#mustwrite

[sparklelipstick]

😩 J’adore~!

Resisting the urge to start working on an eerie southern gothic-esque childhood friends RadioStatic fic.

City slicker kid Vox moving to Louisiana

Two person manhunt through the woods. Playful splashing turned maybe attempted drowning but he and Alastor are both laughing by the end of it so does it really matter? Disapproving “there’s something not right with those two” from the neighbors and all Vox can think of is the way they said “those two” like he and Alastor are a set.

[gun-roswell]

Writing is, hard?

“Am I really a writer? Or simply a pretender?” Gun Roswell Writing is, hard? When life sucksBut onward you mustWriting, your only outletThis is as good, as it gets Trying to type, not hesitateBut only staring, at a blank slateWhy oh why, did I start so lateWhy must each decision require a debate Life is hard, writing is really hardBut it’s been said, out of hardship you become smartBy now,…

[lorewytch]

A little scattered..

Sorry I don’t have anything today *flails*

I was out gardening all day...everything hurts...including my noggin.. (Shakes it) good...still there...I’m gonna try to work more on writing tonight and hopefully tomorrow if I have no more distractions.. (Oh look a bird!) Although I *should* be doing adult things...ahahaha.......*Headdesk* Anyways...I’m tired.....I shall return! I think the next one I might pull a scene from is Chasing After Miracles...Since I know a few of you mentioned you’d like to see a scene from it. Also..almost done with writing Overshadowed Emotions...After that I’ll be starting the final story in the Consumed by Shadows series XDDD Whats the name you ask? Well...by the end of Overshadowed Emotions you might get a hint.....Also I’m excited for the next episode of Ducktales coming out on May 7th! (Squeals)... One more thing. Next weekend I will be gone all weekend for a convention so I won’t be able to make anymore posts around that time. Thanks again for sticking with me even though I’m sure theres more interesting people on tumblr. I appreciate the support on my fanfics..helps me keep writing them! Lore out!

[kspringer]

Aaahhh…. #brownbegone. Now this is an #oilpainting that I want to hang in my apartment or #sell to someone who would #loveto as well. #tomorrow looks like it will #bedone. Right now I #mustwrite my #novel❣️ Just 19 pages left before wrapping up. #just #purelove #towrite #abstractpainting #daffodil 💋🌼🥰 https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ-I9Z_swDU/?utm_medium=tumblr

[leftyfelix2]

Encouragement to do writing as I’ve ever saw one. 😂. #writinghumor🤣🤣 #writersofinstagram #authorhumor #tuesdaymood #tuesdayvibes #tuesdayhumor #writedreambelieve #writerscommunity #authorsofinstagram #neveradullmoment #notdeadyet #mustwrite https://www.instagram.com/p/CPBmVDaL9cQ/?utm_medium=tumblr

[thatfanwriter]

I've been wanting to write a Dean Smith Winchester meets ride sharing app driver Castiel Novak for YEARS Everytime I get in a ride share car it's all I think about! I just have to sit and write it!!!! #destiel #mustwrite https://www.instagram.com/p/BuEm2dnA96U/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=njgifjjngbaw

[ankevanzweel]

I finally got to designing my own novel planner. A5 size. Still a working progress...... If you're interested just pop me a message or email. #novelplanner #novel #a5size #planner #book #writer #amwriting #bookplanner #books #wattpad #wattpadauthor #mustwrite #plotting #authorbible #bigthings (at Klerksdorp, North-West Province) https://www.instagram.com/p/BtQmTtmgP3o/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1js1cpwjge3vy

[naomi-l-tiessen-blog]

Happy "word of the day" Tuesday! I thoroughly enjoy this word, and I find it fitting as I grow closer to finishing my WIP every day! Does this word apply to you? Stay word hungry my friends! . . . #writerslife #write #inspiration #novel #words #wordsofwisdom #wordstoliveby #wordporn #word #wordcount #amwriting #amwritingya #amateurwriter #writing #writersofig #writersofinstagram #writersofinsta #writingcommunity #cathect #wordlover #lovewriting #mustwrite

[paganrosewriter-blog]

#writingquotes #inspirationalquotes #mustwrite #justwrite #authorsofinstagram #writersofinstagram

[soulwriterlove-blog]

#reasonstowrite . Happy Good Friday! I’m so excited for the day off! I have a long list of things to do today and I wonder if I’ve over planned. I have tendency to do that. . . What are you doing on this lovely day! . . . #ambusy #amwriting #writer #writerslife #writersfollowwriters #getitdone #fridaymood #friday #loveyourpost #lovetowrite #cleaning #dontreallywantto #wishihadamagicwand #mustwrite #writingislife #writingismyfreedom #inspiration #connectwithme

[akatrinaschu]

Finished rereading my thesis novel as we're headed to Michigan. Feeling sorrow and joy. And the writing bug. #writing #thesis #mustwrite #roadtrip

[smaeralit-blog]

I must write ❤️✨✍️ • • • #smaeralit #writing #writerssociety #write #writer #writersofinstagram #writersnetwork #writerscommunity #amwriting #writerslife #instawrite #life #mustwrite #creativewriting #screenwriting #tvwriting #poetry #imagination #read #inspiration #creativeminds #pen #book #quote #instaquote #tellyourstory #story #shortstory #storyteller #storyofmylife

[bornangelauthor]

I found this on Pinterest and it seriously describes my night in one picture. I #pulledanallnighter. When you get a great writing stint you don't stop until your charred and you can't keep your eyes open. Now its #TimeForBed or a #LittleNap. #MustWrite #writingcommunity #Writingisrelaxing #LoveWriting #AlmostDone #SoClose #fivemorechapters #LastLeg #Story #AmWriting #timetosleep #sleep😴

[qualityhomeworkanswers]

Education homework help

Assessments of Contemporary Speech

  -The assessment is just an essay where you evaluate a speech.

  -You can pick the video you want from TedTalk, I found two for you (you can choose to use it, or not)

https://www.ted.com/talks/lydia_machova_the_secrets_of_learning_a_new_language#t-424581

https://www.ted.com/talks/gregg_garn_should_teachers_get_free_housing

  –MUSTWrite it as an essay with…

[jstrawbs]

#mustwrite

Madam Secretary Prompt:  The only serious injury that Elizabeth suffered in Iran was to her lower back, but doctors spent hours removing tiny shards of glass from all over her skin, and so everywhere Henry and the kids touch is agony.

[naomi-l-tiessen-blog]

Tips on Staying [Relatively] Sane While Writing

Hellllooooooo Everybody ~

Happy Thursday Blogday!

Let’s face it: we’ve all been there, where at some point or another, writing stops being fun. Writing is our calling; we were born on this cynical planet to tell stories. It’s been written into our DNA, it’s our passion, it’s the reason Why. We. Breathe.

And it’s stopped being fun. In fact, it’s driving us a little batty.

*Le Gasp!!*

Cue the world ending.

Don’t worry. It happens to the best of us. It’s common to fall in and out of love with writing, especially considering we should be treating it like a job, and who doesn’t fall in and out of love with their job? Or, better yet, upgrade and develop a love-hate relationship with it altogether? It’s perfectly normal for your life passion to make you seriously question your sanity. And really, Lord knows it doesn’t matter if that passion is a hobby or a profession; insanity is completely inclusive and knows no boundaries. Honestly, you should watch me play video games; as much as I love them, I’m generally a mess when I play.

I know we all like to think that we are tough as nails and have nerves of steel, but the truth of the matter is this: we are human. We are fragile sometimes. And sometimes, SOMETIMES, our mental game isn’t exactly top notch. And while this might not seem like a big deal, not being 100% in the mental health department can lead to other things, like other health issues, insomnia, poor eating habits, increased hermitage, poor writing, or worse, NO writing.

Ok, NOW cue the world ending.

So, before you toss in the towel and seriously consider a new passion, let me settle your worried soul and offer 10 tips on how to salvage the last bits of your already fragile mental psyche. Some of these may work for you, and some of them may not. Some of them won’t be very nice to hear (you’ve been warned; the faint of heart should avert ye eyes), but are important nonetheless.

Without further ado, 10 tips on how to stay [relatively] sane while writing:

1) Take a break. This one is important, guys. When was the last time you got up, stretched, and focused on something besides your computer screen? Sometimes when we are so focused on our work, we forget that we have a body…a human body…and those things have needs! We ignore the signs our bodies are throwing at us, like muscle aches, eye strain, hunger pains, headaches, and full bladders. Trust me, your work isn’t going anywhere. You can afford a 5-minute pee break. It’ll all be there when you get back. And if it isn’t…well…I blame the wizards.

2) Make a schedule for yourself. Set alarms to remind yourself to take breaks, to eat, to do something that isn’t writing-oriented. Maybe instead of saying, “I will write today!” start with smaller, less vague goals. “I will write 500 words, take a 10-minute break, and then write another 500 words.” This goal is a lot more specific, is well-structured, has a beginning and end, and is easily attainable! Make it a habit to start each writing session with a routine so you know which direction you are heading in; going head-first into a session without an end-goal often leads to procrastination, frustration, and disappointment.

3) Switch it up. If the routine you are currently stuck in feels more like a rut than anything, perhaps it’s time to develop a new ritual. Try something different. Leave the house. Listen to a different playlist. Play around with a couple writing exercises to get the ideas flowing. Write in a group if you normally hermit it up (and vice versa, if you are on the more social side). Pick apart your routine and see what is working, and what isn’t. It’s amazing to see the sorts of things that might be helping alleviate your stress, and what might be exacerbating it.  

4) Reward yourself. When you meet a goal, celebrate! Eat that candy, take a breather to watch that movie, go to the bookstore and buy that book you’ve been eyeing up. Allowing yourself those little treats is a great way to lighten the mood, offer momentary distraction, and reinforce further positive behavior. Think of it like this. If you are training your puppy to go to the front door when it needs to pee, you are going to offer positive feedback when it does the task you want it to do. Your puppy is then going to associate doing the right thing with something good (ie: praise, cuddles, and/or treats). The same thing goes for you (except, for the love of God, I hope you’re potty trained). When you set goals for yourself, reach them, and reward yourself accordingly, your brain is going to start associating positive experiences with hard word and hitting goals. This helps you focus less on stress and more on how well you are doing, or how much work you’re getting done. It’s all about perspective, you see. Positive reinforcement is key to a healthy you and a healthy me!

5) Accept defeat. Ok, I KNOW this is like a punch in the throat, and I’m not trying to be Negative Nelly over here, but this is an honest-to-goodness tip, Scouts Honor. When I say, “accept defeat,” I’m not saying toss all your hard work away the moment you hit a wall and all the rainbows and butterflies are gone. I’m saying that if you’ve been struggling with your novel baby for a solid chunk of time (I’m talking months-years here), you’ve lost your passion for it, and you are generally experiencing more anger than joy when it comes to sitting down at your computer and opening up your work, then you might want to consider either 1) setting that WIP aside and focusing on something else, or 2) getting rid of that WIP altogether. Now, keep in mind that this is only for absolutely dire, worst-case-scenario ordeals. But sometimes, it’s good to know when to call a spade a spade and to call it quits. I highly recommend putting a lot of thought into this, as well as making the decision with a clear, objective mind. Because, let’s face it, this is a huge deal, and letting your emotions get in the way might not be the best idea. But sometimes, you’d be amazed at how much lighter you feel after agreeing to drop a story. I’ve done it before, and as sad as it is to say goodbye, the lack of mental stress, guilt, and burden was enough to convince me that I made the right choice.

6) Get support/have a soundboard. A good vent session is a beautiful thing. And it’s even better when it’s not with your fur baby. For me, besides the raging headache I get, I often feel 10x lighter, more energetic, and more balanced after a good sob-fest/yelling session. While the soundboard can essentially be anyone, it helps if they have a writer’s brain like you; they know the struggles you are going through inside and out, and can offer constructive feedback and advice that doesn’t make you want to start throwing out punches like a kung-fu master. But the most important thing is knowing you aren’t alone in these problems. People have gone through EXACTLY what you are going through. They’ve been on the verge of snapping a time or two as well; what you are experiencing is not special, nor is it exclusive to solely you. People are suffering together! Hooray!

7) Journal your progress. Now, I know that sometimes journaling is the last thing people want to do, especially if writing is what they are already doing all day, not to mention if it is writing that is causing them such mental strain. But I find that if I journal my progress, even if it’s a couple sentences here and there, it helps me debrief and vent. This tip is especially handy if you don’t have the best support systems in place, or a soundboard to fall back on. Besides, sometimes we just need to rage-write our hearts out without fear of getting judged, interrupted, and overwhelmed with awful advice. Just as well, I find that journaling also helps me remain focused and on track. I can see how far I’ve come, how much I’ve grown, and I’m reminded that I’m a lot stronger now than I was before. It’s very grounding.

8) Listen to music. Some people prefer to write in silence, and that’s totally fine! However, unless I’m really in The Zone, I find that my thoughts go way faster than my fingers, and in the end, I get too stressed to even function. My subconscious gets the better of me, and in the end, my work, and my mental health, suffers because of it. Therefore, often I turn to music to help keep my mind chatter to a minimum, and to keep my focus sharp. Music is awesome that way; there is a unique type for every sort of mood you are feeling. If you need something relaxing, there’s a playlist for that. If you need hardcore screamo, there’s a playlist for that. If you need orchestral, or lyrical, or dubstep, or chillstep, there is a freaking playlist for that. Music is incredibly influential, and often I find that my mood mirrors whatever I’m listening to. Using music to impact and manipulate your writing is a great way to push past blocks, fears, and crippling doubt. Need a confidence booster? I’ll bet there’s a playlist for that.

9) EAT. Seriously. When was the last time you fed your body? And no, I don’t mean with ichiban noodles, nutrigrain bars, and candy. When was the last time you put ACTUAL food into your belly? AKA protein, nutrients, healthy sugars, and non-lethal doses of sodium? When was the last time you drank something besides coffee and energy drinks? If you honestly can’t remember, stop reading this blog, go and grab a cup of water, and don’t sit back down till you drank it all. I mean it.

10) You are going to hate me for this, but exercise. Notice how I left this as the last tip…because it is honestly the last damn resort, the “worst case scenario”, the Plan Z. I’m not a fan of exercise on the best of days, but sometimes, if you are hitting that writer’s block for the umpteenth time, and the end is nowhere in sight, and your frustration is building so high up that it’s about to cave in on itself, then maybe stepping away from the danger zone and getting fresh air IS actually a good idea. Stop breathing in recycled air, and go out to where the elements are not man-made. Get the blood flowing, the heart pumping, and blast that music so loud that thinking about your book is next to impossible. Give your brain a moment to think about something else. Trust me, it’s not cheating to place your attention elsewhere for a couple seconds.  

And there you have it! 10 tips to help you not rip out your hair and ram pencils into your eyeballs. Like I said before, not all these will work for you, nor should they (don’t forget, #5 is only in absolutely dire circumstances). During your writing hours, take time to introduce a couple of these into your schedule, and practice them till you find a groove that works well for you. I know your life is already busy, but trust me, your psyche will thank you in the long run!

With that said, I post new blogs (and vlogs, apparently) every Thursday, and if there is anything you’d like me to discuss, feel free to message me on here, or tweet me @ScarletteStone

Until next time,

Happy Writing!