The Roads to Creativity: Shared Paths and Solo Walks
There are benefits to writing and creating art in solitude, but also pros to finding a good place to share the joys and struggles. What works for you - and why?
The first fanfic I wrote I spent over a year on - and I wrote it very much on my own; no feedback until I would publish a chapter, no one to bounce ideas off. It was only me and my computer, and this little world I was creating.
Soon after, I joined a community of fan writers - and learned all about prompts and challenges, big bangs and reverse bangs, birthday fics, co-written stories and more. It’s been a lot of fun, and I hope to keep enjoying it for years. That’s not to say there aren’t some impacts that are less ideal, though. I’ve found that it’s really easy for me to take on too many stories at once, or to accept a prompt I’m not crazy about because it sounds like fun…until it isn’t. I did both last year, swore I’d avoid that this year but then kind of did so again.
I wouldn’t go back to writing alone, though. And I’ve also sought out community when it comes to writing that is not fandom-related. Specifically, I joined a Meetup group named “Shut up and Write!” We get together every Wednesday, talk about our projects for a few minutes and then…we shut up and write for a solid hour. Heads down, no talking, just jam on the words. Sometimes people will stick around after to talk some more - but the main goal is to motivate and move our projects forward. I’ve found it fun and helpful, It also gets me away from my computer table, and is a good excuse to take a walk.
What do you think? Do you prefer writing in solitude, or sharing the creative process? Have you found an ideal mix of both?
Here are a couple of links as food for thought. Enjoy and tell me what you think!
Digital Writing: If only community weren't so communal
How Not to Write Your First Novel