HI all, I'm new to this site. In fact I've only recently rediscovered my passion for creative writing which is ironic considering I have been studying for my BA (English and Creative Writing) for the past 3 years. I'm really excited about it but I would really appreciate some tips and advice.
The problem for me is that I have a huge fear of failure, I have so many ideas for stories and characters and I think about them all the time, playing out scenarios in my head, running through plot ideas etc., (it keeps me awake some nights) but I struggle with putting them down on paper, or I start and decide that it's no good.
It's very frustrating.
Help!
Sam
Thanks John, I know you're right. I am slowly getting there, but it is nice to hear that stuff from somebody else.
Victoria I can't believe you've mentioned CBT, I'm actually on the waiting list for it. Hopefully by the time I get my appointment I'll have sorted myself out.
I'd love to read your story, not sure how we share on here, I've tried to do the connect thing so hopefully that will work.
I did see the Short Story Comp but as I've only just started to get back into it I don't think that I'm quite ready, or have enough time to get something decent in before the deadline.
Glad to hear the CBT worked for you, am hoping for some positive results myself.
Hi Sam, I could have written your post for you, it sounds just like me! Competitions are a good way to put a bit of pressure on yourself to get things finished - do you know about the Writers and Artist Short Story Comp deadline 15th Feb? I'm entering it but need some feedback, if you're interested in reading my story?
Also, I had some cognitive behavioural therapy last year courtesy of my local NHS Trust. (I'm not bonkers just fed up with not getting anywhere) Don't know if you've heard of CBT but anyway, it turns out I'm the type of perfectionist that always give up because I don't think I'll meet my own high standards!! Now that I'm conscious of that it has made a big difference and I'm finishing stuff and entering competitions, albeit slowly.
The hardest thing to do is start, and if you can do that the rest is only practice. Nothing is wasted with the writing process. You can write something and think its crap, but you have learned in the process. The next time will be better and so on. Remember that most of us have to rewrite our work about a trillion times, or at least until completely sick of it, before it begins to take shape. Then after leaving it for a few weeks and going over it with a fresh mind it will improve again. I always say that the skill in writing comes in the rework, when the real thought behind the words takes place, and the structure is made stronger. So, no failure, only enough rework until you are happy with it. Stay with it!