The Problem with Unfinished Stories
The problem with unfinished stories
I’ve got a problem with writing stories: I can’t seem to finish them.
I have loads of ideas and plots that could make up a good story. However, I have that one teeny weeny problem that seemingly have turned into an ‘illness’ already. I can’t seem to finish what I’ve started and it’s really disappointing.
Currently, I have made many drafts on Wattpad, but these remain unpublished and left in a corner to rot. I’ve got two stories still under construction, however, I can’t grasp that motivation that I need to continue these stories.
Is it maybe because of lack of confidence? Lack of support from the audience? Am I just thinking too much about what others think that I forget the real purpose why I wrote that story? Maybe, maybe not. Oftentimes I question myself if I’m really that good enough to someday, become a well-recognized author and inspiration to all budding writers out there.
But who am I to complain and get lazy when the going gets tough?
I was thinking of creating staggered blogs here on Persona Paper based on my working experience. Should I push through this project?
I need to have more confidence, more great and fun ideas to make my story well-oiled with suspense, thrill, romance and action. But how? I guess it’s up to me to find out. It’s such a cinch to see other people become an overnight success with such a great story written. I hope someday I get to be like that. I need to continue dreaming, stop being so negative and pessimistic. I need to welcome good vibes every day, every single waking moment of my life. I know I’m meant to do this. I just need the strength, support and love to help me go through this phase.
Tell me what you think. Thank you!
Comments
msiduri wrote on June 23, 2015, 12:22 PM
Since you ask, I will offer advise. What follows is only my opinion and you are, of course, free to ignore it. If your writing for positive feedback from others, it will never get done. Not that others are necessarily heartless bastards or that your work is unimportant, but your work has to, IMHO, be for itself. You could try first outlining your piece. This may help you finish it in that you know what the end will be. You can finish it even if it's ignored on Wattpad. There's no law against going back and refining stuff or changing the outline as needed. This will also, if you have multiple stories going, help preserve the multiple stories. But I would move away from working on them based on feedback and support received. Just my humble opinion
1GemOfAGirl wrote on June 23, 2015, 1:00 PM
I don't have any advice to offer, but I can share in your misery. I, too, have several started-but-unfinished articles, and I have no idea when I'll get them in good enough shape to put them out before the PersonaPaper readers. I like to think that I'm focusing on quality over quantity, but in reality, it could also be that I'm a bit undisciplined in my writing.
valmnz wrote on June 23, 2015, 3:32 PM
I'm wondering if you're trying too hard. Take a break. Read short stories written by your favourite authors. Read blogs and other advice about writing. Write in a journal from your heart, for yourself, every day. Let the spark have time and space to return.
1HappyLady wrote on June 23, 2015, 4:06 PM
I think many of us struggle. Maybe the thing to do is just take one story and keep writing till and ending happens.
1anikaroni wrote on June 24, 2015, 5:04 AM
I feel the same way. Overthinking can sometimes get you nowhere. It takes a lot of determination, motivation and discipline to overcome our weaknesses and I'm slowly realizing that. I hope you get to find your inspiration and timing.
anikaroni wrote on June 24, 2015, 5:29 AM
Thank you for that kind remark.
Have you been a member of Wattpad? I honestly don't know about the issues going on in there. Oh well, so far, I haven't received any feedback or comment about my work, so yeah, it's kinda disappointing....a little bit ;D