TheSpirit: Writer's Anxiety/Growing As A Reviewer

TheSpirit 08.22.16	so yeah
EasterInTheBatcave 08.22.16	My advice is to read a bunch of stuff that isn't other reviews. Not only will this expose you to other authors' styles, but you can draw on the material itself in your future reviews.
Relinquished 08.22.16	u were one of the best scourges, theindomitableboi
ConcubinaryCode 08.22.16	I kind of like writing reviews and I think I suck ass at writing but I still put them up and apparently people like them. Sometimes you just can't let your thoughts get the better of you.
TVC15 08.22.16	I'm currently down with massive writer's block myself so I feel your pain
InbredJed 08.23.16	I think ppl who review too often here (everyone has a different limit) will get spent after awhile. Take some time off, watch some good films or just do life for a bit. The itch will return, and the fruits your newly freshened labours will be inherently righteous.
TheSpirit 08.23.16	i don't think it's writer's block but like... growing pains. i'm between stages of writing, and i'm struggling to take my stuff to the next level. i could write a generic review easily, but i'm trying to inject more of my personality into them, which seems to be the problem lately.
TheSpirit 08.23.16	also thanks for everyone's comments so far. yeah inbred, i think i'm gonna take short break. i usually go a few months of being really productive to a few of not doing anything
Jots 08.23.16	it's great having albums that motivate you to write. my best advice would be expand into genres you aren't familiar reviewing, and dig below the technical descriptions into what's going on artistically and emotionally. also, try not to get ~too~ invested in weaving your sense of self-worth into a medium like album reviewing. as much as i enjoy reviewing, it's hack writing (well, for new releases anyway). try getting into writing short stories; or, find a classic album and write a monster magnus opus of a review for it.
Relinquished 08.23.16	just don't take it so seriously when self-criticise your own writing, your skills are a part of your identity, and it shouldn't make you feel bad if you're sharpening them just as you're sharpening your inner thoughts out into form. and johhny said it better too
Calc 08.23.16	sounds like every review I read on this site these days that isn't written by tristan or klap honestly. i hope you can break free man.
InbredJed 08.23.16	hmm... If you feel you;d actually like to improve your craft, you could always take a writing course.
InbredJed 08.23.16	woah ya, props Johnny!
Trebor. 08.23.16	write with someone else
TheSpirit 08.23.16	Never considered writing with someone else, that's an interesting idea. I have however considered taking a course, I just can't afford it atm. As always, thank you johnny and quished for your insight < 3
iloveyouall 08.23.16	try writing a review for sachiko m. does wonders for your confidence in your writing, believe me.
Jots 08.23.16	Sach might be semi-joking but he's also kinda right in that musique concrete/EAI/lowercase/etc require a certain mindset to really sell to an audience, I think. I gained a bit of confidence as a reviewer when I covered stuff in that realm
TheSpirit 08.23.16	honestly not even sure what those genres sound like or are. any recs?
TheSpirit 08.23.16	i was thinking ambient could be a good place to go next. or drum n bass
Jots 08.23.16	i really liked Miki Yui's last album even tho it didn't really stir up much attention on here despite my reviewing efforts. tbh i have no idea if exploring that realm will make you a better reviewer, but appreciating it might help you think of music in creative ways? idk man
TheSpirit 08.23.16	i get what you mean. i often have the idea that if i explored other genres of music i would see things in a different light so to speak
Relinquished 08.23.16	dude do explore drum and bass. now that dev's gone I got no one to talk to about it except shitsofrain
porcupinetheater 08.23.16	I generally try to write short stories in ways I'm not used to, by focusing on what is conveyed through narrative voice (i.e. having a dual protagonist setup where each of the two characters has their own stylistically separate narrator attempting to assert supremacy over the story), and using that as a vehicle to explore new areas outside the comfort zone.
Conmaniac 08.23.16	wow yeah im basically the same as you. ive found it's hard to force yourself to write, you just gotta wait for some inspiration. kinda how a lot of my good reviews came about compared to some of my more generic ones.
Lord(e)Po)))ts 08.23.16	maybe dont used butchered memes to lead your reviews
Lord(e)Po)))ts 08.23.16	at least get the meme right but even still maybe just dont ever
Conmaniac 08.23.16	what? was that directed at Spirit?
ScuroFantasma 08.23.16	He might be referring to that grind band with the unpronounceable name and the Harambe song?
ScuroFantasma 08.23.16	Anyway Spirit, you're a great writer and enviably productive too, keep doing what you're doing (:
TheSpirit 08.23.16	Thanks Scuro m/ Harambe doesn't approve pots
Atari 08.23.16	meant to comment yesterday, but my advice (as obvious as it may seem) is just don't overthink it. Try to review things you're passionate about or venturing out of your comfort zone a bit like johnny mentioned. And of course, be open to any constructive criticism you receive. I can definitely relate to how you're feeling right now, but it will pass. If you're feeling like your reviews are forced just take some time off and I'm sure a review will come to you naturally when the time is right
TheSpirit 08.23.16	Thanks man. I think I'm going to take a break from reviewing for a few weeks. This last burst of reviewing has taken a lot out of me. I feel like I "need" to be unnaturally productive and write as much as a I can. I've definitely forced some inspiration, and now I feel like I've run dry. Going to try and take some of the advice here and wait for something to strike me as opposed to looking for something to write about.
AsleepInTheBack 08.24.16	Totally get you about repeating words, ideas and phrases with more reviews, and I've only written 6. Atari and Conmaniac nail their advice. I suppose another option is to try a completely different reviewing style. Possibly read others reviews that take a completely different approach and, whilst not emulating/copying them, draw some influence from them. In the end it's natural, and probably best, to slot back into your natural reviewing style, but taking a detour would likely be a good learning experience. I dunno man, I'm new to the whole reviewing thing, so take my advice with a pinch of salt haha
TheSpirit 05.21.17	BUMP BUMP BUMP BUMP having a hard time writing lately
zakalwe 05.21.17	You've developed a case of softasshiteitis which is remedied by growingasetofbollocksicin and a healthy course of notgivingthefirstfuck capsules.
TheSpirit 05.21.17	i am unfamiliar with your terminology
Conmaniac 05.21.17	classic zak and just throw ur next review out there man! see what happens (: