snowflake challenge #3

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In your own space, Scream Into the Void. Get it all out.

Okay, I'm actually bad at this, at least online, because I always feel the need to correct myself at the end or be all "but it's not that bad" because I'm doing the whole "in the grand scheme of things", comparing it to what I feel are real problems. With other people, I will definitely be like "just because other people have it worse doesn't mean your problems are less valid" but somehow the brain doesn't really let you extend that kind of sympathy to yourself. Funny how that works.

Since I'm avoiding real life/politics talk and *gestures to the state of the world* all that, my gripe is currently my inability to write. I want to write fic, I have to write fic with the deadlines I have (both real and self imposed), but somehow, when I stare at a word document, I'm getting nothing! It's not like I don't know what to write either. I even have ideas on what I want to do or where I want to go with my stories, but the scenes that sound so great in my head will just not come out. I barely wrote in December and I have nothing so far this month. It's just extremely frustrating to want to want to do something yet not be able to.

I thought maybe stepping back for a few days and not thinking about it would help, but it's just a few more days that I'm not writing and it's not any easier. I may just have to go back into writing sprints and force it out but I wish it could come more naturally. I miss when it came more naturally.

If anyone has any advice on what they do in similar situations, please feel free to share!

Comments

[cmk418]

Writing sprints are generally good when you're trying to get the words out. During NaNo, we do something called "chain sprints" where you write for five minutes, pause for a minute, write for five more, pause for a minute, and then write for the last five minutes. With the breaks you get a little processing/refresher time that you wouldn't have if you force yourself to go for fifteen minutes straight. And usually even if you're stuttering through the first round, by the time you get to the last one, the words may be flowing.

I sometimes like to write a conversation between characters. It might not have anything to do with the story or assignment I'm supposed to be writing. Being able to hear their voices, to get their rhythms down, and insights as to what's making them tick are going to be important in the long run. You could even do it as an interview- "What do you think of X?" and then write what your character says.

Give yourself some grace. The words are there. Good luck!

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So true! I think that it helps me partly because I'm a little competitive so I feel the urge to keep going to make a reasonable word count, rather than just, scrolling IG or Tumblr or something. Those chain springs seem smart. I can see how small bursts will keep you focused.

Ooh, that's a good idea. I wouldn't have thought to do something like that but it definitely would put you a creative mood and in the right mindset.

Thank you so much for the advice/suggestions and the kind words. I appreciate it all. :D