After four years of political, social, and medical upheaval, stress is just a part of everyday life. If you aren’t feeling at least a little stressed, congratulations you’re probably a chatbot. The publishing industry is no stranger to stress. We’ve talked about stress in academic publishing before and author tools that can help. Whether its continuing deadlines, evolving publication formats as journals move toward online and open access formats, the “publish or perish” model that drives academic publishing, or just general writing anxiety, stress can hit both writers and publishers evenly (the dark circles under my eyes and high blood pressure can attest to this).
Overcoming Writing Anxiety
Writing anxiety is a synonym for writer’s block and encompasses a wide variety of feelings and issues that a writer can feel when tackling a new project.
Writers can feel anxiety for several different reasons and struggle with the following questions: Why do I struggle to write? Why am I bad at writing? Why is it so hard for me to write my journal article? You could be struggling to adjust to a new form of writing (for instance, a young professional adapting from college writing to scholarly peer-reviewed writing). Writers can also feel inherent stress when trying to write for a new audience or they can struggle when trying to write after receiving negative reviews or outright rejection. Other times, writing anxiety is just a result of the outside world creeping into your writing. Whatever the reason why, here are some simple tips to help writers get over or at least minimize this anxiety.
7 Strategies To Help You Overcome Writer’s Anxiety
1. Do not isolate yourself. While I know some introverted people claim they write better when alone, reaching out to others can greatly help with anxiety and writer’s block. Finding yourself a “writing buddy” or “writing group” can be an easy way to get early feedback and to help bounce ideas as you form your manuscript. Your buddy doesn’t have to be an expert. They can be friends, family members, colleagues, teachers, or freelance copyeditors. It’s just always a good idea to have another eye on your project before you get to submitting it.
In the book Understanding Writing Blocks, Keith Hjortshoj recommends that writers, particularly college students and young professionals, seek out writing groups who meet to discuss manuscripts and provide feedback during the writing process. These groups can be extremely helpful, especially for new writers looking to break into a field.
2. Accentuate your positives and try to focus on your strengths and not your weaknesses. I know this might be harder for those of us who are a bit more pessimistic (guilty!), but remembering your past successes and drawing upon them as opposed to the negatives can help to build back confidence in your writing. This is especially true in the cases of writers who suffered from a recent rejection. It can be hard when writing that you spent months or even years of work on receives negative feedback or even outright rejection, but remembering your strengths and highlighting them can help to put the rejection in your rearview mirror. While it may sound cheesy, it’s not a bad idea to write down a list of your strengths as a writer before starting a new writing project just to put yourself in a good mental headspace to tackle your upcoming assignment.
3. Establish a regular writing routine. Dedicate specific times each day solely for writing, even if it’s just for a short period. Consistency helps build momentum and can reduce the pressure of producing a perfect draft in one sitting. This structured approach also trains your mind to enter the ‘writing zone’ more easily over time. Furthermore, setting achievable goals during these sessions, such as writing a certain number of words or completing a particular section, can provide a sense of accomplishment and keep you motivated. Remember, it’s okay if not every writing session leads to a breakthrough; the key is to maintain a steady practice.
4. Take breaks. Taking breaks is essential for maintaining a healthy relationship with your writing. Whether it’s a short walk, a hobby, or simply stepping away from your desk, allowing yourself to relax can rejuvenate your creativity and improve your overall well-being. Breaks can also provide a fresh perspective when you return to your work, making it easier to spot areas for improvement or new angles to explore. The goal is to prevent burnout and keep writing enjoyable rather than turning it into a relentless chore.
5. Cultivate a positive mindset about writing. Instead of viewing writing as a difficult chore, try to see it as an opportunity for self-expression and communication. Remind yourself that writing is a skill, and like any skill, it can be improved with practice and patience. Celebrate small victories along the way, like finishing a difficult paragraph or getting positive feedback from a peer. Each step forward is progress and should be appreciated.
6. Experiment with different writing environments. Mixing up your writing environment can also be beneficial. Some people find that changing their location can spark creativity. Whether it’s writing in a café, a park, or a quiet room with a good view, finding an environment that inspires you can make the act of writing more enjoyable. Music, ambient sounds, or complete silence can also affect your productivity, so explore what works best for you.
7. Seek professional help if writing anxiety becomes overwhelming. Many universities and communities offer writing centers where professionals can provide guidance and support. There are also online resources, workshops, and courses designed to help writers overcome anxiety and improve their craft. In cases where anxiety significantly impacts your daily life, consulting a mental health professional can provide valuable coping strategies and support.
But, most importantly, you need to remember that writing is a process, and what you write is not going to be “perfect.” Most topics in academic writing are so expansive that a writer can only cover a small bit of a topic. Additionally, if the COVID-19 pandemic has showed us anything, it’s that some topics are ever changing and evolving. Most research gets updated regularly and trying to change your manuscript to match growing trends and changes during the writing process will only make your head spin. There comes a point where you must trust in your skills and your work. You just have to learn from your imperfections to improve and write better the next time. And that’s all anyone can ask.
By implementing these tips and adopting a proactive attitude, you can transform writing from a source of stress into a rewarding and fulfilling activity. Remember that every writer experiences anxiety at some point, but with perseverance and the right strategies, you can overcome it and achieve your writing goals. Happy writing!
Do you have any tricks for getting over writing anxiety or writer’s block from your personal experience? Let us know in the comment section.
By: Chris Moffitt
Chris is a Managing Editor at Technica Editorial
