Apr
20th
2020
Am I just a bad writer? · 3:41pm Apr 20th, 2020
I don't know...
I just don't know anymore.
Is anything I do good?
Writing has always been comforting to me, and yes I struggle with grammar, but I don't know how to get better, they say keep writing keep trying, but I've been writing most of my life, and I'm still struggling.
Probably not going to be very active while I deal with this. I'm sorry. I wish I was stronger, I wish I could be better.
Writing saved my life when no one was there for me. It feels heartbreaking to constantly hear the same things.
I see no real issues with hour style. I get what you say. O 0
I have the same issue I doubt myself alot on my projects but i keep going..
You are a good writer
I haven't read your works (reading is very difficult for me) but some of what you do interests me or I wouldn't have followed you. That said, you write stories with good ratios, they're just not super popular yet. All signs point to you being a good writer.
It can be hard to break out as an artist. Writing something with an unusual concept that really grabs ponies' attention can help you get featured, but being featured or popular is not a good indicator of a story's quality. It also helps to publish your story on Monday or Tuesday around early afternoon, and make sure you tag all relevant and general groups (especially fetish and character-based groups).
I don't think you should sweat it, though. Like I said, everything I've seen suggests you're quality. Maybe ask a reviewer like PresentPerfect or PaulAsaran if they can review one of your best stories to get good feedback and exposure.
I wouldn't say so.
Everyone has their own problems and focus and it won't resonate well with everyone. But I'd say you've got more than a few people who enjoy your work.
Grammar is something editors and prereaders can help fix. What matters are ideas and storytelling, imagination, and those are things you're good at.
Best to take a step back from it all I say. Give yourself some freedom from writing and then when you feel refreshed, come back.
How can you be a bad writer, when you have been creating a masterpiece with that Alicorn Derpy story? No more doubts and no rush, okay?
Hey, everybody needs a little ego-petting once in a while. Two things to keep in mind that apply to everybody.
1. You're a better author than you were once.
2. You're going to be a better author than you are now.
And a third thing that directly applies to you
You're AWESOME. (So that means you're going from awesome to awesome-er, which is a lot harder to tell progress against than going from terrible to pretty good, like I did.)
I agree with the others here, Nailah, you are a great writer! Sure grammar may not be your strongest point, and that is okay. That is what editors are for. What you do have is imagination and heart. You have some very creative stories that I just love and enjoy reading.
Sometimes we all need a breather though, to focus on ourselves and making things better overall. Take what time you need and get feeling better. We;ll all still be here for you. Also remember, if you need someone to talk to I'm over on Discord and ready for a good chat. ^.^
I think your a very good writer. I'm the first to admit I'm lousy when it comes to grammar. but I don't let it stop me. I have an awesome editor who helps me along, and I have been getting a little better. even with how well my story has been coming along I still worry ponies aren't going to enjoy the next chapter I write. but it thrills me when i see those thumbs up and kinds comments. I'm even excited to see that your going to be the one reviewing my story. so please don't doubt yourself too much. you have a fan-base and i'm proud to be one of them
While I don't necessarily battle these very issues you do, I have come to the point where I can look back on my stories and definitely see where I can improve and where things are fine the way they are. I'm not trying to say I'm some immaculate writer because I'm not, but I won't put down my own writing because of a few issues.
You should not feel discouraged because you struggle with grammar, everyone will struggle with grammar, that's where editors come in as they may have the ability to spot out grammatical errors within your writing. And you don't have to request aid from this sight, simply requesting family, friends, or even a coworker to proofread your work can pave the way to becoming a better writer. I know this may seem moot since I don't have an editor, but that's mainly because I'm somebody who mostly writes from the seat of my pants in short burst of inspiration. But that's me, not you.
And on the flip side, if you ever need help conversing with issues, my PM's are always open and I'm more than willing to toss a couple of story ideas around with you if you want. Just say the word and I'll provide to the best of my abilities.
huggles
Sorry to hear that you are struggling with your writing. I know how frustrating it can be to feel like you aren't improving and have dealt with similar issues a long time.
The way I have handled what I see as a lack of improvement in my writing over many years is to set a challenge to myself with everything I write. Sadly, I have forgotten a lot of what my past challenges were. The one which I gave myself for joining this site was to write as much as possible in first person as I usually write in third person. It has been a helpful challenge. Another was to write an entire manuscript set in a single location, a village in that case as I had my stories wandering too much at that time.
My current challenge is getting me to write more gender diverse characters. I can only hope I do them all justice.
Doesn't matter how big or small the challenge is, it just makes sure to focus you on one thing to improve at a time. Once you achieve the challenge, it becomes a part of your skill and you can then set a new one.
Also, don't worry too much about grammar. My schooling badly failed me in that department. I work with what sounds right in my head and it usually ends up being right. Words to me are like music and you can hear when the tone and pitch are off.
Hope that helps in some way.
Eh? Most of your stories seem to be doing quite well.
No way, Nailah, you aren't a bad writer; and I should know, with the number of bad fics I've reviewed
It might feel like you're stuck at your current skill level, but don't doubt that you're improving. It's just much harder to improve noticeably the better you get at something. It's relatively easier to get from absolutely terrible at writing to pretty okay, for example -- if you've any doubt of that, just take a look at a few of your older stories. This problem's something every artist has to deal with, at some point.
Now, for more substantial advice: the way to get better at writing isn't to write. It's to read and write. Bonus points if you take the time to analyse what you're reading, and why it's good or bad, and how you can apply that to your stories. Though if you don't have the time to do that, or find it a little difficult, there's always the option of looking for what other people have said about the story
Bottom line is, don't get too beat up about it! If you're getting exhausted from all this, feel free to just take a long break from it or something. We're all just writing about ponies here, in the end. It's not life-or-death
No.
Yes
I can possibly help with that
Let's talk about it sometime
As long as you have fun writing, be proud of what you write!
I know I'm nowhere near a decent writer, but I keep going because it brings me happiness.
Hope you find the same.