You get to the writing through writing.
What I mean is: when it feels impossible, like you don't have a way forward, and you've procrastinated all you can; it's probably exactly the time to just get some words down, even if you hate them and don't know what you're doing.
What I mean is: when it feels impossible, like you don't have a way forward, and you've procrastinated all you can; it's probably exactly the time to just get some words down, even if you hate them and don't know what you're doing.
If you write enough words eventually the ideas will start coming again. The thing that didn't make sense will make a little more sense, at least enough to move forward. You'll see the next step where you can put your wobbly, uncontrollably shaking foot.
I mean this even if you've outlined or written a summary or whatever. If you're frozen, unable to start, and filled with deep misery - like I was several times this week - you probably just need to start. The ideas, the sparks, will follow. You get to the writing through writing.
Also through reading. I've got my favorite books lined up on my desk, my favorite fanfics saved to my hard drive, so I can open them up whenever I need to read a sentence that isn't my own horrible ones. That has often been the push I needed to attempt just one goddamn line.
I always forget how bitterly unsatisfying and ugly it feels to be attempting writing and not getting stuff done. It feels SO BAD! And my process usually involves insane amounts of futzing. Usually all that time ends with me getting confused about why I'm even trying.
But when I finally get around to managing a line, or two, I find I can at least do another. And another. And the next day I have that bit to read over and either hate or like. At least it's...there. Having something there is better than nothing, at least emotionally.
Plus, experience has proven out that usually with enough distance even the bits I hate become salvageable. Sometimes the bits I hate even become the things I like! The brain is weird like that.
There's no way around it except to write. Read. Keep writing even if it sucks. That's maybe the only secret to getting stuff done. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Caveat: I don't mean this at the expense of mental, emotional, or physical health. Take the breaks you need to, always. Then go write.
Caveat: I don't mean this at the expense of mental, emotional, or physical health. Take the breaks you need to, always. Then go write.
