Steampunk is a creator’s culture. We make music, art, literature, costumes, death rays and gadgets of all kinds, and sometimes, just a mess.
Tonight we’re discussing how we get past our mental walls to keep inventing.
To read the transcript in chronological order, start from the bottom and scroll up.
Update: #SteampunkChat has new hosts for the Fall/Winter session, with either myself (@artificer13) or @Jenny_Schwartz + guest at the helm.
SteampunkJulia Thanks @thegeo @marshalgabe @artificer @jackbateswrites @liakeyes @wakefieldproof @TCSteampunk @Jenny_Schwartz great chat! #steampunkchat -10:02 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
thegeo @artificer13 I was late, BUT I DIDN’T MISS IT! #steampunkchat -10:02 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
artificer13 Well, I think that just about wraps it all up. Thanks, all for coming out. #steampunkchat -10:01 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
artificer13 @MarshalGabe You too. Glad you made it. #steampunkchat -10:00 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
thegeo RT @SteampunkJulia: @thegeo And may you continue to be extraordinarily awesome #steampunkchat -9:59 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
SteampunkJulia @thegeo And may you continue to be extraordinarily awesome #steampunkchat -9:59 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
MarshalGabe Take care, folks! #steampunkchat -9:59 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
artificer13 @JackBateswrites G’nite! Thanks for coming out to play. #steampunkchat -9:58 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
artificer13 RT @SteampunkJulia: Follow @SteamPatriots on Facebook for more trailer videos to come this week: http://t.co/d5EvJbND #steampunkchat -9:58 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
artificer13 RT @SteampunkJulia: One last shameless promo: @SteamPatriots #AmRev book app proj. to launch in 2-3 weeks on @Kickstarter … #steampunkchat -9:58 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
artificer13 @thegeo OUR moon? Bah, I get my moon rocks imported from Europa. 
#HipsterSteampunkVillain #steampunkchat #teslacon -9:58 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
SteampunkJulia One last shameless promo: @SteamPatriots #AmRev book app proj. to launch in 2-3 weeks on @Kickstarter … #steampunkchat -9:58 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
JackBateswrites Thanks all! I have to roll! #steampunkchat -9:56 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
SteampunkJulia Follow @SteamPatriots on Facebook for more trailer videos to come this week: http://t.co/d5EvJbND #steampunkchat -9:56 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
artificer13 RT @SteampunkJulia: @JackBateswrites Anyone who is interested in the Steampunk Fairy Tale project can DM me or @SteamTales #steampunkchat -9:55 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
artificer13 @thegeo eeeeeexcellent! Now I’ll be sure to blend in w/ SWARM crowd. #teslacon #steampunkchat -9:55 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
TCSteampunk RT @SteampunkJulia: NEW @SteamPatriots teaser video: http://t.co/rPCSlglm — 10 more mini trailer videos to come… #steampunkchat -9:55 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
SteampunkJulia NEW @SteamPatriots teaser video: http://t.co/5yZs4Xay — 10 more mini trailer videos to come… #steampunkchat -9:55 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
artificer13 @TCSteampunk Pleased to do so, thanks for attending! #steampunkchat -9:54 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
JackBateswrites Shameless Self Promotion: http://t.co/z0Ys7pK5 #steampunkchat -9:54 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
artificer13 RT @thegeo: @artificer13 I am extraordinarily awesome. #selfplug #steampunkchat -9:54 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
TCSteampunk @SteampunkJulia Really?! Can’t wait to see! #steampunkchat -9:54 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
thegeo @artificer13 Clearly apart from you, I said who should I expect to see, not avoid! 
#steampunkchat -9:53 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
SteampunkJulia @JackBateswrites Anyone who is interested in the Steampunk Fairy Tale project can DM me or @SteamTales #steampunkchat -9:53 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
artificer13 @thegeo apart from me, obviously? #steampunkchat -9:53 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
thegeo @artificer13 I am extraordinarily awesome. #selfplug #steampunkchat -9:53 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
SteampunkJulia Actually @TCSteampunk we have a newer mini trailer for @SteamPatriots… #steampunkchat -9:53 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
TCSteampunk @artificer13 Thanks for hosting! #steampunkchat -9:53 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
thegeo How many of you should I expect to see at TeslaCon? #steampunkchat -9:53 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
artificer13 Time for shameless self-promotion, who has got a plug? #steampunkchat -9:53 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
JackBateswrites @SteampunkJulia What do you need help with? #steampunkchat -9:52 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
TCSteampunk @SteampunkJulia I know… too quick! Have a great evening! #steampunkchat -9:52 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
SteampunkJulia @JackBateswrites The market is crowded. #steampunkchat -9:52 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
JackBateswrites @SteampunkJulia They do. And thanks for the link on the anthology. Got one ready to submit. #steampunkchat -9:52 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
artificer13 @thegeo I’m basically wearing 1 of 2 pith helmets until “after hours”every day, then it’s a fez. #steampunkchat -9:51 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
TCSteampunk For those who haven’t seen it yet: the new trailer for @SteamPatriots [VIDEO] http://t.co/XSzvtIQ2 @Kickstarter mid November #steampunkchat -9:51 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
SteampunkJulia The @steamtales website to come will be http://t.co/5z8kJBym Submission deadline is tentatively 2/28. Need help! #steampunkchat -9:51 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
SteampunkJulia @TCSteampunk These chats go by quickly! #steampunkchat -9:51 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
JackBateswrites @SteampunkJulia Yeah. Blogging really drained the paymnt pool #steampunkchat -9:50 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
artificer13 @TCSteampunk Thanks for coming to play. Have a great weekend! #steampunkchat -9:50 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
JackBateswrites @TCSteampunk 
bye #steampunkchat -9:50 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
JackBateswrites Most of my epub royalties are 50% but sales are S L O W #steampunkchat -9:50 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
TCSteampunk RT @SteampunkJulia: those interested in submitting Steampunk Fairy Tales there’s a new twitter site: @steamtales #steampunkchat -9:50 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
TCSteampunk I have to get back to work, so I need to ditch out a little early tonight! #steampunkchat -9:49 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
SteampunkJulia @JackBateswrites Yes, and blogging has brought it down too. #steampunkchat -9:49 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
SteampunkJulia Per last week’s chat: those interested in submitting Steampunk Fairy Tales there’s a new twitter site: @steamtales #steampunkchat -9:49 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
TCSteampunk Well, my half hour break just turned into an hour… oops! #addictedtochatting #steampunkchat -9:48 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
JackBateswrites Has epublishing watered down what beginning writers make? #steampunkchat -9:48 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
SteampunkJulia @JackBateswrites I would say it was harder to get a paying writing job before but when you did get paid, the pay was better #steampunkchat -9:48 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
SteampunkJulia @JackBateswrites Yes, it did. #steampunkchat -9:47 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
artificer13 @JackBateswrites Can I get in on that deal too? #steampunkchat -9:47 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
JackBateswrites Intersting. I replied to myself. #socialnetworkingfatigue #steampunkchat -9:47 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
TCSteampunk @JackBateswrites Not for me One day… #dreambig #steampunkchat -9:46 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
JackBateswrites @JackBateswrites Wants to get paid like #lucas started: merchandising #steampunkchat -9:46 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
JackBateswrites @TCSteampunk Did it ever pay more? #steampunkchat -9:45 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
artificer13 @thegeo A BIG one for crafters. Leather costs a fortune, as do tools, fabric, etc. #steampunkchat -9:44 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
artificer13 @SteampunkJulia I actually meant amount of stuff I need to create, but finding time is big issue for those not self-funding #steampunkchat -9:43 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
MarshalGabe @artificer13 Oddly enough I’ve found my non-fiction writing impeding my fiction writing some. #steampunkchat -9:42 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
TCSteampunk RT @artificer13: I am also buried under weight of stuff to do #NoPlace2Start I so wish writing paid more #steampunkchat -9:42 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
thegeo @artificer13 My issue is nothing to work with. Lots of time, 0 resources. #steampunkchat -9:41 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
SteampunkJulia @artificer13 Yes, I was going to say that writer’s block is a luxury. The real issue is no time to write. #steampunkchat -9:41 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
JackBateswrites Day job does hinder productivity. #steampunkchat -9:41 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
SteampunkJulia @wakefieldproof Nice chatting with you…Enjoy your evening. #steampunkchat -9:41 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
artificer13 @wakefieldproof G’nite! Thanks for stopping in. Have a great evening #steampunkchat -9:41 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
artificer13 Is anyone dealing w/a creative block at the moment? For me, no block, but buried under weight of stuff to do #NoPlace2Start #steampunkchat -9:40 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
wakefieldproof #steampunkchat sorry all. Having connection issues, and guests are here. Have a great night! -9:40 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
TCSteampunk @artificer13 @JackBateswrites All of the above! #steampunkchat -9:39 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
MarshalGabe @SteampunkJulia Love that song. #steampunkchat -9:38 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
SteampunkJulia RT @MarshalGabe: @JackBateswrites Might be a fun twitter meme. 6 word Steampunk stories. #steampunkchat -9:38 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
artificer13 @JackBateswrites Awesomely terrible, or Awesome? Or perhaps, just true? #steampunkchat -9:38 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
SteampunkJulia 1988 RT @artificer13: @MarshalGabe Im sorry, this immediately sprang to mind. http://t.co/gSHT566B @JackBateswrites #steampunkchat -9:36 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
MarshalGabe @JackBateswrites Might be a fun twitter meme. 6 word Steampunk stories. #steampunkchat -9:36 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
JackBateswrites @artificer13 awesome #steampunkchat -9:36 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
JackBateswrites @MarshalGabe You see awful things like: Old plates. Chipped rims. Hand-me downs. #steampunkchat -9:35 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
artificer13 @MarshalGabe I’m sorry, this immediately sprang to mind. http://t.co/MNV8yKGD @JackBateswrites #steampunkchat -9:34 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
SteampunkJulia @wakefieldproof Music is a great muse. #steampunkchat -9:34 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
MarshalGabe @JackBateswrites I might have at one point but don’t recall right now. #steampunkchat -9:33 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
SteampunkJulia Sometimes it’s easier to wait until you are inspired to write as opposed to trying to edit/correct uninspired writing. #steampunkchat -9:33 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
artificer13 From a maker’s POV, sometime it helps me to not envision the final product, but the physical limitations of material, etc. #steampunkchat -9:33 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
JackBateswrites @MarshalGabe Have you ever read some of the attempts at recreating that? #steampunkchat -9:33 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
JackBateswrites Side note: #sethmacfarlane just popped up on #sharktank. No deals #steampunkchat -9:32 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
JackBateswrites Gotten so I can pretty much anticipate what some of my editors will call me out on #steampunkchat -9:31 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
MarshalGabe @JackBateswrites Granted, Hemingway also thought his best story was 6 words long #steampunkchat -9:31 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
JackBateswrites @SteampunkJulia I’ve gotten better at editing mine over the years #steampunkchat -9:30 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
wakefieldproof oh, and my banjo always re-invigorates me. #steampunkchat -9:30 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
TCSteampunk @MarshalGabe me too! 8 out of 10 times my forced writing is awful, but it usually sparks new/better ideas! #steampunkchat -9:30 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
JackBateswrites Hemingway, not that he wrote steampunk, had to travel to write. #steampunkchat -9:29 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
wakefieldproof I learned that during a @nanowrimo session – once story is written, beginning to end, it’s WAY easier to go back and tie up #steampunkchat -9:29 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
SteampunkJulia It’s still always easier to edit another person’s writing… #steampunkchat -9:29 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
wakefieldproof All right. I find that I stall out at the end of a scene, and my mind wants to get on to the next bit of action. And I let it #steampunkchat -9:28 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
artificer13 @wakefieldproof writers, crafters, costumers… Blocks for all, and how to overcome them. #steampunkchat -9:28 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
SteampunkJulia @JackBateswrites I used to get so attached to my words but now I see the elegance in brevity. #editing #steampunkchat -9:28 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
MarshalGabe When I get stuck I generally force myself to write and come back to it the next day to see what I have. #steampunkchat -9:28 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
SteampunkJulia @wakefieldproof Yes! #steampunkchat -9:27 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
JackBateswrites @wakefieldproof Indeed. #steampunkchat -9:27 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
JackBateswrites @artificer13 Sometimes. Or I save the cut and see if I can work it in later. #steampunkchat -9:27 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
wakefieldproof hello all! Have company coming in a few mins. Are we discussing getting stuff down on paper/writer’s block? #steampunkchat -9:27 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
artificer13 @JackBateswrites But could become the seed of a new work, yes? #AlwaysLookOnTheBrightSideOfLife #steampunkchat -9:26 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
TCSteampunk @MarshalGabe Howdy! #steampunkchat -9:25 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
MarshalGabe Sorry for being late, had to finish up dinner #tritriproast #steampunkchat -9:25 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
artificer13 @MarshalGabe Good evening to you, sir! #steampunkchat -9:24 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
artificer13 @LiaKeyes That would be splendid to meet in person. I could also use a shop assistant. #BusyMakingStuffToSell #steampunkchat #Teslacon -9:24 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
JackBateswrites Frustrating when something I really like winds up not fitting into plot and so it has to be excised #steampunkchat -9:24 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
SteampunkJulia @MarshalGabe Hello! #steampunkchat -9:23 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
artificer13 @Jenny_Schwartz It is a indeed a pity when the drudgery of daily life interferes with the creative spirit. #steampunkchat -9:22 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
SteampunkJulia @LiaKeyes I hope everyone is okay. We are sure to be here next week too. #steampunkchat -9:22 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
MarshalGabe Late hello all. #steampunkchat -9:22 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
LiaKeyes I had planned to join you all for the first chat in a while tonight, but dog dramas have intervened and I have to play nurse. #steampunkchat -9:22 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
LiaKeyes @artificer13 Awww, I’d MUCH rather go to Teslacon! #steampunkchat -9:21 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
TCSteampunk @artificer13 I find it very disheartening. But I have to just let it happen and usually the first couple pages are jibberish #steampunkchat -9:19 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
Jenny_Schwartz @artificer13 Exactly. And sometimes we’ve beaten the muse to unconsciousness by worrying or other stuff #steampunkchat -9:19 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
SteampunkJulia When all else fails: travel #steampunkchat -9:19 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
artificer13 @Jenny_Schwartz the muse, alas, is somewhat ephemeral? #steampunkchat #CantForceInspiration -9:18 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
TarynKincaid RT @Jenny_Schwartz: Also, be kind to yourself. Sometimes you’re not working at your project for a reason. Deal with that #steampunkchat -9:17 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
VonMalcolm There are writing groups on Twitter that I hook up w/ to get out of a writing slump: #WordMongering #WritingSprint #1K1Hr etc #SteampunkChat -9:17 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
artificer13 @TCSteampunk Do you not find so much “wastage” to be disheartening? I am a terrible personal editor- v. depressing. #steampunkchat -9:17 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
JackBateswrites RT @TCSteampunk: delete 90% of it. #wasteoftime /actually, if it gets you around the block, not so much #steampunkchat -9:16 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
Jenny_Schwartz Also, be kind to yourself. Sometimes you’re not working at your project for a reason. Deal with that #steampunkchat -9:16 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
SteampunkJulia I hate to say it but surfing the internet (to the right sites) can be very inspiring. #steampunkchat -9:16 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
JackBateswrites @SteampunkJulia Reading aloud comes from days as a playwright/screenplay writer #steampunkchat -9:15 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
artificer13 I find much of my inspiration (both #steampunk & for Highland wear) in history, so browsing old accounts is v. inspiring. #steampunkchat -9:15 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
TCSteampunk When I am stuck I will write every little thing that comes to my mind. Then I go through and delete 90% of it. #wasteoftime #steampunkchat -9:14 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
SteampunkJulia @JackBateswrites I like that idea: reading aloud. I only do that when there are distractions… #steampunkchat -9:14 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
SteampunkJulia Read a book, go to a museum, listen to new music. #steampunkchat -9:13 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
JackBateswrites I’ll also put it aside and write something else. #steampunkchat -9:12 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
SteampunkJulia Talking to other creative people helps too. #steampunkchat -9:12 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
artificer13 @TCSteampunk Especially when using a head knife. Very dangerous to fingers when “in the wrong hands”. #steampunkchat -9:12 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
SteampunkJulia I find that going to a library is deeply inspiring. #steampunkchat -9:11 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
JackBateswrites I’ll print and read aloud. Listening for the rhythm of the scene. #steampunkchat -9:11 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
Jenny_Schwartz @SteampunkJulia *nodding* walk or going for a drive helps me, too #steampunkchat -9:11 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
TCSteampunk @artificer13 Yes! If you find you start headbobbing too much you need to turn the tune! #steampunkchat -9:11 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
SteampunkJulia Moving from typing to handwriting to audio voice recorder…or just getting up and taking a walk. Change of pace. #steampunkchat -9:10 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
JackBateswrites @SteampunkJulia I like that. #steampunkchat -9:10 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
Jenny_Schwartz Stepping away from computer & putting pen to paper helps me #steampunkchat -9:10 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
Jenny_Schwartz @TCSteampunk @artificer13 Now you’re talking! #steampunkchat -9:09 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
SteampunkJulia Surrealist say: Sit in an easy chair. Put key in hand. Doze off. When key hits the floor, note thoughts at the edge of sleep #steampunkchat -9:09 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
JackBateswrites I also buy up Moleskine paperback pocket journals I always carry with me, #steampunkchat -9:09 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
TCSteampunk @Jenny_Schwartz @artificer13 Ben & Jerry can be very motivating #steampunkchat -9:09 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
artificer13 @TCSteampunk Excellent! I find right music 2Ba huge motivator. But must find balance btw “energetic” & “too angry to work” #steampunkchat -9:08 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
JackBateswrites I mull. I’ve crumpled so many sheets of paper I had to come up with a better system. #steampunkchat -9:07 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
Jenny_Schwartz Chocolate’s always helpful 
#steampunkchat -9:07 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
artificer13 @LiaKeyes LOL, Not me! I’m arm deep in leather dye. All I’m doing this month is prepping for #Teslacon. #steampunkchat #NaNoWriMo -9:07 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
TCSteampunk @artificer13 Oh deadlines… I usually end up eating half the fridge… but then I turn up the music that gets me going #steampunkchat -9:06 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
artificer13 @TCSteampunk A change is definitely good way to go, if you can. What can you do if there’s a deadline & no time 4 a change? #steampunkchat -9:03 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
LiaKeyes Who’s doing #NaNoWriMo this month? #steampunkchat -9:03 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
SteampunkJulia RT @artificer13: Join tonite’s #Steampunkchat for “Fighting the Creative Block” getting past mental walls. starting NOW http://t.co/mrcOuq8H -9:02 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
TCSteampunk Good evening! Great topic… Taking a step away & working on something else is how I cope with blocks #steampunkchat -9:01 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
NobleBeastBooks RT @artificer13: Join tonite’s #Steampunkchat for “Fighting the Creative Block” getting past mental walls. starting NOW http://t.co/xxocdD4M -9:01 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
artificer13 Greetings to all. Tonite we talk about creative block and how we get around it. Have you dealt w/this recently? #steampunkchat -9:00 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
Jenny_Schwartz Re-jigged Tweetdeck so I can follow #GCoz and #steampunkchat -8:35 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
drmgrl99dawn RT @artificer13: Join tonite’s #Steampunkchat for “Fighting the Creative Block” -getting past mental walls. 9pmEDT 6pmPDT http://t.co/p7p4vbmB … #steampunk -8:35 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
Jenny_Schwartz RT @artificer13: Join tonite’s #Steampunkchat for “Fighting the Creative Block” -getting past mental walls. 9pmEDT 6pmPDT http://t.co/p7p4vbmB … #steampunk -8:34 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
artificer13 2hrs until #Steampunkchat! Tonite’s topic- “Fighting the Creative Block” -getting past mental walls. http://t.co/p7p4vbmB … … #steampunk -6:48 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
frosty_wolpy I’m ready for tonight’s tweetchat talk! #steampunkchat -4:33 PM Nov 2nd, 2012
