I'm a wannabe writer, need some advice.

[Buffoon1980]

Well, I don't so much need advice on the actual writing side of things, I think I'm at the stage where I can say if I don't have the skills necessary to be a good writer (or even, y'know, a pretty crappy writer), I'm never going to have them. The advice I need is more pragmatic.

For instance, what are the best self-publishing options, and what are the best online communities to be involved in for sharing my writing? What are the best ways to promote my writing? I think I'm capable of writing stuff that people might actually want to read, but I really have no idea how to make the world aware of my existence. Should I focus on self-publishing in the online world (which I've tried in a half-hearted sort of way, some of my writing is available electronically on Amazon), or is it still worth considering more traditional forms of publication?

Also, what's the best way to go about getting feedback? I've tried to persuade quite a few friends and family to read my stuff, but it's really tough. Should I take that as a sign that my writing is actually not so great? After all, if I can't persuade my nearest and dearest to read my writing, what chance do I have of getting total strangers to pay money for the privilege? This is why I ask about online communities. Is there somewhere I can go where people will give me feedback if I give them feedback? A sort of... mutual admiration society for wannabes, except where people are willing to be brutal (but fair!) with feedback? I find it impossible to be subjective about my own writing, I really need someone to tell me if I'm wasting my time.

On that subject, anyone want to trade manuscripts?

Lastly, anyone got tips for sustaining motivation? It's tough to silence that little voice that tells me every word I've ever written is absolutely worthless. Can it be done?

Anyway... any input is gratefully received

 

[Miyenne]

I'm going through the same thing. I have a whole series plotted out and I published the first of Amazon and Smashwords.

Most of my family and friends weren't interested in reading it either. And the ones who did, the only feedback I got was "It's good." Which wasn't helpful at all.

I really don't know about promoting, I haven't done much other than to blog about the writing process. I've submitted it to a few websites where people will possibly read it and review it for you, as reviews on Amazon are what get you more readers.

For feedback, I've mentioned the book as much as I can on the forums here without being a "I wrote a book, read it!!!!" kind of person. I've had a few people take the time to buy it and read it and give me feedback. Hearing it's good from strangers is a real boost. But it's so hard to have confidence in yourself and what you produce.

I'd be more than happy to read yours and help you, and if you want to download mine too that'd be lovely but not necessary.

For motivation... It's hard. I quit my job seven months ago and I plowed through writing the first one in a couple of months. I liked where I was going with it, even though I didn't especially like some of my characters.

I'm working on the second one now, and I like my characters more, but sine I've had such little feedback on the first it's hard to find the motivation to keep going. Positive feedback is what keeps me going.

As for that voice in your head, I think you'll always have it. I just recently reread my book on my kindle instead of off the word file. It was a different perspective. (And good for editing, too, I caught more mistakes.) I enjoyed reading my own book like that. You just have to keep telling yourself it's good. Don't strive for greatness, aim for good. At least that's what I do. I have my whole life in front of me to work out complex plots once I have a following, for now I'm trying to keep it lighter and simpler while building the massive world which will leave room for the bigger stuff later.

And this post is total rambling. But I know how you feel. Writing buddies?

 

[Moth_Monk]

Here's my advice:

1. Commit to writing something, ANYTHING, everyday. It doesn't matter how much or for how long.
2. Read lots of different books. That will improve your vocab and skill at writing too.
3. Post stuff you write online to get feedback. (Important note about feedback: Don't pander to people's expectations!)
4. Write what you want to write about don't try to write what other people think you should write i.e. don't censor yourself!
5. Experiment with different things and styles also plan out the broad strokes of what you intend to write. (Myself, I do mind maps for it).
6. To get inspiration I'd recommend art and music.

Edit: Another note - don't expect the first stuff you write to be the best stuff (although you probably already know that! )

 

[Crenelate]

I've written 3 'books' (ie. full length manuscripts, not published or anything!), so I thought I'd chip in with my experience.
1) do not try to write and edit at the same time. For years I would write a passage or even a few pages then delete it all because I thought it was rubbish. When I finally accepted that getting the main events across was the important thing and that mistakes can always be fixed later, that's when I made progress.
2) set your self a schedule for writing. I had my first book planned out really well in my head so last summer I made myself write between 8-10,000 words a week (about 4 chapters). Obviously if you don't have it all planned out then your goals will have to differ, but make sure you keep pushing yourself.
3) find a friend who likes to read, and likes to read the kind of thing you're writing. I had 2 friends read my books. The first kind of gave up halfway through the first book and wasn't particularly helpful, but the second has been great and come up with lots of ideas. Don't lose heart if people don't seem interested - make sure you're writing for yourself in the first place, not just for validation from others.

Regarding publishing, I'm not really sure though I've looked into it a lot. I'm personally wary of the self publishing route just because I still think of it as kind of cheating. I guess I'm very much a physical paper copy book fan, rather than ebooks. I may have to change my mind if I get rejected enough! The whole publishing game looks to be a real struggle though, so I'm not looking forward to putting my books out there.

I've also always been quite paranoid about sharing manuscripts on the internet, on the off chance that someone steals my work or ideas, though that could be a little vain of me. That being said, depending on the kind of book you're writing I'd be interested to read it, if you're still happy to share. I have a pretty good knoweledge of grammar and I love to analyse stuff.