When you’re working as a writer, it’s likely you’ll face numerous challenges. This blog outlines 5 tough trials you can experience as a writer that you definitely need to be prepared for.
1. Writer’s Block
You may experience writer’s block at some point, whether you are working as a freelance writer or trying to complete your debut novel. Writer’s block can be a nightmare because it will stifle your creative juices and bring you to a grinding halt. To deal with these issues, you need to make sure that you are finding new levels of inspiration. There are numerous ways to do this. For instance:
- consider spending time outside – a mental and physical break works wonders!
- listen to author podcasts for inspiration and to remind yourself you’re part of a wonderful writing community
- read blogs, book or articles other writers have penned before deconstructing them to create something of your own
2. Chronic Pain
As a writer, you no doubt spend hours at a time hunched over your laptop, either at your desk, on your sofa or even in bed. If so, it’s common to develop issues with chronic pain, specifically repetitive strain injury. RSI, as you might have guessed, is caused by repeatedly completing a process – such as typing – without regular or adequate breaks. If you want to avoid RSI as a writer, you need to think about where you are writing as well as your posture. You must consider your writing environment carefully and ensure it’s conducive to long term writing success. You might want to consider investing in some ergonomic furniture to help you.
3. Eye Strain
Another one of the 5 tough trials you can experience as a writer is eye strain. This is again linked to how long you stare at a screen for. The longer you stare at a screen, the more likely it is that you will suffer from eye strain. Be aware that signs of eye strain can also develop because you need glasses or support with your eyesight. If you think this might be the issue, then you can learn more online. There are numerous different types of glasses to choose from, so you’re sure to be able to find frames that match your own personal style.
4. Rejection
If you write for a living, you should definitely be prepared for the issue of rejection at some point. You need to develop a thick skin as a writer because, unfortunately, not everyone is going to love your ideas. The general rule when publishing a novel is thirteen. Unless your novel is rejected thirteen times by literary agents or publishers, you shouldn’t assume that there is something wrong. Instead, you need to keep trying and hoping for success.
5. Accusations Of Plagiarism
Finally, you have probably heard the saying ‘nothing is truly original’ or ‘originality is dead’. While this is true, you still need to be careful that you don’t copy someone else’s work. You might think that plagiarism is always going to be intentional but the reality is that you can copy something by accident or stumble onto an idea that someone already had. J.K Rowling has faced numerous claims of copyright throughout her career.
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