The Social Club

[Ziggy455]

Ugh. I'm having problems with my writing lately. I can't seem to outline properly. I don't know why. I feel like I'm slipping for some reason and I'm getting irritated.

[AceRay]

Ugh. I'm having problems with my writing lately. I can't seem to outline properly. I don't know why. I feel like I'm slipping for some reason and I'm getting irritated.

Take a break from writing and do something else, then come back later. You'll refresh yourself and the writing will come easier. Just banging on a keyboard won't get you anywhere.

[Ziggy455]

Ugh. I'm having problems with my writing lately. I can't seem to outline properly. I don't know why. I feel like I'm slipping for some reason and I'm getting irritated. 

Take a break from writing and do something else, then come back later. You'll refresh yourself and the writing will come easier. Just banging on a keyboard won't get you anywhere.

That's the problem though. I HAVE taken a damn break, I've left my writing for a week and then come back. Somehow, I just can't seem to write a coherent outline without going off track with information and such. It's f*cking annoying because I can't write unless I have a solid ABC plot going on.

[Eminence]

It's f*cking annoying because I can't write unless I have a solid ABC plot going on.

Maybe you only feel this way because you tell yourself you can't write without a solid outline?

 

Try free writing. Just give yourself a scenario and run with it; take the characters you're working on and put them in a situation. Doesn't even have to be canonical to the narrative you're working on - just try to get yourself flowing.

 

Many people call their first drafts of anything the 'vomit draft', because you literally just spew it up and see what sticks. Then it becomes much easier to carve away the crap until you unearth something workable. Even if it's only the tiniest slither of a good idea - even if you discard virtually everything else and basically start from scratch - it could well be worth it for the little slice of gold you do find.

 

The other thing could be that you're simply not very enthused with the idea you're working on, so you keep hitting a brick wall with it. I had that quite recently. In the end I just let it go and moved onto something else; once I found something I was enthusiastic about, everything clicked into place.

[Ziggy455]

It's f*cking annoying because I can't write unless I have a solid ABC plot going on.

Maybe you only feel this way because you tell yourself you can't write without a solid outline?

 

Try free writing. Just give yourself a scenario and run with it; take the characters you're working on and put them in a situation. Doesn't even have to be canonical to the narrative you're working on - just try to get yourself flowing.

 

Many people call their first drafts of anything the 'vomit draft', because you literally just spew it up and see what sticks. Then it becomes much easier to carve away the crap until you unearth something workable. Even if it's only the tiniest slither of a good idea - even if you discard virtually everything else and basically start from scratch - it could well be worth it for the little slice of gold you do find.

 

The other thing could be that you're simply not very enthused with the idea you're working on, so you keep hitting a brick wall with it. I had that quite recently. In the end I just let it go and moved onto something else; once I found something I was enthusiastic about, everything clicked into place.

I can't stand free-writing. It is irritating to me. I feel like I'm just setting myself back a step because having an outline means I'm sort of planning ahead a little. I'd like an outline that is simple. It's not that I don't like my story, I just can't get down on paper which way I want the story to go. It's f*cking making me pull my hair out.

 

People can bust out outlines so easily and I just can't f*cking do it. It's putting me off writing. I'm thinking of throwing away my pen because this has been a problem for me for f*cking ages and I'm getting bored of it.

[Mokrie Dela]

I was about to suggest some writing exercises, but it seems that might not be much help. What about changing gear, and writing something else - set your current work aside and write some random pen-diarrhea, or something?

 

You mention outlines, and that sounds like a simplisation (that's not a word is it?) - an outline IS simple, but it's the details that make up the story, at least the good ones.

 

To use an analogy i have no idea works or not, I'm a goalkeeper, and I want to save all the shots of course. But I've had a loong run of bad form, and i worked at the gym to increase my physical ability - for ages i did specialized ball work, thinking i'd covered all the basics, but then one night a cross came in and i jumped and hardly moved. I'd neglected my legs for so long i'd lost some jump power, so now i've started the boring, tedious leg exercises again that, after so long trying "specialised" training, seems too basic, but although i wanted to stick with the sepcialised stuff, there's value in the simple, base work.

 

I guess what i'm trying to say (i'm crap at this) is that sometimes we have to go back and work on the simple, basic stuff, even if it makes us feel like 15 y/o noobs again, because the basics are important.

 

Maybe, however you'd benifit from reading more classics - find your favourite book, sit in the sun snow, and just read it, remind yourself what got you into writing, or perhaps look at your goals and why you want to be a writer.

 

 

or maybe take the other path, and shut your goals in a drawer for a week and just write crap - get the bad stuff out of your system, and get writing again....

 

 

 

Hmmm, i dont think I've helped at all ...

[The Pizza Delivery Guy]

/\ That's basically what I try to do. Just ask yourself a few questions:

 

When that's over and you have a general idea about how the plot will work, start writing it. Simple exposition is the way to go if you have no ideas.

 

Set a scene, delve into a character's thoughts, another character interacts with the main one.

 

Then I let the story write itself. Just having good descriptions about the area can lead to a sudden story line.

 

There's flowers nearby. Bees are all over them. The protagonist gets stung. He is allergic to bee stings. He needs to get home to get medication. Traffic is heavy. He has to run home on foot. Along the way he gets chased by wanna be gangsters.

 

Sorry for going off like that, it was the story writing itself that caused it.

 

AND NOBODY STEAL THE ABOVE IDEA! I can make a really good story out of that!

 

 

And as for me, with Word working again I can finally get started on April's story.

[AceRay]

I think its time you gave up writing forever.

 

Or maybe you, or others, help me organize BUYGV for this coming September and that could remobilize your spirits for writing, reading and critiquing others' writing regularly.

[kaisersoza_66]

When im writing my short stories i first make up between 5 - 10 idea's that i HAVE to use in my story

 

for example..

 

red handkerchief

crying child

transvestite man

pendant

 

I usually find this method to be more thought inducing when im writing. im bombarded with different story directions all the time.

Edited March 26, 2013 by kaisersoza_66

[Tyler]

 

My buddy Charles Dwighkawski and I were on the prowl. Before we knew it, a car full of blue came into view. I pulled up my red handkerchief - posh till I die. But then we heard him - a crying transvestite child wearing a pendant in the adjacent park. sh*t was crazy

 

 

 

Also, I've started doing an outline for the next story I'm writing, seeing as freewriting has done little to help me finish a coherent story. Zig, put your creativity into another medium for a while. When I can't stand writing, I pick up the ol' controller and see how large of a monument to Bill Clinton I can make in Minecraft. That, or I work on a song - specifically one I can play whilst shirtless on a college campus. No matter what, as long as it's something you can channel your focus into for a while, I guarantee it will help you return to writing soon enough. That, or you'll find something you like to do even more.

[VProductions]

We really need a WD skype group chat.

 

Add me : Nathan.Zayne

[orbitalraindrops]

what do you guys think of fantasy?. I know its not seen as very highbrow but its one of my fauvorite genres and authors like Steve Erikson have a fantastic command of the English language.

[Mokrie Dela]

what do you guys think of fantasy?. I know its not seen as very highbrow but its one of my fauvorite genres and authors like Steve Erikson have a fantastic command of the English language.

If it's well written and can pull me in, sure. Genres are just genres - horror, sci fi, fantasy, crime, romance - there's no "better" or "worse" genre... .apart from erotica

 

 

And no, i don't feel we need a skype chat group... Who here wants to hear my voice? NO ONE!!!

[Ziggy455]

what do you guys think of fantasy?. I know its not seen as very highbrow but its one of my fauvorite genres and authors like Steve Erikson have a fantastic command of the English language.

If it's well written and can pull me in, sure. Genres are just genres - horror, sci fi, fantasy, crime, romance - there's no "better" or "worse" genre... .apart from erotica

 

 

And no, i don't feel we need a skype chat group... Who here wants to hear my voice? NO ONE!!!

I think fantasy is like any other genre. If it's written well with characters that are well written and conflicted, then it's readable. But a lot of it specializes in pretty book covers and not much else between that and the end.

[VProductions]

You can instant message on Skype, it's not just voice or video.

[Mokrie Dela]

You can instant message on Skype, it's not just voice or video.

I'm aware of that, i was just making a little joke

 

[VProductions]

Just telling you guys now, so you don't loose hope, a new chapter of Vice will launch in the next two days.

[Dr-Mayhem111]

I've been wanting to write a GTA Fan-fic of a superhero like Batman. What do y'all think?

[Ziggy455]

I have decided to quit writing altogether. It quite clearly isn't for me. Considering if I don't outline, I spend most my time getting lost in free-writing, and considering I can't outline even a simple storyline without nitpicking, I think it's time I just left this craft to people who can do it easily. I've wasted so much time in-between trying to free-write -and letting the word documents pile up- to actually trying different ways of plotting - The Snowflake Method, general outlines, synopsising, just vomiting up a draft, bullet pointing important plot plots and many other things- and in the end I just seem to spin circles around myself in trying to get out the right information on the page so it's not all stuck in my mind.

 

And I hear 'Give it time, don't over-think, just go play f*cking games, or go relax.' And I understand that, but the matter of the fact is I've taken months away from writing, I've taken weeks away without looking at a word processor and when I come back I can never plot.

 

And I can understand that people say "JUST WRITE THE DAMN THING." - What does that accomplish? Hackneyed characters, cliche situations, and 90% of my work that is deleted just because it doesn't fit in with the story. This is why it's f*cking annoying.

 

They say you are you own worst critic, and that makes sense. But I think if I can't even plot out a story to my own preference than I believe it's time to give it up. I'll still frequent time to time but I just can't muster up the brainpower to write anymore. I am, for all intents and purposes, giving up.

Edited March 27, 2013 by Ziggy455

[VProductions]

I have decided to quit writing altogether. It quite clearly isn't for me. Considering if I don't outline, I spend most my time getting lost in free-writing, and considering I can't outline even a simple storyline without nitpicking, I think it's time I just left this craft to people who can do it easily. I've wasted so much time in-between trying to free-write -and letting the word documents pile up- to actually trying different ways of plotting - The Snowflake Method, general outlines, synopsising, just vomiting up a draft, bullet pointing important plot plots and many other things- and in the end I just seem to spin circles around myself in trying to get out the right information on the page so it's not all stuck in my mind.

 

And I hear 'Give it time, don't over-think, just go play f*cking games, or go relax.' And I understand that, but the matter of the fact is I've taken months away from writing, I've taken weeks away without looking at a word processor and when I come back I can never plot.

 

And I can understand that people say "JUST WRITE THE DAMN THING." - What does that accomplish? Hackneyed characters, cliche situations, and 90% of my work that is deleted just because it doesn't fit in with the story. This is why it's f*cking annoying.

 

They say you are you own worst critic, and that makes sense. But I think if I can't even plot out a story to my own preference than I believe it's time to give it up. I'll still frequent time to time but I just can't muster up the brainpower to write anymore. I am, for all intents and purposes, giving up.

Sorry to hear that, it will never be the same without you, especially with scripts.

[Mokrie Dela]

Dont pack it in zigs!

I know it can be frustrating and hard work at times but is it worth throwin it away? All the work youve put in, UNi placements etc, you should persevere!

 

Perhaps you're trying too hard. Maybe the harder you try the harder you hit the wall when yo should try to rediscover the joy on writing. Sure in this day and age most ideas have been done, but not in your voice, not with your words.

 

Would be a huge shame if you walked away from it now

[orbitalraindrops]

Noooo Ziggy, don't give up on your passion. Isn't it what your going on next year to do. There's good times and bad times but your writing has improved and it will keep improving! .

[AceRay]

If Ziggy goes, then I go. Its as simple as that.

[Ziggy455]

If Ziggy goes, then I go. Its as simple as that.

That isn't your decision. If I choose to go, I go. I can't stick around here if I'm faltering as a writer. What would be the point? I'm no good helping others if I can't help myself.

[Mokrie Dela]

If Ziggy goes, then I go. Its as simple as that.

That isn't your decision. If I choose to go, I go. I can't stick around here if I'm faltering as a writer. What would be the point? I'm no good helping others if I can't help myself.

Perhaps you do need to go - put us aside and forget us. Focus on your own life, and try to find that drive or the muse again. Write your feelings down, write some poems or songs, record said song - what you're feeling? Transpose it. Write something maybe about a jaded author (just dont have him retreat to the woods ) or a failing artist, or a singer/songwriter or something. Write something for yourself they no one else would see. Empty your heart onto the page...

 

Whatever you do decided, good luck to you. I sincerely hope you persevere and come out the other side. I've come to respect you as a writer and supporter of the art, and yeah It'd be a shame if you left.

 

But I think it's time for some one reflection. Only you can make the decision, not us. Nothing we can say will swing It for you.

 

I say leave here, examine yourself, read some, and try to a)rediscover your writer self or b)decide what path you should chose.

 

 

I hope if you do leave, they you'll come back

 

 

[Ronmar The Only]

So, I posted a new version of Going to the Beach if anyone is interesting in reading it.

 

It certainly isn't probably the normal cup of tea around here and certainly can be a little bit long to some of the things I've seen previously posted, but any feedback would be good and appreciated.

 

I may attempt to revise a few stories that are a bit more appropriate for this forum in the future, if anyone is so inclined to look them over.

 

I'm gearing up a few things to send out to various magazines so big and little critiques of everything are most welcomed, as previously stated.

[Roflkon]

 

I have decided to quit writing altogether. It quite clearly isn't for me. Considering if I don't outline, I spend most my time getting lost in free-writing, and considering I can't outline even a simple storyline without nitpicking, I think it's time I just left this craft to people who can do it easily. I've wasted so much time in-between trying to free-write -and letting the word documents pile up- to actually trying different ways of plotting - The Snowflake Method, general outlines, synopsising, just vomiting up a draft, bullet pointing important plot plots and many other things- and in the end I just seem to spin circles around myself in trying to get out the right information on the page so it's not all stuck in my mind.

 

And I hear 'Give it time, don't over-think, just go play f*cking games, or go relax.' And I understand that, but the matter of the fact is I've taken months away from writing, I've taken weeks away without looking at a word processor and when I come back I can never plot.

 

And I can understand that people say "JUST WRITE THE DAMN THING." - What does that accomplish? Hackneyed characters, cliche situations, and 90% of my work that is deleted just because it doesn't fit in with the story. This is why it's f*cking annoying.

 

They say you are you own worst critic, and that makes sense. But I think if I can't even plot out a story to my own preference than I believe it's time to give it up. I'll still frequent time to time but I just can't muster up the brainpower to write anymore. I am, for all intents and purposes, giving up.

I think you're problem is you're concentrating on writing too much, I think you're trying to make everything you write make sense rather than writing about what you like. I know my opinion isn't much here but perhaps a break is all you need, try just not writing for a while and then when something inspires you properly start again. That's what happened to me, I know I'm no Archimedes but that's my Thesis.

[Build Up Your Gang]

Ladies and gentlemen of Writer's Debate, I'd like you to put your hands together for BUYG's latest staff member, Osric! He's been a part of the BUYG community for a while now and the staff felt it was time for him to take the next step.

 

If anyone has any ideas for BUYG, don't hesitate to PM a member of staff!

[VProductions]

how isnt this pinned?

[Eminence]

how isnt this pinned?

Because it doesn't need to be pinned. It's always there or thereabouts as far as the top of the thread listings are concerned.