Tag: 12 lies keeping you from writing

Lie #9 – I’ll finish this after…(insert your latest obsession)

Distractions are everywhere and there is study after study lamenting the woes of waning attention spans. But you’re a writer and you’re working on your manuscript, so you can’t afford to be distracted unnecessarily.

Except that all your “distractions” can’t really be counted as distractions, right? I mean, they’re legitimate reasons you can’t work on your manuscript right now.

Your boss needs these documents ASAP. Your friend’s birthday party is a significant event you can’t miss at all. You’re exhausted after such a long day at work and you absolutely need your rest. Besides, you’ve got a new topic and focus to explore, so you’ll have to table this current bit of writing to make sure you’re working on the best idea. It makes sense to not be writing and to continue researching and figuring out what you really want to write.

Any of those sound familiar to you? I’ve been there with all of them…and many more. Those statements, and others like them, reflect the fact that life happens around us all the time and we have other commitments besides our writing to get done.

Am I saying that because you decided to write a book you have to blow off your friend’s birthday party to be writing instead? Of course not, but if you keep focusing on everything else besides your writing, then guess what? Writing will not get done.

Then there’s the obsession with research and the “better ideas” that keep coming at us. Sometimes it feels like as soon as we get settled into a concept or direction, a newer and more exciting idea comes along.

Have you ever heard of “shiny new thing syndrome”? Some people call it “Shiny Object Syndrome” and it’s not really coincidental that the acronym spells SOS. 

For many writers, when we get started on a project, we are completely and thoroughly motivated by the excitement of the ideas we’re writing about. Exploring a subject matter feels fresh and scenes almost write themselves. But any book beyond a couple pages soon turns into a laborious process as we slug away, creating worlds or explaining concepts.

When details have to be checked and rationalized, and when the writing project isn’t so new anymore, motivation often wanes and writing slows down. Many times, it slows down to a complete stop, and we lose momentum with our writing.

Then something else pops up, looking exciting and we feel motivated to pay attention to that other thing. Somewhere at the back of our minds we tell ourselves that the book could wait a few minutes and we move on “temporarily” to something else.

Then that thing loses its shine and another new and shinier thing pops up. And the cycle repeats itself.

This is where discipline comes in. 

Truth be told, motivation is overrated. It’s great for getting started, but it’s not what will keep you going and certainly not the thing that will help you finish. The problem with motivation is that it depends on stimulus or inspiration – remember that word from Lie #2?

Motivation is a feeling that’s described as “enthusiasm for doing something”. That enthusiasm is what gives reason and purpose to actions. It stirs something within us that rallies our energy to keep legs moving, concentration going, and fingers writing away.

But it’s not a permanent state. It ebbs and flows, which is not a recipe for success.

And what happens when it ebbs? We lose focus. We get discouraged. We lose momentum.

…and we try desperately to find something that motivates us again when what we really need is discipline to continue going when the motivation fades.

Discipline is all about control, about order, and about keeping at it even when you don’t feel like keeping at it. Discipline is where art meets science when it comes to writing. When we have discipline with our writing, we move with intention and we’re able to create writing schedules and keep on writing even when there’s no inspiration or motivation.

Discipline also helps us with the distractions and the shiny new things that threaten to interrupt our writing because with discipline we can put systems and structures in place to deal with challenges. With discipline we will build and maintain healthy habits.

With discipline we create the framework for success.

So don’t allow distractions to get you into the mindset that your writing can wait. Work on establishing a disciplined approach so that you can complete your manuscript and get published.

Motivation and inspiration are great starting points, but remember, it’s discipline that really gets you to where you need to be.

And, as always, happy writing.

Lie #8 – My Writing Needs to Be Perfect

As an editor, the idea of getting writing to be “perfect” is always at the back of my mind. When it comes to my own writing, perfectionism is one of the most debilitating ideologies that plagues me. Notice I didn’t say “used to plague me”. Even as I write this article there are parts of me that cringe at the thought of publishing these blogs and getting my thoughts and ideas “out there”.

When it comes to a manuscript I’m editing, there’s an internal obsession with reading and rereading that has me scouring over sentences and paragraphs like someone possessed. It works out great for the authors I work with, yet the anxiety of “what if I missed something” keeps me up at night.

And in our modern world of cancel culture and grammar nazis, there’s no wonder over the idea of a writer scrambling to get writing to be “perfect”. It’s expected that a writer would do everything humanly possible to ensure that their writing is error free. No writer wants to be called out for misspellings or punctuation out of place, or even worse, an ill conceived idea or description. 

Negative Amazon reviews can be crippling to sales…and egos.

There’s always something to change. There’s always something that “should” have been said differently or explored more. But this is a problem that needs to be addressed because it stops many writers from sharing their wisdom and creativity with the world.

At this point, I can almost hear the protests from the perfectionists reading this article (actually, I hear the protests quite clearly coming from my own mind). Thoughts of “sloppy writing” and “sloppy articles” and self-publishing being the bane of the writing world because it allows “anyone” to put “anything” out there.

Here’s the thing, there’s a writing process for a reason.

Part of that writing process is reviewing and editing a manuscript. This review and editing process has several steps which include checks and balances, second and third pairs of eyes to help evaluate and catch mistakes. The key is to see this as a natural part of the writing process so that you’re able to put the right systems in place.

Then you just have to let it go.

Yes, I know, that’s the kind of statement that can get a perfectionist twitching and dismissing everything else that comes afterward as heresy. But bear with me.

While it’s natural to strive for excellence and produce high-quality work, aiming for perfection can be counterproductive. Here are five reasons why perfectionism in writing and being published is not helpful:

  1. Perfection is subjective: Perfection is a highly subjective concept, and what one person perceives as perfect may not be the same for another. Writing, like any art form, is open to interpretation and personal preference. Trying to meet an impossible standard of perfection can stifle creativity and self-expression.
  2. Fear of failure and criticism: The desire for perfection can create a fear of failure and criticism. Writers may become overly self-critical and hesitant to share their work, fearing that it will never be good enough. This fear can prevent them from taking risks and exploring new ideas, which limits their growth and development as writers.
  3. Perfectionism leads to procrastination: The pursuit of perfection can often lead to procrastination. Writers may spend excessive amounts of time revising and editing their work, endlessly chasing an unattainable ideal. This focus on achieving perfection can become a form of avoidance, preventing them from moving forward and completing their projects.
  4. Learning through imperfection: Writing is a process of learning and improvement. It’s through the act of writing, making mistakes, and receiving feedback that writers refine their skills and develop their unique voice. Embracing imperfection allows for experimentation, exploration, and learning from both successes and failures.
  5. Time constraints and practicality: In many professional writing settings, there are practical limitations on how much time can be devoted to a single piece. Whether it’s a deadline-driven project or a need for efficiency, writers often need to strike a balance between quality and timeliness. Perfectionism can hinder the ability to meet these practical requirements.

So, there comes a point when you simply have to let it go or you’ll never be published.

I’m not talking about releasing all effort at revising and working toward making your writing better. What I’m talking about is creating a process that has the steps necessary to complete revision within a scheduled time. So get the developmental edit done, get the fact-checking done, get the copy-editing done, get the proofreading done, get a beta reader. Do the things that help you refine your ideas and better connect with your audience. 

But set a limit on when changes can be made and when the review should end.

If errors are noticed afterward, think “revised edition” and fix it. Depending on what the errors are, they can even be left that way. There’s no reason to bludgeon your confidence over mistakes, especially if you had those second and third set of eyes review your writing and the mistakes were still overlooked. Learn from them and make your next publication even better.

Mistakes happen, even to the “big” publishers with an army of editors and multistep systems.

Ask yourself if the error significantly detracts from the message, if it deters readers from engaging with your book in the intended way, and how you can make the changes after the fact to keep your readers and sales.

What is your ultimate goal? Are you into being perfect or into getting your book into the hands of readers and bringing in those sales?

So don’t stifle your creativity by trying to make your writing perfect. Find the support you need to get your manuscript to the highest quality within a set timeframe, and get your book published.

Then, take a deep breath as you remember that writing is a process of constantly developing and you’re getting better with each interaction.

And, as always, happy writing.

Lie #7 – I Don’t Need a Plan, I Have Talent!

This is one of the lies which presents itself in such subtle ways sometimes that it’s overlooked. I can hear writers objecting with “that’s not my process, I just write and edit later” or “everyone is different and you should do what works for you, planning doesn’t work for me”. 

Then there are the complementary views from nonwriters, “I can’t publish a book because I’m not a writer, I’m not talented that way” or “that’s easy for you to say, you’re a natural writer”.

That last one really gets me. Every time I hear it I feel like shouting back, “Yes, sure, I have talent…talent in reading like my life depended on it, talent in working on my writing every chance I get…talent in disciplining myself to schedule my writing. Sure, sure, I AM TALENTED!”

Nobody questions athletes who turn up for practice day after day perfecting their skills. Did Michael Jordan become one of the greatest basketball players of all time by turning up for championship games only? Or did Serena Williams win all those grand slam titles by being on the court only when she had a match that “counted”?

In case you’re wondering, the answer to those questions is, “No.”

So then why is it that many people approach writing with the attitude that somehow success is dependent on having talent?

Part of the reason is that for many people writing is a more casual or flexible pursuit lacking the strict guidelines or routines that are often associated with other professions. Since it’s more of a creative expression, rules and structure are sometimes viewed as hindrances to personal style and artistic freedom.

Additionally, some believe that organic storytelling is more desirable and don’t want to restrain their flow of ideas by adhering to structure. This is especially true when there’s the added perception that planning is unnecessarily time consuming when focusing on just creating the work itself could be much faster and efficient.

Quite often, when writers approach planning with these kinds of attitudes, whenever they are coerced into planning they go into it kicking and screaming which will inevitably lead to frustration and a negative experience.

Let’s take a closer look at some of these objections so we can establish that the statement “you need talent to be a successful writer” is, indeed, a lie.

Objection 1: Planning stifles creativity

This is one of the more popular objections because quite a lot of people see a disparity between creativity and structure. They believe that creative expression flows without form and that anything which seeks to guide that creative expression runs the risk of blotting it out. This happens when writers approach a plan as something cast in stone, concrete, or marble that is inflexible…which is certainly not what a plan should be.

Planning is an opportunity to organize ideas and explore many more possibilities that may not have originally been noticed. It also ensures that a writer’s creative vision is communicated effectively. The thing that writers must always remember is that while we’re focused on ensuring we say what we want to say, it’s also just as important that our readers understand it. We’re not writing only for ourselves. We’re writing to share our ideas with others, so they must also be part of the equation. Planning helps us channel our creative energy more efficiently for the maximum impact.

Objection 2: Organic storytelling is more desirable

Organic storytelling is an approach that emphasizes the natural flow and development of a story. It involves allowing the story to unfold in a spontaneous and authentic manner, often without rigid or preconceived structures or detailed outlines. This approach embraces the idea that the narrative can evolve and take unexpected turns as the writer explores the characters, plot, and themes.

Many writers are invigorated by this method because it allows them to be surprised by the story’s unfolding, much like a reader experiencing it for the first time. This is exciting and feels more fluid and intuitive. However, much like the comments made in Objection 1, actual readers can feel alienated if the writer does not remember them in the writing process. Getting caught up in organic storytelling leads to the risk of disconnecting from readers for the sake of the story. In the end, a balance is needed because at the end of the day you are intending for sales while still being “true to your story”.

Objection 3: Planning is too time consuming

This is perhaps the easiest of the objections to counter. Whether the details are reviewed ahead of time or after writing, polishing a manuscript for publishing includes a review. When this is done during the editing process only, it often leads to a lengthier post writing changes or even rewriting and discarding sections of the manuscript. That, unfortunately, is more time consuming than having a plan in advance that allows you to be more strategic with the use of your time.

Objection 4: Planning doesn’t align with personal writing style

This objection relates closely to Objections 1 and 2. Some writers believe in the free flow of ideas and creativity which clashes with their understanding of what planning is. The thing is that planning provides clarity and organization which can fit into any writing style. There isn’t only one strategy for planning. Planning is a flexible approach that can be tailored to accommodate different creative processes. One writer may choose to use visual representations of their plot in a diagram while another may choose a notebook which organizes thoughts into categories and chapters. Yet another may choose to create a detailed outline from introduction to conclusion which they intend to follow.

Objection 5: Negative experiences means planning doesn’t work

Coming out of the notion that planning doesn’t fit certain writing styles, many writers have negative experiences related to planning which they refer to as evidence that planning doesn’t work for them. But if asked how many strategies they tried, it’s quite likely that only one or two may be highlighted. When a writer approaches his or her craft as something to be studied and practiced in order to be developed, the idea that there are only one or two ways of doing things seems absurd. Yet this is exactly what’s happening if we quit trying after only one or two attempts. Think about the fabled story of Thomas Edison trying over one thousand times to perfect the light bulb. If you keep trying, you will find a planning approach that works for you and allows you to truly benefit from the insight planning provides.

Being a successful writer is about more than simply being prolific. The quantity produced is balanced by the quality and audience response. Planning, in whatever form you choose that works best for you, gives you the greatest chance of success.

So don’t just sit and write expecting that talent will get you to where you need to be. And similarly, don’t avoid writing because of a perceived lack of talent. Talent alone is not what creates consistent winners. Putting in the work, which includes planning and strategizing, is what will get you the desired returns.

Figure out what works for you and get at it.

And, as always, happy writing.

Lie #6 – I Have Writer’s Block

Some of the best lies are the ones which have a grain of truth. They are the ones which you’re hard-pressed to dispute because there’s often a quick come-back which reminds you of the validity which exists within the lie.

This lie, “I have writer’s block”, is one of those. It’s like playing two lies and a truth.

  • The lie is that when writers claim that their “writing” is blocked, quite often they can write many other things, just not what they want to write. As a result, they’re not really experiencing a “block” in writing but a hindrance with writing a particular thing.
  • The lie is that writer’s block is not a condition or disease that needs to be treated. It’s actually a symptom of other issues and the only way to get past it is to figure out the underlying issues and address those.
  • The truth is, there are many things which can “block” a writer from completing a writing task.
To get to the bottom of all of this, let’s define what some writers experience when they identify themselves as having writer’s block.

Writer’s block refers to a creative slowdown or inability to produce new written work, and it can be quite frustrating and demotivating. When experiencing writer’s block, individuals may find it challenging to generate ideas, articulate their thoughts, or make progress on their writing projects.

Writer’s block can manifest differently for each person. Some common experiences include:

  1. The inability to start writing or feeling stuck at the beginning of a piece.
  2. A diminished sense of creativity or difficulty finding new ideas.
  3. Frequently delaying writing tasks or finding distractions instead of focusing on writing.
  4. Feeling uncertain about one’s writing abilities or constantly criticizing one’s work.
  5. Striving for perfection and being overly critical of one’s writing, leading to paralysis.
  6. Being afraid of producing subpar work or facing rejection, resulting in avoidance of completing a writing task.
  7. Feeling mentally exhausted or unable to concentrate on completing a particular writing task due to stress or other factors.

As noted earlier, writer’s block is a symptom of various issues, including high expectations, pressure to produce exceptional work, personal or professional stress, lack of motivation, fear of criticism, or simply running out of creative energy. These experiences can happen to anyone and do not represent lack of talent or writing ability.

Returning to writing and completing a writing task can be supported through several strategies. Here are a few you may want to consider if you’re experiencing writer’s block.

  1. Freewriting: Setting aside dedicated time to write without worrying about the quality or outcome, allowing thoughts to flow freely. Feel free to use guided prompts to assist with the freewriting and help get the writing flowing again.
  2. Setting realistic goals: Breaking down writing tasks into smaller, manageable steps to make progress and build momentum. This reduces the overwhelm, especially when these tasks are scheduled so that you know when and how they’ll get done.
  3. Changing the environment: Writing in a different location or adjusting the physical surroundings to create a fresh and inspiring atmosphere. This could include going to a coffee shop or library rather than writing at home.
  4. Seeking inspiration: Engaging in activities that spark creativity, such as reading books, exploring new experiences, or brainstorming with others. You can even watch a movie or use a photo as a stimulus to activate creative thinking.
  5. Establishing a routine: Creating a consistent writing schedule and sticking to it, even if the initial output feels challenging. This is one of the best ways to address what’s causing writer’s block because it trains your brain to write at certain times and that habit makes it possible to keep writing.
  6. Embracing imperfection: Accepting that the first draft does not have to be perfect and allowing for revisions and improvements later. Editing is part of the writing process and recognizing this frees you from delays caused by second-guessing writing as it’s being produced.
  7. Taking breaks: Stepping away from writing temporarily to engage in other activities, relax, and recharge. This can be as simple as taking a walk or stretching, or may even include taking a short vacation.
  8. Seeking support: Connecting with fellow writers, joining writing groups, or seeking feedback from trusted individuals who can offer encouragement and constructive criticism. Being part of a community is one of the best ways to build and maintain a habit of writing.

Remember that everyone’s writing  journey is unique, and it may take time and experimentation to find the strategies that work best for you. The key is to persevere and keep writing, even if progress feels slow at times.

So don’t just diagnose yourself as having writer’s block. In fact, don’t use that term at all. Get straight to the point and identify what you’re actually experiencing so that you can find the best way to work through it and get back to completing your writing tasks.

And, as always, happy writing.

Lie #5 – I Need an Original Idea

The thought of having a new and original idea keeps many authors up at night. They want something fresh and exciting that will take the world by storm, thinking this is the way to become popular and widely read. The truth is, however, just as the biblical author wrote in Ecclesiastes hundreds of years ago, “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun” (Chapter 1, verse 9).

Let’s bring it closer to modern times. Mark Twain, a celebrated American author, is also quoted as saying, “We simply take a lot of old ideas and put them into a sort of mental kaleidoscope.” He explained that because of the variety of combinations, the old ideas seem to be new but they’re all just “the same old pieces of colored glass that have been in use through all the ages.”

“Surely,” I can imagine you saying, “this was before the amazing advancement of technology and AI so these writers didn’t know what they were saying!”

Well, let’s consider that for a moment.

What are all these new tools and gadgets meant to do? When you think about it, what you end up with is this: they solve the same issues and accomplish the same things as before, perhaps just faster and more efficiently.

So, an electric or solar powered vehicle is still a means to move from one place to another. The modern cell phone is still a means for human beings to communicate with each other, whether it is to send or receive data.

The point is this: even though the packaging is different, the core of the matter is that what we’ll be using the innovation for has not changed.

And that’s not a bad thing.

In fact, it’s actually a good thing because at the center of all writing is an author sharing something with a reader. That reader, being human, has feelings and ideas of their own which are being supported or challenged by what they’re reading. The best way to stir a human being is to get to the middle of who they are…which has been and will continue to be the same for generations.

If you’re still not convinced, think about the Hallmark Christmas movies, or any movie on the Lifetime Network. They are formulaic to the point of predictability…and the people who watch them don’t care! We [yes, WE] know it and watch them still once the acting is good and the visuals are great.

You see, it’s not really the idea that has to be original or different. Readers have their own expectations of how stories should unfold, and those who read a lot can tell you from the beginning where a story is going, even if they’ve not read the story before. But guess what? They’re going to read it anyway, to confirm their suspicions or find out if there’s going to be a twist or surprise at the end.

What’s more, if you select a genre and deviate too much from expectations of readers your book will not be anywhere near the best seller’s lists. Many readers will be confused, reviews will reflect that, and only the brave will venture into the pages to find out for themselves.

Your job as a writer is not to convince a reader that your idea is innovative (unless that’s what your book is about, and in that case, good luck). 

Your job as a writer is to educate readers about the selected topic or to entertain them.

Your idea doesn’t have to be original in order to entertain someone. And it doesn’t have to be original in order to educate someone. There are lots of people who have not been exposed to the ideas you want to share the way you want to share them.

All readers want to see is your perspective.

That’s it.

So stop thinking about making your book original and different. Start thinking about how to get your book done.

And, as always, happy writing.