to all zine writers/lovers: i seriously need inspiration.

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I'm going to keep my questions brief, because i kind of wanted to intertwine my feelings about what i want to publsh with what others suggest. here are some things i wanted to ask regarding getting a legit project off the ground:

A) What personally inspired your zine and how did you keep everything organized (or your favorite zine author did), from each section in its place to all sorts of ideas and concepts?

B) Is there any possible way that I can spark my own inspiration without needing much influence?

C) If i find that i get distracted or have a huge chunk of creative block halfway through finishing my project, how can i keep it going and, if this can be answered, get it out there as my personal underground expression?

i would love to have at least one question answed, and even if you don't know much advice to reply in detail, give me your experiences with working and/or observing the zine world. i know some may say it's a waste of time, and i'm not afraid to hear it because zines can have an impact if they're nothing measly and meaningless, and distributed correctly.

thanks everyone who is sending suggestions!
xdjx

I'm not sure what kind of zine you are thinking of starting up, but I have run a music based webzine for almost 5 years now so will just offer some advice based on my own personal experience.

I would certainly advise that whatever it is you are wanting to do your zine about that you research what is already available and try and think of what you can offer that is slightly different. There's no harm in taking inspiration from other projects as long as it's not a total rip off. Also I think for it to work you need to be really passionate about what you're writing about, and also be willing to devote lots of time to it. If you're anything like me then if you're not passionate about a subject you'll quickly lose motivation.

I have a lot of problems with writers block, and it gets me down a hell of a lot - the worst thing is when this happens I beat myself up and tell myself I'm useless and convince myself I've forgotten how to write altogether. Best thing to do is to accept it, and if you feel too stressed out to write then go away and leave it for a day or two and wait until your head is more refreshed. Nothing more disheartening than staring at a blank screen for hours and then realising you've done absolutely nothing.

As for staying organised, I have a few methods although possibly will be different for you depending on what your zine is about. I keep excel spreadsheets of content that goes up for example, I have separate folders for different parts of the site to keep things tidy, and I have a notebook to keep a log of what I've done and what needs to be done. I try and set goals for myself all the time too, and will run through a mental checklist in the morning and last thing at night of what I plan to do on the site and when (eg. do some HTML coding after breakfast, write a review mid-morning, so on...) Also try and not be too strict with yourself - that's my biggest problem I take it too seriously when I probably shouldn't do!

thanks necroluciferia....very thoughtful input! if this is all i get for input from anyone i'm just as thankful. I'm just not sure based on my personal interests on how to make my zine completely and utterly unique with that underground touch still relevant to certain blogs that really touch a nerve. if you don't mind my rambling, you or anyone, thanks a lot, and i will move on with given advice in mind. xdjx