To start with, I've been writing for decades, and I wrote multiple novels, in my native language, which is Serbian and in English too. I love writing but sometimes, well, lately a lot, it bugs me that I feel like I am not good enough. Statistics on site like this one are the worst for my confidence. I used not to even think about it but now, when I see statistics, I think "why am I even bothering?".
I don't even know why it hurts me, since I always wrote for myself and friends and whoever wants to read, but when I see statistics where over 600 people started to read my novel then gave up after few pages or so, it's kind of bugging me a lot. It makes me think I should just give up and turn back to painting. Like, why bother writing when I am so bad at that, as statistics show? Does anyone else has these thoughts?

    Biljana_M why are you checking statistics? I’ll say, just write for your own happiness.

    You are thinking about people who don’t like your book but what about the people who admire your work and wants to read more?

    As a writer whenever I feel like giving up I think about it and start again.

    Hopefully you’ll understand. Success take time to come. Who knows in future your book might become popular?

    If you still want to give up then it’s your choice.

    Biljana_M I don't think it's only you who feel heartbroken and down about this matter. Rather than a huge amount of people, be thankful to that at least only one person who still supporta you.

    At first, I have up writing unt I saw there was a buch of messages from one person asking me to upload again. So just for that one person and for my own happiness, I write. Now I have some more people who instruct me from time to time whenever I make a mistake.

    Have you not heeard that evryone is not perfect.
    Just do it for yourself, others will come by themselves.

    Relax buddy! Don't take those brrak down serious. It's not like you will lose your life.

    We still have time. Don't worry. Cool down!
    Hope you can take the right decision with others', opinions.
    but what matters is yours.

    BYE BYE...HAVE A GOOD DAY...

    Biljana_M
    Trust me, unless you are that lucky chosen one who succeeds with a single try, it is very normal to have this kind of feeling, including myself, almost all of the writers would at least think of giving up once.
    While for me, I can't count how many times I locked myself in my room crying with my eyes covered with my pillow and feeling so heartbroken that I feel giving up on writing but every single time after the emotional moment, my head will automatically start to think about all sort of story ideas and I will continue to write again.
    I just love writing so much that even after countless failures (and is still now), with all the sleepless, heartbreaking nights, I still continue to write because that's my passion.
    So, if you are really passionate about writing, I believe your body and subconsciousness will know if you really want to give up or not.

    I would happily write for one single reader.
    Statistics can do more damage than good. When I used to write before all these platforms, I didn't really think if anyone would ever read it, but now when I have like obvious statistics that literally say "650 people started your novel and gave up in less than 60 seconds" it does hurt. I am not a robot, of course I feel something when I read that. It starts to open questions am I even good writer or not, and should I put my work on platforms or keep it to myself.
    I am also a visual artist, I paint and draw, so I do have something else I love to do.

      Biljana_M I know. It really does hurt. I try to reread to think my story was good wnough. sometimes I get tired of reading it again and again.

      Yet, a comment can make me feel encourage. Evryone get a simple thing like that to feel happy about what they do.

      You must be trust in your painting skills. You said you loved it. I also have somwthing else I like more.But I am still learning.

      Evrything will be alright. 😊

        Sweet_Vanilla553 I know how it feels. I can't even read my novels anymore, I just know every word too well and can't be objective.
        Once I got a comment and reactions and I was so happy! That means a lot to a writer, even though many people who don't write are not aware of that.

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