17 Comments
User's avatar
Turner Newberg's avatar

Like all things writing, it's a balance. Too slow and you forget what you're saying but too fast and you don't think as deeply. That's why I prefer to journal by hand.

By the way I accidentally said 'No' in the 2nd poll when I meant 'Yes' and didnt know how to change it.

Expand full comment
Noah Ballard's avatar

Absolutely! I generally journal by hand if it's really important. If it just feels silly---and yet, long-winded---I turn to the computer because it's an awful lot faster.

How do you feel about the relationship between writing and journaling? Do you find yourself using your characters to log who you are and what you consider as the ideal hero?

LOL, you're good!

Expand full comment
Turner Newberg's avatar

Yeah I use fiction to express my emotions and journaling to try to understand them.

Expand full comment
Noah Ballard's avatar

Ohh. That makes sense.

My writing style is catered toward introverts and intuitive feelers, so when I figure something out or want to understand some emotion, I actually let it out in my fiction. So I guess I'd say I write down really important, specific moments in my journal---so it's like a log---and then save the raw emotions for stories.

What do you like to write?

Expand full comment
Turner Newberg's avatar

Uhh...everything. Real fic. Epic fantasy. Sometimes I'll copy my emotions into a character as a way to share it (ie with readers) so I don't feel like I'm the only one. Other times I'll put it in a character as a way to get it outside of myself and look at it objectively.

Expand full comment
Noah Ballard's avatar

Oohh both great ways. You've got an awesome analytical mind.

Usually, I have to say, when I spit out my ideas, it's like you said at first. It's about not feeling like the only one---but more yet, so that I can see how someone who thinks like me would talk to someone who also thinks like I do because it usually comes out in conversations.

What's your favorite thing that you've written?

Expand full comment
Turner Newberg's avatar

I don't have a favorite sketch but there is a character that I really poured my soul into. It's a long story though.

Expand full comment
Jeremy P. Madsen's avatar

I write best when I hit my flow state, and I hit my flow state (if I'm lucky) about 200-300 words into a writing session. So the key for me is to force myself through that initial wall until I have the "creative juices" flowing (as the kids say).

Expand full comment
Noah Ballard's avatar

Ohh. Interesting. There's absolutely nothing like writing a good battle scene (flow state brought battle scenes to mind). Flow state and free time is like coffee and energy drinks at the same time. 😆

What do you find helps you get through wall?

Actually, I have an interesting question for you: when do you stop writing? When you're at an exciting part or when you're at a slower part (or is something that the schedule dictates?)? Which is do you find it easier to pick up from?

Expand full comment
Jeremy P. Madsen's avatar

I get through the wall by just having the discipline to write. Getting to a place free of distractions helps.

I stop writing whenever my schedule dictates—it's time for bed, or the kids woke up, or it's time for work, etc.

My writing progress is dictated far more by my available time than by how easy it is to put words on the page.

Expand full comment
Elisabeth G. Biggs's avatar

Yes!! I'm glad someone has finally written about this.🔥 I used to think writing faster = writing worse, but I got a paradigm shift in January during a writing competition (got over 44.5k words in a week!).

THANK you for sharing this. 😊 I always look forward to your newsletters.

Expand full comment
Noah Ballard's avatar

That is an absolute ton!! Way to go! I've got plenty more to share in the future and I think it'll help you out!

Thank you!! That means so much to me!

Do you write fantasy?

Expand full comment
Elisabeth G. Biggs's avatar

I can't wait to read it!! 😁

Yes, I do write fantasy. ✒

Expand full comment
Noah Ballard's avatar

That's wonderful! You're right in my niche then!

Expand full comment
Elisabeth G. Biggs's avatar

Indeed! It seems the substack happily brought you into my stream of fellow writers.😁🥳

Expand full comment
Noah Ballard's avatar

Yay! 🥳

Expand full comment