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Azumi Kazuki, Hieda No Akyuu, Himekaidou Hatate, stumbling, Touhou, Writer's Block, Youmu Konpaku
Writer’s block has been my ongoing problem since I started blogging. Sometimes I couldn’t think of anything to say or sometimes I’m too overwhelmed with ideas that I would like to present. However, although I’m calling these thoughts as “stumbling blocks”, I would like to note that they’re also somewhat functioning as foundation of my blog post.
Don’t Know Where to Start
For some reason, this usually happens each time I schedule a day to write a post prior to my deadline. On average, I’m spending 20-30 minutes staring at the white sheet of my word processor. It is as if the blankness of the screen resonates with what I have in mind, and it’s so super annoying I’m wasting time like that. Perhaps that’s because I’m not a “pen and paper” type of a writer, so I don’t scribble and outline my thoughts. Further, there were also instances when it felt like my brain was drowning in information, which making it hard to organize my thoughts because there’s so many themes to choose from—but unfortunately none of them offers a complete sense.
Indulging Distractions
Most of the time, this is the second layer after not knowing what to write. Initially, I’m telling myself that I’m just going to watch something else (because there’s nothing bloggable about the anime that I’d seen), or I’m just going to do some minor research (because I don’t know everything, who does?!), or I’m just going to take a mini break (because it is exhausting to think and stare at that white screen). As I allow myself being sidetracked, next thing I knew is I burned my time reading and doing unrelated stuff like youtubing, twittering, facebooking, BBMing, and even eating! However, these are not totally negative for me though because most of the time non-related anime stuff helps me to generate new ideas and pressuring me to procrastinate.
I’m Too Tired
As much as I don’t want to blame real life commitments, oftentimes they are actually the reason why I’m so drained out of ideas. However, I would say that this is also the easiest to overcome because if I’m tired of something, I’m just going to brush it off and sleep. Afterwards, my fresh new mindset allows me to think clearly, and I’m more realistic once fully awake and alert. Also, the thoughts of not meeting my deadline give enough motivation and brain stimulation for me to formulate interesting topics.
Lacking Creativity
I’m not really a literary person. I have this anxiety that I’m carrying since I was in high school, which keeps on visiting me whenever I can’t think of a topic right away. Those huge and visible C-H-O-P-P-Y remarks on my essays were nightmares for me. Also since I major in Math, I didn’t really have enough courses that would enhance my writing. And as for aniblogging particularly, I haven’t seen that much anime yet. Because of this, most of my ideas are just based from non-anime materials that I read and learned from somewhere. For this reason, I find it hard to orchestrate my thoughts into something that a general avid anime viewer would find interest to look at. That’s why I truly admire those bloggers and commenters who can reference different kinds of anime onto their posts and arguments. But hey, I guess my lack of knowledge about anime makes my writing unique.
For the past four months that I have been blogging, I would say that it’s really challenging and it’s not an easy hobby. However, it’s extremely satisfying and fulfilling once the post has been published especially knowing that time and effort was invested to craft it.
Me, it’s just not having enough time. I do not have a problem coming up with things to write because I am a compulsive writer. The compulsion is so extreme that I must be typing something, anything… here is an extreme example:
http://postlightning.tumblr.com/post/7053340463/key-chicklets
So with all the flotsam and detritus I come up with, I think 1-10% can be usable for either, work, or blogging anime. It’s just a matter of finding the time to do the actual hard work of editing, formatting, and generally making the snippets useful.
Thanks for the link, I really enjoyed reading it. ^^ That’s why I truly admire your posts because your passion resonates clearly with your words, and most of all, your compulsiveness is something that I lack.
As for me, I’m too laid-back, and at the same time, I analyse things piece by piece. That’s why I realized that my writing is like playing tetris.
LOL I used to play Tetris like crazy…. compulsively.
I can do laid back too… just not a natural thing.
So now we know why this post came about. ;P
I’m surprised to hear you aren’t a literary person, although I’m not either (computer science major). My guess would be that most anime bloggers are not particularly well trained in writing, but I think we do pretty well for ourselves. I have to review a lot of papers for my job, which has made me realize that 95% of the population cannot write down a coherent though (including people with PhDs whose job it is to write papers). The writing on your average anime blog is a masterpiece by comparison, and yours is certainly not the average blog. I would certainly not call it choppy.
I have a problem with indulging in distractions as well, the major offender being Google Reader. I can see the little number appear on the tab out of the corner of my eye while I’m writing a post and it simply must be purged immediately.
I would have had the other problems of tiredness, not knowing where to start and lack of creativity as well, and that’s why I decided to do an episodic blog. You always have something to write about, and it becomes a chore so tiredness is no excuse. And then when an idea strikes me I can still do a more in-depth post. The average post is less interesting though.
Yes, unfortunately I’m not a literary person, that’s why I’m trying to play with my strengths which is analysing and proving my arguments. Btw, I haven’t reviewed that much papers that’s why it’s really heart warming to read from some who reviews articles by profession that my writings are good. Thanks for your kind words! ^^
For me, the reason why I didn’t choose to write episodically is because that format requires a lot of stamina, and like what I said, I always find myself using tiredness and lack of time as an excuse. Also, I realized that, I’d be more productive if I’m going to flesh out my thoughts from a block episodes. That’s why I enjoyed reading episodic blogs like yours, because I don’t have the energy and thoughts that you guys have to write an in-depth analysis per every episode.
Anyways, I truly appreciate your comment. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I cure most of these by constantly thinking about blogging. Whether I’m eating, watching a movie, sleeping, or standing in front of a urinal waiting for the stream to end, I think about things to write.
Well, not exactly. I think about stuff 24/7, and when I realize I can use a bit of said stuff as blogging material, I make a note of it.
Indulging distractions: it comes along with the internet. If you’re really hardcore, you could try typing up a post on Word with your internet disconnected, but you’d probably burn out pretty fast. Embrace the distractions! (also give your posts more space than a day!)
Lol, eat and breathe anime, that’s pretty hardcore haha. Btw, I wish as I progress I can also get rid of these weaknesses. I guess for me taking notes is not something I’m fond of, but I’m also considering this now since it’s one of the most suggested ways of writing.
I certainly embraced distractions. It gives pleasure and generates new ideas, however the downside is I’m wasting time doing unrelated stuff–but who cares, as long as it’s fun, I’m down for it! And yes, I’m giving myself enough space, I’m just blogging once a week. ^^
Btw, thanks for the humour and suggestions. ^^
Hardcore, maybe. But I don’t spend half as much time reading blogs as others. And it’s also summer vacation and my friends are either working or in some distant part of the world so I have all the time in the world!
Haha, yeah. You’ve got Saturdays and I’ve got Thursdays. Five more people, and we’ll have all the bases covered.
Wow, that’s one terribly worded sentence (the last one of my first paragraph). World world and and world and world is mine
Haha, I guess it’d be really cool if we can find five more people who can fill-in the other days! Hmm… okay maybe not, but still. XD
I have a lot of these problems too. Sometimes I find it hard to organize my thoughts, and when I read them back they seem to jump around too much. There are times when I’m not 100% satisfied with the finished product either (I have many post regrets…), but it’s overall really rewarding when I finally finish a post.
I think you’re a really great writer, and I hope you continue for a long time. I lurk here pretty often, and I think your posts are always really enjoyable to read. Definitely NOT choppy.
Indeed, organizing thoughts especially the content is quite challenging. Whenever I visit my old posts, I always tell to myself that I could’ve done a much better job. However, even though I wasn’t able to perfect my past writings, post regret is something that I don’t have because the flaws of my old articles allow me to see areas that I need to improve. But, I totally agreed with you, any kind of published post is very rewarding.
Anyway, thank you for sharing your experience. I can see that in general, us bloggers have lots of similar obstacles on writing a post. Plus, I’m glad that you find this site enjoying. Keep yourself at home and feel free to lurk around whenever you wanted to. Again, thank you for your kind words. ^^
I sometimes worry about that too: “what am I going to write?” “This isn’t going anywhere right now, I’ll get back to it later–” but thankfully I’ve committed myself to trying to have something interesting every day or every other day. I just hope this doesn’t change when I have to go back to college next week!
But well, I think everyone experiences this at some point as they blog. Some of those people for one reason or another disappear–others manage to soldier on. Abscissa, your writing style is very unique and the subjects you delve into are extremely thoughtful–it would be unfortunate if you could not post on a regular basis. So I hope you’ll be at the soldiering end of the spectrum^^
Commitment is also one of the main reasons why I’m managing to post every week. And I also always ask myself “what am I going to write?” Sometimes if I’m lucky enough, I don’t have to go deep to come up with a topic, but there were also times where I’m completely blank-out. That’s why it’s kind of comforting to read that other bloggers are also experiencing the same struggles that I have.
So your classes are going to start next week? Good luck on school and on OASG. To be honest, checking your Monday list became one of my routines whenever I want to check note-worthy posts. That’s why I’m hoping you’ll be able to balance both school and bloggin. ^^
Anyway, I really appreciate your kind thoughts, words like that are really motivating and really inspires me to write on a regular basis, thank you so much. ^^
*sniff* I’d cry, but then I’d just be embarrassing myself–oh wait, I am crying!
The worst behavior of working is to write a few words, then go to the fridge, then open it, and close it, without taking anything, and go back.
In terms of writing, the worst possible block is not being able to make a good introduction, and ending up structuring your post choppily. (see this comment)
One good way to save yourself from blocks is to take a break, and reload your mind (sleep is one method), and go back to the writing again, hoping you can deal it with a different mindset.
I am uncertain about my writing skill. I had aptitude over writing when I was in China, then after I moved to Canada, language barrier made me hate reading and writing, then, I stress-tested my writing and got 80% and passed English 10/11 Honors.
Don’t give yourself very high expectations, people tend to forgive, unless you chatspeak.
Indeed, it’s really hard to come up with a good introduction, and that is definitely my greatest thorn whenever I write a post. But once I get over it, everything will just go with the flow and fall into its right place.
Wow, congratulations on passing with GOOD marks, I guess you’re not hating reading and writing anymore because your results are telling you that you have those skills.
Anyway, thank you for your advice, and you don’t give up learning English. Language barrier might be a problem in Canada but I’m certain that there are lots of facilities that can help you improve your English skills more. ^^
I can relate to all this, haha. Personally, it’s the distractions that really keep me from posting anything, I’ve got serious time management problems (I really need to fix those). That, and all the schoolwork that needs to be done. Oh well, I’ll manage somehow.
Oh yeah, time-management is really tough. I guess for me setting deadline helps a lot. But sometimes procrastinating is unavoidable regardless. Anyway, good luck on school and blogging. I’m really hoping that you’d be able to figure out the best schedule that works for you. ^^
I jot mental notes as I watch something, related to how I want to write a post about it. I then write up whatever my brain dribbles out, and see if I can mold it into something presentable over time. This usually succeeds, but I’ve scrapped at least 30 possible posts because I quickly ran out of ideas. And no number of days spent thinking solved that.
But really, I’ve learned that the best thing to do when Writer’s Block hits is to indulge in those distractions without feeling guilty. As much as I would like to write and post every single day, sometimes I just burn out on ideas, so I usually take a day a week to spend catching up on shows/playing games/reading books. Usually a post idea comes at that time, and I shape it while I continue doing my normal stuff.
I only write whenever I solve equations and write on a birthday card. I’m not really the type of person who brings a notebook and pen with me. However, I just realized that I can use my cellphone instead of jotting my thoughts. ^^
I don’t feel guilty whenever I embrace destructions, the only thing I’m concerned is I’m wasting too much time. If can lessen that I’d be really really happy. It’s funny that you’re telling that you’re being affected by Writer’s Block, when in fact you can publish a post almost everyday. I don’t think you’re burning out of ideas.
Anyway thanks for your advise, as always! ^^
Hey, you do a bang up job considering your ordinarily minor involvement with writing.
If you’ve seen my latest post on Dantalian, that’s me being affected by writer’s block. It flows easily, but it lacks any sort of cohesive structure and ultimately ends up a mite unsatisfactory. Compared to your posts which require a steady, consistent train of thought, it really isn’t quite as good.
That’s what I mean. Don’t feel like you’re wasting time, unless you’re writing a little too close to your deadline for comfort. But considering all these so called stumbling blocks, you come through every week with a post that inspires plenty of debate and thought. No matter what you think about your post’s quality, that’s something special.
Aww, thank you for kind thoughts Inu-chan, I really appreciate.
Anyway, even though you’re experiencing writer’s block, I really respect how you can blog anime as soon as you finish them. I also like your fanboyish tone with depth. I believed your articles are pretty neat and coherent, because you’re summarizing them pretty well and at the same time you’re injecting your analysis. In that sense you can cater to both who only likes summary and who only likes analysis. ^^
I get a lot of these too. Mostly it’s due to having an idea, but not getting the right words out. I tend to over summarize when I start writing, so I sometimes end up with a vague statement that I re-do a couple of times. When I completely run out of ideas though, I just let my brain rest for a while; maybe listen to some music, watch some TV, and well, just being idle I guess.
Something that hit home for me there was ‘lack of creativity’. I’m not very creative when I write, and sometimes I try to compensate for that, but I end up over embellishing it. I guess that’s partly the reason why I decided to write about Anime. I’m more or less familiar with it, so I think I know my boundaries.
That said, when it comes to other topics, I almost always come up with something that’s either too short, or too direct, before I go and edit it.
I too listen to a music, read books, and watch movies… anything that will take me away from anime when I have no idea what to write. In terms of creative writing, that’s something that I feel like, I’m lacking. Not that I’m comparing myself with other people but when I compare that skill to the others that I have. That’s why I also decided to blog, because I would also like to challenge myself aside from just enjoying anime.
Coming out of a topic that’s either short or too direct sounds like a good way to start writing. Maybe I’m going to try that on my next post! Anyway, thank you for sharing your thoughts and for the suggestion. ^^
I feel your pain, since I have similar problems when writers block does hit me and indeed, I am heading into that slump once again. As for fighting that beast, different techniques work better than some and all in finding the best that suits your needs, since everyone is different. The creativity point is differently a killer along with distractions (and more so time), but sometimes I try not to fight off the urges, since it usually helps in the long run to do them and results in some pretty good ideas.
Real life commitments on the other hand are huge thorn that usually leads some of my good ideas going to sherds to the point where I once thought they were good, but do not even bother trying them later on, since I feel like it was too “bleh”. I always try to keep a notebook handy, so if I am every hit with something noteworthy I can jot it down for later. During days (especially when the urge to write is high and I am free of obligations) I hate having the blockage, but usually passes if I allow to.
But yeah, I do agree that is satisfying once you put the time and effort into it and can include all of the thoughts you had neatly (which rarely happens when I write, lol).
It’s interesting that most of the comments that I’m getting here were telling that distraction helps. As for creativity, what I’m struggling at is I can’t easily satisfy myself, I guess it’s just really hard to be your own critic. However, once I push that publish button, I’d say that there’s I have zero regrets and always proud of what I have written regardless of the quality.
Real life commitments occupy most of my time that’s why I can’t blog and watch anime that much. However, I really don’t want to blame it because it’s also my source of ideas and inspiration. I’m not really the type of person who brings a notebook with me. And for some reason, I can only think about anime if I’m in front of my laptop. I also hate backlogs because I can’t do a different task until I finish my backlogs.
Anyway, I’m glad that other people are also experiencing my struggles because I’m learning from how you guys are managing these obstacles. Thank you sharing your experience. ^^
Hehe, it’s good to know Snippy-neechan has the same problems~~~
While I do share a fair amount of the same woes, a crucial difference between you and I is my intense enthusiasm for extreme procrastination. As you can see, I’ve kind of “stalled” on my The IdolM@ster posts, which are beyond the scope of being called “late”. However, you’ve been strictly keeping up with your posting schedule, which is something truly I should learn to do ^^.
However, relating back to your points, all of them actually do make sense and are common problems of writers worldwide. I would not believe anyone if they told me they have never had a “writer’s block”. If it wasn’t utter BS, then they must have the lowest possible writing capability.
Oh yeah, I digress yet again.
[Don't know where to start]: This happens to me all the time. Even if it’s on KamiMemo or HOTD, I hit this wall every time. It’s not that I lack valid points to discuss, it’s just that my mind is devoid of a method to formulate a smooth introduction that will blend in well with my “body paragraphs”. If this already occurs in my anime blogging posts, then I don’t think I’d have to explain to you how this works for me in school.
[Indulging Distractions]: Ever since my acquisition of a “smartphone”, I’ve been hailed by text messages and notifications for this and that. While I can’t attribute all my lack of concentration to my beloved HTC, I would have to blame MSN and IRL 3D GF. Not that I don’t appreciate their company, but it’s just that it does get in the way of blogging sometimes.
[I'm too tired]: If I have some radical blogging to do, then this rarely occurs. However, if I’ve already written a 1.5K article on a recent KamiMemo episode, then I doubt that I’d be pumping out a new post on the same evening. It’s just not healthy to be typing 3K+ words a day ^^
[Lacking creativity]: Well, up to this date, I wouldn’t say my writing has been creative. Rather, this is mainly because of my “episodic posts”. I guess I’ll try to advance in more “non-episodic” articles and focus on posts like these on my own blog ^^. That way, I can feel your woes and relate better to them hehe~~
Awesome read Snippy-neechan! Thanks ^^
Of course I’m experiencing these struggles. The reason why I can consistently write a post every Saturday is because I’m so used in dealing with deadlines. It has been my lifestyle since I started university and now that I got so used to it, it’s so hard to take it out of my system.
My BB is also my major cause of distraction. I also told to some friends that I’m blogging and they’re cool with it. So although I’m spending so much time chitchatting with them, sometimes they give me ideas what to write. It’s just that I can’t convince them to watch anime.
In terms of weariness, I always sleep whenever I’m tired. Sometimes not that I wanted to, but I just easily pass out. And with the way I write, I don’t really go by the word count, I’m more concerned with the page length. Most of my posts are just one page length.
Btw, don’t say that your writing isn’t creative. Your tone and fanboyish compulsiveness is something that I admire. Also, it doesn’t really matter whether you’re doing an episodic or a non-episodic. Personally, I don’t really see any difference between the two. If you’re just merely summarizing an anime then that’s a different story, but you’re writing isn’t like that. I really find your posts interesting and fun to read.
Thanks for reading my post though, Sabishii-tan~ ^^
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I think all four of them happens to everyone everytime so well, you’re not alone.
Yeah, I’m reading so much similarities between other bloggers and I, which is really cool. I guess, I’m not really alone in experiencing these struggles. ^^
All, but the first and the last, have happened to me, with the third one being the most prevalent problem recently that has been preventing me from blogging and visiting anime blogs the past month. But, now I’m pleased to say that I finally have my own vacation and can now write and read to my own content (even if it is only 1 week, then back to college…).
And don’t you worry about not being a literary person. You do have a great talent for writing, and I do really enjoy your posts! I am somewhat between a literary and a technical person, since I do enjoy literature and the fine arts, while at the same time enjoy the grueling hard work of programming and debugging. Great post, by the way!
I’m really happy to read that readers and co-bloggers are enjoying my posts. It’s just that sometimes whenever I’m experiencing a writer’s block, I can’t help but to blame myself for not being a literary person. I guess, my writing is all thanks to the philosophy courses that I took and books that I read.
Oh yeah, I remembered that you’re a CS major… writing programs is really challenging but it’s also equally rewarding (like blog post) once it’s published. Btw, you took some time-off in blogging, right? Welcome back to writing. I look forward reading your posts and good luck on college. Also, thanks for reading. ^^
Exhausting would be the word I use sometimes to describe aniblogging. I would be 9pm on a Wednesday with lots of stuff to do, and I would tell myself to have a post done by 11. First I would try to think of an idea, get distracted, do some research, get distracted some more. I would start writing and it just doesn’t feel right. 3/4 of the way through I figure out what I really want to say, so I would spend time going back and re-editing. Before you know it it’s 1am and I’m halfway done. The writing is half cooked and subpar.
I’ve always noticed that my best posts come out easy. Sure, they can be lots of work and take several days to write, but the process is more straightforward and less painful. You get an idea and run with it. Alas, it’s not always that easy. I find it helpful to think of ideas when I’m riding the bus or driving to work, and write them down. This way, when you’re in search of quick inspiration, just open your handy dandy notebook!
I think I tend to associate exhaustion to aniblogging because we’re investing time watching anime and writing a post without really getting anything from it aside from the sense of accomplishment once we click that publish button.
Agreed, I also believed that some of my posts were much easier to write than the others especially if the topics were something that I thought of right away. And once procrastination strikes, for some reason, writing suddenly becomes easy to do. I guess it’s because, the frustration of not meeting my deadline stimulates lots of ideas. Btw, I guess you’re right, I must keep a handy dandy notebook so that I can jot some blues clues. ^^
Whew, I’m so relieved you got that reference. I was beginning to fear that my experience with Nick Jr. early morning cartoons was not shared amongst my peers.
I have the following difficulties while writing:
-Distractions: For some reason, I keep finding different distractions that kept me from writing what I wanted to write about. For example, I’ve always wanted to write a review about 1 particular series.I have all 100 episodes (3 seasons, 5 OVAs and 1 movie) but I haven’t made the time to watch the show. It;s even worse now that college ihas once again started. It’s similar to time management.
-Writer’s block: That’s what the G-Tales are for. Whenever I have writer’s block, I just write whatever comes up in my head. I don’t lose creativity, I merely lose direction and go all random.
–Self narration issues: I come up with an idea, narrate it to myself…and then forget it as soon as I sit on my chair. It takes a while to remember what I was thinking.
So yeah, pretty much the same as yourself mademoiselle Snippy.
-
You’re pretty awesome though, so even though you’re experiencing writer’s block, you can still manage to produce very humorous posts. That’s really great! As for me, I find it hard to please myself. Although sometimes I have so many ideas to choose from, I just couldn’t put myself into writing if I cannot fully support my arguments.
Also, I’m not really a subjective person. I find it hard to associate my emotions into my writing, however that’s something that I’m really working on.
Anyway, thank you so much for sharing your experience. It’s pretty awesome to read that we have parallel experiences. ^^
You’re most welcome fair maiden. I tend to compare my writing with my attention span when it comes to my studies. Sometimes I’m really into it and other times I’m not.
It’s not that hard to associate emotions with writing. All you have to do is say what you want to say at that exact moment and type it as quick as you can. You can worry about editing later.
I’m always interested in reading what my fellow anibloggers have to say.
Oic. next time, I’ll make sure to write a post right after I watch the show so that I’ll preserve those emotions. Thanks for the advise. ^^
Those four points you listed happened to me too. My biggest obstacle would be trying to put my ideas and thoughts into words since I’m not a literary person (I’m a software engineer) and English isn’t my first language.
Anyways, I think they’re what we encounter from time to time as bloggers. I don’t really think any writers, whether they are writing professionally or for fun, had never suffered from writer’s block.
I was a bit surprise to read that my struggles are exactly the same as the others. I guess almost everyone really suffers from writer’s block. Maybe I’m was just being too harsh to myself for being non-literary.
Anyway, if you didn’t tell me that you’re first language isn’t English, then I would’ve never known because I think your posts are perfectly fine. I liked to read them because they’re easy to understand and straightforward. ^^
The meter stick I’ve always used to judge my posts is comments. It’s a sign that people go to your blog, read your posts, and decide they have something useful to say in response. As you can see, I don’t believe you have much to worry about in that department. I’ve been trying to engage comments more recently and subtly (or otherwise) prod discussions along, but the results have been mixed.
Beyond this, I do believe that a specific style of writing creates an affinity for comments. That style is called “good writing”.
Agreed, that’s why I really value the comments that I’m receiving. I also noticed that a lot of readers are bringing up interesting comments and that’s one of the reasons why I want to see improvement in every post that I write.
I suffered from writer’s block during my first year blogging. After a while, I started to think of ideas throughout the day and write them down whenever I came up with a good one. Now my problem isn’t thinking about what to write, but actually finding enough time to write it.
Oic… hopefully I’ll improve as well as time pass by. Nice to hear that you also stumbled upon the same problem. I’m also going to try to jot down right away if I come up with something so I won’t forget.
Thanks for sharing your experience and for the advise. ^^
Ah! I’ve lost account of how many times these have happened to me!
I can never start writing a post as soon as I open the word processor. I admire anyone who can do so. Typically, I’ll spend several minutes thinking up how I should slowly introduce the reader to the main topic and even I have that down in advance (which is extremely rare) it’ll still take me some time to find the best way to phrase it.
Distractions are, strangely, more helpful to me than disturbing. I can’t keep on writing a post non-stop; I always need someone to chat/tweet with me so that I can take little breaks from writing. Also, suddenly stopping my train of thought proves very useful because whenever I keep on thinking I get carried away and lose track of my original topic or point. It’s very weird, i know.
Physical wear-out occurs to me only after the sun sets. It’s very difficult to explain but once the sky turns dark my whole body feels too heavy to write. Though, that doesn’t keep me from sitting in front of my computer screen.
Let’s not touch the issue of creativity ’cause that’s a term unknown to my brain x_x
I can see that we really have a lot of similarities. For me, introduction is the most difficult to write. I spend more time thinking and writing that compared to the body of my post. However, once I figure out what to say everything will start to fall on its right place.
Definitely distractions prolongs my writing, however regardless, I still embrace them. Actually distractions help me to come up what to write. I also can’t stand doing the same thing for more than 30 minutes that’s why I also tend to take a lot of mini breaks. Hence, you’re not alone, I also often lose track of my original topic, perhaps I’m also weird like that.
As for when is the best time to write, I can write any time of the day. What matters more is when am I not sleepy, because usually I’m always sleepy for some odd reason. ^^
I just visited your blog, and I find the concept and the design really lovely. I think you just haven’t realized how creative you are~ ^^
Also, thanks for sharing your thoughts. ^^
Well, I think the clarity and inspiration to write is pretty difficult have in abundance; some people have it. But I think if you have patience and not over-stress when feeling the pressure to write a post, it will be easier to find what you want to write about. Distraction can be such a drain as well, but investing more time in entertainment (anime, movies, sports, leisure activities, whatever) seems to loosen the mind imo. Entertainment also helps to regulate where you’re spending time. TBH, lurking around in on social networks isn’t typically conducive to formulating a blog post, and a after an hour of conversation on Twitter, the last thing I want to do is write. Sometimes the social spheres can spark an idea for a post, but there is still a pretty large amount of noise. (Funny that Twitter works somewhat the opposite of sccsav group watches, which often spark focused discussion that might provide good writing ideas)
What I noticed when I started blogging is, though I don’t want to admit it, stress is part of it. I set deadline in everything I do that’s why I get really anxious just by thoughts of not making on time. Because of that, sometimes I write due to passion and sometimes due to pressure. Indeed, it’s easier to write something if you’re passionate about the topic. But it’s pretty funny though, because I noticed that the articles that I wrote with passion are not necessarily better than those ones that I wrote with pressure—based on the readers’ reactions and comments.
Distractions are certainly there whenever I write a post. And yes, twitter and other forms of social chats can spark ideas, which is a great thing. However sometimes I don’t want to get too involve because like what you said majority of it are just… noise. LOL moments are really fun but when I look at my timeline and realize that it’s full of that, I feel quite guilty for burning the time (however I never regret participating though haha ^^) And that’s something that I’m working on, I want to reduce my habit of burning time before getting the job done.
Btw, thanks for reading my post and sharing your ideas. ^^
Let’s not be naive here, the more wonderful you want your blog post is, the more effort you ought to exert and sometimes, the challenge of exerting effort helps manifest a writer’s stumbling block. I’m not saying it’s all bad but I guess, stumbling blocks create a way for the blogger to reinvent him/herself. Realizing the opportunities lost in exchange for a good rest or indulging oneself in other hobbies or sweets, or even the fact that you cannot be creative always is an opportunity in itself to improve as a writer (or better yet, as a person).
If we try to evaluate practically, realizing that we have stumbled on one of these blocks is, in a way, an indication that we need to take a breather as a writer and expand our horizons as far as our health and/or hobbies are concerned. Who knows, during this period of stillness, we might find a new direction. A new approach that we can implement in blogging. Take for instance, a post about sweets in anime thought about while you are snacking or creative insights from unexpected characters that we recognize ourselves with during our slump (i.e. personal similarities with Akihisa from BakaToTest).
So take it easy. Don’t rush yourself to recover during a slump. Inspiration lurks in every corner, even during moments like this. XD
I think one of the reasons why I’m having these stumbling blocks is because I find it hard to satisfy myself. Like what I said in one of my replies, it’s so hard to be your own critic and that ties back on how you see whether it’s wonderful or not your writing is. But personally, like what you said, these stumbling blocks really help me to reinvent and come up with better ideas.
I also agreed on how you viewed distractions and mini-breaks. Breathers are certainly essential when writing. For instance, I always stay away like an hour or more from what I wrote, and I once I get back to it, I’m always surprise how much errors that I wrote. ^^
Thanks for the advise! On my next post I’ll try to be less critical to myself. ^^
All these things run very true for me, especially being tired. I think that’s the number one reason I don’t post as often as I want. A side not, it’s often not necessarily real life commitments that get in the way. It’s simply being lazy… Not wanting to think or word things out even if I do have the idea or the time.
Anyway, personally, for me, number two is a little easier to overcome for me perhaps because I do write out in pen and paper my drafts first. Not being on Twitter or in front of laptop for much of the writing process takes a way most of the distractions. I still have a really really hard time on where to start though.
One thing I’ve started trying in the last half year after realizing how busy my life is and will be is keeping a small notebook with me almost all the time. I like to jot down any ideas while reading, watching anime, sitting on the train, or eating. These are usually not fleshed out drafts, and a lot of ideas get discarded, but it keeps me having some back up things to write if I ever stumble on a busy week or on a block.
p.s. I don’t actually watch that much anime either, so I don’t do as much referencing past works or comparing various anime. It’s totally fine though; we all have our own styles and range of expertise.
Happy blogging, Snippett! ^ ^
Sometimes, I’m lazy too, but for me it’s more of blogging is something that I wasn’t doing before that’s why the time allotted for some of friends were a bit lessened, that’s why some of them were actually wondering what I’ve been doing lately.
I don’t really write a draft, I only use pen and paper whenever I solve equations. Also, I’d rather read books or magazines than write when I have some free time. Unlike you, internet is a huge distraction when I’m writing a post, because I’m typing everything right away on my word processor. But jotting my thoughts is something I’ll try to work on since almost everyone who commented on this post are suggesting that drafting makes writing easier.
Referencing anime is not really troublesome if I’m writing my own post, but if I’m reading other blogs which use references everything is jargon for me.
Anyway, thanks for your advise Yi. And, I hope you also enjoy blogging although you’ve been doing that for a while now… so basically you’re like a senpai~ now. Haha jk! ^^
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Your writing seems pretty strong to me, and I’m a writing tutor. If you still feel you’re writing style needs something, though, I would just recommend doing what you’re doing: focusing on your strengths. I’m a rather analytical blogger myself, so I can kind of understand. Anyways.
One of the things I do to prevent getting totally stopped in my tracks by that dang blank white screen is to take notes while I’m watching whatever it is I’m reviewing. Granted, I mainly do full reviews, and I usually try to rewatch stuff, so it may not apply for you as much. Still, I find it helpful to give me some stuff to put down so I don’t get bogged down by needing things to write. I figure I can always expand on it and smooth it out later, so it’s just useful for making the page a little less…empty.
f you still feel you’re writing style needs something, though, I would just recommend doing what you’re doing: focusing on your strengths.
Thanks for your kind words, when I wrote this post I was really new to blogging. I kind of vented out my personal insecurities–now I’m feeling so embarrassed. Also, I was under the impression that my writing isn’t polished enough, so I was so critical in showing it to the web.
Granted, I mainly do full reviews, and I usually try to rewatch stuff, so it may not apply for you as much.
I also rewatch stuff, especially when I’m taking screen shots. Just like you, I find it really helpful to revisit some scenes. Usually, they help me more to align my ideas to what the anime is trying to convey. And as you said, it makes the post smoother.