Writing Buddy, Can I Has?

Melanii · Apr 22, 2015

Due to various reasons, especially doubt, I struggle with finishing anything. In the past 2 years I attempted to write 2 novels. One made it to 30k on its second try, though the plot was a mess, and the other kind of just stopped at 5k words.

In all of my 27 years, 30k is the highest I've ever gotten writing a novel.

So this morning, I got a random thought that may or may not allow me gain the will to write them again.

However, to ensure that I'm not "insane" or that the though can actually make sense, I'd like someone to talk to about it. I have Skype, but only on my phone. Email might work too.

The only things anyone should know is the following:

1) Depending on my moods, I'm slow at answering emails.

2) My stories often contain things such as sexual content (not detailed), minor profanity, and same-sex relationships.

3) I write fantasy.

So a writing buddy would be great. ;_;

You can either PM me here or email me at steph.k.southwell(at)gmail(dot)com.

Thanks.

Viridian · Apr 23, 2015

Hapax Legomenon (another user here, maybe you've seen her around) and I chat on Skype about writing things. She has a post about it here.

Wanna chat with us? I write erotic romance novels about LGBT characters, usually sci-fi and fantasy. Hapax writes sci-fi and fantasy, usually with (in my opinion) a YA feel.

object of my charm · Apr 28, 2015

Personal question: Do you find "finishing things" difficult in other areas of your life too?

Melanii · Apr 28, 2015

Yup yup!

c.m.n. · Apr 28, 2015

Have you ever tried to co-author with someone? Sometimes that push you get when working with someone else helps.

Melanii · Apr 28, 2015

I have tried twice.

Once with my "best friend" but we both moved away she got busy and gave me full reins as just a major beta reader.

I supposedly have a book in the works now with a friend down here, but I'm finding that I am not as interested as I should be.

The problem with finding a co-author is that while I'm open to many many things, people that are willing to write with me are not. They are too strict or conservative, etc.

Co-authoring would be fun, though, because I love working with others. XD

Tatyana Black · Apr 29, 2015

Ah, doubt. I know how that feels. I'm on my last chapter and I look at it and think it's all crap.
But of course it is, some would say. It's the first draft. My mind doesn't agree with them, though.
Now, apart from doubt, what else makes you stop writing? Me, I found my scenes boring. So, I thought to stop having the characters sit and chat. Better they walk and chat, at least they move.

Tatyana Black · Apr 29, 2015

And your drawings are amazing!

Melanii · Apr 29, 2015

I have trouble staying focused and motivated. And sometimes I stop and think it would be better as another medium instead. Then nothing gets done.

Tatyana Black · Apr 29, 2015

Everyone is different and yet, has the same problems. With my last story I did this. I sat down and thought how the story will unfold. I didn't write, just imagined it in my mind. Then I found the most interesting scenes and named them. And then, I focused on those scenes as though they were short stories instead of one huge project. It did help me not to get bored with it, even though it took me months to finish. But that has to do with the fear of failing, of not having a great story. Ah, all these fears!
Try to sit down for a few quiet minutes and think why the story isn't keeping you focused. Start asking, what if the character jumped over the fence instead of walking around it? That would be an action. It's much more interesting. Don't write anything, just imagine the scene.

infinitefrank · Apr 29, 2015

Everyone has ideas; that's why you can't sell them. You've got to sit down and do the work: make your 30K manuscript into a 75K manuscript, make that 5K words of an idea into a 30K manuscript. Don't just call yourself a writer, be a writer.

As for what could inspire you to your limits of creative literature? Now that's a question. Feel free to send me a PM if you need someone to bounce ideas off of or discuss anything!

Bufkus · May 7, 2015

i should pick your novel back up again, been slacking due to IRL stuff

Melanii · May 7, 2015

But that novel is so old, Bufkus!

Everything is outdated.

I have an idea... But I need more confidence and assurance. o.o

Bufkus · May 7, 2015

Send me a new one then! lol

Melanii · May 7, 2015

I haven't written it yet. XD

Tatyana Black · May 8, 2015

Send her the idea and she'll see if it's good or not. Then, gather your confindence, give it a shake and start writing.

Others can do so much for you. The hardest part is in your hands, though. Don't give up if you want to write. Keep going.

P.S. This is for you as well as me

. I'm editing my story and need some self- encouragement.

Melanii · May 8, 2015

My idea has been posted here actually--in the brainstorming section.

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=305556

Bufkus · May 29, 2015

btw 27 is still young. i didn't finally finish a manuscript from start to end until i was 33 lol.

larissahinton · Jun 30, 2015

I think the short story route may be the way to go. That way you can start with small steps and turn those stories into a whole novel. Then all you have to do is fill in the gaps. I've written plenty of short stories that I really want to turn in novels, and I have taken the opposite route of writing short stories about the characters from my novels. Then you can take those short stories and submit them to magazines and get some feedback from others. You might even get paid for it. You never know.

Melanii · Jun 30, 2015

I don't even know if I have "plots" short enough for short stories. They could be set in the same universe, right?

Hmm... Maybe some prompts will help!

Writing Buddy, Can I Has?

Melanii

Talking Fruit

Viridian

local good boy

object of my charm

Melanii

Talking Fruit

c.m.n.

Beary cute ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Melanii

Talking Fruit

Tatyana Black

Tatyana Black

Melanii

Talking Fruit

Tatyana Black

infinitefrank

Padawan

Bufkus

Melanii

Talking Fruit

Bufkus

Melanii

Talking Fruit

Tatyana Black

Melanii

Talking Fruit

Bufkus

larissahinton

Melanii

Talking Fruit