Problems Faced When Writing

One of the problems I faced in writing is the lack of ideas, or continuity of ideas. Its fancier term is writer’s block. The problem will show itself in two different disguises. I would either have absolutely no idea what to write or I have a great idea but I would be totally clueless when it comes to developing the idea. Some experts (or so they claim), suggest the use of mind mapping to help the flow of ideas during the writing process. It works well enough, but only if you actually now what to write about. But I feel that nothing can help me once I’m afflicted with the headache inducing writer’s block.

Another problem is a lack of interest. Now, don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against writing, as long as it is about something I can actually write about. I like reading and writing fictions. Journals are quite allright, I can still manage that. Writing something academic/factual on the other hand is a misery for me because I don’t have the head for figures, statistics and facts. I don’t like academic type of writing because I feel that they are a constraint. Freeform writing or fiction is more flexible because I can let my imagination run wild and come up with a variety of ideas. This doesn’t mean that I am any good at it, far from it. It does however, make things easier when you can write whatever it is that pops up in your mind (a purple scaled, slime oozing, fire breathing dragon) rather than stressing out on the facts and figures (what kind of gas is responsible for the thinning of the ozone layer).

My biggest problem when it comes to writing may seem absurdly ridiculous, but it is what I struggle with. TENSES... I always get confused as to what tense I should use. I’m serious, this is no joke. I know, I know. I’m a TESL student; dealing with tenses should be like a walk in the park. While it may be nonexistent to some people, it is a real problem for me. The final draft of my writing often looks like the end product of a mixing machine, all the tenses jumbled up together. Thank god for the spellcheck. Whoever thought of that, is an absolute genius.

Despite all the problems I’ve listed above, a miracle does occur sometimes. When the alignment of the stars is just right, I would be blessed with an abundance of ideas. Everything falls into place, the plot/ideas actually makes sense and the writing process flows smoothly. It doesn’t happen as often as I would like it too, but when it does, it’s heavenly.

Journal Entry #1 : The New Semester

The new semester...well it's here again. As usual, it brings with it new challenges for me to face. This semester is the first time I'm not staying at the hostel. I am renting a house with 3 other friends. What does this means? FREEDOM! No more curfews, rules and disgruntled security guards to deal with...thank God. I know rules exist for a reason, but in the mind of a self proclaimed rebel such as myself, rules are meant to be broken. So I definitely look forward to experiencing this new life. But, as the saying goes, too much of a good thing can be bad for you. Hopefully I won't go crazy with all this newfound freedom. Fortunately I have friends that will do their best to keep my feet firmly on the ground, so no worries I guess.

Something else that's new for me are my 3 housemates. I've known them for almost 4 years. We've been in the same classes but we generally moved in different circles. I consider it a challenge because knowing someone and actually living with them are two different things. We all have our quirks that the others have to live with so tolerance is of the upmost importance. I know, that actually sounds cheesy..but it's true. We need to learn to get along, or at least pretended to, otherwise we might end up tearing each other to pieces...literally.

I really miss my former housemates. We don't actually go round finishing each others’ sentences or any other stuff that besties (best friends) do, but we get along well. So well in fact that we sometimes have problem working with other people. Those poor souls just can't handle the stress... Although they are staying at the hostel which is just a stone's throw away, we don't get to spend as much time together. Plus, all of us are too lazy to go visiting...(I did say we were very much alike). We make up for it during the weekends though and can spend the whole two days just fooling around. Good times...

Of course, not everything is new this semester. Some things never change. We all go through it every semester that I get a sense of deja vu every now and then. Worrying about grades, assignments, quizzes, projects, meeting new lecturers, learning new subjects, stressing out on the supposedly efficient online registration system...same old, same old. The first week is always fun. You go around trying to figure out where your class is, who your lecturers are, whether you need to change your class to get a new lecturer, meeting new classmates and greeting old ones. The best part is lecturers almost always finish their classes earlier than usual. Nice...

I've always have a problem with balancing between fun and business. Too much fun and my grades suffer. Studying too much...well, that will never happen to me..ever. My new housemates are quite serious when it comes to studying, so maybe some of that will rub off on me...hopefully.

Whatever challenges the new semester brings, I know that my friends and I will go through it together like we always do.