A Command Of English

My inability to write fiction crossed my mind today.  It's one of my many weaknesses that I find rather puzzling.  I think I have an adequate command of English (at least I like to think that I do, which is another argument for another time).  I have successfully published a Master's Thesis, and have always written well in situations involving formal writing.

However, I have no capacity to write fiction or to tell a story.  I wish not to hear the argument of "the more you practice writing fiction, the better you'll become."  I already know that.  I'm not concerned about the skill.  I know that can be developed over time.  I'm writing about the ability and capacity without which the skill cannot be present.

All fiction writing I've "produced" to this day has been nonsensical garbage.  I lose all command of the language when attempting to write fiction.  The words I write have a depth of thought akin to a brainless slime.  Even though I'm attempting to write fiction, where I can create my own rules of logic, etc., I cannot produce text with any cohesiveness.  The writing is segmented and reads of a person incapable of creating consecutive thoughts that complement each other.  The ability to create worthwhile topics is not worth mentioning.

What is curious is that I can write in a formal setting / voice.  My command of English is there when I write for research or when I write about another's work.  With my self-critique, I will not slash as far as to say I cannot write, for that would be untrue.  I can write.  I simply can't write when it is only I creating the narrative.  I can write about others' work.  I can write to describe a process and its conclusion.  Those two areas require either another's work or my own non-written work (If I attempt to describe the process and conclusion of my writing, I fail.).

My mind and knowledge of English simply do not allow me to create the substance.  Eventually I'll accept this reality, and not bore your with the cyclical lamentation.

Comments

[Dechelle Minor]

Stop it! All you need is a solid idea that takes a stronghold within you. So strong that you write out the feeling, the image, the thought and sometimes even the sound.

I've read your work - you are far too hard on yourself. Next year, do nanowrimo with me. This year is sucky lol But next year - give it a try.

[Eddie Jennings, Jr.]

You've read only a few selected items that I've finished. If you took a critical eye to them, you'll find I'm more on the mark than I'm off. Few folks have read the unfinished work, and that is by design. I waste enough of people's time with this blogging endeavor. It would be unethical to ask of their time to read inferior writing.