Failing at Writing? Now What?

There comes a time in every writing push when it feels like you’re failing.

Whatever goal you set, you’re not meeting it.

You’re imperfect. And your best intentions, it turns out, aren’t enough.

If this is you, you are not alone…and I have a fix: Instead of hoping to find time for writing, you must take concrete steps to make sure writing happens.

Startitis

We start projects (stories, a novel, a challenge) with the best of intentions.

This time, we say…This time I’ll do it perfectly. If I just work harder, I won’t have bad days.

Yeah…that’s not a thing.

When It Gets Tough

Writers aren’t machines.

We do have to keep showing up even when it doesn’t feel easy, but to do that and stay productive, you must show up with a boatload of compassion and joy.

That is easier to do a, when there are fewer decisions to make and b, when you’re around other people who get it.

Not “Will I Write?” But “When Will I Write?”

I’m as allergic to being told what to do and when to do it, as the next neurodiverse/creative person.

And yet.

Writing time doesn’t just appear because we want it to.

If you’re having trouble showing up for your writing right now (looks in the mirror. Nods.) you might need to take a look at your schedule and see if you have planned time where the writing can happen.

Without a plan, it won’t happen.

Even if you plan to write on Friday afternoon but get suddenly inspired as soon as you wake up, that’s fine. Flexibility is good.

But having a plan–even one you react against–is a powerful way to limit the number of decision you have to make in the moment, and hoard your creativity for the actual writing..