Self Pep Talk

I like to think of myself as a writer. I've taken a few creative writing courses while in college. Won accolades from my creative writing peers. But I've never been dedicated to it.

I'm great with ideas. Full of them in fact. But I'm not good with the follow through. For those not paying attention, it's been six and a half years since I've written a blog post. But it's not starting a project that is my problem. My problem is that I get discouraged. I'll write a page or two, or fifty, and I'll suddenly realize that my story sounds just like such and such author's three novel epic. Or, that my main character is such an epic douche that I want to kill him as soon as I'm able.

For me this is discouraging. I want to be original, not derivative. I want likable characters that readers will cheer on, not jerks that disappoint through longevity. But more and more I've come to realize that ancient wisdom may apply here. I should be happy with what I have.

Apparently, I can write in a style similar to a successful author, on occasion. Instead of feeling unoriginal I should realize that I can at least get some quality prose together. Also, I can create characters that invoke emotion. Maybe even enough to get readers really involved with the story.

After all, who doesn't enjoy a good villain.

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