Don’t worry! 3 easy remedies for writers block
Here’s how to avoid being weeded out
I ran the Marine Corps Marathon a number of years ago in Washington, DC. It was epic and it was hard. My success over a long six months of training was due to working a plan that set the odds in my favor. I found the community support I needed to train each and every week and enjoy the process along the way.
Most people who began to train for the marathon never made it to the finish line. The same fall-off happens to writers trying to complete Year One. Your year will be epic and it will be hard. And you will want to quit. Will you be the one who makes it?
Here’s how to make it to the finish line —
- Treat your writing, like running a long-distance race:
You learn when to push forward and when to stay with the pack. The miles come easiest when under cruise control and the fun comes with the big push — the kick — at the end when the finish line is within sight. I think this is a metaphor for my writing community.
When I ran 5K fun run races, the spirit is the absolute majesty of joining a crowd of people for the fun and camaraderie of being together. Being connected for a common purpose. Every writer needs friends cheering from the sidelines for you at the top of their lungs.
2. Lean and support your fellow Medium community members.
Your Medium peeps will help you to the finish line if you reach out!
The writing is the focus but the joy of finding a group of common souls willing to work and exchange ideas and friendship together is the main purpose. Crafting skills with the goal of mastering them is almost equally inspiring. The secondary goals of monetary benefits pale in comparison. I just want you to keep the pace.
By the way, Anthony Moore published an insightful article on why most writers won’t be successful on Medium. Don’t let this be you!
3. Look at writing as a way to take care of yourself.
Like running, writing gives you a break from this crazy world. It creates a balance that is extremely good for your overall health.
Writing gives you a break from the immediate stress of ongoing problems and lets your mind have a break and find its balance. A balance from pushing the ball forward and taking action and retreating backward.
BONUS STEPS — Set an outline, drafting, and publishing schedule
So I like to write a draft in the afternoons or evenings when I am alive and awake. In the mornings I like to do edits or write more onto drafts that are all well started. My mind is still waking up and I like to respect that condition.
My publishing schedule is Monday — Wednesday — Friday. What’s yours?
Write from the heart or write for the money?
The dilemma of a new writer
Do you write from the heart or do you write for money? Writers who make it to the end of year one tend to write from the heart. They implicitly know that the money will come. The major goal is to enjoy the process, grow as a person, and exceed your expectations for a full year of work in Year One. Don’t worry darlings — The money will follow.
In summary, treat your first year of writing like it is a long-distance race. Don’t go it alone. By reaching out to the community, setting a writing schedule, and enjoying the process you will set yourself up for the joy of completing your first year on Medium!
Shoutouts today — To my beloved writers following me:
Marcie DuBois Celine Lai Valerio BichoDoMato Rosa Diaz Uwem Daniels Curtis Chin Robin Nemesszeghy Niklas Göke Kristin Segura Ahlam Ben Saga Kristina God Jimmy Misner Jr. George Kao David Perlmutter
Would love to hear comments from anyone who has finished Year One or is working on it! 😊🤞
And from the inspiring article by Anthony Moore -
