Writers are artists who create worlds in which people can drown. But while they might be magicians who seem to create fantastic stories out of thin air, they have their own set of problems too. In fact, some of these problems are quite unique to writers while others are more generic. Here are the biggest challenges writers face and their solutions.
Editing while writing
The problem: The temptation to go back to the previous day’s work and edit it until it is perfect is overwhelming. The problem with this is that a scene would never be perfect because you can always think of new things to add or delete.
The solution: Develop the habit of continuing where you left off first thing when you sit down to work. Once you get caught up with what you are currently writing, you will be able to leave the previous work alone.
Never-ending research
The problem: Research is important. Extensive research is even better. But there is only so much time you can devote to research because you have a book to write. Getting mired in research you will never use is a huge problem.
The solution: Try to devote actual time for specific research. Seek out reputed sources for your research so you can get it finished without spending all your time on it.
In love with your work
The problem: You enjoyed creating a character and filling him or her with all your cherished attributes. Now you are sitting and wondering if it is too good to be true. Then there are all those scenes, which don’t really fit into the story but you don’t want to let go of them.
The solution: Find an editor who will help you with a more balanced perspective. What’s more, listen to this person, because you really need some distance from your work.
Not being taken seriously
The problem: Writing is not considered a serious career by most people. Leave alone your friends, random strangers might come across as condescending to hear about your full-time or part-time work. It can be frustrating and seriously disheartening.
The solution: There is no alternative but to let the rudeness roll off your back. Maybe you could point out they are being rude, or alternatively disparage their profession. That should shut them up
Overwriting
The problem: You simply seem unable to stop writing even when the point of that particular piece has been long explained and done with. You are bursting not just with ideas, but also with words that seem to just spill out.
The solution: Find an editor, preferably a ruthless editor who will cut down on the size of your work to a more readable level. You can be sure your readers don’t want to read a filler of a novel!
Not enough time to write
The problem: With a full time job, a partner, and children, you might not find making the time to write seriously very easy. Everything seems to eat into your writing time.
The solution: While it is important to earn money and give time to your relationships, you must steel yourself to miss out on some relaxation. Be disciplined and organize your schedule to fit in everything you need to do. Waking up early in the morning and getting a good bit of writing done is a great way to start the day.
Negative feedback
The problem: You have written a book into which you have poured out all your heart, time, energy, and then someone comes along and writes a nasty review on Amazon or Goodreads. You feel tempted to respond with a defense, telling them why they are wrong.
The solution: If you are sensitive to negative feedbacks, it is best to not read these reviews at all. It is wise not to respond to any review, positive or negative. Also, please don’t give five stars to your own book just because no one else has done so!
Dealing with rejection
The problem: So you have written the best book you can write and want to share it with the world. You seek out publishers but get constantly rejected. This can lead to frustration and depression.
The solution: Fortunately, there is more than one way to get your work across to your readers. Consider self-publishing to put your first book out there. If you manage to get a decent readership, publishers will be happy to give you a second chance. Hiring a good agent also helps in getting your book noticed by publishers.
Social media
problem: If you are self-publishing, you really need to put yourself out there and do a lot of marketing on social media. But Twitter and Facebook can gobble up your time and before you know it, the entire day is gone.
The solution: Devote a couple of hours every day specifically for marketing and catching up with fans. If you really enjoy hanging out online, then use it as a reward to yourself for completing the day’s work.
Plagiarism
The problem: This is a serious problem that many writers face, especially today when the internet is a melting pot of everything ever conceived of by humanity.
The solution: Drop an email to the concerned person and ask them to remove their work from circulation. If they fail to do so, then consider taking legal action. You have worked hard at your book and there is no reason why someone else should take credit for it.
Multiple projects
The problem: You are busy with several projects at the same time, and then you get ideas for yet another book and you are forced to wonder whether you will ever finish a book.
The solution: The answer is discipline. While it is great to start new projects, don’t be the writer who never finishes a project. Organize your time so that you continue to work on your main current project, but you can continue to make notes for your future projects.
Fairouz B. 