Procrastination, everyone's enemy

AtomicDictator

I'm quite young, being the tender age of 14, and I am really into writing but I have the same problem as a lot of people my age, and sometimes older. I can't concentrate on something long enough. I've written many chapters for different books with different plots but I've never been able to keep one going for more than four or five chapters of about 2000-4000 words each maybe (:o).

And now to why I'm here; I'm looking for some tips. On procrastination mainly but also on writing. I'd also be interested in the different writing styles of people as I have yet to discover my own.

Monkey61

I can sympathise. I have had the outline of a novel burning in my head for about four years now. I have fourteen versions of my first chapter and just can't stop rewriting the same bloody thing because I want it to be perfect.

So obviously I am not the best to advise on procrastination!! But what I do intend to start this week, is to put aside an hour a day for writing that is completely non-negotiable. I will make it a habit. Even if I just stare at a blank page, I will do so for an hour and hopefully force myself to think and make notes.

My best advice though, is to read read read. Anything, not just in your chosen genre. Read loads of different writing styles. I am still not happy with my voice, but the more I read, the more I know how good I need to be. I think that discovering your own can take years. I'm 26 but I still know that it is going to take me a while to really find it. I know that I am not ready.

And also in turn, write write write. Now is a great time for you because you have the time that you may never have again. I wrote loads when I was in school but stopped because life got in the way and booze, girls, work and all that took precedence.

So yes....READ!!!

AtomicDictator

Thanks for your Advice.

I do read almost every genre except non-fiction. Although my budget doesn't allow me to read as often as I'd like (unfortunately T.T). I don't think I could ever force myself to write... except for the English examinations.

p.s: I use weird emoticons, as a result of my internet text roleplaying life, and I don't expect you to understand them ^_^ But if you do, fair play.

EileenG

What works for me is to go to somewhere, usually McDonalds, buy a coffee and spend an hour writing. I make a deal with myself that I must either spend the whole hour, or write at least 1000 words before I can leave. Sometimes it clicks and I'll write twice that, but I have to put something down before I can leave.

It's amazing how much things will flow if you give yourself that space. I can't do it at home, I keep seeing too many other things that need doing, even sorting socks seems like a good idea when I'm staring at a blank screen, but it does work when I'm out. Writing regularly really does make it easier to get going.

At this stage, just write and don't worry about it. When you are finished, you can go back and be as critical as you like, but for now, your job is to throw a lot of words onto paper.

PurpleBee

Instead of writing chapters of things you never finish, why don't you try and finish something shorter? Like a short story...

iguana

Ok, I know this won't be a popular suggestion with a lot of people, but I find it helps to have a system in place to help you get all of the basics of a story out of your head and onto paper/screen. Something like the suggestions in this book http://www.amazon.com/First-Draft-Days-Karen-Wiesner/dp/1582972966

It's a workbook that gets you to do character sketches, an outline and all your research. It gives you specific tasks for each days so it gives structure to your time. It doesn't help you write the book itself but once you have all of the main details out of your head it makes the whole story more real. And best of all if you lose interest or your circumstances change you can leave come back to your outline 2 years later and it becomes really fresh again quickly.

AtomicDictator

I will try and sit down every once in a while (predetermined time of course) and see if I can get something of my head in an hour but I always find being forced to visualize a short story/character/long story hard.

I do write short stories quite a lot PurpleBee but I often get an idea from them and develop the story so that I end up making it longer and into a complex thing. Of course, sometimes that doesn't happen and I'm just left with a short piece of text (which normally looks like an extract since I can overdevelop things if I do it another way).

And Iguana; I'm 14, can't get a debit card till I'm 16 and I don't have a steady source of income, I also have parents that probably wouldn't let me just buy anything I wanted with their credit cards so buying anything online is practically impossible at the moment. But thanks anyway ^_^

iguana

AtomicDictator wrote: »

And Iguana; I'm 14, can't get a debit card till I'm 16 and I don't have a steady source of income, I also have parents that probably wouldn't let me just buy anything I wanted with their credit cards so buying anything online is practically impossible at the moment. But thanks anyway ^_^

They do have it in regular book shops too.;)

AtomicDictator

x3 well I have looked in the local Easons and no dice but I'll keep an ear to the ground for it.

EileenG

You can do a home made version with a giant whiteboard. Write down the main plot, plus a list of characters and their traits, ideas for scenes, scraps of dialogue, whatever pops into your head. Keep a space for the scene you are working on, and have notes about how you expect it to develop.

iguana

That's true. I'm sure you could probably find something similar to download for free online too. It's not for everyone, but I'm so easily distracted it's good to have some structure.

Also if you are working on a computer, it's a good idea to print off your work regularly. It's good to see your work on paper so you can see how much you've done at a glance.

Whattosell

I have a 'mood board' because I'm also very into interior design ( now I really sound crazy). I bought a big antique French frame, put some corkboard in it and stick pieces that inspired me on. Could be a poem, or objects-in the case of my story posted here yesterday it was a rosary bead bracelet, photos and sometimes a piece of paper with names, brief descriptions on etc.

I also have 'story boxes'- I have a few ideas floating around normally and if certain things inspire me about one particular story but I'm not writing it just yet I put them all in one box.

I also always have a diary or notebook in my bag and just jot down thoughts on various things if they come to me, then I put them on the mood board or in the relevant box. It would surprise you how much it helps.

fliptzer

EileenG wrote: »

What works for me is to go to somewhere, usually McDonalds, buy a coffee and spend an hour writing. I make a deal with myself that I must either spend the whole hour, or write at least 1000 words before I can leave. Sometimes it clicks and I'll write twice that, but I have to put something down before I can leave.

Same here, I usually go to Insomia for ideas and scribble away, if I get into a flow I go back home and work away. If I get stuck or want a new character I listen in to people's conversations.
It amazing what people talk about in public!
LOL

fliptzer

AtomicDictator wrote: »

I don't think I could ever force myself to write... except for the English examinations.

Sorry mate but if you want to eventually finish a novel you have to force yourself to write, even if it's bad you can always revisit it later or rewrite it (or scrap it).

I usually find editing a previous chapter or reviewing the synopsis again a good start so as to get into the frame of mind (plus it means your first few minutes aren't just ramblings, stray thoughts and padding).

davyjose

Give your best mate, your mother, the OH 5 Grand - tell them not to give it back to you until you've finished the novel.

It's amazing how awesome a motivator money is

CountingR

Yeah, some good advice here. It's a problem for everyone I think. It would be nice to say that once you enjoy writing something it will be a pleasure to go back to it. But I guess it just takes structured application. Set aside a time and just do it. No matter what. Good luck anyway.