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When you're unhappy with your work... by Rai Pager

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When you're unhappy with your work...

By Rai Pager | Posted: 06 July 2010

Views: 547
I'm working on a novel called "The Asset", but I'm fighting with myself on whether or not to continue with it.  It's starting out good and it's supposed to get even greater from middle to end, but I'm just unhappy with it. 

I don't know if it's because I'm putting too much detail into it or if I don't have my facts straight.  I really don't want to give up writing on this story, but...I don't know what to do.  Someone help me out, please.
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Comments 
jfergusson
06 July 2010
Why don't you try working on a different part of the story just now, and come back to the bit you're struggling with later? Or maybe you could go back to your plan and work on that a little more? When I'm stuck I like to start writing little notes and ideas about the section I'm working on. They usually don't make a lot of sense but after writing down any and all ideas that pop into my head I can go back over them and extract the parts that I like. 

Failing that, sometimes the best thing to do is to take a little break from it. Perhaps when you go back to it you will be able to pinpoint what exactly is bothering you about the writing.

You said that you really don't want to give up on this, so don't! If you want to achieve something then work hard and go for it. Good luck!
JaShinYa
11 September 2010
A lot of writer's seem to always want to critique themselves throughout the writing process. The problem with that is, we are our harshest critic. If you keep doing that, nothing will ever get done and it will discourage you. You're a writer, so just write. Leave the critiquing to the readers. When you've finally finished writing, THEN go ahead and nit-pick your story.
Anonymous
10 October 2010
Keep going. Honestly. It will be worth it in the end.  I can't remember who said it but the best advice I ever had was stick with my work.
It's like being married. You are living so closely with that particular piece you notice all the faults. Then along comes an attractice new idea ready to tempt you away from what you are currently working on. But if you stick with your original idea, faults and all it will probably turn out best in the long run.
Missa Kitty
12 October 2010
I get this way a lot. If you really don't know what to do, skip to another part of the story, or maybe just take a short break. Trying to hard is a sign that the story wont be at its best, so I wouldn't keep working on it at the moment. I suppose the best thing I can say is to wait until you're sure you know what you really want out of it before picking up your pen/pencil, or typing up anything further.
-Ashley, Sadly.
Teresa
12 November 2010
I am in the same situation with my novel. My advice is to keep writing. Don't stop. Don't set it aside. Let go of your preconceptions and keep putting words to paper...you can always edit out garbage later. What I have found is that sometimes less focus on perfection can illicit some great plotlines and scenes. You know that you have something great when the characters take you off in their own direction and you become the chronicler of their lives and adventures.

I write historical fiction, but if I'm not sure of a scene or detail, I will place the section or needed fact in square brackets so that when I edit, I can go back and hunt down the fact I need. The plot and characters should be your priority and should be the drivers of the novel. You can always fill in the details later.

There is no such thing as writer's block. It'll happen, just keep at it.

:) Teresa

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Rai Pager

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