Skip to main content

My Writer's Block was Delaying my Epic Story Until I Rewatched Attack on Titans

 I was all set. Excited, even. I had a brilliant story brewing in my mind—folklore from my province, no less! I could see my protagonists already, larger than life, practically leaping off the page. Then I sat down to write... and nothing happened.

That’s when I realized I had developed the dreaded writer’s block. Oh, the irony—so many ideas, yet not a single word seemed to fit. What was my block, you ask? It boiled down to two surprisingly tricky issues:

1. My protagonists were awesome (naturally), but the villains? Well, I had no idea what drove them. What was their purpose, their motivations? I needed more than just "evil for the sake of evil." It felt like staring at an empty abyss, waiting for my villains to give me something to work with.

2. Then there was the big existential question: how much of me should I put into this story? Every time I thought I had a direction, I hesitated. Is this my story or just fiction? How much of "me" was too much? Suddenly, my once exciting tale felt like an awkward conversation with myself.

So here I am, staring at my notes, pondering, questioning, and rethinking. Writer’s block is a beast, but it’s also a strange invitation to dive deeper. Maybe the villains will reveal themselves once I stop overthinking—or maybe I’ll just have to embrace the chaos a little longer. Either way, the story isn’t over yet.

Update: A few nights ago, I found myself rewatching *Attack on Titan*—one of the most mind-blowingly complex stories ever written. While taking in the chaos of that world, it struck me: the "villains" in this series aren’t what they seem. They’re just characters whose views on what's right directly oppose the protagonists'. Is that enough to make them evil?

This got me thinking about my own story. Maybe I’ve been looking at my villains all wrong. Instead of trying to conjure up some classic evil mastermind, maybe I just need to understand their perspective. After all, from where they're standing, they’re the heroes of their own story. Their motivations aren’t about being "bad"; they’re just rooted in beliefs or experiences that clash with my protagonists’ goals.

So maybe, just maybe, my villains aren’t the problem. It’s how I’ve been framing them.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Check out this snarky/funny t-shirt design I found on Creative Fabrica (affiliate link included).




Popular posts from this blog

Your City Needs Its Writers: 3 Steps to Improve the Writing Culture in Your City

There is a La Union Books and Arts Exhibit right now at the SM City La Union, and this got me thinking. Every city has its share of storytellers. Some write novels. Some write long social media captions that probably should have been novels. I personally think a city with no active writers feels a bit empty, like a place that only knows traffic and billboards but has no imagination. A writing culture is not optional. It is the difference between a town that thinks and a town that merely exists. If you want to encourage a writing culture where you live, start by following these 3 steps: Step 1: Make writers visible. Invite local authors to your library, schools, community centers, and yes even your neighborhood book clubs. In fact, book clubs are one of the easiest groups to involve, because they already read, already discuss stories, and usually already have snacks. A sponsored book club event featuring a hometown author can do more for visibility than a month of posters. And honestly,...

Better Library Shelfing by Colocation: Grouping Similar Items

As librarians, we've all faced the challenge of making the most of our shelf space. It's like a puzzle, figuring out where each book belongs so that people can find what they need without a treasure map. This is where colocation – or putting similar things together – comes into play. It's a simple idea, but it can make a huge difference in how we manage our shelves and help our library users find their way around. Let's talk about how this approach can make our libraries more user-friendly and efficient. Why Colocation Matters  Imagine you're looking for a cookbook. You go to the section where cookbooks are supposed to be, but instead of finding them all in one spot, they're scattered all over. Some are with the gardening books, others are near the science fiction. Frustrating, right? That's the problem colocation solves. By keeping similar items together – all the cookbooks in one place, all the science fiction in another – we make life easier for everyone....

Content Creators Need to Try Creative Fabrica

Hey there, fellow creators! Whether you're a seasoned artist, a passionate designer, or a content creator just starting your journey, you know that the right tools and resources can make a world of difference. That’s why I’m excited to introduce you to  Creative Fabrica , a fantastic platform that's like a treasure trove for all your creative needs. Why Creative Fabrica? You might be wondering, "What makes Creative Fabrica so special?" Well, let me tell you: 1. Endless Resource s: Creative Fabrica offers an extensive library of fonts, graphics, templates, and even digital crafts. It's like having a bottomless toolbox, ready to help you bring your wildest ideas to life. 2. Affordable Pricing : Quality resources can be expensive, but Creative Fabrica provides budget-friendly options, including subscription plans that give you unlimited access to their vast collection. It's a small investment for a huge creative payoff. 3. ...

Being a Document Control Officer to Manage Archives: Are You the Office Librarian?

In many workplaces, there's someone who seems to know where everything is. They can pull up the latest policy revision, retrieve an outdated client file, or point you to that mysterious "blue folder" from three years ago that somehow still matters. This person may not wear glasses or whisper "shhh"—but in essence, they are the office librarian . In most cases, this role falls to the Document Control Officer . But what does being a Document Control Officer really mean? And how close is it to being the keeper of a corporate library? Let’s unpack it. What Is a Document Control Officer? A Document Control Officer (DCO) is responsible for managing how documents are created, reviewed, stored, accessed, and archived within an organization. In many cases, the DCO is the quiet force behind regulatory compliance, internal consistency, and institutional memory. In short, if your company ever says, “We have a paper trail,” the DCO is why. Their duties typically incl...

What Librarians Do in 2024: Keeping Up with Everyone's Needs

Libraries are accessible to everyone... and we mean EVERYONE! Hey there! I'm a librarian, and if there's one thing I know, it's that libraries are not just about books anymore. They're about people – all kinds of people. And in 2024, our job is to make sure we're keeping up with what everyone needs, even as those needs keep changing. So, how do we do that? Let's dive in.   Getting to Know You   First up, we need to really understand who's using the library. This means looking beyond just the numbers and getting to know the community. What languages do they speak? What kind of information are they looking for? Do they need places to study, meet, or even just hang out? The more we know, the better we can be at making the library a welcoming place for everyone.   Technology is Our Friend   These days, almost everyone uses some form of technology, whether it's smartphones, tablets, or laptops. As librarians, we're jumping on this tech train too. We'r...

Library Management Brainstorming: Get Patrons Involved

Brainstorming is a dynamic and flexible tool that can be applied to library management. By engaging a diverse group of stakeholders in the brainstorming process, libraries can tap into a wealth of ideas that pave the way for innovative services, enhanced user experience, and efficient operations.  The structured approach to brainstorming, from idea generation to selection, ensures that libraries can systematically explore and implement solutions that meet the evolving needs of their communities. Through continuous innovation and adaptability, libraries can remain vital centers for learning, creativity, and community engagement. Librarians don't need to do it alone. After all, patrons are also the ones who would benefit from improvements in the library. Hence, tapping them for ideas is a good call.  Topics for Library Management Brainstorming Improving User Engagement: A library looking to increase patron visits might brainstorm ideas leading to initiatives like a community bo...

Why the Banned Book 1984 by George Orwell Seems Prophetic Now

In George Orwell's book '1984', we are transported to a totalitarian state that is uncannily like the very world we are living in. It's a politico-social novel that tells a lot about how power can be a dangerous thing when placed in the hands of a remorseless totalitarian government that punishes with impunity and rewards only those that cooperate.   It's so borderline non-fiction that many libraries have banned it a short time after it has been published. They say it's fear-mongering, but as many of us in the 21st century now know, it was somewhat prophetic. 

Librarian Resources: Books on the Passion of Christ

Offer your patrons several reading choices for Lent. Here is a list of notable books that delve into the passion of Christ, each offering a unique perspective on this profound subject: 1. "The Passion of Jesus Christ: Fifty Reasons Why He Came to Die" by John Piper    - Synopsis: This book offers fifty clear reasons why Jesus Christ underwent the suffering of the cross, according to the Bible. John Piper delves into the theological and spiritual implications of Christ's Passion, aiming to deepen the reader's appreciation and understanding of Christ's sacrifice. 2. "The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ" by Anne Catherine Emmerich    - Synopsis: Based on the visions of the German mystic, Anne Catherine Emmerich, this book provides a detailed account of the events leading up to and including the crucifixion of Jesus. Emmerich's vivid descriptions bring to life the sufferings of Christ in a way that encourages empathy and reflection. 3. "Je...

Do Small Libraries Need a Hard Copy of the Library Bibliographic Data?

  Get your paperback copy of Library Bibliographic Data book from Amazon through this link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B7QBGNKR A hard copy of something is simply a physical ink-on-paper version of what is in the library database. Some librarians say it is cumbersome to keep a hard copy when the soft copy is already there, one simply has to log into the system. But the hard copy of library bibliographic data can be an essential resource for small libraries for several reasons: 1. Backup for Digital Records : While many libraries have digital systems for cataloging their collections, hardcopies serve as a reliable backup in case of digital data loss due to system failures, cyber-attacks, or other unforeseen events. This ensures that the library's catalog remains accessible even in the face of technical difficulties. 2. Accessibility : Not all library patrons may be comfortable or familiar with digital search systems. Hardcopy bibliographies allow these patrons to access bibliograph...

Making Travel Plans: 2015 vs 2024

 We're travelling! It's hectic making travel plans in whatever year, but things have definitely improved from when I last booked our family trip to Singapore in 2015. Here are some of the main differences. Aspect 2015 2024 Research and Booking - Relied on travel blogs, Lonely Planet guides, and recommendations from friends. - Use of comprehensive travel apps that integrate flights, accommodations, and activities. - Balance between online platforms and travel agencies. - AI-driven travel planners offering personalized itineraries based on preferences. - Booking flights via airline websites or price comparison sites like Skyscanner and Kayak. - Seamless booking through integrated platforms like Google Travel or Expedia. Accommodation - Agoda and TripAdvisor for finding and booking hotels. - Instant booking and reviews on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com. Documentation - Printed tickets, hotel vouchers, and visa documents. - E-tickets, digital hotel confirmations, and e-visas...