bots that just post the first Lit page no matter how long the story is.

But some of my stories have been on Lit for over 15 years. That's 15 years for potential theft.

We gotta stop meeting like this. It's bad for our reputations. Hopefully your stories will stay where you put them.

 

[8letters]

This isn't meant to be a 'Poor Me' or 'U OK hun' type of post.
:
:

I'm going to take a different tack that others and say that you need to work on your cyber-friendships. If the only time you contact your beta-readers is when you want them to look something over for you, then looking it over isn't going to be a high priority. If you keep in touch with them regularly, then you're much more likely to get a response when you do reach out to them.

Also, when I get feedback from a beta-reader, I try to incorporate every suggestion they make and also provide them feedback on their feedback. Hopefully, that makes them feel some ownership over the stories I ask them to beta-read.

I'd look for an author who has similar interests as you (there has to be a rugby fan or two on the AH) and start corresponding with them. Then ask them to look over something you are working on and in exchange you'll give something of theirs a thorough read through.

 

[redzinger]

What's your measure of "goodness" in your writing? The target audience in your own mind? The measure of success? The "evidence" that causes you to doubt?

No feedback doesn't indicate it's rubbish, it just means you picked some people who didn't give you feedback.

Do you have trusted beta readers who know your material well, and don't just give you lip service? They're important, but hard to find. I treasure mine like my own right (write) hand - they tell me when I'm mining treasure or digging up dross.

Curiously, one of them is going down a mine-shaft right now, looking for a fellow with a lantern and coal dust on his hands. And a pit pony. But that's an aside.

Red, why the sudden doubt?

Since I lost my mum, I don't have a cheerleader. No one really asks about my writing or encourages me on a regular basis, and that (coupled with a lot of related and health distractions) means I haven't been writing regularly.

I've submitted to a load of competitions, some of what I thought was my best work, but it's got nowhere. I'd like to know if there's faults in my style that I could resolve.

I have a couple of friends who'll read things for me, but they don't provide much more feedback than 'I enjoyed this.' and highlighting any errors.
I've been totally unable to find any reliable beta readers with an interest in what I write. Recently, I appealed for readers, got about six responses from people I know read a lot. I forwarded free copies of my published novels to them. Nothing has come back. Not even a, 'It wasn't my kinda thing.'

Totally confused by the pit pony reference, btw.

Feeling a little less low after the hangover has dissipated - I went out the following night and met up with friends, continued drinking wihout eating and I haven't been that rough for a while! Yesterday was a total write-off.

 

[redzinger]

The real test is theft. If no one steals your stuff all the praise is garbage.

Strangely, this happened recently for the first time (that I know of).

 

[ElectricBlue]

I've been totally unable to find any reliable beta readers with an interest in what I write. Recently, I appealed for readers, got about six responses from people I know read a lot. I forwarded free copies of my published novels to them. Nothing has come back. Not even a, 'It wasn't my kinda thing.'

Totally confused by the pit pony reference, btw.

Feeling a little less low after the hangover has dissipated - I went out the following night and met up with friends, continued drinking wihout eating and I haven't been that rough for a while! Yesterday was a total write-off.

Red, anyone who had their mum as their number one cheerleader had a magical mum, is what I can say to that. Your grandmother was probably twice as wicked!

My Little Pony is a running joke with one of my less responsible beta readers, who saves time now in his responses to my wip. "Great stuff, but can you write her as a him next time, and drop the het stuff?" It's useful feedback, in its own special way.

 

[_Lynn_]

Since I lost my mum, I don't have a cheerleader. No one really asks about my writing or encourages me on a regular basis, and that (coupled with a lot of related and health distractions) means I haven't been writing regularly.

I've submitted to a load of competitions, some of what I thought was my best work, but it's got nowhere. I'd like to know if there's faults in my style that I could resolve.

I have a couple of friends who'll read things for me, but they don't provide much more feedback than 'I enjoyed this.' and highlighting any errors.
I've been totally unable to find any reliable beta readers with an interest in what I write. Recently, I appealed for readers, got about six responses from people I know read a lot. I forwarded free copies of my published novels to them. Nothing has come back. Not even a, 'It wasn't my kinda thing.'

Totally confused by the pit pony reference, btw.

Feeling a little less low after the hangover has dissipated - I went out the following night and met up with friends, continued drinking wihout eating and I haven't been that rough for a while! Yesterday was a total write-off.

I don't have many people who ask about my writing either. I have to bring up the subject myself and even then interest is minimal.

My primary reader is dyslexic and isn't a Litster. Their preferred genre isn't what I write but we discovered that doesn't matter. They find gaps and inconsistencies, which is the main thing.

I can relate to the health issues interfering with the desire or time to write. However, staying alive and independent is more important than creating a great story.

 

[SimonDoom]

I'm not really sure what you want. You've published 14 stories, and they've done quite well. You've got plenty of favorites and favorable comments.

It doesn't look like you've used the Story Feedback forum. If you want feedback, start a thread and post a link to what you think is your best story on the forum and see what commentary you get.

That's about as much as you're going to get from Literotica. If you want more you might take a creative writing class so you can get more intensive feedback.

 

[Quiet_Cool]

I skimmed through you submission list, and I can tell you that your work has a distinct quality to it. You're at very least publishable. So if you're truly debating quitting, I would say no. I would also point out that if the habit is there, it won't just dissipate because your confidence is shaken. If it's in you to write, if you're a writer and not a "writer," you'll either come right back to it or it'll wear on you not to do it.
As for constructive criticism, I only clicked on 2 stories. One started with a lot of dialogue that I assumed was between two people but was immediately confusing ("Playing It Cool"). It's not a story killer, nor is it severe confusion, but there should never be any confusion between you and the reader. Also, they mention out the gate that it's cold. This isn't bad establishing dialogue, but the opportunity is there to show and you have your characters tell. Not a damaging thing, but missed opportunities to better the story.
The other one was "The Night-time Visitors." This one I skimmed and stopped in parts for further review. I can't give total evaluation of the story (obviously) but the tense is a questionable decision. Present tense is often more damaging than it can account for. That's not a rule, but often times it's best used within a standard past tense story to break monotony and create a sense of the surreal; a dream-state or a flashback. Again, it's not right or wrong (there is no such thing) but a thought to consider.
Just my quick feedback. Don't know if it helps much, but I was too lazy to full-blown commit to... y'know.... reading an entire story on a whim.

Q_C