Ashbee
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Reged: 13/06/2008
Posts: 845
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Are there any writers out there? Do you write avidly or sometimes, when the wind is in the right direction and the muse is upon you, create a minor masterpiece that only you get to read? Perhaps you do get your work published or like most of us simply wish that one day...? If so, hold your hand up and lets talk about it.
Readers are often writers or would-be writers. Wouldn't it be great if we could talk about our efforts, support each other or give a few encouraging words of advice when needed? What do you think?
I'll start: I'm Ashby and I'm a writer (there, the hard bit over with...) of fiction and non-fiction. I've had a bit published but not much. I have piles of ideas scribbled out or typed neatly but I need a push to actually see an idea through to completion. Procrastination should be my middle name...
So, am I the only one?
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sallyj
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Reged: 10/12/2006
Posts: 71
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Hello Ashby,
I too am a writer. I try my hand at magazine articles and short stories and have had some limited success. My ambition is to write a Chick-Lit novel but I lack the discipline to actually sit down & write regularly.
I use the excuse of having no time (work, family etc) but that may just be procrastination or the fear that if I actually try then I will fail....
Sally.
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Ashbee
member
Reged: 13/06/2008
Posts: 845
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Hello Sallyj
Nice to know I'm not alone. At the moment I can't use the work/family excuse but still struggle to find the time and I think you've hit the nail on the head: it's just fear of failing. In my imagination everything I write is a success and why risk shattering that illusion?
If anyone has an iPod and can download podcasts through iTunes, look for The Secrets podcast by Michael A Stackpole. He's a sci-fi/fantasy writer but he's posted a whole series of 15 minute workshops on various aspects and the few I've heard have been really motivating...
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DeepBlue
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Reged: 16/02/2008
Posts: 280
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Forgive me for being so blunt but you can't be a successful writer and a procrastinator. It's a job like any other and a craft that has to be worked at. There is nothing more infuriating to writers than people who say, 'I could write if I could just be bothered'. To succeed in any creative venture you need talent and FOCUS.
I'm a professional writer - mainly life style features for broadsheets but also of management learning and development programmes and every morning after I've put my make up on it's into my study to write whether or not I have any ideas. You must be disciplined. I'm lucky I come from a family of writers (3 generations) so I know what it's about. One of my sisters has had many books published and as she has a deadline has not answered the phone for weeks and won't until it's finished - she's been doing it for 25+ years and is very disciplined. If you wait for the muse she'll be a long time coming!
In addition you have to be able to deal with the inevitable rejections which should spur you on to greater efforts not throw you into despondency.
Incidently do you know that the average experenced writer earns under £8K a year(which is why I write manuals etc. which is well paid but not exciting) and it's getting worse because of price cutting. The JK Rowlings of the literary world are few and far between I'm afraid! Don't however get me wrong it's wonderful to have such a talent aand it's a good life if you want to work for yourself and can cope with the isolation and have a supportive family.
Good luck with your writing and developing discipline. If you've got piles of scribbles around get them into your word processor right now and work on them one by one under they and you are exhausted!
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Ashbee
member
Reged: 13/06/2008
Posts: 845
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Petroushka
Your point about being a procrastinator and therefore not successful is well taken. But that doesn't mean I'm not a writer - it can be a hobby as much as any other. I have to say that it really makes me cross that writing courses and writing publications assume that every writer only writes to earn money. I just enjoy writing - and yes, I do know that for most writers who write professionally it isn't a lucrative profession.
I have published stuff in the past - an article in a national monthly, an article on the web and letters in various publications - but I submitted those to make a point.
I suppose the reason for me holding my hand up here is to get some like-minded people chatting about something that I enjoy. If I had major deadlines and publishers beating at my back I probably wouldn't enjoy writing as much as I do now. However, I do admire anyone, like yourself, who works at writing to earn a living - you are living my fantasy in some respects but I probably wouldn't want to swap with you. Writing is a creative activity that anyone can enjoy.
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wendieg
member
Reged: 23/06/2008
Posts: 7
Loc: Bedfordshire
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Hi there. I am new to the Forum and was pleased to see your post. I am trying to be a writer! I have signed up for a correspondence course and am working my way throught it. I did a Creative Writing course at night school a while ago and really enjoyed it. Have recently been made redundant so have much more time available now and am determined to make a go of it. I think writing is very isolating and it would be great to talk to others in the same position. I agree that it is a matter of applying yourself but you also need help, support and inspiration as well.
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mezzanine
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Reged: 09/03/2008
Posts: 218
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I would love to have a go. Procrastination and lack of confidence in my own abilities have a big part to play in my lack of effort in giving it a go so far but maybe this thread maybe the push I need....
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There is no duty we so much underrate as the duty of being happy - Robert Louis Stevenson
Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle - Plato
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Chickadee
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Reged: 28/03/2008
Posts: 3448
Loc: South Wales
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I have been a writer - three non-fiction books, various articles and reviews, but all some years ago, when it went with the job I was doing then.
I used to think I wanted to write a novel, and have one started, but recently have decided that there are already more than enough people producing novels of all kinds, so I don't think I'll bother - I'd rather be writing posts here on the forum where you actually get some live feedback!
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Ashbee
member
Reged: 13/06/2008
Posts: 845
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I'm going to be a bit airy fairy here and say to all those who write in some shape or form, well done and carry on and enjoy it for what it is ... another way of exercising your imagination. Does it matter if most of us will never earn a penny from our writing and probably not have anyone outside the family circle read what we write? Just enjoy writing for the sake of writing...
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Flutterfly
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Reged: 02/07/2008
Posts: 38
Loc: France
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Hello everyone
I've just joined the forum and yes, I write too, for my own pleasure. I paint and draw too, but not often. I did a creative writing course with the OU a couple of years ago and loved it. For the first time I really threw myself into it.
I have drawn my best work and written my best pieces when I am in the depths or highs of difficult or intensely emotional experiences good and bad, but find it more difficult to express myself other than in diary form if I am on an even keel. Does this sound odd??
You might say that it is a good thing therefore that I have not drawn or written for a while......... Does anyone else feel like this?
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AlexP
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Reged: 28/12/2007
Posts: 509
Loc: Southampton
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Ashbee, I've just found this thread and think it a wonderful idea for likeminded people, who share an interest in writing, to talk to each other. Even if writing is just a hobby or an interest rather than a means of earning a living, does it really matter? I've always enjoyed writing for my own pleasure. When I say 'writing', it might just be jotting down a few thoughts about something or someone - I always have a notebook with me, just in case I need to write something down. I have been working on a short story - something I would like to submit for publication - and also a longer story, perhaps a novella. I work full time and so I don't have a great deal of time to devote to writing, so it is just a hobby at present. Perhaps one day that will change.
Like you Flutterfly, I find that I write better at times of emotional highs or lows - perhaps because everything is seen and experienced more intensely at those times?
To the ladies who have done creative writing courses - did you find that these were useful? I am thinking of doing somethign like that myself, but am not sure.
I hope that this thread continues - it's lovely to know that there are ladies on the forum who enjoy writing and who would like to discuss this with others.
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Ashbee
member
Reged: 13/06/2008
Posts: 845
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I'm glad there are more ladies out there who like to put their thoughts and ideas down on paper or onto computer. Perhaps if there are enough we could persuade W&H to let us have a seperate slot?
I've done a couple of courses by correspondence course but got fed up with the assumption that I wanted to write to sell. Every one started: identify your market...I wanted to write better not tailor my work to fit a specific niche. That could come later, I thought. Needless to say I didn't complete the courses...
Most of my writing tends to be the reflective, musing sort (I also keep journals - does anyone else?) but now and again I start on a fiction idea. I have no stamina unfortunately but I'm working on it...most of my fiction tends to be the middle-aged version of chic-lit (there's a name for it, can anyone remember what though?). What does anyone else write?
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Flutterfly
member
Reged: 02/07/2008
Posts: 38
Loc: France
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Hello AlexP ,
I loved the creative writing course and particularly the fact that it was home based. I think the conflict I felt, (as do many writers probably) was that frequently the best writing I managed was when I was going through difficult times. I was reluctant to share my work for discussion, as it felt too personal. Being quite a private person, I felt that I was revealing too much of myself.
I have read that new writers are frequently more autobiographical than the more seasoned ones, and that experience helps to create more distance! When I try to do that though, I feel that what I write seems bland and unconvincing.
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Ashbee
member
Reged: 13/06/2008
Posts: 845
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Flutterfly
I suspect that most writing has an element of personal experience in it. Frankly, I think that writing about whatever is going on in our lives helps us to make sense of it and should never be undervalued. However, even that can be useful at a later date. Have you ever tried to use the autobiographical stuff in another way - turn it into fiction using a made up character, writing it from another person's perspective or maybe writing it with a different end result - i.e the one you would like to have happened if only you had had the courage to do whatever?
Edited by Ashbee (04/07/2008 13:21)
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aggipanthus
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Reged: 05/04/2006
Posts: 179
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Hello.. I am a published writer, of local and social history features, fiction too. The being paid is lovely I have to say, but it gives me such a buzz, even after eight years or more, to see my work in a national or privately published magazine. To know that my faith in my writing wasn't misplaced, that it was considered good enough to be put in something with a large circulation.
I also keep a journal, and have done since teenage years. I keep a notebook with me at all times, because ideas can come from anywhere and have to be written down straightaway or they'd vanish altogether, without trace.
I have completed a novel which I saved up to have professionally appraised, and though it wasn't cheap, it was definitely the best thing I could have done. I had sent the ms to various agents, those who took authors who wrote similar types of story, but it was returned, always because their lists were full, or it wasn't quite right. I needed to know if there was any point to my carrying on, or if I was just fooling myself about my writing skills. Happily, it was a very positive appraisal.
I have a couple of workbooks aimed at writers, with exercises to help with those times when the writer's block comes upon me. When I want to write, but frustratingly can't get a single idea to form.
I am not a professional writer, nor someone who does it all the time. I have many other things in my life, and like variety. I am not good at writing to order, doing anything to order really, and write when I am in the mood, when an idea strikes. Then I can be at it all day and hate to be interrupted. Now just because I don't make myself go into my workroom and write, whether I feel like it or not, whether I know what to write or not, doesn't make me any less of a writer than someone who does. There are levels of seriousness about your writing.. to me it's a creative outlet, something I enjoy doing when it flows. But if it's not flowing, then I won't force it.. life's too short.
It should be enjoyed, and once it becomes a chore or a bore, then is the time to stop. I have been writing since I won a national schools competition aged 10, and can't imagine ever not doing it...having said that, it's several weeks since I wrote a story for a competition.
I agree that it would be good if W&H gave us a slot all to ourselves... where we could get help with the old writers block, tell each other about competitions, ask advice, help with research for a short story perhaps.
Meanwhile, happy writing...x
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Ashbee
member
Reged: 13/06/2008
Posts: 845
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Hello Gothfairy - a lady after my own heart with the local and social history interest. Any particular area/subject of interest?
It would be great if we could find a way of keeping this going - I suspect one thread is going to go 'ping' sooner or later. No idea how we approach W&H for a page of our own but in the meantime pehaps we could start the heading of any new posts with something like WRITING LADIES or similar so we know it's about writing rather than a book?
In the meantime, I'm away for a week in Kent - taking pen and paper with me of course - so I hope everyone will keep talking amongst yourselves?
It would be interesting to know what writing books, podcasts, websites, magazines that people find particularly helpful. Pen on Fire by Barbara De Marco Barrett is a great help for when you don't think you can find five minutes to write, The Writers Ideas Book and Workshops by Jack Heffron are great for when you just don't know what to write about and Writers on Writing, The Writing Show and The Secrets are all great podcasts downloaded via iTunes...
Chris
Edited by Ashbee (04/07/2008 14:20)
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saraw
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Reged: 08/03/2007
Posts: 272
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I have been toying with the idea of writing a book, I am really interested in doing a course but not quite sure which one to do. It would have to been via correspondence. I tried writing a journal everyday, but then do not have the momentum to carry on, writing the same things everyday. Any ideas for that? I have a few ideas for a story but not sure where to take it after getting the initial idea.
Sara
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aggipanthus
member
Reged: 05/04/2006
Posts: 179
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Ashbee... I write about the area I live in... the first rule of writing being to write about what you know of course!! But you would know that! I have written about DMVs, local folk lore, particular buildings of interest, memorials, old churches, anything which grabs my attention. The first piece I ever did was about a tiny hidden graveyard I found outside a large department store in a nearby market town. Surrounded by a brick wall just bigger than me, I had to scramble up to see what was on the other side. (Another rule about writing is that you must be nosey of course!) Saw these wonderful old headstones, mossy and lichen-covered beneath a group of horse chestnuts... of course some of the locals had decided it was a large litter bin so there was the (sadly) inevitable cans, crisp bags et al, but I could just make out some of the names. Did a bit of research, and it turned out to be the burial ground for a locally wealthy and wellknown Quaker family... which led me to do more research. Wrote a thousand words and sent it with a very atmospheric piccie (so I thought!) and it was accepted by the first person I had ever sent a piece to. Such a thrill seeing it in a full colour, well known county mag.
So tell us about your writing...
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Ashbee
member
Reged: 13/06/2008
Posts: 845
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Hello Saraw
I know a lot of people go green at the idea of writing a journal but it doesn't have to be a list of what you've done - the trick is to make it much more than that but how is really your choice. Some people write more about their feelings, some people have a theme - i.e. one thing that made them feel really grateful that day - or you could use the journal (and you don't have to write every day) to practice noticing things...writers should be observant so write about the funny thing you saw the kids doing today, or the odd snippet of conversation you overheard two old guys having in the queue in the post office.
The thing with knowing what to do next with a bigger project is knowing more about the characters and what makes them tick than just having the bare bones ideas. It seems to me from the people I've heard talk or write about writing that everyone approaches this bit of preparing to write differently - some like to know every bit of what will happen from start to finish, others just like to have a vague idea and start writing then see what comes up. Which do you think will work best for you?
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AlexP
member
Reged: 28/12/2007
Posts: 509
Loc: Southampton
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Ashbee - it would be great if we could keep this going so perhaps W&H could be persuaded to have a separate slot for this.
I have mixed feelings about doing a writing course - for one thing, I am more interested in improving my writing at this stage and not really in the 'marketing' side just yet and, as you said Ashbee, I think some courses do focus on selling your work. Also (and I am probably quite wrong here!), are writers born or made - does a person with the talent to write need a course or does the writing come naturally? I am certainly not saying that we can't learn anything - just that I wonder whether talent is either there or not. Or, is it that a writing course brings out a talent that needs a bit of encouragement?
gothfairy - your writing sounds fascinating.
I go through stages with keeping a journal. Last year for my birthday a friend (someone who has always encouraged me to write and who keeps a daily journal herself) gave me several good quality blank notebooks and said they were for my journal. What a great gift they were! My journals are not descriptions of everything that happens in a particular day or period of my life, but more my reactions to the things that happen.
Certainly, as you said Flutterfly, I find that emotional highs and lows affect what and how I write. I'm not sure that this makes my writing particularly personal to me (other than in my journal) - it's just that I seem able to express what I need in my writing generally, if that makes sense.
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