But Next Time...

[kriadydragon]

I need to go about writing differently, because writing this original fic about wore me out. The thing is, it didn't used to be this way. There was a time I looked forward to writing. I couldn't wait to write the next chapter of a story. But with this story, there were weeks when the mere thought of tackling it made me a tad depressed. And it's not because there was something wrong with the story - the story itself was fine. I don't know what's changed, but I don't like it, and I would hate for the trend to continue as it might jade me to writing all together.

Part of the problem, I think, was that I was writing too much. I'd spend most of the week writing the original fic, then the days I wasn't writing the OF, I was writing fanfic. That led to entire following weeks of writing nothing because I was mentally exhausted, and it would leave me feeling a little down because I didn't accomplish anything.

So my plan of attack for the next original fic is this: write less, occasionally indulge. I'm thinking maybe write once or twice a week, either on a particular day or when the mood to write is at it's strongest. Also, to be more leisurely about it, to take my time with it, take a break now and then and indulge in other things when writing gets to feeling too much like a chore. I'm not sure if this will help. All I know is, once I get to feeling that I have to write something, that's when I don't want to write it.

What do you all think? I'd love to hear advice if you have any, especially if you've discovered a schedule or method that's worked well for you.

Comments

[sarievenea.livejournal.com]

I actually am tackling an OF that has been in the notes/outline form for a few months, and would love to know what you and your flist have discovered as to what works. It is seeming a bit daunting at the moment... :(

[kriadydragon.livejournal.com]

I think for starters you have to keep writing in mind as something you want to do and not something you have to do. That was another problem with my OF. After a while, it got to feeling like I had to write it, and write it as much as possible. In turn, I ended up not wanting to write it because it was getting in the way of other things I wanted to do. Which is why, next time I lack the desire to write, I'm going to listen to that desire rather than fret over it and try to force myself to write.

[sholio]

I think your plan sounds wise. Pro writers sometimes talk about needing "recharge time" when they're not writing in order to recuperate.

What I've been doing lately is setting fairly modest daily/weekly word-count goals for myself, and writing the totals on the calendar. If I hit my week goal early, then yay! I can goof off for a day or two. (Lately, I haven't been, but I hope that'll change as the weather gets nastier and it's less tempting to be outside.) Similarly, if I finish my day goal and I don't still feel like writing, I'll just knock off and go read fanfic or something.

It seems to work best for me to set my daily goals really low. That way, it's not too intimidating, and sometimes it'll get me warmed up so then I can just keep going. But if I'm really not into it and I want to quit when I hit my goal, then I can do that.

[kriadydragon.livejournal.com]

"What I've been doing lately is setting fairly modest daily/weekly word-count goals for myself, and writing the totals on the calendar."

I should try that. I'm already kind of doing it with fanfic - although in scenes instead of wordcount. During the OF, I'd set aside Saturday to write fanfic, just to get it out of my system. I thought it wouldn't work, but I'm quite surprised by how far I've gotten with several longer works (so long as I don't hit a snag in the plot) and that the schedule's actually stuck.I need to start doing that with my original fic.

[flingslass.livejournal.com]

I've taken a step back with the writing idea because it's been suggested I do a creative writing course, both for work and for personal. I'm happy with this idea but because it would be after work and finish at 9pm I'd be getting off the train about 10-10.30pm and I need the drivers licence and car before I do that. One goal at a time is my latest motto. Suffuse to say that goal number one (the licence and car) is nearing fruition. Watch me explode when I get that licence :D

[kriadydragon.livejournal.com]

Heh, I actually cried when I got my license. You have three chances to pass the driving test, then have to wait about three months before you can try again. By the time I finally got my license, I was on my third and final try. Talk about relief ;)

[flingslass.livejournal.com]

Well hopefully I don't make a silly mistake like I did last night in my lesson. I cut a corner turning right (which is like a left turn for you) and told my instructor not to say anything. I knew I made a mistake but I didn't do it again :D