Overcoming Obstacles: 10 Strategies for New Fiction Authors

Are writing challenges keeping you from your author dreams? Explore the common writing challenges in the world of new fiction authors. Discover practical strategies for overcoming obstacles and transforming challenges into growth opportunities.

“Writing is an exploration. You start from nothing and learn as you go.” – E.L. Doctorow

 

Every journey begins with a single step, and for aspiring authors, that step often leads into a world rich with creativity and, yes, a fair share of challenges. Writing can be a daunting prospect for new fiction authors. With so many challenges to face and techniques to master, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Overcoming obstacles faced by new authors is no easy task, but it’s certainly achievable.

 

Crafting compelling plots, breathing life into characters, and finding a unique voice are just a few of the many writing challenges new fiction authors face. But fear not! In this article, we not only identify the top 10 writing challenges but also provide practical solutions.

 

This guide offers short but valuable lessons and actionable advice for the challenges. Learn to tackle common struggles such as plot development, character creation, dialogue, and criticism. The aim is to help you face the challenges while maintaining your motivation as you progress on your writing journey.

 

1. Understanding Your Audience

Boldly stepping into the reader’s shoes. Crafting a story isn’t just about what you want to tell—it’s about what your readers want to read. One of the significant hurdles first-time fiction authors often grapple with is understanding their audience. Who are they? What are their interests? What are their reading preferences and expectations? Without these insights, even the most well-written story may not hit the mark.

 

Whatever you think of J.K. Rowling, she knew her initial audience for Harry Potter would be young adults. But she also appealed to the child in every adult, broadening her appeal. So, how do you gain this understanding of your audience? Research and reader personas are your allies here.

 

Develop hypothetical profiles of your ideal readers, considering their age, occupation, hobbies, and reading preferences. Though this exercise takes time, it can guide your writing style, tone, and even plot and character development.

 

2. Overcoming Writer’s Block

The daunting stare of a blank page. Every writer, at some point, has encountered this intimidating foe. Staring at the blank page can make words seem elusive. It leads to frustration and halted progress. But keep in mind, even acclaimed authors like Neil Gaiman have faced this challenge and pushed through it.

 

Gaiman once shared, “I’d much rather do a job where you get instant gratification, and you know if you’re doing a good job or not. In writing, you’re incredibly removed.” His solution? Just write. Even if you believe it’s terrible, put words on the page, any words. You can always edit and refine it later, but you can’t edit a blank page.

 

Another method to vanquish writer’s block is to change your environment. If you’re usually writing at your desk, try moving to the park or a café. Sometimes, a simple change of scenery can unclog the wells of creativity. Even short breaks away from your writing space can help bust through writer’s block.

 

3. Developing Original & Engaging Plot

Inventing the wheel, not reinventing it. This is perhaps one of the most pressing writing challenges new authors face. How do you craft a plot that’s engaging, unique, and not a blatant rip-off of another story?

 

Take a leaf from George R.R. Martin’s book. His A Song of Ice and Fire series (popularized as Game of Thrones) stands as a beacon of intricate and original plotting. He says, “I think there are two types of writers, the architects and the gardeners. The architects plan everything ahead of time…The gardeners dig a hole, drop in a seed, and water it…and see what comes up.”

 

In essence, don’t stress too much about being wholly original from the outset. Allow your ideas to grow and evolve as you write, and don’t shy away from taking risks with your plot.

Here’s a little nugget from my own journey. I once spent days brainstorming an original plot for my debut novel, to the point of exhaustion. One day, I spotted a toddler in the park, completely engrossed in his imagination, giggling at his invisible playmates. It was a lightbulb moment. I decided to create a character who can see creatures from an alternate dimension, turning my struggle into a fantastical, original plot. Believe me, inspiration can strike in the most mundane moments. It’s important to be open.

 

4. Character Development

Giving life to the lifeless. Characters are the heart and soul of your story. Developing them is a common challenge for new fiction authors. It’s not just about naming them or describing their appearance, but about making them feel real and relatable.

 

Try to give your characters flaws and strengths, just like real people. Draw inspiration from people you know or meet. Observe their mannerisms, their quirks, and their reactions to situations. Make them face struggles, experience growth, and exhibit a range of emotions. This can add depth and realism to your characters.

 

Stephen King, in “On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft,” suggests, “When I’m asked for ‘the secret of my success’ (an absurd idea…), the answer is simple: I am a slow reader, but I usually get through seventy or eighty books a year, mostly fiction. I don’t read in order to study the craft; I read because I like to read… I don’t read fiction to study the art of fiction, but simply because I like stories… Every book you pick up has its own lesson or lessons.”

 

 

5. Balancing Show vs. Tell

Painting a picture with words. “Show, don’t tell”– you’ve probably heard this mantra countless times. But striking the right balance can be a tightrope walk for many new authors. Elmore Leonard, known for his succinct writing style, advises, “Try to leave out the parts that readers tend to skip.”

 

Essentially, focus on using sensory language to “show” critical scenes or emotions, engaging readers more deeply. Conversely, “tell” or summarize less important parts to keep the story moving.

 

6. Creating a Strong Voice & Style

Finding your inner voice. Your voice and style as an author are as unique as your fingerprint. They set you apart from other writers and create a distinctive reading experience. Unfortunately, new fiction authors often struggle with discovering their authentic voice.

 

The key is to write regularly and honestly. Write like you’re talking to a friend. Don’t try to mimic your favorite author. Your writing style and voice should be a natural extension of you, how you think and communicate. Your voice develops over time and becomes clearer the more you write.

 

Renowned author John Steinbeck said: “Find your own voice. The most important thing is that you love what you are doing. Do not let anyone else ever make your decisions for you. The world is full of people who would like to tell you what to do, but it’s your life, not theirs.”

 

 

7. Effective Dialogue Writing

Conversing on paper. Dialogue brings your characters to life, propels the plot, and reveals character traits. But writing authentic dialogue that doesn’t sound forced or artificial can be challenging for first-time authors.

 

Try this tip from Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Viet Thanh Nguyen: “To write dialogue, listen to dialogue. Sit in public places and eavesdrop. Watch movies and plays. Read novels with good dialogue. Dialogue comes from observing and remembering.”

 

8. Editing & Revising

Killing your darlings. Editing and revising your work can be tough, but it’s crucial. It’s about improving clarity, coherence, and overall readability. As Ernest Hemingway said, “The first draft of anything is garbage.” You can find numerous resources to help you improve your craft. A perennial favorite book like “On Writing” by Stephen King. Or online courses, such as those on Coursera or Udemy, and local writing workshops or seminars.

 

Don’t be afraid to cut, rephrase, and even delete whole sections if needed. To receive objective insights into this process, try working with a professional editor or coach. Their help can be invaluable in your journey to becoming a successful author.

 

9. Dealing with Rejection & Criticism

Turning a deaf ear to the naysayers. Rejection and criticism are part of the writing journey. Learning to handle them constructively might be one of the biggest challenges—but also a necessity. The key is to view it as an opportunity for growth. Try to understand the underlying issue the critic is pointing out, then use it to improve your writing.

 

No matter what you think of J.K. Rowling, she was famously rejected dozens of times before finding a publisher for Harry Potter. Instead of giving up, she put it like this: “It is impossible to live without failing at something unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all – in which case, you fail by default.”

 

 

10. Staying Motivated

Keeping the flame alive. Writing is a marathon, not a sprint. Staying motivated throughout can be daunting, especially when facing hurdles or setbacks. It’s absolutely normal to feel like giving up when faced with the ups and downs of the writing process. The key is to keep pushing forward, keep learning, and remember why you started writing in the first place.

 

“Writing is like driving at night in the fog. You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way,” says E.L. Doctorow. Set small, achievable goals for yourself. Then celebrate minor victories, and keep the big picture in sight.

 

Overcoming Obstacles Head-on

Writing is an exploration, an adventure filled with challenges and victories. So don’t give up. Even the greatest writers started where you are now. Embrace these writing challenges as opportunities for growth. Unleash your creativity and your unique voice. Make your mark on the writing world. With dedication and hard work, overcoming these obstacles is achievable.

 

Remember, the only way to fail is to stop writing. Keep going, and let your love for storytelling guide you past these challenges.

 

We hope you’ve found these short writing challenges strategies helpful and inspiring. We’re excited to continue this journey with you, providing guidance and encouragement every step of the way.

 

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