Snowflake Challenge Day 11,12 and 13.

[turps]

Day 11

In your own space, talk about your creative process(es) — anything from the initial inspiration to how you feel after something’s done. Do you struggle with motivation or is it a smooth process? Do you have any tricks up your sleeve to pull out when a fanwork isn’t cooperating? What is your level of planning to pantsing/winging it? Leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.

I've talked about this before, but honestly, I haven't much to tell. While I love to hear about people who have muses I don't. I also don't do anything special when I write. I just sit down and do it. I don't tend to plan anything out, just get an idea and keep writing, from beginning to end, telling the story in my head until its done. The only times I have planned something out is when I'm writing for a challenge and have a time crunch, then I need to force myself to plan ahead so I know what needs to be done.

If a story stops cooperating I stop writing it. My Gdocs is a story graveyard. Except when it's for a challenge, in that case my friends tend to get emails where I talk about my frustrations and often that gets the words going again.

I always try to get things beta read because even after many many years of writing, Britishisms can still appear. I can also be a lazy writer in terms of endings, something my long-standing bandom beta is aware of and will pull me on. Thing is, most of the time I know more scenes are needed, but try to convince myself that they're not really, and hope my beta will agree -- she never does. Though I have got better since my h/c bandom challenge story where I stopped horrendously early and had a load of h and no c at all.

I also can't write with distractions around me. Background radio or tv sure, as long as it's turned down. But I could never write in a coffee shop or with anyone else around. I need the quiet to concentrate and to focus on the words in my head.


Day 12

In your own space, create your own challenge. Leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.

Yesterday I mentioned how a compliment made me feel good. So go compliment someone. Online or off. Leave a comment or kudos, tell someone you like what they're wearing/doing. Anything really. Just something that says, hey, what you're doing is great.


Day 13

In your own space, set some goals for the coming year. They can be fannish or not, public or private. Leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.

I said this last year, but I want to ride a roller-coaster. I did lots of new things in 2018, including going on a fairground ride, but never actually got to a theme park that had a roller-coaster. So yeah, that.

To sign up for driving lessons already. Honestly, the thought of driving gives me the fear. But I have my provisional licence now. I have my L plates and have driven our car in a private area. Just I haven't actually signed for lessons as I know once I do that I'm committed, and the thought of being on the road is terrifying.

This is a new one. I'd like to try going in a canoe. I may hate it, and I get cold really easily so would probably freeze. But I'd like to try. I'm not even sure why. Maybe when we go on holiday in the summer I can try then.

Fannish wise. Keep writing, and write something longer. Take part in more challenges, no_tags when it runs, and anything else that catches my eye.

Now I need to get ready to go to my aunts soon. So, a quick read of a tab and I'll have to go.

Comments

[coyoteclaw11]

I think a coffeeshop can be nice... if I've bought along a good pair of noise isolating headphones haha

Those are such fun goals! Really refreshing when all of mine are like "stop being so lazy & unproductive. Get my life together maybe" haha I'm so scared of rollercoasters.... the worst part for me is the drop... my stomach's in my throat and I'm having zero fun at all :,c I'm not like... anti adrenaline rides but oof. free falling to the ground? not my thing haha

I'm hoping to try kayaking next summer! Hopefully we both enjoy our adventures haha

[turps]

I think a coffeeshop can be nice... if I've bought along a good pair of noise isolating headphones haha

That sounds like a good compromise. Coffee and no noise is a good combination.

oh I don't know, your goals sound good too. And goodness knows, I could do with stopping being lazy and unproductive at times, too.

Oh, I hope you enjoy your kayaking, and we're both not regretting deciding to give it a go.

[shadowhive]

Day 11

It’s interesting to hear your process is much like mine.

I don’t usually have much of a ‘fic graveyard’ per se. Sometimes I’ll open a new file for an idea but then never come back to it. Usually I’ll stop early on if I get bored with something. Last year ended up being the worst for that because I ended up writing 4 things (at least) in various states and just leaving them because I didn’t have a guaranteed reader anymore.

I don’t really use a beta. I’ve gotten better at writing American bands (writing pants at first took getting used to) but I absolutely refuse to misspell words to the ‘American way’. Colour has a u damnit!

Day 12

That’s something I’m continuing to do. I read three fics this morning (all Part of a series) and commented on each one. Nothing too big since I wasnt fully awake but still. 💜

Day 13

Oh that’s a fun one! I’ve not rode on one in years, I hope you get to!

I share that fear of being on the road. I had a lesson or two way back but was bad at it (and the instructor was pretty bad so that put me off)

Oh that sounds like a cool idea! I’ve never been in a canoe either

Writing is awesome, I do love your stuff and I’m gonna go through your stuff on ao3 more too,

Have fun!

[turps]

Last year ended up being the worst for that because I ended up writing 4 things (at least) in various states and just leaving them because I didn’t have a guaranteed reader anymore.

That does suck. For me the stories just stop working for some reason. Like the Musketeers one I was working on. It's got a significant amount of words but somehow the words dried up. So it's been left for now. I may take it up again in the future, but if not, another for the long term graveyard.

I don't spell words the American way either, but I do try and get the words right. It's the phrasing that trips me up every now and then, it's amazing how the two languages can differs despite sharing the same words.

That's because you're great.

Ha, another person to add to my dislike driving club. I'm glad it's not just me.

I did, thank you!

[shadowhive]

It was in the gap after losing people, I felt there was no point doing them since opno one would read *shrugs* I still have them, but I doubt I’ll ever finish them

That’s a shame *hugs*

Yeah it’s strange how they do things differently. Sometimes my brain just... forgets that they do these crazy things

Aww you’re so sweet! I do need to keep going through your other fics 💜

Same!

Awesome!

[wenchpixie]

I cannot WAIT To see your insta when you've been on a rollercoaster :D

I have been VERY comment happy this week, including this morning, calling out people's talents and kindnesses as much as I can. It's been SO MUCH FUN <3

[turps]

I'll have arms of victory on insta when I finally get off that coaster!

I agree, these last two weeks have been fantastic. All the activity has been so great, and I really hope it continues.

[anotherslashfan]

Do try going in a canoe! I personally love it (though we usually use kayaks during our once a year trip with friends). It's especially nice when you do it somewhere with nice scenery - gives you all the experience of a leisurely hike if the weather is nice as well. Too much sun isn't great for canoeing, actually (unless you enjoy being roasted, ymmv); if it's not windy or raining, 20+°C are very nice.

[turps]

I don't like being roasted either. I'm picky with my weather *g*

Your trip sounds lovely, and I'm glad that kayaking is a nice thing to do. That's encouraging.

[anotherslashfan]

I hope you'll have a chance to experience it for yourself! Comfort-wise, a canoe is probably a bit better - more space to sit and to spread your legs, usually.

[akamine_chan]

Lovely goals. And I have no doubt you will ride a roller coaster this coming year.

You've come so far over the last few years, tackling scary things with aplomb. Driving is just another thing you're going to do. <3

[turps]

Thank you. I think this is my year for riding that rollercoaster. I just need to get to one first.

And thank you for that reassurance about driving. I have done so many scary things I never thought that I would. It's nice to think some time in the future driving will be added to that list.

[akamine_chan]

Don't get me wrong; learning to drive is hard. Learning how to pay attention to the road and where you are in relation to everything, then add in the unpredictability of all the other drivers &etc...but once you get the hang of it, it stops being so terrifying. You'll do fine.

[sylvaine]

Ooooh, good luck with your goals! <3 I keep going back and forth between wanting to get a driving license and nah. Still not settled on whether I will start lessons.

[turps]

Honestly, if it wasn't for the worry about James' disability getting worse and him not being able to drive in the future I wouldn't have ever applied for my license. Driving has just never been something I've wanted to do.

Good luck with your decision, whatever side it comes down on.

[siberian_skys]

I hate driving so don't be hard on yourself for dragging your feet on this one. The only reason I do it is that I have no choice. My fantasy is to win the lottery and move somewhere with excellent public transportation or hire a driver. When you're ready, I'm sure you'll do fine. It's good that you take driving seriously. I wouldn't hate driving so much if other people took it seriously. A car is a big, metal weapon.

I love water. I haven't been in a canoe in almost 40 years, but it was fun.

[turps]

It's good that you take driving seriously. I wouldn't hate driving so much if other people took it seriously. A car is a big, metal weapon.

The second part is what worries me. If it was just me I'd happily stick with not learning, but my husband is the driver in our family and he's also got significant physical disabilities that will get worse, and I can see needing to eventually learn to drive. But, it is something I am taking seriously.

I love water too. I really don't know why I have this sudden need to try going in a canoe, but somehow the want is there.

[siberian_skys]

The only advice I can give you is to drive within 5 mph of the speed limit and leave a healthy amount of space between the cars around you. They'll teach that in driving school, most people just don't follow that rule.

[eglantiere]

haaa, would it have been the sex fair story? because that was a fun ride ♥♥♥

oh man, the driving lessons, i got to do it too, if just to rent a car and get around various sights out of town, but the idea of being on the road scares me too. there are PEOPLE in METAL BOXES and they MAKE UNEXPECTED TURNS. maybe it's not that scary once you get used to it? i hope you will find out this year ♥

[turps]

It's not the sex fair story, though that would make sense.

You may not remember the MCR plane crash fic, but it was that. My first ending was when they'd been airlifted out. At the time Bob was on the verge of death and the others all injured too. My thought process was, they've been rescued, what else is needed?! But I did eventually write some comfort hospital scenes.

there are PEOPLE in METAL BOXES and they MAKE UNEXPECTED TURNS. maybe it's not that scary once you get used to it? i hope you will find out this year ♥

Yes. That exactly!

[gorgeousnerd]

Good luck on your goals! Those sound thrilling (and, in the case of driving, understandably terrifying - I'm petrified of it).

While I love to hear about people who have muses I don't.

I'm the same way! I always wonder if I'm missing something because some people talk so artistically about the act of writing, and I see it as fun, but definitely a very grounded and real process. Either way, I'm definitely not the muse type.

[turps]

Thank you! I know it sounds horrible but I'm glad this post has revealed other people who dislike driving. So many people seem to love it, and to me it just brings the fear.


I'm the same way! I always wonder if I'm missing something because some people talk so artistically about the act of writing, and I see it as fun, but definitely a very grounded and real process.

Yes! That. I do enjoy reading and listening to muse talk, but it's not something I've ever personally experienced.

[turlough]

You always forget that your readers aren't mindreaders too :-D I completely agree with you about needing quiet if I'm going to concentrate and be creative.

I've just both commented and kudosed!

I can't wait to hear what you think after your first roller-coaster ride! I know some people hate roller-coaster but I love them so much.

You can do it, I know you can!! *waves encouraging driving pompoms*

I don't think I've ever been in a canoe either. I bet it's really cool and you should definitely do it if you get the opportunity!

ALL the good luck with the writing this year!

[turps]

They should be mindreaders, it would make things so much easier!

I love hearing about people camping out in coffee shops and writing, but I know I wouldn't manage a word.

You always do, because you rock.

I'm looking forward to going on a roller-coaster, it's just getting somewhere that has one. One day soon I'm sure.

Thank you! And for the canoe encouragement. It's a want that's come from nowhere really. It's very weird.

[frausorge]

I find it fascinating that you are moved to stop stories before the point where other people think they're done. Is it because you feel you've passed the high point and the rest is just denouement?

I just went and commented and kudosed a bunch of the CKR Flower Crown Day pieces so I shall count your day 12 challenge done. :)

I am very wimpy w/r/t roller coasters. I basically never go on them unless I'm with friends who really want to go. But you should def. give it a try! And canoeing sounds cool too. And here are some pom poms for your writing! *\o/*

[turps]

Is it because you feel you've passed the high point and the rest is just denouement?

Honestly, I think sometimes I just get lazy. It's not all stories, but sometimes I just want them done so stop at a point that I tell myself is acceptable, even though deep down I know that it's not. I'm playing mind games with myself really, and I suppose giving myself a mental break for a while before I inevitably go on to finish.

Go you, that's fantastic.

I've no idea where the canoeing thing has come from. I mean, I have been on rollercoasters in the past and enjoyed them, so that's not out of the blue. A canoe not so much. Pom poms are always welcome. Thank you!

[cold_clarity]

those are great goals. i really love reading other people's lists. <3

and of course, we'll be so happy to see you at no_tags!

[turps]

I love reading other people's lists too. It's a nice thought that people the world over are off trying to achieve new things or continue doing things they enjoy.

YAY! Thank you!