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Common Obstacles Writers Face ( And How To Get Over Them)

By on August 10, 2017
Common Obstacles Writers Face ( And How To Get Over Them) - Writer's Life.org

There are many obstacles writers have to face, but if we want to achieve our end goal - which for most is finishing our novels, we must learn to recognise these obstacles and find ways to navigate around them, or better still, bulldoze through them and never let them stand in our way!

So what are the most common obstacles that writers face and what can we do about them?

Giving up too quickly

Writing a novel can be a daunting experience, and if you’ve never tried before, the romantic notion of what it might be like is quickly dispelled once you get going. Just remember that it is so worth it in the end. You’ll feel amazing if you finish your novel and always wonder ‘what if’ if you don’t.

Comparing oneself to others

It’s easy to compare yourself to those writers you admire, however doing so can leave you feeling rather inadequate. Instead let great writers inspire you, but remember you have your own unique way of writing, and they too struggled and doubted themselves before they got famous . So keep going and you never know, one-day people could be reading your books and comparing themselves to your brilliance!

Going too quickly

If you are going to write a book, then try to write it properly. You might be desperate to get it done, but if doing so means you aren’t writing your best, you’ll only end up re-reading your book at the end and realising it was all a bit of a waste of time. Writing a book is generally a slow process. Help yourself by having a realistic writing schedule and sticking to it.

Going too slowly

At the same time if you write too slowly you’ll feel like you are getting nowhere and that you’ll never finish - which can lead to giving up altogether. Again, by creating a writing schedule you can avoid procrastinating and will get into a good writing routine.

Self-sabotage, self-deprecation, self-destruction

Writer’s all go through stages where they are filled with self-doubt, and negative thoughts, and if these get out of control can lead to self-sabotage where we convince ourselves we are so worthless and awful at writing we shouldn’t bother continuing to torture ourselves any longer. It’s very difficult not to have moments of self-doubt, however recognising that every writer goes through the same, and learning that being negative won’t help you, is the best way to get over it and move on.

Assuming we know best

Sometimes writers can make incorrect assumptions about what editors want and how they should submit their work to them. If you have made it all the way to the stage where you can submit your work, don’t ruin it by not following submission guidelines. Always read submission guidelines and follow them exactly - it’s as simple as that.

Never letting go

We all put so much into our work that, at times, it can feel very difficult to let it go, finally step back, and truly believe it is ready to be shared. If we refuse to let go of our work we could end up ruining it, over editing it, or simply holding onto it for so long we lose all motivation to do anything with it. We must learn when enough is enough. If you have edited your manuscript and put everything in place to make it as good as it can be, it’s time to let go.

These are all common roadblocks which authors face, but by recognising them and knowing how to deal with each one as it appears, you give yourself a much better chance of being a happy, healthy and successful author.

Bethany Cadman -author of 'Doctor Vanilla's Sunflowers'

Bethany Cadman -author of 'Doctor Vanilla's Sunflowers'

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