Understanding the Struggles of Writing

I must confess: writing is not my favorite activity. This revelation might surprise some, especially as I’m about to share insights on the craft. Despite being a professional writer with numerous published works, including fiction, non-fiction, and marketing materials, I often find myself battling my disdain for the process.

The idealized vision of a writer deeply engrossed in their art—perhaps perched in a charming cabin by a vibrant autumn lake—seems far removed from my reality. For me, writing feels like a battlefield, where the blank page, whether digital or physical, serves as the arena.

Daily, I grapple with my inner demons: the haunting shadows of past experiences, the weight of self-doubt, and the fear that my abilities will never adequately convey the stories I yearn to tell. Indeed, writing can feel like a war, and the struggle is often intense.

Why Do I Persist?

A logical question arises: "Why endure this struggle?" The answer is simple: I must. I possess an innate drive to observe and articulate my thoughts, almost as if it's a compulsive need. The biblical prophet Jeremiah expressed this sentiment well, stating, “...fire is burning in my heart, imprisoned in my bones; I grow weary holding back, I cannot!” (Jeremiah 20:9).

Similarly, I feel this fire within me, compelling me to express my thoughts, even when it’s painful. The act of writing becomes a form of creation that, while arduous, can yield something beautiful and meaningful.

Tip #1: Understand Your Motivation

Recognizing why you write is crucial—often more important than the content itself. This doesn’t have to be a grand or profound reason; it could simply be a desire to earn money or to express yourself.

What matters is clarity about your purpose. This awareness will guide your writing journey, helping you navigate challenges and criticisms. When faced with tough revisions or feedback, recalling your motivation can fortify your resolve.

In my experience, acknowledging my need to write has enabled me to manage my aversion to the process. I've developed strategies that allow me to produce work regularly, even when I’d prefer to do almost anything else.

Warm-Up Before You Write

I’m not naturally industrious; in fact, I tend to avoid extra effort. Yet, my next piece of advice may seem contradictory:

Tip #2: Engage in Warm-Up Writing

If writing is something I dislike, why extend my writing time? Because, as writers, we’re not mere factories of words. We often need to warm up our creative engines.

Think of it like preparing for a workout: a warm-up helps loosen your muscles and get your blood flowing. In writing, a short, unrelated writing exercise can help engage your mind and kickstart your creativity.

Through warm-up writing, I’ve discovered that I can complete projects more efficiently. What once took me six to eight hours can now be reduced to four or five when I incorporate this practice.

Ideas for Warm-Up Exercises

1. Write a one-page introduction on a topic you know well.
2. Compose a persuasive piece for a brand you love.
3. Craft a short scene introducing a favorite character.
4. Describe an experience you’ve never had.

Gamify Your Writing Process

I’m not suggesting you lose yourself in video games; rather, consider gamification as a way to enhance focus and motivation.

Tip #3: Turn Writing into a Game

Writing is inherently competitive, often with ourselves. By creating a game-like structure, you can reward yourself for completing tasks. I often use “writing sprints,” where I set a timer and aim to produce a certain number of words in that timeframe.

For instance, if I write 800 words in a half-hour sprint, I reward myself with time to watch a favorite show. This method not only makes writing more enjoyable but also improves my speed and efficiency.

Despite concerns about the quality of hastily written words, I find that it’s easier to revise and refine existing text than to start from scratch. Plus, frequent sprints help build my writing skills over time.

In Conclusion

While I may not be the archetypal writing enthusiast, I strive to develop effective strategies that streamline the writing process. If you can relate to my struggles, I hope these tips offer some assistance.

Ultimately, the part of writing I truly cherish is the finishing touch—the moment when a piece comes together. If you found value in my insights, I invite you to follow me for more reflections on this complex craft.

In this video, "3 Writing Tips for Kids Who Don’t Like to Write," you’ll discover practical strategies tailored for young writers who may feel averse to the writing process.

The video "3 Reasons Why Your Kid Hates Writing (And How to Fix It!)" explores common challenges young writers face and offers solutions to help them overcome their aversion to writing.