Pressure to Perform
I’ve just read a few posts about people experiencing writer’s block, no knowing where to start, not being able to start, deleting work and having trouble getting their writing off the ground, because basically they are afraid to write something bad.
From what I have read you are all putting WAY too much pressure on yourselves to perform. Right from the very first word.
Sometimes, yes, the words flow and you’re in the zone. Lovely. But sometimes, a lot of the time, it TAKES TIME.
It takes time to build a story, no matter if you are a gardener or architect, or pantser or outliner or snowflaker, whatever.
It takes time. It takes thought, consideration, maybe some discussion, a bit of ruminating and time. There is actually a learning curve, stuff to know about when you decide to write something. Especially fiction, there are conventions.
Relax. It’s meant to be fun. You are NOT going to produce a work of art as soon you leave the gates, at the risk of mixing metaphors.
Everything benefits from editing. It’s not just fixing grammar, typos, etc. it is you getting to know your story a little bit like a reader might and getting a feel for how the whole thing works. It’s important. It gives you space from the act of creation and lets your mind work on any problems that come up. Plus, you fix shit. It’s fun. You get some distance.
Stop thinking about being a ‘great’ writer and writing a ‘great’ story. Focus on telling the story you are trying to tell. Focus on creating something worth reading. Build it, whichever way works for you. Evaluate as you go that you are building something sound. Look back and re-evaluate.
Something with character, setting, consistent imagery, solid technical structure, personality and style.
It’s called a ‘work in progress’ for a reason, it’s not a ‘sit down and oh my god look at the amazing thing I instantly produced, how fantastic am I?’. It’s work, it changes, it’s allowed to change, and if you’re still not enjoying it, consider taking up the guitar.
Enjoy yourselves, people and chill out.