Writers are often romanticized for their ability to weave stories from seemingly thin air. However, it is not all pretty. Most writers will tell you that as rewarding as it is, the process is also grueling. Some you may have heard before, and others maybe not, but here are some challenges writers face, along with how to combat them.
1. Writer's Block
Our sworn nemesis. Writer's block is something that plagues us, seemingly when we want to be productive the most. Writer's block is defined as being unable to think of what to write or struggling to continue writing for some time.
There are some simple and effective ways that you can keep writer's block from making a regular appearance within your routine. Some of those include:
Taking a break (whether that's taking a walk, stretching, or looking at something else for a bit)
Eliminating distractions
Reading a book
Utilizing writing prompts (to gain a new perspective & free write)
Most of all, don't beat yourself up for being in a slump. It happens to the best of us, and it will go away.
2. Research
Researching your story can be tiresome, no matter what the topic is. For those in fantasy, looking up supernatural facts and magical rules can be just as tiresome for those writing realistic fiction, where settings must reflect the real world.
I find that it is always helpful to make a separate page with all this information. It's sometimes easy to forget small details when you're halfway into a book. This page can be your cheat sheet! You can even add details about your characters as well.
3. Distractions
I would be a hypocrite if I said that I am an expert in avoiding distractions. They are everywhere, and thanks to the rise of technology, our attention spans are getting shorter and shorter as we intake all this quick content. Fortunately, distractions can still be avoided by taking certain steps such as:
Turning your phone on silent (or putting it on airplane mode)
Closing all unnecessary tabs on your computer
Clearing your workspace of everything except essentials
Setting a timer to work, and giving yourself a break after
Finding a quiet spot to work
4. Rejections
They're going to happen. You get that email or that letter in the mail, and it can feel like all your hard work was for nothing. Whether it's for a book you wanted to get published or something submitted to a magazine, rejections are inevitable. There's no real way to avoid them, but there is a different way to think of them.
Rejections are not the end of the world. It is a sign that you made a leap of faith. Make an effort to remember that, and also to remember that just because your writing didn't fit that particular company's theme/genre, doesn't mean it won't be amazing for another. Listen to the criticism you're given, take a break if you need to, and keep going!
5. Feast vs. Famine
This is something that I go through very often. There will be this huge burst of productivity, your hands and mind will be on the same page (pun intended), and you will be on top of the world with how easily everything flows. Then, just like that, the feast turns to famine. You get writer's block, lose the motivation, and it seems like you're at a standstill again.
For times like this, it is best to ride out the feast and battle the famine. When the words come easy, write, and then keep writing some more. When the famine comes, try to get your creativity back. Write even when you don't want to because there will be times when you have to.
6. Editing While Writing
If you haven't checked out Shitty First Drafts by Anne Lamott, I highly recommend it.
It is so tempting to go line by line and edit, watching every little imperfection disappear before your eyes. But, editing is not writing.
The writing process is messy. It is full of spelling errors, awkward dialogue, and nondescript descriptions. The fact is, there will be first drafts, then seconds, then thirds. You are allowed to be messy in your writing. There will always be time to edit afterward, so give yourself the time to get your thoughts down first.
Hopefully, this will help to identify and combat writing challenges! No matter what, don't give up your passion. Keep pushing, and something extraordinary may be around the corner :)
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