A Home for Wayward Fandoms

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See, that’s what the app is perfect for.

Sounds perfect Wahhhh, I don’t wanna
image

2024 - new year, new blog.

This change wasn’t intentional - the things I like, I *like*. But the things I reblog are compulsions.

In the middle of one of these compulsive reblogs, I was struck by what Tumblr is best at for me; this site is full of wonderful people who openly (in ways that are sometimes frank, often funny, but always with achingly heartfelt vulnerability) engage with the struggle to navigate and cultivate their relationship with creativity.

And *dang* can it be a struggle.

I’m hoping to use this blog as a way to remind myself (and anyone who stumbles across it) of ways out of the rut, and that the process isn’t as lonely as it may sometimes feel.

Pinned Post creativity creative process art writing painting
wildfieldauthor
burntoutdaydreamer

Things That May Be Causing Your Writer's Block- and How to Beat Them

I don't like the term 'Writer's Block' - not because it isn't real, but because the term is so vague that it's useless. Hundreds of issues all get lumped together under this one umbrella, making writer's block seem like this all-powerful boogeyman that's impossible to beat. Worse yet, it leaves people giving and receiving advice that is completely ineffective because people often don't realize they're talking about entirely different issues.

In my experience, the key to beating writer's block is figuring out what the block even is, so I put together a list of Actual Reasons why you may be struggling to write:

(note that any case of writer's block is usually a mix of two or more)


Perfectionism (most common)

What it looks like:

  • You write one sentence and spend the next hour googling "synonyms for ___"
  • Write. Erase. Write. Rewrite. Erase.
  • Should I even start writing this scene when I haven't figured out this one specific detail yet?
  • I hate everything I write
  • Cringing while writing
  • My first draft must be perfect, or else I'm a terrible writer

Things that can help:

  • Give yourself permission to suck
  • Keep in mind that nothing you write is going to be perfect, especially your first draft
  • Think of writing your first/early drafts not as writing, but sketching out a loose foundation to build upon later
  • People write multiple drafts for a reason: write now, edit later
  • Stop googling synonyms and save that for editing
  • Write with a pen to reduce temptation to erase
  • Embrace leaving blank spaces in your writing when you can't think of the right word, name, or detail
  • It's okay if your writing sucks. We all suck at some point. Embrace the growth mindset, and focus on getting words on a page


Lack of inspiration (easiest to fix)

What it looks like:

  • Head empty, no ideas
  • What do I even write about???
  • I don't have a plot, I just have an image
  • Want to write but no story to write

Things that can help:

  • Google writing prompts
  • If writing prompts aren't your thing, instead try thinking about what kind of tropes/genres/story elements you would like to try out
  • Instead of thinking about the story you would like to write, think about the story you would like to read, and write that
  • It's okay if you don't have a fully fleshed out story idea. Even if it's just an image or a line of dialogue, it's okay to write that. A story may or may not come out of it, but at least you got the creative juices flowing
  • Stop writing. Step away from your desk and let yourself naturally get inspired. Go for a walk, read a book, travel, play video games, research history, etc. Don't force ideas, but do open up your mind to them
  • If you're like me, world-building may come more naturally than plotting. Design the world first and let the story come later


Boredom/Understimulation (lost the flow)

What it looks like:

  • I know I should be writing but uugggghhhh I just can'tttttt
  • Writing words feels like pulling teeth
  • I started writing, but then I got bored/distracted
  • I enjoy the idea of writing, but the actual process makes me want to throw my laptop out the window

Things that can help:

  • Introduce stimulation: snacks, beverages, gum, music such as lo-fi, blankets, decorate your writing space, get a clickity-clackity keyboard, etc.
  • Add variety: write in a new location, try a new idea/different story for a day or so, switch up how you write (pen and paper vs. computer) or try voice recording or text-to-speech
  • Gamify writing: create an arbitrary challenge, such as trying to see how many words you can write in a set time and try to beat your high score
  • Find a writing buddy or join a writer's group
  • Give yourself a reward for every writing milestone, even if it's just writing a paragraph
  • Ask yourself whether this project you're working on is something you really want to be doing, and be honest with your answer


Intimidation/Procrastination (often related to perfectionism, but not always)

What it looks like:

  • I was feeling really motivated to write, but then I opened my laptop
  • I don't even know where to start
  • I love writing, but I can never seem to get started
  • I'll write tomorrow. I mean next week. Next month? Next month, I swear (doesn't write next month)
  • Can't find the time or energy
  • Unreasonable expectations (I should be able to write 10,000 words a day, right????)
  • Feeling discouraged and wondering why I'm even trying

Things that can help:

  • Follow the 2 min rule (or the 1 paragraph rule, which works better for me): whenever you sit down to write, tell yourself that you are only going to write for 2 minutes. If you feel like continuing once the 2 mins are up, go for it! Otherwise, stop. Force yourself to start but DO NOT force yourself to continue unless you feel like it. The more often you do this, the easier it will be to get started
  • Make getting started as easy as possible (i.e. minimize barriers: if getting up to get a notebook is stopping you from getting started, then write in the notes app of your phone)
  • Commit to a routine that will work for you. Baby steps are important here. Go with something that feels reasonable: every day, every other day, once a week, twice a week, and use cues to help you remember to start. If you chose a set time to write, just make sure that it's a time that feels natural to you- i.e. don't force yourself to writing at 9am every morning if you're not a morning person
  • Find a friend or a writing buddy you can trust and talk it out or share a piece of work you're proud of. Sometimes we just get a bit bogged down by criticism- either internal or external- and need a few words of encouragement


The Problem's Not You, It's Your Story (or Outline (or Process))

What it looks like:

  • I have no problems writing other scenes, it's just this scene
  • I started writing, but now I have no idea where I'm going
  • I don't think I'm doing this right
  • What's an outline?
  • Drowning in documents
  • This. Doesn't. Make. Sense. How do I get from this plot point to this one?!?!?! (this ColeyDoesThings quote lives in my head rent free cause BOY have I been there)

Things That Can Help:

  • Go back to the drawing board. Really try to get at the root of why a scene or story isn't working
  • A part of growing as a writer is learning when to kill your darlings. Sometimes you're trying to force an idea or scene that just doesn't work and you need to let it go
  • If you don't have an outline, write one
  • If you have an outline and it isn't working, rewrite it, or look up different ways to structure it
  • You may be trying to write as a pantser when you're really a plotter or vice versa. Experiment with different writing processes and see what feels most natural
  • Study story structures, starting with the three act structure. Even if you don't use them, you should know them
  • Check out Ellen Brock on YouTube. She's a professional novel editor who has a lot of advice on writing strategies for different types of writers
  • Also check out Savage Books on YouTube (another professional story editor) for advice on story structure and dialogue. Seriously, I cannot recommend this guy enough


Executive Dysfunction, Usually From ADHD/Autism

What it looks like:

  • Everything in boredom/understimulation
  • Everything in intimidation/procrastination
  • You have been diagnosed with and/or have symptoms of ADHD/Autism

Things that can help:

  • If you haven't already, seek a diagnosis or professional treatment
  • Hire an ADHD coach or other specialist that can help you work with your brain (I use Shimmer; feel free to DM me for a referral)
  • Seek out neurodiverse and neurodiverse writing communities for advice and support
  • Try body doubling! There's lot's of free online body doubling websites out there for you to try. If social anxiety is a barrier, start out with writing streams such as katecavanaughwrites on Twitch
  • Be aware of any sensory barriers that may be getting in the way of you writing (such as an uncomfortable desk chair, harsh lighting, bad sounds)


And Lastly, Burnout, Depression, or Other Mental Illness

What it looks like:

  • You have symptoms of burnout or depression
  • Struggling with all things, not just writing
  • It's more than a lack of motivation- the spark is just dead

Things that can help:

  • Forget writing for now. Focus on healing first.
  • Seek professional help
  • If you feel like it, use writing as a way to explore your feelings. It can take the form of journaling, poetry, an abstract reflection of your thoughts, narrative essays, or exploring what you're feeling through your fictional characters. The last two helped me rediscover my love of writing after I thought years of depression had killed it for good. Just don't force yourself to do so, and stop if it takes you to a darker place instead of feeling cathartic
wildfieldauthor

@theathenverse hopefully this’ll help with your block some

jacobseed

mbekgsv asked:

an enemy to lovers and one bed trope but I need their responses in the morning being strangled to eachother

unboundprompts answered:

One Bed Trope: Morning After Dialogue

-> feel free to edit as you see fit

  • “Get off of me.”
  • “Is it weird I’m comfortable?”
  • “Jesus Christ how did we manage to fall asleep like this?”
  • “How the hell did you wrap your leg around me?”
  • “You’ve been laying on my arm all night and I can’t feel it.”
  • “I would’ve moved to the floor but you were using me as a pillow.”
  • “I almost fist-fought you last night when you took the blanket.”
  • “I have to pee so bad please get up.”
  • “I don’t think I’m going to be able to look you in the eyes after this.”
  • “You snore. Loudly.”
  • “I do not snore, you liar.”
  • “We don’t have to talk about it, just get dressed.”
  • “It’s too early for this, we’ll talk about it later.”
  • “I don’t understand how I slept so good last night.”
  • “Let’s keep it professional, alright?”
  • “Don’t get confused, I was only clinging to you because you stole the blanket and I had no other way to keep warm.”
  • “We’re not going to bring this up ever again, right?”
  • “I slept really good last night.” “That makes one of us.”
  • “My arm is still asleep.”
  • “Did you know you talk in your sleep?”
  • “How did the blanket end up on the floor? No wonder I was freezing.”
  • “Go back to sleep.”
  • “You’re the only source of warmth in this stupid hotel, come back to bed before I get hypothermia.”
loved-the-stars-too-fondly-deac

When insults had class

dutchfruitjar



These glorious insults are from an era before the English language got boiled down to 4-letter words.

A member of Parliament to Disraeli:
“Sir, you will either die on the gallows or of some unspeakable disease”. “That depends, Sir,“ said Disraeli, “whether I embrace your policies or your mistress.”

“He had delusions of adequacy.” - Walter Kerr

“He has all the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire.”- Winston Churchill

“I have never killed a man, but I have read many obituaries with great
pleasure.” -Clarence Darrow

“He has never been known to use a word that might send a reader to the dictionary.” - William Faulkner
(about Ernest Hemingway).

“Thank you for sending me a copy of your book; I’ll waste no time reading it.” - Moses Hadas

“I didn’t attend the funeral, but I sent a nice letter saying I approved of it.” - Mark Twain

“He has no enemies, but is intensely disliked by his friends..” - Oscar
Wilde

“I am enclosing two tickets to the first night of my new play; bring a
friend…. if you have one.”
(George Bernard Shaw to Winston Churchill)
“Cannot possibly attend first night, will attend second  …. if there is
one.“  (Winston Churchill, in response.)

“I feel so miserable without you; it’s almost like having you here.” -
Stephen Bishop

“He is a self-made man and worships his creator.” - John Bright

“I’ve just learned about his illness. Let’s hope it’s nothing trivial.” -
Irvin S. Cobb

“He is not only dull himself; he is the cause of dullness in others.” -
Samuel Johnson

“He is simply a shiver looking for a spine to run up.” - Paul Keating

“In order to avoid being called a flirt, she always yielded easily.” -
Charles, Count Talleyrand

“He loves nature in spite of what it did to him.” - Forrest Tucker

“Why do you sit there looking like an envelope without any address on it?” -Mark Twain

“His mother should have thrown him away and kept the stork.” - Mae West

“Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go.” - Oscar Wilde

“He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts… for support rather than illumination.”
Andrew Lang (1844-1912)

“He has Van Gogh’s ear for music.” - Billy Wilder

“I’ve had a perfectly wonderful evening. But this wasn’t it.” Groucho Marx
loved-the-stars-too-fondly-deac
memewhore

Penguin escapes killer whales by jumping onto a boat.

is-the-owl-video-cute

Antarctic penguins (and most other Antarctic animals for that matter) are very interesting because they lack a natural fear of humans since, of course, humans are not a natural occurrence on the continent. It is one of the few places on earth where it is completely normal for fully wild animals to be comfortable around you. In fact, most react as though humans are just especially large penguins as those are the only flightless biped native to the area.

As far as this gentoo penguin is concerned, it was saved by a float of large yellow penguins also hiding from orcas.

crystalepicness

image
sarkos

Penguin Diogenes

hadeantaiga
flavoracle

Mental Crop Rotation

When farmers grow the same crop too many years in a row, it can leave their soil depleted of minerals and other nutrients that are vital to the health of their fields.

To avoid this, farmers will often alternate the crops that they grow because some plants will use up different minerals (such as nitrogen) while other plants replenish those minerals. This process is known as “crop rotation.”

So the next time you find that you need to step away from a project to work on something else for a while, don’t beat yourself up for “quitting” that project. Give yourself permission to practice “mental crop rotation” to maintain a healthy brain field.

Because I’ve found that when that unnecessary guilt and pressure are removed from the process, a good mental crop rotation can help you feel more energized and invigorated than ever once you’re ready to rotate back to that project.

bomberqueen17

: A crucial part of crop rotation is that the field is let fallow sometimes. You plant what’s called a “cover crop”, which is something you don’t expect to harvest– it’s there for its roots to hold the soil in place, and often it’ll be what’s called a nitrogen-fixer, i.e. a plant that can pull nitrogen out of the air and fix it into the soil with its roots (but sometimes it won’t, sometimes it’s really just there to shelter the soil surface), and then you’ll till in that cover crop, or let the frost kill it and the stalks lie as mulch, and then you’ll rotate productive crops back into that field the next season. 

It’s important, though, to understand that during the fallow period, no nutrients are removed from that ground, and nothing is expected of it. Whatever the land grows then, it keeps, and it gets tilled back in or decomposes in place, to return its energy to the earth.

We’re not allowed, in our current society, to just let our minds be fallow for a bit, to produce nothing for export, to make nothing that can be sold. But it’s part of good land stewardship, to give every field time when it doesn’t need to give you anything back. 

So yes, grow and produce different things from time to time, rotate them around your mind and exercise different mental muscles, take different things from your creative processes, yes– but also, give yourself a fallow spell now and again, and let the field of your mind grow things for itself to keep, to break down and save for later. 

highvelocitysandwich

Positive mental health AND agriculture??!?

*slams reblog button*

newworldriot
cemeterything

taking off a mask to reveal what lies beneath as a romantic gesture is overdone, and besides i want to see the romantic or even platonic potential of protecting someone's identity beneath the mask, without any expectation of ever being allowed to see what's under it. picking it up and holding it gently to their face when it's knocked off and they're in danger of being exposed, without trying to catch a glimpse of what they "really" look like under there. throwing yourself in front of them to hide them from view while they put themselves back together without taking advantage or looking back to see what you're protecting. learning to read them by body language, tone of voice, and behaviour so well that you never need to see their face to feel like you know and understand them.

cemeterything

and needless to say. the mask stays on during sex.