A pep talk (or: being a "Real Writer") http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345 Maverick Knight A word of warning: this is a pep talk for people who are suffering burnout, fatigue, or writer’s block this month. It’s aimed at people who like to think of themselves as serious writers, not for people who are doing Nano casually. There’s nothing wrong with exploring writing as a hobby, or just deciding to write a novel on the side, but if you’re the person who’s just dabbling in writing, this isn’t for you. This isn't the pep talk you're looking for. This is for people who think they're “real writers”, but are stuck. There's nothing wrong with getting stuck, but, for "real writers," there IS something wrong with staying there. Here's my experience with beating writer's block this month. Maybe it will help you, too. So I’ve been stuck in a rut for awhile now. I’ll admit that I’m a Nano rebel, and my current story is a continuation of the story that I began last November and have been pecking away at for a year. I got one week into it this month, and suddenly my story just wasn’t interesting anymore. Suddenly the words no longer flowed easily; they ground out slowly, one by one. The plot reared its ugly head and I realized just how much there was to do in my story, and how dead my brain was. Whatever wit and turn of phrase I had possessed last month when I started this story was just….gone. And so was the fun. I’ll say it: writing was no longer fun. And, like many of you thought when you hit that point, I began to wonder whether writing was “my thing.” Whether I was actually a “real writer”, or had just pretended to be one all these years. Now, I’ve heard different people say different things about that. The snarky answer is that if you write words, you’re a real writer. Some are more existential, and say that if people read what you write, you’re a real writer. Others are more practical, and say that if you make money on your writing, you’re a real writer. Still others say that only if you feed yourself and pay your bills with the money from writing, you’re a real writer. Now, everybody’s different, and if you need to have any of those things in order to write, or to feel like you’re a writer, then fine. Personal style is always a factor, and you should do whatever works for you. But as I thought about what various people – Nanos and non-Nanos alike – were telling me about writer’s block and about what it took to be a “real writer,” I realized the truth. And once I realized that, I realized why I CAN’T have writer’s block. I don’t care if you’re burned out, or stuck, or tired, or busy. I don’t care if your story and characters are boring, or misbehaving. I don’t care if the words themselves fight back. I don’t care if all your fingers fell off, or if your computer got teh virusez and Word had a psychotic break. I don’t care if it’s no longer fun, or if you don’t “feel like” writing today. Being a real writer isn’t about just having fun, and it’s not about having a hobby. Nor is it about making writing your financial support. Because for a real writer, writing is more than all of those things. It’s more important than fun, or a hobby, or your material survival. For a real writer, writing is not just something fun or cool to do when you feel like it, nor is it just your livelihood. Being a real writer is about writing when it’s NOT fun. Being a real writer is about WORKING on your writing anyway, whether you feel like it or not. Because it’s that important to you, and if you don’t, you’ll go crazy. You must write. It’s WHAT YOU DO. If you’re religious or spiritual, it’s what you were made for, the reason you're here on Earth. If you can say “no” to writing and go on with your life, then you’re not a “real writer.” You eat, you sleep, you write. Those are the basics. So, if you're a real writer, put your hands on the keyboard, or on the typewriter keys, or pick up that pencil or pen. Find it within you to write right through that writer’s block. Muster everything you’ve got to push through that burnout. Find the story again, meet your characters again, summon the passion back. Because if you’re a real writer, you MUST. You can’t wait, you can’t walk away, and you can’t slack. If you’re a real writer, you don't GET to wait for the Muse. If you’re a real writer, you don't GET to say “no.” If you’re a real writer, you don't GET to quit. NOT THIS MONTH. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 11:08:06 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_742317 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_742317 medieval poptart *applauds* Thu, 17 Nov 2011 11:12:04 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_742369 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_742369 Maverick Knight tl;dr version: when Nano eats your soul, reach down Nano's throat and GET YOUR SOUL BACK. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 11:18:47 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_742470 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_742470 coldclarity *Applauds more* Thank you for the reminder. My back hurts, my feet hurt, work was long, and I'm tired. But this is so important to me, and I was in danger of forgetting that. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 11:33:59 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_742688 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_742688 snowbug Thank you, that was wonderful. Can I hug you now? Thu, 17 Nov 2011 11:36:32 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_742714 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_742714 quietfox I want that quote on my wall. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:35:37 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_743411 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_743411 emwi This is a really great pep talk. This is exactly what we need. This is... AWESOME. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:59:59 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_744514 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_744514 Michelle_Mackenzie **APPLAUDS** Bravo!!! Very well said, and you are COMPLETELY right. Real Writers are the people that write casually or seriously. But, SERIOUS writers are the ones that drag out the words when they no longer flow so well. I am a serious writer, and have books that prove it- but you're all right. When Nano eats your soul, take it back. And when you no longer feel like writing- well, that's just tough. We don't get to quit. We write because we can't NOT write. I am tired and still managed to write at least 500 words. As long as you write something, it's worth it. Anyways, time for me to go back to work before going to bed. Night all. x Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:12:45 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_744695 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_744695 LadyMage *standing ovation* Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:14:56 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_744726 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_744726 Lightshow *claps* We can do this! Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:44:36 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_745193 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_745193 girlboxer5 HELL YES! This is hands-down the best and most encouraging thing I've read so far this month. Thank you! And I'm having one of the same testy-rebel months you are. I think my soul's way down deep in the belly of the beast, but I just killed it, and all I need is a flashlight... Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:50:58 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_745272 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_745272 Flammable Heart This is amazing. I love you. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:56:11 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_745341 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_745341 amber1979 Even I thought that was brilliant and I'm a miserable cow. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 15:07:39 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_745499 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_745499 Emma Rosloff This is exactly how I feel about writing. And it's really in doing NaNoWriMo (I am also a rebel or sorts, currently knee deep in an intended 90,000 word draft that I started in October) that this has sunk in for me. If I want this, which I do, then I just have to do it. Doesn't matter how I feel, what I think, what comes out, what stays in... if I don't do it, it won't get done, and that's the end of my writing career and the deep satisfaction that I don't get from anything else. So I keep writing. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 15:13:04 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_745569 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_745569 lostservice22 I agree, I decided to take a bit of a break from nano today so i only got 500 words written in my story, i also did my morning pages i do at 750words.com i dont count that to nano cause its my journal, but i couldn't imagine my life not writing its just what I do all the time. its not always fun, some times its even dark and hurts, but its who i am and i love it. Thu, 17 Nov 2011 15:13:44 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_745578 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_745578 lostservice22 opps that was supposed to be in the main thread Thu, 17 Nov 2011 15:14:25 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_745592 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_745592 Ladypamela Now THAT is a pep talk! C'mon, all you REAL Writers! You can do it! Thu, 17 Nov 2011 15:36:05 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_745874 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_745874 H Despite being one of the least serious people on the planet, I am a very serious writer and I found this helped a lot. Now, some help with convincing this teenage "real writer"'s parents to let her stay up past 9pm to write? Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:41:47 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_746633 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_746633 Kara-Blakely ::Claps:: Thank you. I needed a real pep talk, the ones they're sending out haven't been doing it for me. ::Goes to write:: Sat, 19 Nov 2011 10:08:19 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_767295 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_767295 xorchidxpacerx ^ This. Sat, 19 Nov 2011 12:10:16 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_768708 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_768708 oceansong99 That was fantastic, thank you so much. That is a pep talk. Where was it a week ago when I needed a pep talk, though? Sat, 19 Nov 2011 12:22:19 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_768825 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_768825 Victoria Nonpraeda Flashlight and notebook, if necessary. You do what you gotta. :) Sat, 19 Nov 2011 13:35:06 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_769694 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_769694 Rubyfruit Now THAT is a pep talk. And one that I really needed, since I was feeling really stuck. I had a bunch of ideas as to where to go, but no idea how to make them come to life. And now I have to just write them to see what'll stick once it's time to edit, and what'll be tossed aside or put somewhere else. Sat, 19 Nov 2011 13:55:49 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_769946 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_769946 Airen Rin Promise to 'finish this one sentence', then race forward and do a whole paragraph? Barring that, have a discussion with your parents on why you want to stay up to write - even if it is for an extra thirty minutes or an hour. Promise that you will spend the entire extra time writing and not fooling around on facebook/twitter/etc. And be serious about carrying out that promise (Unplug the internet, delete them solitare games, ask them if a certain sentence on your paragraph makes sense to them or not - only if you are comfortable with it though). Maybe even spend the time that you play video games on in writing. Hopefully, once your parents realize that you are serious/responsible about this thing, they'll let you stay up longer. Tell them that if you can't write with their permission, then you'll use a flashlight/notebook/pen formula and ruin your eyes. I do not recommend this method - seeing as I actually did something like that and see blurs past my fingertips if I take off my glasses. Do it as a last resort. Sat, 19 Nov 2011 13:57:54 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_769973 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_769973 Lady Meriwen That was all kinds of perfect. I wanted to keep shouting "YES!" the entire time I was reading it. :D Thank you. Sat, 19 Nov 2011 14:06:55 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_770104 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_770104 TKcloud9 This pep talk is exactly the thing I needed. I'm sick at the momemnt, and I'm lying in bed thinking, "I should write, I don't want to, but I can't go to sleep...ooh NaNo forums!" And now I've got the will to write, even if it's just that next scene. Thank you!!! Sat, 19 Nov 2011 14:15:15 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_770218 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_770218 Miss K I desperately needed that today. Thank you. Sat, 19 Nov 2011 15:43:05 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_771289 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_771289 Sunshine Cat This was amazing! This will help a lot of people write, and become 'real writers'. Sat, 19 Nov 2011 15:51:33 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_771406 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_771406 Dairenna I'm...copying that into word and saving it. :) That was amazing and I want to give you so many hugs and cookies right now. Sat, 19 Nov 2011 15:55:04 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_771458 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_771458 Mynerva How did I miss this when it first got posted? It's more pep than all the other pep talks put together (sorry, but it is). I could have done with this a week or two ago. "You must write. It's WHAT YOU DO." Yes, yes it is. Thank you for reminding me. *writes quote on Post-It and sticks it on desk where it can't be missed* Sun, 20 Nov 2011 01:28:12 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_777080 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_777080 coldclarity I keep coming back to this post. And it keeps reminding me why I'm doing this. Thank you! Sun, 20 Nov 2011 01:44:17 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_777177 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_777177 Alias Cyborg Write, witch. Write. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 23:01:22 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_801708 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_801708 whitedove Thank you for posting this! I asked in the coffee shop what people thought makes a real writer and a lot of their answers were a little discouraging. I think I'm going to print this off and hang it up somewhere. That is awesome. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 23:48:03 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_801947 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_801947 Dracobolt *brohoof* Inspiring words, man. Gave me a real jolt of energy. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 23:54:53 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_801988 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_801988 Generalist It would have been interesting to see how that thread would have proceeded if the body of your post in the Coffee Shop mentioned 'Real Writers' instead of just writers. While the title mentioned it, the body didn't. It does show that words can have a spectrum of meanings. What is correct for one person may be a little off for another and completely wrong for a third. Tue, 22 Nov 2011 09:45:05 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_805290 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_805290 mwalker Indeed. It is too easy to think that you want to be a writer when you just want to be an author. Tue, 22 Nov 2011 10:35:16 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_805738 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_805738 CuriousReflection I heard that last sentence in the voice of Theoden from LOtR while dramatic strings swelled in the background. I got a litlle shiver down my spine. Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:41:08 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_806469 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_806469 xxCoFxx [quote=LadyMage] *standing ovation* [/quote] I second that. Tue, 22 Nov 2011 12:13:36 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_806839 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_806839 xxCoFxx This is becoming a FB quote for me to remind myself not to let NaNo eat my soul. Tue, 22 Nov 2011 12:14:01 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_806843 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_806843 ChainsawRaven I have been needing this so much today after dealing with crazymakers. Thank you. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 22:06:38 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_827380 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_827380 Annabelle Thank you for the reminder. In all the craziness of Nano and this month in general I'd almost forgotten why exactly I'm doing this. It's like ya said, ya eat, ya sleep, ya write. There is no other option. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 22:44:36 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_827673 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_827673 Alias Cyborg I used the flashlight/book formula for years and have twenty/twenty vision in my left eye, twnety/thirty in my right and no glasses. My eyes are fine. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 22:53:38 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_827725 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_827725 swifteye12 THANK YOU. This was a fantastic pep talk, and I have saved it with credit to you so that I may refer back to it when writing is not fun. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 23:28:12 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_827946 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_827946 blackcatphobia Yet another person adding her heartfelt thanks for this pep talk. I've had a rough month, what with one thing and another (and a job that actually makes demands on my time, wtf!) and though the story itself is lighthearted enough that it's pretty easy, I've been pretty down that I'm finding everything else so hard this year. So thank you! Let me go don my armour and raise my pen high. FOR NARNIA! Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:06:49 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_828179 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_828179 Cenlyra This was probably the most amazing pep talk I have ever read. Awesome! I feel like I need to write again. Really could have used this a couple weeks ago... Amazing! And, yeah... *standing ovation* Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:32:31 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_828310 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_828310 Maverick Knight "Arise, Writers of Nano! Write now! Write for ruin, and the world's ending!" You are now hearing every pep talk in Theoden's voice.* You're welcome. * or, if you prefer, Gilbert Gottfried. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:34:04 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_828317 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_828317 TheNinthWord Brilliant! I hit 50k a few days ago, but I've written hardly anything since. This might be the kick up the rear end that I need. My plot has stagnated a little. I know I want things to happen, but I have no idea how to make them happen. I was about to say (write?) that I'm glad this block happened after I hit 50k, but now I'm not sure. If I were below 50k, I'd be more likely to push through it to hit that target. But since I've already technically won Nano (for the first time!), I've lost that motivation. I think this little speech is just the thing I needed to hit that most elusive of targets; reaching the end of my novel. Thank you. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 04:55:43 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_829263 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_829263 KythingToWrite LOL. Everybody in my family has glasses; it's in my genes! And I've been reading under the covers since I was six, so it was no surprise when I got my glasses at ten. Actually, they were surprised I'd held out without glasses till then :) Thu, 24 Nov 2011 12:17:24 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_832333 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_832333 Lalina2005 Haha... I have to laugh. I got in some serious trouble when I said something similar in a fandom rife w/ hobbyists who consistenely left their readers in a lurch by starting stories and not completing them. So I salute your way of thinking :)) Thu, 24 Nov 2011 12:29:24 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_832423 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_832423 Maverick Knight Just claim that "it was about the journey, not the destination." Thu, 24 Nov 2011 12:47:48 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_832531 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_832531 Fiona W Fantabulous pep talk! Very good indeed. The only thing I'd change about it is the final line, "NOT THIS MONTH." I would change it to "NOT TODAY." Because real writers write EVERY DAY—with very few exceptions. Stephen King—who's been one of my models of a real writer, a serious writer, a writer who is <strong>driven</strong> to write, come hell or high water—says he takes <strong>three</strong> days off a year: Christmas, his birthday, and the Fourth of July. He even said it was time he retired, a few years ago, and he really meant it, but he couldn't make himself stop writing. Studies have shown that people who establish a daily habit over about three weeks, can maintain that daily habit indefinitely. That's right, folks: it only takes three weeks to become a daily writer. So you've got it now, if you've been doing NaNo, You've got your daily habit. Why stop? I think I'll take off New Year's Day, my birthday, and Halloween (to rest before NaNo!). What will be <strong>your</strong> three days? Think about it.... Thu, 24 Nov 2011 14:44:47 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_833563 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_833563 Ginaxx Oh god, I love you &lt;3 Thank you so much, that just totally inspired me to get back writing!! :D Thu, 24 Nov 2011 15:16:08 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_833845 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_833845 stormkatz Mine won't let me stay up late either. I've taken to staging a bedtime (going and getting ready for bed, brushing teeth, the works) and then getting up again and hour later, just to finish another chapter. They will never get the picture if they are anything like mine, but underhand trickery works on the most part. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 15:36:41 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_834019 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_834019 H I wish I could do that, but I'm writing on the only available computer - in the basement, which requires me to walk through the creaky old house and down a flight of decrepit stairs. So I'd wake everyone up. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 17:45:34 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_834972 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_834972 Couriernew Yes, this was amazing, thank you. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 18:41:35 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_835482 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_835482 TewiInaba I totally read that in Zero's voice. That was an amazing pep talk, by the way. *applauds wildly* Seriously, thank you very much for writing that. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 18:45:56 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_835524 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_835524 Joe Union Most Excellent. Thanks for a great pep talk. I am going to go write some more now. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 20:33:03 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_836617 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_836617 Maverick Knight Bumping this for the end of the month! Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:13:02 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_887741 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_887741 rosiedoodle I'm three and a half hours from midnight and my fingers feel like they've broken and I was just about to give up. Then I read this. THANK YOU. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:28:57 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_903554 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=2#forum_thread_comment_903554 crazygirl9310 Someone needs to get a super famous actor (especially Brad Pitt as Achilles) to record this and put it on youtube. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:43:24 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=3#forum_thread_comment_903730 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=3#forum_thread_comment_903730 Writing_Ninja That is a good pep talk. I found it confusing at first though. Maybe it's because I am burnedout. But I was looking for those ways to overcome the writer's block since it was mentioned at the beginning. It is true though, you push through the writer's block to write more. Although I think writer's block in a good thing. It may hinder, but that is a sign of two things: 1: You have been writing so much, you drained yourself. It's time to balance it out again. But good for you for writing. 2: You wrote really really badly. Being stuck is a great hint to look at your story differently. Most of all. I think a real writer is someone who expresses their soul. Selling or not. Writing all day long or not. It does not matter. A real writer is one who pushes on to look into the inner depths of things around them. I don't see it as much as what they can and get to do, but how they change their life because they write. I rarely have that feeling of "I must write!" but I do that feeling of "I must explore." Wed, 30 Nov 2011 13:00:13 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=3#forum_thread_comment_903950 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=3#forum_thread_comment_903950 Maverick Knight It's the "I must" part that is the core of this. The drive to write and tell stories, regardless of for who, or what reason, and regardless of whatever else you do; the drive that never completely goes away no matter how you try to ignore it or bury it, and pecks at you until you pay attention to it. @crazygirl9310 I'm picturing Charlton Heston, or maybe Jack Nicholson circa A Few Good Men. Also this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v25MaXwopNI Wed, 30 Nov 2011 13:51:36 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=3#forum_thread_comment_904800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=3#forum_thread_comment_904800 Jaina Yes. This. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:23:02 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_905313 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=1#forum_thread_comment_905313 Erdewild So completely true. I've been torturing myself this month, as I tortured myself two years ago when I did my first NaNo to write the novel I needed to write. I also torture myself every single other day of my life wanting to get the words on paper (or at least on the screen) and suffering with the frustration of getting it right. I drag myself out of bed at 4:30 AM just to have time to write during the day. I struggle with scenes that suck in the hopes that when I'm done with them, something will be salvageable that tells a part of the story I'm aching to get out. It's in the phrase itself "to be a real writer." It's a state of being. You're a real writer if you can't imagine doing anything else, no matter how hard it is. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:34:55 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=3#forum_thread_comment_905540 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=3#forum_thread_comment_905540 rosiedoodle I think you just summed up for me what writing is about. I applied for a couple of jobs recently and I was just so bad during the interviews that they turned me down. I don't want any stupid jobs. I want to have more time to write. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:44:08 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=3#forum_thread_comment_905696 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=3#forum_thread_comment_905696 Miss K Bumping this up, because I still need it. DESPERATELY. I haven't written much of anything all of December... and my plot isn't done... and my characters are STILL stuck in a storage unit... But leaving it there isn't an option. I don't get to whine about how hard it is to write myself out of this predicament. I don't get to put off writing for another day. I don't get to not take this seriously. I MUST write. Sat, 17 Dec 2011 14:48:38 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=3#forum_thread_comment_980476 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=3#forum_thread_comment_980476 sebbie If you must, then YOU MUST. Otherwise those are just words, meaning perhaps, I would like to. And if you must, then do it. Get them out of that storage unit, which must, by now, be getting rather boring for them. And once they're back in motion, maybe you'll get back in motion, too. Throwing in some active time can always help a story. Sun, 18 Dec 2011 12:40:05 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=3#forum_thread_comment_982403 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=3#forum_thread_comment_982403 delorfinde Thank you! I am rewriting an entire novel (for the SIXTH time! oh, woe, and the plot is different once again!) and I have two weeks to write the next 60k of it... which includes Christmas and relatives and stuff. It's not fun. I spent eight hours doing carol services and rehearsals and stuff at church today, and the remaining time writing and editing and reading and editing and writing ... and I needed this. Sun, 18 Dec 2011 13:29:58 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=3#forum_thread_comment_982517 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=3#forum_thread_comment_982517 KonataIzumi1 *stands to clap, falters, then sits back down, takes out index cards, and begins to plot* I'll write. Just need to know what to write first. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:40:57 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=3#forum_thread_comment_991583 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=3#forum_thread_comment_991583 crazygirl9310 YES!!! Luv it so much! I might have put it on youtube repeat... See, we need like an Epic Nano Win soundtrack where we take stuff like this and put it on one epic CD that we can all write to! Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:40:04 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=3#forum_thread_comment_993624 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=3#forum_thread_comment_993624 McBeckettLG I know this is old,but thank you so much. I'm going to read this every day of my life. Brilliant. just plain brilliant Sun, 05 Feb 2012 09:52:47 -0800 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1117488 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1117488 Bree L. Powerful speech *claps enthusiastically) You actually made me tear up a little. Sat, 31 Mar 2012 22:50:17 -0700 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1252569 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1252569 Bree L. Fail *claps enthusiastically* By the way, I'm printing this speech. And making it into a poster. I LOVE YOU FOR WRITING THIS!!! Sat, 31 Mar 2012 22:51:21 -0700 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1252572 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/nanowrimo-ate-my-soul/threads/38345?page=3#forum_thread_comment_1252572