mad_madam_m

In your own space, talk about your creative process(es) — anything from the initial inspiration to how you feel after something’s done. Do you struggle with motivation or is it a smooth process? Do you have any tricks up your sleeve to pull out when a fanwork isn’t cooperating? What is your level of planning to pantsing/winging it?

I've talked a lot before about my creative process, because 1) I've been writing regularly for almost 25 years at this point, so I've spent a lot of time doing trial and error with what works and what doesn't for me, and 2) people have asked me about it. Here are some of the more in-depth posts I've written about it (links go to my Tumblr):

How I keep track of complicated narratives
How I outline
How I get myself to write

I don't think I've talked about how I feel after something's done, though, which is mostly a combination of relief and accomplishment. I usually feel that twice: once when I finish the first draft (even if I have to edit the whole damn thing now, it always feels good to have something down TO edit, especially because drafting is usually the hardest part for me), and then again when I post the last chapter to AO3. The final posting is also a little bittersweet, because at that point (especially with long!fics) I've been living with the story for so long that it's kind of sad that there's nothing more to do with it except wait to see how people feel about the ending.

It's not too bittersweet, though, because after living with something for so long, I'm always happy to see it out in the world. Plus, that means I can take a deep breath, relax, and then jump into a new story. :-D