By Elisa Heisman and Rachel Kobin
Do you wake up every morning intending to write something? Most of us start our days meaning to journal, write a Haiku, draft a personal essay, conquer that long list of blog ideas, tackle the next chapter of a novel, and so on. But then life gets in the way. Whether it’s that endless to-do list or a more profound reason, something always seems to prevent forward motion, and creative dreams get pushed off for another day.
Let’s tackle four of those reasons and help you move beyond them.
1. “I’m too busy to write.”
Between your career, caring for children and parents, spending time with loved ones, doing schoolwork, and your weekly pickleball games, you may have told yourself that you don’t have time to write. But actually, you do.
You would be surprised how much writing you can accomplish in 15 minutes! Set a timer and just start. See what happens. Want to write more than 15 minutes a day? Great. If you’re a morning person, wake up an hour early and start your day by writing. Not a morning person? No problem. Instead of watching a rerun of Friends (no judgment!), turn the TV off, quarantine your phone, get out your notebook, or turn your laptop on and write.
2. “I don’t have a writing space.”
You don’t need to have the perfect setup. While we would all like to sit in a quiet room with a view and inspiring music playing, it’s a bit unrealistic. Instead, choose a notebook that works for you at home and on the go. Write whatever you can, wherever you are. Many writers have written masterpieces while on the road.
3. “I’m not a real writer.”
Imposter syndrome affects new and experienced writers alike.
Self-doubt, fear of failure or success, perfectionism — any set of neuroses diagnosed or undiagnosed can lead to anxiety, procrastination, and a serious—but temporary—state of stuck-ness. Here are just a few ways to combat these feelings and begin writing:
- Don’t worry about quality, just start writing. As Anne Lamott says in her book, “Bird by Bird,” write “…a shitty first draft.” You can always edit later, but you can’t edit a blank page.
- Tell yourself you can’t write ever again. For some, and you know who you are, this will have you pouring words out page after page.
- Set a timer for five minutes and tell yourself you can only write for five minutes. Lower your expectations; write whatever comes to mind, no matter how nonsensical.
- Join and participate in a supportive and friendly writing community. Workshops offer a safe space for writers to share their fears and work and receive constructive and encouraging feedback. If you’re not a group person, private coaching can jumpstart you out of a rut and keep you going.
4. “There are so many books like mine out there.”
In the history of storytelling, the authorities have determined there are only nine plots. Some say seven, others six, and if comedian George Carlin could get the Ten Commandments down to two, we could probably do the same for storylines. However, no one tells a story the way you do. As you write, no matter the quality of your output, you are establishing your unique voice. So, never compare yourself to anyone but you. Strive to determine what you do like no one else, what your strengths are, and focus on fully developing them.
Above all, have fun!
It’s wise not to expect much external affirmation for your writing. If you do pursue publishing, you will receive many rejections before that first acceptance. It’s even possible to never receive a yes. This is why it’s critical to enjoy the process itself. Of course, there are times when you’re writing that will be uncomfortable or difficult, but overall, finding satisfaction in the act itself is the true key to success as a writer.
