Procrastinating productively Vol.2

I haven’t written in days so, like a writer committed to her writing, I sit down to write because it’s a thing that has to happen if I want to accomplish anything (like make writing my job *cough cough*), I open my document determinedly and I start writing.

At least, that’s what I’m saying to myself as I endlessly stare at the empty document willing it to life. When nothing works and the words don’t cooperate, I open tumblr because, you know, by scrolling down endlessly I might get an idea, or magically construct the sentence in my mind, or avoid any coherent thought over my story, or wish for the damned thing to finish on its own.

The story doesn’t finish on its own of course, but looking around does help. Not always. In fact most of the times I end up on the weird side of youtube through twitter through tumblr, while having open at least ten tabs, each and every one of them  really important for the story I’m not writing.

But, on those times that it helps, it really helps. Working with intense focus on something is a thing I do with difficulty. I can’t stay still for long periods of time – I suffer greatly. I can’t work without music – it’s torture. I can’t keep my mind on the thing that I’m doing without thinking of the blessed moment I’ll be over with it. So, at least for me, it’s inevitable that I will end up surfing and browsing on shit that I might or might not need, even just for the break I need away from the task I’m currently working on.

When I procrastinate in a way of taking a break or just getting some distance from a story, I’m trying to do it in ways that will be helpful and have an effect on my writing. Granted, it doesn’t always work (meaning that not once or twice have I ended up spending all my writing time watching kitty fail jumps or anime) but being a writer means having a wide range of imaginative influence, of sources that replenish the imagination and the inspiration.

So, these are some ways you could procrastinate while having fun and, at the same time, working on your storytelling:

Read books/comics/manga

It goes without saying that reading books is important for someone who writes. Comics and/or manga are in the same league. Great sources of stories, interesting characters and beautiful visuals work as fuel to get your brain running. Read aplenty in the genre you’re writing, read outside of your comfort zone, read non-fiction, read, read, read.

Listen to/search new music

Sometimes, just by listening to a song we have related to a certain story makes us wanna work on it. It’s a nice way to put you in the mood for writing and at the same time, to build a playlist that reflects the atmosphere and play it in the background when you’re working.

Browse at some art

Pinterest and Deviantart are your friends. There are so many artists out there that can inspire you and so many works of art that tell stories on their own. Use them when you’re stuck, or if you want to do some worldbuilding when things aren’t very clear in your head. Don’t plagiarize, don’t copy. Rework. Re-imagine. And always give credit where credit’s due.

Watch anime/series/movies

Well, in case you weren’t doing this until today (you might live under a rock, who am I to judge) yes. Do it.

Make art

Make art despite of your skills or the quality of your product. Be it a picture related to your story or an abstract painting or even a coloring book (or jewelry making or knitting or crocheting or playing the guitar – the possibilities are endless), your mind will use this time to rest, wander, and answer questions, and in the end you’ll get a deep satisfaction of accomplishment.

Take pictures

(One could say that this belongs to the “make art” category but, well.) Creativity and ideas aren’t easy for everyone. Some people have it aplenty, others, like me have to work hard for it. I find taking pictures quite satisfying when I’m stuck or bumped with a story.

Go outside

This is an advice I don’t always follow. You know, the one where you’re told, get out, live and then write about your experiences, the discussions you had, the discussions you heard, listen to people, watch people around you etc. This is an aspect of writing I need to take more seriously, since, as an introvert, I really like the comfort of my own place. Still, it’s a good advice. Go for it.

Next time you find yourself binge watching a series instead of writing, tell yourself it’s part of the process. It definitely is.