You want to write, but something holds you back — fear, self-doubt, simply feeling stuck…
After writing nonfiction for 15 years, I burned out.
As part of my attempt to recover and keep writing, I started an m/m romance series. Something for fun. Something that I wasn’t “supposed” to be writing.
But after the success of the first book, I found myself terrified of writing the sequel.
Readers messaged me every day asking for the next book — I’d already agreed on a deadline with my editor — and the fear of disappointing them paralyzed me.
I was also emotionally exhausted, dealing with personal losses that made it hard to focus, and now I was “supposed” to be writing Book 2.
The pressure to deliver was crushing.
I wanted to write, but no matter how faithfully I stuck to my schedule and put my “butt in the chair” in front of the computer, I couldn’t force the words to come.
I couldn’t “just push through.”
I felt like a fake, like I was pretending to be a “real” writer.
It took time, and a lot of self-care, but I eventually found ways to manage the pressure and reconnect with my creativity.
I did complete and publish Book 2 — it was a bear of a project, and I’m proud of it — but because of that experience, I started this email series to share what I learned and how I worked through it.
Overcoming blocks like these isn’t about pushing through — or discipline, or desire, or inspiration, or sheer will — it’s about being kind to yourself, acknowledging your underlying fears, developing supportive habits, shifting your mindset, and being patient with the process.
Just because it doesn’t come easily doesn’t mean you’re not a real writer.
If you’re feeling the call to write but something is keeping you from it, know that you’re not alone and it is possible to move past all the “buts” — the doubts, the fears, the self-limiting beliefs, the external factors.
When you do, you can rediscover the hope and sense of purpose that motivates you.
What’s one thing that keeps coming up for you when you think “I want to write, but…”?
Slade
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