Writing is Not for the Faint-Hearted

Writing is not for the faint-hearted. So, where does that leave writers who are timid, doubtful, nervous, and afraid?

I recently received emails from two writers. One writer wants to give up. The other writer is in tears. Both writers — one writing a memoir and the other a novel — feel challenged beyond their abilities. Both convey a sensitivity that could be perceived as being faint-hearted. Are they doomed?

Faint-hearted Take Heart

Creative writing and writing a story with a plot are two completely different practices. In creative writing, so long as you have the courage to put the words on the blank page, you’re allowed complete freedom. Writing a story with a plot, on the other hand, demands technique and structure. Learning what to strive for and the expectations for writing a memoir, screenplay, and novel often temporarily kills your natural spontaneity, . Your writing becomes contrived as you attempt to juggle the dramatic action, the characters, the tension, the themes, all the elements that go into writing a great work of art.

Once, however, you have had enough practice and analysis and study into the inner workings of a story, suddenly all the knowledge you’ve absorbed gives way. Your story flows. Your writing picks up speed. Your intuition, and inspiration return. You’re swept up in the momentum.

Epic Journey

Writing a story with a plot takes you on an epic journey. The way promises to turn treacherous. To survive the journey, which is to say, not give or turn bitter and resentful and discouraged, turn to the Universal Story. The Universal Story gives you perspective into what you and your protagonist are in for. With a clear sense of where you’re headed and a clear idea of what to expect, your passion returns. You find yourself actually enjoying the act of writing.

I recently underwent a major house remodel. I bring this up because remodeling is very much like revising a story — lots of demolition and endless choices fraught with unforeseen obstacles and missteps demanding creativity and patience. Thanks to my extensive study and experience with the Universal Story, I could predict what was coming next. Trusting that obstacles and dilemmas and setbacks often arise when creating something out of virtually nothing, I could meet every obstacle and dilemma as an opportunity. Rather than view personally the couple of disastrous turns, I trusted they were worthwhile for me to experience. I knew that ultimately the struggles would end up improving not only the house but me, too (and they did).The Universal Story cuts through insecurities and uncertainty, desires and fears to clarity, strength, and courage.

Believe you’re too faint-hearted to write a story with plot from beginning to end? Think again