McAnally's (The Community Pub) > Author Craft

Motivation for a Fellow Writer

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blgarver:
So I have this friend who has a passion for storytelling and writing, but he finds himself distracted, mostly with real world things, as we all do.  I feel like I'm a bit more evolved in the writing process than he is - not necessarily a better writer, mind you, I just think I've gotten through a lot of the beginning writer battles that he is still fighting - and I feel that I should use my experience to motivate him and help him through some of the early fights.

But I don't want to seem like I'm trying to make him write.  He keeps saying he wants to write, but I don't know if he's really sat down and thought about to what extent.  It seems like he wants to do it professionally, but then again he seems to hold a grudge toward writing for all the free time it takes up.

I don't know if I should lean on him gently, or just let him be.  I like support and motivation from fellow writers when I am slacking off, but that's because I want to be a professional writer and I love being immersed in the craft.  I am on the fence here.  I don't want to badger my friend and make it seem like I'm disappointed in him because he isn't writing regularly, or working toward a career in writing.  He's my friend whether he wants to write or not.

Anyone ever been in a situation like this?  I could use some advice on how to proceed.  Thanks.

Shecky:
Ask him point-blank if he would like you to help him. Proceed appropriately from there.

the neurovore of Zur-En-Aargh:

--- Quote from: Shecky on September 24, 2008, 02:44:47 PM ---Ask him point-blank if he would like you to help him. Proceed appropriately from there.

--- End quote ---

If he agrees that he does want help, then ask him how serious he is, and what scale of commitment he is willing to put into it.

Shecky:
= "proceed appropriately" :D

Roaram:
take your friend out to thee 24 hour restaurant of choice, and start off with an open dissusion on the story ideas. yours or his. try to select one idea, and only one, to work through as a joint project. then you can help with the basics, and maybe get a valuable team effort going

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