Writer’s Frustrations
8 Ways to Overcome Them
It is not just the writer's job to write, but they also have to manage their time and their creativity. There are many things that can cause a writer's frustration. For example, I spend too much time concentrating on how my readers will receive my words. This article will cover what some of the biggest frustrations of writing are for me, and how I overcome them.
ONE | Distractions
Sometimes writers get distracted from their work by all the other things that happen around them. Whether it's the phone ringing, the doorbell chiming, or just the sound of people talking in the background, distractions can be tough to ignore. It's important to have a suitable space to write, free from distractions. Learn to understand the difference between “work” and “non-work” and take breaks from writing in order to prevent burnout. If you're having trouble focusing on your work, try turning off your phone and/or shutting the door to your work area. Writer's often benefit from having a space where they can let their mind wander and think about what they are writing. Fight to stay in the zone. Don’t let yourself, your thoughts and ideas become your biggest distracter.
TWO | Personal Expectations
I have always loved the sound of words. I love the way they can transport you to a new place and give you an entirely new perspective on things. Words have always been my escape from reality, my way of taking a break from my everyday life. I write because it's a way for me to release stress and anxiety. It's a way for me to work through my feelings and express myself in a creative way. I believe that writing has the power to change people's lives and help them see the world differently.
When I first started writing, I had no idea what I was doing, but I was really excited. I had this idea that I was going to become a published author and I would make a living off of my writing. After a while, though, I realized it would not happen overnight or, perhaps, never, and the reality of it all hit me. I came into the game bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, but really had no expectation of what all was involved in becoming a professional writer.
I remember having a profound sense of disappointment after publishing my first book because I had set such high expectations for myself. I spent a lot of time worrying that what I put out was nowhere near ready, and, in fact, it wasn’t. My mistake was I got caught up in the excitement of it all and did not understand the rules of the engagement. Now my biggest personal expectation is to continue to improve my skills and exercise patience prior to getting into the publishing process.
THREE | Staying Focused
There are many things that can distract you while you are writing. One of the most common distractions is when you feel anxious about what you are writing. When you feel anxious about your work, it's hard to stay focused. If you are feeling anxious or stressed, try taking a break from writing for a few minutes and then coming back and finishing what you were working on. When you take breaks, your brain will reset and focus better.
Start by setting goals for yourself and then setting goals for your writing career. For example, if you want to become a published author, set a goal of writing one book in the next year. Set a goal of writing 1,000 words a day. This might seem impossible at first, but remember that it is just a goal and not something that will happen overnight. By working towards your goals it will help you stay focused and motivated as a writer.
Some good ways to stay focused is to write in a journal or keep a running list of ideas you have for your writing project. I mentally scan ahead for different character settings and jot those ideas down as I go. It helps me to stay focused on the task at hand and prevent outside distractions from popping up. I use any method available to jot down notes before they become distractors. I use my phone’s dictation app, an iPad, Post-it notes, or the back of my hand. Just about anything will do
FOUR | Focusing on Fear
Fear is a powerful emotion. While it can have serious negative effects, it can also be a powerful motivator which can help us achieve our goals. However, when fear becomes too much of a burden, it can hinder our ability to think clearly, perform well, and function normally. Consider how difficult it is to write about things that make you feel vulnerable, and then realize it's a necessary part of the process.
The fear of writing is one of the most difficult hurdles for any writer. It's natural to be afraid of what other people will think of your work, but remember that you are the only one who gets to decide how you write. There are many reasons writers focus on fear when they write. Some writers may focus on fear because they want to create the perfect piece of writing. In order to overcome this fear and write, it's important to stay positive and remember why you're doing it. Someone will always dislike your style, your tone, you work. The goal is to be yourself and hope the number of dislikes is in a minority.
The fear of writing is something that many people struggle with. It's hard to sit down and put your thoughts on paper without knowing what you are going to say. However, writing is a great way to express your thoughts and feelings. It's also a good way to keep track of your feelings and the events that have happened in your life. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the fear of writing, find a journal to write in or write a couple of paragraphs about the first thing that pops into your head after you wake up. The goal is to practice writing, always, every day, write something
FIVE | Overthinking
I like to write. It is my way of expressing myself and I find it very therapeutic. However, I often overthink my writing and end up with a lot of drafts and revisions. Sometimes I feel like the more I revise, the worse my writing gets. It's good sometimes to just let the writing sit for a while before going back to it. This will give your subconscious time to work on it and make it better.
It's hard to focus on what you're doing when you're so caught up in your own thoughts. To avoid overthinking your writing, try limiting the time you spend on it. If you write for a certain amount of time and then stop, you'll find that you're more relaxed and able to focus more clearly on the task when you return to it. Overthinking is something I deal with regularly, but I’m getting better at applying methods to overcome it.
SIX | Writing Fatigue
Writing fatigue is frustrating, an emotional drain, and adversely affects confidence. Overcoming writing fatigue can be difficult, but it can be done. It all starts with recognizing the signs of fatigue. The most common sign is feeling like you can't think straight. Like so many other obstacles to writing, you can deal with it by taking a break. Breaks from writing projects for me can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few weeks. Things are always better after the break though.
Writing can be very difficult and tiring, but it's also rewarding. Many people feel overwhelmed by the thought of writing their first novel, but it's important to remember that every step along the way is an achievement. Set small goals for yourself and remember to celebrate your achievements along the way.
One of my favorite tricks to help overcome writing fatigue, especially after taking a break, is to attack the page. Don’t overthink, don’t procrastinate, don’t talk yourself out of it. Just start writing. Write anything. Meander if you must, but start writing. I’ve found that when I do this, words jump right out of my brain and onto the page. Are they always the right words? Of course not. The goal is to get the thought down on paper. Correcting those wrong words comes during the editing phases.
SEVEN | Weak Writing
I sometimes find it hard to be creative and come up with new ideas for my writing. I have found that the best way to overcome this weakness is to do more writing in different formats. For example, when I’m stuck on what to write, I’ll take a stab at writing a song or poem, or actually a street rhyme, as I have zero poetic prowess. I’ll admit I suck at both, but it helps me break out of a writing rut.
Writing is a complicated process. There are many factors that can influence your quality of work. From time management to self-doubt, there are many things that can make writing difficult. One way I’ve found to improve my writing is to record myself reading excerpts and listening to it during my work commute. It helps me practice rhythm and to identify bad habits.
It's not always easy to stay focused and keep going when you are struggling with a piece of writing. Try setting a timer for yourself. If you want to write for 30 minutes, set the timer for 30 minutes and then write for 30 minutes. It can be difficult at first, but once you get into the habit, it will get easier and easier.
In order to overcome weak writing, it's important to start with the basics. The first step is to be aware of your weak points. What are the things that you struggle with when writing? For example, I struggle with detail, so I practice that skill in different ways. I find it useful and gives me options for improvement.
EIGHT | Finding Your Solitude
Writing is a lonely business. It’s best done in a distraction-free environment. My writing time is in the middle of the night. There’s just me, my thoughts, and getting them down on paper.
When I brainstorm ideas and just need some time to write, I like to find a place where I'm alone. I choose a quiet corner away from other people. For instance, I have thoughts and need a quiet spot. One of my go to sources of solitude is in the parking lot at work. It’s quiet, and I have no anxiety about someone ringing the doorbell or popping over for a visit. I take that time before heading into the office to hammer out those thoughts on my iPad or phone. The feeling of my fingers typing on the glass screen is all that matters.
Finding time for yourself to write is hard, but it is necessary. Without this time to focus on your writing, you will find it harder and harder to concentrate and you might even give up. But with some planning and a little creativity, you can find the time to write. When you do, you’ll find it usually pays off.
Conclusion
As a writer, sometimes it's tough to find inspiration or to find that "aha" moment that will propel your creative juices. Writing can be challenging. With the tips given in this post, I hope to have given you some motivation to get your words out there. If you have questions or feedback, please use the contact form. I always respect your privacy. No email address is required for filling out the contact form unless, of course, you want a response.
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