The "Back to Frelling Work" rant

dirtsider · Sep 4, 2008

Ok, I've been driving myself nuts. I haven't put my butt in the chair and written for a couple weeks. Well, I have but only sporadically. And it's driving me nuts.

On the other hand, I have been doing some reading that's related to my work, research into mythology and the like. And I have gotten some ideas for my story, stuff that clarifies plot ideas I had before but only vaguely. That I can do very easily. And I've finally got an idea to move the story a little further along which was what was stopping me before.

But I want to sit down and write but I can't stand looking at the screen anymore by the time I get home and have the time to actually write.

Sigh.

Sorry, rant over.

regdog · Sep 4, 2008

Maybe for now you could just write your story long hand in a notebook

johnzakour · Sep 4, 2008

If you want to do this for a living sometimes you just have to sit down and buckle up and start writing. Like any other job there are days when you don't especially feel like doing it but you still need to do it. Some of my best writing has come on days I've forced myself to write. Just my 2 cents.

dirtsider · Sep 4, 2008

Yeah, it kinda looks that way. Good thing the moderator of one of my writing groups insists on handing out notebooks. lol

Now it's just a matter of printing out what I do have on disk so I can continue from that. Especially since my next scene is something I do have an idea for. That and Monday is my next writing group meeting. Gotta have something for that and that's probably my best guarantee of making sure I continue to write this story. lol

Woodsie · Sep 4, 2008

I'm one of those dorks who has a tiny voice activated recorder and tons of scribbled notes on napkins, envelopes and receipts.

Reading is research. In my experience, when I step out of my own world for a while and read somebody else, I get inspired and it makes me a better writer.

tehuti88 · Sep 4, 2008

Mythology?? Ooo!

*cough* Anyway, I'm in a similar camp in some ways; not writing nearly as much as I should, though wanting to, and also reading things related to my writing. Maybe you just need a break. Yes, it's been a few weeks already, but sometimes you might need longer. And maybe you need more "research" because I know I had to take myself away from the computer and SIT DOWN AND THINK over some plot points that were utterly confusing me and keeping me from writing anything. You've clarified some vague parts, but perhaps there are some more iffy parts you need to mull over before you feel you can write them properly? Is there any way to just put aside writing for a while longer and mull some more?

The other post is a good suggestion I wouldn't have thought of, trying to write in a different medium if the computer is getting too irksome. Maybe even a tape recorder. (*recently bought one herself and still has no idea why*

)

Or read until you get sick of that and have to write just to relieve the tedium.

Sorry, just fishing for ideas.

If you're on a deadline and have to get back to writing, and can't afford to take more time away from it, then I apologize, I can't think of much that's useful.

I do kind of know the feeling though.

ETA: Yargh, by the time I typed this up and posted it three more posts appeared before mine, including another tape recorder suggestion. o_o;

Shadow_Ferret · Sep 4, 2008

dirtsider said:
But I want to sit down and write but I can't stand looking at the screen anymore by the time I get home and have the time to actually write.

I guess that is a problem. You can't pry me AWAY from the computer screen. I use it at work. Then I jump on the computer at home. If I could have it hooked to my glasses with a Heads-Up Display, I would.

So I have no advice.

dirtsider · Sep 4, 2008

Nope, no deadline.... Other than self-imposed ones with my writing groups, at this point. But having those still keeps me from just throwing my hands up and not bothering anymore. Besides, I just needed to rant a little. (Now where's that rant smilie???)

I just feel bad because the computer stares at me in the evenings and I haven't done much work on my writing. I guess that's better than just shoving the story off onto the discard pile, though.

Shadow_Ferret · Sep 4, 2008

The trick isn't to stare back. No one has ever won one of those staring contests.

The thing you have to do is start tapping on the keyboard. Anything. Doesn't matter what. That always makes the computer blink.

Well, at least the cursor. But that's a start!

NeuroFizz · Sep 4, 2008

I guess the main difference between a writer and someone who writes is the former finshes his/her projects. It's all a matter of self-motivation. Decide which one you want to be.

Research is essential to many writing projects. Trouble is, research can become an excuse as well. If you find yourself driving off onto little side-roads of research, or looking for that fourteenth reference that confirms what the first thirteen said, chances are the research is more of an excuse to not write. Again, an honest personal decision is needed in this case.

dirtsider · Sep 4, 2008

Actually, Neurofizz, despite your fantastic advice, the research is stuff I should've done prior to even starting this WIP. I just had a wonderful opening scene that was pounding away at my brain that needed to get on paper. And I have been doing some writing - just not as much as I'd like.

blacbird · Sep 4, 2008

dirtsider said:
I just had a wonderful opening scene that was pounding away at my brain that needed to get on paper.

So why are you being intimidated by the computer screen? I carry a couple of yellow legal pads everywhere I go, and use them as convenient. I don't do all my writing longhand, but almost every day I do some of it that way. And I don't look on second-phase typing into a computer file as a waste of time, because that forms my first editing pass.

caw

dirtsider · Sep 4, 2008

The "on paper" comment was a figure of speech. I actually don't write long hand for my stories. I'm used to writing my stories ala the computer. But since I'm on the computer all day at work, I just can't stand to look at it again for more than a few moments at a time when I get home. Which is why I might have to resort to literally getting my story down on paper if I don't want to lose too much steam.

Donkey · Sep 4, 2008

If you have a laptop, take it outside to work. It may just be being trapped indoors in front of a computer that's making you feel cramped.
If you don't have a laptop, it's probably a good investment, because you can write when you travel, on vacation, wherever.

dirtsider · Sep 4, 2008

Yeah, I'm starting to really thinking about it. Now to start saving up for it.

2Wheels · Sep 4, 2008

I stare at a computer screen all day too. Lately I've had the luxury of using a tablet PC at home. It's great - I can sit out on the deck and handwrite my notes on the screen, and the handwriting recognition software does the rest, importing it straight into Word.

Isn't there that same kind of special pen and paper for students these days that does the same thing? Handwrite, and then upload? Maybe that might work?

dirtsider · Sep 5, 2008

Thanks for the advice, 2Wheels. But I just have a basic desktop computer and the only reason I have a new one is the economic stimulus package check. I don't have a problem with the actual typing, just the BIC part recently.

Although I did force myself to sit down for a few minutes last night. Didn't get much more than a paragraph done but hey, it's better than nothing!! lol Good thing the weather looks bad for tomorrow. I'll be stuck inside all day.

Mumut · Sep 7, 2008

I take this sort of situation as my brain telling me I need a bit of a change. I enjoy research but when I get some good information I work out where I can use it and add it as a note to the end of my work or place it in the work. If the latter, I have to re-read everything to fit it in properly. So my research gets me back into my writing.

I also take my laptop out onto the veranda if I don't want to sit at the desktop computer. I grab a cup of tea, switch on appropriate music and ease myself into the work.

euclid · Sep 7, 2008

On the Veranda

Mumut said:
I take this sort of situation as my brain telling me I need a bit of a change. I enjoy research but when I get some good information I work out where I can use it and add it as a note to the end of my work or place it in the work. If the latter, I have to re-read everything to fit it in properly. So my research gets me back into my writing.

I also take my laptop out onto the veranda if I don't want to sit at the desktop computer. I grab a cup of tea, switch on appropriate music and ease myself into the work.

Hey, Mumut, watch out for those Golden Webs on the veranda!

Telstar · Sep 7, 2008

dirtsider said:
Actually, Neurofizz, despite your fantastic advice, the research is stuff I should've done prior to even starting this WIP. I just had a wonderful opening scene that was pounding away at my brain that needed to get on paper. And I have been doing some writing - just not as much as I'd like.

Maybe you really need to do more research before writing. If you are studying mythology probably your setting needs it. It takes between one and six months to do a proper world building.

Anyway, now I alternate reading and studying and writing in different moments of the day and I OFTEN skip one day or two of the week. But I'm managing to write one chapter every week and that's great for me, cause I should meet my own deadline at this pace.

A.C. · Sep 7, 2008

I used to be like you.

I hated staring at the computer screen (not to mention the blank page), and I would always feel like I've been in a radiation zone. That was my excuse for not writing more...the unhealthy waves from the computer! (Funny thing is, I could spend up to five hours a day surfing the internet!) Then I bought an AlphaSmart Neo, and wrote more and more, but still not enough.

Nine days ago I decided to make a simple plan: write for 2 hrs minimum every day, with only 1 hour of computer time (meaning internet time). No more excuses because now I write on my Neo (where I can only see five lines of text at a time, and it runs on batteries that last forever).

Right now my WIP is at 63,000 words. That's the most I've written so far, and pretty soon it will be my first novel actually finished.

Basically: make a plan and stick to it no matter what!

As far as research, do it after you put your two hours (or whatever) in.

You have to get into the habit of writing. Make a plan/schedule and follow it for 30 days without excuses, and then see where you stand at the end of those 30 days.

Believe me, you’ll be a lot happier by actually writing than talking or thinking about it. Some days it’s tough and I write less, but I am still there for two hours, no matter what.

-A.C.

dirtsider · Sep 8, 2008

Oh, I knew I needed to build up my world but then again, I had a fantastic first scene that really needed to get out of my head at the time. I've been trying to get at least 30 minutes of writing done at least three days a week. (If I can get 30 minutes done, chances are I'd be able to get more done, up to an hour, for starters.)

MissingMyMuse · Sep 8, 2008

When I first found this site I wasn't writing! I started an introduction thread and the inspiration from those who responded was wonderful. I did start writing again. I was so happy when I sat down for a measly amount of time and wrote total crap. LOL. Anyways, what I am trying to say is the inspiration will come. I'm glad to hear that you have been writing!!!

I agree with if you can get 30 minutes done it could lead to longer. My advice, which may mean nothing, is to not think about the time. It is good to have a goal time set but don't dwell on it. I have noticed when I do think about my allotted time that all I can think about is the time I have left.

Broadswordbabe · Sep 8, 2008

If you can, get up earlier and try writing before work. I take the laptop back to bed with me in the mornings - it feels a bit like having a lie-in and even if I only get 20 minutes done, well, I've done that much, and I'm fresh when I do it too. Means going to bed a little earlier or I turn into Insta-zombie, but it's worth it. Or book writing time at a cafe or something with friends - having other people around who are writing really works for me, it's the peer pressure...

ishtar'sgate · Sep 8, 2008

HeaGrg said:
Maybe for now you could just write your story long hand in a notebook

This is a good suggestion. I didn't want to look at the screen once I got home either. I found it really stifled my creativity. I bought some lined paper, sharpened a bunch of pencils and moved away from the computer to write elsewhere in the house. Once I got my daily output down in longhand, I didn't have any further trouble and edited on screen. I no longer work outside the home but that is still my process and it works for me. It may work for you.
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