Hello. I’m Clancy Nacht and I’m an overcommitment addict.
(hello)
See, for a long time I wasn’t feeling very motivated to write things. You know how it is, you just left fandom, you want to tackle original stuff, but suddenly you have to deal with new voices, a new world, new situations. You’ve gone from a very controlled universe to Anything You Want.
It’s big. Too big. You don’t know where to start. So, you hit Duotrope.
And sure, it’s great for tracking your submissions, for knowing when things are due, when to follow up with a publisher. But it also lists calls for submissions. You read through one, and you’re inspired. you write it up, edit it, send it off, it’s accepted. Win! It’s such an exciting, euphoric feeling, like you not only got inspired, but you actually got someone to agree to not only read your non-fandom work, but also to urge others to read it as well.
That’s how they hook you.
You see, it started off small with a few short stories, but it’s grown into an untamable beast of WIPs, stories in revision, stories that are sent out, stories that you sent out and you’re editing. Folders upon folders of drafts, outlines, notes, research, but too little time to focus.
And that’s when it sets in. The block.
It’s not for lack of knowing where to go. You have these stories outlined. The research is done. Characters are named, their quirks documented. All you have to do is sit down and do it.
But then, where to start? Is it that WIP that you’re 20k into that you decided needed at least another 20k to feel complete? Is it that new story you just got all hot and bothered for, but isn’t due for a few months? Or do you go for some easy wins with anthos that you know you could knock out in a few hours?
I don’t know. That’s my problem. I don’t know when to stop. I try. Believe me, I’ve tried. I don’t even log into Duotrope anymore. I trash their weekly emails, not even looking for new calls for submission.
But then, there are more. Twitter wants attention, I should be blogging, too. Oh and that chat, you need to be witty in chat. And what about those lovely authors that comment on your blog? You really need to go read their blogs and comment.
Too much. And all of it things I want to be doing.
But that’s why I’m here. Because I don’t know how to stop. Or where to start.
Surely I’m not the only one. What about you? Start to finish WIP and bugger the rest of it? Keep nipping at each story, calling it progress each time?
Anyway, I’ve recognized that I need help and that’s why I’m here. Thank you.
(wasn’t that brave?)