There’s no shortage of advice for writers who struggle with any of these problems. But most of the advice is unhelpful.
It’s almost always a version of the same answer: Just write. If you want to be a writer, just write. Just develop a writing routine. Just sit down at your desk and do it. Just find a few minutes every day to write a few words. We hear it from writing coaches and editors and famous authors and motivational speakers. Over and over again.
We know it’s not that simple. You know it’s not that simple. If it were that simple, you’d already be doing it.
Wouldn’t the writing life be so much easier if "just write" was the answer? If we could just wake up one morning and decide to be a writer, and then just be one?
But it doesn't work that way.
Writing is a complex pursuit, and it comes with a complex set of challenges, not the kind that go away if you simply ignore them.
The trouble with "just write" is not in the "write" part. Of course, if you're going to be a writer, you have to eventually write something. But you’re not struggling to write simply because it hasn't occurred to you that you need to write.
The trouble is in the "just." If we tell you to "just write," we're ignoring whatever is making it difficult for you to write. We're hopping right over the problem as if it didn't exist. It’s almost as if we’re saying that the only barrier to your writing is your refusal to write.
We’re not going to say that.
We also know that a writer’s struggle is not always about writing. If you’re wrestling with plot or characters or grammar, we’ve got editors to help you with that.
But struggles with motivation or habits or organization or imposter syndrome—those barriers lie outside the expertise of an editor or a writing coach. Addressing those kinds of problems requires a different set of skills.
Dawn Buckley, our coaching partner, has been a school teacher, a Peace Corps volunteer, a Director of Communications, a Director of Community Engagement, a nonprofit board member, and a wife and mother of four. As a coach, she’s often the first person to hear a bold vision spoken out loud, a long-held goal finally named, or a quiet passion that’s been waiting (perhaps not so patiently) to be shared. It’s an honor she doesn’t take lightly.
Dawn Buckley
Certified Courage & Connection Coach,
DLB Coaching
Coaching can help change the tune.
“Maybe when [insert excuse: things calm down at work, the kids graduate or they’re in a better mood, etc.] I’ll be able to write."
“Anxiety sets in every time I think about writing."
“My everyday life is fine, but what I daydream about doing is writing.”
We can help you with...
• Time Management
• Procrastination
• Organization
• Prioritization
• Motivation
• Imposter Syndrome
• Goal-Setting
• Focus
• Perfectionism
• Follow-Through
• Inertia
• Writer’s Block
• Lost Enthusiasm
• ...and whatever else is standing in the way of your writing
We’ll get you writing, and then the rest of our team will make your writing the best it can be.
“I was stuck in hesitation and self-doubt. [Dawn] offered unwavering support and a powerful shift in perspective. That insight changed everything. With her guidance, I moved from inaction to momentum. Dawn’s coaching didn’t just support my goal, it transformed my mindset.” – Joe H.
“You have been instrumental in growing my network and getting me excited about my true passion.” – Nikia M.
“Your thought-provoking questions helped to bring clarity on how to proceed.” – Cathy W.
“You inspired me, Dawn!”
– Elizabeth S.