What Now?

by Adam Turner
3rd January 2014

After another few months dry, I again feel the need to write. It's been almost been two years since I first registered here. People come and go but I feel reassured that I seem many familiar faces. Anyway, I apologise for the absence of a particular question but I just want some provocation to write. I won't reiterate the cliche of wanting to write but not having ideas, but I am indeed stuck. I'm a teenager, and a lot of what I write seems to be disorgainsied frustrated rants. Despite all my time writing (attempting) I see no improvement. I'm not sure if it's the weight of modesty but I feel as though I lack the capacity to critique what others write. Anyway, rambling again. Bit late for this, me thinks.

Replies

Welcome back, Adam.

Read! Read! Read!

All the best authors have read great traditional or award winning literature. But is better to read both, including as much as you can about the genre that you want to write about.

I believe that those who are naturally creative and naturally poetic have the edge when it comes to writing novels. But that does not mean that someone who lacks creativity can’t out perform a creative genius who lacks dedication. Determined effort can reap significant rewards. It boils down to dedication. Besides, no-one was born a journalist. Even journalists had to learn their craft.

The first draft of everything is always shit - Ernest Hemingway.

Try. Fail. Fail better - Samuel Beckett.

Success is dependent on effort - Sophocles

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts - Winston Churchill.

I hope that helps.

God luck.

Profile picture for user Adrian
Adrian
Sroka
19900 points
Ready to publish
Fiction
Historical
Middle Grade (Children's)
Young Adult (YA)
Adventure
Adrian Sroka
03/01/2014

It sounds like you're trying to force it. Writing will come when you're ready and not anxious about what comes out.

What is it you want to write about?

Profile picture for user reneepau_28626
Renee
Paule
330 points
Practical publishing
Autobiography, Biography and Memoir
Middle Grade (Children's)
Picture Books (Children's)
Popular science, Social science, Medical Science
Practical and Self-Help
Renee Paule
03/01/2014

You know what Adam, your rambling has caught my attention..... It was kinda funny and lifted up my dim spirits(preparing for the exams).

Provocation to write ? Well, it depends on the atmosphere you live in and your own thoughts....

Teenagers are born to rant out a lot of rubbish, or seemingly it is trash!

You seem to have a good grasp of her Majesty's language....

Well, thought would just post, haven't said anything to provocate ...... motivate you to write.....

--- Neeraj

(I am myself a teenager and was rambling now, xD! Just realised it!!)

Profile picture for user neerajvm_28771
Neeraj
V Murali
330 points
Practical publishing
Film, Music, Theatre, TV and Radio
Poetry
Short stories
Fiction
Autobiography, Biography and Memoir
Middle Grade (Children's)
Picture Books (Children's)
Comic
Crime, Mystery, Thriller
Speculative Fiction
Adventure
Historical
Gothic and Horror
Neeraj V Murali
03/01/2014