check in day 21

[lilly_c]

Sorry I missed yesterday, the whole day went by in a blur. How is the writing going today? What about the last two days?

Poll #18102

Open to: Registered Users, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 4

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Today I

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wrote
3 (75.0%)

edited
0 (0.0%)

posted
0 (0.0%)

sent to beta
0 (0.0%)

researched
1 (25.0%)

planned
0 (0.0%)

had a cheeky break
0 (0.0%)

dealt with life
1 (25.0%)

Discussion: relaxation. When you need to stop and just take a break do you still write? Do you rest? Do you do something else?

Comments

[lilly_c]

I tend to rest and do very little beyond sleeping and maybe eating.

I have some fics finished and ready to post which is a huge relief so they should be up at some point during the week.

I've done something stupid tonight - no, not drastic stupid, but I'd still like support/discussion

[theresa_ramseyer]

First of all, I apologize for not posting more often. I can't seem to get on DW's home page with my phone. Right now I'm at the library. I still have no computer at home. Things are still kind of wild, long story, but I'm writing again! :).

I'm an insecure writer, another long story. I have been merrily running along on a definitely-AU Highlander story, and loving it. I have seen very little of Highlander, but Joe Dawson never dies, and his love interest/situation is very different. I'm trying to not make her a Mary Sue, and I think I've succeeded. Jim Byrnes is one of my favorite singers and actors. There's a list of JD episodes and seasons in my purse, so I can watch and adjust as I go, if necessary.

Here's the stupid thing. I've been watching some of the Highlander clips, especially bit the bullet and watched the "Who's Joe" youtube. I've frozen myself by doing comparisons. (I have trouble with this, but this time I managed to catch myself.) Some pity party thrown in - no one's going to want to read what I've written if I can ever get it finished and posted, because the original and other fanfic is so good, for example. I'm going to get laughed at, especially by the writers I admire, etc.

I run into this especially with my EQ and other fanfic, especially when not for a fanfic related prompt, such as Fanfic 100, Fantasybits, flash fanworks, etc. Those are easier. Maybe because everyone else is writing to the same thing? I seesaw so much between this is good and this is junk, which is normal, but I haven't found a proper beta reader.

My friends, the ones I have used, don't seem to be interested in what I write anymore. And, ouch, that hurts. I posted something small the other day to our long-running chat on FB, in my regular EQ AU universe, and no one responded. At all. It hurt; still does. Especially since I support/supported them when they've written.

Doesn't help one of my friends just finished her book. She posted it to our chat as she was working on it. She has revisions to do. Her stuff is great, as is some of the others I admire. Hers isn't fanfic.

I've read about the 10k hours. I know that what I have is decent, if not good, and I need to keep going and finish stories and post them to more than just me. I have a tab up right now where I've googled "stop comparing yourself with other writers," but I'm still feeling a little frozen/blocked. And not just because it's gotten colder outside and in. I should be glad I caught myself.

I'm trying to not go down the regular rabbit hole again. Does anyone else write AU fanfic, especially with major differences? How do you keep yourself from falling into these traps? Does any of this spooked babble make sense? I think I'm just trying to boost myself and believe more in myself and what I'm writing.

I am heading home to grab dinner and write, along with other things. Tired and sore, but I can't let me block myself. I'll make a post when I can to let you know how it worked out and where I am. That's all I know how to do right now.

Even if you don't have suggestions, I really appreciate that you've read through this and thought of me, no matter what it was you thought .

Take care,
Theresa

PS. Actually, I haven't written yet today. I did yesterday . Hit the wrong button on the poll. I plan to have written by at least midnight - 4.5 hours away!

Re: I've done something stupid tonight - no, not drastic stupid, but I'd still like support/discuss

[samuraiter]

(Out of curiosity, when you say EQ, do you mean Everquest, Elfquest, or something else?)

AUs are pretty fundamental to fanfic as a whole. I like having characters make different choices and seeing how the consequences of those choices can ripple through their world. Takes dedication, but it's usually worth it, IMO.

[samuraiter]

Had a long work day today, so I am focusing on being un-sore and un-tired (and un-sick, since there is a lot of that going around again, thanks to this stupid, random winter).

Time to do nothing but relax is extremely important, IMO. I cannot force myself to write, so there are times when I just need to sit down and read, play a game, stay off my feet, etc. Have to recharge those batteries, I say.