writer's block sucks

A Brief Thought on Writer’s Block and Why It’s a Good Thing

Thomas Mann famously said, “A writer is someone for whom writing is more difficult than it is for other people.”

Ah, ne’re truer words were spake. I know a lot of people in a lot of industries publishing content like crazy and never seem to have trouble writing.

It’s tempting, sometimes, to envy them. To wish for that level of ease. But to wish for that is to wish for lack of care.

Watch someone “churn out” written content and something becomes very clear: this person isn’t particularly concerned with the writing.

The truth is, most content creators and online entrepreneurs aren’t. It pains me to say it, but it’s true. Most people just want to get their ideas on the page and it out there.

They don’t use the Camelot Method and build everything around the central idea.

They don’t agonize over every word choice, trying to construct the perfect sentence.

They don’t concern themselves with making sure their voice is clear and authentic.

They don’t let things sit for a while before editing, or read a piece aloud to optimize flow.

In other words, they never seem to struggle with writer’s block. And they don’t. Nor do they struggle with Imposter Syndrome as applied to their writing. Because the only people who struggle with writer’s block are writers.

Most people, however—and especially most entrepreneurs—, are not writers. So it’s not hard for them to get some words down and hit publish.

And there is a simplicity to that one might envy, least in terms of speed of production.

But it’s not how you win.

Theirs is the path of the Dark Side: quicker, easier, more seductive. But not better.

At the heart of it, they focus exclusively on information and drastically undervalue presentation. Therein lay the trap.

In any field, everyone has access to the same information. We can all teach the same things. What differs is how we teach them. Our perspective is what makes us distinct; the differentiator is not information, but presentation.

Writing well—along with personal stories and—engenders the kind of quality, a unique presentation that helps you stand out from the crowd and leads to success.

I’ve elsewhere outlined strategies to overcome writer’s block, so read them. Meantime, if you find yourself struggling, take heart: it means you’re on the right track.

Remember, there is nobility in the struggle, and only through great struggle does greatness emerge.

Be noble and write, for you are a writer—and that is a magical thing to be.


 

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About The Author
John Romaniello is an author, consultant, and coach who helps people and brands find their voice through writing. He's published hundreds of articles, dozens of courses, and one New York Times bestselling book. Might wanna check out his Instagram, he's pretty easy on the eyes.