《How to Write Stories People Will Love》14. Recognize Can't Versus Won't
Advertisement
If you're like most writers, you have at some point read something amazing, and then felt like utter crap because it was so much better than what you write now. Perhaps you even said, "I could never write like that." If you keep saying things like that, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
These types of thoughts contribute to a type of paralysis. You stop writing because you think it's rubbish. And if you can't be brilliant, then why bother?
No one is born being good at anything except crying and pooping. We learn how to be good at everything else. You want to write better? Then put in the work and learn how. Practice. Read examples of good writing. Practice some more. Get feedback. You CAN write the way you want to, if you put in the work. You just have to want it.
You can. You had the gumption to start the thing, you certainly have the wherewithal to finish it. Starting something is easier than finishing it, that's true. However, it doesn't mean you can't do it. You have the physical capacity to do it, so there's no "can't" about it. You just don't want it badly enough.
Get help. It's a sad fact of life--for every writer--that we are simply too close to our own work to recognize the flaws. With observations from a neutral third party, the problems become apparent, and that's how we figure out what to fix. Refusing to seek help simply means you don't want to hear about the flaws. If that's the case, then you'll never improve.
The next time you find yourself saying you can't do something, stop and ask yourself, "Is this actually true, or am I just being impatient?" In most cases, you can do it, and are just having a hard time finding the will to make it happen.
Advertisement
- In Serial198 Chapters
I hate being wed in a fantasy world!
Katsuragi Kenta was a gamer. He did exactly what he needed to obtain the games he wanted and the time to play them; nothing more, nothing less. When his entire class is transported to a fantasy world, Kenta is suddenly an expert on their situation and the world around them. Naturally, he sets out on his own to escape his two faced classmates.Two months later he returns and discovers that Momokawa Kyou, formerly the most popular girl in class, was left behind by their classmates. The two strike up an uneasy alliance despite despising each other. What’s more, they may have to work together to survive a curse.Kenta will have his hands full surviving his new fantasy world. If the monsters don't get him, Kyou just might! Warning: Tagged 15+ for Sexual Innuendos, Strong Language and Violence.Cover artwork made by MioChin
8 425 - In Serial65 Chapters
Royal Guard (Complete)
I was an ordinary worker ant of the Kingdom, one of the millions populating a spread of land ten kilometers long. I had an ordinary life: I dug, I ate, and I slept; and a dream that was shared by all workers who wanted to live a life of adventure. I was on the last day of my mandatory community service, a day from becoming one of the harvesters --the crown jewel of our society-- when fate played its sick joke on me. I broke my mandible, lost my dream, and was almost forced into slavery as a result. That’s when she came into my life, a princess. She had no wings on her back, but the wings inside her were wider than the fairies that roamed the sky. She took me under her wing and populated my life with adventures and mysteries unreserved for a mere harvester. Life was good until we found termites sneaking into our territory. That’s when the adventures ended. She was mocked for calling the termites a threat. However, she remained determined to protect her kingdom, and I, to protect her. No matter the difficulties I remained by her side. Because we were a pair: a princess and her Royal Guard.
8 180 - In Serial19 Chapters
Flower Girl
When Poire wakes up, she is in an unknown forest, and her head has been replaced by that of a flower’s. A talking lemur is convinced Poire has written a list that doesn’t belong to her. Poire must prove him wrong, or she might never find her way back home again.
8 97 - In Serial19 Chapters
The Corradi Effect
While on patrol near the Coalition's border, the crea of the starship Galaxie receive a transmission from deep space. Ordered to investigate the source and intent of the signal, the crew stumbles upon an even greater mystery, concerning the planet of origin and their welcoming committee...
8 202 - In Serial32 Chapters
Deo
Three vastly different clans coexist on a continent, all making use of an ancient and natural power called the Yelii in different ways. But philosophies differ and tensions run high. As border skirmishes start up between the clans three boys, each named Deo, appear in the midst of the clans. Also on Wattpad, Scribblehub, and my wordpress. Cover by @jynxedghost on Twitter.
8 163 - In Serial42 Chapters
Halloween Vault 3D
Wattpad's third annual Halloween Vault is here!Did you love the first? Do you still miss the second? This year, the Halloween Vault 3D is returning in full force! 59 Engagement profiles, including 38 Ambassadors-run English profiles, 9 Ambassadors-run International profiles and 12 Community profiles, have conspired to create our Halloween Vault 3D version - diverse, dynamic, dauntless to haunt your memories of the season for years to come!Interact with other Wattpadders from across the globe through a new set of festive activities, such as our unique spooky prompts, fun activities and another scavenger hunt! All Wattpadders are welcome to join!Disclaimer:Please note, this contest and its rules are the creation of a team of Ambassadors and is in no way affiliated with Wattpad or its staff. Judging of said contest is entirely run by its creators and is not the responsibility of Wattpad or its staff. We reserve the right to refuse entries to this contest, that we feel do not meet the required criteria, that are unsuitable, or potentially triggering.
8 153

