Horror Story Writing - The Grinning Stitcher

Two months. Four parts. One story. The Grinning Stitcher - my first ever fictional horror story. You can find it under the ‘Horror Stories’ tab on this website.

In undertaking this project, I was conscious of my perfectionistic tendencies and the ingrained relentless pursuit of achieving high standards. I used to feel frustrated at being stuck because instead of taking realistic, achievable steps, I expected complete perfection of myself, even if it's my first time at a task. Mentally, I used to sabotage myself through believing I'm a failure and incapable.

It's been an uphill battle challenging old habits. To finish a project without it being at impeccable standards and simultaneously be happy with the result. This time, I not only completed the writing process, but didn't internally torture myself. The mindset is now, ‘Naturally, it could be better as there's always room for improvement, but it's really good for a first go”. It's also, ‘Fk it, I don't know the ins and outs of story writing but I'm going to write anyway’. I felt engrossed and excited about story and character development, not ill-will and pain. It was meditative and peaceful.

Besides this, pursuit of a goal not only requires skills in the specific craft/field, but character and grit. It is not the outcome of the path walked that shapes who we are; it is the journey on that path. We don't need everything figured out or possess all knowledge prior to starting. We just need to choose a direction and start moving, even if we are uncertain, scared or fumble.

The next creative project path I have set in my mind is to turn my story into an audiobook. Do I completely know what the hell I'm doing? No. Am I going to do it anyway? HELL YEAH I AM. The only thing that can stop me is myself.