Advice for writers
for writers
10 Common Writing Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Every Writer Hits Roadblocks
Writing a book is rarely a straight path. Even the most dedicated authors encounter moments of doubt, distraction, and frustration. Perhaps the story refuses to flow, or the outline feels tangled, or motivation simply wanes mid-project… These writing challenges are not signs of failure—they are part of the writing process itself!
Understanding common obstacles is the first step toward overcoming them. From maintaining a consistent writing schedule to navigating self-doubt, every writer faces hurdles that can slow—or even stop—their progress. Fortunately, practical strategies exist to push past these blocks, regain momentum, and keep your manuscript moving toward completion.
While some writers thrive on solo discipline, others benefit from guidance, accountability, or mentorship. For the latter, Atmosphere Press has created Manuscript Makers, a program to provide structured support and personalized advice, offering one path among many for writers seeking help. Even if you prefer independent methods, exploring these strategies can give you new tools to tackle the challenges ahead!
10 Writing Challenges Every Author Faces
🤔 1. Sticking to a Writing Schedule
Even enthusiastic writers struggle with consistency. Life gets busy, energy dips, and the manuscript sits untouched…
Tips to overcome:
┈➤ Set small, manageable daily goals (e.g., 300–500 words).
┈➤ Use time-blocking or writing sprints to protect focus.
┈➤ Track progress visibly—a checklist or calendar helps reinforce momentum.
🤔 2. Battling Writer’s Block
Creative roadblocks can be frustrating and discouraging. They may appear as blank pages, repetitive sentences, or stalled plotlines.
Ways to break through:
┈➤ Change your environment or writing tools.
┈➤ Use prompts or freewriting exercises.
┈➤ Step away briefly to return with a fresh perspective.
🤔 3. Losing Motivation Mid-Project
Initial excitement often fades, leaving writers questioning whether finishing is even possible.
Strategies to stay motivated:
┈➤ Celebrate milestones, no matter how small.
┈➤ Join writing groups or online communities for encouragement.
┈➤ Revisit your “why” for writing this story.
🤔 4. Organizing Ideas or Plotting
Stories can feel overwhelming when scenes, characters, or subplots aren’t clearly structured.
Actionable tips:
┈➤ Outline key plot points or use index cards for scene tracking.
┈➤ Mind maps help visualize connections between characters and events.
┈➤ Regularly review and adjust your structure to stay on course.
🤔 5. Fear of Sharing Work
Many writers hesitate to seek feedback, worrying about judgment or criticism.
Overcoming the fear:
┈➤ Start with trusted peers or critique partners.
┈➤ Separate writing from editing—first drafts don’t need to be perfect.
┈➤ Remember: constructive feedback strengthens your manuscript.
🤔 6. Self-Editing Paralysis
The urge to perfect every sentence can halt progress entirely.
Tips to move forward:
┈➤ Write first, edit later.
┈➤ Set limits for editing rounds (e.g., focus on plot first, language second).
┈➤ Use tools or peer feedback to help identify areas for improvement.
🤔 7. Balancing Writing with Daily Life
Juggling work, family, or other commitments can leave little time for writing.
Strategies:
┈➤ Establish a dedicated writing routine, even if brief.
┈➤ Protect writing time like an appointment.
┈➤ Combine writing with other activities, such as brainstorming during walks.
🤔 8. Imposter Syndrome and Self-Doubt
Many writers question whether their work is “good enough.”
Ways to counter:
┈➤ Focus on growth, not perfection.
┈➤ Remind yourself that every writer struggles at some point.
┈➤ Celebrate small achievements along the way.
🤔 9. Procrastination and Distraction
It’s easy to get sidetracked by social media, emails, or endless planning.
Tactics to overcome:
┈➤ Use techniques like the Pomodoro method.
┈➤ Minimize distractions in your writing space.
┈➤ Break large tasks into small, actionable steps.
🤔 10. Uncertainty About Next Steps
Some writers get stuck after completing a draft, unsure how to revise, edit, or prepare for publication.
Practical solutions:
┈➤ Create a step-by-step revision plan.
┈➤ Research publishing options or seek guidance from mentors.
┈➤ Consider structured programs that provide a roadmap to manuscript completion.
Writing Challenges: Overcoming Roadblocks
❓ What’s the most common reason writers get stuck?
Many writers stall due to inconsistent writing habits, self-doubt, or unclear story structure. Breaking large projects into smaller, manageable tasks and setting a schedule can help maintain momentum. Mentorship or structured programs can also provide guidance when progress stalls.
❓ How can I stay motivated to finish my manuscript?
Tracking milestones, celebrating small wins, and revisiting the reasons you started writing can keep motivation high. Writing communities, critique partners, or accountability programs like Manuscript Makers can offer encouragement and structure.
❓ Do I need a writing mentor to succeed?
Not necessarily! Some writers thrive independently. However, mentorship can accelerate progress by offering personalized feedback, guidance on story structure, and accountability—helpful tools for overcoming common writing challenges.
❓ What are effective ways to overcome writer’s block?
Techniques include freewriting, prompts, changing your writing environment, and stepping away temporarily to gain perspective. Structured guidance or exercises provided by mentors can also help break through creative roadblocks.
❓ Is it normal to struggle with organizing ideas or editing?
Absolutely! Organizing complex storylines and revising drafts is challenging for nearly every writer. Using outlines, mind maps, and staged editing approaches can simplify the process. Some writers benefit from programs that integrate mentorship with editing strategies.
From Struggle to Story: Finishing Your Manuscript
Writing a book comes with hurdles—writer’s block, motivation dips, organizational struggles—but each challenge can be overcome with the right approach and support! Taking small, consistent steps, using practical strategies, and seeking guidance when needed can help you maintain momentum and move steadily toward completing your manuscript.
For writers who want extra support, Manuscript Makers offers structured guidance and mentorship to help navigate common writing challenges. This program equips writers with the tools, encouragement, and structure needed to transform obstacles into progress—and, ultimately, a finished manuscript! Key features include:
Personalized Mentorship: One-on-one guidance tailored to your story and writing style.
Accountability & Scheduling: Structured deadlines and check-ins to keep your writing on track.
Creative Problem-Solving: Exercises and strategies to overcome writer’s block and spark ideas.
Manuscript Organization Support: Assistance with outlining, plotting, and structuring your work.
Feedback & Revision Guidance: Constructive critiques to strengthen your draft and streamline editing.
Flexible, Writer-Focused Approach: Adaptable to your pace, experience level, and writing goals.
Remember, every writer encounters challenges; the key is to keep moving forward, one step at a time!
Erin K. Larson-Burnett, Production Manager at Atmosphere Press (submit your manuscript here!), is a born-and-raised Southerner currently living in Katy, Texas, with her husband and their small domestic zoo. She is an avid ink drinker who lives and breathes books—during the day, she works remotely with authors around the world, honing and perfecting books published through Atmosphere Press. By night, she crafts her own stories…or at least tries to. The Bear & the Rose is her debut novel.
Atmosphere Press is a selective hybrid publisher founded in 2015 on the principles of Honesty, Transparency, Professionalism, Kindness, and Making Your Book Awesome. Our books have won dozens of awards and sold tens of thousands of copies. If you’re interested in learning more, or seeking publication for your own work, please explore the links below.