Writer. Reader. Gamer. Over-Thinker. Dreamer. Not necessarily in that order…
It’s a strange feeling to come back to something (for example, a neglected blog) and remind yourself on the thoughts and focus areas you had at that time.
Today, I move forward but leave the blog of the past there.
Writing. The passion. The frustration. The procrastination. The self-doubt and the self-worth. Let the journey continue.
For the most-part and somewhat in a stereotypical sense, these two go hand in hand.
Personally, I feel that if I walk into a coffee shop and there is somebody relentlessly bashing away on a keyboard then it is only right. It feels right. Even if it does make me feel rather inadequate and that I really should be getting on with my own projects more.
Recently in the news however, it was mentioned about those who come to coffee shops to work, with laptops and such. It mentioned that by doing so, there must be certain rules in place to govern such activity. After all, why should you be able to spend four hours in a coffee shop, when you have only bought yourself a small latte over that time.
It makes business sense, but is it punishing those who are perhaps the biggest fans of the good-old coffee shop? Is it unfair on the business, is it being exploited?
Let me know your thoughts. Should rules be implemented within coffee shops? If so, what should the rules dictate? Perhaps rules already exist in your local shop or large chain. If so, what are they?
We all know the word. Some may know it better than others. Certainly myself.
Yes, its one of the biggest challenges to overcome when trying to be creative, but how do we combat it? Well to me, it’s all about:
1. Dedicating a particular time, where possible to your craft. Spontinuity, whilst it can work, is unlikely to get those larger projects completed.
2. Setting a target.
3. Ensuring to set a marker so you know exactly what the task at hand will be the next time you return to your work. This way you’re not ‘winging it’ every time to get back to it.
4. Find inspiration through whatever means you have. Inspiration can be from completely different things, for each one of us.
5. Where possible, define a specific space for your work. Heck, plaster it with inspirational trinkets and posters (if you want).
How do you overcome the lure of procrastination? Maybe you write blog posts about procrastination? Equally, how do you combat it, do you have any tips to share?
It’s been a few days and with it, minimal writing had taken place. I am thinking that the recent release of No Mans Sky may have something to do with that.. Procrastination is the kryptonite to writers.
Still, must keeping writing, no matter how little.
Do I consider myself a writer, yes and no.
Do I feel like I should write more, definitely.
Do I feel like I should be writing right now, instead of writing this blog post, absolutely.
Isn’t that the problem that a lot of writers face though? The constant lure of procrastination. Especially with someone who has the attention span of a goldfish, I can vouch that it is a rather difficult task to maintain my focus or even get a few words down from day-to-day, but we must try.
I begin this new line of posts in the hope of continuing them and voicing the range of obstacles that may come my way. Thus, I suspect, being feelings of self-doubt, self-loathing and perhaps the occasional tear (lets hope not). Hopefully though, this will also be spread with moments of inspiration and passion.
Keep tuned.
It is a common trait I am sure. The self-doubt, not only in our craft of writing but also in general day to day life. The on-going struggle that we try our best to rid but never quite succeed. It is our very own kryptonite.
Well right now is that time. A time where self-doubt and anxiety crept their ugly, unwanted faces and thus causing nervousness and stress.
The solution? Do not over-think it. Just get on with it, although this is almost always easier said than done.
When I decided to move onto the second draft of my novel, my story did not have a definitive ending. I am glad to say however that from working on the second draft, refining the plot and creating additional content, an ending is now clear and is actually rather exciting (to me, at least).
As I progress the second draft, I feel myself becoming more confident. The overall feeling and depth of the book have matured somewhat in parts and with it, I feel it is now a little more-rounded. Although, a lot of work is still to do.
With this, the character arcs are all developing nicely too and I am beginning to feel a real connection with the characters and to an extent, the locations brought to life.
May the writing process continue, as it will certainly never end…
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Is it sad that i find editing more enjoyable than writing?
No pressure to come up with the next story line, the next plot twist. Instead, it is correcting the plot holes and fixing the grammar mistakes.
Writing is 10% writing, 90% editing (at least for me) so i guess this works in my favor.
Onward and upward!
Good day to you all.
Over the last few weeks, I have looked to increase my online presence within writing communities and with it, build lasting relationships with people who share the same passion as myself.
With this, I have seen the true value in having a community, especially when it comes to the often lonesome task of writing. A community not only breaks the tedium that writing can be at times, but it acts as a great motivational tool. Not to mention the fact that you can share each other’s successes and work with each other to become better writer’s in the long-run.
My advice. Don’t go alone. Be proactive and seek your own community (even if only online. If you’re anything like me, social anxiety plays a big part).
I have dabbled into writing short stories in the past and whilst they may take considerably less time than a fully fledged novel, i find them much more challenging.
With a short story, you need to concentrate the content of the story into a set amount of words which makes each individual sentence much more relevent. Equally, you need to get key points across to the reader in a much more refined way.
I think short stories on the face of it come across as an easier prospect, however like anything that looks easy, you soon find out it is much more difficult than it first looked.
Give me a novel any day.
Ramblings 