Take Ten :: How to Stop Making Excuses for Not Writing

How to Stop Making Excuses for Not Writing

By OFW editor: Renée Miller

Published: May 15, 2013

I hear excuse after excuse from people who “want” to write, but… Man, do you know how whiny you all sound? I’m not saying I don’t do the same from time to time, because I do. That’s why I’m the perfect person to help you stop making excuses. I’ve been there, done that, and learned that I’m full of shit. If you’re a writer, these excuses won’t stop you from writing. If they are, get your shit together or forget about it.

1. I have no time

Make time. It’s that simple. Seriously. Ten minutes is better than nothing. Surely you have ten minutes. If you don’t, you need to rethink what you do with your time. Sometimes, when I’m having a busy day and I just can’t seem to sit down to write, I pretend that I have to get something in the garage, and I grab my laptop and tap out a few lines. Other times, I wait until everyone’s gone to bed and type in the darkness for 30 minutes. Make the time.

2. I have no tools

Pen? Paper? Rock and chisel? Really, you don’t have these things? I started writing without a computer. I wrote in many, many notebooks and it took a long, long time, but eventually, I’d finish. Then I’d use the library computer or our temperamental desktop when it deemed us worthy of its use, and I’d transfer the illegible mess I’d written by hand onto the computer. Now, get to it.

3. I can’t write anything worth reading

So? One might argue that most of what’s out there isn’t worth reading. Fiction is subjective, so you never know. Do you like what you’ve written? If not, change what you’re doing. Try to write what you’d want to read. You’d be surprised what you turn out. If it’s too hard, well maybe you need a hobby, like knitting or bowling instead.

4. Stress is blocking my muse

Pfft. A muse is a bullshit imaginary thing we made up to make ourselves feel special. You don’t need a muse. You need focus. Focus your stress and emotion on the page. The words will come.

5. I lack inspiration

Writing is not about inspiration. Yes, the initial ideas come from an inspirational place, but the process of writing is so utterly uninspiring most of the time that this excuse is useless. Write whatever comes into your mind. It might be crap, but that doesn’t matter. Eventually your brain will become used to the process and you’ll begin to write and plot and all that shit, whether you’re inspired or not.

6. No one will publish it anyway

Is that why you’re writing? Is it the only thing that brings you to the blank page? Stop. There’s no point in continuing. You’re not a writer. Take publishing out of the equation until you’re in the final stages of editing. If you can’t, then re-evaluate why you’re writing, and whether it’s something you really want to do.

7. I don’t have the proper skills

Neither do I. Neither does that guy. Her? Nope. Not her either. No one has the “proper” skills. We learn as we go. That’s the wonderful thing about “art.” Now, get to work.

8. I’m too sick/tired to write.

You know, it’s okay to take a break. I learned this very hard lesson just recently. However, if it becomes a habitual excuse, then there’s a problem. Some of my best ideas come when I’m tired. If you’re too exhausted to write prose, outline new ideas, edit some old writing. Often you’ll find yourself happily working away an hour later, despite your “fatigue.”

9. My dog/kids/husband/wife needs me.

And they’ll get by if you take an hour away from them to write. Don’t use loved ones as an excuse. Either you want to write or you don’t. Give the kids something to do, tell your spouse to grow the fuck up, and get the dog a toy. You might be surprised at how false this statement really is.

10. Staring at the computer hurts my eyes/head.

Get some glasses. Problem solved.

2 Comments

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Anonymous Guest
Tuesday, 15 May 2012 04:14 PM

LOL! I've probably used every one of these lame excuses for not writing or painting. The excuses work for both. Basically, the biggest problem is having emotional and physical space for either type of art. It's a drag to have to pull out all the stuff you use to write or paint. It kills off incentive. Answer - make a space - time and location - for yourself and use it. Don't let anyone else put stuff there.
Since joining this list, I've done more writing than in the previous couple of years. So perhaps the other need is a community of companions to keep you motivated and encouraged. Works for me.

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Renée Miller (OFW Editor)
Tuesday, 15 May 2012 08:36 PM

Yeah, it does help to have someone to "answer to" in a way. I've found I'm much more focused and determined to write something when I know others are working at it too. I don't want to be the "slacker" of the group. And I've used every one of these too. That's how I know they're excuses. ;)

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