So, for the longest time, I've been attempting to write. It's always been something in the back of my mind that I've wanted to do. However, ever since starting, I've noticed it's a lot harder than it looks. For years now, little ideas have sparked in my head for story ideas. I've written some down and I'm sure I've forgotten others. I know the English language and the grammar that goes along with it fairly well, although, I'm no English Major. You can perfect your grammar, you can increase your vocabulary, but when you get down to it, you need more than just those tools. You need passion. And ever since I've started, I've noticed more and more often that I probably lack that which makes a good author.
For instance, take Sirens. I would sit and listen to the song, imagining, at least, the rockets and the destruction unfolding in front of the young child. Sounds like the start to a good novel, right? One of those epic page turners that they teach in high school English? The one all the popular kids don't read because they're too busy finding out who Sally blew on Friday night, but is still read by those who adore books and the deep messages that are conveyed inside them? Yeah, definitely one of those.
I started writing it one boredom filled night and didn't end up getting very far with it. I saved it and left it up there for anyone who actually reads these blogs to see. It was better than my fuckin' "Create in 2008" shit of a story. At least, I thought so.
Tonight, I decided to revisit it after a conversation with a great friend of mine. She told me my writing has potential, and I take her comments very close to heart. It isn't every day someone who obviously has more experience in a certain field tells you you could do well in said field. With this new scrap of self-confidence, I decided to begin.
I'm glad to report that I made astounding progress! And by "astounding progress," I mean I copy and pasted it into a word document and added a sentence or two.
I can't seem to just open up and write. I keep rewriting and eventually erasing sentences that I think are no good. For some reason, I can't allow myself to just let a concept flow out of my head and magically appear as text on a computer screen. (Except for when I rant on a fucking blog, of course.) I can't seem to develop anything, this being as problematic as you can get for an author.
Some extreme case of writer's block.
Maybe I need to start somewhere familiar. Somewhere that can open up my "abilities." If I have any, that is. Fuck if I know. I'm still going to try, even if it hurts.
Thanks for reading.
2 comments:
My best writing always comes from tidbits.
No matter how small or insignificant your thought is, write down the part that you think up. Even if it's just one paragraph. You can always come back to it if you get more motivation, and doing it like this stops writer's block. It can be really overwhelming if you sit down and just say, "I'm going to write a story." That's when writer's block hits. Although, to be fair, sometimes that has good results.
That's how it works for me, anyway.
I came upon this through a series of coincidences, to say the least.
I actually got an account on this web site just to comment on this blog -- it speaks to me so deeply. Your dilemma embodies all of my dilemmas in one. My real dream -- the goal -- is to write a classic paperback that's read in high schools across the world and is severely undermined by so many of the brainless dolts in high schools this day. But more importantly, I want to write something that will touch that one nerdy kid's soul -- that will make him or her rethink something.
You talk about passion, but what passion is deeper than that of changing someone's world view?
You've actually spoken to me in this deeper than words can. Even if it is just a complaint blog, it is vital. This goal you have is something I'm sure most writers or writers-to-be share. It brings us together so that maybe that one nerdy kid in an institutionalised high school will one day write his own book.
And it's really for others that I write.
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