When Writing, Dread Is Your Friend
Help! There’s something I really need to write, but ugh! I just don’t want to!
Have you ever felt this way? Careful- your spider-sense is tingling!
Sit back for a moment and think about why. Your reluctance may just be pure procrastination, especially if it’s a homework or job assignment. To get past it, you’ll need to flex your discipline muscle, plunk your butt in front of the computer with minimal distractions, and after a few crappy sentences, you’ll be off to the races.
However, your dread may be a sign of something else- especially if this is writing you’re supposed to be excited about, like for a short story or novel.
Have you ever thought to yourself, I just gotta power through this crappy part, then I’ll be back to the good stuff?
Don’t do that! It should all be good stuff!
If you don’t want to write it, what makes you think anyone will want to read it?
Before writing anything that’s causing you dread, a time-wasting slog that’s painful for you and unsatisfying for readers, spend a minute to identify the specific source of your dread. What don’t you like about the section ahead of you? The scene structure? A lack of conflict? The characters involved? Then, either:
- change things so that you do like them, and look forward to writing them, OR
- summarize important details or transfer them elsewhere, so you don’t have to write this part at all.
I use my reluctance as a gauge of how good my ideas are. If I don’t like what’s ahead of me, then maybe there’s a character who bugs me, and I need to rethink him and his motivations. Maybe I need to work in tension and conflict to keep things interesting. Or, I may feel everything can just be summed up in a few sentences by the narrator, getting us to the next exciting scene faster.
I’m usually way happier with taking a moment to think and re-plan than if I’d put my head down and slogged onward. And believe me, readers know what parts you enjoyed working on versus what you skated past or hate-plowed through. Your voice leaks into your work. Make sure it’s the one you want readers to hear- not the one screaming, “I can’t wait to get this over with!”
Do you have any tips for punching up a dreaded scene? Let me know in the comments!
2 thoughts on “When Writing, Dread Is Your Friend”
suffer from anxiety mornings are terrible I think that spider tingling is the best way to explain the feeling that comes over me when I ‘m goofing off. Writing sort of saves my soul except I’m so introverted it’s painful to want my characters to do something, I get embarrassed . after the day goes on I level out a bit get more relaxed then face re writing ! the best time of day for me is after 5pm it’s dark right now so I get a couple of really really cold beers sit down turn on You Tube then the idea’s start flowing I take notes it’s like the characters are talking about each other ! any suggestions how to work all day on this story instead of the after 5 does music help the flow of ideas ?
Hi, Terilynn!
It sounds like you’re able to concentrate best when you’re relaxed. If you have time to pull an all-day writing excursion, make yourself comfortable with tea, a cozy setting, whatever works for you. But make sure to take frequent breaks, maybe once per hour, just to get up and walk around a little. Sometimes, ideas hit you when you’re not at your keyboard.
Just write for yourself. Write like you’re the only one who’ll ever see this story.
I like music a lot for writing, and I’ll try to find music that fits the mood of whatever I’m working on- but everyone’s different. If you want to give music a try, I suggest starting with something mellow and instrumental. Something too upbeat or with lyrics might interfere with your thinking. Soundtracks are great, as is classical music.
Also, being familiar with anxiety problems myself: if you think you need it, don’t be afraid to seek professional help.
Best wishes to you! :)