HarryG

Why not go to your local bookshop and buy yourself a couple of books on subjects that interest you. Pick books that are current bestsellers. Then read them with an analytical interest, make notes on how the author treats subjects and situations, and the hundreds of other things that come to mind.

Actually, it would need more than just a couple of books, I would recommend reading lots of them before starting to write, I think that’s how we all started.

Mobius88

don't be afraid to write a poor quality story. i've been writing stories seriously since I was 12 or so, and today looking back on those stories i realize how immature my ideas and delievery were. you get much better with time, but even today i find myself writing a story, stopping in the middle of it, and asking myself "... what is the point of this garbage?". and when that happens you've either got to keep plugging away until you find the point, or realize that you're writing a crappy story that no one will read. if the latter, then do your best to change it into a story that no one will be able to keep from reading. good luck.

SilkFX

Dude...reread the last two pages of this thread. Didn't I TELL you that your first efforts are allowed to be shit? And didn't I TELL you that 80% of writing is rewriting? (wagging finger like a mom)

Stop putting so much pressure on yourself. I know you have a laptop, but I suggest you get a notebook or a pack of loose-leaf notebook paper, writing instruments of your choice (pens, pencils, markers, whatever) and just have FUN with writing. Don't try to write a book or anything like that. Just play with words, sentences, paragraphs. It doesn't have to make sense and it doesn't have to be GOOD. When you're ready to put some of it together into a story, then go ahead...remembering that you will probably end up messing with it again. You're ALLOWED to do that!

Now that you've been properly chastised, get back to work.

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you can't you can never be sure
you die without knowing
whether anything you wrote was any good
if you have to be sure don't write

EKM-Man

I get ideas almost all the time and can't wait to go home to write them into stories. I usually write short story-length or novella-length stories. Anyway, about motivation. I just go outside or watch a movie or read other people's works. It all helps to sew ideas together and usually inspires. On top of it all, I just like visualizing imaginary conversations and situations. That all helps me to be motivated. A comedic conversation with a friend helps to keep some good lines in mind for fictional use even. At least for me. Write because you love writing. Share your stories with friends and just be creative. I've written cheesy stories in the past that people have liked. It was with the sole purpose that I wanted them to read like B-Movies (since I'm a fan of B-Movies) haha. Whatever floats.

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"There may be few that write like me, but there is only one that thinks like me."

Stewart

John Fante seems to have flouted that when writing Dreams From Bunker Hill.

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book reviews | world lit forum

newwriter19

you have a good point there, i do have alot of writing material but funnily enough when i go to write i get a mental blank or something else distracts me

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If there's a book you really want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it. ~Toni Morrison

SilkFX

If it went from his brain directly to the bookshelves AND it's any good, then he's one of the VERY few who've gotten away with it. Can you point me to evidence that this happened? (I'm asking out of sheer curiosity.)

__________________
you can't you can never be sure
you die without knowing
whether anything you wrote was any good
if you have to be sure don't write

newwriter19

so it's been ages and i still have no motivation but ive made an outline for a script but thats as far as ive gotten with anything and have just started working after 3 yrs of being unemployed so im super busy and dont have much time to myself

__________________
If there's a book you really want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it. ~Toni Morrison

S1E9A8N5

newwriter19

thanks for the advice except for the last part lol

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If there's a book you really want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it. ~Toni Morrison

female_writer

Im just stunned that someone would actually choose to write.
To all the writers I know its a compulsory, masochist exercise in futility (most of the time) that we seem to have little or no control over.

Also, your use of "bout" and "nothin" is a good indicator that you would excell at something else.

A writer begins noticing people using language improperly like this at about the age of Ten and from then on out every "I could care less" instead of the proper "I couldnt care less" makes them want to jump off a bridge.

Sorry, I only wanted to be honest with you about what a hard life it can be.

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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So subtly is the fume of life designed
To clairfy the pulse and cloud the mind
And leave me once again undone, possessed.

- Edna St. Vincent Millay

S1E9A8N5

No problem. lol.

You forgot the apostrophe for I(')m. lol.

I would just like to respond to your comment. For me, I don't want to be a writer. I wouldn't consider myself one either. That is not my purpose. I do however have this “compulsory” need to write this story that I am passionate about so in a way, I’m “choosing” to write. And hopefully with enough time and reading, I can at least write a good story for everyone to enjoy. I think if you have that passion and drive to want to write any kind of story doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a writer or even want to be a writer. What’s the difference if someone publishes one novel in there lifetime compared to someone who publishes fifteen novels in there lifetime? Or even someone who just writes for fun at no charge and uploads there short stories and novels online for everyone to read. Or is a writer only someone who publishes there work?