Twisted Logic

I've never been one to follow the crowd. Okay, well, I have to a certain degree, I guess, but there are some things in which I just have to go the opposite direction. I don't actually think about it—it's more of a compulsion. A need. An urge so strong I can't help but go with it. I've mentioned this before, but reading—or rather not reading—the Twilight series is one of my most recent rebellious compulsions. I honestly do not know why I don't want to read the books—I just know that I don't and therefore I'm not. I don't why this is, but when it comes to these little moods I get in, there is nothing that will change my mind. And I really mean nothing. I'm seriously as stubborn as a mule. Which is strange as hell, because when it comes to anything else in my life, I'm wishy-washy as all get-out. I can't make up my mind about anything. I whine and complain to no end and then I whine some more (as those who know me know very well).

So, while wondering what the heck is up with my effed-up head, I googled "fun writing tips" and found this. Ironically, it fits in perfectly with the topic of my craziness. Those of us who are writers know the typical suggestions for productivity (as Mr. Kjerulf notes, as well) and those of you who know me know that those don't work for me. I know I'm going out on a limb here—even bordering on making the forbidden "E" words for my lack of productivity—but I wonder if maybe my subconscious mind has went and rebelled the stuff that normally works, much like my conscious mind has rebelled so many other things in my life.

I'll pause here while you laugh your ass off and/or scratch your head. I know I'm a nutcase, but there's something to be said for knowing you're not all there, isn't there? J

Anyhow, I think Mr. Kjerulf's suggestions are good and very fitting to what I've found actually does work for me (on the rare occasions I've rocked out the mojo). There are days (more often than not) when I cannot write at my computer. I need a change of scenery and an escape from the rest of my life (kids, laundry, etc.). When it's just me and my AlphaSmart or a notebook, it's amazing how prolific I can be. Also, I cannot completely "pants"—I need to have some direction, even if it's just a skeleton of a plan. I also find I write better when I'm alone (even IM can be distracting and, yes, I know I'm going to hear about that one, M.) I'm not so sure about the advice about getting feedback as I go, because then I tend to get caught up in revising. I do like the last suggestion of not setting goals and deadlines, but I don't know that that's something I want to get in the habit of, because editors live by them—and, thus, so do writers. Then again, I don't have an editor yet, so… J

Do you have any crazy tricks that work for you, whether it be in writing or getting yourself to the gym. etc.? Have you tried any of Mr. Kjerulf's suggestions? Did this somewhat twisted way of going about writing work for you?

By the way, we officially have a week left until Christmas. Are you ready?