OVERCOMING THE HURDLES IN WRITING 02: DEALING WITH THE BLUES

Hello
How was the week over there?
Welcome to this week’s episode on our 5-week quest in overcoming the hurdles in writing. Last week, we were able to discuss how to cope with the loss of a manuscript. You can catch up here https://farajacraftcircle.com.ng/blog/overcoming-the-hurdles-in-writing-01-a-5-week-quest-with-the-owanbe-book-party/

Today we will be discussing another major hurdle which I tag “The Blues”. Having the Blues can be described as a situation whereby a writer feels discouraged and gloomy by his/her works.

Coming up with a work of art is a daunting task in its rights. Having a bad feeling about the work is even more daunting.

It’s quite typical for “The Blues” feeling to come but what you mustn’t do is give in to it. You are the first contact with your book and as such the first person who could ever love her. If you don’t appreciate her, there is no possibility any other random individual would.

This feeling comes in a myriad of thoughts such as:

• No one will ever read this
• This is better kept as a draft
• This makes no sense
• Really? This is the best you can do?
• What a waste of time and so on…….

I’m not saying you should write substandard materials but value what you write. Writing is a process; a patient one at that. No one becomes an authority in writing overnight.

It might be surprising to note that these feelings can occur at various points in your career as a writer. They might come while you’re battling with getting a title on the shelf or even when you have an array of titles to your name. So don’t give up on that title yet, you might be astounded to find out where it will later lead to.

WHAT TO DO?

1. Understand that writing is not a day’s work.
2. Give room for improvement from time to time.
3. Don’t be ashamed of getting a second eye to look at your work.
4. Permit critique of your works too but never allow them to weigh you down to the extent you do not write again.
5. Put all those beautiful thoughts of yours down in writing as they come. One day, you will have an array to look up to.

We’ve got 3 more hurdles to cross and God’s willing I’ll be here each weekend.
Never forget to grow and grow some more.

Till I come your way again, May the good Lord bless you and yours.