Chapter 1: The Unexpected Writing Challenge

What transpires when you combine a video game controller with the writing process? It was just as entertaining as you might expect, but writers have to keep creating, regardless of the circumstances.

Last March, I faced a significant setback when my cherished laptop was lost just as I was racing against a deadline for my copywriting task. The experience was heartbreaking, akin to losing both my computer and my job in one fell swoop.

What could I do in this predicament? Waiting for a new laptop would take over a month, and my phone's browser couldn't access the necessary text editor. I was determined not to abandon my deadlines.

Surprisingly, I discovered that an Xbox Series console could serve as a makeshift PC. This might demonstrate dedication rather than madness, though it was no easy feat. Everything that could have gone awry did go wrong, but I found a way to make it work.

To add to the chaos, I was in the middle of moving—this was my third move within a year. My spare keyboard was packed away in one of three different residences, and the one I was currently in wasn't it. (I still haven't located that keyboard!)

So, I resorted to borrowing an ancient, dusty keyboard and set to work. I connected it directly to the Xbox and began typing, my face perilously close to the medium-sized television screen.

It felt quite uncomfortable.

Unfazed, I attempted the unimaginable. Ever tried entering your login information using a game controller? Imagine attempting to compose a piece like that. If you're not familiar with gaming, picture using a TV remote for writing—it's a similar struggle.

Including a massive Google spreadsheet in the mix only adds to the confusion.

Part of my responsibilities involved collecting reviews and averaging them out on this extensive spreadsheet. I navigated up and down the grid, much like a panicked bull in a china shop, fearful that a single misstep could ruin everything. The chaos likely resembled a rogue effort, with the joystick cursor darting all over the screen.

It was a battle for control against the lag that came with handling so much data, an issue my old laptop had also grappled with.

All this was accomplished with a controller, doing whatever it took to get the job done. Commendable, or perhaps a bit crazy? I’m unsure.

With the controller, I managed the numbers, formatting, and any sections that contained fewer than fifteen words. Every painstaking letter was a challenge.

Fortunately, this was the only aspect of my task that required the controller. After some quick strategizing, I devised a method to type most of the content from my phone and project it onto the TV screen.

This experience made me yearn for the simpler times of writing with pen and paper.

I'd rather write on a mobile device—perhaps even a flip phone—or a typewriter. Pen and paper? Maybe even quill and parchment? Okay, the last example is a bit over the top, but you get my drift.

The urge to write was non-negotiable. Not just because it is my profession, but because writing is a vital part of my existence, and I'll do whatever it takes to keep it alive. I initiated my Medium page in late October 2022, right around my second move.

To say that I moved is an understatement.

My ex had a secret partner and left all my belongings out in the rain. I clicked the "publish" button on Medium for the first time while crashing at a relative's house.

In a strange twist, I find myself grateful for these experiences. Writing has always been integral to my life, but it was during this period that I realized it could also serve as a legitimate career. My lifelong love for writing transformed into a relentless source of motivation and determination.

Despite the hardships, I've emerged stronger.

Writing is my unwavering commitment.

I will continue to write, even when the odds are stacked against me. Even when my tools are broken or lost. Writing is my dream that has blossomed into a beautiful reality, and I refuse to abandon it.

I’ll write on paper, on my phone, and yes, even on a game console if that's what it takes. Now that's dedication.

We've all taken some wild measures to capture our thoughts—scribbling on napkins, leaping out of the shower to grab paper (before the idea slips away), or even writing on our own skin.

That's simply who we are.

Writers must write, right?

Chapter 2: Embracing the Challenges

Exploring the unconventional methods of writing can open new avenues of creativity and determination.

Discover the secrets of unconventional writing processes and how they can inspire you in your own writing journey.