- Joined
- Jul 5, 2012
- Messages
- 14,539
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- 24,113
- Location
- Massachusetts
- Website
- elizabethbonesteel.com
So, three years ago someone I trusted told me all my work was terrible and I lacked the skills to improve. That person is gone from my life, lots of people have told me they were full of ****, I have had contrary feedback from other trusted people, etc. etc.
I was, at the time they said that, writing another book which is now finished. That book is different than my other stuff in a few ways, most notably in voice. (I wrote it in first person present, which required a very different approach to character than my usual third limited.)
Now I'm trying to start something new. I have an idea, and a few scenes in my head; I'm rummaging around getting to know my MC.
But I can't write her. Every time I start putting words down, I start thinking "This is just like your other stuff which is terrible." I try to approach her differently, and it feels wrong, which is usually a sign I should go back to Plan A, but Plan A has me paralyzed.
Thing is, I know I'm not terrible. I do a Thing, and I do it pretty well. Other Book is different, but not that different, and I'm very proud of it. It has plenty of Thing in it.
So why can't I launch into this new story, just doing my Thing? Why do I feel like I need to do it a different way, when every time I try that I type-delete for an hour before giving up?
I kind of want to scream at myself, but I expect that won't work either.
Help?
I was, at the time they said that, writing another book which is now finished. That book is different than my other stuff in a few ways, most notably in voice. (I wrote it in first person present, which required a very different approach to character than my usual third limited.)
Now I'm trying to start something new. I have an idea, and a few scenes in my head; I'm rummaging around getting to know my MC.
But I can't write her. Every time I start putting words down, I start thinking "This is just like your other stuff which is terrible." I try to approach her differently, and it feels wrong, which is usually a sign I should go back to Plan A, but Plan A has me paralyzed.
Thing is, I know I'm not terrible. I do a Thing, and I do it pretty well. Other Book is different, but not that different, and I'm very proud of it. It has plenty of Thing in it.
So why can't I launch into this new story, just doing my Thing? Why do I feel like I need to do it a different way, when every time I try that I type-delete for an hour before giving up?
I kind of want to scream at myself, but I expect that won't work either.
Help?