What do I do if my book sounds awful?

[hybridlore]

@acancello @karissa-chmil

I LOVE that quote!! I have that one at the top of my ideas document xD

"Be careful, for writing books is endless, and much study wears you out." Eccl. 12:12

[Esther]

@acancello

I think every writer experience this more than once.

I’m not sure what everyone else has said, but here’s what I think.

First, step back and reevaluate some things. Why do you think your writing is terrible? Is it in comparison to somebody else’s, or is your inner editor just screaming out at you to fix everything? Keep in mind that the first draft NEVER looks good. Even professional writers have terrible first drafts. (And I know this because a professional writer has said it. XD) It’s gonna be messy and it’s gonna be bad. That’s just something all writers need to accept and even embrace when embarking on the journey of writing a novel. Also remind yourself why your writing your story. What about it is special to you? What message do you want to implant into the hearts and minds of those who will read your book? Who are you writing this book for? Find your why and never forget it. That is what is going to keep you writing.

Second, ever word you write is a chance to learn. You’re naturally going to learn as you write and read more. Aside from reading fiction, read nonfiction about writing or find a professional writer’s blog where they share the things that they have learned. I started writing the second draft of my WIP, thinking that after I had written it, it wouldn’t need a ton more editing after that. And boy, was I wrong!! I read a few articles on Jerry Jenkin’s blog and was already finding things in my WIP that I needed to fix. (if you get the chance, check out his blog, girl. It is amazing and has already helped me tremendously.) As I read more of his articles, I noticed things I could change immediately in my writing. It made me a better writer. And if you do find things that need to be fixed, don’t let that discourage you. You’re learning, and that means that earlier writing isn’t going to be as good as your writing now.

Drafts are there for a reason, so be prepared to write multiple in the future. In the end, it will be worth it when you get to hold your book in your hands.

You got this, girl. <3 Don’t give up. Keep learning and keep writing. Even when you can’t stand your own writing. Sometimes you just have to get over the learning curve. And remember that everybody here on KP is cheering you on in your writing journey.

I hope that all was helpful. I’ll be praying for you! 🙏🏻 Good luck and keep on writing! ❤️

Write what should not be forgotten. — Isabel Allende

[Allison]

@esther-c

Thank you! This is so encouraging!💗 Jerry Jenkin? Do you have a link? Thanks again!! 🥰

"Would you kindly...?"

[Euodia]

@acancello

Mmmm, everyone’s shared such great advice! I don’t think I have anything to add. 😂 The only thing I’d recommend if you’re not feelin’ your writing atm (don’t know if anyone’s said this yet…) then just put it aside for a certain amount of time (a week, month, etc.) then come back to it with fresh, critiquing eyes and see if you feel the same about it. 😊

You got this girl! Your story is amazingggggg!

I rolled the log over and underneath was a tiny little stick and I was like, "That log had a child

[MineralizedWritings]

@acancello

I know how that feels! I actually usually don’t realize it when I’m improving, but when I look back at old work I can see it.

I wrote an entire 48k word draft that was terrible before I really started to have decent writing. It takes some practice. I think I would try to get a good bit of intentional practice (Like write a praragraph of description, try to use the five senses and read over what worked/didn’t) but a lot more just volume of writing. When you are trying to get words in, don’t worry about it too much.

I wrote a short story that made me take a better look at what I was doing awhile ago. Because it was a short project, I really scrutinized what the writing was and edited a couple of times.

Also, describing what the lighting is doing is something that I find really helps to bring a scene to life.

 

Hope that helps you and good luck!

"And so I left this world just as I had entered it. Confused."

[Esther]

@acancello

Glad I could encourage ya, girl!! 😊

Here’s the link to his site: https://jerryjenkins.com/

Write what should not be forgotten. — Isabel Allende

[Allison]

@euodia-vision @mineralizedwritings @esther-c

Thank you guys so much! You would not believe how much this has all helped me!💗 🥰

"Would you kindly...?"

[Allison]

@esther-c

I just checked out the link, this already seems like it will help a ton! 🙂

"Would you kindly...?"

[Esther]

@acancello

Yesss!! He’s been writing for almost half a century, so he’s like a writing genius. XD

Write what should not be forgotten. — Isabel Allende

[Author]

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