Hello Writer Bees,
I had a completely different idea for this week’s post.
But I kept thinking about a writer buddy of mine, Jai Lynn. She’s this wonderful poet/writer and we often exchange positive writing vibes and love to one another. Couple weeks ago, she vented about feeling stressed and overwhelmed about her writing. And I know a lot of other writers, myself included, are in the same boat.
If you’ve struggled with self-doubt, anxiety and stress from being a writer, keep these three things in mind.
Be Okay Writing Trash
Most of us strive for perfection. To write the most perfect sentence in the most perfect plot. Unfortunately, perfection is impossible. Even if you think it’s garbage, just try to get the words on paper. The first drafts of a story aren’t meant to look pretty. That’s what editing and revisions are for. Every story starts somewhere, so accept the fact that you may write trash before you create an exceptional story.
Take a Break
Your mental health is important. If writing feels like a daunting task, take some time off. Focus on other things. Relax and recharge and eat some potato chips. Yes, it may seem counterproductive and that might make you feel a little anxious. And that’s alright. Make sure you take care of yourself. And trust that inspiration, ideas, and those good creative juices will return.
You Are Not Alone
Think about your favorite author. They too have probably struggled with writer’s doubt, felt uninspired or not good enough. Everyone faces those dark moments. But writers keep writing until they find the light at the end of the tunnel, until the story is told. So, if you’re experiencing writer hardships, remember, you are not alone. There is a whole community of other writers and creatives facing the same struggles. We need to support one another in our creative endeavors.
How do you get through writer’s doubt and stress? What’s your advice to struggling writers. Talk to me in the comments. As always, I love to hear from you guys. Also, please send the lovely Jai Lynn some positive writing vibes. Us writers need to stick together.
Write with heart.
Love,
Lady Jabberwocky
Lady Jabberwocky 
Thanks for sharing! First, I should say I have a paying job so I don’t depend on writing for a living. That means I do it because I love it. It’s a passion. But for the times it becomes laborious or things aren’t flowing, I step back and focus on other mindful activities. Before long scenes are playing in my head and I’m itching to get back to it. So… It can’t be all work. Take a break when you need it. Keep the passion. 💜
LikeLiked by 2 people
I love the book, and lifestyle, of The Artist’s Way. There are a series of these books and each one fuels a creative’s spirit. For me, it demolishes writer’s block and gives me new ideas that I wouldn’t have thought of before. Of course, I am sending positive vibes to your friend! Happy writing!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
This sounds interesting. I’ll have to look it up!
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s wonderful! I hope you do!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good advice here! When I feel stuck, I often try free-writing–basically just brainstorming onto the page. It helps words flow, and often I have the breakthrough I need! But you have to be okay with writing “trash” for it to work. And really, just because it’s not for anyone else to see doesn’t make it trash, because it’s useful to you!
As for taking a break, I just posted on my blog about how I’ve learned to follow the flow of creativity especially through seasons of having children. This has given me so much peace and confidence in my writing! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, great tips, when I get stuck I enjoy looking at images and wait to see what emerges often something unexpected, free writing too I find unblocks the mind. For a break, there is nothing like getting outside with nature and I thoroughly recommend giving a tree a hug who cares what people think, me and the tree love it! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Really needed this. Thanks for the encouraging words, M’Lady
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s always good to be reminded that I’m not the only one. In his book on writing, Steven King recommends putting that chapter or story aside for about a week. Clears the cobwebs for me. Thanks for the notes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great advice. Point one is particularly pertinent to me. I’ve wanted to be a writer for years, and lost count of the projects I gave up on because what I was writing seemed, on rereading, garbage. My breakthrough moment was deciding to deliberately write something terrible. Or rather, to write something and focus on not caring if it was any good. And you know what? It turned out okay. I’ve now written seven books in the past three or four years, self-published four of them, and had another two taken up by publishers. All because I stopped worrying about quality and focused on production. Quality comes after.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much!! This post made me so happy Victoria ❤ ❤ ❤ I really feel the love and I appreciate our relationship so much. There are like, tears, in my eyes as I am typing this. Really, thank you so SO much!! Lots of love and good vibes your way!!!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jai Lynn, you can do it. Get rid of that self-doubt, the muse will eventually return to you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I tend to do what you said, it could be procrastination but I go for a run or read or do some house work. I also paint and draw, sometimes drawing the characters I’m writing about helps me get to know them. All these things have helped me to get a bit of a fire going on some creative projects, though doubt is crippling so I’m a terrible person to ask.
I also have the phenomena of one day thinking something is good, then another day I read it and hate it then I might find it later and like it again so I really can’t trust my own judgment!
LikeLiked by 1 person