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Carrie's avatar

Hard agree on all of this. The amount of truly awful first drafts I have sitting on my computer is honestly impressive. Some I go back and edit and some I find in the editing process become completely different.

I’m also a big fan of writing multiple things at the same time. Have a really big story that you’re itching to get out and you can’t let go of the idea of perfection as your writing it? Totally fine, but that’s a lot of pressure. Step away for a few minutes or hours and write something different, then come back. Switch often to keep everything feeling fresh. Maybe your main idea is dramatic and dark, then make your side project silly and humorous. It’s just a slightly different way to keep going. At worst you have a nonsensical piece of writing floating around, at best you figure out your next work.

Anyways, glad you’re still writing and taking time to let it simmer, can’t wait to see if it’s the sort of story that doubles in size when you’re ready to edit!

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Hail's avatar

Ricky,

Hello again!

You've painted the picture we all needed and I was, and still am, having that problem. But one day it will fix and I'll be on a roll. Just like yourself! I hope you all find that within the band, that one thing that clicks to drive you forward. I hope I find mine.

Forever and always, you and the band will be my biggest inspiration.

Love you Ricky, thanks for the update!

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jenn mara's avatar

I think collectively as artists someday everyone should publish their terrible first drafts. It is amazing to see the final polished and pristine versions and then compare them to the garbage fire of a first draft.

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Victoria Conti's avatar

Seeing other people’s writing in a seminar made me feel a little less insecure about my writing. It took me a while to work up the courage to even go to one knowing I’d have to share my rough as lava rock draft!

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jenn mara's avatar

I totally understand about being insecure about people seeing your writing. When I was writing for my first piece for what ended up being published as a horror story compilation, I had a few people in a discord that were all writing in Google Docs so we could share to each other during the process. It was really the first time that I ever had other people involved in the process and it was pretty awesome actually getting live feedback so I could make changes as needed. I absolutely credit my friend Nikki for the expansion of a minor character that I really thought I was content with being a one off into the main character that pulls the collection together because they wouldn't let me give up on this character and kept demanding I tweak and do more. It sounds really cool that you got a similar experience in the seminar. Do you have anything published that I can read somewhere? I love seeing other people's work.

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Victoria Conti's avatar

It’s really cool that your friend saw that potential and unlocked that thread! That type of encouragement and support must have been great to have. Congrats on getting published! Did you go traditional or indie? I’d love to read it; please let me know where I can get it!

I’m not published yet. I’m polishing two stories to submit in lit mags. I’ve also been trying to streamline where my work would fit best, and understand all the different guidelines (simultaneous submission, when are pub rights transferred back). My biggest issue to figure out is if posting on your blog/webpage is considered published, therefore not first rights. I do want to flip this account so I can post some of my work here. I’ll let you know when I figure it out!

And honestly, there was a seminar today that I was too intimidated to sign up for, got my courage up, only to find it was sold out! The universe decided that one for me!

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jenn mara's avatar

That is a good question about losing out on someone having first rights. I have always published indie because its funny, I came from a journalism background and I never learned how to market fiction in any of my classes. I buy the Writers Market every year for ideas. Since I have letting Kindle Unlimited have stuff its getting circulation, but it ties up the rights to take that content anywhere else which could be a bad move in the long run. I'm just trying to get some traction right now. This would be a question that someone else may know on here, how to actually find an audience in fiction. What do you like to write about? I'm sorry you missed out on the seminar. There is always next time. Yeah, let us know for sure if you have anything posted to read.

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Raina's avatar

I just got out of a writing slump yesterday, and reading this gave me hope that it’ll last this time. You have a refreshing perspective on writer’s block, and I think shifting perspectives like that will actually help me a lot. Thank you. :)

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Becca Quirk's avatar

Hey, Ricky! This was just what I needed to read today. It’s been over a year since I’ve written something for myself, something other than college papers. When I would try to write something, I would get so overwhelmed with the fear of failure that I would give up completely. Failure for me is just being disappointed in myself and feeling like I could have done better. I finished my last final paper for this semester yesterday and I’m ready to write! Your post has totally encouraged me to just write, regardless of what garbage may come out of it. I’m definitely going to follow your suggestions and put whatever I’m thinking down on paper, even if I don’t necessarily like it in the moment. Thanks, Ricky!

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Victoria Conti's avatar

College work is hard enough to me, never mind adding a writing practice! I hope you enjoy exploring those thoughts again!

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Becca Quirk's avatar

Right! College work can be so consuming, but hopefully it’ll be worth it. Thank you!

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jo's avatar

What are the odds of reading this on the same day that I've been struggling to finish the chapter I've been trying to write for days. Thank you for this! I'm gonna get some coffee and keep writing now. (Also, no one was thinking that about the MiB memory thing until you said it, and now I'll never be able to unthink it. Thanks.)

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Victoria Conti's avatar

I wonder how many writers develop stomach ulcers with all of the coffee we consume! Hope to read your work one day.

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lalalychee's avatar

really needed to read this today <3 thank you

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Nicole Horror's avatar

Whoa! Reading this has changed my perspective a lot, I am a tattoo artist and lately the block in drawing, in doing my advertising has definitely gone wrong, but you are very right, do small and bad things so that later the inspiration comes to you and you correct it, thank you for this, you have made me see things differently, I know that what you are doing will be another masterpiece of your, I promise 🖤

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Shelby Chandler's avatar

Hi, Ricky! Thanks for sharing. I needed to read this.

I constantly struggle with writer's block and feel the urge to produce “the perfect piece,” which often scares me from the task altogether. In hindsight, sometimes I wonder if my methods truly are madness. I've tried many writer's programs, such as Living Writer, Scrivener, Ulysses, and even Docs and Word. When I sit down to write or get an idea for a character, storyline, or setting, in my mind, I have to have a platform to differentiate these ideas to revert to them in the future. I need a place for all my thoughts so they don't get lost when I don't have a place to put them quite yet. They used to be scribbled on random Post-it notes, the back of envelopes in my car, a notebook I've had far longer than I care to admit that goes with me EVERYWHERE, and on the notes app on many phones before I realized that maybe wasn't the most productive idea, haha! I've not found a platform I'm in love with yet, though.

What's your writing process look like, and do you have a favorite platform to use for the writing process?

- Shelby

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Ricky Olson's avatar

Hi Shelby! Thanks for reading, and for your comment.

Sounds like you're on the right track with the notebook if nothing else is working. I've been using Scrivener and absolutely loving it. I need things to be organized and it's the only program I've found that has allowed me to separate documents in a way that keep them attached to the main story. I love the "binder" section on the left where you can add as many documents as you want, either within the draft or outside of it. And I love the notes section on the right. Many times while working, I'll come up with something that doesn't quite fit but I know I need to adjust, so I'll jot down a quick note on the right to remind myself of what I need to do, or what idea I know I want to explore.

As far as the process itself goes, it really depends on if I'm outlining a story or not. If I'm outlining: most stories start as small paragraphs. Just a general idea. Then, that will get expanded into a full page from start to finish. This becomes the rough outline of points that I know I need to hit along the way. Then, I'll come up with a rough idea of important characters. Once I have a clear idea for a scene, I start writing. Doesn't matter if it's sequential or not, since I can just drag scenes around within my draft to wherever it needs to go. Usually one scene will lead me into another and it snowballs. If I begin to have questions about characters or their pasts, I'll make an entire character sheet dedicated to that single character and list everything from their birthday, favorite color, favorite foods, what they like to wear, what significant events they went through growing up that shaped them, etc.

If I'm not outlining things are a bit more obscure. I'll know what I want the story to be about, come up with a scene that fits and start writing. After a while, you begin to see how the characters react, how they describe the world around them and you start to make concrete decisions based on who they are. This way also allows you the freedom to veer off course and explore options that you may otherwise not because you aren't bound by your outline.

It all really depends on your own personal preference. I like having the guideposts as points to hit along the way, but I also like the freedom that writing without an outline gives. So I'm a bit caught in the middle of the two. Both work, it's a matter of do you want to figure out your story first, or find it along the way?

Hope that helps!

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Victoria Conti's avatar

This is exactly what I experienced! From the fright to the scattered work. I actually just settled on Scrivener, and am waiting until it goes on 50% off.

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Shelby Chandler's avatar

Haha! I’m happy to hear I’m not alone, but I am sorry you’ve experienced this as well. Hopefully Scrivener is working for you!

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Jodie's avatar

Hell yeah!!! I’m not the only one out there that seems to enjoy the revision/editing process! Personally, I love revising my work simply because changing a word, phrase, sentence, etc. can breathe new life into a project.

I have tried repeatedly to write multiple things at once and it just doesn’t work for me. I find my mind is constantly pulled back to the unfinished product. I guess that makes me a completionist. I don’t think that’s a word, but you get the point. LOL I usually get stuck on how to transition from one scene to another so I’ll write down notes for future scenes just so I have SOMEthing down and that’s enough for me to feel accomplished and be okay with stepping away to focus on something else.

Thanks again for the insight, Ricky!!

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Victoria Conti's avatar

Completionist - I love that. I’m a multiple work type, so I find it helps writer’s block as I can take a break from one and still write. But only 3 at a time, max. Or I’d be an Incompletionist!

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Josie's avatar

Hi Ricky.

I only discovered your blog more recently, but I've been deeply inspired and heartwarmed by your posts. Especially this one today– I've been trying for the longest time to get back into some of the creative hobbies I used to do for hours on end when I was younger like drawing, writing, poetry, etc. I've especially been stuck between a rock and a hard place with drawing because that's the medium I tend to tackle at from an angle of perfectionism, and I never realized how much that mindset was hindering me till reading this post. So thank you for your insight and personal anecdotes, I guess is what I'm trying to say here. I'll remember your words when I inevitably find that I'm discouraging myself again just because a drawing isn't turning out exactly as I wanted it to.

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Bree Simko's avatar

I really appreciate this insight Ricky. I have tried hard coming back and forth to a novel I have been trying to write for a couple years now. Granted, I never had a routine. I didn’t put it as a priority because I had given it a year of time previously and hit writers block. I became disheartened. But that’s a good suggestion, just write SOMETHING.

I’m definitely taking this advice and giving my love for writing more of a schedule with less expectations of a “perfect novel” idea.

Also, a methed out trucker. That could truly be a great character in a horror novel 😂 Sending you good inspiration vibes!

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Sara H's avatar

It's always so validating to have this mentality put into words, so thank you! Sometimes I forget that the first draft is meant to exist with all its imperfections and refining it comes later. The idea of it is so overwhelming and some days are easier than others to remember that I even enjoy writing.

You reminded me that I do love it and that I will feel so much accomplishment at working towards the finish line! Thank you, Ricky!

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Ricky Olson's avatar

Thanks for reading, Sara! I think we become conditioned by reading books that have been professionally edited to believe that authors sit down and pump it out in one go. Which couldn't be further from the truth. Some books have gone through ten plus drafts and years of revisions before they reach their final form. Good luck on whatever you're working towards! Hammer it out!

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Vivian Cantu's avatar

I have over 15 different stories Ive started… my problem is finishing them. My adhd brain loses focus so often it gets discouraging.

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Victoria Conti's avatar

Hey Vivian - I also struggle at times with ADHD and writing. What’s worked for me is allowing 3 active stories at a time, max. I review them when I sit down to write, then pick one to focus on that day. I try to use the laser focus and other neurodivergent quirks to my advantage (in life, too).It doesn’t always work, but it’s definitely increase helped my productivity.

Of course, there’s those brilliant flashes that kick your brain into overdrive, and telling yourself not to write it just isn’t going down! I’ll get the main parts down, then put it in my slush bank. On the rare occasion that I can’t tear myself away, I’ll let it rotate into the three, but then hold myself to finishing the shelved and active stories before touching another thing.

I hope this is helpful, and that you start knocking off some of those great ideas!

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Vivian Cantu's avatar

Thank you so much for this reply! It’s a wonderful idea.

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Lilly Black's avatar

Rick, thanks for posting this. Seriously. This has honestly changed my perspective on a lot of stuff, especially the professor story.

When it comes to writing music, I get VERY caught up in theory and all that shit that I just overwhelm myself. I never give myself the chance to pour my soul into it and feel it, which is what really makes music, music.

That being said, I think writing small riffs and stuff at least a few times each week would probably help eliminate this sense of unease and really help me understand better how to write music and lead to more creative avenues with my playing!

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Ricky Olson's avatar

Absolutely! I think you're right. The less you associate your creating music as this big, profound thing, the easier it'll be let it go if it's not perfect. You'll eventually refine it days, weeks, months later. Who knows, maybe you'll write a riff now that wont fit anywhere else, then ten years later it's exactly what you're looking for.

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Victoria Conti's avatar

Hey Lilly - it’s great that you have theory knowledge! I had the opposite experience. It’s great that you could identify what you need to hone in on. When I started playing, I had little bits of theory and built my playing by developing my ear and mimicking the players I admired. But my writing (riffs and songs) sucked! I’ve gone back and have been learning how vital scales and progressions are, how everything fits. My writing still sucks, just a little bit less ha ha! But it’s fun along the way as I try to get there.

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Karissa's avatar

I find myself in this predicament a lot actually. I struggle most during writing that is dull. So day to day activities that I find boring. I find that a struggle. I tend to have ideas to write but it doesn't come out as elegant as I would like it to. Then I find I lose it in the wording. Then sometimes it's days, weeks, or months until I can get the groove back. It ends in me feeling like I'm letting myself down which is awful.

I always come back to it but I hate that feeling of losing the inspiration as most people do. It's a struggle but it always comes back. I try and figure it out day by day.

See you in the next one!

Karissa

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Ricky Olson's avatar

Hey Karissa, this is an interesting topic.

Just a thought: What if you spiced up your "boring" activities you're writing with conflict? For example, a character folds laundry (boring), but she finds a note in her boyfriend's pocket in a woman's handwriting (not boring). A character is taking out the garbage (boring), but the bag breaks and empties onto the floor. When he cleans it up, he stabs himself on accident, then realizing that he'd stuck himself with a used needle that he never threw away (not boring).

Every scene should have some form of conflict or help push the plot along, don't stress about including scenes that hold no purpose. We don't need to see that a character likes to read for three hours after lunch, unless of course, she's lighting candles and reading obituaries. See what I mean?

And, like I mentioned in my post, it doesn't matter that it's not "as good as you thought", just get it out! Because you can always go back and doll it up later in exactly the way you want to.

Thanks, Karissa!

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