Absolute Chaos Discussion Boards
Fic Talk => General Discussion => Topic started by: sweet18_2003 on April 06, 2008, 07:03:00 PM
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Lately, I have been in such a writers funk that its not even funny any longer. I've started another new story...a sequel to an older one, actually, and have been working on Shades of Blue and trying to finish Not So Bad. The thing is, over the past few weeks...or even months, I feel as if I should just give up on writing. My good friends tell me that I have a talent and am a great writer, which is great...except for the fact that I dont know if they are telling the truth or are just biased.
I get so excited when I start a new story, but the lack of interest from readers kills that excitement. I mean, I've asked for constructive critisism, feedback, everything...a nd its SO true that writers thrive on feedback. The seeming lack-there-of lately and seeming lack of interest all together has me feeling that I should just quit completely on everything I have been working on.
With Not So Bad, everybody wanted Michael to get a heart and get along with his dying father (Kevin)...but now that Michael actually is being nice and growing a human heart in the final chapters, it seems nobody cares to read. Sure, his temper was drama , but I planned all along for him to slowly grow morals.
As for the newer ones, Shades of Blue had a great start, but now it seems again...nobody cares. As for Between Breaths...well, only one chapter is out and a few are written....and yes, I was excited for it...but when only one person on here (two...but dancinpacer is the friend who I dont know is just biased or not) is reading it, I dont know if spending 10 hours writing a chapter is even worth it. Again...the lack of shown interest just kills all motivation I have for continuing on with anything.
Affliction...a nother one I feel like just giving up on. Its an original fic, so nobody really has an interest in those, which I understand beings this site is mainly focused around BSB. But it is one that I would really like to see if I can get published, and feedback/constructive criticism would be amazing for me...especiall y with this fic.
I guess I am just frustrated and needing to vent. I'm sitting here near tears, trying to write something, but just feel it is hopeless. I don't know what to do anymore, because I love to write and want to write...but this lack of motivation and lack of interest lately is just killing all creativity I have left inside of me .
:(
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you know...I haven't really been here all that long but I have gotten the same kind of feeling a couple times. Like, I didn't think anyone was even liking the stories so why write them. *shruggs*
but hey, if it helps, I am willing to read one of your stories. name wich one you would like me to start on :D I'm no expert but I would gladly give you my opinions!
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I can actually relate to you right now. I am finding very little time to work on my stories, and I am getting limited feedback, so I am almost to the point of giving up. But then I remember that my stories aren't written for other people - they are written for me. I write because it makes me feel accomplished and gives me an outlet for my pent up emotions. If you wrote for the sole purpose of garnering feedback, none of us would have even started writing. It's something built into us all - and I think we all lose site of that every once in awhile. Just write for yourself and the rest will come.
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I think lately A LOT of writers have been going through the same thing. I've kind of felt like readers interest has waned, but I think its an all around effect and everyone is feeling the effects. It's a CRAZY time of year so I know a lot of my regular readers are really busy with school and stuff and can't always give feedback. Even I've become a REALLY bad reader and haven't been keeping up with my fics that I usually do just because I've had other things going on.
I read Shades of Blue though and left you a review and I REALLY liked it! And if its by any chance based off of the Ashley Parker Angel song of the same name than OMG it's going to be REALLY REALLY sad and angsty.
But I've felt a definite lack of motivation to. A lot of REALLY good writers are giving up on fan fiction and I know as much as I write for myself it definitely helps to have good stories to aspire to. I feel like that's all lacking lately and I'm just blah.
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I know you've been reviewing Shades of Blue...and I appreciate it so much. I really do :) That is probably the one fic I have the most hope for...and if anything, I will just email thru the boards to you and whoever else has been reviewing. :) lol...
...and yes, it is based off of Ashley Parker Angel's song...haha. I might change the name though...later on. I thought of another title that would fit it well also.
Glad to know I'm not the only one going through this. I mean, I do write for myself....but it gets hard sometimes when I want to know what others think of the direction or whatever....an d yeah...lol.
But thanks so much for your support. :) I didn't mean everybody...th ose who do leave feedback, I appreciate all of it. :) All I meant was that it seems to be getting less and less each update, and I just wonder if its because its a loss of interest in the direction I'm going with them...if that makes any sense.
I think lately A LOT of writers have been going through the same thing. I've kind of felt like readers interest has waned, but I think its an all around effect and everyone is feeling the effects. It's a CRAZY time of year so I know a lot of my regular readers are really busy with school and stuff and can't always give feedback. Even I've become a REALLY bad reader and haven't been keeping up with my fics that I usually do just because I've had other things going on.
I read Shades of Blue though and left you a review and I REALLY liked it! And if its by any chance based off of the Ashley Parker Angel song of the same name than OMG it's going to be REALLY REALLY sad and angsty.
But I've felt a definite lack of motivation to. A lot of REALLY good writers are giving up on fan fiction and I know as much as I write for myself it definitely helps to have good stories to aspire to. I feel like that's all lacking lately and I'm just blah.
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you know...I haven't really been here all that long but I have gotten the same kind of feeling a couple times. Like, I didn't think anyone was even liking the stories so why write them. *shruggs*
but hey, if it helps, I am willing to read one of your stories. name wich one you would like me to start on :D I'm no expert but I would gladly give you my opinions!
Awww...you're so sweet :) If you want to read one of my stories...heck, there is a whole list of them...lol.... 30 or something. I'll let you pick which one...and if there is one of yours you would like me to read and give opinion, just let me know. I'd be more than happy to read.
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I can actually relate to you right now. I am finding very little time to work on my stories, and I am getting limited feedback, so I am almost to the point of giving up. But then I remember that my stories aren't written for other people - they are written for me. I write because it makes me feel accomplished and gives me an outlet for my pent up emotions. If you wrote for the sole purpose of garnering feedback, none of us would have even started writing. It's something built into us all - and I think we all lose site of that every once in awhile. Just write for yourself and the rest will come.
It is very hard to keep in mind that the main purpose of writing is for one self sometimes. Sometimes I do get all frustrated and feel like giving up just because of the lack of feedback...but I always find my way back to my stories. Its a great feeling of accomplishment to finish something. I love the feeling. I'm sure everyone here does :) Thanks for reminding me though that writing for myself should come first. I guess I lost sight of that temporarily and let my own frustrated emotions get the best of me. *sigh* lol. Thanks though...*hugs*
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Sure write for yourself but when you are in a funk someone popping in and saying "hey I really like this story ........ " I for one KNOW that helps, it is how I got back into writing fanfics. I hadn't written since 2003 or 04 I think and someone reviewed one of my stories and spurred me to complete it, been coming up with ideas (and doing some writing since). :-D
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Ya know, I've been feeling the same exact way recently. I mean, I understand that people have their set of genre that they stick to when it comes to reading, or certain stories they'll read, but I have also felt like I lost readers or whatever. I think part of it is because for most of my stories that people used to review on, I kinda left it lingering or whatever, and by the time I finally update it, people have either lost interest and totally forgot what my story was about, lol. Another part is I feel like people are just not into the genres that I prefer writing. It seems like romance is being a dominant genre... well, maybe it's always been that way, but that's just how I feel. But then again, I read through my work and wonder maybe it's just not good enough, maybe people don't like the way I write or whatever.
Authors truly do thrive on reviews, and when you hardly get any it is kind of a downer, but I don't think it should stop you from writing or make you second guess your talent. Although I don't have as much readers as I used to and the reviews that come in are either from the same people or whatever, I continue writing because it's something I enjoy doing. I must admit, I have never read your stories before, but I think all the authors on AC are talented in their own way and if writing is something you enjoy doing, then keep doing it. Feedback and criticism is always wanted so you can improve or edit or whatever, but... well, it's kinda hard to get across what I'm saying, because you make sense with people not leaving reviews and how that makes you not want to write anymore, but... I just think you shouldn't stop writing. Romance is sooo not my genre, I'm more of a suspense/drama/thriller/action (sometimes comedy and supernatural) kind of person, but I didn't think people were interested in those genres or whatever, so I decided to give romance a little try, and decided that I sucked, lol. So, I'm just gonna stick to what I'm good at. If you feel that you're good in writing, then you stick to it girl!! :)
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I don't really ever get feedback a lot, and I feel like along the way I relearned to love my stories like I originally did and I finished them for that.
You have to always remember that there is always one person who loves what youre writing, and that's you. :)
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There have been times when I had written a story and gotten no reviews, I would take it down and start on another story. Now I don't do that anymore. I try to stick to what I writing and stuff. But I think my writers funks been out of true laziness. But I'm getting back on that horse and writing again.
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Awww...you're so sweet :) If you want to read one of my stories...heck, there is a whole list of them...lol.... 30 or something. I'll let you pick which one...and if there is one of yours you would like me to read and give opinion, just let me know. I'd be more than happy to read.
Please do! I could use some good constructive critisism. lol, *whispers* I'm not the best writter but we'll keep that between us.
So far, from what I have read, I really enjoy your writting style! :D I am planning to read more!
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I know how you feel in the giving up writing, although we write for ourselves, it's always nice to know that there are others that like what we write. I have been feeling the same exact way, I was soooo happy that for the first time in like ten years of writing I finished two stories and I posted the endings and got nothing...no it sucks...no I like...but I was happy for myself for finishing them. I guess there is always one person who sticks to reading your stories though...so don't give up. I know you have popular stories, imagine me that I have eee...stories. Now I just write because I'm in the mood and try not to worry about reviews even though it sucks when you don't get them.
Sometimes I wonder if the BSB mojo is slipping away from people. My best friend is the same way we've been working on "NEVER GONE" together for almost seven years, and she has lost all writing interest ever since she read the AJ book, she kinda dislikes the boys...now I'm stuck with the story cause she can't get into it. So I'm just wondering if maybe others feel the same way...like BSB isn't in everyones interest anymore :'(. OH MY GOD did I make sense? probably not!
Sorry to ask a question on your thread, but does anyone know what I should do to get her interested again, she says maybe going to a concert will do the trick but who knows.
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That is a good question. I blame Kevin lol since he left I haven't sensed the bond between them that I used to which always made it easy for me to write about. I love them all dearly still but writing wise, it's gotten harder for me AND reading wise forget about it all together because to me, the most important relationship in the group was Nick and Kevin.
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I know how you feel in the giving up writing, although we write for ourselves, it's always nice to know that there are others that like what we write. I have been feeling the same exact way, I was soooo happy that for the first time in like ten years of writing I finished two stories and I posted the endings and got nothing...no it sucks...no I like...but I was happy for myself for finishing them. I guess there is always one person who sticks to reading your stories though...so don't give up. I know you have popular stories, imagine me that I have eee...stories. Now I just write because I'm in the mood and try not to worry about reviews even though it sucks when you don't get them.
Sometimes I wonder if the BSB mojo is slipping away from people. My best friend is the same way we've been working on "NEVER GONE" together for almost seven years, and she has lost all writing interest ever since she read the AJ book, she kinda dislikes the boys...now I'm stuck with the story cause she can't get into it. So I'm just wondering if maybe others feel the same way...like BSB isn't in everyones interest anymore :'(. OH MY GOD did I make sense? probably not!
Sorry to ask a question on your thread, but does anyone know what I should do to get her interested again, she says maybe going to a concert will do the trick but who knows.
like you know that I am addicted to All You Wanted. lol. BTW...is there an update in the future because I am anxiously awaiting! lol.
as for miss Ashley...I have enjoyed your writting so far and am planning to read more of your stories ;) YAY for good writters!
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Well, I'm still in the game..... Maybe its because I have too much time on my hands?
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Just write for yourself! I too have gotten bummed when I get a low amount of reviews & stuff. The cool thing is that you can look at your account and actually see how many hits you're getting on a specific story. I would be nice if every hit also had a review...
I'm a lazy reviewer. I often don't review after I read something unless I'm truly into a story, etc. I guess I reap what I sew...
Just do it for yourself. There are people out their reading your stories, just because you don't get feedback on something you're proud of, don't give up on writing! God knows we've all been there! :)
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Lately, I have been in such a writers funk that its not even funny any longer. I've started another new story...a sequel to an older one, actually, and have been working on Shades of Blue and trying to finish Not So Bad. The thing is, over the past few weeks...or even months, I feel as if I should just give up on writing. My good friends tell me that I have a talent and am a great writer, which is great...except for the fact that I dont know if they are telling the truth or are just biased.
I get so excited when I start a new story, but the lack of interest from readers kills that excitement. I mean, I've asked for constructive critisism, feedback, everything...a nd its SO true that writers thrive on feedback. The seeming lack-there-of lately and seeming lack of interest all together has me feeling that I should just quit completely on everything I have been working on.
With Not So Bad, everybody wanted Michael to get a heart and get along with his dying father (Kevin)...but now that Michael actually is being nice and growing a human heart in the final chapters, it seems nobody cares to read. Sure, his temper was drama , but I planned all along for him to slowly grow morals.
As for the newer ones, Shades of Blue had a great start, but now it seems again...nobody cares. As for Between Breaths...well, only one chapter is out and a few are written....and yes, I was excited for it...but when only one person on here (two...but dancinpacer is the friend who I dont know is just biased or not) is reading it, I dont know if spending 10 hours writing a chapter is even worth it. Again...the lack of shown interest just kills all motivation I have for continuing on with anything.
Affliction...a nother one I feel like just giving up on. Its an original fic, so nobody really has an interest in those, which I understand beings this site is mainly focused around BSB. But it is one that I would really like to see if I can get published, and feedback/constructive criticism would be amazing for me...especiall y with this fic.
I guess I am just frustrated and needing to vent. I'm sitting here near tears, trying to write something, but just feel it is hopeless. I don't know what to do anymore, because I love to write and want to write...but this lack of motivation and lack of interest lately is just killing all creativity I have left inside of me .
:(
Well hon have no fear. I think it happens to ALL of us. I know I've had quite a dryspell with writing as of late. It may just be a natural ebb and flow in your own writing. Try taking a break for a couple days (not long I know but sometimes that short break helps a ton!) and then come back to your stories and reread the last chapters and take a look at your reviews you've gotten for them. Readers have this really great tendency of lifting your spirits when you're down about your own creativity and flair. Oh and stay positive even the most seasoned of writers and the most famous writers can get stuck from time to time.
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Teri said exactly what I was going to say. Take a look at the last few chappies you have written and that can often give you the spark that you need to get back into the writing flow. My dry spell with my writing lately has felt more like a drought with no rain in sight. But I haven't given up and I don't see myself giving up, no matter how frustrated I may get that I can't crank out even a single chapter lately. Though I did manage to crank out half a sentence for the next chappie of ITNC the other day. I am utterly determined to finish ITNC. So don't fear your writing block. I have faith in you and know you can plow right through it like you have done before. Besides, you got me as your little cheering squad on the sidelines cheering you on and everyone else on this forum and the AC site. I dunno about you, but I think that's a pretty big cheer squad!
Go Ashie! Go Ashie! Go go go ASHIE! :)
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did someone say..."cheer squad"? *does back handspring*
WOOOHOOOOO! *does toe touch* Give me an 'A'...
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like you know that I am addicted to All You Wanted. lol. BTW...is there an update in the future because I am anxiously awaiting! lol.
An update is in the works, just slow right now, THANKS!!
That is a good question. I blame Kevin lol since he left I haven't sensed the bond between them that I used to which always made it easy for me to write about.
Your so right Mare about the bonding thing, and it's just plain weird not to see him there or hear him. But it's odd, for Kevin being my favorite, I've written more stories about the other guys...since he's been gone.. *sigh* KEVIN!!! I miss him though!!
did someone say..."cheer squad"? *does back handspring*
WOOOHOOOOO! *does toe touch* Give me an 'A'...
Oh my god you have no idea how much you crack me up. You must be like super hyper!! LOL!!
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An update is in the works, just slow right now, THANKS!!
YAY! I am so excited! I loooooove that story. Maybe it is in large part because AJ is a construction man, lol. tan, sweaty, and all sexy like. *sigh* Seriously though, it's a good story.
Oh my god you have no idea how much you crack me up. You must be like super hyper!! LOL!!
I know I crack you up, lol. You have mentioned that in your response to the reviews I have left you. :P My mission in life is to crack people up! You also said I was twisted! :o lmao. and the funny thing is that the story has gotten a lot more twisted since you said that. ;D
anyways, I do have a bit of a hyper personality... my daughter appreciates that very much! ;)
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I always seem to get into writer funks if it's a story I started on my own and don't have a co-writer to cheer me along. I am a ridiculously hard critic of my writing and I think that's why most of the time I go into a writer funk. Not getting much or any reviews for a new chapter can be frustrating, but I do know that a few of my readers are struggling through exams, finals, etc. so I try not to be frustrated at THEM. I always start little stories, post them on AC... and then, people will just leave reviews, asking for more. But... I can't give them more, because the idea is lost somewhere in my conscious... or subconscious.. . whichever one! All I know is I can't find it! LOL.
Ash, I know it's hard and frustrating to deal with, but Not So Bad and your other stories are fabulously written and you will be able to work on them all with a clear mind soon! Don't worry, okay?
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I always seem to get into writer funks if it's a story I started on my own and don't have a co-writer to cheer me along.
Exactly Steph. Then you start arguing with yourself, "Well maybe I should find a co-writer to help me finish the story", but you are so determined to finish the story on your own since you started it by yourself, that you just don't want to succomb to the "defeat" (probably not the right word to use) of giving up on yourself by getting a co-writer to help finish the story.
As the self appointed captain of the "Go Ashie!" cheering squad, I refuse to let you give up Ashie! Besides, I kinda like this whole cheering thing! Heh... ;D
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As the self appointed captain of the "Go Ashie!" cheering squad, I refuse to let you give up Ashie! Besides, I kinda like this whole cheering thing! Heh... ;D
ready? OK! ;D
Strawberry shortcake,
Banana split!
We think Ashie is the...
Shift to the left,
Shift to the right!
Stand up
Sit down
WRITE WRITE WRITE!!!!!
WOOOOOOOOOOO! GO ASHLEY!! *does a cartwheel, followed by the spilts*
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ready? OK! ;D
Strawberry shortcake,
Banana split!
We think Ashie is the...
Shift to the left,
Shift to the right!
Stand up
Sit down
WRITE WRITE WRITE!!!!!
WOOOOOOOOOOO! GO ASHLEY!! *does a cartwheel, followed by the spilts*
*raises eyebrows* I am contemplating two choices: Being scared or laughing my ass off.
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Exactly Steph. Then you start arguing with yourself, "Well maybe I should find a co-writer to help me finish the story", but you are so determined to finish the story on your own since you started it by yourself, that you just don't want to succomb to the "defeat" (probably not the right word to use) of giving up on yourself by getting a co-writer to help finish the story.
That's what happens to me as well. I don't know what to call it, because you're right. It's not defeat, but... yeah. I know what you mean!!
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*raises eyebrows* I am contemplating two choices: Being scared or laughing my ass off.
I'd go with the latter, but that's just me...
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*raises eyebrows* I am contemplating two choices: Being scared or laughing my ass off.
:D It's okay, I scare myself sometimes! lol.
but I hope you decide to go with the latter...it's more fun that way. ;)
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ready? OK! ;D
Strawberry shortcake,
Banana split!
We think Ashie is the...
Shift to the left,
Shift to the right!
Stand up
Sit down
WRITE WRITE WRITE!!!!!
WOOOOOOOOOOO! GO ASHLEY!! *does a cartwheel, followed by the spilts*
lmao... that was totally cute. It definitely made me smile. :) I actually finished a chapter and posted today. It was an older story...but its something? lol
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I guess I will go with the laughing my ass off, as that is what the public wants. :D
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ready? OK! ;D
Strawberry shortcake,
Banana split!
We think Ashie is the...
Shift to the left,
Shift to the right!
Stand up
Sit down
WRITE WRITE WRITE!!!!!
WOOOOOOOOOOO! GO ASHLEY!! *does a cartwheel, followed by the spilts*
LMFAO!! You are too much!! :P
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LMFAO!! You are too much!! :P
why, thank you...I try ;D