u/Important_Mongoose44

For my first ever attempt at writing something seriously, I’m working on a novel. I have a really great idea in an outline, but I’m definitely running into a lot of hiccups and issues with things like dialogue and scene composition. Would I be better off writing a few short stories and doing complete revisions and polishing those so I can see what it feels like to go through that process? I’m sure the likely answers I’m going to get will be everyone’s different and to do what you feel type stuff, but I’m just wondering if the experienced writers out there can lend me some insight. I truly appreciate it. Thank you in advance.

Rush is certain this time, that the finch hopping on the windowsill of the Valley Junction Sheriff’s office is the same one that has been pestering him for a week now. He doesn’t assume that one can too easily tell one finch from the other. A little grey bird with a hint of orange under its wing, but this one has a recognizable edge to it. A suspicious, intrusive demeanor ill befitting a country song bird. It chirps and taps on the glass, shattering the peaceful dawn silence that Rush fiercely protects as his own. He uncrosses his legs and brings them down from an old dark oak desk, straightens in his chair and frowns at the bird. Probably, he thinks, it shouldn’t bother him this much, but he has precious little time for his diversions, and none whatsoever to share with this nosey little pest. He leans over and smacks the dusty glass window with his copy of the times and the finch flutters off. “Mind yer dang business.” He says, and goes back to his labors, knowing that the unwelcome busy body will be back, apparently none too interested in normal, finch related activities.

First of all, I’ve recently discovered this sub, and I don’t want to abuse it, but I am already addicted to it as a resource. I will do my best to temper my curiosity. That being said, I really struggle with the concept of showing versus talent. I feel like my favorite authors all do a lot of telling. Pros that lives inside a characters head, or is just theoretically descriptive as opposed to utilizing action. Is there any form of litmus test that might help me determine when I’m better off telling versus showing? I hope this isn’t too Monday of a post, I’m just looking for another source of education on this subject. Thank you in advance for any insight that you can provide.

I can usually get about a thousand words into my daily writing before the doubt creeps in. I’m not good enough, this sucks, I’m going to move to a different idea etc. How do the more experienced among you deal with this. How “normal” is it? At what point do I scrap it and move on? Is the answer to just keep going and if the end result is trash just accept it and start something new? Just looking for advice here. I’m sure a lot of aspiring writers go through this, and I would appreciate any tips. If this is not the place for this then I apologize. Thanks.