How do you get over the sadness as an Author?

[Nakama_the_witnesser]

I don't know what type of sadness you're talking about. For me, there are problems that happen related to writing sure.

Sometimes a writing block happens where there is just simply no thoughts within my head. And I have nothing to write.
Sometimes what I write is genuinely sad and emotionally taxing. But that happens seldomly.
But in both cases, I stop myself from writing and wait for my spirit to get back up. No use in forcing yourself when your mind/body doesn't feel like writing. That's all I can say.

 

[EShadow000]

as much as I like writing, it's also the hobby that gives me the most sadness.

when that happens, i probably will just complain to my imaginary friends and waifus in bed, and hope i can have a good dream.

or if i'm in bad mood enough, i will just quit writing for a while. some time ago i stopped posting my stories for a year, since i need a good rest.

i wonder if you guys have your own ways to cope with it?

What is like . Post a bullet list of the important points you learned from the replies. It would be a gift for us. And will make your mind firm. As, I dare you to not place my diamond on top(It's explanation to previous line, maybe)
And others can see that when they come with the same question.
Try to do it as soon as you can, I am too lazy to bother you every other hour.

 

[LostLibrarian]

The most sad I get is probably when I weave in certain personal memories. If that's the case I embrace it for the duration of the chapter and afterwards I just go and do something different. Reading, time with my family, series, whatever.

Killing of interesting characters also makes me a bit down. But for that I have my outline that reminds me, that this is part of a bigger plan and nothing I can change on a whim. So I shrug it off and that's that.

While Stats, reader-response and the like can give me a small positive boost, I stopped taking them so serious it would make me depressed. I'll just take a step back, try to look at the chapter objectively and try to figure out what is wrong with the chapter. Did I write the chapter differently? Was my writing environment different? Did I rush it? Do I like how the chapter turned out? Between all of that I often find the motivation to go back and make the chapter better...


In short: Sadness like that is often multiplied by doing nothing but thinking. So either get some mindless work on your novel done or take your thoughts off the story and do something fun. Worst part is sitting around, looking at the wall and asking "Why?"

 

[ChronicleCrawler]

People who need help the most and are changed the most by your story rarely comment. To many people, reading online stories instead of physical books is a guilty pleasure. They are afraid to admit that they are reading your work, but it matters to them all the same. You'll know they are there from the view statistics.

Prolly many are lurking in the shadows.

 

[Saileri]

In short: Sadness like that is often multiplied by doing nothing but thinking. So either get some mindless work on your novel done or take your thoughts off the story and do something fun. Worst part is sitting around, looking at the wall and asking "Why?"

In my case that's actually what I do when I feel down, maybe without the "why" thingy. Since I was a kid, when I couldn't sleep or had heavy thoughts, I dove into my imagination, kinda like escaping the real world. When I was young it was usually just self-inserting myself into the world of the story I recently liked, like some cartoon or movie, not stealing the MC's spot, but more like figuring how I could fit my place there.

With age and experience (more movies, more books, then anime and novels) I switched to creating those worlds instead of just inserting myself into existing ones. This also was usually partially influenced by something I caught up on. Now, to this day, I still do it. My longest, uninterrupted story is with me in my head for more than 2 years now. Countless ones got scrapped and forgotten. New ideas come and go, but that certain world I created just gives me so much fucking fun developing in my head that it's amazing.

So, yeah, I kinda just lose myself in one of those worlds I created, obviously most of them were pure wish fulfillment at first, and some still are, and I don't find anything wrong with that. Just recently I've decided to start writing down some of those stories, because I feel like they are a part of who I am and I don't want to forget them. That's also kind of my point of view. I write for myself and (will soon) publish so that by some pure coincidence someone might enjoy reading it.

Well, other than that, mindless roguelikes are a thing to relax to too. Dead Cells, Gunfire Reborn, Risk of Rain 2, etc.

 

[gaylolis]

What is like . Post a bullet list of the important points you learned from the replies. It would be a gift for us. And will make your mind firm. As, I dare you to not place my diamond on top(It's explanation to previous line, maybe)
And others can see that when they come with the same question.
Try to do it as soon as you can, I am too lazy to bother you every other hour.

'
i think i learned just fine by reading the replies.

sorry, but listing these things isn't really my way of doing things, and when i do, it's for something personal so i don't feel comfortable posting them out. i appreciate the concern though.

 

[NotaNuffian]

Wank.
Wank.
Wank.
Read others' works.
Wank.

This is mostly my way to curb sadness and boredom from my day job, NOT AS A WRITER, but as a draftman (who is supposed to be a mech design engr).

I still play with my imagination sometimes, but due to it being immature or even "mentally damaged" as quoted by my super not helpful family, I tend to do less and less of those by the days. Not helpful when I am still living with my parents.

 

[CupcakeNinja]

as much as I like writing, it's also the hobby that gives me the most sadness.

when that happens, i probably will just complain to my imaginary friends and waifus in bed, and hope i can have a good dream.

or if i'm in bad mood enough, i will just quit writing for a while. some time ago i stopped posting my stories for a year, since i need a good rest.

i wonder if you guys have your own ways to cope with it?

Tbh i dont get why anyone would feel sad from writing. I mean like with me, if im WRITING something sad then i do feel emotional. But thats it. Sometimes i even imagine sad, heartbreaking scenarios with characters i've seen or read about or even made. Just because i like the drama, or the sadness itself. Or maybe i feel like i need a vent. And crying helps that. Not that i often cry when thinking about sad stuff, its doesnt often get to that point but it still helps me feel better afterwards.

See but in this case I control it. Im not swept up. I dunno why authors would get depressed just from eriting unless they are also venting and letting things from their past influence them. And that makes them relive these sad or painful memories. Now THAT I can understand.

But if its just because you think people dont notice or like your work, then eh. I dont really get it. In thenfirst place are you writing for random strangers you dont know? Cuz sure people want to be "influential" to "change lives" but i think those reasons are either a bit petty or for your own self satisfaction.

That said i write entirely for myself too. But i aint gonna pretend and give some grander, more selfless reason than i actually have. Writing should be for your own sake, i believe. Primarily, at least

My advice? Write something FUN. Something happy. Funny. I shit you not, it really helps. Maybe it wont for everyone but you would be surprised how much better you can feel making your characters happy. What your write easily influences how you feel, after all. Its only different when you write based off of your own personal experiences. Cuz then you cant control it.Otherwise? You definitely can.

 

[SwirlyUnicorn]

I also took a break from writing because the community in the website that I used to write became toxic, SUPER TOXIC. But I got inspiration to write again because 1. Effects of quarantine 2. Support of my bf

So all I could say is if you feel like giving up writing, talk to people who appraciates your worth, eat sweets, binge watch any movies or series that you want and of course, don't force yourself to write when you are not in the mood to do it.

 

[CupcakeNinja]

I also took a break from writing because the community in the website that I used to write became toxic, SUPER TOXIC. But I got inspiration to write again because 1. Effects of quarantine 2. Support of my bf

So all I could say is if you feel like giving up writing, talk to people who appraciates your worth, eat sweets, binge watch any movies or series that you want and of course, don't force yourself to write when you are not in the mood to do it.

I love toxic people. Its so fun to fuck with them lol.

Yup. When writing becomes a chore instead of a joy you judt dont feel like doing it anymore. Lots of authors get burned out that way cuz they start to not even wanna think about having to write.

Things like making it a job can help motivate you too, butits a double edged sword. I think having to meet deadlines really puts on the pressure. Thats not something creativity ALWAYS blossoms under

 

[SwirlyUnicorn]

Tbh i dont get why anyone would feel sad from writing. I mean like with me, if im WRITING something sad then i do feel emotional. But thats it. Sometimes i even imagine sad, heartbreaking scenarios with characters i've seen or read about or even made. Just because i like the drama, or the sadness itself. Or maybe i feel like i need a vent. And crying helps that. Not that i often cry when thinking about sad stuff, its doesnt often get to that point but it still helps me feel better afterwards.

See but in this case I control it. Im not swept up. I dunno why authors would get depressed just from eriting unless they are also venting and letting things from their past influence them. And that makes them relive these sad or painful memories. Now THAT I can understand.

But if its just because you think people dont notice or like your work, then eh. I dont really get it. In thenfirst place are you writing for random strangers you dont know? Cuz sure people want to be "influential" to "change lives" but i think those reasons are either a bit petty or for your own self satisfaction.

That said i write entirely for myself too. But i aint gonna pretend and give some grander, more selfless reason than i actually have. Writing should be for your own sake, i believe. Primarily, at least

My advice? Write something FUN. Something happy. Funny. I shit you not, it really helps. Maybe it wont for everyone but you would be surprised how much better you can feel making your characters happy. What your write easily influences how you feel, after all. Its only different when you write based off of your own personal experiences. Cuz then you cant control it.Otherwise? You definitely can.

In my case, I became sad when someone plagiarized my work before. She blatantly copied all of my concept , I know there are things called homage and cliche but nah. The scenarios were the same. Name of the characters and setting were the only differences. I can't move on at that time. It's so hard to think of a great concept and then there's this someone who will just steal everything.

 

[SwirlyUnicorn]

I love toxic people. Its so fun to fuck with them lol.

Yup. When writing becomes a chore instead of a joy you judt dont feel like doing it anymore. Lots of authors get burned out that way cuz they start to not even wanna think about having to write.

Things like making it a job can help motivate you too, butits a double edged sword. I think having to meet deadlines really puts on the pressure. Thats not something creativity ALWAYS blossoms under

I love toxic people. Its so fun to fuck with them lol.

Yup. When writing becomes a chore instead of a joy you judt dont feel like doing it anymore. Lots of authors get burned out that way cuz they start to not even wanna think about having to write.

Things like making it a job can help motivate you too, butits a double edged sword. I think having to meet deadlines really puts on the pressure. Thats not something creativity ALWAYS blossoms under

That's the reason why I confessed to you on a previous thread lol. Kidding aside, I hate toxic people because I don't like the negativity that they bring. And yeah I admit I tend to become lazy in updating because of some certain factors.

 

[SwirlyUnicorn]

It depends how it's causing my sadness.

If it just didn't get the response I was hoping for, I'll take a little time away from it and then come back to consider how I maybe failed to communicate what I wanted with it and how I could have improved.

There's always the option to rewrite and try again if I really want, but it's usually more fruitful to just keep writing and incorporate my lessons into my next work.

I think what you're doing doesn't only apply to writing but also in forming any kinds of relationship as well.

 

[CupcakeNinja]

In my case, I became sad when someone plagiarized my work before. She blatantly copied all of my concept , I know there are things called homage and cliche but nah. The scenarios were the same. Name of the characters and setting were the only differences. I can't move on at that time. It's so hard to think of a great concept and then there's this someone who will just steal everything.

Some people are shitty

But eh, they do say imitation is the greatest form of flattery. Personally? I dont mind that. Even if the characters snd events are carbon copies i would still enjoy them cuz if i wrote the same shit myself then i know i like it. Just cuz its a reskin dont mean i will stop liking what i like.

But some people aren't as, like, laid back as me? I get why you'd feel mad but you cant do much about it. I think this stuff is protected under Creative Commons? Hm. Since its not a straight copy. They change it up a lil.

I'd either not bother worrying about it, or do something drastic and over the top in the story to see if they still copy it. Try being controversial as fuck. Weird and nasty maybe

See if my main story was copied tho i wouldnt have that option since its already fucking bonkers lol

I do have one guy doing fanfiction scenes of my main story tho. Which is kinda the same as "stealing" it...but in a GOOD way. Now THAT kinda stuff is cool. I may not care either way if my work is straight copied but knowing someoneg goes through the effort of making fanfictions of your stuff is pretty nice. He only does it for the erotic incest scenes tho hahaha.

That's the reason why I confessed to you on a previous thread lol. Kidding aside, I hate toxic people because I don't like the negativity that they bring. And yeah I admit I tend to become lazy in updating because of some certain factors.

Yeah but you confessed to other people too, you--

 

[SwirlyUnicorn]

Some people are shitty


I'd either not bother worrying about it, or do something drastic and over the top in the story to see if they still copy it. Try being controversial as fuck. Weird and nasty maybe
[/QOUTE]

I kinda did. I posted a message of dissapointment and my readers left hate messages to her to the point that she asked me to control them.

 

[SwirlyUnicorn]

Yeah but you confessed to other people too, you--View attachment 2974

Oh but the thread didn't forbid confessing to only one person :D

 

[JayDirex]

18 READERS
when I wrote my first webnovel years ago (epic crap) I was desperate to find a reader and was on garbage websites like Wattpad where no one reads your stuff. then I found Royal road and started posting a chapter or two. within an hour I had 18 READERS.

I wanted to cry I was so happy.

I wonder if I'll ever experience that particular feeling again. so to this day I desperately humble myself when it comes to writing so that I can appreciate the smallest things.

When you feel sad what I want you to try to do is turn that sadness into gratefulness for what you do have. believe me, as a fellow lonely author, gratefulness is a very healing emotion. @gaylolis

 

[Moonpearl]

I think what you're doing doesn't only apply to writing but also in forming any kinds of relationship as well.

Hm... Maybe, but not exactly? In relationships, there are two people (or more, I guess), so there is the chance that the other person is just a toxic POS. You can try "rewriting" the relationship with them, but you won't always get out what you put in.

In writing, on the other hand, it all depends on your own skill and motivation. If it's not good, there's no one else to blame, but there's also no need to give up and despair.

 

[Yairy]

People who need help the most and are changed the most by your story rarely comment. To many people, reading online stories instead of physical books is a guilty pleasure. They are afraid to admit that they are reading your work, but it matters to them all the same. You'll know they are there from the view statistics.

I never considered this when I write my stories. I just figured in most cases if there are little comments then I'm not doing my best job at writing. That might still be the case but to have the thought in mind that someone may read a story I post and see themselves in it gives me a small motivational push to keep going.

There are times I look at other writers and compare myself to them. I'm human and that tends to happen as we unconsciously compare our "worth" to other's success. And at times it does get me depressed and even makes me want to stop altogether. But then I remind myself that the only reason why I started writing was to create something that I personally enjoy. That writing itself is my own guilty pleasure and even if I don't get the support I hoped for I can look back on a story I wrote and still laugh, cry, and enjoy the moments I made years later. It's that bit of hope that I have that's been keeping my will to write alive for so long.

 

[MajorKerina]

I write to work through the sad.