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- Rank: Chosen One
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@godlyfantasy12 Girl, I understand what you mean completely!
It’s hard, when you’re comparing your writing to all the books out there, all the other writers you know, trust me, it brings you down. I had a time in my life a couple years ago, when I hated every word I wrote. I hated my book so much that I thought about trashing everything completely. (getting rid of Riker and my other babies…now I can’t even imagine it!)
And lately, I’ve been out of motivation to write my books. I don’t have any ideas I like, and I’m just struggling to find something I want to write, so I’m in the boat with you right now too. I want to write, but just…when I sit down to do so, my motivation goes away. I understand you completely.
It’s a struggle every writer faces at some point, and if they say they don’t/haven’t…they’re lying, trust me XD
I’ll second @kyronthearcanin when she says to pray. It may seem like our writing would be small to God, but anything that matters to us matters to him, no matter how small and unimportant it may seem to us. God wants to hear us. He wants to hear our worries. Because he loves us more than we’ll ever know or understand ❤️
Also, remember that everyone’s writing looks different, and that yours is amazing. Some days I still look at my writing and I say it’s horrible, its trash, I don’t want anyone to ever see it. But more often than not, I end up sharing it here on KP, and I see that there are people out there who love my stories and my characters, and I’m reminded that, just like you, Girl, God has given me a story to tell that people need to hear. I try to remember that what I’m doing is for God, and that if he wants it out there in the world, he’ll help me to write it and get it out there in his perfect timing. I know that’s easier to say than to practice, TRUST ME, but I think that’s where Grace comes in.
I don’t have all of the answers and Idk if any of this is even helpful to you, but most of all, I want to reassure you that, first off, God cares and he wants to help you, second, to remind you that you are not alone, bc we’ve all struggled with this, and third, girl, I want to remind you that your writing is absolutely beautiful, and that God has a purpose for all of it.
I love your characters, I love your story, I love the passion God has placed inside you for your writing. You’ve made an impact on my life this past year more than you’ll ever know. Some days I’m just down, depressed, or just feeling kind of broken, and I get on KP, and there you are, with your bubbly, passionate, loving self, with your FANTABULOUS charries and books, and suddenly my day is brightened.
And I know that that’s God’s light shining through you <3
Girl, you’re not alone. We’re here for you. If you ever need anything or just need someone to talk to, please, don’t be hesitant to reach out.
Love you more than you know, girl, and I’m so glad to have you in my life 💕
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Jeremiah 29:11
I get it. Often we feel like we need to be good at and enjoy the things we are supposed to be good at and enjoy. We like to place ourselves in a box that can be easily measured in tidy units of personality and ability. The reality is that we are human, and we are far more complex, and the need to measure ourselves in such a way is unrealistic. Sometimes we are un-romanticized with the things we once enjoyed. This is normal, and does this mean that you have to give it up? not necessarily. Sometimes you just need a break. Sometimes you just need to be reminded why you love it so much again. But it’s good to remember that you don’t need to put yourself in that box. As you know, I’m a math guy, however I’ve had a fallout with math many times in my exploration of it. There’s been many periods of time where I’ve avoided it completely, believing I was supposed to like it, but lost that, causing me to be very frustrated with myself because I wasn’t being what I thought I was supposed to be. Ultimately, I’ve simply just needed a reminder of why I loved math, as well as further developing my relationship with my Heavenly Father, as it is He who grants me wisdom if I put forth the time, not myself. So if your feeling frustrated with yourself being lazy, don’t know why you like writing anymore, feel like your writing isn’t any good, just know that it’s completely normal, and it is up to you where to go. You can take a break, or search for the real reason you love writing, and get back into it with a refreshed vigor. Talk to your Heavenly Father, ask Him about His plan for you, ask Him for inspiration for what to do, and what to write. If it’s to help others, let Him take the pen, let Him use you to forward His will to bring others unto Him. Whatever you do, know that He loves you, and has a plan for you, and it’s all in His hands.
He is perfect in Justice, yet He is perfect in Mercy, even when we fail Him. For this, He is good.
I’ve really been struggling to write recently, and I know some of its just pure laziness/procrastination, but I think some of it is also just feeling like my writing has taken a downturn and isn’t as good as it was??
Maybe that’s just me thinking that, but I just don’t feel it’s very great…even though I want it to be and it’s hard to find the fun in it sometimes but I really want to!! Like the idea of it is so fun, but it’s actually starting it that’s the problem lol.
Totally get what your going through girl. I just finished a 5k short story and wanted to get it published. I asked a friend of my sister’s who is a lot more experienced to critique it for me, and lol… it felt like the problems just kept coming 🤣 I’m super grateful for it, but I gotta say I was so embarrassed that my writing had that many problems I actually felt a little sick afterwards. It was very helpful, but yeah, stuff like that can be necessary and knock your confidence at the same time.
As for feeling like your story is lackluster, we all have lackluster parts of our stories because non of them will be perfect. I really like Paxtons plot-line, and it’s the one of your that intrigues me the most. It’s different, and the world building (Particularly how his family has hurt that causes their actions) is really interesting. Love Pax, and love hearing about his story!
Something recently that really helped me a lot is realizing that nobody has a good first draft. I don’t like changing major things about my books because I get attached to my plot-lines, but I recently realized it was necessary. I mean… does Tauren really have a flaw? I don’t really like writings super flawed characters, but I’ve just recently realized how important it is, and it’s really changed my plot. It feels weird changing a lot, but there’s nothing wrong with it and change can be good. If you really feel like your story is lackluster, don’t be afraid to change it a lot. It’ll work back out eventually, and you might be happier with it in the end, even though I know doing that to a story can be stressful.
And yeah personal problems really don’t help with writing. Almost all of my personal problems come out in one or more of my characters, writing about things imo is the best way to process them.
With the having problems starting, I know having a writing schedule of like 30 min a day really helps some people. I like to think of as that any writing is practice, even if it reads horrible in the end, and you’ll make progress in the long term.
Hope that helps! 🙂
"And so I left this world just as I had entered it. Confused."
@mineralizedwritings @thearcaneaxiom @otherworldlyhistorian @freedomwriter76
AWWW 😭 THANKS YALL!!!!
Freedom thank u so much that means a lot!!
and Min I’m so glad u like Pax’s story!!!
Thank u all for the words of encouragement and advice!!!
I actually talked with my mom about it too, and she is so helpful and after we talked…I finished my Scene!!!!!
it took a whole new course, because some of the issue was I’ve put myself in a box, reading all of these outline books and everything, feeling like I have to show my characters a certain way….
And she told me that I can’t put myself in a box and there’s a different way to do things if I want to or if it’s not working, and it worked so well!!! I am so happy!!!
….would y’all like to see the finished scene???
#IfMarcelDiesIRiot
#ProtectMarcel
#ProtectSebSo glad you’re feeling better! Go ahead and share them!
"And so I left this world just as I had entered it. Confused."
Kk imma just share it here!
this is the first scene in the book, right after the small backstory scene I posted-
Never make a deal with death
*****
Ara ran, her steps keeping in tune with the thudding in her chest.
She had to make it. Everything depended on it.
Depended on her.
Death doesn’t keep his promises
*****
She knew the sacrifice…
Had seen it in her dreams…
He leaves behind scars
*****
But the sacrifice didn’t matter compared to what she’d lose if she failed.
And his bite holds no remorse
*****
Her hands folded around the dimly lit stone in her palm, cutting into her skin.
This was the last chance she had. The last chance for her people.
Failure wasn’t an option.
*****
“Your Safta wishes to see you.”
Ara set down her quill, rubbing the bridge of her nose as she sighed. It was the third time that week she’d been called, and while she hated giving another excuse, she didn’t feel she had any other option.
“Tell him I can’t come at the moment.”
“What should I say this time?” Anie furrowed a brow, folding the last of Ara’s clothes and placing them in her dresser. “‘My apologies, Elder King, but your Nehda refuses to come visit. She’s much too busy, wasting away in this…dreary pit of a bedroom!’”
Ara turned, scowling at the blonde as she flopped onto the previously made bed. “You know you’re going to have to remake that.”
“Oh, don’t be such a…a…”
“Careful, I might have you held in contempt.”
“Oh, please do, Princess. Anything is better then having to give excuses to your Safta. Have you seen how he gets when he’s unhappy?”
Ara smiled at that, imagining the older man’s face puckering like a lemon; his white hair swaying as he shakes his head, blue eyes glinting with mischief. Her heart pangs at the image and she slowly returns to her writings.
“I know, Anie…” She frowned, pretending to concentrate on her pen and journal. “Just…once more. Please?” Anie let out a loud groan, rising from the bed.
“You do know that, my duties of service are limited, right?”
Ara laughed, tilting her head back to meet the older lass’ face. She sent her best, most pitiful expression, pursing out her lips and widening her eyes, “For me, Anie? Pretty please?”
“You’re impossible.” The blonde sighed but grinned, hands on her hips. “Let me make your bed again and I’ll-”
“I can do it!” Ara hopped up from her chair, practically shoving her friend out the door. Anie let out an indignant yelp of protest.
“You will not! What would people think if I let the princess do my job?”
“They’ll think the princess is a fine, generous person,” Ara smiled, giving her a final shove out the door.
“Ara, I oughta-!”
“Ah, ah, sensitive ears are present!” Ara carefully shut the door, making sure not to catch one of Anie’s glossy wings in the process. “Don’t forget to talk with Safta!”
The door clicked.
Ara slumped against the wooden frame, hands still clutching the golden knob. A stray tear or two slipped past her eyes. She quickly wiped them. Her stomach shuddered as she stood, turning back to her desk and chair. Her bedroom tilted, making her head thrum and her ears ring. She stumbled to her chair, the ecstatic pumping in her heart not slowing even as she sat.
Reaching for her quill, she paused, eyes resting on her arm and the long scar that pierced it’s skin. A long vine, purple in color, stretching from her wrist to the middle of her lower arm. Stems and leaves stretched from the vine, resembling an intricate work of art more then a painful scar; but a scar it was. Evidenced by it’s starting point; two small, seemingly insignificant holes on the underside of her wrist.
She stared at the design, itching to touch it, but…afraid. It’s ripples dotted her skin like small, raised cuts. Piercings. The scar didn’t hurt thankfully, but…its constant presence was pain enough.
Ara’s hand slipped to her stomach, nausea rising. She looked away, returning her attention to her journal and what she’d been writing on it’s pages.
A chronicle of her dreams…or nightmares…the most recent of which had left her waking in a cold sweat, screaming.
She was thankful her reflexes had kicked in, her hands automatically flying to her mouth to muffle the sound. She wasn’t sure how she’d explain the screaming to her family, or anyone for that matter. How she’d explain the constant, plaguing dreams.
Nor did she want to.
But these last few dreams had been different then the others. She couldn’t explain it, exactly, but…They were no longer nightmares filled with random occurrences, or past experiences. These dreams seem to hold some sort of…deeper meaning to them.
Or perhaps that was just her imagination.
Her father did say she had a vivid mind.
Nevertheless, the need to write these down, to store them somewhere, had weighed on her heavily. She’d finally given in, expecting some…great revelation, but…of course, nothing happened. The dreams were still as strange, and frequent, as ever.
And it was a nice distraction. She’d always had a fondness for writing before…
Her eyes drifted to her scarred arm.
She shook her head, picking up her quill.
Focus, Ara. Remember the dream.
The ink touched paper, setting off a flurry of words as Ara’s mind lit, remembering the night before, and the dream she would hope to forget after this. She would release it to the paper, and that would be that.
After all…
It was just a dream, right?
Dream Journal-Day 24
Never Make A Deal With Death…
#IfMarcelDiesIRiot
#ProtectMarcel
#ProtectSebThat is.. Amazing. I am seriously hooked. Thank you so much for sharing!
You have listened to fears, child. Come, let me breathe on you... Are you brave again? -Aslan
Wow that was so good!
"And so I left this world just as I had entered it. Confused."
@mineralizedwritings thank u!!!
#IfMarcelDiesIRiot
#ProtectMarcel
#ProtectSebWow, that scene was so cool!! Ara has slowly become more and more interesting as a character the more I read about her. Your style in this scene kinda reminded me of the Book Thief. (Just a little bit. The style is still unique to you.) Have you ever read it?
I’m glad you were able to talk to your mom and get past your art block!
“Nothing says autumn like slurpin’ apples.” -my uncle
- Rank: Knight in Shining Armor
- Total Posts: 692
Idk how long this has been going for you but I totally get it. I usually take a break from my WIP and either work on another one or if I really feel bad take a break from writing altogether. It usually only lasts 3-7 days at the most for me though. I’ll be praying for you, girl!
Does anyone else feel stressed, like they have so many projects that they feel guilty when they aren’t doing them? I think I’m starting to realize that I will have so much time to take on projects that aren’t enjoyable when I’m an adult but right now I want to enjoy being a teen. Does anyone else feel this way? (and obviously some projects we don’t get a say in like School)
Do me a favor…. Tell Cress I meant it
-Thorne- Rank: Knight in Shining Armor
- Total Posts: 692
Yes! @Smiley that’s practically my everyday but since I’ll be an adult very shortly, I have to do those adult things. I’m Spring cleaning, homeschooling my 3 siblings that are still at home and learning adult things like cleaning, laundry and cooking. It’s hard to find time to just have fun at times but my mom does give me breaks. I don’t really socialize all that much since I’m out of school and I don’t have a license yet.
@freedomwriter76
AHHH thank youuuuu!!!!
I rolled the log over and underneath was a tiny little stick and I was like, "That log had a child
Girl that scene was amazing!!!!! I adore Ara so much.
And grateful you could talk to your mom about it all and she was able to speak truth!
I get the putting yourself into a box thing. As I’ve been planning out my WIP, reading blogs, and seeking advice in general, I’m SO prone to just copying what everyone else says is the ‘right way’ and not letting my imagination do what it wills. It’s hard remembering that there’s not necessarily a ‘right’ way to write out a scene/book. If I do what everyone else does then it’s not my own!
(and I don’t have much else to say because what everyone else said was SO TRUE and actually very helpful for me as well. 😅)
Praying for you as you continue this journey!
I rolled the log over and underneath was a tiny little stick and I was like, "That log had a child
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