Trouble Writing? You've Got Company!

 

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. 

Sometimes Trouble Is OK

This quote had me nodding my head and also chuckling a bit. If writing proved to be a pure cinch every time we sat down at our computer or took pad and pencil in hand, would we get the thrill that we get when we struggle with a writing project that finally bears fruit? Doubtful.

If writing was so easy, wouldn't everyone give it a try? Possibly. Once in awhile, an idea comes to us for a story and it almost seems to write itself. Our fingers are on the keyboard but the words flow from who-knows-where? That does happen but not on an everyday basis.

Most of the time, we do struggle with what we write. It might be only one paragraph that gives trouble or one verse of a poem but we want to get it right. One poor section can taint the entire piece.

How many times can you rewrite one paragraph? Until it feels right to you! Whether that's twice or twenty, redo it until you are comfortable with it. Is this why some novelists say their book took 4 years (or more) to write? Maybe that's part of the reason.

We've discussed revising and re-editing many times so maybe it means there is something vital about doing so. Beginning writers all too often finsih a first draft and call it complete. It's a rare first draft that is ready for submission. Seasoned writers know that rewriting is key to publishing.  Even writers who can claim many publications have trouble writing in one respect or another.

I know a woman who writes wonderful prose but she struggles mightily with finding a title that sings, one that draws readers. Another writes wonderful essays but fails when she gets to the final paragraph or two. A good essay deserves, and needs, a good ending. Same with a fiction piece. An exciting story must stay exciting right to the final punctuation mark in the last paragraph. others have difficulty with opening hooks.

Trouble writing? We all experience it. Some of us have learned how to overcome the problems of various kinds. We work hard to end up with a finished piece of writing that is publishable and also satisfies us, the writer. Writing is hard but those who love it soldier on no matter how many problems they experience.

If you have trouble writing, remember that you're in good company. The vast majority of us are right there with you.