I've read a lot of blog posts of bloggers beginning to write, whether that would be short stories, books, poems etc. I've always admired these people, because I've always wanted to be a writer. The problem is, I haven't written anything!
All my life I've been dreaming about being a New York Times bestselling author, but I've never gotten the courage to sit my butt down and actually start working. I used to write silly little stories when I was younger; (those will get me nowhere) but other than that I've made excuse after excuse as to why I won't start. I realize that if I don't start now, there's no chance, but the truth is that I don't know what to write about!
With the explosion of YA fiction in the past decade, it seems as though all the "good ideas" are gone. I'm not too sure if people are tired of a post-apocalyptic city with a kickass female lead, or two star-crossed lovers that are torn apart by illness. I am probably the least creative person on this planet, and the imagination I had when I was a kid, is suddenly all gone.
I think it's because I read in place of everything, so I don't give my mind enough room to think of my own ideas. I'm stuck daydreaming about Augustus Waters or Tobias Eaton, that I forget that I should probably make my own male protagonist.
The other thing stopping me from writing is the fear of being judged. I know that if I write a book in a notebook, people in my family are going to want to read it and that will make me so uncomfortable. I already feel awkward when my mom brings up my blog at every family reunion, let alone if she shared with everyone that I had written a story! I could probably keep it a secret, but my sister is practically with me 24/7, and although I love her dearly, she can be my worse critic.
I know that there are so many positive aspects to writing though! My mom showed me a program at a university that offers a creative writing class, but to get in, you need a portfolio of your written work. That would help me tremendously! It will help me live my life-long dream, and make me feel proud that my hardwork paid off. My problem is that I need to stop dreaming and start doing.
So my question to you writer's is: Do you find it hard to come up with ideas? How do you find your inspiration? I'd love to know :)
Emily @ Paperback Princess
I had no idea you wanted to be writer too! It's also been a dream of mine to become a NYT bestselling author.
ReplyDeleteI understand your problem. Sometimes I get really frustrated of having no idea left for a book. Most of what I write are inspired by other published books. Like, I wrote a dystopian novel inspired by Divergent. But yeah, it makes me sad that I can't literally think of an idea without getting inspired by another story :(
I have this unique technique I often use when I write -- I write my stories based on my own experiences. If my book is about bullying, I'll probably put down my personal experiences on it. Writing down your own experiences into your own stories is what makes your story unique, because it's yours, and not anybody else's :) Somebody told me that.
I hope you have the courage to go to the program in the university thing! That's so exciting! :)
Jillian @ Jillian's Books
Thank you so much, Jillian! I feel like writing about personal experiences would be my best bet, that way I can guarantee I'm being original. It would feel more special that way too :) good luck in your writing, too!
DeleteThis is so odd, I've been working on a discussion post about writing as well for the past couple of weeks!
ReplyDeleteI used to write funny little stories all the time as a kid, too, but now I'm like eh... But I don't think all the 'good' ideas are gone! You just have to find the right inspiration that can turn into something new and unique. (But I'll never get tired of apocalyptic stories, and strong female leads are the best ;) )
That's so cool! Can't wait to read your post :). I really need to find some inspiration, something that's personal to me. And you're right, there's nothing wrong with a good dystopia :)
DeleteThanks. :) Have your thought of looking up writing prompts? There's a good book available on Amazon called 642 Things to Write About, that's full of prompts that could help spark a great idea for you.
DeleteNo, I've never thought of that! Thanks for the idea, I'll definitely check the book out :)
DeleteI've just nominated you for the Beautiful Bloggers Award :)
ReplyDeletehttp://thereadingarmchair.blogspot.gr/2015/06/beautiful-bloggers-award.html
Thank you :)
ReplyDeleteI used to hate showing my writing to my family,too! One day, a short story I wrote for a school competition was chosen for 1st place, and I wanted to die when it was published in the school magazine for all to see! But it gets better, though.
ReplyDeleteYou just have to get used to it. As for coming up with ideas, hahaha. I've started a novel so many times just to run out of steam in the middle.
Why don't you check out Nanowrimo's Young Writers Program? the community there is so lovely and supportive!
Here's the link:
http://ywp.nanowrimo.org
I'm just very insecure about what I write! But congratulations on getting first place! I've heard about Nanowrimo, but I've never actually checked it out. Thanks!
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