Positive How to be a better writer?

[Jabberwocky]

I've always felt I've been good with words but never put a gram of effort into it nor finished school.

My poetry is dark and seems like a voodoo doll I put into writing, shove out there, as if it's a way to give my sadness onto someone else. The release. I package my self hatred into words and hit that post button. I literally put about 15 minutes of effort into these poems and always told myself maybe I'd revisit them... however I have no desire to revisit them. They are cast aways to be forgotton.

Yet this is only a small portion of me. I want to write about different things other than self loathing. I just don't know how. I usually use alcohol, drugs and nicotine, but, this does not make me a better writer.

What makes you want to write?

What's your method?

Why do you write?

 

[Joey]

Read some good literature with a capital L. The classics. Even if they're cheesy as fuck some if them, they are the classics for a reason. That, or at least read anything tougher than you usually read. Read academic papers too.

The more you read, the more you'll have to write on.

Learn some etymology. Whenever you see a word you don't understand, look it up. Get an Oxford dictionary over Websters. It's the superior dictionary.

Relearn your grammar. It's incredible how little we actually retain from high school / post- secondary level even. Here is a a few good books around that and the subject of writing itself. These are all seminal.

(I was going to link you to these through the z-library but it seems to be down)

The Elements of Style
On Writing Well
The Goof Proofer

Those 3 are essential.

 

[9th Euclidean Sphere]

Write, write, write, write.
When you get done with that, scrap it, throw it away. It was practiced garbage anyways, rewrite what you wrote.
Engage within Philosophical Studies, read the complicated shit, then dumb it down to mumbling and write it out. What next, you throw it away.
Then you write it out carefully, you explain everything clearly, you objectively state your claims, unless you’re playing Devils Advocacy.
Spelling, grammar, your central point and rhetoric are all empirical in writing.
Write, and rewrite until you hate it, then write like you love it.

It’s a process of fucking up, then restructuring what you fucked up.
You got this, no doubt!

 

[FixXxer]

i often write to myself, kind of have a conversation with my subconscious mind... i share because we can all use help sometimes.

much like you, i will see my own faults ---> and then decide how i can improve them...
(simple ie: i cant draw, but i saw, my emotions were raw, and it inspired a fire that had me desire to fix my flaws..)

other times i see things others deal with ----> and try to do the same technique for them...
(simple ie: the world is full of jerks, but i work to turn their frowns to smirks, inspiring new friends and lending a hand...)

it can also help you decide feelings on whatever subject ---> read it afterwards,
see if you would change your mind in any way for an "ideal thought / solution" on said subject.. ("do i really think this is the way it should be?")
(simple ie1: the sink is broken, i cant do my dishes, maybe tomorrow after i've awoken, i'll learn how to fix it)
(simple ie2: feels like some people are mean... i recall falling there, i will help by showing care)

In short,
self reflection --to--> self improvement
identify a 'problem' --to--> find a solution

writing is a great way to plan.. even if you don't have a plan..
you can see what you are/feel and compare it to what you want to achieve/ feel ..
and help guide yourself (and subconscious) to actions/feelings you would rather experience through looking for them more actively..
in your mind, on paper, and finally in real life..

as @YourxGod said

It’s a process of fucking up, then restructuring what you fucked up.
You got this, no doubt!

 

[AutoTripper]

I've always felt I've been good with words but never put a gram of effort into it nor finished school.

My poetry is dark and seems like a voodoo doll I put into writing, shove out there, as if it's a way to give my sadness onto someone else. The release. I package my self hatred into words and hit that post button. I literally put about 15 minutes of effort into these poems and always told myself maybe I'd revisit them... however I have no desire to revisit them. They are cast aways to be forgotton.

Yet this is only a small portion of me. I want to write about different things other than self loathing. I just don't know how. I usually use alcohol, drugs and nicotine, but, this does not make me a better writer.

What makes you want to write?

What's your method?

Why do you write?

In 2003, my final year of a joint Philosophy degree with Psychology, I never did homework, reading, I literally revised for every exam for one hour that morning, to pass the first two years, using an amazing visual and reverberating quick memory encoding technique.

But I skived stats. Hated it. I tried to leave maths behind at school.

Straight philosophy, or all of psychology minus the gigantic stats project, a 2 year committed work to be handed in by March 2003.

But I was off my face, 900 MDMA pills in 9 months that academic year alone, Iended up with some pronounced neurosis to overcome.

I missed the project deadline. Well, in truth, I never started it lol. I was just too wasted.

I could have pulled together and sat exams, but no project, no degree.

One day, at this time, I literally just picked up pen and paper and wrote this amazing poem, without as you say, putting any thought into it at all.


Time To Go.

Time to go,
but still I don’t know,
What made me come here?
I’ve nothing to show.
The agony of existence, a permanent strain.
They say ignorance is bliss, is that like having no brain?
Oh hell I don’t know.
But still I must go, though the road ahead,
seems slow.
So I suppose, I can only blame myself,
For leaving my books on the shelf.
Tough.
Now we have to find, some peace of mind.


Isn’t that a wicked poem.

 

[AutoTripper]

@Snafu of the Forest I just corrected it, Iforgot half the poem lol, it’s much much better now.

Gosh I don’t realise how wasted I am all the time.

 

[AutoTripper]

It was like looking at your triplets, slowly realising two are missing.

 

[tubgirl.jpg]

I've always felt I've been good with words but never put a gram of effort into it nor finished school.

My poetry is dark and seems like a voodoo doll I put into writing, shove out there, as if it's a way to give my sadness onto someone else. The release. I package my self hatred into words and hit that post button. I literally put about 15 minutes of effort into these poems and always told myself maybe I'd revisit them... however I have no desire to revisit them. They are cast aways to be forgotton.

Can so relate to this.

Yet this is only a small portion of me. I want to write about different things other than self loathing. I just don't know how. I usually use alcohol, drugs and nicotine, but, this does not make me a better writer.

I can't write happy stuff either. They say write what you know, and I just don't have any beautiful stories to tell.

What makes you want to write?

I've always been writing, shitty short stories as a kid and a diary/journal, various wordpress blogs (I've never shown).
If feel this peril pressure to write like I'd explode otherwise. It's a blessing and curse.

What's your method?

No denying I'm usually fueled on substances, just enough to pass threshold and kill that insecurity about myself.

Why do you write?

I think I'd go crazy otherwise. And the hubris makes me think that maybe somebody else can relate to what I write, which makes me feel less alone.
It sounds like I'm typing with a gun to my head, but it's quite the opposite: writing removes that cold barrel from my head.


Great question.

 

[tubgirl.jpg]

I can tips on Chuch Palanuiks workshop, it's out there in PDF.
No matter what one thinks about his prose, his lessons holds so much wisdom and knowledge.

 

[Jabberwocky]

They say write what you know, and I just don't have any beautiful stories to tell.

yeah man >_<

 

[tubgirl.jpg]

yeah man >_<

Some people write about the rainbows, and a lot of people can't relate. Some drag you through the sewer, and it's dirty, and scary, but imo, those are the ones worth reading. We evolve and learn, grow and better through tragedy than gleeful joy and contentment.

I'm a big fan of what you write, but I understand that you want to branch out. Either way @Snafu of the Forest , please keep writing.

 

[tubgirl.jpg]

As for method - I need music, the TV on, some kind of disinhibiting substances to quell that derogatory voice that whispers "This is shit man. Get a fucking dayjob already.

Like I get a lot of writing done, but my low self-esteem when it comes to writing persuades me over and over it's shit.

I thoroughly enjoy reading your stuff, you seem so liberated and honest, and true, when you write, I feel shackled by by my own expectations.

If you've got any advice for another one tormented by bouncing words through out their being, I'd love to hear it.

 

[FixXxer]

yeah man >_<

I can't write happy stuff either. They say write what you know, and I just don't have any beautiful stories to tell.

You both have the writing ability and intelligence to write whatever story you want..
"easier said than done"... both in literal experience/empathy... and in what I'm trying to say...
words are something you put on paper.. or in this case type...

I can say i can jump 50 feet in the air or run around the world in 2 minutes, but good luck doing it
it doesnt HAVE to be real.. it CAN BE WHAT YOU WANT to be real..

im saying... when you watch a movie.. and theres lots of conflict, pain, war, sadness...

is it more inspiring when they finish it with these conflicts resolved?
would you prefer the whole story be just the painful segments for the characters?
do those segments make the story more interesting?
did they have any morals in them?
how would you write YOUR stories as if they were movies?

Again, if you feel more comfortable in the dark.. do you..
there are lessons to be learned there,
knowledge to be shared..
perspective to be gained...

There has never been anything wrong with (both) your writing... you both..

i just wanted to be make sure the person writing was okay...
and if not.. to remind you that its never too late to "correct your stories" if they are darker than YOU like.
both in real life, and in writing form...

at the end of the day, it's about making yourself happy... not me... or anyone else.

 

[MyrandaK]

I've always felt I've been good with words but never put a gram of effort into it nor finished school.

My poetry is dark and seems like a voodoo doll I put into writing, shove out there, as if it's a way to give my sadness onto someone else. The release. I package my self hatred into words and hit that post button. I literally put about 15 minutes of effort into these poems and always told myself maybe I'd revisit them... however I have no desire to revisit them. They are cast aways to be forgotton.

Yet this is only a small portion of me. I want to write about different things other than self loathing. I just don't know how. I usually use alcohol, drugs and nicotine, but, this does not make me a better writer.

What makes you want to write?

What's your method?

Why do you write?

I think my mom just rubbed off on me when I was young. She loves to journal, and I learned to write everything down and live by lists so I could organized. I just love to read and write. Not that I do either as much as I’d like. But organizing thoughts on paper is one of my biggies. I read once of a man who suffered bad depression for years, and sitting down and writing his whole life story cured his depression. It’s like validating yourself, I think. I liked to write poetry in high school, and it still attracts me, but I couldn’t write anything now. I am going to start writing to keep track of what happened when, since I’m prone to forgetfulness these days.

 

[tubgirl.jpg]

You both have the writing ability and intelligence to write whatever story you want..

Thank you, that's very kind.

I can say i can jump 50 feet in the air or run around the world in 2 minutes, but good luck doing it
it doesnt HAVE to be real.. it CAN BE WHAT YOU WANT to be real..

I get what you mean - but I'm always drawn to low-culture fiction. The transgressive where the Hollywood ending doesn't exist.
And I admire those who see the glass half-full at time, but mine is bone dry. And that gives me comfort.
But while is beautiful, it's is so because we momentarily forget the meat-grinder we're sliding down - again it comforts me more than a happy ending.

im saying... when you watch a movie.. and theres lots of conflict, pain, war, sadness...

is it more inspiring when they finish it with these conflicts resolved?

Dependents on the conflict, but generally no. Conflicts are rarely dissolved, they're put on hold on.

would you prefer the whole story be just the painful segments for the characters?

No more than ordinary life, which is full of them.

do those segments make the story more interesting?

Definitely. I'm a firm believer we love the happy ending, but the downfall and corruption is something everybody thrives in.
Scandals built society, tragedies our greatest arts.

did they have any morals in them?

I find morals to be stagnant, so any morals in stories that are absolute or rely on Learys make-believe Utopia of peace and love are, however admirable, delusions.

how would you write YOUR stories as if they were movies?

Raw.

Again, if you feel more comfortable in the dark.. do you..
there are lessons to be learned there,
knowledge to be shared..
perspective to be gained...

Absolutely man.

There has never been anything wrong with (both) your writing... you both..

Thank you, greatly appreciated to hear.

i just wanted to be make sure the person writing was okay...
and if not.. to remind you that its never too late to "correct your stories" if they are darker than YOU like.
both in real life, and in writing form...

This was beautiful. Thanks for the concern. I'm doing very okay. I'm comfortable with my shadows after many years of trying to accept it.

at the end of the day, it's about making yourself happy... not me... or anyone else.

That's true - I feel that if someone can find a light in my dark texts and feel less alone that s a victory.

Thanks for your concern man, it's reall amazing.

 

[FixXxer]

I get what you mean - but I'm always drawn to low-culture fiction. The transgressive where the Hollywood ending doesn't exist.

I don't particularly like how predictable most stories can be in Hollywood myself...
it's definitely more appealing to be caught off guard, or not know what to expect somehow..

Dependents on the conflict, but generally no. Conflicts are rarely dissolved, they're put on hold on.

Definitely. I'm a firm believer we love the happy ending, but the downfall and corruption is something everybody thrives in.
Scandals built society, tragedies our greatest arts.

Good points... but not everybody.. it throws me off balance.
corruption tilts the scales too much for my liking.. and partaking is against my own moral codes

I find morals to be stagnant, so any morals in stories that are absolute or rely on Learys make-believe Utopia of peace and love are, however admirable, delusions.

If there were no problems/ nothing to fix/ improve..
evolution would not be possible... if everything was truly perfect, it would be impossible to continue to improve..

I feel that if someone can find a light in my dark texts and feel less alone that s a victory.

I bring my own 'light' to my life ... i can see the beauty in what you write for sure my friend... you rock.

i guess i wanted to help 'colour' or 'light' your darkness a bit.. offer an option of evolution..
but it is yours... to do with as you please... i dont want to control it... thank you for all the understanding

 

[tubgirl.jpg]

Good points... but not everybody.. it throws me off balance.
corruption tilts the scales too much for my liking.. and partaking is against my own moral codes

Of course, we all thrive in different waters.

If there were no problems/ nothing to fix/ improve..
evolution would not be possible... if everything was truly perfect, it would be impossible to continue to improve..

There are plenty of problems to fix, I so agree.

I bring my own 'light' to my life ... i can see the beauty in what you write for sure my friend... you rock.

Thanks man. I try to the same, and I try for those I care about. But my "light" is seldom labeled that by others as it's goes against the norm of what lights exactly is.

i guess i wanted to help 'colour' or 'light' your darkness a bit.. offer an option of evolution..

I surely appreciated it.

but it is yours... to do with as you please... i dont want to control it... thank you for all the understanding

Of course dude. Makes me glad to hear.
My intention is never to make someone feel bad - but maybe reflect on things we'd rather not.
I just think as we explore the light, so should me explore the darkness. I believe in incorporating our dark sides rather than quell them-
that stuff breed Bundy.

All the best man!
Not knowing or ignoring it might get you caught up in it, I think.

 

[FixXxer]

I just think as we explore the light, so should me explore the darkness. I believe in incorporating our dark sides rather than quell them-
that stuff breed Bundy.
Not knowing or ignoring it might get you caught up in it, I think.

Perfectly said... I could not agree more....

just remember you can control the dark... if you don't let it control you...

don't fight it, accept it...
change things if YOU want to...
but work with it just as much as the light.. it's there for a reason... and it's equally as beautiful... when you get to know it... yes?

 

[FixXxer]

But organizing thoughts on paper is one of my biggies. I read once of a man who suffered bad depression for years, and sitting down and writing his whole life story cured his depression.

This is exactly what I was trying to say/ get at in many of my previous combined posts.. for anyone that is actually depressed / feeling stuck ..

sometimes, you just gotta vent and get shit out, and it never comes back...

but if you cant get away from a certain story you keep telling yourself...
making yourself feel 'stuck' in a cycle of the same story.. you can change it with your words and your writing..

I have been giving advice on how, from my perspective..
because it is what i do for myself... and it has been working for me.

 

[Juniper Bruhmomentius]

Imo, mental illness helps