Writing Can Be Hard

[Bobple]

Honestly try having energy to write when you work full time as well. Like I have been so tired from work that when I sat to write I just ended falling asleep at my desk

I'm scared of that happening to me, causing me to lose further motivation to write. I'm not working full time yet, but I will be early next year. So it's something I have been thinking about a lot.

 

[Ulvrlaoch]

I find it so difficult sometimes. I get an idea for a writing prompt and I get excited about it and then I try to fit it into my story and it just doesn't work. That frustration just puts a damper on my desire to write.

Another that has happened is that because I wouldn't write smut or lemons I got so many negative comments and reviews that I removed the stories because the amount of hate was killing me.

 

[Tyranomaster]

The title says it all. Writing, especially trying to stick to a schedule, and style, can be hard to some people. There are some days where I find myself stuck in front of the computer knowing what I need to write, but not having the energy to do it.

So I thought it would be fun to create somewhere to vent or something on here haha. Do you also struggle with writing sometimes? If so what are some things you do to get over it. Or maybe you just want to let your frustrations out here. Let's all be civil.

I struggle with it all the time. I haven't missed a deadline yet. I've finished a chapter 35 minutes before the deadline though. Over the years I've learned my limit for work and procrastination, which is a double edged. On one hand, I don't miss deadlines. On the other hand, I know exactly how lazy I can be which means I rarely work ahead, which sometimes leads to me working while sick to meet a deadline.

 

[QuercusMalus]

Grab a prompt and do short or flash fiction.

 

[beast_regards]

Writing is hard. It doesn't always make you hard though.

 

[prognastat]

Music & daydreaming. The moment I imagine the story I am writing in my head and daydream about it, I am back in business.

Plus I write in batches. Do 400-600 wordish batches, pause, maybe look up some news, browse the net for 5 minutes and get back into it, do another batch. Before I notice, the chapter is done.

I will second this as I do something similar. Not exactly the same, but close enough.

I will generally write 200-300 words on each story I'm writing, then take a break where I maybe read a chapter of someone else's novel/manga/comic or an episode of a TV show/anime etc. Generally something that will take me somewhere between 10 and 30 minutes. Then write 250+ words on each story again. Rinse and repeat.

There are exceptions though. If I get completely in the zone it's also possible for me to sit down and write for hours straight on a single story when inspiration has struck without any kind of diversion. Those bouts only happen every so often and most of the time I do the switching to keep myself going.

I've heard fro others though that they really need to force themselves to dedicate a certain timeframe to writing with no distractions, it just doesn't tend to work for me though.

Also I do tend to listen to music while writing, but who doesn't? Sitting in silence would just feel weird to me.

 

[PancakesWitch]

I would say your greatest enemy is getting distracted, when writing put on a good fitting music for the scene and close all social media, immerde yourself writing and dont get distracted!

 

[J_Chemist]

I'm always hard.
also- skill issue.
Writing can be a drag but try to get yourself to sit down and put out something, especially if it's during your scheduled time. Listen to some good music, maybe write up an outline or scribble down some ideas. It doesn't have to be perfect but so long as you get something out, it'll buff.

 

[Deleted member 68927]

Just let go. Let go of all attempts to view writing as a job.

Why is it a chore for you? How did you let it become that? And, more importantly, where is your spark?

I can't understand you, and I won't pretend I can.

Because:

Writing for me is just a hobby.
Writing for me is the highlight of my day. Even editing is fun because I do it after a couple of hours, and I can live through the story as a reader would.
I have gamified my writing experience, and write with other writers. They always have good tips to share in the chat between sprints.
I have turned my hobby into something that can acquire me a language, with which I can find a job.

Writing is hard? Writing is the easiest thing you can do with your life. Everything else is hard.

 

[Verdante]

As a very disorganized person, outlines and bullet points work great for me so I don’t go completely off tangent. I pull up a nice ambience music as I’m writing and search through YouTube for tips. I ask forums/discord/reddit for help if I’m stuck on a particular scene (thank you for everyone who gave me advice on writing fight scenes). Also, writing sprints!

 

[Deleted member 84247]

I'm scared of that happening to me, causing me to lose further motivation to write. I'm not working full time yet, but I will be early next year. So it's something I have been thinking about a lot.

You will be fine, evil apple. Stressing about the worst possibility will not lead anywhere. Instead, try to enjoy the time you have to write now.

 

[wresch]

I take a walk. Whatever was holding me up, it seems like three blocks later, the solution just appears. Magic. Or maybe just better blood flow. Sitting has its own challenges.

 

[HungrySheep]

Sometimes I just bash my head against the wall until it bleeds out a chapter.

 

[Fox-Trot-9]

I understand that writing can feel hard, but it also depends on what story you're writing, or where you are in the story you're writing (I find starting stories WAY harder than continuing or finishing them). But all in all, no matter how hard the writing can get, it's nothing compared to what life can throw at you.

 

[StarrGaze]

Me playing Sims while listening to podcasts instead of writing ?

I take a walk. Whatever was holding me up, it seems like three blocks later, the solution just appears. Magic. Or maybe just better blood flow. Sitting has its own challenges.

I take a shower. I get some of my best ideas in the shower or when on the edge of falling asleep.

 

[Azure_Fog]

Writing for me is easy. Most of the time. It’s not when my editor says, “let’s give the main character trauma”, I agree, then try to write it. Someone please explain how to write survivor’s guilt and grief together in a realist way to someone who’s experienced neither.

Anyways, the hardest part for me is getting started. If I get started, I can write thousands of words at a time.

 

[Amrasil207]

Writing isn't hard, getting your damn hand and mind to synchronize are. Like, I had once finished 3000 words in less than an hour, but nowadays I have moments where I sat in front of my PC for hours on end and get nothing done at all... Well, I did recalled a lot of parts that needs editing and stuff in my almost non-existent backlog, so that's a plus I guess?

 

[Sylver]

It helps to find a safe space where you are in control, no distractions around. Turn off your phone and most importantly, get in the writing zone.

I rarely plan out my chapters ahead of time ? I'm more of an adventurer, I like to start writing amd see where the chapter goes. It makes the process more fun for me. You may hear some people say you need to have the right moment to write, but that's not necessarily true for everyone. For me, I pick a time that works in the day, I stay consistent to that time, and I sit down and start to write. Even if I'm coming up blank on ideas, I write and write and suddenly it's coming together and now the ideas are there. A few hours later and I have my chapter for the day! A little proofreading and then it's ready to be published!

Writing is hard and it's not often rewarded how I would like it to be. You might find it difficult to find an audience or have maybe you have the right ideas but your writing needs work. It's a process of trial and error, I've been writing for 3-4 years and I'm still learning a lot. Heck I'm still working on building an audience for my work.

Patience, Effort, and Consistency. Those are the lessons I use to get through my writing. I hope that advice helps!

 

[Saberfang]

The hardest thing about writing I find is starting the process. I'm fortunate enough that if I can get it going, I can lose myself in my writing for hours.