It's close to the 3 month mark since my debut novel has been released, and I've been busier than ever trying to improved my writing, but some days I flub, big time.
I just finished with my second round of edits for my second novel being released by Black Opal Books and my head is spinning. I can't believe the errors and misuse of words that I ran across, and the POV's were pretty messed up. Since I penned this novel 2 years ago, I can only hope that my writing is somewhat improving. (*Hope*)
My doubts as a writer came into play when I started reading a novel that I really, really loved. I devoured the book in a matter of days, wanting more. What threw me for a loop in my writing process was my own brain. I began to ponder (not good)---lots of doubts---I will never be able to write like this---or---tell a story like this---I feel totally like an inept writer. I need to shake this feeling off!
There---my neurotic insecurities have come back to haunt me!
Oh no, I hate that!! I hear you - on the good days, great writing is inspiring, and on the bad days, it's depressing. Hang in there! We all make tons and tons of mistakes; that's why we edit! AND on the one hand, you're right: you won't ever write a story like the one you read, because you have your own unique voice, and not that author's. But you can and will and do write equally great stories. Have faith! And check out the IWSG posts today - they're full of hope. (not mine - mine is insecure! - but lots of others :) )
ReplyDeleteI've definitely made my fair amount of mistakes. I'm off to read your IWSG, Liz.
DeleteOh gosh, I do this all the time when I'm reading a book I love! It's a terrible habit and has actually made me not enjoy reading as much as I used to, which is not a good thing at all. But I agree with Liz, you won't write like these other authors because you write like yourself. And as someone who loved your book I know that is a good thing!
ReplyDeleteGood Advice from Liz and you, Julie. Thank You, and thanks for saying such nice things about my book!!
DeleteDon't let that insecurity keep you from sharing your stories with the world! We're all unique as writers and just like you're not like that particular writer, guess what? That writer is NOT like you! So celebrate your uniqueness and don't worry about being like someone else. Let your voice be heard.
ReplyDeleteThank you Quanie for great advice. We all need to celebrate our uniqueness!
DeleteHey! Be PROUD of that first draft and the second. There might have been a lot of mistakes, but hey...that's what first drafts are for. Writing a book is a miraculous feat--celebrate that. That book you read that made you feel so down, it was a book that had to go through a lot of edits before it was the perfect one in your hands.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the support, Ashley!
DeleteIf you wrote it two years ago, then I bet you've grown a lot as a writer!
ReplyDeleteYou can't write like that author, but you can write the best way you can write. Perfect your style and aim for excellence. You can do it!
And very excited about your next release.
I think I've grown as a writer! I'm aiming higher, though. Thank You, Alex.
DeleteI can relate to this so, so well, even though I create comics instead of novels. Seeing other people's amazing artwork always depresses me, since I know I'll never be that good. I have no doubt that you've improved as a writer, though. That draft is two years old, after all!
ReplyDeleteYou're right Heather, Thank You.
DeleteSo been there, done that, so many, many times. Just remember, there is always someone out there who will write better than you do, and someone who won't! The same as, there will always be someone prettier than you, more talented, etc, and there will always be those who won't. Fact of life. Also, we ALL need editing! I thank my editor EVERY time I read what she's done with my words, my story, she makes me sound great! So, chin up. You are worthy. Keep going girl!
ReplyDeleteSo, so right!! Thank you Lisa!
DeleteSome writers are fabulous at what they do. Stephen King has a master's voice. He "tells" all the time, but he does it so well you feel like you've known the characters all your life. I've seen other writers try to copy this and all fail. You can only be what your were meant to be. Know what you do well and concentrate on it. Good luck! :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you Lexa, good advice.
DeleteIt is a hard thing when you read something that really is beyond where you are as a writer. I always try to look at it as a challenge. Good luck with the writing.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Brandon. It makes me want to be a better writer.
DeleteI love reading writing that I love. What do I love about it? I know that I will never write "like" them, but I can learn and modify my own style. No one can tell your story but you. That is the wonderful thing!
ReplyDeleteReading helps us to learn.
DeleteHave you considered shock therapy for your neurotic insecurities?
ReplyDeleteKeep on keepin on until you've achieved your goals!
Haven't thought of shock therapy, David. A tad of whiskey, though!
DeleteKeep going! You can't compare yourself to others--you have your own voice, and it needs to shine! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the support Lara! Love your new picture.
DeleteWhen I read something that leaves me breathless like that I try and analyse what makes it great. Not to copy the style but to learn from it and hopefully make my own words more memorable.
ReplyDeleteYes, good advice, Suzanne.
DeleteThe thing that stops me from comparing my work to others it that I know I'll get better. Everything with time and practice. Just imagine, there are people who have read your book who think the same thing about you.
ReplyDeleteThat's an awesome thought, Nana!
DeleteI use novels I love to push my writing further. No novel is completely perfect, so even the best novels might have something which you think could be improved on.
ReplyDeleteYou're right Annalisa, thank you.
DeleteYou've already released a novel! Congratulations! That's a huge achievement.
ReplyDeleteAsk yourself, how many aspiring writers EVER get to complete one novel, let alone publish it...??
I'm not sure of the figures, but I guess it's round about 25-30%? Maybe? Maybe less? The point is, you belong to an elite group...
And furthermore, you are unique... with your own individual style/voice... there is only one of you which makes you special!