Surviving The Writing Experience
I have encountered many aspiring writers who face challenges while working on their manuscripts and I am one of them. Writing a book is a significant undertaking that requires discipline, patience, and perseverance. However, many writers struggle with various pitfalls that hinder their progress.
One of the most common challenges writers face is writer’s block. This occurs when the writer cannot think of new ideas or struggles to put their thoughts into words. Writer’s block can be frustrating and demotivating, leading to procrastination and loss of momentum.
I’m looking in the mirror here, so to speak, but some writers are their own worst enemy. I’m talking about that annoying condition called self-doubt. Doubting yourself and your writing abilities is, unfortunately, a hurdle writers face. It can lead to anxiety, a lack of confidence, and even writer’s block. As writers, we can struggle to believe in ourselves and our work. This can cause us to second-guess our ideas or even abandon of our projects altogether.
Making time to write can be a perpetual problem. Let’s face it, balancing writing with other responsibilities such as work, family, and social life can also be a challenge. It can be hard to find time to write consistently, and the pressure to manage multiple responsibilities can affect the quality of writing.
Looking for a solution? Fortunately, there are a few solutions to these writer’s struggles. One of the most effective ways to combat writer’s block is to take a break from writing and engage in other creative activities. This can stimulate new ideas and provide fresh perspectives. Time management is helpful–in fact, crucial. Set realistic deadlines, prioritize writing time, learn to say no to distractions. Make writing a priority. Setting a routine and writing every day can help build discipline and improve your writing skills.
Overcoming self-doubt can be tricky but victory can be achieved by focusing on your writing strengths. Don’t be so hard on yourself, we all go through it; give yourself the right to stray from the writer’s path so practice self-compassion. Try setting achievable goals and allow yourself to celebrate small victories along the way. Joining a writing group or seeking feedback from other writers can help boost confidence and provide constructive criticism.
I think with these solutions in mind, we writers and aspiring writers can overcome these hurdles and complete our manuscripts and other writing projects with confidence.
I’m one of the few people who say writer’s block is BS. I’ve been in creative for $ for over 50 years (different medium) and writer’s or anyone else involved in the arts are their own worst enemies when it comes to getting in their own way. The cosmic radio is always on. Sitting down and demanding a concept of your self is antithetical to the creative process. McCartney said the only time he ever tried to write a song he couldn’t. The songs are out there. Writer’s make more agonizing noises than anyone except some painters, but all you have to do is sit down and invite the story. They’re out there. I say to myself, out loud to the cosmic stream, this would make a great book… And the characters show up. People ask me, how do come up with these characters and the truth is, I don’t. They show up and start talking and I transcribe. Louis L’Amour, though I don;t write westerns, told his daughter who’d asked why are you typing so fast, “Because I want to see how it ends.”
Yeah, getting it on the page sans slop can be arduous. Straightening out bad logic in paragraph and sentence structure but if you listen you don’t start with crap. Hemmingway’s “Start with one good sentence,” is an excellent idea. And they’re out there as gifts waiting for someone to listen.
Academics and Historians can ignore most of that. Fiction writers? Writer’s block is our own fault, and inexcusable.
Well said, Phil. “Writers Block” is likely another term for “everything else in life is hindering me from tuning in to the cosmic stream.” WB is also a great excuse to indulge in laziness.
🤣
I know this is a real thing, Jack, and it’s hard for writers to break through. It’s never really been a problem for me though, for a few reasons. The first is that I’m pretty disciplined, so I’ll force myself to stick with it “for another hour” even if it’s torture. I’m also an outliner, so I know what comes next even if it isn’t flowing, even if what I write is crap. And finally, I recognize that drafts are drafts and it’s perfectly fine if the writing is awful. That’s why we edit. 😀 Happy Writing!
Outlining is an excellent idea. Thank you D. Wallace!
Pantsers will hate that idea, lol, but it does help battle writer’s block. 😀