Hope Writes

The Writer’s Struggle

Posted by Hope

I’ve been thinking a lot about certain times in my life when I went through what seemed to be unbearable trials. Years later I can look back and see the lessons in those times. But when I was smack dab in the middle of it all, it was hard to see past my nose.

I think every writer has these moments. Moments when everything seems wrong and nothing feels right. Moments when you want to throw in the towel and quit, yet somehow you can never really seem to walk away from writing at all.

I also think some writers struggle more with these changes and lessons than others for one simple reason. Some writers learn to go with the flow and learn the easy way, while other writers try to rub against the grain, only causing themselves more pain and longer learning periods.

There are certain things a writer must go through at some point. This week I want to share some of these lessons with you, which include:

• Discover your voice
• Find your purpose
• Face your demons
• Embrace who you are

If you see something here that you haven’t been through yet, I hope I can impart some of my own wisdom to help you through your journey. If you’re experiencing one of them at this very moment, I hope you get that "AHA!" moment when everything clicks and you finally "get" it. And if you are a writer who, like me, has already made it through the hardest parts, I hope you’ll impart your own words of wisdom in the comments, as two heads are better than one.

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Writing Is Easy

Posted by Hope

All too often would-be writers talk themselves out of the pleasure and joy of writing all because they think it’s too hard. Are you rocking that same boat?

Let me tell you right now…all those people who say writing is terribly hard are lying to you. Writing isn’t hard. Writing is easy. Those who say it’s hard think so because they make it hard.

There have been times when I said the same thing, "It’s too hard. I can’t do it. I can’t write anything decent." But it was also during those times that I’d churn out quite a few pages every day, most of which was pretty decent writing.

What’s even more interesting is that during the times when I thought writing was too hard, the biggest reason why I felt that way was because I had drained myself entirely of all creative energy I possessed. I worked myself to the bone, never stopping to refill my well or replenish my creative surges.

Make Writing Fun

The simple truth is that you have to make writing fun. Even more true is that there will be days when writing isn’t fun at all. It will be hard work. But the end results and the gratification you feel at having completed the work will be well worth it all.

You can make writing fun by…

• taking frequent breaks.
• brainstorming with writer friends.
• infuse creative ideas into your writing.
• sketching a picture of your character(s).
• creating a collage of certain aspects of your work to give you a visual goal.

Writing is easy if you make it easy. Writing is difficult if you make it difficult. Make writing what you want it to be. Love writing and it will love you right back. Despise it and it will return the heartache.

Do you think writing is easy?

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The Same Old Same Old

Posted by Hope

I visit a lot of blogs and forums throughout the course of a week. I read a lot, both online and off. My weekend off did me some good, but now that I’m back and getting back into my routine, I’m finding myself somewhat irritated and disgruntled.

I think I’ve placed my finger on the source of my discontentment. I’m growing really tired of seeing the same old same old around town. In Internet Marketing circles, I see the same messages time and again. And the places I once visited for inspiration or ideas have now become places that I just don’t even bother visiting anymore because they depress me.

What has happened to us? Are we so full of ourselves that we can’t stop to help others? Have we lost sight of our own personal visions? Are we relying too much on having others tell us what we should or shouldn’t do to the point that we can’t just make a decision and go with it?

I know this is probably sounding pretty rant-y, and I didn’t intend for it to be that way. I’m just really tired of the same old same old. How about you? Let’s start by making a difference today. Let’s choose to do something positive, something uplifting, for ourselves and/or others today.

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Writing Too Much?

Posted by Hope

At some point, every writer reaches a point of nothingness. Despite how hard you try, you feel devoid and empty of anything worthy to write about. I’ve been talking about this a lot lately, I know. But sometimes I think it’s important to stop, breathe, and just "be" for a moment while thinking on these things.

Photo by roland

5 Signs You Might Be Writing Too Much

So how do you know if you’re writing too much? Maybe you think there’s no such thing as writing too much. Let’s take a look at some signs of wear that could point to writer burnout. See if you find yourself in any (or all) of these…

1) You wake up every morning feeling drained. One sure sign of burnout in any form is waking up feeling just as tired as you did when you went to bed the night before. At first you might blame your lack of rest on your bad mattress or your partner’s poor sleeping manners. But if you’ve been burning the writing oil from both ends lately, you might benefit from taking a look at your writing schedule and revamp it to make it work for you.

2) You avoid the computer as long as possible. If you’re a freelance writer and work from home to earn your own income, you know how important it is to show up regardless. If you are finding it more and more difficult to even look at the computer, let alone sit down and open your word processor to write, you might consider taking a break.

3) You don’t enjoy reading anymore. Reading is an intricate part of every writer’s life. You learn by reading. You get ideas by reading. You escape by reading. If reading doesn’t appeal to you any longer, you probably need a break from writing.

4) You offer your baby-sitting services to the entire neighborhood. Anything to escape from writing, right? If you find yourself getting roped into anything, just to give yourself an excuse not to write….yep, it’s probably break time.

5) You’re having recurring writing-related nightmares. This might sound funny, but burned out writers often experience dreaded writing nightmares. Novels with no completion. Clients harassing you. Agents dumping you. If you’ve been having bad writing dreams, you might need to take a little break from writing.

By no means am I advocating that you should stop writing altogether. But sometimes we need to take a break and get out into the "real world" where we can experience adventures that we can pull inspiration from for our writing later. Live your life to its fullest and you’ll rarely be devoid of writing inspiration.

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When A Writer Doesn’t Write

Posted by Hope

Have you ever wondered what happens when a writer doesn’t write? This weekend was a non-writing weekend for me.

When my husband told me he had to work all weekend, I was bummed. He missed Easter last year because he was working, and to be honest, I didn’t want to sit at home feeling sorry for myself.

One of my sisters and her family were planning a road trip to visit family in Tennessee. So at the last minute Friday morning, I decided to pack up my kids and hit the road with them.

As always, the first thing I thought about when I decided to travel was that I should pack a couple of notebooks and a manuscript I’m working on. However, being the only driver in my vehicle, that leaves very little time for writing.

My next thought was that I should bring along my mini tape recorder. I thought surely I could record some notes or thoughts on my trip that could be transcribed and used for something later.

And then I remembered an essay I’d just read in Cup of Comfort for Writers. The writer related a story of going on a road trip with her children. During the first leg of the ride, she wrote when possible. When it was her turn to drive, she called one of her sons to the front to transcribe.

It was during this transcription when she realized that she was wasting the beauty of the trip on making her son take notes and "write" for her while she was driving. Instead of just enjoying the trip with her family, she was focused on squeezing in every ounce of writing possible.

As I recalled this powerful lesson, I immediately decided to forget about packing anything writing-related. No books, no pens, no computer. No clothes and kids.

I can honestly say that I didn’t miss writing while I was gone. I enjoyed the quick trip and visit with my grandparents and family. I spent lots of hours in the car with my children. I had a good time and didn’t worry or think about writing for once.

It’s okay when a writer doesn’t write. Just because you’re a writer that doesn’t mean you have to allow writing to control you to the point that you can’t just let go, relax, and have fun. When this writer doesn’t write, she feels rejuvenated and ready for another round.

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How to Overcome Your Fear of Failure

Posted by Hope

Are you afraid of failure? Do you often wish you had the courage to go for your dreams or desires? I am going to give you some simple tips you can use to start overcoming your fear of failure.

Take charge of the situation. First and foremost, you must be in control. You should never let any situation control you. Stand up for yourself. Be assertive. When you are in control, nothing and nobody can cause you to fail.

Forget about failing. If you’re one of those people who tend think about failing all the time, guess what? You will fail! I’m sure you’ve heard that saying, “You are what you eat.” Well, the same applies here. You are what you think. Focus on success, not failure.

Divert your attention elsewhere. When you get lost in that moment of feeling that dreadful fear, what do you do? Do you stand in it, allowing it to totally consume your mind and actions? Stop doing that! When you begin to think about failing and feel that fear coming upon you, tell yourself to stop and start thinking about something more pleasant.

Practice in private. One reason why so many people can’t seem to be successful at anything is because they haven’t practiced it. This may sound weird to you, but you should really give it a try. How would you feel if you were successful? What would you be doing? Practice these things in private. Pretend as if you have already achieved what you’re working towards. This combats fear of failure faster than anything.

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What Do You Sell?

Posted by Hope

As a writer, you might think your one and only job is to create the best (or perfect) words that your readers or clients will adore. So to that end I ask you: What do you sell?

Are you selling…

• hype?
• hope?
• prosperity?
• love?
• hate?
• malice?
• envy?
• joy?
• peace?

Every word you write sells something to someone, whether you realize it or not. Whether it’s an unspoken message or you come right out and say it, your words sell.

Think about this the next time you sit down to write something. Think about the message you’re conveying or the point you’re trying to get across to others. What are you selling?

Popularity: 16% [?]

Need A Little Boost?

Posted by Hope

I thought I’d share another personal blog of mine, for those of you who don’t already know about it. I have a self-improvement blog, called Nurtured Soul. Check it out, if you’re need some motivation, or a little mental pick-me-up: http://www.nurturedsoul.com.

Popularity: 15% [?]

Write What You Love

Posted by Hope

There comes a point in every writer’s life when you feel unsatisfied with what you’re doing. You write and write, but can never seem to quench your thirst for something more or different. When you feel this way, it’s time to write what you love.

Too many of us writers think we have to write what pays. Don’t get me wrong here. If you want to earn a living with writing, then sometimes you will have to do things you don’t necessarily enjoy. But this must be balanced with writing what you love as well.

See, throwing yourself into job after job of writing that is meaningless to you eats away at your soul. You will rob yourself of the pure joy of writing.

Write what you must. Then set aside 30 minutes or an hour to write what you love.

Popularity: 16% [?]

One Is The Loneliest Number

Posted by Hope

Writing is a lonely job. You sit alone with your pen and paper, or computer, and produce gobs of words every day. You think, breathe, eat, sleep, talk, walk writing all the time. And for the most part, you do it alone.

Writing isn’t like many other professions. Freelance writers face the screen alone. We don’t get to sit in a room full of other writers with lots of creative sparks charging the air. We have to charge our own air–alone.

It’s imperative to remember to network with other creative beings. Even if you aren’t necessarily a socialite, getting together with other writers provides a certain energy you need to recharge your batteries from time to time.

Take me, for example. I’m a loner by nature. I enjoy being alone. I’m an introvert. Being alone doesn’t bother me at all. But every now and then, if I stay cooped up inside too long, I start getting antsy. I get restless and irritable. Even introverts need to get out and be among the living every now and then.

Living deep in bayou country, there are no physical local writing groups. In fact, I haven’t found one yet within an hour or so driving distance from me. So I turn to writing groups online.

Networking online can be just as helpful as networking offline. Both have their advantages. With online writing groups, I get the benefits of meeting and interacting with other writers just the same as I would with an offline group.

The next time you’re feeling restless, make time to find yourself a writing group to become a part of. If you haven’t been able to find one yet, hold tight. I’m working on putting together a writer’s group of my own very soon!

Popularity: 22% [?]

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