Things That Keep Us From Writing

Annette and I pose questions in every series of writing classes about what blocks people. Here’s some common gremlins and solutions:

• You’re too busy. Solutions: Everyone is. Dedicate a specific time daily (or at least weekly) to write and stick to it. Maybe you have to rise at 6:00 a.m. to write for an hour a day?

• You’re overwhelmed by a mass of research, ideas or memories. Solutions: Plan the narrative: make a chronological list of events; write biographical character sketches (which may include yourself); put a point form list of scenes into tentative order; write the story as a short, bare bones account (six pages?). See Write Away, by Elizabeth George for story planning ideas. See also http://thescribes.ca/create-a-structure-for-nonfiction-writing/).

• Your narrative lacks cohesion. Solutions: An overall theme creates structure. Write a premise (300-600 words) that captures all the key story elements (a main character who wants something; tension; a setting; an antagonist; maybe plot; narrative arc; resolution). See http://thescribes.ca/find-the-theme-in-your-narrative-to-hone-your-writing-process/for a discussion of themes.

• The story rambles. Solutions: Define your theme and premise (see above), to hone your story. Make a list of the important events or scenes. Write them on ‘post it’ notes to organize on a storyboard (or in Excel chart). Discard scenes/events that don’t illustrate the theme. Be brutal. I share your pain.

• You don’t know where to start. Solutions: begin anywhere to get rolling. You can write the opener later. In fact, there’s advantages to doing so. See http://thescribes.ca/find-the-theme-in-your-narrative-to-hone-your-writing-process/ for thoughts about the opening chapter.

• You lack discipline (which makes you feel lazy). Solutions: Establish a daily writing time when competing demands can be set aside. Let family know your door is closed. Resist diversionary tactics like answering e-mails or snacking. If the writing won’t come, freewrite on any topic for 10 minutes to get into a flow.  See http://thescribes.ca/try-freewriting-to-discover-the-writer-within/ for details about freewriting.

• Your muse is evasive. Solutions: Write anyway! The muse doesn’t always drop by when you need her. If you wait the job won’t get done.

• The blank screen makes your hands freeze. Solutions: Freewrite to unlock your thoughts. Type passages from a favourite book for inspiration. See http://thescribes.ca/try-freewriting-to-discover-the-writer-within/

• Someone gave you discouraging feedback. Solutions: Dang it! Don’t let anyone read your draft until it’s in a polished state. This is an imperative. (See Ann Lamott’s The Shitty First Draft for solace – https://www.google.ca/#q=Ann+Lamott+the+shitty+first+draft)

• It’s a difficult personal story that may cause others pain. Solutions: Go ahead and write. You’ll gain new insights and clarity because writing makes us think more deeply. With a polished draft in hand, ask questions about others. Maybe some of the players are gone, or the long process of writing has given you goals to negotiate with.

• You fear criticism. Solutions: As above, don’t show your writing to anyone until it’s at its absolute best. Now give it to an emotionally mature fellow writer—not your spouse or a friend. Take their feedback in stride. Assess what rings true and revise. There’s lots to learn about this craft.

• Life’s hard knocks have blocked your creativity. Solutions: Write anyway. Try freewriting . Write about the hard knocks.

• You lack talent. Solutions: There’s much more than “talent” involved. Writing involves craft that requires practice and training to gain mastery. Read about writing. Take workshops. Connect with writers. And write—lots—daily. See  http://thescribes.ca/try-freewriting-to-discover-the-writer-within/ about freewriting.

• Your partner is not supportive. Solutions: Beyond relationship counselling…find a time (day or night) and space where you can work alone—whether at home, the café, or library.

• You don’t feel worthy of the time commitment writing demands. Solutions: List your goals. Will your essay or story serve you alone, or is there a wider audience who will benefit? The answers will determine how much time to invest. For more about audience interests see: http://thescribes.ca/find-an-enduring-audience-for-your-life-story/.

Is there a positive side to all this angst? Annette points to Peter Elbow, who says the dynamic of tension built by a writer`s inner conflict adds depth and intrigue to our writing—so work with it.