Thread: I quit.

Most novel ideas are actually horrible ones for a novel, b make good short stories. You set your standards too high. You just mark out your priorities before starting into a big project like a novel.
And besides, novels take long lengths of time. They aren't written in a day you know.

Originally Posted by Battlemage

Writing is a career. It takes dedication and discipline.

I agree. I get frustrated and want to give up all the time. I'd kick my ass if I actually did though. Usually right after Im ready to give up, I spit out a paragraph or two that really paints the scene and makes me want to continue.

For me, its about loving your characters. They are my babies. If I didn't keep writing, they would be stuck in their little world forever with no conclusion. Make characters you love, and you won't be able to give them up. For me, I spent over a month on character development and history before starting on a story about them.

I'm stuck right now, and around 15,000 words or so in, so please don't give up.

I try not to focus writing in a linear fashion from start to finish but instead write out ideas separately. Then try adding and combining, 600 words can add to a couple thousand easily this way, after of which new ideas may generate.

If your really stuck, leave it alone for a day or two and come back to it later, this can help refresh your take on what you currently wrote.

dankreb,

The only way your novel will be nothing is if you never write it. The goal of NaNo is to write 50k words during November. I did that this year and found I wasn't done with my novel. I spent the next two months finishing it. In the end I don't believe the novel is salable but I don't feel it's a waste of time. Like any craft, it takes practice to get better. Writing a complete novel is the best practice there is. Don't give up. You may write something you feel isn't worth anything but you know what? You'll have a completed novel and that's more than a lot of people can say. Just keep writing. Do it for money or do it for yourself- either way writers (the greatest and the worst) write.

-Cel

Do you have a begining and an end? is there a story in your mind or are you just sitting in front of a blank? Try writing it as an outline with a specific point to each chapter. If you know the begining and the end it is only a matter of fleashing out what is taking you from point to point and keeping it interesting. Good Luck

Umm...the OP was 7 months ago...

Its always helpful to put your work aside for a couple of days even a week or two, and do something different, less stressful. For instance instead of writing your novel, you could write something down on paper about your young son or daughter playing in the garden. How are they interacting with one another? What do they like to eat and drink? What is their favourite toy or activity.

You could even write about your wife or girlfriend. What she looks like in the morning sunlight as the golden rays bounce of her blonde/brunette hair. The way her eyes twinkle when she turns to you and calls your name. The way her smile seems to go on forever when she is looking lovingly at both of your children and yourself. The way she reserves that cheeky sexy grin for those special moments alone together.

These are just some of the things you could concentrate on in the meantime and from this I can assure you, you will get your inspiration back, so you can continue your work on your novel.

Wacker

Oh, come on! Everyone is good enough to write and get it done. Take a break and just get your mind together and start writing again. I have the same problem, but I take a break for a day or a week and then get back to it.

Originally Posted by Drezzal

You are not expecting your first piece of writing to make a best seller now are you ?

Take my favourite author for example (Darren Shan) he wrote an adult book which did not sell very well, he wrote a sequel to this book and even though it was a lot better it sold a lot worse than the first. Darren shan then moved on to childrens horror and he is really well known around the world now. Just keep at it, im sure an idea will pop up that others will enjoy, I cant talk though, i have never written anything yet, im more of a newbie than you

Darren Shan is awesome! My favorite book of his is Cirque Du Freak Volume 6! I love his work. Very refreshing, and really original.

In any case, this is the first year that I will be attempting a NaNoWriMo piece. I've always wanted to do one, but have always forgotten about it just after it begins. So this month, I will be diligent! lol

And to the original poster, just write down anything that you like! It doesn't have to be a masterpiece, as everyone else has said. Its all about writing what you want to, without restrictions. I can't wait to start it this year