I’d be lying if I didn’t say that writer’s block is a thing.
As I sit here typing this post, it’s 1AM. I’ve been working on Whumptober stories for about four hours. In that time, I’ve managed to finish one, start another, and plot out two more. That would be great… if not for the fact that I now am only ahead by two stories. Which means, tomorrow, in the midst of doing my Saturday duties (cleaning and laundry), I have to try to knock out at least two stories.
Easier said than done, honestly.
So, for the past week or so, writing has been hard. I just feel like the words I’m putting down on the pages aren’t good. Or if they are decent, I don’t have confidence in them. I’m just feeling drained at writing. Which makes sense, since I feel like I’ve been writing for a month solid right now.
But I anticipated this, which is why I wrote ahead so much.
But how am I dealing with it? Better than expected. Bet you didn’t think I’d say that.
Yes, I’m feeling like I’m behind, but at the same time, I know I’m ahead. I have four stories 100% completed for the back half of the month, not counting Days 16 and 17. I’ve mostly plotted out each story that hasn’t been written (barring one that I have to change, as someone ended up writing the exact thing I was planning on earlier on during the month, and I don’t want to unintentionally copy someone).
But I’m also taking time for myself. I’m watching more One Chicago and making plans for November. I’m finally about to break my PS3 and PS Vita out of their hiding holes as a reward for finishing, but I’m doing planning ahead of time. I’m letting myself be active on Discord, making friends with people across the country and world. I’m part of an active fandom across three sites, and I feel like I have things to contribute. And I’m planning a driving trip into Los Angeles to get away for a weekend day, just to drive through the city.
But I also have ways to get out of writer’s block.
One of the biggest is that I’m not writing my Whumptober prompts in order (unless I’m down to the wire, which I’m not yet). Instead, I’ve put all the remaining prompts in a jar and randomly choosing. Depending on the prompt, I either sit down and write it, or just plan it and return the number to the jar. I’m actually only nine away at this point, and this method has really worked well for me this time. In fact, the only two that I’m being “forced into” writing together are Days 18 and 21, on account that they are basically two chapters. I’m almost done with Day 21 as it is (it’s on my list for tomorrow).
Another thing is, I’m not binding myself to just working on Whumptober. Already once this month I managed to put out a random fic that wasn’t related to Whumptober, which ended up being hilarious. I’m not going out of my way to write something that isn’t Whumptober based, but I’m just letting myself be a bit free.
The final big thing is that I’m not holding myself to any real expectations. I told myself at the beginning of Whumptober that I’d try to finish on time, but if I can’t, I’m cool with that. I’m honestly happy with how much I’ve done already. If I get it all done, then I will probably celebrate. If not, that’s fine. I’ve done my best, and no one can really argue with me on that. I mean, at this point I’ve almost written 30k words. That’s better than I think I’ve ever done. So I’m cool.
Writer’s block used to be a major issue for myself. I’d stress daily about it, make myself feel sick because I wasn’t writing, and then not bring out my best writing. At least right now, I’m happy. And really, isn’t that all that matters?
Until next time!
