Top 4 Reasons Writers Avoid Writing

I've been there. I'm sure you have to. For one reason or another, you avoid that deep down biting desire to write. That story you've imagined for years, written in your head those late sleepless nights, that's been gnawing at your brain every time you pick up a pen, sits gathering dust in your mental library. But why?



Author Ronlyn Domingue explores this walls many writers hit in her article, "Listen to the Deep Know: The Urge for a Writer's Life."

1. Expectations. "You might ask yourself, "I want to write, but what would THEY think?" Ask yourself instead, "What do I want?" In the end, it's your life -- and your stories."
2. Circumstances. "Your path might be cluttered with obstacles. You want to get an MFA, but you don't think you can spare the cost or the time."
3. Fear. "This is the worst. It's connected to the darkness of the unknown and the heart of self-doubt. Sometimes, you wonder whether it matters if you write."
4. Stability. This is my own personal addition. Many writers may have good, solid careers.  For me, I have a job in healthcare with a promising future. If my career stays on this upward path, why try for something uncertain?

The whole point is that if you have the drive to write, you have to take chances.  I'm not saying just quit your job and go for it but work it in the wee hours of the night.  Set aside time.  Don't give up.  Your "deep know" won't.