I have this 'thing' where I'll start writing out my story and then I'll just stop writing. I never finish and for once I would like to start and finish
I have this 'thing' where I'll start writing out my story and then I'll just stop writing. I never finish and for once I would like to start and finish at least one book. I really enjoy non-fiction especially with ethnic characters. My favorite writer is the late L. A. Banks, many of her stories inspire me. I have really great ideas, but I just can't finish. I mean I don't even get to page 100. :(
Has anyone had this 'thing' before? How did you overcome it? Advice?
I have no advice because I'm going through it myself. I can't figure out if it's just plain old anxiety or me procrastinating. I can start and get completely lost in my story, but the moment I stop.... the excitement and intrigue goes away. It may be weeks or months before I add something else.
Location: I'm somewhere where I don't know where I am.
Posts: 16,536
Re: Writing Anxiety
This is probably more common than you think. I deal with it myself sometimes, although I don't consider it to be anxiety. I think of it more along the lines of, well, a temporary lack of interest.
There's a piece that I've been working on since 1999. LOL. I work on it earnestly for a few months, then I abandon it for years at a time before going back to it. But unlike you, I don't consider myself to have "stopped" writing it. It's more like a project that's on hold.
__________________
Two strangers, not strangers
Only lacking the knowing
So willing, feeling, infinite growing
While we're here the whole world is turning
We should be one--fulfilling the yearning
You can see inside me
Will you come inside me
Do you wanna ride inside my love?
Wow! I'm so glad that you created this thread. I am also having the same trouble. My brother was inspired to write after watching me write stories when we were younger. He now has over 20 short stories! They are pretty good too! On the other hand, I have like 20 incomplete stories LOL!
I think it's emotional for me... he is able to separate himself from being too emotionally attached to the work and for me, I am constantly judging my work and editing the work in progress. I read somewhere that stream of consciousness writing exercises help clear blocked creativity, but every time I have tried them my conscious mind takes over and begins to try to craft a story. Maybe we are just too critical of ourselves? Either way this thread inspired me to go and write!!!!!
Yeah I get that too, but since I did finish a full novel I know I can do it. My problem is I'm never satisfied with what I do write.
I think not being happy with the final product just may be my problem...at least one of them. I tend to overanalyze things (especially my work) too much.
I have this problem too. I've finished only three or four stories in my life, but that was back in high school, and they were terrible. Terrible but complete. Lol.
I've finished two books, one I'm currently revising. That's the key: tell yourself that you're writing the first draft so its allowed to be a piece of shit.
The next thousand drafts will give you the chance to get it close to perfect. Don't let insecurity override your progress. Just write the damn thing.
Write an outline. This helps you get your entire story down and gives you a road map
Then work on them chapter after chapter. You first draft doesn't have to be amazing so if you're bored with chapter 13, start working on chapter 20. Just don't write only exciting parts then leave it. lol.
Ok, so the name of my novel is called "Perfect Black". I like where I'm going with this-it may be movie worthy. This thread is just a basic reminder to not give up and keep writing. Thank ya guys.
I find that the best thing to do when it happens is to just write anything. Write a short about one of your characters, or skip to a plot point further in the story that you have in mind...just anything that interests you about your story.
Someone told me once that writing doesn't have to be ABC, that's what editing is for. You can write any part of your story at any time.
Linear Mode
