Off the rails

I’ve been off Facebook for over a month and I have nothing to show for it creatively.  Sure, I’ve written a few things lately, but none of them have anything to do with my fiction writing.  In fact, I’ve even started using one aspect of Facebook again this evening – not the status updates, etc. but a Facebook group.  The group is actually a book club, which is something I’ve never done before (but I’ve always wanted to do).  I’ve been reading a lot of books since the ban as well, so if it’s not helping me write, it sure is helping with my other passions.

Initially, I was hesitant to join the book club, mainly because it was going to be through Facebook.  I’m very serious about my Facebook ban, so I didn’t want to comprise that, but my wife talked me into joining with the hopes that it might kick my writing into high gear.  We’ll see if it gives me the inspiration that I crave.

If not, I think I may have to resort to giving myself a deadline.  I work best under pressure and simply staying off Facebook just isn’t enough I suppose.

Do I have writer’s block?  I don’t think so…I think I’m just sabotaging my progress and ultimate success.

Writing Excuses

I thought it was a good time to bring up a podcast I’ve been listening to lately.  It’s called Writing Excuses and it’s hosted by three names in the genre world – Brandon Sanderson, Dan Wells, and Howard Tayler.  I started listening to it mainly because of the lecture on writing I found on YouTube from Dan Wells (plus, he’s one of my favorite authors).  They’ve been doing the podcast since 2008, so I have a lot of ground to make up.  I’m about halfway through 2008′s archive thus far.  I would recommend it for any aspiring author (especially those wanting to write in the genre field).

The title of the podcast got me thinking.  It’s called Writing Excuses, and I find reasons not to write and when I do have time to write, I agonize over minute details or resort to writing in this blog.  Based on one of the podcasts I listened to today, this is essentially writer’s block.  I’m not having trouble writing or coming up with writings per se, I’m having trouble starting.  I’ve written a page for two different ideas and scrapped them both.  What’s the mental block that’s stopping me?  Well, my wife (who is 100% correct in her assessment) says it’s because I’m a perfectionist.  I think she’s right.  I get so critical of my writing – even in its raw first draft form, that instead of pushing forward, I come to a stand still.  To expand on this, I’m scared of failure and with the realities of the publishing business (especially these days), I know my chances are slim and none that my work actually sees a commercially published form.  For some reason, I can’t wrap my head around the fact that if I don’t try at all, I’ve already failed.

Here’s to sucking it up and giving it the old college try.