Chapter 1: The Quest for Improvement

As writers, we often find ourselves pondering how to enhance our craft. This leads us to bookstores or online resources in search of tips, guidance, and success stories from established authors. The wealth of information available is vast, with countless experts eager to help us write better and faster, aiming to become the next celebrated author in the industry.

I have always been drawn to these resources, appreciating the valuable insights they offer. Throughout my writing journey, I devoured numerous books about writing, engaged in various forums, and collected an abundance of writing advice. My notebooks became filled with tips covering every aspect of storytelling, alongside character sketches and world-building documents. I explored multiple genres and formats, pouring my heart into story after story. Eventually, I completed a work and self-published it, only to remove it from Amazon shortly thereafter. It felt like I was back at square one.

Over time, I realized that despite my extensive collection of writing rules, they weren't improving my storytelling abilities as much as I had hoped. This realization often led to a frustrating phenomenon known as writer's block. While I attempted to push through, the once unshakeable confidence I had in my writing began to wane.

In the last decade, my storytelling efforts dwindled significantly. What initially seemed like a brief hiatus due to life's demands turned into a long-standing struggle to write any fiction. Although my passion for storytelling remained, my word count was nearly nonexistent. I attributed this to work stress and personal challenges; inspiration would come and go, but words remained unwritten. The days of producing pages filled with stories felt like a distant memory.

I tried every technique I had learned to rekindle my writing: changing my environment, accepting the hiatus (which stretched into years), experimenting with different mediums (such as writing by hand, which felt rewarding yet slow), delving into various genres, focusing on world-building, and testing different writing methodologies (including plotting and free-writing). Yet, all these efforts felt forced, resulting in writing that lacked authenticity and creativity.

The only writing I managed was for online content, which differed greatly from fiction. For nonfiction, I could write what I knew, making the process less daunting. With a clearer focus, I could complete articles in just a couple of sessions. However, my heart longed to create fiction.

Throughout this silence in storytelling, I remained creatively engaged—brainstorming plot ideas, developing characters, and gathering resources. So, what was holding me back? Every time I sat down to write, I found myself retreating to tackle other tasks.

Eventually, I uncovered the root of the issue: I had become my own worst enemy. Beyond time constraints and life's demands, the intense pressure of perfectionism loomed over me, leading to the belief that I had to get everything right on the first attempt. Having completed a book in the past made me feel I should be able to replicate that success effortlessly.

In my attempt to adhere to the multitude of writing rules I had absorbed, I encountered mental barriers every time I attempted to write. I had effectively stifled my creative instincts in pursuit of learning. The weight of expectation made procrastination seem easier—researching more, working on other projects, or waiting for the right moment. I found myself paralyzed by the need for structure, questioning if I was plotting too rigidly. The joy of writing had faded, and I felt I had lost my ability to express myself freely.

Nevertheless, writing rules are everywhere, and while many offer valuable advice, they are often subjective. What may work for one writer may not apply to another, as we all navigate different life circumstances and responsibilities.

No one claimed that being a writer would be effortless. My key takeaway is that writing rules are best reserved for the editing phase. They should not restrict your initial draft.

However, silencing those dominant rules is challenging. The universal writing tip for all authors is simply: just write. Writer's block is predominantly a mental challenge, often stemming from internal pressure and self-doubt. It's a paradox, as many artists grapple with dissatisfaction regarding their work, despite appearing confident.

Write at your own pace. While daily writing may not be feasible for everyone, small increments of time can accumulate over the week. If you can find a couple of hours to immerse yourself in writing, seize that opportunity. Understand that you may not always be in the "zone" when you write—accepting this truth can be difficult.

Perfectionism may seem admirable, but it can actually hinder progress. While the final product may bring satisfaction, consider what matters more: investing countless hours striving for absolute perfection, or achieving completion in a reasonable timeframe?

In my observations of successful storytelling, I've learned that prolific writing is essential. Very few are born as natural storytellers; most of us must put in significant effort. The path to quality writing is paved with quantity, especially for those of us who aren't naturally gifted. If your first book becomes a bestseller, that's an incredible achievement—yet, for many of us, we must set aside the desire for perfection and simply write.

Allow your creativity to flow without rigid constraints. Forget about the rules when drafting your first version—only then will you discover true creative freedom.

So, while I don't advocate for completely discarding writing rules, if you find yourself stuck in a rut due to perfectionism, consider loosening those constraints. Editing will help refine your work later. Embrace the notion that your editing phase will take more effort than you anticipated, and remember that sometimes, rigid structure can be more of a hindrance than a help. Let your story guide your writing process.

Chapter 2: The Journey Forward