I genuinely don’t know how to write a story well and am horrible with grammar and wondered if anyone had any tips to help with it.
I started writing when I was pretty young, but only after I’d read a bunch of books I liked and was trying to replicate those styles. It helped me feel like I was improving if I felt like what I was writing was like what I was reading. You might consider trying to write like an author you like on this site, just as a first attempt.
If you’re having trouble with grammar, Grammarly might be able to help. I’ve heard you can ask ChatGPT to tell you what’s wrong with your grammar/explain it back to you (but if you’re trying to become a good writer, I wouldn’t ask ChatGPT to write all your sentences for you!).
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Don’t worry about grammar and spelling, worry on the story itself. Just take a step back and look what happens and then break it down how it happens, like if you have a scene you really want to hit, work backwards on how to get there. Also keep in mind you are going somewhere, you have a starting point and at least a vague idea where you are going, how you get there can change radically in the middle of the trip 
And find people you feel safe with to read and critique your stuff, asking strangers can be ok but random criticism can bite a lot harder than from someone you know is on your side. The most important part…write. Just write. if everything I said you can’t do and have no idea how it ends or where you are going…still just write. Don’t stop. Write
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I always suggest starting with an outline. Jot down every idea that comes to mind about the story you want to tell. Not only does this keep your thoughts organized but makes the writing process a whole lot easier. As Soren mentioned, reading a variety of stories helps as well. When I first started writing, I had a lot of trouble writing out dialogue and believe it or not actual hypnosis inductions. So I read a lot of stories that I felt had good examples of those. Note in your outline patterns that “check your boxes” when you’re reading. What plot devices really get you going? I also think it helps to understand that you’re first couple of stories aren’t going to be amazingly written.
I had to get over a lot of imposter syndrome when I began. A lot of my stories involve father/son dynamics, which is a very popular trope here. I had to stop trying to be like some of the canonical authors who write about father-son stuff (HypnoThrill, Willie C, RobinHood, etc.) because they have had years to develop their craft. Now I have a better understanding of my identity and talents as a writer. If you go back and read some of my first stories and compare them to my more recent ones, it’s kind of embarrassing. Finally, like Jack said, just start writing. Write until you can’t stand it anymore haha. I have probably 20 or so fragments saved in my drive. The series I am working on now had been sitting in my folder for about two years until I finally decided to circle back and flesh it out like I am now. Writing, like an talent, takes time to craft. I’ve only been doing this five years and I’m still learning ways to become a better writer.
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Here are a couple questions I ask myself when I’m writing a story:
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What are the stakes? One of our characters wants something or is worried about something or has some other reason to care.
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Why am I writing about today, rather than any other day? Something exceptional has to happen. Often this ties into the stakes.
Don’t worry about the grammar or any of that. Those are technical skills, and you’ll develop them over time. Ask for editing help if you need it.
Welcome to being a writer. You’ll do great.
Edit: I looked up your stories – looks like you’ve already written a couple! Good on you. Here’s to many more
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Adding to the thread here with my standard advice:
Editing is Magic: Seriously. As people in this thread stated, you start by writing. Put all your ideas down on paper. Nothing you write is ever wasted… And then you finish with editing (and re-editing. and re-editing.)
I promise, every draft you write will be better than the one before. You will find words you like better, structure the flows better, new ideas or themes you want to focus on and can re-write around.
I can’t count the number of times I wrote a chapter I hated, then spent an hour editing, and suddenly liked (and then, of course, edited again. Because every draft is better than the last) And eventually loved. Personally, I usually only post my stuff once I get to ‘love,’ but it takes less editing than you think to get there.
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I totally agree with your take on this….story before anything.
I’ve read quite a number of stories on this site where the writing is superb but the story lacks that “it factor” which, makes it hot.
What I’ve learned even the past month is always have an outline.
Always.
Also. Have someone who will proofread your work. I have someone on here that has agreed to help me and has on my hero story and is on my new one.
Lots of drafts. The current story I’m I am working on had seven drafts for part 1 and is at three for part 2
I’ve learned one thing. Stay away from AI. If you are stuck. Work with someone else. Read some books and try to feel it out yourself. AI can be helpful for looking up info etc. but it can take you too far and make things too easy. Take it from me. Be careful.
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My advice: Just write.
Even if it comes out broken, half-nonsensical, and total garbage, just keep writing. As long as you’re getting your jumbled thoughts out on a page, that’s progress. My first drafts always come out like a hot mess. But then after that comes the editing, the revisions, and the rewrites.
I concur with some of the other commenters here - if there’s a really sweet or really hot scene you just dying to get to, start there and work backwards.
Something that is maybe unique to me (or if others go through the same thing then feel free to chime in) is that you can’t force yourself to write. Each rushed deadline I gave myself and churned out something to meet became a story that I really wasn’t happy with.
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