I love writing. Isn't it obvious? I mean, I spend my days and nights clacking away, ignoring the world, crafting my latest tome. And yet, every once in a while, the doubt creeps in like a slithering python, ready to chomp down on my creativity.

Why is that? Why can writing be so durned frustrating?

The Writer

photo credit: shorts and longs (cc)

It Ain't Easy Being Cheesy

Art takes work. If you believe differently, you haven't been doing this long enough.

Don't get me wrong, I LOOOOOOOVE writing, but being a writer is not always easy. It takes work. It takes dedication. It takes time.

How's the old saying go? “If it was easy, everybody would be doing it.” It's true. The fact that it is frustrating makes the journey that much more special. It makes the ending that much more precious.

There's Never Enough Time In The Day

Every day I wish I could stop time in order to write. Could you imagine not being confined by time?

There are so many things that eat up our day (work, bills, kids, etc…) that sometimes it's a wonder that we ever find time to write.

Here's what you have to do: make the time. For example, know that between 9am and 10am it's your writing time. No Facebook, no potty breaks, no eating, nothing but writing. Let your family and friends know that you're not to be disturbed. Guard that time likes it's the most valuable thing you own.

There Is No Black Or White

Writing (especially fiction) is extremely subjective. The other day I got a review that said my story was “implausible.” Dude, it's a novel. It says so at the beginning of the book.

Just like I mentioned in my last post, you will not be able to please everyone. One thousand people may love your latest thriller, but Mr. One Thousand And One will hate it. Frustrating? Yes, it can be, especially if you're new to the game. Don't let that stop you.

Push Past The Frustration

There is so much beauty in the world. Unfortunately, as imperfect human beings, we tend to focus on the negative more times than we'd like to admit. Let's change that. Let's write pieces that inspire. Let's write books that inform. Let's write novels that make people laugh and cherish life.

Sometimes it feels like you have the weight of the world pressing down on your keyboard. Don't let that stop you from writing. We want you to stick around and be part of our family.

What frustrates you most about writing?

PRACTICE

For the next fifteen minutes, write about what you would do if you had the power to stop time.

Post your practice in the comments section below and please provide feedback for your peers.

Carlos is author of the Corps Justice novels. Get the box set of Books 1-3 for FREE HERE.

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