No one ever said the writing life would be easy. Navigating my way around the roadblocks that get in my way is hard work! Self-discipline, determination, and confidence get me past the obstacles that bog down my progress.
“The trick is not in becoming a writer; it is in staying a writer. Day after week after month after year, staying in there for the long haul.” — The Art of War For Writers, James Scott Bell, p. 12
Most writers know what it feels like to suffer from writer’s block, and we’ll talk about that another day. Today I want to take a look at the writer’s roadblock and how it prevents aspiring writers from realizing their dreams.
On some level, the idea of becoming a writer seems like it ought to be an easy career. We’re drawn to writing because it makes us feel happy when we do it. I feel at home when I put words on paper.
Writing is simple; the words come effortlessly, and nothing stops me when I’m writing because the mood has struck me to write. However, a career as a writer can’t rest on whims. If you’re a newspaper reporter, your editor expects copy from you for the next addition. She has deadlines to meet. Therefore, you have deadlines to meet or get fired!
Entrepreneurial writers, like authors, bloggers, and contracted writers need self-imposed goals.
The hitch is that we must set our personal deadlines and treat them as seriously as an editor for a newspaper sets time limits for her reporters, reminding ourselves that we will get “fired” if we don’t produce our work on time.
That is easier said that done. The baby gets sick, landing us in the doctor’s office for 5 hours. The family van needs repairs, or we will need to cancel the vacation planned for the following week. If you want to follow your writing dreams while working a day job, you will have a different set of roadblocks to overcome — fatigue, a boss who wants you to work late, and demands from your family.
With so much of life pressing in on us, it’s understandable why many people dream of writing a novel or a book to help others and never quite get the job finished. To reach our goal we have two primary tasks to think about before getting started.
Making the decision to write is foundational to meeting your goal.
The writing life isn’t easy, but it’s oh so rewarding! The first step is to make the decision; I will write no matter what. Then, keep making that decision for as long as it takes to embed itself into your life the same as taking a drink of water when you’re thirsty.
Counting the cost is a fundamental exercise that allows us to say no to the right things
The price we are willing to pay doesn’t mean we sacrifice our sick baby or vacation on the altar of writing our book. It does mean that we give our project the respect and importance it deserves while paying the price to get the job done.
Maybe your lifestyle will require you to get up an hour earlier or go to bed later. Are you willing to sacrifice sleep to reach your dream? Whatever the sacrifice, if you dream of a completed manuscript or a blog that reaches others with hope and encouragement, the only way you’ll realize that dream is through sacrifice.
You’ve reached the decision to write and counted your cost. Just like counting the cost beforehand helps you say no, examining the upcoming roadblocks before they stop you will protect your writing time and help you become a successful writer.
3 Ways to Avoid Writing RoadBlocks
Self-discipline minimizes distraction
As writers, we are entrepreneurs in charge of our books and blogs destiny writing business. Folks who need what you have to offer can’t be helped or encouraged if you don’t finish what you’ve started. Readers won’t be entertained and encouraged if you don’t complete your manuscript.
Our dreams and goals, encouragement, education, and creating entertainment for others hinge on our ability to discipline ourselves in our craft. No one can realize our goals for us. Crossing the finish line with a completed manuscript takes time and practice. So, be patient with yourself.
I’ve been writing professionally since 2010 and have published 12 books. I am tempted every single day to click on a website and read the news or answer emails during my writing block of time. Remember, training oneself to do anything in a controlled and habitual way starts with baby steps—and the process never ends.
As Christians, we are called to be hospitable, lovers of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.— Titus 1:8. This fact encourages me to discipline my days.
“In reading the lives of great men, I found that the first victory they won was over themselves… self-discipline with all of them came first.” — Harry Truman
Determination and persistence redirect our focus
You’ve made the decision to write. You’ve counted the cost and are willing to make the sacrifice. Now you must hold your decision with a firm grip and a determined attitude to continue, no matter what. Now it’s time to tackle the obstacles that might get in your way.
First of all, we need to recognize that roadblocks to our writing time are everywhere and our schedules will get interrupted. As frustrating as that can be, determination pushes us through it. You will probably waste time on other things instead of your writing from time to time. I know I do. Persistence gets us back on track for the next writing period. The writing life is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. Your success isn’t measured by how often you fall but the number of times you get up and keep writing.
Courage and confidence conquer doubt
In addition, not all roadblocks develop from external forces. Our inner voice might be our loudest accuser. Writing is a solitary activity—you need to be alone with your thoughts to get the job done. As a result, our thoughts might run away with his us with ideas like, “Who do you think you are?” Or, “Why do you think you have something to say that others want to read?” Or, “There are already books written on your subject or with your theme.” Or, “You’re wasting your time.” As a result, it’s easy to get discouraged and lose confidence in our mission.
Shut that voice down as fast as you can!
The story you want to tell—whether a novel, blog post or nonfiction book—hasn’t been told from your perspective. Therefore, it’s valuable. Don’t let a lack of confidence roadblock rob your readers. A Bible verse that encourages me and shuts the accuser down is from Ecclesiastes:
“There is nothing new under the sun.” — Ecclesiastes 1:9
When I feel insecure I look for outside influences to help me get around my roadblocks. This quote gives me the confidence to press on.
“Now, in the clear light of an accepted duty, he felt fear indeed, but with it a sober sense of confidence in himself and in the world, and even an element of pleasure. It was the difference between a landsman in a sinking ship and a horseman on a bolting horse: either may be killed, but the horseman is an agent as well as a patient.” — C.S. Lewis
Where are you on your writing journey? Have you been writing for years? Share your techniques for overcoming writer’s roadblock. Are you new to the writing life? Tell us your plans and let us encourage you on your journey.
Write by grace,
