Half of the planned distance. Need to draw some conclusions, results? I don’t really want to, but for the sake of statistics, I will still push myself and provide some numbers and my thoughts on this adventurous writing marathon.
First, this idea acquired a full-fledged vision only at this stage. It took me a whole 29 sessions to understand that the concept of this format was a failure for writer.
The restrictions imposed by the entry conditions do not allow me to breathe and engage directly in writing. It feels more like an experiment now than a marathon where I’ll actually have a finished piece of prose.
I already understand that I will not be able to describe the planned plot in 60 hours. Maybe if I just was writing, this time would be enough, but I was writing for 1 hour every day and it is completely different.
Secondly, the conditions I live in, work, and write. Constant threats of bombing by fucking muscovites, attacks on energy facilities last fall and in January 2023, regular power outages. Such an atmosphere does not really resonate with the creative process, although sometimes it, on the contrary, motivated me to act. However, if it had been a peaceful period, writing would have been much easier.
Third, in addition to writing, I have to record videos, not be distracted for an hour, translate the text for the site, post the video itself. That is, additional actions are somehow present. It’s not bad, but adds some limitations.
I couldn’t, for example, do writing without recording a video (because I decided that everything will be recorded). I couldn’t count the time spent on writing a work when I just think about it, because this is not visible and there is no process on video either. I couldn’t sit down and did writing for more than 1 hour, or less when I’m in the mood.
In other words, I became a hostage of my own rules, I became a victim of my own limitations.
This is not bad. It is so, and I recognize the extremely low effectiveness of such an approach. In order to understand this, I had to go this way in 29 days.
Fourth, the conditions I found myself today in do not allow me to continue this path and in such format. In simple words:
I can’t keep writing, making videos, posting it all publicly. I am not talking about the cessation of writing, but about a specific case. The prose I started during the marathon (“Melnyk”) grew into a more weighty plot, became a source for a large-scale story (maybe a novel) that requires attention, concentration, and time. I will do it in more comfortable conditions than this writing marathon
“Melnyk” will continue to have this name. This will be a separate piece, but I will deal with it later. Its turn will come in time.
Conclusions of the writing marathon
During these 29 days, 10,000 words were written, which is about 60,000 characters. Result is not amazing, but these are just numbers. In addition to 29 hours, I spent at least 5 hours thinking outside the video. I thought about the plot and the characters.
These considerations one fine day (more precisely, morning) led me to change the focus of attention to another plot, more powerful and exciting than this one.
Even the work “Melnyk” in its previous version would not have been written in these 60 days. Now I understand it, because most likely the characters will be revealed outside the story and enter a larger descriptive space.
An experiment like that can be a test for anyone, in different formats. The key to success is regularity.
The set restrictions bring focus, but they also limit the freedom to soar beyond the boundaries, in case you have the urge to do so.
Who Can Benefit from a Writing Marathon?
For those just starting to get used to the writing process, developing discipline can form the foundation for creating a daily habit of writing, be it in the form of thinking about the plot and characters.
The writing marathon will provide a valuable experience for individuals who fall into the following categories:
- those who have never engaged in writing before and are eager to explore a new facet of life;
- individuals experiencing writer’s block in any form;
- those who aspire to enhance their discipline.
Who Should Not Participate in a Writing Marathon?
A writing marathon is only appropriate if you have dedicated time to it, be it an hour, two, three or more. Without the ability to focus and be alone with your thoughts, you won’t be able to write effectively as constant distractions will impede your progress.
A writing marathon is not suitable for those who cannot create a conducive environment for themselves.
The Format of the Writing Marathon
I set limits and conditions based on what I was capable of. I knew that I could not be distracted and write for exactly an hour, I had the opportunity to record a video and put it on the network. This is how I created this space for myself.
Everyone has different needs and desires, so the “marathon” or regular writing sessions can take any form that suits the individual.
You know your life, its circumstances, and your abilities. Define the terms of your writing sessions yourself. The format I used is just one example of the many possibilities and a way to establish the daily habit of writing.
I haven’t had a problem with regular writing for several months now. Every day I write something. These are not always art works, but the process of creation has acquired an everyday character for me, a habit that is unlikely to ever leave.
I have shown in my videos how the creation process takes place. Perhaps someone will be interested in looking at the other side of writing. From the beginning, I did this marathon for myself, my own adventure. I believe that I got a good experience and will use it in the future for a more productive writing process.
I do not disappear anywhere, the format of communication with reader (viewer) changes. My experiments continue, and already on January 18, another impromptu was implemented – an hour-long freewriting session, which I recorded on video also.
Similar events will probably occur from time to time, I will neither guess nor abandon the video format.
Follow the site updates, there is a lot of interesting stuff ahead. Especially who, in addition to writing, are interested in cinematography.
Thank you for attention. Stay inspired, everyone!
