A talking point, courtesy of Stephen King

[gamma_x_orionis]

"Most writers can remember the first book he/she put down thinking 'I can do better than this.  Hell, I am doing better than this!'"
-Stephen King, On Writing
Do you remember reading a book that made you think that?  Or maybe a story - even a piece of fanfiction?  I totally had that experience with a certain bestseller based on Twilight fanfiction

Comments

[gothrockrulz]

Yes, I feel that way a *lot*, and I was so psyched when I first read this quote of King's. Good inspiration. :)

[pinksonia]

I haven't really, which is probably a good confirmation that I am not a writer. That's not to say that I've never come across a poorly written book, but my thoughts always stay along the lines of "this is so poorly written I can't handle it any more" rather than taking it to the next step of "I could do a better job myself".

[wasureneba]

I have definitely had that feeling---primarily about fanfiction, but also in some cases about professional fiction (mostly in scifi/fantasy). However, like who_la_hoop said, they've managed to finish things and I haven't... so, y'know.

[afleur_de_lis]

GAMMA! *huggles*

To bring this back to your post. I recently thought this very thing when reading Before Versailles by Karleen Koen. Honestly, her style of writing and her lack of research and plot made me want to tear my hair out in frustration.

The first book though? I think it was part of the classic literature genre that is way too traumatising to speak of.

Though, the book you're referring to is a very close second ;)

[dexstarr]

I read a *lot.* I swear I feel that way once a week.

But as others have said, at least those writers have finished something and I haven't :(