Writing is Hard Work
Why is writing so difficult?
There are lots of reasons. Some of it is mindset. Maybe you’re feeling anxious that day or out of sorts. You might be distracted with a busy calendar or feeling overwhelmed with other responsibilities. Or, it could be simpler: the location, time of day, hunger level, being tired, or my personal specialty, just procrastinating!
You have to tell yourself, it’s time to write and then ask, “What do I need to do to support that?” Good light? A comfy chair? An uncluttered writing space? A quiet place? Maybe head to a coffee shop or library where you’re less likely to be distracted by chores or people at home. Turn off your cell phone or put it on silent. Really dedicate that time for you and your own thoughts. Let friends and family know it’s YOUR time. Have a routine and set some boundaries so you aren’t disturbed.
Ignite Your Inner Author
Starting is probably the hardest. Successful writers say having that routine and set writing time helps the productive process. Meet weekly with other writers to check on your progress and get some feedback. Or, take a weekend and attend a writing conference or retreat so you can improve your skills, get inspired and dedicate big blocks of structured time to write.
Be Willing to Feel Naked
Something many of us find challenging is allowing yourself to be vulnerable. My friend Heather said, “Writing is vulnerability on a page!” She said it probably wasn’t an original thought, but I heard it from her first.
Of course, letting yourself be vulnerable can be scary, but it’s important! If you’re honest in your writing, it will show on the page and make for more powerful copy. You also get the benefit of processing your own emotions.
When I wrote Spontaneous Revolutions: Seeing America One Pedal at a Time, I was able to better work through my husband’s passing by reliving the cross-country bicycle journey we took together. It helped me personally and, I’m told, was reflected in the book.
You Are Good Enough
Fear is another reason we sometimes don’t want to write. We say, I don’t deserve to publish or share my thoughts. No one will care. I can’t write as well as other people.
Yes, there are writers who are just as good or better than you -- always. But that doesn’t matter. Losing the fear is key. Try replacing it with trust. You don’t want anything holding you back from starting or at least trying! Build your confidence in whatever way works best for you: take classes to improve your skills, find a coach or join a writers’ group.
Just Write
So what if your copy isn’t quite there yet? You don’t have to show anyone the first draft or second or third. Sometimes this advice can derail the best of plans. Authors, even great ones, write and rewrite pages all the time. The way I do it is to get my thoughts down first. Just throw it out there. Worry about editing later. I find, it’s too distracting to do both.
Also, remember writing is a skill, like anything else, and can be improved with practice. And then more practice!
A (not so) Secret Weapon
And here’s a key to success … Editors! They’re amazing! When the copy is as good as you can get it, show it to a pro. They offer excellent advice, good grammar skills and an objective perspective. An editor can fine tune your story and make it sing. They also ask tough questions, help fill in blanks because you might be too close to the subject matter and sometimes offer encouragement when needed.
Writing is hard, yes, but it’s also fun. And once you’re rolling it gets easier.
What I have come to realize is how much I respect people who write well. I’ve always admired the ability to string a group of interesting words together and set a scene, draw readers into another world, explain a complicated situation with ease or create magic. It’s hard work and takes true commitment to sit down and do it yourself.
Kudos to all the authors out there who make it happen!