I feel your pain, I really do. I'm struggling right now with my own work. I spend almost all my writing time working on critiques or blogging and doubting my own ability to write. I can only offer you the same words I tell myself. This too shall pass. And things will be different. Hang in there. :)
Ah, Kristi, sounds oh so familiar. I did this for years. Writing for a while and then doubting my skill and ability to write and learn craft so I'd quit for a while. A story would come demanding to come out and I'd start the cycle over again. As to being a YA author or not, only you can answer that question, write your stories and see what they turn out to be. I consider myself more of an adult than YA author, but as you know I have the one story that demands to be YA so that is what it is. The fact of the matter is that it takes time and active writing to learn all the "craft" stuff. Some writers have instant success, but most don't. Most have to take the time and effort to let our voice come through while also balancing craft. I read an interesting article that said that when you are actively working on craft you often smother voice. Once the craft becomes easier, your voice begins to show again.
Kristi, I think we all doubt our abilities and find ourselves in a valley of darkness sometimes. You are definitely in a valley lately, but don't give up. Write something just for fun for a little while. Just play. Poetry, a rhyming story, maybe a kooky alphabet book... something low stress and playful, to remind yourself how much fun WORDS can be. You'll float back up to the mountaintop soon. Promise. :-)
Kristi, rest assured that you are not alone. But the fact that you can write about it here is inspiration enough to others with the same problem.
Dude. I considered withdrawing my manuscript and quitting writing the *week* before I got my offer of representation!!! The doubt never goes away, it seems. But there's the old saying: a published writer is just one who didn't give up.
Kristi: Just because you bombed as a teen--btw, all of us did, only in different ways--doesn't mean you shouldn't write YA. It could be some of the angst you experienced will shine forth in your writing, even if you don't remember the details.
And, similar to Beth, I was ready to quit several weeks before I was offered a contract with my agent. You simply cannot judge your own work, my dear.
And, similar to Beth, I was ready to quit several weeks before I was offered a contract with my agent. You simply cannot judge your own work, my dear.
I think the online writing community is one of the most incredible groups I've ever been privileged to be a part of. Amazing people.
ReplyDeleteTake your time, breathe, have fun, play with words. It WILL come. :)
This cyber-community is truly supportive and healing. I've written a post on my novice blog that may help you focus your thinking in your writing {The Mysterious Nazca Lines For Writers}
ReplyDeleteHere's the link if you're curious, Roland
http://rolandyeomans.blogspot.com/2010/04/mysterious-nazca-lines-for-writers.html
:) :) :) :)
ReplyDeleteWay to put that pen back to paper!!! You rock Kristi! Sometimes our minds are our worst enemy! Glad to see you fought back and won this round!
ReplyDeleteKeep moving forward, even if in teeny little steps. If this is what you are called to do, then it will come together. Okay, so I say this to myself often, but you are welcome to borrow it. And btw, I think you are called to write too:)
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