Writing Fail

[elephunky]

I feel like my writing skills have totally declined since I left highschool. I wonder if it is because most things are viewed rather than read these days, or perhaps because I am reading way less than I used to?

 

[Bobby64]

Well, it could be a variety of factors. WHY is your writing getting worse? Is your prose awkward? In that case, maybe you do need to read some more. Are the stories uninteresting? Maybe you need to get out more or let your mind wander more.

Other ideas: form a critique circle with friends, read Writer's Digest in order to learn various writing skills, and more.

 

[elephunky]

Well, it could be a variety of factors. WHY is your writing getting worse? Is your prose awkward? In that case, maybe you do need to read some more. Are the stories uninteresting? Maybe you need to get out more or let your mind wander more.

Other ideas: form a critique circle with friends, read Writer's Digest in order to learn various writing skills, and more.

Havent heard of writers digest.

I seem to get good ideas but have trouble translating them into a working story. Sometimes the quality of the content is facepalm worthy.

One of my best friends studied writing at university, writes brilliantly, and I feel completely noobish compared to her

 

[ReadingAndWriting]

I've run into this problem. I don't have a problem coming up with ideas, but I do have a problem with how much description to use at times. Part of the problem I think is I went too long without writing and now that I've gotten back into writing things seem more difficult. Reading and writing more are good ideas, but lately for some reason I feel that it takes a lot of effort to sit down and do the actual writing. I want to do it and know I should do it, but I don't quite feel like doing it when it comes time to. I guess you could say it feels more like work than fun, and I want to change that.

 

[Bobby64]

I've run into this problem. I don't have a problem coming up with ideas, but I do have a problem with how much description to use at times. Part of the problem I think is I went too long without writing and now that I've gotten back into writing things seem more difficult. Reading and writing more are good ideas, but lately for some reason I feel that it takes a lot of effort to sit down and do the actual writing. I want to do it and know I should do it, but I don't quite feel like doing it when it comes time to. I guess you could say it feels more like work than fun, and I want to change that.

That's certainly a difficult problem. I suffer from depression, so everything I once loved feels like work. But if you want to get back into it, then you need to devote time to it. Set up a certain time of day when you will write no matter how tired or unmotivated you're feeling. At the very least, try revising something during that time.

 

[Journey.In.Grace]

I cannot offer much advice, I am afraid. Sometimes my writing declines - whether I am in a slump or something else is going on. Perhaps you need time to sit back and breathe, and just relax. I hope it works out for you

 

[HasAnswers]

Practice, Practice, Practice.
that's all I can say. Find stuff you like to read, it doesn't HAVE to be fiction. It all helps.

 

[jennabug423]

Well, writing isn't always amazing the first time around. I studied writing at college and so much of my work was quite amateur the first time around. What really gets a piece moving is the revision process. Also, peer critique.

I want to add that sometimes, you gotta draft. Write out a synopsis of what you want to write. Do some character studies so you feel like you really know who you're writing about. Develop the plotline before you write. Then, fill in the details as you write.

Writing is a process. A long one, many times.

 

[elephunky]

My friend had me read her short story. I was so jealous of her awesome writing and storyline.