Why is Writing Hard?

Early in my writing career, I kept saying to myself: “Why is writing so hard for me?”

Whenever I need a good cry, I’ll read some of my old essays and articles and remember how much suffering I inflicted on my teachers and editors throughout my life.

If you’re thinking about how to tell someone their writing is bad, look in the mirror first.

That’s what I always try to do before give writing feedback, and I should do it more often.

Writing is hard work, and there are always ways to improve. I’m learning new things all the time — often because of my mistakes.

That’s why is writing so frustrating.

Being a successful writer isn’t a destination. It’s a process.

Knowing this, you shouldn’t make the writing life harder on others or yourself.

One of the worse things you can do is make comparisons.

That’s why is writing so hard for students. It’s peer pressure.

Even as adults, we’re still self-conscious about a lot of things.

It’s natural to compare, but it sets you up for unhappiness. We’ll never be able to fully understand the reality of another person’s life. We can only assume.

You might think someone is a naturally gifted writer, but do you know how hard they worked to improve their writing? Do you know how insecure they still feel about their writing ability? I know I still have my moments of doubt.

Writing is hard work.

Actually, that sentence could be improved.

Let’s just say…

Writing is hard.

Updated: March 13, 2021