I asked my writing group what I could possibly share with you that could be helpful, and my friend spoke about a writer’s growing pains, mainly that moment when you’re rereading your novel and wondering why in the world you would spend so much time writing something that a handful of people could be interested in and pouring your heart out into a story that’s already been done.
She called it the sticking point.
Well, my (unoriginal) answer was: “because I started it.” Not that I finish everything I start. Far from it. But the euphoric feeling when you set down those last few words is so extraordinary that I think I write books just to experience it one more time. There I go again… my name’s Olivia and I’m an addict.
For those of you who forget the reason you chose to write that book, spend a few minutes reminiscing. These few minutes will get you past that hurdle of self-doubt, that steep and seemingly insurmountable wall, that moment when you just want to shut your project down and start with a fresh new one, that second when you transcend the idea of being a writer with the belief that you’ve become an author.
I’ve had those moments with every manuscript. Some works, I ended up putting aside, but some made it past the sticking point— which perhaps, I would rename the sinking point.
Writing is like life in many ways. It’s an emotional rollercoaster riddled with unexpected developments and complicated messages. To craft and finish a story takes a lot of willpower, a lot of (fictional) sweat, and a lot of confidence. No one’s journey will be identical, but if you ever reach this sticking/sinking point, make sure you have the right tools to overcome your precipitous fears. Speak to other authors, to friends; they will bring you the greatest comfort and the momentum to keep on keeping on.
By the way, here are my friends’ solutions to surmounting the sticking point. This is what they remind themselves of in case of gnawing self-doubt:
- “Knowing that it’s a normal part of every writer’s life to go through it and it had nothing to do with being a novice.”
- “Everything’s been written already, but my vision and my characters will make my story compelling and different, and worth getting on paper.”
What are your solutions?