I’m a completionist through and through. I don’t like to start new projects before current ones are completed. Do I succeed at this? No, but it’s the thought that counts. I do try, but when the sheer number of project types stacks up, that’s when it gets tricky. Still, no matter what I work on, I find actively working on anything to be therapeutic. We were made to work. And art is the kind of work I can never get enough of. Current in-progress works include an animation, several large Minecraft projects/videos, a book cover design, and my newest project, which I’ll now speak about.
For the past three months, I picked up a new hobby—writing. And no, I’m not referring to this blog. I’m of course referring to the art of storytelling. And what better way to learn how to write than diving headfirst into an epic fantasy novel? It’s not something I’ve ever wanted to do in my life until recently. As someone who, growing up, never liked reading and who only found her love for stories through audiobooks, I’ve shocked myself with how much I actually love writing. Except, of course, when there are mental roadblocks—like now. That’s the only reason I’m writing this post.
Am I any good at it? Who’s to say? I guess we’ll see what beta readers think in a few months (if I can finish this first draft by then). So far, I’ve about 50% through the first draft, and I’m starting to feel the lag (if that term fits). Writing is fun, but oh so hard, and I’ve gained a new appreciation for it after trying it out myself.
Writing especially forces me to slow down and think—to consider implications and motivations in a way that I wouldn’t normally. I see the world differently. That’s not a green tree. It’s an earthen green giant, strong yet elegant (bad example). I evaluate what makes people do what they do. Much of what I write about, I feel clueless about, but that’s fine. I’m loving the process.
With all the things I want to learn and do in a lifetime, I’ve found that writing, more so than other hobbies, has tricked my brain into thinking I’m experiencing a lot more than I normally would be. The same could be said for consuming books instead of writing them. But I’m addicted to work, which is why I prefer being on this side of the thought.
May all my unfinished projects forgive me for dedicating so much time away from them! I’m sure they’ll understand once they see how much I’ve accomplished in the end. That is… if I can finish this task before a new hobby presents itself. With every idea, a million more come. Maybe I’ll start periodic updates for how it’s going, but I’m already doing that in my Discord.
This was fun, but I’ve hit another mental roadblock and don’t wish to leave this post unfinished after one sitting. Back to novel writing I go.