curious to know

[MeLeesa Swann]

I'm a writer. Well, I've never been published or paid, but does that really matter? I've spent my whole life dreaming of being something more than I am. The only problem is, I've been so afraid of failing, that I've never really tried. I'm writing my first full-length book now. Conceptually, it's great. It's complex and fun, interesting, and exciting. Now, I'm feeling scared again. I don't want to fail. What scares me more, is that I can't do the story justice. I want people to know this tale, so I can't give up. If any of you are writers, do you ever feel this way? I'd love to know.

[tillyn]

Try experimenting on www.writing.com , different people will comment (sorry good or bad) on your writing. Might help you and it's for fun really. Also they read and rate your story.

[Kurt Rambis throwback]

I could've played baseball,basketball or wrote for the school paper in high school, instead i used to go home and sleep

[alferret]

I have always wanted to write, always thought it would happen. I started many years ago to write a book, 30,000 words in I stopped and concentrated on work as I have a family to support. The idea is still there, new plots are always banging around "in ma ead" the story continues within me. On the odd occasion I'll jot down some notes, expand the idea a little but I doubt it will ever get finished, well not for another 20 years or so when I retire or maybe sooner if I become unemployed.

If its something that you really want to do then I guess it'll happen, doesn't mean to say it will happen tomorrow or the day after but with a little bit of dedication it'll get done. (he says whilst not even bothering to open his story.doc)

[dsurrett]

Any aspiring writer should read SK's "On Writing." He gives a lot of good advice, suggestions, and motivation.
In the first draft, write as fast as you can. Get it on paper, or onto your computer. Don't be afraid of failing. The only way to fail is to never start. Every word, every page is a success. If you enjoy the process, then go for it! I'm also a writer and have never been paid over $5 for a story, but I still enjoy writing. As you write the story, parts of it will change, characters will do things you weren't expecting them do. That's a blast when it happens.
I don't know that I've ever done justice to anything I've written, whether it's a few hundred words long or 65,000 words (my longest so far). The main thing is to just get it done! You can clarify and revise things in subsequent drafts.
It sounds like you have a passion for what you're doing. Just go for it and enjoy the process!

[DarkWriter]

I'm a writer. Well, I've never been published or paid, but does that really matter? I've spent my whole life dreaming of being something more than I am. The only problem is, I've been so afraid of failing, that I've never really tried. I'm writing my first full-length book now. Conceptually, it's great. It's complex and fun, interesting, and exciting. Now, I'm feeling scared again. I don't want to fail. What scares me more, is that I can't do the story justice. I want people to know this tale, so I can't give up. If any of you are writers, do you ever feel this way? I'd love to know.

I think everyone is afraid at one time or another. As a writer, this is your baby. You have nurtured it, coddled it, and tried to instill in it your values or life lessons.

I do not know any parent that is not afraid when then send their child out into the world for the first time. But they do...Unless you are the creepy lady at the end of the street, with her twenty-two year old son locked in the attic.

After I have finished a story, I let it rest for at least sixty days (unless I am under a deadline). While it naps in the darkness of my desk, I start writing anew. Once I feel enough time has elapsed. I will re-read my completed work with a fresh outlook and prepare myself for what could become weeks of editing.

Once this is done, I will ask myself--Would I buy this book and would I refer it to a friend. If the answer is 'yes', it is ready to go out into the world.

If I may suggest reading Stephen King On Writing. If you have not already read it.








Through it all, the printed word must survive.

[LongWalker]

Hang in there! Never give up on your dreams and no one can tell you that you can't do it

[Seneca_V]

Hi,

As far as my writing goes, I've been bitten by the fear of failing bug too. I've also been bitten by the everyone is just being nice bug. Unfortunately the only thing you can do is forge ahead with it and see what happens. I need to do that myself before I'm 40 typing a message like this to someone!

I put a story I wrote in my blog on MySpace for a while and got some positive feedback from people I don't even know, so I guess I don't really have the excuse of people just being nice anymore, but it's still there. I don't think either feeling will go away until I do it. Just don't get discouraged by rejections, or think that's failure, you just need to keep trying.

Reading On Writing might help to. That usually gives me some inspiration, espcially the audio version of it.

Good luck with your writing!

-Sen