I've been struggling with writer's block lately. I think I am feeling a bit overwhelmed by everything I want to write, the impossibility of doing it all, not knowing what will happen next or having a plan for any of it -- and then just subconsciously rage-quitting and calling it "writer's block." There's a selfishness to it, too -- a desire to keep all these characters, scenarios, and worlds in my own private imagination where I can daydream anything and everything without having to commit to anything. Or share. Or hear criticism.
But then I feel guilty about all the voices in my head characters that I like so much and want to write about. So I did another writing exercise -- again, making myself write SOMETHING -- and wrote a short letter to one of my favorite characters. Maybe a self-induced guilt trip will get me started writing more again.
If you'd like to pick up the "Dear Character" post as a blog tag, feel free. :)
-
Dear Character,
Right now, you probably think I'm ignoring your story because you're a minor character. Just to clear that up, I want to let you know that you're actually in my Top Five of characters I've written or made up. No one thinks of themselves as a minor character, and I don't think of you that way, either.
I really want to write more of your story because you are a boss and a total badass, but I get worried about what people will say and how they will criticize you (and me) on any number of things. Please forgive a writer her insecurities. Bear with me in the meantime. I'm sure that if you end up being weak, offensive, boring, or unimportant, any future readers and reviewers will let me know. I don't think you're any of those things, but then, tumblr hasn't read my nonexistent book yet.
For now, while you're still my own personal creation, please know that I like you a lot, you are awesome, and none of that other shit matters.
I'm relating so much to what you've been posting recently.
ReplyDeleteI might take up that post idea if you don't mind, but put my own twist on it.
Hope you find the right piece of equipment to break apart that writers block. When you find it, pass it my way! x
I'm relating so much to what you've been posting recently.
ReplyDeleteI might take up that post idea if you don't mind, but put my own twist on it.
Hope you find the right piece of equipment to break apart that writers block. When you find it, pass it my way! x
Please, feel free to take the post idea! :) I'm glad someone else can relate. Sometimes it seems like everyone else is writing reams of paper except me...
DeleteAnd if I do find the secret, I will be sure to post about it. :)
I like this. I've never done this in particular, but being in a bit of a writing mud blog lately, I have been considering ways to jump start a few things here and there. The character you're writing to sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't something I had done before, either. It helped to keep it short and not name the character or anything too specific.
DeleteI really like this character...a favorite of mine, although a relatively "minor" role. I like the backstory so much that I want to work it into the main plot somehow...