Representing 'people who can't keep writing alone' on my own, I analyzed the location of the problem and the countermeasures
The 66-day daily posting 'Writing Run' project.
I happened to learn about this project in this article, and I immediately sent a comment to the organizer, Yasu-san, saying I wanted to participate. Then, an invitation to the magazine arrived shortly after, and my daily posting began that very day. Today is the 9th day.
It's not a particularly significant milestone, but I'd like to take a moment here to reflect on writing every day.
First, a brief look at my situation.
I like to write. I want to write a lot, but I feel that it is difficult to keep writing alone. I suspect there are quite a few people like that.
A few years ago, I posted every day for a month. It was something I did by jumping on an event held within Note. Even while groaning, I managed to keep writing for a month. The sense of accomplishment after finishing was exceptional. But feeling that writing every day was tough, I decided to continue writing at a frequency of two or three times a week after that.
However, once the restrictions were gone, I suddenly couldn't write anymore. The update frequency became once a week, then once every two weeks, and eventually once a month. There were even periods when I couldn't even do that.
Could it be that I only have an on and off switch? I want a knob to freely adjust the middle ground.
Location of the problem: The pitfall for 'people who can't keep writing alone'
Now, while spending days writing again, I re-thought about where I was stumbling when I was trying to write alone.
It is my opinion that there are three barriers standing in the way before actually finishing an article.
First barrier: First, decide whether to write or not.. [Survival rate 70%]. Ask yourself, 'Will I write today? Or not?' Then, searching for reasons not to write, such as 'I have to do this today, and I have to do that too...', begins on its own. Somehow, with the power of will, I push those aside and decide to write. Good job, me.
Second barrier: Think about what to write.. [Survival rate 30%]. Think about this and that. It's hard to decide. Gradually, it becomes a hassle. But I decide. Too good, me.
Third barrier: Finish writing.
. [Survival rate 10%]. A battle between myself and time. If there isn't enough urgency that I absolutely must finish by today, it's easy to lose. It tends to become, 'Let's do it tomorrow.'
Looking at it this way, the path to reaching the goal is a precarious tightrope walk. It's as dangerous as crossing a crevasse (a crack in the ice) relying only on a rope on a snowy mountain where the wind is howling. The probability of falling into the valley of 'cannot write' is too high.
Conclusion. You should not go to a snowy mountain alone.
Countermeasure: 'People who can't keep writing alone' need a system.
Since participating in the Writing Run project, it has become easier to get through the three barriers. I will explain what that means.
First barrier
I no longer need to ask myself whether to write today or not. Because it's already decided that I will write. It's as if I got a free pass for the first barrier.
Second barrier
I think about what to write. I start from here every day. What is different from before is the pressure that I must squeeze something out by the end of the day. So, I start thinking even before I sit down at my computer to write. In fact, I am always thinking about it, searching for material in my daily life. I write down any ideas that come to mind, or at least leave the main points in a draft.
What theme to choose and how to write it is a grand theme. I want to learn how to make this part easier and more efficient. I feel this is a challenge for the future.
The Third Barrier
I am making efforts to finish within the time limit, but I have decided that it is also important to have the courage to publish with the quality achieved within that time. Regardless of the result, I tend to forget the importance of finishing the writing first. But thanks to this project, I am reminded of it every day. After all, if I don't finish writing and post it, I will be kicked out of the magazine!
Systems help you
Therefore, for people like me who cannot keep writing alone, I think it is good to join a system that keeps you writing. The writing marathon project I am participating in is one such example. I don't think it has to be a daily post, but it is easier to continue if there is some kind of constraint.
Participating in projects and magazines is full of other benefits as well. When I go to read the posts of everyone else participating every day, I can vaguely see their individual tricks for continuing to write, which serves as a reference. Also, it is a big motivator that more people than usual get to read my work.
In conclusion
As Yasu-san also mentioned in another article, this is a game. A survival game where you defeat the final boss and complete your own adventure. Thanks to this, I feel like I am being trained every day to survive. My dreams are expanding, hoping that by the time I finish this adventure, I will have become a muscular, tough warrior.
With gratitude.
I am also on X. I would be happy if you connected with me. https://twitter.com/Matsumura_us
