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
