Writer’s Block
Don’t Allow Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt into Your Writing
Every so often, someone asks me, “How do you write so much?”
I don’t feel as if I write that much. I have meeting-filled days, just as you do. However, I suspect there’s something different about my days: I write for fifteen minutes every day. Sometimes, I write longer, but I write for However, I suspect there’s something different about my days: I write for fifteen minutes every day.
Every day.
When I tell the person I write every day, they ask, “Don’t you ever get writer’s block?”
I ask, “Do you ever get speaking block?”
They shake their head at me. “No. Even if I don’t quite know what to say, I can either think about it for a bit, or I can start talking and see where I end up.”
That’s what I do too — with my writing.
Writer’s block isn’t real. It’s a comfortable excuse writers use to avoid dealing with fear, uncertainty, and doubt.
Fear Can Stop Writing
Even before you start to write, you might worry. Here are some common concerns:
- F: What if what I write is terrible? A: Then people won’t like it.
- F: What if it’s wrong? A: Then people won’t like it.
- F: What if Famous People In The Field disagree with me? A: Some people won’t like it. Others will cheer you on!
These fears can paralyze you — enough so that you don’t write anything.
That not-writing? No one will complain, because they can’t read it, because you didn’t write it.
If you write this thing and it’s “not good enough” what’s the worst thing that could happen? You might need to edit it or start over and rewrite it. Or you might need to ask someone for help organizing it.
Is asking for help such a bad thing?
What would you need to overcome your fear? Answering that question is a reasonable approach to risk management.
What about uncertainty?
Uncertainty Can Stop Writing
When I work with nonfiction writers, they mention uncertainties like these:
- U: I’m not sure how to start. A: Start in the middle or the end of the piece.
- U: I’m not sure how to make the case. A: Use a short paragraph to set the context.
- U: I’m not sure how to end. A: Write until you think you’ve captured everything you want to say. Then, pick a sentence that looks like it’s the end. Remove everything after that. Does that look about right? If not, write the way I do — with the ending as the first sentence or so.
Normally, these suggestions help people see alternatives for their piece. They might be enough to help you get started and finish.
Doubt Can Stop Writing
Nonfiction writers I work with often express these doubts:
- D: I might not be the right person to write about this thing. A: Do you have direct experience? If so, discuss that experience in the piece. If not, what about similar experiences? When we write from our experiences, we are authentic and we do know enough.
- D: I feel like I don’t have the right words. A: Write as you would talk. Or dictate the words and then transcribe them.
- D: I am worried about those freaking Famous People again. A: Do those people have your experiences? No. When we write from our experiences, we don’t have to doubt ourselves.
I have other reasons for getting stuck every so often. My two favorites are:
- I would rather write something else.
- The writing is “important,” such as for a prestigious journal or site. In that case, I ignore the audience until I’m done writing.
Ignore the Potential Consequences Until You Finish Writing
I do recommend writing to a real person. That’s a good way to make sure you address that person’s probable concerns. However, don’t think about the consequences of your writing until you are done.
I don’t think about Famous People or Famous Sites or Famous Awards when I write. I might think about them when I publish, but I pretty much ignore them otherwise.
What if you do worry about Famous People or Famous Sites? What’s the worst thing that could happen?
They ignore you.
Really, that’s the worst thing.
The best thing is when they pick a fight with you. They pluck you out of obscurity and give you their platform. Is that delicious, or what??
I love it when that happens! 😍
You might have noticed I take contrarian stances for many ideas. I have found that being a contrarian fits my experiences, my writing, and my brand.
That’s how I ignore the consequences until I’m done. Even when I’m done, I might think, “Do I want to address a Famous Person’s possible misinterpretation of my writing?” If I do, I might add a little something so I’m even more clear.
More often, I say, “To heck with it. I wrote this and I’m proud of it.” I hit Publish or I send it and that’s it.
📢 Writer’s block is an excuse for not writing. Don’t let writer’s block be your excuse.
If you like this post and want to work with me so you can be a freer and faster writer, sign up for the Writing Workshop. Or, pick up the book, Free Your Inner Nonfiction Writer.
About the Author
Johanna’s latest book is packed full of wisdom about improving your writing chops:
Save 35 percent at checkout when you purchase the ebook from pragprog.com with promo code non_fiction_writer. Note that promo codes are not valid for prior purchases.
This story was originally published on February 18, 2021 on the author’s website.
