The Top Writing Challenges & How to Overcome Them
Writing is a journey—one filled with excitement, creativity, and, let’s be honest, a few facepalm-worthy struggles. Whether you’re a seasoned author or just starting out, writing challenges are inevitable. But don’t worry, honey bear—I’ve got your back! Here are some of the biggest writing hurdles and how to overcome them like the fierce storyteller you are. 
Writer’s Block: The Dreaded Blank Page Syndrome
Why It Happens:
You sit down to write, and… nothing. Your brain suddenly feels like an empty cave with tumbleweeds rolling through.
How to Overcome It:
- Try a Writing Prompt: Give your brain a gentle nudge with a fun or bizarre writing prompt.
- Set a Timer: Use the Pomodoro Technique—write for 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break, repeat.
- Change Your Scenery: A simple shift, like writing in a café or a park, can spark creativity.
- Use AI for Brainstorming: Tools like ChatGPT or Sudowrite can help you break through by generating ideas.
Try This: Ask an AI tool: “Give me three opening lines for a cozy mystery set in a small-town bookstore.”
Procrastination: “I’ll Start… Tomorrow”
Why It Happens:
Your brain convinces you that now is a great time to clean your closet, rewatch your favorite show, or take a sudden interest in baking bread.
How to Overcome It:
- Set Mini Goals: Instead of saying, “I need to write a chapter,” aim for “I’ll write 200 words.” Small wins build momentum.
- Use Accountability Tools: Apps like Pacemaker Planner or 4theWords (where you gamify your writing) can keep you on track.
- Schedule Writing Time: Treat it like an important meeting—because it is!
Try This: Set a 15-minute timer and race yourself to write as much as possible. It tricks your brain into just starting.
Perfectionism: “It’s Not Good Enough”
Why It Happens:
You write a sentence, delete it, rewrite it, delete it again. Sound familiar? The fear of writing something “bad” keeps you stuck.
How to Overcome It:
- Give Yourself Permission to Write Badly: First drafts are supposed to be messy!
- Use a Placeholder: If you’re stuck, type [something cool happens here] and keep going.
- Set a “Bad Draft” Challenge: Write a deliberately terrible paragraph—it helps remove the pressure.
Try This: Write without backspacing for 10 minutes. No editing, just words flowing.
Lack of Time: “I Have Too Much Going On”
Why It Happens:
Between work, family, and life, finding time to write feels impossible.
How to Overcome It:
- Write in Small Bursts: Even 10-minute writing sprints can add up.
- Batch Your Writing Time: Set aside one dedicated writing day per week if daily writing isn’t possible.
- Use AI for Efficiency: AI tools can help with research, outlining, and even brainstorming, so you maximize your writing time.
Try This: Instead of scrolling on social media, set a 5-minute timer and write one paragraph.
Self-Doubt: “Who Am I to Write This?”
Why It Happens:
Imposter syndrome whispers, “You’re not good enough,” even when you are.
How to Overcome It:
- Remind Yourself Why You Started: Think about what made you want to write in the first place.
- Keep a “Wins” List: Save kind words from readers or your proudest writing moments to look back on.
- Fake Confidence: Pretend you’re already a successful author—how would you write then?
Try This: Write an affirmation like: “I am a writer. My words matter. My stories deserve to be told.” and stick it on your desk.
Editing Overwhelm: “Where Do I Even Start?”
Why It Happens:
Your rough draft is finished (yay!), but now it feels like a tangled mess.
How to Overcome It:
- Focus on One Thing at a Time: Start with big-picture edits (plot, pacing) before worrying about line edits.
- Use Editing Tools: Try ProWritingAid or Grammarly for grammar checks.
- Read It Out Loud: This helps you catch awkward sentences and weird phrasing.
Try This: Make a checklist for your editing rounds: Big Edits → Character Consistency → Sentence Flow → Grammar & Spelling.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This, Writer Bear!
Writing isn’t always easy, but every challenge has a solution. The key is to keep going—because the world needs your stories. So tell me, which of these challenges do you struggle with the most? Let’s tackle them together! 
Want more tips? Check out the Mojo Academy for courses and coaching designed to help indie authors succeed!