Welcome to the Hypergraphic Loft

All of these terms are overlapping and, in some cases, interchangeable labels that identify patterns of writing that can be unhelpful or even dangerous to writers if not managed properly.

Specifically, they can be fairly accurately defined as follows:

hypergraphia - a state in which an artist uses visual symbols such as letters, numbers, drawings, pictographs, etc. to record their thoughts obsessively or compulsively. 

graphomania - a state in which an artist uses visual symbols such as letters, numbers, drawings, pictographs, etc. to record their thoughts obsessively or compulsively and usually has a desire to share or be recognized the art that results

scribomania - a state in which a writer uses written language record their thoughts obsessively or compulsively. 

logohorrea - a somewhat disparaging term to refer to nonsensical or illogical output resulting from hypergraphia.

hypographia in the context of our work here is a relatively recent neologism meant to capture the feeling of needing to create but not having the ability to do so at the moment 

For more info about some terms used here, try looking at our thesaurus

But then what's the difference?

Well, it's really about how you chose to label what you're doing at the moment. In my opinion (Loft speaking), it's really all about what kind of thing you're making (writing, drawing, etc.) and whether or not you want people to see it.

If it doesn't involve writing words, it is probably either hypergraphia or graphomania as "graph" can refer to drawings and symbols as well as written words. If you don't want to share it, it is probably either hypergraphia or logohorrea 

These traits and patterns of behavior are described differently by anyone who tends to experience a state of mania or hypomania related to writing. However, most artists can relate in some way to the struggle to develop and manage a healthy artistic process and balance between their creative life. 

For more info about some terms used here, try looking at our thesaurus

To explain it in a simple way, all those long words are words for people who feel like they are writing or creating too much or too little art. They are just ways of labeling a pattern of behavior.

1. Remember you are not alone. Arists have struggled with making too much or too little art since humans invented written language, and we will continue to do so unless and until we stop doing that.

2. Identify your best supports. Think about anyone you know who you have shared your writing or your writing process in the past

3. Reach out to your supports. Your support system has already shown they care about you. They want to help you if you are struggling.

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Creating art is a personal process for everyone, and if you want to make big changes to your process, 

Before taking sudden action on this front, consider thinking about the follow:

• what isn't working about your current creative process?

• what do you want to happen if you do change your whole approach?

• what is the best thing that could come from changing your process?

• what is the worst thing

Often, step-by-step incremental change is more effective and sustainable than trying to change everything everywhere all at once (to borrow a phrase).

Whenever you make a change, remember to work with yourself instead of against yourself

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It's okay to be concerned about your art and what it means -- every artist is passionate about that.

In this moment, I would encourage you to:

1. Take a deep breath

2. Take a moment to try to center your thoughts

3. Think about the underlying problem you are worried about

4. Talk to an ally or support person in your life about your concerns

5. Make a plan for gradual change when you are ready

Hypergraphia is a common behavior for people with a range of experiences, wants, and needs. If you are looking for a precise label, consult a qualified mental health professional. If you want to chat about supports or resources,find someone you trust.

As you navigate this question, I encourage you to seek outside opinions from people you trust. I also recommend that you treat yourself gently and kindly as you work through these questions. 

In this moment, I would gently encourage you to be mindful of the space you are in right now. If you feel the need to correct someone's art (which is very different from critiquing someone's art), please try these steps before contacting them:

1. Take a deep breath. It is almost always good to pause before making a decision like this.

2. Think about what you want mean before you say anything. 

The key to incorporating new tools into your own creative process is often to ask your self what you want to use the tool for and whether tool is helpful to your goals. 

If you are thinking about challenging someone else's creative process, try asking yourself questions like "why am I concerned" or "do I think asking about it will help or harm myself and my community?"

This section will be actively updated regularly in order to assist writers as they continue to navigate the rapidly available tools for creating art with words and visual symbols.

For now, I recommend checking out Writer's Flock on Discord or talking through your process with someone you trust.

Feel free to email hypergraphic.loft@gmail.com for this. 

Loft himself is currently working on adding resources across the site and Discord. He would be delighted to hear from you in the Discord server once it is up and running!

For typos and text correction, contact Loft directly clearly state where the issue is and what is incorrect.

For other concerns, explain your concern as clearly as you can, and we will work with you to figure out what we can do.