writers_loft | (no subject)

Hi. So I just joined this community last week I think. I'm struggling outside of the internet to find people to support my desire to write so I mass joined a bunch of writers communities in hopes of having people to talk to, maybe get some advice, etc.

I always have 100 ideas running around in my head at one time or another, but try to focus on one (which usually ends up being two or three) at once. Currently I'm trying to get down on paper a fiction novel, and a non-fiction novel. The non-fiction is about several months of my life that were tough but...interesting? At least I'm hoping readers find it interesting.

Anyway, with all of my writing, but particularly my fiction novel, I find simply writing difficult. I'm always so eager to get ideas on paper, and then get someone to read them, that I find myself editing as I write. I'd like to just be able to write, and go back to edit. I get so frustrated with myself and how un-edited things are, that I throw my pen down and avoid it again for days or weeks even. I'm scared that if I don't finish this novel I'll never be able to work on getting it published and thus won't be able to write anything else. Which is again me thinking way too far ahead at once, but definatly adds to my writing/editing frustration.

Does anyone have any focusing techniques that I can try so as to just write, and come back to edit? Even edited versions need editing so I just need help letting go with perfecting it as I'm writing it. Any suggestions, tips, and advice would be helpful.

Also, just out of curiosity: who writes as a career or a career goal? I'm sure that if I had a job that supported me fine and allowed me enough time to write I'd do it 'just for fun' or whatever, but I'd really love to turn it into a career. Anyone else in a similar boat?

Thanks all. :)

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

First of all, calm down. Your anxiety over your work is doing more harm than good.

Secondly, you need to set goals for yourself. Concentrate on what you want to accomplish. Don't worry about editing anything, just get the story down on paper, or computer, or whatever you're using, first. Worry about editing AFTER everything is written.

Before I begin a story, I write the whole thing down on paper, just a rough copy of what the story is about. Then I take it to chapters; chapter one-this happens, chapter two-this happens, etc. From there I break it down into scenes, what happens, who's involved, where are they, when is it, how do they get to this point.

When I sit down to physically write, first I meditate. Clear my mind so I can focus only on the story. Then I write. My goal every day is to write a thousand word, or finish a scene, or even a chapter. Depending on how the Muse is feeling.

I would love to be able to do this as a career, and I'm working toward that goal, but I know precious few who do this. Everyone I meet tends to have either a full time, or part time job to pay the bills.

Good luck.

Thank you. I will definatly try these techniques. I need to get better about specific goals or daily goals anyway so I think these will really help.

I haven't met many people interested in writing at all, much less for a career. And no matter how much I research writing, publishing, etc I still get nervous about all of it, as it has been instilled in me by my parents that I am sure to fail.

Thank you again.