I started writing this post with the idea in mind that I really like the groundhog or time loop stories. I was going to write a short summary of each of those in the list above and briefly explain that the idea of studying everything under the sun is very pleasing to me and that I’d wish I was in the MC’s shoes.
But not once did I read any of those stories even up to 50% of translated chapters.
Then I had some stuff in real life happening these past few weeks and although it was not exactly a writer’s block but close to, so I had time to think instead of writing the first thing that came into my head.
Some t-shirt I once saw said that writer’s block is when your imaginary friends stop talking to you, and I believe that communication goes both ways. Anyway, back to time loops.
So I tried to understand why I didn’t get through even half the novel from the list above.
First let’s take away the obvious reasons like mtl in 1000 lives and harem in the FFF’s case, which are not something I like to read unless the story absolutely mesmerizes me, but also each of the stories above have one thing in common.
At least in the first few chapters of each of those novels the time loop was forced upon the MC.
It was not their choice.
Although Swordmaster does (spoiler alert) tend to chose his groundhog situation, but the reason behind it is not because he is a geek like me, but, well not gonna spoil it more than this. However, overall the time loop was forced on those characters.
Most of them, at least in the first part of those novels, really disliked their situations and the fact that they could not end those repetitions or alter their situation like in the automode case.
Secondly, although the idea of fixing my past mistakes is very pleasing to me, sadly, in reality, we can’t do that on repeat. Or we don’t remember if we have lived this life before, but that’s a can of different worms and let’s keep a lid on it for now.
This past month gave me a few wake up calls in several areas of my life. I am lazy, yes, but also I’m a dreamer, an artist and I’ve been practicing writing recently with a hope to publish.
I even tried my hand at time loop stories, rather tricky to write, I must say. But the truth is, I was using writing as another way to avoid reality.
My life is not on a time loop, and I can’t get the past back. Perhaps writing this post, or keeping the thought that I promised Wujigege to write it at the back of my mind, helped me see it more clearly.
I don’t know. Honestly, I was tempted to tell Wujigege that I’m not gonna be writing anything anytime soon, but that would just be pure laziness as this short post did not take that much time to write.
And usually when I say I will not do such or such then it just somehow happens that I do that straight away. Perhaps those MCs in the groundhog stories also wished to be lazy at times, but they picked themselves up and worked on doing whatever it is the author wanted them to achieve in their fictional lives without giving up.
I guess that sort of motivation and determination are the things that make those time loop stories fun to read. I often do wish I was as hardworking as those characters and had a one-track mind to just complete my goals or tasks.
Probably you could say I’m slightly jealous of those MCs, and I guess that’s why I’d recommend those groundhog stories to readers who need something to do on a cold November evening.
Stay warm, people, and drive safely.
Hearts,
AK88