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Updated
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What should I do finally get this this finished?
I want to be a writer, but I can never seem to finish the story I want to make. Mainly because I keep restarting, get stuck on a part, or something else. #listening to any advise.
#writing #creative-writing #storytelling #writing-and-editing #writer
#thank-you
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6 answers
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
My son, who is an excellent writer, has the exact same problem. There are different things to try. 1) instead of typing/writing, dictate some thoughts. You can clean them up later, but it seems to be easier to talk out your thoughts sometimes instead of writing them out; 2) set mini-goals. I will do two sentences, then take a five-minute break; 3) this runs counter what someone of my generation would do, but what helps my son is to have music on in the background. I hope some of these help you!
Updated
Susan E.’s Answer
One advice I once read and heard about is not to try writing your story in order. If you get stuck in one area, try writing on something that you come up with or is an aha moment. You can start your writing from the end, writing a background about your characters so you get to know them, etc. Just changing the focus will often be what you need to get unstuck. Sometimes just merely walking away from your work for a while helps too.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6084
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Elizabeth,
Cultivate a Habit of Writing
To make headway in your story and enhance your writing prowess, it's crucial to develop a steady writing routine. Dedicate a specific time slot daily for writing, be it in the early hours of the morning or late in the evening, and faithfully adhere to it. This discipline will foster a writing habit, making it an integral part of your daily life.
Craft a Story Outline
Prior to diving into writing, formulate an outline for your narrative. This will aid in structuring your thoughts and ensuring your story has a well-defined start, middle, and conclusion. An outline also simplifies the process of spotting any gaps or inconsistencies in your narrative.
Divide Your Story into Bite-Sized Pieces
If you encounter a roadblock in a certain segment of your story, consider dissecting it into smaller, more digestible parts. Concentrate on finishing each part one at a time, rather than attempting to pen down the entire story in one go. This strategy will foster progress and generate momentum in your writing journey.
Establish Writing Targets
Defining precise writing targets can keep you inspired and centered on your narrative. For instance, you could aim to write a specific number of words or pages daily, or complete a particular chapter or section by a set date. These targets will give you a sense of purpose and assist in maintaining your writing pace.
Welcome Constructive Criticism
Don't hesitate to seek constructive criticism on your writing from others. Share your work with friends, family, or fellow writers, and request their candid feedback. This can highlight areas where you may be facing difficulties and offer valuable suggestions on enhancing your writing.
Embrace Self-Compassion
Writing can be a demanding and sometimes exasperating process, hence it's vital to exercise self-compassion while working on your narrative. If you hit a roadblock or feel your progress is slow, don't be overly critical of yourself. Instead, take a breather, engage in another creative activity, and return to your writing with a fresh perspective. Remember, every writer faces obstacles or gets stuck at some point in their narrative. The secret is to persist and have faith in your writing capabilities.
May God bless you!
James Constantine Frangos.
Cultivate a Habit of Writing
To make headway in your story and enhance your writing prowess, it's crucial to develop a steady writing routine. Dedicate a specific time slot daily for writing, be it in the early hours of the morning or late in the evening, and faithfully adhere to it. This discipline will foster a writing habit, making it an integral part of your daily life.
Craft a Story Outline
Prior to diving into writing, formulate an outline for your narrative. This will aid in structuring your thoughts and ensuring your story has a well-defined start, middle, and conclusion. An outline also simplifies the process of spotting any gaps or inconsistencies in your narrative.
Divide Your Story into Bite-Sized Pieces
If you encounter a roadblock in a certain segment of your story, consider dissecting it into smaller, more digestible parts. Concentrate on finishing each part one at a time, rather than attempting to pen down the entire story in one go. This strategy will foster progress and generate momentum in your writing journey.
Establish Writing Targets
Defining precise writing targets can keep you inspired and centered on your narrative. For instance, you could aim to write a specific number of words or pages daily, or complete a particular chapter or section by a set date. These targets will give you a sense of purpose and assist in maintaining your writing pace.
Welcome Constructive Criticism
Don't hesitate to seek constructive criticism on your writing from others. Share your work with friends, family, or fellow writers, and request their candid feedback. This can highlight areas where you may be facing difficulties and offer valuable suggestions on enhancing your writing.
Embrace Self-Compassion
Writing can be a demanding and sometimes exasperating process, hence it's vital to exercise self-compassion while working on your narrative. If you hit a roadblock or feel your progress is slow, don't be overly critical of yourself. Instead, take a breather, engage in another creative activity, and return to your writing with a fresh perspective. Remember, every writer faces obstacles or gets stuck at some point in their narrative. The secret is to persist and have faith in your writing capabilities.
May God bless you!
James Constantine Frangos.
Stefania (Mandrin) Revelli, CCSP, CPRW
Editor/Marketing Professional/Career Coach
55
Answers
Skippack, Pennsylvania
Updated
Stefania’s Answer
Hi Elizabeth -- what you are going through is perfectly normal because writing is a process, a long one at times with starts and stops along the way. Try and think of your story in parts -- the beginning, the characters, the problem/conflict, the resolution, etc and then narrow down and focus on developing each part. Think big and experiment with lots of ideas -- see what might work, and what doesn't work.
You may also want to try and online workshop for writers -- often there are free tutorials and guides that can help you as well (try edX series, they have many free ones and are sure to have something for writers as well).
Good Luck!
You may also want to try and online workshop for writers -- often there are free tutorials and guides that can help you as well (try edX series, they have many free ones and are sure to have something for writers as well).
Good Luck!
Updated
Destiny’s Answer
Plan out your story before you start writing it out. If you keep an outline, it will help
Heather Mendoza
Senior Program Manager, Digital Strategist, HeatherMendoza.com
1
Answer
Frisco, Texas
Updated
Heather’s Answer
An outline is an important starting point - but don't let it constrain your thought process or creativity - use it to organize your ideas and your progress.
Schedule a regular period of time within your schedule dedicated solely to your writing. It helps if it's same time of day each time -- preset time and length. This helps prioritize your writing, and over time it can actually help streamline your creative process and help you avoid potenital ruts as you become acclimated to the set structure.
Schedule a regular period of time within your schedule dedicated solely to your writing. It helps if it's same time of day each time -- preset time and length. This helps prioritize your writing, and over time it can actually help streamline your creative process and help you avoid potenital ruts as you become acclimated to the set structure.