Now, it's been a while since I've been on here. A long while in fact...but it's not just to do with finding the time to write extra bits, it's also to do with a rather long word that sounds as tedious as the feelings it brings. Procrastination.
Procrastination is often confused with writers' block. Someone told me that writers' block is the idea that you can't think of what to write, whereas procrastination is the idea that you purposely delay yourself from writing. Or to put it simply - you just can't be bothered. Well, I don't believe in writers' block because it's not the lack of ideas that brings me down (I'm always dreaming up new ideas), it's the fact that sometimes I just don't have enough energy to put pen to paper and I get easily distracted.
I can't say how many times I've faced the blank page and said: 'I need to do the washing' or, 'Oh, there's a new trailer for Doctor Who!' Yes, I confess, I procrastinate. A lot. But it's good to know, I'm not the only writer. It's weird because I love writing - I do, I don't want to do anything else, but sometimes I just don't have the energy for it. There have been times when I found it more easier to re-organise my sock draw or tell myself 'I'll write just as soon as this episode of Sherlock has finished.' (Even though I've seen that episode about seven times and even though I know perfectly well I won't write a thing!)
I think the big problem is that writing is not your typical nine-to-five job, you can't just switch your mind on and get everything done and dusted within that time frame. Writing is continuous and you can do it anytime, anywhere and that freedom can sometimes be a hindrance. That's why you need to discipline yourself and get organised, but obviously that's the most difficult part. How do you organise yourself? It's no good saying you'll write when you have free time, because you might have a tight deadline that won't fit with your "me time" and you'll have to work around it. It really is a case of trial and error. You just have to get on with it.
Well, I'm going to be good now and get some ideas down, finish that article that's been hanging around for weeks, work on my new short story and then edit it and...Oh wow! Someone just posted an amazing fan-made Doctor Who/Sherlock crossover video! ...
