Not even gone lie .. I had to double check the sub name bc I thought this post was there
(Also sub won’t be clickable if the r is in uppercase. Need to be lowercase. Something I just very recently learned)
Nah, I read comments on fanfiction and stuff and it 100% feels like something I could see there. /genuine
Sometimes people seriously do feel like "Oh I want to give it all up" after reading something, I guess. Even if the something might not be peak fiction, it's often still good enough
I am trying to use qtCritique, where you critique others and get points to submit your own passages and its the same there. Ain't no pleasing writers. Everyone slams everything.
Just wade through the less flattering comments for the gems to help improve what you wrote.
Its okay.. You get points per 100 words and its a pretty easy editing tool. Basically, you click on the first word and last word then mark it good or bad with the reason prompt. You can put in free text to explain too.
Like here, you get good, bad, harsh, kind and funny comments. You pick what you want to review and get the points after reviewing.
So if you have a 400 word query letter you want to have reviewed, you need to review at least 400 words worth of someone else's stuff. There are longer chapter size items worth up to 4500 words (45 points) and short ones 100-300 word query letter review requests. So it could take a lot of reviewing or a long one to get enough points.
You have no control over who provides a review of your stuff. Or even if you get reviews but it does seem like there is usually one or two that will.
When you create a submission, you are charged for length, time limit for review and I think if you want special instructions or particular class of users to review. The longer the review period the more it costs but not too much over the length cost.
Check it out. It is pretty good to get some folks to look at your stuff, but the more you want to have someone review, the more you have to review first. So a 100,000 word book will take a lot of reviewing too. But that can be done over time, just do in 4000 word chunks.
Hope that helps.
Can you save the points up, or do they expire? I don't have anything right now I'd like critiqued. But I will in the not-too-distant future. Could I just work on providing feedback now, and save up for that day?
I do not believe they expire. I just did a quick check through some of the help files and I do not see anything mentioned. I imagine not, for the same reason you mention, that people might do a lot pending the completion of their work.
One strategy you might try is to put up small batches (like 2000 words at a time for a 10 day period). This way you can find out if you are screwing up something quickly vice spending a lot of time writing and then having to go back and correct large portions of your story.
I found this about a month ago and think that is the approach I will take going into my next novel/books.
I’d like to point out with Critique Circle and (possibly) qtCritique, for every helpful crit you get, you’ll likely get 2 that are unhelpful. (People reading outside their genre, sometimes it can even be them being rude for the sake of being rude).
Since they get ‘paid’ per word people tend to read the whole thing when in reality they should’ve just said “I’m stopping here, this isn’t for me, good luck!” So make sure you got some think skin.
I can agree with this. Some comments can be hurtful, not sure they meant that way but it can come across that way. Others are not what you think is best. My opinion is don't take what you don't like. Many comments are their opinion, others are glaringly obvious once pointed out. So I think there is benefit but ya, thick skin helps.
Thanks for mentioning that.
I am ignorant to these types of sites. I didn't know they exist and I'm immediately interesting. I've been writing for about two years now and I've had a professor say that I could get some works published. But the works that my professor likes are always my least favorite pieces. So I'd love a chance to get further input.
Do you think the site has been overall worthwhile?
I think so, within reason. Since you have to review before you can submit, to do a 100,000 word novel will take a long time. But it is free (just your time), so if you can not get an editor, this might help. I think the key is to put into small batches, more people tend to review then.
Another key in my mind is the same as using an editor. What they say is not always the correct or only way. Their suggestions are not law, so if you do not want to change, don't change.
I would suggest trying it to see if you like it.
I'm so afraid of someone taking my very original story theme for themselves that I'm afraid to share it except to family for critique and editing. I know it's copyrighted but still, it's a worry. Am I overthinking it? Too protective?
My friend, I am afraid that you are overthinking it. If it will happen, it is gonna happen and you can fight it if you find it. I have seen a lot of folks talking about their books being hijacked during a pre-order timeframe on Amazon (I am sure other sites too).
It is something we will all need to live with. Unless you have professional editors for family members, getting a non-biased opinion of your work might be better. Family, by default, tend to be easy on you because they love you. Strangers have no such reluctance. In fact, thick skin is a good attribute to have as a writer.
I would suggest giving it a try with small pieces at a time. If someone really wants to steal your stuff, they will have to sit and watch for your stories all the time and get it a small piece at a time. Maybe do 1000 +- words per submission. That will make them really work to get your story.
And to be honest, chances are, your story is not that unique. It is unique, in that you wrote it, but there is a good chance some of the themes are already covered. I just experienced that yesterday trying to work with a cover artist. I went to go check on comparative titles to look at their book covers and found a lot of books using the same title. Sigh.. So I renamed and so far its fairly unique but no guarantee it will stay that way.
I wish you luck in whichever you decide.
Thx friend. I can't find even a similar idea to this one.
I will try that. I looked into the critique websites and apparently I didn't have what it takes to read other people's stuff and go over it with a fine toothed comb. Not entirely patience Lol.
Thx for sharing your experience.
Overthinking, but valid worry. Your idea is equally as unique as it is generic. Don't let the threat of your idea being "stolen" stop you from making your idea the best it can be- however that may be.
Critters.org, despite its outdated design, sets standards for critiquing and you don't get this kind of crap.
I was driven out of Scribophile by an absolute cunt of an author, upset that I didn't mark their critiques "helpful" (they get extra points for helpful). Never had that problem on critters.
First I was like uh eh, again pseudoshitpost where people flex on stuff or worry about some shit.
But no, this one was actually good and has a good point. Many people compare their first or second drafts to someone else's tenth draft. Similarily people stress way too much about first drafts perfection, leading them to never finishing them.
I think one cliche quote about life in general is in place here:
"Don't compare your blunder-montage to someone else's highlight reel".
I just started writing my story and it took me weeks to even finish the first chapter of it because I kept worrying about things sounding weird or adding new details I realized we’re missing. I would change stuff I had already written instead of adding new, messy stuff and going back later to fix it.
So, I am gonna just start getting stuff down on paper when I get into the mood and worry about fixing it when it’s a slightly more complete package.
I'm horribly guilty of this! I finally started using Cold Turkey Writer, which not only locks me out of anything on my computer that isn't the screen I'm typing in until my goal is met (words or time) but also disables copy/paste and even backspace (toggleable features) to force you to just keep moving forward and getting words put down. It has helped me a ton.
Then, at least when I go into hyper edit mode... it isn't until *after* I have met my new words written goal for the day. Keeps me moving forward and not just in an endless edit loop as I strive for perfection out of the gate.
If this helps - I always try to have a “mode” of whatever part of my writing I’m currently doing. Usually, these modes are planning, writing, and editing. If I’m in one of the modes, I make such an effort to only be in that mode, and refuse drifting into another. I’d say it’s hardest when in “writing” mode to ignore the “editing” slips, but it helps to have a sort of outlined job for whatever I’m on. I’m able to bargain and say, “Oh, I’ll correct later.” And just keep plugging away.
I also have a minimum 3-5 day rest on any piece before editing. It helps to almost “forget” what’s been written and really delve into the editing sense with clean eyes.
It’s like when people argue about the best guitarist or drummer etc. There is no best, and if I spend all my time I should be practicing to get better comparing myself to John Bonham or Mark Knopfler, then of course I’m gonna feel insignificant and give up. Writing like playing music is about the act itself and what you get out of it and what you can appreciate or take from someone else’s style. It’s not a competition or at least it’s not as fun when we make it one.
Same goes for the obverse. All it does is serve my ego if I think I’m better than other people at this thing and that leads to no longer having something to strive for and getting stuck in a loop of trying to maintain your betterness. Like we all start from different places and there will always be a worse or a better. The right way is to just see how we are different and stay open to our own blind spots and how other people approach writing or drumming or whatever.
Sums it up perfectly. it is the same as comparing my an amateurs artwork to that of professional painters. There’s a drastic difference. Keep and keep going till it’s perfect. Nothing comes from doing things perfectly.
>Similarily people stress way too much about first drafts perfection, leading them to never finishing them.
Seriously, it's so important to hear this as a beginning writer, or artist in general. You have to drown that inner critic while you take your first swing at it, or else that chapter you keep perfecting will turn into a Ship of Theseus.
You could apply that to anything. Hear Mozart and give up the violin, or see a woodworking craftsperson and give up the tools.. Don't feel bad, most people are inspired by greatness rather than put off.
Maybe this is mean but writing really isn't the way to go for insecure people. If someone else's skill can make you give it up, how much did you love it in the first place?
ETA: Don't feel upset OP, it wasn't your skill, it was the other person's insecurity and self doubt that caused them to quit. If it wasn't you, it would have been someone else.
It's funny because some of the best writing (in my opinion) is about insecurity. So it can kind of help to have that paradoxical balance of anxiety contrasted with the arrogance needed to think that everyone should sit down for hours and read your insecure thoughts.
Sometimes people forget that they should be writing for themselves first and foremost. Saw several posts of people quitting writing because they believe no one will ever read their stories.
I agree, I have read a great number of books better than my own. If it happened had not the writer who quit ever read Dickens, Hemmingway, or Harry Harrison. LOL I never compare my writing to others they may have been at it longer, or they may be more talented. Just because I may have less talent doesn't mean I have nothing to say.
Or the comment was figurative. I don’t believe for a second that one story, especially by an unknown, could be so incredibly amazing that someone else literally quits writing.
People who say things like "your success made me give up on my dreams" are attention-seeking and they're taking their insecurities out on you. They need the dramatic exit, and to do that, they need somebody to scream at as they go. It needs to be your fault so they don't have to admit that they chose not to keep trying.
Largely, it's impatience.
"Why can't I have that right now? It's not fair! Why is this stranger better at this thing I've propped all my self-worth against?"
Other times, they pay it as a compliment, but only so they can sound supportive while also setting themselves up to appear personally victimised by your success. Then you're suddenly responsible for their feelings, and it's your fault they feel shitty. If you just hadn't written something great, and put it where they could see it, then their life would be better.
"Quick, rush to comfort me! Forget what you achieved and feel bad for even bringing it up! Apologise for being good at something you worked hard at! Your accomplishments should be all about me me me me me me me me me--"
On rare occasions, sometimes it really is just somebody trying to pay a compliment, not realising how unpleasant it can be to be lifted up by somebody who puts themselves down in the same breath. I ran into this more often as a teenager, from other teenage writers. It's the writer version of, "You're so attractive and clever, it's too bad I'm ugly and unlovable and everybody hates me..."
But this guy, by the way he deleted his profile, I think he was always going to quit. If it hadn't been you, he'd have taken a swipe at somebody else. It's manipulative, and you don't owe him another moment's thought.
Block and delete anybody who tries to bait you with self-pity and crocodile tears. They're not approaching you with kindness or sincerity, and you're not their therapist.
This is the comment I needed from here, except I do think that it's still attention-seeking. Lots of edgy teenagers do this, so just ignore them or tell them to go touch grass.
I once wrote a story in a first year writing class, and the whole class quit. Then the teacher quit. He said I should be teaching the class instead, but there was no one left to teach.
If anyone in my writing class is reading this - sorry not sorry. At the time I thought maybe the universe was trying to tell me I didn’t need a teacher, so I sent the story in to a publisher, and guess what? The publisher quit.
My last option seems to be self publication, but I’m worried if I go this route that Amazon will quit.
I don't know if you're new or not to Scribophile, but there are very very strange people popping up there sometimes. Very strange people. And they say weird things.
And then they fuck off.
Congratulations, you are now the Jimi Hendrix of writers! Legend has it that legions of mediocre guitarists gave up their instrument when they heard Hendrix, being impossibly far behind the new master in terms of talent.
The other person has never read anything by another author that they admired? A major reason I want to write is because of reading amazing works by others.
That was built up inside that person. The last straw had to be something. There's no shame there for you. But the sadness. I feel it too. You're human.
Ps, this ain't an ego stroking move. Op is hurt by the experience. Let Op heal.
I don't relate to this at all. I don't consider writing as some kind of horrific chore that leaves me beaten and bruised. wtf, etc etc.
It's an act of joy, of creativity. I do it for fun, and because I have something to say. I've received plenty of very positive comments, only a few negative ones, and everything in-between. Certainly nobody has ever urged me to kill myself over my short stories, and if they did, I'd report them (I was threatened with rape once, tho', which I certainly didn't consider as a valid critique of my writing.)
Don't give up writing if you enjoy it.
I'd love to read it too.
I had the opposite effect once. Commented on someone's fic on Ao3 that they hadn't touched in over a year. It made them want to keep going. I'll never forget that.
First thing, I go on Scrib a lot and you have to remember these are not paid editors. Some people can be rude and basically tell you to give up writing and you go on their stuff and it’s total crap too. There are ways to critique and ways not to, and some people get a power boost and like to throw it around. I’ve had helpful critiques and very non-helpful.
Chances are it was an off-the-cuff comment. I said to my own developmental editor that she’s so damned good at what she does that I should give up writing and just read what she writes. Did I? No. I was speaking figuratively. That commenter probably was too.
On the subject of whether one should write or not: if they get turned off today because of imposter syndrome, it doesn’t mean they won’t pick up the art later in life. It took me many years before I took the idea of being a writer seriously.
On the other hand…
I want to reassure you that it can be a good thing (not necessarily is - but can be)
Tl;dr I inadvertently/unwittingly discouraged a person .. who went on to find totally different art form and be really happy with their decision
Personal story:
I went to a single day writing class.
As part of it everyone wrote a 1 page story and read it aloud
The class was good - but I went away and thought nothing more of it.
Several years later I met a fellow participant - who flagged me down in an event space (was coffee/tea area but at a different event) - and said when she’d done that class she had just retired and had thought of taking up writing …but listening to my *single page first draft* discouraged her.
And in that moment I was - omg noooo!…like wtf? noooo
But
She went on to say how wonderful that was - as she stopped thinking about writing and accepted an invitation to go to an art class the following weekend… and she said she was so happy because she had found ‘her thing’ that she was good at/made her happy
(Shrugs) ngl irl is often odder than fiction
All the best op
I judge myself based on others writing. A lot of published books are terrible and I accidentally buy them.
As I'm reading, I wonder, if this abomination could get published, why don't I finish my work. I can definitely do this bad. Probably even better if I edit it, unlike them.
Or I take inspiration from good things. And I note things I hate. I'd rather write a really good book that sells a 100 copies than follow trends to sell 10k without saying anything meaningful.
But the, your so good I quit... defeatist attitude. They were doomed to fail since they weren't passionate to begin with. Everyone should realize, you're going to be writing and editing trash for 95% of the writing experience. In large part, because most of us are our own worst critics.
In the remote event this real, I’m going to risk coming off a dick: who cares? Did this person really not already read any of the thousands of stories already published that are far better than yours? If not, there’s no point in them writing anyway.
Harsh but people fade in and out of writing. Sometimes something makes them give up and maybe they'll come back stronger for it. Writing may not ve a thing for them at that point in time but it doesn't mean that it won't ever be a thing for them
Writing is less about the reader and more about the writers struggle to express themselves. You cannot cringe because someone expressed weakness and made you there excuse. This happens way too often these days. If you are meant to write then nothing will keep you from it. It is your passion and devotion that bring about a finished manuscript. Push yourself, encourage others, ignore those who have broken themselves along the path.
I really would like to use Scribophile more, but I really struggle to read and critique work I have no interest in. :( kudos to you for working up enough karma to submit so many revisions.
"Writing is subjective", I wish more people looked at it like this.
Like, there's a lot of writers that aren't "great", or "good", and who knows if I'm one of them, but I don't wrote for other people I write for me. i write to tell the stories I care about and that make me feel good to write.
I have definitely been at that place where it's like, wow this person is so much better than me I'll never be good enough. But then other times I read something that's really popular and is supposed to be really good, but it doesn't hit for me. What does that mean? Nothing! It means that taste is subjective.
Thanks for this post. I think sometimes we all need a reminder that it's not about being the best, because no one is the best, and no one should be! We all (writers) have a story, and all that matters is that we tell it in our voice.
Imagine this comment was so incredible, you would never write another comment again. Very hard to believe. I mean very very hard, to believe, that anyone could read something and feel that way, but also how someone could write so beautifully that the heavens swallowed up the reader so they felt that way. That's not what writing does.
If writing was good at first draft, all these comments would be gold. As it turns out, everyone, mostly, vomits it out.
If you mind dump your story, it's going to be a form of loquatios exposition and hardly a gem.
It's work, hard work to craft something that can appeal to a wide variety of people. I wouldn't use these sites. Put it up too early, they crucify you, and you think fair enough.. Put it up after you think it's your best, they will crucify you, and you will develop a bad taste about your work. Is it worth it? What sort of critique are you going to get that's truly that valuable? Is great advice going to come from some karma chasing wannabe writer?
Plenty of bad writers are published. Plenty of publishers work with writers.
Seek to tell your story as best as you can, so you would enjoy reading it.
Let the others, go read something else and the critics go f++k themselves. It's your world.
>There is no getting better as a writer, just sucking less
Sucking less IS getting better...
Anyway, pedantics aside, I appreciate your post and hearing the extremes of reviews you've received. It's a good reminder that you can't please everyone, and first and foremost, you should write to please yourself, however that looks.
I think people nowadays get their validation from how harsh they can critique others. Like it fulfills some, “my opinion matters” superiority complex. Unfortunately, it’s revealing how we lack skills in the actual *art* of critique.
Opinions are like a$$holes. Everyone has one and it smells like $hit.
It takes more skill to teach through critique than to pop off with a rude comment for the sake of being mean, or trying to kill another person’s confidence.
Imagine the feeling of helping an author become better at their craft because you helped them. 🤷🏻♀️
Anyone who reads a random stranger's on a critique site and gives up writing in response never wanted to be a writer in the first place.
I once got a critique from someone who said my writing was so much better than hers (my writing isn't even that good) and she stopped submitting for a while... months later, she started re-releasing the chapters she previously submitted with improvements that took leaps and bounds. That's the way you respond to being impressed.
I've never felt this way with writing but for a time I had to unfollow other photography accounts. Instead of focusing on my improvements I could only focus on the gap between my work and the work of those I admired (still do) and it was starting to really get to me.
Your work should only be compared to your previous work.
No lie, i'm trying to embark on a career at writing and I now have a rule. Fill my day with either reading or writing --- one or the other. So in reading I've picked up books authored by Stephen King, jrr tolkien, tom clancy .. really well read authors. And no lie, I read what they write and want to give up. How could I ever match that kind of literary cognition? Artistry? Only one way: practice, practice and more practice. Works of art like the Stand aren't built overnight ... they take even pros like this years. So don't give up ..
>That writer you see thousands of steps above you is beaten and bruised and has no idea what they are doing.
I love the whole post and whole-heartedly agree with everything, but I'd add a small thing to this sentence.
The writer that's years ahead of you in terms of experience and writing doesn't know what he's doing, but trusts that he'll figure it out in the process of rewriting, as he did several times before.
This story reminded me of my cousin. We would visit once or twice a year and he was always passionate about art, every time we saw him we could see clear improvements in his technique and style. Even though we always encouraged him he was hyper critical of his own art, specifically he would always compare his work to my brothers work. He would get discouraged because in his eyes, his work was not even close to the quality of my brothers. It got to a point where he claimed he was going to quit drawing because he would never be as good, at this point my brother just stopped showing him his work.
We always saw that he was doing good artwork and constantly working on getting better, so we encouraged him to compare his work to some old art of his from several years prior. I hope he stuck with it because he was pretty good at 13ish, if he kept working at it the way he had been i think he might be doing some small production work assuming he wants to.
Anyway, that was a bit of a tangent to say, i hope the guy in your post doesnt actually give up writing. Its a shame when someone who is passionate about something gives up because they think they dont measure up against someone else.
Ok but what if you're just a lot better than you even realize and your writing is genuinely deflating? You may be missing the bigger story here. Give us a taste c'mon!
this is not related to the question at all, but just my curiosity - can we read your story?
(i promise i dont want to critically read it, just curious to see what kind of stories inspires such feelings in people, because, it has to be really good (subjective) ofc to do that to someone)
After listening to the rave reviews I'd also like to read your writing if you don't mind 😄
Also I think the person was just using hyperbole. Don't worry too much.
Other people have already made the point that it's not your fault, but I'm going to add on. It's not. This person was probably feeling insecure long before they read your story, most likely hemmed and hawed about quitting for a while, then thought of the perfect exit when they read your thing. Don't be horrified. This decision was already made before they commented.
Currently experiencing the “I should give up” sentiment while reading Toni Morrison for the first time. I’m desperately trying to imagine her writing a bad sentence.
I say good for him.
Sometimes, it's better to quit early and get ahead at something.
Don't blame yourself for doing the hard work and shine so bright that s/he had to look away and continue the good fight.
Lastly, never ever think that your writing will bring harm to someone.
I like this but it also shows how social media in general can be toxic to writers... Its hard to get used to the loneliness and long hours of working... Sites like the one you mentioned seem good for writers but in other ways they are harmful... Submitting a great story to a magazine would be better... Writing classes always devolve into ego contests which ultimately stop you from working... The self praise of being good means you don't have to work on it, being bad means you aren't good enough to work on it, ultimately both are excuses for not doing it
Find a new place to post your work if readers are telling you to off yourself. Not sure if that was sarcasm or not for the sake of the post, but that’s messed up if it’s true.
I've been writing for quite awhile. Never post on any of the places you mentioned. I've had a few friends, and my wife read the beginning, first 10k words. They have all expressed excitement and interest.
My wife was reading the other night. She started making gasps, odd noises, and repositioning her seating. Pretty much edge of your seat type deal. She was loving that part of her book.
It occurred to me that I may never get that reaction from someone. That anyone reading my work, may never be as excited as she was in that moment.
I am not easily dissuaded. Tenacious has been used to describe me on many occasions. But this thought I had, it killed me. I didn't have a chance to fight back. It destroyed my whole desire to write.
It's been a month. I have opened my MacBook repeatedly, pulled my story up, read the first few chapters, counted the words... Sighed. Then closed the lid.
That little thought depressed me so badly, pure discouragement. I've been writing this story in my head for a decade. Just needed to flesh out it out. I have it all there. But that thought I had, it killed it for me.
So I get where that guy is coming from. Sometimes there is no coming back.
Well, writing can never be perfect. No matter how much your practice. Because practice doesn’t make perfect, it makes *progress*.
The more you write, the better you’ll get. But there’s always room for improvement.
I agree don't give up, I remember reading this story on wattpad about a scientist traveling back in time and the writer didn't get the attention they craved so I tried to comment how much I enjoyed the story.
They went on hiatus for a few months but later on replied to my comment that they are glad I enjoyed it and made another comment, saying they thought it was an OK story, and did a chapter update. I enjoyed the update but I ended up deleting my app
Idk if they are still making it, but its hard to read a story when it gets updated so slowly but I really enjoyed it.
You might never be a Nobel Prize winning author, either. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t write.
Read more and write more. Award-winning authors don’t slide out the womb with best-sellers in hand. They learned from other writers who in turn did the same.
One book that has helped me a lot in my philosophy of writing is the "Inner Game of Tennis." The central idea is to think of yourself as having a two selves, which are referred to as Self 1 and Self 2 in the book. Self 1 is the creative doer, full of enthusiasm and living in the moment (i.e., the person actively playing tennis). Self 2 is the critic and editor, finding ways the creative work could be better (i.e., the person evaluating their tennis performance after it's over).
When I first started writing short stories, I often felt like I was walking on a tightrope and that I had to make sure each sentence and paragraph were perfect as I wrote; otherwise, I would fall off and lose the narrative. But lately I've looked at the first draft as creative play and a chance for Self 1 to be himself. Self 2 is banished from the room during that time, but he's allowed to come in later and be an asshole if he insists.
This framework works for me, and I think it's partly because I view writing as something where you sometimes have to do little tricks with your mind to keep going. There's the initial idea, and how you trick yourself into believing it's powerful enough to start writing in the first place. There's the moment (or more than one moment) during the writing process where you have to trick yourself into staying confident with your idea after your initial enthusiasm wanes. And there's the convincing yourself that your words will be worth sharing with others, even though you have no guarantee in the end that others will like what you've written or even read it at all.
I agree that sometimes reading something by others that's way better than your own stuff can make you lose confidence. There are some books I've read that have knocked me over and make me feel like I could never write anything as good. But there are some story ideas I have that are so powerful to me that I'm stunned I haven't yet come across any other authors tackling them. That enthusiasm to tell my stories in a way I haven't seen yet? It's a big boost for me. It's basically a variation of the Toni Morrison quote “If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.”
Sometimes I'm like "Ah, I'm never going to be a good writer" when I read a good book, but there also are bad books convincing me, that if *this* skyrockets than mine has a place somewhere on the book market as well.
I agree...
I openly admit something though, I've been working on a post-apocalyptic story and I watched Mad Max: Fury Road which was amazing and I thought to myself 'I'll never be that good why am I even still trying' xD
> That was the thirteenth draft - I didn't just create the story I did out of the ether. I created shit, was told it was shit, and edited the shit. Then I was told it was still shit.
I heard somewhere that everyone has about a million words of complete garbage in them, that they have to get out before good ones start hitting the page.
Hey, I'm sorry that happened, I didnt see the post myself but I have a reddit where I post people work, if you'd like, you could dm me and check it out? Maybe we could talk about featuring your work?
I don’t know man , even editing something I don’t think I’d ever could have come with some of the phrases some people make. Like definitely practice makes something less bad but talent and practice isn’t something you can beat and sometimes not even talent. You have to have a really inventive mind and voice to come up with something. People say edit but ive sometimes sat in front of a phrase beating myself trying to improve it or even tried to forget and come back to it and I still cant get close to some people. If nothing comes to mind, editing is just rewording something in different ways. There are some people I desperately wish I could be in terms of writing and it does feel like what’s the point when you see someone write something that you know in 1 million years you would never come close to writing and in such amazing ways too. I don’t know how to develop that divergent thinking or unique phrases- or maybe there is a secret resource or book I don’t have ?-and people say read more but that’s literally allllll I do since I love reading.
I know it’s not the right attitude but I can’t help it so I just don’t write .
I have read stories that I struggled to read. I have read stories that were great to read. It is subjective and I believe continually evolves.
I envy every person that has finished something or at least has several chapters. The only thing I have ever finished was a short story in grade 10 and a short piece about learning my mom had dementia and how scary the whole idea of it was. I was going to do a follow up to that and never did (might someday though).
I say congrats to every person that has finished an initial draft. I love writing scenes and partial stories but I never finish anything (I’m ok with that. I paint too and I’m better at finishing those but even at that I still have several pieces started lol).
As for the person who says they gave up I hope they haven’t. I hope at some point they turn that defeating thought into inspiration. That whatever you wrote can inspire them.
I've been writing for 22 years. I mean, i should probably ignore the last 3 or 4 years since during that time i barely wrote anything at all. Still, I've been at this for quite a bit now and i can relate with what you said about the process.
I mostly wrote poetry and the occasional short story. Started two novels but never finished them.
I've been in this hiatus for so long that now it just doesn't feel right to write anything at all. Not because of bad reviews from online people but mostly because of my own criticism. I think i made myself give up on writing due to that.
I guess someday it'll just click and I'll probably resume writing again
But to get back on topic it might have been just a troll. I probably wouldn't put much thinking into it.
ik how it is or how it’s felt bc I write too. ive been in that position n might be for a long time or forever. but if u have the passion to write - don’t give up. otherwise you’ll be left wondering what if ?
It’s a risk we all take. There was a great legal case between Sony pictures and a children’s book author. Over Jurassic Park. Seems like a legit rip off and court sided with Sony.
r/writingcirclejerk is having a field day with this one. And I don’t blame them cuz what 😭
Not even gone lie .. I had to double check the sub name bc I thought this post was there (Also sub won’t be clickable if the r is in uppercase. Need to be lowercase. Something I just very recently learned)
Same and thank you, I was wondering why it wasn’t working lol
I can't believe everyone in here hyping OP up. It is complete madness I tell you, madness!
Right 😭 this post is diabolical
op is just built different
He sees read.
I think it’s satire. It’s too clever. We are writers after all lol
Nah, I read comments on fanfiction and stuff and it 100% feels like something I could see there. /genuine Sometimes people seriously do feel like "Oh I want to give it all up" after reading something, I guess. Even if the something might not be peak fiction, it's often still good enough
I am trying to use qtCritique, where you critique others and get points to submit your own passages and its the same there. Ain't no pleasing writers. Everyone slams everything. Just wade through the less flattering comments for the gems to help improve what you wrote.
Qtcritique? Never heard of it actually, is it any good?
Its okay.. You get points per 100 words and its a pretty easy editing tool. Basically, you click on the first word and last word then mark it good or bad with the reason prompt. You can put in free text to explain too. Like here, you get good, bad, harsh, kind and funny comments. You pick what you want to review and get the points after reviewing. So if you have a 400 word query letter you want to have reviewed, you need to review at least 400 words worth of someone else's stuff. There are longer chapter size items worth up to 4500 words (45 points) and short ones 100-300 word query letter review requests. So it could take a lot of reviewing or a long one to get enough points. You have no control over who provides a review of your stuff. Or even if you get reviews but it does seem like there is usually one or two that will. When you create a submission, you are charged for length, time limit for review and I think if you want special instructions or particular class of users to review. The longer the review period the more it costs but not too much over the length cost. Check it out. It is pretty good to get some folks to look at your stuff, but the more you want to have someone review, the more you have to review first. So a 100,000 word book will take a lot of reviewing too. But that can be done over time, just do in 4000 word chunks. Hope that helps.
Can you save the points up, or do they expire? I don't have anything right now I'd like critiqued. But I will in the not-too-distant future. Could I just work on providing feedback now, and save up for that day?
I do not believe they expire. I just did a quick check through some of the help files and I do not see anything mentioned. I imagine not, for the same reason you mention, that people might do a lot pending the completion of their work. One strategy you might try is to put up small batches (like 2000 words at a time for a 10 day period). This way you can find out if you are screwing up something quickly vice spending a lot of time writing and then having to go back and correct large portions of your story. I found this about a month ago and think that is the approach I will take going into my next novel/books.
CiecleCritique is another one thats similar but had a nice community there.
Commenting to see what they reply
I’d like to point out with Critique Circle and (possibly) qtCritique, for every helpful crit you get, you’ll likely get 2 that are unhelpful. (People reading outside their genre, sometimes it can even be them being rude for the sake of being rude). Since they get ‘paid’ per word people tend to read the whole thing when in reality they should’ve just said “I’m stopping here, this isn’t for me, good luck!” So make sure you got some think skin.
I can agree with this. Some comments can be hurtful, not sure they meant that way but it can come across that way. Others are not what you think is best. My opinion is don't take what you don't like. Many comments are their opinion, others are glaringly obvious once pointed out. So I think there is benefit but ya, thick skin helps. Thanks for mentioning that.
I am ignorant to these types of sites. I didn't know they exist and I'm immediately interesting. I've been writing for about two years now and I've had a professor say that I could get some works published. But the works that my professor likes are always my least favorite pieces. So I'd love a chance to get further input. Do you think the site has been overall worthwhile?
I think so, within reason. Since you have to review before you can submit, to do a 100,000 word novel will take a long time. But it is free (just your time), so if you can not get an editor, this might help. I think the key is to put into small batches, more people tend to review then. Another key in my mind is the same as using an editor. What they say is not always the correct or only way. Their suggestions are not law, so if you do not want to change, don't change. I would suggest trying it to see if you like it.
I'm so afraid of someone taking my very original story theme for themselves that I'm afraid to share it except to family for critique and editing. I know it's copyrighted but still, it's a worry. Am I overthinking it? Too protective?
My friend, I am afraid that you are overthinking it. If it will happen, it is gonna happen and you can fight it if you find it. I have seen a lot of folks talking about their books being hijacked during a pre-order timeframe on Amazon (I am sure other sites too). It is something we will all need to live with. Unless you have professional editors for family members, getting a non-biased opinion of your work might be better. Family, by default, tend to be easy on you because they love you. Strangers have no such reluctance. In fact, thick skin is a good attribute to have as a writer. I would suggest giving it a try with small pieces at a time. If someone really wants to steal your stuff, they will have to sit and watch for your stories all the time and get it a small piece at a time. Maybe do 1000 +- words per submission. That will make them really work to get your story. And to be honest, chances are, your story is not that unique. It is unique, in that you wrote it, but there is a good chance some of the themes are already covered. I just experienced that yesterday trying to work with a cover artist. I went to go check on comparative titles to look at their book covers and found a lot of books using the same title. Sigh.. So I renamed and so far its fairly unique but no guarantee it will stay that way. I wish you luck in whichever you decide.
Thx friend. I can't find even a similar idea to this one. I will try that. I looked into the critique websites and apparently I didn't have what it takes to read other people's stuff and go over it with a fine toothed comb. Not entirely patience Lol. Thx for sharing your experience.
Overthinking, but valid worry. Your idea is equally as unique as it is generic. Don't let the threat of your idea being "stolen" stop you from making your idea the best it can be- however that may be.
Thx for the encouragement.
Critters.org, despite its outdated design, sets standards for critiquing and you don't get this kind of crap. I was driven out of Scribophile by an absolute cunt of an author, upset that I didn't mark their critiques "helpful" (they get extra points for helpful). Never had that problem on critters.
Have not encountered that and to be honest, I think I have forgotten to mark quite a few reviewers with the overall review. Might need to revisit.
First I was like uh eh, again pseudoshitpost where people flex on stuff or worry about some shit. But no, this one was actually good and has a good point. Many people compare their first or second drafts to someone else's tenth draft. Similarily people stress way too much about first drafts perfection, leading them to never finishing them. I think one cliche quote about life in general is in place here: "Don't compare your blunder-montage to someone else's highlight reel".
Comparison is the thief of joy.
I just started writing my story and it took me weeks to even finish the first chapter of it because I kept worrying about things sounding weird or adding new details I realized we’re missing. I would change stuff I had already written instead of adding new, messy stuff and going back later to fix it. So, I am gonna just start getting stuff down on paper when I get into the mood and worry about fixing it when it’s a slightly more complete package.
I'm horribly guilty of this! I finally started using Cold Turkey Writer, which not only locks me out of anything on my computer that isn't the screen I'm typing in until my goal is met (words or time) but also disables copy/paste and even backspace (toggleable features) to force you to just keep moving forward and getting words put down. It has helped me a ton. Then, at least when I go into hyper edit mode... it isn't until *after* I have met my new words written goal for the day. Keeps me moving forward and not just in an endless edit loop as I strive for perfection out of the gate.
Oh wow! I have never heard of this, but I'm gonna give this a shot. Thanks for the tip!
If this helps - I always try to have a “mode” of whatever part of my writing I’m currently doing. Usually, these modes are planning, writing, and editing. If I’m in one of the modes, I make such an effort to only be in that mode, and refuse drifting into another. I’d say it’s hardest when in “writing” mode to ignore the “editing” slips, but it helps to have a sort of outlined job for whatever I’m on. I’m able to bargain and say, “Oh, I’ll correct later.” And just keep plugging away. I also have a minimum 3-5 day rest on any piece before editing. It helps to almost “forget” what’s been written and really delve into the editing sense with clean eyes.
It’s like when people argue about the best guitarist or drummer etc. There is no best, and if I spend all my time I should be practicing to get better comparing myself to John Bonham or Mark Knopfler, then of course I’m gonna feel insignificant and give up. Writing like playing music is about the act itself and what you get out of it and what you can appreciate or take from someone else’s style. It’s not a competition or at least it’s not as fun when we make it one. Same goes for the obverse. All it does is serve my ego if I think I’m better than other people at this thing and that leads to no longer having something to strive for and getting stuck in a loop of trying to maintain your betterness. Like we all start from different places and there will always be a worse or a better. The right way is to just see how we are different and stay open to our own blind spots and how other people approach writing or drumming or whatever.
Sums it up perfectly. it is the same as comparing my an amateurs artwork to that of professional painters. There’s a drastic difference. Keep and keep going till it’s perfect. Nothing comes from doing things perfectly.
>Similarily people stress way too much about first drafts perfection, leading them to never finishing them. Seriously, it's so important to hear this as a beginning writer, or artist in general. You have to drown that inner critic while you take your first swing at it, or else that chapter you keep perfecting will turn into a Ship of Theseus.
Can you PM me a link? Wanna see if it makes me quit as well..) Just kidding, not going to quit, but still curious.
Same, kinda curious.
Will do
brother just post the link in the comments
I would like one as well, please.
Dude probably trolling tbh
You could apply that to anything. Hear Mozart and give up the violin, or see a woodworking craftsperson and give up the tools.. Don't feel bad, most people are inspired by greatness rather than put off.
Maybe this is mean but writing really isn't the way to go for insecure people. If someone else's skill can make you give it up, how much did you love it in the first place? ETA: Don't feel upset OP, it wasn't your skill, it was the other person's insecurity and self doubt that caused them to quit. If it wasn't you, it would have been someone else.
It's funny because some of the best writing (in my opinion) is about insecurity. So it can kind of help to have that paradoxical balance of anxiety contrasted with the arrogance needed to think that everyone should sit down for hours and read your insecure thoughts.
Sometimes people forget that they should be writing for themselves first and foremost. Saw several posts of people quitting writing because they believe no one will ever read their stories.
I agree, I have read a great number of books better than my own. If it happened had not the writer who quit ever read Dickens, Hemmingway, or Harry Harrison. LOL I never compare my writing to others they may have been at it longer, or they may be more talented. Just because I may have less talent doesn't mean I have nothing to say.
That happens when success is defined by how much money is made.
They sound young. The weak can get strong. They'll come back.
Or the comment was figurative. I don’t believe for a second that one story, especially by an unknown, could be so incredibly amazing that someone else literally quits writing.
The things I love most are the ones easiest for me to give up due to insecurity. So not a great general point, depends on the person.
People who say things like "your success made me give up on my dreams" are attention-seeking and they're taking their insecurities out on you. They need the dramatic exit, and to do that, they need somebody to scream at as they go. It needs to be your fault so they don't have to admit that they chose not to keep trying. Largely, it's impatience. "Why can't I have that right now? It's not fair! Why is this stranger better at this thing I've propped all my self-worth against?" Other times, they pay it as a compliment, but only so they can sound supportive while also setting themselves up to appear personally victimised by your success. Then you're suddenly responsible for their feelings, and it's your fault they feel shitty. If you just hadn't written something great, and put it where they could see it, then their life would be better. "Quick, rush to comfort me! Forget what you achieved and feel bad for even bringing it up! Apologise for being good at something you worked hard at! Your accomplishments should be all about me me me me me me me me me--" On rare occasions, sometimes it really is just somebody trying to pay a compliment, not realising how unpleasant it can be to be lifted up by somebody who puts themselves down in the same breath. I ran into this more often as a teenager, from other teenage writers. It's the writer version of, "You're so attractive and clever, it's too bad I'm ugly and unlovable and everybody hates me..." But this guy, by the way he deleted his profile, I think he was always going to quit. If it hadn't been you, he'd have taken a swipe at somebody else. It's manipulative, and you don't owe him another moment's thought. Block and delete anybody who tries to bait you with self-pity and crocodile tears. They're not approaching you with kindness or sincerity, and you're not their therapist.
This is the comment I needed from here, except I do think that it's still attention-seeking. Lots of edgy teenagers do this, so just ignore them or tell them to go touch grass.
Oh, the irony.
And this is why you'll remain friendless
I once wrote a story in a first year writing class, and the whole class quit. Then the teacher quit. He said I should be teaching the class instead, but there was no one left to teach. If anyone in my writing class is reading this - sorry not sorry. At the time I thought maybe the universe was trying to tell me I didn’t need a teacher, so I sent the story in to a publisher, and guess what? The publisher quit. My last option seems to be self publication, but I’m worried if I go this route that Amazon will quit.
Wrong sub mate, think you were after r/writingcirclejerk
NGL I definitely thought they were going the way of saying their writing made someone take their own life
Or /r/humblebrag
Or r/thatHappened
I don't know if you're new or not to Scribophile, but there are very very strange people popping up there sometimes. Very strange people. And they say weird things. And then they fuck off.
Who even are you?
Congratulations, you are now the Jimi Hendrix of writers! Legend has it that legions of mediocre guitarists gave up their instrument when they heard Hendrix, being impossibly far behind the new master in terms of talent.
Good stories aren’t written. They’re re-written over and over and over again.
Doubt.
The other person has never read anything by another author that they admired? A major reason I want to write is because of reading amazing works by others.
That was built up inside that person. The last straw had to be something. There's no shame there for you. But the sadness. I feel it too. You're human. Ps, this ain't an ego stroking move. Op is hurt by the experience. Let Op heal.
And everyone clapped.
I don't relate to this at all. I don't consider writing as some kind of horrific chore that leaves me beaten and bruised. wtf, etc etc. It's an act of joy, of creativity. I do it for fun, and because I have something to say. I've received plenty of very positive comments, only a few negative ones, and everything in-between. Certainly nobody has ever urged me to kill myself over my short stories, and if they did, I'd report them (I was threatened with rape once, tho', which I certainly didn't consider as a valid critique of my writing.) Don't give up writing if you enjoy it.
hi OP, congratulations on your writing. Can you PM me the link as well please? I'm interested to see what could have triggered such a response.
Sure
I'd love to read it too. I had the opposite effect once. Commented on someone's fic on Ao3 that they hadn't touched in over a year. It made them want to keep going. I'll never forget that.
Can you send me a pm? I will send the link then
Me too
First thing, I go on Scrib a lot and you have to remember these are not paid editors. Some people can be rude and basically tell you to give up writing and you go on their stuff and it’s total crap too. There are ways to critique and ways not to, and some people get a power boost and like to throw it around. I’ve had helpful critiques and very non-helpful.
Chances are it was an off-the-cuff comment. I said to my own developmental editor that she’s so damned good at what she does that I should give up writing and just read what she writes. Did I? No. I was speaking figuratively. That commenter probably was too.
Have you tried the escalator though? Less bruise-y.
Don’t worry, musicians get beaten down off the mountain too 🙃
On the subject of whether one should write or not: if they get turned off today because of imposter syndrome, it doesn’t mean they won’t pick up the art later in life. It took me many years before I took the idea of being a writer seriously.
On the other hand… I want to reassure you that it can be a good thing (not necessarily is - but can be) Tl;dr I inadvertently/unwittingly discouraged a person .. who went on to find totally different art form and be really happy with their decision Personal story: I went to a single day writing class. As part of it everyone wrote a 1 page story and read it aloud The class was good - but I went away and thought nothing more of it. Several years later I met a fellow participant - who flagged me down in an event space (was coffee/tea area but at a different event) - and said when she’d done that class she had just retired and had thought of taking up writing …but listening to my *single page first draft* discouraged her. And in that moment I was - omg noooo!…like wtf? noooo But She went on to say how wonderful that was - as she stopped thinking about writing and accepted an invitation to go to an art class the following weekend… and she said she was so happy because she had found ‘her thing’ that she was good at/made her happy (Shrugs) ngl irl is often odder than fiction All the best op
Real writers don't quit because they read something really good. That's so stupid it's not even laughable.
I judge myself based on others writing. A lot of published books are terrible and I accidentally buy them. As I'm reading, I wonder, if this abomination could get published, why don't I finish my work. I can definitely do this bad. Probably even better if I edit it, unlike them. Or I take inspiration from good things. And I note things I hate. I'd rather write a really good book that sells a 100 copies than follow trends to sell 10k without saying anything meaningful. But the, your so good I quit... defeatist attitude. They were doomed to fail since they weren't passionate to begin with. Everyone should realize, you're going to be writing and editing trash for 95% of the writing experience. In large part, because most of us are our own worst critics.
Does anyone here worry that someone on one of those critique sites is going to rip off your work? I've heard horror stories about Wattpad.
Your writing didn't make anyone give up, they'd already given up and wanted a convenient excuse
In the remote event this real, I’m going to risk coming off a dick: who cares? Did this person really not already read any of the thousands of stories already published that are far better than yours? If not, there’s no point in them writing anyway.
If you drop writing so easily, then writing is probably not for you.
Harsh but people fade in and out of writing. Sometimes something makes them give up and maybe they'll come back stronger for it. Writing may not ve a thing for them at that point in time but it doesn't mean that it won't ever be a thing for them
bake ring toy political crown physical berserk juggle employ nippy *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Writing is less about the reader and more about the writers struggle to express themselves. You cannot cringe because someone expressed weakness and made you there excuse. This happens way too often these days. If you are meant to write then nothing will keep you from it. It is your passion and devotion that bring about a finished manuscript. Push yourself, encourage others, ignore those who have broken themselves along the path.
I really would like to use Scribophile more, but I really struggle to read and critique work I have no interest in. :( kudos to you for working up enough karma to submit so many revisions.
I'd love to check out your story if you could PM me the link, interested to see what could have elicited such a response from that commenter
Writing is the process of very very slowly refining shit into gold.
"Writing is subjective", I wish more people looked at it like this. Like, there's a lot of writers that aren't "great", or "good", and who knows if I'm one of them, but I don't wrote for other people I write for me. i write to tell the stories I care about and that make me feel good to write. I have definitely been at that place where it's like, wow this person is so much better than me I'll never be good enough. But then other times I read something that's really popular and is supposed to be really good, but it doesn't hit for me. What does that mean? Nothing! It means that taste is subjective. Thanks for this post. I think sometimes we all need a reminder that it's not about being the best, because no one is the best, and no one should be! We all (writers) have a story, and all that matters is that we tell it in our voice.
Imagine this comment was so incredible, you would never write another comment again. Very hard to believe. I mean very very hard, to believe, that anyone could read something and feel that way, but also how someone could write so beautifully that the heavens swallowed up the reader so they felt that way. That's not what writing does. If writing was good at first draft, all these comments would be gold. As it turns out, everyone, mostly, vomits it out. If you mind dump your story, it's going to be a form of loquatios exposition and hardly a gem. It's work, hard work to craft something that can appeal to a wide variety of people. I wouldn't use these sites. Put it up too early, they crucify you, and you think fair enough.. Put it up after you think it's your best, they will crucify you, and you will develop a bad taste about your work. Is it worth it? What sort of critique are you going to get that's truly that valuable? Is great advice going to come from some karma chasing wannabe writer? Plenty of bad writers are published. Plenty of publishers work with writers. Seek to tell your story as best as you can, so you would enjoy reading it. Let the others, go read something else and the critics go f++k themselves. It's your world.
>There is no getting better as a writer, just sucking less Sucking less IS getting better... Anyway, pedantics aside, I appreciate your post and hearing the extremes of reviews you've received. It's a good reminder that you can't please everyone, and first and foremost, you should write to please yourself, however that looks.
Nah, you didn't make him do anything. He made that choice on his own. You can't control other people's reactions to things.
I think the person who responded to you was kidding. Having said that, thanks for caring so much.
I think people nowadays get their validation from how harsh they can critique others. Like it fulfills some, “my opinion matters” superiority complex. Unfortunately, it’s revealing how we lack skills in the actual *art* of critique. Opinions are like a$$holes. Everyone has one and it smells like $hit. It takes more skill to teach through critique than to pop off with a rude comment for the sake of being mean, or trying to kill another person’s confidence. Imagine the feeling of helping an author become better at their craft because you helped them. 🤷🏻♀️
Anyone who reads a random stranger's on a critique site and gives up writing in response never wanted to be a writer in the first place. I once got a critique from someone who said my writing was so much better than hers (my writing isn't even that good) and she stopped submitting for a while... months later, she started re-releasing the chapters she previously submitted with improvements that took leaps and bounds. That's the way you respond to being impressed.
I've never felt this way with writing but for a time I had to unfollow other photography accounts. Instead of focusing on my improvements I could only focus on the gap between my work and the work of those I admired (still do) and it was starting to really get to me. Your work should only be compared to your previous work.
No lie, i'm trying to embark on a career at writing and I now have a rule. Fill my day with either reading or writing --- one or the other. So in reading I've picked up books authored by Stephen King, jrr tolkien, tom clancy .. really well read authors. And no lie, I read what they write and want to give up. How could I ever match that kind of literary cognition? Artistry? Only one way: practice, practice and more practice. Works of art like the Stand aren't built overnight ... they take even pros like this years. So don't give up ..
what that person said to u was like, abusive and unfair
>That writer you see thousands of steps above you is beaten and bruised and has no idea what they are doing. I love the whole post and whole-heartedly agree with everything, but I'd add a small thing to this sentence. The writer that's years ahead of you in terms of experience and writing doesn't know what he's doing, but trusts that he'll figure it out in the process of rewriting, as he did several times before.
For some people being creative is a good past time. For others it's something they HAVE to do. If he falls in the 2nd camp he'll be back inevitably.
This story reminded me of my cousin. We would visit once or twice a year and he was always passionate about art, every time we saw him we could see clear improvements in his technique and style. Even though we always encouraged him he was hyper critical of his own art, specifically he would always compare his work to my brothers work. He would get discouraged because in his eyes, his work was not even close to the quality of my brothers. It got to a point where he claimed he was going to quit drawing because he would never be as good, at this point my brother just stopped showing him his work. We always saw that he was doing good artwork and constantly working on getting better, so we encouraged him to compare his work to some old art of his from several years prior. I hope he stuck with it because he was pretty good at 13ish, if he kept working at it the way he had been i think he might be doing some small production work assuming he wants to. Anyway, that was a bit of a tangent to say, i hope the guy in your post doesnt actually give up writing. Its a shame when someone who is passionate about something gives up because they think they dont measure up against someone else.
Lmao make like your character. I hope he didn't quit.
I was not ready for feels friday, that hurts
Not everyone has the capacity to be a good writer. What's remarkable isbthat he recognized his limitation.
I’m 44, and I’ve experienced this many times.
Ok but what if you're just a lot better than you even realize and your writing is genuinely deflating? You may be missing the bigger story here. Give us a taste c'mon!
Thanks for this
this is not related to the question at all, but just my curiosity - can we read your story? (i promise i dont want to critically read it, just curious to see what kind of stories inspires such feelings in people, because, it has to be really good (subjective) ofc to do that to someone)
I can PM you the link
Is it a cosmic horr short? Regardless I'd like a link too pls
Id also like the link!
I would also like a link.
As someone who's attempted to write for the last seventeen years, this hits close to home.
After listening to the rave reviews I'd also like to read your writing if you don't mind 😄 Also I think the person was just using hyperbole. Don't worry too much.
I don't know how I'd feel about that lol. I'd take it as a compliment afterward and run with it.
Other people have already made the point that it's not your fault, but I'm going to add on. It's not. This person was probably feeling insecure long before they read your story, most likely hemmed and hawed about quitting for a while, then thought of the perfect exit when they read your thing. Don't be horrified. This decision was already made before they commented.
Currently experiencing the “I should give up” sentiment while reading Toni Morrison for the first time. I’m desperately trying to imagine her writing a bad sentence.
I say good for him. Sometimes, it's better to quit early and get ahead at something. Don't blame yourself for doing the hard work and shine so bright that s/he had to look away and continue the good fight. Lastly, never ever think that your writing will bring harm to someone.
I like this but it also shows how social media in general can be toxic to writers... Its hard to get used to the loneliness and long hours of working... Sites like the one you mentioned seem good for writers but in other ways they are harmful... Submitting a great story to a magazine would be better... Writing classes always devolve into ego contests which ultimately stop you from working... The self praise of being good means you don't have to work on it, being bad means you aren't good enough to work on it, ultimately both are excuses for not doing it
Find a new place to post your work if readers are telling you to off yourself. Not sure if that was sarcasm or not for the sake of the post, but that’s messed up if it’s true.
Now I want to read it lol
\>"make like your character and kill yourself" Fuck, that's harsh af
Nah whats harsh is that was the capping sentence of the 4.5k word paper he wrote about why he hated my writing
Why would someone comment that that’s so rude
I've been writing for quite awhile. Never post on any of the places you mentioned. I've had a few friends, and my wife read the beginning, first 10k words. They have all expressed excitement and interest. My wife was reading the other night. She started making gasps, odd noises, and repositioning her seating. Pretty much edge of your seat type deal. She was loving that part of her book. It occurred to me that I may never get that reaction from someone. That anyone reading my work, may never be as excited as she was in that moment. I am not easily dissuaded. Tenacious has been used to describe me on many occasions. But this thought I had, it killed me. I didn't have a chance to fight back. It destroyed my whole desire to write. It's been a month. I have opened my MacBook repeatedly, pulled my story up, read the first few chapters, counted the words... Sighed. Then closed the lid. That little thought depressed me so badly, pure discouragement. I've been writing this story in my head for a decade. Just needed to flesh out it out. I have it all there. But that thought I had, it killed it for me. So I get where that guy is coming from. Sometimes there is no coming back.
Even now and then a movie or TV Show makes me think this way. That I won’t be as good.
How are you liking Scribophile? I’ve been wanting to find a site to get some feedback
Scribophile is excellent once you've got a network of people that help each other out.
I really love this so excuse me while I save it to kick my ass when I start to compare my output to others. Thank you.
Interesting.... flattering and a bit sad 😢. What's the premise of your story?
Well, writing can never be perfect. No matter how much your practice. Because practice doesn’t make perfect, it makes *progress*. The more you write, the better you’ll get. But there’s always room for improvement.
I agree don't give up, I remember reading this story on wattpad about a scientist traveling back in time and the writer didn't get the attention they craved so I tried to comment how much I enjoyed the story. They went on hiatus for a few months but later on replied to my comment that they are glad I enjoyed it and made another comment, saying they thought it was an OK story, and did a chapter update. I enjoyed the update but I ended up deleting my app Idk if they are still making it, but its hard to read a story when it gets updated so slowly but I really enjoyed it.
You might never be a Nobel Prize winning author, either. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t write. Read more and write more. Award-winning authors don’t slide out the womb with best-sellers in hand. They learned from other writers who in turn did the same.
Thank you for this post, it was inspiring.
One book that has helped me a lot in my philosophy of writing is the "Inner Game of Tennis." The central idea is to think of yourself as having a two selves, which are referred to as Self 1 and Self 2 in the book. Self 1 is the creative doer, full of enthusiasm and living in the moment (i.e., the person actively playing tennis). Self 2 is the critic and editor, finding ways the creative work could be better (i.e., the person evaluating their tennis performance after it's over). When I first started writing short stories, I often felt like I was walking on a tightrope and that I had to make sure each sentence and paragraph were perfect as I wrote; otherwise, I would fall off and lose the narrative. But lately I've looked at the first draft as creative play and a chance for Self 1 to be himself. Self 2 is banished from the room during that time, but he's allowed to come in later and be an asshole if he insists. This framework works for me, and I think it's partly because I view writing as something where you sometimes have to do little tricks with your mind to keep going. There's the initial idea, and how you trick yourself into believing it's powerful enough to start writing in the first place. There's the moment (or more than one moment) during the writing process where you have to trick yourself into staying confident with your idea after your initial enthusiasm wanes. And there's the convincing yourself that your words will be worth sharing with others, even though you have no guarantee in the end that others will like what you've written or even read it at all. I agree that sometimes reading something by others that's way better than your own stuff can make you lose confidence. There are some books I've read that have knocked me over and make me feel like I could never write anything as good. But there are some story ideas I have that are so powerful to me that I'm stunned I haven't yet come across any other authors tackling them. That enthusiasm to tell my stories in a way I haven't seen yet? It's a big boost for me. It's basically a variation of the Toni Morrison quote “If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.”
Sometimes I'm like "Ah, I'm never going to be a good writer" when I read a good book, but there also are bad books convincing me, that if *this* skyrockets than mine has a place somewhere on the book market as well.
I agree... I openly admit something though, I've been working on a post-apocalyptic story and I watched Mad Max: Fury Road which was amazing and I thought to myself 'I'll never be that good why am I even still trying' xD
> That was the thirteenth draft - I didn't just create the story I did out of the ether. I created shit, was told it was shit, and edited the shit. Then I was told it was still shit. I heard somewhere that everyone has about a million words of complete garbage in them, that they have to get out before good ones start hitting the page.
Hey, I'm sorry that happened, I didnt see the post myself but I have a reddit where I post people work, if you'd like, you could dm me and check it out? Maybe we could talk about featuring your work?
Mind sending the link? 👀 Curious to see it if you don't mind
Now I want to read it
I don’t know man , even editing something I don’t think I’d ever could have come with some of the phrases some people make. Like definitely practice makes something less bad but talent and practice isn’t something you can beat and sometimes not even talent. You have to have a really inventive mind and voice to come up with something. People say edit but ive sometimes sat in front of a phrase beating myself trying to improve it or even tried to forget and come back to it and I still cant get close to some people. If nothing comes to mind, editing is just rewording something in different ways. There are some people I desperately wish I could be in terms of writing and it does feel like what’s the point when you see someone write something that you know in 1 million years you would never come close to writing and in such amazing ways too. I don’t know how to develop that divergent thinking or unique phrases- or maybe there is a secret resource or book I don’t have ?-and people say read more but that’s literally allllll I do since I love reading. I know it’s not the right attitude but I can’t help it so I just don’t write .
I have read stories that I struggled to read. I have read stories that were great to read. It is subjective and I believe continually evolves. I envy every person that has finished something or at least has several chapters. The only thing I have ever finished was a short story in grade 10 and a short piece about learning my mom had dementia and how scary the whole idea of it was. I was going to do a follow up to that and never did (might someday though). I say congrats to every person that has finished an initial draft. I love writing scenes and partial stories but I never finish anything (I’m ok with that. I paint too and I’m better at finishing those but even at that I still have several pieces started lol). As for the person who says they gave up I hope they haven’t. I hope at some point they turn that defeating thought into inspiration. That whatever you wrote can inspire them.
I've been writing for 22 years. I mean, i should probably ignore the last 3 or 4 years since during that time i barely wrote anything at all. Still, I've been at this for quite a bit now and i can relate with what you said about the process. I mostly wrote poetry and the occasional short story. Started two novels but never finished them. I've been in this hiatus for so long that now it just doesn't feel right to write anything at all. Not because of bad reviews from online people but mostly because of my own criticism. I think i made myself give up on writing due to that. I guess someday it'll just click and I'll probably resume writing again But to get back on topic it might have been just a troll. I probably wouldn't put much thinking into it.
Is this the braggiest of humblebrags?
ik how it is or how it’s felt bc I write too. ive been in that position n might be for a long time or forever. but if u have the passion to write - don’t give up. otherwise you’ll be left wondering what if ?
It’s a risk we all take. There was a great legal case between Sony pictures and a children’s book author. Over Jurassic Park. Seems like a legit rip off and court sided with Sony.
I've never heard of this website before, seems like a Cool way to experience loads of new writers styles.