Question about a very specific type of writing-related neurosis

[SuperScribe]

Do any of you ever read a script* that's, well, let's just say "not very well executed" and leave it at that, and fear that you're making the exact same mistakes in your own writing? For example, maybe the actual "words on the page" writing in the script in question is fine, but the story is rambling and incoherent, and the characters aren't developed beyond the names the writer has given them. That sort of thing.**

And then you start worrying that your script is also rambling and incoherent and features wafer thin characters. Which leads you to read random passages of your script just to reassure yourself that it's not as bad as the script you just read. But you continue to worry. Oh boy, do you.

This happens to me quite a bit. Like, far too much.

And I want to know that I'm not alone, dammit.

* Especially in your genre.
** Yeah, I couldn't just "leave it at that."

[ihavebiglips]

Originally Posted by SuperScribe

Do any of you ever read a script* that's, well, let's just say "not very well executed" and leave it at that, and fear that you're making the exact same mistakes in your own writing? For example, maybe the actual "words on the page" writing in the script in question is fine, but the story is rambling and incoherent, and the characters aren't developed beyond the names the writer has given them. That sort of thing.**

And then you start worrying that your script is also rambling and incoherent and features wafer thin characters. Which leads you to read random passages of your script just to reassure yourself that it's not as bad as the script you just read. But you continue to worry. Oh boy, do you.

This happens to me quite a bit. Like, far too much.

And I want to know that I'm not alone, dammit.

* Especially in your genre.
** Yeah, I couldn't just "leave it at that."

No. I am the shit and I have the ego to back it up.

[SuperScribe]

You also have the writing to back it up.

/swears under his breath at Lips

[ihavebiglips]

Originally Posted by SuperScribe

You also have the writing to back it up.

/swears under his breath at Lips

Thanks! Now, if I could just get the sales to back it up...

In all seriousness, I think it has to do with you reading so many scripts (many of which are not the shit, obviously) and being too familiar with your own work...

Doubt is normal, dude. Trust in your talent and knowledge, rear back, and let the big dog rip.

[Richmond Weems]

I know all about backin' up. 'Cause my daddy taught me good.

HH

[F.Scott.Frazier]

Doubt and loathing of your own material are just part and parcel of being a writer.

You want to know how much doubt I have? Reading the original post, all I can think about is how you MUST be talking about my scripts.

[wcmartell]

Yes. But isn't that pretty much normal for a writer?

Here's the thing - after you think those dark negative thoughts, what do you do? Do another draft of your script to try and address those problems if they exist? Or just worry and do nothing?

- Bill

[SuperScribe]

Originally Posted by wcmartell

Here's the thing - after you think those dark negative thoughts, what do you do?

Well, um... there's a lot of filleting and burying involved.

I'm always amazed when I come across writers who seem to have insane amounts of confidence. It just doesn't make any sense to me because it's so far removed from my own experience. Pretty much the opposite of it, really.

On the other hand, whenever I run into talented writers who share my insecurities, it trips me out. I want to shout, "Dude (or dudette), you rock! Stop worrying!"

But maybe those insecurities push us to...

Oh, Christ, tell me I wasn't about to type out a John Dorianesque epiphany. Ugh.

Lips -

You want me to poop?

[ihavebiglips]

Originally Posted by SuperScribe

Well, um... there's a lot of filleting and burying involved.

I'm always amazed when I come across writers who seem to have insane amounts of confidence. It just doesn't make any sense to me because it's so far removed from my own experience. Pretty much the opposite of it, really.

On the other hand, whenever I run into talented writers who share my insecurities, it trips me out. I want to shout, "Dude (or dudette), you rock! Stop worrying!"

But maybe those insecurities push us to...

Oh, Christ, tell me I wasn't about to type out a John Dorianesque epiphany. Ugh.

Lips -

You want me to poop?

Swing for the fences, fool! Whether it be in writing or pooping.

[Ronaldinho]

I think most writers learn to recognize most flaws in other writers' work first.

The point is to take what you learn from those scripts and apply it to yours.