Whether you are thinking about writing a book, started your book, half-way through or on the last chapter, here’s a question for you: did you write today?
Whether you are a seasoned writer or just beginning, John Dufresne says, “understand that if you didn’t write today it is because you didn’t want to”. When I first read that, it really resonated with me. I had to look at myself and be honest, if I didn’t write, was it because I didn’t want to? And when the answer was yes, I had to then ask myself why.
Writing, for me, has become a job when it was just a hobby. It is still enjoyable for me and I intend to keep it that way even with looming deadlines. But for you, is it a hobby? A side gig? A career? Either way, how honest are you about your absence of writing?
Here are the top 5 excuses for not writing on a daily basis:
“I don’t have the time.” Then you make time. Think about everything you find time for. Writing should be on that list as well. If you can find time to play games on your phone or watch reruns on tv, you can find time to write. I have learned that I do better at writing in the morning when I am working on a creative project.
“I have writer’s block.” Dufresne says, “Writer’s block is a fabrication, an excuse that allows you to ignore the problem you’re having with your story, which means, of course, that you cannot solve the problem.” I love what he says next, “ I have this strange and debilitating neurological paralysis that affects only writers, and it’s untreatable. I just need to let it run its course.” The best advice for this is to work on another part of your story and go back to where you were stuck later.
“It’s only a hobby.” Hobbies are supposed to be the stress-free, calming parts of your chaotic life. I remember my mother would crochet every night. Every night. Sometimes a little. Sometimes for hours. It would relax her before bed. It was her hobby. If writing is your hobby. It should relax you, therefore, there is no reason you shouldn’t be writing daily; even if it is your journal.
“I’d write a book, but who would read it?” Well, you won’t know until it's written and published, right? My first book, Eliza Jane, is still selling on Amazon. No, it is not a New York Times best seller, but people are interested in an historical murder mystery, so they buy it. If your choice is to write a memoir, you never know who needs to hear your story. You may be the one who saves someone.
“I’d like to write but can’t put it all together.” This is a common excuse. Easily fixable. Start by jotting down all your thoughts and ideas that might form the plot, jot down the same for characters and setting. If you still cannot make heads or tails of it, that’s where writing coaches come in. Someone like myself who can help you organize your story and get you started. Sometimes that will be all you need. A quick jumpstart.
Never give up on your writing journey just because it may seem difficult. Stephen King once said about writing, “the scariest moment is just before you start.”
Until next time…
Work Cited:
Dufresne, John, The Lie That Tells A Truth, W. W. Norton & Company, New York, 2003
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