Writer's Advice

[ShyMystica]

*takes a rather big nervous breath*

Ok...so here is the deal. I have lost all confidence in my work and my writing. I am not so naive to think that what I write is to everyone's taste...but here is my question.

What do you do when your confidence is down? How do you push through a writer's block? How do you get that confidence back?

Any advice is greatly appreciated. Also, please keep all negativity out of this thread, as this is a rather sensitive topic and I don't wish to have it made worse by negative talk.

Thank you so much.

*hugs*
- Shy

 

[sallythescorpian]

well here's my ten cents

• Keep writing!
  
• If you've really lost a lot of your confidence, pick the co writer with whom you are most comfortable, and write something that has a slow build up. Concentrate primarily on that thread, and you'll find you'll work though your confidence issue.
  
• It probably a good idea to read, pick an author you particulaly enjoy/ admire, and the flow of prose will come back to you.
  
• Overall, dont give up!! Everyone hits patches like that at sometime. The quality of everyone's output wavers at times, and it may well be that it is simply you own assessment of your writing is particularly harsh.
  
• Look back over some writing that you have done, that you are pleased with. But most definitely dont allow yourself to have your confidence crushed. If someone has passed a negative remark, ignore them, and avoid them!!
  
• I had a quick look at some of your posts, and you are a good writer shy, dont forget that!

Now, get back on that horse!!

 

[Britwitch]

I think there are two main tips I can give...

Read - anything and everything, will definitely get your juices flowing! Especially your own past work!

Write - even if you write lots of little vignettes or one off scenes, write whatever is in your head, don't stop...this is the biggest tip I can give!

 

[Erlind]

Nothing satisfies everyone, but fortunately it doesn't have to satisfy anyone, but yourself and the person you write with. I move under the assumption that no one reads what I write. I'm not writing it for any reason other than to see how it turns out. So, I guess the big thing would be to find something you can get excited about. Good or bad doesn't matter too much, just whether or not you're enjoying it.

If you want to write better all you can really do is write. Examine your own work to see what you like and dislike about it and then continue to write. Looking back at what I've written on Lit I started off a terrible writer compared to what I do now. I had thought I was pretty good too. I'm sure after a couple years if I look back what I've written now will seem bad to me too. ... and I'm officially just rambling and probably not helping anything. Nevermind. I hope some of that helped.

 

[BrazenFellow]

ShyMystica: You're a strong writer. If at the moment you're not producing things you can feel happy with, I am in the same boat. Does it feel like the problem is picking up the plot and moving with it, character development, or simply descriptive writing?

I find that moving away from it for a time helps reset oneself. Read lots, especially works you enjoy. It can sometimes help to skim through some guides to writing to refresh on technical principles or give you technique ideas. Most of all, do try not to stress too much about it: if the muse has fled, that only locks the door behind her.

 

[Veroe]

*takes a rather big nervous breath*

Ok...so here is the deal. I have lost all confidence in my work and my writing. I am not so naive to think that what I write is to everyone's taste...but here is my question.

What do you do when your confidence is down? How do you push through a writer's block? How do you get that confidence back?

Any advice is greatly appreciated. Also, please keep all negativity out of this thread, as this is a rather sensitive topic and I don't wish to have it made worse by negative talk.

Thank you so much.

*hugs*
- Shy

Writer's block is the worst...I've heard dropping what you're blocked on and switching to another project for a time helps...I've tried it before but with mixed results.

As for confidence maintain a healthy network of friends, co-writers, readers to bolster you when that wicked voice in your head starts with the whole "you're not any good" routine.

Honestly I hate when good writers flagellate or denegrate their worth. Don't give up, Shy, You're a great writer. The only time you will stink as a writer is if you allow that wicked little voice to talk you into quitting. Don't let it win. Don't give up. If you feel your writing is lacking, try again, or instead of looking at the situation like the proverbial glass being half empty look at what your writing does accomplish. Use that as foundations to improve upon.

The only kind of writer that is no good at all is the writer that never writes anymore. Don't be that writer. Keep at it, please!

Hugs her back willing a voice of confidence to drown out that wicked persistant voice of doubt within her head.

 

[Annisthyrienne]

I agree with what's been said so far. Although everyone's advice may vary slightly, it's all good advice. You kind of have to find what works for you.

Having said that, I was discussing this subject in chat with a friend the other day and came up with an analogy that describes it for me. Forgive me if this is low brow.

Writing, to me, is kind of like going to the bathroom. You can sit there for a while sometimes and nothing seems to happen, but if you want anything to come, you have to relax and let it flow. If you force it, you just end up with a mess.

Maybe TMI, but there it is. Put that pearl of wisdom on my tombstone when I'm gone!

 

[ShyMystica]

Thanks for the advice and kind words. I don't feel so hopeless about the writer's block, so thank you all for that.

Sally: Everything you pointed out made so much sense. The idea about finding a co-writer I trust is definitely worth a shot. I just need to get over the intimidation that I am feeling at the moment. I mean, how silly is that? To feel intimidated by your co-writer? *shrugs shyly* It will pass once the confidence comes back. So thank you so much *hugs*

Brit: You are right...writing just to get words on paper/screen is better than keeping it all locked up. Thank you *hugs*

Erlind: Your rambling made a lot of sense, so thank you. And you are definitely right...I should be writing for my own enjoyment and no one else...I need to put that up as a little reminder. Thank you *smiles warmly*

Brazen: I am so so so sorry to hear that you are struggling too. My problem? *sighs softly* It feels like an abyss of issues really; first it was self doubt in my work, then the confidence left completely, and now I just panic every time I sit down to write and nothing comes out. All the ideas formed in my head find no words onto paper/screen. I go blank, and then I get upset and stressed. You are right...stressing about it is only making my muse flee faster. I need to find me some good books...thank you

Veroe: That is the sad thing, if I drop what I am blocked on, I will be letting my co-writers down. And that isn't very fair on them, especially if they like the story. So, I feel that dropping isn't an option. Ah, the wicked voice I have come to know well. What you said though hit me rather hard; the only bad writers are ones who don't write. Heh...it still is effecting me. Thank you so much *hugs him tightly and whispers her heartfelt thanks*

Annisthyrienne: *laughs softly* Funnily enough, your toilet analogy made a lot of sense and gave me a good giggle, so thank you, I definitely needed it.

Once again, I can't express how grateful I am to you all for responding. Know that your opinions and advice are all valued, since I think you all are just mind-blowing writers. I just need to get reading. If you guys can think of any great books or stories here that you would highly recommend, I would love to hear them.

Thank you again.
*hugs you all tightly*
- Shy

 

[Last_Rider]

Writers block is a total ice cold uncompromising bitch. As far as overcoming it, to echo what's been said, most often the simple act of writing, the rhythmic clack of keys, will help a great deal. Even if it isn't creative writing, just type up anything that pops into your head and it can help.

As to confidence, that's a big personal issue of mine. I have little confidence in my work, my self as a person, basically anything I touch. My advice, such as it is, is finding kind and honest people to associate with. I personally can't stand people I know are pandering to me because they know I have confidence issues, and of course the crass and unfiltered criticism helps absolutely no one. Finding that balance is key, someone who's opinion you can listen to and accept who will deliver it with tact.

That said good luck finding someone like that

Finding a cowriter who will work with you, should you go that route, might help. Find someone who's adaptable, not every post has to be a novel, and sometimes writing with someone in shorter posts can make things easier.

Just my two cents, and my sincerest thoughts to you. I hope you keep writing, I personally adore your work.

 

[ShyMystica]

Oh Last_Rider...I wish there were a way I could give you even the slightest bit of confidence. I remember your work in the 'writer's exercise' thread and it blew me away. If you fail to see it, look at the array of talented co-writers you work with...that alone should tell you that you are worth their time.

Keep your head up, mister. If you need to chat, my PM is always open. *hugs*

 

[Vail_Indigo]

As some know, I've been working through NaNoWriMo.
That sort of pace has left me little option to put up with writers block.
Basically, I write because I have no choice. I also write a large amount of crap. But that's fine. If one paragraph in five is decent, I'm happy. Why? Because I'm pumping out a large number of paragraphs, and therefor a large number of good ones too.
I remember reading an interview with some author, one of those fantasy authors who pumps out book after book. She said something I've found to be true. When you don't have the luxury of writers block, you just work through it. When you gave to pay the bills with it, you plain old write because you have to.
That's the pressure vie been putting on myself and I've found my writers block stands little chance against it.

 

[fuckmeat]

Sometimes real life issues can roadblock creativity. Sometimes you just can't think around them. Writer's block is cowardly too, it kicks you when you're already down and denies you the pleasure of something you enjoy at a time when you really need an emotional outlet. What I'm trying to say is that sometimes writer's block is a symptom of something else in your life that needs dealing with. Sometimes you just need to take a huge step back and focus on the real world until you're stress free enough to be able to think creatively.

Aside from that, I have a couple of tips.

1. Scribble. Don't go anywhere without a pen and a small notepad. Ideas will come up and smack you in the face when you're in the middle of a busy day. If you don't jot them somewhere they'll vanish, never to be remembered.

2. Attack from all angles. If you can't sit and write prose, do some work on character profiles, motivations or biographies. If you can't do that have a think about plotwork and timelines. If you can't get a character from scene A to scene B (or D or Z) just write the scenes and doing that will inspire you to fill in the blanks.

3. If you can't write, rewrite. Just reading over and tweaking what you have will help you to flesh things out, add depth and description or crowbar in details that you want to highlight later.

4. At times you will get sick of the sight of a project, so drop it. Do not even allow yourself to think about it. Give yourself some space. Going back to it after a break with fresh eyes will be more productive than slogging away with zero inspiration.

5. Accept with Buddhist-like Zen that you will have absolutely no perspective or objectivity about anything you write. You know whose opinions you trust, so seek their advice and be deaf to critique from anybody else. Trust your gut, especially when it comes to deciding that something is finished. Don't pathologically overfiddle or complicate things.

6. Keep a diary. Nothing is as beautifully illustrative of how every life is unique and worthy of a novel or biography. When you can't write creatively, jotting your day's events and venting your feelings will prove to be therapeutic. It also hones your empathy for the characters you create. It will help you see what facets of yourself they are drawn from.

 

[Commendatore]

Good tips, fm. Now I don't have to say anything

 

[fuckmeat]

Thanks

 

[monique_minx]

Okay so I can't read everyone's posts on my phone and i've no doubt that what i'll say, someone else has already put in a much better way but i just have to cause the risk of loosing my prey is at hand

I have an awesome post waiting for dark temptations and to lose you before i can post it would totally slap Mariska and Elysia in the face Shy!

I don't know why you doubt yourself because you are an excellent writer (just in case you needed the reminder!) and i know you have a million mind blowing posts ahead of you. I would not have the inspiration to write my evil little nurse if Elysia was not so well written and such an unbelievably realistic character. Your words always jump off the screen to make images in my mind and take it to a place where i don't have to think to write my character's next move, it just seems obvious.

Just write and let whatever comes; come. Don't even worry if it's shit, you can always edit later. Just take yourself into the moment and don't write it, live it. Be in it. Pretend you are your character, what would your next move be? What would you think about? What would you feel and want and need?

Don't write art, don't hold to any standard but your own and just write you. Write for you. Remember that writing is fun cause it's for you, no one else. Forget what you learned in school and just write yourself into the pages.

And if that doesn't work, well i'll be back to cut up Elysia's pretty little face and i know you'll be very fucking inspired wouldn't let you down there.

 

[ShyMystica]

Sorry guys, I didn't mean to seem ungrateful, I just have been a little too busy to respond.

Vail: Hard-arse approach definitely sounds like it is worth a shot if this keeps up. Thanks for the advice. Also, I just read that you finished your story on that other site! Congratulations! I am so happy for you! *bounces and hugs*

Fuckmeat: Wow...everything you suggested is perfect for me. You are right, there are real life issues that are preventing my creativity. I just find it frustrating as writing was my of escaping the life-shit...and now that there is a lot of it going on I can't escape. It is a sick and violent cycle which with all the advice here I intend to break. So thank you for taking the time to write it all out. *hugs*

Minxy: Don't worry sweetie, I do not intend to leave Mariska short of a victim. So you do not have to worry about that. You are definitely right, I hold too much expectation on myself, which is only making the block worse. Easy-breezy, right? *smiles warmly and hugs* I can't wait to see you back on the forums. Your words had me feeling better, so thank you.

To everyone who has posted, thank you again. I know this advice won't just help me, but it will help a lot of other people who struggle from time to time, but also people who are starting out and don't know how to begin. Thank you again.

*hugs everyone warmly*
- Shy

 

[Vail_Indigo]

Thanks
really, getting words down on paper, regardless of what they were, really worked for me. It gave me character background, interesting facets to their personalities, changes to the world, new characters, new twists, and new ways of looking at the story.
Did it give me a shitload of, well, shit? Yup, but a lot of good stuff too I wouldn't have gotten any other way.

 

[Veroe]

Vail's got a point: alot of writing is like mining just slogging through crap until you reach gold.

 

[ShyMystica]

Vail's got a point: alot of writing is like mining just slogging through crap until you reach gold.

*nods thoughtfully*
Mhmm, she is a very wise woman. I just need to get me one of her to use as a writing-enforcer...you know, leather clad and whip in hand. Yep, that might work
*giggles softly and blushes*

 

[Veroe]

*nods thoughtfully*
Mhmm, she is a very wise woman. I just need to get me one of her to use as a writing-enforcer...you know, leather clad and whip in hand. Yep, that might work
*giggles softly and blushes*

If you did have her in leather and whip in hand the last thing either of you two would be doing is writing

 

[ScifiFangirl]

One thing I do is just a daily exercise, nothing like attacking a specific case of writers block.

I just get a sheet of college ruled notebook paper, and free write one page a day. (Writing whatever crap pops into your brain)

I look at the ability to produce words that exemplify the meaning you had in mind as a muscle to be exercised. Here is an example. Its important to never stop.

I don't know what to write right now, because I'm just providing an example for you. I just finished watching stargate universe. It was the 'midseason finale' which basically means nothing. I'm somewhat pissed, because they just ended the episode in the middle of a threat to the crews livelihood. SciFi tends to do that, and I suppose its all well and good from a storytelling perspective. I just looked over at the table and the diet coke I was drinking lays abandoned. I forgot about it and all the ice melted, so now its likely flat and diluted, and the tastiness factor will most definitely be reduced.

 

[Ahren]

Everyone's their own worst critic. You'll feel a bit better if you realize that your opinion of your own work is not objective in the slightest.

If you're intelligent enough to be critical of your writing then chances are you're not a bad writer. Granted this doesn't necessarily mean you're an excellent one either. Unless you're thinking of writing professionally it really shouldn't worry you that much. You can still take steps to improve, but as long as your co-writers are having fun that should be fairly comforting on its own. If the other person genuinely likes my work, I'm okay, even if I thought what I wrote wasn't very strong. Their satisfaction translates to my own.

 

[Veroe]

Not too dissimilar to my own situation here right now, Scifi. Except its watered down regular coke and I was watching NCIS and will catch the encore SGU in about an hour from now.

But free writing is a good exercise to get the juices going Shy you should try that as one of the first things to get over being blocked.

 

[Veroe]

Everyone's their own worst critic. You'll feel a bit better if you realize that your opinion of your own work is not objective in the slightest.

If you're intelligent enough to be critical of your writing then chances are you're not a bad writer. Granted this doesn't necessarily mean you're an excellent one either. Unless you're thinking of writing professionally it really shouldn't worry you that much. You can still take steps to improve, but as long as your co-writers are having fun that should be fairly comforting on its own. If the other person genuinely likes my work, I'm okay, even if I thought what I wrote wasn't very strong. Their satisfaction translates to my own.

That's a good point to make, Ahren.

RPing is a bit different in writing than say writing a novel solo as a professional. The fact that the plotting, coloring, and writing itself is a joint effort changes the formula in subtle ways. So as long as you and your partner is having fun in the story you're a good RPer even if the writing for one or both is not that exemplorary.

 

[ScifiFangirl]

Not too dissimilar to my own situation here right now, Scifi. Except its watered down regular coke and I was watching NCIS and will catch the encore SGU in about an hour from now.

But free writing is a good exercise to get the juices going Shy you should try that as one of the first things to get over being blocked.

Oh sorry! I thought I was the only one that watched that show. I don't think I ruined it for you though.