Just Write

[merkros]

I know this might seem like a stupid statement at first and an attempt to get the first post in a shiny new forum, but it's pretty good.

Just write.

It doesn't have to be good or make sense. Sit down and spew a stream of consciousness onto the screen. Sometimes, we get so worked up over an idea or method that we fail to realize that in order to actually write something, we have to write something.

So just write and have some fun. It doesn't even have to be good!



(also first )

 

[TheLowKing]

I agree with this... partly.

If you're a professional writer, then definitely screw "I don't feel like writing". Jobs aren't always fun, sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and batter through the block. I'm not a professional writer, byt my experience is that the quality of my output is about the same regardless of whether I was motivated when writing or not.

But if it's just a hobby, even a pretty serious hobby, the most important thing is that it's enjoyable. Sure, sometimes you still just need to push through, but it's also totally OK to say, you know what, no, I don't feel like it today. And if that happens a few times in a row, then maybe you should reconsider the direction your story is taking. Maybe changing tack will make it more enjoyable to write.

 

[Gambio]

That's my go to advice too, more often then not a writer's block is just procrastination.

The key is to accept that your output will most likely be garbage and be ok with it.

As someone who struggles with this sort of stuff quite a bit, I started to "gamefy" my output

Writing a page is 60 points
proofreading a chapter is 10 points
just the act of spending time writing is 1 point per minute

The goal is to reach a certain number of points each day.

Sounds rather silly but I'm doing this for over half a year now and my output has really benefited from that approach. I like having a certain structure and something to show for it at the end of the day, even if it's ultimately just tricking your own brain into stop slacking off.

 

[Spindizzy]

Listening to an interview with comic writer Pat Mills who's full of writing advice.
Most importantly, listen to your "muse" prioritise the work she's steering you toward over work you think others will want
https://megacitybookclub.blogspot.com/2024/06/266-pat-mills.html?m=1

 

[Dansak]

Excellent advice.

Writing is a habit and even if you just write a few lines it keeps the muscle memory topped up.