GYWO 2023 week 1/52

[theultimateburrito]

happy "get your words out 2023"! if you're not familiar (and i wasn't until summer last year, when my good pal militarypenguin told me about it), it's a pledge-based challenge in which writers pledge a wordcount or a habit-based goal to strive to during the year. i chose a habit pledge, since i've got giga-adhd and habit developing is a bit difficult for me to do outside of intense hyperfixation.

even though i've been a writer as far back as i can remember, i'm a primarily visual artist. i've grown a lot with visual art and have let go of a lot of my hangups-- i'm able to pick it up and put it down whenever i'd like. however, with writing it's all whim. i only pick it up when the inspiration hits, or a deadline demands. to be honest with you, that bums me out. i miss writing for fun, as stress relief, as something that felt playful and easy. that's the motivation to pick this pledge up at the end of the day. so here's the lowdown on what this is gonna be all about---

week one: i'm a creep i'm a weirdo what the hell am i doing here 

 

my goals throughout the next couple of week are as follows:

• compile a list of projects i'd like to work toward. i feel a bit creatively bankrupt as far as storytelling goes, but i know that's just because i haven't dug the well deep enough. there's water in these hills, damn it! catch me out here with my dousing rod and shovel trying to find it again like a maniac.

• brainstorm what a habit might look like for me. what time of day should i start out with? how can i incorporate this into my routine? i doubt that i'll have consistency, since i work a full-time job on top of my "second job" with art and social life. with that in mind i have to experiment a bit. roll with the punches and see what works. 

• write at least one day this week. i'm trying to take it easy and stick to journaling (something i don't do already) to get back in the practice of writing. so far this goal has been easy, as motivation is high right now and life is pretty calm. the stretch between christmas and now is the calendar's bermuda triangle. we'll see how it goes when i emerge. 

what do your habits look like? do you have to wait for creativity to strike you, or are you able to pick it up whenever you'd like? i'd love to hear some ideas for habit building from you. and do tell me about the stories that are on your mind if you're participating in GYWO. i think the power of community events like this is in the mutual excitement-- so let's cheer each other on!

Comments

[sodium_amytal]

I feel like I do GYWO in a less formal sense every year xD Keeping a log of words written is too time-consuming/stressful for me, so I usually just gauge it by the yearly word count in my AO3 stats. I usually also write every day, but feeling like I *have* to would be stressful. Some days I just don't write, and that's okay! I'm already in the habit of doing it (mostly) daily, but I can see how setting a goal would be helpful for someone who isn't in that habit.

[theultimateburrito]

ao3 stats are soooo helpful for that i love them!! though, admittedly, i've been peeking at them less and less because i don't like what i see >__< that's great that you write every day! is it something that you look forward to? i doubt i'd be able to do so every day realistically given my energy levels, so i think the goal for me is just seeing writing as something to look forward to. a mindset shift more than anything that i'm hoping habit will encourage.

[sodium_amytal]

though, admittedly, i've been peeking at them less and less because i don't like what i see
LOL same T_T i try to manage my expectations, and I've been coming out of my 2018-2020 writing slump, so I'm glad for that! It's still a little disheartening though to compare the stats I used to get to now. u__u

that's great that you write every day! is it something that you look forward to?
Absolutely! But that's mostly because I love writing and creating stories I can share with people. I know the story won't exist unless I create it, so that helps motivate me also. And the potential promise of feedback when I post it :P That's always a bonus.

[deeppainpizza]

our overall goals overlap a bunch so [handshake emoji]!!!! i too am aiming to make a list of actionable projects. i usually have to ride inspiration but until now it was a lighter sparking uselessly while i juggled too many things

right now, my to-do list is focusing on actionable tasks, like research or re-organizing or rereading what i've already written on my long-term project/other fics/previous ideas + writing down new ideas. later on, i'm going to make a more specific list and see what i feel like touching first

i'm re-familiarizing myself with the projects in an exploratory way while also scrapping* a ton of ideas along the way. i too am blogging more; it also breaks up the daily monotony.

* i can't scrap anything. i move it all to an archive folder so i can keep it """for later""" [rolls eyes] just banishing many many ideas that i'll NEVER do... to a safe place.

i was severely blocked and pre-occupied by IRL for a long time so i have to re-absorb the main project from square one. but it's been fun too. i can feel a little spark of joy when i reread instead of feeling like charlie in the pepe silvia scene as i try to write ahead and mentally edit and brainstorm at the same time. i'm just taking the work like a lazy river and trying to read it like a reader rather than as the editor (me).

i also think that my anti-depressants are working really well LMAO. they have helped me quiet down and find a better balance between full-time job/social/needs/current fixation/hobby. my time is now spent much more like it was before IRL took over, even if i'm taking baby steps.

for me, i need to wind down in the evening because it takes awhile for my brain to wake up. i've made my writing desk area to be ultra cozy at night so i WANT to go out there and can get into the writing zone. i also have several comfy spots to read throughout the house that i'm finally taking advantage of. also: a cat cuddling excuse. plus like.... come on everybody wants the comfiest chair in the library, the book hits different there.....

i think signing up for gywo is going to be like. life-changing hahahaha. i have very high hopes that this could actually work because it pushes at all my problem areas like a deep massage. i very much have a feeling of "im doing this for me" that makes a big difference over self-applied pressure to Create... and i've put in a lot of work to reach this point. then accountability was the missing piece i think.

im finally ready... and i like to win!!!

anyway i think you're coming at it from the right angle by asking yourself what it takes to get you back on the horse and trying things out. it's just the first obstacle in the process!!! whatever it takes to make it stick!! i try to ease friction on myself wherever possible... and gotta say - usually works out pretty good for me long-term!!!

edit:
- i also have to have a big thing of cold water, a non-messy snack, and a second Special beverage of my choosing before i sit down to write. keeps things exciting and my needs are met. [snack hack: i like to get a medium-sized glass airtight container, assemble my own "small batch" trail mix combos with things like roasted chickpeas and nuts and edamame and dried berries (w/e you want), and then just keep it at my writing station. also a big fan of cold brew method of making tea. easy Special drink and a thoughtless snack means i have more time to write.]
- i also care a lot about lighting.
- i typically focus better with headphones in... and i found out i like coding playlists for ambient noise over white noise + am making an instrumental playlist i add my favs to + a second instrumental playlist of the cream of the crop i'm recently loving and successfully zoning out to.
- i decluttered the absolute shit out of my writing area and living space in general

[theultimateburrito]

cackling, i also have a google doc for "scrapping" things, i call it the recycling bin cuz i'm sure it'll eventually come out and be reused for some nonsense or another! "kill your darlings" is a nice sentiment and all but what if i simply put them to sleep for a bit instead lmao.

i love the sentiment of taking the work as it comes to you like that, i think that's a great approach. i'm definitely trying to ease into it myself, use this momentum while i've got it but in a way that feels productive instead of like... inevitably burning myself out by doing too much and needing a big break!

and thank you, i'm glad that it seems appropriate! i struggle with pacing myself but if i'm going for a lifestyle change i think that this is the way to hit it. "ease friction wherever possible" is great advice.

- we would have world peace if all the special little guys (everyone) had special little drinks!!! makin a little event of it is so nice haha
- tell me more about your lighting settup! i love a little lamp and a little candle if i'm honest (which might be why i have glasses lol)
- i always wear my noise cancelling headphones even if there's no sound, i get too easily distracted by noises haha. i wish i was the type who could write and listen to my playlists but i lose focus. that said, ambient noise is good!! i love the layering youve got goin on this sound settup
- ah... clutter.... my nemesis.... i have the messiest desk in the world lol i think i'll make an effort to get it cleared up in the next couple weeks. "maximalism" is just a cover lmao

P.S. congrats on the medication shift, that's such a game-changer!!

[deeppainpizza]

"kill your darlings" is a nice sentiment and all but what if i simply put them to sleep for a bit instead lmao.

AGREED! into the cryogenic chamber you go

and i too am aiming to balance burnout as i make a lifestyle change and improve pacing. 🤝 ganbatte!! i’m really excited to see where this challenge takes us!! love the curious proactive mindset!!

i posted an update on my journal linking to my writing desk setup, among other things. it’s much easier to show than describe. i’m all about decluttering now, so if you ever wanna talk about your desk or want to brainstorm, hit me up!

[militarypenguin]

These are great goals! Weekly journaling is such a good idea to keep the momentum. Really looking forward to reading your entries from here on out!

My habits are still a work in progress of trial and error. I initially started my first year with the intent of doing 5 minutes of writing per day, which I did for a little while but eventually fell off putting into practice. I tried the same with 20 minutes, 30 minutes--eventually dropping back to just 1 minute, and it still wasn't sticking. I think the problem was so many other factors were arbitrary and ill-defined (when would I plan on taking these minutes out of my day? where would I do it? what would I be writing about?) and I work best the more defined the structure I'm working in is.

So I'm finally going to try doing a set time of day in my schedule instead of a "maybe in the morning" or "maybe in the evening". This can be difficult because my work schedule fluctuates a lot, but I'm optimistic it can be done!

Lately I've also found listening to instrumental jazz really helps get me into a distraction-free "writer" headspace--I don't normally listen to music, even as background noise, so this is a bit of a breakthrough on my part. I'm actually listening to some right now as I write this comment, lol. Also coffee!

Another thing I've been doing is physical-journaling my writing ideas. I've got numbered lists of "Mob Psycho fanfic ideas" and "Farscape fanfic ideas" as well as some sloppy bullet-pointed outlines of stories therein. Switching mediums every once in a while really helps keep the craft feeling fresh and making lists is always a pleasing brain exercise for me in general.

I also love using word processors for when I'm writing up the first draft (I use an Alphasmart 3000, but I imagine any word processor is a good one). A problem I have with making progress in writing is the constant temptation to look at my wordcount, and word processors are a great way to eliminate that distraction and keep writing. I'm always amazed at the amount of work I've gotten done once I plug it into my computer to transfer over all the text!

For stories on my mind: right now I'm taking a break so I don't burn myself out, but I've got a draft of horny-fluffy Mobrei fic that just needs editing so I'll be back in the saddle again soon. I've also got my multi-chapter Tsubomi/Mob/Reigen fic that I've been planning for years and started a while ago but needs proper planning and brainstorming; this is going to be my first stab at doing a multichapter fic since I was...man, 16 (and had no plan where I was taking said fics so they went abandoned), so I'm pretty nervous about it. But I'm going to do some fun side projects too for when I need to loosen myself up (I have other finished drafts to edit, eyeing prompts on the MP100 kink meme, also been thinking about doing various standalone fics inspired by the alien/astronaut aus konchiolin and tentacleboye drew).

[theultimateburrito]

before anything, you must know that im smitten with your icon. it's everything. baby boy.

i think that's something that i struggle with too, that the time of day and the specifics of what's being done is really ill-defined. the thing that has been difficult in habit-forming for me is my evenings are super inconsistent and i dont have much other time in my day other than a lunch break. structure is helpful for me too but finding the specifics of it has been difficult when things shift around a lot u__u i hope the fluctuations in both our schedules are navigable!


YES i love to hear that about switching it up with physically writing! back when i was writing a ton of fic, that was what was really helpful for me-- i'd write snippets and it would help me get into the swing of things when i was back at a computer and able to transcribe. and ah... the joy and power of list making!! it can really take you far lol.

IM ECSTATIC TO HEAR YOU USE AN ALPHASMART i've been thinking of getting one and refurbishing it for a friend who's been wanting to use a word processor. i get a bit antsy too when i see the wordcount in the corner too, so that sounds like a great workaround. i get really easily distracted with the computer (even if i turn off internet or block websites, i'll sooner play minesweeper than actually write lol), so i'm happy it's been working well for you in that regard!

i love these wips!! begging and pleading that you tell me about them as you progress, that sounds so great!! YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I LOVE THE ALIEN/ASTRONAUT AU!! (omg... kink memes are so powerful i miss them lol).

excited to listen to rainy jazz and write along with you, my friend!!! wishing us well-- please dm me any time!

[militarypenguin]

Uu-chan is here to light up our world in times of need.

GOD I feel you there too. Doesn't help that I'm usually exhausted once I get home from work, and by the time the evening rolls around I need to go to bed in a few hours so I can get the necessary sleep I need to get up early in the morning. :c Good luck to both of us and hope we can find our stride somewhere down the line!

Physical writing has saved my skin so many times; I forgot to mention how many times I'd just jot something down (begrudgingly on my part, because it usually happens just as I'm about to fall asleep) and forget about it and then flip back through the journal and go "yo this is good shit!!! how'd I come up with it" another real joyous sensation!

YES I highly recommend getting an Alphasmart!! It's also a good size for carrying around to places like work or cafes or wherever you want to get your writing done, and you won't have to worry about anyone reading over your shoulder too!

WILL DO I may need some poking because I'm shy lol 💦 (this kink meme in question has also gone dormant but I am determined to revitalize it)

Likewise to you, friend!