InsaneJournal

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Vengeful. (vengeful) wrote in rp_tutorials,
@ 2012-06-18 12:28:00

Not sure if this is the correct place to post this other than rpvents...
...So if this isn't appropriate to the community, I will delete!

Are there any other hopeful authors out there?

I'm trying to write a novel, and at the same time I am RPing. I have three character journals plus a very longterm RP partner with loads of PSLs, the RP partner cuts a lot into my time and I feel is being very dependant on me for their own entertainment.

Don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore RPing and my RP partner, but I really want to focus on my book. I feel like my creativity is getting drained into these journals and storylines when it should be going into my book.

So this is a question to people who are currently writing a novel as well as RPing - HOW do you balance both?

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internetporn
2012-06-18 03:02 pm UTC (link)

The word sprints and setting aside time are things I was going to say/suggest (good thing I looked at the comments first, huh?), and they can honestly be really helpful. I've only ever written a novel for NaNoWriMo, but those word sprints can be a serious help. You can also find programs that reward/punish you for writing (you set the parameters on things like Write or Die or Written Kitten (I think that's right) and they have web-based ones so you don't have to pay/download). There are also free writing software programs out there with timers (I cannot remember the one I'm thinking of right now, and I'm sorry for that) and/or word goals (whichever you find is easier for you). And also try working on your novel when you know/feel you're most creative. Is it first thing in the morning? Wake up a little earlier. Late at night? Set aside some time before bed where you can write or sign off early from rp when you know you don't have anything pressing the next morning so you can write into the wee hours. And so on.

Another thing I will suggest that helps me (especially when I don't have access to a computer) is carry a notebook or two around (and it doesn't have to be a big/full sized one, either, but the smaller ones that fit in purses and pockets). You may know that already, though, but if you have one that's just for your novel, you can jot things down whenever they hit you, and you can either copy it right onto your computer when you get home or you have scenes/ideas that you just have to flesh out and expand on when you're home. And I say get two because one can be for rp, where you jot down what you want to have happen in a scene or a journal entry so you can breeze through it when home and not take away from that novel writing. And if you have a 9 to 5 type job, write a little bit on breaks and during lunch. Any pocket of time you have can be spent getting a few words down for your novel (unless it's sitting at a red light while you're behind the wheel. That may not be too safe. But any non-risky free time works!) or even a few words down for rp.

And like another commenter said, let your rp partner(s) know what's going on, and if you set aside the same time almost every night, you can even say, "Hey, from this time to this time, I am for sure working on the novel so don't expect replies in any form. I'm not ignoring you to be rude. I just need to focus." Then disconnect from the internet (and maybe turn your phone on silent) unless it's absolutely necessary. If it isn't, do whatever research you think you'll need before, set things to be viewable offline/save internet pages so you can pull them up but not risk the pull of the internet, get out all social networking urges if you have them, and then just write.

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vengeful
2012-06-18 10:29 pm UTC (link)

The idea of carrying TWO notebooks is brilliant. One for the novel and one for RP - I have only carried one around. As well as making things available offline. Switching my laptop off from the net would become very easy to do.

The lure of RP and feeling guilty about my RP partner is a bit too much for me so it's been a bit hard to just break away and do my own thing. I've let it go on too long so it's become a habit.

Thanks so much :)

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internetporn
2012-06-19 02:58 pm UTC (link)

Make sure the notebooks don't look alike just so you know immediately which is which and don't have to fuss with opening it, reading, and realizing it isn't the one you wanted/needed. Or just put a label on the cover of each, but I don't know how open you are to having "ROLE PLAY JOURNAL" plastered on the notebook ha ha! Plus, it can keep people from bugging you about what that is or what kind of novel you're writing when you're in that flow. And I love that there are ways to make things available offline so I can get that writing done without having that internet lure. You can always just open your browser and pull up all you need (if, say, you have a layout for a house saved but can't save it to your computer because it's one of those right-click disabled images) and then disconnect. As long as it doesn't automatically refresh (like gmail, for instance), it should be okay. That's also just if you have/need a lot of info but don't have the space to have too many windows open. Too many windows can also be distracting anyway, or they are for me.

Again, just talk to your partners. They should be understanding. If they aren't, it can be an easy signal that maybe it is time to cut back from them. But I've found most are understanding (and some are even working on books themselves or participate in NaNoWriMo at least so they can relate/understand).

You're welcome! :)

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