Writing Is Fun, but I'm Sure Someone Else Has This Problem Too. Speak up Please - Comments

Some people do outlines of a story before giving the story a physical form (what you concieve in published format) and work from there. I would try outlining at least the first five chapters (or three depending on the amount of chapters you're willing to write). Start with the first scene that pops into your mind and go from there. That's what J.K. Rowling did when she originally imagined Harry Potter.

I have this exact problem.

I just write what I can, and come back to it when I feel like I've got something more solid. All of my stories come to me in dreams, so yeah, I get pretty vivid insights into them, but I just cant explain them...haha

Here's what I find that problem usually stems from: When I write the story down, it doesn't sound the way it's playing out in my head. The words aren't the right words, I don't know where the best part to begin at is, etc.

This advice sounds counterproductive, but has been given over and over by so many professional writers:

LOWER YOUR STANDARDS.

The first draft is for you to tell yourself the story. Get it all out on paper. Think about it: Professional writers don't release a story one chapter at a time right? If they did, they'd be screwed. A lot of people go back and change literally about 70% of the story--completely rearrange scenes, re-write certain characters, all kinds of stuff to make it come to life the way it did in their heads (or better).

So lower your expectations. Don't make it your goal to make the story come out like it is in your head. Just make it your goal to put the story on paper. There will always be plenty of time for editing.

Yup, I have this problem.

I personally have no problem starting stories once I get the idea. For me, it's keeping up with stories that I start that's the problem. Honestly, I think the best thing to do is just start writing and see how it comes out. You can always go back and rewrite and edit to make it match what you originally envisioned later on.

If your "problem" is more just finding the motivation to write, just get your butt to open a notebook or a Word document and start writing. For me it's like finding the motivation to work out, actually getting myself to move enough to start is the hardest part but once I get going I don't want to stop until I'm out of breath.

I don't think I was helpful at all but I totally understand what you're saying.