Does this poster quote make you want to laugh? It might at first reading, but read it again and maybe once more. You might start taking it more seriously.
If writing was easy without any glitches, everyone would be a writer. Can you imagine the competitiveness in trying to get published? Maybe it's a good thing that writing is not a smooth slide down a ski hill. When we hit problem areas and then overcome them, we certainly appreciate having done so more than if we hadn't needed to work hard.
There are degrees to most all things. Some writers will face more trouble in writing than others. I think I can safely say that we all tend to run into a brick wall now and then. If it's only occasional, consider yourself fortunate. Those writers who have more than the average amount of trouble but still keep writing are dedicated and persevere. I applaud each one.
When you have a writer friend who is having difficulties, what do you do? Sit back and smirk because you've been there but had to work it out on your own? Or do you offer to take a look at the problem the other writer is having and offer some advice (if they are willing)? When I have a story or essay that just doesn't seem to be working, I go to my online critique group for help. More times than not, they can 'see' the problem immediately because they are looking with objective eyes. Never hesitate to ask for help from either one writer friend or your group.
When that 'trouble writing' situation comes up, have you learned to walk away for a day or two or more? It often allows you to find a solution the next time you read your draft. When you try to do it in the middle of writing, you're often too involved to see clearly. Take a break. It can help.
Have you ever worked on a story until you're blue in the face trying to figure out a better way to say in print what you already feel in your head and your heart? Sometimes translating from our inner writer to the real writer is very difficult. There are times when we are better off putting a draft in a file and forgetting about it. Move on to something new. Have you ever pulled out one of those old drafts and started working on it again? If you haven't, you should. Months, or even years, later, you may perceive it in a completely different way. Never destroy work that is giving you trouble. Save it for later, maybe much later.
Yes, every writer has some kind of trouble in his/her writing world. You're not alone. In fact, you have a great deal of company. It's all part of the writing journey, but how you deal with it is of great importance, too. Use some patience, ingenuity, and toss in a little humor now and then.
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