Neil Gaiman said that, “Being a writer is a very peculiar sort of a job: it’s always you versus a blank sheet of paper (or a blank screen) and quite often the blank piece of paper wins.” He is not wrong. Unfortunately, the biggest obstacle that stands between the way of you and your masterpiece, is you. First time writers often do not finish their novels because they fall victims to their own thoughts. Here’s looking at the top five reasons why first-time writers struggle and their solution. 

Thinking You’re Not Good Enough 

One of the major reasons first time writers do not get a headstart towards their work is because they’re constantly second guessing themselves. It is fine to wonder if you’re on the right track – but do not get derailed by those very thoughts. It doesn’t matter what you think, in the end, anyway. It matters more what your readers will think of the stories and the characters! 

Wondering Who Is Going to Read Your Work 

This brings us to point number 2. The nagging voice in your head piping up and asking you constantly who do you think is going to read your book! Does it matter? Write it for yourself. Write it because no one else can tell the story exactly how it happens in your head. You’re the only one who knows. You owe that story to the world. 

Being Afraid of Rejection 

Look, everyone is afraid of rejection. But without rejection the final acceptance letter would never feel as sweet. Remember every single author you know of today was once a rejected writer. Rejection letters are just a part of the process. Concentrate on writing your story and worry about the rejection letters later. Much later.

Setting Unrealistic Expectations for Yourself 

All great writers did not start off that way. There are have been countless revisions, so many mistakes and so many first drafts that you know nothing about. Do not set unrealistic expectations for yourself thinking that the very first book will be the masterpiece that the world is waiting for. Instead, concentrate on getting the work down. Your first goal as a writer should be finishing the first draft. Remember, you can edit a badly written first draft. You cannot edit a blank page! 

Never Putting Aside the Time to Write 

The final reason writers struggle is not unique to just first time writers. It is a common problem for all – both aspiring and established authors. Writing is a job. If you put aside time to do every daily chore in your life, you should put aside time for writing as well! The first thing every writer needs to learn is that no one will take their efforts seriously, unless they are serious about it. So, take J.K. Rowling’s advice and be selfish about writing days. Do not let anything interrupt your plans when it comes to hammering out the story that needs to be told on your laptop. 

Overall, while writing really is a struggle against silence, while it seems like taking on a Herculean task – I promise you, that when you finally type ‘the end’ across the screen or put the final full stop on your story, nothing will feel as good. There will be endless struggles as you try to write the best story you possibly can. Remember though, that it need not be the best. It just needs to be done. And that my friend, is the secret of being able to write a book.