User blog comment:Bringer Of The Light/Disappointment/@comment-25226524-20161128184003

Well, although you seem to have a pretty good grip on the language, especially considering it's your second, I do recommend making reading your first priority. I recommend this to anyone that's struggling. Since you mentioned him, we have a pretty good collection of Lovecraft here - HPL. Just keep in mind that he used a lot of archaic words and spellings. You can't get by with using a lot of the words he did unless it's in a similarly antiquated style. Also keep in mind that a vast vocabulary isn't necessary for writing, although it can make it easier. You do need to have a pretty solid set though. I personally use rather basic wording. People have different views on this, but I prefer to keep things simple and accessible. That being said, certain styles call for different word choices, but you can simply avoid those styles if they don't suit you.

I certainly wouldn't stop writing, but I would spend most of my time reading. Write more for practice instead of writing with the intent to post it. This will help take the pressure off and will hopefully have a freeing effect. Also, don't beat yourself up about struggling. I have hundreds of pages of unfinished work on my computer. I'm by no means recommending this, but just know you're not alone. Feel free to read my stories if you're looking for easier reading but make sure to avoid Jus' Havin' Fun because that would be the last thing you need right now. It's not really written in proper English. The others are listed on my user page.