1. This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.
  2. Welcome to Lake Valor!
    Catch, train, and evolve Pokémon while you explore our community. Make friends, and grow your collection.

    Login or Sign Up

Sit Down and Write

Discussion in 'Creative Zone' started by UnstoppableGamer, Sep 18, 2017.

  1. UnstoppableGamer

    UnstoppableGamer Attention Seeker~


    (Azelf)
    Level 1
    Joined:
    Jan 11, 2017
    Posts:
    966
    PokéPoints:
    ₽1,435.0
    Great Ball ★★Poké Ball ★Dome Fossil ★★★Gardevoirite ★★★★
    How does everyone here do this? Do you do anything special to get "in the zone"? How hard is it for you to just sit down and write? This is something that I've been having trouble with lately.
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  2. ShinigamiMiroku

    Sorceress' Knight
    (Ralts ♂)
    Level 23
    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2017
    Posts:
    2,067
    PokéPoints:
    ₽3,354.4
    Red Orb ★★★★★
    Once I figure something out, I'll let you know. ^_^;;;
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  3. GiratinaMissingNo

    GiratinaMissingNo ~Renegade Glitch~

    Percy
    (Moltres Egg)
    Level 1
    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2017
    Posts:
    943
    PokéPoints:
    ₽467.5
    I usually have to start off with a particular, very strong idea. It's really hard for me to get motivated otherwise. However, once I've get the start, I can go fairly easily. It helps if I have no time or subject constraints and if there's music.
    #MissingNo
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  4. Beffie

    Beffie clear your cache

    beautiful and perfect
    (Feebas)
    Level 36
    Joined:
    Apr 1, 2016
    Posts:
    1,073
    PokéPoints:
    ₽2,170.2
    Crown of ValorDawn Stone ★★★★GS Ball ★★★★★Gardevoirite ★★★★Cooler Gary Oak ★★★★★
    The rare times I write is purely out of "hey, lets finish this" instead of forcing myself to write. It all depends if I have the interest and time to sit down and do something.

    If you try to force writing, it can come out rushed and you might fall deeper into that lazy slump. I'd advise just waiting until you've been hit with inspiration and savor it there!
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  5. SyWry

    Legendary Egg
    (Rayquaza Egg)
    Level 1
    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2017
    Posts:
    964
    PokéPoints:
    ₽1,606.1
    I set a time and write for the entirety of that time but I'm a very goal/schedule oriented person and I know not everyone can do this so easily. The only other thing I do to get in the zone is with music that fits the mood of what's going on. Usually that helps my writing flow better.
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  6. Morgaine

    Morgaine Goddess of Shinies

    Bolero
    (Litleo ♀)
    Level 3
    Joined:
    May 1, 2016
    Posts:
    4,339
    PokéPoints:
    ₽5.7
    Crown of ValorSoothe Bell ★Heart Scale ★★Ice Stone ★★★★
    I usually start out really motivated, but then get distracted. I still get things done, but the motivation is not really there.
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  7. Starlistic

    Castle
    (Shellder)
    Level 3
    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2017
    Posts:
    90
    PokéPoints:
    ₽39.5
    What I find works best is taking advantage of that tiny, obscurely minuscule spark of inspiration to just kick the ball into action and keep it rolling. Don't look back, don't edit, just throw all your ideas haphazardly across the page! You can always go back and change things later — but the first thing is to buckle down and get something, anything, no matter how terrible or half-baked, onto that paper.
     
  8. Absolute Zero

    Absolute Zero The second seal

    Jeff
    (Spinarak)
    Level 19
    Joined:
    Mar 17, 2015
    Posts:
    2,184
    PokéPoints:
    ₽2,869.8
    My method starts with not writing. Doing any kind of thing that requires little to no brainpower. Driving, showering, boiling rice, it doesn't matter. When doing those things, let your mind wander to the story, and when you get a glimmer of a spark, grab on to it and hold on tight. When you get a chance, write it down as a one-sentence note. Next time you have a writing session, look over those one-sentence notes and make something happen with them.

    My most productive writing ever was when I was in an early college semester also working in a warehouse packing boxes. No brainpower needed in that job, so my mind could wander to my story for like seven of those eight hours. So get this: I was taking classes, studying, had a healthy social life, and was working 40 hours a week of a job I hated, and also pumping out like 2500-3500 words of a story weekly. My next job was a weekend-only job that involved constant email reading or phone talking, two things that require undivided attention and moderate brainpower. Even when I wasn't taking classes and had loads of free time, I was hit with constant writer's block and lack of motivation, all because I didn't have any time I wasn't already thinking.

    Find designated times when your brain doesn't do anything else (no internet, no phone, no reading, no talking), wander in your story, and hang on tight to any good idea that glimmers into your mind. Then the sitting down and writing will come more easily. That's what worked for me anyway.
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  9. BraviaryScout

    BraviaryScout Way of the Wind

    Bravo
    (Braviary)
    Level 66
    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2017
    Posts:
    2,045
    PokéPoints:
    ₽2,847.3
    Crown of ValorPoké Ball ★
    I prefer to be at my computer, by myself and have a couple snacks and water to drink. If I'm not interrupted, I can get a chapter of 8k done in just a couple of hours. Most of what I do takes a few days after it's done writing the meat and potatoes entirely to trim out and adjust.

    Sometimes I'll put on my headphones and pull up some music and play it corresponding to the kind of scene I want to evoke. Something sad? I'll go with the more tragic soundtracks from games. Actiony? The more heated and fast paced stuff.
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  10. Teddybear2345

    Teddybear2345 Which is cooler, to be cool, or uncool?

    Joined:
    Apr 13, 2016
    Posts:
    1,172
    PokéPoints:
    ₽529.7
    Rage Candy Bar ★★★Bicycle ★★Razz Berry ★★Reaper Cloth ★★★Slowpoke Tail ★★★★
    I write poems a lot of the time.
    And to help me write, music always motivates, as well as inspires me!
    So many ideas fleshed out, in just one or more songs.
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  11. Owly

    Owly Friend of the Eco, Foe of the System

    Torako
    (Eevee (J))
    Level 9
    Joined:
    Feb 3, 2017
    Posts:
    1,220
    PokéPoints:
    ₽2,981.7
    Besides what has been said above, it helps me to have a) an audience and b) a goal. Sometimes I just can't write for myself, you know? At those times I need other people following along with my story, and they are super helpful. Firstly, positive feedback is a really, really good thing. It makes you feel good about your writing, and that can be a motivation all its own. "Oh, they liked this! Let me write a little more of it." Secondly, they give you a reason to be writing. You don't want to leave your audience hanging for a month. Even if you can only write a few paragraphs a day, it all adds up, and you can know that you're making them happy! I also have to sometimes turn to my audience to guilt me into writing if I just don't have the motivation to do anything. It's not the best way to write, but once I start, the ideas start flowing again and it's not really too hard.

    Another tip I can offer is Free Association. This is an exercise I do in my creative writing class and it's surprisingly helpful! Basically, what you do is sit down and write one word on a blank sheet of paper (preferably by hand). Then, you just write whatever comes to mind next. You can't stop writing or go back to edit. Keep writing until you fill up a page.These end up being completely nonsensical and really funny. However, they get your creative juices flowing and once you're done, it's really easy to start writing whatever you're working on.
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  12. CharlieWeasleyfan

    Shiny Roggenrola
    (Roggenrola)
    Level 1
    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2017
    Posts:
    1,253
    PokéPoints:
    ₽201.2
    Trainer Card - Cave ThemeRocky Helmet ★★★★★Staff of VerityExp. Share ★★
    It's hard because while I'm writing it's usually when my pug wants to play so it's as if there's always a distraction. But when I do get the chance to write I usually put my headphones in and listen to Damien Dawn or Anna Blue, just to keep my mind away from things.
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  13. Wolf Expert

    Wolf Expert Canine Scholar

    Wolf
    (Riolu)
    Level 24
    Joined:
    Jun 27, 2017
    Posts:
    2,314
    PokéPoints:
    ₽761.2
    Moon Ball ★★★★Love Ball ★★★★★Premier Ball ★Friend Ball ★★★★Luxury Ball ★★★
    Totally not procrastinating by posting on LV
    I usually have to have a good list of music ready before I start writing and I feel self-conscious if someone else is home with me at the time, so I usually write early in the morning or late at night when everyone's asleep. Not sure why, that's just easier for me. If i'm having trouble at the moment, I'll usually go back and edit what I've already written.
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  14. Laserdragon14

    Laserdragon14 Dragon Maverick

    Falchion
    (Honedge)
    Level 22
    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2018
    Posts:
    7,233
    PokéPoints:
    ₽1,429.1
    Flame Orb ★★★★★Luxury Ball ★★★Dragon Fang ★★★★Poké Ball ★Trainer Card - Cave Theme
    I usually get motivated to write once I have a really good idea, but sadly right now I have no good ideas for the next chapter of my story and so I don't write and the ideas for me can come from anywhere, book, movie, music, or just me sitting there long enough get that little spark that I needed to get the idea that I needed to continue writing. But in order for me to write well, I have to know that no one is looking over my shoulder, staring at me from across the room, or anything like that. I don't do schedules cause it makes my writing feel rushed and not that good.
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  15. Gazi

    Lilith
    (Litleo ♀)
    Level 9
    Joined:
    May 27, 2018
    Posts:
    1,424
    PokéPoints:
    ₽3,871.2
    Dawn Stone ★★★★Legendary Triforce ★★Reaper Cloth ★★★
    Whenever I'm trying to just get myself in the writing mood, I go back and watch/listen to/read what originally inspired me. I get that old excitement for my idea back, and I just write. If I'm having a hard time focusing while I write, I turn on a movie. It may sound counterproductive, and it certainly doesn't work for everybody, but for me personally I focus best on my writing if I have a movie going on in the background.
     
  16. Darkmaster006

    Darkmaster006 PKMN Breeder

    Airi
    (Ralts ♂)
    Level 48
    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2018
    Posts:
    178
    PokéPoints:
    ₽1,894.9
    I've never once finished a story. I think it tends to get a bit difficult for me on the 'make your characters go through a struggle' part. I don't know how to balance that. So, I tend to write in roleplays for now. They are great outlet for shortish posts—they can range from one to four (or more) paragraphs—and they are constructed co-operatively, so that's an important part of why I actually get my posts done. It's not that I have problems plotting—I do make most of the suggestions?—it's just with how to... follow up with the plot, sort of, how to make it work.

    Anyways, in order to 'sit down and write', I need either a silent ambient or an 'instrumental music' ambient. How and why sometimes I hate hearing even the slight sound—distracting me to no end—and how sometimes I seem to need some instrumental flow of music to concentrate, I frankly don't know. The last months, though, I've been needing a silent ambient. Which is hard to get when my house is full of my dad's radio which never stops—just. people talking. awfully annoying—and other noises; so I have to close my door and try not to hear a thing. Well, now onto the actual writing, what I find helpul is researching. Research, research! If you know a lot about what you're going to write, you're sure to get many ideas. For example, if you're going to write about something like Noragami (anime about Japanese gods, let's say), you'll surely have to do intensive research on Shinto architecture, Shinto gods, Shinto and its relation to Buddhism, Shinto practices, and many many more things, in order to make a coherent plot and include important details in every post. If you're gonna write about Pokémon, you'll surely have to look at details of each Pokémon you mention or see: Where does it dwell? How does it move? Does it move with other Pokémon or does it tend to be alone? Is it prone to be violent? And, of course: what can I add that is special about this particular one, if need to?

    I also find looking for words—synonyms, antonyms, cohesive devices, etc—makes a post all the more interesting. What word can I use to convey this? So instead of using walk, for example if you were describing a Whimsicott, you could say hopping, and you could describe if it moves around gracefully or awkwardly.

    Ah, well, I totally went off the tangent with the post! Oh, and to add onto the conversation, I think @Negative Zero idea of 'doing and letting the mind work on its own' is vital. It is known that the mind works on its own all day, and our most... innovative thoughts, well, we have them while we are doing something else, usually non-related, and that lets our mind just be (unlike the phone call job that they mentioned, for example, which requires constant concentration).
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
    #16 Jun 11, 2018
    Last edited: Jun 11, 2018
    Absolute Zero likes this.
  17. Absolute Zero

    Absolute Zero The second seal

    Jeff
    (Spinarak)
    Level 19
    Joined:
    Mar 17, 2015
    Posts:
    2,184
    PokéPoints:
    ₽2,869.8
    I find the research to be particularly important as well, now that you mention it. Not only does it help the literature to make more sense (it really kills a story if someone makes up expertise in something you can easily prove wrong, like if you're a doctor and someone's writing battle injuries and recovery all wrong), but it does help to get the wheels moving. Knowing a little bit of this and a little bit of that helps to draw new lines between those points of information, and those new lines create new plots. Whether I'm reading up on my Daoism to make the Unova dragons make even better sense in my story or whether I'm skimming Pokémon abilities to find out which best helps make a dramatic escape or prevent that dramatic escape, the more I know the easier I can put things together in a good way. It's better to pull plots out of your brain than to pull them out of your butt.
     
    Darkmaster006 likes this.
  18. Mandriel

    Mandriel Valor Knight

    Agravaine
    (Giratina Egg)
    Level 15
    Joined:
    Feb 3, 2017
    Posts:
    2,537
    PokéPoints:
    ₽34.9
    Red Orb ★★★★★Tapunium Z ★★★★★Love Ball ★★★★★GS Ball ★★★★★Galladite ★★★★
    I always have trouble starting to write. I find that just forcing myself to put words onto a page helps and I quickly get into 'The Zone'. I hardly get anything done when I wait for inspiration.
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  19. RegionRunner150

    RegionRunner150 PKMN Breeder

    All of You
    (Giratina Egg)
    Level 8
    Joined:
    Jun 18, 2018
    Posts:
    153
    PokéPoints:
    ₽63.5
    Leaf Stone ★★★Amulet Coin ★★★Helix Fossil ★★★Great Ball ★★
    For me, its a pain when I start writing something to figure out what I want, what I typically end up doing is writing a paragraph, going to another website for research and get distracted. I end up brainstorming in those intervals which really helps me think out what I want to do.
     
    Stop hovering to collapse... Click to collapse... Hover to expand... Click to expand...
  20. Wolf Expert

    Wolf Expert Canine Scholar

    Wolf
    (Riolu)
    Level 24
    Joined:
    Jun 27, 2017
    Posts:
    2,314
    PokéPoints:
    ₽761.2
    Moon Ball ★★★★Love Ball ★★★★★Premier Ball ★Friend Ball ★★★★Luxury Ball ★★★
    Lately I've been pretty good about writing 5 pages each day. Usually in the course of forcing myself to write I manage to get into it. It still helps to have some good music playing for whatever it is I'm writing.
     

Share This Page