Writing is difficult. No one can deny this statement. Writing is taxing emotionally and mentally, and sometimes it is unclear whether a new piece is creative or enjoyable. Writers, therefore, tend to experience similar thoughts and doubts in doing their work, and these can lead to extreme frustration. I have listed some of the most common of these thoughts.
“I feel like my plot and characters are stale.”
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This is a common feeling among writers of fiction. It can sometimes feel as though every story has already been told before, and writers think that they have nothing new to the table. However, I believe that this thought leads to unfinished novels and unrecognized talent. Even cliché stories often hold value, and fear of being regarded as unoriginal is only holding a writer back from their full potential.
“Do I actually have talent as a writer?”
The answer is yes. If a writer believes that they cannot write, they will not do so. Fear of rejection is another mindset that prevents our society from being enriched with new stories. The saying “Practice makes perfect,” holds an incredible amount of truth, and even if a writer begins with mediocre skill, continuing to write will only improve their ability. Quitting, on the other hand, will certainly not allow a writer to grow and develop.
“Their writing is so much better than mine.”
Comparing two pieces of writing is often akin to comparing two different artists from two different countries and time periods. Each writer brings unique feelings, experiences and mindsets to their work, and a person cannot compare two completely different projects. My advice to writers is to stop thinking about what another writer is doing and concentrate on being the best that they can be personally.
“I hate writing.”
As aforementioned, writing is difficult. Not everyone is cut out for doing it, and many times I have found myself upset or frustrated with a paper or project. Writer’s block is irritating, and often there are more dead-ends than ideas during the writing process. However, the end result is what makes writing worthwhile. Poetry and prose are beautiful, incredible pieces of our society, and knowing that a piece of my work might someday touch someone else is the hope that keeps me writing. As John Keating said in "Dead Poet's Society," “Poetry, beauty, romance, and love—these are what we stay alive for.”
