How This Critter Crits
Viewing comments for Chapter 18 "Written Today's Half-Pound Yet?"GROWTH? ADULATION? HURRY -- CHOOSE!
60 total reviews
Comment from krprice
Excellent article.
Yes, I know about writer's block. I had a Category 5 hurricane force wind of one back in early 1983. Once I got the problem straightened out that caused it, I got back to writing again.
I heard about Scrivener at Dragoncon. Would you recommend it?
Karlene
reply by the author on 16-Sep-2015
  |
Excellent article.
Yes, I know about writer's block. I had a Category 5 hurricane force wind of one back in early 1983. Once I got the problem straightened out that caused it, I got back to writing again.
I heard about Scrivener at Dragoncon. Would you recommend it?
Karlene
Comment Written 15-Sep-2015
reply by the author on 16-Sep-2015
-
Scrivener is a great tool. I would recommend it wholeheartedly. That said, I also got "WriteInNow 4" and use it more. It is more writer-friendly. Scrivener takes a lot of study and I think the other one does about as much, plus has a few other features. Check it out on Amazon.
Comment from write hand blue
You illustrate well the trials writers go through. I think most of us would identify with at least some if not all of the points you make.
What interests me the most is the depth of concentration that can be achieved when a story takes over. I know that I'm not alone in this. I won't say any more than that. But you may know what I mean.
When I started writing in 2009 I was at my most intense, writing at least two short stories a day. Now I'm lucky if it's two a week. I spend my time editing, Fanstory reviews have taught me that I'm crap at the technical part of writing. This is a shame in one sense because this has stifled my creative side. The plus side is that my writing quality has improved.
I don't write with your elegance or lucidity and am in awe at your output. I often look at your writing, beyond the story at the structure etc. I have much to learn.
A half pound a day? I wish I could. Well Jay this is an interesting article written to your customary high standard. Thank you. :) Mel.
reply by the author on 16-Sep-2015
|
You illustrate well the trials writers go through. I think most of us would identify with at least some if not all of the points you make.
What interests me the most is the depth of concentration that can be achieved when a story takes over. I know that I'm not alone in this. I won't say any more than that. But you may know what I mean.
When I started writing in 2009 I was at my most intense, writing at least two short stories a day. Now I'm lucky if it's two a week. I spend my time editing, Fanstory reviews have taught me that I'm crap at the technical part of writing. This is a shame in one sense because this has stifled my creative side. The plus side is that my writing quality has improved.
I don't write with your elegance or lucidity and am in awe at your output. I often look at your writing, beyond the story at the structure etc. I have much to learn.
A half pound a day? I wish I could. Well Jay this is an interesting article written to your customary high standard. Thank you. :) Mel.
Comment Written 15-Sep-2015
reply by the author on 16-Sep-2015
-
Mel, you are always the gentleman, and I've grown to see what a serious writer you are. I hope you don't underestimate the value of THE CALENDAR. It has made all the difference in my output these past few years.
Comment from Selina Stambi
Wonderfully inspiring, Jay. Refreshing, bracing, challenging, humorous.
How do you know your muse is a she? Is it the contrariness? :)
Sonali
reply by the author on 16-Sep-2015
|
Wonderfully inspiring, Jay. Refreshing, bracing, challenging, humorous.
How do you know your muse is a she? Is it the contrariness? :)
Sonali
Comment Written 14-Sep-2015
reply by the author on 16-Sep-2015
-
Because it's usually the opposite sex that tries to lure you into areas of the creative unknown, sexually or artistically. Dang women, LOL. Thanks for reading this and letting it refresh, brace, challenge and humor you.
Comment from Curly Girly
I enjoyed reading this rant about writing. Commitment all the way ...
You are spot-on with this.
At present, my excuses are many.
My favourite part:
I'm sick, physically Ill. Sorry. Throw up. Poop. Write.
reply by the author on 14-Sep-2015
|
I enjoyed reading this rant about writing. Commitment all the way ...
You are spot-on with this.
At present, my excuses are many.
My favourite part:
I'm sick, physically Ill. Sorry. Throw up. Poop. Write.
Comment Written 14-Sep-2015
reply by the author on 14-Sep-2015
-
Good for you. That's my favorite too. Not many chose it. But overall it was well-received. Thanks for your input. Glad you enjoyed it.
Comment from Ulla
Jay, this is wonderful. There is so much to learn from what you are saying. I am trying to take it all in. When It comes to losing work I have had the unfortunate experience lately that I lost all before I got a chance to copy it. It is agony having to rewrite it all. Very well written. All best. Ulla
reply by the author on 14-Sep-2015
 |
Jay, this is wonderful. There is so much to learn from what you are saying. I am trying to take it all in. When It comes to losing work I have had the unfortunate experience lately that I lost all before I got a chance to copy it. It is agony having to rewrite it all. Very well written. All best. Ulla
Comment Written 14-Sep-2015
reply by the author on 14-Sep-2015
-
Thank you, Ulla. It's so gratifying to find what I write helpful. The six was an unexpected delight!
Comment from justafan
I want to get my butt in gear and do what you do my friend but ...
You see, that is my problem, the buts.
This is a great chapter Jay and very thought provoking, for me :)
You get an A+ from lil ol me for your tenacity in sticking with it!
Always,
Missy
reply by the author on 14-Sep-2015
|
I want to get my butt in gear and do what you do my friend but ...
You see, that is my problem, the buts.
This is a great chapter Jay and very thought provoking, for me :)
You get an A+ from lil ol me for your tenacity in sticking with it!
Always,
Missy
Comment Written 14-Sep-2015
reply by the author on 14-Sep-2015
-
Thank you, Missy, for reading and enjoying. I don't picture you as having problems with blockage.
Comment from Gloria ....
This is some good levity Jay Squires. I use heavy-weight paper so it's no problem at all getting a half-pound done. Or even better I just stick my notepad on the weigh-scale day after day and that works out perfectly. Oddly I get the same weight of writing done each and every day. I still haven't figured out that mystery, but one day I will. Yes! Consistent discipline is just the thing.
To tell you the truth I've never had a muse either, but I always pretend I do, just to fit in. Ya know? But don't let that little fib of mine get around. On second thought, I guess it's okay telling you seeing as how you considered it A-OK to run over a suspected muse that wasn't even your own to run over. You should've taken it to the animal shelter they could've turned it over for a small profit.
As always this is a lovely and entertaining glimpse into the strange and wonderful workings of Jay Squires mind.
Gloria
reply by the author on 14-Sep-2015
|
This is some good levity Jay Squires. I use heavy-weight paper so it's no problem at all getting a half-pound done. Or even better I just stick my notepad on the weigh-scale day after day and that works out perfectly. Oddly I get the same weight of writing done each and every day. I still haven't figured out that mystery, but one day I will. Yes! Consistent discipline is just the thing.
To tell you the truth I've never had a muse either, but I always pretend I do, just to fit in. Ya know? But don't let that little fib of mine get around. On second thought, I guess it's okay telling you seeing as how you considered it A-OK to run over a suspected muse that wasn't even your own to run over. You should've taken it to the animal shelter they could've turned it over for a small profit.
As always this is a lovely and entertaining glimpse into the strange and wonderful workings of Jay Squires mind.
Gloria
Comment Written 13-Sep-2015
reply by the author on 14-Sep-2015
-
Thank you, dear Gloria for the fun romp through crit-land. LOL, I'm just glad you enjoyed it.
Comment from mfowler
These is very good advice for the aspiring writer. You describe amusingly what all writers experience in some measure or other. Writer's block or muse holiday. You begin with that terrific allusion to Michelangelo and the 'sculpture in the stone waiting to be discovered' metaphor. It shows the cross-pollination of creative emotional experience is strong across the disciplines. I couldn't help thinking as I wrote that I'm not into writing that seriously so I wouldn't experience writer's block. I usually switch to poetry or such to fill the void. Been on a prose drought for a month. Then I read: If writing is one of the most important things in your life--if you can't imagine deriving as much enjoyment from any other activity--congratulations! Then I realised I was hooked and you went on to describe the questions that you ask yourself in such a predicament:"Why'd I ever think I could write?" "A kindergartner can write better prose than I!"Who am I kidding?" Etc....Boy, did they sound familiar. James' three word aphorism '"Actions create emotions." was the perfect insertion here and you describe the processes you undertook to get the juices flowing and the discipline reestablished in great detail. The Seinfeld ap sounds like it works wonders. Reminds of a dieter's calendar to maintain discipline. I use an excel program to record kilometres walked, blood sugar readings etc to motivate myself to cope with diabetes and heart issues. It works as long as I care. Being life saving in its efficacy, I have to care. Since writing is like breathing to you, I suspect that drive is maintained by the personal value you place a disciplined writing schedule. The lost material must have made you livid and also would have taught you a valuable lesson. Still, what a waste of energy and time.
Lots of good messages in here. Loved your chapter.
reply by the author on 14-Sep-2015
|
These is very good advice for the aspiring writer. You describe amusingly what all writers experience in some measure or other. Writer's block or muse holiday. You begin with that terrific allusion to Michelangelo and the 'sculpture in the stone waiting to be discovered' metaphor. It shows the cross-pollination of creative emotional experience is strong across the disciplines. I couldn't help thinking as I wrote that I'm not into writing that seriously so I wouldn't experience writer's block. I usually switch to poetry or such to fill the void. Been on a prose drought for a month. Then I read: If writing is one of the most important things in your life--if you can't imagine deriving as much enjoyment from any other activity--congratulations! Then I realised I was hooked and you went on to describe the questions that you ask yourself in such a predicament:"Why'd I ever think I could write?" "A kindergartner can write better prose than I!"Who am I kidding?" Etc....Boy, did they sound familiar. James' three word aphorism '"Actions create emotions." was the perfect insertion here and you describe the processes you undertook to get the juices flowing and the discipline reestablished in great detail. The Seinfeld ap sounds like it works wonders. Reminds of a dieter's calendar to maintain discipline. I use an excel program to record kilometres walked, blood sugar readings etc to motivate myself to cope with diabetes and heart issues. It works as long as I care. Being life saving in its efficacy, I have to care. Since writing is like breathing to you, I suspect that drive is maintained by the personal value you place a disciplined writing schedule. The lost material must have made you livid and also would have taught you a valuable lesson. Still, what a waste of energy and time.
Lots of good messages in here. Loved your chapter.
Comment Written 13-Sep-2015
reply by the author on 14-Sep-2015
-
Thank you, Mark. I'm always happy when my thoughts resonate with you. You are a special writer friend and you've always been here to encourage and delight.
Comment from happykat4
Hi Jay...LOVED the muse comments and action!!! I ran over myself. I broke the chain and have not been writing everyday. I am asking myself...am I a dribbler or do I want to write?? Each time I read your How this Critter Crits, its a kick in my asp! I am searching myself for this answer, and you help me forward. I like just putting it down on paper without thinking about grammar, etc. You hit my nail smack dap in the middle. I make a poor editor, but I love the story. When I write, usually it end up for 3-4 hrs and I get nothing else done. I am going to have to find a timer and set it. Thank you again!!!! Kathy
reply by the author on 14-Sep-2015
|
Hi Jay...LOVED the muse comments and action!!! I ran over myself. I broke the chain and have not been writing everyday. I am asking myself...am I a dribbler or do I want to write?? Each time I read your How this Critter Crits, its a kick in my asp! I am searching myself for this answer, and you help me forward. I like just putting it down on paper without thinking about grammar, etc. You hit my nail smack dap in the middle. I make a poor editor, but I love the story. When I write, usually it end up for 3-4 hrs and I get nothing else done. I am going to have to find a timer and set it. Thank you again!!!! Kathy
Comment Written 13-Sep-2015
reply by the author on 14-Sep-2015
-
Bless you, Kathy, for your 6 stars and the evidence that what I wrote is helpful to you. It means a lot.
Comment from Jacob Collins
A very well written piece on writer's block, Jay. I always try to write at least something every day just to get my creative juices flowing. If we hold off then we'll lose our interest and the dreaded writer's block shall win. An excellent piece, thanks for sharing...Jacob
reply by the author on 14-Sep-2015
|
A very well written piece on writer's block, Jay. I always try to write at least something every day just to get my creative juices flowing. If we hold off then we'll lose our interest and the dreaded writer's block shall win. An excellent piece, thanks for sharing...Jacob
Comment Written 13-Sep-2015
reply by the author on 14-Sep-2015
-
Thank you for reading Jacob, and capping it all with a sixer! You da bomb!