However this may sound, this is NOT me looking for reassurances

[wayfaringwordhack]

Sometimes--very often of late, if I'm honest--I go through one of those why-in-the-world-do-I-think-have-what-it-takes-to-be-a-writer slumps. In fact, I've gone through multiple ones just today. Slump, slump. Slump. Thump!

I honestly wonder why I keep writing, why I keep playing with stories, when I obviously have some serious lacuna in my storytelling know-how. No matter how I try, how much I think I know about all the little bits that go into great stories, I still weave yarns that are lacking. I have to ask if it is sheer stupidity that keeps me butting my head against the storytelling wall. If I *know* things, why can't I *do* them? I can't even see how it will be possible to do them in another draft. It's as if something is hardwired into me that keeps me from telling a story that will move readers or hold their interest.

Part of me says I'm putting too much pressure on myself for a first draft. A bigger part of me refers the pansy part to the above statement about it not being possible to improve one of my second drafts.

Everyone has a story to tell, people are fond of saying. OK, fine, but should everyone tell a story?

That is the question.

*sigh*  All right. Back the story, stupid.

Comments

[mnfaure.livejournal.com]

I do think that there are ways of asking questions that can make you suddenly understand what it is you need to do--at least, I've had readers ask me questions that have done that for me

Absolutely! It is astonishing the clarity you can get from a simple reader question.

Your comments about paying attention when you read speaks to me because I've recently realized that the type of story I thought I liked reading is not necessarily the type of story I actually really like reading.

I need to be a bit more analytical and concentrate on the whys and hows and how-can-I's as I read. I do think of it as I'm reading, some times, but often, I forget what I've noticed/realized when I sit down and try to write myself.

It is kind of like all the legwork I did with the plotting cards, etc. I can get some of it down as a plan but almost without fail, that plan never makes it on the page.

I'm tired and my eyes are glazing over. I don't even know if I'm making any sense. :P

[asakiyume.livejournal.com]

You were making perfect sense--only wish I could have replied sooner ♥