Yes, it’s October already and it’s Wednesday and that means it’s time for the monthly Insecure Writer’s Support Group post.
I am having a really hard time believing it’s October, a month with two digits, because that means 2017 will be over soon. What a year it has been.
This past month, I’ve changed my game a bit and been working with an online gamification site called habitica. It’s helping me to keep on top of my writing and other daily tasks, but unfortunately it does NOT remind me of IWSG Day, because I didn’t tell it too. I’m in a rut where I feel like my writing sucks but little things like this help me to keep plowing on anyway so I can check the boxes.
Do you have any aids and motivations you use to sneakily encourage yourself to keep going? Can you believe it’s October already?
Anne Higa 
I’m sorry you’re in a rut. I hope you feel better soon. I think every writer goes through that phase one time or another. I’ve never heard of that site. I’ll check it out. I hope it continues to work for you.
It’s cool that you’re living your dream. A lot of people wish and daydream of what they’d like to do while never doing anything about it. The fact that you’re actively writing because that’s what you love to do is a gift. Hold on to that when you’re in a rut 🙂
Keep smiling,
Yawatta
We all get in ruts. It’s okay, the best thing you can do is give yourself a break, then get back to it when you’re ready.
So, hehe, lately I like looking at my word count meters on my blog. Makes me look like I’m getting stuff done.
Hi, Anne! Ruts happen ~ I think it’s cool that you’ve found an online motivator to help you get out of it. Thanks for the info about habitica. I’d never heard about it, and I’ve bookmarked it to check out later. I’m flying back to the US tomorrow, so it’s a busy day. If it’s any consolation, I often feel like my writing sucks. My blog keeps me in the writing groove and moving forward with my memoir. It’s scary that it’s already October! Happy writing and goal reaching in October!
No, October came too fast for me too. As far as tricks to write, I try to do this first thing in the morning before my life takes over with all the little things. I’ve been going to Africam. Link: http://www.africam.com/wildlife/tembe_webcam (A live feed to watch animals in Africa.) I love the elephants. Sometimes you have to wait–what else are you gonna do but write. hehehe
Ugh, the rut. The gorram fracking rut! You’ll claw your way up and out of it, eventually. The thing I always tell myself when I fall into the rut is: I might not produce anything worth keeping long-term, but I will at least maintain the personal habit of writing. I’ll place hold until this “I am the suckiest writer that ever sucked” feeling lifts. Since I started journaling each morning, I’ve noticed that the frequency and duration of these moments has lessened. Also, I write my fiction in Scrivener, and the project target bar is a pretty effective motivator for me. I love watching the bar slide from angry red to soothing green. Just remember that you are modeling being a brave and courageous creative person and thereby positively influencing the world. The act is as valuable as the output. Keep fighting, keep writing! 🙂
The year passed in the blink of an eye.
We all get into a rut from time to time… just hang in there…and if that online gamification site helps you to keep going, then things can’t be that bad…stick with the site! 🙂
Happy October!
I hate that rut!! BUT the good thing is that it always comes to an end. Keep writing!!
My ruts tend to involve not doing any writing, so you’re doing better than me. Just keep going and see where it takes you!