Impatience with Creativity
I’m building a series, but I’m getting very impatient with the creative process. I have no problem thinking and imagining while I’m doing something else, but I have a tough time just sitting and being creative.
I know that I must build the world and decide on its structure and the like, but I feel so unproductive. Like right now, I was doodling a map of the world, trying to organize everything, and I just got so impatient with the whole process.
I like getting words done.
If it feels too much like playing, I start to get really antsy. Where did I get this idea that one should feel guilty for enjoying and having fun with one’s work? That’s silly.
And then, sheesh. World-building is like opening a can of worms. With everything you decide, there’s suddenly a bunch of other things to decide.
On top of that, this work is rendering the 8,000 words I’ve already written unusable. My writing process is changing a lot this year. I’m uncomfortable with that. I mean, every book calls for its own, unique process, but I’m so far off my normal grid.
Do you ever feel guilty about the more creative aspects of writing? Ever get impatient with the process and just want it done? Ever go through a big shift in writing process?
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Natasha Fondren is a writer traveling the U.S. in a camper with her four cats. She is currently enjoying the lizards and desert heat in Arizona.
I can imagine all the time, and the imaginings are amazing. It’s the writing it down, elbow grease part of writing I can’t stand. (I love LOVE love editing because I get to live in that world.) Probably why I’m not published.
Aerin, I do enjoy imagining. I seem to do my best imagining while falling asleep. I swear, what ends up on paper is not only a tenth of what goes on in my mind, but my best stuff is lost to those moments. It kills me.
I’m the same way! I want to write, but first I need to get the basics done. The basics aren’t a fast process for me. I obsess over little things sometimes, like names. The names have to be right or they bother me every time I use it.
Me either, Edie. I think I usually skip them, which is very bad! And I HATE coming up with names! I agree!
Yep!
Always fear I’m procrastinating even though i know the imagining process is necessary.
Exactly, Bernita!
I agree with everyone else, Making up stories, inventing worlds and characters is play. Writing is work. But everyone has some imagination. It’s that mechanical aspect of writing that decides whether you communicate your imaginings adequately to readers.
So true, Eric!
I enjoy all the the creative process, just some more than others. I have so little time to write that I’m just happy when I do anything. I feel guilty when I’m not working on my writing.
That’s a good point, Lauren. I should be thankful!
It’s funny … my process has never been the same, but I always do an obscene amount of work and play before I start writing. Sometimes it’s long outlines. Sometimes it’s extensive world-building. Sometimes character sketches. I have this near superstitious belief in the first draft—you have to get it approximately right the first time, and for me, I like to go into that draft totally prepared. That makes it easier to work about the edges.
Good luck world-building, though. It sounds like this is a huge project you’ve got going.
Jon, that’s fascinating. I’ve never done a whole lot of preparation, although I usually have my mind set to simmer on a story or two ahead, so that I’m ready when it’s time to write it. I’ve never done the writing down or brainstorming of it.
Thanks! I’ve got three. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined, or decided, to build three worlds at once. Insanity.
I find that taking walks really provides freedom to my creative side. And I don’t feel like I’m wasting time because I am engaged in an activity. But my mind can roam freely.
I need to take more walks, Charles. I always mean to, but never do!
Do I go through shifts? Hell yeah! But, change is progress, or at least that’s what I tell myself. Or is it, without change there is no growth? Is change and shift the same thing?
Well, I think you should just go with the flow, Natasha. Ride the wave and see if you can hug that board all the way through still waters.
LOL, Kath! You’re so right! Yeah, that’s so true. *hugging the board*
Spy, you should write some of your story in bits and as you come up with location note it down for your map. My locatins of worlds are generalized and as I write the details arrive.