The four standard steps outlined in our article, "How to Write a Book: Writing Tips and Schedules to Finish Your Manuscript" may make writing seem simple. But as you have experienced firsthand, being a writer is hard work that requires diligence and overcoming many obstacles. However you try to avoid these artistic difficulties, one or more of them will undoubtedly make their presence known during the writing process. To help you accept and ultimately triumph over these problems, our experienced professionals have detailed some of the best solutions to each.
Writers Block:
One minute you'll be scribbling sentences and lines in a furious fit of inspiration, and the next you'll suddenly find yourself stuck, drawing a complete blank. There's no need to panic; neither is there any need to give up writing your manuscript. The best solution for writers block is simply to write. Even if you don't keep a single word and your prose sounds flat, keep moving forward. Writing takes work, and you'll never push past your block unless you write through your slumps and once again attain the intense frenzy of creative inspiration. Read the full Wordclay article, "Five Ways to Break Through Writer's Block." Never Enough Time:
Eight hours of work, an hour for eating, another hour for errands, then factor in whatever time for relaxation you want to enjoy, and how much time actually remains for writing? Keeping a writing schedule — whether an hour per day or a few hours on the weekend — is necessary if you ever wish to complete your manuscript. Don't burn yourself out though. However you allocate your time and whatever your lifestyle, make sure you create a writing schedule that strikes a healthy balance between your personal time and artistic stretches.
Get Motivated:
Starting your first sentences and then finishing your first chapter can be an exciting event in an emerging writer's life, but considering you have many more ahead of you in order to complete just one manuscript can easily become overwhelming. One of the difficulties writers must face while constructing their larger projects is maintaining momentum. Without proper motivation and a healthy work ethic, you might be inclined to stop altogether and assure yourself that you'll finish the manuscript later. That said, in order stay on track even when your final period seems far away, it helps to have friends and peers to help motivate you as your momentum starts to wane. Therefore, make certain to inform others about your writing goals and intentions of finishing your manuscript so that you are accountable. With their support and motivation feeding your own drive, you'll undoubtedly complete your manuscript and finally become able to share your project with fellow writers and readers.
Judgment of Peers:
Writing something that's deeply personal or examining a subject that's close to your heart is difficult enough, but most writers then become fearful of the idea of showing their initial work to others, especially to experienced readers and writers. Remember, though, that constructive criticism will only help you develop a better manuscript in the long run. Though showing (and even publishing) your most personal work can be extremely scary, especially for emerging writers who hope for success and praise, keep in mind that famous authors had to make their starts as well. Successful authors are only celebrated today because they dared to create deeply personal works of fiction, nonfiction and poetry, which moved readers with their unflinching honesty and the organic nature of their content. In short, always write for yourself, growing as a person and a writer. And when it comes time to share your work, however hesitant you may be, readers will recognize your depth and sincerity as a result.
Paying the Bills:
Most writers don't make a killing, especially when it comes to their first book. And to continue writing, you still need to put food on the table and earn a living, which requires serious time and effort, too. As mentioned earlier, all writers should keep a writing schedule, no matter the hours or days they set aside for personal or professional time; but remember there are ways to practice your writing and even develop your stories in fun (and sometimes profitable) ways. Check out online writing communities in your free time. Perhaps start a blog and sell advertising space once you've established your voice. Maybe contribute your articles to magazines or submit your pieces to writing contests, which could pay out a cash amount to give you some leeway completing your manuscript.
Closing Remark: Breaking the Rules
Of course, there are no rules set in stone for writing. Some writers deal with the creative pitfalls in the standard ways that our professionals recommend, still others have their own methods of overcoming these obstacles. Each manuscript comes about in its own individual way, colored by your choices and experience, differentiating it from the thousands that have come before and creating a unique body that encapsulates your voice. Whether you write to grow as an individual, or spread your message to affect readers of different backgrounds around the world, one thing is for certain: writers must write!
For additional professional guidance and writing prompts to help you with common artistic dilemmas, visit the Wordclay blog or subscribe to our feed, which updates you to new posts that concern emerging writers and self-published authors alike:
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