Writing's Dirty Little Secret: Discover the Secret Weapon Hidden in Your Creative Struggles

Every writer has their secret arsenal: style guides, favorite pens, maybe a cherished old typewriter. 

But there's one tool you might not have considered - your pain. Yes, that gnawing discomfort you feel when a piece isn't quite right. It's not just a nuisance; it's a compass pointing you towards better, more impactful writing.

Let's break down how embracing your writing pains can revolutionize your approach and lead to work that not only stands out but resonates deeply with your readers.

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Pain Pinpoints Problems

Think about the last time writing felt like pulling teeth. 

What was going on? Were you struggling with a particular section or perhaps a certain topic? That discomfort was a signal, loud and clear, that something in your work wasn't aligning with your truth.

For instance, if you find yourself repeatedly hitting a wall when writing about a personal experience, it might be that you're not yet ready to tackle this topic, or you're approaching it from the wrong angle. Instead of forcing it, take a step back. Reflect on why this pain point exists and then address it head-on. This might mean rewriting the section from a different perspective or taking time to delve deeper into your own feelings about the event.

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Distractions: The False Cure

It's tempting to think a quick scroll through Instagram or a snack break will help clear your mind. 

But let's be honest, these are just temporary fixes. They pull you away from the core issue - the pain in your writing.

Here's what to do next: start tracking your distraction habits. Notice when you reach for your phone or wander to the kitchen. Write these moments down. Then, set boundaries for yourself. Allocate specific times for breaks and stick to them. 

This disciplined approach keeps you focused and makes your writing time more productive.

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The Light at the End of the Tunnel

Zero in on the pain. 

Recognize that each twinge of discomfort holds valuable insights into your writing. It's showing you precisely where your work needs more authenticity, more depth, or perhaps a different narrative technique.

An effective way to harness this light is to journal about your feelings before you start your writing session. This can help clear mental clutter and bring the underlying issues to the surface. With practice, you'll start to see your pain not as an obstacle, but as a guide that leads you to stronger, more meaningful writing.

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From Pain to Publication

Now, let's turn your refined sensitivity to pain into actionable steps toward publication. 

Each sensation of discomfort is a clue about what to tweak in your draft. Maybe a chapter feels disjointed, or your dialogue doesn't ring true.

To get started, follow these three simple steps: first, identify where in your text the discomfort arises. Next, ask yourself why this section feels off. Is it the tone, the pacing, or something else? Finally, experiment with different approaches - change the POV, adjust the pace, enhance the dialogue - until the pain eases and the piece feels smoother.

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The final word…

Embracing pain in your writing process is like unlocking a secret level in a game - the rewards are worth the initial discomfort. 

As you become more attuned to what your discomfort is telling you, your writing will not only improve, but you'll also find it more fulfilling to create.

Curious to learn more about turning your writing struggles into strengths? Join The Outlaw Writer newsletter. Dive deeper with us, explore unconventional writing tips, and become the writer who not only faces their literary pains but thrives on them.

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