dragoongfa wrote:World building is an interesting mental exercise but I agree that the most difficult part is putting things down on paper. The advise I can give you is how I managed to get somewhat disciplined in my writing, if your imagination is working overtime and you have ideas and the problem in putting them down is discipline.
I know that every writer is different but the method that has worked for me is to organize myself, both in practical and in mental terms. For a reason that becomes obvious later I noticed that I got 'better' in writing various stuff after I started organizing in practical terms. The first realization struck me when I started writing with pen and paper instead of directly on a computer, some people are the exact opposite but it works wonders for my output. In practical terms it takes longer to first write an initial manuscript (A raw draft) and then transfer that manuscript on a computer while correcting and doing some minor rewrites for clarity and consistency(The first draft), I have been told that it almost doubles my workload but the key is knowing that the raw draft is something that will never see the light of day and as such I have no problem writing stuff down as it comes out. Just letting things out without a care for typos, structural consistency and sometimes even proper order works wonders for me; thinking about making the my initial output consistent and presentable always overwhelmed when I wrote and I ended up writing very little. Writing with pen and paper also removes the siren of distraction that is called a computer. Cutting out the distractions is vital for me, I go to an other room I have prepared and I even use wax earplugs to cut out any noise.
As an accountant I also learned the value of keeping my writing organized by using a variety of office supplies. I found out that I cannot write without a proper writing surface; I use a faux leather clipboard that also acts as a folder, keeps the paper stable at all times and allows me to keep the unfinished manuscript safe from accidents (and they happen A LOT). After that I organize the produced manuscript in folders with a cataloging system of my own; using color coded folders, plastic slides to keep the paper from being damaged, library boxes for long term storage; you get the idea. I found out that being organized in the practical terms gives me a peace of mind in regards to what I write. Knowing how to find what I am looking for quickly saves not only time when looking for something but also gives me a perverse sense of accomplishment for some reason.
The final obstacle for getting things on paper is mental discipline. It takes some willpower to get my ass to the writing chair but when I am there I have to force myself to look at the paper in front of me, write down a header, numerate the page and then start writing. I found out that starting with a simple phrase usually gets me started, like a spark plug that starts a car.
In the end I always remind myself that if I have something on my head then I have no writer's block. As long as my imagination is working I can write it, provided that I am not too tired or something is distracting or bothering me.
Some simple advice that sometimes I fail to follow myself:
1) If something looks like it is writing itself then let it finish itself. Never stop a good streak when you are writing for any reason, spontaneous writing is not only quick but is also very rewarding in either quality or ideas.
2) Never slip up on writing. Write a minimal amount of words every day, personally my minimum limit is two pages of A4 paper. This is important in order to keep a writing discipline.
3) Vary what you are writing. Abandoning something for a day or two to work on something different allows to approach the initial project from a fresher perceptive which is important if you want to find something that you may have missed.
4) Never, never postpone something for later.
5) A persistent writer's block is cured by writing pornography, there is no need to be read by anyone else but writing something so base often clears the mind.
All of that is excellent advice. I have a small spiral notebook I take to work with me so I can write down notes and any ideas that occur to me (which happens fairly often). I do agree that making oneself write is key and I will get a page or two done tonight on my main story (gnomes, night elves and explosives WHEEE!). I am going to make myself write something every day. Even if it's not good, it will spark an idea and if need be, I can always rewrite it.
This made me laugh though: 5) A persistent writer's block is cured by writing pornography, there is no need to be read by anyone else but writing something so base often clears the mind. I do write some porn (WoW based), and I think I'm ok at it. I like writing stories that have plot in them too.
It's all good advice though. And well taken.