I'm discouraged...

Akuma · Jul 7, 2004

Here's my problem: I'm a writer with no one to talk to. My parents hardly take me seriously as a writer and don't often get around to even reading samples of my work. They'll say, "that's nice, dear," and then move on. I WOULD go to a meeting with other writers or whatever to show 'em my work but as I am a 15-year-old, it will be awkward, not to mention they might not take me seriously. Thus I find myself frightened to write--I think I'm ok as a writer but one really does need outside eyes for a true opinion. Through the great and horrifying expanse that is the internet, I ask you wizened authors your opinion. Help a confused guy, ya?

Akuma

eace

Jamesaritchie · Jul 7, 2004

In large part, writers forum such as this serve their best function as an aid to companionship. A person to person friend is great, but they aren't always available. When they aren't, forums such as this one always are.

But I'd say go to any writing groups you can find. You might be surprised how well you'll be received. Older, more experienced writers often go out of the way to help young writers. It's almost a tradition.

And don't worry about your parents. Close friends and family are usually the last ones you should show your writing to, anyway.

Gala · Jul 7, 2004

Use discouragement as a catalyst

Hi Akuma,
I moved from an international city, permeated with authors, writers, creatives--to a small town. In desperation to meet any writers of anything, I attended the local meeting of Romance Writers of America.

I don't write or read romances, but I'd heard romance writers were actively writing and publishing. This turned out to be the case in this group.

Also, the day I attended, I met a writer closer to my genre, also new to the area, and she invited me to join her critique group.

I'm far older than you, published, and prolific (not to be mistaken for genius) and some folks still treat my vocation as if it is a hobby. They don't know what being a writer is.

You take yourself seriously, right? That's all that matters. Don't try to change others, it will distract you from your work.

Find out where Romance Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, or other writing orgs meet in your city. Go forth.

Betty W01 · Jul 7, 2004

And just a gentle word in your ear, Akuma... calling us "wizened" may not be the best way to get us on your side... some of us resemble that remark.

:rofl

JuliePgh · Jul 7, 2004

I started writing when I was 15 as well, but I had the good fortune of my best friend co-writing with me. I did have an English teacher who inspired me and would have been a great ally had I not had my best friend. You may be able to find an English teacher willing to read your writing. Or, if attending a writing group in your area is difficult since you're 15 and likely dependent on your parent's schedules and willingness to drive you, try starting your own writing group at school. You don't need older, "more experienced" writers to critique. You can learn from your own peers just as well as anyone. Your readers don't have to be experts to give feedback, just willing and able to read!

Whatever you do, don't let your parents apparent lack of interest dishearten you! Write because you love it and don't let anyone stand in your way.

reph · Jul 7, 2004

Public libraries, at least where I am, have bulletin boards where people put up notices about local writers' groups.

maestrowork · Jul 7, 2004

Local papers.

Betty W01 · Jul 7, 2004

Akuna, do be careful to take peer critiques with a grain of salt. Not everyone who thinks he is competent to criticize, actually is. Listen, but then seek the opinions of others, too. If one or two people hate it or think a particular place needs changed, well they may be wrong. If 10 or 12 do... well, you may want to do some rewriting!

But remember, many famous novels and short stories were initially rejected by editors far better educated and more capable of judging writing than the average HS student. Do your own thing and be careful who you let mess with your muse.

Age is not a handicap, unless you allow it to be.

mammamaia · Jul 8, 2004

i may be approaching 'elderly'...

...but i'm far from wizened so far, thanks to my good sicilian skin that doesn't wrinkle!...

anyway, akuna... my two very best screenwriting mentees ever, were 14-yr-old girls!... so, if you want some neutral and knowledgeable feedback on your writing and/or any help along the way, please don't hesitate to 'call'... no matter where you are on the planet, i'm only a mouse click away...

love and hugs, maia

JuliePgh · Jul 8, 2004

Re: discouraged

Betty W01,
By chance, are you from Western PA?

Akuma,
Yes, by all means, take the opinion of others with a grain of salt, but don't dismiss them either just because they're novices or young. You'll still gain insight as to whether or not sections of your writing are clear or confusing, etc. Ultimately, learn to be true to your own instincts and follow your heart.

spooknov · Jul 8, 2004

Re: discouraged

Well, I'm a little slow on the uptake. I agree about starting a writing group in your school. Most schools have a newspaper. Have you concidered joining, for the experience? An English teacher could be quite helpful, not only in editing/critiquing, but also in helping you find places to submit your works. Also, may I suggest your guidence counselor. Have a chat, explain your situation and see if (s)he may have any suggestions for you. Guidence counselors are there for a reason. (It's also good to keep your teachers/counselor in the loop to help you later when you're ready to aply to collages. If they know you are serious, they can submit some of your works to school oriented contests, which can lead to grants.)

Please, don't let your parents discourage you. They probably aren't even aware of how serious your writing is to you. Parents sometimes assume "this is a phase" or "this is a good hobby". Keep writing!! Show them how much your work means. Ask them to allow you to join a writer's club. Let them know you are seriously concidering this as a career.

Don't reach for the stars. Reach beyond them!

JuliePgh · Jul 8, 2004

Re: discouraged

<blockquote>Quote:<hr>Don't reach for the stars. Reach beyond them!<hr></blockquote>
Spooknov,
Since you sparked my memory, I feel compelled to add one of only two poems I remember from High School:

"A man's reach should exceed his grasp, Or what's a heaven for?"
- by Robert Browning

arrowqueen · Jul 8, 2004

Re: discouraged

Less of the 'wizened', kiddo!

Keep writing though. Most writers who succeed started young.

Don't listen to anyone who tries to denigrate you either. Even yet I have people who say 'Are you still writing your little stories?'

I just say: 'Yes - and I'm still getting paid £400 for them too.' That usually shuts them up.

:teeth

aq

arrowqueen · Jul 8, 2004

Re: discouraged

(The novels pay more, obviously. That's just the short stuff.)

Betty W01 · Jul 8, 2004

answering Julie's question

Julie, I was born and raised in Dixie, spent two years of high school in Bethlehem (PA), then moved to Ohio, where I've been ever since.

Why?

JuliePgh · Jul 8, 2004

Re: answering Julie's question

Betty W01,

I was close. It's probably the influence of living in Ohio that snuck into your comment in an earlier post (this thread).

<blockquote>Quote:<hr>If one or two people hate it or think a particular place needs changed, well they may be wrong.<hr></blockquote>

I live in Pittsburgh. A very common grammatical error prevalent throughout the Pittsburgh area (and some surrounding areas) is the use of 'needs ***ed'. For example, the car needs washed or the house needs painted. You wrote, "place needs changed." (The correct grammar is 'needs to be changed' or 'needs changing.')

I hope I haven't offended you by pointing out the grammar problem. I really was just curious as to your locale based on your comment. Again, please don't take offense. Thanks

JoannaC · Jul 20, 2004

Re: answering Julie's question

Hi Akuma. You might consider joining Nanowrimo (www.nanowrimo.org) in November. My city has a very active local group that had meetings and such, and we had several high schoolers come out. We still have monthly meetups to keep in touch (I became good friends with some of these people) and there is a 16 year old who regularly comes.

As I said in another reply I made to you elsewhere, I was writing since I was a kid and my parents did not take it too seriously either. My dad was very supportive, my mom less so (she wanted me to focus on practical things). My grandma was my most regular reader, and she hated things with conflict in them. She used to say I was a lovely writer, but she just wished I would write about happy things for a change

roncouch · Jul 30, 2008

Many people get discouraged from time to time. Don't dwell on it - it happens. Read a lot. If you honestly like your work, chances are someone else will too.

Bufty · Jul 30, 2008

Ron!!! Welcome, :welcome:

Check the dates on a thread - this one has been dead for four years.

roncouch said:
Many people get discouraged from time to time. Don't dwell on it - it happens. Read a lot. If you honestly like your work, chances are someone else will too.

Gary Clarke · Jul 30, 2008

I wonder whatever happened? It would be interesting to find out!

Bufty · Jul 30, 2008

Not for me. He never even responded to the thread himself. And the phraseology makes me think twice about it being genuine. There's thousands of old threads here.

Gary Clarke · Jul 30, 2008

Not genuine? crikey, I'm such a patsy on this internet thing. It would neve occur to me that a post like that would be less then genuine. Why would someone post such an obscure fabrication? The mind boggles.

Haggis · Jul 30, 2008

Gary Clarke said:
I wonder whatever happened? It would be interesting to find out!

Bufty said:
Not for me. He never even responded to the thread himself. And the phraseology makes me think twice about it being genuine. There's thousands of old threads here.

Well, Akuma's still with us, although he's not too active any more.

Bufty · Jul 30, 2008

Interesting. What do you mean by 'still with us'?

When does anyone get removed for inactivity - if ever?

Haggis · Jul 30, 2008

Bufty said:
Interesting. What do you mean by 'still with us'?

When does anyone get removed for inactivity - if ever?

900 and some posts in total. I think the last time he posted was earlier this year, but I think he's in college now, so he probably spends most of his time drinking.

I'm discouraged...

Akuma

Jamesaritchie

Gala

Betty W01

JuliePgh

reph

maestrowork

Betty W01

mammamaia

JuliePgh

spooknov

JuliePgh

arrowqueen

arrowqueen

Betty W01

JuliePgh

JoannaC

roncouch

The Couchmeister

Bufty

Where have the last ten years gone?

Gary Clarke

Knackered

Bufty

Where have the last ten years gone?

Gary Clarke

Knackered

Haggis

Evil, undead Chihuahua

Bufty

Where have the last ten years gone?

Haggis

Evil, undead Chihuahua