Writing Stories, it's FRUSTRATING.

I can't believe that spent the whole night researching on themes, settings and ideas and came up with nothing concrete.

It's frustrating when that happens and I'm sure many of you who are writing stories will find yourself in the this situation from time to time.

I think I'm just overthinking about the story I want to write for Ashworth, hence it can lead me to endless possibilities and not sticking with just one idea.


Here's an example: Just who is Ashworth and what is his goal?

Samples:

i) He's a king of the Wombat Clan, he's done gruesome things to the innocent bringing tyranny to towns and villages around the nation. However one day he was betrayed by his own clan and was disposed of, presumed dead. He survives a presumed death, comes back with a refreshed perspective on life - perhaps looking for redemption for the bad things he's done. With a change of heart will he go back to his clan in a double act of revenge and put an end to their terrorism or will he attempt a more civil approach by forgiving them for their acts and convince them to stop their terrorism?

ii) He's a victim of circumstance where he was a war general who fought for his clan but was presumed to have died in the battlefield. He wakes up from a coma, only to find out that he was saved by the true victims of civil war - the innocent farmers, villagers and businessmen who are stuck in between the chaos. His experience with recovery from the village enlightened his views on war, maybe there is another solution other than killing each other for a new government/monarchy? This is where Ashworth sets out to find the answers to the civil conflict.

iii) He's a soldier of fortune hired by the Wombat clan, he is selfish and ruthless and doesn't give a crap for humanity, what he cares more is money and using that money for himself to get by life. It's pretty much an 'Every man for himself' scenario for Ashworth. However one day he was mortally wounded on his biggest mission yet. He wakes up only to find himself alive and being looked after by people who live in the mountains - they are safe from the civil war that's dominating the entire nation at the very moment. However as soon as Ashworth recovers the village suddenly gets attacked. Will he run away and save himself, or will he have a change of heart and return the favour?


Not bad for a start up but I still remember last night that I kept on insisting that story needs to be better - it needs more meat.

My problem is that I'm not easily satisfied with what I write sometimes, once again going back to the 'keeping it simple' concept I tend to add too many ingredients to the broth, spoiling the soup.

Perhaps I just need to sit down and take things one step at a time, and not overlook those ideas.

[EDIT]

Actually now that I think about it, that's not my core problem.

It's the fact that when I stick with an idea I'll go through an arduous trial of:

i) Asking plenty of questions about the story, characters and the setting (design process).
ii) Whether the world I'm establishing makes sense to the readers.

And not being satisfied with the combination of elements into making sense out of the story while making it interesting enough for me to write and continue it.

It's really tough when you're in that phase, what's the point if you're not heavily invested into a project that you'll be working for hours to end?


Care to share me some of your experiences and advice writing stories? How do you approach it and what motivates you to stay in the game?