Well, ok then · 4:20pm Mar 28th, 2014
Well, first blog post. First time I've really had much to say about my own work on this site.
I've gathered that there's a little bit of interest on Despondence, so I guess now I actually have to pony up another chapter. Problem is, everything I write looks like garbage to me. Not like, for this chapter, that's in general. So I'm stressing out a teensy bit about disappointing in my estimation a LOT of people.
As of right now, it sits at just shy of 7000 words, and it's as raw as the carrot you just pulled out of Golden Harvest's garden. I actually like some of it, but about a third of it makes me almost literally ill when I think that someone else might actually read it. Especially the last section. I just can't write a certain character. Her dealing with any kind of adult matter in a serious manner just feels... Wrong. Well, that just gave me an idea actually, but yeah. As it stands, I'm working the next two days, so my time to work on rewriting and editing the chapter will be limited. I can estimate a release early next week, say, Monday or Tuesday.
Beyond giving you all an update, I'm also thinking about getting someone to take a look at it before it's off to the presses. So I thought I'd see if any of you wanted to give it a whirl. If two or three people think they might want to spoiler themselves to give me some advice, I'd be really grateful. If any of you DO think you'd be up for it, I'll say right now that you can be as harsh as you want, as long as it's constructive. Telling me something I know is bad is bad won't hurt my feelings. =P
So, I guess that's it. Y'all have a good day now, y'hear?
I can definitely help if you would like.
Just ask for what you need help with and I will see what I can do.
I'll edit for you... The three other people I'm working with ain't been up to much lately.
Also, every author thinks their stuff is terrible. Even if it isn't. Even if the writing wasn't Shakespeare-level quality in terms of verbiage and rhythm, the reason we liked Despondence (At least, the reason I did) is because of the way that I can imagine everything you say in that chapter happening.
Cheers.
Popularity is not a strong indicator of quality. If your writing looks like crap to you, you can actually submit your writing to critic groups that'll tell you what's wrong and how to fix it. I've felt the same way about a lot of my writing before, and I've actually managed to mostly overcome that feeling through seeking out experienced critics who give actionable advice. It helped me, but I'm not sure the nature of your feelings on 'garbage'. If you like, I can direct you to a group that helped me a lot.
if you need/want a prereader, let me know. i'm great for idea generating as well. private message me if you're interested
1962214 However, it is one of the few indicators many writers here even have.
So using your judgement is key.
Here's the thing. You need to distinguish whether or not your product is actually garbage, or if you're simply second guessing yourself. Example: my last story I wrote, by the time I was done with it and ready to publish, I had a lot of second thoughts about it. A lot. I was about ready to give up and just not publish it at all, when a tiny little voice in the back of my head told me: You're second-guessing yourself, Red... Sure enough, published it and the readers raved.
More likely than not, that is the case. And it's just fine and dandy, perfectly normal for you to doubt yourself. That's just your brain trying to make your work as good as it can be. Of course, getting a second opinion might help. In my example, however, it actually hurt. A couple friends that I had read it said it was 'meh.' Said it needed more narration, more description, the dialog was plain, needed more story, blah blah. Turns out, the commenters mostly commended me on doing all of those exact things right, completely the opposite of what the first people who read it said. I suppose that's them being in 'critic-mode' and not in 'casual-reader mode.'
My point is, that in the end, it's still going to be up to you, and you ALONE, whether or not it's up to snuff. And make it up to your own standards, not someone else's, because frankly, you did it right the first time.
Also, when I'm writing, and there's a section that I just don't like, and can't seem to fix it, you know what I do? Delete it. 9 out of 10 times, any section can be cut completely and summed up in 2 sentences in the narration. Just remember that omission is a valid option.
Hope I helped.
When you wrote Despondence, you didn't expect it to be as popular as it was. Ignore the expectations of popularity, and write like you did back then. There's no suddenly raised bar just because you got popular; you got popular because readers liked what you wrote, and they'll like what you write next, too, for the same reason. Sure, over time your writing will get even better, but that's a natural thing, not something you have to force. There's no need to suddenly change yourself when people followed you for what you've already shown.
upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/17/Towelday-Innsbruck.jpg
And if you're having trouble writing a pony taking adult matters in a "serious manner", then ditch the serious manner. Sometimes things don't need serious; there's a fine line between acting silly and observing that taking something seriously would be silly, and sometimes folks need a refreshing dose of the latter.
Also, I'd be happy to be a pre-reader. I've pre-read for several stories, including Between Day and Night and 30 Days of Temptation.
With the first chapter being as good as it was, I get the feeling that creativity and skill will still be on the forefront of this next chapter, regardless of any doubts or hesitations you may have.
And although you don't need it, best of luck to you!
I can understand what you're going through, as I have experienced it myself. I always have second thoughts about any of my work, which is why I don't post most of it.
That aside, if you need any beta-readers, or editors, I am willing to help.
~Lonelydarkness
Bro...
Just do it2.bp.blogspot.com/-_zed3zsLtkc/URgON8K1lZI/AAAAAAAAQds/pNLfDo1yva4/s1600/Nike+Logo.jpg