Why Don't I Do It?
By AnjaP
@Rollo1 (16679)
Boston, Massachusetts
August 23, 2015 3:23pm CST
Everyone I know is writing books. Or has written books. Or will be writing a book when NaNoWriMo comes around in November.
I have written a lot of poetry. It's something I used to do and blog about daily. I love flash fiction and short stories, and have won numerous contests for all of the above.
So, I wonder sometimes - why don't I write a book?
Note the key element shared by all of the writing I have mentioned. They are all short. Books tend to be long.
Am I lazy? Of course, that goes without saying. But it's more than that.
I think I ran out of things to say, stories to tell.
I have a great idea for a book. But I didn't write it. I started writing another idea and did 8 chapters, then I got bored and wandered off.
I bore myself. That doesn't bode well.
Show of hands here. Have you written a book? Are you writing a book? Do you have a great idea for a book and plan to write it?
Just how unmotivated can you guys make me feel?
15 people like this
18 responses
@sunnypub (2128)
• United States
24 Aug 15
I would like to but I just can't get things right. I have great ideas a d can describe them in detail but when it comes to adding dialogue and actually turning the idea into a story, I just choke. Like others have said, I judge myself very harshly. One day I will finish one, but that day is not today.
@sunnypub (2128)
• United States
26 Aug 15
@Rollo1 I guess I don't really have the desire to learn it. Honestly I would love to find someone to colaborate with, someone I can tell my story to and then they can flush it out and fill in the blanks so to speak to turn it into a complete novel. I am wary of using just anybody though. I really do believe I have great ideas and great stories so I don not want to tell them to just anybody. That is a trust issue on my part. One day when the time is right, I know it will all work out.
@patgalca (18181)
• Orangeville, Ontario
24 Aug 15
I can totally unmotivate you. I have written a book, done 7 or 8 revisions, and have recently gone back to it after a 2 or 3 year break. I edited five chapters and haven't gone back to it since. My biggest problem, I believe, is distraction (the computer) and fatigue (due to my fibromyalgia symptoms). I keep praying that I can remotivate myself but it just isn't happening. I'm disappointed with myself. I have other ideas for future books but will not start another until I finish one otherwise I'll end out with a bunch of unfinished books.
2 people like this
@bluerubymoon53 (3286)
• United States
23 Aug 15
I'm never motivated to write a book. I would rather read books that have already been written! 
I'm not all that crazy about poetry. 
My sister is the writer in the family. She loves to write. She had an article published in a magazine with her own byline. She has started a few books or stories and then life got in the way of her finishing them.
I'm not all that crazy about poetry.
My sister is the writer in the family. She loves to write. She had an article published in a magazine with her own byline. She has started a few books or stories and then life got in the way of her finishing them.1 person likes this
@crossbones27 (48417)
• Mojave, California
24 Aug 15
I have not, but people tell me I should. I am like you in that regard. I get bored easy, including with my own thoughts.
2 people like this
@Rollo1 (16679)
• Boston, Massachusetts
26 Aug 15
NaNoWriMo is National Novel Writing Month. It is held every November. If you sign up, you are pledging to write a novel in one month. There is a certain number of words you must write every day. The goal is to finish a book during the month of November. It is a contest that is held online. You can check it out here.
@allknowing (130066)
• India
24 Aug 15
In my case it is 'The mind is willing but my determination is week
I have thoughts flowing but putting pen to paper is my problem.
I have thoughts flowing but putting pen to paper is my problem.1 person likes this
@arthurchappell (45002)
• Preston, England
3 Sep 15
You could compile your poems and stories into an anthology and self publish on a print on demand site like Lulu. A book isn't just a novel though it is well worth creating a novel too.
@taramarie39 (667)
• Williamsburg, Virginia
24 Aug 15
Ha-ha, I have asked myself those questions for 5 years. Why haven't I taken advantage of it? Not sure. Afraid if success? Afraid if a little hard work? Again, not sure. But now that you brought it up, yes, I have a few book ideas. Maybe I should just do it. November is "write" around the corner. :)
1 person likes this
@taramarie39 (667)
• Williamsburg, Virginia
24 Aug 15
@Rollo1 I know how you feel about failing. I hate to fail as well. But they are very helpful. They give you a minimum of how much to do everyday. :)
@GardenGerty (157551)
• United States
24 Aug 15
Long things, like books, intimidate me. I do have a rhyming children's Christmas story. I need to illustrate it, it has been five years since I wrote it. I am joining you in your lack of motivation.
1 person likes this
@DanieGirl80587 (2713)
• United States
24 Aug 15
I want to finish my book, but I guess the main reason I haven't is I really am afraid people would either hate it or not bother reading it and it would get cluttered with all the really great authors. I don't know. Maybe I am being too hard on myself.
Also the fact that I have been a little lazy and busy at the same time.
1 person likes this
