The Myth of Effortless Writing: Why Writing is So Difficult (and What to Do About It)

Alright, class, let's talk about something important: the inherent difficulty of writing. I often hear students lamenting that writing “should” be easier, that the words “should” just flow.

Let me dispel that myth right now. Writing, is hard, even for seasoned professionals. It's a complex cognitive process, a wrestling match with language itself.

But understanding why it's hard is the first step to becoming a better writer. It's not about some magical talent bestowed on a chosen few; it's a skill, a craft, honed through dedication and a deep understanding of the challenges involved.

So, why is writing so difficult? Let's break it down:

The Grind: Writing is Hard Work. Plain and Simple:

Writing isn't some magical outpouring of genius. It requires focused effort, discipline, and sustained concentration. The hardest part of writing is just getting started. Think of it like any other skill – playing the piano, mastering a sport, learning a new language – it takes practice and dedication. There's no shortcut, no magic wand.

You have to put in the time. This often means sitting down even when you don't feel like it, pushing through the initial resistance, and wrestling with ideas until they take shape on the page. It's about developing the mental stamina to sustain focus and resist distractions. Think of it as a muscle you need to exercise regularly. So take out the blank piece of paper and get ready to write.

The Fear Factor: Conquering the Inner Critic:

Fear is a writer's worst enemy. Fear of judgment, fear of not being understood, fear of failure. This fear can manifest in all sorts of ways: procrastination, writer's block, or even clinging to bad writing habits like passive voice and unnecessary adverbs. The inner critic, that voice in your head that whispers doubts and insecurities, can be incredibly paralyzing.

The key is acknowledging the fear but not letting it paralyze you. Write anyway. One helpful technique is to separate the drafting process from the editing process. Permit yourself to write badly in the first draft to get your ideas down without worrying about perfection. Then, in the second stage, you can put on your editor's hat and critically evaluate your work.

Time Management: The Ever-Elusive Writing Hour:

“I'd write more if I just had the time!” How many times have I heard that? The truth is, time isn't “found,” it's made. We all have the same 24 hours in a day. It's about prioritizing and making conscious choices about how we spend our time.

Treat your writing time like any other important appointment. Schedule it, protect it, and stick to it. Even short bursts of focused writing – 15 minutes, 30 minutes – can be more productive than waiting for that mythical “large block” of time. Consistency is key. Regular, short writing sessions are far more effective than sporadic, long ones.

Revision: The Agony and the Ecstasy:

Let's be honest, nobody loves rewriting. We get attached to our words, our “babies,” and it can be painful to make changes. But revision is where the magic happens. It's where we refine our ideas, clarify our arguments, and polish our prose. It's where we move from a rough sketch to a finished painting.

Embrace the red pen (or the digital equivalent). It's your friend. Don't be afraid to cut, rearrange, and even completely rewrite sections of your work. Seek feedback from others, whether it's a classmate, a writing group, or a professor. A fresh pair of eyes can often catch errors or suggest improvements that you might have missed.

Thinking Clearly: Untangling the Mental Web:

Writing is thinking on paper. If your thoughts are jumbled and disorganized, your writing will be too.

Take the time to clarify your ideas before you start writing. Outline, brainstorm, freewrite – whatever works for you. The clearer your thinking, the clearer your writing. Sometimes, the act of writing itself can help you clarify your thinking. As you try to articulate your ideas in words, you may discover new connections and insights. Don't be afraid to let your writing guide your thinking.

The Cliche Trap: Finding Your Original Voice:

We've all been there, falling back on tired phrases and overused expressions. It's easy to slip into clichés, but good writing demands originality.

Cultivate an ear for fresh language. Read widely, pay attention to the world around you, and strive to express your ideas in your own unique way. Try to find new and interesting ways to describe familiar things. Challenge yourself to use vivid imagery and sensory details in your writing experience.

Authentic Voice: Being Yourself (But Better):

Finding your voice as a writer is a journey. You want to be authentic and genuine, but you also don't want to sound amateurish or affected. It's a delicate balance.

The best way to find your voice is to write, write, write. Experiment, explore, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Read the work of writers you admire, seek a variety of contexts, but don't try to imitate them. Instead, focus on developing your unique style and perspective.

Here are some of our favorite books on writing if you are looking for reference or writing inspiration.

Structure vs. Creativity: Finding the Sweet Spot:

Rules and structures can be helpful, providing a framework for our writing. But they shouldn't stifle our creativity.

The key is to find a balance. Learn the rules, understand the conventions, and then find ways to bend them, break them, and make them your own. Think of structure as a tool that you can use to enhance your creativity, not as a constraint that limits it. Sometimes, breaking the rules can lead to exciting and innovative writing.

Here are some of our favorite online writing courses.

We all find writing difficult, but that is what makes writing so great!

So, is writing hard? Yes, absolutely. But is it impossible? Absolutely not. Writing is a skill, and like any skill, it can be developed through practice, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace the challenges. It's a process of continuous learning and refinement. The more you write, the better you will become. Now, go forth and write!