Snail Writer

I know it can sound like a weird question, but I sincerely look up to you as a writer.

How do you keep motivation to write and plot such big/complex projects? And how do you have so much creativity to write so many things??

Thank you <333

Thank you anon! I definitely don't really feel like someone to look up to, but I really appreciate it.

Motivation is tricky. I would say it's generally fleeting -- what sticks around is habit. Building a routine where writing is an everyday (loose interpretation of the word) part of your life is important. It's kind of like finally settling into a good exercise routine; once you've really built a habit, it feels kind of awful to go without it for more than a few days.

Creativity is hard though. You can't always force it, routine or not. I've learned over the years what things or discussions spark creativity for me, such as discussing shows or movies with a friend, taking a walk and thinking through a plot, or scrolling through tumblr/tiktok to see what other people are talking about.

I think what helps me is that I'm slowly learning to be less critical about my work, and that leads to a much faster turn around on some fics. I often write things the same day I post them, and I'm okay when they don't do as well, because I got my thoughts down on paper and out, which is infinitely more important than sitting on them until they're perfect.

As for large or complex plots, I still struggle with this. I just messaged my beta this morning about borderline, who was (as they always are) infinitely useful. I think it helps to phrase plotting in terms of questions, possible answers, and problems. Waypoints and goals.

My problem today was simple -- how do I get from point A to point B in a realistic way? I had several potential answers and ten times as many issues with each one. They were able to offer a new answer that got my brain back on track, and it filled in the rest.

My advice, if you don't have an amazing beta like mine, is to find a friend or fellow fandom writer, or even a discord, to talk through your plotting with. Writers want to help you! So do readers. And even if the answers they offer aren't what you want, sometimes hearing what doesn't work tricks your brain into figuring out what does.

I will say that a not-insignificant part of my motivation in the past, and sometimes the present, is comments/asks. I really thrive on being validated with that kind of feedback, but I'm slowly learning to write without it or in the face of negative responses. It's a hard cycle to jump in and out of as a writer, because so much of the creative process can rely on readers or followers asking questions, expressing support, etc.

TL;DR: keep writing and make it a habit if possible. talk to fellow fandom creators and try to figure out what sparks ideas for you. and good luck <3