Trying Too Hard

If you dread the thought of writing, if you fear your desk, and if you hate your computer, then you are trying too hard.

If the thought of writing makes you feel guilty, makes your heartbeat quicker, and makes you sweat, then you are trying too hard. Your writing has become a burden that inhibits your creativity, your thinking, and your production. This, of course, leads to writer's block, the scourge of all writers.

If you avoid your desk-or table, or any other place that you write-you are building up your torture rather and ameliorating it, which is another indication that you are trying too hard.

If you hate your computer or your typewriter (if you are still using one), it becomes and evil entity that overpowers you and renders you useless as a writer. You are trying too hard.

You are trying too hard when you become obsessed with your inability to produce. When the current project becomes an ordeal, you are trying too hard. Then it is time to set that undertaking aside and start another. No, it is not time to take a rest, to procrastinate, and to stop writing; it is time to read, to plan a new undertaking-a new poem, a new story, a new article, etc.-to give your mind a rest from the overwhelming present piece, to enjoy a new perspective, and to relax your stifled creativity, but do not quit writing.

Charles O. Goulet has a BA in history and BEd in English literature. He has several historical novels published that are available through Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Barnes and Noble, and other bookstores

Charles O. Goulet
RR 1
Evansburg, AB
T0E 0T0
go1c@telusplanet.net

---

Screenwriting ? The Value of Structure

Structure in the form of frameworks, work processes and goals... Read More

New York Code Orange Jaisini New Art Series

The creativity of Jaisini is not designed to be preaching... Read More

Nonfiction Idea Generators

The hardest part of nonfiction writing is finding a subject... Read More

Keeping a Love Journal

Do you love someone very deeply? A spouse, son, daughter,... Read More

Hunting for Markets Over the Holidays

Chances are, you'll be busy over the next several weeks.... Read More

How To Co-Publish For Profits!

The Benefits of Co-Publishing There are a number of publishers,... Read More

Finding The Book Writing Resources, Tips, And Help You Need!

Writing can be more difficult that just compiling your thoughts... Read More

Writing Personal Statements - Top Tips

WRITING THE PERSONAL STATEMENT TO GET INTO UK UNIVERSITYHOW DO... Read More

Idea-Mining for Writers, 102

As many authors are fond of stating, "Ideas are all... Read More

How to Write Bad Poetry

So you've decided to crown yourself with a title that... Read More

Write Again! - The Art Of The Written Letter

Remember the days when we wrote with pen and paper?... Read More

Starting a Freelance Writing Career (or Thoughts About Taking the Plunge)

Nike's ad has taken on new meaning for me of... Read More

Is The Theme Reinforced In The Ending?

Creative Writing Tips ?By now you should have an idea... Read More

7 Devastating Writing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Writing engaging articles and energizing ad copy takes... Read More

Get An Attitude About Your Writing

(This excerpt is taken from my new writing workshop Writing... Read More

An Introduction to Self Publishing Material

Any article, report or book which is bought or sold... Read More

To Transcribe or Not To Transcribe Interviews?

11 Secrets from an Experienced InterviewerOne of the unwritten rules... Read More

The Spectre Hound

And a dreadful thing from the cliff did spring, and... Read More

The Writers Angst

What is this annoying, insidious angst that permeates my psyche?... Read More

Platform Development Tip #1: Switch Writing Hats!

Around eighty percent of nonfiction books today are written by... Read More

How I Became a Syndicated Columnist -- And You Can Too!

Real Estate has "Location, location, location," and writing has "Clips,... Read More

Whats Missing in your Nearly Finished Book?

Bookcoaching clients come to me at different stages of writing... Read More

How You Can Become a Certified and Profitable Proofreader

A certified proofreader is one that has taken a few... Read More

Be Concise

Concision. (Sounds like I made up another word.) It's the... Read More

Turbo Charge Your Career! Write And Produce Your Own Stage Play!

Have you ever wondered how you can adapt your screenplay... Read More

7 Journaling Tips

Set your journal or diary where you will see it... Read More

Voice in Narrative and Dialogue - A Contrast of Writing Styles

One of the nice things about being an author is... Read More

Apostrophe Usage Made Simple

According to one of my previous articles, whenever a Southerner... Read More

10 Secrets For Writing Killer Complaint Letters

Complaint letters aren't always fun, but sometimes they need to... Read More

Seven Suggestions To Develop a Superb Writing Style

Every writer eventually develops her own unique style of writing.... Read More

How to Create Stories that Sizzle

How to Start Your Story with a BangThe purpose of... Read More

Building a Character Wall

For any great novelist, defining your cast of intriguing characters... Read More

Self-Examination

Self-examination sheds light on a writers motives, goals, and aspirations,... Read More