How to Stop Yourself From Writing by John Greeves There are many well-known tactics writers employ to stop themselves from writing. After all it’s easier to make excuses, than to sit down and write something of substance. It’s something we all do, consciously or subconsciously. Writing is not as easy as many people make out. It takes perseverance, resolution, fresh ideas, self-discipline and many tough qualities, which can be very demanding. We can all find excuses for not writing without ever blaming ourselves. I’ve listed some of my top ten word stoppers:
2. I haven’t got time. Life is always busy. Whose turn is it to pick up the kids? Family and work can easily be cited as the reasons you can’t get down to your writing. Look at other activities you do like watching a ‘soap,’ or going to the pub on a Friday, or that evening class on a Tuesday. If you can make room for these activities, then you can structure time for your writing.
2. Displacement activities. You drag yourself up to your room. Not the best of starts. Mentally you don’t seem prepared. Then you insist on making a coffee, several phone calls, responding to email and then querying an account. You convince yourself all these things are necessary as you tidy up your room. Maybe tomorrow will bring a rush of inspiration, but for now you’re searching for that long lost shopping list.
3. The Self Critic You’ve been beating yourself up lately. The selfcritic has crept back in. Maybe one or two rejection slips haven’t helped and then of course there are all those nagging doubts. Whatever you do, perfection seems to elude you. Why can’t you shape your manuscript like your favourite author? This is a time for - 59 -
