Writer Problem#11: INCOMING RANT - Entry Fees

Okay, so I've done a few of these 'Writer Problem' posts in the past just as little throwaway thoughts on things that impact us writers. One that bugs me is entry fees.

So you want to get your work out there, maybe you're considering entering a competition which could lead to your work being published. Okay, entry fees may cover some costs for the publisher, but can you imagine forking out money for all the competitions out there? It would be crazy. Some of them are almost £20. I don't want to pay just to not be published. Now okay, I get it. Sometimes the payment and the risk is worth it and it leads to good things, but I know some people who have paid a lottttt of money entering competitions and never winning, never being chosen. It's not something I've resorted to yet, but I'm sure I'll try to avoid it at all costs.

Writer Problems#10: Productivity!

So, this is something I have obviously struggled with the last few years. I have done very little in
terms of blogging and I haven't written much. This is because, when I come in from a long day of work in the office or an eight hour shift on my feet, I am so tired and instantly lack productivity!

We have to find ways to be productive. Different things work for different people. Much like revising for upcoming exams, you have to find the motivation to be productive in your efforts to become a writer.

Here is a list of 25 productivity secrets from some of the greatest minds throughout history.

Writing Problem #9: Finding Your Writing Space

I've not written up another writer problems post in some time but this is one that has bugged me tonight.

Another writing problem is finding a place for ultimate comfort and creativity. Some peope like to sit at a desk, others curl up in bed. Some people go to local places to find inspiration, others shut the world out whilst they write. Some people surround themselves with the colour blue as it's said to boost creativity. Ultimately, we are all different and every writer has to find their own unique comfort zone.

Personally I have a few comfort zones.
On my living room sofa, specifically on the left hand side of the sofa. Tucked up in bed but only it no one is there. If I am forced to write out of my comfort zone I feel compelled to make one.

What's Your Comfort Zone?
Where is YOUR writing space?

Writer Problem#8: Inspiration

One of the biggest problems that a writer will face is that crippling lack of inspiration. For me, I find it hard because when I am inspired, I'm not able to write. When I am able to write, I'm not inspired. I always think of great things to write when I'm at work or on a bus or away from any means of writing. I find that carrying a notepad or somewhere to document creative thoughts is hugely important. Some of us find ways to get inspired. Some say surrounding yourself with the colour blue or having breaks and going outside boost creativity.

How do you get inspired?

WRITER PROBLEMS: Sorry-ish.

Like, I’m really happy that so many people have pre-ordered my short story collection but I’m also hella nervous because half my family have pre-ordered it and it’s full of death and nightmares and masturbation and I’m gonna have a lot of questions to answer when we all get together at Christmas or something…

Like, I'm almost anxious that my family will turn around and be like "What the Hell is this?"
I already feel that I am the black sheep of the family. I'm just slightly concerned that my Granny might now be questioning my choices in life...

The Creative Writing Process.

I know that this is probably about school/university work but it works pretty well as a description of the creative writing process too...

Waiting sucks...

I was never good with suspense.
It's made all the worse when you're literally waiting for a 50/50 situation that could result in one of your dreams coming true.

Having recently made the long list for a chapbook competition, I am now just waiting on a long list or an announcement on which books have won. If I win then I'l be offered a publishing contract and be assigned an editor. It'd be so wonderful to technically have my first publishing contract at the age of 21. I'm trying not to get my hopes up as I'm up against some very talented authors who have already been paving their way for some time but truth be told I can't stop thinking about it...

Writer Problem #6: Casual Insomnia

I swear I'm not the only one who experiences this.
As a writer there are moments when I have no inspiration to write and moments where words flow with ease. It's almost impossible to predict when these bursts of inspiration will come along to bless me but there certainly is a trend as to the times that such things occur.

It always seems to be late at night after a long day when I turn to light off, curl up and put my head on the pillow that great parts of a novel seem to appear in my mind. Suddenly the light goes on, the laptop or nearby notepad is grabbed and I have to furiously write down the idea as I cannot guarantee I'll remember such thoughts in the morning. This, dear reader, is why I'm sat here at 03:35, the early hours on a Monday morning, for no good reason other the fact that inspiration hit me. I have, however, just written a small essay sized chunk of novel of around 3,000 words so I suppose I can't complain. I just wish inspiration came at better times because, and my partner can vouch for this, the late night inspiration burst when I'm already half asleep is a strangely common experience.

Alrighty. I just hope I can get back to sleep now.
Wish me luck?

Writer Problems #3: Creativity, Thou Art A Cruel Mistress!

One of my problems as a writer was that when I was younger I would always want to write, but I'd never know what to say when I had a pen in my hand or a computer before me. I would find myself struck down with the worst case of writers block.

Similarly I also had moments where I knew what to write in certain places, but there were large plotholes in my mind and I couldn't fathom them, or I wasn't excited enough about a story to write it.

However, as soon as I have a dissertation to finish/edit I suddenly have all the ideas for books and characters and all I want to do is spin beautiful fiction and get my ideas out, and writing down some notes turns into writing the first chapter and so essentially what I am saying is I have spent the past half hour not doing what I was supposed to.

Novel, go away. I'm busy with work. Come back and play next weekend and we can be best friends, I swear.

Creativity, thou art a cruel mistress.

Writer Problems #2

When I write stories and I'm looking for names for characters I usually use a baby name generator to come up with something when I cannot think of a name. I usually like a name that's interesting, something that stands out a little.

I recently got a Baby Name Generator app on my phone so when I'm writing on trains (I spend most of my life on trains) I can come up with character names if writing on my travels.

The only problem with this is the people I sit next to probably think I'm an expecting mother.
I'm curvy, sure, but not pregnant.

Novelist/Writer Problems.

Anyone else here an aspiring novelist? When writing I find the bit I want to get over and done real quick is picking a character name. I often like to try and use interesting names so I'll look for  inspiration on baby name generator type websites and pick a character name from there but HOLY CRAP. THE AMOUNT OF SHIT IT SUGGESTED THIS EVENING.

'Tiara Diamond'
'Lillie-Mae Daisie-Joy'
'Essence Arancia'
'Sybil Augusta'

internet, u kidin me? I wanted interesting but not that interesting.