Phoebe’s answer to “I'm an aspiring writer, but I'm dealing with two things: I get discouraged every single day because…” > Likes and Comments
2 likes · Like
Oh, wow, you really gave me a lot to think about. I don't know what to answer to so much advice and wisdom. You are right, there's a lot there that I need to rethink, because the last time I wrote, I ended up in tears and wanting to pull my own hair out. But I did it because I was entering a contest, which of course, I didn't win, and I don't know what made me think I could actually win. Every author's advice, upon this question, is to write anyway, and worry about publication later. It's just that my favorite genre is probably the most complicated, because people are constantly looking for something they haven't read before (fantasy). I'm disappointed, you know, because I thought my life would be different, that by this age I would have written books and I would be making a living out of it. But the world has a funny way to say you are a worthless piece of garbage and that if you want to write, or paint, or whatever, art form from the top of my head, then you are laughable, Plus writers shouldn't do it for the money, that's key, and as a jobless 25 year old, it's hard not to think about it
Oh, Cintia, I'm so sorry. This pain you have around writing should itself convince you you're a writer! There's a long tradition of tortured artists.
I don't think it has to be that way...but sometimes it just is, and you find your people who can support you and help you through it, and you work to develop your craft and your confidence, and you just write. I wish I had a better magic bullet than that, but that's all I've got.
I just read this tonight, which may be of use: http://writersinthestormblog.com/2017...
More than anything, please know that you are not your writing. You are not your skill at anything. You are an individual who has worth whether you ever write a page. If you want to write, then do--but do it for you, to tell the stories inside you, or to tell yourself a story, actually--which is often what is in my mind as I write: "What happens next? Let's just see..." That's one "trick" that frees me from overthinking it and just letting what comes, come.
Save the judgments for the editing process. While you're writing, free that voice inside you that makes you want to write. Have the courage to really stink it up. :) That's another mantra I use--"permission to suck!" It lets me let loose and not worry whether what I'm drafting is good. I'll worry about that later.
And FWIW, I think we all think our lives will be different than they turn out. My personal realization in that area is that you can choose to be happy walking the path you wind up on. If you are not and you can change it, then do that. If you can't, then accept what is and see the good in it. I don't mean for that to sound facile--I just hope that at twenty-five, you realize how many choices are still before you. Make bold, brave ones. You may never make a living as a writer--I don't know if you know this, but most writers don't, even those you may know quite well. But you still get to choose what your life looks like, for the most part, and if you want to be a writer, then write.
I'm pulling for you.
Thank you, that is great advice. See? Knowing that it isn't possible to make a living kills me too. As I told you, I fwel like everyone wants the story, but nobody cares about the writer, which is something I see with my blog. I do love creating, but it gets discouraging, and takes away my motivation. I will do it because I love to write, and I want to believe that not-getting published doesn't mean I'm talentless. Tons of the best writers out there where initially rejected, like J.K. Rowling, Stephen King and so many others. I need to get rid of the need of getting everything perfect, allow myself to fail, and understand that perfection doesn't exist. Writing has always been my thing, but the thing is, if it will make me suffer, then... No. I heard it is both rewarding and painful, but I'm stuck in the painful part :(
Sadly true that the creative person is often the one who benefits least, financially--in film, publishing, art, etc. I guess that's one reason the "tortured artist" cliché persists--we know this, yet we are compelled to get our stories out.
It matters, though, if it's important to you. Don't let the odds or the financial outlook stop you if your voice wants to be heard. But if it overwhelms you and isn't worth it to you...don't judge yourself for that. Create when the urge strikes...and don't when it doesn't. If it isn't a joy, for the most part, then in my opinion it isn't worth letting it impact your zeal for the rest of your life. But what do I know...? I am at the core a deeply practical person. :) My best advice, though you didn't ask, is to find other pursuits you love and CAN make a living at, and let them offer you the freedom to pursue your creativity in your free time. That's what I have done, and I am lucky enough to love my "day job" as much as my writing. Good luck, Cintia--I'm thinking of you and hope you stay in touch!
Thank you. You are right. The problem is that it's complicated. I'm divided between wanting to write because it's always been my thing, the thing that made me me, but also I don't want to force it. If it will make me suffer, then I don't want to do it. I feel... stupid. Talentless. Wanting something that is only meant for this big, amazing people who are like writing gods that have defied the odds and won in an industry that normally tramples over us. I feel small and insignificant, you know... It's unfair!! It's our idea, our talent put to use, and we are the ones who lose in the industry. What kind of world is this one?
back to top
date
newest »
newest »
message 1:
by
Cintia
(new)
Dec 29, 2017 12:29PM
Oh, wow, you really gave me a lot to think about. I don't know what to answer to so much advice and wisdom. You are right, there's a lot there that I need to rethink, because the last time I wrote, I ended up in tears and wanting to pull my own hair out. But I did it because I was entering a contest, which of course, I didn't win, and I don't know what made me think I could actually win. Every author's advice, upon this question, is to write anyway, and worry about publication later. It's just that my favorite genre is probably the most complicated, because people are constantly looking for something they haven't read before (fantasy). I'm disappointed, you know, because I thought my life would be different, that by this age I would have written books and I would be making a living out of it. But the world has a funny way to say you are a worthless piece of garbage and that if you want to write, or paint, or whatever, art form from the top of my head, then you are laughable, Plus writers shouldn't do it for the money, that's key, and as a jobless 25 year old, it's hard not to think about it
reply
|
flag
Oh, Cintia, I'm so sorry. This pain you have around writing should itself convince you you're a writer! There's a long tradition of tortured artists.I don't think it has to be that way...but sometimes it just is, and you find your people who can support you and help you through it, and you work to develop your craft and your confidence, and you just write. I wish I had a better magic bullet than that, but that's all I've got.
I just read this tonight, which may be of use: http://writersinthestormblog.com/2017...
More than anything, please know that you are not your writing. You are not your skill at anything. You are an individual who has worth whether you ever write a page. If you want to write, then do--but do it for you, to tell the stories inside you, or to tell yourself a story, actually--which is often what is in my mind as I write: "What happens next? Let's just see..." That's one "trick" that frees me from overthinking it and just letting what comes, come.
Save the judgments for the editing process. While you're writing, free that voice inside you that makes you want to write. Have the courage to really stink it up. :) That's another mantra I use--"permission to suck!" It lets me let loose and not worry whether what I'm drafting is good. I'll worry about that later.
And FWIW, I think we all think our lives will be different than they turn out. My personal realization in that area is that you can choose to be happy walking the path you wind up on. If you are not and you can change it, then do that. If you can't, then accept what is and see the good in it. I don't mean for that to sound facile--I just hope that at twenty-five, you realize how many choices are still before you. Make bold, brave ones. You may never make a living as a writer--I don't know if you know this, but most writers don't, even those you may know quite well. But you still get to choose what your life looks like, for the most part, and if you want to be a writer, then write.
I'm pulling for you.
Thank you, that is great advice. See? Knowing that it isn't possible to make a living kills me too. As I told you, I fwel like everyone wants the story, but nobody cares about the writer, which is something I see with my blog. I do love creating, but it gets discouraging, and takes away my motivation. I will do it because I love to write, and I want to believe that not-getting published doesn't mean I'm talentless. Tons of the best writers out there where initially rejected, like J.K. Rowling, Stephen King and so many others. I need to get rid of the need of getting everything perfect, allow myself to fail, and understand that perfection doesn't exist. Writing has always been my thing, but the thing is, if it will make me suffer, then... No. I heard it is both rewarding and painful, but I'm stuck in the painful part :(
Sadly true that the creative person is often the one who benefits least, financially--in film, publishing, art, etc. I guess that's one reason the "tortured artist" cliché persists--we know this, yet we are compelled to get our stories out.It matters, though, if it's important to you. Don't let the odds or the financial outlook stop you if your voice wants to be heard. But if it overwhelms you and isn't worth it to you...don't judge yourself for that. Create when the urge strikes...and don't when it doesn't. If it isn't a joy, for the most part, then in my opinion it isn't worth letting it impact your zeal for the rest of your life. But what do I know...? I am at the core a deeply practical person. :) My best advice, though you didn't ask, is to find other pursuits you love and CAN make a living at, and let them offer you the freedom to pursue your creativity in your free time. That's what I have done, and I am lucky enough to love my "day job" as much as my writing. Good luck, Cintia--I'm thinking of you and hope you stay in touch!
Thank you. You are right. The problem is that it's complicated. I'm divided between wanting to write because it's always been my thing, the thing that made me me, but also I don't want to force it. If it will make me suffer, then I don't want to do it. I feel... stupid. Talentless. Wanting something that is only meant for this big, amazing people who are like writing gods that have defied the odds and won in an industry that normally tramples over us. I feel small and insignificant, you know... It's unfair!! It's our idea, our talent put to use, and we are the ones who lose in the industry. What kind of world is this one?
