What's hard about writing?

Well, a lot of things, really.

In response to the question: what do you find the hardest about writing?

First off, keeping a piece going to completion is one of the hardest parts about writing. It is difficult for me to sit down and actually write a novel. To be honest, I have not finished a single one, and have hardly gotten past the beginning in most of them.

My best works, as I see it are short stories because, le gasp, I actually finish them.

I get distracted easily, which may have something to do with my ADD, and I have trouble keeping on topic (again with the ADD).

I know its quantity that can easily turn into quality.

It's just difficult getting to that point without feeling like you have to go back.

And that is where I run into issues. The beginning of my writing has always been looked over hundred of time where the last part desprately needs revision. That is just the way it is. Sometimes I wish that I could simply sit and write and not go back. That would be beautiful. If I could actually be honest with myself and do it.

Also, with finishing a work, comes my good friend: writer's block. Writer's block and me go back a long ways. Every single thing I write seems to go through a point where words aren't seeming to come alive and go onto the page. (Not in a dyslexia way, mind you, but rather a, "this is going really well" type of way.) And sometimes, even when I am trying to force it, the words just stop coming and I have to look at it and ask. "Do I need a break?" "Am I doing something wrong?" "Why is my keyboard not working?" (Last one has a funny story behind it. Maybe I'll blog it if my nonexistent readers ask.) But getting over writers block simply means getting inspired. How can you force inspiration? You can't. But you can sure make it easier to find you.

Talking about your story with some fellow writers or starting at a different point may help. I find fellow writers the most useful tools out there. (Find some and make friends over a cup of tea. And invite me, if you will. I like tea.)

Also on the difficulties with writing: editing my own work. The easy solution: get other writers to look over a piece for you. This is probably why I love other writers so much. (Other than their intriguing and absolutely brilliant personalities.) But yes, with editing my own work, I find it difficult to cut out what needs to be cut out. And figuring out what needs to be cut out is even more so difficult. And actually having the piece in hand helps too. Which brings us back to point one.

So yes. The answer is endurance in writing, and self-editing, which shouldn't be done anyways.

I'm off to get a cup of tea.