Procrastination is generally bad, yes, but sometimes you can’t write for whatever reason. You don’t have a large enough block of time, you’re waiting on feedback or something from someone else, you’re in need of inspiration, etc.
Here’s some things you can do that are useful for your writing projects so you can feel minorly productive:
1. Playlists
Actually what made me think of this blog. I wrote a blog post earlier about how playlists can be beneficial for your writing. For my trilogy, I have an entire playlist, with songs specific to characters, books, scenes, etc, and I’ve found that listening to my trilogy playlist while I’m writing or planning the trilogy actually will give me flashes of scenes and an idea of direction. Some people can’t write to music, it’s true, but I strongly believe that there is the right music for every project; you just need to figure out what it is. (I have spent some time today listening to songs by this band I was just introduced to, because they have a nice tribal sound that will be a perfect addition to the trilogy playlist.)
2. Character Pictures/Icons/Banners/Covers
While some people take their inspiration aurally (like me), a lot of other people work visually. If you need some inspiration, why not see if you can’t find your characters’ pictures? Personally, I like this website – there’s a ton of interesting portraits to look at for something that clicks. You can draw your characters. Or, if you know your characters inside or out, you could put together an icon, banner, or cover for your book. It helps you focus on what the strongest plot points are when you’ve got a limited space to explore.
3. Mind Maps
A mind map is a visual representation of something, usually represented by circles connected by lines. Usually there is a central concept that all other ideas branch off of. You can use these for characterization, brainstorming, or plotting. Just remember to let it flow without thinking about it too much. Mind maps work as a free-thought activity. Who knows? Maybe your subconscious has the perfect solution to that ginormous plot hole.
4. Maps
It’s not just fantasy stories that can use a good map. Where is your character’s house relative to the store they work at? How close does that cute neighbor live? Is there a coffee table in the middle of the living room to conveniently trip that would-be murderer? Maps help you keep your facts straight. It can be hard to keep everything in your head while you’re working on a story, and having an easy-to-reference map with the information can be easier than trying to find where you last talked about something in your manuscript or guessing and having to fix things in later drafts.
Hope your holidays plans are coming along swimmingly, Squiders!
