Taking a Break

[strangetomato]

I know that I said I was going to post an update this week, but I don't think that's going to happen. I'm going to be taking a break from this for a while. I'm not sure if this will just be a week or so, or more than that, but I really need to take a big step back from it all.

I apologize to everyone who is following the story. I appreciate all of your kind words and helpful feedback on what I've done so far, even if I haven't been replying properly to everything lately. I just feel really exhausted, and that's probably not something I should be feeling from writing a sim story. (I have other reasons, but I don’t really want to talk about personal issues in this journal.) I'll probably be dropping back to try to catch up on responding to those comments, here and there, but I'm not going to post anything new for a while.

So, that said, I wish you all the best. I will be back, eventually. I'm too caught up in this silly story to abandon it completely.

Comments

[music-simbol.livejournal.com]

I'd be surprised if you didn't need a break from these sims. I hear ya. Breaks can be helpful. Once you clear your mind, you come back with a fervor you didn't have before. :)

(You still going to be around for SST? If you need a break from that too, I can pick up your usual tasks. Just lemme know.)

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

I should be able to keep up with the SST stuff. It's just a couple of small posts a week. I probably won't participate in much, though, unless I get sucked into the Friday discussion or something like that.

I still haven't requested those images from the interviewees, I just realized. I'll do that too.

[madame-ugly.livejournal.com]

If your story has become a chore, it's definitely time for a break.

If you need to vent any real world stuff, don't hesitate to fire an email my direction.

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the offer.

[xel-squirgle-ox.livejournal.com]

Aww, you do deserve a rest you busy woman! Though you know, I'll be happy when you return as well.

"I'm too caught up in this silly story to abandon it completely." That just made me giggle, because I imagined Ripp and Johnny on your shoulders whispering in your ear, while you're doing something totally not sims related. :P

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I'm going to keep picking away at the next couple of chapters. I have a couple of things coming up that I should be more excited about, so I'm going to wait until I actually have it in me to enjoy posting it. Who knows? I might be back before too long.

^_^ Why, actually, I do have them sitting on my shoulders, like that little angel and devil you see in cartoons. (Guess which one is the devil. *snicker*)

[xel-squirgle-ox.livejournal.com]

That's sort of the feeling I have with my own story right now. So many things are coming up that I really want to get out there, but I just don't feel right about everything. I'm thinking after I put out chapter three I'm going to take a short break as well. It's a game, so it should feel fun! Ugh. Well, that and I'm stuck inside with nobody to hang out with during the summer... I'm already starting to feel somewhat depressed about it.

Oh God, wouldn't they look so cute in little outfits like that? Johnny would look so hilarious in a whole angel outfit. And Ripp is sooo the devil. :P

[cindyanne1.livejournal.com]

Why do we always assume Ripp is the devil? LOL!!!

[xel-squirgle-ox.livejournal.com]

BECAUSE HE IS! And well, I bet he'd look pretty hot with devil horns on his head. ;) By the way, that icon is great.

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

That sounds a lot like what I'm experiencing. I need to fill in a lot of details in between other major events, and make sure all the supporting cast are moving along too, when really I'm not all that interested in writing about a lot of them right now, and I'm not sure what needs to get done before other things happen. That's what's exhausting. I have to force myself through some of that and figure it out.

If the story was just about Johnny, Ripp, and Ophelia, it would be a lot easier for me. I suppose I could just drop everyone else and write what I want, but I'm sure that many people reading it would be annoyed by that (I already get the feeling that I focus on them too much).

(People keep saying that about how the game is supposed to be fun, but I'm not really talking about playing the game. It's more about the writing. I'll probably actually play the game a bit more now, just for fun.)

Yeah, you should get outside in the sun. It will life your spirits. I'm going to try to take my own advice and do the same, even though it's still pretty cold here. I'm going to get my bicycle out this weekend, I think.

Johnny would look sweet as an angel, with his golden hair. He'd just need to curl it with a curling iron, and he'd be a full-on cherub. Ripp is an obvious choice for devil, I agree. The devil is always a playful and charismatic sort.

[xel-squirgle-ox.livejournal.com]

I'm currently up to a chapter where not much happens, but it has to be written because it leads up to all of the important stuff. And it's so boring writing it! It's been almost a month since chapter 1 part 2, and I've started other things because they sounded like fun. I understand the focusing on too much characters. It's starting to happen with my own story as well, but I will try to make it work because I have so much planned for everyone that I just want to get out there.

I would read anything by you, so whatever direction you want this to go in is fine with me. Even if your main story is just focusing on JRO, if you want you could just write short stories about the other sims that sort of intertwine with eachother occasionally. Maybe that would make it less stressful for you. I know, a lot of readers want to know more about the other residents of strangetown. But it's YOUR story and you do what you want with it. I personally am more interested in the college kids. :)

It's been pretty crappy weather here for a while. All cloudy and rainy and disgusting. I still am waiting for the actual summer weather to come myself. I think I'm also so bored because by this time I usually have a craft fair to go to already to sell my stuff, and I'm usually busy making more jewelry to replace said stuff. Not much has been sold, so I don't have anything to replace, and not many craft fairs are happening as of yet. So what do I do? Sit on the computer all day. I really need to go out, you're right.

I'd love to find outfits like that for them! ;)

[abbycat900.livejournal.com]

Its sad that you'll be taking a break, but if you don't feel like it you just don't feel like it. I hope you feel better soon.

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

I really appreciate you saying that. Not that I want you to be sad about it, but it's nice to know it actually matters enough to you for you to miss it.

Thank you. Hopefully, I'll be able to shake it off before too long.

[speedspin-88.livejournal.com]

Breaks can be good. Take some time and clear your head. Feel better, sweetheart.

--Speed

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

Thank you. That's exactly what I'm hoping. I feel a bit too engulfed in it all right now, and I need some distance.

[cindyanne1.livejournal.com]

((hugs)) You take all the time you need.

You're absolutely right... you shouldn't be feeling exhausted from the sims. It's a game, and you should have fun playing it. If it's getting to the point when it's more stressful than fun, then you're very right in needing to take a break from it. :)

I totally understand the wanting to keep others happy, but we'll all still be here when you continue. :) You have friends here!

Add me as another to vent to if you need someone. ;)

((hugs))
Cindy

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

It's more of a story thing than a game thing, but you're right. I should be having more fun with it, but I feel like I'm losing track of that. I'm taking it all a bit too seriously lately, and for what? I feel like I'm putting too much effort into something that doesn't really matter.

Thank you. It's nice to think that I might have real friends here, even if it's just the internet.

Thank you for offering to lend an ear. I appreciate it.

[simgarooop.livejournal.com]

Unless you work for EA (or TSR), the Sims should be a hobby, not a chore.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by your story, then it is an excellent idea to take a step back and forget about for as long as you need. Otherwise you'll end up hating it, which would be something very sad, for you're the one who should be having the most fun from playing and writing, not us ^^.

I also take breaks now and then (I'm actually currently in the middle of one), so I can tell from experience that it's the best you can do at the moment.

Have fun, relax and go back to this hobby when and if you feel motivated to do so.

Take care!

- Simgaroop.

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

Thank you. That's very sensible advice, and that's why I'm stepping back from it until I can get a better sense of perspective.

When I get enough motivation back, I might take a little detour and finally try to write that short story about the Grunts and the Pleasants that I had started a while back. That will satisfy my desire to write primarily about Ripp, at least. Something shorter, with less thought invested in it, might be just the thing to get my groove back.

You take care of yourself too! You've been going through a lot lately. I hope it all works out for you.

[leskuh.livejournal.com]

Don't sweat it! Take as much time as you need to get back into the story.

I hope you feel better soon!

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I feel bad, since I know that you're really looking forward to the next chapter, and I did want to show off my fun surprises *makes secret hand gesture*, but I feel like I'm just not able to do it justice right now, and I'd hate to force it out if my heart isn't there.

Thank you for all of your lovely drawings too. They've been a real bright spot for me lately.

[saunasims.livejournal.com]

If it ain't fun, don't do it! That's what I say. Obviously I have no problems myself with that. ;) I would like to keep in touch, though. As much as I rock at the not ever commenting. Blah!
But hey, don't forget there's that nice new EP coming out? :D Apartment whatsit, with the spiral staircases and the actual ceilings and foldup beds!

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

It's true. I'm so conflicted about it, though, since I do enjoy the story, and want to move forward... I'm just feeling really blocked with it right now, you know?

(Don't worry about commenting. I do appreciate it when you do, but don't feel like you have to. I know you're reading it.)

Oh, I'm so excited for that EP, but it seems so far away. Then, I'll have to wait for everything to get updated again. There's some very nice looking stuff for that EP, though. Love the foldup beds!

[amaryssobellus.livejournal.com]

A break sounds like the perfect thing if you're not enjoying the story making process.

Plus a break can make you come back with more possiblities and a renewed interest.

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

That's very true. I feel like I'm just pushing through it without any passion, even though I was excited about some of the events in that chapter. The writing process is just feeling exhausting right now. Definitely time for a little restorative break.

Yeah, that's what I hope will happen. Maybe I should try a couple of drabbles again, or something. That might help me to get the wheels turning again.

[ikichi.livejournal.com]

Lady, you own the game, it doesn't own you. Take care of ST, or I will catapult cupcakes at you!

I just hope you don't vanish completely- i wanna keep seeing your icon around!

::smacks around anyone who gives ST grief over taking a WELL EARNED (and how!) break::

[pixelcurious.livejournal.com]

I hope your real life stuff is better soon. If you want an ear, I'm here. Meanwhile, get some rest, mentally and otherwise. We'll be here when you're ready to return. :)

[my-simsession.livejournal.com]

Like they all said, everybody needs a break now and then.
Relax, chill and come back better then ever!
It's summertime, after all.

[dothesmustle.livejournal.com]

I'm sounding like a broken record here, but if the game has become a hassle and seems like work, it's always time for a break!

I hope everything settles out for you, enjoy your well deserved break!

[smjoshsims.livejournal.com]

I agree, everyone needs a break sometimes. I hope you feel better soon, and we'll wait for you to return. :D

[simfulacts.livejournal.com]

Good luck! Hope you come back to good times.

[dragancaor.livejournal.com]

< voice="parrot" > A break will do you well & will probably really help < /voice >

Breaks do work though. Do something else for a month or a few or several & you'll notice you miss them. When you come back, you'll be looking at your story & its characters afresh & it will be all the better for that. Take however it needs. You've a strong & well earned fanbase; we'll wait.

I'd offer you a shoulder, but you'd be better off with someone you know a darn sight better... that said, being in an obscure timezone means that I'm up when most aren't. < voice="Hoggle" >So if you ever need me... < /voice >

[muslemura.livejournal.com]

Games should be fun - take as long a break as you need :)

[kin-thalas.livejournal.com]

Take your time, hon. Writing is exciting, but also exhausting. Get rest.
Okay, there´s a chance not to find back to the story, this happened to me. But I think all writers know this burn-out.
I´m sure you´ll get back to your great story and we´re all looking forward to it.

[80sfiend.livejournal.com]

Hey no problem about the wait. :) I think we all know you have a life (shockingly!) aside from playing the Sims. :D I hope you start feeling better soon and can come back with a gusto! :D *hug*

[meetme2theriver.livejournal.com]

Your break isn't very effective, you're still posting every day. :p

I see how this huge project can get tiring though. Take your time, but I hope you'll get back to this soon. We're both a little addicted. :)

[strange-tomato.livejournal.com]

No kidding. I'm terrible at taking this break. I'm like the girl who cried break.

It's mostly the main story that I'm getting away from for a while, and focusing on just playing the game for a while, which is what I've been doing. It's hard to keep from posting, though, and it's a good distraction right now.

I just know the next chapter isn't going to appear for at least a week or so, so I figured I'd let everyone know. I'm struggling with some of the details, and I felt like I was forcing it out without any love, and that wouldn't do.

I really appreciate you saying so. :) It's nice to know that people look forward to reading it. I have some good things coming up... I just need to fill in some things around it before it's ready to post. I'll get there.

[meetme2theriver.livejournal.com]

Completely understandable. :) Writing just doesn't turn out as well without the passion present. It's good to see your mini-updates, anyway, I was worried for a moment you would disappear for a while, and am glad to see that's not the case!