Writers' BlockAhead of the launch of my new book, Blocks, I’d like to get your feedback as to what stops writers and authors from getting their books written and published.
I’d be really grateful for a few seconds of your time to answer the one that resonates the most with you.
If there’s another reason, please let me know in the Comments box below …
I think that I could have used a number of different reasons for not writing – Not enough time, Inspiration dried up, No idea what to write… Am currently outlining (actually re-outlining), so maybe I’ll get inspired.
Thanks for your comment, all of this is covered on my Unleash the Book Inside Workshop and Home Study course …
Getting nurtured by nature – Yes, been spending most daylight hours in the gardening. The odd bits of writing I have been doing are kinda on hold till autumn/winter when I plan on really getting going. Thanks for news though it helps to keep me in the loop and reminds me where I’m headed.
The only thing that was holding me back from writing my book is the self imposed limiting belief that I am not a writer.
I have a great story to tell that has the ability to positively affect many people!
I have eliminated the limiting belief and with your help, I can clearly see the book on the BN and Amazon bestseller’s list.
Dan
Well, at least I’m in the solid majority — fear of ridicule. But like Will, I could have equally chosen several of the options.
Torn between the three:
Fear – of failure AND ridicule,
but the easiest is insufficient time… or more exactly always having important – urgent things to do
… so it feels like I have not time. Of course I don’t want to be a scaredy cat so time…
I answered lack of time but I think what that really boils down to is lack of discipline. Someone asked me the other day how my writing was going and I had to confess it wasn’t progressing very well. She advised devoting an hour a day to moving it forward. I’m doing my best and now have quite a bit of background research completed.
Hi Tom
For me it is TIME that is the enemy.
I work in marketing full time and spend only my free time doing creative writing and poetry.
I have found since joining a poetry group my writing has improved remarkably. The mentoring, support and understanding of peers is essential.
Also, the Mindspa you recommended has helped to clear blocks and get me back on track to being more creative.
Best wishes,
Elizabeth
Hi Tom
Really excited about tomorrow . . . um I didnt really fall into any of the categories, as I have the bones, and quite a lot of flesh to my story, my issue is that there are a couple of ways I can “tell” the story and I dont know which is the most appropriate!
A self development inspiration story
A survival over adversity tale but written as with humourous aspects aka “rom com”
Inability to get an agent. Doesn’t matter how good your book is it is so difficult to get an agent to even look ‘properly’ at your work that it is not worth the hours of extremly hard work that goes into producing a book. I have a number of plots in my head but am loath to ‘waste time and emotion’ if my first book is not appreciated, accepted and enjoyed.
fear of change
I’ve written one novel, Hitler and Mars Bars. I’d like to follow it with a sequel but it’s the old complaint – where do I find the time?! My time goes into promoting the existing novel and lots of admin work for groups I belong to – but I’m learning to schedule time for my own projects so that I can complete writing that I want to do.
Dianne
This often tied up with Fear of the Unknown – if you make the Unknown, Known and get in control of your destiny, it disappears. To do this, it’s handy to discover your karmic purpose which we’ll do on the workshop probably on day 2 …
I am already writing my third book although I feel this one is going to be harder than the others. I am lucky as I am retired and can give the time to constructing my new book. Im can only say that I had to wait till I finished work and retired beore I started writing, now I can’t seem to stop.
John Jochimsen 18.16 29th September 2009
I have a tremendous fear of being on live TV and completely messing up. When I release my book, due to the nature of the material, it could well happen. This is what always holds me back.
I had the same issue with playing guitar on stage & had a recurring dream about it. I got rid of it by doing it – there are loads of really good training programmes out there but just playing with a web cam & doing some YouTube stuff is a good start – I can introduce you to Vanessa Warwick who can train you in a safe environment if you like – see http://www.tinyurl.com/blocks-pa