You want to know something amazing? · 2:52am Oct 26th, 2014
Today, after I went up and got myself a flu shot after not getting one for more than six years (funfunfun), I sat down to write some more of Hoof Covers Bruise. But, lo and behold (as everything always seems to be with this damn thing), I experienced yet another bout of writer's block. So, to get rid of it, I naturally started writing something else just to get myself started.
Then, it turned into a story idea. And then, into a really good story idea.
And now, I'm almost 2000 words in. After one flipping day, I'm almost 2000 words into a brand new oneshot.
And that's when it hit me; that's not a good sign with me and HCB. Rest assured, it will never be cancelled, but I'm starting to realize that my perfectionism is starting to CRIPPLE me when it comes to writing it. I want so. flipping. bad for it to be my Magnum Opus, but it just seems like it's always coming up flat in my own mind. I need to get over it, I know, but it's getting to be really hard.
And now, with people really wanting an update to HCB, I feel like... well, like shit. I feel like shit for writing something completely different than what so many of my followers want me to write, and I feel like I'm wasting time by doing so. But at the same time... I need a quick break from HCB. I truly, sincerely do. I've made significant progress on it so far (over 50% done), but the material of it is so sensitive and heavy duty that it's starting to get at me in the worst possible way. I know that sounds like a cop-out, but rest assured, I'm going to come clean and tell you all a little bit more about why I wrote HCB in the first place in my final author's note for the story. It might make a lot more sense, then.
All of this is likewise for Don't Open Your Eyes, Scoot. But anyway...
About this new story; it's gonna be really good stuff. Cute, feelsy, fluffy adorableness starring filly Twilight Sparkle and Shining Armor. Sound good?
Gosh, I hope so. I really am sorry, guys. I'm trying my best on HCB, I promise, and I've honestly never experienced a hangup like the one I've had with this story. It's excruciating.
And I know people are going to say, "Don't be sorry, it's okay," but even so, I am sorry anyway. It's been four months. That's only a little bit ridiculous.
~Arwhale
Don't be sorry, it's okay,
2555535
...
...
Okay...
2555543 lel I don't even know what that story is
@ le description: TS;DR
What I find helpful is to write a few lines of gibberish, or something completely nonsensical, without breaking a beat. Just end the sentence you're on and start typing words. I have had a few instances in Of The Last Millennium where Scootaloo is in the middle of a conversation and I just didn't know how to go on. So for a few minutes she just ranted about puppies and skeletons from Arkham sent by the blue monster until I got my trail of thought back.
I don't know why that helps, but yeah.
As a caveat, you have to edit VERY CAREFULLY afterwards.
Also, when I get stuck somewhere, I find a way to transition to the next plot point. If you try to edit as you write you'll forget most of your ideas before you can put them on paper.
2555656
I edit as I go, most of the time without trying to.
It's evil. Evil, I say.
Those are some good points, and that's definitely true on the whole editing thing. On the plus side, though, doing that will assure that you read everything even more carefully than you would otherwise.
Regardless... I need to take a break for a few days before returning to it. It's just not coming out right now.
2555684 Or you could leave the typos and call them Easter Eggs if anybody asks.
Yeah, take your time. After all...
You're burdened with...
Glorious...
Porpoise!
Tell me about it: I haven't updated my own story in over a year (which I really need to get back to), and yet my mind keeps cranking out alternate timelines, side stories, and even an Equestria Girls installment that takes place after the main story is concluded.
I'm considering actually starting a number of these up to get my creativity flowing and get back into the swing of things.
I'd tell you not to worry, but you said not to say that, so instead I'll say that I'm looking forward to the new story. I like cute stuff.