Becoming a writer is hard. Very, very hard. I am 25 and still in college. I love writing but never really realized just how difficult it is. And I'm not even necessarily talking about writing for publication. Don't get me wrong, I would love to get a book or other major piece published. But, first I need to learn how to really write. In exploring my own knowledge (and lack thereof) I hope to help at least a few other writers become more comfortable with the whole process. Actually, if I can help just one person become a better writer I will be happy.
With that being said, let me get started. I've come up with some things that really inhibit me from writing. I'm sure someone will agree with me on these. One is actually finding time to write, or shall I say utilizing the time I do have to write. I have all the time in the world. Yes, I work a full time job, go to class one night a week and go to the gym a couple times a week. But, I have no kids, only a boyfriend of seven years. That all totals up to a measly 50 hours a week, give or take. That leaves a lot of time for other activities, especially writing. It doesn't take much to write in terms of equipment. I either write in my notebook or use the computer, both if which are very handy. But, my second (and biggest) reason for not writing is that little voice in my head. When I get home from work I usually eat dinner and then sit on the couch and watch Everybody Loves Raymond. Hmmm….that would be a great time to write. But, the voice in my head says, “I'll just wait til this is over.
It's only a half hour”. But by then another episode comes on and it's nothing but a continuous cycle. Before I know it I'm yawning and ready for bed. Isn't it amazing how well are minds can trick us? I've always heard that the mind is a very powerful thing. But I've determined it's a very naughty thing as well. If my mind is so powerful, why won't it push me to do constructive things instead of meaningless, useless things? I've determined that the mind and willpower are two separate entities. If you possess enough willpower (which it sometimes seems as though I do not) your mind will grab willpower's hand and they will work beautifully together.
Next is all that pressure I feel to write, write, and write. Some books that I have read say you should make it a habit to write every single day. I disagree with this. If it's something you want to do, go for it!! More power to ya! But, for people like me, it's not always necessary. I do agree that you should definitely put effort into writing as often as you feel comfortable. And I also think it's a good idea to set goals. But, be realistic. Don't expect to sit down every single day and write five pages. And, more importantly, if you don't quite meet your goal one day, don't beat yourself up over it. It's not the end of the world. Just push yourself a little further the next time. If you have to, give yourself a small reward if you meet your goal. I said small. Don't go out and buy yourself a new car because you finished a chapter this month. Obviously, setting and meeting goals takes discipline. Discipline also walks hand in hand with willpower, which is what it all comes down to for me anyway. I tend to procrastinate at everything.
So setting and sticking to a writing regimen is somewhat difficult for me. I've been doing a little better lately because I'm running out of good excuses. Plus, I'm starting to be less organized. The words “less organized” might be a synonym for the word Hell to some. When I was trying to stay organized all the time it became even more impossible. It was too restrictive. I would get upset and work myself up into a tizzy and just stop. Now, if my mind starts wandering, I write it all down. I know I'll forget it if I don't. And who knows how good of an idea it could turn out to be? You just have to have fun with it. I've been much more optimistic about my writing lately with this approach. Put your pen to paper, or your fingers to the keys, and just go wherever the words take you! It really is that simple!
