Overcoming Common Writing Project Challenges: 6 Tips

Embarking on the path of authorship is akin to launching a ship into uncharted waters. It’s thrilling yet peppered with writing project challenges. As a new author, it’s a little overwhelming, right? But here’s some reassurance: you’re in good company. Every author, whether novice or veteran, grapples with obstacles. The silver lining? These challenges are surmountable.

 

“The habits of a vigorous mind are formed in contending with difficulties.” – Abigail Adams

 

No matter how well you manage your writing projects, you’re bound to encounter challenges along the way. Facing these challenges is an opportunity for you to learn and grow in your writing journey.

 

Welcome to the next part of our series designed to assist new authors in Managing Multiple Writing Projects. This multi-part journey is designed with a singular goal in mind: to help you grow in knowledge as a new author on your writing journey. Each guide spotlights a specific aspect of balancing multiple writing projects. Whether you’re a first-time author or a creative soul testing the waters of writing, this series is a gateway to a successful future.

 

In this guide, we examine ways to conquer common challenges when working on multiple projects. We also offer strategies for overcoming challenges, so you can move forward with your writing career.

 

Ready? Let’s get started.

 

Procrastination.

Procrastination, a common enemy of authors, new and experienced alike, is one of the biggest challenges.

It can delay progress and increase stress levels. Overcoming procrastination involves understanding why it happens. Often, it’s due to fear of failure, being overwhelmed, or a lack of clear direction. Breaking down tasks, creating a conducive work environment, and practicing time management can mitigate procrastination.

 

Scope Creep.

Also known as “project creep,” is another common challenge. It happens when the project’s scope expands beyond its original objectives. This is common in creative projects such as writing, where new ideas continuously emerge. To manage scope creep, stay focused on your primary objectives. It’s fine to explore new ideas, but they should be evaluated against the project’s goals and timeline before including them.

 

Feeling Overwhelmed.

Managing multiple writing projects can be daunting for a new author, leading to feeling overwhelmed. Most writers can overcome this by breaking projects down into manageable tasks, prioritizing them effectively, and allowing for regular breaks to avoid burnout.

 

Lack of Motivation.

There will be days when motivation wanes. In such times, it’s crucial for you to remember your “‘why.” That is, why did you take up the project in the first place? Why is it important to you? Re-connecting with the project’s purpose can reignite your motivation. Additionally, celebrating small victories toward your larger goals can boost morale and keep you motivated.

 

Unexpected Setbacks.

No matter how well-planned a project is, unexpected setbacks can occur. These can range from personal issues to technical hitches. While you can’t always prevent them, having a contingency plan can help navigate these hurdles when they arise. This might involve setting realistic deadlines with buffer times or having backup resources at hand.

 

Risk Management.

Every project comes with risks. Writing is no different. As a new author, you might face risks such as writer’s block, losing work due to a computer crash, or receiving harsh criticism. Anticipating these risks and having a plan to address them can help mitigate their impact on your writing projects.

 

Work-Life Balance.

New authors, especially those transitioning from a different profession, often find themselves engrossed in their writing, leading to an imbalance between work and life. This can cause burnout and negatively impact creativity.  It’s important to set boundaries. Schedule time for writing but also for rest, leisure, and relationships. Taking time off to refresh can offer a new perspective and renewed energy for writing.

 

One friend, a burgeoning writer, was juggling her writing dream with a full-time job and family responsibilities. She was often torn between her passion for writing and the demands of her everyday life. When she started to balance her time effectively, she began to thrive as a writer.

 

Project Balance.

Managing multiple projects requires balancing different project needs. Some projects may be more demanding than others, or at different times. Learning to allocate your time and resources efficiently helps to ensure all projects progress as planned. This might mean working on one project in the morning when you’re fresh and another in the afternoon or dedicating certain days of the week to specific projects.

 

After all, writing is a creative endeavor. It requires understanding your creative rhythms, knowing when to push harder and when to give yourself a break.

 

Creative & Administrative Balance.

Writing involves both creative and administrative tasks. While you may be drawn to the creative side of developing compelling characters or structuring your research for non-fiction, it’s essential not to neglect the administrative aspects. These include managing deadlines, maintaining a project calendar, tracking word counts, and reviewing progress. A balance between these tasks helps projects progress smoothly without compromising your creative flow.

Anne Lamott, in Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life, offers practical advice on overcoming writing challenges, as well as dealing with the challenge of writer’s block.

 

Critical & Creative Balance.

The process of writing also involves balancing the critical and creative mind. While the creative mind is needed for ideation and drafting, the critical mind is essential for revision and editing for quality. Trying to work with both at the same time can lead to several of the challenges mentioned above. However, by working with only one mode at a time, you can enhance the quality of writing without stifling your creativity.

 

Receiving & Giving Feedback Balance.

As part of your growth, be open to receiving constructive feedback. You should also trust your creative instincts. Balance here means taking feedback into account but also standing firm on aspects of the project you believe in.  For a deeper dive into this, see Constructive Criticism: How to Give and Receive Feedback.

 

Finding the Right Balance

Managing multiple writing projects isn’t just about getting and staying organized. It’s about finding the right balance. Writing can be a demanding craft, especially when you’re juggling multiple projects. While it’s essential to be committed and dedicated, you also need to balance your writing with other parts of life. This balance helps you maintain your well-being, and it helps prevent burnout. Finding the right balance can also significantly influence your productivity and creativity.

 

Writing Project Challenges—Wrap Up

Challenges are part of managing writing projects and the writing journey itself. Overcoming these challenges can help you successfully complete projects. It also aids in personal growth and resilience building. Through facing and surmounting these challenges, you can hone your project management skills and pave the way for a successful writing career.

 

Finding the right balance can help you manage your writing projects efficiently without compromising your well-being or creative process. By mastering this balance, you’ll find the process of writing more fulfilling, and it’ll empower you to create your best work.

 

We hope you’ve found the strategies for finding the right balance useful and motivating. We hope they’ll equip you with the insights needed to help you succeed as a new author.

 

Writing is a journey of continuous learning and improvement. But you don’t have to go it alone. We’re excited to continue the journey with you, providing guidance and encouragement every step of the way. Our goal is to provide basic insights and practical advice to help you navigate the writing world with increased confidence.

 

If you’d like, you can start the series from the beginning: Managing Multiple Writing Projects: Tips for New Authors.

Don’t wait. Start today!

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