Steven Pressfield (via writingdotcoffee)

You know, we fanfic writers kind of go against this, don’t we? I think this is the key to my problem of not being able to finish fics. I have trouble finishing multi-chap fics because I lose that momentum between chapters. Instead of just getting the whole story down as one big rough draft, I spend too much time trying to perfect each individual chapter, then posting said chapter, waiting for comments, etc. and then attempt to start the next chapter. And sometimes (too often, I’ve discovered), I’m unable to match the quality of the next chapter to the previous one, so then I end up having performance anxiety of sorts, which then results in delayed updates or unfinished stories all together. 

Maybe I need to stop the chapter by chapter approach and just write everything in its entirety (even in rough draft form) before posting the first chapter? Sort of the big bang approach, I guess, except without editing/posting everything all at once. I still like the idea of posting one chapter at a time and letting readers digest the whole story in small bites (what can I say? I like comments and kudos on each chapter), but I think writing in small bites isn’t working for me anymore?

Anyone else have this issue? Does the ‘momentum is everything’ idea ring true in your process?

Tagging a few writer buddies for feedback/advice/commiseration: @hayjbsg @jaqofspades @monroe-militia @lodessa @bea2me @jadedbirch @zoinomiko (and anyone else who wants to weigh in…)     

(via romeokijai)

RoRo, I definitely feel your feel.  This is also why it’s always easier for me to write one shots rather than long-fic (or I can’t seem to do long-fic w/o a co-author to provide that momentum and instant gratification of having someone say YES THIS IS GOOD right away).  I find that for long-fic, it helps me to have betas provide that immediate feedback.  Then I can let it percolate and sit on it longer until I get a feel for the overall story.  Once I get a feel for the overall story and where I want to take it, I’m a lot more open to posting that first chapter 😉