Okay, so. · 7:59am Aug 4th, 2013
I have let things slip away from me, for far too long.
I have just now seen the comment attrition going on at the bottom of my profile page, particularly the comments from one Graf Zepplin, about my having been inexcusably silent on the front of fics. To which I will go ahead and give in, and explain what's been going on.
I've been suffering a block, that I have been hoping will go away. But it appears that it will not, having run on for almost a full year. So, for the forseeable future, I am going to have to put Whisper of Wind on hold.
I'm sorry to have let you all down. I'm grateful to those who have given support, and who have kept the faith. I can only wish I were deserving of such devotion.
And in reply to mister Graf... I can't exactly call it a 'coward silence', if I haven't really been on the scene, can I? But, you've rattled the bars for a answer, and I again, apologize for having left you and everyone else hanging for so damned long... so thank you for that.
I've got some cobwebs to clean up around here now, I guess. I don't know if I'm ever going to finish Whisper of Wind, or if I'll ever do anything new. But you all deserve a reply, instead of the silence I gave you. I'm still hanging around the site to see what other great writers have made. And maybe I'll even have something new too.
Time can only tell.
How to stop a block.
Write words, just write absolutely anything in your brain, train of thought or otherwise. eventually, the new pathway will be found and what you actually WANT to get out starts flowing.
Always works for me. I finished a Danny Phantom phanfic in a half hour that way: whenever I got stuck, I just kept typing and after a grocery list, three text-format yugioh custom cards, and a bout of insanity beyond mortal comprehension, the second half fell out.
EDIT: didn't bother saying it because I didn't think it'd happen, but... first-post! and don't worry about the delays anymore. Now that you've told us what's up, the majority will be patient.
I myself just moved on to Reality Check's Nyxverse and PokèPony fics to bide the time. Don't burn yourself out, but... in the words of a famous fighter pilot...
NEVER GIVE UP! TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS!!!
You need to do what writer Julia Cameron calls "training the censor"; that is, learning to write freely and without inhibition. I'm not being paid to mention this, but I've been using a book called "The Right to Write" by Julia Cameron that contains a lot of short essays on writing as well as small assignments to put them into practice. It's helped me lately to write more and better because I'm learning that what I write doesn't have to be perfect the first time and that what matters most is getting to the page and writing.
The worst thing a writer can do is not being bothered about the people who read their work, but for them to stop the production of writing when there's more they want to say. If you want to stop writing, that's your decision, but it likely should always be in the back of your mind in case you want to do so again. And when you do...
...well, we'll be waiting expectantly.
Oh, lovely to hear from ya-- Seriously though, as much as I'd love to see more on Whisper, don't worry about letting people down. I think sometimes folks forget that fanfiction is a free offering from authors who generously give us a little slice of textual heaven. It isn't an obligation, or a job-- And considering you practically pioneered a genre/trope with 63, it's already the gift that keeps on giving.
So, no matter what happens.. Thank you for all the fish, although I will hold off on the 'so long' part until you know for sure.
I know that feeling, I've had a block for over 18 months now. Your story reaches that point of how to continue it.
Just glad to hear from you again, and shut that inconsiderate person up
On a Cross and Arrow was a gem I'll never forget. You made me a true Brony Connor, and for that I'll always be greatful.
While I hope you retun, I just want you to know you've already done more than I could've ever hoped. For now though, rest. You've earned it.
Oh Jesus I never though I would see this day! At the end my last post were more for venting due to a lack of closure.
Well, the all-feared art block is the guilty party, now I can finally once again look back at my old favorites without feeling a stab in the heart every time I came across your story, so thank you for the clarification.
Now just one question, if you weren't here, why did the "last seen" always reported that you were constantly on the site?
Thanks for the update; it sucks that you're blocked on Whisper of Wind, I really like the world you built in Cross and Arrow and was really glad when I saw you were writing a sequel. Ah well, guess I'll have to go find more fics to read - rumour has it there are websites full of 'em.
You can't force a muse. Inspiration comes or it doesn't, and there's nothing to be done in the case of the latter but wait. I look forward to more of your work whenever it comes. Until then, enjoy the horsewords.
If you don't end up finishing it, could you write a little paragraph on how it would have gone?
Well, at least it's On Hiatus, so there's still a bit of hope. I'm sure you'll find a way around the block
1260913
Dude, seriously, I have nothing against you (really), but c'mon! He is already apologizing! Just... accept it. Don't push the inquiry further.
HSXI- May the Power protect you.
1261103
I'm a curious man, what can I do?
1260899
he did't shut me up, he gave me the answer I was looking for, and it was thanks to my bitching that you (that preferred to be left in the dark) and everyone else that craved for it finally got it.
I needed this closure.
1261115
Alright, you've got your answer. Don't you think you're pushing it a little?
Also, he said he is "still hanging around the site to see what other great writers have made." So obviously he's been logging in to read other people's ponyfics
1261164
I already said all I wanted to say, that little point you brought up I touched it as well, go back to our original discussion to find remember it.
Oh, how I know what that feels like. Blocks are a horrible thing. But, as Knux put it, one of the best ways to get past it is to just write.
But not necessarily on-topic, y'see. Might I suggest just writing.... whatever?
Another thing that helps me personally is how I tend to get sources of inspiration: music. Any kind. If it speaks to you, use it!
And, another thing - I'd just ignore Graf. He seems the type to me to just be a total idiot just because. But don't hold that against me, it's what I see all over sometimes.
Cheers to you, and hope things get better for you.
1260913>>1261233
Well, Graf brought up a valid point, that I had been inexcusably silent. As for my always-on-the-site, I had fallen into a routine where the only thing I used the site for, was for checking up on my favorite fics (which include Starlight over Detrot, and Why am I Crying.) I liked checking for fics, but I didn't think to check my comments or mail for way, way too long.
1261442
Fair answer, and no more hot headed comments from me.
Thank you, THANK YOU for this overall clarification, one way or another everyone needed it
And sorry for the dramafest, hope you understand.
At least we know you're still alive.
I have never found an easy fix for blocks, though the first comment hits on a good point. If you just write, you will find some kind of feeling from it. It doesn't even have to be the story; you can just come up with a stupid idea, and roll with it. I have done that already, and it helped me with my skills as a writer, and to get me out of the block I was in.
Either way, it is good to see that you are around. This series (I guess you can call it that :/ ) has been fantastic, and I have been waiting to read the hopeful conclusion to it. Yeah, it is probably far off, but I always think about how it ends (or how I want it to end), and see how the author gets there. It is always interesting to me.
Take all the time you need to get out of the block. I have a read later list to get through anyway.
Having had writer's block for several years at one point, I sympathize completely. Take as long as you need to try and work through it. I for one will be here when you come back
Don't worry! Your writing is a gift, not a duty.
I don't get writer's block. I get life block. I fall into a routine, and out of touch with other people, until my emotions evaporate and I feel nothing. Writing is my way out of it. Writing dark, hurtful stories is sometimes the only way out, because pain is the only emotion you can force yourself to feel.
TL;DR: "Writer's block" may be a symptom of some bigger problem in your life.
OH GOD YES YES YES HE LIVES REJOICE FRIENDS REJOICE THIS IS A GOOD DAY
Er-hem. Seeing this blog has spiked my excitement levels through the roof! I can't tell you in words how much I loved Cross and Arrow (first MLP fanfic ever!) and how hopeful I was for Whisper. Unfortunately, that was the first fic that I had to learn of the horrifying disappearing writer act, and it was quite upsetting. But you're back! That's all that matters!
i1297.photobucket.com/albums/ag40/Shanenator777/yesyesyes.gif
I am so so SO excited for possible continuations! If you need anything at all, ANYTHING, I am at your beck and call!
Here's to your continued writing!
It pains me I may never see Whisper of Wind finished. Cross and Arrow was the first fanfic I read and was basically what got me to join the site and watch the show. So when I heard it has a sequel, I immediately dropped everything I was doing and picked it up.
But it only had three chapters at the time, much to my dismay. You weren't responding to anything, didn't put up a blog post, nothing. Me, in all my paranoia, assumed you underwent a dreaded Author Existence Failure.
I'm just happy to get confirmation you're still alive. That means there's still a possibility that you may push through and finish this, despite the fact writer's block is an absolute pain to overcome. Sometimes you just need to read other fics to re-incite your muse or take on other projects.
That's sad, but it happens to the best. Only thing left to do is wait and hope you'll get over the block someday.
Since you said that you'd stop writing for an undetermined amount of time, I wonder if I should add your story to the Lost Authors group. I mean, it's not like you're completely away from the site, and such...
Either way, I'll make sure to keep an eye out, in case Whisper of Wind ever continues. I'll be waiting, however long it takes, and you have my full support.