How much time do writers spend actually writing? Well…the truth is, it’s probably not as often as you think. Here are four things that can discourage or derail writers:
1. Dealing with English
Let’s just take a minute to appreciate how difficult English is. Sometimes the hardest thing about writing is getting around all the rules—which ones to follow and when (because that can change!).
But it’s not always the rules that give us problems. It’s our fussing about them, which leads to the next point:
2. Battling the Inner Critic
This is a huge struggle for most writers. The first draft of anything is bad…really, really bad. Honestly, it usually stinks. And that is hard for us to accept. However old or experienced we are (or think we are), we expect good work from ourselves—and we expect it right off the bat.
But in order to move forward, we must stop holding ourselves back. We should expect that our first draft will be cheesy, painful, clunky, and confusing to read. Anything better than that, and we’ll be impressed with ourselves. As my brother so eloquently says, “If you always expect disappointment, you will never be disappointed.” (Whether or not that’s true in every case is up for debate, but it does help writing-wise…)
Remember, we can always go back and rewrite. The key is getting our thoughts out there in the first place.
You can always edit a bad page. You can’t edit a blank page.
Jodi Picoult
3. Putting Ourselves Out There
This one is probably the most difficult for me. Especially when it comes to creative writing, we’re putting our hearts on the page whether we want to admit it or not.
Just like the themes, colors, and brushstrokes of a painting show an artist’s unique personality and flair, the themes, word choice, and structure of a piece of writing show an author’s personality and heart. Sometimes we just don’t want other people to see that. Sometimes we don’t even want to see it ourselves.
However, something to keep in mind is that writing—good, honest, vulnerable writing—is a way to help other people not only see the world from new angles but also perhaps work through something they’re struggling with. (Plus it can be pretty therapeutic for the writer!)
4. Being Creative
Creativity is hard work, kind of like sledding. It’s cold and wet, and you have to hike to the top of a steep hill before enjoying the privilege of zipping down the other side. Most of the time you spend sledding is actually spent climbing the hills; a very small amount is spent breezing down them. Nevertheless, it’s extremely rewarding—and fun!
Creativity is similar; you spend a lot of time weathering uncomfortable dry spells before you hit on an actual good idea at the same time that you strike the inspiration to carry it from your head to the page in a legible way. Nevertheless, it’s extremely rewarding—and fun!
So long story short, don’t give up. Be patient with yourself and with the process, and see where it takes you.
What is your biggest struggle when it comes to writing? What holds you back? Share with us in the comments below!
{Still need incentive? Check out our article on five reasons to write—even if you’re not a writer. To get more writing tips sent straight to your inbox, put your name and email in the sidebar on the right for my free weekly e-newsletter. Join today and also receive your free ebook, Bust Writer’s Block!}
My biggest struggle is a combo of 2 & 3… I have trouble reading my stuff and NOT hating it, which leads to me NOT putting myself out there 😬 This article is helpful, even to non-writers! Any artist can put this to use❤️
I can definitely relate to that! Thank you for the feedback! I’m glad this will be helpful in your other endeavors as well. 🙂
When I was writing my blog over a period of almost 3 years I had no problem putting my mainly essays “out there” by clicking “publish.” However I have problems w/ my inner critic when I write fiction. I’ve recently discovered John Truby’s “Anatomy of a Story” which I am finding quite helpful.
I did self-publish my blogs into three 500 page books, one of which is entered in the current Writer’s Digest contest for self-published books.
That’s awesome, Ann! I’m glad you have gone ahead and published your work. And congrats on entering a writing contest! I definitely struggle with my inner critic for both fiction and non-fiction, especially if it’s been a while since I’ve read it. 🙂 Thank you for the book recommendation!