The Top 5 Hurdles to Writing Your Book

by Michael Harris

Are you harboring a burning desire to write a book but find yourself hesitating to take the plunge? You're not alone.

Many aspiring authors grapple with common hurdles that can stall their writing dreams. In this blog post, we'll explore the top five reasons why people hesitate to write a book and offer practical strategies to overcome them.

For years, I struggled to write my first book, "Falling Down Getting UP." I had much of it in my head, it was just getting it on paper. When I got honest with myself, I realized the real culprit holding me back was fear. Fear that I wasn't a good writer. Fear that no one wanted to read my story. Fear of what others would think. Fear engulfed me. Yet, I kept getting nudges from the universe to write the book.

Someone would ask me if I had written my book yet. I would see a headline about becoming an author. And, story ideas kept coming into my head. Then I saw somewhere, I wish I could remember where, something about writing your book in 90 days. It was just the final nudge I needed.

Now I'm committed, I'm going to write my book in 90 days. I tried to find the best place for me to write. After writing at home a couple of times, I realized that wasn't going to work. Between rotating laundry, turning the TV on and off and raiding the fridge, it probably would take me 900 days, instead of 90 days. I found myself going to a couple of local coffee shops with my plan. Write two hours a day for 90 days. Some days I would write a little more, though not much. Some days it just wouldn't flow. Yet, I was done in 79 days.

What process will you commit to? Be sure to read the rest of this and perhaps this will be just the nudge you need to get your book written.

1. Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome

The Hurdle: It's easy to fall prey to self-doubt and imposter syndrome, questioning whether you have what it takes to write a book that resonates with readers.

Overcoming Strategy: Recognize that self-doubt is a natural part of the creative process. Embrace the journey of self-discovery and growth that comes with writing a book. Surround yourself with a supportive network of fellow writers, mentors, and friends who can bolster your confidence and provide encouragement along the way.

2. Fear of Failure

The Hurdle: Fear of failure can paralyze even the most ambitious writers, leading to procrastination and avoidance of the writing process altogether.

Overcoming Strategy: Shift your perspective on failure as an inevitable part of the learning process. Embrace failure as an opportunity for growth and refinement. Set realistic goals and celebrate small victories along the way. Remember that every word you write brings you one step closer to your goal of completing your book.

3. Perfectionism

The Hurdle: Perfectionism can be a double-edged sword, driving you to strive for excellence while also hindering progress as you endlessly tweak and revise your work.

Overcoming Strategy: Embrace the concept of "done is better than perfect." Give yourself permission to write imperfectly and allow your creativity to flow freely. Set aside dedicated writing time and create a supportive environment free from distractions. Remember that you can always refine and polish your manuscript during the editing process.

4. Lack of Time

The Hurdle: Many aspiring authors cite lack of time as a major obstacle to writing a book, juggling busy schedules and competing priorities.

Overcoming Strategy: Prioritize your writing by carving out dedicated time in your schedule. Set aside small, consistent blocks of time each day or week to focus on your book. Eliminate distractions and create a conducive writing environment to maximize productivity. Consider waking up earlier or allocating pockets of time during your day to make progress on your manuscript.

5. Uncertainty About Where to Start

The Hurdle: Uncertainty about where to start can leave aspiring authors feeling overwhelmed and paralyzed by indecision.

Overcoming Strategy: Break down the writing process into manageable steps. Start by brainstorming ideas, outlining your book's structure, and setting clear goals for your writing journey. Consider seeking guidance from experienced authors, writing coaches, or online resources to help you navigate the writing process with confidence. Remember that every journey begins with a single step, and the most important thing is to start.

Final thoughts...

Is something holding you back from writing your book? Perhaps this was just the nudge you needed to write your first or next book. Once I finally completed my writing, everything else fell into place. The right editor appeared. The right publisher, Morgan James Publishing, appeared. Once the book released I had a hugely successful launch and the book became a #1 bestseller. But all that, is a different story.

Writing a book is a transformative journey that requires courage, perseverance, and a willingness to overcome obstacles along the way. By recognizing and addressing the common hurdles that may be holding you back, you can unlock your creative potential and bring your writing dreams to life. Embrace the process, trust in your abilities, and remember that your voice matters.

What's your book idea?

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Michael Harris,
Author Marketing Strategist, Literary Scout & 4x Bestselling Author

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