Top 10 Writing Obstacles and How to Overcome Them

I just got back from ScrivCon, a writing conference put on by my publisher, Scrivenings Press. Among the things I learned was something I knew, but I didn’t realize how pervasive it was. What am I talking about? The age-old complaint among writers – writing obstacles.

When I blogged about obstacles in 2022, I focused mostly on writer’s block. This time, I want to go through 10 writing obstacles plus give tips on how to overcome them. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, understanding and overcoming these common hurdles can significantly enhance your creative process.

So, let’s get started!

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Writing obstacles and how to conquer them

1. Writer’s Block – Writer’s block is perhaps the most notorious obstacle writers encounter. If you have it, you know it. You find yourself with a lack of inspiration or an inability to produce new ideas or words. Solutions include:

• Freewriting: Write without worrying about quality or structure to stimulate creativity.
• Change of Environment: Move to a different location or take a walk to refresh your mind.
• Set Realistic Goals: Break your writing into smaller tasks and set achievable daily or weekly goals.

2. Perfectionism – Striving for perfection can lead to over-editing, self-doubt, and procrastination. Ways to combat this include:

• Embrace Imperfection: Accept that first drafts are meant to be imperfect. This one is particularly tough for me.
• Setting Time Limits: Allocate specific time for writing and editing to prevent overthinking.
• Seeking Feedback: Get constructive criticism from trusted peers or editors to gain perspective.

3. Lack of Time – Balancing writing with other commitments like work, family, and social life can be challenging. To manage time effectively, try:

• Creating a Schedule: Allocate dedicated time slots for writing in your daily or weekly schedule.
• Setting Priorities: Identify and prioritize writing tasks over less critical activities.
• Eliminating Distractions: Minimize interruptions and distractions during designated writing time.

Using weekly planners

My favorite way to manage time is to use an undated, spiral-bound planner. These are a couple that I think work well:

More writing obstacles

4. Self-Doubt – Doubting your abilities or the value of your writing can hinder creativity and productivity. What can you do? Use positive affirmations (remind yourself of past successes and strengths as a writer), surround yourself with supportive people, and practice self-compassion. Always treat yourself with kindness and patience.

5. Fear of Failure – Fear of rejection or criticism can prevent you from taking risks or exploring new ideas. It’s something writers commonly deal with. But you can learn to deal with it. How?

• Redefining success: Focus on personal growth and improvement rather than external validation.
• Taking small steps: Break daunting tasks into smaller, manageable goals to build confidence.
• Learning from setbacks: View setbacks as learning opportunities and stepping stones toward success.

6. Procrastination – Putting off writing tasks in favor of less demanding activities can stall progress. Solutions include:

• Setting Deadlines: Establish clear deadlines for each writing milestone.
• Using Time Management Techniques: Employ techniques like the Pomodoro Technique to boost productivity.
• Breaking Tasks into Smaller Steps: Tackle writing projects in manageable increments to avoid overwhelm.

What is the Pomodoro Technique?

I’d never heard of this until the conference I just went to. It’s very interesting. I found this on the Pomodoro Technique website:

1. Choose a task
2. Set the Pomodoro® Timer to 25 minutes
3. Work on the task until the Pomodoro® rings, then put a check on your sheet of paper
4. Take a short break (Start with 5 minutes)
5. Every 4 Pomodoros, take a longer break

For more information, check out the website!

More obstacles writers run into

7. Lack of Inspiration – Feeling uninspired or lacking creative ideas can stall your writing process. Solution?

• Read widely: Explore different genres and styles to spark new ideas.
• Engage in creative activities: Something besides writing on the computer, like journaling, drawing, or listening to music to stimulate creativity.-
• Take breaks: Allow yourself time away from writing to recharge and gain fresh perspectives.

8. Overcoming Writer’s Resistance – Starting a new project or revising existing work can seem overwhelming. What can you do?

• Write Regularly: Establish a consistent writing routine to build momentum.
• Set Clear Goals: Define specific writing goals and outline steps to achieve them.
• Exploring New Techniques: Experiment with different writing exercises or prompts to jumpstart creativity.

9. Maintaining Focus – Difficulty maintaining concentration and staying focused on writing tasks. What can you do to enhance your focus? (a) Create a distraction-free environment, (b)Use productivity tools (apps or tools designed to block distractions and track writing progress), (c) Practice mindfulness, which means incorporating mindfulness techniques like deep breathing or meditation to improve concentration.

10. Revision and Editing Challenges – Revising and editing your work can be daunting and time-consuming. Approach revision and editing effectively by:

• Taking Breaks Between Drafts: Allow time to gain distance from your manuscript before revisiting it.
• Seeking Feedback: Get input from beta readers or editors to identify areas for improvement.
• Focusing on Structure and Clarity: Prioritize refining plot, character development, and narrative coherence during editing.

What writing obstacles do you struggle with?

Navigating these common writing obstacles requires perseverance, creativity, and a willingness to adapt your approach. By implementing these strategies and staying committed to your writing goals, you can overcome challenges and continue to grow as a writer.

Remember, every obstacle you conquer brings you closer to achieving your writing aspirations. In the comments, I’d love to know what obstacles you struggle with.

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Hi, I’m Jen! I’ve been married for over 37 years, have 5 amazing kids and 3 adorable grandkids. I homeschooled our three youngest children, and I used to blog about homeschooling. I also taught Oral Communication as an adjunct instructor for over 5 years.

Jen Dodrill Writes is born of a passion of mine – to write a novel! My first cozy mystery, Birds Alive!, released Feb. 27, 2024!

When I’m not working, you’ll find me writing, spending time with my family, or curled up on the couch reading and drinking a mug of dark roast coffee. (Don’t forget to check out my mug shop – JDMugs!)