| Author |
Message |
    
Pacwriter
Unity Member
Post Number:
1965
Registered: 04-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 31, 2005 - 02:22 pm: |   |
I've noticed several writers comment on their lack of interest in writing. I'm wondering if the reason is :
(a) the difficulty of getting Books published (by a paying publisher)
(b) lack of creativity
(c) other life concerns
Banging your head against an invisible wall does cause one to lose enthusiasm.
http://www.perrycomer.com
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Claudia Turner VanLydegraf
Mindsight Moderator
Post Number:
2125
Registered: 06-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 31, 2005 - 07:07 pm: | |
A and C are my problems or reasons. it just sort of seems fruitless and a waste of my precious, otherewise profitable and more enjoyable, time. I just always seem to have too much to do in too little time to waste it doing something that seems it won't get anywhere anyway.
Speaking of things I want to do, I am trying to build railroad and disentigrated/destroyed town museum, anyone want to get involved? It will have a few (6-8) old, made new and beautiful, cars that will be made into honeymoon suites; ala Vanderbilt and Pullman victorian finery and an original depot made into a wedding chapel and first class dinner house and maybe the original steam Baldwin 4-6-0 engine circa 1885, thta ran out here and the railroad was/is a family heritage, built by my great-grandfather.
Claudia
MINDSIGHT MODERATOR
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Gloria Marlow
Unity Member
Post Number:
1504
Registered: 04-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 31, 2005 - 07:39 pm: | |
It all seems so totally useless in the grand scheme of things. Not that I'm not writing, but I keep thinking "why?"
Gloria
The Butterfly Game
Flowers for Megan
Shades of Silence (coming soon)
|
Mike Manno
Awareness Member
Post Number:
45
Registered: 11-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 31, 2005 - 10:27 pm: | |
Perry,
C, but I poisoned her.
Mike |
Todd Hunter
Mindsight Moderator
Post Number:
2466
Registered: 02-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 01, 2005 - 05:17 am: | |
c)
and
d) can't figure out why I keep writing
(Thanks to Gloria for adding that one)
Mindsight Moderator
Check out Who Needs a Hero?
|
Pacwriter
Unity Member
Post Number:
1966
Registered: 04-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 01, 2005 - 05:33 am: | |
As they say, "Writers write"
It has to do with hoping to one day put down something of quality and lasting someone will read.
why do people stop writing -- perhaps -- it is the frustration of not creating the quality.
http://www.perrycomer.com
|
Bill Nelson
Unity Member
Post Number:
1149
Registered: 10-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 01, 2005 - 11:22 am: | |
In many cases, it's PA's fault! How's that for rationalization?
Had they not bought anything sent to them, some wannabes would have quit a long time ago.
Getting published made them think they were really authors.
I share everyone's frustration in the head banging, but I'm going to keep writing because I do it all the time regardless.The process of getting it on paper in an acceptable manner is the hard part.
Bill Nelson
RISEN, ISBN 1-93301616-4
Behler Publications |
LaurieAnne
Unity Member
Post Number:
1942
Registered: 12-2001
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 01, 2005 - 11:46 am: | |
I will write no matter what. For me, beyond the satisfaction of having my mother cry when she finishes reading one of my tales, or having my sister fall of the chair laughing so hard she nearly wets herself, or hearing a friend gasp in shock at just how horrible people can treat each other...beyond all of that, I don't sleep much. When I do, I have some of the scariest, imaginative dreams. If I don't write them down, they continue to haunt me, night after night, after exhausting night.
Therefore, (b) is not an issue for me. We already know that (a) is not an issue--except that I'm not too sure I would actually remember to write myself a royalty check every quarter. LOL. Now (c)---that's a biggie right there. Day jobs, sports, kids, finances, horses, pets, husband, editing, marketing, designs, calls, ... the life thing can seriously get in the way. And it isn't always feasible to say: I'm locking myself to my computer for an hour each night. To do that, I would have to sleep even less than what I already do.
Yet, going beyond all of that, I've been a writer since I learned how to spell my own name. I've never been in it for the money, that's just a nice bonus. I write because I really don't know how to NOT write.
I have thought about giving it up. But again, I don't really know HOW to quit anything. I can't wash half a table. I can't empty just one garbage can. (Yes, I know, if I traveled, you would all like to invite me over for dinner. LOL) I've lost enthusiasm before and taken time away, but I'm one of those crazy/stupid people who refuse to give up on anything. I went for 2 years without writing...it wasn't pretty.
What would make me stop writing? My own death would be the only way to stop me.
LA
OPEN SUBMISSIONS: Random Acts of Kindness
Available now:
THE BUTTERFLY GAME, Gloria Davidson Marlow ISBN 0-9722385-4-9 |
Laurel Johnson
Unity Member
Post Number:
3907
Registered: 01-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 01, 2005 - 12:24 pm: | |
Well......I just ran out of steam and am biding time until my second wind kicks in. Fiction is especially difficult for me, that's why I have only one fiction book published. Maybe if I had a wireless laptop that didn't make it necessary to sit in one spot in front of the computer in a chair all day that would make a difference.
I still write, but have moved to poetry and short stories for awhile.
As for your project, Claudia, sounds interesting and unique. But I'm not much of a handyman or fix it person. And can't imagine working at such labor in the Nevada desert in summer. I'm a woosie.
Laurel Johnson
Author: The Grass Dance
The Alley of Wishes
Color of Laughter, Color of Tears
|
Harry Simenon
Wisdom Member
Post Number:
666
Registered: 10-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 01, 2005 - 01:27 pm: | |
Love to write, published or not. But published would be much nicer.
I still manage to write at least one evening a week. Not much, but it is something. |
Harry Simenon
Wisdom Member
Post Number:
667
Registered: 10-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 01, 2005 - 01:33 pm: | |
Love to write, published or not. But published would be much nicer.
I still manage to write at least one evening a week. Not much, but it is something. |
Harry Simenon
Wisdom Member
Post Number:
668
Registered: 10-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 01, 2005 - 01:35 pm: | |
I love to write so much that I even post double.
I got distracted, looked something up and then forgot I already posted. AAADD? |
Gloria Marlow
Unity Member
Post Number:
1505
Registered: 04-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, June 01, 2005 - 02:54 pm: | |
Really and truly, I can't quit writing. I loose my oomph sometimes and I get sidetracked, but I've been writing since I was a kid. I wrote things then that never were anything but a scene that has never turned into anything. Some of them I still have or still remember and one day I may find the place for them. I write little bits and pieces on everything. Receipts in my purse have scenes or dialogue or notes written on them.
I haven't actually finished a book in a while and that is very discouraging for me, but I am working on it. Of course, I don't know which of three I'm diligently working on it will be.
I think my computer needs to be moved back to the living room or dining room where it used to be. Then, I could write without feeling like I was missing everything in the house. Now, it's in the bedroom and I feel that I'm ignoring the kids just to write. And that leads to guilt. My husband says my desk stays too messy to have it out where everyone can see it, though. It isn't always messy, but I have a tendency to spread a lot of stuff out and work on it all at one time.
I got this great new job as a courier and I am alone in a car for long stretches of time. Talk about creative time!
Anyway, enough from me. I have a lot of nervous energy going on right now. Judging from my above post, I am now on the flip side of that mood.
The Butterfly Game
Flowers for Megan
Shades of Silence (coming soon)
|
Frederick A. Babb
Hsympothai Member
Post Number:
363
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 12:18 am: | |
It seems as if life does more to disillusion writers than support them. For every grand moment of success there seems to be a million of disappointments that freely prance into our lives.
First, you have the publishers who want to control the market and force new authors to fall into the ranks of Maryland publishers. Once there, the illusion evaporates quicker than an icecube in the Arizona summer heat.
Second, hardly anyone can give up their day job to fully concentrate on writing. While the dream of writing is a romantic vision to many, the reality of paying bills limits that dream to an occasional escape from reality.
Finally, how many times do we need to be kicked down by friends, critics and complete strangers before we suddenly think, "Why?" like Gloria so greatly pointed out.
So, reality stacks the desire to write against us. It is only determination and hanging on to our dreams that prevents unconditional surrender.
Preview books: http://www.frederickbabb.bravehost.com |
Stacy Anderson
Wandering Member
Post Number:
145
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 12:07 pm: | |
I can't believe all of this. I hate seeing this from you guys. You all are talented and know you are. You're always so positive. That's why I like this board. I know some of you have had very bad situations with writing but most authors have no matter who they are published for. I started young at nineteen. I made a big mistake of going with a subsidy publisher strictly because I didn't know any better. But I kept going because writing is the only thing that makes me happy. I couldn't give it up. Then in 2003 I landed a traditional contract and now I'm appreciative at least. I'm twenty-seven now. Am I worry-free? No. I don't think any author is so confident that they sit back with no worries. It kind of scares me to see you guys lose your hope because it's important for authors to be positive for one another. Then again, I can put myself in your shoes...
I can understand that it is a different situation between me and some of you. A lot of you are a little older than me and have families, kids and long-time jobs outside of writing. I can see how you would have to sit down and rethink what you're doing in your lives. Once you get a family and kids you no longer have to just think of you. I have that privilege and I realize some of you don't. You have to think for tons of people that are included in your life. I can understand how a royalty check could help a single woman like me but not do diddly for some of you with families to support. I truly do understand that.
Of course no one can tell you what to do. But for those who lost hope, sit down and weigh the pros and cons. If you really aren't happy with writing and the process, maybe you could take a break if that's the right solution for you. If writing is depressing you more than making you feel good then it may not be what you need. Like I said, writing makes me happy. It made me happy even before I landed a good publisher. I guess because I didn't have anything in my life to make me happy before, as pathetic as that sounds. I was born feeling worthless. Writing makes me feel like I have a purpose. The rest of you may have bigger purposes in other things you're doing.
For the record, I believe in you all. And I want you to do what fits your life and makes you happy. No one needs to be depressed in this world. I've lived my entire life like that. It's nothing be proud of. But for those who are sick of it just because PA or other things, don't let them drag you down. If so you are giving them power that they shouldn't have. Yes writing is hard. Yes it does seem like you won't ever get anywhere because people are shutting doors in writers' faces at every turn. But if it's truly what you want to do, I say do it. I think some of you may just need a little break.
Excuse the long post but it saddened me to read how down some of you are after always being so uplifting. Don't lose that fire, you guys.
With Love,
Stacy
http://www.stacy-deanne.net |
Frederick A. Babb
Hsympothai Member
Post Number:
364
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 02:28 pm: | |
So, does that mean the foot massage is one Stacy? LOL
I hear what you are saying, and it is understood. Never loosing focus is the key to success, but reality always seems to work against the up and coming in any career, not just writing. I am sure that everyone is entitled to wonder, at sometime in their career, if they are really doing the right thing.
So, take Stacy's pep talk and let's get those fingers flying across the keyboard.
Preview books: http://www.frederickbabb.bravehost.com |
Tom Elkins
Hunger Member
Post Number:
98
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 06:44 pm: | |
Perhaps I can add another perspective. I am 74 years old. My first paying writing job came at age 20, working summer relief for the Kinston Daily Free Press (North Carolina). Thereafter, during the school year, I was employed by the Wabash College News Bureau...another writing job. My first job immediately out of college (1953) was writing commercials for a radio/TV operation in Peoria. Shortly thereafter I was hired as a newsman in Fort Wayne, and later Davenport. In 1960 I bought a radio station, continued to write news, and branched out into editorials. In the 1980's my editorials won several national awards, and I contracted with the Voice of America to do commentary. I retired in 1991, but I continued to write.
I am obviously not following a "dream", nor do I delude myself that I am seeking "success". I continue to write because it is something I do well, and it is something I can continue to do at my advanced age. My golf game has gone to hell...my two artificial hips rule out anything more strenuous...fishing is fun, but not all the time.
I could teach, but experience has taught me that those who need it most don't want it.
But to get back to the point...from the beginning, my "day job" was writing. I recommend it. You learn to write by writing.
te
Tom Elkins
NORTH of TEXAS |
Todd Hunter
Mindsight Moderator
Post Number:
2478
Registered: 02-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 07:27 pm: | |
I've loved airplanes (3rd grade) longer than I wanted to write stories (5th grade)...
Thus, my career choice...
Mindsight Moderator
Check out Who Needs a Hero?
|
Laurel Johnson
Unity Member
Post Number:
3912
Registered: 01-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 07:34 pm: | |
I'm not depressed with writing, and haven't lost interest in it. My interest has branched off into other directions.
For example, I consider writing reviews a creative process, and I certainly write a lot of reviews.
Laurel Johnson
Author: The Grass Dance
The Alley of Wishes
Color of Laughter, Color of Tears
|
F.E. Mazur
Hunger Member
Post Number:
99
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 07:41 pm: | |
There's an old saying: "If at one-hundred-fiftieth you don't succeed, try, try again." |
Stacy Anderson
Wandering Member
Post Number:
146
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 02, 2005 - 11:22 pm: | |
Bring the massage on, Fred. And remember to be gentle. 
Stacy
http://www.stacy-deanne.net |
Mary Erickson
Wandering Member
Post Number:
198
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, June 03, 2005 - 11:56 am: | |
And you're very good at writing reviews, Laurel. I find I can't stop writing. That's all I want to do. Of course, the laundry piles up, the dishwasher is overflowing, the kids are running wild in the street, (Oh, that's right, the kids are grown. Must be the neighbor's kids) the weeds are six feet tall. We're telling people they're trees but don't think they're buying it. The marketing is what's hard for me. I wish I could just sit and write and let someone else take care of all that. In case Lynn reads this, I know we have someone to line of the signings, but I want someone to go do the signings for me, also. I know I'm dreaming.
www.merickson.org
www.behlerpublications.com |
Joyce Scarbrough
Wisdom Member
Post Number:
591
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, June 04, 2005 - 01:28 pm: | |
I just saw this. I've been busy writing every free second I get on my latest book and editing for Champagne, so I don't get to check the boards that often anymore.
What was the question again?
Toyce
True Blue Forever
Read the first chapter at http://www.authorsden.com/joycelscarbrough1
Read two chapters of Different Roads at http://www.authorsden.com/visit/mtr.asp?id=7737&loc=ShortStory
Pour yourself a glass of bubbly and check out Champagne Books http://www.champagnebooks.com
Our children have only one childhood, so do whatever it takes to make it happy! |
Steven Shrewsbury
Unity Member
Post Number:
1265
Registered: 04-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, June 04, 2005 - 02:33 pm: | |
Man, I never lose interest! I write alot, sometimes, I get it right.
Oh, I get bitch slapped every so often.
It happens.
I try again.
And Again.
I bust my ass with work, family, new baby, etc, to make it all work. But that creative rush, the FLOW of when it hits, can't be beat.
www.stevenshrewsbury.com
GODFORSAKEN
Behler Publications |
cora morace
Wandering Member
Post Number:
126
Registered: 11-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, June 04, 2005 - 03:22 pm: | |
I'm with Shrews....I get the blahs for a minute or two before it hits me what a great piece writing out the feeling would make...Ever since I sat down at the**** puter four years ago and started writing it has been like being possessed. I even dream in monitor framed sentences and I have more characters running around in my head than Mardi Gras in N. O.!! This either a wonderful dementia or extraordinary inspiration, either way, it'll do for now.
Write On,
CJ |
D.R. Bennett
Hsympothai Member
Post Number:
318
Registered: 05-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 20, 2005 - 01:00 am: | |
A low self-esteem, depression & anxiety may cause a writer
to just quit writing, at least for a while.
A Dark Night of the Soul can also contribute to it.~
http://ww.angelfire.com/goth2/drbennett/metaphysical.html
~ You were born Enlightened ~ |
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