Hitting writers' block like a cement wall is also part of the creative process

[soc_puppet]

Me: Blargh. I haven't written a word of my novel in almost two weeks.
Me: And, unfortunately, the two-edged sword of the "let's work with a group!" thing means I avoid going to meetings when I'm sucking at stuff, especially since it's not compulsory.
Me: I am potentially missing out on fun stuff! Wait, make that definitely missing out on fun stuff.
Me: And all because I can't figure out what to do with Rose Red in my frickin' novel.
Me: (She's there, she has a basic story, but right now, she almost feels more like a prop >_< She needs a greater purpose and/or a reason/way to grow, stat.)
Me: So, to sum up: I have about 47,000 words to write by the end of November.
Me: And I have to crochet my mom's birthday present(s), and hopefully get started on her and Dad's Xmas presents as well.
Me: While I'm at it, I'd like to make a little money off of my crochet!
Me: All this, and my parents just basically commissioned me to make this year's family Xmas card.
Me: ...Yeah, I'm thinking NaNo isn't happening AGAIN this year.
Me: Unless...
Me: *does the math* *whistles* Okay, I like where this is going.
Me: Still, I'd better make a completely self-indulgent poll first.

Poll #5093 Help Save My NaNo, Legendary Magic Reading Circle/F'list!

Open to: Registered Users, detailed results viewable to: Just the Poll Creator, participants: 6

It totally counts as cheating to switch from counting words to counting crochet stitches, right?

Yes, it says "writing" right in the title; get back to lining words up like the rest of us
2 (33.3%)

Yes, but you've got a fuckton to do, so just don't turn the results in/go for prizes or wev
2 (33.3%)

No, it's a legitimate use of your time, and I don't see why it shouldn't count for something
2 (33.3%)

No, but you should have known better than to sign up for NaNo in the first place
0 (0.0%)

What the hell is NaNo, and where's my ticky-box?
0 (0.0%)

At this point, I'm probably going to switch from words to stitches regardless, but the poll will help me decide whether to keep my NaNo profile updated with such information (and, if so, whether to just count stitches, or disclose what exactly I'll be counting). I've logged a good 4050 stitches from my brother's Xmas present alone, which is more than a thousand more stitches than words, and my fingers are itching for more.

I still haven't found the discipline to write - but maybe, just maybe, I have the discipline to crochet.

Comments

[the_prettiest_star]

I would have voted for option 4 if there had been a "yes" in front XDD

Rose Red eh? How about having her explore why she's wearing red all the time? Taking help isn't cheating right ^___^?

[inarticulate]

I am not sure I'm phrasing myself well, because I'm running off of insomnia, but I do know there are plenty of people setting their own goals or doing things like NaKniSweMo and NaNoMangO, and I think crocheting (or sharing stitches and wordcount) is a great idea if you think that's more manageable for you-- I'm just kind of iffy about using the official word count meter for stitches.

(I should also note that it's more of a gut reaction because of people like marienbadmylove, and not because I actually think you would abuse it. So if you do decide to go for it? THAT IS FINE, TOO.)

Oh, goddamn, I knew I was going to forget something. Okay, full disclosure? I have never been to an official Nano meeting, which I assume is what you're talking about. But what I get out of talking to people about Nano is getting unstuck and sharing in the wild creativity, and I can't imagine it's too much different there. So in that regard? I'd say definitely go if you can get yourself to. It might just help with Rose Red. ♥

[redsixwing]

No, it's not a waste of time. The whole point of NaNo is not being constrained, right? Or is it one of those formless-in-form follow the rules anyway things?

Says me, doing NaNoMangO for the first time and failing badly. XD

I think a goal of 50K stitches is admirable.

[carrie_ironhorse]

I voted for the third option, but what I really meant was, "whatever gets you through the day/month." I'm not doing NaNo this year because OMGbusy; it would be silly of me to judge other people for not doing NaNo in exactly the proscribed way.

[ytak.livejournal.com]

Wriiiiiiiiiiiite! The one thing I've learned about Nano is that it takes discipline. And I've been doing this long enough to know. At this point, you'll pretty much have to neglect everything else unless you are wonder speed writer.