Writing is hard. How do you deal with that?

[citrusjava]

You know that part of writing, the "I'm a horrible writer, no one is going to want to read this, why did I ever start writing in the first place instead of taking up something productive like video game addiction"? Not writer's block, more like writer's terror?

How do *you* deal with it? I'd love to hear if you wanna tell me your stories of fun/misery/dealing.

Me, I try to soldier on, or I take a break to complain to friends and strangers (waves), or I try to do this with someone else going through the same thing, to hold each other's hand, or I try be kind but firm with myself, remind myself it's something I go through, many writers go through, Neil Gaiman goes through, and only a few lucky unknowns don't. And I'd very much like for someone to lock them up in a lab and do tests on them, to find out how that is possible, and more importantly, to keep them from telling me how easy and fun writing is. (sorry. I seriously don't mean that, and I guess those mythical creatures people have their own issues). This is actually kinda cute, in a self-helpy sort of way. When is the part where the joy is experienced, though? Wish I could just be doing my Spanish homework instead now.

Comments

[killabeez.livejournal.com]

I think I fall in love with fictional characters, and writing is a way to spend more time with them and give them things I wish they could have. When I get caught up in thinking about people reading it, or the dynamics of feedback or what have you, I go tharn. It's when I forget all that and focus on the characters that I start to have fun.

[citrusjava.livejournal.com]

Oh, that's beautiful. Thank you for saying this!!

[tabaqui]

Hrmmmm. I have to say, i don't get that 'writer's terror'. I've always been a glass half full type of person, and just...i dunno. I do get blocked, though, and mostly i just write. Write horrible crap that will never see the light of day, but at some point, i hit a good bit and then suddenly, i'm writing again, good stuff that will make it to final beta.

So that's the only way i can get past writer's block, is to write, write, write, knowing most of it is garbage but *also* knowing that at some point, i'll hit my stride again and everything will smooth out. Like my dad always said 'keep digging in a pile of horseshit, gotta be a pony in there somewhere.' :)

[citrusjava.livejournal.com]

That's a great expression! I'm glad you don't experience that, though sorry about the block.
Thank you for sharing, and for the advice.