“I don’t feel like writing today.”
Ever said that to yourself? I’m saying it today. But if I followed through on the impulse, this page would be blank.
Why You Won’t Write Today
(1) Physical
Illness can strike without warning. And some people suffer from chronic conditions. I have clients who pray for a “good” day so they can put a few words on the page.
If you find a consistent malaise, consult your doctor. I know of a writer who had severe writers block for five years. Turns out it was an imbalance in her prescription medications. Once she made the adjustment, she was fine.
(2) Procrastination
Putting off until tomorrow what you should have done last month.
The art of procrastination is a refined ability honed over years of practice. At least 10,000 hours if you follow the Malcolm Gladwell principle. Have you rearranged your paperclips by size and color today? Have you watched the new cat videos on YouTube yet? Have you updated your Facebook status, uploaded a new Instagram reel, recorded a brief TikTok video, or read the latest blog from The Steve Laube Agency?
Just a minute. I need to answer this newly received email. I’ll be right back.
(3) Lack of Inspiration
It is hard to be creative when the well is dry. Inspiration can be elusive at best and absent at worst. Learning how to write anyway is a learned disciple.
Why You Will Write Today
(1) Deadlines
The perfect cure for those who need motivation. They say “dead” is in the word deadline for a reason. (See the story of the origin of the word “deadline.”)
A publisher will assign a due date for your work for a reason. Too many writers treat a deadline like a suggestion. A number of things should not or do not happen inside a publishing house until the manuscript is in hand. Without it coming on time, all sorts of workflow plans come unraveled.
But maybe your deadline is self-imposed, and it would be so easy to just let it slide. Who is going to know? “Beware of that snare” (he said while speaking to himself).
(2) You Are Rested
If you are truly burnt out, it may be time to rest. To let the ground lay fallow so it can become a place to grow again. Too often we push ourselves too hard to achieve and forget the necessity of rest. Today, you are rested and have the strength to carry on.
(3) Dedication
Writing is hard work. And if you are in the midst of a long project, the end is a long way off. But the dedicated writer gets something done, even when it doesn’t feel right. That is the mark of dedication. The one who wilts when the going gets difficult will rarely see the final piece finished.
Your Turn
Do you have things that keep you from writing?
What do you do when it doesn’t feel right?
Do deadlines work for you or against you?
