Recognising the Signs of How Writers Get in Their Own Way

It can be daunting being a writer: everyone has an opinion and you can veer wildly between despair and elation. Recognising your faults is of course essential but sinking into black despair over them won’t help you overcome them and move forward. The habit of self examination is critical for all creative artists and so I believe is a sense of humour.

If you can learn to recognise that all creative artists go through the same process: what varies is the degree you get into it and how much you allow it to affect you.

If you don’t believe me, then take a look at this list of common writing perceptions and I hope by its very tongue in cheek nature, you will smile as you recognise something of yourself. Even more importantly, feel inspired to do something about it!

1 It will always take at least twice as long as you anticipated
2 70{fb65e7e27c282a02fa0a36039dc4c9383b3a38d5a4237f8adb1f7680a9920255} of your efforts and resources will be wasted
3 Cultural and personal demons in your head will attack it
4 As soon as you really get going you will be interrupted
5 You will think it is the worst thing you ever did
6 You will reach a stuck point where you feel despair
7 You will feel misunderstood
8 You will be judged and criticised
9 There will always be people who do better and worse than you for no clear reason
10 If only for a moment you will think it the best thing you ever did