Fiction Writing
Navigating the Lonely Road of Fiction Writing: My Journey So Far
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Introduction
Do you like to read fictional stories? Do you like writing them? I have recently started to write some fictional stories and have found them very rewarding. However, I have found a big problem.
They are not very well supported
Stumbling Along
You may have hit a brick wall on your own journey as a writer. In my very short career, when this happens, I look over my previous articles and read some of the comments left by my friends (followers).
I feel blessed to be part of a strong community of writers. They come and go, but the nucleus remains; I am thankful for that. I picked up on one comment from Marilyn Glover when I wrote my first fictional story, “How to Find Spiritual Fulfilment”.
Her encouraging words, along with Sieran Lane, Lucy Socha and Pat Romito LaPointe gave me a very small glimmer that maybe I could try and write another fictional story.
It Was Crap
“Blaze The Red Dragon” was next (although I announced this as my first one, not sure why!). Save yourself the pain of reading it.
“It was crap”
Sieran Lane was loyal, it must have been hard to read, but again he found kind words for me. Belcairn also popped in to say hi. A mention of “Jackanory” took me back a few years to my childhood, of which I have many fond memories.
I Hit Rock Bottom
Oh, the best is yet to come. I wrote “A Clumsy Knight”, wait for it…..I have ZERO COMMENTS. I did have some support, a private note and some kind words from The Sturg.
Talk about being humbled. Maybe I should quit whilst I am losing!
Nah, that word does not sit well with me, so time to give it another bash. My ego can take it.
I Have A Winner
I wrote a masterpiece, or at least I thought I had, but struggled to find a publication that would take fictional ghost stories. Thankfully, the “Third Eye Gypsy” came to my rescue and a new comment from Joseph Lieungh. Thank you!
Whilst it did not reach the dizzy height I expected, I did love writing it, and scared the shit out of myself in the process, constantly looking over my shoulders with chills running down my spine.
If you are going to read any of my fictional stories, please read “A Fictional Ghost Story With A Twist.” You may only be slightly disappointed with that one. However, it was a decent effort.
Publications
I am gobsmacked at the lack of large fictional publications. Where are they all? Hello, does fiction exist on Medium? I thought this was a writing platform.
I contacted some of my friends, and their message was clear.
“If you want a large fictional publication Rob, your going to have to create it yourself”
Hell no, I do not have the time or energy to start another. Still, I am willing to put my time into learning about fiction and writing a few stories to support a publication that welcomes me into their community.
An Olive Branch
I was contacted by JF Danskin, who runs the publication “Choose Your Own Adventure”, and I must say that I have been very impressed by the setup and support that I have been given.
I have started a mini-series fictional story called “Shipwrecked” and have written three short parts to date, two of which are published, with the third imminent.
Part Three — pending
Despite my articles having very little support, I have really enjoyed writing them, being creative and seeing where I can take the characters.
The Question
Is my fiction writing really that crap, or is fiction just simply not very well supported? Whilst I think I know the answer (the first part 😢), it is a genuine question.
It’s like winning the lotto and living on a deserted island
There is no point in writing if no one likes it
I have to congratulate you for getting this far down the article, and if you have taken the time to read any of my fictional stories, I apologise for being a newbie to this niche.
#Strongertogether
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