Just Write It.

[SimonDoom]

After four months of futzing around and publishing nothing, I've (for now) got my mojo back. Three stories published so far this month, and the fourth will land tonight. If I stay on track I may submit a fifth by the end of the month.

There was no big revelation, burst of creativity, surge of confidence, or discovery of a secret method. I haven't taken time off; I'm still working full-time. I just made myself write. There's no substitute for just doing it. It helps to have a backlog of story ideas, because what I've decided works for me is to take the path of least resistance: rather than write because I feel like I have to meet contest and event deadlines, I write whatever comes easiest to me, on my own schedule, which I allow myself to change constantly. A week ago I got a new story idea and dropped everything, and I submitted it less than 24 hours after conceiving it. Writing begets writing. That's how I've found it works for me, anyway. If you feel stuck, you might just try forcing yourself to sit at the keyboard and pluck away at it. Good things might happen, even if it feels like being forced to eat broccoli as a kid at first.

 

[AwkwardlySet]

How about motivation? What gives you the will to sit and type for hours upon hours, over and over again? I assume you aren't doing it for the money and the feedback on Lit is low at best, so why? Is desire to put your story out there truly enough for you?
Btw, I am glad you found your mojo again, have fun

 

[SimonDoom]

How about motivation? What gives you the will to sit and type for hours upon hours, over and over again? I assume you aren't doing it for the money and the feedback on Lit is low at best, so why? Is desire to put your story out there truly enough for you?
Btw, I am glad you found your mojo again, have fun

I always enjoy getting a story published. My enjoyment of the process is more of a roller coaster. But it is always a pleasure to see the story get published, even if I make no money off it. If I didn't enjoy that, I wouldn't bother doing any of this.

 

[MillieDynamite]

I read, somewhere, the best cure for writer's block was to write through it. I suppose you've proven their point.

After four months of futzing around and publishing nothing, I've (for now) got my mojo back. Three stories published so far this month, and the fourth will land tonight. If I stay on track I may submit a fifth by the end of the month.

There was no big revelation, burst of creativity, surge of confidence, or discovery of a secret method. I haven't taken time off; I'm still working full-time. I just made myself write. There's no substitute for just doing it. It helps to have a backlog of story ideas, because what I've decided works for me is to take the path of least resistance: rather than write because I feel like I have to meet contest and event deadlines, I write whatever comes easiest to me, on my own schedule, which I allow myself to change constantly. A week ago I got a new story idea and dropped everything, and I submitted it less than 24 hours after conceiving it. Writing begets writing. That's how I've found it works for me, anyway. If you feel stuck, you might just try forcing yourself to sit at the keyboard and pluck away at it. Good things might happen, even if it feels like being forced to eat broccoli as a kid at first.

 

[onehitwanda]

How about motivation? What gives you the will to sit and type for hours upon hours, over and over again?

In my case? Boredom, stubbornness and stupidity.

 

[gunhilltrain]

Yesterday, I forced myself for nearly four hours to write and managed to produce around three thousand words. I haven't had a chance to review it today, but I have a nagging feeling that most of it is crap.

I don't know how it works for others, but my brain operates like a gearbox. Most of the time, it functions at gears three or four, occasionally reaching level five. The instances where it briefly reaches level six are the cherished moments when I feel like a genius. Unfortunately, these instances are rare. If I push myself to write while operating at level three, the outcome tends to be unsatisfactory, making it a futile use of time.

Pretty good transmission analogy. How many gears do tractor-trailers have?

I don't set any time or word goals. Sometimes an hour or two, 800 words or so, it enough for one sitting. I can get back to it later, maybe. Meanwhile, I have to go to the store.

 

[gunhilltrain]

In my case? Boredom, stubbornness and stupidity.

I just said that hours and hours at a time are not necessary. It's not like you are working at a restaurant or factory. Or an Amazon warehouse.

 

[KeithD]

I'm of the "just write it" school, but I don't do "forced" unless I'm well into a story and want to get it done because there are other "write me" stories pressing. Just as I mentally build reading time into every day, I do so with writing (or reviewing, which involves some writing as well) and I see them as opportunity and producing--continuing to contribute creative works to the collection.

I guess I can see others seeing their writing this way, but I have never, ever written 3,000 words on one day and thought it was crap the next day. I have other activities I could pursue if I had that attitude toward my writing.

I am finding writing a delight. Maybe there are some who would read what I've written and published as crap, but it sells and I am almost always very pleased with it myself and think no less than "that's fine" with any of it. I don't rely on the writing/publishing for my upkeep--it's the gravy days after a couple of retirements that have set me up to do pretty much what I want to do for the rest of the ride.

 

[Euphony]

Writing begets writing.

Absolutely the core of any solid writing aid.

Morning pages, shifty rough drafts, mind dumping outlines, all roses by different names.

The real trick for me is identifying what motivational styles and their advocates that work for me and which don't.

It's hilarious as I fundamentally know all I'm doing is finding which lens on the exact same core idea trips my brain into motivational overdrive. (though I'm working towards expanding my scope)

Here's hoping everyone finds their version of "just put pen to paper" that works for them.

 

[ElectricBlue]

After four months of futzing around and publishing nothing, I've (for now) got my mojo back. Three stories published so far this month, and the fourth will land tonight. If I stay on track I may submit a fifth by the end of the month.

It's that New Year's resolution, finally come to fruition. Well done, mate!

 

[Priscilla_June]

Thanks for sharing this. Honestly I understand this sentiment a lot because I have found that I literally just need to do it. No if ands or butts, just open the app on my phone and write. It seems hard, but after getting some out the juices flow.

Ofc getting motivation for the shelved story ideas sitting in my head is another story.

 

[SimonDoom]

I am finding writing a delight. Maybe there are some who would read what I've written and published as crap, but it sells and I am almost always very pleased with it myself and think no less than "that's fine" with any of it. I don't rely on the writing/publishing for my upkeep--it's the gravy days after a couple of retirements that have set me up to do pretty much what I want to do for the rest of the ride.

If this is still true, after writing thousands of stories, that's great. My output has been a tiny fraction of that, but I've found the more steadily I write, the more I enjoy it. It's when I go long stretches of time not writing that it gets harder to do it and I question myself.

 

[pink_silk_glove]

I can't write by chipping away an hour per night. All I get is forced uninspired shit. I need to sit down for an entire afternoon/weekend/week and get into that groove where the inspiration itself keeps you fueled. A 40 hour work week is a total muse killer. A boyfriend demanding enough of my attention is a total muse killer. I've broken up more than once because the relationship wouldn't let me write, absolutely - and not the least bit ashamed of that.

 

[RejectReality]

Attempting to force it is what usually sends me crashing into a months-long dry spell. I'm better off putting it away, playing a game, or watching a movie, and then seeing if something is singing to me afterward. Staring at a blank page or pounding out stuff I know is unusable crap for the sake of putting words on a page will sink my motivation faster than a swiss cheese boat in a hurricane.

 

[gunhilltrain]

Attempting to force it is what usually sends me crashing into a months-long dry spell. I'm better off putting it away, playing a game, or watching a movie, and then seeing if something is singing to me afterward. Staring at a blank page or pounding out stuff I know is unusable crap for the sake of putting words on a page will sink my motivation faster than a swiss cheese boat in a hurricane.

I guess djmac is not on this thread. Anyway, I told him to write some notes first, whatever thoughts might be relevant for - something. Then start writing the text in the same file below them - or even above some of them. That way you won't be facing a completely blank page. Shrug, it helps me.

I've also said that if you can't write fiction, write some non-fiction. I'm doing that with what will probably be only 2,000 words or so, and yeah, it does have a tongue-n-cheek sexual theme.

Also, don't go for length for it's own sake. If you have 7,000 words and it feels close to done, than it probably is.

 

[ronde]

When I'm stuck, I start "free writing". That's just writing anything that comes to mind, no matter how inane or pointless. I think it might be that I just get comfortable with writing something even though it's mostly drivel. It's also often that I look back at what I've written and find another story hiding in there.

 

[lustychimera]

That's how you do it! Wrestle those fucking words out. Divine inspiration is a myth, and first drafts always tend to be rough.

What helps to put me in the mood more than anything is to go back and reread/edit where I left off. My brain doesn't count that as "writing," which helps get over that motivation speedbump, but on that same note, I find that as I go, I naturally keep adding more and more words in my edits until, by the time I'm at the end of the passage, it's easy to keep going.

So I think the longer 10k+ word stories are easier to stay motivated with.

 

[Smuttyandfun]

That's how you do it! Wrestle those fucking words out. Divine inspiration is a myth, and first drafts always tend to be rough.

What helps to put me in the mood more than anything is to go back and reread/edit where I left off. My brain doesn't count that as "writing," which helps get over that motivation speedbump, but on that same note, I find that as I go, I naturally keep adding more and more words in my edits until, by the time I'm at the end of the passage, it's easy to keep going.

So I think the longer 10k+ word stories are easier to stay motivated with.

I do the same. Rather than try and force myself to write, I go back and look over a story I'm working on and just edit for a while. Eventually, I start to write where I left off, and usually I keep going till I get it done, or have something I can build on.

 

[RejectReality]

I guess djmac is not on this thread. Anyway, I told him to write some notes first, whatever thoughts might be relevant for - something. Then start writing the text in the same file below them - or even above some of them. That way you won't be facing a completely blank page. Shrug, it helps me.

I've also said that if you can't write fiction, write some non-fiction. I'm doing that with what will probably be only 2,000 words or so, and yeah, it does have a tongue-n-cheek sexual theme.

Also, don't go for length for it's own sake. If you have 7,000 words and it feels close to done, than it probably is.

That's still a blank page to me. Notes files, cover mock-ups, titles, etc. still get worked on even when the words aren't coming for stories. Two different and barely connected processes for me.

 

[gunhilltrain]

That's still a blank page to me. Notes files, cover mock-ups, titles, etc. still get worked on even when the words aren't coming for stories. Two different and barely connected processes for me.

I know, I told djmac that most people give advice on what they would do, and that often doesn't translate into anything useful. It's like trying to give dating advice (also quite useless at times) or job-hunting advice (sometimes that works a bit more effectively).

 

[dmallord]

My writing journey began two years ago when I was forced to retire due to health issues, and the Covid isolation kept me indoors. One evening, I stumbled upon the Lit site while avoiding the mind-numbing TV shows. I started writing to keep myself occupied, and soon, I wondered if anyone would read my work. With some courage, I sent a story to Lit, and it was well-received, except for a few readers who suggested that I hire an editor. I continued writing and have now posted forty-six stories, with twenty-six rated hot. I even got an editor to help me improve my work.

Nowadays, I spend most of my time reading, writing, and learning about topics that I had no time for in my busy life. I take short breaks between writing sessions to stretch my legs, make dinner, or do laundry. I don't follow a strict writing schedule or feel pressured to produce work on a timeline. Instead, I spend around three to five hours daily in writing mode, not all of which is for Lit. I'm also compiling my memories, which may become elements for future stories.

My only schedule is my four-legged companion, who reminds me to feed and take him outside. Sometimes, I call him 'Mr. In-and-Out.' But I digress. I hope all of you find a suitable writing mode, a balanced writing schedule, and peace with your themes to spark great stories. I'm excited to read your posts.

 

[Djmac1031]

I know, I told djmac that most people give advice on what they would do, and that often doesn't translate into anything useful. It's like trying to give dating advice (also quite useless at times) or job-hunting advice (sometimes that works a bit more effectively).

Hey, I'm here lol.

So basically, I agree: we all do it differently, and there's no one right way.

I've actually done it several ways.

Because yes, sometimes I make notes, jot down basic ideas, fragments of story or dialog etc.

Then go back and work it out.

Other times, I'm flying completely freestyle, ideas and words just spewing as they come.

Like Simon, I go through my creative spurts.

I am also taking longer to write stories, because I'm trying new things, more complicated ideas etc. At least complicated for me, anyway, .

I've finished my Nudist story, at least the bones of it.

Definitely needs editing and tweaks. But the basics are there.

Since I have time, gonna let it breathe a few days before I edit.

So I'm not just dropping a quick, two page story like I used to when i first started.

My last story, The Devil And Angel Em, took several weeks, and it was only five LE pages.

So yeah, lots of factors involved, but I agree with Simon's initial thoughts that sometimes ya just gotta push on through.

 

[djrip]

I go through my creative spurts.

Me too...