The Emotional Rollercoaster of Writing (6)
Being a writer is no easy feat. It takes a great deal of passion, dedication, and resilience to sit down and pour your thoughts onto a blank page. Writers often face a rollercoaster of emotions, from the high of creating a new world to the low of self-doubt and criticism. But amidst all the challenges, there is also the satisfaction of seeing your words come to life and the joy of knowing that you have the power to entertain, inspire, and educate others through your writing.
As a writer myself, I understand the ups and downs that come with this craft. So, in this article, I want to address all the plus and minus writers go through and offer some ideas on how to overcome doubts and fears. I also want to share a schedule that can help writers stay on track and motivated. But before we dive into all that, let’s first acknowledge the most important thing — writing starts with the writer.
No matter what path you take as a writer — self-publishing, traditional publishing, or freelance writing — you are the creator of your work. No one can take that away from you. Your ideas, your words, your style — it’s all uniquely yours. And that’s something to be proud of.
But as writers, we tend to be our own worst critics. We constantly doubt ourselves and our abilities, comparing our work to others and feeling like we’re not good enough. This self-doubt can be paralyzing, making it hard to even start writing or finish a piece. So, how do we overcome it?
One way is to remind yourself of your strengths and accomplishments as a writer. Write them down and keep them in a visible place — on your desk, in your notebook, or even as a screensaver on your computer. Remind yourself that you have a unique voice and that your words have the power to make a difference. And when self-doubt creeps in, refer to this list and remember all the reasons why you are a writer.
Another useful tool is affirmations. Affirmations are positive statements that you repeat to yourself to reinforce a belief or mindset. They can be powerful in boosting confidence and fighting self-doubt. Here are a few affirmations for writers that you can use:
- “I am a talented writer, and my words have value.”
- “My writing is unique, and I am proud of it.”
- “I am capable of overcoming any challenges that come my way.”
- “I trust my creative instincts and let my writing flow naturally.”
- “I am constantly learning and improving as a writer.”
Write these affirmations on Post-it notes and stick them around your writing space. Say them out loud before you start writing or whenever you feel discouraged. Remind yourself that you are a writer and that in itself is a great achievement.
Now that we’ve tackled self-doubt and affirmed our writing abilities let’s talk about the plus and minus writers go through.
The plus:
- Creating new worlds and characters: As writers, we have the power to create entire worlds and bring characters to life. We can make them as complex, flawed, and relatable as we want. We have the freedom to let our imagination run wild and take our readers on a journey.
- Impacting others: Writing has the ability to entertain, educate, and inspire. It can provide escapism for readers going through a tough time, teach them something new, or motivate them to pursue their passions. As writers, we have the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life through our words.
- Continuous learning: Writing is a craft that requires constant learning and improvement. Whether it’s learning about different writing techniques, researching for a new piece, or receiving feedback from readers, writers are always learning and growing.
- Connection with fellow writers: Writing can be a solitary activity, but it also brings like-minded people together. Through writing groups, workshops, and conferences, writers can connect with others who understand the joys and struggles of this craft. These connections can provide support, inspiration, and valuable feedback.
The minus:
- Writer’s block: It’s the dreaded enemy of writers — the inability to come up with ideas or the feeling of being stuck in your writing. Writer’s block can be frustrating and discouraging, but it’s a common hurdle that can be overcome with some strategies, such as taking a break, trying a writing prompt, or writing through the block.
- Rejection: It’s inevitable in the writing world. Whether it’s a rejection from a publisher, a negative review from a reader, or even self-rejection, it hurts. But remember, rejection is not a reflection of your worth as a writer. It’s a part of the process, and with each rejection, you become stronger and more resilient.
- Self-doubt: As mentioned earlier, self-doubt is something that most writers struggle with. It can make us question our abilities, compare ourselves to others, and even stop us from writing altogether. But as we’ve learned, self-doubt can be overcome with positive self-talk and affirmations.
- Balancing writing with other responsibilities: Many writers have day jobs, families, and other responsibilities that can make it challenging to find time to write. It’s essential to find a balance and prioritize your writing while also taking care of other commitments. This can be achieved by setting a writing schedule and sticking to it (more on that below).
Now, let’s talk about that writing schedule. It’s crucial to have a plan and structure in place to keep yourself motivated and on track with your writing. Of course, every writer’s schedule will look different depending on their individual goals, commitments, and writing style. But here’s a general schedule that you can use as a starting point and adjust according to your needs:
Weekdays:
- 6:00 AM — Wake up, have breakfast, and do some light exercise.
- 7:00 AM — Start writing. Set a goal for the day, whether it’s a word count or finishing a specific scene/chapter.
- 9:00 AM — Take a short break to stretch, have some water, or do some quick chores.
- 9:30 AM — Continue writing until lunchtime.
- 12:00 PM — Have lunch and take a longer break to relax or run errands.
- 2:00 PM — Get back to writing.
- 4:00 PM — Take a break to recharge — go for a walk, have a snack, or do something else that you enjoy.
- 5:00 PM — Continue writing until dinner.
- 7:00 PM — Have dinner and spend some time with family/friends.
- 9:00 PM — If you have more writing to do, use this time to work on it. If not, take this time to unwind and relax.
- 11:00 PM — Get some rest and prepare for the next day.
Weekends:
- 9:00 AM — Wake up, have breakfast, and spend some time with family/friends.
- 12:00 PM — Start writing.
- 2:00 PM — Take a break to recharge — go for a walk, have a snack, or do something else that you enjoy.
- 3:00 PM — Continue writing.
- 5:00 PM — Take a break to have dinner and relax.
- 7:00 PM — Get back to writing.
- 9:00 PM — Spend time with loved ones or take some time for yourself.
- 11:00 PM — Get some rest and prepare for the next day.
Of course, this schedule is just a guide, and it’s essential to find what works best for you. Some writers may prefer to write in smaller chunks throughout the day, while others may have a burst of creativity during the night. The key is to find a routine that allows you to be consistent with your writing and also take care of yourself.
As we wrap up this article, I want to leave you with a quote that I believe will be relevant to writers in 2024:
“Writing is not just putting words on a page; it’s creating a universe that readers can escape to and find themselves in.” — Manon Doucet, 2024.
As writers, we have the power to transport our readers to new worlds and inspire them with our words. So, keep writing, keep creating, and never doubt the impact your words can have.
In conclusion, being a writer is a journey filled with ups and downs, but it’s also a fulfilling and rewarding experience. Remember to acknowledge your strengths, overcome self-doubt with positive affirmations, and have a writing schedule in place to stay on track. And always remember, writing starts with you — no one can take that away from you. Keep writing, and never stop believing in yourself and your words.
