Update!

[zafra]

I'm terrible at consistency - which I guess means I can say I totally *rock* inconsistency! LOL But sadly, no one generally pays well for that. If you know of anything that does, please let me know! ;-)

The good news is, I was right and I finally got hubby to do what I've been saying he should do for years! Thank you madsweeny01 for proving my point. LOL

Comments

[alba17]

I totally agree with the last paragraph. I've realized I have a lot of fears about writing and a lot of times that's what stops me. I've read several things now about how you just have to plow through it and ignore the fact that your aspirations may not match with your results, because the only way you get better is by doing it. I know there are people who are natural storytellers - I'm not. My 6 yr old daughter is - when I see her brain in action, I'm in awe. But I enjoy it, so I keep plugging away.

I just saw something that suggested a way to get through writer's block is to start with a short time, like 5 minutes/day. Then very gradually increase it. That way you're not pressuring yourself too much. Don't even write for MORE than the allotted time. Stick to the time limit. Something to think about trying, anyway.

[zafra]

Even if your on a roll you shouldn't write for more than the allotted time? I would think shoot for the 5 min but if I got going then I'd have to write it down or I'd forget it! I guess they mean don't write 'just to write' for more than 5 mins? IDK. Just seems counter-productive if you're trying to create something specific.

[alba17]

That's what it said. I wonder where I read that, I could give you the link. I think the idea was not to put too much pressure on yourself. Like if you wrote longer, you'd feel it had to measure up to some imagined measure of goodness. Not sure.

[zafra]

I guess that makes sense - my thing is always when I do get something in my head I have to write down, it's not necessarily that it needs to be good at that point. My biggest issue, and I think for you possibly as well, is the editing! Just writing is fine, but refining or trying to get through a section that you can't immediately envision - that's when the fear and doubt and avoidance creeps in!
Of course, there's also just plain not having ideas and therefore not writing daily!

[archaeologist_d]

Sounds about right with the fears of not knowing what to do or how to finish a story. My characters start talking to me in my head, too, and that's when I know it's time to write again.

Good luck with Ana

[zafra]

My characters 'talk to me' I suppose - I have lines I think of that so-and-so would say and especially while I'm on a good roll writing, it's like I 'am' that person, mentally. Actors and writers will know what I mean by that! You think and even can start acting like how your character would be. Sometimes it's hard for me to shut it off, which is why I think I go through these writing phases. I either write like mad, or I'm drained and want to do other things I wasn't doing while writing like mad!