 | A voluntary selection from a school assignment = no gaming. |
I decided that cutting myself off from Facebook wasn't enough, because I frankly am not a fan of the viral media dependent social network. That should tell you I'm not a fan of social networks in general. But, that isn't true; at times I rather like Twitter, and Patreon doesn't count, it's a business network.
For a school project I had to choose to limit my media interactions, so I chose the one upon which I have relied upon the most: Video games. I underestimated the impact at first, because I didn't think of it as a great need, personally. However, it has given me some time to ponder, and I've actually completed some reviews I had put off because of other projects - like other reviews (go figure). I would think "Oh no, I have to play a lot of this in order to be able to review it because I really want to write about it. Wait! I know this other game really well and spent a lot of time with it. Review time!"
In fact, my book is one of those projects. The first draft is so near to completion that it needs a healthy dose of peer review. If you're reading this, and would love to subject me to your criticisms and input about my fantasy novel, let me know in the comments below. I have a Facebook page for stuff like that - and I subscribe to Dropbox... but haven't yet tried out their collaborative option, Paper. I've been told taking criticism is one of my strong points.
Back to the original point, though. Media time without games actually been harder than I thought, especially with the Steam Sale running. It requires you to run games to get achievements and complete their thematic quests for stickers and steam cards. Which, of course, I sell fast because they'll disappear when the event ends. At least some games give you achievements for just launching the game, though those are pretty lame.
I've taken to catching up on recent advances in computer tech, of which there have been a few, thanks to Intel's i9, AMD's Ryzen and Threadripper, and storage sundry. The PC industry has been at loggerheads for a long time, and finally, after five years, new hardware is interesting to look at. Building a new system would mean starting from scratch, but the first time in a long time it looks like actually might be a good idea.
Except that my current rig is actually a beast. A little beast, but one nonetheless. I mean, bleeding edge games aren't in my wheelhouse, usually... I can comfortably wait until the bugs are ironed out and the prices come down before jumping on new hardware. This is the case for many guys and gals like us, and its part of why I love being a PC user: We get our pick of the litter.
Life is never boring, if you stay creative and focused on taking care of your needs and the needs of your family, and I am very grateful for that. However, I find that this hiatus is more a part of my life than I previously thought. I've - logically - played more games, and a greater variety - since I started reviewing for HonestGamers.
I've also noticed the repetition in my work, and have a good survey of other writing styles to learn from. I'll admit it, the idea of setting a goal to become a staff member here seems appealing. What that entails, I have no idea, but I'm working to earn my literary chops, so why not?
So, apart from "days off" - for those who write professionally - what do you do to escape the tedium of writing constantly about gaming?
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honestgamer - June 30, 2017 (02:25 PM) I read a lot, which nicely complements writing. I have been reading a lot of mystery novels lately, even though fantasy and science fiction are my chosen genres. I also watch old TV shows on DVD. Right now, for instance, I am going through "The Rockford Files," sad that eventually that has to end. For my own hiatus, I've been trying to spend less time on social media, because it's really good at sucking up my time and preventing me from being productive in areas that excite me. Worse, social media tends to be so full of negativity--because that's what goes viral--that it has started to have a toxic effect on my life. So reading and writing fiction, as possible, is my way of recovering. |
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hastypixels - June 30, 2017 (03:37 PM) Rockford! Oh man, I learned so much from him... that smooth talking charmer. One of my favorites as a kid, and that Gold (one quick Google search later) Pontiac. What a classic. I've actually been watching the classic Doctor Who series right from the very beginning, and yeah the effects were cheesy, but the storytelling is always interesting. I'm trying not to become a grizzled old fart, because wise old soul is just cooler, so I like to keep my mind open. Writing has taken on a new dimension for me since my first college English course, which I've enjoyed. I expected to learn, and I have been. It's really shifted how I approach narrative and exposition in Sliver of Light. It's a lot of editing, but I understand Leo Tolstoy took a two yeah break from writing War & Peace. When he returned to it, he rewrote the entire book. I've learned that I can't be precious about my work, and that attitude has done me all kinds of favors. I'm glad you're taking a light view of social media. I used to think of it as a utility, but now I'm considering getting a flip phone and an iPod for my connectivity needs. Like you, I need to get more done, and the only way to do that is to remove distractions from my life. |
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jerec - July 01, 2017 (05:10 AM) I do sometimes go a week or a month without playing a game, but it's never something I plan. Just other things get in the way - usually a really good book. |
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hastypixels - July 01, 2017 (10:55 AM) @jerec - Are you going to leave us in suspense? What was the title of the book that most recently had your attention? |
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