Have you ever had a moment of introspection like this: ‘What should I do with all these wild thoughts?’ I’m referring to those times when you feel like your mind is working against your will, and your desires or plans remain unaccomplished due to internal thoughts that hinder you from taking action. As an author, I recall this internal struggle with my very first book project.

The inspiration came to me ten years before I actually wrote my first book. Yep, it took me a whole decade to move toward my goal of becoming an author. You might be wondering why I waited so long to write. For some, the simple answer might be, ‘She was procrastinating, lazy, and didn’t make it a priority.’ But the source of my delay ran much deeper, and for a long time, I was unaware of what my problem was. So, I lived with the secret shame of having a dream that I talked myself out of pursuing over and over again.

Well, what was my problem? Why couldn’t I just write? Why would my mind work against my will to sabotage my dreams? As personal as my struggle felt, I later came to the realization that what I was experiencing was a form of anxiety known as writer’s anxiety. At that time, I didn’t even know that writer’s anxiety was a thing. I privately berated myself for not being determined enough to push through all my wild thoughts and write the book already. In my ignorance, I believed that my wild thoughts were something I alone struggled with, leaving me feeling sad, frustrated, and unsuccessful in achieving my publishing goals.

Fast forward to the present day, having pushed myself through the wild thoughts to become a two-time and counting published author, I aim to educate, empower, and inspire writers who might feel alone in this struggle. However, it’s important to make this disclaimer before we get started: I am not a mental health professional, nor am I qualified to provide any medical advice. The information on anxiety is based on my personal experiences, researched information, and my experience as an author coach.

Now that I’ve addressed that, let’s get started!

What is (writer’s) anxiety: 

Did you know that experiencing a degree of anxiety when it comes to writing is entirely normal? In fact, it often indicates a writer’s genuine concern for producing quality work. However, when this stress intensifies to excessive levels, it can become a significant obstacle to creativity and productivity. It’s at this juncture that writing anxiety poses a real challenge. 

Anxiety is an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased blood pressure. It’s that gnawing feeling of self-doubt, the nagging inner critic, and the paralyzing fear that what you’re writing will never measure up. 

Anxiety can be experienced for different reasons and in different seasons of a person’s life. For writers, anxiety can take on various forms, such as an inability to form an idea, a physical struggle to put words on paper, or a fear of not meeting expectations that hinders progress. In my case, my writer’s anxiety showed up when the idea of writing a book became a goal. The thought of writing, of putting myself, my journey, and my life on paper when I still felt unaccomplished in so many areas of my life was terrifying. I would honestly break into a sweat, experience neck pain, and more when I thought about actually writing the book. All of that hindered me from even starting.

For others I have coached, I’ve seen writer’s anxiety show up in the final chapter, before sending it to the editor, or at the end of chapter one, to name a few examples. True story: I once coached someone who waited a whole year to finish the last chapter of their book due to writer’s anxiety. We are talking about 2,500 words or fewer left to be written out of 45,000, but the person struggled to finish.

As you can see, writer’s anxiety can affect a writer at the beginning, in maintaining commitment, in staying resilient, or even in finishing. This is why it is so important that as writers, we educate ourselves and transparently share our challenges so that we can be empowered with the knowledge, resources, and support to press forward and achieve the success we desire.

Anxiety is more than just an emotion; it’s that knot in your stomach, the racing heart, and the nagging self-doubt when you sit down to write. It’s those recurring thoughts that your words won’t measure up and the unease that keeps you from starting. Writing anxiety is real, and it can feel overwhelming. It’s not the same as fear, even though the two are often used interchangeably. Anxiety is like a dark cloud that hovers over the future, a persistent worry about what might go wrong with your writing. Fear, on the other hand, is a response to a clear and immediate threat.

Remember, you’re never alone in battling this emotional hurdle. Countless writers grapple with the same anxiety, questioning their abilities and fearing rejection. But here’s the good news: there are effective strategies to conquer these feelings and transform them into stepping stones toward your writing goals. One key strategy is learning to differentiate what’s merely possible from what’s genuinely probable. By making this distinction, you gain the power to calm your anxieties and create the space needed to propel your writing journey forward. As Morra Aarons-Mele wisely advises, this shift in perspective can be a game-changer on your path to writing success.

Navigating the Challenges of Writer’s Anxiety: 5 Helpful Tips

Writing anxieties can manifest in various forms and at different stages of the writing process, often leaving writers feeling overwhelmed and doubting their own abilities. But fear not, for in this guide, we’ve compiled a list of common ways writer’s anxiety shows up, along with strategies to help you conquer these hurdles and unleash your full creative potential.

•  Perfectionism: demanding of oneself or others a higher quality of performance than is required by the situation.

Why it Happens: Perfectionism often takes root in the fertile soil of our fear of criticism and our longing for validation. As writers, we may find ourselves relentlessly pursuing perfection in every word and sentence, which, ironically, can lead to paralyzing self-doubt or endless procrastination. In her insightful book, ‘The 7 Secrets of the Prolific: The Definitive Guide to Overcoming Procrastination, Perfectionism, and Writer’s Block,’ Hillary Rettig discerningly stated, “Perfectionism isn’t about setting high standards; it’s about setting unrealistic ones. There’s a difference.”

Strategies to Overcome Perfectionism:

• Set Realistic Writing Goals: Instead of aiming for an unattainable level of perfection in your writing, set achievable goals. Break down your writing tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and celebrate your progress along the way.
• Focus on the Writing Process: Shift your attention from fixating on the end result to embracing the journey of writing itself. Recognize that writing is an evolving process, and the first draft doesn’t have to be flawless. Give yourself permission to make mistakes and revisions.
• Embrace Imperfections: Understand that imperfections are not flaws but rather essential components of the creative process. Embrace the beauty of imperfection, for it’s often in the flaws that the true essence of your writing shines through.
• Read Widely and Often: Expand your horizons by reading various genres, styles, and authors. This exposure can help you appreciate the diversity of voices and approaches in literature, making you more accepting of your own unique writing style.

Remember, writing is an art form that thrives on experimentation, self-discovery, and the courage to venture into the unknown. By letting go of the stifling grip of perfectionism, you’ll liberate your creativity and find joy in the journey of writing.

• Deadline Pressure:

Why it happens: Anxiety about meeting deadlines can result from the fear of not completing a project on time.

Strategies: Deadlines can be both a challenge and a valuable tool for boosting productivity when managed effectively. They help you prioritize tasks, collaborate efficiently, maintain project schedules, and assess your workload realistically. 

To manage deadline pressure:

• Selective Deadline Setting: Assign deadlines only to tasks and projects that truly matter. Avoid artificial or overly specific deadlines for low-priority items. Instead, add them to your to-do list and handle them as needed. For high-priority tasks, set clear deadlines and communicate them to colleagues or managers for added accountability.
• Break Projects into Mini-Deadlines: Rather than setting one final completion date, create smaller, interim deadlines for different stages of larger projects. This approach minimizes procrastination and ensures consistent progress.
• Plan for Contingencies: Set personal deadlines a day or two before official deadlines to allow for unexpected delays or challenges. Assume that others involved may also be late, so build in buffer time to mitigate stress and avoid last-minute rushes.
• Manage Expectations: When working with others, be transparent about your deadlines and expectations. Communicate potential delays early and seek support or adjustments when needed to maintain a manageable workload.

By applying these strategies, you can make deadlines work for you, enhancing your productivity and reducing the stress associated with time constraints.

• Impostor Syndrome:

Why it happens: Impostor syndrome often takes root in our minds when we feel inadequate despite external success.

Strategies for Conquering It: If impostor syndrome is the result of a flawed perception of our own identities, then the key to overcoming it lies in discovering your true self. Remember, it’s a mindset that limits your creative potential, hindering what you can achieve with your unique strengths and abilities. The great news is that you can conquer it; you’re not permanently trapped by this way of thinking.

Effective Ways to Tackle Impostor Syndrome:

• Seek Mentorship: Mentors play a crucial role in helping individuals combat impostor syndrome.
• Keep a Record: Document your achievements and cherish positive feedback you receive.
• Share Your Journey: Discuss your experiences with trusted friends or mentors.
• Find Inspiration: Remind yourself that many accomplished writers have faced and conquered similar doubts on their path to success.

By understanding the origins of impostor syndrome and employing these strategies, you can unlock your full potential as a writer and overcome any self-doubt that stands in your way.

• Rejection or Criticism:

Why Rejection or Criticism Happens: Fear of negative feedback or rejection is a natural response to the vulnerability of sharing one’s work. Anxiety about how readers will perceive your work often arises from a fear of rejection and a desire for approval. It’s a common experience for writers to feel this way when putting their creations out into the world.

Strategies for Coping: Cultivating resilience is a powerful approach to handling rejection or criticism as a writer. This resilience allows you to not only endure but also grow stronger through these experiences. Here’s how you can build this resilience:

• Separate Your Identity from Your Work: Recognize that criticism is directed at your writing, not at you as a person. Your worth extends beyond your creative output. Understand that your value as a writer remains intact, regardless of how any one piece of writing is received. Critiques are about the art, not the artist.

• Seek Constructive Feedback: Embrace feedback as a valuable tool for growth. Constructive criticism can be a guiding light in your journey to becoming a better writer. Look for feedback that offers specific suggestions and insights into how you can enhance your writing skills. Constructive feedback can be a stepping stone to improvement.

• Discern Valid Criticism: Realize that not all criticism is created equal. Some feedback will align with your vision and goals as a writer, while others may reflect personal preferences or opinions. Learn to distinguish between constructive criticism, which aims to help you improve, and subjective opinions, which are influenced by individual tastes.
• Adopt a Realistic Outlook: Understand that rejection is an integral part of the writer’s journey. It’s not a reflection of your talent or potential but a common occurrence for all writers. Embrace rejection as a natural stepping stone on your path to success. Each rejection brings you one step closer to acceptance.

By following these strategies, you can build resilience in the face of rejection or criticism, transforming these challenges into opportunities for growth and self-improvement. Remember that every writer faces these hurdles, and it’s how you navigate them that sets you on the path to becoming a stronger and more accomplished writer.

• Lack of Structure:

Why Lack of Structure Happens: Anxiety stemming from a disorganized writing process often arises from uncertainty and a lack of clarity in writing goals. It’s not uncommon for writers to feel overwhelmed when they lack a structured approach to their work.

Strategies for Regaining Control: To address the anxiety triggered by a lack of structure, it’s essential to set specific goals and establish a well-defined routine. Here are four actionable steps to help you conquer this challenge:

• Develop a Clear Outline: Crafting a clear outline or structure for your writing provides a roadmap for your creative journey. It helps you visualize the progression of your work. Outline the main points, subtopics, and key arguments of your piece. Having this roadmap will make the writing process more manageable.
• Set Specific Writing Goals and Deadlines: Define precise writing goals for each writing session. Whether it’s completing a certain word count or finishing a specific section, setting targets gives you a sense of achievement. Assign deadlines to these goals, creating a sense of urgency and accountability. A timeline keeps you on track and focused.
• Establish a Writing Routine: Consistency is key to maintaining focus and reducing anxiety. Create a daily or weekly writing routine that suits your preferences and lifestyle. Designate dedicated writing periods where you can immerse yourself in your work. Over time, this routine will become a productive habit.
• Seek Accountability and Feedback: Share your goals and progress with a trusted friend, writing group, or mentor. Accountability partners can help keep you motivated and on course. Encourage feedback on your work-in-progress. Constructive criticism can guide you in refining your writing and maintaining structure.

By implementing any of these tips, you can regain control over your writing process and minimize anxiety caused by a lack of structure. These strategies, grounded in research findings, empower writers to navigate their writing journeys with confidence and resilience, ultimately transforming writer’s anxiety into a catalyst for creativity and productivity.

Don’t Hesitate to Seek Help: You’re Not Alone

As you embark on your journey to conquer writing anxiety, remember that it’s perfectly okay to ask for help. While all the tips mentioned earlier are valuable, seeking assistance should never be underestimated. Embracing the strength of community, the camaraderie of fellow writers, and the guidance of professionals can not only alleviate the burdens of writing anxiety but also ignite the flames of creativity. Here’s how to go about it: 

Join Writing Groups: Becoming a part of a writing group or community provides a platform where you can openly share your experiences, receive constructive feedback, and find unwavering encouragement from like-minded writers.

Connect with a Writing Buddy: Partnering with a writing buddy who understands the challenges of the creative process can offer you both mutual support and accountability, propelling your writing endeavors forward.

Seek Professional Help: In instances where writing anxiety becomes overwhelming, don’t hesitate to consider guidance from a therapist or counselor who specializes in creative issues. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength and a testament to your commitment to overcoming these hurdles. Your journey is unique, but you’re never alone in it.