I’m the biggest procrastinator. I put things off until the bitter end- blog posts, car registration renewals, diets. You name a task and I’ve done literally everything else there is to do before starting on said task.
At the same time, I overthink things to the point of obsession. When it comes to my writing, even though I don’t have numerous posts written ahead of time, scheduled and ready for publishing, I have ideas, phrases, and themes constantly swirling and developing in my head.
Getting my thoughts into a blog post is always my biggest challenge. It’s not that I don’t like to write, in fact, it’s the direct opposite (obviously). I fear that if I’m not in the perfect frame of mind or mood, my writing won’t come out the way I hear it in my head and feel it in my heart.
Thus, the endless ideas swimming around, stuck inside my obsessive, yet lazy mind, never seeing the light of day.
So, all of this rambling to say my post I was working on for today is not ready. I didn’t devote the time needed and now it’s nearly 10 PM. I can’t half-ass it just to have something to post on my usual post day.
I’m better than that and you all deserve better than that.
So, instead of a *real* post, I want to hear from you. What does the creative writing process mean to you? Do you struggle with producing? What about any writer insecurities? What do you do to ignite inspiration?
Talk to me!
Skip to content
Rants, Ramblings, and Regrets
I’m not sure I have a “creative process”. For 98% of my posts I literally just sit down and type. I will re-read and run a spell-check/grammar check on it but that’s about it. I like to just let the words come out naturally. But then some days, like today, I feel like I should post something…and it’s kind of bugging me that I won’t be, but I also have no ambition to do it. So that kind of just happens…I sometimes think that what I’m writing isn’t important enough to be sharing, but then I’m also like “ppft this is like my journal so I’m gonna write it anyways” Sometimes posts are private so that no one even knows about them lol. And this comment seems to be rambling…sorry Katie! haha
That’s still a creative process! And, that’s the beauty of blogging! It’s never one thing, nor are there real rules regarding how it’s done. I wish I could just sit and write like that!
If I try to schedule things, its harder for me to write. I like the therapeutic feeling of just writing and letting it all out. Even if its just a post about how cute Fiona the hippo is haha.
lol! I’m the same way. I can’t write ahead of time or for some prescribed day and time. I just can’t.
My posts are few and far between because of this exact problem! I’ve heard that most procrastination is a result of perfectionism – something very true in my case. I reject so many ideas as “not interesting enough.” I keep the saying “Perfect is the Enemy of Done” on the chalkboard by my desk. It’s a hard habit to break.
I 100% agree. When it comes to my blog posts, I have a very high standard. I knew when I first started this, I wanted to only post actual polished pieces. To me, when I click “publish” it means I’m putting something out there that I feel could be actually published “for real”. That said, it means I don’t post much. The struggle is real!
Well, you post WAY more often than I do! Feel free to use me as your “at least I’m not like HER!” affirmation! haha! (hey wait a minute…maybe I can charge $ for being a bad example…!)
LOL!! Well, when you do post, it’s AWESOME!!!!
Aw shucks! 😊
☺️☺️
My problem, I think, is that I became too narrow in my focus of blog topics. I think I’m finally getting to the point that I have a few recurring posts a week related to fitness where I can give updates, but I’ve decided that the rest of the week I will just write when inspiration hits. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t, I still have my progress and menu posts 🙂
That’s perfect- to have a recurring theme or series and then write on other topics when you’re inspired!
I seem to work the opposite way that you do. I have a general outcome in mind for my post, and I just start writing. I get where I want to go eventually. It’s not very organized, but it sure is enlightening. I learn so much about myself this way. The insecurities are a different story. These are the same every time I post. Why so few likes. Why no ‘reblogs’. I should be seeing more reader engagement. Blah. Oh, the other thing I didn’t mention is the editing. I’m trying to spend some significant time editing. Improving the language, the flow. I, too, am trying to give the readers what they deserve.
I can really feel you on the procrastination front. I am a huge procrastinator myself, and I have a winning example: in University we had to submit ideas for our Dissertation (our final, super important, Degree-worthy piece) and I decided that it would be wonderful idea to just… not. By the time the deadline came (and passed) I only really had one idea that was worth anything… Inspired by my own ability to put even the most important task off until it was long overdue, I wrote a final piece on Procrastination! And it was pretty damn good! So it has its benefits…
That.Is.Awesome 👏🏻! I love that you were able to put one of your skills/downfalls to work for you!!!! I’m super impressed!
When it comes to blogging, I pretty much go with stream-of-consciousness unless it’s something that HAS to be planned out somewhat, like book recommendations or something like that. But even then, I pretty much just compile my list and wing it.
When it comes to anything else, like fiction or essays, I outline to hell and back. Sometimes to my own detriment.
I wing it all.the.time. Then, I obsess about how it was likely not my best work because I winged it 😂😵😩
Me too !!
I’m sure this won’t be helpful, but here goes. If I can’t think of an idea, I eat. If I come up with an idea and need to write it down and flesh it out, I eat while I’m writing. During the editing process, I eat. In short, I’ve made writing and food partners and struggle eternally to end their relationship. Sadly, in my case, food does help the ideas flow. Here’s a post from my blog on the same subject–I thought it might make you smile. https://overthehillontheyellowbrickroad.com/2017/10/20/conversation-withthe-graying-mona-lisastruggling-with-weight-control-in-her-older-age/
YOU’RE MY PEOPLE 😍
I feel like my creativity comes in fits and starts. I know I’m not taking good care of myself if my creative well is totally dry so I TRY and be aware of that. If I’m feeling really empty for days, I ask myself what I need to do to take care of myself. Maybe take a nap or eat a healthy meal or get my nails done or call a friend.
Also, I’m a weirdo and love to organize things, so sometimes if I’m really stuck, I will focus on getting things in order. That might mean rearranging the tupperware drawer (just kidding, I won’t touch that drawer with a 10 foot pole) or digging around my blog and seeing how I can make it work better. Sometimes the act of getting something accomplished will wake me up and give me some ideas for what to write about.
I LOVE these ideas!! And, it’s so true that when I’m not taking care of me, my creativity is zapped! WHY is the Tupperware cupboard/drawer always the place where lids and dreams go to die?! Thanks for commenting!!! ☺️☺️
I have 2 distinct styles for blogging….
1) I wing it. If something comes up and I MUST share it – out it goes.
2) I start to create content, and let it marinate…poking at it now and again as it languishes in my draft folder…until I decide to finish the post. Sometimes, I’m looking for just the right photo to go with the words, other times it’s flipped – great photo, no freaking words.
3) I’ve got too much ‘winged’ stuff, so I schedule it in little bites so you guys aren’t flooded with 5 different posts in a single day.
It’s always SO HARD for me to go back to something that’s been in my drafts folder longer than a week!! HALP!
I’ve got stuff that’s sat in my drafts for so long it’s gotten all cobwebby. I might go in and change a word or two, then close it out for another couple of months.
When the right words wanna come…they’ll come…or it’ll get buried under a pile of new drafts that get turned into posts.
Have I mentioned that a friend of mine once told me I’ve the patience of a saint? Good freaking luck canonizing my pagan ass… 😀
BUAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! “Good freaking luck canonizing my pagan ass…” 😂😂😂😂 There are things in my draft that are definitely cobwebby, too!
I’m a huge idea guy, and a lot of things that I think will work, don’t and things I think are garbage, work out great. I don’t understand it and never will, but I write down all kinds of post ideas and then forget what made them sound like a good idea. Often the best ideas are ones I come up with on the spot.
That’s definitely happened to me on occasion! Then, I’ll have some genius idea and I’ll start writing on it immediately, and it’s utter shit! I’ll never understand 😜
The creative writing process? I am going to paraphrase and bastardize a quote I heard this weekend. When it comes to my writing “I’ve been shopper of the month since the grand opening of the impostor syndrome store.”
And I’ve published.
😂😂😂😂😂 That’s awesome!! Sounds like something I can totally relate to!
I usually have 4 or more different things in my draft folder at any given time yet I’ve only managed to actually post every 2 weeks or so. It’s not for lack of ideas but more a case of not sure anyone would find my thoughts interesting.
Then there are times the words flow and something says “go with it” so I hit publish before I can think myself out of it. I tend to over think things lol.
I love everything I’ve read since discovering the WordPress family. You guys are so talented and inspiring.
I LOVE the amazing people I’ve found through WordPress! I know it’s hard, because I’m a huge over-thinker, but try not to think too hard over whether or not people will like what you have to say. If writing and blogging is something you love, do it for YOU ☺️☺️
This is nuts because a big portion of my rant about my “breakdowns” talks about how the fact that I couldn’t get myself to just WRITE even though I had a million things to say, was part of the reason I was breaking down. THAT is how serious my need to write gets and when I start to doubt myself because
1-what’s my point
2- no one Cares this is stupid
3- this is not good enough
4- this is a mess and it’s all over the place
5- I’m wasting my time
6- I need to read first so I can get inspired
7- I’m so behind on reading other bloggers work I have no rights to post anything yet
8- I’m not helping anyone
The lists of excuses go on and onnnn and the guilt backs up and the feels get backed up too and then I get so overwhelmed ugh!! I GET YOU! You know I admire you and your writing no matter what! Do it when it happens! And don’t be so hard on yourself you’re a badass writer no matter what the topic is!
Thank you for the kind words, friend!! I feel you on so many of these!! I feel super guilty when I don’t have as much time as I’d like to read other blogs 😬😬
ALSO, I’ve been told I totally have to read Jenny Lawson, because our humor is similar. This is super cray, but I’m scared to. I’m scared I’ll realize what a knock off I am. I’m also scared that I’ll subconsciously try to emulate her too much! Crazy, right?
No way! You’re unique in your own ways girl why you gotta think like that?! We are obviously inspired by other writers we can relate to and sometimes our voice may portray theirs- it’s happened to me, even WITH Jenny Lawson because she’s like my nutty hero. She’s super random and all over the place and jumps MOUNTAINS in between topics that are less than 10 words apart and she just gets me hype LOL 😂 reading her stuff is like YEP ME TOO YEP ME TOO YEP ME TOO DAMN IT WHY DIDNT I THINK OF THIS SHIT SHES CLEVER I WANNA BE THIS CLEVER LMFAO. Don’t be scared. She’ll inspire the shit out of you too! Furiously Happy is a trip and it makes zero sense sometimes which makes it perfect 👌
I’ll have to read her books then!!
NOW I FEEL DUMB 😂😂😂
Sorry???!!? 👻🤣🤣😘😘😘
😂😂😂😂😂
The Muse is a fickle mistress. Sometimes she wakes me in the middle of the night with her brilliance. Yet, at times when I desperately need her to appear, she is AWOL. When she and I connect, the words flow of their own accord.
Yet, sometimes I sit and stare at the screen, bereft of any inspiration! Somehow, something emerges. And yes, I write for me. It works. People read and like and my following is growing as if by magic.
But organised? Hell no! Who has time to draft and schedule posts lined up ready to hit the blogosphere as if by magic ? Heck, I don’t even know how to DO that!
Haha!! I’ve been known to pull over on the side of the road, because inspiration strikes!! We’re true writing geniuses ☺️😉
I keep a notepad on my bedside table !
My phone serves that purpose, so SAME 😜
OH boy, I feel ya. I think the procrastination comes from either a lack of true excitement about something or fear of failure. For me, both factors contribute. I blog pretty easily, although I write by the seat of my pants and don’t always put out the best work (usually I write my post the night before and schedule it for 9am) … but I stick to my posting schedule, gosh darnnit!!
However … my fiction writing is dying because I am a master procrastinator!! Fear of failure wins here. I also don’t have any free time allotted to writing fiction, so that hurts it, too.
I’m excited to read that post once you finish it!! We’ll love it even if it isn’t perfect in your eyes! 🙂
Thank you for your support!! I think I have a major fear of failure, because I LOVE writing so it can’t be that 😱🙈😜
I don’t have a writing process or a schedule. Some days thoughts flow so fast I can’t get them all down and other days, nothing. 🙂
SAME! So the same!!
So far it’s working fine, the only annoying part is on the flowing day’s I wish there was two of me. 🙂
Me too! I seem to never have enough time to write!!
I can absolutely relate to this!
For me I’m always full of creativity when I don’t have time to be, and when I have all day to write a post I just can’t! For this reason I don’t really have a posting schedule, I don’t know if that’s good or bad. But lickily the creativity comes regularly enough to keep me on it.
Soooo me too! I feel like having a regular day of the week when I post helps me, but it’s not necessary by any means.
where would the excitement in life be if it weren’t for procrastination? Why do things in their own time, when you can do all things at once, poorly, and then be stressed? lol. Sometimes I must admit, my best work is done under that pressure.
Totally. I’m usually far more successful under the gun 😜😩
😂😂😂…
First off, your posts are class! I had total binge on Fattymccupcakes last week and loved every minute of it. I’m only getting started, so I haven’t settled into a pattern yet but as for the writing, I am using it as an exercise to fight against crippling m anxiety. I write, edit any glaring mistakes (needs to be glaring – I’m dyslexic, less than glaring – I won’t notice) and post immediately. This will inevitably mean that there are mistakes, or that perhaps it’s not as good as it could be with heavy duty editing – but – if I do that, anxiety creeps in and I would post nothing at all, ever. As has been the case for years.
So, no more. I’m just biting the bullet & hitting publish – what is the worst that could happen?
Don’t actually tell me btw, ignorance is bliss x
I agree that you just have to push publish already!! I’m so glad you like my posts! That means a lot ☺️☺️
Giiiirrrlll I’m the same way. And, lately, I seem to be struggling to get the words out right. I have literally 15 or so drafts– some with a couple paragraphs written, or an idea of what I want it to look like, or even just a title– but I have to be ready to write it. I have to feel the inspiration, ya know?! It’s kind of tortuous, but when I do finally finish something I’m proud of, it’s so satisfying!
Great mind thinks alike!! 😜😍
😂😂😂😂 im an uber procrastinator and can so relate… im no writer but im the same way… only when the thoughts swirl at veey weird and awkward times I stop and write them down… or save them in my phone but i snatch those babies quickly because they dont stick around…
After that comes the peoblem of trying to develop said thought a week after🙈🙈🙈
YES! I snatch those babies up too the second I get the chance! They are fleeting!
And here I thought I was the only one. Procrastinator-should be a zodiac sign! lol
BUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! Truth!