having a hard time moving on

[ManwX]

I honestly can't seem to start writing again. Its just my chaotic schedule that I can't devote much time but I do like to write, due to leaving so many unfinished works I just developed this paranoia that I will leave it to rot again. like the 4 previous projects.. writing is not the issue. I just cant get that rhythm and after doing this with 4 different series previously I just cant seem to make up my mind to write. I have a new idea but the thought of it being abandoned again just makes me stop before even I start.

what should I do?

 

[QuercusMalus]

Write down the idea in a word doc. When you get the urge, go add more details, descriptions, dialog you want to use, ect.

 

[ThrillingHuman]

TechnologicallyHuman

forum.scribblehub.com

 

[melchi]

Does it even matter? If the fictions don't have any deadlines or are made to live off of then them being unfinished doesn't cost anything.

 

[Hans.Trondheim]

I honestly can't seem to start writing again. Its just my chaotic schedule that I can't devote much time but I do like to write, due to leaving so many unfinished works I just developed this paranoia that I will leave it to rot again. like the 4 previous projects.. writing is not the issue. I just cant get that rhythm and after doing this with 4 different series previously I just cant seem to make up my mind to write. I have a new idea but the thought of it being abandoned again just makes me stop before even I start.

what should I do?

Back to basics. Cut the number of your projects. Then, start over. Take note of your ideas, and put in your mind that every work of love out there consisted of small steps that eventually led to the end.

Sure, you will get tired of doing your story. Every author goes through that struggle. But consistency happens when we sometimes have to 'wing it'. Force yourself to return. Combine your determination to finish a novel to that thing you like to write. You'll have a breakthrough soon.

 

[Cipiteca396]

Get a "beta reader". And by that, I mean someone you can talk to in real time, who'll help you get hyped up about the current project. Sometimes people get too hung up in their own thoughts to actually think. Having an outside motivator can help.

If it doesn't help, then it means the project has completely lost interest for you. Go do something that's actually entertaining for you instead.

 

[Lloyd]

I have the same problem lately. I thought I was ready to make something new, but I just can't seem to write like I used to.

 

[Deleted member 166076]

I'd consider spending more time on the planning and outlining phase. Maybe also start with a short story and go from there. If you know what the beginning, middle, and end of your story will look like then it will just be a matter of writing it when you have the time and motivation.

Starting with short stories that take only a day to a week to write will also allow you to add some finished work to your portfolio while building your confidence and writing stamina. When you get a few dozen short stories done and feel more confident, then try writing a novella of about ~25 chapters from beginning to end. Even if you only write a chapter a day you'll be able to get a book done each month.

It's also worth considering that the style of writing you are using might not be the most appropriate one for you. I started writing stories in highschool and was trying to write novellas in first person present tense and was chasing the trends of what was popular on Wattpad at the time. I'd always feel like it was a chore to write and would struggle to finish what I started.

Nowadays I write third person present tense and only write stories I'm really and truly passionate about. In the past I'd change POV rather often, so writing in third person makes it more natural feeling while I'm still able to monologue a ton. My writing style isn't for everyone and some readers don't like it, but I decided to try it after seeing it in light novels and web novels a ton and it worked!

I also started doing more planning and outlining for my story. I used to just wing it and would constantly feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. There was rarely foreshadowing and the writing wasn't the best as a result. Nowadays, though, it feels easy and I never struggle from writer's block. I just sit down once every week or two and write a list of chapter names and a short list of topics to cover in the chapters. Then, when it's time to write, I already know what I'm going to be writing so all I have to worry about is making the time to do so.

I hope this helps!

 

[Daitengu]

Write but don't publish it till it's completed. That way you don't disappoint readers, and you have nothing to fear if you don't finish it. Simple as that.

 

[Xcalibur_Xc]

Focus on 1. Get some chapters in stock before releasing. That way, you will have time to work further without worrying about not writing. Maybe write a short arc.

 

[KoyukiMegumi]

Eh, just do what you feel is right for you. I've finished 4 books, and many more are unfinished and not published. If you don't write for profit like me, then just do as you wish. You owe no one anything and gave entertainment out for free.

The important thing about writing as a hobby is not making it a job! It's what I do. If it's your job, well, tough luck. Wait until you get inspiration, or just write something else. Sometimes old stories come back when you reread them so maybe try that out. Anyways, good luck!

 

[lambenttyto]

what should I do?

This is a form of writer's block. It's a critical voice problem. I learned that I'm more suited to write shorter pieces. I always finish them, and I write a lot of them to fit together to form a larger story/narrative. You could try doing that.

 

[ManwX]

Eh, just do what you feel is right for you. I've finished 4 books, and many more are unfinished and not published. If you don't write for profit like me, then just do as you wish. You owe no one anything and gave entertainment out for free.

The important thing about writing as a hobby is not making it a job! It's what I do. If it's your job, well, tough luck. Wait until you get inspiration, or just write something else. Sometimes old stories come back when you reread them so maybe try that out. Anyways, good luck!

Its not a job.. just a hobby i picked. I just want to enjoy it again. Thanks for the advice.. i feel like i have some direction now

 

[laccoff_mawning]

My immediate thought is to question the reason you left all your other projects unfinished. if you can figure out what made you drop them in the first place, you can prevent yourself from dropping the next.

My expectation would perhaps be that this occurs because you havent fleshed out the ideas well enough. I wouldn't know for sure, though.

Alternatively, one possibility is to pick one of your current stories and try to continue developing that one.

 

[LoneQuack]

To me it looks like you don't really know what you want to write. You get ideas that piques your interest but either don't dedicate enough time to explore them or stop when you find a point where you struggle to move on. The fact that you worry about dropping it before you even start it is quite alarming . So, decide what you want to do. Saying 'I want to write a story' is not good enough as you don't have a clear direction/goal. Try asking yourself something more precise.

 

[TheEldritchGod]

Don't.

Help someone else for a while.